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1.
Mitochondrial DNA B Resour ; 8(3): 352-358, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36926642

ABSTRACT

We present the complete mitochondrial genomes of the Critically Endangered whitespotted wedgefish, Rhynchobatus djiddensis (Forsskål, 1775), and bottlenose wedgefish, Rhynchobatus australiae (Whitley, 1939), with the R. djiddensis mitogenome documented for the first time. The genomes for R. djiddensis and R. australiae are 16,799 and 16,805 bp in length, respectively. Both comprise 13 protein-coding regions, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a non-coding control region. All protein-coding regions consistently start with the ATG start codon; however, the alternative start codon GTG is observed at the start of the COX1 gene. NADH2, COX2, and NADH4 have incomplete stop codons: T or TA, and tRNALeu and tRNASer , have atypical codons: UAA, UGA, GCU, and UAG. The phylogenetic analysis places R. djiddensis and R. australiae within the Rhynchobatus genus, separate from other families in the order Rhinopristiformes. We also highlight the most variable gene regions to expedite future primer design, of which NADH2 was the most variable (4.5%) when taking gene length into account. These molecular resources could promote the taxonomic resolution of the whitespotted wedgefish species complex and aid in the genetic characterization of populations of these and related species.

2.
Int J Paleopathol ; 33: 128-136, 2021 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33901884

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Real industrialization was late to arrive in South Africa and was associated with the development of mining in its northern regions. This paper explores the development and spread of infectious diseases (particularly tuberculosis), against the backdrop of metabolic disease. MATERIALS: Published data regarding skeletons from various mining sites and historical information are collated, including information from the early accessions into the Raymond A. Dart Collection. METHODS: While findings from several sites (e.g., Gladstone at Kimberley, Koffiefontein, Witwatersrand Deep Mine and Lancaster Mine) have been described individually, they have not been assessed collectively. This paper provides a broad overview by collating information from these sites, in comparison with a rural, pre-industrialized population. RESULTS: Malnutrition, including scurvy, was common in most mining groups. Tuberculosis was rare in earlier mining groups, and the first possible skeletal cases only occurred after the establishment of closed housing compounds. From there it spread rapidly across the subcontinent. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional insufficiencies / metabolic disease and high death rates, due to trauma and infectious diseases, were common. Tuberculosis in South Africa is closely associated with development of the mining industry. SIGNIFICANCE: This research highlights the development of tuberculosis in South Africa and its association with the mining industry. The role of migrant labor and the associated housing practices is elucidated. LIMITATIONS: Sample sizes are limited, but the findings of this study are supported by documentary evidence. FUTURE RESEARCH: Sample sizes should be increased, and the association between closed compound living and the development of disease further explored.


Subject(s)
Communicable Diseases , Malnutrition , Miners , Tuberculosis , Communicable Diseases/history , History, 19th Century , Humans , Malnutrition/epidemiology , Malnutrition/history , Miners/history , Mining , South Africa/epidemiology , Tuberculosis/epidemiology
3.
Forensic Sci Int ; 321: 110740, 2021 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33647568

ABSTRACT

The Acsádi and Nemeskéri Complex Method is a multifactorial adult age estimation method that makes use of weighting systems. The Complex Method employs the use of four skeletal elements in assessing age, including the degree of endocranial suture closure, age-related changes to the pubic symphyseal surface, and the internal structural changes observable in the proximal humerus and femur. Acsádi and Nemeskéri reported a very optimistic error margin of ±2.5 years when all four skeletal elements were used. Despite these promising results, the Complex Method's effectiveness has been questioned, suggesting that it results in a constant over- and underestimation of age in younger and older groups, respectively. In this study, the Complex Method was tested on a modern South African skeletal sample (n = 313) with individuals of known age-at-death. Results from this study to some extent justify the critique levelled against the Complex Method's tendency to over- and underestimate age. Nevertheless, the Complex Method still performed surprisingly well for certain skeletal element combinations. Contrary to Acsádi and Nemeskéri's findings, the use of all four skeletal elements did not provide more accurate age estimates. For the most part, combinations making use of three or two skeletal elements outperformed the use of all four skeletal indicators. Results from this study indicate caution in using a blanket approach when it comes to deciding on the best combination of skeletal elements used in multifactorial methods. It is suggested that the Complex Method may be optimised by making use of sex- and population-specific skeletal element combinations and weighting systems in the future.


