Evaluation of the normal craniocervical junction craniometry in 137 asymptomatic patients / Evaluación de la craneometría de la unión craneocervical normal en 137 pacientes asintomáticos

SUMMARY: To our best knowledge, most of the craniometric studies on the normal craniocervical junction (CCJ), are still poorly studied and based on measurements taken from plain radiographs. In this study, the authors conducted a craniometric evaluation of the CCJ in a population without known CCJ abnormalities. The purpose of the study was to assess the normal CCJ craniometry based on measures obtained from CT scans. The authors examined 137 consecutive CCJ CT scans obtained in patients evaluated at their hospital for treatment of non-CCJ conditions between 2018 and 2019. Twelve craniometrical dimensions were conducted, including the relation of the odontoid with the cranial base, the atlantodental interval (ADI), the clivus length, and the clivus-canal angle (CCA).

Hasta donde sabemos, aun son escasos y pocos los estudios craneométricos respecto a la unión craneocervical normal (UCCN) y estos se basan en mediciones tomadas de radiografías simples. En este estudio, realizamos una evaluación craneométrica de la UCCN en una población sin anomalías conocidas. El propósito del estudio fue evaluar la craneometría UCCN normal en función de las medidas obtenidas de las tomografías computarizadas. Los autores examinaron 137 tomografías computarizadas UCCN consecutivas obtenidas en pacientes evaluados en su hospital para el tratamiento de condiciones no UCCN entre los años 2018 y 2019. Se realizaron doce dimensiones craneométricas, incluida la relación del proceso odontoides con la base del cráneo, el intervalo atlantodental (ADI), la longitud del clivus y el ángulo clivus-canal (CCA).

Golden ratio for the foramen magnum on CT images: a morphological and morphometrical study / Proporción áurea para el foramen magnum en imágenes de TC: un estudio morfológico y morfométrico

SUMMARY: The foramen magnum (FM) is a transition zone between the spine and skull. There is a study in the literature showing the golden ratio (4.62) and harmony between both FM and the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the skull. The aim of this study is to examine the existence of this ratio on CT images and to investigate whether this ratio changes according to the FM shape types. In this study, 402 adult CT images belonging to the Turkish population were examined. Maximum cranial length (MCL), maximum cranial width (MCW) and the FM length (FML) and FM width (FMW) were measured. The different shapes of the FM were macroscopically classified. The number and incidence of each type in the studied skull was registered. In the 402 CT images used in the study, 12 FM shapes were detected. Three of the shape types observed in our study have not been reported in the literature until now, and were found in our study for the first time. In addition, our data supported that by using the ratio of 4.62, there was a great harmony between the skull and FM. The results obtained from the research show that there is a ratio of 4.62 between the basic cranial measurements and FM dimensions in all shapes except triangular shape. It is thought that repeating the calculated coefficients over more different FM shapes will contribute to the effectiveness of the proposed golden ratio.

RESUMEN: El foramen magno (FM) es una zona de transición entre la columna y el cráneo. Existe un estudio en la literatura que muestra la proporción áurea (4,62) y la armonía entre el FM y los diámetros anteroposterior y transversal del cráneo. El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la existencia de esta relación en las imágenes de TC e investigar si esta relación cambia según los tipos de forma del FM. Se examinaron 402 imágenes de TC de adultos pertenecientes a la población turca. Se midieron la longitud craneal máxima, el ancho craneal máximo y la longitud del FM y la anchura del FM. Las diferentes formas del FM se clasificaron macroscópicamente. Se registró el número e incidencia de cada tipo en el cráneo estudiado. En las 402 imágenes de TC utilizadas en el estudio, se detectaron 12 formas de FM. Tres de los tipos de formas observados en nuestro estudio no se han reportado en la literatura consultada describiéndose por primera vez. Además, nuestros datos respaldaron que al usar la proporción de 4,62, había una armonía importante entre el cráneo y el FM. Los resultados obtenidos de la investigación muestran que existe una relación de 4,62 entre las medidas craneales básicas y las dimensiones de la FM en todas las formas excepto en la triangular. Se cree que la repetición de los coeficientes calculados en más formas de FM diferentes contribuirá a la eficacia de la proporción áurea propuesta.

Estudio dimensional de los puntos craneométricos mediosagitales en cráneos de población chilena / Dimensional study of midsagital craneometric points in skulls of Chilean population

RESUMEN: La utilidad de los puntos craneométricos en neurocirugía radica en la estudiada relación que poseen con las estructuras encefálicas y vasculares que subyacen, siendo relevantes al momento de planificar y realizar diversos abordajes y disminuir la morbilidad asociada. A pesar de esto, hasta el momento no se disponen de datos publicados de las distancias de estos puntos craneométricos en población chilena. Se utilizaron 45 cráneos secos de cadáveres adultos. Se realizaron mediciones de las distancias superficiales entre diversos puntos craneométricos mediosagitales. La distancia superficial promedio entre nasion y bregma fue de 12,71 cm; entre bregma y lambda, 12,34 cm; entre lambda e inion, 6,64 cm; entre inion y opistocranio, 5,16 cm; entre lambda y opistocráneo, 3,88 cm y entre inion y opistion, 5,16 cm. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05) entre el grupo estudiado con datos obtenidos de la literatura en las distancias nasion-bregma, bregma-lambda, lambda-opistocranio. Las distancias entre los distintos puntos craneométricos en cráneos de población chilena fueron caracterizadas en el presente estudio existiendo algunas diferencias con los datos de la literatura que deben ser considerados en el contexto de la práctica quirúrgica relacionada.

