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Peer M, Sarig R. The effect of burning on dental tissue: A macroscopic and microscopic investigation. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 358:111987. [PMID: 38547582 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.111987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Teeth are considered unique as fingerprints for identification purposes. Their structure and resilience mean they can remain for thousands and millions of years withstanding extreme conditions, including burning. During burning, bones undergo carbonization at approximately 400°C and calcination at approximately 700°C. This study aimed to investigate the effects of carbonization and calcination on dental tissue. It involved nondestructive analyses of 58 extracted human teeth before and after burning, using x-ray diffraction, micro-CT, and high-resolution confocal microscopy. The results revealed that during carbonization, dentin volume decreased in two thirds of the sample, accompanied by crack formation and significant reduction in hydroxyapatite crystal size (p<0.001). During calcination, dentin volume decreased in all teeth, along with a significant deepening of the cracks (p<0.001), while enamel crystal size increased slightly. Initial changes in teeth occurred at lower temperatures than had once been assumed, as indicated by the cracks during carbonization, and there was up to a 36% decrease in dentin volume during calcination, which should be considered when measuring burnt teeth. The results of this research provide new insight into understanding dental tissue response to burning. Thus, dental remains may contribute to the knowledge needed to reconstruct anthropological and forensic scenarios involving burning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Peer
- The Department of Oral Biology, the Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; The Shmunis Family Anthropology Institute, Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Biohistory Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Rachel Sarig
- The Department of Oral Biology, the Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; The Shmunis Family Anthropology Institute, Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Biohistory Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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Mizuno S, Ono S, Makino Y, Kobayashi S, Torimitsu S, Yamaguchi R, Chiba F, Tsuneya S, Iwase H. Mandibular torus thickness associated with age: Postmortem computed tomographic analysis. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 69:102449. [PMID: 38669766 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Age estimation is an essential step in identifying human corpses. Several mandibular landmarks have been highlighted as skeletal sites for age estimation since aging causes morphological changes. Reports suggest that mandibular torus size may be associated with aging; however, thorough investigation has not been performed owing to the difficulty in measuring it. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between age and mandibular torus thickness using postmortem computed tomography data from Japanese corpses. This study included 2,792 corpses with mean (standard deviation) age of 58.0 (22.4) years (range, 0-101 years) and 67.6 % males. Further, 2,662 (95.3 %), 14 (0.5 %), 59 (2.1 %), and 57 (2.0 %) corpses were in the permanent, mixed, primary, and predental dentition periods, respectively. Multivariable analysis was performed to quantify the impact of age on mandibular torus thickness, adjusting for sex, height, weight, and occlusal contact status. The model also included an interaction term between age and occlusal status because of the potential effect modification by occlusion. Results of the multivariable regression analysis showed that mandibular torus thickness increased with age (the regression coefficients (95 % confidence interval) were 0.6 (0.2-1.0), 0.7 (0.3-1.0), 1.0 (0.6-1.4), 1.3 (0.9-1.7), 1.3 (0.8-1.8), and 1.1 (0.4-1.7) for age groups 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80-89 years, respectively), especially in males with occlusal contact. A significant association between mandibular torus thickness and age, modified by occlusal status and sex, was identified. Therefore, data regarding the thickness of the mandibular torus and occlusal status may be useful for age estimation in human corpses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Mizuno
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Department of Drug Dependence Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8553, Japan.
| | - Sachiko Ono
- Department of Eat-loss Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Yohsuke Makino
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Chiba Prefecture 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Susumu Kobayashi
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Suguru Torimitsu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Chiba Prefecture 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Rutsuko Yamaguchi
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Chiba Prefecture 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Fumiko Chiba
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Chiba Prefecture 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Shigeki Tsuneya
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Chiba Prefecture 260-8670, Japan
| | - Hirotaro Iwase
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Chiba Prefecture 260-8670, Japan.
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Martín-Martín J, Santos I, Gaitán-Arroyo MJ, Suarez J, Rubio L, Martín-de-Las-Heras S. Dental color measurement to estimate age in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024:10.1007/s12024-024-00798-4. [PMID: 38459359 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-024-00798-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Age estimation is a major challenge in anthropology and forensic odontology laboratories, as well as in judicial settings, as one of the tools used in human identification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of age estimation methods based on the accurate measurement of tooth color changes. A systematic review was carried out following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and in compliance with Cochrane criteria recommendations (PROSPERO registration number CRD 42022343371). An electronic search was performed in the following databases: Pubmed, Web of Science, Medline, Current Contents Connect, SciELO, KCI-Korean Journal Database, Derwent Innovations Index and Russian Citation Index. The search strategy yielded a total of 18 articles. A randomized meta-analysis model of the results for the CIE L*a*b* color variables stratified by age (less than 30 years, 30-60 years, 60 years and older) was performed with 9 of the 18 studies included in this systematic review. According to our results, sex and location of color measurement are the most influential factors in color estimation. All studies were carried out in healthy anterior teeth by spectrophotometry as the most commonly used method for color measurement, with CIE L*a*b* being the most commonly analyzed parameters. Studies based on age as a dependent variable showed R2 values between 0.28 and 0.56, being higher in ex vivo teeth. Studies based on age as an independent variable showed R2 values ranging from 0.10 to 0.48. The random model showed high heterogeneity for the L*, a* and b* parameters in all age groups, which is explained by discrepancies in age range and non-standardized conditions for color measurement. This systematic review highlights the need to protocolize age estimation studies that measure tooth color, in order to apply this method in different forensic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Martín-Martín
- Area of Legal and Forensic Medicine. Department of Human Anatomy, Legal Medicine and History of Science, University of Malaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur 32, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (IBIMA), Malaga, Spain
| | - Ignacio Santos
- Area of Legal and Forensic Medicine. Department of Human Anatomy, Legal Medicine and History of Science, University of Malaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur 32, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (IBIMA), Malaga, Spain
| | - María J Gaitán-Arroyo
- Area of Legal and Forensic Medicine. Department of Human Anatomy, Legal Medicine and History of Science, University of Malaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur 32, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (IBIMA), Malaga, Spain
| | - Juan Suarez
- Area of Legal and Forensic Medicine. Department of Human Anatomy, Legal Medicine and History of Science, University of Malaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur 32, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (IBIMA), Malaga, Spain
| | - Leticia Rubio
- Area of Legal and Forensic Medicine. Department of Human Anatomy, Legal Medicine and History of Science, University of Malaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur 32, 29071, Malaga, Spain.
- Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (IBIMA), Malaga, Spain.
| | - Stella Martín-de-Las-Heras
- Area of Legal and Forensic Medicine. Department of Human Anatomy, Legal Medicine and History of Science, University of Malaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur 32, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (IBIMA), Malaga, Spain
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Abstract
Forensic Odontology (FO) identification compares antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) dental datasets and is widely accepted as a primary identifier. Traditionally, a PM dental examination is undertaken in the same manner as a dental examination conducted for a living patient. Recently, the increased forensic application of computed tomography (CT) offers an alternative source of PM data. While charting from PMCT is widely accepted as less accurate, the impact on reconciliation is unknown. This study aims to determine if reconciliation outcome differs when PM dental data is collected from PMCT, compared with conventional PM examination. PMCT data was reviewed for 21 cases previously completed using conventional PM dental examination. Operators blinded to original identification outcomes charted from CT images before comparing to AM data to form an opinion regarding identity. Opinions formed were compared with original identification outcomes. Differences in PM dental charting between the two methods and the evidentiary value of AM and PM datasets were assessed to determine driving factors of differences in identification outcome. Compared to conventional PM dental examination, PMCT examination resulted in similar or less certain identification outcomes. Discrepancies in outcome were driven by the quality of AM and PM datasets rather than inaccuracies in charting from PMCT. Based on the results of this study, both conventional and PMCT methods of PM dental examination can reach similar identification outcomes. However, operators remained more certain in establishing identity when conducting conventional PM dental examinations especially when AM data was lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Maley
- Forensic Odontology Unit, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
| | - Denice Higgins
- Forensic Odontology Unit, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
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Gökmen Ş, Topsakal KG, Duran GS, Görgülü S. Clinical comparative study on the accuracy of palatal rugae in models obtained by different impression materials and intraoral scanning. Clin Oral Investig 2024; 28:153. [PMID: 38366003 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-024-05556-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Palatal rugae are frequently used in the evaluation of tooth movement after treatment in orthodontics and as a stable region in superimposition. It is important to note that the impression method and material used to record the rugae region affect the accuracy of the impression. The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of palatal rugae, in three-dimensional (3D) by employing both conventional and digital impression methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, 22 patients (12 females, 10 males) mean age of 13.5 ± 1.7 years old were selected with complete permanent dentition. Three different impressions were taken from the maxillae of the patients: conventional impression using silicone rubber impression material, conventional impression using alginate impression material, and optical impression using an intraoral scanner. The impressions' digital data were analyzed by the GOM Inspect (Version 2018, Braunschweig, Germany), a 3D analysis software. The Root Mean Square (RMS) values of the total ruga region were evaluated in this software. The data were statistically analyzed using the Jamovi program. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test were performed due to the non-normal distribution of the data. RESULTS There is no statistically significant difference between the comparison points of the right and left rugae's medial and lateral points and total rugae regions' RMS values. Although there was no statistically significant difference, the total RMS values of alginate and digital scan measurements showed closer results than the RMS values of silicone and digital scan measurements. CONCLUSION The study found that there was no statistically significant difference in the total RMS values of the ruga region between traditional and digital impression methods. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The treatment period in orthodontics is long. Different impression materials and methods can be used for diagnostic, mid-treatment, and final impressions. For superimpositions and treatment and post-treatment palatal ruga evaluations, traditional and digital impression methods are clinically acceptable and can be used as alternatives to each other.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kübra Gülnur Topsakal
- Department of Orthodontics, Gulhane Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey, 06010
| | - Gökhan Serhat Duran
- Department of Orthodontics, Gulhane Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey, 06010
| | - Serkan Görgülü
- Department of Orthodontics, Gulhane Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey, 06010
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Gohain M, Asif MK, Nambiar P, Mohd Noor NS, Hidayah Reduwan N, Ibrahim N. Three-dimensional surface area analyses of developing maxillary second premolar root apices for age estimation using CBCT images. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 66:102391. [PMID: 38211402 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional surface area analyses of developing root apices for age estimation in children and young adults have shown promising results. The current study aimed to apply this three-dimensional method to develop a regression model for estimating age in Malaysian children aged 7 to 14 using developing maxillary second premolars. A training sample of 155 cone-beam computed tomography scans (83 Malays and 72 Chinese) was analysed, and the formula was subsequently validated on an independent sample of 92 cone-beam computed tomography scans (45 Malays and 47 Chinese). The results showed a strong correlation (r = 94 %) between the chronological age as a dependent variable and the predictor variables, including root surface area of the apex, sex, ethnicity, and root development status (open/closed apices). For this model, the predictor variables accounted for 88.4 % of the variation in age except sex and ethnicity. A mean absolute error value of 0.42 indicated that this model can be reliably used for Malaysian children. In conclusion, this study recognises the method of three-dimensional surface area analyses as a valuable tool for age estimation in forensic and clinical practice. Further studies are highly recommended to assess its effectiveness across different demographic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghna Gohain
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Muhammad Khan Asif
- Department of Research and Forensic Odontology, Shifa College of Dentistry, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan; Department of Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Malaysia.
| | - Phrabhakaran Nambiar
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Saujana Putra, Malaysia.
