Cranial Width Research Articles

Changes in Craniofacial Morphology Induced by Unilateral Nasal Obstruction in Mice of Different Ages.

Nasal obstruction in humans leads to mouth breathing and subsequent hypoxia in the entire body. Furthermore, nasal obstruction in growing children affects craniofacial growth and development. To investigate the effects of unilateral nasal obstruction (UNO) on craniofacial growth in mice of different ages, particularly on the morphology of the nasomaxillary complex and mandible. Mice aged 3, 6 and 12 weeks were selected as representatives of juvenile, adolescent and adult stages, respectively. A total of 30 male C57BL/6J mice (10 mice each at the ages of 3, 6 and 12 weeks) were used in this study for a 3-week experiment. The mice in each age stage were randomly and evenly assigned to either the control group (C3+3, C6+3 and C12+3) or the experimental group (E3+3, E6+3 and E12+3). The UNO model in experimental group was constructed by plugging the mouse's left nostril, thereby disrupting its normal nasal breathing pattern and inducing hypoxia. The control group underwent the sham procedure. After 3 weeks, the length, width and height of the cranium, nasomaxillary complex and mandible of each group were measured on two-dimensional images constructed by micro-computed tomography. Furthermore, the impact of UNO on mouse growth was evaluated through the measurement of femoral length. In juvenile mice, UNO inhibited the growth of cranial width, cranial height and mandibular length. In adolescent mice, UNO impeded the growth of the femoral length, cranial length, nasomaxillary length and mandibular length. In adult mice, no significant negative effects of UNO on craniofacial growth were found. Referring to the experimental results, in addition to actively treating nasal obstruction in patients, it is important to monitor the growth of the mandible in juveniles, as well as the nasomaxillary and mandibular growth in adolescents during orthodontic clinical practice.

Establishment of Cephalic Index by Computed Tomography in Sampled Chinese Children.

Cephalic Index (CI), the ratio of head width to length, is one of the indexes reflecting cranial morphological characteristics. Current norms were established by European and American countries. The purpose of the study was to study anthropometry of cranial parameters using computed tomography scans to establish the CI of the sampled Chinese Children. The cross-sectional study was carried out on patients of age younger than 14 years old at Shanghai Children's Medical Center. The measurement of maximum cranial breadth and maximum cranial length were taken on a computed tomography scan machine and recorded for analysis. Cephalic Index was calculated for each age and sex group and compared with previously established norms. Five hundred eighteen patients met the inclusion criteria, including 301 males and 217 females. The means for boys and girls were 87.1 (SD: 4.3) and 85.8 (SD: 4.3), respectively. There was a significant difference between boys and girls (P < 0.01). Cephalic Index in different ages and on applying the 1-way analysis of variance association was statistically insignificant (P = 0.19). Chinese head shape was brachycephalic. A statistically significant correlation was seen between the CI and sex, while not age.

Investigation of Skull Cortical Thickness Changes in Healthy Population and Patients With Schizophrenia on Computed Tomography Images.

Cortical bone thickness is essential for the mechanical function of bone. Some factors including aging, sex, body size, hormone levels, behavior, and genetics lead to changes in cranial cortical robusticity. Moreover, the skull is one of the hardest and most durable structures in the human body. Schizophrenia is defined as a psychiatric disease characterized by delusions and hallucinations, and these patients have reduced brain volume; however, there is no study including cortical bone structure. For this reason, the aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in the skull cortical thickness of patients with schizophrenia and, compare it with healthy subjects. The cranial length, cranial width, anterior cortical thickness, right and left anterior cortical thickness, right and left lateral cortical thickness, right and left posterior lateral thickness, and posterior cortical thickness were measured with axial computed tomography images of 30 patients with schizophrenia and 132 healthy individuals aged between 18 and 69years. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in the measurements of right and left posterior lateral thickness, and posterior cortical thickness ( P = 0.006, P = 0.001, and P = 0.047, respectively). The sexes were compared, and it was found that the cranial width, anterior thickness, left anterior thickness, and right and left posterior thickness measurements of patients with schizophrenia showed a statistically significant difference compared with the control group ( P < 0.001, P = 0.003, P = 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The authors observed that skull cortical thickness may be different in schizophrenia. The results obtained from this study may be beneficial for evaluating these structures for clinical and pathological processes. Furthermore, knowledge about the skull cortical thickness in planning surgical procedures will increase the reliability and effectiveness of the surgical method, and this will minimize the risk of complications.

