Female Skeleton Research Articles

Joined supernumerary mandibular teeth in the premolar region: Report of a Hungarian archeological case

Supernumerary teeth are those that are additional to the normal complement. They may occur in any region of the dental arch and have been reported in both the primary and the permanent dentitions. The etiology of supernumerary teeth is still not clearly understood, but several theories have been suggested for their occurrence. The investigated material were the remains from the Bácsalmás-Óalmás burial site (from the 16th-17th centuries), where 472 skeletons were excavated from 1993 to 2003. For the purpose of this study, the dentitions of 164 adult individuals were examined. The examination was carried out using macromorphological methods, radiographic analysis and a dial caliper were applied. This paper describes a supernumerary tooth of an adult female skeleton. On the labial surface of the first mandibular premolar an extra tooth was observed.Radiographic examination of the fused teeth indicated that the crown of the premolar had fused incompletely with the crown of the extra tooth. The position of the extra tooth could have been the result of gemination of the tooth germ or the elaboration of the buccal cingulum. The cranium of the examined individual showed some mongoloid morphologic features, too. Our presumption about the formation of the supernumerary tooth may have contributed to the theories of the occurrence of supernumeraries. The sporadic occurrence of this anomaly was reported in recent and archaeological skeletal collections. This study showed that multiple permanent dental formation was present in past Hungarian populations, representing a contribution to the history of dental anomalies.

Selective mortality in middle-aged American women with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH).

ObjectiveA mortality sample of white American male and female skeletons was examined to illustrate a simple means of identifying skeletal conditions associated with an increased risk of dying relatively early in adulthood and to determine if males and females with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) displayed the same general age-specific pattern of mortality.MethodsAge-specific probability distributions for DISH were generated from 416 white Americans who died from the 1980s to the present, and whose remains were donated to the University of Tennessee Forensic Anthropology Center. The age-specific frequency of DISH is analyzed using an empirical smoothing algorithm. Doing so allows for the identification of deviations (i.e., local maxima) from monotonically increasing age-specific probabilities.ResultsIn females (N = 199), there is a peak in the frequency of individuals with DISH around 60 years of age where 37.0% of the individuals have DISH. It is matched only by the frequency (38.7%) in the oldest females, those over 85 years old. In contrast, DISH frequencies for males (N = 217) increase monotonically with advancing age, reaching 62.5% in the ≥86 years age group. There was an association between DISH and high body weight in women, particularly those who died before they reached the age of 75.ConclusionsEarly-onset DISH in white American women is associated with an increased risk of dying indicated by a local maximum in the probability curve. Should this finding be replicated in additional mortality samples and the reason DISH is associated with early death is established, beyond being heavy, this radiologically visible ossification of the spine could be a potential component of health-monitoring programs for middle-aged women.

Medical diagnostic methods applied to a medieval female with vitamin D deficiency from the north of Spain

Vitamin D deficiency is a pathological condition that affects bone metabolism by preventing proper mineralization, which eventually leads to bone deformities and other pathological conditions such as osteoporosis, increased bone fragility and fractures. The aim of this study is to present a case of vitamin D deficiency, but also to note how the application of several complementary techniques is a fundamental step in the establishing an accurate diagnosis. These techniques range from classical palaeopathological analysis to modern clinical practice. After the macroscopic examination of a medieval female skeleton from Palencia (Spain), where various bone deformations were observed, a differential diagnosis could not establish a definitive cause. Radiological, bone density, and histological studies were carried out, finally allowing to confirm a vitamin D deficiency suffered in both childhood and adulthood. This is a clear example, with practical applications, of the importance of interdisciplinarity to reveal insights about the life history and physical health of ancient individuals.

Structural Adaptations in the Rat Tibia Bone Induced by Pregnancy and Lactation Confer Protective Effects Against Future Estrogen Deficiency.

