Teresa Fernandes | Universidade de Évora (original) (raw)
Papers by Teresa Fernandes
International Journal Of Legal Medicine, Oct 22, 2021
Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, Apr 18, 2018
This study integrates bone collagen stable isotope data (carbon, nitrogen and sulphur) from 33 hu... more This study integrates bone collagen stable isotope data (carbon, nitrogen and sulphur) from 33 human adult tibiae (15 females; 18 males) and 13 faunal remains from Tomar, while it was under the Military Orders domain (eleventh-seventeenth centuries). Historical literature indicates that the amount of meat consumption amongst Templars was lower than in individuals with similar social status. In Medieval times, these Military Orders had total control of towns and angling and fishing rights, but their influence on the general population diet remains unknown. While no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between sexes, social status, or for bone collagen δ 13 C and δ 34 Sbetween age groups, δ 15 N did differ significantly with age, which may be related to tooth loss in old individuals. Additionally, the human samples have higher stable isotope differences, in comparison with faunal samples, than would be expected within the food web, particularly for δ 13 C. This human bone collagen δ 13 C enrichment may reflect a diet rich in aquatic protein intake, which is also supported by δ 34 S archived in human and faunal samples, and the presence of oysters and cockles shells at the excavation. The religious diet restrictions might have led to a higher intake of aquatic protein when meat consumption was not allowed.
Anthropologischer Anzeiger, Aug 14, 2023
International Journal of Paleopathology, Jun 1, 2016
Maduromycosis, commonly called Madura foot, is an infectious pathology caused by fungi or bacteri... more Maduromycosis, commonly called Madura foot, is an infectious pathology caused by fungi or bacteria, and it is native of the tropical, subtropical and equatorial areas. This paper presents a well preserved male skeleton, between 23 and 57 years old from a medieval necropolis (13th-15th centuries) in Estremoz, Portugal.The left foot of this individual showed marked alterations on the morphology of the calcaneus and cuboid that are ankylosed, which led to arthrosis of the calcaneous and talus. The five metatarsals have bone destruction and irregular subperiosteal new bone formation with multiple lytic foci and progressive osteoporosis with very little reactive bone formation. After a careful differential diagnosis, taking into consideration various pathological conditions,it was concluded that this is a possible case of maduromycosis.This study suggests that in the past this pathology could have been present in Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean region, and especially when the climatic conditions were conducive.This could be one of the first cases of maduromycosis infection published in an archaeological context.
Interchange in Pre- and Protohistory: Case Studies in Iberia, Romania, Turkey and Israel, 2018, ISBN 978-1-4073-1636-9, págs. 91-106, 2018
The Upper Morgado shelter is a karst cavity located in the Nabão river valley whose material cult... more The Upper Morgado shelter is a karst cavity located in the Nabão river valley whose material culture is in many aspects associated to the dolmen world. This shelter was used and reused in a long diachrony (since Neolithic times until the Early Bronze Age). Exchange and /or Interchange is confirmed through the occurrence of some metal artefacts that observed a complete set of relationships with items found travelling through the Portuguese Estremadura and Alentejo, across borders to Almeria and as far as far as France. The upper Morgado shelter fits the purpose of a long-term study where the thesis that the funerary features themselves travelled across borders as ideological exchange. Recent research found several ritual actions regarding the systematic burial of individuals of both sexes and of all ages. Since the primary burial, in an unstructured pit, that with time transforms itself into a Chalcolithic ossuary; further complemented with vestigial nuclei of human bones from the Neolithic. Those ossuaries were posteriorly displaced and containerised in a circular rock structure, with small rock niche-ossuary structures containing a limited number of unstructured bones. All this material culture behaviour results in the complex nature of this site
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2020
The Kingdom of Portugal was established with the help of military-monastic orders, which provided... more The Kingdom of Portugal was established with the help of military-monastic orders, which provided important defence against Muslim armies during the 12th-13th century Christian conquest. While historical sources document the main events of this period, this research seeks to elucidate individual lifestyles and movement, aspects typically absent from written records. A multi-isotopic approach was used on skeletal material from eight Christian and two Muslim burials from Évora, Portugal (11th-13th centuries). Anthropological and archaeological evidence suggests the Christian adults belonged to the Évora Militia, which we seek to confirm through the reconstructed diet and mobility of these individuals. Stable carbon, nitrogen and sulphur isotopes were measured in bone collagen, and radiogenic strontium, carbonate stable oxygen and apatite stable carbon isotopes were measured in tooth enamel. Results of the stable oxygen and radiogenic strontium isotopes indicated diverse origins of the Christian population, while at least one individual was local. The Muslim adult was local, as anticipated. The δ 13 C en (enamel) values provide evidence of childhood consumption of different cereals (C 3 and C 4), possibly linked to social status. The δ 13 C col (bone collagen) human values indicated mostly C 3 diets with varying inputs of C 4 , while δ 15 N reflected high protein intake overall. The mean diet-consumer spacing of this population was compared to other isotopic studies from Medieval Iberia and other European monastic/convent populations. A visible trend emerged in populations that likely followed religious fasting rules, including the Évora Christians. The results of this study indicate that the Order of Évora was composed of members from diverse geographic and possibly social origins, an aspect previously unclear in written sources.
