Application of Sphenoid Sinus Morphological Characteristics in Sex Estimation Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Images / Aplicación de las Características Morfológicas del Seno Esfenoidal en la Estimación del Sexo Basada en Imágenes de Resonancia Magnética

SUMMARY: Sex determination of unknown persons plays an important role in forensic science. As most bones used for sex determination are recovered in incomplete state, it is often necessary to use bones that are recovered intact e.g., the sphenoid sinus. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of sphenoid sinuses dimensions for sex determination using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images in Chinese adults. MRI images of 79 sphenoid sinuses (from 44 men and 35 women) were retrospectively selected. The height, anterior-posterior diameter, area, and perimeter were measured in the midsagittal view of the sphenoid sinuses. All data were subjected to descriptive and discriminative functional analysis with unpaired t-test and canonical discriminant. Comparison between male and female groups showed significant statistical differences regarding the height, anterior-posterior diameter, area, and perimeter of sphenoid sinuses. The predictive accuracy rate of the sphenoid sinus to identify sex was 63.6 % in males and 62.9 % in females with an overall accuracy of 63.3 %. This study proposed the importance of sexual dimorphism of sphenoid sinus dimensions, especially if other methods are not available. It suggested using MRI in forensics science thus obviating the complete dependence on the usage of conventional computed tomography (CT) and facilitating the study of forensic anatomy at the level of soft tissue.

La determinación del sexo de personas desconocidas juega un papel importante en la ciencia forense. Como la mayoría de los huesos utilizados para la determinación del sexo se recuperan en un estado incompleto, a menudo es necesario utilizar huesos recuperados intactos, por ejemplo, el seno esfenoidal. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el valor diagnóstico de las dimensiones de los senos esfenoidales para la determinación del sexo utilizando imágenes de resonancia magnética en individuos adultos chinos. Se seleccionaron retrospectivamente imágenes de resonancia magnética de 79 senos esfenoidales (de 44 hombres y 35 mujeres). La altura, el diámetro anteroposterior, el área y el perímetro de los senos esfenoidales, se midieron en vista mediana sagital. Todos los datos se sometieron a análisis funcional descriptivo y discriminativo con prueba t no pareada y discriminante canónico. La comparación entre los grupos de hombres y mujeres mostró diferencias estadísticas significativas en cuanto a la altura, el diámetro anteroposterior, el área y el perímetro de los senos esfenoidales. La tasa de precisión predictiva del seno esfenoidal para identificar el sexo fue del 63,6 % en hombres y del 62,9 % en mujeres, con una precisión general del 63,3 %. Este estudio propuso la importancia del dimorfismo sexual de las dimensiones del seno esfenoidal, especialmente si no se dispone de otros métodos. Se sugiere utilizar la resonancia magnética en la ciencia forense, obviando así la dependencia total del uso de la tomografía computarizada convencional y facilitando con esto el estudio de la anatomía forense a nivel de los tejidos blandos.

Sex Determination by the Machine Learning Algorithms Through Using Morphometric Measurements of the Carpal, Metacarpal, and Phalangeal Bones / Determinación del Sexo Mediante Algoritmos de Aprendizaje Automático Mediante el Uso de Mediciones Morfométricas de los Huesos del Carpo, el Metacarpo y las Falanges

SUMMARY: In the study, it was aimed to predict sex from hand measurements using machine learning algorithms (MLA). Measurements were made on MR images of 60 men and 60 women. Determined parameters; hand length (HL), palm length (PL), hand width (HW), wrist width (EBG), metacarpal I length (MIL), metacarpal I width (MIW), metacarpal II length (MIIL), metacarpal II width (MIIW), metacarpal III length (MIIL), metacarpal III width (MIIIW), metacarpal IV length (MIVL), metacarpal IV width (MIVW), metacarpal V length (MVL), metacarpal V width (MVW), phalanx I length (PILL), measured as phalanx II length (PIIL), phalanx III length (PIIL), phalanx IV length (PIVL), phalanx V length (PVL). In addition, the hand index (HI) was calculated. Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), K-nearest neighbour (KNN) and Naive Bayes (NB) were used as MLAs. In the study, the KNN algorithm's Accuracy, SEN, F1 and Specificity ratios were determined as 88 %. In this study using MLA, it is understood that the highest accuracy belongs to the KNN algorithm. Except for the hand's MIIW, MIIIW, MIVW, MVW, HI variables, other variables were statistically significant in terms of sex difference.

En el estudio, el objetivo era predecir el sexo a partir de mediciones manuales utilizando algoritmos de aprendizaje automático (MLA). Las mediciones se realizaron en imágenes de RM de 60 hombres y 60 mujeres. Parámetros determinados; longitud de la mano (HL), longitud de la palma (PL), ancho de la mano (HW), ancho de la muñeca (EBG), longitud del metacarpiano I (MIL), ancho del metacarpiano I (MIW), longitud del metacarpiano II (MIIL), ancho del metacarpiano II (MIIW), longitud del metacarpiano III (MIIL), ancho del metacarpiano III (MIIIW), longitud del metacarpiano IV (MIVL), ancho del metacarpiano IV (MIVW), longitud del metacarpiano V (MVL), ancho del metacarpiano V (MVW), longitud de la falange I (PILL), medido como longitud de la falange II (PIIL), longitud de la falange III (PIIL), longitud de la falange IV (PIVL), longitud de la falange V (PVL). Además, se calculó el índice de la mano (HI). Regresión logística (LR), Random Forest (RF), Análisis discriminante lineal (LDA), K-vecino más cercano (KNN) y Naive Bayes (NB) se utilizaron como MLA. En el estudio, las proporciones de precisión, SEN, F1 y especificidad del algoritmo KNN se determinaron en un 88 %. En este estudio que utiliza MLA, se entiende que la mayor precisión pertenece al algoritmo KNN. Excepto por las variables MIIW, MIIIW, MIVW, MVW, HI de la mano, otras variables fueron estadísticamente significativas en términos de diferencia de sexo.

