Role Of Forensic Anthropology Research Articles

Dental Anthropology and Its Role in Forensic Anthropology

Dental anthropology is a subdiscipline of biological anthropology that is concerned with the nonclinical study of teeth. As such, the discipline is distinct from that of forensic odontology, yet still of relevance within forensic anthropology and a medicolegal context. This review of dental anthropology differentiates it as a distinct field of study and highlights its role within medicolegal death investigations, particularly the role of the dentition in estimating parameters of the biological profile. The development and history of dental anthropology in relation to forensic anthropology are outlined. The differentiation of the roles of the dental/forensic anthropologist and the forensic odontologist is discussed. The potential role of the dentition in estimating parameters of the biological profile is discussed, as are the relevant biological processes. Finally, the need for advanced training in dental anthropology is emphasized, as is the potential for future research within this emerging field of study.

Forensic age estimation in adults by pubic bone mineral density using multidetector computed tomography.

Radiology plays a crucial role in forensic anthropology for age estimation. However, most studies rely on morphological methods. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using pubic bone mineral density (BMD) as a new age estimation method in the Chinese population. 468 pubic bone CT scans from living individuals in a Chinese hospital aged 18 to 87years old were used to measure pubic BMD. The BMD of the bilateral pubic bone was measured using the Mimics software on cross-sectional CT images and the mean BMD of the bilateral pubic bone was also calculated. Regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation between pubic BMD and chronological age and to develop mathematical models for age estimation. We evaluated the accuracy of the best regression model using an independent validation sample by calculating the mean absolute error (MAE). Among all established models, the cubic regression model had the highest R2 value in both genders, with R2 = 0.550 for males and R2 = 0.634 for females. The results of the best model test showed that the MAE for predicting age using pubic BMD was 8.66years in males and 7.69years in females. This study highlights the potential of pubic BMD as a useful objective indicator for adult age estimation and could be used as an alternative in forensic practice when other better indicators are lacking.

Gender Variation of Scapula in a Bangladeshi Population – A Radiological Study

The scapula is a complex anatomical unit; it connects the humerus with the clavicle. The scapula presents several variations, based on race, sex and region. Sexual dimorphism plays a key role in forensic anthropology. The scapula is sexually dimorphic and can potentially be used in forensic investigations. A cross-sectional study was conducted under Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, between July 2017 and June 2018, to observe the morphometric pattern of the left scapula in adult male and female Bangladeshi people for establishment of a baseline anatomical data for future studies. Shoulder radiograph of anterior-posterior view were taken from 100 apparently healthy adult male and female patients aged between 25 and 50 years who were attending the Department of Radiology & Imaging, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. From these images morphological measurements like the length and breadth of left scapula, the lengths of infraspinous line and scapular spine were measured by software named RadiAnt DICOM Viewer. The length and breadth of left scapula, the length of coracoid process, as well as the lengths of infraspinous line and scapular spine were found significantly higher in males. To summarize, a significant difference was observed in morphological measurements of the left scapula between the sexes in Bangladeshi people. 
 CBMJ 2023 January: Vol. 12 No. 01 P: 12-16

Assessment of suspected cadaver desecration and the role of forensic anthropology: case report

Assessment of suspected cadaver desecration and the role of forensic anthropology: case report

The Role of Forensic Anthropologists at the Fatal Fire Recovery

A retrospective review of 1,760 forensic cases processed by Mercyhurst University personnel between 1983 and 2020was performed for medicolegal investigations of fatal fires. This research examines trends in the role of forensic anthropology and forensic archaeology at fatal fire scenes. A total of 218 forensic archaeological searches and/or recoveries were conducted over the 38-year period. Of these, 36 were categorized as fire cases for which the Mercyhurst Forensic Scene Recovery Team (M-FSRT) processed the scene, even in the event that a body was not found. Data were collected from these cases on location, fire type, season of fire recovery, and manner of fire (accidental or intentional). Fire searches/recoveries spanned four U.S. states and all seasons, with the greatest number of cases occurring in the fall (36%) and an equal number of cases involving fires outdoors and within structures. The majority of fire scene recoveries were related to events that were accidental, such as the wrecks of automobiles, airplanes, and trains, as opposed to intentional. From 1983 to 2009, 15% of all searches/recoveries involved fire, while in the past 10 years (2010–2020), that percentage has increased to 17.4%. Over half of the total fire recovery cases were conducted between 2015 and 2020. Considering the increasing involvement of forensic anthropologists in fatal fire recoveries and the diversity of fatal fire scenes, it is imperative that best practices be accessible to assist forensic anthropologists in approaching scenes of this nature. This research provides recommendations toward scene processing and the incorporation of forensic archaeological methods at the fire scene.

