Herman Bernitz - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Herman Bernitz

PubMed, Mar 1, 2005

Increased awareness by crime scene detectives has led to a rise in number of bite mark associated... more Increased awareness by crime scene detectives has led to a rise in number of bite mark associated cases appearing before the South African courts. This has led to an increased number of dentists being subpoenaed to give forensic evidence. The purpose of this paper was to elucidate the presentation of evidence in pattern associated tooth mark analysis. Three aspects are discussed. They are the basic principle of pattern association, the effects of limited shrinkage and distortion on the pattern of the tooth marks, and finally how to overcome the difficulties that court personnel experience in visualising bite marks. The author has applied these basic concepts over the past six years. Judges and defence advocates have been able to understand the simple concepts and apply them to the more complex issues before them. The concepts described should be familiar to all dentists and forensic odontologists giving tooth mark evidence in the high court. They will assist in explaining all aspects of pattern association to the legal fraternity and aid in the presentation of the evidence. Their strength is in their simplicity.

PubMed, Feb 1, 2003

In recent years, several bite mark cases referred to our department could not be adequately analy... more In recent years, several bite mark cases referred to our department could not be adequately analysed due to poor evidence collection. This has highlighted the fact that police officers, forensic pathologists and dental practitioners do not have access to the information required to collect, record, duplicate, store and transport the relevant evidence correctly. This article highlights several case studies in which evidence collection was bungled. A protocol is proposed that should eliminate this problem.

PubMed, Mar 1, 2014

Forensic dentists are frequently required to determine the age at death of unidentified skeletons... more Forensic dentists are frequently required to determine the age at death of unidentified skeletons, or to age live individuals who have no record/documentation of their chronological age. In order to be of the greatest value, the method used should have the lowest possible standard deviation and be validated for the individual's specific population group. The method most frequently used in Forensic Dentistry for the estimation of age in children, was described by Demirjian et al. The maturity standards determined were based on samples of French Canadian origin and it has been recommended by several authors that correction factors be incorporated when applying this method to different population groups. The current research was carried out on a sample of 838 black South African children. A new model for age estimation in the said population was developed, to accurately determine the chronological age from dental development. A sample of 604 black South African children was used to test the validity of the method described by Demirjian.

PubMed, Dec 1, 2000

In a recent court case, a comparison was made between an impression of marks left in cheese at a ... more In a recent court case, a comparison was made between an impression of marks left in cheese at a murder scene and a set of study models of one of the suspects. The court was reluctant to accept the validity of the pattern-associated comparison that was used in the identification. This study compared marks made in cheese, butter and cooked potato with study models taken from volunteers. Pattern-associated comparison was the method used. Eighty pair-wise comparisons were made by two odontologists. The examiners correctly identified all the true matches from among the eighty comparisons as well as selecting the dental models for which there were no corresponding silicone impressions. In the absence of identifiable fingerprints or DNA samples, the method can be employed for matching left in foodstuffs to the dentitions of suspects.

International Journal Of Legal Medicine, Aug 11, 2019

Age estimation in living individuals around the age of 18 years remains a difficult challenge. In... more Age estimation in living individuals around the age of 18 years remains a difficult challenge. In this study, the anterior inferior vertebral ring apophysis development of cervical vertebrae C2, C3, and C4 of 496 white and 478 black South African individuals aged between 15 and 22 years was assessed from cephalometric radiographs. Apophysis development was scored according to a four-stage scoring system. Ancestry and sex differences in apophysis maturation were assessed and likelihood values determined for individuals in each population group being 18 years, based on developmental stages. Regression equations were developed for each ancestry and sex group. The results indicated that the median ages for attainment of stages 0, 1, and 2 were below the 18year threshold for all ancestry and sex groups. Additionally, WSA males and BSA females attained stage 3 for C2, and WSA females attained stage 3 for C2, C3, and C4, below the 18-year threshold. The presence of stage 0 for black and white males in all three observed vertebrae and stage 1 for black males for C2, C3, and C4, white females for C2 and C3, and white males for C4 indicates an age below 18 years (with a 95% or higher probability). The results indicate that anterior inferior apophysis ossification stages of C2, C3, and C4 can be used as a reliable indicator to determine the likelihood of being 18 years of age at a 95% confidence index level. Apophysis development provides a valuable addition to the methods that can be used to assess age in the adolescent years.

