Use of dimensions in posterior dentition for sex estimation in forensic contexts: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the validity of dimensions in posterior dentition for sex estimation in forensic contexts. DESIGN: A systematic review was established following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). After assessing the risk of bias and methodological quality with the QUADAS-2 system, the data were subjected to statistical tests for a meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy and I2 to verify the heterogeneity. RESULTS: The search resulted in 15 studies that underwent qualitative testing, all were selected for quantitative analysis. The papers included: the mesiodistal of the upper first molar, lower first molar, and upper second molar, and the buccolingual of the upper first molar and upper second molar. The results showed that sensitivity and specificity rates were lower with the mesiodistal diameter, with rates of 0.577 for the lower first molar, 0.674 for the upper first molar, and 0.698 for the upper second molar, while the rates were higher with the buccolingual diameter, with 0.724 for the upper first molar, and 0.743 for the upper second molar. The power to estimate sex is greater for males than for females. High heterogeneity was detected among the studies of almost all dimensions, except sensibility for the lower first molar and specificity for the upper second molar. CONCLUSIONS: None of the dimensions reached an accuracy of ≥80%, however, so they are not a reliable method for sex estimation in forensic practice.

Age estimation by evaluation of obliteration of the palatine sutures: a scoping review.

The age estimation (AE) of human remains is a challenging task since it is dependent on the state in which these remains are found. Since the macroscopic evaluation of palatal sutures has been proposed as a method for AE, the aim of this study was to review the literature on this method, considering that the cases of edentulous elderly are among the greatest challenges in anthropological and forensic contexts. A scoping review was performed using a specific search strategy in PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar. The search identified 13 articles, among which the USA yielded the most information with 3 articles. Only 1 study was identified in Latin America (Peru). There was great diversity regarding the origin of samples, and the studies were carried out on both historical and modern populations. Only 6 articles exceeded the average sample size (168.08) and 4 articles studied samples of fewer than 100 individuals. Although 6 different methods were identified, Mann et al.'s revised method was the most used. The selection of appropriate methods for AE depends on what skeletal elements are present and the general age of the specimens. Although evaluation of the obliteration of the palatal sutures has been found to be simple and promising for AE in individuals over 60 years of age, this method has been reported to have less precision than other more complex methods, which makes the use of a combination of methods necessary to increase the level of confidence and the percentage of success. Further research could resolve this weakness, and methodological refinement (perhaps the digitization and automation of processes, or the application of Bayesian methodology) could provide the necessary solidity to comply with international standards in the forensic scenario.

Forensic odontology and dental age estimation research: a scoping review a decade after the NAS report on strengthening forensic science.

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.

Undergraduate dental students and their potential role in disaster victim identification procedures: A scoping review under a Chilean perspective.

BACKGROUND: A mass fatality incident is an unexpected event that can cause the death of many people, which has motivated careful analysis and development of appropriate strategies for planning and response with all available resources. As these events involve multiple victims, their identities must be confirmed using the highest possible quality standards. Forensic Odontology (FO) has proven to be a scientific resource for disaster victim identification (DVI) procedures; however, it is highly dependent on the proper management not only of material resources but also of human resources. Chile is a country recognised as prone to natural disasters, but an insufficient number of forensic odontologists has been reported. The aim of the study was to review the literature on a dental undergraduate (UG) student's potential value in a DVI process. METHODOLOGY: A scoping review was performed using a specific search strategy in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO and EBSCO databases. RESULTS: The search identified 27 articles in which the basic dental degree, the necessary training and the need for human resources are variables considered in different priorities by those articles. DISCUSSION: It is vital to assess the local needs of Chile based on its UGs, considering that FO is an underestimated resource that should be included early on in dental curriculums. Furthermore, it should align with public policies to ensure viability and inclusion in standardised protocols. CONCLUSION: Although there is "potential" usage of UG dental students in DVI is not ideal, circumstances will dictate their use. The better trained they are as students, the more valuable their "potential" contribution will be.

