Fluctuating asymmetry of human morphometric features as a marker of developmental instability caused by adverse environmental conditions.

BACKGROUND: This article is an attempt to apply fluctuating asymmetry as amorphometric method of studying changes in specific structures of the right and the left side of the body to determine variables which may affect morphogenesis and, consequently, human morphology in adulthood. The main aim of this study was to use the fluctuating asymmetry level as an indicator of adverse living conditions in childhood by determining the impact of environmental components (socio-economic factors and air pollution) on the level of body asymmetry in young women and men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from 877 students from various Polish universities, including 483 women and 394 men. Anthropometric data and questionnaire responses were recorded. As part of the surveys, respondents provided information about their place of residence, socio-economic status and lateralisation. The composite body FA (cFA) was assessed based on six bilateral features: the length of fingers II and IV of both hands, the length and width of the ear, and the length and width of the foot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The present study supports the hypothesis that asymmetry increases as socioeconomic status decreases and air pollution levels increase. Differences in asymmetry, depending on environmental factors, socioeconomic status (SES) and air quality, were in most cases greater in men than in women. The results confirm that variable asymmetry is a sensitive indicator of an individual's exposure to unfavorable environmental factors during ontogenesis. Moreover, the results of the conducted research suggest that environmental factors may influence the structure of the human body, and irreversible morphological alterations are the result of unfavorable conditions occurring in the early stages of biological development.

The last flight of F/O Tadeusz Stabrowski. Identification of the polish pilot.

The paper presents the process of identifying an unnamed soldier of the Polish armed forces in the west, whose remains were found in a nameless grave at the municipal cemetery in Le Crotoy in France. The Polish Genetic Database of Victims of Totalitarianism team carried out the research in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. A comprehensive analysis of autosomal and Y-STR markers was performed. Historical, anthropological, and forensic examinations of the remains were also carried out. The items found with the remains were also examined. Identification based on DNA analysis made it possible to restore the identity of the Polish pilot who died on 11 March 1943 near the French coast, F/O Tadeusz Stabrowski. The airman regained his name in 2018, he was about 26 years old at the time of his death and left behind a grieving wife and son in the United Kingdom. The success of identifying the NN remains was guaranteed by the appointment of an interdisciplinary team consisting of specialists in archaeology, anthropology, history, forensic medicine and forensic genetics. The analysis of historical sources allowed to determine 4 missing airmen whose remains could have been buried in the cemetery in Le Crotoy. An interesting aspect of the research was the cooperation with history enthusiasts and fans of Polish aviation, thanks to which it was finally possible to narrow down the group of pilots sought and reach the family of Tadeusz Stabrowski, who submitted comparative material for research. This is the first case of establishing the identity of a Polish pilot killed in France. Many institutions have been involved in the project, including Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage (MDiKN), which partially funded the research.

Genetic and phylogeographic evidence for Jewish Holocaust victims at the Sobibór death camp.

Six million Jews were killed by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II. Archaeological excavations in the area of the death camp in Sobibór, Poland, revealed ten sets of human skeletal remains presumptively assigned to Polish victims of the totalitarian regimes. However, their genetic analyses indicate that the remains are of Ashkenazi Jews murdered as part of the mass extermination of European Jews by the Nazi regime and not of otherwise hypothesised non-Jewish partisan combatants. In accordance with traditional Jewish rite, the remains were reburied in the presence of a Rabbi at the place of their discovery.

Does an early rural life influence selected health-related parameters of female university students?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to define whether in a group of young women the place of residence in their childhood and adolescence, as well as moving from a rural to an urban area, have affected their biological condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data were obtained from 1,305 unmarried and childless women aged 18-25. The respondents were university students. Each person's height, weight and waist circumference were measured, and the BMI, WHR, and WHtR indices were calculated. A survey was used to collect data on the females' socio-economic status, their health condition and course of menstruation cycle. RESULTS: In the whole sample, apart from WHR, there was no significant difference in anthropometric characteristics depending on the urbanization degree of the place of residence before commencing studies. In comparing the two groups of women, changing place of residence from a village to a city and from a city to another city, more differences were visible. Women of rural origin presented significantly higher values of BMI, waist circumference and WHtR than those from the city. They were also more frequently characterized by overweight and abdominal obesity. The women from other cities were characterized by underweight and too low amount of abdominal adipose tissue. Health problems were found in both groups. Students of rural origin more rarely declared changes in body weight and health condition after beginning studies. Students of urban origin were more often affected by sleeping problems and spine pains. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study do not indicate that a change of place of residence has a stronger effect on the biological condition of rural women than their urban peers.

