La autopsia psicológica en Colombia: ¿Concepto o procedimiento para la investigación científica? Una revisión sistemática

Introducción: La literatura científica reporta que la autopsia psicológica desde sus inicios fue utilizada con la finalidad de ayudar a determinar las circunstancias de muerte de una persona, no obstante, en la actualidad se acoge más como concepto que como una herramienta procedimental. Objetivo: Establecer si en Colombia se ha utilizado para reconstruir los aspectos pre mortem de quienes han fallecido en extrañas circunstancias, de acuerdo con la finalidad de esta. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura científica en 10 bases de datos; se emplearon como palabras clave "autopsia psicológica" y "Colombia", bajo una ventana de observación entre 2010 al 2021; por medio del método PRISMA. Resultados: Se evidencia que en Colombia durante los últimos 10 años el número de estudios asciende a 19, publicados en bases de datos, de los cuales 16 no emplearon el procedimiento de autopsia psicológica y solo tres de ellos sí lo hicieron. Discusión: Existe una tendencia a emplear la autopsia psicológica como concepto desde un enfoque clínico para respaldar los análisis retrospectivos, que, como técnica o procedimiento, se distancia de la posibilidad de reconstruir la criminodinámica del delito, así como la reconstrucción de aspectos de la personalidad, el estado mental y el estilo de vida de quién ha fallecido. Conclusiones: Se resalta que en Colombia la autopsia psicológica se ha utilizado exclusivamente en el campo clínico, sin el rigor científico, metodológico y sin la validez del protocolo empleado.

Introduction: The scientific literature reports that psychological autopsy from its beginnings was used with the purpose of helping to determine the circumstances of death of a person, however, it is currently embraced more as a concept than as a procedural tool. Objective: to establish if in Colombia it has been used to reconstruct the pre-mortem aspects of those who have died under strange circumstances, according to its purpose. Methodology: a systematic review of the scientific literature was carried out in 10 databases, using as keywords psychological autopsy and Colombia, under a window of observation between 2010 and 2021; using the PRISMA method. Results: they show that in Colombia during the last 10 years the number of studies published in databases amounts to 19, of which 16 did not use the psychological autopsy procedure and only three of them did. Discussion: There is a tendency to use psychological autopsy as a concept from a clinical approach to support retrospective analyses rather than as a technique or procedure, distancing us from the possibility of reconstructing the criminodynamics of the crime, as well as reconstructing aspects of the personality, mental state and lifestyle of the deceased. Conclusions: it is highlighted that in Colombia the psychological autopsy has been used exclusively in the clinical field, without the scientific and methodological rigor and without the validity of the protocol used.

Ciências forenses: princípios éticos e vieses / Forensic sciences: ethical principles and biases / Ciencias forenses: principios éticos y sesgos

Resumo As ciências forenses empregam conhecimentos científicos e técnicas diversas para apurar crimes e outros assuntos legais - cíveis, penais ou administrativos. Sua principal função é viabilizar as investigações relativas à justiça civil e criminal, visando esclarecer as questões do sistema de segurança pública. Porém, com o avanço tecnológico, certos crimes - e, consequentemente, a prática forense - tornaram-se mais complexos. Como todas as profissões, as ciências forenses são regidas por princípios e práticas éticas que acrescentam deveres e responsabilidades ao profissional, objetivando agregar qualidade tanto no plano técnico quanto humano e evitar vieses. Com isso, este artigo apresenta reflexões sobre questões éticas e vieses relacionados à atuação dos profissionais das ciências forenses.

Abstract Forensic sciences use diverse scientific and technical knowledge to investigate crimes and other legal matters - civil, criminal, or administrative. Its primary role is to enable investigations related to civil and criminal justice, aiming to clarify issues of the public security system. But with technological advances, certain crimes, and consequently forensic practice, have become more complex. Like all professions, forensic sciences are governed by ethical principles and practices that include duties and responsibilities, aiming to add both technical and human quality and avoid biases. Thus, this article presents reflections on ethical issues and biases related to the forensic science professionals' work.

Resumen Las ciencias forenses utilizan conocimientos científicos y técnicas para investigar delitos y otros asuntos legales (civiles, penales o administrativos). Su función principal es posibilitar las investigaciones relativas a la justicia civil y penal, con el objetivo de resolver problemas del sistema de seguridad pública. Sin embargo, con el avance tecnológico, ciertos delitos -y, en consecuencia, la práctica forense- se han vuelto más complejos. Al igual que todas las profesiones, las ciencias forenses se rigen por principios y prácticas éticas que agregan deberes y responsabilidades al profesional, con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad técnica y humana y evitar sesgos. Este artículo presenta reflexiones sobre las cuestiones éticas y los sesgos relacionados con la actuación de los profesionales de las ciencias forenses.

