Skeletal Height Research Articles

Re-examining extreme poverty before and after the transition to capitalism, 1300s–1900s: the issue of definition, periodization, measurement, and causal responsibility

ABSTRACT The ‘standard narrative’ about capitalism and extreme poverty holds that the transition to the former was associated with a staggering reduction of the latter. Recently, this has been strongly called into question by a critical narrative grounded in a battery of non-GDP-based measures of extreme poverty and living standards, such as subsistence welfare ratios, skeletal height data, and famine reports. This critical narrative holds that extreme-poverty conditions were + rare in normal circumstances before the transition to capitalism, and that a significant deterioration amounting to extreme poverty happened in Europe and globally only afterwards. The present paper re-examines the issue, drawing on these and additional non-GDP-based historical sources of living standards, including formerly overlooked cases, such as pre-conquest Aztec Empire and Tokugawa-era Japan. It finds that the standard narrative’s portrayal of the prevalence of extreme poverty before capitalism is indeed mistaken. However, it also takes issue with parts of the critical narrative, mainly the idea that capitalism caused severe deterioration in living standards. On a widely shared definition of capitalism, and a quantitatively demonstrated periodization of the transition, the notion that living standards were generally poor before a society’s transition to capitalism and only started systematically improving afterwards has better support.

Regression equations for stature reconstruction from the lower limb bones of contemporary White South Africans

ABSTRACT In 2008, Dayal and colleagues generated regression equations to estimate the total skeletal height (TSH) of White South Africans. However, the validity of these equations has been questioned. The magnetic resonance imaging scanograms of 74 White South African adults were used to assess the reliability of these equations. The physiological lengths of the femur (FEPL) and tibia (TPL) were measured from these scans and input into the appropriate equations by Dayal and colleagues to calculate TSHD. Paired t-tests, mean differences (MD), and mean absolute differences (MAD) were used to compare TSHD with the measured TSH (TSHMeas) taken directly from the scanograms and ELS were compared with the measured stature (LSM) taken of participants prior to their scans. Although there were no significant differences between TSHMeas and TSHD for males and TSHMeas and TSHD(TPL) for females, all ELSL were significantly different to LSM, and the ELSC using the FEPL were significantly different to LSM. These significant differences and associated large MD and MAD conclude that the equations by Dayal and colleagues are no longer valid. New stature estimation equations were derived for the estimation of stature of White South Africans, characterized by strong correlations and low SEEs.

Assessing the accuracy of the anatomical method for stature estimation in White South African males

ABSTRACT The anatomical method is considered the most accurate stature estimation method, however, research has concluded that the soft-tissue correction factors associated with this method may be sex- and population-specific. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the applicability of these soft-tissue correction factors for the estimation of stature in White South African males. Magnetic resonance imaging scans of 30 White South African male volunteers, between 21 and 59 years of age, were used to collect skeletal measurements of bones that contribute to total skeletal height. The soft-tissue correction factors within the literature were subsequently applied to estimate the living stature of each individual. Paired t-tests were used to compare the accuracies of these estimates of living stature to the measured heights of the participants. Living stature was significantly underestimated using the soft-tissue correction factors of Fully (1956; 6.14 cm), Raxter and colleagues (2006; 4.80 cm), and Brits and colleagues (2017; 0.96 cm), and significantly overestimated by Bidmos and Manger (2012; 9.65 cm). Cloete’s (2017) equation overestimated stature by 0.65 cm, however, this was not significant. These results suggest population-specific soft-tissue correction factors associated with stature estimation and, therefore, the newly derived stature estimation equations should be used to estimate stature of White South African males.

