Search

We present a description of an almost complete skeleton of the forest rhino (Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis) found near Gorzów Wielkopolski (Northwest Poland) in its geological and palaeoenvironmental context. While finds of bones and teeth are common, the importance of this find resides in, that it is the most complete specimen of this species, almost perfectly preserved in a well-studied and dated stratigraphic and sedimentological context, along with other fossil fauna and flora. The OSL dates of glaciofluvial sediments sandwiching skeleton-bearing horizons indicate a Middle Eemian age of the Pleistocene paleolake land. This warm climate is also indicated by the results of sedimentological, geochemical, paleobotanical, and isotopic analyses. The rhino skeleton was deposited in a shallow area near the lake’s littoral zone. Bite marks of a large predator (cave hyena) were recognized on the rhino’s pelvis, which, due to their location, were probably created post-mortem. With an estimated height of 1.82 m at the withers, this was a large adult Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis. The results of osteometric analyses indicate that we are dealing with one of the largest known individuals of this species. Although it suffered from a pathologically deformed spine, the individual died at a relatively old age.

The Pleistocene history of the leopard (Panthera pardus) in Europe has been documented by the material obtained from 312 localities, with the last dated ∼1.1 Myr. The relatively small and gracile form of the leopard was very rare during the late Early and Middle Pleistocene. Only after the disappearance of the jaguar (Panthera gombaszoegensis) did P. pardus spread widely in Europe, increasing in size and ecologically substituting P. gombaszoegensis. The number of late Middle Pleistocene localities with leopard remains, younger than 300 kyr, increased considerably. The leopard reached the maximum extension of its geographical range in the Late Pleistocene. The Iberian Peninsula was the last European refuge for this cat. Six sites, the Naciekowa, Obok Wschodniej, Radochowska, and Wschodnia Caves from the Sudety Mountains and the Biśnik and Dziadowa Skała Caves from the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, have documented the presence of the leopard in Poland between MIS 10/9 and MIS 3. These records are from rocky regions with rugged terrain and are located in the territory of Silesia (southern Poland). A newly obtained radiocarbon date (43–42 kyr) from the Radochowska Cave directly confirms the occurrence of P. pardus in the Sudety Mountains in the middle part of MIS 3.

Adults with obesity exhibit a restrictive pattern, whereas children with obesity exhibit an obstructive pattern. However, the transition process remains unclear. We performed a systematic search for studies reporting on body mass index and pulmonary function in children. The main outcomes were forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC), and their ratio (FEV1 /FVC). We compared individuals with overweight or with obesity with individuals with normal weight. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled estimates. A total of 17 studies were included. Individuals with obesity had a lower FEV1 /FVC ratio (mean difference [MD] = -3.61%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -4.58%, -2.64%) and a higher percent-predicted FVC (MD = 3.33%; 95% CI = 0.79%, 5.88%) than those with normal weight. Obesity impaired pulmonary function in the obstructive pattern during childhood to young adulthood, and the maximum obstruction was observed at the age of 16 years in boys and 20 years in girls. The effects attenuated at approximately 30 years and then shifted to the restrictive pattern after 35 years of age in men and 40 years in women. The effects of obesity on pulmonary function change from the obstructive pattern in childhood to the restrictive pattern in adulthood.

During archaeological excavations in burial sites, sometimes stoned organic objects are found, in addition to human remains. Those objects might be of a different origin, depending on various factors influencing members of a community (i.e. diseases, trauma), which provides information about their living conditions. The St. Nicholas Church archaeological site (Libkovice, Czechia) in the 18th century horizon of the cemetery, yielded a maturus-senilis female skeleton with a stone object in the left iliac fossa. This object was an oviform cyst-like rough structure, measuring 54 mm in length, 35 mm in maximum diameter and 0.2–0.7 mm shell thickness. Within the object there were small fetal bones (long bones, i.e. femur and two tibias, two scapulas, three ribs, vertebrae and other tiny bone fragments). Methods utilized to analyze the outer and inner surface morphology of the cyst and its inside, included: X-ray, CT imaging, SEM, histological staining and EDS. The EDS analysis revealed the presence of primarily oxygen, calcium and phosphorus in bone samples, and oxygen and silicon, in stone shell. Based on the length of the femur (20.2 mm) and tibia (16 mm) shafts, the fetal age was determined as being in the 15–18 week of pregnancy. The differential diagnosis was conducted, including for the three most probable cases: fetiform teratoma (FT), fetus-in-fetu (FIF) and lithopedion. The possibility of fetiform teratoma was discounted due to the presence of an anatomically correct spine, long bones and the proportions of the find. Although the low calcium content in the shell (2.3% atom mass), the lack of skull bones and the better developed lower limbs indicate fetus-in-fetu rather than lithopedion, the analyses results are unable to conclusively identify the object under one of these two categories since there are insufficient such cases in excavation material with which to draw comparison.

