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Kyle B, Shehi E, Koçi M, Reitsema LJ. Bioarchaeological reconstruction of physiological stress during social transition in Albania. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2020; 30:118-129. [PMID: 32653862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We test the hypothesis that physiological stress increased in response to increasing social turmoil following waves of colonization and social transition. The ways local conditions, including variation in geography, environment, and levels of urbanization impact physiological stress are also explored. MATERIALS In Albania, the historic period is a sequence of different waves of colonization. Skeletal data come from three Albanian archaeological sites: Apollonia (n = 231), Durrës (n = 246), and Lofkënd (n = 129). METHODS Prevalence of cribra orbitalia, porotic hyperostosis, linear enamel hypoplasia, and periosteal new bone formation are analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression tests. RESULTS We observe increased skeletal manifestations of physiological stress between prehistoric and historic groups, but physiological stress is generally consistent through time. CONCLUSIONS General increase in skeletal pathology between prehistoric and historic periods corresponds to broad increases in political unrest associated with colonization spanning the entire historic period. However, little difference in physiological stress across colonization episodes (Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, Ottoman) suggests skeletal health is affected similarly by colonization, regardless of particularities in method and type of colonial control. SIGNIFICANCE Examining human response to social change across broad time scales is useful in identifying broad patterns in the human experience. LIMITATIONS Exploring variation across broad time scales and multiple sites is potentially problematic because confounding factors could impact results and interpretations. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Environmental, social, and geographic differences, likely impacted the lives and lifestyles of individuals living in the past and should be explored further to understand the nuances in local response to colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britney Kyle
- University of Northern Colorado, Department of Anthropology, Campus Box 90, Greeley, CO, 80639, USA.
| | - Eduard Shehi
- Instituti Arkeologjik Tirane (Albanian Institute of Archaeology, Tirana), Sheshi Nene Tereza, 1001, Tirane, Albania.
| | - Marlon Koçi
- University of Central Florida, Department of Anthropology, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Howard Phillips Hall Room 309, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA.
| | - Laurie J Reitsema
- University of Georgia, Department of Anthropology, 250 Baldwin Hall, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
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2
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Baker BJ, Crane-Kramer G, Dee MW, Gregoricka LA, Henneberg M, Lee C, Lukehart SA, Mabey DC, Roberts CA, Stodder ALW, Stone AC, Winingear S. Advancing the understanding of treponemal disease in the past and present. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2020; 171 Suppl 70:5-41. [PMID: 31956996 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Syphilis was perceived to be a new disease in Europe in the late 15th century, igniting a debate about its origin that continues today in anthropological, historical, and medical circles. We move beyond this age-old debate using an interdisciplinary approach that tackles broader questions to advance the understanding of treponemal infection (syphilis, yaws, bejel, and pinta). How did the causative organism(s) and humans co-evolve? How did the related diseases caused by Treponema pallidum emerge in different parts of the world and affect people across both time and space? How are T. pallidum subspecies related to the treponeme causing pinta? The current state of scholarship in specific areas is reviewed with recommendations made to stimulate future work. Understanding treponemal biology, genetic relationships, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations is crucial for vaccine development today and for investigating the distribution of infection in both modern and past populations. Paleopathologists must improve diagnostic criteria and use a standard approach for recording skeletal lesions on archaeological human remains. Adequate contextualization of cultural and environmental conditions is necessary, including site dating and justification for any corrections made for marine or freshwater reservoir effects. Biogeochemical analyses may assess aquatic contributions to diet, physiological changes arising from treponemal disease and its treatments (e.g., mercury), or residential mobility of those affected. Shifting the focus from point of origin to investigating who is affected (e.g., by age/sex or socioeconomic status) and disease distribution (e.g., coastal/ inland, rural/urban) will advance our understanding of the treponemal disease and its impact on people through time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda J Baker
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Gillian Crane-Kramer
- Department of Anthropology, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, New York
| | - Michael W Dee
- Centre for Isotope Research, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Lesley A Gregoricka
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Maciej Henneberg
- Biological Anthropology and Comparative Anatomy Unit, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christine Lee
- Department of Anthropology, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sheila A Lukehart
