scholarly journals Variation in Brain Morphology of Intertidal Gobies: A Comparison of Methodologies Used to Quantitatively Assess Brain Volumes in Fish

2015 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. 245-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma E. White ◽  
Culum Brown
Keyword(s):  
Brain Volume ◽  
Brain Size ◽  
Brain Morphology ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Rock Pool ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Brain Volumes ◽  
Ellipsoid Method ◽  
Brain Lobe ◽  
Volume Estimates

When correlating brain size and structure with behavioural and environmental characteristics, a range of techniques can be utilised. This study used gobiid fishes to quantitatively compare brain volumes obtained via three different methods; these included the commonly used techniques of histology and approximating brain volume to an idealised ellipsoid, and the recently established technique of X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). It was found that all three methods differed significantly from one another in their volume estimates for most brain lobes. The ellipsoid method was prone to over- or under-estimation of lobe size, histology caused shrinkage in the telencephalon, and although micro-CT methods generated the most reliable results, they were also the most expensive. Despite these differences, all methods depicted quantitatively similar relationships among the four different species for each brain lobe. Thus, all methods support the same conclusions that fishes inhabiting rock pool and sandy habitats have different patterns of brain organisation. In particular, fishes from spatially complex rock pool habitats were found to have larger telencephalons, while those from simple homogenous sandy shores had a larger optic tectum. Where possible we recommend that micro-CT be used in brain volume analyses, as it allows for measurements without destruction of the brain and fast identification and quantification of individual brain lobes, and minimises many of the biases resulting from the histology and ellipsoid methods.

scholarly journals Does having a twin brother make for a bigger brain?

2009 ◽  
Vol 160 (5) ◽  
pp. 739-746 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiska S Peper ◽  
Rachel M Brouwer ◽  
G Caroline M van Baal ◽  
Hugo G Schnack ◽  
Marieke van Leeuwen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Volume ◽  
Brain Morphology ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Total Brain Volume ◽  
Brain Volumes ◽  
Prenatal Testosterone ◽  
Twin Brother ◽  
Total Brain ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Estradiol Levels

ObjectiveBrain volume of boys is larger than that of girls by ∼10%. Prenatal exposure to testosterone has been suggested in the masculinization of the brain. For example, in litter-bearing mammals intrauterine position increases prenatal testosterone exposure through adjacent male fetuses, resulting in masculinization of brain morphology.DesignThe influence of intrauterine presence of a male co-twin on masculinization of human brain volume was studied in 9-year old twins.MethodsMagnetic resonance imaging brain scans, current testosterone, and estradiol levels were acquired from four groups of dizygotic (DZ) twins: boys from same-sex twin-pairs (SSM), boys from opposite-sex twin-pairs (OSM), girls from opposite-sex twin-pairs (OSF), and girls from same-sex twin-pairs (SSF; n=119 individuals). Data on total brain, cerebellum, gray and white matter volumes were examined.ResultsIrrespective of their own sex, children with a male co-twin as compared to children with a female co-twin had larger total brain (+2.5%) and cerebellum (+5.5%) volumes. SSM, purportedly exposed to the highest prenatal testosterone levels, were found to have the largest volumes, followed by OSM, OSF and SSF children. Birth weight partly explained the effect on brain volumes. Current testosterone and estradiol levels did not account for the volumetric brain differences. However, the effects observed in children did not replicate in adult twins.ConclusionsOur study indicates that sharing the uterus with a DZ twin brother increases total brain volume in 9-year olds. The effect may be transient and limited to a critical period in childhood.

scholarly journals Normal childhood brain growth and a universal sex and anthropomorphic relationship to cerebrospinal fluid

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Mallory R. Peterson ◽  
Venkateswararao Cherukuri ◽  
Joseph N. Paulson ◽  
Paddy Ssentongo ◽  
Abhaya V. Kulkarni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Brain Volume ◽  
Brain Size ◽  
Growth Curves ◽  
Additive Models ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Brain Growth ◽  
Fluid Accumulation ◽  
Brain Volumes

