Forensic Identification

Uniparentally inherited polymorphic genetic markers opened a new scope in the human forensic identification. These genetic markers may display geographic and/or ethnic specific characteristic features that may provide a clue about the origin of the donor of a given sample. Maternally inherited mitochondrial (mtDNA) polymorphisms and paternally transmitted Ychromosome specific polymorphic sequences when investigated in combination may provide relevant information concerning the ethnic/geographical origin of a person. Some populations are particularly more suited for these investigations due to their differential attributes. South American aboriginal are a good example. In this contribution, we provide information about an isolated aboriginal community that depicts ethnic specific attributes. The combined use of matri and patri lineage markers allowed to estimate the admixture at the individual level.

Several forensic sciences, especially of the pattern-matching kind, are increasingly seen to lack the scientific foundation needed to justify continuing admission as trial evidence. Indeed, several have been abolished in the recent past. A likely next candidate for elimination is bitemark identification. A number of DNA exonerations have occurred in recent years for individuals convicted based on erroneous bitemark identifications. Intense scientific and legal scrutiny has resulted. An important National Academies review found little scientific support for the field. The Texas Forensic Science Commission recently recommended a moratorium on the admission of bitemark expert testimony. The California Supreme Court has a case before it that could start a national dismantling of forensic odontology. This article describes the (legal) basis for the rise of bitemark identification and the (scientific) basis for its impending fall. The article explains the general logic of forensic identif...

Bite marks show uniqueness due to specific characteristics and arrangement of teeth, but when it comes to bite mark analysis, it is complicated by numerous factors such as animal bite, abuse etc., Humans and pet animals (dog) bite marks analysis is by far the most demanding and complicated part of forensic dentistry. To analyze and compare bite marks of humans and the pet animals (dog) using indirect method, so as to assess its usefulness and application in forensic odontology. 40 samples including 20 humans (10 males and 10 females) and 20 dogs of different breed were included in the study. Bite registration of all the samples were obtained on modeling wax and intercanine distance were measured. Data were analyzed and results were tabulated. Arch size and intercanine distance showed variable differences among humans and on average dogs showed more intercanine distance and arch size. Among dog breeds larger dogs showed larger variables when compared to smaller dogs. Assessment of bi...

Enhanced visualization of latent fingerprints on two non-porous surfaces, smooth glass slides and highly reflecting rough aluminum sheets, is obtained by depositing columnar thin films (CTFs) of calcium fluoride (CaF2) and silica (SiO2) by physical vapor deposition at large oblique angles. Due to the vapor flux getting shadowed by the physical residues in the fingerprints, the CTFs are deposited only on the upraised ridges, resulting in highly enhancing the visibility of the fingerprint. The visualization of these fingerprints with deposited CTFs is further enhanced by subsequently treating them with a fluorescent dye and fluorescence imaging. A specific amino-acid reagent (1,2-indanedione) and non-specific laser dye (Rhodamine 6G), both allowed enhanced visualization of the CTFs grown on the fingerprints, due to the localization and entrenchment of the dye within the CTF regions.

Approximately 81.7 million cats are in 37.5 million USA households. Shed fur can be criminal evidence due to transfer to victims, suspects, and / or their belongings. To improve cat hairs as forensic evidence, the mtDNA control region from single hairs, with and without root tags, was sequenced. A dataset of a 402 bp CR segment from 174 random-bred cats representing four USA geographic areas was generated to determine the informativeness of the mtDNA region. Thirtytwo mtDNA mitotypes were observed ranging in frequencies from 0.6-27%. Four common types occurred in all populations. Low heteroplasmy, 1.7%, was determined. Unique mitotypes were found in 18 individuals, 10.3% of the population studied. The calculated discrimination power implied that 8.3 of 10 randomly selected individuals can be excluded by this region. The genetic characteristics of the region and the generated dataset support the use of this cat mtDNA region in forensic applications.

