Ossification Pattern Research Articles

Development of Teleost Intermuscular Bones Undergoing Intramembranous Ossification Based on Histological-Transcriptomic-Proteomic Data.

Intermuscular bones (IBs) specially exist in lower teleost fish and the molecular mechanism for its development remains to be clarified. In this study, different staining methods and comparative proteomics were conducted to investigate the histological structure and proteome of IB development in Megalobrama amblycephala, including four key IB developmental stages (S1—IBs have not emerged in the tail part; S2—several small IBs started to ossify in the tail part; S3—IBs appeared rapidly; S4—all the IBs appeared with mature morphology). Alcian blue and alizarin red S stained results indicated that IBs were gradually formed from S2 to S4, undergoing intramembranous ossification without a cartilaginous phase. A total of 3368 proteins were identified by using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) approach. Functional annotation showed that proteins which were differentially expressed among stages were involved in calcium, MAPK, Wnt, TGF-β, and osteoclast pathways which played a critical role in bone formation and differentiation. Three proteins (collagen9α1, stat1, tnc) associated with chondrocytes did not exhibit significant changes through S2 to S4; however, proteins (entpd5, casq1a, pvalb, anxa2a, anxa5) which associated with osteoblasts and bone formation and differentiation showed significantly a higher expression level from S1 to S2, as well as to S3 and S4. These further demonstrated that development of IBs did not go through a cartilaginous phase. The inhibitors of TGF-β and Wnt pathways were tested on zebrafish (sp7/eGFP) and the results indicated that both inhibitors significantly delayed IB development. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the IB ossification pattern, which will help further elucidate the molecular mechanisms for IB development in teleosts.

Postnatal development of the largest subterranean mammal (Bathyergus suillus): Morphology, osteogenesis, and modularity of the appendicular skeleton.

Subterranean mammals show a suite of musculoskeletal adaptations that enables efficient digging. However, little is known about their development. We assessed ontogenetic changes in functionally relevant skeletal traits, and ossification patterns (periosteal and endochondral bone modules) in a truly subterranean scratch-digging rodent, Bathyergus. We studied 52 individuals (202 long bones) from a wild population by using a multiscale approach involving internal and external morphology. Multivariate analysis showed significant morphological changes during ontogeny. A specialized phenotype is expressed perinatally (eg, greater external robustness and developed olecranon, teres major, and deltoid processes), whereas adults presented slender bones with significantly thicker cross-sections. Ossification modules scaled mostly isometrically with body size parameters. Periosteal modules showed high variability and tended to grow faster than endochondral modules. Scratch-digging adaptations appear at perinatal age and then specialize in subadults. Early development of agonistic and digging behaviors and onset of sexual maturation seems to contribute to its development, although genetic factors also seem to play an important role. Ontogenetic differences are probably a trade-off to counteract weaker cortical bone properties and poor muscle development in juveniles, whereas slender but thicker cortical bones maximize bone resistance during burrow construction without compromising locomotor performance in adults.

Paleobiological forensic study of an upper Miocene Pelobates tadpole (Anura, Pelobatidae) from the Tresjuncos lagerstätte of central Spain

ABSTRACTA paleobiological reconstruction of the last hours of life of an exceptionally well-preserved fossil tadpole is carried out through morphological and taphonomic analyses, allowing inferences to be made about its identification, developmental stage, physical condition, health, behavior, death, and burial. The tadpole was recovered from an upper Miocene (Turolian, MN13) diatomaceous konservat-lagerstätte deposit near Tresjuncos (Cuenca Province, Spain). The specimen belongs to an unnamed species of Pelobates (Pelobatidae) of the westernmost Palearctic phylogenetic clade. Its gigantic size was due neither to metabolic (hypothyroidism) nor to ecological (overwintering) causes but merely reflects an optimum living environment. Dying at Gosner developmental stage 41, the ossification pattern of the tadpole is slightly discordant with that of extant Pelobates cultripes, a greater degree for the skull and vertebral column in the fossil. The tadpole, seemingly in excellent health, had an intestine containing abundant remains of an epiphytic/epipelic diatom, different from the planktonic species surrounding the fossilized body. Death was probably violent, as revealed by a fossil hollow trace similar to hematomas made by egret beak strikes. Rapid burial coincided with an occurrence of massive planktonic diatom sedimentation distant from the lakeshore.

