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For the pretreatment of wood, charcoal and collagen from bone micro samples using the Acid–Base–Acid (ABA) method, we have assembled an automated computer-controlled unit in our laboratory CRL. The sample is placed in a glass single-necked cuvette. The machine consists of prepared solutions which are guided through capillaries, switching valve and peristaltic pump into the cuvette with the sample according to the currently selected program. The automat can be used for the pretreatment of charcoal, wood and also collagen from bones.

Research on the Late Intermediate Period (AD 900–1450) in northern Chile has been strongly influenced by two mobility models: John Murra's classic vertical ecological archipelago model, with highland colonies in the lowlands; and the gyratory mobility model, with pastoralists and their llama caravans controlling trade. The widespread application of these two models, however, suffers from a lack of supporting archaeological evidence. Stable isotope analysis provides a more direct approach for studying both diet and mobility patterns, complementing material culture studies. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the presence of colonies and/or specialised highland caravans in the lowlands of northern Chile through the application of δ13C, δ15N and δ18O to human tooth enamel, bone collagen and bone apatite. The results show strong local traditions in terms of diet and mobility associated with the Loa-San Pedro, Antofagasta and Pica-Tarapaca cultural groups. Our results suggest a non-local origin for some individuals in Pica-Tarapaca and Loa-San Pedro, but provide little evidence to support either the presence of ‘colonies’ or of specialised ‘caravans’. Mobility patterns were, instead, diverse and flexible, including female and male individuals that moved at different moments of their lives.

Recent attempts to date batches of poorly preserved archaeological bone prompted a re-evaluation of existing protocols for bone sample preparation and ultrafilter cleaning methods at the Keck-Carbon Cycle Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (KCCAMS) facility. The emphasis of the study was to optimize decalcification time and ultrafiltration retention efficiency to improve overall collagen yields, especially for poorly preserved bone. Decalcification time and acid strength tests were done on four in-house bone standards of varying states of preservation. Through systematic testing, we found that 200 mg bone chip samples decalcified in 4 mL of 1.0 N HCl over 16 h showed increases of collagen yield across all samples relative to our existing protocol. Ultrafilters precleaned with weak acid (0.01 N HCl) showed greater retention efficiencies than those cleaned by sonication in ultrapure Milli-Q (MQ) water. Collagen produced from each sample were analyzed via AMS dating to check the quality of the collagen.

Bone collagen is an important material for radiocarbon, paleodietary, and paleoproteomic analyses, but it degrades over time, making such analyses more difficult with older material. Collagen preservation between and within archaeological sites is also variable, so that much time, effort, and money can go into the preparation and initial analysis of samples that will not yield meaningful results. To avoid this, various methods are employed to prescreen bone for collagen preservation (e.g., %N, microporosity, and FTIR spectroscopic analyses), but these are often destructive and/or require exportation for analysis. Here, we explore near-infrared spectroscopy as a tool for gauging the collagen content of ground and whole bone from about 500 to 45,000 years ago. We show that a portable spectrometer’s ability to quantify collagen content and classify specimens by preservation status is comparable to that of other popular prescreening methods. Moreover, near-infrared spectroscopy is non-destructive and spectra can be acquired in a few seconds.

Background: Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios of collagen from teeth and bone are used to study human nutrition and health. As bones are constantly remodelling throughout life, isotopic values of bone collagen represent an average of several years. In contrast, human teeth do not remodel and their primary dentine contains only the isotopic data from the time of formation. In contrast to all other bones, human auditory ossicles also appear not to remodel. As they develop in utero and finish formation in the first 2 years of life, their collagen should also represent isotopic values of these two relatively short periods.Aim: By comparing δ13C and δ15N data from ossicles and incremental dentine, this study aims to investigate how two developmental periods of the ossicles, in utero and the first 2 years of life, reflect in collagen obtained from the ossicles.Subject and methods: Ossicle and tooth samples of 12 individuals aged 0.5 ± 0.4 years to 13 ± 1 years from the nineteenth century St. Peter's burial ground in Blackburn were collected and processed to obtain bulk bone and incremental dentine collagen which was measured for δ13C and δ15N.Results: Averaged δ13C and δ15N of ossicles are lower when compared to every age group except after 3 years of age. Average offset between ossicles and dentine of different groups ranges from 0.4-0.9‰ for δ13C and from 0.3-0.9‰ for δ15N, with highest counterbalance at birth and after the first 5 months after birth.Conclusions: There appears to be a systematic offset between the dentine and ossicle data. It seems that the second phase of development does not influence the isotopic values of collagen significantly and the data we are obtaining from ossicles represents the in utero period.

This paper presents the results of isotopic analysis for dietary reconstruction of humans and animal remains from several prehistoric (3500–2000 BCE) populations in Anatolia. The investigated sites are Ikiztepe (north Anatolia, Samsun region, on the Black Sea coast), Titris Hoyuk (south east Anatolia, Urfa region), Bademagaci (south Anatolia, Antalya region), and Bakla Tepe (south west Anatolia, in the Izmir region). This research utilises the results of stable isotope analyses of carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), and sulphur (δ34S) in bone collagen from over 200 human and animal samples in conjunction with published archaeological, archaeobotanical, and archaeozoological data (where present) to address this issue. This study, for the first time, has permitted a wider observation of Early Bronze Age dietary habits and subsistence strategies across the region, as well as examining the nature of dietary habits on an intra- and inter-site level, and temporally across the 3rd millennium BC. The results show that during the EBA in Anatolia there was a general degree of homogeneity in dietary habits at an intra- and inter-site and regional level and across the millennium of the EBA with diets being predominantly terrestrial C3 based.

