Evaluation of Lip Prints on Different Supports Using a Batch Image Processing Algorithm and Image Superimposition.

This study aimed to develop and to assess an algorithm to facilitate lip print visualization, and to digitally analyze lip prints on different supports, by superimposition. It also aimed to classify lip prints according to sex. A batch image processing algorithm was developed, which facilitated the identification and extraction of information about lip grooves. However, it performed better for lip print images with a uniform background. Paper and glass slab allowed more correct identifications than glass and the both sides of compact disks. There was no significant difference between the type of support and the amount of matching structures located in the middle area of the lower lip. There was no evidence of association between types of lip grooves and sex. Lip groove patterns of type III and type I were the most common for both sexes. The development of systems for lip print analysis is necessary, mainly concerning digital methods.

Forensic Facial Reconstruction: Relationship Between the Alar Cartilage and Piriform Aperture.

During forensic facial reconstruction, facial features may be predicted based on the parameters of the skull. This study evaluated the relationships between alar cartilage and piriform aperture and nose morphology and facial typology. Ninety-six cone beam computed tomography images of Brazilian subjects (49 males and 47 females) were used in this study. OsiriX software was used to perform the following measurements: nasal width, distance between alar base insertion points, lower width of the piriform aperture, and upper width of the piriform aperture. Nasal width was associated with the lower width of the piriform aperture, sex, skeletal vertical pattern of the face, and age. The current study contributes to the improvement of forensic facial guides by identifying the relationships between the alar cartilages and characteristics of the biological profile of members of a population that has been little studied thus far.

Differentiation between palatal rugae patterns of twins by means of the Briñón method and an improved technique

Palatal rugae patterns are anatomic structures considered unique to each person. Monozygotic twins present similarities, however, Rugoscopy in particular, may contribute to their individualization for forensic purposes. The aims of this study were: to study the palatal rugae classifications of Briñón; to propose improvements to facilitate use of this method, if pertinent; and to characterize palatal rugae in a sample of Brazilian monozygotic twins and singletons. Precise reproducibility of the two methods of Briñón, from 1982 and 2011, was prevented by poor intra-examiner agreement (70% and 13% respectively). Our proposed improvements to these methods, although preliminary, were associated with better results. The most common palatal rugae patterns were types A, M, and Q. Palatal rugae were confirmed to be unique to each individual, even in monozygotic twins. Furthermore, twins did not exhibit any special patterns that might facilitate their differentiation from singletons.

Comparison Among Manual Facial Approximations Conducted by Two Methodological Approaches of Face Prediction.

This study verified the difference between two methods of forensic facial approximation (FFA) regarding recognition and resemblance rates. Three-dimensional models of skulls were obtained from computerized tomography (CT) scans of two subjects (targets). Two manual FFAs were performed for each target, by applying two different guidelines for the facial structures (what we called "American method" (AM) and "Combined method" (CM)). Unfamiliar assessors evaluated the sculptures by recognition and resemblance tests. The AM was that which allowed more correct responses of recognition and higher resemblance's scores for the male target (p < 0.001). Regarding guidelines for modeling characteristics of the face, the ones that are practical and easily performed for sculptures, such as the length of the anterior nasal spine multiplied by 3 for nose prediction, may offer better results in terms of resemblance.

Differentiation between palatal rugae patterns of twins by means of the Briñón method and an improved technique

Abstract Palatal rugae patterns are anatomic structures considered unique to each person. Monozygotic twins present similarities, however, Rugoscopy in particular, may contribute to their individualization for forensic purposes. The aims of this study were: to study the palatal rugae classifications of Briñón; to propose improvements to facilitate use of this method, if pertinent; and to characterize palatal rugae in a sample of Brazilian monozygotic twins and singletons. Precise reproducibility of the two methods of Briñón, from 1982 and 2011, was prevented by poor intra-examiner agreement (70% and 13% respectively). Our proposed improvements to these methods, although preliminary, were associated with better results. The most common palatal rugae patterns were types A, M, and Q. Palatal rugae were confirmed to be unique to each individual, even in monozygotic twins. Furthermore, twins did not exhibit any special patterns that might facilitate their differentiation from singletons.

