Septal Aperture Research Articles

Variação anatómica: análise de caracteres nãométricos do esqueleto pós-craniano em escravos africanos dos séculos XV–XVII (Lagos, Portugal)

Em 2009, foram descobertos, em Lagos (Portugal), os esqueletos de 158 indivíduos inumados numa lixeira dos séculos XV–XVII. As condições de descarte dos indivíduos, o seu perfil biológico, as modificações intencionais dos seus dentes e o contexto histórico de Lagos suportam a hipótese de se ter tratado de escravos africanos. No presente estudo, pretendeuse avaliar a frequência de caracteres nãométricos nos esqueletos destes indivíduos, bem como diferenças entre sexos e lateralidades, de modo a identificar eventuais caracteres específicos desta amostra. Foram incluídos no estudo os 101 indivíduos adultos da coleção. Foram investigadas 29 variações anatómicas de oito pares de ossos do esqueleto pós-craniano (clavícula, escápula, úmero, rádio, ulna, fémur, patela e tíbia), das quais nove não foram encontradas. As restantes 20 foram registadas com frequências compreendidas entre 1,8% e 96,1%. Apenas um carácter (sulco costoclavicular) demonstrou diferenças significativas entre os dois sexos. As lateralidades revelaram-se diferentes em seis caracteres (chanfradura supraescapular, abertura septal, chanfradura troclear medial, fossa hipotrocanteriana, chanfradura do vasto external e faceta de agachamento lateral). Quando comparados com a literatura, os resultados obtidos não permitiram identificar qualquer carácter específico desta amostra populacional.

Septal Aperture of the Humerus: Etiology and Frequency Rates in Two European Populations.

Analysis of the septal aperture was conducted on two documented European populations. Collections from the National Museum of Natural History Lisbon, Portugal, and University of Athens, Greece, were used for the study. Both collections are modern and documented for sex and age. The Portuguese sample comprises 297 individuals (149 males and 148 females) between the ages of 18 and 88. A septal aperture was observed in 50 individuals resulting in a frequency of 16.83%. The Greek sample comprises 117 individuals (68 males and 49 females) between the ages of 20 and 65. Twenty-five septal apertures were observed, giving a frequency of 21.37%. Both populations had high frequencies which exceeded those observed in European countries in previous studies. Sex analysis shows that both samples confirm that septal apertures are more common in females. The Portuguese sample also supports that septal apertures are more common in the left humerus; however, the Greek sample had a higher frequency of bilateral cases. Measurements of the Portuguese sample were taken to determine whether robusticity correlates with presence of septal apertures. These measurements concluded that there was no difference in robusticity with presence or absence of a septal aperture, challenging previous studies. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1821-1830, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.

The mechanical hypothesis of septal aperture formation tested in an early medieval population from Ostrów Lednicki (Poland).

The aetiology of septal aperture formation is still an open question. The influence of bone robusticity, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and the size and shape of ulnar processes has been discussed. Some researchers have shown that weaker muscles lead to greater joint hypermobility, the impingement of ulnar processes on the humeral lamina, and, consequently, septal aperture formation. Assuming this theory is correct, the question is whether flexion or extension or both play a role in septal lamina perforation. The aim of the study was to examine the mechanical hypothesis of septal aperture formation in samples of skeletal material derived from an early medieval cemetery in Ostrów Lednicki (Poland). A total of 136 pairs of bones (humeri and ulnae) were examined. Septal aperture was scored as present or absent. Entheseal changes in ulna were used as markers of activity patterns, especially involving elbow extension and flexion. Entheseal changes were assessed based on a three-point rating scale. A significant negative correlation between septal aperture and triceps muscles was noted in right bones in females (τ=-0.331) and in both sexes combined (τ=-0.322). The relationship between septal aperture and the brachialis muscle was positive but non-significant. This means that looser triceps lead to greater looseness of the elbow, greater protrusion of the olecranon process, and consequent septal aperture formation. Different results were obtained for the brachialis, which may suggest that forearm flexion does not significantly affect septal lamina perforation.