Subject(s)
Age Determination by Skeleton/methods , Bone and Bones/anatomy & histology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Forensic Anthropology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Reproducibility of Results , South Africa , Young Adult
4.
Int J Paleopathol ; 31: 23-33, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32927328

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This paper looks to broaden the methodological possibilities for diagnosing osteomalacia in archaeological bone using micro-CT analysis. Increasing the identification of osteomalacia in paleopathology will provide support for important interpretive frameworks. MATERIALS: Nine embedded and two unembedded rib fragments were sourced from St. Martin's Birmingham and Ancaster, UK, and Lisieux Michelet, France. Of the 11 samples, nine were previously confirmed as osteomalacic, and presented with varying levels of diagenesis and two were non-osteomalacic controls, one of which exhibits diagenetic change. METHODS: Micro-CT, backscattered scanning electron microscopy, and light microscopy were employed. Micro-CT images were evaluated for osteomalacic features using corresponding microscopic images. RESULTS: Micro-CT images from osteomalacic samples demonstrated the presence of defective mineralization adjacent to cement lines, areas of incomplete mineralization, and resorptive bays/borders, three key diagnostic features of osteomalacia. Diagenetic change was also detectable in micro-CT images, but did not prevent the diagnosis of osteomalacia. CONCLUSIONS: Micro-CT analysis is a non-destructive method capable of providing microstructural images of osteomalacic features in embedded and unembedded samples. When enough of these features are present, micro-CT images are capable of confirming a diagnosis of osteomalacia. SIGNIFICANCE: Vitamin D deficiency has important health consequences which operate throughout the life course. Increasing the ability to detect cases of vitamin D deficiency provides researchers with a greater understanding of health and disease in past communities. LIMITATIONS: Only adult rib samples were used. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Paleopathologists should look to test the utility of micro-CT analysis in diagnosing active rickets in subadult individuals.


Subject(s)
Osteomalacia/diagnostic imaging , Paleopathology/methods , X-Ray Microtomography , Adolescent , Adult , Bone and Bones/diagnostic imaging , Female , Humans , Male , Vitamin D Deficiency , Young Adult
5.
Anim Genet ; 51(5): 752-762, 2020 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32524667

ABSTRACT

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, is an emerging biotechnological agent with its larvae being effective converters of organic waste into usable bio-products including protein and lipids. To date, most operations use unimproved commercial populations produced by mass rearing, without cognisance of specific breeding strategies. The genetic and phenotypic consequences of these commercial practices remain unknown and could have a significant impact on long-term population viability and productivity. The aim of this study was thus to assess the genetic and phenotypic changes during the early phases of colony establishment and domestication in the black soldier fly. An experimental colony was established from wild founder flies and a new microsatellite marker panel was developed to assess population genetic parameters along with the phenotypic characteristics of each generational cohort under captive breeding. The experimental colony was characterised by a small effective population size, subsequent loss of genetic diversity and rapid genetic and phenotypic differentiation between the generational cohorts. Ultimately, the population collapsed by the fifth generation, most likely owing to the adverse effect of inbreeding depression following the fixation of deleterious alleles. Species with r-selected life history characteristics (e.g. short life-span, high fecundity and low larval survival) are known to pose particular challenges for genetic management. The current study suggests that sufficient genetic and phenotypic variations exist in the wild population and that domestication and strain development could be achieved with careful population augmentation and selection during the early stages of colony establishment.


Subject(s)
Diptera/genetics , Domestication , Genetic Variation , Animals , Diptera/growth & development , Larva/genetics , Larva/growth & development , Phenotype
6.
Int J Paleopathol ; 23: 15-25, 2018 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29655998

ABSTRACT

Rickets and residual rickets are often encountered in Dutch archeological skeletal samples. However, no archeological Dutch paleopathological case of adult osteomalacia has been described in literature to date. This paper describes the first four archeological Dutch paleopathological cases of osteomalacia and assesses the value of the various modalities (macroscopic assessment, radiology and histology) that may be used for diagnosis. The skeletal remains investigated originate from the Meerenberg psychiatric hospital cemetery in Bloemendaal, the Netherlands, and date from 1891 - 1936. The remains of 69 adult individuals were inspected for macroscopic lesions which may be associated with osteomalacia. In cases suspect for osteomalacia, complimentary radiological and histological investigations (BSE-SEM and light microscopy) were performed. Macroscopically, four individuals presented with lesions (highly) suggestive of osteomalacia. Histological examination (both BSE-SEM and light microscopy) provided valuable information to come to an eventual diagnosis of osteomalacia in all four cases. Light microscopy proved to be an feasible alternative for BSE-SEM. The added value of radiological analyses was limited. The individuals identified were most likely patients in the psychiatric hospital, and the reason for their institutionalization and/or the regime in the institution may have played a role in the development of the osteomalacia observed.


