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Starch stain is a common stain on paper artifacts. This stain leads to deformation of the surface of the paper and promotes the growth of microbiological deterioration. This study aims to use nanoparticles with an α-amylase enzyme to improve its quality for removing this type of stain from the surface of paper artifacts. Accelerated heat aging was used on starch stain applied on the new paper samples. The α-amylase enzyme was prepared. Silver and gold nanoparticles were biosynthesized by local fungal isolation. The produced silver and gold nanoparticles were characterized by using different techniques of analysis (UV- Visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis). Different concentrations of Ag-NPs and Au-NPs were added to the α-amylase reaction mixture to enhance its activity for removing starch stains. Some analytical techniques were also used for the evaluation of the efficiency of α-amylase and nanoparticles for removing starch stains (Color measurement, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and pH measurement). The results proved that Ag-NPs at 20 microliters increased the activity to about 160%, whereas Au-NPs enhanced the activity to about 140% at a concentration of 5μL. The results showed that α-amylase enzyme incorporated with Ag-NPs exhibited better results more than its use alone. The addition of Ag-NPs to α-amylase enzyme for the removal of starch stain reduced the total color differences, improved the surface morphology.

Purpose This paper aims to present the components' characterization and condition assessment of an important deteriorated Mamluk-illuminated paper manuscript housed in Al-Azhar Library, Egypt. Design/methodology/approach Different analytical techniques used in this study were the portable digital optical microscope, stereomicroscope, scanning electron microscope with EDX (SEM.EDX), portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), pH measurement and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Findings The results obtained by different microscopes showed that the gilding in the surface of illuminated paper sheets was performed with gold leaves. Additionally, these microscopes revealed that the illuminated paper manuscript has different aspects of deterioration such as adhered dirt, staining, some micro-cracks, cracks and detachment of some parts in some illuminated areas. The results of elemental analysis by EDX, portable XRF and XRD analysis showed that the orange red pigment is red lead (Pb3O4), blue pigment is azurite (2CuCo3.Cu (OH)2), and the gold layer is has consisted of brass alloy (Cu-Zn) with a small amount of gold element (Au). The pH measurement stated that the historical paper in the acidity level. The ATR-FTIR analysis also revealed the oxidation of cellulose. Moreover, it was found from ATR-FTIR that Arabic gum was used as a binder for the pigments. Originality/value This study presents the important results of analytical methods used for condition assessment and identification of the components of an important Mamluk-illuminated paper manuscript, where these results referred that the studied paper manuscript had different aspects of deterioration. The conservation steps either conservation treatment or preventive conservation are urgently needed in future studies.

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of using some polymers at different concentrations in the consolidation of vegetable-tanned leather artifacts. Design/methodology/approach New vegetable-tanned leather samples were prepared. The consolidants used were polyacrylamide (PAM) and polymethyl methacrylate/hydroxyethyl methacrylate (MMA-HEMA). Accelerated heat aging was applied to the untreated and treated samples. Analytical techniques used were Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), digital microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), change of color and mechanical properties. Findings The characteristic FTIR bands showed the effect of accelerated heat aging on the molecular structure of the studied samples, but treated and aged treated samples used were better than aged untreated samples. Microscopic investigations (digital and SEM), and mechanical properties proved that 2% was the best concentration for polymers used. The change in the total color difference of the treated and aged treated samples was limited. Originality/value This study presents the important results obtained from PAM and poly(MMA-HEMA) used for the consolidation of vegetable-tanned leather artifacts. The best results of the studied polymers can be applied directly to protect historical vegetable-tanned leathers.

