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Hisham S, Lai PS, Ibrahim MA, Zainun KA. Sex estimation using post-mortem computed tomographic images of the clavicle in a Malaysian population. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 71:102500. [PMID: 39067245 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Forensic practitioners need contemporary anthropological data for the identification of human remains. The clavicle possesses a high degree of variability in its anatomical, biomechanical, and morphological features that are sex-dependent albeit population specific. The aim of this study was to develop sex estimation models for Malaysian individuals using post-mortem computed tomographic images of the clavicle. Sample comprised scans of 2.0 mm resolution of 405 individuals (209 male; 196 female) aged between 19 to 88 years. These scans were reconstructed and visualized using Infinitt. Six clavicular measurements (i.e. maximum length, C1; midshaft circumference, C2; midshaft maximum diameter, C3; midshaft minimum diameter, C4; maximum breadth of the sternal end, C5; and maximum breadth of the acromial articular surface, C6) were obtained from these images. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and discriminant function analysis. Measurements taken from the images were highly precise (ICC = 0.770-0.999). There is a significant difference between all parameters and sex (p < 0.001), however none for age and ethnic group. A multivariate sex estimation model was developed: Sex = (C1*0.86) + (C2*0.236) + (C3*-0.145) + (C5*- 0.074) - 17.618; with an accuracy rate of 89.1 % and sex bias of -3.2 %. Lower accuracy rates were obtained for single variable models (61.5-83.2 %). The resultant sex discriminant models can be used for estimating sex based on the clavicle in our local forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salina Hisham
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Sultan Idris Shah Serdang, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Puchong, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Poh Soon Lai
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Pahang, 50586 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Azaini Ibrahim
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Pahang, 50586 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khairul Anuar Zainun
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Sultan Idris Shah Serdang, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Puchong, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
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2
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Curate F, Alves I, Rodrigues T, Garcia SJ. Assigned sex estimation with the clavicle and scapula: A study in a Portuguese reference sample. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2024; 64:15-22. [PMID: 37170562 DOI: 10.1177/00258024231174822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The estimation of biological sex is a critical step in the assessment of the biological profile of an anonymous skeletonized individual. In certain recovery circumstances, the most dimorphic skeletal areas, such as the pelvis, are absent or fragmented; in that case, other bones of the skeleton, including the clavicle and scapula, can be used to predict sex. The purpose of this research is to generate new models for the estimation of sex with clavicular and scapular measurements using a study-sample of 129 individuals with clavicle (65 males and 64 females) and 112 individuals with scapula (50 males and 62 females) from the Lisbon Identified Skeletal Collection (Portugal). A decision tree classifier (C4.5) and logistic regression (LR) were employed to create univariable and multivariable sex prediction models. Accuracy under cross-validation of the classification models is high (up to 93.8%), with minimal bias (<5%), particularly in the multivariable models. The proposed LR models facilitate the probabilistic estimation of biological sex, accounting for the significant overlap in the expression of sexual dimorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Curate
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- School of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Tomar, Tomar, Portugal
| | - Inês Alves
- Centre for Public Administration and Public Policies, Institute of Social and Political Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tomás Rodrigues
- Centre for Public Administration and Public Policies, Institute of Social and Political Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana J Garcia
- Centre for Public Administration and Public Policies, Institute of Social and Political Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- National Museum of Natural History and Science, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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3
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Knecht S, Santos F, Ardagna Y, Alunni V, Adalian P, Nogueira L. Sex estimation from long bones: a machine learning approach. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1887-1895. [PMID: 37526736 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03072-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Sex estimation from skeletal remains is one of the crucial issues in forensic anthropology. Long bones can be a valid alternative to skeletal remains for sex estimation when more dimorphic bones are absent or degraded, preventing any estimation from the first intention methods. The purpose of this study was to generate and compare classification models for sex estimation based on combined measurement of long bones using machine learning classifiers. Eighteen measurements from four long bones (radius, humerus, femur, and tibia) were taken from a total of 2141 individuals. Five machine learning methods were employed to predict the sex: a linear discriminant analysis (LDA), penalized logistic regression (PLR), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and artificial neural network (ANN). The different classification algorithms using all bones generated highly accuracy models with cross-validation, ranging from 90 to 92% on the validation sample. The classification with isolated bones ranked between 83.3 and 90.3% on the validation sample. In both cases, random forest stands out with the highest accuracy and seems to be the best model for our investigation. This study upholds the value of combined long bones for sex estimation and provides models that can be applied with high accuracy to different populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siam Knecht
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, ADES, 13007, Marseille, France.
