All human beings occupying this globe belong to the same species i.e., homosapiens. No two persons are ever alike in all their measurable characters, and the latter tends to undergo changes in varying degrees from birth to death, in health and diseases, and since persons living under different conditions, and members of different ethnic groups frequently present interesting differences in bodily form and proportions1. In a forensic context, among the information potentially collected from human remains, estimated stature can be an important feature to be added to the criteria, helping to narrow the search for missing person’s data2. Stature is the height of a person in the upright posture and has a definite and proportional biological relationship with each and every part of the human body i.e., head, face, trunk and extremities3. This relationship helps a forensic scientist to calculate stature from dismembered and mutilated body parts during forensic examinations and thus aids in narrowing down the investigation process by providing useful clues to the investigation agencies. The dental arch has many variables which makes it almost impossible for two people to have identical tooth features4. Teeth are special in cases of identification of the deceased since they can resist the effect of time, are resistant to fire and trauma and can also provide information on species, race, gender, age, height and individual characteristics. Teeth have also added the advantage of standard anatomical landmarks which are easy to locate5. The literature however is lacking in that the derivation of the height from an odontometric parameter has not been explored adequately. Carrea conducted studies to estimate height, based on the fact that there is proportionality between the diameter of the teeth and body height and used it to estimate height from the dimensions of the anterior mandibular teeth. Using the measured dimensions of the arch and chord the upper and lower range of the height estimates are derived6. Similar studies conducted by Silva, Sampaio, Cavalcanti & Rekhi have verified this fact4, 7–11. Looking at the scarcity of studies pertaining to the estimation of stature from dental dimensions in the Indian scenario, the present study has ventured to provide anthropometric relationships of dimensions of certain teeth with stature based on the Carrea’s index (Modified)12 and to test the validity between two populations of India and to determine if there are sex-wise differences in success rates amongst both the population of India with the statistical aid of regression analysis of the variables obtained.
Introduction: Various guidelines for age estimation based on scientific evidence have been developed by expert groups and bodies internationally. In Uganda, the guidelines and methods being used to estimate the age of juveniles undergoing judicial proceedings are not known. Aim: This study explored the practices and perceptions of the health professionals working with the police towards age estimation for juveniles undergoing criminal proceedings in Uganda. Methods: It was a qualitative study using key informant interviews. Seventeen health professionals working in private clinics and general government hospitals linked to the police were purposively selected. Data were collected using a key informant interview, which allowed the participants to express their views and perceptions concerning the different aspects of the age estimation process. The information gathered focused on the methods used to estimate age and their appropriateness, particularly based on the third molar eruption. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis methodology. Results: It was found that the current practice of age estimation in the country does not fully adapt to international standards and that there are variations among the users. Conclusion: The standardisation of age estimation methods is urgently needed in the country through the use of a multidisciplinary approach and an emphasis on combining methods in order to increase accuracy.
Background: The importance of frontal sinuses in Forensic Radiology has been well documented. Literature revealed few studies on the morphometric analysis of frontal sinuses on paranasal radiographs in sex determination. This initiated this radiographic study with the aim of analysing the dimensions of the frontal sinuses through digital PNS radiographs for gender determination. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised 150 healthy adults of either gender over the age of 20 years. One paranasal sinus radiograph was made for each patient using the standardized radiographic technique. Digital measurements of the height, width and area of the frontal sinuses were recorded using AutoCAD 2014 software. The data collected was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: This study found an accuracy rate of 68.6% for sex determination through paranasal sinus radiographs. It was noted that the right height of the frontal sinus was a better predictor than any other parameter assessed for identifying the gender. Conclusion: From the present study, we conclude that the dimensions of frontal sinuses on PNS views can be used as an essential tool for gender determination in forensic sciences.