- Department of Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - David C Mabey
- Communicable Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Ann L W Stodder
- Office of Archaeological Studies, The Museum of New Mexico, Santa Fe, New Mexico
| | - Anne C Stone
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Stevie Winingear
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
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Curto A, Mahoney P, Maurer AF, Barrocas-Dias C, Fernandes T, Fahy GE. Effect of different healing stages on stable isotope ratios in skeletal lesions. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2019; 171:285-297. [PMID: 31702830 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Physiological stress is one of the various factors that can have an impact on stable isotope ratios. However, its effect on bone collagen stable isotope ratios is still not fully understood. This study aims to build on previous research on how different disease stages may affect bone collagen stable isotope ratios. MATERIALS AND METHODS Carbon (δ13 C) and nitrogen (δ15 N) isotope ratios were assessed in 33 skeletons that retained evidence of infectious disease and healed fractures. Samples were taken from active lesions (long bones n = 14; ribs n = 4), healed lesions (long bones n = 10; ribs n = 9), or a fracture callus (long bones n = 9; ribs n = 3). Results were compared to stable isotope ratios calculated for regions on these bones that did not retain evidence of disease or fracture. RESULTS Long bones with active lesions had a significantly higher average δ15 N (δ15 N = 11.1 ± 0.9‰) compared to those without lesions (δ15 N = 10.7 ± 0.7‰; p = .02), while fracture calluses showed the largest range for both δ15 N and δ13 C. There were no significant differences in stable isotope ratios when compared between nonlesion and lesion sites in the ribs. DISCUSSION The increase in δ15 N seen in active lesions, when compared with δ15 N from nonlesion regions on the same long bone, may be a consequence of altered protein metabolism. The high variability of δ15 N and δ13 C in fractures may be related to different healing stages of the calluses. This study suggests that stable isotope data can contribute information about diseases in the past, as well as an individual's response to diseases in the absence of modern medicine and antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Curto
- Human Osteology Lab, Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.,Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrick Mahoney
- Human Osteology Lab, Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | | | - Cristina Barrocas-Dias
- HERCULES Laboratory, Évora University, Évora, Portugal.,School of Sciences and Technology, Chemistry Department, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Teresa Fernandes
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,School of Sciences and Technology, Biology Department, University of Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Évora, Portugal
| | - Geraldine E Fahy
- Human Osteology Lab, Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
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4
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Meffray A, Perrin M, Richier A, Schmitt A, Ardagna Y, Biagini P. Molecular detection of Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum in 150-year-old foetal remains, southeastern France. J Med Microbiol 2019; 68:761-769. [PMID: 30994442 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum , is considered as an old disease affecting humans; traces of such infections, including congenital syphilis, are potentially identifiable in archaeological samples. The aim of this research was to perform macroscopic and molecular investigations of T. pallidum on six infant remains, buried between 1837 and 1867, from the cemetery of 'Les Crottes' in Marseille city (southeastern France). METHODOLOGY Pathological analysis of bones from individuals, aged from the twenty-ninth week of amenorrhea to 4-9 months, was performed. Samples served also as a source of ancient DNA (aDNA) for PCR-based molecular investigations targeting T. pallidum DNA; all samples were also tested for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Plasmodium falciparum DNA. Sequences characterized were cloned and sequenced, and compared to those available in databases.Results/Key findings. All samples tested displayed widespread osteoporotic lesions across the skeleton possibly related to some metabolic or infectious disorders. Subsequent molecular analysis revealed that one individual, SP332 (unborn, 29 amenorrhea weeks, inhumation date 1864-1866), exhibited positive signals for the five T. pallidum amplification systems tested; sequence analysis provided strong evidence for the effective detection of T. pallidum subspecies pallidum DNA. CONCLUSIONS Individual SP332 is the first PCR-confirmed palaeopathological case of syphilis identified in France, and the youngest specimen ever to be diagnosed with certainty for congenital syphilis. Future research aimed at better characterizing this 150-year-old treponeme genome and exploring new archaelogical cases of syphilis in the very young should contribute to a better comprehension of the disease's history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avril Meffray
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, ADES, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Perrin
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, ADES, Marseille, France
| | - Anne Richier
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, ADES, Marseille, France.,INRAP Mediterranee, Marseille, France
| | | | - Yann Ardagna
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, ADES, Marseille, France
