Pub Date : 2024-06-05DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.05.002
João Tiago Brito , Ana Luísa Santos
Objective
This study explores the interplay between age-at-death, sex and occupation and the presence, location and severity of Schmorl’s nodes.
Materials
Vertebral columns of 327 individuals, 180 (55.1%) males and 147 (44.9%) females, with age-at-death between 20 and 65 years old, with known occupation.
Methods
Schmorl’s nodes were recorded as present/absent and by location and severity.
Results
In this sample, 58.7% (192/327) of individuals were affected by Schmorl’s nodes, 75.6% (136/180) were males and 38.1% (56/147) were females, with statistically significant differences (p=0.000). Schmorl’s nodes were most commonly found on the T7-L2 (77.1% of all Schmorl’s nodes) vertebrae and at the center (73.4%) of the vertebral body surface. Age and occupational categories did not correlate with prevalence, quantity or severity.
Conclusions
Males appear more prone to develop Schmorl's nodes than females. In this study, the prevalence of Schmorl’s nodes does not increase with age, nor with the type of occupation held by males.
Significance
This study rejects the purported associations between prevalence of Schmorl’s nodes and age and physical stress.
Limitations
It is unknown whether individuals had the same occupation throughout their lives or for how long they performed it. Additionally, it is impossible to access when the individual developed the Schmorl’s node.
Suggestions for further research
Evaluate the onset of Schmorl’s nodes in individuals under 20 and explore possible links between vertebral morphology and the occurrence of Schmorl’s nodes.
{"title":"Schmorl's nodes in a historic adult skeletal sample (19th to 20th centuries): An analysis of age, sex and occupation","authors":"João Tiago Brito , Ana Luísa Santos","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.05.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This study explores the interplay between age-at-death, sex and occupation and the presence, location and severity of Schmorl’s nodes.</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>Vertebral columns of 327 individuals, 180 (55.1%) males and 147 (44.9%) females, with age-at-death between 20 and 65 years old, with known occupation.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Schmorl’s nodes were recorded as present/absent and by location and severity.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>In this sample, 58.7% (192/327) of individuals were affected by Schmorl’s nodes, 75.6% (136/180) were males and 38.1% (56/147) were females, with statistically significant differences (<em>p=</em>0.000). Schmorl’s nodes were most commonly found on the T7-L2 (77.1% of all Schmorl’s nodes) vertebrae and at the center (73.4%) of the vertebral body surface. Age and occupational categories did not correlate with prevalence, quantity or severity.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Males appear more prone to develop Schmorl's nodes than females. In this study, the prevalence of Schmorl’s nodes does not increase with age, nor with the type of occupation held by males.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>This study rejects the purported associations between prevalence of Schmorl’s nodes and age and physical stress.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>It is unknown whether individuals had the same occupation throughout their lives or for how long they performed it. Additionally, it is impossible to access when the individual developed the Schmorl’s node.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><p>Evaluate the onset of Schmorl’s nodes in individuals under 20 and explore possible links between vertebral morphology and the occurrence of Schmorl’s nodes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"46 ","pages":"Pages 1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879981724002882/pdfft?md5=505a54d41981c3f934ac574cb5c68dec&pid=1-s2.0-S1879981724002882-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141249807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.04.004
Ileana Micarelli , Mary Anne Tafuri , Lorna Tilley
{"title":"Corrigendum to “Disability and care in Western Europe during Medieval times: A bioarchaeological perspective” [Int. J. Paleopathol. 44 (2024) 119–125]","authors":"Ileana Micarelli , Mary Anne Tafuri , Lorna Tilley","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.04.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.04.004","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Page 73"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879981724002018/pdfft?md5=c3945deb22e0e16a4f24d63cf4f3b966&pid=1-s2.0-S1879981724002018-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140867904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-22DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.05.001
Jack Eggington , Rebecca Pitt , Claire Hodson
Objectives
This research aims to determine the aetiology of porosity and subperiosteal new bone formation on the inferior surface of the pars basilaris.