Comparación de la eficacia de tres métodos dentales para estimar la edad de personas de 13 a 23 años / Comparison of the efficacy of three dental methods for estimating the age of persons aged 13 to 23 years

Objetivo. Comparar la eficacia de tres métodos dentales (Demirjian, Gleiser-Hunt mo-dificado y análisis morfométrico) para estimar la edad de personas de 13 a 23 años a partir del desarrollo radicular de los terceros molares inferiores. Métodos. La muestra estuvo conformada por 978 ortopantomografías de personas con edad cronológica y sexo (484 varones y 494 mujeres) conocidos. El desarrollo radicular de las molares fue cla-sificado según los métodos señalados. Se tomó el 10% de la muestra para una segunda clasificación que permitió establecer la concordancia entre ellas. Se correlacionaron los estadios de desarrollo radicular ­ obtenidos con los métodos mencionados ­ y la edad cronológica para obtener: 1) el índice de correlación y determinación 2) las fórmulas de regresión que predicen la edad y 3) la diferencia entre la edad cronológica real y la edad dental estimada para cada uno de los métodos. Resultados. El método Gleiser-Hunt modificado obtuvo el menor residual que fue resultado de la diferencia entre la edad cronológica y dental, así como el mejor índice de correlación con la edad cronológica. La diferencia entre la edad cronológica y dental fue de 1,55, 1,68 y 2,11 para los métodos Gleiser-Hunt modificado, Demirjian y análisis morfométrico respectivamente. Conclu-siones. El método Gleiser-Hunt modificado resultó más eficaz para predecir la edad de personas e individuos de 13 a 23 años.

Objective. To compare the efficacy of three dental methods (Demirjian, modified Gleiser-Hunt, and morphometric analysis) based on the root development of the lower third molars to determine age estimation on 13 to 23-years-old participants. Methods.The sample included 978 orthopantomographs of people with known chronological age and sex (484 men and 494 women). The root development of the molars was classified according to the indicated methods. The concordance of the sample was performed based on a second classification of 10% of the sample. The stages of root development - obtained with the aforementioned methods - and the chronological age were correlated to obtain: 1) the correlation and determination index 2) the regression formulas that predict age and 3) the difference between the real chronological age and the estimated dental age for each method. Results. The modified Gleiser-Hunt method obtained the lowest residual result of the difference between chronological and dental age, as well as the best correlation index with chronological age. The difference between chronological and dental age was 1.55, 1.68 and 2.11 for the modified Gleiser-Hunt, Demirjian and morphometric analysis methods respectively. Conclusions. The modified Gleiser-Hunt method was more effective in predicting the age of people and individuals aged 13 to 23-years-old.

Cirurgia de feminização facial em transexuais: reflexões éticas e forenses / Facial feminization surgery in transsexuals: ethical and forensic reflections / Cirugía de feminización facial en transexuales: reflexiones éticas y forenses

Resumo Cirurgias de feminização facial, que visam tornar o rosto de mulheres transexuais mais feminino, alteram tecidos moles e duros. Tais procedimentos envolvem inúmeros aspectos éticos, desde a cobertura por planos de saúde e serviço público até o direito à mudança de nome. Há também consequências forenses, no que diz respeito à eventual necessidade de identificar pessoas submetidas a esse tipo de cirurgia. Essas consequências, embora importantes, são pouco consideradas em estudos científicos. Com isso, neste trabalho são analisados alguns aspectos éticos e forenses decorrentes de cirurgias de feminização facial.

Abstract Facial feminization surgeries, which aim to render transsexuals' facial features more feminine, alter soft and hard tissues. These procedures involve ethical issues such as health insurance and public service coverage, and the right to legal name change. Forensic consequences, concerning eventual need to identify individuals who underwent this surgery, are important and require scientific studies. In this article, we analyze some ethical and forensic aspects resulting from facial feminization surgeries.

Resumen Las cirugías de feminización facial que pretenden volver más femeninos los rostros de mujeres transexuales producen cambios en los tecidos blandos y duros. Tales procedimientos involucran muchos aspectos éticos, desde la cobertura del seguro de salud y del servicio público hasta las discusiones sobre el derecho al cambio de nombre. Hay también consecuencias forenses en lo que se refiere a las posibles necesidades de identificación de las personas que se someten a esta cirugía. A pesar de su importancia, estas consecuencias son poco abordadas en estudios científicos. Así, en este artículo se analizan algunos aspectos éticos y forenses derivados de las cirugías de feminización facial.

Cercyon Leach, 1817 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Sphaeridiinae) from Brazil: new species and records

Abstract The study of ca. 280 specimens of Cercyon Leach, 1817 (Hydrophilidae: Sphaeridiinae: Megasternini) deposited in the Coleção Entomológica Pe. J.S. Moure, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil, revealed a new species from Atlantic Rain Forest biome in Paraná State (Southern Brazil) and new records. Cercyon (Cercyon) curi sp. nov. is herein described and illustrated, belonging to the Neotropical C. variegatus species group. Cercyon (Cercyon) nigriceps (Marsham, 1802) is recorded for the first time in Paraná State, and Cercyon (Cercyon) inquinatus Wollaston, 1854 from Amazonas State (Northern Region); these records extend the distributional range of both species in Brazil. Cercyon (Cercyon) praetextatus (Say, 1825) is recorded for the first time from Brazil based on specimens collected in Paraná. Those three species were previously recorded as introduced in South America.

