Search Results (23)

Background: Estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) is complicated by extrinsic environmental and intrinsic individual factors. Methods: Improved accuracy may be achieved through a better understanding of desiccation. This study examines moisture loss and desiccation in human remains in western North Carolina, validating previous research in central Texas. Ten donated individuals were placed across three seasonal trials at Western Carolina University’s Forensic Osteology Research Station (FOREST). Soft tissue moisture measurements were recorded from 20 locations on the body using a Delmhorst RDM-3^TM meter, and environmental data were recorded on-site. Results: Moisture content declined rapidly until ~500 accumulated degree days (ADD), after which patterns became highly variable. Linear mixed-effects models identified temperature as the strongest predictor of moisture loss, particularly in spring and fall, while precipitation was the most influential in summer, coinciding with rapid skeletonization. Compared to central Texas, western North Carolina exhibited less consistent moisture loss patterns and greater environmental variability. Fixed effects explained 36–63% of moisture variation across body regions, with conditional R² values modestly higher when accounting for individual differences. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of region-specific research for PMI estimation. Full article

This study focuses on an individual from the southeastern area of the Roman Suburbium in Late Antiquity (3rd–5th centuries CE), whose skeleton was found in a multiple burial alongside five others. Osteological and CT imaging analyses revealed a significant developmental defect in the left hip, characterized by a shallow, flattened acetabulum and a hypoplastic or aplastic femoral head, with no evidence of infection or postmortem alteration. This rare condition provides a compelling case study demonstrating the effectiveness of an integrated diagnostic approach combining traditional osteology with advanced imaging techniques. Despite prior research into orthopedic pathologies in Roman Imperial and Late Antique populations, no comparable cases have been documented, highlighting a notable gap in the bioarchaeological literature regarding congenital skeletal defects. This case contributes to a broader understanding of disability in ancient communities and raises important questions about social recognition and support for individuals with physical impairments in the past. However, limitations exist due to the absence of certain skeletal elements, which restricts a full assessment of compensatory biomechanical adaptations, such as load redistribution through the trunk or upper limbs. Nevertheless, the findings underscore the growing importance of refining diagnostic standards to better identify and interpret evidence of disability in historical populations. Full article

The mandible of domestic dogs represents a key structure in veterinary anatomy. This study tested the hypothesis that mandibular shape variation in adult mesocephalic dogs follows a non-random modular pattern with limited allometric influence. A total of 168 dry mandibles from academic osteological collections were analyzed using geometric morphometrics. Four anatomical landmarks and two curves of sliding semilandmarks were digitized and processed through Generalized Procrustes Analysis. Principal component analysis revealed that 62.7% of total variance was concentrated in the first two axes, associated with the coronoid height, ramus robustness, and curvature of the mandibular body. Cluster and Canonical Variate Analyses identified two overlapping but statistically distinct configurations, reflecting the intrinsic morphological diversity of mesocephalic dogs. Procrustes regression confirmed a significant yet low allometric effect (2.34%), while modularity tests based on RV coefficients supported a structured organization involving the ramus, coronoid, and angular processes (processus angularis mandibulae) as relatively independent modules. These results indicate that mandibular shape variation is hierarchically organized rather than random, highlighting the coexistence of integration and modular independence within the masticatory apparatus. Beyond its morphometric contribution, this study provides a reproducible anatomical baseline for veterinary and comparative research, facilitating future analyses of sexual dimorphism, functional adaptation, and surgical applications. Full article

The astragalus is a key biomechanical link between the autopodium and limb in mammals, modulating stability and mobility during stance. Its morphology provides reliable proxies for inferring posture, body mass, and locomotor behavior in extinct taxa. Mesotheriids (Notoungulata, Mesotheriidae) have traditionally been regarded as fossorial generalists, yet their functional diversity remains poorly tested. The astragali of Caraguatypotherium munozi (Miocene, Chile) and Trachytherus spegazzinianus (early Miocene, Argentina) were analyzed, integrating osteological measurements and functional indices to explore their locomotor ecology. Principal component analyses were performed to compare their morphofunctional spaces with those of 38 extant terrestrial mammals grouped by posture, body mass, top speed, and locomotor habit. Total Angular Excursion (TAE) and Angular Efficiency Index (AEI) were estimated using a comparative dataset of 182 terrestrial mammals spanning 15 taxonomic orders, focused on stance-phase mechanics during comfortable locomotion. C. munozi shows a deeper trochlea and moderately expanded navicular facets, whereas T. spegazzinianus presents a shallower trochlea and narrower articular proportions. Despite these morphological differences, both species share broadly overlapping stance-phase kinematic ranges, reflecting a conserved plantigrade locomotor module optimized for stability and energy-efficient weight support. These findings challenge the view of mesotheriids as functionally uniform and highlight ecological diversification through subtle morphological adjustments within a constrained locomotor framework. Full article

