Two atavistic characteristics of the laryngeal skeleton

In the analysis of laryngeal anomalies in 30 selected phoniatric patients by CT examination, 2 atavisms of the laryngeal skeleton were found. The ventral enclosure of the thyroid cartilage by the hyoid bone presents an inhibition malformation of the laryngeal skeleton with essential reduced vocal ability. The posterior junction between the cornu majus ossis hyoidei and the cornu superius cartilaginis thyroideae is marked by the direct contact of these cornua lacking the ligamentum thyrohyoideum laterale. Both anomalies are characterized by the persistence of the close relation between the hyoid bone and the thyroid cartilage, which normally exists phylogenetically as well as ontogenetically. That could be shown by anatomical sections performed on 4 human newborns in the horizontal plane.     

Cleft formations between the body and the greater horn of the hyoid bone

Clefts between the body and the greater horn of the hyoid bone are reconstructed graphically from histological sections of hyoid bones from children aged 5 months up to 7 a. In 3 cases, the cleft cranially is enclosed by perichondrium at the lateral and medial sides; caudally the perichondral tissue is continued by cartilage on the medial side. On the lateral side, the perichondrium reaches more caudally. In 1 case, the cleft is enclosed on its medial side by cartilage only. In all cases examined, the medial wall is thicker than the lateral. The formation of a joint cleft between the body and the greater horn of the hyoid bone seems to be predominant in the lateral and caudal parts of that diarthrosis.     

Morphometric characteristics of thyroid cartilage in people of Eastern Croatia

The aim of this research was to describe thyroid cartilage morphometry in the population of Eastern Slavonia in detail. The research was carried out on 68 samples of adult thyroid cartilages. There was statistically significant difference between all analysed parameters in male and female samples, except for the distance between the superior horns tips. All parameters had greater values in men, except for the thyroid angle, which was greater in women. There was significant correlation between most of the measured parameters. The strongest correlation was noticed in the distance between the horns at all measured levels and between the pairs of parameters measured for the left and right side respectively. The difference of our results in comparison to the results obtained by other researchers is probably caused by the fact that the measurements were taken on the samples obtained from different populations.     

神经肌肉电刺激联合吞咽康复训练对脑卒中后吞咽障碍患者吞咽功能、表面肌电图及舌骨喉复合体动度的影响

摘要 目的：观察吞咽康复训练、神经肌肉电刺激（NMES）联合治疗对脑卒中后吞咽障碍患者吞咽功能、表面肌电图及舌骨喉复合体动度的影响。方法：选取2018 年9月~2020年10 月期间在我院治疗的70例脑卒中后吞咽障碍患者,根据住院号尾数的奇偶将患者分为对照组和实验组,各35例。对照组仅进行吞咽康复训练,实验组在此基础上接受NMES治疗,两组均治疗2个疗程,观察治疗前后两组患者吞咽功能、表面肌电图、舌骨喉复合体动度及生活质量变化。结果：治疗2个疗程后,实验组患者的吞咽功能改善总有效率高于对照组,组间比较有显著性差异（P<0.05）。治疗2个疗程后,两组吞咽时程缩短、最大波幅值升高,且实验组的吞咽时程短于对照组,最大波幅值高于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗2个疗程后,两组舌骨上移距离、舌骨前移距离、甲状软骨上移距离、甲状软骨前移距离增大,且实验组的舌骨上移距离、舌骨前移距离、甲状软骨上移距离、甲状软骨前移距离大于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗2个疗程后,两组SWAL-QOL总分均升高,且实验组的SWAL-QOL总分高于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：NMES联合吞咽康复训练应用于脑卒中后吞咽障碍患者,可有效促进其吞咽功能改善,提高舌骨肌肌群肌力及生活质量。     

