Search Results (625)

Auxology is the scientific discipline dedicated to the study of human growth and development, with particular emphasis on the patterns, timing, and biological regulation of physical growth from infancy through adolescence. It integrates medical, biological, anthropological, and clinical perspectives to examine both normal and pathological growth processes, including somatic development, skeletal maturation, and pubertal progression. Historically, Auxology evolved from early anthropometric observations and the emergence of statistical reasoning, which established growth as a measurable and variable biological phenomenon. The discovery of X-rays in the late nineteenth century represented a major methodological advance, enabling direct assessment of skeletal maturation and leading to the development of standardized bone age methods, such as the Greulich and Pyle atlas and the Tanner–Whitehouse system. In recent decades, digital imaging and computational approaches, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, have further enhanced the accuracy and reproducibility of growth assessment. Today, auxology constitutes a fundamental scientific framework in pediatric medicine, epidemiology, and public health for understanding human growth as a dynamic, multifactorial, and context-dependent process. Full article

Background: Adipose tissue surrounds organs and tissues in the body and can alter their function. It could secrete diverse biological molecules, including lipids, cytokines, hormones, and metabolites. In light of all this information, obesity can influence many tissues and organs in the body, and this situation makes obesity a central contributor to multiple disorders. It is very important to investigate the crosstalk between tissues and organs in the body to clarify the key mechanisms of obesity. Methods: In this study, we analyzed the gene expression profiles of the liver, skeletal muscle, blood, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for each tissue, and functional enrichment and protein–protein interaction network analyses were performed on genes commonly identified across tissues. Priority candidate genes were identified using network-based centrality measures, and potential molecular intersection points were explored through host-pathogen interaction network analysis. This study provides an integrative framework for characterizing inter-tissue molecular patterns associated with obesity at the network level. Results: The muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and blood have the highest number of DEGs. The subcutaneous adipose tissue and blood stand out due to the number of DEGs they possess, although liver and visceral adipose tissue have lower amounts. Cancer ranks first in terms of diseases associated with obesity, and this association is accompanied by leukemia, lymphoma, and gastric cancer. RPL15 and RBM39 are the top genes in both degree and betweenness metrics. The host–pathogen interaction network consists of 13 unique-host proteins, 54 unique-pathogen proteins, and 27 unique-pathogen organisms, and the Influenza A virus had the highest interaction. There were a small number of common metabolites in all tissues: 2-Oxoglutarate, Adenosine, Succinate, and D-mannose. Conclusions: In this study, we aimed to identify candidate molecules for obesity using an integrative approach, examining the gene profiles of different organs and tissues. The findings of this study suggest a possible link between obesity and immune-related biological processes. The network obtained from the host-pathogen interaction analysis, and especially the pathways associated with viral infections that stand out in the functional enrichment analysis, may overlap with molecular signatures linked to obesity. Furthermore, the co-occurrence of cytokine signaling, insulin, and glucose metabolism pathways in the enrichment results indicates that the response of cells to insulin may be affected in obese individuals, suggesting a potential interaction between immune and metabolic processes; however, further experimental validation is needed to reveal the direct functional effects of these relationships. Full article