While the Southside Cemetery, St. John's, Newfoundland was excavated in 1979, previous historical and morphological investigations had been unable to distinguish between potential associations: Royal Navy, Royal Army, early Newfoundland settlers, and recent Anglican parishioners from the south side of St. John's harbour. Due to the difficulty of discerning between these hypotheses with historical and morphological investigations alone, stable isotope analyses of bone collagen and tooth enamel carbonate (δ13CCOLL, δ13CCARB, δ15NCOLL, and δ18OCARB) were used to examine the diet and geographic origins of skeletal remains (n = 21) from the Southside Cemetery in St. John's, Newfoundland. In order to distinguish between local and likely British origins, data from these individuals were compared to bone collagen and enamel carbonate isotope values of a civilian population from St. Paul's Anglican Church, Harbour Grace, Newfoundland (n = 6), and to published values from Newfoundland and the British Isles. These comparisons, along with a strong historical and archaeological context, suggest that individuals from the Southside Cemetery were associated with the St. John's Naval Hospital's use of the cemetery from ca. 1750–1825. This study then considers these data with previously published data of contemporaneous Royal Naval Hospital cemeteries within their historical contexts to better understand naval rations and movement in the British Atlantic World. This re-examination of the data, with an emphasis on historical and physiological contexts, highlights factors previously undervalued that limit the ability of stable isotope analyses to define the variability of naval rations in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

This study investigates the relationship between monumental funerary structures, social organizations, and diets in Middle Neolithic France. Focusing on the Cerny culture based in the Paris Basin region, we analysed and compared bone collagen stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope values of 113 individuals from three different types of Cerny cemeteries: the Passy type (Cerny STP), slab burials (Cerny Slab), and burials without major superstructure (Cerny Flat). Published stable isotopic data from one other Cerny Flat and two contemporaneous non-Cerny cemeteries (n = 140), together with new and published faunal isotopic data (n = 267) from across six different river valleys in the region are also included in the analysis. The results of this study have shown that (1) the Cerny diet was likely rich in animal protein; (2) comparing to all other cemetery types, Cerny STP sites were considerably homogenous isotopically and culturally, and (3) individuals buried in aberrant funerary arrangements tend to have outlying isotopic compositions, suggesting strong correlations between diets and burial practices. Interestingly, as oppose to the distinctly sex-related funerary arrangements, no obvious pattern can be observed in the isotopic compositions between males and females in Cerny cemeteries.

Objective: A model of alveolar cleft phenotype was established in rabbits to evaluate the effect of active bone particles containing modified rhecombinant human BMP-2 on the repair of the alveolar cleft. Methods: 2-month-old Japanese white rabbits were selected and randomly divided into four groups: normal, control, material and BMP groups. Blood biochemical analysis, skull tomography (microfocus computerized tomography), and histological and immunohistochemical staining analysis of paraffin sections were performed 3 and 6 months after operation. Results: Both types of collagen particles showed good biocompatibility and promoted bone regeneration. The effect of active bone particles on bone repair and regeneration was better than that of bone collagen particles. Conclusions: Active bone particles containing modified rhecombinant human BMP-2 can be used for incisors regeneration.

Bu çalışma, PAÜ Bilimsel Araştırma Projeleri Koordinasyon Birimi tarafından desteklenmiştir (Proje No: 2019SABE017). Kan basıncının kontrolünde önemli rol oynayan Renin- anjiotensin sisteminin (RAS) son yıllarda kemik dokuda osteoblastlar ve osteoklastlar üzerinde etkilerinin olduğu gösterilmiştir. Çalışmamızın amacı Anjiotensin II tip I reseptör blokajının (AT1) osteoporotik kemikte yarattığı mekaniksel ve fizikokimyasal parametreler üzerindeki etkilerinin araştırılmasıdır.Çalışmamızda 75 adet Wistar cinsi dişi sıçan (n=15) (KONT), SHAM (n=15) (SHAM), Kontrol Losartan (n=15) (KONT- LOS), Overektomize (n=15) (OVX), Losartan tedavili overiektomize (n= 15) (OVX- LOS) olmak üzere beş gruba ayrılmıştır. AT1 reseptör blokörü olarak Losartan, gavaj yoluyla 8 hafta süreyle verilmiştir. Bu etkilerin kemik dokusu üzerindeki makro yansımalarını göstermek için biyomekanik test, kemik dokusundaki mikro-mimari değişiklikleri göstermek için mikro-BT görüntüleme ve fiziko-kimyasal değişiklikleri göstermek için Raman spektroskopi analizleri yapılmıştır. Ayrıca Losartan’ın kemik kolajenindeki etkilerini göstermek için PCR testi yapılmıştır.Eğme testi bulgularımıza göre, OVX grubunun eğilme mukavementi, KONT grubuna göre istatistiksel olarak daha düşük belirlenmiştir. Losartan ile tedavi edilen OVX- LOS grubundaki dayanıklılık mukavemetinin ise, tedavi edilmeyen OVX grubuna göre istatistiksel olarak daha yüksek olduğu ortaya konulmuştur. BV/TV, Conn.D, Tb.Th., Tb.Sp. değerleri Mikro-CT ölçümü sonucu elde edilmiştir. OVX grubunda BV/ TV ve Tb/ Th ölçümleri KONT grubuna göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı derecede azalmıştır. Tb.Sp değeri KONT grubuna göre OVX grubunda artmıştır. Ancak BV/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp değerlerinde diğer gruplar arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark bulunmamıştır. Overektomiden 12 hafta sonra, 8 haftalık Losartan tedavisi sonucunda, Yapı Modeli İndeksi (SMI) değerleri OVX grubunda KONT grubuna oranla daha düşük olduğu belirlenmiştir. 8 haftalık Losartan tedavisi alan OVX- LOS grubu ile diğer grupların SMI değerleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farka rastlanmamıştır. Organik matriks özellikleri Hyp/ Pro, 1670/ 1640, 1670/ 1690 değerleri ile incelenmiş, her bir değer için gruplar arasında anlamlı fark bulunmamıştır. COL1A1 ve COL1A2 alel genlerinin ekspresyonu, OVX grubunda KONT grubuna göre ve OVX- LOS grubunda OVX grubuna göre istatistiksel olarak daha yüksek olduğu bulunmuştur. Çalışmamızın sonunda 8 haftalık Losartan tedavisinin osteoporotik kemikte kemiğin biyomekanik özelliklerini geliştirirken kolajen seviyelerini artırdığı ortaya konulmuştur. Ancak elde edilen sonuçlara göre kemiğin organik materyaline ve mikromimarisine herhangi bir etkisinin olmadığı gözlemlenmiştir. The renin- anjiotensin system (RAS) is a complex enzymatic structure that plays an important role in the control of blood pressure, it also plays an important role in antihypertensive therapy. The local presence of RAS released by osteoblasts and osteoclasts in the bone indicates that it is effective in bone metabolism. The aim of our study is investigate effects of Anjiotensin II type I receptor blokage (AT1) on biomechanical and histochemical parameters of osteoporotic bone. In this study we used 78 female Wistar rats and divide into 5 groups. We have Control (n=15) (CONT), Sham (n=15) (SHAM), Control Losartan (n=15) (CONT- LOS), Overiectomized (n=15) (OVX), Losartan treathed overiectomized (n=15) (OVX- LOS). As an AT1 receptor blockage, Losartan was administered oral gavage for 8 weeks. In order to show the macro reflections of these effects on the bone tissue, biomechanical tests, micro-CT imaging to show the micro-architectural changes in the bone tissue, and Raman spectroscopy analyzes to show the physico-chemical changes were performed at the same time. Also PCR test was performed to investigate effects of Losartan in bone collagen. According to our bending test findings, the bending strength of the OVX group was statistically lower than that of the CONT group. The endurance strength in the OVX- LOS group treated with Losartan was statistically higher than the untreated OVX group. BV/TV, Conn.D, Tb.Th., Tb.Sp. values were obtained as a result of Micro-CT measurement. BV/TV and Tb/Th measurements in the OVX group were statistically significantly decreased compared to the CONT group. Tb.Sp value increased in the OVX group compared to the CONT group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between other groups in BV/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp values. 12 weeks after ovariectomy following 8 weeks Losartan treathment, Structural Model Index (SMI) values were found to be lower in the OVX group than in the CONT group. No statistically significant difference was found between the SMI values of the OVX- LOS group, which received 8 weeks of Losartan treatment, and the other groups. Organic matrix properties were examined with Hyp/ Pro, 1670/ 1640, 1670/ 1690 values and no significant difference was found between the groups for each value. The expression of COL1A1 and COL1A2 allele genes was found to be statistically higher in the OVX group than in the CONT group and in the OVX- LOS group compared to the OVX group.In conclusion, after 8 week of Losartan treathment. Losartan improved biomechanical properties and bone collagen levels. But our data show that there are no significant improvement in organic materials after 8 weeks of Losartan treathment. Therefore our study suggest that AT1 receptor blockage has no significant effect in acute threatment of osteoporosis.