Klippel–Feil syndrome with associated cervical rib in a human skeleton from Wągrowiec (Poland, 14th–17th centuries)

AbstractThis paper presents congenital anomalies characteristic of Klippel–Feil syndrome, type II, diagnosed in the skeleton of a young to middle‐aged woman uncovered in a cemetery adjacent to the Church of St. Jacob the Apostle in Wągrowiec (Poland), from a grave within an archaeological layer dated to the 14th–17th centuries. A rare type of fusion was identified between the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae only, co‐occurring with a well‐developed right cervical rib fused to the shaft of the first thoracic rib and articulated via synovial joints with the seventh cervical vertebra. The fusion of the cervical vertebrae involved their bodies, right laminae, and parts of the right articular processes. The interpretation of the presence of Klippel–Feil syndrome is additionally supported by the absence of any evidence of trauma in the cervical region of the spine or of pathological changes in the skeleton indicative of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis or ankylosing spondylitis. The formation of Schmorl's nodes and degenerative changes in apophyseal joint surfaces diagnosed in the cervical vertebrae were probably secondary in relation to the observed congenital anomalies. Additionally, examinations revealed ossified insertions of the ligamentum flavum and degenerative changes of the vertebrae in the lower region of the spine as well as incomplete posterior bridge of the atlas, torus mandibularis, and humerus septal aperture.

Standardization of Postcranial Nonmetric Traits and Their Utility in Ancestry Analysis

Throughout the forensic anthropology and archaeology disciplines, postcranial nonmetric traits have varied in name, descriptions, and scoring methodology. This research focuses on synthesizing the literature to select the most prevalent traits, standardize their definitions, and create corresponding line drawings for each trait. By defining and illustrating each trait and its different states, a novel visual approach for scoring a suite of 11 postcranial nonmetric traits was created. Data collection allowed for the calculation of frequency distributions for ancestry comparison. Results indicate that four traits have statistically significant differences between two groups, American Blacks and American Whites, when using the Bonferroni adjusted p-value of 0.0045. These traits include spinous process bifurcation of the C3 and C4 vertebrae, the septal aperture, the third trochanter, and the anterior and middle calcaneal facets. While the frequencies and the chi-square results of these traits are not enough to be used in isolation, this analysis of a nonmetric postcranial trait list identifies the necessity for further research into these traits and their associations with ancestry estimation.

Airflow and Particle Deposition in Acinar Models with Interalveolar Septal Walls and Different Alveolar Numbers.

Unique features exist in acinar units such as multiple alveoli, interalveolar septal walls, and pores of Kohn. However, the effects of such features on airflow and particle deposition remain not well quantified due to their structural complexity. This study aims to numerically investigate particle dynamics in acinar models with interalveolar septal walls and pores of Kohn. A simplified 4-alveoli model with well-defined geometries and a physiologically realistic 45-alveoli model was developed. A well-validated Lagrangian tracking model was used to simulate particle trajectories in the acinar models with rhythmically expanding and contracting wall motions. Both spatial and temporal dosimetries in the acinar models were analyzed. Results show that collateral ventilation exists among alveoli due to pressure imbalance. The size of interalveolar septal aperture significantly alters the spatial deposition pattern, while it has an insignificant effect on the total deposition rate. Surprisingly, the deposition rate in the 45-alveoli model is lower than that in the 4-alveoli model, indicating a stronger particle dispersion in more complex models. The gravity orientation angle has a decreasing effect on acinar deposition rates with an increasing number of alveoli retained in the model; such an effect is nearly negligible in the 45-alveoli model. Breath-holding increased particle deposition in the acinar region, which was most significant in the alveoli proximal to the duct. Increasing inhalation depth only slightly increases the fraction of deposited particles over particles entering the alveolar model but has a large influence on dispensing particles to the peripheral alveoli. Results of this study indicate that an empirical correlation for acinar deposition can be developed based on alveolar models with reduced complexity; however, what level of geometry complexity would be sufficient is yet to be determined.

Bony/Cartilaginous Mismatch: A Radiologic Investigation into the Cause of Tension Nose Deformity.

