Paleopathological Studies Research Articles

New insights on the ecology and behavior of Machairodus aphanistus (Carnivora, Felidae, Machairodontinae) through the paleopathological study of the fossil sample from the Late Miocene (Vallesian, MN 10) of Cerro de los Batallones (Torrejón de Velasco, Madrid, Spain)

The Late Miocene natural traps of Cerro de los Batallones (Madrid, Spain) have yielded thousands of fossils of vertebrates, mostly carnivoran mammals such as hyaenids, amphicyonids, ailurids, mustelids, ursids, and felids, especially Batallones-1 and Batallones-3. Among these carnivorans, the tiger-sized saber-toothed felid Machairodus aphanistus was the top predator of the association, and one of the most abundant taxa, represented by thousands of fossils, including several examples of bone pathologies that have never been studied. In this work, we carry out a paleopathological analysis of some of these pathologies from the Batallones sample of this large early machairodontine, with a description of the pathological changes that occurred in the affected bones, a possible diagnosis, and the ethological and ecological consequences of the presence of these diseases in the living animal. The pathological sample of M. aphanistus studied here included a calcaneus and a Mc III from Batallones-1, and a mandible from Batallones-3. The fossils were X-rayed, and their pathologies were described and compared to non-pathological bones. The calcaneus showed a bone callus indicative of osteitis/osteomyelitis or a tumor; the mandible had evidence of the development of an abscess located in the left mandibular body; and the Mc III shows a marked osteosclerosis. These injuries affected the hunting ability of these individuals and gradually weakened them, very likely contributing to their final entrapment in the Batallones cavities, where they were attracted by the presence of previously trapped animals.

Elemental analysis using portable X-ray fluorescence: Guidelines for the study of dry human bone

ObjectiveX-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive technique that measures the elemental concentration of different materials, including human bone. Recently, it began to be applied to paleopathological studies due to the development of portable devices and their relative ease of use. However, the lack of uniform procedures hampers comparability and reproducibility. This paper aims to provide guidelines for an efficient and standardized evaluation of bone elemental composition with a portable XRF (pXRF) device. MaterialsThis technical note is based on the application of the Thermo Scientific Niton XL3t 900 GOLDD+. MethodsThis work includes suggestions for the choice and preparation of human bone samples, both from archaeological context and documented collections, and methodological procedures in pXRF setup, such as choice of calibration, assessment of accuracy, and analysis run time. Additionally, recommendations for data validation and statistical analysis are also included. ConclusionsThis technique has great potential in paleopathology since bone chemical variations may be associated with different pathological conditions, environmental contamination (e.g., lead), and/or administered treatments, such as mercury. Following an expected increase in the number of studies, it is essential to establish good practices that allow results from different researchers to be comparable. SignificanceX-ray fluorescence is a non-destructive technique that measures small concentrations (ppm) of elements from magnesium (12Mg) through bismuth (83Bi). LimitationspXRF does not detect elements lighter than Mg, and its lower energy excitation penetrates less than other techniques. Suggestions for further researchOther research groups should test these guidelines and comment on their usefulness and replicability.

A Case of Systemic Connective Tissue Disorder in a Pazyryk Male from the Altai Mountains

We present the results of an anthropological and paleopathological study of a male skeleton from a Pazyryk kurgan 1 burial 1 at Ak-Alakha-1, the Altai Mountains. The archaeological context testifi es to a rather high social status of this person. His appearance was modeled using a modern facial reconstruction method. The combination of craniometric and anthropometric traits indicates a brachycranic Caucasoid type, which predominated in the male population of the Volga-Ural region and Western Kazakhstan in 600–200 BC. The individual suffered from a systemic disorder of the connective tissue affecting virtually all parts of the skeleton. The case is unique, and the condition is diagnosed as DISH—diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, possibly caused by grave metabolic and endocrine disorders. Judging by his physical type, the male was not native to the Altai Mountains and belonged to a population that was not genetically adapted to that region. This may account for the severity of the rheumatoid disorder, which was aggravated by 4th degree osteoporosis of lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones and by traumatic lesions of the shoulder girdle.

