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Abstract The environmental contamination by extremophile Aspergillus species, i.e., Aflatoxin B1, is hardly controllable in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, which lack handling resources and controlled storage facilities. Acute aflatoxicosis poisoning from aflatoxin-prone dietary staples could cause acute hepatic necrosis, acute liver failure, and death. Here, as the cheaper, more straightforward, and facile on-site diagnostic kit is needed, we report an ultraviolet-excitable optical aptasensor based on a fluorinated ethylene propylene film strip. Molecular dynamics on the aptamer.AFB1 complex revealed that the AFB1 to the aptamer increases the overall structural stability, suggesting that the aptamer design is suitable for the intended application. Under various influencing factors, the proposed label-free strategy offers a fast 20-min on-site fabrication simplicity and 19-day shelf-life. The one-pot incubation provides an alternative to catalytic detection and exhibited 4 times reusability. The recovery of crude brown sugar, processed peanuts, and long-grain rice were 102.74 ± 0.41 (n = 3), 86.90 ± 3.38 (n = 3), and 98.50 ± 0.42 (n = 3), comparable to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array Detector results. This study is novel owing to the peculiar UV-active spectrum fingerprint and the convenient use of hydrophobic film strips that could promote breakthrough innovations and new frontiers for on-site/forensic detection of environmental pollutants.

Estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) is an essential step in forensic investigations, particularly those involving homicides and unwitnessed deaths. However, traditional methods occasionally yield inconsistent estimates. Histological and molecular techniques are considered crucial in forensic pathology and are frequently employed to estimate the time interval of death. The gingiva is an oral mucosal tissue used to estimate PMI. This review aimed to examine the potential of histological methods to determine PMI using oral mucosal tissue, namely the gingiva, and to investigate changes that occur in oral mucosal tissue at different time intervals when compared with those in normal tissues. The oral mucosa comprises layers of stratified squamous epithelium and connective tissue. Similar to other body tissues, changes are known to occur in the gingiva after death, and these cellular and tissue changes should also be considered. Alterations in the gingiva include homogenisation, karyorrhexis, pyknosis, karyolysis, chromatin clumping, eosinophilia, collagen fibre degradation, and the loss of tissue architecture. Reviews collating the results of original trials have consistently reported how the oral mucosa is altered by autolysis and how such changes can be observed in histological tissue morphology after death. Histology is an acceptably accurate technique for estimating PMIs.

BACKGROUND: The accurate identification of unknown human remains plays a critical role in natural disaster scenarios and medico-legal cases in forensic anthropology and forensic medicine. This study aimed to determine normal reference values for the breadth of the talus bone using ankle radiographs from a Teaching Hospital in Delta State, Nigeria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study retrospectively reviewed 107 digital ankle radiographs from patients aged 20 to 60 years (60 males and 47 females). Ethical clearance was obtained before accessing the digital images archived in a radiological unit of a Hospital in Delta State, Nigeria. The talus breadth was measured using digital calipers and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to compare the means based on gender and age. The association of variables was done using the Pearson’s correlation test. Statistical significance was considered at P < 5%. RESULTS: The mean talus breadth was significantly larger in males (41.76 mm) than in females (38.59 mm). However, the means had no significant association with age. The right talus breadth had a strong positive correlation with the left talus breadth. CONCLUSION: The findings are useful to orthopedic surgeons managing ankle pathologies. In addition, the study reveals the potential use of the talar breadth in sex determination when other methods are inconclusive.

Introduction: An autopsy is a valuable tool for finding the cause of death, exploring the clinical diagnosis, documenting unexpected findings, and resolving diagnostic questions. However, this may subject the forensic pathologist and other workers to a wide variety of blood-borne and aerosolized pathogens. Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common cause of illness and death, resulting in infection transmission in the autopsy room. Our objective in this study was to estimate the prevalence of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis among forensic autopsies in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Material and Methods: We identified positive TB cases from acid-fast bacteria staining and culture (Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube and Lowenstein–Jensen medium) out of 380 autopsy cases. Results: The prevalence of tuberculosis was 2.4% (n = 9), among which 2.1% of cases were positive for only pulmonary tuberculosis (n = 8), and 0.3% of cases had both pulmonary and extrapulmonary involvement (n = 1). In the bivariate analysis of TB cases, sex, occupation, family history of TB, habit of smoking, BCG vaccine scar, period of hospital stay, and cause of death were potentially significant. Conclusion: The prevalence of TB in forensic autopsy cases were similar to forensic autopsy-based studies, and it was less as compared to the prevalence of TB in the general population.