1Intern, I.T.S Centre for Dental Studies and Research, Murad Nagar, Ghaizabad – 201206, Uttar Pradesh. India; shreegoyal3@gmail.com, rishabhchaudhary4457@gmail.com 2Reader, Department of Oral Pathology, I.T.S Centre for Dental Studies and Research, Murad Nagar, Ghaizabad – 201206, Uttar Pradesh. India; drsaurabhjuneja@gmail.com 3Professor and Head, Department of Oral Pathology, I.T.S Centre for Dental Studies and Research, Murad Nagar, Ghaizabad – 201206, Uttar Pradesh, India; shettydivya76@gmail.com
DNA profiling, commonly called DNA fingerprinting or DNA testing, has a wide range of uses, including assisting in criminal cases and wildlife conservation. The firm tissues of the teeth are resistant to external events such as decomposition, bruise, and incineration. Pulp tissue provides a rich DNA source. The review focuses on the various DNA Collection Procedures, the different techniques employed in DNA isolation and amplification. There are a numerous DNA Profiling or Typing systems such as Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, Y chromosome analysis, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) typing , Short Tandem Repeat (STR) typing, Gender typing, X-chromosome STR Typing. DNA fingerprinting has been applied to solve many cases. Although present DNA analysis techniques are fairly specialized, several upcoming simplifications may increase their simplicity of use.
Introduction: Several methods have been advocated for age estimation. Dentin translucency has been considered one of the non-invasive methods for age estimation, and it can be measured using the digital method. Aim: The aim of this study is to estimate the age by evaluating the length of dentin translucency. Materials and Methods: Ground section of 30 freshly extracted single-rooted permanent teeth from different individuals of known age and gender were performed dentin translucency was measured using a digital scanner. It was correlated with the age of these patients. Results: A linear regression analysis was performed to find the relationship between age and length of dentin translucency, and the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.59, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Dentin translucency can be considered a reliable parameter for age estimation.
Context: Gender determination is an important component of personal identification. Aims: Assessment of gender using mandible with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Settings and Design: This cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on dental outpatients in the department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. Methods and Material: 148 dental outpatients were selected and subjected to CBCT. Mandibular landmarks such as gonial angle, alveolar ridge to mental foramen distance, mental foramen to the inferior border of mandible distance, mandibular canal to the most anterior tangent point of buccal and lingual mandibular plate distance, mandibular canal border to the lowest tangent point on the inferior border of the mandible, coronoid height, bigonial breadth, minimal ramus breadth and ramus length were assessed on CBCT scan. Statistical Analysis Used: Data was represented as mean and Standard Deviation (SD). Parameters were compared between males and females using Kruskal-Wallis and Student’s independent T-test. A value below 0.05 represented significant results. Results: All parameters except gonial were significantly higher in males as compared to females angle (P< 0.05). The distance from the lowest point of the mandibular canal to the most posterior tangent point of the Mandibular Lingual Plate (MCLM) and bigonial breadth was higher in males than females but the difference was non-significant (P>0.05). The accuracy of CBCT was found to be 89.7% in males and 88.5% in females. Conclusions: Gender determination by morphometric analysis of the mandible using cone beam computed tomography is an effective method and provides higher accuracy as compared to two-dimensional conventional radiographs.
Objectives: The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence, degree of expression and symmetry of the tubercle of Carabelli in a sample of Dentistry students to highlight this sensitive area to dental caries. Materials and Methods: We conducted a descriptive transversal survey of students in the 4th year of the academic year 2015/2016 at the Faculty of Dental Medicine of Casablanca. The study is made on plaster models for students, by measuring the mesiodistal diameter of the TC with an electronic calliper. Results: Several results were obtained: 64.29% of the study population have CT, while it is absent in 35.71% of cases, 37.50% with a tubercle of Carabelli little developed, 26.71% with a well-developed Carabelli tubercle, 61.11% of cases exhibit TC bilaterally and 38.89% of cases present the TC unilaterally. The results are consistent with those obtained in other surveys conducted in other countries and discordance with others. Conclusion: The lack of standardization of the study’s methodology makes it difficult to compare the results of various studies, hence the need for similar studies on larger samples. It has some importance in the dental, forensic, and anthropological fields. In orthodontics, the cause of premature caries and periodontal diseases, also in extractions, the molar extraction instruments have no housing for this cusp and can therefore lead to fracture.