Virtual assessment of a possible meningioma in a Roman-period cranium

Diseases have accompanied human populations since prehistoric times. Knowing the paleopathologies and their consequences derived from them can help us to understand their impact and how have been decisive in our ancestors' ways of life. Taphonomic and paleopathological studies are key to understanding how injuries occurred; they can provide information on causes of death, analyzed populations behaviour, such as the existence of interpersonal conflicts or how they took the care of the sick. Those studies also confirm the existence of certain diseases, mentioned in the archaeological record. This paper explains the analysis of four lesions found in a Roman-era cranium from Sima de Marcenejas, located in Northern Spain. An anthropological analysis of this cranium has revealed that it corresponds to an adult male individual. This work focuses on the differential diagnosis of the lesions, to be able to discern the most likely aetiologies. The following techniques have been implemented: classical morphological analysis, forensic taphonomic analysis and virtual analysis. MicroCT and 3D microscopy have been used as essential tools for the virtual analysis of the cranium and its lesions. The results obtained revealed the existence of a tumour and three exocranial traumas, all of them antemortem. The location of the tumour, as well as its morphology together with other aspects, support the meningioma as the most probable tumour type. This possible ancient meningioma represents the first case for these chronologies on the Iberian Peninsula, where there are few documented cases. The three traumatic lesions reveal the existence of injuries produced by both, blunt and sharp objects, related to events of interpersonal violence. By applying virtual 3D analyses, the researchers have demonstrated that it is viable to identify tumours in those internal cranial regions, where the lesion is not visible, thus providing new comparative data for the paleopathological record of past populations. Highlights: Meningiomas are rare in the archaeological record which complicates tracing themin ancient human populations. The use of computerized microtomography (MicroCT) and virtual 3D models makes it possible to identify tumoursin those internal cranial regions where the lesions are not visible. Paleopathological analysis of a Roman cranium has revealed, in addition to cranial trauma, a new possible case of meningioma.

A look into the wild. Pathological analysis of a modern collection of guanacos from the Dry Chaco and its implications for South American camelid paleopathological studies

ObjectiveThis article evaluates the prevalence of lesions in a modern osteological collection of guanacos (Lama guanicoe) and discusses the potential of paleopathological data to assess human intervention and environmental stress. MaterialsA modern osteological collection of guanacos (NISP = 862) from north-western Córdoba, Central Argentina. MethodsThe prevalence of pathological specimens per skeletal element and the pathological index (Bartosiewicz et al., 1997) was used. The prevalence of arthropathies, trauma and infections was quantified. Additionally, thorn lesions in the autopodium were recorded. Results11.03 % of the specimens presented pathological changes and the mean pathological index was 0.01. Degenerative lesions were the most prevalent type (10.34 %), followed by traumatic (0.81 %) and infectious pathologies (0.12 %). Thorn lesions (2.55 %) were recorded especially in metapodials. ConclusionsGuanacos are exposed to the development of degenerative lesions, mainly in the autopodium and vertebrae. These lesions are probably common in camelids and should not be used to argue human management. Traumatic and infectious lesions are less frequent. SignificanceThis work provides baseline information for the paleopathological study of South American camelids and contributes to the characterization of a regionally endangered species. LimitationsThe nature of the faunal assemblage did not allow for direct correlations between pathologies and individual variables such as sex or age. Suggestions for further researchThe comparison of our results with other wild and domesticated modern populations would be valuable to expand the baseline information for paleopathological studies. The use of quantitative methods is encouraged for future comparative and diachronic studies.

