Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.004
Leslie Quade , Petra Bencúrová , Miroslav Králík
Objective
The ‘stress’ hormone cortisol has recently been identified in human teeth, representing a potential method for assessing stress in past populations. In this study, dental cortisol concentrations were analyzed in teeth with dental enamel hypoplasia (DEH) to advance knowledge about this new method for detecting stress in archaeological skeletons.
Materials
Ten teeth with DEH were selected from nine individuals buried in the ‘Brno-Vídeňská Street’ cemetery (11th-12th century).
Methods
DEH were classified by type and number. Cortisol was assessed in circumpulpal dentine, primary dentine and enamel (n = 26) through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
Cortisol was detected in eight of 10 teeth (80.0 %) and 15 of 26 samples (57.7 %), most frequently in enamel, with concentrations ranging from 0.011 to 0.194 μg/dL. Teeth with multiple linear or cuspal enamel hypoplasia were more likely to generate quantifiable cortisol.
Conclusions
This analysis demonstrates a possible relationship between cortisol and DEH, especially when multiple defects are present. However, many samples did not have detectable cortisol, suggesting further research is necessary to explore if and how cortisol relates or contributes to DEH formation.
Significance
This is the first study to examine cortisol concentrations in teeth with DEH, advancing cortisol research.
Limitations
Sample sizes are small and included different tooth types with varying preservation.
Suggestions for further research
Future research should investigate diagenesis and compare cortisol in teeth with and without DEH, focusing on enamel. Mass spectrometry will provide greater sensitivity in future analyses.
{"title":"Stressing about stress: Examining dental cortisol concentrations in teeth with dental enamel hypoplasia","authors":"Leslie Quade , Petra Bencúrová , Miroslav Králík","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The ‘stress’ hormone cortisol has recently been identified in human teeth, representing a potential method for assessing stress in past populations. In this study, dental cortisol concentrations were analyzed in teeth with dental enamel hypoplasia (DEH) to advance knowledge about this new method for detecting stress in archaeological skeletons.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>Ten teeth with DEH were selected from nine individuals buried in the ‘Brno-Vídeňská Street’ cemetery (11th-12th century).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>DEH were classified by type and number. Cortisol was assessed in circumpulpal dentine, primary dentine and enamel (n = 26) through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Cortisol was detected in eight of 10 teeth (80.0 %) and 15 of 26 samples (57.7 %), most frequently in enamel, with concentrations ranging from 0.011 to 0.194 μg/dL. Teeth with multiple linear or cuspal enamel hypoplasia were more likely to generate quantifiable cortisol.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This analysis demonstrates a possible relationship between cortisol and DEH, especially when multiple defects are present. However, many samples did not have detectable cortisol, suggesting further research is necessary to explore if and how cortisol relates or contributes to DEH formation.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This is the first study to examine cortisol concentrations in teeth with DEH, advancing cortisol research.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>Sample sizes are small and included different tooth types with varying preservation.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><div>Future research should investigate diagenesis and compare cortisol in teeth with and without DEH, focusing on enamel. Mass spectrometry will provide greater sensitivity in future analyses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 102-107"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146013668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.003
Saige Kelmelis , Kira Wilde , John P. Walden , Kirsten Green Mink , Kasey Corey , Victoria S.R. Izzo , Carolyn Freiwald , Claire E. Ebert , April Martinez , Hannah Zanotto , Julie A. Hoggarth , Rafael A. Guerra , M. Kathryn Brown , Christina Warinner , Jaime J. Awe
Objective
To demonstrate the utility of applying demographic and epidemiological models to assess the potential effects of sociopolitical status and childhood stress on survivorship, mortality, and morbidity to shed new light on life during the Maya Classic period.
Materials
Elite and commoner burials (n = 63) from the Lower Dover polity, Belize dating to the Early (CE 250/300–600) and Late/Terminal Classic (CE 600–900/1000) periods were analyzed for lesions associated with developmental stress.
Methods
Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression hazards analyses were applied to assess survivorship and mortality trends across ages, sociopolitical statuses, and for individuals displaying macroscopic indicators of cribra orbitalia and linear enamel hypoplasia.
