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Schotsmans EMJ, Stuart BH, Stewart TJ, Thomas PS, Miszkiewicz JJ. Unravelling taphono-myths. First large-scale study of histotaphonomic changes and diagenesis in bone from modern surface depositions. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0308440. [PMID: 39325784 PMCID: PMC11426454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of diagenetic alterations in bone microstructure ('histotaphonomy') as indicators of funerary treatment in the past and for post-mortem interval calculations in forensic cases has received increasing attention in the last decade. Studies have used histological changes to conclude in-situ decomposition, mummification, infanticide and post-mortem interval. There has been very little attempt to experimentally validate the links between decomposition, depositional conditions, time-since-death and microscopic changes in human bone so that meaningful interpretations of archaeological and forensic observations can be made. Here, we address this problem experimentally using the largest sample of human remains from anatomical donors and the longest-term deposition framework to date. This study tests one key assumption of histotaphonomy; that putrefaction during the early stages of decay is reflected in bone microanatomy and composition. Seventeen human donors and six pigs were deposited on the surface in a known Australian environment and left to decompose between 463 and 1238 days. All remains underwent all stages of decomposition reaching skeletonisation. Rib and femur samples were analysed using conventional histological methods and scanning electron microscopy, by applying the Oxford Histological Index, and examining collagen birefringence, microcracking and re- and de mineralisation. Biomolecular changes of the femoral samples were analysed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results indicate that bioerosion in human bone does not occur due to putrefaction. There were no correlations between bone histology and the following variables: human vs pigs, season, primary vs secondary deposition, position, fresh vs frozen and time-since-deposition. Furthermore, no trends were observed between biomolecular changes and time-since-deposition. The study also shows that pigs cannot be used as substitutes for human remains for bone biodegradation research. This is the first, controlled, larger scale study of human remains providing a lack of support for a long-assumed relationship between putrefaction and bone histology bioerosion. Using bone degradation as an argument to prove putrefaction, in-situ decomposition and early taphonomic processes cannot be supported based on the experimental human data presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline M. J. Schotsmans
- Environmental Futures Research Centre, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- PACEA, De la Préhistoire à l’Actuel: Culture, Environnement et Anthropologie, UMR 5199, CNRS-Université de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Barbara H. Stuart
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Tahlia J. Stewart
- Skeletal Biology and Forensic Anthropology Research Group, School of Archaeology and Anthropology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Trauma and Orthopaedic Research Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Paul S. Thomas
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo NSW, Australia
| | - Justyna J. Miszkiewicz
- Skeletal Biology and Forensic Anthropology Research Group, School of Archaeology and Anthropology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- School of Social Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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2
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Wang J, Liu Z, Ren J, Zhang M, Guan Z, Zhao X, Gao C, Zhang G. A preliminary study characterizing temporal changes in soil bacterial communities after dismembered bones were buried. Electrophoresis 2024; 45:1370-1378. [PMID: 38332582 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Determining the burial time of skeletal remains is one of the most important issues of forensic medicine. We speculated that the microbiome of gravesoil may be a promising method to infer burial time by virtue of time-dependent. As we know, forensic scientists have established various models to predict the postmortem interval of a decedent based on the changes in body and soil microbiome communities. However, limited data are available on the burial time prediction for bones, especially dismembered bones. In this exploratory study, we initially conducted 16S rRNA amplicon high-throughput sequencing on the burial soil of 10 porcine femurs within a 120-day period and analyzed the changes in soil microbial communities. Compared with the control soil, a higher Shannon index in the microbial diversity of burial soil containing bones was observed. Correlation analysis identified 61 time-related bacterial families and the best subset selection method obtained best subset, containing Thermomonosporaceae, Clostridiaceae, 0319-A21, and Oxalobacteraceae, which were used to construct a simplified multiple linear regression model with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 56.69 accumulated degree day (ADD). An additional random forest model was established based on indicators for the minimum cross-validation error of Thermomonosporaceae, Clostridiaceae, 0319-A21, Oxalobacteraceae, and Syntrophobacteraceae, with an MAE of 55.65 ADD. The produced empirical data in this pilot study provided the evidence of feasibility that the microbial successional changes of burial soil will predict the burial time of dismembered bones and may also expand the current knowledge of the effects of bone burial on soil bacterial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Wang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Zidong Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Jianbo Ren
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Zimeng Guan
- Department of Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences College, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Xingchun Zhao
