Malignant tumors affecting the head and neck region in ancient times: Comprehensive study of the CRAB Database

Abstract In the modern world, cancer is a growing cause of mortality, but archeological studies have shown that it is not exclusive to modern populations. The aim of this study is to examine the epidemiologic, social, and clinicopathologic features of head and neck cancers in ancient populations. To do this, we extracted all records that described malignant lesions in the head and neck region available in the Cancer Research in Ancient Bodies Database (CRAB). The estimated age, sex, physical condition of the remains (skeletonized, mummified), anatomic location of tumors, geographic location, chronology, tumor type, and methods of tumor diagnosis were collected. One hundred and sixty-seven cases were found, mostly originating from Europe (51.5%). Most records were of adults between 35 and 49 years of age (37.7%). The most involved site was the skullcap (60.4%), and the most common malignancies were metastases to the bone (65.3%) and multiple myeloma (17.4%). No primary soft tissue malignancies were registered. The results of our study indicate that head and neck cancers were present in ancient civilizations, at least since 500,000 BCE. The available data can help to improve the current understanding of the global distribution of head and neck cancer and its multidimensional impacts on populations in the contemporary world.

Reliability of measurements taken from panoramic radiographs for automated sex determination / Confiabilidade das medições obtidas em radiografias panorâmicas para determinação automatizada do sexo

Introduction: forensic anthropology currently serves as a potent tool in primary and secondary identification, especially in mass disasters, increasingly common in our society. Objective: Verify the reproducibility of measured measurements. Proposes methods of personal identification. Method: to verify the reliability of the method, 25 radiographs were selected, the intra-class coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altiman statistical technique were calculated. accuracy of the method, was used. R studio and Medcalc were used. Results: The ICC was above 0.90 for all measurements. According to the Bland-Altman analysis, the average differences observed between examiners ranged from 0.017 (m5) to 0.020 (m7). These results highlight the reliability of measurements made by two different examiners performing the same tasks. Conclusion: The variables used in this study have shown satisfactory reproducibility. Thus, the selected and evaluated data can be used as metadata in automating the sex determination process from panoramic radiographs.

Introdução: A antropologia forense atualmente serve como uma ferramenta potente na identificação primária e secundária, especialmente em desastres em massa, cada vez mais comuns em nossa sociedade. Objetivo: Verificar a reprodutibilidade das medidas mensuradas. Propõe métodos de identificação pessoal. Método: para verificar a confiabilidade do método, foram selecionadas 25 radiografias, calculando-se o coeficiente intraclasse (ICC) e a técnica estatística de Bland-Altiman. Para avaliar a precisão do método, foram utilizados o R studio e o Medcalc. Resultados: O ICC foi superior a 0.90 para todas as medições. De acordo com a análise de Bland-Altman, as diferenças médias observadas entre os examinadores variaram de 0.017 (m5) a 0.020 (m7). Esses resultados destacam a confiabilidade das medições feitas por dois examinadores diferentes realizando as mesmas tarefas. Conclusão: As variáveis utilizadas neste estudo mostraram reprodutibilidade satisfatória. Assim, os dados selecionados e avaliados podem ser usados como metadados na automação do processo de determinação do sexo a partir de radiografias panorâmicas

Estimativa de idade em esqueletos fetais: análise de quatro casos periciais / Age estimation in fetal skeletons: analysis of four forensic cases

Antropologia Forense é uma área da antropologia biológica que pode ser definida como o estudo científico de restos e/ou ossadas humanas, corpos ou parte de corpos que precisam de identificação. Quando uma ossada imatura é encontrada, é possível que ela seja confundida com ossos animais, devido às semelhanças nos formatos e tamanho dos ossos. Além disso, a avaliação da viabilidade fetal está relacionada à estimativa de idade e esses dados também são relevantes em contextos jurídicos, quando se envolvem temas como aborto ou infanticídio. O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever a utilização de um tradicional método de estimativa de idade (Fazekas e Kósa, 1978) em esqueletos fetais e verificar sua aplicabilidade no contexto local, com as amostras do Núcleo de Medicina e Odontologia Legal (NUMOL) de João Pessoa/PB. De acordo com o método, foram mensurados 6 ossos longos (úmero, rádio, ulna, fêmur, tíbia e fíbula) de 4 esqueletos disponíveis. O menor esqueleto analisado teve sua idade estimada entre 18 e 20 semanas e o maior 40 semanas. No único esqueleto catalogado do acervo, a estimativa de idade mostrou-se efetiva, abrangendo a idade real. Nesse contexto, alerta-se para a necessidade de se estabelecer corretamente a idade fetal em casos forenses, o que possibilita responder questionamentos jurídicos, sobretudo quanto à viabilidade da vida intrauterina, trazendo luz as possibilidades de possíveis crimes de aborto ou infanticídio. Ademais, o estudo mostrou-se como um norteador nos trabalhos periciais com a difusão do método, sua execução e aplicação. Contudo, faz-se necessário que novos estudos sejam desenvolvidos buscando a confiabilidade do método com base em ossadas locais e atuais

