The Ornaments of the Arma Veirana Early Mesolithic Infant Burial.

Personal ornaments are widely viewed as indicators of social identity and personhood. Ornaments are ubiquitous from the Late Pleistocene to the Holocene, but they are most often found as isolated objects within archaeological assemblages without direct evidence on how they were displayed. This article presents a detailed record of the ornaments found in direct association with an Early Mesolithic buried female infant discovered in 2017 at the site of Arma Veirana (Liguria, Italy). It uses microscopic, 3D, and positional analyses of the ornaments as well as a preliminary perforation experiment to document how they were perforated, used, and what led to their deposit as part of the infant's grave goods. This study provides important information on the use of beads in the Early Mesolithic, in general, as well as the relationship between beads and young subadults, in particular. The results of the study suggest that the beads were worn by members of the infant's community for a considerable period before they were sewn onto a sling, possibly used to keep the infant close to the parents while allowing their mobility, as seen in some modern forager groups. The baby was then likely buried in this sling to avoid reusing the beads that had failed to protect her or simply to create a lasting connection between the deceased infant and her community. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10816-022-09573-7.

Comparative 3D quantitative analyses of trapeziometacarpal joint surface curvatures among living catarrhines and fossil hominins.

Comparisons of joint surface curvature at the base of the thumb have long been made to discern differences among living and fossil primates in functional capabilities of the hand. However, the complex shape of this joint makes it difficult to quantify differences among taxa. The purpose of this study is to determine whether significant differences in curvature exist among selected catarrhine genera and to compare these genera with hominin fossils in trapeziometacarpal curvature. Two 3D approaches are used to quantify curvatures of the trapezial and metacarpal joint surfaces: (1) stereophotogrammetry with nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) calculation of joint curvature to compare modern humans with captive chimpanzees and (2) laser scanning with a quadric-based calculation of curvature to compare modern humans and wild-caught Pan, Gorilla, Pongo, and Papio. Both approaches show that Homo has significantly lower curvature of the joint surfaces than does Pan. The second approach shows that Gorilla has significantly more curvature than modern humans, while Pongo overlaps with humans and African apes. The surfaces in Papio are more cylindrical and flatter than in Homo. Australopithecus afarensis resembles African apes more than modern humans in curvatures, whereas the Homo habilis trapezial metacarpal surface is flatter than in all genera except Papio. Neandertals fall at one end of the modern human range of variation, with smaller dorsovolar curvature. Modern human topography appears to be derived relative to great apes and Australopithecus and contributes to the distinctive human morphology that facilitates forceful precision and power gripping, fundamental to human manipulative activities.

Descriptions of the upper limb skeleton of Homo floresiensis.

Several bones of the upper extremity were recovered during excavations of Late Pleistocene deposits at Liang Bua, Flores, and these have been attributed to Homo floresiensis. At present, these upper limb remains have been assigned to six different individuals - LB1, LB2, LB3, LB4, LB5, and LB6. Several of these bones are complete or nearly so, but some are quite fragmentary. All skeletal remains recovered from Liang Bua were extremely fragile, but have now been stabilized and hardened in the laboratory in Jakarta. They are now curated in museum-quality containers at the National Research and Development Centre for Archaeology in Jakarta, Indonesia. These skeletal remains are described and illustrated photographically. The upper limb presents a unique mosaic of derived (human-like) and primitive morphologies, the combination of which is never found in either healthy or pathological modern humans.

A comparison of anthropometric indices of nutritional status in Tukanoan and Achuar Amerindians.

Anthropometric data from a Tukanoan population in the Vaupes region of Colombia and an Achuar population in the Ecuadorian Amazon were compared relative to international references. The Tukanoans exploit an oligotrophic blackwater ecosystem, whereas the Achuar inhabit a resource rich montane ecosystem. Given this ecological distinction, three hypotheses regarding nutritional statuses were proposed: (1) Tukanoans are significantly shorter than the Achuar, indicating a greater degree of stunting; (2) Tukanoans are significantly leaner, indicating a greater degree of wasting; and (3) Tukanaons have significantly lower upper arm muscle area, indicating lower lean body mass. Z-scores for height, weight-for-height, and estimated upper arm muscle area were determined and significant nutritional stress was assumed at z < or = -2.0. Between population differences in z-scores for height-for-age (ZHT), weight-for-height (ZWH), and upper arm muscle area (ZUMA) were examined using analysis of variance with a subsequent Scheffe's test. Between-group differences in the frequencies of individuals with low z-scores (z < or = -2.0) were assessed via chi-squared analysis. Both populations showed stunting in most age groups, but neither showed low ZWH or ZUMA. Significant differences between populations were found only for ZHT in children (females 1.0-4.9 and 5.0-9.9 years, and males 5.0-9.9 years). Tukanoans have significantly higher frequencies of stunting in all age-sex groups except females and males age 30-49.9 years. There were no significant between-population differences in the frequencies of individuals with low ZWH or ZUMA. These differences in nutritional status may reflect differences in resource availability.

