Nondestructive recognition and differentiation of quasi-spherical structures of biologic interest

Bibliographic Data

ID4621565
AuthorsBruce Rothschild (0000-0003-1327-6615, Carnegie Museum Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA, corresponding author), L Biehler‐gomez (0000-0001-6674-7850, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology and Odontology (LABANOF) University of Milan Milan Italy)
Year2021
Volume31
Issue6
Pages1057-1078
Publication date2021-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Osteoarchaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1047-482X • E-ISSN: 1099-1212
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/oa.3018
OpenAlexW3173826644
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited125

BackgroundBiological findings in archaeological and paleontological contexts are not limited to bones. In particular, biological concretions can present valuable information regarding the health of the organisms under examination. However, these structures are often difficult to recognize and identify. Chemical analyses (e.g., Raman spectroscopy) can allow their identification but they are time-consuming and destructive techniques, even if minimally so. In this research, the potential of nondestructive high magnification surface microscopy is investigated for the distinction of uroliths from other biological and nonbiological concretions, specifically gallstones, bezoars, gastric pellets, coprolites, eggs, gastroliths and geological concretions.MethodsThe external surfaces of uroliths, bezoars, gastric pellets, gallstones, coprolites, gastroliths, eggs and geologic concretions were examined microscopically at ×20, ×50 and ×200 magnification.ResultsMorphological surface appearance of uroliths was independent of producer phylogeny and chemical composition and presented as smooth surfaces with level, faceted or lobulated configurations. Gallstones also presented a large array of shapes with smooth or porous external surfaces. Gastric pellets, bezoars and coprolites could be distinguished from other biological stones by the common presence of hair, sand grains, bone fragments or hair. Presence of uniform pores permitted the recognition of egg shells. Distinguishing gastroliths and geologic concretions requires additional diagnostic criteria.ConclusionHigh magnification surface microscopy of biological concretions from reference collections permits a better understanding of biological concretions and their normal variation. In addition, it allowed the distinction of uroliths from most biological concretions. Nonetheless, gallstones constitute the major differential diagnosis of uroliths, and destructive chemical analyses may be ultimately required for their distinction

Biological materials · Biological specimen · Biological system · Biology · Gallstones · Magnification · Mineralogy · Pellets · Taphonomy · Computer Science · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · Kidney Stones and Urolithiasis Treatments · Medicine · Paleopathology and ancient diseases · Artificial Intelligence · Geology · Paleontology

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