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Cairong Gao
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Gengqian Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, P. R. China
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3
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Alamoudi RA. The Role of an Endodontist in Victim Identification: A Narrative Review on Forensic Endodontics. Cureus 2024; 16:e53391. [PMID: 38435194 PMCID: PMC10908307 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This narrative review highlights the role of endodontists and the significance of various dental tools in forensic dentistry. An online search was conducted in peer-reviewed journals, including MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, to retrieve studies regarding "the role of an endodontist in victim identification using different tools". The searches used controlled vocabulary and free-text terms. Articles written in English and published from 1923 to 2023 were selected. An essential stage in forensic dentistry is dental identification of the dead person and is regarded as an initial step for both judicial and humanitarian purposes if fingerprint records are missing or the remains have undergone significant changes. Endodontists should be aware of all available dental tools that aid in identification. The four fundamental tools for identification are dental radiographs, hard and soft dental structures, and dental materials. Dental radiographs provide a substantial nondestructive record for estimating age and sex. Moreover, maxillofacial hard and soft structures provide important tools for individual identification as they are considered the strongest structures in the human body and can withstand severe chemical and temperature changes. In addition, endodontic and restorative materials can be identified under different conditions and serve as excellent forensic identification measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruaa A Alamoudi
- Endodontics Department, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, SAU
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4
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Mein C, Jones JR, Tennick C, Williams A. Recognition of the Presence of Bone Fractures Through Physicochemical Changes in Diagenetic Bone. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 78:159-174. [PMID: 37960870 PMCID: PMC10832324 DOI: 10.1177/00037028231213889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Much research has focused on attempting to understand the drivers of bone diagenesis. However, this sensitive process is easily influenced by various factors, particularly the condition of the remains (i.e., whether they have been subjected to trauma). Previous research demonstrates that trauma can influence soft tissue decomposition, yet to date, no studies have looked at how bone fractures could affect bone diagenesis. To address this gap, two short timescale studies were conducted to investigate the influence of bone fractures on the physicochemical composition of disarticulated, partially fleshed animal remains. Disarticulated porcine bones were either fractured using blunt force or sharp force whilst fresh (producing perimortem damage), at 60 days producing postmortem damage (postmortem interval (PMI)), or left intact and left outside for up to 180 days post-fracture/240 days PMI. Retrieved bone sections were then analyzed for physicochemical differences using non-destructive methods, i.e., scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance. It was hypothesized that differences would be found in the physicochemical composition between the bones with fractures and those without after undergoing diagenetic change. The bone fractures significantly affected the elemental composition of bone over time, but structural composition initially remained stable. It was also possible to distinguish between perimortem and postmortem fractures using these two analytical techniques due to physicochemical differences. This research shows bone fractures can significantly alter the physicochemical composition of the bone during the postmortem period and have the potential to facilitate more accurate PMI estimations in forensic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caley Mein
- Research Centre for Field Archaeology and Forensic Taphonomy, School of Law and Policing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Jennifer R. Jones
- Research Centre for Field Archaeology and Forensic Taphonomy, School of Law and Policing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Catherine Tennick
- Research Centre for Field Archaeology and Forensic Taphonomy, School of Law and Policing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Anna Williams
- Research Centre for Field Archaeology and Forensic Taphonomy, School of Law and Policing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
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5
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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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6
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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 PMCID: PMC10295266 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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7