Tension nose deformity is believed to be caused by an "oversized" septal quadrangular cartilage. Prior studies have shown that quadrangular cartilage size is relatively consistent in populations. The authors hypothesize that the tension nose deformity is actually caused by an external extrusion of a normal sized septal cartilage from an undersized bony septal encasement. A retrospective case-control study of sagittal computed tomographic scans was conducted, measuring the perimeter and surface area of the quadrangular cartilage and bony septal aperture in tension nose cases and controls. Statistical analysis was performed. Of 23 patients enrolled in the study, 12 patients were sorted into the tension nose group, and 11 patients were considered controls. Both groups had similar perimeter and surface area of their quadrangular cartilage, without statistical difference between the two groups. However, the tension nose group had a statistically significant reduction in bony septal aperture perimeter compared with controls (p < 0.01) and a larger externally extruded septum compared with their internal septal size. They also had a substantially higher rate of septal deviation than controls. The results of this study suggest that a mismatch between a small bony septal aperture and a normal sized septal quadrangular cartilage may be responsible for caudal, upper lip, and dorsal fullness seen with the tension nose deformity caused by external extrusion of cartilage. Septal deviation may co-occur as a buckling phenomenon in a limited bony space. Surgical strategies to match the entire quadrangular cartilage size to the bony framework are suggested. Risk, III.

Geometric morphometrics: does the appearance of the septal aperture depend on the shape of ulnar processes?

Many theories have been suggested to explain the etiology of septal apertures (SA) of the humerus. The influence of genes, the size of ulnar processes, joint laxity, and bone robusticity, have been discussed; however, the problem has not yet been solved. The main aim of this study was to examine the influence of ulnar and humeri shape on septal aperture formation, using geometric morphometric analyses. Skeletal material from an early-mediaeval cemetery located in Western Poland was used. The material comprised two groups: (1) ulnae and humeri with septal apertures, (2) ulnae and humeri without septal apertures. From a CT image, three-dimensional reconstructions were obtained for all bones. Then, 25 landmarks were distributed on each proximal end of the ulnae and 30 landmarks on the distal ends of the humeri. Shape differences between ulnae in joints with and without SA were significant for the left and right sides of the body. The shapes of the left and right distal ends of humeri with SA differed significantly from those without SA. Similar results were obtained for the right side of the body. Ulnae from joints with SA were characterized by a more pronounced olecranon process, a smaller articulated coronoid process and a more tightly curved trochlear notch than ulnae from joints without SA. Humeri with SA included wider and deeper olecranon fossae and smaller and less curved articular surfaces. These results partly coincide with the results of other research indicating the influence of olecranon processes on lamina perforation.

Septal aperture aetiology: still more questions than answers

Many theories have been suggested in order to explain the aetiology of septal aperture. The influence of genes, the size and shape of ulna processes, joint laxity, bone robusticity, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis has been discussed; however, the problem has not yet been solved. The aim of the study was to examine the correlations between musculoskeletal stress markers, humeral robusticity and septal aperture. Additionally, the frequency of septal aperture according to sex, age, and skeletal side had been analysed. The skeletal material had come from a medieval cemetery in Cedynia, Poland. Skeletons of 201 adults (102 males, 99 females) had been examined and septal aperture had been scored. Six muscle attachment sites of upper limb bones had been analysed. Humeral robusticity had been calculated by use of the humeral robusticity index. The frequency of septal aperture among the population from Cedynia is 7.5%. There are no differences in septal aperture prevalence between males and females, the skeletal sides or age groups. In the analysed material, males with less developed muscle markers of right upper bones proved a higher predictable rate in having septal aperture (R = -0.34). On the left bones and among females, the converse correlation had also been found, but it is not statistically significant. The correlation between septal aperture and humeral robusticity is converse, yet small and insignificant. These results can confirm the theory of joint laxity and suggest that stronger bones (heavier muscles, more robust bones) increase joint tightness, and therefore protect the humeral lamina from septal aperture formation. But this theory needs a further detailed analysis.

Septal Aperture and Osteoarthritis—The Same or Independent Origins?

