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Showing papers in "Homo-journal of Comparative Human Biology in 2008"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study uses traditional anthropometric measurements and equipment to address the question of sex determination from the crania and mandible of blacks and shows that traditional methods provide average accuracies that are comparable to those obtained using more complex techniques.
Abstract: The derivation of discriminant function equations for skeletal elements of South African populations continues to be an area of interest to both forensic anthropologists and skeletal biologists alike. The skull of black South Africans has previously been subjected to discriminant function analysis, using four measurements and two indices; however, no equations were derived to address the issue of sex determination. Recently Franklin, Freedman and Milne [2005. Sexual dimorphism and discriminant function sexing in indigenous South African crania. HOMO J. Comp. Hum. Biol. 55, 213-228] used the crania of black South Africans, in a three-dimensional approach, with eight linear measurements to investigate sex determination. This study, although valuable, requires the use of highly technical and expensive morphometric equipment that renders it less feasible in South Africa. In response to this, our study uses traditional anthropometric measurements and equipment to address the question of sex determination from the crania and mandible of blacks. One hundred and twenty non-pathological skulls were randomly selected from the Raymond Dart Collection of Human Skeletons, equally distributed by sex and belonging to individuals whose age at death ranges between 25 and 70 years. Fourteen cranial and six mandibular measurements were subjected to discriminant function analyses and discriminant function equations were derived for sex determination. Average accuracies ranged between 80% and 85% and were on par with that obtained in previous studies. Our study shows that traditional methods provide average accuracies that are comparable to those obtained using more complex techniques.

145 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is suggested that enthesis morphology provides information on muscle activity levels, with greater development of entheses associated with more habitual or powerful muscle use.
Abstract: Entheses (skeletal muscle and tendon attachment sites) have often been used to infer handedness and activity variability among human populations. However, the specific roles that intensity vs. frequency of muscle contractions play in modifying entheses are not well understood and the assumption that entheses reflect muscle activity levels has been challenged. This study explores the effect of habitual muscular activity on enthesis morphology in humans and African apes by investigating bilateral asymmetry in the forelimbs and hindlimbs of these taxa. Humans have generally more developed entheses in the lower limb while African apes have generally more developed entheses in the forelimbs. All species studied have more asymmetric forelimbs than hindlimbs except humans that show more asymmetrical expression of bony spurs in the lower limbs than in the upper limbs. When comparing species, humans are always more asymmetric in ethesis development than apes for both the forelimbs and hindlimbs, which reflects the relatively greater asymmetry in limb use in humans and the more symmetric use in apes. Enthesis development may reflect cross-symmetry patterns in humans and, more subtly, a moderate handedness in apes during manipulative activities. This study suggests that enthesis morphology provides information on muscle activity levels, with greater development of entheses associated with more habitual or powerful muscle use. The general similarity of ape and human responses to muscle activity suggests that muscle activity influenced enthesis development in Plio-Pleistocene hominins and that interpretation of muscle markings in these fossils can provide data for functional inferences in these extinct species.

31 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The characterisation of the metric features of deciduous dentition in a Medieval population of central Poland with the use of the jackknife technique leave one out (LOO)-supporting multivariate methods, which are important for deriving discrimination equations that would result in sex determination of children's skeletal remains.
Abstract: The subject of this work is the characterisation of the metric features of deciduous dentition in a Medieval population of central Poland with the use of the jackknife technique leave one out (LOO)-supporting multivariate methods, which are important for deriving discrimination equations that would result in sex determination of children's skeletal remains. The sex of the individuals was assessed through analysis of sex-specific DNA sequences (AMELY/AMELX, SRY and alpha satellite sequences). Discriminant analysis concerned only teeth of those individuals whose sex was confirmed by the primary structure of three DNA sequences. The deciduous tooth diameters of males were found to be significantly larger than those of females in four respects: MD diameter of the maxillary second molar, MD and BL diameters of the mandibular first molar and BL diameter of the mandibular second molar. A two-group discriminant analysis considered all those measurements as independent variables. A multiple regression procedure produced a linear equation predicting the sex of children's skeletons with a significant probability amounting to approximately 78%. The accuracy of the sex assessment of an individual, using dental measurements, was established at 69% in deciduous male and 88% in deciduous female teeth.

26 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is suggested that the term "bifid condyle" should be reserved for describing multiple condyles in the sagittal plane only - the true bifid Condyle.