Purpose This study aims to use whiteness (WI) and yellowness indices (YI) that were calculated from the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) color parameter to evaluate the efficiency of some triazole fungicides [propiconazole (C15H17Cl2N3O2) and tebuconazole (C16H22ClN3O)] to protect wooden artifacts from fungal deterioration. Design/methodology/approach Archeological wooden samples were collected from some historical Islamic buildings in Cairo, Egypt. Three species of fungi were identified in previous work. Propiconazole and tebuconazole with different concentrations treated the infected wooden samples aged for different periods. WI and YI of studied samples were measured using UV spectrophotometer. Calibration and uncertainty estimation accompanied by color measurement were studied. Findings Studying the uncertainty sources of diffuse reflection of the standard white tiles revealed that the uncertainty of calibration for both the spectrophotometer and white tiles had the highest contribution. The treated samples with tebuconazole and propiconazole fungicides gave good resistance against fungal deterioration at 0.50% for WI and YI. Originality/value This study presents the importance of colorimetry in the conservation field because they are considered one of the most important criteria to evaluate conservation materials. From color measurements and their uncertainties, it became clear that triazole fungicides have good efficiency in the protection of wooden artifacts from fungal deterioration. The value of this study is that propiconazole and tebuconazole fungicides at 0.50% can be applied to archaeological wood that is endangered to improper conditions, especially in the case of high levels of relative humidity.

Animal mummies from ancient Egypt are not extensively studied in comparison with human mummies. Dogs mummies were very rare in ancient Egypt, and at the same time were not adequately studied by researchers from conservation point of view. Dog mummy in the present study is dated back to late period (664−333 BC.) and is preserved in the agriculture museum (Egypt). It suffers from different aspects of deterioration such as dirt, holes, wrinkles, missing tissue, accumulated dust, etc. This study aims to evaluate the preservation state of the mummy and explain the deterioration mechanisms to help the conservators later to choose the appropriate materials and methods for the conservation treatment. The analytical techniques used were Auto-Cad, scanning electron microscope (SEM), determination of moisture content, pH measurement, amino acid analysis (AAA), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray diffracion analysis. The results obtained showed different forms of deterioration. Moisture content measurement proved that the mummy was dehydrated. The pH measurement of the mummy components is in acid level. FTIR and amino acid analysis proved that the mummy have been exposed to oxidation process. The analysis by XRF, ICP-MS and XRD proved that bone of the mummy suffered from deterioration.

The study is composed of three phases to describe the paintings at normal and several aging times: modeling of new icons similar to an ancient one, aging of the icons by heat and ultraviolet irradi...

Archaeological bone artifacts are found in different locations in Egypt, and they represent multiple values that should be preserved from different deterioration factors. Iron contamination is considered one of the most aspects of deterioration for bones extracted from excavation areas. This study aims to make an integrated study for the first time on the formation of iron rust stain on archaeological bones, explain the aspects and mechanism of its deterioration, explain traditional and advanced techniques of cleaning used for stain removal, and presents the analysis and investigations used to explain the deterioration or evaluate the materials and methods used in this process. The nature and formation of iron stain and its effect on archaeological bone components were explained. The cleaning techniques (mechanical, chemical, laser, and plasma) for removing it were discussed. Some analyses and investigations [such as different types of microscopes, X-ray fluorescence, Atomic absorption, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, etc.] that can be used in this process were mentioned. The results confirmed that iron is present within sediments can lead to the breakdown of collagen. It can cause an increase in the porosity of bone artifacts. Hydroxyapatite can undergo alterations such as ionic exchange, cationic exchange, and substitution of phosphate with carbonate. All cleaning techniques have many advantages and some disadvantages. The choice of method for cleaning of iron rust stain depends on the condition and size of the bone piece, and on the thickness and nature of the iron stain.

