Preliminary study on sexual dimorphism of metric traits of cranium and mandible in a modern Italian skeletal population and review of population literature

This study aims to assess the sexual dimorphism of skull in a modern skeletal collection through a direct anthropometric methodology by using a logistic regression analysis as statistical approach in order to provide specific regression formulae for the Italian population.Thirtyfour measurements (24 from cranium, 10 from mandible; 33 linear distances, one angle) were taken on 80 individuals (40 males, 40 females). A stepwise discriminant function analysis selected the combination of variables which best discriminated between sexes, and a cross-validation assessed the accuracy rate of the original sample.Most distances resulted longer in males than in females, but differences were statistically significant only for 12 and 6 out of respectively 24 cranium and 10 mandibular distances. Five combined cranium features returned a prediction accuracy of 88.6% (y = −81.01 + 0.14* Maximum cranial length + 0.16* Basion-bregma height −0.05* Cranial base length +0.20* Bizygomatic breadth +0.31* Nasal height; adjusted R² = 47.0%). Nine mandibular features were required to reach 74.7% accuracy (y = −93.08 + 0.19* Bigonial width +0.14* Bicondylar breadth +0.11* Mandibular length +0.18* Height of the mandibular body at mental foramen +0.21* Chin height −0.09* Mandibular angle −0.06* Minimum ramus breadth −0.05* Maximum ramus height −0.01* Maximum ramus breadth; adjusted R² = 23.92%).Current results and existing literature suggested that only few cranial measurements can be used for diagnosis of sex: the same variables showed similar accuracy in different ethnic contexts. In conclusion, some aspects of sexual dimorphism of skull seem to be independent from ancestry.     

Forensic anthropological standards for cranial sex estimation in Canada: preliminary results

ABSTRACT

In forensic investigations of unknown skeletal remains, a biological profile is used to narrow the pool of potential matches in the missing person’s database; one of the important components of that profile is the accurate estimation of skeletal sex. The current study involves the morphometric quantification of cranial sexual dimorphism in a Canadian population for the specific purpose of developing predictive models for the estimation of sex. The main aim of this study is, therefore, to quantify the accuracy methods of said existing sex estimation models as applied to a Canadian population and thereafter devise population-specific standards. The current study represents the retrospective analysis of 400 (190 female, 210 male) multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT) scans collected from the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Preliminary results indicate that current methods of cranial skeletal sex estimation illicit unacceptable classification accuracy rates when applied to this sample.     

Population specificity in the estimation of skeletal age and sex: case studies using a Western Australian population

ABSTRACT

The expertise of the forensic anthropologist is grounded in the study of skeletal morphology relative to normal state; the latter is variously defined according to the complex interrelationship between biological function, genetics and intra-specific variation (amongst others). In relation to sex estimation, there are multiple dimorphic attributes in the adult skeleton that facilitate accurate sex estimations. It is, however, well established that there are population specific influences in not only skeletal growth, but also the expression and magnitude of sexual dimorphism (notwithstanding relative consistency in ‘universally dimorphic traits’ that relate to biological functioning – e.g., pelvic shape in relation to female functional requirements for childbirth).

The recognition of the need for statistical quantification of forensic assessment is mandated by judicial requirement. Application of reference standards ‘foreign’ to that of the local jurisdiction, however, introduces an unknown variation and by association possible misclassifications. The present paper aims to empirically demonstrate the effect of the latter in a Western Australian population using multivariate classification statistics. We report here the analysis of a sample comprising three-dimensionally reconstructed cranial (n = 400) and pelvic (n = 400) multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) thin-slice scans. In the morphometric analysis of cranial dimorphism, we demonstrate an unacceptably large sex bias; foreign standards thus frequently misclassify females.     

Sexual dimorphism of anthropometrical measurements in judoists vs untrained subject

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the sexual dimorphism in the body composition and somatotype of Polish elite judoists and comparison with untrained subjects.

