The Andronowski Skeletal Collection for Histological Research: A Modern Anatomical Contribution

Abstract

The Andronowski Skeletal Collection for Histological Research (ASCHR) comprises the fastest-growing documented modern human skeletal collection in the world developed specifically for histological and imaging research. Initiated in 2017 by Dr. Janna M. Andronowski, the ASCHR provides a resource for the study of skeletal microarchitectural variability with advancing age and between the sexes. The primary objective is to use this unique skeletal archive for histological and imaging research, with the goal of furthering knowledge of human bone biology. Bone procurement has focused on two sites commonly used in histological age-at-death estimation in anthropology: the mid-shaft sixth rib and femoral mid-shaft. The ASCHR consists of over 1200 bone samples from 621 individuals and thousands of imaging files, with age-at-death ranging from 15–105 years. Additional information collected about ASCHR donors includes occupational history; alcohol, tobacco, and drug use history; a health questionnaire; and cause and manner of death. The ASCHR offers a novel opportunity to devise regression formulae for histological age-at-death estimation and answer questions concerning age-related microarchitectural changes and biomechanical processes. It further serves as a skeletal reference database for researchers from various disciplines, including medicine, anthropology, and the biological sciences. Here, we describe the background of the collection, ethical considerations, bone procurement processes, demographic composition, and existing imaging and histological data available to researchers. Our primary aims are to (1) introduce the scientific community to ASCHR, (2) present descriptive and demographic information regarding the collection, and (3) encourage collaboration among national and international researchers interested in human skeletal biology.

Incorporating a structural vulnerability framework into the forensic anthropology curriculum

“…If impoverished and marginalized individuals cannot afford adequate medical treatment, they may resort to self-prescription [ 11 ]. Chronic opioid exposure can be observed skeletally by producing osteoporotic effects on the bones and increasing the risk of bone fracture [ 46 ]. Pitting defects and regions of increased bone resorption uncharacteristic in younger individuals may also be present [ 46 ].…”

“…Chronic opioid exposure can be observed skeletally by producing osteoporotic effects on the bones and increasing the risk of bone fracture [ 46 ]. Pitting defects and regions of increased bone resorption uncharacteristic in younger individuals may also be present [ 46 ]. Skeletal remains can be tested for drug use, although they are frequently not [ 47 ].…”

“…Deaths resulting from an accidental overdose, violence, or the elements may then cause the recovery of the remains to be delayed if they are located in vacant spaces. Other traits that lead to social exclusion, such as mental health disorders and substance abuse, can also increase the likelihood of isolated deaths [ 46 ].…”

Topical Collection “The Rise of Forensic Anthropology and Documented Human Osteological Collections”

“…It is an open access platform with the premise of being a collaborative data feed network and providing researchers with individual and countryspecific demographic information, including entire datasets, medical images, segmented bone surfaces, and protocols of data collection [4]. The Andronowski Skeletal Collection for Histological Research (ASCHR) is another example of diversification [5]. It has been developed specifically for histological and imaging research, offering novel opportunities for research in biological profiling.…”

“…They offered new perspectives, reinforcing the need for modern human samples of references to test established methods and develop new ones based on updated methodological approaches. Thus, three decades later, there has been a significant increase in documented collections worldwide [3], diversified in nature, e.g., not all documented collections are composed of osteological remains, some are virtual collections [4], and others are histological [5]. Documented Human Osteological Collections (DHOCs) are valuable due to the biographical data associated with each skeleton, or skeletal remains (if incomplete).…”