Results
Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression showed that there are no significant differences in mortality and morbidity between sociopolitical status groups when nonadults (<15 years) are excluded. However, among commoners, those with cribra orbitalia had higher survival than those without it (p = 0.02).
Conclusions
Findings show that despite small sample sizes, paleodemographic models have the potential to elucidate the effects of early life stressors and that despite inferred status differences in Maya archaeology, elites and commoners experienced similar survivorship rates at Classic period Lower Dover.
Significance
This study exemplifies how integrating paleopathological data with demographic modeling provides insights even when sample sizes are limited, and it clarifies some of the complexities inherent in understanding ancient Maya.
Limitations
Poor preservation impacted the analysis of pathological conditions.
Suggestions for Further Research
Paleopathology—broadly and in Mesoamerica more regionally—needs to engage in more rigorous model approaches and reconsider long-held narratives to make substantial headway in understanding the societal and biological impact of childhood stressors.
{"title":"Applying demographic and epidemiological models in challenging situations: Grappling with a small sample size and complex sociopolitical contexts among the ancient Maya at Lower Dover","authors":"Saige Kelmelis , Kira Wilde , John P. Walden , Kirsten Green Mink , Kasey Corey , Victoria S.R. Izzo , Carolyn Freiwald , Claire E. Ebert , April Martinez , Hannah Zanotto , Julie A. Hoggarth , Rafael A. Guerra , M. Kathryn Brown , Christina Warinner , Jaime J. Awe","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To demonstrate the utility of applying demographic and epidemiological models to assess the potential effects of sociopolitical status and childhood stress on survivorship, mortality, and morbidity to shed new light on life during the Maya Classic period.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>Elite and commoner burials (<em>n</em> = 63) from the Lower Dover polity, Belize dating to the Early (CE 250/300–600) and Late/Terminal Classic (CE 600–900/1000) periods were analyzed for lesions associated with developmental stress.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression hazards analyses were applied to assess survivorship and mortality trends across ages, sociopolitical statuses, and for individuals displaying macroscopic indicators of cribra orbitalia and linear enamel hypoplasia.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression showed that there are no significant differences in mortality and morbidity between sociopolitical status groups when nonadults (<15 years) are excluded. However, among commoners, those with cribra orbitalia had higher survival than those without it (<em>p</em> = 0.02).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Findings show that despite small sample sizes, paleodemographic models have the potential to elucidate the effects of early life stressors and that despite inferred status differences in Maya archaeology, elites and commoners experienced similar survivorship rates at Classic period Lower Dover.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This study exemplifies how integrating paleopathological data with demographic modeling provides insights even when sample sizes are limited, and it clarifies some of the complexities inherent in understanding ancient Maya.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>Poor preservation impacted the analysis of pathological conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for Further Research</h3><div>Paleopathology—broadly and in Mesoamerica more regionally—needs to engage in more rigorous model approaches and reconsider long-held narratives to make substantial headway in understanding the societal and biological impact of childhood stressors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 87-101"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146000218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.002
Hana Brzobohatá, Filip Velímský, Jan Frolík
Objective
This study sought to determine whether the early life environment, broadly characterized by adult lower-limb long bone metrics, is related to later mortality under normal and catastrophic conditions.
Materials
The sample for the study was composed of adult human skeletal remains excavated from a medieval cemetery from the 13th to 16th century in Kutná Hora-Sedlec (Czech Republic) (n = 390) under catastrophic (n = 242) and non-catastrophic (n = 148) contexts.
Methods
We collected combined femoral–tibial lengths as a proxy for stature and vertical femoral head breadths as a proxy for body mass. Two-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of the age at death and context of burial on sex-disaggregated osteometric variables.
Results
The results showed (1) significant associations between the burial context and both variables in males (shorter lengths/breadths in the catastrophic group), and (2) interaction between the age at death, and the burial context and both variables in females (shorter lengths/breadths were observed among young women who had died during catastrophes).
Conclusions
Adverse living conditions during the growth period could result in reduced resistance to famine/pathogens, and a shorter lifespan in adulthood.
