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Ammer ST, Routhledge N, Davies GR, van Asten AC, Verdegaal-Warmerdam SJ, Kootker LM. Enhancing the contemporary human and water isotope reference database for the Netherlands: New insights from Sr-O-C-N-H isotope data. iScience 2024; 27:109561. [PMID: 38644979 PMCID: PMC11026730 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109561] [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] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The determination of an individual's geographic origin is an essential aspect of forensic investigations. When primary identifiers cannot be used to make a positive identification, isotope analysis can be utilized to provide new leads. Modern reference data are essential for accurate interpretation of human isotopic data in terms of diet and origin. This article presents Sr-O-C-N-H isotope data of modern individuals (hair, dental enamel, and dentine collagen) and drinking water from the Netherlands. The δ15N values of human hair fall within the range of values observed worldwide and cannot be utilized to differentiate from other countries. Distinct disparities in the hair δ13C are evident between European countries and other regions, making it possible to exclude the Netherlands as a region of origin. Comparing Dutch dental isotope data to those of other nations has proven difficult due to the limited availability of reference data. The same limitation applies to tap water δ2H data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia T.M. Ammer
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nathan Routhledge
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Gareth R. Davies
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arian C. van Asten
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
- Van’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Suzan J.A. Verdegaal-Warmerdam
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette M. Kootker
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Swaringen BF, Gawlik E, Kamenov GD, McTigue NE, Cornwell DA, Bonzongo JCJ. Children's exposure to environmental lead: A review of potential sources, blood levels, and methods used to reduce exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112025. [PMID: 34508773 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Lead has been used for thousands of years in different anthropogenic activities thanks to its unique properties that allow for many applications such as the manufacturing of drinking water pipes and its use as additives to gasoline and paint. However, knowledge of the adverse impacts of lead on human health has led to its banning from several of its applications, with the main goal of reducing environmental pollution and protecting human health. Human exposure to lead has been linked to different sources of contamination, resulting in high blood lead levels (BLLs) and adverse health implications, primarily in exposed children. Here, we present a summary of a literature review on potential lead sources affecting blood levels and on the different approaches used to reduce human exposure. The findings show a combination of different research approaches, which include the use of inspectors to identify problematic areas in homes, collection and analysis of environmental samples, different lead detection methods (e.g. smart phone applications to identify the presence of lead and mass spectrometry techniques). Although not always the most effective way to predict BLLs in children, linear and non-linear regression models have been used to link BLLs and environmental lead. However, multiple regressions and complex modelling systems would be ideal, especially when seeking results in support of decision-making processes. Overall, lead remains a pollutant of concern and many children are still exposed to it through environmental and drinking water sources. To reduce exposure to lead through source apportionment methods, recent technological advances using high-precision lead stable isotope ratios measured on multi-collector induced coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) instruments have created a new direction for identifying and then eliminating prevalent lead sources associated with high BLLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin F Swaringen
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Emory Gawlik
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - George D Kamenov
- Dept. of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Nancy E McTigue
- Cornwell Engineering Group, 712 Gum Rock Ct, Newport News, VA 23606, USA
| | - David A Cornwell
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA; Cornwell Engineering Group, 712 Gum Rock Ct, Newport News, VA 23606, USA
| | - Jean-Claude J Bonzongo
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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Kootker LM, Plomp E, Ammer STM, Hoogland V, Davies GR. Spatial patterns in 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios in modern human dental enamel and tap water from the Netherlands: Implications for forensic provenancing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 729:138992. [PMID: 32361454 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of strontium isotope ratios in human dental enamel has become important in the fields of archaeological and forensic science for determining provenance and hence mobility. The prerequisite for the approach relies on a correlation between dietary Sr intake and the underlying local geology. This premise is brought into question for anthropological forensic investigations by the increasing globalisation of food supply, the establishment of nation-wide or international supermarket chains, and increasing urbanisation. To better understand the processes that cause spatial variation