- Institut Universitaire d'Anthropologie Médico-Légale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107, Cedex 2, Nice, France.
| | - Fréderic Santos
- Université de Bordeaux - CNRS-MCC, UMR 5199 PACEA, Bâtiment B8A, Allée Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 33615, Pessac Cedex, CS 50023, France
| | - Yann Ardagna
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, ADES, 13007, Marseille, France
| | - Véronique Alunni
- Institut Universitaire d'Anthropologie Médico-Légale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107, Cedex 2, Nice, France
- CEPAM (UMR CNRS 7264), 24 avenue des Diables Bleus, 06300, Nice, France
| | - Pascal Adalian
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, ADES, 13007, Marseille, France
| | - Luísa Nogueira
- Institut Universitaire d'Anthropologie Médico-Légale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107, Cedex 2, Nice, France
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Francis S, Makoviychuck Y, Chavoinik L, Borgel S, Pokhojaev A, Roul V, Peled N, May H. A new method for sex estimation based on femoral cross-sectional geometry measurements and its validation using recent and ancient populations. Int J Legal Med 2023:10.1007/s00414-023-03009-x. [PMID: 37148346 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03009-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Estimating sex is a fundamental task in biological and forensic anthropology. This study aimed to develop new methods for sex estimation based on femoral cross-sectional geometry (CSG) variables and to test their applicability in recent and ancient assemblages. The sample was divided into a study group (living individuals, N = 124) for creating sex prediction equations and two test groups: living individuals (N = 31) and prehistoric individuals (N = 34). The prehistoric sample was divided into three subgroups according to subsistence strategy (hunter-gatherers, early farmers that also hunted, and farmers and herders). Femoral CSG variables (size, strength, and shape) were measured from CT images using dedicated software. Discriminant functions for sex estimation were calculated for various bone completeness scenarios and validated using the test groups. Size and strength parameters were sexually dimorphic, while shape was not. Discriminant functions for sex estimation produced success rates in the living sample between 83.9 and 93.5%; the distal shaft yielded the highest results. Success rates were lower among the prehistoric test sample, with better results (83.3%) for the mid-Holocene population (farmers and herders) than for earlier groups (e.g., hunter-gatherers; < 60%). These results were compared with those obtained using other methods for sex estimation based on various skeletal elements. This study provides new, reliable, and simple methods with high success rates for sex estimation based on femoral CSG variables obtained automatically from CT images. Discriminant functions were created for various conditions of femoral completeness. However, these functions should be used carefully in past populations from different settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Francis
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Shmunis Family Anthropology Institute, the Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Bio-History Research, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yulia Makoviychuck
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Shmunis Family Anthropology Institute, the Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Bio-History Research, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Liron Chavoinik
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Shmunis Family Anthropology Institute, the Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Bio-History Research, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sarah Borgel
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Shmunis Family Anthropology Institute, the Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Bio-History Research, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel Pokhojaev
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Shmunis Family Anthropology Institute, the Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Bio-History Research, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Oral Biology, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Victoria Roul
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Shmunis Family Anthropology Institute, the Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Bio-History Research, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nathan Peled
- Radiology Department, Elisha Hospital, 3463626, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hila May
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- The Shmunis Family Anthropology Institute, the Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Bio-History Research, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Wysocka J, Cieślik AI, Danel DP. Sex estimation using measurements of the proximal femur in a historical population from Poland. ANTHROPOLOGICAL REVIEW 2023. [DOI: 10.18778/1898-6773.86.1.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex estimation is one of the most important components in assessing the biological profile of an individual. In an archaeological context, the pelvis, which is the most dimorphic part of the skeleton, is often poorly preserved, which can cause an inability to use morphological sex estimation methods. Therefore, alternative methods are required in such cases. Because the utility of the metric methods based on the femur measurement has been confirmed, and the bone is usually available for examination due to its good preservation, developing methods using the landmarks of the femur could have important implications in sex estimation.
This study aimed to derive a discriminant function equation for a Polish archaeological population based on measurements of the proximal end of the femur.
The study sample included individuals from a medieval cemetery in Milicz (n = 62) and an early modern necropolis at Czysty Square in Wrocław, Poland (n = 162). The analysis included seven measurements collected from the right and left proximal femora. To estimate the reproducibility of the measurements, intra-and interobserver errors and reliability coefficients were calculated. Subsequently, univariate and stepwise discriminant analyses were performed, and the sex sectioning points and equations were proposed.