Influence of Socio-Economic Status on Lung Function in Male Adolescents in Tanzania.

A lower socio-economic status (SES) associates with increased morbidity and mortality. The goal of this study was to define the influence of SES on lung function in indigenous male adolescents (aged 12.8-24.5 years) in Tanzania. The subjects were subdivided into two age groups: <17.5 (n = 189) and ≥ 17.5 years of age (n = 101). They underwent anthropometric and spirometry evaluation. The SES was assessed on the basis of economic family resources and the subjects' nutritional status, and was stratified into three categories: SES-1 (low), SES-2 (average), and SES-3 (high). Relative contributions of body mass index, chest expansion/mobility, waist-to-chest ratio, and SES to spirometry variables were statistically determined. We found significant differences in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in the older, but not younger age group, by the SES category. The adolescents aged ≥17.5 in high-SES-3 category had FEV1 and FVC greater by 29.3% and 42.5%, respectively, than those in low-SES-1 category in the same age group. There also were differences between the two age groups. The mean FEV1 and FVC in adolescents of high-SES-3 category, aged ≥17.5, were higher by 65.3% and 82.2%, respectively, than those in the corresponding SES-3 in adolescents aged <17.5. In younger adolescents, lung function variables associated mostly with body build parameters, whereas in older adolescents with SES. The study revealed a significant dependence of lung function, and thus plausibly a greater resistance to diseases, on the socio-economic status. We conclude that the socio-economic status be taken into consideration in the assessment of lung function in epidemiological and public health programs, particularly in the context of the developing countries, to obtain the most reliable results.

[Sexual dimorphism and asymmetry of digit ratio (2D:4D) ­ pilot study].

Introduction: Numerous studies have demonstrated sexual dimorphism in 2D:4D digit ratio. Shall be regarded that the value of the 2D:4D ratio is determined in fetal life by the action of hormones. The aim of the study was to evaluate asymmetry and sexual dimorphism in 2D:4D digit ratio. Material and methods: The study was conducted on a group of 115 women and 46 men, aged 19­25 years. Individuals, which were included in the study, are students of two universities in Cracow ­ Academy of Physical Education and the Jagiellonian University. The measurement of the length the fingers II and IV both hands was made in each person and the value of digit ratio was calculated for all obtained data. Results: The women had the higher value of the index 2D:4D in both hands, compared with men covered by the survey. In males it was demonstrated higher average value of the length of the finger IV than the finger II.

[Early age at menarche - relationship with socioeconomic status and selected factors connected with health status]. / Wczesny wiek menarche - zwiazek ze statusem spoleczno-ekonomicznym oraz wybranymi czynnikami zwiazanymi ze stanem zdrowia.

INTRODUCTION: Current research from around the world indicates a trend toward younger ages at the first menstruation. At the same time more and more studies point out the negative consequences of early puberty. Early age at menarche is significantly correlated with the risk of metabolic syndrome, breast cancer and female reproductive system cancer, as well as illnesses such asthma and bulimia. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between age at menarche and socioeconomic status and selected factors connected with biological conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data were obtained from 671 female university students. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference were measured, and BMI, WHR, WHtR were calculated. A questionnaire form was used to assess the age at menarche, biological conditions and socioeconomic status of the surveyed students. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the number of the early, average and late maturing students between the socioeconomic groups. The early maturing girls were characterized by higher values of waist circumference, BMI, WHR and WHtR. The prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was highest among the early maturing girls. The analysis did not show statistically significant relationships between age at menarche and selected factors connected with biological conditions. CONCLUSION: Early maturation increases the risk of obesity and central adiposity distribution.

