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The effect of caponization on the level of testosterone, biochemical bone markers as well as on the geometrical, densitometric, structural, mechanical and microstructural characteristics of the tibia of capons was the subject of this study. The study was conducted on 80 hybrids obtained from the crossing of Rhode Island Red (R-11) hens and meat roosters (Ross 308). Cockerels were surgically castrated at 8 week of age and then fattened until the 24th week of life. The results indicated that the serum testosterone (P<0.01), osteocalcin (P<0.05), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) (P<0.05) concentration were significantly lower, while the serum receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) (P<0.01), RANKL/OPG ratio (P<0.05) and alkaline phosphatase concentrations (P<0.05) were significantly higher in capons. The tibia weight, the relative tibia weight, and the cross-sectional area of tibia were significantly higher (P<0.05) in cockerels, while capons had higher (P<0.05) body weight and transversal external diameter of tibia. Moreover, the bone ash, calcium and phosphorus content, bone mineral density and bone mineral content, and also yield load, ultimate load, work to fracture, as well as Young's modulus, bending moment, yield stress and ultimate stress were significantly lower (P<0.05) in capons. Caponization also caused a significant reduction in the percentage volume of bone (P<0.05) in the proximal epiphyses of the tibia, as well as changes in its microarchitecture (P<0.05) (fewer trabeculae and connections between trabeculae, thicker trabeculae and larger spaces between trabeculae). Concluding, caponization disrupts the homeostasis and microstructure of the tibia, and this results in a decrease in the mechanical strength of the tibia, making it more susceptible to deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological analysis of the frontal sinuses (FS) is one of the methods used to assess the sex of human remains. Depending on the methods, the results indicate the effectiveness of using the FS in the assessment of sex at the level of 60-85.9%. Our goal was to determine whether the morphological and morphometric methods of sex assessment based on the FS can be used for examining historical populations in anthropological studies. We assessed FS both morphologically and morphometrically on a sample of 76 dry skulls (41 females and 35 males) from 17th-18th century form Poland to evaluate the potential of applying this method for sex estimation in human remains. A total of 76 X-rays were taken in both frontal and lateral views. The morphology and morphometry of the FS were assessed with ImageJ software. There were no significant differences between the sexes in assessing the outline of the upper border of the FS, as well as the number of partial septa. There was a statistically significant difference between the sexes in the width of the right FS, the height of the right and left FS, and the right and left area of the FS. The lateral view indicated a statistically significant difference between the sexes regarding the depth and area of the FS. The accuracy rate in classifying males and females using FS morphometry ranged from 59.09% to 69.57%. The FS in the lateral view (69.57%) and the height of the left FS in the frontal view (68.18%) are the most appropriate regressors for sex determination. Statistically significant differences in some FS measurements between the sexes do not appear to be a sufficient indicator of sex. Morphological and morphometrical characteristics of the FS should not be used as a guideline for sex assessment in the historical Polish population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate primary double teeth in archeological material from the area of Poland and a brief review of the literature on the subject. Two cases of fusion of anterior primary teeth in two infants from past populations living in eastern (8th–9th cent. CE) and southern (15th cent. CE) parts of Poland are presented. A macroscopic as well as a radiographic assessment of the teeth was performed, which, in case 1, included a periapical X‐ray and CBCT imaging (Gendex–USA GXDP‐800) and, in case 2, scanning with a SkyScan micro‐CT scanner, along with reconstruction images made using NRECON SkyScan. In case 1, cross‐section and axial CBCT images showed that the fused teeth were joined by dentin in the lower portion of the crown and had two separate pulp chambers and one wide root canal. In case 2, a cross‐sectional microscan confirmed partial fusion with two distinct crowns, two pulp chambers, and one wide common root canal. The discovery of fused teeth in the remains of children, which are typically poorly preserved, is a rare event. Consequently, the reported first cases of double teeth originating from the 8th–9th and 15th centuries CE, found in Poland in Central Europe, are of great value, as they can be used to map dental anomalies in archaeological populations. 3D imaging technologies are essential to establish the final diagnosis of double teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Aim of the study: The role of estrogen (E) in the regulation of bone turnover in women is well established, though the contributions of E versus testosterone (T) in the control of bone turnover in men are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the association between chronic treatment with letrozole, a nonsteroidal inhibitor blocking the aromatase activity and thus the conversion of androgens into estrogens, and cortical bone morphology in the femur and humerus of male adult rats. Materials and Methods: Adult male rats were treated with letrozole for 6 months and the body and femur weight, morphology, collagen structure, blood serum, and bone tissue concentrations of calcium and magnesium were examined. Results: Long-term aromatase inhibition resulted in a decrease in femur mass, a wavelike arrangement of bone and lamellae with an altered organization of collagen in compact bone, a increased concentration of calcium in blood serum, and no change in calcium bone tissue concentration, magnesium serum, or bone tissue concentration. MicroCT study of the humerus revealed significant decreases of whole bone tissue volume, cortical bone thickness, cortical bone volume, and external cortical bone thickness with letrozole treatment. Conclusion: Chronic treatment with letrozole affected cortical bone structure and produced histomorphological changes in male rat bone similar to that observed in the aging processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to standard 2D cell cultures, spheroids are three-dimensional (3D) models which can mimic natural conditions of cancer growth and metabolism. Their complex structure can be investigated and analyzed using fluorescence microscopy and micro-tomographic imaging (micro-CT) as a new technique. In this study, we show application of two different melanoma cell lines (WM115 and WM266) with different biological characteristics to form spheroids by a hanging drop method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the number of infraorbital foramina in monkeys of the Papionini tribe. The authors performed a μCT analysis of the morphology of the infraorbital foramina. A total number of 52 simian skulls belonged to two macaque species: Macaca mulatta and Macaca fascicularis were used in the study. The number of infraorbital foramina was counted macroscopically and with the use of a magnifying glass. Next, the skull representing the most common morphological type was selected and scanned by micro-computed tomography (μCT). The Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used in the study. To compare the differences in the number of infraorbital foramen between species, sex and sides, the Mann-Whitney U test was applied. Three infraorbital foramina were present in most individuals from the test group. The Mann-Whitney test revealed no statistically significant difference between the number of foramina on the right- and left-hand side. Likewise, no statistically significant differences between the numbers of infraorbital foramina across sexes were observed. Volumetric reconstructions revealed the presence of separate infraorbital canals for each infraorbital foramen. Craniofacial innervation in macaques is formed by complex branching patterns of cranial nerves. Variability in the number of infraorbital foramina suggests a variable maxillary innervation pattern in these animals. Based on the analysis of volumetric projections, the presence of two labial branches and a single nasal branch of the infraorbital nerve is suggested. Detailed descriptions are supported by quantitative data and μCT evidence., (© 2020 American Association for Anatomy.)