Abstract: The bifid mandibular condyle has been described as a condition of unknown aetiology and uncertain pathogenesis. Many see it as the product of accidental trauma or forceps delivery, with the two heads occurring one behind the other in the sagittal plane. In bioanthropological literature, "bifid condyle" often describes pitting in the sagittal plane, dividing the condyle mediolaterally. We examined 38 male and 16 female pre-European-contact Pacific islanders' adult mandibles, and 24 male and 29 female modern Indian mandibles, recording frequency, prominence and position of any condylar groove in both coronal and sagittal planes. We report the tenth known case of a bilaterally-bifid condyle. A groove was found almost twice as likely to occur on the left condyle of the Indians than of the Pacific Islanders, but equally likely to occur on the right side of both groups. That same finding applied to males and females. In order to avoid terminological ambiguity, we suggest that the term "bifid condyle" should be reserved for describing multiple condyles in the sagittal plane only - the true bifid condyle. An hypothesis is offered for the occurrence of the groove in the sagittal plane.

25 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results confirm the relationship between low social status and the risk of overweight and obesity as observed in developed countries and the usefulness of simple and practical anthropometric indicators such as WHR and W/Ht for the identification of the higher risk of future metabolic diseases in obese people and those with a normal body mass.
Abstract: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disorder that develops from genotype and environmental interactions. The aim of this study is to describe the variability of body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist to height (W/Ht) in adult Polish women, and to determine relationships between these variables and factors such as education, place of residence, smoking and alcohol drinking. The tested group consisted of 10,254 women aged 25-95 years, who voluntarily filled in questionnaires and participated in anthropometric measurements (body height and mass, waist and hip circumferences). The BMI, WHR and W/Ht values were calculated based on these measurements. The participants were differentiated in terms of education, residence and lifestyle (smoking, alcohol drinking). Chi-squared test, product-moment correlations, ANOVA, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and logistic regression with backward elimination were used to evaluate associations between social and lifestyle factors and BMI, WHR and W/Ht. The results confirm (1) the relationship between low social status and the risk of overweight and obesity as observed in developed countries; (2) higher susceptibility to environmental factors such as education, place of residence, smoking and alcohol drinking in younger (premenopausal) women; (3) the usefulness of simple and practical anthropometric indicators such as WHR and W/Ht for the identification of the higher risk of future metabolic diseases in obese people and those with a normal body mass.

25 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The evidence indicates the possible role of environmental (prenatal) factors in the realization of dermatoglyphic sex differences among the Chuvashian population of Russia and corresponds better than fingers to the ethno historical background of the populations, ascertained by numerous studies.
Abstract: With the aim of determining sex dimorphism among the Chuvashian population of Russia, digital and palmar dermatoglyphics of 547 individuals (293 males, 254 females) were analyzed. The sex differences for PII, TRC, and AFRC are similar to Indian and Jewish populations. Correlation coefficients between individual finger ridge counts are a little lower than in Jews but are almost equal to Indian populations. The Mantel test of matrix correlation between sexes for 22 traits shows a very good similarity. However, sex differences of palmar traits display different levels when compared with other human populations. In light of this, our evidence indicates the possible role of environmental (prenatal) factors in the realization of dermatoglyphic sex differences. The development of palmar dermatoglyphics has had a relatively longer growth period compared with fingers [Cummins, H., 1929. The topographic history of the volar pads (walking pads, tast ballen) in the human embryo. Embryol. 20, 103-126]. The palmar dermatoglyphic pattern of affinities therefore corresponds better than fingers to the ethno historical background of the populations, ascertained by numerous studies.

22 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Variation between populations is most likely due to combined genetic and environmental factors, but differences in proximal femur shape between Native Americans and American Blacks/Whites are sufficient to allow accurate discrimination between these groups.
Abstract: In 1990, Gilbert and Gill proposed a simple metric technique using femoral subtrochanteric anteroposterior and mediolateral diaphyseal diameters for discriminating between Native American and American Black and White femora in medicolegal and bioarchaeological contexts However, there are several inherent assumptions in the method that may affect its validity The assumptions include minimal sexual dimorphism, temporal and geographical homogeneity within populations, and that differences between populations in femoral subtrochanteric size and shape are primarily due to genetic variation In this study, these assumptions are tested using femora from seven populations (African, American Black, American White, Australian, Native American, Hispanic, and Polynesian) The results indicate that sexual dimorphism and geographical and temporal heterogeneity in proximal femur diaphyseal shape within Native Americans are not great enough to significantly affect the validity of the Gilbert and Gill method (GGM) Variation between populations is most likely due to combined genetic and environmental factors, but differences in proximal femur shape between Native Americans and American Blacks/Whites are sufficient to allow accurate discrimination between these groups Caution, however, must be taken during investigations where populations other than Native Americans or American Blacks/Whites are present, and therefore, the GGM may have limited forensic anthropological application in many parts of the world

21 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study tests if the rare evidence of fish and mollusc remains in the riverine shellmound led to higher caries rates and lower auditory exostosis frequency, and if the small size of the bank translates into reduced demographic density and thus rarity of communicable infectious diseases.