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Assis S, Keenleyside A. The macroscopic and histomorphological properties of periosteal rib lesions and its relation with disease duration: evidence from the Luis Lopes Skeletal Collection (Lisbon, Portugal). J Anat 2019; 234:480-501. [PMID: 30706479 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Periosteal new bone formation (PNBF) is a common finding in a large spectrum of diseases. In clinical practice, the morphology and location of periosteal lesions are frequently used to assist in the differential diagnosis of distinct bone conditions. Less commonly reported is the presence of PNBF on the ribs. This contrasts with the data retrieved from the study of skeletonized human remains that shows a high frequency of cases and a strong, albeit not specific, association between periosteal rib lesions and pulmonary conditions (e.g. tuberculosis). Despite that, an overall disagreement regarding the specificity and non-specificity of periosteal reactions exists in the study of dry bone remains. The insufficient number of clinical models exploring the morphology and the pathophysiology of PNBF's and the lack of systematic studies of pathological samples with a known diagnosis are claimed as major reasons for the disagreements. This study aimed to describe and compare the macroscopic and the histomorphologic appearance of periosteal rib lesions and to discuss their usefulness as diagnostic indicators. To pursue this goal, an assemblage of 13 rib samples (males = 11, females = 2, mean age-at-death = 36.6 years old) was collected from the Luis Lopes Skeletal Collection (Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal). The assemblage belongs to individuals who died from pulmonary-TB (group 1), non-TB pulmonary infections (group 2) and other conditions (group 3). Prior to sample preparation, the ribs were visually inspected and the PNBF described according to its thickness, the degree of cortical integration and the type of new bone formed (e.g. woven, lamellar or both). After sampling, each bone sample was prepared for histological analysis under plane and polarized light microscopy. Macroscopically, the results showed no differences in the new bone composition between cause-of-death groups. Only slight differences in the degree of cortical integration, which was most frequently classified as mild to high in the pulmonary-TB group, were observed. Histologically, no distinguishing features were identified by pathological group. However, new bone microarchitectures were observed compatible with (1) acute, fast-growing processes (e.g. spiculated reactions), (2) long-standing processes with a rapid bone formation (e.g. appositional layering of bone) and/or (3) chronic, slow-growing processes (e.g. layers of compact lamellae). To some extent, these distinct rates of disease progression resonate with the cause-of-death listed for some individuals. Despite the small sample size, the results of this investigation are in agreement with previous studies, according to which the macroscopic and histological appearance of periosteal formations are not specific for a particular pathological conditions. Nevertheless, the results support the conclusion that the morphology of periosteal lesions is a good biological indicator for inferring the rate of progression and duration of pathological processes. This study provides important reference data regarding the histomorphology of periosteal lesions that can be used for comparative purposes, as well as to narrow down the differential diagnosis in unidentified skeletal remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Assis
- Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas (FCSH), Centro em Rede de Investigação em Antropologia (CRIA), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, CIAS - Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Anne Keenleyside
- Department of Anthropology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
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Quade L, Binder M. Life on a Napoleonic battlefield: A bioarchaeological analysis of soldiers from the Battle of Aspern, Austria. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2018; 22:23-38. [PMID: 29627582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
On the 21st-22nd of May 1809, French and Austrian soldiers engaged in battle near the village of Aspern on the outskirts of Vienna. This battle, the first defeat of Napoleon's army on land, was one of the largest and deadliest encounters during the Napoleonic Wars (1798-1815). Salvage excavations between 2009 and 2016 have revealed several battlefield burial sites in Aspern. The remains of 30 individuals were evaluated for a series of pathological conditions which develop during childhood and adulthood to elucidate the impact of Napoleonic military conditions on health. Statistical comparisons were conducted of stature estimates and frequencies of pathological conditions between the Aspern soldiers, several contemporaneous military, and two civilian samples of differing socioeconomic status. These data were compared to test the hypothesis that military conscripts had 'healthy' childhoods, but then experienced deteriorating health as a result of military conditions. The analysis revealed comparatively high mean stature, but also a high prevalence of enamel hypoplastic defects, indicating that the childhood health of the military recruits was more varied than was initially expected. High frequencies of carious lesions, dental calculus, active maxillary sinusitis and pleuritis and osteoarthritis were recorded, demonstrating the deleterious effects of military life on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Quade
- Austrian Archaeological Institute/Austrian Academy of Sciences, Franz Klein-Gasse 1, A-1190 Vienna, Austria; Durham University, Department of Archaeology, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom.
