International Journal of Legal Medicine最新文献

{"title":"First case of drug-facilitated sexual assault involving metizolam.","authors":"Marie Bellouard, Adeline Knapp, Charlotte Mayer, Pamela Dugues, Abderrahmane Rabai, Caroline Rambaud, Jihad El Ahmar, Islam Amine Larabi, Jean-Claude Alvarez","doi":"10.1007/s00414-026-03897-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00414-026-03897-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Designer benzodiazepines (DBZD) have emerged on the illicit market over the past decade, raising growing toxicological and forensic concerns. Metizolam, a desmethyl analogue of etizolam, is one such compound with potent sedative and amnestic properties. To our knowledge, we report here the first documented case of drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) involving metizolam. A 16-year-old female with no prior medical or substance use history was examined 21 h after awakening with amnesia and signs consistent with sexual assault. Toxicological analyses were performed using gas and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS and LC-MS/MS). No psychotropic substances or alcohol were detected in blood. In hydrolysed urine, metizolam was identified at a concentration of 11 ng/mL, together with metoclopramide (0.2 ng/mL) and ethyl glucuronide (> 20 µg/mL), confirming recent alcohol consumption. GHB levels in blood and urine were within endogenous ranges. Metizolam was not detected in hair sampled simultaneously with blood and urine, supporting a single, recent intake around the time of the incident. The co-administration of alcohol and benzodiazepines can potentiate central nervous system depression and amnesia, increasing vulnerability to assault. This case illustrates the analytical challenges associated with detecting designer benzodiazepines in DFSA, due to their low concentrations, short half-lives, and frequent absence from routine screening panels. Advanced techniques such as LC-MS/MS or LC-HRMS are essential for their detection and identification. Continuous monitoring of emerging benzodiazepines and the publication of analytical case data are crucial to improving forensic awareness and the medico-legal management of victims.</p>","PeriodicalId":14071,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Legal Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"4451-4456"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148351969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Postmortem case series of Δ⁸- and Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol in blood and urine.","authors":"Munchelou M Gomonit, Marco Ballotari, Michael T Truver, Sara C Brogan, Jennifer L Hoyer, Bruce A Goldberger, Chris W Chronister","doi":"10.1007/s00414-026-03876-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00414-026-03876-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The growing popularity of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁸-THC) products has introduced new analytical and interpretive challenges for forensic toxicology laboratories. While delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) and its metabolites have been extensively characterized in postmortem casework, comparable data for Δ⁸-THC remain scarce. This study presents a validated LC-MS/MS method for the quantitation of Δ⁸-THC, Δ⁹-THC, and their primary metabolites in postmortem blood. Sample preparation employed liquid-liquid extraction using water acidified with 10% acetic acid, followed by extraction with hexane: ethyl acetate (90:10, v/v). The validated method was subsequently applied to a selected subset of authentic postmortem blood samples (n = 107) previously identified to contain Δ⁸- and/or Δ⁹-THC-COOH by GC-MS urine testing. Among these cannabinoid-positive urine cases, 39.3% were positive in blood for both Δ⁸- and Δ⁹-THC and their metabolites, whereas 25.2% and 14.0% were positive for only Δ⁸-THC and Δ⁹-THC-related analytes, respectively. Δ⁸-THC blood concentrations ranged from 1.0 to 90.4 ng/mL, and Δ⁸-THC-COOH concentrations ranged from 5.1 to 1484 ng/mL. Additionally, 11-OH-Δ⁸-THC was measured in 11.2% of cases and consistently co-occurred with Δ⁸-THC and Δ⁸-THC-COOH. These findings provide descriptive postmortem concentration data for Δ⁸-THC and highlight the importance of adequate chromatographic resolution of THC isomers. Importantly, we also underscore the interpretive challenges of polycannabinoid findings in postmortem casework, where detection of Δ⁸-THC, Δ⁹-THC, and/or their metabolites should be interpreted as evidence of cannabinoid exposure, and not as definitive evidence of impairment, intoxication, or contribution to death without additional case context.</p>","PeriodicalId":14071,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Legal Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"3809-3821"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148446293","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Observer bias in medical evaluations: a critical pre-analytical factor impacting the quality of judicial evidence in forensic-toxicological casework.","authors":"Uta Kuepper, Benno Hartung","doi":"10.1007/s00414-026-03893-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00414-026-03893-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates observer variability and systematic bias in medical examinations conducted during forensic blood sampling. The analysis focused on 14 experienced contract physicians routinely employed by law enforcement, a cohort expected to provide the highest degree of diagnostic reliability. In total, raw data from 1458 medical examinations were numerically coded and evaluated.Nine of the 14 physicians demonstrated signs of systematic bias, characterized by over- or underreporting of impairment symptoms compared to the peer group. Furthermore, a complete lack of (or only highly restricted) correlation between the clinical assessment of impairment and the