The tongue is a unique body part which have various static and dynamic features that vary significantly among individuals. Few studies have been done the use of the tongue prints for the purpose of personal identification. Aim: This study aimed to examine the tongue prints in a number of Egyptians and determining how much it is unique for each individual. Method: One hundred participants of normal living persons have participated in this prospective observational cross-sectional study. They were 68 Females, and 32 males, and their ages ranged from 15-78 years. A visual inspection was done to see the tongue shape, color, coating, and surface features, then a digital imaging and casts were made. The tongue length and width were taken in the live photographs and the casts and compared for the same individual and among participants in the study. The tongue showed unique measures for every individual, that differ from other individuals. Casts' measures were longer than live photographs. Males' tongues lengths were longer than females' tongues length. The shape and surface features were different among men and women. The tongue proved to be a useful tool in Forensic practice. It can be used for personal identification, and sex differentiation, according to a database record. The method used in this study is easy and simple to be adapted by dentists on a daily basis. Further research is warranted on this point to provide more information about the tongue in Forensic Dentistry.

Contemporary criminal investigations are based on the statements made by the victim and the eyewitnesses. They also rely on the physical evidences found in the crime scene. These evidences, and more particularly biological ones, have a great judicial value in the courtroom. They are usually used to revoke the suspect's allegations and confirm or refute the statements made by the victim and the witnesses. Stains of body fluids are biological evidences highly sought by forensic investigators. In many criminal cases, the success of the investigation relies on the correct identification and classification of these stains. Therefore, the adoption of reliable and accurate forensic analytical methods seems to be of vital importance to attain this objective. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) is a modern and universal analytical technique capable of fingerprint recognition of the analyte using minimal amount of the test sample. The current systematic review aims to through light on the fundamentals of this technique and to illustrate its wide range of applications in forensic investigations. ATR-FTIR is a nondestructive technique which has demonstrated an exceptional efficiency in detecting, identifying and discriminating between stains of various types of body fluids usually encountered in crime scenes. The ATR-FTIR spectral data generated from bloodstains can be used to deduce a wealth of information related to the donor species, age, gender, and race. These data can also be exploited to discriminate between stains of different types of bloods including menstrual and peripheral bloods. In addition, ATR-FTIR has a great utility in the postmortem investigations. More particularly, in estimating the postmortem interval and diagnosing death caused by extreme weather conditions. It is also useful in diagnosing some ambiguous death causes such as fatal anaphylactic shock and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Age estimation remains a cornerstone in forensic science, paediatric dentistry, and legal investigations, with dental development serving as a reliable biological indicator. Conventional approaches-such as Demirjian's, Willems', and Cameriere's methods-rely on visual assessment of dental radiographs but are often time-consuming and subject to observer variability. Recent advances in artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have automated and enhanced age estimation by analysing panoramic dental images with high precision. These AI-driven models demonstrate remarkable accuracy, in some cases achieving mean absolute errors of less than one year, and can identify developmental stages of dental germs at a level comparable to expert clinicians. Advanced frameworks, such as 3D CNNs applied to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), provide volumetric insights into root and pulp development, thereby improving predictive performance. Innovations such as multitask learning, temporal modelling, and advanced feature extraction have strengthened reproducibility and scalability while explainability techniques like Grad-CAM enhance transparency and support forensic defensibility. This review underscores AI-driven dental age estimation as a promising alternative to traditional methods, offering automation, enhanced accuracy, interpretability, and potential for regulatory acceptance. A wide range of articles and books were reviewed to assess current practices and emerging trends in dental age estimation.