Background and Aims: Cephalic index has significant importance in the field of forensic science and variation in the cephalic index affects the facial dimensions and growth of the maxillary sinus in an individual. Knowledge of the anatomical relationship between maxillary posterior teeth and the floor of the maxillary sinus is very important for preoperative treatment planning in dentistry. The aim of the study is a comparative evaluation of the relationship and the distances between maxillary posterior teeth root tips and the floor of the maxillary sinus in different cephalic index subjects using a digital orthopantomogram. Materials and Methods: 210 subjects were categorized as Brachycephalic, Mesocephalic and Dolichocephalic according to their cephalic index. Orthopantomograms of these subjects were taken for assessment of vertical relationships between the maxillary posterior teeth and the floor of the maxillary sinus followed by distance measurement. Recorded data were statistically analyzed. Results: Significant difference in vertical distance was observed in all three cephalic groups in the case of 1st premolars, distobuccal roots of 1st molars and mesiobuccal roots of 2nd molars. Conclusion: The study concluded variation in the cephalic index affects the relationship and vertical distance between the maxillary sinus floor and the roots of maxillary posterior teeth.
Background: Radiographic dental age estimation methods are viable both for living and deceased people. One such method is the indirect assessment of quantified secondary dentinal deposition through measurements of tooth and pulp. Kvaal, et al., developed a method for chronological age estimation based on pulp size using periapical dental radiographs. There is a need to test this method of age estimation in the Indian population on living individuals not requiring tooth extraction. The current study aimed to assess the applicability of Kvaal’s method in maxillary permanent central incisor using CBCT. Materials and Methods: The study included 185 CBCT images of the individuals, ranging in age from 14 to 64 years. CBCT images were evaluated for the maxillary central incisor and metric measurements were taken from which ratios were derived. Using the ratios, a linear regression equation was derived, from which the age of an individual was predicted. Result and Conclusion: The correlation between the individual ratio and the chronological age was calculated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The age of the individual was predicted using a linear regression equation with a SEE ranging from 10.05 to 12.78 years. When the samples were divided into various age groups, the Standard Error of Estimate has drastically reduced. The radiographic pulpal morphometric analysis used in present study can be recommended to assess the age of an adult for forensic purposes.
Context: Literature sums up numerous advantages of volumetric evaluation of maxillary and frontal sinuses in the field of pathology and forensic sciences. However, studies involving paediatric age groups are scarce. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the volumes of maxillary and frontal sinuses in children aged 9–14 years of age and establish a correlation, if any, between the volumes and the age and sex of the children. Settings and Design: A retrospective study. Materials and Methods: Volumetric measurements of the maxillary and frontal sinuses were conducted on CBCT scans of 30 children aged 9-14 years, divided into three groups, those aged 9–10 years in group A, 11-12 years in group B, and 13-14 years in group C. Statistical Analysis Used: One way ANOVA test to compare the sinus volumes within the groups and unpaired t-test to compare the difference in the volumes in males and females as well as between right and left maxillary sinuses were used. Results: The mean values of the volumes of the right and left maxillary, total maxillary, and frontal sinuses in Group A were 8.4940±1.1966 cm3, 8.3774±1.2047 cm3, 16.8714±2.1212 cm3, and 2.1903±0.8870 cm3; in Group B were 8.7553±0.9067 cm3, 8.3937±1.1461 cm3, 17.1490±1.5732 cm3, and 3.0469±1.5907 cm3; and in Group C were 11.9895±2.230 cm3, 12.6164±1.6797 cm3, 24.6059±4.38536 cm3, and 7.6546±1.7763 cm3, respectively. The difference in the values among all three age groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the values between males and females or between the right and left maxillary sinuses. Conclusion: The study provides volumetric data of maxillary and frontal sinuses in paediatric age groups and proposes a correlation of the volumes with the age of the children.
