Myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, is a pivotal regulator of skeletal muscle growth in mammals. Its discovery has sparked significant interest due to its multifaceted roles in various physiological processes and its potential therapeutic implications. This review explores the diverse functions of myostatin in skeletal muscle development, maintenance and pathology. We delve into its regulatory mechanisms, including its interaction with other signalling pathways and its modulation by various factors such as microRNAs and mechanical loading. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting myostatin for the treatment of muscle-related disorders, including cachexia, muscular dystrophy and heart failure. Additionally, we examine the impact of myostatin deficiency on craniofacial morphology and bone development, shedding light on its broader implications beyond muscle biology. Through a comprehensive analysis of the literature, this review underscores the importance of further research into myostatin\'s intricate roles and therapeutic potential in human health and disease.

OBJECTIVE: In managing sagittal craniosynostosis, strip craniectomy of the affected suture is commonly paired with barrel-stave osteotomies to allow for additional cranial remodeling. However, the effect of these osteotomies is not well-established. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the length of barrel-stave osteotomies on outcomes in patients with sagittal craniosynostosis.
METHODS: A retrospective review of operative records and pre-operative and one-year post-operative three-dimensional images.
METHODS: Tertiary care pediatric institution.
METHODS: Forty-five patients with sagittal craniosynostosis.
METHODS: Sagittal strip craniectomy and either long, medium, or short barrel-stave osteotomy lengths followed by helmet therapy.
METHODS: Operative and three-dimensional craniometric outcomes.
RESULTS: Operative time, estimated blood loss, and hospital length of stay were significantly decreased in the short group (P = .003; 0.002; 0.027). The cranial index was normalized in all groups, but the long group was significantly lower (P = .007; 0.025). Head circumference was similar between groups. All indexes were within the normal percentiles in all groups. The medium group had a significantly decreased scaphocephalic index (P = .031; .035). The short group had significantly greater occipital bulleting than the medium group (P = .001). The long group had significantly greater narrowing than the short group (P = .036).
CONCLUSIONS: Strip craniectomy with the addition of long, medium, or short barrel staves all resulted in clinically successful outcomes. Our findings suggest that increased barrel-stave osteotomy length may not be necessary for a successful outcome while avoiding more extensive dissection, potential risk, increased operative time, and hospital length of stay.

OBJECTIVE: Parathyroidectomy is beneficial in tertiary hyperparathyroidism (THPT) consequent to chronic renal failure. The craniofacial morphology of patients who undergo total parathyroidectomy and autologous transplantation (tPTX + AT) has not been widely studied. This study assessed the efficacy of tPTX + AT in THPT and evaluated possible improvements in craniofacial features.
METHODS: This retrospective analysis included patients who were diagnosed with medically refractory THPT and had undergone tPTX + AT between September 2013 and May 2021. The VAS was used to evaluate improvements in various symptoms including bone pain and pruritus. Changes in serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were also assessed. The impact of the procedure was assessed by comparing two-photon X-ray bone mineral density measurements obtained 1 year before and after surgery.
RESULTS: The VAS of pain and pruritus decreased significantly on the first postoperative day (P < 0.05). Calcium levels changed significantly (from 2.50 ± 0.22 mmol/L to 2.10 ± 0.26 mmol/L) on postoperative day 1 (P = 0.0000); iPTH levels also declined substantially on this day, reducing from 211.00 (122.10, 252.80) to 5.04 (2.96, 9.40) pmol/L. Bone mineral density increased significantly across various regions including the greater trochanter of the femur, intertrochanteric area, total hip, and third lumbar vertebra (P < 0.05). The angles between the upper incisor and mandibular plane and the lower lip and Ricketts E line (drawn from the tip of the nose to the soft tissue area) also improved (P = 0.043, P = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Total parathyroidectomy and autologous transplantation can rapidly alleviate bone pain and skin itching in THPT. It may also improve bone density and facial soft tissue.