Role of Forensic Anthropology in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)

DNA profiling is one of the most dependable and well-organized methods for recognizing bodies or losing body parts in disaster victim identification (DVI). This necessitates the collection of a post-mortem DNA sample and an antemortem DNA sample from the alleged victim or a biological related people. Collecting an acceptable ante mortem sample is usually effortless, but because of the varying degree of preservation of the human remains after any disaster and very high risk of cross-contamination of DNA, obtaining an adequate standard post mortem sample under cold DVI conditions is difficult. Various post mortem DNA samples from a deceased person in DVI can be obtained from muscle, bone including femur and ribs, teeth, and bone marrow with the slightest possibility of contamination.
 DVI (disaster victim identification) has been used to identify deceased people in various famous disasters like the 9/11 attack of the terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States, Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur that was shot down on 17 July 2014 while flying over eastern Ukraine. All 283 passengers and 15 crew members were killed; the 26/11 attack on Mumbai in 2008 led by terrorist organizations caused 166 deaths, excluding nine terrorists.
 According to Interpol protocol, four steps for identification are given importance:
 1 – Site examination, which lasts for days to weeks.
 2 – Post-mortem data include fingerprints, odontology, DNA profiling and physical indication.
 3 – Ante-mortem data collected from victim houses.
 4 – Reconciliation where specialists identify the victim from the data collected.

The Role of Forensic Anthropology in the Medico-Legal Investigation of Remains Recovered at Sea: Analysis of a Case

Forensic anthropological investigations often encounter cases that are difficult to interpret, especially when dealing with skeletal remains found in a marine context. Determining the immersion time in the sea of skeletal remains is a challenge for forensic investigations and answering this would solve many cases in the shortest time possible. The physical and chemical properties of bones change during their time in water and these changes cause difficulties and delays in identifying and reconstructing the biological profile of an unknown subject. In this paper, two forensic cases found at sea were analysed, the case of a disarticulated and extensively skeletonised corpse found on the coast of Reggio Calabria (Italy) and the case of an isolated foot, intact of soft tissues, found only 9 km away, on the coast of Vibo Valentia (Italy). The resolution hypothesis of the two cases was based on three search options because the disappearance of three known individuals was being investigated simultaneously. The investigations were conducted through a multidisciplinary work applying different analyses, including anthropometric, radiological, digital and, finally, genetic analyses. The results made it possible to determine the reconstruction of two biological profiles, both of Case A, the skeletal remain, and Case B, the subject to whom the foot belonged. The almost compatible anthropometric results of the two biological profiles, the presence of two very indicative partial tattoos and a genetic correlation led to the solution of a single court case.

Análises quantitativas em mandíbulas para estimativa do sexo

Objetivou-se investigar a aplicabilidade de medidas mandibulares para estimativa do sexo em crânios secos humanos de duas coleções osteológicas brasileiras. Este foi um estudo do tipo diagnóstico, cego, com 471 mandíbulas de 215 mulheres e 256 homens. As variáveis ​​consideradas foram: largura bigonial; largura bicondilar; largura do processo condilar direito/esquerdo; largura do coronóide; distância entre os forames mandibulares; distância entre os forames mentais; distância entre os forames espinhais geniais e os forames mandibulares direito/esquerdo; altura do processo coronóide direito e esquerdo; altura do ramo mandibular direito/esquerdo; espessura mandibular direita/esquerda; espessura mandibular anterior; largura máxima do ramo mandibular direito/esquerdo; largura mínima do ramo mandibular direito/esquerdo; comprimento mandibular; e o ângulo mandibular. A análise discriminante foi realizada para verificar as associações em relação ao sexo, tanto para as medidas individuais quanto para o total. A análise estatística indicou que todas as variáveis ​​apresentaram associação significativa com o sexo. Quando aplicado a homens e mulheres, o método stepwise classificou corretamente 77,50% e 80,20% dos casos, respectivamente, com percentual total de concordância de 78,70%. A altura do ramo mandibular esquerdo (74,80%) e a largura bigonial (77,60%) foram as variáveis ​​com maiores taxas de concordância entre homens e mulheres, respectivamente. Equações foram geradas a partir da análise discriminante para cada variável e uma fórmula única para as seis variáveis ​​que apresentaram maior preferência por sexo. Todas as medidas mandibulares foram estatisticamente diferentes entre os sexos, sugerindo que a mandíbula desempenha um papel importante na antropologia forense como fonte de informação quantitativa para estimativa do sexo.