| | - Michaela Binder
- Austrian Archaeological Institute/Austrian Academy of Sciences, Franz Klein-Gasse 1, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
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de Boer HHH, Maat GJRG. Dry bone histology of bone tumours. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2018; 21:56-63. [PMID: 29776879 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This article focuses on the application of dry bone histology in the diagnosis of a series of different bone tumours. It provides a short introduction on bone tumour classification and how tumours may affect the skeleton. To illustrate the value of dry bone histology in the diagnostic process we studied the 'fresh' and 'dry' bone histology of a series of well-documented, recent clinical cases of various benign and malignant bone tumours. We show that histology is a valuable instrument to assess bone tissue architecture, which provides information on the biological behaviour of a tumour. Though histology may reveal the specific 'tumorous' bone deposition of high-grade conventional osteosarcomas, all other bone tumours display common, unspecific features. This holds for the following tumours: osteochondroma, hyperostotic meningioma, high-grade angiosarcoma, grade 2 chondrosarcoma, myoepithelial carcinoma, high-grade osteosarcoma and four carcinoma metastases. We conclude that histology is useful in cases where the biological behaviour of a tumour is to be defined, and is particularly an aide in the diagnosis of high-grade conventional osteosarcomas. Nevertheless, the differential diagnosis on the bone tumours in our series should primarily be based on a combination of physical anthropological patient data (age, sex), gross anatomy (e.g. tumour morphology and location), and radiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Hans de Boer
- Dept. of Pathology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Barge's Anthropologica-Amsterdam, Dept. of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - G J R George Maat
- Barge's Anthropologica-Leiden, Dept. of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Assis S, Henderson CY, Casimiro S, Alves Cardoso F. Is differential diagnosis attainable in disarticulated pathological bone remains? A case-study from a late 19th/early 20th century necropolis from Juncal (Porto de Mós, Portugal). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2018; 20:26-37. [PMID: 29496213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Differential diagnosis is a fundamental step in every palaeopathological study. It is a challenging exercise since many intrinsic and extrinsic factors may negatively impact the accurate interpretation of bone changes in human skeletal remains. Among these, the completeness and preservation of skeletal elements plays a significant role. This study aims to explore the limits of differential diagnosis in the analysis of disarticulated, fragmented bones. The sample consists of twelve adult bone fragments with noticeable changes. The remains were identified in a dis-articulated skeletal assemblage from the former necropolis of Juncal (Porto de Mós, Portugal), which probably closed in the late 19th century/early 20th century. They were analysed visually and with X-radiography, and the changes carefully described prior to differential diagnosis. Six bones presented signs of healed bone trauma and one showed features compatible with leg amputation. Periosteal reactions were observed in several bones, one of them resembling changes consistent with an overlying skin ulcer. Two bone fragments were identified as belonging to the same individual due to the matching bone changes. Despite the incomplete remains, a broader diagnosis was possible for most cases, which facilitated a discussion of health, medical and social care among the inhabitants of the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Assis
- LABOH - Laboratório de Antropologia Biológica e Osteologia Humana, CRIA/FCSH, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal; CRIA - Centro em Rede de Investigação em Antropologia, Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas, FCSH, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1069-061 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Charlotte Yvette Henderson
- CIAS - Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3001-401 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Sílvia Casimiro
- LABOH - Laboratório de Antropologia Biológica e Osteologia Humana, CRIA/FCSH, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal; CRIA - Centro em Rede de Investigação em Antropologia, Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas, FCSH, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1069-061 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Francisca Alves Cardoso
- LABOH - Laboratório de Antropologia Biológica e Osteologia Humana, CRIA/FCSH, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal; CRIA - Centro em Rede de Investigação em Antropologia, Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas, FCSH, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1069-061 Lisboa, Portugal.