Metacarpal synostosis: a simple classification and a new treatment technique

The current classification of metacarpal synostosis is based on the extent of the synostosis. The authors propose a new classification that takes into account the shape of the metacarpal bones, the curvature of the epiphysis, and the discrepancy in length between the two bones. This classification provides better guidelines for the correction of all components of the deformity. The classification is based on the authors' observations of and experience with 36 cases of metacarpal synostosis; 13 of the deformities were surgically corrected. The I-shaped deformity, whether with distinct (type d) or fused (type f) metacarpophalangeal joints, does not require surgical correction. The U-shaped deformity has parallel epiphysis and does not require surgery unless the two metacarpals are asymmetrical in length (type a) or tightly fused (type t); in these cases, simple lengthening or widening of the space with a bone graft is sufficient. Y-shaped synostosis should be separated whether the branches are symmetrical or asymmetrical, the latter having one branch shorter than the other. Because the epiphyses are already divergent, simple separation does not effectively correct Y-shaped synostosis. The authors propose an osteotomy to isolate a trapezoidal segment of bone from the bifurcation. The isolated bone segment is then reversed in the proximal-distal direction to provide a "plateau" upon which the two distal metacarpals can be realigned. Two cases of Ys (symmetrical) synostosis were successfully treated with this technique; one case of Ya (asymmetrical) synostosis also required distraction lengthening of the shorter metacarpal to achieve an excellent result. One of the most difficult types of metacarpal synostosis to treat is k-shaped synostosis, observed only between the fourth and fifth metacarpals; in this type, the head of the short fifth metacarpal abuts the metaphysis of the fourth. Osteotomy and distraction lengthening provide predictable results for correction of this deformity. The authors suggest that k-shaped synostosis might represent a late evolution of untreated Ua synostosis.     

Comparative morphology of the hyo-laryngeal complex in anthropoids: two steps in the evolution of the descent of the larynx

The descent of the larynx is a key phenomenon not only in postnatal development, but also in the evolution of human speech. The positional change of the larynx is affected by the descent of the hyoid bone in relation to the mandible and cranial base, and that of the laryngeal framework in relation to the hyoid bone. The phylogeny of the spatial configuration of the hyo-laryngeal complex is one of the most important sources of information for elucidating the evolution of laryngeal descent. In the present study, the anatomy of the complex was examined in various species of anthropoids to compare the configuration, the shape of the basihyal and thyroid cartilage, and the length of the lateral thyrohyoid ligaments. Non-human hominoids share most features with humans, while cercopithecoids and ceboids have anatomical features that sharply contrast to humans, except for the form of the thyroid cartilage in ceboids. The laryngeal framework in hominoids is well separated from and assured of mobility independent of the hyoid. In cercopithecoids and ceboids, it is, by contrast, locked into and tied tightly with the hyoid so that the hyo-laryngeal complex acts as a functional unit. This spatial configuration is considered to be significantly related to the mechanism that prevents aspiration, including epiglottic movement and vestibular closure. Non-human hominoids are inferred to share the mechanism with human adults, not with cercopithecoids and ceboids, although their larynx is located as high as the latter. Consequently, it is hypothesized that the descent of the larynx evolved in two steps. The first step would have been descent of the thyroid in relation to the hyoid for the evolution of the mechanism preventing aspiration, which occurred in the common ancestor of hominoids. The second step, descent of the hyoid within the neck, occurred during hominid evolution for human speech. Electronic Publication     

The Dimension of Hyoid Bone Is Independently Associated with the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Introduction

We hypothesized that the size of the hyoid bone itself may affect the severity of sleep apnea. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between hyoid bone dimensions and the severity of sleep apnea using computerized tomography (CT) axial images.

Methods

We retrospectively measured the hyoid bone in axial images of neck CTs and correlated these measurements with results of polysomnography in a total of 106 male patients. The new hyoid bone parameters studied in this study were as follows: distance between bilateral lesser horns (LH-d), distance between bilateral greater horns (GH-d), distance from the most anterior end of the hyoid arch to GH-d (AP), distance from the greater to the lesser horn on right and left sides (GH-LH), and the anterior angle between bilateral extensive lines from the greater to the lesser horn (H-angle). Data was analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and Pearson correlation tests.