Subject(s)
Osteomalacia/history , Osteomalacia/pathology , Adult , Female , History, 19th Century , History, 20th Century , Humans , Middle Aged , Netherlands , Osteomalacia/diagnostic imaging
7.
Forensic Sci Int ; 286: 268.e1-268.e8, 2018 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29548547

ABSTRACT

Sex estimation techniques are frequently applied in forensic anthropological analyses of unidentified human skeletal remains. While morphological sex estimation methods are able to endure population differences, the classification accuracy of metric sex estimation methods are population-specific. No metric sex estimation method currently exists for the Dutch population. The purpose of this study is to create Dutch population specific sex estimation formulae by means of osteometric analyses of the proximal femur. Since the Netherlands lacks a representative contemporary skeletal reference population, 2D plane reconstructions, derived from clinical computed tomography (CT) data, were used as an alternative source for a representative reference sample. The first part of this study assesses the intra- and inter-observer error, or reliability, of twelve measurements of the proximal femur. The technical error of measurement (TEM) and relative TEM (%TEM) were calculated using 26 dry adult femora. In addition, the agreement, or accuracy, between the dry bone and CT-based measurements was determined by percent agreement. Only reliable and accurate measurements were retained for the logistic regression sex estimation formulae; a training set (n=86) was used to create the models while an independent testing set (n=28) was used to validate the models. Due to high levels of multicollinearity, only single variable models were created. Cross-validated classification accuracies ranged from 86% to 92%. The high cross-validated classification accuracies indicate that the developed formulae can contribute to the biological profile and specifically in sex estimation of unidentified human skeletal remains in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the results indicate that clinical CT data can be a valuable alternative source of data when representative skeletal collections are unavailable.


Subject(s)
Femur/diagnostic imaging , Sex Determination by Skeleton/methods , Adult , Female , Femur/anatomy & histology , Forensic Anthropology , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Netherlands , Reproducibility of Results , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Young Adult
8.
J Fish Biol ; 92(4): 1183-1191, 2018 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29492981

ABSTRACT

The present histological study of adult female common smoothhound shark Mustelus mustelus demonstrates that the species can store sperm in their oviducal glands. In addition, single paternity of a litter of 22 pups is reported, contributing to further knowledge regarding the genetic and behavioural mating strategy of M. mustelus.


Subject(s)
Oviducts/physiology , Sharks/physiology , Spermatozoa , Animals , Female , Male , Microsatellite Repeats , Sexual Behavior, Animal , Sharks/genetics , South Africa
9.
Phytopathology ; 107(4): 455-462, 2017 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27868478

ABSTRACT

Venturia inaequalis isolates were collected during the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons from the four principal apple growing regions of South Africa, Elgin (n = 114), Koue Bokkeveld (n = 126), Lower Langkloof (n = 92), and Upper Langkloof (n = 103). Sequence analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene regions and genotyping with six (2012/13) and seven (2013/14) microsatellite (SSR) markers was conducted. A subset of 12 isolates from the individual ITS haplotype groups were sequenced for the translation elongation factor-1 alpha (TEF1) and the large subunit of the RNA polymerases II (RPB1) gene regions. Four haplotypes were found for ITS, whereas all isolates were identical for the TEF1 and RPB1 gene regions. The SSR markers revealed considerable variation with an average gene diversity (H) of 0.675. Multivariate analysis (discriminant analysis of principal components [DAPC]) revealed that the two Langkloof populations clustered together with the Koue Bokkeveld population. The population from the warmer winter region, Elgin, clustered separately from the rest of the populations (ΦPT = 0.076 to 0.116; P ≤ 0.05). Estimates of gene flow showed the highest migration rate from the Koue Bokkeveld, toward the Lower Langkloof (M = 151.1), and the least migration to and from the Elgin region (average M = 42.75). Occasionally, identical genotypes (clones) were detected across seasons in the Koue Bokkeveld and Elgin area, which might contribute to overwintering conidia. From this study, it is evident that South Africa most likely has V. inaequalis subpopulations linked to diverse climatic conditions of the coastal Elgin region compared with the mountainous inland regions of the Koue Bokkeveld and the Langkloof.