Dental age is an independent marker of biological age

Background: Biological age markers are a crucial indicator whether children are decelerated in growth tempo. Skeletal maturation is the standard measure. Yet, it relies on exposing children to x-radiation. Dental eruption is a potential, but highly debated, radiation free alternative. 
 Objectives: We assess the interrelationship between dental eruption and other maturational markers. We hypothesize that dental age correlates with body height and skeletal age. We further evaluate how the three different variables behave in cohorts from differing social backgrounds.
 Sample and Method: Dental, skeletal and height data from the 1970s to 1990s from Guatemalan boys were converted into standard deviation scores, using external references for each measurement. The boys, aged between 7 and 12, derived from different social backgrounds (middle SES (N = 6529), low-middle SES (N = 736), low SES Ladino (N = 3653) and low SES Maya (N = 4587).
 Results: Dental age shows only a weak correlation with skeletal age (0.18) and height (0.2). The distinction between cohorts differs according to each of the three measurements. All cohorts differ significantly in height. In skeletal maturation, the middle SES cohort is significantly advanced compared to all other cohorts. The periodically malnourished cohorts of low SES Mayas and Ladinos are significantly delayed in dental maturation compared to the well-nourished low-middle and middle class Ladino children.
 Conclusion: Dental development is an independent system, that is regulated by different mechanisms than skeletal development and growth. Tooth eruption is sensitive to nutritional status, whereas skeletal age is more sensitive to socioeconomic background.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Correlation Between the Sagittal Skeletal Relationship and Lower Anterior Facial Height - A Retrospective Study

Correlation Between the Sagittal Skeletal Relationship and Lower Anterior Facial Height - A Retrospective Study

One-year cessation following resistance training differently affects neuromuscular, body composition, and functional capacity in older adults

Cessation of resistance training could result in loss of the gains acquired. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to verify the effect of 1-year of detraining following resistance training on body composition, functional capacity, handgrip strength, localized muscular endurance, and countermovement jump performance (CMJ) in older adults. Fifteen participants (4 women and 11 men; 65.5 ± 4.3 years) completed all the procedures over the experimental period. The participants were followed up during a 9-week resistance training program and after 1-year detraining. Measurements included body composition, handgrip strength, localized muscular endurance, stair ascent and descent, timed up-and-go, and CMJ. The resistance training resulted in improvements in skeletal muscle mass, stair ascent and descent, handgrip strength, localized muscular endurance, and CMJ variables. After the detraining period, significant reductions were observed in skeletal muscle mass (Δ = − 0.92 ± 0.58 kg) and CMJ height, velocity, and impulse (Δ = − 3.03 ± 1.83 cm, − 0.063 ± 0.042 m/s, − 6.34 ± 8.49 N·s, respectively) compared to the post-training period, returning to the baseline values. Conversely, stair ascent and descent, handgrip strength, and localized muscular endurance did not differ after the detraining period (p > 0.05). Retention of functional capacity, localized muscular endurance, and handgrip strength improvements were observed. However, skeletal muscle mass and CMJ variables decreased after the detraining period.

Forensic utility of cranial measurements in stature reconstruction in South Africans of European descent.

The height of an individual (stature) is one of the biological profiles that is estimated as part of human identification process from various components of the human skeleton. The anatomical method is often used for this purpose when a complete and intact skeleton is available for forensic analysis because it is accurate. Since complete skeletons are seldom present in most forensic cases, the mathematical method, which shows linear relationship between stature and bone measurements, becomes the method of choice. Population and sex-specific regression equations for stature estimation have been formulated using intact and fragmentary long bones amongst South African whites and blacks. Individual and combinations of measurements of other skeletal elements including bones of the feet have also been used in the formulation of regression equations. However, few studies have utilized measurements of the skull for stature reconstruction. Skeletal height, calculated from a suite of measurements, was regressed on six cranial measurements. Basibregmatic height and basion-nasion length presented with the highest correlation coefficient for an individual variable in males (0.50) and females (0.48), respectively. The range of correlation coefficient from multivariate analyses in males (0.58-0.63) is similar to that obtained in females (0.55-0.62). The standard error of estimates of the equations, a measure of the accuracy of the equations, for male sample (6.74-7.09) was slightly higher than that for females (5.47-5.89). Regression equations presented in this study should be used with caution in forensic cases when only the skull is available for human identification. Significance of main findings: 1. Skull measurements show low to moderate correlation with stature. 2. Use of skull dimensions is advised only in the absence of intact long bones and other skeletal elements in South Africa.

