Dental calculus in the industrial age: Human dental calculus in the Post-Medieval period, a case study from industrial Manchester.

The analysis of dental calculus (mineralised dental plaque) has become an increasingly important facet of bioarchaeological research. Although microscopic analysis of microdebris entrapped within dental calculus has revealed important insights into the diet, health, and environment of multiple prehistoric populations, relatively few studies have examined the contributions of this approach to more recent historical periods. In this study, we analyze dental calculus from an English Post-Medieval, middle-class urban skeletal assemblage from Manchester, England using light microscopy. We characterize all types of microremains, observing heavily damaged starch and plant material, high quantities of fungal and yeast spores, the presence of wood particles, plant (cotton) and animal (wool) fibres, as well as limited quantities of microcharcoal and burnt debris. We observe the presence of non-native, imported plant products, including New World maize and potentially tapioca starch. We compare our results to similar studies from earlier time periods to reveal the impacts of the significant economic, social and environmental changes occurring during the Industrial period in England, including changes in food processing, food access, food storage, and air quality. We conclude by outlining important methodological considerations for the future study of Post-Medieval dental calculus and propose potential areas of future research.

A Transient Pulse of Genetic Admixture from the Crusaders in the Near East Identified from Ancient Genome Sequences.

During the medieval period, hundreds of thousands of Europeans migrated to the Near East to take part in the Crusades, and many of them settled in the newly established Christian states along the Eastern Mediterranean coast. Here, we present a genetic snapshot of these events and their aftermath by sequencing the whole genomes of 13 individuals who lived in what is today known as Lebanon between the 3rd and 13th centuries CE. These include nine individuals from the "Crusaders' pit" in Sidon, a mass burial in South Lebanon identified from the archaeology as the grave of Crusaders killed during a battle in the 13th century CE. We show that all of the Crusaders' pit individuals were males; some were Western Europeans from diverse origins, some were locals (genetically indistinguishable from present-day Lebanese), and two individuals were a mixture of European and Near Eastern ancestries, providing direct evidence that the Crusaders admixed with the local population. However, these mixtures appear to have had limited genetic consequences since signals of admixture with Europeans are not significant in any Lebanese group today-in particular, Lebanese Christians are today genetically similar to local people who lived during the Roman period which preceded the Crusades by more than four centuries.

A review on the management of migraine in the Avicenna's Canon of Medicine.

Migraine is a common type of headache which has a deep history dating back thousands of years. Avicenna (980-1032), a Persian scholar, made a great contribution to neurology including headache and migraine. The aim of this study is to consider Avicenna's description about migraine (Shaghighe in Persian language) including definition, etiology and intervention. Also, his definition and treatment approaches were considered based on current concepts and findings. Although Avicenna believed in humoral theory and divided migraine into two categories, hot and cold, and suggested special treatments for them as well as general considerations, most of his definitions and explained pathologies are supported by current concepts of medicine. He believed that the migraine can result from bone of skull and also intra-parenchymal; or from skull underneath membrane (dura-mater); or reaching substances from the painful side or from outer vein and arteries (extra cranial); or from brain and meninges (pia-mater). Furthermore, current findings show most medicinal plants mentioned by Avicenna for the treatment of migraine can have potentially significant effects such as remedies which stop central and peripheral sensitization [anti-neuroinflammatory agents, decreasing nitric oxide level, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors], as well as serotonergics, neuroprotective agents and analgesics.

An overview of headache treatments during the tenth century.

Although the history of treating headaches spans thousands of years, scientists during the tenth century made unique and significant contributions to understanding, treating, and preventing the development of headaches. In fact, the tenth century saw the ability to differentiate between types of headache and treatments for the first time. This article looks at the contributions of Persian, Anglo-Saxon, and Chinese medicine to the diagnosis and treatment of different types of headaches in the tenth century. It does so with reference to a range of herbal, surgical, and pharmacological methods of treating this ailment. The article also uncovers how tenth-century herbal remedies were effective at explaining the properties of their ingredients in modern terms and concepts including analgesia, anti-inflammation, and antinociception, and explores the way tenth-century treatments relieved painful headaches and prevented their recurrence.

An archaeozoological dataset for 3000 years of animal management in the Netherlands.