International Journal Of Legal Medicine, Feb 15, 2021

The South African Bill of Rights and the Children’s Act define a ‘child’ as a person under the ag... more The South African Bill of Rights and the Children’s Act define a ‘child’ as a person under the age of 18 years. The age of 18 years is therefore significant for legal purposes in South Africa. The third molar is an important indicator in determining the 18-year threshold. Human biological growth markers are accepted indicators of a subject attaining the age of 18 years. A recent study by Roberts et al. suggested that the relative width of the distal root canals (RCW) of the lower left permanent molars (Fédération Dentaire Internationale notation 36, 37 and 38) as visualised on dental panoramic radiographs can be used as such a growth marker. This study aimed to validate this human biological growth marker in both black and white populations living in South Africa according to Roberts’ method. The findings of this validation study were in agreement with this method which showed that individuals with Demirjian stage H left molars and category RCW-C were indeed over the 18-year threshold. Important aspects regarding the rationality and application of Roberts’ method are discussed. The authors conclude that this method should not be used in isolation but as an adjunct with other age estimation methods.

International Journal Of Legal Medicine, May 3, 2011

A person who keeps or controls a dog in his own interest is liable "without fault" should that do... more A person who keeps or controls a dog in his own interest is liable "without fault" should that dog cause harm to any person. By owning a dog, man welcomes into his home a beast that preserves much of its primordial self, and is capable of inflicting a fatal bite wound. The courts may require the forensic expert to identify which specific dog caused the damage or fatal bite in an effort to establish the owner/controller of the animal. Very little has been published on the individualisation of dog bite marks, the procedures to be followed when confronted with usable bite marks and the range of analysis techniques available. The authors advocate a multidisciplinary approach, and utilise a case study to demonstrate the protocol to be followed when analysing a dog bite mark. The paper also highlights differences between human and dog inflicted bites. The authors warn against over interpretation of poor quality bite marks and a final conclusion of absolute certainty.

South African Dental Journal, Aug 1, 2014

Oecologia, Feb 26, 2019

Climate change appears to affect body size of animals whose optimal size in part depends on tempe... more Climate change appears to affect body size of animals whose optimal size in part depends on temperature. However, attribution of observed body size changes to climate change requires an understanding of the selective pressures acting on body size under different temperatures. We examined the link between temperature and body mass in a population of mountain wagtails (Motacilla clara) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, between 1976 and 1999, where temperature increased by 0.18 • C. The wagtails became lighter by 0.035 g per year. Partitioning this trend, we found that only a small part of the effect (0.009 g/year) was due to individuals losing weight and a large part (0.027 g/year) was due to lighter individuals replacing heavier ones. Only the latter component was statistically significant. Apparently, the wagtails were reacting to selection for reduced weight. Examining survival, we found that selection was temperature-mediated, i.e., lighter individuals survived better under high temperatures, whereas heavier individuals survived better under low temperatures. Our results thus support the hypothesis that temperature drove the decline in body mass in this wagtail population and provides one of the first demonstrations of the selective forces underlying such trends.

South African Dental Journal, Mar 1, 2014

Forensic dentists are frequently required to determine the age at death of unidentified skeletons... more Forensic dentists are frequently required to determine the age at death of unidentified skeletons, or to age live individuals who have no record/documentation of their chronological age. In order to be of the greatest value, the method used should have the lowest possible standard deviation and be validated for the individual's specific population group. The method most frequently used in Forensic Dentistry for the estimation of age in children, was described by Demirjian et al. The maturity standards determined were based on samples of French Canadian origin and it has been recommended by several authors that correction factors be incorporated when applying this method to different population groups. The current research was carried out on a sample of 838 black South African children. A new model for age estimation in the said population was developed, to accurately determine the chronological age from dental development. A sample of 604 black South African children was used to test the validity of the method described by Demirjian.