Radix entomolaris: A morphological variable of human dentition with anthropological relevance. A study on a Chilean population.

The existence of a third root in the mandibular first molars may have implications for certain dental treatments; however, its greatest relevance could be in anthropological and forensic sciences, because its prevalence varies significantly according to ethnic groups. The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of radix entomolaris (RE) in a sample of Chilean people. A random sample of 1330 digital periapical radiographs of endodontically treated mandibular first molars (551 males and 779 females, aged between 18 and 87 years) were evaluated. The prevalence of RE, its distribution by sex and root canal lengths were determined. Evidence demonstrated that the formation of RE is associated with ancestry and its frequency is variable according to populations studied, being more frequent in Asians and Native Americans. The prevalence of RE in the studied people was 3.16%, similar to frequencies reported in European individuals (3.4%-4.2%). The 61.90% of RE were located at the right side of the mandible and 38.10% at the left side. The average working length of RE was 19.52 mm. No statistically significant differences in frequencies were observed by sex (p = 0.19). The prevalence of RE varies among continental population groups. However, due to human migration, the frequency of this physical trait could be modified in specific geographic regions. The observed prevalence of RE in the study group was similar to the prevalence ranges observed for European ancestry populations and it was considerably lower than the data reported for non-Europeans. The absence of sexual dimorphism is consistent with results of previous studies performed worldwide.

Digital Reconstructions Using Linear Regression: How Well Can It Estimate Missing Shape Data from Small Damaged Areas?

Skeletal remains analyzed by anthropologists, paleontologists and forensic scientists are usually found fragmented or incomplete. Accurate estimations of the original morphologies are a challenge for which several digital reconstruction methods have been proposed. In this study, the accuracy of reconstructing bones based on multiple linear regression (RM) was tested. A total of 150 digital models from complete zygomatics from recent past populations (European and African American) were studied using high-density geometric morphometrics. Some landmarks (i.e., 2, 3 and 6) were coded as missing to simulate incomplete zygomatics and the missing landmarks were estimated with RM. In the zygomatics, this simulated damage affects a few square centimeters or less. Finally, the predicted and original shape data were compared. The results indicate that the predicted landmark coordinates were significantly different from the original ones, although this difference was less than the difference between the original zygomatic and the mean zygomatic in the sample. The performance of the method was affected by the location and the number of missing landmarks, with decreasing accuracy with increasing damaged area. We conclude that RM can accurately estimate the original appearance of the zygomatics when the damage is small.

Post-Mortem Dental Profile as a Powerful Tool in Animal Forensic Investigations-A Review.

Veterinary forensics is becoming more important in our society as a result of the growing demand for investigations related to crimes against animals or investigations of criminal deaths caused by animals. A veterinarian may participate as an expert witness or may be required to give forensic assistance, by providing knowledge of the specialty to establish a complete picture of the involvement of an animal and allowing the Courts to reach a verdict. By applying diverse dental profiling techniques, not only can species, sex, age-at-death, and body size of an animal be estimated, but also data about their geographical origin (provenance) and the post-mortem interval. This review concentrates on the dental techniques that use the characteristics of teeth as a means of identification of freshly deceased and skeletonised animals. Furthermore, this highlights the information that can be extracted about the animal from the post-mortem dental profile.