Potential high bio-deterioration of certain microorganisms due to their metabolic activities on organic materials causes serious problems in the conservation of cultural heritage. This study focuses on establishing an efficient conservation strategy against microbial deterioration using biosynthesized nanoparticle (NPs). Isolation, identification, and characterization of microorganisms involved in deterioration of archaeological manuscript dating back to 17th century (1677 A.D) were conducted. Eleven bacterial species and fifteen fungal species were obtained and identified using 16S rRNA and ITS sequences, respectively. All strains exhibited potent cellulolytic activity. Bacillus subtilis strain (B3) and Penicillium chrysogenum strain (F9) achieved the highest cellulolytic activity amongst obtained bacterial and fungal strains. Paper models conservation effect of biosynthesized silver and zinc oxide NPs against strain (B3) and strain (F9) was evaluated. Microbial growth inhibition, color change according to CIE L*a*b* color space, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were assessed. Furthermore, morphology and the elemental component of paper models were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Silver NPs achieved better results than zinc oxide NPs for paper preservation. Application of 1.0 or 2.0 mM silver NPs exhibited the best preservation effect on the paper models achieving 100% microbial inhibition (bacteria and fungi, respectively). Moreover, NPs-treated paper models showed slight color change and exhibited similar structural analysis as original papers. These results showed the potentiality of this green strategy to be applied for conservation of cellulose-constructed cultural heritage.

Historic cultural heritage and archival manuscripts have a significant importance worldwide and efforts should be considered to preserve such property for as long as possible. The current study aimed to establish a non-toxic, and eco-friendly conservation strategy for retarding paper biodeterioration. To this end, fungal isolates associated with the biodeteriorated paper manuscripts of the historical book “DESCRIPTION DE L´EGYPTE” dating back to 1823 A.D were isolated. These isolates were identified as Asperigllus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium chrysogenum and Alternaria alternata and then evaluated for cellulolytic activities. Amongst them, Aspergillus niger A2 exhibited the highest cellulase activity. In in vitro study using filter papers as model, the suppressive effect of biosynthesized silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) on A. niger A2 bioderteriorant activity was evaluated. Biosynthesized Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Color changes, tensile strength, FT-IR-spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy of NPs-treated papers were examined. Treatments with 2 mM Ag-NPs and 2 mM ZnO-NPs exhibited the best conservation effect on treated papers and alleviated cellulose degradation. Furthermore, this treatments enhanced tensile strength and preserved the original morphology of paper fibers. These results introduced a potential approach for historical documents conservation against fungal biodeterioration through NPs sprays. It can be also used for preparing anti-biodeterioration paper for expected manuscripts uses.

Tracing paper was used since the 12th century. The deterioration of tracing paper occurs as a result of external factors (inappropriate environmental conditions), or internal factors (such as manufacture process). The manufacturing process plays a significant role in the deterioration process since the preparation of tracing paper includes impregnating with oils or resins, heavy beating of the pulp, and treating the paper with chemicals such as sulfuric acid, and zinc chloride. The consolidation process is vital in the conservation of tracing paper to increase its strength and resistance against improper surrounding environmental conditions. Starch in its traditional form had been used as an adhesive for tracing paper since the last century. This paper aims to evaluate the use of starch in its traditional form and nanoscale form in improving the properties of 4 types of tracing paper. Mechanical properties, change of color, pH value, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and investigation of the surface morphology by scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used for the evaluation process. Thermal aging at 100 oC was used for the aging of treated and untreated tracing paper. The results revealed that the starch nanoparticles dissolved in water were the best consolidant for impregnated tracing paper. Starch nanoparticles with carboxymethyl cellulose dissolved in water were the best consolidant for the two types of genuine vegetable parchment paper. Starch nanoparticles dissolved in acetone with carboxymethyl cellulose were the best consolidant for modern tracing paper.

