Objectives The aim is to provide an overview of the nature of the content of palaeopathology articles in the International Journal of Paleopathology during the first ten years of publication (2011–2020), and to compare these results with those from other similar journals. Methods The method used is bibliometry of International Journal of Paleopathology plus nine other periodicals publishing in the

Objective To reveal the presence and activities of healers from funerary contexts. Materials Ethnohistoric and ethnographic textual descriptions and the bioarchaeological record. Methods A synthesis of human remains, grave contexts, and funerary objects. Conclusions The capacity to act as a “healer” forms part of the social identity of a diverse range of uniquely specialized individuals cross-culturally

Objective This article discusses the differential diagnosis of an unusual lesion found in the mandible of an adult male individual (late 19th to early 20th century). Materials A cranium from the Identified Skulls Collection Escolas Médicas of the University of Coimbra, Portugal. Methods Macroscopic analysis, conventional radiography. Results Macroscopically, a conspicuous osteolytic lesion was identified

Objective This paper presents the differential diagnosis of a calcified mass found in the pelvic cavity of an adult male dating to the 10th century AD. Materials Skeletal remains of an adult male exhumed from the cemetery associated with the early medieval church of Riner (Solsonès, Catalonia). Methods The structure and composition of the mass were examined by x-ray imaging, microscopic stereoscopy

Objective To investigate the prevalence of maxillary sinusitis in people who lived in the Middle Nile Valley across different periods, cultures, and environmental conditions. Materials 481 skeletons from 13 sites, curated at the British Museum, London, were analysed. The sites ranged in date from the Neolithic to Medieval periods (c. 4900 BCE–CE 1500). Methods Bony changes within the maxillary sinuses

Objective This study aims to place trepanation in a medieval therapeutic context by addressing its medical use in neurological disorders and by testing the existence of particular dietary care for the sick. Materials Six cases of trepanation found at the St. Cosme priory (La Riche, France) dated from the 12th-15th centuries. Methods Neurological health was explored by geometric morphometrics by comparing

Objective To determine the degree of similarity of biologically related individuals according to the occurrence of skeletal developmental anomalies (SDA), to see whether these anomalies reflect documented biological relationships. Material and methods The sample consists of the skeletal remains of seven members of the noble Swéerts-Sporck family from the 17th-20th centuries. Eighty-nine SDA were examined

Objective To analyse the oral conditions of pre-Hispanic mummies from Gran Canaria (5th-11th centuries AD), comparing the results with published data from the non-mummified population. Materials 440 teeth and 764 alveoli of 30 adult mummies. Methods Macroscopic examination of pathological and non-pathological features of the oral cavity, using standardized criteria. Results The mummies reveal frequent

Objective This analysis aims to clinically and socially contextualize a set of human remains (TBK Br8) with severe systemic skeletal dysmorphology from Tashbulak, Uzbekistan (8th-11th c. Common Era [CE]). Materials One well-preserved and nearly-complete human skeleton. Methods Remains were assessed and documented macroscopically. Results Endochondrally derived skeletal elements in TBK Br8 were observed

Objective Skeletal collections of immature individuals identified by age and sex serve as reference material for studying development in past populations. Several of these collections were established during the Industrial Revolution (IR), a period known for its difficult living conditions in industrial cities. We question if these collections represent useful comparisons from which to explore the

Objective This work aims to discuss the difficulties in diagnosing osteosclerotic changes in skeletonized individuals and to raise awareness of osteosclerotic dysplasias as a group of rare ancient diseases. Materials The skull of a 62-year-old male individual from the International Exchange Skull Collection, curated by the University of Coimbra, who died in 1928 presenting albuminous nephritis (Bright

Objective To link an antemortem cranial injury on the left parietal bone with potential neurocognitive consequences. Materials The skeleton of a male individual from a Székely archaeological site in Transylvania was examined. The skeleton was radiocarbon dated to Cal AD 1450 and AD 1640 and presented a well-healed antemortem penetrating cranial injury on the left parietal bone. Methods Macroscopic

