Search Results (115)

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of different lighting cycles on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, slaughter performance, skeletal development, and meat quality of yellow-feathered broiler chickens. A total of 256 10-day-old Liangfenghua yellow-feathered male broilers were randomly assigned to four groups, each with 8 replicates, and each replicate contained 8 chickens. The four lighting cycles used were 18L:6D, 20L:4D, 22L:2D, and 23L:1D (hours of light:dark), and the chickens were fed until 63 days of age. The results indicate that with increasing light exposure duration, the average daily gain and live weight of yellow-feather broilers from 10 to 21 days of age (p = 0.07), the average daily feed intake from 42 to 63 days of age (p < 0.01), as well as the average daily feed intake, daily gain, and feed-to-gain ratio from 1 to 63 days of age (p < 0.05), all showed linear changes. The live weight, daily gain, and feed-to-gain ratio from 42 to 63 days of age exhibited both linear and quadratic variations (p < 0.01). The 22L:2D group achieved the highest live weight and daily gain at 63 days, with the lowest feed-to-gain ratio. Serum glucose levels displayed quadratic variation, while phosphorus levels showed both linear and quadratic changes; the 22L:2D group had the lowest serum glucose and the highest phosphorus levels. The semi-eviscerated rate and the bursa of Fabricius index varied linearly, whereas the leg muscle rate showed quadratic variation. The 20L:4D group had the highest total eviscerated rate, breast muscle rate, and leg muscle rate (p < 0.05), with the lowest Fabricius and thymus indices. The length, width, and volume of the femur and tibia, as well as the tibia bone volume and tissue volume, all changed linearly (p < 0.05). The tibia bone volume fraction exhibited both linear and quadratic changes, with the 18L:6D group showing the highest femur length, width, tibia bone volume, tissue volume, and bone volume fraction. Light exposure significantly affected meat pH, colour, shear force, drip loss, and cooking loss. The crude protein content in the breast muscle showed quadratic variation, while ash and cysteine contents displayed both linear and quadratic changes. The 22L:2D group had the highest crude protein content, pH at 24 h, shear force, and drip loss, but the lowest amino acid and ash contents (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were significant differences in the flavour of the breast muscle under different light cycles. In summary, the photoperiod significantly affects the production performance, skeletal development, meat quality, and flavor of yellow-feathered broilers. The 22L:2D photoperiod yielded the best outcomes in promoting growth, improving feed efficiency, and enhancing meat quality; however, it may adversely affect skeletal development and structural integrity, and caution should be exercised for long-term rearing. Full article

Implant macrogeometry and surface microstructure represent fundamental pillars for accelerating and enhancing the quality of osseointegration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the synergistic effect of three distinct implant designs, Strong (hybrid with trapezoidal threads), Unitite (hybrid with healing chambers), and Epikut (hybrid with active double threads), associated with two surface configurations (dual acid-etched [DAE] and nanohydroxyapatite [NanoHA]) on bone regeneration at 3 and 8 weeks. Twenty-four male rabbits randomly received forty-eight implants in their tibiae, yielding an equal accounting of n = 12 animals per experimental healing period (3 and 8 weeks) to ensure a balanced longitudinal and structural analysis. Biomechanical monitoring included final insertion torque (IT) and resonance frequency analysis (ISQ) at installation and euthanasia, while high-resolution micro-computed tomography (µCT) quantified the 3D intersection surface index (IS/TS) and trabecular microarchitecture (BV/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp, and Connectivity). Regarding insertion torque, no significant differences were observed between macrogeometries (p = 0.557), ensuring a standardized mechanical baseline for biological comparison. For clinical stability (ISQ), the Epikut and Unitite designs demonstrated significant stability gains as early as 3 weeks (p < 0.05). µCT data confirmed a progressive, time-dependent structural reorganization, presenting a significant increase in trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) over time (p < 0.001), while the overall bone volume fraction (BV/TV, p = 0.861) and IS/TS index (p = 0.774) maintained statistical uniformity across all studied models. In conclusion, implant macrogeometry and surface nanotopography exert a distinct, chronologically shifted synergy during osseointegration. Clinically, these findings dictate target-specific selection: macrogeometric innovations accelerate early secondary clinical stabilization, whereas bioactive NanoHA coatings optimize subsequent long-term trabecular thickening within the established peri-implant architecture. Full article

