Scurvy complicated with Capnocytophaga sputigena sepsis as a possible cause of death of king Saint-Louis of France (1270 AD).

The cause of death of Saint-Louis is not known, but recent findings indicated that he presented scurvy and inflammatory jaw disease, which has been associated with infection by oral commensals. Here, we have the exceptional opportunity to analyze the relics of the viscera of King Saint-Louis. A 4.3 g sample from the viscera relics of King Saint-Louis conserved in Versailles' cathedral was subjected to radiocarbon dating, electronic and optic microscopy, and elementary, palynological, molecular, proteomics and microbiological analyses including specific PCR and v3v4 16 S rRNA gene amplification prior to large-scale sequencing using an Illumina MiSeq instrument. The measured radiocarbon age was Cal 1290 CE-1400, which was compatible with that of the viscera of St Louis viscera, considering the addition of lime, incense and vegetables within the human organs. Elemental and palynological analyses confirmed a medieval embalming process. Proteomics analysis identified mainly human muscle and blood proteins. Specific PCR for plague, amoebiasis, shigellosis and typhoid fever was negative. C. sputigena was identified as the main pathogenic species representing 10.8 % of all microbial sequences. In contrast, C. sputigena was found in only 0.001 % of samples sequenced in our center, and the 23 positive human samples showed a dramatically lower abundance (0.02-2.6 %). In the literature, human infections with C. sputigena included odontitis, dental abscess, sinusitis, thoracic infections and bacteremia, particularly in immunocompromised patients with oral and dental diseases consistent with recent analysis of King Saint-Louis' jaw. C. sputigena, a commensal of the mouth that is potentially pathogenic and responsible for fatal bacteremia, may have been the cause of the king's death.

Computer-Aided Facial Reconstruction of "Mary-Magdalene" Relics Following Hair and Skull Analyses.

The supposed relics of "Mary-Magdalene" are preserved in Provence (France) in an ancient tradition. They consist of a dry skull and a lock of hair. For the first time, they were officially subjected to an extensive medico-surgical examination by photogrammetry, high-magnification binocular lenses, scanning electron microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray elemental analysis, to propose a full computer-aided facial reconstruction. The preliminary results are presented here.

Mudslide and/or animal attack are more plausible causes and circumstances of death for AL 288 ('Lucy'): A forensic anthropology analysis.

Following a global morphological and micro-CT scan examination of the original and cast of the skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis AL 288 ('Lucy'), Kappelman et al. have recently proposed a diagnosis of a fall from a significant height (a tree) as a cause of her death. According to topographical data from the discovery site, complete re-examination of a high-quality resin cast of the whole skeleton and forensic experience, we propose that the physical process of a vertical deceleration cannot be the only cause for her observed injuries. Two different factors were involved: rolling and multiple impacts in the context of a mudslide and an animal attack with bite marks, multi-focal fractures and violent movement of the body. It is important to consider a differential diagnosis of the observed fossil lesions because environmental factors should not be excluded in this ancient archaeological context as with any modern forensic anthropological case.

[Importance of intestinal paleomicrobiome study for contemporaneous medical problematics]. / Fæces vivos docent - Microbiome intestinal ancien et problématiques médicales contemporaines.

Human gut microbiome composition and diversity increasingly appear as a reliable marker of human evolution within his environment, and of health and its alteration (concept of dysbiosis); as a matter of fact, it can be considered as a strong marker of the disease status of individuals. Thus, in retrospect, the capacity to profile the gut microbiome would offer a great opportunity to identify individual and societal changes to which ancient populations were exposed. A global and diachronic view of the gut microbiome evolution is necessary in order to highlight the potential role of environmental factors or human habits in this process. However, to make the most of its contribution, archaeo-microbiology should aim at being as exhaustive as possible, encompassing parasites which have likely played a major role in the development of the mammalian immune system, and viruses.

Re-emerging infectious diseases from the past: Hysteria or real risk?

BACKGROUND: Work on human remains and old biological samples is a potential source of contamination by conventional or atypical infectious agents. Similarly, current and future environmental changes are a source of resurgence of ancient epidemic diseases. To what extent are anthropologists sorcerer apprentices (especially those working on ancient samples, i.e. paleo-anthropologists)? Are ancient skeletons, palaeosols and museum objects with a biological component at risk for current populations? Unless there are unfounded fears and undue risk… What can be learned from the recent scientific literature and the common sense of the researchers? METHODS: We have attempted to compile data from the literature and from our personal experience in the fields of anthropology, clinical medicine and epidemiology, in order to grasp the reality of the risk to the human population. RESULTS: It appears that the risk is real, but extremely limited. Specific and simple protective measures must be taken in terms of overall and individual health, both in the field and in the laboratory. CONCLUSION: These data are important for the internist, due to the possibility of atypical infections, both in specialized workers and in populations at risk (environmental context).

An incomplete fatal trepanation diagnosed on cremation remains (Rome, Italy, 2nd c. AD).

BACKGROUND: An original case of incomplete (and reasonably fatal) human trepanation is described in this short paper. The diagnosis was made on the cremated remains of a young adult individual who died in Rome, Italy during the 2nd century AD. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The trepanation was incomplete, as death occurred quickly due to vascular lesions, according to the anatomic analysis of the bone piece. Comparable trepanation from Roman times are described and related to this case. CONCLUSION: Even if archaeological, this case highlights the possibility of such a diagnosis on post-fire fragmented bones. Very suggestive lesions of section are of great interest for the history of such a practice during classical Antiquity. Lastly, from a medical and forensic point of view, such a diagnosis may be of interest during any identification process and research for a cause of death during anthropological analyses.