Fragmentary Skeletal Remains Research Articles

Computerized reconstruction of fragmentary skeletal remains

This research presents a new software, “Fragmento”, for accurate analyses of fragmentary human skeletal remains and facilitation of three-dimensional (3D) fragmentary matching and full bone reconstruction. The framework utilizes the power of statistical bone atlases to create 3D templates for bone matching and to interpolate missing anatomy for full bone reconstruction. Developed tool has enhanced features allowing the user to visualize, review and scale all scanned skeletal remains within a 3D statistical template, merging accepted registered elements to provide a fully reconstructed bone. A three stage validation was performed on Fragmento: Stages I and II used simulated fragmentary data which was compared to full bones with an error less than 3mm; Stage III compared output from geographic information system (GIS) software with comparable results. This validation process demonstrates the robustness and utility of Fragmento as tool for 3D fragmentary bone matching and full bone reconstruction.

Dinosaur eggshells from the Santonian Milk River Formation of Alberta, Canada

The North American fossil record of dinosaur eggshells for the Cretaceous is primarily restricted to formations of the middle (Albian–Cenomanian) and uppermost (Campanian–Maastrichtian) stages, with a large gap in the record for intermediate stages. Here we describe a dinosaur eggshell assemblage from a formation that represents an intermediate and poorly fossiliferous stage of the Upper Cretaceous, the Santonian Milk River Formation of southern Alberta, Canada. The Milk River eggshell assemblage contains five eggshell taxa: Continuoolithus, Porituberoolithus, Prismatoolithus, Spheroolithus, and Triprismatoolithus. These ootaxa are most similar to those reported from younger Campanian–Maastrichtian formations of the northern Western Interior than they are to ootaxa reported from older middle Cretaceous formations (i.e., predominantly Macroelongatoolithus). Characteristics of the Milk River ootaxa indicate that they are ascribable to at least one ornithopod and four small theropod species. The taxonomic affinity of the eggshell assemblage is consistent with the dinosaur fauna known based on isolated teeth and fragmentary skeletal remains from the formation, although most ornithischians and large theropods are not represented by eggshell. Relative to the Milk River Formation eggshell, similar oospecies occurring in younger Cretaceous deposits tend to be somewhat thicker, which may reflect an increase in body size of various dinosaur lineages during the Late Cretaceous.

Age Estimation from Clavicle by Histomorphometry Method: A Review

Histomorphometry method, the quantitative study of histology, is a useful method to estimate age of death in the present and ancient skeletal remains by measurable morphology of osteon. This method, which reduces individual bias and difference in the level of experience for estimation of age, is useful for constructing paleodemographic models and forensic identifications when adult fragmentary skeletal remains are encountered. Most parts of skeletons that are studied by histomorphometry method are femur, tibia, rib, and clavicle. Clavicle bone has been poorly studied except for Caucasian populations. Moreover, clavicle is a very interesting bone because it is a non-weight bearing bone, is usually found as entire bone and has different bone development from other long bones. Thus, the interest of this review article is on the age estimation by histomorphometry method of clavicle. This review article also describes the histomorphometry method, clavicle bone, bone remodeling, and forensic application of clavicle with histomorphometry method.

Sex determination from femora in late antique sample from Eastern Adriatic coast (Salona necropolis)

The determination of sex is one of the first steps in anthropological analysis. When skeletal remains are fragmented, the most useful approach is application of osteometric methods. The methods are population specific, and therefore require development of discriminant functions for each population group.
 The aim of this study was to test sexual dimorphism of femoral measurements and to calculate discriminant functions applicable for sex determination on fragmented skeletal remains on the late antique sample from the Eastern Adriatic coast (2nd–6th century AD).
 214 randomly chosen skeletons from the excavation site Solin-Smiljanovac were analyzed. Sex and age were assessed using standard anthropological methods, and skeletons were examined for pathologic and traumatic changes. In the next step, we selected 27 female and 48 male skeletons free of peri- or post-mortem changes that could affect measurements Eight standard femoral measurements were taken. Sexual dimorphism was initially compared using independent sample t test, after which discriminant functions were computed.
 All femoral measurements showed statistically significant sexual dimorphism (p<0.001). Ten discriminant functions for every part of femur were calculated and obtained classification accuracy of 73.1–91.8%.
 This study reached relatively high classification, which will improve further analysis of the skeletal remainsn from the Salona necropolis. Due to similar population structure in the Roman period across the Adriatic coast, the discriminant functions could be applicable for all populations from the same period and area. This study also raised a few methodological questions showing that when creating discriminant functions we should consider not only the accuracy, but also the applicability based on the experience from the anthropology laboratory that considers the state of preservation and frequent pathology.

Reconstruction of femoral length from fragmentary femora.

The reconstruction of femoral length (FL) from fragmentary femora is an essential step in estimating stature from fragmentary skeletal remains in forensic investigations. While regression formulae for doing this have been suggested for several populations, such formulae have not been established for Ghanaian skeletal remains. This study, therefore, seeks to derive regression formulae for reconstruction of FL from fragmentary femora of skeletal samples obtained from Ghana. Six measurements (vertical head diameter, transverse head diameter, bicondylar breadth, epicondylar breadth, sub-trochanteric anterior-posterior diameter, and sub-trochanteric transverse diameter) were acquired from different anatomical portions of the femur and the relationship between each acquired measurement and FL was analyzed using linear regression. The results indicated significantly moderate-to-high correlations (r=0.580–0.818) between FL and each acquired measurement. The error estimates of the regression formulae were relatively low (i.e., standard error of estimate, 13.66–19.28 mm), suggesting that the discrepancies between actual and estimated stature were relatively low. Compared with other measurements, sub-trochanteric transverse diameter was the best estimate of FL. In the absence of a complete femur, the regression formulae based on the assessed measurements may be used to infer FL, from which stature can be estimated in forensic investigations.

Estimation of Stature from Percutaneous Tibia Length of Indigenes of Bekwara Ethnic Group of Cross River State, Nigeria

Estimating stature by developing linear regression equations which incorporate the features of fragmented body parts or human skeletal remains has been employed by many forensic anthropologists to establish the identity of victims of mass disaster although all formulas are ethnic, age, and gender specific. The study is aimed at using the percutaneous tibia length (PCTL) to deriving a specific regression equation formula which could be used to estimate the stature of adult indigenes of Bekwara ethnic group in Cross River State. A total number of 600 subjects within the age range of 21–45 years were recruited randomly for this research (300 males and 300 females). Observed height and PCTL were measured using the standard anthropometric technique, respectively. Stature was estimated from PCTL using simple regression analysis. On analysis of the data, the mean PCTL for male was found to be 43.60 ± 2.31 cm while that of female was 42.55 ± 2.83 cm. The observed height was 165.80 ± 6.88 cm and 156.70 ± 6.06 cm for male and female, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that the male values of the measured parameters were significantly higher than the corresponding female values. The linear regression equations derived for male and female for the estimation of height using the PCTL was found to be 5.289 (PCTL) + (−64.78) and 4.230 (TL) + (−23.28), respectively. It was concluded that stature can be estimated using the length of an intact mutilated leg. Thus, the data of this study are recommended in anthropological studies for stature estimation among the ethnic group under study.

Accuracy and sampling error of two age estimation techniques using rib histomorphometry on a modern sample

Most age estimation methods are proven problematic when applied in highly fragmented skeletal remains. Rib histomorphometry is advantageous in such cases; yet it is vital to test and revise existing techniques particularly when used in legal settings (Crowder and Rosella, 2007). This study tested Stout & Paine (1992) and Stout et al. (1994) histological age estimation methods on a Modern Greek sample using different sampling sites.Six left 4th ribs of known age and sex were selected from a modern skeletal collection. Each rib was cut into three equal segments. Two thin sections were acquired from each segment. A total of 36 thin sections were prepared and analysed. Four variables (cortical area, intact and fragmented osteon density and osteon population density) were calculated for each section and age was estimated according to Stout & Paine (1992) and Stout et al. (1994).The results showed that both methods produced a systemic underestimation of the individuals (to a maximum of 43 years) although a general improvement in accuracy levels was observed when applying the Stout et al. (1994) formula. There is an increase of error rates with increasing age with the oldest individual showing extreme differences between real age and estimated age.Comparison of the different sampling sites showed small differences between the estimated ages suggesting that any fragment of the rib could be used without introducing significant error. Yet, a larger sample should be used to confirm these results.

Morphometric analysis of carapacial bones: discriminating between two genera of South Texas (North America) Pleistocene tortoises (Testudinidae)

Several species of large Pleistocene tortoises (genera Hesperotestudo and Gopherus) occurred in the southern region of the United States (Texas) and fragmentary skeletal remains are commonly encountered. In some cases, fossil tortoises can be identified using single carapace or plastron bones, however, there can be ambiguity when identifying to species level. Additionally, non-mature specimens may be problematic to differentiate. To further quantify the identification of two genera of large Pleistocene tortoises, nuchal and neural bones (n = 58) from the collection sites in South Texas were examined and measured. Scatter plots, based on length, width and thickness measurements and ratios were developed for both nuchal and neural elements. The analysis supports the ability to differentiate between large species of late Pleistocene tortoises (Hesperotestudo and Gopherus) from South Texas based not only on diagnostic descriptions but also by different suites of measurements. These measurements and ratios may also be useful for identification and separation of additional genera/species of tortoises throughout North America, both extinct and extant.

Újkőkori népességek csonttani leletei a Dél-Alföldről – A makroszkópos megfigyelések alkalmazási lehetőségei történeti népességek demográfiai és patológiai vizsgálata során

The osteological evidence of Neolithic populations from the Southern Great Plain of Hungary – An insight into the potential of macroscopic observations for the demographic and pathological analyses of past populations. This doctoral research provides a unique contribution to our knowledge of the Early Farmers of Europe in general and the Neolithic populations from the Southern Great Plain of Hungary in particular. The potential of macroscopic observations for the demographic and pathological analyses of past populations was demonstrated on this exceptional Neolithic sample, revealing despite the lack of contextual data, the damaged and fragmentary skeletal remains, and the restriction to morphological analyses, a mostly non-violent population prone to infections, with a physically stressful way of life and a diet leading to a high rate of dental disease and (at least occasionally) lack of vitamin C. In particular, the palaeopathological analysis uncovered the oldest cases of tuberculosis in Europe so far, as well as the probable oldest cases of scurvy. In addition, a potential case of leprosy and one of cancer were also discovered, which would be of great significance for the palaeopathological record if these can be confirmed by further studies.

A study of different parameters of human extremities and its relationship with human height in residents of eastern India

Introduction Height is defined as distance between vertex of head and surface. Reconstruction of the stature from various parameters is quite valuable for identification & for establishing the individuality of a person. Aims and Objectives The present study was done to determine the stature from parameters of upper limb & lower limb of individuals having age group of 17-25. Materials and Methods Authors have studied 213 male and 87 female, healthy subjects in Department of Anatomy, IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar. All individuals were measured for height and arm, forearm, hand & foot length. Observation and Results The data thus obtained has been tabulated & subjected to statistical computation to derive the regression equations. Conclusion The results concluded that height has a definite correlation with the parameters. This conclusion is of utmost importance to anthropologist and forensic experts for estimation of stature from mutilated, decomposed or fragmentary skeletal remains.

Femur Length from Femoral Fragments: Regression Equations for Fragments of Unknown Sex – A Regional Study

Establishment of identity of individuals whether alive or dead, remains to be the centre of all medico legal investigations. In cases of fragmented skeletal remains, metric traits are helpful in determination of stature. Studies have been conducted to determine maximum length of femur from its fragment for both sexes. As the fragments recovered in disasters are usually of unknown sex, the equations specific for either of the gender would not be of much use. Hence, this study aims at deriving a regression equation from pooled data of both sexes.

Integrating palaeoecology and morphology in theropod diversity estimation: A case from the Aptian-Albian of Tunisia

Current knowledge of theropod dinosaurs of northern Africa and their diversity during the Early Cretaceous is deceptively fragmentary and commonly associated with inadequate stratigraphic and palaeoecological data. Thereby, confused taxonomic affinities of theropod remains, represented primarily by isolated teeth and fragmentary skeletal remains, resulted in speculations on the number of genera and their stratigraphic, geographic and ecological distribution. In this study, we introduce a discussion on the theropod diversity in the Aptian–Albian of southern Tunisia based on a multidisciplinary approach that combines detailed sedimentological analyses with canonical morphological and phylogenetic analyses. This study indicates the presence of three theropod clades, Spinosauridae, Abelisauroidea, and Carcharodontosauridae. Relevant for the identification of isolated specimens from the Saharan regions, carcharodontosaurids are not represented in the Aptian-Albian teeth record and thus relatively less abundant than spinosaurids and abelisauroids. Five ziphodont tooth morphotypes are referred to ontogenetic and/or positional differences among a single abelisauroid taxon. The other three teeth morphotypes most likely represent two distinct spinosaurid taxa. Finally, the calibrated stratigraphic distribution of discussed elements indicates a clear ecological partition between theropod taxa. In particular, abelisauroids and carcharodontosaurids are commonly found in inland, fluvial deposits together with titanosauriform and rebbachisaurid sauropods, and rare crocodilians. Conversely, spinosaurids are limited to estuarine to coastal deposits dominated by a rich and diverse crocodilian fauna along with actinopterygians and sarcopterygians, including large-sized coelacanthiforms.

Estimation of the Length of Femur from its Proximal Fragments

Fragmented skeletal remains are often presented for forensic evaluation which makes it difficult for the forensic investigator to derive basic anthropological profile of the decedent(s). Research workers have been trying to develop techniques that will enable them to overcome these problems. Earlier attempts notably by McKern and Steel were not successful when it was put to actual practice because of the vague nature of some of the vital anatomical landmarks. To overcome these, Simmons et al came up with a new approach. We adopted this technique to estimate length of femur from its fragments by analyzing 128 adult intact femora. The regression formulae thus obtained can be used while analyzing skeletal remains from North Indian population.

Sex estimation based on deciduous and permanent dentition in a contemporary spanish population

Sex estimation of skeletal remains with satisfactory allocation accuracy represents an essential step in reconstructing the biological profile of unknown individuals in archaeological research and forensic practice. Teeth are among the most frequently recovered physical elements of an individual that remain after death due to their hardness, durability, and resistance to postmortem insults. This study was based on the deciduous and permanent dentition of 269 individuals (150 males and 119 females) from the Granada osteological collection of identified infants, young children, and adults (Granada, Spain). Mesiodistal, buccolingual, and diagonal crown and cervical diameters of both dentitions were measured, and logistic regression analyses were performed to create equations for sex discrimination. The results show that the first and second deciduous molars and the permanent canines are the teeth with the greatest sexual dimorphism, providing percentages of correct assignment of sex between 78.1 and 93.1% in deciduous dentition and between 79.4 and 92.6% in permanent teeth, depending on the dimensions used. The results indicate that this method may be applicable as an adjunct with other accepted procedures for sex estimation when fragmentary skeletal remains are encountered in archaeological excavations and in forensic contexts.

Upper Permian reef complex in the basinal facies of the Zechstein Limestone (Ca1), western Poland

Stromatolite and bryozoan build‐ups from the Werra Cycle (Zechstein) of the Southern Permian Basin of Europe meet all definitions given by various authors for reefs and they commonly occur at the shelf edge. In a few places, including western Poland, they are also recorded in the basinal facies. The main part of the reef is formed by fragmented bryozoan zoaria. The reef biota are a typical bryonoderm association indicating cool‐water and cold‐water environments. A characteristic feature is a large amount of fragmented skeletal remains lacking rigidity. The main part of the reefs is built of rudstones, and only stromatolitic crusts form massive constructions. Remarkable is the mechanism of the origin of clearly morphologically separated reef constructions from the remains of a relatively low potential of fossilization. Zones built of crushed remains dominate over parts representing massive constructions. The colonization of the substrate began very early, as indicated by the interbedding of breccia and bioclastic carbonates in the lowermost part of the Zechstein Limestone in some reef sections. The Zechstein Limestone reefs of western Poland abound in the hemispheroid (botryoid) aragonitic cement that is otherwise common for the Zechstein reefs. The abundance of the cement recorded in Permian reefs is interpreted as the result of an unusually high saturation state of surface seawater because of a number of factors, including prolific carbonate precipitation due to the occasional upwelling of warmer saline waters on shelf environments in the stratified Zechstein Basin. The pervasive carbonate precipitation in the reef area contrasts with a restricted carbonate precipitation in the adjoining basin where very thin sequences have accumulated. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The optimization of aDNA extraction protocol and sex determination of Bronze Age individuals from Oylum Höyük (Kilis, Turkey)

Oylum Höyük falls within the borders of the province of Kilis, located in the southern part of Turkey. It is an important Bronze Age settlement dating back to 5500 BC. In this study, the sex of 36 individuals found in Oylum Höyük was examined using morphological and genetic methods. In the morphological method, sex was identified in 14 female and 13 male individuals. The remaining 8 individuals could not be identified due to the poor preservation of their skeletal remains. Genetic sex was determined with the amplification of sex-specific X, Y centromeric alphoid repeats and ZFX-ZYF gene regions of DNA, mostly extracted from teeth. Based on ZFX-ZYF gene regions, sex was successfully determined using the PCR-RFLP method. The amplification results of ZFX-ZYF gene regions were also tested by applying the PCR-RFLP method. The amplification of X, Y centromeric alphoid repeats was successful in 29 individuals, while sex determination based on ZFX-ZFY fragments was carried out in 22 individuals. The vast majority of the results determined by analysis of ancient DNA were consistent with the morphological method. However, these 2 methods produced slightly different results for 5 individuals. Finally, the results indicated that ancient DNA analysis is a reliable method for sex determination, especially in poorly preserved and fragmented skeletal remains.

Recognising anatomical landmarks in fragmented skeletal remains

Human skeletal remains may present in a variety of forms in the mortuary. In some cases they are in a fragmented state due to weathering, body disruption or incineration. Identification can be difficult for the pathologist in these types of cases. Incinerated remains present as particularly problematic due to the shrinkage, warping and colour change that also takes place. Locating small landmarks can help in the identification of the bone and its position in the body. This in turn, can provide information relating to minimum number of individuals present and other biological indicators such as sex and personal age. Some areas of the skeleton preserve more frequently than others and it is these locations and their significance that will be discussed and some examples will be provided.

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.

A 100 million year old gecko with sophisticated adhesive toe pads, preserved in amber from Myanmar

A new genus and species of gecko is described from a posterior lower limb and foot, and a partial tail, preserved in Lower Cretaceous amber from Myanmar that is 97–110My old. It appears to be the oldest unequivocal fossil gecko, predating fragmentary skeletal remains from the Upper Cretaceous and being 43–56 My older than Yanatarogecko from the Lower Eocene, previously the oldest known gecko preserved in amber. It also provides firm evidence that gekkotans and possibly gekkonids were in Asia at this time. The Myanmar specimen shows, that the distinctive foot proportions and sophisticated adhesive mechanism, involving pads on the toes with transverse lamellae probably bearing numerous hairlike setae found in many modern geckos, had already evolved around 100My ago. The specimen is very small, even compared with juveniles of the smallest living geckos. However, the high numbers of lamellae on its toe pads suggest it is from a juvenile of a species with relatively large adult body size.

Estimating age by tooth wear of prehistoric human remains in Brazilian archaeological sites

AbstractThe occlusal surfaces of 298 permanent maxillary and mandibular molar teeth of prehistoric shellfish‐gatherer subjects from the Piaçaguera and Tenorio sites (4930 to 1875 BP), near the central‐northern coastline of São Paulo, Brazil, were examined for classification of macro‐wear stages. Molar tooth wear is an indication of masticatory activity and can be used in the estimation of age at death. The examination of visual and schematic aspects of occlusal macro‐wear used a visual chart proposed by Brothwell, which includes the three superior and inferior, left and right, permanent molars. Three examiners performed the macroscopic observations twice under the same conditions. The resulting age estimates were compared with previous information of age estimated by skeletal examination. A reduced intra‐ and inter‐observer variation was observed; all re‐examinations indicated discrepancies of less than two years for the upper and lower limit of the age range estimates. The procedure was also considered consistent with the skeletal method used for age estimation of human remains excavated in Brazilian archaeological shell mounds, with a discrepancy of less than 8.22 years between the upper and lower limits of estimates by both methods. Age classification by the occlusal molar wear may be a useful tool for the classification of archaeological findings, mainly when only fragmentary skeletal remains are excavated. The current results indicate that the application of the Brothwell chart for Brazilian archaeological series presented satisfactory results of consistency, and its expanded use may represent a relevant adjunct for research. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.