Comparison of six-month outcome of coronary artery stenting in patients <65, 65-75, and >75 years of age.

We studied 1,238 patients receiving 1,880 coronary stents. In-hospital outcomes were divided by age into <65 years (n = 747, group 1), 65 to 75 years (n = 326, group 2), and >75 years (n = 165, group 3). Procedural success was 97.2%, 95.1%, and 98.8% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = NS). There was 1 death (group 1). Myocardial infarction occurred in 1.2%, 2.8%, and 1.8%, bypass surgery occurred in 0.9%, 1.8%, and 1.2%, and repeat balloon angioplasty in 0.3%, 0.6%, and 0% of patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = NS for all comparisons). Vascular complications occurred in 2.8%, 4.9%, and 6.1% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p <0.05). Six-month follow-up of patients was divided by age: <65 years (n = 564, group 1); 65 to 75 years (n = 221, group 2); and >75 years (n = 122, group 3). Event-free survival was 94.5%, 90.5%, and 89.3% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = NS). Death occurred in 0.4%, 0.5%, and 1.6%; myocardial infarction occurred in 1.2%, 2.3%, and 1.6%, and target vessel revascularization in 4.3%, 8.6%, and 7.4% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = NS for all comparisons). Thus, coronary stenting produced favorable in-hospital and 6-month outcomes in all 3 age groups. Age itself should not preclude patients from undergoing coronary stenting.

QRS changes during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and their possible mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to describe the configuration, and investigate the mechanisms, of QRS changes occurring during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). BACKGROUND: QRS changes during PTCA have been attributed to both a passive ST segment shift and conduction disturbances (peri-ischemic block). The direct relation between ST segment shift and QRS changes, however, has not been established, and the definition of conduction disturbances remains to be clarified. METHODS: Twelve-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded before PTCA, at the end of 2 min of PTCA and after return to baseline values in 29 patients (left anterior descending coronary artery [LAD] in 13 patients, right coronary artery [RCA] in 14 and left circumflex coronary artery in 2). Electrocardiographic complexes before and during PTCA were superimposed to determine the amplitudes of initial, terminal and total QRS deflection; the relations of QRS changes to baseline (TP segment) and ST segment shift; and the duration of QRS and corrected QT intervals. RESULTS. 1) The direction of the initial QRS deflection was unchanged, but changes of its amplitude occurred. 2) Terminal QRS deflection changed in all patients with a ST segment shift > 17% of the R amplitude, and the correlation between the decrease in the S amplitude and ST segment shift was significant (r = 0.9, p < 0.01) in patients with LAD PTCA. Correlation between changes in total QRS amplitude and ST segment shift in patients with RCA PTCA was weaker (r = 0.54, p = 0.056). 3) Transient conduction disturbance manifested by QRS widening in selected leads occurred in 2 of 29 patients. CONCLUSIONS. 1) Changes in terminal QRS deflection during PTCA are proportional to the magnitude of the ST segment shift. 2) Conduction disturbances manifested by increased QRS duration occurred infrequently. We suggest that the term peri-ischemic block be applied only to changes in QRS configuration associated with QRS widening.

Coronary artery and saphenous vein graft remodeling: a review of histologic findings after various interventional procedures--Part VI.

Catheter balloon angioplasty is a well accepted form of nonsurgical treatment of acutely and chronically obstructed coronary artery vessels. It is also the centerpiece for various new intervention techniques. Their morphologic effects on the site of obstruction has been termed "remodeling." Part VI of this six-part series focuses on atherectomy and restenosis tissue obtained by atherectomy procedures.

Coronary artery and saphenous vein graft remodeling: a review of histologic findings after various interventional procedures--Part V.