Previous studies on settlement patterns have suggested that the prehistoric farmers who inhabited the Peruvian north-central coast during the transition between the Middle and Late Formative Periods (500–400 B.C.) experienced considerable population growth. In this study we assess the mean weaning age of the population recovered at the Quebrada Chupacigarro cemetery in the middle valley of Supe (2739–2153 cal B.P.), using stable isotopes, to test if weaning practices are compatible with this scenario. Stable nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes from bone collagen of 34 individuals (18 subadults and 16 adults) were analyzed by age using a cross-sectional approach with the WARN (Weaning Age Reconstruction with Nitrogen isotope analysis) method. Furthermore, stable carbon (δ13C) isotopes were assessed to identify age-related dietary differences between juveniles and adults. The results show that the introduction of supplementary foods occurred around 6 months of age (95‰ CI: 0.0–1.2 years; 65‰ CI: 0.1–0.9 years), while complete weaning was likely achieved at 2.6 years (95‰ CI: 1.2–4.2 years; 65‰ CI: 1.9–3.5 years). The findings suggest a relatively late age of end of weaning, not necessarily compatible with higher fertility rates. The resultant increased fertility in Quebrada Chupacigarro is plausible only under the hypothetical failure of postpartum infertility mechanisms, modulated by other potential factors from the context, such as culture-driven weaning practices. Estudios previos de patrones de asentamiento sugieren que los agricultores prehistóricos que habitaron la región de la Costa Nor-Central del Perú durante la transición entre los períodos Formativo Medio y Formativo Tardío (500–400 a.C.) experimentaron considerable crecimiento poblacional. Utilizando isotopos estables, en este estudio se investiga la edad promedio de destete de una población exhumada del cementerio Quebrada Chupacigarro (2739–2153 cal A.P.), localizado en el valle medio de Supe, para comprobar si las prácticas de lactancia materna y destete son compatibles con este escenario. Isotopos estables de nitrógeno (δ15N) obtenidos de colágeno óseo de 34 individuos (18 subadultos y 16 adultos) fueron analizados según edad usando un abordaje seccional cruzado con el programa WARN. Además, isótopos estables de carbono (δ13C) fueron utilizados para identificar diferencias dietéticas intrapoblacionales y/o dietas especiales entre subadultos y adultos. Los resultados indican que la introducción de la dieta suplementaria ocurrió alrededor de los 6 meses (IC95‰: 0.0–1.2años; IC65‰: 0.1–0.9 años), mientras el destete final ocurrió a una edad promedio más probable de 2.6 años (IC95‰: 1.2–4.2 años; IC65‰: 1.9–3.5 años). Nuestros resultados sugieren una edad de destete relativamente tardía, no necesariamente compatible con una alta tasa de fertilidad. El incremento resultante de fertilidad en Quebrada Chupacigarro es plausible apenas bajo la hipotética falla de los mecanismos de infertilidad postparto, modulada por otros factores del contexto como hábitos de lactancia materna y destete culturalmente mediados.

The lamellar structure of bone, which endows biomechanical rigidity to support the host organism, is observed in mammals, including humans. It is therefore essential to develop a quantitative analysis to evaluate the lamellarity of bone, which would especially be useful for the pharmacological evaluation of anti-osteoporotic drugs. This study applied a current system for the semi-automatic recognition of fluorescence signals to the analysis of un-decalcified bone sections from rat and monkey specimens treated with teriparatide (TPTD). Our analyses on bone formation pattern and collagen topology indicated that TPTD augmented bone lamellarity and bone collagen linearity, which were possibly associated with the recovery of collagen cross-linking, thus endowing bone rigidity.