The aim of this study was to compare carcass composition, meat quality, digestive tract morphometry, and leg bone dimensions of Pekin and Muscovy ducks. The study involved 40 birds, including 10 males and 10 females from each genotype, reared to market age. Carcass traits, physicochemical properties of breast and leg muscles, texture parameters, internal organ development, intestinal measurements, and selected dimensions of the femur and tibia were evaluated. The results demonstrated a significant effect of duck genotype (p < 0.05) on carcass weight, dressing percentage, and the proportion of neck, wings, and skin with subcutaneous fat. Genotype also affected meat color (L*, a*, b*), intramuscular fat and collagen content, cooking loss, pH, electrical conductivity, and selected texture parameters of breast muscles. Differences were also observed in the mass and proportion of internal organs, most intestinal morphometric traits, and selected bone measurements. Sex had a significant effect on body and carcass weight, selected meat quality traits, intestinal measurements, and leg bone dimensions, with males generally showing greater body size and more developed skeletal structures. Significant interactions between genotype and sex were observed for several analyzed traits. The findings indicate that both genotype and sex substantially affect slaughter traits and meat quality characteristics of ducks. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of arginine (Arg), guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), and citrulline (Cit) supplementation in reduced protein (RP) diets on the production performance, serum uric acid level and bone quality of aged laying hens. A total of 208 Hy-Line Brown laying hens from 60 to 75 weeks of age were assigned to eight dietary treatments, with 13 replicate cages per treatment and two hens per cage. Experimental diets comprised two protein levels (standard protein at 15.8% crude protein versus RP at 13.8% crude protein), and six RP diets supplemented with two inclusion levels (0.06% and 0.12%) of Arg, GAA, or Cit. Overall, increasing Cit supplementation improved productive performance compared with Arg and GAA, particularly by increasing egg weight (p = 0.048), egg mass (p = 0.019), and feed intake (p = 0.014) over the entire experimental period. In addition, Cit increased egg weight during 60–67 weeks (p = 0.049) and improved egg mass during 68–75 weeks (p = 0.014). Furthermore, supplementation of 0.12% Cit in RP diets significantly increased feed intake compared with standard protein (SP) and RP diets from 60 to 67 weeks (p < 0.001; one-way ANOVA). Both Cit and Arg supplementation increased yolk weight compared to GAA (p = 0.018). Further, Arg supplementation to the RP diet at 0.06% significantly increased energy digestibility compared to the SP and RP diets (p = 0.037). Increasing Arg and GAA levels reduced bone breaking strength compared with their respective low levels, whereas increasing Cit level enhanced tibia (p = 0.014) and femur (p = 0.006) bone breaking strength. Low-level GAA supplementation also increased tibia breaking strength. Thus, a moderate reduction in dietary protein level by two percentage points, combined with Cit supplementation at the high level (0.12%), was effective in enhancing egg mass, egg weight, yolk weight, and bone breaking strength in aged laying hens. These findings suggest that RP feeding strategies supplemented with functional Arg precursors may support productive efficiency, skeletal health, and nutrient utilization in late-lay hens. Full article