Forensic Anthropology is a field of biological anthropology that can be defined as the scientific study of human remains and/or bones, bodies or body parts that require identification. When immature bones are found, they may be mistaken for animal bones due to similarities in shape and size. In addition, fetal viability assessment is related to age estimation, and this data is also relevant in legal contexts, when issues such as abortion or infanticide are involved. The objective of this study was to describe the use of a traditional age estimation method (Fazekas and Kósa, 1978) in fetal skeletons and to verify its applicability in the local context, using samples from the Nucleus of Legal Medicine and Dentistry (NUMOL) in João Pessoa/PB, Brazil. According to the method, six long bones (humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and fibula) from four available skeletons were measured. The smallest skeleton analyzed had its age estimated between 18 and 20 weeks, and the largest was 40 weeks. In the only cataloged skeleton in the collection, the age estimation was effective, encompassing the real age. In this context, the need to establish fetal age correctly in forensic cases is emphasized, which makes it possible to answer legal questions, especially regarding the viability of intrauterine life, shedding light on the possibilities of possible crimes of abortion or infanticide. Moreover, the study proved to be a guide in forensic work with the dissemination of the method, its execution, and application. However, it is necessary to develop new studies seeking the reliability of the method based on local and current skeletal remains

Persistência da sutura metópica em crânios secos adultos do Nordeste brasileiro: análise antropológica forense / Persistence of metopic suture in adult dry skulls from Northeast Brazil: a forensic anthropological analysis / Persistencia de la sutura metópica en cráneos secos adultos del Nordeste de Brasil: análisis antropológico forense

A sutura metópica forma-se aproximadamente no primeiro trimestre da vida intrauterina entre os dois centros de ossificação que irão formar o osso frontal. Há controvérsias na literatura em relação ao momento em que essa sutura oblitera, mas se sabe que ocorre antes dos dez anos de idade; entretanto, essa sutura pode não obliterar e persistir ao longo da vida do indivíduo. Este trabalho objetivou relatar a persistência da sutura metópica em crânios secos de esqueletos humanos adultos pertencentes ao Centro de Estudos em Antropologia Forense da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de Pernambuco (CEAF/FOP/UPE), com a finalidade de demonstrar a importância para a perícia antropológica forense. Dentre os 426 examinados, foram identificados dez crânios (2,4%) com a presença de sutura metópica completa, sendo 5 do sexo masculino e 5 do feminino, compreendendo uma faixa etária de 29 a 86 anos. A persistência da metópica possui relevância forense, afinal as variações anatômicas são vistas como estruturas que não são consequência de uma patologia e que diferem do encontrado na população geral, tornando o indivíduo que as possui ainda mais único. Dessa forma, essa variação anatômica pode atuar como auxiliar no processo de identificação humana na perícia antropológica forense... (AU)

The metopic suture forms approximately in the first trimester of intrauterine life between the two ossification centers that will form the frontal bone. There are controversies in the literature as to when this suture obliterates, but it is known to occur before the age of ten; however, this suture may not obliterate and persist throughout the individual's life. This work aimed to report the persistence of the metopic suture in dried skulls of adult human skeletons belonging to the Center for Studies in Forensic Anthropology of the School of Dentistry of the University of Pernambuco (CEAF/FOP/UPE) in order to demonstrate its importance for forensic anthropology. Among the 426 skeletons examined, ten skulls (2.4%) with complete metopic sutures were identified, five male and five female, ranging in age from 29 to 86 years. The persistence of metopic sutures has forensic relevance, after all, anatomical variations are seen as structures that are not a consequence of pathology and that differs from what is found in the general population, making the individual who has them even more unique. Thus, this anatomical variation can act as an aid in the process of human identification in forensic anthropology... (AU)

La sutura metópica se forma aproximadamente en el primer trimestre de vida intrauterina entre los dos centros de osificación que formarán el hueso frontal. Existen controversias en la literatura sobre el momento en que se oblitera esta sutura, pero se sabe que ocurre antes de los diez años; sin embargo, esta sutura puede no obliterarse y persistir durante toda la vida del individuo. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo informar sobre la persistencia de la sutura metópica en cráneos desecados de esqueletos humanos adultos pertenecientes al Centro de Estudos em Antropologia Forense de la Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de Pernambuco (CEAF/FOP/UPE), con el fin de demostrar su importancia para la antropología forense. Entre los 426 esqueletos examinados, se identificaron diez cráneos (2,4%) con presencia de sutura metópica completa, 5 masculinos y 5 femeninos, con edades entre 29 y 86 años. La persistencia de la sutura metópica tiene relevancia forense, después de todo las variaciones anatómicas son vistas como estructuras que no son consecuencia de una patología y que difieren de lo que se encuentra en la población general, haciendo aún más único al individuo que las presenta. Así pues, esta variación anatómica puede servir de ayuda en el proceso de identificación humana en antropología forense... (AU)

Quando um remanescente de guta-percha é decisivo na identificação humana: relato de caso pericial / When gutta-percha residual is decisive in human identification: case report

A Odontologia Legal é a especialidade responsável por esclarecer demandas administrativas ou judiciais provenientes de diferentes esferas. Na esfera criminal, o processo de identificação humana engloba um conjunto de procedimentos que visam individualizar uma pessoa e, em diversas situações, a Odontologia Legal se destaca como um importante método de identificação humana. O objetivo desse trabalho foi apresentar um relato de caso em que a presença de um remanescente de guta-percha foi decisiva no processo de identificação humana. Após exame necroscópico em um cadáver e com a entrega do prontuário odontológico, foi realizada a comparação das informações recebidas do suspeito com aquelas coletadas no exame post mortem. Por meio dessa comparação, verificou-se que havia pontos coincidentes que permitiram que a identificação positiva da vítima fosse estabelecida, especialmente a presença, tanto no exame ante mortem quanto no post mortem, de um remanescente de guta-percha envolto por tecido cicatricial ósseo na região do dente 21. Os materiais dentários utilizados em procedimentos odontológicos, tais como o remanescente de guta-percha neste relato de caso pericial, são extremamente valiosos no processo de identificação humana

