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Hande SS, Andronowski JM, Miller EH. Microarchitecture of the penis bone (baculum) of a seal: A 3D morphometric examination using synchrotron and laboratory micro-computed tomography. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2024; 307:2858-2874. [PMID: 38311971 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
We examined the ultrastructure of the mammalian os penis at the high-resolution synchrotron level. Previously, bacular microanatomy had only been investigated histologically. We studied the baculum of the harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus), in which the baculum varies more in size and shape than does a mechanically constrained bone (humerus). We (1) investigated the microarchitecture of bacula and humeri from the same seal specimens, and (2) described changes in bone micro- and macro-morphology associated with age (n = 15, age range = 1-35 years) and bone type. We analyzed cross-sectional geometry non-destructively through laboratory micro-computed tomography. We suggest that the midshaft may resist axial compression while the proximal region may resist torsion, based on measurements of cross-sectional and cortical areas, perimeter, ratio of maximum and minimum moments of inertia, and polar moment of inertia. In addition, midshaft bacula may be less mechanosensitive than humeri, based on microstructural variables (e.g., volume, surface area, diameter associated with lacunae and cortical porosity) analyzed across age groupings. Our findings related to the microarchitecture of the pinniped baculum provide a basis for further studies on development, mechanical properties, functions, and adaptations in this and other pinniped species. Our use of a multi-modal imaging approach was minimally destructive for reproducible and accurate comparison of three-dimensional bone ultrastructure. Such methods, coupled with multidisciplinary analyses, enable diverse studies of bone biology, life history, and evolution using museum collections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya S Hande
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Janna M Andronowski
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Edward H Miller
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
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2
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De Ridder T, Goossenaerts E, Spruyt J, Van Ginneken C, Aerts P, MacLaren JA. First description of the baubellum in the spectacled bear Tremarctos ornatus (Mammalia: Ursidae). J Anat 2024. [PMID: 38837363 DOI: 10.1111/joa.14070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The baubellum (os clitoridis) is a bone found in the clitoris of many female eutherian mammals and is homologous to the baculum in males. In contrast to the baculum, the baubellum has received very little attention regarding its morphological or interspecific diversity, or on hypotheses for its function. The presence of the baubellum in bears (Ursidae) has only been established and mentioned in the literature for the Ursus genus, and not for the other genera of bears. Moreover, no scaled photographs are available for baubella of this clade, and the sizes reported vary between sources. We hereby present and describe the baubellum of a spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), providing a detailed account of baubella in a basal ursid species. The baubellum of Tremarctos is slightly bowed dorsally, with two small prominences at the distal apex. The length of the Tremarctos baubellum in this study is comparable to that of Ursus americanus (American black bear). We infer the specific shape, with longitudinal ridges, of the baubellum in Tremarctos could indicate a discrete function during copulation or sexual arousal. However, future studies, especially regarding the associated soft tissues, will be required to confirm whether this is indeed the case. Our study expands the understanding of baubella within Ursidae, providing new data (including a three-dimensional model) that can be used to further explore the morphological diversity and function of this enigmatic extra-skeletal bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim De Ridder
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Comparative Perinatal Development, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biology, Functional Morphology Laboratory, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ellen Goossenaerts
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Comparative Perinatal Development, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jonas Spruyt
- Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Chris Van Ginneken
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Comparative Perinatal Development, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Aerts
- Department of Biology, Functional Morphology Laboratory, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jamie A MacLaren
- Department of Biology, Functional Morphology Laboratory, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Geology, Evolution and Diversity Dynamics Laboratory, Université de Liege, Liege, Belgium
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3
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Best A, Egerbacher M, Swaine S, Pérez W, Alibhai A, Rutland P, Kubale V, El‐Gendy SAA, Alsafy MAM, Baiker K, Sturrock CJ, Rutland CS. Anatomy, histology, development and functions of Ossa cordis: A review. Anat Histol Embryol 2022; 51:683-695. [PMID: 36073246 PMCID: PMC9826330 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review highlights the similarities and variations in Ossa cordis prevalence, histology and anatomical location between differing veterinary species and in humans. In addition, it also identifies associated factors such as aging and cardiovascular disease for each species in relation to functional roles and developmental mechanisms that these bone structures may play. The potential functions of Ossa cordis are presented, ranging from aiding cardiac contraction and conduction, providing cardiac structure, and protecting components of the heart, through to counteracting high mechanical stress. Furthermore, this review discusses the evidence and rationale behind the theories regarding the formation and development of Ossa cordis in different veterinary species and in people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Best
- School of Veterinary Medicine and ScienceFaculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of NottinghamLeicestershireUK
| | - Monika Egerbacher
- Admin. Unit of Veterinary MedicineUMIT TIROL – Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and TechnologyHall in TirolTyrolAustria