Background Saliva is the most common biological evidence found at any crime scene next to blood. It is a clear liquid which makes it immune to any possible evidence of alteration by the perpetrator. In forensics, saliva is used as biological evidence and is very helpful in determining various aspects of an individual such as sex, individuality, ABO blood groups, microbial signature, biomarkers, or habits like smoking. Main body Saliva shares a great resemblance with plasma as it encompasses similar organic or inorganic compound contents. In forensic casework, identifying any evidence is the primary goal to establish the groundwork for further investigation. Saliva may be found in the form of a pool or stained form, but its identification is challenging because of its transparency. It has been widely used as an informative tool in forensic situations like poisoning, hanging, or cases of drug abuse, etc. for more than two decades now. Over the years, many proposed ways or methods have been identified and described, which helped in the detection and identification of saliva as evidence. This review article represents the significance of saliva as important forensic evidence, along with the different forms it may be encountered at the crime scene. The use of diverse collection and detection methods, over the past few decades, has been discussed. An attempt has been made to collect the available data, highlighting the merit and demerits of different identification techniques. The relevant data has been collected from all the published and reported literature .

One of the worst accidents in the European refugee crises occurred on 18th April 2015, when a migrant vessel sank in the Straits of Sicily, with over 800 deaths, including 350 Eritreans. Ancestry informative markers (AIMs) can contribute to the ongoing DVI process enabling the matching of human remains and reference samples from victim's relatives according to their ancestry. A reference population dataset (n = 228) of 46 AIM Insertion Deletion polymorphisms (Indels), obtained from the Tigray population (the major ethnic group in Northern Ethiopia and Eritrea), proved to be effective at discriminating Tigray and other sub-Saharan African populations. Ancestry inference was also satisfactory in comparison to Middle East, when excluding Northern Africans from this population group, and Central-Southern Asia.

Determination of bio-geographical ancestry by means of DNA ancestry informative markers (AIMs) can contribute to the identification of human remains in missing person cases and mass disasters. While the presence of Eastern Africans among the migrant victims of trafficking accidents in the Mediterranean Sea is often suspected, few studies have addressed the ability of autosomal AIM panels in current use in forensic laboratories to provide differentiation of populations within the African continent. In this study, two assays consisting of 46 AIM-Indels and 31 AIM-SNPs were typed in a Tigray population sample from Northern Ethiopia. STRUCTURE analysis showed that the Tigray population is characterized by a strong (∼50 %) non-African genetic component shared with European and Middle Eastern populations. The intermediate position of the Tigray sample between sub-Saharan African and European / Middle Eastern reference population samples was confirmed by principal component analysis. Both AIM panels provided effective differentiation between Tigray and sub-Saharan African populations. Classification accuracy of other populations involved in the current Mediterranean migrant crisis, like South Asians, was superior with the AIM-SNP panel compared to the AIM-Indel panel. Misclassification of Middle Eastern samples as Tigray was frequent with both AIM-indel (∼30 % misclassified) and AIM-SNPs (∼20 %). However, with AIM-SNPs, error rates were reduced to acceptable levels by applying cautionary minimum thresholds to assignment likelihoods. Establishment of an Eastern African reference database of AIMs that can be genotyped by means of low cost, small-scale assays compatible with capillary electrophoresis, sets a balance between the need for ancestry inference tools and the budget limitations faced by Italian laboratories engaged in the humanitarian identification of dead migrants recovered from the Mediterranean Sea.

Allele frequencies of 21 autosomal STR markers (AmpF/STR GlobalFiler) and haplotype frequencies of 27 Y-and 12 X-STR markers (AmpF/STR YFiler Plus and Investigator Argus X-12, respectively) were investigated in the Tigray population of Ethiopia, representing the main population group in the Tigray regional state of Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea. For autosomal STR allele frequencies, the average random match probability in the Tigray sample was 2.1 × 10-27. The average locus by locus F ST distance calculated comparing autosomal STR allele frequencies from Tigray and from a broad regional reference dataset currently available for the Horn of Africa was 0.003. The Tigray male sample displayed high Y-STR diversity, with complete individualization of haplotypes using the AmpF/STR YFiler Plus panel. Analysis of molecular variance did not detect significant heterogeneity between Y-STR haplotypes observed in the present study and those previously reported in the literature for other Tigray population samples from Ethiopia and Eritrea. Study of the X-STR landscape in Tigray evidenced several distinctive features including: the molecular characterization of a novel null allele at locus DXS10146 with frequency > 1%; allele dependency between loci within linkage groups I and III; significant differences in haplotype distribution compared to other Horn of Africa populations, that should be taken into account in kinship analysis. The collected data can be used as a reference STR database by local forensic genetics services and in genetic identification procedures of victims of human trafficking in the Mediterranean Sea, which frequently involve individuals originating from the Horn of Africa.

