Many theories have been suggested to explain the etiology of septal apertures (SA) of the humerus. The influence of genes, the size of ulnar processes, joint laxity, and bone robusticity, have been discussed; however, the problem has not yet been solved. The main aim of this study was to examine the influence of ulnar and humeri shape on septal aperture formation, using geometric morphometric analyses. Skeletal material from an early-mediaeval cemetery located in Western Poland was used. The material comprised two groups: (1) ulnae and humeri with septal apertures, (2) ulnae and humeri without septal apertures. From a CT image, three-dimensional reconstructions were obtained for all bones. Then, 25 landmarks were distributed on each proximal end of the ulnae and 30 landmarks on the distal ends of the humeri. Shape differences between ulnae in joints with and without SA were significant for the left and right sides of the body. The shapes of the left and right distal ends of humeri with SA differed significantly from those without SA. Similar results were obtained for the right side of the body. Ulnae from joints with SA were characterized by a more pronounced olecranon process, a smaller articulated coronoid process and a more tightly curved trochlear notch than ulnae from joints without SA. Humeri with SA included wider and deeper olecranon fossae and smaller and less curved articular surfaces. These results partly coincide with the results of other research indicating the influence of olecranon processes on lamina perforation. Anat Rec, 298:2030-2038, 2015. V C 2015 Key words: supratrochlear foramen; intercondylar foramen; nonmetrical features; humeroulnar joint; elbow jointThe septal aperture of the humerus (SA) (also called the intercondylar foramen or supratrochlear foramen) is a perforation in the bony lamina that separates the olecranon and coronoid fossae in the distal part of the bone (Mays, 2008;Paraskevas et al., 2012). The septal aperture was first described by Meckel (1825 after Meckel et al., 1970.

Many theories have been suggested in order to (Folia Morphol 2015; 74, 2: 219-224)

Objectives Reconstruction of the activity of past human populations can be carried out using various skeletal markers; however, the relationship between these methods is not fully understood. Therefore, the main aim of this article is to analyze the relationship between entheseal changes, cross‐sectional properties, and variability in the shape of the upper limb. Materials and methods The analyzed material consisted of CT images of 71 right scapulae, humeri, and ulnae belonging to the same individuals from a mediaeval population located in Poland. For each series of bones for the same individual, skeletal markers such as: cross‐sectional properties, entheses and shape variation were assessed. Next, correlations between these three skeletal indicators were calculated. Results In general, the models showed that only sex influences entheses. Multivariate regression revealed significant correlation only between ulnar auricular surface shape and two types of mean score for entheses. Discussion The findings are inconsistent and stand in contradiction to other research; therefore, we suggest that an assessment of individual activity should be carried out, using as many post‐cranial elements as possible and a variety of methods. This approach will ensure more accurate reconstruction of the activity levels and patterns of archeological groups.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the representative of the Herpesviridae family, is a pathogen extensively distributed in the human population. One of its most characteristic features is the capability to establish latent infection in the host. The infected cells serve as a sanctuary for the dormant virus, and therefore their desensitization to apoptotic stimuli is part of the viral strategy for long-term survival. For this reason, EBV encodes a set of anti-apoptotic products. They may increase the viability of infected cells and enhance their resistance to chemotherapy, thereby contributing to the development of EBV-associated diseases, including Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL), Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL), gastric cancer (GC), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and several other malignancies. In this paper, we have described the molecular mechanism of anti-apoptotic actions of a set of EBV proteins. Moreover, we have reviewed the pro-survival role of non-coding viral transcripts: EBV-encoded small RNAs (EBERs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), in EBV-carrying malignant cells. The influence of EBV on the expression, activity and/or intracellular distribution of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein family members, has been presented. Finally, we have also discussed therapeutic perspectives of targeting viral anti-apoptotic products or their molecular partners.

Periodontitis can be an excellent indirect source of data on the general and oral health, dietary habits, and hygiene of past populations. This study assessed periodontitis in the population of Radom from the 11th century up to the industrial revolution in the 19th century. The dental material was divided into 3 historical series: the Early Medieval (EMP; 11th century), Late Medieval (LMP; 14th–17th century), and Modern (MP; 18th–19th century) periods. A total of 256 adult individuals of both sexes were examined with a total of 4,579 teeth. Four diagnostic criteria were used to diagnose the disease. Periodontitis affected 54% of the individuals from the Early Medieval Period, 71% of those from the Late Medieval Period, and 74% of those from the Medieval Period. In all chronological periods, the prevalence and severity of periodontitis were higher among males. The youngest (17–25 years) age class had the lowest prevalence of periodontitis. In subsequent age classes there are an increase the disease. The results indicate that the “environmental conditions” were different in these chronological periods. Possible differences could be related to diet, but oral hygiene, unhealthy habits, and psychological stress cannot be ruled out. Different levels of sex hormones could explain the difference in the prevalence of periodontitis between sexes.