Ronald Beckett

Archaeohelminthology of the Chiribaya Shepherd, Canis familiaris (700–1476 a.d.) from Southern Peru

Abstract Although many studies have been conducted concerning human coprolites, there is a paucity of archaeohelminthological data from nonhuman animals. Eight coprolite samples were examined from dogs associated with the Chiribaya culture, a pre-Columbian agrarian and pastoral society that inhabited the lower and middle regions of the Osmore river in southern Peru between about 700 and 1476 a.d. Tapeworm eggs (Diphyllobothrium sp.) were observed in 3 coprolites. Eggs of the nematodes Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis, and Spirocerca lupi were observed in 3, 2, and 1 coprolites respectively. This constitutes the first report of Diphyllobothrium sp., T. canis, and S. lupi from pre-Columbian dogs in the Americas.

MUMAB: A Conversation With the Past.

In May of 1994, Drs. Bob Brier and Ronn Wade produced the first modern mummy embalmed in the ancient Egyptian tradition. MUMAB (Mummy, University of Maryland At Baltimore) has been studied over the intervening 18 years as part of the Mummy Replication Project, including high‐resolution computed tomography scanning, magnetic resonance imaging, and histological examination. The radiological study of MUMAB is combined here with the firsthand discussion of the processes that resulted in the mummys radiographic appearance. This allows for a close examination of the assumptions made in the radiological study of ancient Egyptian mummified human remains in a way not possible for the ancient remains themselves. Anat Rec, 298:954–973, 2015.

A Post-mortem Evaluation of the Degree of Mobility in an Individual with Severe Kyphoscoliosis Using Direct Digital Radiography (DR) and Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT)

Since 2010, the Bioanthropology Research Institute at Quinnipiac University, in collaboration with the Inforce Foundation, Cranfield Forensic Institute at Cranfield University and the Centre for Human Bioarchaeology, Museum of London, has established a temporary field radiographic facility under St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street, London, in order to conduct a radiographic survey of the skeletal remains of 227 individuals from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries interred in the crypt and retained in the church. The collection constitutes a unique assemblage of skeletal remains covering a date range of 1676–1852/1853, with biographical data and detailed parish records. One of the skeletons demonstrated not only severe kyphoscoliosis, but also an uncharacteristic robustness of the femora and humeri for such a severe spinal deformity. Based on initial radiographs, it was determined the remains were stable enough to be transported to St Bartholomew’s Hospital for additional examination using multi-detector computed tomography to better visualize the internal structure of the skeleton. This chapter considers the different diagnoses derived from the radiographic studies and the analysis in attempting to establish the individual’s degree of mobility and impairment, placed in conjunction with the social conditions for the parish at this time.

Digital data recording and interpretational standards in mummy science

Beginning during the late19th century, paleoimaging has played an ever-expanding role in mummy science. Increasingly during the 21st century, digital radiographic data collected through imaging efforts have become significant. The rapid influx of imaging data raises questions regarding standardized approaches to both acquisition and interpretation. Reports using digital data presented without contextual considerations commonly lead to interpretational errors. Digital data recording and interpretation require rigorous methodology and standards in order to achieve reproducibility, accuracy and minimization of inter- and intra-observer error. Researchers applying paleoimaging methods in bioarchaeological research must understand the significant limitations inherent in data collection and interpretation from various digital data recording methods. Currently, vast amounts of digital data are being archived, allowing greater potential for hypothesis-based research and informed diagnosis by consensus. Digital databases hold great potential in preparing both radiologists and bioarchaeologists in the appropriate application and interpretation of digital data.

The importance of pathophysiology to the understanding of functional limitations in the bioarchaeology of care approach

This article presents a partial bioarchaeology of care case study of a mummified adult female with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from late historic period United States. It examines likely clinical and functional impacts of disease and corresponding need for provision of care, stopping short of Stage 4 Interpretation/analysis. The case study illustrates and argues for the importance of an interdisciplinary research team for achieving a comprehensive understanding of disability and care. The article highlights the necessity of knowledge of pathophysiology for identifying the potential interventions (supports) dictated by the associated functional limitations. inter alia, this case is a powerful illustration of the way analysis of preserved soft tissue can provide insights into disease and likely care that are inaccessible using skeletal analysis alone. The article represents an interesting contribution to the theory and methodology of both the bioarchaeology of care approach and mummy studies.