Objective The development of tuberculosis is classically associated with the rise of the Industrial Revolution. Our objective is to test this epidemiological hypothesis for populations in France between the 18th and 20th centuries using osteoarchaeological and historical sources. Materials Osteoarchaeological sources include two skeletal collections from plague epidemics in Provence (1590 and 1722)

Objective To analyze anomalies of a biomineralized exoskeleton of a trilobite. Materials A specimen of Dalmanitina socialis from the Upper Ordovician Letná Formation at Veselá near Beroun, Czechoslovakia, curated at the Czech Geological Survey in Prague. Methods The internal mold and external mold and latex casts were coated with ammonium chloride sublimate and photographed. Results A substantial reduction

Objective To identify the major health problems of the Middle Ages. Bubonic plague is often considered the greatest health disaster in medieval history, but this has never been systematically investigated. Materials We triangulate upon the problem using (i) modern WHO data on disease in the modern developing world, (ii) historical evidence for England such as post-medieval Bills of Mortality, and (iii)

Objective This paper explores the history of TB in Argentina from the pre- Columbian period to recent times in order to evaluate the impact of the industrialization (late 19th and early 20th centuries) on the increasing rates of this disease. Materials Historical, paleopathological, and current epidemiological data were reviewed. Methods Data were integrated under a paleopathological approach. Results

Objective To provide prevalence data for future comparative analysis of the health status of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) accumulated in the archaeological record. Materials Two contrasting assemblages were analysed for pathological and sub-pathological changes: 1) an assemblage of domestic modern rabbit bones; and 2) a non-anthropogenic accumulation of archaeological rabbit remains. Methods The

Objective This study explores whether data relating to rickets from the French medico-historical literature (FMHL) and bioarchaeological grey literature are useful in evaluating its epidemiology during the industrialisation of France. Unlike other European countries such as England, industrialisation in France was a slow and continuous process with two phases: the first in 1830–1870 and the second

Objective To investigate evidence for maxillary sinusitis and pulmonary inflammation in archaeological skeletons dating to the Late Intermediate Period (AD 1000-1476) at the site of Pachacamac, Peru. Materials Thirty-nine individuals (male, female, and unknown sex; 16+ years age-at-death) were analyzed for inflammatory periosteal reaction (IPR) on the visceral (inner) surfaces of the ribs, and 16 individuals

Objective This study tests the argument that industrialisation was accompanied by a dramatic worsening of urban health in England. Materials Family reconstitutions derived from baptism, marriage and burial records for the period before 1837, and from civil registration of deaths and census populations between 1837 and 1900. Methods Age-specific mortality rates are used as indicators of population health

Objectives Enthesophytes on sheep elbow joints are commonly reported in archaeological material. Although these lesions are often described as ‘penning elbow’, little is known of their aetiology. In this study, a new method for recording these lesions is presented, and the effect of age, sex and body size is explored to understand their potential for informing upon past human-animal interactions. Materials

Objective We report a probable case of multiple skeletal dysplasia observed in a Late Iron Age young adult male. Materials The individual studied belongs to a Late Iron Age necropolis from Switzerland. The skeletal elements are well preserved Methods Macroscopic and radiographic assessment. Results The individual shows evidence of both craniofacial and mandibular deformation. Developmental defects

Objective Hallux valgus, the lateral deviation of the great toe, can result in poor balance, impaired mobility and is an independent risk factor for falls. This research aims to compare the prevalence of hallux valgus in subpopulations of medieval Cambridge, England, and to examine the relationship between hallux valgus and fractures to examine the impact of impaired mobility and poor balance caused

Objective Documented cases of anencephaly were used to increase differential criteria of this rare disease. Material Two skulls from a 20th-century documented medical collection at the Moscow State University diagnosed with anencephaly. Methods The skulls were evaluated based on macroscopic qualitative and quantitative morphological signs and X-ray analyses. Results Metric values and morphological