No differences were observed between measurements of the right and left femora. The results indicated a high utility and reproducibility of the FHD measurement (regardless whether left or right femur was measured). The discriminant equations for sex estimation reached an accuracy of 83.0–92.3%, which implies the utility of the function on Polish historical populations when the other methods for sex estimation cannot be used.
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Ngidi NL, Olojede SO, Lawal SK, Aladeyelu OS, Rennie CO. Morphometric study of the radius bone in KwaZulu-Natal population: Laterality and sexual dimorphism. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL: REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2023.100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
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Nogueira L, Santos F, Castier F, Knecht S, Bernardi C, Alunni V. Sex assessment using the radius bone in a French sample when applying various statistical models. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:925-934. [PMID: 36826526 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02981-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Sex estimation of skeletal remains is one of the most important tasks in forensic anthropology. The radius bone is useful to develop standard guidelines for sex estimation across various populations and is an alternative when coxal or femoral bones are not available.The aim of the present study was to assess the sexual dimorphism from radius measurements in a French sample and compare the predictive accuracy of several modelling techniques, using both classical statistical methods and machine learning algorithms.A total of 78 left radii (36 males and 42 females) were used in this study. Sixteen measurements were made. The modelling techniques included a linear discriminant analysis (LDA), flexible discriminant analysis (FDA), regularised discriminant analysis (RDA), penalised logistic regression (PLR), random forests (RF) and support vector machines (SVM).The different statistical models showed an accuracy of classification that is greater than 94%. After selection of variables, the accuracies increased to 97%. The measurements made at the proximal part of the radius (sagittal and transversal diameters of the head, and sagittal diameter of the neck), at distal part (maximum width of the distal epiphysis) and of the entire bone (maximum length) stand out among the various models.The present study suggests that the radius bone constitutes a valid alternative for sex estimation of skeletal remains with comparable classification accuracies to the pelvis or femur and that the non-classical statistical models may provide a novel approach to sex estimation from the radius bone. However, the extrapolation of the current results cannot be made without caution because our sample was composed of very aged individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Nogueira
- Faculté de Médecine, Institut Universitaire d'Anthropologie Médico-Légale, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107, Nice cedex 2, France.
| | - Fréderic Santos
- UMR 5199 PACEA, CNRS-MCC, Bâtiment B8A, Allée Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, Université de Bordeaux, CS 50023, 33615, Pessac Cedex, France
| | - François Castier
- Faculté de Médecine, Institut Universitaire d'Anthropologie Médico-Légale, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107, Nice cedex 2, France
| | - Siam Knecht
- Faculté de Médecine, Institut Universitaire d'Anthropologie Médico-Légale, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107, Nice cedex 2, France
| | - Caroline Bernardi
- Faculté de Médecine, Institut Universitaire d'Anthropologie Médico-Légale, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107, Nice cedex 2, France.,CEPAM (UMR CNRS 7264), 24 Avenue Des Diables Bleus, 06300, Nice, France
| | - Véronique Alunni
- Faculté de Médecine, Institut Universitaire d'Anthropologie Médico-Légale, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107, Nice cedex 2, France.,CEPAM (UMR CNRS 7264), 24 Avenue Des Diables Bleus, 06300, Nice, France
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Wani B, Nazir N, Sheikh R, Chalkoo A, Jan T. Morphometric analysis of foramen magnum in the determination of sex using computed tomography. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCE AND MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_57_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Zapico SC, Adserias-Garriga J. Estimation of sex based on postcranial elements in European American and Latin American populations. J Forensic Leg Med 2020; 77:102098. [PMID: 33338798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2020.102098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study assesses the use of postcranial elements for sex estimation taking population variability into account. European American and Latin American populations are independently analyzed. Nine measurements from postcranial elements were collected from 72 European American individuals, and 59 Latin American individuals. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 15. Statistical analyses were conducted to corroborate that there were no intra- or interobserver errors. In both populations, significant differences were found on all measured traits between males and females, except Scapular Breadth in Latin Americans. According to Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) in the European American population the Ulna Minimum Breadth of the Olecranon (UMBO) correctly classified 91.3% of individuals. When this parameter was combined with the Diameter of Humeral Head (HHD), the two correctly classified 98% of individuals. In Latin Americans, the UMBO correctly classified 82.4% of the individuals. When combined with HHD, the measurements correctly classified 79.4% individuals. UMBO is the most useful trait to correctly assign the sex of the remains in both populations. Including the HHD improved accuracy rates in the European American sample. These results are in agreement with previous studies, which named the humerus as one of the potentially useful bones to consider for sex estimation based on its accuracy. Thus, these two anatomical regions could be used alone or in combination with other methodologies for sex estimation, which is particularly important in situations of fragmentary remains and incomplete skeletons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Zapico
- International Forensic Research Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States; Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, United States.