Updated lower limb stature estimation equations for a South African population group

One of the main steps in the identification of an unknown person, from their skeletal remains, is the estimation of stature. Measurements of intact long bones of the upper and lower extremities are widely used for this purpose because of the high correlation that exists between these bones and stature. In 1987, Lundy and Feldesman presented regression equations for stature estimation for the black South African population group based on measurements of bones from the Raymond A. Dart Collection of Human Skeletons. Local anthropologists have questioned the validity of these equations. Living stature measurement and magnetic resonance imaging scanograms of 58 adult volunteers (28 males and 30 females) representing the modern black South African population group were obtained. Physiological length of the femur (FEPL) and physiological length of the tibia (TPL) were measured on each scanogram and substituted into appropriate equations of Lundy and Feldesman (S Afr J Sci. 1987;83:54–55) to obtain total skeletal height (TSHL&F). Measured total skeletal height (TSHMeas) for each subject from scanograms was compared with TSHL&F. Both FEPL and TPL presented with significantly high positive correlations with TSHMeas. A comparison between TSHL&F and TSHMeas using a paired t-test, showed a statistically significant difference – an indication of non-validity of Lundy and Feldesman’s equations. New regression equations for estimation of living stature were formulated separately for male and female subjects. The standard error of estimate was low, which compared well with those reported for other studies that used long limb bones.
 Significance:
 
 Statistically significant differences were observed between measured and estimated skeletal height, thus confirming non-validity of Lundy and Fieldsman’s (1987) equations for lower limb bones.
 New regression equations for living stature estimation were formulated for femur and tibia lengths, and the low standard error of estimates of equations compared well to results from other studies.

A comparison of the direct and indirect methods of estimating skeletal height from tibial fragments in black South Africans.

The estimation of maximum bone length from its fragments is important in forensic anthropology as these length estimates can be used to estimate the total skeletal height (TSH), and thereby stature, of unknown skeletal remains. This is known as the indirect method of stature estimation. Alternatively, TSH can be estimated directly from bone fragments without first estimating maximum bone length. While regression equations for estimating maximum bone length from its fragments exist for long bones of the upper and lower limbs, these equations are population- and sex-specific and their use on populations other than the one they were derived from is not recommended. The aim of this study was therefore to develop formulae for estimating maximum tibial length from its fragments in black South Africans, which previously did not exist, and to compare the accuracies of the direct and indirect methods of estimating TSH from tibial fragments. Several measurements representing fragments were measured on the tibiae of 99 male and 99 female black South Africans, and equations estimating tibial length from these measurements were derived. Correlation coefficients of each equation were significant, and all equations estimated tibial length with moderate to high accuracy. A comparison of the standard errors of estimate (SEEs) between the direct and indirect methods of stature estimation indicate that the direct method is more accurate and should be used to estimate stature from tibial fragments when such equations exist.

Improving anatomical stature estimation method. The relationship between living stature and intervertebral disc thickness.

Anatomical stature estimation methods reconstruct stature for skeletal specimens by adding up the heights of skeletal elements contributing to stature. In addition, these estimations factor in a certain amount of soft tissue known as "soft tissue correction". Our study focuses on the relationship between living stature and one of the major soft tissue contributors to stature: the intervertebral disc thickness/height. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether intervertebral disc thickness is greater in tall individuals and whether there is a linear correlation between stature and intervertebral disc height. To conduct this study, we utilized a subsample of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort of 1966 (n = 12,058) with known stature. We measured vertebral heights and intervertebral disc heights from low back MRI examination performed at the age of 46 years (n = 200). All subjects were considered healthy with no spinal injuries or pathologies. Our results clearly indicate that stature and intervertebral disc height have positive, statistically significant association. According to our results it is advisable to take into account the individual's skeletal height when soft tissue corrections for anatomical stature estimations are performed. Further studies utilizing full body MRI are needed to produce more accurate soft tissue corrections.

Art in Science: Velázquez and Dwarfism-The Art of Observation.

Art in Science: Velázquez and Dwarfism-The Art of Observation.

Using tibial fragments to reconstruct the total skeletal height of black South Africans