Introduction: In forensics, age and gender determination are required for victim identification. Secondary dentine deposition occurs throughout life, resulting in decreased pulp volume and size. Evaluation of pulp volume using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a non invasive method used to evaluate age and gender. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of the pulp volume method in determining age and gender. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted in the Oral Medicine and Radiology Department of King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India from July 2019 to August 2020. Pulp volume measurements were obtained from CBCT data of randomly selected individuals (n=90) aged 18-70 years, focusing on maxillary Central Incisors (CI) and maxillary Canine (C). Statistical analyses, including Chisquare test, Pearson’s correlation, linear regression, and logistic regression, were performed on the data. Results: The CBCT data from 90 individuals, aged 18-70 years, were evaluated for pulp volume of maxillary CI and C. The Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a decrease in pulp volume with age. The validation of the equations for sex determination revealed higher prediction accuracy for CI (56.70%) compared to C (53.30%). Conclusion: Pulp volume obtained from CBCT can serve as a reliable indicator for age estimation and gender prediction.

INTRODUCTION: We focused on a sample size of 141 unrelated Rwandan persons to genotype 21 STR loci that were relied up in establishing allele frequencies, heterozygosity and power of exclusion. This study aims at exploring allele frequencies on a representative sample from Rwandan population to determine probability of paternity for sampled families basing on polymorphic STRs loci, using 21 autosomal-STR loci by Genetic Analyzer 3500X. METHODS: This was an experimental study and global filer TM Express PCR Amplification kit was used to amplify 21 autosomal STR loci. RESULTS: The total number of observed alleles was 270; the largest number of different alleles was seen in SE33 and D18S51 loci. The locus with the highest heterozygosity was SE33, while locus TH01 had the lowest heterozygosity. The heterozygosity of the 21 STR loci ranged from 71.3% (TH01) to 91.6% (SE33) with an average of 81.1% a good indicator of high genetic variability. For all microsatellites analyzed the power of exclusion ranged from 43.4% (TH01) to 78.1% (SE33) with an average of 58.2%. For seven of eight cases examined in paternity test alleged father was not excluded as biological father of child. The results found in examination of case 8 indicated that the alleged father was not the biological father of the child. CONCLUSION: Based on calculated statistical parameters, the population of Rwanda may use these 21 STR loci as a vital tool for forensic identification and paternity testing.

Objective: Lightning injuries can cause a variety of injuries including “integumentary system, cardiac system, central nervous system, eyes and ears, and blunt trauma”, in which some of them may cause death. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate crime scene findings, autopsy findings and histopathological findings by presenting 9 cases that died due to lightning strike. Material and Methods: The 9 cases (0.3%) included this study were obtained from the screening of a total 24.755 cases that were performed autopsy at the Council of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul between 2007 – 2012. All cases’ age, gender, crime scene, circumstances during the event, witness statement, skin lession, autopsy findings, histopathological findings were evaluated. Results: Three (33.3%) cases were female and six (66.7%)cases were male, and the mean age was 39,66±13,36 (min:18, max:56). Fatal lightning strike occurred between April and September, but mostly in May. At autopsy, an external examination was revealed an electrical exit wound in 4 cases, burn areas on the skin in 5 cases, a Lichtenberg figure on the skin in 2 cases, and a burn in the hair surface in 4 cases. Conclusion: As a result, nonspecific findings are frequently detected in autopsies performed due to lightning strikes. However, crime scene investigation and the testimony of the witness may be the crucial indicative evidence for forensic investigators in getting an accurate diagnosis in cases of suspected lightning strikes. In addition, examining the clothes worn by victims provides important clues in diagnosis.

Asylum-seeking migrants represent a vulnerable segment of the population, and among them, women constitute an even more vulnerable group. Most of these women and girls have been exposed to threats, coercion, and violence of many kinds, including rape, forced prostitution, harassment, sexual slavery, forced marriage and pregnancy, female genital mutilation/excision, and/or other violations of their rights (e.g., deprivation of education, prohibition to work, etc.). The perpetrators of the violence from which they flee are often their own families, partners, and even institutional figures who should be in charge of their protection (such as police officers). In the process for the acceptance/rejection of an asylum application, the forensic and psychological certification can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful applications, as it can support the credibility of the asylum seeker through an assessment of the degree of compatibility between the story told and the diagnostic and forensic evidence. This is why constant and renewed reflection on the ethical, forensic, and methodological issues surrounding medico-legal and psychological certification is essential. This article aims to propose some reflections on these issues, starting from the experience of the inward healthcare service dedicated to Migrant Victims of Maltreatment, Torture, and Female Genital Mutilation operating since 2018 at the Institute of Forensic Medicine of the University Hospital of Palermo.

