Morphological dental trait examination of Ajnala skeletal remains and their possible population affinity.

OBJECTIVES: The metric and non-metric features of the fragmented, badly damaged and commingled human remains play a significant role in their identity establishment in forensic anthropology. The main objective of the present study was to assess the population specific attributes of the unknown human dental remains excavated from an abandoned well, found underneath a religious structure at Ajnala (Punjab, India). Written accounts mentioned that Ajnala skeletal remains belonged to 282 Indian origin soldiers of the British army who had revolted against the colonial rulers in 1857, who were killed after capture, and their bodies dumped in an abandoned well. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven non-metric dental traits were investigated in a sample of 1527 teeth (1200 dislodged teeth comprising of 300 canines, 300 premolars and 600 molars along with 93 jaw fragments having 327 teeth of different types) collected from this non-scientifically exhumed skeletal assemblage. These selected traits were examined with adequate magnification and lighting, using a flexible arm illuminated magnifier (Lensel Optics Pvt. Ltd., Pune, India), identified and scored in accordance with the descriptions provided in the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System (ASUDAS). RESULTS: Eight of the eleven features examined (Carabelli trait, Hypocone absence, Cusp 5, Cusp 6, Tomes root, mesial canine ridge, Y-groove pattern, and four-cusp mandibular second molar) exhibited frequencies that were distinctly higher or lower than the three major continental ancestries. DISCUSSION: Some amateur historians doubted the authenticity of the written versions and argued that these remains might belong to the non-Indians. Present study results revealed that the studied dental trait frequencies were not similar to any major continental ancestry and were relatively unique in Ajnala teeth like previous Indian studies. While this in itself does not guarantee that these teeth belong to individuals of the Indian subcontinent, it endorses previous scientific analyses and supports the written accounts that the majority of Ajnala teeth were probably Indian in origin. However, the determination of ethnicity from dental morphological features remains debatable and can be used only as suggestive than diagnostic tool owing to possible bias in recording morphological features of teeth. Although determining the racial affinity from teeth is very difficult, caution must be exercised in concluding the racial identity of an individual from the teeth.

Sex estimation in Indians by digital analysis of the gonial angle on lateral cephalographs.

OBJECTIVE: Sex estimation of skeletons is important in forensic reconstructive identification. The mandible is a durable component that is suitable to discriminate the sexes while lateral cephalometry is a standardised radiographic technique accepted as a tool in personal identification. Limited data is available for the mandibular/gonial angle as a parameter for sex assessment using lateral cephalometric radiographs. The aim of this study is to determine the gonial angle's accuracy in sexing Indians using a new digital method and statistical approach. METHOD: The sample comprised of 304 digital lateral cephalometric radiographs (155 females and 149 males, age between 18-30 years) of Indian subjects. The mandibular/gonial angle was measured on these radiographs using Adobe Photoshop software using tools available therein. The obtained angles for the sexes were subjected to logistic regression analysis (LRA), which forms a composite of weighted independent variables using a multivariate strategy. RESULTS: The average angle was 122.7° for females and 121.1°for males. LRA produced an accuracy rate of 56.3% in sex assessment, with females being more accurately identified (61.9%) than males (50.3%). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated significant univariate sexual dimorphism among males and females in this population. However, the sex prediction value of this approach was low and thus may not be useful in sex estimation involved in human identification of Indians.

Are dental indexes useful in sex assessment?

This study describes sexual dimorphism in dental indexes derived from the permanent dentition. Three dental indices--'crown area,' 'crown module' and 'crown index'--were calculated from the buccolingual (BL) and mesiodistal (MD) measurements of 123 permanent dentitions (58 females and 65 males) belonging to young Nepalese adults (age-range 19-28 years). Sex differences in the dental indexes were assessed using univariate and multivariate statistics and compared to that of linear measurements reported previously on the same sample. Univariate sex dimorphism exhibited by crown area and crown module was similar to that of linear measurements whereas crown index displayed marked variation. The unusual results shown by the latter is explained as the result of it not being a representation of tooth size per se; rather, crown index is an expression of the difference between BL and MD dimensions and may be better suited as an indicator of tooth 'shape'. Stepwise discriminant analyses undertaken for the indices gave moderate to high accuracy rates in sexing (69.8-81.1%). However, this is lower to the classification accuracy reported for linear measurements. Therefore, it is concluded that dental indexes have no added utility in forensic sex assessment.

