The aim of this study was to explore the historical evolution of atherosclerosis, from early understanding of the function of the heart and blood vessels to the discovery of arterial occlusive disease. This narrative review draws on historical medical texts, archaeological findings, and recent literature. It synthesizes developments in cardiovascular understanding across ancient, classical, and modern eras, with attention to changing paradigms. Evidence of atherosclerosis has been observed in mummified remains from ancient civilizations, predating any formal understanding of the cardiovascular system. In classical antiquity, the heart and vessels were often assigned symbolic or spiritual meaning, gradually giving way to empirical inquiry and anatomical study. Eventually, atherosclerosis came to be recognized as a multifactorial disease with significant clinical consequences. The understanding of atherosclerosis has evolved through centuries of speculation, anatomical discovery, and technological innovation. These perspectives provide a non-exhaustive overview of historical concepts of the cardiovascular system and atherosclerosis in particular.

This work presents a methodological alternative to the traditional study of objects arranged inside funerary bundles, with the aim of preserving the integrity of the bundle and optimizing the material resources and costs derived from the storage and unwrapping processes. The research employs computerized tomographic scans to study the metal artifacts chosen to accompany the individuals arranged inside funerary bundles. It is the first systematic characterization of funerary treatment to focus on the presence of metal objects as part of burial offerings and their relationship with the body of the deceased individuals in the Andean area. Analyzing a total of 85 funerary bundles from the central coast of Peru, the study identified 26 bundles, dating to between AD 1100 and 1532, that contained at least one metal object. The objects were recorded to identify their use, decoration, measurements, location within the bundle, and the presence of any other objects associated with the individual, which made it possible to discern metal objects present in bundles corresponding to female, male, and nonadult individuals. The research concludes that the presence of metal artifacts in a funerary bundle is an indicator of elevated status, although the choice of specific artifacts is determined by elements of an individual's identity. Este trabajo presenta una alternativa metodol & oacute;gica al estudio tradicional de los objetos dispuestos al interior de los fardos funerarios, conservando la integridad del bulto mortuorio y optimizando los recursos materiales de almacenamiento y costo derivados del proceso del desenfardelamiento. En esta investigaci & oacute;n se emple & oacute; el escaneo tomogr & aacute;fico computarizado (CT-scan) para estudiar los metales que acompa & ntilde;an a los individuos dispuestos al interior del fardo funerario. Esta es una primera caracterizaci & oacute;n del tratamiento funerario tomando como referente la presencia de objetos de metal como parte del ajuar y su relaci & oacute;n con el cuerpo del difunto en el & aacute;rea andina. Se analizaron 85 fardos funerarios procedentes de la costa central del Per & uacute;; 26 de ellos conten & iacute;an al menos un objeto de metal. La cronolog & iacute;a de estos fardos corresponde al periodo entre 1100 y 1532 dC, y fueron registrados identificando su uso, decoraci & oacute;n, medidas, ubicaci & oacute;n dentro del fardo y en relaci & oacute;n con otros objetos asociados al individuo. De esta manera identificamos objetos de metal presentes en fardos de individuos femeninos, masculinos y no adultos. La investigaci & oacute;n concluye que la presencia de artefactos de metal en un fardo funerario es un indicador de estatus elevado, aunque la elecci & oacute;n de artefactos espec & iacute;ficos est & aacute; determinada por elementos de la identidad de cada individuo.

