PAPERS ON PALEOPATHOLOGY

presented at the

Eleventh European Members Meeting

14 - 18 August 1996

Maastricht, The Netherlands

WELCOME TO THE DELEGATES

Eve Cockburn, Paleopathology Association, Detroit, Michigan (USA)

What a pleasure it is to be back in the Netherlands for this, our eleventh meeting in Europe, the second to be held in this country. Many of you were at the 1982 meeting in Middelburg. Though small compared with later meetings, there was such warmth and camaraderie in that fourth reunion that I was delighted when we were again invited here, an invitation for which we must thank George Maat, Raphael Panhuysen, Tjasse Bruintjes and Paul Hofman.

As we look back on the two years that have passed since our Gottingen meeting, there has been the usual mix of bad news and good news. It was fourteen years ago, in my opening words at the Middelburg meeting, that I first referred to the antagonism to research on human bodies that has always been with us. Those of you who have been following the repatriation issue in the US know that many museums there are in process of handing their Native American skeletal collections back to the tribes, most for reburial, some in unmarked graves. Paleopathologists in other countries have not been spared, as Netherlands members well know, and an already difficult climate for Israeli research has deteriorated still further since the recent election. The situation in Australia is particularly difficult; I just heard that for the second edition of Mummies, Disease, and Ancient Culhues, which is now in preparation, we may not be given permission even to reprint the photographs of aboriginal mummies from the first edition.

On the other hand, the heightened awareness of the need for common database standards has brought a new and much needed rigor to the discipline, and in countries where there has been no outcry against such research, paleopathology societies have flourished. The Asociaci6n Espafiola de Paleopatologia, celebrating its tenth anniversary, has produced six handsome volumes of annual meeting reports, as well as a new bimonthly bulletin. The recently formed Societ A Italiana di Paleopatologia held its inaugural meeting last year, and France is about to have an Association Francilienne de Pal6opathologie. Research on mummies continues apace, with the Second World Congress on Mummy Studies held last year in Cartagena, Colombia and a third planned for 1998 in Arica, Chile. 7?2e Origin of Syphilis in Europe will be followed by a similar conference on tuberculosis in 1997 in Szeged, Hungary, part of a planned series on infectious diseases in the past. We ourselves are approaching our 25th anniversary year, which brings with it the really incredible thought that the December 1997 newsletter will be No. 100.

But the strong attachment that our members feel for the Association is something unique. When I look at this audience, I see so many people here who have given unstinting help over the years. Eugen Strouhal is a charter member; Emma Rabino Massa and Michael Schultz attended our first European meeting in 1976, and have since chaired three meetings between them, Emma in 1978 and 1984, Michael in 1994; Juliet Rogers, Ann Stirland, and Tony Waldron organised the Cambridge meeting in 1990; and Domingo Campillo, who presided over the Barcelona meeting during the Olympic year of 92, has just achieved his final goal by producing the Proceedings in a very fine 461 page volume. We thank all of them for their commitment, and all of you for being here.

George J.R. Maat, Centre for Physical Anthropology, Leiden University (The Netherlands)

The time has come to meet again. We hope that the XIth European Meeting of the Paleopathology Association in Maastricht will be as successful as the previous meetings. The setting of the conference in The Netherlands reminds many of us of the pleasant meeting organized by Haneveld, Perizonius and Janssens at Middelburg/Antwerpen in 1982. The present gathering at the Congrescentrum Rolduc in the historic 12th century buildings of Rolduc Abbey will provide a safe haven for introspection, exchange of

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experience, ideas and knowledge. It will also enable us to initiate and intensify social contacts with our colleagues. The conference offers the first results of new studies, as well as those of studies already running many years, and we offer workshops on new methods and approaches. The papers were reviewed by the Scientific Committee, and Luigi Capasso has been kind enough to compile the abstracts of ail presentations in a special issue of the Jounial of Paleopatlzology.

OPENING ADDRESS: THE MAGIC OF THE SKULL (invited lecture)

A.M. Luyendijk-Elshout, Oegstgeest (The Netherlands)

Skull-collecting started in the early nineteenth century, influenced by the doctrines of Franz Joseph Gall, who considered the brain an expression of the human character, which determined the shape of the skull. The doctrine of phrenology was rejected around 1850, but anthropologists expected to reach a better insight into the racial characteristics of different populations by a mathematical study of their skulls. The collections of Samuel Morton in the US and Joseph Barnard Davis in England made a great impression on scientists. The so-called Cor7irziercizrr7t Crariionir7t, an exchange of skulls and plaster casts, was worldwide, with skulls being brought to Europe from every corner of the globe.

DOCUMENTARY AND ARTISI'IC EVIDENCE FOR CONGENITAL CONDITIONS FROM SIXTEENTH CENTURY ENGLAND

T. Anderson, Canterbury Archaeological Trust Ltd., Canterbury (United Kingdom)

The Huth Collection, a series of Elizabethan illustrative ballads housed in the British Museum, depicts marvels of nature including monstrous births. As such, it represents a unique corpus of evidence for congenital conditions and paleopathology. It has been possible to diagnose abnormalities and syndromes which until now, based on skeletal material, have not been recognized in earlier British societies.

OS'IEOARTHRITIS IN LARGE JOINTS: WIDELY DIFFERENT PREVALENCE RATES WITH

DIFFERENT SETS OF DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA

C. Arcini, Lund University and The Central Board of National Antiquities (Sweden)

In recent .studies on osteoarthritis (OA) in archaeological skeletal materials, different diagnostic criteria have been applied. This study evaluates how much these differences affect prevalence rates obtained. After investigation of

2,314 adult skeletons from medieval cemeteries in Lund, the findings in 6,546 single or paired large joints were registered according to two different sets of criteria: the presence of distinct eburnation alone, or the presence of distinct marginal osteophytes and/or distinct subchondral cyst formation and/or pitting of the joint surface and/or distinct eburnation. The difference in prevalence rates obtained by the two methods underlines the impact of the choice of diagnostic criteria and the importance of establishing internationally accepted criteria for its diagnosis. Alternatively, 'raw data' should be published in a form allowing for recalculation of prevalence figures, making them comparable to others.

O ~ O A R T H R I T I S OF THE HIP AND TIBIOFEMORAL JOINT IN THE 1 8 ~ ~ CENTURY

S. Baetsen*, P. Bitter* & Tj. D. Bruintjes**, Municipal Department of Archeology, Alkmaar*, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Utrecht*" (The Netherlands)

A recent study of skeletons from Saxon and medieval England has shown that in the past tibiofemoral osteoarthritis was far less prevalent than hip osteoarthritis, whereas this situation is now reversed. This suggests that tibiofemoral osteoarthritis may be a'new' disease. Obesity,

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which is to some extent linked to a modern life style, is thought to be a potential causative factor. A random sample of 250 skeletons buried between 1750 and 1830 in the Church of St. Lawrence, Alkmaar (The Netherlands) offered a chance to study the prevalence of osteoarthritis in the knee and hip joints during this period. We found tibiofemoral osteoarthritis to be less prevalent than osteoarthritis of the hip joint, and it can therefore be seen as a truly modern phenomenon, not common until the early 19th century.

HIP DISLOCATION AND EVIDENCE OF TREATMENT IN AN 18TH CENTURY FEMALE FROM ALKMAAR, THE (poster)

S. Baetsen*, P. Bitter* & Tj. D. Bruintjes**, Municipal Department of Archeology, Alkmaar*, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Utrecht** (The Netherlands)

The remains of a 33 year old Dutch female dating from the 18th century, demonstrating classic signs of congenital hip dislocation, are presented. In the right innominate a secondary acetabulum has been formed supero-laterally outside the actual acetabulum, which is abnormally shallow and distorted. On both sides the femoral heads show severe degenerative changes in the form of mushroom deformities. This individual must have had a limp in her gait and continued disability with severe pain. The presence in the grave of a leather object, resembling a truss, suggests an attempt to treat this condition.

ARACHNOID GRANULATIONS AND AGE IN AN

AMERICAN POPULATION

G. Barber, Palaeopathology Study Group, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol (United Kingdom)

The correlation between the number of arachnoid granulation pits on the endocranial surface of the skull and age has been documented, but has not been tested on non-European populations. A sample of 105 African Americans of known age at death was selected from the Terry Collection at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. The number of arachnoid granulation pits present was correlated with age using the method

formulated by Barber (1995). The results showed a high correlation, p c 0.001, but there was a marked difference in the regression equation for both males and females in comparison with the European population on which the original model was based. This suggests that different models are needed for each spatially/racially different population to achieve the most accurate method for the estimation of age at death.

THE RELIABILITY OF PHOTONABSORFTIOMETRY SCANNING OF EXCAVATED BONES

P. Bennike* & H. Schutkowsky**, Laboratory of Biological Anthropology, University of Copenhagen (Denmark)*, Institute of Anthropology, University of Gijttingen (Germany) **

Photonabsorptiometry scanning is being used in an increasing number of studies of bones from archaeological excavations. The method is employed to measure the bone mineral content (BMC), and provides vital information for the evaluation of bone quality and possible osteoporosis. As the method is non-invasive, it may prove to be an important tool for future studies of valuable archaeological bone specimens. The process of diagenesis in bones after burial may, however, influence the results. The reliability of the method has therefore been tested in a number of ways. As a result, the authors conclude that a routine evaluation of the organic content of bones before histological methods are employed may help to avoid unnecessary destruction of valuable archaeological bone specimens.

A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACf I TO OSTEOLOGICAL IWSEARCI-I

S.M. Black* & L. Scheuer**, Department of Forensic Medicine & Science, University of Glasgow*, Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Royal Free Hospital, London** (United Kingdom)

We are guilty at times of paying little more than lip service to the idea of multidisciplinary research and so perhaps miss the opportunity to develop a

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wider perspective on our own subject. Many papers relay either osteological or pathological information in isolation and so limit their scope of interest. This paper aims to highlight the importance of a solid line of communication and understanding across the boundaries of many disciplines including osteology, anatomy, embryology, awology and clinical medicine. As an example of the benefits of such an approach we have used the discovery of a cervical rib observed in a 19th century skeleton, and show how reliance on one discipline alone would most probably lead to an erroneous diagnosis.

