Background: Cone-Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) is a non-invasive, rapid, cost-effective, and lo... more Background: Cone-Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) is a non-invasive, rapid, cost-effective, and low-radiation technique. Being a three-dimensional (3D) imaging process, it is better suited for the analysis of 3D structures like teeth, bones, or facial sinuses. CBCT is already widely used in dentistry and its application in forensic odontology is promising. Objective: This study aimed to provide an overview of CBCT use in forensic dentistry. Method: A bibliographic search using PUBMED was performed with the following keyword combinations: ("Cone-Beam Computed Tomography"[MeSH Terms]) OR (cbct)) AND (forensic dentistry) OR ("Forensic Dentistry"[Mesh]) and on the Scopus platform using the keywords “cbct forensic dentistry”. Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final selection resulted in 68 studies. Results: Articles subjects were as follows: 11 studies (16%) on comparative identification, 4 (5%) on identification by bitemarks, 30 (44%) on age estimation, 20 (29%) on sex estimation, and 7 (10%) on facial reconstruction. CBCT technology proved to be an accurate tool for age estimation (particularly in the pulp narrowing technique), sex estimation, bitemarks analysis, and facial reconstruction. Conclusion: CBCT's increasing use in dental clinics makes a huge quantity of data available. Professionals should examine how to organize and disseminate these valuable antemortem data. Training is mandatory to understand CBCT’s technical limitations as well as manage the presence of artifacts. Further studies should be made on larger samples to fully understand the potential of CBCT technology in forensics.
Traditionally, dental identification techniques are used to establish identity or assist in recon... more Traditionally, dental identification techniques are used to establish identity or assist in reconstructing an individual's biological profile. However, other aspects of identity, namely socioeconomic status (SES), can be estimated through teeth. This work aims to evaluate the influence of SES on third molar agenesis in a Portuguese population. X-rays from 448 subjects (223 belonging to a high and 225 to a low socioeconomic status) were assessed and demographic data (age, sex) and dental history were registered. Frequencies and associations between the variables were analyzed using the chi-square test. For each group, differences between third molar agenesis were studied using the Wilcoxon test. The significance level was 5%. X-rays displaying at least one agenesis were more common in females (in both SES groups). Differences between socioeconomic status were found in female subjects' upper right and lower left third molars, with a higher frequency of agenesis in the lower SE...
In our experience, university students enrolling in health science and forensic science degrees s... more In our experience, university students enrolling in health science and forensic science degrees show difficulty in retaining and integrating basic scientific knowledge learned in their first academic year. Furthermore, in the forensic sciences case, many students have oversimplified and unrealistic expectations as a result of the exposure to crime TV shows, internet blogs, and other social media platforms. Our pedagogical proposal is focused on second-year university students, aiming at promoting effective learning and the integration of scientific knowledge from previous courses, in this particular example, molecular and cell biology and biochemistry, with more advanced forensic courses, such as forensic anthropology and odontology. Teams composed of students and tutors from the teaching staff, with the help of dichotomous keys, are challenged to analyze a crime scene and choose the relevant evidence to further investigate, determine the scientific approach, execute the experimenta...
The oral microbiome can alter the balance between health and disease, locally and systemically. W... more The oral microbiome can alter the balance between health and disease, locally and systemically. Within the oral cavity, bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, and viruses may all be found, each having a particular role, but strongly interacting with each other and with the host, in sickness or in health. A description on how colonization occurs and how the oral microbiome dynamically evolves throughout the host's life is given. In this chapter the authors also address oral and nonoral conditions in which oral microorganisms may play a role in the etiology and progression, presenting the up-to-date knowledge on oral dysbiosis as well as the known underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms involving oral microorganisms in each condition. In oral pathology, oral microorganisms are associated with several diseases, namely dental caries, periodontal diseases, endodontic infections, and also oral cancer. In systemic diseases, nonoral infections, adverse pregnancy outcomes, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes are among the most prevalent pathologies linked with oral cavity microorganisms. The knowledge on how colonization occurs, how oral microbiome coevolves with the host, and how oral microorganisms interact with each other may be a key factor to understand diseases etiology and progression.
