Developing stages of subacromial humeral‐impingement facets in the skeletal remains of two human populations

The humeral impingement disorder (HID) results from degenerative changes in the rotator cuff tendon which allows the humerus to press against the acromion and produce pressure facets on both the acromion and the greater humeral tubercle. A previous study of those below 55 years of age in the two populations defined a system of three morphological categories of subacromial features. The first two categories were postulated to be pre‐impingement while the third, distinguished by erosive pitting at the point of attachment of the cuff to the greater tubercle, was regarded as indicative of degenerative change in the cuff and, therefore, of HID. Extending the study to those over 55 years of age has now added two categories of more advanced HID change. Those on the right side, of dominant use, were always more severe, thus enabling a less severe Category 4 to be distinguished from Category 5, the chief feature of which was a raised facet which could be large or small. Confirmation of the earlier study's conclusions was achieved: the degenerative changes of Category 3 began to be common by 40 years of age in both sexes of the Scottish island people, living physically‐stressed lives; in the more wealthy and sedentary Londoners, this does not occur until 10 years later. Nevertheless, in both sexes in both populations, virtually all those over 65 years of age showed Category 4 or 5 change. It seemed likely that a higher proportion of the Londoners reached advanced ages than among the islanders and so had more time for the progressive disorder to show its full effects; for instance, there were 16 Londoners known to be over 80 years of age. Individuals of that age cannot be distinguished by methods for estimating age from those 15 years or so younger but it was regarded as unlikely that there were more than two or three octogenarians among the islanders. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Directional bilateral asymmetry in human sacral morphology

Directional bilateral asymmetries in human gross skeletal morphology are largely attributable to differential mechanical loading from handedness during endochondral bone growth. While much has been done in the way of identifying directional asymmetries of the upper limb in relation to handedness, comparatively little research has focused on asymmetry in the lower body. The present paper analyses asymmetry in the human sacrum in a sample of 238 modern individuals. Measurements of right and left sides of the lateral and posterior breadths of the alae and the maximum height of the auricular surface were used. Asymmetry was calculated as: [(left side − right side) ÷ right side] * 100. Directional asymmetry was identified using a one‐sample t‐test against a hypothesized mean of zero. Significant directional asymmetry (P < 0.05) was found in all three dimensions. The pattern of asymmetry is consistent with models describing the influence of right‐handedness on the lower body, which predicts that left side dimensions will be larger. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Skeletal pathology of a high‐ranking official from Thrace (Turkey,last quarter of the 4th century BC)

A male human skeleton from Thrace dated at around 320 BC was found in a wealthy tomb 12 km from what is now Tekirdağ, Turkey. The occupant of the tomb died at the age of 40–45 years and has a pathologic left humerus caused most probably by traumatic injury. It is 9 cm shorter than the right humerus. A drainage fistula penetrating into the medullary cavity occurs at its proximal end. Due to severe arthritic destruction, the left humeral head has completely lost normal articulation, with the glenoid cavity of the left scapula displaying, in turn, severe erosive lesions and important reduction in its articular surface. A marked abscess is discernible bilaterally on the chondro‐costal sternal end. The individual also has a hip with a total sacroiliac joint fusion and shows slight or moderately developed exostoses on different parts of his skeleton. These joint destructions most likely indicate that he suffered from chronic osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Legg–Calvé–Perthes Disease and unifocal eosinophilic granuloma in a visigoth from the Duratón necropolis (Segovia,Spain)

Individual number 12, exhumed at the Duratón Visigoth necropolis (Segovia, Spain), was found in a supine position inside a simple fossa without adornments. He was a very robust adult (∼50/60 years) male presenting two pathologies, independently originated and both occurring in a particular anatomical area: the right hip. The first one has been diagnosed as Legg–Calvé–Perthes Disease, and it affects the right femur and the coxal. The femoral head has a diameter that is much greater than usual, with a porous articular surface, no fovea capitis and a marked arthritic secondary growth which is inserted in the femoral neck; the coxal shows a pathological acetabulum larger than the left one, and having osseous borders. The second disease, considered a unifocal eosinophilic granuloma, is in the inner face of the right ilium, and practically occupies the whole iliac fossa. The development of the two pathologies and their probable repercussions on the individual's mobility, on the basis of the study of both the pathological and normal pieces recovered, are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hallux Valgus among an 18th Century Population of the Canary Islands

