Sphenoid sinuses' volume and area analysis of Brazilian individuals' CBCTs, related to sex, age, skin color, and nutritional status using DDS-Pro™ software.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the volume and area of sphenoid sinuses of Brazilian individuals' cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images using the beta version of the DDS-Pro™ 2.14.2_2022 software (DPP Systems, Czestochowa, Poland), to assess a potential correlation to sex, age, skin color, and nutritional status, and to evaluate differences between the right and left sides. Three-dimensional volume and area measurements were made with the software using CBCT images of 113 living Brazilian individuals of both sexes (67 females and 46 males). TEM, rTEM, and R were used to assess the reproducibility of inter- and intra-examiner measurements. The measurement means were estimated with 95% confidence intervals according to sex and age group. There were no significant differences between the left and right sides for both volume and area and between the sexes and black and white individuals. Volume and area were significantly higher in 18 years or older (p < 0.05) and in individuals with normal body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05). The obtained results do not allow indicating the use of sphenoid sinuses volume and area measurements to estimate sexual dimorphism, and the same occurred for skin color. However, such measures can help to estimate age. Further studies are suggested with a larger sample, especially for the nutritional status variable.

Chronology of permanent teeth mineralization in Brazilian individuals: age estimation tables.

BACKGROUND: Age is important in forming the uniqueness of individuals. When chronological age is not available, age estimation is required, particularly in court cases. The mineralization chronology of permanent teeth is a valuable tool for age estimation of subadults. This study aimed to evaluate the mineralization stages of permanent teeth of Brazilian subjects from imaging exams, using the classification by Moorrees et al. modified by the authors, to verify the existence of correlation between the chronology of mineralization stages and sex and to prepare numerical tables of the chronology of dental mineralization stages for Brazilian individuals. METHODS: Digital panoramic radiographs of 1100 living Brazilian individuals of both sexes, aged between 2 and 25 years, born between 1990 and 2018, from the image bank of a Dental Radiographs and Documentations clinic located in the city of Araraquara, SP, Brazil. The images were evaluated according to the level of crown and root development and classified according to the stages proposed by Moorrees et al. (Am J Phys Anthropol 21: 205-213, 1963) adapted by the authors. All analyses were performed in the R software. Descriptive and exploratory analyses were performed on all data. For intra- and inter-examiner analyses, the rate of agreement and Kappa statistics at a 95% confidence interval were used. Kappa was interpreted according to Landis and Koch. RESULTS: Only upper and lower canines showed significant differences between the sexes (p < 0.05), with higher average ages for men. The findings were presented in tables, as well as age estimates with 95% confidence intervals for each mineralization stage and each tooth. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we evaluated the mineralization stages of permanent teeth of Brazilian subjects from digital panoramic radiographs and found no correlation between the chronology of mineralization stages and sex, except for canines. From the obtained results, numerical tables of the chronology of dental mineralization stages were prepared.

Three-dimensional analysis of the maxillary sinus according to sex, age, skin color, and nutritional status: A study with live Brazilian subjects using cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To perform three-dimensional measurements (volume and area) of the maxillary sinus, from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, and to assess potential differences between the left and right sides and a correlation of the measurements to sex, age, skin color, and nutritional status. DESIGN: CBCT images of 161 living Brazilian subjects of both sexes (89 women and 72 men) were used, and three-dimensional measurements of volume and area were made with the beta version of the DDS-Pro™ 2.14.2_2022 software (DPP Systems, Czestochowa, Poland). The inter- and intra-examiner reproducibility of measurements was evaluated with TEM, rTEM, and R. RESULTS: Both maxillary sinus volume and area did not show significant differences between the left and right sides and between the sexes. Volume and area were significantly lower in the age group from 6 to 11 years than in the other two groups (p < 0.05). The measurements obtained for maxillary sinus volume and area were significantly higher in white individuals (p < 0.05), but they did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) regarding nutritional status (considering the body mass index - BMI). CONCLUSION: There were no statistically significant differences between the sexes, which does not allow recommending the use of maxillary sinus volume and area measurements to analyze sexual dimorphism, and the same occurs for BMI. However, such measures can help to estimate the age and skin color of individuals.

