1
|
Ceciliason AS, Käll B, Sandler H. Mummification in a forensic context: an observational study of taphonomic changes and the post-mortem interval in an indoor setting. Int J Legal Med 2023:10.1007/s00414-023-02986-3. [PMID: 36943481 PMCID: PMC10247854 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02986-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of mummification in an indoor setting, with an emphasis on the forensic perspective. A dataset of 102 forensic autopsy cases was assessed for distribution of desiccation of skin and soft tissue (i.e., subcutaneous fat and musculature) and for moist decompositional (i.e., putrefactive) changes. Further, possible correlation with the post-mortem interval (PMI) was evaluated, as well as the effects of clothing coverage of the body. The results indicated that yellow to orange parchment-like desiccated skin was found at significantly shorter PMIs than reddish brown to black leathery desiccated skin, even when soft tissue desiccation was included in the comparative analysis. Clothing appeared to have a significant decelerating effect on the extent of desiccation on the legs, but findings in regard to whole body or torso/arms were inconclusive. A large variation in PMIs was evident as regards fully desiccated skin (PMI 18-217 days), indicating difficulties in PMI estimation due to a variable repressive effect on the decompositional process per se in an indoor setting. For the specific case in forensic practice, no definite conclusion can be drawn from the observed desiccation changes to the PMI. One way forward might be creating a systematic and standardized method for describing different desiccation types, as well as other cooccurring decompositional changes and how they relate to the PMI, as a foundation for a future quantification model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofie Ceciliason
- Forensic Medicine, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Björn Käll
- Department of Forensic Medicine, The National Board of Forensic Medicine, Box 1024, SE-751 40, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Håkan Sandler
- Forensic Medicine, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Medicine, The National Board of Forensic Medicine, Box 1024, SE-751 40, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ribéreau-Gayon A, Carter DO, Forbes S. Developing a new scoring method to evaluate human decomposition in a humid, continental (Dfb) climate in Quebec. J Forensic Sci 2023; 68:536-548. [PMID: 36645695 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The published literature shows a lack of methods to evaluate the patterns and extent of decomposition of human remains and to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) in humid, continental (Dfb) climates such as Quebec. The aim of this study was to address this gap in the current knowledge base by providing the first observations from human corpses studied under controlled conditions in Quebec. A 12-month study was conducted at the site for Research in Experimental and Social Thanatology; the first human taphonomy facility in Canada. Six human donors with known time of death were deposited across spring (n = 1), summer (n = 3), and autumn (n = 2) 2021. The lack of suitability of the total body score method to evaluate the extent of decomposition at the facility prompted the development of a new scoring system based on the macromorphoscopic changes observed. The scoring system was applied to the donors to evaluate decomposition throughout seasons. All donors followed comparable decomposition trajectories, regardless of the season of deposition. Eighty-five percent of taphonomic patterns appeared in the first 25 experimental days or 5000 Kelvin accumulated degree days (350 ADD). Extensive desiccation of tissues was observed at a median of 21 experimental days across donors, resulting in a plateau within decomposition with no extensive skeletonization. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first published report of experimentally observed desiccation in such a form in a Dfb climate. This study provides new data on the types of decomposition patterns to expect in forensic investigations in southern Quebec and comparable climates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Ribéreau-Gayon
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada.,Groupe de Recherche en Science Forensique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada.,Centre International de Criminologie Comparée, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - David O Carter
- Laboratory of Forensic Taphonomy, Forensic Sciences Unit, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Shari Forbes