| | - Sophia Swaine
- School of Veterinary Medicine and ScienceFaculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of NottinghamLeicestershireUK
| | - William Pérez
- Unidad de Anatomía, Facultad de VeterinariaUniversidad de la RepúblicaMontevideoUruguay
| | - Aziza Alibhai
- School of Veterinary Medicine and ScienceFaculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of NottinghamLeicestershireUK
| | - Paul Rutland
- University College LondonGreat Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthLondonUK
| | - Valentina Kubale
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Preclinical SciencesUniversity of LjubljanaLjubjanaSlovenia
| | - Samir A. A. El‐Gendy
- Department of Anatomy and EmbryologyFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria UniversityEgypt
| | - Mohamed A. M. Alsafy
- Department of Anatomy and EmbryologyFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria UniversityEgypt
| | - Kerstin Baiker
- School of Veterinary Medicine and ScienceFaculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of NottinghamLeicestershireUK
| | - Craig J. Sturrock
- The Hounsfield Facility, School of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamLeicestershireUK
| | - Catrin Sian Rutland
- School of Veterinary Medicine and ScienceFaculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of NottinghamLeicestershireUK
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4
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de La Salles AYF, de Andrade JK, de Souza JG, Freitas KDB, Carreiro ADN, Veloso EVL, Rocha EF, Klem MAP, Mendonça FTM, de Menezes DJA. Anatomy applied to image diagnosis of the hind limb in the black-striped capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus Spix, 1823). Am J Primatol 2022; 84:e23416. [PMID: 35848101 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The knowledge of anatomy and imaging exams emerges as an important tool in the study of evolutionary processes of a species, in the elaboration of diagnosis, and the successful choice of the appropriate clinical and surgical procedures. Therefore, this study aims to describe the osteology of the hind limb of Sapajus libidinosus by means of gross, radiographic, and tomographic images. Four cadavers were used in the macroscopic analysis and five animals for the imaging exams, of which four were eventually euthanized and added to the macroscopic study. For imaging exams, they were kept anesthetized. All bones of the hind limb were documented, their structures were described, and compared with data in the literature from human and nonhuman primates. We have performed Student's t test for independent samples. There was no statistical difference between the sexes regarding the length of the hind limb bones. The coxal bone was largely well described using imaging methods. A small penile bone was present at the tip of the penis and it could be identified by all analysis methods. The femur, as well as the tibia and fibula, were not well portrayed in their proximal and distal epiphyses by radiography (Rx). However, they were well identified on tomography. No third trochanter was observed in the femur and the patella had a triangular shape. All the structures described by gross anatomy of the tarsus and metatarsus could be identified by Rx and tomography. More subtle structures, such as the popliteal notch on the tibia, and the gluteal tuberosity pectineal line and facies aspera on the coxal bone, were not identified by medical imaging. S. libidinosus presented anatomical characteristics that were similar to those of larger New World and Old World monkeys, including man. This suggests it's value as an experimental model for studies in recent primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Y F de La Salles
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Health, Center for Rural Health and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | - Joyce G de Souza
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Health, Center for Rural Health and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Kelvis de B Freitas
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Artur da N Carreiro
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Health, Center for Rural Health and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Edson V L Veloso
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Health, Center for Rural Health and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Ediane F Rocha
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Health, Center for Rural Health and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Marcius A P Klem
- Institute of Veterinary Radiology, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Fábio T M Mendonça
- Veterinary Health Center, Universidade Potiguar, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Danilo J A de Menezes
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Health, Center for Rural Health and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba, Brazil.,Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
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Over and beyond the Primate baubellum Surface: A “Jewel Bone” Shielded in Museums. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12042096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Computed Tomography (CT), mostly used in the medical field, has also recently been involved in Cultural Heritage studies, thanks to its efficiency and total non-invasiveness. Due to the large variety of sizes and compositions typical of Cultural Heritage objects, different X-ray sources, detectors, and setups are necessary to meet the different needs of various case studies. Here, we focus on the use of micro-CT to explore the morphology and shape of a small, neglected bone found inside the clitoris of non-human primates (the baubellum), which we obtained by accessing two prestigious primatological collections of the American Museum of Natural History (New York, NY, USA) and the National Museum of Natural History (Washington, DC, USA). Overcoming methodological limits imposed by the absence of homologous landmarks, we combined the use of the non-invasive 3D micro-CT and a recently released landmark-free shape analysis (the alpha-shape technique) to objectively describe and quantify the shape complexity of scanned primate baubella. Micro-CT provided high-resolution results, overcoming constraints linked to museum policy about non-disruptive sampling and preserving samples for future research. Finally, it proved appropriate as post-mortem sampling had no impact on protected wild primate populations.
