Morphology of the antegonial notch and its utility in the determination of sex on skeletal materials.

A number of criteria for the assessment of biological sex, which are applied to living or recently deceased individuals, have been developed, such as genetic, chromosomal, gonadal, hormonal, and phenotypic criteria. Features of a metric and descriptive nature are used to assess the sex of skeletal materials. The diagnostic features of the skull are concentrated in the craniofacial region and around the eye sockets. The mandible is a diagnostically important part of the skull, on which a complex of features is visible. These features develop up to the third decade of life. The goal of the research was to assess the suitability of the parameters of the preangular notch, in other words, the length, height, and surface area for sex prediction applied to skeletal materials. The study included computed tomography images of the masticatory system of 194 patients, consisting of 83 females and 111 males, aged from 16 to 93 years. The three straight lines which correspond to the sides of the triangle representing the notch, in addition to its height, were determined and measured digitally. The receiver operating characteristic method was used to assess the usefulness of the studied features for the purposes of sex prediction. The sensitivity of the test ranged from 51.4% to 67% for the parameters of the preangular notch on the right-hand side, and from 44.4% to 80.2% on the left-hand side. The most reliable predictive models were obtained for two features (shown in the graphical abstract). However, when taking into account, the specificity and sensitivity of the tests presented here, only the length of side AB (a basal length of the notch) can be regarded as a feature that supports the assessment of sex on the basis of other diagnostic features of the mandible. The size and shape of the preangular notch should be treated as auxiliary features in the assessment of sex. For this reason, it is recommended that they should be applied simultaneously to the set of features described in the section on anthropological standards.

Estimation of age at onset of linear enamel hypoplasia. New calculation tool, description and comparison of current methods.

Enamel Hypoplasia (EH) is known to be a useful indicator for wide range of detrimental factors in early childhood in past populations, such as nutritional disturbances, mechanical trauma, disease, metabolic, and/or genetic disorders. EH may be divided into three categories: pits, grooves, and lines, where the last two are referred to as "Linear Enamel Hypoplasia" (LEH). The regularity of enamel formation allows retrospective determination of the age of LEH formation. The current article reviews and compares the best-known methods used to estimate age at LEH formation and provides a new computational tool. Growth curves for canines and incisors were developed based on tooth growth tables by previous authors. Optimal models were selected using the Akaike Information Criterion. A Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was created to calculate age at LEH formation using the most common methods. All method results were compared with an archaeological sample (44 teeth of 18 individuals from an early modern cemetery from Wroclaw, Poland) and a theoretical model. The results of the methods were compared pairwise with Bland-Altman plots. The current article provides a quick and easy-to-use tool for analyzing LEH chronology and comparing the results of different methods. As shown by the Bland-Altman plots, most methods provide approximately consistent results for LEHs formed at around 2-3 years of age. However, LEHs formed particularly early or late are more prone to discrepancies between different methods. Comparison of the age at LEH formation obtained by different methods should be done carefully - and the new LEH calculation tool with optimized equations provided in this publication can facilitate this process.

Population genomics of Bronze Age Eurasia.

The Bronze Age of Eurasia (around 3000-1000 BC) was a period of major cultural changes. However, there is debate about whether these changes resulted from the circulation of ideas or from human migrations, potentially also facilitating the spread of languages and certain phenotypic traits. We investigated this by using new, improved methods to sequence low-coverage genomes from 101 ancient humans from across Eurasia. We show that the Bronze Age was a highly dynamic period involving large-scale population migrations and replacements, responsible for shaping major parts of present-day demographic structure in both Europe and Asia. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesized spread of Indo-European languages during the Early Bronze Age. We also demonstrate that light skin pigmentation in Europeans was already present at high frequency in the Bronze Age, but not lactose tolerance, indicating a more recent onset of positive selection on lactose tolerance than previously thought.

Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin as Potential Drugs in Genitourinary Cancer Treatment-The Effect of Dose-Response on 2D and 3D Cell Cultures.