As known, linen and muslin cotton fibers are used in museums and excavation areas as packaging materials for first aid of mummies. These materials with the course of long-term exposure to improper surrounding conditions become brittle, fragile, and very weak. The current research study aimed to evaluate the effect of guar gum with different concentrations for the consolidation of linen and muslin cotton samples. Additionally, the work aimed also to monitor the changes in the properties of these mate-rials after accelerated heat aging at 100℃. The analytical techniques used for this purpose were Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for examining the chemical changes, the morphological structure via using scanning electron microscope (SEM), mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation), color and weight change for the treated linen and muslin cotton fabrics. The findings of FTIR proved that there were low chemical changes in the aged treated samples compared to the aged untreated samples implying that the chemical stability of the treated samples was increased while treatment with guar gum. There was good distribution in the fiber structure of the treated samples as shown from SEM data. The aged treated samples showed less destruction in the fiber structure compared to the aged untreated samples. The mechanical properties were also improved. The total color differences obtained from treated and aged treated muslin cotton samples were better than the linen samples. Moreover, the accelerated heat aging had an effect on the weight of the aged treated samples, which were better than the aged untreated samples.

Mummies and bones are potentially materials since they retain the memories of the ancients and revealed the degree of their greatness. Bones are organic materials that include proteins like collagen, minerals including calcium hydroxyapatite, as well as other substances. By assisting with other factors (physical or chemical), the essence of bone allows microorganisms as well as insects to assault it. The aspects that can be formed as a result of this degradation process are known as holes. Gaps are also a challenging task for bone artifacts, especially in the excavation area. This current article review focused on the factors that create holes. In addition to the survey about the shape memory polymers aerogels (SMPA) and reinforcement materials which can be utilized to adapt to the old bones, as well as improvement materials to render certain old reinforced polymers provide shape memory behavior. The examination and investigation analysis tools which could be utilized for evaluating the treated bones with certain shape memory polymers aerogels were also addressed in the article review.

Mummification was considered one of the most important processes used for the preservation of the body through ages in ancient Egypt for long times. Some natural materials were used to achieve the preservation goal. Some of these materials are natural resins which can be used alone as separate or as a mixture with others such as fat, wax, and oils. Some environmental factors (interior or exterior) were affecting these mixture components and lead to its degradation. This study aims to identify the chemical composition by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and explain the deterioration mechanism of some mixture materials used in the preservation process of Late Period mummy. The results revealed that the preservative mixture samples contained resins pine pitch and mastic mixed with some biochemical substances such as fat and wax. The results also showed that the packing of the mummy’s remains in plastic bags led to the presence of phthalate compounds as contaminants. Moreover, the degradation compounds of acetonitrile and 2-amino-n-isopropylbenzamide in the ancient tissue have been demonstrated with the sample taken from the cranial cavity. Additionally, phenanthrene compounds and its derivatives were identified, and this may be due to the use of pine pitch in the embalming mixture.

Ancient mummies suffer from degradation as a result of the improper conditions which are changing both the chemical and physical properties of the materials. This study aims to ex-plain the chemical changes of an Egyptian mummy dating back to the late period. Multiple analytical techniques have been executed to characterize the different components of the mummy: optical microscopy, stereo microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dis-persive X-ray spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectrosco-py, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results revealed that the Natron salt exist-ed over the linen wraps and also the hydroxyapatite and collagen as chemical components of the bone with the presence of the mastic resin and beeswax as embalming materials. The in-correct packing method had a negative effect through which the surrounding humidity around the mummy’s body accelerated the reaction between the water vapor and the mummy's components. The water molecules of humidity interacted with the Natron salt to form a basic medium, and the humid conditions promoted the microbial and insect activity. The analytical investigation showed the fabric embrittlement in the wrapping and the diagenetic alterations in the bone.

Transmitted and non-transmitted bores, fractures and sometimes holes are the common aspects of deterioration that can be found in archaeological bones in excavations and storehouses. The factors that cause these forms of deterioration may include biological factors, improper storage, human errors, etc. This study focuses on the evaluation of some pates used in gap filling of bones in order to verify their effectiveness in the treatment of bone artifacts and to develop them in the future. Change of color, change in the chemical structure, mechanical properties measurement (compressive strength, tensile strength and elongation), wettability, density, porosity, water absorption and investigation of the surface morphology were used to evaluate the pastes used. The results revealed that the paste No. 2 (Paraloid B-72 with glass micro-balloons) was better than the paste No. 1 (Paraloid B-72 with CaCo3) and the paste No. 3 (beeswax, shellac, sawdust, turpentine and 6 ml of tea tree oil) in most properties.