Age estimation in Brazilian adults by Kvaals and Camerieres methods

Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the precision and applicability of two methods of age estimation, Kvaal's and Cameriere's methods, among Brazilian adults. A sample composed of periapical radiographs of canine teeth belonging to 320 Brazilian adults was analyzed, divided into groups according to sex (male and female) and age group (20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years and 50-59 years). Kvaal's method presented better results when compared to the results of Cameriere's method in the general evaluation of each canine tooth, except for the upper left canine (tooth 23), which presented a mean error (ME) with no statistically significant difference between the methods (Kvaal: ME = 7.43, p = 0.4991, Cameriere: ME = 7.55, p = 0.6982). In the evaluation by age groups, Kvaal's method presented a lower variation between the real age and estimated age when applied to the age groups of 20-29 years and 30-39 years compared to the results provided by Cameriere's method. With respect to the groups aged 40 to 49 years and 50 to 59 years, Cameriere's method presented better performance than the results provided by Kvaal's method. The methods of estimating age proposed by Kvaal and Cameriere are simple and nondestructive and have demonstrated reproducibility and reliability. The Kvaal method was more accurate for the age groups of 20-29 and 30-39 years, and for those over 40 years, the Cameriere method was the most accurate.

Facial reconstruction: Validation of the Tedeschi-Oliveira method for estimating the pronasale point in Brazilians

Abstract Forensic facial reconstruction aids in the process of human identification by facial recognition. The nose plays an important role in this process; however, its soft tissues wither away during cadaveric decomposition. There are few studies in the area of facial recognition of the Brazilian population, especially concerning Brazilian nasal prediction guides. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the angle formed by the tangents drawn from the rhinion and prosthion points (nose tip) is equal to 90º, as proposed by the pioneer study by Tedeschi-Oliveira et al. (2016). It is important to highlight that this is the only method to date developed to predict the nasal tip in Brazilians, and has not yet been tested in other populations. Images of computed tomography scans of 228 individuals (171 females and 57 males) were screened according to the same criteria used by the authors of the primary study. The images were analyzed using the Horos® program, version 1.1.7 - 64 bit. The mean angle studied was about 90º, and any difference between this mean and the real angle measured did not significantly compromise the accuracy of the nose tip location. The findings tested in the present study corroborate the hypothesis investigated by Tedeschi-Oliveira et. al. Therefore, we suggest that the method be used in forensic practice to estimate nose tips in Brazilians.

The need for implant dentists to know about the method of forensic human identification using dental implants

The aim of this study is to present two cases in which dental implants greatly enhanced the forensic human identification and to show the important role of the implant dentist in this process. The skeletonized remains of two victims with dental implants were sent for exams. The morphological features (qualitative) and linear measurements (quantitative) of the implants were analyzed in the ante-mortem and postmortem radiographs. The points of coincidence observed in both the implants and teeth showed compatibility of findings that led the experts to determine the positive identification. The implants found in the bodies were decisive in the process of identification. This identification was only possible because the implant dentists presented complete documentation with good technical quality, enabling an efficient expert approach to comparison of the data. Therefore, it is important to make implant dentists aware of this significant role because they may be asked by the authorities or family members of the deceased to present a complete record chart.

O objetivo desse trabalho é apresentar dois casos em que os implantes foram essenciais no processo identificação e mostrar a importância do papel do implantodontista nesse processo. Dois corpos esqueletizados com implantes dentais foram encaminhados para exames. Foram analisadas as características morfológicas (qualitativas) e medidas lineares (quantitativas) dos implantes nas radiografias antemortem e postmortem. Os pontos de coincidência observados tanto nos implantes quanto nos dentes mostram a compatibilidade dos achados, o que levou os peritos a determinarem a identificação positiva. Os implantes encontrados nos corpos foram decisivos no processo de identificação. Essa identificação só foi possível porque os implantodontistas apresentaram uma documentação completa e com boa qualidade técnica, permitindo uma abordagem pericial segura no confronto dos dados. Portanto, é importante que os implantodontistas estejam cientes do seu papel já que podem ser solicitados pelas autoridades ou membros da família para apresentarem o prontuário da pessoa falecida

Medicina Legal de Costa Rica Historia, actualidad y proyección a futuro / Legal Medicine in Costa Rica. History, current affairs and future projection

Resumen Desde la década de los sesenta del siglo anterior, el esfuerzo del Dr. Adolfo Acosta Guzmán, dio sus frutos para que Costa Rica emprendiera el entretejimiento del derecho con la medicina, instaurando formalmente la Medicina Legal de manera institucional y educativa. En la actualidad los Departamentos de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses se encuentran ubicados en la Ciudad Judicial, San Joaquín de Flores, en Heredia; con descentralización de sus servicios por medio de casi veinte Unidades Médico Legales en todo el país. Es importante destacar que en nuestro país, la Medicina Legal funciona en un departamento distinto al Departamento de Ciencias Forenses, toda vez que ambos tienen un Jefe Departamental con independencia uno de otro, y que se deben ambos a la Dirección General del Organismo de Investigación Judicial. La mística y profesionalismo de más de cien profesionales en medicina legal y disciplinas afines ha permitido un sólido sistema para la diaria valoración de pericias en áreas como valoración de daño corporal en materia penal y laboral, delitos sexuales, violencia doméstica, patología forense, psiquiatría forense, odontología forense, antropología forense y muchas otras. Este artículo aborda la historia y actualidad de la Medicina Legal en Costa Rica, sus alcances y proyecciones.

