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The results of the study of the dental anthropology complexes of the population of the Sargat, Gorokhovo and Kashino cultures of the Early Iron Age in Western Siberia are presented. The study is based on the evaluation and statistical analysis of the frequencies of certain non-metric dental traits within each population. The source base of the study is 480 individuals from burials located in the Tobol, Ishim, Irtysh River regions, as well as on the territory of the Baraba forest-steppe zone. The aim of this study is to reconstruct the possible biological affinities between the Sargat, Gorokhovo and Kashino Cultures groups and Early Iron Age and Bronze Age tribes of Southern Urals and Western Siberia based of new dental non-metric data. The Sargat groups from the Tobol, Ishim and Irtysh regions and the Gorokhovo population reveal a weak biological affinity with the chronologically preceding population of Western Siberia of the Bronze Age. For the groups of these territories, the main component was introduced by the descendants of the carriers of the Petrovsky, Srubno-Alakul and Sintashta Cultures of the Southern Urals - the Savromats and Sarmatians. The affinities are especially strong among the Middle Sargat groups. Sargat population of Baraba demonstrated strong biological affinities to the local Late Bronze Age groups - the Fedorovo population and their descendants, Irmen Culture groups. Gorokhovo population reveals the same affinities as the Sargat groups. Relatedness between the Sargat and Gorokhovo groups and their contacts with the Sarmatians contributed to the convergence of their anthropological composition. Kashino Culture group is the most specific. Based on the results of study assumed divergence between Kashino and Sargat populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of the subject in Colombia and two new cases are reported for this country. A comparison is made of the cases found in Colombia with others of the E1 type in Mesoamerica in times close to the year 1000 BP. Another possible case B3-B6 is mentioned. The origin of this cultural practice in the region is discussed and it is concluded as a result of contacts with groups from the near Atlantic and Pacific coasts in earlier times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Description of morphological dental traits is an important concept within dental anthropology. The aim of this paper is to describe the case of occurrence of the enamel extensions in deciduous teeth in archaeological sample. The case of occurrence of enamel extensions on deciduous teeth from late medieval child's skeletal remains is reported, along with other relevant data. Conclusion is that this might be the first such case described in medieval Bosnian archaeological population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental non-metric data were described in a group of seven individuals of North and Central America. This report contributes to studies regarding the settlement of America by decribing the non-metric dental traits of the most ancient dentitions in the Americas. The sample consists of seven individuals from the Final Late Pleistocene (13.721-11.640 CYBP). Permanent dentitions from individuals between 5 and 35 years of age were scored for 13 dental traits based on the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System (ASUDAS). These findings help us to have a comparable database with other groups and thus better understand the settlement process of human groups in the Americas and its relationship with migratory movements from Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental anthropology is a branch of bioarcheology which helps in analyzing the historical questions that couldn't be explained due to lack of historical sources. Analyzing dental samples from medieval and contemporary time using the Arizona State University Dental Anthropological System shows changes in patterns of nutrition and disease over many generations of a society and also reconstructs human migration and tracks population growth or decline. Purpose: the intention of this examination was to establish the differences between archaeological and recent population in morphological features of maxillar and mandibular molars. Materials and methods: the study included 200 molars, 89 of them were of archeological origin whereas 111 were from recent population. Features analyzed on maxillary molars were: metaconus (distobuccal cusp), metaconulus (distal cusp), hypoconus (distolingual cusp) and Carabelli's trait. However, characteristics revised on mandibular molars were: anterior fovea (precuspidal fossa), groove pattern, middle trigonid crest, distal trigonid crest, deflecting wrinkle, molar cusp number, hypoconulid (cusp 5), entoconulicid (cusp 6) and metaconulid (cusp 7). Results: only hypoconus, a distopalatinal cusp of upper molars has shown difference in statistical comparison of contemporary and population of the Middle Ages. It appears more often in the recent population. Conclusion: the similarities between the two samples may be indicative of similar ancestral background of these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degree of sexual dimorphism of permanent human canines in cervical buccolingual and mesiodistal diameters was investigated through discriminant analyses. Measurements were recorded in 254 canines from 85 individuals in four populations and sex was estimated with multifactorial morphological methods. Age was similar assessed in order to rule it out as a factor. Tooth and body size were controlled for in three of the populations (56 individuals) by the greatest buccolingual diameter of the right first molar of the corresponding jaw and the coronal diameter of the right femoral head, respectively. Age and tooth and body size were statistically insignificant factor2s (p > 0.05). Inter-observer error varied from 0.04 to 0.17 mm or 0.7-3.0% and was largely insignificant. Student's t-tests found jaw was significant (p<0.05) but side was not (p>0.05) so measurements for both sides were averaged to increase the sample size. Sexual dimorphism was statistically insignificant for all four diameters individually or grouped with the exception of mandibular buccolingual width. Accuracy values ranged from 49-73% which, adjusted for a generous error margin from sexing techniques, became 39-58%. These results indicate that the landmarks, assemblages, or both do not exhibit significant sexual dimorphism. Future work should consider similar populations with different landmarks and/or the same landmarks on a different assemblage, preferably one of known sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays there are many methods available for dental age estimation: morphological, radiological, biochemical. Some methods require sample sectioning while other non-destructive methods are more appropriate for use in paleodontology. Children's dental age assessment is based on phases in growth and development of the deciduous and permanent dentition, while age assessment in the adult dentition is based upon changes in the structure of hard dental tissue caused by aging. Dental age calculating software enables automated age calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human osseal remains from the cemetery of Zatveretsky Posad at the historical Russian city of Tver revealed the data on its population in XVI-XVIII centuries. Obtained data generally agreed with the material from other contemporaneous necropoles of the city. Domination of male burials and underrepresentation of younger individuals are accompanied by the signs of poor oral hygiene. Caries has not only often destroyed majority of molars in males and females by the age of 45-50 years, but affected teeth of teenagers and even younger individuals. The heavily developed dental calculus is one of the signs of insufficient oral hygiene in adults. Possible kinship between buried is manifested by similar genetically determined cranial anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimation of sex is one of the most important procedures in the identification of an unknown person. Teeth are a potential source of information in that process. Estimation of sex in paleodontology is based on two approaches: visual inspection and statistical analysis. Many techniques have been developed within these two approaches. Forensic dentistry and paleodontology are two disciplines that share common observation platforms and methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypodontia is one of the most common dental developmental anomalies in humans. Numerous studies examined the incidence and prevalence of hypodontia in different populations. Meta analysis based researches found that prevalence of hypodontia in European Caucasians is 5,5%. Oligodontia, on the other hand, is less common especially if it is a non-syndromic dental anomaly. Theories of evolution suggest that hypodontia is natural part of phylogenetic reduction. Interestingly, some researches have proved that tooth agenesis is more common in females than males. Recent genetic investigations proved certain connection between oligodontia and epithelial ovarial cancer, and hypodontia is suggested to serve as potential risk marker. The purpose of this work is to report several cases of hypodontia or oligodontia in patients treated in our clinics. In all cases the patients were females (girls) age range from 7 to 17. During the routine diagnostic procedures clinical examinations were performed and orthopantomograms were taken. No family history could be established. Clinical implications of these anomalies are numerous, from esthetic and functional to financial. Management of such cases requires multidisciplinary approach. The dental team should include general dental practitioner, orthodontist, pediatric dentist and prosthodontist so that patients could receive full functional and esthetic dental care. Further cooperation with clinical geneticist