Skeletal sexing standards of human remains in Turkey

The identification of victims involved in mass fatality incidents, as well as the identification of unknown individuals in criminal cases has become an increasingly important issue nowadays. Sex assessment represents a key point in forensic evaluations due to its significance in providing biological identity. Even though the availability of documented skeletal remains to forensic practitioners is a common practice in many countries, in Turkey, contemporary documented skeletal remains are not available for this purpose. For this reason, studies have been focused on living populations. Previous research has shown that modern technologies such as CT scanning present very promising potential in establishing new standards for contemporary populations. Therefore, the main aim of this project was to examine the application of the measurements taken from 3D CT images of the femur in order to assess sex, and to contribute to the establishment of discriminant function equations for the Turkish population for forensic applications. The accuracy and reproducibility of imaging methods in the assessment of the measurements taken from femora are essential when estimating sex. This research also concentrated on determining the accuracy and repeatability of CT measurements, using the femur. Prior to primary data collection, a preliminary study was performed in an effort to test the reliability of the femur measurements. The results of reliability analysis indicated no significant difference between the three observations of each measurement. Thus, the methodology employed in the current study appears reliable and reproducible. In addition, a validation study was conducted to determine the linear measurement accuracy of the 3D volume rendering models derived from a medical CT scanner and the influence of different reconstruction parameters. The differences between measurements obtained from dry bones and their 3D volume rendered models were also evaluated. The results from this study indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between measurements taken from different reconstruction parameters and measurements obtained from CT images and drybones. Using the CT data, volume-rendering function (VR), 3D Curved Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), and Scout View on OsiriX were employed in order to compare the accuracy and reliability of each rendering method and to determine which technique is optimal for linear measurements. Overall, the measurements taken from the 3D Volume Rendering images had the highest intra-observer reliability when compared to the other two rendering methods. This research study produced data and interpretations that will inform on and improve population specific standards of sex assessment from three-dimensional postcranial osteometric landmarks. Additionally, this research is believed to provide value for a developing discipline of forensic anthropology, and integrate within the existing systems of criminal investigation and disaster victim identification practices in Turkey. A Turkish sample population, consisting of 300 adult hospital patients was examined via the interpretation of CT reconstructed images using the OsiriX software. The 3D reconstructions were then created using the volume-rendering function in OsiriX (v.5.6.). Following the 3D reconstruction, an image of each femur was segmented from the surrounding bones to ensure the correct usage of landmarks as accurately as possible. Thirteen measurements were acquired using a 3D viewer after being located and marked on each CT reconstructed femora. These thirteen anthropometric parameters were measured and analysed by basic descriptive statistics and discriminant analysis methods using the SPSS 21.0 software package. The intra-observer variation was assessed by obtaining the intraclass correlation coefficient in order to evaluate the accuracy of the linear measurements taken. Asymmetry was also tested. The results indicated that an accuracy of 92.3% was acquired from a combination of six of the measurements, and the Femur Vertical Diameter of Neck (FVDN) measurement was found to be the most dimorphic with 88.0% accuracy

Structural variation in the humerus and femur in the American Great Plains and adjacent regions : differences in subsistence strategy and physical terrain

Analysis of long bone cross-sectional architecture has been increasingly used in the last three decades to help reconstruct behavior, especially activity patterns, from archaeologically derived skeletal material. This research has shown a strong correlation between cross-sectional geometric properties and mobility and terrain. However, few studies have focused on the American Great Plains or looked at hypotheses using a large dataset with considerable spatial distribution and time depth. The purpose of this research project is to examine structural variation and sexual dimorphism in the humerus and femur within and among groups from the American Great Plains and adjacent regions. The goals are threefold. The first goal is to investigate the degree to which long bone external dimensions can be used to predict diaphyseal cross-sectional properties (e.g., total periosteal area and moments of area). The second goal is to examine the effects of activity level, mobility, and terrain type on the crosssectional morphology of proximal limb bones. The final goal is to inspect the pattern of structural variation in the American Great Plains

Biodiversity-Health-Sustainability Nexus in Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS)