Stature is an important component of the biological profile of unknown skeletal remains and regression equations for estimating stature have been derived for a number of bones. However, bones are rarely recovered intact in both forensic and archaeological cases, and regression formulae for fragmentary remains have therefore been developed. These equations are, however, both sex- and population-specific, and while formulae exist for many populations, those using fragmentary tibiae do not exist for black South Africans. The aim of this study was therefore to establish regression equations for estimating total skeletal height (TSH), and thereby stature, from tibial fragments in a black South African population. A sample of 99 male and 99 female black South African skeletons were obtained from the Raymond A. Dart Collection of Human Skeletons and the TSH of each skeleton was calculated using the anatomical method. Eleven additional measurements representing tibial fragments were taken on each tibia, and both uni- and multivariate equations were established for estimating TSH from these fragments. All tibial variables were significantly, positively correlated with TSH, and equation correlations ranged between 0.41 and 0.91. The range of standard errors of estimate for the derived sex-specific (3.43–5.06 cm) and sex-pooled (3.44–5.94 cm) multivariate equations were slightly larger than those reported for intact tibiae in black (2.78–3.06 cm) and white (2.59–3.16 cm) South Africans. All uni- and multivariate-equations estimated TSH with moderate to high accuracy, which indicates that in the absence of intact tibiae, the equations presented in this study can be used to give accurate estimates of TSH, and thereby stature, for black South Africans.

Body weight, body fat and skeletal muscle status in elderly patients with diabetes

Objective To investigate the status of body weight, total body fat and skeletal muscle in elderly patients with diabetes. Methods A total of 71 elderly diabetic patients (study group) who met entry criteria and signed informed consent were consecutively enrolled, and 70 healthy subjects (control group) matched for age and gender were selected into the study. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), total body fat (TBF), abdominal fat (AF), visceral fat (VF), visceral fat area (VFA), fat-free mass (FFM), total body muscle (TBM), skeletal muscle (SM), skeletal muscle height index (SMHI) and grip strength (GS) were measured by anthropometry and multi-frequency bioelectric impedance analysis. The rate of low weight, overweight and obesity was judged by BMI; the rate of abdominal obesity by WHR; and the status of muscle by TBM, SM, MHI and GS. Results The two groups were comparable at baseline. Compared to the control group, the rate of low weight [36.6% (26/71) vs. 20.0% (14/70), χ2=4.791, P=0.039], weight loss [(1.37±1.57)kg vs. (0.82±1.12)kg, t=2.402, P=0.018], ratio of people who experienced weight loss>5% in 3 months [22.5% (16/71) vs. 8.6% (6/70), χ2=5.219, P=0.035], TBF%[(32.3±5.0)% vs. (30.3±5.2)%, t=2.294, P=0.023], WHR(0.91±0.55 vs. 0.87±0.51, t=2.661, P=0.009), the rate of abdominal obesity[49.3% (35/71) vs. 25.7%(18/70), χ2=8.355, P=0.005], AF[(12.1±3.4)kg vs. (10.3±3.6)kg, t=2.981, P=0.003], VF[(2.9±0.8)kg vs.(2.5±0.9)kg, t=2.853, P=0.005] and VFA[(99.8±26.3)cm2vs. (84.9±31.1)cm2,t=3.045, P=0.003] were increased significantly in study group, while the FFM[(34.9±7.5)kg vs. (37.9±5.6)kg, t=-2.691, P=0.008], SM[(25.8±4.5)kg vs.(27.3±3.5)kg, t=-2.140, P=0.034], SMHI[(9.4±1.8)kg/m2vs. (10.2±1.5)kg/m2,t=-3.081, P=0.002] and GS[(29.3±6.6)kg vs. (31.8±5.7)kg, t=-2.406, P=0.017] were decreased significantly in study group. Conclusion Abnormal weight, abdominal obesity and loss of skeletal muscle were more likely to be observed in elderly patients with diabetes. Key words: Diabetes mellitus; Aged; Body fat; Obesity, abdominal; Skeletal muscle; Grip strength

The skeleton of a straight-tusked elephant (Palaeoloxodon antiquus) and other large mammals from the Middle Pleistocene butchering locality Marathousa 1 (Megalopolis Basin, Greece): preliminary results

