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Lerchi A, Krap T, Eppenberger P, Pedergnana A. Implementation of adipocere fingerprinting in archaeology by applying a forensic approach. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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2
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Wittig H, Scheurer E. Miscellaneous: Mummification, Adipocere, and Artefacts. FORENSIC IMAGING 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-83352-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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3
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A practical review of adipocere: Key findings, case studies and operational considerations from crime scene to autopsy. J Forensic Leg Med 2020; 78:102109. [PMID: 33596512 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2020.102109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
After death, the body begins decomposition, a process that starts with the breakdown of organic matter and typically leads to the complete degradation of a body. Such a process is highly affected by (micro and macro) environmental factors of intrinsic and extrinsic nature. Adipocere is a substance formed from the decomposition of adipose tissue and represents a disruption to the typical decomposition process. Such disruption causes decomposition to slow or arrest completely, placing a body into a state of preservation, and determines complications in the estimation of the time since death (Post-Mortem Interval, PMI). While several studies have been performed on the nature, the formation and the degradation of adipocere, there is still no reliable model to assess the PMI of a body exhibiting it. Case studies are an important source to aid pathologists and investigators during a case. This review presents a summary and an update on the knowledge surrounding the chemistry and the factors affecting adipocere formation and degradation, the timing and the distribution of adipocere throughout a body, and the techniques used to investigate it. Furthermore, a table of the most important case studies involving adipocere since 1950, several images and descriptions of recent cases and operational considerations for the best practice at the crime scene and autopsy are presented to be used as a reference to facilitate forensic professionals in adipocere cases.
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Petrone P, Giordano G, Vezzoli E, Pensa A, Castaldo G, Graziano V, Sirano F, Capasso E, Quaremba G, Vona A, Miano MG, Savino S, Niola M. Preservation of neurons in an AD 79 vitrified human brain. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240017. [PMID: 33022024 PMCID: PMC7537897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Detecting the ultrastructure of brain tissue in human archaeological remains is a rare event that can offer unique insights into the structure of the ancient central nervous system (CNS). Yet ancient brains reported in the literature show only poor preservation of neuronal structures. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and advanced image processing tools, we describe the direct visualization of neuronal tissue in vitrified brain and spinal cord remains which we discovered in a male victim of the AD 79 eruption in Herculaneum. We show exceptionally well preserved ancient neurons from different regions of the human CNS at unprecedented resolution. This tissue typically consists of organic matter, as detected using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. By means of a self-developed neural image processing network, we also show specific details of the neuronal nanomorphology, like the typical myelin periodicity evidenced in the brain axons. The perfect state of preservation of these structures is due to the unique process of vitrification which occurred at Herculaneum. The discovery of proteins whose genes are expressed in the different region of the human adult brain further agree with the neuronal origin of the unusual archaeological find. The conversion of human tissue into glass is the result of sudden exposure to scorching volcanic ash and the concomitant rapid drop in temperature. The eruptive-induced process of natural vitrification, locking the cellular structure of the CNS, allowed us to study possibly the best known example in archaeology of extraordinarily well-preserved human neuronal tissue from the brain and spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Petrone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Guido Giordano
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Vezzoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pensa
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Graziano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Capasso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Quaremba
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vona
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Giuseppina Miano
- Istituto di Genetica e Biofisica "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Savino
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Niola
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Petrone P, Pucci P, Niola M, Baxter PJ, Fontanarosa C, Giordano G, Graziano V, Sirano F, Amoresano A. Heat-Induced Brain Vitrification from the Vesuvius Eruption in c.e. 79. N Engl J Med 2020; 382:383-384. [PMID: 31971686 DOI: 10.1056/nejmc1909867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Piero Pucci
- Centro di Ingegneria Genetica-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
