1
|
Zhang J, Li X, Li L, Chen A, Zhang S. Y-STR analysis of highly degraded DNA from skeletal remains over 70 years old. Forensic Sci Res 2024; 9:owae020. [PMID: 38617445 PMCID: PMC11014468 DOI: 10.1093/fsr/owae020] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The goal of the following study is to clarify whether the skeletal remains over 70 years old from missing persons and their alleged relatives shared identical Y-STR loci. Nowadays, advances in ancient DNA extraction techniques and approaches of using multiple different Y-STRs have significantly increased the possibility of obtaining DNA profiles from highly degraded skeletal remains. Given the ages and conditions of the skeletal remains, ancient DNA extraction methods can be used to maximize the probability of DNA recovery. Considering that information about distant relatives is more relevant for long-term missing persons and alleged family members are male, Y-STR loci analysis is considered the most appropriate and informative approach for determining paternal lineage relationship. In this study, Y-STR genotypes obtained from these alleged relatives were identical to each other and to the alleles of missing persons' consensus profiles at more than 22 loci examined, whilst not being found in Y-STR population database from Y-Chromosome STR Haplotype Reference Database. Therefore, Missing Person No.7 and Missing Person No.18 have a patrilineal relationship with reference samples from Family1 and Family2, respectively. In addition, the fact that Y-STR haplotypes obtained from skeletal remains of missing persons and reference samples are not found in the Han Chinese people from East Asian demonstrates its rarity and further supports a paternal lineage relationship amongst them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiashuo Zhang
- Research Center for Chinese Frontier Archaeology of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuebo Li
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Identification in Universities of Shandong Province, Shandong University of Political Science and Law, Jinan, China
- Institute of Forensic Science, Shandong University of Political Science and Law, Jinan, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Identification in Universities of Shandong Province, Shandong University of Political Science and Law, Jinan, China
- Institute of Forensic Science, Shandong University of Political Science and Law, Jinan, China
| | - Anqi Chen
- Institute of Forensic Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suhua Zhang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Haarkötter C, Vinueza-Espinosa DC, Gálvez X, Saiz M, Medina-Lozano MI, Lorente JA, Álvarez JC. A comparison between petrous bone and tooth, femur and tibia DNA analysis from degraded skeletal remains. Electrophoresis 2023; 44:1559-1568. [PMID: 37469183 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300097] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal remains are the only biological material that remains after long periods; however, environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and pH affect DNA preservation, turning skeletal remains into a challenging sample for DNA laboratories. Sample selection is a key factor, and femur and tooth have been traditionally recommended as the best substrate of genetic material. Recently, petrous bone (cochlear area) has been suggested as a better option due to its DNA yield. This research aims to evaluate the efficiency of petrous bone compared to other cranium samples (tooth) and postcranial long bones (femur and tibia). A total amount of 88 samples were selected from 38 different individuals. The samples were extracted by using an organic extraction protocol, DNA quantification by Quantifiler Trio kit and amplified with GlobalFiler kit. Results show that petrous bone outperforms other bone remains in quantification data, yielding 15-30 times more DNA than the others. DNA profile data presented likeness between petrous bone and tooth regarding detected alleles; however, the amount of DNA extracted in petrous bones allowed us to obtain more informative DNA profiles with superior quality. In conclusion, petrous bone or teeth sampling is recommended if DNA typing is going to be performed with environmentally degraded skeletal remains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Haarkötter
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification, Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Diana C Vinueza-Espinosa
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification, Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Xiomara Gálvez
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification, Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María Saiz
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification, Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María Isabel Medina-Lozano
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification, Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - José Antonio Lorente
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification, Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Álvarez
- Laboratory of Genetic Identification, Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Leskovar T, Mlinšek T, Počivavšek T, Zupanič Pajnič I. Comparison of Morphological Sex Assessment and Genetic Sex Determination on Adult and Sub-Adult 17th-19th Century Skeletal Remains. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1561. [PMID: 37628613 PMCID: PMC10454762 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081561] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The first step in the analysis of human skeletal remains is the establishment of the biological profile of an individual. This includes sex assessment, which depends highly on the age of the individual and on the completeness and preservation state of the remains. Macroscopic methods only provide the assessment of sex, while for sex determination, molecular methods need to be included. However, poor preservation of the remains can make molecular methods impossible and only assessment can be performed. Presented research compares DNA-determined and morphologically assessed sex of adult and non-adult individuals buried in a modern-age cemetery (17th to late 19th century) in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of commonly used macroscopic methods for sex assessment on a Slovenian post-medieval population. Results demonstrate that for adults, macroscopic methods employed are highly reliable and pelvic morphology, even the sciatic notch alone, is more reliable than skull. In non-adults, macroscopic methods are not as reliable as in adults, which agrees with previous research. This study shows how morphological and molecular methods can go hand in hand when building a biological profile of an individual. On their own, each methodology presented some individuals with undetermined sex, while together, sex of all the individuals was provided. Results confirm suitability of sex assessment based on skull and especially pelvic morphology in Slovenian post-medieval adults, while in the non-adult population molecular methods are advised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Leskovar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Teo Mlinšek
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.M.); (T.P.)
| | - Tadej Počivavšek
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.M.); (T.P.)