Histologic and Radiographic Characteristics of Bone Filler Under Bisphosphonates

Dental implants and bone augmentation are well-established procedures used for oral rehabilitation. There is an increasing interest in biological mediators used topically for prevention of bone resorption maybe enhancement of osseointegration of dental implants. The purpose of the manuscript is to describe preliminarily the effect of bisphosphonates on the ossification pattern of bone grafts in a rat model. Twenty Wistar-derived male rats were divided into 2 groups study and control. Bone substitute was added to mandibular defects and was covered by a resorbable collagen membrane. In the study group, the membrane was soaked with bisphosphonates suspension. In the control group, the membrane was soaked with saline solution. Radiographic and histomorphometric evaluation were performed. Radiographically, it was found that bone density was significantly higher in the study group. Histomorphometric analysis revealed a trend of higher bone volume fraction along with reduced bone substitute volume fraction in the study group, and increased number of osteoclasts and blood vessels in the control group. Within the limitations of our study it was found that there is a trend of increasing bone quantity and radiographic bone density by application of bisphosphonates.

Understanding the development of intermuscular bones in teleost: status and future directions for aquaculture

AbstractAs one of the most sustainable protein sources for humans, aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector in agriculture. According to the recent FAO estimate, there are 21 principal aquaculture fish species around the worldwide. Among these cultured species, almost half of them belong to Cypriniformes, the species from which all have a certain number of intermuscular bones (IBs). IBs are small spicule‐like bones existing in the muscle fillet, which are existed only in lower teleost and of course have a negative effect on fish quality and aquatic product processing. Many studies have been focusing on IBs number, morphology, and more and more become focusing on its development molecular mechanism. In the review, we summarized the recent progress and discussed with following directions: (i) Controversial on the origin of IBs, ossified from tendons or ligaments? (ii) IBs counts and morphology revealed big variation among different species; (iii) Ossification patterns of IBs might be related with different swimming modes among the teleost fish, and its development belongs to intramembranous ossification without cartilaginous phase; (iv) Transcriptome/microRNA (miRNA)/proteomics and gene functional analysis had been used to investigate the molecular mechanism of IBs development and some genes showed certain regulatory roles during IBs’ development; (v) The reports showed that some breeding technologies could make a certain effect on IBs counts in fish species, but there are rare reports with success on deleting or significantly reducing IBs counts. Meanwhile, we also discuss the challenges and future directions of reducing or even deleting IBs in aquaculture.

