1
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Traverso F, Aicardi S, Bozzo M, Zinni M, Amaroli A, Galli L, Candiani S, Vanin S, Ferrando S. New Insights into Geometric Morphometry Applied to Fish Scales for Species Identification. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1090. [PMID: 38612329 PMCID: PMC11010809 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The possibility of quick and cheap recognition of a fish species from a single dermal scale would be interesting in a wide range of contexts. The methods of geometric morphometry appear to be quite promising, although wide studies comparing different approaches are lacking. We aimed to apply two methods of geometric morphometry, landmark-based and outline-based, on a dataset of scales from five different teleost species: Danio rerio, Dicentrarchus labrax, Mullus surmuletus, Sardina pilchardus, and Sparus aurata. For the landmark-based method the R library "geomorph" was used. Some issues about landmark selection and positioning were addressed and, for the first time on fish scales, an approach with both landmarks and semilandmarks was set up. For the outline-based method the R library "Momocs" was used. Despite the relatively low number of scales analyzed (from 11 to 81 for each species), both methods achieved quite good clustering of all the species. In particular, the landmark-based method used here gave generally higher R2 values in testing species clustering than the outline-based method, but it failed to distinguish between a few couples of species; on the other hand, the outline-based method seemed to catch the differences among all the couples except one. Larger datasets have the potential to achieve better results with outline-based geometric morphometry. This latter method, being free from the problem of recognizing and positioning landmarks, is also the most suitable for being automatized in future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Traverso
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa, 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Aicardi
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa, 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Bozzo
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa, 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Zinni
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa, 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Amaroli
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa, 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Loris Galli
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa, 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Candiani
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa, 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa, 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Sara Ferrando
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa, 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Piazza Marina, 61, 90133 Palermo, Italy
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2
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Giordani G, Whitmore D, Vanin S. A New, Non-Invasive Methodology for the Molecular Identification of Adult Sarcophagidae from Collections. Insects 2023; 14:635. [PMID: 37504641 PMCID: PMC10380211 DOI: 10.3390/insects14070635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Correct species identification is the cornerstone of all scientific studies that involve insects. Alongside traditional morphological identification techniques, molecular identification based on the characterization and analysis of specific mitochondrial or nuclear gene regions is becoming commonplace. Despite the good results that can be achieved, DNA extraction usually involves invasive techniques that lead to the partial or total destruction of specimens. In this work, a non-invasive DNA extraction technique is described. The technique was tested on the abdomens of dry-preserved Sarcophagidae (Diptera) specimens collected between 1889 and 2015. This allowed for the correct identification of species without impairing diagnostic morphological structures useful for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Giordani
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FABIT), Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniel Whitmore
- Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra dell'Ambiente e della Vita (DISTAV), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), 16149 Genova, Italy
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3
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Ricci P, Varotto E, Galassi FM, Bertozzi G, Vanin S. Erratum to "Sessa et al. First report of Heleomyzidae (Diptera) recovered from the inner cavity of an intact human femur" [J Forensic Leg Med. (2019) 66 4-7]. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 97:102545. [PMID: 37455063 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pietrantonio Ricci
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Legal Medicine, "Magna Graecia" University, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Elena Varotto
- Archaeology, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Francesco Maria Galassi
- Archaeology, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Bertozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
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4
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Marchetti C, Mastrogiuseppe L, Vanin S, Cecchi R, Gherardi M. On-Site Inspection Form in Veterinary Cases: The Parma Veterinary Form. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2064. [PMID: 37443862 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The on-site inspection of the scene of an animal cadaver is crucial for a correct interpretation of the autopsy results, to determine the manner, method, and cause of death. This information plays a crucial role in the control of public health including the prevention of zoonoses. It is also fundamental for the recognition and the contrast of crimes against animals and to animal abuse phenomena, considered an alert sign of an anti-social or violent behavior of humans. Today the best veterinary procedure requires an accurate collection of the evidence at the scene that can be then handed to experts belonging to other forensic disciplines for further evaluation and data interpretation. In this paper authors suggest a form aiming to facilitate either the on-site and the autopsy activities, as a guarantee of the quality of the forensic process starting from the discovery scene up to the reconstruction of the case. Essential is training of non-medical personnel who often represent the first responder to be present on the scene. The form is inspired by the interdisciplinary form developed by the European Council of Legal Medicine and represents an initial tool to stimulate a multidisciplinary activity in close synergy with other forensic experts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigi Mastrogiuseppe
- Department of Prevention, Unit of Veterinary, Regional Health Unit of Molise, ASREM, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Rossana Cecchi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Forensic Pathology, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Mirella Gherardi
- Department of Prevention of the Local Health Authority, SC Medicina Legale AUSL Valle D'Aosta, 11100 Aosta, Italy
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5
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Giordani G, Tuccia F, Martín-Vega D, Angell CS, Pradelli J, Vanin S. Morphological and molecular characterization of puparia of Piophilidae species of forensic relevance. Med Vet Entomol 2023; 37:339-358. [PMID: 36598171 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Piophilidae are a small family of Diptera with a worldwide distribution and which are historically associated with human activities. In addition to their economic importance, piophilid larvae can also be of medical and legal relevance. Within a medicolegal context, piophilids are frequently associated with cadavers in advanced stages of decomposition, thus being potentially useful forensic indicators and they have been reported also from archaeo-funerary contexts. An accurate species identification is therefore an essential prerequisite to ensure the reliable analysis of insect material in medical, forensic and archaeological investigations. Identification of the adult piophilid flies is possible because of the availability of identification keys, in contrast immature insects, especially puparia, have been poorly investigated and described. In this paper, puparia of 11 species of forensic interest (Piophila casei, Piophila megastigmata, Parapiophila atrifrons, Parapiophila flavipes, Parapiophila vulgaris, Protopiophila litigata, Liopiophila varipes, Prochyliza nigrimana, Prochyliza xanthosoma and Stearibia nigriceps in subtribe Piophilina and Centrophlebomyia furcata in subtribe Thyreophorina) are described and a molecular analysis, based on the COI sequencing, is presented to show the potential of the molecular approach in their identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Giordani
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FABIT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabiola Tuccia
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Daniel Martín-Vega
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Chris S Angell
- Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana, USA
| | - Jennifer Pradelli
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra dell'Ambiente e della Vita (DISTAV), Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Genova, Italy
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6
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Baldino G, Mondello C, Sapienza D, Stassi C, Asmundo A, Gualniera P, Vanin S, Ventura Spagnolo E. Multidisciplinary Forensic Approach in " Complex" Bodies: Systematic Review and Procedural Proposal. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13020310. [PMID: 36673120 PMCID: PMC9857883 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The recovery of severely altered cadavers (i.e., extensively decomposed, mummified, charred or dismembered) can be a challenge for forensic pathologists due to the difficulties in identification, PMI estimation and manner and cause of death determination. In such cases, integrating routine approaches (autopsy, histology, toxicology) to more specific forensic branches can be fundamental to improving the investigative process. In this paper a systematic review using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases has been performed. The aim was to evaluate the forensic approaches implemented in the management of severely altered bodies due to decomposition, mummification, skeletonization, charring or dismemberment (to which we refer to as "complex"), and the role of each approach in the solution of a case. Then, the literature revision results were used to propose a schematic flowchart summarizing the post mortem activities that can be performed in forensic practice, adaptable in relation to each case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Baldino
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.B.); (E.V.S.); Tel.: +39-343944052 (G.B.); +39-3496465532 (E.V.S.)
| | - Cristina Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Sapienza
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Chiara Stassi
- Legal Medicine Section, Department for Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessio Asmundo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Patrizia Gualniera
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Elvira Ventura Spagnolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.B.); (E.V.S.); Tel.: +39-343944052 (G.B.); +39-3496465532 (E.V.S.)