Abstract: The contact of inland and coastal prehistoric groups in Brazil is believed to have been restricted to regions with no geographical barrier, as is the case in the Ribeira de Iguape valley. The inland osteological collection from the riverine shellmound Moraes (5800–4500 BP) represents a unique opportunity to test this assumption for this region. Despite cultural similarities between riverine and coastal shellmounds, important ecological and site distribution differences are expected to impact on lifestyle. The purpose of this study is thus to document and interpret health and lifestyle indicators in Moraes in comparison to coastal shellmound groups. Specifically we test if the rare evidence of fish and mollusc remains in the riverine shellmound led to (a) higher caries rates and (b) lower auditory exostosis frequency and (c) if the small size of the riverine shellmound translates into reduced demographic density and thus rarity of communicable infectious diseases. Of the three hypotheses, (a) was confirmed, (b) was rejected and (c) was partly rejected. Bioanthropological similarities between Moraes and coastal shellmounds include auditory exostoses with equally high frequencies; significantly more frequent osteoarthritis in upper than in lower limbs; cranial and dental morphological affinities and low frequencies of violent trauma. However, there are also important differences: Moraes subsisted on a much broader protein diet and consumed more

17 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It emerges from factorial ANOVA, that the somatotype components do not present significant variations related to organised physical activity and to the interaction between the country of origin and sport practice, and that mesomorphy is the best discriminator between the two countries.
Abstract: The study of somatotypes can contribute to the understanding of variability in human body build. The aim of this study was to compare the somatotypes of Italian and Estonian schoolchildren in order to evaluate factors that might lead to variability in somatotypes. The sample consisted of 762 Italian and 366 Estonian children aged 6-11 years. They were somatotyped by the Heath-Carter anthropometric method. Data on organised extra-curricular physical activity and hours of weekly training were also collected. One-way ANOVA was used to evaluate country-related variations of somatotype in each age/sex group, while factorial ANOVA was used to test the influence of country and organised physical activity on the variability of the anthropometric characteristics and somatotype components. There are significant differences in mean somatotypes between the Italian and Estonian children in many age classes and a different constitutional trend in children from the two different countries is observed. The Italian children are more endomorphic and less mesomorphic and ectomorphic than the Estonian children. On the other hand, it emerges from factorial ANOVA, that the somatotype components do not present significant variations related to organised physical activity and to the interaction between the country of origin and sport practice. Moreover, the results of the forward stepwise discriminant analyses show that mesomorphy is the best discriminator between the two countries, followed by ectomorphy. Our findings suggest that the observed differences between Italian and Estonian children could be related mainly to country rather than to the practice of organised physical activity in the two countries.

17 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is argued that, at least within the Chuvashian population, there is a secular trend towards a more gracile appendicular skeleton in both males and females.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate age- and sex-related changes in the size and shape of long hand bones in a large Chuvashian cohort using cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs. The data were gathered in 1994 (557 individuals) and 2002 (513 individuals). The latter sample included 260 individuals that were studied only during the second expedition, and 253 individuals who were previously investigated in 1994. Statistical analyses included a maximum likelihood-based model-fitting technique and a t-test comparison. We found evidence for secular trend of hand bone size in both males and females within the Chuvashian population. In males, the length and total area of the long hand bones were greater in younger individuals, but mid-shaft bone width remained almost the same in individuals born at different periods of the last century. In females, the length of the hand bones and total bone area remained unchanged in women born after 1937. However, bone mid-shaft width gradually decreased in women born after 1940. Therefore, we argue that, at least within the Chuvashian population, there is a secular trend towards a more gracile appendicular skeleton in both males and females.

16 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Growth and nutritional conditions of this population should be evaluated with the WHO reference, for it reflects the recent growth pattern of biologically and culturally healthy children raised in favourable conditions, a pattern that also reflects that of Jujenean children.