Objective To improve the differential diagnosis of osteopoikilosis in past populations using a clinical case as an example of this rare condition. Materials A patient referred to our Genetic Service with suspected Buschke Ollendorff Syndrome after finding a connective nevus. Methods Radiological images from different body regions were accompanied by a genetic study using next-generation sequencing

Objective This paper presents a probable case of Madelung-type deformity of the right lower arm in an individual from the Merovingian burial ground (7th and 8 th century CE) from Gotha-Boilstädt (Germany). Materials A female individual with an age-at-death of 40−50 years was investigated. Methods Macroscopic, osteometric and radiographic analyses were performed using standard methods. Results The individual

Objective A reappraisal of the available evidence of osteopetrosis in the archaeological record as first step in promoting new approaches to rare diseases in paleopathology. Materials and methods Three different approaches are combined: a survey of the last 50 years of bioarchaeological publications; an online search addressing six of the more widely used search engines; macroscopic and radiographic

Objective To outline the importance of accurate diagnosis in ancient rare diseases by presenting a possible case of Langerhans-cell histiocytosis. Materials Skeletal elements from a well-preserved skeleton of a nine to eleven-year-old, probably female child who lived around 300–400 AD Late Roman Neuburg / Donau (Germany). Methods Macroscopic, radiologic, light and scanning-electron microscopic and

Purpose Improve understanding of the links between biological variables (sex, body size and anatomical position) and adaptive remodelling of autopodia, and the identification of traction use in the archaeological record. Methods A modified version of the recording system for identifying draught cattle in the archaeological record (Bartosiewicz et al., 1997) was applied to a sample of 1509 bones from

Objective This paper will review how different methods employed to study bone loss in the past were used to explore different questions and aspects of bone loss, how methodology has changed over time, and how these different approaches have informed our understanding of bone loss in the past. Materials and methods A review and discussion is conducted on research protocols and results of 84 paleopathology

Objective This paper discusses the possible etiologies for the proportionate short stature of a female individual and provides data to allow the diagnosis of future cases of Turner Syndrome (TS) in paleopathology. Materials Skeleton of a 26-years-old maid, from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection, who died of measles in 1920. Methods Macroscopic examination, imaging techniques, and metric analysis

Objective This research attempts a differential diagnosis of skeletal lesions in a commingled sample from Hisban, Jordan, focusing on non-adults in the assemblage. Materials 2,883 well-preserved skeletal elements and 9 relatively complete skulls representing an MNI of 32 non-adults (<18 years old). Methods All skeletal elements were observed macroscopically and pathophysiological processes underlying

Objective The article reviews the study of rare diseases and their nomenclature, emerging government policies and initiatives, and the concerns voiced by the modern rare disease communities. An interpretive model is then presented for the bioarchaeological interpretations of individuals with paleopathological evidence of rare diseases. Materials In demonstration of the application of the proposed framework

Objective The current study evaluates the feasibility of using clinical cranial computed tomography (CT) scans for assessing the presence and morphology of porous cranial lesions (cribra orbitalia, porotic hyperostosis). Methods Observers (n = 4) conducted three independent evaluations of porous cranial lesions based on photographs, 2-D CT, and 3-D CT scans of archaeological crania. Evaluations of

Objective Review of the current advancements in the field of paleogenetics that provide new opportunities in studying the evolution of rare genetic bone diseases. Material and Methods Based on cases from the literature, the genetics of rare bone diseases will be introduced and the main methodological issues will be addressed, focusing on the opportunities presented by the application of aDNA analyses

Objective This study analyzes two probable cases of Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) from the region of modern Slovakia and provides an overview of possible cases reported in ‘grey’ literature. Materials Two adult skeletons with probable KFS from Vráble-Veľké Lehemby and Radoľa-Koscelisko. Methods Macroscopic analysis was performed using standard osteological methods. Results The two analyzed skeletons