The genus Blanus (Amphisbaenia: Blanidae) comprises fossorial, limbless reptiles with cryptic external morphology, making species delimitation particularly challenging. This study presents a comprehensive comparative osteological and geometric morphometric investigation of three Blanus species distributed in Türkiye—B. alexandri, B. aporus, and B. strauchi. Using both dry and cleared-and-stained specimens, diagnostic variations in cranial and postcranial skeletal elements, especially elements within the nasal, maxilla, vomer, squamosal, dentary, and coronoid bones, as well as vertebral counts were identified. A geometric morphometric analysis of the dorsal and ventral cranial morphology revealed distinct shape differences, particularly separating B. alexandri from the other two species along principal component axes. A phylogenetic analysis based on 45 discrete osteological characters supported the monophyly of the eastern Blanus clade, with B. alexandri forming a distinct lineage from B. aporus and B. strauchi. These findings emphasize the significance of skeletal morphology for resolving phylogenetic relationships and highlight the role of osteological characters in refining species boundaries within cryptic reptilian taxa. The integrative approach employed here underscores the evolutionary distinctiveness of Anatolian Blanus and enhances our understanding of morphological evolution in amphisbaenians. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the mesiodistal and buccolingual alveolar diameters and the usual crown and cervical diameters and to test the reliability of these alveolar measurements for their application in dental anthropology in cases of missing teeth. Methods: A total of 127 skeletal individuals from the identified osteological collection of Certosa Cemetery (Bologna, Italy) were used in this study. After the evaluation of limiting factors, only the central incisor to the second premolar was analysed due to a null or small sample size for the molars. The mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters were measured at the level of the crown, cervix and alveolus. The relationship between the mesiodistal and buccolingual crown or cervical diameters and the alveolar measurements was assessed. Results: The buccolingual alveolar diameters showed consistently significant relationships with their equivalent cervical and crown diameters, while the mesiodistal alveolar diameters did not show consistent relationships. Furthermore, the patterns of phenotypic variation were similar for the alveolar, cervical and crown areas. Thus, the alveolar areas appear to show similar levels of variability compared with the equivalent crown and cervical areas. Conclusions: Alveolar measurements may serve as suitable proxies in comparative phenotypic variation studies and can be considered a useful supplement to the standard odontometric data collection strategy. The measurements proposed in this study for the evaluation of the alveoli are a valid alternative in situations in which teeth are not available for measurement, such as in forensic and archaeological contexts. Full article

The paper presents a detailed gross anatomical description of the elements of the pelvic limb in the African green monkey and provides comparative and differential elements on pelvic limb monkey osteology. The osteometric investigation adds value to the gross morphological and radiological investigation, adjoining metric data to the gross descriptive data set. The main methodology used was the gross morphological investigation, doubled by regular osteometrical and radiographical assessments. For each of the elements, several morphological aspects are described, pointing to the specific and differential aspects that might serve as landmarks in the specific diagnosis of different adaptative changes, related to the type of locomotion. For the pelvis, the aspect of the symphysis, the overall shape of the pelvic inlet, the iliac wing aspect and the acetabular shape are listed as significant elements. The femur has a spherical head with an inferior position of the femoral fovea and a well-developed (tall) greater trochanter, lacking the third trochanter. The medial condyle of the femur is better developed than the lateral one and an evident extensor’s fossa is noted at the level of the distal shaft. The proximal lateral condyloid surface in the tibia is slightly larger than the medial one, with noticeable intercondilar eminences. The fibula is long and unfused with the tibia. Some specific anatomical features are listed only for the talus and calcaneus from tarsals. The study revealed the presence of the gastrocnemius sesamoid bones and the proximal sesamoidi bones as well. Investigation presents a series of osteometrical data with an attempt to show some basic metrical differences among the investigated specimens. Full article