analytical blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was observed in six practitioners. Adherence to standardized test batteries was equally inconsistent; four physicians completely omitted at least one diagnostically critical motoric test (either explicitly stated or implied), while three others significantly exceeded the average omission rates of the peer group.Despite state-of-the-art laboratory analytics, these findings indicate that - even among experienced physicians - the forensic utility of the medical report is significantly limited in approximately 40% of cases and entirely useless in an additional 10%. Given the high judicial regard for medical assessments over police observations, this lack of standardization undermines the principle of equal treatment. Furthermore, it hinders research into substance-related safety thresholds. Following the successful optimization of laboratory standards and police training, it is imperative to standardize the medical assessment process through specialized qualifications und proficiency testing. Special consideration should be given to using police bodycam recordings for objective forensic reviews, at least if a criminal offense is suspected.</p>","PeriodicalId":14071,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Legal Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"4083-4097"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13658495/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148345243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnostic performance of Demirjian's third molar maturation stages G, G1, and H for identifying the 18-year age threshold: a sex-specific study.","authors":"Sudheer Babu Balla, Naga Madhuri Nagarakanti, Subramanyeswara Swamy Chinni, Waheeda Shahnaz, Manasa Bojji, Venkat Baghirath Pacha","doi":"10.1007/s00414-026-03904-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00414-026-03904-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Determining attainment of 18 years is a critical task in forensic age estimation. This study evaluated and compared the sex-specific diagnostic performance of conventional and refined third-molar maturation cut-offs, Demirjian stages G and H, and the refined stage G1 for identifying individuals aged ≥ 18 years in a South Indian population. Panoramic radiographs of 599 individuals aged 14-22 years were retrospectively assessed. Mandibular left third molars were staged using the conventional Demirjian system and the Solari and Abramovitch modification. Diagnostic performance was evaluated separately for males and females using sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios, accuracy, and post-test probabilities. Intra- and inter-examiner agreement was assessed using kappa statistics. Third-molar maturation effectively discriminated attainment of 18 years in both sexes, with stage-dependent trade-offs between sensitivity and specificity. Stages G and above and stages G1 and above demonstrated high sensitivity and strong exclusion of adulthood when negative, whereas stage H showed higher specificity and greater confirmatory value when present, particularly among females. Diagnostic performance of the refined G1 stage was comparable to that of stage G, with modest improvement in specificity and post-test probability in females. Inter-examiner agreement was excellent for stages G and H but only moderate for G1, indicating reduced reproducibility for the refined stage. In conclusion, conventional Demirjian stages G and H remain reliable and reproducible indicators for assessing attainment of 18 years. Although the refined G1 stage offers increased developmental resolution and supports probabilistic interpretation, its forensic utility is constrained by reduced inter-observer agreement.</p>","PeriodicalId":14071,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Legal Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"4435-4443"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13658497/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148390805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dental age assessment: orthopantomogram-based comparison of traditional methods and artificial intelligence in the adult population.","authors":"Filipa Tomljenović, Marin Vodanović, Andrej Šribar, Hrvoje Brkić, Denis Milošević, Marko Subašić","doi":"10.1007/s00414-026-03908-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00414-026-03908-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dental age estimation in adults represents an important component of forensic odontology and medicolegal practice. Recent artificial intelligence (AI) approaches have demonstrated improved performance compared to traditional morphometric techniques. This study aimed to compare the reliability and accuracy of three conventional dental age estimation methods with an AI-based approach. A total of 1000 digital orthopantomograms of adults aged 18-79 years with known chronological age were retrieved from the Department of Dental Anthropology database at the University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine. Dental age was assessed using Kvaal's, Drusini's, and Cameriere's methods in ImageJ, and compared with an AI-based convolutional neural network model developed at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis and Bland-Altman plots demonstrated excellent reliability of the AI-based method (ICC = 0.965), with a mean bias of + 4.31 years and superior precision (CV = 4.34%, SEP = 3.64 years). In contrast, traditional methods showed poor reliability: Cameriere (ICC = 0.376; bias of + 9.16 years), Drusini (ICC = 0.331; bias of + 2.21 years), and Kvaal (ICC = 0.310; bias of + 15.7 years). Applicability rates were highest for the AI-based method (91.1%), followed by Cameriere (70.8%), Kvaal (63.1%), and Drusini (39.5%). Although the AI model demonstrated a systematic tendency toward age overestimation, it outperformed conventional