Prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in a historical Austrian population.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and severity of periodontitis based on different diagnostic methods in a historical Austrian population from the early middle ages. BACKGROUND: The description of the oral health status of archaeological material can provide interesting insights into prevalence, severity, and extent of oral diseases. Herein, the periodontal health status of the skeletal remains of medieval Avars (700-800 AD), which were considered as one of the earliest Avarian settlements in Austria, was investigated. METHODS: The skeletal remains of 128 Avars were examined; age and gender were estimated by standard forensic methods and tooth loss and root caries were recorded. Periodontitis was assessed by (a) measurement of the alveolar bone levels (ABL) and (b) evaluation of the interdental septa. RESULTS: A mean ABL of 4.8 mm was determined, root caries tended to accumulate in teeth with a higher alveolar bone loss, and on average, 6.2 teeth were lost antemortem. Independent of the diagnostic method >90% of the subjects were judged as periodontally diseased, and age and tooth type were significant predictors. However, on the tooth level the presence of periodontitis varied considerably depending on the diagnostic method; that is, 7.6% versus 47.2% of the teeth were judged as healthy based on ABL or interdental septa, respectively. CONCLUSION: The periodontal status of the skeletal remains of medieval Avars revealed a considerable high prevalence of periodontitis (ie, >90% of this population displayed periodontal tissue breakdown). However, the diagnostic method, disease definition, and data presentation should be considered when comparing results of archaeological material.

Ancient pathogens in museal dry bone specimens: analysis of paleocytology and aDNA.

Bone samples investigated in this study derive from the pathologic-anatomical collection of the Natural History Museum of Vienna. In order to explore the survival of treponemes and treponemal ancient DNA in museal dry bone specimens, we analyzed three individuals known to have been infected with Treponema pallidum pallidum. No reproducible evidence of surviving pathogen's ancient DNA (aDNA) was obtained, despite the highly sensitive extraction and amplification techniques (TPP15 and arp). Additionally, decalcification fluid of bone sections was smear stained with May-Gruenwald-Giemsa. The slides were examined using direct light microscope and dark field illumination. Remnants of spirochetal structures were detectable in every smear. Our results demonstrate that aDNA is unlikely to survive, but spirochetal remains are stainable and thus detectable.

Secondary ossification center induces and protects growth plate structure.

Growth plate and articular cartilage constitute a single anatomical entity early in development but later separate into two distinct structures by the secondary ossification center (SOC). The reason for such separation remains unknown. We found that evolutionarily SOC appears in animals conquering the land - amniotes. Analysis of the ossification pattern in mammals with specialized extremities (whales, bats, jerboa) revealed that SOC development correlates with the extent of mechanical loads. Mathematical modeling revealed that SOC reduces mechanical stress within the growth plate. Functional experiments revealed the high vulnerability of hypertrophic chondrocytes to mechanical stress and showed that SOC protects these cells from apoptosis caused by extensive loading. Atomic force microscopy showed that hypertrophic chondrocytes are the least mechanically stiff cells within the growth plate. Altogether, these findings suggest that SOC has evolved to protect the hypertrophic chondrocytes from the high mechanical stress encountered in the terrestrial environment.

Head injuries of Roman gladiators.

Gladiator remains from a recently unearthed cemetery in ancient Ephesus (Turkey) offer a unique opportunity for proving common theories involving the weaponry and techniques of gladiator fighting based on the evidence supplied by cranial bones. This mass grave is the first of its kind to undergo a thorough osteological and forensic examination. A minimum number of individuals (MNI) analyses revealed that at least 68 individuals. All individuals found turned out to have been males aged between 20 and 30 years, except for one female associated with a female slave gravestone, and one male aged 45-55 years, had been buried in this area of the cemetery. The male mean body height was 168 cm (S.D.=5 cm), which lies inside the normal range of height for Roman populations at those times. Eleven (16% of MNI) individuals exhibit a total of 16 well-healed antemortal cranial traumata. Five of the 11 individuals showed multiple trauma. Ten (15% of MNI) individuals exhibited a total of 10 perimortal cranial traumata. This is a surprisingly high frequency of deadly head injuries, taking into account that most of the gladiator types wore helmets. A possible explanation could be the frequently reported deathblow technique used by the hammer-carrying death god "Dis Pater". The gladiator weaponry is well known through historical sources. At least one injury per known type of offensive weapon could be identified, as well as evidence for the most popular, the gladiator trident, which was found to be represented by one perimortem and two antemortem injuries. Overall the reportedly very strict nature of combat rules for gladiator fights could be confirmed by the absence of multiple perimortal traumatized individuals, showing a lack of the excessive violence commonly observed on medieval battle ground victims. This graveyard gives the opportunity to confirm historical aspects and to check the reliability of forensic methods for identification of antemortem, perimortem, or postmortem bone lesions. Typical examples for these kinds of lesions and injuries are presented. The colour of the margins of the traumata proved to be the most distinguishing feature for postmortal lesions.