TWO ROMAN AND MEDIEVAL CASES OF SYMMETRICAL EROSIVE POLYARTHRITIS FROM NORMANDY: ANATOMO-PATHOLOGIC RADIOLOGIC FEATURES AND MOLECULAR EVIDENCE FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

J. Blondiawr*, A. Cotten**, C. Fontaine***, C. Hanni****, C. BCra***** & R.-M. Flipo*****, Centre de Recherche sur le Haut Moyen-Age, UniversitC Charles de Gaulle*, DCpartement de Radiologie, Hbpital B CHU**, DCpartement de Chirurgie OrthopCdique, HBpital B CHU* * *, URA 1160 CNRS, Institut Pasteur****, DCpartement de Rhumatologie, HBpital B CHU, Lille* * * * * (France)

With continued archaeological discoveries of skeletal remains in the United States and Europe, discussions of possible etiologies for recognized cases of symmetrical erosive polyarthritis include the spondylarthropathies and rheumatoid arthritis. One skeleton from the fourth century site of Lisiew and a second one from the twelfth century site of Rouen show symmetrical marginal erosions primarily involving the MCP and PIP joints. Results of macroscopic, microscopic and radiologic (CT and plain x-rays) examination are consistent with a modern day diagnosis of rheumatoid polyarthritis. We cannot, however, exclude an erosive form of spondylarthropathy and, in particular, psoriatic arthritis. A molecular study of HLA classes 1 and 2 is being conducted by the polymerase chain reaction technique (in particular HLA B27 and HLA DR.Bl).

COMPARISON OF D1m;ERENT TYPES OF BURIAL IN ROMAN AND MEDIEVAL LINCOLN, ENGLAND

A. Boylston & C. Roberts, Calvin Wells Laboratory, Department of Archaeological Sciences, University of Bradford (United Kingdom)

Human bone from a number of sites around the city of Lincoln was examined during a project intended to archive all the material recovered from three areas: Wigford, the Upper City and the Lower City. Eighty inhumations were examined, representing a number of different types of burial. Fifteen infants dating to the Romano-British period had been interred either in pits or beneath the foundations of houses on four Wigford sites, at one site in the Upper City, and one site in the Lower City. Another site produced 10 high status burials, a second a series of well ordered burials of males, females and juveniles in relatively equal numbers, and a third consisted of shared graves containing predominantly males, one of whom had suffered three head injuries. Pathological conditions found in the burials are discussed.

A NOVEL APPROACH TO DETECTING O ~ O P O R O S I S IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL BONE

M. B. Brickley, Institute of Archaeology, University College London (United Kingdom)

Measurements of trabecular bone mineral density might play an important role in the determination of levels of osteoporosis in sample populations of archaeological bones. Low Angle x-ray scattering (LAXS) is a technique that can be configured to measure trabecular bone density only. LAXS measurements were made on 30 femurs and 25 fourth lumbar vertebrae. Measurements were also made using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and photodensitometry techniques. The results were compared to bone mineral density values obtained by weighing and measuring the volume of the samples. LAXS showed the most accurate and precise results for the measurement of trabecular bone in the femurs and vertebrae with correlation coefficients of approximately r = 0.8 and r = 0.9 respectively, compared to r = 0.64 and r = 0.74 for DEXA and r = 0.78 and r = 0.85 for photodensitometry.

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AN UNUSUAL STAPES FROM MEDIEVAL

MAASTRICHT (poster)

Tj. D. Bruintjes*, R.G.A.M. Panhuysen** & W.A.M. van Maw&***, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Utrecht*, Saint Servaas Project, Maastricht**, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Utrecht University* * * (The Netherlands)

During archaeological excavations in the medieval Saint Servaas church in Maastricht, a juvenile skeleton was unearthed bearing a highly unusual stapes. The stapes exhibits a double anterior crus, but is otherwise quite normally shaped. This anomaly has not been previously documented. It is thought to be the result of a disruption during the ossification process of the embryological st apedial cartilage.

IRIDIUM, RARE-EARTH ELEMENTS AND THE KOEFELS-COMET-IMPACT-SERIES SCENARIO

(KISS) OF MASS EXTINCTION AND NEOLITHIC PALEOPATHOLOGY.

M. Bujatti-Narbeshuber* & J. A. Hoogewerff**, Museum of Natural History*, Department of Analytical Geochemistry, Federal Research and Testing Centre**, Vienna (Austria)

Paleopathogenesis through impacts is effectuated both directly through the impact scenario, and indirectly via rapid geoclimatic change. The known 14.8, 11.0,2.4,0.72 and ca 0.0116 My impacts triggered extinction and speciation events as well as pathosocial and biocultural selection processes according to the DNT theory of hominine evolution. Preliminary results from geochemical analysis (the Rare-Earth-Element composition and the Iridium content, using ICP Mass Spectroscopy) at the presumed impact site at Koefels, Tyrol (Austria) indicate the occurrence of rock material with a composition intermediate between a possible meteoritic composition and the earth crust. Further analysis of this meteorite impact leads to the conclusion that Neolithic pathosocialization predicts the Holocene demographic explosion, environment destruction and psychosocial morbidity.

CREMATED BONES FROM A SCYTHIAN MOUND:

PALEOPATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS (poster)

A. P. Buzhilova*, M. V. Kozlovskaya*, & I. V. Ovchinnikov**, Department of Anthropology, Institute of Archaeology of RAS*, Laboratory of Molecular Brain Genetics, Mental Health Research Centre of RAMS, Moscow** (Russia)

Cremated bones were recovered from a Scythian mound in the Voronezh region of Russia. Non- contiguous fragments of skull, long bones and ribs were present; the general robusticity, size and shape of the bones were not changed by cremation. Sex and age determination were difficult, but general development of the bone fragments suggests an adult. Human DNA was extracted for sex determination, but with unsatisfactory results. One skull fragment included part of the frontal bone with irregular swellings of the inner table, and part of the upper orbit. Both bone masses have a furrowed, bumpy surface. In one fragment of rib we noted an osteolytic hole surrounded by clearly discernable reparative bone tissue due to chronic inflammation, with traces of new bone formation on the bottom of the lesion.

THE POSSIBILITY OF SI'UDYING CRANIOSIENOSIS AND RELATED PATHOLOGIES BY VESTIBULAR CRANIOMETRY, USING COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY (CT)

D. Campillo & A. Carvajal, Diputaci6 455, 5e, lA, Barcelona (Spain)

Radiology constitutes an important diagnostic medium for the study of craniostenosis and the related conditions, platybasia and impressio basilaris. Usually, the evaluation of these lesions has been based on the study of specific radiological close-ups, but vestibular craniometry offers numerous diagnostic possibilities because it can be used as a fixed anthropometrical point, independent of the rest of the cranial structures. Nevertheless, before the appearance of computed tomography, this method of study was not used frequently, because of its complexity and the difficulties of its application. Recently, through the application of CT, we have used the vestibular technique in several cases, two of which are presented. To our knowledge the technique has

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never been applied previously, in either a clinical between hallucinogenically induced phosphenes or a paleopathological context. and decorative designs on archaeological ceramics.

OSTEOMA: PALEOPATHOLOGY AND PHYLOGENY

L. Capasso, Department of Anthropology, National Archaeological Museum, Chieti (Italy)

Osteoma is a poorly understood benign bone tumor whose neoplastic origin has been debated by several authors; some emphasise its relationship with hyperostosis, and others deny its existence as an autonomous nosographic entity. Cranial osteoma, single or multiple, is frequently found in ancient human bones from archaeological excavations. Comparative pathology shows that it is especially frequent in fishes. Examination of fossil animals documents the great antiquity of this pathology: osteoma was demonstrated on a cervical vertebra from a cretaceous mosasaur. The author found evidence of osteomata in many fossil fishes of the Miocene and the Pliocene, and also in some mammal remains. Histologic and radiographic analyses demonstrate the presence of common morphologic characteristics in the lesions in different species and different time periods.

HALLUCINOGENICALLY INDUCED PHOSPHENE DECORATIONS: ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND E3HNOGRAPHIC CORRELATES IN ABORIGINAL COLOMBIA

F. Cgrdenas-Arroyo, Department of Anthropology, Universidad de 10s Andes, Bogota (Colombia)

The use of hallucinogens has been common in aboriginal populations of the Americas from pre- Hispanic times until the present, and has always played a major part in their religious beliefs and rituals. Most of these substances consist of harmines and alkaloids derived from b-carboline, such as harmaline and d-tetrahydroharmine. Researchers have been able to establish that phosphene decorations are always associated with the use of these substances. Such decorations have also been found on archaeological ceramics. This paper reviews various hallucinogens known to tropical rain forest and high Andean Colombian Indians, and shows that there is a close correlation

SCURVY: INVESLlGATIONS ON THE HUMAN SKELETON USING MACROSCOPIC, RADIOLOGICAL AND MICROSCOPIC MFTITIODS

P. Carli-Thiele, Zentrum Anatomie, Universitat Gottingen (Germany)

Chronic vitamin C deficiency (called scurvy in adults and Moeller-Barlow disease in infants) affects the human organism in many ways. Vitamin C possesses many functions in the metabolism, and chronic vitamin C deficiency leads to symptoms such as exhaustion, inflammation of mucous membranes and, when advanced, to hemorrhage. Changes in the skeleton caused by chronic vitamin C deficiency (e.g. calcified or ossified subperiosteal hematoma) can be proved by macroscopic, radiological and microscopic investigations. The diagnosis of Moeller-Barlow disease, frequency of occurrence, its interaction with other deficiency diseases, and influence on health status has been investigated for the Neolithic population from Wandersleben, Germany. The frequency of the disease (40% of individuals affected) and the high frequency of inflammatory changes indicate a strong correlation between these two parameters.

GENETIC EPIDEMIOLOGY AND THE EVOLUTION OF DISEASE: THE CHILEAN CASE

M. Castro*, R. Moreno** & E. Aspillaga***, Department of Anthropology and Department of Anatomy, University of Chile*, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Chile**, Medical Genetics Unit, Hospital Exeouiel Gondlez CortCs*** (Chile)

The causes of disease can be grouped into three categories: genetic, environmental, and the interaction between these two. The comparison of past and present epidemiological profiles of a disease that is still prevalent in a population helps us to answer such questions as: 'Is it the same disease or a new one?' 'Is it affecting the same biological population or a different one?' 'Are there any environmental factors associated with

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the pathogenic process that causes the disease or maintains it throughout time?' Inherited malformations, vector-borne and multifactorial diseases have been present in past and modern Amerindian groups. This paper analyses the evolution of three diseases, oculoauriculovertebral syndrome, Chagas' disease and cholelithiasis, in Chilean aboriginal populations. Paleoepidemiologicd and actual epidemiological information are examined in relation to the ethniclgenetic component.