Background: The mental foramen is an important anatomical landmark located on the anterolateral surface of the mandible, and it transfers the mental nerve and vessels. Knowledge of the position of the mental foramen is important both when administering regional anaesthesia and performing periapical surgery in the mental region of the mandible. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the position and symmetry of the mental foramen on a digital orthopantomogram (OPG) among the Nalgonda population. Materials and Methods: A total of 400 digital OPGs taken by the Rotograph evo OPG machine of both genders were analysed retrospectively. The position of the mental foramen was recorded according to criteria given by Wei Cheong Ngeow and Yosuf Yuzawati. The symmetrical or asymmetrical position of the mental foramen was also recorded. Results: The most common position in the current study for the right side was position 4 (n = 202; 50.5%) followed by position 3 (n = 102; 25.5%), position 5 (n = 82; 20.5%), position 2 (n = 8; 2%), position 1 (n = 4; 1%) and the least common was position 6 (n = 2; 0.5%) and the most common position of mental foramen for left side was position 4 (200;50%) followed by position 3 (n = 132; 33%) , position 5 (n = 60; 15%), position 1 and 2 (n = 4; 1%) and the least common was position 6 (n = 0; 0%). The mental foramen was symmetrical in 250 patients (62.5%) and asymmetrical in 150 patients (37.5%). For the symmetrically placed mental foramina, the most common location was position 4 (n = 126; 50.4%) followed by position 3 (n = 76; 30.4%), position 5 (n = 42; 16.8), position 6 (n = 4; 1.6%), position 2 (n = 2; 0.8%), position 1 (n = 0; 0%). Conclusion: In the present study, it was found that the most common position of the mental foramen in the given population in both males and females was below the second premolar, followed by between two premolars. It was symmetrical in 62.5% of OPG’s. The current study was limited to evaluating the position and symmetry of the mental foramen relative to mandibular teeth in a small sample of the Nalgonda population in Telangana state using digital panoramic radiographs. In further studies, utilizing a larger sample size for evaluation of the mental foramen using advanced imaging modalities would be required for a more precise identification of the mental foramen.
Background: The bite injury or bite mark is examined as corroborative evidence in serious crimes such as rape, murder, robbery, and other forms of physical and sexual violence. The goal of this study was to comparatively evaluate the accuracy of overlays made with a digital, two-dimensional method compared to those made by directly tracing bite marks and using bite mark images obtained with a photocopier. Materials and Methods: A total of 61 participants were included in the study, of whom 31 were males with ages ranging between 18-65 years and 30 were females. The simulated bitemarks on the cheese block were used to prepare three sets of overlays, first by the way of hand-tracing, followed by a photocopying technique and a third set of overlays prepared using computer software called Adobe Photoshop version CS6 on a personal computer. Each pair of overlays and the study cast was then matched using 5-point criteria given by the ABFO guidelines, and a score between 0-3 was assigned to each observation. Results: The overall scores obtained in each group (A-hand-tracing, B-photocopy, C-digital method) were then compared amongst themselves for associations. By applying the Kruskal Wallis ANOVA test, the manual technique had a 29.5% positive matching rate, in photocopying method 32.8%, and the digital overlay 72.1%, which was significant. Conclusion: In conclusion, the digital overlay method outperformed the hand-tracing and photocopying methods in terms of minimizing the subjective errors and was found to be the most precise and dependable method.
