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The aim of the study is to evaluate the frequency of spina bifida oculta (SBO) in the early modern population from Dąbrówki (Poland); 26 males, 19 females, 3 adults with unspecified sex, 2 subadult were taken into the analysis. SBO was found in 9 individuals (18%), of whom only one exhibited a complete cleft in the sacrum (2%). In males, SBO was reported in 7 out of 26 skeletons studied (27%). Complete cleft was observed in one individual (4%), partial cleft in 6 individuals (23%). In females, no case of complete cleft was detected (0%), and one case of partial cleft was found (5%). These differences between males and females in the frequency of this skeletal condition were statistically significant. Due to the lack of uniform methods for SBO analyses, the inability to make interpopulation compari-sons, the relatively high prevalence of the SBO phenomenon in ancient and modern populations, and the unclear etiology of the disease, research on SBO should be continued.

Dental caries testing provides information about diet, hygiene and eating habits. This information can be useful in reconstructing the living conditions of historical populations. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of dental caries in adults and children in the Early Middle Ages population from Starorypin (Poland) and compare the results with other early medieval populations from Poland. A total of 346 adult permanent teeth and 131 deciduous teeth were included in the study. Both the macroscopic method and imaging methods (X-ray and a light-induced fluorescence technique) were applied in the study. Dental caries were recorded in 33% (115/346) of the permanent teeth and in 10% (13/131) of the deciduous teeth. In permanent teeth, dental caries were diagnosed on the approximal surface, while dental caries in deciduous teeth are most often diagnosed on the occlusal surface. Early childhood caries (ECC) were mainly diagnosed on the teeth of individuals within the 3.0–5.5 years age group. The frequency of dental caries seemed to be high compared to other early medieval populations. The obtained results may have been influenced by ‘broadband’ odontological research methods, not limited to the macroscopic method alone. However, it can be also argued that the frequency of dental caries observed in this study might have been influenced by a highly varied diet, as indicated by archaeozoological and archaeobotanical studies. The surfaces affected by dental caries correspond to findings of other studies showing that in adults, these were the approximal surfaces, while they were the labial/occlusion surfaces on the deciduous teeth.

The aim of this study is to present the pathological lesions observed in a skeleton (male, about 35–38 years old) from Radom (Poland), dated to the 18th–19th century. Bone changes were observed in both femurs and both pelvic bones. The head of the femur is enlarged and deformed, described as “mushroom-shaped”, with areas of smooth cortex and cavities, or possible cystic residues. The neck of femur is short and thick. The bone shaft and distal epiphysis do not show any changes. The changes were also observed in both acetabularies of the hip joint (marginal bone formation, subchondral bone remodelling). Radiographic images show bilateral necrosis of the femoral head. There is a significant sclerotization of the femoral head, with a discrete visible crescent sign. These macroscopic and radiological changes match the symptoms associated with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. This is the first case of the disease described in bioarchaeological materials from Poland.

Abstract Background To meet the remote-learning constraints imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Digital Science Platform was developed. Human anatomy courses require practical classes that involve working on prepared specimens, although access to such specimens has been restricted. Therefore, the aim was to prepare appropriate-quality, scanned 3D model databases of human bone specimens and an interactive web application for universal access to educational materials. Main body The database is located on the pcn.cnt.edu.pl website and contains 412 three-dimensional osteological models created via a structured light scanner, tomography and microtomography. The webservice contains a search engine and enables interactive visualization of the models. The database can be accessed, without restrictions, by any student or researcher wishing to use the models for noncommercial purposes. The stored models can be visualized with the open-source VisNow platform, which is also available to download from the webservice. The MariaDB backend database was deployed, and an Apache server with a personal home page (PHP) frontend was used. Conclusion The models in the database are unique due to the specific digitalization process and skeleton specimen origin. Further development of the Digital Science Platform is foreseen in the near future to digitize other valuable materials.