Mastoid and opisthion-bimastoid triangles for sex determination in a Brazilian sample / Triangulos mastoideo y opistión-bimastoideo para la determinación del sexo en una muestra brasileña

SUMMARY: Human identification involving mutilation, advanced decomposition, and skeletonized materials is a challenge for professionals in forensic medicine and dentistry. This study was aimed at a morphometric analysis of the mastoid and bimastoid triangles to determine sex in a Brazilian population. The sample included 80 human skulls (34 females and 46 males; age: 18 to 60 years) from individuals with death certificates. Linear measurements (mm) of the mastoid process - right (n=3) and left (n=3) - and the opisthion- bimastoid (n=3) triangles were taken (digital caliper) by two previously trained researchers. Three cranial points - asterion, porion and process - were determined for the right and left mastoid triangle and three others - (1) opisthion and (2) right and (3) left mastoid - for the bimastoid triangle. Heron's formula was used to calculate the area of the triangles assessed. Data were submitted to the Shapiro- Wilk normality test, followed by the unpaired Student's t test or the Mann-Whitney U test, depending on the data distribution verified in the normality test (GraphPad Prism 5.01; p<0.05). The ROC curve was used to measure the accuracy of the variables toward sex determination. The opisthion-bimastoid triangle showed high accuracy and significant differences in all the variables assessed and thus was considered a potential element for sex determination in the Brazilian population assessed.

RESUMEN: La identificación humana que comprende la mutilación, descomposición avanzada y materiales esqueletizados, es un desafío para los profesionales de la medicina forense y de la odontología. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo un análisis morfométrico de los triángulos mastoideo y bimastoideo para determinar el sexo en una población brasileña. La muestra incluyó 80 cráneos humanos (34 mujeres y 46 hombres; edad: 18 a 60 años) de sujetos con certificado de defunción. Se tomaron las medidas lineales (mm) del proceso mastoides - derecha (n = 3) e izquierda (n = 3) - y los triángulos opistion-bimastoide (n = 3) (caliper digital) por dos investigadores previamente entrenados. Se determinaron tres puntos craneales - asterion, porion y proceso mastoides - para el triángulo mastoideo derecho e izquierdo y otros tres - (1) opistion y (2) proceso mastoides derecho e izquierdo - para el triángulo bimastoideo. Se utilizó la fórmula de Heron para calcular el área de los triángulos evaluados. Los datos se analizaron con la prueba de normalidad de Shapiro-Wilk, seguida de la prueba t de Student para datos no apareados o la prueba U de Mann-Whitney, según la distribución de datos verificada en la prueba de normalidad (GraphPad Prism 5.01; p <0.05). La curva ROC se utilizó para medir la precisión de las variables hacia la determinación del sexo. El triángulo opistion-bimastoide mostró una alta precisión y diferencias significativas en todas las variables evaluadas, por lo que se consideró un elemento probable para la determinación del sexo en la población brasileña evaluada.

Craniometric geographical variation in Hylaeamys megacephalus populations / Variação geográfica craniométrica em populações de Hylaeamys megacephalus

Hylaeamys megacephalus (G. Fisher, 1814) presents great genetic diversity and wide geographical distribution, and occurs in both the Amazon and Cerrado biomes. Because of its generalist aspect, this species tolerates different eating habits and habitats. It occurs in flooded and dry areas and is predominantly terrestrial, which allows greater gene flow between populations even over long distances. Studies that seek a better understanding of morphological variations resulting from differences imposed by the environment throughout this species' distribution are still lacking. This study aimed to analyze the differences between H. megacephalus populations based on craniometry, investigating whether the environment has an influence on morphology. We analyzed a total of 142 specimens from three scientific mammal collections: National Museum, "Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro" (MN-UFRJ); "Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios Silvestres", "Instituto Oswaldo Cruz", "Fundação Oswaldo Cruz"(LBCE-Fiocruz); and "Laboratório de Biodiversidade", "Universidade Federal de Goiás", "Regional Jataí" (LZE-UFG), and took 20 craniometric measurements. Craniometry was explored using unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA), canonical variate analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA). The results led us to conclude that there are three craniometric groups of H. megacephalus with a tendency to differentiate as a result of geographical influences.(AU)

Com grande diversidade genética e distribuição geográfica, Hylaeamys megacephalus (G. Fisher, 1814) ocorre tanto na Amazônia quanto no Cerrado. Visto seu aspecto generalista, esta espécie tolera diversos hábitos alimentares e habitats, ocorrendo em áreas inundadas ou não, sendo predominantemente terrestre, permitindo maior fluxo de genes entre as populações, mesmo em longas distâncias. Apresenta ampla distribuição, e carece de estudos que busquem um melhor entendimento sobre as variações morfológicas resultantes das diferenças impostas pelo meio ao longo de sua distribuição. O estudo teve como objetivo, analisar as diferenças entre as populações de H. megacephalus, com base na craniometria investigando se o ambiente interfere na morfologia. Analisamos um total de 142 espécimes oriundos de coleções científicas de mamíferos, do Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (MN-UFRJ), Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios Silvestres, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (LBCE-Fiocruz) e Laboratório de Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Regional Jataí, nos quais foram tomadas 20 medidas craniométricas. A craniometria foi explorada nas análises estatísticas de agrupamento de pares não ponderados com médias aritméticas (UPGMA), variação canônica e análise dos Componentes Principais (PCA). Os resultados encontrados nos levaram a concluir a existência de três grupos craniométricos da espécie de H. megacephalus com tendência a se diferenciarem, por influências geográficas.(AU)

