Identification of Sex Using Linear Skull Measures: The Importance of Imaging in Biotechnology

There are several methods used in the identification process of human remains. The most of them are based on comparing of antemortem and postmortem data available. Although the technique of fingerprinting is considered more accurate in many cases, it cannot be used when the bodies are mutilated, decomposed, burned, or fragmented. This article aims to compare the metric values obtained by Galvão (1994) and Saliba (2001) to differentiate male and female through dry skulls, using the measurement of the Radiocef Studio 2 Program. It was used 16 teleradiographs (11 females and 5 males). The linear measurements used in this article were: 1. The bodies stature of the mandible; and 2. Distance Nasium-Front Nasal Spine. Several radiological techniques are used to aid the human identification process for determining sex, ethnic group, and age. The analyses of X-rays and Computer Tomography (CT) scans, antemortem and postmortem, have been an important tool for human identification in forensic dentistry, especially with the refinement of techniques acquired with the advancement of radiology and CT scans. We concluded that the knowledge of the best method by forensic dentists with a careful application of the technique and report’s interpretation is essential to fulfilling the necessary characteristics for a successful identification of sex using skull measures.

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VIRDENTOPSY: Virtual Dental Autopsy and Remote Forensic Odontology Evaluation

Dentistry Journal ◽

10.3390/dj9090102 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 102

Author(s):

Emilio Nuzzolese

Keyword(s):

Video Recording ◽

Human Identification ◽

Human Remains ◽

Forensic Odontology ◽

Live Streaming ◽

X Rays ◽

Post Mortem ◽

Educational Tool ◽

Identification Process ◽

Missing Persons

The identification of human remains relies on the comparison of post-mortem data, collected during the autopsy, with the ante-mortem data gathered from the missing persons’ reports. DNA, fingerprints, and dental data are considered primary identifiers and are usually collected during any human identification process. Post-mortem dental data should be collected and analyzed by forensic odontologists, as a dental autopsy must not be confused with a dental examination. The virdentopsy project was inaugurated in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, to allow the correct process of human remains by collecting dental data from teeth and jaws, which was then transmitted to forensic odontologists remotely for an expert opinion to achieve a generic profile of the unidentified human remains. The post-mortem dental biography is paramount to narrow the search for compatible missing persons but requires knowledge and experience of forensic odontologists. The virdentopsy process uses radiographic imaging (periapical X-rays, CT scans, panoramics), 2D/3D photos and video recording, photogrammetry documentation, 3D scanning, and live streaming where possible. This registered term was created by merging the terms “virtual” and “dental autopsy” but with no commercial benefits. The proposed process combines research topics under the field of the human rights of the dead and humanitarian forensic odontology services. It should enhance and accelerate the human identification process of the deceased, age estimation of the living, analysis of panoramic X-ray images, and be an educational tool for remote live training in forensic odontology and anatomy of skulls. This paper presents an overview of the virdentopsy process in the field of forensic odontology as a remote consultation as well as an educational tool for undergraduates and postgraduates.

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The use of X-ray computer tomography for measuring the muscularity of live sheep

Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s1357729800053169 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 75 (3) ◽

pp. 387-399 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

H. E. Jones ◽

R. M. Lewis ◽

M. J. Young ◽

B. T. Wolf

Keyword(s):