Use of "bicondylar" as a descriptive term for the temporomandibular joint: a scoping review / Uso de "bicondíleo" como término descriptivo de la articulación temporomandibular: una revisión de alcance

SUMMARY: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint between the mandibular condyles, the mandibular fossa and the articular tubercle of the temporal bone. TMJ has been described as a "bicondylar" joint, a term that in current literature is used in multiple and dissimilar contexts. We present a scoping review of the term "bicondylar" as a descriptive term for TMJ in the scientific literature of the last 5 years. After selection according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 24 articles were selected for further analysis. The countries with the most publications were Brazil, India and Turkey with 3 articles each. Seven articles (29.17 %) were published by Spanish- speaking authors, six of these written in Spanish. Regarding the use of the term "bicondylar", 50 % of the articles referred to this term but did not explain it; 25 % cited this term to refer to the location in the left and right mandibular condyles; and 25 % the articles use the term and explain it according to the morphology of the articular surfaces. Discrepancies were also detected regarding as to how to consider TMJ: 54.17 % considered that TMJ is a single joint between a single bone (the jaw) and two bones of the cranium, while 45.83 % considered that TMJ are actually two different TMJs that work at the same time. We suggest discussing the appropriate use of the term "bicondylar" to avoid confusion and to be able to adapt and satisfy the needs of both anatomists and clinicians.

RESUMEN: La articulación temporomandibular (ATM) es la articulación entre los cóndilos mandibulares con la fosa mandibular y el tubérculo articular del hueso temporal. La ATM ha sido descrita como una articulación "bicondílea", término que en la literatura actual se utiliza en múltiples y disímiles contextos. Presentamos una revisión con búsqueda sistemática del término "bicondíleo" como término descriptivo de la ATM en la literatura científica de los últimos 5 años. Siguiendo criterios de inclusión/exclusión, se seleccionaron 24 artículos para su posterior análisis. Los países con más publicaciones fueron Brasil, India y Turquía con 3 artículos cada uno. Siete artículos (29,17 %) fueron publicados por autores de habla hispana, seis de ellos escritos en español. En cuanto al uso del término "bicondilar", el 50 % de los artículos se refieren a él, pero no lo explican; un 25 % citó este término para referirse a la ubicación en los cóndilos mandibulares izquierdo y derecho; y el 25 % de los artículos utilizan el término y lo explican según la morfología de las superficies articulares. También se detectaron discrepancias en cuanto a cómo considerar la ATM: el 54,17 % consideró que la ATM es una única articulación entre un solo hueso (la mandíbula) y dos huesos del cráneo, mientras que el 45,83 % consideró que la ATM son en realidad dos ATM diferentes que funcionan al mismo tiempo. Se sugiere discutir el uso adecuado del término "bicondilar" para evitar confusiones y poder adaptar y satisfacer las necesidades tanto de anatomistas como de clínicos.

Correlation coefficients for predicting canine diameters from premolar and molar sizes.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The permanent canine is the most widely used tooth for sex estimation because it is the tooth with the highest degree of sexual dimorphism; however, there are several factors that can limit the analysis (e.g., pathologies, postmortem loss). The aim of this work was to analyse the correlation between the dimensions of the canines and those of the premolars and molars, and evaluate the correspondence of real and predicted canine dimensions by applying the equations developed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample was composed of digital models of 80 adult individuals from Temuco, Chile. The buccolingual and mesiodistal diameters of the canine, premolar and molar dental crowns were measured and Pearson's linear regression analysis was performed in order to determine the correlation between the diameters. The equations obtained from the reference subsample were applied to a validation subsample to predict canine dimensions from the dimensions of the postcanine teeth. RESULTS: Four regression equations were obtained, all for prediction of the size of the lower canines, whose correlation coefficient ranged from 0.701 to 0.738. The regression equations developed with the reference sample were tested on the validation sample using a Student's t-test for paired samples and the intraclass correlation coefficient. The differences between actual dental size and that predicted by the equations were not significantly different, and concordance analysis showed a moderate degree (0.485-0.585). CONCLUSION: There is a limited correlation of canine dimensions with respect to premolars and molars. The correspondence between the actual and predicted canines dimensions is moderate.

