Reliability of a forensic odontology method for age-at-death estimation in adults: A Mexican case study.

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of an age estimation method based on the pulp/tooth area ratio by assessing intra- and inter-examiner agreement across five observers at different intervals. Using the same X-ray device and technical parameters, 96 digital periapical X-ray images of upper and lower canines were obtained from 28 deceased people in Central America, whose age at death ranged from 19 to 49 years. Excellent and good agreement of results were achieved, and there were no statistically significant differences. The R2 value for upper teeth (54.0%) was higher than the R2 value for lower teeth (45.7%). The highest intraclass correlation coefficient value was 0.995 (0.993-0.997) and the lowest 0.798 (0.545-0.895). Inter-examiner agreement was high with values of 0.975 (0.965-0.983) and 0.927 (0.879-0.955). This method is adequate for assessing age in missing and unidentified people, including victims of mass disasters.

Partial amputation due to tongue bite in death-associated with eclampsia.

Eclampsia is one of the most dangerous complications of pregnancy and has a high incidence in developing countries. It is characterized by coma and the occurrence of generalized tonic-clonic seizures in pregnant women with hypertension. Deep bites on the tongue and other orofacial injuries have been described as consequences of these seizures. We present a case of death associated with eclampsia in which the bite during the seizure episode caused almost total amputation of an enlarged tongue (macroglossia). The medico-legal value of this finding and the situation due to antecedent pathological conditions and lack of routine screening in pregnant women who may migrate legally or illegally to give birth with better medical care are discussed.

A novel conservative technique to allow oral opening and overcome rigor mortis during medicolegal autopsy.

This study presents a novel conservative technique to increase oral opening and overcome rigor mortis during medicolegal autopsy (MLA). The method proposes a myotomy of the temporalis and masseter muscles, taking advantage of the incisions of the cranial opening procedures, to achieve a significant oral opening (≥ 30 mm) in fresh cadavers with established rigor mortis without altering facial aesthetics. The study was performed on 48 individuals aged between 18 and 66 years (20 males and 28 females) who were autopsied at the Instituto Nacional de Patología Forense Dr. Sergio Sarita Valdez (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic). The proposed technique not only allowed the oral access to all autopsied cadavers but also complied with current ethical standards for preserving facial aesthetics, taking into account the concerns of family members by allowing respectful viewing of the cadaver. This advancement not only contributes to the efficiency of oral autopsies but also influences public perception of forensic procedures and highlights the importance of ethical and aesthetic considerations in the context of MLAs. The proposed technique represents a significant step towards more respectful and ethical forensic practices, and offers practical advantages for a more complete and accurate assessment during MLA.

Latin American Forensic Odontology: A Scoping Review of its Current Research and the Objective/Subjective Nature of its Studies

SUMMARY: The new paradigm in Forensic Sciences initiated by the entry of genetics (the current standard of legal evidence) and accentuated by recognized wrongful convictions derived from experts today in the eye of criticism, has highlighted the potential for bias and error in forensic disciplines when they depend on human interpretation and subjectivity, which has not been avoided by Forensic Odontology (FO). However, a subjective judgment is not necessarily wrong, so the refinement of processes, the development of standards, and robust research can contribute to the validity of interpretation to increase objectivity. Latin America (LATAM) has its own realities and needs, which have conditioned the priorities and objectives of FO research. A scoping review is presented to systematically map the investigation of LATAM researchers and identify the objective or subjective nature of their assessments. LATAM shows interesting productivity and intentions to adhere to international standards, with Brazil leading this research significantly, followed by Chile and Colombia, among others. However, there is a disproportionate approach in certain lines of research (dental age estimation), and needs to address other quantitative studies, and to improve the visibility of the LATAM FO research.

