International Journal of Paleopathology最新文献

{"title":"Eimeria leuckarti in equid coprolites from the Sassanid Era (2nd–6th century CE) excavated in Chehrabad Salt Mine archaeological site, Iran","authors":"Zeynab Askari ,&nbsp;Alireza Sazmand ,&nbsp;Gholamreza Mowlavi ,&nbsp;Frank Rüehli ,&nbsp;Saied Reza Naddaf ,&nbsp;Mostafa Rezaeian ,&nbsp;Thomas Stöllner ,&nbsp;Abolfazl Aali ,&nbsp;Niloofar Paknezhad ,&nbsp;Domenico Otranto","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.11.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This study reports coccidian oocysts in an equid coprolite dated to the Sassanid Empire (2nd–6th century CE) recovered in Chehrabad Salt Mine archaeological site, Iran.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Between 2015 and 2017, an archaeoparasitological investigation led to the discovery of an equid coprolite in the Chehrabad Salt Mine archeological site, (Douzlakh), western Iran. Samples were rehydrated using trisodium phosphate solution and were examined by light microscopy.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Seven oocysts of <em>Eimeria leuckarti</em> (Flesch, 1883) were identified; they were in various stages of sporulation.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This is the first report of ancient coccidian oocysts from equids. The importance of this observation is discussed, and current knowledge of eimeriid oocysts at archaeological sites is reviewed.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>The observations of <em>E. leuckarti</em> increases current knowledge of parasite biodiversity in ancient Iran when it rested along the Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting the East and West that was central to economic, cultural, political, and religious interactions between these regions, and to livestock movement that could contribute to the transmission of the parasites from/to other regions.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>The contextual information about animal species present in and around the Salt Mine during its working periods, including Achaemenid dynasty (6th to 4th century BCE) and Sassanid era (2nd to 6th century CE), is very limited and does not allow secure conclusions regarding the host origin of the coprolites.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for Further Research</h3><p>Application of molecular biology tools to identify the correct host origin of the coprolites and to detect more parasite species is advocated.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"44 ","pages":"Pages 27-32"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879981723000724/pdfft?md5=41e76480bdd97ea6946b207cdfa06cf6&pid=1-s2.0-S1879981723000724-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138474825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating the association between intestinal parasite infection and cribra orbitalia in the medieval population of Cambridge, UK","authors":"Tianyi Wang ,&nbsp;Jenna M. Dittmar ,&nbsp;Sarah A. Inskip ,&nbsp;Craig Cessford ,&nbsp;Piers D. Mitchell","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.11.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>Cribra orbitalia is believed to be a skeletal indicator of chronic anaemia, scurvy, rickets or related metabolic diseases. It has been suggested that it may be used as a proxy indicator for intestinal parasite infection, as parasites often cause anaemia today. Our aim is to investigate this association in the medieval population of Cambridge, UK.</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>Individuals excavated from the cemeteries of the Augustinian friary and All Saints by the Castle parish church, and aged from 7 to adulthood.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We undertook parasite analysis of the pelvic sediment and control samples of 46 burials with intact orbital roofs.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Human roundworm (<em>Ascaris lumbricoides</em>) and/or whipworm (<em>Trichuris trichiura</em>) were identified in the pelvic sediment of 22 individuals, and cribra orbitalia noted in 11 individuals. Barnards test showed no association between parasite infection and cribra orbitalia (p = .882).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>We found no association between infection and cribra orbitalia infection in this medieval adult population, calling into question this hypothesis, at least for adults.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>High or low cribra orbitalia prevalence in adults should not be used to infer rates of intestinal parasite infection.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>The individuals in the study were over the age of 7, with no younger children. It is possible that only parasites which cause marked anaemia (such as hookworm, schistosomiasis or malaria) may cause cribra orbitalia, while less marked anaemia from roundworm and whipworm may not do so.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for Further Research</h3><p>Repeating this study in younger children, when most cribra orbitalia appears to form.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"44 ","pages":"Pages 20-26"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879981723000712/pdfft?md5=c254ce05228664ad02e7e6f3ad305241&pid=1-s2.0-S1879981723000712-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138467941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dental diseases and dental wear as a proxy for dietary patterns in Hellenistic-early Roman Menainon, Sicily","authors":"Antonio Caruso ,&nbsp;Efthymia Nikita","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.11.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This paper explores dental diseases and wear as a proxy for dietary patterns in Hellenistic-early Roman Menainon.</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>This study includes 166 individuals (4th-1st c. BCE).</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Carious lesions, dental calculus, antemortem tooth loss, and dental wear were recorded to explore male-female and adult-juvenile differences, and to position Menainon in the broader Hellenistic/early Roman world through comparisons with published data from other sites.