Hallux valgus is defined as the lateral deviation of the great toe. It is considered a disease mainly related to the use of boots or shoes that constrict the foot. This process usually ensues along many years and is accompanied by changes at the metatarsophalangeal joint, which serve to make the diagnosis on bare bones. Diagnostic criteria include lateral deviation of the metatarsophalangeal joint (1), lateral subluxation of the first phalanx, degenerative changes of the sesamoid articular facets, and exostosis or remodelling of the medial tuberosity. Following other authors, we have defined hallux valgus as the presence of (1) and any of the other three criteria. In a series of the 18th century burials from the church La Concepción, in Tenerife, Canary Islands, we found 35 cases of hallux valgus out of the 117 cases for which necessary data for the diagnosis could be recorded (29.91%). A significant association was found between changes in the left toe and burial site near the altar, where priests and other people of the high social status were interred. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Occipitalization of the Atlas in Archaeological Material from the 16th–19th Century

During the anthropological analysis of skeletal material dated in the 16th–19th century from St Katarina monastery in Split, a female skull with occipitalization of atlas has been found. Anterior part of atlas and foramen magnum were fused, with numerous perforations on auricular surface of atlas. As the age at death was estimated at more than 70 years, it is most likely that this woman had progressive course of illness. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Extreme right parties in Western Europe: the case of the Italian Northern League

Abstract

This article argues that voters of the Italian Lega Nord have been radicalized in recent years, shifting from an intermediate ‘centrist’ position to the extreme right. Data from both national and European mass surveys (e.g. Italian National Election Studies and European Electoral Studies) provide additional support for this shift from left to right and the accompanying changes in criteria (i.e. immigration, democracy, civil rights, European integration, and politics), indicating that Lega Nord voters have evolved into a body that fits the new extreme-right concept well.     

Vote evolution in Spain, 1977–2007: A spatial analysis at the municipal scale

This paper presents a spatial analysis of the results in the general elections of contemporary Spain (1977–2007). By using electoral data at municipal level, we have traced back the evolution of the vote at high spatial resolution, thus providing a more accurate overview of the evolution of modern Spanish politics and offering empirical evidence on the nationalization thesis. We demonstrate that this approach reveals several processes that remain hidden when aggregated data are used, especially the clustering patterns in the smooth transition from dictatorship to full democracy (the so-called Spanish Transition). We found a statistical normalization process of the left/right dynamics with a growing number of balanced municipalities with a similar number of votes for left and right parties. The tendency towards a Gaussian histogram centered on a value of 50% for the left vote is an indication of political normalization after 40 years of dictatorship.     

New evidence for the antiquity of leprosy in early Britain

Examination of skeletons excavated in Dorset has probably produced the earliest example of leprosy known in northern Europe. The site, Poundbury Camp, Dorchester, was excavated under the direction of C. J. S. Green for the Dorchester Excavation Committee from 1966 to 1973. It is a Romano-British cemetery, apparently Christian, and the leprous bones are dated by their archaeological context to the middle of the fourth century AD.The specimen consists of the distal portions of right and left tibiae and fibulae, and the right and left feet. The right intermediate cuneiform is missing, but this may be a post-mortem loss. All parts of the skeleton above the mid-shaft of the tibiae and fibulae have been lost due to modern disturbance. It is therefore impossible to estimate the sex of the individual or its age, but the bones are certainly those of a mature adult.The following pathological changes were noted.     

Life on horseback: palaeopathology of two Scythian skeletons from Alexandropol,Ukraine

In 2006, two skeletons were analysed that were previously excavated from the periphery of a Scythian burial mound, near the village of Alexandropol in southern Ukraine. Dated to ca. 325 BC, both remains are male. The first is that of a youth in his late teens who exhibits indications of biological stress and degenerative changes to the spine in the form of a Schmorl's node. The second is a middle‐aged individual with extensive healed lesions due to trauma to the right humerus and clavicle with associated bony changes of the elbow and spine. Stable isotope analyses indicate a diet based on C3 plants. Their skeletons suggest a rigorous life on horseback. Both may have served as sacrificial victims. Historical records document the strangulation of attendants and their placement around the periphery of royal burial mounds. Grave goods suggest that both were warriors, although the youth lacks the traumatic injuries exhibited by the older male. The individuals from Alexandropol may have served a Scythian king in life and in death. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Observations on the undersurface of the skeletalized human acromion in two populations