Forensic Dentistry is the specialty responsible for clarifying administrative or judicial demands from different spheres. In the criminal sphere, the human identification process encompasses a set of procedures that aim to individualize a person and, in several situations, and Forensic Dentistry stands out as an important method in human identification. The objective was to present a case report in which the presence of a gutta-percha remnant was important in the human identification process. After necroscopic examination and delivery of the dental records, the information received from the suspect was compared with that collected in the post mortem examination. Through this comparison, it was verified that there were coincident points that allowed the positive identification of the victim, especially the presence, both in the ante-mortem and in the post-mortem examination, of a gutta-percha remnant surrounded by bone scar tissue in the tooth region 21. Materials used in dental procedures, such as the gutta-percha remnant in this forensic case report, are extremely valuable in the human identification process

Age estimation of Russian individuals by teeth using the London Atlas / Análise da estimativa de idade em indivíduos russos utilizando a metodologia London Atlas

Knowing an individual's age is necessary for several situations, both in the living and the deceased. The London Atlas uses dental development and eruption to estimate age. Testing the method in different populations is necessary to assess its performance. This study aimed to assess the performance of the London Atlas method in a Russian sample using panoramic radiographs. A sample of 703 panoramic radiographs of Russian individuals (n = 405 females, 57.61% and n = 298 males, 42.39%) with ages between 8 and 23 years were analyzed. The results showed overestimation in individuals from 8 to 14 years and underestimation from 15 to 23 years. The mean difference between estimated and chronological ages did not exceed 0.7 years among individuals with ages below 19 years. The difference increased to over three years in individuals from 20 to 23 years. Statistically significant differences were found between females and males between 17 and 18 years (p<0.05). The London Atlas is suitable for Russian children and adolescents aged between 8 and 19 years; however, it showed unsatisfactory results for application in individuals over 20 years (AU).

Conhecer a idade de um indivíduo, vivo ou morto, é essencial em diversas situações. O método London Atlas utiliza desenvolvimento e erupção dentais para estimar a idade. Testar o método em diferentes populações é importante para avaliar sua performance. Esse estudo objetivou analisar o desempenho do London Atlas em uma amostra de origem russa, utilizando radiografias panorâmicas. Uma amostra de 703 indivíduos russos (n = 405 mulheres, 57,61% e n = 298 homens, 42,39%), com idades entre 8 e 23 anos foram analisadas. Resultados obtidos mostram uma superestimação em indivíduos de 8 a 14 anos e subestimação nos grupos de 15 a 23 anos. A diferença média entre idades estimadas e reais não excederam o valor de 0,7 anos nos indivíduos com idade abaixo de 19 anos. Essa diferença aumentou em até três anos em indivíduos de 20 a 23 anos. Diferenças estatisticamente significantes foram encontradas entre homens e mulheres com 17 e 18 anos (p<0,05). O London Atlas é adequado para crianças e adolescentes de origem russa, com idades de 8 a 19 anos. No entanto, observou-se resultados insatisfatórios para sua aplicação em indivíduos acima de 20 anos (AU).

Sex Estimation of Medial Aspect of the Ischiopubic Ramus in Adults Based on Deep Learning / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the reliability and accuracy of deep learning technology in automatic sex estimation using the 3D reconstructed images of the computed tomography (CT) from the Chinese Han population.@*METHODS@#The pelvic CT images of 700 individuals (350 males and 350 females) of the Chinese Han population aged 20 to 85 years were collected and reconstructed into 3D virtual skeletal models. The feature region images of the medial aspect of the ischiopubic ramus (MIPR) were intercepted. The Inception v4 was adopted as the image recognition model, and two methods of initial learning and transfer learning were used for training. Eighty percent of the individuals' images were randomly selected as the training and validation dataset, and the remaining were used as the test dataset. The left and right sides of the MIPR images were trained separately and combinedly. Subsequently, the models' performance was evaluated by overall accuracy, female accuracy, male accuracy, etc.@*RESULTS@#When both sides of the MIPR images were trained separately with initial learning, the overall accuracy of the right model was 95.7%, the female accuracy and male accuracy were both 95.7%; the overall accuracy of the left model was 92.1%, the female accuracy was 88.6% and the male accuracy was 95.7%. When the left and right MIPR images were combined to train with initial learning, the overall accuracy of the model was 94.6%, the female accuracy was 92.1% and the male accuracy was 97.1%. When the left and right MIPR images were combined to train with transfer learning, the model achieved an overall accuracy of 95.7%, and the female and male accuracies were both 95.7%.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The use of deep learning model of Inception v4 and transfer learning algorithm to construct a sex estimation model for pelvic MIPR images of Chinese Han population has high accuracy and well generalizability in human remains, which can effectively estimate the sex in adults.