El nuevo paradigma en ciencias forenses iniciado por la entrada de la genética (el actual estándar de la evidencia jurídica), y acentuado por reconocidas condenas injustas derivadas de pericias hoy en el ojo de la crítica, ha destacado el potencial de sesgo y error que poseen algunas disciplinas forenses cuando dependen de la interpretación humana y la subjetividad, lo cual no ha sido ajeno a la odontología forense (OF). Sin embargo, un juicio subjetivo no necesariamente es erróneo, con lo que el refinamiento de procesos, el desarrollo de estándares y la investigación robusta pueden contribuir a validar esa interpretación para aumentar su objetividad. Latinoamérica (LATAM) posee realidades y necesidades propias que han condicionado las prioridades y objetivos de la investigación en OF. Se presenta una revisión con búsqueda sistemática para mapear sistemáticamente la investigación en OF realizada por investigadores latinoamericanos, así como identificar la naturaleza objetiva o subjetiva de sus evaluaciones. LATAM demuestra una productividad interesante e intenciones de adherirse a estándares internacionales, con Brasil liderando significativamente esta investigación, seguido por Chile y Colombia entre otros. Sin embargo, se observa un enfoque desproporcionado en ciertas líneas de investigación (estimación de edad dental particularmente), y necesidad tanto de abordar otros estudios cuantitativos como de mejorar la visibilidad de la investigación latinoamericana en OF.

Análisis radiográfico comparativo de tratamientos endodónticos: su posible aporte en la identificación forense / Comparative radiographic analysis of endodontic treatments: its possible contribution to forensic identification

Introducción: La identificación por cotejo de regis-tros odontológicos representa una metodología científicamente consolidada. La estrategia más co-mún reside en la comparación de odontogramas impresos o digitalizados, aunque se ha cuestionado cierta subjetividad al asentar dicha información. Los recursos imagenológicos constituyen una evidencia más confiable y objetiva, reduciendo el sesgo iden-tificatorio. La obtención de radiografías post mor-tem (PM) reproduciendo en lo posible las técnicas que han generado las imágenes ante mortem (AM) recuperadas, otorga una eficaz modalidad compa-rativa, aumentando su valor probatorio. Materiales y Métodos: Se efectuó la comparación entre radio-grafías panorámicas y periapicales tomadas a 10 pacientes atendidos en un consultorio particular de la ciudad de Quilmes, Provincia de Buenos Aires, don-de se visualizaban tratamientos de endodoncia. Los registros de ambas técnicas de imágenes se realiza-ron sobre los mismos sujetos entre los años 2010 y 2022. Se cotejaron 11 radiografías periapicales y 10 panorámicas, procediéndose a la digitalización de la totalidad de la muestra. Se clasificaron las imágenes de cada persona conforme a la fecha de obtención de las mismas. A las más antiguas se las catalogó con el color verde, representando el material AM, mien-tras que las más recientes se marcaron en color rojo, constituyendo la información PM. Resultados: Teniendo en cuenta los criterios estipulados por la Junta Americana de Odontología Forense (ABFO) se identificaron positivamente 7 casos estudiados, 2 fueron catalogados como identificación posible, en tanto que 1 se clasificó como insuficiente. No se re-gistraron exclusiones. Conclusión: Los tratamientos endodónticos podrían suministrar información pon-derable en procesos de identificación humana en virtud de la escasa probabilidad de sufrir alteracio-nes morfológicas y estructurales por su estratégica localización intradentaria, otorgando posibilidades concretas de establecer la identidad categórica de sujetos desconocidos (AU)

Introduction: Identification by comparison of dental records represents a scientifically consolidated methodology. The most common strategy lies in the comparison of printed or digitised odontograms, although certain subjectivity has been questioned when recording said information. Imaging resources constitute more reliable and objective evidence, reducing identification bias. Obtaining post-mortem (PM) radiographs reproducing the techniques that have generated the recovered ante-mortem (AM) images, provides an effective comparative modality, increasing its evidentiary value. Materials and Methods: A comparison was made between panoramic and periapical radiographs taken to 10 patients treated in a private office in the city of Quilmes, Province of Buenos Aires, where endodontic treatments were visualized. The records of both imaging techniques were carried out on the same subjects between 2010 and 2022. 11 periapical and 10 panoramic radiographs were collected, and the entire sample was digitized. The images of each person were classified according to the date they were obtained. The oldest ones were cataloged with the color green, representing the AM material, while the most recent ones were marked in red, constituting the PM information. Results: Taking into account the criteria stipulated by the American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO), 7 cases studied were positively identified, 2 were classified as possible identification, while 1 was classified as insufficient. No exclusions were recorded. Conclusion: Endodontic treatments could provide valuable information in human identification processes due to the low probability of suffering morphological and structural alterations due to their strategic intradental location, providing concrete possibilities of establishing the categorical identity of unknown subjects (AU)

