Accuracy and reproducibility of voxel based superimposition of cone beam computed tomography models on the anterior cranial base and the zygomatic arches

Superimposition of serial Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans has become a valuable tool for three dimensional (3D) assessment of treatment effects and stability. Voxel based image registration is a newly developed semi-automated technique for superimposition and comparison of two CBCT scans. The accuracy and reproducibility of CBCT superimposition on the anterior cranial base or the zygomatic arches using voxel based image registration was tested in this study. 16 pairs of 3D CBCT models were constructed from pre and post treatment CBCT scans of 16 adult dysgnathic patients. Each pair was registered on the anterior cranial base three times and on the left zygomatic arch twice. Following each superimposition, the mean absolute distances between the 2 models were calculated at 4 regions: anterior cranial base, forehead, left and right zygomatic arches. The mean distances between the models ranged from 0.2 to 0.37 mm (SD 0.08-0.16) for the anterior cranial base registration and from 0.2 to 0.45 mm (SD 0.09-0.27) for the zygomatic arch registration. The mean differences between the two registration zones ranged between 0.12 to 0.19 mm at the 4 regions. Voxel based image registration on both zones could be considered as an accurate and a reproducible method for CBCT superimposition. The left zygomatic arch could be used as a stable structure for the superimposition of smaller field of view CBCT scans where the anterior cranial base is not visible.     

Position and orientation of the foramen magnum in higher primates

The location of the foramen magnum, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cranium, and its orientation with respect to the Frankfurt Horizontal, have been studied in a total of 328 modern human and Pan crania. The samples were chosen in order to examine the effect of overall size difference on foramen magnum disposition. Foramen position (expressed as three indices) and inclination are relatively invariant among the modern human samples, but the foramen magnum is consistently, and statistically significantly, more anteriorly located in Pan paniscus than in Pan troglodytes. Sexual dimorphism is virtually non-existent. There is an apparent allometric effect on foramen position, but not on inclination, so that larger crania in the modern human and Pan paniscus samples tend to have more posteriorly situated foramina. The disposition of the foramen is unrelated to cranial base angle or facial prognathism, except that in Pan paniscus its relative anterior location is linked with the more flexed cranial base in that species. These results provide a comparative context for the examination of differences in foramen magnum disposition in fossil hominids. Differences in foramen magnum position and orientation between KNM-ER 1813 and A. africanus are most unlikely to be due to within-taxon variability.     

Brief communication: foramen magnum-carotid foramina relationship: is it useful for species designation?

The anterior placement of the foramen magnum is often used to indicate bipedalism and therefore to distinguish hominid from nonhominid fossils. Often, only fragmentary cranial remains are found, and the placement of the foramen magnum must be determined by its relationship to another landmark. The purpose of this study was to test if hominid crania could be distinguished from nonhominid crania based on the relationship between the foramen magnum and the carotid foramina, and therefore to determine if the carotid foramina can be used to determine the anteriorness of the foramen magnum. The samples consisted of 16 modern human crania and 19 modern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) crania. Linear measurements were taken of (1) the distance from the anterior border of the foramen magnum to a chord connecting the carotid foramina and (2) total cranial length. An index of the distance of the foramen magnum from the bicarotid chord as a proportion of total cranial length was calculated to control for differences due to body size. Results indicate that on average, human crania can be distinguished from chimpanzee crania by using either (1) the distance of the foramen magnum from the bicarotid chord as a linear measurement or (2) this linear measurement as a proportion of total cranial length. Both measures are significantly smaller in the human sample; however, there was considerable overlap between species, indicating that the distance of the foramen magnum from the bicarotid chord is not a certain indicator for individual specimens.     

Ontogenic growth changes of the skull base in four genera of nonhuman primates.