A paleoradiographic survey of funerary bundles (fardos) from a Late Intermediate Period (1000 A.D.–1472 A.D.) cemetery in Sector 3 of the site of Pachacamac, Peru, demonstrated that 15 out of 61 individuals had had their head removed when the body was in an advanced state of skeletonization/mummification. Detailed analysis of the field report, the fardos themselves, and X-rays and computed tomography scans of the fardos suggested that nine of these individuals were potential candidates for head removal in antiquity. Of those nine, six appeared to be clear examples of this practice. The analysis of multiple lines of evidence suggests that the use of this cemetery was complex, as part of a dynamic mortuary program that involved exposing the body for varying lengths of time and repeated excavations for new interments when earlier burials were encountered. We conclude that these heads were removed from funerary bundles when graves were being dug for subsequent burials and the specific identity of the bundled individual had been lost. When considered within the abundant archaeological record of decapitation in the Pre-Hispanic Andes, as well as ethnohistoric accounts, this pattern is consistent with reported retrieval of heads as material manifestations of ancestors. However, when placed within the broader context of contemporary sites from the Central and Southern Coast, it is clear that specific cultural motivations may have varied through space and time. L’étude paléoradiographique de paquets funéraires (fardos) provenant d’un cimetière de la période intermédi-aire tardive (1000 A.D.– 1472 A.D.) dans le secteur 3 du site de Pachacamac, Pérou, a démontré que 15 des 61 in-dividus avaient subi une ablation de la tête lorsque que le corps était dans un état avancé de squelettisation/momification. L’analyse détaillée du rapport de fouille, des fardos eux- mêmes, ainsi que les résultats des radiographies et des tomodensitogrammes des fardos suggèrent que neuf de ces individus figuraient comme des candidats potentiels à la décollation sur la période considérée. Sur ces neuf individus, six d’entre eux semblent être des exemples clairs de cette pratique. L’analyse de plusieurs sources de données suggère que l’utilisation de ce cimetière était complexe et s’inscrivait dans le cadre d’un système mortuaire dynamique qui impliquait l’expo-sition du corps pour des durées variées ainsi que l’exhumation d’anciennes tombes pour procéder à de nouveaux ensevelissements. Nous concluons que ces têtes ont été soustraites des paquets funéraires lors du creusement de nouvelles tombes lorsque l’identité spécifique de l’individu anciennement inhumé avait été perdue. Si l’on tient compte de l’abondante documentation archéologique sur la décapitation dans les Andes pré- Hispaniques, ainsi que les récits ethnohistoriques, ce schéma est cohérent avec la récupération des têtes en tant que manifestations matérielles des ancêtres. Cependant, en se plaçant dans le contexte plus large des sites contemporains de la côte centrale et méridionale, il n’est pas à écarter que les motivations culturelles spécifiques aient pu varier dans l’espace et dans le temps. Mots clés: Pérou; sépulture sans tête; archéologie mortuaire; préhispanique Un estudio paleoradiográfico de fardos funerarios del Período Intermedio Tardío (1000 d.C.–1472 d.C.) del cementerio en el Sector 3 del sitio de Pachacamac, Perú, demostró que 15 individuos de un total de 61 personas les habían extraído la cabeza cuando el cuerpo se encontraba en un estado avanzado de esqueletización/momificación. Análisis detallado del informe de campo, los fardos mismos, como también las radiografías y las tomografías computarizadas de los fardos sugirieron que nueve de estos individuos eran potenciales candidatos para la remoción de cabezas en la antigüedad. De esos nueve, seis parecen ser claros ejemplos de esta práctica. El análisis de múltiples líneas de evidencia sugiere que el uso de este cementerio fue complejo, como parte de un programa mortuorio dinámico que implicó la exposición del cuerpo durante períodos de tiempo variables y excavaciones repetidas para nuevas inhumaciones cuando se encontraron entierros anteriores. Concluimos que estas cabezas fueron retiradas de los fardos funerarios cuando se cavaban las tumbas para entierros posteriores y se había perdido la identidad específica del individuo envuelto. Cuando se considera dentro del abundante registro arqueológico de decapitaciones en los Andes Pre-hispanos, así como los relatos etnohistóricos, este patrón es consistente con la recuperación de cabezas reportada como manifestación material de los antepasados. Sin embargo, cuando se les sitúa dentro del contexto más amplio de los sitios contemporáneos de la costa central y sur, queda claro que las motivaciones culturales específicas pueden haber variado a través del espacio y el tiempo. Palabras claves: Perú; Pachacamac; entierro sin cabeza; arqueología mortuoria; Prehispánico

Glenoid implants used in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties typically incorporate peripheral pegs as a design feature to support eccentric loads. These peripheral pegs and the implant-cement-bone interface undergo substantial cyclic tensile-compressive loads during normal activity. Therefore, these pegs are of interest in translating the micromechanics of local implant fixation failure to the biomechanics of gross anatomic failure of the glenoid implant after total shoulder arthroplasty. This study used an in vitro peg-cement-bone construct which incorporated bone tissue acquired from osteoarthritic patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty. Strain distributions in the peripheral peg-cement-bone interfaces were analyzed under loading conditions emulating glenoid implant edge displacements. It was found that tensile strains in the interfaces were highest near the backside-peg junction and were greater in magnitude than compressive strains. Notably, strains near the peg's fixation channels were relatively low. These results suggest that cracks may initiate around the peg near the backside and travel downward to cause broader fixation failure.

A paleoradiographic survey of funerary bundles (fardos) from a Late Intermediate Period (1000 A.D.- 1472 A.D.) cemetery in Sector 3 of the site of Pachacamac, Peru, demonstrated that 15 out of 61 individuals had had their head removed when the body was in an advanced state of skeletonization/mummification. Detailed analysis of the field report, the fardos themselves, and X- rays and computed tomography scans of the fardos suggested that nine of these individuals were potential candidates for head removal in antiquity. Of those nine, six appeared to be clear examples of this practice. The analysis of multiple lines of evidence suggests that the use of this cemetery was complex, as part of a dynamic mortuary program that involved exposing the body for varying lengths of time and repeated excavations for new interments when earlier burials were encountered. We conclude that these heads were removed from funerary bundles when graves were being dug for subsequent burials and the specific identity of the bundled individual had been lost. When considered within the abundant archaeological record of decapitation in the Pre- Hispanic Andes, as well as ethnohistoric accounts, this pattern is consistent with reported retrieval of heads as material manifestations of ancestors. However, when placed within the broader context of contemporary sites from the Central and Southern Coast, it is clear that specific cultural motivations may have varied through space and time.