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.M.); (T.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Inkret J, Zupanc T, Zupanič Pajnič I. A Multisample Approach in Forensic Phenotyping of Chronological Old Skeletal Remains Using Massive Parallel Sequencing (MPS) Technology. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1449. [PMID: 37510353 PMCID: PMC10379588 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071449] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
It is very important to generate phenotypic results that are reliable when processing chronological old skeletal remains for cases involving the identification of missing persons. To improve the success of pigmentation prediction in Second World War victims, three bones from each of the eight skeletons analyzed were included in the study, which makes it possible to generate a consensus profile. The PowerQuant System was used for quantification, the ESI 17 Fast System was used for STR typing, and a customized version of the HIrisPlex panel was used for PCR-MPS. The HID Ion Chef Instrument was used for library preparation and templating. Sequencing was performed with the Ion GeneStudio S5 System. Identical full profiles and identical hair and eye color predictions were achieved from three bones analyzed per skeleton. Blue eye color was predicted in five skeletons and brown in three skeletons. Blond hair color was predicted in one skeleton, blond to dark blond in three skeletons, brown to dark brown in two skeletons, and dark brown to black in two skeletons. The reproducibility and reliability of the results proved the multisample analysis method to be beneficial for phenotyping chronological old skeletons because differences in DNA yields in different bone types provide a greater possibility of obtaining a better-quality consensus profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jezerka Inkret
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Marshall M, Chraïbi V, Morgan R. Colonization of diatoms in and on porcine bone substrate and considerations of diatom ecology for forensic science. J Forensic Sci 2023; 68:1237-1244. [PMID: 37287334 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15296] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The presence of diatom algae in bone marrow has been used as forensic evidence of drowning for several decades; however, these studies are based on known or suspected recent drowning events. This study addresses the potential for diatoms to enter the bone marrow of skeletal remains, that is, de-fleshed long bones post-mortem. In laboratory and field experiments, bones were either inflicted with two access points by a cut and acid pitting or left intact. The bones were submerged in water for at least 1 week and up to 3 months. Samples of the bone surface and marrow were inspected for diatoms. The analysis considered the time required for diatoms to enter marrow and whether genus characteristics like size or mobility affect entry. The presence of an access point influenced diatom entry in that bones without an introduced access point had zero to one diatom present in the marrow, whereas a bone with an access point had >150 diatoms present in the marrow. The results of both laboratory and field phases suggest that diatoms will reliably colonize bone in as quickly as 1 week, establishing and maintaining communities for at least 3 months. However, the bone surface assemblages differ from the source community. Bone marrow displayed even more restrictive access to diatom colonization, resulting in communities dominated by small raphid diatoms. Based on these findings, we suggest some caveats on the use of diatoms as trace evidence in forensic science with recommendations for future avenues of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ryan Morgan
- Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Franceschetti L, Amadasi A, Bugelli V, Bolsi G, Tsokos M. Estimation of Late Postmortem Interval: Where Do We Stand? A Literature Review. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:783. [PMID: 37372068 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060783] [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: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Estimating time since death can be challenging for forensic experts, and is one of the most challenging activities concerning the forensic world. Various methods have been assessed to calculate the postmortem interval on dead bodies in different stages of decomposition and are currently widely used. Nowadays, the only well-recognized dating technique is carbon-14 radioisotope measurement, whereas other methods have been tested throughout the years involving different disciplines with different and sometimes not univocal results. Today, there is no precise and secure method to precisely determine time since death, and late postmortem interval estimation remains one of the most debated topics in forensic pathology. Many proposed methods have shown promising results, and it is desirable that with further studies some of them might become acknowledged techniques to resolve such a difficult and important challenge. The present review aims at presenting studies about the different techniques that have been tested in order to find a valuable method for estimating time since death for skeletal remains. By providing a comprehensive overview, the purpose of this work is to offer readers new perspectives on postmortem interval estimation and to improve current practice in the management of skeletal remains and decomposed bodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Franceschetti
- Istituto di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Amadasi
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Turmstr. 21 (Haus M), 10559 Berlin, Germany
| | - Valentina Bugelli
- South-East Tuscany Local Health Unit, Department of Legal Medicine, via Cimabue 109, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
| | - Giulia Bolsi
- Istituto di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Michael Tsokos
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Turmstr. 21 (Haus M), 10559 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pilli E, Palamenghi A, Marino A, Staiti N, Alladio E, Morelli S, Cherubini A, Mazzarelli D, Caccia G, Gibelli D, Cattaneo C. Comparing Genetic and Physical Anthropological Analyses for the Biological Profile of Unidentified and Identified Bodies in Milan. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051064. [PMID: 37239424 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051064] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