| | - Nora Sakina Mohd Noor
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Nor Hidayah Reduwan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Centre of Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic and Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
| | - Norliza Ibrahim
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Rai NP, Kumar P, Arsheed NAA, Nagella SP, Mannivannan PC, Dhayanidhi A. Evaluation of Sexual Dimorphism Using Dental Dimensions - An Observational Study. J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2024; 16:S230-S232. [PMID: 38595508 PMCID: PMC11000940 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_473_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim In our study, we evaluated the gender dimorphism among dental measurements of selected people in a South Indian district. Methodology In our research, 500 participants between 17 and 25 years of age were included after taking their maxillary arch impressions. Utilizing Korkhaus compass and digital caliper, depth of palatal area as well as maxillary arch as a whole was done. T-test was done to initiate the comparative analysis between the palatal arch and complete maxillary arch depths where P < 0.05 was denoted significant statistically. Results It was recorded that complete maxillary arch depth measurements were increased in case of men as compared to women, whereas the measurements related to depth of the palatal arch were not statistically significant. Conclusion In our research, we found that complete maxillary arch depth can be utilized for gender segregation accompanied with other auxiliary methods. The mean value for both these measurements can be utilized as a standard measurement for advance research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra P. Rai
- Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Prafful Kumar
- Department of Dentistry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | - Noor A. A. Arsheed
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahsa University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sai P. Nagella
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahsa University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pratap C. Mannivannan
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahsa University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Aparna Dhayanidhi
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahsa University, Selangor, Malaysia
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Auderset FC, Connert T, Meller C, Filippi A, Dagassan-Berndt DC. Evaluation of five methods to identify composite restorations in human teeth on a forensic purpose-an ex vivo comparative study. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:85-96. [PMID: 35945461 PMCID: PMC10772003 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02869-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of tooth-colored composite resin materials in dentistry is increasing. As composite restorations appear similar to the natural tooth structure, their detection is becoming more challenging. The aim of this study was to compare five diagnostic methods for detection of dental restorations and to create reliable postmortem dental records for forensic purposes. A conventional examination method without a direct light source (CONV), with a dental loupe light (DL), Galilean loupes with a direct light source (GDL), a fluorescence-inducing device (FIT), and intraoral radiographs (RX) were compared. Dentists specializing in conservative dentistry or oral surgery and dentistry students participated. Regarding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, FIT and RX showed significantly higher results than CONV, DL, and GDL. RX and FIT showed comparable results in identifying composite restorations but depending on their location. The combination of both methods may lead to even better results. In conclusion fluorescence-inducing devices show good results in identifying composite restorations and therefore should be considered as a standard tool in forensic examinations. Another advantage is their small size, low cost, and mobility. Good illumination and magnification devices are recommended to enhance performance during conventional examinations. Involving dentists specialized in conservative dentistry could contribute to dental identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence C Auderset
- Department of Oral Surgery, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel UZB, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Connert
- Department of Periodontology, Endodontology and Cariology, University Center for Dental Medicine UZB, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Meller
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Periodontology, Endodontology and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, Eberhard-Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Filippi
- Department of Oral Surgery, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel UZB, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dorothea C Dagassan-Berndt
- Center for Dental Imaging, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel UZB, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Milheiro A, De Tobel J, Capitaneanu C, Shaheen E, Fieuws S, Thevissen P. Quantifying the potential of morphological parameters for human dental identification: part 1-proof of concept. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:25-34. [PMID: 35704093 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02853-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In forensic identification, lack of eccentric characteristics of intact dentitions hinders correct ante-mortem/post-mortem (AM/PM) matching. It remains unclear which morphological dental parameters hold strong potential as identifiers. This study aimed to establish a method to quantify and rank the identifying potential of one (or a combination of) continuous morphological parameter(s), and to provide a proof of concept. First, a statistic was defined that quantifies the identifying potential: the mean potential set (MPS). The MPS is derived from inter-observer agreement data and it indicates the percentage of subjects in the AM reference dataset who at least need to be considered to detect the correct PM subject. This was calculated in a univariate and a multivariate setting. Second, the method was validated on maxillary first molar crowns of 82 3D-digitally scanned cast models. Standardized measurements were registered using 3D modeling software (3-Matic Medical 12.0, Materialise N.V., Leuven, Belgium): tooth depth, angles between cusps, distances between cusps, distances between the cusps, and the mesial pit. A random sample of 40 first molars was measured by a second examiner. Quantifying and ranking the parameters allowed selecting those with the strongest identifying potential. This was found for the tooth depth (1 measurement, MPS = 17.1%, ICC = 0.879) in the univariate setting, and the angles between cusps (4 measurements, MPS = 3.9%) in the multivariate setting. As expected, the multivariate approach held significantly stronger identifying potential, but more measurements were needed (i.e., more time-consuming). Our method allows quantifying and ranking the potential of dental morphological parameters as identifiers using a clear-cut statistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Milheiro
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Forensic Odontology, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium.
| | - J De Tobel
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Forensic Odontology, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
- Diagnostic Sciences - Radiology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - C Capitaneanu
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Forensic Odontology, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - E Shaheen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Imaging and Pathology (OMFS-IMPATH), Louvain, UZ, Belgium
| | - S Fieuws
- Inter-University Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, KU Louvain, University of Leuven and University of Hasselt, Louvain, Belgium
| | - P Thevissen
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Forensic Odontology, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
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10
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Banjšak L, Gamulin O, Birimiša M. Age Estimation and Sex Determination Using Raman Spectra of Human Dentine. Acta Stomatol Croat 2023; 57:353-363. [PMID: 38283310 PMCID: PMC10812915 DOI: 10.15644/asc57/4/6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to determine the sex and estimate the age of individuals by analysing Raman spectra obtained from extracted teeth dentine. Material and methods A total of 25 male and 26 female extracted teeth were collected, disinfected, and fixed in auto acrylate before being cut near the cervical margin. The inclusion criteria were non endodontically treated teeth with the cervical third of the tooth crown preserved. The exposed dentine was recorded using a Raman spectrometer, with 100 scans per dentine site in the spectral range of 3500 to 200 cm-1 and a resolution of 4 cm-1. Background-corrected, normalized, and decomposed spectra were subjected to principal component analysis using MATLAB 2010 (The MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA). To assess age differences, prominent vibrational bands were observed and statistically analyzed, while sex differentiation employed the T-test on acquired data, exploring vibrational bands with significant intensity differences. Results The obtained results revealed a segmentation of spectra in the male sample group based on the age of teeth at extraction, with an accuracy of age estimation at 7.0048 years. A similar segmentation was observed in the female sample group, with an accuracy of 9.3863 years. Conclusion The recorded spectra were organized into datasets and analyzed with principal component analysis, demonstrating the feasibility of sex determination and age estimation using Raman spectra of teeth. Differences in classification accuracy between sexes may be attributed to hormonally-mediated differences in the biochemical composition of dentine between males and females. The findings of this study can provide valuable insights into methods for forensic and anthropological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Banjšak
- University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine, Department of Dental Anthropology
| | - Ozren Gamulin
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Department of Physics and Biophysics
| | - Minja Birimiša
- University of Zagreb, School of Dental Medicine, Department of Dental Anthropology
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Ishikawa N, Nakamura Y, Miura Y, Kuroda H, Kitamura K, Hashimoto M. Influence of the amount of saliva deposition and time elapsed after deposition on bite mark analysis. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00742-y. [PMID: 37926778 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00742-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Bite mark analysis is among the most interesting research fields in forensic odontology; however, it is limited by its dependence on the employed method as well as assessor subjectivity, particularly when using morphological analysis or DNA profiling. These limitations are due to differences in DNA collected from saliva adhering to a living or inanimate body, as well as differences in exocrine fluid secretion and deposition amount among individuals. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of DNA profiling when there are differences in the amount of saliva adhering to a living body and when time has elapsed since deposition. Most allele peaks could be identified in 1 µl of saliva, even 9 h after saliva deposition and examination. Consistent results were obtained following saliva deposition in an individual who had engaged in up to 9 h of free activity. The results of this study demonstrate the validity and reliability of DNA profiling for bite mark analysis and are extremely important as they can demonstrate the usefulness of the little information left by a suspect on a victim's body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noboru Ishikawa
- Department of Forensic Odontology and Anthropology, Tokyo Dental College, 2-9-18 Kanda-Misakicho, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, 101-0061, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Nakamura
- Department of Forensic Odontology and Anthropology, Tokyo Dental College, 2-9-18 Kanda-Misakicho, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, 101-0061, Japan.
| | - Yuna Miura
- Department of Forensic Odontology and Anthropology, Tokyo Dental College, 2-9-18 Kanda-Misakicho, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, 101-0061, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Kuroda
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Anesthesiology, Kanagawa Dental University, 1-23 Ogawacho Yokosuka-Shi, Kanagawa, 238-8580, Japan
| | - Kei Kitamura
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Tokyo Dental College, 2-9-18 Kanda-Misakicho, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, 101-0061, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Hashimoto
- Department of Forensic Odontology and Anthropology, Tokyo Dental College, 2-9-18 Kanda-Misakicho, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, 101-0061, Japan
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Baqai HS, Zaidi SJA, Baig QA, Bashir MB, Anwar M, Ansari AS. Maintenance of dental records and awareness of forensic odontology among pakistani dentists: a mixed-method study with implications for dental data repository. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:783. [PMID: 37875855 PMCID: PMC10594786 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03500-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dental records and forensic odontology play an important role in both healthcare and the legal system, aiding in personalized patient care, human identification, and legal proceedings. This study aims to investigate dental record-keeping practices and assess the awareness of forensic odontology among Pakistani dentists over 12 months. This study aims to collect data from 500 dentists, identify areas for enhancement, and develop a strategic action plan to improve record-keeping quality and forensic odontology application, culminating in a comprehensive dental data repository to support legal and criminal investigations in Pakistan. METHODOLOGY This study employed a mixed-method approach conducted at Hamdard Dental College from January to March 2023. The quantitative phase involved distributing questionnaires to 463 dentists, chosen through stratified random sampling. Out of these, 413 responded, yielding an 86% response rate. These questionnaires focused on dental record-keeping practices and dentists' awareness of forensic odontology. Subsequently, based on the questionnaire results, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 20 purposively selected dentists to gain deeper insight into the challenges and potential solutions. Data from both phases were integrated and analyzed accordingly. RESULTS The study included 413 participants, mainly females (79%), with ages ranging from 27 to 65 years and an average age of 46.4 years. Most dentists had 5-20 years of work experience (53%), and most (87.4%) were practicing in private clinical settings. All the dentists generated medical and dental records, but the duration of their record-keeping varied, with some maintaining them for up to a year and others for two years or longer. Five themes were generated from the qualitative content analysis. These themes were dentists' perceptions, barriers and challenges, knowledge and awareness, and improvement strategies. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that local practitioners in Pakistan exhibit subpar practices in dental record-keeping and maintenance of patient history, irrespective of whether they use a digital or traditional file-based system. Even though dentists are cognizant of the importance of record-keeping, they do not actively maintain comprehensive records. This suggests the need for improved training and system improvements to address the gaps in record-keeping practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifa Saquib Baqai
- Department of Oral Biology, Hamdard Dental College, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Syed Jaffar Abbas Zaidi
- Department of Oral Biology, Dow Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Sindh, 74200, Pakistan.
