Quantitative ultrasonometry for the diagnosis of osteoporosis in human skeletal remains: New methods and standards

Abstract Osteoporosis, a complex and heterogeneous disorder with a multi-factorial etiology, is characterized by abnormal bone loss leading to an increased risk of fractures. In recent years, the study of osteoporosis and bone mineral quality has received increasing interest by biological anthropologists. In particular, the study of bone quality in ancient populations in relation to sex, age and cultural background can provide important insights into the diachronic evolution of a seemingly modern pathology. However, a number of challenges remain in the determination of bone loss in ancient remains, partly due to the methodological approaches applied in the anthropological analysis. This underlines the need for a new methodology and new standards, specifically created and adapted to human skeletal remains. The current study aims to develop a new methodology to assess bone quality in modern and ancient human skeletal remains using Quantitative Ultrasonometry, applied for the first time to a skeletal sample of known age-at-death and sex (Frassetto collection, University of Bologna). After the assessment of intra- and inter-observer reliability, new ultrasonometric standards based on the analysis of age-related and sex-related changes in bone quantity and quality were created, providing a reference point for the analysis of osteoporosis and bone loss in skeletal remains. The applicability of the method was tested in a medieval sample including both males and females. The low intra- and inter-observer errors suggest that the Phalangeal Ultrasonometry is a reliable and valid technique that can be applied to modern and ancient human skeletons

Prediction of bench press performance in powerlifting: The role of upper limb anthropometry

The bench press (BP) is a complex, multiarticular exercise known as one of the three powerlifting specialties. Although several variables contribute to the maximum load lifted, upper limb variables may also play an important role in BP performance. In this study, a cohort of 47 male Italian classic powerlifters underwent a direct anthropometric evaluation during two official competitions. The recorded parameters included body mass index, body composition, and variables of the upper limb (indirectly evaluated cross-sectional areas and lengths). IPF-GL points and maximal strength (1RM) adjusted for weight were used as proxies for performance. Statistical comparisons between weaker and stronger powerlifters, Pearson correlation and partial correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression models were performed. The upper arm cross muscular area (r = 0.56) and fat-free mass (r = 0.31) were positively correlated with Wilks points, whereas the arm fat index was negatively correlated with 1RM BP (r = -0.37). Moreover, we proposed two new indices (UALR and UAMR) that represent the ratio between upper arm areas and length. Both univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed the strong association between these two variables and BP performance. Further improvement of this study may confirm the important role of body proportion and body composition as predictors of performance in strength sports

The Issue of Gender Bias Represented in Authorship in the Fields of Exercise and Rehabilitation: A 5-Year Research in Indexed Journals

Despite progress made in recent decades, gender bias is still present in scientific publication authorship. The underrepresentation of women and overrepresentation of men has already been reported in the medical fields but little is known in the fields of exercise sciences and rehabilitation. This study examines trends in authorship by gender in this field in the last 5 years. All randomized controlled trials published in indexed journals from April 2017 to March 2022 through the widely inclusive Medline dataset using the MeSH term “exercise therapy” were collected, and the gender of the first and last authors was identified through names, pronouns and photographs. Year of publication, country of affiliation of the first author, and ranking of the journal were also collected. A chi-squared test for trends and logistic regression models were performed to analyze the odds of a woman being a first or last author. The analysis was performed on a total of 5259 articles. Overall, 47% had a woman as the first author and 33% had a woman as the last author, with a similar trend over five years. The trend in women’s authorship varied by geographical area, with the higher representation of women authors in Oceania (first: 53.1%; last: 38.8%), North-Central America (first: 45.3%; last: 37.2%), and Europe (first: 47.2%; last: 33.3%). The logistic regression models (p < 0.001) indicated that women have lower odds of being authors in prominent authorship positions in higher-ranked journals. In conclusion, over the last five years, in the field of exercise and rehabilitation research, women and men are almost equally represented as first authors, in contrast with other medical areas. However, gender bias, unfavoring women, still exists, especially in the last authorship position, regardless of geographical area and journal ranking

Pattern of care and effectiveness of treatment for glioblastoma patients in the real world: Results from a prospective population-based registry. Could survival differ in a high-volume center?