Sex Estimation of Han Adults in Western China Based on Three-Dimensional Cranial CT Reconstruction / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To examine the reliability and accuracy of Walker's model for estimating the sex of Han adults in western China by using cranium three-dimensional (3D) CT reconstruction, and to study the suitable cranial sex estimation model for Han people in western China.@*METHODS@#A total of 576 cranial CT 3D reconstructed images from Hanzhong Hospital in Shaanxi Province from 2017 to 2021 were collected. These images were divided into the experimental group with 486 samples and the validation group with 90 samples. Walker's model was used by observer 1 to estimate the sex of experimental group samples. The logistic function applicable to Han people in western China was corrected by observer 1. The 90 samples in the validation group were scored and substituted into the modified logistic function to complete the back substitution test by observer 1, 2 and 3.@*RESULTS@#The accuracy of sex estimation of Han adults in western China was 63.2%-77.2% by applying Walker's model. The accuracy of modified logistic function was 82.9%. The accuracy of sex estimation through back substitution test by 3 observers was 75.6%-91.1%, with a Kappa value of 0.689 (P<0.05) for inter-observer consistency and 0.874 (P<0.05) for intra-observer consistency.@*CONCLUSIONS@#There are great differences in bone characteristics among people from different regions. The modified logistic function can achieve higher accuracy in Han adults in western China.

Comparative study of sex estimates in adult skulls using direct measurement and tomographic image reconstruction

Abstract Sex estimation is an important procedure in forensic anthropology for human identification. The development of new technologies, such as three-dimensional computed tomography (CT), has provided excellent alternatives for this purpose. This study examined and compared a morphological method for sex estimation using two different approaches - direct measurement of physical structures and tomographic analysis using 3D images. A total of 111 skulls from the Museum of Human Anatomy at the University of São Paulo (MAH-USP) were used, (60 males and 51 females). All specimens were scanned by Philips Brilliance 64 CT scanner equipment and their corresponding images were reconstructed in three-dimensional (3D) models. The morphological characteristics of the skulls were analyzed by an observer who was blinded to the sex of the specimens. Five cranial structures were analyzed: external occipital crest, mastoid process, supraorbital margin, glabella, and mental eminence. The structures were scored 1 to 5 according to Buikstra and Ubelaker and validated by Walker. The success rates of the sex estimates obtained through direct measurement of the dry skulls ranged from 67.4% to 70.4% as compared to 60.2% to 68.1% for CT reconstruction. When analyzed separately, the maximum accuracy of the method was 68.33% in males and 88.24% in females in the physical analysis of structures. The glabella and mastoid process were the most effective structures to estimate sex through both techniques, respectively. Our results show that 3D CT images can be accurately used in the morphological analysis for sex estimation, representing a viable alternative in forensic anthropology.

Analysis of smile photos posted on social networks as an alternative for human identification / Análise de fotos do sorriso postadas em redes sociais como alternativa para a identificação humana

ABSTRACT Photos of smiles posted on social media contain information on individuals' anatomical and oral morphological characteristics, which can be important for ante and post-mortem human identification, during confrontation for forensic purposes. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using smile photographs on social networks as a source of information for human forensic identification. Methods: The study sample consisted of forty individuals, randomly divided into four equal groups, two groups in Instagram (IG®) and two groups in Facebook (FB®). Standardized oral photographs of the anterior teeth of the participants, from three different angles (post-mortem photos) were taken using a Nikon® EOS 550D camera. Photos of smiles posted in FB and IG by the participants were also collected (ante-mortem photos). The analysis were carried out by 4 forensic experts, 18 dental professors, and 21 dental students. They compared simulated ante and post-mortem photos, to identify the alleged victims. Results: The correct identification score ranged from 28.6% (students) to 100% (forensic experts). The most frequently reported dental characteristics used for the identification were morphology of the anterior teeth, zenith, and gingival recessions. There was no statistically significant association between the rate of correct identification and the degree of difficulty reported during the analysis (p= 0,068), whereas there was also no association between this index and or the duration of the analysis (p=0,884). Conclusions: Therefore, the photographs of the smile posted on social media proved to be a database of dental information, and with potential to assist in identification with dental forensic purposes.

RESUMO Fotos de sorrisos postadas nas redes sociais contêm informações sobre as características anatômicas e morfológicas orais dos indivíduos, que podem ser importantes para a identificação humana ante e post-mortem, durante o confronto para fins forenses. Objetivo: O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade do uso de fotografias de sorrisos em redes sociais como fonte de informação para identificação forense humana. Métodos: A amostra do estudo foi composta por quarenta indivíduos, divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos iguais, dois grupos no Instagram (IG®) e dois grupos no Facebook (FB®). Fotografias orais padronizadas dos dentes anteriores dos participantes, de três ângulos diferentes (fotos post-mortem), foram tiradas com uma câmera Nikon® EOS 550D. Também foram coletadas fotos de sorrisos postados no FB e IG pelos participantes (fotos ante-mortem). As análises foram realizadas por 4 peritos forenses, 18 professores de odontologia e 21 alunos de odontologia. Eles compararam fotos simuladas ante e post-mortem, para identificar as supostas vítimas. Resultados: A pontuação correta de identificação variou de 28,6% (alunos) a 100% (especialistas forenses). As características dentais mais frequentemente relatadas e utilizadas para a identificação foram morfologia dos dentes anteriores, zênite e recessões gengivais. Não houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre a taxa de identificação correta e o grau de dificuldade relatado durante a análise (p = 0,068), assim como não houve associação entre esse índice e/ou a duração da análise (p = 0,884). Conclusão: Portanto, as fotografias do sorriso postadas nas redes sociais mostraram-se um banco de dados de informações odontológicas, e com potencial para auxiliar na identificação para fins odontológicos forenses.