Analysis of craniofacial indices of dry crania in Southeast and Southsouth Nigeria

Objective: To determine the cranial index, upper facial index and frontal index of dry human crania in Nigeria. Methods: A total of 150 dry adult male crania were studied in two geopolitical zones (Southeast and Southsouth) in Nigeria. Measurements were taken with spreading caliper and Vernier caliper. The following variables were measured: Maximum cranial length (MCL, g-op), Maximum cranial breadth (MCB, eu-eu), Minimum frontal breadth (MFB, ft–ft), Upper facial height (UFH, n-pr) and Bizygomatic breadth (BZB, zy-zy). From these variables, cranial index (CI), frontal index (FI) and upper facial index (UFI) were calculated. Data analysis was done with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25). Result: In the Southeast group, the values of MCL, MCB, BZB, UFH and MFB (in mm) were 181.4 (±10.3), 135.3 (±6.7), 135.3 (±6.0), 68.0 (±4.1) and 97.9 (±7.4) respectively. In the Southsouth group, the values of MCL, MCB, BZB, UFH and MFB (in mm) were 180.0 (±7.8), 133.9 (±6.7), 135.0 (±7.2), 67.5 (±6.6), and 98.1 (±4.9) respectively. There was no significant difference in these means between the Southeast and Southsouth groups. In the Southeast group, the mean values of CI, FI and UFI (in %) were 75.1 (±5.9), 72.7 (±5.9), and 50.5 (±3.4) respectively. In the Southsouth group the mean values of CI, FI and UFI (in %) were 74.5 (±4.0), 73.3 (±3.6) and 50.0 (±4.4) respectively. There was no significant difference in the means of the cranial indices among the two groups. Conclusion: The crania in the southern part of Nigeria are dolichocephalic, eurymetopia and mesene type.

Classification of Malaysian individuals using Fordisc 3 based on four craniofacial measurements

ABSTRACT Fordisc is a discriminant function computer program used to study ancestry, although it lacks representation from a Malaysian sample. Our aim was to evaluate ancestry estimates of Fordisc 3 with Malaysian crania of known sex and ethnicity. A dataset from Hisham and Ibrahim of 300 individuals was included in this study. They had undergone full-body computed tomographic scanning prior to post-mortem examination with scan resolutions of 1.0 mm. Maximum cranial length, maximum cranial breadth, nasal height, nasal breadth, and midorbital width were obtained from these images. Measurements were fed into the Fordisc 3 program and were analysed using the Forensic Anthropology Data Bank (FDB) and Howells’ reference populations according to sex, however midorbital width was excluded in all analyses. Ancestry assessment was evaluated on the basis of percentage of correctly classified individuals. Based on Howells database, 50.67% of the sample are correctly classified into Asian, in contrast to only 32.33% according to FDB. These classification trends are limited by the number of measurements, reference populations available in Fordisc and population history of the sample itself. We need to collect standard anthropological measurements in future research and potentially contribute to the database in Fordisc to improve its performance.

Effects of an Educational Intervention Program on Positional Cranial Deformity in Premature Infants.

Positional cranial deformities are associated with prematurity evolving during the first 2 years of life due to the malleable characteristics of the skull, the first year being the main/primary therapeutic window for intervention. The objectives were (a) to describe health characteristics, peri- and postnatal pathologies, and positional cranial deformities in infants enrolled in an early intervention program and (b) to analyze the effects of a parent education-based intervention program on positional cranial deformity in premature infants. A quantitative, analytical, longitudinal study was conducted. It included 103 premature infants enrolled in an early intervention program (EIP) during the year 2017, all under 4 months of corrected age, to whom a parent education-based intervention program was applied. Cranial circumference, cranial width, diagonals, and anteroposterior diameter were measured, and the cranial asymmetry index (CAI) and cephalic index (CI) were calculated at baseline and during two subsequent evaluations separated by a 3-month period. The main results showed that 75.7% of the infants belonged to a very premature gestational age category, and 57.3% had an adequate weight for gestational age. The most frequent pathologies were premature jaundice, premature anemia, and hyaline membrane disease. The most frequent positional cranial deformity was plagiocephaly. The parent education-based intervention program resulted in (1) a significant decrease in the CAI and a significant increase in the IC, (2) plagiocephalies: an increase in the mild category and a decrease in the moderate + severe categories, (3) brachycephalies: a decrease in the absence category and an increase in the moderate + severe category, and (4) dolichocephalies: an increase in the absence category and a decrease in the mild category. In conclusion, the recommended first line of intervention was not enough for this population, and future studies should support the development of national clinical guidelines, where education is complemented with other therapeutic measures.

