Deer Bone Research Articles

Quantitative Analysis of Deer Bone Hydroethanolic Extract Using Label-Free Proteomics: Investigating Its Safety and Promoting Effect on Mouse Embryonic Osteoblastic Progenitor Cell Proliferation.

Deer bone is rich in proteins and free amino acids, offering high nutritional value and benefits such as strengthening bones and antioxidant properties. However, the development and utilization of deer bone resources are limited, and the safety evaluation of health foods is incomplete. We established a hydrogen ethanol extraction method for deer bone and analyzed the components of the deer bone hydroethanolic extract (DBHE) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Using Label-free proteomics technology, we identified 69 proteins and 181 peptides. We also quantified 16 amino acids, 22 fatty acids, and 17 inorganic elements. Finally, we evaluated the safety of DBHE both in vitro and in vivo. The results indicated that DBHE did not exhibit any toxic effects at the doses we tested and can promote the proliferation of mouse embryonic osteoblastic progenitor cells (MC3T3-E1), demonstrating potential efficacy against osteoporosis and arthritis. This study provides a theoretical basis for the quality control, processing, and resource development of deer bone.

Isotope values reveal “canopy effect” in deer territoriality and maize consumption for dogs from archaeological sites in Kentucky dating to the Middle Woodland through Late Fort Ancient time periods

This research analyzes stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotope values in tooth collagen and enamel to investigate foraging and territorial behavior in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) and maize (Zea mays Linneaus) consumption in dogs (Canis familiaris Linneaus). The study analyzed 22 deer teeth from 13 archaeological sites in Kentucky covering a span of approximately 1,500 years of human occupation. The article presents evidence of foraging and territorial behavior in white-tailed deer, identified through the “canopy effect” observed in deer stable carbon isotope values in remains spanning from the Middle Woodland (200 BCE – CE 500) to Late Fort Ancient (CE 1400 – 1680) time periods in Kentucky. Additionally, teeth samples from nine dog and one wolf (Canis lupus Linneaus) were analyzed and indicate significant consumption of maize in seven of the dog samples. These specimens came from seven archaeological sites in Kentucky dating from the Early through Late Fort Ancient (CE 1400 – 1680) time periods. The study also contributes to the growing database of isotope studies in the Eastern Woodlands by presenting carbon and nitrogen isotope values on deer bone collagen from nine deer bone samples from three of the same archaeological sites dating to the Middle Woodland to Early Late Woodland.

Oral Administration of Deer Bone Collagen Peptide Can Enhance the Skin Hydration Ability and Antioxidant Ability of Aging Mice Induced by D-Gal, and Regulate the Synthesis and Degradation of Collagen.

Skin problems caused by aging have attracted much attention, and marine collagen peptides have been proved to improve these problems, while mammalian collagen peptides are rarely reported. In this study, fermented deer bone collagen peptide (FCP) and non-fermented deer bone collagen peptide (NCP) were extracted from fermented and non-fermented deer bone, respectively, and their peptide sequences and differential proteins were analyzed using LC-MS/MS technology. After they were applied to aging mice induced with D-gal, the skin hydration ability, antioxidant ability, collagen synthesis, and degradation ability of the mice were studied. The results show that FCP and NCP are mainly peptides that constitute type Ⅰ collagen, and their peptide segments are different. In vivo experiments show that FCP and NCP can improve the richness of collagen fibers in the skin of aging mice; improve the hydration ability of skin; promote the activity of antioxidant-related enzymes; and also show that through the TGF-β and MAPK pathways, the synthesis and degradation of collagen in skin are regulated. These results show that deer bone collagen peptide can improve skin problems caused by aging, promote skin hydration and antioxidant capacity of aging mice, and regulate collagen synthesis and degradation through the MAPK pathway.