MAXILLARY SINUSITIS IN MEDIEVAL MAASTRICHT, THE NETHERLANDS

V. Coenen*, Tj.D. Bruintjes** & R.G.A.M. Panhuysen*, Saint Servaas Project, Maastricht*, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Utrecht*. (The Netherlands)

We examined three populations from medieval Maastricht for signs of chronic inflammatory disease of the maxillary sinus. The populations represent rural and urban communities with a different social status. Maxillary sinuses of 126 individuals were inspected macroscopically and, if necessary, with an endoscope. Osseous changes, including pitting and/or abnormal, spicula-type bone formation, were present in 41 (32.5 percent%) individuals. We did not find significant differences in the prevalence of maxillary sinusitis among the three populations studied. In contrast to the present-day situation, we found dental infection to be a major cause of maxillary sinusitis. Such a dominance of odontogenic sinusitis makes it difficult to establish the effect of social conditions on (rhinogengus) maxillary sinusitis.

WAR LESIONS FROM THE FAMOUS PORTUGUESE MEDIEVAL BATI'LE OF ALJUBARROTA

E. Cunha & A.M Silva, Departamento de Antropologia, Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal)

The bodies of the warriors from the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota were laid in disorder in a common burial ground at the battlefield. The material was excavated in 1958, and part of it transferred to the Department of Anthropology, Coimbra University.

The sample consists of 400 individuals, mainly long bone fragments. Complete bones are an exception, indicating that it is not possible to reconstruct different skeletons. The preliminary anthropological analysis showed mostly males between 20 and 60 years old, and bone injuries were the most relevant observation. We describe the most striking lesions due to violent fighting: cuts, fractures, infections, and eventual amputations. The probable causes of these wounds are also discussed.

THE OSSIFICATION OF THE THYROID CARTILAGE: PALEOPATHOLOGICAL INTEREST (poster)

A. D'Alessandro* & L. Capasso**, Department of Pathologic Anatomy, University of Pisa*, Department of Anthropology, National Archaeological Museum, Chieti** (Italy)

The thyroid cartilages tend to ossify during life, and the degree of ossification is related to the age of the subject. Wide variability in the time of initial ossification was demonstrated by various radiographic studies. Juvenile ossification, generally associated with such conditions as metabolic disorders, can be considered an index of disease. Ossified thyroid cartilages (OTC) are well preserved in ancient human burials, and are recovered frequently during archaeological excavations. The authors present statistical analyses of the frequency of OTCs in prehistoric cemeteries from central Italy, and examine the relationship between this frequency and sex and age of the inhumed subjects. They present the results of histologic and radiographic examination of large series of OTCs from archaeological excavations, compared with modern samples.

PARASITES IN AMBER: A NEW PERSPECTIVE IN PALEOPATHOLOGY (poster)

G. Di Tota* & L. Capasso* *, Dept of Pathology, University of Chieti*, Department of Anthropology, National Archaeological Museum**, Chieti (Italy)

Paleontologists have described thousands of animal and plant species in ambers of varying

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antiquity, ranging from the Cretaceous to the Holocene. Some of these species are of considerable parasitologic interest. Scientists have occasionally described worms, insects and spiders living in a parasitic way. The authors describe new arthropods of great interest, particularly two specimens of mosquito (probably two different species) and a new species of bird louse found in fossil copal from Colombia (South America). There are also two tse-tse flies, probably belonging to the genus Glossina, in fossil amber from Kenya (Miocene). The authors emphasize the importance for parasitology of the study of mammal hair in amber: accurate microscopic observation of Colombian and Dominican amber often reveals the presence of arthropod parasites.

DEPRESSIO BIPARIETALIS CIRCUMSCRIPTA: A

PHYSIOLOGICAL, PATHOLOGICAL OR GENETIC

C H A R A ~ R ? (poster)

Milan DoklBdal, Department of Anatomy, Masaryk University, Brno (Czech Republic)

Symmetrical parietal thinning is called a bilateral depression at the parietal bones. Few cases of this depression have been described in the literature. The author presented an extreme case of this thinning in the calva of a 56 year old man. The frequency of this character is relatively low, ranging between 0.4% and 1.2%, but is a little higher in the skulls of ancient Egyptians. The author examined more than 300 skulls from anatomical dissections and medieval and historical skulls but this is the only case found. The cause of this characteristic is not quite clear, and different interpretations are given. The author discusses the possible genesis of the thinning and endorses the opinion that it is genetic rather than physiological (senile) or pathological.

THE SKELETON OF THE MORAVIAN GIANT JOSEF DRASAL (poster)

Milan DoklBdal, Department of Anatomy, Masaryk University, Brno (Czech Republic)

The author presented the skeleton of the Moravian giant Josef Dr ha1 (1841-1885), the tallest man of the Czech nation. He reached the body weight of

186 Kg and body height of 243 cm. Extensive interdisciplinary examination proved the diagnosis of symmetrical proportional gigantism in combination with a medium degree of acromegaly. All parts of the skeleton including the skull are approximately 20% to 30% greater than those of an adult man of normal growth. The long extremity bones are 30% to 40% longer than the norm. Microscopic examination of the bone tissue showed differences in the structure of Haversian systems, and the size and diameter of osteons. Gigantism of such an extreme degree is very rare, and the skeleton is among the 12 tallest known skeletons of modern man.

SOME OBSERVATIONS ON INJURIES FROM THE ONGOING ANALYSIS OF HUh4AN SKELETAL REMAINS FROM THE SWEDISH 1 7 ~ ~ CENTURY MAN-OF-WAR KRONAN (THE CROWN)

E.M. During, Archaeo-Osteological Research Laboratory, Stockholm University (Sweden)

This material comes from the Royal warship Kronan, which capsized, exploded, and sank in the Baltic on 1 June 1676, before an action between the Swedish and the allied Danish-Dutch fleets. Excavations started in 1981 and are ongoing. There are a number of what seem to be cut and blow marks on both cranial and postcranial elements. Similar to injuries made by bladed weapons or other sharp instruments, they show no signs of healing. The injuries are puzzling because the Kronan had never been involved in a hand to hand battle, and there is no mention of sick and/or injured persons on board. Forensic experts are convinced that such injuries are not due to the explosion. This problem is in urgent need of a solution.

PALEOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF UPPER PALAEOLITHIC REMAINS FROM SOUTHEASTERN FRANCE

0. Dutour*, Gy. PBlfi**, M. Panuel*** & B. Gely* * * *, Laboratoire d'Anthropologie Biologique, UniversitC de la MCditerranCe, Marseille* (France), Department of Anthropology, J6zsef Attila University, Szeged* * (Hungary), Service dlImagerie MCdicale, Universitt de la

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MCditerrante, Marseille***, Service RCgional de l'ArchCologie, Lyon* * * * (France)

Human remains were recently discovered in Iboussi2res (Malataverne, Drhme, southeastern France), a cave within a rich archaeological context dated to the Upper Palaeolithic. Well-preserved but incomplete skeletal remains of 12 individuals (seven adults and five immatures) were available for the present study, which revealed cases of spondylolysis and degenerative and malformative alterations of the shoulder. The two major pathological cases were: an adult male skeleton presenting an osteolytical lesion with associated periosteal new bone formation on the posterior face of the right femur, and another male with complete ankylosis of the right sacroiliac joint. The first involves traumatic, infectious, and tumoral causes. In the second, inflammatory or infectious processes could have caused the fusion. These cases are important because of the scarcity of pathological human remains from the Upper Palaeoli t hic.

ADNA ANALYSIS PROVIDES DIRECT EVIDENCE FOR BETA-THALASSEMIA IN DNA FROM SKELETAL REMAINS WlTH SEVERE POROTIC HY PEROSTOSIS

M. Faerman*, D. Filon**, P. Smith* & A. Oppenheim**, Dental Division of Anatomy*, Department of Hematology**, Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem (Israel)

Beta- thalassemia major, manifested by severe anaemia and extensive bone pathology, is caused by mutations in the beta globin gene. The disease probably accompanied humankind since the transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture. Claims for its occurrence in prehistoric populations have been made on the basis of skeletal pathology, especially porotic hyperostosis. A number of skeletal remains found in Israel presents the characteristic anemia induced bone pathology, and several specimens, including one from the Neolithic, were analyzed. The first direct proof for thalassemia was obtained from a child dating to the early Ottoman period. DNA analysis demonstrated homozygosity for a frameshift mutation in codon 8, causing a beta-null phenotype, and presence of a rare polymorphic

marker (codon 2 CT). The results provided a precise diagnosis and demonstrated the significant contribution of ancient DNA research to paleopathology.

APPLICATION OF GEOMETRIC REASONING TECHNIQUES FOR SHAPE ANALYSIS IN GROWTH PATHOLOGY

M. Ferrino*, M. DeMartino**, B. Falcidieno**, E.A. Fulcheri***, R.O. Macchiarelli****, M. Masali*, E. Rabino Massa*, Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Universith di Torino*, Istituto per la Matematica Applicata, CNR di Geneva**, Istituto di Anatomia ed Istologia Patologica, Universitii di Geneva***, Musco Etnografico L. Pigorini, Roma* * * * (Italy)

New methodological approaches were applied in pathologic studies of growth and development. The techniques were successfully applied in a sample of nine young individuals aged one to fifteen years, from the Augustan period Necropolis of Isola Sacra in Porto Fiumicino (Rome). In this sample it was possible to identify three individuals with growth pattern changes, one of them with a pathological pattern caused by rickets. To improve analysis of the growth patterns, some geometric reasoning techniques were applied. These automatically recognise and detect morphological characteristics from surfaces represented by different models (grid, contour, triangulation), and they allow the surface to be reduced to a compact symbolic description, which efficiently stores information about the morphological structure of the surface, making the diagnostic pattern easy to identify.

TRAUMATIC INJURIES IN OSTEOARCHAEOLOGICAL SAMPLES (poster)

M. Finnegan*, A. Marcsik** & R. Pauditz**, Department of Sociology/ Anthropology, Kansas State University* (USA), Department of Anthropology, J6zsef At tila University, Szeged* * (Hungary)

Traumatic lesions are common in human skeletal remains from most archaeological periods, and occur as a result of inter- and intraspecific conflicts

10 Maastricht Meeting Report

and violent encounters with environmental hazards. Traumatic and paleopathological lesions from 7th-8th (N= 1,250) and 10th-11th (N=629) century Hungarian samples were studied metrically, radiographically and by gross morphological observation. The purpose of the study was to add special cases of traumatic injury to the paleopathological literature: dislocation of the shoulder joint with severe arthritis; healed compound fracture in a femur complicated by infection and hypertrophic bone development due to traumatic myositis ossificans; osteosclerosis in maxillary bones with flattened nasal bones caused by a mid-face fracture; and large holes in frontal and parietal bones due to surgical removal of depressed fracture fragments. Secondary pathology and differential diagnoses are emphasized.