Limite ético para confirmar identidade pelos caracteres morfológicos / Ethical limits to confirming identity by morphological features / Límite ético para confirmar la identidad por caracteres morfológicos

Resumo O desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias fez nascer ferramentas que auxiliam no processo de identificação de indivíduos, possibilitando confirmar identidades e ajudando a solucionar crimes, ao permitir confirmar o encontro de pessoas desaparecidas ou vítimas de acidentes, por exemplo. Entretanto, um importante questionamento ético precisa ser observado: os fins sempre justificam os meios? A identificação facial a partir de imagens coletadas por câmeras de circuito fechado de televisão ou a análise de registros fotográficos são capazes de confirmar a identidade de alguém inequivocamente? Impressões digitais ou labiais podem ser utilizadas, em qualquer hipótese, em um confronto dactiloscópico? O conhecimento sobre as limitações dos métodos técnicos científicos utilizados em comparações de caracteres morfológicos permite que o resultado do perito papiloscopista atenda a dois princípios basilares constitucionais: a legalidade e o direito da pessoa humana. Ao respeitá-los, estará agindo conforme os limites éticos.

Abstract Technological advancements have generated tools to help with identifying individuals, allowing to verify identities and solve crimes by confirming found missing persons or accident victims, for example. An important ethical question, however, arises: do the ends always justify the means? Can facial identification from images collected by closed-circuit television cameras or analysis of photographic records confirm someone's identity unequivocally? Can fingerprints or lip prints be used for any dactyloscopy? Knowing the limitations of scientific technical methods used in morphological comparisons allows examiners to comply with two fundamental constitutional principles: that of legality and right of the human person. By respecting them, examiners will be acting according to ethical limits.

Resumen El desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías dio lugar a herramientas que ayudan en el proceso de identificación de personas, lo que posibilita la confirmación de identidades y contribuye a la resolución de delitos al permitir confirmar, por ejemplo, a personas desaparecidas o víctimas de accidentes. Sin embargo, es necesario observar una cuestión ética importante: ¿el fin siempre justifica los medios? ¿La identificación facial desde imágenes captadas por cámaras de circuito cerrado de televisión o el análisis de registros fotográficos puede confirmar inequívocamente la identidad de una persona? ¿Se pueden utilizar huellas dactilares o labiales, bajo cualquier circunstancia, en un enfrentamiento dactiloscópico? El conocimiento sobre las limitaciones de los métodos técnicos y científicos utilizados en las comparaciones de caracteres morfológicos permite que el resultado del perito en papiloscopía responda a dos principios constitucionales básicos: la legalidad y el derecho de la persona humana. Al respetarlos se estará actuando dentro de los límites éticos.

Validity of Nolla’s Method for Age Estimation for Children in Kurdish Iraqi Population - A Retrospective Study

Context: Radiographs have an essential role in Chronological Age (CA) estimation and are being used for dental age (DA) determination. Aims: Detecting the validity of Nolla’s method (NM) for the age assessment of Kurdish Iraqi children (KIC). Methods and Material: A retrospective study was performed using orthopantomographs (OPGs) of 354 subjects aged from 4 to 13 years (178 boys and 176 girls) and their recording files. Subjects were divided into nine study groups: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 years old. The chronological age (CA) was subtracted from the DA to find the validity of NM; the positive results indicated the overestimation of age, whereas the negative results indicated for underestimation. The data were recorded through a digitalised system using Microsoft Excel worksheet and analysed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 25) programme using the dependent T?test and graphical analysis. The level of P value used in this study was set at < 0.05. Results: The DA is underestimated in ages 9 to 13 in boys and girls. The highest difference in DA–CA was at the age of 9 years (?0.146 ± 0.162). Conclusions: NM for age estimation was slightly overestimated in age groups of 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 years in boys and girls without statistically significant differences. However, this method underestimated the ages of KIC ranging from 9 to 13 years significantly.

Avaliação tomográfica de quatro medidas lineares cranianas para a estimativa do sexo / Tomographic evaluation of four linear cranial measurements for sex estimation

Introdução: O processo de identificação humana passa pela análise para estimativas de característica antropológicas do indivíduo como sexo, idade, estatura e ancestralidade. As tomografias computadorizadas (TCs) têm sido amplamente utilizadas para fins diagnóstico sendo que as reproduções de imagens são fidedignas em relação ao crânio estudado e isto permite avaliações quantitativas quanto a estimativas antropométricas. Objetivo: Avaliar quatro medidas lineares cranianas em TCs buscando verificar a presença de dimorfismo sexual: Parede externa do forame jugular do lado direito (PEFJLD) a parede externa do forame jugular do lado esquerdo (PEFJLE); Parede externa do forame jugular do lado direito (PEFJLD) a espinha nasal anterior (ENA); Parede externa do forame jugular do lado esquerdo (PEFJLE) a espinha nasal anterior (ENA); Parede externa do forame redondo do lado direito (PEFRLD) a parede externa do forame redondo do lado esquerdo (PEFRLE). Pretendeu-se ainda a construção de um modelo de regressão logística para estimativa do sexo. Metodologia: A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo CEP/FOP/UNICAMP CAAE 54171916.0.0000.5418 e utilizou 200 TCs do Biobanco osteológico e tomográfico, todas com sexo, idade, ancestralidade e causa da morte conhecidas. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos a análise pelos Testes de Shapiro-Wilke e Levene para analisar respectivamente a distribuição e a igualdade de variâncias (homocedasticidade) das variáveis em estudo. Também foram realizados os testes t não pareado e o de Pearson e uma regressão logística (Hachward Stepwire-wald, teste de Homer & Lemeshow e Nagelkerke). Resultados e Conclusão: As quatro medidas avaliadas apresentaram-se dimórficas e as medidas PEFJD-PEFJE e PEFJD-ENA apresentaram-se como melhores variáveis para a construção de um modelo matemático de regressão logística para estimar o sexo, com acurácia de 55,3% na determinação do sexo feminino, 75,2% no sexo masculino e acurácia geral de 66,8%