| | - Qaiser Ali Baig
- Department of Community Dentistry, Dow International Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Madiha Anwar
- Department of Oral Biology, Bahria University Medical & Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Asma Saher Ansari
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr Ishrat ul Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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Thirumal M, Prasad H, Rajmohan M, SriChinthu K, Prema P, Shanmuganathan S. Assessment of sex and sexual dimorphism in children from Tamilnadu, India through odontometrics in primary dentition - a cross sectional study with discriminant function analysis. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00734-y. [PMID: 37870726 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00734-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
One of the crucial steps in the process of identification of human remains is sex determination of an unknown individual. Sex can be determined using the human skeleton, especially by examining the pelvis and skull. Odontometric analysis and assessment of sexual dimorphism of the human dentition has been less investigated, especially in primary dentition. Hence, this research was designed to verify the presence of sexual dimorphism through odontometric approach in paediatric population of Tamil Nadu, India. The present study was performed on 229 females and 244 males between 3 and 6 years of age. Linear measurements such as maximum mesio distal width, maximum bucco lingual width and clinical crown length were measured in all the primary teeth. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 20.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Mann-Whitney-U test was used to check the statistical significance of the differences observed between males and females. Six equations were derived by discriminant function analysis for practical use. Sexual dimorphism existed in odontometric parameters of primary dentition. The maximum sexual dimorphism was observed in maximum bucco lingual width of 51 and maximum bucco lingual width of 75. The equations derived using discriminant function analysis yielded a jackknife accuracy ranging between 87.5% and 99.8%. These equations may be used to assess the sex from the children of Tamil Nadu, India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Thirumal
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, KSR Institute of Dental Science and Research, KSR Kalvi Nagar, Thokkavadi, Tiruchengode, 637215, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Harikrishnan Prasad
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, KSR Institute of Dental Science and Research, KSR Kalvi Nagar, Thokkavadi, Tiruchengode, 637215, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Muthusamy Rajmohan
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, KSR Institute of Dental Science and Research, KSR Kalvi Nagar, Thokkavadi, Tiruchengode, 637215, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kenniyankumar SriChinthu
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, KSR Institute of Dental Science and Research, KSR Kalvi Nagar, Thokkavadi, Tiruchengode, 637215, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Perumal Prema
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, KSR Institute of Dental Science and Research, KSR Kalvi Nagar, Thokkavadi, Tiruchengode, 637215, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sivanandhan Shanmuganathan
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, KSR Institute of Dental Science and Research, KSR Kalvi Nagar, Thokkavadi, Tiruchengode, 637215, Tamil Nadu, India
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Huo DM, Mao XY, Mo WW, Zhao FM, Du M, Sun RR. 3D- 3D dentition superimposition for individual identification: A study of an Eastern Chinese population. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 350:111801. [PMID: 37536075 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Recently, 3D dental intraoral scanning technology has been developed rapidly and applied widely in everyday dental practice. Since 3D dental scanning could provide valuable personal information, it enabled researchers to develop novel procedures for individual identification through 3D-3D dentition superimposition. This study aimed to test the applicability of this method in an Eastern Chinese population and propose a threshold for personal identification. For this purpose, 40 volunteers were recruited, and the initial 80 (upper and lower) 3D intraoral scans (IOS) were collected. After one year, 80 IOS of these volunteers were repeatedly collected. In addition, the other 120 IOS of 60 patients were extracted from the database. The 3D models were trimmed, aligned, and superimposed via Geomagic Control X software, and then the root mean square (RMS) value of point-to-point distance between the two models was calculated. The superimposition of two IOS belonging to the same individual was considered as a match, and superimposition of two IOS belonging to different individuals was considered as a mismatch. Totally, superimpositions of 80 matches and 3120 mismatches were obtained. Intra- and inter-observer errors were assessed through the calculation of relative technical error of measurement (rTEM). Mann-Whitney U test verified possible statistically significant differences between matches and mismatches (P < 0.05). The rTEM of intra- and inter-observer repeatability analyses was lower than 4.7 %. The range of RMS value was 0.05-0.18 mm in matches and 0.72-2.28 mm in mismatches without overlapping. The percentage of accurate identification reached 100 % in blind test through an arbitrary RMS threshold of 0.45 mm. The results indicated that individual identification through the 3D-3D dentition superimposition was effective in Eastern Chinese population. Successful identification could be achieved with high probability when the RMS value of the point-to-point distance of two dentitions is <0.45 mm.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Min Huo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, China; Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Jiading Branch of Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 201822, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Mao
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Jiading District Dental Research Institute, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Wei-Wei Mo
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 201424, China
| | - Fei-Ming Zhao
- School of Maritime Economics and Management of Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Meng Du
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, China; Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Jiading Branch of Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 201822, China
| | - Rong-Rong Sun
- Department of Orthodontics, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, Shanghai 200072, China.
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Rodríguez-Niklitschek C, Oporto GH, Chuhuaicura P, Alemán I, Fonseca GM. Cameriere's open apices methodology for dental age estimation in children: a scoping review from a Latin American perspective. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00646-x. [PMID: 37222903 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00646-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Dental age estimation (DAE) is key to establishing an individual's identity, and this is relevant in minors. A widely used method for DAE in children is Cameriere's open apices (CAM). Despite its wide dissemination, there are no clear reports of its use in Latin American populations. A scoping review was conducted using a search strategy in the PubMed/MEDLINE database, Web of Science, and a complementary manual search. Only papers using CAM or its regression equation models for evaluating Latin American populations were included. Ten studies published between 2007 and 2020 responded to the search objective. Brazil was the country with the most studies using CAM (7/10), and the University of Macerata (Italy) was the most declared affiliation (6/10). Seven studies used the original CAM formula in populations from Brazil and Peru, while the European formula (EuCAM) was applied in Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. Although the method underestimated the age values with acceptable error margins, the correction factor substantially improved the predictive power of the method. Some limitations of the method are highlighted. CAM and its variants can be useful for validation in Latin American settings, but attention to population structures and terminologies is suggested for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Rodríguez-Niklitschek
- Escuela de Odontología, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Mayor, Temuco, Chile
- Escuela de Odontología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Biomedicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biología Oral (CIBO), Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular Y Molecular, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Gonzalo H Oporto
- Departamento de Odontología Integral Adultos, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Centro de Investigación en Biología Oral (CIBO), Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular Y Molecular, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Priscila Chuhuaicura
- Escuela de Odontología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Departamento de Odontología Integral Adultos, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Centro de Investigación en Biología Oral (CIBO), Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular Y Molecular, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Inmaculada Alemán
- Departamento de Medicina Legal, Toxicología Y Antropología Física, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Programa de Doctorado en Biomedicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Gabriel M Fonseca
- Departamento de Odontología Integral Adultos, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
- Programa de Doctorado en Biomedicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.
- Unidad de Estimación de Edad Dental, Centro de Investigación en Odontología Legal y Forense (CIO), Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Francisco Salazar 01145, 4780000, Temuco, Chile.
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Salazar-Aguilar P, Zaror-Sánchez C, Fonseca GM. Forensic odontology: Wrong convictions, "bad apples" and "the innocence files". J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 96:102528. [PMID: 37099885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Forensic odontology (FO) provides expert testimony; however, new criticism has identified FO as one of the fields that must strengthen its scientific foundations. The recent Netflix documentary titled "The Innocence Files", featuring wrongful convictions, dedicates three of its nine episodes almost exclusively to bite mark identification (BMI), one of the most questioned tests performed by FO. Although most of the FO fields have an undoubted utility in forensic and juridical context, only BMI has been questioned in recent years; the derogatory expression "Junk science" is used continuously in the documentary almost as a synonym for FO. We present a scoping review of cases reported in the US National Registry of Exonerations in which FO was false or misleading forensic evidence (F/MFE) leading to wrongful convictions. Although in the 26 cases identified the only declared F/MFE was the BMI (excluding any other type of dental expertise), only in 2 cases (7.69%) was F/MFE the sole contributing factor, and in 4 cases (15.38%) there was F/MFE plus three additional factors. Official misconduct was detected in 19 cases (73.08%) and perjury or false accusation in 16 cases (61.54%). It has already been mentioned how dangerous it is to consider FO as synonymous with "bite mark identification", or even to publicly provide incorrect or decontextualized information. This review shows that erroneous convictions have been exclusively in the field of BMI, and that FO encompasses much more than just BMI. The relationship between the media and forensic sciences has been strained. The perspective of the new culture of risk management in forensics is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Salazar-Aguilar
- Programa de Magister en Odontología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Carrera de Odontología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile; Centro de Investigación en Odontología Legal y Forense (CIO), Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Carlos Zaror-Sánchez
- Programa de Magister en Odontología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Center for Research in Epidemiology, Economics and Oral Public Health (CIEESPO), Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Gabriel M Fonseca
- Programa de Magister en Odontología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Centro de Investigación en Odontología Legal y Forense (CIO), Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
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Bu WQ, Guo YX, Zhang D, Du SY, Han MQ, Wu ZX, Tang Y, Chen T, Guo YC, Meng HT. Automatic sex estimation using deep convolutional neural network based on orthopantomogram images. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 348:111704. [PMID: 37094502 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Sex estimation is very important in forensic applications as part of individual identification. Morphological sex estimation methods predominantly focus on anatomical measurements. Based on the close relationship between sex chromosome genes and facial characterization, craniofacial hard tissues morphology shows sex dimorphism. In order to establish a more labor-saving, rapid, and accurate reference for sex estimation, the study investigated a deep learning network-based artificial intelligence (AI) model using orthopantomograms (OPG) to estimate sex in northern Chinese subjects. In total, 10703 OPG images were divided into training (80%), validation (10%), and test sets (10%). At the same time, different age thresholds were selected to compare the accuracy differences between adults and minors. The accuracy of sex estimation using CNN (convolutional neural network) model was higher for adults (90.97%) compared with minors (82.64%). This work demonstrated that the proposed model trained with a large dataset could be used in automatic morphological sex-related identification with favorable performance and practical significance in forensic science for adults in northern China, while also providing a reference for minors to some extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qing Bu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 98 XiWu Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Department of Orthodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 98 XiWu Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Xin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 98 XiWu Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Hybrid Augmented Intelligence, National Engineering Research Center for Visual Information and Applications, and Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, People's Republic of China
| | - Shao-Yi Du
- National Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Hybrid Augmented Intelligence, National Engineering Research Center for Visual Information and Applications, and Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Qi Han
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 98 XiWu Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Xuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 98 XiWu Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Department of Orthodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 98 XiWu Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Tang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 98 XiWu Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Teng Chen
- College of Medicine and Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Cheng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 98 XiWu Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; Department of Orthodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 98 XiWu Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China; National Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Hybrid Augmented Intelligence, National Engineering Research Center for Visual Information and Applications, and Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hao-Tian Meng
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 98 XiWu Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