K-RAS MUTATION IN THE TUMOR OF FERRANTE I OF ARAGON, KING OF NAPLES (AD 1431-1494

G. Fornaciari, S. Pellegrini, G. Bevilacqua & A. Marchetti, Istituto di Anatomia e Istologia Patologica, Universith di Pisa (Italy)

The autopsy of the artificial mummy of Ferrante I of Aragon, King of Naples (AD 1431-1494) revealed an invasive epithelial tumor, histologically a colon or prostatic adenocarcinoma. Because colorectal tumors are characterized by mutations of the K-ras oncogene, and such mutations are extremely rare in prostatic adenocarcinomas, we investigated the status of the K-ras gene in DNA extracted from the mummified tumor tissue. The data strongly suggested that Ferrante was affected by a cancer of the digestive tract, probably a colon adenocarcinoma. The genetic change observed represents the most frequent mutation in present day colorectal cancer. We hypothesize that mutagens similar to those responsible for the induction of K-ras mutations in contemporary colon cancer were present in the rich diet of a 15th century court. We believe this to be the first identification of a mutated oncogene in an ancient tumor.

VARIANTS OR GROWTH ANOMALIES OF THE SIERNUM

E. Fulcheri*, M. Micheletti Cremasco**, F. Vellano** & E. Rabino Massa**, Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Universit A di Genova*, Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Universiti di Torino** (Italy)

In rich osteological collections, anatomical variants or growth anomalies are often observed. To better understand the genesis and incidence of anomalous growth patterns, we have systematically studied a sample of 446 subjects from the medieval necropolis of S. Michele di Trino (Vercelli, Italy). In 97 cases we found sternum remains: three sterna were complete, 12 had both manubrium and body, and 82 had manubrium or body only. All patterns observed in our series stem back to fusion defects of single centres, on both sagittal and transversal planes and are therefore referred to as anatomical variants. On the other hand, an abnormal xiphosternum observed in two cases seems to be due to a growth abnormality, and therefore is a true anomaly rather than an anatomical variant.

A CASE OF OSTEOSARCOMA IN AN ANCIENT EGYPTIAN SKULL (poster)

M.M. Gaballah*, Z.H. Badawy*, R. Walker** & S. Guillh***, Department of Anatomy, Kasr el Einy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo* (Egypt), Centre de Recherche, Ligni&res** (Switzerland), Centro Mallqui, Ilo*** (Peru)

The case is from a series of burials excavated in 1935 at the Upper Egyptian site of Gebelein, known to contain burials from the pre-dynastic period through Greco-Roman times. This adult female, approximately 45-49 years old, had generalized osteoporosis, a compression fracture, and ankylosis of the vertebral column. The lesion presented here consists of a bony mass projecting from the left margin of the anterior nasal aperture and the adjoining part of the medial orbital margin. Differential diagnoses would include malignant granuloma, rhinoscleroma and osteosarcoma. The large size of the bone mass, reactive new bone formation and extensive areas of destruction are in favor of osteosarcoma. The most likely diagnosis is ost eosarcoma originating in the medial wall of the maxillary sinus, encroaching on the nasal cavity as well as the nasopharynx.

Maastricht Meeting Report 11

P E R I O ~ S : CAUSE, FORM AND FREQUENCY

(poster)

J J. Gladykowska-Rzeczycka, Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Gdansk (Poland)

The main subject of most paleopathological publications is a single case of a rare disease. There are also articles devoted to such problems as the history of diseases like syphilis, leprosy, or tuberculosis. The changes observed in different diseases are very interesting. One of these is periostitis. Its localization, intensity, and form have a very great influence on diagnosis. In the material from Polish cemeteries periostitis is mainly observed in connection with osteomyelitis and traumata, very rarely with specific inflammatory diseases.

MENINGEAL REACTIONS IN A LATE MEDIEVAL - EARLY MODERN CHILD POPULATION FROM ALYTUS, LITHUANIA

R. Jankauskas* & M. Schultz**, Department of Anatomy, Histology & Anthropology, University of Vilnius (Lithuania) *, Zentrum Anatomie, Universitat Gottingen (Germany)**

Analysis of skeletal material from the Alytus burial ground (14th-17th centuries AD, with 1,152 graves and 1,345 individuals, including more than 500 subadults) revealed a lower life expectancy and worse physical development than in surrounding villages, as well as specific patterns of pathological lesions (including a high prevalence of spondylitis, tuberculosis, and two cases of treponemal disease {lues)). In examining 146 children's skeletons, special attention was paid to endocranial involvement attributed to meningeal reactions. Almost 80% of skulls had some meningeal involvement, consisting of inflammatory- hemorrhagic meningitis, increased intracranial pressure, epidural hematoma or a combination of all three. The prevalence of Ieptomeningitis tuberculosa was up to 16%. The distribution of the lesions and their character among the age groups is discussed. The high prevalence of meningeal lesions was probably one of the main causes of the high infant mortality.

DEGENERATION OF THE JOINT SURFACES IN A

SAMPLE OF 21 INDIVIDUALS OF KNOWN AGE,

SEX AND PROFESSION

L. de Jong* and T.S. Constandse-Westermann**, Nassaukade 92 Amsterdam*, Lawickse Allee 66, Wageningen* * (The Netherlands)

From an early nineteenth century skeletal sample of known age and sex, 21 individuals of known profession were selected. Eleven had professions expected to cause only a limited amount of stress on the muscular/skeletal system (e.g., a schoolteacher, a seamstress), whereas the other ten were predicted to have undergone considerably more physical stress (e.g., a blacksmith, a bargeman). All joint surfaces were studied, using the scoring system and calculation procedures recommended by Schultz (1988) and taught in one of the workshops at the 1994 PPA meeting in Gottingen. Analysis using non-parametric probabilistic statistical methods is in progress. The possibilities of this method for discriminating between the two groups of professions were investigated and the extent of the bias by other factors (e.g., age) determined.

ENAMEL HYPOPLASIA IN THE NEOLITHIC PALEOPOPULATION SAHKTYSH-IIA (poster)

M.V. Kozlovskaja, Physical Anthropology Department, Institute of Archaeology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia

The frequency of enamel hypoplasia in the population of this Neolithic cemetery was investigated. As demonstrated by radiocarbon analysis of the bone samples, this cemetery was used from the first quarter of the third millennium until the end of the second millennium BC. The series is characterized by a very high frequency of enamel hypoplasia (79.31%). These data suggest marked physiological stress during childhood. The frequencies of enamel hypoplasia changed over time. Individuals from the earliest stratigraphical layer have a hypoplasia frequency of 100%, those from the second layer 85%, and 66% from the upper layer. There are differences in frequency between the males and the females of the upper layer: 50% in the males and 100% in

12 Maastricht Meeting Report

the females. We suggest different social conditions for the genders in this ancient society.

PALEOEPIDEMIOLOGY OF INFLAMMATORY PROCESSES OF THE SKULL: A COMPARATIVE SIWDY OF TWO EARLY MEDIEVAL INFANT POPULATIONS FROM SOUTHERN GERMANY

K. Kreutz, G. Teichmann & M. Schultz, Zentrum Anatomie, Universitat Gijttingen (Germany)

Consecutive infections of the skull in infancy, well- known in modern clinical research, were present in prehistoric times. It is often possible to establish where the infection originated and how it progressed and infected other parts of the skull. Two early medieval infant populations from southern Germany (Straubing-Bajuwarenstrasse and Grafendobrach) were examined. During paleopathological and paleoepidemiological studies, the frequencies of the inflammatory processes and their combined effects in certain specific parts of the skull were estimated and compared to other infant populations. In the early infants there is a high correlation between chronic infections of the nasal region and the paranasal sinuses on the one hand and meningeal reactions on the other. Consecutive infections mainly led to such meningeal reactions as inflammatory and/or hemorrhagic processes.

GROWING PAINS: INTERPREIlNG STRESS INDICATORS

M.E. Lewis & C.A. Roberts, The Calvin Wells Laboratory, Department of Archaeological Sciences, University of Bradford (United Kingdom)

The current emphasis on the study of stress indicators in skeletal and dental material represents a move away from the identification of specific diseases to more non-specific indicators of malnutrition and disease. The etiology of a single stress indicator is complex, with many different conditions known to contribute to its appearance, but by examining multiple indicators of biological stress the focus moves away from the individual to an assessment of the population's experience of stress. Skeletal and dental lesions described as

'stress indicators' include cribra orbitalia, por otic hyperostosis, enamel hypoplasia, periostitis, maxillary sinusitis, and endocranial lesions. We discuss the methodological problems of scoring these conditions and illustrate how changing ideas about their etiology have a profound effect on our view of the health and lifestyle of past populations.

A N ATYPICAL ARTHROPATHY (poster)

L. Loe*, J. Rogers* & I. Watt**, Rheumatology Unit *, Radiology Department * *, Bristol Royal Infirmary (United Kingdom)

The examination of seventy three skeletons from an excavation at Lichfield Cathedral has found an atypical case of arthritis of the right knee. This male, over 45 years old and dated between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, shows evidence of extensive remodelling of the entire joint with condyles that are flattened and squared off. Minor osteoarthritic changes on both compartments are also present, probably secondary to this remodeling process. No other joints present on this skeleton are affected in this way, although the disparity in length and size between the right and left legs is suggestive of chronic joint disease, probably dating back to childhood. The differential diagnosis suggested by the morphological and x-ray appearance of the joint includes septic arthritis and juvenile chronic arthritis.

O N THE RELIABILITY OF NON-METRICAL MORPHOLOGICAL SEX DETERMINATION OF THE SKULL COMPARED WITH THAT OF THE PELVIS IN THE LOW COUNTRIES

G.J.R. Maat*, R.W. Mastwijk** & E.A. van der Velde***, Centre for Physical Anthropology, Department of Anatomy, Leiden University*, Dept. of Natural History, State Service for Archaeological Investigations in The Netherlands, Amersfoort**, Dept. of Medical Statistics, Leiden University* * * (The Netherlands).

To study the feasibility of using the skull for sex determination, 202 adult human skeletons with pelves from the city of Dordrecht (AD 1275-1572) were analyzed, using recommendations from the

Maastricht Meeting Report 13

1980 Workshop of European Anthropologists. Sex was determined by non-metrical morphological sex features of the skull (cranium plus mandible), cranium and mandible separately, versus those of the pelvis. The reliability of the pelvic sex diagnosis was verified by evaluating the frequency distribution of the degrees of sexualization of the pelves. The sex diagnoses of the skull, cranium, and mandible corresponded to that of the pelvis in 96.2% (N= 106), 95.7% (N= 140) and 69.5% (N= 118) of the cases respectively. With female pelves (N = 64), 51.6% of the related mandibles were diagnosed as 'male.' A caveat must therefore be entered in the use of the mandible for the determination of sex.