Introduction: The process of human identification involves analysis to estimate the anthropological characteristics of the individual, such as sex, age, height, and ancestry. Computed tomography (CT) has been widely used for diagnostic purposes and the image reproductions are reliable in relation to the skull studied and this allows quantitative assessments regarding anthropometric estimates. Objective: To evaluate four linear cranial measurements on CTs seeking to verify the presence of sexual dimorphism, namely: External wall of the jugular foramen right side (PEFJLD) to the external wall of the jugular foramen left side (PEFJLE); External wall of jugular foramen right side (PEFJLD) to anterior nasal spine (ENA); External wall of jugular foramen left side (PEFJLE) to anterior nasal spine (ENA); External wall of the foramen rotundum right side (PEFRLD) to the wall of the foramen rotundum left side(PEFRLE). It was also intended to build a logistic regression model for sex estimation. Methodology: The research was approved by CEP/FOP/UNICAMP CAAE 54171916.0.0000.5418 and used 200 CTs from the osteological and tomographic Biobank, all with known sex, age, ancestry, and cause of death. The data obtained were submitted to analysis by the Shapiro-Wilke and Levene tests to analyze respectively the distribution and equality of variances (homoscedasticity) of the variables under study. The unpaired t-test and Pearson's test and a logistic regression were also performed (Hachward Stepwire-wald, Homer & Lemeshow and Nagelkerke test). Results and Conclusion: The four measures evaluated were dimorphic, and among them the PEFJD-PEFJE and PEFJD-ENA measures were the best variables for the construction of a mathematical model of logistic regression to estimate sex, with an accuracy of 55, 3% in the determination of females, 75.2% of males and an overall accuracy of 66.8%

Análise de métodos de identificação humana para diferenciação de gêmeos monozigóticos: revisão de literatura / Analysis of human identification methods for differentiating monozygotic twins: a literature review

Devido à dificuldade de diferenciação entre gêmeos monozigóticos (GM) e as limitações existentes nos métodos, decorrentes das influências e similaridades genéticas, ambientais e faciais, a busca por métodos confiáveis que possam distinguir esses indivíduos geneticamente idênticos torna-se de grande importância para o campo forense. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão da literatura do tipo narrativa a respeito dos métodos que ofereçam segurança para diferenciação entre GM. Constatou-se que a análise de pontos característicos individuais na impressão datiloscópicas e plantares, desenvolvimento dental, impressão labial, rugoscopia palatina, medidas faciais antropométricas, biometria ocular e por impressão vocal, padrões de cristas das unhas e de veias, seio frontal e impressão da língua são métodos eficazes para a identificação de GM. Ainda, superando a análise convencional de DNA, surgiu a análise genética por meio das variações sequenciais do genoma, denominado de Massively Parallel Sequencing que tornou possível distinguir gêmeos monozigóticos. Além dos métodos primários de identificação humana que permitem a diferenciação de GM, como a papiloscopia e odontologia, diversos métodos para diferenciação de GM estão descritos na literatura, e cada qual possui suas vantagens e limitações no sentido de propiciar ao perito a melhor informação no sentido de que GM sejam adequadamente diferenciados

A number of limitations can be found in the methods in identifying monozygotic twins (MT) due to genetic influences, facial and environmental similarities, the search for reliable methods to identify genetically identical individuals has become a great importance for Forensic Science. The objective of this work was to conduct a literature review in search of methods that offer attested identification among MT. It was found that the analysis of individual characteristic points in fingerprint and plantar impressions, dental development, lip impression, palatal rugoscopy, anthropometric facial measurements, ocular and voice impression biometry, patterns of nail ridges and veins, sinus Front and tongue print are effective methods for MT identification. Also, surpassing the conventional analysis of DNA, genetic analysis emerged through the sequential variations of the genome, called Massively Parallel Sequencing, which made it possible to distinguish monozygotic twins. In addition to the primary methods of human identification that allow the differentiation of MT, such as papiloscopy and dentistry, several methods for differentiating MT are described in the literature, and each one has its advantages and limitations in the sense of providing the expert with the best information in terms of that GM are properly differentiated

Validity and reliability of palatal rugae morphometric assessment with 3D laser scanned models

