Sex determination from human patella in a Polish medieval sample

This study aimed to address whether the anthropometric features of the patella can be used to determine the sex of the individuals on the basis of the skeletal remains and to set limit values for anthropometric measurements and indicators of the patella in relation to each sex. 71 patellas (32 female and 39 male) from the Middle Ages from Wroclaw, Poland, were analyzed. The measurements (the greatest height, width, thickness, width of the lateral and medial joint surface and the height of these joint surfaces) and ratios were calculated (height to width, height to thickness as well as width to height of lateral and medial joint surfaces) and tested according to sexual dimorphism. The best parameter in terms of discriminatory assessment was the patella's highest height, which made it possible to classify the sex in 46.5% of cases. However, an index of the sum of the height, width and thickness measurements seems to be even better for differentiating between the sexes, making it possible to correctly classify the sex in 49.3% of cases. Due to some limitations of this study and the need of population-specific standard, it is recommend to employ the patella in sex determination only in cases of fragmented human remains and when no other method can be applied. Further investigation of possible factors influencing the variability of its size and shape should be explored in larger and geographically more diverse samples, and this could contribute to forensic, clinical, anatomical, and anthropological studies in this body part.

THU0277 THE EXPRESSION OF IFNΑ, INFΒ AND INFΓ AND SERUM LEVELS OF THOSE CYTOKINES IN SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME PATIENTS

Background:

In the pathogensis of autoimmune mediated diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), interferons (IFN) and IFN pathway activation play a vital role.

Objectives:

We planned to assess IFNα, INFβ and INFγ expression and IFNs serum levels in SS patients and correlation of these parameters with: autoantibodies specific for SS, serum concentration of C3, C4 component of complement (C3, C4), rheumatoid factor (RF), gammaglobulins, focus score (FS) and eye dryness symptoms.

Methods:

Whole blood RNA was isolated from 77 SS patients [F91%vsM9%]; mean age 49,69±15.36; SS diagnosis according to EULAR/ACR 2016 criteria. The analysis of INFα, - β and - γ expression levels was based on validated TaqMan probes by ΔCT methods. Serum concentrations of rheumatoid factor (RF), C3- and C4 complement components (mg/dL) and gammaglobulins (g/dL), were assessed. Anti-Ro/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB autoantibodies were assessed by semiquantitative immunoblotting evaluation. The eye dryness and keratoconjunctivitis sicca were confirmed with Schirmer’s test (score of less than 5 mm/5’) and the ocular staining score (OSS) using lissamine green and fluorescein staining. The biopsy of minor salivary gland was performed with the histopathological evaluation of FS. The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee. Differences between groups of patients were determined using non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskall-Wallis test with Dunn’s post hoc. Correlations were determined using non-parametric Spearman test. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results:

IFNβ had the highest expression levels among IFNs and IFNβ serum concentrations were higher than those of IFNα and -γ. In cases with high IFNβ serum concentration lower IFNβ expression was observed. There was a highly significant correlation between IFNα and IFNβ expression (r =0.6;p=0.001). IFNβ expression (p=0.059) was higher in the group of younger (<45 y.o.) patients (n= 23; 29.9%) as compared to the group of older individuals (at least 45 y.o.). In patients with SS-A / Ro antibodies with strong antigen binding affinity (3) IFN β expression and IFNβ serum levels were highest of all IFNs. The presence of anti La/SS-B antibodies was associated with the increased IFNβ expression while not with the increased IFNβ serum concentration. In terms of IFNα expression and protein level, RF(+)patients had average higher values compared to RF(-) patients. The average mRNA level of IFNα was about 3 times lower in patients with low C3 serum concentration compared to patients with normal C3 serum concentration values. IFNβ mRNA level was 2.5 times lower in patients with low Schirmer’s test (<5mm/5’) in comparison to patients with Schirmer’s test>5mm/5’; Schirmer’s test <5mm/5’ was associated with higher IFNβ serum concentration.

Conclusion:

Type I IFN signature predominates in the peripheral blood of studied patients. Presented results confirmed the pivotal role of type I IFN in the disease process. The serum concentration of IFNβ and the expression of IFNβ were the highest values of those parameters for cytokines assessed in this study. A positive correlation between IFNα and IFNβ mRNA levels has been observed.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Sex determination from fragmented human remains - hierarchy of the foramen magnum dimensions

Although the foramen magnum is often described in the context of sex determination, to date, it has not been studied in relation to the Polish population. Considering interpopulation variation of human skull dimensions and shapes, study of a Polish population is needed. The aim of this paper is to evaluate a hierarchy of selected measurements of the foramen magnum in terms of their usefulness for sex determination and provide reference data for Polish non-modern populations in order to propose an alternative method of sex determination for fragmented human remains. Adult skulls from skeletal collection from Poland (N = 101, males 46.5% and females 53.5%) were measured to derive statistical functions. The anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, and the circumference of the foramen magnum were found to be significantly larger in males. Mollison's index and discriminant function analysis were performed to derive models for estimation of sex from the foramen magnum measurements and the ± 1 SD ranges of the dimensions were calculated. Each of foramen magnum dimensions was able to predict sex in above 90% of crania. Due to some limitations of this study and the need of population-specific standards, it is recommend employing the foramen magnum in sex determination only in cases of fragmented human remains and when no other method can be applied. Further investigation of possible factors influencing the variability of the foramen magnum size and shape should be conducted in larger and geographically more diverse samples, and this could contribute to forensic, clinical, anatomical, and anthropological studies of this anatomical structure.