ON THE CAUSES OF INFANT DEATH: INDICATIONS FROM HUMAN SKELETAL REMAINS

D. Mancinelli*, A. Coppa**, M. Lucci** & L. Capasso***, Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Universiti dell'Aquila*, Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e dell'uomo, UniversitA degli Studi di Roma**, Department of Anthropology, National Archeological Museum, Chieti*** (Italy)

It is difficult to make a complete 'screening' of paleopathological lesions on the basis of the examination of skeletal remains, because some diseases do not leave on the bones clear, unequivocal evidence for their occurrence. This problem is compounded in infants by the difficulties that researchers have in finding remains within archaeological contexts, but even reduced sample populations can supply some information on the causes of infant mortality over time, and on the prevalence of individual diseases. As an example, this study reports on a mass grave dating to the second half of the 15th century, found during the excavation of San Lorenzo in Damaso in Rome's Palazzo della Cancelleria. It contained the skeletal remains of plague victims, and illustrates the application of paleodemographic data to paleopathology.

TAPHONOMIC STUDIES OF FOSSIL HOMINID MATERIAL FROM THE ACHEULEAN SITE OF C A ~ L DI GUIDO NEAR ROME

R. Mariani-Costantini*, S. Caramiello**, F. Verginelli* & L. Capasso**, Laboratorio di Patologia Generale, UniversitA Gabriele D'Annunzio*, Laboratorio di Antropologia della Sovrintendenza Archeologica* *, Chieti (Italy)

Fossil hominid material from the Acheulean site of Caste1 di Guido consists of two parts of femora, an occipital fragment, a fragmentary right maxilla, a part of parietal bone and a significant part of the temporal bone, which articulates with the parietal fragment. They are comparable to other archaic European specimens and their morphology includes several traits reminiscent of Homo erecfus. Most bear evidence of fractures that occurred in the fresh state, and a femoral fragment has clear carnivore puncture marks. Other scratches and linear marks are evident on the cortical surface of most of the human bones; this report analyses their characteristics and distribution. The studies may shed light on the taphonomy of the Caste1 di Guido human fossils and on the hypothesis of cannibalism in Europe during the late Middle Pleistocene.

A PERSPECTIVE ON BR~MSH ARCHAEOLOGICAL

RESEARCH ON HUMAN REMAINS

S. Mays, Ancient Monuments Laboratory, English Heritage, London (United Kingdom)

Using counts of papers published in academic journals, an attempt was made to discern something of the character of the research carried out by British workers on human skeletal remains from archaeological sites. One aim was to try to assess the degree of emphasis that there is on paleopathology as opposed to other areas of osteoarchaeological study, and to determine more closely the nature of paleopathological enquiry in the UK. Comparisons were made with research carried out in other nations.

A CHARIOT DRIVER OF THE BRONZE AGE FROM SOUTHERN SIBERIA: A CASE OF INJURY

(poster)

M.B. Mednikova, Department of Physical Anthropology, Institute of Archaeology of RAS, Moscow (Russia)

14 Maastricht Meeting Report

At the Sukhanikha burial site, Burial #15 of object #4, dated to the Kammenolog' Period of the Karasuk culture (14th century BC), was of special interest. A bronze plate with curved hornlike ends, believed to be the sign of a chariot warrior, was found in the belt area of a male skeleton, 20-29 years old. A bone projectile (edge length 17 mm, total length 28 mm) was embedded in the right portion of the body of the third lumbar vertebra. There were no traces of healing or inflammation, and the neural canal was not affected. Other conditions found were enamel hypoplasia, numerous Harris lines in the long bones, marginal erosion with partially proliferated borders on the inferior-medial surface of the third metatarsal, and features of osteochondrosis intervertebralis of some cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.

THE HISTOLOGICAL PICTURE OF AN

OSIEOSARCOMA FROM THE EARLY MEDIEVAL AGES IN ENGLAND (poster)

A. Nemeckovd*, E. Strouhal** & L. Vyhninek***, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology, Pilsen*, Institute for the History of Medicine, Charles University**, Radiodiagnostic Clinics, Medical Faculty* * *, Prague (Czech Republic)

The skeleton of a 19/20 year old man was found in tomb number two from the 5th to 8th centuries AD Anglo-Saxon burial ground in Standlake, Oxon. An irregularly round bone formation, thirty centimeters in diameter, grew from the center of the left femoral diaphysis, and in 1995 we obtained permission from the British Museum of Natural History to make a full macroscopic, radiologic, and histologic examination. The typical localization on the femur, the youth of the affected man, and the macroscopic as well as the microscopic morphology of the studied formation all indicate a malignant tumor of the osteosarcoma type. The occurrence of this type of tumor in archaeological material is rare; perhaps fifteen cases have been registered.

CORONARY ARTERIOSCLEROSIS IN AN EGYPTIAN MALE MUMMY (poster)

A. Nerlich, F. Parsche, I. Wiest & J. Tubel, Pathologisches Institut der Universitat Munchen (Germany)

This report describes macroscopic and histomorphological findings in the well-preserved mummy torso of a 40-60 year old man from the necropolis of Dra' Abu el Naga on the west bank of the Nile near Thebes-West in Upper Egypt. The torso was excavated from a New Empire tomb (#93.11), but exact dating of the mummy is not yet available. The heart revealed several coronary arteries with focally thickened vascular intima as seen in atheromatosis, and also considerable intimal fibrosis. The vascular lumen was not significantly narrowed, but we observed focal interstitial fibrosis in the heart muscle. To summarise, this is a heart with coronary arteriosclerosis as seen today, indicating that the risk factors for arteriosclerosis must have been operative in at least a few individuals in ancient Egypt.

EVIDENCE FOR LANGERHANS CELL HISTlOCYTOSIS IN AN INFANT FROM A LATE ROMAN CEMETERY§ (poster)

A. Nerlich* & A. Zink.**, Pathologisches Institut der Universitat Munchen*, Institut fiir Ant hropologie und Humangene tik der Universitat Munchen* * (Germany)

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a tumor-like disease mostly affecting bone tissue of children and adolescents. We report on the skeletal remains of a child (infans 11) from a late Roman cemetery (AD 300-400) in Neuburg/Donau (south Germany), showing multiple well-delineated gyriforme osteolytic lesions present in the skull, right femur and part of the iliac bone. Radiographs confirm the lack of significant osteoblastic reaction. Due to the morphology of these lesions and the child's age, we assume that the child suffered from LCH, which is a tumor-like lesion of the bone of yet unknown etiology. Other differential diagnoses could be excluded for specific reasons. We assume that the affected individual most probably suffered from the intermediate M. Hand-Schuller-Christian form.

8 In memory of Dr. Franz Parsche.

Maastricht Meeting Report 15

A WELL-PRESERVED PALEOPATHOLOGICAL CASE

OF TREPONEMATOSIS FROM HUNGARY (poster)

Gy. Pilfi*, E. MolnAr*, Gy. Szekely**, M. Panuel*** & 0. Dutour****, Department of Anthropology, J6zsef Attila University, Szeged*, Katona J6zsef Museum, KecskemCt * * (Hungary), Service d'Imagerie MCdicale* * *, Laboratoire d'Anthropologie Biologique* ***, Universitk de la Mediterranke, Marseille (France)

Our study deals with a well preserved female skeleton found in grave No 330 (of the medieval necropolis of Nyhrlorinc (Hungary). The grave can be dated to the 17th century. The bones showed numerous widespread lesions, including traces of clustered pits that recall the first stage of contiguous gummatous osteo-periostitis. Macroscopical, radiological and CT investigations of the cranial and postcranial changes support a diagnosis of treponemal disease. Differential diagnosis and the geographical situation suggest that the individual may have been suffering from acquired syphilis. The aim of this work is to attract attention to the possibility of the identification of syphilitic lesions in uncommon locations (scapulae, sphenoid, zygomatic bone). Publications of complete cases in a good state of preservation can contribute to further paleopathological studies.

TRACES OF MULTATULI: AGONY OR

DIAGENESIS? (poster)

R.G.A.M. Panhuysen* & Tj.D. Bruintjes**, Saint Servaas Project, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Maastricht*, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Utrecht** (The Netherlands)

Eduard Douwes Dekker (1820-1887) was one of the principal Dutch writers of the nineteenth century. During the last years of his life Multatuli (the author's pseudonym) was troubled by respiratory difficulties, and was advised to take a drug containing arsenic. It is known that he followed this prescription for at least several months. This raises the question of whether the remedy was worse than the disease. His cremated remains were investigated for the presence of increased levels of arsenic; a fragment of his bone

and a reference sample from his second wife's skeleton were analyzed by P E E (Proton Induced X-ray Emission). No traces of arsenic were detected, but high levels of zinc and lead were found. Due to diagenetic processes these elements replaced most normal constituents of bone.

AN UNUSUAL FRAClZTRE OF THE EPISTROPHEUS IN A PRE-COLUMBIAN SKULL FROM PERU (poster)

W. Pirsig*, R. Sokiranski**, A. Nerlich*** & F. Parsche* * * *, Otorhinolaryngology Department, University of Ulm*, Department of Radiology, University of Ulm**, Department of Pathology, University of Miinchen***, Institute for Anthropology and Human Genetics, University of Munchen* * * * (Germany)

In the collection of pre-Columbian Peruvian skeletons and mummies at the Institute for Anthropology and Human Genetics, Munich University, we investigated a skull and the first two vertebrae of a mature male (Cahuachi 549) from the cemetery of Cahuachi on the Peruvian south coast. Skull and vertebrae were examined by spiral computer tomography, rigid and flexible endoscopes and an operating microscope. Both vertebrae showed an unnatural torsion in opposite directions, which markedly narrowed the cross- sectional area of the spinal canal. Spiral CT scan revealed two fine fracture lines in the base of the dens epistrophei. This fracture had strangulated the spinal cord and probably caused immediate death. The possible mechanism of this fatal fracture of the vertebra is discussed.

TECHNIQUES AND METHODS FOR HAIR ANALYSIS IN PALEOPATI-IOLOGY

E. Rabino Massa & D. Meaglia, Laboratorio di Antropologia, UniversitA di Torino, (Italy)

Examining hair can supply important information about the biological characteristics of ancient populations. Samples of hair from twelve Egyptian dynastic and predynastic mummies (4000 - 2000 BC) from the necropolises of Asiut and Gebelen were analysed for elemental components. The

16 Maastricht Meeting Report

results allowed us to distinguish lesions suffered antemortem from others that had occurred postmortem. Among the former, the modifications observed were attributed either to acute or debilitating diseases, or to environmental harm. For the investigation of elemental components, evaluations were carried out through mineralograms, also using synchrotron radiation. Our results allowed us to hypothesize the eating habits of the group and to define the type of trace elements observed in variable amounts, which depended both on the subjects examined and on the examination site on the specimen.