The female skeleton undergoes substantial structural changes during the course of reproduction. Although bone mineral density recovers postweaning, reproduction may induce permanent alterations in maternal bone microarchitecture. However, epidemiological studies suggest that a history of pregnancy and/or lactation does not increase the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis or fracture and may even have a protective effect. Our study aimed to explain this paradox by using a rat model, combined with in vivo micro-computed tomography (μCT) imaging and bone histomorphometry, to track the changes in bone structure and cellular activities in response to estrogen deficiency following ovariectomy (OVX) in rats with and without a reproductive history. Our results demonstrated that a history of reproduction results in an altered skeletal response to estrogen-deficiency-induced bone loss later in life. Prior to OVX, rats with a reproductive history had lower trabecular bone mass, altered trabecular microarchitecture, and more robust cortical structure at the proximal tibia when compared to virgins. After OVX, these rats underwent a lower rate of trabecular bone loss than virgins, with minimal structural deterioration. As a result, by 12 weeks post-OVX, rats with a reproductive history had similar trabecular bone mass, elevated trabecular thickness, and increased robustness of cortical bone when compared to virgins, resulting in greater bone stiffness. Further evaluation suggested that reproductive-history-induced differences in post-OVX trabecular bone loss were likely due to differences in baseline trabecular microarchitecture, particularly trabecular thickness. Rats with a reproductive history had a larger population of thick trabeculae, which may be protective against post-OVX trabecular connectivity deterioration and bone loss. Taken together, these findings indicate that reproduction-associated changes in bone microarchitecture appear to reduce the rate of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency later in life, and thereby exert a long-term protective effect on bone strength. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Effects of reproduction on sexual dimorphisms in rat bone mechanics

Osteoporosis most commonly affects postmenopausal women. Although men are also affected, women over 65 are 6 times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men of the same age. This is largely due to accelerated bone remodeling after menopause; however, the peak bone mass attained during young adulthood also plays an important role in osteoporosis risk. Multiple studies have demonstrated sexual dimorphisms in peak bone mass, and additionally, the female skeleton is significantly altered during pregnancy/lactation. Although clinical studies suggest that a reproductive history does not increase the risk of developing postmenopausal osteoporosis, reproduction has been shown to induce long-lasting alterations in maternal bone structure and mechanics, and the effects of pregnancy and lactation on maternal peak bone quality are not well understood. This study compared the structural and mechanical properties of male, virgin female, and post-reproductive female rat bone at multiple skeletal sites and at three different ages. We found that virgin females had a larger quantity of trabecular bone with greater trabecular number and more plate-like morphology, and, relative to their body weight, had a greater cortical bone size and greater bone strength than males. Post-reproductive females had altered trabecular microarchitecture relative to virgins, which was highly similar to that of male rats, and showed similar cortical bone size and bone mechanics to virgin females. This suggests that, to compensate for future reproductive bone losses, females may start off with more trabecular bone than is mechanically necessary, which may explain the paradox that reproduction induces long-lasting changes in maternal bone without increasing postmenopausal fracture risk.

Ritual position and “tattooing ” techniques in the funeral practices of the “barrow cultures” of the Pontic-Caspian steppe / forest steppe area. Porohy 3A, Yampil Region, Vinnytsia Oblast : specialist analysis research perspectives

Abstract The present paper discusses the results of an interdisciplinary study of human remains in the form of two ulnae from a female skeleton found in grave 10, Porohy 3A site (Middle Dniester Area), dated to Early Bronze Age: 2650-2500 BC. The paper describes the technical aspects of applying the decorations revealed in the examination of the aforementioned bones.

Maternal investment, maturational rate of the offspring and mechanical competence of the adult female skeleton.

