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Robles M, Nakhaeizadeh S, Rando C, Morgan RM. Human identification: an investigation of 3D models of paranasal sinuses to establish a biological profile on a modern UK population. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:1411-1424. [PMID: 38351205 PMCID: PMC11164725 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Medical imaging is a valuable source for facilitating empirical research and provides an accessible gateway for developing novel forensic anthropological methods for analysis including 3D modelling. This is especially critical for the United Kingdom (UK), where methods developed from modern UK populations do not currently exist. This study introduces a new approach to assist in human identification using 3D models of the paranasal sinuses. The models were produced from a database of 500 modern CT scans provided by University College London Hospital. Linear measurements and elliptic Fourier coefficients taken from 1500 three-dimensional models across six ethnic groups assessed by one-way ANOVA and discriminant function analysis showed a range of classification rates with certain rates reaching 75-85.7% (p < 0.05) in correctly classifying age and sex according to size and shape. The findings offer insights into the potential for employing paranasal sinuses as an attribute for establishing the identification of unknown human remains in future crime reconstructions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Robles
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK.
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK.
- School of Applied Sciences, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK.
| | - Sherry Nakhaeizadeh
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK
| | - Carolyn Rando
- UCL Institute of Archaeology, 31-34 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PY, UK
| | - Ruth M Morgan
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK
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2
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Cappella A, Palamenghi A, Solazzo R, Mazzarelli D, Gibelli D, Sforza C, Cattaneo C. An exclusionary screening method based on 3D morphometric features to sort commingled atlases and axes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13149. [PMID: 38849396 PMCID: PMC11161482 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63029-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In forensic commingled contexts, when the disarticulation occurs uniquely at the atlantoaxial joint, the correct match of atlas and axis may lead to the desirable assembly of the entire body. Notwithstanding the importance of this joint in such scenarios, no study has so far explored three-dimensional (3D) methodologies to match these two adjoining bones. In the present study, we investigated the potential of re-associating atlas and axis through 3D-3D superimposition by testing their articular surfaces congruency in terms of point-to-point distance (Root Mean Square, RMS). We analysed vertebrae either from the same individual (match) and from different individuals (mismatch). The RMS distance values were assessed for both groups (matches and mismatches) and a threshold value was determined to discriminate matches with a sensitivity of 100%. The atlas and the corresponding axis from 41 documented skeletons (18 males and 23 females), in addition to unpaired elements (the atlas or the axis) from 5 individuals, were superimposed, resulting in 41 matches and 1851 mismatches (joining and non-joining elements). No sex-related significant differences were found in matches and mismatches (p = 0.270 and p = 0.210, respectively), allowing to pool together the two sexes in each group. RMS values ranged between 0.41 to 0.77 mm for matches and between 0.37 and 2.18 mm for mismatches. Significant differences were found comparing the two groups (p < 0.001) and the highest RMS of matches (0.77 mm) was used as the discriminative value that provided a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 41%. In conclusion, the 3D-3D superimposition of the atlanto-axial articular facets cannot be considered as a re-association method per se, but rather as a screening one. However, further research on the validation of the 3D approach and on its application to other joints might provide clues to the complex topic of the reassociation of crucial adjoining bones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Cappella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy.
- U.O. Laboratorio di Morfologia Umana Applicata, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Italy.
| | - Andrea Palamenghi
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy.
- LAFAS, Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Solazzo
- LAFAS, Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Debora Mazzarelli
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Gibelli
- LAFAS, Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiarella Sforza
- LAFAS, Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
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McPherson CB, O'Donnell L, Moes E, Edgar H. No relationship found between dental fluctuating asymmetry, birthweight, and birth term in two modern North American samples. Am J Hum Biol 2024:e24114. [PMID: 38842218 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Deciduous dental crowns primarily develop during gestation and early infancy and embody early life stress exposures. Composite measures of dental fluctuating asymmetry (DFA) generated from the deciduous teeth may therefore indicate cumulative gestational stress in developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) studies. This study examines whether higher composite measures of deciduous DFA are associated with low birthweight and prematurity, two aspects of birth phenotype consistently associated with increased morbidity and mortality risks in adulthood. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We evaluated associations between composite deciduous DFA, birthweight, and birth term in two contemporary North American samples: an autopsy sample from New Mexico (n = 94), and sample from a growth cohort study in Burlington, Ontario (n = 304). Dental metric data for each sample was collected from postmortem CT scans and dental casts, respectively. Composite DFA was estimated using buccolingual (BL) and mesiodistal (MD) crown diameters from paired deciduous teeth. RESULTS Contrary to expectations, the results of linear regression indicated no significant relationship between birthweight and DFA, or birth term and DFA, in either sample. CONCLUSIONS Deciduous DFA does not predict aspects of birth phenotype associated with gestational stress. Birthweight and birth term are plastic relative to the more developmentally stable deciduous dentition, which may only subtly embody early life stress. We suggest that deciduous DFA should be utilized with caution in DOHaD studies until its relationship with gestational stress is clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cait B McPherson
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Lexi O'Donnell
- College of Population Health, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Emily Moes
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Physician Assistant Studies, University of St. Francis, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Heather Edgar