methods and shows strong potential for application in forensic dental practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":14071,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Legal Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"4167-4179"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148390733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Species discordance in diatom testing for drowning diagnosis: a biological passive sampling hypothesis with forensic implications.","authors":"Bo Wang, Jianhua Chen, Jifeng Cai, Xiaoshi Qin, Jie Cai, Yuzhao Xu, Jianghuan Lu, Yixin Ma, Zhiao Duan, Jianqiang Deng","doi":"10.1007/s00414-026-03940-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00414-026-03940-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diatom testing is a key technique for forensic drowning diagnosis, yet species discordance between diatom taxa in victim tissues and water samples from the recovery site remains a major medico-legal challenge, often misattributed to technical errors or post-mortem contamination. This correspondence proposes an interdisciplinary interpretative hypothesis based on biological passive sampling theory from environmental science, hypothesizing three potential mechanisms driving this discordance: selective sampling by anatomical structures and diatom physical traits, time-integrated accumulation of diatoms during the agonal period of drowning versus snapshot water sampling, and chronic dietary diatom exposure forming a potential background signal. We cautiously distinguish natural biological discordance from artificial post-mortem contamination, and suggest reframing discordance from a methodological flaw to a potential source of actionable forensic information, provided that its interpretative boundaries are clearly defined. Evidence-based forensic interpretation guidelines for different discordance patterns and standardized practice recommendations for diatom testing are provided, including reporting organ-specific diatom profiles, evaluating tissue barrier integrity, and implementing strict blank controls. This framework is presented as a testable hypothesis consistent with recent systematic reviews on diatom test interpretation and provides a theoretical basis for the urgent standardization of forensic diatom testing, enhancing the scientific validity of drowning diagnosis and site inference in medico-legal practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":14071,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Legal Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"4495-4498"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13658421/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148684481","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Developmental validation of the rapidpuncher, an automated laser-based sampling system that eliminates cross-contamination in the forensic analysis of FTA cards.","authors":"Marek Kowalczyk, Andrzej Sekuła, Miłosz Januła, Wojciech Branicki, Mateusz Lesicki, Tomasz Kupiec, Andrzej Doniec","doi":"10.1007/s00414-026-03920-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00414-026-03920-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The rapidPuncher is an advanced, fully automated laser sampling system designed for forensic and diagnostic genetic laboratories, enabling precise disc-shaped sample cutting from FTA cards (by burning a ring) for DNA extraction. Its laser cutting method eliminates physical contact, which solves the long-standing problem of possible cross-contamination that comes with traditional mechanical punching tools. This study provides developmental validation of the rapidPuncher, encompassing evaluations of linearity, cross-contamination risk, and efficacy in STR and mtDNA profiling. Validation tests using blood, buccal swabs, and saliva on FTA media showed that the platform allows for precise, contamination-free sample excision. The DNA yields and quality were similar to those of traditional sample preparation, and the STR and mtDNA profiles were always reliable. The integrated vision system automates the process of identifying high biological material saturation sites, which facilitates reproducibility. Comparative testing confirmed no significant transfer of DNA to blank FTA cards. The rapidPuncher complies with ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 21043 standards for forensic laboratory practice and greatly improves the automation of laboratory workflows, reduces the risk of human error, and ensures high accuracy for forensic casework and molecular diagnostics.</p>","PeriodicalId":14071,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Legal Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"4343-4364"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148677987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Computed tomography as a solution to skeletal collection limitations: exploring cranial variation in the South African population.","authors":"Gabriele Christa Krüger, Richard L Jantz, Ericka N L'Abbé","doi":"10.1007/s00414-026-03878-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00414-026-03878-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skeletal collections have provided the foundation for forensic anthropology in South Africa, offering invaluable reference material for developing and testing identification methods. However, these collections remain limited in both size and representativeness. Many are historically biased, restricted by donation practices, and unable to reflect the demographic and biological diversity of the country's modern population. Indian South Africans, in particular, are notably absent due to cultural and religious beliefs that discourage body donation. This study explores the use of computed tomography (CT) as an alternative to overcome these limitations. A total of 408 high-resolution head CT scans representing Black, Coloured, Indian, and White South