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Treponematosis in a pre-Columbian hunter-gatherer male from Antofagasta (1830 ± 20 BP, Northern Coast of Chile)
Publication date: September 2020Source: International Journal of Paleopathology, Volume 30Author(s): Mario Castro, Aryel Pacheco, Ivo Kuzmanic, Alejandro Clarot, Pablo Díaz (Source: International Journal of Paleopathology)
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - March 6, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research

Microstructural analysis of bony alterations in a historic case of actinomycosis
Publication date: September 2020Source: International Journal of Paleopathology, Volume 30Author(s): D. Schamall, E. Nebot Valenzuela, P. Pietschmann, S. Tangl, M. Edelmayer, T. Dobsak, M. Teschler-Nicola (Source: International Journal of Paleopathology)
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - February 27, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research

Editorial Board
Publication date: March 2020Source: International Journal of Paleopathology, Volume 28Author(s): (Source: International Journal of Paleopathology)
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - February 18, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research

Multi-proxy stable isotope analyses of dentine microsections reveal diachronic changes in life history adaptations, mobility, and tuberculosis-induced wasting in prehistoric Liguria (Finale Ligure, Italy, northwestern Mediterranean)
ConclusionsShortening in weaning patterns during the Metal Ages are likely driven by the intensification of agricultural practices and cultivation of new crops during Bronze and Iron Ages. Neolithic food choices and delayed weaning patterns may represent one of the strategies to maximize growth and immune potential in a local economy/ecology with high-infectious load. Tuberculosis was a chronic and long-lasting disease.SignificanceThe first combined carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur analysis on prehistoric dentine microsections revealing changing human life history adaptations within the same region.LimitationsSmall sample size...
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - February 8, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research

Sensationalism and speaking to the public: Scientific rigour and interdisciplinary collaborations in palaeopathology
ConclusionsAlthough most high profile publications involving analysis of archaeological human remains are methodologically sound and well interpreted, others have suffered from poor scientific rigour stemming from an apparent lack of awareness of anthropological methods and ethics. When these publications are highlighted by the press, sensationalistic narratives are perpetuated which may reflect poorly on our discipline and give the public unrealistic expectations about our work.Suggestions for future researchWe suggest that best practice in high-profile paleopathological research include recruitment of a range of authors ...
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - February 5, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research

Paleopathological research in continental China: Introduction to the Special Issue
Publication date: March 2020Source: International Journal of Paleopathology, Volume 28Author(s): Elizabeth Berger, Kate PechenkinaAbstractWe set out to assemble this Special Issue of IJPP with three goals in mind: (1) to familiarize Anglophone readers with research on paleopathology conducted by Chinese scholars; (2) to enhance interest in paleopathological research among Chinese scholars, and to foster the use of differential diagnosis as the key mode of paleopathological analysis; and (3) to initiate integration of pathological analysis of human skeletal collections with historical records documenting early medical pract...
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - February 5, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research

Ankylosis of a knee joint from Medieval London: Trauma, congenital anomaly or osteoarthritis?
ConclusionsIn all probability, the left knee reflects a case of congenital ankylosis with a differential diagnosis of subadult trauma. The female’s skeleton had adapted to the impairment. Their risk is likely to have been elevated because of climatic and pandemic events during this period.SignificanceFirst reported case of congenital knee ankylosis.LimitationsThe left knee joint was damaged during excavation.Suggestions for further researchAdditional imaging is advised. (Source: International Journal of Paleopathology)
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - January 24, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research

Corrigendum to “A bioarchaeological and biocultural investigation of Chinese footbinding at the Xuecun archaeological site, Henan Province, China” [Int. J. Paleopathol. 25 (2019) 9–19]
Publication date: Available online 22 January 2020Source: International Journal of PaleopathologyAuthor(s): Christine Lee (Source: International Journal of Paleopathology)
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - January 24, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research