Civil liability: characterization of the demand for lawsuits against dentists.

In light of the fact that dentists may be held civilly liable for their practice, it is important to understand the current situation of lawsuits filed against these professionals by studying current legal decisions and the literature. The objective of this study was to analyze the case law of the Court of Justice of São Paulo, Brazil, relative to the profile of patients and professionals, the most commonly involved specialties, the amounts litigated and the court decisions pertaining to civil liability lawsuits against dentists. In an inductive approach, a single researcher screened and collected civil liability rulings by accessing the Court's website, and following a statistical-descriptive procedure and an indirect observation technique. The most frequently involved specialty was prosthodontics. However, oral and maxillofacial surgery was related to a higher incidence of damages awarded to settle claims and to higher damage amounts. The dentist was found guilty in 44.32% of the cases researched. Pecuniary damages ranged between R$ 485.50 and R$ 12,530.00, and non-pecuniary damages ranged between R$ 2,500.00 and R$ 70,000.00. Most lawsuits were filed by women against male dentists. An increase in the relative number of lawsuits against companies versus individuals was observed.

Forensic facial approximation assessment: can application of different average facial tissue depth data facilitate recognition and establish acceptable level of resemblance?

Facial soft tissue thicknesses (FSTT) are important guidelines for modeling faces from skull. Amid so many FSTT data, Forensic artists have to make a subjective choice of a dataset that best meets their needs. This study investigated the performance of four FSTT datasets in the recognition and resemblance of Brazilian living individuals and the performance of assessors in recognizing people, according to sex and knowledge on Human Anatomy and Forensic Dentistry. Sixteen manual facial approximations (FAs) were constructed using three-dimensional (3D) prototypes of skulls (targets). The American method was chosen for the construction of the faces. One hundred and twenty participants evaluated all FAs by means of recognition and resemblance tests. This study showed higher proportions of recognition by FAs conducted with FSTT data from cadavers compared with those conducted with medical imaging data. Targets were also considered more similar to FAs conducted with FSTT data from cadavers. Nose and face shape, respectively, were considered the most similar regions to targets. The sex of assessors (male and female) and the knowledge on Human Anatomy and Forensic Dentistry did not play a determinant role to reach greater recognition rates. It was possible to conclude that FSTT data obtained from imaging may not facilitate recognition and establish acceptable level of resemblance. Grouping FSTT data by regions of the face, as proposed in this paper, may contribute to more accurate FAs.

Civil liability: characterization of the demand for lawsuits against dentists

Abstract In light of the fact that dentists may be held civilly liable for their practice, it is important to understand the current situation of lawsuits filed against these professionals by studying current legal decisions and the literature. The objective of this study was to analyze the case law of the Court of Justice of São Paulo, Brazil, relative to the profile of patients and professionals, the most commonly involved specialties, the amounts litigated and the court decisions pertaining to civil liability lawsuits against dentists. In an inductive approach, a single researcher screened and collected civil liability rulings by accessing the Court's website, and following a statistical-descriptive procedure and an indirect observation technique. The most frequently involved specialty was prosthodontics. However, oral and maxillofacial surgery was related to a higher incidence of damages awarded to settle claims and to higher damage amounts. The dentist was found guilty in 44.32% of the cases researched. Pecuniary damages ranged between R$ 485.50 and R$ 12,530.00, and non-pecuniary damages ranged between R$ 2,500.00 and R$ 70,000.00. Most lawsuits were filed by women against male dentists. An increase in the relative number of lawsuits against companies versus individuals was observed.