BACKGROUND: As yet, no population-based prospective studies have been conducted to investigate the incidence and clinical outcome of glioblastoma (GBM) or the diffusion and impact of the current standard therapeutic approach in newly diagnosed patients younger than aged 70 years. METHODS: Data on all new cases of primary brain tumors observed from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2010, in adults residing within the Emilia-Romagna region were recorded in a prospective registry in the Project of Emilia Romagna on Neuro-Oncology (PERNO). Based on the data from this registry, a prospective evaluation was made of the treatment efficacy and outcome in GBM patients. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-seven GBM patients (median age, 64 y; range, 29-84 y) were enrolled. The median overall survival (OS) was 10.7 months (95% CI, 9.2-12.4). The 139 patients 64aged 70 years who were given standard temozolomide treatment concomitant with and adjuvant to radiotherapy had a median OS of 16.4 months (95% CI, 14.0-18.5). With multivariate analysis, OS correlated significantly with KPS (HR = 0.458; 95% CI, 0.248-0.847; P = .0127), MGMT methylation status (HR = 0.612; 95% CI, 0.388-0.966; P = .0350), and treatment received in a high versus low-volume center (HR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.328-0.986; P = .0446). CONCLUSIONS: The median OS following standard temozolomide treatment concurrent with and adjuvant to radiotherapy given to (72.8% of) patients aged 6470 years is consistent with findings reported from randomized phase III trials. The volume and expertise of the treatment center should be further investigated as a prognostic factor