[Food hypersensitivity in the population of school children in Opole]. / Nadwrazliwosc pokarmowa w populacji dzieci szkolnych w Opolu.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of food allergy among children is high and constantly increasing, especially in urban environments. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of food hypersensitivity among children living in Opole. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 450 children (224 girls and 216 boys), aged 7-10 years from elementary schools in Opole. A survey was conducted on the basis of the EuroPrevall international programme questionnaire and a self-designed questionnaire for collecting information. Data were analyzed with the Statistica 8 software package. The level of significance for all analyses was p < 0.05. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by the parents of 440 (98%) children. 89% (n = 392) of the parents agreed to being contacted again. Adverse reactions following food consumption were reported in 205 children (46.05%), including 93 children (45.36%) with two to four reactions a month. The most common symptoms were as follows: rash (28.29%), diarrhoea (26.34%). The symptoms occurred after the consumption of cow's milk (35.12%), hen eggs (12.19%), strawberries (8.78%), dairy products (5.36%), nuts (5.36%), chocolate (4.87%), and cocoa (4.87%). CONCLUSION: The study revealed a high reporting of food hypersensitivity among children in Opole.

The evaluation of procedure and treatment outcome in patients with tension pneumothorax.

INTRODUCTION: Tension pneumothorax is a directly criti- cal illness condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of tension pneumothorax treatment in trauma patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We assessed the results of treat- ment of 22 patients hospitalized for trauma in 2000-2010, in whom at the time of admission tension pneumothorax symptoms were found. This constituted 18% of trauma patients who at the time of admission to the hospital, during the initial examination, were diagnosed with pneumothorax. In the study group there were 17 men and 5 women. The patients' ages ranged from 21 to 85 years (mean 48.8). In 19 cases tension pneumothorax was associated with polytrauma. Traffic accidents were the cause of most cases. Injury to one or both lungs was observed in 16 patients. Typical paradoxi- cal breathing occurred in 2 patients. The number of frac- tured ribs averaged 6.3 per patient. In each of the patients, immediately on admission, after diagnosis based on clini- cal symptoms, tension pneumothorax decompression was performed by pleural drainage. Lung decompression and improvement of the clinical condition of the patient were obtained in a few minutes after pleural drainage. Then, fur- ther diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were continued. Full time of hospitalization due to polytrauma injury was on average 58.6 days. Two patients died during treatment for polytrauma. Pneumothorax was not the cause of death in either of the patients. CONCLUSION: In summary, the therapeutic standard ordering of tension pneumothorax decompression, directly on admission to the hospital, allows the patient to survive in spite of the grave nature of the injury.

FUNCTIONAL DISORDERS OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINTS AS A FACTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR SLEEP APNOEA.

INTRODUCTION: Functional disorders of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in the contemporary population are considered by World Health Organization to be the third most frequent dental disease after caries and periodontitis. It is thought to affect 84% of the adult population. In patients aged 65 years and older these disorders become more severe and may affect up to 100% of this age group. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We examined 150 patients aged 35-70 years (mean age 46.5 years). All patients were diagnosed in 2006-2010 at the Department of Dental Prosthetics of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin due to suspected more or less advanced functional disorders of the stomatognathic system, particularly TMJ. The severity of the disorders was identified using the Helkimo index. RESULTS: Functional disorders of the TMJ and mild sleep apnoea were diagnosed in 112 patients. Findings from the study indicated that the severity of sleep apnoea was positively correlated with the duration and severity of TMD. CONCLUSION: Most patients did not link the symptoms of sleep apnoea with dysfunctions of the stomatognathic system.

INCREASING THE UPPER AIRWAY SPACE USING ORAL APPLIANCES IN PATIENTS WITH MILD SLEEP APNOEA CAUSED BY STOMATOGNATHIC DYSFUNCTIONS.