OBJECTIVES Stable isotope analysis can provide crucial insight into the function and development of early state-level societies on the north coast of Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS Multi-tissue (bone collagen, tooth enamel, hair, nail, skin, and tendon) stable isotope analyses (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and strontium) were conducted for 13 individuals from the lower Viru Valley. RESULTS Non-seasonal changes in a predominantly C4 -based terrestrial diet, with minimal inputs of marine foods were identified. One individual (Burial 5), however, had a stable isotope signature unlike any previously found on the north coast of Peru, indicating both a large contribution of C3 -terrestrial resources to their diet and an 87 Sr/86 Sr value suggestive of highland residence during childhood. DISCUSSION This research provides the first strong stable isotope evidence of a highland individual within a coastal burial in northern Peru, new insight into the ritual killing event at Huaca Santa Clara during the late middle horizon and supporting evidence of the importance of C4 terrestrial resources to the developing Viru polity during the early intermediate period.

Objectives Even though much is known about bone mineral and matrix composition, studies about their relationship with several bone properties and its alterations related to bone diseases such as osteoporosis are practically non-existent in humans. Thus, the development of methods to understand the effects of bone properties at a microscopic level is paramount. This research aimed to evaluate whether Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) band intensity ratios correlate with femoral bone mass, bone mineral content (BMC) (total and femoral neck), bone mineral per unit area (BMD) (total, femoral neck, greater trochanter, intertrochanteric region, and Ward's area) and the area (total and femoral neck). A sample of femora from the 21st Century Identified Skeleton Collection (N = 78, 42 females and 36 males) was employed and BMC, BMD, and the femoral areas were acquired by DXA. Results It was found that only females' BMD had a significant association with the femoral FTIR-ATR indices under study, whereas bone collagen (Am/P) and the content of carbonate Type A (API) in males correlated with the total proximal femur area of the regions of interest and the femoral neck area. Discussion Men and women showed different changes related to their chemical composition in BMD, BMC, and probed area, most likely due to differences in structure and physiology, as well as mechanical strength in the proximal femoral sites where BMD was analyzed.

It is well-known that pigs (Sus scrofa) were domesticated very early in Neolithic China, but far less is known about the processes by which pig husbandry intensified so that pork became the most important animal protein for humans are less clear. Here, we explore pig feeding practices using the carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of bone collagen, focusing on developments in pig husbandry during the Yangshao period (7000–5000 BP) in the middle Yellow River region of China, and at the site of Xipo (5800–5000 BP) in particular. The results show that the diets of domestic pigs at Xipo were dominated by millet foods. Comparisons with other Yangshao sites in the region show a trend of increasing millet foddering for pigs throughout the Yangshao period. These results, and comparisons of the isotopic data for pigs against those for humans from the Xipo cemetery (5300–5000 BP), suggest that pigs were closely managed by humans. The evidence points to an intensification of Neolithic pig husbandry in the middle Yellow River region from this period.

OBJECTIVES We undertook a more comprehensive analyses than our previous study (Yi et al., International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2018, 28, 636-644) at the Gaoshan site (~2500-2000 cal. BC) to expand our understanding of the different roles of rice and millets to human subsistence strategies, diachronic shift of human diets, diversity of human life histories and cultural influence (dental ablation) to human population. MATERIALS AND METHODS Carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses of human (ribs and long bones, n = 68) and animal (n = 15) bones as well as carbonized seeds from rice and millets (n = 8) were undertaken. Human bones were directly AMS-14 C dated. In addition, sequential sampling of 16 individuals with varied age and sex and cultural contexts for isotopic analysis was also conducted. RESULTS The calibrated dating results (n = 27) indicate that there existed two periods of occupation at the site, ~2500-2200 BC and ~2200-1900 BC. Moderate high δ15 N values were found in the crops. Isotopic data from bone collagen suggest that the humans mainly relied on C3 -based animal protein and were supplemented by C4 -based foods. This isotopic pattern is also seen in pigs. Significant difference of human δ13 C values (Mann-Whitney U test, p

The Lake Baikal region of southern Siberia has a rich mortuary record that has provided the most comprehensive isotopic database for palaeodietary studies of north-temperate hunter-gatherers in the world, permitting more detailed reconstructions and finer-grained research questions than are usually possible. Building on previous work, this study contributes new δ13C, δ15N, and AMS radiocarbon dating results from the cemeteries of Verkholensk (n = 44) in the Upper Lena River micro-region and Ulan-Khada (n = 19) in the Little Sea micro-region. Our results reveal that the Late Neolithic (LN, 5570–4600 cal BP) individuals at Verkholensk exhibit higher δ15N values than in the Early Bronze Age (EBA, 4600–3700 cal BP), suggesting a shift to a more terrestrial diet, possibly in response to climate-induced environmental changes. In addition, EBA individuals at Verkholensk differ in both δ13C and δ15N from those at the nearby site of Obkhoi, suggesting territorial divisions at a surprisingly small scale, although there is a diachronic component that needs to be considered, highlighting the need for additional work on freshwater reservoir corrections for the Upper Lena micro-region. The Ulan-Khada EBA results are consistent with the ‘Game-Fish’ and ‘Game-Fish-Seal’ dietary patterns previously identified in the Little Sea micro-region. The now substantial Little Sea micro-region EBA dataset—— allows for more subtle differences in diet to be identified, namely that EBA females with Game-Fish-Seal diets for the whole of the Little Sea sample display significantly lower mean δ13C values than their male counterparts, providing some of the first evidence for sex-based dietary distinctions in Lake Baikal. A small number of δ13C and/or δ15N outliers were identified at both Verkholensk and Ulan-Khada that may support previous suggestions of individual mobility between the Upper Lena and Little Sea micro-regions. Exploratory use of δ18O isotopes in bone collagen offers a novel line of support for this scenario, confirming a number of independently identified outliers.

