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Leiss L, Ramphaleng T, Bacci N, Houlton TMR, García-Donas JG. Osteon shape variation in the femoral diaphysis: A geometric-morphometric approach on human cortical bone microstructure in an elderly sample. J Forensic Sci 2024; 69:1826-1839. [PMID: 38992860 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Geometric morphometrics (GMM) have been applied to understand morphological variation in biological structures. However, research studying cortical bone through geometric histomorphometrics (GHMM) is scarce. This research aims to develop a landmark-based GHMM protocol to depict osteonal shape variation in the femoral diaphysis, exploring the role of age and biomechanics in bone microstructure. Proximal, midshaft, and distal anatomical segments from the femoral diaphysis of six individuals were assessed, with 864 secondary intact osteons from eight periosteal sampling areas being manually landmarked. Observer error was tested using Procrustes ANOVA. Average osteonal shape and anatomical segment-specific variation were explored using principal component analysis. Osteon shape differences between segments were examined using canonical variate analysis (CVA). Sex differences were assessed through Procrustes ANOVA and discriminant function analysis (DFA). The impact of osteonal size on osteonal shape was investigated. High repeatability and reproducibility in osteon shape landmarking were reported. The average osteon shape captured was an elliptical structure, with PC1 reflecting more circular osteons. Significant differences in osteon shape were observed between proximal and distal segments according to CVA. Osteon shape differed between males and females, with DFA showing 52% cross-validation accuracies. No effect of size on shape was reported. Osteonal shape variation observed in this study might be explained by the elderly nature of the sample as well as biomechanical and physiological mechanisms playing different roles along the femoral diaphysis. Although a larger sample is needed to corroborate these findings, this study contributes to the best of our knowledge on human microanatomy, proposing a novel GHMM approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Leiss
- Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Tshegofatso Ramphaleng
- Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nicholas Bacci
- Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tobias M R Houlton
- Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Julieta G García-Donas
- Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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2
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Gumpangseth T, Mahakkanukrauh P. Age estimation in the combined long bones and ribs by histomorphometry: Past, present, and future. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2024; 64:52-71. [PMID: 37876174 DOI: 10.1177/00258024231208280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Numerous age estimation methods in unidentified bone have been a long time developing for application in forensic anthropology. The histomorphometric technique is one of the alternative methods that relied upon the evaluation of the cortical bone microstructure over the lifespan as a result of the remodeling process in bone. Remodeling is a sophisticated event occurring from the coupled function of bone formation and resorption cells for maintaining mineral homeostasis and repairment of microdamage in bone tissue. Products derived from remodeling are primary changes in the osteon or haversian system in various regions in the cortical bone, including periosteum, endosteum, and trabecular bone. Throughout life, bone remodeling rate with osteon alteration can be predictable. In the forensic field, histological methods are getting more attention due to the unavailability of macroscopic methods. Histomorphometry approach can be accomplished in fragmentary or incomplete bone remains indicating the limited use of gross morphological methods. In addition, the microscopic methods can aid to increase the more accuracy of analyses and diminish the biased subjective assessment for determining age. Most histomorphometry method utilizes a cross-section of the midshaft of the long bones including the mandible, rib, and clavicle. This review provides the basic knowledge of bone biology and anatomy, several age-estimating methods of histology, and crucial factors for age methods. Studies regarding overall age determination methods from the past until now contribute to obtaining more benefits for developing methods of histomorphometry using human bone in forensic identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Treerat Gumpangseth
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Osteology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Pasuk Mahakkanukrauh
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Osteology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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3
