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Estimating the biological sex is one of the key objectives in a forensic investigation involving unidentified human skeletal remains. The femur is sexually dimorphic and has been extensively employed for the assessment of sex in different populations. The purposes of this article include a detailed macroanatomical characterization of the femur in a modern reference sample of the Spanish population (N = 226; Cemetery of San José in Granada, housed in the Physical Anthropology Laboratory of the University of Granada), based on 15 measurements of the proximal, distal and diaphyseal regions, and the development of univariable and multivariable models that enable the prediction of sex from complete or fragmentary femora. Univariable models were developed with C4.5, a decision-tree algorithm. Furthermore, univariable and multivariable models were generated through logistic regression (LR) with stepwise selection procedures. The models were able to correctly estimate sex in up to 91.2% of the individuals, providing high classification accuracy and low bias under cross-validation. Logistic regression models provide a probabilistic estimate of sex, that acknowledges both the Daubert standard and the fact that biological sex is not strictly dichotomous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic anthropology involves analysing human skeletal remains to assist legal investigations, with sex estimation being a key component of constructing a biological profile. This study evaluated the feasibility of developing metric methods for sex estimation using femora and humeri across different populations. Logistic regression models were created from Portuguese training samples (360 femora; 329 humeri) and tested on independent Portuguese (200 femora; 150 humeri) and South African (66 femora; 66 humeri) samples. The primary goal was to develop sex estimation models using pooled data from Portuguese samples and assess their reliability across Portuguese and South African populations. Femoral models for the Portuguese testing sample achieved an accuracy between 82.0% and 85.5%, with sex bias from 0.0% to 8.0%. Humeral models showed higher accuracy, between 88.0% and 94.0%, with sex bias from 2.4% to 13.1%. In the South African sample, both femoral and humeral models exceeded 75.0% accuracy but exhibited notable sex bias. The results suggest that using a heterogeneous training set, combining data from diverse populations, offers a broader understanding of sexual dimorphism compared with a homogeneous dataset from a single group. The study emphasizes that relying solely on skeletal samples from one population is insufficient for modern forensic anthropology standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital skeletal disorders are a heterogeneous group of anomalies that become evident during gestation. They are expressed in the shape and growth of the bones during development because of a defective genetic background. With the follow‐up of pregnant women and the advances in prenatal ultrasonographic examination and molecular genetic tests, nowadays, congenital skeletal disorders are identified at an early gestational age. If they are considered lethal, the termination of pregnancy is advised. This work unveils an exceptional instance of a rare pathological condition identified in a perinate (birth ± 2 weeks) from the 17th to 19th centuries, recovered during an excavation at the cloister of the São Domingos Convent in Lisbon, Portugal. The skeleton presents with exuberant modifications that include, among others, severe shortening (micromelia) and bowing of the long bones of the upper and lower limbs. The main skeletal findings indicated a presumptive general diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia, while the differential diagnosis includes hypophosphatasia, campomelic dysplasia, achondrogenesis, thanatophoric dysplasia, and severe achondroplasia with developmental delay and acanthosis nigricans (SADDAN) as the most plausible causes for the observed skeletal changes. Even though an exact diagnosis is unattainable based only on the macroscopic analysis of the bones, the phenotypic features observed in this perinate are more consistent with thanatophoric dysplasia type 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of unidentified remains involves a comparison of ante- and postmortem features using biological identifiers. Anthropological identifiers, referred to by International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) as secondary identifiers, have often been judged less reliable than DNA, fingerprints and dental records (referred to as primary identifiers). However, anthropological identifiers have been proven as discriminatory as the primary sources in many instances, and play a decisive role in positive identification. To guarantee better use of anthropological identifiers, it is not only essential to develop standard protocols and statistical frameworks, but also to test different identification approaches in cases from daily practice. Evidence of skeletal antemortem trauma can be a valuable aid in the identification process, especially if the exact type of traumatic event causing the injury is identified. Here, we present a case in which the combination of anthropological analysis and imaging confirmed an interesting and unique sequence of antemortem traumatic events in incomplete skeletal remains. The remains were assumed to pertain to an individual who went missing several years earlier, and whose medical records revealed a unique history of trauma to the right femur. The individual had sustained a fracture due to a fall from a high height followed, 10 years after the primary trauma, by a gunshot wound to the same bone; both treated by intramedullary nail fixation. While the anthropological analysis matched the biological profile of the missing individual and identified a healed defect to the right femur compatible with a gunshot wound, the radiological examination indicated that the bone underwent three surgical procedures on different occasions. Radiological examination also identified a pre-existing healed fracture adjacent to the gunshot defect. In addition to presenting the identification process in this specific case, this article discusses the difficulties in antemortem trauma interpretation, importance of combining macroscopic and radiological analysis to aid the reconstruction of previous traumatic events and mechanisms of injury from healed fractures that can play important roles in forensic human identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a series of three complex forensic cases that posed significant challenges for identifying human remains. These include a mass dam disaster, burnt human remains, and extensively decomposed human remains. Positive identification was achieved