The wooly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) and forest rhinoceros (Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis) were prominent representatives of the Middle and Late Pleistocene glacial and interglacial faunas of Eurasia. Their diet has traditionally been inferred on functional morphology of the dentition and skull. In rare cases, food remains are preserved in the fossas of the teeth or as gut content. New approaches to infer diet include the study of isotopes and mesowear. Here we apply all four methods to infer the diet of these emblematic rhinoceros' species and compare the food actually taken with the food available, as indicated by independent botanical data from the localities where the rhinoceros' fossils were found: Gorzów Wielkopolski (Eemian) and Starunia (Middle Vistulian) as well as analysis of literature data. We also made inferences on the season of death of these individuals. Our results indicate that the woolly rhino in both Europe and Asia (Siberia) was mainly a grazer, although at different times of the year and depending on the region its diet was also supplemented by leaves of shrubs and trees. According to the results of isotope studies, there were important individual variations. The data show a clear seasonal variation in the isotope composition of this rhino's diet. In contrast, Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis was a browser, though its diet included low-growing vegetation. Its habitat consisted of various types of forests, from riparian to deciduous and mixed forests, and open areas. The diet of this species consisted of selected items of vegetation, also including plants growing near both flowing and standing waters. The food remains from the fossae of the teeth indicated flexible browsing, confirming the previous interpretations based on functional morphology and stable isotopes. Long-term data from mesowear and microwear across a wider range of S. kirchbergensis fossils indicate a more mixed diet with a browsing component. The different diets of both of rhinoceros reflect not only the different habitats, but also climate changes that occurred during the Late Pleistocene., This research was supported by the grant No. 0201/2048/18 “Life and death of extinct rhino (Stephanorhinus sp.) from Western Poland: a multiproxy paleoenvironmental approach” finaced by the National Science Centre, Poland. Research by Elena M. Burkanova and Sergey V. Leshchisnkiy was funded by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (RNF), Project No. 20-17-00033.

The objective of the study was to specify the method with the highest probability of correct sex identification based on lip furrow pattern. Three methods were verified: Vahanwala’s method, identification based on the mid-section of lower lip print and our own method. The examined group included 242 persons aged 15- 30 years, 68.6% females and 31.4% males. Cheilograms were taken with the method proposed by Vanahwala, modified in such a way that the prints of lower and upper lips were taken separately. The lip furrow patterns were classified according to Suzuki and Tsuchihashi, modified to include horizontal furrows which were considered by Renaud. In all the quadrants patterns II, III and VI prevailed among males and patterns I, I’ and II among females. Females were more frequently diagnosed correctly than males. Our method in which all the lip print was analysed without division into quadrants was the most effective, while Vahanwala’s method was the least so.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of air pollution in the dwelling place during childhood-adolescence on respiratory function in early adulthood. The study was conducted in 220 female and 160 male university undergraduates in the cities of Cracow and Wroclaw in Poland and consisted of spirometry to assess lung function. The subjects’ exposure to pollution during childhood-adolescence was assessed from the data acquired by the Polish Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection. We found differences in all spirometry variables depending on benz[a]piren exposure, in FVC% and FEV1/%FVC depending on PM2.5 content, and in FVC% depending on NO2 content. Statistically significant differences in spirometry variables were also found in relation to the degree of urbanization of the place of living during the early life period in question. The higher the urbanization, the higher is FEV1% and FCV%, and the lower FEV1/%FVC. Additionally, undergraduates of Cracow University had worse lung function compared to those of Wroclaw University. In conclusion, air pollution in the dwelling place during childhood-adolescence has an impact on lung function in early adulthood, independently of the current exposure to pollutants.

Dental abnormalities in archeological material such us concrescence or odontoma are rare cases often found accidentally, mostly during routine X-ray analysis or during macroscopic examination of the mastication apparatus. In this study, we present a rare case of concrescence between an upper left third molar and a supernumerary fourth molar in a 19th century skull from Uganda. Simultaneously, it is a critical revision of earlier studies on the same object (which considered this abnormality as an odontoma), using dental X-ray imaging and histological analysis. Concrescence is a rare dental anomaly and this specimen is, to the best of our knowledge, the first such case reported in paleopathological studies of Eastern Africa. It may contribute to recognition and identification of etiopathogenetic factors in dental developmental defects in historical and contemporary populations of Africa.