Persistência da sutura metópica em crânios secos adultos do Nordeste brasileiro: análise antropológica forense / Persistence of metopic suture in adult dry skulls from Northeast Brazil: a forensic anthropological analysis / Persistencia de la sutura metópica en cráneos secos adultos del Nordeste de Brasil: análisis antropológico forense

A sutura metópica forma-se aproximadamente no primeiro trimestre da vida intrauterina entre os dois centros de ossificação que irão formar o osso frontal. Há controvérsias na literatura em relação ao momento em que essa sutura oblitera, mas se sabe que ocorre antes dos dez anos de idade; entretanto, essa sutura pode não obliterar e persistir ao longo da vida do indivíduo. Este trabalho objetivou relatar a persistência da sutura metópica em crânios secos de esqueletos humanos adultos pertencentes ao Centro de Estudos em Antropologia Forense da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de Pernambuco (CEAF/FOP/UPE), com a finalidade de demonstrar a importância para a perícia antropológica forense. Dentre os 426 examinados, foram identificados dez crânios (2,4%) com a presença de sutura metópica completa, sendo 5 do sexo masculino e 5 do feminino, compreendendo uma faixa etária de 29 a 86 anos. A persistência da metópica possui relevância forense, afinal as variações anatômicas são vistas como estruturas que não são consequência de uma patologia e que diferem do encontrado na população geral, tornando o indivíduo que as possui ainda mais único. Dessa forma, essa variação anatômica pode atuar como auxiliar no processo de identificação humana na perícia antropológica forense... (AU)

The metopic suture forms approximately in the first trimester of intrauterine life between the two ossification centers that will form the frontal bone. There are controversies in the literature as to when this suture obliterates, but it is known to occur before the age of ten; however, this suture may not obliterate and persist throughout the individual's life. This work aimed to report the persistence of the metopic suture in dried skulls of adult human skeletons belonging to the Center for Studies in Forensic Anthropology of the School of Dentistry of the University of Pernambuco (CEAF/FOP/UPE) in order to demonstrate its importance for forensic anthropology. Among the 426 skeletons examined, ten skulls (2.4%) with complete metopic sutures were identified, five male and five female, ranging in age from 29 to 86 years. The persistence of metopic sutures has forensic relevance, after all, anatomical variations are seen as structures that are not a consequence of pathology and that differs from what is found in the general population, making the individual who has them even more unique. Thus, this anatomical variation can act as an aid in the process of human identification in forensic anthropology... (AU)

La sutura metópica se forma aproximadamente en el primer trimestre de vida intrauterina entre los dos centros de osificación que formarán el hueso frontal. Existen controversias en la literatura sobre el momento en que se oblitera esta sutura, pero se sabe que ocurre antes de los diez años; sin embargo, esta sutura puede no obliterarse y persistir durante toda la vida del individuo. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo informar sobre la persistencia de la sutura metópica en cráneos desecados de esqueletos humanos adultos pertenecientes al Centro de Estudos em Antropologia Forense de la Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de Pernambuco (CEAF/FOP/UPE), con el fin de demostrar su importancia para la antropología forense. Entre los 426 esqueletos examinados, se identificaron diez cráneos (2,4%) con presencia de sutura metópica completa, 5 masculinos y 5 femeninos, con edades entre 29 y 86 años. La persistencia de la sutura metópica tiene relevancia forense, después de todo las variaciones anatómicas son vistas como estructuras que no son consecuencia de una patología y que difieren de lo que se encuentra en la población general, haciendo aún más único al individuo que las presenta. Así pues, esta variación anatómica puede servir de ayuda en el proceso de identificación humana en antropología forense... (AU)

A career in Forensic Odontology: it is not only about teeth / Odontologia Legal como carreira: não se trata apenas de dentes

Throughout the world, forensic odontology academic programmes have been designed and permeate discussions about international or local standard operational protocols, principles or guidelines requiring current technical and scientific knowledge. The heterogeneous groups of students who aim to pursue this career might have high educational and occupational aspirations that will be confronted with the labour markets. In this report, the authors briefly present aspects of the education and training that comprise the choice of a career in forensic odontology nowadays. In conclusion, the individual who opts for forensic odontology as a career must be prepared to find the confidence and resilience to practice professional skills in a unique and challenging field to comply with the society's expectation