Bone mineral density: new anthropometric and bioanthropological insights

In this thesis, bone mineral density (BMD) assessed through Quantitative Ultrasonometry (QUS) was analyzed through a dual perception: the first section is focused on anthropometry and sports science in contemporary people (o populations), whilst the second one presents a bioarchaeological perspective. An introductory chapter precedes these two parts. The first section of the thesis discusses the relationship between BMD, anthropometry, physical exercise and lifestyle. Chapter 1 is an opening chapter. Chapter 2 is an experimental study conducted from 2019 to 2022 on a cohort of 243 Italian men and women between 20 and 84 years. The aim of the study is to investigate the association between BMD, body composition, practiced sport and activity level (athletic, active and sedentary). Body composition and other somatometric characteristics were assessed by different anthropometric parameters, including Body Mass Index (BMI), Fat Mass and Fat Free Mass (Kg, %), handgrip strength, Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR), body composition of the upper limb, digit ratio, and Frame index. The main predictive factor is represented by body fat, exerting a negative effect on BMD and thus enhancing fracture risk. A positive predictive parameter is handgrip strength. The second experimental research presented in Chapter 3 proposes a new screening tool for osteopenia named QuBone. This new questionnaire was designed to evaluate an individual’s risk for developing osteopenia depending on anthropometric characteristics, sports category and lifestyle. The study was carried out on 434 Italian subjects aged between 20 and 84 years; a subgroup of 63 subjects fulfilled the questionnaire a second time in order to evaluate internal consistency and repeatability of the questionnaire, which showed substantial results. A second subgroup of 174 individuals underwent anthropometric assessment and BMD analysis to allow multiple linear regression analysis for evaluating the association between BMD, anthropometric parameters and lifestyle data. From these models, a weight score was calculated for each factor. Then, two cut-offs for osteopenia and osteoporosis risk thresholds were evaluated. The new QuBone is thus a valid, self-administrable preventive tool, aimed to provide a risk score for the whole adult population by considering a wide asset of risk factors. The second section of the thesis is focused on paleopathological and taphonomic implications of BMD in ancient skeletal remains. Chapter 1 is an introductory overview. Aim of the study in Chapter 2 is to evaluate whether QUS may be considered a more reliable technique for low BMD in skeletal remains compared to a classic methodology. Results from multivariate logistic regression analysis have shown that QUS is a more reliable method compared to radiogrammetry, and provides a quantifiable cut-off for assessing fracture risk in archaeological individuals. In chapter 3, a multi-method analysis was carried out on 17 skeletal individuals from the Bronze Age site of Castello del Tartaro (Verona). Aim of this pilot study is to design a new method to discern between pathologic and diagenetic bone loss, to avoid misdiagnosing. The skeletal sample was chosen due to its severe and particular taphonomic asset. Chosen methods were: 1) QUS analysis; 2) SEM analysis; 3) macroscopic inspection; 4) radiogrammetry and radiology.Preliminary results have shown that BMD analysis should be carefully considered when dealing with samples from alluvial contexts suffering from strong anthropic intervention. BMD appeared extremely degraded, and thus an interpretation should be considered carefully. Further analyses aim to propose new reference data in order to use QUS analysis as a quantitative method for assessing the preservation state of a skeletal assemblage. In conclusion, this thesis provides a comprehensive research concerning BMD over two different anthropological perspectives.In questa tesi, la densità ossea (DMO) -rilevata tramite ultrasonometria ossea quantitativa (QUS)- è stata indagata sotto una doppia prospettiva: la prima parte è incentrata su studi antropometrico-sportivi su una popolazione italiana, mentre la seconda riguarda aspetti bioarcheologici. Un capitolo introduttivo precede queste due sezioni, contenti in totale 4 studi sperimentali e 2 capitoli introdottivi. La prima parte della tesi discute la relazione tra DMO, antropometria, esercizio fisico e stile di vita. Il primo studio sperimentale è stato condotto tra il 2019 e il 2022 su un campione di 243 uomini e donne italiani di età compresa tra i 20 e gli 84 anni. Lo scopo dello studio è quello di investigare l’associazione tra DMO, composizione corporea, attività sportiva praticata e livello di attività (atletici, attivi, sedentari). La composizione corporea e altri caratteri somatometrici sono stati valutati tramite diversi parametri, tra cui Body Mass Index (BMI), Massa Grassa e Massa Magra (Kg, %), forza della presa della mano, waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to stature ratio (WHtR), aree muscolo-adipose dell’arto superiore, Digit Ratio, e Frame Index. I risultati dell’analisi di regressione lineare multipla hanno mostrato che il principale fattore predittivo per la DMO è rappresentato dal grasso corporeo, che vi esercita un’azione negativa indipendentemente da sesso ed età. Un fattore positivamente predittivo è la forza della presa della mano. Il secondo studio sperimentale propone un nuovo strumento di screening per osteopenia chiamato QuBone, progettato per valutare lo stato di rischio di insorgenza considerando l’influenza di alcune variabili antropometriche, attività sportiva e stile di vita. Lo studio è stato condotto su 434 individui italiani di età compresa tra 20 e 84 anni. Un sottoinsieme di 63 persone ha ripetuto le rilevazioni per verificare la validità e la ripetibilità del questionario, mostrando sostanziali concordanze. Un secondo sottogruppo di 174 persone è stato sottoposto anche ad indagine antropometrica e analisi QUS, per raccogliere dati utili a valutare l’associazione tra DMO, parametri antropometrici e dati del questionario. Da questi dati sono state effettuate analisi di regressione lineare multipla, in modo da assegnare uno score di rischio ad ogni variabile considerata. In seguito, sono stati calcolati due cut-offs, in modo da fornire come risultato lo stato di rischio del soggetto. La seconda parte della tesi è invece incentrata sulle implicazioni paleopatologiche e tafonomiche della DMO su campioni scheletrici antichi. Il primo studio sperimentale della seconda parte compara differenti tecniche di indagine, con scopo di valutare se il QUS sia una metodologia più attendibile su resti antichi rispetto alla radiogrammetria. 104 resti scheletrici da siti medievali sono stati sottoposti a varie analisi (osteometria, QUS e radiogrammetria), in relazione alla presenza di fratture osteoporotiche. I risultati dall’analisi statistica logistica multivariata hanno mostrato che il QUS rappresenta un metodo più efficace rispetto alla radiogrammetria e quantifica l’effettivo rischio di frattura in popolazioni antiche. Nel terzo studio sperimentale (preliminare) è stata condotta un’analisi tafonomica attraverso varie tecniche (QUS, SEM, microscopia, radiologia) su 17 resti scheletrici dal sito di Castello del Tartaro (Verona), per individuare un metodo per discernere tra perdita di massa ossea patologica e diagenetica. I risultati preliminari hanno mostrato che in contesti di conservazione precari (sito alluvionale e fortemente antropizzato) la DMO è fortemente degradata, ed occorre particolare cautela in fase di analisi paleopatologica. In conclusione, questa tesi fornisce una ricerca diversificata riguardo la DMO sotto una duplice prospettiva antropologica