Accessory tympanic plate ossicle: a new osteological entity.

The auricular cartilage, which is typically soft and flexible, can calcify or ossify because of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, trauma, radiation therapy for cancer, and more commonly from frostbite. Calcified, ossified, or hardened auricular cartilage is a rare finding in the clinical literature and appears to be absent in the physical and forensic anthropological literature. This study examines the ossified auricular cartilage and tests whether the hypothesis can be identified in postmortem skeletonized tissue and be part of the external auditory meatus. A total of 290 crania were examined for accessory ossicles. A descriptive and interpretative analysis was performed grossly, histologically, and morphometrically to document the morphology and location of the ossicles, investigate their structure, and perform hypothesis testing. Results revealed that seven females and one male crania from a total of 290 crania (2.76%) exhibit semi-ossified auricular cartilage attached to the tympanic plate of the temporal bone. The morphology and location of the ossicles at the junction of the auricle and external auditory meatus indicate they are hardened auricular cartilage that was verified with histological observations. Regression analysis indicates that addition of the ossicle to the depth of the auditory tube significantly changes coefficient of determination (R2) with respect to cranial breadth. In conclusion, results indicate that small cartilaginous structures of the external ear may ossify forming accessory tympanic plate ossicles that potentially could be identified in skeletal remains as a new osteological entity. This report highlights the types of information that can be gained using an approach that integrates forensic anthropology, gross anatomy, and histology.

Cranial Affinity among Chronological Populations in Sardinia, Italy: Biometric Insights for Orthodontic Purposes

Since human skulls may be used as a benchmark of the evolutionary process, the aim of the present study is to assess the cranial affinity of Sardinian populations from different chronological periods, with a standard index to evaluate its benefits for orthodontic purposes. Craniometric variables from four throughout cephalograms (anterior and lateral) of 72 units from historical Sardinian populations, two prehistoric, one medieval, and one modern were compared to the Bolton standard. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for means comparison. A hierarchical cluster analysis and the bootstrap technique for the reliability of the dendrogram were used. Length data revealed statistically significant results (p &lt; 0.01). Usually, the medieval population showed higher mean values compared to the other groups; the prehistoric population presented the highest value of Euclidean distance when compared to the medieval; the modern showed no affinity to prehistoric populations nor to the Bolton standard. The length and the breadth of the neurocranium, maxillary–alveolar length, orbital height, maximum cranial breadth, and external palate breadth contributed to the dissimilarity among populations. The dissimilarities in the craniometric measurements of Sardinian populations are remarkable. Therefore, the main outcome showed that the craniometric standards of the Bolton standard are not applicable across the Sardinian population.

Radiological examination of the skull of Siirt-coloured mohair goat, Romanov and Hamdani sheep.

The skull is a vitally important complex structure formed by the combination of many bones. Craniometric studies are performed with various imaging methods to determine morphometric characteristics in animals. One of these methods is radiography. In our study, skulls of 14 Hamdani sheep, 20 Siirt-coloured mohair goats and 20 Romanov sheep breeds were used. Skull sections were taken with a computed tomography device and saved in DICOM format. Nine separate measurements and six index calculations were made from the images. In the study, firstly, the gender difference was ignored and the similarities and differences between the species were recorded. In addition, gender differences were determined statistically, without making any distinction between species. Correlation analysis was performed to compare measurement parameters between animal species. As a result of the study, the highest skull length (SL) and cranial length (CL) values were determined in the Siirt-coloured mohair goat. It was determined that the difference between Romanov sheep and Siirt-coloured mohair goat in CL parameter was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In addition, a statistically significant difference was observed between the Romanov sheep breed and the Hamdani sheep breed (p < 0.01). The external length of the cranium (ELC) measurement parameter was found to have a statistically significant difference in three animals (p < 0.01). According to the results of the correlation analysis, the highest correlation value was determined between cranial width (CW) and CL parameters (r = 0.920). When the species difference was ignored, and the statistical difference of the internal height of the cranium (IHC) parameter was found to be significant between female and male animals (p < 0.05). In addition, it was determined that SL, CW and internal cranium index (ICI) parameters had a significant difference depending on sex (p < 0.01). It is foreseen that the obtained data can be used in sciences such as zoo archaeology, anatomy, surgery and forensic medicine.