Em todo o mundo, vários programas acadêmicos de Odontologia Legal têm sido criados e permeiam discussões sobre protocolos, princípios ou diretrizes operacionais, padrão internacional ou local, que exigem conhecimento técnico e científico atualizado. Os grupos heterogêneos de estudantes que pretendem seguir esta carreira poderão ter elevadas aspirações educativas e profissionais que serão confrontadas com os mercados de trabalho. Neste contexto, os autores apresentam brevemente aspectos da educação e formação que compõem a escolha de uma carreira em Odontologia Legal nos dias de hoje. Em conclusão, o indivíduo que opta pela Odontologia Legal como carreira deve estar preparado para encontrar confiança e resiliência para exercer habilidades profissionais em um campo único e desafiador para atender às expectativas da sociedade

Limitaciones Técnicas del Método de Conteo de Anulaciones del Cemento para Estimación de Edad. Hallazgos a Partir de Una Revisión con Búsqueda Sistemática / Technical Limitations of Cementum Annulation Count Method for age Estimation. Findings From A Scoping Review

En la última década, la odontología forense se ha enfocado en el desarrollo de metodologías para la estimación de edad (EE) debido a la gran demanda en procesos identificatorios. Entre esas técnicas, el conteo de anulaciones del cemento dental (TCA) ha ofrecido resultados promisorios, pero también contradictorios que han generado dudas sobre su precisión y confiabilidad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar, establecer alcances, e identificar las limitaciones del conteo de TCA según los actuales estándares normativos y metodológicos. Se realizó una revisión con búsqueda sistemática del método de conteo de TCA para EE incluyendo estudios experimentales y notas técnicas en las bases PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS) y Embase. Se emplearon los términos "estimation", "age" y "cementum", con búsqueda manual complementaria en Google Scholar. Se excluyeron revisiones, estudios en colecciones arqueológicas, estudios radiológicos y cartas al editor. La búsqueda arrojó un total de 273 artículos, seleccionándose 27 que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. La mayoría de los estudios fueron publicados en Asia, particularmente en India (n=21). Sólo 6 artículos declararon el número total de individuos, tipos de diente y de cortes histológicos, siendo el premolar el más estudiado. Apenas dos artículos evaluaron la calidad de la muestra a analizar mediante legibilidad de los cortes obtenidos. El test más empleado para evaluar la precisión del método fue el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (n=21). Estos hallazgos exponen la alta heterogeneidad reportada en las metodologías de EE mediante conteo por TCA, por lo que aún no existe un proceso estandarizado que abarque todas sus etapas y entregue resultados confiables siguiendo los estándares jurídicos actuales para la evidencia científica. Un mayor control de las limitaciones técnicas detectadas aumentará el valor como prueba en un contexto identificatorio legal o forense.

SUMMARY: In the last decade, forensic odontology has focused on the development of age estimation (AE) methodologies due to the great request in identification processes. Among these techniques, the tooth cementum annulation (TCA) count method has offered promising but also contradictory results, raising questions about its accuracy and reliability. The aim of this work was to characterize, establish the scope, and identify the limitations of the TCA count method according to the current normative and methodological standards. A scoping review was carried out for TCA count methods for AE, including experimental studies and technical notes in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS) and Embase databases. The terms "estimation", "age" and "cementum" were used, with a complementary manual search in Google Scholar. Reviews, studies in archaeological collections, radiological studies and letters to the editor were excluded. The search yielded a total of 273 articles, selecting 27 of them that met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies were published in Asia, particularly India (n=21). Only 6 articles declared the total number of individuals, types of teeth, and histological sections, with the premolar being the most studied. Only two articles evaluated the quality of the sample to be analyzed through the legibility of the cuts obtained. The most widely used test to assess the precision of the method was the Pearson correlation coefficient (n=21). These findings expose the high heterogeneity reported in EE methodologies by counting TCA, so there is still no standardized process that covers in all its stages and delivers reliable results following current legal standards for scientific evidence. More control of the detected technical limitations will increase the value as evidence in a legal or forensic identification context.

Cameriere's open apices methodology for dental age estimation in children: a scoping review from a Latin American perspective.

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.

Forensic odontology: Wrong convictions, "bad apples" and "the innocence files".

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.

