Leichenbrand - Biologisches und kulturhistorisches Quellenmaterial zur Rekonstruktion vor- und frühgeschichtlicher Populationen und ihrer Funeralpraktiken

Ziel der Arbeit war es, am Beispiel der spätbronze- bis früheisenzeitlichen Brandbestattungen von Cottbus Alvensleben-Kaserne, die Eignung von Leichenbrand als biologisches und vor allem als kulturhistorisches Quellenmaterial für die Rekonstruktion von Bevölkerungsstrukturen, Funeralpraktiken und Sozialstrukturen darzustellen. Das Gräberfeld wurde im Rahmen des interdisziplinären Projektes „Herrschaft und Ge-schlechterdifferenz im 1. Jahrtausend v. Chr. – Spätbronzezeitliche Gesellschaften aus Sicht der Genderforschung“ anthropologisch und archäologisch untersucht. Die Arbeit enthält eine umfassende Revision der Methoden zur Leichenbrandbearbeitung, da verschiedene Verfahren nicht in ausreichender Weise die spezifischen Veränderungen am Knochen durch die Verbrennung berücksichtigen. Die Überlieferung des Leichenbrandes, z.B. die Lagerung in der Urne, die Fragmentgrößen und Verfärbungen, lassen Rückschlüsse auf krematorische und postkrematorische Handlungen zu. Dabei muss beurteilt werden, welche, am Leichenbrand zu beobachtenden Merkmale, sich auf Handlungen oder Bedingungen im Rahmen des Bestattungsrituals zurückführen lassen. Die Arbeit zeigt, dass Leichenbrand durch die Erfassung sämtlicher Merkmale, eine wesentliche Quelle zur Rekonstruktion von Bestattungssitten darstellt und daher auch zur Rekonstruktion von Sozialstrukturen beitragen kann, denn jeder Bestandteil eines Bestattungsrituals kann soziokulturell beeinflusst sein. Da gesellschaftliche Konstrukte jedoch jederzeit veränderbar sind, können keine allgemein gültigen Kriterien zur Erfassung von Sozialstrukturen erstellt werden, sondern müssen in einer in-terdisziplinären Herangehensweise entwickelt werden

Simultaneous subchronic exposure to selenium and diazinon as possible risk factor for osteoporosis in adult male rats

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis and its main health outcome, fragility fractures, are large and escalating health problems. Skeletal damage may be the critical result of low-level prolonged exposure to several xenobiotics in the general population, but the mechanisms of their adverse effects are not clearly understood. The current study was aimed to investigate the possible ability of simultaneous subchronic peroral administration of selenium (Se) and diazinon (DZN) to induce changes in bone of adult male rats. In our study, twenty 1-month-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups. In the first group, young males were exposed to 5 mg Na(2)SeO(3)/L and 40 mg of DZN/L in drinking water, for 90 days. Ten 1-month-old males without Se and DZN intoxication served as a control group. At the end of the experiment, macroscopic and microscopic structures of the femurs were analysed using analytical scales, sliding instrument, and polarized light microscopy. RESULTS: The body weight, femoral length and cortical bone thickness were significantly decreased in rats simultaneously exposed to Se and DZN (P < 0.05). These rats also displayed different microstructure in the middle part of the compact bone where vascular canals expanded into central area of substantia compacta. The canals occurred only near endosteal surfaces in rats from the control group. Additionally, a smaller number of primary and secondary osteons, as well as a few resorption lacunae were observed near endosteal surfaces in rats simultaneously administered to Se and DZN. The resorption lacunae as typical structures of bone resorption manifestation are connected with an early stage of osteoporosis. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that area, perimeter, maximum and minimum diameters of primary osteons’ vascular canals were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the Se-DZN-exposed rats. On the other hand, all measured variables of Haversian canals and secondary osteons were considerable reduced (P < 0.05) in these rats. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous subchronic peroral exposure to Se and DZN induces changes in macroscopic and microscopic structures of the femurs in adult male rats, and also it can be considered as possible risk factor for osteoporosis. The current study contributes to the knowledge on damaging impact of several xenobiotics on the bone

Yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis) and bank voles (Myodes glareolus) as zoomonitors of environmental contamination at a polluted area in Slovakia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Free-living wild rodents are often used as zoomonitors of environmental contamination. In the present study, accumulation of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in critical organs of yellow-necked mice (<it>Apodemus flavicollis</it>) and bank voles (<it>Myodes glareolus</it>) trapped in a polluted area in Nováky, Slovakia was investigated.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Yellow-necked mice (n = 8) and bank voles (n = 10) were collected using standard theriological methods for wood ecosystems. All animals were adult males in good physical condition. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn in the liver, kidney, and bone were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The highest concentrations of Cd and Zn were found in the bone of both species while Cu and Fe accumulated mainly in kidney or liver. Significant higher concentrations of Cd and Cu were detected in the liver of bank voles than in yellow-necked mice. Similar significant higher levels of Cd and Zn were found in the bone of bank voles. In contrast, significant higher concentrations of Cu and Fe were present in the kidney of yellow-necked mice.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In the yellow-necked mouse and bank vole, bone seems to accumulate Cd and Zn following prolonged exposure. On the contrary, kidney and liver store Cu and Fe after a long-term environmental exposure. In the present study, bank voles seemed to be more heavy metal loaded zoomonitors than yellow-necked mice.</p