This paper presents sample results from a poll conducted among experts (scientists, philosophers and theologians) regarding the roots of the controversy between the evolutionary account of human origin and religious convictions about creation. It appears that the position one takes in this controversy is influenced much more by one’s opinions than professional background. The controversy is usually only seemingly ‘solved’ at the level of a priori assumptions, erroneous definitions of ‘evolutionism’ and ‘creationism’, semantic viewpoints, epistemological positions and pragmatic choices. The core issues in the controversy (e.g., the role and meaning of chance in random evolutionary factors versus divine providence, or problems stemming from a body-soul dualistic anthropology) are widely neglected and do not play a significant role in deciding one’s views on the matter.

Background: Three main diagnostic types of osteoarthritic changes are distinguished in clinical and anthropological literature: osteophytes, porosity, and eburnation. The nature of the relationship between these changes and how lesions progress over time is still unclear. Aim: The aim of the present study is the analysis of the relationships between osteophytes, porosity, and eburnation based on skeletal material. Subjects and methods: The analysis employed the skeletal collection from Cedynia (199 individuals) from tenth to fourteenth-century Poland. Marginal osteophytes (OP), porosity (POR), and eburnation (EB) were examined on a shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. Results: Osteophytes and porosity occurred independently of each other. Combinations of osteophytes and porosity (OP + POR) and osteophytes, porosity, and eburnation (OP + POR + EB) were rarely observed. Combinations of osteophytes and eburnation (OP + EB) or porosity and eburnation (POR + EB) were not found. There was a significant correlation between osteophytes and porosity in the scapula, proximal end of the ulna and proximal end of the femur. Osteophytes and eburnation were correlated at the distal end of the ulna. Porosity and eburnation were correlated at the distal end of the radius and distal end of the ulna. When all joints were considered together, all the types of osteoarthritic changes were correlated. However, the relationship between osteophytes and eburnation and between porosity and eburnation was only slightly significant. Osteophytes preceded porosity, but there were a few cases where more developed porosity accompanied less developed osteophytes. Conclusions: The findings indicate that correlations between osteoarthritic changes are weak, albeit statistically significant and further studies of the relationship between changes are necessary.

Abstract Background Many studies have indicated that the excessive use of computers (more than 3 hr/d) might be associated with an unhealthy life‐style. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between excessive computer use with the condition of the teeth and periodontium and the oral health behaviour of 18‐year‐olds. Design Cross‐sectional studies, using a questionnaire, were carried out on 1,611 18‐year‐olds from Poland. The questionnaire contained questions about socioeconomic status and information about health‐related behaviour. The condition of their teeth and gingivae were clinically assessed. Results Excessive (>3 h/d) computer use was reported by 492 (31%) of participants, who had an increased frequency of unfilled cavities (1.97 vs. 2.27, p = .047) and a higher risk of oral hygiene neglect (e.g., using dental floss 41% vs. 34%, p = .009). Excessive computer use was also seen to be associated with poor dietary habits. Individuals who declared excessive computer use also had a higher risk of gingival bleeding (35% vs. 29%, p = .009). Conclusion In the group studied, excessive computer use by adolescents constituted a risk factor for neglect of oral hygiene, poor dietary choices, and failure to benefit from oral health care. Therefore, these aspects should be included in the risk assessment of oral disease and incorporated into educational programs that promote a healthy lifestyle.

Inflammatory states usually precede the development of an organ or systemic pathologies. Whether a given infection that causes such a state has a chance to develop, depends on many individual and environmental factors. Post-inflammatory changes can be traced in the osseous material. Therefore, macroscopic, radiological and histological analysis was performed on the upper epiphysis of the right fibula (caput fibulae) with a lesion within the articular surface turned towards the tibia (facies articularis capitis fibulae). The research material came from the excavations led in Tell Masaikh (Syria).