Tiempo empleado para estimar edad dental en niños peruanos comparando el método de Demirjian y el cuadro integral del enfoque de Demirjian: un estudio piloto / Time spent to estimate dental age in peruvian children comparing the demirjian method and the comprehensive chart based on demirjian method: a pilot study

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el tiempo empleado al estimar la edad dental (ED) entre el método propuesto por Demirjian et al. y el cuadro integral del enfoque de Demirjian (DAEcc) utilizando radiografías panorámicas digitales de individuos peruanos de 5 a 13 años residentes en Lima. Se realizó un estudio no experimental, comparativo, transversal y retrospectivo. Se utilizaron 100 radiografías panorámicas digitales que presentaban siete dientes permanentes mandibulares izquierdos. Una odontóloga forense capacitada y calibrada determinó el tiempo utilizado en evaluar la maduración dental y la estimación de ED con dos métodos (Demirjian y DAEcc). La unidad de medida utilizada fue los minutos (min.). No hubo diferencias en el tiempo de evaluación del estadio de maduración dental entre ambos métodos (p<0,05). El tiempo para estimar ED fue estadísticamente inferior con DAEcc (2,09 min) que con Demirjian (4,19 min). La diferencia del tiempo total de evaluación resultó estadísticamente significativa entre ambos métodos (Δ2,1 min.; 2,05-2,11; p=0,000). La aplicación del DAEcc redujo en 50 % el tiempo empleado en estimar ED en comparación con los cuadros propuestos por Demirjian. Aunque la odontología forense se centra en el estudio de la eficacia de estimación de la edad, es necesario abordar también su uso práctico.

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to compare the time used to estimate dental age (DA) between the method proposed by Demirjian et al., and the comprehensive chart for dental age estimation (DAEcc) using digital panoramic radiographs of Peruvian individuals aged 5 to 13 years residing in Lima. A non- experimental, comparative, cross-sectional and retrospective study was carried out. 100 digital panoramic radiographs showing seven mandibular left permanent teeth were used. A trained and calibrated forensic odontologist determined the time used to assess tooth maturation and DA estimation with two methods (Demirjian and DAEcc). The unit of measurement used was minutes (min.). There were no differences in the evaluation time of the dental maturation stage between both methods (p<0.05). The time spent to estimate DA was statistically less with DAEcc (2.09 min) than with Demirjian (4.19 min). The difference in total evaluation time was statistically significant between both methods (Δ2.1 min; 2.05-2.11; p=0.000).The application of DAEcc reduced by 50 % the time spent estimating DA compared to the method proposed by Demirjian. Although forensic odontology focuses on the study of the effectiveness of age estimation, its practical use needs to be addressed as well.

Análisis forense de dientes, materiales de obturación y restauraciones protésicas en restos humanos expuestos a elevadas temperaturas. Revisión de la literatura / Forensic analysis of teeth, filling materials and prosthetic restorations in human remains exposed to high temperatures. Literature review

Resumen El proceso para establecer una identificación odontológica inequívoca se sustenta en la recuperación de la mayor cantidad posible de información post mortem, y su posterior cotejo con aquellos registros ante mortem de la víctima. Los dientes son tejidos del cuerpo humano con una elevada resistencia en su estructura, lo que les permite tolerar el embate de los efectos ambientales como el fuego, la desecación, la descomposición o la inmersión prolongada. En la mayoría de los desastres naturales, y también en los provocados por el hombre, los registros odontológicos pueden contribuir para identificar cuerpos que sería irreconocibles aplicando metodologías tradicionales. En cadáveres quemados o carbonizados, resulta imperativo conservar la evidencia odontológica recuperada, para evitar que su manipulación pueda desvirtuarla e incluso destruirla; por eso se suele fijar y estabilizar antes de ser transportada. Los recursos imagenológicos constituyen una sólida estrategia de perennización de evidencia, los cuales pueden ser complementados por fotografías y toma de impresiones. El presente artículo revisa varios estudios sobre restos dentales, materiales de obturación y aparatos protésicos quemados o carbonizados, haciendo énfasis sobre su importancia en el proceso de identificación humana.

Abstract The process to establish an unequivocal dental identification is based on the recovery of the greatest possible amount of post mortem information, and its subsequent comparison with the ante mortem records of the victim. Teeth are tissues of the human body with high resistance in their structure, which allows them to tolerate the onslaught of environmental effects such as fire, desiccation, decomposition, or prolonged immersion. In most natural disasters, an also in those caused by men, dental records can help identify a body that would be unrecognizable using traditional methodologies. In burned or charred corpses, it is imperative to preserve the recovered dental evidence, to avoid its manipulation from distorting and even destroying it; this is why it is usually fixed and stabilized before being transported. Imaging resources constitute a solid strategy for the perpetuation of evidence, which can also be complemented by photographs and impression taking. This article reviews several studies on dental remains, materials and burned or charred prosthetic devices, emphasizing their importance in the human identification process.