Abstract Since the sixties of the previous century, the efforts of Dr. Adolfo Acosta Guzmán, paid off for Costa Rica to undertake the interweaving of law with medicine, formally establishing Legal Medicine in an institutional and educational way. At present, the Departments of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences are located in a place named Ciudad Judicial, San Joaquin de Flores, in Heredia; with decentralization of its services through almost twenty Legal Medical Units throughout the country. It is important to note that in our country, Legal Medicine works in a Department other than the Department of Forensic Sciences, both have a Departmental Chief independently of each other, and that both are due to the General Directorate of the Judicial Investigation Agency . The mysticism and professionalism of more than one hundred professionals in legal medicine and related disciplines has allowed a solid system for the daily assessment of expertise in areas such as assessment of permanent impairment in criminal and labor matters, sexual assault crimes, domestic violence, forensic pathology, forensic psychiatry, forensic dentistry, forensic anthropology and many others. This article addresses the history and current affairs of Legal Medicine in Costa Rica, its scope and projections.

Discriminant function models for determination of sex using anthropometric foot dimensions in an adult nigerian population

Background: Sex, age, race and stature are evaluated to determine the identity in forensic investigations. Themost important stages in identity determination are stature and sex estimations which are easily done withprimary anatomic structures in intact corpses. determination of sex from skeletal or dismembered body remainsis one of the most critical aspects of forensic analysis which is crucial to medico-legal investigations.Aim: This study is aimed at testing the validity of sex classification using anthropometric foot dimensions anddiscriminant function test in an adult Nigerian population.Methods: 222 subjects (115 males and 107 females) of Nigerian parentage, aged 18–65 years who volunteeredand satisfied the inclusion criteria were involved. Following institutional approval, anthropometric measurementsof Foot Length (FL), Foot width (FW), Bimalleolar width (BB), Navicular height (NH), Medial malleolar height(MMH), Lateral malleolar height (LMH), Heel Width (HB) were measured. The data was analyzed for descriptiveand inferential statistics using the SPSS statistical package version 25 and Microsoft excel 2016.Results: Independent t test exhibited statistically significant sex differences (P < 0.05) for all the parameters,with the males having consistently higher values than the females. Linear discriminant functions were createdfor predicting sex.Conclusion: The prediction models established from this study will be useful in disaster victim identificationfrom mutilated or dismembered human remains to aid medico-legal practice in Nigeria. The normative datadeveloped from this study will be referenced and be used as baseline data for comparing the variations of footstructure of this population and that of other populations.

Macrostructure of teeth restored with different dental materials analyzed after thermal inversion / Macroestrutura de dentes restaurados com diferentes materiais dentários analisados após inversão térmica

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the macrostructure of teeth restored with different dental materials after thermal inversion. Material and methods: The sample consisted of 16 bovine mandibular incisors. Half of the teeth underwent class V restorations with amalgam (Amalgam GS 80, SDI Dental Ltd., Dublin, Ireland), while the other half was restored with composite (Charisma, Kulzer GmbH, Hanau, Germany). During 30 minutes the teeth were exposed to heating at 100oC, 200oC, 300oC and 400oC. Next, cooling was performed in half of the sample using a fan (slowly) and in the other half using water (quickly). Qualitative analysis was performed to detect eventual macroscopic alterations in the teeth, especially considering: I) the color of the restoration; II) the structure of the restoration; III) fitting of the restoration in the cavity; IV) main alteration of the restoration from the original form; V) main alteration of the tooth from the original form. Results: Different macroscopic alterations were observed after slow and quick cooling of the amalgam after heating at 200oC, 300oC and 400oC, while for the composite the alterations were detected only after heating at 400oC. Conclusion: Optimal human identification performances and forensic reports must consider the eventual macroscopic alterations in dental restorations and teeth detected in charred bodies retrieved from the water.

Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou investigar a macroestrutura de dentes restaurados com diferentes materiais odontológicos e analisá-los após inversão térmica. Material e método: A amostra foi composta por 16 incisivos inferiores bovinos. Metade dos dentes foi preparada com restaurações Classe V em amálgama (Amálgama GS 80, SDI Dental Ltd., Dublin, Irlanda) e a outra metade em resina composta (Charisma, Kulzer GmbH, Hanau, Alemanha). Durante 30 minutos, os dentes foram expostos às temperaturas de 100oC, 200oC, 300oC e 400oC. Na sequência, o resfriamento se deu usando um ventilador (n=8, resfriamento lento) e imersão em água (n=8, resfriamento rápido). Análise qualitativa foi realizada pela detecção de eventuais alterações macroscópicas, mais especificamente relacionadas a: I) cor da restauração; II) estrutura da restauração; III) adaptação da restauração na cavidade; IV) principal alteração da restauração de sua forma original; e V) principal alteração do dente de sua forma original. Resultados: Diferentes alterações macroscópicas foram observadas após inversão térmica lenta e rápida para o amálgama quando inicialmente exposto à 200oC, 300oC e 400oC, enquanto para as restaurações em resina, observou-se alterações mais evidentes quando em resfriamento após 400oC. Conclusões: Processos de identificação mais aprimorados devem considerar as eventuais alterações macroscópicas de restaurações e dentes de vítimas carbonizadas recolhidas da água.

Necessity of Guidelines for Research in Forensic Science: DNA Identification / 대한법의학회지

Forensic science is an academic field that utilizes scientific knowledge and the conducting of research in legal procedures. Recently, legal science has been receiving more attention since the use of DNA identification started, especially in criminal procedures, in accordance with the development of human genetics. DNA identification has been used to identify criminals by analyzing humanoriginated biological materials obtained from crime scenes, and, more recently, the breadth and effectiveness of their use has been increasing with the operation of DNA databases. The Korean government regulates the operation and utilization of the DNA database through the “Act on Use and Protection of DNA Identification Information.” Meanwhile, the actual study of human genetics is regulated by the “Bioethics and Safety Act.” Professional areas, such as forensic science, are not areas where regulation by the laws is appropriate. However, the core part of behavior has to be ruled by the laws, considering the impact of scientific achievements on society and individuals when they are utilized. Since most scientific research and performance utilization belong in the scientific and technological domains, regulation through experts' autonomous guidelines is more appropriate. For the regulation of biomedical research through ethical guidelines, some requirements should be satisfied: the ethical guideline should be made by suitable professionals; the ethical guideline should be scientifically and ethically reliable; the ethical guideline should be enforced by a trustworthy institution; and most importantly, the scientist community should be trustworthy.

Fijación, exactitud y nitidez. El registro fotográfico forense y su valor etnográfico visual en Medicina Legal / Fixation, accuracy and sharpness. The photographic record forensic and its visual ethnographic value in Legal Medicine

Antecedentes: la aparición, evolución y emergencia de nuevas formas tecnológicas en la información y comunicación, reorganizan el mundo actual hacia un cambio de paradigmas regido por el registro visual. Los novísimos ingenios abrieron un abanico de posibilidades para registros visuales mediados por la facilidad y accesibilidad propias de las nuevas herramientas tecnológicas, reafirmando la hegemonía de la imagen en la validación y comprensión del mundo por parte del hombre a partir de la introducción de nuevos modelos y matrices culturales. Además, han afectado la veracidad de los hechos, distorsionando y desbordando narrativas y visualidades contemporáneas a partir de un registro ex profeso de la realidad circundante. Objetivo: anclados en esta realidad, se vuelve una necesidad teórica el enunciar que lugar ocupa la fotografía forense como campo disciplinar en la sociedad contemporánea y el valor etnográfico visual que tiene para la medicina legal, cuando el registro de los hechos es realizado por personal especializado. Método: desde el paradigma sociocrítico que permite el acercamiento histórico-cultural al registro fotográfico forense y su valor etnográfico-visual para la Medicina Legal, faculta comprender el lugar que ocupa esta disciplina en el nuevo entramado de las relaciones visuales en la sociedad contemporánea. Resultados: a pesar del nuevo entorno de posibilidades de registros visuales, la fotografía forense mantiene su protagonismo como campo disciplinar legitimado facilitando la verdadera validación del mundo. En este orden, la fotografía forense es una herramienta potente al servicio de varias ramas de las ciencias sociales que se entrecruzan desde la veracidad de este soporte material. Conclusiones: el análisis etnográfico visual como método para desentrañar los datos registrados en la fotografía forense, permite recabar un sinfín de información válida y útil para la resolución de los hechos criminales. Este aspecto posibilita el entrecruzamiento con otras especialidades de naturaleza social y científica. En el caso de la medicina forense, funciona perfectamente como soporte material para comparar y validar indicios hallados en la escena del crimen. Las imágenes forenses tomadas por el departamento policial de Inspección Ocular Técnica (IOT) permiten hacer referencias cruzadas que facilitan la deducción final del departamento médico legal.