a useful solution in determining the minimum time since death which is known as the minimum post mortem interval (PMI MIN ). Usually, forensic entomologists precisely calculate PMI MIN depending on species identification, duration of different stages at different temperatures, and other certain abiotic factors as geographic location, climate, latitude and so on . Usually, in death investigations, forensic professionals collect all insect specimens (adults, eggs, maggots and pupae) on corpses or around them. Sometimes, fresh insect samples are absent and only puparial exuviae (cases) are typically found. The exuvial identification of forensically important flies is so problematic, as they are often destroyed by the mechanical activity of adult emergence. Accordingly, traditional taxonomical identification of these deteriorated exuviae is very difficult. Also, natural degradation of DNA, enzymes and proteins during aging process deeply compromise molecular analysis of forensic samples (Gibbs and

Short tandem repeats (STRs) are the markers of choice for purposes of human forensic identification because of their considerable degree of polymorphism. This variability may occasionally become a challenge for the analyst when a new variant invades the allele distribution range of the neighboring locus. We present here a novel variant at locus D1S1656 showing a molecular length of 211.32 bp corresponding to 21.3 repeating units. This variant is superimposed on the D12S391 locus when the Global Filer™ (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., USA) is used, invading the shortest allele range and being assigned as Off-ladder (OL). In contrast, typing with PowerPlex® Fusion (Promega Corp., Madison, USA) overlaps the D2S441 locus, generating an allele that is recognized as 8. In both cases the invasion was observed as a tri-allele pattern. The results were confirmed by DNA re-extraction and typing with the two independent commercial megaplexes described above. The variant was detected during analysis of a reference sample throughout a paternity exclusion case. This is the first time this variant has been described and reported to the NIST STR Base. Since D1S1656 is included in widely-used multiplex kits from several vendors -Biotype (Dresden, Germany) Qiagen (Venlo, The Netherlands), Promega (Madison, USA) and Thermo Fisher (Foster City, CA, USA) -it would then be recommendable that other forensic labs be aware of this new micro-variant in dealing with similar interpretation challenges and that the kit producers take this fact into account in designing new multiplex kits.

Background:Gender determination is one of the important parameters in forensic identification. Study of anthropometric characters is of fundamental importance to solve problems related to such cases. Paranasal sinuses and particularly the frontal sinuses have been utilized for this purpose. The unique nature and irregular shape of the paranasal air sinuses make them suitable for this purpose. In cases of mass disaster and criminal cases, paranasal sinuses remain intact even if the skull and other bones are badly blemished.Objectives: The present study was designed to determine sex by the use of frontal and maxillary air sinuses dimensions from CT scans of paranasal sinuses. Methods: The present work included 100 adult patients (50 males and 50 females). The measurements of the length and width of the maxillary and frontal air sinuses were done using CT scan on DICOM images using Electronic Caliper inbuilt in the DICOM viewer software. Results: Right frontal air sinus width was the m...