P A ~ R N OF ANAEMIA AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN A 2ND CENTURY AD SUBURBAN AREA NEAR

ROME

R. Ricci*, P. Catalano* *, D. Mancinelli* * *, R. Vargiu** * *, A. Cucina** * *, A. Capelli*** *, & L. Capasso* * * * *, Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Universith Cattolica, Roma*, Soprintendenza Archeologica, Roma**, Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Universith degli Studi dell'Aquila***, Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e delllUomo, Universith La Sapienzh, Roma* * * *, Department of Anthropology, National Archaeological Museum, Chieti* * * ** (Italy)

An assessment of cribra orbitalia and cranial vault porotic hyperostosis in the skeletal population from Vallerano, Rome is used to examine health and living conditions in a second century AD suburban area of the Roman Empire. Roughly two thirds of the 26 skeletons displaying orbital roofs showed signs of anaemia, ranging from a few tiny holes to well-developed bulging of cancellous bone. Of 41 individuals from whom at least one third of the cranial vault was recovered, about one fourth displayed porotic hyperostosis. Differential diagnosis favours iron deficiency anaemia as the causative agent. Comparison with analogous studies concerning populations from diverse sites and time periods suggests a surprisingly low standard of life for a suburban Roman community of relative stability and prosperity; we must ask what environment and habits caused such a phenomenon.

AORTIC COARCTATION IN AN ETRUSCAN OF

THE 6TH CENTURY BC (poster)

I. Rinaldi, A. Calcinai, M. Torino, & G. Fornaciari, Istituto di Anatomia e Istologia Patologica, Laboratorio di Paleopatologia, Universith di Pisa (Italy)

Case reports of cardiovascular disease (CD) are very limited in paleopathology, with the exception of arteriosclerosis in Egyptian and Peruvian mummies. With skeletal remains, diagnosis of CD is always achieved indirectly through marks left on the bones, which sometimes present real pathognomonic features. In this 6th century BC Etruscan (Selvaccia Tomb, Siena) case of adult coarctation, the diagnosis was made from the presence of typical marks ('nail strokes') along the lower rim of the ribs. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AM) of trace elements in bone (especially zinc and strontium) from different individuals in the tomb made it possible to assign the ribs to the affected subject. Osteometric analysis demonstrated longer and more robust bones in the superior than in the inferior limbs, typical of subjects with aortic coarctation.

MORTAL CRANIAL INJURY BY AN IRON ARROW

POINT IN A MEDIEVAL MAN FROM NORTHERN ITALY (1 1TH- 1 2 ~ ~ CENTURY AD) (poster)

I. Rinaldi*, M. Morganti*, F.Mallegni**, R. Domenici*** & G. Fornaciari*, Istituto di Anatomia e Istologia Patologica*, Dipartimento di Scienze Archeologiche**, Dipartimento di Biomedicina***, Universith di Pisa (Italy)

The skeleton of a vigorous man, buried at the end of the 11th century in the Abbey of Fruttuaria at Saint Benigno Canavese (Piedmont, northern Italy), revealed an iron arrow point in the left orbit with its apex still embedded in the occipital condylus. The arrow must have pierced the upper eyelid, all of the eyeball, the infraorbital artery and vein, and the maxillary nerve, and penetrated the infratemporal fossa, the external and internal pterygoid muscles, the internal maxillary artery and the sphenopalatine artery, as well as the pterygoid plexus, the maxillary nerve, with the sphenopalatine ganglion and possibly the mandibular nerve with its branches. The most

Maastricht Meeting Report 17

serious damage was to the pterygoid plexus, certainly incompatible with the subject's survival.

SPINAL DEGENERATIVE PATHOLOGY IN THE GUANCHE POPULATION OF TENERIFE (CANARY ISLANDS)

C. Rodriguez-Martin, Instituto Canario de Paleopatologia y Bioantropologia, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain)

Spinal degenerative lesions are among the most common diagnosed conditions in archaeological populations and reflect the ways of life and the health status in different cultures. Three different conditions are described: spondylosis, discal herniae, and spondylolysis. Spondylosis among the Guanches is reported with a frequency ranging from 20 to 50 percent of adults, most commonly involving the cervical and lumbar segments. Discal herniae (discal prolapse type) appear with frequencies between 5 and 10 percent in adults whereas the intraspongious variant is much less common. Spondylolysis is even less common, with a prevalence of under one percent. Age, sexual and geographical differences in its occurrence have been observed. These data suggest marked physical activity from an early age, although other factors, e.g., heredity, cannot be discarded.

PAGET'S DISEASE IN AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL

POPULATION

J. Rogers, Palaeopathology Study Group, Bristol Royal Infirmary (United Kingdom)

Paget's disease or osteitis deformans is a chronic disease involving disruption of the mechanism of normal bone turnover, leading to a characteristic radiological appearance involving cortical thickening, irregularity of the trabecular outline, and alteration of sclerotic and resorptive areas. The prevalence of Paget's disease in modern populations varies. In the UK 3.6% of the population over 40 years old has Paget's disease, but in France only 1.8% and in some European countries even lower. Examples in paleo- pathological material are not common, but sporadic cases have been reported. The large skeletal assemblage from Barton on Humber

provides an opportunity to examine prevalence in one area of northern England. So far ten individuals with probable Paget's disease have been diagnosed on x-ray appearance. There is a prevalence of 1.87%, lower than the current figure for the UK; the possibility of change of frequency over time or under-recording of cases either through missing skelet a1 elements or missed diagnosis will be explored.

PATERNS OF PERIOSIEAL REACTION IN ENGLAND FROM ROMAN THROUGH ELIZABETHAN EPOCHS

C. Rothschild, & B.M. Rothschild, Arthritis Center of Northeast Ohio and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Youngstown, Ohio (USA)

Paleopathological interpretations of periosteal reaction have ranged from diagnostic to non- specific. New insights were obtained by examining 4th-5th centuries (Poundbury), 6th-10th centuries (Cannington), 11 t h-14th centuries (Winchester) and 18th-19th centuries (Spitalfields) British samples for population frequency, nature, extent, and character of the periosteal reaction. The only periosteal reaction observed in the Poundbury and Cannington samples were 3 isolated tibia1 bulgings. Eight individuals (including children) from Winchester had polyostotic periosteal reactions. Tibial involvement was invariably bilateral. Hand and foot involvement was common. Seven adults from Spitalfields had pauci-ostotic periosteal reactions, sparing hands and feet. Tibial involvement was unilateral in 29% of the cases. Although only traumatic periosteal lesions were found in the 4th-10th centuries English samples, a new periosteal disease appeared by the 11th-14th centuries, only to be replaced by 18-19th centuries phenomena. Second millennium occurrence of a well-defined population phenomenon (periosteal reaction), and its subsequent replacement by another periosteal disorder, clearly document the periosteal reactions as 'specific'.

CASE REPORT OF NON-INVASIVE MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS (CT, ENDOSCOPY) IN A 2300 YEAR OLD EGYVTIAN MUMMY (poster)

18 Maastricht Meeting Report

F. Ruhli*, T. Bani**, & B. Riittimann***, University of Zurich*, Orthopaedic University Clinic Balgrist**, Institute for History of Medicine***, Zurich (Switzerland)

Non-invasive sophisticated medical techniques (CT, flexible mini-endoscope with a diameter of 2 mm) enabled us to collect information from a mummy belonging to the Science Museum, Winterthur (Switzerland), and to explore the limits of such non-invasive methods. Anthropological interpretation showed that this man died at about 40 years of age, cause of death not determined. The brain had been removed through the nose, and embalming liquid in the skull was visible on CT scans and in the transnasal endoscopy. Fractures of the cervical vertebrae and the right femur appeared to be postmortem lesions. The thorax and abdomen contained stuffing materials and organ packages. The lumbar vertebrae showed signs of degeneration. An intra-articular substance of extremely high density was found in both knees and the right ankle (unidentified to date).

A CASE OF PLATYSPONDYLY FROM THE MIDDLE AGES (poster)

M. Sansilbano Collilieux & L. Bortuzzo, Laboratoire d'Anthropologie et de PalCopathologie, FacultC de MCdecine, Caen (France)

In the course of excavations in St. Stephen's Cemetery, located close to the present day cathedral of Rouen, the incomplete skeleton of a disabled, early mature person of very short stature and indeterminable sex was recovered from a grave dated to the 10th century AD. The examination of the bones showed platyspondyly at the eight vertebrae found, pelvic alterations, metaphyseal abnormalities, which were most marked on the femoral neck but also on the distal metaphyses of the bones in the upper limbs, and basilar depression of the skull. The authors discuss the differential diagnosis of platyspondyly. In this case the most probable bone disease in this dwarf seems to be spondylometaphyseal dysostosis of Kozlowski.

A MEDIEVAL CEMETERY IN EVOM (PORTUGAL) - TRAUMATIC LESIONS AND

OCCUPATIONAL STRESS MARKERS (poster)

A.L. Santos & C. Umbelino, Departamento de Antropologia, Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal)

A medieval necropolis was found during archaeological work inside the Museu de Evora, near the Cathedral. It was dated to the 13th century AD by the features of the tombs, which are anthropomorphic and very well constructed. This seems to confiim the assumption, based on osteological and dental evidence, that these individuals belonged to a prominent military class. All 11 exhumed individuals were buried with the head to the west. Two adults shared their grave with a child. The most frequently observed conditions were osteoarthritis, mostly in the vertebrae, and enthesopathies. Their frequency indicates chronic and severe physical stress, probably occupationally related. A perimortem fracture of the sternum in an adult individual had been caused by a cutting object.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS PROVIDED BY SE/BSE-MODE IN SEM: A CASE OF LYTIC METASTASES OF A CARCINOMA (poster)

D. Schamall*/****, M. Teschler-Nicola*, S. Schneller*, P. Hubsch** & H. Plenk Jr.***, Natural History Museum Vienna, Department of Anthropology*, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Osteology* * * *, Clinic for Radiodiagnosis, University of Vienna**, Bone and Biomaterials Research Laboratory, Institute for Histology and Embryology***, Vienna (Austria)

We present the skull of a 40-50 year old female with multiple lytic lesions from a charnel house in Hallstatt, Upper Austria. These were found all over the calvarium and exhibit various stages of development, some forming spiculae. The skull was analyzed macroscopically, with an endoscope, radiologically, and by computer tomography. Bone samples were removed, not decalcified, observed in SE (secondary electron) mode, then embedded in polymethylmethacrylate, sectioned, polished, sputtered with carbon and observed in BSE (back-scattered electron) mode. These

Maastricht Meeting Report 19

multiple lesions exhibit typical features, such as osteolyses, with occasional osteoblastic reactions, as well as a higher frequency of secondary carcinomas. In BSE mode the mineral density of reactive bone and osteosclerotic thickening of the trabeculae could be detected. We diagnose lytic carcinoma metastases rather than angioma or multiple myeloma.