Estudio morfométrico del punto asterional y su relación con los senos venosos durales / Morphometric study of the asterional point and its relationship with the dural venous sinuses

INTRODUCCIÓN: la importancia de conocer las diferentes reparaciones anatómicas que involucran la parte ósea de la fosa posterior con estructuras neurovasculares, disminuye la incidencia de complicaciones relacionadas con su acceso dentro del procedimiento neuroquirúrgico. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo basado en la evaluación de 90 hemicráneas secas, del Museo de Anatomía de la Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. RESULTADOS: la prevalencia de asterión tipo I fue de 28.9%, mientras que la de tipo II fue de 71.1%. La prevalencia del número de venas emisarias fue: una vena 54.4%, dos venas 42.2% y tres venas 3.3%. Los promedios para las características morfométricas son los siguientes: de Asterion a protuberancia occipital externa de 68.8 mm, de Asterion a cresta suprameatal de 50.1 mm, de Asterion a vena emisaria de 54.1 mm, de Asterion a Vértice del proceso mastoideo de 54.1 mm y de asterion a plano horizontal de Francfort 14.6 mm. La ubicación del asterión en el seno transverso fue la siguiente: al mismo nivel del seno, 47.8% de los casos, en el codo en 13.3%, superior al seno 31.1% e inferior a este en el 7.8%. CONCLUSIONES: hay una diferencia en algunos resultados morfométricos del asterión con respecto a otros autores, lo que podría determinar una configuración craneal diferente para nuestra población. Esto debe considerarse para evitar complicaciones durante el período transoperatorio en una cirugía de fosa posterior. Estos resultados reflejan la necesidad de realizar un estudio con una población más grande para obtener resultados reales, estableciendo así parámetros de corte que nos permitirán tener nuestra propia bibliografía sobre cómo proceder en nuestra actividad quirúrgica.

INTRODUCTION: the importance of knowing the different anatomical repairs that involve the bony part of the posterior fossa with neurovascular structures, decreases the incidence of complications related to its access within the neurosurgical procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: descriptive study based on the evaluation of 90 dry hemicranial, from the Anatomy Museum of the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. RESULTS: the prevalence of asterion type I was 28.9%, while that of type II was 71.1%. The prevalence of the number of emissary veins was: One vein 54.4%, Two veins 42.2% and Three veins 3.3%. The averages for morphometric characteristics are as follows: from Asterion to external occipital protuberance 68.8 mm, from Asterion to suprameatal crest 50.1 mm, from Asterion to emissary vein 54.1 mm, from Asterion to Vertex from the mastoid process 54.1 mm and from asterion to horizontal plane of Frankfurt 14.6 mm. The location of asterion in the transverse sinus was the following: at the same level of the sinus 47.8% of the cases, in the elbow in 13.3%, superior to the sinus 31.1% and inferior to this in the 7.8%. CONCLUSIONS: there is a difference in some morphometric results of the asterion with respect to other authors, which could determine a different cranial configuration for our population. This should be considered to avoid complications during the transoperative period in a posterior fossa surgery. These results reflect the need to carry out a study with a larger population, in order to have real results, thus establishing cutting parameters that will allow us to have our own bibliography on how to proceed in our surgical activity.

Craniometric variation among Brazilian and Scottish populations: a physical anthropology approach

Aim: The present investigation intended to compare the craniometric variations of two samples of different nationalities (Brazilian and Scottish). Materials and methods: The Brazilian sample consisted of 100 modern complete skulls, including 53 female skulls and 47 male skulls, and the Scottish sample consisted of 100 historical skulls (61 males, 39 females) and 36 mandibles (24 males, 12 females). The cranial measurement protocol was composed of 40 measurements, 11 bilateral and 29 unilateral, and the measurement protocol of the mandible was composed of 15 measurements, with six that were bilateral and nine that were unique. The comparative analysis of the metric variability between the two samples was performed using the means and medians analysis, the t-test, the Wilcoxon test, and the coefficient of variance, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The results showed that, among the 72 analysed variables, 44 measurements (61.11%) presented statistical differences between the samples. The Scottish skull tends to have a cranial length (GOL diff=5.53), breadth (XCB diff=3.78) and height (NPH diff=5.33) greater than the Brazilian skulls, and the Scottish mandibles tend to show a higher mandibular ramus height (MRH diff=9.25), a higher mandibular body height (HMB diff=6.37) and a larger bigonial breadth (BGB diff=5.29) than the Brazilians. The discriminant analysis of the 51 cranial measurements and 21 mandibular measurements showed a variation of the percentage of accuracy between 46.3-83.8%. Conclusion: The metric analysis demonstrated that there is variability between the two samples studied (61,11%), but a concrete cause cannot be determined considering the multifactorial aspects of the variations of form and size

Foramen venosum: prevalence, patency and correlation with cephalic index / Foramen venoso: prevalencia, permeabilidad y correlación con el índice cefálico