ABSTRACTLay summaryGirls with a slower life history trajectory build a larger body with larger and mechanically stronger bones. Thus, variation in the emergence of slower versus faster life history trajectories during development can have consequences for bone mechanical competence, and hence fracture risk in adulthood. Background and objectivesVariation in life history trajectory, specifically relative investment in growth versus reproduction, has been associated with chronic disease risk among women, but whether this scenario extends to skeletal health and fracture risk is unknown. This study investigates the association of life history traits (proxies for maternal investment and maturational rate) with female bone outcomes in adulthood.MethodologyBody size variables, regional muscle and fat areas, and cross-sectional bone size and strength outcomes were obtained from 107 pre-menopausal women encompassing a wide range of physical activity levels. Developmental parameters (birth weight, age at menarche) were obtained from questionnaires.ResultsHigh birth weight was significantly associated with a proportionately larger body and larger, mechanically stronger bones, independently of physical activity level. It was also positively but non-significantly associated with age at menarche. Later menarche was significantly associated with larger and mechanically stronger bones and substantially less absolute and relative regional subcutaneous fat. Age at menarche exhibited stronger relationships with adult adiposity than did physical activity.Conclusions and implicationsBoth larger birth weight and later menarche contribute to a slower life history trajectory, which is associated with greater body size, leanness and bone mechanical competence in early adulthood. In contrast, earlier sexual maturity prioritized energy allocation in adiposity over body size and skeletal strength. Thus, the level of maternal investment and the woman’s own life history trajectory shape investment in skeletal properties, with implications for fracture risk later in life.

Metastatic Cancer in the Middle Age: The Possible Case of a Female Skeleton from Bormio (Italy)

AbstractSecondary signs of cancer are difficult to assess in the archaeological context, as other lesions may mimic metastases on dry bones. Furthermore, the low life expectancy, lower level of environmental cancer risk factors and pollution than the present times can contribute in limiting the frequency of signs of cancer in archaeological populations.This study focuses on a female adult skeleton from the necropolis of Bormio (North Italy), dating back to Middle Ages, which shows multiple lytic lesions on cranium, upper limbs, ribs and pelvis; lesions are oval in shape, with a diameter ranging from 1–2 to 80 mm. The lesions appearance and distribution at macroscopic and radiographic level, together with sex and age indications, suggest the diagnosis of metastatic cancer. Possible diagnostic hypotheses of the possible sites of original cancer were performed as well, based on modern epidemiological data. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

DNA identification of a 10th century female skeleton from the Prague Castle belonging to a member of the Przemyslids Dynasty

The aim of this work is to present the results of DNA identification of a 10th century female skeleton from the Prague Castle that appears to belong to a member of the ruling Przemyslids Dynasty. The skeleton was buried next to the skeletal remains that can be assigned to Boleslav I (†972) or Boleslav II (†999). DNA analysis yielded partial autosomal (MiniFiler, Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA) and X-STR profiles (Argus X-12, Qiagen, Germany) and a mtDNA haplotype (HVR1 16018-16569, HVR2 001-576). DNA typing data did not match any results obtained from the Prague Castle burials. Therefore, we performed a comparison of the mtDNA haplotype with publicly available databases, as well as with mtDNA haplotypes of other European dynasties.

Biometric sex estimation using the scapula and clavicle in a modern Greek population.

Human skeletal remains exhibit sexual dimorphism, which is apparent in adult living individuals as well. Researchers from forensic and osteoarchaeological fields have a growing interest in establishing metric standards for sexing by use of discriminant function analysis. The present study focuses on providing sex estimation metric standards using measurements from the scapula and clavicle in a Modern Greek sample (Athens Collection) consisting of 107 male and 90 female skeletons. A total of seven measurements were taken: maximum scapular height and breadth, glenoid cavity height and breadth, maximum clavicular length, anterior and superior clavicular diameter. The calculation of Sexual Dimorphism Index showed a significant degree of sexual dimorphism on both bones ranging from 10% to 18%. Statistical analysis provided the discriminant functions with an accuracy of correct sex estimation between 84.9% and 91.4%, and showed that the highest accuracy rate was obtained from the left scapula measurements; proving that this bone can be a useful tool in providing an accurate sex estimation in skeletal remains of Modern Greek origin.

Finding Hama: On the Identification of a Forgotten Queen Buried in the Nimrud Tombs

Finding Hama: On the Identification of a Forgotten Queen Buried in the Nimrud Tombs

Nrf2 regulates mass accrual and the antioxidant endogenous response in bone differently depending on the sex and age.