Revista Portuguesa de Estomatologia, Medicina Dentária e Cirurgia Maxilofacial
Objective: To evaluate the potential of the buccolingual dimension of the permanent mandibular ca... more Objective: To evaluate the potential of the buccolingual dimension of the permanent mandibular canine roots as a sex estimator, using midsagittal cone-beam computed tomography images. Methods: In this retrospective study, 58 Portuguese patients (27 female and 31 male) aged 18-60 years were assessed. The maximum buccolingual dimension of the cervical root was measured in the midsagittal plane through cone-beam computed tomography images. The Bland-Altman method was applied for the reliability analysis, and a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was obtained for accuracy analysis. Results: The buccolingual root dimension on the mandibular canine showed statistically significant differences between sexes (t56 df = 4.871; p<0.0005). The optimal cut-off to differentiate males from females was 6.64 mm. The area under the curve (AUC) was 83.5% (p<0.0005). An overall accuracy of 79% was obtained. The percentage of males correctly estimated was 77.4%, compared to 81.5% of fem...
When encountering human skeletal remains in forensic contexts, one important step in the identifi... more When encountering human skeletal remains in forensic contexts, one important step in the identification process is the estimation of sex, because it reduces the number of individuals to approximately one half. The pelvis and skull are considered the most efficient elements for this estimation; however, when unavailable, teeth may be used alternatively. This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of specific odontometric parameters from the mandibular first molar – mesiolingual-distobuccal distance (MLDB) and mesiobuccal-distolingual distance (MBDL) - on sex estimation, in a sample composed from 135 mandibles selected from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection (University of Coimbra). Since canines seem to be the most accurate teeth for sexual diagnosis, comparison of molars parameters and canines was performed, through measurement of their mesiodistal dimensions (MD). Statistical analysis showed sexual dimorphism in human first molars and determination of cut-off points assigne...
Durant le developpement precoce, les composants maternels sont places asymetriquement dans chaque... more Durant le developpement precoce, les composants maternels sont places asymetriquement dans chaque cellule. Cette asymetrie a des consequences importantes pour l'organisation de l'embryon. La localisation des composants maternels est dependante de l'organisation du cytosquelette cortical, qui subit d'ailleurs d'importants remaniements a chaque mitose et a chaque clivage. L'influence de la progression du cycle cellulaire sur les reorganisations cytosquelettiques reste pourtant un domaine peu explore. Cette these concerne la relocalisation cytoplasmique qui accompagne l'activation du regulateur mitotique universel, le mpf (maturation/ m-phase promoting factor), dans l'uf de xenope. Dans un premier temps, j'ai etudie la relation entre l'activation du mpf et les deux vagues de contraction de surface (scw : surface contraction waves). Ces vagues se propagent du pole animal de l'uf jusqu'au pole vegetatif a chaque cycle mitotique precoce. Ces...
Forensic science, medicine, and pathology, Jan 3, 2017
Forensic age estimation frequently relies upon the chronology of mineralization of the third mola... more Forensic age estimation frequently relies upon the chronology of mineralization of the third molar teeth. However, even when present, third molar teeth cannot always be used for estimating age in people who are classified as minors. Seconds molars develop earlier and in a more predictable way, and therefore are often more reliable for age estimation in this age group. This study aims to contribute to forensic age estimation using an age threshold of 14-years, studying the stages of development of permanent mandibular second molar teeth mineralization. 367 orthopantograms of a Portuguese population group, aged between 3 and 19 years, were studied. The stages of mineralization of mandibular permanent second molar teeth were studied following the classification stages proposed by Demirjian et al. Stage descriptive analysis was performed, and associations between age and stage were studied. A logistic regression to determine age over 14 years, using maturation stages and sex as a predic...