This paper presents a detailed gross description of all anatomical elements of the humerus in the African green monkey and provides comparative and differential elements on monkey osteology. The osteometric investigation adds value to the gross morphological investigation, adjoining metric data to the gross descriptive data set. An in-depth investigation of the microstructural aspects of the humeral bone tissue is provided, with qualitative and quantitative details and potential for diagnostic applications. Of the gross morphological elements described, several unique features specific to this species include the humeral head shape that presents with distinctive low convexity and caudal placement, the shape of the intertubercular groove, the less developed greater tubercle, and the disposition of the rotator cuff muscle insertion. Furthermore, the overall cranio-lateral curvature of the bone shaft was found to have a distinctive 154–155 degree of angulation of the diaphysis, and the well-developed medial epicondyle was observed with its distinctive medio-caudal retroflexion. The histological investigation was more indicative of a typical non-primate organization of the bone tissue, with laminar vascular and avascular structures combined with the presence of the secondary Haversian system involving a mixture of scattered and dense unorganized secondary osteonal structures. The histomorphometric investigation yielded metrical data for the secondary osteonal structures in terms of area (20,331 ± 5105 µm²), perimeter, and vascular canal area (64,769 ± 257 µm²). Full article

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Around half of all cancer patients undergo some type of radiation therapy throughout the course of their treatment. Photon radiation remains (RT) the most widely utilized modality of radiotherapy despite recent advancements in proton radiation therapy (PBT). PBT makes use of the particle’s biological property known as the Bragg peak to better spare healthy tissue from radiation damage, with data to support that this treatment modality is less toxic than photon RT. Hence, proton radiation dosimetry looks better compared to photon dosimetry; however, due to proton-specific uncertainties, unexpected acute, subacute, and long-term toxicities can be encountered. Reported neurotoxicity resulting from proton radiation treatments include radiation necrosis, moyamoya syndrome, neurosensory toxicities, brain edema, neuromuscular toxicities, and neurocognitive toxicities. Pulmonary toxicities include pneumonitis and fibrosis, pleural effusions, and bronchial toxicities. Pericarditis, pericardial effusions, and atrial fibrillations are among the cardiac toxicities related to proton therapy. Gastrointestinal and hematological toxicities are also found in the literature. Genitourinary toxicities include urinary and reproductive-related toxicities. Osteological, oral, endocrine, and skin toxicities have also been reported. The side effects will be comparable to the ones following photon RT, nonetheless at an expected lower incidence. The toxicities collected mainly from case reports and clinical trials are described based on the organs affected and functions altered. Full article

Pampus is a widespread species of fish in the western Pacific and Indian Oceans that has significant commercial worth. Its evolutionary history and phylogenetics are still poorly understood, and details on its intraspecific taxonomy are debatable, despite some morphological and molecular research. Here, we analyzed this species using skeletal structure data as well as nuclear (S7 gene) and mitochondrial genetic information (COI, D-loop and mitogenomes). We found that the genetic distance between P. argenteus and P. echinogaster was much smaller than that between other Pampus species, and both maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic trees yielded almost identical tree topologies. An additional and adjacent M repeat was found in the downstream region of the IQM gene cluster of P. argenteus and P. echinogaster, and the trnL2 gene of P. minor was translocated. The genus Pampus experienced early rapid radiation during the Palaeocene with major lineages diversifying within a relatively narrow timescale. Additionally, three different methods were conducted to distinguish the genus Pampus species, proving that P. argenteus and P. echinogaster are the same species, and P. liuorum is speculated to be a valid species. Overall, our study provides new insights not only into the evolutionary history of Pampus but its intraspecific taxonomy as well. Full article

The Rio Doce basin is situated in a biodiversity hotspot, with some fish groups still superficially known. The intense process of habitat loss and water contamination justifies efforts to speed up the pace of describing fish species diversity. Herein, we focus on a clade of trichomycterine catfishes, subgenus Psammocambeva, genus Trichomycterus, performing a multigene phylogenetic analysis, which integrated to a comparative morphological analysis corroborates monophyly and relationships of four species complexes. Five new species are recognised and described. Species distribution patterns support the recognition of five areas of endemism for trichomycterines, most of which are well-known biodiversity centres: Serra do Espinhaço, Serra do Brigadeiro, Serra do Caparaó, Serra do Castelo, and upper-middle Rio Doce. Trichomycterine diversity in the Rio Doce basin, with 16 species, of which 15 belong to Psammocambeva, is lower than in the smaller neighbouring Rio Paraíba do Sul basin, with 21 species in five subgenera. Data suggest that species diversification in the former basin is relatively younger, following the initial diversification of Psammocambeva in the Miocene, whereas diversification in the latter basin has been estimated to have occurred during the Oligocene. This study reinforces the importance of naming new taxa and delimitating areas of endemism as primary tools for conservation strategies. Full article