Africans were analysed using inter-landmark distances and geometric morphometrics. Measurement repeatability was high, with both intra- and inter-observer errors falling well within accepted forensic thresholds (< 2 mm; <3.5%). Significant population-level differences in cranial form were identified (p < 0.01). Black South Africans were consistently the most clearly differentiated group, while Coloured and Indian South Africans showed the greatest overlap, reflecting shared population affinity and historical admixture. Cross-validated classification accuracies ranged between 62% and 64%, indicating that both linear and shape-based analyses can capture relevant cranial variation. These results confirm that CT-derived data are reliable for examining cranial variation within contemporary South African samples and provide access to larger and more diverse datasets than traditional skeletal collections. This study establishes the first cranial reference data incorporating Indian South Africans and demonstrates how CT scanning can support the development of inclusive, population-specific standards for forensic anthropology in South Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":14071,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Legal Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"4049-4069"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13658363/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148329053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Broncholithiasis mimicking metallic projectiles at autopsy: a forensic diagnostic pitfall in putrefied bodies.","authors":"Aymeric Zambiasi, Eulalie Pefferkorn, Fabrice Dedouit, Claudie Josse, Norbert Telmon, Lise Pestourie","doi":"10.1007/s00414-026-03916-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00414-026-03916-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We report an autopsy case in which broncholithiasis mimicked retained ballistic projectiles in a putrefied body. A medico-legal autopsy was performed on a 76-year-old male found in an advanced state of putrefaction. Macroscopic examination during autopsy revealed small, stony intrapulmonary nodules raising suspicion of retained pellets. Whole-body post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) allowed us to further characterize these elements. The structures were subsequently analyzed using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to determine their elemental composition. PMCT demonstrated multiple hyperdense micronodules within the right upper lobe, arranged in a linear endobronchial pattern without metallic artifacts, strongly suggesting a calcified biological origin. SEM-EDS analysis revealed a predominance of calcium and phosphorus, with no evidence of metallic elements typically associated with ballistic materials. These findings and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of broncholithiasis. Broncholithiasis may closely mimic retained ballistic fragments at the macroscopic level in decomposed bodies, representing a significant forensic diagnostic pitfall. While PMCT is key to orienting the diagnosis, this work highlights the value of a multimodal approach combining post-mortem imaging, histopathology, and elemental microanalysis to provide definitive chemical confirmation and prevent misinterpretation of the cause and manner of death.</p>","PeriodicalId":14071,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Legal Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"4463-4468"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13658512/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148396272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mandibular condylar cortication and third molar apical closure on cone beam computed tomography for the assessment of legal adulthood: a pilot retrospective study.","authors":"Araceli P Martínez-Miravé, Pedro Maria Abecasis, Santiago Andrés Jaureguy, Marta Satorres-Nieto","doi":"10.1007/s00414-026-03932-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00414-026-03932-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Accurate estimation of legal adulthood in undocumented individuals remains a major challenge in forensic and medico-legal contexts. This study evaluates mandibular condylar cortication and third molar apical closure assessed by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as potential indicators of age of majority. A retrospective observational pilot study was conducted on 142 individuals aged 13-25 years from six geographic regions (Spain, Uruguay, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela and Colombia). Two radiological variables were analyzed: the presence of cortical bone in the mandibular condyle and apical closure of the mandibular third molars. Associations with chronological age were explored descriptively, considering sex and geographic origin.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mandibular condylar cortication was identified exclusively in individuals aged 18 years or older. It showed 89.2% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, and 89.5% negative predictive value for identifying legal adulthood. Complete third molar apical closure showed lower sensitivity (64.7%) and specificity of 96.6%. Both markers were significantly associated with legal adulthood (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Within the limitations of this pilot study, mandibular condylar cortication assessed by CBCT appears to be a promising indicator of legal adulthood, potentially offering higher specificity than third molar apical closure. Further large-scale studies are required to validate these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":14071,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Legal Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"4289-4297"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148653684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}