Materials
A total of 199 non-adult individuals aged 36 weeks gestation to 3.5 years, from a total of 12 archaeological sites throughout the UK, including Iron Age (n=43), Roman (n=12), and post-medieval (n=145) sites, with a preserved pars basilaris.
Methods
The pars basilaris was divided into six segments, with porosity (micro and macro) and subperiosteal new bone formation recorded on the inferior surface in scorbutic and non-scorbutic individuals. Scurvy was diagnosed using criteria from the palaeopathological literature that was developed using a biological approach.
Results
There was no statistically significant difference in microporosity between scorbutic and non-scorbutic individuals in four out of the six segments analysed. There was a significant negative correlation between age and microporosity in non-scorbutic and scorbutic individuals. A significant difference in subperiosteal new bone formation was observed between scorbutic and non-scorbutic individuals.
Conclusions
Microporosity on the inferior pars basilaris should not be considered among the suite of lesions included in the macroscopic assessment of scurvy in non-adult skeletal remains (less than 3.5 years).
Significance
This study highlights the risk of over diagnosing scurvy in past populations.
Limitations
It is difficult to distinguish between physiological (normal) and pathological (abnormal) bone changes in the skeleton of individuals less than one year of age.
Suggestions for further research
Future research should focus on the analysis of individuals over 3.5 years of age.
{"title":"A macroscopic assessment of porosity and new bone formation on the inferior pars basilaris: Normal growth or an indicator of scurvy?","authors":"Jack Eggington , Rebecca Pitt , Claire Hodson","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.05.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>This research aims to determine the aetiology of porosity and subperiosteal new bone formation on the inferior surface of the <em>pars basilaris</em>.</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>A total of 199 non-adult individuals aged 36 weeks gestation to 3.5 years, from a total of 12 archaeological sites throughout the UK, including Iron Age (n=43), Roman (n=12), and post-medieval (n=145) sites, with a preserved <em>pars basilaris</em>.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>The <em>pars basilaris</em> was divided into six segments, with porosity (micro and macro) and subperiosteal new bone formation recorded on the inferior surface in scorbutic and non-scorbutic individuals. Scurvy was diagnosed using criteria from the palaeopathological literature that was developed using a biological approach.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>There was no statistically significant difference in microporosity between scorbutic and non-scorbutic individuals in four out of the six segments analysed. There was a significant negative correlation between age and microporosity in non-scorbutic and scorbutic individuals. A significant difference in subperiosteal new bone formation was observed between scorbutic and non-scorbutic individuals.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Microporosity on the inferior pars basilaris should not be considered among the suite of lesions included in the macroscopic assessment of scurvy in non-adult skeletal remains (less than 3.5 years).</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>This study highlights the risk of over diagnosing scurvy in past populations.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>It is difficult to distinguish between physiological (normal) and pathological (abnormal) bone changes in the skeleton of individuals less than one year of age.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><p>Future research should focus on the analysis of individuals over 3.5 years of age.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 62-72"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879981724002870/pdfft?md5=e79b56cb8348d3050e4b27bc559c6414&pid=1-s2.0-S1879981724002870-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141084570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To analyze the overall frequency and inter-tooth patterns of caries in three populations from ancient cemeteries located along the western border of the Central Iranian Plateau as a means to explore whether the populations of Iran had greater access to fermentable sugars after the establishment of the great empires.
Materials
Dental collections from Kafarved-Varzaneh (Early Bronze Age, MNI=66), Estark-Joshaqan (Iron Age, MNI=57), Tappeh Poustchi (Timurid and Safavid Period, MNI=34), together with comparative data from NE Syria.
Methods
Frequencies of dental caries per tooth categories, location and size of carious lesions are analyzed using Smith’s Mean Measure of Divergence, Correspondence Analysis, χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Results
There are minimal differences in overall frequencies of carious lesions at Iranian sites, regardless of the chronology, but notable differences at Syrian sites. The inter-tooth pattern at the Iron Age cemetery in Estark appears distinctly different than the other Iranian sites and the comparative samples from Syria.