could be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jaw movement during mastication is closely related with dental function and diet. If jaw movement can be inferred from dental and skeletal remains, such methods could be applied to extinct species enabling new paleobiological insights. Phase I facets are formed by tooth to tooth contact, and reflect interaction of cusp shape and jaw movement. In this study, we attempted to infer local direction of jaw movement from molar wear facets. For this purpose, crania of Piliocolobus badius (n=6) and Chlorocebus aethiops (n=6) stored at the Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, were used. In this pilot study, individuals with little to moderately worn dentitions with well-developed wear facets were chosen for investigation. A high-resolution 3-dimensional model of wear facet location and geometry was obtained as follows: 1) digital surface models of both maxillary and mandibular dental rows were built via whole jaw micro-CT-scans taken at circa 60 micron per voxel resolution, 2) higher resolution surface scans (<10 micron) of individual molars and wear facets were obtained, and 3) these were superimposed to acquire accurately positioned wear facet models spanning M1 to M3. Jaw excursion directions were estimated by planes fitted to adjacent wear facets, with the assumption that the line of intersection potentially represents local direction of movement. Simultaneously occluding facet pairs should exhibit similar directional vectors, within error of measurement. First we investigated technical hypotheses related to the optimal retrieval of direction estimates. Our preliminary analyses show general concordance between intersection vectors, suggesting that they reasonably represent local direction of jaw movement. We also found that, among our examined specimens, cusp function (i.e. supporting or guiding side) or height do not affect accuracy of jaw movement estimate. Moreover the intersection vectors were strongly related to cusp arrangements and also exhibited a helicoidal pattern related to that of the occlusal plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to find a possible link between Neolithic population of Eastern Europe and Western Siberia forest-sreppe zone using dental non-metric traits. Dental characteristics of four European (4 - the end of 3 millennium B.C., 79 individuals) and six Siberian samples (7 - 4 millennium B.C., 179 individuals) was compared, using different kinds of statistics. In total, more than 40 traits were described using ASUDAS and the Russian system of dental analysis. The first result of the analysis demonstrates closer affinities of European samples (Sakhtysh-2, Karavaikha, Fomino burial grounds) with early Siberian groups of C14 7-6 millennium B.C. (Sopka-2, Protoka burials) than with chronologically more closer populations (as Ust'-Isha, Itkul'). Shoveling of upper central incisors is absent in these samples, hypocone reduction is low and frequencies of distal trigonid crest and six-cusped lower first molars are similar among the European and early Siberian series. The differences between these groups are in frequencies of the Carabelli trait of the upper first molars and deflecting wrinkle of lower first molars. The second result of this research is that in the Neolithic population of Western Siberia we can see two components, morphologically differ from each other. One of them is dentally closer to the population of the western part of Eurasia (Sopka-2, Protoka) and the second one is more similar with eastern groups (pooled group from Vengerovo-2, Korchugan, Omskaya stoyanka burials; series from Ust'-Isha and Itkul' burial grounds). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the large body of data on wild primate feeding ecology, there is surprisingly little general dental health and dental pathology data available for non-human primates. Using a "Dental Ecology" approach (Cuozzo and Sauther, 2012), defined as the synthetic study of how teeth respond to the environment, we present patterns of dental pathology within the context of feeding behavior, habitat variation and anthropogenic effects. Data are presented for two wild primate populations in Madagascar: the Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve (BMSR) (2004 - 2010), which is a mosaic habitat with both intact gallery forest and anthropogenically altered areas that include human croplands and, degraded forest, and Tsimanompesotse National Park (TNP) (2006) which contains intact spiny thicket. Wild BMSR lemurs demonstrate a variety of dental pathologies that include a high incidence of toothcomb plaque, heavy canine calculus with gingivitis and, more rarely, cavities. BMSR in 2005 experienced a cyclone that toppled trees and reduced food resources.. Dental pathologies peaked during that year and were higher than other years ((X2 (DF = 84, N= 127) = 118.37, p < .008). In addition, females had a higher percentage of pathologies that year compared to males ((X2 (DF = 1, N = 72) = 4.68, p < .03). Behavioral ecology also affected patterns of pathology, with crop-raiding troops exhibiting higher percentages of pathologies ((X2 (DF = 1, N= 370) = 12.10, p < .0007). Comparing TNP and BMSR, 2006 indicates that different habitats emphasize different pathologies, with caries, molar staining and heavy canine calculus characterizing TNP lemurs, and toothcomb plaque, heavy canine calculus plus gingivitis more prevalent at BMSR. Comparing our results with sub-fossil lemur specimens indicates similar pathologies, and demonstrates the power of the dental ecology approach in providing context for understanding living and fossil pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infundibula, forming enamel islets on the occlusal surface, are a common feature in rooted hypsodont cheek teeth of herbivorous mammals, such as rodents. The enamel islets occur when teeth with reentrant folds get worn down. Until now only little is known about their morphology and possible changes in function (associated with e.g., length and angle of shearing blades) of the occlusal surface during ontogeny. With high-resolution computed tomography (μCT) the morphology of the infundibula, as well as functional characters (e.g., angle and length of the enamel ridges, function as shearing blades) were studied on 3D reconstructions and hypothetical future occlusal surfaces in five extant and one extinct rodent. The shearing blade angles show a distribution with a wider or smaller concentration around certain values, with differences in the upper and lower jaw (e.g., in Cuniculus paca 91° in upper, 85° in lower jaw). This gives evidence on the orientation of the upper and lower shearing blades during the power stroke. With progressive wear the distribution gets less concentrated with only few changes in the main angle. In correlation with the disappearance of infundibula the shearing blade length remains constant (e.g., Castor sp., Cuniculus paca, Mylagaulus elassos) or reduces continuously (e.g., Dasyprocta azarae, Hystrix sp.). Though the number of enamel islets increases due to splitting of infundibula, this does not seem to have any effect on shearing blade length. In almost all investigated species infundibula split up apically, often in all tooth positions in upper or lower jaw respectively. In the different species these particular infundibula differ, indicating a more genetically rather than morphological reasons. Despite the variability, infundibula never get fused apically. As the formation of infundibula in ewer growing teeth is problematic, most of this teeth lack this structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental anomalies can be classified in four main groups: anomalies of number, anomalies of size, anomalies of shape and anomalies of structure. In the group of anomalies of shape gemination, fusion, concrescence, Talon cusps, dens evaginatus, dens invaginatus, dilacerations and taurodontism can be distinguished. Concrescence is a rare developmental anomaly with an overall incidence of 0.8% in the permanent dentition.We present the case of an adult female age 61, without medical antecedents of interest, that goes to consultation for repeated inflammatory accidents at level of the upper molar area. While extracting a tooth 28 under local anaesthesia it became evident that the tooth was attached with tooth 27 between the roots. The union has been observed between the cementum of roots of the teeth. Although there was a risk of damage to a large portion of the alveolar bone near the maxillary sinus and increased likelihood of other complications to occur during a tooth extraction, both teeth were extracted and without any other complications during or after the operation. Healing was uneventful.Concrescence as an uncommon developmental anomaly may influence on tooth extraction as well as periodontal, endodontic, orthodontic and even prosthodontic treatment. In order to minimize the risk and adverse outcome of treatment, doctors of dental medicine should perform a comprehensive clinical and radiological analysis as an integral part of treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some primates have a protuberance on the lateral surface of the mandible, and some have a fossa. We investigated some species of primates in order to clarify morphological characteristics of the protuberance and/or fossa on the lateral surface of the mandible by using computed tomography. Both protuberance and fossa were found in some species of the Macaca, and each structure was found about 10%. The protuberance was found in the Cercocebs and Cercopithecus, and the fossa was found in the Papio, Mandrillus, Colobus and Hylobates. The protuberance didn't appear until M3s erupted. Well-developed protuberance was laid from P4 to M3 region. There found 3 types of protuberances; (1) the protuberance continue on the oblique line, (2) the protuberance is localized on the mandibular base, (3) the protuberance is situated the central part of the