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada.,Groupe de Recherche en Science Forensique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada.,Centre International de Criminologie Comparée, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Folkerth RD, Crary JF, Shewmon DA. Neuropathologic findings in a young woman 4 years following declaration of brain death: case analysis and literature review. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2022; 82:6-20. [PMID: 36519406 PMCID: PMC9764081 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlac090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain death (death by neurologic criteria) is declared in 2% of all in-hospital deaths in the United States. Published neuropathology studies of individuals maintained on cardiorespiratory support are generally decades old, and notably include only 3 cases with long intervals between brain and "somatic" death (68 days, 101 days, 20 years). Here, we share our observations in a young woman supported for nearly 4½ years following declaration of brain death after oropharyngeal surgery. While limited by tissue availability and condition, we found evidence of at least partial perfusion of the superficial cerebral and cerebellar cortices by external carotid and vertebral arteries (via meningeal and posterior pharyngeal branches), characterized by focal cellular reaction and organization. Dural venous sinuses had thrombosis and recanalization, as well as iron deposition. In nonperfused brain areas, tissue "mummification," akin to that seen in certain postmortem conditions, including macerated stillbirths and saponification (adipocere formation), was identified, and are reviewed herein. Unfortunately, correlation with years-earlier clinical and radiographic observations was not possible. Nevertheless, we feel that our careful neuropathologic inspection of this case expands the understanding of the spectrum of human brain tissue alterations possible in a very rarely seen set of conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca D Folkerth
- New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner and New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 520 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA; E-mail: ; ;
| | - John F Crary
- From the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York, New York, USA (RDF); Departments of Pathology, Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence & Human Health, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Neuropathology Brain Bank & Research Core, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA (JFC); and Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA (DAS)
| | - D Alan Shewmon
- From the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York, New York, USA (RDF); Departments of Pathology, Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence & Human Health, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Neuropathology Brain Bank & Research Core, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA (JFC); and Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA (DAS)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marković M, Mezzatesta E, Porcier S, Vieillescazes C, Mathe C. Rethinking the Process of Animal Mummification in Ancient Egypt: Molecular Characterization of Embalming Material and the Use of Brassicaceae Seed Oil in the Mummification of Gazelle Mummies from Kom Mereh, Egypt. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27051532. [PMID: 35268632 PMCID: PMC8912108 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The study of animal mummification in ancient Egypt has recently received increasing attention from a number of modern scholars given the fact that this part of ancient Egyptian funerary and religious history is a practice yet to be fully understood. In this study, nine samples of embalming matter were extracted from six gazelle mummies from the archaeological site of Kom Mereh (modern village of Komir), dated to the Roman period of dominance in ancient Egypt. All samples were analyzed for the presence of inorganic and organic matter applying a multi-analytical approach based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Furthermore, in order to identify more specific compounds such as bitumen and beeswax in studied balms, each sample was subjected to a solid phase extraction (SPE) and saponification separation process, respectively. The results of this study revealed that the majority of the analyzed embalming substances sampled from six gazelle mummies from Kom Mereh were complex mixtures of plant oils, animal fats, conifer resin, and beeswax. In this regard, this study was able to report a practice until now unmentioned in the scientific literature, namely, the use of cruciferous oil, derived from seeds of Brassicaceae plants, in animal mummification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milan Marković
- IMBE UMR 7263, IRD237, Avignon University/CNRS/IRD/Aix-Marseille University, Restoration Engineering of Natural and Cultural Heritage, Faculty of Sciences, Campus Jean-Henri Fabre, 301 rue Baruch de Spinoza BP 21239, CEDEX 9, 84916 Avignon, France; (E.M.); (C.V.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (C.M.); Tel.: +33-490-144-454 (C.M.)
| | - Elodie Mezzatesta
- IMBE UMR 7263, IRD237, Avignon University/CNRS/IRD/Aix-Marseille University, Restoration Engineering of Natural and Cultural Heritage, Faculty of Sciences, Campus Jean-Henri Fabre, 301 rue Baruch de Spinoza BP 21239, CEDEX 9, 84916 Avignon, France; (E.M.); (C.V.)
| | - Stéphanie Porcier
- ASM, Archéologie des Sociétés Méditerranéennes, UMR5140, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Universités Paul Valéry, MCC (Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication), INRAP (Institut National de Recherches en Archéologie Préventive), CEDEX 5, F-34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Cathy Vieillescazes
- IMBE UMR 7263, IRD237, Avignon University/CNRS/IRD/Aix-Marseille University, Restoration Engineering of Natural and Cultural Heritage, Faculty of Sciences, Campus Jean-Henri Fabre, 301 rue Baruch de Spinoza BP 21239, CEDEX 9, 84916 Avignon, France; (E.M.); (C.V.)
