Two-Dimensional Geometric Morphometric Method on Frontal Sinus for Race Estimation: A Lateral Skull Radiograph Study

@#Introduction: Race estimation of unknown individual is essential in forensic investigation. The resiliency of frontal sinus makes it a potential tool for biological profiling, particularly in cases where fragmented skeleton persists. Geometric morphometrics is an efficient way to characterise shape. However, the use of frontal sinus to identify race of Malaysians is yet to be investigated. This research employed a two-dimensional (2D) geometric morphometric to examine the morphological differences of the frontal sinus among the major races in Malaysia. Methods: Lateral skull radiographs which comprising of 453 adult Malaysian (151 Malays, Chinese and Indian respectively) were used. The 2D landmarks of eight were placed on the digitalized radiographs and 2D geometric morphometric analysis was performed using MorphoJ software. Results: Procrustes ANOVA revealed a significantly different frontal sinus shape (p-value < 0.05) between races. Canonical variate analysis showed significantly different frontal sinus morphology (p-value < 0.05) between Malay and Indian as well as Chinese and Indian. Discriminant function analysis with cross-validation demonstrated a 57.4% accuracy rate. Conclusion: This population-specific study based on frontal sinus of Malaysians using the 2D geometric morphometric, though less reliable, sheds new light on the potential applicability of this method for race estimation purpose.

Construction and evaluation of in-house methylation-sensitive SNaPshot system and three classification prediction models for identifying the tissue origin of body fluid / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The identification of tissue origin of body fluid can provide clues and evidence for criminal case investigations. To establish an efficient method for identifying body fluid in forensic cases, eight novel body fluid-specific DNA methylation markers were selected in this study, and a multiplex singlebase extension reaction (SNaPshot) system for these markers was constructed for the identification of five common body fluids (venous blood, saliva, menstrual blood, vaginal fluid, and semen). The results indicated that the in-house system showed good species specificity, sensitivity, and ability to identify mixed biological samples. At the same time, an artificial body fluid prediction model and two machine learning prediction models based on the support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) algorithms were constructed using previous research data, and these models were validated using the detection data obtained in this study (n=95). The accuracy of the prediction model based on experience was 95.79%; the prediction accuracy of the SVM prediction model was 100.00% for four kinds of body fluids except saliva (96.84%); and the prediction accuracy of the RF prediction model was 100.00% for all five kinds of body fluids. In conclusion, the in-house SNaPshot system and RF prediction model could achieve accurate tissue origin identification of body fluids.

Chemical Profiling of Trace Odours for Forensic Identification: A Review

@#Trace odour is one of the trace material evidence that has significant value in forensic analysis. The recovery of relevant trace odour components from clothing has the potential to be a form of trace evidence that can be used to assess the likelihood of a contact between individuals in sexual and violent cases. They have the same potential as other trace evidence and can narrow down the suspect in the investigation. Studies conducted previously related to trace odour have succeeded in proving that this trace odour is unique, has its signature profile and can distinguish it from other sources such as fingerprints and DNA. This review highlights these trace odours and their persistence after being transferred, which contribute to a complete picture of the dynamics and potential application in the forensic reconstruction process. The literature was sourced from electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Springer Link, Wiley On¬line Library and Science Direct. Keywords such “odour”, “trace odour”, “scent”, “volatile organic compound”, “forensic identification” were utilised. Further studies on various forms of trace odour are needed to strengthen their evidential values and be admissible to the court.

Implantes dentales para la identificación forense en incineraciones: Recomendaciones a partir de una revisión con búsqueda sistemática

Resumen La odontología forense (OF) es reconocida como uno de los métodos primarios para identificación forense. Aunque los dientes son estructuras resistentes a altas temperaturas, condiciones particulares pueden fragilizarlos considerablemente. Los implantes dentales (IDs), de gran empleo en la rehabilitación bucodental actual, son fabricados en materiales aloplásticos con base en titanio, de alta resistencia térmica. Se presenta una revisión con búsqueda sistemática para establecer el potencial uso de IDs en identificación forense. Se identificaron 10 artículos con una importante presencia de investigadores australianos y modelos de identificación apoyados no solo en el cotejo de imágenes, sino también en el uso de software específico o incluso en la implementación de números de serie asegurando su trazabilidad. Si bien la identificación mediante IDs se ha propuesto como una alternativa promisoria, las realidades locales y la relación con las empresas fabricantes han condicionado de manera heterogénea estas posibilidades en OF.