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.

A comparative study of visual assessment between dry bone, 2-dimensional photograph, and deep learning methods in sex classification on the auricular area of the os coxae in a Thai population / Un estudio comparativo de la evaluación visual entre el hueso seco, la fotografía bidimensional y los métodos de aprendizaje profundo en la clasificación del sexo en el área auricular del hueso coxal en una población tailandesa

SUMMARY: Sex assessment is an important process in forensic identification. A pelvis is the best skeletal element for identifying sexes due to its sexually dimorphic morphology. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of the visual assessment in dry bones as well as 2D images and to test the accuracy of using a deep convolutional neural network (GoogLeNet) for increasing the performance of a sex determination tool in a Thai population. The total samples consisted of 250 left os coxa that were divided into 200 as a 'training' group (100 females, 100 males) and 50 as a 'test' group. In this study, we observed the auricular area, both hands-on and photographically, for visual assessment and classified the images using GoogLeNet. The intra-inter observer reliabilities were tested for each visual assessment method. Additionally, the validation and test accuracies were 85, 72 percent and 79.5, 60 percent, for dry bone and 2D image methods, respectively. The intra- and inter-observer reliabilities showed moderate agreement (Kappa = 0.54 - 0.67) for both visual assessments. The deep convolutional neural network method showed high accuracy for both validation and test sets (93.33 percent and 88 percent, respectively). Deep learning performed better in classifying sexes from auricular area images than other visual assessment methods. This study suggests that deep learning has advantages in terms of sex classification in Thai samples.

RESUMEN: La evaluación del sexo es un proceso importante en la identificación forense. La pelvis es el mejor elemento esquelético para identificar sexos debido a su morfología sexualmente dimórfica. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar la precisión de la evaluación visual en huesos secos, así como imágenes 2D y probar la precisión del uso de una red neuronal convolucional profunda (GoogLeNet) para aumentar el rendimiento de una herramienta de determinación de sexo en una población tailandesa. Las muestras consistieron en 250 huesos coxales izquierdos, los que fueron dividi- das de la siguiente manera: 200 como un grupo de "entrenamiento" (100 mujeres, 100 hombres) y 50 como un grupo de "prueba". En este estudio, observamos el área auricular, tanto de forma práctica como fotográfica, para una evaluación visual y clasificamos las imágenes utilizando GoogLeNet. Se analizó la confiabilidad intra-interobservador para cada método de evaluación visual. Además, las precisiones de validación y prueba fueron del 85, 72 por ciento y 79,5, 60 por ciento, para los métodos de hueso seco y de imágenes 2D, respectivamente. Las confiabilidades intra e interobservador mostraron un acuerdo moderado (Kappa = 0.54 - 0.67) para ambas evaluaciones visuales. El método de red neuronal convolucional profunda mostró una alta precisión tanto para la validación como para los conjuntos de prueba (93,33 por ciento y 88 por ciento, respectivamente). El aprendizaje se desempeñó mejor en la clasificación de sexos a partir de imágenes del área auricular que otros métodos de evaluación visual. Este estudio sugiere que el aprendizaje profundo tiene ventajas en términos de clasificación por sexo en muestras tailandesas.

Sex estimation using ulna in a Thai population / Estimación del sexo utilizando la ulna en una población tailandesa

SUMMARY: Sex estimation from fragmentary bone remain is still challenge for forensic pathologist. Ulna has been reported useful for sex estimation by metric analysis. This study generated sex estimation function for fragment and complete of ulnar bone in a Thai population. The function was generated from 200 pairs of ulnar bone, and others 20 pair of ulnar bone were used for test the accuracy of the functions. Olecranon width was the best single variable for sex predicting of proximal part of ulna, which right olecranon width could be classified the sex 90.5 %. While distal end width of ulna was the variable for predicting the sex of distal part, which left distal end width could be classified the sex with 83.0 %. Stepwise discriminant function analysis was applied to proximal part. For proximal part of right ulna 4 measurements were selected (inferior-medial trochlear notch length, olecranon width, olecranon-coronoid process length, and maximum proximal ulnar width), while the left side, superior trochlear notch width, olecranon width, and maximum proximal ulnar width were chosen, and their functions could be predicted the sex with 91.0 % and 90.0 %, respectively. Our results indicated the ulnar bone had high ability for estimating the sex in a Thai population.

