scholarly journals Role of stable isotope analyses in reconstructing past life-histories and the provenancing human skeletal remains: a review

2017 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jagmahender Singh Sehrawat ◽  
Jaspreet Kaur
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Skeletal Remains ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Human Skeletal Remains ◽  
The Past ◽  
Migration History ◽  
Chemical Signatures ◽  
Geographic Origins ◽  
Past Life

AbstractThis article reviews the present scenario of use of stable isotopes (mainly δ13C, δ15N, δ18O,87Sr) to trace past life behaviours like breast feeding and weaning practices, the geographic origin, migration history, paleodiet and subsistence patterns of past populations from the chemical signatures of isotopes imprinted in human skeletal remains. This approach is based on the state that food-web isotopic signatures are seen in the human bones and teeth and such signatures can change parallely with a variety of biogeochemical processes. By measuring δ13C and δ15N isotopic values of subadult tissues of different ages, the level of breast milk ingestion at particular ages and the components of the complementary foods can be assessed. Strontium and oxygen isotopic analyses have been used for determining the geographic origins and reconstructing the way of life of past populations as these isotopes can map the isotopic outline of the area from where the person acquired water and food during initial lifetime. The isotopic values of strontium and oxygen values are considered specific to geographical areas and serve as reliable chemical signatures of migration history of past human populations (local or non-local to the site). Previous isotopic studies show that the subsistence patterns of the past human populations underwent extensive changes from nomadic to complete agricultural dependence strategies. The carbon and nitrogen isotopic values of local fauna of any archaeological site can be used to elucidate the prominence of freshwater resources in the diet of the past human populations found near the site. More extensive research covering isotopic descriptions of various prehistoric, historic and modern populations is needed to explore the role of stable isotope analysis for provenancing human skeletal remains and assessing human migration patterns/routes, geographic origins, paleodiet and subsistence practices of past populations.

scholarly journals The elusive parasite: comparing macroscopic, immunological, and genomic approaches to identifying malaria in human skeletal remains from Sayala, Egypt (third to sixth centuries AD)

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvie Loufouma Mbouaka ◽  
Michelle Gamble ◽  
Christina Wurst ◽  
Heidi Yoko Jäger ◽  
Frank Maixner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Sample Selection ◽  
Human Remains ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Skeletal Remains ◽  
Pathological Changes ◽  
Human Skeletal Remains ◽  
The Past ◽  
A Site ◽  
Capture Sequencing

AbstractAlthough malaria is one of the oldest and most widely distributed diseases affecting humans, identifying and characterizing its presence in ancient human remains continue to challenge researchers. We attempted to establish a reliable approach to detecting malaria in human skeletons using multiple avenues of analysis: macroscopic observations, rapid diagnostic tests, and shotgun-capture sequencing techniques, to identify pathological changes, Plasmodium antigens, and Plasmodium DNA, respectively. Bone and tooth samples from ten individuals who displayed skeletal lesions associated with anaemia, from a site in southern Egypt (third to sixth centuries AD), were selected. Plasmodium antigens were detected in five of the ten bone samples, and traces of Plasmodium aDNA were detected in six of the twenty bone and tooth samples. There was relatively good synchronicity between the biomolecular findings, despite not being able to authenticate the results. This study highlights the complexity and limitations in the conclusive identification of the Plasmodium parasite in ancient human skeletons. Limitations regarding antigen and aDNA preservation and the importance of sample selection are at the forefront of the search for malaria in the past. We confirm that, currently, palaeopathological changes such as cribra orbitalia are not enough to be certain of the presence of malaria. While biomolecular methods are likely the best chance for conclusive identification, we were unable to obtain results which correspond to the current authentication criteria of biomolecules. This study represents an important contribution in the refinement of biomolecular techniques used; also, it raises new insight regarding the consistency of combining several approaches in the identification of malaria in past populations.

scholarly journals Non-Metric Dental Traits in Human Skeletal Remains from Transcaucasian Populations: Phylogenetic and Diachronic Evidence

2014 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anahit Yu. Khudaverdyan
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Skeletal Remains ◽  
Biocultural Diversity ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Biological Distance ◽  
Human Skeletal Remains ◽  
Observer Error ◽  
Dental Traits ◽  
Armenian Highland

Abstract The aim of the study is the assessment of biological distance between populations from Transcaucasia on the basis of the frequency of dental morphological traits. It is well known that these traits are characterised by a high inter-population differentiation, low sexual dimorphism, and their recording is loaded by relatively small intra and inter observer error. The dental morphological traits are successfully used in the description and explanation of the microevolutionary and ethnogenetic processes. This paper presents the results of the odontological differentiation of human populations from Transcaucasia. The comparative analysis was carried out on the basis of 12 groups. From the obtained results, we can draw the following conclusions: The populations of Armenian Highland and Georgia can be differentiated as far as the frequency of dental morphological traits are concerned. They also do not exhibit similar intragroup variability. Biocultural diversity of ancient Transcaucasian populations has not been studied extensively; therefore, delineating some of the patterns of phenotypic variation may be useful for understanding their ongoing evolution.

