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D'Antonio G, Serinelli S, Albore M, Bolino G. Medico-legal scene investigation in the case of burned bodies - a systematic review. Med Leg J 2023; 91:226-230. [PMID: 37793642 DOI: 10.1177/00258172231191214] [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] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
A judicial on-site examination is essential for the correct analysis of a forensic case, particularly when there has been a fatal fire, as heat-related changes to bodies make identification by the forensic pathologist and other specialists difficult along with estimating the post-mortem interval and determining the precise cause and manner of death. We systematically reviewed all relevant articles dating from 2003 to 2022 in the PubMed database with a view to updating recommendations on how best to proceed. Our recommendations highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach involving various forensic specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianpiero D'Antonio
- Department of Anatomic, Histologic, Medico-Legal Sciences and of Locomotor System, Rome University Sapienza, Italy
| | - Serenella Serinelli
- Direzione Regionale Lazio - Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale, Italy
| | - Marco Albore
- Department of Anatomic, Histologic, Medico-Legal Sciences and of Locomotor System, Rome University Sapienza, Italy
| | - Giorgio Bolino
- Department of Anatomic, Histologic, Medico-Legal Sciences and of Locomotor System, Rome University Sapienza, Italy
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2
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Alwohaibi RN, Almaimoni RA, Alshrefy AJ, AlMusailet LI, AlHazzaa SA, Menezes RG. Dental implants and forensic identification: A systematic review. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 96:102508. [PMID: 36948050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102508] [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: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The use of dental implants has witnessed great popularity in recent years. It has been documented that dental implants are valuable aids in forensic identification. In particular, in the event of mass disasters, where distortion of body features may render the process of forensic identification challenging. The present review aims to explore the application of the use of dental implants in forensic identification. A literature search was performed on PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases. All studies addressing the application of dental implants for forensic identification published in English were eligible for inclusion in the review. This systematic review included a total of 14 articles that demonstrated the significance of dental implants in forensic identification. Three studies reported the use of dental implants in the process of identification of the deceased, one of which found the distance of the implant from the maxillary sinus was a pathognomonic feature of identity. Four studies conducted incineration experiments to assess dental implant characteristics following incineration. The studies identified the batch number and characteristic threads and grooves on dental implants despite incineration. The remaining studies evaluated the role of radiological assessment in identification. The findings of the aforementioned studies highlighted the benefits of radiologic imaging in identification. Dental implants carry extreme significance in forensic identification owing to their durability and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. This process can be further enhanced by the implementation of advanced technology in forensic cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawaa N Alwohaibi
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reema A Almaimoni
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afnan J Alshrefy
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Latifah I AlMusailet
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahad A AlHazzaa
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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3
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Application of Forensic DNA Phenotyping for Prediction of Eye, Hair and Skin Colour in Highly Decomposed Bodies. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11050647. [PMID: 36900653 PMCID: PMC10000573 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11050647] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, predicting externally visible characteristics (EVCs) by adopting informative DNA molecular markers has become a method in forensic genetics that has increased its value, giving rise to an interesting field called "Forensic DNA Phenotyping" (FDP). The most meaningful forensic applications of EVCs prediction are those in which, having only a DNA sample isolated from highly decomposed remains, it is essential to reconstruct the physical appearance of a person. Through this approach, we set out to evaluate 20 skeletal remains of Italian provenance in order to associate them with as many cases of missing persons as possible. To achieve the intended goal, in this work we applied the HIrisPlex-S multiplex system through the conventional short tandem repeats (STR) method to confirm the expected identity of subjects by evaluating phenotypic features. To investigate the reliability and accuracy of the DNA-based EVCs prediction, pictures of the cases were compared as they were available to researchers. Results showed an overall prediction accuracy greater than 90% for all three phenotypic features-iris, hair, and skin colour-at a probability threshold of 0.7. The experimental analysis showed inconclusive results in only two cases; this is probably due to the characteristics of subjects who had an intermediate eye and hair colour, for which the DNA-based system needs to improve the prediction accuracy.