Significance
The results of this study contribute to the growing body of research on long bone metrics as a cumulative measure of health and welfare during growth and on the importance of optimal growth conditions for longevity and resilience.
Limitations
We merged two mortality crises, the nature of which has not yet been fully determined, in the catastrophic dataset.
Suggestions for future research
Following assignment of mass graves in the future, comparisons should be made between the first and second mortality crises.
{"title":"Influence of early life environment on later life mortality in catastrophic and non-catastrophic medieval skeletal series from Kutná Hora-Sedlec (Czech Republic, 13th–16th century)","authors":"Hana Brzobohatá, Filip Velímský, Jan Frolík","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study sought to determine whether the early life environment, broadly characterized by adult lower-limb long bone metrics, is related to later mortality under normal and catastrophic conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>The sample for the study was composed of adult human skeletal remains excavated from a medieval cemetery from the 13th to 16th century in Kutná Hora-Sedlec (Czech Republic) (n = 390) under catastrophic (n = 242) and non-catastrophic (n = 148) contexts.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We collected combined femoral–tibial lengths as a proxy for stature and vertical femoral head breadths as a proxy for body mass. Two-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of the age at death and context of burial on sex-disaggregated osteometric variables.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed (1) significant associations between the burial context and both variables in males (shorter lengths/breadths in the catastrophic group), and (2) interaction between the age at death, and the burial context and both variables in females (shorter lengths/breadths were observed among young women who had died during catastrophes).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Adverse living conditions during the growth period could result in reduced resistance to famine/pathogens, and a shorter lifespan in adulthood.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>The results of this study contribute to the growing body of research on long bone metrics as a cumulative measure of health and welfare during growth and on the importance of optimal growth conditions for longevity and resilience.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>We merged two mortality crises, the nature of which has not yet been fully determined, in the catastrophic dataset.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for future research</h3><div>Following assignment of mass graves in the future, comparisons should be made between the first and second mortality crises.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 76-86"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.001
Yongli Xiao, Zong-Mei Sheng, Jeffery K. Taubenberger
Objective
To investigate potential molecular evidence of the presence of infuenza A in a patient who died in 1912.
Materials
Two to three paraffin curls from a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) lung sample from an autopsy case of a one-and-a-half-year-old girl who reportedly died of acute pneumonia at the Royal London Hospital on February 1, 1912.
Methods
RNA was extracted from the sample. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was performed to screen for influenza A virus, followed by total RNA library preparation and high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina NextSeq platform. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted on the obtained reads, which included metagenomic classification and sequence alignment to reference genomes.
Results
Real-time RT-PCR and next-generation sequencing both revealed no evidence of influenza A virus infection. However, metagenomic analysis identified a significant number of reads matching Rickettsia felis, with 233 unique reads specifically aligning to its OmpB gene, and over 4 million fungal reads classified within the Mucor genus, although the exact species could not be determined. These findings provide suggestive molecular evidence of co-infection with R. felis and a Mucor species.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates the utility of modern molecular techniques in evaluating early diagnoses. Despite records attributing the cause of death to acute pneumonia, no influenza A virus RNA was detected. The identification of R. felis and Mucor sequences suggests that this rare co-infection may have contributed to the infant’s death.
Significance
Retrospective diagnosis is enhanced by the use of modern molecular and bioinformatic techniques. This case study provides important paleopathological insight into the etiology of recorded “acute pneumonia”, indicating the presence of pathogens other than influenza A leading up to the 1918 pandemic.
Limitations
Contamination during autopsy, tissue processing, or storage cannot be ruled out. Due to the lack of remaining material, histopathological confirmation of Mucor or Rickettsia infection was not possible.
Suggestions for further research
Molecular and bioinformatic research into other cases of suspected influenza A.