| | - Carole Mathe
- IMBE UMR 7263, IRD237, Avignon University/CNRS/IRD/Aix-Marseille University, Restoration Engineering of Natural and Cultural Heritage, Faculty of Sciences, Campus Jean-Henri Fabre, 301 rue Baruch de Spinoza BP 21239, CEDEX 9, 84916 Avignon, France; (E.M.); (C.V.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (C.M.); Tel.: +33-490-144-454 (C.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Giles SB, Errickson D, Márquez-Grant N. Decomposition variability between the scene and autopsy examination and implications for post-mortem interval estimations. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 85:102292. [PMID: 34839087 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Forensic experts rely on scene and/or autopsy photographs to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) when an in-situ assessment of decomposition is unfeasible. The degree of decomposition may vary between the scene and autopsy, which importantly could affect estimations of the unknown PMI in forensic casework. This study aimed to investigate decomposition variability between the scene and autopsy and assess the subsequent effect on the accuracy of PMI estimations. Scene and autopsy photographs from 94 cases with known PMI were used from the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner in Pittsburgh, United States. The total decomposition scoring (TDS) method measured the overall decomposition level, and 28 markers of decomposition were recorded as a percentage of the total body surface area (TBSA). In 60% of cases the TDS had increased at autopsy causing significant overestimations of the autopsy PMI and 86% of decomposition markers varied between the scene and autopsy. Decomposition progressed during mortuary time lags (MTL) of 3-44 h, where bodies were stored in a pre-autopsy refrigerator at 4 °C, suggesting that refrigeration may not always delay decomposition. This research also assisted in validating photographs as a proxy for real-time decomposition assessments. While the autopsy photographs conferred higher quality than the scene photographs, the scene photographs produced more accurate PMI estimations. Forensic experts should exhibit caution when estimating the PMI from autopsy photographs alone, as they may not accurately reflect scene decomposition. To prevent misinterpretation of the PMI estimation, both scene and autopsy photographs should always be requested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B Giles
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, Swindon, SN6 8LA, United Kingdom.
| | - David Errickson
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, Swindon, SN6 8LA, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Márquez-Grant
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, Swindon, SN6 8LA, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fernandez F, Thumaty N, Climer CR, Escorcia W. Papaya and pineapple juices facilitate rehydration of mummified dermal tissue for fingerprint capture. J Forensic Sci 2021; 67:735-740. [PMID: 34613621 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mummified remains pose an issue for forensic scientists as identification of the deceased can be difficult due to extreme shriveling of dermal tissue and a resulting lack of quality fingerprint features. The typical protocols used to address this problem include corrosive chemicals that may further damage the already susceptible tissues. An alternative approach is found in the juice of two fruit species known to contain proteolytically active enzymes that tenderize soft tissues, thereby promoting water uptake. In this study, we saturated mummified fingers in papaya and pineapple juice treatments, followed by syringe-facilitated finger volume distension. After juice saturation, the data showed statistically significant increases in mass and volume of the samples, (papaya: relative mass p < 0.02833, relative volume p < 0.008466; pineapple: relative mass p < 0.01426, relative volume p < 0.04182). The post-treatment tissues were then rehydrated through a hydraulic mechanism that exerted the required turgor for effective fingerprint capture. This novel protocol utilizes fruit-based reagents to rehydrate mummified fingers without risk of corrosive damage, allowing for the restoration of accurate fingerprints and the positive identification of decedents. The value of this protocol lies in its simple implementation, affordability, instrument availability, and time effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fidel Fernandez
- Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's Office, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Neehar Thumaty
- Dornsife College, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cailin R Climer
- Dornsife College, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Wilber Escorcia
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Biology Department, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gupta M, Tiwari PK. An Unusual Autopsy Case of Artificial Conservation of a Corpse in a Domestic Setting. Cureus 2021; 13:e16382. [PMID: 34408936 PMCID: PMC8362641 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Decomposition, or the process by which a corpse turns into a skeleton due to the destruction of the soft tissue, is very complicated. Humankind has used various methods to inhibit and delay decomposition changes over centuries. It includes mummification, embalming, and preservation of the body under low temperatures. In this report, we present a criminal case involving the conservation of the body using a paste made from clarified butter and turmeric powder, with the body simultaneously kept in an air-conditioned room. The body acquired a stiff, leathery appearance consistent with mummification. The subjacent layers of the muscles had a soft consistency and specified adipocere changes. Adipocere changes were present in most internal organs. This case report involves a certified hospital death with no disagreement over the after-death interval or the cause of death during the postmortem examination. The postmortem changes resulted from a unique method of body preservation: a combination of lower temperature (by air conditioner) and the application of clarified butter mixed with turmeric powder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayank Gupta
- Forensic Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, IND
| | - Praveen K Tiwari
- Forensic Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, IND
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
|