RESUMEN: La estimación del sexo a partir de restos óseos fragmentarios sigue siendo un desafío para el patólogo forense. Se ha informado de la utilidad de la ulna para la estimación del sexo mediante análisis métrico. En este estudio se analizó la estimación del sexo para un fragmento y de la ulna completa en una población tailandesa. La función se generó a partir de 200 pares de ulnas y se utilizaron otras 20 pares de ulnas estimando la precisión de las funciones. El ancho del olécranon fue la mejor variable individual para predecir el sexo en la parte proximal de la ulna (90, 5 %). Si bien el ancho del extremo distal de la ulna fue la variable para predecir el sexo, el ancho del extremo distal izquierdo podría clasificarse por sexo con un 83,0 % de certeza. Se aplicó un análisis de función discriminante escalonada a la parte proximal. Para la parte proximal de la ulna derecha se seleccionaron 4 medidas (longitud de la incisura troclear inferior-medial, ancho del olécranon, longitud del proceso olecraneano-proceso coronoides y ancho ulnar proximal máximo), mientras que en el lado izquierdo, fue determinado el ancho de la incisura superior troclear, ancho del olécranon y ancho ulnar proximal máximo. Se eligió el ancho, y se pudo predecir el sexo en el 91,0 % y 90,0 % de los casos, respectivamente. Nuestros resultados indicaron que la ulna tenía una alta capacidad para estimar el sexo en una población tailandesa.

Sex and stature estimation from adult lumbar vertebrae in a Thai population based on image analysis / Estimación de sexo y estatura de vértebras lumbares adultas en una población Tailandesa basada en análisis de imagen

SUMMARY: Although molecular techniques evolved considerably in last years, anthropological methods of assessing skeletal remains, continues to be an important tool in the identification process in medico legal investigations. The objective of this study was to develop a discriminant function equation for estimating sex and stature using several measurements of lumbar vertebrae in a Thai population. We studied 150 lumbar columns (75 male and 75 female) age range of 22 to 89 years from the Forensic Osteology Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. The quantitative variables with sex were analyzed by the discriminant function analysis and that with stature were calculated using linear regression. The pixel density of the major axis of the trabecular surface of superior endplate of the first lumbar vertebra had the most accuracy in sex determination. The regression equation with quantitative variables in stature estimation described 32.3 % of the total variance with standard error of estimate of 7.736 cm. Lumbar vertebrae can be used as part of the stature and sex quantitatively and qualitatively estimating in Thais incomplete skeletal remains.

RESUMEN: Los métodos antropológicos de evaluación del esqueleto siguen siendo una herramienta importante en el proceso de identificación en las investigaciones médico-legales. El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar una ecuación de función discriminante para estimar el sexo y la estatura utilizando varias medidas de las vértebras lumbares en una población tailandesa. Se estudiaron 150 columnas lumbares (75 hombres y 75 mujeres) con un rango etario de 22 a 89 años del Centro de Investigación de Osteología Forense, Universidad de Chiang Mai, Tailandia. Las variables cuantitativas de sexo se analizaron mediante el análisis de función discriminante y la estatura fue calculada mediante regresión lineal. En cuanto a la determinación de sexo, la densidad de píxeles del eje mayor de superficie trabecular de la placa terminal superior de la primera vértebra lumbar fue de mayor precisión. La ecuación de regresión con variables cuantitativas en la estimación de la estatura describió el 32,3 % de la varianza total con el error estándar de estimación de 7,736 cm. Las vértebras lumbares se pueden utilizar como parte de la estatura y el sexo, estimando cuantitativa y cualitativamente los restos esqueléticos incompletos en sujetos tailandeses.

Sex prediction by analysis of the morphological characteristics of macerated skulls / Predicción sexual mediante análisis de las características morfológicas de cráneos macerados

The skull is a reliable structure for determining the sex of an adult individual; it is generally resistant in adverse conditions, allowing it to be used for the analysis of sexual dimorphism. In the present study we analysed 10 non-metric characteristics of skulls of Brazilian adult individuals in order to: Determine the strength of association between sex and the morphological characteristics of the skull, the morphological characteristic(s) with greatest diagnostic influence for sex, and analyse whether the morphological characteristics of the skull predict sex. The study included 179 macerated skulls of Brazilian adults, (69 female, 110 male). The sex of all the skulls included was identified. The investigators were calibrated prior to analysis and all the evaluations were carried out under blinding. Pearson's Chi-squared test was used. The sensitivity and specificity were analysed and a ROC curve was constructed. Binary logistic regression was carried out. The SPSS v.22 software was used, with a significance threshold of 5 %. All the characteristics analysed presented statistically significant differences (p<0.05). The frontal profile, the superciliary arch and the glabella presented the greatest sensitivity, best balance between sensitivity and specificity and greatest area under curve. The regression model with the frontal profile, superciliary arch and mastoid process was significant [X2(2) = 115,728 p=0.000, R2 Negelkerke=0.657], and presented correct sex classification in 90 % of cases (Males: 87.4 %; Females: 83.1 %). In unknown individuals for whom the skull is present, non-metric analysis of the frontal profile, superciliary arch, mastoid process and glabella can be used as instruments for sex identification.