INTRODUCTION: Introducing new drugs for clinical application is a very difficult, long, drawn-out, and costly process, which is why drug repositioning is increasingly gaining in importance. The aim of this study was to analyze the cytotoxic properties of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin on bladder and prostate cell lines in vitro. METHODS: Bladder and prostate cancer cell lines together with their non-malignant counterparts were used in this study. In order to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of both drugs on tested cell lines, MTT assay, real-time cell growth analysis, apoptosis detection, cell cycle changes, molecular analysis, and 3D cultures were examined. RESULTS: Both fluoroquinolones exhibited a toxic effect on all of the tested cell lines. In the case of non-malignant cell lines, the cytotoxic effect was weaker, which was especially pronounced in the bladder cell line. A comparison of both fluoroquinolones showed the advantage of ciprofloxacin (lower doses of drug caused a stronger cytotoxic effect). Both fluoroquinolones led to an increase in late apoptotic cells and an inhibition of cell cycle mainly in the S phase. Molecular analysis showed changes in BAX, BCL2, TP53, and CDKN1 expression in tested cell lines following incubation with ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. The downregulation of topoisomerase II genes (TOP2A and TOP2B) was noticed. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture analysis confirmed the higher cytotoxic effect of tested fluoroquinolone against cancer cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that both ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin may have great potential, especially in the supportive therapy of bladder cancer treatment. Taking into account the low costs of such therapy, fluoroquinolones seem to be ideal candidates for repositioning into bladder cancer therapeutics.

Seabed Topography Changes in the Sopot Pier Zone in 2010-2018 Influenced by Tombolo Phenomenon.

Bathymetric surveys of the same body of water, performed at regular intervals, apart from updating the geospatial information used to create paper and electronic maps, allow for several additional analyses, including an evaluation of geomorphological changes occurring in the coastal zone. This research is particularly important in places where the shape of the coastal zone has been violently disturbed, including by human activity. Tombolo is such a phenomenon and it dynamically shapes the new hydrological conditions of the coastal zone. Apart from natural factors, it may be caused by the construction of hydrotechnical facilities in the littoral zone. It causes a significant disturbance in the balance of the marine environment, resulting in the bottom accretion and dynamic changes in the coastline. This has been the case since 2010 in Sopot, where the rapidly advancing tombolo is not only changing environmental relations but also threatening the health-spa character of the town by stopping the transport of sand along the coast. This paper analyses changes in seabed shape in the pier area in Sopot between 2010 and 2018. In the analysis, both archival maps and bathymetric surveys over a period of 8 years were used; based on these, numerical bottom models were developed and their geospatial changes were analyzed. The results showed that changes in the seabed in this area are progressing very quickly, despite periodic dredging actions organized by administrative bodies.

Accuracy Analysis of Measuring X-Y-Z Coordinates with Regard to the Investigation of the Tombolo Effect.

Tombolo is a narrow belt connecting the mainland with an island lying near the shore. It is formed as a result of sand and gravel being deposited by sea currents. In consequence, the seabed constantly rises and the shoreline moves towards the sea. This paper deals with accuracy analysis of the undertaken tombolo effect investigation, namely estimation of uncertainty of the measurement results. The aforementioned analysis concerns two methods used for creating a 3D beach model: Firstly, based on geodetic laser scanning (TLS-terrestrial laser scanning) and secondly, using images from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The presented exemplary estimation of uncertainty of the measurement of coordinates X-Y-Z is based on the Polish case study.

Using UAV Photogrammetry to Analyse Changes in the Coastal Zone Based on the Sopot Tombolo (Salient) Measurement Project.

The main factors influencing the shape of the beach, shoreline and seabed include undulation, wind and coastal currents. These phenomena cause continuous and multidimensional changes in the shape of the seabed and the Earth's surface, and when they occur in an area of intense human activity, they should be constantly monitored. In 2018 and 2019, several measurement campaigns took place in the littoral zone in Sopot, related to the intensive uplift of the seabed and beach caused by the tombolo phenomenon. In this research, a unique combination of bathymetric data obtained from an unmanned surface vessel, photogrammetric data obtained from unmanned aerial vehicles and ground laser scanning were used, along with geodetic data from precision measurements with receivers of global satellite navigation systems. This paper comprehensively presents photogrammetric measurements made from unmanned aerial vehicles during these campaigns. It describes in detail the problems in reconstruction within the water areas, analyses the accuracy of various photogrammetric measurement techniques, proposes a statistical method of data filtration and presents the changes that occurred within the studies area. The work ends with an interpretation of the causes of changes in the land part of the littoral zone and a summary of the obtained results.