{"title":"Precursors to the 1918 pandemic: Finding Rickettsia felis and Mucor co-infection associated with a death in 1912","authors":"Yongli Xiao, Zong-Mei Sheng, Jeffery K. Taubenberger","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To investigate potential molecular evidence of the presence of infuenza A in a patient who died in 1912.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>Two to three paraffin curls from a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) lung sample from an autopsy case of a one-and-a-half-year-old girl who reportedly died of acute pneumonia at the Royal London Hospital on February 1, 1912.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>RNA was extracted from the sample. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was performed to screen for influenza A virus, followed by total RNA library preparation and high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina NextSeq platform. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted on the obtained reads, which included metagenomic classification and sequence alignment to reference genomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Real-time RT-PCR and next-generation sequencing both revealed no evidence of influenza A virus infection. However, metagenomic analysis identified a significant number of reads matching <em>Rickettsia felis</em>, with 233 unique reads specifically aligning to its <em>OmpB</em> gene, and over 4 million fungal reads classified within the <em>Mucor</em> genus, although the exact species could not be determined. These findings provide suggestive molecular evidence of co-infection with <em>R. felis</em> and a <em>Mucor</em> species.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study demonstrates the utility of modern molecular techniques in evaluating early diagnoses. Despite records attributing the cause of death to acute pneumonia, no influenza A virus RNA was detected. The identification of <em>R. felis</em> and <em>Mucor</em> sequences suggests that this rare co-infection may have contributed to the infant’s death.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>Retrospective diagnosis is enhanced by the use of modern molecular and bioinformatic techniques. This case study provides important paleopathological insight into the etiology of recorded “acute pneumonia”, indicating the presence of pathogens other than influenza A leading up to the 1918 pandemic.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>Contamination during autopsy, tissue processing, or storage cannot be ruled out. Due to the lack of remaining material, histopathological confirmation of <em>Mucor</em> or <em>Rickettsia</em> infection was not possible.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><div>Molecular and bioinformatic research into other cases of suspected influenza A.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 69-75"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145967982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-27DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.12.001
Anne R. Titelbaum , Mary K. Lucking , Cynthia A. Standley
Objective
Communicating research to the public is an important part of the scientific process, but to do so effectively, we must engage nonscientist audiences so they are interested in hearing about our discipline and how our insights have relevance in today’s world. One way to capture public imagination is through the visual arts. This paper describes an arts-based approach that communicated paleopathological research to public audiences.
Materials
One paleopathologist/bioarchaeologist whose research area is Peru and one professional artist who fabricates cloisonné objects.
Methods
The artist and researcher pair collaborated over a nine-month period. The finished pieces were displayed to various audiences through multiple gallery events. The pair was present at each event to discuss the research and art and answer questions.
Results
Paleopathogical research was translated into a suite of cloisonné jewelry that pays homage to Moche art, illustrates the process of excavation and skeletal analysis, and communicates findings such as traumatic injuries, trepanation, and developmental conditions.
Conclusions
The art engaged viewers and furnished a starting point for dialog, giving them an interactive opportunity to learn about paleopathology.
Significance
This arts-based form of science communication made paleopathology accessible to audiences who generally do not attend our conferences or read our peer-reviewed publications.
Limitations
This project was a single arts-based form of science communication that was qualitatively assessed as successful.
Future directions
As we begin the next 50 years, paleopathologists should engage creatively with public audiences to communicate research findings, and objectively assess outreach activities to evaluate their effectiveness.
