Paige S. Whitman, Addie E. C. Lomax, Patricia Ann Kramer, Christine M. Harper
Objective
Although pathological variations of the first pedal ray have been well-studied, non-pathologic variations, including those potentially linked to hormonal changes during pregnancy, have yet to be examined. Here we quantify the angle between the longitudinal axes of the first and third metatarsals and investigate variation in this angle between females and males and nulliparous and parous individuals.
Materials and Methods
Foot CT scans were accessed from Harborview Medical Center and the New Mexico Decedent Image Database. A 3D model was constructed in Avizo Lite 9.0.1 and landmarks were placed on the proximal and distal ends of the first and third metatarsal. The vectors between the landmark sets were used to represent the first and third metatarsal axes. The angle between the two axes was calculated in MATLAB. Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were used to test for significant differences in this angle between (1) females and males, (2) nulliparous and parous females, and (3) nulliparous females and males.
Results
Females have a statistically larger angle compared to males (average 10.16° vs. 8.64°, p = 0.03). Parous females have a statistically larger angle than nulliparous females (average 10.44° vs. 8.74°, p = 0.04). Nulliparous females do not significantly differ from males (p = 0.70).
Discussion
We propose that the relatively larger angle in females is likely due to hormonal exposure, specifically relaxin, throughout pregnancy given that parous females have a relatively larger angle than both males and nulliparous females by 1.5°–1.7°, while nulliparous females share a similar average angle with males.
目的：虽然第一次足部射线的病理变化已经得到了很好的研究，但非病理变化，包括那些可能与怀孕期间激素变化有关的变化，尚未得到检查。在这里，我们量化了第一和第三跖骨纵轴之间的角度，并研究了雌性和雄性以及未生育和已生育个体之间这个角度的变化。材料和方法：从Harborview医疗中心和新墨西哥死者图像数据库获取足部CT扫描。在Avizo Lite 9.0.1中构建三维模型，并在第一和第三跖骨的近端和远端放置地标。标记集之间的向量用于表示第一和第三跖骨轴。在MATLAB中计算了两轴之间的夹角。使用Wilcoxon秩和检验来检验(1)雌性和雄性，(2)未生育的雌性和已生育的雌性，(3)未生育的雌性和雄性在这个角度上的显著差异。结果：女性的角度比男性大（平均10.16°比8.64°，p = 0.03）。已产雌鼠的角度大于未产雌鼠（平均10.44°比8.74°，p = 0.04）。未生育的雌性与雄性无显著差异（p = 0.70）。讨论：我们认为雌性相对较大的角度可能是由于激素暴露，特别是松弛素，在整个怀孕期间，鉴于已产雌性的角度相对于雄性和未产雌性都大1.5°-1.7°，而未产雌性与雄性的平均角度相似。
{"title":"Variation in the Angle of the First Pedal Ray Relative to the Midline of the Foot by Sex and Parity History","authors":"Paige S. Whitman, Addie E. C. Lomax, Patricia Ann Kramer, Christine M. Harper","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70212","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70212","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Although pathological variations of the first pedal ray have been well-studied, non-pathologic variations, including those potentially linked to hormonal changes during pregnancy, have yet to be examined. Here we quantify the angle between the longitudinal axes of the first and third metatarsals and investigate variation in this angle between females and males and nulliparous and parous individuals.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Foot CT scans were accessed from Harborview Medical Center and the New Mexico Decedent Image Database. A 3D model was constructed in Avizo Lite 9.0.1 and landmarks were placed on the proximal and distal ends of the first and third metatarsal. The vectors between the landmark sets were used to represent the first and third metatarsal axes. The angle between the two axes was calculated in MATLAB. Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were used to test for significant differences in this angle between (1) females and males, (2) nulliparous and parous females, and (3) nulliparous females and males.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Females have a statistically larger angle compared to males (average 10.16° vs. 8.64°, <i>p</i> = 0.03). Parous females have a statistically larger angle than nulliparous females (average 10.44° vs. 8.74°, <i>p</i> = 0.04). Nulliparous females do not significantly differ from males (<i>p</i> = 0.70).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We propose that the relatively larger angle in females is likely due to hormonal exposure, specifically relaxin, throughout pregnancy given that parous females have a relatively larger angle than both males and nulliparous females by 1.5°–1.7°, while nulliparous females share a similar average angle with males.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"189 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajpa.70212","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146126846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The fifth finger plays a key role in manual dexterity, yet its habitual use and functional integration within the hand remain poorly understood. This study investigates the contribution of the fifth ray to habitual gripping activities and its synergistic relationship with the thumb.