Infection Control in the Dental Practice with Emphasis on Intraoral Scanners and Semi-Critical Complex Instruments / Control de Infecciones en la Práctica Dental Con Énfasis en Escáneres Intraorales e Instrumentos Complejos Semicríticos

ABSTRACT: We present an integrative review of the literature conducted to find and analyse specific measures for disinfection and/or sterilization of intraoral complex instruments, applicable to intraoral scanners. We performed a two-stage search in the PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, REDALYCS, and LILACS databases, and the Google Scholar website, which included full articles in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. The strategy associated the terms 'disinfection', 'biosecurity', 'decontamination', and (a) 'intraoral scanners', and (b) other 'semi-critical' intraoral complex instruments, according to the American Dental Association definition (e.g., 'turbine', etc). Strategy (a) produced just one outcome, whereas (b) produced nine articles, which only suggested low-level disinfectants.The lack of empirically based protocols that allow effective microbiological control makes it necessary to create a new categorization for these instruments when trying to comply with American Dental Association recommendations for dental practice.

RESUMEN: Presentamos una revisión integradora de la literatura realizada para encontrar y analizar medidas específicas de desinfección y / o esterilización de instrumentos complejos intraorales, aplicables a los escáneres intraorales. Realizamos una búsqueda en dos etapas en las bases de datos PubMed / MEDLINE, SciELO, REDALYCS y LILACS, y en el sitio web Google Scholar, que incluía artículos completos en español, portugués e inglés. La estrategia asoció los términos 'desinfección', 'bioseguridad', 'descontaminación' y (a) 'escáneres intraorales', y (b) otros instrumentos complejos intraorales 'semicríticos', según la definición de la Asociación Dental Ameri- cana (p. Ej., 'turbina', etc.). La estrategia (a) produjo un solo resultado, mientras que (b) produjo nueve artículos, que solo sugirieron desinfectantes de bajo nivel. La falta de protocolos de base empírica que permitan un control microbiológico efectivo hace necesario crear una nueva categorización para estos instrumentos, cuando se trata de cumplir con las recomendaciones de la Asociación Dental Americana para la práctica dental.

Metodología de Binford para la categorización tafonómica de marcas de dientes animales en superficies óseas: una revisión con búsqueda sistemática / Binford methodology for taphonomic classification of animal tooth marks on bone surfaces: a systematic search review

La Tafonomía, concepto reconocido en paleontología y antropología, permite estimar tiempo y circunstancias de muerte mediante el estudio de condiciones post-mortem y factores relativos a la supervivencia de restos óseos. Entre las diferentes variables tafonómicas, Binford (1981) propuso una categorización de marcas de mordedura, hoy reconocido estándar para estos estudios. Sin embargo, su diseño original en inglés podría llevar a malinterpretaciones o informes erróneos por no poseer una traducción validada. Se realizó una revisión con búsqueda sistemática de artículos en español, sin límite temporal, que citaran a Binford ("Bones: Ancient Men and Modern Myths") en Google Scholar. Fueron incluidos aquellos que mencionaran esta metodología para categorizar marcas de mordedura como agente tafonómico. Se excluyeron tesis, libros, pósters y resúmenes de congresos. Se identificaron 349 documentos y se seleccionaron 83 según criterios. El 65,12 % refirió sólo a huellas de mordedura animal sin especificar categorías; el 26,51 % mostró traducciones libres o categorizaciones parciales, y el 8,43 % realizó categorizaciones sin traducción. La mayor cantidad de citas fueron realizadas por autores de Argentina y España (54,22 % y 24,10 % respectivamente, como única filiación). Las categorías con más traducciones libres fueron "pitting" y "puncture" (11 y 8 términos diferentes respectivamente). Si bien la categorización de Binford es citada profusamente en países de habla hispana para definir las marcas de mordedura animal en hueso, la ausencia de transculturización conlleva falta de consenso para la comunidad científica. Más allá de una traducción literal, la adaptación y estandarización de estos términos es necesaria para validar esta metodología.

