A large modern Southeast Asian human skeletal collection from Thailand.

The Khon Kaen University Human Skeleton Research Centre has a large human collection consisting of 745 modern northeastern Thai (Isan) skeletons derived from bodies bequeathed to the Department of Anatomy during the period 1979-2014. The aim of this paper is to document the collection and address the question of whether the collection may be representative of local Isan people, or populations of the wider region of mainland Southeast Asia. This will determine its value as a reference collection for forensic anthropology in particular but also for all other fields of research about human skeletal biology. Sex is recorded for 99.6% of the skeletons, and age at death for 91.7%. The collection consists of two-thirds males, one-third females. It includes 10 individuals less than 19 years of age, and adults ranging in age from 20 to 109 years of age. Average age at death is 62 years. Other data available for smaller proportions of the collection include cause of death, occupation, and height and weight at the time of donation. Dates of birth are estimated to range from the late 19th Century to the most recent in 1988. Analysis of the demographic composition of the collection shows that is likely to be representative of the ancestral mix of the Isan people, and of the village farmers who still form a large portion of the Isan population. It may also represent 20th Century populations of much of Southeast Asia where agriculture dominates the economy. The collection forms a valuable resource for research on regional human skeletal characteristics for use in forensic anthropology.

Morphometry of Isan-Thai clavicles as a guide for sex determination / Morfometría de las clavículas en una población Isan-Thai como guía para la determinación del sexo

The dried clavicles have been well documented to determine individual sex and age in many races. Such morphometric investigations in Isan (Northeastern) Thais have never been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the sex from dried clavicles of Isan-Thais using morphometric analysis. The identified 454 dried clavicles (254 males and 200 females), averaged age (60.69±14.36 years) were measured and analyzed for identification point (IP) and the demarking point (DP) values. The results showed that the identified-bone percentages by IP of the maximum clavicular lengths in males and females were 90.55 % (>139.9 mm) and 89 % (<140.6 mm). In addition, such percentages of the mid shaft circumference measured in male clavicles was 83.46 % (>37.7 mm) and in females was 75 % (<37.0 mm). However, percentages of the DP in all parameters were less than 50%. The highest DP values of maximum length of male clavicles was 43.31% (>152.5). In conclusion, the maximum length and mid shaft circumference investigated from this study can be used as basic data of Isan ­ Thais for applying as a guide in forensic sciences for sex determination from dried clavicle remains.

Las clavículas secas han sido bien documentadas en muchas razas para determinar el sexo y la edad individuales. Tales investigaciones morfométricas en Isan (Noreste de Tailandia) nunca han sido reportadas. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar el sexo de clavículas secas de Isais-Thais utilizando un análisis morfométrico. Se midieron 454 clavículas secas (254 varones y 200 hembras), con una edad media de 60,69 ± 14,36 años, y fueron analizadas para los puntos de identificación (IP) y de demarcación (DP). Los resultados mostraron que los porcentajes de hueso identificados por IP en relación a la longitud clavicular máxima en hombres y mujeres fueron 90,55 % (> 139,9 mm) y 89 % (<140,6 mm), respectivamente. Además, tales porcentajes de circunferencia media del eje, medido en las clavículas de los hombres, fue 83,46 % (> 37,7 mm) y en las de mujeres fue 75 % (<37,0 mm). Sin embargo, los porcentajes de la DP en todos los parámetros fueron menores al 50 %. Los valores más altos de DP de longitud máxima de las clavículas de los hombres fue 43,31 % (> 152,5). En conclusión, la longitud máxima y la circunferencia media del eje investigados a partir de este estudio se pueden utilizar como datos básicos en Isan - Thais para aplicar como guía en las ciencias forenses para la determinación del sexo a partir de restos de clavícula secas.

Incidence of Clavicular Rhomboid Fossa in Northeastern Thais: An Anthropological Study.

The rhomboid fossa of clavicle is used to determine the age and sex in anthropology and forensic sciences. The variant types of rhomboid fossa on inferior surface have been reported in many races except in Thais. This study therefore was aimed at classifying the types of the rhomboid fossa in Northeastern Thais. The identified 476 Northeastern Thais dried clavicles (270 males and 206 females) were observed and recorded for the types of rhomboid fossa. The results showed that Thai-rhomboid fossa could be classified into 4 types: Type 1: smooth; Type 2: flat; Type 3: elevated; and Type 4: depressed, respectively. The incidences of rhomboid fossa were as follows: Type 1: 0.21%; Type 2: 19.75%; Type 3: 76.26%; and Type 4: 3.78%, respectively. Additionally, it was found that the percentage of Type 4 (11.84%) was much greater than that of female (1.94%) compared to other types. This incidence of rhomboid fossa types especially Type 4 may be a basic knowledge to be used in sex identification. The high incidence of rhomboid fossa in both sexes of Northeastern Thai clavicles was Type 3 (elevated type).

Correlation between Microvascular Density and Matrix Metalloproteinase 11 Expression in Prostate Cancer Tissues: a Preliminary Study in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is a major concern of public health. Microvascular density (MVD) is one of the prognostic markers for various solid cancers. Matrix metalloproteinase 11 (MMP11) plays an important role in angiogenesis and changes in its expression level are known to be associated with tumor progression and clinical outcome. AIM: To investigate the relationship between MVD and MMP11 expression in prostatic adenocarcinoma tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression levels of MMP11 and MVD were analyzed immunohistochemically for 50 specimens of prostatic adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: MMP11 was mainly expressed in stromal cells but rarely seen in epithelial cells. Mean MVD was 36/mm2, and it was correlated significantly only with bone metastases. MVD was also significantly correlated with MMP11 expression (r=0.29, p=0.044). CONCLUSIONS: MMP11 may alter the stromal microenvironment of prostate cancer to stimulate tumor angiogenesis.