How Common Are Lesions on the Tails of Sauropods? Two New Pathologies in Titanosaurs from the Late Cretaceous of Argentine Patagonia

Studies of the paleopathology of the vertebrae provide an interesting, oblique approach to their paleobiology and even paleoethology. They tell us about possible ethological causes such as accidental blows with objects, social interactions within a group, and defense against predators, etc. There are numerous works on the anatomical and phylogenetic aspects of sauropod dinosaurs, and in recent years paleopathological studies have also increased. Here, we describe the injuries recorded in the caudal vertebrae of two indeterminate titanosaurids, and undertake a compilation and analysis of the pathological fossil record worldwide, focusing on the tails of sauropods. Two pathologies have been identified as present in the indeterminate titanosaurids under study: a possible case of spondyloarthropathy in MAU-Pv-LI-601, and a case of suppurative spinal osteomyelitis in MAU-Pv-LJ-472/1. Both titanosaurids are from Gondwana. In the world registry of pathologies associated with the tails of sauropod dinosaurs, it is observed that titanosaurs are the sauropods with the highest percentage of diagnosed pathologies (69% including the two new records from the province of Neuquén) and that all of these have been described in Gondwanan specimens.

ANTHROPOLOGICAL MATERIAL FROM THE EXCAVATION OF THE GLOBULAR AMPHORAE CULTURE BURIAL SITES BILYI POTIK AND OZERIANY IN THE TERNOPIL REGION

The remains of 8 individuals were identified in the Bilyi Potik and Ozeriany burial complexes discovered in 2020—2021. Five of them were identified as males and two as females. Some teeth of an elder child were also discovered. The paleopathological study revealed a set of diseases typical of the Ukrainian Globular Amphorae Culture (GAC). Among them are respiratory infections, middle ear closure, and traces of infections, possibly of zoonotic origin. The skull injuries are likely to be of domestic nature. In one case the traces of a healed trepanation were found. This operation has not been described in the GAC population before although it has been found in the Yamnaya culture and was widespread among the population of the Сatacomb culture of Ukraine.
 Given the complexity of population formation and the wide area of the culture, in order to identify anthropological connections of this small group of the Podillia population the morphological research was conducted.
 The most preserved male crania were reconstructed and analyzed by a craniological program. The skulls from the two sites appear to be morphologically similar. Nevertheless, this new material allows us to raise questions about the anthropological heterogeneity of the population of the eastern group of the GAC.
 Long and medium-long, high craniums characterize males from these sites. The shape of the skull vaults is mesocranial or brachycranial tending toward the mesocranial. There are no dolichocranial skulls forms in these samples. The faces of the males are low in absolute size; according to the upper-facial indexes, they fall into the category of broad-faced or medium-faced with a leaning toward broad-faced forms. The orbits are medium-high and low. Noses are narrow and medium-wide, with no broad forms.
 Based on craniological features, all the analyzed males belong to the large Caucasoid race, as well as other individuals from the burials of the GAC of Ukraine.
 According to the results of a comparative analysis with other individuals of this culture, the northwestern direction of anthropological relations is most clearly recorded in the studied individuals. Morphologically and statistically, the combined series of the Pomeranian (Pamariu, Rzucewo, Haffkьstenkultur) culture of Lithuania and Prussia are the closest to the males from the Bilyi Potik and Ozeryany burial sites.
 To confirm our conclusions, we are awaiting the results of biochemical and genetic studies.