Taphonomy, a concept recognized in paleontology and anthropology, allows the estimation of time and circumstances of death by studying post-mortem conditions and factors related to the survival of bone remains. Among the different taphonomic variables, Binford (1981) proposed a categorization of bite marks, now recognized as standard for these studies. However, its original design in English could lead to misinterpretations or erroneous reports for not having a validated translation. A scoping review was conducted for articles in Spanish, without a time limit, that cited Binford ("Bones: Ancient Men and Modern Myths") in Google Scholar. Those who mentioned this methodology to categorize bite marks as taphonomic agent were included. Theses, books, posters and conference proceedings were excluded. We identified 349 documents, and 83 were selected according to criteria. 65.12 % referred only to animal bite marks without specifying categories; 26.51 % showed free translations or partial categorizations, and 8.43 % made categorizations without translation. The largest number of citations were made by authors from Argentina and Spain (54.22 % and 24.10 % respectively, as the only affiliation). The categories with the most free translations were "pitting" and "puncture" (11 and 8 different terms respectively). While Binford's categorization is widely cited in Spanish-speaking countries to define animal bite marks in bone, the absence of transculturation implies a lack of consensus for the scientific community. Beyond a literal translation, the adaptation and standardization of these terms is necessary to validate this methodology.

Sexual dimorphism of the maxillary postcanine dentition: A geometric morphometric analysis.

The aim of this work was to study the sexual dimorphism of the occlusal surface of the maxillary postcanine dentition using geometric morphometric techniques. This study evaluated 139 individuals as part of five osteological collections from municipal cemeteries in the province of Granada (Spain). The landmarks and semilandmarks were analysed by principal components analysis, canonical variate analysis and discriminant analysis. Only the fourth maxillary premolar showed significant sexual dimorphism; however, cross-validation values for shape variables were 64.44% for males and 63.60% for females and 60.17% for males and 60.99% for females when both shape and size variables were considered. The third maxillary premolar and first and second maxillary molars did not show significant sexual dimorphism. The results show that maxillary postcanine dentition cannot assist in sex estimation, either only shape or shape and size.

Estimación de la edad dental en adultos mediante análisis de relación de área pulpa/diente en premolares y caninos mandi bulares mediante ortopantomografías, en una muestra chilena / Dental age estimation in adults by pulp/tooth ratio in lower premolars and canines by orthopantomographs, in a Chilean sample

La estimación de la edad es uno de los procedimientos más importantes para la identificación humana. Cameriere et al. propusieron un método para estimación de edad evaluando la relación área pulpa/diente utilizando radiografías dentales, basado en la aposición de dentina secundaria. El objetivo de este estudio, fue desarrollar modelos de regresión lineal para la estimación de la edad, mediante la relación de área pulpa/diente en caninos y premolares mandibulares utilizando ortopantomografías (OPGs) en una población chilena de individuos adultos de edad y sexo conocidos. Se analizaron 162 OPGs digitales (67 hombres y 95 mujeres) mediante el programa ImageJ, con el fin de medir las áreas señaladas. Mediante análisis de regresión, se estudiaron las posibles interacciones entre la edad, sexo y relación de área pulpa/diente. Esta relación disminuyó regularmente con la edad y varió de 0,03 a 0,6 para premolares y 0,04 a 0,6 para caninos respectivamente. El mejor modelo de estimación de edad fue para la relación del canino inferior izquierdo obteniendo un coeficiente de determinación de R2=8,7 %. La media de error absoluto, con un intervalo de confianza del 95 %, osciló entre 5,6 y 5,72 años. El análisis de ANCOVA no mostró diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres para la estimación de edad, al igual que para ambos lados de la cavidad oral. Según los resultados obtenidos, la relación de área pulpa/diente es una metodología fiable para la estimación de la edad en adultos. Sin embargo, los resultados demuestran que, en casos reales, es necesario contar con métodos adicionales de estimación ya que, al menos en la muestra analizada, el ajuste indicado por los coeficientes de determinación demostró falta de certeza en las estimaciones etarias producidas por los modelos de regresión lineal.

