Bone Modification Research Articles

Wet‐Chemical Deposition of Functional Coatings for Bone Implantology

Since the early 1980s, research on the modification of bone implant surfaces by applying coatings has mainly focused on the application of inorganic calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings using physical deposition techniques. Organic components of the extracellular bone matrix, on the other hand, play an essential role in the process of bone healing, but cannot be applied using these physical techniques. Therefore, a recent trend in biomaterials research involves development of novel wet-chemical deposition techniques for both inorganic and organic coatings. This study reviews the major wet-chemical coating techniques that are used for the deposition of inorganic CaP coatings and organic biomolecules coatings.

The Effects of Body Mass on Cremation Weight*

Cremains have become increasingly frequent in forensic contexts, while higher body mass in the general population has simultaneously made cremation a more cost-effective mortuary practice. This study analyzed the relationship between body mass and bone mass, as reflected through cremation weight. Antemortem data were recorded for samples used in the multi-regional data set. Each was rendered through commercial crematoriums and reweighed postincineration. Pearson's correlation demonstrates clear association between body mass and cremation weight (r=0.56; p<0.0001). However, multiple linear regression revealed sex and age variables also have a significant relationship (t=7.198; t=-2.5, respectively). Regressed in conjunction, body mass, sex, and age contribute approximately 67% of all variation observed in cremation weight (r=0.668). Analysis of covariance indicates significant regional variation in body and cremation weight. Explanations include bone modification resulting from increased loading stress, as well as glucose intolerance and altered metabolic pathways related to obesity.

Time course of bone loss in patients with anorexia nervosa

To evaluate the time course of bone mineral density (BMD) in women with anorexia nervosa (AN) during 2-year follow-up. We prospectively studied 51 female with AN aged 18-38 years, and 40 age-matched healthy women (19-34 years). BMD was measured in lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total hip (TH) by DXA. At baseline, weight, body mass index, and lumbar and hip BMD were significantly (p < .001) lower in AN patients than in controls. Patients who gain weight showed a significant increase in BMD at FN (+1.6%; p < .05), and TH (+4.4%; p < .05) and lower nonsignificant changes in LS (+1.3%). Weight at entry, and percent change of weight were significant determinants (p < .05) of the variability in percent change of BMD at FN and TH, whereas weight at entry was the main determinant of bone modifications at lumbar spine. Our data emphasize the influence of weight gain in recovery of bone mass in AN patients, especially at the hip.

Testing heterogeneity in faunal assemblages from archaeological sites. Tumbling and trampling experiments at the early-Middle Pleistocene site of Gesher Benot Ya’aqov (Israel)

The current paper reports an experimental case study to test the heterogeneity of faunal assemblages from the Early-Middle Pleistocene Layers V-5 and V-6 of the Gesher Benot Ya’aqov Acheulian site (Israel). Tumbling and trampling experiments were initiated to gain qualitative insight into processes of bone modification and to assess the timing of the biostratonomic chronology, as it was assumed that both mechanisms were responsible for the formation of striations documented on the bone surfaces from the site. The tumbling experiments mimicked sediment movement in a calm lacustrine shoreline environment whereas the trampling experiments investigate the role of animal/hominin activities in dry, muddy and wet environments. Models for the internal operational sequence of an abrasional process due to uni- and multidirectional water movement and of a trampling scenario are presented. These models are used for the interpretation of the fauna from Gesher Benot Ya’aqov.

Late Pleistocene butchered Bison antiquus from Ayer Pond, Orcas Island, Pacific Northwest: Age confirmation and taphonomy

Bone modifications on well-preserved Bison antiquus remains recently discovered during pond construction in the Pacific Northwest provide evidence suggestive of Late Pleistocene human activity. Since excavation and recovery conditions were not ideal careful evaluation of all observations separated those that can be made with confidence, and identified and discounted those less reliable. The report focuses on the context of the discovery, the taphonomic evidence, and compares modifications to those from other reported kill sites, considering evidence for human butchering and predator and scavenger damage. New test results confirm the bison is Late Pleistocene in age. A recent AMS radiocarbon date involving different pretreatment protocols places the event at 11,990 14C BP, slightly older than the first test results of 11,760 14C BP. These dates and observations were used to conclude that the bison was butchered by humans shortly after deglaciation.