Paleopathological analysis of the cranial samples from Pre-Columbian Cuba

The article presents a paleopathological analysis of two cranial samples from pre-Columbian Cuba: the Si-boney (also known as Archaic) sample consisting of 40 individuals and the Taíno sample composed of 27 indi-viduals. The Siboney are believed to have arrived to Cuba around 5000 years ago, and the Taíno inhabited the island since approximately 500 AD until decimation by the newcomers from the Old World. All the Taíno crania exhibit fronto-occipital artificial deformation. The main focus of the study is oral pathologies and bone abnormali-ties observed in the samples and how these reflect the differences between the two groups and individuals within each of them. Dental pathologies (caries, abscesses, antemortem tooth loss, and dental calculus) are more fre-quent in each sample's male and elder groups. The two samples compared together are close in the frequencies of caries, abscesses, and AMTL, while dental calculus is more frequent among the Taíno. The two cultural groups had different subsistence strategies: the Siboney were hunter-fisher-gatherers with the exception of the Canímar Abajo subgroup, for whom consumption of cultigens is proved, the Taíno were agriculturalists. In paleopathologi-cal studies, agricultural subsistence is usually associated with a higher rate of caries and lower rate of dental cal-culus. However, even after excluding individuals from Canímar Abajo from the Siboney sample, the difference in the caries rate between the two samples stayed insignificant. This could be due to carbohydrate-rich fruits that played an important role in the Archaic population’s diet. Pathological markers observed in the studied crania were classified according to Donald Ortner’s typology of bone abnormalities, which includes four major categories (abnormal bone size, abnormal bone or bone group shape, abnormal bone formation and abnormal bone destruc-tion) and subcategories within them. Such an approach focuses mainly on the appearance of the lesions rather than on their possible causes. Pathological markers seen in the samples can suggest infectious, neoplastic, my-cotic diseases, metabolic disorders. Possible antemortem traumas are infrequent in both samples. Specific to the Taíno crania is premature suture closure, which most probably is the consequence of artificial cranial deformation. In general, the analysis did not reveal significant differences in the two group's pathological statuses.

Пищевые традиции по данным мультидисциплинарных исследований: степи и лесостепи Поволжья и Южного Урала в эпоху бронзы

Introduction. As a part of paleopathological studies of people inhabiting the Volga-Ural and Southern Ural steppes and forest-steppes in the Bronze Age, it became necessary to study and generalize the available extensive data on diet of this population provided by specialists from various related fields. Indeed, the state of “health” is largely related to what and how a person eats and under what pathogenic burden he lives. Materials and methods. The paper summarizes main results of archaeological, zooarchaeological, paleobotanical, geochemical, isotope and paleopathological studies. Results. It has been almost reliably established that animal husbandry was the economic basis of the studied population with elements of hunting and gathering and the absence of crop cultivation. Zooarchaeological studies show that cattle played dominant role and were used both for meat and milk, with some territorial and temporal variations in which of these components was more important. Hunting and fishing played, apparently, a secondary role. It is obvious that the use of plant foods did take place. Researchers agree that the studied population consumed wild plants growing in the steppes and forest-steppes, such as Chenopodium, Amaranthus and a number of others. Conclusion. Studies of associated disciplines are in many ways interrelated and mutually interpretable, which allows us to create a general picture. At the same time, a number of unresolved issues remain that require further, more detailed analytical developments, including those involving paleopathological data.

The pathological anatomical collection of the Natural History Museum Vienna.

The pathological anatomical collection Vienna (Pathologisch-Anatomische Sammlung Wien; PASW) is aliving and still growing research collection. It was established as early as 1796 as part of the Medical University of Vienna, acquired the status of an independent federal museum in 1971, and was assigned to the Natural History Museum Vienna in 2012. It houses awide range of human wet and dry specimens and further objects, such as moulages, medical devices, microbiological and histological specimens, and aphoto archive (approximately 50,000objects), which, as ameaningful source, may contribute to disclosing not only aspects of the medical history and the development of corresponding museums in Vienna, but is also considered acollection of cultural and current scientific relevance, quite comparable to today's biobanks. Most of the tissue amassment represents wet organic specimens and human skeletons or skeletal elements representing, e.g., congenital and metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, injuries, neoplasms, or musculoskeletal diseases, basically collected as descriptive anatomical teaching aids. This article reviews the current medical issues on which research has been and is being conducted by including PASW specimens (hereby using the ICD-10 code), and the extent to and ethical conditions under which this important heritage could be used as areference collection for clinical and bioanthropological (paleopathological and palaeoepidemiological) studies; finally, this article reflects on the value and future research prospects, taking into account different positions and the ongoing discussions in pathological anatomical human tissue collections.