Stable isotope analyses show that Ancient Beringian diets were seasonally structured and included substantial summer salmon., The earliest Native Americans have often been portrayed as either megafaunal specialists or generalist foragers, but this debate cannot be resolved by studying the faunal record alone. Stable isotope analysis directly reveals the foods consumed by individuals. We present multi-tissue isotope analyses of two Ancient Beringian infants from the Upward Sun River site (USR), Alaska (~11,500 years ago). Models of fetal bone turnover combined with seasonally-sensitive taxa show that the carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of USR infant bone collagen reflects maternal diets over the summer. Using comparative faunal isotope data, we demonstrate that although terrestrial sources dominated maternal diets, salmon was also important, supported by carbon isotope analysis of essential amino acids and bone bioapatite. Tooth enamel samples indicate increased salmon use between spring and summer. Our results do not support either strictly megafaunal specialists or generalized foragers but indicate that Ancient Beringian diets were complex and seasonally structured.

This study explores the utility of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of bone collagen for investigating prehistoric cooking. Approaches to cooking practices have relied principally on artefactual evidence, macroscopic bone modification, and organic residue analysis. However, direct evidence for cooking of bone has been limited. Richter and Koon successfully applied TEM analysis of collagen to determine heating to modern and medieval bones, but this method has yet to be experimentally tested using prehistoric remains. Collagen will denature at relatively low temperatures, such as during roasting, boiling, or baking. The denaturation of collagen causes predictable structural changes that can be viewed through TEM. Zooarchaeological remains of sheep and pig with minimal taphonomic modifications were analysed from four later prehistoric (c. 800–500BC) sites in Britain (n = 33). Humeri and phalanges were selected to compare elements with high and low meat yields. Samples were classified into ‘Heated’ and ‘Unheated’ groups consistent with previous studies, and variable patterns were observed between different sites and taxa. Analytical limitations have hindered the study of cooking in the past, but this study demonstrates the potential of this taphonomic method for exploring prehistoric cooking practices and provides a springboard for wider studies.

Background Alveolar cleft is a type of cleft lip and palate that seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients. In this study, a model of the alveolar cleft phenotype was established in rabbits to evaluate the effect of bone collagen particles combined with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) on the repair of alveolar cleft bone defects. Methods A model of alveolar clefts in rabbits was established by removing the incisors on the left side of the upper jaw bone collagen particles combined with HUC-MSCs that were then implanted in the defect area. Blood biochemical analysis was performed 3 months after surgery. Skull tissues were harvested for gross observation, and micro-focus computerised tomography (micro-CT) analysis. Tissues were harvested for histological and immunohistochemical staining. The experiments were repeated 6 months after surgery. Results Bone collagen particles and HUC-MSCs showed good biocompatibility. Bone collagen particles combined with HUC-MSCs were markedly better at inducing bone repair and regeneration than bone collagen particles alone. Conclusions Combining HUC-MSCs with bone collagen particles provides a simple, rapid and suitable method to fill a bone defect site and treat of alveolar cleft bone defects.

Here we evaluated the efficacy of bone repair using various native bovine biomaterials (refined hydroxyapatite (HA), demineralised bone matrix (DBM), and purified bone collagen (COLL)) as compared with commercially available bone mineral and bone autografts. We employed a conventional critical-sized (8 mm diameter) rat calvarial defect model (6-month-old male Sprague&ndash, Dawley rats, n = 72 in total). The artificial defect was repaired using HA, DBM, COLL, commercially available bone mineral powder, bone calvarial autograft, or remained unfilled (n = 12 animals per group). Rats were euthanised 4 or 12 weeks postimplantation (n = 6 per time point) with the subsequent examination to assess the extent, volume, area, and mineral density of the repaired tissue by means of microcomputed tomography and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Bovine HA and DBM powder exhibited excellent repair capability similar to the autografts and commercially available bone mineral powder while COLL showed higher bone repair rate. We suggest that HA and DBM powder obtained from bovine bone tissue can be equally applied for the repair of bone defects and demonstrate sufficient potential to be implemented into clinical studies.

RATIONALE Stable sulfur isotope compositions (δ34 S values) are a useful marker of terrestrial (lower δ34 S) versus marine (higher δ34 S) diets. In coastal areas, 34 S-enriched sea spray can obscure these marine/terrestrial differences. We sought to establish whether δ34 S values of sea spray-affected terrestrial fauna can be distinguished from those of marine-feeding terrestrial fauna. METHODS We measured bone and dentine collagen δ34 S values, as well as stable carbon (δ13 C) and nitrogen (δ15 N) isotope compositions via continuous flow elemental analysis/isotope ratio mass spectrometry of 21 sheep (Ovis aries) raised on an island (North Ronaldsay, UK) of

This study explored the relationship between paleodietary patterns and social inequality in rural human populations from Medieval (AD 600–1499) and Modern (AD 1500–1800) Asturias, Spain. Diets were investigated through stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes from a sample of burials from eight cemetery sites (n = 80). Social status was inferred by burial location, where individuals interred within church buildings (ad sanctos) were compared to those buried in cemeteries. While Medieval and Modern society was strongly hierarchical, burial location is only one factor in determining the status and diet of individuals. It was hypothesized that ad sanctos burials would have elevated δ15N values as a reflection of high-status individuals consuming protein-rich diets in comparison to lower-status peasant populations; however, results found no significant differences in δ15N values between those buried in ad sanctos compared to those buried in cemeteries. Rather, the results of our paleodietary reconstruction indicate that the difference in δ13C values is statistically significant between burial location, where ad sanctos burials have more elevated δ13C than commoner individuals. These elevated δ13C values suggest that those buried in places of prestige often consumed a different diet (more C4 resources) from than those buried outside of church walls.