COMPARATIVE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF PRE- COLUMBIAN CHILD POPULATIONS FROM

MEXICO.

M. Schultz*, T.H. Schmidt-Schultz**, K. Kreutz*, W.-R. Teegen*, P. Carli-Thiele*, J. Mansilla Lory*** & C.M. Pijohn Aguade***, Zentrum Anatomie, Universitat Gottingen*, Zentrum Innere Medizin, Universitat Gottingen**, (Germany), Direcci6n Antropologia Fisica, Museo Nacional de Antropologia (INAH), Mexico City (Mexico) * * *

The epidemiology of diseases in child populations excavated at the burial sites of several pre- Columbian settlements was studied by standard paleopathologic techniques. The results provide insights into the pre-Columbian health situation, particularly into the epidemiology of inflammatory diseases in early infancy. In all populations examined, most of the children died before the age of two. There is strong evidence of deficiency and inflammatory diseases. Only one example, the morphological changes on the internal lamina of the skull, is presented. Changes due to inflammatory and hemorrhagic processes of the meninges were observed. The frequency of hemorrhagic and bacterial meningitis is striking. The findings, the differential diagnoses (i.e., malnutrition versus inflammatory disease versus postmortem changes), and the etiology of these diseases are discussed.

CARE IN THE MEDIEVAL COMMUNITY

AJ. Stirland, The Cottage, Lower Green, Woodend, Towcester, Northants (United Kingdom)

Evidence from a medieval parish cemetery in Norwich, England, suggests the presence of a

caring, supportive community. As well as episodes of healed trauma and the presence of chronic infectious disease, two severely disabled individuals survived into adulthood. Number 439 was at first thought to be suffering from a dysplasia, but the general consensus now suggests a juvenile polyepiphyseal disease with arthropathy. Number 253, a young adult male, had widespread osteopenia, with a twisted face, scoliosis, flexion contractures and fused joints; the lesions suggest a neuromuscular disease with paraplegia, possibly cerebral palsy. The presence of these two adults and others suffering from trauma and disease in the cemetery of the poorest parish in Medieval Norwich, strongly suggests that the community supported the physically disabled and people who needed nursing care.

EXAMINATION OF MALIGNANT TUMORS FROM ENGLISH COLLECTIONS: A PROGRESS REPORT

E. Strouhal*, A. NemeckovB** & L. Vyhninek***, Institute for the History of Medicine*, Institute for Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty Plzen* *, Radiodiagnostic Clinics* * *, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic

After Egypt and Nubia, English collections are the greatest source of evidence for malignant tumors in populations of the past. From about 20 published cases, one quarter were entered directly into the database of malignant tumors compiled by the first author. During his study trip to England in 1995 (sponsored by the Wellcome Trust), another quarter was re-examined, and ten other newly detected cases were investigated. Most came from archaeological excavations in England, dated from the Roman Period to the 18th century AD, five were brought from Egypt or Nubia, and one each from Malta and Kenya. All cases were examined macroscopically, radiologically and, when sampling was allowed, histologically (including SEM). Diagnoses, dating, geographical distribution, age, and sex of the afflicted individuals were discussed.

HARRIS LINES AND TRANSVERSE LINEAR ENAMEL HYPOPLASIA IN THE 10TH CENTURY AD POPULATION FROM STARIGARD/~LDENBURG (GERMANY)

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W.-R. Teegen & M. Schultz, Zentrum Anatomie, Universitat Gottingen (Germany)

Skeletal remains (n = 100) from StarigardIOldenburg (Germany) were examined by macroscopic, radiological, light and scanning electron microscopic techniques. The inhumations belonged to rich Slav chieftains or kings and their families, and date from the 10th century AD. The long bones from 89 out of 100 individuals were x-rayed and Harris lines detected in 52 cases (58.4%). Transverse linear enamel hypoplasia was found in 39 out of 87 individuals (44.8%). In the population of Starigardloldenburg, there is a significant correlation between the occurrence of Harris' lines and transverse enamel hypoplasia. Both indicate a higher level of stress in the life of the young boys compared with the young girls of age class infans I. The boys of age class infans I show a higher morbidity, the girls a higher mortality. Perhaps this was caused by sex-dependent parental investment.

VIOLENT DEATHS IN AN EARLY NEOLITHIC POPULATION (7000 BP): TRAUMATOLOGY, POSTMORTEM CHANGES, AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR

M. Teschler-Nicola, F. Gerold, F. Kanz, K. Lindenbauer, M. Spannagi, D. Schamall, & S. Schneller, Museum of Natural History Vienna, Department of Anthropology, Vienna (Austria)

During large excavations at a fortified Early Neolithic settlement (Asparn-Schletz, Lower Austria, 7000 BP) skeletal remains of about 67 individuals were found. The incomplete skeletons were deposited haphazardly at the bottom of the moat of the fortification system. The investigations presented here are based on macroscopic, radiological and scanning electron microscopic techniques. We have found multiple lethal traumatic injuries of the neurocranium and the face. Form and extent of the lesions document the use of various weapons. In addition to the traumatic lesions we found animal tooth marks. The poor preservation of the skeletons can be attributed to animal scavenging. We discuss archaeological and paleopathological evidence for the sudden demise of the settlement.

A RARE CASE OF OSTEOMALACIA IN A

SKELETON FROM A LATE ANTIQUE BURIAL SITE IN LINZ, AUSTRIA (poster)

M. Teschler-Nicola*, M. Kneissel**, D. Schamall*, & K. Wiltschke-Schrotta*, Museum of Natural History Vienna, Department of Anthropology*, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Osteology* * Vienna (Austria)

A very fragile female skeleton (estimated age 40- 45) in the Roman cemetery (1600 BP) of Linz (Austria) showed a considerable number of small fractures near the joints, resembling pseudo- arthrosis. Several bone samples were examined by scanning electron microscope using backscattered electron (BSE) imaging. X-ray imaging demonstrated low mineral content, characteristic for osteopenia, as well as several symmetrical, radiologically dense zones, described in the medical literature as the Milkman Syndrome, present in osteomalacia. The BSE images showed that the mineralized bone compartments are characterized by many areas of recent resorption, enlarged osteocyte lacunae with imperfectly mineralized walls, and large amounts of rapidly assembled immature forms of bone as described for osteomalacia. Although frequent in modern man, this is the first record of this disease in ancient human bone.

ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPHY AND TELERADIOGRAPHY IN THE MUMMIES OF THE ABBEY OF S. DOMENICO MAGGIORE IN NAPLES ( 1 6 ~ ~ CENTURY)

M. Torino*, G. Brogi**, & G. Fornaciari**, Clinica Odontostomatologica, Universith di Napoli*, Istituto di Anatomia e Istologia Patologica, Laboratorio di Paleopatologia, Universith di Pisa* * (Italy)

The jaws and teeth of 25 individuals belonging to a wealthy class of the Italian Renaissance, exhumed in the Abbey of S. Domenico Maggiore in Naples (16th century), were examined by orthopan- tomography (OPT) and right LL and PA teleradiography. Wear was high, and caries, abscesses and granulomas frequent and severe. Serious periodontal disease affected all ages. These conditions, together with the absence of

Maastricht Meeting Report 21

enamel hypoplasia, indicate a diet rich in sugars and animal proteins. There are a number of various dental occlusions. In this sample, the type of nourishment seems to have played an important role; in view of the strong development of the muscular masticatory apparatus, the consistency of the food appears to have influenced the facial skeleton.

WHENCE CAME TUBERCULOSIS TO HAWAI'I?

D.L. Trembly, PHRI Archaeological Consultants, Hilo HI (USA)

The presence of skeletal tuberculosis in Hawaiian populations prior to Euro-American contact (i.e., before Captain Cook) raises the question: From where did it come? Three hypotheses are explored: 1) The Polynesians brought it with them in their migrations across the Pacific from Asia; 2) It was acquired through contact with American Indians during prehistoric times; 3) Some nameless 16th or 17th century tuberculous Spanish sailor was shipwrecked on a Hawaiian island. These three hypotheses are explored through linguistic, archaeological and botanical evidence.

QUANTIFYING IMMIGRATION DURING THE BRITISH EARLY MEDIEVAL PERIOD FROM SKELETAL BIOLOGY

A. Tyrrell, Department of Prehistory and Archaeology, University of Sheffield (United Kingdom)

A pooled sample of cranial non-metric data from 516 individuals excavated from six English early medieval cemeteries (fifth to eleventh centuries) was subjected to a quantitative numerical investigation to explore the possibility of determining minimum immigration rates during this period. This was done using Wright's measure of FST to determine the level of genetic diversity between and within the cemetery populations. Results obtained demonstrated that some immigration must have occurred. Although this was expected, the scale of the influx of new genes was entirely unknown. Calculations showed an immigration rate of between 2.06 and 41.46 individuals per generation of the effective

population. These results are significant, and we conclude that the use of standardized non-metric traits for this type of quantitative study is acceptable.

MOLECULAR DETERMINATION OF SEX IN ANCIENT HUMAN BONES: ANALYSIS OF

MEDIEVAL BURIALS FROM ABRUZZO

F. Verginelli*, R. Palmirotta*, S. Caramiello**, P. Battista*, A. Cama*, L. Capasso**, & R. Mariani-Costantini*, Laboratorio di Patologia Generale, Universitti Gabriele D'Annunzio*, Dept. of Anthropology, National Archeological Museum**, Chieti (Italy)

We developed an original method that allows the simultaneous molecular amplification and analysis of human chromosome X- and Y-specific sequences from cortical compact bone using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The technique was validated by comparative analysis of modern human DNA of known sex and of DNA from medieval bone samples whose sex could be determined using conventional anthropological methods. We then analyzed bone samples from 40 burials found under the Church of S. Maria Aprutiensis in Teramo, Abruzzo. These burials were dated to AD 800-1200 by 14C accelerated mass spectrometry radiometric analysis. Molecular analysis allowed the unambiguous identification of sex in all the samples studied. These results indicate that molecular techniques represent useful and often critical additions to anthropological studies of ancient human remains.

CORTICAL DEFECTS ON THE NECK OF THE FEMUR

T. Waldron, Institute of Archaeology, University College London (United Kingdom)

Cortical defects are often found in children, the commonest site being the distal end of the femur. Defects are also found on the proximal shaft of the tibia and other long bones. They are frequently bilateral, appear to heal spontaneously, and generally produce no symptoms. Five adult cases show cortical defects on the femoral neck, three bilaterally. The lesions are all in the same place,

22 Maastricht Meeting Report

anteriorly, slightly below the lateral border of the articular cartilage. Most are relatively small and appear remodelled. The edges appear to be partly undercut and partly 'rolled,' and the trabeculae are visible in all cases. Only one of the lesions is visible on x-ray. The etiology of these lesions is unknown. There was no evidence for erosive joint disease elsewhere in any of the five skeletons.