Results

We found a significant inverse correlation between the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and GH-d or AP. Neither the LH-d, GH-LH, nor H-angle were associated with the AHI. The patient group that met the criteria of both GH-d<45.4 and AP<33.4 demonstrated the most severe AHI.

Conclusion

The lateral width or antero-posterior length of hyoid bone was associated with AHI and predicted the severity of sleep apnea in male patients. This finding supports the role of expansion hyoidplasty for treatment of sleep apnea. Pre-operative consideration of these parameters may improve surgical outcomes in male patients with sleep apnea.     

Adaptive wing asymmetry in males of the speckled wood butterfly (Pararge aegeria)?

We analysed asymmetry in the wings of the speckled wood butterfly (Pararge aegeria)by measuring area, length and width of fore- and hindwings. The type of asymmetry is fluctuating except for fore- and hindwing area, and forewing width in males, where asymmetry is directional. The amount of asymmetry (variance of the left wing minus the right wing) is less in males than in females. Within males asymmetry was directional and less in pale, predominantly territorial males than in melanic, predominantly non-territorial males. Asymmetry was negatively related to growth rate within females, but not within males. Females grew faster than males, but had higher asymmetry, whereas the more asymmetrical melanic males grew more slowly than pale males. The differences in the type and amount of asymmetry between the sexes and colour classes suggest a relationship with sex-specific flight patterns such as the territorial spiralling flight of males. We hypothesize that slightly asymmetrical males turn faster, and therefore are superior in territorial disputes over more symmetrical or extremely asymmetrical males. This implies that sexual selection via male–male competition influences the type and amount of asymmetry. The existence of more extremely asymmetrical individuals in females, and to a lesser extent in non-territorial males, may indicate that there are costs in reducing asymmetry.     

成人骨性Ⅱ类不同垂直骨面型上气道及舌骨形态位置的三维研究

目的:研究成人骨性II类不同垂直骨面型上气道与舌骨形态及位置的差异。方法:随机选择60名成人骨性II类患者,男女比例1:1,依据GoGn-SN角分为三组(高角组、均角组及低角组),在自然头位下拍摄CBCT,运用MIMICS软件对上呼吸道及舌骨进行三维建模并测量21项相关指标,分析不同垂直骨面型之间上气道各段之间及舌骨形态、位置的差异。结果:不同垂直骨面型之间鄂咽上界平面矢状径长度(PNSL)存在显著性差异(P0.05),上气道各段高度(UTH、ETH)及宽度(PNSW、UTW、ETW)之间比较无统计学差异(P0.05)。高角组上气道鄂咽下界及舌咽下界矢状径长度(UTL、ETL)与均角和低角组均存在显著差异(P0.01),随着垂直骨面型增大,呈现高角均角低角的趋势。高角组上气道鄂咽及舌咽体积明显小于均角和低角,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。舌骨形态及位置在不同垂直骨面型之间无差异(P0.05)。结论:不同垂直向生长方式对上气道产生影响较大,而对舌骨的生长发育无影响。     

Human hyoid bones from the middle Pleistocene site of the Sima de los Huesos (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain)

This study describes and compares two hyoid bones from the middle Pleistocene site of the Sima de los Huesos in the Sierra de Atapuerca (Spain). The Atapuerca SH hyoids are humanlike in both their morphology and dimensions, and they clearly differ from the hyoid bones of chimpanzees and Australopithecus afarensis. Their comparison with the Neandertal specimens Kebara 2 and SDR-034 makes it possible to begin to approach the question of temporal variation and sexual dimorphism in this bone in fossil humans. The results presented here show that the degree of metric and anatomical variation in the fossil sample was similar in magnitude and kind to living humans. Modern hyoid morphology was present by at least 530 kya and appears to represent a shared derived feature of the modern human and Neandertal evolutionary lineages inherited from their last common ancestor.     