Background: Cone-Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) is a non-invasive, rapid, cost-effective, and lo... more Background: Cone-Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) is a non-invasive, rapid, cost-effective, and low-radiation technique. Being a three-dimensional (3D) imaging process, it is better suited for the analysis of 3D structures like teeth, bones, or facial sinuses. CBCT is already widely used in dentistry and its application in forensic odontology is promising. Objective: This study aimed to provide an overview of CBCT use in forensic dentistry. Method: A bibliographic search using PUBMED was performed with the following keyword combinations: ("Cone-Beam Computed Tomography"[MeSH Terms]) OR (cbct)) AND (forensic dentistry) OR ("Forensic Dentistry"[Mesh]) and on the Scopus platform using the keywords “cbct forensic dentistry”. Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final selection resulted in 68 studies. Results: Articles subjects were as follows: 11 studies (16%) on comparative identification, 4 (5%) on identification by bitemarks, 30 (44%) on age estimation, 20 (29%) on sex estimation, and 7 (10%) on facial reconstruction. CBCT technology proved to be an accurate tool for age estimation (particularly in the pulp narrowing technique), sex estimation, bitemarks analysis, and facial reconstruction. Conclusion: CBCT's increasing use in dental clinics makes a huge quantity of data available. Professionals should examine how to organize and disseminate these valuable antemortem data. Training is mandatory to understand CBCT’s technical limitations as well as manage the presence of artifacts. Further studies should be made on larger samples to fully understand the potential of CBCT technology in forensics.
Traditionally, dental identification techniques are used to establish identity or assist in recon... more Traditionally, dental identification techniques are used to establish identity or assist in reconstructing an individual's biological profile. However, other aspects of identity, namely socioeconomic status (SES), can be estimated through teeth. This work aims to evaluate the influence of SES on third molar agenesis in a Portuguese population. X-rays from 448 subjects (223 belonging to a high and 225 to a low socioeconomic status) were assessed and demographic data (age, sex) and dental history were registered. Frequencies and associations between the variables were analyzed using the chi-square test. For each group, differences between third molar agenesis were studied using the Wilcoxon test. The significance level was 5%. X-rays displaying at least one agenesis were more common in females (in both SES groups). Differences between socioeconomic status were found in female subjects' upper right and lower left third molars, with a higher frequency of agenesis in the lower SE...
In our experience, university students enrolling in health science and forensic science degrees s... more In our experience, university students enrolling in health science and forensic science degrees show difficulty in retaining and integrating basic scientific knowledge learned in their first academic year. Furthermore, in the forensic sciences case, many students have oversimplified and unrealistic expectations as a result of the exposure to crime TV shows, internet blogs, and other social media platforms. Our pedagogical proposal is focused on second-year university students, aiming at promoting effective learning and the integration of scientific knowledge from previous courses, in this particular example, molecular and cell biology and biochemistry, with more advanced forensic courses, such as forensic anthropology and odontology. Teams composed of students and tutors from the teaching staff, with the help of dichotomous keys, are challenged to analyze a crime scene and choose the relevant evidence to further investigate, determine the scientific approach, execute the experimenta...
The oral microbiome can alter the balance between health and disease, locally and systemically. W... more The oral microbiome can alter the balance between health and disease, locally and systemically. Within the oral cavity, bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, and viruses may all be found, each having a particular role, but strongly interacting with each other and with the host, in sickness or in health. A description on how colonization occurs and how the oral microbiome dynamically evolves throughout the host's life is given. In this chapter the authors also address oral and nonoral conditions in which oral microorganisms may play a role in the etiology and progression, presenting the up-to-date knowledge on oral dysbiosis as well as the known underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms involving oral microorganisms in each condition. In oral pathology, oral microorganisms are associated with several diseases, namely dental caries, periodontal diseases, endodontic infections, and also oral cancer. In systemic diseases, nonoral infections, adverse pregnancy outcomes, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes are among the most prevalent pathologies linked with oral cavity microorganisms. The knowledge on how colonization occurs, how oral microbiome coevolves with the host, and how oral microorganisms interact with each other may be a key factor to understand diseases etiology and progression.