This paper presents an archaeozoological dataset listing numbers of identified fragments for domestic cattle, sheep/goat, pig and horse from archaeological sites in the Netherlands dating from the Bronze Age to the Early Medieval period (c. 2000 BC - AD 1050) [1]. In addition to fragment numbers per species, the geo-referenced dataset includes chronological information, site descriptions, and bibliographic references. Data were collected from tables listing numbers of bone fragments per animal species as found in published and unpublished reports. Number of identified bone fragments per animal species form the most basic archaeozoological information. They can be used to reconstruct animal husbandry and human dietary practices in the past. The dataset can therefore be used in spatio-temporal studies of animal use and management across c. 3000 years.

When big data initiatives meet: Data sharing between THANADOS and IsoArcH for early medieval cemeteries in Austria.

This paper reports carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur stable isotope data obtained from bone collagen of humans from the early medieval cemeteries of Hemmaberg/Gora svete Heme and Oberleiserberg located in Austria. The Hemmaberg/Gora svete Heme cemetery, dating from the 8th to the 11th century, comprises 29 graves, from which 15 individuals were analyzed. The Oberleiserberg cemetery, established in the first half of the 11th century, includes 71 graves as well as several incidental finds of human bones, from which 75 samples were analyzed. Both cemeteries show comparable δ13C data (mean for Oberleiserberg: -17.5 ± 1.2 ‰, 1σ; mean for Hemmaberg: -16.4 ± 1.6‰, 1σ). However, the δ15N values of individuals from Oberleiserberg (mean: +10.4 ± 1.5‰, 1σ) are slightly higher than those of individuals from Hemmaberg/Gora svete Heme (mean: +8.8 ± 1.1‰,1σ). The δ34S values were only obtained on the individuals from Oberleiserberg, and show a mean value of -0.9 ± 2.0 ‰ (1σ). Beyond the isotopic data presented in this article, we lay the foundations for cooperation between the IsoArcH database (https://isoarch.eu) [1] and the THANADOS (https://thanados.net) [2] project. While IsoArcH primarily stores isotope-related datasets for bioarchaeology, THANADOS stores data on archaeologically and anthropologically researched burials. Moving forward, IsoArcH and THANADOS plan to work closely together to integrate their databases. This collaboration presents a promising opportunity for both projects to pool their resources and knowledge, offering a wealth of information for researchers and the general public who are interested in anthropology and archaeology.

Osteoma of the zygomatic bone from 16th century Sardinia (Italy) in the framework of a paleoepidemiological study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to evaluate a case of osteoma of the zygomatic bone in a post-medieval individual in the context of a paleoepidemiological approach. MATERIALS: Forty-five skulls from the plague cemetery of Alghero (Sardinia, Italy), dating back to the end of the 16th century, were evaluated for the presence of osteomata on the outer surface of the cranial vault and facial bones. METHODS: Macroscopic examination was performed using standard anthropological methods. The bone presenting the lesion was submitted to radiological examination through cone beam; a 3D reconstruction was obtained with a surface 3D scanner. RESULTS: Only one case of osteoma was observed in an adolescent aged 13-15 years, located on the right zygomatic bone. The lesion consisted of a rounded mass of 0.5 cm in diameter composed of compact bone, as also the radiographic study demonstrates. The prevalence of osteoma on the outer surface of the cranial vault and facial bones in the population of Alghero was 2.2 %. CONCLUSIONS: This case offers the opportunity to enrich the knowledge about the presence of benign tumors among past populations and to evaluate this lesion in dry bone. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides paleoepidemiological data on the scarce area of benign tumors in paleo-oncology and presents the first documented osteoma of the zygomatic bone in paleopathology. LIMITATION: Histological study was not performed for conservative issues. SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH: Increasing the attention to benign tumors is essential to deepen our knowledge about paleoepidemiology of neoplastic lesions.

The first probable evidence of leprosy in a male individual (17th-19th century AD) unearthed in Northern Portugal (Travanca, Santa Maria da Feira).