Sex-related variation in compact bone microstructure of the femoral diaphysis in juvenile rabbits

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>While gross morphological changes in the skeleton between males and females are well know, differences between sexes in the histomorphology are less known. It is important to have knowledge on the bone structure of rabbits, as this is a widely used species in biomedical research. A study was performed to evaluate the association between sex and the compact bone morphology of the femoral diaphysis in juvenile rabbits.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Seventeen clinically healthy 2–3 month-old rabbits (9 females, 8 males) were included in the study. The rabbits were euthanized and the right femur was sampled for analysis. 70–80 microns thick bone sections of the femoral diaphysis were prepared using standard histological equipment. The qualitative histological characteristics were determined according to internationally accepted classification systems while the quantitative parameters were assessed using the software Scion Image. Areas, perimeters, minimum and maximum diameters of primary osteons' vascular canals, Haversian canals and secondary osteons were measured. Additionally, blood plasma concentrations of progesterone, corticosterone, IGF-I, testosterone and estradiol were analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Qualitative histological characteristics were similar for both sexes. However, variations of certain quantitative histological characteristics were identified. Measured parameters of the primary osteons' vascular canals were higher in males than for females. On the other hand, females had significant higher values of secondary osteons parameters. Differences in Haversian canals parameters were only significant for minimum diameter.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The study demonstrated that quantitative histological characteristics of compact bone tissue of the femoral diaphysis in juvenile rabbits were sex dependent. The variations may be associated with different growth and modeling of the femur through influence by sex-specific steroids, mechanical loads, genetic factors and a multitude of other sources. The results can be applied in experimental studies focusing on comparison of the skeletal biology of the sexes.</p

Effects of dietary supplementation of nickel and nickel-zinc on femoral bone structure in rabbits

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) are trace elements present at low concentrations in agroecosystems. Nickel, however, may have toxic effects on living organisms and is often considered as a contaminant. This study reports the effect of peroral administrated Ni or a combination of Ni and Zn on femoral bone structure in rabbits.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>One month-old female rabbits were divided into three groups of five animals each. Group 1 rabbits were fed a granular feed mixture with addition of 35 g NiCl₂per 100 kg of mixture for 90 days. In group 2, animals were fed a mixture containing 35 g NiCl₂and 30 g ZnCl₂per 100 kg of mixture. Group 3 without administration of additional Ni or Zn served as control. After the 90-day experimental period, femoral length, femoral weight and histological structure of the femur were analyzed and compared.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results did not indicate a statistically significant difference in either femoral length or weight between the two experimental groups and the control group. Also, differences in qualitative histological characteristics of the femora among rabbits from the three groups were absent, except for a fewer number of secondary osteons found in the animals of groups 1 and 2. However, values for vascular canal parameters of primary osteons were significantly lower in group 1 than in the control one. Peroral administration of a combination of Ni and Zn (group 2) led to a significant decreased size of the secondary osteons.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The study indicates that dietary supplementation of Ni (35 g NiCl₂per 100 kg of feed mixture) and Ni-Zn combination (35 g NiCl₂and 30 g ZnCl₂per 100 kg of the mixture) affects the microstructure of compact bone tissue in young rabbits.</p

Effects of a single intraperitoneal administration of cadmium on femoral bone structure in male rats

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Exposure to cadmium (Cd) is considered a risk factor for various bone diseases in humans and experimental animals. This study investigated the acute effects of Cd on femoral bone structure of adult male rats after a single intraperitoneal administration.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Ten 4-month-old male Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of 2 mg CdCl₂/kg body weight and killed 36 h after the Cd had been injected. Ten 4-month-old males served as a control group. Differences in body weight, femoral weight, femoral length and histological structure of the femur were evaluated between the two groups of rats. The unpaired Student's t-test was used for establishment of statistical significance.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A single intraperitoneal administration of Cd had no significant effect on the body weight, femoral weight or femoral length. On the other hand, histological changes were significant. Rats exposed to Cd had significantly higher values of area, perimeter, maximum and minimum diameters of the primary osteons' vascular canals and Haversian canals. In contrast, a significant decrease in all variables of the secondary osteons was observed in these rats.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results indicate that, as expected, a single intraperitoneal administration of 2 mg CdCl₂/kg body weight had no impact on macroscopic structure of rat's femora; however, it affected the size of vascular canals of primary osteons, Haversian canals, and secondary osteons.</p

Leichenbrand - Biologisches und kulturhistorisches Quellenmaterial zur Rekonstruktion vor- und frühgeschichtlicher Populationen und ihrer Funeralpraktiken