Evaluation of the Possibility of Identifying a Complex Polygonal Tram Track Layout Using Multiple Satellite Measurements.

We present the main assumptions about the algorithmization of the analysis of measurement data recorded in mobile satellite measurements. The research team from the Gdansk University of Technology and the Maritime University in Gdynia, as part of a research project conducted in cooperation with PKP PLK (Polish Railway Infrastructure Manager), developed algorithms supporting the identification and assessment of track axis layout. This article presents selected issues concerning the identification of a tramway line's axis system. For this purpose, the supporting algorithm was developed and measurement data recorded using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) techniques was evaluated and analyzed. The discussed algorithm identifies main track directions from multi-device data and repeated position recordings. In order to observe the influence of crucial factors, the investigated route was carefully selected. The chosen tramway track was characterized by its location in various field conditions and a diversified and complex geometric layout. The analysis of the obtained results was focused on the assessment of the signal's dispersion and repeatability using residuals in relation to the estimated track's direction. The presented methodology is intended to support railway infrastructure management processes, mainly in planning and maintenance through an efficient inventory of the infrastructure in service.

Digital Filtering of Railway Track Coordinates in Mobile Multi-Receiver GNSS Measurements.

The article discusses an important issue in connection with the technique of mobile Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements of railway track coordinates, which is digital filtering performed to precisely determine railway track axes. For this purpose, a measuring technique is proposed which bases on the use of a measuring platform with a number of appropriately distributed GNSS receivers, where two of them determine the directional base vector of the platform. The receivers used in the research had high measuring frequency in the Real Time Kinematic (RTK) operating mode and enabled correction of the obtained results in post-processing. A key problem discussed in the article is the method for assessing the quality of the measurement results obtained from GNSS receivers, and their preparation for further processing making use of geometrically constrained parameters of the base vector and specialized digital filtering, among other elements, to precisely determining the track axis. The obtained results confirm the applicability of the used method of GNSS signal processing.

Application of Least Squares with Conditional Equations Method for Railway Track Inventory Using GNSS Observations.

Satellite geodetic networks are commonly used in surveying tasks, but they can also be used in mobile surveys. Mobile satellite surveys can be used for trackage inventory, diagnostics and design. The combination of modern technological solutions with the adaptation of research methods known in other fields of science offers an opportunity to acquire highly accurate solutions for railway track inventory. This article presents the effects of work carried out using a mobile surveying platform on which Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers were mounted. The satellite observations (surveys) obtained were aligned using one of the methods known from classical land surveying. The records obtained during the surveying campaign on a 246th km railway track section were subjected to alignment. This article provides a description of the surveying campaign necessary to obtain measurement data and a theoretical description of the method employed to align observation results as well as their visualisation.

Diagnodent and VistaCam may be unsuitable for the evaluation of dental caries in archeological teeth.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the usefulness of fluorescence-based caries detection systems (Diagnodent and VistaCam) for the assessment of carious lesions on archeological molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study material consisted of teeth from the Cemetery of St. Mary Magdalene (Cmentarz sw. Marii Magdaleny) in Wroclaw, Poland. A sample of 178 permanent molars from 38 skulls were examined. Five surfaces of teeth (occlusal, mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual) were assessed on either basically cleaned or sandblasted teeth. Six diagnostic methods were used to detect carious lesions: the visual classification of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II), fluorescent methods (Diagnodent and VistaCam), X-ray, cone beam computed tomography and histological sections. The sensitivity and specificity of the methods were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the correlation between the severity of dental caries and the readouts obtained with each method. RESULTS: In most cases, Diagnodent and VistaCam yielded unsatisfactory specificity and sensitivity values. The area under curve (AUC) values in ROC curves for Diagnodent and Vistacam were lower than the AUC values obtained for the ICDAS II visual classification. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, in the case of archeological teeth, neither Diagnodent nor VistaCam can be regarded as a better diagnostic method than the ICDAS II visual classification of caries.