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Males and females showed similar rates of dental diseases. Dental wear, in contrast, was systematically greater in males. Caries rates were high in both adults and juveniles, but adults showed more calculus. The population from Menainon had higher frequencies for calculus and carious lesions compared to contemporary Italian and Greek assemblages, and a similar frequency for antemortem tooth loss.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Some sex-related differences in the dietary patterns of the Menainon population were visible but small. The diet of adults and juveniles must have been similar in terms of carbohydrate consumption but different with regard to protein consumption. The high frequency of carious lesions and calculus compared to other Greco-Roman sites suggests that this population must have had good access to dietary resources (protein and carbohydrates).</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>This paper provides insights on gender (sex-related) and age divisions in the Hellenistic/early Roman society through the exploration of food consumption in a Sicilian assemblage.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>Dividing the assemblage by sex and age group reduced considerably the sample size.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><p>Stable isotopes and dental microwear analyses should be used to investigate dietary patterns further.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"44 ","pages":"Pages 10-19"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879981723000700/pdfft?md5=03eff5b3d1559c97dc41df9f72f6b5ce&pid=1-s2.0-S1879981723000700-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138467937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Activity reconstruction of Rangifer tarandus feet in Fennoscandian -archaeology: Methodological considerations and application to archaeological material from two Sámi habitation sites","authors":"Emily Hull ,&nbsp;Anna-Kaisa Salmi ,&nbsp;Mitchell Semeniuk","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.10.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.10.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This study explores the presence and prevalence of working <em>Rangifer tarandus tarandus</em> (domestic reindeer) through entheseal changes present in <em>Rangifer tarandus</em> phalanges at the Sámi habitation sites of Juikenttä and Nukkumajoki, located in Finland and dating from the 14th to the 18th centuries.</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>Modern samples (n = 23 phalanges, <em>Rangifer tarandus fennicus</em>; n = 60 phalanges, <em>Rangifer tarandus tarandus</em> non-working; n = 72 phalanges, <em>Rangifer tarandus tarandus</em> working) with known life histories. Archaeological samples (n = 22 phalanges, Juikenttä; n = 118 phalanges, Nukkumajoki).</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We analysed entheseal changes on the first and second phalanges of both the thoracic and pelvic limbs. The minute movements of reindeer feet create entheseal changes which are specific to different activity patterns. This analysis was compared to the results obtained from long-bone analysis.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Our results show the presence of working reindeer at both sites and are consistent with previous analysis of the long bones found at the site.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This archaeological application of phalangeal entheseal changes suggests that reindeer phalanges may be used to assess both the presence and proportion of working animals in an assemblage.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>This study provides more evidence for the use of working reindeer as early as the 14th century in Northern Finland. This work also helps to provide archaeological evidence for Sámi subsistence patterns, as well as proving new tools for zooarchaeological assessment.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>Small sample size and taphonomy may affect assessment. Additionally, entheseal changes take time to envelope and may under-represent the number of working reindeer.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><p>Assessment of additional modern and archaeological samples.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"44 ","pages":"Pages 1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187998172300058X/pdfft?md5=ec3b0ef184de0e775980653335971127&pid=1-s2.0-S187998172300058X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136400828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Is the promontory a promising site to diagnose otitis media in paleopathology? A search for evidence","authors":"Stefan Flohr ,&nbsp;Uwe Kierdorf ,&nbsp;Horst Kierdorf ,&nbsp;Albert Mudry","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.10.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.10.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>The promontory of the middle ear was recently suggested to be an appropriate site for diagnosing otitis media (OM) in archaeological bones by endoscopic inspection. The present study scrutinized the underlying assumption that a bulgy, irregular promontorial surface represents a pathological condition.</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>We compared an allegedly healthy individual and an allegedly diseased individual in skeletal remains of two human individuals from the early Medieval period in Germany.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>The specimens were studied using microscopic analyses of thin ground sections.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The osseous architecture of the three-layered promontorial wall was the same in both specimens. Both the contour of the resorption front of the middle layer and the thickness of the overlying outer periosteal layer showed some variation, resulting in an either smooth or a bulgy promontorial surface, while signs of resorptive or proliferative changes at the periosteal surface were missing in both cases.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Our results suggest that an irregular promontorial surface represents normal variation in the development of the otic capsule rather than a pathological condition. We therefore conclude that the promontory is not an appropriate site for diagnosing OM in archaeological bone.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>The study contributes to evidence-based diagnoses in paleo-otological studies. Our assumption is in line with clinical and experimental findings indicating that the otic capsule is protected against bone remodeling.