Twenty-five years of unidentified bodies: an account from Milano, Italy.

The identification of decedents has always been a central issue in forensic pathology, for ethical, criminal, and administrative reasons, but today, it needs more attention due to issues related not only to migration but also to the weakening of family ties. This article presents a descriptive study discussing the Italian regulatory situation developed in the last decade to face the many identification issues, with all its improvements and flaws. Hence, data gathered in 25years of at the Institute of Legal Medicine of Milan and the epidemiology of unidentified decedents are illustrated. Briefly, from 1995 to 2019, the number of unidentified human remains with no identity or requesting verification of identity amounts to 726, i.e., 3% circa of all autopsies performed at the Institute, with an average of 29 individuals per year. In total, 528 (72.7%) individuals were successfully identified, 100 (13.8%) remained without an identity, and 98 (13.5%) individuals remained with suspected yet unconfirmed identities. Percentages for each identification technique are displayed, with insight into the role of forensic anthropology and odontology compared to genetics, and into the misuse of non-scientific methods allowed by Public Prosecutors. All the data is compared, as much as possible, with the very few recent studies concerning the problem worldwide. Finally, the article aims to show the Italian experience in dealing with unidentified bodies, in order to provide food for thought for other countries toward a discussion regarding a global issue which is sometimes taken for granted and underestimated.

Virtual determination of sex: Estimating cut off value of digital metric traits of foramen magnum on three-dimensional computed tomography with receiver operating characteristic and logistic regression analysis

Background: Radiological imaging plays a pivotal role in forensic anthropology. As have the imaging techniques advances, so have the digital skeletal measurements inched towards precision. Secular trends of the population keep on changing in modern times. Hence, finding the precise technique of bone measurement, with greater reproducibility, in modern population is always needed in making population specific biological profile. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the accuracy of the foramen magnum measurement, obtained by three dimensional multi-detector computed tomography using volume rendering technique with the cut off value of each variable, in sex determination of an individual. Materials and Methods: Two metric traits, an antero-posterior diameter (APD) and transverse diameter (TD), were measured digitally in an analysis of 130 radiological images having equal proportion of male and female samples. Foramen magnum index and area of foramen magnum (Area by Radinsky's [AR], Area by Teixeira's ORIGINAL ARTICLE) were derived from APD and TD. Results: Descriptive statistical analysis, using unpaired t-test, showed significant higher value in males in all the variables. Using Pearson correlation analysis, maximum correlation was observed between area (AT and AR r = 0.999) and between area and TD (AR r = 0.955 and AT r = 0.945 respectively). When used individually, TD had the highest predictive value (67.7%) for sex determination among all the parameters followed by AT (65.4%) and AR (64.6%). Cutoff value of variables TD,AR and AT were 29.9 mm, 841.80 mm2 and 849.70 mm2 respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve predicted male and female sex with 96.2% and 89.2% accuracy respectively. The overall accuracy of the model was 92.7%. Conclusion: Measurements from 3D CT using volume rendering technique were precise, and the application of logistic regression analysis predicted the sex with more accuracy.

Morphometric evaluation of the styloid process of the temporal bone as an aid in age and sex discrimination – A retrospective digital panaromic study

Introduction: Maxillofacial radiology plays a significant role in forensic anthropology for age and sex discrimination in case of mass disasters. Anatomically, Styloid process is bony structure; cylindrical in shape arises from the temporal bone which tapers gradually towards apex. A careful clinical and radiological examination can lead to early detection of its length, anatomic variations and elongation. Therefore, morphometric analysis of length of the styloid process can be one of the adjuvant tools for age and sex discrimination in forensic anthropology. Aim: To evaluate the length and anatomic variations of the styloid process as an aid in age and sex discrimination using digital panaromic radiographs. Materials and Methods: Digital panaromic radiographs of 3800 individuals were randomly taken from private diagnostic clinic’s database. All the panaromic radiographs were evaluated for the radiographic length and anatomic variations of the styloid process bilaterally using measuring tool inbuild in the software. The obtained data was analyzed using SPSS software version 21.0. Results: The mean lengths of the styloid processes were statistically significant as the age advances and also in males and females bilaterally (p value Conclusion: The morphometric evaluation of the styloid process of the temporal bone can be used as an adjuvant in age and sex discrimination using digital panaromic radiograph. Keywords: Digital panaromic radiography, Eagle’s syndrome, Forensic anthropology, Morphometric analysis, Styloid process.