Signalling via type IA and type IB bone morphogenetic protein receptors (BMPR) regulates intramembranous bone formation, chondrogenesis and feather formation in the chicken embryo

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) signal via complexes of type I and type II receptors. In this study, we mapped the expression of type IA, type IB and type II receptors during craniofacial chondrogenesis and then perturbed receptor function in vivo with retroviruses expressing dominant-negative or constitutively active type I receptors. BmprIB was the only receptor expressed within all cartilages. BmprIA was initially expressed in cartilage condensations, but later decreased within cartilage elements. BmprII was expressed at low levels in the nasal septum and prenasal cartilage and at higher levels in other craniofacial cartilages. The maxillary prominence, which gives rise to several intramembranous bones, expressed both type I receptors. Misexpression of dnBMPRIB decreased the size of cartilages and bones on the treated side. In contrast, dnBMPRIA had no effect on the skeletal phenotype. The phenotypes of caBMPRIA and caBMPRIB were similar; both led to overgrowth of cartilage elements, thinner bones with fewer trabeculae and inhibition of feather development. Infection with constitutively active viruses resulted in ectopic expression of Msx1, Msx2 and Fgfr2 throughout the maxillary mesenchyme. These data suggest that the pattern of trabeculation in membranous bones derived from the maxillary prominence was related to the change in expression pattern and that Msx and Fgfr2 genes were downstream of both type I BMP receptors. We conclude that the requirement for the type IB is greater than for the type IA receptor but, when active, both receptors play similar roles in regulating bone, cartilage and feather formation in the skull.     

Endothelin 1-mediated regulation of pharyngeal bone development in zebrafish

Endothelin 1 (Edn1), a secreted peptide expressed ventrally in the primordia of the zebrafish pharyngeal arches, is required for correct patterning of pharyngeal cartilage development. We have studied mutants and morpholino-injected larvae to examine the role of the Edn1 signal in patterning anterior pharyngeal arch bone development during the first week after fertilization. We observe a remarkable variety of phenotypic changes in dermal bones of the anterior arches after Edn1 reduction, including loss, size reduction and expansion, fusion and shape change. Notably, the changes that occur appear to relate to the level of residual Edn1. Mandibular arch dermal bone fusions occur with severe Edn1 loss. In the dorsal hyoid arch, the dermal opercle bone is usually absent when Edn1 is severely reduced and is usually enlarged when Edn1 is only mildly reduced, suggesting that the same signal can act both positively and negatively in controlling development of a single bone. Position also appears to influence the changes: a branchiostegal ray, a dermal hyoid bone normally ventral to the opercle, can be missing in the same arch where the opercle is enlarged. We propose that Edn1 acts as a morphogen; different levels pattern specific positions, shapes and sizes of bones along the dorso-ventral axis. Changes involving Edn1 may have occurred during actinopterygian evolution to produce the efficient gill-pumping opercular apparatus of teleosts.     

Functional reconstruction of the supralaryngeal vocal tract of fossil human

The purpose of the study was to reconstruct the supralaryngeal vocal tract of the archaic human from Petralona in Greece and to assess its vocal abilities. The reconstruction of the position of the hyoid bone of the Palaeolithic hominid from Petralona has been done by using the relation between the flexion of the basicranium and the inclination of the processus styloideus. The results indicate the lower position of the larynx in the fossil hominid. This conclusion was confirmed by an assessment of the position of the hyoid bones by extrapolating from a sample of 45 x-rays scans of recent adult human males.     

Design of an implant for first metatarsophalangeal hemi-arthroplasty

This study was designed to examine the three-dimensional geometry of the head of the first metatarsal bone of the foot. Ninety-seven adult first metatarsal head (MTH1) bones were scanned using a laser scanner at 400 dpi. A best-fit ellipsoid was obtained from the articular surfaces of MTH1 for each size group using nonlinear unconstrained optimisation. Average root mean square errors between the articulating surfaces and the optimal fit surfaces of the bone specimens were between 0.29 and 0.42 mm. After classification based on sex and size groups, the profile provided a good fit to individual bones. Consideration of the thickness of cartilage overlying the metatarsal head (MTH) may further improve the fit. The proposed approach provides the basis for a design of an MTH hemi-arthroplasty that has good anatomical congruence with the native joint.     