International Journal of Paleopathology, Sep 1, 2022
American Journal of Physical Anthropology, Nov 8, 2019
Introduction: Physiological stress is one of the various factors that can have an impact on stabl... more Introduction: Physiological stress is one of the various factors that can have an impact on stable isotope ratios. However, its effect on bone collagen stable isotope ratios is still not fully understood. This study aims to build on previous research on how different disease stages may affect bone collagen stable isotope ratios. Materials and Methods: Carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) isotope ratios were assessed in 33 skeletons that retained evidence of infectious disease and healed fractures. Samples were taken from active lesions (long bones n = 14; ribs n = 4), healed lesions (long bones n = 10; ribs n = 9), or a fracture callus (long bones n = 9; ribs n = 3). Results were compared to stable isotope ratios calculated for regions on these bones that did not retain evidence of disease or fracture. Results: Long bones with active lesions had a significantly higher average δ 15 N (δ 15 N = 11.1 ± 0.9‰) compared to those without lesions (δ 15 N = 10.7 ± 0.7‰; p = .02), while fracture calluses showed the largest range for both δ 15 N and δ 13 C. There were no significant differences in stable isotope ratios when compared between nonlesion and lesion sites in the ribs. Discussion: The increase in δ 15 N seen in active lesions, when compared with δ 15 N from nonlesion regions on the same long bone, may be a consequence of altered protein metabolism. The high variability of δ 15 N and δ 13 C in fractures may be related to different healing stages of the calluses. This study suggests that stable isotope data can contribute information about diseases in the past, as well as an individual's response to diseases in the absence of modern medicine and antibiotics.
International Journal of Paleopathology, Mar 1, 2016
Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a bone pathology that can be associated with a number of f... more Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a bone pathology that can be associated with a number of focal or systemic diseases, particularly those affecting the respiratory system. HOA is characterized by proliferative periostosis of the long bones, especially in their distal and periarticular regions. This report presents a probable case of HOA in the skeleton of an elderly Portuguese male from Évora, Portugal, who died in 1970. The skeleton was evaluated by morphological, radiological, and histological methods. We found bilateral periosteal proliferation of the tubular bones, remodeling of the phalanges of the feet, and new bone formation on rib visceral surfaces. Bone alterations are more severe on the left tibia and fibula, where lesions display a 'tree bark' appearance, leading to severe thickening of the diaphysis. Microscopically, we observed deposition of porous woven bone. Our evaluation also considers a differential diagnosis of the lesions, which includes melorheostosis, hypervitaminosis A, fluorosis, thyroid acropachy, tuberculosis, and treponematosis.
Journal of Archaeological Science, May 1, 2019
The version in the Kent Academic Repository may differ from the final published version. Users ar... more The version in the Kent Academic Repository may differ from the final published version. Users are advised to check http://kar.kent.ac.uk for the status of the paper. Users should always cite the published version of record.
Antropologia portuguesa, Jan 15, 2019
Resumo As lesões traumáticas encontram-se entre as condições mais observadas nos restos esqueléti... more Resumo As lesões traumáticas encontram-se entre as condições mais observadas nos restos esqueléticos, podendo afetar o esqueleto de várias formas, sendo as fraturas as mais comuns. As lesões traumáticas podem ser intencionais ou acidentais. Algumas doenças, como é o caso da osteoporose, tornam o osso mais propenso a fraturas, uma vez que afetam o metabolismo ósseo, deixando os ossos fragilizados e suscetíveis a traumas de baixa energia. Este estudo apresenta um caso de politraumatismo observado numa mulher idosa de Évora, Portugal, que faleceu em 1988. O esqueleto foi analisado através de métodos macroscópicos, a olho nu, e radiológicos. Observaram-se fraturas nas costelas, vértebras, sacro, ilíaco direito, e fémur esquerdo, e ainda alterações morfológicas na anca direita e plataforma tibial esquerda. Todas as fraturas encontravam-se devidamente remodeladas, com tecido ósseo maduro, porém nem todas estavam correctamente alinhadas. apenas na Abstract Traumatic injuries are among the most common conditions in skeletal remains, affecting the skeleton in various ways, with fractures being the most prevalent. Traumatic injuries can be intentional or accidental. Some diseases, such as osteoporosis, make the bone more susceptible to fractures because they affect bone metabolism, leaving the bones fragile and susceptible to low energy traumas. This study presents a case of polytrauma observed in an elderly woman from Évora, Portugal, that died in 1988. The skeleton was analyzed by macroscopic and radiological methods. There were fractures in the ribs, vertebrae, sacrum, right iliac, and left femur, and morphological changes in the right hip and left tibial platform. All fractures were properly remodeled, with mature bone tissue, but not all were well aligned. Evidence of infection was only visible in a fracture in the left femur. One or more severe traumatic events, as well as the presence of osteoporosis, may be at the origin
Francisco CURATE, Telmo ANTÓNIO 11:50-The many faces of a disease: five possible cases of trepone... more Francisco CURATE, Telmo ANTÓNIO 11:50-The many faces of a disease: five possible cases of treponematosis from Tomar (11th-17th centuries), Portugal Ana CURTO, Teresa FERNANDES, Cláudia RELVADO, Célia LOPES 12:00-Possible association between porous skeletal lesions and respiratory infections in juveniles from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection*
Virus Evolution, 2018
serological testing; increased genetic information from diverse sources should enable PCR design ... more serological testing; increased genetic information from diverse sources should enable PCR design that will reliably detect a wide range of strains thus facilitating diagnosis and epidemiological analysis of outbreaks.