mandibular body. The 3rd type was often well-developed. The protuberance was composed of compact bone, and was similar to the mandibular tori in humans that were found on the internal surface of the mandible. There were the 3 types of the fossa; (1) the bone width of the mandible was thin in the center of the fossa, (2) the curvature of the external table of the mandible made a fossa, (3) the external surface of the mandible was looked like concave because of the thickened mandibular base. In the 2nd and 3rd types, the mandibular thickness did not change between the area of fossa and the other area. The 1st type of fossa was found in the Papio and Mandrillus, the 2nd type was found in the Macaca, Cercocebs and Cercopithecus, and the 3rd type was found in the Hylobates and Colobus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between intelligence and dental wear patterns observed among preschool children. Intelligence (IQ, intelligence quota) was measured at 4 years of age using the Stanford- Binet protocol and dental wear was recorded in primary and mixed dentitions. The dental study participants were 864 healthy Euro-American preschool and school children, and the data were collected in a cross-sectional manner at the mean ages of 7.8 years. Worn dentitions were classified as "symmetric" or "right-" and "left-sided", based on the faceting of the teeth. The results showed that unworn dentitions were associated with slightly higher IQs than those with worn dentitions, but left-side oriented wear was associated with the highest IQs in girls, higher than among those with unworn teeth. Those with right-side oriented wear had the lowest IQs in boys. The results suggest that juvenile bruxism (inducing most of the tooth wear), functional laterality, and mental performance are associated at a very early age. Increased left-side tooth wear and girls' early advantage in the Stanford - Binet intelligence test is intriguing due to the fact that they reach maturity in verbal articulation, controlled in most cases by the left side of the brain, earlier than boys, who have a more true- right- sided functional pattern in general. The results support the opinion that left oriented dental wear indicates lateralized cranio-facial muscular functioning, and the mechanism simply feeds local brain blood circulation /verbal functions as an "auxiliary pump system". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of permanent mandibular first molars (PMM1) possess two roots: one mesial and one distal. Occasionally, there is an additional distolingual root referred to as a radix entomolaris (RE). An RE also occurs on PMM3, but rarely on PMM2. The prevalence of PMM1 with an RE varies significantly among ethnic groups, from European and African populations at the lower end of the spectrum (< 4%) to Asian and Asian-derived populations at the upper end (> 20%) (Scott and Turner II, 1997). The length of the RE is variable; however, those shorter than half the length of the distal root represent a minority of all cases (Song et al., 2010). It is often curved, especially in a radiographically unseen buccolingual direction, and may be separate or partially fused with the distal root. This additional root may be the cause of endodontic failure if not identified before or during treatment. The access cavity should not be triangular or quadrangular, as appropriate for the two-rooted PMM1, but rather trapezoidal with an extended distolingual corner (Abella et al., 2012). In addition, the RE' curvature and relatively thin walls must be taken into account during root canal preparation to avoid complications (straightening and ledging of the root canal, perforation, deformation of the apical foramen or instrument fracture). Moreover, the RE appears to be a local factor that contributes to the progression of advanced periodontal disease (Huang et al., 2007). Our aim is to present endodontic management of PMM1 with an RE in four patients of Slovenian and one patient of Philippine origin, aged 14-40 years. In one of these cases, flap surgery with resection of the RE was performed because the distal furcation was periodontally involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to evaluate the regeneration of bone tissue extracted at vertical and horizontal mandibular atrophies.Our research was based on 30 patients (15 men and 15 women, age range 35-70) who needed partial or total mandible regeneration, divided in 3 groups (in Vivo). In group I, 10 people were treated with blood Concentration Growth Factors, 5 men and 5 women (age 55±7.7, p<0.05) both smokers and non smokers, after that the flap was opened and then a sample was extracted by a mincing cutter (trephine burr) (Implatex; 3 mm inner diameter) for biopsy.; in group II, 10 people were treated with blood Concentration Growth Factors mixed with autologous bone, 5 men and 5 women (56.8 ± 8.4, p <0.05), smokers and non smokers with partial or total atrophy who needed implant prosthetic rehabilitation; in group III, patients were treated with Hydroxylapatite, Tricalcium phosphate and bCGF, 5 men and 5 women (56.8 ± 8.4, p<0.05), smokers and non smokers. After a 6th month follow-up all the biopsies received from the patients were immediately placed in 10% formalin (formaldehyde) and immersed into 0.5 M EDTA tamponade for demineralization. Extracted tissue after 6th month follow-up was examined histologically and immune-histo-chemically using Anti-RUNX, Anti-Alkaline Phosphatase, Anti-SPARC and Ki67. Each sample was colored with H/E. The sections were examined with a microscope (Nikon Eclipse E 600 microscope and Lucia G software for microscopic image analysis). Histological evaluation (HE) has demonstrated the complete bone formation at the patients of group II, partial ossification for the patients of group I, and moderate ossification with persisting H/A residues of the patients of group III. In an Immune-histo-chemical examination we obtained a different result in the group I, group II, group III (Table 1). The examination of each group showed that the best bone regeneration was detected in group II among the patients treated with the biomaterial of blood Concentration Growth Factors and autologous bone. During immune-histo-chemical examination we obtained significant differences between group I, group II, and group III in terms of the formation of a new bone (p⩽0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing teeth are used to estimate age but reference data of tooth development are scarce for the prenatal and early postnatal growth periods. One important collection is from Maurice Stack, who documented tooth weight and height for age. The aim of this study was to assess the developing dentition around birth from his autopsy collection. The sample was Stack's collection of teeth from 196 individuals aged 24 to 88 weeks gestational age (mean 43 weeks, SD 10). The methods of assessing developing teeth included tooth length and crown and root stages of developing teeth (Moorrees et al. 1963). Tooth length from incisal edge to developing edge of anterior teeth was measured in the long axis. The tallest cusp of the molars was measured. Reliability of tooth length and tooth stage was calculated from duplicate measures of 29 teeth and showed high reliability for tooth length (mean difference 0.02mm, SD 0.092). Sample sizes of individual tooth types ranged from 53 (mandibular second molar) to 144 (maxillary central incisor). Tooth stages were less reliable (Kappa 0.62) suggesting that early crown stages need clearer descriptions for this age. We conclude from this study that tooth length of incomplete incisors and canines are better suited to predict age than tooth stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms of attrition, abrasion and erosion act together, each with different intensity and duration to produce a multitude of different wear patterns. The aim of this case report was to present clinical situation and rehabilitation of esthetic and functional concern caused by long-term development of combined erosion and abrasion. 58-years old patients reported to the Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry because of aesthetic need, but without any pain or dentin hypersensitivity. After a detailed dental and medical history, it was determined that the patient was consuming sour fruit and cucumbers in the evening before bedtime as well as pumpkin seeds, daily for the past 30 years. Clinical examination revealed severe form of dental erosion according to Smith and Knight's Tooth wear index (TWI) (4th degree) on all surfaces of frontal teeth. In distal region, erosion was found on occlusal and vestibular surfaces (3th degree) while oral surfaces of the upper and lower teeth were preserved (2nd degree). No history of clenching or grinding was reported by the subject, or partner. The patient's non carious cervical lesions were restored using resin composite (Tetric EvoCeram, Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein). Central upper incisors were endodontically treated and postendodontical treatment was made with fiber posts and core material (GC Gradia Core & Fiber Post, GC Japan). An eight unit ceramic fused to metal bridge (IPS d.SIGN Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein) restoration was made for the restoration of upper teeth and another three unit bridge for the restoration of missing molars. Every day long- term oral habits such as constant citrus ingestion or different seeds chewing can lead to serious hard dental tissue loss. This can be difficult to detect, especially in the early stages and without prevention, serious multidisciplinary approach to restore such lesions is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The associations seen clinically between variations in tooth number, size and shape reflect the repetitive genetic interactions occurring between the epithelium and mesenchyme during the initiation and morphogenetic stages of dental development. The aim of this study was to investigate