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Bianchi I, Pradella F, Vitale G, De Luca S, Castello FP, Focardi M, Pinchi V. A Survey on forensic odontologists' activity in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 345:111638. [PMID: 36921373 PMCID: PMC9988697 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Few information on virus contagion at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic led to severe restrictions in the dental and forensic activity in Italy, the introduction of procedural guidelines and implementation of preventive measures. A specific survey on Italian forensic odontologists (FOds) activity was conducted to investigate the COVD-19 pandemic impact on daily practices, the preventive measures adopted to manage the risks of contagion procedures performed on living and dead people and the possible peculiar cases that required the intervention of a medical examiner. A total of 122 FOds answered, mostly males over 46 years coming from northern Italy. The results highlight the lack of specific guidelines for the procedures on living people compared to those on the dead but the regulations for the daily clinical practice resulted more than sufficient: in fact, more than 80% of FOds adopted the preventive and safety measures provided for dental practices. The forensic activity significantly decreased during the initial period (more than 75%) and gradually normalized to pre-pandemic numbers in approximately 50% of cases after the implementation of the vaccination campaign. 13 cases of occupational contagion have been reported, most of them (more than 85%) in northern and central Italy. In two cases members of the dental staff sued the employer for responsibility in the contagion. The decrease of the overall ID activity during the pandemic time can be more likely attributed to the of the dental data than the real impact of the pandemic regulations. The use of telematic tools, such as teleconferences, for many procedures proved to be an important resource useful for application even in post-pandemic times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilenia Bianchi
- "Laboratory of Personal Identification and Forensic Morphology", Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Francesco Pradella
- "Laboratory of Personal Identification and Forensic Morphology", Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Vitale
- "Laboratory of Personal Identification and Forensic Morphology", Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano De Luca
- AgEstimation Project, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Italy; Panacea Cooperative Research S. Coop., Ponferrada, Spain
| | - Fiorella Pia Castello
- "Laboratory of Personal Identification and Forensic Morphology", Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Focardi
- "Laboratory of Personal Identification and Forensic Morphology", Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Vilma Pinchi
- "Laboratory of Personal Identification and Forensic Morphology", Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Topal BG, Tanrikulu A. Assessment of permanent teeth development in children with multiple persistent primary teeth. J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023; 47:50-57. [PMID: 36890742 DOI: 10.22514/jocpd.2023.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent primary teeth (PPT) may occur due to various local factors, or it may develop due to general factors such as systemic diseases and syndromes. Since eruption and dental development are two different processes, it is important to investigate both processes to determine the actual cause of delayed tooth eruption. The study aimed to evaluate the dental development of a group of Turkish children with multiple PPT using the Willems dental age estimation method. STUDY DESIGN Digital panoramic radiographs of children and adolescents aged between 9 and 15 years were retrieved, assessed and categorized. A total of 80 radiographs of patients with more than one PPT were selected and matched with children without PPT. Dental age was calculated using the method of Willems et al. All analyses were conducted using the SPSS statistical software. The statistical significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS The permanent tooth development of children with multiple PPT could be delayed by 0.5-4 years compared to healthy ones. A strong positive correlation was found between the number of PPT and deviation for both females and males (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION In conclusion, we found that permanent tooth development of children with multiple PPT could be delayed compared to healthy ones. In addition, as the number of PPT increased, the difference between chronological age and dental age also increased, especially in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Gucyetmez Topal
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, 03030 Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Aysenur Tanrikulu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, 03030 Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
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Atwood L, Lain R, Kotzander J, McCardle P, Mason B, Raymond J, Sears A. A casework study: The effect of the porcine digestive process on animal carcasses and human teeth. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 345:111617. [PMID: 36893679 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
What happens if a human body is fed to pigs? Although a popular notion in the entertainment industry, no scientific published literature exists that documents this porcine feeding behaviour, nor, more importantly, what elements of the cadaver may survive such a process. A study conducted in 2020, born out of a casework enquiry, aimed to investigate the following two questions; Would pigs feed on a human body? And, if so, what could be recovered post feeding event? Kangaroo carcasses, porcine carcasses (as human analogues) and 90 human teeth were prepared, and fed, to two domestic pigs, in a variety of feed scenarios. Biological traces including bones, bone fragments, teeth and tooth fragments were recovered both post-digestion from the faeces of the pigs, as well as uneaten from the porcine enclosure. 29% of all human teeth were recovered from the study; 35% of which were recovered post-digestion from the faeces and 65% were recovered uneaten from the porcine enclosure, Of the recovered human teeth, 81% were deemed suitable for identification by a forensic odontologist. From the 447 bones recovered from the enclosure, 94% could be identified to a bone type and species. From all 3338 bone fragments recovered from the faeces of the pigs, none retained any morphological traits that would allow further intelligence to be generated. Overall, it was found that pigs will feed on human analogues and will consume soft tissue, bones, and human teeth. Biological traces in the form of bones, bone fragments, teeth and tooth fragments may be recovered both post-digestion from the faeces, or from the porcine enclosure. The biological traces can be used for identification of an individual via forensic odontology, identification of a species via forensic anthropology and may be suitable for DNA analysis. The outcomes of this study generated new avenues for investigation in the case and may be used to inform future operational resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Atwood
- Science and Research Unit, Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command, New South Wales Police Force, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | - Jessica Kotzander
- Science and Research Unit, Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command, New South Wales Police Force, Sydney, Australia; University of Technology Sydney, Centre for Forensic Science, Broadway 2007, Australia
| | - Penny McCardle
- Newcastle Department of Forensic Medicine, NSW/McCardle Cultural Heritage, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Brett Mason
- Criminal Groups Squad, State Crime Command, New South Wales Police Force, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jennifer Raymond
- Science and Research Unit, Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command, New South Wales Police Force, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alison Sears
- Science and Research Unit, Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command, New South Wales Police Force, Sydney, Australia
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21
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Peer M, Sarig R. Color change in teeth due to burning: Spectrophotometric analysis. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 345:111608. [PMID: 36870178 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Teeth are one of the most common skeletal elements for forensic identification purposes and also the strongest human tissue, making them resistant to high temperatures. Over the course of burning as temperature increases, teeth go through a process of structural change characterized by a carbonization phase (at approx. 400 °C) and calcination phase (at approx. 700 °C) that might result in complete enamel loss. The aim of the study was to quantify color change of enamel and dentin and to determine whether both tissues can be used for estimating burn temperature as well as to evaluate the whether these changes are visually perceptible. 58 human, permanent maxillary molars without restorations were burned for 60 min at either 400 °C or 700 °C in a Cole-Parmer StableTemp Box Furnace. The change in color was measured for the crown and root using a SpectroShade Micro II spectrophotometer to determine lightness (L*), green-red color (a*), and blue-yellow color (b*). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. There is a significant difference between the L*, a*, and b* values of pre-burned enamel and dentin at 400 °C (p < 0.001). In addition, differences in dentin measures between 400 °C and 700 °C (p < 0.001), as well as pre-burned teeth and 700 °C (p < 0.001). The mean L*a*b* values were used to calculate a measure of the perceptible difference between colors (ΔE) revealing a highly perceptible color difference between the pre- and post-burn teeth for both enamel and dentin. There is a low perceptible difference between burned enamel and dentin was found. During the carbonization phase the tooth gets darker and redder and as temperature increases, teeth become bluer. Overall, as calcination occurs the tooth root color gets closer to a neutral gray palette. The results showed a highly perceptible difference indicating that for forensic purposes simple visual color evaluation can provide reliable information, and dentin color evaluation can be used in cases when enamel is missing. However, the spectrophotometer allows an accurate replicable measure of tooth color across various stages of the burning process. This has practical applications in forensic anthropology as a portable and nondestructive technique that can be used in the field regardless of the practitioner's level of experience.
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22
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Robinson L, Bunn BK, Blumenthal R, Bernitz H. The "hypopigmented" bitemark: a clinical and histologic appraisal. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:99-104. [PMID: 36449097 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02922-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
So-called "hypopigmented" bitemark patterns, commonly seen but not limited to dark skinned individuals, can be of value in forensic investigations. The process of aging bitemarks observed on skin is controversial and without guidelines. This report analyzes tissue obtained from the site of a hypopigmented bitemark using special histochemical stains for the identification of melanin pigment, and a panel of immunohistochemical markers to aid in the aging process. Histologic evaluation clearly showed that cellular changes in the hypopigmented area were indicative of wound healing that had taken place over a period of time. This validates the hypothesis that a hypopigmented bitemark is an indication of a wound inflicted some days previously. These findings have value in forensic investigations, particularly in cases of suspected long-term physical abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Robinson
- Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - Belinda K Bunn
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Microbiology & Oral Biology, School of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sefako Makgatho University, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Ryan Blumenthal
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Herman Bernitz
- Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
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23
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Kakumanu NR, Ch G, G KA, Rathore K, Badam R, Erukala DS, Tadakamadla J, Tadakamadla SK, Balla SB. Premolar maturity index (IPM) for indicating legal age 12 years in a sample of south Indian children - A digital pantomographic study. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2022; 59:102145. [PMID: 36103783 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2022.102145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Legal age of 12 years has been set as the minimum age of criminal responsibility in many countries. This paper concerned a method for predicting the legal age 12 years based on the maturation of lower first and second premolars. The sample consisted of 900 digital pantomographs of south Indian children (450 males, 450 females) aged between 8 and 16 years. Among them, 580 DPTs were used as test sample and 320 DPTs as validation sample. New cut-offs at the age threshold 12 years were determined by using the measurement of open apices in first premolars (IPM1 < 0.10), second premolars (IPM2 < 0.14) and the combined method (IPM1 + IPM2 < 0.12). The sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp) and posttest probability (PTP) were established. For IPM1 < 0.10, the Se, Sp and PTP were 92.4 %, 91.3 % and 91.1 % for males and 90.8 %, 87 % and 86.5 % for females. For IPM2 < 0.14, they were 92.6 %, 93.6 % and 93.4 % for males and 91.5 %, 83.1 % and 83.4 % for females. And, for the combined predictor (IPM1 + IPM2 < 0.12), these values were 92.6 %, 94.8 % and 94.6 % and 90.5 %, 84.9 % and 84.7 % in males and females respectively. The best score of positive predictive value and specificity was obtained for males with the combined predictor (IPM1 + IPM2 < 0.12) and with single predictor (IPM1 < 0.10) for females. To conclude, the combined predictor has resulted in better discrimination in males, while in females the single predictor (IMP1 < 0.10) did slightly better. Further studies are warranted to test the combination of dental and skeletal indicators for the prediction of 12 years in the studied population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gayathri Ch
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Panineeya Mahavidyalaya Institute of Dental Sciences, Hyderabad, India.
| | | | - Kiran Rathore
- Department of Prosthodontics, Army College of Dental Sciences, Secunderabad, India.
| | - Rajkumar Badam
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Panineeya Mahavidyalaya Institute of Dental Sciences, Hyderabad, India.
| | | | | | - Santosh Kumar Tadakamadla
- Department of Rural Clinical Sciences, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Flora Hill, Australia.
| | - Sudheer B Balla
- Department of Forensic Odontology, Panineeya Mahavidyalaya Institute of Dental Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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24
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Espinoza-Silva PV, López-Lázaro S, Fonseca GM. Forensic odontology and dental age estimation research: a scoping review a decade after the NAS report on strengthening forensic science. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2022:10.1007/s12024-022-00499-w. [PMID: 35781622 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-022-00499-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dental age estimation (DAE) is one of the most reliable and useful scientific methods employed by forensic odontology (FO) for human identification. In 2009, the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report highlighted the need to deepen research in many disciplines, among which FO received strong criticism for specific expertise. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview in order to systematically map the latest original research done in FO, as well as identify DAE within this field. A systematic search was performed from 2014 to 2019. In total, 644 studies were identified for qualitative analysis: DAE was the most studied topic (41.30%). Asia was the most productive continent with 58.27% of the global production on DAE; India was the most productive Asian country, with 32.33% and 55.48% of global and Asian production, respectively. The University of Macerata (Italy), KU Leuven (Belgium), University of Split (Croatia), and University of São Paulo (Brazil) led DAE research. Authors from leading countries on DAE research demonstrated great individual productivity, which is evidence of their scientific efforts, but also possible risks if the continuity of this line of research depends on them. Although FO has significantly focused its research on DAE, the absence of publications on controversial topics but necessary for research according to the NAS report shows the possible lack of interest of authors or journals to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Valentina Espinoza-Silva
- Programa de Magister en Odontología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Unidad de Estimación de Edad Dental, Centro de Investigación en Odontología Legal y Forense -CIO, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Region de la Araucania, 4780000, Chile
| | - Sandra López-Lázaro
- Programa de Magister en Odontología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Unidad de Estimación de Edad Dental, Centro de Investigación en Odontología Legal y Forense -CIO, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Region de la Araucania, 4780000, Chile.,Departamento de Antropología Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriel M Fonseca
- Programa de Magister en Odontología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile. .,Unidad de Estimación de Edad Dental, Centro de Investigación en Odontología Legal y Forense -CIO, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Region de la Araucania, 4780000, Chile.