Resume Une analyse detaillee des micromammiferes du site epigravettien de Mezhyrich, comprenant une analyse quantitative de la faune et une description morphologique comparee des restes de micromammiferes, est presentee dans cet article, afin de reconstituer la paleoecologie et la paleogeographie. L’environnement y etait froid mais pas aussi sec que dans une zone typiquement periglaciaire, plus chaude et humide, une steppe-foret froide mesophile.

Since the foramina provide important reference points to radiologists and surgeons, and because their shape and size may affect the blood supply to the cerebellum and the brainstem, the knowledge of the variation of foramina transversaria is essential from the medical point of view. The variation in the number, size and shape of foramina transversaria was studied based on 129 skeletons (68 male, 61 female, total of 1065 foramina) from the environs of Sypniewo. In both sexes single foramina were the most frequent (ca. 70%); in females no double foramina were observed, while triple foramina appeared only twice. In males double foramina formed ca. 40% and triple foramina were very rare. The shape and size of foramina depended to the same extent on the position of the vertebra and on the body side.

A vertebrate fauna from the new Middle Pleistocene locality Lysa Gora 1 of Southern Ukraine (Zaporizhya region) is described. The locality has yielded an assemblage of at least 11 taxa of bony fishes (Cypriniformes, Siluriformes, Esociformes, Perciformes) and small mammals (Lagomorpha – 2 taxa, Rodentia – 11 species). The species composition of Arvicolidae, particularly the presence of Lagurus transiens , Eolagurus luteus , Arvicola mosbachensis , Microtus ( Terricola ) arvalidens , and Microtus ( Stenocranius ) gregalis , as well as the structure of the fauna, suggests Middle Pleistocene age (MQR 4, MIS 13-12, Early Toringian). New data on the paleoecology of the locality and taxonomy/phylogeny of selected taxa are discussed.

Concha bullosa is a variant of the sinonasal anatomy in which the middle nasal turbinate contains pneumatized cells, which leads to turbinate enlargement. The reason for concha bullosa formation is unclear, but the variant is seen in up to half the modern population and it may predispose to paranasal sinusitis. The variant has hitherto featured little in paleopathology. Therefore, in the present study we seek to determine the presence of concha bullosa, with the coexisting hypertrophy of the middle turbinate and signs of sinusitis or other pathology of the paranasal complex, in a population living in Tomersdorf-Toporow in the Upper Lausatia, a historical region in Germany and Poland, presently Zgorzelec County in the Lower Silesian voivodeship, at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth century. The material consisted of 32 skeletons (24 males, 8 females). The gender, age, and stress indicators and the presence of pathological signs were assessed, followed by CT of the skulls. We found 2 skulls (6.3 %) with concha bullosa. In one case septal nasal deviation was present. We conclude that the incidence of concha bullosa could be lower in the past times than at present. Wider research is necessary to settle whether concha bullosa is indeed a rare respiratory paleopathology or a missed, and thus underreported observation.

A cranium of a young female cave bear (Ursus spelaeus R.) was found in the Upper Pleistocene sediments of Bear Cave in Kletno, SW Poland. A detailed analysis of the cranium, including radiology, CT and histological methods, revealed numerous pathological changes caused both by diseases and by injuries inflicted by another predator. It is likely that during its lifespan, the young female was exposed to several attacks (bites on the head) from adult bears. The injuries varied in extent and caused bone infection and inflammation. The nature of most of them suggests that they were not fatal but could have had a significant effect on the overall fitness of the animal. In contrast, the lesions on the frontal bone and in the anterior part of the parietal bone may have been the cause of the individual's death. Additionally, the cranium was found to have cut marks, sharp-edged longitudinal scars that indicate the use of a sharp-edged tool, and are usually interpreted as effects of skinning. The finding is suggested to be indirect evidence of the existence of people in southern Poland during the Pleistocene. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The term ‘concha bullosa’ refers to the pneumatisation of the intranasal turbinates. The pneumatisation can occur at any level (superior, middle, inferior), but the term is typically used to describe the aeration of the middle turbinate. This case report concerns a medieval skull from Tomb Chamber Number One in St. Nicholas's Church in Glogow, Poland. The burial dates from the 13th or 14th century. Direct measurements of the skull according to Martin's technique and computed tomography (CT) were made. The skull is from a male whose age was estimated as 40–55 years. In the nasal cavity, a large bony formation with the appearances of a tumor, a lesion of the maxillary sinus wall, and a significant curvature of the nasal septum were found. The CT scan demonstrated changes that could be described as a type IV concha bullosa, according to Krzeski's classification. This anatomical variation was first described by Zuckerkandl in 1893. The symptoms that were often associated with concha bullosa include nasal obstruction or congestion, facial pain, and headache. Concha bullosa can result in recurrent sinusitis, mucocele, or mucopyocele. In the case of the Glogow skull, an extensive lesion and inflammatory changes in the maxillary sinus and destruction of the orbital floor suggests the presence of a mucopyocele that arose from a concha bullosa. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