Evidence for Morphological Constraint on Bony Ear Canal Length in Modern Humans

Throughout hominin evolution there is a trend towards a decreased length of the ear canal. This change in length is likely due to many factors that relate to reorganization of the cranial base among hominins with a more anteriorly placed foramen magnum, coronally oriented petrous pyramids, and an enlarged brain compared to extant African great apes. Functionally, ear canal length has been postulated to influence the detection of certain sound frequencies and may also alter the accuracy of sound localization. Therefore, a change in length of the ear canal could have effects on sensory perception throughout the hominin clade. However, the factors driving this change are rather unclear.This preliminary study tests four null hypotheses stating there is no statistically significant correlation between the length of the bony ear canal and: 1) foramen magnum position, 2) foramen magnum width, 3) petrous pyramid length and 4) facial width. All of these factors have the potential to influence the length of the ear canal, but previous studies have not used quantitative methods to determine statistical correlations. We used 3D geometric morphometric landmark data, Principal Component Analyses and ordinary least squares regressions to determine correlations between specific measurements (see above) of the basicranium of modern humans, African apes and four hominin specimens (OH 5, KNM‐ER 406, STS 5 and AL 444‐2).Results show that there is a significant correlation between foramen magnum width and bony ear canal length in modern humans, specifically (R2=0.626, p<0.001), refuting the null hypothesis that there is no significant correlation between ear canal length and foramen magnum width. Interestingly, there was no significant correlation between facial width and bony ear canal length, except perhaps in extinct hominin taxa, likely due to their robust masticatory system. These results indicate that there may be a functional constraint on the length of the bony ear canal in modern humans, limiting the variability of ear canal length and its role within sound perception and localization. Future work should focus on increasing the sample sizes and using the timing of cranial base ossification patterns to aid in understanding if the growth of the foramen magnum is actually driving the medial constraint of the ear canal in humans.Support or Funding InformationThis research was supported by The Graduate Center, City University of New York through a Graduate Center Fellowship and would not be possible without the support of the New York Consortium of Evolutionary Primatology.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Etiology-Specific Mineralization Patterns in Patients with Labyrinthitis Ossificans.

Our aim was to identify whether specific patterns of ossification in labyrinthitis ossificans are associated with the known risk factors. Labyrinthitis ossificans has been described as sequela of prior temporal bone trauma, prior infection, and other disorders including sickle cell disease. Specific patterns of mineralization in the membranous labyrinth associated with these risk factors has not been previously described. This was a retrospective study evaluating temporal bone CT scans at our institution from November 2005 to May 2018 in patients with labyrinthitis ossificans. Membranous labyrinthine structures evaluated for ossification included the following: basal, middle, and apical cochlear turns; lateral, posterior, and superior semicircular canals; and the vestibule for both ears in all patients. These structures were assigned a severity score, 0-4, based on degree of mineralization. Clinical records were reviewed for potential labyrinthitis ossificans risk factors. Basic descriptive statistics and a mixed model were used to correlate the degree and patterns of ossification with clinical history. Forty-four patients (58 ears) with labyrinthitis ossificans were identified and evaluated. The most common risk factors were chronic otomastoiditis (n = 18), temporal bone surgery (n = 9), temporal bone trauma (n = 6), sickle cell disease (n = 5), and meningitis (n = 4). For all etiologies, the semicircular canals were most severely affected, and the vestibule was the least. In patients with prior temporal bone surgery, significantly greater mineralization was seen in the basal turn of the cochlea (P = .027), the vestibule (P = .001), and semicircular canals (P < .001-.008). No significant pattern was identified in patients with meningitis, sickle cell disease, or trauma. Significant patterns of mineralization in labyrinthitis ossificans were observed in patients with prior temporal bone surgery. For all etiologies, the semicircular canals were most severely affected. No significant mineralization pattern was observed in patients with chronic otomastoiditis, meningitis, sickle cell disease, or prior temporal bone trauma.

Ontogeny of the skull of the Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger) (Crocodylia: Alligatoridae)

We describe the formation of the chondrocranium and the ossification pattern of the skull of the Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger (Spix, 1825)). The embryos were cleared and double-stained with Alizarin Red S and Alcian Blue 8GX. Additionally, they were visualized by histological hematoxylin and eosin staining and computed tomography imaging. The chondrocranium of M. niger comprised the nasal capsule, orbitotemporal, and optic–occipital regions. Its development began at stage 9, with the chondrification of the acrochordal cartilage, trabeculae, and mandibular cartilage. The optic capsule was formed in the caudolateral portion of the chondrocranium at stage 13. The basal plate appeared at stage 14, with foramina for the hypoglossal. The chondrocranium was completely formed at stage 16. The first osteogenic events were noted at stage 13, in the bones, maxilla, jugal, postorbital, and pterygoid. The quadratojugal, prefrontal, frontal, and squamosal began their ossification at stage 14. The parietal bone began to ossify only at stage 20. The basisphenoid began at stage 15 and the parasphenoid began at stage 16. The jaw bones ossified between stages 13 and 16. The dermal elements started their ossification prior to the endochondral bones.