Materials and Methods
The “Validated Entheses-based Reconstruction of Activity” (VERA) method and multivariate statistical analyses were applied to the hand bones of 43 adult male/probable male individuals from three post-Medieval skeletal collections in the Netherlands. Principal component and pairwise correlation analyses were used to assess covariation among entheseal attachment sites, with particular focus on the opponens digiti minimi (ODM) and third palmar interosseous (PI3).
Results
Both analyses reproduced functional patterns established in previous VERA studies that distinguish precision from power gripping. The ODM clustered with thumb muscles involved in precision grasping, especially the opponens pollicis (OP), suggesting habitual coordination between the fifth finger and thumb. In contrast, the PI3 formed an independent axis of variation and showed weak correlations with other entheses once overall size effects were removed.
Discussion
The findings indicate that the fifth finger functions as a stabilizing and supportive element across both grip types, contributing to object control and manual stability through its opposition to the thumb and flexion at the MCP joint. This study underscores the functional significance of the fifth ray in habitual manual activity and highlights the value of size-adjusted VERA analyses for detecting subtle patterns of hand use in past populations.
{"title":"A Strong Supporter: Evidence for the Role of the Fifth Finger in Habitual Gripping Activity","authors":"Cora Leder, Sarah A. Schrader","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70205","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70205","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The fifth finger plays a key role in manual dexterity, yet its habitual use and functional integration within the hand remain poorly understood. This study investigates the contribution of the fifth ray to habitual gripping activities and its synergistic relationship with the thumb.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The “Validated Entheses-based Reconstruction of Activity” (VERA) method and multivariate statistical analyses were applied to the hand bones of 43 adult male/probable male individuals from three post-Medieval skeletal collections in the Netherlands. Principal component and pairwise correlation analyses were used to assess covariation among entheseal attachment sites, with particular focus on the opponens digiti minimi (ODM) and third palmar interosseous (PI3).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Both analyses reproduced functional patterns established in previous VERA studies that distinguish precision from power gripping. The ODM clustered with thumb muscles involved in precision grasping, especially the opponens pollicis (OP), suggesting habitual coordination between the fifth finger and thumb. In contrast, the PI3 formed an independent axis of variation and showed weak correlations with other entheses once overall size effects were removed.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The findings indicate that the fifth finger functions as a stabilizing and supportive element across both grip types, contributing to object control and manual stability through its opposition to the thumb and flexion at the MCP joint. This study underscores the functional significance of the fifth ray in habitual manual activity and highlights the value of size-adjusted VERA analyses for detecting subtle patterns of hand use in past populations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"189 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajpa.70205","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Isabel J. Mormile, Christopher J. Percival, James B. Rossie
Objectives
Among anthropoid primates, small-bodied platyrrhines exhibit striking mediolateral narrowness of the neurocranium relative to larger-bodied platyrrhines. Body size allometry has been hypothesized to explain variation in neurocranial narrowness. However, interspecific catarrhine variation appears inconsistent with the proposed platyrrhine allometry. This study tested the relationship between body size and neurocranial narrowness across anthropoids to identify whether clade-specific allometries have evolved. We further estimated neurocranial narrowness in anthropoid ancestors to determine the trait's evolutionary polarity.
Methods
Inter-clade shifts in degree and allometric scaling of neurocranial narrowness were identified with GLS pANCOVA, which combines generalized least-squares analysis (GLS) and phylogenetic analysis of covariance (pANCOVA). Ancestral trait estimation was performed using parsimony reconstruction methods, based on linear measurements of extant and fossil anthropoid skulls.
Results
In callitrichine and female cebine platyrrhines, neurocranial narrowness was significantly greater than predicted by body size and displayed a different allometric relationship than in other anthropoids. This shift is correlated with decreased neurocranial breadth in callitrichines, but not cebines. Neurocranial narrowness was not correlated with body size in most anthropoid clades.