| | - Joe Adserias-Garriga
- Department of Applied Forensic Sciences, Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA, United States
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Accuracies of discriminant function equations for sex estimation using long bones of upper extremities. Int J Legal Med 2020; 135:1095-1102. [PMID: 33179172 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02458-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
One of the scopes of practice of forensic anthropologists is the estimation of sex from skeletal remains. As a result, population-specific discriminant function equations have been developed from measurements of various bones of the human skeletons. Steyn, Patriquin (Forensic Sci Int 191 (1-3):113, 2009) noted that the lack of skeletal collections and data from most parts of the world has made this process impractical. Previous attempts to develop global discriminant function equations from measurements of the pelvis showed that population-specific equations are not necessary as equations derived from other populations yielded high sex estimation scores when applied to a different population. However, information on the suitability and applicability of generalised equations in sex estimation using long bones is still scarce. It is, therefore, the aim of this study to assess the accuracies of population-specific discriminant function equations derived from measurements of long bones of the upper limb of South African population groups. Data analysed in the current study were obtained from Mokoena, Billings, Bidmos, Mazengenya (Forensic Sci Int 278:404, 2017) and Mokoena, Billings, Gibbon, Bidmos, Mazengenya (Science & Justice 6(59):660-666, 2019) in which a total sample of 988 bones (humeri, radii, and ulnae) of South Africans of African descent (SAAD), South Africans of European descent (SAED) and Mixed Ancestry South Africans (MASA) were measured. Stepwise and direct discriminant function analyses were performed on the pooled data. Each function was used to estimate the sex of cases in each population group separately and average accuracies calculated. Thereafter, population-specific discriminant function equations were formulated for each population group and then applied to other population groups. The average accuracies of functions for pooled data ranged between 80.7 and 86.5%. The cross-validation average accuracies remained unchanged for most functions, confirming the validity of derived functions. A drop in average accuracies (0.8-5.3%) was observed when the functions were tested on a sample of SAAD while increased average accuracy was observed for the SAED and MASA (0.5-6.9%). When population-specific functions for a particular population group were applied to other groups, a wide range of a drop in average accuracies was observed (1.3 to 22.4%). This thereby confirms that population-specific equations should not be applied to other population groups. However, discriminant function equations from the pooled data of South Africans are accurate in the estimation of sex and efforts should be made towards the development and validation of such equations from as many bones of the human skeleton.
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Curate F, Mestre F, Garcia SJ. Sex assessment with the radius in Portuguese skeletal populations (late 19th - early to mid 20th centuries). Leg Med (Tokyo) 2020; 48:101790. [PMID: 33036877 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of sex is of immense relevance in the analysis of human skeletal remains, as other parameters of the biological profile are usually sex-specific (e.g., age at death or stature). The radius can be used to estimate sex when more dimorphic bones are not available or in the case of incomplete and fragmentary remains. Ten radius measurements collected in a sample of 364 individuals (166 females and 198 males) from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection (late 19th - early 20th centuries) were employed to generate univariable and multivariable models for sex estimation. All models were evaluated with a 10-fold cross-validation method and an independent holdout sample from the Luís Lopes Collection (late 19th - mid 20th centuries) encompassing 50 individuals (25 females and 25 males). Univariable models show an accuracy ranging from 77.7% to 89.8% (cross-validation), and from 70% to 86% (test sample), while accuracy in the multivariable models varies from 88.7% to 93.4% (cross-validation), and 84.0% to 90.0% (test sample). Results suggest that measurements of the radius are useful to develop standard guidelines for sex estimation of anonymous skeletal remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Curate
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; School of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Tomar, Tomar, Portugal.