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Littek A, McKenna SJ, Chiam WX, Kranioti EF, Trucco E, García-Donas JG. Automatic Segmentation of Osteonal Microstructure in Human Cortical Bone Using Deep Learning: A Proof of Concept. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040619. [PMID: 37106819 PMCID: PMC10135806 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Cortical bone microstructure assessment in biological and forensic anthropology can assist with the estimation of age-at-death and animal-human differentiation, for example. Osteonal structures within cortical bone are the key feature under analysis, with osteon frequency and metric parameters providing crucial information for the assessment. Currently, the histomorphological assessment consists of a time-consuming manual process for which specific training is required. Our work investigates the feasibility of automatic analysis of human bone microstructure images through the application of deep learning. In this paper, we use a U-Net architecture to address the semantic segmentation of such images into three classes: intact osteons, fragmentary osteons, and background. Data augmentation was used to avoid overfitting. We evaluated our fully automatic approach using a sample of 99 microphotographs. The contours of intact and fragmentary osteons were traced manually to provide ground truth. The Dice coefficients were 0.73 for intact osteons, 0.38 for fragmented osteons, and 0.81 for background, giving an average of 0.64. The Dice coefficient of the binary classification osteon-background was 0.82. Although further refinement of the initial model and tests with larger datasets are needed, this study provides, to the best of our knowledge, the first proof of concept for the use of computer vision and deep learning for differentiating both intact and fragmentary osteons in human cortical bone. This approach has the potential to widen and facilitate the use of histomorphological assessment in the biological and forensic anthropology communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Littek
- Computer Vision and Image Processing Group, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Stephen J McKenna
- Computer Vision and Image Processing Group, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Wei Xiong Chiam
- Computer Vision and Image Processing Group, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Elena F Kranioti
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Forensic Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Emanuele Trucco
- Computer Vision and Image Processing Group, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Julieta G García-Donas
- Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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4
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Estimation of Age-at-Death Using Cortical Bone Histomorphometry of the Rib and Femur: A Validation Study on a British Population. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11111615. [DOI: 10.3390/biology11111615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Histomorphometry constitutes a valuable tool for age estimation. Histological interpopulation variability has been shown to affect the accuracy of age estimation techniques and therefore validation studies are required to test the accuracy of the pre-existing methodologies. The present research constitutes a validation study of widely known histological methods on the sixth rib and the femoral midshaft of a 19th century British population originating from Blackburn, England. An evaluation of the histomorphometric features of eleven ribs and five femora was performed and used to test the accuracy of selected methods. Results indicated that osteon area and circularity were the only histomorphometric variables that presented significant interpopulation variability. Cho et al.’s method for the ribs and the average value produced using Kerley and Ubelaker’s method for intact osteon and percentage of lamellar bone equations for femur were considered the only reliable markers for estimating the age on the Blackburn sample. In the case of old individuals, Goliath et al.’s method provided more satisfactory results. Overall, the present study provides evidence on the applicability of the aging histomorphometric methods on a British sample and highlights the limitations of applying histomorphometric methods developed on different reference populations than the one under investigation.
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The Effects of Experimental Whole-Body Burning on Histological Age-at-Death Estimation from Human Cortical Bone and Dental Cementum. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11111569. [PMID: 36358272 PMCID: PMC9687164 DOI: 10.3390/biology11111569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Whole-body donations (n = 6) were placed in various experimental fire-death scenarios to understand the histological effects of thermal alteration on bones and teeth. Midshaft samples of the femur, 6th rib, and metatarsal were removed from each donor pre- and post-burning to examine histomorphometric differences and test established age-at-death estimation methods. Dental samples were taken post-burning to test the applicability of dental cementum analysis for age-at-death estimation. Significant differences in osteon area or Haversian canal area between some pre- and post-burn samples were found although no patterns related to temperature or element were observable. The femoral age estimates across pre- and post-burn samples were 91% accurate across all donors. The point age estimates from the ribs compared to known age were significantly different (t(10) = 6.88, p < 0.001) with an average difference of −18.53 years. Dental age estimates of post-burn samples were not significantly different from the known donor age (t(3) = −0.74, p = 0.512) with an average difference of −3.96 years. Overall, the results of this study show that thermally altered remains can be used for histologic age-at-death analysis of cortical bone and dental cementum, within certain burning parameters.