The resins and other biochemical substances in mixtures have an important role in achieving the preservation goal for mummification process. The identification of organic mixtures is vital in the conservation field of the unwrapped mummies, but their identification is sometimes difficult because of improper conditions, which can affect their structure and need good investigation techniques for their identification. Some endogenous or exogenous factors can cause some aspects of deterioration to organic mixtures such as cracks, color change, and chemical alteration. This study aims to evaluate the materials used for the preservation of the body in order for them to be re-used in the near future for the preservation processes on the unwrapped mummies in Egyptian museums and storehouses. Samples of organic mixtures were taken from an ancient Egyptian mummy dated to the Late Period (664–333 B.C.). A digital USB microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to identify the application method of the preservative mixtures used during the mummification process and to demonstrate the morphology of surface alteration on the body. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was used to detect the chemical changes. A portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was used to identify elements. The results revealed that the investigation by microscopes showed cracks in the mixtures poured inside the cranial cavity, but the application of these mixtures was by brush on the outer surface layer of the body. FTIR analysis revealed that a mixture of oil, animal fat, and resinous materials such as mastic and pine were present in the studied samples. Moreover, these samples were prone to oxidation processes through time. XRF analysis showed that the main chemical elements of the samples were calcium, potassium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur, and silicon and trace chemical elements such as iron, zinc, copper, and lead, which are in the chemical composition of pine and mastic resins.

Archaeological bones are exposed to various deterioration factors, so polymers are used to im-prove their properties and give more durability. Traditional pastes were applied and evaluated be-fore. This study aims to evaluate some modified pastes in order to improve the properties of tradi-tional pastes. Montmorillonite MMT was modified with amino acid and characterized in terms of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction XRD and scanning electron microscope SEM. Nanocomposites of modified MMT with paraloid as acrylic polymer were eva-luated using XRD to be used for gap filling and completion of archeological bones to give more re-sistance against surrounding environmental conditions. Accelerated ageing were used for evaluation of modified pastes and estimated through change of color by UV spectrophotometer, FTIR, mechanical properties (tensile, elongation and compressive strength) and surface morphology by SEM. The results confirmed that the modified pastes with modified mMMT nanocomposite showed good resistance against thermal ageing, and give high stability in terms of color change value, sur-face morphology and mechanical properties. As pastes with the mMMT gave negligible color dif-ference as 0.98. In addition, the contact angles measurements reduced with smaller ratios as 12% and 7.5% than their corresponding pastes with no mMMT 22% and 11%, respectively. Moreover, pastes with mMMT showed higher density, lower porosity and lower water absorption and exhibit more resistance against thermal ageing.

Four icons from church of Saint Theodore El Shatby, Deir El Sankoria, El Minia, Egypt, have studied by micro-destructive spectroscopic methods: Attenuated Total Reflection–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy (RS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FESEM–EDX), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP–OES). This study gave information about the materials used in the icons painting, state of the icons, and evaluation of the effect of environmental conditions. ATR–FTIR and Raman methods showed the characteristic bands of lithopone and lead white as a ground material, gum Tragacanth as a binder, and chrome oxide green, mars yellow, mars red as a pigment. EDX microanalysis exhibited the elements of mars yellow and mars red pigments, and ICP–OES method showed the concentration of chromium element that is characteristic for chrome oxide green pigment. The results were authenticated by XPS method to ensure the materials used in the painting. SEM images showed the cracking of the paint surface. Degradation of the chemical structure of gum Tragacanth binder was attributed to metal oxides of the pigments in presence of sunlight and artificial light which led to promotion of the oxidation process and then deterioration of the painting through peeling of the painting surface and cracking of the paint film.