Resumo Odontologia forense (OF) é reconhecida como um dos principais métodos de identificação forense. Embora os dentes sejam estruturas resistentes a altas temperaturas, condições particulares podem torná-los muito frágeis. Os implantes dentários (IDs), amplamente utilizados na atual reabilitação oral, são fabricados em materiais aloplásticos à base de titânio, com alta resistência térmica. Uma revisão de pesquisa sistemática é apresentada para estabelecer o uso potencial de IDs na identificação forense. Foram identificados 10 trabalhos com presença significativa de pesquisadores australianos e modelos de identificação apoiados não só na comparação de imagens, mas também na utilização de softwares específicos ou mesmo na implementação de números de série garantindo sua rastreabilidade. Embora a identificação por meio de IDs tenha sido proposta como uma alternativa promissora, as realidades locais e o relacionamento com as empresas manufatureiras têm condicionado de forma heterogênea essas possibilidades na OF.

Abstract Forensic odontology (FO) is recognized as one of the primary methods for forensic identification. Although teeth are resistant to high temperatures, particular conditions can make them very fragile. Dental implants (DIs), widely used in current oral rehabilitation, are manufactured with alloplastic materials based on titanium and with high thermal resistance. A scoping review is presented to establish the potential use of DIs in forensic identification. We identified ten articles with a significant presence of Australian researchers and identification models supported by image comparison, the use of specific software, and even the implementation of serial numbers that ensure traceability. Identification through DIs has been proposed as a promising alternative. However, local realities and the relationship with manufacturing companies have conditioned these possibilities in FO in several ways.

Comparation between Guidance for Judicial Expertise of Medical Malpractice and Medical Association Identification Rules of Medical Damage / 法医学杂志

On the basis of retaining the technical identification system of medical negligence, the Medical Association Identification Rules of Medical Damage mainly provides technical services for various types of conciliation work about doctor-patient dispute. Its identification work is still influenced by the thinking of medical negligence technical identification and has certain administrative color. Guidance for Judicial Expertise of Medical Malpractice is mainly reflected that the trial of civil cases and pre-trial mediation of courts need service. Its procedures and evidence review are strictly required by the litigation rules and has the characteristics of public legal services provided as a third-party neutral institution. Technical identification of medical damage, whether organized by the Medical Association or the forensic identification institutions, is carried out under the background of the current Regulations on the Prevention and Treatment of Medical Disputes and the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China; both have a corresponding positive role in regulating the medical damage identification activities, and have also laid a certain foundation for the establishment of a unified identification system in the future in China. To understand the different characteristics of the medical damage identification rules issued by the Chinese Medical Association and the Ministry of Justice, and to improve the understanding of the standardization of the forensic identification of medical damage, a comparative study was conducted on Medical Association Identification Rules of Medical Damage and Guidance for Judicial Expertise of Medical Malpractice from seven aspects: Concept and legal status, entrust of identification, identification acceptance, identification procedures, identification presentation meeting, theory of medical malpractice evaluation, consequences and causality of medical damage. The subject of evaluation, the function of evidence review, the role of consulting experts, the technical standard system of malpractice evaluation and other contents were emphatically analyzed.