OBJECTIVE The study of brain size and growth has a long and contentious history, yet normal brain volume development has yet to be fully described. In particular, the normal brain growth and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulation relationship is critical to characterize because it is impacted in numerous conditions of early childhood in which brain growth and fluid accumulation are affected, such as infection, hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, and a broad range of congenital disorders. The authors of this study aim to describe normal brain volume growth, particularly in the setting of CSF accumulation. METHODS The authors analyzed 1067 magnetic resonance imaging scans from 505 healthy pediatric subjects from birth to age 18 years to quantify component and regional brain volumes. The volume trajectories were compared between the sexes and hemispheres using smoothing spline ANOVA. Population growth curves were developed using generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape. RESULTS Brain volume peaked at 10–12 years of age. Males exhibited larger age-adjusted total brain volumes than females, and body size normalization procedures did not eliminate this difference. The ratio of brain to CSF volume, however, revealed a universal age-dependent relationship independent of sex or body size. CONCLUSIONS These findings enable the application of normative growth curves in managing a broad range of childhood diseases in which cognitive development, brain growth, and fluid accumulation are interrelated.

scholarly journals Normal Childhood Brain Growth and a Universal Sex and Anthropomorphic Relationship to Cerebrospinal Fluid

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mallory R Peterson ◽  
Venkateswararao Cherukuri ◽  
Joseph N Paulson ◽  
Paddy Ssentongo ◽  
Abhaya Kulkarni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Brain Volume ◽  
Brain Size ◽  
Growth Curves ◽  
Additive Models ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Brain Growth ◽  
Fluid Accumulation ◽  
Brain Volumes

Object: The study of brain size and growth has a long and contentious history, yet normal brain volume development has yet to be fully described. In particular, the normal brain growth and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulation relationship is critical to characterize because it is impacted in numerous conditions of early childhood where brain growth and fluid accumulation are affected such as infection, hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, and a broad range of congenital disorders. This study aims to describe normal brain volume growth, particularly in the setting of cerebrospinal fluid accumulation. Methods: We analyzed 1067 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 505 healthy pediatric subjects from birth to age 18 to quantify component and regional brain volumes. The volume trajectories were compared between the sexes and hemispheres using Smoothing Spline ANOVA. Population growth curves were developed using Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape. Results: Brain volume peaked at 10-12 years of age. Males exhibited larger age-adjusted total brain volumes than females, and body size normalization procedures did not eliminate this difference. The ratio of brain to CSF volume, however, revealed a universal age-dependent relationship independent of sex or body size. Conclusions: These findings enable the application of normative growth curves in managing a broad range of childhood disease where cognitive development, brain growth, and fluid accumulation are interrelated.

scholarly journals White Matter is Increased in the Brains of Adults With Neurofibromatosis 1

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Su Wang ◽  
Jan M. Friedman ◽  
Per Suppa ◽  
Ralph Buchert ◽  
Victor-Felix Mautner
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Grey Matter ◽  
Brain Volume ◽  
Neurofibromatosis 1 ◽  
Brain Morphology ◽  
White Matter Volume ◽  
Total Brain Volume ◽  
Brain Volumes ◽  
Matter Volume ◽  
Total Brain

Abstract Background: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by increased Schwann cell proliferation in peripheral nerves. Several small studies of brain morphology in children with NF1 have found increased total brain volume, total white matter volume and/or corpus callosum area. Several studies (mostly in children with NF1) also attempted to correlate changes in brain morphology and volume with cognitive or behavioural abnormalities, though findings were inconsistent. We aimed to characterize alterations in brain volumes by three-dimensional (3D) MRI in adults with NF1 in major intracranial sub-regions. We also aimed to assess the effect of age on these volumes and correlated brain white matter and grey matter volumes with neuropsychometric findings in adults with NF1.Methods: We obtained brain volume measurements using 3D magnetic resonance imaging for 351 adults with NF1 and, as a comparison group, 43 adults with neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) or Schwannomatosis. We assessed a subset of 19 adults with NF1 for clinical severity of NF1 features and neurological problems and conducted psychometric testing for attention deficiencies and intelligence quotient. We compared brain volumes between NF1 patients and controls and correlated volumetric measurements to clinical and psychometric features in the NF1 patients. Results:Total brain volume and total and regional white matter volumes were all significantly increased in adults with NF1. Grey matter volume decreased faster with age in adults with NF1 than in controls. Greater total brain volume and white matter volume were correlated with lower attention deficits and higher intelligence quotients in adults with NF1.Conclusion:Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that dysregulation of brain myelin production is a cardinal manifestation of NF1 and that these white matter changes may be functionally important in affected adults.