Early ossification of the skeletal system in larval and juvenile Siniperca chuatsi

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 鳜仔稚鱼骨骼系统骨化发育 DOI: 作者: 作者单位: 1. 农业农村部淡水水产种质资源重点实验室, 上海海洋大学, 上海 201306;2. 水产动物遗传育种中心上海市协同创新中心, 上海海洋大学, 上海 201306;3. 水产科学国家级实验教学示范中心, 上海海洋大学, 上海 201306 作者简介: 曹晓颖(1993-),女,硕士研究生,从事水产遗传育种与繁殖研究.E-mail:1322918309@qq.com 通讯作者: 中图分类号: S917;Q959 基金项目: 现代农业产业技术体系专项基金项目（CARS-46）. Early ossification of the skeletal system in larval and juvenile Siniperca chuatsi Author: Affiliation: 1. Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs;Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China;2. Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China;3. National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:采用软骨-硬骨双染色技术，描述了鳜（）仔稚鱼（1~35日龄）头骨、脊柱、附肢骨骼的骨化发育特征。结果显示：（1）头骨前鳃盖骨于14日龄最先骨化，15日龄上下颌骨骨化，且上下颌骨相对长度呈现连续变化过程。17日龄后，颌齿、关节骨、舌颌骨骨化；19日龄，隅骨、间鳃盖骨、鳃盖骨、鳃条骨、额骨骨化。20日龄后，方骨、下鳃盖骨、辅上颌骨等骨化；35日龄，头骨骨化基本完成。（2）脊柱于15日龄由前向后骨化，20日龄背肋与腹肋由基部向末端骨化，29日龄骨化完成。脉弓与脉棘、髓弓与髓棘均由前向后、由基部向末端骨化，脉棘与髓棘骨化时间晚于相应的椎体。（3）附肢骨骼骨化顺序依次为胸鳍、背鳍、臀鳍、腹鳍、尾鳍。胸鳍匙骨于16日龄骨化，乌喙骨与肩胛骨于25日龄骨化；背鳍、臀鳍分别于18日龄、20日龄骨化，骨化方式相似；腹鳍于23日龄骨化，骨化方式与胸鳍相反；尾杆骨、尾下骨于25日龄骨化，附肢骨骼于35日龄基本骨化完成。结果表明，鳜骨骼骨化发育与其早期运动、摄食与御敌等行为密切相关。 Abstract:is a freshwater fish with high economic value and is endemic to East Asia. Some studies have shown that mandarin fish exhibit different movement modes, feeding behavior, and nutritional demands during the larvae and juvenile stages. In this study, the morphological ossification characteristics of the skulls, vertebrae, and appendages of larvae[1-35 days post hatching (dph)] were described using a cartilage bone clearing and staining technique to provide information on the larval and juvenile organ structure development and functional adaption. The results showed that the preopercle of the skull began ossification at 14 dph. The upper and mandibular structure, which showed a relative length change, was ossified at 15 dph. At 17 dph, the jaw teeth, articular, and hyomandibular began to ossify, while the interopercle, angular, opercle, branchiostegal ray, and frontal structures were ossified at 19 dph. At 20 dph, the quadrate, subopercle, and supplementary maxilla were ossified; most of the skull was completely ossified by 35 dph. Ossification of the vertebrae began at 15 dph from the anterior to the posterior and was completely ossified by 29 dph. The dorsal rib and ventral rib began to ossify from the base to the outside at 20 dph. The haemal arch, haemal spine, neural arch, and neural spine from the front to back and the base to the distal end were ossified. Ossification of the haemal spine and neural spine occurred later than that of the corresponding vertebrae. The ossification order of the appendages was from the pectoral fin to the dorsal fin, anal fin, pelvic fin, and caudal fin. The cleithrum of the pectoral fin was ossified at 16 dph, while the coracoid and scapula were ossified at 25 dph. The dorsal fin and anal fin were ossified at 18 and 20 dph, respectively. The pelvic fins were ossified from the middle to both ends at 23 dph and the ossification pattern was opposite to that of the pectoral fin. The urostyle and hypural of the caudal fin began to ossify at 25 dph. The appendicular skeleton was fully ossified at 35 dph. The results showed that the early skull ossification of larvae and juveniles is closely related to their feeding and defense behavior, while ossification of the vertebrae and appendages are closely related to their movement and avoidance of the enemy. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