Dilemma of Gonial Angle in Sex Determination: Sexually Dimorphic or Not?

The determination of sex from human remains has a crucial role in forensic anthropology. It has been known that the mandible has several useful traits for sex determination. The gonial angle, which is one of them, has been evaluated by forensic practitioners to identify sexual dimorphism with morphologic and metrical analyses. However, there are opposing approaches on the sexual dimorphism of the gonial angle in the literature, which contradict each other. There are also some other studies asserting that it cannot be employed in sex determination. The purpose of this study is first to figure out the reason for this dilemma and then establish the significance of the gonial angle in sex determination in a white sample. Computed tomography scans were obtained from 300 adults (150 males and 150 females), which were divided into 3 age groups (20-39, 40-59, 60-80 years). The gonial angle, which is formed by 2 lines: (1) between the most posterior point of the mandibular condyle and the gonion and (2) between the most inferior point of the mandibular symphysis and gonion, was measured on computed tomography scans. In order to observe differences among the 3 age groups, the collected data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance followed by a least significant difference post hoc test. Two-way analysis of variance was used to compare sex differences in each age group. It is suggested that the probable reason of this dilemma is the unsubtle samples of the researches. Categorizing the sample into age groups with statistically sufficient number makes the data more valuable in terms of examining the differences related to sexual dimorphism. This study also reported that males showed slightly smaller gonial angle values than those of females in all age groups. No statistically significant difference was observed in the gonial anthropometric values for middle age groups (20-39 and 40-59 years), whereas it shows statistically sexual dimorphism for senior adult group (60-80 years). However, the results revealed that the gonial angle is not a particularly good indicator to identify the sex from the cranium and should not be used as a sole criterion.

Morphometric Analysis of the Orbital Aperture in North Indian Population: A Retrospective Digital Forensic Study.

Introduction:The morphometric variations seen in the orbital aperture play a significant role in forensic anthropology, for determining the personal and gender identification, especially in case of mass disasters.Aim:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the orbital aperture dimensions along with interorbital distance as observed on posteroanterior (PA) cephalograms for personal and gender identification.Materials and Methods:The present retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the morphometric dimensions of orbital aperture seen on PA cephalogram taken using PLANMECA digital machine and ROMEXIS software. The height and width of the orbits along with the interorbital distance were measured using measuring tools in the accompanying software. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21.0.Results:All the linear measurements such as orbital height, orbital width, and interorbital distance were significantly greater in males than females in the North Indian population with P = 0.001. The present study found 84.8% accuracy after subjecting the obtained value to discriminant function analysis.Conclusion:The morphometric analysis of the orbital aperture using postero-anterior cephalogram can be used as an adjuvant for personal and gender identification in forensic anthropology.

It’s all about the context: reflections on the changing role of forensic anthropology in medico-legal death investigations

The discipline of forensic anthropology has its roots in physical anthropology with early practitioners focusing on areas of study such as human growth and development, physiological adaptation, anthropometry and biomechanics. While it is axiomatic that forensic anthropologists have a detailed understanding of the human skeleton, it is the practitioners’ expertise in the analysis of differentially preserved human remains that today is at the heart of the discipline. In addition to the context of the case (whether a missing person, disaster victim identification, war grave recovery, cases of political, ethnic or religious violence, or questions pertaining to the living), the preservation and condition of the remains inevitably influences the extent to which the forensic anthropologist plays a role. This paper outlines different contexts where forensic anthropologists have contributed to forensic cases, and reflects on the influence of geography (and therefore political context) on the volume of cases requiring the expertise of forensic anthropologists in different countries. Consideration is then given to the developing state of professional practice and research in forensic anthropology, as well as the expanding repertoire of the forensic anthropologist’s work.