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Brandão ALC, Batista de Carvalho LAE, Gonçalves D, Piga G, Cunha E, Marques MPM. Differentiating present-day from ancient bones by vibrational spectroscopy upon acetic acid treatment. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 347:111690. [PMID: 37086578 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111690] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Acetic acid treatment for an accurate differentiation between ancient and recent human bones was assessed using Raman and FTIR-ATR spectroscopies. Each set of skeletal samples was analysed by these techniques, prior and after chemical washing, in order to determine the variations in bone´s chemical composition and crystallinity. Bone samples were collected from several independent sources: recent bones burned under controlled experimental conditions or cremated, and archaeological (XVII century and Iron Age). The effect of acetic acid, expected to impact mostly on carbonates, was clearly evidenced in the spectra of all samples, particularly in FTIR-ATR, mainly through the bands typical of A- and B-carbonates. Furthermore, as seen for crematoria and archaeological samples, acetic acid was found to remove contaminants such as calcium hydroxide. Overall, acetic acid treatment can be an effective method for removing carbonates (exogenous but possibly also endogenous) and external contaminants from bone. However, these effects are dependent on the skeletal conditions (e.g. post-mortem interval and burning settings). In addition, this chemical washing was shown to be insufficient for an unequivocal discrimination between recent and archaeological skeletal remains. Based on the measured IR indexes, only cremated bones could be clearly distinguished.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L C Brandão
- University of Coimbra, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - L A E Batista de Carvalho
- University of Coimbra, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - D Gonçalves
- University of Coimbra, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; Archaeosciences Laboratory, Directorate General Cultural Heritage (LARC/CIBIO/InBIO), 1349-021 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - G Piga
- University of Coimbra, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Sassari, DISSUF - Department of History, Human Sciences and Education, Italy
| | - E Cunha
- University of Coimbra, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, 1169-201 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M P M Marques
- University of Coimbra, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
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8
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Species identification of teeth of human and non-human. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 333:111205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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9
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Leskovar T, Zupanič Pajnič I, Jerman I. Dealing with minor differences in bone matrix: can spectra follow the DNA preservation? AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2021.1948102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Leskovar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivan Jerman
- Department for Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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10
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Leskovar T, Zupanič Pajnič I, Jerman I, Črešnar M. Preservation state assessment and post-mortem interval estimation of human skeletal remains using ATR-FTIR spectra. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2020.1836254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Leskovar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivan Jerman
- Department for Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matija Črešnar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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11
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Leskovar T, Zupanič Pajnič I, Jerman I, Črešnar M. Separating forensic, WWII, and archaeological human skeletal remains using ATR-FTIR spectra. Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:811-821. [PMID: 31172274 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02079-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
ATR-FTIR spectroscopy is a fast and accessible, minimally or non-destructive technique which provides information on physiochemical characteristics of analyzed materials. In forensic and archaeological sciences, it is commonly used for answering numerous questions, including the archaeological or forensic context of the human skeletal remains. In this research, the accuracy of ATR-FTIR-obtained spectra for separation between forensic, WWII, and archaeological human skeletal remains was investigated. Building from the previously proposed methodological procedures, various ratio-based and whole spectra separation procedures were applied, carefully analyzed, and evaluated. Results showed that employing whole spectral domains works best for the separation of archaeological, WWII, and forensic samples, even with samples of highly variable origin. Principal component analysis (PCA) further highlighted the necessity of acknowledging all the major components in the remains: amides, phosphates, and carbonates for the separation. Most influential proved to be amide I, namely its secondary structure, which presented well-preserved and organized collagen structure in forensic and WWII samples, while highly degraded in archaeological samples. Using the whole spectral domain for separation between samples from different contexts proved to be fast and simple, with no manipulation beyond baseline correction and normalization of spectra necessary. However, a dataset with samples of known origin is required for the learning model and predictions. A less accurate alternative is separation based on combining ratios of peaks correlating to organics and minerals in the bone, which eliminated overlapping and managed to classify the majority of the samples correctly as archaeological, WWII, or forensic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Leskovar
- Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Zavetiška 5, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivan Jerman
- National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matija Črešnar
- Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Zavetiška 5, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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12