MORPHOMETRIC BRAIN MEASUREMENT OF PRENATAL ULTRASOUND-INDUCED RABBIT FETUS USING MICRO-COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (MICRO-CT)

2016 ◽  
Vol 78 (6-7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farah W. A. Zaiki ◽  
S. M. Dom
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Neuronal Development ◽  
Brain Volume ◽  
Fetal Brain ◽  
Prenatal Ultrasound ◽  
Average Intensity ◽  
Mechanical Index ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
The Brain

Prenatal ultrasound is widely used and became an integral part of the clinical practice, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology. However, the advances in the capability of ultrasound equipment nowadays, trigger a greater image processing power, hence might as well increase the fetal exposure. Hence premises the morphometric brain measurement to be assessed in this study as an evidence of the ultrasound interruptions during the fetal neuronal development. This research randomly analyzed a total of 18 ultrasound-induced rabbit fetuses for fetal brain volume and surface after being exposed prenatally to the ultrasound exposure (duration=60 minutes; frequency = 7.09 MHz; spatial peak temporal average intensity (ISPTA) = 49.4 W/cm2; power = 56.0 W; thermal index (TI) = 0.2; mechanical index (MI) = 1.0). The fetuses were analyzed for morphometric brain measurement of brain volume and surface using Skyscan™ 1176 Micro-computed Tomography (Micro-CT). There were significant differences in the measurement of brain volume and surface at the 2nd and 3rd stage of gestation (P < 0.05). Results suggested that there are significant differences in the brain volume and surface between the controls and the 2nd and 3rd stage of gestation. There are also a significant reduction in the brain volume and surface in the exposed groups at all stages of gestation (P < 0.05). 

scholarly journals Endocranial morphology of Palaeocene Plesiadapis tricuspidens and evolution of the early primate brain

2014 ◽  
Vol 281 (1781) ◽  
pp. 20132792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maeva J. Orliac ◽  
Sandrine Ladevèze ◽  
Philip D. Gingerich ◽  
Renaud Lebrun ◽  
Thierry Smith
Keyword(s):  
Brain Size ◽  
Brain Evolution ◽  
Primate Evolution ◽  
Brain Morphology ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Crown Group ◽  
Partial Reconstruction ◽  
Primate Brain ◽  
Size And Morphology ◽  
The Brain

Expansion of the brain is a key feature of primate evolution. The fossil record, although incomplete, allows a partial reconstruction of changes in primate brain size and morphology through time. Palaeogene plesiadapoids, closest relatives of Euprimates (or crown-group primates), are crucial for understanding early evolution of the primate brain. However, brain morphology of this group remains poorly documented, and major questions remain regarding the initial phase of euprimate brain evolution. Micro-CT investigation of the endocranial morphology of Plesiadapis tricuspidens from the Late Palaeocene of Europe—the most complete plesiadapoid cranium known—shows that plesiadapoids retained a very small and simple brain. Plesiadapis has midbrain exposure, and minimal encephalization and neocorticalization, making it comparable with that of stem rodents and lagomorphs. However, Plesiadapis shares a domed neocortex and downwardly shifted olfactory-bulb axis with Euprimates. If accepted phylogenetic relationships are correct, then this implies that the euprimate brain underwent drastic reorganization during the Palaeocene, and some changes in brain structure preceded brain size increase and neocortex expansion during evolution of the primate brain.

Observation of the Pulp Chamber of Maxillary First Premolars: A Micro-computed Tomographic Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-230
Author(s):  
Gozde Serindere ◽  
Ceren Aktuna Belgin ◽  
Kaan Orhan
Keyword(s):  
Root Canal ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Slice Thickness ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Pulp Chamber ◽  
Anatomical Structures ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Chamber Floor

Background: There are a few studies about the evaluation of maxillary first premolars internal structure with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The aim of this study was to assess morphological features of the pulp chamber in maxillary first premolar teeth using micro- CT. Methods: Extracted 15 maxillary first premolar teeth were selected from the patients who were in different age groups. The distance between the pulp orifices, the diameter of the pulp and the width of the pulp chamber floor were measured on the micro-CT images with the slice thickness of 13.6 µm. The number of root canal orifices and the presence of isthmus were evaluated. Results: The mean diameter of orifices was 0.73 mm on the buccal side while it was 0.61 mm on palatinal side. The mean distance between pulp orifices was 2.84 mm. The mean angle between pulp orifices was -21.53°. The mean height of pulp orifices on the buccal side was 4.32 mm while the mean height of pulp orifices on the palatinal side was 3.56 mm. The most observed shape of root canal orifices was flattened ribbon. No isthmus was found in specimens. Conclusion: Minor anatomical structures can be evaluated in more detail with micro-CT. The observation of the pulp cavity was analyzed using micro-CT.