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an important pathogenic mechanism underling the loss of bone mass and strength with aging and other conditions leading to osteoporosis. The transcription factor erythroid 2-related factor2 (Nrf2) plays a central role in activating the cellular response to ROS. Here, we examined the endogenous response of bone regulated by Nrf2, and its relationship with bone mass and architecture in the male and female murine skeleton. Young (3 month-old) and old (15 month-old) Nrf2 knockout (KO) mice of either sex exhibited the expected reduction in Nrf2 mRNA expression compared to wild type (WT) littermates. Nrf2 deletion did not lead to compensatory increase in Nrf1 or Nrf3, other members of this transcription factor family; and instead, Nrf1 expression was lower in KO mice. Compared to the respective WT littermate controls, female KO mice, young and old, exhibited lower expression of both detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes; young male KO mice, displayed lower expression of detoxifying enzymes but not antioxidant enzymes; and old male KO mice showed no differences in either detoxifying or antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, old male WT mice exhibited lower Nrf2 levels, and consequently lower expression of both detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes, compared to old female WT mice. These endogenous antioxidant responses lead to delayed rate of bone acquisition in female KO mice and higher bone acquisition in male KO mice as quantified by DXA and μCT, demonstrating that Nrf2 is required for full bone accrual in the female skeleton but unnecessary and even detrimental in the male skeleton. Therefore, Nrf2 regulates the antioxidant endogenous response and bone accrual differently depending on sex and age. These findings suggest that therapeutic interventions that target Nrf2 could be developed to enhance the endogenous antioxidant response in a sex- and age-selective manner.

Anthropological Observations from Tell el-Retaba

Skeletons of 29 individuals were examined from the SIP tombs excavated from 2010 to 2015. The majority (58.6%) of individuals were adults and 41.4% were juveniles. Seven men (24.1%) and five women (17.2%) were included in the group of adults. There is a slight predominance of younger individuals in the group of male skeletons, while the proportion of older women is higher among female skeletons. About 75% of children died at the age of up to four years. Anthropometric data have been obtained only from five adults; two individuals had their skull dimensions measured. The skeletons were of taller stature and had Europoid, narrow, high and long heads with high foreheads, narrower faces with high orbits and small noses. Deviation and pathological skeletal changes skeletal changes allowed to draw conclusions on the population’s way of life

News and Comments

The Paleoindian burial from the Brazilian rockshelter site of Toca dos Coqueiros was discovered in July 1997 (Guidon et al., 1998). The site is one of several known Paleoindian sites in the immediate region of the Serra da Capivara National Park, located in the northeastern Brazilian state of Piaui (Guidon and Arnaud, 1991). The interred individual, carrying a calibrated date of 11,060 years BP (conventional radiocarbon age of 9,870 50 years BP; beta 109844; Guidon et al., 1998), is significant in being one of the oldest human skeletons recovered in the New World, and was described as female (Lessa and Guidon, 2002). I had the opportunity to examine the Coqueiros individual and reconstruct the skull. I present illustrative data to support the view that the Coqueiros skeleton represents a gracile male. Comparative craniofacial morphometrics suggest as well that Paleoindian groups living in South America at this distant temporal horizon may not have been closely related to later and recent Amerind populations (Neves and Pucciarelli, 1991; Neves et al., 1998, 1999). Our craniometric evaluation of this individual supports that as well (Nelson et al., in press). The cranial vault and much of the enveloping matrix had been stabilized with B72 resin, as these had been subjected to some crushing and fragmentation over the course of time. They did not, however, appear to be particularly deformed, but much of the vault was obscured by soil matrix impregnated with B72. The loose fragment assemblage included a considerable amount of facial material: nasals, maxillary frontal processes, the left malar, and superorbital portions of the frontal, including the glabella. Several basilar fragments were also present, representing the margins of the foramen magnum, sphenoid alae, portions of the occipital squamous, and temporals. In addition to a significant quantity of diagnostic cranial fragments, the assemblage included numerous postcranial fragments. Among this material was the inferior ramus of the right pubis and enough of the posterior inferior iliac spine to reconstruct the posterior margin of the left greater sciatic notch. In addition, both femoral heads and the right humeral and radial heads were available for study. A full reconstruction of the skull was undertaken. Sections of vault bone and matrix embedded in B72 were soaked in acetone, taken apart, cleaned, dried, and reassembled using a plastic-resin DucoTM cement. Loose craniofacial fragments were sorted, sided, and assembled. The bony facial reconstruction was articulated to the vault reconstruction. On the pelvis, the ventral ramus was reconstructed onto the larger portion of the right pubis in order to aid in identification of sex-based morphology. In addition, the posterior inferior iliac spine was reconstructed back to the left innominate, in order to establish the form of the greater sciatic notch. The greater sciatic notch tends to be wider in females and narrower in males, though Fulginiti (1993) demonstrated variability in this tendency. In the dorsal midline, there is sex-based variability in the morphology of the sacrum as well. In males, the centrum of the first sacral vertebra tends to be wider than the alae, by approximately three-fifths vs. onefifth for alar widths, while in females these widths tend to be more evenly apportioned at one-third each of the total sacral width across the top. In the collections at the Fundacao Museu do Homem Americanos (FUMDHAM) is an unambiguous female Paleoindian skeleton dated to within 1,200 years of Coquieros. Lessa and Guidon (2002) mentioned this individual (Toca da Janela da Barro do Antoniao), but stated that they could not use it for comparison. In addition, an unambiguous female os pubis, from a relatively recent burial context (within the past 500 years), was chosen from the collections for purposes of comparison (Fig. 1). Figure 1 is a comparative photograph of the pubic bones from the Coqueiros, Antoniao, and recent female skeletons. The Antoniao individual is in a poor enough state of preservation that visualizing morphology beyond the width of the ventral surface and a hint of the subpubic angle is challenging. In the recent burial (see above), even though the ventral ramus is poorly reconstructed, form is clearly evident, and the width of the ventral surface of the element (with the attendant ventral arc) and subpubic angle are all clearly visible. These stand in stark