This is an open access book. It is a compilation of case studies that provide useful knowledge and lessons that derive from on-the-ground activities and contribute to policy recommendations, focusing on the interlinkages between biodiversity and multiple dimensions of health (e.g., physical, mental, and spiritual) in managing socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS). This book provides insights on how SEPLS approaches can contribute to more sustainable management of natural resources, achieving global biodiversity and sustainable development goals, and good health for all. It is also expected to offer useful knowledge and information for an upcoming three-year thematic assessment of “the interlinkages among biodiversity, water, food, and health” (the so-called “nexus assessment”) by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). The book begins with an introductory chapter followed by eleven case study chapters demonstrating the nexus between biodiversity, health, and sustainable development, and then a synthesis chapter clarifying the relevance of the case study findings to policy and academic discussions. It will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and professionals in the field related to sustainable development

Trophic flows, kelp culture and fisheries in the marine ecosystem of an artificial reef zone in the Yellow Sea

This study evaluates the ecosystem structure and function of the nearshore reefs in the Lidao coastal ecosystem of northern China, a region of intensive kelp aquaculture, and fisheries enhancements, including the deployment of artificial reefs and release of cultured marine species. An Ecopath model, with 20 functional groups representing 81 species, was developed for a representative area in the region and Ecosim was used to explore two scenarios for alternative fishing practices and surrounding aquaculture activities. The mean trophic levels (TLs) of the functional groups ranged from 1.0 for the primary producers (phytoplankton, benthic algae and seagrass) and detritus to 4.14 for Type III fishes (fishes found in the water column above the artificial reefs, e.g., Scomberomorus niphonius). The mean transfer efficiency through the whole system was 11.7%, and the ecosystem had a relative low maturity, stability and disturbance resistance, indicating that it was at a developing stage. Nearly half of the total system biomass (48.9% of 620.20 t km−2 year−1), excluding detritus, was comprised of benthic finfish and invertebrates. The total yield from all fisheries (86.82 t/km2/year) was dominated by low trophic level herbivorous and detritivorous species, such as the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (TL = 2.1, 46.07%), other echinoderms (sea urchins Asterias amurensis and Strongylocentrotus nudus, TL = 2.1, 34.6%) and abalone Haliotis discus hannai (TL = 2.0, 18.4%), and as a consequence, the mean TL of the catch was low (2.1). The results from the Ecosim simulation of closing all fisheries for 20 years predicted an increase of about 100% in the relative biomass of the main exploited species, A. japonicus and H. discus hannai. The simulated removal of all kelp farms over 10 years resulted in a two fold increase in the relative biomass of Type III fishes and a 120% increase in their main prey (i.e. Small pelagic fish), while the relative biomass of A. japonicus and Heterotrophic bacteria decreased by 31.4% and 12.7%, respectively. These predictions indicate that nearshore kelp cultivation favours benthic, rather than water column production, and is likely to be providing energy subsidies for the stock enhancement of benthic species in this region

The Effects of Changing Subsistence Strategies on the Degree of Sexual Dimorphism of Skeletons from the Southeastern United States

This study examines the effects of changing subsistence strategies on the degree of sexual dimorphism for prehistoric skeletal populations from the Southeastern United States. Changes in subsistence from hunting and gathering in the Archaic Period to intensive agriculture in the Mississippian Period caused increased levels of stress that affected growth and development, as well as incidence of disease. Eight long bone measurements were taken from 17 skeletal series (6 Middle/Late Archaic, 8 Early/Middle Woodland, and 3 Late Mississippian) from Tennessee and Alabama. These measurements were subjected to a series of univariate and multivariate statistical tests to determine whether or not significant size- and shape-related changes in sexual dimorphism exist. Results of these tests indicate that there is a decrease in size-related sexual dimorphism for Mississippian agriculturalists. This is believed to be the result of increased nutritional and disease-related stress. There is also an increase in shape-related sexual dimorphism for this group. A trend for increased size over time also exists for males and females, although Woodland Period males are slightly larger than Mississippian males. These increases are both thought to be caused by heavier workloads associated with intensive maize agriculture

Working in Dangerous Times: The Effect of Shift Work on Worker Health in the American Manufacturing Cohort

