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Biomedical subjects

M F Bruce

Publications and source records attributed to M F Bruce.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

Caries experience in Mediaeval Scots.

Dental caries prevalence, distribution, and site of attack was investigated in a Scottish Mediaeval population. The findings supported previous reports, which suggested that caries prevalence in Scotland was lower than in contemporaneous English populations. Attrition of the occlusal surface of the teeth with accompanying alteration of the anatomy of the interproximal space is suggested as the principal reason for the differences in the pattern of distribution of caries between this and modern populations.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1990

The accuracy of sex identification in European skeletal remains using the phenice characters.

Three documented European skeletal series were examined to assess the accuracy and reliability of the pubic variables described by Phenice for correctly identifying the sex of adult human skeletal remains. The accuracy and objectivity of these variables, as reported by Phenice, Kelley, Sutherland and Suchey, and Lovell, could not be confirmed on this European material. In general, the subpubic concavity feature, when used alone, proved to be the most reliable variable for sex identification. In this study, the level of correct sex identification that could be achieved using the Phenice variables was shown to be significantly affected by the previous experience of the observer.

Anthropology, Physical↗
PubMed1988

Caries experience in the permanent dentition of late mediaeval Scots (1300-1600 a.d.).

Dental caries prevalence, distribution and site of attack were in broad agreement with previous reports for Mediaeval Scots, namely that caries was principally a disease of adult life and showed a different location distribution from that of modern caries. The findings reinforce evidence that caries prevalence in Scotland was lower than in England at that period. It is suggested that reliable estimates of caries prevalence can best be made by noting: (i) individual caries experience, (ii) lesion location by tooth type and area of attack, (iii) the number of carious teeth of each type as a percentage of teeth of that type present.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

The sciatic notch/acetabular index as a discriminator of sex in European skeletal remains.

The sciatic notch/acetabular index and its rule of thumb application was tested on two European skeletal series of documented sex. The results showed poor consistency between documented and estimated sex. Of the two variables comprising the index, it appeared that sciatic notch width was a particularly poor discriminator of sex. It is suggested that this may be due to differences in the relationship between sciatic notch form and body size in different ethnic groups.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed1985

A simple univariate technique for determining sex from fragmentary femora: its application to a Scottish short cist population.

A simple univariate technique for sexing individuals represented by fragmentary skeletal remains is described. The results obtained were highly consistent (about 90%) with those obtained by conventional analysis of pelvic and cranial morphology. It is suggested that using maximum anteroposterior diameter of the femoral shaft as a sex discriminator has advantages over midshaft circumference even when intact femora are available.

Anthropology, Physical↗
PubMed1982

A simple apparatus to assess cutaneous thermal sensitivity.

A simple contact stimulator designed to provide quantitative assessments of thermal sensitivity of digital skin is described. The skin is tested at its normal resting temperature and thermal thresholds are given as the least differences in temperature between the skin and the stimulator which give rise to warm or cool sensations.

Fingers↗
PubMed1980

The relationship between tactile thresholds and histology in the human finger.

Touch detection and two-point discrimination thresholds at three sites on the distal phalanx of the little finger were compared with the histology of the same three sites in amputated fingers. No consistent relationship could be demonstrated between sensitivity to touch and the population density of Meissner corpuscles or other organised endings. However, the findings do not negate the suggestion that Meissner corpuscles may be involved in two-point discrimination.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

The relation of tactile thresholds to histology in the fingers of elderly people.

Touch thresholds in a group of elderly people were determined for three sites on the little finger. They were found to be raised by some two and a half times in each site, in comparison with a group of young subjects. An age-associated reduction in the number of Meissner corpuscles also was observed, but it is suggested that this may reflect a general reduction in peripheral innervation and may not be necessarily directly related to the decrease in tactile sensitivity. No significant sex differences were found either in sensory thresholds, or in the population density of corpuscles.

Aged↗