Morphometry and Sexual Dimorphism of the Human Clavicle in South Indian Population

Background: In forensic anthropology, determining an individual’s sex is the fundamental criteria of identification, but this is a tough task that gets considerably more difficult when only a single bone, such as the clavicle, is available. In physical anthropology, determining the sex of a deceased individual is a fundamental prerequisite. Physical anthropologists have gotten more concerned about the difficulties of human identity in recent years. Traditional techniques of sexing bone are subjective and ineffective when absolute sexing precision is desired, hence this study. Methods: Measurement of clavicular length and circumference using an Osteometric board or sliding and Vernier Callipers product from 1128 dry clavicles of unknown sex and age procured from various medical institutions and departments of anthropology in south India. Length, inner angle, outer angle, the sum of angles, inner segment, middle segment, outside segment, width at the inner end at an inner angle, least width at conoid tubercle, at the outer end, and mid circumference have all been measured. Results and Discussion: The male mid-shaft circumference is 38.0±0.5mm on the right side and 36.5±0.5mm on the left side, whereas the female mid-shaft circumference is 31.4±0.3mm on the right side and 31.4±0.6mm on the left side. The length of the left clavicle is greater than the length of the right collarbone. The curvature of the right collarbone is higher than that of the left, resulting in a shorter right bone than the left. The clavicle of males has a higher mean across all parameters than females. Male clavicle length is more than female clavicle length, midshaft circumference is less in females than males, and breadth at an inner angle is shorter in females than men, all of which are statistically significant. The Mid-shaft Circumference as a sex-determination metric is statistically significant in differentiating the clavicle’s sex. This delivers a better result than clavicle weight since clavicle weight fluctuates with age and the health state of the individual. Male clavicles have a larger Midshaft Circumference than female clavicles.

Human skeletal remains analysis rom pallemalala shell midden in Southern Sri Lanka / Análisis de restos óseos humanos del vertedero de conchas de pallemalala en el sur de Sri Lanka

SUMMARY: Sri Lanka, an island off the tip of the Southeast of the Indian subcontinent processes the earliest skeletal evidence of anatomically modern Homo sapiens (37,000 B.P.) and the best human skeletal record sequence in the South Asian region. Adding another to the list, the skeletal remains, which belong to Mesolithic culture were found at Pallemalala shell midden in Southern Sri Lanka during scientific archaeological exploration by Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya. Sri Lanka. The aim of the study was to determine the minimum number of human individuals, age, sex, and pathological conditions related to the ancient Pallemalala commiunity. For the primary analysis, 426 bone fragments were available. Out of those, 233 bones were identified as human bones which represent 7 minimum number of individuals. The rest of the collection comprises some animal bones and shell species. The community was predominated by the female population. The identified age categories were around 20 years, between 35-45 years, and over 45 years. The encountered pathological lesions were bone thickening, alveolar resorption, dental abscesses, dental caries, antemorterm tooth loss, calculus deposits and brown colour stains on teeth. Regarding the dietary pattern, it was evident that their diet may have consisted of coarse foodstuffs with an extremely basic dietary chemistry.

RESUMEN: Sri Lanka es una isla en la punta del sureste del subcontinente indio que procesa la evidencia esquelética más antigua del Homo sapiens anatómicamente moderno (37.000 AP) y la mejor secuencia de registros esqueléticos humanos en la región del sur de Asia. Agregando otro elemento a la lista, los restos óseos, que pertenecen a la cultura mesolítica, se encontraron en el vertedero de conchas de Pallemalala en el sur de Sri Lanka durante la exploración arqueológica científica realizada por el Instituto de Postgrado de Arqueología de la Universidad de Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el número mínimo de individuos humanos, edad, sexo y condiciones patológicas relacionadas con la antigua comunidad Pallemalala. Para el análisis se dispuso de 426 fragmentos óseos. De esos, 233 huesos fueron identificados como huesos humanos que representan un número mínimo de 7 individuos. El resto de la colección se componía de algunos huesos de animales y especies de conchas. La comunidad estaba dominada por la población femenina. Las categorías de edad identificadas fueron alrededor de 20 años, entre 35-45 años y mayores de 45 años. Las lesiones patológicas encontradas fueron engrosamiento óseo, reabsorción alveolar, abscesos dentales, caries dental, pérdida de dientes antemortem, depósitos de cálculo y manchas de color marrón en los dientes. En cuanto al patrón dietético, era evidente que su dieta pudo haber consistido en alimentos toscos con una química dietética extremadamente básica.