Background: Megaprosthetic reconstruction is the standard of care for limb salvage after tumor resection around the knee, but the full burden of unplanned revision surgery is rarely reported as a structured composite outcome. We evaluated 241 consecutive patients over 21 years at a tertiary orthopedic oncology center. Methods: This retrospective cohort included 241 patients (160 distal femur, 78 proximal tibia, three combined) treated between 2003 and 2024. Revision-free survival (RFS, composite of any unplanned revision or amputation) and amputation-free survival were estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis; independent predictors were identified by Cox regression. A pre-specified major-event composite (amputation, implant removal, or recurrence resection) was used for sensitivity analysis. Results: Mean age was 34.9 ± 19.5 years; mean follow-up was 120.2 months. Negative resection margin (R0) was achieved in 85.5% (206/241). Unplanned revision was required in 25 patients (10.4%); overall limb salvage was 92.9%. Five-year RFS was 73.8% (distal femur) vs. 65.0% (proximal tibia; p = 0.084), and 5-year limb salvage was 88.9% vs. 84.3% (p = 0.081). Surgical margin was strongly associated with outcome: 5-year RFS 75.4% (R0) vs. 48.7% (R1/R2; p < 0.001); 5-year limb salvage 90.6% vs. 71.5% (p = 0.003). On exploratory multivariate Cox analysis, proximal tibia site and positive margin were associated with worse revision-free survival; within the proximal tibia subgroup, absence of gastrocnemius flap coverage was also associated with worse outcome (interpreted with caution given the small flap subgroup, n = 11, and limited event count). Conclusions: In this single-center series, megaprosthetic reconstruction around the knee achieved acceptable revision-free survival and limb salvage. Surgical margin status was the strongest independent predictor of both endpoints, reinforcing the well-established importance of oncologic margin quality and site-specific soft tissue strategies. Full article

Poor bone quality in osteoporotic patients remains a major challenge for achieving predictable osseointegration. This study serves as a mechanistic complement to previously reported structural data, aiming to investigate the molecular pathways underlying the synergy between nanostructured surfaces and autologous blood concentrates in compromised bone. Ninety-six Wistar rats were divided into healthy (SHAM) and osteoporotic (OVX) groups. Implants with nanostructured hydroxyapatite (NanoHA) or dual acid-etched (DAE) surfaces were installed in the tibiae, associated or not with leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF). Gene expression (RT-qPCR) for Runx2, Alpl, Bglap, Spp1, Tnfrsf11, and Tnfrsf11b was assessed at 7 and 30 days. In compromised systemic conditions (OVX), the NanoHA + L-PRF association promoted a robust “molecular rescue” of bone metabolism. At 30 days, this synergistic group exhibited a significant upregulation of Alpl (mean: 11.69 ± 1.65) and Runx2 (mean: 4.49 ± 0.82) compared to DAE controls (p < 0.05). Crucially, the therapy orchestrated a protective remodeling environment by significantly inducing Tnfrsf11b expression (5.50 ± 0.88), effectively balancing the Tnfrsf11/Tnfrsf11b ratio. Late-stage maturation markers (Bglap and Spp1) were also significantly elevated, effectively mimicking healthy physiological levels observed in the SHAM group. NanoHA biofunctionalization, synergistically with L-PRF, triggers a transcriptional reprogramming of the peri-implant microenvironment, mitigating the catabolic effects of estrogen deficiency. These findings provide a biological foundation for enhanced clinical predictability in high-risk patients, suggesting that local interfacial modifications can overcome systemic bone compromise. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary spirulina (Spirulina platensis) supplementation on the physiological status and bone quality of juvenile ring-necked pheasants. A total of 200 one-day-old chicks were randomly allocated to a control group fed a basal diet or to an experimental group fed a basal diet supplemented with 15 g of spirulina/kg feed and reared under identical conditions for 42 days. Growth performance, feed intake, the feed conversion ratio, selected carcass traits, meat and bone quality, and biochemical and hematological parameters were assessed. Pheasants receiving spirulina presented significantly greater body weights at four weeks of age. The experimental group also exhibited increased pH values in pectoral and thigh muscles and increased postmortem muscle temperature. Spirulina supplementation significantly improved tibia quality, as reflected by enhanced geometric, structural, and material bone properties. The birds fed spirulina presented increased plasma total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentrations, whereas those in the control group exhibited increased malondialdehyde levels, indicating increased oxidative stress. In addition, spirulina increased the proportion of lymphocytes and reduced both the proportion and absolute number of monocytes. In conclusion, spirulina supplementation increased tibia bone strength, reduced oxidative stress, and had immunomodulatory effects on juvenile pheasants. Full article