Many theories have been suggested in order to explain the etiology of septal aperture (SA), however the problem has not been solved yet. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between septal aperture and osteoarthritic changes. The skeletal material had come from a medieval cemetery in Cedynia, Poland. Skeletons of 201 adults had been examined. Septal aperture of humeral bone had been scored. Osteoarthritic changes (osteophytosis, porosity, eburnation) of articular surfaces of distal end of humerus and proximal end of ulna had been examined. In the present study female right bones with septal aperture were predicted to have porosity of articular surfaces of elbow joint (R = 0.30). But the caution is required when interpreting this result. Firstly, significant correlation was observed in the females’ right bones only. Secondly, the etiology of porosity is not clear. Septal aperture did not correlate with osteophytosis, and eburnation (correlation is low and negative). This result contradicts the mechanical theory of SA formation (SA is a result of the impingement of overgrown ulnar process on the humeral septum). One explanation can be that osteophytes limit the natural motion of the joint to constitute a repair response an attempt at stabilizing the degenerating joint. It can prevent from septal aperture formation, or/and its enlargement. As in the case of osteophytes, eburnation limits elbow mobility, and thereby can exclude septal aperture formation. Further analyses of the relationship between septal aperture and osteoarthritic changes formation are needed. It is important for anthropological, and medical researches.

Molecular surveillance of the subtle septum: discovering a new mode of peptidoglycan synthesis in streptococci.

The process of septation requires precise temporal and spatial organization of penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) and associated proteins for the deposition of new cell wall material. In most bacteria, the filamentous protein FtsZ organises PBPs into assemblies at the midcell which then constrict inwards as peptidoglycan is synthesised, eventually closing the septa. Tsui et al. (2014), through the use of fluorescent d-amino acids and high resolution microscopy, report that PBP2x of Streptococcus pneumoniae is directed to a discrete location within the septal aperture during the later stages of cell division. Once at this new site, PBP2x catalyses the de novo synthesis of peptidoglycan, which is imaged by the authors as a central 'spot', distinct from material made by other PBPs at the outer ring. This discovery, which represents a novel mode of cell wall assembly, was made in a directed capsular knockout of strain D39, thereby avoiding potential mechanistic complications in commonly used laboratory strain R6. These findings prompt not only a partial rethink of septum formation in S. pneumoniae, but consideration of the modes of PBP localization and the subtleties that can influence phenotypic study.

Morphometric analysis of septal aperture of humerus

Introduction: Lower end of humerus shows olecranon and coronoid fossae separated by a thin bony septum, sometimes it may deficient and shows foramen which communicates both the fossae called Septal aperture, which is commonly referred as supratrochlear foramen (STF). Materials & Methods: We have studied 260 humeri (126 right side and 134 left side), measurements were taken by using vernier caliper, translucency septum was observed by keeping the lower end of humerus against the x-ray lobby. Results: A clear cut STF was observed in 19.2% bones, translucency septum was observed in 99 (91.6%) humeri on the right side and 95 (93.1%) humeri on the left sides respectively (Table – 1). Clinical significance: The presence of STF is always associated with the narrow medullary canal at the lower end of humerus, Supracondylar fracture of humerus is most common in paediatric age group, medullary nailing is done to treat the fractures in those cases the knowledge about the STF is very important for treating the fractures. It has been observed in x-ray of lower end of the humerus the STF is comparatively radiolucent, it is commonly seen as a type of ‘pseudolesions’ in an x-ray of the lower end of humerus and it may mistake for an osteolytic or cystic lesions. Conclusion: The present study can add data into anthropology and anatomy text books regarding STF and it gives knowledge of understanding anatomical variation of distal end of the humerus, which is significant for anthropologists, orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists in habitual clinical practice.

Aperture in coronoid-olecranon septum: A radiological evaluation

Background:The humerus bone with coronoid-olecranon septal aperture have very narrow medullary canal and extreme anterolateral bowing proximally and/or extreme anterolateral compressed surface at distal part. Septal perforation might make nailing through a retrograde technique more difficult or possibly with an increased risk of iatrogenic fracture at the site of insertion. Coronoid-olecranon perforation might be very important in preoperative planning for successful nailing. Since the data available has been obtained from the ancient studies using the skeletal material, the present study is aimed at investigating originally the presence of the coronoid-olecranon septum perforation in the living subjects, using a radiographic method.Materials and Methods:The study was performed on direct radiograms and computed tomography of the elbow obtained from the 709 volunteers (367 males, 342 females).Results:The incidence of the perforation was found to be 8.6 %. Bilateral occurrence was found to be more common significantly. The highest incidence occurred in second decade.Conclusion:The present study suggests female prepronounced and left asymmetry in case of septal perforation. Bilateral occurrence from our study might be peculiar to the clinician.