This article presents the results of multidisciplinary research undertaken in 2016–2019 at the German Nazi Treblinka I Forced Labour Camp. Housing 20,000 prisoners, Treblinka I was established in 1941 as a part of a network of objects such as forced labour camps, resettlement camps and prison camps that were established in the territory of occupied Poland from September 1939. This paper describes archaeological research conducted in particular on the execution site and burial site—the area where the “death pits” have been found—in the so-called Las Maliszewski (Maliszewa Forest). In this area (poorly documented) exhumation work was conducted only until 1947, so the location of these graves is only approximately known. The research was resumed at the beginning of the 21st century using, e.g., non-invasive methods and remote-sensing data. The leading aim of this article is to describe the comprehensive research strategy, with a particular stress on non-invasive geophysical surveys. The integrated archaeological research presented in this paper includes an analysis of archive materials (aerial photos, witness accounts, maps, plans, and sketches), contemporary data resources (orthophotomaps, airborne laser scanning-ALS data), field work (verification of potential objects, ground penetrating radar-GPR surveys, excavations), and the integration, analysis and interpretation of all these datasets using a GIS platform. The results of the presented study included the identification of the burial zone within the Maliszewa Forest area, including six previously unknown graves, creation of a new database, and expansion of the Historical-GIS-Treblinka. Obtained results indicate that the integration and analyses within the GIS environment of various types of remote-sensing data and geophysical measurements significantly contribute to archaeological research and increase the chances to discover previously unknown “graves” from the time when the labour camp Treblinka I functioned.

The search for truth in the sciences which deal with the prehistoric past seems exceptionally attractive. What is involved in them is not only the historical dimension, but also an attempt at understanding the present moment. This trivial statement may in practice cause a lot of trouble, since the issue at stake is actually not how “truth” is defined, but rather how we arrive at it. We need to remember that while the first stage of the scientific inquiry usually involves the gathering and description of facts, the second stage is mainly concerned with their explanation and interpretation. At both stages of scientific cognition – that is both in the process of obtaining facts and interpreting them – truth can be falsified by mistake or on purpose. Thus, the main aim of science – to make our comprehension agree with the subject (the state of affairs) under scrutiny – can be suppressed by subjective motivation. It is therefore recommendable to present various reasons behind such a peculiar “emendation” of truth in prehistoric research.

The topography of the auriculotemporal nerve (ATN) root system is the main criterion of this nerve classification. Previous publications indicate that ATN may have between one and five roots. Most common is a one- or two-root variant of the nerve structure. The problem of many publications is the inconsistency of nomenclature which concerns the terms "roots", "connecting branches", or "branches" that are used to identify the same structures. This study was performed on 80 specimens (40 adults and 40 fetuses) to propose a classification based on: (i) the number of roots, (ii) way of root division, and (iii) configuration of interradicular fibers that form the ATN trunk. This new classification is a remedy for inconsistency of nomenclature of ATN in the infratemporal fossa. This classification system has proven beneficial when organizing all ATN variants described in previous studies and could become a helpful tool for surgeons and dentists. Examination of ATN from the infratemporal fossa of fetuses (the youngest was at 18 weeks gestational age) showed that, at that stage, the nerve is fully developed.

Qasr Shemamok, a large tell situated about 30 km southwest of Erbil, close to the village of Tarjan, is a well-known site of Iraqi Kurdistan. It has been identified as the remains of the ancient city of Kakzu (or Kilizu) since the 19th century. In 2012, a French archaeological Mission, guided by O. Rouault with a European team, and funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, came to work in Erbil, answering an invitation from the Kurdish authorities, and from the Erbil Salaheddin University, thanks to the strong support of the local French Consulate. The text presents the first results of the anthropological work at Qasr Shemamok, conducted in the 2012 season.

The manuscript presents the results of anthropological work in Tell Masiakh conducted in the 2010 season. Unfortunately the 15th season of excavation was conducted only in Tell Masaikh. The second site (Terqa) was closed for the excavation. The human remains were studied in an excavation house in Tell Ashara, and some samples were prepared for further analyses in specialist laboratories (histological, radiological, and molecular examinations). In sum, the remains of 70 individuals were examined: 18 (2 males, 2 females, the sex of the rest is unknown) come from Tell Masaikh from this season, 52 were found at Tell Masaikh and Tell Ashara in the previous seasons (2008, 2009).