Background: Forensic odontology is a vital branch of forensic science that involves the analysis and management of dental evidence in legal investigations. It plays a crucial role in identifying victims when DNA and other means of recognition are unavailable, such as in cases of fire, mass disasters and crimes. Dental records, including radiographs, bite marks, dental impressions and unique oral structures, serve as reliable tools for personal identification. This study evaluates the adherence to forensic odontology documentation standards at an academic dental center. Methods: With two calibrated reviewers and a research protocol that was deemed exempt, we manually reviewed charts to compare documentation at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry with ideal forensic odontology standards. Results are shown in Table 1. Results: Our findings demonstrate strong compliance except in relation to intraoral (only 5% of charts) and extraoral photography (0%). This highlights the importance of maintaining accurate and standardized dental records for legal and investigative purposes. Conclusions: The research findings suggest that while radiographic documentation and dental notation are well-maintained, the lack of standardized intraoral and extraoral photographs remains a challenge. By improving forensic documentation practices, dental professionals can enhance their contribution to forensic investigations and legal proceedings.

Introduction: Studies of lip prints and palatal rugae, dates back to late 19th and early 20th centuries and since then, various methods of classification and analysis were introduced, however systematic recording and analysis of data is still need to improve further, to arrive at flawless and meaningful conclusions. Moreover, the awareness among dental personnel regarding the practical knowledge of cheiloscopy and palatoscopy is ambiguous. So, efforts have been made to introduce training module to improve the education of cheiloscopy and palatoscopy for dental students. Aims and Objective: 1. To prepare training module for cheiloscopy and palatoscopy. 2. To assess the efficacy of designed training module. Materials and Methods: Training module was used to train the dental students. Random matching of lip and palatal rugae patterns was carried out by dental students before and after training. Pre- and post-training matched results were then compared. Intraobserver variability assesse...

The use of radiography by forensic odontologists for the purposes of disaster victim identification (DVI) was established in 1949, when it was used to assist in the identification of the victims of the Great Lakes liner “Noronic” disaster in Toronto, Canada. Of the 119 victims of the disaster, positive identification matches were established for 24 of the most severely disfigured cases through the use of comparative odontology radiography (1-3). Today radiography is an established tool of forensic odontologists for DVI. The precise requirements for dental radiography for any given mass fatality incident will be determined by the working practices of the forensic odontologists engaged in the investigation.

Ancestry estimation from skeletal remains is a challenging task, but essential for the creation of a complete biological profile. As such, the study of human variation between populations is important for the fields of biological and forensic anthropology, as well as medicine. Cranial and dental morphological variation have traditionally been linked to geographic affinity resulting in several methods of ancestry estimation, while the postcranial skeleton has been systematically neglected. The current study explores metric variation of the tibia in six Mediterranean populations and its validity in estimating ancestry in the Mediterranean. The study sample includes 909 individuals (470 males and 439 females) from Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Turkey. The sample was divided in two subsamples: a reference and a validation sample. Multinomial regression models were created based on the reference sample and then applied to validation sample. The first model used three variabl...

The review paper helpful for knowledge and current data biological evidence in forensic science is pivotal to maintaining the integrity of biological evidence and ensuring the reliability of forensic analyses. This encompasses a set of strategies aimed at preventing contamination during evidence collection, handling, and analysis. Key elements include the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and protective clothing, to minimize direct contact and contamination from the environment. Sterile tools and evidence immediately after collection. Environmental controls are also critical. Workspaces must be kept clean, and access to crime scenes and evidence storage areas should be strictly controlled. Airflow management, such as the use of laminar flow hoods, helps to reduce airborne contaminants. Detailed documentation and maintaining a clear chain of custody are fundamental to ensure that each piece of evidence can be traced and accounted for, reducing the risk of tampering or unauthorized access. Training and dedicated equipment for DNA analysis and the implementation of controls during DNA extraction and amplification processes to detect any contamination. Laboratory practices should include separate areas for different stages of evidence processing and regular decontamination of work surfaces and equipment. By strictly following these protocols, forensic laboratories can significantly reduce the risk of contamination, thereby ensuring the credibility and accuracy of their findings in the justice system.