Rationale Different thermal conversion reactor packings result in distinct δ2 H values in nitrogen-containing materials, such as bone collagen. An older 'traditional' glassy carbon packing method causes incomplete conversion of N-containing samples into H2 gas, resulting in altered δ2 H values compared with the complete conversion of hydrogen obtained with a chromium-packed reactor. Given that δ2 H values from collagen are gaining importance in palaeoecological and archaeological studies, a determination of the relationship between δ2 H values produced with a glassy-carbon-packed and a chromium-packed reactor is needed. Methods We obtained δ2 H values (normalized on the VSMOW-SLAP scale) from both glassy-carbon-packed (GP) and chromium-packed (Cr) reactor configurations from bone collagen (n = 231) from a variety of archaeological sites, using a High-Temperature Conversion Elemental Analyzer (TC/EA) coupled to a Delta Plus XP isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Results δ2 H values from both methods are linearly correlated (r2 = 0.934) and yield the following interconversion equation, δ2 H(Cr) = 1.054 δ2 H(GP) + 11.6‰ (95% conf. slope 1.020-1.090, intercept 10.6-12.6), and a mean difference of δ2 H(Cr) - δ2 H(GP) = 10.1‰ (1 sd 5.2, 1 se 0.3, n = 231). Conclusions We recommend adopting this interconversion between δ2 H values produced with a glassy-carbon-packed and chromium-packed reactor for bone collagen only, with appropriate propagation of uncertainty.

In this study, period-specific dietary trends, along with socio-economic and religious influences on foods consumed by Pictish and medieval inhabitants from Portmahomack are investigated. Bone collagen from human adults (n = 137) and fauna (n = 71) were analysed for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios to enable dietary reconstructions of the whole adult skeletal assemblage. Adult mean δ13C and δ15N values from all periods (6th to 17th century) were −19.5‰ ± 1.3‰ and 13.3‰ ± 1.7‰ respectively. A diachronic change in diet between early medieval Pictish lay and monastic communities (periods 1–3) and the later medieval parish layfolk (periods 4–5) was found that suggests changing socio-economic and religious influences, along with age and gender differences in diet that reflect possible divisions in labour and status. Faunal data also reflected a diachronic change in diet, most likely related to a change in animal husbandry practices over time. This is the first large-scale study on the Portmahomack assemblage and presents new isotope data to provide a more comprehensive insight into Pictish and medieval subsistence patterns, along with evidence of how religious and social foci may influence diet over time. Such comprehensive investigations can only be adopted by analysing the whole skeletal assemblage, providing robust faunal baselines and inter- and intra-site comparisons. Most importantly, this significant new evidence fundamentally changes our knowledge of diet and subsistence in medieval Scotland and the potential influences therein.

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions were determined for camelid bone collagen, hair, and wool (fibre) sampled from textiles from archaeological sites in the Santa Valley (north coast of...

Stable isotope studies of early human populations in Remote Oceania, the last major region to be settled by humans, have the potential to shed light on our understanding of dietary adaptations to small island environments. However, little research has focused on western Micronesia, which was settled ca. 3500–3000 cal B.P., contemporaneous with the better-known Lapita culture. Human skeletal remains recovered from three archaeological sites in Palau, Micronesia, dating between ca. 3000 and 1500 cal B.P., were tested for light stable isotope ratios to determine patterns of paleodiet. Results from bone collagen of 23 samples are characterized by moderately high δ15N values (avg. 11.4‰) and δ13C values (avg. –14.8‰), reflecting significant consumption of marine protein resources. Bone apatite δ13C values (avg. –7.3‰) suggest consumption of 13C-enriched dietary carbohydrates, which could potentially include seaweed or sugarcane. Results correspond well with complementary archaeological evidence, demonstrating that early Palauans were heavily dependent on marine food resources and are similar to contemporary Lapita groups, suggesting that endemic marine resources were critical to successful colonization of these small, remote island environments. Aika el kmal mlo uriul el beluu el ng mlo er ngii a delengchokl er ngii, a omesubir a rechad er a mesechesechel a beluu er a taiheio el ousbech a kar el isotope, a ngar er ngii a techellel el meskid e klemedengei er kid e kirel a kall el lulenga a rechad er aika el iungs. E ng di kekere el omesuub a mla mo er ngii, el kuk kmal di melutk el kirel a iungs er a ngebard er a Micronesia el mlo er ngii a delengchokl er ngii er a bekord ede el telael me a eim el dart el mo er a ede el telael el rak, (3500–3000 BP) el ngii el taem a kmal di mengaisisu er a temel se el merael a chisel Lapita Culture (uchelir a rechad er a taiheio el bekai er tir a le biltik er ngii er a Lapita el beluu er a New Caledonia). Tia el babier a mo mesaod a chiuesir a rechad el mlengai er a klde el basio er a beluu er a Belau el mirrael a ureor er ngii el kirel a chuodel el delengchokl, el rekil a ngar er a delongelel a ede el telael mo ta el telael me a eim el dart el rak (3000–1500 BP) e mlengai el mo er a skeng el ousbech a kar el isotope el mo omeketakl a teletelel a omengelir a rechad er a rechuodel.Me a skeng el mlegai er a lluich me a klde el ngerdel a chiuis a mlo meketeklii el kmo ng telkib er a bab δ15N values (avg. 11.4‰) me a δ13C values (avg –14.8‰) el ngii a ochotii el kmo a omengelir a rechad a kmal mle klou el utluil er a kall el mengai er a daob. A skeng er a bedengel a chiuis δ13C values (avg –7.3‰) a ochotii el kmo omengelel el kall el mui er a 13C a ochotii el kmo kall el lulenga tirka el chad a locha mlengai er a dellomel el uldimukl er ngii a char me a lechub e ng deb.