of Sr isotope ratios in the modern environment, this study determines the range of 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the modern Dutch environment based on 296 modern human dental enamel and tap water samples. Tap water 87Sr/86Sr from the Netherlands range from 0.70837 to 0.71278 (ΔSrmax-min = 0.0044) and modern human enamel from 0.70847 to 0.70995 (ΔSrmax-min = 0.0015). The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of tap water are predominantly determined by the underlying bedrock geology at the sampling point. In contrast, the human enamel data record an insignificant, weak correlation with water supply or local geology. Hence, the main principle behind the application of 87Sr/86Sr as a proxy for mobility appears invalid in the modern globalised Dutch context. The range of 87Sr/86Sr in modern Dutch humans that can be used for anthropological forensic investigations is between 0.7085 and 0.7100 (n = 153), with 98.0% of individuals between 0.7088 and 0.7099.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette M Kootker
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Esther Plomp
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia T M Ammer
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Department of Life Sciences, Colégio de S. Bento, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vera Hoogland
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gareth R Davies
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Ammer STM, Kootker LM, Bartelink EJ, Anderson BE, Cunha E, Davies GR. Comparison of strontium isotope ratios in Mexican human hair and tap water as provenance indicators. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 314:110422. [PMID: 32717657 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Deceased undocumented border crossers are some of the most difficult individuals to identify due to the inability to narrow down the region of origin and therefore to obtain family reference samples for DNA comparison. The isotopic compositions of various body tissues have been demonstrated to be useful biomarkers for tracking locations and movements to aid in the identification of human remains. This study closes the large spatial gap of available 87Sr/86Sr ratios from North America in tap water and presents the first 87Sr/86Sr human tissue-based ratios from Mexico. The 101 hair samples from 32 locations in Mexico range in 87Sr/86Sr ratios from 0.70424 to 0.71613 (ΔSrmax-min=0.01189). Furthermore, 151 tap water samples from 51 locations range between 0.70404 to 0.71385 (ΔSrmax-min=0.00981). Overall, small variations in the hair and tap water samples collected from individual locations were recorded (ΔSrmax-min=0.00041 and 0.00034 respectively). Despite the fact that Mexico is one of the largest bottled water consumers in the world, the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of human hair and tap water correlated strongly (R2=0.87 for location averages and R2=0.80 when using individual data points). These data represent a valuable resource for identifying the provenance of human remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia T M Ammer
- University of Coimbra, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, 3000-456, Portugal.
| | - Lisette M Kootker
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eric J Bartelink
- Department of Anthropology, California State University, Chico, Chico, CA, 95929-0400, United States
| | - Bruce E Anderson
- Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, 2825 E District St, Tucson, AZ, 85714, United States
| | - Eugénia Cunha
- University of Coimbra, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, 3000-456, Portugal
| | - Gareth R Davies
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Aronsen GP, Fehren-Schmitz L, Krigbaum J, Kamenov GD, Conlogue GJ, Warinner C, Ozga AT, Sankaranarayanan K, Griego A, DeLuca DW, Eckels HT, Byczkiewicz RK, Grgurich T, Pelletier NA, Brownlee SA, Marichal A, Williamson K, Tonoike Y, Bellantoni NF. "The dead shall be raised": Multidisciplinary analysis of human skeletons reveals complexity in 19th century immigrant socioeconomic history and identity in New Haven, Connecticut. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219279. [PMID: 31498793 PMCID: PMC6733446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In July 2011, renovations to Yale-New Haven Hospital inadvertently exposed the cemetery of Christ Church, New Haven, Connecticut’s first Catholic cemetery. While this cemetery was active between 1833 and 1851, both the church and its cemetery disappeared from public records, making the discovery serendipitous. Four relatively well-preserved adult skeletons were recovered with few artifacts. All four individuals show indicators of manual labor, health and disease stressors, and dental health issues. Two show indicators of trauma, with the possibility of judicial hanging in one individual. Musculoskeletal markings are consistent with physical stress, and two individuals have arthritic indicators of repetitive movement/specialized activities. Radiographic analyses show osteopenia, healed trauma, and other pathologies in several individuals. Dental calculus analysis did not identify any tuberculosis indicators, despite osteological markers. Isotopic analyses of teeth indicate that all four were likely recent immigrants to the Northeastern United States. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA were recovered from three individuals, and these analyses identified ancestry, hair/eye color, and relatedness. Genetic and isotopic results upended our initial ancestry assessment based on burial context alone. These individuals provide biocultural evidence of New Haven’s Industrial Revolution and the plasticity of ethnic and religious identity in the immigrant experience. Their recovery and the multifaceted analyses described here illuminate a previously undescribed part of the city’s rich history. The collective expertise of biological, geochemical, archaeological, and historical researchers interprets socioeconomic and cultural identity better than any one could alone. Our combined efforts changed our initial assumptions of a poor urban Catholic cemetery’s membership, and provide a template for future discoveries and analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary P. Aronsen