The ossification of the vertebral column, thorax and sternum in the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

The ossification centers onset of the quail vertebrae, ribs, and sternum in embryos and hatchling birds was studied. Specimens were cleared, stained with Alcian Blue and Alizarin Red S and examined using stereomicroscope. The chondral rudiments of the vertebrae were observed at the 6th day of incubation (E6). The osteogenesis of the vertebrae was accomplished with both perichondral and endochondral ossifications. The cervical vertebrae began to ossify at E9-E10, whereas the thoracic ones began at E10-E11. The synsacral vertebrae began to ossify at E11-E13. In the caudal vertebrae, ossification was observed at E14 and in the pygostylous ones, at E15. The true ribs began to ossify at E7, whereas the 1st and the 2nd ribs began to ossify at E9 and E8, respectively. The uncinate processes were ossified late at E15. At E13, ossification was observed in the caudo-lateral process of the sternum. At E14, the cranio-lateral process of the sternum began to ossify, whereas late at and after hatching ossification was observed in the carina and the sternal body, respectively. The data presented here provide useful baseline information on the normal sequential pattern of ossification in the vertebral column and thoracic cage in quail.

Biologically Structured Materials

In this paper bio-tissue mathematical modeling serves as a central repository to interface design, simulation, and tissue fabrication. Finite element computer analyses will be used to study the role of local tissue mechanics on endochondral ossification patterns, skeletal morphology and mandible thickness distributions using single and multi-phase continuum material representations of clinical cases of patients implanted with the traditional protocols. New protocols will be hypothesized for the use of the new biologically techno-structured hybrid materials.

Angiopoietin-2 promotes osteogenic differentiation of thoracic ligamentum flavum cells via modulating the Notch signaling pathway.

Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) is heterotopic ossification of spinal ligaments, which may cause serious thoracic spinal canal stenosis and myelopathy. However, the underlying etiology remains inadequately understood. In this study, the ossification patterns of TOLF were analyzed by micro-computer tomography (micro-CT). The expression profile of genes associated with angiogenesis was analyzed in thoracic ligamentum flavum cells at sites of different patterns of ossification using RNA sequencing. Significant differences in the expression profile of several genes were identified from Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. Angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) was significantly up-regulated in primary thoracic ligamentum flavum cells during osteogenic differentiation. To address the effect of ANGPT2 on Notch signaling and osteogenesis, ANGPT2 stimulation increased the expression of Notch2 and osteogenic markers of primary thoracic ligamentum flavum cells of immature ossification, while inhibition of ANGPT2 exhibited opposite effect on Notch pathway and osteogenesis of cells of mature ossification. These findings provide the first evidence for positive regulation of ANGPT2 on osteogenic differentiation in human thoracic ligamentum flavum cells via modulating the Notch signaling pathway.

Prenatal Development of the Humpback Whale: Growth Rate, Tooth Loss and Skull Shape Changes in an Evolutionary Framework.