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Office of the Medical Investigator, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Avent PR, Campbell JL, Garvin HM, Butaric LN. Personal identification using frontal sinus coding methods: The effect of mixed image modality comparisons. J Forensic Sci 2024. [PMID: 38682435 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Several code-based methods have been created for comparing the frontal sinus in skeletal identification scenarios. However, little is known regarding matched-pair accuracy rates of these methods or how varying image modalities may affect these rates. The goals of this study were to validate the exclusion rates and to establish matched-pair accuracy rates of two well-cited coding methods, Cameriere et al. [23] and Tatlisumak et al. [24]. Additionally, individual variables were assessed for consistency in scoring between image modalities. Using a sample of U.S. African American, Native American, and European American females and males (n = 225), we examined individual variable scoring and string codes between two different image modalities (radiographs and CT-based 3D models). Arcades showed poor scoring consistency between modalities (p < 0.001). Although exclusion rates were similar to those reported in the original studies (93%-96%), matched-pair accuracy rates were low (13%-18%). None of the demographics (collection, sex, age, ancestry, and orientation) had an effect on the odds of a match. Interobserver and intraobserver analyses showed moderate to near-perfect agreement for all variables except supraorbital cells, which had minimal to no agreement. Currently, we do not recommend the application of these frontal sinus coding methods independent of other supporting identification methods given low variable consistency and accuracy rates. Visual identification should still be used to include or exclude an identification when using the frontal sinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia R Avent
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, Iowa, USA
| | - Jessica L Campbell
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, Iowa, USA
| | - Heather M Garvin
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, Iowa, USA
| | - Lauren N Butaric
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, Iowa, USA
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Ferrell MJ, Schultz JJ, Adams DM. Sex estimation research trends in forensic anthropology between 2000 and 2022 in five prominent journals. J Forensic Sci 2024. [PMID: 38600623 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
In forensic anthropology, osteological sex estimation methods are continuously reevaluated and updated to improve classification accuracies. Therefore, to gain a comprehensive understanding of recent trends in sex estimation research in forensic anthropology, a content analysis of articles published between 2000 and 2022 in Forensic Science International, the Journal of Forensic Sciences, the International Journal of Legal Medicine, the American Journal of Biological Anthropology, and Forensic Anthropology, was performed. The main goals of this content analysis were to (1) examine trends in metric versus morphological research, (2) examine which areas of the skeleton have been explored, (3) examine which skeletal collections and population affinities have been most frequently utilized, and (4) determine which statistical methods were commonly implemented. A total of 440 articles were coded utilizing MAXQDA and the resulting codes were exported for analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted utilizing the Cochran-Armitage and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trends, as well as Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests. The results demonstrate that sex estimation research published in these journals has prioritized metric over morphological methods. Further, the most utilized skeletal regions continue to be the skull and pelvis, while the most popular classification statistics continue to be discriminant function analysis and logistic regression. This study also demonstrates that a substantial portion of research has been conducted utilizing U.S. and Europe-based collections and limited populations. Based on these results, future sex estimation research must continue exploring the use of long bones and other postcranial elements, testing newer methods of analysis, as well as developing population-inclusive methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan J Ferrell
- Department of Anthropology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - John J Schultz
- Department of Anthropology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
- National Center for Forensic Science, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Donovan M Adams
- Department of Anthropology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
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Gaya-Sancho B, Sanjuan-Sánchez D, Ráfales-Perucha A, Zaurín-Paniagua L, Sáez-Gutiérrez B, Galarreta-Aperte S. Comparison of measurements made on dry bone and digital measurements in Anatomage for the sacral bone in a Spanish population. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20578. [PMID: 37996512 PMCID: PMC10667331 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of osteometry for human identification is a key element in the field of forensic sciences. Currently, the osteometry focuses on the use of digital techniques such as photography or 3D scans, to study and measure bones, offering advantages like easy access, preservation of bones, and worldwide collaboration possibilities. The study aims to analyze whether digital tools such as Anatomage can be used to collect reliable data. The study compares measurements of the sacral bone from 41 individuals from Orgiva Collection using both traditional and digital methods. The variables analyzed were described previously, including landmarks and positions, and were coded by differentiating the measurements between dry bone (caliper) and digital measurement (Anatomage). Results indicate minimal differences between digital and dry bone measurements, with only one variable showing a significant differences in the effect size analysis (d > 0.80). The TEM analysis showed four variables as non-acceptable (rTEM > 1.5), possibly due to the landmark location or the experience using the tool to locate landmarks. Digital resources are valuable for morphometric evaluations and human identification within forensic sciences. However, caution is necessary to ensure accurate landmark localization and validate these tools across various bone types and larger sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Gaya-Sancho
- Health Science Faculty, Universidad San Jorge, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Campus Universitario Villanueva de Gállego, Autov. A-23 Zaragoza - Huesca, Km. 299, Villanueva de Gállego, 50830, Zaragoza, Spain.
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Fischer MCM. Database of segmentations and surface models of bones of the entire lower body created from cadaver CT scans. Sci Data 2023; 10:763. [PMID: 37923754 PMCID: PMC10624917 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The range of applications of digital surface models of the bones in science and industry is wide. Three-dimensional reconstructions of bones are used in biomechanics, biomedical engineering, medical image processing, orthopedics, traumatology, radiology, patient education, anatomy, anthropometry, forensic anthropology, ergonomics, usability and human factors engineering, or accident and injury analysis and prevention. No open access database or repository of skeletal surface models of the full lower extremities exists. Therefore, the objective of this publication was to provide access to consistent complete bone models of the pelvis and lower limbs of multiple subjects, including biometric data. Segmentations and surface models of the bones of the lower extremities of more than twenty subjects were created from open access postmortem whole-body computed tomography scans. The database provides a broad range of applications by giving access to the data of the complete process chain, from the raw medical imaging data through the segmentations to the surface models.