Introduction: A plethora of biological molecules regulate chondrogenesis in the epiphyseal growth plate. Disruptions of the quantity and function of these molecules can manifest clinically as stature abnormalities of various etiologies. Traditionally, the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) axis represents the etiological centre of final stature attainment. Of note, little is known about the molecular events that dominate the growth of the craniofacial complex and its correlation with somatic stature. Aim: Given the paucity of relevant data, this review discusses available information regarding potential applications of lateral cephalometric radiography as a potential clinical indicator of genetic short stature in children. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed electronic database using the keywords: cephalometric analysis and short stature; cephalometric analysis and achondroplasia; cephalometric analysis and hypochondroplasia; cephalometric analysis and skeletal abnormalities; cephalometr* and SHOX; cephalometr* and CNP; cephalometr* and ACAN; cephalometr* and CNVs; cephalometr* and IHH; cephalometr* and FGFR3; cephalometr* and Noonan syndrome; cephalometr* and \"Turner syndrome\"; cephalometr* and achondroplasia. Results: In individuals with genetic syndromes causing short stature, linear growth of the craniofacial complex is confined, following the pattern of somatic short stature regardless of its aetiology. The angular and linear cephalometric measurements differ from the measurements of the average normal individuals and are suggestive of a posterior placement of the jaws and a vertical growth pattern of the face. Conclusions: The greater part of the existing literature regarding cephalometric measurements in short-statured children with genetic syndromes provides qualitative data. Furthermore, cephalometric data for individuals affected with specific rare genetic conditions causing short stature should be the focus of future studies. These quantitative data are required to potentially establish cut-off values for reference for genetic testing based on craniofacial phenotypes.

This dataset features 200 sagittal projection images derived from Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans, corrected according to the Natural Head Position (NHP) guidelines proposed by Fredrik Lundström and Anders Lundström. The images originate from orthodontic patients in Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, encompassing both initial phases and ongoing treatments. The dataset is divided into two groups: 100 images from female subjects (CoF) and 100 from male subjects (CoM), facilitating gender-specific studies. The dataset is accompanied by an Excel file ``Data info.xlsx\'\' that details the rotation angles in the axial (Yaw), coronal (Roll), and sagittal (Pitch) planes, along with the pixel size and image dimensions. This detailed documentation supports the replication of studies and aids in the interpretation of cephalometric analyses. Corrections made to align the images with NHP standards involve adjustments in the three main anatomical planes using points from the frontozygomatic suture (Fz) in the axial and coronal planes, and sella (S) and nasion (N) for the sagittal plane.

OBJECTIVE: Craniofacial morphology is integral to Sleep Breathing Disorders (SBD), particularly Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), informing treatment strategies. This review assesses the utility of two-dimensional (2D) photogrammetry in evaluating these metrics among OSA patients.
METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted. PubMed, Embase, and Lilacs databases were systematically searched for studies utilizing 2D photography in SBD. Findings were narratively synthesized.
RESULTS: Thirteen studies involving 2,328 patients were included. Significant correlations were found between craniofacial measurements-specifically neck parameters and facial width-and OSA severity, even after BMI adjustment. Ethnic disparities in craniofacial morphology were observed, with photogrammetry effective in predicting OSA in Caucasians and Asians, though data for other ethnicities were limited. Pediatric studies suggest the potential of craniofacial measurements as predictors of childhood OSA, with certain caveats.
CONCLUSIONS: 2D photogrammetry emerges as a practical and non-invasive tool correlating with OSA severity across diverse populations. However, further validation in various ethnic cohorts is essential to enhance the generalizability of these findings.