Identification Principle and Thought of "Medical Malpractice" Based on Theoretical Analysis / 法医学杂志

At present, medical disputes are still widely-concerned social problems and occasionally evolve into severe social events. In the dispute settlement mechanism, forensic identification opinion is the important technical support. Due to the high professionalism and complexity of medicine, the identification of medical malpractice has become major and difficult problem in the identification. This paper systematically analyze the concept of medical malpractice and five legal theories of malpractice determination, pointing out that China's forensic identification of medical damage should be led by the theory of "medical standards", supplemented by "prudent patient" standard and strengthen "peer review" in form. At the same time, seven main identification principles should be followed in practice: (1) take "obligation of diagnosis and treatment" as the basic principle of medical malpractice identification; (2) take whether to fulfill the obligation of diagnosis and treatment corresponding to current medical level as the specific principle; (3) take diagnosis and treatment routine, norms and guidelines as the main basis; (4) the principle of "peer review"; (5) the principle of "the generality of medical emergency action"; (6) the principle of "notification-informed-consent"; (7) the principle of "review of complications". This paper also puts forward the corresponding identification ideas in view of the above principles, hoping this helps standardize medical damage forensic identification activities.

Propuesta de clasificación de huesos suturales / Classification proposal of sutural bones

RESUMEN: Los huesos suturales tienen importancia anatómica y médico-legal. Se observan en las suturas de la cabeza ósea y tradicionalmente son descritos como planos, supernumerarios, irregulares, inconstantes, independientes y de variable morfología y frecuencia. Actualmente, no existe una clasificación única de estos huesos que incorpore todas las categorías descritas en la literatura. El objetivo de este trabajo fue proponer una clasificación actualizada de estos elementos, en función de una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva y el análisis de cráneos de individuos chilenos. La muestra utilizada correspondió a 113 huesos suturales presentes en 12 cráneos secos, de individuos adultos chilenos. En la clasificación se consideró su ubicación en la cabeza (cráneo o cara), su origen embrionario, su relación con una fontanela, su forma, su posición en la cara y su relación con las tablas óseas. Los datos obtenidos se registraron en formulario especialmente diseñado y se tomaron fotografías digitales. Como resultado general, pudimos desarrollar una propuesta de clasificación de huesos suturales completa y satisfactoria y con ella se analizó los huesos de la muestra, pudiendo evidenciar la presencia de todas las categorías del instrumento. También pudimos constatar que en la totalidad de los cráneos utilizados se observaron huesos suturales, que los cráneos masculinos presentan un mayor número de estos huesos, pero que en los cráneos femeninos fue posible reconocer todas los tipos de huesos suturales, entre otros resultados. También se evidenció un tipo de hueso sutural no descrito anteriormente, el hueso sutural craneal puntiforme. Como conclusión de este trabajo, es importante destacar que los huesos suturales presentan características comunes a otras estructuras utilizadas en identificación forense, es decir, son perennes, únicos, de fácil observación, de fácil comparación y gran variabilidad, por estas razones la presente propuesta de clasificación permite ser planteada como una metodología auxiliar en la identificación humana.

SUMMARY: The sutural bones have anatomical and medico-legal importance. They are observed in the sutures of the bony head and are traditionally described as flat, supernumerary, irregular, inconstant, independent and of variable morphology and frequency. Currently, there is no single classification of these bones that incorporates all the categories described in the literature. The objective of this work was to propose an updated classification of these elements, based on an exhaustive bibliographic review and the analysis of the skulls of Chilean individuals. The sample used corresponds to 113 sutural bones present in 12 dry skulls of Chilean adults. The classification considers its location on the head (skull or face), its embryonic origin, its relationship to a fontanelle, its shape, its position on the face, and its relationship to bone tables. The data obtained was recorded in a specially designed format and digital photographs were taken. As a general result, we were able to develop a complete and satisfactory classification of sutural bones proposal and with it, the bones of the sample were analyzed, showing the presence of all categories of the instrument. We were also able to verify that sutural bones were observed in all the skulls used, that male skulls present a greater number of these bones, but that in the female skulls it was possible to recognize all types of sutural bones, among other results. A type of sutural bone not previously described, the shaped point cranial sutural bone, was also evidenced. As a conclusion to this work, it is important to highlight that sutural bones present characteristics common to other structures used in forensic identification, that is, they are perennial, unique, easily observed, easily compared and great variability, for these reasons the present classification proposal allows it to be proposed as an auxiliary methodology in human identification.