Background: Emergence, develpment and evolution of new technological forms in information and communication reorganize the current world towards a paradigm shift governed by visual registration. The latest devices opened a range of possibilities for visual re- cords mediated by the ease and accessibility of the new technological tools, reaffirming the hegemony of the image in the validation and understanding of the world by man from the introduction of new models and cultural matrices In addition, they have affected the veracity of the facts, distorting and overflowing contemporary narratives and visuals from an ex-professed record of the surrounding reality. Objective: Anchored in this reality, it becomes a theoretical necessity to state what place forensic photography occupies as a disciplinary field in contemporary society and the visual ethnographic value it has for legal medicine, when the recording of the facts is carried out by specialized personal. Method: From the socio-critical paradigm that allows the historical-cultural approach to the forensic photographic registry and its ethnographic-visual value for Legal Medicine, enabling us to understand the place of this discipline in the new framework of visual rela- tionships in contemporary society. Results: In spite of the new environment of possibilities of visual records, forensic photography maintains its prominence as a legitimate disciplinary field facilitating the true vali- dation of the world. In this order, forensic photography is a powerful tool at the service of several branches of the social sciences that intersect from the veracity of this material support. Conclusions: The visual ethnographic analysis as a method to unravel the data recorded in the forensic photography, allows to obtain a host of valid and useful information for the resolution of the criminal facts. This aspect enables cross-linking with other specialties of a social and scientific nature. In the case of forensic medicine, it works perfectly as a material support for comparing and validating evidence found at the crime scene. Forensic images taken by the Police Department of Technical Eye Inspection (IOT) allow cross-references to facilitate the final deduction of the legal medical department.

Sexing the cranium from the foramen magnum using discriminant analysis in a brazilian sample

Abstract In the identification process, the foramen magnum has shown controversial results in sex estimation. The present study aimed to analyze the morphometric variables of the foramen magnum in Brazilian adult cranium for sex estimation. The sample was composed of 100 craniums (53 males and 47 females) from the documented collection of the Institute of Teaching and Research in Forensic Sciences. The protocol measurement was constituted of two linear measurements: maximum length of the foramen magnum and maximum breadth of the foramen magnum and two formulas to calculate the area, method one (M1) and method two (M2). Descriptive statistics showed statistically significant differences between sex (p<0.05) for all variables. The univariate discriminant functions showed an accuracy between 56.0-62.0%, and the multivariate analysis showed a percentage of accuracy between 60.0-65.0%, the greatest accuracy was found combining the two linear measurements with M1(71.7%), even after cross-validation (66%). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that M2 is the best parameter for estimating sex (AUC=0.693). A reference table for Brazilians using the foramen magnum parameters was developed based on the results of the ROC curve analysis. In conclusion, the foramen magnum should be used with caution to estimate sex in forensic cases of fragmentary craniums, due to the limited accuracy.

Resumo No processo de identificação humana, a análise do forame magno apresenta resultados controversos para estimativa do sexo. O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar as variáveis morfométricas do forame magno em crânios adultos brasileiros para estimação sexual. A amostra foi composta por 100 crânios (53 sexos masculino e 47 sexo feminino) pertencentes a coleção osteológica documentada do Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa em Ciências Forenses. A medida do protocolo foi constituída por duas medidas lineares: comprimento máximo do forame magno e largura máxima do forame magno e duas fórmulas para calcular a área, método um (M1) e método dois (M2). As estatísticas descritivas evidenciaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p<0,05) para todas as variáveis. As funções discriminantes univariadas apresentaram uma porcentagem de acerto entre 56,0-62,0% e a análise multivariada mostrou uma porcentagem de acerto entre 60,0-65,0%. A análise da curva ROC apontou que M2 é o melhor parâmetro para estimar o sexo (AUC=0,693). Uma tabela de referência para brasileiros que utilizam os parâmetros do forame magnum foi desenvolvida com base nos resultados da análise da curva ROC. Em conclusão, o foram e magnum deve ser usado com precaução para estimar o sexo em casos forenses de cranio fragmentado, devido à precisão limitada.

Guía de Principios Éticos de la Red Iberoamericana de Instituciones de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses / Ethical Principles Guidelines Iberoamerican Network of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences Institutions / Guia de Princípios Éticos da Rede Ibero-americana de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses

La Red Iberoamericana de Instituciones de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses, organización que integra el Comité Internacional Cruz Roja, acordó una Guía de Principios Éticos. Sus objetivos son establecer una base mínima consensual sobre los aspectos éticos del trabajo de la Medicina Legal y las Ciencias Forenses en el contexto regional, así como ofrecer un marco axiológico de referencia para las instituciones y los profesionales forenses. Los nueve principios desarrollados en la Guía giran en torno a la obligación del respeto y promoción de los derechos humanos, la calidad técnica del trabajo, la necesaria formación en Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses, el trabajo en equipo respetando los perfiles disciplinares, la independencia técnica, los posibles conflictos de interés, los conflictos deontológicos cuando se actúa bajo dependencia, la confidencialidad y el consentimiento informado. Las Guías asumen también los principios consagrados en diversos documentos internacionales y en los códigos de ética nacionales. En Uruguay, el documento fue aprobado por la Facultad de Medicina y el Consejo Directivo Central de la Universidad de la República dispuso su más amplia difusión entre todos los servicios, especialmente a aquellos que participan en actividades forenses. (AU)