Background: The extent to which bone marrow aspiration technique affects the biological quality of bone marrow aspirate and its clinical relevance in knee osteoarthritis remains uncertain. This study compares the efficacy of the traditional aspiration method and the Snap Back technique at two anatomical harvest sites, the posterior iliac crest and the proximal tibia. Methods: This ancillary post hoc analysis was conducted within a randomized trial comparing posterior iliac crest and proximal tibia harvest sites in 60 patients with unicompartmental knee OA. Aspiration technique (traditional vs. Snap Back) was selected intraoperatively and not randomized. BMA samples were analyzed for MSCs, mononuclear cells (MNCs), platelet concentration, and marrow purity. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and six months using the Visual Analog Scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Results: The posterior iliac crest yielded significantly higher MSC and MNC concentrations compared to the tibia, with superior purity and PLT counts observed using the Snap Back technique. Within each anatomical site, Snap Back aspiration provided improved cellular recovery over the traditional method. However, differences in clinical outcomes between groups were modest and did not consistently reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Both harvest site and aspiration technique were associated with substantial differences in the cellular composition of BMA. The withdrawal from posterior iliac crest combined with the Snap Back technique optimizes MSC yield and marrow purity, though clinical improvements appear independent of cellular concentration in the short term. These findings suggest that standardized aspiration protocols may be relevant for the biological efficacy of orthobiologic therapies in knee OA. Full article

Stress fractures are a major force preservation risk in military organisations. Although incidence rates and risk factors have been widely examined, a synthesis of high-quality evidence has been lacking. This review aimed to synthesise findings from studies examining stress fracture incidence and risk factors in military populations. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework and reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Three databases were searched, and data on incidence, risk factors, and risk ratios were extracted. Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. Seventy studies were included. The incidence of stress fractures in military recruit/trainee populations was substantially higher than among qualified personnel (13.7–1713 vs. 2.7–56.9 per 1000 person-years). Fractures occurred most often in the tibia, fibula, and metatarsals. Higher-risk sub-populations included older and female personnel. Recruits/trainees faced additional risks, such as the following: consuming >10 alcoholic drinks per week; underweight BMI; beginning training without prior exercise of ≥3 sessions/week or ≥7 h/week in the previous year; low serum 25(OH)D levels; prior use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and the initial training stages with the greatest physical loading. Military personnel, particularly recruits, experience high stress fracture incidence, with physical workload and other risk factors contributing to elevated risk. Full article

Background: Pilon fractures are severe distal tibia injuries from high-energy trauma, often involving joint and soft tissue damage. Despite surgical advances, long-term outcomes remain poor. This study compared quality of life and functional limitations after surgical treatment of pilon versus tibial shaft fractures using validated PROMs. Methods: This case–control study was conducted at a Level I Trauma Center. Between 2016 and 2019, 84 patients with lower leg fractures were included: 38 pilon and 46 tibial shaft fractures. Inclusion criteria were AO type 42 or 43 fractures and follow-up of ≥24 months; exclusion criteria were polytrauma (ISS > 15), ASA ≥ 3, and incomplete consent. Outcomes were assessed with SF-12, EQ-5D-5L, and VAS-FA. Data were collected 36–48 months postoperatively. Analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, linear regression. Results: Patients with pilon fractures had significantly poorer physical quality of life than tibial shaft fractures (SF-12 physical: 39 vs. 42, p < 0.05). Mental quality of life showed no significant difference. EQ-5D-5L scores were lower in the pilon group (70% vs. 79%). VAS-FA indicated higher pain and reduced function (total: 64 vs. 76, p = 0.009). Rehabilitation duration correlated with improved VAS outcomes in pilon fractures (p = 0.008), while physiotherapy reduced pain in tibial shaft fractures (p = 0.030). Conclusions: Pilon fractures substantially impair physical quality of life and long-term function, while mental well-being remains unaffected. PROMs provide insights beyond radiological findings and should be integrated into follow-up. Further multicenter studies are required to validate these results and optimize rehabilitation strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Resection arthroplasty is well established in treating bone defects following tumor resection, with the distal femur and proximal tibia being its most common localizations. The aim of this study was to analyze the functional outcomes and quality of life following endoprosthetic reconstruction for malignant bone tumors of the knee joint. Methods: We retrospectively included all patients treated with an endoprosthetic reconstruction following resection of a malignant bone tumor of the knee at our institution. Functional outcomes (KOOS, OKS, MSTS, and KSS) and health-related quality of life scores [QoL] (SF-36, Karnofsky Index) were evaluated. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test was used for categorical variables, T-test and Whitney U-Mann tests for continuous variables. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier curves. Results: 32 patients were included. A total of 12 patients had died at the time of follow-up. Among the remaining 20 patients (m:w 17:3), mean follow-up was 8.1 years (range, 8.12 ± 6.8). Mean age at the time of tumor diagnosis was 50 ± 23.3 (10–83) years. According to age, patients were divided into two groups (group C1: <29 years, group C2: >29 years). Group C1 showed significantly better results regarding functional outcome (p < 0.05). The anatomic location of the replacement and a revision surgery did not influence the functional outcome (p > 0.05). QoL showed no significant differences in subgroup analysis (p > 0.05). Primary bone tumors had a significantly better survival (primary tumor: 216.90 months [168.42–265.83]; secondary tumor: 37.03 months [11.71–62.35] p = 0.01). Furthermore, pathologic fractures were associated with significantly worse survival (pathologic fracture: 50.24 months [0.00–102.43]; pathologic fracture 190.63 moths [139.28–241.45]; p = 0.007). Conclusions: Knee resection arthroplasty can offer meaningful long-term functional outcomes and acceptable quality of life in selected patients with musculoskeletal tumors. While the rarity and heterogeneity of such cases remain a challenge, our findings contribute to the growing evidence supporting this complex but limb-sparing surgical option. Full article

