3D RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN MUMMY SKELETON FROM THE PUSHKIN STATE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS (I,1 1240)

The aim of this study was to obtain a non-destructive three-dimensional model of the ancient Egyptian mummy skeleton from the collection of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts (I,1 1240). The objective of this research was to study the possibility of precise segmentation of bone structures and their separation from the surrounding mummified soft tissues, as well as the reconstruction of destroyed bone fragments according to the preserved shape. With the help of additive technology made all fragments of the skeleton, including the distal phalanx. The digital models and plastic reconstructions of historical artifacts can be used for further research, for example, the biomechanical and morphometric ones, as well as for the purpose of information and education, or as a supplement to the original museum objects

Определение происхождения природного битума в мумифицирующих смолах древнеегипетских мумий из собрания ГМИИ им. А.С. Пушкина

This work presents the results of a study of the resins of seven Ancient Egyptian mummies from the collection of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts using a complex of analytical methods: gas chromatography, atomic emission and mass spectrometry. Natural bitumen and beeswax were identified in the resins using the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method. Based on the results of hydrocarbon distribution in the profiles of n-alkanes in the resin coatings of the mummies and naturally occurring bitumen, it was assumed that the Dead Sea bitumen was used. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry studies of mummy resins in the selected ion mode (m/z 217 and 191) provided additional evidence of the bitumen’s geographic origin. Atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma was used as a means to determine the content of microelements. Vanadium, nickel and molybdenum were found in the tar of five mummies. The determined relative amounts of vanadium, nickel, and molybdenum in the resins of the studied mummies showed a good correlation with the available data on the content of these elements in the Dead Sea bitumen, as well as the Fayum mummy resin based on this bitumen. The advantages of using the method of identifying bitumen in mummy resins based on relative content of vanadium, nickel, and molybdenum were revealed.В работе представлены результаты исследования составов смол семи древнеегипетских мумий из коллекции Государственного музея изобразительных искусств имени А.С. Пушкина с применением комплекса аналитических методов: газовой хроматографии (ГХ), атомно-эмиссионной и масс-спектрометрии (МС). Методом ГХ–МС в них идентифицированы природный битум и пчелиный воск. По результатам распределений углеводородов в профилях н-алканов в смоляных покрытиях мумий и природных битумов высказано предположение об использовании битума Мертвого моря. Дополнительные доказательства географического происхождения битума получены ГХ–МС-исследованием смол мумий в режиме мониторинга заданных ионов (m/z 217 и 191). Методом атомно-эмиссионной спектрометрии с индуктивно связанной плазмой определено содержание микроэлементов и показано, что в смолах пяти мумий присутствуют ванадий, никель и молибден. Полученные результаты свидетельствуют об удовлетворительной корреляции их с литературными данными по содержанию указанных элементов в битуме Мертвого моря и смоле Фаюмской мумии на основе этого битума. Выявлены преимущества использования метода идентификации битума в смолах мумий по относительному содержанию ванадия, никеля и молибдена

Clinical Guidelines of the Russian Society of Surgeons, the Russian Gastroenterological Association, the Association of Surgeons-Hepatologists and the Endoscopic Society “REndO” on Diagnostics and Treatment of Chronic Pancreatitis

Aim: to present modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of chronic pancreatitis for gastroenterologists, general practitioners and physicians.Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a long-term inflammatory disease of the pancreas, manifested by irreversible morphological changes in the parenchyma and pancreatic ducts, which cause pain and/or persistent impairment of function. Current concept on the etiology of CP is reflected by the TIGAR-O classification. The criteria for establishing the diagnosis of CP include typical attacks of abdominal pain and/or clinical and laboratory signs of exocrine, endocrine insufficiency with the mandatory detection of characteristic morphological changes (calcifications in the parenchyma and pancreatic ductal stones, dilatation of the main pancreatic duct and its branches). CT, MRCP, and pancreatobiliary endosonography are recommended as the methods of choice to verify the diagnosis of CP. Conservative treatment of patients with CP is provided for symptom relief and prevention of complications. Individual cases with severe non-interactable abdominal pain, as well as a complicated course of the disease (development of ductal hypertension due to main pancreatic duct stones or strictures, obstructive jaundice caused by compression of the common bile duct, symptomatic postnecrotic cysts, portal hypertension due to compression of the portal vein or thrombosis of the splenic vein, persistent duodenal obstruction, pseudoaneurysm of the celiac trunk basin and the superior mesenteric artery) serve as an indication for endoscopic or surgical treatment. The Guidelines set out modern approaches to the diagnosis, conservative, endoscopic and surgical treatment of CP, and the prevention of its complications.Conclusion. The implementation of clinical guidelines can contribute to the timely diagnosis and improve the quality of medical care for patients with chronic pancreatitis

The determination of the origin of natural bitumen in mummifying resins of Ancient Egyptian mummies from the collection of the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

This work presents the results of a study of the resins of seven Ancient Egyptian mummies from the collection of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts using a complex of analytical methods: gas chromatography, atomic emission and mass spectrometry. Natural bitumen and beeswax were identified in the resins using the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method. Based on the results of hydrocarbon distribution in the profiles of n-alkanes in the resin coatings of the mummies and naturally occurring bitumen, it was assumed that the Dead Sea bitumen was used. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry studies of mummy resins in the selected ion mode (m/z 217 and 191) provided additional evidence of the bitumen’s geographic origin. Atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma was used as a means to determine the content of microelements. Vanadium, nickel and molybdenum were found in the tar of five mummies. The determined relative amounts of vanadium, nickel, and molybdenum in the resins of the studied mummies showed a good correlation with the available data on the content of these elements in the Dead Sea bitumen, as well as the Fayum mummy resin based on this bitumen. The advantages of using the method of identifying bitumen in mummy resins based on relative content of vanadium, nickel, and molybdenum were revealed

Modeling of old scars: Histopathological, biochemical and thermal analysis of the scar tissue maturation

Mature hypertrophic scars (HSs) remain a challenging clinical problem, particularly due to the absence of biologically relevant experimental models as a standard rabbit ear HS model only reflects an early stage of scarring. The current study aims to adapt this animal model for simulation of mature HS by validating the time of the scar stabilization using qualitative and quantitative criteria. The full-thickness skin and perichondrium excision wounds were created on the ventral side of the rabbit ears. The tissue samples were studied on post-operation days (PODs) 30, 60, 90 and 120. The histopathological examination and morphometry were applied in parallel with biochemical analysis of protein and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) content and amino acid composition. The supramolecular organization of collagen was explored by differential scanning calorimetry. Four stages of the rabbit ear HS maturation were delineated and attributed with the histolomorphometrical and physicochemical parameters of the tissue. The experimental scars formed in 30 days but stabilized structurally and biochemically only on POD 90–120. This evidence-based model can be used for the studies and testing of new treatments of the mature HSs