Objective To estimate the prevalence rate of gout and to explore the social factors that contributed to its development in the various sub-populations in medieval Cambridge. Materials 177 adult individuals from four medieval cemeteries located in and around Cambridge, UK. Methods Lesions were assessed macroscopically and radiographically. Elements with lytic lesions were described and imaged using

Objective This research evaluates the occurrence of generalised microdontia and proportionate osteodysplasia in human remains from a Chalcolithic cemetery with early evidence of metalworking in Cyprus (Souskiou-Laona; 3500-2800 BCE). Materials Skeletal and dental remains from Tomb 236 Individual A, in comparison with other human remains from Souskiou-Laona (MNI: 203). Methods Macroscopic, microscopic

Objective Here we present the first known examples of brachydactyly from an Andean archaeological context by describing the affected bones, presenting a differential diagnosis, and discussing the cultural implications of there being shortened metapodials in multiple tombs. Materials 3232 well-preserved tubular bones representing an MNI of 250 human adults. Methods Each bone was visually inspected.

Objective To correlate atherosclerosis (Ath) and osteoarthritis (OA) in mummies from ancient Egypt. Materials Whole-body CT examinations of 23 mummies from the Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung, Berlin, Germany, and 22 mummies from the Museo Egizio, Turin, Italy. Methods Ath was assessed in five anatomical regions by means of preserved arterial calcifications. OA was assessed using the Kellgren

Objective Real industrialization was late to arrive in South Africa and was associated with the development of mining in its northern regions. This paper explores the development and spread of infectious diseases (particularly tuberculosis), against the backdrop of metabolic disease. Materials Published data regarding skeletons from various mining sites and historical information are collated, including

Objective This paper aims to contribute to the definition of ancient rare diseases in skeletons displaying pathologies associated with paralysis. It uses a new suite of methods, which can be applied to challenging cases of possible paralysis in archaeologically-derived human skeletal material, specifically applied to the identification of poliomyelitis. Materials An adult male skeleton from Roman Halbturn

Objective This study tests the hypothesis that industrial development and urbanization negatively impacted the living circumstances and health of inhabitants. Materials The materials used in this study included 881 human skeletons aged 15 years and older from the Medieval (1185–1573), Edo (1603–1867), and Meiji (1868–1912) periods. The Meiji period corresponds to the period when the industrial revolution

Objective This paper aims to provide a quantitative estimation of the representation of diseases defined as rare today in the bioarchaeological literature and to outline the reasons for this. Materials A 45-year bibliometric study of publications in seven bioarchaeological journals, along with two journals and editorial groups of broader scientific focus. Methods Analyses of distribution patterns of

Objective This study--> provides a baseline of pathological and sub-pathological changes in the lower-limb bones of a semi-feral herd of domestic cattle. The purpose is to refine an existing method for identifying the use of cattle for traction using zooarchaeological evidence. Methods A published recording system for identifying draught cattle was applied to a sample of 15 individuals from Chillingham

Objective The skeletal remains of a young individual (Guinigi US 1278) are described and a differential diagnosis is performed to determine the potential etiology of bone alterations. Materials Archaeological excavations conducted at the private funerary chapel of the upper class members of the Guinigi family (14th–17th centuries AD) of Lucca (Tuscany, central Italy) brought to light the fragmented

Objective This study aims to investigate parasitic infection in Italy during the Roman period (27 BCE–476 CE) and subsequent Longobard (Lombard) period (6th–8th CE). Materials Sediment samples from drains and burials from Roman Imperial-period sites in Italy (Lucus Feroniae, Oplontis, Vacone, and Vagnari), Late Antique and Longobard-period burials at Selvicciola (ca. 4th–8th CE), and Longobard-period