Springer eBooks, Nov 15, 2013

Healthcare insurance providers, dental practitioners, and forensic odontologists are highly regul... more Healthcare insurance providers, dental practitioners, and forensic odontologists are highly regulated in South Africa. Healthcare providers are regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes, CMS (Council for Medical Schemes), while dental practitioners and forensic odontologists are regulated by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) (Health Professions Council of South Africa).

PubMed, Jun 1, 2002

Police investigating the murder of a farmer recovered a piece of cheese containing bite- marks. T... more Police investigating the murder of a farmer recovered a piece of cheese containing bite- marks. The local dental practitioner used white plaster to make casts of the bitemarks in the cheese and also of the teeth of three suspects. The cheese specimen was retained by the police and seven months later the case was referred to the Forensic Odontology Unit at the University of Pretoria where a silicone rubber cast of the bitemarks in the cheese was made. A lack of concordant features present in a conventional pattern-associated comparison was overcome with the aid of a Leica DMC comparison microscope. Individual features observed under 6.3x magnification aided in the positive identification of the suspect, who when confronted with the evidence, admitted guilt at his first court appearance.

International Journal of Legal Medicine

International Journal of Legal Medicine, 2021

The South African Bill of Rights and the Children’s Act define a ‘child’ as a person under the ag... more The South African Bill of Rights and the Children’s Act define a ‘child’ as a person under the age of 18 years. The age of 18 years is therefore significant for legal purposes in South Africa. The third molar is an important indicator in determining the 18-year threshold. Human biological growth markers are accepted indicators of a subject attaining the age of 18 years. A recent study by Roberts et al. suggested that the relative width of the distal root canals (RCW) of the lower left permanent molars (Fédération Dentaire Internationale notation 36, 37 and 38) as visualised on dental panoramic radiographs can be used as such a growth marker. This study aimed to validate this human biological growth marker in both black and white populations living in South Africa according to Roberts’ method. The findings of this validation study were in agreement with this method which showed that individuals with Demirjian stage H left molars and category RCW-C were indeed over the 18-year threshold. Important aspects regarding the rationality and application of Roberts’ method are discussed. The authors conclude that this method should not be used in isolation but as an adjunct with other age estimation methods.

International Journal of Legal Medicine, 2019

Age estimation in living individuals around the age of 18 years remains a difficult challenge. In... more Age estimation in living individuals around the age of 18 years remains a difficult challenge. In this study, the anterior inferior vertebral ring apophysis development of cervical vertebrae C2, C3, and C4 of 496 white and 478 black South African individuals aged between 15 and 22 years was assessed from cephalometric radiographs. Apophysis development was scored according to a four-stage scoring system. Ancestry and sex differences in apophysis maturation were assessed and likelihood values determined for individuals in each population group being 18 years, based on developmental stages. Regression equations were developed for each ancestry and sex group. The results indicated that the median ages for attainment of stages 0, 1, and 2 were below the 18year threshold for all ancestry and sex groups. Additionally, WSA males and BSA females attained stage 3 for C2, and WSA females attained stage 3 for C2, C3, and C4, below the 18-year threshold. The presence of stage 0 for black and white males in all three observed vertebrae and stage 1 for black males for C2, C3, and C4, white females for C2 and C3, and white males for C4 indicates an age below 18 years (with a 95% or higher probability). The results indicate that anterior inferior apophysis ossification stages of C2, C3, and C4 can be used as a reliable indicator to determine the likelihood of being 18 years of age at a 95% confidence index level. Apophysis development provides a valuable addition to the methods that can be used to assess age in the adolescent years.