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6
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When the Utility of Micro-Computed Tomography Collides with Insect Sample Preparation: An Entomologist User Guide to Solve Post-Processing Issues and Achieve Optimal 3D Models. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12020769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Many techniques are used today to study insect morphology, including light and electron microscopy. Most of them require to specifically prepare the sample, precluding its use for further investigation. In contrast, micro-CT allows a sample to be studied in a non-destructive and rapid process, even without specific treatments that might hinder the use of rare and hard-to-find species in nature. We used synchrotron radiation (SR) micro-CT and conventional micro-CT to prepare 3D reconstructions of Diptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera species that had been processed with 4 common preparation procedures: critical-point drying, sputter-coating, resin embedding, and air-drying. Our results showed that it is possible to further utilize insect samples prepared with the aforementioned preparation techniques for the creation of 3D models. Specimens dried at the critical point showed the best results, allowing us to faithfully reconstruct both their external surface and their internal structures, while sputter-coated insects were the most troublesome for the 3D reconstruction procedure. Air-dried specimens were suitable for external morphological analyses, while anatomical investigation of soft internal organs was not possible due to their shrinking and collapsing. The sample included in resin allowed us to reconstruct and appreciate the external cuticle and the internal parts. In this work, we demonstrate that insect samples destined to different analyses can be used for new micro-CT studies, further deepening the possibility of state-of-the-art morphological analyses.
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7
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Moresco A, Feltrer-Rambaud Y, Wolfman D, Agnew DW. Reproductive one health in primates. Am J Primatol 2021; 84:e23325. [PMID: 34516669 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
One Health is a collaborative trans-disciplinary approach to health; integrating human, animal, and environmental health. The focus is often on infection disease transmission and disease risk mitigation. However, One Health also includes the multidisciplinary and comparative approach to disease investigation and health of humans, animals, and the environment. One key aspect of environmental/ecosystem health is conservation, the maintenance of healthy, actively reproducing wildlife populations. Reproduction and reproductive health are an integral part of the One Health approach: the comparative aspects of reproduction can inform conservation policies or breeding strategies (in situ and ex situ) in addition to physiology and disease. Differences in reproductive strategies affect the impact poaching and habitat disruption might have on a given population, as well as ex situ breeding programs and the management of zoo and sanctuary populations. Much is known about chimpanzees, macaques, and marmosets as these are common animal models, but there is much that remains unknown regarding reproduction in many other primates. Examining the similarities and differences between and within taxonomic groups allows reasonable extrapolation for decision-making when there are knowledge gaps. For example: (1) knowing that a species has very low reproductive rates adds urgency to conservation policy for that region or species; (2) identifying species with short or absent lactation anestrus allows ex situ institutions to better plan contraception options for specific individuals or prepare for the immediate next pregnancy; (3) recognizing that progestin contraceptives are effective contraceptives, but may be associated with endometrial hyperplasia in some species (in Lemuridae but not great apes) better guides empirical contraceptive choice; (4) recognizing the variable endometriosis prevalence across taxa improves preventive medicine programs. A summary of anatomical variation, endocrinology, contraception, pathology, and diagnostics is provided to illustrate these features and aid in routine physical and postmortem examinations as well as primate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneke Moresco
- International Primate Health & Welfare Group, Madrid, Spain.,Reproductive Health Surveillance Program, Morrison, Colorado, USA
| | - Yedra Feltrer-Rambaud
- International Primate Health & Welfare Group, Madrid, Spain.,EAZA Reproductive Management Group, Chester, UK
| | - Darcy Wolfman
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, National Capital Region, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dalen W Agnew
- Reproductive Health Surveillance Program, Morrison, Colorado, USA.,Michigan State University, Lansing, Michigan, USA
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8