Subjects and methods

Twenty-two males and 12 female judoists have participated in this study. Their ages and judo experiences are respectively 23 vs. 22 years old and 12 vs. 11 years. Ten required measurements were taken to establish the individual's somatotypes (SiberHegner Machines SA, Zurich, Switzerland instruments). To compare the 165 males and 153 females untrained, abdominal skinfold thickness was measured with Skinfold Caliper. Mean height and weight, somatotype and body mass index, fat free mass index, fat mass index, and fat percentage were calculated. The two-step ratio of sexual dimorphism index (SDI) was used.

Results

Sixteen out of the 21 measurements and anthropometric indices showed a reduction of sexual dimorphism in judoists compared with the untrained subjects. Highest differences were found in the fat mass and fat percentage. Conversely, a very low difference of SDI was observed for height-weight ratio, ectomorphy, fat free mass percentage and calf girth. Average SDI in untrained subjects was higher than in judoists.     

Biometric sex assessment from the femur and tibia in a modern Greek population

Forensic anthropologists assess sex by analysing quantitative and qualitative characters of the human skeleton. In general, the pelvis and skull are the skeletal regions used most often, but in many cases, they are missing or fragmentary. In such circumstances, where only limb bones are present, it is necessary to use techniques based on other skeletal elements. Metric traits of the long bones of the lower extremities have been reported as reliable indicators of sex. This study was designed to determine whether the two main long bones of the leg, the femur and tibia, can be used for the assessment of sex on a Greek skeletal population. The skeletal sample used in this study comes from the modern human skeletal collection that is currently housed at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is known as The Athens Collection. It consists of 371 femora and 372 tibiae corresponding to 200 adult individuals (111 males and 89 females). The age range is 19–96 years for males and 20–99 years for females. The maximum lengths and epiphyseal widths were measured for the present study, and it was found that the discriminant analysis of the metrical data of each long bone provided high sex discrimination accuracies. The rate of correct sex discrimination based on different long bones ranged from 91.50 % (left femur) to 93.40 % (left tibia). Our results suggest that lower limb bones can be used effectively for sexing in forensic contexts, in addition to other sex assessment techniques.     

Identifying sexual dimorphism in a paediatric South Indian population using stepwise discriminant function analysis

Anthropological research relies on skeletal and dental remains for the identification of species. Sexual dimorphism is the systematic difference in form between males and females of the same species. This study is designed to compute a new formula for sex determination using discriminant function analysis in the deciduous crown dimensions of a paediatric population of South Indian origin and to check its accuracy. The sample consisted of 93 females and 90 males of South Indian origin aged between 5 and 13 years. Alginate impressions of the upper dental arch were made and casts were poured immediately. A digital vernier calliper was used to obtain measurements. Teeth considered for measurement were deciduous maxillary canines and molars. Our study is a maiden attempt in considering diagonal measurements along with mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) dimensions as predictor variables for sex determination. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science version 17.0 software. By using the Student t-test, the different predictor variables of teeth selected between male and females were found to be significant (p < 0.05). Highly significant sexual dimorphism was found in the mean MD dimension of maxillary right canine and right and left first molar, BL dimension of right first molar, distobuccal–mesiolingual of right and left first molar and right second molar and mesiobuccal–distolingual of right second molar. The percentage of sexual dimorphism in MD dimensions revealed that the right upper first molar was the most dimorphic tooth and the upper first molar of the left side was the least dimorphic of the six teeth studied. The present study found the level of sexual dimorphism in the deciduous crown dimensions of a selected group of South Indian population, which is sufficiently large to determine sex with an accuracy of 87.2–88% by discriminant function analysis. Hence the formula derived from the present study could be of some value in sex determination of paediatric populations of South Indian origin.     

