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Gumpangseth T, Mahakkanukrauh P. Age estimation in the combined long bones and ribs by histomorphometry: Past, present, and future. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2024; 64:52-71. [PMID: 37876174 DOI: 10.1177/00258024231208280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Numerous age estimation methods in unidentified bone have been a long time developing for application in forensic anthropology. The histomorphometric technique is one of the alternative methods that relied upon the evaluation of the cortical bone microstructure over the lifespan as a result of the remodeling process in bone. Remodeling is a sophisticated event occurring from the coupled function of bone formation and resorption cells for maintaining mineral homeostasis and repairment of microdamage in bone tissue. Products derived from remodeling are primary changes in the osteon or haversian system in various regions in the cortical bone, including periosteum, endosteum, and trabecular bone. Throughout life, bone remodeling rate with osteon alteration can be predictable. In the forensic field, histological methods are getting more attention due to the unavailability of macroscopic methods. Histomorphometry approach can be accomplished in fragmentary or incomplete bone remains indicating the limited use of gross morphological methods. In addition, the microscopic methods can aid to increase the more accuracy of analyses and diminish the biased subjective assessment for determining age. Most histomorphometry method utilizes a cross-section of the midshaft of the long bones including the mandible, rib, and clavicle. This review provides the basic knowledge of bone biology and anatomy, several age-estimating methods of histology, and crucial factors for age methods. Studies regarding overall age determination methods from the past until now contribute to obtaining more benefits for developing methods of histomorphometry using human bone in forensic identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Treerat Gumpangseth
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Osteology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Pasuk Mahakkanukrauh
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Osteology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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The Effects of Experimental Whole-Body Burning on Histological Age-at-Death Estimation from Human Cortical Bone and Dental Cementum. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11111569. [PMID: 36358272 PMCID: PMC9687164 DOI: 10.3390/biology11111569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Whole-body donations (n = 6) were placed in various experimental fire-death scenarios to understand the histological effects of thermal alteration on bones and teeth. Midshaft samples of the femur, 6th rib, and metatarsal were removed from each donor pre- and post-burning to examine histomorphometric differences and test established age-at-death estimation methods. Dental samples were taken post-burning to test the applicability of dental cementum analysis for age-at-death estimation. Significant differences in osteon area or Haversian canal area between some pre- and post-burn samples were found although no patterns related to temperature or element were observable. The femoral age estimates across pre- and post-burn samples were 91% accurate across all donors. The point age estimates from the ribs compared to known age were significantly different (t(10) = 6.88, p < 0.001) with an average difference of −18.53 years. Dental age estimates of post-burn samples were not significantly different from the known donor age (t(3) = −0.74, p = 0.512) with an average difference of −3.96 years. Overall, the results of this study show that thermally altered remains can be used for histologic age-at-death analysis of cortical bone and dental cementum, within certain burning parameters.
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Mavroudas SR, Dominguez VM. High-resolution computed tomography to visualize human rib microstructure and explore age-related trabecular change for forensic contexts. FORENSIC IMAGING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fri.2022.200509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Age estimation for two Mediterranean populations: rib histomorphometry applied to forensic identification and bone remodelling research. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1469-1481. [PMID: 35394177 PMCID: PMC9375747 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02812-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
Numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence bone remodelling rates and have shown to affect the accuracy of histological aging methods. The present study investigates the rib cortex from two Mediterranean skeletal collections exploring the development of population-specific standards for histomorphometric age-at-death estimation. Eighty-eight standard ribs from two samples, Cretans and Greek-Cypriots, were processed histologically. Thirteen raw and composite histomorphometric parameters were assessed and observer error tested. The correlation between age and the parameters and the differences between sex and population subsamples were explored through group comparisons and analysis of covariance. General linear models assessed through data fit indicators and cross-validation were generated from the total dataset, and by sex and population subsamples. Most of the histological variables showed a statistically significant correlation with age with some differences observed by sex and by sample. From the twelve models generated, the optimal model for the whole sample included osteon population density (OPD), osteon perimeter, and osteon circularity producing an error of 10.71 years. When sex and samples were separated, the best model selected included OPD and osteon perimeter producing an error of 8.07 years for Greek-Cypriots. This research demonstrates the feasibility of quantitative bone histology to estimate age, obtaining errors rates in accordance with macroscopic ageing techniques. Sex and sample population differences need further investigation and inter-population variation in remodelling rates is suggested. Moreover, this study contributes to the creation of population-specific standards for Cretans and Greek-Cypriots.