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Maggiano IS, Maggiano CM, Cooper DML. Osteon circularity and longitudinal morphology: Quantitative and qualitative three-dimensional perspectives on human Haversian systems. Micron 2021; 140:102955. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2020.102955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Rib histomorphometry: A reliability and validation study with a critical review of histological techniques for forensic age estimation. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2021; 49:101827. [PMID: 33383353 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Fragmented human remains present a challenge for forensic experts as they attempt to identify individuals using standard forensic methods. Several histological age estimation techniques have been developed during the last fifty years to aid in this process. However, very few validation studies have been conducted in order to test their accuracy and bias, and thus, validation assessment is required as we employ them while testifying in court. Histological variables are assessed from rib thin sections from two Mediterranean samples; Cretans (N = 41) and Greek-Cypriots (N = 47). Intra and inter-observer errors are assessed through TEM analysis and Intra-class Correlation Coefficient by testing observers with different levels of experience as they collected data on osteon counts and area measurements. The relation between the variables and age is determined using correlation coefficients. Histomorphometric data are applied to four widely used age estimation formulas assessing the performance of the methods for the entire sample. Inaccuracy and bias are calculated with age estimations and known age tested for significance and proportional bias assessed. Overall, histological parameters presented acceptable intra- and inter-observer errors. All variables exhibited statistically significant correlation with age (P < 0.01). For three of the techniques, data showed a systematic underestimation of age with an increase in inaccuracy in older individuals. One of the age estimation formulas produced overestimation of young individuals yet, it more accurately estimated the age of older individuals. This validation study explores inter-population variation in bone remodeling dynamics and presents a critical evaluation on methodological issues that can affect the performance of existing histological techniques.
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Maggio A, Franklin D. Femoral histomorphometric age-at-death studies: The issue of sample size and standard error. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2020; 60:257-265. [PMID: 32757743 DOI: 10.1177/0025802420945939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Extant histomorphometric aging methods based on the analysis of the femoral cortex generally report small samples (N<100) and highly variable standard error of the estimate (SEE) values (±1.51‒16.98 years). The present paper reviews the published literature on femoral histomorphometry for age-at-death estimation in order to examine the relationship between sample size and SEE values, and makes recommendations for minimum reporting requirements for age-at-death studies based on statistical data. The SEE from a total of 33 studies are analysed. Sample size and confidence intervals are explored using Hennig and Cooper's simulation modelling. Analysis of effect size through a fixed-effect model is performed on 5/33 studies to examine the relationship between sample size and effect size. The pooled sex formulae from Nor et al., Martrille et al. and Thompson and the two sex-specific formulae of Pfeiffer are examined, as they report mean and standard deviation values for both chronological and estimated ages. The results of these analyses support sampling theory, specifically wide variation in SEE when N<100, narrowing as the sample size increases, and lower effect sizes in the larger of the five studies examined. The findings provide some support for a minimum threshold of 100‒150 individuals for histomorphometric age-at-death estimation. Analysis of effect size is suggested for future investigation in meta-analyses of forensic anthropological age-estimation studies. To ensure increased precision and meaningful comparison, large samples should be used for histomorphometry, and authors should report SEE and discrete statistics (e.g. n, mean, standard deviation) for both chronological age and estimated age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Maggio
- Centre for Forensic Anthropology, 2720University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Daniel Franklin
- Centre for Forensic Anthropology, 2720University of Western Australia, Australia
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Gastaldi D, Baleani M, Fognani R, Airaghi F, Bonanni L, Vena P. An experimental procedure to perform mechanical characterization of small-sized bone specimens from thin femoral cortical wall. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 112:104046. [PMID: 32911224 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.104046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The cortical shell of the femoral neck plays a role in determining the overall neck strength. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the mechanical properties of cortical tissue of the femoral neck due to challenges in implementing accurate testing protocols for the thin shell. Indeed, mechanical properties are commonly derived from mechanical testing performed on tissue samples extracted from the femoral diaphysis, i.e. assuming tissue homogeneity along the femur. The aim of this work was to set up a reliable methodology to determine mechanical properties of bone samples extracted from thin cortical shell of the femoral neck. A three-point bending test was used to determine elastic and post-elastic properties of cortical bone samples extracted from the inferior and superior femoral neck. An optical system was used to monitor the sample deflection. Accuracy was preliminarily evaluated by determining the elastic modulus of an aluminium alloy. A good intra- and inter-sample variability was found on determining aluminium elastic modulus: 1.6% and 3.6%, respectively. Additionally, aluminium elastic modulus value was underestimated by less than 1%. A pilot trial was performed on a human femoral neck to assess the procedure feasibility. A total of 22 samples were extracted from the inferior and superior femoral neck and successfully tested. Preliminary results suggest that mechanical properties of cortical bone tissue extracted from human femoral neck might be side dependent, the superior tissue seems to exhibit better mechanical properties than the inferior one, at least in terms of yield stress and maximum strain. This supposedly different mechanical competence must be further investigated. The proposed procedure makes it feasible to carry out such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Gastaldi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering Giulio Natta, Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics (LaBS) - Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Baleani
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Laboratorio di Tecnologia Medica, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Roberta Fognani
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Laboratorio di Tecnologia Medica, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Fulvio Airaghi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering Giulio Natta, Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics (LaBS) - Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Livio Bonanni
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering Giulio Natta, Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics (LaBS) - Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Vena
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering Giulio Natta, Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics (LaBS) - Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy.