El cráneo es una estructura confiable para la determinación sexual de un individuo adulto y suele ser resistente en condiciones adversas, por lo que puede ser utilizado para el análisis del dimorfismo sexual. En el presente estudio analizamos 10 características no métricas de cráneos de individuos brasileños adultos a fin de determinar la fuerza de asociación entre el sexo y características morfológicas del cráneo; determinar la(s) característica(s) morfológica(s) con mejor poder para diagnosticar el sexo; y analizar si las características morfológicas del cráneo son previsoras del sexo. Fueron incluidos 179 cráneos macerados de brasileños adultos, (69 femeninos, 110 masculinos). Todos los cráneos incluidos presentaban identificación de sexo. Los investigadores fueron previamente calibrados y todas las evaluaciones fueron realizadas de forma ciega. Se utilizó la prueba de Chicuadrado de Pearson. Se analizó la sensibilidad y especificidad y se construyó una curva ROC. Se realizó regresión logística binaria. Se utilizó el software SPSS v.22, considerando umbral de significación de 5 %. Todas las características analizadas presentaron diferencias estadísticas significativas (p<0,05). El perfil frontal, el arco superciliar y la glabela fueron las características que presentaron mayor sensibilidad, mejor equilibrio sensibilidad/especificidad y mayor area under curve. El modelo de regresión con el perfil frontal, arco superciliar y proceso mastoides fue significativo [X2(2) = 115,728 p=0.000, R2 Negelkerke=0,657], y presentó una clasificación sexual correcta de 90 % (Males; 87,4 %; Females: 83,1 %). En individuos desconocidos en los cuales esté presente el cráneo, el análisis no-métrico del perfil frontal, del arco superciliar, del proceso mastoides y de la glabela pueden ser utilizados como herramienta para identificación sexual.

Sex determination from the humerus bone in Iranian cases / Determinación del sexo a partir del húmero en casos iraníes

Sex determination from bones is of vital importance in anthropological studies and medico-legal cases. The present study focused on measurements of the humerus, and evaluation of the differences in sex present in the morphology through statistical analysis. In our study, 61 dry adult humerus bones of known sex (35 males and 26 female) were studied. Damaged bones were excluded from the study. Each humerus was measured for 10 parameters; measurements were taken by using a sliding caliper as described in anthropology textbooks and previous studies. The osteometric data of the humerus of the present study is statistically analyzed and in both sexes are compared. Statistical tests were applied to the metrical data obtained to assess whether the differences between the means of each parameter are statistically significant between male and female. We found more discriminatory parameters for the identification of sex from humerus. In this study we found in men positive correlations between AR and epicondylar width (0.471**) and midshaft with length of humerous (0.481**); the correlation of these parameters was not found in females. Conversely we found in female, positive correlations between medial and lateral angle with mid shaf t circumference (0.488**) and width of epicondylar and maximum length (0.511**) and medial angle, with medial and lateral angle (0.498**) and maximum width with length of humerous (0.512**); correlation of these parameters were not observed in males. In previous studies authors did not analyze relationship between total humeral length and the measurements of their segments related to possible differences among populations, by sex separately. This may be due to genetic, nutritional and socio-economic differences in the individuals or may be due to hypo masculinity in female humerus and hyper masculinity in male humerus.

La determinación del sexo a partir de los huesos es de vital importancia en los estudios antropológicos y en los casos médico-legales. El presente estudio se centró en las mediciones del húmero y en evaluar las diferencias de sexo presentes en la morfología a través del análisis estadístico. En nuestra investigación, se estudiaron 61 húmeros adultos secos (35 hombres y 26 mujeres). Los huesos dañados fueron excluidos del estudio. Cada húmero se midió para 10 parámetros; las mediciones se realizaron utilizando un calibrador deslizante como está descrito en textos de antropología y estudios anteriores. Los datos osteométricos del húmero se analizaron estadísticamente y se compararon ambos sexos. Se aplicaron pruebas estadísticas a los datos métricos obtenidos para evaluar si las diferencias entre las medias de cada parámetro eran estadísticamente significativas entre hombres y mujeres. Se observó que existen parámetros más discriminatorios para la identificación del sexo a partir del húmero. En este estudio, encontramos en los hombres correlaciones positivas entre AR y ancho epicondilar (0,471**) y vástago medio con la longitud de del húmero (0,481**) que no tienen esta correlación de parámetros en mujeres. Además, encontramos correlaciones positivas entre mujeres: ángulo medial y lateral con circunferencia del eje medio t (0,488**) y ancho epicondilar y longitud máxima (0,511**) y ángulo medial con ángulo medial y lateral (0.498**), y ancho máximo con longitud de húmero (0.512**) no se observaron estos parámetros de correlación en el hombre. En estudios anteriores, los autores no analizaron la relación entre la longitud humeral total y las medidas de los segmentos con las posibles diferencias entre la población agrupada por sexo. Esto se podría deber a la diferencia genética, nutricional y socioeconómica en los individuos o la hipocomunidad en el húmero femenino y la hiper masculinidad en el húmero de los hombres.