The foramen venosum (FV) is an anatomical structure situated at the base of the skull, generally posteromedial to the foramen rotundum and anteromedial to the foramen ovale. Its prevalence and patency may be related to the shape of the skull. The objective of this study was to verify the prevalence and patency of the FV and its association with the different skull types. Overall, 143 dry skulls were screened. Of these, 84 were considered to be in an adequate state of conservation and were included in the analysis, which was conducted through a cross-sectional view of the skullcap. The transverse (T) and anteroposterior (AP) diameters of the skull were evaluated by pachymetry and the skull type was classified according to the cephalic index (CI) (CI = T/AP x 100). The presence and patency of the FV were evaluated. Overall, 25 % of the skulls were dolichocephalic, 21.4 % sub-dolichocephalic, 26.2 % mesaticephalic, 16.7 % sub-brachycephalic and 10.7 % brachycephalic. Overall, the FV was found in 41.6 % of the skulls (n=35), with this prevalence being greater in the mesaticephalic skulls (50 %; n=11). Patency was 25 % (n=21). A positive correlation was found between the CI and the presence of the FV in dolichocephalic skulls (on the right-hand side only) and in sub-brachycephalic skulls (bilaterally). In conclusion, the prevalence of the FV was considerable in the sample analyzed and was directly associated with the CI in dolichocephalic and sub-brachycephalic skulls.

El foramen venoso (FV) es una estructura anatómica situada en la base del cráneo, en general, posteromedial al foramen redondo y anteromedial al foramen oval. Su prevalencia y permeabilidad pueden estar relacionados con la forma del cráneo. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la prevalencia y permeabilidad del FV y su asociación con los diferentes tipos de cráneo. Se estudiaron 143 cráneos secos. De éstos, 84 fueron considerados en estado adecuado de conservación y se incluyeron en el análisis, realizado mediante la visualización de una sección transversal del cráneo. Los diámetros transversal (T) y anteroposterior (AP) del cráneo se evaluaron mediante paquimetría y el tipo de cráneo se clasificó de acuerdo con el índice cefálico (IC) (IC = T/AP x 100). Se evaluó también la presencia y permeabilidad del FV. El análisis mostró que 25 % de los cráneos eran dolicocefálicos, 21,4 % subdolicocéfalicos, 26,2 % mesaticéfalos, 16,7 % sub-braquicéfalos y 10,7 % de braquicéfalos. El FV se encontró en 41,6 % de los cráneos (n=35), con prevalencia mayor en los cráneos mesaticéfalos (50 %, n=11). La permeabilidad fue del 25 % (n=21). Se encontró una correlación positiva entre el IC y la presencia del FV en cráneos dolicocéfalicos (sólo en el lado derecho) y en sub-braquicéfalos (bilateral). En conclusión, la prevalencia del FV fue considerable en la muestra analizada y se asocia directamente con el IC en cráneos dolicocéfalicos y sub-braquicéfalos.

Asimetría cráneo-mandibular de Artibeus lituratus (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) en Colombia / Cranial and mandibular asymmetry in Artibeus lituratus (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) from Colombia / Assimetria cránio-mandibular em Artibeus lituratus (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) na Colombia

Analizar la asimetría en especies asociadas a ambientes disturbados permite evaluar la plasticidad morfológica de especies generalistas, y las diferencias evolutivas entre sexos y poblaciones en la respuesta al estrés ambiental y genético. Este trabajo evalúa la asimetría craneal de Artibeus lituratus en Colombia. Esta especie tiene distribución amplia y alta abundancia, pero se desconoce su plasticidad morfológica. Se caracterizó la presencia y patrones de asimetría fluctuante, asimetría direccional y antisimetría. Se tomaron once medidas craneométricas de 146 individuos de diferentes regiones geográficas. Se encontró significancia para asimetría fluctuante en todas las medidas, en tres para asimetría direccional y antisimetría, y no se encontró significancia para el error de medida. Las hembras presentaron más asimetría fluctuante en el esplacnocráneo y los machos en el neurocráneo. Se evidenció menor asimetría y mayor similitud en variables con importancia funcional en la mordida. Los rasgos con asimetría direccional presentaron asociación a nivel mandibular. Se discute en qué medida la presencia y los niveles de asimetría craneal se relacionan con la similitud funcional que tengan diferentes rasgos.

Analyzing asymmetry in species associated with disturbed environments enables the evaluation of the morphological plasticity of generalistic species and the different evolutionary responses of sexes or populations to environmental or genetic stress. This report is a study of the cranial and mandibular asymmetry of Colombian Artibeus lituratus. This species has a wide distribution and high abundance, but its morphological plasticity remains uncertain. We characterized its presence, fluctuating asymmetry, directional asymmetry and antisymmetry by measuring 11 craneometric traits in 146 adults from different localities. Fluctuating asymmetry was present in all traits; directional asymmetry and antisymmetry in three; and no measurement error in any trait. Females showed more fluctuating asymmetry in the splachnocranium and males in the neurocranium. Traits with functional importance while biting had lower levels of asymmetry and higher similarity. Traits with antisymmetry did not show association while traits with directional asymmetry showed mandibular association. We discuss the relation between the presence of cranial and mandibular asymmetry, with the functional similarity of different traits.

Analisar a assimetria em espécies associadas a ambientes perturbados permite avaliar a plasticidade morfológica de espécies generalistas e as diferenc,as evolutivas entre sexos na resposta ao estresse ambiental e genético. Este trabalho avalia a assimetria cranial de Artibeus lituratus na Colombia. Esta espécie tem distribui(:äo ampla e é extremamente abundante, mas desconhece-se a sua plasticidade morfológica. Caracterizou-se a presenta e padröes nos níveis de assimetria flutuantes, assimetria direcional e anti-simetria. Foram obtidas onze medidas craniométricas de 146 individuos de diferentes regiöes geográficas. Encontrou-se significancia para assimetria flutuante em todas as medidas, em tres para assimetria direcional e anti-simetria, e näo se encontrou significancia para o erro de medida. As femeas apresentaram maior assimetria flutuante no esplacnocranio, enquanto nos machos essa ocorreu no neurocranio. Evidenciou-se menor assimetria e maior similaridade em variáveis com maior importancia funcional na mordida. Os caracteres com assimetria direcional apresentaram maior assoriac,äo com a mandíbula. Discute-se em que medida a presenta e os níveis de assimetria cranial se relacionam com a similaridade funcional dos diferentes caracteres.