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Lars Fehren-Schmitz
- Department of Historical Anthropology and Human Ecology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - John Krigbaum
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - George D. Kamenov
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Gerald J. Conlogue
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
- Bioanthropology Research Institute, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Christina Warinner
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Andrew T. Ozga
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Krithivasan Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Anthony Griego
- Independent Scholar, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Daniel W. DeLuca
- Independent Scholar, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Howard T. Eckels
- Independent Scholar, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Romuald K. Byczkiewicz
- Department of History, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Tania Grgurich
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
- Bioanthropology Research Institute, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Natalie A. Pelletier
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Brownlee
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Ana Marichal
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Kylie Williamson
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Yukiko Tonoike
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Nicholas F. Bellantoni
- Connecticut State Museum of Natural History, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
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Eck CJ, DiGangi EA, Bethard JD. Assessing the efficacy of isotopic provenancing of human remains in Colombia. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 302:109919. [PMID: 31451316 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We report isotopic ratios for δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr from 71 individual human permanent teeth, obtained from 61 individuals with known regions of origins from eight of the 32 departments in Colombia. This survey of the applicability of isotopic provenancing is a vital addition to the ongoing identification efforts within Colombia concerning unidentified decedents recovered from clandestine and cemetery burials. At this time, only median isotopic values are reported due to heterogeneity of inter- and intra-departmental variance among the obtained isotopic values. The use of department of origin as a regional assignment schema is inadequate to effectively georeference unidentified human remains, given the wide-ranging topography and climatic diversity within Colombia. Therefore, a critical need for additional isotopic sampling of individual reference material exists, in order to improve the accuracy of potential region of origin estimates of unknown decedents originating from forensic contexts within Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Eck
- University of South Florida, Department of Anthropology, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, SOC 107, Tampa, FL 33620, United States.
| | - Elizabeth A DiGangi
- Binghamton University, Department of Anthropology, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States.
| | - Jonathan D Bethard
- University of South Florida, Department of Anthropology, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, SOC 107, Tampa, FL 33620, United States.
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Plomp E, von Holstein ICC, Koornneef JM, Smeets RJ, Baart JA, Forouzanfar T, Davies GR. Evaluation of neodymium isotope analysis of human dental enamel as a provenance indicator using 10 13 Ω amplifiers (TIMS). Sci Justice 2019; 59:322-331. [PMID: 31054821 PMCID: PMC6510978 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Human provenance studies employing isotopic analysis have become an essential tool in forensic and archaeological sciences, with multi-isotope approaches providing more specific location estimates compared to single isotope studies. This study reports on the human provenancing capability of neodymium isotopes (143Nd/144Nd), a relatively conservative tracer in the environment. Neodymium isotope ratios have only recently been determined on human remains due to low concentrations in human dental enamel (ppb range), requiring thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS) using 1013 Ω resistors. Dental elements (third molars) from 20 individuals born and raised in the Netherlands were analysed for Nd concentration (n = 12) and Nd isotope ratios (n = 15). The geological control on Nd isotope composition was examined using coupled Nd-Sr isotope analysis of the same third molar. Teeth from different geological environments were also analysed (Caribbean, Columbian, and Icelandic, n = 5). Neodymium elemental concentrations in dental elements ranged between 0.1 and 7.9 ppb (median 0.5 ppb). The Dutch 143Nd/144Nd ratios of the provinces of Limburg and Friesland were between 0.5118 and 0.5121, with Dutch 87Sr/86Sr ratios in agreement with the previously established local range (0.708–0.710). The current findings were compared to previously published results on Nd concentration and composition from Dutch individuals. The concentration of