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I Hershkovitz

Publications and source records attributed to I Hershkovitz.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Bilateral asymmetry in dental discrete traits in human isolates: south Sinai Bedouin tribes.

Data are presented on dental morphology as adjudged from dental casts of children (boys and girls) 6-13 years of age from four Bedouin tribes of Southern Sinai (Gebeliya, Muzeina, Hamada and Aliquat) and a mixed group designated as "other tribes", (Awlad Said, Gararsha, Sawalcha, Haweitat and Beni-Wassal). Alginate was the impression material used and the casts were made of artificial stone poured into the irreversible hydrocolloid impression. A total of 352 casts were available for study. In the maxilla, 29 dental discrete traits of permanent teeth and 2 traits of deciduous teeth were observed, and in the mandible, 24 traits of permanent teeth and 2 traits of deciduous teeth; in all, 57 traits were observed. Only clear traits were considered. From the studied 57 traits only 30 morphological traits were used for the estimation of the asymmetry. Total symmetry was observed in 2 mandibular teeth and traits: a) Lateral incisor-LI-slight inclination; b) Canine-Cn-no lingual cingulum and in 3 maxillary teeth and traits a) Central incisor-CI-slight convexity of labial profile curvature; b) First premolar-PM1-intercuspal distance more than 3 mm; and c) Second molar,-M2-pit groove pattern similar to the first molar. Low values of asymmetry (1-5.1%) were observed in traits describing outline form and shape, surface outline, and number of cusps in three maxillary and two mandibular teeth (nine discrete traits). High values of asymmetry (12.7-37.0%) were observed regarding traits describing styles on slopes, ridges, pits, grooves and lingual tubercles in three maxillary and one mandibular teeth (15 discrete traits). The high rate in molars was higher than that in the incisors. A higher rate of asymmetry occurred in the maxilla than in the mandible.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Reliability of reliability coefficients in the estimation of asymmetry.

Although promising to provide insight into the interaction between genotype and environment, investigations into fluctuating asymmetry suffer from a lack of standardization in the reporting of measurement error. In the present paper we show, using both anthropometric and odontometric data, that the use of the reliability coefficient calculated for a bilateral measurement provides no indication of the reliability of the corresponding asymmetry estimate, because reliability of asymmetry depends on the relationship between measurement error and the difference between sides. Thus, we suggest that future investigations either provide reliability coefficients for asymmetry estimates specifically, or use methods that account for measurement error.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed1995

Ohalo II H2: a 19,000-year-old skeleton from a water-logged site at the Sea of Galilee, Israel.

The discovery of well-preserved human remains at the site of Ohalo II in the northern Jordan Valley substantially augments the meager fossil record of the Levantine late Upper Pleistocene. The Ohalo II H2 specimen, dated to ca. 19,000 B.P., is the most complete early Epipaleolithic hominid discovered in Israel and promises to contribute to the clarification of a number of problematic issues in the local evolution of anatomically modern humans. In addition to a description of the burial and its Kebaran context, a detailed anatomical description of the skeleton is offered and morphometric comparisons are made to other Upper Paleolithic hominids. Ohalo II H2 is shown to demonstrate affinities in the craniofacial skeleton to fossils from the early Upper Paleolithic and late Epi-Paleolithic of the Levant.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Variables affecting dental fluctuating asymmetry in human isolates.

The aims of the present study are to 1) determine and describe levels of dental fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in a highly endogamous human group; 2) evaluate the effects of various FA measures on perceived FA levels and their interrelationships; 3) study the connections between dental variables (tooth size, class, position, type, location and dimension) and FA levels; and 4) estimate the interrelationships between dental FA measures. The study was carried out on 242 Bedouin boys aged 5 to 14 years. The results demonstrate that the main variables influencing dental FA levels within this population are tooth class (incisors, canine, premolars, molars) and position (mesial, distal) and that the interaction between the two is significant. When sample sizes are large enough and individual measures are needed for the statistical analysis, the use of a computational method based on absolute values is legitimate. Clear relationships between some FA dental traits are discerned through principal-components analysis.

Child↗
PubMed1993

Os acromiale: anatomy and surgical implications.

We examined 270 scapular bones and found an incidence of os acromiale of 8.2%. In most cases, the free fragment was approximately one-third of the overall length of the acromion, and included the acromioclavicular facet and the principal areas of attachment of the coracoacromial ligament. Two-thirds of the specimens showed a distinctive pattern of osteophytic lipping. Based on this study, we devised operative procedures for symptomatic patients, and operated upon seven, with good results in six.

Acromioclavicular Joint↗
PubMed1992

Unusual pathological condition in the lower extremities of a skeleton from ancient Israel.

We report here an unusual pathology in a 1,500-year-old skeleton recovered from Bet Guvrin, Israel. The pathological changes in the lower extremities and the diagnostic difficulties are presented. We attribute this condition to Madura foot, found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, although other diagnoses are possible and are noted. We discuss its appearance in the region in light of the historical context.

Calcaneus↗
PubMed1991

Possible congenital hemolytic anemia in prehistoric coastal inhabitants of Israel.