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Marques MPM, Mamede AP, Vassalo AR, Makhoul C, Cunha E, Gonçalves D, Parker SF, Batista de Carvalho LAE. Heat-induced Bone Diagenesis Probed by Vibrational Spectroscopy. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15935. [PMID: 30374054 PMCID: PMC6206023 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34376-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Complementary vibrational spectroscopic techniques - infrared, Raman and inelastic neutron scattering (INS) - were applied to the study of human bone burned under controlled conditions (400 to 1000 °C). This is an innovative way of tackling bone diagenesis upon burning, aiming at a quantitative evaluation of heat-induced dimensional changes allowing a reliable estimation of pre-burning skeletal dimensions. INS results allowed the concomitant observation of the hydroxyl libration (OHlibration), hydroxyl stretching (ν(OH)) and (OHlibration + ν(OH)) combination modes, leading to an unambiguous assignment of these INS features to bioapatite and confirming hydroxylation of bone's inorganic matrix. The OHlib, ν(OH) and ν4(PO43-) bands were identified as spectral biomarkers, which displayed clear quantitative relationships with temperature revealing heat-induced changes in bone's H-bonding pattern during the burning process. These results will enable the routine use of FTIR-ATR (Fourier Transform Infrared-Attenuated Total Reflectance) for the analysis of burned skeletal remains, which will be of the utmost significance in forensic, bioanthropological and archaeological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P M Marques
- Molecular Physical Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A P Mamede
- Molecular Physical Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A R Vassalo
- Molecular Physical Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory. Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - C Makhoul
- Molecular Physical Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory. Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - E Cunha
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory. Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - D Gonçalves
- Laboratory. Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Archaeosciences Laboratory., Directorate General Cultural Heritage (LARC/CIBIO/InBIO), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - S F Parker
- ISIS Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, OX, 11 0QX, United Kingdom
| | - L A E Batista de Carvalho
- Molecular Physical Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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13
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Wang Q, Li W, Liu R, Zhang K, Zhang H, Fan S, Wang Z. Human and non-human bone identification using FTIR spectroscopy. Int J Legal Med 2018; 133:269-276. [PMID: 29549421 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-018-1822-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human and non-human identification of unknown skeletal remains is of great importance in forensic and anthropologic contexts. However, the traditional morphological methods for bone species identification are subjective or time-consuming. Here, we utilized Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and chemometric methods to determinate the spectral variances between human and non-human (i.e., pig, goat, and cow) bones. To simulate real forensic situations as much as possible, fresh, boiled, and decomposed bones were included in this study. Principal component analysis (PCA) results illustrated pig bones were more sensitive to the environmental and external factors than other species studied in this work. Thus, pig bone might not be a suitable proxy for human bone in the study of postmortem changes. More importantly, score plots of PCA results showed clear separation with a slight overlap between the human and non-human fresh bones, but it failed to distinguish the boiled and decomposed bones. Then, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was employed, and both internal and external validations were conducted to assess its classification ability, which resulted in 99.72 and 99.53% accuracy, respectively. According to the loading plots of PCA and PLS-DA, the spectral diversity was mainly due to the inorganic portion (i.e., carbonates and phosphates), which can remain relatively stable under various conditions. As such, our results illustrate that FTIR spectroscopy could serve as a reliable tool to assist in bone species determination and also has great potential in real forensic cases with natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Public Security Technology, Railway Police College, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ruina Liu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haohui Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuanliang Fan
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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14
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Estimation of the late postmortem interval using FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics in human skeletal remains. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 281:113-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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15
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Amadasi A, Cappella A, Cattaneo C, Cofrancesco P, Cucca L, Merli D, Milanese C, Pinto A, Profumo A, Scarpulla V, Sguazza E. Determination of the post mortem interval in skeletal remains by the comparative use of different physico-chemical methods: Are they reliable as an alternative to 14C? HOMO-JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE HUMAN BIOLOGY 2017; 68:213-221. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchb.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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16