Sex prediction from metrical analysis of macerated mandibles of Brazilian adults / Predicción sexual mediante análisis métrica de mandíbulas maceradas de brasileños adultos

Determining sex may be more difficult in cases such as natural disasters, accidents or situations in which bodies are subjected to high temperatures, when individuals must be identified from their remains. The mandible is a very strong bone, presents high sexual dimorphism and may be useful in forensic identification. The object of the present study was to determine sex by metrical analysis of macerated mandibles of Brazilian adults. We analysed 113 fully dentate macerated mandibles of Brazilian adults, 47 belonging to women and 66 to men. We took 8 measurements using a digital calliper: bicondilar breadth (BC), bigonial breadth (BG), bimental foramina breadth (BM), distance between mental foramen and mandibular base (MF-MB), mandibular ramus height (MRH), maximum mandibular ramus breadth (MaRB), minimum mandibular ramus breadth (MiRB) and mandibular body length (MBL). The t test was used for statistical analysis of independent samples, and a ROC curve was constructed. Direct and stepwise discriminant analysis was carried out. SPSS v.22 software was used, with a significance threshold of 5 %. We observed that all the measurements presented statistically significant differences between the sexes, with greater mean values for men than for women. BG was the measurement which presented the greatest area under curve (AUC), and the highest correct prediction, followed by MRH and BC. The BM distance presented the smallest AUC and lowest correct prediction. The mean correct prediction was 85 % for direct discriminant analysis and 83.2 % for stepwise discriminant analysis, using the BG and MRH measurements. The measurements analysed in this study can be used to determine the sex of Brazilian individuals.

En casos de desastres naturales, catástrofes o situaciones en las cuales los cuerpos son sometidos a altas temperaturas la identificación sexual queda más difícil, siendo necesaria la identificación de los individuos a partir de restos mortales. La mandíbula es un hueso muy resistente, que presenta gran dimorfismo sexual, pudiendo ser útil en la identificación forense. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la predicción sexual mediante el análisis métrico de mandíbulas maceradas de individuos brasileños adultos. Fueron analizadas 113 mandíbulas maceradas completamente dentadas de Brasileños adultos, siendo 47 mujeres y 66 hombres. Con un cáliper digital fueron evaluadas 8 medidas: amplitud bi-condilar (BC), amplitud bi-gonial (BG), amplitud entre forámenes mentonianos (BM), distancia entre el foramen mentoniano y la base de la mandíbula (MF-MB), altura de la rama mandibular (MRH), anchura máxima de la rama mandibular (MaRB), anchura mínima de la rama mandibular (MiRB) y longitud del cuerpo de la mandíbula (MBL). Para análisis estadístico se utilizó la prueba t para muestras independientes. Además se construyó una curva ROC. Se realizó análisis discriminante directo y por pasos. Se utilizó el software SPSS V.22, considerando umbral de significación de 5 %. Se observó que todas las medidas presentaron diferencias estadísticas entre sexos, siendo los valores medios encontrados para hombres mayores que los encontrados para mujeres. La BG fue la medida que presentó mayor área bajo la curva (AUC) y mayor predicción, seguido de la MRH y de la BC. La distancia BM fue la medida que presentó la menor AUC y menor predicción. La correcta predicción para el análisis discriminante directo alcanzó el 85 % y por pasos alcanzó el 83.2 % utilizándose las medidas BG y MRH. Las medidas analizadas en este estudio pueden ser utilizadas en el diagnóstico sexual de individuos Brasileños.

Sex Recognition of Skulls in Chinese Uygur / 法医学杂志

Objective Logistic regression method was used to establish a multiple regression sex discriminant function to discriminate the complete skull model and the incomplete skull model without frontal bone, occipital bone and mandible of Uygur adults in Turpan, Xinjiang. Methods A total of 117 （60 male and 57 female） three-dimensional skull models were collected by CT. Sixteen cranial measurement indexes were measured and calculated by computer software. The multivariate regression sex discriminant function was established with Logistic regression method and retrospectively tested. Results Among the 16 measurement indexes, except for nose width （x7） and maximum frontal breadth （x13）, the remaining 14 indexes had statistical significance of differences between male and female （P<0.05）. For the discriminant function of complete skull established by eyebrow arch convexity （x4）, mastoid width （x6）, maximum cranial length （x12）, cranial base length （x15）, cranial circumference （x16）, the male and female discrimination accuracy was 90.0% and 94.7%, respectively. For the sex discriminant function of incomplete skull without frontal bone established by mandibular angle width （x10）, mandibular height （x11） and cranial circumference （x16）, the discrimination accuracy of male and female was 85.0% and 84.2%, respectively. For the sex discriminant function of incomplete skull without occipital bone established by the index of eyebrow arch convexity （x4）, the discrimination accuracy of male and female was 80.0% and 73.7%, respectively. For the sex discriminant function of incomplete skull without mandible established by frontal chord （x5） and occipital protrusion angle （x9）, the discrimination accuracy of male and female was 85.0% and 78.9%, respectively. Conclusion The computer software and system developed in our study can achieve sex discrimination of complete skulls and incomplete skulls without frontal bone, occipital bone or mandible.

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.

Determination of sex based on the morphometric evaluation of the proximal tibia / Determinación del sexo basada en la evaluación morfométrica de la tibia proximal