Ciências forenses: princípios éticos e vieses / Forensic sciences: ethical principles and biases / Ciencias forenses: principios éticos y sesgos

Resumo As ciências forenses empregam conhecimentos científicos e técnicas diversas para apurar crimes e outros assuntos legais - cíveis, penais ou administrativos. Sua principal função é viabilizar as investigações relativas à justiça civil e criminal, visando esclarecer as questões do sistema de segurança pública. Porém, com o avanço tecnológico, certos crimes - e, consequentemente, a prática forense - tornaram-se mais complexos. Como todas as profissões, as ciências forenses são regidas por princípios e práticas éticas que acrescentam deveres e responsabilidades ao profissional, objetivando agregar qualidade tanto no plano técnico quanto humano e evitar vieses. Com isso, este artigo apresenta reflexões sobre questões éticas e vieses relacionados à atuação dos profissionais das ciências forenses.

Abstract Forensic sciences use diverse scientific and technical knowledge to investigate crimes and other legal matters - civil, criminal, or administrative. Its primary role is to enable investigations related to civil and criminal justice, aiming to clarify issues of the public security system. But with technological advances, certain crimes, and consequently forensic practice, have become more complex. Like all professions, forensic sciences are governed by ethical principles and practices that include duties and responsibilities, aiming to add both technical and human quality and avoid biases. Thus, this article presents reflections on ethical issues and biases related to the forensic science professionals' work.

Resumen Las ciencias forenses utilizan conocimientos científicos y técnicas para investigar delitos y otros asuntos legales (civiles, penales o administrativos). Su función principal es posibilitar las investigaciones relativas a la justicia civil y penal, con el objetivo de resolver problemas del sistema de seguridad pública. Sin embargo, con el avance tecnológico, ciertos delitos -y, en consecuencia, la práctica forense- se han vuelto más complejos. Al igual que todas las profesiones, las ciencias forenses se rigen por principios y prácticas éticas que agregan deberes y responsabilidades al profesional, con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad técnica y humana y evitar sesgos. Este artículo presenta reflexiones sobre las cuestiones éticas y los sesgos relacionados con la actuación de los profesionales de las ciencias forenses.

Cirurgia de feminização facial em transexuais: reflexões éticas e forenses / Facial feminization surgery in transsexuals: ethical and forensic reflections / Cirugía de feminización facial en transexuales: reflexiones éticas y forenses

Resumo Cirurgias de feminização facial, que visam tornar o rosto de mulheres transexuais mais feminino, alteram tecidos moles e duros. Tais procedimentos envolvem inúmeros aspectos éticos, desde a cobertura por planos de saúde e serviço público até o direito à mudança de nome. Há também consequências forenses, no que diz respeito à eventual necessidade de identificar pessoas submetidas a esse tipo de cirurgia. Essas consequências, embora importantes, são pouco consideradas em estudos científicos. Com isso, neste trabalho são analisados alguns aspectos éticos e forenses decorrentes de cirurgias de feminização facial.

Abstract Facial feminization surgeries, which aim to render transsexuals' facial features more feminine, alter soft and hard tissues. These procedures involve ethical issues such as health insurance and public service coverage, and the right to legal name change. Forensic consequences, concerning eventual need to identify individuals who underwent this surgery, are important and require scientific studies. In this article, we analyze some ethical and forensic aspects resulting from facial feminization surgeries.

Resumen Las cirugías de feminización facial que pretenden volver más femeninos los rostros de mujeres transexuales producen cambios en los tecidos blandos y duros. Tales procedimientos involucran muchos aspectos éticos, desde la cobertura del seguro de salud y del servicio público hasta las discusiones sobre el derecho al cambio de nombre. Hay también consecuencias forenses en lo que se refiere a las posibles necesidades de identificación de las personas que se someten a esta cirugía. A pesar de su importancia, estas consecuencias son poco abordadas en estudios científicos. Así, en este artículo se analizan algunos aspectos éticos y forenses derivados de las cirugías de feminización facial.