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25
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Kihara E, Galic I, Nyamunga D, Mehdi F, Velandia Palacio LA, Cameriere R. Validation of the Italian, European, North German, Malaysian, and South African black formulas on Cameriere method using panoramic radiographs in Kenyan children. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1495-1506. [PMID: 35710955 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02854-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to validate the accuracy of five different formulas based on the Cameriere method for age estimation in Kenyan children. We analyzed panoramic radiographs of 350 Kenyan children (184 males and 166 females) aged between 6 and 13 years. The dental development of each child was estimated by the analysis of the first seven left permanent teeth in the left mandible. Dental age was calculated by the Italian, European, North German, Malaysian, and South African black formulas previously published in peer-review journals. The children's mean chronological age (CA) was 9.34 ± 2.02 years and 9.26 ± 2.01 years for males and females. In males, the South-African formula overestimated CA least, by 0.12 years, followed by the Italian formula by 0.22 years, the European formula by 0.37 years, the Malaysian formula by 0.48 years, and the North-German formula overestimated the most, by 0.57 years. In females, the South-African formula underestimated CA by - 0.12 years. The Italian overestimated by 0.12 years, followed by the North-German formula by 0.29 years, the European formula by 0.31 years, and the Malaysian formula by 0.40 years. The Italian formula provided the best accuracy in the absolute difference within ± 1 year, by 75.72% and 75%, following the North-German formula by 66.47% and 70.27% for males and females, respectively. Therefore, the findings suggest that the Italian formula best estimates dental age in Kenyan children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Kihara
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dental Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ivan Galic
- Department of Oral Surgery, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, Split, 21000, Croatia. .,University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, Split, 21000, Croatia.
| | - Donna Nyamunga
- Division of Forensic and Pathology Services, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fuad Mehdi
- Department of Oral Surgery, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, Split, 21000, Croatia.,University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, Split, 21000, Croatia
| | | | - Roberto Cameriere
- AgEstimation Project, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenco Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, 86100, Italy.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
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26
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Shu YL, De Tobel J, Jun C, Fieuws S, Thevissen PW. Quantifying the potential of morphological parameters for human dental identification: part 2-selecting the strongest identifiers in mandibular permanent teeth. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1821-1828. [PMID: 35701536 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02851-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The current study aimed to select the best dental morphological identifiers for human identification. Sixty-two panoramic radiographs were collected retrospectively, in which six measurements were performed on all seven mandibular left permanent teeth: tooth length (TL), crown length (CL), root length (RL), crown width (CW), cervical width (CEJW), and root width (RW). Nine length-width ratios were then calculated using these measurements. Three groups of statistics were considered: (1) inter-observer reliability quantified by intra-class correlation (ICC); (2) mean "potential set"; and (3) Spearman correlation. A step-by-step cascade was then established based on selected parameters. In a univariate approach, the following parameters were the best identifiers: TL/CW for tooth 36 (ICC 0.82; mean potential set 13.7%), TL/CEJW for tooth 35 (ICC 0.87; mean potential set 15.2%), and TL/RW for tooth 32 (ICC 0.89; mean potential set 16.0%). The correlations between these three parameters ranged from 0.24 to 0.47. In a multivariate approach, the following parameters had the best identifying capacity: all parameters combined for tooth 31 (mean potential set 8.1%), for tooth 35 (mean potential set 11.9%), and for tooth 32 (mean potential set 16.3%). In conclusion, a single ratio in a specific tooth narrows down the potential set of matches, but the mean potential set remains relatively large. Combining all ratios of a single specific tooth increases the certainty of the match. In particular, tooth 31 was the strongest identifier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yea Lee Shu
- Imaging and Pathology - Forensic Odontology, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 blok A bus 7001, 3000, Louvain, Belgium.
| | - Jannick De Tobel
- Diagnostic Sciences - Radiology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chen Jun
- Imaging and Pathology - Forensic Odontology, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 blok A bus 7001, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Steffen Fieuws
- I-Biostat, Kapucijnenvoer 35- blok D, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Patrick W Thevissen
- Imaging and Pathology - Forensic Odontology, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 blok A bus 7001, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
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27
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Iliescu AR, Capitaneanu CV, Hürter D, Fieuws S, De Tobel J, Thevissen PW. Quantifying the potential of morphological parameters for human dental identification: part 3-selecting the strongest skeletal identifiers in the mandible. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1811-1820. [PMID: 35705766 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02852-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The current study aimed to select the best mandibular morphological identifiers. One-hundred eighty-five panoramic radiographs were retrospectively collected, in which four landmarks were located on the mandible: the most superior point of the condyle right/left (CONR/L), of the coronoid right/left (CORR/L), of the mandibular lingula right/left (LINR/L), and the most mesial point of the mental foramen right/left (MMFR/L). Five linear measurements, 6 angles, and 10 ratios were measured bilaterally. Three groups of statistics were considered: (1) mean potential set; (2) inter-observer agreement quantified by intra-class correlation (ICC) and within-subject coefficient of variation (WSCV); and (3) Spearman correlation. Parameters were selected for a step-by-step cascade. In a univariate approach, the following parameters proved to have the best identifying capacity: ratio 3 right (between lines CONR - CORR and LINR - MMFR) with mean potential set 13%, ICC 0.90, and WSCV 4.8%; ratio 4 (between lines CONR/L - CORR/L and MMFR - MMFL) with mean potential set 13%, ICC 0.92, and WSCV 8.9%; and angle 4 left (between landmarks LINL, MMFL, and MMFR) with mean potential set of 18%, ICC 0.91, and WSCV 1.2%. The correlation coefficients ranged from 0.01 to 0.33. In a multivariate approach, the identifying capacity improved drastically, with all ratios combined as the strongest identifier (mean potential set 1.29%). In conclusion, a single ratio or a single angle already narrows down the set of potential matches, but the mean potential set remains relatively large. Combining all ratios drastically increases the certainty of the match.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca R Iliescu
- Imaging and Pathology - Forensic Odontology, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 blok A bus 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Cezar V Capitaneanu
- Imaging and Pathology - Forensic Odontology, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 blok A bus 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Debora Hürter
- Imaging and Pathology - Forensic Odontology, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 blok A bus 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steffen Fieuws
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jannick De Tobel
- Diagnostic Sciences - Radiology, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick W Thevissen
- Imaging and Pathology - Forensic Odontology, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 blok A bus 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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28
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Zwirner J, Duncan W. A disaster victim identification workshop focused on forensic odontology using embalmed human remains. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1801-1809. [PMID: 35233643 PMCID: PMC9576667 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02790-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A high number of victims of mass casualty incidences are identified through their teeth. While forensic odontologists need to have a complex skillset during a disaster victim identification (DVI) response, hands-on training opportunities are rare. In countries with very limited forensic casework, such as New Zealand, many forensic odontologists find it difficult to achieve the number of annual forensic dental identifications required to maintain their credentialling. This report details the development of a hands-on forensic odontology-focused DVI workshop using human Crosado-embalmed remains. Anonymous participant evaluations, including five-point Likert and open-ended items, were performed in both years the workshop was held. A total of 10 and 17 participants, predominantly dentists, attended the workshop in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Participant feedback was extremely positive. Likert items were statistically similar between participants in both years. Open-ended items revealed positive feedback regarding the use of cadaveric remains, the gained hands-on experience, or the teamwork aspect. Participants who attended the workshop in both years commented on the positive aspect of repetition to cement their skills. As areas of improvement, participants named (for example) time management and the number of portable X-ray devices, leading to changes that were implemented in 2021. Moreover, the participants expressed interest to further their skills on decomposed, burnt, and fragmented human remains, which for ethical reasons has yet to be implemented. The DVI workshop described here, using embalmed human remains, provides an opportunity to add dental identifications toward annual credentialling requirements for forensic odontologists. Participants rated the course to be excellent overall and highly relevant for their role. For future workshops, there is an interest to include further aspects of the DVI response such as fingerprinting or police work as well as remains, which are altered due to natural or physical reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Zwirner
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Warwick Duncan
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Suciyanie IM, Gultom FP, Hidayat AN, Suhartono AW, Yuniastuti M, Auerkari EI. Accuracy of forensic age estimation using cementum annulation and dentin translucency in adult: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1443-1455. [PMID: 35088151 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Identification of the living and the dead individual is essential in routine forensic dental examinations. Age determination can be of great value in forensic odontology, not only in identifying bodies but also in relation to crime. When subjects have extensive changes that external features provide no information, teeth are often the only means of identification. Several procedures for age-at-death estimation in adults have been introduced. Two of them, cementum annulation and dentin translucency, are frequently used as a single dental indicator. Cementum annulation refers to an alternating dark and light band; each pair of it represents 1 year. Meanwhile, dentin translucency is the other dental physiological process that begins in the second or third decade of life and progresses with age. There are still few studies that compared both methods and their accuracy in estimating adult age at death. Therefore, this study aims to test and compare cementum annulation and dentin translucency accuracy by performing a systematic search on five online databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Ebsco, ScienceDirect, and Wiley). All the research articles must be published in the last 10 years, and the full paper must be available in English. Out of the total 1178 literature, 28 studies were recruited for qualitative analysis and 23 studies for meta-analysis. The results show that dentin translucency age estimation is more accurate than the cementum annulation method in the entire population. It is recommended to use the cementum annulation method for younger adults (15-44 years) and the dentin translucency method for the older ones (≥ 45 years).
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Affiliation(s)
- Indah Melati Suciyanie
- Department of Oral Biology, Division of Forensic Odontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya No. 4, Central Jakarta, 10430, , DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ferry Pergamus Gultom
- Department of Oral Biology, Division of Forensic Odontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya No. 4, Central Jakarta, 10430, , DKI Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Angel Natania Hidayat
- Department of Oral Biology, Division of Forensic Odontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya No. 4, Central Jakarta, 10430, , DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Antonius Winoto Suhartono
- Department of Oral Biology, Division of Forensic Odontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya No. 4, Central Jakarta, 10430, , DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Mindya Yuniastuti
- Department of Oral Biology, Division of Forensic Odontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya No. 4, Central Jakarta, 10430, , DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Elza Ibrahim Auerkari
- Department of Oral Biology, Division of Forensic Odontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya No. 4, Central Jakarta, 10430, , DKI Jakarta, Indonesia.