INTRODUCTION: Abnormal breathing can be caused by developmental malformations or anatomical variations in the upper airways. Stomatognathic diseases may significantly impair the patency of the upper respiratory tract. Treatment of advanced stomatognathic dysfunctions is difficult due to their multifactorial aetiology, and often involves many phases. Sleep apnoea is one of the most bothersome complications. The mainstay therapeutic strategy relies on modifying the position of the mandible against the maxilla, achieved by using different types of oral appliances. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in 2006-2010 on 92 patients (mean age 42.5 years) with diagnosed advanced dysfunction of the stomatognathic system. The treatment relied on the use of an orthodontic appliance (54 patients) or combined multi-phase therapy with splints used in the first phase (22 patients). Two different appliances were used (one of them was modified by the authors). Parameters assessed in the study included time to resolution of pain, reduction in the incidence of sleep apnoea, and improvement in nasal breathing. RESULTS: Change in the protrusion of the mandible not only relieved problems with the stomatognathic system, but also improved breathing in patients. The use of modified oral appliances reduced treatment duration and improved patients' comfort. Therefore, it may be useful in the treatment of patients with mild sleep apnoea.

[THE PREVALENCE AND CORRELATES OF MENSTRUAL PAIN IN HEALTHY UNIVERSITY STUDENTS]. / CZESTOSC WYSTEPOWANIA ORAZ CZYNNIKI SKORELOWANE Z BÓLEM MIESIACZKOWYM U ZDROWYCH STUDENTEK.

INTRODUCTION: Menstrual disorders generally affect the daily activities of females, and menstrual pain is a common gynaecological complaint in westernized societies. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of, and the factors related to, menstrual pain in young, healthy women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 600 university students were obtained during the cross sectional survey. Stu-dents were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire. Information on the women's socioeconomic status, age at menarche, and menstrual cycle characteristics: i.e. the length and regularity of cycles, the duration of menstrual flow, and the occurrence of menstrual pain, headache and back pain during the cycles were asked about. Each person's height, weight and waist circumference were measured, and the following indices: BMI, WHR, and WHtR were calculated. RESULTS: 29.8% of the surveyed students reported the occurrence of moderate pain during menstruation, and 21.7% reported the occurrence of severe menstrual pain. Significant differences were observed in the prevalence of menstrual pain with relation to age at menarche and the amount and distribution of adipose tissue. Menstrual pain was more prevalent among women who experienced menarche at a younger age. Among overweight and obese students, as well as among students with abdominal obesity, menstrual pain was more frequent than among those with correct weight and correct waist circumference. Moreover, psychological stress was associated with menstrual pain. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that a sig-nificant percentage of young women complain of menstrual pain. Menstrual pain is associated with early age at menarch, obesity and abdominal obesity.

Sinusitis in people living in the medieval ages.

Breathing vitally serves body homeostasis. The prevalence of upper airway infections is often taken as an indicator of overall health status of a population living at a given time. In the present study we examined the unearthed remains of skulls from the XIII-XV century inhabitants searching for signs of maxillary sinusitis. Maxillary sinuses of the skulls of 92 individuals were inspected macroscopically and, if necessary, endoscopically. Osseous changes, including the pitting and abnormal spicule formation were present in 69 cases (75.0 %). It was found that, overall, dental infection was a major cause of maxillary sinusitis (18.8 %). Severe bone changes were observed in the adults' skulls, but were also present in the sinus walls of children's skulls. Post-inflammatory changes were manifest as remodeling and damage to the sinus walls. The results indicate that both children and adults of the Middle Ages suffered from chronic sinusitis. These observations confirm that the climate, environment, and lifestyle of the medieval populations contributed to the morbidity of the upper respiratory tract.

The evaluation of the treatment results in patients with a small closed pneumothorax.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the methods and results of the treatment of patients with a small closed pneumothorax. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The results of the treatment of 34 patients hospitalized for trauma in 2000-2010 due to a small closed pneumothorax were assessed. There were 23 men and 11 women. The age of the patients ranged from 20-84 years (av. 48.5). 15 patients had trauma affecting the right side, and 19 had left side trauma. In 10 cases the pneumothorax was associated with multiple trauma. In 24 cases fracture of the ribs (av. 3.4) was revealed in radiological examination. In 10 patients radiographs did not show fracture of the ribs (in 5 of these patients, a clinical trial indicated a fracture of one rib, not visible on x-ray). The size of the pneumothorax in chest radiographic anterior-posterior projection ranged from 0.5-2 cm (av. 1.2). Conservative treatment was monitored through radiological examination. RESULTS: In 33 patients spontaneous pneumothorax resorption was observed. In one patient it was necessary to apply pleural drainage due to the enlargement of the pneumothorax and the appearance of symptoms of respiratory failure. In one case it was necessary to puncture the pleural cavity to remove a hematoma occurring along with the pneumothorax. Good results of treatment were achieved in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the conservative treatment of a small closed pneumothorax is effective in most cases.