The middle Euphrates valley (Syria) is a very interesting and important region for the history of Mesopotamia. The excavations are currently carried out at Tell Ashara and Tell Masaikh. The first site is primarily the remains of a Bronze Age (2700–1500 BC). At Tell Masaikh were discovered the remains of a settlement from the Chalcolithic (4500 BC), and the Middle Bronze Age, as well as a huge governor’s palace from the times of the Assyrian empire’s days of glory (800–650 BC). The paper is a summary of anthropological research conducted in 2009. We have been excavated 80 human skeletons (50 individuals from Tell Masikh, and 30 from Tell Ashara).

Ancient DNA methodology was applied to analyse sequences extracted from freshly unearthed remains (teeth) of 4 individuals deeply deposited in slightly alkaline soil of the Tell Ashara (ancient Terqa) and Tell Masaikh (ancient Kar-Assurnasirpal) Syrian archaeological sites, both in the middle Euphrates valley. Dated to the period between 2.5 Kyrs BC and 0.5 Kyrs AD the studied individuals carried mtDNA haplotypes corresponding to the M4b1, M49 and/or M61 haplogroups, which are believed to have arisen in the area of the Indian subcontinent during the Upper Paleolithic and are absent in people living today in Syria. However, they are present in people inhabiting today's Tibet, Himalayas, India and Pakistan. We anticipate that the analysed remains from Mesopotamia belonged to people with genetic affinity to the Indian subcontinent since the distribution of identified ancient haplotypes indicates solid link with populations from the region of South Asia-Tibet (Trans-Himalaya). They may have been descendants of migrants from much earlier times, spreading the clades of the macrohaplogroup M throughout Eurasia and founding regional Mesopotamian groups like that of Terqa or just merchants moving along trade routes passing near or through the region. None of the successfully identified nuclear alleles turned out to be ΔF508 CFTR, LCT-13910T or Δ32 CCR5.

Stany zapalne zwykle poprzedzają rozwój ogólnoustrojowych zmian. To, czy dana infekcja wywołująca taki stan ma szansę się rozwinąć, zależy od wielu czynników indywidualnych i środowiskowych. W materiale kostnym można prześledzić zmiany pozapalne. W związku z tym wykonano analizę makroskopową, radiologiczną i histologiczną górnej nasady kości strzałkowej prawej (caput fibulae) oraz zmianą w obrębie powierzchni stawowej skierowaną w stronę kości piszczelowej (facies articularis capitis fibulae). Materiał badawczy pochodził z wykopalisk prowadzonych w Tell Masaikh (Syria).

Every myth, regardless of its nature, refers back to some event placed in illio tempore. By this fact it constitutes a pattern to all situations and activities in which the event may reappear, the myth can degrade into an epical legend, a ballad or a roman, but it can also survive in a limited form in superstitions, customs and longings without losing neither its structure nor its meaning. In the history of mankind, the perception contributed to the formation of culture - the total of artifacts, both material and immaterial (spiritual or symbolic), these achievements, characteristic for particular society, constitute a model of social behavior. While interpreting the external world people relied on supernatural explanations to some extent, which depended on the level of intellectual development. Initially many facts were explained with the interference of dark, demonic powers, adopting diverse forms in people’s imagination, thanks to such interpretation of reality the vampire was born to existence. The vampire has undergone a peculiar evolution, the features of its character often changed and the figure was many times reborn in varied forms. Settled in present times, the silhouette of the vampire remains realistic in some people’s minds and has no tendency to modify. Its presence in modern times is mainly perceptible through the creation and development of vampire - worshiping sects. The following thesis is aimed to present the evolution of beliefs and picture of the vampire, as well as ancient practices and ways of treating people suspected of vampirism, the text enables a close look into the structure and functioning of modern vampire-related cults, it also attempts to explain the phenomenon of vampirism and its continuously increasing popularity.

The paper presents the results of the research which was carried out as a part of the project: Current controversies about human origins. Between anthropology and the Bible, this project was focused on the supposed conflict between natural sciences and theology (or religious beliefs) with regard to the origin of man. The research was aimed at finding out whether such a conflict really exits. For we cannot exclude the possibility that these controversies have no factual ground and their significance is inflated by American popular literature. If, on the other hand, we assume that the conflict is real, it should be worthwhile examining its sources. Such an approach may prove helpful in systematize the highly emotional debates about the origin of man. One of the ways of tackling the issue was a questionnaire which was distributed among students, teachers and university professors. Our respondents represented three disciplines: theology, philosophy and natural sciences, t t e paper presents selected results of the questionnaire which was addressed to a group of students, they were asked to fill in the form consisting of eleven questions, these questions concerned the following issues: the existence of the conflict between evolutionism and creationism, the definitions of creation and evolution, the existence of the spiritual element in man, and the ways of interpreting the Bible (esp. the first chapters of the Book of Genesis).