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Braun S, Schwendener N, Kanz F, Lösch S, Milella M. What we see is what we touch? Sex estimation on the pelvis in virtual anthropology. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1839-1852. [PMID: 37336820 PMCID: PMC10567926 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03034-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computed tomography (CT) scans are a convenient means to study 3D reconstructions of bones. However, errors associated with the different nature of the observation, e.g. visual and tactile (on dry bone) versus visual only (on a screen) have not been thoroughly investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS We quantified the errors between modalities for sex estimation protocols of nonmetric (categorical and ordinal) and metric data, using 200 dry pelves of archaeological origin and the CT reconstructions of the same bones. In addition, we 3D surface scanned a subsample of 39 pelves to compare observations with dry bone and CT data. We did not focus on the sex estimation accuracy but solely on the consistency of the scoring, hence, the interchangeability of the modalities. RESULTS Metric data yielded the most consistent results. Among the nonmetric protocols, ordinal data performed better than categorical data. We applied a slightly modified description for the trait with the highest errors and grouped the traits according to consistency and availability in good, intermediate, and poor. DISCUSSION The investigated modalities were interchangeable as long as the trait definition was not arbitrary. Dry bone (gold standard) performed well, and CT and 3D surface scans performed better. We recommend researchers test their affinity for using virtual modalities. Future studies could use our consistency analysis and combine the best traits, validating their accuracy on various modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Braun
- Department of Physical Anthropology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 24-28, 3008, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Nicole Schwendener
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Kanz
- Forensic Anthropology Unit, Center for Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Lösch
- Department of Physical Anthropology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 24-28, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco Milella
- Department of Physical Anthropology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 24-28, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
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Palamenghi A, Cappella A, Cellina M, De Angelis D, Sforza C, Cattaneo C, Gibelli D. Assessment of Anatomical Uniqueness of Maxillary Sinuses through 3D-3D Superimposition: An Additional Help to Personal Identification. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1018. [PMID: 37508447 PMCID: PMC10376834 DOI: 10.3390/biology12071018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Paranasal sinuses represent one of the most individualizing structures of the human body and some of them have been already analyzed for possible applications to personal identification, such as the frontal and sphenoid sinuses. This study explores the application of 3D-3D superimposition to maxillary sinuses in personal identification. One hundred head CT-scans of adult subjects (equally divided among males and females) were extracted from a hospital database. Maxillary sinuses were segmented twice from each subject through ITK-SNAP software and the correspondent 3D models were automatically superimposed to obtain 100 matches (when they belonged to the same person) and 100 mismatches (when they were extracted from different individuals), both from the right and left side. Average RMS (root mean square) point-to-point distance was then calculated for all the superimpositions; differences according to sex, side, and group (matches and mismatches) were assessed through three-way ANOVA test (p < 0.017). On average, RMS values were lower in matches (0.26 ± 0.19 mm in males, 0.24 ± 0.18 mm in females) than in mismatches (2.44 ± 0.87 mm in males, 2.20 ± 0.73 mm in females) with a significant difference (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found according to sex or side (p > 0.017). The study verified the potential of maxillary sinuses as reliable anatomical structures for personal identification in the forensic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Palamenghi
- LAFAS-Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milano, Italy
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Annalisa Cappella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milano, Italy
- U.O. Laboratorio di Morfologia Umana Applicata, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Michaela Cellina
- Reparto di Radiologia, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20121 Milano, Italy
| | - Danilo De Angelis
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Chiarella Sforza
- LAFAS-Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Daniele Gibelli
- LAFAS-Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Robles M, Carew RM, Rando C, Nakhaeizadeh S, Morgan RM. Sex estimation from virtual models: exploring the potential of stereolithic 3D crania models for morphoscopic trait scoring. Forensic Sci Res 2023; 8:123-132. [PMID: 37621450 PMCID: PMC10445579 DOI: 10.1093/fsr/owad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Modern computed tomography (CT) databases are becoming an accepted resource for the practice and development of identification methods in forensic anthropology. However, the utility of 3D models created using free and open-source visualization software such as 3D Slicer has not yet been thoroughly assessed for morphoscopic biological profiling methods where virtual methods of analysis are becoming more common. This paper presents a study that builds on the initial findings from Robles et al. (2020) to determine the feasibility of estimating sex on stereolithic (STL) 3D cranial models produced from CT scans from a modern, living UK population (n = 80) using equation 2 from the Walker's (2008) morphoscopic method. Kendall's coefficients of concordance (KCC) indicated substantial agreement using cranial features scores in an inter-observer test and a video-inter-observer test. Fleiss' Kappa scores showed moderate agreement (0.50) overall between inter-observer sex estimations, and for observer sex estimations in comparison to recorded sexes (0.56). It was found that novice users could virtually employ morphoscopic sex estimation methods effectively on STL 3D cranial models from modern individuals. This study also highlights the potential that digital databases of modern living populations can offer forensic anthropology. Key points First example of Walker's (2008) method applied to a living UK population.Open-source software is a valuable resource for crime reconstruction approaches.Male scoring bias was observed in method application.Forensic anthropologists would benefit from virtual anthropology training to use and interpret 3D models.Digital databases offer more ethical, diverse, modern populations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Robles
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
- School of Applied Sciences, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, UK
| | - Rachael M Carew
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
| | - Carolyn Rando
- UCL Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-34 Gordon Square, London, UK
| | - Sherry Nakhaeizadeh
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
| | - Ruth M Morgan
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
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Yim AD, Cowgill L, Katz DC, Roseman CC. Variation in ontogenetic trajectories of limb dimensions in humans is attributable to both climatic effects and neutral evolution. J Hum Evol 2023; 179:103369. [PMID: 37104893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2023.103369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies showed that there is variation in ontogenetic trajectories of human limb dimensions and proportions. However, little is known about the evolutionary significance of this variation. This study used a global sample of modern human immature long bone measurements and a multivariate linear mixed-effects model to study 1) whether the variation in ontogenetic trajectories of limb dimensions is consistent with ecogeographic predictions and 2) the effects of different evolutionary forces on the variation in ontogenetic trajectories. We found that genetic relatedness arising from neutral (nonselective) evolution, allometric variation associated with the change in size, and directional effects from climate all contributed to the variation in ontogenetic trajectories of all major long bone dimensions in modern humans. After accounting for the effects of neutral evolution and holding other effects considered in the current study constant, extreme temperatures have weak, positive associations with diaphyseal length and breadth measurements, while mean temperature shows negative associations with diaphyseal dimensions. The association with extreme temperatures fits the expectations of ecogeographic rules, while the association with mean temperature may explain the observed among-group variation in intralimb indices. The association with climate is present throughout ontogeny, suggesting an explanation of adaptation by natural selection as the most likely cause. On the other hand, genetic relatedness among groups, as structured by neutral evolutionary factors, is an important consideration when interpreting skeletal morphology, even for nonadult individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Di Yim
- Department of Health and Exercise Sciences, Truman State University, 100 E Normal Ave, Kirksville, MO, USA; Department of Biology, Truman State University, 100 E Normal Ave, Kirksville, MO, USA; Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 109 Davenport Hall, 607 S Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Libby Cowgill
- Department of Anthropology, University of Missouri, 112 Swallow Hall, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - David C Katz
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Canada
| | - Charles C Roseman
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 515 Morrill Hall, 505 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL, USA
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Zangpo D, Uehara K, Kondo K, Kato M, Yoshimiya M, Nakatome M, Iino M. Estimating age at death by Hausdorff distance analyses of the fourth lumbar vertebral bodies using 3D postmortem CT images. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00620-7. [PMID: 37058209 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00620-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
The existing methods for determining adult age from human skeletons are mostly qualitative. However, a shift in quantifying age-related skeletal morphology on a quantitative scale is emerging. This study describes an intuitive variable extraction technique and quantifies skeletal morphology in continuous data to understand their aging pattern. A total of 200 postmortem CT images from the deceased aged 25-99 years (130 males, 70 females) who underwent forensic death investigations were used in the study. The 3D volume of the fourth lumbar vertebral body was segmented, smoothed, and post-processed using the open-source software ITK-SNAP and MeshLab, respectively. To measure the extent of 3D shape deformity due to aging, the Hausdorff distance (HD) analysis was performed. In our context, the maximum Hausdorff distance (maxHD) was chosen as a metric, which was subsequently studied for its correlation with age at death. A strong statistically significant positive correlation (P < 0.001) between maxHD and age at death was observed in both sexes (Spearman's rho = 0.742, male; Spearman's rho = 0.729, female). In simple linear regression analyses, the regression equations obtained yielded the standard error of estimates of 12.5 years and 13.1 years for males and females, respectively. Our study demonstrated that age-related vertebral morphology could be described using the HD method. Moreover, it encourages further studies with larger sample sizes and on other population backgrounds to validate the methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawa Zangpo
- Division of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-Cho, Yonago, 683-8503, Japan.