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the first evidence of a probable paleopathological case of leprosy from northern Portugal. MATERIALS: An adult male, skeleton 403, exhumed from the Christian cemetery associated with the church dedicated to Saint Mamede (Travanca, Santa Maria da Feira), dated from the 17th-19th century AD. METHODS: Standard bioarchaeological methods were used for sex and age-at-death determinations, and leprosy-related bone lesions were identified through macroscopic analysis guided by paleopathological diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: The macroscopic observation revealed probable leprosy-related skeletal lesions, namely tenuous rhinomaxillary changes, bilateral proliferative periosteal reactions on the tibiae and fibulae, as well as concentric atrophy, acro-osteolysis and ankyloses of foot bones. CONCLUSIONS: Skeleton 403 represents a probable case of leprosy according to the nature and distribution pattern of bony lesions observed. SIGNIFICANCE: This finding fills an important gap in the history of leprosy in Portugal. Although historical sources show that the majority of leprosaria were located in the northern part of the country, suggesting that leprosy was more prevalent in this area of Portugal in the past, no paleopathological evidence of this disease was reported for this region to date. Furthermore, the inhumation of a leprosy sufferer in a 17th-19th century AD Christian parish cemetery is deeply imbued with social meaning. SUGGESTION FOR FUTURE RESEARCH: The future detailed study of the remaining skeletons unearthed from the cemetery of the Church of São Mamede will hopefully reveal further osteological evidence of leprosy in addition to the application of ancient DNA analysis to confirm the presence of the pathogen of this disease. Also, further documentary research is needed in order to expand appreciation of the epidemiological and social impact of leprosy in the 17th-19th century AD Portugal.

Comparison of dental caries in Croats from the early medieval period and the 20th century.

OBJECTIVE: To compare dental caries frequency in the Croatian population exhumed from two archeological periods and compare two methods: International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) and DMFT (Decayed-Missing-Filled-Tooth) index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 279 teeth from 69 human remains: Set I of 30 remains and 126 teeth dated from 9th to10th centuries A.D. and Set II of 39 remains and 153 teeth from the recent 20th century. Methods used for caries prevalence were ICDAS and DMFT. Tooth wear was recorded according to the Brabant index. RESULTS: ICDAS scoring system showed significantly higher caries frequency in Set I of 64.34% and in Set II 59.47%, compared to DMFT method with 16.52% for Set I and 28.75% for Set II. Dental wear in Set I showed 73.91% and in Set II 73.15%, so no significant difference was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Depending on the ICDAS or DMFT method used for caries detection, different results have been obtained whereby the ICDAS system has a more precise and advanced approach for caries lesions.

A health crisis during the Japanese Medieval Period: A new paleodemographic perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the "Little Ice Age" (LIA) (in Japan, ˜1440 - 1730 CE) co-occurred with unique age-at-death patterns. MATERIALS: 810 adult human skeletons from the early Medieval Period (EMP) of Japan, which are contemporaneous with the Medieval Warm Period (10th - mid 13th century AD), and the late Medieval Period (LMP) and Edo Period, which are contemporary with the LIA. METHODS: Age at death and sex was determined for each skeleton and demographic profiles of the Yayoi Period (5th century BC - 3rd century AD), EMP, LMP, and Edo site samples were compared. Paleopathological data from previously published reports were evaluated. RESULTS: The EMP had the highest mortality among young adults. Longevity increased in the samples (LMP and Edo) contemporaneous with the LIA. CONCLUSIONS: EMP early age-at-death was the result of poor community health, violent death, and frequent large-scale natural catastrophes. The LMP and Edo Period samples have an older age-at-death pattern and higher frequency of stress markers, argued to be a consequence of a colder climate. SIGNIFICANCE: This study is the first to synthesize paleodemographic and paleopathological data on a large scale to assess the possible effects of the Little Ice Age in Japan. LIMITATIONS: Varying skeletal preservation and focus on adult skeletons reduces the ability to evaluate health throughout the life span. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Analysis of nonadult remains and multiple health indicators will likely shed more light on the effects of the Little Ice Age in Japan.