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Shakoane GP, Dussault MC, L’Abbé EN. Estimating sex among South African groups using the dentition. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL: REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2021.100233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Rib histomorphometry: A reliability and validation study with a critical review of histological techniques for forensic age estimation. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2021; 49:101827. [PMID: 33383353 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Fragmented human remains present a challenge for forensic experts as they attempt to identify individuals using standard forensic methods. Several histological age estimation techniques have been developed during the last fifty years to aid in this process. However, very few validation studies have been conducted in order to test their accuracy and bias, and thus, validation assessment is required as we employ them while testifying in court. Histological variables are assessed from rib thin sections from two Mediterranean samples; Cretans (N = 41) and Greek-Cypriots (N = 47). Intra and inter-observer errors are assessed through TEM analysis and Intra-class Correlation Coefficient by testing observers with different levels of experience as they collected data on osteon counts and area measurements. The relation between the variables and age is determined using correlation coefficients. Histomorphometric data are applied to four widely used age estimation formulas assessing the performance of the methods for the entire sample. Inaccuracy and bias are calculated with age estimations and known age tested for significance and proportional bias assessed. Overall, histological parameters presented acceptable intra- and inter-observer errors. All variables exhibited statistically significant correlation with age (P < 0.01). For three of the techniques, data showed a systematic underestimation of age with an increase in inaccuracy in older individuals. One of the age estimation formulas produced overestimation of young individuals yet, it more accurately estimated the age of older individuals. This validation study explores inter-population variation in bone remodeling dynamics and presents a critical evaluation on methodological issues that can affect the performance of existing histological techniques.
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Lagacé F, Schmitt A, Martrille L, Benassi J, Adalian P. Using histomorphometry for human and nonhuman distinction: A test of four methods on fresh and archaeological fragmented bones. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 313:110369. [PMID: 32593113 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Positive identification of human remains is the very first step in anthropological analysis, and the task may be particularly difficult in the case of fragmented bones. Histomorphometry methods have been developed to discriminate human from nonhuman bones, based on differences in the size and shape of Haversian systems between the two groups. Those methods all focus on a very specific type of bone, section, and zone. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test the efficiency of four histomorphometric methods on a sample of fragmented bones. The sample is composed of 37 archaeological and fresh specimens, 25 nonhumans (Bos taurus, Equus caballus, Sus scrofa, Capreolus, Canis familiaris, Cervus elaphus, Ovis, and Capra) and 12 humans (Homo sapiens). Eight histomorphometric criteria were collected from all intact osteons visible on each fragment and then inserted into the corresponding discriminate function of each method. The results were compared with the real origin to establish rates of correct classification for each method. The methods of Martiniaková et al. (2006) and Crescimanno and Stout (2012) obtained very low percentages of good classification (32 % and 67 %). Those of Cattaneo et al. (1999) obtained 94 % correct classification, but only after a correction of the units of measurement for Haversian canal area in their formula. The methods of Dominguez and Crowder (2012) obtained an 86 % rate for well-classified specimens. Some of the methods tested here contain errors in the original publication that make them unusable in their current state. Plus, it seems that histomorphometric methods developed from specific areas are more difficult to apply to fragments. A reduced number of intact osteons analyzed may partially affect the reliability of the method by being unrepresentative of the entire microstructure. Therefore, this study demonstrates that one should be cautious with the use of histomorphometric methods to distinguish human and nonhuman fragmented bone until further research can refine these methods to achieve greater reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laurent Martrille
- CHU Nancy, Pôle URM, Service de médecine légale, Nancy, F-54000, France
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Histological age-at-death estimation in white South Africans using stereology. Int J Legal Med 2019; 133:1957-1965. [PMID: 31468135 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02152-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Various methods are available for estimating age from skeletal remains, amongst them the use of histomorphometry. It is generally argued that age estimation standards are population specific, but this in itself creates problems as the reference samples used are often not large enough and/or lack substantial representation of all age cohorts. Traditional age methods have been shown to suffer from problems such as age mimicry. This paper aims at establishing histological age-at-death standards for the white South African population by supplementing the available sample (lacking an adequate number of young adults) with another sample of European descent to avoid over-estimation of age in younger individuals caused by age mimicry. Bone microstructures related to the number of osteons and fragments, osteon size and Haversian canal size that change with advancing age were used for the development of regression formulae. A histomorphometric assessment of the anterior cortex of the femur was done using stereology for the estimation of age at death. All sections were analysed using the optical fractionator and nucleator probes. A sample of 94 bone sections (n = 50 male, n = 44 females) of white South African individuals were used. A sample of Danish individuals (n = 14 males, n = 16 females) was combined with the South African sample to create a normal age distribution for the reference sample. Single and multiple regression equations were developed after randomly selecting a hold-out sample (n = 14) for validation. Osteon size (average length, surface area and volume) showed the highest correlation with age, followed by the number of osteons and fragments per grid area. Haversian canal size showed inconsistent changes with advancing age. Using the regression equations, predicted ages were obtained for the 14 individuals. RMSE values ranged between 14 and 17 years, which we deemed acceptable.