The spread of thalassemia among prehistoric populations of the Mediterranean Basin has been linked to the increased risk to early agriculturalists posed by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. The diagnosis of the disease in human skeletal remains, however, has usually been based on a single pathological criterion, porotic hyperostosis. This paper reports on what we believe to be the earliest case of thalassemia yet identified in the prehistoric record. Our diagnosis of the disease in an individual from the submerged Prepottery Neolithic B village of Atlit-Yam off the Israeli coast is based on a pathological humerus demonstrating a pattern of deformation characteristic of clinical thalassemia. The implications of these findings for our understanding of human societies undergoing the transition from foraging to agriculture in the Near East are discussed.

Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital↗
PubMed1991

Medicoritual trephinations in modern Israel.

Two recent cases of ritual trephinations that were revealed during regular autopsies are described. The osteologic findings are discussed in relation to hospital craniotomy and ancient trephination, and the forensic practitioner is offered a set of criteria to differentiate properly between trephination and craniotomy.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Efficiency of cranial bilateral measurements in separating human populations.

A set of 31 nonconventional paired cranial measurements, as well as six conventional nonpaired measures, were taken on 266 skulls, representing two related populations: Bedouins of the Israeli Negev Desert and Bedouins of the Sinai. The data were subjected to univariate and discriminant analyses to determine the relative efficacy of paired vs. conventional measures in sorting individuals according to tribal and sex affiliation. It was found that paired measures have greater discriminatory power (87%) than conventional ones (47%) in terms of classifying individuals belonging to human isolates derived from a common ancestor and sharing similar environmental conditions. This greater discrimination attests to the value of the level of "developmental noise" (a measure provided by fluctuating asymmetry) in sorting human populations. Possible explanations are proffered for the above finding.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Directional dental asymmetry in South Sinai Bedouin isolates.

Dental casts of 242 Bedouin children were used to study directional asymmetry (DA). Results of Student's t-test pair comparison showed that for permanent dentition, 4 out of 24 DA measures were statistically significant whereas for deciduous dentition, 8 out of 20 measures were significant (p less than 0.05). The magnitude of DA was on the average 1% of the total size of the tooth. No preference regarding dimension (buccolingual, mesiodistal) or jaw (maxilla, mandible) was detected for the DA. PCA results demonstrated the independent nature of DA measures in the dentition.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Intra-familial correlations of dermatoglyphic traits in South Sinai Bedouins.

Correlation coefficients for some dermatoglyphic traits of the Muzeina Bedouins of South Sinai were determined in sib-sib, father-son, father-daughter, mother-son and mother-daughter comparisons. From among approximately 3000 members of the tribe, 60 male sib-sib pairs and 33 parental pairs, each with one son and one daughter, were selected for examination. The dermatoglyphic traits included finger pattern types, ridge counts with their intra-individual variability and bilateral asymmetry, and the incidence of palmar patterns. In such a small, biologically isolated and consanguineous population, the correlation coefficients for the diverse dermatoglyphic traits are expected to show some peculiarities. In general, we found them to be lower than in other populations. The difference is small for the complex traits with a multifactorial genetic determination, and more pronounced for the traits with a simpler genetic base. With diminution in the number of genes participating in the realization of a trait, the father-mother correlations increase owing to the intense consanguinity.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Mutilation of the uvula among Bedouins of the South Sinai.

Mutilation of the uvula, as practiced by various tribes of Bedouins in the South Sinai, was discovered while carrying out anthropological studies in the area. Partial or total amputation of the uvula is performed on both boys and girls during the first or second year of life, as a ritual custom. Anatomical changes in the soft palate due to the uvulectomy in 115 subjects are described. The remnant of the uvula (scar) was classified according to size as: very large, large, medium, small, trace or none. A notch or kind of cleft of the palate, as a result of the uvulectomy, was considered the most extreme degree of extirpation. The majority (47%) were of small size and a notch was found in 9.6%. Changes in shape and symmetry of the arches of the palate as a result of the uvulectomy are also described. These changes are explained on the basis of the anatomical structure of the palate and uvula. The possible effects of the uvulectomy on health in general and on speech in particular are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Clues to recognition of kidney disease in archaeologic record: characteristics and occurrence of leontiasis ossium].

The possible osseous effect of kidney dysfunction was evaluated in a modern skeletal population for future use in assessment of archaeologic samples. Frequency and distribution on the bones of cysts, articular surface alterations, subperiosteal resorption, porosity, osteochondritis, digital tuft alteration and periosteal reaction were recorded in 94 individuals with known kidney failure in the Hamann-Todd collection. Independent radiologic analysis was also pursued. The results were compared with a control sample. The pattern of joint surface alteration and periosteal reaction may facilitate recognition of chronic renal disease in the osseous record. Subtle manifestations of leontiasis ossium are present in the form of cranial thickening and increased cranial size and weight, but teeth spacing are rare. Pseudo osteomatous lesions are common. This study perhaps explains the apparent rarity of actual leontiasis ossium.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Microfoci of avascular necrosis in sickle cell anemia: pathophysiology of the dot dash pattern.

OBJECTIVE: Definition of the nature of calcaneal "erosions" in sickle cell anemia. METHODS: Skeletons of individuals demonstrated to have had sickle cell anemia were examined for the presence of calcaneal surface discontinuity. RESULTS: Calcaneal and articular surface osseous microinfarction were identified macroscopically and confirmed radiologically by CT. CONCLUSIONS: This appears to be the first macroscopic identification of calcaneal and articular surface osseous microinfarction in sickle cell anemia and explains the osseous pathology that appears so unique to sickle cell anemia.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