Antropologia Portuguesa, 2019
A doença óssea de Paget (DOP) é uma doença metabólica caracterizada pela remodelação óssea anómal... more A doença óssea de Paget (DOP) é uma doença metabólica caracterizada pela remodelação óssea anómala, de etiologia desconhecida. O esqueleto em estudo pertence à Coleção de Esqueletos Identificados de Évora, sendo este do sexo feminino, com uma idade à morte de 88 anos, tendo falecido em 1987. Recorrendo à análise macroscópica, a olho nu, e radiológica, observaram-se várias alterações ósseas, destacando-se o espessamento e deformação das tábuas interna e externa do osso frontal, onde a morfologia lembrava pedra-pomes, bem como espessamentos nas regiões do vértex e do ínion e ainda a presença de um padrão radiológico de “algodão-lã” no díploe. Nos ossos longos, as alterações mais exuberantes ocorreram nas tíbias e nos fémures e resultaram do espessamento ósseo, conduzindo a contornos irregulares e encurvamento das diáfises, apresentando a tíbia direita uma forma de sabre muito acentuada. Radiologicamente, observou-se que estes ossos apresentavam o osso cortical com aspeto esclerótico. ...
International journal of paleopathology, Sep 1, 2017
Peri-mortem limb amputations are rarely reported in the paleopathological literature. The cases r... more Peri-mortem limb amputations are rarely reported in the paleopathological literature. The cases reported here concern severing of both hands and feet observed in three adult male skeletons, exhumed from the medieval Portuguese necropolis of Rossio do Marquês de Pombal, Estremoz, Portugal. The fact that they were found in the same site, in graves placed side by side, that all are young males, and that the three skeletons show similar perimortem injuries, make this a unique case meriting detailed analysis. Considering the lesions' location and pattern, as well as historical data, we hypothesize that this is a case of amputation as a consequence of judicial punishment. Estremoz was an important city in sustaining the Royal power at a regional scale during the medieval period.
![Research paper thumbnail of Multi-analytical and isotope investigation of a Late Roman/Paleochristian population from the far west corner of the Roman Empire [Pax Julia]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/108344467/thumbnails/1.jpg)
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International Journal of Primatology
In the face of global change, where anthropogenic practices, such as logging, alter the structure... more In the face of global change, where anthropogenic practices, such as logging, alter the structure and composition of forest habitats and impact primates’ diets and activity budgets, it is essential to examine the ability of vulnerable species to persist. We studied the feeding ecology of the Endangered Propithecus edwardsi in two forest sites: one with a history of logging, and the other never logged, in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. During the dry season, from July-September 2016, we collected behavioral data on the taxonomic composition of the sifaka’ diet, the plant parts they consumed, and the time they allocated to different activities in the two forest sites (a total of 431.5 hours). We found that the diversity of the diet of sifakas at each site was similar and that they only shared a small number of plant genera in their diet. Moreover, while the consumption of leaves, fruits, and seeds did not differ significantly between sites, we found differences in the time allocated to resting and feeding between sites. Our results suggest that habitat differences affect the feeding ecology of this species. Modifying their diet and behavior appears to enable sifakas to persist in anthropogenic habitats, providing support for ecological flexibility in primates with anatomical specializations for folivory.
International Journal of Primatology, 2022
In the face of global change, where anthropogenic practices, such as logging, alter the structur... more In the face of global change, where anthropogenic practices, such as logging, alter
the structure and composition of forest habitats and impact primates’ diets and activity
budgets, it is essential to examine the ability of vulnerable species to persist.
We studied the feeding ecology of the Endangered Propithecus edwardsi in two forest
sites: one with a history of logging, and the other never logged, in Ranomafana
National Park, Madagascar. During the dry season, from July-September 2016, we
collected behavioral data on the taxonomic composition of the sifaka’ diet, the plant
parts they consumed, and the time they allocated to different activities in the two
forest sites (a total of 431.5 hours). We found that the diversity of the diet of sifakas
at each site was similar and that they only shared a small number of plant genera in
their diet. Moreover, while the consumption of leaves, fruits, and seeds did not differ
significantly between sites, we found differences in the time allocated to resting and
feeding between sites. Our results suggest that habitat differences affect the feeding
ecology of this species. Modifying their diet and behavior appears to enable sifakas
to persist in anthropogenic habitats, providing support for ecological flexibility in
primates with anatomical specializations for folivory.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2016
This study presents for the first time the diet of a Late Antiquity population in southern Portug... more This study presents for the first time the diet of a Late Antiquity population in southern Portugal (Civitas of Pax Julia), from the Roman villa of Monte da Cegonha (predominantly 7th century CE). Stable isotope analysis (δ 13 C, δ 15 N, δ 18 O, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) of human and faunal bone collagen and apatite was conducted in order to understand the influence of Roman subsistence strategies on the way of life of rural inhabitants of the area of Pax Julia and to explore their diet (types of ingested plants, amount of animal resources, terrestrial versus marine resources). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were used to determine the degree of bone diagenesis and assess the reliability of the bone stable isotopic composition for palaeodietary reconstruction. Anthropological analysis revealed a cariogenic diet, rich in starchy food and carbohydrates, in at least in two individuals based on the frequency of dental caries. Collagen and apatite carbon isotopic analysis suggested that C3 plants were the basis of the population's diet, complemented with some terrestrial meat and its byproducts as reflected by the observed bone collagen nitrogen isotopic composition. Moreover, whilst the fairly low apatite-collagen spacing recorded in some skeletons (at around 4‰) may have been due to freshwater organisms intake, the relatively low nitrogen values observed indicate that this consumption did not occur very often, unless in the form of fresh fish of low trophic level or fish sauces. There were no significant differences in isotopic values depending on gender or burial type. Strontium and oxygen isotopic composition of bone apatite revealed a sedentary community, with the exception of a male individual who probably did not spend his childhood in Monte da Cegonha.
