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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology 3/2018

Open Access 01-09-2018 | Original Article

Aspartic acid racemization of root dentin used for dental age estimation in a Polish population sample

Authors: Katarzyna Wochna, Radosław Bonikowski, Janusz Śmigielski, Jarosław Berent

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 3/2018

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Abstract

Precise age determination of unidentified bodies and human remains is one of the essential tasks of forensic science. The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of using the enantiomeric composition of aspartic acid racemization in root and crown dentin for dental age estimation using a Polish population sample. Coronal and root dentin from four teeth groups from the mandible were studied using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated a very high correlation between the chronological age and enantiomeric composition in both of the dentin samples. Individual linear equations of root dentin with correlation coefficients between 0.96 and 0.98 and a standard estimation error of ±2.95–4.84 years validated the application of aspartic acid racemization as a significant practical contribution to everyday forensic medical practice. Discrepancies in methodological aspects and modifications that simplify the protocol are presented.
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Metadata
Title
Aspartic acid racemization of root dentin used for dental age estimation in a Polish population sample
Authors
Katarzyna Wochna
Radosław Bonikowski
Janusz Śmigielski
Jarosław Berent
Publication date
01-09-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-018-9984-8

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