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, 11001, Thimphu, Bhutan.
| | - Kazutake Uehara
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Yonago College, Yonago, 683-8502, Japan
| | - Katsuya Kondo
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, 680-8552, Japan
| | - Momone Kato
- Division of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-Cho, Yonago, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Motoo Yoshimiya
- Division of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-Cho, Yonago, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Masato Nakatome
- Division of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-Cho, Yonago, 683-8503, Japan
| | - Morio Iino
- Division of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-Cho, Yonago, 683-8503, Japan
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13
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Forensic age estimation: comparison and validation of the Iscan method in 3D reconstructions using a surface scanner in a Spanish population. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:773-785. [PMID: 36930377 PMCID: PMC10085965 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02983-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
When investigating a death, post-mortem identification provides with results of great legal and humanitarian significance. The effectiveness of the methods used to estimate age depends on the reference population, considering variables such as sex and ancestry. The aim of this study was to validate the Iscan method to estimate age in a Spanish forensic population, comparing the estimates obtained in dry bones and 3D reconstructions created with a surface scanner. We carried out a cross-sectional study on 109 autopsied corpses (67% male), scanning the sternal end of the right fourth rib in a 3D mesh, using an EinScan-Pro® surface scanner (precision: 0.05 mm). Two observers estimated the phases in dry bones and 3D images according to the Iscan method and to the sex of the subject. The mean age was 57.73 years (SD = 19.12 years;18-93 years). The intra-observer agreement was almost perfect in bones (κ = 0.877-0.960) and 3D images (κ = 0.954), while the inter-observer agreement was almost perfect in bones (κ = 0.813) and substantial in 3D images (κ = 0.727). The correlation with the Iscan phases was very strong in bones (Rho = 0.794-0.820; p < 0.001) and strong in 3D images (Rho = 0.690-0.691; p < 0.001). Both sex-adjusted linear regression models were significant (dry bones: R2 = 0.65; SEE = ± 11.264 years; 3D images: R2 = 0.50; SEE = ± 13.537 years) from phase 4 onwards. An overestimation of age was observed in the first phases, and an underestimation in the later ones. Virtual analysis using a surface scanner in the fourth rib is a valid means of estimating age. However, the error values and confidence intervals were considerable, so the joint use of different methods and anatomical sites is recommended.
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14
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Farhi M, Tomas N, Marion I, Avenetti D, Atsawasuwan P, da Fonseca M, Al Atabbe M, Nicholas CL. Evaluation of the (hu)MANid program for sex and ancestry estimation in a diverse, contemporary CT scan-based sample. J Forensic Sci 2023; 68:242-251. [PMID: 36380482 PMCID: PMC10100212 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human remains from forensic and bioarcheological contexts are often fragmentary, requiring methods for estimating a forensic profile that are based upon limited skeletal features. In 2017, Berg and Keryhercz created an online application, (hu)MANid, that provides sex and ancestry estimation from mandibular morphoscopic traits and linear measurements. In this study, we examine the utility of the (hu)MANid application in a diverse, urban US adult sample (aged 20-45; n = 143) derived from computed tomography (CT) scans. We secondarily conduct a preliminary analysis of the program's utility in a sample of adolescents (aged 15-17; n = 40). Six morphoscopic, and eleven morphometric traits were recorded as directed by the literature associated with the (hu)MANid program. Percent correct classification and posterior predictive values were calculated for the sex and ancestry estimations output by the program; chi-squared tests were employed to compare self-reported and predicted ancestry. In the adult sample, sex was accurately predicted for 75.52% of the sample. Ancestry prediction, however, was less favorable ranging from 19.3% to 50% correct. For the adolescent sample, correct sex estimation (45%) did not surpass what could occur by chance alone, though ancestry prediction fared better than in the larger adult sample (percent correct prediction overall average: 47.5%, range 35.71%-71.43%). The (hu)MANid application shows utility for use with CT scan-derived adult samples for sex estimation, but caution is warranted for ancestry estimation and use with samples that may not have reached full adult maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matan Farhi
- Department of Orthodontics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Natalie Tomas
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ian Marion
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David Avenetti
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Phimon Atsawasuwan
- Department of Orthodontics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Marcio da Fonseca
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mustafa Al Atabbe
- Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christina L Nicholas
- Department of Orthodontics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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15
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Olsen TB, García-Martínez D, Villa C. Testing different 3D techniques using geometric morphometrics: Implications for cranial fluctuating asymmetry in humans. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023; 180:224-234. [PMID: 36790697 PMCID: PMC10100329 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to test the performance of 3D digitizer, CT scanner, and surface scanner in detecting cranial fluctuating asymmetry. Sets of 32 landmarks (6 in the midline and 13 bilateral) were acquired from 14 archeological crania using a 3D digitizer, and from 3D models generated from a CT scanner and surface scanner using Viewbox 4. Levels of shape variation were analyzed in MorphoJ using Procrustes analysis of variance and Principal component analysis. Intra-observer error accounted for 1.7%, 1.8%, and 4.5% of total shape variation for 3D digitizer, CT scanner, and surface scanner respectively. Fluctuating asymmetry accounted for 15%-16% of total shape variation. Variation between techniques accounted for 18% of total shape variation. We found a higher level of missing landmarks in our surface scan data than for both 3D digitizer and CT scanner data, and both 3D model-based techniques sometimes obscured taphonomic damage. All three 3D techniques are appropriate for measuring cranial fluctuating asymmetry. We advise against combining data collected with different techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine Bottos Olsen
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging and 3D modelling, Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel García-Martínez
- Physical Anthropology Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), Burgos, Spain.,Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Chiara Villa
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging and 3D modelling, Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Ming L, Lam G, Jeong J, Sun Young K. Accuracy of the Surface Contour of Three-Dimensional-Printed Canine Pelvic Replicas. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2022; 35:398-402. [PMID: 36150697 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1756517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the differences in surface contour between models of native pelvic bones and their corresponding three-dimensional (3D)-printed replicas. STUDY DESIGN Digital 3D models of five cadaveric hemipelves and five live dogs with contralateral pelvic fractures were generated based on computed tomographic images and 3D printed. The 3D-printed replicas underwent 3D scanning and digital 3D models of the replicas were created. The digital 3D model of each replica was superimposed onto the model of the native hemipelvis. Errors in the replicas were determined by comparing the distances of 120,000 corresponding surface points between models. The medial surface, lateral surface and dorsal surface of the acetabulum (DSA) of each hemipelvis were selected for further analysis. The root mean square error (RMSE) was compared between various selected areas using a one-way repeated measures analysis of variance, followed by a Bonferroni post-hoc test. RESULTS The RMSE of the hemipelvis was 0.25 ± 0.05 mm. The RMSE significantly decreased from the medial surface (0.28 ± 0.06mm), to the lateral surface (0.23 ± 0.06mm), to the DSA (0.04 ± 0.02mm) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The 3D-printed replicas were adequate in serving as a template for the pre-contouring of bone plates in fracture repair of pelvic fractures, particularly those that demand accurate reduction such as acetabular fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ming
- Oregon State University, Magruder Hall, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