Taphonomic analysis of the early Pleistocene (2.4 Ma) faunal assemblage from A.L. 894 (Hadar, Ethiopia)

The A.L. 894 site (Hadar, Ethiopia) is, together with OGS 7 (Gona, Ethiopia), one of the oldest archaeological sites documenting a spatial association of stone tools and bones retrieved from an in situ excavation. In contrast with OGS 7, the better preservation of the bone assemblage at A.L. 894 allows the identification of taphonomic processes of bone breakage, thanks to abundant green bone fractures. The presence of tooth marks and the lack of hominin-produced bone modifications together argue against hominins as the responsible agents for bone accumulation and modification. This taphonomic study of A.L. 894 shows lack of evidence for functional associations between stone tools and bones, a pattern documented in several other early Pleistocene sites. Such a pattern underscores the complex phenomena involved in site formation processes, especially in the earliest archaeological assemblages

Skeletal evidence of aortic coarctation: A case study

Reports of cardiovascular diseases diagnosed on skeletonized bodies are rare in the paleopathological and forensic literature, since the disappearance of soft tissues prevents the recognition of most of the lesions associated with these pathologies. However, some cardiovascular diseases can produce adaptative changes on bones, allowing their identification on skeletal material. Among them, aortic coarctation is a congenital disorder, which produces a localized constriction of the aorta. As a consequence, the blood is rerouted through a collateral circulation system whose vessels may become enlarged, producing a distinctive notching on the pleural surface of the ribs and on adjacent bones. During the palaeopathological study of a medieval archaeological sample from central France, an individual showing signs of coarctation of the aorta was identified. The lesions consist of many round-shaped areas of notching within the subcostal groove of ribs. Periosteal new bone formation, which may reflect a chronic inflammatory state facilitated by the aortic coarctation, was also observed on the diaphysis of his long bones. The present report is the second description of aortic coarctation diagnosed on ancient skeletal material. The recognition of the pathognomonic bone's modifications of this cardiovascular disease is of particular interest in reconstruction of health status of an individual and, as a consequence, may contribute to personal identification during forensic investigations. Les exemples de maladies cardiovasculaires diagnostiquées sur des corps squelettisés sont rares dans la littérature paléopathologique et médicolégale, la disparition des tissus mous empêchant l’identification de la plupart des lésions associées à ces pathologies. Toutefois, certaines maladies cardiovasculaires peuvent produire des modifications adaptatives sur les os, autorisant leur identification sur le squelette. Parmi celles-ci, la coarctation aortique est une maladie congénitale qui produit une constriction localisée de l’aorte. Le sang est en conséquence dérouté vers la circulation collatérale dont les vaisseaux peuvent s’élargir, produisant des encoches caractéristiques sur la face pleurale des côtes et sur les os adjacents. Pendant l’étude paléopathologique d’un échantillon archéologique médiéval du centre de la France, un individu présentant les signes d’une coarctation aortique a été identifié. Les lésions consistent en de nombreuses encoches circulaires localisées au niveau de la gouttière sub-costale des côtes. Des appositions périostées, qui pourraient refléter un état inflammatoire chronique facilité par la coarctation aortique, ont également été observées sur les diaphyses de ses os longs. Le présent article livre la seconde description d’un cas de coarctation aortique diagnostiqué sur du matériel squelettique ancien. La reconnaissance des modifications osseuses pathognomoniques de cette maladie cardiovasculaire présente un intérêt particulier pour la reconstitution du statut sanitaire d’un individu et par conséquent, peut contribuer à l’identification d’une personne dans le cadre d’investigations médicolégales.

Temporal Bone Malignancies and Modifications of Surgical Methods

Temporal Bone Malignancies and Modifications of Surgical Methods

Detailed quantitative method in microvertebrate taphonomy in the case of Pleistocene filling of the Vaskapu II rock shelter

Abstract A total of 1,514 fossil bones were studied from the Vaskapu II rock shelter (Bukk Mountains, North Hungary). The objective of this study was to investigate those processes of bone modification that were important in the dispersal, destruction and preservation of bone in the deposit. Size-selective taphonomic processes were detected in the accumulation of vertebrate remains. The fossils were transported by water through a 15 m high fissure system above the locality during repeated precipitation and thawing. Size-sorting of the bones occurred within the fissures. During this process the fossils were damaged and fragmented and the remains were eventually emplaced into the Vaskapu II rock shelter. The size-sorting is statistically established by a method based on the chisquare test. This method clearly describes the differences between the life and death assemblages.