SUMMARY: Anatomic differences are found between human males and females. These characteristics of sexual dimorphism vary across populations and have important implications for the study of human evolution. Researchers have employed anthropological tools for the characterization of human cadavers in different states of decomposition using complete skeletons, isolated bones or even bone fragments. The aim of the present study was to differentiate males and females based on morphometric aspects of human tibias from the Brazilian population. Sixty pairs of adult human tibias were obtained from bone collection of the Anatomy Sector of the Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology of the Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil. Ten measurements were made on the joint face of the tibial plateau: Anteroposterior diameter of the joint surface of the medial condyle (APM), Transverse diameter of the joint surface of the medial condyle (TM), Anteroposterior diameter of the joint surface of the lateral condyle (APL), Transverse diameter of the joint surface of the lateral condyle (TL), Anterior transverse measure of inter-condyle area (ATI), Posterior transverse measure of inter-condyle area (PTI), Middle transverse measure of inter-condyle area (MTI), Anteroposterior measure of inter-condyle area (API), Anterior measure of intercondyle area (AI) and Posterior measure of inter-condyle area (PI). The median morphometric values for the males' proximal tibia were: APM - 4.707 ± 0.406; TM - 3.024 ± 0.307; APL -4.023 ± 0.414; TL - 3.405 ± 0.323; ATI - 3.365 ± 0.425; PTIc - 1.788 ± 0.307; MTI - 1.167 ± 0.279; API - 5.140 ± 0.377; AI - 2.865 ± 0.249 and PI - 2.297 ± 0.344. The median morphometric numbers for the female's proximal tibia were: APM - 4.334 ± 0.317; TM - 2.702 ± 0.298; APL - 3.549 ± 0.382; TL - 2.991 ± 0.281; ATI - 2.818 ± 0.307; PTI - 1.555 ± 0.222; MTI - 1.054 ± 0.262; API - 4.596 ± 0.303; AI - 2.565 ± 0.21; PI - 2.031 ± 0.225. All parameters measured showed values significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the male's proximal tibia. The findings demonstrate sexual dimorphism in this leg bone, which can be used with considerable reliability for scientific and forensic purposes. The results of these studies can be useful in cases where other methods are not applicable, increasing the range of options for forensic investigation.

RESUMEN: Se encuentran diferencias anatómicas entre hombres y mujeres. Estas características del dimorfismo sexual varían entre las poblaciones y tienen implicaciones importantes para el estudio de la evolución humana. Los investigadores han empleado herramientas antropológicas para la caracterización de cadáveres humanos en diferentes estados de descomposición utilizando esqueletos completos, huesos aislados o incluso fragmentos óseos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue diferenciar a hombres y mujeres basándose en aspectos morfométricos de las tibias humanas de la población brasileña. Se obtuvieron sesenta pares de tibias adultas en la recolección ósea del Sector de Anatomía del Departamento de Morfología Animal y Fisiología de la Universidad Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brasil. Se realizaron diez mediciones en la cara articular de la meseta tibial: Diámetro anteroposterior de la superficie articular del cóndilo medial (APM), diámetro transversal de la superficie articular del cóndilo medial (TM), diámetro anteroposterior de la superficie articular del códilo lateral (APL), diámetro transversal de la superficie articular del cóndilo lateral (TL), medida transversa anterior del área intercondílea (ATI), medida transversal posterior del área intercondílea (PTI), medida anteroposterior del área intercondílea (API), medida anterior del área intercondílea (AI) y medida posterior del área intercondílea (PI). Los valores morfométricos medianos para la tibia proximal de los varones fueron: APM - 4.707 ± 0.406; TM - 3,024 ± 0,307; APL 4,023 ± 0,414; TL - 3,405 ± 0,323; ATI - 3.365 ± 0,425; PTI - 1,788 ± 0,307; MTI - 1,167 ± 0,279; API - 5.140 ± 0.377; AI - 2,865 ± 0,249 y PI - 2,297 ± 0,344. Los números morfométricos medianos para la tíbia proximal de la hembra fueron: APM - 4.334 ± 0.317; TM - 2,702 ± 0,298; APL - 3,549 ± 0,382; TL - 2,991 ± 0,281; ATI - 2,818 ± 0,307; PTI - 1.555 ± 0.222; MTI 1,054 ± 0,262; API - 4.596 ± 0.303; AI - 2,565 ± 0,21; PI 2.031 ± 0,225. Todos los parámetros medidos mostraron valores significativamente más altos (p <0,05) para la tibia proximal del varón. Los hallazgos demuestran dimorfismo sexual en este hueso de la pierna, que se puede utilizar con una fiabilidad considerable para fines científicos y forenses. Los resultados de estos estudios pueden ser útiles en casos donde otros métodos no son aplicables, aumentando el rango de opciones para la investigación forense.

Morphometry of Isan-Thai clavicles as a guide for sex determination / Morfometría de las clavículas en una población Isan-Thai como guía para la determinación del sexo

The dried clavicles have been well documented to determine individual sex and age in many races. Such morphometric investigations in Isan (Northeastern) Thais have never been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the sex from dried clavicles of Isan-Thais using morphometric analysis. The identified 454 dried clavicles (254 males and 200 females), averaged age (60.69±14.36 years) were measured and analyzed for identification point (IP) and the demarking point (DP) values. The results showed that the identified-bone percentages by IP of the maximum clavicular lengths in males and females were 90.55 % (>139.9 mm) and 89 % (<140.6 mm). In addition, such percentages of the mid shaft circumference measured in male clavicles was 83.46 % (>37.7 mm) and in females was 75 % (<37.0 mm). However, percentages of the DP in all parameters were less than 50%. The highest DP values of maximum length of male clavicles was 43.31% (>152.5). In conclusion, the maximum length and mid shaft circumference investigated from this study can be used as basic data of Isan ­ Thais for applying as a guide in forensic sciences for sex determination from dried clavicle remains.