Revista portuguesa de pneumologia
During an archaeological excavation at a mediaeval monastery (Flor da Rosa, Crato, Portugal), a s... more During an archaeological excavation at a mediaeval monastery (Flor da Rosa, Crato, Portugal), a skeleton of a adult woman was found with two calcifications in the thoracic cage. The location and the macroscopic analysis of the calcifications allowed them to be assigned as pleural plaques. Spectrometric analysis and scanning electronic microscopy enabled to establish that it originated with an infectious process. These results associated with the lesions found in the ribs and vertebrae strongly suggest tuberculosis as the cause of these pleural plaques.
International Journal Of Legal Medicine, Oct 22, 2021
Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, Apr 18, 2018
This study integrates bone collagen stable isotope data (carbon, nitrogen and sulphur) from 33 hu... more This study integrates bone collagen stable isotope data (carbon, nitrogen and sulphur) from 33 human adult tibiae (15 females; 18 males) and 13 faunal remains from Tomar, while it was under the Military Orders domain (eleventh-seventeenth centuries). Historical literature indicates that the amount of meat consumption amongst Templars was lower than in individuals with similar social status. In Medieval times, these Military Orders had total control of towns and angling and fishing rights, but their influence on the general population diet remains unknown. While no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between sexes, social status, or for bone collagen δ 13 C and δ 34 Sbetween age groups, δ 15 N did differ significantly with age, which may be related to tooth loss in old individuals. Additionally, the human samples have higher stable isotope differences, in comparison with faunal samples, than would be expected within the food web, particularly for δ 13 C. This human bone collagen δ 13 C enrichment may reflect a diet rich in aquatic protein intake, which is also supported by δ 34 S archived in human and faunal samples, and the presence of oysters and cockles shells at the excavation. The religious diet restrictions might have led to a higher intake of aquatic protein when meat consumption was not allowed.
Anthropologischer Anzeiger, Aug 14, 2023
International Journal of Paleopathology, Jun 1, 2016
Maduromycosis, commonly called Madura foot, is an infectious pathology caused by fungi or bacteri... more Maduromycosis, commonly called Madura foot, is an infectious pathology caused by fungi or bacteria, and it is native of the tropical, subtropical and equatorial areas. This paper presents a well preserved male skeleton, between 23 and 57 years old from a medieval necropolis (13th-15th centuries) in Estremoz, Portugal.The left foot of this individual showed marked alterations on the morphology of the calcaneus and cuboid that are ankylosed, which led to arthrosis of the calcaneous and talus. The five metatarsals have bone destruction and irregular subperiosteal new bone formation with multiple lytic foci and progressive osteoporosis with very little reactive bone formation. After a careful differential diagnosis, taking into consideration various pathological conditions,it was concluded that this is a possible case of maduromycosis.This study suggests that in the past this pathology could have been present in Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean region, and especially when the climatic conditions were conducive.This could be one of the first cases of maduromycosis infection published in an archaeological context.
Interchange in Pre- and Protohistory: Case Studies in Iberia, Romania, Turkey and Israel, 2018, ISBN 978-1-4073-1636-9, págs. 91-106, 2018
The Upper Morgado shelter is a karst cavity located in the Nabão river valley whose material cult... more The Upper Morgado shelter is a karst cavity located in the Nabão river valley whose material culture is in many aspects associated to the dolmen world. This shelter was used and reused in a long diachrony (since Neolithic times until the Early Bronze Age). Exchange and /or Interchange is confirmed through the occurrence of some metal artefacts that observed a complete set of relationships with items found travelling through the Portuguese Estremadura and Alentejo, across borders to Almeria and as far as far as France. The upper Morgado shelter fits the purpose of a long-term study where the thesis that the funerary features themselves travelled across borders as ideological exchange. Recent research found several ritual actions regarding the systematic burial of individuals of both sexes and of all ages. Since the primary burial, in an unstructured pit, that with time transforms itself into a Chalcolithic ossuary; further complemented with vestigial nuclei of human bones from the Neolithic. Those ossuaries were posteriorly displaced and containerised in a circular rock structure, with small rock niche-ossuary structures containing a limited number of unstructured bones. All this material culture behaviour results in the complex nature of this site
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2020
The Kingdom of Portugal was established with the help of military-monastic orders, which provided... more The Kingdom of Portugal was established with the help of military-monastic orders, which provided important defence against Muslim armies during the 12th-13th century Christian conquest. While historical sources document the main events of this period, this research seeks to elucidate individual lifestyles and movement, aspects typically absent from written records. A multi-isotopic approach was used on skeletal material from eight Christian and two Muslim burials from Évora, Portugal (11th-13th centuries). Anthropological and archaeological evidence suggests the Christian adults belonged to the Évora Militia, which we seek to confirm through the reconstructed diet and mobility of these individuals. Stable carbon, nitrogen and sulphur isotopes were measured in bone collagen, and radiogenic strontium, carbonate stable oxygen and apatite stable carbon isotopes were measured in tooth enamel. Results of the stable oxygen and radiogenic strontium isotopes indicated diverse origins of the Christian population, while at least one individual was local. The Muslim adult was local, as anticipated. The δ 13 C en (enamel) values provide evidence of childhood consumption of different cereals (C 3 and C 4), possibly linked to social status. The δ 13 C col (bone collagen) human values indicated mostly C 3 diets with varying inputs of C 4 , while δ 15 N reflected high protein intake overall. The mean diet-consumer spacing of this population was compared to other isotopic studies from Medieval Iberia and other European monastic/convent populations. A visible trend emerged in populations that likely followed religious fasting rules, including the Évora Christians. The results of this study indicate that the Order of Évora was composed of members from diverse geographic and possibly social origins, an aspect previously unclear in written sources.