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>Only two specimens were studied.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><p>SEM-studies to detect more subtle changes to the promontorial surface.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"43 ","pages":"Pages 106-111"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71430525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A pathological lesion or a postmortem artefact? An interdisciplinary approach to deal with an interesting early medieval case","authors":"Martina Fojtová ,&nbsp;Jan Křístek ,&nbsp;Lukáš Kučera","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.10.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This study evaluates a case of pseudopathology and the effects that postmortem taphonomic changes and environmental influences can have on bone.</p></div><div><h3>Material</h3><p>A skeleton of a young male from the early medieval site Staré Město, dated to the 9th–10th century CE.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p><span>The skeletal remains were subjected to detailed macroscopic and X-ray examination, and then a CT scan and </span>XRF analysis were performed.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p><span>X-ray examination of the mandible revealed unusually dense structures, whose appearance was not consistent with any known pathology. Based on the results of CT scanning, it was hypothesized that these were cavities filled with </span>alluvial sediment. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), focusing on the determination of the silica content, revealed a high intensity of silica in the samples of the affected area of the bone.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The hypothesis that the inclusions were composed of waterborne sediment was supported.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>Although it is well known that soil can infiltrate bones buried in the ground, its appearance on plain radiographs is not that commonly known. The case illustrates the usefulness of differentiating true pathologies from postmortem alterations to avoid inappropriate interpretations.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>No similar cases have been described.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestion for further research</h3><p>In palaeopathological evaluation, the use of multiple imaging and evaluative techniques should be implemented to differentiate pathological lesions from pseudopathology.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"43 ","pages":"Pages 93-98"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71430524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A mature ovarian teratoma from New Kingdom Amarna, Egypt","authors":"Gretchen R. Dabbs ,&nbsp;Anna Stevens ,&nbsp;Melinda King Wetzel","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.10.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.10.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This paper describes the fifth case of a mature ovarian teratoma reported in the bioarchaeological literature, contributing to the temporal and geographical distribution of known examples of this unusual pathology.</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>An 18–21-year-old female found in situ within a multi-chambered subterranean tomb in the North Desert Cemetery at Amarna, Egypt (founded c. 1345 BCE) was recovered associated with a multi-lobed roughly ovoid calcified mass and two associated teeth identified within the pelvic cavity.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Macroscopic evaluation alongside careful differential diagnosis.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The presence of multiple teeth and their degree of development provided sufficient evidence to identify this mass as an ovarian teratoma found in association with a young woman buried in one of the most richly adorned burials in the non-elite cemeteries at the New Kingdom site of Amarna. The teratoma is interpreted within our understanding of the broader social context of ancient Egyptian medical knowledge.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>This case is the only reported example of a mature ovarian teratoma from Pharaonic Egypt, and Africa more broadly, predating other reported cases by several centuries. It adds considerable temporal and geographical depth to our understanding of this condition in the past.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>This study was limited to macroscopic examination of remains and would likely benefit from either x-ray or CT-scanning of the object to examine the internal structure.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for Further Research</h3><p>Further consideration of the likely physical implications of this pathology, along with the broader social aspects of burial with objects of potential magico-medical significance is necessary.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"43 ","pages":"Pages 99-105"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71430523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The palaeopathology of industry, a perspective from Britain","authors":"S.A. Mays","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>This article considers the position of palaeopathology of ca. 1750AD onward within the subdiscipline of Industrial Archaeology, and reflects upon the relationship between skeletal palaeopathology and textual sources on disease prevalences.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>It draws upon the author’s experience in engaging with threat-led archaeology. It synthesises key elements of palaeopathological literature, emphasising contributions to the IJPP VSI ‘Changes in Health with the Rise of Industry’, and also the broader literature regarding Industrial Archaeology.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Industrial Archaeology has seen a recent refocus to include not only a concentration upon technological aspects of industry but also increased emphasis the social context of industrialisation. This movement toward a placement of people as well as machines centre stage has resulted in an environment conducive for paleopathology to make a greater impact upon studies of the period.