{"title":"An arts-based approach for communicating paleopathological research to public audiences: the Phoenix Bioscience Core’s Artist + Researcher (ARx) program","authors":"Anne R. Titelbaum , Mary K. Lucking , Cynthia A. Standley","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Communicating research to the public is an important part of the scientific process, but to do so effectively, we must engage nonscientist audiences so they are interested in hearing about our discipline and how our insights have relevance in today’s world. One way to capture public imagination is through the visual arts. This paper describes an arts-based approach that communicated paleopathological research to public audiences.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>One paleopathologist/bioarchaeologist whose research area is Peru and one professional artist who fabricates cloisonné objects.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The artist and researcher pair collaborated over a nine-month period. The finished pieces were displayed to various audiences through multiple gallery events. The pair was present at each event to discuss the research and art and answer questions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Paleopathogical research was translated into a suite of cloisonné jewelry that pays homage to Moche art, illustrates the process of excavation and skeletal analysis, and communicates findings such as traumatic injuries, trepanation, and developmental conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The art engaged viewers and furnished a starting point for dialog, giving them an interactive opportunity to learn about paleopathology.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This arts-based form of science communication made paleopathology accessible to audiences who generally do not attend our conferences or read our peer-reviewed publications.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>This project was a single arts-based form of science communication that was qualitatively assessed as successful.</div></div><div><h3>Future directions</h3><div>As we begin the next 50 years, paleopathologists should engage creatively with public audiences to communicate research findings, and objectively assess outreach activities to evaluate their effectiveness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 58-68"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.002
Karen Giffin , Ariane Weber , Justina Kozakaitė , Ronny Friedrich , Rimantas Jankauskas , Denise Kühnert , Kirsten I. Bos
Objective
Molecular recovery of T. pallidum DNA in dry bone poses methodological challenges. Here we evaluate recovery success from a molecularly confirmed co-infection with yaws (T. pallidum pertenue) and plague (Y. pestis).
Materials
Pulverised bone from three pathological anatomical elements from individual AGU007 excavated from Aguonų street, Vilnius, Lithuania was used for DNA analysis. Three additional anatomical elements from individual AGU007 were used to obtain radiocarbon dates.
Methods
High-throughput sequencing of bulk DNA content followed by computational analysis. DNA sequencing and genomic analysis following molecular enrichment for T. pallidum. Radiocarbon dating combined with computational molecular dating.
Results
T. pallidum and Y. pestis DNA were identified in a cranial fragment from individual AGU007. Radiocarbon dates from this individual combined with another narrowed the temporal range to the latter part of the 15th century at the 2-sigma level.
Conclusions
Detection of T. pallidum DNA in multiple skeletal elements from an individual confirmed to have an active yaws infection at time of death gave further insight into preferred sampling locations for molecular detection of treponemal infections. While the highest molecular recovery came from teeth, the parietal bone provided adequate recovery.
Significance
This research indicates that sampling for molecular analysis of T. pallidum infections should include (if available) one tooth and one lesion indicative of active infection at the time of death. Accommodating radiocarbon date probability distributions and Bayesian inference has the potential to increase molecular dating precision.
Limitations
T. pallidum DNA preservation is not predictable across the skeleton.
Suggestions for Further Research
We encourage ethical and minimalist sampling strategies for further research.
{"title":"Differential sampling for genetic analyses of Treponema pallidum and for radiocarbon dating in archaeological bone","authors":"Karen Giffin , Ariane Weber , Justina Kozakaitė , Ronny Friedrich , Rimantas Jankauskas , Denise Kühnert , Kirsten I. Bos","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Molecular recovery of <em>T. pallidum</em> DNA in dry bone poses methodological challenges. Here we evaluate recovery success from a molecularly confirmed co-infection with yaws (<em>T. pallidum pertenue</em>) and plague (<em>Y. pestis</em>).</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>Pulverised bone from three pathological anatomical elements from individual AGU007 excavated from Aguonų street, Vilnius, Lithuania was used for DNA analysis. Three additional anatomical elements from individual AGU007 were used to obtain radiocarbon dates.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>High-throughput sequencing of bulk DNA content followed by computational analysis. DNA sequencing and genomic analysis following molecular enrichment for <em>T. pallidum</em>. Radiocarbon dating combined with computational molecular dating.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>T. pallidum</em> and <em>Y. pestis</em> DNA were identified in a cranial fragment from individual AGU007. Radiocarbon dates from this individual combined with another narrowed the temporal range to the latter part of the 15th century at the 2-sigma level.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Detection of <em>T. pallidum</em> DNA in multiple skeletal elements from an individual confirmed to have an active yaws infection at time of death gave further insight into preferred sampling locations for molecular detection of treponemal infections. While the highest molecular recovery came from teeth, the parietal bone provided adequate recovery.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This research indicates that sampling for molecular analysis of <em>T. pallidum</em> infections should include (if available) one tooth and one lesion indicative of active infection at the time of death. Accommodating radiocarbon date probability distributions and Bayesian inference has the potential to increase molecular dating precision.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div><em>T. pallidum</em> DNA preservation is not predictable across the skeleton.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for Further Research</h3><div>We encourage ethical and minimalist sampling strategies for further research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 44-57"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145673155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.004
Amy S. Anderson , Sharon N. DeWitte
Objective
This paper demonstrates computational modeling’s value as a tool for mapping the impact of hidden variables and evaluating the accuracy of statistical methods in bioarchaeology.