Teaching forensic odontology: an opinion on its content and format*.

Forensic odontology involves dentists' participation in assisting legal and criminal issues. Formal teaching in forensic odontology has existed for over a 100 years. Over the last century, forensic odontology has evolved and, today, it is an integral part of undergraduate dental training in many countries. Dentists have been trained in the specialty, and dedicated departments established in institutes and universities around the world. A survey undertaken at five universities revealed that these centres have developed detailed curricula in forensic odontology, and a general standard exists in teaching forensic odontology, however, coverage of recent advances in forensic science may be lacking. While recognising that these programmes are not representative of teaching in forensic odontology worldwide, suggestions are made for an alternative approach to teaching the subject. Moreover, it is stressed that teaching be undertaken by qualified forensic odontologists.

Are a minimum number of concordant matches needed to establish identity in forensic odontology?

Forensic odontology plays an important role in the identification of human remains. While numerous studies have proven conclusively the uniqueness of the human dentition, forensic odontologists worldwide remain divided about the need for a minimum number of concordant points to confirm dental identification. This study reviewed 690 cases from the archives of the Forensic Odontology Unit, The University of Adelaide, to determine the validity of using a minimum number of concordant points to positively identify human remains. It was found that positive identification had been established using a varying number of concordant points. Although the incidence of positive identification was more frequent with a minimum of 12 concordant points, there were numerous cases where 12 or more concordant points failed to achieve a positive identification. Identities were also confirmed in some cases using less than 12 points of correspondence. There appears to be no basis for defining a minimum number of concordant points necessary before a positive identification can be made on dental evidence. Rather, the findings of this study reinforce the view that each case has its own individuality and should be treated as such.

A case of bitten Bettongs.

Australia has a unique collection of native fauna, which is often threatened by physical harm or the destruction of its habitat and conservation of endangered species is a primary concern. Investigation of the recent deaths of Bettongs in Lincoln National Park, South Australia was undertaken by the Forensic Odontology Unit, Adelaide University to determine the likely perpetrator. Feral domestic cats were deemed to be responsible, as indicated by bitemarks on the radiotransmitter collars.

Randomised controlled trial of eutectic mixture of local anaesthetics cream for venepuncture in healthy preterm infants.

AIM: To assess the safety and efficacy of EMLA cream (eutectic mixture of local anaesthetics) used to induce surface anaesthesia for venepuncture in healthy preterm infants. METHODS: Nineteen infants, median gestational age 31 weeks (range 26-33 weeks) were assessed in a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, cross-over trial. Changes in physiological variables (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) and behavioural responses (neonatal facial coding system score, crying time) before and after venepuncture with EMLA cream were compared with those obtained with a placebo cream to assess efficacy. Toxicity was assessed by comparing methaemoglobin concentrations at 1 hour and 8 hours after application. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in efficacy between EMLA and placebo creams in physiological and behavioural responses. There was no significant difference in methaemoglobin concentrations one hour after the cream had been applied. At eight hours, however, concentrations were significantly higher after EMLA than placebo (p = 0.016). There was no evidence of clinical toxicity. CONCLUSION: This study does not support the routine use of EMLA for venepuncture in healthy preterm infants.

Hopkins syndrome associated with Mycoplasma infection.

A 3-year-old boy who presented with flaccid weakness of the right lower limb 1 week after treatment for an acute attack of asthma is described. Sensation was normal. Electromyography suggested anterior horn cell damage and persisting weakness. These features suggested a diagnosis of Hopkins syndrome. Complement fixation test titer and agglutination test titer to Mycoplasma pneumoniae were significantly increased, suggesting a previously unreported association with this syndrome. We review possible infectious agents detected in previous reports.