When studying unknown human remains, the estimation of skeletal sex and ancestry is paramount to create the victim's biological profile and attempt identification. In this paper, a multidisciplinary approach to infer the sex and biogeographical ancestry of different skeletons, using physical methods and routine forensic markers, is explored. Forensic investigators, thus, encounter two main issues: (1) the use of markers such as STRs that are not the best choice in terms of inferring biogeographical ancestry but are routine forensic markers to identify a person, and (2) the concordance of the physical and molecular results. In addition, a comparison of physical/molecular and then antemortem data (of a subset of individuals that are identified during our research) was evaluated. Antemortem data was particularly beneficial to evaluate the accuracy rates of the biological profiles produced by anthropologists and classification rates obtained by molecular experts using autosomal genetic profiles and multivariate statistical approaches. Our results highlight that physical and molecular analyses are in perfect agreement for sex estimation, but some discrepancies in ancestry estimation were observed in 5 out of 24 cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pilli
- Laboratorio di Antropologia Molecolare Forense, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via del Proconsolo 12, 50122 Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Palamenghi
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
- LAFAS-Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Marino
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma, Sezione Biologia, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Nicola Staiti
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma, Sezione Biologia, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Eugenio Alladio
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Stefania Morelli
- Laboratorio di Antropologia Molecolare Forense, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via del Proconsolo 12, 50122 Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Cherubini
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma, Sezione Biologia, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Debora Mazzarelli
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Caccia
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Gibelli
- LAFAS-Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- LABANOF-Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Williams SE, Ross AH. Ethical dilemmas in skeletal collection utilization: Implications of the Black Lives Matter movement on the anatomical and anthropological sciences. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 305:860-868. [PMID: 34854566 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has brought to the public eye longstanding issues of social and racial injustice which have permeated the experiences of individuals of African ancestry in the United States and abroad for centuries. Motivated by a desire to disassemble a framework of systemic racism, the BLM movement has infiltrated numerous social and political arenas including the sciences, demanding change. The impact of the BLM movement is evident in the attention recently garnered by protests of museum skeletal collections' acquisition and handling of African/African American human remains. It is from this vantage point that we explore the ethical issues pervasive within United States skeletal collections and forensically relevant issues surrounding the unclaimed decedents of marginalized populations; colonial/imperial ideological formations, which construct and sustain power differentials in anatomization; and conceive of a path forward that prioritizes personhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanna E Williams
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ann H Ross
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human Identification & Forensic Analysis Laboratory, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sablone S, Gallieni M, Leggio A, Cazzato G, Puzo P, Santoro V, Introna F, De Donno A. Torkildsen's Ventriculocisternostomy First Applications: The Anthropological Evidence of a Young Slavic Soldier Who Died in the Torre Tresca Concentration Camp (Bari, Italy) in 1946. Biology (Basel) 2021; 10:biology10121231. [PMID: 34943146 PMCID: PMC8698608 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121231] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Human skeletal remains are considered as real biological archives of each subject's life. Generally, traumas, wounds, surgical interventions, and many human pathologies suffered in life leave identifiable marks on the skeleton, and their correct interpretation is possible only through a meticulous anthropological investigation of skeletal remains. The study here presented concerns the analysis of a young Slavic soldier's skeleton who died, after his imprisonment, in the concentration camp of Torre Tresca (Bari, Italy), during the Second World War (1946). In particular, the skull exhibited signs of surgical activity on the posterior cranial fossa and the parieto-occipital bones. They could be attributed to surgical procedures performed at different times, showing various degrees of bone edge remodeling. Overall, it was possible to correlate the surgical outcomes highlighted on the skull to the Torkildsen's ventriculocisternostomy (VCS), the first clinically successful shunt for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in hydrocephalus, which gained widespread use in the 1940s. For this reason, the skeleton we examined represents a rare, precious, and historical testimony of an emerging and revolutionary neurosurgical technique, which differed from other operations for treating hydrocephalus before the Second World War and was internationally recognized as an efficient procedure before the introduction of extracranial shunts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sablone
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (V.S.); (F.I.); (A.D.D.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Massimo Gallieni
- Department of Neurosurgery, International Neuroscience Institute, Rudolf Pichlmayr Str. 4, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Alessia Leggio
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (V.S.); (F.I.); (A.D.D.)
| | - Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Puzo
- Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Bari Policlinico Hospital, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Valeria Santoro
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (V.S.); (F.I.); (A.D.D.)
| | - Francesco Introna
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (V.S.); (F.I.); (A.D.D.)
| | - Antonio De Donno
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (V.S.); (F.I.); (A.D.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chierto E, Cena G, Mann RW, Mattutino G, Nuzzolese E, Robino C. Sweet tooth: DNA profiling of a cranium from an isolated retained root fragment. J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:1973-1979. [PMID: 34106477 PMCID: PMC8453871 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14748] [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: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sampling of healthy multi‐rooted teeth is recommended for the genetic identification of human skeletal remains. However, this may not always be possible, as in the reported case consisting of an isolated human cranium found in an aggregate crushing and processing plant in Piedmont, Northwest Italy. The cranium displayed significant weathering, suggesting a post‐mortem interval of several years, and was edentulous with the exception of the apical root fragment of the upper left canine, consequence of an antemortem horizontal fracture. Prolonged decalcification of the root fragment followed by powder‐free DNA extraction from ~10 mg of root tip tissue led to the recovery of >10 ng of high molecular weight human DNA, in comparison with ~0.01 ng of DNA per mg of bone powder obtained from the petrous portion of the temporal bone. Quantity and quality of DNA isolated from apical tooth tissue enabled multiple genotyping, including a reportable female STR profile, mitochondrial DNA analysis, and ancestry‐informative insertion/deletion polymorphisms. Although the cranium remained unidentified after DNA comparisons, our findings confirm that apical tooth tissue is a promising source of DNA, easily obtained through a powder‐free extraction protocol. Results also indicate that root tips should not be overlooked in challenging identification cases, even in the presence of compromised tooth specimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Chierto
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Greta Cena
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Robert W Mann
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, USA
| | - Grazia Mattutino
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emilio Nuzzolese
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Carlo Robino
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Khartade HK, Meshram V, Garg SP, Mishra DK. Identification of skeletal remains by orthopaedic implant: A case report and brief review of the literature. Med Sci Law 2021; 61:150-154. [PMID: 33319652 DOI: 10.1177/0025802420975304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Establishing identity from skeletal remains is a challenging task for forensic experts. Identification in such cases can be achieved by dental records, post-mortem radiography and DNA profiling. However, these methods require additional data for comparisons. Positive identification can also be achieved using implanted medical devices. This is a rapid and inexpensive method, as long as a central database is maintained for effective tracking of such devices. We present a case report in which identity was established from skeletal remains using information furnished on the implanted metallic dynamic hip screw and side plate. This case report discusses the legal scenario in India and globally with regard to medical devices and their utility for forensic application. It emphasises the need for legal provision relating to medical devices in India, which would compel the manufacturer to use unique identification numbers for each medical device and to maintain a person-specific database.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vikas Meshram
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India
| | - Shashidhar P Garg
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Shyam Shah Medical College, India
| | - Dhruwa K Mishra
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Shyam Shah Medical College, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nagai M, Sakurada K, Imaizumi K, Ogawa Y, Uo M, Funakoshi T, Uemura K. Evaluation of Parameters for Estimating the Postmortem Interval of Skeletal Remains Using Bovine Femurs: A Pilot Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E1066. [PMID: 33317185 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10121066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The postmortem interval (PMI) of victims is a key parameter in criminal investigations. However, effective methods for estimating the PMI of skeletal remains have not been established because it is determined by various factors, including environmental conditions. To identify effective parameters for estimating the PMI of skeletal remains, we investigated the change in bone focusing on the amount of DNA, element concentrations, and bone density that occurred in the bone samples of bovine femurs, each maintained under one of five simulated environmental conditions (seawater, freshwater, underground, outdoors, and indoors) for 1 year. The amount of extracted mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA; 404 bp fragment) decreased over time, and significant DNA degradation (p < 0.01), as estimated by a comparison with amplification results for a shorter fragment (128 bp), was detected between 1 month and 3 months. Eleven of 30 elements were detected in samples by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and Na and Ba showed significant quantitative differences in terms of environmental conditions and time (p < 0.01). This preliminary study suggests that the level of DNA degradation determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and element concentrations determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission may be useful indices for estimating the PMI of victims under a wide range of environmental conditions. However, this study is a limited experimental research and not applicable to forensic cases as it is. Further studies of human bone with longer observation periods are required to verify these findings and to establish effective methods for PMI estimation.