A novel icariin‐encapsulated PLGA/nBM composite biomimetic microspheres for bone repair

AbstractDeer bone in traditional Chinese medicine is valued for its unique biomimetic bone matrix components. Icariin (Ica), which is claimed by Chinese medicine as a bone‐repairing agent, is also widely accepted. In this report, a novel Ica‐encapsulated PLGA/nano deer bone meal (Ica@PLGA/nBM) biomimetic microsphere was fabricated. The Ica could be released from microspheres in a controlled manner. In vitro results showed that the microsphere had good biocompatibility due to the addition of nBM and the MC3T3‐E1 cells could adhere to and grow well on the microspheres. Moreover, Ica and nBM in microspheres could synergically promote the ALP activity of MC3T3‐E1 cells significantly (p < 0.05), which indicated the acceleration of osteogenic differentiation. The RT‐PCR results showed that the expression levels of bone matrix proteins (Col1 & OPN) were enhanced by the composite (p < 0.05). In addition, Ica and nBM in microspheres also obviously promoted the expression of RUNX2 and BMP‐2, respectively (p < 0.05). The in vivo results demonstrated the effective promotion of Ica@PLGA/nBM on complete bony connection to cover the defect site and the bone defect repair. And the Ica(M)@PLGA/nBM microspheres provided the best repair results. All the results confirmed that the Ica@PLGA/nBM composite biomimetic microsphere has the potential for clinical application.

우리나라 남해안의 쪽구들 주거지 등장과 연해주 초기철기시대 문화

In this paper, we investigated the relationship with Neukdo by comparing and analyzing the ridge dwellings of the Tuanjie-Krounovka culture in the Russian Maritime Province and the bone mound remains of the Yankovsky culture. The plan and cross-sectional shapes of the early Ondol identified here are the most common structures in Nekdo Island. Most of the stone pits were installed around the 2nd century BC, when the period of the Nekdo ruins began. A large amount of deer bones, antlers, and bone fragments are produced on Nekdo Island, but most people were of the opinion that they could not be supplied from the island. In particular, there was an opinion that the two ulna stabs were not an important item in Nekdo, where small iron knives were used, but in the Yankovsky culture, they were mainly used along with iron knives. Also, ornaments with patterns can be seen in the Jankovky culture. Fishing hooks, knives, bone needles, and split harpoons are commonly found. Nekdo’s ‘bone sword’ may be a reproduction of the stone spear of the Yankovsky culture. ‘boggol’ were excavated, but only a small number of them were used, so they were not mainly used. The early Ondol dwellings and bone carvings found on Nekdo Island are a characteristic of the Tuanjie- Krounovka culture and Yankovsky culture of the Maritime Province and the northeastern region, and they provided deer meat and bone carving equipment to Nekdo Island. To prevent corruption, they would have lived on Nekdo Island only in the winter. In the ruins of Nekdo Island, the early Ondol dwellings used for wintering are located on the shell floor or nearby. This shows that decomposition of shellfish was not possible in severe summer and was possible only in winter. The relationship between culture Tuanjie-Krounovka and Yankovsky, which occupied the coast of the Maritime Province since the 3rd century BC, should be studied in the future. In addition, research on the burial methods of Yankovsky culture will be revealed through a separate paper.

Variability in feeding habitats of red deer sensu lato in Eurasia in the Late Pleistocene and Holocene

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) is one of the species that is rather wide spread and survived across Europe over the Holocene. The analyses of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in bone collagen of ungulate remains have been applied in paleoecological studies as environmental and dietary indicators. In this study we present the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope compositions of previously radiocarbon-dated red deer bone samples (N = 68) found in Central, Southern and Eastern Europe and Asia and aligned to one of two species: European red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wapiti (Cervus canadensis). We showed that the values of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of European red deer and wapiti overlapped. Among all analysed independent factors (determined for the locality and time period relevant for each of the analysed samples), the variability of δ13C values in European red deer dated to the Holocene is best explained by forest cover and mean July temperature, and variability of δ15N values by the mean July temperature, annual precipitation and altitude. Additionally, combining the results of the present study with isotopic data on European red deer collected from published sources, we revealed that the values of δ13C and of δ15N in C. elaphus bones changed according to environmental oscillations that took place in Europe over the last 50 000 years. We concluded that red deer shifted their feeding habitats in relation to changing environmental conditions, for example, forest expansion during the climate warming, and in the mid to later Holocene in response to deforestation caused by human activity and the spread of agriculture. We also found out that red deer reacted in varied ways to changing local conditions in different regions of Europe. Modern individuals of C. elaphus had the lowest δ13C values among all analysed specimens, so they probably inhabited the most densely forested areas in comparison to other European red deer populations during the last 50 000 years.

The Mineral Composition of Bone Marrow, Plasma, Bones and the First Antlers of Farmed Fallow Deer.