Currently, forensic research foundation is comprised of the methods of genetic analysis. The study of DNA polymorphism became a source of highly reliable evidence, which allow the determination of the genetic profile of biological traces containing genetic material of barely a few cells, collected from all possible substrates, and their further comparison with the genetic profile of the victim or suspect. The forensic expertise of such research, supported by relevant statistical calculations is one of the few objective evidence in criminal proceedings.The process of DNA testing for forensic purposes is composed of several stages and a number of analyzes. After securing suitable test specimen, the isolation of genetic material is performed. For the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the isolate, the Real Time PCR reaction is performed. This is a crucial moment for the study because it is the assessment of the suitability of samples for further testing. The next step is the amplification of DNA fragments with Multiplex PCR technique. Then, as a result of electrophoretic separation of the sequencer we obtain a genetic profile. Thus obtained profiling results are interpreted as well as compared by specialists.For analysts in the field of forensic medicine it is necessary to obtain clear genetic profiles. Given the often small amount of DNA that can be obtained and the need for unquestionability of the evidence, it is very important to develop a method with high sensitivity, which allows to obtain completely reliable results. In order to ensure the quality of the research, forensic laboratories must apply the standards and guidelines set by international associations, periodically calibrate their testing equipment, keep complete records of the results and, above all, to validate the used methods. In the laboratory, which intends to apply the procedure in question, internal validation must be carried out. The aim of this process is to determine the reliability and limitations of the method. During the test, the results of manufacturers’ verification are validated and the level of efficiency of the said procedure within a particular lab is checked.

Background: Palatal rugae are irregular and asymmetric mesenchymal ridges that extend in a lateral direction away from the incisive papilla and mid-palatine raphe. Their unique characteristics and environmental stableness justify their inclusion in forensic investigations. Dermatoglyphics or fingerprint patterns are epidermal ridges, which are genetically controlled and are specific to an individual. Hence they are used as a forensic tool. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the reliability of Rugoscopic and Dermatoglyphic patterns for gender identification. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 subjects were recruited in this prospective study. All subjects were between the age range of 18 and 55 years. The subjects were categorized into 100 males and 100 females. Fingerprint dermatoglyphic patterns were recorded using stamp pad, ink, and A4 size white sheets. A subject's fingers were pressed onto the stamped ink pad and lightly pressed over a sheet of paper. Obtained patterns were coded and analyzed as per Galton's criteria into arch, loop, and whorl patterns. Palatal rugae patterns were obtained by making alginate impression material and impression trays. Obtained casts were analyzed for rugae pattern analysis using Kapali's classification. An unpaired t test was used as a statistical tool. Results: On analyzing dermatoglyphic patterns, the arch pattern was most common among male subjects, whereas loop pattern was found to be most common among females. On rugoscopic pattern analysis, Straight pattern was most frequent among males, whereas the circular pattern was common among females. Conclusion: A statistically significant difference was noted between gender and rugoscopic patterns (P = 0.02) and dermatoglyphic patterns (P = 0.03).

Abstract Background and aims Diabetes is highly prevalent among individuals with serious mental illness. Managing diabetes in forensic mental health settings presents unique challenges which are under‐reported and poorly understood. This study aimed to explore diabetes care in a medium‐secure setting and identify key areas for improvement. Methods A single case study design used a retrospective chart review. Qualitative interviews and a focus group were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Prevalence of diabetes was over twice that of the general population and highest in female service users. Evidence suggests limited understanding and lack of diabetes education for staff and service users, and difficulties in accessing external diabetes recourses. Conclusion Constraints inherent to forensic mental health settings contribute to difficulties in accessing external resources and adequate diabetes education. Secure mental health services should adopt a collaborative approach to diabetes care and provide appropriate specialist training to both staff and service users.