Extant baleen whales (Mysticeti) share a distinct suite of extreme and unique adaptations to perform bulk filter feeding, such as a long, arched skull, and mandible and the complete loss of adult dentition in favor of baleen plates. However, mysticetes still develop tooth germs during ontogeny. In the fossil record, multiple groups document the transition from ancestral raptorial feeding to filter feeding. Fetal specimens give us an extraordinary opportunity to observe when and how this macroevolutionary transition occurs during gestation. We used iodine-enhanced and traditional CT scanning to visualize the internal anatomy of five fetuses of humpback whale representing the first two-thirds of gestation, and we combine these data with previously published reports to provide the first comprehensive qualitative description of the sequence of developmental changes that characterize the skull and dentition. We also use quantitative methods based on 3D landmarks to investigate the shape changes in the fetuses in relation to a juvenile cranial morphology. We found similarities in the ossification patterns of the humpback and other cetaceans (dolphins), but there appear to be major differences when comparing them to terrestrial artiodactyls. As for the tooth germs, this developmental sequence confirms that the tooth-to-baleen transition occurs in the last one-third of gestation. Analysis of cranial shape development revealed a progressive elongation of the rostrum and a resulting posterior movement of the nasals relative to the braincase. Future work will involve acquisition of data from other species to complete our documentation of the teeth-to-baleen transition. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 American Association for Anatomy.

Dinosaur ossification centres in embryonic birds uncover developmental evolution of the skull.

Radical transformation of the skull characterizes bird evolution. An increase in the relative size of the brain and eyes was presumably related to the loss of two bones surrounding the eye, the prefrontal and postorbital. We report that ossification centres of the prefrontal and postorbital are still formed in bird embryos, which then fuse seamlessly to the developing nasal and frontal bones, respectively, becoming undetectable in the adult. The presence of a dinosaur-like ossification pattern in bird embryos is more than a trace of their evolutionary past: we show how persistent modularity of ossification centres has allowed for evolutionary re-organization of skull architecture in evolution. Our findings also demonstrate that enigmatic mesodermal cells forming the posterior region of the avian frontal correspond to the ossification centre of the postorbital, not the parietal, and link its failure to develop into an adult bone to its incorporation into the expanded braincase of birds.

Effect of bone marrow stromal cells in combination with biomaterials in early phases of distraction osteogenesis: An experimental study in a rabbit femur model

Acceleration of the consolidation of the distracted bone is a relevant medical need. As a platform to improve in vivo bone engineering, we developed a novel distraction osteogenesis (DO) model in a rabbit large bone (femur) and tested if the application of cultured bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) immediately after the osteotomy promotes the formation of bone. This report consists of two components, an animal study to evaluate the quality of the regenerate following different treatments and an in vitro study to evaluate osteogenic potential of BMSC cultures. To illuminate the mechanism of action of injected cells, we tested stem cell cultures enriched in osteogenic-BMSCs (O-BMSCs) as compared with cultures enriched in non-osteogenic BMSCs (NO-BMSCs). Finally, we included a group of animals treated with biomaterials (fibrin and ground cortical bone) in addition to cells. Injection of O-BMSCs promoted the maturity of distracted callus and decreased fibrosis. When combined with biomaterials, O-BMSCs modified the ossification pattern from endochondral to intramembranous type. The use of NO-BMSCs not only did not increase the maturity but also increased porosity of the bone. These preclinical results indicate that the BMSC cultures must be tested in vitro prior to clinical use, since a number of factors may influence their outcome in bone formation. We hypothesize that the use of osteogenic BMSCs and biomaterials could be clinically beneficial to shorten the consolidation period of the distraction and the total period of bone lengthening.