International Journal of Paleopathology, Sep 1, 2022
American Journal of Physical Anthropology, Nov 8, 2019
Introduction: Physiological stress is one of the various factors that can have an impact on stabl... more Introduction: Physiological stress is one of the various factors that can have an impact on stable isotope ratios. However, its effect on bone collagen stable isotope ratios is still not fully understood. This study aims to build on previous research on how different disease stages may affect bone collagen stable isotope ratios. Materials and Methods: Carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) isotope ratios were assessed in 33 skeletons that retained evidence of infectious disease and healed fractures. Samples were taken from active lesions (long bones n = 14; ribs n = 4), healed lesions (long bones n = 10; ribs n = 9), or a fracture callus (long bones n = 9; ribs n = 3). Results were compared to stable isotope ratios calculated for regions on these bones that did not retain evidence of disease or fracture. Results: Long bones with active lesions had a significantly higher average δ 15 N (δ 15 N = 11.1 ± 0.9‰) compared to those without lesions (δ 15 N = 10.7 ± 0.7‰; p = .02), while fracture calluses showed the largest range for both δ 15 N and δ 13 C. There were no significant differences in stable isotope ratios when compared between nonlesion and lesion sites in the ribs. Discussion: The increase in δ 15 N seen in active lesions, when compared with δ 15 N from nonlesion regions on the same long bone, may be a consequence of altered protein metabolism. The high variability of δ 15 N and δ 13 C in fractures may be related to different healing stages of the calluses. This study suggests that stable isotope data can contribute information about diseases in the past, as well as an individual's response to diseases in the absence of modern medicine and antibiotics.
International Journal of Paleopathology, Mar 1, 2016
Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a bone pathology that can be associated with a number of f... more Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a bone pathology that can be associated with a number of focal or systemic diseases, particularly those affecting the respiratory system. HOA is characterized by proliferative periostosis of the long bones, especially in their distal and periarticular regions. This report presents a probable case of HOA in the skeleton of an elderly Portuguese male from Évora, Portugal, who died in 1970. The skeleton was evaluated by morphological, radiological, and histological methods. We found bilateral periosteal proliferation of the tubular bones, remodeling of the phalanges of the feet, and new bone formation on rib visceral surfaces. Bone alterations are more severe on the left tibia and fibula, where lesions display a 'tree bark' appearance, leading to severe thickening of the diaphysis. Microscopically, we observed deposition of porous woven bone. Our evaluation also considers a differential diagnosis of the lesions, which includes melorheostosis, hypervitaminosis A, fluorosis, thyroid acropachy, tuberculosis, and treponematosis.
Journal of Archaeological Science, May 1, 2019
The version in the Kent Academic Repository may differ from the final published version. Users ar... more The version in the Kent Academic Repository may differ from the final published version. Users are advised to check http://kar.kent.ac.uk for the status of the paper. Users should always cite the published version of record.
Antropologia portuguesa, Jan 15, 2019
Resumo As lesões traumáticas encontram-se entre as condições mais observadas nos restos esqueléti... more Resumo As lesões traumáticas encontram-se entre as condições mais observadas nos restos esqueléticos, podendo afetar o esqueleto de várias formas, sendo as fraturas as mais comuns. As lesões traumáticas podem ser intencionais ou acidentais. Algumas doenças, como é o caso da osteoporose, tornam o osso mais propenso a fraturas, uma vez que afetam o metabolismo ósseo, deixando os ossos fragilizados e suscetíveis a traumas de baixa energia. Este estudo apresenta um caso de politraumatismo observado numa mulher idosa de Évora, Portugal, que faleceu em 1988. O esqueleto foi analisado através de métodos macroscópicos, a olho nu, e radiológicos. Observaram-se fraturas nas costelas, vértebras, sacro, ilíaco direito, e fémur esquerdo, e ainda alterações morfológicas na anca direita e plataforma tibial esquerda. Todas as fraturas encontravam-se devidamente remodeladas, com tecido ósseo maduro, porém nem todas estavam correctamente alinhadas. apenas na Abstract Traumatic injuries are among the most common conditions in skeletal remains, affecting the skeleton in various ways, with fractures being the most prevalent. Traumatic injuries can be intentional or accidental. Some diseases, such as osteoporosis, make the bone more susceptible to fractures because they affect bone metabolism, leaving the bones fragile and susceptible to low energy traumas. This study presents a case of polytrauma observed in an elderly woman from Évora, Portugal, that died in 1988. The skeleton was analyzed by macroscopic and radiological methods. There were fractures in the ribs, vertebrae, sacrum, right iliac, and left femur, and morphological changes in the right hip and left tibial platform. All fractures were properly remodeled, with mature bone tissue, but not all were well aligned. Evidence of infection was only visible in a fracture in the left femur. One or more severe traumatic events, as well as the presence of osteoporosis, may be at the origin
Francisco CURATE, Telmo ANTÓNIO 11:50-The many faces of a disease: five possible cases of trepone... more Francisco CURATE, Telmo ANTÓNIO 11:50-The many faces of a disease: five possible cases of treponematosis from Tomar (11th-17th centuries), Portugal Ana CURTO, Teresa FERNANDES, Cláudia RELVADO, Célia LOPES 12:00-Possible association between porous skeletal lesions and respiratory infections in juveniles from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection*
Virus Evolution, 2018
serological testing; increased genetic information from diverse sources should enable PCR design ... more serological testing; increased genetic information from diverse sources should enable PCR design that will reliably detect a wide range of strains thus facilitating diagnosis and epidemiological analysis of outbreaks.