The paper presents the results of the research which was carried out as part of the project: Current controversies about human origins. Between anthropology and the Bible. This project focuses on the supposed conflict between natural sciences and some branches of the humanities (notably philosophy and theology) with regard to the origin of man. The research was aimed at finding out whether such a conflict really exits. For one thing, we cannot exclude the possibility that these would-be controversies have no factual ground and that their significance is inflated by American popular literature. If, on the other hand, we assume that the conflict is real, it should be worthwhile examining its sources. Such an approach may prove helpful in systematising the highly emotional debates about the origin of man. One of the ways of tackling the issue was the questionnaire which was distributed among students, teachers and university professors. Our respondents represented three disciplines: theology, philosophy and the natural sciences, the paper will present selected results of the questionnaire which was addressed to a group of school teachers, whereas the responses of the students are given less attention in order to emphasise the teachers’ point of view, the teachers of religion and the natural sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) and the students of theology, philosophy and the natural sciences (specialising in biology and environment protection) were asked to fill in the form consisting of eleven questions, these questions concerned the following issues: the existence of the conflict between evolutionism and creationism, the definitions of creation and evolution, the existence of the spiritual element in man, ways of interpreting the Bible (esp. the first chapters of the Book of Genesis). Out of 1000 questionnaires sent out, we received 449, which should be considered a satisfactory number, given the fact that it was the first time this type of research was carried out in Poland.

Acient materials from Wilanow were excavated nearly 40 years ago. It was researched by professor Wiercinski but the results of this work did not appear (it was published only cranial researching). We decided to finish this project – make inventoring, measure, and compare our results. So, the aim of work is to examinate the structure of Wilanow’s population dated back to the early Middle Ages. The whole series is represented by 75 skulls and 48 sketetons. A lot of skulls are very fragmentary, and the analysis is based on the descriptions only of 49 skulls (21 male, 25 female and 3 children). The skulls form Wilanow are interesting because they are approaching the border of brachycephalic. This population is quite different from that one having lived in Poland and dated from this same age. This problem should be researched in the future.

Over the centuries, anthropology has been marked by periods of multiplication or reduction of the taxonomic names of the hominids. Repeatedly, anthropologists, examining the same hominid material, came to different conclusions and made its classification differently. It is therefore worth considering whether these taxonomic controversies result only from biological reasons, or rather from philosophical reasons. The positive answer to this question shows them the common research area of biological and philosophical sciences. Although the methodologies of these disciplines are different, and the type of questions and the scope of concepts are different, these sciences "cooperate" with each other on the basis of discussions about the origins of man.

Eighty years ago Raymond A. Dart wrote the papers about Australopithecus africanus and decided to classify it as a “missing link". The creature from Taung represented an ultra-simian and pre-human stock. Therefore, he proposed a new family Homo - simiadae. Nowadays, scientists on the occasion of this anniversary publish, many papers about this event. They want to remind discussion about Taung's child and in homage to Raymond A. Dart. Surprisingly, the discussion which took place in the thirties and forties was an exact repetition of the earlier debate about Trinil's fossil! In 1890/91 Dubois had found already ancient fossils in Java which classified as Pithecanthropidae - this new family was an evolutionary "bridge" between apes and man. However, despite the fact that anthropologists wanted to find a “missing link” they rejected those interpretations! Some of them thought that fossil form Taung and Trinil belonged to a true ape. Whereas the others believed that remains should have been classified as a hominid family. Those two debates indicate one scheme of thinking: 1. theoretical view of “missing link”; 2. empirical researching; 3. taxonomic debate about fossil; and 4. rejecting the idea of “missing link”.