Sexual dimorphism of acetabulum-pubis index in South-Indian population

Accurate sexing of skeletal remains is a vital part of any medicolegal investigation and a challenge to physical anthropologists. Hipbone is considered as the most reliable sex indicator in the human skeleton. Standards of morphological and morphometric sex differences in the skeleton may differ with the population sample involved and thus cannot be applied universally. The acetabulum-pubis index (A-P index) which is one of the reliable criteria for sex differentiation of human hipbones is derived from the measurements of acetabulum diameter and the distance between its anterior rim and symphysis pubis. Sixty-seven adult hipbones of known sex (36 males and 31 females) belonging to South-Indian population were studied to investigate sexual dimorphism of the well established A-P index. The index below 77.5 identified 81% of females and above 77.5 identified 83% males accurately.     

A systematic review of photogrammetry as a reliable methodology in gender identification of human skull

One of the most important parameters in the identification process in forensic Medicine and Dentistry is the determination of sex through the skull, based on morphological and metric dimorphism. Photogrammetry is an affordable option that allows the reconstruction of position, orientation, shape, and size, allowing the performance of quantitative and qualitative analyzes to identify the sex of the individual. However, there are few systematic reviews in the literature validating whether photogrammetry is a reliable methodology for sexual identification using human skulls. Therefore, the objective of the current systematic review was to validate whether photogrammetry of dry skulls is reliable as a method for calculating sex in human identification. This revision follows the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and was recorded in the Prospective International Systematic Reviews Registry (PROSPERO) (CRD420223 Systematic Registry) (CRD420223). The inclusion criteria for selecting the studies were based on the PICO question: “Is test photogrammetry reliable as a method for estimating sex in human identification?“. A literature search for studies was performed in the databases MEDLINE Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library. The Kappa agreement presented an approval level of (k = 0.93). This systematic review analyzed 11 ex-vivo studies published between 2001 and 2021. The risk of bias was considered low in 8 of the studies, and high in 3 studies. Based on this systematic review, it can be concluded that the photogrammetry method is viable and reliable in identifying sexual dimorphism.     

An investigation of the TH01 locus in a population from northern Thailand

The STR locus HUMTH01 was studied in 110 unrelated Thais from the area of Chiang Mai in North Thailand. By using PCR and vertical PAGE, six alleles were identified and the frequencies ranged from 0.005 to 0.400. The allele frequency distribution in this population showed significant differences from a Japanese population and other ethnic populations but was similiar to Asians in the USA and Australia. The genotype distribution meets Hardy-Weinberg expectations. The average power of exclusion (in no-parent and one-parent cases) and the discriminating power (DP) were calculated to be 0.3020, 0.4761 and 0.8722 respectively. Received: 9 December 1996 / Received in revised form: 7 April 1997     

Sex estimation of the humerus: A geometric morphometric analysis in an adult sample

Sex estimation is the keystone for positive identification when an unidentified human body is recovered in forensic contexts. However, in complex death scenes such as mass disasters, the remains are often fleshed, mutilated, burned, and/or commingled. In situations such as these where it is not possible to analyze pelvis and/or cranium data, traditional metric and qualitative morphological methods on postcranial bones can yield unsatisfactory results. In such cases, geometric morphometric techniques offer an alternative to the analysis of both shape and size components of morphological variation that can be of great utility for sex estimation in forensic investigations. The study population consisted of 72 well-preserved adult humeri (40 males and 32 females; mean age of 62 years) that were photographed in standardized positions with landmarks located in four two-dimensional views of the humerus (anterior surface of the proximal epiphysis, and anterior, posterior and inferior surface of distal epiphysis). Principal components analysis, canonical variates analysis and discriminant analysis were applied. The data indicated that males and females were classified with low levels of accuracy (54.95–77.92% for males; 56.87–71.78% for females) based on shape variables. However, when the shape variable was combined with the centroid size, the levels of accuracy increased (81.86–94.92% for males; 84.08–94.88% for females). To obtain larger differences between males and females, it is necessary the combination of centroid size with shape variables; the shape of the humerus is insufficient to discriminate sex with accuracy.     