The identification of bone and dental remains to establish identity, requested by police and judicial authorities, has increased annually because criminals have been using sophisticated methods that make this identification impractical. This study reports a murder case by charring, which creates dental and bone calcination. In 2013, a completely burned car was examined by forensic experts, containing charred, calcined human bones and teeth inside its trunk, thus an identity needed to be established. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used as a supporting method and indicated the presence of restorative materials, which were compatible and consistent with the chart and radiographic shots provided by the victim's dental surgeon. The SEM examination reinforced the positive identification of the alleged victim performed by comparative radiographic examinations (antemortem and postmortem) in the dental fragments found. It is a supporting method that, even though it does not establish the identity, it helps in the process of identification.

Aim: STR loci in nuclear DNA (nDNA) is generally used for identification and identity determination in forensic sciences. However, it is not always possible to achieve successful results from these loci. Especially in biological samples containing nDNA that are degraded in quantity and quality, there might be difficulties to analyze. In such cases, it may be more reliable to use mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis. Because there is only one nDNA in the cell, while there are many copies of mtDNA. Therefore, it is advantageous to work with. HVI, HVII and HVIII regions in mtDNA are used for identification purposes in forensic sciences. However, the discrimination power of these regions are limited. As an alternative to these regions, studying the coded region will increase the discrimination power. For this reason, the aim of our study is to distinguish the points showing polymorphism in the region between 8389-8865 base pairs as an alternative to the HVI, HVII and HVIII regions. In add...

The upper canine teeth exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, making them frequently used in gender identification in forensic odontology. The measurement of the inter-canine width can be performed using conventional methods, such as a digital caliper, or modern methods using an intraoral scanner. The intraoral scanner offers higher accuracy and easier data storage; however, no studies have compared the inter-canine width of the upper jaw using both methods. This study measured the inter-canine width of the upper jaw on 80 jaw models using both instruments, with each measurement performed three times per instrument. The measurement results were analyzed using SPSS, with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for agreement, Kolmogorov-Smirnov for normality, and Independent T-test for significance. The ICC results showed good agreement (0.892), and the Independent T-test revealed no significant difference (p = 0.598). It can be concluded that there is no significant difference between the measurement of the upper inter-canine width using the intraoral scanner and the digital caliper.

Lip print is an anatomical character of the human lips. In forensic identification, lip print patterns can lead us to important information and helps in person's identification. The grooves present on human lips (Sulci labiorum) are unique to each person and can be used to determine identity. Fingerprints, post-mortem reports and of late, DNA fingerprinting, have been successful in person identification in the field of forensic science. Just as in these method, lip prints can be instrumental in identifying a person positively and can be used to verify the presence or absence of a person at the scene of crime . Cheiloscopic techniques have an equal value in relation to other types of forensic evidences for personal identificationMaterial & method:-The study was conducted on 100 students of age group 18-25 yrs. Lip stick was applied on each individual and the lip-print was obtained on a paper. The lip impression patterns were studied, classified and recorded using magnifying lens with light.Result:-Lip patterns are unique for the individual and no two patterns are identical to each other . In study population,Type III pattern was most common in male while In females predominant pattern was type I. Thus in medico legal case, due to clear differentiation in sexes it is easy to identify person and gender. Conclusion:-Cheiloscopy can be reliable method for personal identification and gender dimorphism.

Lip print is an anatomical character of the human lips. In forensic identification, lip print patterns can lead us to important information and helps in person's identification. The grooves present on human lips (Sulci labiorum) are unique to each person and can be used to determine identity. Fingerprints, post-mortem reports and of late, DNA fingerprinting, have been successful in person identification in the field of forensic science. Just as in these method, lip prints can be instrumental in identifying a person positively and can be used to verify the presence or absence of a person at the scene of crime . Cheiloscopic techniques have an equal value in relation to other types of forensic evidences for personal identificationMaterial & method:-The study was conducted on 100 students of age group 18-25 yrs. Lip stick was applied on each individual and the lip-print was obtained on a paper. The lip impression patterns were studied, classified and recorded using magnifying lens with light.Result:-Lip patterns are unique for the individual and no two patterns are identical to each other . In study population,Type III pattern was most common in male while In females predominant pattern was type I. Thus in medico legal case, due to clear differentiation in sexes it is easy to identify person and gender. Conclusion:-Cheiloscopy can be reliable method for personal identification and gender dimorphism.