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

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

Análise de reconstruções faciais forenses digitais: proposta de protocolo piloto baseado em evidências / Forensic facial reconstructions analysis: proposal of a evidence-based pilot protocol

A reconstrução facial forense corresponde à construção facial de um indivíduo, realizada a partir de um crânio não identificado. Pode ser bidimensional ou tridimensional, realizada de forma manual ou digital. Neste último caso, o advento das novas tecnologias da informação em muito contribuiu, sobretudo no que diz respeito ao desenvolvimento de programas de imagem 3D, equipamentos de tomografia computadorizada e scanner 3D. Diferentes técnicas, equipamentos e softwares têm sido empregados com esta finalidade. A caracterização de reconstruções faciais com pelos como cabelo, cílios e sobrancelhas, tem sido questionada, sobretudo quando não há informação sobre tais dados. Este trabalho analisa reconstruções faciais forenses digitais 3D e, com base em evidências, propõe um protocolo piloto para a execução e apresentação das mesmas. Reconstruções faciais digitais, confeccionadas com o software 3ds Max, sem caracterização de pelos foram confeccionadas, utilizando três diferentes tabelas de espessura de tecidos moles, e submetidas a um teste de reconhecimento, por 22 examinadores. Em todos os casos, o sujeito-alvo foi o mais reconhecido, chegando a ser reconhecido por 45,45% dos avaliadores. É apresentada uma proposta de protocolo piloto para a confecção e apresentação de reconstruções faciais forenses. Para a confecção das mesmas, é empregado o software 3ds Max, e recomendado o emprego do software ZBrush para a pós-produção (como aposição de rugas e linhas). É impresso um protótipo da reconstrução facial, que pode facilitar o reconhecimento. Os autores afirmam que não deve ser realizada a caracterização com pelos, o que pode prejudicar o reconhecimento.

The forensic facial reconstruction corresponds to the rebuilding of the face of an individual, upon an unidentified skull. It can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, performed manually or digitally. In the latter case, the advent of new information technologies has greatly contributed, especially with regard to the development of 3D image softwares, computed tomography and 3D scanner. Different techniques, equipments and softwares have been employed for this purpose. The characterization of facial reconstructions with hair, as hair, eyelashes and eyebrows, has been questioned, especially when there is no information about such data. This paper analyzes 3D digital forensic facial reconstructions and, based on evidence, proposes a pilot protocol for their confection and presentation. Digital facial reconstructions, made with 3ds Max software, without hair characterization, were made using three different tables of thickness of soft tissues. They were evaluated by 22 examiners, in a recognition test. In all cases, the target-subject was the most recognized subject, reaching the recognition rate of 45.45%. A proposal for a pilot protocol for the confection and presentation of forensic facial reconstructions is presented. The 3ds Max software is used to perform the facial reconstruction, and the ZBrush software to make the post-production (as wrinkles and lines). A prototype of the facial reconstruction is printed - it can facilitate the recognition of the subject. The authors state that the characterization with hair should not be performed, as it can impair the recognition.

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

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

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

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

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

Análise das reconstruções faciais forenses digitais caracterizadas utilizando padrões de medidas lineares de tecidos moles da face de brasileiros e estrangeiros / Analysis of characterized digital forrensic facial reconstructions using measurement patterns of soft tissues from Brazilians and foreigners faces