Concha Bullosa in Paleoanthropological Material

Concha bullosa is a variant of the sinonasal anatomy in which the middle nasal turbinate contains pneumatized cells, which leads to turbinate enlargement. The reason for concha bullosa formation is unclear, but the variant is seen in up to half the modern population and it may predispose to paranasal sinusitis. The variant has hitherto featured little in paleopathology. Therefore, in the present study we seek to determine the presence of concha bullosa, with the coexisting hypertrophy of the middle turbinate and signs of sinusitis or other pathology of the paranasal complex, in a population living in Tomersdorf-Toporow in the Upper Lausatia, a historical region in Germany and Poland, presently Zgorzelec County in the Lower Silesian voivodeship, at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth century. The material consisted of 32 skeletons (24 males, 8 females). The gender, age, and stress indicators and the presence of pathological signs were assessed, followed by CT of the skulls. We found 2 skulls (6.3 %) with concha bullosa. In one case septal nasal deviation was present. We conclude that the incidence of concha bullosa could be lower in the past times than at present. Wider research is necessary to settle whether concha bullosa is indeed a rare respiratory paleopathology or a missed, and thus underreported observation.

Collaborative Action of Surface Chemistry and Topography in the Regulation of Mesenchymal and Epithelial Markers and the Shape of Cancer Cells

Malignant transformation is associated with enhancement of cell plasticity, which allows cancer cells to survive under different conditions by adapting to their microenvironment during growth and metastatic spread. Much effort has been devoted to understanding the molecular mechanisms of these processes. Although the importance of the extracellular matrix and of surface properties in these mechanisms is evident, the direct impact of distinct physical and chemical surfaces characteristics on cell fate remains unclear. Here, we have addressed this question using HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells as a model. To examine the relationship between surface topography, chemistry, and cell behavior, hydrophobic poly(butyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) (BMA-EDMA) and hydrophilic poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) (HEMA-EDMA) surfaces with three different topographies (microporous, nanoporous, and nonporous) were generated. These surfaces were then modified by photoinitiated grafting of three different methacrylate monomers to create surface chemistry gradients of either negatively (AMPS) or positively (META) charged or zwitterionic (MDSA) functionalities. Our results show that AMPS promotes cell spreading, but that META abolishes cell growth. META and MDSA grafted on microporous BMA-EDMA produced superhydrophilic surfaces with high globularity and elasticity, which modified the cell phenotype by inhibiting cell spreading, followed by loss of mesenchymal characteristics and a reduction in protein levels of the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, beta-catenin, p120 catenin, and also of the adaptor proteins vinculin and paxillin that are associated with adhesion and cancer cell invasion. The effect was strengthened along the gradient, suggesting that the density of the functional groups plays a role in this process. On the nanoporous surface, only MDSA grafting resulted in a significant increase in cell number, a reduction in N-cadherin expression, increased beta-catenin and p120 catenin levels, as well as the appearance of the epithelial marker E-cadherin. This indicates that the cancer cells have a high plasticity that is triggered by the collaborative effect of physical and chemical surface properties.

Two cases of osteoid osteoma in skulls dating from the 13–14th centuries from St. Elisabeth’s Church in Wrocław, Poland

In the study two human skulls recovered from archaeological excavations at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Wrocław, dating from the 13-14th centuries were assessed. Direct measurements of each skull were recorded, and X-ray images in P-A, lateral and basal projections were taken. The skulls represented adult males. Large, bony, lobular tumours were found on the palatine bones of both skulls. X-ray examination identified these tumours as osteoid osteomas, which are benign bone tumours that may originate in the periosteum or may be located inside the bone, distorting the maxilla or mandible. However, osteoid osteoma of the palatine is very rare. This study extends our knowledge regarding the health and diseases of historical populations.

Prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis in Poland and costs generated by AS patients in the public healthcare system

The aim of the research was to analyse the prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Poland and to assess the costs generated by AS patients in the system of public health care. The database of national payer-National Health Fund (NHF)-has been analysed. For the analysis, the information has been extracted from IT system about each treated patient with ICD-10 = M45 code as main or coexisting diagnosis included in the mandatory reports from entities of public healthcare service. In the years 2008-2013, from 28,800 to 32,800 persons diagnosed with AS as main or coexisting diagnosis have been registered in NHF database. In 2013, the prevalence amounted to 7.48 for 10,000 persons of general population-the highest in Kujawy-Pomerania province (10.92 per 10,000 inhabitants), Silesia (10.04) and Świętokrzyskie province (9.81). In male patients, this coefficient amounted to 8.91 per 10,000 inhabitants, whereas in female-to 6.15. In 2013, the prevalence for men was the highest in the age group of 60-64 years and for women in the group of 65-69 years. The healthcare expenses related to AS financed by the NHF increased from 13,200 million PLN (6.3 million USD) in 2008 to 72,600 million PLN (21,900 million USD) in 2013. The increase in healthcare expenses related to AS patients in the public healthcare system is significant and noticeable. High regional diversity is also a vital issue. It is necessary to carry out further research on the incidence rate of AS in Polish population.