Ziel der Arbeit war es, am Beispiel der spätbronze- bis früheisenzeitlichen Brandbestattungen von Cottbus Alvensleben-Kaserne, die Eignung von Leichenbrand als biologisches und vor allem als kulturhistorisches Quellenmaterial für die Rekonstruktion von Bevölkerungsstrukturen, Funeralpraktiken und Sozialstrukturen darzustellen. Das Gräberfeld wurde im Rahmen des interdisziplinären Projektes „Herrschaft und Ge-schlechterdifferenz im 1. Jahrtausend v. Chr. – Spätbronzezeitliche Gesellschaften aus Sicht der Genderforschung“ anthropologisch und archäologisch untersucht. Die Arbeit enthält eine umfassende Revision der Methoden zur Leichenbrandbearbeitung, da verschiedene Verfahren nicht in ausreichender Weise die spezifischen Veränderungen am Knochen durch die Verbrennung berücksichtigen. Die Überlieferung des Leichenbrandes, z.B. die Lagerung in der Urne, die Fragmentgrößen und Verfärbungen, lassen Rückschlüsse auf krematorische und postkrematorische Handlungen zu. Dabei muss beurteilt werden, welche, am Leichenbrand zu beobachtenden Merkmale, sich auf Handlungen oder Bedingungen im Rahmen des Bestattungsrituals zurückführen lassen. Die Arbeit zeigt, dass Leichenbrand durch die Erfassung sämtlicher Merkmale, eine wesentliche Quelle zur Rekonstruktion von Bestattungssitten darstellt und daher auch zur Rekonstruktion von Sozialstrukturen beitragen kann, denn jeder Bestandteil eines Bestattungsrituals kann soziokulturell beeinflusst sein. Da gesellschaftliche Konstrukte jedoch jederzeit veränderbar sind, können keine allgemein gültigen Kriterien zur Erfassung von Sozialstrukturen erstellt werden, sondern müssen in einer in-terdisziplinären Herangehensweise entwickelt werden

Histological investigation of very small cremated bone fragmnets - Options and limitations

The anthropological analysis of cremated bone material originating from the archaeo-logical context often poses a great challenge to the examiner due to the high degree of fragmentation, thermally induced shrinkage, and deformation. Histological methods have proven useful for determining the age at death in these osseous remains. Cross sections of long bones are used during the qualitative histological examination. This allows for an assessment of characteristics pertinent to this analysis including individ-ual structural elements such as osteons, Haversian canals, the lamellar structure or resorption lacunae. Histological features characteristic for each age group are de-scribed. In addition, the implementation of tooth root cementum examinations for ag-ing, in which annual rings are counted, is presented. Animal bones are commonly found in cremations, e.g. through admixtures. In the case of very small diaphyseal fragments, morphological identification can often be very dif-ficult. But a distinction between animal and human bones is usually possible based on the internal structure of the compact bones

Leichenbrand - Biologisches und kulturhistorisches Quellenmaterial zur Rekonstruktion vor- und frühgeschichtlicher Populationen und ihrer Funeralpraktiken

Ziel der Arbeit war es, am Beispiel der spätbronze- bis früheisenzeitlichen Brandbestattungen von Cottbus Alvensleben-Kaserne, die Eignung von Leichenbrand als biologisches und vor allem als kulturhistorisches Quellenmaterial für die Rekonstruktion von Bevölkerungsstrukturen, Funeralpraktiken und Sozialstrukturen darzustellen. Das Gräberfeld wurde im Rahmen des interdisziplinären Projektes „Herrschaft und Ge-schlechterdifferenz im 1. Jahrtausend v. Chr. – Spätbronzezeitliche Gesellschaften aus Sicht der Genderforschung“ anthropologisch und archäologisch untersucht. Die Arbeit enthält eine umfassende Revision der Methoden zur Leichenbrandbearbeitung, da verschiedene Verfahren nicht in ausreichender Weise die spezifischen Veränderungen am Knochen durch die Verbrennung berücksichtigen. Die Überlieferung des Leichenbrandes, z.B. die Lagerung in der Urne, die Fragmentgrößen und Verfärbungen, lassen Rückschlüsse auf krematorische und postkrematorische Handlungen zu. Dabei muss beurteilt werden, welche, am Leichenbrand zu beobachtenden Merkmale, sich auf Handlungen oder Bedingungen im Rahmen des Bestattungsrituals zurückführen lassen. Die Arbeit zeigt, dass Leichenbrand durch die Erfassung sämtlicher Merkmale, eine wesentliche Quelle zur Rekonstruktion von Bestattungssitten darstellt und daher auch zur Rekonstruktion von Sozialstrukturen beitragen kann, denn jeder Bestandteil eines Bestattungsrituals kann soziokulturell beeinflusst sein. Da gesellschaftliche Konstrukte jedoch jederzeit veränderbar sind, können keine allgemein gültigen Kriterien zur Erfassung von Sozialstrukturen erstellt werden, sondern müssen in einer in-terdisziplinären Herangehensweise entwickelt werden