Coastal lakes are highly vulnerable transitional systems in which sedimentological processes and benthic ecological conditions jointly control contaminant accumulation and preservation, particularly in densely urbanized settings. A robust understanding of the physical and ecological characteristics of bottom sediments is therefore essential for the correct interpretation of contaminant distributions, including those of potentially toxic metals. In this study, an integrated sedimentological–ecological approach was applied to Lake Ganzirri, a Mediterranean shallow coastal lake located in northeastern Sicily (Italy), where recent investigations have identified localized heavy metal anomalies in surface sediments. Sediment texture, petrographic and mineralogical composition, malacofaunal assemblages, and lake-floor morpho-bathymetry were systematically analysed using grain-size statistics, faunistic determinations, GIS-based spatial mapping, and bivariate and multivariate statistical methods. The modern lake bottom is dominated by bioclastic quartzo-lithic sands with low fine-grained fractions and variable but locally high contents of calcareous skeletal remains, mainly derived from molluscs. Sediments are texturally heterogeneous, consisting predominantly of coarse-grained sands with lenses of very coarse sand, along with gravel and subordinate medium-grained sands. Both sedimentological features and malacofaunal death assemblages indicate deposition under open-lagoon conditions characterized by brackish waters and relatively high hydrodynamic energy. Spatial comparison between sedimentological–ecological parameters and previously published heavy metal distributions reveals no significant correlations with metal hotspots. The generally low metal concentrations, mostly below regulatory threshold values, are interpreted as being favoured by the high permeability and mobility of coarse sediments and by energetic hydrodynamic conditions limiting fine-particle accumulation. Overall, the integration of sedimentological and ecological data provides a robust framework for interpreting contaminant patterns and offers valuable insights for the environmental assessment and management of vulnerable coastal lake systems, as well as for the understanding of modern lagoonal sedimentary processes. Full article

Background: The shift toward precision orthodontics necessitates population-specific cephalometric databases. Reliance on Eurocentric norms for ethnically diverse populations—particularly underrepresented Middle Eastern groups—represents a significant evidence gap. This study establishes initial normative cephalometric data for Yemeni and Northern Turkish Cypriot (NTC) adults. Methods: This retrospective comparative study analyzed 400 lateral cephalograms from skeletal Class I adults (200 Yemeni and 200 NTC; age 18–40; gender-balanced). Twenty standardized parameters were assessed using VistaDent OC™ software (version 4.2.61, GAC Orthodontic Software solutions, Birmingham, AL, USA). Analyses included *t*-tests, MANOVA, effect size computations (Cohen’s *d*), and variance partitioning. The False Discovery Rate method controlled multiple comparisons. Results: Yemeni adults exhibited a more vertical facial growth pattern (indicated by a lower Jarabak ratio: 60.18 ± 4.50% vs. 65.79 ± 5.20%; *d* = 1.15) and pronounced soft-tissue convexity (N-A-Pog: 5.76 ± 1.20 mm vs. 3.82 ± 1.10 mm; *d* =1.69). NTC adults showed a mild skeletal Class II tendency (ANB: 4.51 ± 1.70° vs. 3.35 ± 1.50°; *d* = 0.72). Ethnicity accounted for 21.3% of craniofacial variance (partial η² = 0.213). Conclusions: This study provides foundational cephalometric reference data for two underrepresented populations. The significant morphological distinctions quantified here underscore the necessity of developing population-specific norms. These data should be considered as one component within comprehensive, individualized diagnostic frameworks in orthodontics, rather than standalone diagnostic criteria. Full article