Topography of the mental foramen in human skulls originating from different time periods

The location of the mental foramen is used in a number of maxillofacial surgical procedures and in anthropological examinations. The position of the mental foramen has been reported to vary in different ethnic groups and in different historical populations. The aim of this work was to analyse the topography of the mental foramen in mandibles from selected historical populations from the Pomeranian region in Poland. The material consisted of three groups: 92 skulls from the beginning of the 20th century from Szczecin (earlier name Stettin), and two Mediaeval groups -31 skulls from Rurka (historic Rörchen), 18th-19th centuries, and 50 skulls from Sypniewo (historic Zyppnow), 11th-13th centuries. Distances of the mental foramen in relation to the midline, and to the second corresponding point were measured. Additionally, non-metric traits of the mental foramen were recorded. No significant differences in average diameters of the mental foramina measured on the right and the left sides were observed between historical populations. On both sides, in all groups, the foramen was mainly located between positions of the lower first and lower second premolars. In all three groups the direction of the opening of the mental foramen was superoposterior. The similar level of epigenetic variation was observed in all groups. The position and the direction of the exit were similar to other previously studied European populations.

[Hydrolysis of waste keratin material for use of certain sulfonated acids. I. Chemical characteristics of protein waste products]

We have fixed optimal conditions for preparation to analysis of waste keratin material (bristle, cerebellum and hoof), which then description of the chemical character define in there fat, moisture and ash content, nitrogen: total and ammonium and qualitative and quantitative composition amino acids. Results, which we obtained indicate to possibility utilization waste keratin material to obtain of full value, dyeability protein products.

Active lymphocytic myocarditis treated with murine OKT3 monoclonal antibody in a patient presenting with intractable ventricular tachycardia

This report describes the case of a 33-year-old woman with biopsy-proven, active lymphocytic myocarditis manifested by intractable ventricular tachycardia, nonspecific intraventricular block, and myocardial dysfunction. We treated hersuccessfully with OKT3 monoclonal antibody and antiarrhythmic agents. Immunosuppression is not recommended in patients with infectious or postinfectious myocarditis. However, it may have an important role in autoimmune myocarditis. In the few reports in the medical literature that we were able to find, OKT3 monoclonal antibody was administered early in the setting of acute, fulminant autoimmune myocarditis. Our patient received OKT3 therapy in a later phase of the disease, when inflammatory infiltrates were accompanied by extensive fibrosis and severe damage of cardiomyocytes. Our patient had concomitant Helicobacter pylori infection and a strong positive family history of gastric cancer, a disease often associated with H. pylori. We discuss the possibility of a causal relationship between H. pylori infection and autoimmune myocarditis.

[Studies of acidic degradation of heparin. A UV-VIS spectroscopy study]

The preliminary studies on acidic degradation of heparin were performed. The UV-VIS and 1H-NMR techniques were used. The analogical features of degradation products of heparin, glucuronic acid and furfural were found (7 characteristic groups).

[Hydrolysis of keratin products using some of sulfonic acids. Isolation of hydrolysing factors from hydrolyzates]

The term of isolation of arylosulfonic acids as hydrolysing factors from casein's hydrolyzates have been worked out. The most satisfactory results have been achieved when using in this case chloride 2,3,5-triphenylo-2H-tetrazole. When using benzenosulfonic acid as the best hydrolising factor 98.4% of this acid was removed from hydrolysates of hoofs whereas 96.1% was removed from hydrolysates of bristles. The residues of acids remaining in hydrolysates have been removed by shaking with Wofatyt SBW in form H+. The total recovery of aminoacids irrespectively to kind of hydrolyzate and applied acid amounts to 95.5% average.

Specificity of human keratinocyte X HeLa cell hybrid murine monoclonal antibodies

The immunofluorescent staining patterns of three differentiation-specific monoclonals (HLK3, HLK7, HLK20) that display different immunofluorescent (IF) reactivity in normal and psoriatic epidermis, were examined in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), as well as other human normal epithelial and nonepithelial tissues. Similar staining patterns within epidermis were seen with HLK3 (intercellular) and HLK7 (perinuclear) in psoriasis, SCC, and BCC. HLK20 selectively stained BCC and SCC within epidermis and dermis, and was negative in psoriasis. The monoclonals did not react with nonepithelial tissues, but repetitively displayed positive, granular reactivity with simple epithelia and transitional epithelium. Stratified squamous epithelia showed IF staining similar to normal epidermis for all three monoclonals. These new monoclonal antibodies offer new investigative tools to study abnormalities in keratinocyte differentiation in benign and malignant hyperplastic skin diseases.