Catheter balloon angioplasty is a well accepted form of nonsurgical treatment of acutely and chronically obstructed coronary artery vessels. It is also the centerpiece for various new intervention techniques. Their morphologic effect on the site of obstruction has been termed "remodeling." Part V of this six-part series focuses on remodeling effects of balloon angioplasty on obstructed young (< or = 1 year) and old (> 1 year) saphenous vein bypass grafts.

Coronary artery and saphenous vein graft remodeling: a review of histologic findings after various interventional procedures--Part IV.

Catheter balloon angioplasty is a well accepted form of nonsurgical treatment of acutely and chronically obstructed coronary artery vessels. It is also the centerpiece for various new intervention techniques. Their morphologic effects on the site of obstruction has been termed "remodeling." Part IV of this six-part series focuses on morphologic correlates of coronary angiographic patterns of remodeling after balloon angioplasty and discusses effects of angioplasty on adjacent, nondilated vessels.

Abrupt (< 1 day), acute (< 1 week), and early (< 1 month) vessel closure at the angioplasty site. Morphologic observations and causes of closure in 130 necropsy patients undergoing coronary angioplasty.

While abundant clinical and angiographic data are available regarding features of acute or abrupt closure at the site of balloon angioplasty, little morphologic information is available. This study discusses morphologic-histologic causes for acute closure after angioplasty in 130 necropsy patients. Intimal-medial flaps, elastic recoil, and primary thrombosis were the three leading morphologic causes for closure. Data were subdivided into time categories: abrupt (< 1 day), acute (< 1 week), and early (< 1 month). Intimal-medial flaps remained the most common cause for angioplasty closure despite time from angioplasty to documented occlusion. Morphologic recognition of types and frequencies of angioplasty closure are discussed, and specific mechanical, pharmacologic, or combined treatments are reviewed.

Coronary artery and saphenous vein graft remodeling: A review of histologic findings after various interventional procedures--Part III.

Catheter balloon angioplasty is a well accepted form of nonsurgical treatment of acutely and chronically obstructed coronary artery vessels. It is also the centerpiece for various new intervention techniques. Their morphologic effects on the site of obstruction has been termed "remodeling." Part III of this six-part series focuses on intimal proliferation and chronic recoil in patients undergoing previous remodeling techniques by balloon angioplasty.

Coronary artery and saphenous vein graft remodeling: a review of histologic findings after various interventional procedures--Part II.

Catheter balloon angioplasty is a well accepted form of nonsurgical treatment of acutely and chronically obstructed coronary artery vessels. It is also the centerpiece for various new intervention techniques. Their morphologic effects on the site of obstruction has been termed "remodeling." Part II of this six-part series focuses on morphologic causes of acute closure after remodeling and discusses findings late after successful balloon angioplasty remodeling.

Coronary artery and saphenous vein graft remodeling: a review of histologic findings after various interventional procedures--Part I.

Catheter balloon angioplasty is a well accepted form of nonsurgical treatment of acutely and chronically obstructed coronary artery vessels. It is also the centerpiece for various new intervention techniques. Their morphologic effects on the site of obstruction has been termed "remodeling." Part I of this six-part series focuses on mechanisms of remodeling after various interventional techniques, particularly balloon angioplasty.

Late coronary artery stenosis regression within the Gianturco-Roubin intracoronary stent.

The late angiographic outcome of the Gianturco-Roubin intracoronary stent has not been well defined. To investigate serial changes within the stent, we studied 23 patients (15 men and 8 women, median age 63) who had late angiographic follow-up ( > 1 year) after undergoing Gianturco-Roubin stenting for angioplasty-associated acute or threatened native coronary artery closure. Coronary angiography before and after stenting, at 6-month follow-up, and at late return was analyzed with quantitative coronary angiography. The median time from stent deployment to late angiographic follow-up was 27 months. As expected, stenting significantly increased the median minimal lumen diameter (MLD) acutely from 1.0 to 2.46 mm. Median percent diameter stenosis decreased from 66% to 18%. Although at 6 months there was a significant loss of the acute gain (median MLD decreased from 2.46 to 1.9 mm), with a corresponding increase in percent stenosis from 18% to 31%, late angiography demonstrated lesion regression, median MLD increasing from 1.9 to 2.15 mm (p = 0.004), and percent stenosis decreasing from 31% to 21% (p = 0.0026). No patient had a significant decline in minimal lesion diameter, and 5 patients had a > 50% increase in MLD at late follow-up. Linear regression analysis of 6-month MLD and late lumen gain suggested that lesions with the greatest regression were those with the lowest lumen diameters at 6-month angiography. Late angiographic analysis demonstrated significant lesion regression within the Gianturco-Roubin stent, which was sometimes dramatic. In suggesting that coronary arteriography at 6 months may underestimate the late angiographic benefit of intracoronary stenting, these data have important clinical implications, and imply that patients with a stable clinical course and angiographic stent restenosis may often be followed rather than routinely redilated.