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Chen D, Huang JF, Chen JM, You ZQ, Wang H, Wang XS, Yan XX, Luo XG. Autopsy and Forensic Study on a Rare Human Corpse Preserved Over Two Thousand Years: The Mawangdui Ancient Cadaver. Biopreserv Biobank 2019; 17:105-112. [PMID: 30920298 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2019.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1972, an enormous tomb site was found in the eastern suburb of Changsha, the capital city of Hunan Province, which led to the discovery of Mawangdui tomb No. 1, and soon thereafter tombs Nos. 2 and 3. These tombs were dated back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD) in Chinese history. Along with numerous precious historic relics unearthed as grave goods, a well-preserved female cadaver was the most unprecedented, which was considered as one of the world's greatest archeological discoveries in the 20th century. The cadaver was initially examined through autopsy and X-ray imaging, with biopsies from multiple body parts analyzed histologically at the light and electron microscopic levels. In this review, we summarize the major imaging and autopsy findings from the cadaver indicative of remarkable preservation of some histological, cellular, and molecular constituents of the body. A forensic assessment of antemortem illnesses and potential cause of death of the subject are also noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Chen
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,2 Center for Preservation of Mawangdui Han Tomb Cadaver, Morphological Science Building, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ju-Fang Huang
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,2 Center for Preservation of Mawangdui Han Tomb Cadaver, Morphological Science Building, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jian-Ming Chen
- 2 Center for Preservation of Mawangdui Han Tomb Cadaver, Morphological Science Building, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,3 Hunan Museum, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhen-Qun You
- 2 Center for Preservation of Mawangdui Han Tomb Cadaver, Morphological Science Building, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,3 Hunan Museum, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,2 Center for Preservation of Mawangdui Han Tomb Cadaver, Morphological Science Building, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao-Sheng Wang
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,2 Center for Preservation of Mawangdui Han Tomb Cadaver, Morphological Science Building, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao-Xin Yan
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,2 Center for Preservation of Mawangdui Han Tomb Cadaver, Morphological Science Building, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xue-Gang Luo
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,2 Center for Preservation of Mawangdui Han Tomb Cadaver, Morphological Science Building, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Serrulla F, Herrasti L, Navarro C, Cascallana JL, Bermejo AM, Marquez-Grant N, Etxeberria F. Preserved brains from the Spanish Civil War mass grave (1936) at La Pedraja1 , Burgos, Spain. Sci Justice 2016; 56:453-463. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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8
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Giovannetti G, Guerrini A, Carnieri E, Salvadori PA. Magnetic resonance imaging for the study of mummies. Magn Reson Imaging 2016; 34:785-794. [PMID: 26979539 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Nondestructive diagnostic imaging for mummies study has a long tradition and high-resolution images of the samples morphology have been extensively acquired by using computed tomography (CT). However, although in early reports no signal or image was obtained because of the low water content, mummy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was demonstrated able to generate images of such ancient specimens by using fast imaging techniques. Literature demonstrated the general feasibility of nonclinical MRI for visualizing historic human tissues, which is particularly interesting for archeology. More recently, multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was demonstrated able to detect numerous organic biochemicals from such remains. Although the quality of these images is not yet comparable to that of clinical magnetic resonance (MR) images, and further research will be needed for determining the full capacity of MR in this topic, the information obtained with MR can be viewed as complementary to the one provided by CT and useful for paleoradiological studies of mummies. This work contains an overview of the state of art of the emerging uses of MRI in paleoradiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Giovannetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Andrea Guerrini
- Sezione Paleontologica GAPL (Gruppo Archeologico e Paleontologico Livornese), Museo di Storia Naturale del Mediterraneo, Via Roma, 234, 57127 Leghorn, Italy
| | - Emiliano Carnieri
- Sezione Paleontologica GAPL (Gruppo Archeologico e Paleontologico Livornese), Museo di Storia Naturale del Mediterraneo, Via Roma, 234, 57127 Leghorn, Italy
| | - Piero A Salvadori
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Isidro A, Díez-Santacoloma I, Bagot J, Milla L, Gallart A. Un sarcófago con sorpresa: estudio con tomografía computarizada de una momia egipcia de Baja Época. RADIOLOGIA 2016; 58:64-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rx.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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10
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Raghanti MA, Todd N, Hof PR. Probing the proboscidea: Lessons from the past. J Comp Neurol 2015; 523:2321-5. [PMID: 26184071 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ann Raghanti