International Journal of Legal Medicine, 2018

The purpose of this study was to document tongue position and its relation to the cause of death ... more The purpose of this study was to document tongue position and its relation to the cause of death and sequential stages of body decomposition, as observed during the routine forensic pathological examination of bodies. The sample of 608 included all bodies examined by the first and third authors during the period April 2016 to September 2016. Tongue position was recorded in all cases where position of the tongue could be visually determined. The condition of the body was recorded as follows: fresh flaccid, fresh with rigor mortis, early decomposition, and advanced decomposition. The cause of death was recorded where known. The results showed that 86% of all bodies examined did not show a protruded tongue and that 92.8% of the bodies were in a state of fresh rigor mortis. The study also showed that tongue protrusion was more prevalent in certain causes of death, namely, hanging, burning, and drowning, but was never absolute. The authors believe that due to the low numbers of bodies presenting with protruded tongues, this phenomenon has previously been overlooked, the significance thereof underestimated, and the pathophysiology and pathomorphology never fully investigated.

Oecologia, 2019

Climate change appears to affect body size of animals whose optimal size in part depends on tempe... more Climate change appears to affect body size of animals whose optimal size in part depends on temperature. However, attribution of observed body size changes to climate change requires an understanding of the selective pressures acting on body size under different temperatures. We examined the link between temperature and body mass in a population of mountain wagtails (Motacilla clara) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, between 1976 and 1999, where temperature increased by 0.18 • C. The wagtails became lighter by 0.035 g per year. Partitioning this trend, we found that only a small part of the effect (0.009 g/year) was due to individuals losing weight and a large part (0.027 g/year) was due to lighter individuals replacing heavier ones. Only the latter component was statistically significant. Apparently, the wagtails were reacting to selection for reduced weight. Examining survival, we found that selection was temperature-mediated, i.e., lighter individuals survived better under high temperatures, whereas heavier individuals survived better under low temperatures. Our results thus support the hypothesis that temperature drove the decline in body mass in this wagtail population and provides one of the first demonstrations of the selective forces underlying such trends.

PubMed, Mar 1, 2005

Increased awareness by crime scene detectives has led to a rise in number of bite mark associated... more Increased awareness by crime scene detectives has led to a rise in number of bite mark associated cases appearing before the South African courts. This has led to an increased number of dentists being subpoenaed to give forensic evidence. The purpose of this paper was to elucidate the presentation of evidence in pattern associated tooth mark analysis. Three aspects are discussed. They are the basic principle of pattern association, the effects of limited shrinkage and distortion on the pattern of the tooth marks, and finally how to overcome the difficulties that court personnel experience in visualising bite marks. The author has applied these basic concepts over the past six years. Judges and defence advocates have been able to understand the simple concepts and apply them to the more complex issues before them. The concepts described should be familiar to all dentists and forensic odontologists giving tooth mark evidence in the high court. They will assist in explaining all aspects of pattern association to the legal fraternity and aid in the presentation of the evidence. Their strength is in their simplicity.

PubMed, Feb 1, 2003

In recent years, several bite mark cases referred to our department could not be adequately analy... more In recent years, several bite mark cases referred to our department could not be adequately analysed due to poor evidence collection. This has highlighted the fact that police officers, forensic pathologists and dental practitioners do not have access to the information required to collect, record, duplicate, store and transport the relevant evidence correctly. This article highlights several case studies in which evidence collection was bungled. A protocol is proposed that should eliminate this problem.

PubMed, Mar 1, 2014

Forensic dentists are frequently required to determine the age at death of unidentified skeletons... more Forensic dentists are frequently required to determine the age at death of unidentified skeletons, or to age live individuals who have no record/documentation of their chronological age. In order to be of the greatest value, the method used should have the lowest possible standard deviation and be validated for the individual's specific population group. The method most frequently used in Forensic Dentistry for the estimation of age in children, was described by Demirjian et al. The maturity standards determined were based on samples of French Canadian origin and it has been recommended by several authors that correction factors be incorporated when applying this method to different population groups. The current research was carried out on a sample of 838 black South African children. A new model for age estimation in the said population was developed, to accurately determine the chronological age from dental development. A sample of 604 black South African children was used to test the validity of the method described by Demirjian.