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9
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Köhler K, Marcsik A, Zádori P, Biro G, Szeniczey T, Fábián S, Serlegi G, Marton T, Donoghue HD, Hajdu T. Possible cases of leprosy from the Late Copper Age (3780-3650 cal BC) in Hungary. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185966. [PMID: 29023477 PMCID: PMC5638319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
At the Abony-Turjányos dűlő site, located in Central Hungary, a rescue excavation was carried out. More than 400 features were excavated and dated to the Protoboleráz horizon, at the beginning of the Late Copper Age in the Carpathian Basin, between 3780-3650 cal BC. Besides the domestic and economic units, there were two special areas, with nine-nine pits that differed from the other archaeological features of the site. In the northern pit group seven pits contained human remains belonging to 48 individuals. Some of them were buried carefully, while others were thrown into the pits. The aim of this study is to present the results of the paleopathological and molecular analysis of human remains from this Late Copper Age site. The ratio of neonates to adults was high, 33.3%. Examination of the skeletons revealed a large number of pathological cases, enabling reconstruction of the health profile of the buried individuals. Based on the appearance and frequency of healed ante- and peri mortem trauma, inter-personal (intra-group) violence was characteristic in the Abony Late Copper Age population. However other traces of paleopathology were observed on the bones that appear not to have been caused by warfare or inter-group violence. The remains of one individual demonstrated a rare set of bone lesions that indicate the possible presence of leprosy (Hansen's disease). The most characteristic lesions occurred on the bones of the face, including erosion of the nasal aperture, atrophy of the anterior nasal spine, inflammation of the nasal bone and porosity on both the maxilla and the bones of the lower legs. In a further four cases, leprosy infection is suspected but other infections cannot be excluded. The morphologically diagnosed possible leprosy case significantly modifies our knowledge about the timescale and geographic spread of this specific infectious disease. However, it is not possible to determine the potential connections between the cases of possible leprosy and the special burial circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitti Köhler
- Institute of Archaeology, Research Centre for the Humanities, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Antónia Marcsik
- Retired associate professor, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Zádori
- Health Centre, Kaposvár University, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Gergely Biro
- Health Centre, Kaposvár University, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Tamás Szeniczey
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Fábián
- Department of Archaeological Excavations and Artefact Processing, Hungarian National Museum, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Serlegi
- Institute of Archaeology, Research Centre for the Humanities, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Marton
- Institute of Archaeology, Research Centre for the Humanities, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Helen D. Donoghue
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tamás Hajdu
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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Binder M, Saad M. Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in a young adult male from Berber, Sudan (2nd-3rd century CE). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2017; 18:52-62. [PMID: 28888393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a pathological condition characterised by extensive periosteal new bone formation (NBF) on the diaphyses of the long bones, metacarpal and metatarsal bones. In modern clinical contexts, the secondary form of the disease is common and most often occurs secondary to intra-thoracic cancer and other forms of chronic pulmonary disease. Paleopathological evidence for HOA on the other hand has only occasionally been reported. Here we report a young adult male from the Meriotic cemetery at Berber in Sudan (2nd-3rd century CE) displaying widespread NBF on the diaphyses of the upper and lower limb bones, metacarpal and metatarsal bones, as well as the pelvis and scapulae. While several pathological conditions have to be considered as differential diagnostic options for NBF in the post-cranial skeleton, HOA is the most likely diagnosis, based on the distribution of the changes observed in this individual, as well as their macroscopic and radiographic characteristics. A chronic pulmonary condition as indicated by NBF on the visceral side of the ribs may represent the underlying cause for the HOA. This individual represents the first paleopathological case of HOA reported from an archaeological site in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Binder
- Austrian Archaeological Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Franz Klein-Gasse 1, 1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - M Saad
- National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums of Sudan, PO Box 178, Khartoum, Sudan
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LOPEZ BELÉN, LOPEZ-GARCIA JOSÉMANUEL, COSTILLA SERAFÍN, GARCIA-VAZQUEZ EVA, DOPICO EDUARDO, PARDIÑAS ANTONIOF. Treponemal disease in the Old World? Integrated palaeopathological assessment of a 9th–11th century skeleton from north-central Spain. ANTHROPOL SCI 2017. [DOI: 10.1537/ase.170515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- BELÉN LOPEZ
- Departamento de Biología de Organismos y Sistemas, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo
| | - JOSÉ MANUEL LOPEZ-GARCIA
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo
| | - SERAFÍN COSTILLA
- Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Servicio de Radiodiagnóstico, Oviedo
| | - EVA GARCIA-VAZQUEZ
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo
| | - EDUARDO DOPICO
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Educación, Facultad Formación Profesorado y Educación, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo
| | - ANTONIO F. PARDIÑAS