Revista Portuguesa de Estomatologia, Medicina Dentária e Cirurgia Maxilofacial
Objective: To evaluate the potential of the buccolingual dimension of the permanent mandibular ca... more Objective: To evaluate the potential of the buccolingual dimension of the permanent mandibular canine roots as a sex estimator, using midsagittal cone-beam computed tomography images. Methods: In this retrospective study, 58 Portuguese patients (27 female and 31 male) aged 18-60 years were assessed. The maximum buccolingual dimension of the cervical root was measured in the midsagittal plane through cone-beam computed tomography images. The Bland-Altman method was applied for the reliability analysis, and a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was obtained for accuracy analysis. Results: The buccolingual root dimension on the mandibular canine showed statistically significant differences between sexes (t56 df = 4.871; p<0.0005). The optimal cut-off to differentiate males from females was 6.64 mm. The area under the curve (AUC) was 83.5% (p<0.0005). An overall accuracy of 79% was obtained. The percentage of males correctly estimated was 77.4%, compared to 81.5% of fem...
When encountering human skeletal remains in forensic contexts, one important step in the identifi... more When encountering human skeletal remains in forensic contexts, one important step in the identification process is the estimation of sex, because it reduces the number of individuals to approximately one half. The pelvis and skull are considered the most efficient elements for this estimation; however, when unavailable, teeth may be used alternatively. This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of specific odontometric parameters from the mandibular first molar – mesiolingual-distobuccal distance (MLDB) and mesiobuccal-distolingual distance (MBDL) - on sex estimation, in a sample composed from 135 mandibles selected from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection (University of Coimbra). Since canines seem to be the most accurate teeth for sexual diagnosis, comparison of molars parameters and canines was performed, through measurement of their mesiodistal dimensions (MD). Statistical analysis showed sexual dimorphism in human first molars and determination of cut-off points assigne...
Durant le developpement precoce, les composants maternels sont places asymetriquement dans chaque... more Durant le developpement precoce, les composants maternels sont places asymetriquement dans chaque cellule. Cette asymetrie a des consequences importantes pour l'organisation de l'embryon. La localisation des composants maternels est dependante de l'organisation du cytosquelette cortical, qui subit d'ailleurs d'importants remaniements a chaque mitose et a chaque clivage. L'influence de la progression du cycle cellulaire sur les reorganisations cytosquelettiques reste pourtant un domaine peu explore. Cette these concerne la relocalisation cytoplasmique qui accompagne l'activation du regulateur mitotique universel, le mpf (maturation/ m-phase promoting factor), dans l'uf de xenope. Dans un premier temps, j'ai etudie la relation entre l'activation du mpf et les deux vagues de contraction de surface (scw : surface contraction waves). Ces vagues se propagent du pole animal de l'uf jusqu'au pole vegetatif a chaque cycle mitotique precoce. Ces...
Forensic science, medicine, and pathology, Jan 3, 2017
Forensic age estimation frequently relies upon the chronology of mineralization of the third mola... more Forensic age estimation frequently relies upon the chronology of mineralization of the third molar teeth. However, even when present, third molar teeth cannot always be used for estimating age in people who are classified as minors. Seconds molars develop earlier and in a more predictable way, and therefore are often more reliable for age estimation in this age group. This study aims to contribute to forensic age estimation using an age threshold of 14-years, studying the stages of development of permanent mandibular second molar teeth mineralization. 367 orthopantograms of a Portuguese population group, aged between 3 and 19 years, were studied. The stages of mineralization of mandibular permanent second molar teeth were studied following the classification stages proposed by Demirjian et al. Stage descriptive analysis was performed, and associations between age and stage were studied. A logistic regression to determine age over 14 years, using maturation stages and sex as a predic...
Uploads
Papers