Exploring directional and fluctuating asymmetry in the human palate during growth.

OBJECTIVES: Palate morphology is constantly changing throughout an individual's lifespan, yet its asymmetry during growth is still little understood. In this research, we focus on the study of palate morphology by using 3D geometric morphometric approaches to observe changes at different stages of life, and to quantify the impact of directional and fluctuating asymmetry on different areas at different growth stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consists of 183 individuals (1-72 years) from two identified human skeletal collections of 19th and early 20th Century Italian contexts. A 3D-template of 41 (semi)landmarks was applied on digital palate models to observe morphological variation during growth. RESULTS: Asymmetrical components of the morphological structure appears multidirectional on the entire palate surface in individuals <2 years old and become oriented (opposite bilateral direction) between 2 and 6 years of age. Specifically, directional asymmetry differentially impacts palate morphology at different stages of growth. Both the anterior and posterior palate are affected by mild alterations in the first year of life, while between 2 and 6 years asymmetry is segregated in the anterior area, and moderate asymmetry affects the entire palatal surface up to 12 years of age. Our results show that stability of the masticatory system seems to be reached around 13-35 years first by females and then males. From 36 years on both sexes show similar asymmetry on the anterior area. Regarding fluctuating asymmetry, inter-individual variability is mostly visible up to 12 years of age, after which only directional trends can be clearly observed at a group level. DISCUSSION: Morphological structure appears instable during the first year of life and acquires an opposite asymmetric bilateral direction between 2 and 6 years of age. This condition has been also documented in adults; when paired with vertical alteration, anterior/posterior asymmetry seems to characterize palate morphology, which is probably due to mechanical factors during the lifespan. Fluctuating asymmetry is predominant in the first period of life due to a plausible relationship with the strength of morphological instability of the masticatory system. Directional asymmetry, on the other hand, shows that the patterning of group-level morphological change might be explained as a functional response to differential inputs (physiological forces, nutritive and non-nutritive habits, para-masticatory activity as well as the development of speech) in different growth stages. This research has implications with respect to medical and evolutionary fields. In medicine, palate morphology should be considered when planning orthodontic and surgical procedures as it could affect the outcome. As far as an evolutionary perspective is concerned the dominance of directional asymmetries in the masticatory system could provide information on dietary and cultural habits as well as pathological conditions in our ancestors.

The physiological linkage between molar inclination and dental macrowear pattern.

OBJECTIVES: Exact symmetry and perfect balance between opposite jaw halves, as well as between antagonistic teeth, is not frequently observed in natural masticatory systems. Research results show that asymmetry in our body, skull, and jaws is often related to genetic, epigenetic, environmental and individual ontogenetic factors. Our study aims to provide evidence for a significant link between masticatory asymmetry and occlusal contact between antagonist teeth by testing the hypothesis that tooth inclination is one of the mechanisms driving distribution of wear in masticatory phases in addition to dietary and cultural habits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present work investigates the relationship between dental macrowear patterns and tooth inclinations on a sample of complete maxillary and mandibular 3D models of dental arches from 19 young and adult Yuendumu Aboriginal individuals. The analysis was carried out on first molars (M1) from all quadrants. Occlusal Fingerprint Analysis was used for the quantification of macrowear patterns, and 2D cross-sectional geometric analysis was carried out to investigate asymmetry in dental arches. RESULTS: The asymmetry is highly variable on both arches, and it is associated with differences in the inclination of upper M1 crowns. Each molar has variable inclination (buccal/lingual) which influence tooth to tooth contact, producing greater or lesser variation in wear pattern. Interindividual variability of morphological variation of the occlusal relationship has to be considered in macrowear analysis. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that overall asymmetry in the masticatory apparatus in modern humans affects occlusal contact areas between antagonist teeth influencing macrowear and chewing efficiency during ontogeny.

Assessment of Atlanto-Axial and Mandibular Rotation by Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

The cranial portion of the vertebral segment together with the atlanto-occipital joint represents a very complex area. Since this system could be influenced by different atlas and mandibular position, the aim of this work was to assess atlanto-axial and mandibular rotation. Scanora 3-dimensional cone bean computed tomography images from 205 patients without signs or symptoms of temporomandibular disorder were evaluated. Using a digitalized images analyzer, the axial rotations of atlas and mandible rotation were calculated, measuring the angle with respect to the frontal plane. The same direction for the axial rotation of the mandible and for the atlanto-axial rotation (consistent group) was observed in 80.98% of the patients; opposite directions (inconsistent group) were observed in 19.02%. Among the consistent group, the left rotation was observed in 71.08% of the patients and the right rotation in 28.92%. Absolute values showed a more marked rotation for atlas than mandible and higher values for the left rotation were reported for both.Taking together these data represents important starting points for the knowledge of atlas and mandible relationship and its functional and clinical implication.

