birgit grosskopf | Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (original) (raw)

Papers by birgit grosskopf

Research paper thumbnail of Alte Sammlungsobjekte - neue Erkenntnisse

Research paper thumbnail of Berichte - 14. Kongreß der European Anthropological Association (EAA) in Komotini (Griechenland) vom 1.-5. September 2004

Anthropologischer Anzeiger, Mar 11, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Investigating the Microchannel Architectures Inside the Subchondral Bone in Relation to Estimated Hip Reaction Forces on the Human Femoral Head

Calcified Tissue International, May 22, 2021

The interplay between articular cartilage (AC) and subchondral bone (SB) plays a pivotal role in ... more The interplay between articular cartilage (AC) and subchondral bone (SB) plays a pivotal role in cartilage homeostasis and functionality. As direct connective pathways between the two are poorly understood, we examined the location-dependent characteristics of the 3D microchannel network within the SB that connects the basal cartilage layer to the bone marrow (i.e. cartilage-bone marrow microchannel connectors; CMMC). 43 measuring points were defined on five human cadaveric femoral heads with no signs of osteoarthritis (OA) (age ≤ 60), and cartilage-bone cylinders with diameters of 2.00 mm were extracted for high-resolution scanning (n = 215). The micro-CT data were categorized into three groups (load-bearing region: LBR, n = 60; non-load-bearing region: NLBR, n = 60; and the peripheral rim: PR, n = 95) based on a gait analysis estimation of the joint reaction force (young, healthy cohort with no signs of OA). At the AC-SB interface, the number of CMMC in the LBR was 1.8 times and 2.2 times higher compared to the NLBR, and the PR, respectively. On the other hand, the median Feret size of the CMMC were smallest in the LBR (55.2 µm) and increased in the NLBR (73.5 µm; p = 0.043) and the PR (89.1 µm; p = 0.043). AC thickness was positively associated with SB thickness (Pearson's r = 0.48; p < 1e-13), CMMC number. (r = 0.46; p < 1e-11), and circularity index (r = 0.61; p < 1e-38). In conclusion, our data suggest that regional differences in the microchannel architecture of SB might reflect regional differences in loading. Keywords Bone microarchitecture • Cartilage-bone marrow microchannel connectors • Human femoral head • Subchondral bone • Gait analysis • Bone micro-CT

Research paper thumbnail of Sterben jenseits des Schlachtfeldes – ein Massengrab napoleonischer Soldaten

Brill | Schöningh eBooks, Jun 4, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of nickel on femoral bone development and morphological structure in rats after an intraperitoneal administration

Research paper thumbnail of Structural Changes in Femoral Bone Tissue of Rats after Intraperitoneal Administration of Nickel

Background: The role of selenium (Se) on bone microarchitecture is still poorly understood. The p... more Background: The role of selenium (Se) on bone microarchitecture is still poorly understood. The present study aims to investigate the macroscopic and microscopic structures of femoral bone tissue in adult male rats after subchronic peroral administration of Se. Methods: Twenty one-month-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups. In the first group (Se group) young males were exposed to 5 mg Na 2 SeO 3 /L in drinking water, for 90 days. Ten one-month-old males without Se administration served as a control group. At the end of the experiment, macroscopic and microscopic structures of the femurs were analysed using analytical scales, sliding instrument, and polarized light microscopy. Results: The body weight, femoral length and cortical bone thickness were significantly decreased in Se group rats. These rats also displayed different microstructure in the middle part of the femur, both in medial and lateral views, where vascular canals expanded into the central area of the bone while, in control rats, these canals occurred only near the endosteal surfaces. Additionally, a smaller number of primary and secondary osteons was identified in Se group rats. Histomorphometric analyses revealed significant increases for area, perimeter, maximum and minimum diameters of primary osteons' vascular canals but significant reductions for all measured variables of Haversian canals and secondary osteons. Conclusions: Se negatively affected the macroscopic and microscopic structures of femoral bone tissue in adult male rats. The results contribute to the knowledge on damaging impact of Se on bone.

Research paper thumbnail of Cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin influences functions of human osteoblasts <i>in vitro</i>

Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part B-pesticides Food Contaminants and Agricultural Wastes, Jan 27, 2021

Abstract Amygdalin has been promoted as an alternative cancer cure. However, it is still unclear ... more Abstract Amygdalin has been promoted as an alternative cancer cure. However, it is still unclear how this cyanogenic glycoside affects non-cancer cells including bone cells. This study first investigated the impact of amygdalin on viability, morphology and expression of important genes in human osteoblasts in vitro. Primary human osteoblast cultures were exposed to amygdalin at concentrations 0; 0.1; 1 and 10 mg/mL in growth medium for 72 h. Cell viability, osteoblasts morphology and expression of 10 genes associated with osteoblast-specific pathways, oxidative stress and cell death were determined. Osteoblasts viability was significantly decreased (–27.26%) and their size was reduced (–23.20%) at the highest concentration of amygdalin (10 mg/mL). This concentration of amygdalin down-regulated the expression of COL1A1 and ALPL genes, whereas the expression of BGLAP, TNFSF11 and WNT5A genes was increased. The osteoblast cultivation with 0.1 mg/mL amygdalin caused down-regulation of COL1A1 gene. No changes in expression were determined for RUNX2, BAX, CASP1, SOD1 and GPX1 genes among all tested concentrations of amygdalin. In conclusion, amygdalin in a high concentration negatively affected mineralization of extracellular matrix, increased bone resorption and decreased osteoblast viability. These changes were accompanied by modified expression profiles of responsible genes.