this relationship further by comparing multiple crown parameters, including cusp numbers, between patients with mild hypodontia and controls. Digital images of dental casts of the permanent dentition from 28 Romanian subjects with mild hypodontia and 28 controls were used. Measurements of the vestibular and occlusal surfaces were performed using a 2D image analysis method. Seven dimensions were measured (mesio-distal, occluso-gingival, bucco-lingual, vestibular perimeter, vestibular area, occlusal perimeter and occlusal area) and cusps on premolars and first molars were counted. Multivariate analysis of variance was performed using SPSS V17 software. The results showed teeth in the hypodontia group were smaller than those of controls, with many measurements being significantly different (significance values varied from p=0.048 to p=0.0001). Lower first incisors and upper first premolar teeth presented the most reduced dimensions. Mesio-distal, bucco-lingual and occlusal area and perimeter dimensions were the most affected. Upper first molars presented the Carabelli trait in significantly less subjects in the hypodontia group than in controls. This variation was accompanied by a difference in tooth height. Lower premolars showed reduced cusp numbers in hypodontia subjects, accompanied by variation in tooth width or depth. In conclusion, this study demonstrated differences in multiple parameters of crown size and shape in patients with mild hypodontia compared to controls. The degree of these differences varied between different tooth types and dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal materials including teeth were excavated from Keianji temple, Ikenohata, Ueno in Tokyo, the former Japanese capital Edo from 1603 to 1866. The archaeological site was the graveyard, in which two types of coffins such as wooden coffins and ceramic coffins were identified. The wooden coffin was utilized mainly by the townsman. On the other hand, the lower-middle class of samurai, as hatamoto or hanshi was buried in the ceramic coffin depending on their higher income and social status. Some of the craniofacial and dental measurements of the materials were different between these two groups of the people probably because of the environmental factors such as dietary habit or working posture. For example, subjects having complete set of four third molars were significantly more in wooden coffin group than those in ceramic group. Observation of the teeth also revealed that dental care, oral habits and pathological cases were also different in these people. Tooth polishing sand and tooth brush called "fusayouji" began to be used in Edo era. Because these tools were relatively expensive, they were not extensively prevailed in the townsman class. Polished surfaces by using the tooth brush was significantly more in the higher samurai class than in the townsman class. The traces of "ohaguro" which was a curious custom of dyeing teeth black for married women. This custom was also differently found between these two groups. Thus the dental anthropological study confirmed that there was a dual structure of the society or the population in Edo from the biological and dental habitual point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive research on tooth eruption, understanding this complex biological process remains unclear. Variation in the timing of eruption for primary teeth is under strong genetic control, but there is also a significant contribution from external factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of preterm birth, birth weight and length, and feeding practices during the first six months of life on the timing of eruption of the first primary tooth. Data on pregnancy duration, birth weight and length, feeding practice, time of eruption and first erupted primary tooth were collected by electronic questionnaires. The study included 409 parents and 592 children of both genders. The sample was divided into two groups according to pregnancy duration (<38 weeks and ⩾38 weeks), three groups according to feeding practice (exclusively breastfed, exclusively bottle fed, and a combination of breast feeding and bottle feeding), three groups by birth length (<50, 50-53, >53 cm), and four groups by birth weight (<1500, 1500-2500, 2501-3500,>3500 g). Data were analyzed considering chronological and corrected age - which is the gestational age plus the infant's chronological age at the month of eruption of the first primary tooth. The mean time of first primary tooth eruption was 7.55 ± 2.67 months when chronological age was considered. The first erupted tooth in most cases was a lower incisor (82.33%). There was a statistically significant difference in the timing of first tooth eruption between preterm and full-term groups when chronological age was considered (P<0.005). However, no difference was found when age was corrected. The age of eruption of the first tooth differed significantly when feeding, weight, and length groups (P<0. 05) were taken into account. Age calculation rather than retarded dental development may explain the later eruption of the first primary tooth in low weight, bottle fed, preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age at first molar (M1) emergence is commonly used to infer the general pace of life history in extinct ape and human species. However, there is essentially no information on variation in age at M1 emergence within species to complement the growing body of knowledge on intraspecific variation in life history. Recently reported ages at M1 emergence in five living subjects from the Kanyawara community of Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii in Uganda range from <2.5 to 3.3 years, less than the age from a single deceased Pan troglodytes verus individual from the Taï Forest in Côte d'Ivoire (~3.7-3.8 years), the only other reliable M1 emergence age for wild chimpanzees. Using standard histological methods, we determined ages at death for two wild-shot juveniles of P. t. verus from central Liberia, both with erupting M1s, and estimated their M1 emergence ages at ~4.2-4.4 and ~4.5-4.6 years, substantially later than those of the P. t. schweinfurthii individuals and outside the range of captive chimpanzees (2.1-4.0 years). The combined range of M1 emergence ages from just the small Kanyawara and Liberian chimpanzee samples thus spans nearly the entire range of values known for captive and wild great apes as a whole, a surprising result. While little is known about Liberian chimpanzee life history, data for P. t. verus from the Taï Forest and P. t. schweinfurthii from Kanyawara reveal a somewhat longer average interbirth interval in Kanyawara females. This observation is the reverse of what would be expected given the M1 emergence ages in the two populations and based on the correlation between age at M1 emergence and various life-history traits in primates as a whole. We examine these results with respect to factors impacting the different populations. Supported by the Institute of Human Origins (JK, GTS) and the USA National Science Foundation (TMS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess the size of upper incisors and canines in patients with gaps in the upper dental arch especially medium gap between upper central incisors. Diagnostic orthodontic models of 30 adult patients with full permanent dentition with diastema in the upper arch were studied. Patients with severe malocclusion, missing teeth and periodontal disease were excluded. Width to length ratio of the clinical crown of the central, lateral incisors and canines for both sides was measured. Together 180 teeth were tested. The results were compared with the values indicated by Sterrett et al.(1999). In all patients, the clinical crowns of central incisors were symmetrical. In most cases, a higher width/length ratio means that the clinical crowns of medial incisors were too broad in relation to the length. Lateral incisors: In most cases, the rate was the same for the right and the left side, however, a few patients had asymmetry of lateral incisors. Most of the lateral incisors had higher width/length ratio which means that they were wider than long, some had a reduced rate. In individual cases, the ratio was normal. Canines were also asymmetrical, and none of the canines exhibit perfect proportions. The vast majority showed increased ratio of the width to the length of the clinical crown. In several cases, the result was lower. Patients with gaps between the teeth have abnormal width/length ratio of the clinical crowns of the upper front teeth. The values of the majority were increased, which indicates that the front teeth are wider than longer in those patients. Moreover, despite of the disturbed width/length proportions central incisors reminded symmetrical. In contrast, lateral incisors and canines more often exhibited asymmetries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypodontia is characterized by the congenital absence of one or more teeth. It is one of the most common developmental anomalies. In the permanent dentition, the most frequently missing teeth are third molars, second premolars, upper lateral incisors and lower central incisors. Agenesis of permanent canines is extremely rare. According to the literature, the prevalence of permanent canine agenesis varies between 0.01% and 0.86% and is more common in the maxilla than the mandible. Studies have shown that females are more affected by this congenital anomaly than males. A case of canine agenesis was observed in an 11 year old Croatian girl who came to the School of Dental Medicine for a dental exam because of diastema mediana. The patient had neither systemic diseases nor hereditary disorders which could potentially influence tooth formation or eruption. An intraoral examination revealed a mixed dentition and a persistent frenulum tectolabiale. An orthopantomograph showed agenesis of the maxillary permanent canines and permanent second molars at a stage of gingival emergence. The