Background: Palatal rugae, or ridges, are elevations in the oral mucosa, important for chewing and for forensic identification due to their distinct patterns. However, limited data exists on their patterns and distribution in the Bengali community of Kolkata and South 24 Parganas. Aim and Objective: This cross-sectional study compared gender differences in palatal rugae patterns among Bengali individuals to enhance understanding of the forensic and clinical implications of palatal rugoscopy within this population. Materials and Methods: The study examined gender differences in palatal rugae patterns among Bengali individuals from Kolkata and South 24 Parganas. A total of 192 participants (119 females, 73 males) were selected, excluding those with palatal abnormalities or dentures. Palatal impressions were analyzed for rugae length, shape, and orientation, and statistical comparisons were made using ANOVA tests. Results: Significant gender-based variations were observed in rugae distribution and forms, particularly the straight type, which was more prevalent among females, while the average number of rugae remained similar across genders. Conclusion: The findings suggest gender-specific trends in palatal rugae patterns, although further studies with larger populations are necessary to confirm the results and explore the potential of palatal rugoscopy in forensic and clinical contexts.

Objective: The mandible is the strongest bone in the human skeleton. The uses of the morphological characters of such jawbone is a predominantly used approach in forensic dentistry to determine the gender of a severely damaged cadaver. Distinguishing sex, race and personal stamp of the unknown skeleton still has been the most challenging job in forensic dentistry. This research aimed to clarify the gender of Babylon population by mental foramen (MF) assessment using Orthopantomography (OPG). Method: The present retrospective study was conducted on 120 digital panoramic radiographs. The radiographs were of 60 male and 60 female dentate patients aged between 18-62 years. Morphometric analysis was performed on bilateral mental foramina. Lines were drawn from superior (S) and inferior (I) borders of the foramen and perpendiculars to the lower (L) border of the mandible (S-L and I-L lines respectively). Data were distributed and subjected to statistical analysis using the Independent-Sam...

Dans les sociétés anciennes ou modernes, le feu et la mort sont souvent associés. Le feu peut être lié à la cause ou au mécanisme du décès (contexte accidentel, suicidaire, criminel), il est aussi au centre de nombreuses pratiques funéraires ou rituels de purifications post-mortem. Son action destructrice est souvent mise en avant, cependant il existe un fait essentiel : le feu ne fait pas disparaître un corps ! Même dans les cas de carbonisations extrêmes, il persiste toujours des fragments osseux. Lorsqu'une autopsie classique n'est plus envisageable, toute l'attention doit se porter sur l'analyse de ces fragments persistants. Au cours du processus de combustion, l'os est le siège de multiples transformations, qui rendent son analyse complexe. Malgré une littérature riche à ce sujet, il n'existe pas en France de réel consensus méthodologique permettant d'aborder la question des corps carbonisés en contexte médico-légal. Nous constatons une certaine négligence à l'égard des restes brûlés et fragmentés. Les enquêteurs rarement formés à ce type de découverte, ne savent pas comment les aborder et les médecins légistes, parfois sont aussi démunis. Les levées de squelettes sont négligées et seuls les fragments de grandes dimensions, paraissant les plus « nobles » sont prélevés pour l'analyse. L'objectif principal de cette étude est de replacer le fragment osseux au centre de l'analyse. Nous souhaitons montrer l'absence de corrélation entre la taille d'un fragment et la quantité d'informations qu'il porte. Par conséquent, un prélèvement exhaustif sur le terrain est indispensable pour une analyse fiable. Nous avons choisi de travailler sur un échantillon d'origine archéologique. Ce choix était motivé par la disponibilité d'un large échantillon de données homogènes et fiables. Il permettait également de s'affranchir des contraintes éthiques et juridiques inhérentes à toute étude sur les restes humains. Après s'être assuré de la comparabilité du matériel, nous avons inclus les données correspondant à 263 structures funéraires ou assemblages osseux ayant livré des restes humains brûlés. Ces données provenaient de la fouille et de l'analyse de trois nécropoles d'époque romaine en Italie (Porta Nocera à Pompéi, Porta Mediana à Cumes et Santa Rosa au Vatican) ainsi que le tophet de Salammbô à Carthage (Tunisie). Nous avons pris en compte dans cette analyse 277509 fragments d'os brûlés pour une masse totale de 258022,9 g. La question de l'identification a été traitée dans sa globalité, depuis la détermination anatomique des fragments osseux, jusqu'à l'identification biologique de l'individu. Nous avons également intégré une dimension spatiale à l'analyse des données, afin d'évaluer la plus-value d'un enregistrement sur le terrain. Nous avons ainsi pu mettre en évidence une série de fragments d'intérêts, à analyser préférentiellement, pour répondre à diverses questions telles que le dénombrement des individus, ou la mise en évidence des principaux critères d'identification biologique. Les fragments porteurs de la plus grande quantité d'informations, contrairement à ce que l'on aurait pu attendre, ne sont pas les plus volumineux ou ceux ramassés par les enquêteurs de manière générale.