scholarly journals Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Obesity and Reproduction

Endocrinology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 162 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manasi Das ◽  
Consuelo Sauceda ◽  
Nicholas J G Webster
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Dysfunction ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Metabolic Alterations ◽  
Genetic Manipulations ◽  
The Past ◽  
Calcium Buffering

Abstract Mounting evidence suggests a role for mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, aging, and ovarian failure. Because of the central role of mitochondria in energy production, heme biosynthesis, calcium buffering, steroidogenesis, and apoptosis signaling within cells, understanding the molecular mechanisms behind mitochondrial dysregulation and its potential implications in disease is critical. This review will take a journey through the past and summarize what is known about mitochondrial dysfunction in various disorders, focusing on metabolic alterations and reproductive abnormalities. Evidence is presented from studies in different human populations, and rodents with genetic manipulations of pathways known to affect mitochondrial function.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing the Radiocarbon Dating of Human Skeletal Remains from the Dnieper River System: Archaeological and Stable Isotope Evidence of Diet from the Epipaleolithic to Eneolithic Periods

Radiocarbon ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 741-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm Lillie ◽  
Rowena Henderson ◽  
Chelsea Budd ◽  
Inna Potekhina
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Radiocarbon Dating ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Skeletal Remains ◽  
Resource Exploitation ◽  
Human Skeletal Remains ◽  
Freshwater Resource ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Fish Samples

AbstractRecent research has identified the existence of a freshwater reservoir effect influencing the radiocarbon dating of human skeletal remains from the Dnieper region of Ukraine (Lillie et al. 2009). The current study outlines the evidence for freshwater resource exploitation throughout the period ~10,200–3700 cal BC, and presents the available evidence for the existence of dietary offsets in the 14C dates obtained. We have obtained human skeletal material from 54 Epipaleolithic to Mesolithic period individuals and 267 Neolithic to Eneolithic individuals, from 13 cemeteries, since our research in Ukraine began in 1992. Here, we present the initial results of stable isotope analysis of Eneolithic individuals from the Igren VIII cemetery alongside the Epipaleolithic to Eneolithic samples that have previously been analyzed. When contrasted against the evidence from the prehistoric fauna and fish remains studied, and modern fish species from the Dnieper region, we continue to see variability in diets at the population level, both internally and across cemeteries. We also observed temporal variability in human diets across these chronological periods. The fish samples (both archaeological and modern) show a wide range of isotope ratios for both δ13C and δ15N, which could prove significant when interpreting the dietary sources being exploited. This information directly informs the 14C dating program as an inherent degree of complexity is introduced into the dating of individuals whose diets combine freshwater and terrestrial sources in differing quantities and at differing temporal and/or spatial scales (e.g. Bronk Ramsey et al. 2014).

Reconstructing population size in a Romano-British colonia: the case of Eboracum

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 413-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren J. McIntyre
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Skeletal Remains ◽  
Radiocarbon Date ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Demographic Analysis ◽  
Human Skeletal Remains ◽  
Proxy Data

The field of demography addresses the composition of human populations, their size, structure and development. The sources with which to conduct demographic analysis in archaeology can incorporate proxy data from areas of settlements, historical or ethnographic sources such as census data or parish burial registers, radiocarbon date densities, or human skeletal remains. The present study aims to use data from human skeletal remains to address questions relating to the size of the population of Roman York.

scholarly journals The development and status of forensic anthropology in India: A review of the literature and future directions

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha Baryah ◽  
Kewal Krishan ◽  
Tanuj Kanchan
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Anthropology ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Skeletal Remains ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Law Enforcement Agencies ◽  
Disaster Victim Identification ◽  
Human Skeletal Remains ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Usa

Forensic anthropology deals with the identification of human remains in a legal setting. The primary role of a forensic anthropologist is to evaluate human skeletal remains and ascertain the biological profile of the deceased. Forensic anthropologists thus use their expertise to assist medical examiners, as well as law enforcement agencies. Forensic anthropology was not recognised as a subject specialty of much significance in most parts of the world for a long time. However, now its status has changed, mostly in the USA and parts of Europe. The scope of the subject ranges from evaluation of human skeletal remains to the identification of the living. In the new millennium, the role of forensic anthropologists includes disaster victim identification, photographic superimposition, facial image reconstruction in CCTV footage, gait pattern analysis from video surveillance, ascertaining the age of an individual in absence of legal documents and paedo-pornographic materials. Despite its relevance in human identification, the development of forensic anthropology in India is not very encouraging. Only a few institutions in India include forensic anthropology as a part of the forensic science degree programme, and there are no certified courses in anthropology either. Likewise, there are limited employment opportunities for forensic anthropologists in medical institutes/organisations/universities. This comprehensive review focuses on the status and development of forensic anthropology in India and emphasises the need for its recognition as a specialty of significance. The article also throws light on the comparison of its status in the Indian context vis a vis developed nations.