The Ibero American Network of Legal Medicine Institutions and Forensic Sciences, an organization that is part of the Red Cross International Committee agreed on a Guide of ethical principles with the purpose of a minimum agreed platform on ethical aspects in connection with professional practice in Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences within the regional context. Likewise, it aims to provide an axiological framework for both forensic institutions and professionals. The nine principles agreed upon deal with the obligation to respect and promote human rights, the technical quality of work, need for training in Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, teamwork respecting disciplinary profiles, technical independence, potential conflicts of interest and deontological conflicts when acting under a certain rule, confidentiality and informed consent. The guide also undertakes the principles contemplated on several international documents and in the national codes of ethics. In Uruguay the document was approved by the School of Medicine and the Board of the University of the Republic decided for it to be communicated among all services, especially among those which take part in forensic activities. (AU)

A Rede Ibero-americana de Instituições de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, organização integrante do Comitê Internacional Cruz Roja, elaborou um Guia de Princípios Éticos. Seus objetivos são estabelecer uma base mínima de consenso sobre os aspectos éticos do trabalho da Medicina Legal e das Ciências Forenses no contexto regional, bem como oferecer um ponto axiológico de referencia para as instituições e profissionais forenses. Os nove princípios descritos no Guia foram desenvolvidos considerando a obrigação ao respeito e a promoção dos direitos humanos, a qualidade técnica do trabalho, a necessária formação em Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, o trabalho em equipe respeitando os perfis das diferentes disciplinas, a independência técnica, os possíveis conflitos de interesse, os conflitos deontológicos quando se age em condições de dependência, a confidencialidade e o consentimento informado. O Guia assume também os princípios consagrados em diversos documentos internacionais e nos códigos de ética nacionais. No Uruguai, o documento foi aprovado pela Facultad de Medicina e o Consejo Directivo Central da Universidad de la República determinou que fosse amplamente difundido entre todos os serviços e departamentos, especialmente a aqueles que participam em atividades forenses. (AU)

Use of QR code as personal identification of complete dentures ­ literature review / Uso do código QR como identificação pessoal de próteses totais - revisão de literatura

Different methods for identification of complete dentures have been described as well as the importance of its use. Recently, the QR code has been highlighted as a simple and effective novelty for this purpose, but its use in daily clinical practice is still poorly reported. The aim of this study was to perform a literature review regarding the use of the QR code in complete dentures as a system of personal identification of denture wearers. An electronic search was performed in the Pubmed database in June 2017. A specific search strategy was developed and executed, considering as inclusion criteria studies published in the last 10 years. After selecting and reading titles and abstracts, 8 studies were included in the final list. The use of the QR code in complete dentures has been described as simple, efficient and capable of storing a considerable amount of information. Some laboratory studies have tested the resistance of the QR code covered by acrylic resin against adverse conditions such as heat, chemicals and fractures, which, in general, confirmed the feasibility of using this identification alternative. It is important to point out the need for dissemination among dentistry students and patients regarding the benefits and legal importance of having a complete denture identification system.

Diferentes métodos de identificação de prótese total têm sido descritos na literatura científica, bem como a importância de sua utilização. O código QR (QR code) tem sido destacado recentemente como uma novidade simples e efetiva para este fim, porém seu uso na prática clínica diária ainda é pouco relatado. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão de literatura a respeito do uso do código QR como sistema de identificação pessoal de usuários de próteses totais. Foi realizada uma busca eletrônica na base Pubmed em junho de 2017. Uma estratégia de busca específica foi elaborada e executada, considerando-se como critério de inclusão estudos publicados nos últimos 10 anos. Após seleção e leitura dos títulos e resumos, 8 estudos foram incluídos na lista final. O uso do código QR em próteses totais é descrito como um método de identificação simples, eficaz e capaz de armazenar uma quantidade considerável de informações. Alguns estudos laboratoriais testaram a resistência do código QR coberto por resina acrílica frente a condições adversas como calor, substâncias químicas e fraturas os quais, em geral, confirmaram a viabilidade de uso desta alternativa de identificação. Ressalta-se a necessidade da divulgação entre estudantes de Odontologia e pacientes a respeito dos benefícios e importância legal em haver um sistema de identificação em próteses totais.

Craniometric variation among Brazilian and Scottish populations: a physical anthropology approach

Aim: The present investigation intended to compare the craniometric variations of two samples of different nationalities (Brazilian and Scottish). Materials and methods: The Brazilian sample consisted of 100 modern complete skulls, including 53 female skulls and 47 male skulls, and the Scottish sample consisted of 100 historical skulls (61 males, 39 females) and 36 mandibles (24 males, 12 females). The cranial measurement protocol was composed of 40 measurements, 11 bilateral and 29 unilateral, and the measurement protocol of the mandible was composed of 15 measurements, with six that were bilateral and nine that were unique. The comparative analysis of the metric variability between the two samples was performed using the means and medians analysis, the t-test, the Wilcoxon test, and the coefficient of variance, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The results showed that, among the 72 analysed variables, 44 measurements (61.11%) presented statistical differences between the samples. The Scottish skull tends to have a cranial length (GOL diff=5.53), breadth (XCB diff=3.78) and height (NPH diff=5.33) greater than the Brazilian skulls, and the Scottish mandibles tend to show a higher mandibular ramus height (MRH diff=9.25), a higher mandibular body height (HMB diff=6.37) and a larger bigonial breadth (BGB diff=5.29) than the Brazilians. The discriminant analysis of the 51 cranial measurements and 21 mandibular measurements showed a variation of the percentage of accuracy between 46.3-83.8%. Conclusion: The metric analysis demonstrated that there is variability between the two samples studied (61,11%), but a concrete cause cannot be determined considering the multifactorial aspects of the variations of form and size