Craniofacial Dimorphism in Young Jordanian Adults.

Aims: Was to develop a gender determination technique for young Jordanian adult population. Study Design: using osteometric data, from Cephalometric images, and discriminate function analysis. Place and Duration of Study: Section of Clinical Dentistry of the Jordan University Hospital, between October 2013 and July 2014. Methodology: A total of 146 randomly selected digital lateral cephalometric radiographs of young Jordanian adult patients were employed in the investigation, 47 patients were males and 99 were females. For each lateral cephalometric radiograph, one observer using a customized analysis created in Viewbox 4-Cephalometric Software subroutines digitized 19 craniofacial skeletal landmarks. Utilizing the digitized landmarks, 18 measurements that comprised 14 linear, 3 angular and 1 proportional parameters were carried out. Results: The results demonstrated that, with the exception of the Menton to Gonion distance, i. e., the length of the mandibular body, the mean values of all other parameters of male subjects were statistically significantly larger (p<0.05) than those for females. Mastoid height was found to be the best single predictor of gender and can provide an accuracy rate of 82.2%. Using Stepwise method revealed four dimensions (mastoid height, mastoid width, glabella to supraglabellare-nasion distance, and the length of skull base)were found to form the best combination of parameters most precisely depict the best possible prediction, raising the classification accuracy up to 87.7%. Conclusion: A discriminant function equation specific for Jordanian population has also been derived from cranio-mandibular variables. The equation can now be used for a calculable and more precise prediction of gender of Jordanian young adult population.

Craniometric study for sex determination in a Thai population / 대한해부학회지

Sex determination is an important step in biological identification from skeletal remains, especially in forensic circumstances. Many authors suggested that the morphological study was more subjective than the metric. There are various craniometric studies in different populations. They revealed that there was population-specific for the sex discriminant equation derived from each population. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate sexual dimorphism and develop the discriminant function from 200 Thai skulls. Twenty-five standard cranial measurements were examined. The results revealed that males' cranium were statistically significant larger than females' in all measurements (P<0.05), except for minimum breadth of nasal bone. Sexual dimorphism index also expressed relatively high male/female ratio indicating great sexual dimorphism. The best practical equation for sex determination with six measurements (maximum cranial length, bizygomatic breadth, biauricular breadth, nasal height, biorbital breadth and right mastoid length) was derived from a stepwise discriminant method. This equation with 90.6% accuracy (91.1% in male and 90.0% in female) can provide valuable application utilizing in sex determination from skull in a Thai population.

A morphometric study on the skull of donkey (Equus asinus) / Estudio morfométrico del cráneo del burro (Equus asinus)

The present study was carried out on a number of 16 skulls of adult male domestic donkeys. Craniometric measurements for 40 different parts of the skulls were made. All investigated features were expressed as Mean±SD. Cephalic indices and ratios were calculated by using the investigated features. The craniometric measurements and cephalic indices had been compared with those of local horses and ponies. A skull length of 443.07±53.57 mm and a maximum zygomatic width of 169.09±17.64 mm were obtained. The size of donkey skull was between those of local horses and ponies. A skull index of 38.23±0.85, a cranial index of 45.01±2.83 and a facial index of 67.80±3.79 were obtained. Cranial index and skull index were found to be close in value to that of local horses and ponies. The results of this study revealed that donkey had a longer nose than local horse and pony, and the difference of skull length in the three species accounted for the facial length difference.

Se realizó un estudio sobre una serie de 16 cráneos pertenecientes a burros domésticos adultos, de sexo masculino. Se hicieron mediciones craneométricas en 40 partes diferentes de las muestras. Todas las características investigadas se expresaron como media ± desviación estándar, calculándose índices y proporciones cefálicas. Se compararon las mediciones craneométricas e índices cefálicos con los de caballos y ponis de la zona. La longitud del cráneo obtenida fue de 443,07±53,57 mm, con una anchura máxima del hueso cigomático de 169,09±17,64 mm. El tamaño del cráneo del burro se ubicó entre el de los caballos y los ponis locales. Se obtuvo un índice de cráneo de 38,23±0,85, un índice craneal de 45,01±2,83 y un índice facial de 67,80±3,79. Los índices craneal y de cráneo encontrados fueron cercanos a los valores correspondientes a los caballos y ponis locales. Los resultados de este estudio revelaron que el burro tenía una nariz más larga que el caballo y el poni. Además, la diferencia en longitud del cráneo en las tres especies representa la diferencia de longitud facial.

Basilar imagination : a rare cause of "top of basilar artery" syndrome.

"Top of Basilar Artery" Syndrome as the presentation of CVJ anomalies is extremely rare. The association between skeletal CVJ anomalies and vertebro-basilar insufficiency (VBI) is recognised and angiographic abnormalities of the vertebro-basilar arteries and their branches have been reported. Atlanto-axial dislocation (AAD) is the commonest skeletal cranio-vertebral junction (CVJ) anomaly in India, followed by occipitalisation of atlas and basilar invagination. They usually present with a progressive neurological deficit (70 - 94% cases) implicating the high cervical cord, lower brainstem, and cranial nerves. We report one such case with the even more rare presentation of "Top of Basilar Artery" Syndrome as the initial presentation of basilar invagination.