Prevalence of dental paleopathology in a peruvian pre-hispanic population / Prevalencia de paleopatologías dentales en una población prehispánica peruana

Objective: To determine the prevalence of dental paleopathologies in a Peruvian prehispanic population. Material and Method: A descriptive, observational and transversal study was carried out. The sample consisted of 106 skeletal remains of pre-hispanic inhabitants, over 18 years of age, found in the El Brujo - Magdalena de Cao Archaeological Complex, Lambayeque - Peru. The selection criteria were defined and the presence of dental caries, malocclusion, crowding, dental anomalies of direction and site, age and sex of each bone was assessed using a data collection instrument designed for that purpose. Results: The sample showed presence of dentin caries (62.3%), enamel caries (37.7%), Class I malocclusion (76.4%), Class II malocclusion (4.7%), Class III malocclusion (4.7%), maxillary crowding (15.1%), mandibular crowding (19.8%), crowding in both jaws (13.2%), gyroversion (20.8%), vestibule-versions (15.1%), linguo-versions (17.9%) and dental transposition (5.7%). Conclusion: The results show a high prevalence of caries and malocclusions in this Peruvian pre-hispanic population.

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de paleopatologías dentales en una población prehispánica peruana. Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal cuya muestra estuvo conformada por 106 restos óseos de habitantes prehispánicos, mayores de 18 años, hallados en el Complejo Arqueológico El Brujo ­ Magdalena de Cao, Lambayeque ­ Perú. Se definieron los criterios de selección y se evaluó la presencia de caries dental, maloclusión, apiñamiento, anomalías de dirección, anomalías de sitio, edad y género de cada uno de los restos óseos utilizando un instrumento de recolección de datos destinado para tal fin. Resultados: La muestra mostró presencia de caries de dentina (62.3%), caries de esmalte (37.7%), maloclusión clase I (76.4%), maloclusión clase II (4.7%), maloclusión clase III (4.7%), apiñamiento en el maxilar superior (15.1%), apiñamiento mandibular (19.8%), apiñamiento en ambos maxilares (13.2%), giroversiones (20.8%), vestíbulo-versiones (15.1%), linguo-versiones (17.9%) y transposición dental (5.7%). Conclusión: Los resultados demuestran una alta prevalencia de caries y maloclusiones en la población peruana prehispánica.

Sexing Of Human Clavicles Of North Karnataka Zone By Measuring Their Mid-shaft Circumference

The sex determination of the individual is primary criterion of identification in Forensic anthropology but this isvery difficult problems & becomes even more challenging when only a single bone like clavicle is available. Thecorrect determination of the sex of a dead person is a critical requirement in physical anthropology. Within pastfew years, the physical anthropologists have become increasingly involved in the problems of humanidentification. The traditional methods of sexing bone are subjective and not of much help where 100% accuracyof sexing is required. For the metrical analysis of sexing of clavicle by the present study method, mid-shaftcircumference of 155 adult human clavicles of known sexes were measured with the help of measuring tape, stripof graph paper and Vernier Calipers. The mid-shaft circumference of right side male clavicles ranges from 30mmto 46mm (mean of 37.14 ± 4.10mm), where as that of female clavicles ranges from 25.5mm to 41.5mm (mean of30.50 ± 3.3mm). The mid-shaft circumference of left male clavicles ranges from 30mm to 48mm (mean of 37.04±4.2mm) where as that of female clavicles ranges from 24.5mm to 39.5mm (mean of 30.3±3.3mm). The mid-shaftcircumference of clavicles has a high significance in sex determination (P<0.001). The prediction of correct sexby mid-shaft circumference of clavicles alone is 77% for male & 83.30% for female right clavicles & 80% for ofmale & 87.50% for female left clavicles.

Radiocarbon Dating of Skeletal Remains: Case Report / 대한법의학회지

While radioactive isotope analysis has proved to be a useful method in disciplines such as archaeology and forensic anthropology, more recently, radiocarbon dating has allowed for a more nuanced biological profile of human skeletal remains. Radiocarbon dating has been made possible by the above ground nuclear bomb test conducted in 1963, which raised the level of atmospheric radiocarbon concentration to almost twice the natural level. Because the annually measured tropospheric ¹⁴C concentrations are integrated into the bomb peak curve, the time of birth and death of an individual can be estimated by comparing the radiocarbon content of a skeletal sample to the bomb-curve value. In July 2017, about 1,000 skeletal remains were excavated at the construction site of Sokcho. For medico-legal purposes, we conducted anthropological and odontological examinations of all the human remains. We then conducted the radiocarbon analysis on seven femora (head and body portions), five mandibular teeth, and soil from the site through a request to the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources. The results demonstrated that the estimated year of birth or death was prior to the 1950s. Due to the diverse distribution of results, we deduced that the human remains were from the local mass grave. This study supports and suggests the use of radiocarbon dating more frequently in the analysis of human skeletal remains.