Functional assessment of the stomatognathic system. Part 2: The role of dynamic elements of analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To review the dynamic analytical elements used in the functional assessment of the stomatognathic system, summarize the available scientific evidence, and consider interrelations with body posture and cognition. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A thorough literature search was conducted using PubMed, the Cochrane Library database, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed articles and literature reviews provided up-to-date information addressing three topics: (a) the available knowledge and recent evidence on the relationship between the morphologic aspects of dental/craniofacial anatomy and oral function/dysfunction, (b) mandibular dynamics, considering mobility, functional activity, and existing methodologies of analysis, and (c) a possible correlation between the stomatognathic system, body posture, and cognition. RESULTS: Modern dentistry may be regarded as a human adaptation strategy, helping to conserve healthy teeth for much longer without risking overall health. It is futile to treat patients using a mechanistic, sectorial approach that misrepresents patient behavior and requests, just as it is to affirm the absence of any structure-function relationships. However, it is also evident that there is a lack of general consensus on the precise functional assessment of the stomatognathic system, mostly due to the methodologic heterogeneity employed and the high risk of bias. Despite the abundant evidence produced with the aim of providing solid arguments to define dynamic models of functional assessment of the stomatognathic system, it is yet to become highly empirical, based as it is on operator experience in daily clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: Further efforts from the scientific and clinical community, with the help of progress in technology, remain should this gap be filled and should substantial data on differences between pathologic and physiologic dynamic models of function be provided. Dentistry needs to employ - on a larger scale - objective, dynamic methods of analysis for the functional evaluation of the stomatognathic system, embracing concepts of "personalized medicine" and "interprofessional collaborations."

Functional assessment of the stomatognathic system. Part 1: The role of static elements of analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To review the elements of static analysis in the functional assessment of the stomatognathic system, as promoted for more than a century by gnathologists, and summarize the available scientific evidence, including anthropologic observations. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A thorough search was conducted using PubMed, the Cochrane Library database, and Google Scholar. From peer-reviewed articles and other scientific literature, up-to-date information addressing three topics was identified: (a) the anthropologic perspective with particular consideration for the role of progressive dental wear over time, (b) descriptions of gnathologic principles and evidence on their scientific validity, and (c) the methodologic inaccuracies introduced by seeking to correlate variables directly rather than allowing for causal inference. RESULTS: For decades gnathology attempted to describe a structure-function correlation within the stomatognathic system by means of a model whose principles were static and mechanistic references. No scientific validation was ever achieved, placing clinical and research consensus out of reach. CONCLUSIONS: A historical perspective helps to place the fundamentals of gnathology into context: They were conceived to solve technical difficulties but were then assumed to be physiologic stereotypes. This misconception led to a decades-long promotion of mechanistic theories to describe oral function, but the evidence available today supports a more flexible and adaptable approach. Gnathologic arguments have been relegated to become exclusively of technical relevance in oral rehabilitation.

Early Alpine occupation backdates westward human migration in Late Glacial Europe.

Before the end of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ∼16.5 ka ago)1 set in motion major shifts in human culture and population structure,2 a consistent change in lithic technology, material culture, settlement pattern, and adaptive strategies is recorded in Southern Europe at ∼18-17 ka ago. In this time frame, the landscape of Northeastern Italy changed considerably, and the retreat of glaciers allowed hunter-gatherers to gradually recolonize the Alps.3-6 Change within this renewed cultural frame (i.e., during the Late Epigravettian phase) is currently associated with migrations favored by warmer climate linked to the Bølling-Allerød onset (14.7 ka ago),7-11 which replaced earlier genetic lineages with ancestry found in an individual who lived ∼14 ka ago at Riparo Villabruna, Italy, and shared among different contexts (Villabruna Cluster).9 Nevertheless, these dynamics and their chronology are still far from being disentangled due to fragmentary evidence for long-distance interactions across Europe.12 Here, we generate new genomic data from a human mandible uncovered at Riparo Tagliente (Veneto, Italy), which we directly dated to 16,980-16,510 cal BP (2σ). This individual, affected by focal osseous dysplasia, is genetically affine to the Villabruna Cluster. Our results therefore backdate by at least 3 ka the diffusion in Southern Europe of a genetic component linked to Balkan/Anatolian refugia, previously believed to have spread during the later Bølling/Allerød event. In light of the new genetic evidence, this population replacement chronologically coincides with the very emergence of major cultural transitions in Southern and Western Europe.