OBJECTIVE: Orofacial clefts are complex congenital anomalies that call for comprehensive treatment based on a thorough assessment of the anatomy. This study aims to examine the effect of cleft type on craniofacial morphology using geometric morphometrics.
METHODS: We evaluated lateral cephalograms of 75 patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate, 63 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, and 76 patients with isolated cleft palate. Generalized Procrustes analysis was performed on 16 hard tissue landmark coordinates. Shape variability was studied with principal component analysis. In a risk model approach, the first nine principal components (PC) were used to examine the effect of cleft type.
RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences in the mean shape between cleft types. The difference is greatest between bilateral cleft lip and palate and isolated cleft palate (distance of means 0.026, P = 0.0011). Differences between cleft types are most pronounced for PC4 and PC5 (P = 0.0001), which together account for 10% of the total shape variation. PC4 and PC5 show shape differences in the ratio of the upper to the lower face, the posterior mandibular height, and the mandibular angle.
CONCLUSIONS: Cleft type has a statistically significant but weak effect on craniofacial morphological variability in patients with non-syndromic orofacial clefts, mainly in the vertical dimension.
CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the effects of clefts on craniofacial morphology is essential to providing patients with treatment tailored to their specific needs. This study contributes to the literature particularly due to our risk model approach in lieu of a prediction model.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to use multiple regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between the mandibular curve of Spee (COS) and the maxillary compensating curve with dentoskeletal morphology in young Chinese adults with normal occlusion.
METHODS: This study comprised 62 young adults (31 males, mean age: 24.1 ± 2.2 years; 31 females, mean age: 23.3 ± 3.3 years) with Angle class I normal occlusion. For every subject, intraoral scan models of the maxillary and mandibular arches and lateral cephalograms were acquired. The depth of the COS and compensating curve were assessed on the intraoral scan models. Multiple dental arch dimensional and cephalometric variables were screened by univariate analysis. Subsequently, a multiple linear regression model (forward stepwise selection) was constructed to determine which variables were significantly correlated with the two curve depths.
RESULTS: In the mandible, the COS depth was deepest at the mesiobuccal cusp of the first molar. Overjet, mandibular arch width and mandibular-occlusal plane angle significantly correlated with the COS depth (P < 0.05), accounting for 33.1% of the variation in the mandibular COS. In the maxilla, the deepest point of the compensating curve was at the distobuccal cusp of the first molar. Mandibular arch perimeter and overbite significantly correlated with the maxillary compensating curve (P < 0.05), explaining 23.3% of the variation.
CONCLUSIONS: Overjet, overbite, mandibular-occlusal plane angle, mandibular arch width and perimeter should be considered when reconstructing occlusal curves in clinical orthodontic treatment and in prosthetic restoration.
UNASSIGNED: ZIELSETZUNG: Ziel dieser Querschnittsstudie war es, mit einer multiplen Regressionsanalyse die Beziehung zwischen der mandibulären Spee-Kurve („curve of Spee“,COS) und der maxillären Kompensationskurve mit der dentoskelettalen Morphologie bei jungen chinesischen Erwachsenen mit normaler Okklusion zu untersuchen.
METHODS: Die Studie umfasste 62 junge Erwachsene (31 Männer, Durchschnittsalter: 24,1 ± 2,2 Jahre; 31 Frauen, Durchschnittsalter: 23,3 ± 3,3 Jahre) mit normaler Angle-Klasse-I-Okklusion. Für jeden Probanden wurden intraorale Scanmodelle der Ober- und Unterkieferzahnbögen und seitliche Kephalogramme angefertigt. An den intraoralen Scanmodellen wurden die Tiefe der COS und die ausgleichende Kurve beurteilt. Mehrere dimensionale und kephalometrische Variablen des Zahnbogens wurden durch eine univariate Analyse überprüft. Anschließend wurde ein multiples lineares Regressionsmodell (schrittweise Vorwärtsselektion) erstellt, um festzustellen, welche Variablen signifikant mit den beiden Kurventiefen korrelierten.
UNASSIGNED: Im Mandibulabereich war die COS-Tiefe am mesiobukkalen Höcker des ersten Molaren am größten. Overjet, Breite des Unterkieferbogens und der Winkel zwischen Unterkiefer und Okklusionsebene korrelierten signifikant mit der COS-Tiefe (p < 0,05) und machten 33,1 % der Variation der Unterkiefer-COS aus. In der Maxilla lag der tiefste Punkt der kompensierenden Kurve auf dem distobukkalen Höcker des ersten Molaren. Unterkieferbogenumfang und Overbite korrelierten signifikant mit der kompensierenden Kurve in der Maxilla (p < 0,05) und erklärten 23,3 % der Variation.
UNASSIGNED: Overjet, Overbite, Winkel zwischen Unterkiefer und Okklusionsebene sowie Breite und Ausdehnung des Unterkieferbogens sollten bei der Rekonstruktion der Okklusionskurven in der klinischen kieferorthopädischen Behandlung und bei der prothetischen Versorgung berücksichtigt werden.