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7
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Loni A, Vanin S, Fornaciari A, Tomei PE, Giuffra V, Benelli G. Back to the Middle Ages: Entomological and Botanical Elements Reveal New Aspects of the Burial of Saint Davino of Armenia. Insects 2022; 13:1113. [PMID: 36555023 PMCID: PMC9786730 DOI: 10.3390/insects13121113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The natural mummy of Saint Davino Armeno (11th century) is preserved in the church of Saint Michele in Foro in the city of Lucca (Tuscany, Central Italy). The body of Davino is one of the oldest Italian mummies of a Saint, and his paleopathological study was performed in 2018. In the present research, we investigated the arthropod fragments and botanical remains collected from the body, coffin, and fabrics of Saint Davino. Entomological analyses outlined the presence of 192 arthropod fragments. Among these, Diptera, Muscidae (Hydrotaea capensis and Muscina sp.), and Phoridae (Conicera sp.) puparia were the most abundant. Regarding Coleoptera, Ptinidae (Anobium punctatum) were the most frequent, followed by Cleridae (Necrobia sp.), Trogidae (Trox scaber), Curculionidae (Sitophilus granarius), and Histeridae (Gnathoncus). Cocoons of Tineidae and Pyralidae moths were found, along with a propodeum joined to the petiole and a mesopleuron of an Ichneumoninae parasitoid. Numerous metamera of Julida and three scorpion fragments were also found. Botanical samples indicated the presence of a quite broad botanical community, including gramineous species, olives, evergreen oaks, and grapevine. Overall, entomological data allow us to argue that Saint Davino was first buried into the soil, probably in a wooden coffin, thus supporting the historical-hagiographic tradition according to which he was buried sub divo in the cemetery of Saint Michele. The preservation of the body as a natural mummy may have been facilitated by burial in a coffin that prevented direct contact of the corpse with the earth. Botanical remains offer confirmation of a late medieval urban environment rich in horticultural areas and trees, giving us a landscape that is very different from the current Tuscan city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Loni
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Corso Europa, 26, 16132 Genova, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), 16128 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio Fornaciari
- Division of Paleopathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 57, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Emilio Tomei
- Accademia Lucchese di Scienze, Lettere e Arti, Via V. Veneto, 1, 55100 Lucca, Italy
| | - Valentina Giuffra
- Division of Paleopathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 57, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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8
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Balestra V, Lana E, Vanin S. Observations on the habitat and feeding behaviour of the hypogean genus Eukoenenia (Palpigradi, Eukoeneniidae) in the Western Italian Alps. SB 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.42.75784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The order Palpigradi includes species characterized by millimetric size and a characteristic flagellum with bristles at the end of the opisthosoma. They represent one of the less well-known and obscure arachnid orders. In this paper, observations were made on the ecology and feeding behavior of species belonging to the genus Eukoenenia Börner, 1901, from the Western Italian Alps. Direct observations and photographic documentation of 141 individuals in their cave habitat, allowed the recording of data on the physical and trophic conditions such as the presence/absence of trophic resources, temperature and relative humidity, of the underground environment in which they were found. Results showed that the species of this taxon are not as rare as previously reported and that their presence is mainly influenced by temperature, relative humidity, trophic resources and the presence of two speleothems: rimstone dams and rafts. The combination of our observations as well as data previously published highlights that the taxon can have predatory and saprophagous feeding behavior depending on the availability of the food resources. This work represents the starting point for a further investigation of the taxon.
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9
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Cecchi R, Cusack D, Ludes B, Madea B, Vieira DN, Keller E, Payne-James J, Sajantila A, Vali M, Zoia R, Cucurachi N, Schirripa ML, Marezza F, Anzillotti L, Donato L, Cattaneo C, Favretto D, Pelotti S, Pinchi V, Vanin S, Gherardi M. European Council of Legal Medicine (ECLM) on-site inspection forms for forensic pathology, anthropology, odontology, genetics, entomology and toxicology for forensic and medico-legal scene and corpse investigation: the Parma form. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1037-1049. [PMID: 35013768 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02734-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Further to a previous publication by the European Council of Legal Medicine (ECLM) concerning on-site forensic and medico-legal scene and corpse investigation, this publication provides guidance for forensic medical specialists, pathologists and, where present, coroners' activity at a scene of death inspection and to harmonize the procedures for a correct search, detection, collection, sampling and storage of all elements which may be useful as evidence, and ensure documentation of all these steps. This ECLM's inspection form provides a checklist to be used on-site for the investigation of a corpse present at a crime or suspicious death scene. It permits the collection of all relevant data not only for the pathologist, but also for forensic anthropologists, odontologists, geneticists, entomologists and toxicologists, thus supporting a collaborative work approach. Detailed instructions for the completion of forms are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cecchi
- Institute of Legal Medicine of Parma Working Group, Parma, Italy. .,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - D Cusack
- European Council of Legal Medicine Board, Cologne, Germany.,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland and Coroner's District of Kildare, Dublin, Ireland
| | - B Ludes
- European Council of Legal Medicine Board, Cologne, Germany.,Institut Médico-Légal and Institut National de La Transfusion Sanguigne, Paris, France
| | - B Madea
- European Council of Legal Medicine Board, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - D N Vieira
- European Council of Legal Medicine Board, Cologne, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Legal and Forensic Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - E Keller
- European Council of Legal Medicine Board, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - J Payne-James
- European Council of Legal Medicine Board, Cologne, Germany.,Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - A Sajantila
- European Council of Legal Medicine Board, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland and Forensic Medicine Unit, National Institute of Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Vali
- European Council of Legal Medicine Board, Cologne, Germany.,Department of the Estonian Bureau of Forensic Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - R Zoia
- European Council of Legal Medicine Board, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Biomedical Sciences for the Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - N Cucurachi
- Institute of Legal Medicine of Parma Working Group, Parma, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - M L Schirripa
- Institute of Legal Medicine of Parma Working Group, Parma, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - F Marezza
- Institute of Legal Medicine of Parma Working Group, Parma, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - L Anzillotti
- Institute of Legal Medicine of Parma Working Group, Parma, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - L Donato
- Institute of Legal Medicine of Parma Working Group, Parma, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - C Cattaneo
- European Council of Legal Medicine Board, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Biomedical Sciences for the Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - D Favretto
- Italian Anthropology, Toxicology, Genetics and Entomology Groups, Villasimius, Italy.,Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - S Pelotti
- Italian Anthropology, Toxicology, Genetics and Entomology Groups, Villasimius, Italy.,Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - V Pinchi
- Italian Anthropology, Toxicology, Genetics and Entomology Groups, Villasimius, Italy.,International Organization for Forensic Odonto-Stomatology, Florence, Italy
| | - S Vanin
- Italian Anthropology, Toxicology, Genetics and Entomology Groups, Villasimius, Italy.,Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Gherardi
- Institute of Legal Medicine of Parma Working Group, Parma, Italy.,Department of Prevention of the Local Health Authority, Aosta, Italy
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10
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Tuccia F, Giordani G, Cattaneo C, Mazzarelli D, Vanin S. First record of Physyphora alceae (Preyssler, 1791) (Diptera, Ulidiidae) from a forensic case in Northern Italy: description of immature stages, DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis. The European Zoological Journal 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2021.1981469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- F. Tuccia
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, UK
| | - G. Giordani
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FABIT), Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C. Cattaneo
- LABANOF (Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense) Sezione di Medicina Legale Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - D. Mazzarelli
- LABANOF (Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense) Sezione di Medicina Legale Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - S. Vanin
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra dell’Ambiente e della Vita (DISTAV), Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Genova, Italy
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11
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Pivato A, Amoruso I, Formenton G, Di Maria F, Bonato T, Vanin S, Marion A, Baldovin T. Evaluating the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the particulate matters during the peak of COVID-19 in Padua, northern Italy. Sci Total Environ 2021; 784:147129. [PMID: 33894607 PMCID: PMC8050405 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the etiologic agent of the current COVID-19 pandemic, has been hypothesized as one of the primary routes of transmission. Current data suggest a low probability of airborne transmission of the virus in open environments and a higher probability in closed ones, particularly in hospitals or quarantine facilities. However, the potential diffusion of the virus in open environments, especially using particulate matter (PM) as a transport carrier, generated concern in the exposed populations. Several authors found a correlation between the exceeding of the PM10 concentration limits in some Italian cities and the prevalence of Covid-19 cases detected in those areas. This study investigated the potential presence of SARS-COV-2 RNA on a representative series of PM samples collected in the province of Padua in Northeastern Italy during the first wave of COVID pandemic. Forty-four samples of PM2.5 and PM10 were collected between February 24 and March 9, 2020 and analyzed with RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The experimental results did not indicate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the outdoor PMs, thus confirming the low probability of virus airborne transmission through PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pivato
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering (ICEA), University of Padua, Italy
| | - I Amoruso
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Hygiene and Public Health Unit, University of Padua, Italy.