Déchiffrer l’histoire taphonomique de l’assemblage osseux du Paléolithique supérieur de la Grotte Zouhrah/El Harhoura 1, maroc

Overlap in the use of caves between hominids and animals has frequently been documented in the prehistoric record. In the Maghreb, Zouhrah Cave, also called El Harhoura 1 (Temara, Morocco), has yielded a few Aterian lithic tools and an abundance of fauna. This faunal assemblage is dominated by gazelles (41% of identified remains) and many carnivore species, including remains of both spotted and striped hyena. Extensive porcupine activity is also evident. The observation of numerous coprolites, in combination with the study of ungulate mortality profiles, skeletal element representation and pattern of bone modifications, all demonstrate that the cave functioned more as a carnivore den than an anthropogenic site even during the Neolithic. Our analysis reveals that the Zouhrah Cave faunal assemblage was created by multiple agents: human, hyena and porcupine. We suggest that this may be a typical signature for Upper Pleistocene cave sites in the Mediterranean region.

Abstract: 1034 USE AND LIMITATIONS OF CORONARY ARTERY CALCIFICATION TO STUDY ATHEROSCLEROSIS

The current paper reports an experimental case study to test the heterogeneity of faunal assemblages from the Early-Middle Pleistocene Layers V-5 and V-6 of the Gesher Benot Ya’aqov Acheulian site (Israel). Tumbling and trampling experiments were initiated to gain qualitative insight into processes of bone modification and to assess the timing of the biostratonomic chronology, as it was assumed that both mechanisms were responsible for the formation of striations documented on the bone surfaces from the site. The tumbling experiments mimicked sediment movement in a calm lacustrine shoreline environment whereas the trampling experiments investigate the role of animal/hominin activities in dry, muddy and wet environments. Models for the internal operational sequence of an abrasional process due to uni- and multidirectional water movement and of a trampling scenario are presented. These models are used for the interpretation of the fauna from Gesher Benot Ya’aqov.

Were Olduvai Hominins making butchering tools or battering tools? Analysis of a recently excavated lithic assemblage from BK (Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania)

A new interpretation of early stone-tool use by hominins at Olduvai depicts them as involved in battering activities (using pounding tools) rather than making cutting butchering tools as is commonly inferred in most other Plio-Pleistocene sites where lithics appear associated to faunal remains. The bulk of this interpretation is based on the recognition of the stigma of percussion activities in anvils and detached by-products. Renewed excavations at BK after more than half a century of the beginning of the digging at the site by M. Leakey have produced a new and unbiased lithic assemblage. The taphonomic study of the faunal assemblage has shown that BK is an anthropogenic site where carcass butchery practices were repeatedly performed over a vast amount of time. The present analysis of the lithic artefacts supports this interpretation by showing that the obtainment of flakes was the principal aim in stone knapping. We argue that a number of technical traits observed in the lithic collection of BK can be best interpreted as the result of bipolar loading rather than the by-products of battering activities. Since BK has provided the second largest collection of hominid-modified bones from Olduvai, it is concluded that detached pieces produced in the course of bipolar reduction might have played an active role in bone modification and that active rather than passive percussion behaviors might have been responsible for the formation of the lithic assemblage. The functionality of the Oldowan stone tools are discussed under the light of the new study.

Assessing the function of early hominin bone tools

Bone tools from early hominin sites in southern Africa continue to intrigue researchers interested in the development of early human technology and cognition. Sterkfontein, Swartkrans and Drimolen have all yielded bone tools dated to between 1 and 2 Mya associated with numerous Paranthropus robustus and few early Homo remains. The bone tools are described by different authors as implements used to excavate tubers from the ground and termites from their nests, work hides and strip bark from trees. The purpose of this research was to develop a more powerful analytical tool for the study and interpretation of bone surface modifications in general, and early hominin bone tool function(s) in particular. We used an optical interferometer to scan the worn areas of a sample of bone tools from Swartkrans and Drimolen, an ethnographic collection of implements used for defleshing marula fruits, and a set used experimentally to excavate in the ground and in termite mounds. The 3D rendering of archaeological and experimental wear patterns better highlights previously described differences between these patterns, and demonstrates the pertinence of this analytical tool to visually discriminating between different bone modifications. Analysis of selected 2D and 3D roughness variables indicates that the wear pattern on the early hominin bone tools from Drimolen is significantly different from that of tuber digging, very similar to termite foraging, and not unlike marula fruit processing. Marked differences are detected between the Swartkrans and Drimolen wear patterns, which suggests that the tools from these sites may have been used with different motions, in contact with abrasive particles of different size, or in different tasks. Principal component analyses conducted on 2D and 3D variables suggest that early hominin bone tools from southern Africa may have been used to forage for termites, extract tubers in a motion parallel to the tool main axis, process fruits and conduct other, as yet unidentified, tasks.