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Robinson L, Smit C, Bernitz H. Dental radiographic superimposition: An exciting addition to the forensic odontology armamentarium. FORENSIC IMAGING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fri.2022.200513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Oliveira-Santos I, Coelho C, Cunha E, Baptista IP, Ferreira MT. The dental prosthesis (removable and fixed) from the Colecção de Esqueletos Identificados Século XXI (CEI/XXI). Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:2595-2602. [PMID: 34553261 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02701-0] [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: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
For identification of the unknown, the analysis of individualizing characteristics is a paramount procedure, which allows the reconciliation of antemortem with postmortem data. Worldwide, populations are commonly affected by tooth loss, leading to procedures of oral rehabilitation, such as dental prostheses. Although the potential of these devices for human identification is well known, the lack of marks or serial numbers as well as scarce systematic register on databases may difficult its use. The objective of this paper is to present and describe the cases with dentures and bridges of an identified osteological collection, the Colecção de Esqueletos Identificados Século XXI. All the individuals were macroscopically observed, and the cases presenting dental prostheses were registered. A total of thirty-one individuals (20 females; 11 males), ages 38 to 91 years, presented 49 dental prosthesis (removable or fixed), of various materials. The removable acrylic dentures (n = 42) were the most frequent. No identifying marks or production labels were found. This research reinforces two focal points: the value of studying and recognizing medical devices and their application for identification, and the relevance of identified skeletal collections for the advance of forensic science in the current multidisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Oliveira-Santos
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Catarina Coelho
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eugénia Cunha
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal E Ciências Forenses, IP., Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Poiares Baptista
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry Department, Institute of Periodontology, University of Coimbra, Avenida Bissaya Barreto, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Ferreira
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
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Palamenghi A, Borlando A, De Angelis D, Sforza C, Cattaneo C, Gibelli D. Exploring the potential of cranial non-metric traits as a tool for personal identification: the never-ending dilemma. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:2509-2518. [PMID: 34275004 PMCID: PMC8523454 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02654-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Forensic anthropologists tasked with identification of skeletal remains often have to set up new strategies to overcome the limitations of conventional individualizing markers. A sound acquaintance with non-metric traits is essential for a reliable distinction between normal variations and pathological or traumatic conditions, yet the role of cranial variants in the identification process is still somehow ill-defined. One hundred crania (50 males and 50 females) of known sex and age were selected from the Collezione Antropologica LABANOF (a documented contemporary skeletal collection) and non-metric traits were scored as present or absent and by side. The frequencies of 13 traits were used to calculate the compound probabilities to find an individual with an exact combination of cranial features in the worldwide population. The probabilities of the majority of the individuals (53%) are within the 1 out of 10 million-1 out of 1 million interval. However, a fair number of subjects (25%) of the sample have the probabilities falling into the 1 out of 1 billion-1 out of 100 million interval, while the probabilities of a small portion of the sample (10%) are less than 1 out of 1 billion. This pilot study illustrates that some combinations of cranial variants are quite rare and may represent potential evidence to discern presumptive identifications, when an appropriate set of traits is selected and antemortem data are available for comparison. However, further research on larger and various samples is needed to confirm or discard the use of combinations of cranial non-metric traits as individualizing markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Palamenghi
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy. .,LAFAS, Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessia Borlando
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Danilo De Angelis
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiarella Sforza
- LAFAS, Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Gibelli
- LAFAS, Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Blau S, Graham J, Smythe L, Rowbotham S. Human identification: a review of methods employed within an Australian coronial death investigation system. Int J Legal Med 2020; 135:375-385. [PMID: 33179171 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02461-3] [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: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Whilst many identification methods have been widely described and discussed in the literature, and considered in disaster and humanitarian contexts, there has been limited reporting and evaluation of the identification methods used in domestic medico-legal death investigation contexts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the identification methods utilised at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM), which forms part of a coronial medico-legal death investigation system. The method of identification and time taken to complete the identification were reviewed for all cases admitted to the VIFM over a five-year period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2020. The majority, 91%, of individuals admitted to the VIFM were visually identified. The remaining 9% of cases required identification by primary methods (i.e. fingerprints, DNA or dental) or, when those methods were not possible, by secondary methods (i.e. circumstantial). Visual identifications were the timeliest, taking an average of 1.5 days, whilst primary identification methods required an average of 5 days to complete. The triaging of identification methods, dependent on the case context, body preservation, availability of ante-mortem data, legal requirements and admissibility of the method, are determined by identification coordinators within the Human Identification Service (HIS) to ensure the most appropriate and timely method is employed. This review of human identification methods provides the foundation for future analyses to compare workflow processes and improve identification methods utilised in domestic medico-legal contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soren Blau