Reconstrução facial forense: comparação entre tabelas de espessuras de tecidos moles faciais / P

As Ciências Forenses empregam a técnica de Reconstrução Facial buscando aumentar as possibilidades de reconhecimento humano. Após análise antropológica, a face é esculpida sobre o crânio esqueletizado e divulgada na mídia. Existem várias metodologias para a modelagem do rosto e das características da face, bem como vários dados de espessuras de tecidos moles que auxiliam no contorno facial. Com o intuito de investigar se existe uma metodologia que favoreça mais reconhecimentos e que permita uma maior semelhança com o indivíduo, este trabalho buscou comparar reconstruções faciais manuais feitas com duas abordagens para o preenchimento dos tecidos moles (métodos Americano e de Manchester) e para a predição dos olhos, nariz, boca e orelhas. Também buscou comparar reconstruções realizadas com quatro tabelas de espessuras de tecidos moles, desenvolvidas para brasileiros por estudos prévios, observando a possibilidade de unir esses dados para auxiliar na reconstrução. Um quarto objetivo foi averiguar se existe influência do sexo e do conhecimento anatômico ou forense na frequência de reconhecimentos. O estudo foi dividido em duas fases. Na primeira, duas reconstruções foram realizadas para dois indivíduos alvos (um homem e uma mulher) com os métodos Americano e de Manchester, aplicando dois guias para olhos, nariz, boca e orelhas. As reconstruções foram avaliadas por quarenta indivíduos (homens e mulheres, divididos em 4 grupos - alunos de graduação em Odontologia que não passaram pela disciplina de Odontologia Legal, alunos

de graduação em Odontologia que passaram pela disciplina, especialistas em Odontologia Legal e indivíduos que não possuíam conhecimento de anatomia humana) por meio dos testes de reconhecimento e semelhança. Para o alvo feminino, as frequências de reconhecimentos foram 20% e 10% para os métodos Americano e de Manchester, respectivamente; para o alvo masculino, as frequências foram 35% e 17,5%. Em relação à semelhança, as medianas foram menores que 3 (em uma escala de 1 a 5); entretanto, foi verificada uma exceção para a escultura feita com o método Americano para o alvo masculino, a qual apresentou mediana 3. Na segunda fase, reconstruções faciais para quatro alvos (dois homens e duas mulheres) foram obtidas com o método Americano, considerando as quatro tabelas de espessuras de tecidos moles para brasileiros. Dezesseis reconstruções foram avaliadas por cento e vinte indivíduos, também pelos testes de reconhecimento e semelhança. Assim como na fase I, foram considerados o sexo e o grupo dos avaliadores. Para o alvo 1, as proporções de acertos são significativamente maiores para reconstruções feitas com as tabelas de cadáveres (44% e 38%) em relação às com os dados de exames de imagem. Para o alvo 4, as proporções de acertos com os dados de cadáveres (Tedeschi-Oliveira et al.) e com os de ressonância magnética foram significativamente maiores comparados às reconstruções com dados de tomografias computadorizadas. Em relação à semelhança, somente o alvo 1 mostrou diferenças significativas de frequências de semelhança leve entre reconstruções. Além disso, não houve influência nem do sexo, nem do conhecimento de anatomia nas frequências de reconhecimentos corretos. Espera-se que a tabela proposta possa ser empregada para a população brasileira.

Forensic Sciences employ Forensic Facial Reconstruction technique to increase possibilities in human recognition. After anthropological analysis, the face can be created on the skeletonized skull and published in the media. There are several methodologies for facial modeling and facial features as well as multiple soft tissue thicknesses data that aid in facial contour. In order to investigate whether a methodology allows more recognition and greater resemblance to a person, this study aimed to compare manual facial reconstructions made with two approaches of filling facial soft tissue (American and Manchester methods) and two approaches to predict the eyes, nose, mouth and ears. This study also intended to compare facial reconstructions carried out with four Brazilian soft tissue thicknesses data, that were developed by previous studies considering the possibily of merging these data for Forensic Reconstruction purpose. A fourth aim was to determine whether sex and anatomical or Forensic knowledge of assessor can influence in frequency of recognition. This study was divided into two phases. In the first phase, two reconstructions were performed for two targets (one male and one female) with American and Manchester methods and applying two guides for eyes, nose, mouth and ears. The reconstructions were evaluated by forty assessors (both sex, divided into four groups - undergraduated students in dentistry who did not study Forensic Dentistry,