Colony-stimulating factor-1 antisense treatment suppresses growth of human tumor xenografts in mice.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) foster cellular invasion by disrupting extracellular matrix barriers and thereby facilitate tumor development. MMPs are synthesized by both cancer cells and adjacent stromal cells, primarily macrophages. The production of macrophages is regulated by colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1). Tissue CSF-1 expression increased significantly in embryonic and colon cancer xenografts. We, therefore, hypothesized that blocking CSF-1 may suppress tumor growth by decelerating macrophage-mediated extracellular matrix breakdown. Cells expressing CSF-1 and mice xenografted with CSF-1 receptor (c-fms)- and CSF-1-negative malignant human embryonic or colon cancer cells were treated with mouse CSF-1 antisense oligonucleotides. Two weeks of CSF-1 antisense treatment selectively down-regulated CSF-1 mRNA and protein tissue expression in tumor lysates. CSF-1 blockade suppressed the growth of embryonic tumors to dormant levels and the growth of the colon carcinoma by 50%. In addition, tumor vascularity and the expression of MMP-2 and angiogenic factors were reduced. Six-month survival was observed in colon carcinoma mice only after CSF-1 blockade, whereas controls were all dead at day 65. These results suggest that human embryonic and colon cancer cells up-regulate host CSF-1 and MMP-2 expression. Because the cancer cells used were CSF-1 negative, CSF-1 antisense targeted tumor stromal cell CSF-1 production. CSF-1 blockade could be a novel strategy in treatment of solid tumors.

A probable case of congenital syphilis from pre-Columbian Austria.

This study examines the skeletal remains of a subadult from an archeological site in Austria. Radiocarbon dating and archeological attribution indicate that this individual is of pre-Columbian origin. Most of the skeleton was recovered, and only the teeth and the orbital roofs show changes. Dental defects such as the mulberry molar and a tapered, fang-like canine suggest a diagnosis of congenital syphilis. This is the first probable case of congenital syphilis from pre-Columbian Central Europe. Our findings contribute to the pre-Columbian theory, offering counter evidence to the assumption that syphilis was carried from Columbus' crew from the New to the Old World.

A probable case of congenital syphilis from 18th century Vienna.

Archaeological excavation of a historic cemetery in Vienna, Austria, dating to the Josephinian period (CE 1765-1790) yielded a likely case of congenital syphilis. The individual displays intensive alteration of the permanent and deciduous dentition such as the mulberry molar and a tapered, fang-like canine. Traits rarely documented in paleopathological literature such as unnotched Hutchinson's incisors or pitting on the base of the cusps of deciduous second molars complement the finding. The present contribution describes this first probable case of congenital syphilis from Central Europe based on dental morphology. Beyond this documentation the specimen is compared to previous cases reported elsewhere.

Stable isotope and trace element studies on gladiators and contemporary Romans from Ephesus (Turkey, 2nd and 3rd Ct. AD)--mplications for differences in diet.

The gladiator cemetery discovered in Ephesus (Turkey) in 1993 dates to the 2nd and 3rd century AD. The aim of this study is to reconstruct diverse diet, social stratification, and migration of the inhabitants of Roman Ephesus and the distinct group of gladiators. Stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur isotope analysis were applied, and inorganic bone elements (strontium, calcium) were determined. In total, 53 individuals, including 22 gladiators, were analysed. All individuals consumed C3 plants like wheat and barley as staple food. A few individuals show indication of consumption of C4 plants. The δ13C values of one female from the gladiator cemetery and one gladiator differ from all other individuals. Their δ34S values indicate that they probably migrated from another geographical region or consumed different foods. The δ15N values are relatively low in comparison to other sites from Roman times. A probable cause for the depletion of 15N in Ephesus could be the frequent consumption of legumes. The Sr/Ca-ratios of the gladiators were significantly higher than the values of the contemporary Roman inhabitants. Since the Sr/Ca-ratio reflects the main Ca-supplier in the diet, the elevated values of the gladiators might suggest a frequent use of a plant ash beverage, as mentioned in ancient texts.

Investigations on human and animal remains from a medieval shaft well in Ayasuluk/Ephesos (Turkey).

In course of the archaeological survey of Ayasuluk/Ephesos region (Turkey), a shaft well situated at the area of an extensive medieval bathing complex was excavated. In the stratum corresponding to the reign Mehmed II the well-preserved skeletons of two humans, an equine and a canine were recovered. Anthropological analysis of the human skeletons indentified two males aged 22 (± 3) and 36 (± 5) years. The skeleton of the younger individual showed signs of various antemortal conditions, including a well-healed fraction of right arc of the fifth lumbar vertebra, and a marked asymmetry of the shoulder joints. The older individual exhibited significant peri/postmortem injuries at the elbows, with evident signs of peeling and external burning. Also, the few elements of the cranium recovered showed also indications of burning. Archaeozoological characterization of the complete skeletons of the equine and canine established evidence of well cared-for animals of high value. The time of disposal of this group coincides with uprising of the formerly ruling Aydnoullar clan against the Ottomans in power. The human individuals recovered from the well may have been members of Aydnoullar tribe or men in service of the latter, suffering severe torture and/or mutilation for siding with the rebels after defeat.