Septal aperture of the humerus in a mediaeval human skeletal population

Humeral septal aperture is studied in a large Mediaeval skeletal series from England. The aims are to investigate associations between septal aperture and sex, age, side and humeral robusticity; and to evaluate any associations with relative projection of ulna coronoid and olecranon processes. In this way, it is hoped to shed light on age at occurrence and the causation of the trait. Results showed a paucity of cases in juveniles. In adults, the trait was more common in left bones and in females. No association was found with humeral robusticity or humero-ulnar conformation. Detailed morphological study of humeral septa of individuals with and without apertures suggested that septal aperture forms via resorption from the anterior surface of the septum. In this group, apertures appear generally to form in early adult life. It is suggested that in the study group septal aperture generally arises from impingement on the humeral septum by the coronoid and olecranon processes, chiefly the former. It is tentatively suggested that frequency of septal aperture may be an index of joint hypermobility in earlier populations.

A morphometric study on the humerus for intramedullary fixation.

In recent years, the popularity of intramedullary humeral nailing is on the rise in spite of its handicaps. There are many problems in intramedullary humeral stabilization because of the anatomic structure of the bone. We performed various methods and measurements to determine shape, length and diameter and curvature of the medullary canal of the humerus in 57 human dry cadaver bones. Anterior angulation with an average of 21 cm apart from greater tubercle was found at 1/3 distal part. Mean degree of angulation was 9 degrees (max: 15, minutes: 5, S.D.: 2.84). Humerus bones with septal aperture (supratrochlear foramen) at the fossa coronoidea were observed to have very narrow medullary canal. The best point for nail insertion was found to be an area on the line from greater tubercle anteromedially to caput humeri. This study revealed that carefully evaluated structure of humeral medullary canal and various congenital constructions such as septal aperture, and correct selection of a nail with proper length and diameter are essential for successful nailing.

Divergent single-column fractures of the distal part of the humerus.

We report an unusual intra-articular fracture of the distal part of the humerus that was seen in five patients, including one who had the fracture bilaterally. The fractures were characterized by three features. First, the fractures were initiated in the trochlear groove as a result of a direct impact on the olecranon, which divided the trochlea and then split the two columns of the humerus divergently. Second, the fractures occurred exclusively in adolescents and young adults (average age, fifteen years old; range, thirteen to twenty years old). Third, all of the fractures were seen in patients who had a large fossa or septal aperture between the coronoid and olecranon fossae. Four of the fractures involved the right side and two, the left. There were three fractures of the lateral column and three of the medial column. Because the periosteum, the capsule, and the ligaments remained intact despite intra-articular displacement of the distal part of the humerus, these fractures were also characterized by inherent proximal stability. The fractures were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous internal fixation to reduce the displacement between the two halves of the trochlea. All of the fractures united. Four patients (five elbows) regained full motion by eight months; one patient was lost to follow-up. Current classification systems that describe single-column fractures of the distal part of the humerus should be modified to include this unusual fracture pattern.

An ultrastructural study of septal dissolution in Schizophyllum commune.

A strain ofSchizophyllum commune carrying a mutation in theB-mating factor (B-mut) shows septal dissolution when grown at 30° C for 2 to 3 days. The septa are intact if the organism is grown at 25° C for the same time, but begin to break down within 1 h after transfer to 30° C. At the ultrastructural level the dolipore swelling is the first part of the septal apparatus to be degraded, closely followed by the disorganization of the parenthesomes. A progressive thinning of the septal cross-wall produces an enlargement of the septal aperture sufficient to allow the passage of nuclei. It appears that degradative enzymes are probably carried to the site of septal dissolution in vesicles derived from endoplasmic reticulum in the area of the septal apparatus.