Evaluation and reliability of bone histological age estimation methods

Human age estimation at death plays a vital role in forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology. Researchers used morphological and histological methods to estimate human age from their skeletal remains. This paper discussed different histological methods that used human long bones and ribs to determine age estimations. The applicability of those methods, commonly quantified variables, sample size, sampling method and their accuracy are discussed as well. The review of those methods showed that the nature of research for estimating age at death has been shifted from gross morphological analysis to histological analysis, and its further going towards the use of digital image processing tools to achieve high accuracy. Histological methods based on the analysis of bone cross-sections showed that there is a strong correlation between increasing age and bone microstructures. Frequently analyzed bone microstructures are osteon and haversian canal and their derivatives. Even though researchers have achieved a satisfactory level of accuracy in young individuals, yet the estimating of age in older individuals is the challenging part It is expected that the ongoing research and future studies will find its way to achieve high level of accuracy in both young and older individuals.

Estimation of Stature from Radiological Measurement of Sternal Length with Corroboration in Living Individuals A Study in Contemporary Bengali Adults

The role of Forensic anthropology to derive alternative and newer modes of identification is increasing every day. The simple and inexpensive means of measurement of radiological length of sternum from digital radiographs and its use to estimate stature in a contemporary Indian (Bengali) population is the aim of this study. By generation of linear regression equations for male and female from this data we propose to estimate the stature and compare the same from the stature available from measurement of the individuals. Thus we shall be able to predict the accuracy with which such projection from radiological assessment is applicable. In this study the standard error of estimate for the male model is 2.943 and correlation coefficient is 0.636. The r square for the model is 0.4. In this study the standard error of estimate for the female model is 2.230 and correlation coefficient is 0.843. R square =0.7.

Dispersion assessment in the location of facial landmarks on photographs.

The morphological assessment of facial features using photographs has played an important role in forensic anthropology. The analysis of anthropometric landmarks for determining facial dimensions and angles has been considered in diverse forensic areas. Hence, the quantification of the error associated to the location of facial landmarks seems to be necessary when photographs become a key element of the forensic procedure. In this work, we statistically evaluate the inter- and intra-observer dispersions related to the facial landmark identification on photographs. In the inter-observer experiment, a set of 18 facial landmarks was provided to 39 operators. They were requested to mark only those that they could precisely place on 10 photographs with different poses (frontal, oblique, and lateral views). The frequency of landmark location was studied together with their dispersion. Regarding the intra-observer evaluation, three participants identified 13 facial points on five photographs classified in the frontal and oblique views. Each landmark location was repeated five times at intervals of at least 24 h. The frequency results reveal that glabella, nasion, subnasale, labiale superius, and pogonion obtained the highest location frequency in the three image categories. On the contrary, the lowest rate corresponds to labiale inferius and menton. Meanwhile, zygia, gonia, and gnathion were significantly more difficult to locate than other facial landmarks. They produced a significant effect on the dispersion depending on the pose of the image where they were placed, regardless of the type of observer that positioned them. In particular, zygia and gonia presented a statistically greater variation in the three image poses, while the location of gnathion is less precise in oblique view photographs. Hence, our findings suggest that the latter landmarks tend to be highly variable when determining their exact position.

The governmental Ri.Sc form for unidentified human remains and the role of forensic anthropology

The governmental Ri.Sc form for unidentified human remains and the role of forensic anthropology

The governmental Ri.Sc form for unidentified human remains and the role of forensic anthropology

The governmental Ri.Sc form for unidentified human remains and the role of forensic anthropology

Discriminant Function Analysis for Sex Assessment in Pelvic Girdle Bones: Sample from the Contemporary Mexican Population

Sex assessment of skeletal remains plays an important role in forensic anthropology. The pelvic bones are the most studied part of the postcranial skeleton for the assessment of sex. It is evident that a population-specific approach improves rates of accuracy within the group. The present study proposes a discriminant function method for the sex assessment of skeletal remains from a contemporary Mexican population. A total of 146 adult human pelvic bones (61 females and 85 males) from the skeletal series pertaining to the National Autonomous University of Mexico were evaluated. Twenty-four direct metrical parameters of coxal and sacral bones were measured and subsequently, sides and sex differences were evaluated, applying a stepwise discriminant function analysis. Coxal and sacra functions achieved accuracies of 99% and 87%, respectively. These analyses follow a population-specific approach; nevertheless, we consider that our results are applicable to any other Hispanic samples for purposes of forensic human identification.