Subject(s)
Ascomycota/genetics , Gene Flow , Genetic Variation , Genetics, Population , Malus/microbiology , Plant Diseases/microbiology , Genotype , Geography , Haplotypes , Microsatellite Repeats/genetics , Sequence Alignment , Sequence Analysis, DNA , South Africa , Spores, Fungal
10.
Clin Anat ; 29(7): 831-43, 2016 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27483390

ABSTRACT

Paleopathology is the study of trauma and disease as may be observed in ancient (human) remains. In contrast to its central role in current medical practice, microscopy plays a rather modest role in paleopathology. This is at least partially due to the differences between fresh and decomposed (i.e., skeletonized or "dry bone") tissue samples. This review discusses these differences and describes how they affect the histological analysis of paleopathological specimens. First, we provide a summary of some general challenges related to the histological analysis of palaeopathological specimens. Second, the reader is introduced in bone tissue histology and bone tissue dynamics. The remainder of the paper is dedicated to the diagnostic value of dry bone histology. Its value and limitations are illustrated by comparing several well-studied paleopathological cases with similar contemporary, clinical cases. This review illustrates that due to post-mortem loss of soft tissue, a limited number of disorders display pathognomonic features during histological analysis of skeletonized human remains. In the remainder of cases, histology may help to narrow down the differential diagnosis or is diagnostically unspecific. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary diagnostic approach therefore remains essential. Clin. Anat. 29:831-843, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


Subject(s)
Bone Diseases/pathology , Bone and Bones/anatomy & histology , Paleopathology/methods , Bone Diseases/diagnosis , Humans
11.
J Fish Biol ; 89(2): 1125-41, 2016 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27237109

ABSTRACT

In this study, multiple paternity (MP) was investigated in three commercially important shark species, common smoothhound Mustelus mustelus, dusky shark Carcharhinus obscurus and scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini occurring in southern Africa. Reduced marker panels of between five and six microsatellite loci were constructed for each species and used to genotype and assess the presence of MP in a total of 60 M. mustelus individuals from six litters, 90 C. obscurus individuals from 14 litters and 54 S. lewini individuals from 13 litters. Analysis in GERUD and COLONY revealed the presence of MP in all three species. Multiple paternities were observed in 67, 35 and 46% of the litters of M. mustelus, C. obscurus and S. lewini, with corresponding average sire size of 1·6, 1·4 and 2·0, respectively. The variation in the rate of MP among the three species is in accordance with previous studies whilst the comparatively high frequency of MP observed for M. mustelus, matches what has previously been reported for shark species demonstrating aggregation behaviour.


Subject(s)
Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology , Sharks/physiology , Africa, Southern , Animals , Breeding , Fisheries , Genetics, Population , Genotype , Microsatellite Repeats/genetics , Paternity , Sharks/genetics , Species Specificity
12.
Int J Legal Med ; 130(5): 1371-7, 2016 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26914798

ABSTRACT

The relation between human cranial vault thickness (CVT) and various elements of the physical anthropological biological profile is subject of ongoing discussion. Some results seem to indicate no correlation between CVT and the biological profile of the individual, whereas other results suggest that CVT measurements might be useful for identification purposes. This study assesses the correlation between CVT and body weight, stature, age, sex, and ancestry by reviewing data of 1097 forensic autopsies performed at the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI). In subadults (younger than 19 years of age at the time of death), all frontal, temporal, and occipital CVT measurements correlated moderately to strongly with indicators of growth (body weight, stature, and age). Neither sex nor ancestry correlated significantly with cranial thickness. In adults, body weight correlated with all CVT measurements. No meaningful correlation was found between CVT and stature or age. Females showed to have thicker frontal bones, and the occipital region was thicker in the Negroid subsample. All correlation in the adult group was weak, with the distribution of cranial thickness overlapping for a great deal between the groups. Based on these results, it was concluded that CVT generally cannot be used as an indicator for any part of the biological profile.