Conclusions
Divergent subsistence strategies may be linked with different inter-tooth patterns since people buried at Estark were mobile herders, while the other cemeteries were used by settled farmers.
Significance
This comprehensive research on dental caries in three chronologically diverse populations in Iran sheds light on the association between dental caries and subsistence strategies, and introduces the Smith’s Mean Measure of Divergence to explore inter-tooth carious patterns, which may prove useful to other researchers seeking to understand the relationships between subsistence, diet, and the presence of carious lesions.
Limitations
The studied sample size is relatively small and therefore its temporal/regional distribution produces low-resolution results.
Suggestions for further research
More systematic research on the patterns of dental caries is necessary to produce more fine-grained reconstructions of diet and subsistence in Iran and around the globe.
{"title":"Temporal pattern of dental caries at the western flank of the Central Plateau of Iran, c. 2700 BCE – 1600 CE","authors":"Tabasom Ilkhan , Joanna Trębicka , Arkadiusz Sołtysiak","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.03.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To analyze the overall frequency and inter-tooth patterns of caries in three populations from ancient cemeteries located along the western border of the Central Iranian Plateau as a means to explore whether the populations of Iran had greater access to fermentable sugars after the establishment of the great empires.</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>Dental collections from Kafarved-Varzaneh (Early Bronze Age, MNI=66), Estark-Joshaqan (Iron Age, MNI=57), Tappeh Poustchi (Timurid and Safavid Period, MNI=34), together with comparative data from NE Syria.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Frequencies of dental caries per tooth categories, location and size of carious lesions are analyzed using Smith’s Mean Measure of Divergence, Correspondence Analysis, χ<sup>2</sup> and Kruskal-Wallis tests.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>There are minimal differences in overall frequencies of carious lesions at Iranian sites, regardless of the chronology, but notable differences at Syrian sites. The inter-tooth pattern at the Iron Age cemetery in Estark appears distinctly different than the other Iranian sites and the comparative samples from Syria.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Divergent subsistence strategies may be linked with different inter-tooth patterns since people buried at Estark were mobile herders, while the other cemeteries were used by settled farmers.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>This comprehensive research on dental caries in three chronologically diverse populations in Iran sheds light on the association between dental caries and subsistence strategies, and introduces the Smith’s Mean Measure of Divergence to explore inter-tooth carious patterns, which may prove useful to other researchers seeking to understand the relationships between subsistence, diet, and the presence of carious lesions.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>The studied sample size is relatively small and therefore its temporal/regional distribution produces low-resolution results.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><p>More systematic research on the patterns of dental caries is necessary to produce more fine-grained reconstructions of diet and subsistence in Iran and around the globe.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 55-61"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140807491","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 : 2024-04-23DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.04.003
Gustavo Macêdo Do Carmo , Bruno Pereira Berto , Felipe Bisaggio Pereira , Sueli De Souza Lima , Hermínio Ismael De Araújo-Júnior , Ralph Maturano Pinheiro
Objective
To analyze the presence of protozoan parasites in bird coprolites from the Tremembé Formation (Oligocene of the Taubaté Basin).
Materials
Twenty avian coprolites embedded in pyrobituminous shale matrices.
Methods
Samples were rehydrated and subjected to spontaneous sedimentation.
Results
Paleoparasitological analyses revealed oocysts compatible with the Eimeriidae family (Apicomplexa) and one single Archamoebae (Amoebozoa) cyst.
Conclusions
The present work increases the amount of information about the spread of infections throughout the Cenozoic Era and reveals that the Brazilian paleoavifauna played an important role in the Apicomplexa and Amoebozoa life cycles.
Significance
This is the first record of protozoans in avian coprolites from the Oligocene of Brazil. These findings can help in the interpretation of phylogenies of coccidian parasites of modern birds, as certain taxonomic characters observed in the Oligocene Protozoa characterize monophyletic groups in current molecular phylogenetic analyses.
Limitations
None of the oocysts were sporulated; therefore, it is not possible to identify the morphotypes to genus or species.