Materials
As a working example, this paper presents an agent-based model of a 1,000-person cohort of individuals who can form an unspecified skeletal lesion at any age between birth and ten years and enter a simulated cemetery at the end of their lives. Skeletal lesions either have no effect on mortality risk (scenario 1) or are associated with doubled mortality risk (scenario 2).
Methods
The agent-based model simulates data on individual age at death and lesion status. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis is run on each simulated dataset, comparing survival estimates for individuals with and without lesions.
Results
Survival analyses underestimate the true value of lesion-associated mortality risk in early life in scenario 2 and produce a false lesion-associated survival advantage under the null conditions of scenario 1.
Conclusions
Researchers should account for the ages of a skeletal lesion’s developmental window, where known, when assessing lesion-associated mortality. Survival analyses return accurate results when they exclude individuals in the ages of active lesion formation.
Significance
Modeling experiments can identify which archaeologically unmeasurable variables have the greatest impact on estimates of population health and outline the ways in which they bias estimates of past health from the skeletal record.
Limitations
The only limits on modeling are limits of imagination and common sense.
Suggestions for future research
Many other archaeologically hidden variables remain to be explored with this approach.
{"title":"Known unknowns and the osteological paradox: Why bioarchaeology needs agent-based models","authors":"Amy S. Anderson , Sharon N. DeWitte","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This paper demonstrates computational modeling’s value as a tool for mapping the impact of hidden variables and evaluating the accuracy of statistical methods in bioarchaeology.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>As a working example, this paper presents an agent-based model of a 1,000-person cohort of individuals who can form an unspecified skeletal lesion at any age between birth and ten years and enter a simulated cemetery at the end of their lives. Skeletal lesions either have no effect on mortality risk (scenario 1) or are associated with doubled mortality risk (scenario 2).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The agent-based model simulates data on individual age at death and lesion status. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis is run on each simulated dataset, comparing survival estimates for individuals with and without lesions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Survival analyses underestimate the true value of lesion-associated mortality risk in early life in scenario 2 and produce a false lesion-associated survival advantage under the null conditions of scenario 1.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Researchers should account for the ages of a skeletal lesion’s developmental window, where known, when assessing lesion-associated mortality. Survival analyses return accurate results when they exclude individuals in the ages of active lesion formation.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>Modeling experiments can identify which archaeologically unmeasurable variables have the greatest impact on estimates of population health and outline the ways in which they bias estimates of past health from the skeletal record.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>The only limits on modeling are limits of imagination and common sense.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for future research</h3><div>Many other archaeologically hidden variables remain to be explored with this approach.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 32-43"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145663076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.005
Derek A. Boyd
Objective
This study used an intersectional lens to investigate pleural disease burden in adults from industrial-era England.
Materials
Demographic (age-at-death and biological sex) and paleopathological data (periosteal new bone on the visceral rib) were collected from the skeletal remains of 478 adults from Barton-upon-Humber (St. Peter’s Church), London (New Bunhill Fields and St. Bride’s Fleet Street), and North Shields (Coach Lane).
Methods
A Bayesian logistic model with priors informed by historical respiratory mortality trends was fitted to the skeletal data to estimate the posterior probability of presenting rib lesions among social strata defined by biological sex, socioeconomic status (SES), and region of burial.
Results
The model identified an association between SES, region, and rib lesion probability, which translated into three stratum-level clusters: higher SES Londoners (lowest), lower SES Londoners (highest), and the remaining strata (intermediate). Median age-at-death was substantially lower for individuals with than without lesions.
Conclusions
Variation in pleural disease burden was attributed to environmental privilege among affluent Londoners, differences in the pace of urbanization, and the sociohistorical contexts of the skeletal samples.