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10
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Miszkiewicz JJ. The importance of open access software in the analysis of bone histology in biological anthropology. Evol Anthropol 2020; 29:165-167. [PMID: 32749050 DOI: 10.1002/evan.21859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna J Miszkiewicz
- School of Archaeology and Anthropology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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11
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Lagacé F, Schmitt A, Martrille L, Benassi J, Adalian P. Using histomorphometry for human and nonhuman distinction: A test of four methods on fresh and archaeological fragmented bones. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 313:110369. [PMID: 32593113 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Positive identification of human remains is the very first step in anthropological analysis, and the task may be particularly difficult in the case of fragmented bones. Histomorphometry methods have been developed to discriminate human from nonhuman bones, based on differences in the size and shape of Haversian systems between the two groups. Those methods all focus on a very specific type of bone, section, and zone. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test the efficiency of four histomorphometric methods on a sample of fragmented bones. The sample is composed of 37 archaeological and fresh specimens, 25 nonhumans (Bos taurus, Equus caballus, Sus scrofa, Capreolus, Canis familiaris, Cervus elaphus, Ovis, and Capra) and 12 humans (Homo sapiens). Eight histomorphometric criteria were collected from all intact osteons visible on each fragment and then inserted into the corresponding discriminate function of each method. The results were compared with the real origin to establish rates of correct classification for each method. The methods of Martiniaková et al. (2006) and Crescimanno and Stout (2012) obtained very low percentages of good classification (32 % and 67 %). Those of Cattaneo et al. (1999) obtained 94 % correct classification, but only after a correction of the units of measurement for Haversian canal area in their formula. The methods of Dominguez and Crowder (2012) obtained an 86 % rate for well-classified specimens. Some of the methods tested here contain errors in the original publication that make them unusable in their current state. Plus, it seems that histomorphometric methods developed from specific areas are more difficult to apply to fragments. A reduced number of intact osteons analyzed may partially affect the reliability of the method by being unrepresentative of the entire microstructure. Therefore, this study demonstrates that one should be cautious with the use of histomorphometric methods to distinguish human and nonhuman fragmented bone until further research can refine these methods to achieve greater reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laurent Martrille
- CHU Nancy, Pôle URM, Service de médecine légale, Nancy, F-54000, France
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12
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Kranioti EF, Michopoulou E, Tsiminikaki K, Bonicelli A, Kalochristianakis M, Xhemali B, Paine RR, García-Donas JG. Bone histomorphometry of the clavicle in a forensic sample from Albania. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 313:110335. [PMID: 32502740 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Forensic assessment of skeletal material includes age estimation of unknown individuals. When dealing with extremely fragmented human remains that lack macro-features used in age estimation, histological assessment of the skeletal elements can be employed. Historically, microscopic methods for age assessment used by forensic anthropologists have been available since 1965. Several skeletal elements have been used for this purpose. Among them, the clavicle has garnered very little attention. The purpose of this study is to explore the validity of clavicular histomorphometry as an age marker in a modern Balkan sample. This study examined a modern clavicular autopsy sample from Albania. The sample consisted of 33 individuals of known age and cause of death. Data were collected for micro-anatomical features including osteon population density (OPD) and cortical area. Intra- and inter-observer errors were assessed through technical error of measurement (TEM) and R coefficient. A validation study was performed in order to test the accuracy of existing histological formulae. Regression analysis was run to developed age prediction models with the best models tested through cross-validation and the comparison between OPD for the Albanian sample and a European-American sample examined. Intra- and inter-observer error TEM results demonstrated values falling within the limits of acceptance. The existing histological methods did not perform accurately on the sample under study. Regression equations for Albanians produced age estimations deviating 8 and 11 years from known age. Cross-validation on the most accurate regression formula which includes OPD as a single variable demonstrated similar mean errors. Statistically significant differences were observed between the Albanian and the European-American population when the two samples were compared. The research presented is the fifth article published and the fifth population explored on clavicular microstructure. The potential of histology to estimate age on the Albanian population is shown here; however, population effect, diet and health status might be considered. Further inclusion of individuals will corroborate our preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena F Kranioti