Bone mineral density: new anthropometric and bioanthropological insights

In this thesis, bone mineral density (BMD) assessed through Quantitative Ultrasonometry (QUS) was analyzed through a dual perception: the first section is focused on anthropometry and sports science in contemporary people (o populations), whilst the second one presents a bioarchaeological perspective. An introductory chapter precedes these two parts. The first section of the thesis discusses the relationship between BMD, anthropometry, physical exercise and lifestyle. Chapter 1 is an opening chapter. Chapter 2 is an experimental study conducted from 2019 to 2022 on a cohort of 243 Italian men and women between 20 and 84 years. The aim of the study is to investigate the association between BMD, body composition, practiced sport and activity level (athletic, active and sedentary). Body composition and other somatometric characteristics were assessed by different anthropometric parameters, including Body Mass Index (BMI), Fat Mass and Fat Free Mass (Kg, %), handgrip strength, Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR), body composition of the upper limb, digit ratio, and Frame index. The main predictive factor is represented by body fat, exerting a negative effect on BMD and thus enhancing fracture risk. A positive predictive parameter is handgrip strength. The second experimental research presented in Chapter 3 proposes a new screening tool for osteopenia named QuBone. This new questionnaire was designed to evaluate an individual’s risk for developing osteopenia depending on anthropometric characteristics, sports category and lifestyle. The study was carried out on 434 Italian subjects aged between 20 and 84 years; a subgroup of 63 subjects fulfilled the questionnaire a second time in order to evaluate internal consistency and repeatability of the questionnaire, which showed substantial results. A second subgroup of 174 individuals underwent anthropometric assessment and BMD analysis to allow multiple linear regression analysis for evaluating the association between BMD, anthropometric parameters and lifestyle data. From these models, a weight score was calculated for each factor. Then, two cut-offs for osteopenia and osteoporosis risk thresholds were evaluated. The new QuBone is thus a valid, self-administrable preventive tool, aimed to provide a risk score for the whole adult population by considering a wide asset of risk factors. The second section of the thesis is focused on paleopathological and taphonomic implications of BMD in ancient skeletal remains. Chapter 1 is an introductory overview. Aim of the study in Chapter 2 is to evaluate whether QUS may be considered a more reliable technique for low BMD in skeletal remains compared to a classic methodology. Results from multivariate logistic regression analysis have shown that QUS is a more reliable method compared to radiogrammetry, and provides a quantifiable cut-off for assessing fracture risk in archaeological individuals. In chapter 3, a multi-method analysis was carried out on 17 skeletal individuals from the Bronze Age site of Castello del Tartaro (Verona). Aim of this pilot study is to design a new method to discern between pathologic and diagenetic bone loss, to avoid misdiagnosing. The skeletal sample was chosen due to its severe and particular taphonomic asset. Chosen methods were: 1) QUS analysis; 2) SEM analysis; 3) macroscopic inspection; 4) radiogrammetry and radiology.Preliminary results have shown that BMD analysis should be carefully considered when dealing with samples from alluvial contexts suffering from strong anthropic intervention. BMD appeared extremely degraded, and thus an interpretation should be considered carefully. Further analyses aim to propose new reference data in order to use QUS analysis as a quantitative method for assessing the preservation state of a skeletal assemblage. In conclusion, this thesis provides a comprehensive research concerning BMD over two different anthropological perspectives.In questa tesi, la densità ossea (DMO) -rilevata tramite ultrasonometria ossea quantitativa (QUS)- è stata indagata sotto una doppia prospettiva: la prima parte è incentrata su studi antropometrico-sportivi su una popolazione italiana, mentre la seconda riguarda aspetti bioarcheologici. Un capitolo introduttivo precede queste due sezioni, contenti in totale 4 studi sperimentali e 2 capitoli introdottivi. La prima parte della tesi discute la relazione tra DMO, antropometria, esercizio fisico e stile di vita. Il primo studio sperimentale è stato condotto tra il 2019 e il 2022 su un campione di 243 uomini e donne italiani di età compresa tra i 20 e gli 84 anni. Lo scopo dello studio è quello di investigare l’associazione tra DMO, composizione corporea, attività sportiva praticata e livello di attività (atletici, attivi, sedentari). La composizione corporea e altri caratteri somatometrici sono stati valutati tramite diversi parametri, tra cui Body Mass Index (BMI), Massa Grassa e Massa Magra (Kg, %), forza della presa della mano, waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to stature ratio (WHtR), aree muscolo-adipose dell’arto superiore, Digit Ratio, e Frame Index. I risultati dell’analisi di regressione lineare multipla hanno mostrato che il principale fattore predittivo per la DMO è rappresentato dal grasso corporeo, che vi esercita un’azione negativa indipendentemente da sesso ed età. Un fattore positivamente predittivo è la forza della presa della mano. Il secondo studio sperimentale propone un nuovo strumento di screening per osteopenia chiamato QuBone, progettato per valutare lo stato di rischio di insorgenza considerando l’influenza di alcune variabili antropometriche, attività sportiva e stile di vita. Lo studio è stato condotto su 434 individui italiani di età compresa tra 20 e 84 anni. Un sottoinsieme di 63 persone ha ripetuto le rilevazioni per verificare la validità e la ripetibilità del questionario, mostrando sostanziali concordanze. Un secondo sottogruppo di 174 persone è stato sottoposto anche ad indagine antropometrica e analisi QUS, per raccogliere dati utili a valutare l’associazione tra DMO, parametri antropometrici e dati del questionario. Da questi dati sono state effettuate analisi di regressione lineare multipla, in modo da assegnare uno score di rischio ad ogni variabile considerata. In seguito, sono stati calcolati due cut-offs, in modo da fornire come risultato lo stato di rischio del soggetto. La seconda parte della tesi è invece incentrata sulle implicazioni paleopatologiche e tafonomiche della DMO su campioni scheletrici antichi. Il primo studio sperimentale della seconda parte compara differenti tecniche di indagine, con scopo di valutare se il QUS sia una metodologia più attendibile su resti antichi rispetto alla radiogrammetria. 104 resti scheletrici da siti medievali sono stati sottoposti a varie analisi (osteometria, QUS e radiogrammetria), in relazione alla presenza di fratture osteoporotiche. I risultati dall’analisi statistica logistica multivariata hanno mostrato che il QUS rappresenta un metodo più efficace rispetto alla radiogrammetria e quantifica l’effettivo rischio di frattura in popolazioni antiche. Nel terzo studio sperimentale (preliminare) è stata condotta un’analisi tafonomica attraverso varie tecniche (QUS, SEM, microscopia, radiologia) su 17 resti scheletrici dal sito di Castello del Tartaro (Verona), per individuare un metodo per discernere tra perdita di massa ossea patologica e diagenetica. I risultati preliminari hanno mostrato che in contesti di conservazione precari (sito alluvionale e fortemente antropizzato) la DMO è fortemente degradata, ed occorre particolare cautela in fase di analisi paleopatologica. In conclusione, questa tesi fornisce una ricerca diversificata riguardo la DMO sotto una duplice prospettiva antropologica