undergraduated students in dentistry who have gone through the subject of Forensic Dentistry, experts in Forensic Dentistry and individuals who did not have knowlegde of human anatomy) through the recognition and resemblance tests. For female target, frequencies of recognitions were 20% and 10% for American and Manchester methods, respectively; for male target, frequencies were 35% and 17.5%, with significant differences between the proportions of correct responses. Regarding resemblance rates, medians were less than 3 (on a scale from 1 to 5); however, it was found an exception for the sculpture made with the American method for male target, which had median 3. Thus, American method was used for the reconstructions of phase II. In this second phase, facial reconstructions for four targets (two male and two female) were obtained with the American method, considering the four Brazilian soft tissue thicknesses data. Sixteen facial reconstructions were evaluated by a hundred and...

Violence against children and adolescents: the importance of knowledge of the spectrum of bruise colors in its diagnosis

Introduction: One of the violence types more observed against children is the physical abuse, which produces many types of traumatic injuries. Contusions are common trauma signs and may indicate aggression when frequently present in locations where accidental injuries are rare. Contusions in skin undergo color changes with the passage of time, and such change in color is called "spectrum of bruise colors of Legrand du Saulle". Thus, it is possible to estimate the age of the lesion based on the evaluation of color. Injuries caused by child abuse often reach regions of head, face and neck, because they are exposed and easily accessible. Therefore, the dentist is responsible with regard to the diagnosis and the actions to be undertaken against the cases of child abuse. Objective: To present and discuss the significance of the spectrum of bruise colors as a considerable visible trace in suspicion of violence against children and adolescents, during dentists' clinical routine. Literature review: The study of the "spectrum of bruise colors of Legrand du Saulle" refers to the estimation of the age of the injury, in respect to the color change. The application of this study is of great value for identify if a lesion occurred from a single incident or from multiple incidents, especially in cases where it occurs in the same region of the body, indicative of repetitive trauma. Conclusion: The spectrum of bruise colors is very important for health professionals, such as dentists, for the identification or suspicion of cases of abuse against children and adolescents. As great part of the lesions originated of abuse involve the areas of head and neck, it is unacceptable that these professionals are unaware of the basic signs to help in early diagnosis, which is the case of the colors of the lesions. However, concerning the chronology of the spectrum of bruise colors, it is not possible to establish rigorous times.

Human identification by means of conventional and digital Cheiloscopy: a study of the literature / Identificação humana por meio da Queiloscopia convencional e digital: um estudo da literatura

One of the areas of human identification is Cheiloscopy, the name given to the study of the lips, their characteristics (such as thickness, position of the grooves and grooves) and the record of the impressions left by them. There are variations in the layout of the lines and fissures of the lips, which are unique to each individual, permanent and unchanging. The lip print rarely changes, enduring minor traumas such as inflammation or sores. In criminal investigations, lip prints, visible through the presence of lipstick, can be found on glasses, napkins, clothes, cigarettes, indicating a relationship between the subject and the scene of the crime. Latent impressions may be revealed employing specific chemicals such as powder of silver and aluminum nitrate. Although it is not a very common method, Cheiloscopy may become very useful in forensics due to the extensive amount of valuable information that it brings. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the use of Cheiloscopy in human identification, using traditional and digital methods. It was found that the literature is still in need of studies in this area. The advent of new digital technologies can facilitate the implementation of technical expertise, generating speed and objectivity. New research studies are necessary, especially in the development of digital methods. The application of Cheiloscopy can greatlyhelp with Law, in the identification of living suspects and dead individuals. In the end the benefit will fall to society as a whole.