using a shadow positioning technique with imaging comparisons of medical findings. After establishing the biological profile, medical data were evaluated with digital radiography and computed tomography examinations the human remains. These aimed to replicate the original (intravitam) traits in the same angulation to examine postsurgical characteristics, as well as the anatomical, pathological, and morphological features, which were sufficient to establish a positive scientific identification. Technological advancements tend to reveal additional skeletal details, making medical data comparisons significantly more effective in the context of anthropological identification. These cases demonstrate that the possibility of identification should never be ignored, even in situations with advanced decomposition. Key points Conventional identification methods may not always be applicable in forensic anthropology cases. The presented cases include a mass dam disaster, burnt human remains, and extensively decomposed human remains. These three cases involved successful human identification with medical findings comparisons using the shadow position technique. Identification could be established in these cases, despite challenges, such as fire damage, an incomplete body, and extensive decomposition. These cases suggest medical findings should be considered as biological identifiers rather than secondary identifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age assessment of the living is a fundamental procedure in the process of human identification, in order to guarantee fair treatment of individuals, which has ethical, civil, legal, and medical repercussions. The careful selection of the appropriate methods requires evaluation of several parameters: accuracy, precision of the method, as well as its reproducibility. The approach proposed by Mincer et al. adapted from Demirjian et al. exploring third molar mineralisation, is one of the most frequently considered for age estimation of the living. Thus, this work aims to assess potential bias in the data collection when applying the classification stages for dental mineralisation adapted by Mincer et al. A total of 102 orthopantomographs, of clinical origin, belonging to individuals aged between 12 and 25 years (⁠|$ \bar{\textit x} $| = 20.12 years, SD = 3.49 years; 65 females, 37 males, all of Portuguese nationality) were included and a retrospective analysis performed by five observers with different levels of experience (high, average, and basic). The performance and agreement between five observers were evaluated using Weighted Cohen's Kappa and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. To access the influence of impaction on third molar classification, variables were tested using ordinal logistic regression Generalised Linear Model. It was observed that there were variations in the number of teeth identified among the observers, but the agreement levels ranged from moderate to substantial (0.4–0.8). Upon closer examination of the results, it was observed that although there were discernible differences between highly experienced observers and those with less experience, the gap was not as significant as initially hypothesised, and a greater disparity between the classifications of the upper (0.24–0.49) and lower third molars (>0.55) was observed. When bone superimposition is present, the classification process is not significantly influenced; however, variation in teeth angulation affects the assessment. The results suggest that with an efficient preparation, the level of experience as a factor can be overcome. Mincer and colleague's classification system can be replicated with ease and consistency, even though the classification of upper and lower third molars presents distinct challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives In Northeast Brazil, the poorest region of the country, indigenous communities face critical health care challenges. Despite legal entitlements to the Unified Health System (SUS), systemic barriers persist, exacerbating health disparities and mortality. This ecological study analyzed mortality trends and causes of death within the Special Indigenous Sanitary District (DSEI) Alagoas-Sergipe over a decade. Methods Data on deaths from 2012 to 2022 were obtained from the Indigenous Health Secretariat. Causes of death were classified into 13 categories. Mortality rates per 1,000 indigenous inhabitants were calculated, and trends were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall test. The study also compared causes of death by age group. Results Mortality rates ranged from 3.3 to 5.2 per 1,000, showing a moderate upward trend over time (τ = 0.5, p = 0.042). Predominant causes included heart and vascular disorders (24.3%), external causes (12.4%), respiratory issues (11.1%), and infections (10.9%). About one-third of pediatric deaths were associated with general neonatal complications. Conclusions This study highlights increasing mortality in indigenous communities in Northeast Brazil. The predominant causes of death reflect broader public health concerns. These trends emphasize the urgency for more effective, culturally sensitive public health policies and improved health care access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to analyze the accuracy and applicability of the AncesTrees software with respect to a set of cranial measurements of a Brazilian sample consisting of 114 identified skulls from two osteological collections, predominantly composed of European (n  = 59), African (n  = 35), and admixed individuals (n  = 20). Twenty-four different craniometric measurements are performed and input to AncesTrees via two algorithms, one of which is used in three configurations, with different ancestral groups integrated in the model. The software exhibits superior performance in the estimation of European individuals, reaching 73% accuracy, compared with 66% in the African individuals. Those individuals classified as admixed produce a variety of ancestral classifications, mainly European. Overall, the most accurate combination of AncesTrees is obtained using ancestralForest with only the European and African groups integrated into the algorithm, where the accuracy reaches 70%. The applicability of this software to a specific population is fragile because of the high admixing load, making it necessary to create a more representative anthropometric database of the Brazilian people. Key points Ancestry estimation methods are seldom validated in Brazil. AncesTrees performed poorly on our sample, with a maximum accuracy of 70%. Brazil's highly mixed population hinders ancestry estimation. Mixed individuals (pardos) are predominantly classified as Europeans. The insertion of Brazilian metric data into the AncesTrees database would produce better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Special Issue in the journal "Forensic Sciences Research" focuses on the challenges faced by forensic experts in identifying human remains, highlighting the importance of collaborative and evidence-based approaches. The articles feature diverse cases and methods, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary strategy involving various scientific disciplines. Authors from 11 countries contribute to the issue, showcasing innovative techniques such as virtual re-association of fragmented remains and stable isotope analyses in solving identification cases. The Special Issue underscores the significance of forensic anthropology and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex forensic identification scenarios. [Extracted from the article]