first signs of crypt formation were visible only for the right mandibular third molar. A family history of congenitally missing teeth was negative. After the patient underwent a frenulectomy, she had a regular check-up at age 17. At this time, the patient still had retained primary canines. Diastema mediana was present but reduced to 0.5 mm. A control orthopantomograph revealed the presence of all four third molars germs. This unusual case of isolated maxillary canine agenesis in a female patient along with earlier research that found this anomaly to be twice as common in females indicates canine hypodontia may represent a sexually dimorphic characteristic of the human dentition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important role in the endocrine system plays the pituitary gland which is responsible for the production of somatotropin - the growth hormone. The deficiency of somatotropin, caused by hypopituitarism of anterior lobe of pituitary body is the most common cause of dwarfism of hormonal origin. The malfunction of pituitary gland disturbs the growth and development of long bones and may have the adverse effect on the development of maxilla, mandible and dentition in children. The aim of this study was the assessment of dental and bone age in children with diagnosed somatotropin hypopituitarism. The study was conducted on 110 children, hospitalized for somatotropin hypopituitarism (SNP) in the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology. The treatment with growth hormone was started in 47 children (43%) (SNP group which started treatment) and 63 children (57%) in which the treatment was started 2-3 years before (SNP group in the course of treatment). The control group constituted 47 generally healthy children. Methods: Bone age was assessed using Greulich and Pyle atlas, dental age using clinical assessment method by Matiegka and Lukasova. A characteristic feature in children with hypopituitarism is a delayed bone and dental age in relation to their chronological age. Parameters of dental and bone age changed after treatment with growth hormone. The treatment with growth hormone has a beneficial influence on the process of exchange of dentition and skeletal maturity.Dental age in children in the control group was higher than chronological age which is the evidence of acceleration phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the literature states that slide from centric relation occlusion (OCR) to intercuspal position (ICP) occur at approximately 90% of people, and on average is 1 mm long. The purpose of this study was to test the possible differences in OCR-ICP slide between different Angle classes of occlusion. Study included 98 participants (58 class I, 10 class II/1, 14 class II/2, 16 class III). Each participant gave written informed consent, which was approved by the Ethical Committee of the School of Dentistry, University of Zagreb. Recordings were obtained by the electronic ultrasound measuring device (Arcus Digma II, Kavo, Germany), using module "EPA-Electronic Position Analysis". Reference position was ICP, while OCR was achieved with training participants to move mandible posteriorly (no guidance). Data were transferred to the computer, and processed and analyzed with device's software. For every participant, distance between ICP and OCR was measured (x-anteroposterior, y-vertical, z-transversal values). Analysis of variance, followed by Newman-Keuls test was applied. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in vertical values of OCR-ICP slide (p=0.045). Newman-Keuls test for vertical distances between tested groups showed significant difference between II/2 and II/1 (p=0.049), and between II/2 and I (p=0.043). Out of 98 participants, none showed coincidence of OCR and ICP position. Unlike other studies, Angle class II/2 showed smaller movements in vertical direction, in comparison with Angle class I and II/1. Since function and morphology of the TMJ are closely related, it is possible that smaller OCR-ICP slide in vertical direction, as expression of anatomy/function, happens at Angle class II/2. This could be explained by „locked occlusion“, and posterior condylar position in Angle class II/2 advocated by some authors. In concordance with novel studies, coincidence of OCR and ICP position is less than 10 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary goal in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disc displacement without reduction is to ease pain and to regain mandibular function despite of disrupted anatomical relationship between TMJ structures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the simultaneous application of physical therapy and stabilization splint on mandibular range of motion and pain intensity in patients with anterior disc displacement without reduction in a 6-month treatment period. Twelve patients (mean age =30.5 y) with anterior disc displacement without reduction (according to RDC/TMD and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging) were randomly allocated into 2 groups: 6 received stabilization splint only (SS) and 6 received both physical therapy and stabilization splint (SS&PT). Treatment outcomes included pain-free maximal mouth opening (MO), assisted maximal MO, path of MO, asymmetry in lateral excursions and pain as reported on visual analogue scale (VAS). At baseline of treatment there were no significant differences among the groups for VAS scores, as well as for the range of mandibular motion. VAS scores improved significantly across time for the SS&PT group (F=28.964, p=0.0001, effect size =0.853) and SS group (F=8.794, p=0.001, effect size =0.638). Pain-free MO improved significantly only in the SS&PT group (F=20.971, p=0.006, effect size =0.807). Changes in path of MO differ significantly between groups (p=0.040). Only one patient in SS&PT group and 5 patients in SS group still presented deviations in mouth opening after completed therapy. The results of this limited study revealed that during 6-month treatment period stabilization splint combined with physical therapy was more effective than stabilization splint delivered without physical therapy in improving pain-free MO and reducing deviations during mouth opening. Both treatment modalities were effective in reducing pain in patients with anterior disc displacement without reduction. Physiological function was restored in spite of objectively diagnosed disruption of functional temporomandibular anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth and development of second and third molars have a special place in the research of development of permanent teeth. It is important to know when the development of second molars ends for the possibility of using the most common method for estimating the age at a given time span in children. It is also important to take advantage of assessing the development of the second molar to predict agenesis of the third molars. The aim of this study is to show the mean values and ranges of age at developmental stages, by Moorees, Fanning and Hunt (1963), of second and third molars on the left side of the lower jaw, on a representative sample of 2,500 panoramic images of children and adolescents aged 5-23 years from Bosnia and Herzegovina. It will be shown a range of developmental stages of the second molar to the crypt stage of the third molars, and odds ratios of agenesis of third molars to each development stage of the development of the second molar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microanatomy of enamel and dentine records important information about the rate and duration of tooth development, and the timing of key developmental milestones and stress events occurring during an individual's life. While much attention has focused on relationships between dental development and life history in great apes, opportunities to examine individuals from well-documented wild populations are exceptionally rare. Further, many taxa remain poorly known. We report on a histological examination of dental development in a young juvenile female mountain gorilla from Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. This individual died an early death; associated records document the last several months of her life. In first and second mandibular permanent molars, we used histological methods to reconstruct cuspal formation times, daily secretion rates, and age at death, providing the first such data for mountain gorillas. Following a blind protocol, we also charted the timing of stress as recorded by accentuated growth increments. Calculated age at death of this individual was 3.10 years, at which time mandibular M1s were partially erupted through the gingiva. From analyses of daily and long-period growth increments, M1 mesiobuccal cusp calcification initiated 87 days before birth and total cuspal formation time was 2.27 years. Periodicity of long period growth increments was 6 days. A prominent stress line was determined to have formed four months before death, corresponding closely in time to a documented poaching event that left this individual orphaned. Subsequent to this, accentuated increments record repeated incidence of stress during a period of documented reintroduction attempts, injury resulting from aggression by other gorillas and a follow-up surgery. Our observations are consistent with accelerated dental development reported previously for a captive juvenile western gorilla (Schwartz et al. 2006), and demonstrate the value of dental histology for revealing aspects of individual life history and stress in wild great apes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among all biological processes for determining the age of the individual, assessment of mineralization of permanent teeth is one of the most reliable. Results of dental age calculated by procedure according to Demirjian generally overestimated dental age when compared to the chronological age. Studies of specific dental methods for age estimation in children from