| | - Fernando Mestre
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Susana J Garcia
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Public Administration and Public Policies, Institute of Social and Political Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; National Museum of Natural History and Science, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Garoufi N, Bertsatos A, Chovalopoulou ME, Villa C. Forensic sex estimation using the vertebrae: an evaluation on two European populations. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:2307-2318. [PMID: 32940842 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02430-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sex estimation is one of the primary steps for constructing the biological profile of skeletal remains leading to their identification in the forensic context. While the pelvis is the most sex diagnostic bone, the cranium and other post-cranial elements have been extensively studied. Earlier research has also focused on the vertebral column with varying results regarding its sex classification accuracy as well as the underlying population specificity. The present study focuses on three easily identifiable vertebrae, namely T1, T12, and L1, and utilizes two modern European populations, a Greek and a Danish, to evaluate their forensic utility in sex identification. To this end, 865 vertebrae from 339 individuals have been analyzed for sexual dimorphism by further evaluating the effects of age-at-death and population affinity on its expression. Our results show that T1 is the best sex diagnostic vertebra for both populations reaching cross-validated accuracy of almost 90%, while age-at-death has limited effect on its sexual dimorphism. On the contrary, T12 and L1 produced varying results ranging from 75 to 83% accuracy with the Greek population exhibiting distinctively more pronounced sexual dimorphism. Additionally, age-at-death had significant effect on sexual dimorphism of T12 and L1 and especially in the Greek female and Danish male groups. Our results on inter-population comparison suggest that vertebral sex discriminant functions, and especially those utilizing multiple measurements, are highly population specific and optimally suitable only for their targeted population. An open-source software tool to facilitate classifying new cases based on our results is made freely available to forensic researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nefeli Garoufi
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, GR 157 01, Athens, Greece.
| | - Andreas Bertsatos
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, GR 157 01, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Chovalopoulou
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, GR 157 01, Athens, Greece
- Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, 2121, Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chiara Villa
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging and 3D Modelling Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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13
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Sex estimation of the scapula using 3D imaging in a modern Turkish population. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-020-00393-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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14
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Attia MH, Aboulnoor BAES. Tailored logistic regression models for sex estimation of unknown individuals using the published population data of the humeral epiphyses. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2020; 45:101708. [PMID: 32334366 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This paper introduces a far-flung approach to formulate population independent models based on the humeral epiphyses as a supplementary tool for biological sex estimation of unknown partial remains. Resources for this study include the published summary statistics of 7 modern populations inhabited the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. The regenerated humeral metric data (n = 1490) via truncation approach were modeled using logistic regression. Three fitted models were evaluated for applicability across populations on an independent test sample (n = 430). The experiment was assessed graphically and quantitatively using histogram of posterior probabilities and the classification table. The predictive power of the models was evaluated at the conventional (0.5) and high (0.95) posterior probability thresholds. It was found that the vertical humeral head model is insufficient for sex estimation especially in the European females due to different levels of interpopulation size variability. Interestingly, the distal biepicondylar breadth model showed overall better performance achieving the highest total and sex specific accuracies. Findings indicated that together, the epiphyseal measurements are capable of discriminating sex with overall accuracy of 90.2% which is raised up to 98.8% with 95% confidence of accurate estimates in more than 50% of the test sample. While evidences have been presented pointing to the biological and statistical meaningfulness of the humeral epiphyses model, the analysis allowed pinpointing the utility of the distal biepicondylar breadth model in sex diagnosis in transpopulation application settings. Additionally, few variables are needed to reach satisfactory sex prediction in a diverse sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- MennattAllah Hassan Attia
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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15
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Bidmos MA, Adebesin AA, Mazengenya P, Olateju OI, Adegboye O. Estimation of sex from metatarsals using discriminant function and logistic regression analyses. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2019.1711180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. A. Bidmos
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - A. A. Adebesin
- Department of Human Anatomy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| | - P. Mazengenya
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - O. I. Olateju
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - O. Adegboye
- Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Faculty of Mathematics and Statistics, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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16