Differential diagnosis of an osseous cranial tumor from Hellenistic Muğla, Turkey

ObjectiveThis project evaluates a cranial lesion from a Hellenistic-era individual excavated by the Muğla Archaeological Museum in Gülağzı, Turkey. MaterialsAn osseous tumor measuring 3.02 × 3.54 × 2.98 cm originating from the occipital bone of a probable young adult male. MethodsThe tumor was examined using gross morphological inspection, plain radiography (x-ray), and computed tomography (CT) imaging to identify potential differential diagnoses for the osseous cranial tumor. ResultsThe lesion in question displays features highly consistent with both osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma. The tumor had a non-sclerotic, sharply demarcated border, a radiolucent nidus measuring less than 2 centimeters in diameter, and homogeneous sclerotic bone surrounding the nidus. ConclusionsDifferential diagnosis determined the osseous tumor to be a benign neoplasm, and in this case the features of the tumor are highly consistent with a diagnosis of either osteoblastoma or osteoid osteoma. SignificanceThe identification of novel neoplastic cases in paleopathology represents an important contribution to ongoing discussions regarding the temporality and regional variability of neoplastic conditions in the past. Additionally, a rigorous diagnostic study augmented by x-ray, CT scans, and 3D modeling provides data that can be utilized in future paleopathological studies. LimitationsDiagnostic interpretation would be aided by histological examination of the tumor, which was impossible in this case. Histological examination would provide a definitive diagnosis. Suggestions for further researchGiven the high incidence of benign tumors in the clinical literature but a paucity of reports in the paleopathological record, further research is indicated to better understand the implications of benign neoplasms in antiquity.

Manifestation of infantile scurvy in a skeleton from the high medieval village of Trutmanice (South Moravia, Czech Republic).

The study describes the pathological findings recorded on the human remains of a 3 to 4-year-old child found in the burial site of Trutmanice (Czech Republic), dated to the 13th-15th century. The human remains were examined using standard macroscopic osteological and paleopathological methods, supplemented by radiographic examination. Although the preservation of the bones limited the analysis, multiple pathological changes were observed mainly on the skull: cribra orbitalia, small pores and fine deposits of newly formed bone tissue, hypertrophic diploë, grooves indicating rich branching of meningeal arteries on the intracranial surface of the cranial vault. A very fine periostotic deposition of newly formed bone tissue was also observed at the distal end of the diaphysis of the right tibia and both distal ends of the femora. The radiographs of the femora showed white lines of Frankel, scurvy lines, and Wimberger's rings. The observed pathological changes were possibly consistent with scurvy based on differential diagnosis. Reports about cases of juvenile scurvy from rural areas within the context of landlocked countries of Central Europe are rare. While scurvy is now more frequently reported in the paleopathological literature, evidence for scurvy within one of the most natural agricultural areas in the Czech lands remains rare. We recommend using radiographic examination to complement the diagnosis of scurvy in future paleopathological and epidemiological studies of past populations.

An unusual metatarsal of theropod dinosaur from the lower cretaceous of Thailand: the first detailed study of paleopathology in Megaraptora

ABSTRACT A pathological metatarsal of the early-branching megaraptoran Phuwiangvenator yaemniyomi from the Lower Cretaceous of Thailand is here studied. It was CT-scanned and compared with pathology in other dinosaurs and living animals. The result shows that the palaeopathology in Phuwiangvenator was a traumatic fracture, specifically a greenstick fracture, based on the incomplete breakage of the bone, which occurred only on one side and twisted or distorted in the opposite direction to the force that caused the pathology. The cause of the fracture was possibly by accidentally hitting or kicking hard material, fighting, or falling to the ground. Phuwiangvenator was probably an adolescent when it was injured and survived the incident. This is the second report of a greenstick fracture in Theropoda after Akansaurus fridayii; the first detailed analysis of palaeopathology in Megaraptora; and the first record and detailed description of palaeopathology in non-avian theropods in Southeast Asia.