Nd and 143Nd/144Nd ratios were weakly correlated (R2 = 0.47, n = 17) in Dutch human dental enamel. The majority (n = 25, 83.3%) of individuals had Nd and Sr isotope values isotopically indistinguishable from the geological environment in which their third molars formed and mineralised. However, the Nd isotope ratios of the Icelandic individual and several Dutch individuals (n = 4) suggested that Nd in enamel is not solely influenced by geological environment. In order for neodymium isotopes to be quantitatively applied in forensic and archaeological settings further analyses of individuals from various geographical regions with well-defined dietary Nd isotope data are required. First evaluation of the potential of neodymium isotopes for human provenancing Provides insight in Nd concentration and isotope ratios in human dental enamel First study presenting Nd isotope ratios from multiple geological settings First study combining 143Nd/144Nd and 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the same dental element The use of 1013 Ω resistors allows for greater precision analysis of small samples
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Affiliation(s)
- E Plomp
- Department of Earth Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - I C C von Holstein
- Department of Earth Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J M Koornneef
- Department of Earth Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R J Smeets
- Department of Earth Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J A Baart
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Oral Pathology, VU University Medical Center (VUMC), De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - T Forouzanfar
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Oral Pathology, VU University Medical Center (VUMC), De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - G R Davies
- Department of Earth Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Bartelink EJ, Chesson LA. Recent applications of isotope analysis to forensic anthropology. Forensic Sci Res 2019; 4:29-44. [PMID: 30915415 PMCID: PMC6427615 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2018.1549527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Isotope analysis has become an increasingly valuable tool in forensic anthropology casework over the past decade. Modern-day isotopic investigations on human remains have integrated the use of multi-isotope profiles (e.g. C, N, O, H, S, Sr, and Pb) as well as isotopic landscapes (“isoscapes”) from multiple body tissues (e.g. teeth, bone, hair, and nails) to predict possible region-of-origin of unidentified human remains. Together, data from various isotope analyses provide additional lines of evidence for human identification, including a decedent’s possible region-of-birth, long-term adult residence, recent travel history, and dietary choices. Here, we present the basic principles of isotope analysis and provide a brief overview of instrumentation, analytical standards, sample selection, and sample quality measures. Finally, we present case studies that reflect the diverse applications of isotope analysis to the medicolegal system before describing some future research directions. As shown herein, isotope analysis is a flexible and powerful geolocation tool that can provide new investigative leads for unidentified human remains cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Bartelink
- Department of Anthropology, California State University, Chico, CA, USA
| | - Lesley A Chesson
- Contractor at Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Laboratory, Pacific Architects and Engineers (PAE), HI, USA
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Ogedengbe OO, Ajayi SA, Komolafe OA, Zaw AK, Naidu ECS, Okpara Azu O. Sex determination using humeral dimensions in a sample from KwaZulu-Natal: an osteometric study. Anat Cell Biol 2017; 50:180-186. [PMID: 29043096 PMCID: PMC5639172 DOI: 10.5115/acb.2017.50.3.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphological characteristics of the humeral bone has been investigated in recent times with studies showing varying degrees of sexual dimorphism. Osteologists and forensic scientists have shown that sex determination methods based on skeletal measurements are population specific, and these population-specific variations are present in many body dimensions. The present study aims to establish sex identification using osteometric standards for the humerus in a contemporary KwaZulu-Natal population. A total of 11 parameters were measured in a sample of n=211 humeri (males, 113; females, 98) from the osteological collection in the Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. The difference in means for nearly all variables were found to be significantly higher in males compared to females (P<0.01) with the most effective single parameter for predicting sex being the vertical head diameter having an accuracy of 82.5%. Stepwise discriminant analysis increased the overall accuracy rate to 87.7% when all measurements were jointly applied. We conclude that the humerus is an important bone which can be reliably used for sex determination based on standard metric methods despite minor tribal or ancestral differences amongst an otherwise homogenous population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwatosin Olalekan Ogedengbe
- Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Sunday Adelaja Ajayi
- Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Omobola Aderibigbe Komolafe
- Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Aung Khaing Zaw
- Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Edwin Coleridge Stephen Naidu
- Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Onyemaechi Okpara Azu
- Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
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