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Zhang K, Liu R, Wei X, Wang Z, Huang P. Use of Raman spectroscopy to study rat lung tissues for distinguishing asphyxia from sudden cardiac death. RSC Adv 2024; 14:5665-5674. [PMID: 38357034 PMCID: PMC10865087 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07684a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Determining asphyxia as the cause of death is crucial but is based on an exclusive strategy because it lacks sensitive and specific morphological characteristics in forensic practice. In some cases where the deceased has underlying heart disease, differentiation between asphyxia and sudden cardiac death (SCD) as the primary cause of death can be challenging. Herein, Raman spectroscopy was employed to detect pulmonary biochemical differences to discriminate asphyxia from SCD in rat models. Thirty-two rats were used to build asphyxia and SCD models, with lung samples collected immediately or 24 h after death. Twenty Raman spectra were collected for each lung sample, and 640 spectra were obtained for further data preprocessing and analysis. The results showed that different biochemical alterations existed in the lung tissues of the rats that died from asphyxia and SCD and could be used to distinguish between the two causes of death. Moreover, we screened and used 8 of the 11 main differential spectral features that maintained their significant differences at 24 h after death to successfully determine the cause of death, even with decomposition and autolysis. Eventually, seven prevalent machine learning classification algorithms were employed to establish classification models, among which the support vector machine exhibited the best performance, with an area under the curve value of 0.9851 in external validation. This study shows the promise of Raman spectroscopy combined with machine learning algorithms to investigate differential biochemical alterations originating from different deaths to aid determining the cause of death in forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- Shanghai Key Lab of Forensic Medicine, Key Lab of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, China, Academy of Forensic Science Shanghai People's Republic of China
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an People's Republic of China
| | - Ruina Liu
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Huang
- Shanghai Key Lab of Forensic Medicine, Key Lab of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, China, Academy of Forensic Science Shanghai People's Republic of China
- Institute of Forensic Science, Fudan University Shanghai People's Republic of China
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S D Corrêa H, Alessandri I, Verzeletti A. Assessing the usefulness of Raman spectroscopy and lipid analysis of decomposed human bones in forensic genetics and molecular taphonomy. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 354:111881. [PMID: 38000148 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Bones are among the structures most likely to be recovered after death. However, the low quantity of preserved DNA and complex processing from sample to DNA profile make forensic DNA analysis of bones a challenging task. Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), have the potential to be useful as screening tools for DNA analysis and in decomposition studies. The objective of this research was to assess the usefulness of such molecular investigations. Femur samples collected from 50 decomposing human bodies were subjected to Raman spectroscopy and GC/MS. Assessment of nuclear DNA quantity and short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping efficiency were also performed. Raman parameters (crystallinity, carbonate-to-phosphate ratio, mineral-to-matrix ratio) and detected lipids were recorded. Background fluorescence proved problematic for Raman analysis of forensic bones. Regardless, it was not associated with less preserved DNA or less detected STR alleles. Fatty acids, hydrocarbons, and five types of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were detected. The main phosphate peak position in Raman spectra was significantly correlated with preserved DNA (p = 0.03713), while significantly more STR alleles were detected in bones containing methyl hexadecenoate (p = 0.04236). Detection of FAMEs in the bone matrix suggests a reaction between methanol produced by bacteria and free fatty acids, which are not associated with the level of preservation of endogenous DNA. The techniques assessed have shown to be useful in molecular taphonomy studies and forensic genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heitor S D Corrêa
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medico-surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Forensic DNA Laboratory, Politec/MT, Cuiabá, Brazil.
| | - Ivano Alessandri
- INSTM and Sustainable Chemistry and Materials Laboratory, Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Verzeletti
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medico-surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Woess C, Huck CW, Badzoka J, Kappacher C, Arora R, Lindtner RA, Zelger P, Schirmer M, Rabl W, Pallua J. Raman spectroscopy for postmortem interval estimation of human skeletal remains: A scoping review. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2023; 16:e202300189. [PMID: 37494000 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202300189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Estimating postmortem intervals (PMI) is crucial in forensic investigations, providing insights into criminal cases and determining the time of death. PMI estimation relies on expert experience and a combination of thanatological data and environmental factors but is prone to errors. The lack of reliable methods for assessing PMI in bones and soft tissues necessitates a better understanding of bone decomposition. Several research groups have shown promise in PMI estimation in skeletal remains but lack valid data for forensic cases. Current methods are costly, time-consuming, and unreliable for PMIs over 5 years. Raman spectroscopy (RS) can potentially estimate PMI by studying chemical modifications in bones and teeth correlated with burial time. This review summarizes RS applications, highlighting its potential as an innovative, nondestructive, and fast technique for PMI estimation in forensic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Woess
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian W Huck
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Radiochemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - J Badzoka
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Radiochemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - C Kappacher
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Radiochemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - R Arora
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - R A Lindtner
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Philipp Zelger
- University Clinic for Hearing, Voice and Speech Disorders, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - M Schirmer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - W Rabl
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Pallua
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Franceschetti L, Amadasi A, Bugelli V, Bolsi G, Tsokos M. Estimation of Late Postmortem Interval: Where Do We Stand? A Literature Review. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:783. [PMID: 37372068 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Estimating time since death can be challenging for forensic experts, and is one of the most challenging activities concerning the forensic world. Various methods have been assessed to calculate the postmortem interval on dead bodies in different stages of decomposition and are currently widely used. Nowadays, the only well-recognized dating technique is carbon-14 radioisotope measurement, whereas other methods have been tested throughout the years involving different disciplines with different and sometimes not univocal results. Today, there is no precise and secure method to precisely determine time since death, and late postmortem interval estimation remains one of the most debated topics in forensic pathology. Many proposed methods have shown promising results, and it is desirable that with further studies some of them might become acknowledged techniques to resolve such a difficult and important challenge. The present review aims at presenting studies about the different techniques that have been tested in order to find a valuable method for estimating time since death for skeletal remains. By providing a comprehensive overview, the purpose of this work is to offer readers new perspectives on postmortem interval estimation and to improve current practice in the management of skeletal remains and decomposed bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Franceschetti
- Istituto di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Amadasi
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Turmstr. 21 (Haus M), 10559 Berlin, Germany
| | - Valentina Bugelli
- South-East Tuscany Local Health Unit, Department of Legal Medicine, via Cimabue 109, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
| | - Giulia Bolsi
- Istituto di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Michael Tsokos
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Turmstr. 21 (Haus M), 10559 Berlin, Germany
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Bone Molecular Modifications Induced by Diagenesis Followed-Up for 12 Months. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101542. [PMID: 36290445 PMCID: PMC9598178 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
After death, diagenesis takes place. Numerous processes occur concomitantly, which makes it difficult to identify the diagenetic processes. The diagenetic processes refer to all processes (chemical or physical) that modify the skeletal remains. These processes are highly variable depending on the environmental factors (weather, temperature, age, sex, etc.), especially in the early stages. Numerous studies have evaluated bone diagenetic processes over long timescales (~millions of years), but fewer have been done over short timescales (between days and thousands of years). The objective of the study is to assess the early stages of diagenetic processes by Raman microspectroscopy over 12 months. The mineral and organic matrix modifications are monitored through physicochemical parameters. Ribs from six humans were buried in soil. The modifications of bone composition were followed by Raman spectroscopy each month. The decrease in the mineral/organic ratio and carbonate type-B content and the increase in crystallinity reveal that minerals undergo dissolution-recrystallization. The decrease in collagen cross-linking indicates that collagen hydrolysis induces the fragmentation of collagen fibres over 12 months.
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