Uma das áreas da identificação humana é a Queiloscopia, nome dado ao estudo dos lábios, suas características (como grossura, posição dos sulcos e estrias) e o registro das impressões deixadas por eles. Existem variações na disposição das linhas e fissuras dos lábios, sendo únicas para cada indivíduo, permanentes e imutáveis. A impressão do lábio raramente se modifica, resistindo a pequenos traumas como inflamações ou lesões herpéticas. Em investigações criminais, impressões labiais visíveis pela presença de batom podem ser encontradas em copos, guardanapos, roupas, cigarros, indicando uma relação do sujeito com o ambiente do crime. Impressões latentes podem ser reveladas empregando-se substâncias químicas específicas como pó de nitrato de prata e de alumínio. Mesmo não sendo um método muito comum, a Queiloscopia pode se tornar bastante útil na prática forense devido à extensa quantidade de informações preciosas que carrega. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre o emprego da Queiloscopia em identificação humana, utilizando-se métodos tradicionais e digitais. Verificou-se que a literatura ainda é carente de trabalhos nesta seara. O advento das novas tecnologias digitais pode facilitar a execução desta técnica pericial, gerando rapidez e objetividade. São necessárias novas pesquisas, sobretudo no desenvolvimento de métodos digitais. A aplicação da Queiloscopia pode, em muito, colaborar com a Justiça, na identificação de suspeitos vivos e de indivíduos mortos. Ao final, o ganho será da sociedade.

Importância da correta confecção do prontuário odontológico para identificação humana. Relato de caso / Importance of the correct confection of the dental records for human identification. Case report

O prontuário odontológico corresponde a um conjunto de documentos onde todas as informações do paciente são guardadas. Quando bem elaborado e arquivado pelo Cirurgião-Dentista, poderá servir de ferramenta para o sucesso em perícias odontolegais. O objetivo desse trabalho é apresentar a importância da correta confecção do prontuário odontológico na identificação humana por meio de um caso de identificação, ocorrido em uma cidade do interior do estado de São Paulo. As anotações presentes no prontuário odontológico da suposta vítima apresentaram-se bastante deficientes, inclusive com uma contradição. Porém, tendo sido realizado tratamento endodõntico, a análise comparativa entre as radiografias do crânio da vítima (post-mortem) e as do tratamento endodõntico do dente 22 (antemortem) permitiu observar total coincidência entre os detalhes do referido tratamento, além de características anatõmicas presentes em outros elementos dentários Esses parâmetros importantes de comparação indicaram que o corpo encontrado era do suspeito e, devido ao número de coincidências, não seria possível pertencerem a outro indivíduo. Não obstante, a documentação clínica fornecida estava deficiente, e apresentava dados contraditórios. Visto a sua fundamental importância para a identificação humana é mister que os profissionais da Odontologia tomem os cuidados necessários à sua correta elaboração e guarda, buscando fazer do prontuário também um instrumento de consulta eficiente nos casos de identificação.

The clinical records correspond to a set of documents where ali information of the patient is stored. When properly confectioned and filed by the dentist, it may serve as a tool for success in dental expertise. The aim of this paper is to present the importance of proper confection 01 dental records in human identification by means the presentation of a case of identification, occurred in a São Paulo state citv The notes present in the dental records of the alleged victim were very poor, even with a contradiction. However, having endodontic treatment been performed, the comparative analysis between the radiographs of the skull of the victim (postmortem) and the endodontic treatment of tooth 22 (antemortem) permitted to observe total coincidence between the details of such treatment, and anatomical features present in other dental elements. These important parameters of comparison indicated that the body was of the suspect and, due to the number of coincidences, it could not belong to another individual. Nevertheless, the clinical documentation provided was deficient, and presented contradictory data. Because of its fundamental importance for human identification, it is essential that dental professionals take the necessary care to ensure its proper confection and custody, seeking to make the clinical records also an efficient instrument of consultation in identification cases.