A systematic review of animal predation creating pierced shells: implications for the archaeological record of the Old World

BackgroundThe shells of molluscs survive well in many sedimentary contexts and yield information about the diet of prehistoric humans. They also yield evidence of symbolic behaviours through their use as beads for body adornments. Researchers often analyse the location of perforations in shells to make judgements about their use as symbolic objects (e.g., beads), the assumption being that holes attributable to deliberate human behaviour are more likely to exhibit low variability in their anatomical locations, while holes attributable to natural processes yield more random perforations. However, there are non-anthropogenic factors that can cause perforations in shells and these may not be random. The aim of the study is compare the variation in holes in shells from archaeological sites from the Old World with the variation of holes in shells pierced by mollusc predators.MethodsThree hundred and sixteen scientific papers were retrieved from online databases by using keywords, (e.g., ‘shell beads’; ‘pierced shells’; ‘drilling predators’); 79 of these publications enabled us to conduct a systematic review to qualitatively assess the location of the holes in the shells described in the published articles. In turn, 54 publications were used to assess the location of the holes in the shells made by non-human predators.ResultsAlmost all archaeological sites described shells with holes in a variety of anatomical locations. High variation of hole-placement was found within the same species from the same site, as well as among sites. These results contrast with research on predatory molluscs, which tend to be more specific in where they attacked their prey. Gastropod and bivalve predators choose similar hole locations to humans.DiscussionBased on figures in the analysed articles, variation in hole-location on pierced shells from archaeological sites was similar to variation in the placement of holes created by non-human animals. Importantly, we found that some predators choose similar hole locations to humans. We discuss these findings and identify factors researchers might want to consider when interpreting shells recovered from archaeological contexts.</jats:sec

Urban plums and toads: do fleshy fruits affect the post-metamorphic growth of amphibians?

Background The main aim of the study was to analyse the influence of fleshy fruits (plums) on the post-metamorphic growth and feeding behaviour of the green toad Bufotes viridis. We tested the following two hypotheses: (1) juveniles of the green toad are characterised by faster growth in conditions involving fallen plums Prunus cerasifera due to the associated presence of more varied food such as invertebrates; (2) green toads exhibit more active feeding behaviour in the presence of fleshy fruits. Methods A total of 120 fresh metamorphs of the green toad were randomly assigned to one of four groups: two experimental groups with fleshy plums and two other groups as controls (without fruits). Each group was kept in an enclosure to which wild invertebrates had free access. Each individual toad was measured for snout-vent length (mm) and body mass (g) every other day for 30 days. In order to determine whether fallen plums influence the feeding behaviour of toads, the number of active and hidden (under an artificial shelter) individuals was also noted. Results The results showed that green toads from both enclosures with plums were characterised by more rapid growth than individuals from the control treatments. Simultaneously, in the enclosure with fleshy fruits, greater species richness of wild invertebrates was observed. No differences in active feeding behaviour were noted between control groups and groups with plums. Discussion Fleshy fruits, upon falling, attract many types of invertebrates; thus they may represent good dietary supplements for fresh amphibian metamorphs. Therefore, the presence of fruit trees close to a breeding site might influences the post-metamorphic growth of amphibians, but not their feeding behaviour. The presence of insects associated with fallen fruit seems to favour the occurrence of amphibian populations, which is particularly important, since, due to political and social pressure, numbers of fruit trees are currently being reduced. To our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the potential influence of the presence of fruit trees on the growth and behaviour of anurans

Neandertal-like traits visible in the internal structure of non-supranuchal fossae of some recent Homo sapiens: The problem of their identification in hominins and phylogenetic implications

Although recently the internal structure of the non-supranuchal fossa of Homo sapiens has been described and compared to that observed in the Neandertal suprainiac fossa, until now it has not been examined in any modern human children. In this study, the internal structure of this fossa in the occipital bones of three children (two aged 3–4 years and one aged 5 years ± 16 months) and one adult individual representing recent Homo sapiens from Australia was analysed and compared to that of the Neandertal suprainiac fossa. In order to analyse the internal composition of the fossae of the examined specimens, initially, high-resolution micro-CT datasets were obtained for their occipital bones; next, 3D topographic maps of the variation in thickness of structural layers of the occipital bones were made and 2D virtual sections in the median region of these fossae were prepared. In the fossa of one immature individual, the thinning of the diploic layer characteristic of a Neandertal suprainiac fossa was firmly diagnosed. The other Neandertal-like trait, concerning the lack of substantial thinning of the external table of the bone in the region of the fossa, was established in two individuals (one child and one adult) due to the observation of an irregular pattern of the thickness of this table in the other specimens, suggesting the presence of an inflammatory process. Our study presents, for the first time, Neandertal-like traits (but not the whole set of features that justifies the autapomorphic status of the Neandertal supraniac fossa) in the internal structure of non-supranuchal fossae of some recent Homo sapiens. We discuss the phylogenetic implications of the results of our analysis and stress the reasons that use of the 3D topographic mapping method is important for the correct diagnosis of Neandertal traits of the internal structure of occipital fossae