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Forensic Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
| | - Effrosyni Michopoulou
- School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Konstantina Tsiminikaki
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Forensic Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Andrea Bonicelli
- School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Michalis Kalochristianakis
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Forensic Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Bledar Xhemali
- Forensic Institute, Department of Forensic Medicine, Tirana, Albania
| | - Robert R Paine
- Department of Environmental Biology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Julieta G García-Donas
- School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK; Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, DD1 5EH Scotland, UK
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13
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Zadravec M, Maltar-Strmečki N, Kužir S, Gomerčić T, Mitak M, Đuras M. Aging-related histomorphometric changes in cortical bone tissue of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-020-00487-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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14
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Maggio A, Franklin D. Histomorphometric age estimation from the femoral cortex: A test of three methods in an Australian population. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 303:109950. [PMID: 31542400 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Histological methods can be used forensically to estimate age-at-death based on patterns of change in osteon shape, size, and population density, all of which result from the continuous process of bone remodelling. The present study examines the applicability of three existing histological age-at-death estimation methods as applied to an Australian population of known age and sex. Microradiographs from 50 mid-shaft femora thin sections, equally divided by sex, were obtained from the Melbourne Femur Reference Collection (MFRC); stated chronological age-at-death is 18 to 88 years. Osteon shape metrics are measured using ImageJ and the age-at-death prediction formulae of i) Singh and Gunberg, ii) Keough et al., and iii) Goliath et al. are applied. The relationship between estimated and actual age-at-death is then statistically quantified. All three formulae demonstrate pooled and sex-specific SEE values in excess of 20 years: i) pooled ±22.92 (♂±20.91, ♀±25.20); ii) ±20.79 (♂±20.96, ♀±21.05); and iii) ±35.43 (♂±32.68, ♀±38.66). When individuals under 40 years of age were excluded from the analysis, only two of the methods demonstrated increased accuracy: i) pooled ±20.87 (♂ ±17.47, ♀ ±23.70); ii) pooled ±18.21 (♂±16.51, ♀±19.90); and iii) pooled ±41.18 (♂ ±40.12, ♀ 43.05). The present study represents a preliminary investigation of the accuracy of existing histological age-at-death standards applied in an Australian population of known age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Maggio
- Centre for Forensic Anthropology, School of Social Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - Daniel Franklin
- Centre for Forensic Anthropology, School of Social Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Pfeiffer S, Cameron ME, Sealy J, Beresheim AC. Diet and adult age-at-death among mobile foragers: A synthesis of bioarcheological methods. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2019; 170:131-147. [PMID: 31265761 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The research explores whether the combined study of cortical bone histology, bone morphology, and dietary stable isotopes can expand insights into past human health and adaptations, particularly dietary sufficiency and life span. MATERIALS AND METHODS Midthoracic rib cortices from 54 South African Late Holocene adult skeletons (28 M, 24 F, two sex undetermined) are assessed by transmitted-light microscopy for cross-sectional area measurements, osteon area (On.Ar), osteon population density, and presence/absence of secondary osteon variants. Values for δ13 Cbone collagen , δ15 Nbone collagen , 14 C dates, Southwestern and Southern Cape geographic regions, body size measures, estimated ages-at-death from both morphological and histological methods are integrated into analyses, which include Spearman correlations, χ2 tests and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVAs. RESULTS There is reduced On.Ar variability with higher δ15 N (r = -.41, p = .005); rib %cortical area and δ15 N are negatively correlated in the Southern Cape group (r = -.60, p = .03). Osteon variants are more common in older adults; histological ages at death are significantly older than those determined from gross morphology. DISCUSSION We found bone tissue relationships with measures of diet composition, but indicators of dietary adequacy remain elusive. Relationships of tissue quality and isotopes suggest that some Southern Cape adults lived long lives. Osteon variants are associated with age-at-death; some association with diet remains possible. Gross morphological methods appear to underestimate adult ages-at-death, at least among small-bodied adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Pfeiffer
- Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Judith Sealy
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Amy C Beresheim
- Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Anatomy, Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa
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Pitfield R, Deter C, Mahoney P. Bone histomorphometric measures of physical activity in children from medieval England. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2019; 169:730-746. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Pitfield
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Chris Deter
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Patrick Mahoney
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
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17
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Pitfield R, Miszkiewicz JJ, Mahoney P. Microscopic markers of an infradian biorhythm in human juvenile ribs. Bone 2019; 120:403-410. [PMID: 30503954 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2018.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that there may be an infradian systemic biorhythm that coordinates aspects of human hard tissue growth and influences adult body size. Here we investigate if evidence of this biorhythm retained in human teeth as the periodicity of Retzius lines (RP) corresponds with the microstructural growth of a non-weight bearing bone, the rib, in a sample of 50 human juvenile skeletons. Using static histomorphometric methods, the RP of one permanent tooth from each skeleton was calculated and combined with measures of bone remodeling in a rib from the same individual. Results provide the first evidence that the infradian biorhythm is linked to bone remodeling in children. Retzius periodicity was negatively correlated with relative osteon area (r = -0.563, p = 0.008) and positively related to Haversian canal area (r = 0.635, p = 0.002) and diameter (r = 0.671, p = 0.001) in children between the age of 8 to 12 years. There was also a negative correlation between RP and the relative cortical area of ribs (r = -0.500, p = 0.048). Relationships between bone remodeling and the biorhythm were much more variable in younger children. Results imply that as the biorhythm speeds up there is increased bone deposition during remodeling of the rib, leading to the larger osteonal lamellar bone areas and smaller Haversian canals in children between 8 and 12 years of age. Our results support the idea that there is an infradian biorhythm that coordinates aspects of human hard tissue growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Pitfield
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NR, England, United Kingdom.
| | - Justyna J Miszkiewicz
- Skeletal Biology and Forensic Anthropology Research Group, School of Archaeology and Anthropology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Patrick Mahoney
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NR, England, United Kingdom
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18
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Lagacé F, Verna E, Adalian P, Baccino E, Martrille L. Testing the accuracy of a new histomorphometric method for age-at-death estimation. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 296:48-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Andreasen CM, Delaisse JM, van der Eerden BCJ, van Leeuwen JPTM, Ding M, Andersen TL. Understanding age-induced cortical porosity in women: Is a negative BMU balance in quiescent osteons a major contributor? Bone 2018; 117:70-82. [PMID: 30240959 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cortical bone is remodeled by intracortical basic multicellular units (BMUs), whose end result can be observed as quiescent osteons in histological sections. These osteons offer a unique opportunity to investigate the BMU balance between the magnitude of bone resorption and subsequent bone formation at the BMU level. Our main objective was to investigate whether the latter parameters change between defined categories of osteons and with age, and to which extend these changes contribute to age-induced cortical porosity. Cortices of iliac bone specimens from 35 women (aged 16-78 years) with a higher porosity with age were investigated. A total of 3084 quiescent osteons reflecting 75% of the intracortical pores were histological examined. The osteons diameter, pore diameter, wall thickness, prevalence and contribution to the porosity were highly variable, but unchanged with age. Next, the osteons were categorized according to whether they reflected the remodeling of existing canals (type 2Q osteons) or the generation of new canals (type 1Q osteons). Type 2Q osteons versus type 1Q osteons: (i) had more frequently a pore diameter > 75 μm (7.4 vs. 1.3%; p < 0.001); (ii) had a larger mean pore diameter (40 ± 10 vs. 25 ± 4 μm; p < 0.001), osteon diameter (120 ± 21 vs. 94 ± 21 μm; p < 0.001) and wall thickness (40 ± 10 vs. 35 ± 9; p < 0.05); (iii) had a larger contribution to the cortical porosity (29 ± 18 vs. 8 ± 8%; p < 0.001); (iv) were more prevalent (44 ± 10 vs. 31 ± 11%; p < 0.001); and (v) were more prevalent with age. Collectively, this study demonstrates that quiescent osteons with age more frequently result from remodeling of existing canals, which in some cases had a more negative BMU balance. Still, the osteons showed no overall age-related change in their pore diameter i.e. BMU balance. In contrast to conventional wisdom, these data show that non-quiescent pores, not pores of quiescent osteons, were the main contributor to a higher cortical porosity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Andreasen
- Clinical Cell Biology, Vejle Hospital - Lillebaelt Hospital, Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark; Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, Odense University Hospital, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark.