Background/Objectives: This retrospective study evaluated and compared the cephalometric effects of an elastodontic bioactivator and conventional high-pull headgear in growing patients with hyperdivergent Class II malocclusion. Methods: Patients aged 7–11 years were divided into two groups according to the appliance used for the orthodontic treatment performed: elastodontic device (ED) and high-pull headgear (HPHD). Cephalometric measurements were recorded at baseline (T0) and after 18 months of treatment (T1). The data were subjected to statistical analysis, descriptive statistics were calculated, and an ANOVA test and post hoc Tukey test were performed (repeated measures correction was applied for intragroup comparisons). Linear regressions were conducted. Significance was predetermined as p < 0.05 for all the tests performed. Results: 40 patients were included, 20 belonging to the ED group and 20 to the HPHD group. Both groups showed a significant increase in SNB (p < 0.05), suggesting favorable mandibular positional changes. SNA and ANB did not show significant intra- or intergroup variations (p > 0.05). Regarding vertical skeletal parameters, no significant intra- or intergroup changes were observed at T0 and T1, indicating that both devices preserved vertical stability without worsening the hyperdivergent pattern. Dentoalveolar and soft-tissue effects were limited. Conclusions: Both ED and HPHD are effective in managing hyperdivergent Class II growing patients. The two appliances provide comparable improvements in mandibular positioning. Both devices seem to preserve vertical skeletal dimensions, avoiding further mandibular clockwise rotation. Both appliances are associated with minimal undesirable effects on the soft tissues. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia is a clinically important complication of chronic liver disease (CLD), but its underlying mechanisms may differ according to disease etiology. Quantitative MRI biomarkers, including proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), may help characterize etiology-specific patterns of muscle loss. This study aimed to explore etiology-specific associations between MRI-derived biomarkers and sarcopenia, with a particular focus on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and viral hepatitis. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 131 CLD patients (77 with MASH, 54 with viral hepatitis) who underwent MRI, including PDFF and MRE. Sarcopenia was defined by L2 skeletal muscle index thresholds (<42 cm²/m² for men, <38 cm²/m² for women). Muscle identification was performed by automatic threshold-based segmentation by a single observer. Multivariable logistic regression analyses incorporating interaction terms were performed to evaluate whether associations between MRI biomarkers and sarcopenia differed by etiology. Results: Sarcopenia was present in 56% of patients. In the overall cohort, older age (OR = 1.05, p = 0.01), lower PDFF (OR = 0.93, p = 0.03), and lower liver stiffness (OR = 0.51, p = 0.006) were independently associated with sarcopenia. A significant interaction between BMI and disease etiology was observed (p = 0.02). Subgroup analyses suggested that in MASH, sarcopenia was associated with aging, hepatic fat depletion, and lower stiffness. In contrast, in viral hepatitis, it tended to be associated with higher stiffness and lower BMI. Conclusions: MRI-derived hepatic fat and stiffness reflect distinct etiologic patterns of sarcopenia in CLD—metabolically depleted in MASH and fibrosis-related in viral hepatitis. These findings suggest that sarcopenia in MASH and viral hepatitis may reflect different underlying phenotypic patterns, highlighting the importance of considering disease etiology in imaging-based sarcopenia assessment. The results should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating and warrant validation in prospective studies. Full article