Variation in pelvic shape and size in Eastern European males: a computed tomography comparative study

Background The significantly accelerated development of human society in the last millennium has brought about changes in human behavior and body mass that may have influenced human bone morphology. Our objective was to analyze the variation in pelvic shape and size in males from modern and medieval populations. Methods We obtained 22 pelvic girdles of adult males from a medieval cemetery located in Cedynia, Poland. The control group comprised 31 contemporary male pelves from individuals inhabiting the same region. The analyzed parameters were: interspinous distance (ISD), intercristal distance (ICD), intertuberous distance (ITD), anatomic conjugate of the pelvis, height of the pelvis (HP), iliac opening angle (IOA), iliac tilt angle (ITA), and ISD/ITD/HP ratio. Geometric morphometrics was used to analyze differences in shape in the pelves. All analyses were carried out on three-dimensional CT reconstructions of pelves. Results ISD, ICD, and IOA were significantly greater in modern pelves than in those from Cedynia, but no significant differences were seen between the two groups in ITD, anatomical conjugate, HP, or ITA. ISD/ITD/HP ratios were significantly lower in the Cedynia group. Geometric morphometrics revealed significant differences in pelvic shape between the analyzed groups. Discussion The pelves of modern males are larger, wider, and flatter than those of medieval males. Changes in the set of daily activities that produce mechanical loading and estimated body mass may constitute the main factors explaining pelvic variability. However, differences in ontogenesis should also be taken into consideration, especially since growth in past populations is often found to be reduced relative to modern populations

Adrenal incidentaloma in adults — management recommendations by the Polish Society of Endocrinology

  Wstęp: Szerokie zastosowanie badań obrazowych klatki piersiowej i jamy brzusznej skutkuje coraz częstszym przypadkowym rozpoznawaniem zmian w nadnerczach. Cel: Celem pracy była analiza dostępnej wiedzy dotyczącej postępowania w incydentaloma nadnerczy u dorosłych w celu przygotowania praktycznych zaleceń. Sposób przygotowania: Grupa robocza stworzona z ekspertów zgromadzonych w Polskim Towarzystwie Endokrynologicznym przeanalizowała jakość dostępnych danych i po dyskusji podsumowała wyniki analizy w postaci przygotowanych zaleceń. Ocena obrazowa i hormonalna: Jednofazowa tomografia komputerowa (CT) nadnerczy może być zalecana jako badanie w początkowej ocenie zmiany pozwalające odróżnić gruczolaki od innych zmian nie będących gruczolakami („nie-gruczolaki”). W przypadku gęstości zmiany &amp;gt; 10 jednostek Hounsfielda zaleca się wykonanie badania CT z oceną wypłukiwania środka cieniującego lub rezonansu magneproftycznego. U wszystkich chorych z incydentaloma nadnerczy, niezależnie od obrazu klinicznego oraz chorób współistniejących, zaleca się ocenę hormonalną w kierunku guza chromochłonnego oraz hiperkortyzolemii. Badania w kierunku pierwotnego hiperaldosteronizmu są wskazane u pacjentów z rozpoznanym nadciśnieniem tętniczym lub hipokaliemią. Leczenie: Leczenie operacyjne powinno być zastosowane u chorych z incydentaloma nadnercza o charakterystyce obrazowej mogącej odpowiadać nowotworom złośliwym (wskazania onkologiczne) lub potwierdzonej czynności hormonalnej (wskazania endokrynologiczne). Podstawową metodą leczenia operacyjnego jest laparoskopowa adrenalektomia. Pacjenci z podejrzeniem guza chromochłonnego bezwzględnie wymagają przygotowania farmakologicznego do operacji. U chorych niezakwalifikowanych do operacji, badania kontrolne (obrazowe i laboratoryjne), należy ustalać indywidualnie, biorąc pod uwagę, między innymi wielkość, obraz i dynamikę wzrostu guza, objawy kliniczne, wyniki badań hormonalnych oraz choroby współistniejące. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (2): 234–258)    Introduction: A wide use of imaging techniques results in more frequent diagnosis of adrenal incidenataloma. Aim: To analyse the current state of knowledge on adrenal incidentaloma in adults in order to prepare practical management recommendations. Methods: Following a discussion, the Polish Society of Endocrinology expert working group have analysed the available data and summarised the analysis results in the form of recommendations. Imaging and hormonal assessment: Unenhanced adrenal computed tomography (CT) may be recommended as an initial assessment examination helpful in the differentiation between adenomas and “non-adenomatous” lesions. In the case of density &amp;gt; 10 Hounsfield units, CT with contrast medium washout assessment or MRI are recommended. However, in all patients with adrenal incidentaloma, hormonal assessment is recommended in order to exclude pheochromocytoma and hypercortisolism, notwithstanding the clinical picture or concomitant diseases. In addition, examination to exclude primary hyperaldosteronism is suggested in patients with diagnosed hypertension or hypokalaemia. Treatment: Surgical treatment should be recommended in patients with adrenal incidentaloma, where imaging examinations suggest a malignant lesion (oncological indication) or with confirmed hormonal activity (endocrinological indication). The basis of the surgical treatment is laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Patients with suspected pheochromocytoma must be pharmacologically prepared prior to surgery. In patients not qualified for surgery, control examinations (imaging and laboratory tests) should be established individually, taking into consideration such features as the size, image, and growth dynamics of the tumour, clinical symptoms, hormonal tests results, and concomitant diseases. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (2): 234–258)