Cross-sectional studies of the degree of the cranial base flexion were carried out in infant, juvenile and adult skulls in four genera of nonhuman primates (P. paniscus, H. lar, P. urinus, and M. mullatta). The cephalometric observations of the cranial base included linear and angular measurements of each specimen. The data obtained in this study showed that the anterior portion of the cranial base exhibits a significant shortening trend as the mammalian evolutionary scale ascends. Moreover, the growth pattern of the anterior portion of the skull base follows that of the facial bony structures. The ontogenic growth changes of the posterior portion of the skull base follows the growth pattern of the endocranial cavity. The significant trend of elongation in this area directly contributes to the posterior migration of the foramen magnum. The magnitude of these growth changes decreases as the evolutionary scale ascends. The angular measurements of the cranial flexion showed a less obtuse cranial base angle in young specimens and the ones higher on the mammalian scale. The skull kyphosis was less pronounced in these specimens and the anatomical features of the cranial base were more humanlike, including the balance of the head expressed by the position of the foramen magnum.     

以乳突切迹和翼钩为基点的侧颅底分区方法

目的:探讨以乳突切迹和翼钩为基点的侧颅底分区新方法.方法:在乳突切迹后缘、翼钩、枕骨大孔前缘中点和颧根四个结构间相互连线,区分侧颅底并测量连线的长度.结果:乳突切迹与侧颅底重要结构的关系密切,切迹后缘与翼钩连线和正中线将侧颅底分成内、外侧两个大的三角区,每个区再分成前后两个三角区共四个三角区,即腭和颞下三角、咽三角、关节和听三角、血管神经三角,其中血管神经三角的三边长度左右侧分别为(74.52±5.47)mm和(74.66±5.41)mm、(59.77±3.84)mm和(59.67±3.56)mm、(42.23±3.11)mm和(42.48±2.60)mm.结论:本研究提供了新的侧颅底分区方法,且血管神经三角的区域划分更为科学,为临床侧颅底手术入路和定位提供了解剖学参考.     

Enhancing the Early Differential Diagnosis of Plateau Iris and Pupillary Block Using A-Scan Ultrasonography

PurposeTo distinguish the frequently misdiagnosed plateau iris eyes from pupillary block group and normal group, we compared the ocular biometrical parameters of them by A-scan ultrasongraphy.MethodsIn total, we retrospectively reviewed general characteristics and ocular findings including ocular biometric measurements of 71 normal, 39 plateau iris, and 83 pupillary block eyes.ResultsThe normal controls, plateau iris group and pupillary block group were significantly different in age, but not in gender. The anterior chamber depth tended to decrease and the lens thickness tended to increase from normal to plateau iris to pupillary block eyes. Compared to those of plateau iris group, the pupillary block group had significantly shallower anterior chamber depth (2.90mm vs. 2.33mm; p<0.001), thicker lens (4.77mm vs. 5.11mm; p<0.001), shorter axial length (23.16mm vs. 22.63mm; p<0.001), smaller relative lens position (2.28 vs. 2.16; p<0.001) and larger lens/axial length factor (2.06 vs. 2.26; p<0.001). However, when comparing plateau iris and normal eyes, only axial length and lens/axial length factor were significantly different (23.16 vs. 23.54; p<0.05 and 2.06 vs. 1.96; p<0.05).ConclusionsMeasured by A-scan ultrasonography, the ocular biometrics of plateau iris were significantly different from those of pupillary block eyes. However, our A-scan ultrasongraphy generally found no significant biometric differences between plateau iris and normal eyes. These findings suggest that while A-scan ultrasonography might be used as a practical tool for differentiating plateau iris and papillary block eyes, a more meticulous gonioscopy and other assessments may be necessary to distinguish plateau iris from normal eyes.     

