Sex estimation from the scapula in a contemporary Chilean population.

The scapula is valuable for sex estimation in human skeletons. Muscles provide protection to the scapula making it difficult to fracture, therefore increasing the potential for undamaged scapulae at forensic scenes. The goal of this project is to evaluate the accuracy of discriminant functions, created using an indigenous Guatemalan and contemporary Mexican population, when applied to a contemporary Chilean sample for estimation of sex from the scapula.

Sex determination using the mesio-distal dimension of permanent maxillary incisors and canines in a modern Chilean population.

The pelvis and skull have been shown to be the most accurate skeletal elements for the determination of sex. Incomplete or fragmentary bones are frequently found at forensic sites however teeth are often recovered in forensic cases due to their postmortem longevity. The goal of the present research was to investigate sexual dimorphism between the mesio-distal dimension of the permanent maxillary incisors and canines for the determination of sex in a contemporary Chilean population.

Determination of sex from the hyoid bone in a contemporary White population.

Six discriminant functions, developed from an historic White population, were tested on a contemporary White population for determination of sex from the hyoid. One hundred and thirty four fused and unfused hyoids from a contemporary White population were used. Individuals ranged between 20 and 49 years old.

Sex determination in a contemporary Mexican population using the scapula.

The scapula is useful for sex determination in human skeletons. Muscles provide protection to the scapula making it difficult to fracture, therefore increasing the potential for undamaged scapulae at forensic scenes. The goal of this project is to evaluate the accuracy of discriminant functions, created using an indigenous Guatemalan population when applied to a contemporary Mexican sample for determination of sex from the scapula.

Renal replacement therapy in congestive heart failure requiring left ventricular assist device augmentation.

"Cardiorenal syndrome" is a term used to describe a dys-regulation of the heart affecting the kidneys, or vice versa, in an acute or chronic manner (1,2). Renal impairment can range from reversible ischemic damage to renal failure requiring short- or long-term renal replacement therapy (2). Patients who require mechanical circulatory support, such as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), as definitive treatment for congestive heart failure or as a bridge to cardiac transplantation pose a unique challenge with respect to receiving dialysis, because they experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality from infection in the post-LVAD period (3-7).