Objectives: The forensic discipline is concerned with the application of science and technology to the detection and investigation of crime and the administration of justice, requiring the coordinated efforts of a multidisciplinary team. Human identification is one of the most challenging tasks in this process. However, when a victim is edentulous, methods for personal identification available in forensic odontology are much more limited than in the case of dentate victims. In such cases, additional/supplemental aids like palatal rugoscopy hold promise. Materials and Methods: Two hundred subjects were included in the study, they were divided into 4 groups, each of the four groups included 50 participants, consisting of 25 males and 25 females. Maxillary impression was made for all the included subjects and casts were poured and analysed. Results: A total of 2104 palatal rugae were observed in 200 subjects. When types of rugae based on length were compared between males and females on each side of the palate, primary type, secondary type and fragmentary type were observed in a mean number of 4.19, 0.78 & 0.18 in males and 4.20, 0.81 and 0.16 in females respectively on the right side. Whereas on the left side, primary type, secondary type and fragmentary type were found in a mean number of 4.59, 0.83 & 0.09 in males and 4.40, 0.78 & 0.07 in females respectively. Conclusion: It may be concluded that the rugae pattern may be an additional method of differentiation, which may help narrow the process for identification and give results in conjunction with other methods such as finger prints and dental characteristics in forensic sciences. Palatal rugoscopy may thus be used successfully as an adjunct in the process of forensic identification.
Background: In Forensic practice and research, the Gustafson technique is the most popular dental age estimation method that uses six variables, among which Root Dentin Translucency (RDT) is considered to be the best single parameter for dental age estimation as it is the least affected by environmental and pathological factors. Dental age estimation by RDT has been tested on different geographic groups in order to determine its applicability and it has been found that there was an under/overestimation of the age of the subjects in different populations. No systematic review of these studies has yet been published to check the reliability and accuracy of this novel method in estimating chronological age. Objective: To assess the accuracy and reliability of RDT-based dental age estimation in different academic and forensic scenarios by qualitatively summarising the results of RDT-based dental age estimation studies in diverse population samples. Evidence Review: Studies were searched in the Medline, Embase, Directory of open access journals, Cochrane library and Google Scholar databases up to December 2019 with previously defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The outcome of interest was the difference between chronological age and the age estimated from RDT. Results and Conclusion: A total of 1754 subjects from 16 published studies were included in the final review. Our findings proved that the RDT method tends to overestimate chronological age for both sexes in most of the study population. The overestimated dental age ranges from 2.24 to 15.1 years.
Objective: HIV patients differ from other people in terms of dental age. Estimating the age of children abandoned due to HIV is crucial for forensic records. The present study aimed to compare HIV-infected children with healthy controls in terms of dental age using the Willems method. Methods: The study sample consisted of orthopantomograms of 40 HIV patients aged 5-16 years and 50 children aged 6-16 years as the control group. The HIV group included children with vertical infections who had received antiretroviral therapy. The Willems method was used to compare two groups in terms of dental age. Results: Dental age estimation in both HIV and control groups was overestimated using the Willems method. Nevertheless, the overestimation rate was approximately one month in the control group and less than two months in the HIV group, making the method widely applicable for estimating dental age in both healthy children and HIV patients. The dental age of the HIV-infected children was lower than that of the control group. Conclusion: This study indicated a lower dental age in the HIV-infected children compared to the control group. The results demonstrated that dental age estimation using Willems method closely approximated the chronological age of HIV patients.
Introduction: Forensic dentistry plays an important role in the identification of the gender of an individual in situations like natural disasters (eg. earthquakes, floods, etc.) or man-made disasters (such as accidents and bombings). Among all the bones in the human body, the pelvis and the skull show the maximum sexual dimorphism. But in cases where an intact skull is not found, the mandible becomes our first choice for gender determination, as it is covered with dense, compact bone, which makes it very durable and well-preserved. Aims and Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of condylar height, coronoid height and gonial angle of the mandible for sex determination using orthopantomography and to compare and determine the most reliable parameter for gender determination. Materials and Method: This study was conducted using digital panoramic images of 25 patients of each gender. The images captured were viewed on AutoCAD 2014 software and were subjected to measurements of the condylar, coronoid heights and gonial angles both on the left and right side using AutoCAD 2014 imaging software. The data was entered into a Microsoft Excel sheet and statistical analysis was done. Results: The Student t-test showed significant (P < 0.05) differences and higher values for both condylar height and coronoid height on both the right and left sides of males as compared to females. However, the difference in the mean gonial angle on both the right and left sides did not differ (P > 0.05) between the two genders. All three variables were higher in males as compared to females. Conclusion: The parameters such as condylar height, coronoid height and gonial angle using orthopantomographs are reliable in gender determination and the condylar height of the left side is the best parameter in gender determination.