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Hussein MHA, Abulnoor BAES. Sex estimation of femur using simulated metapopulation database: A preliminary investigation. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL: REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2019.100009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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17
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Ford JM, Kumm TR, Decker SJ. An Analysis of Hounsfield Unit Values and Volumetrics from Computerized Tomography of the Proximal Femur for Sex and Age Estimation. J Forensic Sci 2019; 65:591-596. [PMID: 31670845 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M. Ford
- Department of Radiology Morsani College of Medicine University of South Florida 2 Tampa General Circle, STC 6097 Tampa FL33606
| | - Todd R. Kumm
- Department of Radiology Morsani College of Medicine University of South Florida 2 Tampa General Circle, STC 6097 Tampa FL33606
| | - Summer J. Decker
- Department of Radiology Morsani College of Medicine University of South Florida 2 Tampa General Circle, STC 6097 Tampa FL33606
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18
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Albanese J, Cardoso HFV. Commentary on: Stephan CN, Ross AH. Letter to the Editor-A Code of Practice for the Establishment and Use of Authentic Human Skeleton Collections in Forensic Anthropology. J Forensic Sci 2018;63(5):1604-7. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1576-1578. [PMID: 31116408 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John Albanese
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Hugo F V Cardoso
- Department of Archaeology and Centre for Forensic Research, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 4X7, Canada
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19
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Boonsri B, Pitakarnnop T, Buddhachat K, Changtor P, Nganvongpanit K. Can feline (Felis catus) flat and long bone morphometry predict sex or skull shape? Anat Sci Int 2019; 94:245-256. [DOI: 10.1007/s12565-019-00480-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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20
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Application and validation of Diagnose Sexuelle Probabiliste V2 tool in a miscegenated population. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 290:351.e1-351.e5. [PMID: 30077496 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The hip bone (os coxae) is the skeletal element that presents the greatest level of sexual dimorphism. Therefore, methods involving the analysis of the os coxae provide the most accurate sex estimation, and DSP2 (Diagnose Sexuelle Probabiliste v.2) is one of the most accurate tools used in this identification. The goal of this study is to apply and validate DSP2 in the identification of 103 os coxae (53 male and 50 female) belonging to a Brazilian-identified skeletal collection. Differences between sexes were statistically significant for all measurements, except for the acetabulo-symphyseal and spino-auricular lengths. From the 103 os coxae analyzed, there was a 9.43% error in male individuals and a 14% error in females. The results revealed that DSP2 can be applied to Brazilian-mixed populations with a good index of accuracy, although at a lower accuracy than other population samples. This study also clearly demonstrates that metric variation of the os coxae is extremely useful in sex estimation and reinforces the notion that pelvic sexual dimorphism is not population-specific.
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Fasemore MD, Bidmos MA, Mokoena P, Imam A, Billings BK, Mazengenya P. Dimensions around the nutrient foramina of the tibia and fibula in the estimation of sex. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 287:222.e1-222.e7. [PMID: 29678345 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Sex estimation from skeletal remains is one of the key components in establishing a biological profile and consequent identification of an individual in a forensic and medico-legal practice. The use of dimensions around the nutrient foramen in instances where long bones may be fragmented and damaged is of benefit due to the fact that the nutrient foramen is easily identifiable and may be preserved on the shaft of long bones. This study is an investigation of the usefulness of various measurements around the nutrient foramen of the tibia and fibula of South Africans in an attempt to develop osteometric standards for sex estimation. The sample included 206 tibiae and 204 fibulae of South African Africans (SAA) and South African whites (SAW) procured from the Raymond A. Dart Collection of Human Skeletons based at the University of the Witwatersrand. Sex was correctly classified for the tibia with an accuracy ranging between 79-82% in SAA and 84-88% in SAW, with the circumference at the level of the nutrient foramen as the single best predictor of sex in both populations. An accuracy ranging from 69 to 74% in SAA and 70-77% in SAW was observed for the combined measurements on the fibula. The current study confirms the usefulness of measurements around the nutrient foramen of the tibia in the assignment of sex. However functions of the fibula generally performed poorly and should be used with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamorapelo D Fasemore
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Mubarak A Bidmos
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Palesa Mokoena
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Aminu Imam
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Brendon K Billings
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Pedzisai Mazengenya
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
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22