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Kogan MI, Popov IV, Kirichenko EY, Mitrin BI, Sadyrin EV, Kulaeva ED, Popov IV, Kulba SN, Logvinov AK, Akimenko MA, Pasechnik DG, Tkachev SY, Karnaukhov NS, Lapteva TO, Sukhar IA, Maksimov AY, Ermakov AM. X-ray micro-computed tomography in the assessment of penile cavernous fibrosis in a rabbit castration model. Andrology 2021; 9:1467-1480. [PMID: 34236146 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current assessment methods of penile cavernous fibrosis in animal models have limitations due to the inability to provide complex and volume analysis of fibrotic alterations. OBJECTIVE The aim was to evaluate micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for assessment of cavernous fibrosis and compare it with histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and RT-PCR analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A controlled trial was performed involving 25 New Zealand male rabbits with induced testosterone deficiency by orchidectomy. Penile samples were obtained before and after 7, 14, 21, 84 days from orchidectomy. We consistently performed: a) gray value analysis of corpora cavernosa 3D models reconstructed after micro-CT; b) morphometry of smooth muscles/connective tissue ratio, collagen type I/III ratio, and area of TGF-beta-1 expression in corpora cavernosa; c) RT-PCR of TGF-beta-1 expression. RESULTS Micro-CT allowed visualization of penile structures at the resolution comparable to light microscopy. Gray values of corpora cavernosa decreased from 1673 (1512-1773) on the initial day to 1184 (1089-1232) on 21 day (p < 0,005); however, on 84 day, it increased to 1610 (1551-1768). At 21 and 84 days, there were observed a significant decrease in smooth muscle/connective tissue ratio and a significant increase in collagen type I/III ratio (p < 0,05). TGF-beta1 expression increased on 84 day according to immunohistochemistry (p < 0,005). RT-PCR was impossible to conduct due to the absence of RNA in obtained samples after micro-CT. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Micro-CT provided 3D visualization of entire corpora cavernosa and assessment of radiodensity alterations by gray value analysis in fibrosis progression. We speculate that gray value changes at early and late fibrosis stages could be related to tissue reorganization. RT-PCR is impossible to conduct on tissue samples studied by micro-CT due to RNA destruction. We also suggest that micro-CT could negatively affect the immunohistochemical outcome, as a significant increase of TGF-beta-1 expression occurs later than histological fibrotic signs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Kogan
- Department of urology and reproductive health (with the course of pediatric urology-andrology), Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - Igor V Popov
- Department of urology and reproductive health (with the course of pediatric urology-andrology), Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation.,Faculty "Bioengineering and veterinary medicine", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - E Y Kirichenko
- Faculty "Bioengineering and veterinary medicine", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation.,Academy of Biology and Biotechnology named after D.I. Ivanovsky, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - B I Mitrin
- Research and Education Centre "Materials", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - E V Sadyrin
- Research and Education Centre "Materials", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - E D Kulaeva
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology named after D.I. Ivanovsky, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - Ilya V Popov
- Department of urology and reproductive health (with the course of pediatric urology-andrology), Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation.,Faculty "Bioengineering and veterinary medicine", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - S N Kulba
- Faculty "Bioengineering and veterinary medicine", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - A K Logvinov
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology named after D.I. Ivanovsky, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - M A Akimenko
- Faculty "Bioengineering and veterinary medicine", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation.,Department of medical biology and genetics, Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - D G Pasechnik
- Faculty "Bioengineering and veterinary medicine", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - S Yu Tkachev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - N S Karnaukhov
- Moscow Clinical Research Center named after A.S. Loginov, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - T O Lapteva
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - I A Sukhar
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - A Yu Maksimov
- National Medical Research Centre for Oncology, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - A M Ermakov
- Faculty "Bioengineering and veterinary medicine", Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
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Di Turo F, Moro G, Artesani A, Albertin F, Bettuzzi M, Cristofori D, Moretto LM, Traviglia A. Chemical analysis and computed tomography of metallic inclusions in Roman glass to unveil ancient coloring methods. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11187. [PMID: 34045535 PMCID: PMC8160351 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90541-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes the analysis of two near-spherical metallic inclusions partially incorporated within two Roman raw glass slags in order to elucidate the process that induced their formation and to determine whether their presence was related to ancient glass colouring processes. The theory of metallic scraps or powder being used in Roman times for glass-making and colouring purposes is widely accepted by the archaeological scientific community, although the assumption has been mainly based on oral traditions and documented medieval practices of glass processing. The analysis of the two inclusions, carried out by X-ray computed tomography, electrochemical analyses, and scanning electron microscopy, revealed their material composition, corrosion and internal structure. Results indicate that the two metallic bodies originated when, during the melting phase of glass, metal scraps were added to colour the material: the colloidal metal-glass system reached then a supersaturation condition and the latter ultimately induced metal expulsion and agglomeration. According to the authors' knowledge, these two inclusions represent the first documented and studied finds directly associated with the ancient practise of adding metallic agents to colour glass, and their analysis provides clear insights into the use of metallic waste in the glass colouring process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Di Turo