Introduction: The potential applications for 3D printed reconstructions in forensic science are numerous. Replicas could be utilized across the forensic science process: in crime scenes, in intelligence gathering, analysis and interpretation of materials, in police investigations, and in courtroom presentation of evidence. Further, 3D replicas could be beneficial in forensic science teaching and public outreach programs. In order for 3D printing to be utilized in forensic science, particularly in courts of law, the discipline needs a recognizable evidence-base that underpins its reliability and applicability. At present, there is a distinct lack of empirical research around 3D printing in the forensic sciences, an issue that needs to be addressed. The application of 3D printing is well established in dentistry and dental restorations, while more recently, 3D printing is beginning to be applied in forensic odontology. As with forensic anthropology or pathology, 3D printing is well suited to forensic odontology as replicas of human bones and teeth can be 3D printed by novel methods. Aim and Objective: 1.To explore the applications of 3D printing in disciplines of forensic odontology. 2. To validate use of 3D printing in bite-mark analysis, facial reconstruction, gender, and forensic documentation. Materials and Methods: Intraoral 3D scans of selected subjects were performed by appropriate infection control guidelines using "MEDIT i500" (South Korea) Intraoral 3D scanner. The generated STL files (3D virtual model) were prepared for printing using SATURN EL3D (ELEGOO, Shenzhen,China)using white/clear PLA material by the SLA technique and 3D replicas fabricated. For 3D reconstruction from CBCT scans, the images were saved as Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data and transferred to a compact disc (CD).The DICOM data were then reconstructed using EXOCAD (3D GmBH Germany) , a free, open-source, cross-platform program. The 3D replicas were appropriately validated for forensic documentation, bitemark analysis and 3D reconstruction. Conclusion: 3D printing can be applied in forensic odontology to maintain antemortem records, bite mark analysis and facial reconstructions from CT images for identification of individuals. This paper highlights few of the practical applications of 3D printing in forensic odontology.

Forensic odontology is the branch of forensic science that plays a key role in cases of age determination, bite mark analysis, child abuse and DNA identification of deceased individuals in cases of disasters with the help of gathering absolute data, handling, through investigation, interpretation and preservation of evidence of dental use. The groundwork of forensic dentistry is based on the peculiarity of every person's oral structure. Cataclysmic events such as airline accidents, natural disasters, terrorist attacks which involves explosive or nuclear attacks emphasized the importance of forensic odontologists in identification of victims. The main aim of this article is to explain different areas of practice used by forensic dentists in identification of found human remains, mass fatalities, cases of abuses and age estimation.