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.

Analysis of the anthropometric measurements of the smile using 3D stereophotogrammetry / Análise das medidas antropométricas do sorriso utilizando a estereofotogrametria 3D

3D stereophotogrammetry makes the analysis of facial soft tissues possible, and has the potential to contribute to human identification processes. Nowadays, the images available through social networks are composed of a significant amount of smile photos, making techniques such as 3D stereophotogrammetry relevant. The objective of the present study was to quantitatively analyze the anthropometric measurements of the smile through 3D stereophotogrammetry, including area, angular, and linear measurements. Anatomical landmarks were used to make possible the area, angular, and linear measurements. The sample consisted of 25 volunteers, 13 female and 12 male, both in the 19-25 age group, resulting in a mean age of 22.31.9 and 23.31.5, respectively. The anatomical landmarks were marked on the face of the volunteers using a black eyeliner, and the photographs were taken using the 3D stereophotogrammetry technique (Vectra H1, Canfield, NY, USA), being 3 photographs with a spontaneous smile and 3 at rest, right lateral, left lateral and frontal of each. Among the results of the comparison between genders and the photo/smile relation of the statistical analysis, variables such as the mentolabial angle and the vermilion height of the upper lip showed significant p-values of 0.046 and 0.014, respectively. It can be concluded that anthropometric measurements of three-dimensional smile images can be performed with the use of 3D stereophotogrammetry, with the purpose of contributing to facial identification methods

A estereofotogrametria 3D possibilita a análise dos tecidos moles faciais e tem o potencial de contribuir para os processos de identificação humana. Atualmente, as imagens disponíveis nas redes sociais são compostas por uma quantidade significativa de fotos de sorrisos, tornando relevante técnicas como a estereofotogrametria 3D. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar quantitativamente as medidas antropométricas do sorriso por meio da estereofotogrametria 3D, incluindo medidas de área, angulares e lineares. Referenciais anatômicos foram utilizados para possibilitar as medidas de área, angulares e lineares. A amostra foi composta por 25 voluntários, sendo 13 do sexo feminino e 12 do sexo masculino, ambos na faixa etária de 19 a 25 anos, resultando em média de idade de 22,3±1,9 e 23,3±1,5, respectivamente. Os referenciais anatômicos foram marcados na face dos voluntários com delineador preto e as fotografias foram realizadas pela técnica de estereofotogrametria 3D (Vectra H1, Canfield, NY, EUA), sendo 3 fotografias com sorriso espontâneo e 3 em repouso, direita lateral, esquerda lateral e frontal de cada um. Dentre os resultados da comparação entre gêneros e relação foto/sorriso da análise estatística, variáveis como o ângulo mentolabial e a altura do vermelhão do lábio superior apresentaram valores de p significativos de 0,046 e 0,014, respectivamente. Pode-se concluir que medidas antropométricas de imagens tridimensionais do sorriso podem ser realizadas com o uso da estereofotogrametria 3D, com a finalidade de contribuir com os métodos de identificação facial

About the recent Chilean immigration phenomenon: a scoping review on radiographic methods for dental age estimation in children / Sobre el reciente fenómeno migratorio chileno: una revisión con búsqueda sistemática sobre métodos radiográficos para la estimación de edad dental en niños