Las clavículas secas han sido bien documentadas en muchas razas para determinar el sexo y la edad individuales. Tales investigaciones morfométricas en Isan (Noreste de Tailandia) nunca han sido reportadas. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar el sexo de clavículas secas de Isais-Thais utilizando un análisis morfométrico. Se midieron 454 clavículas secas (254 varones y 200 hembras), con una edad media de 60,69 ± 14,36 años, y fueron analizadas para los puntos de identificación (IP) y de demarcación (DP). Los resultados mostraron que los porcentajes de hueso identificados por IP en relación a la longitud clavicular máxima en hombres y mujeres fueron 90,55 % (> 139,9 mm) y 89 % (<140,6 mm), respectivamente. Además, tales porcentajes de circunferencia media del eje, medido en las clavículas de los hombres, fue 83,46 % (> 37,7 mm) y en las de mujeres fue 75 % (<37,0 mm). Sin embargo, los porcentajes de la DP en todos los parámetros fueron menores al 50 %. Los valores más altos de DP de longitud máxima de las clavículas de los hombres fue 43,31 % (> 152,5). En conclusión, la longitud máxima y la circunferencia media del eje investigados a partir de este estudio se pueden utilizar como datos básicos en Isan - Thais para aplicar como guía en las ciencias forenses para la determinación del sexo a partir de restos de clavícula secas.

Validation of a physical anthropology methodology using mandibles for gender estimation in a Brazilian population

Validation studies of physical anthropology methods in the different population groups are extremely important, especially in cases in which the population variations may cause problems in the identification of a native individual by the application of norms developed for different communities. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the gender of skeletons by application of the method of Oliveira, et al. (1995), previously used in a population sample from Northeast Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The accuracy of this method was assessed for a population from Southeast Brazil and validated by statistical tests. The method used two mandibular measurements, namely the bigonial distance and the mandibular ramus height. The sample was composed of 66 skulls and the method was applied by two examiners. The results were statistically analyzed by the paired t test, logistic discriminant analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the application of the method of Oliveira, et al. (1995) in this population achieved very different outcomes between genders, with 100% for females and only 11% for males, which may be explained by ethnic differences. However, statistical adjustment of measurement data for the population analyzed allowed accuracy of 76.47% for males and 78.13% for females, with the creation of a new discriminant formula. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that methods involving physical anthropology present high rate of accuracy for human identification, easy application, low cost and simplicity; however, the methodologies must be validated for the different populations due to differences in ethnic patterns, which are directly related to the phenotypic aspects. In this specific case, the method of Oliveira, et al. (1995) presented good accuracy and may be used for gender estimation in Brazil in two geographic regions, namely ...

Determination of sex from fragment of hip bone in Indian Bengali.

The present study was designed to derive a model for determination of sex from fragment of adult hip bone (distal ischio-pubic portion) in a population specific sample using Discriminant function analysis. The following discriminant function was obtained: DF = .76*SYL +1.60*SYW + 4.36. *DOF – 24.88 Overall 90.0 % of the cases could be correctly classified in to the two sexes from the three predictors [maximum vertical length of symphyseal surface (SYL), maximum width of symphyseal surface of pubis (SYW) and maximum diameter of the obturator foramen (DOF).] in the model. Cross-validated results showed correct classification in 86.7% cases. The results of this preliminary study show that these three variables contribute to discrimination between the two sexes in the study population. This investigation also reiterates that discriminant functions are population specific. Sexing of the adult human hipbone is thus possible with reasonable accuracy using the discriminant function on a sample obtained from the Indian Bengali population. This metric analysis can be used for fragmentary remains of hipbones of the population under study.

Sex identification from cranial capacity of adult human skulls.

Cranial capacity constitutes one of the most important characters for determining the racial differences. However, few studies exist that have evaluated the sexual dimorphism of cranial capacity and its significance in determining the sex of an individual. A craniometric study was conducted to differentiate sex from intracranial volumes of dry human skulls. The study was done on 160 dry human skulls (100 males and 60 females) in the department of forensic medicine, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal (M.P.), during the year 2005 – 2006. Skulls chosen for the present study were of adult age only. Dry, hard mustard seed of uniform size were used to fill the cranial cavity to determine the capacity. Mean cranial capacity of male skulls was found to be 1302.95 + 108.8 c.c. (range 1070 – 1560 c.c.), while in female skulls the mean cranial capacity was found 1179.92 + 97.08 c.c. (range 1000 – 1420 c.c.). A highly significant difference (p value <0.01) was observed between the intracranial volume of male and female skulls were compared. This data is expected to be of Clinical, Forensic, Anthropological and Genetic Importance

Determination of sex by sciatic notch/acetabular ratio (Kelley’s Index) in Indian Bengali skeletal remains.

Kelley used the sciatic notch is to acetabular ratio as the osteometric method to differentiate between male and female hipbones. The present study was designed to examine the applicability of this index (sciatic notch /acetabular height ratio) and the rule of thumb (of Kelley) in Indian Bengali skeletal remains. A preliminary attempt was made to derive a sectioning point and propose a new ―rule of thumb‖ approach for determining sex from skeletal remains. The study showed that bones with sciatic notch /acetabular height index equal or greater than .93 (or 93 when expressed as a percentage) was definitely female and those with values less than .93 were male. The results of applying this new rule on the present series of Indian Bengali hipbones indicate that 93.3 % of the total sample could be correctly classified in to the proper sex. Of those 92.8% of the males and 93.75% of the females were correctly classified by the new rule. The present new rule of thumb approach is a valid, effective, reliable, population specific and easy method to differentiate between male and female pelvis in Indian Bengali skeletal remains.