| | - G Formenton
- Environmental Agency of Veneto Region (ARPAV), Mestre, VE, Italy
| | - F Di Maria
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - T Bonato
- Società Estense Servizi Ambientali (S.E.S.A. S.p.A.), Este, PD, Italy
| | - S Vanin
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra dell'Ambiente e della Vita (DISTAV), University of Genova, Italy
| | - A Marion
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padua, Italy
| | - T Baldovin
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Hygiene and Public Health Unit, University of Padua, Italy
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12
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Baldino G, Stassi C, Mondello C, Bottari A, Vanin S, Ventura Spagnolo E. Forensic investigative issues in a fireworks production factory explosion. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:1647-1654. [PMID: 33982160 PMCID: PMC8205882 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02564-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Since their discovery in ancient China, fireworks rapidly spread throughout the world, where they have always been used to celebrate either popular or private events. Their use is nonetheless related to several risks, especially within production factories, since several injuries or even death can occur following an accidental ignition. In cases of major disasters related to fireworks explosions, stating the accidental or intentional nature of the event might prove challenging, thus raising the need of a multidisciplinary approach. In this regard, we here discuss the case of an accidental explosion that occurred in a fireworks production factory, accountable for five deaths and two hospitalisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Baldino
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Stassi
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristina Mondello
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125, Gazzi, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Bottari
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125, Gazzi, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Elvira Ventura Spagnolo
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129 90127, Palermo, Italy.
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13
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Baldino G, Mondello C, Stassi C, Raffino C, Vanin S, Ventura Spagnolo E. Investigation of the skin lesions in lightning strike death. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2021; 52:101896. [PMID: 33964680 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.101896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Lightning strike-related deaths are unusual, and the victim bodies can present different lesions due to the different injury mechanisms associated with this event. Since the post mortem assessment can be challenging, the evaluation of the characteristics of the skin lesions becomes fundamental to reconstruct the event. Due to the paucity of literature on this topic, the authors report the case of a 59-year-old man found dead near his home after a thunderstorm. Initially considered a murder by gunshot, the autopsy revealed the typical lightning strike lesions, also known as Lichtenberg figures. The adequate interpretation of the autopsy data and the histological evidences allowed to reconstruct the death dynamic and to relate it to a lightning strike. The main lesions due to lightening are here reported and discussed in order to provide a workflow for the identification of lightening as cause of death in unwitnessed cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Baldino
- Section Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127, Italy
| | - Cristina Mondello
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, Gazzi, Messina 98125, Italy
| | - Chiara Stassi
- Section Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127, Italy
| | - Cataldo Raffino
- Legal Medicine Centre of INAIL, Via Roma 419/423, Enna 94100, Italy
| | | | - Elvira Ventura Spagnolo
- Section Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127, Italy.
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14
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Caputo L, Cornara L, Raimondo FM, De Feo V, Vanin S, Denaro M, Trombetta D, Smeriglio A. Mentha pulegium L.: A Plant Underestimated for Its Toxicity to Be Recovered from the Perspective of the Circular Economy. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082154. [PMID: 33918091 PMCID: PMC8069592 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the micromorphology of Mentha pulegium leaves and flowers harvested in three different Sicilian (Italy) areas with peculiar pedo-climatic conditions, and to characterize the phytochemical profile, the phytotoxic activity, and the eco-compatibility of their essential oils (EOs) for potential use as safe bioherbicides. Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) highlighted that M. pulegium indumentum consists of non-glandular and glandular trichomes of different types. Peltate trichomes of plants from the different sites showed few significant differences in dimension and abundance, but they were characterized by a surprisingly high number of secretory cells both in leaves and flowers. Phytochemical analyses showed that oxygenated monoterpenes were the most abundant class in all the EOs investigated (92.2-97.7%), but two different chemotypes, pulegone/isomenthone and piperitone/isomenthone, were found. The complex of morphological and phytochemical data indicates that soil salinity strongly affects the expression of the toxic metabolite pulegone, rather than the EO yield. Phytotoxicity tests showed a moderate activity of EOs against the selected species as confirmed by α-amylase assay. Moreover, the low toxicity on brine shrimp provided a rationale for the possible use of investigated EOs as eco-friendly herbicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Caputo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (L.C.); (V.D.F.)
| | - Laura Cornara
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Corso Europa, 26, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.C.); (S.V.)
| | - Francesco Maria Raimondo
- PLANTA/Autonomous Center for Research, Documentation and Training, Via Serraglio Vecchio, 28, 90123 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo De Feo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (L.C.); (V.D.F.)
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Corso Europa, 26, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.C.); (S.V.)
| | - Marcella Denaro
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.D.); (A.S.)
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.D.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-676-6458
| | - Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.D.); (A.S.)
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15
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Tocco-Tussardi I, De Mattia G, Gasabelli V, Mazzer M, Vanin S, Ramaroli DA, Schiesaro G, Salandini G, Varalta MS, Benoni R, Zanetel E, Fagherazzi J, Tardivo S. COVID-19 pandemic: an Italian single institution's experience and lessons learned by public health residents' workforce. Ann Ig 2021; 33:410-425. [PMID: 33565569 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2021.2438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Methods We hereby provide a systematic description of the response actions in which the public health residents' workforce was pivotal, in a large tertiary hospital. Background The Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic has posed incredible challenges to healthcare workers worldwide. The residents have been affected by an almost complete upheaval of the previous setting of activities, with a near total focus on service during the peak of the emergency. In our Institution, residents in public health were extensively involved in leading activities in the management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic. Results The key role played by residents in the response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic is highlighted by the diversity of contributions provided, from cooperation in the rearrangement of hospital paths for continuity of care, to establishing and running new services to support healthcare professionals. Overall, they constituted a workforce that turned essential in governing efficiently such a complex scenario. Conclusions Despite the difficulties posed by the contingency and the sacrifice of many training activities, Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic turned out to be a unique opportunity of learning and measuring one's capabilities and limits in a context of absolute novelty and uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Tocco-Tussardi
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, and Medical Direction Unit, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - G De Mattia
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, and Medical Direction Unit, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - V Gasabelli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, and Medical Direction Unit, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - M Mazzer
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, and Medical Direction Unit, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - S Vanin
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, and Medical Direction Unit, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - D A Ramaroli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, and Medical Direction Unit, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - G Schiesaro
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, and Medical Direction Unit, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - G Salandini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, and Medical Direction Unit, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - M S Varalta
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, and Medical Direction Unit, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - R Benoni
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, and Medical Direction Unit, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - E Zanetel
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, and Medical Direction Unit, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - J Fagherazzi
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, and Medical Direction Unit, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - S Tardivo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, and Medical Direction Unit, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
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16
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Grossule V, Vanin S, Lavagnolo MC. Potential treatment of leachate by Hermetia illucens (Diptera, Stratyomyidae) larvae: Performance under different feeding conditions. Waste Manag Res 2020; 38:537-545. [PMID: 31868132 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x19894625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the ability of H. illucens larvae (black soldier fly (BSF)) to metabolise different semisolid biowastes (e.g. kitchen waste, animal manure) has been applied to the treatment of landfill leachate. A testing programme has been developed by mixing leachate with three different solid supports: wheat bran, a biodegradable nutrient substrate, brewers' spent grain, a biodegradable nutrient residue from the brewery industry and sawdust, a low biodegradable residue from the wood industry. Larvae growth rate was monitored in terms of weight variation, mortality and time to reach the prepupal stage. Prepupal biomass composition was analysed in terms of crude protein, lipids and fatty acids. Substrates were monitored at the beginning and the end of tests for total solids (TS), total organic carbon (TOC), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonia and (whenever significant) the 7-day Respirometric Index (RI7). The best performance was observed with wheat bran and brewers' spent grain, achieving an average larval weight ranging from 155.1 to 226.1 mg (w/w) with prepupation of more than 80% over 21 days. The initial TS, TOC and nitrogen content in feeding substrates had been metabolised (gasified and accumulated in prepupal biomass) by approximately 55%, 60% and 48%, respectively. Dry mass characterisation displayed a significant content of fats and proteins. The analysis demonstrated the suitability of BSF prepupal biomass for the production of biodiesel; however, the potential use of proteins as an animal feed needs further studies for assessing the presence of contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Grossule
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering (DICEA), University of Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, UK
| | - Maria Cristina Lavagnolo
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering (DICEA), University of Padova, Italy
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17
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Mukherjee S, Singh P, Tuccia F, Pradelli J, Giordani G, Vanin S. DNA characterization from gut content of larvae of Megaselia scalaris (Diptera, Phoridae). Sci Justice 2019; 59:654-659. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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18