Dental Pathologies in the Three Kingdoms Period Population from Imdang Site, Gyeongsan, Korea / 체질인류학회지

Dental pathology has the potential to provide insight into the interpretation of the health and life style of past population. In particular, dental pathologies are strongly correlated to subsistence pattern, diet habits and food-preparation techniques. For this reason, my studies have focused on analyses of dental diseases (e.g., caries, abscesses, ante-mortem tooth loss, enamel hypoplasia, dental attrition, and periodontal diseases). The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of dental pathologies of the Imdang population dating to between A.D. 3rd and A.D. 7th centuries (Three Kingdoms Period). In this study, through a macroscopic observation of dental remains from 138 individuals of the Imdang site, the prevalence of caries, abscess and ante-mortem tooth loss was examined. The association between sex, age and the frequencies of pathology was analyzed by the Chi-square tests. The results showed that the frequency of dental pathologies was consistently low level in Imdang population. Caries prevalence in the Imdang population was higher in females (6.15%) that in males (4.89). Among dental pathologies, abscess prevalence (0.7%) was lowest in Imdang population. Meanwhile, AMTL prevalence was 10.81% in males and 3.8% in females. There is a statistically significant difference between the anterior teeth of males and females (p<0.05). This study revealed that the rate of dental caries, abscess and AMTL in the Three Kingdoms Period population was relatively low level. This study is the first report of the patterns of dental pathologies in the Three Kingdoms Period population. It is necessary to investigate more number of pathologic markers that needed for deeper understanding of the multi-faceted nature of dental pathologies of ancient populations.

Caveats in Using Trotter and Gleser's (1958) Asian Equations for Stature Estimation / 체질인류학회지

Trotter and Gleser's (1958) Asian equations have most frequently been used for stature estimation of Korean skeletal remains. However, limitations or caveats in using those equations have rarely been argued. This study reviews five issues frequently overlooked in applying the equations and interpreting the outcomes. First, Trotter and Gleser (1958) multiply the standard errors by 2 to obtain the 95% prediction interval (PI). However, there is discrepancy between their calculation and actual PIs, and thus correct method for PI calculation is recommended. Secondly, given the uncertainty about the tibia length measurement, there is a possibility that the tibia-related equations yield biased estimates. Thirdly, since a mathematical error was incorporated in the development process of the combined equations, caution should be taken. Fourthly, extrapolation may cause additional unexpected error in applying regression equations. Therefore, it is necessary to check if a target sample falls within the reference sample range prior to using the equations. Lastly, applying Trotter and Gleser's (1958) equations to female samples should be avoided because they produce highly biased estimates. The issues discussed in this study will contribute to reducing potential errors associated with application of these equations, and eventually enhancing accuracy of the final stature estimates. If errors are anticipated but unavoidable, discussions about the potential errors should be made to minimize misunderstanding about the outcomes.

Predictive Accuracy of Mandibular Ramus Flexure as a Morphologic Indicator of Sex Dimorphism in Jordanians / Exactitud Predictiva de la Flexura de la Rama Mandibular como Indicador Morfológico de Dimorfismo Sexual en Jordanos

The present study investigated the validity of mandibular ramus flexure in sex differentiation among young Jordanian adults using Orthopantomographic images in a double blind study. A normative sample comprised of 419 images was selected, of which 126 belonged to male patients and 293 images to females. The exclusion criteria used in the selection involved excluding images that showed marked loss of mandibular molars, over erupted, tilted, anomalous molars and teeth or mandibles associated with pathology. Each image was examined for the presence of a flexure on the posterior margin of the ramus at the occlusal plane. The posterior margin of the ramus was carefully traced graphically and the occlusal plane level was delineated as guided by the height of cusp tips at the occlusal surfaces of the mandibular molars. The ramus flexure was more accurately diagnostic for females (94.6%), than for males (47.6%); this gave rise to an overall diagnostic accuracy of 70.9% which is far below the reported 90.6-99.0% by Loth & Henneberg. Our results, however, agreed with some reported findings of other researchers. In conclusion, ramus flexure provides a moderately acceptable predictive accuracy and could be considered as a supplementary rather than a definitive mean of sex determination. In sexing unknown skeletal remains, it is necessary to employ as many methods or traits as possible instead of relying on one morphological trait.