Estimation of cranial capacity and growth indicators in elementary school children / Estimación de capacidad craneal e indicadores de crecimiento en niños de educación primaria

Cranial capacity (CC) can be used to estimate the brain volume and is correlated to the growth and development in children. Anthropometry is a useful method to obtain data of estimated cranial capacity and other growth indicators including body weight (BW) and body height (BH). Neuromuscular reflex test (NMRT) is a method to observe children's neuromuscular function. The aim of this study is to elucidate and to understand correlation between estimated CC, BW, BH, body mass index (BMI) and neuromuscular function in elementary school children in East Java, Indonesia age 7-14 years old. The anthropometric study was carried out in 153 boys and 145 girls from 3 elementary schools in East Java age 7-14 years old to measure BH and BW to calculate the BMI by WHO formula. Other data taken including NMRT and maximum head length, maximum head breadth between parietal eminence, and head height from vertex to tragus; last three are to calculate the estimated CC using formula of Manjunath (2002a). Correlations between CC, BW, BH, BMI and NMRT were analyzed with Microsoft Excel. For comparison of cranial capacity means between boys and girls, two-tailed t test was done (p>0.05). In boys, a positive correlation was found between the CC and: BMI (r=0.38), BW (r=0.4), BH (r=0.3); whilst no obvious correlation was observed between the CC and NMRT (r=0.07). In girls, a positive correlation was found between the CC and: BMI (r=0.33), BW (r=0.45), BH (r=0.48); whilst negative correlation was observed between the CC and NMRT (r=-0.05). Results indicate there is a strong linier correlation between CC and BMI, and BW, and BH in both boys and girls. No obvious correlations were found between CC and NMRT in boys and girls.

La capacidad craneal (CC) se puede utilizar para estimar el volumen del cerebro y correlacionarlo con el crecimiento y desarrollo de los niños. La antropometría es un método útil para obtener datos de la capacidad craneal estimada y otros indicadores de crecimiento, incluyendo el peso corporal (PC) y la altura del cuerpo (AC). La prueba del reflejo neuromuscular (PRNM) es un método para observar la función neuromuscular de los niños. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la correlación entre CC estimada, PC, AC,índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la función neuromuscular en niños de educación primaria entre 7 y 14 años de edad, en el Este de Java, Indonesia. El estudio antropométrico se realizó en 153 niños y 145 niñas de 3 escuelas primarias de Java Oriental para medir PC, AC y calcular el IMC por la fórmula OMS. Con el objetivo de calcular CC utilizando la fórmula de Manjunath (2002a), se registraron datos incluyendo el PRNM y longitud de la cabeza, el ancho máximo de la cabeza entre las eminencias parietales, como también la altura de la cabeza al vértice al tragus. Las correlaciones entre la CC, PC, AC, IMC y PRNM se analizaron con Microsoft Excel. Para la comparación de la capacidad craneal entre niños y niñas, se realizó la prueba t de dos colas (p> 0,05). En los niños encontramos una correlación positiva entre la CC y el IMC (r = 0,38), PC (r = 0,4), AC (r = 0,3); mientras que no se observó ninguna correlación obvia entre la CC y PRNM (r = 0,07). En las niñas se observó una correlación positiva entre la CC y el IMC (r = 0,33), PC (r = 0,45) y AC (r = 0,48); mientras que se observó una correlación negativa entre la CC y PRNM (r = -0,05). Los resultados indican que hay una fuerte correlación lineal entre CC e IMC, y entre PC y AC en los niños y niñas. No se encontraron correlaciones evidentes entre CC y PRNM en niños y niñas.

Cranial Anthropometry in 600 North Indian Adults.

The present study was conducted on 600 adults, comprising of equal number of males and females, within the age group of 18 year and above and of North Indian origin. The purpose of study was to access the head length, head width and to find out the relationship of these parameters with each other. Cephalic Index was calculated. The data so obtained was compiled and analysed statistically to observe baseline data and then compared with previous available data. This data can be useful for experts in forensic and allied surgical branches. The average head breadth and head length found in study were 139.51 mm, 186.88 mm respectively in males and 136.19 mm, 177.74 mm respectively in females. On the basis this study it was concluded that North Indian males have dolichocephalic type of head and females have mesocephalic type of head.

Study on the development of frontal sinuses by morphometric analysis of the skull / Estudo referente ao desenvolvimento dos seios frontais pela análise morfométrica do crânio

The frontal sinuses are cranial areas of clinical, forensic and pathology importance whose development mechanisms are still poorly defined. Nasal airflow and brain development are two of the main theories. Current analysis debates whether they are the real determinants of frontal sinuses growth, which may be proved by the skull's morphometric analysis. Four groups of measures related to the external cranial architecture, the pyriform aperture, orbital cavities and frontal sinuses were defined. Thirty-three skulls of individuals, mean age 68 years, from the Laboratory of Anatomy of the Academic Centre of Victoria ­ UFPE ­ Brazil, were used. Statistical analysis showed total agenesis of the frontal sinus in 18.2% of the skulls. There was significant correlation between the development of the right frontal sinus and the pyriform aperture, and between the left frontal sinus and two cranial measurements (p ≤ 0.05). Significant differences between mean of pyriform aperture areas of the skulls with or without sinuses were also reported (p ≤ 0.01). Results supported the fact that there was a modulation activity by nasal aeration and brain formation in the development of frontal sinuses.