Human skeletal remains of at least three individuals were unearthed during excavations at the Early Neolithic site of Grumăzeşti – Deleni in northeast Romania (Moldova region) between 1968 and 1978. They comprise the articulated skeleton of an adult buried in a crouched position (M1), and the disarticulated remains of another adult and a juvenile found together in another part of the site and interpreted by the principal excavator, S. Marinescu-Bîlcu, as a disturbed burial (referred to here as M2/ 1– 2). The human remains are described and analysed in terms of state of preservation, age-at-death, sex, stature and pathology. Results of radiocarbon dating and carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of bone collagen from M1 and radiocarbon dates on herbivore bones from the site are presented and discussed., Cercetările arheologice din situl de la Grumăzeşti – Deleni din nordul României, realizate între 1968 și 1978, au pus în evidența existența unor resturi osteologice umane de la cel puțin trei indivizi. Primul dintre aceștia, M1, era reprezentat de un schelet în conexiune anatomică, descoperit în poziția chircit pe partea stângă. Resturile fragmentare atribuite altor doi indivizi (denumite în acest articol M2/ 1– 2, un adult și un juvenil) provin dintr-un context diferit, fiind interpretate de autorul cercetării arheologice, S. Marinescu-Bîlcu drept un mormânt deranjat de o amenajare ulterioară. Lucrarea de față face o analiză descriptivă a stării de conservare a resturilor osteologice, determinarea vârstei, sexului și staturii, precum și a patologiilor identificate pe resturile osteologice prezente. Analiza antropologică este însoțită de o discuție asupra datelor de radiocarbon realizate pe probe prelevate de la M1 și două erbivore de talie mare. Pentru M1 au fost realizat și studiului izotopilor stabili de C și N., Diana Annamaria, Boroneanţ Adina, Bălășescu Adrian, Sava Tiberiu, Bonsall Clive. Early Neolithic burials from Grumăzeşti – Deleni, Neamţ County, Romania. In: Materiale şi cercetãri arheologice (Serie nouã), N°15 2019. pp. 15-25.

The Kingdom of Portugal was established with the help of military-monastic orders, which provided important defence against Muslim armies during the 12th–13th century Christian conquest. While historical sources document the main events of this period, this research seeks to elucidate individual lifestyles and movement, aspects typically absent from written records. A multi-isotopic approach was used on skeletal material from eight Christian and two Muslim burials from Evora, Portugal (11th–13th centuries). Anthropological and archaeological evidence suggests the Christian adults belonged to the Evora Militia, which we seek to confirm through the reconstructed diet and mobility of these individuals. Stable carbon, nitrogen and sulphur isotopes were measured in bone collagen, and radiogenic strontium, carbonate stable oxygen and apatite stable carbon isotopes were measured in tooth enamel. Results of the stable oxygen and radiogenic strontium isotopes indicated diverse origins of the Christian population, while at least one individual was local. The Muslim adult was local, as anticipated. The δ13Cen (enamel) values provide evidence of childhood consumption of different cereals (C3 and C4), possibly linked to social status. The δ13Ccol (bone collagen) human values indicated mostly C3 diets with varying inputs of C4, while δ15N reflected high protein intake overall. The mean diet-consumer spacing of this population was compared to other isotopic studies from Medieval Iberia and other European monastic/convent populations. A visible trend emerged in populations that likely followed religious fasting rules, including the Evora Christians. The results of this study indicate that the Order of Evora was composed of members from diverse geographic and possibly social origins, an aspect previously unclear in written sources.

This study investigates a medieval (twelfth to sixteenth century) poorhouse skeletal collection from Regensburg, Germany, by assessing diet and health. Medieval poorhouses were an early form of social care facility that offered permanent shelter to the sick and destitute. The Regensburg sample offers a chance to explore the lives of an underprivileged group in larger medieval society. Isotopic data from bone collagen, and structural carbonate are used here in combination with osteological evidence for disease to explore dietary histories and health among poorhouse residents. We sampled human (n = 111) and faunal (n = 9) bone for carbon ( δ 13C col and δ 13C sc ) and nitrogen ( δ 15N col ) isotope analysis. Low δ 13C col and a narrow range in carbon-isotope compositions indicate that poorhouse residents subsisted primarily on C 3 plants, and protein from terrestrial and freshwater sources. However, δ 15N col and Δ 13C sc-col values suggest differential access to protein. In addition, a small subset of individuals may have incorporated famine foods like millet (a C 4 resource) into their diet. Many individuals survived serious bouts of stress and disease, though most of these conditions were debilitating and not lethal. Overall, the data suggest that the backgrounds of the poorhouse residents may have been diverse, despite a shared lower-class status at the end of their lives. Die Skelettfunde eines Armenhausfriedhofs im mittelalterlichen Regensburg (FRG; 12.–16. Jhdt. A.D.) wurden bezuglich des individuellen Gesundheitszustands und der Ernahrung untersucht. Mittelalterliche Armenhauser stellen fruhe soziale Einrichtungen dar, welche kranken und mittellosen Menschen dauerhaften Schutz gewahrten. Die Skelettserie aus Regensburg bietet die Moglichkeit, Lebensbedingungen einer unterprivilegierten mittelalterlichen Bevolkerungsschicht zu untersuchen. Hierzu wurden palaopathologische Befunde mit stabilen Isotopenanalysen des Knochenkollagens und strukturellen Karbonats kombiniert, um Ernahrungsgewohnheiten und Morbiditat der Armenhausbewohner zu erschliesen. 111 Menschen-und 9 Tierknochenproben wurden bezuglich stabiler Kohlenstoff- ( δ 13C col und δ 13C sc ) und Stickstoffisotope ( δ 15N col ) untersucht. Vergleichsweise niedrige δ 13C col und eine insgesamt geringe Variabilitat der Kohlenstoffisotopien sprechen fur eine mehrheitlich C 3 -Pflanzen basierte vegetabile Nahrungskomponente der Armenhausbewohner, wobei das Nahrungsprotein sowohl aus terrestrischen als auch aus Suswasserquellen bezogen wurde. δ15N col und Δ 13C sc-col belegen jedoch unterschiedlichen individuellen Zugang zu Nahrungseiweis. Einige wenige Individuen durften sogar auch damalige Notnahrung wie Hirse—eine C 4 -Pflanze—konsumiert haben. Zahlreiche Individuen haben offenkundig schwere Stress-und Krankheitsperioden uberlebt, obgleich diese mehrheitlich nicht todlich, wenngleich kraftezehrend und schwachend wirkten. Insgesamt sprechen die Befunde dafur, dass die Bewohner des Armenhauses trotz des gemeinsamen unterprivilegierten Status gegen Lebensende unterschiedliche soziale Hintergrunde hatten.