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Tomczyk J, Nieczuja-Dwojacka J, Zalewska M, Niemiro W, Olczyk W. Sex estimation of upper long bones by selected measurements in a Radom (Poland) population from the 18th and 19th centuries AD. ANTHROPOLOGICAL REVIEW 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/anre-2017-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Several studies have shown that sex estimation methods based on measurements of the skeleton are specific to populations. Metric traits of the upper long bones have been reported as reliable indicators of sex. This study was designed to determine whether the four long bones can be used for the sex estimation of an historical skeletal population from Radom (Poland). The material used consists of the bones of 169 adult individuals (including 103 males and 66 females) from the 18th and 19th centuries. Twelve measurements were recovered from clavicle, humerus, radius and ulna. The initial comparison of males and females indicated significant differences in all measurements (p < 0.0001). The accuracy of sex estimation ranged from 68% to 84%. The best predictor for sex estimation of all the measurements in Radom’s population was the maximum length of the radius (84%), and the ulna (83%), and the vertical diameter of the humeral head (83%). The Generalized Linear Model (GLM) detected the strongest significant relationship between referential sex and the vertical diameter of the humeral head (p < 0.0001), followed by the maximal length of the ulna (p = 0.0117). In other measurements of the upper long bones, GLM did not detect statistically significant differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Tomczyk
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Institute of Ecology and Bioethics , Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw , Poland
| | - Joanna Nieczuja-Dwojacka
- Department of Human Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences , Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw , Poland
| | - Marta Zalewska
- Department of Environmental Hazard Prevention and Allergology , Medical University of Warsaw , Poland
| | - Wojciech Niemiro
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics , University of Warsaw , Poland
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science , Nicolaus Copernicus University , Toruń , Poland
| | - Wioleta Olczyk
- Department of Human Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences , Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw , Poland
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Ubelaker DH, DeGaglia CM. Population variation in skeletal sexual dimorphism. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 278:407.e1-407.e7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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24
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Morphological Study of the Anterior Surface of the Distal Radius. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:8963768. [PMID: 28717652 PMCID: PMC5498907 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8963768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The shape of the anterior surface of the distal radius is important for designing a distal radius plate for wrist fracture surgery. The aim of this study was to describe the shape of the anterior surface of the distal radius and to compare the results between female and male. We used 90 sides from three-dimensional radial models based on computer tomography images from Korean adult cadavers for this study. The anterior surface was measured in two dimensions in the coronal view, and we sectioned the anterior surface of the models to obtain intermediate and radial sections to measure the curved shape of the anterior surface in sagittal view. Several parameters were statistically different between females and males; however, there were no differences between the right and left sides for any parameters. The width of the anterior surface in the coronal view was larger in males than females, and the curved part of the anterior surface of the males was longer and more concave than that of females. In both the female and male specimens, the intermediate section was longer and more concave than the radial section. Our results are useful for anthropological studies and for designing distal radial plates.
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25
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Assessing size and strength of the clavicle for its usefulness for sex estimation in a British medieval sample. HOMO-JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE HUMAN BIOLOGY 2016; 67:409-416. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchb.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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26
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Nganvongpanit K, Buddhachat K, Brown JL, Klinhom S, Pitakarnnop T, Mahakkanukrauh P. Preliminary Study to Test the Feasibility of Sex Identification of Human (Homo sapiens) Bones Based on Differences in Elemental Profiles Determined by Handheld X-ray Fluorescence. Biol Trace Elem Res 2016; 173:21-9. [PMID: 26821354 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-016-0625-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sex assignment of human remains is a crucial step in forensic anthropological studies. The aim of this study was to examine elemental differences between male and female bones using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and determine if elemental profiling could be used for sex discrimination. Cranium, humerus, and os coxae of 60 skeletons (30 male, 30 female) from the Chiang Mai University Skeletal Collection were scanned by XRF and differences in elemental profiles between male and female bones determined using discriminant analysis. In the cranium, three elements (S, Ca, Pb) were significantly higher in males and five elements (Si, Mn, Fe, Zn, Ag) plus light elements (atomic number lower than 12) were higher in females. In humerus and os coxae, nine elements were significantly higher in male and one element was higher in female samples. The accuracy rate for sex estimation was 60, 63, and 61 % for cranium, humerus, and os coxae, respectively, and 67 % when data for all three bones were combined. We conclude that there are sex differences in bone elemental profiles; however, the accuracy of XRF analyses for discriminating between male and female samples was low compared to standard morphometric and molecular methods. XRF could be used on small samples that cannot be sexed by traditional morphological methods, but more work is needed to increase the power of this technique for gender assignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korakot Nganvongpanit
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand.