Research on correction method of palatal rugae morphology in forensic digital identification system / Investigación sobre el método de corrección de la morfología de las rugas palatinas en sistema digital de identificación forense

SUMMARY: Palatal rugae is an irregular soft tissue, which is located in the front third of the hard palate, and is asymmetrically distributed from the middle suture to the sides. The difference, stability and extensive characteristics of palatal rugae morphology have gradually make it a characteristic indicator of forensic identification. However, a mature digital palatal rugae identification system has not yet been established at present. Feature extraction is the premise of palatal rugae image recognition. In order to obtain palatal rugae feature information in all directions and improve the reliability of forensic identification, it is necessary to collect palatal rugae images from a plurality of different angles. When the collected images are sent to the recognition system, the diversity of angles will often cause problems such as error recognition. If the tilted images are not rotated properly, it will make the forensic identification face many difficulties. To solve the problem of image skew caused by the diversity of acquisition angle, an algorithm based on orientation vector to correct the tilted palatal rugae images was proposed in this paper. Firstly, the criteria for standard palatal rugae image and the selection rules for feature points were set; Secondly, characterizing feature points according to the rules, and fitting two lines and find their direction vector; Finally, to obtain the corrected images, the tilted images were rotated by the angle determined by the two direction vectors. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can correct the tilted palatal rugae images collected from different angles and has strong robustness.

RESUMEN: Las rugas palatinas son tejidos blandos irregulares, que se ubican en el tercio frontal del paladar duro y se distribuyen asimétricamente desde la sutura mediana hacia los lados. La diferencia, la estabilidad y las características extensivas de la morfología de las rugas palatinas la han convertido gradualmente en un indicador característico de la identificación forense. Sin embargo, un sistema de identificación de rugas palatinas digitales maduras todavía no se ha establecido en la actualidad. La extracción de características es la premisa del reconocimiento de imágenes de las rugas palatinas. Para obtener información sobre las características de las rugas palatinas en todas las direcciones, y mejorar la confiabilidad de la identificación forense, es necesario recopilar imágenes de las rugas palatinas desde una pluralidad de ángulos diferentes. Cuando las imágenes recogidas se envían al sistema de reconocimiento, la diversidad de ángulos a menudo causará problemas como el reconocimiento de errores. Si las imágenes inclinadas no se giran correctamente, la identificación forense se enfrentará a muchas dificultades. Para resolver el problema del sesgo de la imagen causado por la diversidad del ángulo de adquisición, en este documento se propuso un algoritmo basado en el vector de orientación para corregir las imágenes de las arrugas palatinas inclinadas. En primer lugar, se establecieron los criterios para la imagen de las rugas palatinas estándar, y las reglas de selección para los puntos de características. En segundo lugar, se determinaron puntos de características según las reglas, y se ajustaron dos líneas y encontrar la dirección del vector. Finalmente, para obtener las imágenes corregidas, las imágenes inclinadas se giraron según el ángulo determinado por la dirección de dos vectores. Los resultados de la simulación muestran que el algoritmo propuesto puede corregir las imágenes de rugas palatinas inclinadas recopiladas desde diferentes ángulos y tiene una gran robustez.

Evaluation And Comparison Of Various Methods Of Lip Prints In Gender Determination And Its Stability Over A Period Of Time

Context: Gender identification is one of the most important aspects in the forensic science. It is based onscientific principles involving dental records, fingerprints and DNA comparisons. Sometimes, it becomes necessaryto apply easy techniques like cheiloscopy. The wrinkles and grooves on the labial mucosa form a characteristicpattern called lip prints, the study of which is referred to as cheiloscopy.Aim: The present study was done to evaluate the accuracy of various methods of lip prints in gender determinationand its stability over a period of time.Subjects and Methods: It consists of 80 healthy individuals (40 males and 40 females) in the age group of 18 to25 years. Lip prints were taken by lipstick, latent and digital photography methods. Data was collected by twoobservers at 0 month and 6months to assess their stability in gender determination.Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test was used.Results: The results obtained showed an accuracy of 0% and 57.5% by observer I, 30% and 67.5% by observer IIat 0 and 6th month in gender determination. The measurement of agreement in stability of lip prints was found tobe 27.8% by observer II.It was found that digital photography being the accurate method followed by lipstick andlatent methods.Conclusion: This study revealed that lip prints can be used for determining the gender of an individual.