The study aims to highlight the outline of icon conditions. The humidity is one of the main reasons for the deterioration and degradation of the icons. The study could be described in the three elements: design six modern icons, conduct artificial aging of five icons in the 85 % relative humidity at different aging times, and analyze the icons with an array of analytical techniques to observe the physico-chemical changes of the aged icons after the humidity uptake. The study has included various analytical methods: digital photography, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), colorimetric measurement, inferential statistical method (Friedman ANOVA) and computational modeling method (MO-G PM6). The results showed that the hydration effect of the humidity induced conformational changes within the painting materials and change of the vibrational frequencies in the infrared spectra. The thermal analyses revealed that the aged materials had high thermal stability with decomposition at higher temperatures. The kinetic and thermodynamic calculations determined low reaction rate constant, low entropy, positive signs of enthalpy, and Gibbs free energy of the products. There was an alteration of the aesthetic features with a color change of the paintings and Friedman ANOVA test has shown that there was a significant color difference between the aged groups along the time intervals. PM6 semiemperical method showed that the increase of water molecules of humidity could lead to an increase the reactivity of the compounds with the surrounding system and a deterioration of the paint film.

Essence of the cultural heritage is the preservation of the historic objects. The first action on the preventative issues is to know the technique used through implementation of different analytical methods. The studied object is a panel painting of a Coptic icon for Anstasy Al-Rumi the painter and it is documented with date back to the 16th century. Optical microscopy (OM), Raman microscopy (RM), scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) are good tools for forensic investigation of the multilayers of the painting; wood, canvas, paint colors (pigment, binder and varnish). Imaging methods have succeeded in identifying the wood and the canvas type, while spectroscopic methods manifested the elemental composition and characteristic bands of the paint colors, and principal component analysis reduced the variation in the colors retaining most of the information. The painting technique was tempera style involving Juniperus phoenicea wood, hemp canvas, animal glue, pine resin, lead white, gypsum, green earth, Prussian blue, yellow ochre, vermilion, carmine lake, carbon black and gold leaf in the icon painting. After investigation of the materials, the icon has not been referred to the 16th Century. Prussian blue was discovered at the start of the 18th century and Anstasy Al-Rumi the painter lived in the 19th century demonstrating that the icon may encounter previous intervention. There was a color loss as an indication of the aging process and chemical interactions with the environmental conditions.

The study aims to evaluate the state of icon through characterization of the icon layers (ground, paint and varnish layers) and to provide tools for assessment the impact of aging and environmental conditions in order to produce some solutions for conservation of the icon. Analytical techniques used in this study were attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX) and amino acid analyzer (AAA). The results obtained revealed that gypsum and lead white were used for ground layer. The identified pigments were lamp carbon black, brown ochre, Prussian blue, yellow ochre and gold leaf. Egg yolk was the binder used with most of pigments and animal glue was used with gold color. The varnish used was shellac resin. It was concluded that stable pigments gave permanent colors and environmental conditions had an influence on promotion of oxidation process. Auto-oxidation of binder and varnish materials occurred by the action of pigment components and light result in cracking of the paint film and fading of the varnish glaze.