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Theoretical development of the inter-relationship between sex determination and hand dimensions is important in the identification of mutilated and skeletal remains found in several mass disasters and fatal assault cases. The primary aim of the study was to determine sex from hand dimensions (HL: hand length and HB: hand breadth) of adult Rajbanshi individuals. Data for the present study were obtained from 400 (200 males; 200 females) unrelated adult (aged 20-60 years) Rajbanshi individuals. The data was statistically analyzed using statistical tests such as descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-way ANOVA. Binary Logistic Regression was employed to develop predictive sex models. We found that the mean values of HL and HB of both hands were higher in males compared to females. Statistically significant sex differences were found in hand lengths only. Bilateral differences in HL and HB were found to be statistically significant in both sexes. Predictive sex models were found to be significant (p

Background: Sudden death (SD) is a sudden and unexpected death with an unknown cause. However, it has been assummed that the most common causes of sudden deaths are cardiovascular or non-cardiovascular causes such as gastrointestinal disease, respiratory disease, genitourinary disease, epilepsy, and trauma. This study aimed to portray histopathological findings and causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD) cases based on 5 year autopsy experience in a tertiary hospital in Bandung, Indonesia. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study exploring causes of SCD from 2015 to 2019 at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia. All medical records with SCD and histopathology findings were retrieved from September to December 2020. Only cases with histopathological examination results were included. Results: SCD was found in 7 of 16 patients with sudden death. Coronary atherosclerosis was the most common (n=4), followed by myocardial infarction (n=2) and ruptured aortic aneurysm (n=1). Myocarditis and calcific aortic valve diseases were not found. Conclusions: In this study, the most common cause of SCD is coronary atherosclerosis, which is identified mainly in older and male patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a forensic recording form for firearm injuries and test the feasibility and reliability of its application. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The first version was developed using knowledge from the literature search and was checked for validity by 3 forensic physicians using the Content Validity Index (CVI). Feasibility was tested among physicians working at 4 district hospitals. Its reliability was analyzed by 2 forensic physicians using prevalence-adjusted and bias-adjusted kappa. Results: The validity of a developed recording form for firearm injuries was good, with a CVI of 0.8. All items were rated to be feasible, and the format of the recording was rated from good to excellent. The reliabilities ranged from poor agreement to perfect agreement. After considering the validity, feasibility and reliability tests, a final, forensic recording form was established. Conclusion: A systematically constructed forensic recording form for firearm injuries, for any physicians, with less experience in the field of gunshot cases, was developed. This form will be helpful in assisting physicians in the completion of information for any gunshot cases, which may decrease the consequences from incomplete information.

Background: Lip prints are considered as very useful and are to be important forms of transfer evidence like finger prints. Studies have shown that even lip prints are unique for an individual and hence have the potential for personal identification. Aims and Objectives: To correlate the distribution of lip print pattern and its gender wise predominance. Material and Methods: The study comprised of 100 Nepalese medical students (50 males; 50 females). A photographic method was adopted rather than the old traditional lipstick method. The photographed lip prints were transferred into a computer to identify the character/lip print pattern. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS (version 23.0) software package and Chi-square test was applied to evaluate the existence of correlation of lip print pattern with gender. Results: Type- II lip print pattern was frequently observed in all the four quadrants of both the sexes. This was followed by in order Type-I’>Type-I> Type-IV and Type-III lip patterns. There was a difference in gender wise distribution of lip prints. Conclusion: Further specific population based and gender specific studies on lip prints with larger sample size are required for comparison of lip prints with gender, so that a database could be created and used for representing sex differentiation.

The biological samples used in forensics can contain DNA which is highly fragmented as a consequence of exposure to any of the numerous degrading factors. Analysis of the sequence or size of the products of Polymerase chain reaction is at present responsible for the analysis of remains of humans in forensics. Despite the effectiveness of protocols based on PCR, there are certain limitations that are presented by the low numbers of copies of the template and the variations that are imposed by the decaying process to the template. The primary aim of this research is to explore the significance of autosomal SNPs in forensic science through the identification of humans at a crime scene. This study provides an exploration of the applicability of autosomal SNPs for the identification of humans at crime scene. This would fill the gap present in the current literature regarding the significance of autosomal SNPs in the identification of humans during crime scene investigation. It will also enable the identification of the criminals involved in several types of the crimes ranging from general theft to rape and sexual assault, murder, and robberies. It will also allow the identification of dead bodies in cases where it is difficult to identify the dead person due to unrecognizable condition of the body. This study will facilitate the improvement of the investigation of crime scene investigators. It will provide a significant way for the incorporation of recent techniques of the molecular genetics into forensics. Reduction in the workload of the crime scene investigators would also occur through the implementation of outcomes of this study into the field of forensic science. There are several studies which have demonstrated the applicability of SNPs in forensic investigations for identifying the humans at crime scene. Several effective and efficient technological systems have been developed by the researchers which are capable of performing analysis of biological samples containing degraded DNA because SNPs can be obtained from these samples. Physical characteristics of the individuals can be predicted through the analysis of SNPs. This can provide significant information about the color of eye, hair and skin of the individuals involved in crime.