Age estimation is one of the most important procedures for human identification. Cameriere et al. proposed a method for age estimation based on the analysis of the pulp/tooth ratio by using dental x-rays, based on the apposition of secondary dentine. The objective of this study was to develop linear regression models for age estimation, by means of the pulp/tooth ratio of mandibular canines and premolars using orthopantomographies (OPGs) in a Chilean population of adults of known age and sex. We analyzed 162 digital OPGs (67 men and 95 women) through ImageJ software, in order to measure these areas. By means of regression analysis, the possible interactions between age, sex and pulp / tooth ratio were studied. This relationship decreased regularly with age and ranged from 0.03 to 0.6 for premolars and 0.04 to 0.6 for canines, respectively. The best model of age estimation was for the relation of the lower left canine, obtaining a coefficient of determination of R2=8.7 %. The mean absolute error, with a confidence interval of 95 %, ranged between 5.6 and 5.72 years. The ANCOVA analysis showed no significant differences between men and women for age estimation, as well as for both sides of the oral cavity. According to the results, the pulp/tooth ratio is a reliable methodology for estimating age in adults. However, the results showed that, in actual cases, it is necessary to use additional estimation methods since, at least in the sample analyzed, the adjustment indicated by coefficients of determination showed uncertainty in age estimation produced by the linear regression models.

Lip print identification: Current perspectives.

Lip print identification has been proposed as an additional tool for crime investigation because of the supposed uniqueness of labial grooves; however, critics of the validity and reliability for methods and techniques redefined standards and requirements in order to consider this discipline a real forensic identification science. During our research we identified recent literature, presented here, which although extensive, have focused almost entirely on anthropological topics with outdated references which were not from primary sources and, furthermore, were erroneously quoted. Currently, authors continue to use the concept of lip pattern uniqueness, yet the greatest part of their research has failed to support this hypothesis under current scientific standards. Concepts and designs needed to evaluate materials for lip print development - the isolation of DNA, evaluation of inter-rater reliability in identifying their patterns or known potential rate of error - are scarcely mentioned in the reviewed literature. Lip print identification has been important historically, but the new paradigm makes the redefinition of the current research necessary to stop guesswork and speculation.

Dientes fósiles de Carcharocles megalodon: la colección del Museo Universitario de Chieti (Italia). Parte I: análisis morfométrico / Fossil teeth of Carcharocles megalodon: the collection of the University Museum of Chieti (Italy). Part I: morphometric analysis

La especie extinta de tiburón Carcharocles megalodon (Clase: Chondrichthyes; Orden: Lamniformes) es considerado uno de los depredadores más grandes y más poderosos que ha poblado los mares templados de todo el mundo entre el Mioceno medio y el Plioceno (15,9-2,6 Ma). La reconstrucción de su historia evolutiva y ecología se basa principalmente en el estudio morfológico y métrico de los dientes, que representan la abrumadora mayoría de los restos fósiles de esta especie con esqueleto cartilaginoso hallados hasta hoy. En el presente artículo presentamos las características morfológicas y métricas de los dientes de Carcharocles megalodon que se conservan en el Museo Universitario de Chieti (Italia). La colección se compone de nueve dientes de la arcada superior, que pertenecerían a diferentes ejemplares de tamaño variable entre los 6,27-14,50 m y los 2.510-35.918 kg. de peso. Los dientes implementan el registro fósil existente de Carcharocles megalodon, de modo que los datos morfométricos recabados contribuirán a mejorar el conocimiento de los estudios filogenéticos y ecológicos de esta especie.