A preocupação com a identificação que é o processo pelo qual se determina a identidade, é bastante antiga. Atualmente as relações sociais ou exigências civis, penais, administrativas e comerciais necessitam de sua comprovação. A identificação de pessoas mortas é fundamental, não somente para aplacar as necessidades emocionais de seus amigos e familiares, como também para que providências legais relativas ao óbito possam ser tomadas infelizmente, amiúde ocorrem situações em que corpos chegam aos Institutos Médico-Legais em estado de putrefação ou esqueletização, e não são identificados. Em tais situações, analises antropométricas para estimar, por exemplo idade gênero e estatura, são de grande valia. Nestes casos, a reconstrução facial forense será muito importante, pois pode possibilitar o reconhecimento e, por conseguinte, aumentar consideravelmente as chances de identificação. A reconstrução facial forense tridimensional pode ser manual ou digital. A reconstrução facial forense digital tornou-se possível com o advento da Tecnologia da Informação, imaginologia médica e novos software de imagem 3D e de reconstrução. Para a realização da reconstrução facial, são necessários dados relativos à espessura dos tecidos moles da face. Não há na literatura registros de trabalhos de reconstrução facial digital realizados com dados de tecidos moles obtidos a partir de amostras constitutivas por sujeitos brasileiros. Há duas tabelas de espessura de tecidos moles publicadas para a população brasileira uma obtida a partir de medidas realizadas em cadáveres frescos (padrão cadáveres frescos), e outra a partir de medidas em exames de ressonância magnética (padrão ressonância magnética). O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar três diferentes reconstruções faciais forenses digitais caracterizadas (com cabelo, cílios e sobrancelha) de um sujeito brasileiro (realizadas a partir de um padrão internacional e dois padrões nacionais de espessura de tecidos moles da face), e avaliar as reconstruções faciais forenses digitais comparando-se com fotografias do próprio indivíduo e de outros nove sujeitos. Para isso, foram utilizadas imagens DICOM de uma Tomografia Computadorizada (TC) cedidas por um voluntário que uma vez convertidas, foram utilizadas para a efetivação das reconstruções faciais digitais. Uma vez realizadas as três reconstruções, as mesmas foram comparadas com fotografias do voluntário que teve a sua face reconstruída e outros nove sujeitos. Trinta examinadores participaram desta tentativa de reconhecimento. O sujeito-alvo, que teve a sua face reconstruída, foi reconhecido por 26,677% dos examinadores na reconstrução realizada com o Padrão Nacional de Ressonância Magnética, 23,33% na reconstrução realizada com o Padrão Nacional de Cadáveres Frescos e 20,00% na reconstrução realizada com o Padrão Internacional, tendo sido o sujeito mais reconhecido nos dois primeiros padrões.

The concern with the identification, that is the process by the identy is determined, is quite old. Currently, the social relations or, criminal, administrative and comercial requirements need its evidence. The identification of deceased persons is essential not only to assuage the emotional needs of their friends and family, but also to allow legal actions related to death. Unfortunately, situations often occur when bodies arrive at the Medico-Legal Institutes in a state of putrefaction or skeletonization, and are not identified. In such situations anthropometric analysis to estimate, for example, age, gender and height, are of grat value. In these cases, forensic facial reconstruction is very important because it may serve to recognize and therefore increase the chances of identification. The three-dimensional forensic facial rreconstruction can be manual or digital. The digital forensic facial reconstruction was made possible with the advent of information Techology, medical imaging and new 3D image and reconstruction softwares. To perform facial reconstruction, data on the thickness of the soft fissues of the face are necessary. There is no literature records of facial reconstruction works carried out with digital data of soft tisssues obtained from samples of Brazilian subjects. There are two tables of thickness of soft tissue published for the Brazilian population: one obtained from measurements performed in fresh cadavers (fresh cadavers pattern), and another from measurements on magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic resonance pattern). The aim of this study was to perform three different characterized digital forensic facial reconstructions (with hair, eyelashes and eyebrows) of a Brazilian subject (based on an international pattern and two national patterns for soft facial tissue thickness), and evaluate the digita forensic facial reconstructions comparing them to photos of the individual and other nine subjects. We used DICOM images of a computed tomography (CT) donated by a volunteer that, once converted, were used for the realization of the digital facial reconstructions. Once welve performed the three reconstructions, they were compared with photographs of the volunteer who had his face reconstructed and of nine other subjects. Thirty examiners participated in this recogniton attempt. The target subject. Who had his face reconstructed, was recognized by 26,67% of the examiners in the reconstruction performed with the national Magnetic. Resonance Pattern, 23,33% in the reconstruction performed with the national Fresh Cadavers Pattern of and 20.00% in the recosntruction performed with the International Pattern, and the target-subject was the most recognized subject in the first two patterns. The corret recognitions of the subject indicate that the digital forensic facial reconstruction, carried out ith parameters used in this study, may be a useful tool, with one or more subjects recognized to achieve a positive identification.