Short Report: Evidence of Trepanation on a Female Individual from the Middle Bronze Age Necropolis of Casas Velhas (Melides, Portugal)

AbstractRecent reanalysis of the human remains unearthed from the grave cists of the necropolis of Casas Velhas (Melides, Portugal) from the Southwest Iberian Middle Bronze Age, with a minimal number of 25 individuals (23 adults and 2 non‐adults), allowed relevant anthropological data. This culture, although widespread in southern Portugal and nearby areas of southwest Spain in the Middle Bronze Age, is characterized by the paucity of preserved human remains and thus the anthropological knowledge of these human populations. The adult female skeleton exhumed from cist 30, the last interment of this double burial, exhibit a complete perforation on the right parietal bone. The aim of this paper is to present and discuss this defect, which most probable diagnosis is trepanation.The hole is oval shape exhibiting long term healing. A shallow remodelled area is visible around the defect, which suggests scraping method. No complications or evident reasons for the intervention were observed. In terms of mortuary practices no clear distinction was observed between this individual and others from this cemetery.The features of this trepanation fit in the major points summarized by Silva () for prehistoric Portuguese trepanation. These data sustain the existence of an old tradition of this procedure is this region of Iberia, present, at least, since the Middle Neolithic. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluation of chronological changes in bone fractures and age-related bone loss: A test case from Poland

ObjectivesPaleopathological studies suggest different patterns of age-related bone loss and osteoporosis in past populations compared with those of modern times. However, the observed interpopulational differences are often difficult to interpret due to considerable environmental and biological heterogeneity between populations from which the analyzed skeletal samples come. In the present paper, we try to determine whether there was a directional trend in occurrence of this phenomenon in the past as a consequence of changes in life conditions over the last six thousand years of human history. Materials and methodsThe study involved 276 female skeletons from four geographically homogeneous populations dated from Neolithic to early modern times coming from a region located in present-day Poland. Bone mineral density and bone fractures were examined for all the skeletons. Polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor gene associated with low BMD were analyzed using PCR in individuals randomly selected from all of the studied skeletal series. ResultsIn all the analyzed populations, BMD was found to significantly decrease with age. The only statistically significant interpopulational differences were found for the Neolithic skeletal series, with females in all age groups exhibiting higher BMD values and no osteoporotic fractures compared with the historical populations. DiscussionThe much better bone maintenance in Neolithic women may have resulted from a favorable confluence of high levels of physical activity, exposure to UV radiation, and a diet with an appropriate calcium intake.