The extinct species of shark Carcharocles megalodon (Class: Chondrichthyes; Order: Lamniformes) is considered one of the largest and most powerful predators that populated the temperate seas around the world between the middle Miocene and the Pliocene periods (15.9-2.6 My). The reconstruction of its evolutionary history and ecology is based mainly on the morphological and metric studies of the teeth, which represent the overwhelming majority of the fossil remains of this cartilaginous skeleton species. In this article we present the morphological and metric characteristics of the teeth of Carcharocles megalodon that are housed in the University Museum of Chieti (Italy). In particular, the collection is composed of nine teeth of the upper arch, which belonged to different specimens of variable size and weight (total length range: 6.27-14.50 m; weight range: 2,510-35,918 kg). The teeth implement the existing fossil record of Carcharocles megalodon, so that the morphometric data collected will contribute to improve knowledge of the phylogenetic and ecological studies of this species.

Dientes fósiles de Carcharocles megalodon: la colección del Museo Universitario de Chieti (Italia). Parte II: análisis paleopatológico / Fossil teeth of Carcharocles megalodon: the collection of the University Museum of Chieti (Italy). Part II: paleopathological analysis

La paleopatología es la ciencia que estudia el origen y la evolución de las enfermedades del pasado. El interés por esta disciplina deriva del hecho de que la frecuencia y la distribución de las patologías que han afectado a las especies extintas se correlacionan con su ecología y etología. Esta suposición también es válida en el caso de Carcharocles megalodon, el tiburón más grande jamás existido, situado en lo alto de la cadena alimenticia y que vivió en los mares templados desde el Mioceno medio hasta el Plioceno (15,9-2,6 Ma). En el presente artículo presentamos las alteraciones patológicas de los dientes de Carcharocles megalodon que se conservan en el Museo Universitario de Chieti (Italia). La colección se compone de nueve dientes de la arcada superior, todos ellos con presencia de alteraciones patológicas correspondientes a defectos del desarrollo y traumas de la corona. Un diente en particular (espécimen #165), presenta una aposición anómala del esmalte sobre la superficie labial, que corresponde a una condición no descrita en la literatura. La colección del Museo Universitario de Chieti enriquece el registro paleopatológico relativamente pobre existente, contribuyendo a completar el conocimiento sobre la paleobiología de Carcharocles megalodon.

Paleopathology is the science that studies the origin and evolution of diseases. The interest in this discipline derives from the fact that the frequency and distribution of the pathologies that have affected the extinct species, correlate with their ecology and ethology. This assumption is also valid in the case of Carcharocles megalodon, the largest shark that ever existed, located at the top of the food chain and that lived in temperate seas from the middle Miocene to the Pliocene periods (15.9-2.6 My). In the present article we present the pathological alterations of the teeth of Carcharocles megalodon housed in the University Museum of Chieti (Italy). The collection consists of nine teeth of the upper arch, all of them with pathological alterations corresponding to developmental defects and crown trauma. A particular tooth (specimen #165) presents an anomalous apposition of the enamel on the labial surface, a condition not yet described in the literature. The collection of the University Museum of Chieti enriches the existing relatively poor paleopathological record, and could improve the knowledge of the paleobiology of Carcharocles megalodon.

Sexual dimorphism of the first deciduous molar: A geometric morphometric approach.

Estimating the sex of immature skeletal remains is important when reconstructing the biological profile of unknown individuals in anthropological practice. Teeth have a distinct importance as they are the most frequently recovered physical elements of an individual. They persist after death due to their hardness and resistance to postmortem insults. The aim of this study was to analyse the sexual dimorphism of the occlusal surface of the first deciduous molar using geometric morphometric techniques. This study evaluated 38 first maxillary deciduous molars (21 males, 17 females) and 30 first mandibular deciduous molars (15 males, 15 females) from the Granada osteological collection of identified subadults (Granada, Spain). The landmark and semilandmark coordinates were analysed by principal components analysis, canonical variate analysis and discriminant analysis. Only the first maxillary deciduous molar showed a significant sexual dimorphism, with cross-validation values for shape variables of 93.23% for males and 83.17% for females, and 100% for males and 87.50% for females when both shape and size variables were considered. Despite there being acceptable cross-validation classification for the first mandibular deciduous molar (82.35% for males and 92.31% for females for shape variables and 82.35% for males and 92.31% for females for shape and size variables), no significant differences indicating sexual dimorphism were identified. The results show that the first upper deciduous molar can assist in sex estimation, and that geometric morphometric analysis is a suitable technique to answer questions related to shape that cannot be observed with the naked eye.