Lipid biomarkerek HPLC-HRMS vizsgálata történeti embertani minták tbc diagnosztikája során

Tuberculosis (TB) is not only an infectious disease but one of the top 10 causes of death, spreading mainly with aerosol transmission and accompanying the history of humankind for several millennia. TB is caused in humans and animals by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. For better understanding of the disease and the evolutional background of its causative agent, involvement of palaeopathological investigations is surpassingly important. Traditionally, palaeopathology is using a broad variety of markers, which are observable by macroscopic investigations. These markers are mainly related to different extra-pulmonary forms of TB. However, these manifestations develop only in a few cases. Moreover, many markers are not pathognomonic of TB. Therefore, to avoid underestimation of TB prevalence in paleopathological studies, the diagnosis on archaeological material requires a multidisciplinary approach. For better estimation of TB incidence in past populations, an array of specific biomarkers can be brought into play to confirm initial, macromorphology-based skeletal diagnoses, namely aDNA and lipid biomarkers. The three lipid biomarker groups, which are mainly involved in such investigations are the mycolic acids (MAs), the mycocerosic acids (MCs) and the C27 mycolipenic acid (ML). These unique lipids can be located in the lipid-rich mycobacterial cell wall. The application of lipid-based TB diagnostic approach has been proved to be robust and reliable through many examples. A variety of analytical methods have been employed for mycobacterial lipid biomarker profiling. Fluorescence HPLC is well-developed for the analysis of mycolic acids and phthiocerols. Furthermore, one isolated case of direct mass spectrometric detection of M. tuberculosis free mycolic acids has been also introduced. Our aim was to establish a lipid-biomarker-based HPLC-MS method for TB diagnosis in historical human samples, as this instrumentation is available in many laboratories, has the potential of a quick and sensitive and at the same time an affordable measurement protocol. We successfully developed and optimised a method, which is capable to separate and detect MAs and MCs. Moreover, we optimised the sample pre-treatment process. We started to build an MA and MC lipid profile library, which can serve as a comparison to diagnose TB. For the verification of new methods and the estimation of reliability of new markers in macroscopic analysis, palaeopathologists usually use well-documented collections of skeletons and mummies from the pre-antibiotic era. For this purpose, we chose to test our method on the Vác Mummy Collection. In the case of four out of six mummified individuals, MC profiles of characteristic M. tuberculosis MCs were recorded. The HPLC-ESI-MS method, developed for the detection of MCs, opens a new avenue for the detection of ancient mycobacterial disease, encompassing both tuberculosis, leprosy and joint cases.

Bioarcheological and paleopathological study of a multiple deposition burial from S. Antine- Genoni (SU) – Sardegna - Italy

A multiple deposition burial in a lithic coffin was found on a hill located in the Campidano valley, in Central South Sardinia (Italy). The site was used from 1800 BC to 500 AD, the burial seems to be dated to the Roman age (238 BC-470AD). A total of 98 human bones and 3 human teeth were present. Anthropological and paleopathological analyses were made. The biological profile was defined with standard anthropological methodologies. The anthropological analysis. A large part of the bones can be referred to as an adult male. Most of the bones display the presence of pathologies, in most cases osteophytosis, the correlation of the same pathologies in contiguous bones indicate that they may belong to the same individual. Very interesting is a possible blade injury in the lateral epicondyle of the right male humerus and a plausible pertrochanteric fracture. The presence, in the same coffin, of a small number of individuals, with the presence of one subadult, can’t completely exclude that they were members of the same family group. More analyses will be necessary to better understand the context.