Suggestions for further research
Our results create new perspectives related to biogeographic studies of the parasitic groups described and may improve the understanding of the temporal amplitude of parasitic evolutionary relationships between Protozoans and birds.
{"title":"Protozoan parasites of birds from the Tremembé formation (Oligocene of the Taubaté Basin), São Paulo, Brazil","authors":"Gustavo Macêdo Do Carmo , Bruno Pereira Berto , Felipe Bisaggio Pereira , Sueli De Souza Lima , Hermínio Ismael De Araújo-Júnior , Ralph Maturano Pinheiro","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.04.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To analyze the presence of protozoan parasites in bird coprolites from the Tremembé Formation (Oligocene of the Taubaté Basin).</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>Twenty avian coprolites embedded in pyrobituminous shale matrices.</p></div><div><h3><strong>Methods</strong></h3><p>Samples were rehydrated and subjected to spontaneous sedimentation.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Paleoparasitological analyses revealed oocysts compatible with the Eimeriidae family (Apicomplexa) and one single Archamoebae (Amoebozoa) cyst.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The present work increases the amount of information about the spread of infections throughout the Cenozoic Era and reveals that the Brazilian paleoavifauna played an important role in the Apicomplexa and Amoebozoa life cycles.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>This is the first record of protozoans in avian coprolites from the Oligocene of Brazil. These findings can help in the interpretation of phylogenies of coccidian parasites of modern birds, as certain taxonomic characters observed in the Oligocene Protozoa characterize monophyletic groups in current molecular phylogenetic analyses.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>None of the oocysts were sporulated; therefore, it is not possible to identify the morphotypes to genus or species.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><p>Our results create new perspectives related to biogeographic studies of the parasitic groups described and may improve the understanding of the temporal amplitude of parasitic evolutionary relationships between Protozoans and birds.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 46-54"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140632829","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 : 2024-04-22DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.04.002
Khrystyne Tschinkel , John Verano , Gabriel Prieto
Objective
This project seeks to create a differential diagnosis for lesions found on the skeletal remains of two children as a means to explore the presence of viral disease in 16th- century Peru.
Materials
Extremely well-preserved human remains of two children who died between the ages of 1–2 years old, recovered from the circum-contact (∼1540 CE) cemetery in Huanchaco, Peru.
Methods
Macroscopic and radiographic analysis.
Results
Both individuals present with cortical thickening, symmetrical destructive lesions, metaphyseal expansion, perforations, exposure of the medullary cavity, resorption of metaphyseal ends and necrosis of the long bones, and deposited reactive new bone. These features are consistent with osteomyelitis variolosa and bacterial osteomyelitis.
Conclusions
Three features of Individuals IG-124 and IG-493 suggest a highly consistent diagnosis of osteomyelitis variolosa: multiple skeletal lesions, the historical context of the area, and the high mortality rate of non-adults in the circum-contact cemetery.
Significance
Although viral infections are ubiquitous and well documented historically, their etiologies are often difficult to determine in archaeological populations. Orthopoxvirus variola (smallpox) is one of the many viruses whose archaeological impact is still under explored in skeletal remains.
Limitations
The absence of smallpox in other children from the Huanchaco cemetery creates difficulty in ascertaining true prevalence rates or information on potential outbreaks.
Suggestions for further research
Further research analyzing aDNA from calculus and/or residues using a DIP-GC-MS method might create a better understanding of how smallpox spread through the region.