sub-Saharan Africa are rare and evaluation of the applicability of Demirjian method from 1973 showed that dental age significantly overestimated dental age when compared to chronological age. The aim of this study was to compare the applicability of procedures by Demirjian, 1976 , Willems, 2001 and Chaillet, 2005 to estimate the age of the African children from the town of Gaborone, Botswana . The study estimated mineralization stages by Demirjian on total sample of 393 panoramic radiographs (167 boys and 226 girls) aged 5-15 years. Results comparing dental and chronological age in boys showed average overestimation of 0.17 years for the method by Chaillet, 2005 (p = 0.61), 0.33 years for the method by Willems, 2001 and the greatest overestimation of 0.57 years for the method by Demirjian, 1976. In girls, Willems, 2001 underestimated dental age by -0.02 years (p = 0.72), while Chaillet, 2005 and Demirjian, 1976 overestimated age by 0.33 years (p =0.006) and 0.67 years, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root resorption of deciduous teeth is an important part of the developing dentition, however little is known of the age variation, the factors that influence this or the accuracy of estimating age. The aims of this study were to assess accuracy of estimating age from fractions of root resorbed and compare age of transition with one published report. The sample was 946 dental panoramic radiographs of dental patients aged 3-16. Deciduous mandibular canine and molar roots were staged into levels of resorption (one quarter, one half and three quarters). Reliability of root fractions was assessed using 82 duplicate readings and calculated using Kappa. Age was estimated using Moorrees et al. (1963) and the difference between dental and chronological ages tested using t-test. Accurate was defined as a difference not significant to zero (P<0.05). Age of transition was calculated using probit regression. Results show that assessment of levels of root resorption was excellent (Kappa = 0.82). Some root fractions of molars estimated age accurately, however the standard deviation was more than two years. The least accurate tooth was the canine. Root one half resorbed (distal root of first molar) and root half and root three quarters resorbed (distal root of second molar) estimated age accurately. Age of transition was similar for the first molar but slightly later for the canine and second molar. Possible explanations include the high level of caries and early extraction in these children and high level of orthodontic referral of older children. We conclude that root resorption can help to predict age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineralization of permanent teeth can be used to assess the development and age of individuals. The most commonly used methods are based on an assessment of the developmental stages of the target group of teeth on one side of the lower jaw. When compared with children of European descent, less research of dental age from Sub Saharan Africa has been done. The aim of this study was to determine the chronology of mineralization of permanent teeth, by evaluation of development stages according to Demirjian and to evaluate the dental age, by using a self-weighted scores by Demirjian from the 1973, using the available sample of ortopantomograms of children and adolescents of African descent from the city of Gaborone, Botswana, with the aim of forming an appropriate sample to compare the evelopment of the teeth of children and adolescents in this socio-geographic environments. The sample consisted of 661 (273 males and 388 females) analyzed panoramic radiographs of individuals aged 5-23 years. Developmental stages of the upper and lower left jaw of all permanent teeth in development were evaluated. Comparing between the sexes, an average age of each stage of development of permanent teeth, including third molars, it is evident that females generally are faster in development of permanent teeth, without statistical significance, for the most of developmental stages. Applying maturity scores of development by Demirjian in the first seven teeth in the lower jaw (167 males and 226 females aged 5 to 16 years) for calculation of dental age, dental age averaged overestimated by 0.62 years for females and 0.90 years for males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their preservation in the fossil record and their heritability, dental trait analysis continues to play an important role in studies of the phylogenetic relationships within the hominoid clade. Of particular relevance to hominin systematics is the presence and variation in the tuberculum sextum, or cusp 6, on mandibular molars. Additionally, the application of microtomography to image the enamel-dentine junction of tooth crowns (which is a proxy for the early stage of tooth crown formation) has revealed substantial variation in trait morphology that is often no visible at the enamel crown surface, and which can improve our understanding of trait development. In this study we apply microtomography to examine the enamel surface and enamel-dentine junction expression of cusp 6 in a taxonomically broad sample of extant and fossil apes and fossil hominins (n = 256). Our results demonstrate previously undetected variation in cusp patterning on the distal margin of lower molars and suggest that a sixth cusp (and additional associated cusps) can form in a variety of developmentally distinct ways. Specifically, accessory dentine horns can form in association with the entoconid, hypoconulid or independently. Among apes, Pongo (14%) and Gorilla (30%) rarely present a cusp 6, while -60% of Pan molars tend to exhibit a single or double hypoconulid-type. Among hominins, >65% of Au. robustus, Au. afarensis and H. neanderthalensis molars express a cusp 6 with reduced expression in Early Homo and Au. africanus. We discuss our results within the context of a patterning cascade model of cusp development and implications for the interpretation of cusp 6 variation within the hominoid clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using light and scanning electron microscopy, we analyzed enamel incremental markings in mandibular third molars of free-ranging wild boars from two fluoride-polluted areas in Europe. This material was chosen as previous studies have demonstrated an enhanced visibility of incremental enamel markings in fluorosed compared to non-fluorosed teeth. Incremental markings were recorded in axiobuccolingually orientated ground sections through the central lobe. In addition to the total number of incremental markings present in the section plane, we determined the enamel extension rate (EER) along the enamel dentine junction (EDJ) and the daily enamel secretion rate (DSR) in buccal and lingual enamel. In transmitted light microscopy, incremental markings appeared as alternating dark and bright bands/lines that ran at a steep angle from the EDJ towards the outer enamel surface (OES). Outcrop of the incremental markings at the OES was not regularly associated with the presence of a perikyma groove. A mean number of 270 incremental markings was recorded in the section plane, thereby strongly suggesting their daily nature when compared to radiographically determined crown formation time (CFT) in wild boar. Incremental markings with a longer (supradaily) periodicity were not discernible. EER was highest in the cuspal crown area (about 100 μm/day) and decreased rapidly in cervical direction, reaching lowest values around 10 μm/day near the enamel-cementum border. In consequence, the upper two-thirds of the dentine were covered by enamel within the first third of CFT. DSR was lowest near the EDJ where values around 10 μm/day were recorded. In contrast, in outer enamel DSRs of > 20 μm/day were recorded. The results for wild boar enamel closely parallel that previously obtained for the enamel of Hanford minipigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the application of the LA-ICP-MS and SEM-EDS laser ablation techniques. This work was aimed at studying strontium and barium distribution at various locations in the enamel of teeth collected from historical populations from early medieval cemetery in Krakow (11th-12th century). Strontium and barium levels were measured in 3 enamel areas of M1 representative of the stages of their ontogenetic formation. Bone Ash 1600 and SRM 612 served as reference materials. JEOL JSM 5410 (Program SUBIN 94) scanning microscope with an EDS detector by Noran Instruments Inc. were used to determine the concentration of calcium and phosphorus. Then, the calculation of the Ca/P ratio provided information on the extent of diagenetic processes. It was found that strontium is the element whose concentration changes depending on the particular enamel. For males, as for females, strontium concentration varies significantly within analysed regions, the difference being more prominent between the external and central enamel layer of M1. In the case of barium no such dependencies were noticed. This phenomenon can be explained based on the diet and food products of the examined individuals. Changing strontium levels depend on the amount of consumed low- and high-calcium food products. Therefore, low strontium levels at the initial stages of development can indicate that the mother's milk was rich in calcium. The growing levels of this element in the consecutive years proves that low-calcium food products began to be introduced into people's diets. Barium, however, retains similar values regardless of age, which may result from the fact that its accumulation does not depend only on maternal food but also on other diversified food products consumed at consecutive stages of ontogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turner syndrome occurs in phenotypic females with complete or partial absence of X-chromosome. The leading symptom is short stature, while numerous but mild stigmata manifest in the craniofacial region. Turner syndrome patients are commonly treated with growth hormone to improve their final height. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of long-term growth hormone treatment on craniofacial morphology in patients with Turner syndrome. Cephalometric analysis was performed on 13 lateral cephalograms of patients with 45,X karyotype and the average age of 17.3 years. In all patients growth hormone has been administrated for at least two years. The control group consisted of 13 cephalograms of Turner syndrome patients naïve to growth hormone treatment, matched to study group by age and karyotype. Standard deviation scores were calculated to evaluate the level of growth hormone influence. In patients receiving growth hormone most of linear measurements were significantly larger compared to control group. Growth hormone therapy mostly influenced posterior face height, mandibular ramus height, total mandibular length, anterior face height and maxillary length. All these values were more than two standard deviations larger compared to controls. Cranial base was significantly elongated only in the anterior part. While the increase in linear measurements was evident, angular measurements and facial height ratio did not show statistically significant difference. Results of this study suggest that long-term growth hormone therapy has positive influence on growth and development of craniofacial complex in Turner syndrome patients, with the greatest impact on posterior facial height and mandibular ramus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhibitory cascade is an experimentally-derived model that describes changes in the relative occlusal area of mammalian postcanines. The inhibitory cascade has been tested in samples of rodents, ungulates, carnivores, and platyrrhines and may be useful for interpreting dental trends observed in fossil hominins. However, the inhibitory cascade has not yet been validated in a comprehensive sample of catarrhines. This study examines relative postcanine sizes in the mandibular dentitions of 11 extant, non-hominin catarrhine genera (N>250), modern humans (N=20), and three fossil hominin genera (N=43). Mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters were measured and used to compute occlusal area, and relative occlusal areas were analyzed in the context of the inhibitory cascade. The results validate the application of the inhibitory cascade to catarrhine postcanines, specifically showing that cercopithecoids are best described by relative occlusal area proportions of M1

In mammalian evolution a talonid-like crushing zone in the lower molars accompanied by a protocone-like cusp in the upper molars was developed up to three times independently before the occurrence of the tribosphenic molar. The most basal mammaliaforms with pseudotribosphenic molars are the docodonts with a mesially situated pseudotalonid. This study focuses on the Late Jurassic docodont Haldanodon exspectatus of which a large number of isolated teeth and tooth rows is known from the Guimarota coal mine in Portugal. SEM-images were used to identify wear facets and striations, synchrotron and micro-CT data to create 3D models. Striations and 3D models then served as a basis for an analysis of the mastication cycle with the Occlusal Fingerprint Analyser (OFA). Previous studies could be confirmed which stated that the pseudoprotocone of Haldanodon and other docodonts occludes mesiolingually of the pseudotalonid. The upper molars occlude in between the lower molars, so that the mesial part of the upper molar contacts the distal part of the lower molar and the distal part of the upper molar contacts the mesial part of the following lower molar. In contrast to tribosphenic molars, the "pestle and mortar" occlusion in Haldanodon lower molars is performed by auxiliary cusp Y on the distal flank of the pseudoprotocone. However, the mesiolingual open pseudotalonid has only limited crushing function. The majority of crushing takes place in the distally situated pseudotrigon of the upper molar and is conducted by cusp b of the lower molar. Additionally, a transversal component is added to this crushing function by a lateral movement of the lower jaw. The OFA analysis also shows that main cusp a of the lower molar occludes beyond the dental crown-root-boundary of the upper molar. This "overbite" is compensated by pits in the maxilla between the upper molars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Finland, the forensic age assessment is strictly regulated by legislation. The main purpose is to assess whether the asylum seeker is at least 18 years of age. The following aspects have to be taken into consideration: protection of the child, exposure to ionizing radiation and right to use native language in the examination. Forensic examination demands educated professionals to perform it. According to the Aliens Act (301/2004) and the amendment of the Act (549/2010) the police authorities, the frontier guard authorities or the immigration authorities have right to refer asylum seekers to the University of Helsinki, Hjelt Institute, Department of Forensic Medicine, for age assessment. The forensic age assessment is always performed by two forensic odontologists who will both sign the statement and at least one of them must be an employee of the Department of Forensic Medicine. The person has to give his/her written consent for the radiography and other examination and if aged under 18, an approval of the Restrict Court imposed representative is required. The forensic odontologist according to Radiation Act (592/1991) and amendment of the Act (1142/1998 Chapter 10) evaluates the legitimacy of forensic procedure. Exposure caused by the use of radiation must be kept as low as reasonably achievable. Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) gives recommendations concerning the methods of radiological examination. The Act on the Status and Rights of Patients (785/1992) determines how the information is saved and stored. The Coercive Measures Act (806/2011 Chapter 8 32§) defines a person's inspection when a crime suspect is to be examined. A prerequisite for such a bodily search is that the forensic age assessment has very important significance for the clarification of the offence. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the first legally binding international treaty to ensure special care and protection for minors. The current legislation on forensic age assessment has been well received and approved. Radiological and other examinations can be performed in different parts of Finland, but the forensic odontologist at the University of Helsinki, Hjelt Institute is always involved in the process and ensures joint quality standards for forensic age assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining an individual's identity can be a difficult task in cases of traffic accidents, mass disasters, wars, natural disasters, etc. The information collected from victims for accurate identification must be precise and include all objective findings. If the accident results in a full or partial loss of the jaw and teeth, identity establishing becomes considerably more complex, thus it is necessary to look for alternative identification options. The palatal rugae patterns are widely considered to remain unchanged during an individual's lifetime. Given the invariance and stability of the rugae pattern, the palatal rugae themselves are equivalent to fingerprints and thus considered relevant for the identification of victims. Uniqueness, postmortal resistance and stability of the palatal rugae represent an ideal parameter for forensic identification. The rugae pattern has the potential to remain intact by virtue of their internal position in the head when most other anatomical structures are destroyed or burned. The aim of the study is to establish, individual identity using palatal rugae patterns. The research consisted of 80 study models, 51% were females and 49% were men, separated into three age groups: 10 to 20 years (42%), 21 to 40 years (33%) and over 41 years old (25%). This study treats the shape, length and width of the rugae as well as their distance from both palatine raphe and incisive papilla. Each individual had different rugae patterns including fraternal twins and the rugae patterns were not symmetrical, both in number and in their distribution regardless of the gender and age. This preliminary study has shown that there are no two identical palates in terms of their rugae pattern. The palatal rugae possess unique characteristics as they are absolutely individualistic and therefore, can be used as a personal oral print for identification in forensic cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman spectroscopy is a spectroscopic technique used to observe vibrational, rotational, and other low-frequency modes in a system relying on Raman scattering, of monochromatic light, usually from a laser which interacts with molecular vibrations resulting in the energy of the laser photons being shifted up or down. The aim of this work is to establish a correlation between ageing and Raman spectra imaging of human teeth. For this purpose 37 human extracted molars were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. Three points were recorded on each tooth: first on enamel, second on the neck of the tooth and third on tooth apex. Each point is recorded with 10 spectrums (100 scans and 500 mW). At the apex of the tooth, the closest to the expected result was achieved, with an error of predicted and measured age of 6.8 years. Recorded spectra were analyzed with principal component regression to establish correlation between age and Raman spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During evolution the human skull has become gracile and less able to generate and withstand high masticatory forces. Moreover, it has been shown that compared with other primates, only the morphology of the lower portion of the face correlates with dietary characteristics, suggesting different