Aim: To assess the reliability and validity of morphometric features on 3D digital models produced by scanning maxillary dental casts of Malaysian Malay subjects. Methods: Dental casts of 20 subjects were scanned using a 3D laser scanner (Next Engine Inc., Santa Monica, California, USA). The palatal rugae morphometric features were assessed on the resulting 3D models using 3-Matic Research 9.0 software (Materialise NV, Heverlee, Belgium). The assessments were repeated by the first and second authors to assess the intra- and interexaminer reliability, respectively. Rugae morphometric features were also evaluated on the conventional plaster models to assess the validity of the 3D method. Results: Kappa values of the validity ranged from 0.807 to 0.922 for rugae shape, size category and direction. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for rugae number validity was 0.979. For intra-examiner reliability, kappa values ranged from 0.716-1.000 for rugae shape, size category and direction. The ICC for rugae number intra-examiner reliability was 0.949. Kappa values of interexaminer reliability for rugae shape, size category and direction were 0.723-885, while the ICC of rugae number was 0.896. Conclusion: Palatal rugae analyses on 3D digital models scanned by the 3D Next Engine laser scanner using 3-Matic Research 9.0 software are valid and reliable

Development of craniofacial superimposition: a review / Desarrollo de la superposición craneofacial: una revisión

SUMMARY: Craniofacial superimposition is a method for identifying individuals by using secondary data in order to identify a target group of persons before a DNA process can be used, or to identify an individual instead of using primary data in cases where DNA, fingerprint or dental records are not found. Craniofacial superimposition has continued to evolve, with various techniques, including computer-assisted and photography techniques, to help the operation be more convenient, faster and reliable. The knowledge of forensic anthropology is applied, with a comparison between anatomical landmarks. The study of developments in craniofacial superimposition using computer-assistance has yielded satisfactory results.

La superposición craneofacial es un método para identificar individuos mediante el uso de datos secundarios, se utiliza para identificar un grupo objetivo de personas, antes de que se pueda utilizar un proceso de ADN, o para identificar a un individuo en lugar de utilizar datos primarios en los casos en que no se cuenta con registros de ADN, huellas dactilares o dentales. La superposición craneofacial ha seguido evolucionando, con diversas técnicas, incluidas las técnicas fotográficas y asistidas por computador, para ayudar a que la operación sea más conveniente, rápida y confiable. Se aplica el conocimiento de la antropología forense, con una comparación entre hitos anatómicos. El estudio de la evolución de la superposición craneofacial con asistencia informática ha arrojado resultados satisfactorios.

Dimorfismo sexual del agujero magno en tomografías de una población peruana / Sexual dimorphism of the foramen magnum in CT scans of a Peruvian population

Introducción: La base del cráneo es una estructura compacta, muy resistente a los daños físicos, la robustez del hueso occipital y la posición anatómica protegida del agujero magno bajo una profundidad de tejido blando pueden hacerlo menos vulnerable a la fragmentación y a los efectos de los procesos tafonómicos en comparación con otras estructuras óseas, lo que permite utilizarlo para estimar el dimorfismo sexual. Objetivo: Establecer la relación entre el dimorfismo sexual y la morfometría del agujero magno en tomografías de pacientes mayores o iguales a los 18 años que asistieron a consultorios privados en Lima metropolitana, durante los años 2015 al 2020. Materiales y métodos: El estudio se desarrolló con 239 tomografías (88 masculinos y 151 femeninos). Se realizaron mediciones del agujero magno de los diámetros anteroposterior máximo (DAPM), transversal máximo (DTM) y el área se estableció mediante la fórmula de Teixeira (1982). Resultados: El DAPM presentó una media en el sexo masculino de 37,182 +/- 2,4012 mm y en el femenino de 34,795 +/- 2,1086 mm, mientras que para el DTM se estableció una media en el sexo masculino de 32,517 +/- 2,3463 mm y para el femenino de 30,514 +/- 2,2084 mm, en el área según Teixeira (1982) en el sexo masculino se observó una media de 957,21390 +/- 115,162403mm2 y en el femenino de 840,11055 +/- 93,775088mm2. Se establece una relación estadística (p<0.05) entre los parámetros DAPM, DTM, A Teixeira (1982) entre ambos sexos. Conclusión: Existe relación entre el dimorfismo sexual y la morfometría del agujero magno, con una predicción de 71.96%

Introduction: The base of the skull is a compact structure, very resistant to physical damage, the robustness of the occipital bone and the protected anatomical position of the foramen magnum under a depth of soft tissue may make it less vulnerable to fragmentation and to the effects of taphonomic processes compared to other bone structures, allowing it to be used to estimate sexual dimorphism. Objective: To establish the relationship between sexual dimorphism and the morphometry of the foramen magnum in CT scans of patients older or equal to 18 years of age who attended private clinics in metropolitan Lima, during the years 2015 to 2020. Materials and methods: The study was developed with 239 tomographies (88 male and 151 female). Foramen magnum measurements of the maximum anteroposterior diameters (DAPM), maximum transverse (DTM) were performed and the area was established using Teixeira's (1982) formula. Results: The DAPM presented a mean in the male sex of 37.182 +/- 2.4012 mm and in the female sex of 34.795 +/- 2.1086 mm, while for the DTM a mean was established in the male sex of 32.517 +/- 2, 3463 mm and for the female of 30.514 +/- 2.2084 mm, in the area according to Teixeira (A Teixeira) in the male sex a mean of 957.21390 +/- 115.162403mm2 and in the female sex of 840.11055 +/- 93.775088mm2 was observed. A statistical relationship (p<0.05) was established between the parameters DAPM, DTM, A TEIXEIRA between both sexes. Conclusion: There is a relationship between sexual dimorphism and foramen magnum morphometry, with a prediction of 71.96%