- Departamento de Biología de Organismos y Sistemas, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo
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de Boer HH, Van der Merwe AL. Diagnostic dry bone histology in human paleopathology. Clin Anat 2016; 29:831-43. [DOI: 10.1002/ca.22753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H.H. Hans de Boer
- Department of Pathology; Academic Medical Center; Meibergdreef 9 1105 AZ, Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - A.E. Lida Van der Merwe
- Department of Anatomy; Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Center; Meibergdreef 9 1105 AZ, Amsterdam The Netherlands
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González-Reimers E, Trujillo-Mederos A, Machado-Calvo M, Castañeyra-Ruiz M, Ordóñez AC, Arnay-de-la-Rosa M. A skeletal case of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy from the Canary Islands dating from 1000 BP. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2015; 11:1-6. [PMID: 28802962 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A left tibia, the distal right tibia, and the proximal four fifths of the right ulna and radius, probably belonging to an adult prehispanic man (antiquity of ≈1000 years BP) were found among commingled bone remains in a collective burial cave of the island of El Hierro, in the Canary Archipelago. All four bones show an intense periosteal bone formation, encrusting the preserved cortical bone of the diaphyses. Differential diagnosis include melorheostosis, syphilis, and leprosy, although the most likely diagnosis is hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, which is usually associated with lung neoplasm or non-malignant diseases leading to chronic hypoxemia. The marked bone proliferation, possibly due to a chronic condition, suggests that possibly the underlying illness was a non-malignant one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio González-Reimers
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Aioze Trujillo-Mederos
- Departamento de Geografía e Historia, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Manuel Machado-Calvo
- Departamento de Radiología, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - María Castañeyra-Ruiz
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Alejandra C Ordóñez
- Departamento de Geografía e Historia, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
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Gaul JS, Winter E, Grossschmidt K. Ancient pathogens in museal dry bone specimens: analysis of paleocytology and aDNA. Wien Med Wochenschr 2015; 165:133-9. [PMID: 25994097 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-015-0357-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bone samples investigated in this study derive from the pathologic-anatomical collection of the Natural History Museum of Vienna. In order to explore the survival of treponemes and treponemal ancient DNA in museal dry bone specimens, we analyzed three individuals known to have been infected with Treponema pallidum pallidum. No reproducible evidence of surviving pathogen's ancient DNA (aDNA) was obtained, despite the highly sensitive extraction and amplification techniques (TPP15 and arp). Additionally, decalcification fluid of bone sections was smear stained with May-Gruenwald-Giemsa. The slides were examined using direct light microscope and dark field illumination. Remnants of spirochetal structures were detectable in every smear. Our results demonstrate that aDNA is unlikely to survive, but spirochetal remains are stainable and thus detectable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Sophia Gaul
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria,
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Klaus HD. Frontiers in the bioarchaeology of stress and disease: Cross-disciplinary perspectives from pathophysiology, human biology, and epidemiology. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2014; 155:294-308. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Haagen D. Klaus
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology; George Mason University; Fairfax VA
- Museo Nacional Sicán; Ferreñafe Peru
- Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnografía Hans Heinrich Brüning de Lambayeque; Lambayeque Peru
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Armelagos GJ, Zuckerman MK, Harper KN. The science behind pre-Columbian evidence of syphilis in Europe: research by documentary. Evol Anthropol 2012; 21:50-7. [PMID: 22499439 DOI: 10.1002/evan.20340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This article discusses the presentation of scientific findings by documentary, without the process of peer review. We use, as an example, PBS's "The Syphilis Enigma," in which researchers presented novel evidence concerning the origin of syphilis that had never been reviewed by other scientists. These "findings" then entered the world of peer-reviewed literature through citations of the documentary itself or material associated with it. Here, we demonstrate that the case for pre-Columbian syphilis in Europe that was made in the documentary does not withstand scientific scrutiny. We also situate this example from paleopathology within a larger trend of "science by documentary" or "science by press conference," in which researchers seek to bypass the peer review process by presenting unvetted findings directly to the public.
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Harper KN, Zuckerman MK, Harper ML, Kingston JD, Armelagos GJ. The origin and antiquity of syphilis revisited: An Appraisal of Old World pre-Columbian evidence for treponemal infection. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2011; 146 Suppl 53:99-133. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.21613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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18
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Curnoe D, Brink J. Evidence of pathological conditions in the Florisbad cranium. J Hum Evol 2010; 59:504-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2010.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2008] [Revised: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/21/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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