Bone mineral density: new anthropometric and bioanthropological insights

In this thesis, bone mineral density (BMD) assessed through Quantitative Ultrasonometry (QUS) was analyzed through a dual perception: the first section is focused on anthropometry and sports science in contemporary people (o populations), whilst the second one presents a bioarchaeological perspective. An introductory chapter precedes these two parts. The first section of the thesis discusses the relationship between BMD, anthropometry, physical exercise and lifestyle. Chapter 1 is an opening chapter. Chapter 2 is an experimental study conducted from 2019 to 2022 on a cohort of 243 Italian men and women between 20 and 84 years. The aim of the study is to investigate the association between BMD, body composition, practiced sport and activity level (athletic, active and sedentary). Body composition and other somatometric characteristics were assessed by different anthropometric parameters, including Body Mass Index (BMI), Fat Mass and Fat Free Mass (Kg, %), handgrip strength, Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR), body composition of the upper limb, digit ratio, and Frame index. The main predictive factor is represented by body fat, exerting a negative effect on BMD and thus enhancing fracture risk. A positive predictive parameter is handgrip strength. The second experimental research presented in Chapter 3 proposes a new screening tool for osteopenia named QuBone. This new questionnaire was designed to evaluate an individual’s risk for developing osteopenia depending on anthropometric characteristics, sports category and lifestyle. The study was carried out on 434 Italian subjects aged between 20 and 84 years; a subgroup of 63 subjects fulfilled the questionnaire a second time in order to evaluate internal consistency and repeatability of the questionnaire, which showed substantial results. A second subgroup of 174 individuals underwent anthropometric assessment and BMD analysis to allow multiple linear regression analysis for evaluating the association between BMD, anthropometric parameters and lifestyle data. From these models, a weight score was calculated for each factor. Then, two cut-offs for osteopenia and osteoporosis risk thresholds were evaluated. The new QuBone is thus a valid, self-administrable preventive tool, aimed to provide a risk score for the whole adult population by considering a wide asset of risk factors. The second section of the thesis is focused on paleopathological and taphonomic implications of BMD in ancient skeletal remains. Chapter 1 is an introductory overview. Aim of the study in Chapter 2 is to evaluate whether QUS may be considered a more reliable technique for low BMD in skeletal remains compared to a classic methodology. Results from multivariate logistic regression analysis have shown that QUS is a more reliable method compared to radiogrammetry, and provides a quantifiable cut-off for assessing fracture risk in archaeological individuals. In chapter 3, a multi-method analysis was carried out on 17 skeletal individuals from the Bronze Age site of Castello del Tartaro (Verona). Aim of this pilot study is to design a new method to discern between pathologic and diagenetic bone loss, to avoid misdiagnosing. The skeletal sample was chosen due to its severe and particular taphonomic asset. Chosen methods were: 1) QUS analysis; 2) SEM analysis; 3) macroscopic inspection; 4) radiogrammetry and radiology.Preliminary results have shown that BMD analysis should be carefully considered when dealing with samples from alluvial contexts suffering from strong anthropic intervention. BMD appeared extremely degraded, and thus an interpretation should be considered carefully. Further analyses aim to propose new reference data in order to use QUS analysis as a quantitative method for assessing the preservation state of a skeletal assemblage. In conclusion, this thesis provides