Simple SummaryYoung cervids build their skeleton during the growth of their first antlers, which is why this is a period of great demand for minerals. The mineral compositions of bone marrow, plasma, bones, and antlers are good indicators of changes that occur in the metabolism of farmed fallow deer. The aim of the study was to analyze the concentrations of 21 mineral elements (bulk elements: Ca, P, Mg, K, Na; trace elements: Li, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo; and toxic elements: Be, Al, As, Cd, Sb, Ba, Pb, Ni) in the aforementioned tissues. The highest content was characterized by bulk elements whose content increased in bone, bone marrow and antlers according to the following series: Ca > P > Na > Mg > K. The plasma was characterized by a different concentration of individual elements in the order of Na > K > Ca > P > Mg. The analysis of trace and toxic elements indicated that higher levels were recorded in bone tissues (in antlers and then in bones). It is worth emphasizing that the research indicates a negative correlation between Ca and Cd and between Ca and Pb and between P and Pb in tissues.An adequate supply of essential nutrients is particularly important during the skeletal growth and development of young deer, especially in males, who build new antlers each year. The aim of the research was to analyze the levels of 21 mineral elements (including the bulk elements: Ca, P, Mg, K, Na; trace elements: Li, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo; and toxic elements: Be, Al, As, Cd, Sb, Ba, Pb, Ni) in the bone marrow, plasma, bones, and first antlers of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama). The mineral compositions of tissues were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Higher concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, Cr, Zn, Se, Al, Ba and Ni were found in bone marrow than in plasma. The highest concentrations of Ca, P and Ba were recorded in fallow deer bone, while the highest concentrations of Mg, K, Na, Li, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Be, Al, As, Sb, Pb and Ni were found in the antlers. Moreover, the research showed a significant negative relationship between Ca and Cd, and between Ca and Pb, and P and Pb (rS = −0.70, rS = −0.80, and rS = −0.66, respectively; p < 0.05) in the tissues.

Physical and Chemical Properties, Biosafety Evaluation, and Effects of Nano Natural Deer Bone Meal on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

At present, bone-based products are abundant, and the main sources are bovine bone and pig bone, but there are few studies on the development of deer bone as a bone repair material. Deer bone has important osteogenic effects in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. It is rich in protein, ossein, and a variety of trace elements, with the effect of strengthening tendons and bones. Nanomaterials and their application in the repair of bone defects have become a research hotspot in bone tissue engineering. In this study, nano-deer bone meal (nBM), nano-calcined deer bone meal, and nano-demineralized bone matrix were successfully prepared. It was found that the Ca/P ratio in deer bone was significantly higher than that in cow bone and human bone tissue, and deer bone contained beneficial trace elements, such as potassium, iron, selenium, and zinc, which were not found in cow bone. The three kinds of deer bone powders prepared in this study had good biocompatibility and met the implantation standards of medical biomaterials. Cell function studies showed that compared with other bone powders, due to the presence of organic active ingredients and inorganic calcium and phosphate salts, nBM had excellent performance in the proliferation, adhesion, migration, and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. These findings indicate that nBM can be used as a potential osteoinductive active nanomaterial to enhance bone tissue engineering scaffolds with certain application prospects.

Composition of Fatty Acids in Bone Marrow of Red Deer from Various Ecosystems and Different Categories.

In this study, the influence of the living conditions of red deer (Cervus elaphus) fawns (wild vs. farmed) and effect of the category of free-living animals (fawns vs. does) on the fatty acid (FA) profile of the leg bone marrow was assessed. The composition of FAs in the deer bone marrow was determined by the gas chromatography method. In all groups, oleic acid (18:1 c9) was the most abundant in deer bone marrow and comprised of approximately 37% of total FAs. The bone marrow of young wild deer was characterized by a significantly (p < 0.001) higher fat content and saturated FAs proportion, while farmed fawns contained more moisture (p < 0.005) and fat-free dry matter (p < 0.001), as well as more monounsaturated FAs cis branched-chain FAs and monounsaturated FAs trans (p < 0.001). Although no significant (p > 0.05) differences were found between fawns, in terms of partial sums of PUFA, a significantly (p < 0.001) higher level of the sum of n-3 and n-6 FAs and more favorable n-6/n-3 ratio in the bone marrow of wild fawns were determined. In general, the legs of wild fawns were better prepared for wintering than farmed ones. In turn, comparing the category-related FAs composition in the bone marrow of free-living animals, a more favorable profile was observed in the adult (does) than in the young (fawns) animals, as the bone marrow of the wild does was characterized by significantly (p < 0.001) lower percentages of saturated FAs and a higher percentage of monounsaturated FAs cis.

Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Bone Marrow in Farmed Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Depending on Diet.

Simple SummaryThe bone marrow is regarded as an indicator of the health status in ungulates, because it is not only a source of fat but also it contains minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids. These substances affect the functioning of the organism, especially in unfavorable conditions such as winter. However, the relevant concentrations of fatty acids for healthy deer bone marrow are not known; their contents can be modified by various nutrition, although for ruminants there are some limitations. Unfortunately, studies on the composition of bone marrow fatty acids or their changes are scarce, especially in relation to the youngest deer. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the fatty acid composition of the bone marrow of farmed fallow deer fawns after the pasture period and the winter feeding. The results obtained in the study indicate that, notwithstanding inclement weather conditions in winter, providing the animals with appropriate housing conditions on the farm as well as their optimal feeding resulted in better condition and nutritional status of the animals, which is indicated by a more favourable composition and profile of fatty acids in bone marrow, compared to the optimal summer grazing period for ruminants.There are few studies on the composition of fatty acids and how they change the bone marrow fat of young animals depending on nutrition. Therefore, the proximate and fatty acid composition of metatarsal bone marrow from fawns of farm fallow deer after a summer of grazing and the winter feeding was compared. Due to the size and nature of the data, parametric or nonparametric tests were used. Fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatographic analysis. After the winter feeding, bone marrow contained more fat (83.11% vs. 75.09%, p < 0.05) and less fat free dry matter (5.61% vs. 13.76%, p < 0.05) compared to the pasture period. Moreover, there was a significantly higher amount of saturated fatty acids (23.34% vs. 21.60%, p < 0.001), more trans fatty acids (2.99% vs. 2.34%, p < 0.005), and conjugated linoleic acid isomers (1.04% vs. 0.83%, p < 0.01), compared to post winter feeding, which in turn contained significantly more total cis-monounsaturated fatty acids (54.65% vs. 58.90%, p < 0.001). The percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (including n-3 and n-6) was not affected by feeding season. In conclusion, it was shown that young male farm fallow deer were better nourished after the winter period, during which they were kept in properly prepared rooms and fed fodder prepared by people.

A comparative study on the morphology, radiography and computed tomography of the skull bones of barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor).

There is scanty information on the skull morphology of barking and sambar deer; thus the present study was designed to provide information on morphology, radiography and computed tomography (CT) of the skull bones of both deer species. The study was conducted on 12 skulls of adult barking deer (n = 6) and sambar deer (n = 6) of either sex (n = 3 males and n = 3 females) collected from Aizawl Zoological Park, Aizawl, Mizoram. The skulls of both species were macerated as per the standard maceration techniques. The skull bones of both deer species were divided into a neurocranium and a viscerocranium. The neurocranium was comprised of occipital, sphenoid, temporal, frontal, parietal, interparietal and ethmoid bones. The viscerocranium consisted of nasal, lacrimal, zygomatic, maxilla, incisive, palatine, pterygoid, vomer, mandible, turbinates and hyoid bones. The cranial cavity was oval and elongated caudally. The orbit was round, complete in barking deer; however, it was oval, complete in sambar deer. The facial tuberosity was present caudal to infraorbital foramen and dorsally at superior third premolar tooth in barking deer whereas dorsally at the superior first molar tooth in sambar deer. The infraorbital foramina were small, elliptical and placed at the level of the superior first premolar tooth. The alveolus for a canine tooth was present rostrally in the maxilla of both species. Turbinates bones were visible and mandibular symphysis remained unossified on radiographs and CT in both species. The radiographs of both species showed that the nasal canal was divided by the nasal septum. The CT scan demonstrated the paranasal, frontal and maxillary sinuses. The present study is important in the comparative anatomy of ruminant species and may help the wildlife forensic officials to identify and differentiate the bones of these two species from those of other domestic and wild small ruminants.