In situ observations on the dentition and oral cavity of the Neanderthal skeleton from Altamura (Italy).

The Neanderthal specimen from Lamalunga Cave, near Altamura (Apulia, Italy), was discovered during a speleological survey in 1993. The specimen is one of the most complete fossil hominins in Europe and its state of preservation is exceptional, although it is stuck in calcareous concretions and the bones are mostly covered by calcite depositions. Nevertheless, it is possible to carry out some observations on craniodental features that have not previously been described. In this work, we present an account of the oral cavity, made possible by the use of a videoscope, which allowed us to reach some hidden parts of the mandible and palate. This is the first detailed overview of the teeth and maxillary bones of the Neanderthal skeleton from Altamura. The dentition is almost complete. However, two teeth (upper right P3 and upper left M1) were lost ante mortem and four teeth (lower right I1 and P3 and lower left I1 and I2) were lost most probably post mortem. Dental wear is marked. The erupted M3s and the inversion of the compensating curve of Wilson in the M1s and M2s but not in the M3s suggest that the individual is fully adult, but not old. Although most of the teeth have their roots exposed for several millimeters, the periodontal bone appears to be in good condition overall, except in correspondence of the two ante-mortem tooth losses. X-rays of the anterior teeth show a periapical lesion, probably linked to the advanced dental wear. We also observed a weak expression of taurodontism in the posterior dentition and the presence of a retromolar space, features consistent with an attribution to the Neanderthal hypodigm; this attribution is also supported by aspects of the cranial morphology, the morphometric analysis of the scapula and preliminary mtDNA data. There is also a well-developed palatine torus, to the best of our knowledge a feature not previously described in Neanderthals.

The Y-shaped trabecular bone structure in the odontoid process of the axis: a CT scan study in 54 healthy subjects and biomechanical considerations.

OBJECTIVEOdontoid process fractures are very common in both young and geriatric patients. The axial trabecular architecture of the dens appears to be crucial for physiological and biomechanical function of the C1-2 joint. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the presence of a Y-shaped trabecular structure of the dens on axial CT and to describe its anatomical and biomechanical implications.METHODSFifty-four C2 odontoid processes in healthy subjects were prospectively examined for the presence of a Y-shaped trabecular structure at the odontocentral synchondrosis level with a dental cone beam CT scan. Length, width, and axial area of the odontoid process were measured in all subjects. In addition, measurements of the one-third right anterior area of the Y-shaped structure were taken.RESULTSThe Y-shaped trabecular structure was found in 79.6% of cases. Length and width of the odontoid process were 13.5 ± 0.6 mm and 11.2 ± 0.9 mm, respectively. The mean area of the odontoid process at the odontocentral synchondrosis was 93.5 ± 4.3 mm2, whereas the mean one-third right anterior area of the odontoid process at the same level was 29.3 ± 2.5 mm2. The mean area of the odontoid process and its length and width were similar in men and women (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found in the mean area of the odontoid process in people older than 65 years (94 ± 4.2 mm2) compared to people younger than 65 years (93.3 ± 4.4 mm2; p > 0.05).CONCLUSIONSThe authors identified a new anatomical entity, named the Y-shaped trabecular structure of the odontoid process, on axial CT scans. This structure appears to be the result of bone transformation induced by the elevated dynamic loading at the C1-2 level. The presence of the Y-shaped structure provides new insights into biomechanical responses of C2 under physiological loading and traumatic conditions.

Survival to amputation in pre-antibiotic era: a case study from a Longobard necropolis (6th-8th centuries AD).

The Longobard necropolis of Povegliano Veronese dates from the 6th to the 8th centuries AD. Among the 164 tombs excavated, the skeleton of an older male shows a well-healed amputated right forearm. The orientation of the forearm fracture suggests an angled cut by a single blow. Reasons why a forearm might be amputated include combat, medical intervention, and judicial punishment. As with other amputation cases reported in literature, this one exhibits both healing and osteoblastic response. We argue that the forelimb stump morphology suggests the use of a prosthesis. Moreover, dental modification of RI2 shows considerable wear and smoothing of the occlusal surface, which points to dental use in attaching the prosthesis to the limb. Other indications of how this individual adjusted to his amputated condition includes a slight change in the orientation of the right glenoid fossa surface, and thinning of right humeral cortical bone. This is a remarkable example in which an older male survived the loss of a forelimb in pre-antibiotic era. We link archaeological remains found in the tomb (buckle and knife) with the biological evidence to show how a combined bioarchaeological approach can provide a clearer interpretation of the life history of an individual.