This dissertation focuses on assessing the effect of shift work on worker health, specifically identifying and evaluating selected working time characteristics as risk factors for incident hypertension and Type II diabetes mellitus. Shift work is a common occupational exposure across many sectors of the economy with a prevalence of near 20% of the US workforce. Shift work has also been consistently associated with many adverse health outcomes, including cancer. While most research has focused on the associations of night shift work and female breast cancer, recent evidence suggests that shift work may also cause an increased risk of reproductive disorders, gastrointestinal ulcers and cancers, prostate cancer, hypertension and Type II diabetes. In order to protect worker’s health while maintaining the efficiency of 24-hour work, it is important to identify the potentially harmful characteristics of shift work. In chapter 1 we discuss definitions for shift work and present current hypotheses for how shift work impacts human health. We also discuss the challenges facing environmental health scientists and epidemiologists as they define and characterize a complex exposure, such as shift work. An effective assessment of the impact of shift work on human health is dependent on development of metrics of shift work that are designed to capture the biological impact of shift work, rather than workplace schedule variation. In chapter 2 we develop and characterize the prevalence of selected working hour characteristics that may impact circadian rhythms in the American Manufacturing Cohort. In this first description of shift work in a US manufacturing workforce, we demonstrate that working hour characteristics such as shift type, duration, intensity, rotational direction, and social aspects of work need to be considered concurrently. Furthermore, these working hour characteristics vary by annual shift schedule. We identify, as expected, that permanent day workers have the lowest percentage of quick returns and rotations (as a permanent schedule would imply). However, working the day shift does not provide absolute protection from potentially disruptive characteristics of working hours since long work hours, as well as quick returns and rotations occurred when workers switched from morning to afternoon shifts (both considered day work). Notably, we also demonstrate that older workers are more likely to work permanent day schedules, while racial minorities such as African American workers are more likely to perform work with rotations. In chapter 3 we present an analysis examining the impact of recent night and rotation work exposure and risk of hypertension. We apply the same definitions of night and rotational work described in chapter 2, and present evidence that combinations of recent night and rotational work increase the risk of hypertension. In particular, we identify higher risk of hypertension among all levels of recent night work compared with non-night workers. The highest risk of hypertension were among those with 95-100% night work, workers who would normally be considered ‘permanent night workers’. This suggests that permanent night workers are experiencing circadian rhythm disruption even though their work schedules are not rotating. Furthermore, we observe elevated hazard ratios for all combinations of night and rotational work compared to non-night workers. In particular, the hazard ratio was almost 4-fold for workers with mostly night work and frequent rotations compared with non-night workers. Even those workers with mostly non-night work and infrequent rotations had a 2-fold risk of hypertension, indicating the potential importance of recent shift work and hypertension risk. In chapter 4 we analyzed the association between cumulative months of night work and average percentage of night shifts over follow-up using Cox proportional hazard models. The results from the Cox proportional hazard models provide some modest evidence that night work exposure may be associated with an increased risk of diabetes. This association was seen when night work exposure is classified as either the cumulative number of months of night work or the average percentage of night shifts over follow-up. Chapter 5 concludes the dissertation with a summary of the results from each chapter, the strengths and limitations of the current work, and a discussion of the next steps in shift work research

Syncytialization and prolonged exposure to palmitate impacts bewo respiration

Placental villous trophoblast mitochondrial respiratory function is critical for a successful pregnancy and environmental influences such as maternal obesity have been associated with respiratory impairment at term. More recently, a gestational high fat diet independent of maternal body composition, has been highlighted as a potential independent regulator of placental mitochondrial metabolism. The current study aimed to characterize the direct impact of a prolonged and isolated exposure to the dietary fatty acids Palmitate (PA) and Oleate (OA) upon placental cell mitochondrial respiratory function. BeWo cytotrophoblast (CT) and syncytiotrophoblast (SCT) cells were treated for 72 h with 100 μM PA, OA or PA+OA (P/O). Live-cell metabolic function was analyzed via the Seahorse XF Mito and Glycolysis Stress tests. Immunoblots and spectrophotometric activity assays were utilized to examine the protein expression and function of electron transport chain (ETC) complexes and key mitochondrial regulatory enzymes. Syncytialization of BeWo cells resulted reduced respiratory activity in conjunction with altered complex I and II activity and decreased pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) protein expression and activity. PA and P/O treatments were associated with increased basal and maximal respiratory activities in BeWo CT cells without alterations in protein expression or activity of individual ETC complexes and mitochondrial substrate regulators. The metabolic suppression in BeWo SCTs was consistent with that previously observed in primary human trophoblast cell cultures, while the observed increases in respiratory activity in PA-treated BeWo CTs may be indicative of an early timepoint of specific dietary saturated fat-mediated placental cell mitochondrial dysfunction