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Estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) of human remains based on the histomorphology of dental pulp parameters is promising, but available evidence is scarce and sometimes contradictory without a scientific model. The aim of the study is to characterise the histomorphological changes of dental pulp associated with the decomposition of human remains by a qualitative and quantitative approach. The main aim is to establish a correlation based on post-mortem (PM) dental pulp histomorphology and the PMI, and whether pulp degradation could be an available medico-legal tool for PMI estimation beyond the first week after death (late PMI). The eligible sample consisted of 27 sound teeth from 16 healthy patients aged 16 to 72 years due to orthodontic or oral surgery treatment, to create PMI’s simulating the death of the subject as the time elapsed from tooth avulsion. Data collected from patients (sex, date of birth, tooth position, date and hour of the avulsion, date and hour of pulp extraction) were anonymised in accordance with the requirements of Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Lisbon. The sample was divided into 9 groups of 3 teeth according to different PMI sets from T0 (baseline) up to 2 weeks (T0, 7, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours, 1 and 2 weeks). All the dental samples were stored at room temperature up to the time of pulp extraction and then prepared with haematoxylin and eosin stain. High-resolution microscopy was performed to obtain histological images. An operator performed the qualitative evaluation of blood vessels, collagen fibres, and the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) in PM pulps and measured the variation in cells/ nuclei density by counting 6 different ROIs (Regions of Interest) for each pulp manually and automatically (quantitative analysis). Qualitative results showed that the degeneration of dental pulp appears 7 hours after death but histological changes in vessels, fibres, and ECM in PM dental pulp are characterised by high variability, consequently it is not possible to generalise the results for early PMIs. Quantitative measurements proved that cell count cannot be standardised due to the presence of superimposed layers of cells and nuclei fragmentation. Odontoblasts did not demonstrate evidence of cellular or nuclear lysis up to 14 PM suggesting their applicability in late PMIs. Future research will focus on late PMIs and different techniques of tooth preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: In the context of forensic identification, sex determination is the first important step, and the mandible is of particular interest because it shows clear signs of dimorphism. Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was sex classification through the application of several craniomandibular metric variables in a Portuguese adult population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 206 orthopantomographic images (116 females and 90 males) were selected from Portuguese adults aged between 25 and 79 years. From each image, 14 linear variables were measured using ImageJ® software. IBM SPSS® software version 27.0 was applied to analyze data presented as extremes, mean, standard deviation, and median. Statistical methodologies included intra-class analysis, normality test, t-test, Mann-Whitney test, logistic regression, and ROC curve to determine cut-off point and respective sensitivity and specificity of sex classification. RESULTS: Comparing the two sexes, all variables showed significant differences, except for the angular variables. Variables with the best area under ROC curve were height of the right (0.861) and left (0.850) mandibular ramus. Based on the logistic regression, the left coronoid height, right mandible body height, left mandible body height, and right mandible ramus height showed an accuracy level of 83.0%, sensitivity of 86.2%, and specificity of 78.9% in sex classification. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results show identifiable mandibular dimorphism in the measurements of mandibular structures in orthopantomography images. These metric variables allow for the creation of discrimination models between males and females in a Portuguese adult population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of work: The aim of this study was to determine the most frequent injuries and their relationship with gender, age and aetiology. Materials and Methods: An Epidemiologic Systematic Review was carried out, in the databases PUBMED and Scopus, between 2010-2020. We used Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist to access the Risk of Bias and Grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and the evaluations (GRADE) method was applied to assess the quality of the evidence of the 78 included articles. Results and Conclusions: Out of the 78 articles included, 14 were classified as moderate-risk bias and 58 as low risk. Only 20.5% had a prospective design and the male/female ratio ranged from 0.299 to 11.83. The majority of the studies described fractures (67) and only 26 reported