El presente estudio investigó la validez de flexura de la rama mandibular en la diferenciación sexual entre adultos jóvenes jordanos utilizando imágenes de ortopantomografías, en un estudio doble ciego. Se seleccionó una muestra normativa compuesta de 419 imágenes, de las cuales 126 pertenecían a hombres y 293 a mujeres. Se excluyeron imágenes que mostraron una pérdida marcada de los molares mandibulares, dientes sobre erupcionados o inclinados, molares anómalos y los dientes o mandíbulas con enfermedad. Cada imagen fue examinada para detectar la presencia de un ángulo en el margen posterior de la rama en el plano oclusal. El margen posterior de la rama mandibular fue trazado gráficamente y el plano oclusal se delineó estableciendo como guía la altura de las puntas cuspídeas en las superficies oclusales de los molares mandibulares. La flexura de la rama mandibular fue más precisa en el diagnóstico de las mujeres (94,6%) que para los hombres (47,6%); con una precisión diagnóstica global del 70,9%, la cual es inferior a la reportada por Loth & Henneberg entre 90,6­99,0%. Nuestros resultados, concuerdan con algunos hallazgos reportados por otros investigadores. En conclusión, la flexura de la rama mandibular proporciona una exactitud de predicción moderadamente aceptable y podría ser considerada como un complemento en lugar de un medio definitivo de la determinación del sexo. En restos óseos desconocidos, es necesario emplear la mayor cantidad de métodos o rasgos posibles que depender de un solo rasgo morfológico.

Human Skeletal Remains from Ancient Burial Sites in India: With Special Reference to Harappan Civilization / 체질인류학회지

Harappan Civilization is well known for highly sophisticated urban society, having been flourished in extensive regions of northwestern part of Pakistan and northeastern part of Afghanistan as its heyday around 4500 years ago. Most archaeologists agree on the periodization of this civilization as three different phases (Early, Mature and Late), which represent its cultural process of origin, development and decline. From the Harappan sites, one can note that there were about more than fifty burial sites discovered so far related with the civilization. In this article, we are trying to introduce the brief picture of the Harappan burials from the archaeological as well as anthropological perspectives.

A forensic case of sacralization of the sixth lumbar vertebra in skeletal remains.

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTVs) are a common congenital anomaly of the spine. In the present case, we observed LSTVs in the excessive (sixth lumbar) vertebra. In forensic practice, this anomaly may be useful for personal identification of skeletal remains.

Prior surgical intervention of the bone; useful finding for the examination of the skeletal remains.

In general, personal identification is an important part of forensic practice. Evidence of prior surgery in a skeletonized remains is a useful findings for personal identification. Here we describe two cases where bone scarring shows evidence of prior surgery, and how these findings become useful information for identification of the victims.

Contradictory skull and age estimation.

The corpus delicti means the facts of any criminal offence. The main part of the corpus delicti is the establishment of identity of the dead body and infliction of violence in a particular way, at a particular time and place, by the person on persons charged with the crime and none other. The case against the accused cannot be established unless there is convincing proof of these points. If the victim’s identity is not known, it becomes difficult for the police to solve the crime. Determination of the age of the individual comes in routine forensic practice, as the age of the victim is one of the three primary characteristics of identification. But in few cases it is not easy to opine about the age of the victim especially when we are receiving only a single bone like skull with contradictory findings. The presented case report is an attempt to discuss that how we can solve such problems by considering the other criteria’s for age estimation in skull which can be of a great use when some contradictory findings are there in remains of skeleton.

Handedness in skeletal remains.

Identification of a highly decomposed body and skeletal remains is of paramount importance in the investigation of a crime. While general characteristics of the skeletal remains like age, sex, stature, race etc. place the subject in a specific group, determination of any special characteristic can help identify the remains further. Handedness can be an important individual skeletal characteristic and an important criterion of identification in highly decomposed bodies and skeletal remains when used in corroboration with other findings. A case report of skeletal remains examination that was suggestive of handedness presented with review of relevant literature.