Clinical and Angioarchitectural Risk Factors Associated with Intracranial Hemorrhage in Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Purpose

To investigate which clinical and angioarchitectural features were associated with the occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage in patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and angioarchitectural features of 236 consecutive patients diagnosed with DAVF in our department from April 2009 to November 2013. Two groups of patients, with or without intracranial hemorrhage as clinical presentation at the initial diagnosis, were analysed to identify the differences in clinical and angioarchitectural features in univariate analysis. A multivariate logistic regression model was also developed to assess the independent contribution of the potential risk factors. Associations were considered significant for p<0.05.

Results

Fifty-six patients (23.7%) presented with intracranial hemorrhage at the initial diagnosis of DAVF. In univariate analysis, male patients (p = 0.002), patients with medical history of smoking (p<0.001) or alcohol consumption (p = 0.022), and DAVFs located at the tentorium (p = 0.010), frontalbasal (p = 0.007), foramen magnum (p = 0.043) or cerebral convexity (p<0.001) were associated with an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage. A higher risk of hemorrhagic occurrence was also observed in DAVFs with superficial cortical venous drainage (p<0.001), deep venous drainage (p = 0.003), occluded venous sinus (p<0.032), or higher Borden type (p<0.001). A multivariate logistic regression model showed that intracranial hemorrhage in patients with DAVFs was correlated with higher Borden classification (OR 5.880; 95% CI, 3.370–10.257; p<0.001).

Conclusion

Venous drainage pattern was the only independent risk factor of intracranial hemorrhage in our patients with intracranial DAVF. The other potential risk factors may be confounding factors in predicting intracranial hemorrhage.     

Evaluation of Anterior Segment Parameters and Possible Influencing Factors in Normal Subjects Using a Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer

Purpose

To investigate normal anterior segment parameters and analyze the possible influencing factors using a dual Scheimpflug system.

Setting

Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Sixth People''s Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.

Design

A prospective observational case series.

Methods

A total of 153 normal subjects (153 eyes) were studied. The anterior segment parameters, including the central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), pupil diameter (PD), keratoconus prediction index (KPI), simulated keratometry (SimK) values, anterior instantaneous curvature (AIC), posterior axial curvature (PAC), corneal eccentricity, total corneal power (TCP), axial curvature (AC), total corneal wavefront (TCW), high order aberration (HOA), and spherical aberration (SA), were determined using a dual Scheimpflug analyzer.

Results

The CCT and ACD were both negatively correlated with age (r = −0.203, p = 0.012; r = −0.589, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the refractive indices of AIC and SimK. Compared with the negative correlation of HOA and SA (r = −0.358, p<0.001), a positive correlation was found between TCW and HOA (r = 0.561, p<0.001). Unlike the decreased tendency of AC, the TCP increased gradually from the center to the periphery in the central 8 mm diameter. TCP showed a significant correlation with AC in the analyzed area.

Conclusions

AIC and SimK provide different information in clinic, but the refractive indices of them showed no difference in this healthy study population, and age should be considered when using CCT and ACD values.     

Pathobiological Implications of Mucin (MUC) Expression in the Outcome of Small Bowel Cancer

Mucins have been associated with survival in various cancer patients, but there have been no studies of mucins in small bowel carcinoma (SBC). In this study, we investigated the relationships between mucin expression and clinicopathologic factors in 60 SBC cases, in which expression profiles of MUC1, MUC2, MUC3, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC6 and MUC16 in cancer and normal tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry. MUC1, MUC5AC and MUC16 expression was increased in SBC lesions compared to the normal epithelium, and expression of these mucins was related to clinicopathologic factors, as follows: MUC1 [tumor location (p = 0.019), depth (p = 0.017) and curability (p = 0.007)], MUC5AC [tumor location (p = 0.063) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.059)], and MUC16 [venous invasion (p = 0.016) and curability (p = 0.016)]. Analysis of 58 cases with survival data revealed five factors associated with a poor prognosis: poorly-differentiated or neuroendocrine histological type (p<0.001), lymph node metastasis (p<0.001), lymphatic invasion (p = 0.026), venous invasion (p<0.001) and curative resection (p<0.001), in addition to expression of MUC1 (p = 0.042), MUC5AC (p = 0.007) and MUC16 (p<0.001). In subsequent multivariate analysis with curability as the covariate, lymph node metastasis, venous invasion, and MUC5AC and/or MUC16 expression were significantly related to the prognosis. Multivariate analysis in curative cases (n = 45) showed that SBC with MUC5AC and/or MUC16 expression had a significantly independent high hazard risk after adjusting for the effects of venous invasion (hazard ratio: 5.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.8–17). In conclusion, the study shows that a MUC5AC-positive and/or MUC16-positive status is useful as a predictor of a poor outcome in patients with SBC.     