Abstract: Human growth and its resulting patterns display a great inter- and intra-population heterogeneity that reflects the quality of life, health and nutritional condition of populations. The aim of this work was to expand the knowledge about the growth of Jujenean children by statistical procedures that graphically express the relation of anthropometric variables to age and allow their comparison with specific references. Anthropometric data came from 9092 children (0–5 years) from various localities of Jujuy province (northwest Argentina) located at 1200 m above sea level (m a.s.l.). The centiles of weight for age (W/A) and height for age (H/A) were obtained by the LMS method using maximum penalized likelihood. A statistical and graphic comparison was made with the corresponding Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) centile references. In general, estimated centiles were lower than those in both references. Discrepancies for H/A in comparison with the CDC reference ranged between 1.09±0.59% and 1.66±0.34%, and for W/A between 1.82±1.56% and 3.36±1.4%. In comparison with the WHO reference, discrepancies ranged from 1.38±0.65% to 1.87±0.41% for H/A, and from 1.12±1.28% to 2.74±1.49% for W/A. Centile discrepancies were attributed to the characteristics of early childhood feeding and the interaction of a set of biological and mesological factors that the Jujenean population is exposed to. Growth and nutritional conditions of this population should be evaluated with the WHO reference, for it reflects the recent growth pattern of biologically and culturally healthy children raised in favourable conditions, a pattern that also reflects that of Jujenean children.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The mean BMI increased significantly after immigration, as the prevalence of overweight (BMI>25) was higher after a decade and there was a significant increase in stress-related factors and in the desire to return home.
Abstract: The objective of the present study was to investigate the psycho-social health and weight status of two samples of North African immigrants measured in 1990 (166 males) and in 2000-2002 (173 males and females), respectively. In addition to the cross-sectional study, we conducted a repeated study on a sub-sample of 21 males measured both in 1990 and in 2000-2002. The study was carried out in Italian health and care dedicated centres spread all over the Bologna administrative areas, that belong to the AUSL (Azienda Unita Sanitaria Locale, Administrative Local Health Unit). To evaluate the health and weight status, we calculated the body mass index (BMI) and measured systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Questionnaires were used to assess the psycho-social status. The mean BMI increased significantly (p 25) was higher after a decade. There was a significant increase (p<0.001) in stress-related factors and in the desire to return home. We also recorded an increase in weight disorders, as the length of time since immigration was an important risk factor for overweight. Therefore, immigrants may have a high risk of obesity-related co-morbidities. However, the factors related to malnutrition and stress had only weak effects on blood pressure.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It was determined that the increase in the frequency of the palatine torus is statistically significant across different periods from the Early Bronze Age until the 20th century.
Abstract: The frequency of the palatine torus varies in various populations from different regions of the world. In this study, the change of frequency of palatine torus is examined using 387 skulls from 12 different ancient Anatolian populations in various periods ranging from the Early Bronze Age to the first quarter of the 20th century. While the frequency of palatine torus is 45% in the Early Bronze Age, this ratio steadily increases to 87% in the Ottoman Period and finally declines to 40% during the recent period. It was determined that the increase in the frequency of the palatine torus is statistically significant across different periods from the Early Bronze Age until the 20th century. Constituting a passageway between Asia and Europe and being located on the crossroads of the most important trade route of the Medieval Period, the Silk Road, Anatolia is known to have been subjected to recurring invasions and migrations since the 11th century A.D. Therefore, it is possible to say that, with the introduction of the Mongoloid influence in Anatolia, genetic flow has had a significant role in the observed increase in the frequency of this trait.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results show that Kow Swamp 1 and 5 have strong shape similarities to known deformed individuals, and both crania are very different in shape from Keilor, which cast doubt on Curnoe's (2007) conclusions of a shared Australian cranial morphology as well as the retention of an archaic suite of morphologies in the Australians.
Abstract: Recently, Curnoe (2007) tested the predictions of competing models of modern human origins using three crania from Australia: Kow Swamp 1 and 5 and Keilor. The Kow Swamp specimens have long been suspected of having been altered through artificial deformation of the skull. Though Curnoe (2007) provided assurances that no evidence of deformation is present in those specimens, the current study retests the hypothesis that these Australian specimens are artificially deformed. The Australian crania are compared to known deformed individuals from New Britian through canonical variates analysis, and the resulting Mahalanobis distances are examined for statistical significance with random expectation statistics. The results show that Kow Swamp 1 and 5 have strong shape similarities to known deformed individuals, and both crania are very different in shape from Keilor. Keilor is statistically significantly different in shape from both Kow Swamp specimens and all of the known deformed specimens. These findings cast doubt on Curnoe's (2007) conclusions of a shared Australian cranial morphology as well as the retention of an archaic suite of morphologies in the Australians.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results indicate that physical stress not only causes retardation in linear growth, but also produces changes in human physique during the growth period.