Research paper thumbnail of Differences in Femoral Compact Bone Tissue Microscopic Structure between Adult Cows (Bos taurus) and Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica)

Anatomia Histologia Embryologia, Jun 1, 2006

SummaryThe purpose of this investigation was to study in detail compact bone tissue microscopic s... more SummaryThe purpose of this investigation was to study in detail compact bone tissue microscopic structure of adult cows and pigs with an emphasis to find an adequate key for the species identification. Altogether 18 femurs were analysed. Each of the bones was sectioned at the smallest breadth of their diaphysis. Specimens were prepared using standard histological equipment, producing thin sections approximately 80–100 μm thick. The qualitative differences between investigated species were examined in anterior, posterior, medial and lateral views of thin sections. The quantitative ones were counted using the specific computer software Scion Image. We measured the area, perimeter, minimal and maximal diameter of the Haversian canals, the Haversian systems and the vascular canals of primary osteons. After that a discriminant function analysis was used for the species identification. According to our results the basic structural pattern of femur diaphysis was primary vascular plexiform in both species. However, non‐vascular bone tissue was identified in cows and resorption lacunae were found between the secondary osteons in pigs. The measured variables of the Haversian canals, the Haversian systems and the primary osteon's vascular canals were higher in most cases in cows. Classification functions for investigated species give a correct classification of 64.69% of cases. This percentage value can be increased by integrating conclusions from the qualitative analysis.

Research paper thumbnail of The impact of cadmium exposure on cell parameters, expression of specific genes and mineralization in cultivated human osteoblasts

DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Apr 1, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Subacute exposure to amygdalin influences compact bone remodeling of rabbits

Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society, 2019

Amygdalin is most commonly occurring cyanogenic glycoside. It is found in seeds of many plant spe... more Amygdalin is most commonly occurring cyanogenic glycoside. It is found in seeds of many plant species. Our study was aimed to reveal whether pure intramuscularly injected amygdalin or apricot seeds peroral exposure cause changes in bone microstructure of rabbits. Twenty clinically healthy 5 months-old male rabbits were segregated into five groups. Animals from groups A1 and A2 were intramuscularly injected with amygdalin at doses of 0.6 and 3 mg/kg b.w. daily for 28 days. The groups S1 and S2 received commercial feed for rabbits mixed with crushed bitter apricot seeds at doses of 60 and 300 mg/kg b.w. during 28 days. The control (C) group did not receive any amygdalin. Intramuscular and peroral amygdalin administration did not affect total body weight, femoral length and femoral weight of rabbits. Similarly, microcomputed tomography (3D analysis) has shown that amygdalin had insignificant effect on relative bone volume, bone mineral density, cortical bone thickness, bone surface, tr...

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluating Morphological Methods for Sex Estimation on Isolated Human Skeletal Materials: Comparisons of Accuracies between German and South African Skeletal Collections

Forensic Sciences

Objectives: The focus of this research is to evaluate the sex estimation methods on isolated huma... more Objectives: The focus of this research is to evaluate the sex estimation methods on isolated human materials by applying morphological methods published in various forensic and anthropological literature on different skeletal series. Materials and Methods: 165 individuals from the 19th to 20th century Inden skeletal series, 252 individuals from the 13th to 14th century Lübeck skeletal series of German ancestry housed at the Department of Historical Anthropology and Human Ecology, the University of Göttingen, Germany, and 161 individuals from the 19th and 20th century of South African African ancestry housed within the Raymond A. Dart collection of modern human skeletons at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, with crania, mandibles, and pelves, were assessed. The evaluation criteria are burial information on the Inden series, genetic sex on both the Inden and the Lübeck series, and previous demography on cadavers from the South African African series. Results and Discussio...

Research paper thumbnail of Mensch – Korper – Tod Das Itinerarium des menschlichen Korpers Gramsch Grosskopf

Das „Itinerarium des menschlichen Körpers“ bezeichnet sowohl ein kürzlich gestartetes Forschungsp... more Das „Itinerarium des menschlichen Körpers“ bezeichnet sowohl ein kürzlich gestartetes Forschungsprojekt als auch das in diesem Projekt angewandte Konzept, mit dem körperliche Biographien menschlicher Individuen erfasst und interpretiert werden sollen. Das Projekt basiert auf der interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit zwischen Archäologie und biologischer Anthropologie. In diesem Beitrag versuchen wir, ausgehend von einer Diskussion der Gräberarchäologie, der Archäothanatologie und der Thanatoarchäologie, Ideen für eine „Körperarchäologie“ zu entwickeln. Eine Reihe von körperverändernden Praktiken, insbesondere vor und nach dem Tod, wird anhand von publizierten archäologischen Beispielen vorgestellt und die damit zusammenhängende Transformation von individuellen Identitäten und sozialen Beziehungen diskutiert. Es wird argumentiert, dass der Körper der Ort individueller körperlicher Biographien und zugleich eine relationale Einheit ist, die soziale Beziehungen ausdrückt, aufrechterhält und transformiert. Ausgehend von der erneuten Untersuchung menschlicher Knochen aus der neolithischen Fundstelle von Herxheim (Lkr. Südliche Weinstraße) werden Methoden wie die digitale Dokumentation und Auswertung peri- bzw. postmortaler körperbezogener Spuren erörtert, um Praktiken und Handlungen zu untersuchen und zu interpretieren, die das Potenzial haben, die Biographie des Körpers und seine Position in sozialen Netzwerken zu verändern.

Research paper thumbnail of Mensch – Korper – Tod Das Itinerarium des menschlichen Korpers Gramsch Grosskopf

Das "Itinerarium des menschlichen Körpers" bezeichnet sowohl ein kürzlich gestartetes Forschungsp... more Das "Itinerarium des menschlichen Körpers" bezeichnet sowohl ein kürzlich gestartetes Forschungsprojekt als auch das in diesem Projekt angewandte Konzept, mit dem körperliche Biographien menschlicher Individuen erfasst und interpretiert werden sollen. Das Projekt basiert auf der interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit zwischen Archäologie und biologischer Anthropologie. In diesem Beitrag versuchen wir, ausgehend von einer Diskussion der Gräberarchäologie, der Archäothanatologie und der Thanatoarchäologie, Ideen für eine "Körperarchäologie" zu entwickeln. Eine Reihe von körperverändernden Praktiken, insbesondere vor und nach dem Tod, wird anhand von publizierten archäologischen Beispielen vorgestellt und die damit zusammenhängende Transformation von individuellen Identitäten und sozialen Beziehungen diskutiert. Es wird argumentiert, dass der Körper der Ort individueller körperlicher Biographien und zugleich eine relationale Einheit ist, die soziale Beziehungen ausdrückt, aufrechterhält und transformiert. Ausgehend von der erneuten Untersuchung menschlicher Knochen aus der neolithischen Fundstelle von Herxheim (Lkr. Südliche Weinstraße) werden Methoden wie die digitale Dokumentation und Auswertung peri-bzw. postmortaler körperbezogener Spuren erörtert, um Praktiken und Handlungen zu untersuchen und zu interpretieren, die das Potenzial haben, die Biographie des Körpers und seine Position in sozialen Netzwerken zu verändern.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparative Study of Compact Bone Tissue Microstructure between Non-transgenic and Transgenic Rabbits with WAP-hFVIII Gene Construct