- Department of Anthropology and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242
| | - Nancy Todd
- Biology and Environmental Studies, Manhattanville College, Purchase, New York, 10577
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, 10029.,New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, New York, 10029
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11
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Moissidou D, Day J, Shin DH, Bianucci R. Invasive versus Non Invasive Methods Applied to Mummy Research: Will This Controversy Ever Be Solved? BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:192829. [PMID: 26345295 PMCID: PMC4543116 DOI: 10.1155/2015/192829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the application of non invasive techniques to mummified remains have shed new light on past diseases. The virtual inspection of a corpse, which has almost completely replaced classical autopsy, has proven to be important especially when dealing with valuable museum specimens. In spite of some very rewarding results, there are still many open questions. Non invasive techniques provide information on hard and soft tissue pathologies and allow information to be gleaned concerning mummification practices (e.g., ancient Egyptian artificial mummification). Nevertheless, there are other fields of mummy studies in which the results provided by non invasive techniques are not always self-explanatory. Reliance exclusively upon virtual diagnoses can sometimes lead to inconclusive and misleading interpretations. On the other hand, several types of investigation (e.g., histology, paleomicrobiology, and biochemistry), although minimally invasive, require direct contact with the bodies and, for this reason, are often avoided, particularly by museum curators. Here we present an overview of the non invasive and invasive techniques currently used in mummy studies and propose an approach that might solve these conflicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despina Moissidou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 M. Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Jasmine Day
- The Ancient Egypt Society of Western Australia Inc., P.O. Box 103, Ballajura, WA 6066, Australia
| | - Dong Hoon Shin
- Division of Paleopathology, Institute of Forensic Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Raffaella Bianucci
- Department of Public Health and Paediatric Sciences, Legal Medicine Section, University of Turin, Corso Galileo Galilei 22, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Center for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
- Anthropologie Bioculturelle, Droit, Ethique et Santé, Faculté de Médecine-Nord, Aix-Marseille Université, 15 boulevard Pierre Dramard, 13344 Marseille Cedex 15, France
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12
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Prats-Muñoz G, Malgosa A, Isidro A, Galtés I. Optimizing specimen processing for ancient soft tissue specimens. Biotech Histochem 2015; 90:278-87. [DOI: 10.3109/10520295.2014.989400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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13
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Isidro A, Gonzálvez LM, Arboix A. Brain vessels mummification in an individual of ancient Egypt. Cortex 2015; 63:217-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Wade AD. A commentary on "brain vessels mummification in an individual of ancient Egypt" by Isidro et al., 2014. Cortex 2014; 66:166-7. [PMID: 25496709 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Wade
- Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
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16
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Maixner F, Overath T, Linke D, Janko M, Guerriero G, van den Berg BHJ, Stade B, Leidinger P, Backes C, Jaremek M, Kneissl B, Meder B, Franke A, Egarter-Vigl E, Meese E, Schwarz A, Tholey A, Zink A, Keller A. Paleoproteomic study of the Iceman's brain tissue. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:3709-22. [PMID: 23739949 PMCID: PMC11113858 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1360-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The Tyrolean Iceman, a Copper-age ice mummy, is one of the best-studied human individuals. While the genome of the Iceman has largely been decoded, tissue-specific proteomes have not yet been investigated. We studied the proteome of two distinct brain samples using gel-based and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based proteomics technologies together with a multiple-databases and -search algorithms-driven data-analysis approach. Thereby, we identified a total of 502 different proteins. Of these, 41 proteins are known to be highly abundant in brain tissue and 9 are even specifically expressed in the brain. Furthermore, we found 10 proteins related to blood and coagulation. An enrichment analysis revealed a significant accumulation of proteins related to stress response and wound healing. Together with atomic force microscope scans, indicating clustered blood cells, our data reopens former discussions about a possible injury of the Iceman's head near the site where the tissue samples have been extracted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Maixner
- Institute for Mummies and the Iceman, EURAC research, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Thorsten Overath
- Division for Systematic Proteome Research, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Dennis Linke
- Division for Systematic Proteome Research, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Marek Janko