Importância das selfies para a identificação humana ­ relato de quatro casos periciais / Importance of selfies for human identification - four forensic case reports

A identificação humana é realizada por impressões digitais, prontuários odontológicos ou DNA. No entanto, nem sempre todos os processos estão disponíveis. No contexto da Odontologia Legal, o perito precisa estar atento nos casos em que há ausência de documentação odontológica, para buscar outros parâmetros que possam servir na identificação da pessoa desaparecida. Os sorrisos de pessoas desaparecidas em fotografias presentes nas redes sociais enviadas pela família podem ser analisados e utilizados para fins de identificação. O presente estudo relatou quatro casos nos quais foram utilizadas selfies postadas nas redes sociais de pessoas desaparecidas como subsídio para uma identificação humana positiva. A reprodutibilidade da posição do sorriso na fotografia AM foi um fator limitante devido ao posicionamento aleatório do operador que promove alterações na posição da cabeça e do braço, mas que não impediu a identificação das vítimas uma vez que características odontológicas individualizadoras foram evidenciadas nos exames AM e PM. O uso de selfies como fonte de informação para a identificação odontológica constitui técnica útil, vantajosa, confiável e de baixo custo, pois é acessível para todos os contextos sociais e econômicos

Human identification is performed by fingerprints, dental records or DNA. However, not all processes are always available. In the context of Forensic Dentistry, the expert needs to be alert in cases where there is no dental documentation, to look for other parameters that can serve in the identification of the missing person. The smiles of missing persons in photographs on social media sent by the family can be analyzed and used for identification purposes. The present study reported four cases in which selfies posted on social networks of missing persons were used as a subsidy for positive human identification. The reproducibility of the smile position in the AM photograph was a limiting factor due to the random positioning of the operator, which promotes changes in the position of the head and arm, but which did not prevent the identification of victims, since individualizing dental characteristics were evidenced in the AM and PM The use of selfies as a source of information for dental identification is a useful, advantageous, reliable and low-cost technique, as it is accessible to all social and economic contexts

Human Identification by Comparative Analysis of Frontal Sinuses: Study on Computed Tomography

ABSTRACT: Generally, primary methods of identification as the fingerprint analysis, dental analysis or DNA examination are indicated for the establishment of the identity of a corpse. In situations with poor body conservation, such as in advanced stage of putrefaction or skeletonization, imaging exams like medical and dental computed tomography can assist in the process of identification. The frontal sinuses present anatomical characteristics that allow the establishment of the identity of an in dividual. In this case report we used the technique of three-dimensional construction of the frontal sinuses through the generation of solid figures representative of the sinus morphology. After the comparative analysis of the antemortem and postmortem tomography of the alleged victim, we could establish similarities in both the variations in size, shape, symmetry and contour of borders, and the presence and number of septa, allowing us to infer that the two images described belong to the same individual, thus establishing the identity of the corpse found.

RESUMEN: Generalmente, los métodos primarios de identificación como el análisis dactiloscópico, el análisis dental o el examen de ADN están indicados para el establecimiento de la identidad de un cadáver. En situaciones de mala conservación del cuerpo, como en etapa avanzada de putrefacción o esqueletización, los exámenes de imagen como la tomografía computarizada médica y dental pueden ayudar en el proceso de identificación. Los senos frontales presentan características anatómicas que permiten establecer la identidad de un individuo. En este reporte de caso utilizamos la técnica de construcción tridimensional de los senos frontales a través de la generación de figuras sólidas representativas de la morfología sinusal. Tras el análisis comparativo de la tomografía antemortem y postmortem de la presunta víctima, pudimos establecer similitudes tanto en las variaciones de tamaño, forma, simetría y contorno de márgenes, como en la presencia y número de septos, lo que nos permite inferir que las dos imágenes descritas pertenecen al mismo individuo, estableciéndose así la identidad del cadáver encontrado.

Correlation of Anthropometric Measurements of Proximal Tibia with Its Length for Stature Estimation in Forensic Analysis

Background: Estimation of stature is one of the commonly used methods in forensic analysis to establish identity of individuals. Estimation of stature from fragments of long bones is done by deriving linear regression equations. The objective of the present study was to derive a simple regression equation for estimating length of the tibia using the morphometry of proximal end of tibia. Materials and methods: In this descriptive study carried out in the department of anatomy of a medical college, anthropometric measurements of proximal end of 150 dry human tibiae were collected irrespective of the sex and side. The parameters measured included the mediolateral length of the proximal end, the anteroposterior length of the medial and lateral condyle of tibia, anteroposterior length of the intercondylar area, and the circumference of proximal end of tibia. The measurements were done using Vernier calliper and measuring tape. Length of the tibia was estimated by using simple regression analysis. Results: The following linear regression equations were derived. Length of tibia can be calculated by, 29.2749 + (1.1925 × Mediolateral length) ±1.1926, 27.6418 + (2.333 × Anteroposterior length of lateral condyle) ±1.132, 21.8342+(3.2614 ×Anteroposterior length of medial condyle) ±1.328, 33.542 +(0.8952 × Anteroposterior length of intercondylar region) ±1.474, 23.1902 +(0.76379 × Circumference of proximal end) ± 1.134 Conclusion: The study revealed that there is a positive correlation between the measurements of proximal end of tibia and its length. The equation derived would help in forensic analysis to estimate the stature of an individual.