Post-traumatic bilateral scapular and thoracic vertebral body fractures - a case report.

The simultaneous fracture of both scapulae with coexisting fracture of the thoracic vertebral body is observed extremely rarely and is fully dependent on the mechanism that caused them. A CASE REPORT: The 59-year-old patient was admitted to the trauma and orthopedic department because of back pain and the inability to move independently. A few hours earlier he suffered bludgeoning trauma from a thick branch falling from a tree. During the physical examination significant limitation the range of motion in shoulder joints with was found. <15 ° flexion and <30 ° abduction, with limited external rotation in the right shoulder joint, and <15 ° flexion and <15 ° abduction, with significant external rotation deficiency. Normal range of motion in both hands was preserved. No sensory deficits or paresis were observed. Radiographic examination revealed the presence of a multifragmentary fracture of both scapulae and a fracture of the Th9 vertebral body, which was confirmed by computed tomography of the chest. The patient was qualified for conservative treatment of scapular fractures and was fitted with an abduction splint for the left shoulder. The Th9 vertebral body required surgical approach. The patient underwent transpedicular stabilization of the Th7,8,9,10 vertebrae with precontoured rods for the kyphotic deformation of the spine. After the procedure, the patient was provided with Javette's brace strengthening the spine correction and discharged for further outpatient observation. CONCLUSIONS: Fracture of the scapula is one of the most demanding fractures to diagnose in the classic radiological examination. CT scans with 3D reconstruction can be considered to be the "gold standard". Surgical procedures is indicated for patients with severe comminution of fracture fragments and neurological symptoms. Minor fracture displacements can be conservatively treated. Coexisting Th9 vertebra fracture in this case required surgery by posterior transpedicular stabilization.

Bis(Cyclic Alkyl Amino Carbene) Ruthenium Complexes: A Versatile, Highly Efficient Tool for Olefin Metathesis.

The state-of-the-art in olefin metathesis is application of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-containing ruthenium alkylidenes for the formation of internal C=C bonds and of cyclic alkyl amino carbene (CAAC)-containing ruthenium benzylidenes in the production of terminal olefins. A straightforward synthesis of bis(CAAC)Ru indenylidene complexes, which are highly effective in the formation of both terminal and internal C=C bonds at loadings as low as 1 ppm, is now reported.

Extraction of His Bundle Pacing Lead: More Difficult than Coronary Sinus Lead Extraction: An Analysis of 3897 Lead Extraction Procedures Including 27 His and 253 Coronary Sinus Lead Removals.

BACKGROUND: Experience with the transvenous extraction of leads used for His bundle pacing (HBP) is limited. METHODS: Analysis of 3897 extractions including 27 HBP and 253 LVP (left ventricular pacing) leads. RESULTS: The main reason for HBP lead extraction was lead failure (59.26%). The age of HBP and LVP leads (54.52 vs. 50.20 months) was comparable, whereas procedure difficulties were related to the LVP lead dwell time. The extraction of HBP leads > 40 months old was longer than the removal of younger leads (8.57 vs. 3.87 min), procedure difficulties occurred in 14.29%, and advanced tools were required in 28.57%. There were no major complications. The extraction time of dysfunctional or infected leads was similar in the HBP and LVP groups (log-rank p = 0.868) but shorter when compared to groups with other leads. Survival after the procedure did not differ between HBP and LVP groups but was shorter than in the remaining patients. CONCLUSIONS: 1. HBP is used in CRT-D systems for resynchronisation of the failing heart in 33.33%. 2. Extraction of HBP leads is most frequently performed for non-infectious indications (59.26%) and most often because of lead dysfunction (33.33%). 3. The extraction of "old" (>40 months) HBP leads is longer (8.57 vs. 3.87 min) and more difficult than the removal of "young" leads due to unexpected procedure difficulties (14.29%) and the use of second line/advanced tools (28.57%), but it does not entail the risk of major complications and procedure-related death and is comparable to those encountered in the extraction of LVP leads of a similar age. 4. Survival after lead extraction was comparable between HBP and LVP groups but shorter compared to patients who underwent the removal of other leads.