Effects of imatinib mesylate in osteoblastogenesis

Imatinib mesylate (IM), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor currently used in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), may also affect the growth of other cellular systems besides CML cells. Because it has been reported that IM may affect bone tissue remodeling, we evaluated the effects of IM on osteoblastic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). After 21 days of culture, hBM-MSCs treated with IM (1 microM) alone or osteogenic medium (OM) + IM showed changes in morphology with evidence of extracellular mineralization and increased mRNA expression of osteogenic markers, such as RUNX2, osteocalcin (OCN), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2). We also observed that levels of OCN and the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) ratio (OPG/RANKL ratio) were increased in the surnatant of the 21-day culture with IM or OM + IM compared to controls (p<0.005). In addition, we found that in 46 serum samples collected from CML patients treated with IM for 3 to 24 months, the OPG/RANKL ratio increased after 3 and 6 months (p<0.004) returning back to the basal level after 24 months of IM treatment. In these patients, OCN levels were low at diagnosis but they increased throughout the IM treatment, approaching normal levels at 24 months of IM therapy. In summary, our data show that IM increases mRNA expression of osteogenic markers in hBM-MSCs and increases the OPG/RANKL ratio and the OCN levels both in surnatant of hBM-MSCs cultured with IM and in serum of patients treated with IM, thus indicating that IM potentially favors osteoblastogenesis.

APPLICATION OF FORENSIC SCIENCE TECHNIQUES TO TRACE FOSSILS ON DINOSAUR BONES FROM A QUARRY IN THE UPPER JURASSIC MORRISON FORMATION, NORTHEASTERN WYOMING

Trace fossils on sauropod skeletons from a quarry in fluvial deposits of the Morrison Formation, Wyoming, are used to reconstruct the taphonomic history of the dinosaur bone accumulation. Shallow pits; rosettes; hemispherical pits; thin, curvilinear, branching grooves; and U- to V-shaped linear grooves make up trace fossils found on sauropod skeletons. The traces were interpreted by comparisons to traces on modern bone. Rosettes are circular rings of modified bone and are likely an early stage in the production of shallow pits. They are interpreted as pupation chambers constructed in dried flesh in contact with sauropod bone. Hemispherical pits are circular with a U-shaped cross section and interpreted as dermestid pupation chambers completed in sauropod bone. Thin, curvilinear, branching grooves are semicircular in cross section, form irregular dendritic or looping patterns, and are interpreted as root etchings. U- to V-shaped linear grooves are interpreted as theropod or crocodilian bite marks. Skeletal articulation and condition and distribution of bone modification traces suggest the skeletons accumulated at this site over no more than 3.5 years, with the bulk of the skeletons contributed during the dry season in the final 3–6 months. Carcasses went through all stages of decomposition—including the dry stage, represented by shallow pits, rosettes, and hemispherical pits. Vertebrate scavengers and necrophagous arthropods fed on the carcasses during all decomposition stages prior to burial of the assemblage.

Improved cell growth by Bio-Oss/PLA scaffolds for use as a bone substitute

The objective of this study was to investigate the surface modification of a natural bone substitute, Bio-Oss, coated with a synthetic polymer poly-D,L-lactide (PLA), in order to improve cell growth. Bio-Oss is a natural bone substitute made of the mineralized portion of bovine bone. The material is used mainly to fill bone defects in periodontal and maxillofacial surgery and permit reossification. Poly-a-hydroxyacids such as polylactic acid are receiving an increasing attention due to their ability to retain a great quantity of water, good biocompatibility, low interfacial tension, and minimal mechanical and frictional irritation. All of these features are appealing from the perspective of bioenvironmental mimicking. The human osteosarcoma cell line SAOS-2 was added to the top of scaffolds uncoated or coated with PLA and incubated at 37 degrees in 5% CO(2) for 15 days. PLA-coated scaffolds improved cell growth. Polymer degradation behaviour, extraction and measurement of the extracellular matrix proteins of the cultured scaffolds (such as decorin, fibronectin osteocalcin, osteonectin, osteopontin and type-I and type-III collagen), immunolocalization of bone proteins and morphological analysis of the scaffolds confirmed the bioactive properties of Bio-Oss/PLA4M suggesting that it could be a valuable grafting material.