Background: Escherichia coli and Salmonella contamination in goose bath water releases endotoxins like lipopolysaccharide (LPS), compromising immunity and hindering goose farming. Objective: This study evaluated effects of dietary Bacillus subtilis and bacteriophage supplementation on water quality, carcass traits, and muscle growth in Magang geese. Method: A total of 288 geese were divided into four groups based on similarity in weight (n = 6 geese): A (basal diet); B (basal diet + bacteriophage: 5.0 × 10¹⁰ PFU/L at 1:1000 dilution); C (basal diet + Bacillus subtilis: 5.0 × 10⁹ CFU/kg); D (basal diet + bacteriophage + Bacillus subtilis). Results: Supplementation significantly increased wing length, tibia length, and live weight at 60 days. It reduced water and plasma endotoxin levels and suppressed viable counts of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and total bacteria in water across rearing stages. Supplementation up-regulated mRNA and protein expression of myogenic regulators (MYOD, MYOG, MYH1) and IGF-1, while down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), suggesting enhanced myofiber growth. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that Bacillus subtilis and bacteriophage supplementation improves goose growth performance and immune status by modulating key genes, reducing pathogens and endotoxins, offering an eco-friendly strategy to enhance productivity and potentially reduce antibiotic dependency. Full article

Osteoporosis is a common disease characterized by a reduction in bone mineral density (BMD), leading to an increased risk of pathological fractures and even mortality. Although menopause is a major risk factor, osteoporosis can also occur in premenopausal women. The aim of this study was to identify genetic variants associated with the development of osteoporosis in Korean premenopausal women. Subjects were recruited from the Anseong and Ansan cohorts of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). Clinical and epidemiological characteristics were assessed, and participants were classified based on BMD values measured at the distal radius and mid-shaft tibia. Individuals with confounding risk factors such as low body weight, smoking, high alcohol consumption, steroid/hormone therapy, or relevant medical history were excluded. A total of 247 healthy controls and 57 osteoporosis patients were included. Genotyping was performed using the Illumina Infinium HumanExome BeadChip and the Affymetrix Axiom Exome Array. Data were analyzed using the SNP and Variation Suite and PLINK, with quality control thresholds set at MAF ≥ 0.05 and HWE p ≥ 0.01. Functional annotation and protein structure predictions were performed using PolyPhen-2, SIFT, and PROVEAN. Genome-wide association analyses identified 113 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 69 genes significantly associated with osteoporosis (p < 0.05) in both platforms, with 18 SNPs showing high cross-platform consistency (p < 0.01). Several of these genes were implicated in bone metabolism (e.g., ESRRG, PECAM1, COL6A5), vitamin D metabolism (e.g., NADSYN1, EFTUD1), skeletal muscle function (e.g., PACSIN2, ESRRG), and reproductive processes (e.g., CPEB1, EFCAB6, ASXL3). Notably, the CPEB1 rs783540 SNP exhibited the strongest association (p < 0.001) in both analyses. Our findings suggest that genetic polymorphisms in pathways related to bone metabolism, vitamin D signaling, muscle–bone interaction, and reproductive hormone regulation may contribute to the development of osteoporosis in Korean premenopausal women. These results provide a genetic basis for early identification of at-risk individuals and warrant further functional studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Full article

