An Analysis of Frontal Sinusitis in Three Ancient Populations From the Turpan Basin, Xinjiang, China

Bibliographic Data

ID12371544
AuthorsQingxin Fu (0009-0003-3877-4984, Jilin University, corresponding author), Maia Casna (0000-0002-4209-7889, Leiden University), Sarah A Schrader (0000-0003-0424-6748, Leiden University), Yuran Niu (0009-0005-6313-0704, Jilin University), Ying Qin (0000-0003-2683-206X, Jilin University), Yanguo Qin (0000-0003-3296-3779, The Orthopaedic Medical Center Second Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China), Haiyang Xing (0000-0002-9201-2687, Jilin University), Long Wang (0000-0001-5600-8157, Turan University), Quanchao Zhang (0000-0002-0863-5751, Jilin University, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume36
Issue3
Pages554-563
Publication date2026-03-25
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Osteoarchaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1047-482X • E-ISSN: 1099-1212
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/oa.70104
OpenAlexW7140432021
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited54

This study used computed tomography (CT) to investigate pathological manifestations of frontal sinusitis in three populations from the Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age in the Turpan Basin, Xinjiang. CT analysis of 116 individuals from the Yanghai, Jiayi, and Shengjindian cemeteries revealed a high prevalence of frontal sinusitis, with rates of 59.4% at Yanghai, 56.7% at Jiayi, and 50% at Shengjindian. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in prevalence by sex, age group, or in‐between populations. These findings suggest that the ancient Turpan Basin populations were exposed to comparable respiratory health risks. Potential contributors include arid climate with frequent dust storms and elevated airborne particulates, together with household smoke from indoor fires and occupational exposures associated with herding, hunting, farming, and metalworking. Although no sex‐based differences were detected, exposure pathways may have differed with gendered divisions of labor, with males and females potentially experiencing distinct domestic and work‐related exposures. This study demonstrates that CT scanning is an effective, noninvasive method for identifying pathological changes in ancient human remains. The noninvasive nature of CT not only preserves skeletal integrity but also greatly increases accessible sample sizes, offering valuable insights into the respiratory health of Bronze and Iron Age populations of Xinjiang

Bronze Age · China · Computed tomography · Paleopathology · Pathological · Sinusitis · Southern china · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · Geology and Paleoclimatology Research · Paleopathology and ancient diseases