Subject(s)
Skull/anatomy & histology , Adolescent , Age Determination by Skeleton , Body Height , Body Weight , Child , Female , Forensic Anthropology , Humans , Male , Sex Characteristics , Young Adult
13.
J Fish Biol ; 87(6): 1371-88, 2015 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26709212

ABSTRACT

A longline survey was conducted from 2004 to 2014 to investigate the demographic population structure and seasonal abundance of the blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus in the Bimini Islands, the Bahamas. All individuals sampled (n = 242) were sub-adult or adults [70·1-145·1 cm pre-caudal length (LPC) range] with no neonates or YOY recorded in Bimini. Carcharhinus limbatus abundance peaked in September, coincident with the largest ratio of female to male sharks and a peak in fresh mating wounds on females. Mitochondrial control region (mtCR) DNA sequences were obtained from C. limbatus at Bimini to test whether Bimini C. limbatus are most closely related to geographically proximate populations sampled on the south-eastern coast of the U.S.A., the closest known nursery areas for this species. Nine mtCR haplotypes were observed in 32 individuals sampled at Bimini [haplotype diversity (h) = 0·821, nucleotide diversity (π) = 0·0015]. Four haplotypes observed from Bimini matched those previously found in the northern Yucatan (Mexico)-Belize and two matched a haplotype previously found in the U.S.A. Four haplotypes were novel but were closely related to the northern Yucatan-Belizean haplotypes. Pair-wise ΦST analysis showed that Bimini was significantly differentiated from all of the populations previously sampled (U.S.A. Atlantic, U.S.A. Gulf of Mexico, northern Yucatan, Belize and Brazil). This indicates that C. limbatus sampled from Bimini are unlikely from the described, proximate U.S.A. nurseries.


Subject(s)
Sharks/genetics , Animals , Bahamas , DNA, Mitochondrial/chemistry , Female , Haplotypes , Male , Population Density , Seasons , Sex Ratio , Sharks/physiology
14.
Forensic Sci Int ; 244: e25-9, 2014 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25217847

ABSTRACT

Assessment of trauma on skeletal remains can be very difficult, especially when it comes to the estimation of posttraumatic survival time in partially healed lesions. The ability to reliably estimate the time an individual has survived after sustaining an injury is especially important in cases of child abuse and torture, but can also aid in determining the association between an injury and eventual death. Here a case from South Africa is reported, where the skeletal remains of an unknown individual were found with cranial and scapular fractures. These fractures all presented with macroscopic features indicative of healing. Using recently published data on the timing of fractures by De Boer et al., the two sets of cranial trauma and the scapular fracture were assessed by means of radiology, histology and microCT scanning. This was primarily done in order to obtain more information on the events surrounding the death of this individual, but also to assess the usability of the published methods on cranial fractures. It was found that the initial trauma was most likely sustained at least two weeks before death, whilst a neurosurgical procedure was performed at least one week before death. It seems that cranial fractures, especially if stable, may show some different healing features than postcranial fractures. The individual has since been identified, but unfortunately as is often the case in South Africa, limited information is available and the medical records could not be found.


Subject(s)
Fracture Healing , Fractures, Bone/pathology , Scapula/pathology , Skull Fractures/pathology , Adult , Craniotomy , Forensic Anthropology , Fractures, Bone/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Scapula/diagnostic imaging , Scapula/injuries , Skull Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Skull Fractures/surgery , Time Factors , X-Ray Microtomography
15.
Mol Phylogenet Evol ; 76: 30-3, 2014 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24582737

ABSTRACT

Hybridisation between fish species can play a significant role in evolutionary processes and can influence management and conservation planning, however, this phenomenon has been widely understudied, especially in marine organisms. The distribution limits of two sciaenid species (silver kob, Argyrosomus inodorus, and dusky kob, A. japonicus) partly overlap along the South African coast, where both species have undergone severe depletion due to overfishing. Following the identification of a number of possible cases of species misidentification or hybridisation (21 out of 422 individuals), nuclear and mitochondrial DNA data (12microsatellite loci and 562bp of the COI gene) were analysed to investigate the genetic composition of these individuals. Results indicated a field-based species misidentification rate of approximately 2.8% and a rate of natural hybridisation of 0.7%. Interestingly, all hybrid fish resulted from first-generation (F1) hybridisation events, which occurred exclusively between silver kob females and dusky kob males. Whether hybridisation is the result of natural events (such as secondary contact following a shift in distribution range), or anthropogenic activities (size-selective pressure due to overfishing), these findings have important implications for critical recovery and future management of these species in the wild.