| | - Griselda Lam
- VCA London Regional Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Junemoe Jeong
- Gwangju Animal Medical Center, Gwangju, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Kim Sun Young
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
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17
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Precision of a Hand-Held 3D Surface Scanner in Dry and Wet Skeletal Surfaces: An Ex Vivo Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092251. [PMID: 36140652 PMCID: PMC9497896 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional surface scans of skeletal structures have various clinical and research applications in medicine, anthropology, and other relevant fields. The aim of this study was to test the precision of a widely used hand-held surface scanner and the associated software’s 3D model generation-error in both dry and wet skeletal surfaces. Ten human dry skulls and ten mandibles (dry and wet conditions) were scanned twice with an industrial scanner (Artec Space Spider) by one operator. Following a best-fit superimposition of corresponding surface model pairs, the mean absolute distance (MAD) between them was calculated on ten anatomical regions on the skulls and six on the mandibles. The software’s 3D model generation process was repeated for the same scan of four dry skulls and four mandibles (wet and dry conditions), and the results were compared in a similar manner. The median scanner precision was 31 μm for the skulls and 25 μm for the mandibles in dry conditions, whereas in wet conditions it was slightly lower at 40 μm for the mandibles. The 3D model generation-error was negligible (range: 5–10 μm). The Artec Space Spider scanner exhibits very high precision in the scanning of dry and wet skeletal surfaces.
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18
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Jerković I, Bašić Ž, Bareša T, Krešić E, Hadžić AA, Dolić K, Ćavar Borić M, Budimir Mršić D, Čavka M, Šlaus M, Primorac D, Anđelinović Š, Kružić I. The repeatability of standard cranial measurements on dry bones and MSCT images. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1938-1947. [PMID: 35864595 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study examined if the cranial measurements from Data Collection Procedures for Forensic Skeletal Material 2.0 are repeatable when measured in dry bones and MSCT images and if the virtual measurements correspond to the physical ones. The sample included 33 dry crania imaged by MSCT. Two observers measured dry bones, two placed landmarks on 2D and 3D MSCT reconstructions, and one conducted measurements/landmarking on both media. One of the observers for each media repeated the measurements. Technical and relative technical error of measurement (TEM and rTEM) and percentage differences were calculated to examine the repeatability of measurements and compare measuring modalities. Intraobserver rTEM was above 1.5% for six bone measurements: FOB, ZOB, OBB, NLH, DKB, MDH (1.51%-4.87%) and for seven MSCT measurements: OBH, FOB, OBB, MDH, NLB, ZOB, DKB (1.57%-5.55%). The interobserver rTEM was above the acceptable level (>2%) for 11 measurements: PAC, NLH, OBB, EKB, MAL, FOB, NLB, OBH, ZOB, DKB, and MDH (2.01%-9.34%). The percentage differences were not systematically larger for measurements taken by the same user on both modalities than those obtained by different users on the same modality. When physical and MSCT measurements were tested on sex classification standards, the proportion of crania classified as male or female did not significantly differ (p > 0.05). The study showed that physical and virtual cranial measurements could be interchangeable for developing or applying sex estimation standards. However, clarifications and adaptations are necessary for measurements of mastoid, nasal, and orbital regions that did not meet the standard criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Jerković
- University Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Željana Bašić
- University Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Tina Bareša
- University Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Elvira Krešić
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anita Adamić Hadžić
- Anthropological Centre of Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Krešimir Dolić
- Clinical Department for Diagnostic and Intervention Radiology, University Hospital Center Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Marija Ćavar Borić
- Clinical Department for Diagnostic and Intervention Radiology, University Hospital Center Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Danijela Budimir Mršić
- Clinical Department for Diagnostic and Intervention Radiology, University Hospital Center Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Mislav Čavka
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mario Šlaus
- Anthropological Centre of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Šimun Anđelinović
- Clinical Department for Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, University Hospital Split, Split, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Ivana Kružić
- University Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Split, Split, Croatia
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19
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Corron LK, Broehl KA, Chu EY, Vlemincq-Mendieta T, Wolfe CA, Pilloud MA, Scott GR, Spradley MK, Stull KE. Agreement and error rates associated with standardized data collection protocols for skeletal and dental data on 3D virtual subadult crania. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 334:111272. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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20
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Cao Y, Ma Y, Yang X, Xiong J, Wang Y, Zhang J, Qin Z, Chen Y, Vieira DN, Chen F, Zhang J, Huang P. Use of deep learning in forensic sex estimation of virtual pelvic models from the Han population. Forensic Sci Res 2022; 7:540-549. [PMID: 36353321 PMCID: PMC9639534 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2021.2024369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate sex estimation is crucial to determine the identity of human skeletal remains effectively. Here, we developed convolutional neural network (CNN) models for sex estimation on virtual hemi-pelvic regions, including the ventral pubis (VP), dorsal pubis (DP), greater sciatic notch (GSN), pelvic inlet (PI), ischium, and acetabulum from the Han population and compared these models with two experienced forensic anthropologists using morphological methods. A Computed Tomography (CT) dataset of 862 individuals was divided into the subgroups of training, validation, and testing, respectively. The CT-based virtual hemi-pelvises from the training and validation groups were used to calibrate sex estimation models; and then a testing dataset was used to evaluate the performance of the trained models and two human experts on the sex estimation of specific pelvic regions in terms of overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Except for the ischium and acetabulum, the CNN models trained with the VP, DP, GSN, and PI images achieved excellent results with all the prediction metrics over 0.9. All accuracies were superior to those of the two forensic anthropologists in the independent testing. Notably, the heatmap results confirmed that the trained CNN models were focused on traditional sexual anatomic traits for sex classification. This study demonstrates the potential of AI techniques based on the radiological dataset in sex estimation of virtual pelvic models. The excellent sex estimation performance obtained by the CNN models indicates that this method is valuable to proceed with in prospective forensic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Cao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, China
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yonggang Ma
- Department of Medical Imaging, 3201 Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Hanzhong, Shannxi, China
| | - Xiaotong Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, China
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jian Xiong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, China
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yahui Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Qin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijiu Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, China
| | - Duarte Nuno Vieira
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, China
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21