Kraniyofasiyal boyutlar kullanarak cinsiyet tahmini: Kaduna Eyaleti, Nijerya'da BT tarama görüntüleri çalışması

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of craniofacial dimensions in estimating sex in a sample population in Kaduna State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of normal CT scan images of 399 Crania (comprising 236 males and 163 females) of age range 18–95 years that came for CT scans for the diagnostic purpose at the National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna between the years of 2017–2019. The images were randomly taken at the archives of the Radiology Department of the institute on an axial plane. The five craniofacial dimensions were measured directly from the computer screen using Vitrea CT Software.&#x0D; Results: Maximum cranial width (13.49±0.57 cm), maximum cranial length (18.11±0.74 cm), and bizygomatic length (12.64±0.58 cm) of males were significantly greater than in females (13.35±0.49 cm), (17.82±0.66 cm) and (12.22±0.59 cm) respectively. The bizygomatic length on the receiver operating characteristic curve (Area under the curve = 0.711), logistic regression (odd ratio = 1.254), and discriminant function analysis (percentage accuracy after cross validation = 67.4 %.) was the best single variable for estimating sex. Bizygomatic and maximum cranial length were selected as the significant estimators of sex by multivariate logistic regression with Adjusted Odd Ratios of 1.412 and 3.984 respectively, as well as discriminant function analysis (percentage accuracy after cross validation = 66.9%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Among the sample population in Kaduna State, Nigeria, there is sexual dimorphism in some of the craniofacial variable found in CT scan images. Multivariate logistic regression may be the best model to utilize for predicting sex among the Kaduna State sample group.

Morphometric cranial standards for sex estimation of a population in two ethnic groups in Southwest Iran

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the cephalometric landmarks, cranial measurements, and cephalic index based on geographical and ethnic characteristics to make a database for the southwest Iranian population. MethodIn this analytical cross-sectional study, different anatomic criteria were collected from head MRI images. The anthropometric measures taken included the maximum cranial length, maximum cranial height, maximum cranial breadth, cranial base length, foramen magnum length, upper facial height, lower facial height, foramen magnum breadth, bizygomatic breadth, orbital breadth, nasion-opisthion. The categorization of the head shape was based on the cephalic index. The cranial index was calculated using the equation ([maximum cranial breadth/maximum cranial length] × 100). These assessments were compared to define sexual dimorphism and inter-population variation in size and shape. ResultsSexual dimorphism existed in all cephalometric data except the cephalic index. The measurements comparisonin ethnicities showed that only (eu–eu) differs significantly between the two groups, which is 2,253 mm less in the Arab population compared to the Lur population (P value = 0.022). The cephalic index in males and females was found to be 73.66 and 75.08, respectively. Accordingly, 53.99% were dolichocephalic, 30.06% were mesocephalic, 14.11% were brachycephalic, and 1.84% were hyperbrachycephalic. The shape of the head had no relation to ethnicity but was related to sex (P value = 0.045). Conclusion: It is shown that cephalometric data can be used as diagnostic criteria to determine sex and ethnicity in the southwest Iranian population. It should be further verified on a greater sample size that evaluates more study age distribution.

A Morphometric Comparison of the Skulls of Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman Sheep on a Three-Dimensional Model Using Computed Tomography

This study was carried out to make was to determine the craniometric characteristics of the crania of Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman sheep, local breeds of Turkey, by using computed tomography (CT). Equal numbers of healthy male Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman sheep heads aged 8-12 months were used in the study (n=12/group). The images were obtained by scanning the heads with a CT device. These images were converted into a three-dimensional structure using the 3D Slicer program and their morphometric measurements were calculated. In the study, a total of 13 parameters and 5 indexes were measured in the skull. As a result, the morphometric differences of the skulls of Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman sheep were determined by statistical methods. All the characteristics examined were expressed as mean ± SE. Results of our study, when the craniometric data were examined a statistically significant difference was found in skull length, skull width, greatest length of the nasal bone, greatest breadth across the nasal, medial frontal length, cranial width, facial width, height of the foramen magnum, greatest breadth of the foramen magnum, greatest frontal breadth and least breadth between the orbits parameters (P 0.05). It is thought that the presented study may be useful to veterinarians in the fields of surgery and clinical practice, and to studies in the field of zooarchaeology, as well as sheep taxonomy.