Incidence of metopism in adult Thai skulls / Incidencia de metopismo en cráneos tailandeses adultos

The persistent metopic suture on adult skull (also known as metopism) can confuse the clinicians during diagnosis of the frontal bone fractures in emergency conditions. The incidences of metopism have been documented in many populations except in Thais. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the incidence of metopism in adult Thai skulls. The identified 706 Thai dried skulls (481 males and 225 females) were carried out for metopic suture observations. The results showed that 53 skulls (7.51%) were present of the metopic sutures. The metopism observed could be classified into major two types (complete metopic suture (20 skulls [2.83%]) and incomplete metopic suture (33 skulls [4.67%]). For the incomplete metopic suture could be further classified into two subtypes, bregma-incomplete metopic suture and nasion- incomplete metopic suture. This incidence maybe a basic information for Thai radiologists to concern about metopic suture in emergency diagnosis of frontal bone fractures.

La persistencia de la sutura metópica en el cráneo adulto (también conocido como metopismo) puede provocar confusión en los médicos durante el diagnóstico de las fracturas de los huesos frontales en situaciones de emergencia. La incidencia de metopismo se ha documentado en muchas poblaciones, excepto en individuos tailandeses. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la incidencia de metopismo en cráneos tailandeses adultos. Se identificaron 706 cráneos secos (481 hombres y 225 mujeres) y se llevó a cabo la observación de ls sutura metópica. Los resultados mostraron que en 53 cráneos (7,51%) estaba presente la sutura metópica. Según nuestras observaciones, el metopismo podría ser clasificado en dos tipos principales: sutura metópica completa (20 cráneos [2,83%]) y sutura metópica incompleta (33 cráneos 4,67%). A su vez, la sutura metópica incompleta podría ser clasificada en dos subtipos: sutura metópica incompleta "bregma" y sutura metópica incompleta "nasion". Consideramos que la indicedencia de metopismo registrado en este trabajo configura una información de relevancia para los radiólogos tailandeses en relación a la sutura metópica y el correcto diagnóstico en la emergencia de fracturas óseas frontales.

Morphological study of subaxial cervical pedicles by using three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction image.

Malpositioning of cervical screws risks neurovascular injury. A cervical screw fixation system can provide proper rigidity, alignment correction, and high rates of fusion afforded by high pullout biomechanical strength. The objective is to assess the dimensions and axis of the C3-C7 cervical pedicles. A 1-mm slice thickness computed tomography (CT) scan of the cervical spine of 30 patients (15 males, 15 females) were analyzed and reconstructed in three-dimensions using Mimics(®) 10.01 software. We measured pedicle axis length (PAL), pedicle and lateral mass length (PL-LM), pedicle length (PL), outer pedicle width (OPW), and pedicle transverse angle (PTA) from the axial image and outer pedicle height (OPH) and pedicle sagittal angle (PSA) from the sagittal image. The OPH and OPW at all subaxial cervical spines were suitable for insertion of 3.5 mm cervical pedicle screws. PSA was directed cranially at C3 to C5 (13.84, 7.09, and 2.71) and directed caudally at C6 and C7 (-4.55, -6.94). PTA was greatest at C5 and smallest at C7. The respective difference between the left and right side for nearly all parameters was not statistically significant (except for C6 PL and C7 OPH). Females had a significantly smaller OPH and OPW than males at nearly all levels. The PTA was not significantly different between the sexes. Cervical pedicle screw fixation in the Thai population can be safely performed and guidelines for insertion at each vertebra documented. Appropriate preoperative planning is necessary to achieve safe and accurate placement of the screws.

Overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase 11 in Thai prostatic adenocarcinoma is associated with poor survival.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers in elderly men, is increasing annually in Thailand. Matrix metalloproteinase 11 (MMP-11) is a member of the extracellular matrix metalloproteases which has been associated with human tumor progression and clinical outcome. AIM: To quantify MMP-11 expression in prostatic adenocarcinoma tissues and to determine whether its overexpression correlates with survival outcome, and to assess its potential as a new prognostic marker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expression of MMP-11 was analyzed using immunohistochemistry in 103 Thai patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma. Overall survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression models. RESULTS: Immunoreactivity of MMP-11 was seen in the stroma of prostatic adenocarcinoma tissue samples, high expression being significantly correlated with poor differentiation in Gleason grading, pathologic tumor stage 4 (pT4), and positive-bone metastasis (p<0.05), but not age and prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) level. Patients with high levels of MMP-11 expression demonstrated significantly shorter survival (p<0.001) when compared to those with low levels. Multivariate analysis showed that MMP-11 expression and pT stage were related with survival in prostatic adenocarcinoma [hazard ratio (HR)=0.448, 95% confidence interval (95%CI)=0.212-0.946, HR=0.333, 95%CI=0.15-0.74, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of MMP-11 is significantly associated with survival in prostatic adenocarcinoma. High levels may potentially be used for prediction of a poor prognosis.