Temporal changes in childhood health during the medieval Little Ice Age in Denmark.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the evidence of three skeletal markers of childhood health that leave permanent observable changes in the adult skeleton during two climate events, the Medieval Warm Period (MWP) and the Little Ice Age (LIA) that occurred in the medieval period (1050-1536 CE). MATERIAL: A total of 241 adult skeletons from the Danish medieval period were included. METHODS: Linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) was examined macroscopically. Harris lines (HL) and infectious middle ear disease (IMED) were examined from CT imaging. The skeletons were segregated by the mortuary pattern of arm position that coincidentally changes between the MWP to the LIA. RESULTS: LEH and IMED increase in frequency from the MWP to the LIA while there is a reverse trend for HL. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first study that examines childhood health as reflected on skeletal remains of adults using a combination of CT imaging and macroscopic examination for temporal changes in the medieval period. LIMITATIONS: The study did not include any sub-adults due to limitation of methods, i.e. the method of IMED is not yet developed to assess sub-adults. Neither was time-of-occurrence for the skeletal marker included as there is conflicting information from different methods for HL and neither has it been developed yet for IMED. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: A sample of sub-adults from both time periods could be compared by sub-adult mortality, as well as for differences in the timing of skeletal age markers.

Over a Thousand Years of Evolutionary History of Domestic Geese from Russian Archaeological Sites, Analysed Using Ancient DNA.

The European domestic goose is a widely farmed species known to have descended from the wild greylag goose (Anser anser). However, the evolutionary history of this domesticate is still poorly known. Ancient DNA studies have been useful for many species, but there has been little such work on geese. We have studied temporal genetic variation among domestic goose specimens excavated from Russian archaeological sites (4th⁻18th centuries) using a 204 base pair fragment of the mitochondrial control region. Specimens fell into three different genetic clades: the domestic D-haplogroup, the F-haplogroup that includes both wild and domestic geese, and a clade comprising another species, the taiga bean goose. Most of the subfossil geese carried typical domestic D-haplotypes. The domestication status of the geese carrying F-haplotypes is less certain, as the haplotypes identified were not present among modern domestic geese and could represent wild geese (misclassified as domestics), introgression from wild geese, or local domestication events. The bones of taiga bean goose were most probably misidentified as domestic goose but the domestication of bean goose or hybridization with domestic goose is also possible. Samples from the 4th to 10th century were clearly differentiated from the later time periods due to a haplotype that was found only in this early period, but otherwise no temporal or geographical variation in haplotype frequencies was apparent.

Prosthetics in antiquity-An early medieval wearer of a foot prosthesis (6th century AD) from Hemmaberg/Austria.

Even though the earliest prosthetic devices date to the Ancient Egyptian Empire and iconographic sources attest their use in the Greco-Roman world, archaeological evidence for this practice prior to 2nd millennium AD is very scant. In 2013, a skeleton dating to the Frankish period (6th century AD) was excavated at the Hemmaberg in southern Austria. The middle adult male was missing his left foot from above the ankle. In its place, an iron-ring and wooden remains were recovered and interpreted as a prosthesis replacing the lost foot. This represents one of the oldest examples of prosthetic limb replacement associated with the skeleton of its wearer in Europe to date. Analysis through macroscopic assessment, radiography and CT-scanning revealed healing of the lesion even though it may have initially been complicated by osteomyelitis. Atrophy of the left lower leg further indicates immobilisation and suggests survival of several years. Osteoarthritis in the knees and shoulder girdle provides tentative indications towards the functionality of the prosthesis, perhaps aided through a crutch. These findings are set against the historic, archaeological, bioarchaeological and social context of the man in order to discuss whether removal of the foot was due to medical, punitive or traumatic causes.

Qutb al-Din Shirazi (1236-1311), Persian polymath physician in the medieval period.

Qutb al-Din Shirazi, a great physician in the medieval period of the Iranian Islamic age, is also called Allama (polymath) for his extraordinary expertise in almost all fields of contemporary sciences. The peaceful and cultural environment of his hometown and family contributed to his development despite a time of horror from Mongolian repeated invasions of the Islamic countries. Shirazi never ceased learning and researching and migrated widely in order to find scientists to learn from them. He worked in many centres as a teacher and researcher. He practised medicine and educated students, and his books on other fields of science reflect his comprehensive mastery of most of the basic sciences and the humanities. Shirazi 's social and political roles make him one of the paramount of Iranian elites who contributed to the re-establishment of the Iranian-Islamic civilisation after its destruction by the Mongolians in the thirteenth century.

Avicenna's Canon of Medicine: a review of analgesics and anti-inflammatory substances.