The Rio Grande drainage plays a key role in supplying water and electricity to large urban centres, but some components of its rich ichthyofauna are still poorly known. Based on our field inventories in the middle section of the drainage, we recognised 10 trichomycterine endemic species, of which 6 species are new and described herein. A molecular analysis (2600 bp for 43 taxa) indicated that the species of both subgenera do not form monophyletic groups. One species of the subgenus Cryptocambeva is closely related to species from the inner Brazilian Plateau, whereas other species of this subgenus are closely related to species endemic to smaller coastal basins. The species of the subgenus Paracambeva belong to different lineages of a clade endemic to the Rio Grande drainage. These species are diagnosed by the characters of their external morphology and osteology. A key to species identification is provided. The species distribution patterns support delimitation of three areas of endemism, which may have a relevant role for proposals of conservation strategies: the Uberaba, the São João-Sapucaí, and the Tamborete areas. The last one, a small area confined between the Serra da Canastra and the Rio Grande at the Furnas dam, is particularly important for sheltering three endemic trichomycterines and two loricariid catfishes. Full article

A morphological study of the skeletal specimen of Canis lupus L. from an archeological dig of Agnano (Pisa) (Fauna Laboratory, Department of Archaeological Sciences, University of Pisa, Italy) that is chronologically placed in the Wurm period (last glaciation) was done to perform an anatomical comparison between this wild ancestor and osteological specimens of Canis familiaris L. present in the Veterinary Anatomy Museum (University of Pisa). Marked morphological differences in the splanchnocranium (nasal bone, zygomatic arch and orbital angle), neurocranium (sagittal crest) and temporomandibular joint (due to different developments of the masticatory muscles) are highlighted on the wolf specimen compared to those in the domestic dog specimens present in Museum. The appendicular skeletal bones of the wolf show anatomical features similar to those of dog bone specimens, confirming their belonging to the same family (Canidae). This result confirms that domestication has almost exclusively affected the anatomical features of the skull that have changed due to the difference in dietary approach between wolves and dogs. Full article

A recent field inventory focusing on catfishes of the trichomycterine genus Cambeva detected the occurrence of two morphotypes, C. barbosae and C. cubataonis, in the Guaratuba-Babitonga-Itapocu area (GBIA) of southern Brazil, reporting some discordance with results of coalescent-based approaches for species delimitation that indicated different estimates of species number. Contrastingly, based on examination of characters taken from the external morphology and osteology, we here recognised six species of Cambeva in GBIA: C. cf. botuvera, a polymorphic and geographically widespread species; C. cubataonis, endemic to the Rio Cubatão do Norte; and four new species, two endemic to the Rio Itapocu basin, one endemic to the Baía de Babitonga system and one endemic to the Baía de Guaratuba system. We performed a molecular phylogenetic analysis indicating that Cambeva comprises three major clades, the alpha-, beta- and gama-clades, with C. cf. botuvera and a clade comprising C. cubataonis and three new species belonging to the beta-clade and another new species belonging to the gama-clade. We concluded that species here recognised are not in fact incongruent with results of that recent study when taxa are correctly identified by a representative sample of morphological characters, highlighting the importance of osteological characters for delimiting trichomycterine species. Full article

Psammocambeva, a subgenus of Trichomycterus s.s., includes a clade endemic to south-eastern Brazil, the Psammocambeva alpha-clade (PAC), containing species with similar colour pattern and fin morphology, making difficult their identification without accurate examination. The greatest diversity of PAC species occurs in the Rio Paraíba do Sul basin area (RPSA), situated within the Atlantic Forest, one of the most important and endangered biodiversity centres in the world. Herein, we: perform a multigene phylogeny focusing on species of PAC; revise morphological characters diagnosing species of PAC from the RPSA, with special attention to those equivocally synonymised in a recent study; describe two new species, and provide a key for species identification. Molecular and morphological evidence supported the recognition of eight valid species belonging to four species complexes. Data indicated that T. auroguttatus, T. travassosi, and T. longibarbatus are valid species. Finally, we discuss the negative impacts of underestimating species diversity in regions under the intense process of natural habitat loss, concluding that integrative approaches are important tools to estimate species diversity, but they should include a range of morphological characters informative to delineate and diagnose groups and their respective species, in association with phylogenies generated by robust molecular datasets. Full article