Population-specificity of sexual dimorphism in cranial and pelvic traits: evaluation of existing and proposal of new functions for sex assessment in a Greek assemblage

International Journal of Legal Medicine - The current paper examines the accuracy of existing binary logistic regression equations for sex prediction based on pelvic and cranial traits in a modern...     

杭州地区军队老年人群糖尿病流行病学调查及评价

目的调查分析杭州地区军队老年人群糖尿病的患病状况,分析与伴随疾病谱的关系,评价药物疗效。方法采用病史回顾与体检相结合方法将726例老年人群分为糖尿病组和非糖尿病组,分析两组血压、血脂及伴随疾病谱以及糖尿病组使用药物治疗状况。结果杭州地区军队老年人群中糖尿病患病率为40.63%,与非糖尿病组相比,两组人群血压、总胆固醇水平无统计学差异,但三酰甘油水平有显著差异(P<0.05);糖尿病组并发高血压、冠心病、慢性肾功能不全、脑卒中及恶性肿瘤的比例明显高于非糖尿病组(P<0.05或P<0.01);糖尿病病程≥10年以上的使用胰岛素比例为31.71%(72/227),明显高于病程<10年的11.76%(8/68),有明显差异(P<0.05)。结论老年人群中2型糖尿病血管病变导致并发高血压、冠心病、慢性肾功能不全、脑卒中及恶性肿瘤的比例明显增高,且应用胰岛素治疗的比例随病程的延长而上升。     

The role of the anterior border of the hip bone in sexual dimorphism: a morphometric study in the North Indian population

Understanding sexual dimorphism is very important in studies of human evolution and skeletal biology. The ability to determine sex from unknown skeletal remains is vital and methods to do this on the various bones of the human skeleton have been researched extensively especially in the studies related to forensic anthropology. The distinctive morphology and clear sexual dimorphism of the hip bone makes it an ideal bone for sex determination. Whereas the roles of the parameters of its posterior border (including the greater sciatic notch) are well established, those of the anterior border are not much explored. The present study was designed to establish the morphometric pattern of the anterior border of the hip bone and its role in sexual dimorphism. Material for the current investigation comprised 100 hip bones belonging to 50 cadavers ([M:F = 80:20] and [R:L = 50:50]) obtained from the Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India. Sixteen parameters of the anterior border were taken and three indices were calculated. Eight parameters were significantly greater in males: (i) straight distance anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)-symphyseal surface (SS); (ii) straight distance ASIS-pubic tubercle (PT); (iii) straight distance anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS)-SS; (iv) straight distance AIIS-PT; (v) arch of anterior interspinous notch (ASIS-AIIS); (vi) arch between AIIS and ilio-pubic (IP); (vii) depth of notch between AIIS and IP; (viii) arch of anterior border (ASIS-SS). The results of the present study could be helpful in pronouncing an opinion, for a single specimen, about its origin in general terms or sex.     

Role of the greater sciatic notch of the hip bone in sexual dimorphism: a morphometric study of the north Indian population

The distinctive morphology and sexual dimorphism of the human hip bone makes it of interest from the anatomical, anthropological and forensic points of view. The shape of the greater sciatic notch has attracted great attention in the past. In the current investigation, an attempt has been made to find the baseline data of various parameters pertaining to the greater sciatic notch of 100 hip bones of known sex (male:female = 80:20) and side (right:left = 50:50), obtained from the Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India, during the period 2007-2009. Seven parameters of the notch, viz. width, depth, posterior segment width, total angle, posterior segment angle, index I and index II of the greater sciatic notch were studied. The results thus obtained were compiled, tabulated, statistically analysed and were compared with the accessible literature. Out of all the parameters studied, width of the notch, posterior segment width, total angle, posterior segment angle and index II of notch were found to be significantly greater in women as compared with men. Thus the greater sciatic notch can serve as a reliable sex indicator even when the complete hip bone has not been well preserved.     