Rib fractures in the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection

There is a high prevalence of rib fractures in human remains from archeological contexts, but these are seldom the focus in paleopathological studies pertaining skeletal trauma. This study aims to document rib fracture patterns in the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra. Specific aims of this study included the estimation of rib fracture prevalence in 252 individuals, from both sexes (females: 128; males: 124), with age-at-death varying from 20 to 96 years; and the analysis of the relationship between rib fractures and age-at-death, biological sex, and bone mineral density measured at the proximal femur. The crude prevalence of rib fractures is 6.3% (16 cases in a total of 252 individuals observed); while the true prevalence rate is 0.7% (38 fractured ribs in relation to 5656 ribs studied). Males have been more affected than females (males: 10.5%, 13/124; females: 2.3%, 3/128). Individuals with one or more rib fractures were significantly older (mean=66.19 years old; standard deviation [SD]=14.08) than those who have not experienced any rib fracture (mean=50.41 years old; SD=19.45). Bone mineral density was also associated with the presence of rib fractures but only in females. These results expand the scientific awareness about the prevalence of rib fractures in human skeletal collections.

Back to the Middle Ages: Entomological and Botanical Elements Reveal New Aspects of the Burial of Saint Davino of Armenia.

The natural mummy of Saint Davino Armeno (11th century) is preserved in the church of Saint Michele in Foro in the city of Lucca (Tuscany, Central Italy). The body of Davino is one of the oldest Italian mummies of a Saint, and his paleopathological study was performed in 2018. In the present research, we investigated the arthropod fragments and botanical remains collected from the body, coffin, and fabrics of Saint Davino. Entomological analyses outlined the presence of 192 arthropod fragments. Among these, Diptera, Muscidae (Hydrotaea capensis and Muscina sp.), and Phoridae (Conicera sp.) puparia were the most abundant. Regarding Coleoptera, Ptinidae (Anobium punctatum) were the most frequent, followed by Cleridae (Necrobia sp.), Trogidae (Trox scaber), Curculionidae (Sitophilus granarius), and Histeridae (Gnathoncus). Cocoons of Tineidae and Pyralidae moths were found, along with a propodeum joined to the petiole and a mesopleuron of an Ichneumoninae parasitoid. Numerous metamera of Julida and three scorpion fragments were also found. Botanical samples indicated the presence of a quite broad botanical community, including gramineous species, olives, evergreen oaks, and grapevine. Overall, entomological data allow us to argue that Saint Davino was first buried into the soil, probably in a wooden coffin, thus supporting the historical-hagiographic tradition according to which he was buried sub divo in the cemetery of Saint Michele. The preservation of the body as a natural mummy may have been facilitated by burial in a coffin that prevented direct contact of the corpse with the earth. Botanical remains offer confirmation of a late medieval urban environment rich in horticultural areas and trees, giving us a landscape that is very different from the current Tuscan city.

Патологические изменения на скелетах из Неплюевского могильника эпохи поздней бронзы (курган 1)

Introduction. Currently, the picture characterizing the health status of the population, inhabiting the Southern Urals during the Bronze Age, is fragmentary due to the unsystematic nature of paleopathological studies and the often small sizes or poor preservation of the analyzed skeletal samples. This paper contributes new data to the overall discussion of the topic by presenting the results of a paleopathological study of materials from the Neplyuevsky kurgan cemetery, kurgan 1, located in the southern Chelyabinsk region and excavated between 2016 and 2017. The sample includes the remains of 14 adults (aged 18 and older) and 23 subadults (<18 years old). Methods. The skeletons were assessed for macroscopically detectable pathologies and markers of physiological stress. Pathological lesions were scored base on the recommendations given in specialized literature. Analysis. Cribra orbitalia, dental enamel hypoplasia and various traumatic injuries were common in the sample. As in other Srubnaya and Srubnaya-Alakul series of the region, the skeletons from kurgan 1 show no changes consistent with specific infections, though incidences of nonspecific infections are not excluded. Results. In general, the sample from kurgan 1 of the Neplyuevsky kurgan cemetery demonstrates similarity with materials from other synchronous sites of the Southern Urals and the Samara valley region. A distinguishing feature of the Neplyuevsky series is the relatively high frequency of bone fractures and their predominance in women.