Within the past quarter century, researchers have taken steps to understand pathophysiological stable isotope fractionation within mammalian tissues more accurately. Biomedically, researchers have demonstrated that pulmonary disease, smoking, organ failure, anemia, anorexia, and changes in metabolic rate all affect the isotopic composition of human tissues and tissue by-products. This research strongly suggests that a relationship exists between human (patho)physiology and stable isotope biochemistry. Despite the results achieved by these studies, only a small minority of bioarchaeologists have attempted to elucidate these mechanisms in human skeletal and dental tissues. This research presents the results of a pilot study aimed at examining the degree to which bone collagen δ 13C and δ 15N values and enamel apatite δ 18O and δ 13C values vary between individuals with and without lesions indicative of a chronic anemia. Consistent with previous research, our results indicate that the enamel apatite of suspected anemics have significantly lower δ 18O values relative to their lesion-free counterparts (U = 4.00, p = 0.05); however, this result was limited to the first permanent molar. Due to the small sample size and the lack of information concerning breast-feeding and weaning practices in the region during this time, it is not possible to link this variation definitively to the pathophysiology of anemia and/or its sequelae. There was no significant variation in bone collagen δ 13C or δ 15N values between anemic and lesion-free juveniles ( δ 13C: U = 26.00, p = 0.38; δ 15N: U = 33.00, p = 0.85) or between anemic and lesion-free adults ( δ 15N: U = 2.70, p = 0.26; δ 13C: U = 4.57, p = 0.10). A number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors may have contributed to the lack of variation. While sample sizes are small, the data indicate that future analysis is warranted. En el ultimo cuarto de siglo, los investigadores han tomado medidas para comprender con mayor precision Fraccionamiento de isotopos estables fisiopatologicos en tejidos de mamiferos. Biomedicamente, los investigadores han Demostro que la enfermedad pulmonar, el tabaquismo, la insuficiencia organica, la anemia, la anorexia y los cambios metabolicos. La velocidad de todos los efectos de la composicion isotopica de los tejidos humanos y los productos derivados del tejido. Esta investigacion fuertemente sugiere que existe una relacion entre la fisiologia humana (patho) y la bioquimica de isotopos estables. A pesar de los resultados logrados por estos estudios, solo una pequena minoria de bioarqueologos ha intentado Elucidar estos mecanismos en los tejidos humanos esqueleticos y dentales. Esta investigacion presenta los resultados de un estudio piloto destinado a examinar el grado en que el colageno oseo valores δ 13C y δ 15N, y el esmalte los valores de apatito δ 18O y δ 13C varian entre individuos con lesiones indicativas de anemia cronica, y aquellos sin De acuerdo con investigaciones anteriores, nuestros resultados indican que el apatito de esmalte de las anemicas han agotado significativamente los valores de δ 18O en relacion con sus contrapartes libres de lesiones (U = 4.00, p = 0.05), sin embargo esto se limito al primer molar permanente. Debido al pequeno tamano de la muestra y la falta de informacion sobre las practicas de lactancia materna y destete en la region durante este tiempo, no es posible vincular definitivamente esta variacion a la fisiopatologia de la anemia y / o sus secuelas. Habia no hay variacion significativa en los valores de colageno oseo δ13C o δ 15N entre los juveniles anemicos y sin lesiones ( δ 13C: U = 26.00, p = 0.38; δ 15N: U = 33.00, p = 0.85), o adultos anemicos y sin lesiones ( δ 15N: U = 2.70, p = 0,26; δ 13C U = 4.57, p = 0.10). Varios factores pueden haber contribuido a la falta de variacion. Se requiere mas investigacion con tamanos de muestra mas grandes y una estrategia de muestreo mas refinada.

Bizans donemine tarihlenen Kovuklukaya (Sinop) mezarli g indan ele gecen iskeletlerin kemik kolajeninin karbon ve azot sabit izotop oranlari beslenmenin yeniden yapilandirilmasi icin analiz edilmi s tir. δ 13C de g erleri, esas olarak C3 kaynaklarina dayanan ve C4 bitkilerinin cok az dâhil oldu g u karasal bir diyeti gostermektedir. Di g er taraftan, δ 15N de g erleri, bolgenin deniz/tatlisu kaynaklarina nispeten yakin olmasina ra g men δ 13C de g erleri gibi karasal kaynaklara i s aret etmi s tir. Kovuklukaya azot izotop de g erleri Camlibel Tarlasi ve Sagalasos’dan faunal izotop de g erleriyle kar s ila s tirildi g inda beslenmede karasal hayvanlardan elde edilen proteinin onemli yer tuttu g u gorulmu s tur. Hayvansal proteinin muhtemel kayna g i koyun ve kecidir. Kovuklukaya izotop de g erleri cinsiyete dayali beslenme farklila s masinin olu s madi g ini da ortaya cikarmi s tir.

Human burials from the cemetery at the Rounala church, northern Sweden, were radiocarbon (C-14) dated to shed light on the use of the cemetery. Carbon, nitrogen and sulfur stable isotope analysis of bone collagen from 19 distinct individuals indicated that these individuals had a mixed diet consisting of freshwater, marine and terrestrial resources. Dietary modeling using FRUITS was employed to calculate the contributions of the different resources for each individual. These data were then used to calculate individual Delta R values, taking into account freshwater and multiple marine reservoir effects, the latter caused by Baltic and Atlantic marine dietary inputs, respectively. C-14 dating of tissues from modern freshwater fish species demonstrate a lack of a freshwater reservoir effect in the area. Two OxCal models were used to provide endpoint age estimates. The calibrated data suggest that the site's cemetery was most likely in use already from the 14th century, and perhaps until at least the late 18th century.