Antropologia Portuguesa, 2019
A doença óssea de Paget (DOP) é uma doença metabólica caracterizada pela remodelação óssea anómal... more A doença óssea de Paget (DOP) é uma doença metabólica caracterizada pela remodelação óssea anómala, de etiologia desconhecida. O esqueleto em estudo pertence à Coleção de Esqueletos Identificados de Évora, sendo este do sexo feminino, com uma idade à morte de 88 anos, tendo falecido em 1987. Recorrendo à análise macroscópica, a olho nu, e radiológica, observaram-se várias alterações ósseas, destacando-se o espessamento e deformação das tábuas interna e externa do osso frontal, onde a morfologia lembrava pedra-pomes, bem como espessamentos nas regiões do vértex e do ínion e ainda a presença de um padrão radiológico de “algodão-lã” no díploe. Nos ossos longos, as alterações mais exuberantes ocorreram nas tíbias e nos fémures e resultaram do espessamento ósseo, conduzindo a contornos irregulares e encurvamento das diáfises, apresentando a tíbia direita uma forma de sabre muito acentuada. Radiologicamente, observou-se que estes ossos apresentavam o osso cortical com aspeto esclerótico. ...
International journal of paleopathology, Sep 1, 2017
Peri-mortem limb amputations are rarely reported in the paleopathological literature. The cases r... more Peri-mortem limb amputations are rarely reported in the paleopathological literature. The cases reported here concern severing of both hands and feet observed in three adult male skeletons, exhumed from the medieval Portuguese necropolis of Rossio do Marquês de Pombal, Estremoz, Portugal. The fact that they were found in the same site, in graves placed side by side, that all are young males, and that the three skeletons show similar perimortem injuries, make this a unique case meriting detailed analysis. Considering the lesions' location and pattern, as well as historical data, we hypothesize that this is a case of amputation as a consequence of judicial punishment. Estremoz was an important city in sustaining the Royal power at a regional scale during the medieval period.
International Journal of Primatology
In the face of global change, where anthropogenic practices, such as logging, alter the structure... more In the face of global change, where anthropogenic practices, such as logging, alter the structure and composition of forest habitats and impact primates’ diets and activity budgets, it is essential to examine the ability of vulnerable species to persist. We studied the feeding ecology of the Endangered Propithecus edwardsi in two forest sites: one with a history of logging, and the other never logged, in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. During the dry season, from July-September 2016, we collected behavioral data on the taxonomic composition of the sifaka’ diet, the plant parts they consumed, and the time they allocated to different activities in the two forest sites (a total of 431.5 hours). We found that the diversity of the diet of sifakas at each site was similar and that they only shared a small number of plant genera in their diet. Moreover, while the consumption of leaves, fruits, and seeds did not differ significantly between sites, we found differences in the time allocated to resting and feeding between sites. Our results suggest that habitat differences affect the feeding ecology of this species. Modifying their diet and behavior appears to enable sifakas to persist in anthropogenic habitats, providing support for ecological flexibility in primates with anatomical specializations for folivory.
International Journal of Primatology, 2022
In the face of global change, where anthropogenic practices, such as logging, alter the structur... more In the face of global change, where anthropogenic practices, such as logging, alter
the structure and composition of forest habitats and impact primates’ diets and activity
budgets, it is essential to examine the ability of vulnerable species to persist.