Anatomia Histologia Embryologia, Oct 1, 2006

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in compact bone tissue microstructure betwee... more The aim of this study was to investigate differences in compact bone tissue microstructure between New Zealand White transgenic rabbits with human blood clotting factor VIII gene and the non-transgenic ones. The transgene was under the transcriptional control of the whey acidic protein (WAP) promoter. Altogether, 42 femora were analysed. Specimens were prepared using standard histological equipment, producing thin sections approximately 80-100 microm. Areas, perimeters, minimum and maximum diameters of vascular canals of primary osteons, Haversian canals and secondary osteons were measured. Our results indicate the basic structural pattern of the bone tissue was primary vascular longitudinal in both groups of rabbits. However, a fibrolamellar bone tissue was identified only in the transgenic rabbits. The measured variables of the vascular canals of the primary osteons, the Haversian canals and the secondary osteons were higher in transgenic rabbits in comparison with non-transgenic ones in most cases and the differences were often statistically significant (P &lt; 0.01; P &lt; 0.001). More significant differences were noticed in males (transgenic versus non-transgenic). However, it is not easy to find the real cause of the changes. Despite the fact that no hFVIII mRNA expression was found in the analysed bone of transgenic rabbits, we presume that the observed differences could be associated with transgenesis. In this article, we discuss possible associations between transgene integration as well as aneuploidy and/or observed microstructural changes in compact bone tissue.

Research paper thumbnail of Histological Analysis of Compact Bone Tissue in Adult Laboratory Rats

the aim of our work was to describe in details compact bone tissue microstructure in adult labora... more the aim of our work was to describe in details compact bone tissue microstructure in adult laboratory rats. five clinically healthy 4 month-old rats (males) were included in the study. the animals were euthanized and the right femur bone was sampled for analyses. 70-80 μm thick bone sections of the femoral diaphysis were prepared using standard histological equipment. Qualitative histological characteristics were determined according to internationally accepted classification systems, whilst quantitative parameters were assessed using the Motic Images plus 2.0 Ml software. Areas, perimeters, minimum and maximum diameters of primary plus 2.0 Ml software. Areas, perimeters, minimum and maximum diameters of primary software. Areas, perimeters, minimum and maximum diameters of primary osteon' vascular canals, Haversian canals and secondary osteons were measured. Additionally, an orientation of collagen fibers has also been analyzed using polarized-light microscopy. According to our results, 4 month-old laboratory rats dispose with nonvascular and/or primary vascular radial and/or irregular Haversian bone tissues. Vascular canals of primary osteons and Haversian canals are very short. The collagen fibres run exactly parallel to the axis of the bone and/or run only slightly oblique and/or run, in polarized light, parallel to the direction of the additive position and/or run at right angles to the direction of the position.

Research paper thumbnail of Spurenlesen

Der Charakter der Sammlungs- und Objektforschung lässt sich unter anderem mit dem Begriff "S... more Der Charakter der Sammlungs- und Objektforschung lässt sich unter anderem mit dem Begriff "Spurenlesen" fassen. "Spur", der erste Bestandteil des Wortes, verankert die Sammlungs- und Objektforschung fest im materiellen Bereich. Ohne materiellen Träger keine Spur. Doch wird die Spur erst durch den Akt des 'Lesens' zur Spur. Die interessegeleitete Interpretation macht aus dem Geschmack ein Differenzierungsmerkmal zur Unterscheidung von essbar und giftig, aus einer Blattform ein Identifizierungsmerkmal einer Pflanze, aus einer Instrumentenanzeige einen wissenschaftlichen Messwert. Spurenlesen ist so verstanden nicht nur archaisches Überbleibsel, Orientierungs- und Überlebenstechnik aus einer vorwissenschaftlichen Zeit, sondern gleichermaßen Grundlage wissenschaftlicher Tätigkeit. Dieser Band vereint 15 Beiträge von Nachwuchswissenschaftlerinnen und Nachwuchswissenschaftlern aus den Bereichen Anthropologie, Archäologie, Religions- und Medienwissenschaft, der ...

Research paper thumbnail of Far away from the battlefield - Mass graves excavated under different circumstances

TL Sutherland, D Shiels, G Hughes & SH Sutherland (Eds) Conference Proceedings: Fields of Conflict, 2016; Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, 2019

The obligation of documenting anthropological and archaeological finds in Germany is regulated re... more The obligation of documenting anthropological and archaeological finds in Germany is regulated regionally by state specific law. In Bavaria a certified anthropologist must be present on site when skeletal remains are discovered, however, in other states the decision of what to do with skeletal finds is not as well defined. As a result, skeletons are frequently subject to improper exhumation in order to prevent delays in construction, or they are reburied without any scientific examinations having been conducted simply to save money.
In 2008 in northern Hesse, for example, the bones of over 100 individual napoleonic burials from 1813 were collected by hand and put in body bags by police cadets and emptied as a whole into six coffins and reburied. Following an exhumation in 2012, an attempt was made to reunite the jumbled bones as individual skeletons. In only a few cases was the arduous task rewarded with a successful MATCH. This was extremely unfortunate, especially with regard to pathologies, in particular the high frequency of periosteal changes observed on the long bones. Nonetheless some very interesting results were obtained. The regional provenance of the individuals was determined using the Y-haplotype. Furthermore, molecular biological analyses were able to identify pathogens for typhus and similar agents in the bones. Alternatively it can be shown that when numerous skeletons belonging to Napoleonic soldiers were discovered during construction work near Frankfurt in 2015 archaeologists carried out a thorough excavation. Anthropological examinations will be conducted later in Göttingen. The Quality of scientific information will be compared after finishing the anthropological work.