Discussion
We did not identify a unified neurocranial narrowness allometry across platyrrhines or across anthropoids collectively. Nonetheless, reduced narrowness occurred parallel to the evolution of increased body size in catarrhines, atelids, and pitheciids, suggesting that larger body size may mitigate constraints on neurocranial shape responsible for narrow neurocrania in small-bodied fossil anthropoids, which have been retained only in small-bodied platyrrhines. Feeding adaptations and brain size also provide potential explanations for neurocranial narrowness variation in some clades.
{"title":"Allometry and Evolution of Neurocranial Narrowness Across Nonhuman Anthropoid Primates","authors":"Isabel J. Mormile, Christopher J. Percival, James B. Rossie","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70208","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70208","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Among anthropoid primates, small-bodied platyrrhines exhibit striking mediolateral narrowness of the neurocranium relative to larger-bodied platyrrhines. Body size allometry has been hypothesized to explain variation in neurocranial narrowness. However, interspecific catarrhine variation appears inconsistent with the proposed platyrrhine allometry. This study tested the relationship between body size and neurocranial narrowness across anthropoids to identify whether clade-specific allometries have evolved. We further estimated neurocranial narrowness in anthropoid ancestors to determine the trait's evolutionary polarity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Inter-clade shifts in degree and allometric scaling of neurocranial narrowness were identified with GLS pANCOVA, which combines generalized least-squares analysis (GLS) and phylogenetic analysis of covariance (pANCOVA). Ancestral trait estimation was performed using parsimony reconstruction methods, based on linear measurements of extant and fossil anthropoid skulls.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In callitrichine and female cebine platyrrhines, neurocranial narrowness was significantly greater than predicted by body size and displayed a different allometric relationship than in other anthropoids. This shift is correlated with decreased neurocranial breadth in callitrichines, but not cebines. Neurocranial narrowness was not correlated with body size in most anthropoid clades.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We did not identify a unified neurocranial narrowness allometry across platyrrhines or across anthropoids collectively. Nonetheless, reduced narrowness occurred parallel to the evolution of increased body size in catarrhines, atelids, and pitheciids, suggesting that larger body size may mitigate constraints on neurocranial shape responsible for narrow neurocrania in small-bodied fossil anthropoids, which have been retained only in small-bodied platyrrhines. Feeding adaptations and brain size also provide potential explanations for neurocranial narrowness variation in some clades.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"189 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146100612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Objectives: The assessment of cortical bone loss in archeological populations can give insights into past lifeways and bone health. The second metacarpal index (MCI) is assessed via radiogrammetry to quantify cortical thickness. However, as this method is limited to a single-point measurement, this study explores the use of micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) to provide additional cross-sectional parameters as indicators of cortical bone loss.
Materials and methods: μ-CT scans were generated for a sample of 46 second metacarpals from two medieval skeletal assemblages from Scotland, UK. Measurement for MCI, cortical area fraction and intracortical porosity were taken at the mid-point of the diaphysis. They were then assessed for correlation between each parameter and for patterns in bone loss associated with age and sex.
Results: The MCI revealed a gradual decline in cortical thickness with advancing age for both males and females. There was a significantly lower MCI (associated with bone loss) in older individuals compared to younger adults (p < 0.05). No significant differences in MCI were detected between the sexes within any age group. A strong positive correlation was identified between MCI and cortical area fraction (r = 0.873), while MCI and intracortical porosity percentage had a weak negative correlation (r = -0.401).
Discussion: μ-CT assessment of the second metacarpal allowed for a more extensive cortical analysis, demonstrating that while the MCI is an effective indicator of cortical thinning, assessment of intracortical porosity can provide further insight into the analysis of cortical bone loss within past populations.