Cranial Shape Measurements Obtained Using a Caliper and Elastic Bands Are Useful for Brachycephaly and Deformational Plagiocephaly Screening.

We assessed a method for screening the cranial shape of 1-month-old infants using a simple measuring instrument instead of a three-dimensional scanner. The Mimos craniometer was used to measure cranial length, cranial width, and two diagonal lengths to calculate the cranial index (CI) and cranial asymmetry (CA). We defined a CI > 90% as brachycephaly and CA > 5 mm as deformational plagiocephaly (DP). Intra- and inter-examiner accuracy analyses were performed on a dummy doll and 1-month-old infants. The measurements of healthy 1-month-old infants were compared with previously reported three-dimensional scanner measurements. Intra- and inter-rater measurements showed good accuracy; diagnostic accuracy comparisons of brachycephaly and DP using a three-dimensional scanner showed kappa values of 1.0 and 0.8, respectively. Comparisons were made among 113 infants matched for day-age at the date of measurement; there were no significant differences in the CI (85.0% vs. 85.2%, p = 0.98) and CA (5.9 mm vs. 6.0 mm, p = 0.48) between the scanner and caliper measurements, nor in the prevalence of brachycephaly (12.4% vs. 17.7%, p = 0.35) or DP (58.4% vs. 56.6%, p = 0.89). This simple measurement method using calipers and bands was useful in screening for brachycephaly and DP in 1-month-old infants.

Radiographic analysis of skull in Van Cats, British Shorthairs and Scottish Folds.

The most significant bone used in taxonomic research is the skull. This study attempted to identify differences between the three cat species by measuring the skulls of each using computed tomography sections. The study used a total of 32 cat skulls, including 16 Van Cats, eight British Shorthairs and eight Scottish Folds. Van Cat had the highest values for cranial and skull length, whereas British Shorthair had the lowest values. The difference between the British Shorthair and Scottish Fold skull length and cranial length measures was not statistically significant. However, the Van Cat skull length result was statistically different from other species (p < 0.05). Scottish Fold had the broadest head (cranial width: 41.02 ± 0.79 mm). These results demonstrated that the scull of the Van Cat was longer but thinner than that of other species. In comparison to other species, the form of the Scottish Fold skull was more rounded. Internal height of cranium measurements for Van Cat and British Shorthair were statistically significant. In Van Cats, this measurement was 27.81 ± 1.58 mm, while in British Shorthairs, it was 30.23 ± 1.89 mm. Measurements of the foremen magnum were not statistically significant for any species. Van Cat's measures for the foramen magnum were the highest (Foramen magnum height: 11.59 ± 0.93 mm; Foramen magnum width: 14.18 ± 0.70 mm). Scottish Fold had the highest cranial index (Cranial index: 55.50 ± 4.02). Van Cat had the lowest value for this (Cranial index: 50.19 ± 2.16). Van Cat's cranial index value differed statistically from that of other species (p < 0.05). Between species, the foramen magnum index was not significant. None of the index values were statistically significant for Scottish Fold and British Shorthair. Foramen magnum width had the highest age-to-measurement value correlation (r=0.310), although it was statistically insignificant. Skull length had the highest weight-to-measurement value correlations (R=0.809), and it proved to be statistically significant. Skull length was the measuring value that distinguished male and female the most clearly (p=0.000).

A Cross Sectional Study of Cephalic Index using Various Measurement Techniques in Varanasi Region of North Indian Population