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Loni A, Fornaciari A, Canale A, Giuffra V, Vanin S, Benelli G. Insights on Funeral Practices and Insects Associated With the Tombs of King Ferrante II d'Aragona and Other Renaissance Nobles. J Med Entomol 2019; 56:1582-1589. [PMID: 31271199 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The impressive Sacristy of the Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore contains 38 wooden sarcophagi with the bodies of 10 Aragonese princes and other Neapolitan nobles, who died in the 15th and 16th centuries. To improve the knowledge about the entomofauna associated with bodies in archaeological contexts, herein we provide insights on the funerary practices and the insect community associated to Ferrante II King of Naples and other Italian Renaissance mummies of the Aragonese dynasty buried in the Basilica of St. Domenico Maggiore. We identified 842 insect specimens: 88% were Diptera (Muscidae, Fanniidae, and Phoridae), followed by 9% Lepidoptera (Tineidae) and 3% Coleoptera (Dermestidae and Ptinidae). Ninety-seven percent of the specimens were collected from the coffin of Francesco Ferdinando d'Avalos, which was the best preserved. A lack of fly species characterizing the first colonization waves of exposed bodies was noted. The most common fly was the later colonizing muscid Hydrotaea capensis (Wiedemann); only a few Fanniidae (Fannia spp.) were retrieved. The lack of blowflies, coupled with recording H. capensis as the dominant fly, supports our hypothesis that corpses have been kept indoors for a long time under confined environmental conditions. Other explanations include odorous oils/balms having been used in the embalming process, causing the delay or stopping the arrival of first colonizer flies. Hermetically sealing of the coffin with bitumen may also have played a role in preventing access to the corpses. This scenario describes a historical context characterized by a well-advanced knowledge of body preparation, with specific burial techniques adopted for nobles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Loni
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Fornaciari
- Division of Paleopathology, Department of Translational Research and of New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angelo Canale
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Giuffra
- Division of Paleopathology, Department of Translational Research and of New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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19
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Pascali JP, Viel G, Cecchetto G, Pigaiani N, Vanin S, Montisci M, Fais P. The Red Swamp Crayfish
Procambarus Clarkii
(the Louisiana Crayfish) as a Particular Scavenger on a Human Corpse. J Forensic Sci 2019; 65:323-326. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer P. Pascali
- Forensic Toxicology Unit Department of Health Sciences University of Florence Largo Brambilla 3 50134 Florence Italy
| | - Guido Viel
- Section of Legal Medicine Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences University of Padova Via Falloppio 50 35121 Padova Italy
| | - Giovanni Cecchetto
- Section of Legal Medicine Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences University of Padova Via Falloppio 50 35121 Padova Italy
| | - Nicola Pigaiani
- Unit of Forensic Medicine Department of Diagnostics and Public Health University of Verona P.le L.A. Scuro 1037134 Verona Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- School of Applied Sciences University of Huddersfield Queensgate HD1 3DH Huddersfield U.K
| | - Massimo Montisci
- Section of Legal Medicine Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences University of Padova Via Falloppio 50 35121 Padova Italy
| | - Paolo Fais
- Unit of Legal Medicine Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences University of Bologna Via Irnerio 49 40126 Bologna Italy
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20
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Tuccia F, Zurgani E, Bortolini S, Vanin S. Experimental evaluation on the applicability of necrobiome analysis in forensic veterinary science. Microbiologyopen 2019; 8:e00828. [PMID: 30861327 PMCID: PMC6741123 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the wide usage of animals as models in forensic studies, the investigations of fundamental legal questions involving domesticated and nondomesticated animals were always given marginal attention compared to “human forensic,” and only recently the interest in the discipline is increasing. Our research focuses on the effect of the fur coat on the activity and development of microbial decomposers. In order to test this variable never assessed before, rabbit carcasses were used and results show that: (i) distinct and significant temporal changes in terms of metabolic activity and taxa distribution can be tracked over the decomposition process; (ii) the richness and the diversity of the bacterial communities does not significantly vary over time, but it does not mean that the species Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) do not change; (iii) the presence/absence of the fur on the carcasses does not significantly affect either the bacterial communities’ functional activity or the diversity intra‐ and intercommunity, neither at phylum nor at family resolution; (iv) the functional activity and the ecological diversity of the bacterial communities are significantly affected by the body region, while the relative abundance is not. Obtained data confirm previous observations and provide new insight in the Forensic Veterinary field in terms of equally using them in order to derive a statistical model for the PMI estimation. As a future perspective, a contribution to the Forensic Entomology approach will be given in legal investigations when domestic or wild animals are involved, regardless of the presence of a hair layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Tuccia
- Department of Biological and Geographical Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom.,Gruppo Italiano per l'Entomologia Forense (GIEF), Italy
| | - Emad Zurgani
- Department of Biological and Geographical Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Bortolini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Gruppo Italiano per l'Entomologia Forense (GIEF), Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Biological and Geographical Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom.,Gruppo Italiano per l'Entomologia Forense (GIEF), Italy
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21
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Giordani G, Grzywacz A, Vanin S. Characterization and Identification of Puparia of Hydrotaea Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Muscidae) From Forensic and Archaeological Contexts. J Med Entomol 2019; 56:45-54. [PMID: 30137441 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Flies and beetles are the main components of the entomofauna colonizing a body after death. Following the recognition of constant and predictable colonization patterns and the knowledge about the dependence of the insect development to temperature, a new discipline, forensic entomology, has provided information useful to reconstruct criminal events. Funerary archaeoentomology has also applied the same rationale in archaeological contexts. Puparia represent a large fraction of the insect remains that can be found associated with a cadaver, especially when the body is mummified or in the advanced stages of decomposition. Puparium identification is still a problematic topic due to the lack of identification keys and, in several cases, a lack of diagnostic feature descriptions. Here, we focus the attention on some Hydrotaea Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera, Muscidae) puparia from forensic and archaeological contexts. Puparia of Hydrotaea capensis (Wiedemann), Hydrotaea ignava (Harris), Hydrotaea aenescens (Wiedemann), Hydrotaea similis Meade, Hydrotaea pilipes Stein, and Hydrotaea dentipes (Fabricius) are here detailed and illustrated. Posterior spiracles, anal plate, and intersegmental spines have been considered as good diagnostic characters for the identification of these puparia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Giordani
- Department of Biological and Geographical Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Andrzej Grzywacz
- Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torún, Poland
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Biological and Geographical Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
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22
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Bortolini S, Giordani G, Tuccia F, Maistrello L, Vanin S. Do longer sequences improve the accuracy of identification of forensically important Calliphoridae species? PeerJ 2018; 6:e5962. [PMID: 30588393 PMCID: PMC6301277 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Species identification is a crucial step in forensic entomology. In several cases the calculation of the larval age allows the estimation of the minimum Post-Mortem Interval (mPMI). A correct identification of the species is the first step for a correct mPMI estimation. To overcome the difficulties due to the morphological identification especially of the immature stages, a molecular approach can be applied. However, difficulties in separation of closely related species are still an unsolved problem. Sequences of 4 different genes (COI, ND5, EF-1α, PER) of 13 different fly species collected during forensic experiments (Calliphora vicina, Calliphora vomitoria, Lucilia sericata, Lucilia illustris, Lucilia caesar, Chrysomya albiceps, Phormia regina, Cynomya mortuorum, Sarcophaga sp., Hydrotaea sp., Fannia scalaris, Piophila sp., Megaselia scalaris) were evaluated for their capability to identify correctly the species. Three concatenated sequences were obtained combining the four genes in order to verify if longer sequences increase the probability of a correct identification. The obtained results showed that this rule does not work for the species L. caesar and L. illustris. Future works on other DNA regions are suggested to solve this taxonomic issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bortolini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Giordani
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiola Tuccia
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Lara Maistrello
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
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23
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Giordani G, Tuccia F, Zoppis S, Vecchiotti C, Vanin S. Record of Leptometopa latipes (Diptera: Milichiidae) from a human cadaver in the Mediterranean area. Forensic Sci Res 2018; 4:341-347. [PMID: 32002493 PMCID: PMC6968644 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2018.1490473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In forensic entomology, insects are used mainly to obtain information about the time since death. This information is obtained studying the developmental rate of the first colonizers, principally species in the families Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Muscidae, Stratiomyidae and Phoridae. However, species belonging to other families can provide information about body transfer or the season of the death. Among them Milichiidae are flies rarely reported from human cases despite the larvae of some species are known as saprophagous feeding on plant and animal decomposing matter. A potential cause of the lack of records of these species from forensic cases can be related with the paucity of descriptions and illustrations of the immature stages. In this article, the entomological samples collected from a human body found inside an apartment in a Maghreb country, in Northern Africa, is reported and Leptometopa latipes (Diptera: Milichiidae) is described in detail. Molecular analysis is also reported to confirm the morphological analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Giordani
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Fabiola Tuccia
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Silvia Zoppis
- Dipartimento di Scienze Anatomiche Istologiche Medico Legali e dell'Apparato Locomotore, Section of Legal Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Vecchiotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Anatomiche Istologiche Medico Legali e dell'Apparato Locomotore, Section of Legal Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
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Viero A, Montisci M, Pelletti G, Vanin S. Crime scene and body alterations caused by arthropods: implications in death investigation. Int J Legal Med 2018; 133:307-316. [PMID: 29938388 PMCID: PMC6342896 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-018-1883-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The activity of arthropods on corpses has been largely investigated, since they can produce information to reconstruct the peri-mortem events. However, the feeding/movement activity of insects around the crime scene, among the clothes and on the body, can also cause some alterations that can lead to wrong reconstruction and misinterpretations. This article summarises all the post-mortem arthropods artefacts related to the scene (i.e. fly artefacts and floor stripes) and the body (i.e. skin and other soft tissue alterations, bone alterations and hair alterations) that can mislead the forensic pathologist, discussing macroscopic and microscopic findings derived from forensic casework and from experimental laboratory studies, in order to provide a useful instrument to avoid misinterpretations and evaluation errors. Finally, some procedural notes for the documentation and the interpretation of findings are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Viero
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Falloppio, 50, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - M Montisci
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Falloppio, 50, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - G Pelletti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Vanin
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK.