{"title":"The Use of Micro-CT Analysis of the Second Metacarpal to Assess Cortical Bone Loss in Archeological Human Skeletal Remains.","authors":"Luisa Leiss, Ian Butler, Sophie L Newman","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70209","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.70209","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The assessment of cortical bone loss in archeological populations can give insights into past lifeways and bone health. The second metacarpal index (MCI) is assessed via radiogrammetry to quantify cortical thickness. However, as this method is limited to a single-point measurement, this study explores the use of micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) to provide additional cross-sectional parameters as indicators of cortical bone loss.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>μ-CT scans were generated for a sample of 46 second metacarpals from two medieval skeletal assemblages from Scotland, UK. Measurement for MCI, cortical area fraction and intracortical porosity were taken at the mid-point of the diaphysis. They were then assessed for correlation between each parameter and for patterns in bone loss associated with age and sex.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The MCI revealed a gradual decline in cortical thickness with advancing age for both males and females. There was a significantly lower MCI (associated with bone loss) in older individuals compared to younger adults (p < 0.05). No significant differences in MCI were detected between the sexes within any age group. A strong positive correlation was identified between MCI and cortical area fraction (r = 0.873), while MCI and intracortical porosity percentage had a weak negative correlation (r = -0.401).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>μ-CT assessment of the second metacarpal allowed for a more extensive cortical analysis, demonstrating that while the MCI is an effective indicator of cortical thinning, assessment of intracortical porosity can provide further insight into the analysis of cortical bone loss within past populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"189 2","pages":"e70209"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146143737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Megan F Cole, Melissa Emery Thompson, Nicole Thompson González, Eleanor Paskus, Joshua Rukundo, Rebeca Atencia, Alexandra G Rosati
Objectives: Whereas chronic inflammation is a hallmark of aging in many human populations, inflammaging is reduced in groups characterized by frequent physical activity and diets low in processed foods. Since most biomarkers of inflammation require blood sampling, comparative data from our closest primate relatives have been derived from sedentary, captive primate populations whose processed diets are uncharacteristic of the wild.
Materials and methods: We evaluated aging profiles of inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers derived from urine and serum samples in semi-free ranging chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) living in two African sanctuaries (N = 156 health checks, 73 individuals, ages 11-39 years), where diet and physical activity more closely approximates wild conditions than captive laboratory settings. We compared these to urinary markers from wild chimpanzees from Kanyawara, Kibale National Park, Uganda (N = 1849 time points, 50 individuals, ages 10-57 years), as well as published serum data from biomedical laboratories.
Results: Serum inflammatory biomarker (CRP and IL6) levels in sanctuary chimpanzees were 2-10 times lower on average than those of laboratory chimpanzees. Compared to wild populations, acute immune activity (neopterin) and lipid peroxidation (isoprostanes) were higher in sanctuaries, while chronic systemic inflammation (suPAR) and DNA damage (OHdG) did not differ. We detected a significant but modest age-related increase in one biomarker (suPAR) in the wild sample.
Discussion: These results parallel recent findings from humans in demonstrating that chronic inflammation is not a natural consequence of aging but may rather be driven by environmental contexts that are mismatched to the evolutionary history of a given species.
{"title":"Minimal Evidence of Inflammaging in Naturalistic Chimpanzee Populations.","authors":"Megan F Cole, Melissa Emery Thompson, Nicole Thompson González, Eleanor Paskus, Joshua Rukundo, Rebeca Atencia, Alexandra G Rosati","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70211","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.70211","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Whereas chronic inflammation is a hallmark of aging in many human populations, inflammaging is reduced in groups characterized by frequent physical activity and diets low in processed foods. Since most biomarkers of inflammation require blood sampling, comparative data from our closest primate relatives have been derived from sedentary, captive primate populations whose processed diets are uncharacteristic of the wild.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We evaluated aging profiles of inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers derived from urine and serum samples in semi-free ranging chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) living in two African sanctuaries (N = 156 health checks, 73 individuals, ages 11-39 years), where diet and physical activity more closely approximates wild conditions than captive laboratory settings. We compared these to urinary markers from wild chimpanzees from Kanyawara, Kibale National Park, Uganda (N = 1849 time points, 50 individuals, ages 10-57 years), as well as published serum data from biomedical laboratories.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Serum inflammatory biomarker (CRP and IL6) levels in sanctuary chimpanzees were 2-10 times lower on average than those of laboratory chimpanzees. Compared to wild populations, acute immune activity (neopterin) and lipid peroxidation (isoprostanes) were higher in sanctuaries, while chronic systemic inflammation (suPAR) and DNA damage (OHdG) did not differ. We detected a significant but modest age-related increase in one biomarker (suPAR) in the wild sample.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These results parallel recent findings from humans in demonstrating that chronic inflammation is not a natural consequence of aging but may rather be driven by environmental contexts that are mismatched to the evolutionary history of a given species.</p>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"189 2","pages":"e70211"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146143733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Manuel Domingo DAngelo del Campo, Claudia Fiorentino, José María López-Rey, Óscar Cambra-Moo, Armando González Martín, Daniel García-Martínez, Soledad Salega
Introduction
Entheseal changes are influenced by factors such as physical activity, age, sex, and genetics. While macroscopic and 3D geometric morphometric approaches have been used to study EC, the relationship between macroscopic appearance and microstructure remains still poorly understood.