Identificación Mediante Huellas Labiales: Casos Paradigmáticos, Oportunidades Perdidas y "Anomalías" para la Construcción de un Nuevo Paradigma / Lip Print Identification: Paradigm Case Argument, Lost Opportunities and "Anomalies" for the Construction of a New Paradigm

RESUMEN: El análisis de huellas labiales con fines de identificación criminal ha sido denominado Queiloscopía, especialidad de la odontología forense que se ha sustentado en las supuestas unicidad, perennidad y clasificabilidad de los patrones de surcos labiales. En la actualidad, dos elementales corrientes parecen representar la realidad de la queiloscopía en el mundo forense: mientras algunos casos han demarcado su construcción estableciendo un paradigma de gran poder en la segunda mitad del siglo XX, la insuficiencia técnica en algunos casos o la presencia de nuevos estándares jurídicos en otros han puesto en jaque a esta subdisciplina de la Odontología Forense. Se presenta una reevaluación de los paradigmas propuestos por esos casos, se exponen situaciones fallidas en ese tipo de manejo de evidencias y se presenta una proyección efectiva local a esta (aún) potencial herramienta de investigación criminal.

ABSTRACT: Lip print analysis for criminal identification has been called Cheiloscopy, a specialty of forensic odontology based on the alleged uniqueness, durability and classification of labial groove patterns. Presently, there are two basic claims that seem to make reference to Cheiloscopy in the forensic world: While some cases have distinctly marked its design by establishing a dominant paradigm during the second half of the 20th century, others have questioned this particular specialty of Forensic Odontology in view of technical shortcomings or new legal standards. In light of failed cases under this form of evidence management, a reevaluation of the paradigms, and a better use of this potentially effective mechanism in criminal investigation are proposed.

Specific-age group sex estimation of infants through geometric morphometrics analysis of pubis and ischium.

Sex determination of unknown individuals is one of the primary goals of Physical and Forensic Anthropology. The adult skeleton can be sexed using both morphological and metric traits on a large number of bones. The human pelvis is often used as an important element of adult sex determination. However, studies carried out about the pelvic bone in subadult individuals present several limitations due the absence of sexually dimorphic characteristics. In this study, we analyse the sexual dimorphism of the immature pubis and ischium bones, attending to their shape (Procrustes residuals) and size (centroid size), using an identified sample of subadult individuals composed of 58 individuals for the pubis and 83 for the ischium, aged between birth and 1year of life, from the Granada osteological collection of identified infants (Granada, Spain). Geometric morphometric methods and discriminant analysis were applied to this study. The results of intra- and inter-observer error showed good and excellent agreement in the location of coordinates of landmarks and semilandmarks, respectively. Principal component analysis performed on shape and size variables showed superposition of the two sexes, suggesting a low degree of sexual dimorphism. Canonical variable analysis did not show significant changes between the male and female shapes. As a consequence, discriminant analysis with leave-one-out cross validation provided low classification accuracy. The results suggested a low degree of sexual dimorphism supported by significant sexual dimorphism in the subadult sample and poor cross-validated classification accuracy. The inclusion of centroid size as a discriminant variable does not imply a significant improvement in the results of the analysis. The similarities found between the sexes prevent consideration of pubic and ischial morphology as a sex estimator in early stages of development. The authors suggest extending this study by analysing the different trajectories of shape and size in later ontogeny between males and females.

Correction to: Sex estimation of infants through geometric morphometric analysis of the ilium.

After publication of the original article, it was brought to authors' attention two errors that were included in the final publication.