itriolage, a heinous crime committed with intention to disfigure a person has come into view as an extremely brutal gender-based crime especially against young women in India and also another part of world mainly in South Asia over the past few years. India is facing an alarming situation of crime against women such as rape, domestic violence, dowry deaths etc. In recent year’s cases of vitriolage are on the rise in India. By understanding the gravity of crime, section 326A and 326B was incorporated in the prevailing Indian Penal Code and came into effect from 3 February 2013. Forensic Science Laboratory, Delhi receives a number of cases pertaining to acid attacks every year. We present here five such cases which were received for forensic examination. The exhibits were analyzed using Ion Chromatography apart from classical tests in order to strengthen the forensic reports and play vital role in conviction of the accused. This paper encompasses the necessity and importance of controlled samples treated with the quality of water used in analysis, importance of packing of exhibits and role of investigating agencies/police in collection of exhibits, which play crucial role in proving the sanctity of the forensic examination.

Mental health courts are designed to divert mentally ill offenders away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment programs. This commentary highlights the systemic issues that led to the development of mental health courts as a solution. Research has already demonstrated that these courts are associated with numerous positive psychiatric and legal outcomes. However, further research is required to determine what specifically makes them successful, and who is most likely to benefit from them. Mental health courts have earned their place as an essential part of the criminal justice system and are a promising area of future research.

This research aimed at explaining important comprehension concerning with Forensic medicine in Indonesia: the application of visum et repertum in case resolution. As we know that, the community still have not known and comprehended about how important visum et repertum in law is. Moreover, it is often occurred uncompleted law well as the impact of not being supported by visum et repertum. This research utilized normative research method, which studied about medicine forensic and visum et repertum. Main material that was used in this research was data in form of health laws and regulations and also other data which were contained in books, journals and various scientific works and they related to the research theme. Furthermore, visum et repertum is one of important elements that cannot be abandoned in medical forensic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Area oral cavity have their own uniqueness, so it can be important to identification from oral cavity. In oral cavity, there are many information like angulation, occlusion, configuration, and dental fillings make teeth unique to a person so that the individual can be identified based on the precision and clarity of his teeth. Saliva is one of body fluids in the oral cavity that contains DNA. Individualization of DNA profiles is quite high. The use of DNA analysis lately has been widespread in the scope of forensic dentistry. In the field of investigation of forensic odontology, DNA can be extracted from epithelial cells contained in saliva and/or teeth. The orofacial region is a good source for sampling for DNA analysis because the oral tissues are more resistant to environmental degradation and damage from temperature, electricity, or mechanics. This article will review about evidence that can be obtained in forensic cases where the evidence is related to the oral cavity and how to collect the sample. DNA can be extracted from epithelial cells contained in saliva and/or teeth. Saliva can affect objects that we often use, especially those related to the oral cavity and have proven to be a good source for DNA analysis in forensic cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonaticide represents a particular issue both to society and forensic field, being admitted nowadays as a crime all over the world. Apart from common gross and microscopic examination of the newborn cadaver, thorough examination of the umbilical cord during autopsy proved many times its major utility in solving neonaticide cases. Although by its constituents, the umbilical cord is a quite resistant structure to bending and compression, mechanical properties vary along its surface, with gestational age or various pregnancy disorders, as well as genetic anomalies of the fetus, so that a rupture may occur. The authors present the case of a newborn found dead in a sink – about whom mother states that he accidentally fell in the feces, the moment of the birth being a surprise – and discuss on the circumstances when the umbilical cord may rupture. This issue is most important when is a need to differentiate between a true accident and an intentional newborn homicide by the mother set forth as an accident.