{"title":"Two cases of smallpox from 1540 CE circum-contact (early colonial) Northern Coastal Peru","authors":"Khrystyne Tschinkel , John Verano , Gabriel Prieto","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.04.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This project seeks to create a differential diagnosis for lesions found on the skeletal remains of two children as a means to explore the presence of viral disease in 16th- century Peru.</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>Extremely well-preserved human remains of two children who died between the ages of 1–2 years old, recovered from the circum-contact (∼1540 CE) cemetery in Huanchaco, Peru.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Macroscopic and radiographic analysis.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Both individuals present with cortical thickening, symmetrical destructive lesions, metaphyseal expansion, perforations, exposure of the medullary cavity, resorption of metaphyseal ends and necrosis of the long bones, and deposited reactive new bone. These features are consistent with osteomyelitis variolosa and bacterial osteomyelitis.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Three features of Individuals IG-124 and IG-493 suggest a highly consistent diagnosis of osteomyelitis variolosa: multiple skeletal lesions, the historical context of the area, and the high mortality rate of non-adults in the circum-contact cemetery.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>Although viral infections are ubiquitous and well documented historically, their etiologies are often difficult to determine in archaeological populations. <em>Orthopoxvirus variola</em> (smallpox) is one of the many viruses whose archaeological impact is still under explored in skeletal remains.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>The absence of smallpox in other children from the Huanchaco cemetery creates difficulty in ascertaining true prevalence rates or information on potential outbreaks.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><p>Further research analyzing aDNA from calculus and/or residues using a <em>DIP</em>-GC-MS method might create a better understanding of how smallpox spread through the region.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 35-45"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879981724001992/pdfft?md5=3179789233e30ad35bab42123adb2aed&pid=1-s2.0-S1879981724001992-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140631246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-04-20DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.04.001
Maia Casna, Sarah A. Schrader
Objective
To assess the differences between endoscopic and radiological methods of analysis for diagnosing chronic maxillary sinusitis (CMS) in archaeological skeletal remains.
Materials
32 crania from a Dutch post-medieval rural population.
Methods
We assessed the presence of bone changes indicative of CMS (i.e., bone growth and bone resorption) both endoscopically and through computed tomography (CT), and then compared results.
Results
We observed moderate agreement between bone growth scores obtained through endoscopy and CT, and fair agreement when assessing bone resorption.
Conclusions
CMS prevalence rates observed through CT may be comparable to rates assessed endoscopically, although caution is needed when making direct comparisons.
Significance
This is the first study comparing data obtained through endoscopy and radiological methods in the study of CMS, informing paleopathologists about potential biases in data comparison.
Limitations
Our small sample size likely impacted results.
Suggestions for further research
Further research is advised to fully explore the comparability of endoscopic and radiological method of analysis in the study of sinusitis.
Data Availability
The datasets generated and analyzed during the current study are available upon request.
{"title":"Chronic Maxillary Sinusitis: A comparison of osteological and CT methods of diagnosis","authors":"Maia Casna, Sarah A. Schrader","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.04.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To assess the differences between endoscopic and radiological methods of analysis for diagnosing chronic maxillary sinusitis (CMS) in archaeological skeletal remains.</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>32 crania from a Dutch post-medieval rural population.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We assessed the presence of bone changes indicative of CMS (i.e., bone growth and bone resorption) both endoscopically and through computed tomography (CT), and then compared results.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>We observed moderate agreement between bone growth scores obtained through endoscopy and CT, and fair agreement when assessing bone resorption.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>CMS prevalence rates observed through CT may be comparable to rates assessed endoscopically, although caution is needed when making direct comparisons.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>This is the first study comparing data obtained through endoscopy and radiological methods in the study of CMS, informing paleopathologists about potential biases in data comparison.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>Our small sample size likely impacted results.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><p>Further research is advised to fully explore the comparability of endoscopic and radiological method of analysis in the study of sinusitis.</p></div><div><h3>Data Availability</h3><p>The datasets generated and analyzed during the current study are available upon request.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 30-34"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879981724001980/pdfft?md5=27f5c47c6913be9bce37225919f47263&pid=1-s2.0-S1879981724001980-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140621905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study aims to determine and discuss the prevalence of non-adult scurvy cases from the early medieval Jaun/Podjuna Valley in southern Austria.
Materials
86 non-adult individuals were assessed from three early medieval sites.
Methods
Morphological characteristics associated with suggestive and probable scurvy were observed macroscopically and under 20–40x magnification.
Results
A significant relationship between the prevalence of scurvy and age group was observed. Perinates (46%, 6/13) and children (27.5%, 8/28) showed a high prevalence of skeletal features indicating a diagnosis of scurvy, while no cases of scurvy were observed in adolescents and adults.