morpho-functional relationships of the upper and lower face with masticatory parameters. This study aimed to describe the relationship between skull morphology, muscle force and cranial response to biting in virtual simulations, using geometric morphometrics and finite element analysis (FEA). The former is the statistical analysis of shape, and FEA is an engineering technique that assesses the mechanical response of a structure under load. The three-dimensional anatomies of 20 adult individuals were reconstructed based on medical computed tomograms from a Chilean hospital. Maximal contractile muscle forces were calculated from their muscular anatomical cross-sectional areas. Fifty-nine landmarks were selected to represent skull morphology. A partial least squares analysis (PLS) was performed to study the association between skull shape and muscle force, and FEA was used to compare the strains generated in the four most extreme morphological variants during incisor and molar bites. The results showed that the proportion of total muscle CSA represented by the temporalis muscle is most strongly associated with skull morphology (RV=0.22). The individuals with larger temporalis muscle proportion possess a wide face and a narrow, vertically oriented maxilla, and lower positioning of the coronoid process. The FEA showed that despite morphological variation, the simulated bites strain all the crania similarly, with lower strains found in the individuals with the narrowest, most vertically oriented maxillae. Our results suggest that the morphology of the maxilla could play a role in the transmission of forces generated during mastication to the rest of the cranium, by deforming less in individuals with the ability to generate large muscle forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chelioscopy is a forensic research technique that deals with the study of lip prints, their elevations and depressions that form a distinctive pattern on the outer surface of the lips. Importance of cheiloscopy is associated with the fact that individuals differ lip prints. Identification of individuals is one of the most challenging part of modern forensic medicine. The aim of the research is to measure the vertical and horizontal dimension of the lips, and to check the gender differences between males and females. The study was conducted on 31 male and 44 female subjects randomly selected from the Croatian population whose lips were photographed using a digital camera Olympus μ-mini and further measurements were done on digital photograps. Maximal horizontal dimension of lips in males was 48.05 mm and in woman was 44.90 mm. Men had statistically significant higher maximal horizontal dimension (p=0.00014). There wasn't statistically significant difference in maximal vertical dimension between males and females. Results of this research showed that lips dimensions together with lip pattern can have very important role for forensic dental identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimation of real age of an individual is one of the main challenges in forensic science. For penal and criminal law, as well as general legislation, it is necessary to determine whether the person is older or younger than 18 years, in other words an adult or a minor? This becomes especially important when an individual lacks personal documents or other means of identification. Aim of this study was to evaluate applicability of third molar in assessing 18 years of age in Croatian individuals. Cameriere's third molar maturity index (I3M) of 0.08, by measuring of the open apices of the teeth, was verified in sample of 1336 Orthopantomograms (OPGs) aged between 14 to 23 years. Chronological age gradually decreases as I3M increases in both genders. Males showed statistically significant advanced maturation when I3M was between 0.0 and 0.3 value. The results show that the sensitivity of the test for 0.08 value was 84.3% (95%CI 80.6%, 87.5%) and 91.2% (95%CI 88.7%, 93.1) in females and males, respectively. Specificity was 95.4% (95%CI 92.5%, 97.5%) and 91.9% (95%CI 88.8%, 94.3%) in females and males, respectively. The proportions of accurately classified males were 88.8% and 91.5% for females. The estimated post-test probabilities, of individuals who scored positive on the test (i.e., I3M < 0.08) as having 18 years of age or more, were 94.5% and 96.5% in females and males, respectively. Therefore, the probability that a Croatian individual, positive on the test (i.e., I3M < 0.08), was 18 years of age or older were 94.5% and 96.5% in females and males, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous methods of estimating age on the basis of human cranial skeletal remains are used all over the world. The human skull has seventeen unique cranial fusion sites that are positioned on the vault, the lateral-anterior sites, and the maxillary suture. Closure of cranial sutures progresses with age. Due its simplicity and acceptable level of reliability macroscopic assessment of cranial sutures has been used as one method of age estimation in forensic medicine and forensic dentistry. The aim of this research was to test the results of education in forensic age estimation using anterior median palatine suture between students of School of dental medicine, University of Zagreb. Group of dental medicine students interested in forensic dentistry were introduced with basic age estimation methods with special focus on anterior median palatine suture and its time of closure. They learned how to use the Buikstra and Ubelaker cranial suture closure scoring system. After they have undergone training, students got 100 digital images of skeletal remains of upper jaws showing occlusal surfaces of maxillary teeth and palatal bones. Their task was to estimate age using anterior median palatine suture. The results were compared with the actual chronological age of the deceased calculated on the basis of their dates of birth and demise. In 72% their estimation of age was correct. In 20% age was overestimated and in 8% age was underestimated. The majority of mistakes (16%) in age estimation were noticed in the age group 30-40 years. Although the skull sutures are not the best and most accurate method for age estimation they can provide a basic insight in the age at death. Furthermore this method is simple, easy to learn and not time-consuming making it the method of choice in cases where only general remarks on age are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enamel hypoplasias constitute the best indicator of mineralization disturbance, resulting from environmental stress. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of the enamel hypoplasia in historical population and compare the results to date from other research on historical and contemporary groups. The distribution of hypoplasia was determined in complete and partial human dentitions from a two 17th-18th century series: from Krakow and from Krasiczyn. Both sites are located on south of Poland. Thirty four adults and twenty six no adults from Krakow and twenty four adults and eleven no adults from Krasiczyn, divided into five different age groups, were studied. In Krakow population altogether 1130 (1047 permanent and 83 deciduous) were examined macroscopically. The number of examined teeth from the individuals from Krasiczyn was 500 (351 permanent and 149 deciduous). Hypoplastic defects were scored according procedure proposed by Steckel et al. in Global History of Health Project. Among individuals from Krakow the frequency of hypoplastic defects was 42.03% (linear defects 37.96%, pits and grooves 4.07%). In Krasiczyn population the frequency of linear hypoplastic defects was 20.7%. The rate of hypoplastic defects in Krakow was relatively high, a much higher than in Polish contemporary populations. Among individuals from Krasiczyn the hypoplastic defects occur rarely than in other historical samples. The data indicate significantly greater frequencies of enamel hypoplasia in Krakow population compared to the population from Krasiczyn. It can be concluded that the stress level in Krakow population was higher than in Krasiczyn population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teeth are excellent material for anthropological, genetic, odontological and forensic research and they have great role in forensic practice. They are well preserved after death and they exhibit remarkable sexual dimorphism. Hence, they provide excellent materials for forensic investigations intended for sex assessment. Sexual dimorphism refers to the differences in size, stature and appearance between male and female and is a useful tool to distinguish them, especially in forensic investigations and anthropological assessments. The canines are favoured as ideal teeth to study these differences in view of their durability in the oral cavity. The aim of of this study was to examine the degree of sexual dimorphism in permanent teeth of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian population based on odontometric characteristics of mandibular and maxillary canines. A total of 720 permanent teeth in 180 individuals (90 males and 90 females) were examined. The greatest mesiodistal width of all four canines and intercanine distance were measured directly in the patients' mouth using a digital sliding meter and values were expressed up to the hundredth part of millimetre. Subsequently, canine index was calculated for both sides. Statistical analysis was done to assess sex difference using Students "t" test (paired). It was found that males have bigger teeth than females (p<0.001). The mean value of the canines width in males and females on the right and left sides were compared by usingthe t-test and was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). Sexual dimorphism was calculated and maxillary canine was found to be more dimorphic than mandibular canine (p<0.01). The right canine was found to be more dimorphic than left canine (p<0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]