Computer Tomography ◽

Lumbar Vertebra ◽

Tissue Growth ◽

The Body ◽

Side Length ◽

Ct Scans ◽

Linear Measurements ◽

Muscle Weight ◽

X Ray ◽

Total Muscle

AbstractPotential measures of muscularity derived from X-ray computer tomography (CT) were assessed using data for 160 sheep (50 Suffolk males, 50 Suffolk females, 40 Texel males and 20 Charollais males). One-fifth of the lambs within each breed and sex were slaughtered at each of 14, 18 or 22 weeks of age and two-fifths slaughtered at 26 weeks. All lambs were CT scanned prior to slaughter with longitudinal and cross-sectional scans taken at three positions along the body [5th lumbar vertebra (LV5), mid-shaft of the femur (FEM) and ischium (ISC)]. After slaughter, linear measurements of side length (SL) and M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) width (A) and depth (B) (12/ 13th thoracic vertebra) were taken on the left side of the carcass. The side was dissected and femur length (FL), the weight of three muscles surrounding the femur (M3) and the total muscle weight in the side (TM) were recorded. Five muscularity measures were calculated for the carcass. Two for the LTL muscle (A/SL, B/SL), one for the hind leg (√M3/FL3) and one for the whole carcass (√TM/SL3).Correlations between spine length measured on the CT longitudinal scans and side length measured on the carcass were high (> 0·62), while correlations between measurements of LTL width and depth on the carcass with those on the LV5 scan were moderate (> 0·41). CT measures of muscularity were derived using linear measurements taken on CT scans together with a prediction of total muscle weight using CT tissue areas. Correlations between CT measures and dissection measures of LTL and whole carcass muscularity were moderate to high (0·33–0·54). Correlations between the dissection measure and four CT measures of hind leg muscularity were higher (0·48-0·60). These results clearly show that good in vivo measures of muscularity can be obtained for sheep by using measurements that can be taken on CT scans. This will be a useful tool for selection programmes aiming to improve sheep carcass shape, particularly those already using CT scanning to increase rates of genetic improvement in lean tissue growth.

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Radiographic analysis of forensic dentistry

Revista Odonto Ciência ◽

10.15448/1980-6523.2016.3.19714 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 131

Author(s):

Thalita Queiroz Abreu ◽

Ana Emília Figueiredo De Oliveira ◽

Elza Bernardes Ferreira ◽

Mariana Figueiredo Lopes ◽

Maia Denise Regina Pontes Vieira

Keyword(s):

Age Estimation ◽

Human Identification ◽

Primary Sources ◽

Forensic Dentistry ◽

Clinical Documentation ◽

Identification Process ◽

Dental Examination ◽

Dental Radiographs ◽

Teeth Development ◽

Dental Professionals

Objective: Age estimation is an important element in the forensic investigation, being one of the data primary sources to establish the identity of living people or unknown mortal remains. The methods used for this purpose are those based on individuals’ bones and teeth development. Since dental radiographs assume major role in the forensic context, this article aims to show, by means of literature review, the importance of dental radiographs as an aid in human identification process, particularly in the age estimation.Conclusion: The forensic dental examination contributes significantly to human identification, no matter if it is a living, in advanced decay, skeletonized or charred body. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness among dental professionals about the need to properly record and archive the information and data obtained during the daily clinical routine, since the greatest support for identification in forensic dentistry, mainly the individual’s age estimation, comes from clinical documentation produced daily by clinicians, especially dental radiographs.

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Effectiveness of dental records in human identification

RGO - Revista Gaúcha de Odontologia ◽

10.1590/1981-863720150003000213017 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 63 (4) ◽

pp. 502-506

Author(s):

Salen Marchesi de ALMEIDA ◽

Fábio DELWING ◽

Juliana Aires Paiva de AZEVEDO ◽

Renata Kelly Trajano NOGUEIRA ◽

Flávio Pinheiro FALCÃO ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Personal Information ◽

Human Identification ◽

Human Remains ◽

Forensic Sciences ◽

Forensic Dentistry ◽

Forensic Examination ◽

Brazilian State ◽

Dental Records

Forensic dentistry, a branch of the forensic sciences, plays an important role within postmortem human identification, especially in cases of corpses that are charred, skeletonized or in an advanced state of decomposition. Identification of human remains via dental knowledge is done using a comparative technique, which is simple, inexpensive and reliable, the aim of which is to compare dental records and information recorded by dentists in clinical appointments made before an individual's death, with postmortem dental records obtained via forensic examination. In this context, the present study aims to demonstrate the importance of dental records and the effectiveness of forensic dentistry in human identification, illustrated by the report of a case that was conducted at the São Luis Coroner's Office in the Brazilian state of Maranhão. It may be concluded that dental records maintained by a dentist, when complete, properly structured and correctly archived, retain important personal information and are fundamental tools in the process of human identification.