Abstract: Although the effect of labour and physical stress on the height and weight of growing children is relatively well known, rather limited information concerning the influences of the work environment on the physique of working children and adolescents is available. The purpose of this study was to increase our knowledge of the effects of mechanical stress on the human physique via somatotype during the adolescent growth period. Anthropometric measurements of 509 male apprentices aged 13.50–18.49 years and measurements of 451 nonworking youth (control group) of the same age group were taken. The members of both groups were from the lower socioeconomic strata and had similar living conditions. The apprentices were working an average of 11 h per day in vocations requiring intense physical effort. The subjects were somatotyped using the Heath–Carter anthropometric protocol. The overall mean somatotypes were 2.3–4.4–3.3 for working adolescents, and 2.5–3.9–3.6 for the nonworking controls. A one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated significant differences between the groups. Working adolescents were more mesomorphic and less ectomorphic than their nonworking peers. In both groups, endomorphy decreased with age up to age 15; then remained stable for the labourers but increased for the nonworking peers. In both groups, mesomorphy was stable, but decreased with ectomorphy. These results indicate that physical stress not only causes retardation in linear growth, but also produces changes in human physique during the growth period.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It appears that the ethnic differences occurring in several measurements/indices reflect the economic and social conditions in some low socio-economic groups from South India.
Abstract: This paper reports the prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) based on body mass index (BMI) and its relation to other adiposity measures namely, waist–hip ratio (WHR) and conicity index (CI) in some low socio-economic groups from South India. Two ethnic groups from each area type, namely, tribal, rural and urban areas, are included and samples of 646 men and 670 women belonging to six groups are selected on a multistage basis. Based on the measurements, BMI, WHR and CI are calculated. A considerable proportion of populations studied here experience CED. A higher proportion of women than men show CED. The BMI and WHR are slightly higher among men and WHR exhibits significant intersex difference. The CI is in expected ranges and all ethnic groups differ from each other in all measurements and indices. Age is strongly correlated with WHR and CI, but not with BMI. Both WHR and CI are influenced by BMI. BMI and sex are found to be significant contributors to the variation in WHR, and ethnicity also added to the variation in CI. The present study also concludes that adult malnutrition (as indicated by BMI) is spread to a considerable extent in these populations of low socio-economic status. It appears that the ethnic differences occurring in several measurements/indices reflect the economic and social conditions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Test the hypothesis that habitually unshod individuals who walk over rugged terrain will have stronger foot bones than a sample of habitually shod industrialized people, and cross-sectional properties of the hallucal proximal phalanges, but not the MTs, indicate terrain complexity in prehistoric populations.
Abstract: This study describes a human foot bone assemblage from prehistoric Mangaia, Cook Islands in the context of diaphyseal cross-sectional strength measures. We use this sample to test the hypothesis that habitually unshod individuals who walk over rugged terrain will have stronger foot bones than a sample of habitually shod industrialized people. Specifically, we examine whether the Mangaian sample has a stronger size-adjusted metatarsal (MT) and phalangeal cross-sectional properties than the industrial sample, drawn from the Terry Collection. Contrary to expectations, residual analyses showed that most values of cross-sectional area (CA) and torsional resistance (J) of MTs 1-4 and the hallucal proximal phalanx (HPP) of the Mangaians are among those in the lower range of the Terry Collection sample. However, the bending strength ratios (Zy/Zx) of the Mangaian HPP are significantly greater than those of the Terry Collection. While characteristics such as forefoot shape variation between the sexes and among geographic populations cannot be ruled out as influential factors, cross-sectional properties of the hallucal proximal phalanges, but not the MTs, indicate terrain complexity in prehistoric populations.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is found that a substantial proportion of the people with CED are in the grade II and grade III categories, and there are significant differences in BMI as well as in CI between Scheduled Tribes of Orissa and Bihar.
