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The imprint of the feet and lower limbs, as well as the blood and rivulets, present on the Shroud of Turin were analysed with regard to anatomical and pathological characteristics. In the dorsal image of the cloth, the crucifixion position shows the left foot on top of the right one; in the frontal view, the feet are almost parallel. The nail used in the crucifixion was driven through the foot. In the frontal image, the knees, the tibiae and the ankles seem to be parallel with different varus–valgus angles; the left one is straighter than the right one, which shows a greater angle. Because of this parallelism, both ankles show a plantar flexion that is dissimilar in the dorsal images. We describe for the first time the anatomical study of the image of the Shroud through modern concepts. At the level of biomechanics and anatomy, the image on the Shroud of Turin does not comply with modern knowledge; in fact, the image fails with regard to some aspects that we cannot interpret yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ancestry estimation is one of the four basic steps for developing a biological profile. Research has shown that there are a certain amount of morphological and anthropometric differences among skeletons in populations. The aim of this study was to examine the Pretoria Bone Collection to analyze the ancestral variation in the vertebrae of the South African black and white population. The sample was composed of complete vertebrae from 144 individuals (73 whites, 71 blacks). Ancestry differences were assessed using the discriminant function procedure. Regarding the results of this study, when vertebral columns were evaluated, the data indicated (with high reliability) a difference between the two ancestries. The analysis provided an accuracy rate of 98 % in males and 93.5 % in females. Compared to skeleton pieces such as the skull and the pelvis, which have been studied often with high reliability results, these rates are highly significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article sketches the origins of the veneration of relics in the early Church through the Middle Ages to a new approach to them in western Europe after the sixteenth century. They had been seen as a living link between heaven and earth, but new questions transferred them from a symbolic universe to an analytic sphere. The new question was 'how' did this work, about mechanics, not about meaning, the 'why' question, 'What is in it for me now?' How can we value relics today in our scientifically orientated world? Changes in thought are suggested together with ways to return to a serious appreciation of relics. I want to suggest that we can appreciate relics as part of a mutual dependence here and now between ourselves, the living, and the dead who are alive in Christ. This would underline for us a sense of the goodness of the flesh, as well as the accessibility of the living saints in relation to us in Christ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report a case of monostotic fibrous dysplasia (FD) solely demonstrating epiphyseal lesion. A 13-year-old boy was referred to our hospital complaining of pain in his left knee joint. Plain radiographs showed an osteolytic lesion with slightly sclerotic margin at the proximal epiphysis of the left tibia. The lesion was shown with low intensity on T 1-weighted and high on T 2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Contrast-enhanced T 1-weighted images showed marginal enhancement of the lesion. Histological examination of the surgical specimens showed FD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The histomorphometric analysis of neolithic bone tissue from the radiomorphometricly unaffected 9th thoracic vertebral body of a 20–25 year old man showed significantly elevated bone volume in comparison to the contemporary findings (BV/TV, 28.72% versus 20%). Also the number of trabeculae was clearly higher (Tb.N.: 17.7cm versus 5.4cm). The mean width (Tb.Th.) of the plate-shaped trabeculae was 160μm and 180μm. Thus, they were significantly wider than current normal findings of 120μm. These results show a structural, obviously multifactual caused degeneration of spongy bone within the last 6200 years, representing a relatively short period in relation to evolutionary criteria. With regards to the irretrievable loss of preserved bone substance the indication to histomorphometric diagnostic has to be restricted; tissue sampling is only to happen after the carrying-out of all possible non-invasive methods of investigation as well as a comprehensive photo and film documentation. Observing these conditions further fundamental findings for the evolution of bone tissue can be expected through histomorphometry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to analyse the dynamic response of the human intervertebral disc to vibration in a physiologically relevant frequency spectrum. Eight lumbar intervertebral discs were harvested. After preparation, each sample was subjected to a pre-loading and then dynamic compression (from 5 to 30 Hz). The dynamic compression was applied using an experimental set-up comprising a free weight loading from above and a driving oscillatory displacement from below (closest to the in vivo loading). A viscoelastic model enabled the calculation of stiffness and damping from the transfer function. From 5 Hz to 30 Hz the stiffness values are between 0.19 and 3.66 (MN/m) and the damping values between 32 and 2094 (Ns/m). The mean resonant frequency was found at 8.7 Hz. These dynamic characteristics of the intervertebral disc could be used in a three-dimensional finite elements model of the human body to study its response to vibration in the driving position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a report from an April 11-12, 2014 conference in Munich, Germany on the history of transporting human remains in Europe. Topics of presentations delivered included the practice of boiling the flesh off of bones of venerated corpses to make relics in the Middle Ages, the preservation and burial of human hearts in the early modern era, and graffiti of vulvae and penises drawn by religious pilgrims in the Netherlands and in England.

El artículo pretende separar la verdad de la mitología asociada con un supuesto hueso del fraile franciscano mexicano Pedro de Gante.