Study of different indices of scapula of certain non-primate mammals in relation to locomotion

The movement of the forelimb chiefly depends on structure and function of the shoulder region. The functional morphology of the primate forelimb has been studied in detail but the non primate shoulder has not been explored to such extent. The present study was conducted on scapula bones of different (non-primate) mammals, including ox, horse, dog, rhinoceros, sloth bear, chital deer, barasingha, striped hyena and small Indian civet with regard to scapular indices.The infraspinous index was highest in sloth bear for the purpose of climbing. Superior angle of scapula bone was rounded in dog, striped hyena, small Indian civet and sloth bear, whereas in case of barasingha, horse, ox, rhinoceros and chital deer, was not rounded. It can be concluded that the scapula of barasingha, horse, dog, ox, rhinoceros are better adapted for running purposes only, whereas sloth bear and small Indian civet are better adapted for climbing, digging and various other manipulations.

Проблемы культурно-хронологической идентификации Усть-Илирского могильника (Южное Приангарье)

The search for the Middle Neolithic burial complexes in Baikal-Yenisei Siberia is one of the most important fields of modern regional research. It is directly related to the problem of the so-called hiatus, which is characterized by the absence of dated burials for several hundred years between the Early and Late Neolithic in the range of ~7–5.5 ka cal BP (or ~6.6–6 ka cal BP to updated data). We see the greatest prospects at this stage of research in identifying the burials of hunter-gatherers who owned the technique of making Ust-Belaya pottery, so the connection of this ceramic type with some burials is already quite clear. This article proposes a new view on the cultural and chronological affiliation of the Ust-Ilir burial ground, which was discovered in 1990 at the mouth of the Ilir River, the left tributary of the Iya River (Southern Angara region). It is distinguished by the originality of the mortuary rite and inventory and stands out against the background of the known Neolithic burial complexes in Baikal-Yenisei Siberia. In the grave, partially destroyed by the Bratsk Reservoir, the remains of three people, fire traces and “ocher” spots (powdered red mineral pigment) were found. During the excavation of the burial, along with various tools, bone needle cases with carved ornaments, pendants from deer teeth, and bone pendants that imitate the latter in shape, unique objects of art were found - miniature bone sculptures with images of waterfowl. In addition, on the beach where the burial was discovered, exhibited finds were collected, including stone and bone tools, as well as fragments of ceramics of the Ust-Belaya type, which most likely belong to this complex. As a result of the analysis of the elements of mortuary rite and inventory of the Ust-Ilir burial ground, its similarity to some Neolithic burials of Krasnoyarsk, the Northern and Southern Angara region, whose cultural and chronological affiliation has not yet been clearly defined, has been established. The closest to Ust-Ilir is the burial complex discovered in 1959 in Krasnoyarsk near the Gremyachii Klyuch stream, in the materials of which there are similar artifacts with images of waterfowl and needle cases with an ornament. We recently obtained a radiocarbon date for this complex from a deer bone sample (from the inventory), which shows its age at 5280±25 BP (6182–5943 cal BP). Given the above facts, the Ust-Ilir burial ground can be synchronous with the Gremyachii Klyuch burial. These complexes, as well as burials close to them from other areas of Baikal-Yenisei Siberia, with a high degree of probability could have belonged to hunter-gatherers who own the Ust-Belaya pottery tradition and inhabited the region in the Middle Neolithic.

New evidence for deer valorisation by the TRB farmers from Poland using ZooMS and micro-CT scanning

Throughout the long history of the Funnel Beaker (TRB) culture in the region of modern Poland (4100–3100 BCE) we can observe how local farming communities interacted with the wild world and how deer species became an important ideological resource for the TRB people. Biomolecular and histomorphometric evidence from two archaeological sites in central Poland add new information for a better understanding of these multi-layered interactions. Our findings fuel a discussion of deer valorisation during the TRB era in Poland, showing that the dagger from Sławęcinek was made from the bone of a red deer or elk and may have served as a clan accessory. Furthermore, the results indicate that a likely candidate for the bone used to temper the ceramic vessel from Kałdus is red deer, which allowed us to speculate that the utilisation of bone-tempered pottery by the local TRB farmers may possibly reflect the magical domestication of cervids.