There is currently no FDA-approved disease-modifying therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is an established primary endpoint of disease-modifying therapies in DPN and clinical trials have been powered with an assumed decline of 0.5 m/s/year. This paper sought to establish the time-dependent change in NCV associated with a placebo, compared to that observed in the active intervention group. A literature search identified twenty-one double-blind, randomised controlled trials in DPN of ≥1 year duration conducted between 1971 and 2021. We evaluated changes in neurophysiology, with a focus on peroneal motor and sural sensory NCV and amplitude in the placebo and treatment groups. There was significant variability in the change and direction of change (reduction/increase) in NCV in the placebo arm, as well as variability influenced by the anatomical site of neurophysiological measurement within a given clinical trial. A critical re-evaluation of efficacy trials should consider placebo-adjusted effects and present the placebo-subtracted change in NCV rather than assume a universal annual decline of 0.5 m/s/year. Importantly, endpoints such as corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) have demonstrated early nerve repair, whilst symptoms and NCV have not changed, and should thus be considered as a viable alternative.

This essay describes the results of a new application of micro-computed X-ray tomography (µCT) to conduct nondestructive investigations of the binding structures of premodern books. This application addresses a twofold challenge in the study of historic bindings and their construction. Few premodern books survive in their original bindings. Moreover, until recently, when books were rebound, the original structures were rarely documented, and the remains were usually discarded. Where original bindings do remain in situ, much of their structure is, by design, hidden. Particulars of construction may be surmised; but without destructive disbinding, little can be proven. µCT enables an exploratory, multilinear approach to codicological investigations that makes bindings accessible in the form of tractable volumetric data.

Museum personnel and the general public have become quite familiar with the presence of shrunken heads in museum collections, but the procedures to authenticate the history and origin of these unique cultural items are not yet reliable. These shrunken heads, called tsantsas, are meant to be the cultural material remains of ceremonies conducted by the Shuar and Achuar Peoples of South America. This project seeks to integrate the use of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning with methods used in previous studies (clinical computed tomography (CT) and visual inspections) to examine authentication procedures of shrunken heads (tsantsas) held in contemporary museum collections. We use a correlative tomographic approach using several scans at successively higher resolutions to determine whether a tsantsa was created from human remains, and if so, what key features can best contribute to its authentication. Conclusively, our correlative tomographic approaches provide new insights into the determination process of whether a tsantsa was created from real human remains or not. Also, this study questions whether the previously conceptualized dichotomy of ceremonial or commercial might be better thought of as a continuum of practice. Investigating and redefining the examination and authentication procedures of tsantsas is crucial for future ethical curation, management, and repatriation efforts of this unique cultural material of the Shuar and Achuar Peoples.

Understanding live-cell behavior in part requires high precision mapping of molecular species in 3-D dynamic environments. Approaches like single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) offer high promise for challenges posed by molecular cartography. Effectively, the precision of these approaches is dependent on the how many photons / second a fluorescent marker is capable of emitting. For this reason, many SRLM experiments are typically done using fluorescent organic dyes (such as Alexa Fluors) in reducing chemical environments which cause some organic dyes to stochastically cycle through dark states, allowing single-molecule localization (e.g.

Digital volume correlation (DVC) performed on micro-computed tomography (CT) imagery provides a measurement technique which can measure full-field deformations of loaded osseous tissues. This experimental approach is of interest in the investigation of the failure mechanisms of glenoid implants in total shoulder arthroplasties, as it allows for direct experimental measurement of strains at the bone-cement-implant interface. It is therefore important to understand the methodological limitations of the bone strain measurements made and the inherent uncertainty present in this approach. Micro-CT scans of two cadaveric scapulae from donors who had been treated with shoulder arthroplasty while living were acquired with differing numbers of CT projections under loaded and unloaded conditions. DVC strain measurements were quantified from the unloaded and loaded volumetric images with five distinct sub-volume sizes. The mean absolute error and measurement sensitivity were quantified in the DVC strains as a function of projection count and sub-volume size, establishing relationships between measurement spatial resolution, image quality, and strain measurement error. Observations revealed that with careful selection of DVC spatial resolution and CT projection count, CT acquisition times can be halved with little impact on DVC strain accuracy. Using 3141 CT projection images as the basis of loaded DVC yielded a maximum mean relative error of 587 με, which increased to 689 με using 1570 CT projection imagery. Thus, with careful consideration of the imaging parameters used, DVC can be a useful preclinical evaluation tool to quantify the internal strain within bone-implant constructs.