Early Osteologic Evidence of the Use of the Scalpel: Surgical Excision of a Facial Lesion in the Roman Period.

Sir: Mentions of surgical instruments date back several millennia, but actual traces are elusive. Works of Greco-Roman medical writers (e.g., Hippocrates, Celsus, Galen, Aetius, Oribasius, and Soranus) refer to their use. Instruments themselves are preserved in personal graves and collections, such as the one from the so-named Surgeon’s House in Pompeii.1,2 The individual corpse T-127 from the late Roman Ramón y Cajal street necropolis (along one of the west entrances of Tarraco, capital of Hispania Citerior Roman province)3 was buried in an amphora. This site, part of a larger complex, consists of 220 burials dated between the third and fifth centuries ad. The highly conserved, female skeleton was oriented in the craniocaudal direction (west to east). Cranial sutures and costal articular surfaces suggest age approximately 55 ± 10 years. Pubic articular facet was a reference to valorize posthumous alterations. After femoral length (423 mm), height was estimated as 158 cm (Trotter-Gleser) or 154 cm (Pearson). The left maxilla shows an erosive lesion (Fig. 1). Its outer base pierces below the infraorbital foramen. Uneven, slim edges progressively reach the inner sheet (maximum diameter, 12 mm). The outside aspect presents periorificial destructuration with an irregular bone surface. A linear lesion along the upper third of the defect horizontally crosses at a slight angle upward-out and accurately continues from edge to edge (Fig. 2). The patina of the incised area (length, 11 mm) characterizes an old injury. The lower third presents another line at an angle of 35 degrees to the upper line (length, 12 mm). The inner face of the anterior wall of the sinus is a smooth surface. The bottom side of the sinus appears through the top face as a result of a posthumous fracture. The loss of homogeneity and the rough surface on the lower left area suggest sinusitis. The rest of the skeleton features a consolidated right rib fracture.Fig. 1.: Anterior aspect of the left maxillary bone that shows a perforating, erosive defect (after protective coating).Fig. 2.: Detail from the defect in the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus (before protective coating).Radiology shows osteoblastic reaction surrounding the edges of the incisions. The inner side of the maxilla is free of injury. The external injury may have drilled the maxilla, secondarily causing sinusitis. Primary fistulized sinusitis following erosion from the outside was ruled out. Infectious agents such as Mycobacteria (tuberculous lupus) or secondary syphilis may yield bone destruction in regular, excavated lesions. Actinomycosis is usually limited to soft tissue. In spindle cell carcinoma, basocellular carcinoma, and melanoma, bone erosion is very rare. Hemangiosarcoma and dermatofibrosarcoma are even rarer neoplasms. NK/T-cell lymphomas of the so-called nasal type may produce similar erosions. Clearly, therapeutic interventions on earlier Roman remains include the now lost modiolus described by Brothwell4 and extraction of foreign bodies (arrowheads). In this specimen, two incisions clearly follow lines of tension and seem to aim excision. The upper incision delimits the injury and accomplishes eye protection and aesthetics by following tension lines. The second incision has a concave upper mark at its bottom, completing the cut in fusiform, myrtle-leaf shape as recommended by Celsus.5 The anatomical region, Friteau’s trapezoidal area, seldom includes noble elements. Osteoblastic reaction around the incision would be indirect evidence of survival after a procedure. DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article. None of the authors has any potential conflict of interest. Joaquim Baxarias Tibau, M.D., Ph.D.Wenceslao M. Calonge, M.D., M.Sc.Daniele Gurrieri, M.D.Permanence Médico-Chirurgicale Vermont-Grand PréGeneva, Switzerland

Paleoparasitological evidence of pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) infection in a female adolescent residing in ancient Tehran (Iran) 7000 years ago.

