Journal of Bioanthropology is a multi and interdisciplinary scientific journal that focuses on scientific research in the field of biological anthropology, bioarchaeology, biomechanics, biomedicine, ergonomics, forensics, genetics, human evolution, molecular anthropology, public health and related subjects. The official language of the Journal is English. Journal is published semi-annually.
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Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ABSTRACTS OF THE 9th CROATIAN HUMAN GENETICS CONFERENCE & 2nd CROATIAN PERSONALIZED AND PRECISION MEDICINE CONFERENCE
Abstracts Selected of Poster Presentations - ANTHROPOLOGICAL GENETICS
ANTHROPOLOGICAL GENETICS
Abstracts Selected of Poster Presentations - FORENSIC GENETICS
FORENSIC GENETICS
Abstracts selested for poster presentations
TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
Abstracts Selected For Oral Communication
Moses Schanfield Young Investigator Award (MSYIA) Presentations
THE ISABS FUTURE SCIENTIST AWARD PRESENTATIONS
ISABS FUTURE SCIENTIST AWARD PRESENTATIONS
ABSTRACTS OF INVITED LECTURES
BIOETHICS AND COVID-19; IT IS NOT ONLY THE VIRUS, THE DISEASE AND THE VACCINE, Aaron Ciechanover ARCHAIC GENOMICS, Svante Pääbo THE MANY ROLES OF DNA METHYLATION IN BACTERIA, Richard J. Roberts ROLE OF HYPOXIA-INDUCIBLE FACTORS IN OXYGEN HOMEOSTASIS AND CANCER PROGRESSION, Gregg Semenza
ISABS Committees
WELCOME TO THE THIRTEENTH ISABS CONFERENCE ON APPLIED GENETICS AND MAYO CLINIC LECTURES IN TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE!
Copyright (c) 2024 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Inheritance of the Epidermolysis Bullosa Subtypes
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of inherited disorders that cause skin to blister and tear easily. The disease is caused by mutations in structural proteins that are key for maintaining the integrity of the skin’s basement membrane zone or dermoepidermal junction. EB can be inherited in two ways: autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive. The most common form of EB, epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS), as well as some forms of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means they are passed down from an affected parent to half of his or her children. Other forms of EB, such as junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) and some forms of DEB, are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means that two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, are required to develop the condition.
Copyright (c) 2023 Temaj A. et al https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Presence of Uto-Aztecan Premolar Trait (Disto-Sagittal Ridge) in a Zoque-Olmec sample from Mesoamerica
The presence of UAP in a Zoque-Olmec sample from the Early Classic Period (1.800 – 1.300 BP) is reported. This has been compared with the frequency of the same trait in other groups from the American continent.
Copyright (c) 2023 Rodriguez Flórez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Importance of quality control in sample preparation workflow of forensic degraded samples for massively parallel sequencing (MPS)
Molecular genetic analyses occupy a significant part of laboratory tests in forensic practice. Pre-prepared commercial kits used for DNA extraction are an excellent choice for samples provided by living people, but in forensic practice, most of the samples that undergo molecular processing are often degraded and may pose a challenge in the laboratory. A special challenge is to provide quality genetic material from post-mortem samples that would be suitable for further analysis with massively parallel sequencing. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the applicability of two silica-based DNA extraction methods for post-mortem blood samples with varying storage time and degrees of degradation, and also, to establish proper quality control in sample preparation workflow for Massively Parallel Sequencing using Ion Torrent GeneStudio™ S5 platform. The study was performed on 48 blood samples with different storage time. Silica-based DNA extraction protocols was applied and quantification was made using Qubit 3.0 fluorimeter, followed by Real-Time PCR quantification. The results indicate high variability between the obtained DNA quantities from post-mortem blood samples with different storage time. Correlation was determined between storage time and sample quantity and quality. The Qiagen Mini Kit & Micro Kit are applicable for DNA extraction from blood samples with various storage periods and degradation levels, which can be used for further NGS analyses after careful quality control and optimization of library preparation conditions.