Research paper thumbnail of Deficit of skeletal remains belonging to infants and young children – but not at every cemetery!

Anthropologischer Anzeiger, Apr 4, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Changes of the subchondral bone microchannel network in early osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

Osteoarthritis Cartilage-bone marrow microchannel connectors Human femoral head Subchondral bone ... more Osteoarthritis Cartilage-bone marrow microchannel connectors Human femoral head Subchondral bone Bone micro-CT s u m m a r y Objective: We have identified a 3D network of subchondral microchannels that connects the deep zone of cartilage to the bone marrow (i.e., cartilage-bone marrow microchannel connectors; CMMC). However, the pathological significance of CMMC is largely unknown. Here, we quantitatively evaluated how the CMMC microarchitecture is related to cartilage condition, as well as regional differences in early idiopathic osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Two groups of cadaveric female human femoral heads (intact cartilage vs early cartilage lesions) were identified, and a biopsy-based high-resolution micro-CT imaging was employed. Subchondral bone (SB) thickness, CMMC number, maximum and minimum CMMC size, and the CMMC morphology were quantified and compared between the two groups. The effect of joint's region and cartilage condition was examined on each dependent variable. Results: The CMMC number and morphology were affected by region of the joint, but not by cartilage condition. On the other hand, the minimum and maximum CMMC size was changed by both the location on the joint, as well as the cartilage condition. The smallest CMMC were consistently detected at the load-bearing region (LBR) of the joint. Compared to non-pathological subjects, the size of the microchannels was enlarged in early OA, most noticeably at the non-load-bearing region (NLBR) and the peripheral rim (PR) of the femoral head. Furthermore, subchondral bone thinning was observed in early OA as a localized occurrence linked with areas of partial chondral defect. Conclusion: Our data point to an enlargement of the SB microchannel network, and a collective structural deterioration of SB in early idiopathic OA.

Research paper thumbnail of AnthroWorks3D: Digitalisierung von Skelettfundstücken und die virtuell osteologische Untersuchung

In der Anthropologie werden körperliche Überreste von Menschen historischer und rezenter Zeiträum... more In der Anthropologie werden körperliche Überreste von Menschen historischer und rezenter Zeiträume mit dem Ziel der Aufdeckung ihrer Lebensumstände untersucht. Das Projekt AnthroWorks3D der Hochschule Mittweida verbindet Methoden der Videospielentwicklung und Osteologie, um das Knochenmaterial schonend und hoch-auflösend durch eine 3D-Scanpipeline zu digitalisieren und virtuell, ortsunabhängig und parallel zu vermessen mit dem Ziel, den Verschleiß am Knochenmaterial zu minimieren und die Fundstücke möglichst vielen Forschen-den zugänglich zu machen. Die virtuelle Vermessung wurde in einem ersten Test in Zusammenarbeit der Abtei-lung für historische Anthropologie und Humanökologie des Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Instituts für Zoologie und Anthropologie der Universität Göttingen evaluiert. Dabei schätzen über die Hälfte der befragten Anthropo-logen den Prototypen als Alternative zur physischen Untersuchung ein, besonders in Anwendungsfeldern, in denen das Knochenmaterial nur schwer zu...

Research paper thumbnail of Alte Sammlungsobjekte - neue Erkenntnisse

Research paper thumbnail of Berichte - 14. Kongreß der European Anthropological Association (EAA) in Komotini (Griechenland) vom 1.-5. September 2004

Anthropologischer Anzeiger, Mar 11, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Investigating the Microchannel Architectures Inside the Subchondral Bone in Relation to Estimated Hip Reaction Forces on the Human Femoral Head

Calcified Tissue International, May 22, 2021

The interplay between articular cartilage (AC) and subchondral bone (SB) plays a pivotal role in ... more The interplay between articular cartilage (AC) and subchondral bone (SB) plays a pivotal role in cartilage homeostasis and functionality. As direct connective pathways between the two are poorly understood, we examined the location-dependent characteristics of the 3D microchannel network within the SB that connects the basal cartilage layer to the bone marrow (i.e. cartilage-bone marrow microchannel connectors; CMMC). 43 measuring points were defined on five human cadaveric femoral heads with no signs of osteoarthritis (OA) (age ≤ 60), and cartilage-bone cylinders with diameters of 2.00 mm were extracted for high-resolution scanning (n = 215). The micro-CT data were categorized into three groups (load-bearing region: LBR, n = 60; non-load-bearing region: NLBR, n = 60; and the peripheral rim: PR, n = 95) based on a gait analysis estimation of the joint reaction force (young, healthy cohort with no signs of OA). At the AC-SB interface, the number of CMMC in the LBR was 1.8 times and 2.2 times higher compared to the NLBR, and the PR, respectively. On the other hand, the median Feret size of the CMMC were smallest in the LBR (55.2 µm) and increased in the NLBR (73.5 µm; p = 0.043) and the PR (89.1 µm; p = 0.043). AC thickness was positively associated with SB thickness (Pearson's r = 0.48; p < 1e-13), CMMC number. (r = 0.46; p < 1e-11), and circularity index (r = 0.61; p < 1e-38). In conclusion, our data suggest that regional differences in the microchannel architecture of SB might reflect regional differences in loading. Keywords Bone microarchitecture • Cartilage-bone marrow microchannel connectors • Human femoral head • Subchondral bone • Gait analysis • Bone micro-CT

Research paper thumbnail of Sterben jenseits des Schlachtfeldes – ein Massengrab napoleonischer Soldaten

Brill | Schöningh eBooks, Jun 4, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of nickel on femoral bone development and morphological structure in rats after an intraperitoneal administration

Research paper thumbnail of Structural Changes in Femoral Bone Tissue of Rats after Intraperitoneal Administration of Nickel