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Palaeopathologists need to ensure that their biocultural work is orientated toward research goals of broader relevance if the impact of their work is to be maximised. We cannot directly align prevalence data generated from skeletal and and written sources; roles played by these two sources of evidence will depend, <em>inter alia</em>, upon the problems being investigated.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>The success of ‘Industrial Palaeopathology’ will be measured by the extent to which human remains studies move toward centre stage within the broader discipline of Industrial Archaeology.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>Multiple perspectives on disciplinary development are possible. Academic traditions, relationships between university- and threat led-sectors, and the opportunities and challenges engendered by working with human remains, differ in different countries.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"43 ","pages":"Pages 85-92"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-10-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879981723000578/pdfft?md5=dc44ddce5553d50376109f375ca12dbf&pid=1-s2.0-S1879981723000578-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"61566997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dental health in Roman dogs: A pilot study using standardized examination methods","authors":"Monika Schernig-Mráz ,&nbsp;Anne L. Grauer ,&nbsp;Gottfried Morgenegg","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.09.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.09.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To utilize standardized clinical veterinary methods to analyze dental health in a series of Roman dog maxillae and mandibles and to compare results to modern clinical data.</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>28 skulls of juvenile and adult dogs from three archaeological sites in Switzerland and Germany dating to the Roman period.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Standardized examination was carried out, which included metric radiographic assessment to diagnose oral pathology and estimate age at death. In one case, CT analysis was undertaken.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The estimated average age at death was between three and four years old. Tooth fracture, periodontal disease, the presence of non-vital teeth, and brachycephalic skull form were found in the sample. Tooth resorption was unexpectedly noted.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The study provides valuable insights into the dental health of dogs in the Roman era. Compared to modern dogs, Roman dogs examined in this study appear to have a shorter lifespan but display a high rate of pathological dental disease, while disease patterns were very similar to those of modern dogs. Dogs with pronounced brachycephalic features were found.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>This pilot study is the first to use standardized clinical examination and recording techniques to assess dental health in dogs from archaeological contexts. It provides insight into the dental health of Roman era dogs and offers data upon which cross-populational studies can be initiated.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>The sample size and geographic location of the archaeological sites were limited.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><p>Subsequent standardized studies, preferably in as many different Roman Empire regions as possible, are recommended.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"43 ","pages":"Pages 72-84"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41242637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Observer agreement on the morphology of porous cranial lesions: Results from a workshop at the 2019 meeting of the Paleopathology Association","authors":"Amy S. Anderson","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.09.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.09.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This paper presents the results of a 2019 Paleopathology Association workshop that tested observer agreement on porous cranial lesion morphology and presence using multiple sets of existing guidelines for data collection.</p></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><p>Sixteen conference attendees of varying osteological experience served as observers. Three crania were assigned to each of four published guidelines for identifying and categorizing lesion morphology, for a total of twelve well-preserved human crania from the National Museum<span> of Natural History Biological Anthropology Collections.</span></p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Observers assessed each cranium macroscopically according to its assigned set of guidelines.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Observer concordance was higher using scoring guidelines with higher-quality photographs, such as the 2019 guidelines from Rinaldo and colleagues.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Data collection guidelines with high-quality color photos may support greater reliability of researcher-generated data on macroscopic skeletal features.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>The conclusions of any research study are only as reliable as the data on which they are based. This work highlights the need for ongoing practices of quality control in a field in which much data results from individual judgement calls.</p></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><p>Observer concordance is not a measure of observer accuracy. Sample size is insufficient to draw broadly generalizable conclusions on the reliability of data collected using the guidelines tested, and conference environments are not a facsimile of research settings.</p></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><p>Iterative testing of methodological consistency using larger sample sizes and more non-pathological crania is advised to identify the factors that influence observer discordance and to improve guidelines for qualitative assessments.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"43 ","pages":"Pages 68-71"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2023-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41167585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}