BACKGROUND: Presurgical plate therapy has been widely accepted as a treatment prior to palatal cleft closure. The effects of passive presurgical plate therapy on cleft morphology prior to single-stage unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) repair were quantified.
METHODS: We compared the dimensions of cleft width and cleft area (true cleft and palatal cleft) measured preoperatively at 2 European cleft centers. Center A performed single-stage UCLP repair in 8-month-old infants without any presurgical orthopedic treatment. Center B initiated passive presurgical plate therapy immediately after the birth of the neonates, followed by single-stage UCLP repair at 8 months of age.
RESULTS: We included 28 patients with complete UCLP from Center A and 12 patients from Center B. The average anterior width of the true cleft before surgery was significantly smaller in infants at Center B than that in Center A (p = 0.001) with 95% confidence interval of (1.8, 5.7) mm, but the average posterior width was similar in the 2 groups. The mean presurgical true cleft area amounted to 106.8 mm2 (SD = 42.4 mm2) at Center A and 71.9 mm2 (SD = 32.2 mm2) at Center B, with a confidence interval for the difference being (9.8, 60.1) mm2. This corresponded to a 32.7% reduction of the true cleft area when passive presurgical plate therapy was used for the first 8 months of the infants\' life.
CONCLUSIONS: Passive presurgical plate therapy in UCLP significantly reduced the cleft area. Implications for the subsequent surgical outcome might depend on the surgical technique used.

The association between craniocervical posture and craniofacial structures in the various sagittal skeletal malocclusion during different growth stages has been the focus of intense interest in fields of orthodontics, but it has not been conclusively demonstrated. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between craniofacial morphology and craniocervical posture in patients with sagittal skeletal malocclusion during different growth periods. A total of 150 from a large pool of cephalograms qualified for the inclusion and exclusion were evaluated and classified into three groups according to the Cervical Vertebral Maturation (CVM) by examining the morphological modifications of the second through fourth cervical vertebrae, each group consisted of 50 cephalograms. In each growth period, for the comparison of head and cervical posture differences among various skeletal classes, the radiographs were further subdivided into skeletal Class I (0° < ANB < 5°, n = 16), skeletal Class II (ANB ≥ 5°, n = 18), and skeletal Class III (0° ≤ ANB, n = 16) on the basis of their ANB angle. There was no significant difference in gender (P > 0.05). Some variables were found to be significant during pubertal growth and later in patients with sagittal skeletal malocclusion (P < 0.05). Most indicators describing craniocervical posture were largest in skeletal Class II and smallest in skeletal Class III during the peak growth periods and later. Cervical inclination variables were greater in skeletal Class III than in skeletal Class II. Variables of craniofacial morphology and craniocervical posture are more correlated during the pubertal growth period and later in patients with sagittal skeletal malocclusion. A tendency is an indication of the close interrelationship that a more extended head was in skeletal Class II while a flexed head was in skeletal Class III. Nevertheless, with the considerations of some limitations involved in this study, further longitudinal studies with large samples are required to elucidate the relationship clearly.