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30
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Ulusoy AT, Ozkara E. Radiographic evaluation of the mandible to predict age and sex in subadults. Acta Odontol Scand 2022; 80:419-426. [PMID: 35015609 DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2021.2024877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Forensic examinations involve the identification of age and sex from living or mortal remains. The mandible comprises several growth parameters and is often recovered intact, making it an important tool for radiological identification. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the accuracy of various mandibular measurements on digital panoramic images in indicating sex and age in a subadult population. Methods: Panoramic images from 1,100 individuals (550 males, 550 females) ranging in age between 3 and 13 years were divided into 11 groups according to age. Ten mandibular linear dimensions (ramus height, condylar ramus height, coronoid ramus height, maximum ramus breadth, minimum ramus breadth, bigonial breadth, bicondylar breadth, bimental breadth, lateral length of mental foramen, vertical length of mental foramen) and gonial angle were measured bilaterally. Univariate discriminant and regression analyses were performed to determine the most significant predictors of sex and age. RESULTS All linear dimensions were higher for males than females for all age groups. Gonial angle did not vary significantly by gender. Discriminant analysis showed linear measurements and gonial angle exhibited poor accuracy in sex determination. Despite a positive correlation between linear measurements and a negative correlation between gonial angle and age, the discriminant analysis found that age estimations made using all the recorded variables had an accuracy of only 66.72%. CONCLUSION In line with previous research on different populations, findings for the selected subadult population sample showed that the growing mandible does not present sufficient sexual dimorphism to be useful for sex and age estimations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayca T. Ulusoy
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Ozkara
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
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Rozov RA, Trezubov VN, Popov VL, Kovalev AV, Kuvakin VI. [Automated digital superimposition of the 3D model and archival photographs of full removable dentures in forensic dentistry]. Stomatologiia (Mosk) 2022; 101:61-69. [PMID: 35640181 DOI: 10.17116/stomat202210103161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
THE AIM THE STUDY The purpose of the work is to perform automated alignment of two-dimensional archival photographs of the first prosthesis and a digital model of the complete removable prosthesis by superposition in order to determine or deny their possible belonging to one user. MATERIALS END METHODS The superposition was carried out in the Exocad program (DentalCAD 3.0 Galway) using the standard 2D-3D alignment algorithm of the «SmileDesign» module; in the same program. In addition, Keynote and Fusion 360, and Autodesk programs were used. Statistical measurements were carried out at the statistically significant level of p<0.05. RESULTS A comparison of four different-angle and different-scale photographic images of a removable denture of the upper jaw teeth with a three-dimensional copy of the same version of the prosthesis of the life physician of the royal family E.S. Botkin was made. When superimposing a digital three-dimensional model and a two-dimensional photograph of the original prosthesis with marked anthropometric points (n=51), 21 of them coincided or touched each other (41.2%). Another 26 points were located side by side (distance up to 1.5 mm) (50.9%) and 4 did not coincide (distance >1.5 mm, but no more than 3.5-4 mm) (7.8%). When the reference points were combined, the contours, the configuration of the relief and the peripheral boundaries of all three objects mostly coincided. The linear longitudinal and transverse dimensions of the bases of the prostheses also mostly coincided. The exception was the distal border of the bases, and the level of the cutting edges of the anterior artificial teeth, where complete coincidence was not observed, due to differences in the degree of erasability. CONCLUSION Comparison of the original prosthesis from Ipatiev's house and its stereolithographic model was a test for the accuracy of the matching method used. The stereotype of the compared images is proved and the consistency of the possibility of computer combination of three-dimensional and two-dimensional objects is confirmed. The use of traditional methods of forensic identification and evaluation of the results by methods of mathematical statistics allowed us to conclude that the two different complete removable dentures of the upper jaw depicted in the photographs belong to one user.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Rozov
- I.P. Pavlov First Saint-Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - V N Trezubov
- I.P. Pavlov First Saint-Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - V L Popov
- I.P. Pavlov First Saint-Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Admiral S.O. Makarov State University of Marine and River Fleet», St Petersburg, Russia
| | - A V Kovalev
- Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - V I Kuvakin
- Military Medical Academy named after S.M. Kirov, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Brotons A, Remy F, Foti B, Philip-Alliez C. Concordances and correlations between chronological, dental and bone ages: A retrospective study in French individuals. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 331:111150. [PMID: 34959020 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Bone and dental maturations are subject to physiological, environmental and pathological variables and are unique to each individual. Numerous methods for age estimation appeared to answer a new demand explained by the contemporary migratory movements and the increase of the crime rates. The objective of this study was to observe the relationships between skeletal and dental maturation stages to estimate which methods can be applied to a French population. This retrospective study was based on panoramic and cephalometric radiographs belonging to 192 (101 females and 91 males) orthodontic patients aged between 9 and 19 years, inhabitants of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The Demirjian method based on dental calcification was used to estimate dental age. For the assessment of skeletal maturity and bone age, the Cervical Vertebral Maturation (CVM) method (Baccetti et al.) and its computerized version (Decocq et al.) were used. Spearman's correlation tests were performed to estimate the correlation between dental calcification stages and those of cervical vertebral maturation among the study population. The methods of Lin's concordance correlation coefficient and Bland and Altman were used to analyze the concordance between bone, dental and chronological ages. A moderate but statistically significant correlation was obtained between dental and skeletal developmental stages (R = 0.383-0.618). The tooth showing the highest correlation with vertebral stages was the second molar for both sexes. Earlier vertebral maturation stage affiliation was observed in girls. The results confirmed that bone and dental maturations can be assessed to estimate relevant biological ages for children in orthodontic or forensic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adèle Brotons
- Mixed research unit 7268 ADES, Aix-Marseille University, Faculty of Medicine, Marseille, France.
| | - Floriane Remy
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Univ Gustave Eiffel, LBA, Marseille, France.
| | - Bruno Foti
- Mixed research unit 7268 ADES, Aix-Marseille University, Faculty of Medicine, Marseille, France; UFR of Odontology, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
| | - Camille Philip-Alliez
- ODF Functional Unit, Timone Hospital, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille Univ, Univ Gustave Eiffel, LBA, Marseille, France.
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Kaul B, Vaid V, Gupta S, Kaul S. Forensic Odontological Parameters as Biometric Tool: A Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021; 14:416-419. [PMID: 34720517 PMCID: PMC8543982 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Human identification by virtue of dental identification is on the increase in the past few years and has served as a major adjunct in the identification process. The science associated with the dealing of evidences from dental, oral, and paraoral structures—Forensic Odontology, is a boon in itself. It has been seen that the role of forensic odontology has increased as most of the times teeth and other orally associated structures remain the only means of identification in the worst of scenarios where the conventional biometrics such as fingerprint, iris scan, palm print, etc., may be lost and are therefore not reliable enough to resolve the purpose of identification. There are various important aspects in forensic odontology which are associated with the study of tooth prints, i.e., ameloglyphics, radiographs, the study of palatal rugae patterns, i.e., rugoscopy, cheiloscopy, i.e., the study of lip patterns, tongue prints which can serve as an important biometric tool to aid in the human identification process. Dental biometrics helps to determine several parameters that serve in the interest of forensics such as type of specimen, population affinity, sex, age, stature, race, and various other individualization factors. So, comparative dental identifications with the help of a biometric recognition system will play a major role in identifying deceased individuals in disasters, crimes, or any other mass tragedies. How to cite this article: Kaul B, Vaid V, Gupta S, et al. Forensic Odontological Parameters as Biometric Tool: A Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(3):416–419.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavna Kaul
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Indira Gandhi Government Dental College, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Vasu Vaid
- Department of Forensic Odontology, Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Shivam Gupta
- Department of Forensic Odontology, Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Sambhav Kaul
- Department of Dentistry, Government Hospital Sarwal, Jammu & Kashmir, India
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Bae EJ, Woo EJ. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation on the accuracy of three intraoral scanners for human identification in forensic odontology. Anat Cell Biol 2021; 55:72-78. [PMID: 34675135 PMCID: PMC8968227 DOI: 10.5115/acb.21.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the accuracy of intra oral scanner (IOS) to confirm the applicability of IOS for the recording and analysis of tooth morphology in forensics. The less damaged mandible specimen with many teeth remaining was scanned three times using three types of intraoral scanners (CS3600, i500, and Trios3). For quantitative comparisons of the scanned images produced by these intraoral scanners, root mean square (RMS) values were computed using a three-dimensional analysis program and a one-way ANOVA was conducted with Tukey HSD (honestly significant difference) as a post-hoc analysis (α=0.05). The repeatability of the full scan data was highest with the i500 (0.14±0.03 mm), and the post-hoc analysis confirmed significant differences between the CS3600 and the i500 outcomes (P-value=0.003). The repeatability of the partial scan data for the teeth in the mandible was highest with the i500 (0.08±0.02 mm), and the post-hoc analysis confirmed significant differences between the CS3600 and the i500 (P-value=0.016). The precision of the full scan data was highest with the i500 (0.16±0.01 mm) but the differences were not statistically significant (P-value=0.091). Meanwhile, the precision of the partial scan data for the teeth in the mandible was highest with the Trios3 (0.22±0.02 mm), but the differences were not statistically significant (P-value=0.762). Considering that the scanning of other areas of the oral cavity in addition to the teeth is important in forensic odontology, the i500 scanner appears to be the most appropriate intraoral scanner for human identification. However, as the scope of oral scanning is generally limited to teeth in the practice of dentistry, additional discussions of how to apply the IOS in forensic odontology are needed. Ultimately, the results here can contribute to the overall discussion of the forensic applicability dental data produced by intraoral scanners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jeong Bae
- 3D Printer Technology Analysis Research Team, Cybermed Inc., Daejeon, Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Woo
- Department of History, College of Liberal Art, Sejong University, Seoul, Korea
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35
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Johnson A, Jani G, Carew R, Pandey A. Assessment of the accuracy of 3D printed teeth by various 3D printers in forensic odontology. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 328:111044. [PMID: 34653828 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Additive manufacturing technology has benefited many sectors, and its use in forensic sciences has opened up a variety of new opportunities for analysing and exhibiting forensic materials. However, to perform analytical procedures on 3D printed bones and teeth in forensic odontology, the metric and morphological precision of the printed replicas must first be validated. To address this, the present study was undertaken using 12 extracted human teeth that were 3D printed using five different techniques. Manual measurements and a digital mesh comparison were used to evaluate the metric precision of all samples. The findings showed that the printed replicas were accurate to within 0.5 mm of the actual teeth. It was suggested that Digital Light Processing (DLP) prints be used for potential forensic odontology applications based on measurements, digital comparison, and ease of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Johnson
- Laboratory of Forensic Odontology, School of Forensic Science, National Forensic Sciences University, Gujarat, India.
| | - Gargi Jani
- Laboratory of Forensic Odontology, School of Forensic Science, National Forensic Sciences University, Gujarat, India.
| | - Rachael Carew
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, UK; UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, UK.
| | - Astha Pandey
- School of Forensic Science, National Forensic Sciences University, Gujarat, India.