Objective This study explores the chemical composition and surface aspects of fossilized dental calculus from the South American Quaternary proboscidean Notiomastodon platensis and the first record of fossilized oral bacteria from extinct megafauna. Materials Blocks of dental calculus removed from the third molar of five specimens of Notiomastodon platensis collected from Brazil, Argentina, and Ecuador

Objective A malformed pectoral joint of the middle Devonian antiarch fish Asterolepis ornata is described, and a survey of congenital malformations in the fossil record is provided. Materials The specimen of A. ornata (MB.f.73) from Ehrman in Latvia, stored at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Germany. Methods A. ornata was macroscopically and radiologically investigated, and the overview on congenital

Objective To provide a comparative baseline for future studies of oral pathology in domestic livestock and to better understand connections between lesion prevalence and biological context in past animal populations. Materials Over 1600 sheep and cattle mandibles recovered from archaeological sites in England between 500 and 1300 CE. Methods A comprehensive investigation of periodontal disease was

Objective This paper seeks to review the possibilities and difficulties in identifying rare diseases in ancient animals. Rare diseases are important in human medicine but seldom discussed in modern veterinary practice. Materials and Methods A total of 1348 pathological archaeozoological remains, most published in the literature, are evaluated. With the exception of a few animal burials, the majority

Objective This study presents evidence of a probable case of holoprosencephaly with cyclopia, which has been rarely reported in the paleopathological literature. Materials The skeletal remains of a male fetus between 36 and 40 gestational weeks from the Collezione Antropologica LABANOF (CAL) Milano Cemetery Skeletal Collection were studied. Methods The bones were macroscopically examined, and pathological

Objective This study considers the evidence for elevated frequencies of “rare” diseases in ancient Panama. Indications of population isolation by multidisciplinary sources allow for the possibility that rare inherited conditions may have been maintained at relatively high prevalences in the region due to gene flow restriction. Materials A sample of 267 skeletal human remains with diverse demographical

Objective Was cancer a rare disease in the past? Our objective is to consider the various terminological, theoretical, and methodological biases that may affect perceptions of the rarity of cancer in the past. Materials and methods We discuss relevant malignant neoplastic biomedical and paleopathological literature and evaluate skeletal data. We selected 108 archaeological sites (n = 151 cancer cases)

Objective Differential diagnosis and tabulation of cases of dental agenesis in Middle and Upper Paleolithic Western Eurasian humans to synthesize this data and to test previous hypotheses about when recent human patterns of third molar agenesis were established. Materials 139 Late Pleistocene human remains and 149 individuals from three Epi-Paleolithic/ Holocene non-agricultural comparative collections

Objective To assesses the patterns of age-related changes and bone pathologies in modern non-draft cattle to assist archaezooological analysis of draft cattle remains from antiquity. Materials The study area is located in the steppe zone of the Southern Urals on the territory of Russia near the border with Kazakhstan. Methods Over 300 bones of modern cattle were examined, mostly metapodials and phalanges

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

Objective Detecting traces of ancient DNA of Vibrio cholerae to provide genetic information associated with the fifth cholera pandemic. Materials Sediment samples from the sacral foramina of four individuals were analyzed, recovered from a mass grave near an institution dedicated exclusively to the isolation and treatment of citizens infected with cholera in the late 19th century in the city of Cordoba

Objective This study discusses the challenges and possibilities of establishing a definition for Ancient Rare Diseases (ARD) in a probable case of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCPD) from the Bronze Age cemetery Kudachurt 14, situated in the Northern Caucasus. Materials We investigated the skeletal remains of a male aged 35–45 years at death. For comparison we examined other males buried at Kudachurt

Objective This paper reviews paleo- and archaeoparasitology publications to date, from Iran. The primary focus is the importance of differential diagnosis and the crucial role of interdisciplinary collaborations among parasitologists and other specialists. Methods All relevant articles and theses published in Iran through October 2020 are included and evaluated, with particular emphasis on the diagnostic