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Bugelli V, Gherardi M, Focardi M, Pinchi V, Vanin S, Campobasso CP. Decomposition pattern and insect colonization in two cases of suicide by hanging. Forensic Sci Res 2018; 3:94-102. [PMID: 30483656 PMCID: PMC6197082 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2017.1418622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hanging is one of the most common methods of suicide worldwide. Despite the high incidence, only a little knowledge about the pattern of cadaver colonization by insects on hanging corpse is available. Different types of hanging can alter the body decomposition process as well as the pattern and rate of insect colonization. Two case studies where the hanging occurred with a similar postmortem interval of 34 days are described. The two bodies showed different patterns of insect colonization and decomposition scored using the Total Body Score (TBS) and the TBS for hanging (TBShang). The first case was about the body of a 24-years-old male, with mummification of the unclothed upper anatomical parts. A TBS of 14 and a TBShang of 18 were assigned. The second body, belonging to a 15-years-old male, was found pre-skeletonized lying on the ground with the skull disarticulated. A TBS of 31 and a TBShang of 32 were assigned. Average temperatures of (21.5 ± 2.5) °C for the first body and (25.1 ± 2.7) °C for the second body were recorded in the 34 days preceding the bodies' discovery for a total of 731 and 853 Accumulated Degree Days (ADD) respectively. According to previous studies, the different decomposition patterns were related to temperatures of exposition and to the diversity of arthropod community found on the bodies because of the different types of hanging: totally suspended vs. in contact with the soil. The limited insect activity caused by hanging explains the delay in decomposition of hanging bodies in which mummification can take place, especially on the upper body parts. In vertical body position, the body fluids accumulated in the lower body parts accelerating the desiccation of soft tissues on the upper parts. The effect of gravity can also explain the decrease of internal maggot mass as larvae easily fall from the hanging body to the drip zones below where they are unable to recolonize the body if totally suspended. Furthermore, in a hanging body a greater surface is exposed to wind and sun with a quicker skin drying preventing the additional Diptera colonization. This paper shows the weaknesses of scoring scales and regression models developed to predict ADD when irregular decomposition and mummification have not taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bugelli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences (DiMeS), University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Forensic Science Section, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Mirella Gherardi
- Prevention Department, SC Medicina Legale, AUSL Valle D'Aosta, Aosta, Italy
| | - Martina Focardi
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Forensic Science Section, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Vilma Pinchi
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Forensic Science Section, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield,UK
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Mercuri AM, Fornaciari R, Gallinaro M, Vanin S, di Lernia S. Plant behaviour from human imprints and the cultivation of wild cereals in Holocene Sahara. Nat Plants 2018; 4:71-81. [PMID: 29379157 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-017-0098-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The human selection of food plants cannot always have been aimed exclusively at isolating the traits typical of domesticated species today. Each phase of global change must have obliged plants and humans to cope with and develop innovative adaptive strategies. Hundreds of thousands of wild cereal seeds from the Holocene 'green Sahara' tell a story of cultural trajectories and environmental instability revealing that a complex suite of weediness traits were preferred by both hunter-gatherers and pastoralists. The archaeobotanical record of the Takarkori rockshelter in southwest Libya covering four millennia of human occupation in the central Sahara gives us a unique insight into long-term plant manipulation and cultivation without domestication. The success of a number of millets was rooted in their invasive-opportunistic behaviour, rewarded during their coexistence with people in Africa. These wild plants were selected for features that were precious in the past but pernicious for agriculture today. Reconnecting past practices with modern farming strategies can help us to seek out the best resources for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Mercuri
- Laboratorio di Palinologia e Paleobotanica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Rita Fornaciari
- Laboratorio di Palinologia e Paleobotanica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marina Gallinaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Antichità, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Savino di Lernia
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Antichità, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.