Subject(s)
Hybridization, Genetic , Perciformes/classification , Perciformes/genetics , Phylogeny , Animals , Aquaculture , Cell Nucleus/genetics , Conservation of Natural Resources , DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics , Female , Male , Microsatellite Repeats/genetics , South Africa
16.
Homo ; 64(2): 129-41, 2013 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23473075

ABSTRACT

A sternal cleft or bifid sternum is a rare anterior chest wall abnormality. Although several cases have been reported in clinical literature, very little reference has been made to this anomaly in palaeopathological texts. This paper presents a case of superior sternal clefting observed in a middle-aged female with concurrent Paget's disease and congenital hyperkyphosis excavated from a 19th century Dutch psychiatric asylum cemetery in Bloemendaal, The Netherlands. The embryological development of the sternum and associated developmental abnormalities are reviewed and a differential diagnosis is performed on the suite of observed skeletal anomalies. Goltz syndrome, congenital hypothyroidism, disruption of the Hoxb-4 gene, acute excessive maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, Coffin-Lowry syndrome and PHACES syndrome were considered as possible causative agents, with the latter two conditions determined to be the most likely. The psychiatric asylum context, from which the individual came, supports the differential diagnosis as neurological abnormalities are common in these two syndromes. This article demonstrates that the integration of embryology, modern clinical literature and palaeopathological principles is vital in the interpretation of developmental anomalies from an archaeological context.


Subject(s)
Sternum/abnormalities , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , History, 19th Century , History, 20th Century , Humans , Kyphosis/complications , Kyphosis/history , Middle Aged , Netherlands , Osteitis Deformans/complications , Osteitis Deformans/history , Paleopathology , Sternum/embryology
17.
Int J Paleopathol ; 3(2): 113-121, 2013 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29539310

ABSTRACT

Over recent decades histology has increasingly been used as a diagnostic tool in human dry bone palaeopathology. Still, the use of histology in human dry bone is associated with various problems, including a lack of pathognomonic histomorphology and a need for more experimental data. Consequently, the value of histology as diagnostic tool in human dry bone remains a subject for debate. Here we review all published palaeohistopathological research in human dry bone. A systematic search identified 3363 articles, with the 64 most relevant citations studied in depth. We specifically focused on the interpretation of histomorphological parameters and the use of comparative fresh bone tissue and/or experimental data. Our literature review shows that only a few disorders demonstrate a 'specific' histomorphology: Paget's disease, osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism and possibly osteomalacia. In all other cases, histology may aid during the differential diagnostic process, but it is unable to confirm a definitive diagnosis. The histological diagnostic process and consequential recommendations for the use of histology are discussed per following disease categories: metabolic disease, neoplasm, infectious disease and trauma.

18.
Genet Mol Res ; 11(3): 2769-79, 2012 Aug 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23007972

ABSTRACT

Farming of Haliotis midae is the most lucrative aquaculture venture in South Africa. The genome of this species needs to be studied to assist in selective breeding programs aimed at increasing overall yield, and molecular markers will be required to attain this goal. We identified and characterized 82 polymorphic microsatellite loci by using repeat-enriched genomic libraries and high-throughput pyrosequencing technology. The observed number of alleles ranged from 2 to 21, expected heterozygosity from 0.063 to 0.968, observed heterozygosity from 0.000 to 1.000, and polymorphic information content from 0.059 to 0.934. Three loci gave significant hits to other haliotid genes and/or microsatellite loci; hits to genes were always located in the 5'/3'-UTR or intron region. Many of these newly designed markers would be useful for parentage, population and linkage studies.