The influence of age at menarche on the prevalence of disorders of the menstrual cycle among healthy university students.

INTRODUCTION: Many research findings indicate long-term health risks of early age at menarche. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of early and late onset of menarche on menstrual disturbances and anthropometric measures among university students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was carried out among 566 students of the Jagiellonian University. Measurements of the height, weight and waist circumference were taken for each person. The age at the first menstruation was assessed by a retrospective method based on information given by the students. Data related to the pattern of the menstrual cycle were gathered by a survey. RESULTS: The group featured an average age at menarche of 12.71, ranging between 10 and 17 years. The post--menarchal year was at least 5. According to percentiles, the females were divided into three groups of different puberty rate. Significant differences were observed in the pattern of menstrual cycles with relation to age at menarche. Among the early- and late-maturing group irregular cycles were more frequent than among those who reached puberty at the average age. The longest cycles and most frequent oligomenorrhoea were observed in the late-maturing group. There were no differences observed regarding the number of days with menstrual bleeding, although the early-maturing women more frequently declared that bleeding was profuse. Within the group of early-maturing students a significantly larger number declared to have suffered menstrual pain than in the other groups. More early-maturing students also complained of back pain and headaches during the menstrual cycle. CONCLUSION: Both early and late menarche might be related to menstrual dysfunction among young women. Menstrual disturbances were more prevalent among women who experienced menarche at a younger age. Moreover, in the early-maturing group overweight and obese states, as well as abdominal obesity, were frequent, and they are known as risk factors in many illnesses.

[Footwear according to the "business dress code", and the health condition of women's feet--computer-assisted holistic evaluation]. / Obuwie zgodne z "business dress code" a kondycja zdrowotna stóp kobiet--komputerowo wspomagana ocena holistyczna.

BACKGROUND: According to the verdict of the Supreme Court in 2005, an employer may dismiss an employee if their conduct (including dress) exposes the employer to losses or threatens his interests. The aim of the study was a holistic assessment of the pleiotropic effects of high-heeled pointed shoes on the health condition of women's feet, wearing them at work, in accordance with the existing rules of the "business dress code". MATERIALS AND METHODS: A holistic multidisciplinary analysis was performed. It takes into account: 1) women employees of banks and other large corporations (82 persons); 2) 2D FEM computer model developed by the authors of foot deformed by pointed high-heeled shoes; 3) web site found after entering the code "business dress code". RESULTS: Over 60% of women in the office wore high-heeled shoes. The following has been found among people walking to work in high heels: 1) reduction in the quality of life in about 70% of cases, through periodic occurrence of pain and reduction of functional capacity of the feet; 2) increase in the pressure on the plantar side of the forefoot at least twice; 3) the continued effects the forces deforming the forefoot. CONCLUSIONS: 1. An evolutionary change of "dress code" shoes is necessary in order to lead to a reduction in non-physiological overload of feet and the consequence of their disability. 2. These changes are particularly urgent in patients with so-called "sensitive foot".

[The level of distress as an indicator of mental health of university students]. / Poziom dystresu jako wskaznik zdrowia psychicznego mlodzieiy akademickiej.