In recent years many studies have highlighted the great potential of microbial analysis in human identification for forensic purposes, with important differences in microbial community composition and function across different people and locations, showing a certain degree of uncertainty. Therefore, further studies are necessary to enable forensic scientists to evaluate the risk of microbial transfer and recovery from various items and to further critically evaluate the suitability of current human DNA recovery protocols for human microbial profiling for identification purposes. While the establishment and development of microbiome research biobanks for clinical applications is already very structured, the development of studies on the applicability of microbiome biobanks for forensic purposes is still in its infancy. The creation of large population microbiome biobanks, specifically dedicated to forensic human identification, could be worthwhile. This could also be useful to increase the practical applications of forensic microbiology for identification purposes, given that this type of evidence is currently absent from most real casework investigations and judicial proceedings in courts.

Determining the time since death of an individual from skeletal remains is a challenging stage. In determination of time since death, climate conditions, environmental factors, conditions such as whether the body was buried or not, and genetic and personal factors must be evaluated all together. With these factors changing and with the exposure duration growing longer, changes occur in the morphology of the bone might increase. In this study, as part of an investigation, bones which had been found in a water-well during an excavation work in Mardin was used. After 36 pieces of bone that belong to a human were analyzed, it was found that the bones had lost most of their weight and density, that they were considerably fragile, that their medulla was emptied, and that there were intense erosions on the surfaces of bony tissue. While under normal circumstances and under the condition that it was a buried body it would take at least 50 years for these changes to occur, considering that the bones remained in water for a very long time, the corrosion had to be much more than expected. With the DNA comparison, it was found that the bones belonged to people who were claimed to have been killed in the 90s. In this study, it was aimed to determine the time of death of remains which were reported to have stayed in contact with water, and to study the effect of the environmental circumstances in which the bodies are found on the bones. [Med-Science 2017; 6(1.000): 139-43]

Objective: To evaluate the results of the 2013 interlaboratory comparison of forensic mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) typing. Material and Methods: The evaluation was divided into 2 parts. (1) Laboratory analysis was assessed using control cell K562 and blood stains from 3 suspects of father-child-mother on membrane. Each laboratory extracted DNA from these samples and performed the test following the standard routine protocol. The results were appended in the given forms and send back to the provider. (2) Hypothetical forensic case studies of grandmother and nieces were asked optionally. Each laboratory could select whether to answer the second part or not. Results: Five laboratories (83%) analysed only hypervariable region I (HV I) and hypervariable region II (HV II) of mitochondrial DNA while only one laboratory (17%) analysed all regions of control region. The report of this interlaboratory comparison showed the average error rate from consensus polymorphism positions of 19% (range 0-37%). Only one laboratory calculated necessary forensic statistical values and showed these values within a report. For the hypothetical forensic case studies, the answers from each laboratory showed several variations. Conclusion: A training workshop on forensic mitochondrial DNA typing should be organized. A standard guideline of the test should be released in order to provide high quality service and reduce inconsistent results among forensic laboratories in Thailand.

Objective: To evaluate the results of the 2012 interlaboratory comparison for forensic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) typing including autosomal short tandem repeat loci (aSTR), Y-chromosome short tandem repeat loci (Y-STR), X-chromosome short tandem repeat loci (X-STR) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Material and Methods: The analysis was performed using 4 blood samples stored on FTA® cards. Twelve laboratories in Thailand participated in this study. The results from each participant were compared with the consensus results. Results: The analysis of aSTR, Y-STR, X-STR and mtDNA were performed in 12 (100.0%), 8 (66.7%), 6 (50.0%) and 7 (58.3%) laboratories, respectively. All DNA profiles of aSTR, Y-STR and X-STR from all the participating laboratories showed the same STR profiles. However, the calculation of forensic DNA typing statistical values and the format of laboratory reports among these laboratories showed several variations. Only the mtDNA test showed some variations among the laboratories. Conclusion: For aSTR, Y-STR and X-STR tests, the trainings in statistical calculation of forensic DNA typing are required. For mtDNA test, workshop training should be established. Furthermore, a standard guideline for forensic DNA typing reports should be released in order to provide all the necessary information in the laboratory reports.

