Forensic Validity of the Third Molar Maturity Index (I 3M) for Age Estimation in a Russian Population.

Roberto Scendoni,Galina V Zolotenkova,Stefano Vanin,Yuri I Pigolkin,Roberto Cameriere,Heather F Smith

doi:10.1155/2020/6670590

Roberto Scendoni, Galina V Zolotenkova + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6670590

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Abstract

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to test the accuracy of the third molar maturity index (I3M) cut-off value (0.08) to distinguish between individuals above and below the adult age of legal responsibility (18 years) in a Russian population. A sample of 571 digital panoramic radiographs of healthy Russian minors and young adults (363 females and 208 males), aged between 14 and 24 years, was evaluated. The lower left third molars were analyzed by applying the cut-off value of 0.08 determined by Cameriere et al. (2008). Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) and Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ) showed that repeatability and reproducibility are high for both intra- and interobserver errors. The I3M value decreased with age in both sexes. Age distribution gradually decreases as I3M increases in both girls and boys. In the male group, molar maturity stages 0-0.04, 0.04-0.08, 0.08-0.3, 0.3-0.5, and 0.9-1.4 were reached slightly earlier than in the female group. The results demonstrated that sensitivity is 0.96 in boys and 0.93 in girls; associated specificity values were both 0.98. The cut-off value of I3M is statistically robust and thus valid for forensic application in a Russian population to determine whether or not a subject has reached 18 years of age. Finally, we compared our results with those of other studies in which the same I3M cut-off value was tested on different populations. The method is novel as it is reliable and easily reproducible, thus ensuring a universal way of comparing the results obtained (based on a cut-off value) among many populations, in order to develop an ever-increasing database.

Highlights

Today, more than ever, it is of vital importance to be able to establish a person’s biological age in a number of countries
Foreign citizens and stateless persons often reach the territory of the Russian Federation accompanied by minors, but many young migrants between the ages of 14 and 18 arrive in Russia illegally without adults
Establishing the age of majority is important in both cases; it is crucial in dealing with cases of sexual violence, since, according to the criminal code of the Russian Federation, violence against a minor increases responsibility [2]

Summary

Introduction

More than ever, it is of vital importance to be able to establish a person’s biological age in a number of countries. Foreign citizens and stateless persons often reach the territory of the Russian Federation accompanied by minors, but many young migrants between the ages of 14 and 18 arrive in Russia illegally without adults. This leads to negative consequences: they can become involved in criminal activities, illegally engaged in work, and subjected to sexual violence. There is currently no system for registering underage migrants in the Russian Federation: information about these minors is not integrated into the state migration information system This leads to the deliberate concealment of personal information, especially age data, BioMed Research International in order to avoid responsibility for criminal acts. Establishing the age of majority is important in both cases; it is crucial in dealing with cases of sexual violence, since, according to the criminal code of the Russian Federation, violence against a minor increases responsibility [2]

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