This article presents a forensic case of an unusual illegal cremation of a person using a process colloquially known as the "microwave oven" practice in Brazil. The microwave process involves two actions: placing the victim in a tire stack and then setting the structure on fire using flammable substances to accelerate the progression. A similar practice, identified as "necklacing", has also been reported in other countries such as South Africa. This report presents a case of microwave oven cremation of a body found in a rural area of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The forensic work helped determine the biological profile and identity of the victim using radiological comparisons. Although the microwave oven cremation practice is rare, it can impose challenges for investigators. Therefore, fully understanding this practice can be helpful to the academic and forensic communities. Killings or cremations involving carbonization inside a pile of tires are colloquially called "microwave oven" practice in Brazil. The goal of this article is to present the details of an unusual forensic case of illegal cremation of a person with this "microwave oven" practice. This illegal practice can also be used to intimidate rivals and be extremely cruel—many cases involve torture. Despite carbonization and putrefaction of the corpse, the experts in this case were able to positively identify the individual and detect signs of the "microwave oven" practice, which suggested homicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bones and teeth are valuable sources of information in forensic contexts. However, few studies have considered these tissues for DNA methylation (DNAm) analyses in age estimation. The main goal of the present study was to develop DNAm-based age prediction models (APMs) specific for bones and teeth. DNA samples from Portuguese individuals were evaluated through bisulphite Sanger sequencing and a multiplex SNaPshot assay to analyse relationships between DNAm and age. In bones our results allowed to build a final APM through Sanger sequencing with six CpGs at genes ELOVL2, EDARADD and MIR29B2C, explaining 92.5% of age variation, with a mean absolute deviation (MAD) from chronological age of 2.56 years. For teeth, we were unable to build a final multi-locus APM; the best FHL2 CpG4 age predictor explained 41.3% of age variance with a MAD of 11.35 years. The SNaPshot assay allowed to build two final dual-locus APMs with CpGs at FHL2 and KLF14 for bones, explaining 57.6% of age variation (MAD of 7.18 years), and with CpGs at ELOVL2 and KLF14 for teeth, explaining 76.4% of age variation (MAD of 7.07 years). Our study showed the usefulness of bone and tooth samples in evaluation of DNAm levels for age estimation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic Sci Res. 2022; 7. 2 Miamoto P, Uehara C. Personal identification and missing persons initiatives in Santa Catarina state, Brazil: forensic perspectives from 2019 to 2021. Invited authors were forensic anthropology practitioners in Brazil representing the main cities in which practice is being pursued. What is the current state of Forensic Anthropology in Brazil and where do we stand when identification is concerned?. [Extracted from the article]

Congenital skeletal disorders are a heterogeneous group of anomalies evident during gestation. They are expressed in the shape and growth of the bones during development due to a defective genetic background. We present an exceptional pathological condition on two perinates dated from the 18th-19th century, one from the convent of S. Domingos, Lisbon, and another from the Museum of Pathological Anatomy of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal. Both skeletons show similar and exuberant alterations, especially a severe shortening and curvature of the long bones of the upper and lower limbs and an accentuated platyspondyly. The differential diagnosis guided us to consider thanatophoric dysplasia, achondrogenesis, and severe achondroplasia with developmental delay and acanthosis nigricans as the most plausible causes. Nowadays, with the follow-up of the pregnant woman and the advances in prenatal ultrasonographic examination and molecular genetic tests, congenital skeletal disorders are identified at an early gestational age. If they are considered lethal, the termination of pregnancy is advised. This scenario reminds us that some early developmental dysplasias, such as those manifested in fetal life, tend to vanish from their natural development and become rare in the clinical records. Cases preserved in museums of pathological anatomy assume a significant relevance to help the correct identification of paleopathology cases found in archaeological samples. Being these the last testimonies of a distant scientific and technological era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anencephaly is a specific congenital anomaly that mainly affects the skull and is the result of a problem that occurs in the neural tube during embryonic development. It occurs when there is no correct closure of the sutures and still underdevelopment of the brain. It represents a pathology with a high mortality rate and babies with this pathology end up dying shortly after birth. This communication aims to present two case studies of non-adults with anencephaly, both with an age at death of approximately 4.5 months, from two different archaeological interventions in Portugal. One from the Colégio de Jesus in Coimbra and another from the Convent of São Domingos, in Lisbon. Both necropolises belong to the Modern and Contemporary Ages (XIII - XIX centuries). The skeletons under study were qualitatively analyzed macroscopically. Metric analysis of the long bones of each of them was performed and subsequently X-rays and three-dimensional models. Both cases in the study were born without the upper region of the skullcap. In this way, it is intended to contribute to the study of this pathology since cases of anencephaly registered today are very rare, thanks to advances in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]