Estimation of sex from the hyoid body in skeletal individuals from archeological sites

Recent forensic studies have shown that the hyoid bone is a sexually dimorphic element of the human skeleton. Given the advanced techniques of collecting human remains in archeological and forensic contexts, the recovery of hyoid bones is now more frequent in skeletal samples. For that reason the authors propose a new method for estimating sex based on hyoid bodies from archeological sites.     

Morphological and biomechanical changes of the feeding apparatus in developing southern flounder,Paralichthys lethostigma

The feeding biomechanics of premetamorphic, metamorphic, and postmetamorphic southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, were investigated to better understand the origin and design of adult pleuronectiform feeding mechanisms. Larval P. lethostigma were sampled from culture tanks every day from first feeding through metamorphosis. Fish were then fixed, cleared, and double stained for cartilage and bone. Postmetamorphic juvenile and adult fish were obtained from aquaculture facilities, fixed, and the muscles and bones of the head dissected. All fish were digitally photographed from both sides of the head. Measurements from digital images included head depth, head length, and quadratal angle (a measure of articular‐quadrate position). Measurements were also made of closing in‐lever, opening in‐lever, and out‐lever moment arm lengths for the determination of lower jaw opening and closing mechanical advantage. In premetamorphic larvae, quadratal angle increased from 40° to 80°, opening lever ratio increased from 0.10 to 0.37, and closing lever ratio increased from 0.06 to 0.40. From these measurements and observations of cleared and double‐stained specimens, it was determined that lower jaw depression and elevation changed from a hyoid‐based to an opercular‐based mechanism prior to the onset of metamorphosis. With migration of the right eye to the left side of the head, quadratal angle remained relatively unchanged at 72° to 84°, opening lever ratio decreased from a high of 0.32 to a low of 0.14, and closing lever ratio decreased to as low as 0.17. Postmetamorphic fish exhibited little change with a quadratal angle of 83° to 84°, an opening lever ratio of 0.19, and a closing lever ratio of 0.17 to 0.19. Paired measurements made on the left (ocular) and right (blind) sides of the head indicated that quadratal angle was asymmetrical during metamorphosis (P = 0.003, α = 0.017). Mechanical advantage for lower jaw elevation was also bilaterally asymmetrical following metamorphosis (P = 0.002, α = 0.013). Because mechanical advantage for lower jaw depression was not directionally asymmetrical in metamorphic or postmetamorphic P. lethostigma, functional asymmetry (lateral jaw flexion) is not predicted for jaw opening. These results suggest differences in the design and function of feeding mechanisms for premetamorphic, metamorphic, and postmetamorphic P. lethostigma. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Symmetry: attractive not only to females

Fluctuating asymmetry in bilateral traits has been proposed to reflect aspects of individual quality, and has hence been suggested to act as a cue in mate choice. Since sexual selection generally acts more strongly on males, numerous studies have focused on female preferences for symmetrical partners, while very little is known about potential male symmetry preferences. In the present experiment, we tested whether bluethroat males are sensitive to symmetry in an artificial ornament. Using different combinations of blue and orange leg bands, females were made symmetrical or asymmetrical. In outdoor aviaries placed in breeding habitat, males were allowed to choose between a symmetrical and an asymmetrical female. We found that males associated more with symmetrical than asymmetrical females, indicating a preference for symmetry. The magnitude of the symmetry preference of bluethroat males was similar to that of females of the same species.     

