Conference Presentations by Elizabeth A Nelson
Studies of unusual or anomalous examples frequently encourage new perspectives, placing the “norm... more Studies of unusual or anomalous examples frequently encourage new perspectives, placing the “normal” in a broader context. This is our motivation for studying the Ray site, a Middle Woodland burial located on a steep, narrow ridge near the confluence of the Illinois and La Moine Rivers. The Ray site is anomalous, when compared to other Middle Woodland sites, in that the cemetery is not mounded. In addition, the skeletons show an unusual, high frequency of pathology, including developmental conditions. Therefore, genetic relationships within the community that buried at the Ray site and between that community and their regional contemporaries are of interest. For this pilot project, we have extracted ancient DNA from a sample of teeth recovered from six individuals buried in different areas of the site. We use a broad selection of informative markers to investigate indications of gene flow and admixture as well as the use of identity markers to identify biological relationship within the site. We assembled a panel of markers, which includes an array of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with maternal and paternal lineages along with autosomal markers. In this preliminary study, we present results of this genetic analysis and discuss future directions for genetic analysis for the remaining 112 individuals of the Ray Site. This study also serves to complement ongoing studies of inherited skeletal and dental features.
There are many of the commonly recorded anomalies and pathological conditions observed in the hum... more There are many of the commonly recorded anomalies and pathological conditions observed in the human remains from the Ray site, located in the west-central Illinois River valley. This report, however, concentrates upon a condition not previously observed or described in archaeologically recovered skeletal remains. Distal aspects of ulnae and radii were observed for 117 individuals, of which eleven display an abnormal process combining both resorption and sclerotic deposition. One individual displaying extensive remodeling of the ulnae, radii, and carpals, also exhibited an asymmetrical progression of severity. Overall, the additional ten individuals display varying degrees of osteolytic activity on the distal ulna accompanied by resorptive and sclerotic processes on the distal radius. An additional consideration during assessment includes the high male to female ratio expressed, and how the observed pathology may relate to additional pathological features on the same individuals. Initial assessments exclude developmental, metabolic, and traumatic pathologies. Exclusion was based on completed development, the affected area, and the unique combination of lytic and sclerotic processes. Included in the differential diagnosis are osteolysis, erosive arthropathies, behavioral processes, and infectious diseases. As this pathological process is unique thus far in the Illinois River valley, the results expand upon the current information of pathological conditions at the Ray site.
The Ray site, a Middle Woodland cemetery located on a tributary of the Illinois River can be cons... more The Ray site, a Middle Woodland cemetery located on a tributary of the Illinois River can be considered anomalous for a number of reasons. Primary among these is the absence of earthworks, as well as the presence of a remarkable range of anomalies and pathological conditions. Among the latter is a previously unreported resorptive syndrome located in the distal portion of the forearm. Extensive remodeling of the ulnar head along with focal resorption in the radius generally characterizes the pathology, which is detailed here and analyzed through an extensive differential diagnosis. Behavioral accommodations are considered, along with the relationship of this condition to others noted at the Ray site.
Published Works by Elizabeth A Nelson
Diet is a key factor in the health of individuals and of communities, both ancient and modern. In... more Diet is a key factor in the health of individuals and of communities, both ancient and modern. In studies of ancient health, termed paleopathology, most paleodiet researchers have focused on estimates of the nutritional quality of diet across distinctive menus, comparatively evaluating quality of life across space and time. Health, however, can also be affected by environmental dietary factors, including toxic levels or deficiencies of trace elements and minerals. In this paper, we emphasize the importance of rigorous differential diagnosis in paleopathology and the multiplicity of factors that may influence an individual's response to environmental stressors. Our example develops from observations of pathology in remains from the Ray site, a 2000 year-old Middle Woodland cemetery from west-central Illinois. We had previously developed a differential diagnosis for an environmental condition, wherein an abundance of fluoride placed people at risk for poor health. Here we use this differential diagnosis, published in detail elsewhere, as an example to illustrate the importance of linking environmental, dietary, epidemiological , and physiological factors in developing a well-supported differential diagnosis. We also consider directions for future studies that link molecular biology, geo-chemical and isotopic analysis to knowledge of past fluoride toxicity.
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Conference Presentations by Elizabeth A Nelson
Published Works by Elizabeth A Nelson