Palatal rugae refer to the ridges on the anterior part of the palatal mucosa, each side of the median palatal raphe and behind the incisive papilla. Various studies on different populations have reported unique rugal patterns within each population. Aim: To study, analyse and report the significant palatal rugae patterns among West Godavari District population and compare with the patterns reported in the literature, which can aid as an additional method of identification in cases of crime or mass disasters. Material and Methods: Pre–orthodontic casts of 100 samples (50 males and 50 females) were selected. The method of identification of the rugae pattern used was that of Thomas et al (1983) which includes the number, shape and unification patterns of rugae. The different types of rugae between males and females were statistically analyzed and compared with other population studies in the literature. Results: A statistically insignificant (p>0.05) higher mean primary rugae scores was found in males (7.48±2.45) while secondary (3.38±2.02) and tertiary (2.56±1.84) rugae were more among females. Both genders showed predominance in wavy (males = 4.82±1.91 and females = 4.74±1.98) type of distribution. Commonly observed pattern in the mode of unification was converging (58%) in males and diverging pattern (62%) among femaleswhich was statistically significant (p=0.04). Conclusions: The findings showed a specific rugae pattern in this group when compared to other populations reported in the literature. Palatal rugae patterns are definitely associated with regional variation and can aid as an additional tool in forensic identification procedures.

PSU CalPat version 1.3 has a new function for calculating forensic statistic values in common paternity trio test, which has a high accuracy and high reliability than those of paternity duos test. A set of 15 loci of autosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) profiles from 110 families were selected from the database in the Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University. Our study was divided into 4 groups: 50 families from the non-excluded trio of paternal, maternal and child, 20 families from non-excluded duo of maternal and child except paternal, 20 families from non-excluded duo of paternal and child except maternal and 20 families from excluded paternal, excluded maternal and child. A total of 1,650 loci were compared. The paternity index values calculated by the PSU CalPat version 1.3 were compared with those calculated by Microsoft Excel®. All compared loci showed the same results. In addition, the report was available to print in the Thai language that included the result’s interpretation with necessary forensic statistic values. PSU CalPat version 1.3 is an alternative database software for using in forensic DNA typing in Thailand.

Introduction: Sex determination in forensic anthropology is an essential step for medico-legal purposes and crucial for identification as the number of possible matches is reduced to 50%.Teeth are an excellent material for anthropological, genetic, odontological and forensic investigations as they are known to resist a variety of ante-mortem and post-mortem insults. Sexual dimorphism in tooth size and the accuracy of odontometric sex prediction is found to vary in different population and therefore it is necessary to determine specific population values in order to make identification possible. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the existence of sexual dimorphism in South Kerala population. Aim: To evaluate and estimate the degree of odontometric sexual dimorphism in all permanent teeth except third molars and the variations in odontometric dimensions between the left and right side teeth of the maxillary and mandibular arches in male and female groups. Materials and Methods: The MesioDistal (MD) and BuccoLingual (BL) measurements of 28 teeth were estimated from the preorthodontic casts of 132 subjects; male group (66 males) and female group (66 females) of age range 15-25 years using digital Verniers’ Caliper. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 17 and the Students’ t-test for two independent samples. Results: The MesioDistal (MD) and BuccoLingual (BL) parameters of all permanent teeth in the study group showed sexual dimorphism. Over 39% of the tooth variables showed reverse dimorphism. The comparison of mean values of MD and BL diameters of the maxillary and mandibular, right and left side teeth in male and female groups showed statistical significance in males whereas females show non-significant values in both MD and BL diameters. Conclusion: The study showed a varied percentage of sexual dimorphism and variation in the mean values of MD and BL dimensions in males, but not in females between right and left side teeth of the maxillary and mandibular arches of the study population.

INTRODUCTION: this study was conducted to compare the rugae patterns between two major ethnic groups in Nigeria to establish any peculiarities. This will serve as basis for population identification especially in mass disasters involving individuals of different races or ethnicities. METHODS: one hundred consenting participants, 50 of south-western Yoruba ethnicity and 50 of south-eastern Igbo ethnicity were recruited; impressions of the upper jaws were taken and cast with dental stone. Two blinded investigators then delineated and recorded the rugae pattern of individual casts. The rugae patterns for the two groups were then analysed using the SPSS version 16. RESULTS: the Yoruba's had more of wavy and straight patterns while there were more of curve and circular among the Ibo's, however, there was no significant differences between the two groups in the mean incidence of the various rugae shapes of wavy, circular, curve and straight (p = 0.843, p = 0.711, p = 0.309 and p = 0.292 respectively). There were more secondary rugae in the Igbo than the Yoruba group and the differences in the mean incidences were significant.