Our indoor microbiome consists of a wide range of microbial taxa. Whilst many of these microbes are benign, some are beneficial, some harmful, yet our knowledge of the spatial heterogeneity of bacterial assemblages in our residential environment remains limited. To investigate the existence of a common core house dust bacterial microbiome we selected household vacuum dusts, collected through a citizen science approach, from homes across two bioclimatic regions (UK, Oceanic/Maritime and Greece, Mediterranean). Following the extraction of DNA from each dust sample, we targeted the bacterial 16S rRNA gene using Illumina NextSeq sequencing. PERMANOVA analysis of the microbial communities at family level grouped samples within their distinct bioclimatic region and SIMPER analysis at genus level identified the statistically significant taxa responsible for driving diversity between these groups. A “common to all” core house dust microbiome consisted of Acinetobacter , Massalia, Rubellimicrobium, Sphingomonas and Staphylococcus ; genera typically associated with human occupancy and common environmental sources. Additionally, a “unique location specific” microbiome was identified, reflective of the bioclimatic region. The Greek dusts indicated a lower average diversity than the UK house dusts, with a high abundance of Rhizobiaceae in the Greek samples. Our study highlights citizen science as a powerful approach to access the indoor residential environment, at scale, and establishes the existence of a “core” house dust microbiome independent of bioclimatic region.

New developments in x-ray technology have quickly been applied to the scientific study of mummies. A mummified cat was radiographed within a year of Roentgen’s discovery of x-rays and radiographs of the leg and foot of a human mummy followed within another year. X-ray computed tomography, in its initial incarnation of a head scanner was used to scan a mummy’s brain in 1977, and a mummy was put into a full body scanner shortly thereafter. Now mummies are being subject to micro-CT, synchrotron, MRI and other kinds of specialized imaging modalities. One of the most important aspects of radiological examinations of mummies is that they are non-destructive. In addition, they allow us to examine the biological characteristics (age, sex, health) of the individual and the cultural process of preparing them for eternity. This information sheds important light on cultures of the past. The radiological study of mummies is necessarily interdisciplinary, as it requires the expertise of the radiologist, the bioarchaeologist and the Egyptologist, to name only a few key team members. Unfortunately, the application of modern imaging modalities to the study of ancient mummies is generally characterized by a case study approach, with very little coordination or standardization. This paper will explore how the radiological study of mummies has evolved and where it needs to go.

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

The discussion of imaging skeletal remains has been separated from consideration of mummified material for several reasons. In order to minimize the transport costs of shipping equipment from the United States to England, the X-ray source and digital radiography (DR) images receptor system were rented from Xograph Healthcare Limited near London. The most challenging and complex skeletal imaging project involved a group of skeletal remains within coffins. A support was constructed that not only permitted vertical radiographs but also would enable horizontal beam images to be acquired. The DR system was selected over the Computed Radiography for the study, because the plate did not need to be move for processing and the mandible remained in position until the image was viewed. Manipulation of the equipment was necessary to obtain images of diagnostic quality. Multiple attempts were made using various settings on the equipment.

Dental clinicians have developed a standard set of radiographic projections to best visualize particular teeth and dental lesions. The standard size of the bitewing film/sensor is 31 * 41 mm and the film/sensor is placed directly against the lingual surface of the teeth and the X-ray beam is projected slightly upward and through the contact points to minimize overlap. Dental cone beam CT resolution ranges between 90 µm and 400 µm. The radiographic imaging array depicts a dental apparatus that is severely diseased. Bitewing radiographs are used in dental practice to depict the crowns and the alveolar bone of the molars and bicuspids. In the maxilla, periapical radiolucencies due to chronic inflammation from necrotic dental pulps and root canals are seen in a remarkable 8 teeth. The etiology of the periapical infections was likely due to the exposure of pulp horns as the dental wear advanced at a higher rate than secondary dentine could be deposited.

This study examines the hypothesis that bromine in human skeletal tissue serves as an indicator of marine diet. Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy of samples from archaeological sites on the Peruvian North Coast showed relative enrichment of bromine in the cementum and osteons. X-ray absorption spectroscopy determined organobromine to be present, suggesting an exclusive association with the organic component. We used skeletal tissue from marine mammals as a proxy for the marine diet. Bromine, when observed in these specimens, was recorded close to the detection limits; therefore, bromine in archaeological skeletal material does not appear to be an indicator of marine diet.