Test of the auricular surface sex estimation method in fetuses and non-adults under 5 years old from the Lisbon and Granada Reference Collections.

Non-adult sex estimation is an active field of forensic inquiry as morphological variations between males and females are subtle, but observable, even from intrauterine development. The objectives of this study are threefold: to test the validity of the auricular surface method for sex estimation (Int J Osteoarchaeol 27:898-911, 2017) in fetuses and children under the age of 5 years old; to evaluate if health conditions, reported as the cause of death, influence its accuracy; and to detect possible secular trends in sexual dimorphism. One-hundred and ninety-seven skeletal individuals from the Lisbon and Granada Identified Collections were studied. Individuals were divided according to the hormonal peaks (< 0, 0-2, < 2, and 2.1-5 years old), cause, and year of death (before and after 1960). As in previous studies, two ratios (FI/CF and DE/AD) and two qualitative variables (OM and MRS) showed the highest frequencies of correct estimation (0.81-0.86). The correct sex allocations increased when the discriminant function (0.85) and logistic regression (0.86) were applied. Males of the age groups < 0 and 2.1-5 years were all correctly sexed by both formulae, and the same was observed for the female probabilities of adequate allocation. The cause and year of death were identified as variables without statistical significance. It is proposed that this method can be incorporated with confidence into the multifactorial laboratory protocols for non-adult sex estimation from skeletal remains.

Evaluation of the auricular surface method for non-adult sex estimation on the Lisbon documented collection.

OBJECTIVES: Sex is usually not estimated in skeletonized non-adult individuals because sexual dimorphism is considered minimal before puberty. In 2017, a new approach based on the shape of the auricular surface was proposed, showing that this anatomic area of the ilium is dimorphic. This study tests the reproducibility and evaluates the accuracy of the method in a bigger sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty males and 31 females from the Lisbon Collection (1 day-18 years old) were analyzed by two researchers, one experienced, and the other without previous knowledge of the method. The sample was divided into three groups according to prepubertal and pubertal hormonal peaks (<2, 0-12, and 13-18 years old). Two metric variables (DE/AD and FI/CF ratios), two morphological features (Overall Morphology, OM and Morphology of the Retroauricular End of the Superior Demiface, MRS), and two formulae were tested based on the adequate results obtained in the original article. RESULTS: Data shows a low interobserver error (ICC > 0.92; K > 0.74). Morphological features provide better results than the metrics (DE/AD = 77.05%; FI/CF = 73.77%; OM = 80.33%; MRS = 85.24%). The discriminant function correctly classified 86.66% of the males and the logistic regression, 83.33%. The method was equally reliable in 0-12 and 13-18 years-old age groups and more accurate in males. The accuracy of most of the variables reached 100% for males under 2 years-old, and the probabilities were higher than for older individuals. The percentages of correct estimations are not influenced by the age, year, and cause of death. DISCUSSION: Despite the relatively small sample size, this study confirms the usefulness of the auricular surface for non-adult sexual estimation, especially for those younger than 2 years old. Additional validation tests in documented individuals from other geographic regions are suggested.

Methods for sex estimation of prepubertal individuals (< 12 years old): bibliographic review and future directions.

Sex estimation is essential in both bioarchaeological and forensic research. Based on bibliographical research, this study aims to systematize and compare the existing methods and glance at the future on this research topic. The survey in Web of Science and Google Scholar revealed 37 papers describing the generation of original procedures, and 25 validation studies. The results show that the pelvis, namely the ilium, is the most analyzed anatomical region, followed by the deciduous teeth, the cranium, the mandible, and the long bones. The morphometric approaches are addressed in greater proportion, both as original methods (n = 19) or validations (n = 24). Only one of the 19 approaches that require expensive equipment (conventional radiology, computer tomography, geometric morphometrics and 3D modelling) was tested. Most of them were generated during the 21st century; however, 24 have not been tested yet. Comparing all the methods tested, the percentages of correctly estimated cases are always lower in validation studies. It is suggested that the most promising ones be tested in documented samples by a group of researchers. Thus, the interobserver error would be evaluated and may also lead to new methodological proposals and refinements.

Adult age-at-death estimation using the first rib: A simple probabilistic approach.