Secondary Ossification Center Appearance and Closure in the Pelvis and Proximal Femur

Variable ossification patterns of the pelvis in skeletally immature patients can make the interpretation of pelvic radiographs challenging. Inconsistencies among prior studies and lack of sex comparisons underscore the need for a more comprehensive characterization of the secondary ossification centers. This study evaluates the chronology and sex differences for appearance and closure of pelvic and proximal femoral secondary ossification centers using computed tomography (CT). Patients who underwent abdominal and pelvic CT scans between January 2009 and December 2014 at 2 tertiary level 1 trauma centers were retrospectively reviewed. Patients between the ages of 2 and 32 years with adequate imaging of the pelvis and proximal femurs were included. Patients with a history of orthopaedic trauma or pathology affecting ossification were excluded. CT scans were assessed for the appearance and closure of the following secondary ossification centers: anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS), anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), femoral head (FH), greater trochanter (GT), iliac crest (IC), ischial tuberosity (IT), lesser trochanter (LT), posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), symphysis pubis (SP), and triradiate cartilage (TRC). Basic descriptive statistics are reported. A total of 496 CT scans met inclusion criteria (240 males and 256 females). The order of appearance of the secondary ossification centers was: (male) GT, LT, AIIS, IT, ASIS, PSIS, IC, and SP; (female) GT, LT, IT, AIIS, PSIS, IC, ASIS, and SP. The order of closure was similar: (male) TRC, LT, FH, AIIS, GT, ASIS, PSIS, IT, IC, and SP; (female) LT, TRC, AIIS, FH, GT, ASIS, PSIS, IT, IC, and SP. Female ossification centers appeared ∼1 to 2 years before males in all locations. Female ossification centers closed ∼1 to 2 years before males in all locations except TRC, IC, and SP. The appearance and closure of the pelvis and proximal femur secondary ossification centers follow a predictable pattern of development, occurring slightly earlier in females than males. Knowledge of more precise ages of development and sex differences better characterize this complex skeletal development. Future studies may use secondary ossification centers to further evaluate skeletal maturity, assess pediatric pathology, and aid surgical management. Level III.

The Middle Triassic procolophonid Kapes bentoni: computed tomography of the skull and skeleton

AbstractProcolophonids were diverse small reptiles through the late Permian and Triassic. Relatively complete specimens of various taxa are known from the Early and Late Triassic, but the 10 or so Middle Triassic taxa, from South Africa, Russia, China and the UK, are mostly incomplete, being known only from skulls or partial and poorly preserved isolated elements. Because of their small size, it has often been difficult to establish details of anatomy using physical preparation methods, so application of scanning technology can massively improve knowledge. Here, we describe the first substantial portion of a skull and anterior postcranial skeleton of the genus Kapes, known from Russia and the UK. CT scanning and 3D digital restoration of the new specimen from the Anisian Otter Sandstone of Devon, UK, reveal anatomical details previously unknown for this taxon, most notably the enlarged quadratojugal processes. This is also one of the few mature procolophonid specimens with a preserved postcranium, and it gives valuable insight into ossification patterns. Fused sutures of the skull, fused scapulocoracoid, and heavily worn teeth show evidence of the common reptilian ossification pattern with a possible limitation in tooth replacement. There is sufficient anatomical information to include Kapes bentoni for the first time in a cladistic analysis, which shows that it is sister to the Russian Kapes majmesculae and part of a clade of Anisian taxa phylogenetically more basal than Procolophon. Inferences on the function of the quadratojugal spines and fossorial mode of life are also considered.

Humeral Head Ossification Predicts Peak Height Velocity Timing and Percentage of Growth Remaining in Children.