Effect of adding plyometric training to physical education sessions on specific biomechanical parameters in primary school girls

Objectives:The study aimed to determine the effect of adding a school-based plyometric training program (PMT) to physical education (PE) sessions on the strength, balance, and flexibility in primary school girls.Methods:Students from grades 3-6 were randomized equally to a plyometric or control group. In the control group, students took their regular PE classes twice a week. In the plyometric group, students performed PMT twice a week during the initial 20 minutes of every PE session. The Lido Linea closed kinetic chain isokinetic dynamometer, Star excursion balance test (SEBT), and sit-and-reach test were used to assess muscle strength, balance, and flexibility, respectively, before and after nine weeks of training.Results:The improvement in extension peak force (p=0.04) and extension total work (p<0.001) was more prevalent in the PMT group than in the control group. SEBT scores had improved significantly (p<0.05) for all directions in the PMT group, except in the anterior direction, which was highly significant (p<0.001). Hamstring and lower back flexibility had improved more in the PMT group than in the control group (p<0.001).Conclusion:Adding PMT to regular PE classes has a positive and notable effect on muscle strength, balance, and flexibility in primary school students.     

Effect of Obesity on Plasma Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Breast Cancer

Background:Breast cancer is most common cancer in women. Obesity is one of related-risk factor in breast cancer. In obese normal subjects, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) has been studied. However, there is no previous study investigate the association between ALP and obesity in breast cancer and its correlation with other clinical characteristics. Therefore, the objective of present study is to investigate the association between ALP and clinical characteristics in generally and obesity in particularly.Methods:A cross-study 111 new diagnosed breast cancer patients was included. Plasma ALP was measured in different subgroups: patients age <40 vs >40, premenopausal vs postmenopausal, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) vs estrogen receptor negative (ER-), metastasis vs non-metastasis and obese vs non-obese patients. Results:Significant increasing on plasma ALP were shown between groups of each age, menopausal status, metastasis, and obesity (p< 0.05, p< 0.05, p< 0.01 and p< 0.05) respectively. Positive correlation was observed between plasma ALP and age, menopausal status, metastasis, and obesity (r: 0.616, p< 0.05; r: 0.667, p< 0.01; r: 0.691, p< 0.005; and r: 0.627, p< 0.01). Multiple regression analysis was indicated that ALP can be determined by menopausal status, metastasis, and obesity (β-Coefficient = 0.428, p< 0.01; β-Coefficient = 0.534; p< 0.001; β-coefficient= 0.545; p= 0.005), respectively. Conclusion:Together, the relation between ALP and obesity indicates that ALP could have a role in maturation of preadipocytes of breast cancer patients. Further investigations are needed to confirm that there could be a potential hormonal link between ALP and obesity in breast cancer patients.Key Words: Alkaline phosphatase, Breast cancer, Metastasis, Obesity, Menopausal status     

A Multicenter,Randomized, Controlled Trial of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Preterms

BackgroundDespite some preliminary evidence, it is still largely unknown whether osteopathic manipulative treatment improves preterm clinical outcomes.ResultsA total of 695 newborns were randomly assigned to either the study group (n= 352) or the control group (n=343). A statistical significant difference was observed between the two groups for the primary outcome (13.8 and 17.5 days for the study and control group respectively, p<0.001, effect size: 0.31). Multivariate analysis showed a reduction of the length of stay of 3.9 days (95% CI -5.5 to -2.3, p<0.001). Furthermore, there were significant reductions with treatment as compared to usual care in cost (difference between study and control group: 1,586.01€; 95% CI 1,087.18 to 6,277.28; p<0.001) but not in daily weight gain. There were no complications associated to the intervention.ConclusionsOsteopathic treatment reduced significantly the number of days of hospitalization and is cost-effective on a large cohort of preterm infants.     