We studied the feeding ecology of the Endangered Propithecus edwardsi in two forest
sites: one with a history of logging, and the other never logged, in Ranomafana
National Park, Madagascar. During the dry season, from July-September 2016, we
collected behavioral data on the taxonomic composition of the sifaka’ diet, the plant
parts they consumed, and the time they allocated to different activities in the two
forest sites (a total of 431.5 hours). We found that the diversity of the diet of sifakas
at each site was similar and that they only shared a small number of plant genera in
their diet. Moreover, while the consumption of leaves, fruits, and seeds did not differ
significantly between sites, we found differences in the time allocated to resting and
feeding between sites. Our results suggest that habitat differences affect the feeding
ecology of this species. Modifying their diet and behavior appears to enable sifakas
to persist in anthropogenic habitats, providing support for ecological flexibility in
primates with anatomical specializations for folivory.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2016
This study presents for the first time the diet of a Late Antiquity population in southern Portug... more This study presents for the first time the diet of a Late Antiquity population in southern Portugal (Civitas of Pax Julia), from the Roman villa of Monte da Cegonha (predominantly 7th century CE). Stable isotope analysis (δ 13 C, δ 15 N, δ 18 O, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) of human and faunal bone collagen and apatite was conducted in order to understand the influence of Roman subsistence strategies on the way of life of rural inhabitants of the area of Pax Julia and to explore their diet (types of ingested plants, amount of animal resources, terrestrial versus marine resources). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were used to determine the degree of bone diagenesis and assess the reliability of the bone stable isotopic composition for palaeodietary reconstruction. Anthropological analysis revealed a cariogenic diet, rich in starchy food and carbohydrates, in at least in two individuals based on the frequency of dental caries. Collagen and apatite carbon isotopic analysis suggested that C3 plants were the basis of the population's diet, complemented with some terrestrial meat and its byproducts as reflected by the observed bone collagen nitrogen isotopic composition. Moreover, whilst the fairly low apatite-collagen spacing recorded in some skeletons (at around 4‰) may have been due to freshwater organisms intake, the relatively low nitrogen values observed indicate that this consumption did not occur very often, unless in the form of fresh fish of low trophic level or fish sauces. There were no significant differences in isotopic values depending on gender or burial type. Strontium and oxygen isotopic composition of bone apatite revealed a sedentary community, with the exception of a male individual who probably did not spend his childhood in Monte da Cegonha.
Revista portuguesa de pneumologia
During an archaeological excavation at a mediaeval monastery (Flor da Rosa, Crato, Portugal), a s... more During an archaeological excavation at a mediaeval monastery (Flor da Rosa, Crato, Portugal), a skeleton of a adult woman was found with two calcifications in the thoracic cage. The location and the macroscopic analysis of the calcifications allowed them to be assigned as pleural plaques. Spectrometric analysis and scanning electronic microscopy enabled to establish that it originated with an infectious process. These results associated with the lesions found in the ribs and vertebrae strongly suggest tuberculosis as the cause of these pleural plaques.
Resultados Materiais e Métodos:
This study reports a young child skeleton, exhumed from the medieval/modern necropolis of Santa M... more This study reports a young child skeleton, exhumed from the medieval/modern necropolis of Santa Maria do Olival, Tomar (Portugal). This skeleton shows unusual market of blood vessel impressions on the endocranium, porosity and widespread new bone formation. The intracranial marks are compatible with cases of meningitis. Changes in the meninges can occur due to various factors. Although it’s very challenging to determine the etiology of meningitis, when we analyzed the skeleton, we were able to exclude some diseases such as syphilis, scurvy and rickets. Leaving the most probable explanations as bacterial and viral infections.
A slipped capital femoral epiphysis case study from medieval Estremoz, Slipped capital femoral ep... more A slipped capital femoral epiphysis case study from medieval Estremoz, Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is the result of a fracture at the growth plate of the femoral head. In this study we describe an adult male skeleton from a medieval necropolis in Estremoz, Portugal, in which we observed a misalignment of the left femoral head leading to the shortening of the neck. This condition resulted in an enlargement of the femoral head and probably leads to osteoarthritis in both the femoral head and the acetabulum.
Treponemal infections become apparent in four clinically different syndromes (syphilis, bejel, ya... more Treponemal infections become apparent in four clinically different syndromes (syphilis, bejel, yaws and pinta) and it can be difficult to differentiate them, with the exception of pinta which doesn't cause pathological changes in the human skeleton. The geographic distribution of these syndromes tends to be limited to specific climatic conditions, except for syphilis. Venereal syphilis can affect the bone during the tertiary stage of the disease, between 2 to 10 years following infection .
O esqueleto SMOL-362, diagnosticado como um indivíduo adulto maduro do sexo masculino, foi exumad... more O esqueleto SMOL-362, diagnosticado como um indivíduo adulto maduro do sexo masculino, foi exumado da necrópole medieval/moderna de Santa Maria dos Olivais, Tomar. Este indivíduo apresenta diversas lesões no esqueleto pós-craniano incluindo lesões traumáticas, infeciosas e degenerativas articulares e não articulares. Estas lesões indicam que o indivíduo em estudo teria uma atividade física muito intensa e que sobreviveu a várias lesões traumáticas.
O indivíduo em estudo (SMOL-388) provem da necrópole medieval/moderna de Santa Maria do Olival (T... more O indivíduo em estudo (SMOL-388) provem da necrópole medieval/moderna de Santa Maria do Olival (Tomar) e foi diagnosticado como sendo um adulto do sexo masculino. As lesões neste indivíduo encontram-se na coluna vertebral, que apresenta fusão intra-articular das apófises articulares vertebrais e fusão costo-vertebral. Observa-se também calcificação e ossificação nos locais tendinosos das vértebras e erosão na articulação sacro-ilíaca. A extensão da anquilose vertebral terá conduzido a uma movimentação reduzida.