In late life, the humeral impingement disorder becomes common due to degenerative changes in the rotator cuff which allow the proximal humerus to press against the acromion in elevation of the arm, so producing facets on the tip region of the subacromial surface and on the lateral margin of the greater tubercle of the humerus. To discover what changes occur prior to those described, 184 acromions below the age of 55 years were examined. During the 18–25 year period, the subacromial surface showed patterns of formation of surface trabeculae of new bone, some associated with union of the epiphysis or with remodelling as a response to the presence of the proximal humerus at a distance of 10–15 mm; others indicated a subacromial attachment of the coraco‐acromial ligament. As early as 30 years of age, flattening of the surface trabeculae of bone was noted in association with compression lipping of the outer margin of the greater tubercle of the humerus, the part that crosses closest to the subacromial surface during elevation of the arm. Although resembling changes found in the impingement disorder, in both populations by the age of 35 years the changes were too common to be so and were not associated with the erosive pitting of the upper surface of the tubercle regarded as the earliest bony criterion of degenerative change in the cuff. It is postulated that, in the normal shoulder joint, in raising the arm, pressure is exerted, perhaps transiently, in the subacromial bursa and adjacent soft tissues which induces the compressive changes described. Probably due to the physically arduous lifestyle of the islanders, these changes occurred earlier among them; so did (but later) cuff degeneration indicated by erosion of the humeral tubercle. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Flatfoot: the palaeopathological diagnosis

Bipedal human motion is related to the original shape of the foot. Distortion and degenerative changes may be caused by failure in the complex chain of movements. There are few references to valgus flatfoot in either the palaeopathological or medical literature. The study of three French medieval series (Macon, Larina and Cutry) in the osteological collections of the CEPAM (UMR 6130 – CNRS/UNSA) at Valbonne (France) enabled us to define several significant osseous signs which provide evidence of abnormal biomechanical constraints following structural change in the foot. The consequences of the change of axis of the talar pulley, abnormal osseous contacts, and evolutionary modifications noticed in some synostoses of the tarsus, are particularly useful for study. Analysis of the location of arthritic change in the joint may produce an additional coherent argument to the diagnosis. The recognition of flatfootedness in an archaeological context provides a marker of health and of distress, which is all the more interesting since bones required for this diagnosis are often present and relatively well preserved in the excavations of burials. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Publishing the world: Perspectives on The Times Atlas

For over a century, The Times Atlas of the World has been a trusted and valued guide to study of the world's geography. For eighty of these 100 years, production of this work has been carried out in Scotland, following in the tradition of Scottish cartographic publishing. In relation to other work on the history of the atlas, and the history of geographical publishing in Scotland, this paper examines the development of the Times Atlas from its first edition in 1895 and considers the challenges posed to atlas production and publishing by the digital age.     

Australian ‘left’ and ‘right’: (Social composition and ideological integrity)

Political self‐identification and interest in politics are used in this paper to define ‘left’, ‘centre’ and ‘right’ affiliation within the Australian public. Detailed political attitudes of these three groups are then analysed. The Australian ‘left’ is half the size of the ‘right’. It is, however, much better educated and much more ideological. Its political attitudes are twice as coherent as the attitudes of the ‘right’. The left's ideological congruence partly results from the better education of its affiliates. However, the difference in ideological congruence of the ‘left’ and the ‘right’ remains quite great even when the impact of education is statistically eliminated.     

Reef,Range and Red Dust: Behind the Atlas of Queensland

Reef, range and red dust are the ‘three Rs’ which sum up the geography of Queensland. The recently-completed state atlas, a joint venture of the Premier's and Lands Departments, was charged with capturing the physical and human aspects of this vast area. This paper recounts the background, decisions, controversies and some technicalities inherent in its production. No human hands, save those of graphic artists, touched the paper of the atlas: it was completely computer drawn and composed. Over 80 external authors were involved. The project took four and a half years and follows a series of other Australian state atlases. In a departure from their tradition, it adopts a ‘popular’ format using techniques more commonly associated with business magazines.     