Aim: The aim of the study was to observe and compare the dermatoglyphics patterns in betel nut chewers with and without oral submucous fibrosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among patients of either gender visiting the outpatient Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, of Ahmedabad Dental College and Hospital. A sample size of 100 subjects was decided and was divided into three groups: Group 1: 50 subjects with habit of eating betel nuts and OSMF. Group 2: 25 subjects with habit of eating betel nuts without OSMF. Group 3: 25 subjects without a habit of betel nuts chewing and not having OSMF. The ink was uniformly applied over the fingers by using a stamp pad. Prints of fingertips were taken. Results: On comparing the dermatoglyphic patterns with subjects of groups 1, 2 and 3, OSMF subjects had an increase in simple whorl patterns and a decrease in arch patterns, and subjects with a habit of betel nut chewing without OSMF had an increase in ulnar and radial loop patterns. Conclusion: The present study was undertaken to observe and compare the dermatoglyphic patterns in betel nut chewers with and without oral submucous fibrosis. On digit vise comparison of the finger ridge patterns of both hands, the middle finger and ring finger of the right hand showed statistically significant p values. Thus, with the help of these parameters, gutkha chewers likely to develop OSMF can be detected earlier and the cost burden associated with genetic cytomarkers may also be prevented.
Background: Bone is a tissue of particular interest, because the hard tissue of the skeleton is normally well preserved and details of microscopic structure can be seen in specimens many centuries old. The microscopic structure of bone can be utilized for identification of unknown bone samples in forensic odontology. Physical anthropologists may encounter complete or fragmentary specimens of bone in which standard anthropometric methods provide inconclusive or questionable information. If the histological structure of such material could reveal, with reasonable accuracy, details of species, age, and gender, it would be a useful and valuable laboratory tool. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of formalin fixed paraffin embedded sections from biopsied lesions (5 cases each of goat bone, 5 cases of chicken bone specimen, 5 cases of human male bone specimen, 5 cases of human female bone specimen) was done. The variation of the trabeculae by measuring the average width of trabeculae, the average marrow space, and the ratio of the above two through morphometric analysis was assessed. The observational percentage variation amongst the species by number of osteons, osteocytes shape i.e., -spindle, elliptical and round, presence of inflammation was noted. The stroma and hard tissue for Collagen characterization (Special stains)Type, orientation and maturity using Picrosirus stain, Sub intimal fibrosis surrounding the bone using Van Gieson, Percentage of mature and immature bone pattern using Azan stain was analyzed. Result: Chicken bone shows absence of osteons in comparison to human bone with increased number of osteocytes. Goat bone shows plexiform pattern with scattered haversian canals more comparable to human bone architecture. Average human Haversian canal diameter was greater than non-human mammalian species. Azan staining helped in differentiation of mature from immature bone. Picrosirus staining helped in establishing collagen type, orientation and thickness. Sub intimal fibrosis surrounding the bone was checked using Van Gieson staining. Discussion: The complexities of bone tissue and its growth processes are such that misinterpretations of a critical nature can be made if the observer is not well informed on the multitude of basic details dealing with Osteogenesis, remodelling, and comparative histology. Conclusion: Bone histomorphological assessment is an effective method for species identification, gender determination and age estimation by fragmentary osseous remains.