REKOVETS L., KOPIJ G., NOWAKOWSKI D. 2009. Taxonomic diversity and spatiotemporal distribution of late Cenozoic beavers (Castoridae, Rodentia) of Ukraine. Acta zoologica cracoviensia, 52A(1-2): 95-105. Abstract. For the first time, data on distribution in time and space of fossil beavers (Castoridae) from the late Miocene (early Sarmatian) to Pleistocene of Ukraine are presented. The faunal list comprises: Palaeomys castoroides, Steneofiber jaegeri, Trogontherium minutum (Miocene), T. minus, T. cuvieri, Dipoides sigmodus, Castor praefiber (Pliocene), C. tamanensis, C. fiber, T. minus and T. cuvieri (Pleistocene). Many forms have been designated as sp. (species). Taxonomic problems and synonymy of extinct genera of Castoridae (from Miocene and Pliocene) of Europe are briefly discussed. The remains of the genusMonosaulax have not been identified to the species level. Faunistic lists of particular localities were supplemented, palaeoecological conditions and stratigraphic problems are also discussed.

Breathing vitally serves body homeostasis. The prevalence of upper airway infections is often taken as an indicator of overall health status of a population living at a given time. In the present study we examined the unearthed remains of skulls from the XIII-XV century inhabitants searching for signs of maxillary sinusitis. Maxillary sinuses of the skulls of 92 individuals were inspected macroscopically and, if necessary, endoscopically. Osseous changes, including the pitting and abnormal spicule formation were present in 69 cases (75.0 %). It was found that, overall, dental infection was a major cause of maxillary sinusitis (18.8 %). Severe bone changes were observed in the adults' skulls, but were also present in the sinus walls of children's skulls. Post-inflammatory changes were manifest as remodeling and damage to the sinus walls. The results indicate that both children and adults of the Middle Ages suffered from chronic sinusitis. These observations confirm that the climate, environment, and lifestyle of the medieval populations contributed to the morbidity of the upper respiratory tract.

Respiratory diseases have beset humanity from the earliest times. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of respiratory diseases in the inhabitants of a large medieval city. We analyzed 110 skeletons, coming from 12 to 17th century of individuals of either gender. In order to assess pneumatisation of paranasal sinuses and nasal septum curvature, radiographs were performed in the PA projection. Nasal septum deviation was found in 50% of individuals, asymmetry of the frontal sinuses and their aplasia in 11% of individuals. There was no significant relationship between the curvature of the nasal septum and frontal sinus aplasia. One case of tuberculosis and one case of periradicular abscess causing perforation of the maxillary sinus were noted. Developmental variation of the sternum was present in two individuals. In another two individuals, rib fractures with bone union were observed. Analysis of the presence of respiratory disease in bone material is particularly difficult, but the use of modern methods: X-rays, CT scans and endoscopy significantly extends the capability to unravel the underlying causes of bygone diseases.

Breathing vitally serves body homeostasis. The prevalence of upper airway infections is often taken as an indicator of overall health status of a population living at a given time. In the present study we examined the unearthed remains of skulls from the XIII-XV century inhabitants searching for signs of maxillary sinusitis. Maxillary sinuses of the skulls of 92 individuals were inspected macroscopically and, if necessary, endoscopically. Osseous changes, including the pitting and abnormal spicule formation were present in 69 cases (75.0 %). It was found that, overall, dental infection was a major cause of maxillary sinusitis (18.8 %). Severe bone changes were observed in the adults’ skulls, but were also present in the sinus walls of children’s skulls. Post-inflammatory changes were manifest as remodeling and damage to the sinus walls. The results indicate that both children and adults of the Middle Ages suffered from chronic sinusitis. These observations confirm that the climate, environment, and lifestyle of the medieval populations contributed to the morbidity of the upper respiratory tract.