XIII CONGRESSO IBÉRICO DE ARQUEOMETRIA, 2019
The Kingdom of Portugal was established with the help of military-monastic orders, which provided... more The Kingdom of Portugal was established with the help of military-monastic orders, which provided important defence against Muslim armies during the 12th–13th century Christian conquest. While historical sources document the main events of this period, this research seeks to elucidate individual lifestyles and movement, aspects typically absent from written records. A multi-isotopic approach was used on skeletal material from eight Christian and two Muslim burials from Évora, Portugal (11th–13th centuries). Anthropological and archae- ological evidence suggests the Christian adults belonged to the Évora Militia, which we seek to confirm through the reconstructed diet and mobility of these individuals. Stable carbon, nitrogen and sulphur isotopes were measured in bone collagen, and radiogenic strontium, carbonate stable oxygen and apatite stable carbon iso- topes were measured in tooth enamel. Results of the stable oxygen and radiogenic strontium isotopes indicated diverse origins of the Christian population, while at least one individual was local. The Muslim adult was local, as anticipated. The δ13Cen (enamel) values provide evidence of childhood consumption of different cereals (C3 and C4), possibly linked to social status. The δ13Ccol (bone collagen) human values indicated mostly C3 diets with varying inputs of C4, while δ15N reflected high protein intake overall. The mean diet-consumer spacing of this population was compared to other isotopic studies from Medieval Iberia and other European monastic/convent populations. A visible trend emerged in populations that likely followed religious fasting rules, including the Évora Christians. The results of this study indicate that the Order of Évora was composed of members from diverse geographic and possibly social origins, an aspect previously unclear in written sources.
Jornadas Internacionais. TERRA, PEDRAS e CACOS do GARB AL-ANDALUS, 2020
O projeto FCT TRANSCULTURAL (IF/ 01661/2015 e POCI-01-0145-FEDER-031599), onde este trabalho se i... more O projeto FCT TRANSCULTURAL (IF/ 01661/2015 e POCI-01-0145-FEDER-031599), onde este trabalho se insere, desenvolve uma abordagem transdisciplinar para compreensão da organização sócio-económica das populações muçulmanas e cristãs em Portugal Medieval (sécs. XII-XIV), mediante a investigação dos seus hábitos funerários, dieta e mobilidade. Como tal, contribui também para o conhecimento da transição e das relações entre muçulmanos e cristãos no final do Garb Al-Andalus. Os hábitos alimentares e os padrões de mobilidade são arquivados no esqueleto durante o decurso da vida dos indivíduos, através da ingestão de componentes dietéticas, cuja composição química específica depende da natureza e do local de ingestão. A dieta e a mobilidade são investigadas principalmente através de três sistemas isotópicos, carbono, azoto e enxofre, e fornecem informações sobre o tipo de planta ingerida (δ13C), o nível trófico do consumidor (δ15N), e se as proteínas ingeridas provêm de ambiente marinho (δ15N, δ34S) ou dulcícola (δ34S). O presente trabalho centra-se nas urbes medievais de Loulé e Cacela-a-Velha e, mais especificamente, nas necrópoles da Quinta da Boavista (Loulé) e do Poço Antigo (Cacela-a-Velha). A primeira tem utilização almóada, entre os séculos XII e XIII, e a segunda tem utilização cristã, entre os séculos XIII e XIV.
Resumo: Este estudo tem como objetivo o diagnóstico diferencial de lesões orais presentes num esq... more Resumo: Este estudo tem como objetivo o diagnóstico diferencial de lesões orais presentes num esqueleto (SMOL 4.155) de um indivíduo adulto maduro, de sexo feminino, razoavelmente bem conservado (classe 5 no Índice de Preservação Óssea) proveniente da necrópole de Santa Maria do Olival em Tomar, datada dos séculos XIII ao XVIII. As únicas lesões observáveis, patentes nas porções anteriores dos processos alveolares do maxilar esquerdo e direito e na zona alveolar do lado direito da mandíbula, foram analisadas macroscopicamente e radiologicamente. A maior lesão encontra-se na mandíbula, é perfurante, tem forma circular, com cerca de 23 mm de diâmetro, e estende-se da zona alveolar do canino direito até ao incisivo central esquerdo (inclusive) e à eminência mentoniana. Embora seja predominantemente osteolítica, exibe, na zona lingual, remodelação com labiamento do seu rebordo. O maxilar esquerdo apresenta uma cavidade, de menores dimensões (7mm de diâmetro na superfície externa) localizada na zona dos processos alveolares dos dentes anteriores. No maxilar direito é visível uma cavidade menor (cerca de 4 mm) também na zona alveolar dos dentes anteriores. A morfologia e localização das lesões é utilizada na discussão da relação entre as 3 lesões e a(s) sua(s) etiologia(s) bem como na eventual intervenção cirúrgica.
Talipes equinovarus é uma deformidade genética/congénita, rara na paleopatologia Portugue... more Talipes equinovarus é uma deformidade genética/congénita, rara na paleopatologia Portuguesa, cuja etiologia multifactorial é mal conhecida. A necrópole de onde provém o caso em estudo localiza-se em Estremoz, Portugal,
e terá sido utilizada do século XIII ao século XVIII. Foram recuperados 66 indivíduos, dos quais 60 adultos (19 femininos, 39 masculinos). Este estudo visa apresentar as alterações patológicas nos ossos do pé direito num adulto (RMPE-75), com 40 a 50 anos de idade à morte, ao qual se atribuiu o sexo masculino. O navicular, o cubóide, o cuneiforme lateral e o intermédio apresentam alterações nas facetas anteriores, modificando a articulação com os metatársicos. Porém, os locais mais afetados são as extremidades distais dos metatársicos, que se encontram aduzidas, alterando a posição das facetas articulares, que apresentam artrose mais severa do que no pé esquerdo. Observou-se
osteocondrite dissecante na superfície articular proximal do segundo metatársico e na superfície articular posterior do calcâneo. Sendo a osteocondrite dissecante causada pela interrupção no fornecimento sanguíneo ao tecido ósseo é possível que as deformações nos ossos do pé a tenham potenciado.