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Woess C, Unterberger SH, Roider C, Ritsch-Marte M, Pemberger N, Cemper-Kiesslich J, Hatzer-Grubwieser P, Parson W, Pallua JD. Assessing various Infrared (IR) microscopic imaging techniques for post-mortem interval evaluation of human skeletal remains. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174552. [PMID: 28334006 PMCID: PMC5363948 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the influence of many environmental processes, a precise determination of the post-mortem interval (PMI) of skeletal remains is known to be very complicated. Although methods for the investigation of the PMI exist, there still remains much room for improvement. In this study the applicability of infrared (IR) microscopic imaging techniques such as reflection-, ATR- and Raman- microscopic imaging for the estimation of the PMI of human skeletal remains was tested. PMI specific features were identified and visualized by overlaying IR imaging data with morphological tissue structures obtained using light microscopy to differentiate between forensic and archaeological bone samples. ATR and reflection spectra revealed that a more prominent peak at 1042 cm-1 (an indicator for bone mineralization) was observable in archeological bone material when compared with forensic samples. Moreover, in the case of the archaeological bone material, a reduction in the levels of phospholipids, proteins, nucleic acid sugars, complex carbohydrates as well as amorphous or fully hydrated sugars was detectable at (reciprocal wavelengths/energies) between 3000 cm-1 to 2800 cm-1. Raman spectra illustrated a similar picture with less ν2PO43-at 450 cm-1 and ν4PO43- from 590 cm-1 to 584 cm-1, amide III at 1272 cm-1 and protein CH2 deformation at 1446 cm-1 in archeological bone material/samples/sources. A semi-quantitative determination of various distributions of biomolecules by chemi-maps of reflection- and ATR- methods revealed that there were less carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates as well as amorphous or fully hydrated sugars in archaeological samples compared with forensic bone samples. Raman- microscopic imaging data showed a reduction in B-type carbonate and protein α-helices after a PMI of 3 years. The calculated mineral content ratio and the organic to mineral ratio displayed that the mineral content ratio increases, while the organic to mineral ratio decreases with time. Cluster-analyses of data from Raman microscopic imaging reconstructed histo-anatomical features in comparison to the light microscopic image and finally, by application of principal component analyses (PCA), it was possible to see a clear distinction between forensic and archaeological bone samples. Hence, the spectral characterization of inorganic and organic compounds by the afore mentioned techniques, followed by analyses such as multivariate imaging analysis (MIAs) and principal component analyses (PCA), appear to be suitable for the post mortem interval (PMI) estimation of human skeletal remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Woess
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Clemens Roider
- Division for Biomedical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Monika Ritsch-Marte
- Division for Biomedical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nadin Pemberger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, Leopold Franzens University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jan Cemper-Kiesslich
- Interfaculty Department of Legal Medicine, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Dominikus Pallua
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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17
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Capasso L, D’Anastasio R, Guarnieri S, Viciano J, Mariggiò M. Bone natural autofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy: Preliminary results of a novel useful tool to distinguish between forensic and ancient human skeletal remains. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 272:87-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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18
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Luminol testing in detecting modern human skeletal remains: a test on different types of bone tissue and a caveat for PMI interpretation. Int J Legal Med 2016; 131:287-292. [PMID: 27866267 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-016-1493-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
When forensic pathologists and anthropologists have to deal with the evaluation of the post-mortem interval (PMI) in skeletal remains, luminol testing is frequently performed as a preliminary screening method. However, the repeatability of this test on the same bone, as well as comparative studies on different bones of the same individual, has never been performed. Therefore, with the aim of investigating the influence that different types of bones may exert on the response to the luminol test, the present study analysed three different skeletal elements (femoral diaphysis, vertebra and cranial vault), gathered from ten recent exhumed skeletons (all with a 20-year PMI). The analysis was performed twice on the same bone after 2 months: the analysis at time 0 concerned the whole bone, whereas the second concerned only a part of the same bone taken during the first test (which already had been broken). The overall results showed different responses, depending on the type of bone and on the integrity of the samples. Negative results at the first analysis (6.6% out of the total of samples) are consistent with what is reported in the literature, whilst at the second analysis, the increase of about 20% of false-negative results highlights that the luminol test ought to be performed with caution in case of broken bones or elements which are taphonomically altered. Results have thus proven that the exposition to environmental agents might result in haemoglobin (Hb) loss, as detected even after only 2 months. The study also focused on the crucial issue of the type of bone subjected to testing, remarking the suitability of the femoral diaphysis (100% of positive responses at the first analysis vs only 18% of false-negative results at the second test, corresponding to 5% of total false-negative results) as opposed to other bone elements that showed a low yield. In particular, the cranial vault gave poor results, with 40% of discrepancy between results from the two analyses, which suggests caution in choosing the type of bone sample to test. In conclusion, luminol testing should be used with caution on bones different from long bones or on non-intact bones.
