Objective This study investigates fluorine content in the teeth of two 16th-century Italian Renaissance groups. The aim was to examine the relationship between paleo-environmental conditions and dental health in these elite populations. Materials Teeth from three Neapolitan nobles buried in San Domenico Maggiore (Naples) and four members of the Medici family buried in the Basilica of San Lorenzo (Florence) have been analysed. Methods Fluorine concentrations in dental enamel and roots were measured using Particle Induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE) at the NEW AGLAE accelerator within the IPERION HS program. Results were evaluated alongside existing paleopathological data on dental preservation and lesions in both groups. Results PIGE analysis revealed differences in fluorine content between the populations. Individuals from Naples, a volcanically active region with fluorine-rich water sources, exhibited higher fluorine concentrations and reduced severity of dental pathology. In contrast, the Medici, who consumed alkaline-earth bicarbonate waters typical of Tuscany, showed lower fluorine levels and more pronounced dental disease. Significance These findings support the hypothesis that environmental fluorine exposure contributed to differences in oral health. The study highlights the influence of local geochemical conditions on dental pathology and demonstrates the value of non-destructive ion beam techniques in paleopathological research. Limitations The limited sample size and focus on elite individuals restrict broader generalization. Other factors, including diet and hygiene, likely also contributed to the observed differences. Suggestions for Further Research Future studies should include individuals from diverse social and geographic contexts and integrate isotopic and dietary analyses to clarify determinants of dental pathology in past populations.
Objective: This study investigates patterns of nutritional stress in the context of the prolonged armed conflict between Muslim and Christian groups in Early Medieval Barcelona (9th-10th centuries CE). Materials: A total of 115 individuals from the Antics Jutjats Municipals Early Medieval site in Barcelona were analysed, including 71 non-adults (0-20.99 years) and 44 adults (21-60 years). Methods: Morphological characteristics classified as 'Diagnostic of,' 'Highly consistent/Typical of,' and 'Consistent with' scurvy were evaluated macroscopically using a hand magnifying glass. Results: Evidence for possible scurvy was found in 12 of 87 observable individuals (13.8%): 9 non-adults and 3 adults (4 as "Diagnostic of"; 3 as "Highly consistent/typical" and 5 as "Consistent with"). Conclusions: The presence of scurvy in the analysed population reflects significant dietary stress associated with the prolonged armed conflict between Muslim and Christian groups during the 9th-10th centuries CE. The struggle for territorial control generated political instability in Barcelona, disrupting food production and distribution and contributing to nutritional deficiency. Significance: This study contributes to a better understanding of scurvy epidemiology in the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean region. Limitations: Only 115 of the estimated 460 individuals have been excavated and analysed. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the remaining individuals would be necessary to obtain a more accurate estimate of the scurvy prevalence of in this population. Suggestions for further research: Increase the sample using this and other sites from the same period.
Objective Porous skeletal lesion (PSL) is a descriptive term for bone altered by macroscopic perforations or pits. This paper seeks to assist researchers in meaningfully interpreting PSLs by offering perspectives on the currently available imaging modalities and approaches to better evaluate these important lesions. As a macro-morphological category, PSL is diagnostically non-specific; such lesions can result from formative defects, resorptive activity, or their interplay, and may be seen in normal development, disease and related conditions. Methods We outline imaging modalities available for investigating PSL: macroscopic methods, microscopy (including histology), radiography (including computed tomography), and more recent clinical techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging. Results Each modality produced useful information about PSLs and had strengths and weaknesses. Conclusions Although macroscopic observation is often the most widely available, it is frequently insufficient to differentiate proximate causes and ultimate diagnostic probabilities. For a detailed understanding of tissue-level pathophysiology, the high resolution and visibility of internal features provided by micro-CT and microscopy are strong diagnostic aids, while clinical modalities (CT, radiography, MRI) offer the advantage of enabling comparisons with PSLs in contemporary populations and links to soft tissue features. Significance The spectrum of techniques now available offers options to all researchers. Understanding the potential and limitations is, however, critical to getting the most from any investigation. Suggestions for future research We advocate for more cross-sectional imaging of PSLs to better understand the etiologies and morphological distinctions of these lesions. Greater integration of clinical techniques and data offers considerable potential for better understanding deceased individuals.
OBJECTIVE:We assess the current use and future potential of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) in bioarchaeology and paleopathology, identifying areas of underuse and offering recommendations for effective, standardized application. MATERIALS:We reviewed articles published 2015-2025 in the International Journal of Paleopathology and International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, supplemented by the Journal of Archaeological Science and Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports (2015-2025) and five frequently cited mummy studies (2010-2025). METHODS:Articles were categorized by how micro-CT was used (active use versus referencing or recommending it) and by anatomical and pathological focus; reporting of acquisition and reconstruction parameters was also evaluated. RESULTS:Across all journals, micro-CT was used predominantly to image bone, with little application to soft tissue, infectious disease, or malignancy, and parameter reporting was inconsistent across studies. CONCLUSIONS:Micro-CT is underused for soft-tissue, infectious, and neoplastic pathologies; its diagnostic value would expand with standardized parameter reporting and closer collaboration with radiologists. SIGNIFICANCE:This review maps current micro-CT use in paleopathology and offers practical guidance, a reporting checklist, and parameter recommendations to support broader, more reproducible adoption of this potentially diagnostic imaging modality. LIMITATIONS:The review focused on a defined set of journals and a non-exhaustive selection of mummy studies. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH:Future work should develop consensus reporting protocols by tissue type and explore AI-assisted analysis of micro-CT data.
OBJECTIVE:This study evaluates osseous changes suggestive of ear inflammation in three individuals from a Classic Period (250-900 CE) Maya skeletal assemblage. MATERIALS:Isolated left temporal bones from two adults and one juvenile from the Cueva de Sangre, Dos Pilas, Guatemala were examined. METHODS:The temporal bones were inspected macroscopically, microscopically, and radiographically. RESULTS:Each individual presented with pathological bone remodeling on the tympanic part, mastoid region, sigmoid sulcus, and temporomandibular joint, and altered pneumatization in the mastoid process. CONCLUSIONS:The bony modifications observed in each individual are consistent with chronic or recurrent inflammatory processes affecting the temporal bone. Possible etiologies include otitis externa, otitis media, and mastoid involvement. The presence of remodeled bone and the severity and intratemporal extent of osseous changes suggest recurrent infection and inflammation. SIGNIFICANCE:Otopathology may have been more common in ancient Maya populations than currently recognized. The individuals described here contribute to our understanding of health challenges faced by the ancient Maya. LIMITATIONS:Because these conditions primarily affect soft tissues, the osseous changes observed here are not pathognomonic and must be interpreted within a broad differential diagnosis. The commingled and fragmentary nature of the assemblage precluded attempts to estimate a biological profile, assess bilaterality, and identify comorbidities. SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH:Paleo-otopathological investigations have the potential to inform reconstructions of health, sensory impairment, and lived experience. Temporal bones from Maya assemblages should be carefully examined to better understand the health challenges the ancient Maya faced and their resilience to such health stressors.