Advancements in alveolar bone reconstruction: A systematic review of bone block utilization in dental practice.

Alveolar reconstructive surgery employs a variety of surgical techniques and biomaterials, with a particular focus on bone blocks as a crucial methodology for restoring and augmenting deficient bone structures. Bone blocks are often employed to support periodontal health or as a foundation for future prosthetic rehabilitation with dental implants. This systematic review investigated recent advances in bone blocks for alveolar bone reconstruction, comparing autologous, allogeneic and xenogeneic types. A search of PubMed identified 56 records, of which 21 were included in the qualitative analysis. The studies involved 685 patients in total. Bone blocks are pivotal for three-dimensional bone regeneration, providing a stable scaffold for achieving the desired bone volume during healing. Autologous bone, harvested from the patient, boasts high biocompatibility, excellent osteogenic properties and minimal immunologic risks. However, its drawbacks include the need for an additional surgical site and extended procedural times. Allogeneic bone blocks involve transferring bone between individuals, offering increased graft availability and customization options without requiring a second surgical site. However, they exhibit moderate resorption rates and carry a heightened risk of immunologic reactions and disease transmission. Innovative techniques, such as tunneling, laser osteotomy, graft customization, and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) application on wound during surgical treatment show promise in enhancing alveolar bone reconstruction efficacy. In conclusion, despite the traditional preference for autologous bone, the review suggests that alternative materials, particularly individualized allogeneic bone blocks, coupled with modern techniques, could emerge as a standard procedure for regenerating alveolar bone defects due to their satisfactory results and potential advantages.

A comparison of five methods to maximize RNA and DNA isolation yield from adipose tissue.

Adipose tissue in the human body occurs in various forms with different functions. It is an energy store, a complex endocrine organ, and a source of cells used in medicine. Many molecular analyses require the isolation of nucleic acids, which can cause some difficulties connected with the large amount of lipids in adipocytes. Ribonucleic acid isolation is particularly challenging due to its low stability and easy degradation by ribonucleases. The study aimed to compare and evaluate five RNA and DNA isolation methods from adipose tissue. The tested material was subcutaneous porcine adipose tissue subjected to different homogenization methods and RNA or DNA purification. A mortar and liquid nitrogen or ceramic beads were used for homogenization. The organic extraction (TriPure Reagent), spin columns with silica-membrane (RNeasy Mini Kit or High Pure PCR Template Preparation Kit), and the automatic MagNA Pure system were used for the purification. Five combinations were compared for RNA and DNA isolation. Obtained samples were evaluated for quantity and quality. The methods were compared in terms of yield (according to tissue mass), purity (A260/280 and A260/230), and nucleic acid degradation (RNA Integrity Number, RIN; DNA Integrity Number, DIN). The results were analyzed statistically. The average RNA yield was highest in method I, which used homogenization with ceramic beads and organic extraction. Low RNA concentration didn't allow us to measure degradation for all samples in method III (homogenization with ceramic beads and spin-column purification). The highest RNA quality was achieved with method IV using homogenization in liquid nitrogen and spin column purification, which makes it the most effective for RNA isolation from adipose tissue. Required values of DNA yield, purity, and integrity were achieved only with spin column-based methods (III and IV). The most effective method for DNA isolation from adipose tissue is method III, using spin-columns without additional homogenization.

New Equations for the Estimation of the Age of the Formation of the Harris Lines.

Harris Lines (HLs) are transverse, sclerotic lines that can be visualized by X-ray imaging and that occur in long bones, most commonly in the tibia and femur. HLs are associated with disrupted bone mineralization during endochondral ossification, affecting the normal growth process. The etiology of HLs is debated, with some claims linking their presence to detrimental factors such as inflammation, malnutrition, alcohol abuse, and diseases. The age at which HLs form can be estimated based on their location, which allows for a retrospective assessment of the individual's health status during childhood or youth. The current study is concerned with providing new equations to estimate the age of Harris Line occurrences using a simple calculating tool. Bone growth curves were derived based on a dataset provided by Byers in 1991 using non-linear estimation. The best model was chosen with the Akaike Information Criterion. New and old methods were compared through Bland-Altman plots. As a result, we managed to produce reliable, well-fitted growth curves, concordant with previous methods.