- Center for Cultural Heritage Technology (CCHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 30175, Venice, Italy
| | - Giulia Moro
- Department of Molecular Science and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, 30172, Venice, Italy
| | - Alessia Artesani
- Center for Cultural Heritage Technology (CCHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 30175, Venice, Italy
| | - Fauzia Albertin
- Historical Museum of Physics and the Enrico Fermi Study and Research Center - CREF, 00184, Rome, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- INFN - National Institute of Nuclear Physics, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Bettuzzi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- INFN - National Institute of Nuclear Physics, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Cristofori
- Department of Molecular Science and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, 30172, Venice, Italy
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Centre for Electron Microscopy "Giovanni Stevanato", 30172, Venice, Italy
| | - Ligia Maria Moretto
- Center for Cultural Heritage Technology (CCHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 30175, Venice, Italy
- Department of Molecular Science and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, 30172, Venice, Italy
| | - Arianna Traviglia
- Center for Cultural Heritage Technology (CCHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 30175, Venice, Italy.
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10
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The ultimate database to (re)set the evolutionary history of primate genital bones. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11245. [PMID: 34045627 PMCID: PMC8160331 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90787-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Scientific literature concerning genital bones in primates consists of both ancient works (dating back to the nineteenth century) and more recent revisions/meta-analyses, which, however, are not always so detailed or exhaustive. Based on a thorough analysis, several conflicting data, inaccurate references, and questionable claims have emerged. We generated a binary matrix of genital bone occurrence data, considering only data at the species level, based on (1) a rigorous literature search protocol, (2) raw data (collected exclusively from primary literature), (3) an updated taxonomy (often tracing back to the species taxonomic history) and (4) new occurrence data from scanned genitals of fresh and museum specimens (using micro-computed tomography-micro-CT). Thanks to this methodological approach, we almost doubled available occurrence data so far, avoiding any arbitrary extension of generic data to conspecific species. This practice, in fact, has been recently responsible for an overestimation of the occurrence data, definitively flattening the interspecific variability. We performed the ancestral state reconstruction analysis of genital bone occurrence and results were mapped onto the most updated phylogeny of primates. As for baculum, we definitively demonstrated its simplesiomorphy for the entire order. As for baubellum, we interpreted all scattered absences as losses, actually proposing (for the first time) a simplesiomorphic state for the clitoral bone as well. The occurrence data obtained, while indirectly confirming the baculum/baubellum homology (i.e., for each baubellum a baculum was invariably present), could also directly demonstrate an intra-specific variability affecting ossa genitalia occurrence. With our results, we established a radically improved and updated database about the occurrence of genital bones in primates, available for further comparative analyses.
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Abstract
Detectors are a key feature of the contemporary scientific approach to cultural heritage (CH), both for diagnostics and conservation. INFN-CHNet is the network of the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics that develops and applies new instrumentation for the study of CH. This process results in both optimized traditional state-of-the-art and highly innovative detection setups for spectrometric techniques. Examples of the former are X-rays, gamma-rays, visible-light and particles spectrometers tailored for CH applications, with optimized performances, reliability, weight, transportability, cost, absorbed power, and complementarity with other techniques. Regarding the latter, examples are ARDESIA, the array of detectors at the DAΦNE-Light facility, the MAXRS detection setup at the Riken-RAL muon beamline and the imaging facilities at the LENA Laboratory. Paths for next-generation instruments have been suggested, as in the case of the X-ray Superconductive Detectors and X-ray Microcalorimeter Spectrometers, allowing astonishing improvement in energy resolution. Many issues in CH can now be addressed thanks to scientific techniques exploiting the existing detectors, while many others are still to be addressed and require the development of new approaches and detectors.
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