Genetic Variants in the Fat and Obesity Associated (FTO) Gene and Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

Background

Recent studies showed that polymorphisms in the Fat and Obesity-Associated (FTO) gene have robust effects on obesity, obesity-related traits and endophenotypes associated with Alzheimer''s disease (AD).

Methods

We used 1,877 Caucasian cases and controls from the NIA-LOAD study and 1,093 Caribbean Hispanics to further explore the association of FTO with AD. Using logistic regression, we assessed 42 SNPs in introns 1 and 2, the region previously reported to be associated with AD endophenotypes, which had been derived by genome-wide screenings. In addition, we performed gene expression analyses of neuropathologically confirmed AD cases and controls of two independent datasets (19 AD cases, 10 controls; 176 AD cases, 188 controls) using within- and between-group factors ANOVA of log₁₀ transformed rank invariant normalized expression data.

Results

In the NIALOAD study, one SNP was significantly associated with AD and three additional markers were close to significance (rs6499640, rs10852521, rs16945088, rs8044769, FDR p-value: 0.05<p<0.09). Two of the SNPs are in strong LD (D′>0.9) with the previously reported SNPs. In the Caribbean Hispanic dataset, we identified three SNPs (rs17219084, rs11075996, rs11075997, FDR p-value: 0.009<p<0.01) that were associated with AD. These results were confirmed by haplotype analyses and in a metaanalysis in which we included the ADNI dataset. FTO had a significantly lower expresssion in AD cases compared to controls in two independent datasets derived from human cortex and amygdala tissue, respectively (p = 2.18×10−5 and p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Our data support the notion that genetic variation in Introns 1 and 2 of the FTO gene may contribute to AD risk.     

颧根与侧颅底重要结构的解剖学测量

目的：通过测量颧根与侧颅底各重要结构间的距离关系,为临床侧颅底外科手术治疗提供定位参考。方法：取成人颅骨标本50例（去颅盖标本8例,整颅42例）100侧,用游标卡尺、圆规和直尺测量颧根与侧颅底重要结构的距离。结果：实验测得左右侧颧根与外耳门前缘中点、乳突尖、茎突、翼突外侧板根部、舌下神经管外口、茎乳孔、颈静脉孔外缘、颈动脉管外口后缘、棘孔、卵圆孔、破裂孔的距离分别为22.30±2.84mm和22.02±3.27mm、40.37±3.21mm和40.56±3.54mm、32.53±2.78mm和32.92±2.68mm、35.13±3.14mm和35.19±2.74mm、49.29±2.88mm和48.98±2.87mm、32.92±2.44mm和33.05±2.61mm、35.15±2.86mm和34.68±3.13mm、33.17±2.78mm和33.17±2.72mm、28.83±2.62mm和28.68±2.63mm、31.15±2.76mm和31.49±2.73mm、43.67±3.32mm和44.15±3.02mm,左右侧数据无差异（P〉0.05）。结论：颧根可以作为侧颅底外科手术的定位标志,为直视条件下经颞下等入路的侧颅底外科手术提供解剖学依据。     

Avian skull morphological evolution: exploring exo- and endocranial covariation with two-block partial least squares