INTRODUCTION: Data concerning the mental health of students in Poland are relatively scarce and do not reflect the real scale of the problem. Health in the general meaning is a fundamental issue for every person, especially for the youth who spend most of the time on studying. One of the important factors determining mental health of students is lifestyle; some of its aspects are implicated in health habits. The system of studies carries along with it many dangers in the form of stress related with the university itself, exams, many opportunities, and temptations being a threat to mental health. The aim of this work was to assess the mental health of university students measured with the level of distress and its association with sociodemographic factors and lifestyle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 300 students participated, including 150 students of medicine and 150 students of education from the western part of Poland. A shortened version of the Goldberg Depression Questionnaire--General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and a self-designed questionnaire for collecting information about sociodemographic factors were used. Data were analyzed with the Statistica 8 software package. The level of significance for all analyses was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in the level of distress were observed between genders. Higher levels of distress were noticed in 57% of females and 41% of males. The highest level of distress was found in female students of medicine (mean = 4.23) and the lowest in male students of education (mean = 2.02). There were correlations between distress and lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings corroborate the alarming reports about the deteriorating mental condition of Polish university students. Increased levels of distress were observed half of the students.

[A murder case from 900 years ago? Analysis of extensive cranial trauma observed in a historical skeleton recovered in central Poland]. / Morderstwo sprzed 900 lat? Analiza rozleglych urazów czaszki zaobserwowanych na szkielecie historycznym odkrytym w centralnej Polsce.

This work presents the results of study of a human skeleton from the early Middle Ages recovered in Peclawice (province of Lódz), presenting signs of extensive cranial trauma suffered perimortem. The skeleton belonged to a 20-30 year-old male of sturdy build, with prominent bone processes, marked right-side asymmetry of the bones and joints of the upper extremities, and tallness (stature well above average for early medieval times). Except for the skull, the skeleton lacks any pathologic or traumatic lesions. The right side of the skull bears signs of three extensive injuries involving the frontal and parietal bones and the temporomandibular joint. Two of them penetrated deeply into the cranial cavity. The nature and location of the lesions suggests that the axe was used and that the victim was not confronted face-to-face. None of the lesions show any signs of healing. Fragmentation of the facial bones, which were mostly incomplete except for the well-preserved mandible, suggests additional blows to the face. These massive injuries must have been fatal due to damage to the brain and main blood vessels of the neck and thus they were recognized as the cause of death of the individual.

Psychologic aspects of Dupuytren's disease: a new scale of subjective well-being of patients.

INTRODUCTION: Dupuytren's disease usually appears in middle-age patients and is more prevalent in men than women (2-10 times less often than in men). Dupuytren's disease may accompany diabetes, smoking, alcoholism, HIV, and epilepsy. There is no cure for this disease. The disease causes a remarkable worsening of the quality of life resulting mainly from two factors: reduced physical performance or disability, and disfigurement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 38 patients suffering from Dupuytrens's disease. The study was done in 2007-2008 at the Second Department of Surgery of the Jagiellonian University. We used the Dupuytrens disease scale of subjective well being of patients (DDSP) questionnaire covering four areas of the quality of life. RESULTS: Blue-collar workers experienced more severe problems at work than white-collar workers. CONCLUSION: There were no differences between location of the disease in left- and right-handed patients.

[A contribution to the history of medicine in Poland: skeletal remains from a church hospital cemetery of the 14th 18th century in Leczyca (Province of Lódz)]. / Przyczynek do historii medycyny w Polsce: szczatki kostne z cmentarzyska przyszpitalnego z XIV-XVIII w. w Leczycy (woj. lódzkie).

INTRODUCTION: We present the results of an anthropological and paleopathological analysis of 7 graves discovered at the site of a church-hospital complex existing in the 14th-18th century in Leczyca (province of Lódz). The aim was to determine whether the skeletons revealed features typical for the function of the complex. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The graves contained the remains of 8 persons: 4 men (2 of them aged 20-40 years and 2 aged 40-60 years), 2 women (aged 40-60 years), and 2 children (one aged 2-4 years and a 10-month-old fetus or neonate buried together with one of the women). RESULTS: Four skeletons of adults (out of 5 skeletons in a condition adequate for the study) showed pathological (degenerative) and traumatic lesions. Pathologies of the masticatory organ (mainly intravital loss of teeth and recession of the alveolar process) were seen in all preserved adult skulls. CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of pathologies indicates that we were dealing with the remains of patients of a hospital.