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Cao Y, Ma Y, Vieira DN, Guo Y, Wang Y, Deng K, Chen Y, Zhang J, Qin Z, Chen F, Huang P, Zhang J. A potential method for sex estimation of human skeletons using deep learning and three-dimensional surface scanning. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:2409-2421. [PMID: 34459973 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02675-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Deep learning based on radiological methods has attracted considerable attention in forensic anthropology because of its superior classification capacities over human experts. However, radiological instruments are limited in their nature of high cost and immobility. Here, we integrated a deep learning algorithm and three-dimensional (3D) surface scanning technique into a portable system for pelvic sex estimation. Briefly, the images of the ventral pubis (VP), dorsal pubis (DP), and greater sciatic notch (GSN) were cropped from virtual pelvic samples reconstructed from CT scans of 1000 individuals; 80% of them were used to train and internally evaluate convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that were then evaluated externally with the remaining samples. An additional 105 real pelvises were documented virtually with a handheld 3D surface scanner, and the corresponding snapshots of the VP, DP, and GSN were predicted by the trained CNN models. The CNN models achieved excellent performance in the external testing using CT-based images, with accuracies of 98.0%, 98.5%, and 94.0% for VP, DP, and GSN, respectively. When the CT-based models were applied to 3D scanning images, they obtained satisfactory accuracies above 95% on the VP and DP images compared to the GSN with 73.3%. In a single-blind trial, a multiple design that combined the three CNN models yielded a superior accuracy of 97.1% with 3D surface scanning images over two anthropologists. Our study demonstrates the great potential of deep learning and 3D surface scanning for rapid and accurate sex estimation of skeletal remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Cao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonggang Ma
- Department of Medical Imaging, 3201 Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Hanzhong, Shannxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Duarte Nuno Vieira
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Yucheng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yahui Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaifei Deng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijiu Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Qin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ji Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Petaros A, Caplova Z, Verna E, Adalian P, Baccino E, de Boer HH, Cunha E, Ekizoglu O, Ferreira MT, Fracasso T, Kranioti EF, Lefevre P, Lynnerup N, Ross A, Steyn M, Obertova Z, Cattaneo C. Technical Note: The Forensic Anthropology Society of Europe (FASE) Map of Identified Osteological Collections. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 328:110995. [PMID: 34583243 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Identified (documented) osteological collections represent an important resource in the development of forensic anthropology standards and methods as well as a precious tool for learning and training of practitioners. Even though the number of papers presenting identified collections worldwide increases, many of the collections have still not been divulged to the scientific community in sufficient detail to ascertain their exact number. The Forensic Anthropology Society of Europe (FASE) therefore developed a tool that goes beyond sporadic publications: the FASE Map of Identified Osteological Collections, which is freely accessible and continuously updated and revised. The online map is available at http://forensicanthropology.eu/osteological-collections/. The map of skeletal collections was created in 2017 and currently displays information on 153 identified osteological collections (43 of them categorized as contemporary) located in 41 different countries. This article offers a short analysis of the type, geographical location and content of the collections included in the map. The aim of this article and the map as such is to provide a useful resource to facilitate research planning and teaching in forensic anthropology and related disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Petaros
- Department of Legal Medicine Linköping, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden.
| | | | - Emeline Verna
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, EFS, ADES, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Adalian
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, EFS, ADES, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Baccino
- Medico-legal Unit, Hospital Lapeyronie, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Hans H de Boer
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eugenia Cunha
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal; National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Oguzhan Ekizoglu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey; Unit of Forensic Imaging and Anthropology, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Teresa Ferreira
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tony Fracasso
- University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elena F Kranioti
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Medical School, University of Crete, Greece
| | - Philippe Lefevre
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Biomechanics and Organogenesis (LABO), Forensic Anthropology Unit, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Niels Lynnerup
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ann Ross
- NC Human Identification & Forensic Analysis Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, USA
| | - Maryna Steyn
- Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Zuzana Obertova
- Centre for Forensic Anthropology, School of Social Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology and Odontology (LABANOF), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Mistry J, Hing CB, Harris S. Using a 3D handheld scanner to capture trochlear groove shape: proof of concept study. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2021; 104:35-40. [PMID: 34414807 DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2021.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trochleoplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat patellar instability by modifying the trochlear groove. Analysis of the groove with a handheld scanner would enable accurate real-time planning and facilitate tailormade correction. We aimed to measure trochlear depth, sulcus angle, trochlear facet ratio, trochlear angle and lateral trochlear inclination angle and to establish inter- and intra-rater reliability for knee models to determine reliability and repeatability. METHODS The trochlear grooves of three knee models were scanned by two investigators. Three-dimensional reference models were created and surface-matched. Custom software was used to determine the desired parameters. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine test-retest reliability and the parameter results for each model that showed best reproducibility. RESULTS There was good interobserver reliability (trochlear depth, 1.0mm; sulcus angle, 2.7°; trochlear angle, 4.0°; lateral trochlear inclination angle, 4.0°), except in the trochlear facet ratio (32.0%) of one knee model. With outliers removed, the ICC was moderate to excellent in 73.34% of measurements, with trochlear depth showing the best reproducibility. DISCUSSION This feasibility study showed a handheld scanner in conjunction with supporting software can measure trochlear parameters with good to excellent inter- and intra-observer reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mistry
- St George's, University of London, UK
| | - C B Hing
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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24
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Corron LK, Santos F, Adalian P, Chaumoitre K, Guyomarc'h P, Marchal F, Brůžek J. How low can we go? A skeletal maturity threshold for probabilistic visual sex estimation from immature human os coxae. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 325:110854. [PMID: 34091409 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The appearance of sexually dimorphic traits varies depending on the type of bone, age, environmental and genetic factors and is closely linked to skeletal maturation sequence. Subadult sex estimation currently shows inconsistent accuracy and methods do not incorporate indicators of maturation. The goal of this study is to apply the Santos et al. (2019) adult sex estimation method on virtually reconstructed subadult os coxae and account for pelvic maturation. MATERIAL AND METHODS The right os coxae of 194 female and male individuals aged 11-30 years from Marseille, France were virtually reconstructed from computed tomography (CT) scans. Santos et al.'s (2019) 11 traits were scored as female, male, or indeterminate. Maturation of 10 pelvic epiphyseal sites was scored using a four-stage system (0-3) to obtain a composite maturity score from 1 to 30. RESULTS Three maturity groups were identified based on composite maturity scores ranging from 0 to 30. Individuals with a composite maturity score of 15 or higher showed 98 % sex estimation accuracy and a 6 % indeterminate rate. Scores of 2 for the ischiatic tuberosity or 1 for the anterior superior iliac spine can be used as proxies for a composite maturity score of 15 and application on incomplete bones. DISCUSSION Sexual dimorphism was observed in the epiphyseal maturation sequence and the development of sexually dimorphic pelvic traits. The Santos et al. (2019) method is applicable on immature individuals who meet a maturation threshold with comparable accuracy to adults, without relying on known or estimated age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise K Corron
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA.