scholarly journals KEHIDUPAN SURAU DI MINANGKABAU SEBAGAI INSPIRASI DALAM KARYA SENI LUKIS

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 148
Author(s):  
Ferdian Ondira Asa ◽  
Sahrul N
Keyword(s):  
Educational Model ◽  
Ethical Research ◽  
Modern Education ◽  
The Past ◽  
Cultural Phenomenon ◽  
Photo Camera ◽  
Past Life ◽  
New Form ◽  
Current Reality

AbstrakSurau di Minangkabau sebagai tempat ibadah lebih dikenal sebagai mesjid, langgar dan musalla. Kehidupan surau sebagai tempat pendidikan  anak anak pada saat dahulu mendidik anak laki-laki di surau sebagai tempat bermalam, bermain, menggaji. Model pendidikan ini sudah merubah fungsi sebagai pendidikan modern. Fenomena surau masa lalu sebagai konsep dalam bekarya seni lukis, kehidupan surau di Minangkabau sebagai inspirasi dalam karya seni lukis merupakan bagian dari restrospeksi terhadap realita saat ini. Metode penciptaan karya seni lukis melalui  riset etik dan riset emik. Riset etik melalui teknik observasi, wawancara, mengamati dan mendokumentasikan fenomena yang ada di kehidupan surau. Riset emik teknik melukis membuat model dengan menggunakan plastisin untuk objek-objek utama kemudian di potret dengan kamera foto. Potret di jadikan sebagai acuan dalam melukis. Karya seni lukis yang divisualkan pada lukisan realis fotografi yang menceritakan kehidupan surau masa lalu, kehidupan tersebut seperti pendidikan, lukisan mengaji, batapian, bujang surau. Karya seni lukis tersebut bermaksud memberitahukan serta mengajak masyarakat untuk menghidupkan kembali kehidupan di surau. Sebab, kegiatan yang dilakukan di surau tersebut dapat membentuk karakter pemuda-pemudi di Minangkabau menjadi lebih baik. Ekspresi yang hadir dalam penciptaan karya merupakan perasaan marah, kecawa dan sedih, melihat fenomena yang terjadi. Kemudian diterapkan ke dalam karya seni lukis berbentuk dua dimensi, berupa simbol. Simbol yang hadir metafhor dari bentuk surau kemudian didisformasikan, sehingga hadir bentuk baru yang mewakili dari visual peranan kehidupan surau Minangkabau , dengan berpedoman pada unsur-unsur seni rupa.           Kata Kunci: surau, restrospeksi, fenomena budaya, Minangkabau AbstractSurau in Minangkabau as a place of worship is better known as mosques, langgar and musalla. The life of surau as a place for children's education when they first educated boys in surau as a place to spend the night, play, pay. This educational model has changed the function of modern education. The past surau phenomenon as a concept in the work of painting, the life of surau in Minangkabau as inspiration in painting is part of the retrospect of the current reality. Methods of creating paintings through ethical research and emic research. Ethical research through observation, interview techniques, observing and documenting phenomena that exist in surau life. Emik research painting techniques make models using plasticine for the main objects and then portrayed with a photo camera. Portrait is used as a reference in painting. The visualized artworks in realist photography that tell the life of the past, life such as education, mangaji  painting, bujang surau. The artwork aims to inform and invite people to revive life in surau. Because, the activities carried out in the surau can shape the character of young people in Minangkabau to be better.Expressions that are present in the creation of works are feelings of anger, laughter and sadness, seeing the phenomena that occur. Then it is applied to two-dimensional painting, in the form of symbols. The symbol that metaphor comes from the surau form is then informed, so that there is a new form representing the visual role of the life of the Minangkabau surau, guided by the elements of art.  Keywords: surau, restrospect, cultural phenomenon, Minangkabau

Bioarchaeological perspectives on the social experience of prehistoric and historic communities

Antiquity ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 91 (360) ◽  
pp. 1656-1658
Author(s):  
Kathryn M. Baustian
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Remains ◽  
Cultural Development ◽  
Human Biology ◽  
Archaeological Research ◽  
Human Skeletal Remains ◽  
The Past ◽  
Archaeological Interpretation ◽  
Physical Environments ◽  
The Social

Traditionally, reconstructions of social complexity in past societies have relied on a plethora of indicators including, but not limited to, ancient texts, monumental architectural and archaeological evidence for hierarchical leadership, surplus storage, craft specialisation and the density of populations. With the exception of mortuary patterns, particularly the quantity and quality of grave goods, bioarchaeological data have featured less prominently in archaeological interpretation. Over the past 40 years, however, the study of human skeletal remains has been more firmly integrated into theoretical explorations of the past, and the broader development of biocultural models has contributed more fully to archaeological research. The first of the two volumes reviewed here is exemplary of current bioarchaeological approaches that draw on human biology, cultural development and physical environments to understand the human experience.

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