On paleoepidemiology of spina bifida sacralis: prevalence of the anomaly in Late Scythians of lower Dnieper region

Spina bifida is a developmental anomaly that is thought to be caused by a combination of hereditary and en-vironmental factors. Though the most significant association was found with the folic acid deficit during early em-bryogenesis, numerous genetic variants were also found to be in some association with the development of neu-ral tube defects, but this data is inconsistent. It is still debated whether the unremarkable anomaly (spina bifida occulta) often observed in osteological samples is truly a form of neural tube defects forming in early embryo-genesis, or is a minor variation that is forming later in postnatal life. Also, data is equivocal regarding the neuro-logical consequences of sacral spina bifida occulta, some pointing to its clinical significance, others stating that it does not affect the wellbeing in any way. Though paleopathological studies on spina bifida are numerous, the frequency of the anomaly remains largely unknown for the Early Iron Age population of the Eurasian steppes. This study examines presence of sacral spina bifida in a Late Scynthian sample (3rd c. BC — 3rd с. AD) from the northern Black Sea region. Totally, 89 skeletons were examined, originating from cemeteries near Nikolayevka and Zolotaya Balka villages (Kherson Oblast, Ukrain). These cemeteries are located along the Dnieper river bank about 90 km apart. The people they represent were settled agriculturalists. The defect was scored when either or all of the three upper sacral vertebrae were affected (S1–S3), its level was recorded. Totally, 16 % of individuals were affected. The majority of defects were observed solely on S1 level. Only two cases of spina bifida sacralis totalis were recorded. The frequency of the anomaly was not significantly different either between males and fe-males, or between younger (<35 years) and older (>35 years) adults. In two instances, two individuals buried in a common grave both had spina bifida sacralis which may point to a biological relationship between them. The fre-quency of spina bifida sacralis is very close to the mean values, reported in the literature. Thus, no evidence of an increased selection against individuals in this group with this form of skeletal anomaly, or a significant impact of envi-ronmental factors, leading to its development in ontogenesis, is present. Also, contrary to literature data, it seems that in this sample age and sex were not the factors significantly contributing to the trait’s variation, though the age dynamics of this trait needs further consideration using a sample with higher proportion of senile individuals.

Experience in the study of paleopathology of the spine using computed tomography and radiography

In this paper, an interesting case of spinal pathology is considered. In 2015, under the supervision of V.V. Cherevko, archaeological excavations were carried out on the territory of a cemetery near the village of Vaskovi-chi, Glubokoye district, Vitebsk region (Republic of Belarus). In the course of the archaeological excavations, two burials were discovered, which date back to the end of the 19th century. The remains from the burial 2 belonged to a relatively young male, lying on his back with his hands stretched down and the spine unnaturally curved in the lumbar region. To diagnose the pathological change, computer tomography and radiography of the spine of the man, who lived about 150 years ago in the countryside of Belarus, were applied. The scanning of the object under study was carried out at the Resource Center for Nuclear Physics Research Methods using X-rays on a 40-slice PET-CT tomograph. Radiography was carried out at the Research Institute of Medical Primatology. The most likely cause of this pathology was tuberculous spondylosis — unstable compression fractures of the bodies of the ninth through to the twelfth thoracic vertebrae and fusion of the resulting bone mass with the body of the first lumbar vertebra. As a result, a kyphotic bone conglomerate was formed in the area of transition of the tho-racic to the lumbar spine. There was osteomalacia of the bodies of the corresponding thoracic vertebrae. The torso became bent. When the person was standing, his head should have been at the level of his pelvis. It is hard to imagine how this person could move around, care for himself, and have a normal life. The disease proceeded, most likely, without serious neurological disorder. The fact of the chronic course of the deformity indirectly testifies in favor of the latter, and, accordingly, for the gradual progression of the deformity it is necessary that the spine was in an upright position, that is that the person could walk a little, at least sit, not being bed-ridden or paralyzed.