Abstract: This paper aims to carry out a biological investigation of the body form and nutritional status of the major social groups of Orissa and Bihar States in India. For this, Cormic Index (CI) and Body Mass Index (BMI) have been computed using data on height, sitting height and weight, taken from adult males of age 18–62 years of various ethnic groups in these two states. The subjects have been classified on the basis of chronic energy deficiency (CED). It is found that a substantial proportion of the people with CED are in the grade II and grade III categories. ANOVA, t-tests, correlation and regression were carried out separately. The results reveal that in Orissa, Scheduled Tribes are shorter, lighter and have lowest mean values of BMI and Cormic Index compared to other groups, but in Bihar, though the Scheduled Tribes are shorter, Scheduled Castes are lower in weight and have the lowest mean values of BMI. There are significant differences in BMI as well as in CI between Scheduled Tribes of Orissa and Bihar. Scheduled Castes and Tribes of Bihar have the highest percentage of CED with 64.71% and 57.45%, respectively. Muslims of Bihar are also affected (52.95%), but overall prevalence of CED is lower in Orissa (49.11%) than in Bihar (54.62%). BMI and CI are highly correlated for each of the social groups in Bihar and Orissa.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The skull of a juvenile living in Southern Germany between 1400 and 1800 A.D. is investigated, revealing a total bony atresia of the external auditory canal as well as distinct anomalies of the middle ear on the same side, which strongly suggests the diagnosis of Goldenhar syndrome.
Abstract: We investigated the skull of a juvenile living in Southern Germany between 1400 and 1800 A.D. A remarkable hemifacial microsomia led to further detailed computed tomographic examination especially of the petrous bone revealing a total bony atresia of the external auditory canal as well as distinct anomalies of the middle ear on the same side. The combination of these findings strongly suggests the diagnosis of Goldenhar syndrome. This very heterogeneous syndrome affects primarily aural, ocular, oral and mandibular development, whereby the constellation of anomalies indicate their origin at approximately 30–45 days of gestation, caused by genetic or intrauterine factors. Despite the lack of clinical information and the absence of soft tissue it was possible to perform a differential diagnosis in this palaeopathological case. Thereby, the use of modern modalities of image reconstructions in this computed tomographic clearly enhanced the supposed diagnosis.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Among the commingled and very fragmentary human remains exhumed from the prehistoric tumulus of Praia da Samarra (Sintra, Portugal) a fusion of the second and third cervical vertebrae in a subadult individual was detected.
Abstract: Among the commingled and very fragmentary human remains exhumed from the prehistoric tumulus of Praia da Samarra (Sintra, Portugal) a fusion of the second and third cervical vertebrae in a subadult individual was detected. The more likely diagnosis for this abnormality is a congenital osseous malformation of the spine. A possible case of dens axis hypoplasia was also suggested. Besides the description of the case, potential pathological implications and differential diagnosis were investigated.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The size and shape of the mandibular bodies of Swartkrans SK 15 and SK 45 are examined comparing them with variation in two early Homo taxa (H. habilis sensu lato and H. sapiens erectus) to clarify their phenetic affinities and systematics.
Abstract: The southern African early Homo assemblage continues to make important contributions to understanding the systematics, adaptations and evolutionary history of the human genus. However, the taxonomy of this sample is in a state of flux. This study examines the size and shape of the mandibular bodies of Swartkrans SK 15 and SK 45 comparing them with variation in two early Homo taxa (H. habilis sensu lato and H. sapiens erectus). The research aims to clarify their phenetic affinities and systematics through univariate statistics, inferential testing and multivariate analysis employing size (Log-transformed) and shape (Mosimann variables). Neither of them strongly resembles H. habilis sensu lato or H. sapiens erectus, rather, they probably sample a novel species of Homo not seen in East Africa. Moreover, there is considerable morphological variability within the Swartkrans sample and the possibility of more than one novel species being sampled at this site cannot be excluded.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The aim of the study was not only to monitor the skull shape as a whole, but predominantly, to evaluate the size and shape of various parts of the splanchnocranium.