Indications for and applications of the Gianturco-Roubin coronary stent.

The Gianturco-Roubin coronary stent is approved for and effective in the management of acute or threatened closure after unsuccessful coronary intervention. Factors critical to successful stenting include patient and lesion selection, preprocedure identification of patients in potential need of stenting, selection of stent-compatible ancillary equipment, appropriate antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, postdeployment stent dilatation, and careful sizing of stents. Further refinements of technique and adjunctive drug therapy should continue to improve results and avoid acute complications. Published clinical experience and potential future applications are discussed.

Anatomy, histology, and pathology of coronary arteries: a review relevant to new interventional and imaging techniques--Part IV.

In the last 15 years, intense interest has focused on various interventional pharmacologic and mechanical forms of therapy for the treatment of atherosclerosis coronary artery disease. Many techniques and devices (dilating balloons, perfusion catheters, thermal probes and balloons, lasers, atherectomy devices, stents, intravascular ultrasound) have been used or are under study for future use. Many of these techniques and devices require an understanding of histologic and pathologic features of the coronary arteries and diseases which affect them. This article reviews selective areas of anatomy, histology, and pathology relevant to the use of various new interventional techniques. Part IV of this review will focus on congenital coronary artery anomalies, myocardial bridges, coronary aneurysm, emboli, and dissection and clinical implications regarding echocardiographic imaging techniques.

Anatomy, histology, and pathology of coronary arteries: a review relevant to new interventional and imaging techniques--Part III.

In the last 15 years, intense interest has focused on various interventional, pharmacologic, and mechanical forms of therapy for the treatment of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Many techniques and devices (dilating balloons, perfusion catheters, thermal probes and balloons, lasers, atherectomy devices, stents, intravascular ultrasound) have been used or are under study for future use. Many of these techniques and devices require an understanding of histologic and pathologic features of the coronary arteries and diseases which affect them. This article reviews selective areas of anatomy, histology, and pathology relevant to the use of various new interventional techniques. Part III of this four-part review focuses on eccentric and concentric plaques, formation of coronary thrombus, and status of the "infarct artery" after mechanical and pharmacologic forms of acute reperfusion therapy.

Anatomy, histology, and pathology of coronary arteries: a review relevant to new interventional and imaging techniques--Part II.

In the last 15 years, intense interest has focused on various interventional, pharmacologic, and mechanical forms of therapy for the treatment of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Many techniques and devices (dilating balloons, perfusion catheters, thermal probes and balloons, lasers, atherectomy devices, stents, intravascular ultrasound) have been used or are under study for future use. Many of these techniques and devices require an understanding of histologic and pathologic features of the coronary arteries and diseases which affect them. This article reviews selective areas of anatomy, histology, and pathology relevant to the use of various new interventional techniques. Part II of this four-part review will focus on aging changes seen in the epicardial coronary arteries and will review selected features of atherosclerotic plaque, including fissure and topography.

Anatomy, histology, and pathology of coronary arteries: a review relevant to new interventional and imaging techniques--Part I.

In the last 15 years, intense interest has focused on various interventional pharmacologic and mechanical forms of therapy for the treatment of atherosclerosis coronary artery disease. Many techniques and devices (dilating balloons, perfusion catheters, thermal probes and balloons, lasers, atherectomy devices, stents, intravascular ultrasound) have been used or are under study for future use. Many of these techniques and devices require an understanding of histologic and pathologic features of the coronary arteries and diseases which affect them. This article reviews selective areas of anatomy, histology, and pathology relevant to the use of various new interventional techniques. Part I of this review will focus on anatomic aspects of the epicardial coronary artery system, coronary arterial distribution, myocardial supply, and histologic features of the normal coronary artery.