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19
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Sterzik V, Jung T, Jellinghaus K, Bohnert M. Estimating the postmortem interval of human skeletal remains by analyzing their optical behavior. Int J Legal Med 2016; 130:1557-1566. [PMID: 27262481 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-016-1395-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to figure out a new practically applicable method to distinguish between historical and recent human skeletal remains. Therefore, the optical behavior of bone cross sections was investigated using the combination of two methods: a modification of an already established test (UV-induced fluorescence) and a new method (490 nm-induced fluorescence). We evaluated the areal extent of fluorescence of 30 bone cross sections with known postmortem interval (PMI) using ultraviolet light and 490 nm light. For analysis, the areal extend of fluorescent surface was determined using photos of the samples and an image editing software. The results prove that there is a correlation between PMI and the areal extent of fluorescent surface in both tests. Furthermore, the combination of both methods is a good indicator to distinguish within the forensic relevant post mortem interval between PMI < 30 years and PMI > 30 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sterzik
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Rorschacher Strasse 95, 9007, St. Gallen, Switzerland. .,Institute of Forensic Medicine, Julius-Maximilians-University, Versbacher Str. 3, 97078, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - T Jung
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Julius-Maximilians-University, Versbacher Str. 3, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - K Jellinghaus
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Julius-Maximilians-University, Versbacher Str. 3, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Bohnert
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Julius-Maximilians-University, Versbacher Str. 3, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
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20
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Ellingham ST, Thompson TJ, Islam M. The Effect of Soft Tissue on Temperature Estimation from Burnt Bone Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. J Forensic Sci 2015; 61:153-9. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T.D. Ellingham
- School of Science and Engineering; Teesside University; TS5 5QG Middlesbrough UK
| | - Tim J.U. Thompson
- School of Science and Engineering; Teesside University; TS5 5QG Middlesbrough UK
| | - Meez Islam
- School of Science and Engineering; Teesside University; TS5 5QG Middlesbrough UK
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21
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Cappella A, Gibelli D, Muccino E, Scarpulla V, Cerutti E, Caruso V, Sguazza E, Mazzarelli D, Cattaneo C. The comparative performance of PMI estimation in skeletal remains by three methods (C-14, luminol test and OHI): analysis of 20 cases. Int J Legal Med 2015; 132:1215-1224. [PMID: 25619563 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-015-1152-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
When estimating post-mortem interval (PMI) in forensic anthropology, the only method able to give an unambiguous result is the analysis of C-14, although the procedure is expensive. Other methods, such as luminol tests and histological analysis, can be performed as preliminary investigations and may allow the operators to gain a preliminary indication concerning PMI, but they lack scientific verification, although luminol testing has been somewhat more accredited in the past few years. Such methods in fact may provide some help as they are inexpensive and can give a fast response, especially in the phase of preliminary investigations. In this study, 20 court cases of human skeletonized remains were dated by the C-14 method. For two cases, results were chronologically set after the 1950s; for one case, the analysis was not possible technically. The remaining 17 cases showed an archaeological or historical collocation. The same bone samples were also screened with histological examination and with the luminol test. Results showed that only four cases gave a positivity to luminol and a high Oxford Histology Index (OHI) score at the same time: among these, two cases were dated as recent by the radiocarbon analysis. Thus, only two false-positive results were given by the combination of these methods and no false negatives. Thus, the combination of two qualitative methods (luminol test and microscopic analysis) may represent a promising solution to cases where many fragments need to be quickly tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Cappella
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Gibelli
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Muccino
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Valentina Scarpulla
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Cerutti
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Caruso
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Sguazza
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Debora Mazzarelli
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
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22
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Muro CK, Doty KC, Bueno J, Halámková L, Lednev IK. Vibrational Spectroscopy: Recent Developments to Revolutionize Forensic Science. Anal Chem 2014; 87:306-27. [DOI: 10.1021/ac504068a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Claire K. Muro
- Chemistry Department, University at Albany, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Kyle C. Doty
- Chemistry Department, University at Albany, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Justin Bueno
- Chemistry Department, University at Albany, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Lenka Halámková
- Chemistry Department, University at Albany, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Igor K. Lednev
- Chemistry Department, University at Albany, Albany, New York 12222, United States
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23
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Patonai Z, Maasz G, Avar P, Schmidt J, Lorand T, Bajnoczky I, Mark L. Novel dating method to distinguish between forensic and archeological human skeletal remains by bone mineralization indexes. Int J Legal Med 2012; 127:529-33. [PMID: 23108457 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-012-0785-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The fast, high-throughput distinction between paleoanthropological remains and recent forensic/clinical bone samples is of vital importance in the field of medicolegal science. In this paper, a novel screening method has been described, using the crystallinity index (C.I.) and carbonate-phosphate index (C/P) as a means to distinguish between archeological and forensic anthropological skeletal findings. According to the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses, the archeological bone samples are characterized by a range of C.I. between 2.84 and 3.78 and by low C/P values of 0.10-0.33, while the C.I. and C/P ranges of forensic skeletal remains are 2.55-3.18 and 0.38-0.88, respectively. Significant (p < 0.05) changes were observed in C/P as well as C.I. values between the groups of forensic and archeological skeletal samples. The suggested dating method needs only a few milligramms of bone tissue; thus, it can be extremely useful for distiguishing ancient and recent bone fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Patonai
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pecs, Szigeti Str. 12, Pecs, 7624, Hungary
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