Material and Methods
M. deltoideus enthesis was analyzed in nine adult male humeri from Santa María de la Soledad ossuary in Almansa (12th–18th centuries, Spain). Macroscopic robusticity was recorded using Mariotti method to evaluate entheseal changes, while microanatomical analysis combined m-CT scanning and histological thin sections. Mineralized area (% Min. Ar.) was quantified using Fiji-ImageJ, and spatial distribution of non-mineralized cavities was mapped using GIS software. A Kruskal-Wallis test was performed in RStudio.
Results
The value and distribution of the percentage of mineralized area (% Min. Ar.) depend on the degree of robusticity. Grade 3 entheses showed lower and more variable mineralization, with a valley-shaped distribution. Grades 1 and 2 entheses had a flat-distributed % Min. Ar. whose mean was over 90%. Histological analysis revealed secondary osteon dominance, while spatial analysis showed concentration of bone cavities within the entheses development areas.
Conclusion
The study suggests that macroscopic EC grades may not represent successive phases of bone remodeling and adaptation to mechanical loading. Bone growth of entheses with degrees 1 and 2 is gradual, with a compact and well-organized internal anatomy, whereas entheses with degree 3 may result from extreme mechanical stress that triggers intense bone (re)modeling. Micro-CT and histology provided complementary insights, supporting non-destructive methods for future research.
内分泌变化受身体活动、年龄、性别和遗传等因素的影响。虽然宏观和三维几何形态测量方法已被用于研究EC，但宏观外观和微观结构之间的关系仍然知之甚少。材料与方法：对西班牙阿尔曼萨（Almansa） Santa María de la Soledad osary出土的9个成年男性肱骨标本进行了三角齿弓形虫（M. deltoideus endthesis）的分析。采用Mariotti方法记录宏观鲁棒性，评估骨组织变化，显微解剖分析结合m-CT扫描和组织学薄片。矿化面积（% Min）利用Fiji-ImageJ对Ar.)进行量化，利用GIS软件绘制非矿化空腔的空间分布。在RStudio中进行Kruskal-Wallis测试。结果：矿区矿化面积百分比(% Min；)取决于健壮性的程度。三级矿化程度较低，矿化变化较大，呈谷状分布。1年级和2年级的最小值呈扁平分布。平均值在90%以上。组织学分析显示继发性骨细胞优势，而空间分析显示骨腔集中在胚胎发育区域。结论：研究表明宏观EC分级可能不能代表骨重塑和适应机械负荷的连续阶段。1度和2度假体的骨生长是渐进的，具有紧凑和组织良好的内部解剖结构，而3度假体可能是由极端的机械应力引起的，从而引发强烈的骨（重新）建模。显微ct和组织学提供了互补的见解，支持非破坏性方法的未来研究。
{"title":"Divergent Macroscopic and Microscopic Patterns in Bony-Fibrous Entheses Revealed by a Multidisciplinary Approach","authors":"Manuel Domingo DAngelo del Campo, Claudia Fiorentino, José María López-Rey, Óscar Cambra-Moo, Armando González Martín, Daniel García-Martínez, Soledad Salega","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70207","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70207","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Entheseal changes are influenced by factors such as physical activity, age, sex, and genetics. While macroscopic and 3D geometric morphometric approaches have been used to study EC, the relationship between macroscopic appearance and microstructure remains still poorly understood.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Material and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p><i>M. deltoideus</i> enthesis was analyzed in nine adult male humeri from Santa María de la Soledad ossuary in Almansa (12th–18th centuries, Spain). Macroscopic robusticity was recorded using Mariotti method to evaluate entheseal changes, while microanatomical analysis combined m-CT scanning and histological thin sections. Mineralized area (% Min. Ar.) was quantified using Fiji-ImageJ, and spatial distribution of non-mineralized cavities was mapped using GIS software. A Kruskal-Wallis test was performed in RStudio.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The value and distribution of the percentage of mineralized area (% Min. Ar.) depend on the degree of robusticity. Grade 3 entheses showed lower and more variable mineralization, with a valley-shaped distribution. Grades 1 and 2 entheses had a flat-distributed % Min. Ar. whose mean was over 90%. Histological analysis revealed secondary osteon dominance, while spatial analysis showed concentration of bone cavities within the entheses development areas.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study suggests that macroscopic EC grades may not represent successive phases of bone remodeling and adaptation to mechanical loading. Bone growth of entheses with degrees 1 and 2 is gradual, with a compact and well-organized internal anatomy, whereas entheses with degree 3 may result from extreme mechanical stress that triggers intense bone (re)modeling. Micro-CT and histology provided complementary insights, supporting non-destructive methods for future research.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"189 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146087371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Understanding tissue turnover rate is crucial for isotopic analysis. The stable isotope composition of collagen is often studied in archeology and paleontology, yet bone collagen turnover rates across various skeletal elements remain underexplored. The turnover rate of various skeletal elements in humans was explored to improve the accuracy and reliability of stable isotopic studies.