While rostral variation has been the subject of detailed avian evolutionary research, avian skull organization, characterized by a flexed or extended appearance of the skull, has eventually become neglected by mainstream evolutionary inquiries. This study aims to recapture its significance, evaluating possible functional, phylogenetic and developmental factors that may be underlying it. In order to estimate which, and how, elements of the skull intervene in patterning the skull we tested the statistical interplay between a series of old mid-sagittal angular measurements (mostly endocranial) in combination with newly obtained skull metrics based on landmark superimposition methods (exclusively exocranial shape), by means of the statistic-morphometric technique of two-block partial least squares. As classic literature anticipated, we found that the external appearance of the skull corresponds to the way in which the plane of the caudal cranial base is oriented, in connection with the orientations of the plane of the foramen magnum and of the lateral semicircular canal. The pattern of covariation found between metrics conveys flexed or extended appearances of the skull implicitly within a single and statistically significant dimension of covariation. Marked shape changes with which angles covary concentrate at the supraoccipital bone, the cranial base and the antorbital window, whereas the plane measuring the orientation of the anterior portion of the rostrum does not intervene. Statistical covariance between elements of the caudal cranial base and the occiput inplies that morphological integration underlies avian skull macroevolutionary organization as a by-product of the regional concordance of such correlated elements within the early embryonic chordal domain of mesodermic origin.     

In Vitro Comparison of Raypex 6 and Endopilot Using a Novel,Computer-Aided Measurement System,for Determining the Working Length

Introduction

Experimental evaluation of endometric devices usually relies on visual, subjective detection of the apical constriction to determine the accuracy of measurements. The aim of the present study was to analyze the accuracy of measurements of Raypex 6 and EndoPilot using a novel, objective image-analysis system.

Methods

Onehundred and twenty teeth were randomized and allocated to three groups: After coronal flaring, either Raypex 6 or EndoPilot were used to determine the endodontic working length during instrumentation using manual files (RPM and EPM group respectively). In addition, EndoPilot was used for continuous, automatic measurement during rotating instrumentation (EPA group). If the working length had been reached according to endometric results, the files were fixed in place. Tooth and file were then embedded and prepared for analysis. Subsequently, the distance between the tip of the file and the apical constriction (D_AC) or the apical foramen (D_AF) was calculated using trigonometric analysis and the position of the file relative to AC and AF was analyzed.

Results

Both inter- and intra-examiner-reliability of the trigonometric analysis were nearly perfect (ICC = 0.999, p<0.001). D_AC was not significantly different between groups (p>0.05, t-test). D_AF was significantly decreased when EPA had been used compared to EPM (p<0.05, Exact-test). EPA resulted in files being positioned beyond AF significantly more often than the other two methods (p<0.01).

Conclusions

All methods allowed reliable detection of AC. However, EPA significantly increased the risk of overpreparation. Objective, digital assessment based on image analysis was suitable to compare the accuracy of different endometric devices.     

The cranial base of Australopithecus afarensis: new insights from the female skull

Cranial base morphology differs among hominoids in ways that are usually attributed to some combination of an enlarged brain, retracted face and upright locomotion in humans. The human foramen magnum is anteriorly inclined and, with the occipital condyles, is forwardly located on a broad, short and flexed basicranium; the petrous elements are coronally rotated; the glenoid region is topographically complex; the nuchal lines are low; and the nuchal plane is horizontal. Australopithecus afarensis (3.7–3.0 Ma) is the earliest known species of the australopith grade in which the adult cranial base can be assessed comprehensively. This region of the adult skull was known from fragments in the 1970s, but renewed fieldwork beginning in the 1990s at the Hadar site, Ethiopia (3.4–3.0 Ma), recovered two nearly complete crania and major portions of a third, each associated with a mandible. These new specimens confirm that in small-brained, bipedal Australopithecus the foramen magnum and occipital condyles were anteriorly sited, as in humans, but without the foramen''s forward inclination. In the large male A.L. 444-2 this is associated with a short basal axis, a bilateral expansion of the base, and an inferiorly rotated, flexed occipital squama—all derived characters shared by later australopiths and humans. However, in A.L. 822-1 (a female) a more primitive morphology is present: although the foramen and condyles reside anteriorly on a short base, the nuchal lines are very high, the nuchal plane is very steep, and the base is as relatively narrow centrally. A.L. 822-1 illuminates fragmentary specimens in the 1970s Hadar collection that hint at aspects of this primitive suite, suggesting that it is a common pattern in the A. afarensis hypodigm. We explore the implications of these specimens for sexual dimorphism and evolutionary scenarios of functional integration in the hominin cranial base.     