A case of microcystic meningioma associated with acute subdural hematoma in the posterior cranial fossa

A 53-year-old woman was brought to the emergency room with headache and progressive deterioration of consciousness. Radiological examinations revealed acute subdural hematoma extending along the cerebellar tentorium to the falx cerebri, and a mass lesion with hemorrhage in the left cerebellum, with acute hydrocephalus. Emergency tumor and hematoma removal with decompressive craniectomy of the occiput was performed. Histopathological diagnosis was microcystic meningioma. Postoperatively, the patient recovered to clear consciousness with sequelae of left cerebellar ataxia, cerebellar dysarthria, and vertigo. This case of tentorial microcystic meningioma associated with acute subdural hematoma in the posterior cranial fossa is extremely rare, with only reported 4 similar cases.     

A retrospective observational study of genital findings in adult women presenting to a New Zealand Adult Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Service following an allegation of recent sexual assault

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to report on the prevalence of genital findings documented in women attending a forensic examination following an allegation of recent sexual assault. A secondary aim was to investigate for any associations between genital findings and variables related to population demographics and clinical factors.Study designA retrospective review of clinical records was undertaken for 593 women, aged between 17 and 45 years of age, who underwent a forensic examination within 72 h following an alleged sexual assault at the Pohutukawa clinic, adult Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Service (SAATS) in Auckland, New Zealand over a four-year period. Statistical analysis to examine for any associations between any documented genital findings and subject variables was performed.ResultsThe key finding was that 66.4% (394/593) of the women had a normal genital examination. Of the 182 women with genital findings the presence of skin disruption and/or bruising was noted in 21.1% (125/593) and non-specific findings in 9.6% (57/593). 17 women were not included as the genital examination was incomplete. For 9.5% (56/593) of women the presence of abnormal genital skin was documented. From the adjusted odds ratios obtained by multivariate analysis there was a statistically significant association between the presence of genital findings and abnormal skin condition (OR 3.13, p = 0.0004).ConclusionThe study demonstrated that the majority of women seen within 72 h of an alleged sexual assault had a normal genital examination. Given the strength of the association between the presence of genital findings and skin condition, we recommend that documentation of the genital skin condition should become a routine part of a forensic examination following sexual assault. This is particularly important if genital findings are present, in order to present the full complexity of clinical examination findings to the court and provide an expert opinion regarding the limitations of attributing causation.     

Injuries and allegations of oral rape: A retrospective review of patients presenting to a London sexual assault referral centre

A retrospective review was carried out of patients seen at the Haven sexual assault referral centre in South East London between January 2009 and September 2010 to determine the frequency and nature of oral injuries found in people reporting oral rape. Ninety five eligible patients were identified and relevant information was extracted from standardised Haven forms completed during forensic medical examination. The main outcome measures were prevalence, type and location of oral injury. Eighteen (19%) were found to have sustained an oral injury. The most common injury was abrasions, followed by bruising and petechiae. The lips were the most common site of injury followed by the soft palate and the inside of the cheeks. It was concluded that injuries in the mouth were not common after an allegation of oral rape. Injuries were minor and did not require treatment.     

Estimation of stature from cranial sutures in a South Indian male population

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of estimating height from length of coronal and sagittal sutures of the skull for the positive identification of the height in forensic investigations concerned with fragmentary skeletal remains. The study was conducted on 87 male bodies subjected to medicolegal autopsy in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, South India and the Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, South India. Length of coronal suture was measured from left pterion at the junction of sphenoparietal with the sphenofrontal suture, along the coronal plane, over the coronal suture to the pterion on the right side. Length of sagittal suture was measured from bregma along the sagittal plane over the sagittal suture to the lambda. The data collected were subjected to statistical methods. Significant correlation was found between height and coronal suture length in males, when compared to sagittal suture. The correlation coefficient between height and coronal suture was 0.363. The correlation coefficient between height and sagittal suture was 0.090. Linear regression equations for stature estimation were derived from coronal suture length in male population. Coronal suture length gives more accurate results in estimating stature than sagittal suture. However, in cases where identification is required by means of only skull, this method could prove useful.