In this article, we present the first results on the large mammal fauna from the new open-air Lower Palaeolithic locality Marathousa 1 (MAR-1) (Megalopolis Basin, Peloponnesus, Greece). MAR-1 belongs to the Marathousa Member of the Choremi Formation and its large mammal faunal list (collection 2013–2016) includes the castorid Castor fiber, the mustelids Mustela sp. and Lutra simplicidens, the felid Felis sp., the canids Vulpes sp. and Canis sp., the elephantid Palaeoloxodon antiquus, the hippopotamid Hippopotamus antiquus, the bovid Bison sp., and the cervids Dama sp. and Cervus elaphus. This faunal association is common in the Galerian (Middle Pleistocene) mammal communities of Europe (ca. 0.9–0.4 Ma). The MAR-1 fauna is consistent with a temperate climate and is indicative of a landscape with substantial woodland components with more open areas, close to permanent and large freshwater bodies. Of particular interest are an elephant cranium and numerous postcranial elements, which were found in close anatomical association and are attributed to a single individual of the straight-tusked elephant Palaeoloxodon antiquus. The skeleton belonged to a male individual in its late adulthood close to or in its sixties, with live skeletal height around 3.7 m at the shoulder and body mass around 9.0 tonnes. The good state of preservation of the MAR-1 bones allows the identification of taphonomic modifications. Cut marks on the elephant skeleton, and on other elephant and mammal bones, indicate human exploitation by means of butchering activities, in accordance with the traits of the lithic assemblage and its spatial association with the bones. Carnivore activity is also recorded on some elephant and cervid bones. Marathousa 1 is among the oldest elephant butchering sites in Europe and the only one known in Southeastern Europe.

Assessing the use of the anatomical method for the estimation of sub-adult stature in Black South Africans

Stature estimation is rarely attempted in sub-adults due to the general lack of available standards as a result of the dearth of sufficiently large sub-adult skeletal collections with known demographic information. To overcome this problem sub-adult research mainly relies on modern imaging modalities. In the current study Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans were used to assess the use of the anatomical method for stature estimation in sub-adults. A total of 53 Black South African sub-adult males (n=24) and females (n=29) aged between 10 and 17 years participated in the study by voluntarily completing a full-body MRI scan. A stadiometer was used to measure living stature prior to all MRI scans. Skeletal elements that contribute directly to stature were measured from the MRI scans using OsiriX and summed to compute the total skeletal height. Total skeletal height was calculated using the diaphyseal, maximum and physiological long bone lengths and correlated to living stature using Pearson’s correlations. Subsequently least squares regression equations were generated for the estimation of sub-adult stature. Results indicated strong, statistically significant positive correlations between living stature and total skeletal heights in sub-adult males, females and a combined sex sample. The regression equations were characterized by small standard error of estimates which are comparable to that reported for Black South African adults. Based on these results the anatomical method can be used to accurately describe living stature in Black South African sub-adults. This method is therefore encouraged as it will add valuable information when dealing with unknown sub-adult skeletal remains.

The accuracy of the anatomical method for stature estimation in Black South African females

The anatomical method is considered the most accurate stature estimation method, but investigation has shown that it continuously underestimates stature. This underestimation is believed to be related to the use of universal soft tissue correction factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of the soft tissue correction factors in a living population of Black South African females and to subsequently calculate a new soft tissue correction factor, specific for stature estimation in this population group. Thirty Black South African adult females voluntarily participated in this study and underwent a full body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. Living stature was measured with a stadiometer and total skeletal height (TSH) was calculated from the MRI measurements. Stature was estimated from the TSH of each participant using Fully’s (1956) [17], Raxter et al.’s (2006) [38] and Bidmos and Manger’s (2012) [5] methods. Results indicated strong, statistically significant positive correlations between living and estimated statures, however, paired t-tests revealed that living stature was significantly underestimated using Fully’s and Raxter et al.’s methods, while the method by Bidmos and Manger significantly overestimated stature. A lack of statistically significant correlations between soft tissue correction factors and the total skeletal height was found. Likewise, an absence of statistically significant correlations between age and the estimation error, with and without age adjustments were also observed. A new soft tissue correction factor, specific for stature estimation in Black South African females was calculated. The newly proposed regression equation presented improved stature estimation accuracies for this population group.

A Procedure for Calculating the Vertical Space Height of the Sacrum When Determining Skeletal Height for Use in the Anatomical Method of Adult Stature Estimation.

Estimating stature from skeletonized remains is one of the essential parameters in the development of a biological profile. A new procedure for determining skeletal height (SKH) incorporating the vertical space height (VSH) from the anterior margin of the sacral promontory to the superior margins of the acetabulae for use in the anatomical method of stature estimation is introduced. Regression equations for stature estimation were generated from measurements of 38 American males of European ancestry from the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection. The modification to the procedure results in a SKH that is highly correlated with stature (r = 0.925-0.948). Stature estimates have low standard errors of the estimate ranging from 21.79 to 25.95 mm, biases from to 0.50 to 0.94 mm, and accuracy rates from 17.71 mm to 19.45 mm. The procedure for determining the VSH, which replaces "S1 height" in traditional anatomical method models, is a key improvement to the method.