dental injuries. The studies were distributed into five regions of countries: Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe and Muslin regions. The results showed that road traffic accidents (55.37%) were the most frequent type of trauma, followed by assault (17.56%) and falls (10.21%). Fractures were the most prevalent injuries (84.3%). It was possible to establish an association between road traffic accidents and Asian countries. Assaults were more frequent in Africa, predominantly males, whilst falls increased with age, amongst women, in European countries. Fractures were usually observed in Muslin regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Better understanding of dental age assessment may help in cases of age estimation in Forensic Clinics. The first aim was to provide essential information on method reliability for upcoming studies using dental age assessment by second molar index (I2M), and third molar index (I3M) for age estimation on legal ages of 12 - 14 years. The second aim was to document forensic method outcomes of the Demirjian method which has already been used in forensic clinic. Material and methods: Two samples were used for this purpose: for I2M, 633 orthopantomographs (270 females/363 males), the age range from 7 to 17 years and for I3M, 471 orthopantomographs (253 females/218 males), the age range from 10 to 23 years, from the database population of Lisbon North University Hospital Center, approved by the Ethic Committee. Results: The I3M cut-off point (1.133) for 12-year-olds obtained better results than the cut-off point stated by the I2M (0.135). Besides, I2M cut-off point (0.001) for 14- year-olds showed better results when compared with the cut-off point (0.705) established by the I3M. Both methods are reliable for the legal age thresholds of 12 and 14 years. However, using I2M and I3M allows us to vary the cut-off value to privilege sensitivities or specificity, depending on which is more appropriate to the intended application. Conclusions: The accuracy (88.94%) of I3M obtained better results for the 12-year-old cut-off point (1.133) and the accuracy (90.21%) of the I2M performed better for the 14-year-old cut-off point (0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: In forensic science, age estimation for identification purposes of living and deceased individuals, is of great importance. It is crucial for humanitarian reasons in both civil and criminal cases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to contribute to the process of forensic age estimation using dental age assessment with mineralization stages of Demirjian method, and maturity indexes of permanent mandibular second (I2M) and third molars (I3M). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two samples were used from a Portuguese population; for I2M, 591 orthopantomography's aged between 7 and 15 years and for I3M, 350 orthopantomography's aged between 12 and 23 years. Age estimation was obtained using linear regression models, each model was estimated with all observations and without observations, in which I2M or I3M = 0. RESULTS: The results of ICC for intra- and inter-observer validation varied between 0.608 and 0.999 for both indexes. Pearson correlation coefficient between each index and chronological age showed that all indexes were significantly negatively correlated with chronological age. The standard error of estimate and the mean absolute error were continually low without patients with null index. CONCLUSIONS: Application of I2M is reproducible in a Portuguese population for medical-legal application in a population aged 7 to 15 years, when the corresponding index is positive. Third molar must be used only if its index is positive. The inclusion of Demirjian staging in both models significantly increases accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high diversity of grapevine varieties in Portugal is well known. In several municipalities in the northeast of Portugal at the beginning of the last century, more than one hundred different varieties were recognized. Currently are authorized for wine production with Protected Designation of Origin "Trás-os-Montes" 33 varieties and "Douro"/"Porto" 110, comprising 115 different varieties. Nevertheless, despite this huge diversity, only 22 (19.1%) have representativity in these wine regions higher than 1%, corresponding to 84,2% ("Trás-os-Montes") and 89.0% ("Douro"/"Porto") of the total vineyard area. Prospection and identification of grapevine material in ancient vineyards in these wine regions is of utmost importance to prevent its disappearance. Thirteen old vineyards, aged between 50 and over 100 years, were studied, comprising a total of 456 plants. Genotyping by SSR and SNP markers allowed the identification of 88 different molecular profiles, including 15 unknown genotypes. In fact, 18 genotypes were detected in only one plant which emphasizes the urgency in their preservation. Moreover, chlorotype diversity was also analyzed. Four chlorotypes (A, B, C and D) were detected: chlorotype A was the most frequent, followed by chlorotype D. Chlorotypes B and C were only present in four foreign grapevine varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 100 grapevine varieties are registered as suitable for wine production in "Douro" and "Trás-os-Montes" Protected Designations of Origin regions; however, only a few are actually used for winemaking. The identification of varieties cultivated in past times can be an important step to take advantage of all the potential of these regions grape biodiversity. The conservation of the vanishing genetic resources boosts greater product diversification, and it can be considered strategic in the valorisation of these wine regions. Hence, one goal of the present study was to prospect and characterise, through molecular markers, 310 plants of 11 old vineyards that constitute a broad representation of the grape genetic patrimony of "Douro" and "Trás-os-Montes" wine regions; 280 samples, grouped into 52 distinct known varieties, were identified through comparison of their genetic profiles generated via 6 nuclear SSR and 43 informative SNP loci amplification; the remaining 30 samples, accounting for 13 different genotypes, did not match with any profile in the consulted databases and were considered as new genotypes. This study also aimed at evaluating the population structure among the 65 non-redundant genotypes identified, which were grouped into two ancestral genetic groups. The mean probability of identity values of 0.072 and 0.510 (for the 6 SSR and 226 SNP sets, respectively) were determined. Minor differences were observed between frequencies of chlorotypes A and D within the non-redundant genotypes studied. Twenty-seven pedigrees were confirmed and nine new trios were established. Ancestors of eight genotypes remain unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate if there are differences in mitigation acute pain following oral surgery procedures within a hospital setting and regarding various medication regimens., Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was performed between the years 2013 and 2023, including the databases PUBMED, Cochrane and Scopus, to identify the clinical trials investigating the prescription of non-steroidal (NSAID's) anti-inflammatory drugs before or after an oral surgery. A meta-analysis with meta-regression model was employed on the primary and secondary outcomes, such as pain, swelling and trismus., Results: Thirty-six articles were included, 6 of them being retrospective and 30 prospective, with a higher proportion of women than men, at a ratio of 1.34:1 and an average age of 31.9 years. Drugs with medium duration of action demonstrated lower values for pain and swelling. Regarding these parameters, pain and swelling, propionic acid derivatives and acetic acid derivatives exhibited lower values respectively., Conclusions: The quality of evidence was low to very low- certainty. The meta-analysis suggests that postoperative pain, swelling and trismus following oral surgery management may be effectively treated with the following drugs: NSAID medium-duration action drugs; propionic acid derivatives for lower pain levels and acetic acid derivatives for lower swelling measures; and Ibuprofen 400mg every 8h for 3 days or less., Clinical Relevance: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are prescribed to prevent or treat dental pain. Ibuprofen 400mg was the most prescribed drug after or before an oral surgery procedure. However, the evidence is indirect and needs to be interpreted with caution., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine.)

Objective: Better understanding of dental age assessment may help in cases of age estimation in Forensic Clinics. The first aim was to provide essential information on method reliability for upcoming studies using dental age assessment by second molar index (I 2M ), and third molar index (I 3M ) for age estimation on legal ages of 12 - 14 years. The second aim was to document forensic method outcomes of the Demirjian method which has already been used in forensic clinic., Material and Methods: Two samples were used for this purpose: for I 2M , 633 orthopantomographs (270 females / 363 males), the age range from 7 to 17 years and for I 3M , 471 orthopantomographs (253 females / 218 males), the age range from 10 to 23 years, from the database population of Lisbon North University Hospital Center, approved by the Ethic Committee., Results: The I 3M cut-off point (1.133) for 12- year- olds obtained better results than the cut-off point stated by the I 2M (0.135). Besides, I 2M cut-off point (0.001) for 14- year- olds showed better results when compared with the cut-off point (0.705) established by the I 3M . Both methods are reliable for the legal age thresholds of 12 and 14 years. However, using I 2M and I 3M allows us to vary the cut-off value to privilege sensitivities or specificity, depending on which is more appropriate to the intended application., Conclusions: The accuracy (88.94%) of I 3M obtained better results for the 12- year- old cut-off point (1.133) and the accuracy (90.21%) of the I 2M performed better for the 14- year- old cut-off point (0.001)., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest Statement All authors declare no conflict of interest.