Naturally occurring substances mentioned in medieval medical literatures currently have, and will continue to have, a crucial place in drug discovery. Avicenna was a Persian physician who is known as the most influential medical writers in the Middle ages. Avicenna`s Canon of Medicine, the most famous books in the history of medicine, presents a clear and organized summary of all the medical knowledge of the time, including a long list of drugs. Several hundred substances and receipts from different sources are mentioned for treatment of different illnesses in this book. The aim of the present study was to provide a descriptive review of all anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs presented in this comprehensive encyclopedia of medicine. Data for this review were provided by searches of different sections of this book. Long lists of anti-inflammatory and analgesic substances used in the treatment of various diseases are provided. The efficacy of some of these drugs, such as opium, willow oil, curcuma, and garlic, was investigated by modern medicine; pointed to their potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This review will help further research into the clinical benefits of new drugs for treatment of inflammatory diseases and pain.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis or tuberculosis on a medieval child (Oppidum de la Granède, Millau, France - 10th-11th centuries AD).

In 2008, a skeleton of a 1 - 2.5-year-old child radiocarbon dated from the 10th - 11th century AD was discovered on the oppidum of La Granède (Millau, France). It presents multiple cranial osteolytic lesions having punched-out or geographical map-like aspects associated with sequestrum and costal osteitis. A multi 3D digital approach (CT, µCT and virtual reconstruction) enabled us to refine the description and identify the diploic origin of the lytic process. Furthermore, precise observation of the extent of the lesions and associated reorganization of the skeletal micro-structure were possible. From these convergent pieces of evidence, the differential diagnosis led to three possibilities: Langerhans cell histiocytosis, tuberculosis, or Langerhans cell histiocytosis and tuberculosis.

Ancient Down syndrome: An osteological case from Saint-Jean-des-Vignes, northeastern France, from the 5-6th century AD.

The pathological skull of a 5-7 year old child from Saint-Jean-des-Vignes (Saône-et-Loire, north-eastern France) dated to the 5-6th century AD is described. Morphological and radiographic features, metrical data and Computed Tomography (CT) scans are used to study the osteological abnormalities in comparison with normal skulls of individuals of similar age and geographic origin. The combination of features is consistent with the diagnosis of Down syndrome (e.g. brachycrany, metopism, hypodontia, periodontitis, a flattened occiput, vault thinness, and an open cranial base angle), although none is pathognomonic of the disease in isolation. Cases of Down syndrome in past populations are rare, frequently poorly described or discovered out of context. This case represents the earliest and youngest example of the condition in the archaeological record. The context and funerary treatment of this child suggests that he/she was not stigmatized by other members of the community, who afforded a normal mode of burial.

Management of stroke as described by Ibn Sina (Avicenna) in the Canon of Medicine.

Stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is caused by a disturbance of the blood supply to the brain and an accruing loss of brain function. The first recorded observations were in 2455 BC and it has been studied intensely by ancient physicians throughout history. In the early medieval period, Ibn Sina (980-1025 AD) called stroke sekteh and described it extensively. Some of Ibn Sina's definitions and his etiology of stroke are based on humoral theories and cannot be compared with medical current concepts, but most of his descriptions concur with current definitions. This review examines the definition and etiology, clinical manifestations, prognosis, differential diagnosis, and interventions for stroke based on Ibn Sina's epic work, Canon of Medicine. The pharmacological effects of medicinal herbs suggested by Ibn Sina for stroke are examined in light of current knowledge.

Dental and oral diseases in Medieval Persia, lessons from Hedayat Akhawayni.

Persian physicians had a great role in assimilation and expansion of medical sciences during the medieval period and Islamic golden age. In fact the dominant medical figures of that period were of Persian origin such as Avicenna and Razes, but their works have been written in Arabic that was the lingua franca of the period. Undoubtedly the most substantial medical book of that period that has been written in Persian belongs to Abubakr Rabi ibn Ahmad al-Akhawayni al-Bokhari and his book, Hidayat al-Mutallimin fi-al-Tibb (Learner's Guide to Medicine).There are two chapters related to oral and dental diseases in the Hidayat, a chapter on dental pain and a chapter on bouccal pain. Akhawayni's views on dental diseases and treatments are mainly based on anatomical principles and less influenced by humeral theory and no mention about the charms, magic and amulets. False idea of dental worm cannot be seen among his writings. Cutting of the dental nerve for relieving the pain, using the anesthetizing fume, using the natural antiseptic and keeping the tooth extraction as the last recourse deserves high praise.