The amended standardization law and its influence to forensic identification / 中国法医学杂志

The Standardization Law carried out almost 30 years, and it is amended recently. The amended Standardization Law mainly focus on following aspects: enlarge the range of application into social undertakings;define the compulsory standards strictly in case of they are overmuch; add the supply effectively to meet the social needs; establish a well-organized and unified standardization system and make sure each standards can be linked up and matched. Also, the Standardization Law requires the development of standards; compulsory standards and with the enforcement of standards must be carried out; relevant organizations should disclose their standards; and some organizations shouldn't utilize their advantage to do unfair competition and so on. Those regulations may effect the forensic appraisal activities. At present, accrediting bodies in China exist many problems. For example, the standards are not scientific and not updated in time. They are unfamiliar with standards, low sense of executing identification standards,not disclose their standards. And their standards are lower with government's standards. Thus, this essay aim to analyze those problems and put forward related solutions.

Estandarización de prótesis dentales mediante codificación personal incluida en bases termoácido resistentes con fines de identificación forense / Dental prosthesis standarization by means of thermal-acid resistant-included personal code, for forensic identification purposes

La identificación categórica de un cadáver no sólo es importante por razones humanitarias y emocionales, sino también por sus efectos legales y administrativos. Durante el proceso de identificación humana, toda la información necesaria se obtiene del cuerpo desconocido de la víctima, permitiendo cumplir el objetivo de que su perfil sea reconstruido. Se utilizan sistemas de marcado y etiquetado de prótesis dentales en diferentes situaciones, detallándose métodos directos e indirectos para tal fin. Se propone la incorporación del número del documento nacional de identidad (DNI) en todas las prótesis removibles y fijas, con el fin de adoptar un único y definitivo código de identificación personal con el objetivo de lograr un método uniforme, estandarizado, sencillo y rápido para la identificación forense en pacientes atendidos en la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires.

The categorical identification of a corpse is not only important for humanitarian and emotional reasons, but also for legal andadministrative purposes. During the human identification process, all necessary information is gathered from the unknown body of thevictim and hence that an objective reconstructed profile can be established. Denture marking and labeling systems are being used in varioussituations, and a number of direct and indirect methods are reported. Is proposed that national identity number (DNI) be incorporated inall removable and fixed prostheses, so as to adopt a single and definitive personal identification code with the aim of achieving a uniform,standardized, easy, and fast identification method in patients treated at the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Buenos Aires forforensic identification.

Forensic identification of the first metacarpal fracture / 复旦学报（医学版）

The first metacarpal fracture is very common in forensic identification process,it often affects the function of the thumb,and how to correctly assess the degree of loss of thumb function become a focus in the fields of forensic medicine.We review the existing problems in the forensic identification of the first metacarpal fracture.

Analysis of 22 cases of forensic psychiatric illness / 中国法医学杂志

Objective To explore the problems that should be paid attention to during the process of the identification of the mental illness of the judiciary.Methods The process and conclusion of 22 cases of forensic psychiatric expertise were reviewed and analyzed in the Department of psychiatric disorders,Beijing Anding Hospital,Capital Medical University from August 1,1982 to July 31,2016.The analysis indexes mainly include:(1) the time of the implementation of the identification;(2) the matters entrusted by the Commission;(3) the identification materials provided by the client;(4) the conclusion of the appraisal.Results (1) from July 31,1999 to August 1,1982,7 cases were identified from to August 1,1999,and 15 cases were identified from to July 31,2016.(2) from August 1,1982 to July 1999 31 during the day mainly identification issues for 6 cases (85.7％,6/7) mental state and the ability of criminal responsibility and 1 cases (14.3％,1/7) mental state and sexual self defensive ability,from August 1,1999 to July 2016 31 during the day in 15 cases of all matters for identification of mental state and civil capacity.(3) including the authentication materials provided by a client:Previous expert opinions and description of mental state of medical records,effective during the testimony of witnesses and / or detention,public security organs information records,audio-visual materials.(4) most of the identified people can be identified in the clinical diagnosis of mental illness and to determine the legal capacity,individual identification can not come to the conclusion.Conclusion The identification number and the difficulty of life;for his identification of civil capacity increased;should focus on ensuring the identification data of the authenticity,integrity,adequacy and validity;"conclusion" is also a kind of expert conclusion,it is suggested to use three cent method civil capacity rating was identified.