Comparison of various flow maldistribution quantification methods in mini heat exchangers.

The aim of study is to compare various flow maldistribution quantification methods, using velocity, mass flow rate, pressure, and temperature. An experimentally validated numerical study has been prepared and a heat exchanger with 34 semi-circular channels with a diameter of 3.1 mm has been tested. The minichannels were heated from the bottom with a heat flux of 50, 60, 70, and 80 kW/m2. The cases for various inlet velocities of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 m/s have been tested. It results in a total of 16 cases with various heat flux and various inlet velocities of the water. Then, for every 16 cases, the flow maldistribution coefficients, widely used in the literature, have been calculated based on the velocity, pressure, and temperature profiles. The study shows that every method gives other results of the same parameter that should define the flow distribution in the heat exchanger in the same way. Hence, the ambiguities of fluid distribution conclusions in heat exchangers that can be found in the literature may be caused by a different interpretation of the flow maldistribution coefficient. A normalized flow maldistribution coefficient that gives the same results for all thermohydraulic parameters used has been proposed.

Distance of the cervical part of the internal carotid artery from the selected anatomical structures in the parapharyngeal space and its relation to patient characteristics.

Anomalies of the internal carotid artery (ICA) can increase the risk of haemorrhage during common surgical procedures. The aim of this literature review was to summarize the current state of knowledge on the course of the internal carotid artery in the parapharyngeal space, including the impact of the patient characteristics on the distances between the artery and other anatomical structures, as well as symptoms accompanying the aberrations. Pathologies related to the course of ICA in the parapharyngeal space are common (10%-60% in the general population and up to 84.4% in the elderly). In women, the distances in the oropharynx area are shorter than in men. Although the number of morphological studies is growing, providing more information on this topic, the identified studies differ in the methods and results. Knowledge on the variability in the course of ICA can help identify patients at high risk for the ICA trauma during pharyngeal procedures.

Effect of four fluoroquinolones on the viability of bladder cancer cells in 2D and 3D cultures.

Introduction: The anticancer properties of fluoroquinolones and the high concentrations they achieve in urine may help in bladder cancer therapy. This study aimed to analyze the properties of 4 fluoroquinolones as potential candidates for supportive treatment of bladder cancer. Methods: Comparative analyses were performed on the cytotoxic effects of norfloxacin, enrofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and ofloxacin on normal and cancer urothelial cell lines. In 2D culture, the cytotoxic properties of fluoroquinolones were evaluated using MTT assay, real-time cell growth analysis, fluorescence and light microscopy, flow cytometry, and molecular analysis. In 3D culture, the properties of fluoroquinolones were tested using luminescence assays and confocal microscopy. Results and Discussion: All tested fluoroquinolones in 2D culture decreased the viability of both tested cell lines in a dose- and timedependent manner. Lower concentrations did not influence cell morphology and cytoskeletal organization. In higher concentrations, destruction of the actin cytoskeleton and shrinkage of the nucleus was visible. Flow cytometry analysis showed cell cycle inhibition of bladder cancer cell lines in the G2/M phase. This influence was minimal in the case of normal urothelium cells. In both tested cell lines, increases in the number of late apoptotic cells were observed. Molecular analysis showed variable expression of studied genes depending on the drug and concentration. In 3D culture, tested drugs were effective only in the highest tested concentrations which was accompanied by caspase 3/7 activation and cytoskeleton degradation. This effect was hardly visible in non-cancer cell lines. According to the data, norfloxacin and enrofloxacin had the most promising properties. These two fluoroquinolones exhibited the highest cytotoxic properties against both tested cell lines. In the case of norfloxacin, almost all calculated LC values for bladder cancer cell lines were achievable in the urine. Enrofloxacin and norfloxacin can be used to support chemotherapy in bladder cancer patients.