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Balla SB, Kollata VRS, Bathala V, Ganapathy SK, Ch G, Vedula P, B ST, Palla A. Evaluation of the effect of impaction on the mineralization of mandibular third molars and forensic age estimation in a sample of south Indian children. Int J Legal Med 2021; 136:861-869. [PMID: 34652487 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02713-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Assessment of third molar mineralization is a basic forensic odontological method available for age estimation in children and adolescents. Due to their protracted development into the late adolescence, their development has become the subject of interest and acquired great forensic importance. It is clearly evident in the literature that impaction factor has an influence on the rate of maturation of the third molars. In this regard, the present study was undertaken to test the relationship between impaction and its concomitant effect on the mineralization of the third molar and forensic age estimation. A total of 520 digital orthopantomograms (OPG) of 260 males and 260 females of south Indian origin were assessed retrospectively. Maturation of the third molars (I3M) was assessed using the method of Cameriere et al. (Int J Leg Med 122 (6):493-497, 2008). Impaction status was determined according to the position of lower right and left third molars in relation to the long axis of the second molars. Out of the total sample, 68.1% of lower left third molars and 71.2% of lower right molars were impacted. Statistical measures for I3M were calculated in the males and females for both impacted and non-impacted third molars. It was ascertained that the mean age and I3M values were higher in impacted third molars, indicating the slower rate of maturation than non-impacted ones. The sensitivity and specificity of the test (I3M < 0.08) was 96.2% and 72.4% for non-impacted third molars and 46.2% and 87% for impacted third molars, respectively. Our findings indicate that the cut-off value of I3M < 0.08 resulted in greater number of age misclassifications (false negatives) for impacted molars, highlighting the need for new cut-off value of I3M to meet the legal standards. It was concluded that the mineralization of impacted third molars was slower compared to non-impacted ones in south Indian males and females. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings among a larger and more diverse sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudheer Babu Balla
- Department of Forensic Odontology, Panineeya Mahavidyalaya Institute of Dental Sciences, Hyderabad, India.
| | | | | | | | - Gayathri Ch
- Panineeya Mahavidyalaya Institute of Dental Sciences, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Sai Tejaswi B
- Panineeya Mahavidyalaya Institute of Dental Sciences, Hyderabad, India
| | - Alekya Palla
- Panineeya Mahavidyalaya Institute of Dental Sciences, Hyderabad, India
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Chiam SL, Dror IE, Huber CD, Higgins D. The biasing impact of irrelevant contextual information on forensic odontology radiograph matching decisions. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 327:110997. [PMID: 34536753 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The potential biasing effect of irrelevant context information on the forensic odontology method of radiograph-based identification has never been empirically investigated despite being a recognized problem in other forensic science disciplines. This study examines the effect of irrelevant context information on the probability judgment of match (JOM) of practicing forensic odontologist and dentist participants who were asked to match pairs of dental radiographs supplemented with irrelevant case information. The irrelevant case information contained domain task-irrelevant context information which varied in strength (strong or weak). It suggested either supportive or contradictory bias relative to the actual match status of the radiograph pairs. The dental radiographs consisted of verified match and non-match radiographs pairs sampled and de-identified from actual forensic cases. Changes in accuracy and JOM between supportive and contradictory contexts conditions revealed a contextual bias. Mixed model analysis showed that strong supportive context increased the odds ratio of correct decisions by a factor of 2.4 [1.23, 4.46]; p = 0.0097. Consistent with the biasing effect, the JOM score differences between strong supportive and contradictory irrelevant context information were 1.03 and 0.43 respectively for the non-match and match decisions. The direction of context suggestion (p = 0.0067), the radiograph match status (p = 0.014), and their interactions (p = 0.0061), were all found to impact the participants' decision. The weak context information was not strong enough to have a significant effect on accuracy or JOM scores. This study demonstrates that radiograph match judgment is affected and can be biased by strong irrelevant contextual information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sher-Lin Chiam
- Forensic Odontology Unit/Adelaide Dental School, The University of Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Itiel E Dror
- Center for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, UK.
| | - Christian D Huber
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 16802 PA, USA.
| | - Denice Higgins
- Forensic Odontology Unit/Adelaide Dental School, The University of Adelaide, Australia.
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Kanchan T, Chugh V, Chugh A, Meshram V, Shedge R, Patnana AK, Krishan K. Age estimation using third molar maturation based on Demirjian's criteria. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2021; 53:101959. [PMID: 34454321 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.101959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dental age estimation is routinely used in human identification, in both the living and the dead. Teeth follow a predictable pattern of eruption and maturation that can be assessed radiographically in the living, allowing experts to estimate an individual's age. Third molars develop much later than the other permanent teeth, and can be used to estimate age of individuals nearing the age of maturity. Ability of third molar maturation when graded using Demirjian's method in ascertaining whether an individual has attained the medicolegal ages of 16 and 18 years has not yet been verified. The present study involved assessing the third molar maturation of 220 individuals of a training set using Demirjian's scoring system, generating regression models to estimate age using the third molar maturity scores, applying these models on a test set of 40 individuals, and calculating the mean difference (MD) and the mean absolute error (MAE) between the chronological and estimated ages of the test set participants. It was observed that the lowest mean difference and mean absolute error was observed for the maturation of the left mandibular third molar (MD = 1.05 years, MAE = 2.09 years). Boxplots generated in the study report that the third molar maturation stages given by Demirjian can identify whether an individual has attained the medicolegally significant ages of 16 and 18 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanuj Kanchan
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur 342005, India.
| | - Vinay Chugh
- Department of Dentistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur 342005, India
| | - Ankita Chugh
- Department of Dentistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur 342005, India
| | - Vikas Meshram
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur 342005, India
| | - Rutwik Shedge
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur 342005, India
| | - Arun Kumar Patnana
- Department of Dentistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur 342005, India
| | - Kewal Krishan
- Department of Anthropology (UGC Centre of Advanced Study), Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
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Kumar N, Aparna R, Sharma S. Effect of postmortem interval and conditions of teeth on STR based DNA profiling from unidentified dead bodies. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 83:102246. [PMID: 34438226 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Teeth are important exhibits to establish the identity of unidentified dead bodies by DNA profiling. Tooth acts as a cage to protect DNA from harsh environmental conditions. Unidentified bodies are sometimes found many years after death causing loss of valuable soft tissues which can be used for DNA extraction. Skeletal remains and dental evidence provide the best alternative when decomposed or burnt bodies are examined to establish the identity. In this study, the powder-free method was used to extract DNA from ninety-five teeth of unidentified dead bodies across seven years (2014-2020). Intact and broken dental remains were analyzed majorly from decomposed remains. The present study reports successful STR profiles obtained from dental evidence using powder free method. Complete DNA profiles were obtained from intact teeth while damaged teeth either gave partial profiles or no results. This data suggest that intact teeth are excellent samples for DNA profiling from decomposed unidentified dead bodies even with greater post mortem interval. Findings from this study can hence be useful in establishing the identity in forensic and archeological casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Kumar
- DNA Division, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Central Range, Mandi, 175001, Himachal Pradesh, India.
| | - R Aparna
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Sciences, JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
| | - Shivkant Sharma
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, Haryana, India
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Vilborn P, Bernitz H. A systematic review of 3D scanners and computer assisted analyzes of bite marks: searching for improved analysis methods during the Covid-19 pandemic. Int J Legal Med 2021; 136:209-217. [PMID: 34302214 PMCID: PMC8302460 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02667-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The global Covid-19 pandemic has forced forensic dentists to improve infection control methods. This search investigated the practical utilization of different 3D scanners to record and to analyze bite marks in the skin- and inanimate objects with this aim in mind. A systematic review of the literature using keywords like "human bite mark", "bite mark analyzes", "3D analyzes", "3D scanning", "forensic odontology", and "forensic dentistry" was performed in three scientific databases: MEDLINEOvid®, Pubmed® and Google Scholar. The initial search yielded 263 full-text articles, of which 15 were considered eligible and current within the last 10 years. 3D scanners and computer-assisted human bite mark analyzes showed potential advantages and can be effectively used in forensic odontology on skin and inanimate objects. These technologies minimize the number of people being exposed to pathogens, simplify the chain of evidence, facilitate immediate information exchange between the team members and enable the virtual presentation of the expert witnesses in a court of law.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piret Vilborn
- Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, PO Box 1266, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
| | - Herman Bernitz
- Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, PO Box 1266, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
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Alqerban A, Alrashed M, Alaskar Z, Alqahtani K. Age estimation based on Willems method versus country specific model in Saudi Arabia children and adolescents. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:341. [PMID: 34256760 PMCID: PMC8276469 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01707-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aims of this study were to create a method for estimation of dental age in Saudi children and adolescents based on the Willems model developed using the Belgian Caucasian (BC) reference data and to compare the ability of the two models to predict age in Saudi children. METHODS Development of the seven lower left permanent mandibular teeth was staged in 1146 panoramic radiographs from healthy Saudi children (605 male, 541 female) without missing permanent teeth and without all permanent teeth fully developed (except third molars). The data were used to validate the Willems BC model and to construct a Saudi Arabian-specific (Willems SA) model. The mean error, mean absolute error, and root mean square error obtained from both validations were compared to quantify the variance in errors in the sample. RESULTS The overall mean error for the Willems SA method was 0.023 years (standard deviation, ± 0.55), indicating no systematic underestimation or overestimation of age. For girls, the error using the Willems SA method was significantly lower but still negligible at 0.06 years. A small but statistically significant difference in total mean absolute error (11 days) was found between the Willems BC and Willems SA models when the data were compared independent of sex. The overall mean absolute error for girls was slightly lower for the Willems BC method than for the Willems SA method (1.33 years vs. 1.37 years). CONCLUSIONS The difference in ability to predict dental age between the Willems BC and Willems SA methods is very small, indicating that the data from the BC population can be used as a reference in the Saudi population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Alqerban
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Preventive Dental Science, Dar Al Uloom University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muath Alrashed
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ziyad Alaskar
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alqahtani
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, KU Leuven & Dentistry, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, AlKharj, Saudi Arabia
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Saputri RI, De Tobel J, Vranckx M, Ockerman A, Van Vlierberghe M, Fieuws S, Thevissen P. Is third molar development affected by third molar impaction or impaction-related parameters? Clin Oral Investig 2021; 25:6681-6693. [PMID: 33934201 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-021-03955-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of third molar impaction and impaction-related parameters on third molar development. MATERIALS AND METHODS Panoramic radiographs (N=3972) from 473 males and 558 females between 3.2 and 23.5 years old were analysed. Three parameters of impaction were examined: hindering contact between third and adjacent second molar, retromolar space availability (only in lower third molars), and angulation between the third and adjacent second molar. From the separate parameters, a definition for impaction was derived. Third molars' development was staged according to a modified Köhler et al. staging technique. A linear model was used to compare within-stage and overall age, as a function of hindering contact, retromolar space, and impaction. Furthermore, a quadratic function was used to study the correlation between age and angulation. RESULTS Significant differences were found in mean age as a function of hindering contact and retromolar space, depending on third molar location and stage. There was a significant relation between angulation and age, depending on the stage, with all third molars evolving to a more upright position (closer to 0°). Mean ages of subjects with impacted third molars were significantly lower in certain third molar stages, but the differences were clinically small (absolute differences ≤0.65 years). Moreover, after correction for stage differences, no significant differences in age could be demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS The development of impacted and non-impacted third molars can be considered clinically equal in our study population. CLINICAL RELEVANCE There is no distinction required between impacted and non-impacted third molars for dental age estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalina Intan Saputri
- Forensic Odontology, Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7, blok a - box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,Faculty of Dentistry, Maranatha Christian University, Jalan Surya Sumantri no. 65, Sukawarna, Sukajadi, Kota Bandung, 40164, Indonesia.