Abstract: One of the largest skeletal series of the Upper Palaeolithic period from Předmosti was destroyed during the Second World War, but the study of this material continues up to the present. The discovery of Matiegka's original photographic documentation on glass plates [Veleminska et al., 2004. The use of recently re-discovered glass plate photo-documentation of those human fossil finds from Předmosti u Přerova destroyed during World War II. J. Nat. Mus. Nat. Hist. Ser. 173, 129–132] gives an opportunity to perform a new and detailed craniometric analysis of five adult skulls in their lateral projection. The craniometric data were analysed using specialised Craniometrics software, and the analysis included morphological and dimensional comparisons with current Central European norms. The aim of the study was not only to monitor the skull shape as a whole, but predominantly, to evaluate the size and shape of various parts of the splanchnocranium. The Upper Palaeolithic skulls are significantly longer, and male skulls are also higher than the current norms. The crania of anatomically modern humans are characterised by two general structural features: mid-lower facial retraction and neurocranial globularity. The height of the face of the Palaeolithic skulls corresponds to that of the current Central European population. The face has a markedly longer mandibular body (3–4 SD), while female mandibular rami are shorter. The skulls are further characterised by a smaller gonial angle, the increased steepness of the mandibular ramus, and the greater angle of the chin. These changes in the size and shape associated with anterior rotation of the face produce a strong protrusion of both jaws, but the sagittal inter-maxillary relationships remain unchanged. The observed facial morphology is similar to the Czech Upper Palaeolithic skulls from Dolni Věstonice. This study confirms the main diachronic changes between skulls of Upper Palaeolithic and present-day human populations.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Cranial base configuration plays an important role in maxillo-facial morphology in Egyptian children and was more pronounced in boys than in girls.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the cranial base and maxillo-facial morphology in Egyptian children. Data were obtained from 95 lateral cephalograms for 61 boys and 34 girls aged from 7.5 to 9.5 years with mean age 8.5 years. Eighteen linear and 14 angular measurements were derived from 40 landmarks and recorded from the standardized radiographs that were traced following methods formerly defined and described. A principal component analysis of linear and angular measurements showed that anterior and posterior cranial base lengths and cranial base angle were closely associated in different ways with different aspects of maxillo-facial morphology in both sexes. This was more pronounced in boys. A significant positive relationship was found between anterior cranial base length and most of the variables describing the maxillo-facial morphology in both sexes. Posterior cranial base length was significantly correlated to the facial depth. The cranial base angle showed a significant negative correlation with the antero–posterior position of maxilla and mandible (SNA=−0.34, SNB=−0.27 and ANB=−0.24). In conclusion, cranial base configuration plays an important role in maxillo-facial morphology.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results obtained indicate that the majority of the subjects consider the face they observe to be "clearly different" when the change of the studied features amounts to at least 8% of the original value, or even 6% in some cases.
Abstract: This research attempts to answer the question how the change of selected face elements influences the likeness between the original portrait (sketch) and its modified versions. For this purpose, several series of portraits were created into which changes to the original sizes of eyes, mouth and nose within a scope of +/-14% (every 2%) were introduced. The task for a subject consisted of indicating one portrait out of each row that was the first to be "clearly unlike the original image". In this way, two values were obtained for each feature (lesser and greater than the initial one). These values have been called "the terminal values", i.e. those which, according to the subjects, once exceeded, the portrait becomes unlike the original. The results obtained indicate that the majority of the subjects, as much as 61.7%, consider the face they observe to be "clearly different" when the change of the studied features amounts to at least 8% of the original value, or even 6% in some cases. In addition, it has been noticed that, in the process of identification, men much earlier than women (p=0.049) consider the portraits in the row with the reduction of eye size unlike the original image.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Analysis of new metric data and comparisons with more recently published fossil discoveries shows that the Sangiran 4 palate is not unique, and shares several of these putative pongid traits with other Javan hominid fossils as well as recently described hominids specimens from Dmanisi, Georgia.
Abstract: The Sangiran 4 palate has been controversial since its discovery in the 1930s because it retains a number of more primitive morphologies such as projecting canines and precanine diastemata. These characters have led some workers to question the hominid status of the palate, suggesting that it is both too large and too primitive to belong to the same individual as the Sangiran 4 cranial fragments. The palate has instead been diagnosed as a new species of Pongo. The present study re-evaluates this controversy through the analysis of new metric data and comparisons with more recently published fossil discoveries. This analysis shows that the Sangiran 4 palate is not unique, and shares several of these putative pongid traits with other Javan hominid fossils as well as recently described hominid specimens from Dmanisi, Georgia. These results suggest that the evolution of the earliest Asians was more complex than has previously been appreciated.

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TL;DR: In the field of primate studies Raymond Dart figures prominently as a pioneering catalyst as well as researcher and conservationist.