Background: The role of selenium (Se) on bone microarchitecture is still poorly understood. The p... more Background: The role of selenium (Se) on bone microarchitecture is still poorly understood. The present study aims to investigate the macroscopic and microscopic structures of femoral bone tissue in adult male rats after subchronic peroral administration of Se. Methods: Twenty one-month-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups. In the first group (Se group) young males were exposed to 5 mg Na 2 SeO 3 /L in drinking water, for 90 days. Ten one-month-old males without Se administration served as a control group. At the end of the experiment, macroscopic and microscopic structures of the femurs were analysed using analytical scales, sliding instrument, and polarized light microscopy. Results: The body weight, femoral length and cortical bone thickness were significantly decreased in Se group rats. These rats also displayed different microstructure in the middle part of the femur, both in medial and lateral views, where vascular canals expanded into the central area of the bone while, in control rats, these canals occurred only near the endosteal surfaces. Additionally, a smaller number of primary and secondary osteons was identified in Se group rats. Histomorphometric analyses revealed significant increases for area, perimeter, maximum and minimum diameters of primary osteons' vascular canals but significant reductions for all measured variables of Haversian canals and secondary osteons. Conclusions: Se negatively affected the macroscopic and microscopic structures of femoral bone tissue in adult male rats. The results contribute to the knowledge on damaging impact of Se on bone.

Research paper thumbnail of Cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin influences functions of human osteoblasts <i>in vitro</i>

Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part B-pesticides Food Contaminants and Agricultural Wastes, Jan 27, 2021

Abstract Amygdalin has been promoted as an alternative cancer cure. However, it is still unclear ... more Abstract Amygdalin has been promoted as an alternative cancer cure. However, it is still unclear how this cyanogenic glycoside affects non-cancer cells including bone cells. This study first investigated the impact of amygdalin on viability, morphology and expression of important genes in human osteoblasts in vitro. Primary human osteoblast cultures were exposed to amygdalin at concentrations 0; 0.1; 1 and 10 mg/mL in growth medium for 72 h. Cell viability, osteoblasts morphology and expression of 10 genes associated with osteoblast-specific pathways, oxidative stress and cell death were determined. Osteoblasts viability was significantly decreased (–27.26%) and their size was reduced (–23.20%) at the highest concentration of amygdalin (10 mg/mL). This concentration of amygdalin down-regulated the expression of COL1A1 and ALPL genes, whereas the expression of BGLAP, TNFSF11 and WNT5A genes was increased. The osteoblast cultivation with 0.1 mg/mL amygdalin caused down-regulation of COL1A1 gene. No changes in expression were determined for RUNX2, BAX, CASP1, SOD1 and GPX1 genes among all tested concentrations of amygdalin. In conclusion, amygdalin in a high concentration negatively affected mineralization of extracellular matrix, increased bone resorption and decreased osteoblast viability. These changes were accompanied by modified expression profiles of responsible genes.

Research paper thumbnail of Differences in Femoral Compact Bone Tissue Microscopic Structure between Adult Cows (Bos taurus) and Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica)

Anatomia Histologia Embryologia, Jun 1, 2006

SummaryThe purpose of this investigation was to study in detail compact bone tissue microscopic s... more SummaryThe purpose of this investigation was to study in detail compact bone tissue microscopic structure of adult cows and pigs with an emphasis to find an adequate key for the species identification. Altogether 18 femurs were analysed. Each of the bones was sectioned at the smallest breadth of their diaphysis. Specimens were prepared using standard histological equipment, producing thin sections approximately 80–100 μm thick. The qualitative differences between investigated species were examined in anterior, posterior, medial and lateral views of thin sections. The quantitative ones were counted using the specific computer software Scion Image. We measured the area, perimeter, minimal and maximal diameter of the Haversian canals, the Haversian systems and the vascular canals of primary osteons. After that a discriminant function analysis was used for the species identification. According to our results the basic structural pattern of femur diaphysis was primary vascular plexiform in both species. However, non‐vascular bone tissue was identified in cows and resorption lacunae were found between the secondary osteons in pigs. The measured variables of the Haversian canals, the Haversian systems and the primary osteon's vascular canals were higher in most cases in cows. Classification functions for investigated species give a correct classification of 64.69% of cases. This percentage value can be increased by integrating conclusions from the qualitative analysis.

Research paper thumbnail of The impact of cadmium exposure on cell parameters, expression of specific genes and mineralization in cultivated human osteoblasts

DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Apr 1, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Subacute exposure to amygdalin influences compact bone remodeling of rabbits

Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society, 2019

Amygdalin is most commonly occurring cyanogenic glycoside. It is found in seeds of many plant spe... more Amygdalin is most commonly occurring cyanogenic glycoside. It is found in seeds of many plant species. Our study was aimed to reveal whether pure intramuscularly injected amygdalin or apricot seeds peroral exposure cause changes in bone microstructure of rabbits. Twenty clinically healthy 5 months-old male rabbits were segregated into five groups. Animals from groups A1 and A2 were intramuscularly injected with amygdalin at doses of 0.6 and 3 mg/kg b.w. daily for 28 days. The groups S1 and S2 received commercial feed for rabbits mixed with crushed bitter apricot seeds at doses of 60 and 300 mg/kg b.w. during 28 days. The control (C) group did not receive any amygdalin. Intramuscular and peroral amygdalin administration did not affect total body weight, femoral length and femoral weight of rabbits. Similarly, microcomputed tomography (3D analysis) has shown that amygdalin had insignificant effect on relative bone volume, bone mineral density, cortical bone thickness, bone surface, tr...

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluating Morphological Methods for Sex Estimation on Isolated Human Skeletal Materials: Comparisons of Accuracies between German and South African Skeletal Collections

Forensic Sciences

Objectives: The focus of this research is to evaluate the sex estimation methods on isolated huma... more Objectives: The focus of this research is to evaluate the sex estimation methods on isolated human materials by applying morphological methods published in various forensic and anthropological literature on different skeletal series. Materials and Methods: 165 individuals from the 19th to 20th century Inden skeletal series, 252 individuals from the 13th to 14th century Lübeck skeletal series of German ancestry housed at the Department of Historical Anthropology and Human Ecology, the University of Göttingen, Germany, and 161 individuals from the 19th and 20th century of South African African ancestry housed within the Raymond A. Dart collection of modern human skeletons at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, with crania, mandibles, and pelves, were assessed. The evaluation criteria are burial information on the Inden series, genetic sex on both the Inden and the Lübeck series, and previous demography on cadavers from the South African African series. Results and Discussio...