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Pfeiffer S, Cameron ME, Sealy J, Beresheim AC. Diet and adult age-at-death among mobile foragers: A synthesis of bioarcheological methods. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2019; 170:131-147. [PMID: 31265761 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The research explores whether the combined study of cortical bone histology, bone morphology, and dietary stable isotopes can expand insights into past human health and adaptations, particularly dietary sufficiency and life span. MATERIALS AND METHODS Midthoracic rib cortices from 54 South African Late Holocene adult skeletons (28 M, 24 F, two sex undetermined) are assessed by transmitted-light microscopy for cross-sectional area measurements, osteon area (On.Ar), osteon population density, and presence/absence of secondary osteon variants. Values for δ13 Cbone collagen , δ15 Nbone collagen , 14 C dates, Southwestern and Southern Cape geographic regions, body size measures, estimated ages-at-death from both morphological and histological methods are integrated into analyses, which include Spearman correlations, χ2 tests and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVAs. RESULTS There is reduced On.Ar variability with higher δ15 N (r = -.41, p = .005); rib %cortical area and δ15 N are negatively correlated in the Southern Cape group (r = -.60, p = .03). Osteon variants are more common in older adults; histological ages at death are significantly older than those determined from gross morphology. DISCUSSION We found bone tissue relationships with measures of diet composition, but indicators of dietary adequacy remain elusive. Relationships of tissue quality and isotopes suggest that some Southern Cape adults lived long lives. Osteon variants are associated with age-at-death; some association with diet remains possible. Gross morphological methods appear to underestimate adult ages-at-death, at least among small-bodied adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Pfeiffer
- Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Judith Sealy
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Amy C Beresheim
- Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Anatomy, Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa
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Pitfield R, Deter C, Mahoney P. Bone histomorphometric measures of physical activity in children from medieval England. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2019; 169:730-746. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Pitfield
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Chris Deter
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Patrick Mahoney
- Skeletal Biology Research Centre, School of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
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Botha D, Lynnerup N, Steyn M. Inter-population variation of histomorphometric variables used in the estimation of age-at-death. Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:709-719. [PMID: 30968176 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02048-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Population variation of several microscopic structures used in age-at-death estimation was assessed for three different population samples. The aim of the study was to determine if the need exists for population-specific standards when dealing with individuals of African and European origin. A total sample 223 bone sections from the anterior cortex of the femur (n = 99 black South Africans, n = 94 white South Africans and n = 30 Danish individuals) were analysed using a stereological protocol. Variables assessed included the average number of osteons per grid area (OPD), osteon size and Haversian canal size. ANCOVA was employed for assessment of statistically significant differences. The results indicated that OPD differed significantly between the three groups, but that osteon size was similar for all individuals. Haversian canal size showed unpredictable changes with age and high levels of variation, making it unsuitable to use for age estimation as a single factor. As there are conflicting opinions in the literature on whether to use population-specific equations for the estimation of age-at-death or not, this paper provided additional insight into the use of specific variables and its related variation between groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Botha
- Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2nd Floor, WITS Health Sciences Building, 7 York Road, Parktown,, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
| | - N Lynnerup
- Department of Forensic Pathology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Steyn
- Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2nd Floor, WITS Health Sciences Building, 7 York Road, Parktown,, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
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Beresheim AC, Pfeiffer SK, Grynpas MD, Alblas A. Use of backscattered scanning electron microscopy to quantify the bone tissues of mid‐thoracic human ribs. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2019; 168:262-278. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy C. Beresheim
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Susan K. Pfeiffer
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of ArchaeologyUniversity of Cape Town Rondebosch Cape Town South Africa
- Department of Anthropology and Center for Advanced Study of Human PaleobiologyGeorge Washington University Washington, D.C
| | - Marc D. Grynpas
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Lunenfeld‐Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Amanda Alblas
- Division of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical SciencesStellenbosch University Cape Town South Africa
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Beresheim AC, Pfeiffer SK, Alblas A. The Influence of Body Size and Bone Mass on Cortical Bone Histomorphometry in Human Ribs. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 301:1788-1796. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy C. Beresheim
- Department of Anthropology; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Susan K. Pfeiffer
- Department of Anthropology; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Archaeology; University of Cape Town; Rondebosch South Africa
| | - Amanda Alblas
- Division of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University; Cape Town South Africa
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Botha D, Bhagwandin A, Lynnerup N, Steyn M. The use of stereological methods in the histomorphometric assessment of bone for age-at-death estimation. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 290:353.e1-353.e7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Scott S, Peckmann TR, Alblas MA. The influence of biological affinity and sex on morphometric parameters of the clavicle in a South African sample. Am J Hum Biol 2018; 30:e23144. [PMID: 30099794 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study aims to investigate the influence of environmental and functional factors associated with biological affinity and musculature on sexual dimorphism of the clavicle, and to develop population-specific methods of sex estimation from the clavicle. METHODS The maximum length of the clavicle (MAXL), the sagittal diameter of the clavicle (SAGD), and the vertical diameter of the clavicle (VERD) were measured. The left clavicles of 198 South African coloured individuals (108 males and 90 females) were examined. RESULTS Overall, the results of this study indicate that the SAGD of the clavicle is more sexually dimorphic than the VERD in the South African coloured sample. When the black American, white American, and Greek discriminant functions were applied to the South African coloured metric data, females were more accurately classified than males overall. Population-specific discriminant functions were created for the South African coloured sample. The original accuracy showed that females (85.5%) were more accurately classified than males (78.1%). Overall, the multivariate discriminant function demonstrated a higher correct classification of South African coloureds than the univariate discriminant functions. The results also suggest that univariate discriminant function equations are more accurate for sex estimation than univariate sectioning points in the South African coloured sample. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the results of the present study indicate that the clavicle is an accurate predictor of sex and its dimensions are population-specific. Therefore, discriminant functions of the clavicle should only be used for sex estimation in forensic anthropology with the populations from which they were derived. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Scott
- Department of Anthropology, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3C3, Canada
| | - Tanya R Peckmann
- Department of Anthropology, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3C3, Canada
| | - Mandi Amanda Alblas
- Division of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa, 8000
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Beresheim AC, Pfeiffer SK, Grynpas MD, Alblas A. Sex-specific patterns in cortical and trabecular bone microstructure in the Kirsten Skeletal Collection, South Africa. Am J Hum Biol 2018; 30:e23108. [PMID: 29411454 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to provide bone histomorphometric reference data for South Africans of the Western Cape who likely dealt with health issues under the apartheid regime. METHODS The 206 adult individuals (n female = 75, n male = 131, mean = 47.9 ± 15.8 years) from the Kirsten Skeletal Collection, U. Stellenbosch, lived in the Cape Town metropole from the late 1960s to the mid-1990s. To study age-related changes in cortical and trabecular bone microstructure, photomontages of mid-thoracic rib cross-sections were quantitatively examined. Variables include relative cortical area (Rt.Ct.Ar), osteon population density (OPD), osteon area (On.Ar), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp). RESULTS All cortical variables demonstrated significant relationships with age in both sexes, with women showing stronger overall age associations. Peak bone mass was compromised in some men, possibly reflecting poor nutritional quality and/or substance abuse issues throughout adolescence and early adulthood. In women, greater predicted decrements in On.Ar and Rt.Ct.Ar suggest a structural disadvantage with age, consistent with postmenopausal bone loss. Age-related patterns in trabecular bone microarchitecture are variable and difficult to explain. Except for Tb.Th, there are no statistically significant relationships with age in women. Men demonstrate significant negative correlations between BV/TV, Tb.N, and age, and a significant positive correlation between Tb.Sp and age. CONCLUSIONS This research highlights sex-specific differences in patterns of age-related bone loss, and provides context for discussion of contemporary South African bone health. While the study sample demonstrates indicators of poor bone quality, osteoporosis research continues to be under-prioritized in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Beresheim
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 2S2, Canada
| | - Susan K Pfeiffer
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 2S2, Canada.,Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Marc D Grynpas
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5T 3L9, Canada.,Mount Sinai Hospital, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Amanda Alblas
- Division of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
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Rib biomechanical properties exhibit diagnostic potential for accurate ageing in forensic investigations. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176785. [PMID: 28520764 PMCID: PMC5435173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Age estimation remains one of the most challenging tasks in forensic practice when establishing a biological profile of unknown skeletonised remains. Morphological methods based on developmental markers of bones can provide accurate age estimates at a young age, but become highly unreliable for ages over 35 when all developmental markers disappear. This study explores the changes in the biomechanical properties of bone tissue and matrix, which continue to change with age even after skeletal maturity, and their potential value for age estimation. As a proof of concept we investigated the relationship of 28 variables at the macroscopic and microscopic level in rib autopsy samples from 24 individuals. Stepwise regression analysis produced a number of equations one of which with seven variables showed an R2 = 0.949; a mean residual error of 2.13 yrs ±0.4 (SD) and a maximum residual error value of 2.88 yrs. For forensic purposes, by using only bench top machines in tests which can be carried out within 36 hrs, a set of just 3 variables produced an equation with an R2 = 0.902 a mean residual error of 3.38 yrs ±2.6 (SD) and a maximum observed residual error 9.26yrs. This method outstrips all existing age-at-death methods based on ribs, thus providing a novel lab based accurate tool in the forensic investigation of human remains. The present application is optimised for fresh (uncompromised by taphonomic conditions) remains, but the potential of the principle and method is vast once the trends of the biomechanical variables are established for other environmental conditions and circumstances.
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