Age-at-death estimation is a difficult task in fragmented or incomplete contexts. The generation and testing of methods are needed to identify their potential application in different types of osteological samples. This paper proposes a new method for age estimation using the first rib. Four hundred and fifteen individuals from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collections (Portugal) were studied; the sample was divided in two groups (reference and test samples), used to develop the procedure and to evaluate its reliability. The three rib joints and two variables (surface texture and topography, and periarticular margins and subsidence of the surface) were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed to test the procedure reproducibility, and side and sex variations. Posterior probabilities were calculated following Bayesian statistics and used to estimate the most likely age-at-death in the test sample. The results show the reproducibility of the method is adequate, left and right ribs can be indistinctly recorded, and both sexes show similar change patterns. The costal face and the head epiphyseal region offered satisfactory results and the percentages of correct estimations are greater for younger individuals, decreasing as ages-at-death are higher. This method is more effective among individuals in the 20-50 years cohort; nevertheless, it also offered satisfactory estimates in older ones. Overestimations in individuals younger than 40 years and underestimations in individuals older than 75 years were identified. In conclusion, the first rib offer adequate estimates when a basic probabilistic approach is chosen. Whenever possible, this proposal must be included in a multifactorial perspective with other age markers.

Maxillary incisor internal root anatomy evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography in a population of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In the field of anthropology, discrete traits are considered as minimal epigenetic variations. However, they can elicit complications in endodontic therapy. Thorough understanding of root canal morphology is essential to achieving predictable results in endodontic practice, and may be attained by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The aim of the present study was to research the internal root anatomy of maxillary central and lateral incisors in vivo and quantify its variation in a population of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina. A total 697 CBCT scans from a pre-existing database were observed, and the configuration type for each tooth was determined according to Vertucci's classification. The data were described by absolute frequencies and percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The CI was estimated by the Wilson Score method. Chi-square test (χ2) was used for comparing frequencies, with a 5% significance level. 238 CBCT scans met the inclusion criteria, resulting in 761 teeth assessed. Vertucci Type I configuration was observed in 760 teeth (99.9%) and the Type II was found in only one tooth (0.1%), in which the anatomy was compatible with dens in dente. When differences were analyzed according to sex, all the teeth in all women had Vertucci Type I configuration. In men, all maxillary central incisors were Vertucci Type I. Of 151 maxillary lateral incisors, 150 had Vertucci Type I configuration (99.3%) and 1 had Type II (0.7%). Conclusions: Maxillary incisor internal root anatomy prevalence was estimated from CBCT scans for the first time in an Argentine population. 99.9% of the sample presented Vertucci Type I configuration, and 0.1% had Vertucci Type II configuration. The clinical finding of maxillary incisors with anatomical complexity should be considered as a possibility in endodontic practice.

En el ámbito de la antropología, los rasgos discretos son considerados variaciones epigenéticas mínimas, pero pueden traer complicaciones en la terapia endodóntica. Comprender la morfología del conducto radicular es fundamental para lograr resultados predecibles en la práctica endodóntica, y esto puede lograrse mediante el uso de la tomografía cone-beam (CBCT). El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar de manera in vivo la anatomía radicular interna de incisivos centrales y laterales superiores, y cuantificar su variación en una población de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 697 CBCTs de una base de datos preexistente fueron analizadas, y se consignó para cada pieza el tipo de configuración basada en la clasificación de Vertucci. Los datos se describieron mediante frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes con intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95). Los IC95 fueron estimados mediante el método score de Wilson. Para la comparación de frecuencias se utilizó la prueba de Chi-cuadrado (χ2), con un nivel de significación de 5%. 238 CBCTs cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, resultando en 761 piezas evaluadas. Se encontró un Vertucci tipo I en 760 piezas (99,9%) y se halló Vertucci tipo II en una sola pieza dentaria (0,1%), que mostraba anatomía compatible con dens in dente. Diferenciando por sexos, todas las mujeres para todas las piezas mostraron Vertucci tipo I. Los varones en sus incisivos centrales superiores poseían Vertucci tipo I en todas las piezas, y de los 151 incisivos laterales superiores, 150 mostraron tipo I de Vertucci (99,3%) y 1, tipo II (0,7%). Conclusión: La prevalencia de anatomía dentaria interna fue estimada por primera vez en una población argentina mediante CBCTs. El 99,9% de la muestra presentó un Vertucci tipo I, y el 0,1% un Vertucci tipo II. La aparición clínica de incisivos superiores con complejidad anatómica debe ser considerada posible en la práctica endodóntica.

Age-at-death estimation in adults using three forensic methodologies: A Lamendin's technique approach for Latin American context and the extension of a forensic international dental database.