Research paper thumbnail of Mensch – Korper – Tod Das Itinerarium des menschlichen Korpers Gramsch Grosskopf

Das „Itinerarium des menschlichen Körpers“ bezeichnet sowohl ein kürzlich gestartetes Forschungsp... more Das „Itinerarium des menschlichen Körpers“ bezeichnet sowohl ein kürzlich gestartetes Forschungsprojekt als auch das in diesem Projekt angewandte Konzept, mit dem körperliche Biographien menschlicher Individuen erfasst und interpretiert werden sollen. Das Projekt basiert auf der interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit zwischen Archäologie und biologischer Anthropologie. In diesem Beitrag versuchen wir, ausgehend von einer Diskussion der Gräberarchäologie, der Archäothanatologie und der Thanatoarchäologie, Ideen für eine „Körperarchäologie“ zu entwickeln. Eine Reihe von körperverändernden Praktiken, insbesondere vor und nach dem Tod, wird anhand von publizierten archäologischen Beispielen vorgestellt und die damit zusammenhängende Transformation von individuellen Identitäten und sozialen Beziehungen diskutiert. Es wird argumentiert, dass der Körper der Ort individueller körperlicher Biographien und zugleich eine relationale Einheit ist, die soziale Beziehungen ausdrückt, aufrechterhält und transformiert. Ausgehend von der erneuten Untersuchung menschlicher Knochen aus der neolithischen Fundstelle von Herxheim (Lkr. Südliche Weinstraße) werden Methoden wie die digitale Dokumentation und Auswertung peri- bzw. postmortaler körperbezogener Spuren erörtert, um Praktiken und Handlungen zu untersuchen und zu interpretieren, die das Potenzial haben, die Biographie des Körpers und seine Position in sozialen Netzwerken zu verändern.

Research paper thumbnail of Mensch – Korper – Tod Das Itinerarium des menschlichen Korpers Gramsch Grosskopf

Das "Itinerarium des menschlichen Körpers" bezeichnet sowohl ein kürzlich gestartetes Forschungsp... more Das "Itinerarium des menschlichen Körpers" bezeichnet sowohl ein kürzlich gestartetes Forschungsprojekt als auch das in diesem Projekt angewandte Konzept, mit dem körperliche Biographien menschlicher Individuen erfasst und interpretiert werden sollen. Das Projekt basiert auf der interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit zwischen Archäologie und biologischer Anthropologie. In diesem Beitrag versuchen wir, ausgehend von einer Diskussion der Gräberarchäologie, der Archäothanatologie und der Thanatoarchäologie, Ideen für eine "Körperarchäologie" zu entwickeln. Eine Reihe von körperverändernden Praktiken, insbesondere vor und nach dem Tod, wird anhand von publizierten archäologischen Beispielen vorgestellt und die damit zusammenhängende Transformation von individuellen Identitäten und sozialen Beziehungen diskutiert. Es wird argumentiert, dass der Körper der Ort individueller körperlicher Biographien und zugleich eine relationale Einheit ist, die soziale Beziehungen ausdrückt, aufrechterhält und transformiert. Ausgehend von der erneuten Untersuchung menschlicher Knochen aus der neolithischen Fundstelle von Herxheim (Lkr. Südliche Weinstraße) werden Methoden wie die digitale Dokumentation und Auswertung peri-bzw. postmortaler körperbezogener Spuren erörtert, um Praktiken und Handlungen zu untersuchen und zu interpretieren, die das Potenzial haben, die Biographie des Körpers und seine Position in sozialen Netzwerken zu verändern.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparative Study of Compact Bone Tissue Microstructure between Non-transgenic and Transgenic Rabbits with WAP-hFVIII Gene Construct

Anatomia Histologia Embryologia, Oct 1, 2006

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in compact bone tissue microstructure betwee... more The aim of this study was to investigate differences in compact bone tissue microstructure between New Zealand White transgenic rabbits with human blood clotting factor VIII gene and the non-transgenic ones. The transgene was under the transcriptional control of the whey acidic protein (WAP) promoter. Altogether, 42 femora were analysed. Specimens were prepared using standard histological equipment, producing thin sections approximately 80-100 microm. Areas, perimeters, minimum and maximum diameters of vascular canals of primary osteons, Haversian canals and secondary osteons were measured. Our results indicate the basic structural pattern of the bone tissue was primary vascular longitudinal in both groups of rabbits. However, a fibrolamellar bone tissue was identified only in the transgenic rabbits. The measured variables of the vascular canals of the primary osteons, the Haversian canals and the secondary osteons were higher in transgenic rabbits in comparison with non-transgenic ones in most cases and the differences were often statistically significant (P &lt; 0.01; P &lt; 0.001). More significant differences were noticed in males (transgenic versus non-transgenic). However, it is not easy to find the real cause of the changes. Despite the fact that no hFVIII mRNA expression was found in the analysed bone of transgenic rabbits, we presume that the observed differences could be associated with transgenesis. In this article, we discuss possible associations between transgene integration as well as aneuploidy and/or observed microstructural changes in compact bone tissue.