| | - Jean-Marie Delaisse
- Clinical Cell Biology, Vejle Hospital - Lillebaelt Hospital, Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark.
| | - Bram C J van der Eerden
- Laboratory for Calcium and Bone Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Johannes P T M van Leeuwen
- Laboratory for Calcium and Bone Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Ming Ding
- Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, Odense University Hospital, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark.
| | - Thomas L Andersen
- Clinical Cell Biology, Vejle Hospital - Lillebaelt Hospital, Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark.
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Diversity in intracortical remodeling in the human femoral bone: A novel view point with the morphological analysis of secondary osteons. J Orthop Sci 2018; 23:1079-1086. [PMID: 30145105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jos.2018.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In humans, intracortical bone remodeling is performed by a basic multicellular unit (BMU) composed of osteoclasts and osteoblasts penetrating through cortical bones. As a result, secondary osteons and their boundaries, cement lines, can be observed on the transverse section. There have been few reports mention whether there is diversity within a single individual and on the relevance to bone remodeling. The purpose of this study is to investigate the morphological diversity of secondary osteons in human femoral bone and to examine the relationship with bone remodeling. MATERIAL AND METHODS First of all, we developed an original method to get the cross-sectional images of the cortical bones around the whole circumference for the purpose of evaluating the morphology of the secondary osteon exhaustively. Then, a total of ten cross-sectional slices from one right human femoral bone of male were prepared and stained with this method. The osteon population density and complexity of cement lines in osteons were evaluated in detail. RESULTS Within this femoral bone, the osteon population density was significantly higher in the periosteal side and in the posterior area. Conversely, the cement line density and the osteon complexity were higher in the endosteal side; the proportion of complexed osteon significantly increased from the periosteal side toward the endosteal side. DISCUSSION The results suggested that there were diversities in osteon population densities and osteon morphological pattern within one human femoral bone. It seemed that the BMUs ran to avoid the existing regions of osteon in the periosteal sides and to overlap the existing osteon in the endosteal sides. This seemed to be one of the novel viewpoints in the morphological analysis of secondary osteons. It might be better for the orthopedic surgeons to be aware that the osteon distribution in the cortical bone is not uniform.