Long bone formation in vertebrates proceeds via endochondral ossification, a sequential process that begins with mesenchymal condensation, advances through cartilage anlage formation, and culminates in its replacement by mineralized bone. Recent advances in inducible lineage tracing and single-cell genomics have revealed that, rather than being a uniform event, mesenchymal condensation rapidly segregates into progenitor pools with distinct fates. Centrally located Sox9⁺/Fgfr3⁺ chondroprogenitors expand into the growth plate and metaphyseal stroma, peripheral Hes1⁺ boundary cells refine condensation via asymmetric division, and outer-layer Dlx5⁺ perichondrial cells generate the bone collar and cortical bone. Concurrently, dorsoventral polarity established by Wnt7a–Lmx1b and En1 ensures that dorsal progenitors retain positional identity throughout development. These lineage divergences integrate with signaling networks, including the Ihh–PTHrP, FGF, BMPs, and WNT/β-catenin networks, which impose temporal control over chondrocyte proliferation, hypertrophy, and vascular invasion. Perturbations in these programs, exemplified by mutations in Fgfr3, Sox9, and Dlx5, underlie region-specific skeletal dysplasias, such as achondroplasia, campomelic dysplasia, and split-hand/foot malformation, demonstrating the lasting impacts of embryonic patterning errors. Based on these insights, regenerative strategies are increasingly drawing upon developmental principles, with organoid cultures recapitulating ossification centers, biomimetic hydrogels engineered for spatiotemporal morphogen delivery, and stem cell- or exosome-based therapies harnessing developmental microRNA networks. By bridging developmental biology with biomaterials science, these approaches provide both a roadmap to unravel skeletal disorders and a blueprint for next-generation therapies to reconstruct functional bones with the precision of the embryonic blueprint. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the menopausal transition on body composition across different body mass categories and to identify menopause-related changes in lean and fat tissue distribution. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 325 women whose clinical and body composition data were extracted from existing records. Participants were classified as premenopausal (controls), perimenopausal, or postmenopausal and further stratified by body mass index (BMI) into normal-weight, overweight, and obesity groups. Body composition had been assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: Across all BMI categories, postmenopausal women demonstrated significantly lower lean body mass, soft lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, total body water, protein, and mineral content compared with premenopausal and perimenopausal women (p < 0.05). Total and visceral fat area (VFA), body fat percentage (BF), and waist-to-hip ratio were significantly higher, indicating a shift toward central adiposity. These changes were most pronounced in normal-weight women (VFA: 36.4 ± 17.0, 48.3 ± 22.3, and 55.7 ± 23.5 cm²; BF: 24.8 ± 5.3%, 27.2 ± 5.2%, and 28.8 ± 4.6% in pre-, peri-, and postmenopause, respectively), and less marked among overweight women (VFA: 91.5 ± 36.3, 106.1 ± 38.2, and 111.7 ± 28.6 cm²; BF: 36.0 ± 3.6%, 36.4 ± 3.9%, and 37.2 ± 3.2%) and with obesity (VFA: 180.3 ± 62.4, 212.6 ± 96.2, and 175.5 ± 54.4 cm²; BF: 44.5 ± 4.5%, 44.5 ± 5.7%, and 41.9 ± 3.3%), suggesting a relative attenuation of muscle loss at higher BMI. Conclusions: Postmenopausal women showed a clear shift toward lower lean mass and greater central adiposity across BMI categories. These patterns indicate a consistent deterioration in body composition during the menopausal transition. Assessment of visceral fat in postmenopausal women is crucial, as its accumulation is closely linked to cardiometabolic risk. Menopause-related hormonal changes favor central adiposity, supporting the use of visceral fat as a key indicator for early risk stratification and preventive interventions in midlife women. Full article

Background: Adult patients with a thin buccal cortical plate and fragile periodontal phenotype are at high risk of dehiscence, fenestration and recession during transverse orthodontic expansion. Conventional mechanics often create a cervical compression-dominant environment that exceeds the adaptive capacity of the periodontal ligament (PDL)–bone complex. Objectives: This study proposes an integrative mechanobiological model in which a skeletal-anchorage-assisted loading protocol (Bone Protection System, BPS) transforms expansion into a tension-dominant regime that favours buccal phenotype preservation. Methods: Patient-specific finite element models were used to compare conventional expansion with a BPS-modified force system. Regional PDL stress patterns and crown/apex displacement vectors were analysed to distinguish tipping-dominant from translation-dominated mechanics. A pilot CBCT proof-of-concept (n = 1 thin-phenotype adult) with voxel-based registration quantified changes in maxillary and mandibular alveolar ridge width and buccal cortical plate thickness before and after BPS-assisted expansion. The mechanical findings were integrated with current evidence on compression- versus tension-driven inflammatory and osteogenic pathways in the PDL and cortical bone. Results: FEM demonstrated that conventional expansion concentrates high cervical compressive stress along the buccal PDL and cortical surface, accompanied by bending-like crown–root divergence. In contrast, the BPS protocol redirected forces to create a buccal tensile-favourable region and a more parallel crown–apex displacement pattern, indicative of translation-dominated movement. In the proof-of-concept (n = 1) CBCT case, BPS-assisted expansion was associated with preservation or increase of buccal ridge dimensions without radiographic signs of cortical breakdown. Conclusions: A tension-dominant orthodontic loading environment generated by a skeletal-anchorage-assisted force system may support buccal cortical preservation and vestibular phenotype reinforcement in thin-phenotype patients. The proposed mechanobiological model links these imaging and FEM findings to known molecular pathways of inflammation, angiogenesis and osteogenesis. It suggests a functional biomaterial-based strategy for widening the biological envelope of safe tooth movement. Full article