| | - Jannick De Tobel
- Forensic Odontology, Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7, blok a - box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Myrthel Vranckx
- OMFS-IMPATH Research Group, Department of Imaging & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Ockerman
- OMFS-IMPATH Research Group, Department of Imaging & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martine Van Vlierberghe
- OMFS-IMPATH Research Group, Department of Imaging & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steffen Fieuws
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Thevissen
- Forensic Odontology, Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7, blok a - box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Nuzzolese E. iDENTIfyme Informative Campaign: Raising Forensic Dental Identification Awareness in the Community. J Prev Med Public Health 2021; 54:218-219. [PMID: 34092068 PMCID: PMC8190550 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.21.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of human remains can be performed visually through families and next-of-kin, but it is not advisable to rely only on visual recognition; instead, it is preferable to conduct a forensic comparison of antemortem and postmortem data for primary identifiers (fingerprints, DNA, and dental data). A dental autopsy is particularly valuable in the identification process of skeletonized, carbonized, saponified, and fragmented human remains. The principal challenge in the identification process is the search and collection of antemortem data. To this end, all dental information held on a missing person can represent a precious source of individualizing information that families should share with the police or investigating agencies after reporting a disappearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Nuzzolese
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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44
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Abstract
Human teeth have become a prominent source of DNA for human forensic identification as their biological structure is highly resistant to extreme conditions. Previous forensic identification was mainly dependent on the pulp and the other hard tissues of intact teeth. However, there is high likelihood that only carious teeth can be available for forensic analysis. This study aimed to validate the use of the carious part of the teeth for forensic identification and to compare two DNA extraction methods-the operative technique with the cervical cut technique for human identification using STR typing. The reliability of STR markers in carious part of the teeth was evaluated in 120 carious teeth (60 dental pulp and 60 dentinal carious tissues, respectively) with considerable coverage of gender type and age range to avoid false exclusions. The study was performed on genuine data set where samples have been extracted by proficient dentist during the treatment operation and collected for further analysis. Complete DNA was extracted and the corresponding human identification profile was obtained using the GoldenEye™DNA ID system 20A kit. The operative technique showed a conservative approach to the sampling of carious tissues and allowed safe access to collect carious tissues, whereas the cervical cut technique permitted access to the root canals and complete sampling of the pulp tissues. The findings indicated that there was no significant association between the cervical cut and operative cut techniques (p = 0.165). In addition, there was no statistically significant association between the various teeth types and the obtained profiles observed. The operative technique, by drilling holes on the defected surface of carious human teeth and gentle hand excavation of carious tissues, was indicated to be very efficient, preserving, time-saving, and cost-effective in the recovery of human DNA from carious teeth. The result gives new insights that the carious tissues of human carious teeth might be as valid as the healthy teeth for forensic human identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Shbair
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Atif Adnan
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pang Hao
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Biology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Liu
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
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45
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Chiam SL, Higgins D, Colyvas K, Page M, Taylor J. Interpretation, confidence and application of the standardised terms: Identified, Probable, Possible, Exclude and Insufficient in forensic odontology identification. Sci Justice 2021; 61:426-434. [PMID: 34172132 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Forensic odontology identification scales are used to express certainty of identifications of deceased persons. These standardized scales are assumed to convey unambiguous expert opinions and facilitate communication between forensic odontologists and end users. However, to date no studies have investigated how the experts interpret and use these scales. Forensic odontology identification scales are used to express certainty of identifications of deceased persons. These standardized scales are assumed to convey unambiguous expert opinions and facilitate communication between forensic odontologists and end users. However, to date no studies have investigated how the experts interpret and use these scales. This paper aims to examine the interpretation of the DVISYS forensic identification scale and choices of the levels in the scale subsequent to, and derived from, comparison of pairs of dental radiographs by extending the analysis of the data collected in the study by Page and Lain et. al. 2017. The studied variables: self-reported confidence, forced binary decision of match and non-match, choice of level in the DVISYS scale (Identified, Probable, Possible, Insufficient and Exclude) were further analysed in this study using mixed models for relationships between the choices of level in the identification scale and the fundamental beliefs of likelihood of identification. The results of this further analysis showed that the reported confidence of the decisions was correlated to the difficulty of cases, and as confidence decreased the use of less definitive terms ('Probable', 'Possible' and 'Insufficient') increased. 'Probable' and 'Possible' were used mainly in underlying beliefs below that of 'Identified' whereas 'Insufficient' was used mainly to convey a sublevel of 'Exclude'. The use of 'Insufficient' in this study was not consistent with the prescribed definition of the term. The participants of the original study were not aware of the difficulty grading of the cases nor were required to grade them, however the reported confidence was systematically correlated to difficulty. Furthermore, indicated confidence level was correlated with choice of level on the scale in general, but the interpretation of the definition and application of the terms varied. The findings reported here contribute to the foundational knowledge of factors governing the interpretation and application of the DVISYS forensic odontology identification scale and suggest that this scale may need to be modified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sher-Lin Chiam
- Forensic Odontology Unit, The University of Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Denice Higgins
- Forensic Odontology Unit, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kim Colyvas
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Mark Page
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Jane Taylor
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia
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Srikant N, Intern AS, Vaishnavi G, Yellapurkar S, Jose NP, Jathanna V, Naik DG. Tooth shade variation in Indian population: An objective guide to age estimation. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06164. [PMID: 33598577 PMCID: PMC7868604 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The color of the teeth is affected by chronological age due to the variations of the hard and soft tissue structure of the teeth. There are very few studies have assessed the shade of the Enamel and correlated it with the age changes. Hence the study aimed to assess the enamel shade with the aging in the individual. Materials and methods The central incisors of 388 individuals (5-78 years) were assessed for tooth color using a VITA 3D master shade guide and the Hue, Value and Chroma were noted. Mean grey values of the teeth were obtained by image manipulation using Image J software and normalized using the values obtained from the 18% contrast grey card. Chi square tests and linear regression analysis is used to find associations with age and tooth shade variations.Results: The teeth had higher score of Hue, Value and Chroma in older individuals. The tooth shade tended to shift towards redder hue with older age group. Simple linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation of age with normalized grey value in association with the shade parameters. (r = 0.717, SEE = 12.322 years)Conclusion: Tooth color changes with age and the mean age in grey values and shade guides can be a useful tool for age estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Srikant
- Center for Forensic Odontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Annapurna S. Intern
- Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - G. Vaishnavi
- Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Shweta Yellapurkar
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
- Corresponding author.
| | - Nidhin Philip Jose
- Department of Orthodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Vinod Jathanna
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Dilip G. Naik
- Department of Periodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
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Çarıkçıoğlu B, Misilli T, Deniz Y, Aktaş Ç. Effects of high temperature on dental restorative materials for forensic purposes. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2021; 17:78-86. [PMID: 33471273 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-020-00345-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to observe the effects of high temperature on different restorative dental materials by detecting changes in their microstructural and elemental composition. Disk shaped samples (10 mm diameter, 2 mm depth) were prepared from 8 dental materials (compomer, glass carbomer, ormocer, giomer, zinc reinforced glass ionomer (GI), silver-alloy reinforced GI, zirconia reinforced GI, and conventional GI). Scanning electron microscopy/Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) was used to characterize sample surface structures and elemental composition. The same samples were also analyzed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to determine the trace element content. Each sample was placed in a porcelain furnace and exposed to 900 °C for 30 min. Observations of macroscopic changes in samples after exposure high temperature were recorded. The microstructural changes in sample surfaces after incineration were detected by SEM. The elemental compositions obtained before and after the incineration were compared after repeating the XRF and EDS analyses. Dental materials demonstrated specific macroscopic changes and microstructural deteriorations detected by SEM images after exposure to high temperature. While several changes occurred in the elemental content of materials in terms of amount, the original elemental composition was preserved. The ability to distinguish dental materials by elemental analyses has had an important impact on the identification process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Çarıkçıoğlu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkey.
| | - Tuğba Misilli
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkey
| | - Yeşim Deniz
- Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkey
| | - Çağatay Aktaş
- Department of Prosthondontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkey
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Khanagar SB, Vishwanathaiah S, Naik S, A Al-Kheraif A, Devang Divakar D, Sarode SC, Bhandi S, Patil S. Application and performance of artificial intelligence technology in forensic odontology - A systematic review. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2020; 48:101826. [PMID: 33341601 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Forensic odontology (FO) mainly deals with the identification of the individual through the remains, which mainly includes teeth and jawbones. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has proven to be a breakthrough in providing reliable information in decision making in forensic sciences. This systematic review aimed to report on the application and performance of AI technology in FO. The data was gathered through searching for the articles in the renowned search engines, which have been published between January 2000 - June 2020. QUADAS-2 was adopted for the risk of bias analysis of the included studies. AI technology has been widely applied in FO for identifying bite-marks, predicting mandibular morphology, gender determination, and age estimation. Most of these AI models are based on either artificial neural networks (ANNs) or convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The results of the studies are promising. Studies have reported that these models display accuracy and precision equivalent to that of the trained examiners. These models can be promising tools when identifying victims of mass disasters and as an additive aid in medico-legal situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev B Khanagar
- Preventive Dental Science Department, College of Dentistry, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Satish Vishwanathaiah
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Divison of Pedodontics, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sachin Naik
- Dental Biomaterials Research Chair, Dental Health Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 1143, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz A Al-Kheraif
- Dental Biomaterials Research Chair, Dental Health Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 1143, Saudi Arabia
| | - Darshan Devang Divakar
- Dental Biomaterials Research Chair, Dental Health Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 1143, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sachin C Sarode
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Dr. D.Y.Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shilpa Bhandi
- Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, Divison of Operative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shankargouda Patil
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Division of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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Thomas LA, Thomas LR, Balla SB, Gopalaiah H, Kanaparthi A, Sai Sravanthi G, Palla A, Galic I. Above or below 14 years? An orthopantomographic study based on chronological course of eruption of mandibular premolars and second molars in a sample of south Indian children. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2020; 48:101814. [PMID: 33246253 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the context of dental age assessment, two significant factors can be studied; tooth mineralisation and tooth emergence. Little is known about the role of a second molar eruption in forensic age estimation. This paper aims to contribute to forensic age estimation using an age threshold of 14 years, studying the eruption stages of permanent mandibular premolars and second molars. Totally 640 orthopantomograms (OPGs) of south Indian children, aged between 10 and 18 years, were evaluated using Olze et al. staging of tooth eruption stages (A-D). Spearman's rho correlation showed a strong, positive, and statistically significant correlation between the chronological age and the eruption stages of both sexes' teeth. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and post-test probability values were calculated for all tested teeth. The best performance to discriminate individuals above or below 14 years showed stage D in second molars. The sensitivity varied between 89% and 94% and specificity between 75% and 84%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed high diagnostic performance for stage D, with area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of 84% and 85% for tooth 37 and 85% and 83% for tooth 47 in males and females, respectively. In conclusion, it is possible to predict age over 14 years in south Indian children using tooth emergence stages from OPGs with a relatively high interobserver agreement and good diagnostic accuracy. However, there are some limitations and, therefore, must be used in conjunction with other methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sudheer B Balla
- Department of Forensic Odontology, Panineeya Mahavidyalaya Institute of Dental Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - Hema Gopalaiah
- Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, MNR Dental College & Hospital, India
| | - Alekhya Kanaparthi
- Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, MNR Dental College & Hospital, India
| | - G Sai Sravanthi
- Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, Sri Balaji Dental College, India
| | - Alekya Palla
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Panineeya Mahavidyalaya Institute of Dental Sciences, India
| | - Ivan Galic
- Departments of Research in Biomedicine and Health, University of Split, School of Medicine, Croatia
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50
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Esmaeilyfard R, Paknahad M, Dokohaki S. Sex classification of first molar teeth in cone beam computed tomography images using data mining. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 318:110633. [PMID: 33279763 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The teeth have been used as a supplementary tool for sex differentiation as they are resistant to post-mortem degradation. The present study aimed to develop a new novel informatics framework for predicting sex from linear tooth dimension measurements achieved from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. METHOD AND MATERIALS A clinical workflow using different machine learning methods was employed to predict the sex in the present study. The CBCT images of 485 subjects (245 men and 240 women) were evaluated for sex differentiation. Nine parameters were measured in both buccolingual and mesiodistal aspects of the teeth. We applied our dataset to Naïve Bayesian (NB), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) as classifiers for prediction. Genetic feature selection was used to discover real features associated with sex classification. RESULTS The 10-fold cross-validation results indicated that NB had higher accuracy than SVM and RF for sex classification. The genetic algorithm (GA) indicated that the model could fit the data without using the enamel thickness and pulp height. The average classification accuracy of our clinical workflow was 92.31 %. CONCLUSION The results showed that NB was the best method for sex classification. The application of the first molar teeth in sex prediction indicated an acceptable level of sexual classification. Therefore, these odontometric parameters can be applied as an additional tool for sex determination in forensic anthropology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasool Esmaeilyfard
- Computer Engineering and Information Technology Department, Shiraz University of Technology, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Paknahad
- Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department, Dental School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Sonia Dokohaki
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department, Dental School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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