The impact of colony-stimulating factor-1 on fracture healing: an experimental study.

The role of colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) in the regulation of osteoclasts and bone remodeling suggests that CSF-1 may also be involved in regulation of bone healing. The ability of CSF-1 to promote healing of bone defects was tested in a rabbit model. Twenty-four New Zeeland rabbits were included in the study. Animals were assigned to two groups: the control group (n = 12) was treated by plate fixation. The animals in the second group (n = 12) were also stabilized by conventional plating and received additionally CSF-1 for 2 weeks systemically. Histologic, histomorphometric, and radiologic examinations were performed to evaluate the healing process at 4, 8, and 12 weeks following surgery. Animals that were treated by CSF-1 produced a significantly higher amount of mineralized bone over the first 8 weeks after fracture compared to the control animals. Furthermore, a higher number of osteoclasts was found in CSF-1-treated animals within the first 8 weeks, compared to the controls. The present data emphasize for the first time the importance of CSF-1 in the bone healing. The use of CSF-1 in addition to conventional fixation might be a novel approach for the treatment of bone defects.

Combination of anorganic bovine-derived hydroxyapatite with binding peptide does not enhance bone healing in a critical-size defect in a rabbit model.

Anorganic bovine-derived hydroxyapatite (ABM) in combination with binding peptid (P-15) has demonstrated the capacity to improve the healing of periodontal defects. This study evaluated the benefit of ABM/P-15 to promote healing of cortical long bone defects in a rabbit model. A 5-mm segmental bone defect was created in the femur and fixed with a plate. There were two treatment groups: no implant (n = 12) and ABM/P-15 (n = 12). At 4, 8, and 12 weeks, healing of the defect was evaluated with radiographs and histomorphometric examination of the treated femora. After 4 weeks, radiographs showed bone formation without signs of complete consolidation in three of four animals in the control group and two of four ABM/P-15 treated animals. At the later course of the treatment, no radiologic difference was evident between the treatment groups. Histomorphometric evaluation revealed an area of 1.29 +/- 0.11 mm(2) and 0.97 +/- 0.21 mm(2) of newly produced bone in animals of the control group and ABM/P-15 group after 4 weeks. After 8 and 12 weeks, animals in the control group had an area of 2.44 +/- 0.62 mm(2) and 2.5 +/- 0.2 mm(2) of newly produced bone within the osteotomy gap compared to 1.6 +/- 0.65 mm(2) and 1.56 +/- 0.27 mm(2) in the ABM/P-15 group (p = 0.0004). An enhanced or accelerated ingrowth of bone, as reported in previous studies, was not observed. Our results imply that the ABM/P-15 is not a suitable graft for the treatment of critical-sized segmental defects in long bones.

Computer-assisted quantification of occlusion and coil densities on angiographic and histological images of experimental aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Occlusion rates (OR) and coil densities were quantified by computer-assisted morphometry on angiograms and histological ground sections of coil-embolized experimental aneurysms. The aims of this study were 1) to develop computer-assisted evaluations of angiographic OR and histometrical OR, 2) to compare these results to subjectively estimated angiographic OR from clinical practice, and 3) to test the correlation between histometrical data of coil density and occlusion. METHODS: Eight rabbit carotid-bifurcation aneurysms had been followed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) before and after Guglielmi detachable coil embolization and at sacrifice (1 h to 24 wk postembolization). Angiographic OR was subjectively estimated, then determined by computer-assisted density-gradient distinction on digitized DSAs. Histometrically, maximum length, neck width, total area, recanalized area, and coil-occupied area were measured on digitized and calibrated color micrographs from surface-stained histological ground sections of the aneurysms. Histometrical OR and coil density were calculated as indirect parameters. RESULTS: Subjective versus computer-assisted angiographic OR yielded for one aneurysm, 100% versus 100%, and for three aneurysms less than 90% versus 65 to 60% occlusion. For four aneurysms, OR was estimated greater than 90%, whereas computer-assisted OR ranged between 45 to 80%, the latter being more precise because of better definition of the aneurysm's total area on digitized DSA. Histometrical OR ranged between 32.8 and 87.6%, but did not correlate significantly with computer-assisted angiographic OR (r = 0.467, P > 0.1) because of differences in two aneurysms. Coil densities between 5.5 and 22.1% were slightly lower than reported in literature but significantly correlated to histometrical OR (r = 0.646, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Computer-assisted DSA evaluation, delivering more precise values than subjectively estimated occlusion, may be a useful tool for follow-up studies. Comparing computer-assisted angiographic with histometrical occlusion demonstrates limits of DSA in displaying the real morphology of coil-embolized aneurysms. The clinically postulated correlation of OR and coil densities was statistically corroborated.