Research paper thumbnail of Histological Analysis of Compact Bone Tissue in Adult Laboratory Rats

the aim of our work was to describe in details compact bone tissue microstructure in adult labora... more the aim of our work was to describe in details compact bone tissue microstructure in adult laboratory rats. five clinically healthy 4 month-old rats (males) were included in the study. the animals were euthanized and the right femur bone was sampled for analyses. 70-80 μm thick bone sections of the femoral diaphysis were prepared using standard histological equipment. Qualitative histological characteristics were determined according to internationally accepted classification systems, whilst quantitative parameters were assessed using the Motic Images plus 2.0 Ml software. Areas, perimeters, minimum and maximum diameters of primary plus 2.0 Ml software. Areas, perimeters, minimum and maximum diameters of primary software. Areas, perimeters, minimum and maximum diameters of primary osteon' vascular canals, Haversian canals and secondary osteons were measured. Additionally, an orientation of collagen fibers has also been analyzed using polarized-light microscopy. According to our results, 4 month-old laboratory rats dispose with nonvascular and/or primary vascular radial and/or irregular Haversian bone tissues. Vascular canals of primary osteons and Haversian canals are very short. The collagen fibres run exactly parallel to the axis of the bone and/or run only slightly oblique and/or run, in polarized light, parallel to the direction of the additive position and/or run at right angles to the direction of the position.

Research paper thumbnail of Spurenlesen

Der Charakter der Sammlungs- und Objektforschung lässt sich unter anderem mit dem Begriff "S... more Der Charakter der Sammlungs- und Objektforschung lässt sich unter anderem mit dem Begriff "Spurenlesen" fassen. "Spur", der erste Bestandteil des Wortes, verankert die Sammlungs- und Objektforschung fest im materiellen Bereich. Ohne materiellen Träger keine Spur. Doch wird die Spur erst durch den Akt des 'Lesens' zur Spur. Die interessegeleitete Interpretation macht aus dem Geschmack ein Differenzierungsmerkmal zur Unterscheidung von essbar und giftig, aus einer Blattform ein Identifizierungsmerkmal einer Pflanze, aus einer Instrumentenanzeige einen wissenschaftlichen Messwert. Spurenlesen ist so verstanden nicht nur archaisches Überbleibsel, Orientierungs- und Überlebenstechnik aus einer vorwissenschaftlichen Zeit, sondern gleichermaßen Grundlage wissenschaftlicher Tätigkeit. Dieser Band vereint 15 Beiträge von Nachwuchswissenschaftlerinnen und Nachwuchswissenschaftlern aus den Bereichen Anthropologie, Archäologie, Religions- und Medienwissenschaft, der ...

Research paper thumbnail of Far away from the battlefield - Mass graves excavated under different circumstances

TL Sutherland, D Shiels, G Hughes & SH Sutherland (Eds) Conference Proceedings: Fields of Conflict, 2016; Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, 2019

The obligation of documenting anthropological and archaeological finds in Germany is regulated re... more The obligation of documenting anthropological and archaeological finds in Germany is regulated regionally by state specific law. In Bavaria a certified anthropologist must be present on site when skeletal remains are discovered, however, in other states the decision of what to do with skeletal finds is not as well defined. As a result, skeletons are frequently subject to improper exhumation in order to prevent delays in construction, or they are reburied without any scientific examinations having been conducted simply to save money.
In 2008 in northern Hesse, for example, the bones of over 100 individual napoleonic burials from 1813 were collected by hand and put in body bags by police cadets and emptied as a whole into six coffins and reburied. Following an exhumation in 2012, an attempt was made to reunite the jumbled bones as individual skeletons. In only a few cases was the arduous task rewarded with a successful MATCH. This was extremely unfortunate, especially with regard to pathologies, in particular the high frequency of periosteal changes observed on the long bones. Nonetheless some very interesting results were obtained. The regional provenance of the individuals was determined using the Y-haplotype. Furthermore, molecular biological analyses were able to identify pathogens for typhus and similar agents in the bones. Alternatively it can be shown that when numerous skeletons belonging to Napoleonic soldiers were discovered during construction work near Frankfurt in 2015 archaeologists carried out a thorough excavation. Anthropological examinations will be conducted later in Göttingen. The Quality of scientific information will be compared after finishing the anthropological work.

Research paper thumbnail of Deficit of skeletal remains belonging to infants and young children – but not at every cemetery!

Anthropologischer Anzeiger, Apr 4, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Changes of the subchondral bone microchannel network in early osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

Osteoarthritis Cartilage-bone marrow microchannel connectors Human femoral head Subchondral bone ... more Osteoarthritis Cartilage-bone marrow microchannel connectors Human femoral head Subchondral bone Bone micro-CT s u m m a r y Objective: We have identified a 3D network of subchondral microchannels that connects the deep zone of cartilage to the bone marrow (i.e., cartilage-bone marrow microchannel connectors; CMMC). However, the pathological significance of CMMC is largely unknown. Here, we quantitatively evaluated how the CMMC microarchitecture is related to cartilage condition, as well as regional differences in early idiopathic osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Two groups of cadaveric female human femoral heads (intact cartilage vs early cartilage lesions) were identified, and a biopsy-based high-resolution micro-CT imaging was employed. Subchondral bone (SB) thickness, CMMC number, maximum and minimum CMMC size, and the CMMC morphology were quantified and compared between the two groups. The effect of joint's region and cartilage condition was examined on each dependent variable. Results: The CMMC number and morphology were affected by region of the joint, but not by cartilage condition. On the other hand, the minimum and maximum CMMC size was changed by both the location on the joint, as well as the cartilage condition. The smallest CMMC were consistently detected at the load-bearing region (LBR) of the joint. Compared to non-pathological subjects, the size of the microchannels was enlarged in early OA, most noticeably at the non-load-bearing region (NLBR) and the peripheral rim (PR) of the femoral head. Furthermore, subchondral bone thinning was observed in early OA as a localized occurrence linked with areas of partial chondral defect. Conclusion: Our data point to an enlargement of the SB microchannel network, and a collective structural deterioration of SB in early idiopathic OA.