Conclusions
In this Alpine region, scurvy occurred frequently in infants and children. Seasonal fluctuations of diet are discussed as factors triggering scurvy.
Significance
This study sheds new light on the prevalence of scurvy in the Alpine region and how the region developed after the fall of the Roman Noricum. It also models ways in which multiple lines of evidence can contribute to the diagnostic process.
Limitations
Poor preservation posed a challenge to identifying probable cases of scurvy. Likewise, non-adult remains are difficult to diagnose due to their developing nature and it is not always possible to distinguish between normal bone growth and pathological growth.
Suggestions for further research
Future applications of biomolecular studies will help illustrate changes in diet that may have contributed to vitamin deficiencies.
{"title":"Evidence of non-adult vitamin C deficiency in three early medieval sites in the Jaun/Podjuna Valley, Carinthia, Austria","authors":"Magdalena T. Srienc-Ściesiek , Nina Richards , Sabine Ladstätter , Sylvia Kirchengast","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.02.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.02.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This study aims to determine and discuss the prevalence of non-adult scurvy cases from the early medieval Jaun/Podjuna Valley in southern Austria.</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>86 non-adult individuals were assessed from three early medieval sites.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Morphological characteristics associated with suggestive and probable scurvy were observed macroscopically and under 20–40x magnification.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>A significant relationship between the prevalence of scurvy and age group was observed. Perinates (46%, 6/13) and children (27.5%, 8/28) showed a high prevalence of skeletal features indicating a diagnosis of scurvy, while no cases of scurvy were observed in adolescents and adults.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>In this Alpine region, scurvy occurred frequently in infants and children. Seasonal fluctuations of diet are discussed as factors triggering scurvy.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>This study sheds new light on the prevalence of scurvy in the Alpine region and how the region developed after the fall of the Roman Noricum. It also models ways in which multiple lines of evidence can contribute to the diagnostic process.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>Poor preservation posed a challenge to identifying probable cases of scurvy. Likewise, non-adult remains are difficult to diagnose due to their developing nature and it is not always possible to distinguish between normal bone growth and pathological growth.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><p>Future applications of biomolecular studies will help illustrate changes in diet that may have contributed to vitamin deficiencies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 18-29"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140191954","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 : 2024-03-05DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.02.001
S. Thamara Noriega Muro , Andrea Cucina
Objective
This paper assesses the relationship between the distance between the cemento-enamel junction and alveolar crest and risk factors commonly associated with periodontitis.
Materials
Eighty individuals between 28 and 92 years old with known biological sex and age were analyzed from a 20th century forensic human collection from Merida, Yucatan (Mexico).
Methods
Macroscopic assessment, along with metric analysis, was employed using a probe.
Results
Ante-mortem tooth loss was positively correlated with the distance between the cemento-enamel junction and alveolar crest, as was the presence of root calculus in females.
Conclusions
Cemento-enamel junction to alveolar crest distance is not a reliable indicator of periodontitis since it is not directly related to periodontitis-causing infectious pathogens, and since ante-mortem tooth loss can affect root exposure.
Significance
This study demonstrates that a purely quantitative approach to diagnosing periodontitis in archaeological and forensic human remains can be misleading.
Limitations
The skeletal collection is only representative of the low socioeconomic class of Merida, and its female cohort is underrepresented. In addition, because the Xoclan collection is modern, limitations (particularly with respect to tooth wear) of the applicability of these interpretations to older archaeological remains exist.
Suggestion for further research
A combination of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of alveolar bone is needed to reliably diagnose periodontitis in skeletal populations.