a comprehensive research concerning BMD over two different anthropological perspectives.In questa tesi, la densità ossea (DMO) -rilevata tramite ultrasonometria ossea quantitativa (QUS)- è stata indagata sotto una doppia prospettiva: la prima parte è incentrata su studi antropometrico-sportivi su una popolazione italiana, mentre la seconda riguarda aspetti bioarcheologici. Un capitolo introduttivo precede queste due sezioni, contenti in totale 4 studi sperimentali e 2 capitoli introdottivi. La prima parte della tesi discute la relazione tra DMO, antropometria, esercizio fisico e stile di vita. Il primo studio sperimentale è stato condotto tra il 2019 e il 2022 su un campione di 243 uomini e donne italiani di età compresa tra i 20 e gli 84 anni. Lo scopo dello studio è quello di investigare l’associazione tra DMO, composizione corporea, attività sportiva praticata e livello di attività (atletici, attivi, sedentari). La composizione corporea e altri caratteri somatometrici sono stati valutati tramite diversi parametri, tra cui Body Mass Index (BMI), Massa Grassa e Massa Magra (Kg, %), forza della presa della mano, waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to stature ratio (WHtR), aree muscolo-adipose dell’arto superiore, Digit Ratio, e Frame Index. I risultati dell’analisi di regressione lineare multipla hanno mostrato che il principale fattore predittivo per la DMO è rappresentato dal grasso corporeo, che vi esercita un’azione negativa indipendentemente da sesso ed età. Un fattore positivamente predittivo è la forza della presa della mano. Il secondo studio sperimentale propone un nuovo strumento di screening per osteopenia chiamato QuBone, progettato per valutare lo stato di rischio di insorgenza considerando l’influenza di alcune variabili antropometriche, attività sportiva e stile di vita. Lo studio è stato condotto su 434 individui italiani di età compresa tra 20 e 84 anni. Un sottoinsieme di 63 persone ha ripetuto le rilevazioni per verificare la validità e la ripetibilità del questionario, mostrando sostanziali concordanze. Un secondo sottogruppo di 174 persone è stato sottoposto anche ad indagine antropometrica e analisi QUS, per raccogliere dati utili a valutare l’associazione tra DMO, parametri antropometrici e dati del questionario. Da questi dati sono state effettuate analisi di regressione lineare multipla, in modo da assegnare uno score di rischio ad ogni variabile considerata. In seguito, sono stati calcolati due cut-offs, in modo da fornire come risultato lo stato di rischio del soggetto. La seconda parte della tesi è invece incentrata sulle implicazioni paleopatologiche e tafonomiche della DMO su campioni scheletrici antichi. Il primo studio sperimentale della seconda parte compara differenti tecniche di indagine, con scopo di valutare se il QUS sia una metodologia più attendibile su resti antichi rispetto alla radiogrammetria. 104 resti scheletrici da siti medievali sono stati sottoposti a varie analisi (osteometria, QUS e radiogrammetria), in relazione alla presenza di fratture osteoporotiche. I risultati dall’analisi statistica logistica multivariata hanno mostrato che il QUS rappresenta un metodo più efficace rispetto alla radiogrammetria e quantifica l’effettivo rischio di frattura in popolazioni antiche. Nel terzo studio sperimentale (preliminare) è stata condotta un’analisi tafonomica attraverso varie tecniche (QUS, SEM, microscopia, radiologia) su 17 resti scheletrici dal sito di Castello del Tartaro (Verona), per individuare un metodo per discernere tra perdita di massa ossea patologica e diagenetica. I risultati preliminari hanno mostrato che in contesti di conservazione precari (sito alluvionale e fortemente antropizzato) la DMO è fortemente degradata, ed occorre particolare cautela in fase di analisi paleopatologica. In conclusione, questa tesi fornisce una ricerca diversificata riguardo la DMO sotto una duplice prospettiva antropologica