Botanical Knowledge in the Law Enforcement: a Preliminary Approach Towards its Potential Use in Brazilian Criminal Caseworks

ABSTRACT We surveyed Brazilian forensic institutes in order to provide a baseline for botanical knowledge used in forensic applications. Our approach provides a better understanding of the law enforcement dynamics as a whole, and establishes perspectives and guidelines for implementing this discipline in Brazil, enhancing the elucidative power of Brazilian forensic institutes.

Cheiloscopic Study among Monozygotic Twins, Non-Twin Brothers and Non-Relative Individuals

Abstract This study aimed to investigate cheiloscopic patterns among monozygotic twins (MT), non-twin siblings (NTS) and unrelated individuals (UI). The sample consisted of 20 pairs of monozygotic twins (G1), 20 pairs of non-twin siblings (G2) and 20 pairs of unrelated individuals (G3). Lip thickness, commissures and grooves were evaluated and the latter were classified as: I - clear-cut vertical grooves; I' - incomplete vertical grooves; II - branched grooves; III - intersecting; IV - reticular grooves and V - undetermined, in 8 labial regions (sub-quadrants). The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with a 5% significance level. Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) and Kappa coefficient, with a 95% confidence interval, were employed to check for agreement rates between G1, G2 and G3 pairs. There was a weak correlation for lip thickness (<0.90) in the total group, with higher values in G1 (CCC from 0.25 to 0.83 and from 0.34 to 0.86, upper and lower lips, respectively), followed by G2 (CCC from -0.03 to 0.70 and from -0.21 to 0.62, upper and lower lips, respectively) and G3 (CCC from -0.25 to 0.56 and from -0.38 to 0.34, upper and lower lips, respectively). With regard to labial commissures, Kappa statistic values were found to be 1.00 for G1, 0.45 for G2 and -0.24 for G3. As for the main groove pattern by sub-quadrant, Kappa values ranged from 0.48 to 0.87 for G1, from 0.17 to 0.59 for G2, and from -0.18 to 0.19 for G3. Monozygotic twins presented a relevant percentage of cheiloscopic agreements. Similarities were also found among NTS, while UI showed greater differences compared to their pairs, highlighting the influence of hereditary relationships on inherited cheiloscopic features.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o padrão queilocópico entre gêmeos monozigóticos, (GM), irmãos não gêmeos (NG) e os indivíduos sem herança genética em comum (SHG). A amostra foi composta por 20 pares de gêmeos monozigóticos (G1), 20 pares de irmãos não gêmeos (G2) e 20 pares de indivíduos sem grau de parentesco (G3). Foram avaliadas a espessura, as comissuras e os sulcos labiais, sendo os últimos classificados como: I - linhas verticais completas; I' - linhas verticais incompletas; II - linhas bifurcadas; III - linhas entrecruzadas; IV - linhas reticulares e V - padrão indeterminado, divididos em 8 regiões labiais (sub-quadrantes). Os dados foram analisados usando estatísticas descritiva e inferencial, com nível de significância de 5,0%. Para avaliar a concordância entre os pares G1, G2 e G3 foram utilizados o Coeficiente de Correlação de Concordância (CCC) e coeficiente Kappa, com intervalos com 95,0% de confiança. Em relação à espessura labial, verificou-se fraca concordância (<0,90) para o grupo total, sendo mais elevada entre os pares G1 (CCC de 0,25 a 0,83 e de 0,34 a 0,86, lábios superior e inferior, respectivamente), seguida de G2 (CCC de -0,03 a 0,70 e de -0,21 a 0,62, lábios superior e inferior, respectivamente) e G3 (CCC de -0,25 a 0,56 e de -0,38 a 0,34, lábios superior e inferior, respectivamente). Para a comissura labial, os valores de concordância Kappa foram 1,00 para G1, 0,45 para G2 e -0,24 para G3. No estudo do tipo sulcular principal por subquadrante, o Kappa variou de 0,48 a 0,87 para G1, 017 a 0,59 para G2 e -0,18 a 0,19 para G3. Gêmeos monozigóticos apresentaram um relevante percentual de coincidências. Semelhanças também estiveram presentes entre os NG, enquanto que os indivíduos SHG apresentaram maiores divergências em comparação com os seus pares, indicando a influência das relações hereditárias sobre as características queiloscópicas herdadas.