Today, Computed Tomography (CT) is a widely established technique to visualize pathological changes in archaeological human remains. The high definition of the current scanners allow for even small... Show moreToday, Computed Tomography (CT) is a widely established technique to visualize pathological changes in archaeological human remains. The high definition of the current scanners allow for even small lesions to be visualized, therefore giving osteoarchaeologists a powerful tool to investigate disease in the past.The study of chronic maxillary sinusitis (CMS) has received significant attention in the past years as the presence of CMS is generally considered indicative or air quality. We discuss here the methodological implications of using CT scans for diagnosing CMS in contrast to classical endoscopical observation. A total of 32 crania from the Dutch post-medieval rural village of Middenbeemster (AD 1829-1866) were examined both endoscopically and through CT scans. Criteria for identifying CMS included presence of bone spicules and pitting on the sinus walls. 12 cases of CMS were identified endoscopically, and 19 through CT scanning. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in scoring CMS endoscopically or through radiographic imaging (τb=0.246, p=0.170). When investigating differences among features, no statistical difference was found between spicules observed through macroscopical analysis and computed tomography respectively (τb=0.246, p=0.170). The same analysis, however, revealed a statistically significant difference in endoscopically-assessed and CT-observed pitting (τb=0.374, p=0.037). Our results suggest that diagnosis of CMS on human skeletal remains can be confidently performed both through endoscopical and radiological analysis, albeit delivering better performances in scoring bone formation in contrast to bone resorption. Further research is being considered to fully explore the role of computed tomography in the study of CMS. Show less
Casna, M.; Schrader, S.A.; Burrell, C.L.; Schats, R.; Hoogland, M. 2019
n the James Webb Space Telescope and Extremely Large Telescopes era we expect to characterize a number of potentially habitable Earth-like exoplanets. However, the characterization of these worlds... Show moren the James Webb Space Telescope and Extremely Large Telescopes era we expect to characterize a number of potentially habitable Earth-like exoplanets. However, the characterization of these worlds depends crucially on the accuracy of theoretical models. Validating these models against observations of planets with known properties will be key for the future characterization of terrestrial exoplanets. Due to its sensitivity to the micro- and macro-physical properties of an atmosphere, spectropolarimetry will be an important tool that in tandem with traditional flux-only observations will enhance the capabilities of characterizing Earth-like planets. In this presentation we benchmark two separate polarization-enabled radiative transfer codes against each other and against unique linear spectropolarimetric observations of the Earthshine (i.e., sunlight scattered by the dayside of the Earth and reflected back to the planet by the nightside of the Moon) that cover wavelengths from ~ 0.4 μm to ~ 2.3 μm. We find that the results from the two codes agree with each other but both underestimate the level of polarization of the Earthshine. We discuss how we plan to update the two codes to better fit the observations. We also report an interesting discrepancy between our models and the observed 1.27 μm O2 feature in the Earthshine, together with an analysis of potential methods for matching this feature and a discussion on the implications this has for future observations of habitable exoplanets. Show less
Guglielmetti, F.; Delli Veneri, M.; Baronchelli, I.; Johnson, V.; Arras, P.; Blanco, C.; ... ; Villard, E. 2023
IntroductionOsteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease that degrades the cartilage in synovial joints, eventually leading to the direct destruction of bone. Today, OA is often observed in the hands... Show moreIntroductionOsteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease that degrades the cartilage in synovial joints, eventually leading to the direct destruction of bone. Today, OA is often observed in the hands and wrists, yet there have been few dedicated studies in past populations. This research aims to investigate how the living environment impacts the occurrence and patterning of hand and wrist OA in the medieval Netherlands.Materials & MethodsThe skeletal remains of 226 adult individuals from three sites (urban Alkmaar, rural Klaaskinderkerke, and urban hospital Kampen) were analysed to shed light on past prevalence and variation in affected joints between contextually different populations. The operational definition from Waldron (2009) was used to diagnose OA. ResultsExpectedly, a significant relationship between age and OA prevalence was found, χ2(2, N=226)=26.72, p<.001), with older individuals being more affected. Sex did not influence OA prevalence, χ2(2, N=226)=.75, p=0.68). Interestingly, even though the age distribution between the sites was similar, a clear interpopulation difference in overall hand and wrist OA prevalence was observed: hospital (32%), urban (12%) and rural (5%). Joint-specific patterning also showed variation between the sites, with OA predominance in the lateral wrist (thumb-base/wrist joint complex) in the urban hospital population, and in the medial wrist (piso-triquetral) in the urban population. ConclusionsThese results suggest that population context plays a significant role in OA occurrence. Differences in OA prevalence and patterning may suggest different activities or risk factors depending on the environment, which need to be explored further and on a larger scale. Show less