Background: CT scanning of ancient human remains has the potential to provide insights into health and diseases. While Egyptian mummies have undergone CT scans in prior studies, a systematic survey of the orthopedic conditions afflicting a group of these ancient individuals has never been carried out. Methods: We performed whole body CT scanning on 52 ancient Egyptian mummies using technique comparable to that of medical imaging. All of the large joints and the spine were systematically examined and osteoarthritic (OA) changes were scored 0-4 using Kellgren and Lawrence classification. Results: The cruciate ligaments and menisci could be identified frequently. There were much more frequent OA changes in the spine (25 mummies) than in the large joints (15 cases of acromioclavicular and/or glenohumeral joint OA changes, five involvement of the ankle, one in the elbow, four in the knee, and one in the hip). There were six cases of scoliosis. Individual mummies had the following conditions: juvenile aseptic necrosis of the hip (Perthes disease), stage 4 osteochondritis dissecans of the knee, vertebral compression fracture, lateral patella-femoral joint hyper-compression syndrome, severe rotator cuff arthropathy, rotator cuff impingement, hip pincer impingement, and combined fracture of the greater trochantor and vertebral bodies indicating obvious traumatic injury. This report includes the most ancient discovery of several of these syndromes. Conclusions: Ancient Egyptians often suffered painful orthopedic conditions. The high frequency of scoliosis merits further study. The pattern of degenerative changes in the spine and joints may offer insights into activity levels of these people. Anat Rec, 298:1036–1046, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background: Many buildings in Egypt e.g. museums, mosques and churches, do not possess controlled environments for minimizing the risks of damage of wooden artifacts due to the growth of fungi. Fungal damage usually appears as change in wood color, appearance of stains, and sometimes deformation of wooden surfaces. In this study we focused on the effect that some fungi exert on the properties of wooden artifacts and evaluated the effectiveness of different concentrations of chitosan on their protection against damage by mold fungi. Results: Samples were collected from different monuments and environments, and fungi growing on them were isolated and identified. The isolated Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger strains were used for the infestation of new pitch pine samples. The results revealed that the lightness of samples infected with any of the tested fungi decreased with increasing incubation times. XRD analysis showed that the crystallinity of incubated samples treated individually with the different concentrations of chitosan was lower than the crystallinity of infected samples. The crystallinity index measured by the first and the second method decreased after the first and second months but increased after the third and fourth months. This may due to the reducing of amorphous part by enzymes or acids produced by fungi in wooden samples. Conclusions: The growth of fungi on the treated wood samples decreased with increasing the concentration of chitosan. Hence, it was demonstrated that chitosan prevented fungal growth, and its use could be recommended for the protection of archeological wooden artifacts. Normal 0 21 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Tabla normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:JA;}

The manuscript studied here dates to 19th century, and consists of paper pages and leather bookbinding. This study aims to use analytical techniques in order to identify the components of the manuscript and to explain its deterioration process. Visual assessment, isolation and identification of fungi, pH measurements, and investigation of the surface morphology by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to explain paper and leather deterioration. X-ray diffraction with EDAX, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and chemical analysis were used to identify pigments, binder of pigments, ash, lignin, and the α-cellulose content of papers. The shrinkage temperature measurement was used to explain the deterioration process of leather. SEM was used to identify the type of animal skin used for the bookbinding and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify the vegetable tanning material used with the bookbinding. The results revealed that the ink used was a mixture of carbon with iron gall. The pigments used on the paper were gold leaf or gold shell, cobalt oxide, and mercuric sulfide for the gold, blue and red colors respectively. Sodium chloride was the main salt crystallized on the surface of paper. Calcium carbonate was the filler used in the paper making process. Cotton fibers may have been used as a raw material in the creation of paper. The values of the shrinkage temperature and pH were lower than in normal conditions, indicating that the leather bookbinding suffers from deterioration. Aspergillus sp., and Penicillium sp. were the most dominant fungi found on the manuscript. Goat skin was identified as the animal skin of the bookbinding, and Acacia Arabica was identified the tanning material used with the bookbinding. The condition of the manuscript studied with its components play an important role in its deterioration.