- Center of Smart Interfaces, TU Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Gea Guerriero
- Department Environment and Agro-biotechnologies (EVA), Centre de Recherche Public-Gabriel Lippmann, 41, rue du Brill, 4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Bart H. J. van den Berg
- Division for Systematic Proteome Research, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Bjoern Stade
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Petra Leidinger
- Department of Human Genetics, Saarland University, 66421 Saar Homburg, Germany
| | - Christina Backes
- Department of Human Genetics, Saarland University, 66421 Saar Homburg, Germany
| | | | - Benny Kneissl
- Software Engineering and Bioinformatics, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Benjamin Meder
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andre Franke
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Eduard Egarter-Vigl
- Department of Pathological Anatomy and Histology, General Hospital Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Eckart Meese
- Department of Human Genetics, Saarland University, 66421 Saar Homburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schwarz
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Andreas Tholey
- Division for Systematic Proteome Research, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Albert Zink
- Institute for Mummies and the Iceman, EURAC research, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Andreas Keller
- Department of Human Genetics, Saarland University, 66421 Saar Homburg, Germany
- Siemens Healthcare, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
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Human brains found in a fire-affected 4000-years old Bronze Age tumulus layer rich in soil alkalines and boron in Kutahya, Western Anatolia. HOMO-JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE HUMAN BIOLOGY 2013; 65:33-50. [PMID: 24060546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchb.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Undecomposed human bodies and organs always attracted interest in terms of understanding biological tissue stability and immortality. Amongst these, cases of natural mummification found in glaciers, bog sediments and deserts caused even more attention. In 2010, an archeological excavation of a Bronze Age layer in a tumulus near the Western Anatolia city Kütahya revealed fire affected regions with burnt human skeletons and charred wooden objects. Inside of the cracked skulls, undecomposed brains were discernible. To analyze the burial taphonomy of the rare phenomenon of brain preservation, we analyzed brains, bone, teeth and surrounding soils elements using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Adipocere formation or saponification of postmortem tissue fat requires high levels of alkalinity and especially potassium. Indeed, ICP-MS analysis of the brain, teeth and bone and also of the surrounding soil revealed high levels of potassium, magnesium, aluminum and boron, which are compatible with the famous role of Kütahya in tile production with its soil containing high level of alkalines and tile-glazing boron. Fatty acid chromatography revealed simultaneous saturation of fats and protection of fragile unsaturated fatty acids consistent with soil-presence of both pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant trace metals. Computerized tomography revealed protection of diencephalic, metencephalic and occipital tissue in one of the best-preserved specimens. Boron was previously found as an intentional preservative of Tutankhamen and Deir el Bahari mummies. Here, in natural soil with its insect-repellant, anti-bacterial and fire-resistance qualities it may be a factor to preserve heat-affected brains as almost bioporcellain specimens.
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Mass Spectrometry Imaging: facts and perspectives from a non-mass spectrometrist point of view. Methods 2012; 57:417-22. [PMID: 22713555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Revised: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI, also called Imaging Mass Spectrometry) can be used to map molecules according to their chemical abundance and spatial distribution. This technique is not widely used in mass spectrometry circles and is barely known by other scientists. In this review, a brief overview of the mass spectrometer hardware used in MSI and some of the possible applications of this powerful technique are discussed. I intend to call attention to MSI uses from cell biology to histopathology for biological scientists who have little background in mass spectrometry. MSI facts and perspectives are presented from a non-mass spectrometrist point of view.
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Prats-Muñoz G, Malgosa A, Armentano N, Galtés I, Esteban J, Bombi JA, Tortosa M, Fernández E, Jordana X, Isidro A, Fullola JM, Petit MÀ, Guerrero VM, Calvo M, Fernández PL. A Paleoneurohistological Study of 3,000-Year-Old Mummified Brain Tissue from the Mediterranean Bronze Age. Pathobiology 2012; 79:239-46. [DOI: 10.1159/000334353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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20
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Thali MJ, Lux B, Lösch S, Rösing FW, Hürlimann J, Feer P, Dirnhofer R, Königsdorfer U, Zollinger U. “Brienzi” – The blue Vivianite man of Switzerland: Time since death estimation of an adipocere body. Forensic Sci Int 2011; 211:34-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2011.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2010] [Revised: 02/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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