Background/Objectives: Understanding the biological factors that drive the behavior and clinical presentation of breast cancer (BC) skeletal metastases (SM) is critical for improving diagnostic accuracy and guiding treatment strategies. However, evidence regarding the immunohistochemical (IHC) profiles of SM and their association with radiographic characteristics and clinical features remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2 receptor status, and Ki-67 proliferation index with the radiographic presentation of SM in patients with BC. Methods: A total of 185 SM samples from individual BC patients were analyzed. IHC expressions of ER, PR, HER2, and Ki-67 were determined for each sample. Clinical and radiological data were retrieved from medical records. IHC profiles were compared between metastases demonstrating purely lytic versus mixed radiographic patterns. Results: Of the 185 cases, 66 exhibited a lytic pattern, and 119 demonstrated a mixed pattern. Lytic metastases showed a significantly higher rate of HER2 positivity compared with mixed lesions. The Ki-67 index was also significantly higher in lytic metastases, with a cutoff value of 25 yielding a sensitivity of 92.98% and specificity of 89.84% (positive likelihood ratio 9.16; negative likelihood ratio 0.08). No significant differences were observed between groups in ER or PR expression. Conclusions: SM from BC with a lytic radiographic presentation are more likely to exhibit HER2 positivity and a Ki-67 index above 25. Assessing the IHC status of SM may help identify patients at elevated risk for skeletal complications, including pathological fracture, and may support more tailored surgical and systemic treatment planning. Full article

Management of maxillomandibular transverse discrepancy (MTD) is essential for achieving stable, functional, and esthetic occlusion. This study aimed to evaluate the maxillomandibular transverse dimensions and discrepancies in relation to vertical skeletal patterns using digital dental casts and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. A total of 180 untreated adult subjects were classified into three vertical groups based on the SN-MP angle: hypodivergent (<27°), normovergent (27–37°), and hyperdivergent (>37°), with 60 subjects in each group. Dental arch widths using casts (DAWs-Casts) were measured at the canine, first premolar, first molar, and second molar, while basal arch widths using casts (BAWs-Casts) were measured at the mucogingival junction apical to the corresponding cusp tips. CBCT images were used to measure basal arch widths (BAWs-CBCT) at the estimated centers of resistance (CRes). DAW-Cast, BAW-Cast, and BAW-CBCT measurements were affected by vertical skeletal patterns. Therefore, maxillomandibular dimensions and discrepancies vary according to vertical skeletal pattern, underscoring the need for careful evaluation when planning treatment protocols for patients with MTD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Geometric morphometric analysis (GMA) is a statistical method that captures and quantifies shape variation. This study aimed to assess hard and soft tissue shape variations and changes following orthodontic treatment in Class III skeletal malocclusion using GMA. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 84 lateral cephalometric radiographs (pre-treatment and near-end treatment) of Class III patients aged 16–40 years (ANB < 2°). Thirty-five landmarks were digitized in Cartesian coordinates using MorphoJ software for shape analysis. Results: The sample included 62% females and 38% males, with a mean age of 24.7 ± 5.2 years. Vertical dimension variations (hypodivergent to hyperdivergent) contributed most to shape changes PC1 (23.35%), followed by anteroposterior variations PC2 (13.51%). Gender significantly influenced hard and soft tissue variation with 30.91%SS (F = 56.99, p < 0.0001). Males had significantly larger and longer ramus, body of the mandible, alveolar height, LAFH, TAFH and upper lip length. (PD: 0.026, p < 0.05). Significant shape changes were seen in the mandible (PD = 0.018, p < 0.05). SNB increased by 0.41° (from 81.73° ± 3.67°), and ANB improved by 0.46° but remained Class III (−0.33° ± 1.82°). Lower anterior facial height increased by 1.78 mm (p < 0.05). The lower incisors retroclined significantly (from 92° ± 8.56° to 87° ± 6.96°, p < 0.05), while the interincisal angle increased by 5.9°. Upper incisors remained procline (118° ± 11°, p > 0.05). Upper lip length increased by 0.4 mm (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Vertical and anteroposterior shape variations are notable within Class III malocclusion. Post-treatment changes in both hard and soft tissues indicate that orthodontic camouflage can enhance facial esthetics and skeletal balance. GMA provides objective quantification and visualization of these treatment-related craniofacial changes. Full article