Application of the anatomical method to estimate the maximum adult stature and the age‐at‐death stature

This study focuses on the age adjustment of statures estimated with the anatomical method. The research material includes 127 individuals from the Terry Collection. The cadaveric stature (CSTA)-skeletal height (SKH) ratios indicate that stature loss with age commences before SKH reduction. Testing three equations to estimate CSTA at the age at death and CSTA corrected to maximum stature from SKH indicates that the age correction of stature should reflect the pattern of age-related stature loss to minimize estimation error. An equation that includes a continuous and linear age correction through the entire adult age range [Eq. (1)] results in curvilinear stature estimation error. This curvilinear stature estimation error can be largely avoided by applying a second linear equation [Eq. (2)] to only individuals older than 40 years. Our third equation [Eq. (3)], based on younger individuals who have not lost stature, can be used to estimate maximum stature. This equation can also be applied to individuals of unknown or highly uncertain age, because it provides reasonably accurate estimates until about 60/70 years at least for males.

Formulae for estimating skeletal height in modern South-East Asians.

Estimating stature in human skeletal remains of Asian ancestry is problematic for forensic anthropologists due to the paucity and uncertain suitability of regression formulae. To address this issue, our study analyzed 64 individuals from a modern skeletal collection of South-East Asian origin and developed population-specific ordinary least squares regression formulae to estimate skeletal height from each of the long bones of the upper and lower limbs, as well as from trunk length. Results indicate that the most accurate estimates of skeletal height from a single bone (as measured by standard error of the estimate-SEE) are from tibial length in males (SEE=2.40cm) and from humeral length in females (SEE=2.59cm), followed by femoral length (SEE=2.84cm). When multiple elements are considered, the combination of femoral and tibial length yields the best estimates in both sexes as well as combined sex samples (male SEE=2.40cm; female SEE=2.77cm; combined sex SEE=2.54cm).

Abstract 027: Skeletal Muscle Adipose Tissue Infiltration is Associated with Mortality in Older Men

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that myosteatosis (adipose tissue (AT) infiltration within skeletal muscle (intra-muscular AT) and within the fascia surrounding skeletal muscle (inter-muscular, visible AT), increases with aging, and is positively associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors independent of overall adiposity. Studies examining this important fat depot and mortality are lacking. Methods: We evaluated the association of mortality (all-cause, CVD, and non-CVD) with BMI, peripheral quantitative computed tomography (QCT) measured components of lower leg skeletal muscle adiposity (total, subcutaneous, and intermuscular AT, and muscle attenuation), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured total body and trunk fat in 1155 community-dwelling older men (mean age 77.2 ± 5.1 years). Date and cause of death from death certificates were reviewed by a central physician adjudicator, with cause of death classified by ICD9 codes. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the risk of mortality. Stepwise regression was used to select significant covariates for multivariable models. We tested the following covariates: age, race, study site, lifestyle risk factors, DXA total body fat, skeletal muscle area, height, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, renal disease, cancer, lipids, and medications that may influence metabolism. Results: During a mean follow-up of 5.9 years (2005-2012), 246 participants died. Among these, 74 participants died from CVD, and 159 died from non-CVD causes (cancer and other causes). After adjustment for significant covariates, lower intra-muscular AT infiltration, as reflected by greater skeletal muscle attenuation, was associated with decreased all-cause mortality, decreased CVD mortality, and decreased non-CVD mortality (Hazard ratio [95% CI] per SD increase in skeletal muscle attenuation: 0.77 [0.67, 0.90], 0.72 [0.55, 0.94], and 0.81 [0.67, 0.97], respectively; all P-values <0.02). No other measures of peripheral QCT and DXA measured adiposity or generalized obesity (BMI) were associated with mortality, regardless of the degree of adjustment. Conclusion: Our study revealed a previously unreported, independent association between myosteatosis and mortality among older men. Further studies are needed to establish if the association of myosteatosis with mortality is independent of inflammation, insulin resistance, visceral and other ectopic fat depots, and to identify possible biological mechanisms underlying this relationship.