Materials and Methods
Bone collagen turnover rates were quantified in multiple human skeletal elements using the bomb carbon dating method. Fifty-three skeletal elements from seven donors, aged 54–78, from a human decomposition facility in Québec, Canada, were sampled.
Results
Turnover rates varied significantly among skeletal elements, ranked from slowest to fastest as follows: ulna, humerus, femur, rib, pelvis, and vertebra. Turnover rates must markedly decline through life, and the isotopic composition of bone collagen samples therefore represents a generally long term (years to decade) but uneven (heavily weighted toward earlier life for elements with slow turnover rates) picture of the life history.
Discussion
There can be significant variation in turnover rates within skeletal elements, which researchers should account for in isotopic studies. For stable isotope studies aiming to reconstruct temporal variation in life history, the rib and femur may be among the least suitable paired elements for sampling. Such studies should instead select vertebrae and ulnae due to their highly distinct turnover rates.
{"title":"Variation in Human Bone Collagen Turnover Among Skeletal Elements","authors":"Olivia Hall, Shari L. Forbes, Paul Szpak","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70199","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70199","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Understanding tissue turnover rate is crucial for isotopic analysis. The stable isotope composition of collagen is often studied in archeology and paleontology, yet bone collagen turnover rates across various skeletal elements remain underexplored. The turnover rate of various skeletal elements in humans was explored to improve the accuracy and reliability of stable isotopic studies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Bone collagen turnover rates were quantified in multiple human skeletal elements using the bomb carbon dating method. Fifty-three skeletal elements from seven donors, aged 54–78, from a human decomposition facility in Québec, Canada, were sampled.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Turnover rates varied significantly among skeletal elements, ranked from slowest to fastest as follows: ulna, humerus, femur, rib, pelvis, and vertebra. Turnover rates must markedly decline through life, and the isotopic composition of bone collagen samples therefore represents a generally long term (years to decade) but uneven (heavily weighted toward earlier life for elements with slow turnover rates) picture of the life history.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>There can be significant variation in turnover rates within skeletal elements, which researchers should account for in isotopic studies. For stable isotope studies aiming to reconstruct temporal variation in life history, the rib and femur may be among the least suitable paired elements for sampling. Such studies should instead select vertebrae and ulnae due to their highly distinct turnover rates.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"189 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12820750/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146012550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study investigates how demographic factors influenced mortality risk during the Black Death. Uniquely, we examine how specific ages-at-death given sex (e.g., 18–26 years old, female) experienced the Black Death and whether the intersection of those identities further compounded vulnerability. We hypothesize that individuals who were at the intersection of being younger and male faced higher mortality risk.
Materials and Methods
We analyzed skeletal data from seven medieval London cemeteries using the Wellcome Osteological Research Database (WORD). The variables analyzed were the interaction of sex and age-at-death, and we controlled for heterogeneity in the attritional burials with a variable identifying cemeteries as being composed of laypersons/religious clergy/combination, urban/rural context, and frailty markers. Logistic regression assessed plague mortality risk, with survivorship compared via Kaplan–Meier curves. Missing data were imputed with missForest.