PubMed, Dec 1, 2000

In a recent court case, a comparison was made between an impression of marks left in cheese at a ... more In a recent court case, a comparison was made between an impression of marks left in cheese at a murder scene and a set of study models of one of the suspects. The court was reluctant to accept the validity of the pattern-associated comparison that was used in the identification. This study compared marks made in cheese, butter and cooked potato with study models taken from volunteers. Pattern-associated comparison was the method used. Eighty pair-wise comparisons were made by two odontologists. The examiners correctly identified all the true matches from among the eighty comparisons as well as selecting the dental models for which there were no corresponding silicone impressions. In the absence of identifiable fingerprints or DNA samples, the method can be employed for matching left in foodstuffs to the dentitions of suspects.

International Journal Of Legal Medicine, Aug 11, 2019

Age estimation in living individuals around the age of 18 years remains a difficult challenge. In... more Age estimation in living individuals around the age of 18 years remains a difficult challenge. In this study, the anterior inferior vertebral ring apophysis development of cervical vertebrae C2, C3, and C4 of 496 white and 478 black South African individuals aged between 15 and 22 years was assessed from cephalometric radiographs. Apophysis development was scored according to a four-stage scoring system. Ancestry and sex differences in apophysis maturation were assessed and likelihood values determined for individuals in each population group being 18 years, based on developmental stages. Regression equations were developed for each ancestry and sex group. The results indicated that the median ages for attainment of stages 0, 1, and 2 were below the 18year threshold for all ancestry and sex groups. Additionally, WSA males and BSA females attained stage 3 for C2, and WSA females attained stage 3 for C2, C3, and C4, below the 18-year threshold. The presence of stage 0 for black and white males in all three observed vertebrae and stage 1 for black males for C2, C3, and C4, white females for C2 and C3, and white males for C4 indicates an age below 18 years (with a 95% or higher probability). The results indicate that anterior inferior apophysis ossification stages of C2, C3, and C4 can be used as a reliable indicator to determine the likelihood of being 18 years of age at a 95% confidence index level. Apophysis development provides a valuable addition to the methods that can be used to assess age in the adolescent years.

International Journal Of Legal Medicine, Feb 15, 2021

The South African Bill of Rights and the Children’s Act define a ‘child’ as a person under the ag... more The South African Bill of Rights and the Children’s Act define a ‘child’ as a person under the age of 18 years. The age of 18 years is therefore significant for legal purposes in South Africa. The third molar is an important indicator in determining the 18-year threshold. Human biological growth markers are accepted indicators of a subject attaining the age of 18 years. A recent study by Roberts et al. suggested that the relative width of the distal root canals (RCW) of the lower left permanent molars (Fédération Dentaire Internationale notation 36, 37 and 38) as visualised on dental panoramic radiographs can be used as such a growth marker. This study aimed to validate this human biological growth marker in both black and white populations living in South Africa according to Roberts’ method. The findings of this validation study were in agreement with this method which showed that individuals with Demirjian stage H left molars and category RCW-C were indeed over the 18-year threshold. Important aspects regarding the rationality and application of Roberts’ method are discussed. The authors conclude that this method should not be used in isolation but as an adjunct with other age estimation methods.

International Journal Of Legal Medicine, May 3, 2011

A person who keeps or controls a dog in his own interest is liable "without fault" should that do... more A person who keeps or controls a dog in his own interest is liable "without fault" should that dog cause harm to any person. By owning a dog, man welcomes into his home a beast that preserves much of its primordial self, and is capable of inflicting a fatal bite wound. The courts may require the forensic expert to identify which specific dog caused the damage or fatal bite in an effort to establish the owner/controller of the animal. Very little has been published on the individualisation of dog bite marks, the procedures to be followed when confronted with usable bite marks and the range of analysis techniques available. The authors advocate a multidisciplinary approach, and utilise a case study to demonstrate the protocol to be followed when analysing a dog bite mark. The paper also highlights differences between human and dog inflicted bites. The authors warn against over interpretation of poor quality bite marks and a final conclusion of absolute certainty.