SUMMARY: The objective of this review was to identify original studies describing radiographic methods for dental age estimation applied in Chilean children, considering that it is a country with a long history of natural disasters and it has shown an unprecedented increase in the number of migrants in recent years, with significant percentages of individuals under 18 years of age. A scoping review was carried out following the methodology for the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping reviews and PRISMA guidelines. A specific search strategy was implemented in PubMed/Medline database, with complementary use of the Google Scholar website searching for full articles in English and Spanish. Five documents responded to the search objective, of which only 3 were published in refereed journals. Two documents focused their study on the maturation of upper and lower third molars, one on the maturation of the second and lower third molars, and two documents on the maturation of the seven mandibular teeth according to classical methodologies. The scarce existing literature, the almost absence of validated methods for the Chilean population, as well as the reported mass immigration phenomenon make a new and profound scientific research approach necessary for the application of updated methods.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de esta revisión fue identificar estudios originales que describan métodos radiográficos para la estimación de la edad dental aplicados en niños chilenos, considerando que Chile es un país con una larga historia de desastres naturales y que ha mostrado un aumento sin precedentes en el número de inmigrantes en los últimos años, con porcentajes significativos de individuos menores de 18 años. Se llevó a cabo una revisión con búsqueda sistemática siguiendo la metodología del Instituto Joanna Briggs y las pautas PRISMA. Se implementó una estrategia de búsqueda específica en la base de datos PubMed/Medline, con uso complementario de Google Scholar, buscando artículos completos en inglés y español. Cinco documentos respondieron al objetivo de búsqueda, de los cuales solo 3 fueron publicados en revistas arbitradas. Dos documentos centraron su estudio en la maduración de los terceros molares superiores e inferiores, uno en la maduración de los segundos y terceros molares inferiores y dos documentos en la maduración de los siete dientes mandibulares según metodologías clásicas. La escasa literatura existente, la casi ausencia de métodos validados para la población chilena, así como el fenómeno de inmigración masiva reportado, hacen necesario un nuevo y profundo enfoque de investigación científica para la apli- cación de métodos actualizados.

The role of women in Forensic Odontology / O papel da mulher na Odontologia Forense

This literature review aims to name the influential female pioneers who broke the conservative barriers in place for their gender and set the standards for those who followed in their paths as either dentists or forensic odontologists, with the purpose of increasing the visibility of their identities, feats, and positions of authority, hence, diminishing the states of exclusion that may be still practiced towards the recognition of their contributions to dentistry. It is our expectation that contemporary female forensic dentists can, by accessing this reading, acknowledge and promote the female performance in the forensic field, from its beginning to the present time, and be reassured of the representation and the excellence of women in it. We anticipate that all these professionals' names will not be mentioned due to lack of information from sound resources or unawareness. We also hope to witness similar literature reviews in the future

Esta revisão de literatura tem como objetivo nomear as influentes pioneiras que romperam as barreiras conservadoras de gênero e estabeleceram os padrões para aquelas que seguiram seus caminhos como dentistas forenses ou odontolegistas, com o objetivo de aumentar a visibilidade de suas identidades, feitos e posições de autoridade, diminuindo, assim, os estados de exclusão que ainda podem ser praticados para o reconhecimento de suas contribuições para a Odontologia. É nossa expectativa que as odontolegistas contemporâneas possam, ao acessar essa leitura, reconhecer e promover a atuação feminina no campo forense, desde o seu início até os dias atuais e ter a certeza da representação e da excelência da mulher nela. É possível que outros nomes não foram mencionados por falta de informação segura ou desconhecimento. Também esperamos testemunhar revisões de literatura semelhantes no futuro

Personal identification and missing persons initiatives in Santa Catarina state, Brazil: forensic perspectives from 2019 to 2021.

Santa Catarina is a small, developed, and relatively safe state in South Brazil. Despite having positive social economic indicators, it still faces multiple challenges regarding forensic practices for personal identification. The objective of this paper is to discuss the recent advances and current challenges in the region, from the perspectives of anthropological and dental postmortem human identification, missing persons, and disaster victim identification (DVI) from 2019 to 2021. The recent creation of a Forensic Anthropology Sector (SAF) in the state's official forensic institution (Polícia Científica-PCI) has significantly improved identification of unidentified remains and optimised resources available for DNA analysis. However, SAF is still quite understaffed, which negatively affects the recovery of skeletal material, its preparation, and the time needed for filing reports. Santa Catarina has passed legislation for missing persons in 2015, 4 years prior to the sanction of federal laws implementing the national policy for the disappeared. Nonetheless, a lack of integration between stakeholders remains a problem that PCI has tried to circumvent with the Conecta Programme, a multidisciplinary and integrated initiative between families of the missing persons, police agencies, and the Public Ministry. The programme aims to collect not only reference DNA samples, but also relevant anthropological and dental data. It also offers facial progression services in cases of disappearances that occurred many years ago. Despite a history of disasters in the state, PCI still needs to implement international DVI standards at an institutional level. Recent training on Phase 1 DVI procedures, integrated with other responding institutions, indicates better preparation for future disasters. There are many challenges ahead for Santa Catarina's forensic institution and professionals that have yet to be addressed, but the overall situation on routine personal identification, missing persons initiatives, and DVI has improved over the last 2 years.