- School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Giordani G, Tuccia F, Floris I, Vanin S. First record of Phormia regina (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from mummies at the Sant'Antonio Abate Cathedral of Castelsardo, Sardinia, Italy. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4176. [PMID: 29312816 PMCID: PMC5756611 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The studies of insects from archaeological contexts can provide an important supplement of information to reconstruct past events, climate and environments. Furthermore, the list of the species present in an area in the past allows the reconstruction of the entomofauna on that area at that time, that can be different from the nowadays condition, providing information about biodiversity changes. In this work, the results of a funerary archaeoentomological study on samples collected from mummified corpses discovered during the restoration of the crypt of the Sant’Antonio Abate Cathedral of Castelsardo (Sardinia, Italy) are reported. The majority of the sampled specimens were Diptera puparia, whereas only few Lepidoptera cocoons and some Coleoptera fragments were isolated. Among Diptera, Calliphoridae puparia were identified as Phormia regina (Meigen, 1826) and Calliphora vicina, (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) both species typical of the first colonization waves of exposed bodies. Three puparia fragments were also identified as belonging to a Sarcophaga Meigen, 1826, species (Sarcophagidae). Several Muscidae puparia of the species Hydrotaea capensis (Weidmermann, 1818), a late colonizer of bodies, and typical of buried bodies were also collected. The few moth (Lepidoptera) cocoons were identified as belonging to the family Tineidae. This family comprises species feeding on dry tissues and hair typical of the later phases of the human decomposition. Among Coleoptera a single specimen in the family Histeridae, Saprinus semistriatus (Scriba, 1790) and a single elytra, potentially of a species in the family Tenebrionidae, were also collected. Overall, the samples collected indicated an initial colonization of the bodies in an exposed context, mainly in a warm season. This research allows the finding of elements indicating the presence, at least in the past, of P. regina in Sardinia. This species at the moment seems extinct from Sardinia while it is quite common in the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Giordani
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiola Tuccia
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Ignazio Floris
- Dipartimento di Agraria - Sez. Patologia vegetale ed Entomologia, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
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Zonato V, Vanin S, Costa R, Tauber E, Kyriacou CP. Inverse European Latitudinal Cline at the timeless Locus of Drosophila melanogaster Reveals Selection on a Clock Gene: Population Genetics of ls-tim. J Biol Rhythms 2017; 33:15-23. [PMID: 29183263 DOI: 10.1177/0748730417742309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The spread of adaptive genetic variants in populations is a cornerstone of evolutionary theory but with relatively few biologically well-understood examples. Previous work on the ls-tim variant of timeless, which encodes the light-sensitive circadian regulator in Drosophila melanogaster, suggests that it may have originated in southeastern Italy. Flies characterized by the new allele show photoperiod-related phenotypes likely to be adaptive in seasonal environments. ls-tim may be spreading from its point of origin in Italy by directional selection, but there are alternative explanations for its observed clinal geographical distribution, including balancing selection and demography. From population analyses of ls-tim frequencies collected on the eastern side of the Iberian Peninsula, we show that ls-tim frequencies are inverted compared with those in Italy. This pattern is consistent with a scenario of directional selection rather than latitude-associated balancing selection. Neutrality tests further reveal the signature of directional selection at the ls-tim site, which is reduced a few kb pairs either side of ls-tim. A reanalysis of allele frequencies from a large number of microsatellite loci do not demonstrate any frequent ls-tim-like spatial patterns, so a general demographic effect or population expansion from southeastern Italy cannot readily explain current ls-tim frequencies. Finally, a revised estimate of the age of ls-tim allele using linkage disequilibrium and coalescent-based approaches reveals that it may be only 300 to 3000 years old, perhaps explaining why it has not yet gone to fixation. ls-tim thus provides a rare temporal snapshot of a new allele that has come under selection before it reaches equilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Zonato
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Costa
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Eran Tauber
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.,Institute of Evolution and Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Balla SB, Galic I, P. K, Vanin S, De Luca S, Cameriere R. Validation of third molar maturity index (I 3M ) for discrimination of juvenile/adult status in South Indian population. J Forensic Leg Med 2017; 49:2-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Bostock E, Green EW, Kyriacou CP, Vanin S. Chronobiological studies on body search, oviposition and emergence of Megaselia scalaris (Diptera, Phoridae) in controlled conditions. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 275:155-159. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Pivato A, Lavagnolo MC, Manachini B, Vanin S, Raga R, Beggio G. Ecological risk assessment of agricultural soils for the definition of soil screening values: A comparison between substance-based and matrix-based approaches. Heliyon 2017; 3:e00284. [PMID: 28409185 PMCID: PMC5382141 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Italian legislation on contaminated soils does not include the Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) and this deficiency has important consequences for the sustainable management of agricultural soils. The present research compares the results of two ERA procedures applied to agriculture (i) one based on the "substance-based" approach and (ii) a second based on the "matrix-based" approach. In the former the soil screening values (SVs) for individual substances were derived according to institutional foreign guidelines. In the latter, the SVs characterizing the whole-matrix were derived originally by the authors by means of experimental activity. The results indicate that the "matrix-based" approach can be efficiently implemented in the Italian legislation for the ERA of agricultural soils. This method, if compared to the institutionalized "substance based" approach is (i) comparable in economic terms and in testing time, (ii) is site specific and assesses the real effect of the investigated soil on a battery of bioassays, (iii) accounts for phenomena that may radically modify the exposure of the organisms to the totality of contaminants and (iv) can be considered sufficiently conservative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Pivato
- DII − Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo n 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Lavagnolo
- DII − Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo n 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Barbara Manachini
- Dipartimento Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche “STEBICEF” Via Archirafi, 18 − 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Roberto Raga
- DII − Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo n 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Beggio
- DII − Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo n 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Vanin S, Bonizzoli M, Migliaccio ML, Buoninsegni LT, Bugelli V, Pinchi V, Focardi M. A Case of Insect Colonization Before the Death. J Forensic Sci 2017; 62:1665-1667. [PMID: 28261793 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Forensic entomology is a branch of forensic science in which insects are used as evidence in legal investigations relating to humans, domestic animals and wildlife. One of the theoretical pillars on which the discipline is based concerns the fact that flies colonize a body after death. However in cases of myiasis, maggots are present before death, with consequences in the correct estimation of the minimum postmortem interval (mPMI). We report here the case of a woman, largely colonized by fly larvae, who has lain alive in her garden for four days prior to being rescued. Larvae were found on the conjunctivae, the bronchi, the rectum and vagina. The woman's death, two months later, was caused by tetanus. The consequences of myiasis on mPMI estimation are here discussed. In fact, despite she was still alive larvae, indicated and estimated age of 1.5-2.5 days, based on environmental and body temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Vanin
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, HD1 3DH, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Manuela Bonizzoli
- Department of Neuromusculoskeletal and Sensory Organs, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Migliaccio
- Department of Neuromusculoskeletal and Sensory Organs, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Tadini Buoninsegni
- Department of Neuromusculoskeletal and Sensory Organs, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Valentina Bugelli
- Department of Health Sciences, Forensic Medicine Section, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Vilma Pinchi
- Department of Health Sciences, Forensic Medicine Section, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Focardi
- Department of Health Sciences, Forensic Medicine Section, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
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Pinchi V, Bartolini V, Bertol E, Focardi M, Mari F, Ricci U, Vanin S, Norelli GA. Multiple deaths caused by a fire in a factory: identification and investigative issues. J Forensic Odontostomatol 2016; 34:47-59. [PMID: 28520563 PMCID: PMC6035758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The article presents a case of multiple casualties following a textile factory fire. The incident required a full DVI team similar to large mass-disaster because of the specific operational aspects and identification difficulties. The autopsy results were consistent with death by fire and the toxicological investigations revealed carbon monoxide poisoning in four cases (HbCO% ranging between 88,05 and 95,77), two deaths by cyanide intoxication (with concentrations between 5,17 and 8,85 mcg/ml), and in one case there was a synergistic effect of the two substances (carbon monoxide and cyanide). The identification, carried out in accordance with INTERPOL protocols, encountered serious difficulties in the AM phase primarily due to a language barrier and the lack of any dental or medical information relating to the victims. Secondary identifiers proved to be very useful in corroborating possible identities. As a result of the combined efforts of a team of experts the identity of each victim was determined and in all cases at least one primary identifier was used in the identification process. The deployment of DVI teams composed of forensic experts from different fields of expertise and well acquainted with DVI procedures, is essential in events involving multiple casualties that may also include foreign victims. The DVI team should intervene not only in PM examinations but also in the collection of AM data for those individuals not accounted for and by helping police in contacting families of missing people.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Pinchi
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Medical Forensic Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - V Bartolini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Medical Forensic Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E Bertol
- Department of Health Sciences, Forensic Toxicology Division, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Focardi
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Medical Forensic Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - F Mari
- Department of Health Sciences, Forensic Toxicology Division, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - U Ricci
- Diagnostic Genetics Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - S Vanin
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, UK
| | - G A Norelli
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Medical Forensic Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Dardouri AAK, Cameriere R, De Luca S, Vanin S. Third molar maturity index by measurements of open apices in a Libyan sample of living subjects. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 267:230.e1-230.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Tuccia F, Giordani G, Vanin S. A general review of the most common COI primers for Calliphoridae identification in forensic entomology. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2016; 24:e9-e11. [PMID: 27444889 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Tuccia
- FLEA, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, HD1 3DH Huddersfield, UK; GIEF, Gruppo Italiano per l'Entomologia Forense, Italy
| | - Giorgia Giordani
- FLEA, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, HD1 3DH Huddersfield, UK; GIEF, Gruppo Italiano per l'Entomologia Forense, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- FLEA, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, HD1 3DH Huddersfield, UK; GIEF, Gruppo Italiano per l'Entomologia Forense, Italy.