山东古代居民骨化甲状软骨的观测

本文以山东地区6处考古遗址出土的18例古代居民的骨化甲状软骨为研究材料,结合现代医学和法医学的研究,通过对甲状软骨骨化情况的观察分析以及部分数据测量,发现古代居民中骨化甲状软骨多保存骨板下缘、下结节以及上下角,而且骨化甲状软骨对古代居民性别和年龄的判断有一定指示作用。甲状软骨在骨化程度、进展速度以及骨化机制上存在性别差异,古代居民中男性比女性更容易保存骨化甲状软骨,且男性多见保存联合部中下段,女性并无个体保存联合部。另外在本文的骨化甲状软骨的两项测量数据上,男性明显大于女性。甲状软骨的骨化个体间差异很大,单独使用甲状软骨骨化规律进行年龄判断并不可取,但可作为一种参考依据来辅助判断。值得注意的是,保存有骨化甲状软骨且年龄明确的古代居民皆大于30岁。     

The Concentration of Manganese, Iron and Strontium in Bone of Red Fox Vulpes vulpes (L. 1758)

The aims of the study were to determine manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and strontium (Sr) concentrations in fox bone samples from north-western Poland and to examine the relationships between the bone Mn, Fe and Sr concentrations and the sex and age of the foxes. In the studied samples of fox cartilage, cartilage with adjacent compact bone, compact bone and spongy bone, the concentrations of the analysed metals had the following descending order: Fe > Sr > Mn. The only exception was in compact bone, in which the concentrations were arranged in the order Sr > Fe > Mn. Manganese concentrations were significantly higher in cartilage, compact bone and cartilage with compact bone than in spongy bone. Iron concentrations were higher in cartilage and spongy bone compared with compact bone. Strontium concentrations were greater in compact bone than in cartilage and spongy bone. The manganese, iron and strontium concentrations in the same type of bone material in many cases correlated with each other, with the strongest correlation (r?>?0.70) between Mn and Fe in almost all types of samples. In addition, concentrations of the same metals in different bone materials were closely correlated for Mn and Fe in cartilage and cartilage with adjacent compact bone, and for Sr in compact bone and cartilage with compact bone. In the fox from NW Poland, there were no statistically significant differences in Mn, Fe and Sr in any of the types of bone material between the sexes and immature and adult foxes.     

Remnant Woven Bone and Calcified Cartilage in Mouse Bone: Differences between Ages/Sex and Effects on Bone Strength

IntroductionMouse models are used frequently to study effects of bone diseases and genetic determinates of bone strength. Murine bones have an intracortical band of woven bone that is not present in human bones. This band is not obvious under brightfield imaging and not typically analyzed. Due to the band’s morphology and location it has been theorized to be remnant bone from early in life. Furthermore, lamellar and woven bone are well known to have differing mechanical strengths. The purpose of this study was to determine (i) if the band is from early life and (ii) if the woven bone or calcified cartilage contained within the band affect whole bone strength.

Woven Bone Origin Studies

In twelve to fourteen week old mice, doxycycline was used to label bone formed prior to 3 weeks old. Doxycycline labeling and woven bone patterns on contralateral femora matched well and encompassed an almost identical cross-sectional area. Also, we highlight for the first time in mice the presence of calcified cartilage exclusively within the band. However, calcified cartilage could not be identified on high resolution cone-beam microCT scans when examined visually or by thresholding methods.

Mechanical Strength Studies

Subsequently, three-point bending was used to analyze the effects of woven bone and calcified cartilage on whole bone mechanics in a cohort of male and female six and 13 week old Balb/C mice. Three-point bending outcomes were correlated with structural and compositional measures using multivariate linear regression. Woven bone composed a higher percent of young bones than older bones. However, calcified cartilage in older bones was twice that of younger bones, which was similar when normalized by area. Area and/or tissue mineral density accounted for >75% of variation for most strength outcomes. Percent calcified cartilage added significant predictive power to maximal force and bending stress. Calcified cartilage and woven bone could have more influence in genetic models where calcified cartilage percent is double our highest value.