Comparison of the accumulation of macro- and microelements in the bone marrow and bone of wild and farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus)

BackgroundThe cells of the entire body, including the skeletal system, especially of young animals, may derive from the bone marrow in which they multiply. Therefore, it is important to assess whether the diet and quality of life of deer have a significant impact on the elemental composition of bone and bone marrow, which can directly affect their health and growth. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of macro- (Ca, calcium, P, phosphorus, Mg, magnesium, K, potassium, Na, sodium) and microelements (Li, lithium, Cr, chromium, Mn, manganese, Co, cobalt, Cu, copper, Zn, zinc, Se, selenium, Mo, molybdenum, and Sn, tin) accumulated in the bone marrow and bones of deer (Cervus elaphus). The study was carried out on 15 young stags divided into two groups: farmed and wild animals. The concentrations of macro- and microelements were analysed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique. This research expands our knowledge on this topic, which so far has not been extensively studied.ResultsThe mean content of K, Na, Zn and Se in the bone marrow of farmed animals was significantly higher than in wild deer, whereas the mean content of Ca, P, Mg, K, Na and Li in the bones was higher in wild animals than in farmed individuals (p < 0.05). In addition, the mean concentration of Cr, Mn, Cu, Se and Mo in the bones of the analysed animals differed significantly (p < 0.05) and was higher in the farmed deer. The mean concentration of Se in the bone marrow of wild deer decreased with the increase of the body weight (p < 0.05). In turn, the mean content of Mn in the bone marrow and of Mo in the bones of the animals was significantly positively correlated with the animals’ body weight (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe obtained results indicated different levels of micro- and macro-components in the body of farmed and wild deer, though without clear and strong variations. Generally, the higher level of macronutrients in the bones of wild deer may be related to the higher physiological importance of these minerals for life activities in the natural environment and to the limited supply of balanced food. On the other hand, the higher levels of microelements in the tissues of farmed animals may result from their significantly better nutritional status in the first year of life, achieved through appropriate nutrition as well as diet supplementation of adult females.

Bone dispersal by vertebrate taxa in an urban park environment in New England, USA

The questions of the frequency, distance, and maximum size of the bones that carnivores, rodents, and other common taxa can disperse have been little addressed, especially in the later phases of skeletonization when individual bones are more subject to transport and loss. The present research utilized a sample of dry white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) bones in two locations in a forested urban environment dense with eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), chipmunks (Tamias striatus), coyotes (Canis latrans), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and other potential scavenging taxa. Game cameras were used to document their dispersal behavior. A total of 1731 visits were recorded, by a minimum of 12 mammalian and 9 avian taxa. Small amounts of dispersal impacted the bone samples continuously throughout the observation period, with 52.2% of all movement in the range of 1–5 cm. The bones were dispersed a maximum distance of 1252 cm, and the largest bone moved had an initial mass of 194.6 g. Rodent dry-bone gnawing behavior affected 72.7% of the sample. The project also assessed a smaller sample of Tile Mate® tracking chips for their utility in dispersal research, and these were found to have a useful potential though were not pivotal in acquiring the data presented here. Forensic surface search methods and interpretations of skeletal recovery patterns should take into consideration the ability of these common species to disperse even dry bones away from their initial locations, and this behavior may continue years after the time of initial deposition.

Labelling experiments in red deer provide a general model for early bone growth dynamics in ruminants

Growth rates importantly determine developmental time and are, therefore, a key variable of a species' life history. A widely used method to reconstruct growth rates and to estimate age at death in extant and particularly in fossil vertebrates is the analysis of bone tissue apposition rates. Lines of arrested growth (LAGs) are of special interest here, as they indicate a halt in bone growth. However, although of great importance, the time intervals between, and particularly the reason of growth arrests remains unknown. Therefore, experiments are increasingly called for to calibrate growth rates with tissue types and life history events, and to provide reliable measurements of the time involved in the formation of LAGs. Based on in vivo bone labelling, we calibrated periods of bone tissue apposition, growth arrest, drift and resorption over the period from birth to post-weaning in a large mammal, the red deer. We found that bone growth rates tightly matched the daily weight gain curve, i.e. decreased with age, with two discrete periods of growth rate disruption that coincided with the life history events birth and weaning, that were visually recognisable in bone tissue as either partial LAGs or annuli. Our study identified for the first time in a large mammal a general pattern for juvenile bone growth rates, including periods of growth arrest. The tight correlation between daily weight gain and bone tissue apposition suggests that the red deer bone growth model is valid for ruminants in general where the daily weight gain curve is comparable.