Analysis of palatal rugae patterns before and after orthodontic treatment with a digital image recognition system / 中国法医学杂志

Objective To analyze the morphological matching rate with a digital image recognition system in pre-and post-orthodontic treatments,and to provide forensic dentistry evidence for individual identification.Methods High-resolution digital images of the palatal rugae were taken under particular conditions from each patient in pre-and post-orthodontic treatments.Features of each digital image were extracted using a digital image recognition system and collected in the palatal rugae database.Data of the palatal rugae werematched by MATLAB software system.Results From the matching results,the accuracy rate of individual identification of orthodontic patients was 100％.The accuracy rate in matching palatal rugae patterns in pre-and post-orthodontic treatments was 95.67％.The results were statistically significant with P＜0.05.Conclusion Palatal rugae pattern is highly individual-specific.The morphologyofpalatal rugaecould bechangedby theorthodontic treatment,however,these changes may not greatly influence individual identification in forensic dentistry,providing a new potential to individual identification.

Potential contribution of periapical radiographic film image processing for forensic identification / Potencial contribuição do processamento digital de filme radiográfico periapical para identificação forense

ABSTRACT Periapical X-rays are the most common complementary tests in the dental clinic. The indication of image tests in forensic identification depends on the produced X-rays quality. The image processing of conventional radiographs can improve image quality. This study aimed to report the potential contribution of image processing from radiographic films by digitally edited periapical radiographs for case reporting of positive identification. The results of anthropological examinations and dental arches of the victim matched the information transferred by the family of the missing person. The antemortem and postmortem periapical radiographs were digitized on photo scanner (Hewlett-Packard Development Company, HP ScanJet G4050 Photo, United States) and images were processed in Corel PaintShop Pro X4 editing software (Corel Corporation, v14, Canada). The comparison of antemortem and postmortem periapical radiographs digital images allowed to determine 8 concordant points in the contour and delimit the maxillary sinus as well as periodontal and dental structures of the tooth 17. Identification of the individual was possible by digital editing of radiographs in computer software. Editing allowed adjusting image brightness, contrast and sharpness, color temperature and saturation of tooth-jaw structures. Such technological feature effectively contributed to positive identification performed by Forensic Dentistry.

RESUMO As radiografias periapicais são os exames complementares mais frequentes na clínica odontológica. A indicação de exames de imagens na identificação forense depende da qualidade das radiografias produzidas. A edição digital de radiografias convencionais pode melhorar a qualidade de imagem. O presente trabalho consiste em relatar a potencial contribuição do processamento digital de filmes radiográficos através de relato de caso de identificação positiva por radiografias periapicais editadas digitalmente. Os resultados dos exames antropológicos e dos arcos dentários da vítima correspondiam às informações cedidas pelos familiares sobre a pessoa desaparecida. As radiografias periapicais antemortem e postmortem foram digitalizadas em scanner fotográfico (HP Development Company, HP ScanJet G4050 Photo, Estados Unidos) e as imagens processadas no programa de edição Corel PaintShop Pro X4 (Corel(r) Corporation, v14, Canadá). A comparação das imagens digitais das radiografias periapicais antemortem e postmortem permitiu determinar 8 pontos concordantes no contorno e delimitação do seio maxilar e das estruturas dentária e periodontal do elemento 17. A identificação do indivíduo foi possível mediante a edição digital das radiografias em programa de computador. A edição da permitiu ajustar imagens de brilho, contraste e nitidez e cores de temperatura e saturação das imagens das estruturas dento-maxilares. Esse recurso tecnológico contribuiu de forma efetiva para a identificação positiva realizada pela Odontologia Legal.