Significance
This study used Bayesian inference to quantify the health effects of intersectionality in a historical population, providing a theory-driven approach that incorporates archival, mortuary, and skeletal data.
Limitations
The impact of selective mortality within strata is unclear due to sample size issues.
Suggestions for future research
Research is needed to locate additional identities hidden within the archaeological record that may have interacted multiplicatively with class and gender to influence respiratory health in the past.
{"title":"An intersectional and Bayesian investigation of pleural disease in industrializing England (1700–1857CE)","authors":"Derek A. Boyd","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study used an intersectional lens to investigate pleural disease burden in adults from industrial-era England.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>Demographic (age-at-death and biological sex) and paleopathological data (periosteal new bone on the visceral rib) were collected from the skeletal remains of 478 adults from Barton-upon-Humber (St. Peter’s Church), London (New Bunhill Fields and St. Bride’s Fleet Street), and North Shields (Coach Lane).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A Bayesian logistic model with priors informed by historical respiratory mortality trends was fitted to the skeletal data to estimate the posterior probability of presenting rib lesions among social strata defined by biological sex, socioeconomic status (SES), and region of burial.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The model identified an association between SES, region, and rib lesion probability, which translated into three stratum-level clusters: higher SES Londoners (lowest), lower SES Londoners (highest), and the remaining strata (intermediate). Median age-at-death was substantially lower for individuals with than without lesions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Variation in pleural disease burden was attributed to environmental privilege among affluent Londoners, differences in the pace of urbanization, and the sociohistorical contexts of the skeletal samples.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This study used Bayesian inference to quantify the health effects of intersectionality in a historical population, providing a theory-driven approach that incorporates archival, mortuary, and skeletal data.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>The impact of selective mortality within strata is unclear due to sample size issues.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for future research</h3><div>Research is needed to locate additional identities hidden within the archaeological record that may have interacted multiplicatively with class and gender to influence respiratory health in the past.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 20-31"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-28DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.003
Fay Worley , G. Michael Taylor , Orestis L. Katsamenis , Simon Mays
Objective
To evaluate the likelihood that pathological features noted on cattle bones indicate that the animal suffered hypertrophic osteopathy.
Materials
Cattle bones, mostly from the lower extremities, representing a single individual, recovered from a Romano-British villa (4th century CE).
Methods
The remains were subject to macroscopic, low-power microscopic, radiographic and μCT study, as well as biomolecular analysis for M. tuberculosis complex and Brucella species DNA.
Results
The remains represent a single individual and show bilaterally symmetrical subperiosteal new bone formation with no micro-anatomical alteration of the underlying bone structure. aDNA analysis was negative for M. tuberculosis and Brucella, but positive for bovine mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
Conclusions
Hypertrophic osteopathy is the most likely differential diagnoses.
Significance
Hypertrophic osteopathy is uncommon in bovids, and this is the first suspected case in livestock remains from an archaeological site. It demonstrates the importance of differential diagnosis in disarticulated remains through recognition of skeletal patterning.
Limitations
The diagnosis is hampered by the incomplete nature of the remains.
Suggestions for further research
Given the primacy of chronic infection as a cause of hypertrophic osteopathy in the past, scanning these remains for evidence of pathogens using Next Generation Sequencing when feasible, and other biomolecular techniques may be useful.