Effects of Epimedium Rhizoma Drynariae Combined with Bone Nutritional Tonic on Rats with Osteoporosis

Objective: To study the effects of Epimedium Rhizoma Drynariae deer bone combined with bone nutritional tonic on osteoporosis rats induced by ovariectomized. Methods: Ovariectomized rats were prepared and randomly divided into model group, positive drug group (1.0 mg/kg·bw Estradiol valerate tablets), traditional Chinese medicine group (0.17 g/kg·bw Epimedium Rhizoma Drynariae extract, 0.08 g/kg·bw Deer bone meal), nutritional supplement group (0.17 g/kg·bw Glucosamine hydrochloride, 0.08 g/kg·bw Chondroitin sulfate, 0.17 g/kg·bw Calcium carbonate), compound group (0.17 g/kg·bw Epimedium Rhizoma Drynariae extract, 0.08 g/kg·bw Deer bone meal, 0.17 g/kg·bw Glucosamine hydrochloride, 0.08 g/kg·bw Chondroitin sulfate, 0.17 g/kg·bw Calcium carbonate)and sham operation group. The gavage volume of the above groups was 10 mL/kg·bw, 1 time/day, for 12 successive weeks, adjusted the gavage volume according to the weekly weight. After 12 weeks, the femoral bone density and bone calcium content of rats were measured, and the bone histopathological examination was performed. Results: The main functional components in the hydrating extract of Epimedium Rhizoma Drynariae were icariin (0.78%) and total flavonoids(4.38%). Twelve weeks later, compared with the model group, the bone mineral density and bone calcium content of SD rats in the traditional Chinese medicine group and the nutritional supplement group did not change significantly (P>0.05). The bone density and bone calcium content of SD rats in the compound group were significantly higher than those of rats in the model group (P 0.05). The compound could increase the bone trabecular components and reduce the sparseness, thinning and fracture of the bone trabecula (P<0.01). Conclusion: The compound group has the effect of increasing the bone density and bone calcium content of rats, effectively reducing the degree of osteoporosis, and increasing the bone trabecular components. The compound group is more effective than the traditional Chinese medicine or nutrient alone.

Using Deer Stable Isotope Data to Test a Niche Construction Hypothesis for an Increase in Prehistoric Human Maize Consumption in the Eastern Woodlands of the United States

ABSTRACT Pollen records and macrobotanical remains indicate maize was grown minimally during the Middle Woodland (200 BCE - CE 500) in eastern North America. However, previous isotopic studies have found limited evidence of its consumption by people in archaeobotanical assemblages. Hypothetically, if deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) were feeding on maize (Zea mays L.) in gardens prior to its adoption as a human dietary staple, this may indicate a niche construction process which would later lead to shifts in hunting strategies. This construction of garden spaces or niches has implications for decreased mobility and greater investment in garden crops. To evaluate this hypothesis in the Ohio River Valley, we measured stable nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) isotope compositions of bulk collagen in deer bones (N = 25) from archaeological sites spanning the Middle Woodland (200 BCE - CE 400/500) to Late Precontact (CE 1400-1630). Our hypothesis was not confirmed: little (one deer of 19) evidence for maize consumption occurred in the analyzed deer remains. Five deer of 19 did indicate the possibility of feeding in deeply wooded areas, reflecting canopy effect. Dog (Canis lupus familiaris L.) bone samples (N = 2) were also analyzed for these isotopes and one indicates some consumption of maize.

Experimental Formation of Marine Abrasion on Bone and the Forensic Postmortem Submergence Interval

Human skeletal remains are frequently recovered from marine environments, where they have undergone months or years of immersion, and decomposition stage is no longer a possible method from which to estimate the postmortem submergence interval (PMSI). Over these longer PMSIs, a common taphonomic alteration that forms is the wearing and rounding of surfaces from marine abrasion, caused by repeated agitation in sediment or against rocks. Little is known about the timing of these changes and how to measure or score the degree of alteration. In a laboratory setting, multiple dry, defleshed bones of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were agitated in saltwater for varying intervals with abrasive sediment (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days) and with rocks (5 and 12 days) using a laboratory tumbling device. These were compared to human remains cases from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Boston, MA that had been in the Atlantic Ocean for known intervals. A five-stage (0–4) marine abrasion scoring system was devised for the taphonomic analysis of forensic cases from marine environments to allow for direct comparison among cases. A high degree of correlation between abrasion stage and known PMSI was detected.