- Excellence Center in Osteology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
| | - Kittisak Buddhachat
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
| | - Janine L Brown
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Sarisa Klinhom
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
| | - Tanita Pitakarnnop
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
| | - Pasuk Mahakkanukrauh
- Excellence Center in Osteology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
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Spradley MK. Metric Methods for the Biological Profile in Forensic Anthropology: Sex, Ancestry, and Stature. Acad Forensic Pathol 2016; 6:391-399. [PMID: 31239914 DOI: 10.23907/2016.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The biological profile, conducted by a forensic anthropologist, is necessary for severely decomposed or skeletonized remains. The biological profile consists of estimates of sex, age, ancestry, and stature. It is crucial to have a correct estimate of sex, as this designation will narrow down the search through missing persons reports by half (e.g., searching through NamUs). However, sex estimates can be population specific, necessitating accurate ancestry estimation. When estimates of age and stature are added, the search narrows further. If these estimates are incorrect, the unidentified human remains may never be identified. These biological profile components are estimated based on either metric or nonmetric methods (visual observation and recording of categorical data). While age is inherently nonmetric, stature is inherently metric. Estimates of sex and ancestry can take a metric or nonmetric approach. The purpose of this review article is to review metric methods in forensic anthropology (sex, ancestry, and stature), to provide general knowledge of why and how these metric methods work, and to highlight that estimates of sex, ancestry, and stature do not subscribe to a "one size fits all" model.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kate Spradley
- Texas State University - San Marcos - Department of Anthropology
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28
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Kotěrová A, Velemínská J, Dupej J, Brzobohatá H, Pilný A, Brůžek J. Disregarding population specificity: its influence on the sex assessment methods from the tibia. Int J Legal Med 2016; 131:251-261. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-016-1413-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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29
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Sex identification and reconstruction of length of humerus from its fragments: An Egyptian study. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejfs.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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30
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Determining sex with the clavicle in a contemporary Spanish reference collection: A study on 3D images. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 261:163.e1-10. [PMID: 26908024 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism of the clavicle based on metric studies has been determined among different populations from different eras. Due to the need to know about sexual dimorphism in the Spanish population in order to apply the results to the field of Forensic Anthropology, a study has been carried out on a sample in the contemporary Spanish population, made up of the right and left clavicles of 50 males and 50 females. A metric, volumetric and curvature study was performed. To do so, 3D scanning was completed on the entire sample using the Picza 3D Laser Scanner, and the study was performed using reproductions. There were taken 6 metric measurements and 4 volumetric measurements using the Geomagic software, and for the study of curves, an index was calculated which related the direct length of the clavicle and its length as cast onto a surface. The data are presented for all of the variables, distinguishing between the right and left side, and there were processed using the statistical program PASW Statistics 18. The results show that the classification functions which best categorize the sample with an unique variable are volumetric, which classify the sample correctly in 94% of cases based on diaphysis volume, followed by total volume, which provides an accurate classification in 92% of all cases. The sagittal diameter at midshaft provides an accurate classification in 90% of cases and the maximum length in 88% of cases. The curvature index shows that there are no statistically significant differences by side and the only curvature index that shows significant differences by sex is the total anterior curve of the left clavicle being the males curve more pronounced. The validation study performed on a sample of 20 individuals confirms the high discriminatory power of the volume obtaining an accurate classification rate of 85-100% depending on the variable studied.
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Albanese J, Tuck A, Gomes J, Cardoso HFV. An alternative approach for estimating stature from long bones that is not population- or group-specific. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 259:59-68. [PMID: 26750990 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
An accurate and precise estimate of stature can be very useful in the analysis of human remains in forensic cases. A problem with many stature estimation methods is that an unknown individual must first be assigned to a specific group before a method can be applied. Group membership has been defined by sex, age, year of birth, race, ancestry, continental origin, nationality or a combination of these criteria. Univariate and multivariate sex-specific and generic equations are presented here that do not require an unknown individual to be assigned to a group before stature is estimated. The equations were developed using linear regression with a sample (n=244) from the Terry Collection and tested using independent samples from the Forensic Anthropology Databank (n=136) and the Lisbon Collection (n=85). Tests with these independent samples show that (1) the femur provides the best univariate results; (2) the best multivariate equation includes the humerus, femur and tibia lengths; (3) a generic equation that does not require an unknown to first be assigned to a given category provides the best results most often; (4) a population-specific equation does not provide better results for estimating stature; (5) sex-specific equations can provide slightly better results in some cases; however, estimating the wrong sex can have a negative impact on precision and accuracy. With these equations, stature can be estimated independently of age at death, sex or group membership.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Albanese
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Forensic Research, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Andrew Tuck
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - José Gomes
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Hugo F V Cardoso
- Department of Archaeology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Forensic Research, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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32
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Sex determination from the calcaneus in a 20th century Greek population using discriminant function analysis. Sci Justice 2015; 55:377-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2015.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Krishan K, Kanchan T, Passi N, DiMaggio JA. Sexual dimorphism in foot length ratios among North Indian adolescents. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 36:96-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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34
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Sex determination from the talus in a contemporary Greek population using discriminant function analysis. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 33:14-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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