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Beresheim AC, Pfeiffer SK, Alblas A. The Influence of Body Size and Bone Mass on Cortical Bone Histomorphometry in Human Ribs. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 301:1788-1796. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy C. Beresheim
- Department of Anthropology; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Susan K. Pfeiffer
- Department of Anthropology; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Archaeology; University of Cape Town; Rondebosch South Africa
| | - Amanda Alblas
- Division of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University; Cape Town South Africa
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Beresheim AC, Pfeiffer SK, Grynpas MD, Alblas A. Sex-specific patterns in cortical and trabecular bone microstructure in the Kirsten Skeletal Collection, South Africa. Am J Hum Biol 2018; 30:e23108. [PMID: 29411454 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to provide bone histomorphometric reference data for South Africans of the Western Cape who likely dealt with health issues under the apartheid regime. METHODS The 206 adult individuals (n female = 75, n male = 131, mean = 47.9 ± 15.8 years) from the Kirsten Skeletal Collection, U. Stellenbosch, lived in the Cape Town metropole from the late 1960s to the mid-1990s. To study age-related changes in cortical and trabecular bone microstructure, photomontages of mid-thoracic rib cross-sections were quantitatively examined. Variables include relative cortical area (Rt.Ct.Ar), osteon population density (OPD), osteon area (On.Ar), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp). RESULTS All cortical variables demonstrated significant relationships with age in both sexes, with women showing stronger overall age associations. Peak bone mass was compromised in some men, possibly reflecting poor nutritional quality and/or substance abuse issues throughout adolescence and early adulthood. In women, greater predicted decrements in On.Ar and Rt.Ct.Ar suggest a structural disadvantage with age, consistent with postmenopausal bone loss. Age-related patterns in trabecular bone microarchitecture are variable and difficult to explain. Except for Tb.Th, there are no statistically significant relationships with age in women. Men demonstrate significant negative correlations between BV/TV, Tb.N, and age, and a significant positive correlation between Tb.Sp and age. CONCLUSIONS This research highlights sex-specific differences in patterns of age-related bone loss, and provides context for discussion of contemporary South African bone health. While the study sample demonstrates indicators of poor bone quality, osteoporosis research continues to be under-prioritized in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Beresheim
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 2S2, Canada
| | - Susan K Pfeiffer
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 2S2, Canada.,Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Marc D Grynpas
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5T 3L9, Canada.,Mount Sinai Hospital, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Amanda Alblas
- Division of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
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Yu WL, Cen HP, Wu XG, Guo Y, Li CX, Wang YQ, Chen WY. Finite Element Study of the Effect of Osteon Morphology Variation Related Ageing, Osteoporosis, or Physical Activity Level on Its Poroelastic Behaviors. J HARD TISSUE BIOL 2018. [DOI: 10.2485/jhtb.27.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lun Yu
- College of Biomedical Engineering , Taiyuan University of Technology
| | - Hai-Peng Cen
- Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University
| | - Xiao-Gang Wu
- College of Biomedical Engineering , Taiyuan University of Technology
| | - Yuan Guo
- College of Biomedical Engineering , Taiyuan University of Technology
| | - Chao-Xin Li
- College of Biomedical Engineering , Taiyuan University of Technology
| | - Yan-Qin Wang
- College of Biomedical Engineering , Taiyuan University of Technology
| | - Wei-Yi Chen
- College of Biomedical Engineering , Taiyuan University of Technology
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24
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Keenan KE, Mears CS, Skedros JG. Utility of osteon circularity for determining species and interpreting load history in primates and nonprimates. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2017; 162:657-681. [PMID: 28121024 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Histomorphological analyses of bones are used to estimate an individual's chronological age, interpret a bone's load history, and differentiate species. Among various histomorphological characteristics that can influence mechanical properties of cortical bone, secondary osteon (Haversian system) population density and predominant collagen fiber orientation are particularly important. Cross-sectional shape characteristics of secondary osteons (On.Cr = osteon circularity, On.El = osteon ellipticality) are considered helpful in these contexts, but more robust proof is needed. We sought to determine if variations in osteon shape characteristics are sufficient for accurately differentiating species, load-complexity categories, and regional habitual strain-mode distributions (e.g., tension vs. compression regions). MATERIALS AND METHODS Circularly polarized light images were obtained from 100-micron transverse sections from diaphyses of adult deer calcanei; sheep calcanei, radii, and tibiae; equine calcanei, radii, and third metacarpals (MC3s); chimpanzee femora; and human femora and fibulae. Osteon cross-sectional area (On.Ar), On.Cr, and On.El were quantified indiscriminately and in the contexts of load-complexity and regional strain-mode distributions. RESULTS On.Cr and On.El, when examined independently in terms of all data, or mean (nested) data, for each bone, exceeded 80% accuracy in the inter-species comparisons only with respect to distinguishing humans from nonhumans. Correct classification among the nonhuman species was <70%. When On.Cr and On.El were coupled together and with On.Ar in discriminant function analyses (nested and unnested data) there were high misclassifications in all but human vs. nonhuman comparisons. DISCUSSION Frequent misclassifications in nonhuman comparisons might reflect influences of habitual load complexity and/or strain-mode distributions, or other factors not accounted for by these two considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra E Keenan
- Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, George E. Whalen Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Chad S Mears
- Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, George E. Whalen Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - John G Skedros
- Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, George E. Whalen Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132
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