Functional appliances constitute a common treatment approach for skeletal Class II malocclusion. However, evidence regarding the effects of appliance design and manufacturing workflows on treatment outcomes remains limited. This study aimed to compare the skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue effects of conventionally fabricated, prefabricated, and digitally designed functional appliances. A total of 28 growing patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion were retrospectively assessed and evenly assigned to four treatment groups: Twin Block, PowerScope, Invisalign Mandibular Advancement, and digitally designed Herbst. Skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue parameters were evaluated using lateral cephalometric radiographs obtained before (T0) and after treatment (T1). Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA, repeated-measures ANOVA, and the Kruskal–Wallis test. All treatment modalities demonstrated significant sagittal improvement, characterized by reductions in ANB and Wits values and increases in SNB angle and mandibular length (Co–Gn). The Twin Block appliance showed a significantly greater increase in mandibular length compared with the other groups (p = 0.037). Dentoalveolar adaptations were more pronounced in the PowerScope and Invisalign Mandibular Advancement groups. In conclusion, within the limitations of this retrospective pilot study, functional appliances with different design and manufacturing characteristics appear to produce distinct skeletal and dentoalveolar response patterns, and digitally designed systems may represent clinically effective alternatives for the treatment of skeletal Class II malocclusion; however, these findings should be considered preliminary and interpreted with caution. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pancreatic cancer is among the most aggressive malignancies, with poor survival rates. Emerging evidence suggests that body composition, including skeletal muscle mass and adiposity distribution, plays a crucial role in predicting patient outcomes. However, its impact on survival in pancreatic cancer remains incompletely understood. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the correlation between body composition parameters and survival outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients, focusing on overall survival. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted, including three main components: pancreatic cancer, body composition, and survival outcomes. Results: 23 studies were included in this review. The findings indicate that body composition can serve as a predictor of survival in pancreatic cancer patients, with 21 studies reporting a significant correlation. The most frequently observed predictor, with 11 studies reporting, was not a baseline parameter but rather changes in parameters over time during treatment. However, discrepancies remain regarding the extent of predictive power and the relative importance of individual components. Conclusions: Specific body composition parameters hold potential as prognostic indicators of survival in pancreatic cancer patients. However, further research is necessary to establish consistent patterns and to clarify which parameters are most predictive and under what conditions. Full article

Geleophysic dysplasia (GD) is a rare genetic skeletal disorder belonging to the acromelic group, characterized by short stature, distinctive facial features, thickened skin, and progressive cardiac involvement. We report a case of a 3-year-old boy with GD caused by a heterozygous c.5198G>A variant in the FBN1 gene, presenting with ocular abnormalities. The patient demonstrated coarse facial features, short hands and feet, and a history of mitral valve stenosis requiring mechanical valve replacement. He was referred to the ophthalmology department for evaluation of left eye strabismus and elevated intraocular pressure. Fundus examination revealed a pink optic disc with blurred margins, slightly elevated above the retinal plane, absent foveal reflex, and tortuous vessels, consistent with optic disc drusen on ocular ultrasonography. Photopic negative response (PhNR) testing showed markedly reduced amplitudes in both eyes, indicating retinal ganglion cell dysfunction. Pattern VEP revealed normal P100 latencies in both eyes, with a 30% reduction in amplitude in the left eye, likely related to poorer fixation. This case highlights optic disc drusen and retinal ganglion cell dysfunction as potential ocular manifestations of geleophysic dysplasia, emphasizing the need for comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation in affected patients. Full article