{"title":"Periodontitis and alveolar resorption in human skeletal remains: The relationship between quantitative alveolar bone loss, occlusal wear, antemortem tooth loss, dental calculus and age at death in a low socioeconomic status, modern forensic human collection from Yucatan","authors":"S. Thamara Noriega Muro , Andrea Cucina","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.02.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This paper assesses the relationship between the distance between the cemento-enamel junction and alveolar crest and risk factors commonly associated with periodontitis.</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>Eighty individuals between 28 and 92 years old with known biological sex and age were analyzed from a 20th century forensic human collection from Merida, Yucatan (Mexico).</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Macroscopic assessment, along with metric analysis, was employed using a probe.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Ante-mortem tooth loss was positively correlated with the distance between the cemento-enamel junction and alveolar crest, as was the presence of root calculus in females.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Cemento-enamel junction to alveolar crest distance is not a reliable indicator of periodontitis since it is not directly related to periodontitis-causing infectious pathogens, and since ante-mortem tooth loss can affect root exposure.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>This study demonstrates that a purely quantitative approach to diagnosing periodontitis in archaeological and forensic human remains can be misleading.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>The skeletal collection is only representative of the low socioeconomic class of Merida, and its female cohort is underrepresented. In addition, because the Xoclan collection is modern, limitations (particularly with respect to tooth wear) of the applicability of these interpretations to older archaeological remains exist.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestion for further research</h3><p>A combination of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of alveolar bone is needed to reliably diagnose periodontitis in skeletal populations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 7-17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140031495","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 : 2024-02-19DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.01.005
Roberta Fusco , Chiara Tesi , Paolo Spina , Ezio Fulcheri , Marta Licata
Objective
To develop a differential diagnosis of a mass retrieved alongside skeletal remains in the crypt of the church of Santissima Annunziata of Valenza (Province of Alessandria, Northern Italy).
Material
A calcified mass measuring 40 × 39 mm and 17.62 × 16.3817.62 × 16.38 mm.
Method
The analysis utilized macroscopic assessment and histologic examination (including histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses).
Results
Morphological traits include an irregular and spongy external surface. Holes of different sizes lead toward the inner part of the object. A section of the mass shows an “intertwined bundle” pattern, confirmed by microscopic examination.
Conclusions
Differential diagnosis determined the mass to be consistent with calcified leiomyoma.
Significance
Identifying uterine leiomyoma adds to the paucity of paleopathological literature on the condition and to calcified tumors more broadly. It also allows for an important discussion of women’s gynecological health in the past and potentially among nulliparous women.
Limitations
Neither histochemical staining nor immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the certain muscular nature of the specimens due to the rehydration and decalcification processes, for which there are no gold standards.
Suggestions for further research
Calcified masses are common in the clinical literature but remain rare in paleopathological literature. Careful excavation and improved recognition of apparently calcified masses are necessary to improve recognition, diagnosis, and interpretation.
{"title":"Calcified uterine leiomyoma from an 18th-century nunnery in North Italy","authors":"Roberta Fusco , Chiara Tesi , Paolo Spina , Ezio Fulcheri , Marta Licata","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.01.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To develop a differential diagnosis of a mass retrieved alongside skeletal remains in the crypt of the church of Santissima Annunziata of Valenza (Province of Alessandria, Northern Italy).</p></div><div><h3>Material</h3><p>A calcified mass measuring 40 × 39 mm and 17.62 × 16.3817.62 × 16.38 mm.</p></div><div><h3>Method</h3><p>The analysis utilized macroscopic assessment and histologic examination (including histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Morphological traits include an irregular and spongy external surface. Holes of different sizes lead toward the inner part of the object. A section of the mass shows an “intertwined bundle” pattern, confirmed by microscopic examination.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Differential diagnosis determined the mass to be consistent with calcified leiomyoma.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>Identifying uterine leiomyoma adds to the paucity of paleopathological literature on the condition and to calcified tumors more broadly. It also allows for an important discussion of women’s gynecological health in the past and potentially among nulliparous women.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>Neither histochemical staining nor immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the certain muscular nature of the specimens due to the rehydration and decalcification processes, for which there are no gold standards.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><p>Calcified masses are common in the clinical literature but remain rare in paleopathological literature. Careful excavation and improved recognition of apparently calcified masses are necessary to improve recognition, diagnosis, and interpretation.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879981724000056/pdfft?md5=a9d2f2b48ec42206481b342def699fee&pid=1-s2.0-S1879981724000056-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139908032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}