Advances in the molecular detection of tuberculosis in pre-contact Andean South America
Publication date: Available online 20 January 2020Source: International Journal of PaleopathologyAuthor(s): Elizabeth A. Nelson, Jane E. Buikstra, Alexander Herbig, Tiffiny A. Tung, Kirsten I. BosAbstractAndean paleopathological research has significantly enhanced knowledge about the geographical distribution and evolution of tuberculosis (TB) in pre-Columbian South America. In this paper, we review the history and progress of research on ancient tuberculosis (TB) in the Andean region, focusing on the strengths and limitations of current approaches for the molecular detection of ancient pathogens, with special attention to...
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - January 22, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research

Back to the beginning: Identifying lesions of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis prior to vertebral ankylosis
ConclusionsSmall isolated outgrowths represent the earliest stages of the spinal manifestations of DISH. The use of ESM as an indicator of DISH should be undertaken with great caution until the relationship between these two features is understood.SignificanceImproved accuracy of paleopathological diagnostic criteria of DISH.LimitationsSmall sample comprised of only individuals with DISH.Future researchmicro-CT analysis to investigate the internal structure of the spinal lesions. Analysis of extra-spinal enthesophytes in individuals with and without DISH to understand their pathogenesis and association with the spinal lesi...
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - January 15, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research

Osteological characteristics of Chinese foot-binding in archaeological remains
Publication date: March 2020Source: International Journal of Paleopathology, Volume 28Author(s): Yongsheng Zhao, Lin Guo, Yuni Xiao, Yueming Niu, Xiaowen Zhang, Deliang He, Wen ZengAbstractFoot-binding was a widespread custom in China for hundreds of years, though the severity and type of binding varied considerably over time and space. To examine the morphological consequences of extremely severe foot-binding, this paper uses 35 sets of bound and 33 sets of unbound foot bones, from the remains of women excavated from the Xinzhi cemetery in northern Shandong Province. Based on macroscopic observation, CT slices, and measur...
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - January 15, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research

Differential diagnosis of calcified nodules from a medieval Székely woman in Transylvania
ConclusionsDifferential diagnosis determined the calcified nodules to be consistent with calcified tumors, and most consistent with a calcified leiomyoma with cystic degeneration, potentially uterine.SignificanceThe identification of the calcified nodules as most consistent with calcified uterine leiomyomas adds to the paucity of paleopathological literature on calcified leiomyomas and calcified tumors more broadly. It also allows for an important discussion of the health of women in medieval Transylvania.LimitationsInterpretation would be aided if a more precise origination within the body was known. Careful excavation an...
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - January 9, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research

Diagnosing tarsal coalition in medieval Exeter
ConclusionsThese frequencies are quite high for clinical imaging estimations, but consistent with other reported archaeological frequencies.SignificanceThis study contributes to known frequencies of tarsal coalition in the past. It also provides descriptive diagnostic criteria for identifying tarsal coalition in archaeological populations.LimitationsPoor preservation of some of the individuals in this sample means that the true frequencies of tarsal coalition may be underrepresented.Suggestions for further researchThis study should be expanded to include more archaeological sites, especially medieval British sites, to dete...
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - January 6, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research

Environmental correlates of growth patterns in Neolithic Liguria (northwestern Italy)
ConclusionsThe pattern of growth in Ligurian Neolithic children may reflect a deprived and highly-infectious environment: three individuals show skeletal lesions consistent with tuberculosis. The relatively faster growth in infancy may result from the buffering provided by maternal milk. Older children and adolescents may exhibit catch-up growth.SignificanceThis study contributes to our understanding of Neolithic selective pressures and possible biocultural adaptive strategies.LimitationsThe cross-sectional nature of the data and the small sample size make it unclear whether the observed pattern is representative of the gr...
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - January 3, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis at Chelechol ra Orrak, Palau
ConclusionsIndirect effects of parafunctional dental activity appear to be a factor in TMJ-OA frequency at Chelechol ra Orrak. While betel nut chewing may be one of those activities, it does not appear to be solely driving the presence of TMJ-OA.SignificanceThis study highlights the association between a specific parafunctional use of the temporomandibular joint and the potential pathological consequences. It also reinforces the need to carefully evaluate the archaeological context of skeletal remains in order to evaluate specific etiological factors in the presence of TMJ-OA in present and past populations.LimitationsSamp...
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - January 3, 2020 Category: Pathology Source Type: research