Huesos suturales umbilicados / Umbilicated sutural bones

Los huesos suturales son huesos supernumerarios observables en suturas y fontanelas del cráneo, variables en su número, forma, tamaño y posición. Formados desde centros de osificación normales y/o adicionales. Calleja en 1870, describe un hueso sutural en forma de anillo con un centro óseo (umbilicados). Nuestro objetivo de investigación, fue buscar y describir estos huesos. Se utilizaron 71 cráneos de adultos chilenos de ambos sexos, en los cuales se buscó, caracterizó, fotografió y midió a los huesos suturales umbilicados. Se hallaron dos cráneos con presencia de estos huesos, representando el 2,82 % del total de la muestra y el 8 % de los cráneos con huesos suturales. Los resultados concuerdan con la bibliografía, en cuanto a presencia de huesos suturales, así como su relación directa con el sexo y el tamaño del cráneo. También pudimos comprobar la observación y descripción de Calleja, encontrando huesos suturales que cumplían con su descripción. El conocimiento de estos huesos es de utilidad en la identificación médico legal.

The sutural bones are visible supernumerary bones in skull sutures and fontanelle, and are variable in number, shape, size and position. Formed from normal and /or additional ossification, Calleja in 1870, describes a sutural ring-shaped bone with a bone center (umbilicated). Our research objective was to look for and describe these bones. We used 71 skulls of Chilean adults of both sexes, in which we sought, marked, photographed and measured the molluscum sutural bones. Two (2) skulls were found with presence of these bones representing 2.82 % of the total sample and 8 % sutural skulls with bones. The results are consistent with the literature regarding presence of sutural bones, and their direct relationship to sex and size of the skull. We also noted the observation and description by Calleja, finding sutural bones that met their description. Knowledge of these bones is useful in forensic identification.

Sex determination from hand dimensions for forensic identification.

Background: Sex determination is an important and foremost criteria in establishing the identity of an individual. The issue of Sex discrimination can be very complicated in cases of intersex, bodies in advanced state of putrefaction, mutilated & fragmentary remains in which it is common to recover dismembered & peripheral parts of the body. It was realized that anthropometric measurements of the hand has been very useful tool in sexual identification. Objectives: This paper attempts to discriminate between male and female on the basis of hand dimensions, to investigate among the variables which can better predict sex, to derive sectioning point for discriminating sex and to reflect frequent hand index category among the sexes. Methods: The research study was based on 182 subjects (91 males & 91 females) within age 18-60 years, devoid of any deformity, fracture or surgical proceedings of either hand were randomly selected from Udaipur district of Rajasthan. Hand Length and Hand Breadth was obtained from each subject and results were analyzed using IBM SPSS computer software. Results: Hand length and hand breadth show statistically significant male – female differences at p<0.001. Hand Breadth was found as best predictor of sex in comparison with hand length. Frequency of hand index categories reveals that females have highest dolichocheir morphology of hand. Sectioning point analysis confirms that cut-off point of 43 and below is suggestive of male hand whereas above 43 were considered as female hand. Conclusions: This study has implications in mass disasters and in criminal cases where an isolated hand is recovered and needs forensic identification.

Estimación de la edad médico-legal usando dos métodos para la medición de la translucidez dentinaria radicular: análisis comparativo / Legal medical age estimation using two methods measuring root dentin translucency: comparative analysis