Ion S5 ™ next-generation sequencing system
Copyright (c) 2023 Belakaposka Srpanova et al https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Comparative Analysis of Dermatoglyphic Traits in Albanian and Roma Populations in Kosovo
We examined dermatoglyphics of children in three Albanian and one Roma population sample (collected from 641 individuals from the Albanian populations and 226 individuals from the Roma population of both sexes). We compared Albanian and Roma populations based on four finger (whorl, radial and ulnar loop, and arch) and thirteen palmar traits (pattern frequencies in the Thenar/I interdigital area, II, III, and IV interdigital area, Hypothenar and axial »t« triradius position). The differences between the populations were more evident for palmar traits. In our study the Albanian and the Roma populations showed the best separation when finger and palmar traits are separately analyzed. As expected, the Albanian and the Roma populations separated in statistical analyses of most traits; the main reason for this is the different origins of two ethnic groups. The observed difference also indicates a low level of admixture between the Albanians and the Roma despite them living beside one another for several centuries.
Copyright (c) 2023 Temaj et al https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Talocalcaneal coalition in the female adult skeleton from the archaeological site of Perlek-Dioksid, Serbia (10th - 12th centuries AD)
In this case report, we will present a case of rare pathological condition, a talocalcaneal coalition, which was recorded in a female adult individual from the archaeological site of Perlek-Dioksid, dated in the period between 10th and 12th centuries AD. During the bioanthropological and paleopathological analyses it was noted the presence of a bilateral bony fusion of the calcaneus and talus of a female adult individual, suggesting an occurrence of talocalcaneal coalition. This was further confirmed by an X-ray examination. Talocalcaneal coalition (TC) occurs when adjacent tarsal bones, the calcaneus and talus, are partially or completely fused. A talocalcaneal coalition becomes symptomatic when, at the age of 12 to 15 years, a pre-existing coalition becomes ossified. In this case, TC was accompanied by degenerative changes of the spine and bilateral femoral neck anteversion. This condition did not require any form of health-related care for this person, although it probably caused occasional pain of varying intensity. This pathological condition is rarely described in bioarchaeological literature and it is, therefore, important to report every recorded case in order to improve our corpus of knowledge regarding such conditions.
Copyright (c) 2023 Mikasinovic et al https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Life and death in the Roman period Pula – A bioanthropological analysis of human skeletal remains from the Ozad Arene site
Human skeletal and dental remains are the primary focus of bioarchaeological research, as different diseases and pathological conditions can leave marks on the bones and teeth. Study of these remains provides insights into the lifestyle, health and quality of life of past populations. In this paper, the human skeletal remains from the Ozad Arene archaeological site in Pula (Istria, Croatia), originating from 25 graves and four bone assemblages dated between the 1st and the 4th centuries CE, were analysed. The aim of the paper is to reconstruct demographic and pathological characteristics of the Roman period population from Pula to gain insight into the living conditions and the quality of life in this community, and to determine whether the site differs from other archaeological sites from the same period in terms of general health and living conditions. The human skeletal sample in question comprises skeletal remains of a minimum 48 individuals; the high subadult mortality rate and high prevalence of dental enamel hypoplasia and the presence of cribra orbitalia, porotic hyperostosis, and periostitis indicate overall poor living conditions and widespread metabolic stress during childhood in Pula. Vertebral osteoarthritis and Schmorl′s nodes in the spines of younger individuals suggest continuous hard labour and strenuous physical activity. Based on the available data, it seems that living conditions in the Roman period Pula did not differ significantly from other Roman sites on the eastern Adriatic coast.
Copyright (c) 2023 Bencerić et al https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Editorial Board and new Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Bioanthropology proudly present the latest volume, featuring groundbreaking research in bioanthropology globally. Included are diverse studies on dermatoglyphic traits, molecular genetics in forensics, and analyses of ancient human skeletal remains. Embracing a multidisciplinary approach, this volume marks a shift towards addressing varied bioanthropological topics. Notably, the submission process introduces the Authorship Statement, mandating co-authors' agreement on roles and responsibilities, and a Data Availability Statement for transparency in data sharing. The Editorial Board anticipates an engaging future, inviting contributions and promising exciting research discussions in the dynamic field of bioanthropology throughout 2024.
Copyright (c) 2023 Mario Novak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The life and death of Faust Vrančić – What could his bones tell us?