Humeral Impingement on the Acromion in a Scottish Island Population of c. 1600 AD

Apparently-articular facets on the undersurface of the anterior third of the acromion have been known in skeletal material since 1922 but without full discussion of the mechanism responsible. Twelve instances are described here, selected because an impingement area could be demonstrated on the greater tubercle of the humerus or on osteophytes that had replaced it. Both sides were affected but, with two exceptions, the right more severely; the less affected side could be regarded as an earlier stage. All were affected by osteoarthrosis. One was complicated by coraco-humeral impingement. The anatomical mechanism that normally prevents the humerus from rising against the coraco-acromial arch is described as well as the causes of the breakdown in the mechanism that leads to the impingement, derived largely from the clinical field, where the disorder is well-known. The complexity of the relation of the disorder to degenerative arthrosis is discussed because the degeneration is an age change in which wear and tear plays a localized part and the changes as they affect the shoulder joint differ fundamentally from those in the weight-bearing hip-joint. The mean estimated age of the group of twelve was 59 years but the occurrence of the acromion impingement disorder in young athletes illustrates the part played by mechanical joint abuse. Women predominated in this small group, partly because, through their longer life-spans, their joints were exposed longer to the susceptible period of age-related degeneration and also because their less robust musculo-skeletal systems were less adapted than men's to the equally shared labour. Two traditional women's tasks, corn-grinding and tweed-shrinking, are shoulder stressful.     

A Procedure to Generate Thiessen Polygons

An algorithm to generate Thiessen diagrams for a set of n points defined in the plane is presented. First, existing proximal polygon computation procedures are reviewed and terms are defined. The algorithm developed here uses a rectangular window within which the Thiessen diagram is defined. The computation of Thiessen polygons uses an iterative walking process whereby the processing starts at the lower left corner of the diagram and proceeds toward the right top corner. The use of a sorted point sequence and dynamical core allocation provide for efficient processing. The presentation is concluded by the discussion of an implementation of the algorithm in a FORTRAN program.     

Postcranial anatomy of the early notoungulate Allalmeia atalaensis from the Eocene of Argentina

We redescribe and interpret the postcranial elements of Allalmeia atalaensis Rusconi, found in the Divisadero Largo Formation, Mendoza, Argentina. Allalmeia is one of the few basal notoungulates with preserved postcranial remains. Rusconi initially documented a skull, several vertebrae and part of the appendicular skeleton but these specimens were subsequently lost. Recently though, distal components of the holotype humeri, the proximal portion of the right femur, several broken diaphyses and most of the left and right pes (MCNAM-PV 507), were relocated. Preparation of this material has revealed new details, especially from the plantar side of the feet. The calcaneum has a distal peroneal process with marked rugosity in the lateral end, a well-developed calcaneal plantar tubercle and a large sustentaculum tali. The naviculars exhibit a well-developed medial tuberosity and slightly contact the calcaneum on the dorsal side, a condition called a ‘reverse alternating tarsus’. The disposition and morphology of the cuneiforms are similar to those of more recent typotheres and the archaic ungulate Tetraclaenodon puercensis. The phalangeal rows are oblique to each other, as in some extant digitigrade mammals. The ungual phalanges are claw-like suggesting that they might have borne claws. Long bones are gracile in comparison with other notoungulates, but with well-developed muscle origins and insertions. The use of body-mass allometric equations and a comparison with extant analogues suggests that Allalmeia was a small, generalized, digitigrade animal. An estimated body mass of approximately 3 kg is consistent with oldfieldthomasiids and archaic ungulates.     

Cape Rock Lobster (Jasus lalandii) Remains from South African West Coast Shell Middens: Preservational Factors and Possible Bias

Cape rock lobster (Jasus lalandii) remains in South African west coast shell middens are represented by calcareous mandibles, and by fragments of exoskeleton when preservation is good. Quantification of MNIs and observations on ody size of Cape rock lobsters have been based on counts and measurements on the surviving mandibles. Little is known of the importance of this resource in precolonial hunter-gatherer subsistence, and even less is known about the possible preservational bias affecting the recovery of representative quantitative data from Cape rock lobster mandibles. The latter problem is crucial to resolve in order to understand issues about coastal hunter-gatherer subsistence. Left and right mandibles are not exact mirror images of each other, with left mandibles being consistently larger and thicker than the right mandibles. Moreover, small mandibles measuring between 4·5 and 7·5 mm are much thinner and delicate than large specimens. Due to their small size, however, small mandibles can escape attrition by falling within protective spaces, such as those created under large whole shells. In order to ascertain whether or not left mandibles survive in larger number than right ones, and whether or not smaller mandibles (left and right) break more frequently than larger ones, we conducted basic statistical procedures with quantitative data (frequency and mean size of mandibles) from a variety of depositional contexts. The results show that left and right mandibles break with the same frequency, and that breakage does not bias measurements of mandibles towards the larger or smaller end of the size range. Similar studies will need to be conducted when recovering Cape rock lobster mandibles from depositional contexts different to the ones encountered in the study area.