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Tuccia F, Giordani G, Vanin S. A combined protocol for identification of maggots of forensic interest. Sci Justice 2016; 56:264-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Pivato A, Vanin S, Raga R, Lavagnolo MC, Barausse A, Rieple A, Laurent A, Cossu R. Use of digestate from a decentralized on-farm biogas plant as fertilizer in soils: An ecotoxicological study for future indicators in risk and life cycle assessment. Waste Manag 2016; 49:378-389. [PMID: 26724231 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, the number of decentralized farm biogas plants has increased significantly in the EU. This development leads not only to an increasing amount of biogas produced, but also to a higher amount of digestate obtained. One of the most attractive options to manage the digestate is to apply it as biofertiliser to the soil, because this gives the opportunity of recovering the nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, and of attenuating the loss of organic matter suffered by soils under agricultural exploitation. Studies have claimed that digestates can present a residual biodegradability, and contain complex organic elements, salts or pathogenic bacteria that can damage terrestrial organisms. However few ecotoxicological studies have been performed to evaluate the ecological impact of digestate application on soil. In this study, the use of digestate as biofertiliser in agriculture was assessed by a battery of ecotoxicological tests considering the potential pollutants present in the digestate as a whole by using the "matrix-based" approach (also known as "whole effluent toxicity" for eluates or wastewater effluents). The direct and indirect tests included plant bioassays with Lepidium sativum, earthworm bioassays with Eisenia fetida, aquatic organisms (Artemia sp. and Daphnia magna) and luminescent bacteria bioassays (Vibrio fischeri). Direct tests occurred to be more sensitive than indirect tests. The earthworm bioassays did not show serious negative effects for concentrations up to 15% (dry weight/dry weight percent, w/w dm) and the plant bioassays showed no negative effect, but rather a positive one for concentrations lower than 20% (w/w dm), which encourages the use of digestate as a biofertiliser in agriculture provided that proper concentrations are used. The indirect tests, on the eluate, with the using aquatic organisms and luminescent bacteria showed an LC50 value of 13.61% volume/volume percent, v/v) for D. magna and no toxicity for Artemia sp. and V. fischeri. The ecotoxicological parameters obtained from the experimental activity have been analyzed so that they could serve in both ecological risk assessment (ERA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess the risks and impacts of using digestate as a biofertiliser in agriculture. An interim effect factor of 1.17E-3m(3)/kg-in-soil is advocated and can be used in life cycle impact assessment modelling of terrestrial ecotoxicity. A predicted non effect concentration for soil organisms was defined at 341 mg-digestate/kg-soil and can be used for the dose-response assessment step in ERA. Although these values are recommended for use in ERA and LCA applications, it should be stressed that they underlie important uncertainties, which should be reduced by increasing the number of toxicological tests, in particular of chronic studies conducted at different trophic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Pivato
- DII - Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo n 9, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Roberto Raga
- DII - Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo n 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Lavagnolo
- DII - Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo n 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Barausse
- DII - Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo n 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Antonia Rieple
- DII - Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo n 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alexis Laurent
- Division for Quantitative Sustainability Assessment, Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Raffaello Cossu
- DII - Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo n 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Montelli S, Mazzotta G, Vanin S, Caccin L, Corrà S, De Pittà C, Boothroyd C, Green EW, Kyriacou CP, Costa R. period and timeless mRNA Splicing Profiles under Natural Conditions in Drosophila melanogaster. J Biol Rhythms 2016; 30:217-27. [PMID: 25994101 DOI: 10.1177/0748730415583575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Previous analysis of Drosophila circadian behavior under natural conditions has revealed a number of novel and unexpected features. Here we focus on the oscillations of per and tim mRNAs and their posttranscriptional regulation and observe significant differences in molecular cycling under laboratory and natural conditions. In particular, robust per mRNA cycling from fly heads is limited to the summers, whereas tim RNA cycling is observed throughout the year. When both transcripts do cycle, their phases are similar, except for the very warmest summer months. We also study the natural splicing profiles of per and tim transcripts and observe a clear relationship between temperature and splicing. In natural conditions, we confirm the relationship between accumulation of the per(spliced) variant, low temperature, and the onset of the evening component of locomotor activity, first described in laboratory conditions. Intriguingly, in the case of tim splicing, we detect the opposite relationship, with tim(spliced) expression increasing at higher temperatures. A first characterization of the 4 different TIM protein isoforms (resulting from the combination of the natural N-terminus length polymorphism and the C-terminus alternative splicing) using the 2-hybrid assay showed that the TIM(unspliced) isoforms have a stronger affinity for CRY, but not for PER, suggesting that the tim 3' splicing could have physiological significance, possibly in temperature entrainment and/or adaptation to seasonal environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Caccin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Samantha Corrà
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Edward W Green
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Rodolfo Costa
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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De Luca S, Pacifici A, Pacifici L, Polimeni A, Fischetto SG, Velandia Palacio LA, Vanin S, Cameriere R. Third molar development by measurements of open apices in an Italian sample of living subjects. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 38:36-42. [PMID: 26706411 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyse the age-predicting performance of third molar index (I3M) in dental age estimation. A multiple regression analysis was developed with chronological age as the independent variable. In order to investigate the relationship between the I3M and chronological age, the standard deviation and relative error were examined. Digitalized orthopantomographs (OPTs) of 975 Italian healthy subjects (531 female and 444 male), aged between 9 and 22 years, were studied. Third molar development was determined according to Cameriere et al. (2008). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to study the interaction between I3M and the gender. The difference between age and third molar index (I3M) was tested with Pearson's correlation coefficient. The I3M, the age and the gender of the subjects were used as predictive variable for age estimation. The small F-value for the gender (F = 0.042, p = 0.837) reveals that this factor does not affect the growth of the third molar. Adjusted R(2) (AdjR(2)) was used as parameter to define the best fitting function. All the regression models (linear, exponential, and polynomial) showed a similar AdjR(2). The polynomial (2nd order) fitting explains about the 78% of the total variance and do not add any relevant clinical information to the age estimation process from the third molar. The standard deviation and relative error increase with the age. The I3M has its minimum in the younger group of studied individuals and its maximum in the oldest ones, indicating that its precision and reliability decrease with the age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano De Luca
- Departamento de Antropologia, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Jurídicas, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Chile; AgEstimation Project, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy.
| | - Andrea Pacifici
- AgEstimation Project, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Pacifici
- AgEstimation Project, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Vanin
- School of Applied Science, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Roberto Cameriere
- AgEstimation Project, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
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Mazzarelli D, Vanin S, Gibelli D, Maistrello L, Porta D, Rizzi A, Cattaneo C. Splitting hairs: differentiating between entomological activity, taphonomy, and sharp force trauma on hair. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2014; 11:104-10. [PMID: 25527308 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-014-9636-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The analysis of hair can provide useful information for the correct evaluation of forensic cases, but studies of trauma on hair are extremely rare. Hair may present lesions caused by traumatic events or by animals: in fact, signs of sharp force weapons on hair may provide important information for the reconstruction of the manner of death, and, for example, may suggest fetishist practice. This study stemmed from a judicial case where it was fundamental to distinguish between sharp force lesions and insect activity on hair. METHODS In order to highlight differences between sharp force lesions and insect feeding activity, different experiments were performed with high power microscopy: hair samples were subjected to several lesions by blunt and sharp force trauma; then samples were used as pabulum for two taxa of insects: the common clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella Lepidoptera, Tineidae) and the carpet beetle (Anthrenus sp., Coleoptera, Dermestidae). Hairs were examined from a macroscopic and microscopic point of view by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM): the morphological characteristics of the lesions obtained from the different experimental samples were compared. RESULTS Results show that sharp force trauma produces lesions with regular edges, whereas insects leave concave lesions caused by their "gnawing" activity. These two types of lesions are easily distinguishable from breaking and tearing using SEM. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that insect activity leaves very specific indications on hair and sheds some light on different hair lesions that may be found in forensic cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Mazzarelli
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, V. Mangiagalli, 37, Milan, Italy,
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Bugelli V, Forni D, Bassi LA, Di Paolo M, Marra D, Lenzi S, Toni C, Giusiani M, Domenici R, Gherardi M, Vanin S. Forensic entomology and the estimation of the minimum time since death in indoor cases. J Forensic Sci 2014; 60:525-31. [PMID: 25400228 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Eight cases that occurred indoors in which the insects played an important role in the mPMI estimation are presented. The bodies of socially isolated people and old people living alone were discovered in central Italy between June and November. mPMI ranged from a few days to several weeks. Insects were collected during the body recovery and the postmortem. Climatic data were obtained from the closest meteorological stations and from measurements performed on the site. Sarcophagidae and Calliphoridae species were present in 75% of the cases with Lucilia sericata and Chrysomya albiceps collected in 50% of the cases. Chrysomya albiceps was always found in association with Lucilia species. Scuttle flies (Phoridae) were found in 37.5% of the cases, confirming the ability of these species in indoor body colonization. We show that if sealed environment may delay, the insect arrival dirty houses may create the environment where sarcosaprophagous insects are already present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bugelli
- Dipartimento di Patologia - Unità di Medicina Legale-, Università di Pisa, via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
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Abstract
Aim To use forensic entomological approach to estimate the post mortem interval (PMI) in burnt remains. Methods Two experiments were performed in a field in the outskirts of Milan, in winter and summer 2007. Four 60-kg pigs were used: two for each experiment. One pig carcass was burnt until it reached the level 2-3 of the Glassman-Crow scale and the not-burnt carcass was used as a control. In order to describe the decomposition process and to collect the data useful for minimum PMI estimation, macroscopic, histological, and entomological analyses were performed. Results In the winter part of the experiment, the first insect activity on the burnt carcass began in the third week (Calliphora vomitoria) and at the beginning of the fourth week an increase in the number of species was observed. In the summer part, adult flies and first instar maggots (Phormia regina) appeared a few minutes/hours after the carcass exposure. Both in winter and summer, flies belonging to the first colonization wave (Calliphoridae) appeared on burnt and control pigs at the same time, whereas other species (Diptera and Coleoptera) appeared earlier on burnt pigs. Conclusion In forensic practice, burnt bodies are among the most neglected fields of entomological research, since they are supposed to be an inadequate substratum for insect colonization. Entomological approach for PMI estimation proved to be useful, although further studies on larger samples are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Vanin
- Stefano Vanin, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK,
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Madour A, Alkout A, Vanin S. First evaluation of the serum level of anti-hepatitis B surface antigen after vaccination in Libya. East Mediterr Health J 2013; 19:990-994. [PMID: 24684096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination schedule in Libya follows international recommendations (1st dose at birth, 2nd after 1 month and 3rd after 6 months). This research aimed to evaluate the long-term protection of the HBV immunization programme in Tripoli and to determine the best age to administer booster doses. Serum levels of hepatitis B surface antigen were determined in 277 randomly selected children aged 1-12 years. The response to HBV vaccine in 1-3-year-olds was 93.2%, but this declined with age and at 7-9 years after initial vaccination only 53.1% of children had protective titres (> or = 10 mIU/mL). No significant differences between males and females in antibody persistence or response to vaccine were observed. We recommend continuing the HBV vaccination programme and that a booster dose be given to 6-year-old children to ensure maximum protection during the period of school entry and beyond.