Results
Only one category in the interaction term, males aged 52–64, was statistically significant and protective, showing lower odds of being buried in the plague cemetery. Urban/rural context and layperson/religious/combination were not statistically significant, but the presence of frailty was.
Discussion
Our findings indicate that the Black Death amplified biological and social vulnerabilities: supporting our hypothesis, middle-aged males had higher mortality risk in the Black Death cemetery, possibly due to differences in social buffering and biological resilience. These results demonstrate the complex intersection of social and biological factors in shaping plague mortality, where biological susceptibility may have outweighed social disadvantage. These findings show how pandemics are shaped by existing social inequalities, offering important insight for understanding health disparities.
{"title":"Who the Plague Chose: Exploring Intersecting Social Risk in Black Death Mortality","authors":"Marlon Cuaya, K. Godde","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70206","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70206","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study investigates how demographic factors influenced mortality risk during the Black Death. Uniquely, we examine how specific ages-at-death given sex (e.g., 18–26 years old, female) experienced the Black Death and whether the intersection of those identities further compounded vulnerability. We hypothesize that individuals who were at the intersection of being younger and male faced higher mortality risk.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We analyzed skeletal data from seven medieval London cemeteries using the Wellcome Osteological Research Database (WORD). The variables analyzed were the interaction of sex and age-at-death, and we controlled for heterogeneity in the attritional burials with a variable identifying cemeteries as being composed of laypersons/religious clergy/combination, urban/rural context, and frailty markers. Logistic regression assessed plague mortality risk, with survivorship compared via Kaplan–Meier curves. Missing data were imputed with missForest.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Only one category in the interaction term, males aged 52–64, was statistically significant and protective, showing lower odds of being buried in the plague cemetery. Urban/rural context and layperson/religious/combination were not statistically significant, but the presence of frailty was.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our findings indicate that the Black Death amplified biological and social vulnerabilities: supporting our hypothesis, middle-aged males had higher mortality risk in the Black Death cemetery, possibly due to differences in social buffering and biological resilience. These results demonstrate the complex intersection of social and biological factors in shaping plague mortality, where biological susceptibility may have outweighed social disadvantage. These findings show how pandemics are shaped by existing social inequalities, offering important insight for understanding health disparities.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"189 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146019926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hamadou Oumarou Hama, Michel Drancourt, Philip Slavin, Florent Sebbane
Objectives
Emerging genomic evidence has identified ancestral strains of Yersinia pestis in ancient human populations, which has sparked debates about its pathogenic role in later Neolithic societies. Here, we review published evidence linking anthropological and biological data reflecting the past natural history of Y. pestis infection.
Materials and Methods
Review of reported ancient Y. pestis genomes, paleomicrobiological, archaeological, and ecological data related to ancient plague.
Results and Discussion
While some researchers attributed the Scandinavian Neolithic population decline to plague epidemics, we argue that early Y. pestis strains were more likely associated with outbreaks of food-borne enteritis rather than flea-borne plague. This hypothesis is supported by genetic, archaeological, and ecological analyses, which indicate that Y. pestis evolved key flea-borne transmission mechanisms only later in its history.
{"title":"Commentary on Seersholm Et al.: Yersinia pestis Infection Is Not Synonymous With Deadly Plague in Neolithic Scandinavia","authors":"Hamadou Oumarou Hama, Michel Drancourt, Philip Slavin, Florent Sebbane","doi":"10.1002/ajpa.70200","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajpa.70200","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Emerging genomic evidence has identified ancestral strains of <i>Yersinia pestis</i> in ancient human populations, which has sparked debates about its pathogenic role in later Neolithic societies. Here, we review published evidence linking anthropological and biological data reflecting the past natural history of <i>Y. pestis</i> infection.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Review of reported ancient <i>Y. pestis</i> genomes, paleomicrobiological, archaeological, and ecological data related to ancient plague.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results and Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>While some researchers attributed the Scandinavian Neolithic population decline to plague epidemics, we argue that early <i>Y. pestis</i> strains were more likely associated with outbreaks of food-borne enteritis rather than flea-borne plague. This hypothesis is supported by genetic, archaeological, and ecological analyses, which indicate that <i>Y. pestis</i> evolved key flea-borne transmission mechanisms only later in its history.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":29759,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Biological Anthropology","volume":"189 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145991080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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