- Human Identification Services, Department of Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jeremy Graham
- Human Identification Services, Department of Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lyndall Smythe
- Human Identification Services, Department of Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samantha Rowbotham
- Human Identification Services, Department of Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
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Mansour H, Sperhake JP, Bekaert B, Krebs O, Friedrich P, Fuhrmann A, Püschel K. New aspects of dental implants and DNA technology in human identification. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 302:109926. [PMID: 31444040 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Missing, ineligible or delayed reference data to establish conventional dental or DNA identification are common scenarios in forensic practice. Therefore, it is worthwhile to explore new avenues that facilitate human identification. Due to the recent remarkable evolution in the prosthetic dental restorations based on dental implants and the emergence of novel DNA technologies utilized to infer the biological profile, the identification process has become easier than ever before. We report on a characteristic case, which highlights the particular importance of dental implants and DNA approaches in the prospective investigations for human identification. The aim of this publication is to focus on the possibility of identifying the batch numbers, even if they were not engraved in dental implants, making antemortem dental records of dental implants more easily accessible to establish a comparative dental identification. In addition, the reported case presents the supplementary data yielded through estimating the epigenetic age using DNA methylation as well as the biogeographical origin using Y-Haplotype and mitochondrial DNA analyses. Our results demonstrate that expanded oral implant investigations that also include implants extraction and comprehensive microscopic measurements can lead to identifying their batch numbers despite the numerous number of implants systems manufactured and distributed worldwide. Data saved by dental implant manufacturers can be very supportive and represent additional reference data for dental identification, when antemortem dental records are still missing. Furthermore, DNA methylation and mitochondrial DNA analyses can support the progress of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussam Mansour
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Legal Medicine, Butenfeld34, 22529 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Jan Peter Sperhake
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Legal Medicine, Butenfeld34, 22529 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Bram Bekaert
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Imaging & Pathology, Campus St-Rafaël, Kapucijnenvoer 33, Leuven, Belgium; KU-Leuven - University of Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Forensic Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics and Molecular Archeology, Campus St-Rafaël, Kapucijnenvoer 33, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Oliver Krebs
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Legal Medicine, Butenfeld34, 22529 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Peter Friedrich
- State Criminal Investigation Department of the City of Hamburg (LKA 41), Bruno-Georges-Platz 1, 22297 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Fuhrmann
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Legal Medicine, Butenfeld34, 22529 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Klaus Püschel
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Legal Medicine, Butenfeld34, 22529 Hamburg, Germany.
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9
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Gorza L, Mânica S. Accuracy of dental identification of individuals with unrestored permanent teeth by visual comparison with radiographs of mixed dentition. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 289:337-343. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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10
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Analysis of metallic medical devices after cremation: The importance in identification. Sci Justice 2017; 57:128-135. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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De Angelis D, Gibelli D, Palazzo E, Sconfienza L, Obertova Z, Cattaneo C. Skeletal idiopathic osteosclerosis helps to perform personal identification of unknown decedents: A novel contribution from anatomical variants through CT scan. Sci Justice 2016; 56:260-3. [PMID: 27320398 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Personal identification consists of the comparison of ante-mortem information from a missing person with post-mortem data obtained from an unidentified corpse. Such procedure is based on the assessment of individualizing features which may help in providing a conclusive identification between ante-mortem and post-mortem material. Anatomical variants may provide important clues to correctly identify human remains. Areas of idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO), or dense bone islands (DBIs) characterized by radiopaque areas of dense, trabeculated, non-inflamed vital bone represent one of these, potentially individualizing, anatomical features. This study presents a case where the finding of DBI was crucial for a positive identification through CT-scan. A decomposed body was found in an apartment in June 2014 in advanced decomposition and no dental records were available to perform a comparison for positive identification. Genetic tests were not applicable because of the lack of relatives in a direct line. The analysis of the only ante-mortem documentation, a CT-scan to the deceased dating back to August 2009, showed the presence of three DBIs within the trabecular bone of the proximal portion of the right femur. The same bony district was removed from the corpse during the autopsy and analysed by CT-scan, which verified the presence of the same features. Forensic practitioners should therefore be aware of the great importance of anatomical bone variants, such as dense bone islands for identification purposes, and the importance of advanced radiological technique for addressing the individualizing potential of such variants. We propose that anatomical variants of the human skeleton should be considered as being "primary identification characteristics" similar to dental status, fingerprints and DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- D De Angelis
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - D Gibelli
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - E Palazzo
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - L Sconfienza
- Dipartimento di Radiologia, IRCCS Ospedale San Donato, Milano, Italy
| | - Z Obertova
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - C Cattaneo
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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