In forensic science, the information that teeth provide to the age estimation process is very important. In adults, one of the most widely used indicators of skeletal age is the Root Dentin Translucency (RDT), mainly through the Lamendin technique, which is used in various Latin American contexts. Recently, Parra et al. (2020) have developed a Bayesian regression model using the Lamendin technique to establish standardized criteria for estimating age-at-death in adults in various forensic contexts. In this study, we evaluate the applicability of this proposal together with the proposal by Lamendin et al. (1992) and Prince and Ubelaker (2002) in Latin American contexts. A sample of single-rooted teeth belonging to 805 individuals from six Latin American countries was used. The results of the three proposals considered were analyzed taking into account factors such as age, sex, origin, and the tooth surface on which the variables were surveyed. Of the factors that would affect the estimates, it was found that the age of the individuals had the greatest influence. However, it was confirmed that the sex and surface of the teeth on which the measurements were taken did not influence the final result. On the other hand, as we expected, the application of the analyzed proposals would also be possible in other forensic contexts, as shown by the results obtained according to the origin. This research expands the FIDB with more information on Latino contexts.

Maxillary incisor internal root anatomy evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography in a population of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

ABSTRACT In the field of anthropology, discrete traits are considered as minimal epigenetic variations. However, they can elicit complications in endodontic therapy. Thorough understanding of root canal morphology is essential to achieving predictable results in endodontic practice, and may be attained by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The aim of the present study was to research the internal root anatomy of maxillary central and lateral incisors in vivo and quantify its variation in a population of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina. A total 697 CBCT scans from a pre-existing database were observed, and the configuration type for each tooth was determined according to Vertucci's classification. The data were described by absolute frequencies and percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The CI was estimated by the Wilson Score method. Chi-square test (χ2) was used for comparing frequencies, with a 5% significance level. 238 CBCT scans met the inclusion criteria, resulting in 761 teeth assessed. Vertucci Type I configuration was observed in 760 teeth (99.9%) and the Type II was found in only one tooth (0.1%), in which the anatomy was compatible with dens in dente. When differences were analyzed according to sex, all the teeth in all women had Vertucci Type I configuration. In men, all maxillary central incisors were Vertucci Type I. Of 151 maxillary lateral incisors, 150 had Vertucci Type I configuration (99.3%) and 1 had Type II (0.7%). Conclusions: Maxillary incisor internal root anatomy prevalence was estimated from CBCT scans for the first time in an Argentine population. 99.9% of the sample presented Vertucci Type I configuration, and 0.1% had Vertucci Type II configuration. The clinical finding of maxillary incisors with anatomical complexity should be considered as a possibility in endodontic practice.

RESUMEN En el ámbito de la antropología, los rasgos discretos son considerados variaciones epigenéticas mínimas, pero pueden traer complicaciones en la terapia endodóntica. Comprender la morfología del conducto radicular es fundamental para lograr resultados predecibles en la práctica endodóntica, y esto puede lograrse mediante el uso de la tomografía cone-beam (CBCT). El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar de manera in vivo la anatomía radicular interna de incisivos centrales y laterales superiores, y cuantificar su variación en una población de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 697 CBCTs de una base de datos preexistente fueron analizadas, y se consignó para cada pieza el tipo de configuración basada en la clasificación de Vertucci. Los datos se describieron mediante frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes con intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95). Los IC95 fueron estimados mediante el método score de Wilson. Para la comparación de frecuencias se utilizó la prueba de Chi-cuadrado (χ2), con un nivel de significación de 5%. 238 CBCTs cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, resultando en 761 piezas evaluadas. Se encontró un Vertucci tipo I en 760 piezas (99,9%) y se halló Vertucci tipo II en una sola pieza dentaria (0,1%), que mostraba anatomía compatible con dens in dente. Diferenciando por sexos, todas las mujeres para todas las piezas mostraron Vertucci tipo I. Los varones en sus incisivos centrales superiores poseían Vertucci tipo I en todas las piezas, y de los 151 incisivos laterales superiores, 150 mostraron tipo I de Vertucci (99,3%) y 1, tipo II (0,7%). Conclusión: La prevalencia de anatomía dentaria interna fue estimada por primera vez en una población argentina mediante CBCTs. El 99,9% de la muestra presentó un Vertucci tipo I, y el 0,1% un Vertucci tipo II. La aparición clínica de incisivos superiores con complejidad anatómica debe ser considerada posible en la práctica endodóntica.