Background: Cephalic Index is defined as the ratio calculated by the occipitofrontal diameter (OFD) to thebiparietal diameter (BPD).It has been reported that factors like race, ethnicity, genetic interactions, traditions, nutrition, environment, andclimate influences head types.The multifariousness of our nation fascinates and raises the need for anthropometric studies in various regionsand compare the outcomes.The cross-sectional study was carried on three different groups/subjects of either sex.Group 1 comprised of living subjects (Undergraduate students) belonging to this particular region.Group 2 comprised of those that presented to the radio- diagnosis department of Sir Sunderlal Hospital, IMS,BHU, UP, India.Group 3 comprised of dry skulls available in the departmental museum of department of Forensic medicine, IMS,BHU, UP, India.The measurement of maximum cranial breadth and maximum cranial length, are taken manually/on DICOM CTrecords depending on the group and recorded for analysis.The average CI in both the sexes and prevalence of the type is classified according to Martin and Saller classification.(1957)Objectives: The objectives were to find out the prevalence of the type of skull in the study population. It wouldalso show the sensitivity of radiology and its efficaciousness in anthropometric measurements. To ascertain themean CI,range of maximum cranial breadth and maximum cranial length.Result: A total of 70% amongst the study population shows dolichocephalisation.The mean cephalic index in this particular study population was 73.92 ± 5.05.&#x0D; Maximum cranial breadth ranged from 10.4cms to 16.2cms with a mean breadth of 13.21±0.93.Maximum cranial length ranged from 15.6 cms to 20.67cms with a mean length of 17.89 ± 0.86.Conclusion: The observations and findings of the present study based on CT can be replicated in variouscommunities, castes, and regions of India. The data can also be helpful in establishment of identity particularlyrace using skeletal remains.

Morphometric Outcomes of Nonsyndromic Sagittal Synostosis following Open Middle and Posterior Cranial Vault Expansion.

This study aimed to quantify the change in three-dimensional skull morphometrics for patients with sagittal synostosis at presentation, after surgery, and at 2-year follow-up. Computed tomography scans from 91 patients with isolated SS were age-, sex-, and race-matched with those from 273 controls. The authors performed vector analysis with linear regressions to model the effect of open middle and posterior cranial vault remodeling on cranial shape and growth. Anterior cranial volume, bossing angle, and frontal shape were not changed by surgery but normalized without surgical intervention by 2 years. Biparietal narrowing and middle cranial volume were corrected after surgery and maintained at 2 years. Occipital protuberance was improved after surgery and normalized at 2 years. Posterior cranial volume was decreased by occipital remodeling and remained slightly lower than control volumes at 2 years, whereas middle vault volume was larger than in controls. Residual deformities that persisted at 2 years were decreased superolateral width at the level of opisthion and increased anterosuperior height (vertex bulge). Linear models suggested older age at surgery resulted in more scaphocephaly and enlarged posterior cranial vault volumes at 2 years but did not affect other volume outcomes. Preoperative severity was the variable most predictive of 2-year morphometrics. Initial severity of sagittal synostosis deformity was the best predictor of 2-year morphometric outcomes. Upper posterior cranial width decreases with time after surgery and an anterior vertex bulge can persist after open surgery, but frontal dysmorphology self-corrects without surgical intervention. Therapeutic, IV.

Morphometrics of Xenopus laevis Kept as Laboratory Animals.

Morphometric data that provide information on body conditions can be used to monitor the health and well-being of animals. In laboratory animals, they can help to evaluate the stress due to experiments or treatments, following the 3R principles. The aim of the present study was to obtain morphometric data of male and female African clawed frogs, Xenopus laevis, as the bases for body condition evaluations. Adult frogs (n = 198) were weighed and standardized photographs were taken. The photographs were used to determine several measurements (length, cranial width, caudal width, thigh width). In addition, a triangle was drawn to outline each frog’s simplified body form, and the triangle surface was calculated. In conclusion, the triangle surface drawn on the dorsal plane of each frog correlated with the body weight of the females. There were significant differences between the body weights and sizes of male and female frogs, with males being smaller (p < 0.001). Based on the morphometric data, females could be assigned to five groups in which an assessment of the animal’s well-being is feasible.

Craniofacial measurements of Malaysian Malays, Chinese and Indians based on the analyses of post-mortem computed tomographic images