Os seios frontais são espaços cranianos de importância clínica, forense e patológica, cujos mecanismos responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento são ainda pouco definidos, sendo duas das teorias propostas, o fluxo aéreo nasal e o desenvolvimento encefálico. Objetivou-se evidenciar por meio de análise morfométrica do crânio se estes são os reais fatores determinantes do crescimento dos seios frontais. Neste estudo, foram definidos quatro grupos de medidas referentes à arquitetura craniana externa, à abertura piriforme, às cavidades orbitárias e aos seios frontais. Para este propósito, nós utilizamos 33 crânios de indivíduos com média de idade de 68 anos, provenientes do Laboratório de Anatomia Humana ­ Centro Acadêmico de Vitória- UFPE/Brasil. Após os exames estatísticos, foi verificado agenesia total dos seios frontais em 18,2 % dos crânios estudados. Houve correlação significativa entre o desenvolvimento do seio frontal direito e a abertura piriforme, e entre o do seio frontal esquerdo e duas aferições encefálicas, com p ≤ 0,05. Observamos uma diferença significativa entre as médias de áreas de abertura piriforme dos crânios que possuíam ou não os seios, com p ≤ 0,01. Os achados deste estudo comprovam o fato de que existe uma atividade moduladora exercida pela aeração nasal e formação encefálica no desenvolvimento dos seios frontais.

Craniometrical studies on the skull of Tibetan gazelle (Procapra Picticaudata) / Estudios craneométricos en el cráneo de la gacela del Tibet (Procapra Picticaudata)

A total of 10 skulls of Tibetan gazelle were utilized in this study. Craniometric measurements for 22 different parts of the skull were made. Skull indices and ratios were calculated. A skull index of 43.22+/-0.44, a cranial index of 58.37+/-0.80 and a facial index of 116.37+/-1.24 were obtained.

Un total de 10 cráneos de gacela tibetana se utilizaron en este estudio. Mediciones craniométricos para 22 diferentes partes de los cráneos fueron realizadas. Los índices craneales y sus razones fueron calculadas. Un índice de cráneo de 43,22 +/- 0,44, un índice craneal de 58,37 +/- 0,80 y un índice facial de 116,37 +/- 1,24 se obtuvieron.

A craniometric study of adult human skulls from Andhra Pradesh.

Background & Objectives: The human skull has been studied both metrically and non- metrically previously. Cranial index and other cranial indices are useful in differentiation of racial and gender difference. This study investigates cranial index of dried human skulls present in the department of Anatomy of three medical colleges present in three different region of Andhra Pradesh (India). Material and Methods: This study was carried out on 136 (77 male & 59 female) dry human skulls at Narayana Medical College, Nellore; Dr Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Chinnaoutpalli, Gannavaram Mandal, Krishna District and Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar (A.P. INDIA). Out of these, 20 skulls were of known sex. By comparison with skulls of known sex, sex of remaining skulls was decided. Results: The mean of cranial index in males and female was 72.47 ± 5.13. The mean of cranial index in males was 70.18 ± 3.39 and in females was 74.96 ± 4.31. Interpretation and Conclusion: Cranial measurements and indices offer the simplest and fairly accurate way of judging the similarities and dissimilarities when comparing skulls. Craniometry has further application in clinical specialities such as plastic surgeries and oral surgery with craniofacial deformities.

Relación entre índice facial superior e índice nasal en cráneos Chilenos adultos / Relation between superior facial index and nasal index in Chilean adult crania

La cara es el sello principal de la identidad, lo que nos define como individuos en los contactos interpersonales. Las características métricas aportadas por la craneometría nos permiten caracterizar cráneos y caras por medio de los índices. Se realizó un estudio craneométrico en 32 cráneos de individuos adultos de ambos sexos. En ellos se midieron diámetros faciales y se determinaron sus índices según Bidegain & Carvalho de Mello. La altura facial superior (n-pr) promedio fue de 66,20mm (DE +/- 5,26), con límite máximo de 76,68mm y mínimo de 51,22mm. El ancho facial máximo (zy-zy) promedio fue de 127,05mm (DE +/- 6,85), con límite máximo 139,08mm y mínimo de 112,77mm. El ancho nasal (al-al) promedio fue de 23,99 mm (DE +/-2,81), con límite máximo de un 35,13mm y mínimo de 18,97 mm. La altura nasal (n-ns) promedio fue de 50,97 mm (DE +/- 3,58), con límite máximo de 55,96 mm y mínimo de 39,58mm. El Índice Facial Superior promedio fue de 52,20 (DE +/- 4,54), con límite máximo de 62,29 y mínimo de 43,92 determinando la tendencia meseno en cráneos de género masculino y femenino. El Índice Nasal promedio fue de 47,30 (DE +/- 6,28) con límite máximo de 67,14 y mínimo de 36,23 determinando características leptorrinas tanto en cráneos masculinos como femeninos. Los datos obtenidos permitirán a los profesionales del área salud contar con nuevos antecedentes para estudios antropométricos y antropológicos.