Research paper thumbnail of AnthroWorks3D: Digitalisierung von Skelettfundstücken und die virtuell osteologische Untersuchung

In der Anthropologie werden körperliche Überreste von Menschen historischer und rezenter Zeiträum... more In der Anthropologie werden körperliche Überreste von Menschen historischer und rezenter Zeiträume mit dem Ziel der Aufdeckung ihrer Lebensumstände untersucht. Das Projekt AnthroWorks3D der Hochschule Mittweida verbindet Methoden der Videospielentwicklung und Osteologie, um das Knochenmaterial schonend und hoch-auflösend durch eine 3D-Scanpipeline zu digitalisieren und virtuell, ortsunabhängig und parallel zu vermessen mit dem Ziel, den Verschleiß am Knochenmaterial zu minimieren und die Fundstücke möglichst vielen Forschen-den zugänglich zu machen. Die virtuelle Vermessung wurde in einem ersten Test in Zusammenarbeit der Abtei-lung für historische Anthropologie und Humanökologie des Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Instituts für Zoologie und Anthropologie der Universität Göttingen evaluiert. Dabei schätzen über die Hälfte der befragten Anthropo-logen den Prototypen als Alternative zur physischen Untersuchung ein, besonders in Anwendungsfeldern, in denen das Knochenmaterial nur schwer zu...

Research paper thumbnail of Buried in the village: skeleton finds in a Graeco-Roman settlement at Wadi Umm el-Ashdan, NW-Egypt

Anthropologie, 2019

The article presents the results of archaeological campaigns in 2009 and 2010 at a site in the ar... more The article presents the results of archaeological campaigns in 2009 and 2010 at a site in the arid zones of north-western Egypt. Ca. 25 km southwest of the harbour city Marsa Matruh, the settlement between two branches of the Wadi Umm el-Ashdan could be dated to Graeco-Roman times (2nd c. BCE to 4th c. CE) on the basis of ceramic finds.
Tombs have been found, which are characterized by the construction made of field stones above surface, covered with a thick layer of plaster. Three of the inhumation burials were excavated, of which one was disturbed and had no skeleton inside, while the other two burials served three deceased. The anthropological diagnosis of the three skeletons indicates that the male individuals died of advanced age. Bones and teeth show numerous signs of age degenerative changes.

Research paper thumbnail of Johann Friedrich Blumenbach (1752–1840) — Mumienforscher in vor-ägyptologischer Zeit (2019)

Janne arp-neumann and Thomas L. Gertzen (Eds.), „Steininschrift und Bibelwort“. Ägyptologen und Koptologen niedersachsens, 2019

Noch bevor Jean-François Champollion im Oktober 1822 die Entzifferung ägyptischer Hieroglyphen in... more Noch bevor Jean-François Champollion im Oktober 1822 die Entzifferung ägyptischer Hieroglyphen in seinem „Lettre à M Dacier relative à l‘alphabet des hiéroglyphes phonétiques“ bekannt machte, gab es eine rege Auseinandersetzung mit ägyptischen Objekten und Mumien – auch an der Göttinger Universität Unter den Gelehrten, die sich mit diesen Dingen beschäftigten, gilt Johann Friedrich Blumenbach, der im Laufe seiner langen Karriere unter Anderem zahlreiche ägyptische Mumien
untersucht hat, als einer der brillantesten. Durch seine Dissertation „De generis humani varietate nativa“ gilt er als Begründer der modernen physischen Anthropologie und war von 1778 bis 1835 ordentlicher Professor für Medizin in Göttingen.

Research paper thumbnail of F. Biermann/Th. Kersting/Ph. Roskoschinski (Hrsg.): Das slawische Gräberfeld von Stolpe und die früh- und hochmittelalterlichen Bestattungssitten zwischen Ucker und Oder. Scripta Historica Europaea 2 (Wrocław 2020).

Soziale und religiöse Umbrüche im Spiegel von Gräbern-Einleitung Die Arbeiten auf dem Gräberfeld ... more Soziale und religiöse Umbrüche im Spiegel von Gräbern-Einleitung Die Arbeiten auf dem Gräberfeld von Stolpe erfolgten zunächst als Kooperation des Brandenburgischen Landesamtes für Denkmalpflege und Archäologischen Landesmuseums (Dr. Th. Kersting, Zossen-Wünsdorf) (fortan: BLDAM) sowie des Seminars für Vor-und Frühgeschichte der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (Verfasser unter Mitarbeit von Ph. Roskoschinski M. A.) (2012/13). Für die geophysikalischen Untersuchungen (2016) konnte das Institut für Geowissenschaften der Universität Potsdam gewonnen werden (Prof. Dr. J. Tronicke, Dr. E. Lück), betreut vonseiten des BLDAM v. a. durch Dr. Chr. Krauskopf. Die Hauptuntersuchungen im Jahre 2017 fanden als Kooperationsprojekt des Instituts für Geschichte der Universität Breslau (Wrocław) (Prof. Dr. St. Rosik), des BLDAM, der Archäolo

Research paper thumbnail of Michael Baumann, Die Bestattung einer wohlhabenden Frau aus Augusta Raurica / A Roman lead coffin burial from Augusta Raurica

Forschungen in Augst 54 / Augst Archaeological Research 54, 2021

Interdisziplinäre Auswertung eines Bleisargs aus dem Nordwestgräberfeld: Nach einem Überblick übe... more Interdisziplinäre Auswertung eines Bleisargs aus dem Nordwestgräberfeld:
Nach einem Überblick über die römischen Bleisärge und die Forschungsgeschichte des Nordwestgräberfelds wird in einem ersten Teil der archäologische Befund
des Bleisargs von Augst besprochen sowie auf die Freilegung, Bergung und Konservierung eingegangen. Der zweite Teil umfasst die naturwissenschaftlichen
Beiträge, von der anthropologischen Untersuchung bis hin zu Bleiisotopenanalysen, sowie die Vorlage und Interpretation der Beigaben. Im abschliessenden dritten Teil werden die in den vorhergehenden Kapiteln gewonnenen Resultate in einer Synthese miteinander verknüpft.
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In 2016, excavation 2016.055 uncovered a lead coffin on Rheinstrasse road in Augst; because Roman lead coffins are very rarely found, the find caused a sensation. It was purely by chance that it had avoided greater damage in the cen turies preceding its discovery by a mechanical excavator in the extensive grounds of the north-western cemetery at Augusta Raurica. The lead coffin can be attributed to a group of approximately 45 Late Antique inhumations in a ceme tery that otherwise contained mainly cremation burials dating from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD.