Human Variation

Many important consumption decisions involve risk. We explore the biological basis of risk taking using an emerging measure of prenatal androgrens, the ratio between the length of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D). A smaller 2D:4D ratio has been linked to higher exposure to prenatal testosterone relative to estradoil. The 2D:4D ratio is a sexually dimorphic marker, with men having lower ratios than women on average. In a task with real financial stakes, both men and women with smaller 2D:4D ratios chose significantly riskier options. For those at the extreme ends of the digit-ratio distribution the gender difference in risk-taking disappears.

Psychology and personality of individuals may have implications for choice of, and performance in sports disciplines. Individual- and group sports differ in psychological requirements, such as, competitiveness, sensation seeking and risk taking attitude, often required in sports. There is sex difference in human in these qualities, which also show association with prenatal testosterone exposures. Second-to-fourth digit lengths ratio (2D:4D) is an indicator of prenatal testosterone exposure. Lower 2D:4D indicates higher prenatal testosteron exposure and vice versa. Males generally have lower 2D:4D than females. This study cross-sectional study investigated the relationship of 2D:4D with team based- or individual sports. The participants were 421 Polish male students with a mean (+SD) age of 19.78 (+0.79) years. Among them, 139 were engaged in sports and 282 were not. Mean 2D:4D in each hand of individual sporting group was significantly lower than the team sports- and no sports group...

SummaryHumans exhibit sex differences in competitiveness, sensation seeking and risk-taking attitude, which are required in sports. These attributes are often linked to prenatal testosterone (PT) exposure. The second-to-fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D) is an indicator of PT exposure. A lower 2D:4D indicates higher PT exposure and vice versa. Males generally have a lower 2D:4D than females. Sensation- and/or thrill-seeking behaviours have also been found to be negatively associated with 2D:4D. Boxing and judo are considered to be high-risk sports. Voluntary participation in judo/boxing in contrast to aerobics can be guided by such behaviours and thus have an association with lower 2D:4D. This cross-sectional study included 167 female students from a military academy in Wrocław, Poland. Of them, 119 had voluntarily chosen aerobic exercise, and 48 opted for judo/boxing. Height, weight and second and fourth digit lengths were measured. Physical fitness was assessed using Eurofit tests....

Background: Femoral sulcus angle is particularly important in clinical evaluation of patellofemoral joint. Individuals show considerable differences in asymmetrical dimensions of the femur. Objectives: To determine the size of femoral sulcus angles in adult black Malawians using the skeletal collection in the department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and assess their gender differences; to compare femoral sulcus angles of Malawians with other ethnic groups. Methods: A cross sectional study was done in which femoral sulcus angles of dry bones were measured using a goniometer. Results: There is no significant difference in the mean sulcus angles between right and left femora in males (p=0.8100) and females (p=0.0742); between all males combined and females combined (p=0.8845). There is a significant difference in the mean between all left femora combined and all right femora combined (p=0.0260). This study has provided the mean size of the femoral sulcus angle of adult Malawians. These findings suggest that the size of the sulcus angle cannot determine gender among adult black Malawians suggesting the interpretation that femora asymmetric dimensions are population specific, which should be considered in the patellofemoral joint evaluation.

the person in question [4]. Yet, these positive identification methods are not feasible if there is no antemortem data available [4, 7]. In this event, presumptive or possible identification methods are used to narrow down possible identities by eliminating mismatching data. The presumptive identification method consists of the anthropological examination of skeletal remains and requires establishing the biological profile of an unknown individual [8]. This profiling includes age, sex, stature, ancestral background, skeletal variation/ abnormalities and congenital or pathology/trauma-related anomalies on bones [2, 9-13]. When positive and presumptive identification methods are insufficient in pointing an identity, the facial approximation of an unidentified individual is performed as a last resort to create a face that resembles the appearance of the deceased in life to reach individuals who might know the possible identity [14]. The method relies on the application of facial soft tissue depth (FSTD) and the creation of facial features (eyes, nose, mouth, ears, etc.) [13]. To date, several population-specific FSTD datasets have been set to create precise depth datasets for facial approximation [15-26]. People of Greek ancestry are one of the population groups for which a FSTD dataset has not been generated yet. Therefore, the aim of this study is to fill the gap in the field and establish a FSTD database for adult Greeks.

The research investigated personality traits of high-risk sports athletes. The aim was to investigate the personality dimensions and compare the results to the results of non-risk sports athletes and non-athletes. Thirty eight high-risk sports athletes participated in the research (alpinists, sky divers, paragliders, white-water kayakers, downhill mountain-bikers, motocross riders, downhill skiers and ski jumpers). The non-risk sports athletes consisted of 38 swimmers, track athletes, sailors, flat-water kayakers, rowers, Nordic skiers, sports climbers and karatekas. The non-athletes were equalled with both groups in age and education and included 76 non-athletes. The Big Five Observer Scale was used. It was found that high-risk sports athletes scored highest in emotional stability, they were followed by the non-athletes and the lowest scores were achieved by non-risk sports athletes. The same order of groups was shown in conscientiousness and energy. Openness was highest in the non...

The use of photography in anthropology has a complex history, particularly when it comes to representing indigenous communities through early ethnographic research. When viewing collections such as the early 20th-century images of Sri Lanka’s Vedda community captured by Charles and Brenda Seligman, it is crucial to evaluate them not just for their historical significance but also through the ethical and legal frameworks that apply today.

The British Museum holds around 2,200 artefacts donated by the Seligmans mainly from Oceania, China and Africa, as well as a similar number of photographs, including over 400 glass negatives and prints documenting the Seligmans’ 1908 field research in Sri Lanka. Although the glass slides are yet to be fully catalogued, many of their photographs were reproduced in their seminal publication, The Veddas, two copies of which are held in the British Library (Seligmann 1911; note the different spelling of the surname). The publication’s images were produced in an era devoid of any standardised ethical guidance, whether in the taking or in the publication of such images.

This article delves into the ethical implications and legal considerations surrounding these early photographs and reflects on the biases embedded in them. It also calls for and outlines potential frameworks for ‘fair and responsible’ representation of these images in contemporary settings, emphasizing the need for sensitivity in handling such cultural artifacts.

The scientific working group on DNA analysis Methods (SWGDAM) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) population data set is used to infer the relative rarity of control region mtDNA profiles obtained from evidence samples and of profiles used for identification of missing persons. In this study, the African American haplogroup patterns in the SWGDAM data were analyzed in a phylogenetic context to determine relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and to describe haplogroup distributions for Africans observed in these data sets. Over 200 SNPs (n ¼ 217) were observed in the African American data set (n ¼ 1148). These SNPs ranged from having 1-39 changes in the phylogenetic tree, with sites 152 and 16519 being the most variable. On average there were 5.8 changes for a character on the tree. The most variable sites (with 19 or more changes each)

Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) is a relatively common craniofacial malformation involving bony and soft-tissue disruptions of the nasolabial and dentoalveolar regions. The combination of CL/P and subsequent craniofacial surgeries to close the cleft and improve appearance of the cutaneous upper lip and nose can cause scarring and muscle pull, possibly resulting in soft-tissue depth asymmetries across the face. We tested the hypothesis that tissue depths in children with unilateral CL/P exhibit differences in symmetry across the sides of the face. Twenty-eight tissue depths were measured on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of unilateral CL/P children (n = 55), aged 7-17 yrs., using Dolphin software (v 11.5). Significant differences in tissue depth symmetry were found around the cutaneous upper lip and nose in unilateral CL/P patients. Introduction Human faces exhibit a wide range of variation in facial form and appearance due to various factors including envi...

Recent analyses indicate that the precuneus is one of the main centres of integration in terms of functional and structural processes within the human brain. This neuroanatomical element is formed by different subregions, involved in visuo‐spatial integration, memory and self‐awareness. We analysed the midsagittal brain shape in a sample of adult humans (n = 90) to evidence the patterns of variability and geometrical organization of this area. Interestingly, the major brain covariance pattern within adult humans is strictly associated with the relative proportions of the precuneus. Its morphology displays a marked individual variation, both in terms of geometry (mostly in its longitudinal dimensions) and anatomy (patterns of convolution). No patent differences are evident between males and females, and the allometric effect of size is minimal. However, in terms of morphology, the precuneus does not represent an individual module, being influenced by different neighbouring structures...

Background: Determination of gender is one of the essential pre requisites in forensic odontology. Skull being the best after pelvis for sex determination.Various morphological features of skull have been studied for the gender determination i.e. muscle ridge, supraorbital ridge, mastoid process, frontal eminence etc. Very sparse study has been done on zygomatic bone and have shown sexual dimorphism. Hence, the present study was undertaken to study sexual dimorphism in zygomatic arch and to determine its reliability in determination of sexual dimorphism. Method: Jug handle radiograph of 60 subjects (30 male and 30 female) were taken in a standardized manner and a lower exposure parameters ( 60 Kvp, 10 mA, 13.9 sec.) were used for the visualization of zygomatic arches. Linear measurements of the zygomatic arch were taken with the Universal desktop ruler software. The results were analysed by using Students t test and Discriminant analysis. Result: All the linear measurements were obs...

This paper reports on a specific sharp force trauma observed in skeletons of the Edo period. A cut mark can be recognized at the inferior margin of the pubic symphysis and on the posterior surface of the left innominate bone of No. 583 excavated from the Shyoken-ji site. The morphological features of this cut mark suggest that this individual suffered the removal of his penis. Some historical reports show the existence of penis removal in the Edo period. This is the first report strongly suggesting the penis removal in Japanese skeletal remains.

The systemic robusticity hypothesis links the thickness of cortical bone in both the cranium and limb bones. This hypothesis posits that thick cortical bone is in part a systemic response to circulating hormones, such as growth hormone and thyroid hormone, possibly related to physical activity or cold climates. Although this hypothesis has gained popular traction, only rarely has robusticity of the cranium and postcranial skeleton been considered jointly. We acquired computed tomographic scans from associated crania, femora and humeri from single individuals representing 11 populations in Africa and North America (n ¼ 228). Cortical thickness in the parietal, frontal and occipital bones and cortical bone area in limb bone diaphyses were analyzed using correlation, multiple regression and general linear models to test the hypothesis. Absolute thickness values from the crania were not correlated with cortical bone area of the femur or humerus, which is at odds with the systemic robusticity hypothesis. However, measures of cortical bone scaled by total vault thickness and limb cross-sectional area were positively correlated between the cranium and postcranium. When accounting for a range of potential confounding variables, including sex, age and body mass, variation in relative postcranial cortical bone area explained ~20% of variation in the proportion of cortical cranial bone thickness. While these findings provide limited support for the systemic robusticity hypothesis, cranial cortical thickness did not track climate or physical activity across populations. Thus, some of the variation in cranial cortical bone thickness in modern humans is attributable to systemic effects, but the driving force behind this effect remains obscure. Moreover, neither absolute nor proportional measures of cranial cortical bone thickness are positively correlated with total cranial bone thickness, complicating the extrapolation of these findings to extinct species where only cranial vault thickness has been measured.

Since their first discovery, Neandertals have served as an out-group for interpreting human variation. Their out-group role has changed over the years because in spite of the fact that Neandertals are the most abundant of all fossil remains (or perhaps because of this) their interpretation is the most controversial of all human fossils. Many believe them to be a different, albeit human-like species, but recent genetic evidence supports anatomical interpretations indicating that interbreeding with other humans was an important aspect of human evolution. The combination of anatomical difference and restricted gene flow between populations suggests the possibility that Neandertals may have been a true human race. Am J Phys Anthropol 139:91-102, 2009. V

ic structural features, including idiosyncratic kink patterns, which lead to significant differences in the inferred odorant binding site structure. Such analyses form a basis for a comprehensive sequence-based classification of OR proteins in terms of potential odorant binding specificities.

Craniosynostosis represents a heterogeneous cluster of congenital disorders and manifests as premature ossification of one or more cranial sutures. Cranial sutures serve to enable calvarial growth and function as joints between skull bones. The mechanical properties of synostosed cranial sutures are of vital importance to their function and yet are poorly understood. The present study was designed to characterize the nanostructural and nanomechanical properties of synostosed postnatal sagittal and metopic sutures. Synostosed postnatal sagittal sutures (n 5 5) and metopic sutures (n 5 5) were obtained from craniosynostosis patients (aged 9.1 ± 2.8 months). The synostosed sutural samples were prepared for imaging and indentation on both the endocranial and ectocranial surfaces with the cantilever probe of an atomic force microscopy. Analysis of the nanotopographic images indicated robust variations in sutural surface characteristics with localized peaks and valleys. In 5 3 5 mm scan sizes, the surface roughness of the synostosed metopic suture was significantly greater (223.6 ± 93.3 nm) than the synostosed sagittal suture (142.9 ± 80.3 nm) (P , 0.01). The Young's modulus of the synostosed sagittal suture at 0.7 ± 0.2 MPa was significantly higher than the synostosed metopic suture at 0.5 ± 0.1 MPa (P , 0.01). These data suggest that various synostosed cranial sutures may have different structural and mechanical characteristics.

Background Sitting height (SH), sub ischial leg length (SILL) and the sitting height/leg length ratio (SH/SILL) are useful tools for assessing human body proportions. They are often used to detect the presence of abnormal growth, especially in school-aged children. Materials and Methods Our cross-sectional study was conducted among 1012 preschool children aged 2 to 6-years from Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme centers at Bali Gram Panchayat, Arambagh, Hooghly District, West Bengal, India. Anthropometric measurements like height, weight, SH were measured following standard protocol. Results There was no age combined significant sex difference in any variable. However, age specific sex differences were there in few age groups. Highly significant (p<0.001) age variations existed in all variables. The body mass index (BMI) was significantly (p<0.01) negatively correlated with SILL (r=-0.443), SILLP (r=-0.302) and UTL (r=-0.346) in both sexes. It was significantly (p<0.01) positively associated with UTLP (r=0.302). Moreover, SILL was significantly positively correlated with UTL in both sexes (boys, r=0.821 and girls, r=0.871; p<0.01), whereas it was significantly negatively associated with UTLP (boys, r=-0.590 and girls, r=-0.552; p<0.01) in the participants. Conclusion Our results suggest that, in both sexes, there were significant age differences in SILL, SILLP, upper trunk length (UTL) and unified technology learning platform (UTLP). The BMI had significant associations with these variables in both sexes. Moreover, SILL had significant correlation with UTL and UTLP among the participants.

Background Sitting height (SH), sub ischial leg length (SILL) and the sitting height/leg length ratio (SH/SILL) are useful tools for assessing human body proportions. They are often used to detect the presence of abnormal growth, especially in school-aged children. Materials and Methods Our cross-sectional study was conducted among 1012 preschool children aged 2 to 6-years from Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme centers at Bali Gram Panchayat, Arambagh, Hooghly District, West Bengal, India. Anthropometric measurements like height, weight, SH were measured following standard protocol. Results There was no age combined significant sex difference in any variable. However, age specific sex differences were there in few age groups. Highly significant (p&lt;0.001) age variations existed in all variables. The body mass index (BMI) was significantly (p&lt;0.01) negatively correlated with SILL (r=-0.443), SILLP (r=-0.302) and UTL (r=-0.346) in both sexes. It was significantl...

BACKGROUND: Craniometric indicators are one of the most reliable sources of information about the population. Despite the development of genetic methods, skull measurements are extremely important in anthropology and forensic medicine. In addition to the history of population development, environmental factors such as climate and lifestyle contribute to variations in human skull shape. Due to the high variability of human individuals, the anthropological research of the population is carried out selectively, with a comparison of different population groups (ethnic, professional, age, and gender). The lack of clear ideas about the typical parameters and proportions of the skull among the people of Kazakhstan creates a certain gap in forensic-medical identification. AIM: The aim of the research is to check the hypothesis about the relationship between variations in skull morphology and changes in craniometric indicators with climatic conditions and the specifics of lifestyle in populations living in different territories of Kazakhstan. METHODS: 187 male and 114 female adult skulls found on the territory of the two largest regions of Kazakhstan were examined. The variable variation of 25 craniometric indicators of skulls found on the territory of Central and South Kazakhstan was studied. All osteometric changes were performed using standard anthropometric instruments, followed by the calculation of craniometric indices. Multidimensional statistics was applied. RESULTS: The two populations demonstrate differences in craniometric indicators formed in different geographical and ecological conditions, regardless of gender. It was found that the sizes of the skulls found in the two studied regions of Kazakhstan statistically significantly differ in 5 craniometric indicators for men and 8 craniometric indicators for women. Significant changes were noted in the size of the full and upper height of the face, medium face width, the mandible body height, and the nose height in men. The most dimorphic variables for forensic medical assessment in the studied populations of female skulls were transverse, height and bizygomatic diameters, mastoid width, skull base width, foramen magnum breadth, upper face height, and nose height. The shape of the skulls found in the studied territories is predominantly brachycephalic. The cranial index was >81.1%-at men, >83%-at women. The research showed that race affects the size of the skull, regardless of gender. Craniometric parameters in male and female skulls vary according to different criteria. In women between races, there are statistically significant differences in the size of the foramen magnum breadth and the medium face width. Statistically significant differences in the skull base width, the bizygomatic diameter, and medium face width between the Caucasoid and Mongolian races were revealed in the studied regions in men. The established differences made it possible to form additional differential diagnostic criteria. CONCLUSION: The identification of the features inherent in the population living in certain territories provides auxiliary information for medical and forensic identification of a person. In this research, population-specific craniometric indicators have been developed for inhabitants of two regions of Kazakhstan, which expand and complement identification capabilities when categorizing skeletal remains found in these territories.

ObjectivesTo use a mouse model to investigate the relationships among the components of the systemic robusticity hypothesis (SRH): voluntary exercise on wheels, spontaneous physical activity (SPA) in cages, growth hormones, and skeletal robusticity, especially cranial vault thickness (CVT).Materials and MethodsFifty female mice from lines artificially selected for high running (HR) and 50 from nonselected control (C) lines were housed in cages with (Active) or without wheels (Sedentary). Wheel running and SPA were monitored daily. The experiment began at 24–27 days of age and lasted 12 weeks. Food consumption was measured weekly. Mice were skeletonized and their interparietal, parietal, humerus, and femur were µCT scanned. Mean total thickness of the parietal and interparietal bones was determined, along with thickness of the cortical and diploe layers individually. Geometric cross‐sectional indicators of strength were calculated for the long bones. Blood samples were assayed for IG...

Fingerprint pattern is a part of dermatoglyphics which subsumed the palmar and plantar and also a very imperative constituent in the sphere of forensic anthropology and forensic science. The friction ridges are gradually formed while developing inside the mother's intrauterine and in this pattern it has three basic parts like arch, loop and whorl; and besides, different types of fingerprints which formed are also present on the stratum corneum (outermost layer part of epidermis from the human skin) and provides unique information from various populations. Some ridge portions of the epidermis which present on our fingers are almost resemble to other fingerprints but all the fingerprint patterns are not provide precise similar information because of very distinct to each other and even though from the twins never alike between them. In fingerprint, there is an another essential facet that is minutiae and encompassed as crossover, pore, double bifurcation, fork, hook, bifurcation, dot, ridge ending, eye, delta etc., all are very imperative component in the study of fingerprint because it is needed in criminal investigation etc. In such case like victimized, crimes etc., it is very important to carry out the causes which it helps through employing of multifarious tools for the concerned department of criminals or investigators. Minutiae provides detail information on about the ridge patterns which present on the fingers and help us to investigate and to examine of each and every distal phalanges. It also provides information to detect through biometrics with the help of various ridges or minutiae which it is the corridor to access and operate that provided fingerprint sensored in some application of tools or gadgets etc. Some fingerprints are very complicated while analysing to examine from the different individuals because of occurred major traumatic accident, cicatrix, desquamation and study of this provides tremendous information through the biological variation of populations. Simple Random Sampling (SRS) is employed while studying through minutiae from the fingerprint and found the highest percentage which is Bifurcation or Fork (105) and the least part is Tribifurcation (11) but the cicatrix and desquamation also found from the distal phalange then made subtle analysed, that encompassed from male and female where those who have been inhabited in the two localities of Tura, Meghalaya.

Craniometry has revealed that continuous skull expansion occurs after dental maturity in macaques and other nonhuman primates. Endocranial volume has been shown to increase with age from mid-adulthood to older age in macaques. Thus, neurocranial thickness may decrease with age, especially from mid-adulthood to older age. Here, we investigated age-related changes in the cranial thickness of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). Ten cranial thickness measurements (ten neurocranial landmarks) were made using computed tomographic scans of 140 crania from adult macaques (67 males and 73 females). The cranial thickness at many sites was shown to increase in the neurocranium from young adulthood (7-9 years) to early-mid adulthood (14-19 years) in males and latemid adulthood (19-24 years) in females, while it was decreased in the oldest age group (>24 years). The cranial thickness at various sites showed a significant decrease from mid-adulthood to very old age in both sexes, although females had more sites with decreasing thickness than did males. The difference between sexes in terms of age-related changes in cranial thickness at sites on the mid-sagittal plane may be associated with the differences in the size of the projecting face and canines between males and females. The greater number of sites with decreasing thickness in females than in males may be associated with postmenopausal estrogen depletion in female macaques.

Dermatoglyphics is an imperative facet or clamant in the field of biological anthropology as well as in forensic sciences. The identification of fingerprint which helps to understand the biological variation of populations; investigation and examination are a very important role which subsumed in this field of study. The two localities of Tura brought to light through Garo tribes. The Sample Random Sampling (SRS) has picked from sample techniques which have selected 32 numbers of people and found aberrant multifaceted from the friction ridge patterns within these two localities between the age of 20 to 40 and those especially from the youths, men and women. The basic friction ridge patterns as exhibited the Arch (9), the Loop (202) and the Whorl (100) from both sexes. The Arch is the least one among the three fingerprint patterns and Loop occupied the highest in number. Plain Arch (37), Tented Arch (13), Radial Loop (24), Ulnar Loop (171), Double Loop Whorl (9), Accidental Whorl (2), Plain Whorl (48) are the other unwonted manifold types of friction ridges. Apart from these, another power of friction ridges brought to light through these wonderful patterns as Fork Shape (105), Bridge (91), Core (30), Crossover (11), Delta (14), Fragment (53), Double Bifurcation (16), Eye (54), Island (23), Pore (51), Hook (29), Ridge Ending (63), and Tribifurcation (11). Nine fingerprint minutiae are not regular present on the distal phalanges and the Ulnar Loop dominated the topmost highest ranking and the two least numbers are the Accidental Whorl and the Double Loop Whorl. Most commonly seen are Bifurcation and found 105, Bridge is 91 and Ridge Ending occupied the third place and Tented Arch is the least one which present on their distal phalanges on both male and female’s hands. In Bifurcation, females’ fingerprint occupied the highest in number whereas males’ distal phalanges added to be mark the highest in Ridge Ending. Core, Delta, Dot ( Fragment ), Hook ( Spur ) are more commonly seen which present on the fingertips of male than female. If Desquamation and Scars are present on the outermost layer of stratum corneum then makes daedal to scrutinise from the friction ridges.

Craniometry has revealed that continuous skull expansion occurs after dental maturity in macaques and other nonhuman primates. Endocranial volume has been shown to increase with age from mid-adulthood to older age in macaques. Thus, neurocranial thickness may decrease with age, especially from mid-adulthood to older age. Here, we investigated age-related changes in the cranial thickness of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). Ten cranial thickness measurements (ten neurocranial landmarks) were made using computed tomographic scans of 140 crania from adult macaques (67 males and 73 females). The cranial thickness at many sites was shown to increase in the neurocranium from young adulthood (7-9 years) to early-mid adulthood (14-19 years) in males and latemid adulthood (19-24 years) in females, while it was decreased in the oldest age group (>24 years). The cranial thickness at various sites showed a significant decrease from mid-adulthood to very old age in both sexes, although females had more sites with decreasing thickness than did males. The difference between sexes in terms of age-related changes in cranial thickness at sites on the mid-sagittal plane may be associated with the differences in the size of the projecting face and canines between males and females. The greater number of sites with decreasing thickness in females than in males may be associated with postmenopausal estrogen depletion in female macaques.

The repeatability of facial soft tissue thickness measurements at 10 standard anatomical landmarks was evaluated using lateral X-ray images obtained from 50 adult subjects. The intra-and inter-observer error rates were calculated after four practitioners took measurements using Denta Pacs 8.1 software. The results indicated high inter-and intra-observer repeatability, suggesting X-ray images can be used to measure facial soft tissue thicknesses for the purpose of craniofacial reconstruction and superimposition.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of cellular senescence by transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally modulating the expression of many important genes involved in senescence-associated pathways and processes. Among the different lncRNAs associated to senescence, Senescence Associated Long Non-coding RNA (SALNR) was found to be down-regulated in different cellular models of senescence. Since its release in 2015, SALNR has not been annotated in any database or public repository, and no other experimental data have been published. The SALNR sequence is located on the long arm of chromosome 10, at band 10q23.33, and it overlaps the 3' end of the HELLS gene. This investigation helped to unravel the mystery of the existence of SALNR by analyzing publicly available short-and long-read RNA sequencing data sets and RT-PCR analysis in human tissues and cell lines. Additionally, the expression of HELLS has been studied in cellular models of replicative senescence, both in silico and in vitro. Our findings, while not supporting the actual existence of SALNR as an independent transcript in the analyzed experimental models, demonstrate the expression of a predicted HELLS isoform entirely covering the SALNR genomic region. Furthermore, we observed a strong down-regulation of HELLS in senescent cells versus proliferating cells, supporting its role in the senescence and aging process.

Craniofacial variation is investigated in Latin America and the Caribbean. The samples included in this study are two historic and one prehistoric sample from Ecuador; prehistoric and modern Cuban samples; a prehistoric Peruvian sample; two prehistoric Mexican samples and one contemporary admixed Mexican sample; a 16th/17th-century Spanish sample; and Terry blacks. Biological distance is investigated using traditional craniometrics by computing size and shape variables according to Mosimann and colleagues. This study shows that there is much biological variation within the Americas.

The fingerprints of the Buenos Aires and Chubut provinces in Argentina have been studied, with the aim of knowing and quantifying the variability of these features, which are used in the identification process. The data studied for this research was obtained from 330 individuals, of both sexes, from two Argentinian population samples (170 individuals from Buenos Aires and 160 from Chubut), which amounts to a total of 3300 fingerprints. The different types of minutiae were located, identified, and visually quantified in four areas on the fingerprint. Two perpendicular axes were drawn whose intersection was located in the center of fingerprint. In addition, a circle was defined on these quadrants whose radius cut fifteen ridges. This method divides the fingerprints into four quadrants with two sectors apiece. The results obtained for both populations were compared statistically with those published previously for an Argentinian population sample, which had been collected using the same methodology. Therefore, Argentina becomes the country with the most information in this matter. For both populations, the highest frequencies were of ridge endings, followed by bifurcations and convergences. In this study of minutiae, statistically significant differences were found between the area of the fingerprint (inside and outside the circle), males and females, and types of main pattern for both samples. However, although the results show common patterns in the distribution of minutiae, there are also significant differences between populations. This reveals a significant ancestral and frequency effect of the minutiae, which would indicate that the minutiae are more genetically dependent than has been suspected so far. Furthermore, the nonequiprobability found for the frequency of the types of minutiae indicates that the weight provided by these characteristics is not the same when applied in identification processes, whether used quantitatively (numerical standard) or qualitatively (holistic method).

ing the Warring States and Han dynasty retained their cultural and genetic Mongolian identity. These data add valuable bioarchaeological information regarding the peopling of northern China during a crucial period of cultural and political change in the Early Bronze Age and Iron Age.

Aim: This study carried out cranial measurements (in mm) [Zygion-Zygion (Zy-Zy); Zygion-Glabella-right side (Zy-Ga-right); Zygion-Glabella-left side (Zy-Ga-left); Zygion-Glabella-mean (Zy-Ga-mean); Rhinion-Anterior Nasal Spine (Rhi-ANS); Nasal Width (Na Wid); Nasion-Anterior Nasal Spine (Na-ANS); Glabella-Anterior Nasal Spine (Ga-ANS); Glabella-Prosthion (Ga-Pr)], to verify whether they are dimorphic. Methods: We used skulls from the Eduardo Daruge Laboratory of Forensic Physical Anthropometry, which did not present growth abnormalities and belonged to the age range of 18 to 100 years. Linear measurements were performed by digital caliper, properly calibrated. Inter and intra-calibrator calibration was performed by obtaining as result the value of 0.98 (considered excellent). Results: We found that all measures carried out are dimorphic, and we were able to create a logistic regression model (logit: Sex = −33.6 + (0.15 × Zy-Zy) + (0.21 × Rhi-ANS) + (0.16 × Na-ANS)) to estimation the...

Human females demonstrate higher religiosity than men in populations. Digit ratio (2D:4D), being a putative indicator of prenatal testosterone, is associated in varying degrees with characters that show sexual dimorphism. A small number of studies have indicated that religiosity may be associated with the biological basis of sex differences in humans. The objective of the present study was to ascertain whether 2D:4D in religiously oriented seminary students is different from individuals in other occupations. The study followed a cross-sectional design. Male participants of the study included 13 seminary students, 18 military chaplains and 91 control students from study courses relating to civil occupations. Lengths of second (2D) and fourth (4D) digits and their ratio (2D:4D) for each hand, height and weight were the variables and 2D:4D was the outcome measure. The results demonstrated that the seminary students had significantly higher 2D:4D than both the military chaplains and civ...

The supratrochlear aperture (STA) is a perforation of the septum between the olecranon and coronoid fossae of the humerus. Bones with STA are prone to supracondylar fractures and are thought to have narrower medullary canals. Our aim was to explore the relationship of the STA with medullary canal width and humeral size. The study employed a case-control research design with approximately equal numbers of individuals with and without STA from South African Whites, Blacks, and the Mixed ethnic group. Radiographs were taken anteroposteriorly using a Lodox Statscan and Image J Ò software was used to acquire measurements from the radiographs. In the proximal diaphysis, the mean medullary canal width was significantly smaller for STA humeri (13.59 vs. 14.72 mm). The same was true for the midshaft (10.21 vs. 10.84 mm) and the distal portion (10.05 vs. 10.63 mm). While STA humeri appeared to have narrower medullary canal dimensions, this was not the case after standardizing for bone size. The smaller medullary canal width reported in the literature for STAbearing humeri is, therefore, due to bone size differences and not STA presence. This is supported by the strong positive correlation between bone size and medullary canal width irrespective of STA status. Thus, the medullary canal width increases with bone size independent of STA status. We, therefore, propose that bone size, and not STA presence, is the major factor to consider when choosing rods for intramedullary fixation.

is currently doing his Ph.D. at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg after having completed his Master's degree in Anatomy from the University of Cape Town. His research interests are in the area of forensic osteology, biological anthropology and the musculoskeletal system. At this early stage of his career, he has published several papers reputable peer reviewed journals.

Several studies have shown variability in osteometric measurements of the skull between populations. Therefore, each population should have specific standards to optimize the accuracy of identification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sexual dimorphism in metric relations between anatomical points of the skull using CT scans in a Jordanian population by means of discriminant function analysis, to determine which continuous variables discriminate between sexes, and to examine the craniofacial changes according to age. 500 CT scans (240 males and 260 females) were used and a total of 11 craniofacial parameters were studied. The data were analyzed using distriminant function analysis. Sexual dimorphism was found mainly in the young adult group. Significant age related changes were noticed in minimum frontal breadth, orbital height and orbital index. In all subjects, the analysis of multivariate (dimorphic variables) and stepwise functions gave an accuracy of 58.8% and 57.0% respectively. Using stepwise analysis, the most dimorphic variables to estimate sex were maximum frontal breadth, bimaxillary breadth and orbital index. The multivariate analysis of all variables gave an accuracy of 58.8%. The percentages of correct sexing in Jordanian population were high using the single variable analysis in females only. In females, classification accuracies of 70.4% using bimaxillary breadth, 70.0% using the orbital index, and 68.1% using maximum frontal breadth were obtained. Additionally, discriminant analysis was conducted separately for each age group. Higher percentages of correct sexing were obtained only in young adults. The results of the discriminant function analysis did not appear to be significant. The results of discriminant function were insignificant in middle aged and elderly groups. Being female and young increases the percentages of correct sexing. Generally, low levels of accuracy of sexual dimorphism were obtained in our study, suggesting that population estimates of dimorphism are highly variable and the equations derived from the discriminant function analysis are not reliable in sex estimation in Jordanians

Mendez and colleagues reported the identification of a Y chromosome haplotype (the A00 lineage) that lies at the basal position of the Y chromosome phylogenetic tree. Incorporating this haplotype, the authors estimated the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) for the Y tree to be 338 000 years ago (95% CI ¼ 237 000-581 000). Such an extraordinarily early estimate contradicts all previous estimates in the literature and is over a 100 000 years older than the earliest fossils of anatomically modern humans. This estimate raises two astonishing possibilities, either the novel Y chromosome was inherited after ancestral humans interbred with another species, or anatomically modern Homo sapiens emerged earlier than previously estimated and quickly became subdivided into genetically differentiated subpopulations. We demonstrate that the TMRCA estimate was reached through inadequate statistical and analytical methods, each of which contributed to its inflation. We show that the authors ignored previously inferred Y-specific rates of substitution, incorrectly derived the Y-specific substitution rate from autosomal mutation rates, and compared unequal lengths of the novel Y chromosome with the previously recognized basal lineage. Our analysis indicates that the A00 lineage was derived from all the other lineages 208 300 (95% CI ¼ 163 900-260 200) years ago.

The scientific working group on DNA analysis Methods (SWGDAM) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) population data set is used to infer the relative rarity of control region mtDNA profiles obtained from evidence samples and of profiles used for identification of missing persons. In this study, the African American haplogroup patterns in the SWGDAM data were analyzed in a phylogenetic context to determine relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and to describe haplogroup distributions for Africans observed in these data sets. Over 200 SNPs (n ¼ 217) were observed in the African American data set (n ¼ 1148). These SNPs ranged from having 1-39 changes in the phylogenetic tree, with sites 152 and 16519 being the most variable. On average there were 5.8 changes for a character on the tree. The most variable sites (with 19 or more changes each)

Genetic variations among humans occur both within and among populations and range from single nucleotide changes to multiplenucleotide variants. These multiple-nucleotide variants are useful for studying the relationships among individuals or various population groups. The study of human genetic variations can help scientists understand how different population groups are biologically related to one another. Sequence analysis of hypervariable regions of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been successfully used for the genetic characterization of different population groups for forensic purposes. It is well established that different ethnic or population groups differ significantly in their mtDNA distributions. In the last decade, very little research has been conducted on mtDNA variations in the Indian population, although such data would be useful for elucidating the history of human population expansion across the world. Moreover, forensic studies on mtDNA variations in the Indian subcontinent are also scarce, particularly in the northern part of India. In this report, variations in the hypervariable regions of mtDNA were analyzed in the Yadav population of Haryana. Different molecular diversity indices were computed. Further, the obtained haplotypes were classified into Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

The Balkan Peninsula is known to represent a complex cultural mosaic and it is a strategic area because it represents a gateway into Europe from the Near East . This research seeks to evaluate the variability of both uniparental markers (mtDNA and non-recombining region of the Y chromosome) to dissect the genetic makeup of Serbians. The whole sample pertains to 257 Serbians (87 from the central region and 170 from the southern area) who have been analyzed for both uniparental genetic markers. The results showed that the extant inhabitants of the Balkan Peninsula have a homogeneous genetic background, despite their linguistic and cultural differences. The obtained data were compared with those of neighboring populations to detect possible relationships among groups. On the whole, the genetic variability of the Balkan populations seems to be due to an admixture process of European and Asian lineages in different proportions whose contributions constitute the current maternal and pater...

helped me more than I can explain, and I hope someday I will be able to return what you have given so willingly. To my partner Josh, thank you for your patience and emotional support, you have been so understanding and caring considering I have spent hours in front of my computer every night! To the members of the Skeletal Biology and Forensic Anthropology Research Program-my supervisors, Dr Laura Gregory and Ms Donna MacGregor, thank you so much for your advice, hours of drafting and guidance, this thesis is a result of a combined effort and would not be the same without your assistance, and Miss Nicolene Lottering thank you for your input, encouragement and friendship. I also extend my thanks to Mr Matthew Meredith and the Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services for the supply of Mortuary data, I am very grateful for your efforts to keep the samples rolling through. High Performance Computing and Research Services staff, Mr Mark Barry and Dr Lance Wilson, as well as Dr Beat Schmutz from the Trauma Research Group, your technical expertise has been invaluable and my research could not have gone ahead without your advice and suggestions. I also extend many thanks to Dr Clair Alston for your statistical input, I am very appreciative of your generosity and assistance with the Bayesian statistics.

Despite the recognized flaws in applying traditional stature estimation equations such as those of Trotter and Gleser (1952) to a contemporary population, there are currently no available alternatives for stature estimation in Australia that address these limitations. Post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) DICOM scans of the left and right femora were acquired from 76 Australian deceased individuals aged 17-76 years for metric analysis. Femoral bicondylar length, femoral epicondylar breadth and anterior-posterior (AP) diameter, medial-lateral (ML) diameter, circumference and cortical area at the femoral midshaft were measured on threedimensional (3D) models to build statistical models for estimating stature. In addition, Australian individuals aged 16-63 years (n=111) were measured in standing and supine positions to aid in the adjustment of supine stature of deceased individuals utilized in this study to standing stature. The results of this preliminary evaluation strongly indicate that the optimal model for estimating stature includes bicondylar femoral length and epicondylar breadth, that the effect of sex as an independent variable is very low, and there is limited practical benefit in including age in the estimation of stature. Our study indicates that the Australian population sampled represents a small yet significant shift in stature from the original Trotter and Gleser sample. Additionally, in the case of fragmentary remains, it was found that epicondylar breadth and AP diameter had the highest probability of accurate stature estimation in the absence of bicondylar femoral length. As stature forms a significant component of a biological profile and therefore aids in the personal identification of human remains, it is important that forensic anthropologists utilize the most accurate methodologies available. Stature estimation of Australian individuals is therefore achieved with higher accuracy through utilizing the femoral equations proposed in this study.

Lip print is useful in forensic investigations for individual identification. The present study aimed to discriminate sex based on lip print patterns in Malaysian Malay population in Klang Valley using a scanning technique. Lip prints of 360 subjects (180 males and 180 females) were taken using the lipstick-cellophane tape technique, pasted onto A4 papers. These papers were then scanned using Brother DCP-J100 printer (300dpi resolution). The images were analysed using a software based on Suzuki and Tsuchihashi's classification. The lip print images were divided into six sections which are upper left, upper middle, upper right, lower right, lower middle and lower left. The Pearson chi-square test showed that there are significant differences (p < 0.05) between sexes in each section except for the upper middle section. In males, type V (irregular pattern) was the dominant pattern for upper left, upper right, lower right and lower left sections (ranging from 71.1% to 86.7%) while type IV (reticular pattern) was dominant at upper and middle sections (ranging from 57.2% to 66.1%). Type IV (48.3%) was dominant in upper middle section for female, while for the rest of the sections, type V was the dominant lip print pattern (ranging from 40% to 82.8%). These results showed that sex differentiation between males and females in Malaysian Malay population, Klang Valley can be suggested to be used for identification in forensic investigation.

Cheiloscopy is recognized as a tool for personal identification due to its strength in criminalistics. In this study, the lip print of Malaysian Chinese population in Klang Valley was used for gender determination using lipstick-cellophane technique. 412 subjects (203 males and 209 females) were selected conveniently. Lipstick was first applied on the lips and the lip print was lifted using cellophane tape prior to pasting them onto a plain A4 paper and analysis using magnifying glass. Six topography areas of lip prints were classified using Suzuki and Tsuchihashi's classification, including upper left, upper middle, upper right, lower right, lower middle and lower left. Chi-square test showed that all lip sections were significantly different from each other (p < 0.05). Type II was the dominant pattern in four lip sections for both genders: upper left (male 81.3%, female 57.4%), upper right (male 71.9%, female 42.9%), lower left (male 98.0%, female 90.0%) and lower right (male 96.1%, female 86.1%). Type IV was the dominant pattern for both middle part of the lips; upper middle (male 56.2%, female 50.7%) and lower middle (male 62.6%, female 50.2%). The results showed that gender can be differentiated based on lip print patterns. This finding suggested that cheiloscopy could be used in aiding personal identification for forensic investigation.

Oral history and anthropological data indicate that several Xhosa clans in the mPondoland region of the Eastern Cape (formerly the Transkei) were established by individuals of non-African ancestry. Several oral and few written accounts state that circa 1730, survivors from trade-and slave-bearing vessels shipwrecked along the Wild coast of the Eastern Cape. Castaways who had survived the shipwrecking events had assimilated with the indigenous people of the area, married local women, and established clans of their own. The group of clans, which claim their ancestors to be of European and/or Eurasian descent, are known as the abeLungu, meaning "the Whites". These clans are discerned from other local groups by variations in the practice of rituals from that of traditional Xhosa rituals, as these clans retain an affiliation with the European culture to which their ancestors belonged. Nowadays they still retain subtle phenotypic features like blue eyes, which are seen in several clan members. The identity of these clans has, to date, been shrouded in myth due to conflicting versions in the oral history and anthropological data, which leave the picture of the cultural identity of the abeLungu people unresolved. With the advent of molecular biology, it has been shown that DNA may be used as a tool to trace population ancestry. The non-recombining region of the Y chromosome (NRY) serves as a marker for patrilineal ancestry and similarly mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited from mother to progeny, serves as a record for the matrilineal human history. This study aims at exploring the degree of agreement between culture and genetics by investigating the genetic variation of the abeLungu-a culturally and geographically defined group. Focus is placed on their patrilineal history, since their oral history indicates clan progenitors to be predominantly male, but also due to the patriarchal social structure with regards to marriage and kinship of the abeLungu. Buccal swabs were taken from which extracted DNA was used to perform Y chromosome microsatellite short-tandem repeat (STR) and SNP minisequencing using a total of 60 SNPs and 19 STRs taken from 146 abeLungu clan-affiliated individuals and 42 non-clan members from the greater region of mPondoland. Mitochondrial DNA SNP determination and sequencing analyses were also performed on 188 males and 10 females (the wives/ direct relatives of primary male clan elders), so as to trace the matrilineal origins and examine the congruence between the molecular and anthropological data.