Comparison of four routinely used vitamin D automated immunoassays

BackgroundTo compare four automated immunoassays for the measurement of 25(OH)-vitamin D (25-OHD) and to assess the impact on the results obtained from a healthy population.MethodsWe analysed 100 serum samples on Unicel DxI 800 (Beckman Coulter), Architect i1000 (Abbott), Cobas e411 (Roche) and Liaison XL (DiaSorin). Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plots were used for method comparison. In order to categorise the obtained values, results were categorised into the following groups: 0-25 nmol/L, 25-50 nmol/L, 50-75 nmol/L and above 75 nmol/L and compared. The percentage of samples below 75 nmol/L, and below 50 nmol/L was then calculated for every method.ResultsAccording to paired comparisons, each method differs from others (p<0.0001) except Cobas vs Architect, which do not show a statistically significant difference (p=0.39). The strongest correlation was found between Liaison and Architect (ρ=0.94, p<0.0001). The percentage of samples below the recommended value of 75 nmol/L were: 70% (Architect), 92% (Liaison), 71% (Cobas) and 89% (Unicel). The percentage of samples below the value of 50 nmol/L were: 17% (Architect), 55% (Liaison), 28% (Cobas) and 47% (Unicel).ConclusionsThe observed differences stem from the use of different analytical systems for 25-OHD concentration analysis and can result in different outcomes. The recommended values should be established for each assay in accordance with the data provided by the manufacturer or in the laboratory, in accordance with proper standardisation.     

Relative brain size: A critique of a new measure

An analysis of a relative brain size measuring technique proposed by Radinsky ('67) shows it to be inapplicable on lower taxonomic levels of primates. The relationship among foramen magnum area, total skeletal weight (a suggested index of body size) and cranial capacity are analyzed by a partial correlation technique. Results indicate that foramen magnum size is significantly associated with total skeletal weight through its relationship to cranial capacity.     

Differential effects of low-magnitude high-frequency vibration on reloading hind-limb soleus and gastrocnemius medialis muscles in 28-day tail-suspended rats

Objectives:Low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) was reported beneficial to muscle contractile functions in clinical and preclinical studies. This study aims to investigate the effects of LMHFV on myofibers, myogenic cells and functional properties of disused soleus (Sol) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) during reloading.Methods:Sprague Dawley rats were hind-limb unloaded for 28 days and assigned to reloading control (Ctrl) or LMHFV group (Vib). Sol and GM of both groups were harvested for fiber typing, proliferating myogenic cell counting and in vitro functional assessment.Results:Myogenic cells proliferation was promoted by LMHFV in both Sol and GM (p<0.001 and p<0.05 respectively). Force generating capacity was not much affected (Vib=Ctrl, p>0.05) but fast-fiber favorable changes in fiber type switching (more type IIA but lower type I in Vib; p<0.05 and 0.01 respectively) and fiber hypertrophy (type I, Vib<Ctrl; p<0.01) were observed mainly in GM.Conclusion:LMHFV was not detrimental to reloading muscles but the outcomes were muscle dependent. The unique fiber type composition and anatomical differences between Sol and GM might render the differential muscle responses to LMHFV. Further investigations on myofibers type specific responses to different LMHFV regimes and myogenic cell interaction with associated myofiber were proposed.