PALEOPATHOLOGICAL DATA ON THE HEALTH OF CENTRAL ASIAN PASTORALISTS

P.L. Walker* & L.T. Yablonski**, Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California* (USA), Institute of Archaeology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow* * (Russia)

Paleopathological data were gathered from Russian skeletal collections in the south Aral Sea area and the southern Ural mountains. The south Aral Sea material dates from 800 - 100 BC, and that from the Urals from the Sauromatian period (6th - 5th centuries BC). The first consists of 379 skulls, the second of about 130 skulls. These people were remarkably free of disease. Porotic hyperostosis and dental hypoplasia are rare, and fewer than 5 percent of their crania show evidence of antemortem injuries. Long bone fractures are fairly common in the south Ural collection and a few people show evidence of systemic infections. The comparatively good health of these pastoralists is probably explained by a high protein diet of meat and dairy products, and a nomadic lifestyle that allowed them to escape sanitation problems.

THE REDISCOVERY OF MATERIAL FROM THE 1935 FARINA-MARRO TURIN EXCAVATIONS AT GEBELEIN, EGYPT: A PRELIMINARY REPORT

R. Walker*, Z.H Badawy**, S. Guillkn*** & M.F. Gaballah**, Centre de Recherche, Ligni5res (Switzerland)*, Kasr el Einy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University (Egypt)**, Centro Mallqui, 110 (Peru) * * * Material excavated in 1935 at Gebelein was sent to the Department of Anatomy, Cairo University, and remained untouched until early this year. The collection contains both human remains and

artifacts. There are approximately sixty individuals, mostly adults, all showing some degree of pathology or stress. The material ranges from almost complete mummies to isolated skulls and postcranial bones. The series was not randomly collected and is not suited for population biological studies. We noted conditions such as dental caries, healed fractures and malignancy, and also what we believe to be population-specific occupational stress or habitual use markers, such as 'sharp bones,' 'twisted bones,' unusual dental wear patterns suggesting the use of teeth as tools, and a remarkably consistent incidence of vertebral pathology.

SKELETAL STRESS INDICATORS AND LONG BONE LENGTH FOR AGE IN THE SUBADULT POPULATION FROM ST. PETER'S CHURCH, BARTON ON HUMBER: AN ONGOING STUDY (poster)

R. Wiggins, Rheumatology Unit, Bristol Royal Infirmary (United Kingdom)

The subadult population of St. Peter's Church, Barton on Humber, was examined for skeletal and dental stress indicators. These included cribra orbitalia, dental enamel hypoplasia, and periostitis. The skeletons were divided into two categories: Group 1 - with stress indicators, and Group 2 - without stress indicators. Dental aging was done, and compared to age estimates based on long bone lengths. Dental ages and long bone lengths of the subadults were then compared between Group 1 and Group 2. There was no difference in long bone length for dental age between the two groups, nor in the comparisons undertaken within Group 1. Interim results indicate that stress factors resulting in the above skeletal and dental stress indicators do not have a significant effect on subadult skeletal growth.

PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS IN A FIFTH CENTURY JUDEAN DESERT MONASTERY

J. Zias* & P.D. Mitchell* *, Israel Antiquities Authority, Jerusalem (Israel)*, Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, West Middlesex University Hospital, London* * (United Kingdom)

Maastricht Meeting Report 23

For a confident diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis to be made, sacroiliac and intervertebral joint fusion must be present together with erosive lesions of the peripheral skeleton, including most essentially the terminal interphalangeal joints. We describe lesions from the commingled skeletal remains of eight males and one female from the 5th century tomb of Paulus in the Byzantine Monastery of Martyrius in the Judean Desert. Two males show lesions characteristic of the arthritis mutilans form of psoriatic arthritis, and a third shows less widespread lesions that may represent a pauci- articular form of psoriatic arthritis or, alternatively, Reiter's disease. Their presence in one of the Judean Desert monasteries known for a philanthropic approach to 'leprosy' suggests that during this period psoriasis was one of the diseases included in the biblical umbrella term of leprosy.

PATHOLOGICAL AND DIAGENETIC CHANGES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL BONE: ANALYSES OF THE SUPERFICIAL BONE LAYER OF EAR OSSICLES USING THE ELECTRON MICROSCOPE

B. Ziemann-Becker*, W. Pirsig**, S. Boukercha* * * & M. Teschler-Nicola*, Department of Anthropology, Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna (Austria)", Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ulm**, Department of Material Science, University of Essen*** (Germany).

The differentiation between pathological defects and postmortem erosion of archaeological bones is difficult. Using electron microscopy, we compare ear ossicles from Bronze Age cemeteries with pathological and/or postmortem damage and recent ear ossicles with pathological defects. The comparison of bone changes in these two groups will help clarify the differences between pathological and diagenetic changes. 292 ear ossicles from Early Bronze Age cemeteries in Austria are studied by surgical microscope and endoscope. Seven, each with different but typical bone changes on the surface layer, are analyzed by electron microscope. Eight ossicles from clinical patients, studied by the same method, show severe inflammatory signs of chronic middle ear infections. This comparison facilitates the diagnosis of inflammatory processes and diagenetic changes in the Bronze Age skeletal material.

EVIDENCE OF INFLAMMATORY LESIONS IN THE EARLY MEDIEVAL INFANT POPULATION FROM ALTENERDING (GERMANY)

A. Zink, Institut fur Anthropologie und Humangenetik, Munchen (Germany)

192 infant skeletons from the site of Altenerding in southern Germany (AD 500 - 700) were examined by macroscopic, radiological, light- and scanning electron microscopic techniques. In selected cases immunohistochemical methods were used to provide molecular functional properties of bone tissue. Fifteen skeletons show reactive bone a1 t erations, presumably caused by inflammatory processes. To arrive at a differential diagnosis the methods mentioned above were used to determine the underlying pathological conditions. The sclerotic and lytic lesions are located on the long bones (ten cases), the skull (three cases) and the ribs (two cases). The degree and distribution of bone apposition differ markedly between the individuals. The results show the possible application of the different techniques and their importance and limitations in distinguishing between the individual causes of disease.

DRY BONE HISTOTECHNIQUE (Workshop)

S.A.G.F.M. Cuijpers*, E. Smits** & G.J.R. Maat * * *, State Service for Archaeological Investigations in The Netherlands, Amersfoort*, Institute for Pre- and Protohistorical Archeology, Amsterdam**, Centre for Physical Anthropology, Leiden* * * (The Netherlands)

To stimulate paleopathologists to make use of light-microscopy for their diagnoses, demonstrations were given of simple dry bone histotechniques. The following aspects were emphasized: - embedding of dry or cremated bone:

choice of resin choice of container tissue infiltration vacuum temperature time;

- preparation of sample block for holder: trimming for holder trimming for final sample dimensions;

24 Maastricht Meeting Report

- sectioning with sawing microtome: running water as a coolant sectioning speed control section thickness control;

- mounting sections: collection and adhesion of sections on glass slides staining of mounted sections (if necessary) mounting of glass cover slip;

- examination of microscopic sections: reflection light transmitted light polarized light.

FRACTURES IN ANCIENT BONE (Workshop)

PAM. Hofman & R.G.A.M. Panhuysen, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Maastricht (The Netherlands)

The workshop dealt with various aspects of fracture mechanisms and fracture healing. Topics for this session were the mechanical properties of bone, biomechanical aspects of fractures, the effect of trauma on the soft tissue, and physiological and pathological repai; mechanisms. Special attention was paid to radiological aspects. Examples were taken from clinical material and paleopathological collections. Suggestions for a systematic approach to fracture analysis were presented and its application in paleopathology discussed.

ASAS: ARCHAEOLOGICAL SKELETON ARCHWING SYSTEM (Computer demonstration)

J.L. Talmon* & R.G.A.M. Panhuysen**, Dept. of Medical Informatics, University of Limburg*, Dept.of Radiology, University Hospital**, Maastricht, The Netherlands

We have developed a prototype system supporting the paleopathologist in the registration of skeletons. The major components of the system allow the registration of the site and the grave, drawing up an inventory of the skeleton, and the registration of its features supporting the determination of age, sex and dimensions. In addition, support is provided for the registration

of bone abnormalities. This registration is strongly supported by the graphical user interface. It provides a point and click data entry for theinventory. Both a graphical representation of parts of the skeleton as well as check boxes alongside the textual description of the bones can be clicked to perform data entry. The coding of specific features is supported by providing examples for comparison with the bones to be classified. This has been implemented for example for the spongiosa of the proximal femur epiphysis and for the segmental coding of cranial suture closure. The system, which was developed using Microsoft's Visual Basic and Access, was demonstrated during the meeting.

COMPUTER ASSISTED DIAGNOSIS IN PALEOPATHOLOGY (Computer demonstration)

F.J. Wiesman* & R.G.A.M. Panhuysen**, Dept. of Medical Informatics, University of Limburg*, Dept. of Radiology, University Hospital* *, Maastricht (The Netherlands)

During paleopat hological examination of a skeleton it is important that its features are identified and described in a standardized way. Buikstra & Ubelaker have tried to alleviate this problem by defining precisely the features and their characteristics (e.g., woven bone, sclerotic reaction) in a coding system. The problem remains that opinions differ on the interpretation of the terms used. Our approach to this problem is to supply for each feature images illustrating the different coding values, thereby making a more objective diagnosis possible. This approach will work only if the user can navigate smoothly through the collection of features and pictures. We provide the user with a graphical overview of the various features, pictures and diagnoses, through which it is possible to browse by following links from features to pictures, from pictures to similar looking pictures, from diagnoses to features, etc. The user is completely free and not constrained to follow any pre-defined path. The system, which currently contains information only on tibiae, was demonstrated during the meeting.

Scientific committee

Organising committee

Meeting Report Editor Editorial assistance

W.H.M. Bouts L. Capasso T.S. Constandse-Westermann G J.R. Maat K. Manchester M. Schultz A.J. Stirland

W.H.M. Bouts Tj.D. Bruintjes T.S. Constandse-Westermann G.J.R. Maat R.GA.M. Panhuysen E. Smits

E. Cockburn T.A. Reyman

We wish to express our gratitude to these organisations for their generosity in supporting the conference:

Het Zilveren Kruis, Noordwijk, The Netherlands Leica B.V., Rijswijk, The Netherlands

Centre for Physical Anthropology, Leiden, The Netherlands University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands

Bureau voor Visuele Documentatie B.V., 's Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands Foundation for Anthropology and Prehistory in the Netherlands, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

John Wiley & Sons Ltd., Chichester, United Kingdom

ISSN 0148-4737