| | - Frédéric Santos
- PACEA - De la Préhistoire à l'Actuel: Culture, Environnement et Anthropologie, UMR 5199, CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, CS 50023, Pessac 33615, France.
| | - Pascal Adalian
- ADES - Anthropologie bioculturelle, Droit, Ethique et Santé, UMR 7268, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, Faculté de Médecine - secteur Nord, CS80011, Bd Pierre Dramard, 13 344 Marseille cedex 15, France.
| | - Kathia Chaumoitre
- ADES - Anthropologie bioculturelle, Droit, Ethique et Santé, UMR 7268, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, Faculté de Médecine - secteur Nord, CS80011, Bd Pierre Dramard, 13 344 Marseille cedex 15, France; Department of Radiology and medical imaging, CHU Nord, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, F-13915 Marseille Cedex 20, France.
| | - Pierre Guyomarc'h
- ADES - Anthropologie bioculturelle, Droit, Ethique et Santé, UMR 7268, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, Faculté de Médecine - secteur Nord, CS80011, Bd Pierre Dramard, 13 344 Marseille cedex 15, France.
| | - François Marchal
- ADES - Anthropologie bioculturelle, Droit, Ethique et Santé, UMR 7268, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, Faculté de Médecine - secteur Nord, CS80011, Bd Pierre Dramard, 13 344 Marseille cedex 15, France.
| | - Jaroslav Brůžek
- PACEA - De la Préhistoire à l'Actuel: Culture, Environnement et Anthropologie, UMR 5199, CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, CS 50023, Pessac 33615, France; Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 2 1200, Czech Republic.
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25
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Kuchař M, Henyš P, Rejtar P, Hájek P. Shape morphing technique can accurately predict pelvic bone landmarks. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:1617-1626. [PMID: 33502550 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02501-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diffeomorphic shape registration allows for the seamless geometric alignment of shapes. In this study, we demonstrated the use of a registration algorithm to automatically seed anthropological landmarks on the CT images of the pelvis. We found a high correlation between manually and automatically seeded landmarks. The registration algorithm makes it possible to achieve a high degree of automation with the potential to reduce operator errors in the seeding of anthropological landmarks. The results of this study represent a promising step forward in effectively defining the anthropological measures of the human skeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kuchař
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Šimkova 870, 500 03, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Henyš
- Institute of New Technologies and Applied Informatics, Faculty of Mechatronics, Informatics and Interdisciplinary Studies, Technical University of Liberec, Studentská 1402/2, 461 17, Liberec, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Rejtar
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Sokolská 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Hájek
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Šimkova 870, 500 03, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
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26
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Corron LK, Stock MK, Cole SJ, Hulse CN, Garvin HM, Klales AR, Stull KE. Standardizing ordinal subadult age indicators: Testing for observer agreement and consistency across modalities. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 320:110687. [PMID: 33461006 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal and dental data for subadult analyses obtained from dry bones or various types of medical images, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or conventional radiographs/x-rays, should be consistent and repeatable to ensure method applicability across modalities and support combining study samples. The present study evaluates observer agreement of epiphyseal fusion and dental development stages obtained on CT scans of a U.S. sample and the consistency of epiphyseal fusion stages between CT scans and projected scan radiographs/scout images (U.S. CT sample), and between dry bones and conventional x-rays (Colombian osteological sample). Results show that both intra- and interobserver agreements of scores on CT scans were high (intra: mean Cohen's kappa=0.757-0.939, inter: mean Cohen's kappa=0.773-0.836). Agreements were lower for dental data (intra: mean Cohen's kappa=0.757, inter: mean Cohen's kappa=0.773-0.0.820) compared to epiphyseal fusion data (intra: mean Cohen's kappa=0.939, inter: mean Cohen's kappa=0.807-0.836). Consistency of epiphyseal fusion stages was higher between dry bones and conventional x-rays than between CT scans and scout images (mean Cohen's kappa=0.708-0.824 and 0.726-0.738, respectively). Differences rarely surpassed a one-stage value between observers or modalities. The complexity of some ossification patterns and superimposition had a greater negative impact on agreement and consistency rates than observer experience. Results suggest ordinal subadult skeletal data can be collected and combined across modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K Corron
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Reno, United States.
