Abstract
The Andronowski Skeletal Collection for Histological Research (ASCHR) comprises the fastest-growing documented modern human skeletal collection in the world developed specifically for histological and imaging research. Initiated in 2017 by Dr. Janna M. Andronowski, the ASCHR provides a resource for the study of skeletal microarchitectural variability with advancing age and between the sexes. The primary objective is to use this unique skeletal archive for histological and imaging research, with the goal of furthering knowledge of human bone biology. Bone procurement has focused on two sites commonly used in histological age-at-death estimation in anthropology: the mid-shaft sixth rib and femoral mid-shaft. The ASCHR consists of over 1200 bone samples from 621 individuals and thousands of imaging files, with age-at-death ranging from 15–105 years. Additional information collected about ASCHR donors includes occupational history; alcohol, tobacco, and drug use history; a health questionnaire; and cause and manner of death. The ASCHR offers a novel opportunity to devise regression formulae for histological age-at-death estimation and answer questions concerning age-related microarchitectural changes and biomechanical processes. It further serves as a skeletal reference database for researchers from various disciplines, including medicine, anthropology, and the biological sciences. Here, we describe the background of the collection, ethical considerations, bone procurement processes, demographic composition, and existing imaging and histological data available to researchers. Our primary aims are to (1) introduce the scientific community to ASCHR, (2) present descriptive and demographic information regarding the collection, and (3) encourage collaboration among national and international researchers interested in human skeletal biology.
Highlights
Human skeletal collections are essential for scientific research and teaching
Bone procurement protocols for employing Synchrotron Radiation micro-Computed Tomography (SRμCT) experiments require the extraction of bone cores that fit into a determined field of view (FOV) [12,13]
Bone procurement has focused on two sites commonly used in histological age-at-death estimation in anthropology: the mid-shaft sixth rib and femoral mid-shaft
Summary
Human skeletal collections are essential for scientific research and teaching. The first recorded collections were initiated in the late 19th century with the Hamann–Todd Human Osteological Collection in 1893 [1] and the Robert J. Terry Anatomical Human Skeletal Collection in 1898 [2] Such skeletal archives have served as the basis of numerous published journal articles, theses, and dissertations related to biological profiling and sex assessment (see [3] for a recent summary and analysis). Bone procurement protocols for employing Synchrotron Radiation micro-Computed Tomography (SRμCT) experiments require the extraction of bone cores that fit into a determined field of view (FOV) [12,13] Such minimally invasive techniques allow for more cosmetically acceptable sampling sites if traditionally used macroscopic skeletal indicators (e.g., for age and sex estimation) are avoided
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