ABSTRACT Considering that the Asian group is huge and consists of many sub-populations in terms of genetics and geographic locations, it is imperative to develop population-specific standards for forensic practice. However, baseline data for a Malaysian population are not readily available. We wish to apply the methodology of Gill et al. (1988) on linear measurements of the mid-facial skeleton observed in physical skulls of North Americans to post-mortem computed tomographic images of Malaysian individuals, together with cephalic and nasal indices. A total of 300 skull scans of equal distribution according to sex and ethnic groups were examined by an experienced observer. Mean values (±SD) in mm for maxillofacial breadth, mid-orbital breadth, alpha cord, naso-maxillofrontal subtense, naso-zygoorbital subtense, naso-alpha subtense, maximum cranial length, maximum cranial breadth, nasal height and nasal breadth in males are 24.98 ± 0.54; 54.84 ± 1.72; 25.20 ± 1.26; 12.52 ± 0.44; 19.70 ± 1.23; 21.33 ± 1.09; 180.36 ± 4.78; 143.02 ± 3.47; 51.76 ± 1.18; 24.99 ± 0.35; respectively. Findings for their female counterparts are 23.58 ± 0.69; 52.74 ± 2.36; 23.38 ± 1.21; 11.19 ± 0.5; 17.71 ± 1.36; 17.55 ± 1.19; 170.45 ± 24.18; 137.75 ± 16.95; 49.19 ± 0.99; 23.87 ± 0.39; respectively. Even though these craniofacial measurements are not able to confidently separate the three different ethnic groups, our study presented the preliminary measurements of Malaysian individuals comparatively to other global populations specifically in the Asian region.

Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy and Helmet Therapy for Sagittal Craniosynostosis: An Analysis of Cranial Growth Changes in the Early Postoperative Period.

The purpose of this study is to analyze cranial width and length growth curves in the early postoperative period of patients by undergoing endoscopic sagittal strip craniectomy (ESC) to determine the timing of the maximal growth curve change. By analyzing the complex interplay of cephalic length and width measurements, we hope to better understand the cephalic index (CI) growth curve during this early period. This is the first of a multistep process to elucidate the ideal cranial remolding orthosis (CRO) treatment duration. Retrospective review. Tertiary academic institution. Children with isolated sagittal craniosynostosis. ESC and postoperative CRO treatment (2015-2019). One cranial orthotist obtained preoperative and postoperative measurements. The maximal rate of change of width, length, and CI were compared against the postoperative week these occurred. Thirteen children (mean age: 3.3 months, average preoperative CI: 73.4) underwent this intervention. CI reached its highest growth rate by 4.9 average weeks postoperatively, which correlated with the maximal width growth rate (5.2 weeks). Length curves reached their maximal growth rate by 15.5 weeks. CI peaked (81.3) by 22.7 weeks postoperatively, a significant increase from baseline. Following ESC, in the early postoperative period, the CI growth curve has 4 phases: initial rapid expansion, early and late slowed expansion, and plateau, followed by possible regression phases. This highlights the importance of early postoperative CRO initiation, CRO compliance, and properly fitting CROs, especially in the first 2 phases. This data sets the stage for investigating the ideal treatment length.

The Esthetic Perception of Morphological Severity in Scaphocephalic Patients is Correlated With Specific Head Geometrical Features.

To investigate the relationship between perception of craniofacial deformity, geometric head features, and 3D head shape analyzed by statistical shape modeling (SSM). A total of 18 unoperated patients with scaphocephaly (age = 5.2 ± 1.1m)-6 were followed-up after spring-assisted cranioplasty (SAC) (age = 9.6 ± 1.5m)-and 6 controls (age = 6.7 ± 2.5m). 3D head shapes were retrieved from 3D scans or computed tomography (CTs). Various geometrical features were measured: anterior and posterior prominence, take-off angle, average anterior and posterior lateral and horizontal curvatures, cranial index (CI) (cranial width over length), and turricephaly index (TI) (cranial height over length). SSM and principal component analysis (PCA) described shape variability. All models were 3D printed; the perception of deformity was blindly scored by 9 surgeons and 1 radiologist in terms of frontal bossing (FB), occipital bulleting (OB), biparietal narrowing (BN), low posterior vertex (LPV), and overall head shape (OHS). A moderate correlation was found between FB and anterior prominence (r = 0.56, P < .01) and take-off angle (r = - 0.57, P < .01). OB correlated with average posterior lateral curvature (r = 0.43, P < 0.01) similarly to BPN (r = 0.55, P < .01) and LPV (r = 0.43, P < .01). OHS showed strong correlation with CI (r = - 0.68, P < .01) and TI (r = 0.63, P< .01). SSM Mode 1 correlated with OHS (r = 0.66, p < .01) while Mode 3 correlated with FB (r = - 0.58, P < .01). Esthetic cranial appearance in craniofacial patients is correlated to specific geometric parameters and could be estimated using automated methods such as SSM.