| | - M K Stock
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Metropolitan State University of Denver, United States
| | - S J Cole
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Reno, United States
| | - C N Hulse
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Reno, United States
| | - H M Garvin
- Department of Anatomy, Des Moines University, United States
| | - A R Klales
- Forensic Anthropology Program, Washburn University, United States
| | - K E Stull
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Reno, United States; University of Pretoria, South Africa
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27
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Garoufi N, Bertsatos A, Chovalopoulou ME, Villa C. Forensic sex estimation using the vertebrae: an evaluation on two European populations. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:2307-2318. [PMID: 32940842 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02430-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sex estimation is one of the primary steps for constructing the biological profile of skeletal remains leading to their identification in the forensic context. While the pelvis is the most sex diagnostic bone, the cranium and other post-cranial elements have been extensively studied. Earlier research has also focused on the vertebral column with varying results regarding its sex classification accuracy as well as the underlying population specificity. The present study focuses on three easily identifiable vertebrae, namely T1, T12, and L1, and utilizes two modern European populations, a Greek and a Danish, to evaluate their forensic utility in sex identification. To this end, 865 vertebrae from 339 individuals have been analyzed for sexual dimorphism by further evaluating the effects of age-at-death and population affinity on its expression. Our results show that T1 is the best sex diagnostic vertebra for both populations reaching cross-validated accuracy of almost 90%, while age-at-death has limited effect on its sexual dimorphism. On the contrary, T12 and L1 produced varying results ranging from 75 to 83% accuracy with the Greek population exhibiting distinctively more pronounced sexual dimorphism. Additionally, age-at-death had significant effect on sexual dimorphism of T12 and L1 and especially in the Greek female and Danish male groups. Our results on inter-population comparison suggest that vertebral sex discriminant functions, and especially those utilizing multiple measurements, are highly population specific and optimally suitable only for their targeted population. An open-source software tool to facilitate classifying new cases based on our results is made freely available to forensic researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nefeli Garoufi
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, GR 157 01, Athens, Greece.
| | - Andreas Bertsatos
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, GR 157 01, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Chovalopoulou
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, GR 157 01, Athens, Greece
- Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, 2121, Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chiara Villa
- Laboratory of Advanced Imaging and 3D Modelling Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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28
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Bertoglio B, Corradin S, Cappella A, Mazzarelli D, Biehler-Gomez L, Messina C, Pozzi G, Sconfienza LM, Sardanelli F, Sforza C, De Angelis D, Cattaneo C. Pitfalls of Computed Tomography 3D Reconstruction Models in Cranial Nonmetric Analysis. J Forensic Sci 2020; 65:2098-2107. [PMID: 32809248 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Many studies in the literature have highlighted the utility of virtual 3D databanks as a substitute for real skeletal collections and the important application of radiological records in personal identification. However, none have investigated the accuracy of virtual material compared to skeletal remains in nonmetric variant analysis using 3D models. The present study investigates the accuracy of 20 computed tomography (CT) 3D reconstruction models compared to the real crania, focusing on the quality of the reproduction of the real crania and the possibility to detect 29 dental/cranial morphological variations in 3D images. An interobserver analysis was performed to evaluate trait identification, number, position, and shape. Results demonstrate a false bone loss in 3D models in some cranial regions, specifically the maxillary and occipital bones in 85% and 20% of the samples. Additional analyses revealed several difficulties in the detection of cranial nonmetric traits in 3D models, resulting in incorrect identification in circa 70% of the traits. In particular, pitfalls included the detection of erroneous position, error in presence/absence rates, in number, and in shape. The lowest percentages of correct evaluations were found in traits localized in the lateral side of the cranium and for the infraorbital suture, mastoid foramen, and crenulation. The present study highlights important pitfalls in CT scan when compared with the real crania for nonmetric analysis. This may have crucial consequences in cases where 3D databanks are used as a source of reference population data for nonmetric traits and pathologies and during bone-CT comparisons for identification purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bertoglio
- LABANOF, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Sofia Corradin
- LABANOF, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Annalisa Cappella
- LABANOF, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, Milan, 20133, Italy.,Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico (LAFAS), Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Debora Mazzarelli
- LABANOF, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, Milan, 20133, Italy.,Fondazione Isacchi Samaja ONLUS, Via Nino Bixio 30, Milan, 20129, Italy
| | - Lucie Biehler-Gomez
- LABANOF, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Carmelo Messina
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, Milan, 20161, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Grazia Pozzi
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, Milan, 20161, Italy
| | - Luca Maria Sconfienza
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, Milan, 20161, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Francesco Sardanelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, Milan, 20133, Italy.,IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Edmondo Malan 2, Milan, 20097, Italy
| | - Chiarella Sforza
- Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico (LAFAS), Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Danilo De Angelis
- LABANOF, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- LABANOF, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, Milan, 20133, Italy
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29
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Robles M, Rando C, Morgan RM. The utility of three-dimensional models of paranasal sinuses to establish age, sex, and ancestry across three modern populations: A preliminary study. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2020.1805014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Robles
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, London, UK
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Archaeology, London, UK
| | | | - Ruth M. Morgan
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, London, UK
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, London, UK
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30
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Cekdemir YE, Mutlu U, Karaman G, Balci A. Estimation of sex using morphometric measurements performed on cranial computerized tomography scans. Radiol Med 2020; 126:306-315. [PMID: 32533549 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-020-01233-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of morphometric measurements performed on cranial computerized tomography (CT) images for the estimation of sex. A retrospective study was performed in the radiology department of a tertiary care center using data collected from cranial CT scans of 616 Caucasian cases (307 women, 309 men) with an average age of 44.70 ± 16.43. The parameters under investigation consisted of maximum cranial length (MCL), minimum frontal breadth, bi-zygomatic breadth (BZB), parietal chord, maximum cranial breadth, bi-mastoid diameter (BIM) and the length of cranial base. Any statistically significant difference in terms of these parameters was found between males and females. In our series, women were remarkably older than men (47.56 ± 15.87 vs. 41.39 ± 16.43; p < 0.001). We observed that there was a statistically significant difference between males and females concerning all morphometric measurements and males displayed higher values in terms of all parameters (p < 0.001, for all). The variables with the most successful performance for discrimination of gender were BZB (89.2%), MCL (87.4%) and BIM (84.8%). The concomitant use of these morphometric measurements seems to improve the accuracy of sex estimation. We suggest that morphometric measurements performed on cranial CT images can be useful for the estimation of sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Ertug Cekdemir
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Uygar Mutlu
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gokce Karaman
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Council of Forensic Medicine, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Ali Balci
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
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31
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Stock MK, Garvin HM, Corron LK, Hulse CN, Cirillo LE, Klales AR, Colman KL, Stull KE. The importance of processing procedures and threshold values in CT scan segmentation of skeletal elements: An example using the immature os coxa. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 309:110232. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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