Paleoepidemiological patterns of interpersonal aggression in a prehistoric central California population from CA‐ALA‐329

Interpersonal aggression is assessed paleoepidemiologically in a large skeletal population from the CA-ALA-329 site located on the southeastern side of San Francisco Bay, California. This comprehensive analysis included all currently recognized skeletal criteria, including craniofacial fracture, projectile injury, forearm fracture, and perimortem bone modification. Craniofacial injury is moderately common, showing an adult prevalence of 9.0% with facial lesions accounting for >50% of involvement. Clinical studies suggest that such separate evaluation of facial involvement provides a useful perspective for understanding patterns of interpersonal aggression. In this group male facial involvement is significantly greater than in females, paralleling the pattern found widely in contemporary populations as well as in African apes. When compared to other North American skeletal samples the prevalence of adult cranial vault injury (3.3%) and especially projectile injury (4.4%) are quite high. However, well documented populations from southern California show markedly higher prevalence for both types of skeletal markers of aggression. Forearm fracture is also assessed using a rigorous radiographic methodology and results suggest that these injuries are not reliable indicators of interpersonal aggression. Lastly, perimortem bone modification was not observed in this population, although it has been recorded from other (older) sites nearby. This study provides an evaluation of multiple skeletal markers of interpersonal aggression in the largest sample from a single site yet reported in North America and, joined with consideration of cultural context, helps further illuminate both geographic and temporal patterns of interpersonal aggression in California.

Research and Observation about Incidence and Clinical Aspects of Tarsal Cellulites in Dairy Cows

The present study proposes a presentation of tarsal cellulites incidence in a dairy cows farm, Holstein breed. In this purpose they have been monitoring 160 dairy cows from a farm specialized in milk production, for a period of one year. To appreciate the disease incidence and diagnostic, we used clinical examination, radiological exam and morphometric mensuration , all repeated in short time interval. After the clinical exam and registration of the casuistry, all cases have been classified into a diagnostic score model (created and elaborated by us) with four severity degree, grad 1 represents the easiest modifications and grad 4 represents the most grave. From 160 dairy cows exanimate, in 17 cows (11%) we find tarsal cellulites in different stages: 5 cows with first degree cellulites, 4 cows with second degree cellulites , 4 cows with third degree and 4 cows with fourth degree tarsal cellulites. For morphometric mensuration and appreciation of tarsal region circumference we used a riband with measurement unites in cm that was applied over the affected region, orientated parallel with the floor. Radiological exam made in 9 illness cows, didn’t show any bone modification .in chronic cases, inside the derma structure appears a rich collagen layer who became an impediment for the body healing because he get late the medicaments treatments results.

Modification of the maxillary bone in adults with nasal polyposis: a CT morphometric study

Nasal polyposis (NP) in adult population is a common problem in otorhinolaryngology outpatient practice. Computed tomography (CT) is the ideal imaging method to investigate paranasal sinus diseases. There is yet no study in the literature measuring the morphometry of maxillary bone in NP. The objectives of this study are to correlate the airway variables obtained by CT findings of both chronic nasal airway obstruction and control group in an adult population, and to investigate whether the bony structure of the airway is affected or not. Forty NP cases that were followed up for 1-5 years by an otorhinolaryngologist were included in this retrospective study. Forty subjects who had normal findings reported on paranasal CT scans were randomly selected from our CT database as the control group. Maxillary and palatine bones (PB) were evaluated: the plane angle between the maxillary alveolar processes (MAP) and PB, and depth of the maxillary arch of both groups were compared. The mean angle between MAP and PB plane was wider in the NP group (right 128.1 +/- 8.5 degrees and left 126.2 +/- 8.5 degrees ) than control group (right 106.6 +/- 8.1 degrees and left 105.5 +/- 7.3 degrees). The mean depth of maxillary arch was significantly smaller in the NP group (1.2 +/- 0.2 cm) than in the control group (1.4 +/- 0.2 cm). There could be a relationship between nasal polyposis in adults and maxillary shape. The flattening and shallowing of the maxillary arch detected in patients with NP may indicate that the bony structural changes continue in adulthood.

Intentional or incidental thermal modification? Analysing site occupation via burned bone

Although there has been extensive experimental research on the thermal modification of bone, the results have rarely been applied to interpret zooarchaeological assemblages. The faunal assemblage from Wanderer's Cave, Australia was analysed to investigate the origins, timing and context in which faunal specimens became burned during the mid–late Holocene occupation of the site. Statistical analyses of uniformity of burning, burning over fracture surfaces and epiphyses, frequency of carbonisation by prey taxa, and thermal modification of canid modified specimens indicate that the majority of faunal specimens were unintentionally modified when on the surface of the deposit or while buried in sediment when fires were lit at subsequent site occupation events. Thermal modification at the site does not reflect intentional cooking activities. Significant preservation biases were identified from the lower acidic levels of the site, preventing knowledge of the early fire history at Wanderer's Cave.