A study of sexual dimorphism of femoral head in Gujarat region.

Various diameters of head of femur have been in use for sex determination. These diameters vary region wise also. Therefore we undertook the study in Jamnagar region of Gujarat. Maximum diameter of the femoral head was measured in 184 dry, normal, adult, human femora (136 male & 48 female) obtained from M. P. Shah Medical College Jamnagar Gujarat. Mean Values obtained were, 43.75 and 40.33 for right male and female, and 43.88 and 40.64 for left male and female respectively. Higher value in male was statistically highly significant (P< 0.001) on both sides. The data was subjected to demarking point (D.P.) analysis. Maximum head diameter identified 11.90% of right male femora and 7.25% of left male femora; in female it identified 4% of left female femora while it was not useful (0.00%) for right female bone. Though the sex of the bone can be determined from head of the femur bone, in itself it is far from conclusive.

Determination of sex from adult sternum by discriminant function analysis on autopsy sample of indian bengali population: A new approach.

Sex determination from skeletal remains is well studied and extensively documented subject. The sternum has drawn considerable attention in Forensic and anthropological studies. Morphological variants of sternum are well documented The present study was designed to examine the sexual dimorphism of adult sternum in a population specific autopsy sample using discriminant function analysis on 70 adult bones (35 male and 35 female). It was observed that the sternum exhibited sexual dimorphism in the study population (Indian Bengali). The following discriminant function was obtained: DF = .86*Ws +1.04 * WM4 +. 77 *PCL 25.03. Overall 100 % of the cases could be correctly classified in to the two sexes from the three predictors [width of supra sternal notch (Ws), Width of sternum at level of 4th rib (WM4) and posterior curved length of sternum (PCL)] in the model. Cross-validated results showed correct classification in 100% cases. The results of this preliminary study show that sternum exhibit considerable sexual dimorphism and these variables contribute to discrimination between the two sexes in the study population. This investigation also reiterates that discriminant functions are population specific. Sexing of adult human sternum is thus possible with reasonable accuracy using the discriminant function on a sample obtained from the said population by this approach using a linear combination of new parameters.

Macrometric and micrometric study of sexual dimorphism in foramina of middle crania fossa of adult Nigerians / Estudio macrométrico y micrométrico del dimorfismo sexual en foramina de la fosa craneal media en nigerianos adultos

We have measured the longitudinal, transverse diameters of optic canal, foramen rotundum, foramen ovale, foramen spinosum, to serve as a handy guideline to surgeons, to enhance the accuracy of sexing the cranium for anthropometric/medico-legal studies and for comparative analyses of values of the Nigerian population with those of the Caucasians. A total of 100 adult dry skulls 81 male, 19 female from departments of Anatomy of some Nigerian Universities were used. Automatic vernier caliper with a precision of 0.1mm was used. Data analysis was performed with Graph Pad Prism 3.0. A comparison was made of the means of the dimension using Student's T-test and analysis of variance. Sizes of foramina were not significantly different from that of Caucasians Our results show significant sexual dimorphism in the following parameters, the right transverse diameter of the FR in males was found to be significantly different from the females at p<0.05, there was a significant difference between the means of the left and right sides of the foramen ovale. The distance between right ovale and spinosum in males and females was found to be significantly different in both sexes. The effect of side on longitudinal diameter of foramen ovale FO of males showed a significant difference between the means of the left and right sides of the foramen ovale. A comparism of the distance between left optical canal and foramen rotundum showed a significant difference between the values obtained for males and the females at p< 0.05.

Hemos medido el diámetro longitudinal y transversal del canal óptico, agujero redondo, el agujero oval, agujero espinoso, para que sirva como una guía útil para los cirujanos, para mejorar la exactitud de la determinación del sexo del cráneo para estudios antropométricos y médico-legales y para realizar análisis comparativos de valores de la población de Nigeria con los de la raza blanca. Fueron utilizados 100 cráneos adultos secos 81 cráneos masculinos, 19 femeninos de los departamentos de Anatomía de algunas Universidades de Nigeri. Se utilizó un calibrador vernier automático con una precisión de 0,1 mm. Los datos fueron analizados con el gráfico Pad Prism 3.0. Se realizó una comparación de los medios de la dimensión utilizando T de Student y el análisis de la varianza. Los tamaños de los agujeros no fueron significativamente diferentes de la de los caucásicos. Nuestros resultados muestran dimorfismo sexual significativo en los siguientes parámetros, el diámetro transversal del derecho de FR en los hombres resultó ser significativamente diferentes de las hembras con una p <0,05, hubo una diferencia significativa entre las medias de los lados izquierdo y derecho del foramen oval. La distancia entre la derecha y oval espinoso en hombres y mujeres resultó ser significativamente diferente en ambos sexos. El efecto de lado en el diámetro longitudinal del foramen oval DE de los hombres mostraron una diferencia significativa entre las medias de los lados izquierdo y derecho del foramen oval. Una comparación de la distancia entre el canal izquierdo y agujero redondo óptica mostró una diferencia significativa entre los valores obtenidos para los machos y las hembras de p <0,05.