BackgroundThe Molavi street archeological site south of Tehran accidentally provided a unique opportunity for paleoparasitological studies in Iran. A female skeleton was unearthed and evaluated to be 7000 years old. Soil samples were collected around the pelvic and sacrum bones.FindingsCareful microscopic investigation of rehydrated soil samples revealed the presence of one Enterobius vermicularis egg attached to the skeleton sacral region.ConclusionThe present finding likely represents the oldest evidence of a human pinworm infection in Asia.

Analiza antropologică a resturilor scheletice din Biserica Mare a Mănăstirii Hurezi (com. Romanii de Jos, jud. Vâlcea) / Anthropological analysis of the skeletal remains from Biserica Mare of the Hurezi Monastery (Romanii de Jos commune, Vâlcea County)

Cercetările de la Biserica Mare a Mănăstirii Hurezi au scos la iveală resturi osteologice ce provin de la patru indivizi : trei schelete aparținând unor bărbați (M1, M2 şi M3) descoperite cu prilejul desfacerii mormântului arhimandritului Ioan și un schelet de femeie, depus într- o criptă amenajată din cărămidă, aflată sub sarcofagul domnitorului Constantin Brâncoveanu. Indivizii de sex masculin sunt exclusiv adulți bătrâni, iar cel de sex feminin este un adult tânăr. Dacă pentru atribuirea resturilor scheletice ale individului provenit din M3 am beneficiat de o cărămidă pe care era inscripționată data morții starețului Dionisie. În cazul identificării arhimandritului Ioan (primul stareț al Mănăstirii Hurezi, mort la 15 iunie 1726, conform inscripției de pe placa de mormânt), ne- am folosit, în analiza noastră, de un document al lui Nicolae Iorga din care reieșea că Ioan suferea de podagră (gută). Studiul paleopatologic al resturilor osteologice nu a confirmat direct, prin prezența unor elemente de diagnostic pozitiv, această maladie, în schimb, prin analiza unor markeri scheletici patognomonici, nu excludem posibilitatea ca arhimandritul să fi suferit de această boală. În altă ordine de idei, cert este faptul că individul suferea de o artrită cronică, care ar fi putut fi și guta, aspect din care deducem că resturile scheletice atribuite M2 aparțin lui Ioan arhimandritul. Menţionăm că analiza antropologică este însoţită şi de o expertiză medicală (vezi Anexa 2).

Defining the Differences in Transverse Plane Trajectories for Thoracic Pedicle Screw Insertion: Anatomic Versus Medial

Study DesignComparing thoracic pedicle screw trajectories, screw lengths, and starting points by examining osteologic specimens. ObjectiveDescribe a medial screw trajectory (MST) compared to a screw trajectory along the anatomic pedicle angle (APA) in terms of trajectory, screw length, and starting point. Summary of Background DataAlthough thoracic pedicle screw insertion is commonly used for posterior fusion and instrumentation, there is little data to quantify an MST that avoids the great vessels and allows for greater screw purchase. MethodsThirty adult female skeleton thoracic vertebral columns from the University of New Mexico Maxwell Museum of Anthropology Osteology Collection were photographed from axial and right and left lateral views from T1 to T12. Axial plane measurements included APA and MST (both measured from the midline), screw lengths, and APA/MST intersection on the superior articular facet (SAF). The MST was defined as an insertion angle through the midpoint of the pedicle isthmus intersecting the anterior midpoint of the vertebral body. The intersection of each trajectory with the SAF was measured in relation to the lateral base of the SAF, reported as a percentage of the SAF base width from the lateral SAF border. ResultsAt every vertebral level, the APA was different from the MST for angle, screw length, and SAF intersection (p < .0001), with the largest difference at T12. The T12 differences were APA versus MST angles (−25.5°, 95% CI −22.7° to −28.4°), screw lengths (11.0 mm, 95% CI 9.2 mm to 12.9 mm), and percentage of SAF width from the lateral border of the SAF base (38.6%, 95% CI 29.1% to 48.1%). ConclusionsThe MST was approximately 8° to 10° greater at T1–T10 (19° at T11 and 25° at T12) than the traditional APA insertion angle. This resulted in a much more lateral starting point on the SAF and longer screw length, greatest at T12.