En una investigación forense existen diversas incógnitas médico legales y criminalísticas por definir: especie, sexo, edad, identidad, causa y data de muerte de la víctima o victimario. Fenómenos biológicos han colaborado en estimar la edad médico legal de un individuo. Investigadores han propuesto diferentes métodos para esta estimación. El fenómeno de la translucidez dentinaria radicular se asocia con el aumento de la edad del individuo y ha demostrado ser de gran utilidad en esta estimación. El objetivo fue comparar el acierto en la estimación de la edad médico legal en tres rangos etarios predeterminados, mediante la medición de la translucidez dentinaria radicular, aplicando dos metodologías. Se realizaron mediciones de la longitud de la translucidez de piezas dentarias de una población chilena (n=94), mediante un método visual directo convencional y un método digital indirecto basado en una captura computarizada de la imagen. Se estimó la edad aplicando una tabla propuesta. Se preestablecieron tres rangos de edad: 1er rango (20-39 años), 2do rango (40­59 años) y 3er rango (60­79 años). El método digital muestra un acierto en la estimación de la edad en el 1er rango etario (93%), en comparación al método visual que muestra un acierto 2do y 3er rango (86% y 65%). Existen diferencias significativas p=0,001 entre ambos métodos para cada rango. La diferencia no es estadísticamente significativa en los porcentajes totales de aciertos en la estimación de la edad con ambos métodos. Enfrentados a la estimación de la edad en piezas dentarias con poca TDR se recomienda el método digital, considerando que tiende a una subestimación. En casos de mayor TDR recomendamos el método visual, que tiende a sobreestimar. Este trabajo demuestra que ambos métodos son igualmente efectivos.

In a forensic investigation there are several forensic and criminology unknowns to be elucidated, such as, species, sex, age, identity, cause and date of death of the victim or perpetrator. Some biological phenomena have been used to collaborate in determining the forensic age of an individual. Many authors and researchers have proposed different ways to perform this estimate. The phenomenon of root dentine translucency (RDT) is associated with the increase of age of the individual and has proven to be useful in the estimation of this unknown. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy in estimating forensic age in three age ranges, by measurement of RDT, using two different methodologies. The protocol consists of taking measurements of the length translucency of dental pieces in a Chilean population (n=94), by direct visual method conventionally used and an indirect digital method based on the capture of a computerized image. The age was estimated applying a table: Three age ranges are preset: 1st range (20-39 ages), 2nd range (40-59 ages) and 3rd range (60-79 ages). The digital method gave better results in the estimation of age in the 1st age range (93%), compared to the visual method that was more assertive in the 2nd and 3rd range (86% and 65%). There are significant differences p=0.001 between the methods for each age range. The difference between the total percentages of successes in the age estimate obtained with both methods are not statistically significant. In conclusion, for age determination in teeth with very little translucency the digital method is recommended, although we must consider that this method tends to underestimate age. In cases of higher RDT we recommend using the visual method; however this method tends to overestimate age. Regardless of the above conclusion, this work shows that both methods are equally effective.

Patterns of cause of death in unknown dead bodies a three year study in a tertiary care hospital.

Opinion about the cause of death in unknown dead bodies is a test of ability of the Forensic expert and on many occasions yields little or no results. The reasons may be inadequate/no history, disinterested Investigating officers unwilling to properly work out the case, partial/complete decomposition/destruction/mutilation of the body, etc. In such cases, identification of the body as such poses problems; rest aside the opinion regarding the cause/manner of death. The present 3 year study was undertaken to find the cause of death and the pattern of causes of death in unknown dead bodies, as well as the efforts made to establish the identity in these cases. Unidentified bodies comprised 4% of the total 1577 cases brought for postmortem examination to the department. Maximum number of cases belonged to the age group 41 -50 years, 35%. Majority of the opinions regarding the cause of death were given as cranio-cerebral damage, 30%, followed by “no definite opinion”, 28%. Viscera for chemical analysis were sent in 24%, histopathology in 8% and for both chemical analysis and histopathology, in 27% cases.

Forensic analysis of 201 cases of knee injury in traffic accidents / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To discuss the characteristics of knee injury in traffic accidents so as to provide an objective basis for its forensic identification.Methods Retrospective analysis was carried out on 201 cases of knee injury in traffic accidents identified by our department from 2006 to 2009.Results According to the types of knee injury,all cases were divided into bone injury group,soft tissue injury group and bone combined soft tissue injury group.Analysis of the knee joint function in the three groups revealed that there were significant differences between bone injury or bone combined soft tissues injury groups and soft tissue injury group in weight bearing including the normal bearing rate and nonbearing rate( P ＜ 0.05,respectively). ConclusionsIf patients' weight loading,walking functions as well as their gait conditions are introduced into the process of forensic identification for the knee injury in traffic accidents,the identification results will be more reasonable.