Subject(s)
Computational Biology/methods , Gastropoda/genetics , Microsatellite Repeats/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods , Temperature , Animals , DNA Primers/metabolism , Genetic Loci/genetics , Molecular Sequence Data , Polymorphism, Genetic , Statistics as Topic
19.
Homo ; 63(3): 202-15, 2012 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22560176

ABSTRACT

Clinically, the presence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) has been linked to a disturbance of glucose and insulin metabolism, hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity associated with a rich diet. The prevalence of DISH in archaeological skeletal samples may therefore be a valuable indicator of their socio-economic status when compared to other contemporary groups. However, various methods are currently being used to diagnose DISH. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the comparability of results obtained using four different diagnostic methods to estimate the prevalence of DISH in a skeletal sample, and to discuss the implications of the results in relation to palaeopathological health assessments. Four different diagnostic criteria were applied to 127 male and 113 female skeletons to diagnose DISH. Skeletal remains were obtained from two 16th century samples from Delft and one modern sample from the anatomy dissection hall of the Leiden University Medical Centre. The estimated prevalences were statistically compared. Special attention was also given to the distribution of extra-spinal enthesophytes described in diagnostic criteria, in order to assess their diagnostic value. The prevalence of DISH observed in the skeletal samples varied significantly depending on the criteria used for diagnosis. Furthermore, extra-spinal enthesophytes, suggested as being indicative of DISH, proved to be variable and unreliable. It was concluded that it is of great importance to explicitly state and adhere to criteria employed for diagnosing DISH in both palaeopathological and clinical investigations in order to ensure reliable comparisons between studies. Also, DISH cannot be positively diagnosed solely based on the presence of extra-spinal enthesophytes.


Subject(s)
Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal/history , Paleopathology/methods , Adult , Diet/history , Female , History, 16th Century , History, 21st Century , Humans , Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal/diagnosis , Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal/epidemiology , Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal/pathology , Longitudinal Ligaments/pathology , Male , Metabolic Syndrome/diagnosis , Metabolic Syndrome/epidemiology , Metabolic Syndrome/history , Middle Aged , Netherlands/epidemiology , Ossification, Heterotopic , Prevalence , Social Class/history , Spine/pathology , Young Adult
20.
Ann Burns Fire Disasters ; 25(4): 188-91, 2012 Dec 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23766751

ABSTRACT

Burns represent an important health and economic problem in Africa and in the developing countries. Prevention programs in the developing countries are still at an infant phase. It is well known that prevention includes surveillance with data analysis and reporting. With information campaigns, an effort can be made to use regulatory action, to educate the population and modify the environment. The aim of this paper is to identify the risk factors in communities in order to implement communitybased burn prevention strategies, not only on the African continent but also in other developing countries. Effective prevention programs are highlighted. Evidence regarding adequate safety legislation with policing seems to show immediate effects with multiparty involvement and statistical decrease of injury and death. Three examples are discussed where political commitment is mobilised to ensure regulatory action. Other programs are cost-effective and have long-lasting effects, but they take time. Cochrane database system reviews highlighted the problems when people were encouraged to change their lifestyle. NGOs play a definite role in developing countries, and in Bangladesh and Pakistan efforts are being made to curb acid-throwing violence. Communities consist of many groups. There must be a societal responsibility to design products a.


Les brûlures constituent un problème sanitaire important et économique en Afrique et dans les pays en développement. Les programmes de prévention dans les pays en développement sont encore à la phase initiale. Il est bien connu que la prévention comprend la surveillance associée à l'analyse des données et le reportage. Il faut réaliser des campagnes d'information et faire des efforts pour utiliser correctement les mesures réglementaires, éduquer la population et modifier l'environnement. Le but de cet article est d'identifier les facteurs de risque dans les communautés afin de mettre en oeuvre des stratégies communautaires de prévention des brûlures, non seulement dans le continent africain, mais aussi dans les autres pays en développement. Les programmes de prévention les plus efficaces sont mis en évidence. Les expériences passées indiquent que pour ce qui concerne les questions de législation dans le secteur de la sécurité adéquate il semble que l'intervention de la police produit des effets immédiats, avec une participation pluripartitaire et une réduction statistique dans le nombre des personnes lésées ou décédées. Trois exemples sont présentés où l'engagement politique est mobilisé pour garantir une action réglementaire. D'autres programmes sont rentables et ont des effets durables, mais ils prennent du temps. Le système des données de base Cochrane a mis en évidence les problèmes quand les gens ont été encouragés à modifier leur mode de vie. Les ONG jouent un rôle précis dans les pays en développement, et au Bangladesh et au Pakistan on fait de grands efforts pour freiner la violence de la pratique de lancer l'acide dans la rue. Les communautés sont composées de personnes communes de tous les groupes sociaux. Il doit exister un sens de responsabilité sociale afin de projeter des produits et des environnements qui permettent aux personnes communes de se comporter d'une manière sure. Ces systèmes sont définis "les systèmes qui pardonnent".

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