scholarly journals Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis of Subchondral Bone Regeneration Using Osteochondral Scaffolds in an Ovine Condyle Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 891
Author(s):  
Taylor Flaherty ◽  
Maryam Tamaddon ◽  
Chaozong Liu
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Bone Regeneration ◽  
Subchondral Bone ◽  
Volume Ratio ◽  
Bone Volume ◽  
Osteochondral Defects ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Trabecular Thickness ◽  
Osteochondral Scaffold

Osteochondral scaffold technology has emerged as a promising therapy for repairing osteochondral defects. Recent research suggests that seeding osteochondral scaffolds with bone marrow concentrate (BMC) may enhance tissue regeneration. To examine this hypothesis, this study examined subchondral bone regeneration in scaffolds with and without BMC. Ovine stifle condyle models were used for the in vivo study. Two scaffold systems (8 mm diameter and 10 mm thick) with and without BMC were implanted into the femoral condyle, and the tissues were retrieved after six months. The retrieved femoral condyles (with scaffold in) were examined using micro-computed tomography scans (micro-CT), and the micro-CT data were further analysed by ImageJ with respect to trabecular thickness, bone volume to total volume ratio (BV/TV) ratio, and degree of anisotropy of bone. Statistical analysis compared bone regeneration between scaffold groups and sub-set regions. These results were mostly insignificant (p < 0.05), with the exception of bone volume to total volume ratio when comparing scaffold composition and sub-set region. Additional trends in the data were observed. These results suggest that the scaffold composition and addition of BMC did not significantly affect bone regeneration in osteochondral defects after six months. However, this research provides data which may guide the development of future treatments.

scholarly journals Additive-manufactured Ti-6Al-4 V/Polyetheretherketone composite porous cage for Interbody fusion: bone growth and biocompatibility evaluation in a porcine model

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei-I Tsai ◽  
Meng-Huang Wu ◽  
Yen-Yao Li ◽  
Tzu-Hung Lin ◽  
Jane S. C. Tsai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Formation ◽  
Bone Growth ◽  
Lumbar Fusion ◽  
High Porosity ◽  
Ti Alloy ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Intervertebral Fusion ◽  
Porous Ti ◽  
Peek Composite

Abstract Background We developed a porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite interbody cage by utilizing the advantages of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium alloy (Ti alloy) in combination with additive manufacturing technology. Methods Porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite cages were manufactured using various controlled porosities. Anterior intervertebral lumbar fusion and posterior augmentation were performed at three vertebral levels on 20 female pigs. Each level was randomly implanted with one of the five cages that were tested: a commercialized pure PEEK cage, a Ti alloy/PEEK composite cage with nonporous Ti alloy endplates, and three composite cages with porosities of 40, 60, and 80%, respectively. Micro-computed tomography (CT), backscattered-electron SEM (BSE-SEM), and histological analyses were performed. Results Micro-CT and histological analyses revealed improved bone growth in high-porosity groups. Micro-CT and BSE-SEM demonstrated that structures with high porosities, especially 60 and 80%, facilitated more bone formation inside the implant but not outside the implant. Histological analysis also showed that bone formation was higher in Ti alloy groups than in the PEEK group. Conclusion The composite cage presents the biological advantages of Ti alloy porous endplates and the mechanical and radiographic advantages of the PEEK central core, which makes it suitable for use as a single implant for intervertebral fusion.

scholarly journals Using micro-computed tomography to reveal the anatomy of adult Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Insecta: Hemiptera, Liviidae) and how it pierces and feeds within a citrus leaf

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Alba-Tercedor ◽  
Wayne B. Hunter ◽  
Ignacio Alba-Alejandre
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Significant Advance ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Diaphorina Citri ◽  
Ct Reconstruction ◽  
Internal Anatomy ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Citrus Leaf ◽  
Teaching Aids ◽  
Adult Feeding

AbstractThe Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, is a harmful pest of citrus trees that transmits Candidatus Liberibacter spp. which causes Huanglongbing (HLB) (citrus greening disease); this is considered to be the most serious bacterial disease of citrus plants. Here we detail an anatomical study of the external and internal anatomy (excluding the reproductive system) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). This is the first complete 3D micro-CT reconstruction of the anatomy of a psylloid insect and includes a 3D reconstruction of an adult feeding on a citrus leaf that can be used on mobile devices. Detailed rendered images and videos support first descriptions of coxal and scapus antennal glands and sexual differences in the internal anatomy (hindgut rectum, mesothoracic ganglion and brain). This represents a significant advance in our knowledge of ACP anatomy, and of psyllids in general. Together the images, videos and 3D model constitute a unique anatomical atlas and are useful tools for future research and as teaching aids.

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