The face is the main symbol of identity which defines us as individuals as well as in the process of interpersonal contacts. Metric characteristics contributed by craniometry allow us to characterize crania and faces by means of indexes. A craniometric study was carried out in 32 crania of adult subjects of both sexes. Facial diameters were measured using indexes according to Bidegain & Carvalho de Mello. Facial height average (n-pr) was 66.20 mm (SD +/- 5.26) with maximum boundary of 76.68 mm and minimum of 51.22 mm. Facial maximum width on average (zy ­ zy) was 127.05 mm. (SD +/- 6.85), with maximum boundary of 139.08 mm and minimum of 112.7 mm. Average Nasal width was 23.99 mm (SD +/- 2.81), with maximum boundary of 35.13 mm and minimum of 18.97mm. Nasal height average (n-ns) was 50.97 mm (SD +/- 3.58) with maximum boundary of 55.96 mm and minimum of 39.58 mm. Facial Superior Index on average was of 52.20 (SD +/- 4.54) with maximum boundary of 62.29 mm and minimum of 43.92 determining the mesorrhine tendency in male and female crania. Nasal average index was 47.30 (SD +/- 6.28) with maximum boundary of 67.14 and minimum of 36.23 thereby determining leptorrhine characteristics in male as well as female crania. The information obtained will afford health care professionals access to new data for anthropometric and anthropological studies.

Efeito do treinamento físico e da desnutrição durante a gestação sobre os eixos cranianos de ratos neonatos / Effects of physical training and malnutrition during pregnancy on the skull axis of newborn rats

Nos períodos críticos de desenvolvimento do organismo, estímulos ambientais como o exercício físico e a dieta podem influenciar o fluxo placentário e o crescimento somático fetal. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar as repercussões do treinamento físico e da desnutrição durante a gestação sobre os eixos cranianos de ratos neonatos. Ratos machos Wistar foram divididos de acordo com a manipulação de suas mães: não treinados controle (Cf, n = 25), treinados (Tf, n = 25), não treinados e desnutridos (Df, n = 25), treinados e desnutridos (TDf, n = 25). Mães treinadas (T e TD) foram submetidas a oito semanas de treinamento físico moderado antes e durante a gestação (60min/dia, cinco dias/sem a 65 por cento do VO2max). Mães desnutridas (D e TD) receberam dieta hipoproteica durante a gestação (8 por cento caseína) enquanto as nutridas (C e T) receberam dieta normoproteica (17 por cento caseína). No primeiro dia pós-natal foi verificado número de filhotes nascidos por ninhada, peso da ninhada e peso ao nascer, eixo látero-lateral do crânio (ELLC) e anteroposterior do crânio (EAPC), eixo longitudinal do corpo (EL) e comprimento da cauda (CC) de cada neonato. No terceito dia pós-parto, os encéfalos foram extraídos e pesados. Durante a gestação, as fêmeas dos grupos T e D apresentaram menor ganho de peso em comparação ao grupo C na terceira semana (C = 34,4 ± 1,3; T = 30,7 ± 0,60; D = 25,8 ± 0,78; TD = 29,9 ± 0,83). Os grupos desnutridos apresentaram menor peso ao nascer em relação aos seus respectivos controles (Cf = 6,3 ± 0,1; Tf = 6,3 ± 0,1; Df = 4,7 ± 0,07; TDf = 5,0 ± 0,06). O grupo Df apresentou as medidas do ELLC (Cf = 9,8 ± 0,06; Tf = 9,8 ± 0,05; Df = 9,2 ± 0,04; TDf = 9,6 ± 0,13) e EAPC (Cf = 18,1 ± 0,1; Tf = 18,2 ± 0,1; Df = 17,5 ± 0,1; TDf = 18,0 ± 0,2) menores comparadas aos filhotes controles. Com base nos resultados, pode-se concluir que a desnutrição no período fetal alterou o desenvolvimento somático enquanto o treinamento físico influenciou positiv...

In critical periods of body development, environmental stimuli such as physical exercise and diet may influence on placental flow and fetal somatic growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical training and malnutrition during pregnancy on the skull axis of newborn rats. Male Wistar rats were divided according to manipulation of their mothers: untrained control (Cf, n = 25), trained (Tf, n = 25), untrained and malnourished (Mf, n = 25), trained and malnourished (TMf, n = 25). Trained mothers (T and TM) were submitted to 8 weeks of moderate physical training before and during pregnancy (60min/day, 5 days/wk to 65 percent of VO2max). Malnourished mothers (M and TM) received a low protein diet during pregnancy (8 percent casein) while the nourished (C and T) were fed with normal diet (17 percent casein). On the 1st postnatal day, the number of pups born per litter, litter weight and birth weight, latero-lateral axis of skull (LLAS) and antero-posterior axis of skull (APAS), longitudinal axis of the body (LA) and length of tail (LT) of each neonate were verified. On the 3rd day after delivery, the brains were extracted and weighed. During pregnancy, the females of the T and M groups showed lower weight gain compared with group C at 3rd week (C = 34.4 ± 1.3, T = 30.7 ± 0.60, M = 25.8 ± 0.78, TM = 29.9 ± 0.83). The malnourished group had lower birth weight in relation to their respective controls (Cf = 6.3 ± 0.1, Tf = 6.3 ± 0.1, Mf = 4.7 ± 0.07; TMf = 5.0 ± 0.06). Group Mf presented measures of LLAS (Cf = 9.8 ± 0.06, Tf = 9.8 ± 0.05, Mf = 9.2 ± 0.04; TMf = 9.6 ± 0.13) and EAPC (Cf = 18.1 ± 0.1, Tf = 18.2 ± 0.1, Mf = 17.5 ± 0.1, TMf = 18.0 ± 0.2) lower compared to controls. Based on the results, it can be concluded that malnutrition during fetal period changed somatic development, while physical training positively influenced on the skull axis of the concepts.