Implantes dentales para la identificación forense en incineraciones: Recomendaciones a partir de una revisión con búsqueda sistemática

Resumen La odontología forense (OF) es reconocida como uno de los métodos primarios para identificación forense. Aunque los dientes son estructuras resistentes a altas temperaturas, condiciones particulares pueden fragilizarlos considerablemente. Los implantes dentales (IDs), de gran empleo en la rehabilitación bucodental actual, son fabricados en materiales aloplásticos con base en titanio, de alta resistencia térmica. Se presenta una revisión con búsqueda sistemática para establecer el potencial uso de IDs en identificación forense. Se identificaron 10 artículos con una importante presencia de investigadores australianos y modelos de identificación apoyados no solo en el cotejo de imágenes, sino también en el uso de software específico o incluso en la implementación de números de serie asegurando su trazabilidad. Si bien la identificación mediante IDs se ha propuesto como una alternativa promisoria, las realidades locales y la relación con las empresas fabricantes han condicionado de manera heterogénea estas posibilidades en OF.

Resumo Odontologia forense (OF) é reconhecida como um dos principais métodos de identificação forense. Embora os dentes sejam estruturas resistentes a altas temperaturas, condições particulares podem torná-los muito frágeis. Os implantes dentários (IDs), amplamente utilizados na atual reabilitação oral, são fabricados em materiais aloplásticos à base de titânio, com alta resistência térmica. Uma revisão de pesquisa sistemática é apresentada para estabelecer o uso potencial de IDs na identificação forense. Foram identificados 10 trabalhos com presença significativa de pesquisadores australianos e modelos de identificação apoiados não só na comparação de imagens, mas também na utilização de softwares específicos ou mesmo na implementação de números de série garantindo sua rastreabilidade. Embora a identificação por meio de IDs tenha sido proposta como uma alternativa promissora, as realidades locais e o relacionamento com as empresas manufatureiras têm condicionado de forma heterogênea essas possibilidades na OF.

Abstract Forensic odontology (FO) is recognized as one of the primary methods for forensic identification. Although teeth are resistant to high temperatures, particular conditions can make them very fragile. Dental implants (DIs), widely used in current oral rehabilitation, are manufactured with alloplastic materials based on titanium and with high thermal resistance. A scoping review is presented to establish the potential use of DIs in forensic identification. We identified ten articles with a significant presence of Australian researchers and identification models supported by image comparison, the use of specific software, and even the implementation of serial numbers that ensure traceability. Identification through DIs has been proposed as a promising alternative. However, local realities and the relationship with manufacturing companies have conditioned these possibilities in FO in several ways.

Sex estimation from maxillary arch measurements in Egyptian populations: cross-sectional study / Estimación sexual a partir de mediciones del arco maxilar en poblaciones egipcias: estudio transversal

SUMMARY: Sex estimation is an essential step in personal identification and a cornerstone for developing biological profile from skeletal remains. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of maxillary arch widths and lengths as unique parameters in the estimation of sex in Egyptian populations. Maxillary arch measurements were collected from 1410 subjects where palatal impressions were obtained from each participant. Fourteen maxillary inter-teeth widths and lengths that excluded teeth dimensions were included The current study revealed that among the studied population, Egyptian men showed significant differences (p34.57 mm, it could predict the sex with sensitivity of 69.8 %, specificity of 58.8 % and p<0.05. The first molar could be considered as one of the most valid and reliable teeth in estimating sex in Egyptian populations. These measurements may be used as a reference in different populations in cases of mass disaster or relevant events.

RESUMEN: La estimación del sexo es un aspecto esencial en la identificación personal para desarrollar el perfil biológico a partir de restos óseos. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el papel del ancho y longitud del arco maxilar como parámetros únicos en la estimación del sexo en poblaciones egipcias. Se obtuvieron medidas del arco maxilar de 1410 sujetos, además de las impresiones palatinas de cada participante. El estudio actual reveló que entre la población estudiada, los hombres egipcios mostraron diferencias significativas (p 34,57 mm, podría predecir el sexo con sensibilidad de 69,8 %, especificidad de 58,8 % y p <0,05. El primer molar podría considerarse como uno de los dientes más confiables para estimar el sexo en las poblaciones egipcias. Estas mediciones se pueden utilizar como referencia en diferentes poblaciones en casos de desastres masivos o eventos relevantes.