The process of mummification had been known since the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom (ca. 2600 bc) and continued to develop throughout ancient Egyptian history. Although mummification protected the body from decay, especially by microbes, some mummification techniques left the body susceptible to insect attack. Certain types of insects have been detected in the mummies. In scholarly publications, most authors have dealt with microorganisms, while few have concerned themselves in depth with the effect of insects on the mummies. This study aims to discuss the significance of insects and the changes they affected to the mummies during embalming. To achieve this goal, experiments were carried out replicating various mummification techniques using albino Wistar rats. Analysis and investigative techniques used included visual observation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, investigation of the surface morphology by a scanning electron microscope, and color change by a spectrophotometer. The following insects could be identified as being present during the second and third processes of mummification: Dermestes maculatus, Necrobia rufipes, Saprinus gilvicornis, Chrysomya albiceps, Wohlfahrtia magnifica, and Attagenus fasciatus. In addition, the majority of our findings confirmed that the degradation by insects increased with the second and third methods of mummification. Finally, the experimental study conducted using the mummification techniques of the New Kingdom (ca. 1570–1070 bc) indicated that they were more resistant to insect attack than the other types.

Many different archaeological materials were found in Hawara (Fayoum, Egypt) during the excavation of the Egyptian–Polish mission in 2008. A complete crocodile skeleton, and many incomplete crocodiles were found in this area. The skeletons of these crocodiles suffered from salt crystallization, erosion, pitting, change of the color, etc. This study focuses on the mechanism of deterioration processes that affects bone and tusks. Surface modification, change of color, study of soil components and bone crystallinity, degradation of collagen, pH, bone histology, and the surface morphology were investigated by visual examination, UV spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, pH meter, polarized light microscope (PLM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The results revealed that soluble salt (sodium chloride) and insoluble salt (calcium sulfate) played an important role in the deformation of bone. FTIR proved that archaeological bones undergo changes in their chemical stability. Differing colors, and cracks on the surface of the bones indicate that they were exposed to different temperatures.

CT scanning of ancient human remains has the potential to provide insights into health and diseases. While Egyptian mummies have undergone CT scans in prior studies, a systematic survey of the orthopedic conditions afflicting a group of these ancient individuals has never been carried out.We performed whole body CT scanning on 52 ancient Egyptian mummies using technique comparable to that of medical imaging. All of the large joints and the spine were systematically examined and osteoarthritic (OA) changes were scored 0-4 using Kellgren and Lawrence classification.The cruciate ligaments and menisci could be identified frequently. There were much more frequent OA changes in the spine (25 mummies) than in the large joints (15 cases of acromioclavicular and/or glenohumeral joint OA changes, five involvement of the ankle, one in the elbow, four in the knee, and one in the hip). There were six cases of scoliosis. Individual mummies had the following conditions: juvenile aseptic necrosis of the hip (Perthes disease), stage 4 osteochondritis dissecans of the knee, vertebral compression fracture, lateral patella-femoral joint hyper-compression syndrome, severe rotator cuff arthropathy, rotator cuff impingement, hip pincer impingement, and combined fracture of the greater trochantor and vertebral bodies indicating obvious traumatic injury. This report includes the most ancient discovery of several of these syndromes.Ancient Egyptians often suffered painful orthopedic conditions. The high frequency of scoliosis merits further study. The pattern of degenerative changes in the spine and joints may offer insights into activity levels of these people.

Le point de depart de l'etude exposee ici se situe dans le triste etat des objets en parchemin tels qu'ils sont conserves dans beaucoup d'endroits en Egypte : dans les musees, les bibliotheques, sur les sites de fouilles archeologiques et chez les antiquaires. Des echantillons de parchemin moderne ont ete soumis au vieillissement accelere a differentes temperatures (70°, 100°, 134° C). Certaines proprietes (temperature de contraction, resistance mecanique, absorption de l'eau, modification de la couleur) ont ete mesurees et comparees avec les proprietes correspondantes du parchemin historique du 5 eme , 18/19 eme et du 20 eme Siecle. Les methodes appliquees semblent etre adaptees pour evaluer l'etat de deterioration du parchemin, ce qui constitue le premier pas vers la restauration. La temperature de contraction a ete mesuree selon la technique de la microplatine chauffante. Cette methode peut etre consideree comme non-destructive car elle ne requiert que de tres petits echantillons pour effectuer les mesures.