South African Dental Journal, Aug 1, 2014

Oecologia, Feb 26, 2019

Climate change appears to affect body size of animals whose optimal size in part depends on tempe... more Climate change appears to affect body size of animals whose optimal size in part depends on temperature. However, attribution of observed body size changes to climate change requires an understanding of the selective pressures acting on body size under different temperatures. We examined the link between temperature and body mass in a population of mountain wagtails (Motacilla clara) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, between 1976 and 1999, where temperature increased by 0.18 • C. The wagtails became lighter by 0.035 g per year. Partitioning this trend, we found that only a small part of the effect (0.009 g/year) was due to individuals losing weight and a large part (0.027 g/year) was due to lighter individuals replacing heavier ones. Only the latter component was statistically significant. Apparently, the wagtails were reacting to selection for reduced weight. Examining survival, we found that selection was temperature-mediated, i.e., lighter individuals survived better under high temperatures, whereas heavier individuals survived better under low temperatures. Our results thus support the hypothesis that temperature drove the decline in body mass in this wagtail population and provides one of the first demonstrations of the selective forces underlying such trends.

South African Dental Journal, Mar 1, 2014

Forensic dentists are frequently required to determine the age at death of unidentified skeletons... more Forensic dentists are frequently required to determine the age at death of unidentified skeletons, or to age live individuals who have no record/documentation of their chronological age. In order to be of the greatest value, the method used should have the lowest possible standard deviation and be validated for the individual's specific population group. The method most frequently used in Forensic Dentistry for the estimation of age in children, was described by Demirjian et al. The maturity standards determined were based on samples of French Canadian origin and it has been recommended by several authors that correction factors be incorporated when applying this method to different population groups. The current research was carried out on a sample of 838 black South African children. A new model for age estimation in the said population was developed, to accurately determine the chronological age from dental development. A sample of 604 black South African children was used to test the validity of the method described by Demirjian.

Springer eBooks, Nov 15, 2013

Healthcare insurance providers, dental practitioners, and forensic odontologists are highly regul... more Healthcare insurance providers, dental practitioners, and forensic odontologists are highly regulated in South Africa. Healthcare providers are regulated by the Council for Medical Schemes, CMS (Council for Medical Schemes), while dental practitioners and forensic odontologists are regulated by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) (Health Professions Council of South Africa).

PubMed, Jun 1, 2002

Police investigating the murder of a farmer recovered a piece of cheese containing bite- marks. T... more Police investigating the murder of a farmer recovered a piece of cheese containing bite- marks. The local dental practitioner used white plaster to make casts of the bitemarks in the cheese and also of the teeth of three suspects. The cheese specimen was retained by the police and seven months later the case was referred to the Forensic Odontology Unit at the University of Pretoria where a silicone rubber cast of the bitemarks in the cheese was made. A lack of concordant features present in a conventional pattern-associated comparison was overcome with the aid of a Leica DMC comparison microscope. Individual features observed under 6.3x magnification aided in the positive identification of the suspect, who when confronted with the evidence, admitted guilt at his first court appearance.

International Journal of Legal Medicine

International Journal of Legal Medicine, 2021

The South African Bill of Rights and the Children’s Act define a ‘child’ as a person under the ag... more The South African Bill of Rights and the Children’s Act define a ‘child’ as a person under the age of 18 years. The age of 18 years is therefore significant for legal purposes in South Africa. The third molar is an important indicator in determining the 18-year threshold. Human biological growth markers are accepted indicators of a subject attaining the age of 18 years. A recent study by Roberts et al. suggested that the relative width of the distal root canals (RCW) of the lower left permanent molars (Fédération Dentaire Internationale notation 36, 37 and 38) as visualised on dental panoramic radiographs can be used as such a growth marker. This study aimed to validate this human biological growth marker in both black and white populations living in South Africa according to Roberts’ method. The findings of this validation study were in agreement with this method which showed that individuals with Demirjian stage H left molars and category RCW-C were indeed over the 18-year threshold. Important aspects regarding the rationality and application of Roberts’ method are discussed. The authors conclude that this method should not be used in isolation but as an adjunct with other age estimation methods.