This study investigated the effects of reducing organic trace minerals below commercial inclusion levels and compared them with both low-dose and commercial levels of inorganic trace minerals, focusing on growth performance, carcass traits, tibia characteristics, oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and malondialdehyde [MDA]), and immune response (serum IgG) in broilers. A total of 384 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: (1) commercial-level inorganic trace minerals (ILI; Zn 100 ppm; Cu 15 ppm; Fe 100 ppm; Mn 80 ppm; Se 0.2 ppm; I 3 ppm); (2) low-level organic trace minerals (LLO; Zn 30 ppm; Cu 4 ppm; Fe 11 ppm; Mn 30 ppm; Se 0.225 ppm; I 3 ppm), and (3) low-level inorganic trace minerals (LLI; Zn 30 ppm; Cu 4 ppm; Fe 11 ppm; Mn 30 ppm; Se 0.2 ppm; I 3 ppm). Each treatment consisted of eight replicates with 16 birds per replicate, and diets were provided in two phases: starter (days 1–21) and grower (days 22–35). The results showed that the LLO group demonstrated a significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the starter phase, 2.4% better than that of the ILI and LLI groups (p = 0.02). Additionally, filet and thigh muscle yields in the LLO group were higher by 11.9% (p = 0.03) and 13.9% (p = 0.02), respectively, compared to the ILI group. Other carcass traits, as well as pH and drip loss, were not significantly affected. However, tibia breaking strength at day 35 was 15.1% lower in the LLO group compared to the ILI group (p = 0.02). No significant differences were observed in oxidative stress markers or IgG levels among groups. This study demonstrated that reducing the inclusion level of inorganic trace minerals did not negatively affect broiler growth performance, whereas supplementation with low levels of organic trace minerals improved both growth performance and carcass quality. Full article

This review paper presents a comprehensive overview of DNA preservation in hard tissues (bones and teeth) for applications in forensic and archaeogenetic analyses. It presents bone structure, DNA location in bones and teeth, and extensive information about postmortem DNA location and preservation. Aged bones are a challenging biological material for DNA isolation due to their low DNA content, degraded DNA, and the potential presence of PCR inhibitors. In addition, the binding of DNA to the mineral matrix necessitates the inclusion of a demineralization process in extraction, and its contribution to the resulting increase in both DNA quality and quantity is explained. Guidelines and recommendations on bone sample selection to obtain higher DNA yields are discussed in terms of past, recent, and possible future recommendations. Interskeletal and intraskeletal differences in DNA yield are also explained. Recent studies have shown that current recommendations for the genetic identification of skeletal remains, including femurs, tibias, and teeth, may not be the most effective sampling approach. Moreover, when mass disasters and mass graves with commingled skeletal remains are considered, there is a greater possibility that the recommended set of skeletal elements will not be available for sampling and subsequent genetic testing. This review highlights interskeletal and intraskeletal variability in DNA yield, with a focus on studies conducted on poorly preserved skeletal remains, including both postwar (1945) victims from Slovenia and ancient human skeletons. Special emphasis is placed on anatomical differences and potential mechanisms influencing DNA preservation, as demonstrated in research on both modern and historical skeletons. Finally, the petrous part of the temporal bone and tooth cementum were reviewed in greater detail because they have been recognized as an optimal sampling type in both ancient DNA studies and routine forensic case analyses. Our experiences with the Second World War and archaeological petrous bones are discussed and compared to those of other bone types. Full article