The text was prepared as a response to a collaboration proposal of dr. Mislav Čavka from the University Hospital Centre Zagreb to the Memorial Centre Faust Vrančić, the institution that I work at. The collaboration would concern the potential analysis of the remains of Faust Vrančić that are buried at the church Sv. Marija od Milosti (Church of St. Mary of Grace) in the village of Prvić Luka on the island of Prvić near Šibenik and that would be conducted with the approval of the parish vicar, Božo Škember. The purpose of the text is to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death of Faust Vrančić, details related to the execution of his will, interesting facts related to his burial, opening and robbing of his crypt as well as the facts about his physical appearance. The analysis of the remains of Faust Vrančić could help us gain new insights into his life and death, which would shed a new light to his biography. Therefore, we need these data in order to use them as a background for further investigation. The relevant analysis could reveal facts such as: his height, the diseases that he suffered from, the cause of his death, if he suffered any bone fractures, his nutrition habits and his dwelling places (this part of his life is well documented, but it would be interesting to see if the biographic data match with the results of the paleoradiological analysis). Eventually, the bone analysis would tell us how he looked like and we would be able to compare the results of the forensic facial reconstruction with the only known “official” portrait of Faust Vrančić.
Copyright (c) 2022 IAR https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Ankylosis of knee joint in human skeletal remains from Istria, case report from St. Teodor (15th-18th centuries)
Objective: To present a case of knee joint ankylosis in human skeletal remains found in Istria, Croatia. Materials and methods: A fused knee joint was found at archeological site St Teodor. We analyzed the knee changes using macroscopic observation, using digital radiography and computed tomography. Results: Macroscopic analysis and both digital radiography and computed tomography imaging show knee ankylosis with cortical thickening. Conclusion: Knee ankylosis with cortical thickening suggests that the person still used the leg despite the disability.
Bipartite parietal bone: a case from Croatian population
This study reports the first case of the bipartite parietal bone in the Croatian modern and archaeological population. We have examined 458 skulls from Multi-Slice Computed Tomography (MSCT) images and found only one case of this trait (0.22%; 95%CI 0.01%-1.21%). The bone exhibiting an additional suture was the left parietal; the type of the trait was complete, horizontal, and asymmetrical. Some additional sutural bones were observed, including asterion and lambda ossicle and two lambdoid ossicles. Among the other epigenetic variants, parietal, zygofacial, oval, and mastoid foramina, frontal grooves, supratrochlear notch, and condylar canal were visible. The principal components analysis (PCA) of features extracted from the frontal, lateral, and posterior view of 110 female crania using a convolutional neural network (CNN) for image analysis demonstrated that the skull deviated from the average female skull in the population. The visual and metric examination of the skull showed ultrabrachycephaly, mild lateral deformational plagiocephaly, and depression on the posterior part of the skull. The rarity of this case in the Croatian population indicated that this variant could be interesting for both clinicians and forensic anthropologists, as it can be used as means of comparative identification. Further studies will show its importance in assessing population affinities and relations inside the graveyards.
A micro computed tomography examination of primary double teeth from the Muslim necropolis of Macael Viejo (13th-16th centuries; Almeria, Spain)
A child aged 5±1 years with abnormally developed mandibular incisors was discovered during the analysis of a skeletal assemblage from the late medieval/early modern necropolis of Macael Viejo (c. 13th–16th, Almería, Spain). The mandibular right deciduous incisors (81 and 82) were found to have developed a rare abnormality – a fused crown and single root. The identification, descriptions, and differential diagnoses of the anomaly were performed using morphological analyses and radiographic means. This article aims to present a case of fusion of two adjacent primary teeth displayed by a non-adult and analyse the applications and the potential of microcomputed tomography (Micro-CT) in the analysis of tooth crown and root canal morphology in dental anomalies.
In the introduction editorial of the special issue of Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal dedicated to Paleoradiology in 2004 Chhem defined Paleoradiology as the study of bioarcheological materials using modern imaging methods, such as x-ray radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and micro-CT. I would like to add that it is the study of all archeological materials and not just bio-archeological. Paleoradiology got its name in 1987, when Notman published his famous study of sailors frozen during Franklin’s Arctic expedition.
ISABS 2022 interdisciplinary and bioanthropological sessions
Interdisciplinary poster session Abstracts of the interdisciplinary session of American academy of forensic sciences and ISABS 2022 Abstracts of 8th Croatian human genetics conference & 1st Croatian personalized and precision medicine conference Abstracts of the anthropological session “Bioanthropology and global health in the times of crisis”
Copyright (c) 2022 Journal of Bioanthropology
ISABS 2022 poster presentations on anthropological genetics
Ancient DNA Migration history Genetic adaptation