Violence in the Early Bronze Age. Diagnosis of skull lesions using anthropological, taphonomic and scanning electron microscopy techniques

In this paper we present the study of a skull belonging to a young male from the Italian Bronze Age showing three perimortem injuries on the frontal and parietal bones; the peculiarity of the frontal injury is represented by its singular shape, which may be indicative of the weapon that caused the lesion. The aim of the present study is to examine the traumatic evidence in relation to possible etiological factors, in order to attempt to establish if the lesion occurred peri or post-mortem, and to evaluate if these traumatic injuries could be interpreted as an evidence of interpersonal violence, by combining anthropological, taphonomic and ESEM investigations. The combination of multidisciplinary methods of study can provide important new insights into inter-personal violence

Il Museo Universitario di Paleontologia e Preistoria “P. Leonardi”: divulgazione e nuove tecnologie per un museo aperto a porte chiuse

Il Museo di Paleontologia e Preistoria “P. Leonardi” è stato fondato nel 1964 dal Prof. Piero Leonardi per promuovere la didattica delle Scienze della Terra nell’Università di Ferrara. Alla fine degli anni ’70 l’aumento di interesse per le discipline naturalistiche nella scuola portò ad una continua e crescente richiesta di fruizione del Museo mediante l’organizzazione di visite guidate per le scuole primarie di primo e secondo grado che coinvolse annualmente migliaia di studenti. Nel 2012, queste attività sono state interrotte a causa del terremoto in Emilia che ha reso inagibile il Museo, chiudendolo al pubblico. L’impossibilità di far fruire le collezioni al pubblico ha portato ad adottare strategie diversificate per mantenere in vita il Museo nel territorio ferrarese. L’impiego di nuove tecnologie in ambito museale ha portato a studiare nuove soluzioni per la digitalizzazione delle collezioni e alla realizzazione di un museo virtuale in attesa della riapertura.The Museum of Paleontology and Prehistory “P. Leonardi” was founded in the mid-60s by Professor Piero Leonardi, who aimed to create an exhibition dedicated to university teaching. Over the years, the continuous and growing demand led to a reconfiguration of the Museum for an open enjoyment to a wider and more diversified public. Unfortunately, in 2012 the Museum was damaged by the earthquake that struck the Emilia Romagna region; since then, the Museum cannot be visited while awaiting for the renovation work. Accessibility, involvement and identification are the elements necessary for the museum experience to be fully lived. In order to respond to different fruition needs an integrated enhancement project has been developed, involving the digitization of the collections by new technologies; this attempt to create a virtual and dynamic environment has the dual purpose of allowing consultation to researchers and students and to set up virtual paths for non-academic users