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The Clinical, Roentgenological and Morphological Effects of an Acute Exposure of Phosgene on the Lungs of Dogs

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100065237 ◽

1971 ◽

Vol 29 ◽

pp. 236-237

Author(s):

R. F. Bils ◽

W. F. Diller ◽

F. Huth

Keyword(s):

Latent Period ◽

Chemical Industry ◽

Toxic Substance ◽

Lung Edema ◽

X Rays ◽

Beagle Dogs ◽

Male And Female ◽

Morphological Alterations ◽

Before And After ◽

Electron Microscopes

Phosgene still plays an important role as a toxic substance in the chemical industry. Thiess (1968) recently reported observations on numerous cases of phosgene poisoning. A serious difficulty in the clinical handling of phosgene poisoning cases is a relatively long latent period, up to 12 hours, with no obvious signs of severity. At about 12 hours heavy lung edema appears suddenly, however changes can be seen in routine X-rays taken after only a few hours' exposure (Diller et al., 1969). This study was undertaken to correlate these early changes seen by the roengenologist with morphological alterations in the lungs seen in the'light and electron microscopes.Forty-two adult male and female Beagle dogs were selected for these exposure experiments. Treated animals were exposed to 94.5-107-5 ppm phosgene for 10 min. in a 15 m3 chamber. Roentgenograms were made of the thorax of each animal before and after exposure, up to 24 hrs.

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Is Micro X-ray Computer Tomography a Suitable Non-Destructive Method for the Characterisation of Dental Materials?

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13081271 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 1271

Author(s):

Andreas Koenig ◽

Leonie Schmohl ◽

Johannes Scheffler ◽

Florian Fuchs ◽

Michaela Schulz-Siegmund ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Flexural Strength ◽

Computer Tomography ◽

Mechanical Performance ◽

Dental Materials ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

X Rays ◽

Scanning Calorimetry ◽

X Ray ◽

Multiple Measurements ◽

High Doses

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of X-rays used in micro X-ray computer tomography (µXCT) on the mechanical performance and microstructure of a variety of dental materials. Standardised bending beams (2 × 2 × 25 mm3) were forwarded to irradiation with an industrial tomograph. Using three-dimensional datasets, the porosity of the materials was quantified and flexural strength was investigated prior to and after irradiation. The thermal properties of irradiated and unirradiated materials were analysed and compared by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Single µXCT measurements led to a significant decrease in flexural strength of polycarbonate with acrylnitril-butadien-styrol (PC-ABS). No significant influence in flexural strength was identified for resin-based composites (RBCs), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and zinc phosphate cement (HAR) after a single irradiation by measurement. However, DSC results suggest that changes in the microstructure of PMMA are possible with increasing radiation doses (multiple measurements, longer measurements, higher output power from the X-ray tube). In summary, it must be assumed that X-ray radiation during µXCT measurement at high doses can lead to changes in the structure and properties of certain polymers.

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Modelling growth curves of the normal infant’s mandible: 3D measurements using computed tomography

Clinical Oral Investigations ◽

10.1007/s00784-021-03937-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jan Aart M. Schipper ◽

Manouk J. S. van Lieshout ◽

Stefan Böhringer ◽

Bonnie L. Padwa ◽

Simon G. F. Robben ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Growth Models ◽

Normal Growth ◽

Growth Patterns ◽

Ct Scans ◽

Mandibular Ramus ◽

Linear Measurements ◽

Mandibular Growth ◽

Gonial Angle ◽

Mandibular Body

Abstract Objectives Data on normal mandibular development in the infant is lacking though essential to understand normal growth patterns and to discriminate abnormal growth. The aim of this study was to provide normal linear measurements of the mandible using computed tomography performed in infants from 0 to 2 years of age. Material and methods 3D voxel software was used to calculate mandibular body length, mandibular ramus length, bicondylar width, bigonial width and the gonial angle. Intra- and inter-rater reliability was assessed for these measurements. They were found to be sufficient for all distances; intra-class correlation coefficients were all above 0.9. Regression analysis for growth modelling was performed. Results In this multi-centre retrospective study, 109 CT scans were found eligible that were performed for various reasons (e.g. trauma, craniosynostosis, craniofacial abscesses). Craniosynostosis patients had larger mandibular measurements compared to non-craniosynostosis patients and were therefore excluded. Fifty-one CT scans were analysed. Conclusions Analysis showed that the mandible increases more in size vertically (the mandibular ramus) than horizontally (the mandibular body). Most of the mandibular growth occurs in the first 6 months. Clinical relevance These growth models provide insight into normal mandibular development in the first 2 years of life. This reference data facilitates discrimination between normal and abnormal mandibular growth.

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