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Madour A, Alkout A, Vanin S. First evaluation of the serum level of anti-hepatitis B surface antigen after vaccination in Libya. East Mediterr Health J 2013. [DOI: 10.26719/2013.19.12.990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Menegazzi P, Vanin S, Yoshii T, Rieger D, Hermann C, Dusik V, Kyriacou CP, Helfrich-Förster C, Costa R. Drosophila clock neurons under natural conditions. J Biol Rhythms 2013; 28:3-14. [PMID: 23382587 DOI: 10.1177/0748730412471303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The circadian clock modulates the adaptive daily patterns of physiology and behavior and adjusts these rhythms to seasonal changes. Recent studies of seasonal locomotor activity patterns of wild-type and clock mutant fruit flies in quasi-natural conditions have revealed that these behavioral patterns differ considerably from those observed under standard laboratory conditions. To unravel the molecular features accompanying seasonal adaptation of the clock, we investigated Drosophila's neuronal expression of the canonical clock proteins PERIOD (PER) and TIMELESS (TIM) in nature. We find that the profile of PER dramatically changes in different seasons, whereas that of TIM remains more constant. Unexpectedly, we find that PER and TIM oscillations are decoupled in summer conditions. Moreover, irrespective of season, PER and TIM always peak earlier in the dorsal neurons than in the lateral neurons, suggesting a more rapid molecular oscillation in these cells. We successfully reproduced most of our results under simulated natural conditions in the laboratory and show that although photoperiod is the most important zeitgeber for the molecular clock, the flies' activity pattern is more strongly affected by temperature. Our results are among the first to systematically compare laboratory and natural studies of Drosophila rhythms.
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Pivato A, Vanin S, Palmeri L, Barausse A, Mangione G, Rasera M, Gianluca M. Biopotentiality as an index of environmental compensation for composting plants. Waste Manag 2013; 33:1607-1615. [PMID: 23660493 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2013.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The Biopotentiality Index is a landscape ecology indicator, which can be used to estimate the latent energy of a given land and to assess the environmental impacts due to the loss of naturalness on a landscape scale. This indicator has been applied to estimate the effectiveness of the measures put in place to provide an environmental compensation for the revamping of a composting plant. These compensation measures are represented by a green belt with a minimum width of 25 m all around the plant, representing both a windbreak and a buffer zone, and by two wide wooded zones acting as core natural areas. This case-study shows that the compensation index could be used as a key tool in order to negotiate the acceptance of waste treatment plant with the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Pivato
- ICEA, Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy.
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Abstract
Empty puparia, as well as larvae at different developmental stages, are potentially useful in the identification of a victim where a corpse has been removed from the scene of a forensic investigation. To evaluate the relevance and the reliability of this substrate to be used as forensic evidence, the authors report for the first time the extraction and typing of human DNA from empty puparia using STR analysis, in two actual cases where the bodies of the victims were still present thereby enabling validation of the typing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Marchetti
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Catholic University, Medical School, Rome, Italy
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Vanin S, Mazzariol S, Menandro ML, Lafisca A, Turchetto M. Myiasis by Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae) in a python affected by pulmonitis. J Med Entomol 2013; 50:209-211. [PMID: 23427672 DOI: 10.1603/me12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Myiases are caused by the presence of maggots in vertebrate tissues and organs. Myiases have been studied widely in humans, farm animals, and pets, whereas reports of myiasis in reptiles are scarce. We describe a case of myiasis caused by the Megaselia scalaris (Loew) in an Indian python (Python molurus bivittatus, Kuhl) (Ophida: Boidae). The python, 15 yr old, born and reared in a terrarium in the mainland of Venice (Italy), was affected by diffuse, purulent pneumonia caused by Burkholderia cepacia. The severe infestation of maggots found in the lungs during an autopsy indicated at a myiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vanin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, HD1 3DH, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
This report describes a case of nosocomial myiasis caused by larvae of Sarcophaga (Bercaea) africa. The parasitosis developed in an ulcer on the heel of a patient with type 2 diabetes. The ulcer was dressed when the deposition occurred. An experiment was performed in order to demonstrate the ability of Sarcophaga larvae to move through bandages and reach purulent wounds. This report highlights the need for particular attention, education and specific protocols in hospitals in order to avoid myiasis, which can compromise the organization's reputation for hygienic standards with possible legal consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dutto
- Dermatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
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Thèves C, Senescau A, Vanin S, Keyser C, Ricaut FX, Alekseev AN, Dabernat H, Ludes B, Fabre R, Crubézy E. Molecular identification of bacteria by total sequence screening: determining the cause of death in ancient human subjects. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21733. [PMID: 21765907 PMCID: PMC3135582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Research of ancient pathogens in ancient human skeletons has been mainly carried out on the basis of one essential historical or archaeological observation, permitting specific pathogens to be targeted. Detection of ancient human pathogens without such evidence is more difficult, since the quantity and quality of ancient DNA, as well as the environmental bacteria potentially present in the sample, limit the analyses possible. Using human lung tissue and/or teeth samples from burials in eastern Siberia, dating from the end of 17(th) to the 19(th) century, we propose a methodology that includes the: 1) amplification of all 16S rDNA gene sequences present in each sample; 2) identification of all bacterial DNA sequences with a degree of identity ≥ 95%, according to quality criteria; 3) identification and confirmation of bacterial pathogens by the amplification of the rpoB gene; and 4) establishment of authenticity criteria for ancient DNA. This study demonstrates that from teeth samples originating from ancient human subjects, we can realise: 1) the correct identification of bacterial molecular sequence signatures by quality criteria; 2) the separation of environmental and pathogenic bacterial 16S rDNA sequences; 3) the distribution of bacterial species for each subject and for each burial; and 4) the characterisation of bacteria specific to the permafrost. Moreover, we identified three pathogens in different teeth samples by 16S rDNA sequence amplification: Bordetella sp., Streptococcus pneumoniae and Shigella dysenteriae. We tested for the presence of these pathogens by amplifying the rpoB gene. For the first time, we confirmed sequences from Bordetella pertussis in the lungs of an ancient male Siberian subject, whose grave dated from the end of the 17(th) century to the early 18(th) century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Thèves
- Laboratoire AMIS, UMR 5288, Université Toulouse IIII/CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, Toulouse, France.
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