Abstract: Raymond Dart is best known today for his groundbreaking research in palaeoanthropology It is often forgotten, however, that Dart was a scientist of many interests, who made significant contributions to various disciplines One of these is the study of living non-human primates Dart became aware of the importance of primate studies and their relevance for research in other disciplines early in his career In the late 1920s Dart established a colony of captive baboons in the Anatomy Department, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg On these animals, members of his Department, most notably Joseph Gillman and Christine Gilbert, carried out a number of significant behavioural and endocrinological researches In 1930, as a member of an Italian Scientific Expedition, Dart was involved in hunting a mountain gorilla (for research purposes) He was also active in primate field studies In 1957 he and Phillip Tobias founded a Witwatersrand University Uganda Gorilla Research Unit for the study of the Virunga mountain gorillas The unit produced pioneering studies, conducted by Jill Donisthorpe, on the behaviour of these primates in their natural habitat At the same time Dart was actively engaged in conservation of the mountain gorillas He also studied South African chacma baboons in the wild In the field of primate studies Raymond Dart figures prominently as a pioneering catalyst as well as researcher and conservationist

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TL;DR: The sensitivity of skinfold sites to fat deposition with increase in weight was found to be greater in middle aged men (fathers) than growing boys (adolescent sons), while the pattern of subcutaneous fat distribution of their fathers was in favour of trunkal fat.
Abstract: The present study included 414 adolescent boys aged 11-17 years and their fathers who volunteered as subjects. All the subjects belonged to Punjabi speaking Khatri, an endogamous urban population residing in Delhi, India. A set of five skinfold thicknesses: biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac and medial calf along with body weight and stature were taken on all the subjects to report the pattern of subcutaneous fat distribution and responsiveness of different skinfold sites to fat deposition with variation in total body fat content. It has been noticed that 16- and 17-year-old sons assumed the pattern of subcutaneous fat distribution of their fathers, which was in favour of trunkal fat. Responsiveness of the five skinfold sites towards deposition of fat varied from site to site in various age groups with suprailiac skinfold sites found to be the most responsive followed by subscapular site. The sensitivity of skinfold sites to fat deposition with increase in weight was found to be greater in middle aged men (fathers) than growing boys (adolescent sons).

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TL;DR: The pattern of change in mean values across provinces of origin suggests that as developmental circumstances become more equal for residents of various provinces in China, already documented declines in mean height differences, particularly in some central and southern provinces, will shrink further.
Abstract: Surveys reveal that Chinese from the southernmost provinces are, on average, consistently shorter and lighter than their peers in provinces to the north, though explanations for this variation differ. The present study helps to distinguish between genetic and developmental explanations by comparing differences in regional and provincial heights and weights of 3184 children born in Taiwan between 1975 and 1980 whose families had emigrated from different regions of China at varying times in the past, but who all lived in a relatively affluent district in Taipei at the time of measurement. Linear regression analyses adjusted heights for measurement age and relevant (and available) socioeconomic and demographic variables. Results of these analyses suggested that clinal genetic variation is an important contributor to regional differences in China. Whether entering primary school or departing middle school, children of northern Chinese ancestry living in Taipei were significantly taller (males, 25–30 mm, p ⩽0.014; females, 18 mm; p ⩽0.008) and heavier (males, 2.5–3.8 kg; p ⩽0.081; females, 0.9–3.4 kg, p ⩽0.046) than those of southern ancestry, with those from central provinces intermediate in most comparisons. Additionally, provincial backgrounds of Taipei middle school girls with family origins in 12 provinces across China and in Taiwan were significantly associated with height ( n =905; p =0.003) and weight ( n =900; p =0.001). The pattern of change in mean values across provinces of origin suggests that as developmental circumstances become more equal for residents of various provinces in China, already documented declines in mean height differences, particularly in some central and southern provinces, will shrink further.

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TL;DR: A high rate of child mortality, low juvenile and adult mortality with a steady increase in mortality after the age of 30 years was observed for both the Venda and the cemetery samples.
Abstract: Little information is available on the 20th century mortality rates of rural black South African groups, such as the Venda. The purpose of this study was to apply abridged life tables in order to estimate life expectancy from both skeletal remains and death registry information of modern South African communities. Comparisons were also made with prehistoric and contemporary groups as a means to better evaluate life expectancy for this time period. The sample consisted of 160 skeletons of known Venda origin and burial registry information for 1364 black South Africans from the Rebecca Street and Mamelodi Cemeteries in Pretoria, South Africa. Standard anthropological techniques were applied to determine sex and estimate age from the skeletal remains. The stationary and non-stationary life table models were used to analyse the data. A high rate of child mortality, low juvenile and adult mortality with a steady increase in mortality after the age of 30 years was observed for both the Venda and the cemetery samples. Throughout the 20th century, life expectancy was shown to increase for black South Africans. However, due to the widespread HIV infection/AIDS of the 21st century, infant and young adult mortality rates continue to rise at such a speed that the decline in mortality seen for South Africans in the last 50 years will most likely to be lost in the next decade due to this disease.