International Journal of Legal Medicine, 2019

Age estimation in living individuals around the age of 18 years remains a difficult challenge. In... more Age estimation in living individuals around the age of 18 years remains a difficult challenge. In this study, the anterior inferior vertebral ring apophysis development of cervical vertebrae C2, C3, and C4 of 496 white and 478 black South African individuals aged between 15 and 22 years was assessed from cephalometric radiographs. Apophysis development was scored according to a four-stage scoring system. Ancestry and sex differences in apophysis maturation were assessed and likelihood values determined for individuals in each population group being 18 years, based on developmental stages. Regression equations were developed for each ancestry and sex group. The results indicated that the median ages for attainment of stages 0, 1, and 2 were below the 18year threshold for all ancestry and sex groups. Additionally, WSA males and BSA females attained stage 3 for C2, and WSA females attained stage 3 for C2, C3, and C4, below the 18-year threshold. The presence of stage 0 for black and white males in all three observed vertebrae and stage 1 for black males for C2, C3, and C4, white females for C2 and C3, and white males for C4 indicates an age below 18 years (with a 95% or higher probability). The results indicate that anterior inferior apophysis ossification stages of C2, C3, and C4 can be used as a reliable indicator to determine the likelihood of being 18 years of age at a 95% confidence index level. Apophysis development provides a valuable addition to the methods that can be used to assess age in the adolescent years.

International Journal of Legal Medicine, 2018

The purpose of this study was to document tongue position and its relation to the cause of death ... more The purpose of this study was to document tongue position and its relation to the cause of death and sequential stages of body decomposition, as observed during the routine forensic pathological examination of bodies. The sample of 608 included all bodies examined by the first and third authors during the period April 2016 to September 2016. Tongue position was recorded in all cases where position of the tongue could be visually determined. The condition of the body was recorded as follows: fresh flaccid, fresh with rigor mortis, early decomposition, and advanced decomposition. The cause of death was recorded where known. The results showed that 86% of all bodies examined did not show a protruded tongue and that 92.8% of the bodies were in a state of fresh rigor mortis. The study also showed that tongue protrusion was more prevalent in certain causes of death, namely, hanging, burning, and drowning, but was never absolute. The authors believe that due to the low numbers of bodies presenting with protruded tongues, this phenomenon has previously been overlooked, the significance thereof underestimated, and the pathophysiology and pathomorphology never fully investigated.

Oecologia, 2019

Climate change appears to affect body size of animals whose optimal size in part depends on tempe... more Climate change appears to affect body size of animals whose optimal size in part depends on temperature. However, attribution of observed body size changes to climate change requires an understanding of the selective pressures acting on body size under different temperatures. We examined the link between temperature and body mass in a population of mountain wagtails (Motacilla clara) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, between 1976 and 1999, where temperature increased by 0.18 • C. The wagtails became lighter by 0.035 g per year. Partitioning this trend, we found that only a small part of the effect (0.009 g/year) was due to individuals losing weight and a large part (0.027 g/year) was due to lighter individuals replacing heavier ones. Only the latter component was statistically significant. Apparently, the wagtails were reacting to selection for reduced weight. Examining survival, we found that selection was temperature-mediated, i.e., lighter individuals survived better under high temperatures, whereas heavier individuals survived better under low temperatures. Our results thus support the hypothesis that temperature drove the decline in body mass in this wagtail population and provides one of the first demonstrations of the selective forces underlying such trends.