Prognostic impact of combined fludarabine, treosulfan and mitoxantrone resistance profile in childhood acute myeloid leukemia

Background: The role of cellular drug resistance in childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has not yet been established. The aim of the study was the analysis of the clinical value of ex vivo drug resistance in pediatric AML. Patients and Methods: A cohort of 90 children with de novo AML were assayed for drug resistance profile by the 3-4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-difenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and prognostic model of in vitro drug sensitivity was analyzed. Results: Children who relapsed during follow-up showed higher in vitro resistance of leukemic blasts to most of the drugs tested, except for cytarabine, cladribine, vincristine, mercaptopurine and thioguanine. A combined in vitro drug resistance profile to fludarabine, treosulfan and mitoxantrone (FTM score) was defined and it had an independent prognostic significance for disease free survival in pediatric AML. Conclusion: The combined fludarabine, treosulfan and mitoxantrone resistance profile to possibly may be used for better stratification of children with AML or indicate the necessity for additional therapy

Environment and hormone (im) balance in women

Praca recenzowana / peer-reviewed pape

Guidance on noncorticosteroid systemic immunomodulatory therapy in noninfectious uveitis: fundamentals of care for uveitis (focus) initiative

Topic: An international, expert-led consensus initiative to develop systematic, evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of noninfectious uveitis in the era of biologics. Clinical Relevance: The availability of biologic agents for the treatment of human eye disease has altered practice patterns for the management of noninfectious uveitis. Current guidelines are insufficient to assure optimal use of noncorticosteroid systemic immunomodulatory agents. Methods: An international expert steering committee comprising 9 uveitis specialists (including both ophthalmologists and rheumatologists) identified clinical questions and, together with 6 bibliographic fellows trained in uveitis, conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol systematic reviewof the literature (English language studies from January 1996 through June 2016; Medline [OVID], the Central Cochrane library, EMBASE,CINAHL,SCOPUS,BIOSIS, andWeb of Science). Publications included randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective studies with sufficient follow-up, case series with 15 cases or more, peer-reviewed articles, and hand-searched conference abstracts from key conferences. The proposed statements were circulated among 130 international uveitis experts for review.Atotal of 44 globally representativegroupmembersmet in late 2016 to refine these guidelines using a modified Delphi technique and assigned Oxford levels of evidence. Results: In total, 10 questions were addressed resulting in 21 evidence-based guidance statements covering the following topics: when to start noncorticosteroid immunomodulatory therapy, including both biologic and nonbiologic agents; what data to collect before treatment; when to modify or withdraw treatment; how to select agents based on individual efficacy and safety profiles; and evidence in specific uveitic conditions. Shared decision-making, communication among providers and safety monitoring also were addressed as part of the recommendations. Pharmacoeconomic considerations were not addressed. Conclusions: Consensus guidelines were developed based on published literature, expert opinion, and practical experience to bridge the gap between clinical needs and medical evidence to support the treatment of patients with noninfectious uveitis with noncorticosteroid immunomodulatory agents