{"title":"A possible case of hypertrophic osteopathy in osteological remains representing cattle hide processing from a Roman villa in England","authors":"Fay Worley , G. Michael Taylor , Orestis L. Katsamenis , Simon Mays","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate the likelihood that pathological features noted on cattle bones indicate that the animal suffered hypertrophic osteopathy.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>Cattle bones, mostly from the lower extremities, representing a single individual, recovered from a Romano-British villa (4th century CE).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The remains were subject to macroscopic, low-power microscopic, radiographic and μCT study, as well as biomolecular analysis for <em>M. tuberculosis</em> complex and <em>Brucella</em> species DNA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The remains represent a single individual and show bilaterally symmetrical subperiosteal new bone formation with no micro-anatomical alteration of the underlying bone structure. aDNA analysis was negative for <em>M. tuberculosis</em> and <em>Brucella,</em> but positive for bovine mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Hypertrophic osteopathy is the most likely differential diagnoses.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>Hypertrophic osteopathy is uncommon in bovids, and this is the first suspected case in livestock remains from an archaeological site. It demonstrates the importance of differential diagnosis in disarticulated remains through recognition of skeletal patterning.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>The diagnosis is hampered by the incomplete nature of the remains.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><div>Given the primacy of chronic infection as a cause of hypertrophic osteopathy in the past, scanning these remains for evidence of pathogens using Next Generation Sequencing when feasible, and other biomolecular techniques may be useful.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 11-19"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-21DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.001
S. Thamara Noriega Muro , Sudip Datta Banik , Andrea Cucina
Objective
This study evaluates the interrelationship between the cementoenamel distance to the alveolar crest (CEJ-AC), alveolar bone defects, and risk factors for periodontitis among adults.
Materials
The skeletal remains of 77 individuals (58 males and 19 females), aged 28–92 years, were analyzed from a low socioeconomic status, 20th-century forensic collection in Merida, Mexico.
Methods
An analysis integrating qualitative and quantitative criteria was conducted. The CEJ-AC distance was measured using a dental probe, and bone defects were categorized as suprabony, infrabony and furcation.
Results
The mean CEJ-AC distance was 4.4 mm, with individual bone defect prevalence of 94.8 % (no sex differences). A positive correlation exists between CEJ-AC and bone defect severity (p < 0.001), though greater CEJ-AC distances were not consistently associated with more severe defects. Furcation involvement was observed in 33.7 % of individuals, with no significant sex differences, and defect severity showed no association with age at death.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that alveolar bone defects represent the primary criterion for periodontitis in skeletal remains; CEJ-AC distance complements it. Integrating both parameters enhances the accuracy of osteological diagnosis.
Significance
This study contributes to refining paleopathological diagnosis of periodontal disease, thereby enhancing its applicability in archaeological contexts. The high prevalence observed underscores the impact of low socioeconomic status on oral health in marginalized populations.
Limitations
Limitations include the sample’s low socioeconomic strata and underrepresentation of females.
Suggestions and Further Research
Adapting clinical classifications to postmortem changes, compensatory eruption, and interindividual variation offers a promising framework.
{"title":"Periodontitis in human skeletal remains: The relationship between CEJ-AC distance and alveolar bone defects in a modern forensic collection of low socioeconomic status individuals from Yucatan, Mexico","authors":"S. Thamara Noriega Muro , Sudip Datta Banik , Andrea Cucina","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study evaluates the interrelationship between the cementoenamel distance to the alveolar crest (CEJ-AC), alveolar bone defects, and risk factors for periodontitis among adults.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>The skeletal remains of 77 individuals (58 males and 19 females), aged 28–92 years, were analyzed from a low socioeconomic status, 20th-century forensic collection in Merida, Mexico.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An analysis integrating qualitative and quantitative criteria was conducted. The CEJ-AC distance was measured using a dental probe, and bone defects were categorized as suprabony, infrabony and furcation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean CEJ-AC distance was 4.4 mm, with individual bone defect prevalence of 94.8 % (no sex differences). A positive correlation exists between CEJ-AC and bone defect severity (p < 0.001), though greater CEJ-AC distances were not consistently associated with more severe defects. Furcation involvement was observed in 33.7 % of individuals, with no significant sex differences, and defect severity showed no association with age at death.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study demonstrates that alveolar bone defects represent the primary criterion for periodontitis in skeletal remains; CEJ-AC distance complements it. Integrating both parameters enhances the accuracy of osteological diagnosis.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This study contributes to refining paleopathological diagnosis of periodontal disease, thereby enhancing its applicability in archaeological contexts. The high prevalence observed underscores the impact of low socioeconomic status on oral health in marginalized populations.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>Limitations include the sample’s low socioeconomic strata and underrepresentation of females.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions and Further Research</h3><div>Adapting clinical classifications to postmortem changes, compensatory eruption, and interindividual variation offers a promising framework.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145555268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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