Background:Understanding skeletal maturity is important in the management of idiopathic scoliosis. Iliac apophysis, triradiate cartilage, hand, and calcaneal ossification patterns have previously been described to assess both peak height velocity (PHV) and percent growth remaining; however, these markers may not be present on standard spine radiographs. The purpose of this study was to describe a novel maturity assessment method based on proximal humeral epiphyseal ossification patterns.Methods:Ninety-four children were followed at least annually throughout growth with serial radiographs and physical examinations. The PHV of each child was determined by measuring the change in height observed at each visit and adjusting for the interval between visits. Percent growth remaining was determined by comparing current to final standing height. The humeral head periphyseal ossification was grouped into stages by 8 investigators ranging from medical student to attending surgeon.Results:The morphologic changes involving the proximal humeral physis were categorized into 5 stages based on development of the humeral head epiphysis and fusion of the lateral margin of the physis. Our novel classification scheme was well distributed around the PHV and reliably correlated with age of peak growth and percent growth remaining with >70% nonoverlapping interquartile ranges. Furthermore, the scheme was extremely reliable with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.96 and 0.95 for intraobserver and interobserver comparisons, respectively.Conclusions:The humeral head classification system described here was strongly correlated with age of PHV as well as percentage growth remaining. Furthermore, the staging system was extremely reliable in both interobserver and intraobserver correlations suggesting that it can be easily generalized.Clinical Relevance:As a view of the humeral head is almost always present on standard scoliosis spine x-ray at our institution, our classification can be easily adapted by surgeons to gain additional insight into skeletal maturity of patients with scoliosis. We believe that our method will significantly improve the evaluation of the child with scoliosis without increasing radiation exposure, time, or cost.

Sex-Related Differences in the Developmental Morphology of the Atlas: A Computed Tomography Study.

A retrospective study. To elucidate sex-related differences in the age at synchondroses closure, the normative size of the atlas, and the ossification patterns of the atlas in Japanese children. The atlas develops from three ossification centers during childhood. The anterior and posterior synchondroses, which are separate ossification centers, mimic fracture lines on computed tomography (CT). Sex-related differences of age dependent morphological changes of the atlas in a large sample size have not been reported. This study analyzed data of 688 subjects (449 boys) between 0 and 18 years old who underwent CT examination of the head and/or neck between January 2010 and July 2016. The age at synchondroses closure, anteroposterior outer, inner, and spinal canal widths of the atlas, and variations of the ossification centers were examined. Anterior synchondroses closed by 10 years in boys and by 7 years in girls. Significant earlier closure of anterior synchondroses was observed in girls than in boys (P < 0.05 at 4 and 5 years old). Posterior synchondrosis closed by 6 years in boys and by 5 years in girls. The outer, inner, and spinal canal widths increased up to 10 to 15 years in both sexes, although all three parameters in girls peaked 3 years earlier than those in boys. All parameters in boys were significantly larger than those in girls, except in the 10- to 12-year-old age category. Two or more ossification centers in the anterior arch were observed in 18.3% subjects, and 6% had midline ossification centers in the posterior arch of the atlas. Distinct sex-related differences in the age at anterior synchondroses closure and the size of the atlas were observed in Japanese children. Knowledge of morphological features of the atlas could help distinguish fractures from synchondroses. 3.

The prevalence and ossification pattern of the biphalangeal and triphalangeal lateral toes

PurposeBiphalangealism of the toes is an exclusively human phenomenon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of the lateral toes in childhood by following the ossification pattern of the phalanges.MethodsFoot radiographs of 913 adults have been evaluated for biphalangealism of 3rd to 5th toe. The pediatric group, aged 6–15 years of age, was assessed for the number of ossification centers in the foot.ResultsIn adults, the mean prevalence of biphalangealism in the 5th toe was 41.39%, in the 4th toe was 2.15%, and in the 3rd toe was 0.48%. In children, 45% feet had four ossification centers in the 5th toe. The epiphysis center of the middle and distal phalanx was missing. In the 4th toe, four centers were present in of 2.47% of cases. Those values are similar to the prevalence of the biphalangeal toes in adult population. The remaining toes had 5 or 6 ossification centers. In the 5-center toe, the epiphysis of the middle phalanx was missing.ConclusionA missing distal phalanx epiphyseal ossification center is considered indicative of a biphalangeal toe, and the toes with 5 or 6 ossification centers are indicative of triphalangeal toes. The reason for such evolution of the lateral toes is still debated, but the differences in anatomy most likely have no impact on foot function.