Collapse
|
13
|
Kukla-Bartoszek M, Szargut M, Pośpiech E, Diepenbroek M, Zielińska G, Jarosz A, Piniewska-Róg D, Arciszewska J, Cytacka S, Spólnicka M, Branicki W, Ossowski A. The challenge of predicting human pigmentation traits in degraded bone samples with the MPS-based HIrisPlex-S system. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 47:102301. [PMID: 32387914 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Identification of human remains is an important part of human DNA analysis studies. STR and mitochondrial DNA markers are well suited for the analysis of degraded biological samples including bone material. However, these DNA markers may be useless when reference material is not available. In these cases, predictive DNA analysis can support the process of human identification by providing investigative leads. Forensic DNA phenotyping has progressed significantly by offering new methods based on massively parallel sequencing technology, but the frequent degradation processes observed in skeletal remains can make analysis of such samples challenging. In this study, we demonstrate the usefulness of a recently established Ion AmpliSeqTM HIrisPlex-S panel using Ion Torrent technology for analyzing bone samples that show different levels of DNA degradation. In total, 63 bone samples at post-mortem intervals up to almost 80 years were genotyped and eye, hair and skin colour predictions were performed using the HIrisPlex-S models. Following the recommended coverage thresholds, it was possible to establish full DNA profiles comprising of 41 DNA variants for 35 samples (55.6%). For 5 samples (7.9%) no DNA profiles were generated. The remaining 23 samples (36.5%) produced partial profiles and showed a clear underperformance of 3 HIrisPlex-S SNPs - rs1545397 (OCA2), rs1470608 (OCA2) and rs10756819 (BNC2), all used for skin colour prediction only. None of the 23 samples gave complete genotypes needed for skin colour prediction was obtained, and in 7 of them (25.9%) the 3 underperformed SNPs were the cause. At the same time, the prediction of eye and hair colour using complete IrisPlex and HIrisPlex profiles could be made for these 23 samples in 20 (87.0%) and 12 cases (52.2%), respectively. Complete HIrisPlex-S profiles were generated from as little as 49 pg of template DNA. Five samples for which the HIrisPlex-S analysis failed, consistently failed in standard STR analysis. Importantly, the 3 underperforming SNPs produced significantly lower number of reads in good quality samples. Nonetheless, the AUC loss resulting from missing data for these 3 SNPs is not considered large (≤0.004) and the prediction of pigmentation from partial profiles is also available in the current HPS tool. The study shows that DNA degradation and the resulting loss of data are the most serious challenge to DNA phenotyping of skeletal remains. Although the newly developed HIrisPlex-S panel has been successfully validated in the current research, primer redesign for the 3 underperforming SNPs in the MPS design should be considered in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kukla-Bartoszek
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland; Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 7A, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Maria Szargut
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wlkp. St. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland; The Polish Genetic Database of Totalitarianism Victims, Powstancow Wlkp. St. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ewelina Pośpiech
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 7A, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Diepenbroek
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wlkp. St. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland; The Polish Genetic Database of Totalitarianism Victims, Powstancow Wlkp. St. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland; Institut für Rechtsmedizin der Universität München, Nußbaumstr. 26, 80336, München, Germany
| | - Grażyna Zielińska
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wlkp. St. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland; The Polish Genetic Database of Totalitarianism Victims, Powstancow Wlkp. St. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Agata Jarosz
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 7A, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Danuta Piniewska-Róg
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Grzegórzecka St. 16, 31-531, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Arciszewska
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wlkp. St. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland; The Polish Genetic Database of Totalitarianism Victims, Powstancow Wlkp. St. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Sandra Cytacka
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wlkp. St. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland; The Polish Genetic Database of Totalitarianism Victims, Powstancow Wlkp. St. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Spólnicka
- Biology Department, Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police, Aleje Ujazdowskie 7, 00-583, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Wojciech Branicki
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 7A, 30-387, Kraków, Poland; Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Grzegórzecka St. 16, 31-531, Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Ossowski
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wlkp. St. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland; The Polish Genetic Database of Totalitarianism Victims, Powstancow Wlkp. St. 72, 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cunha E, Ubelaker DH. Evaluation of ancestry from human skeletal remains: a concise review. Forensic Sci Res 2019; 5:89-97. [PMID: 32939424 PMCID: PMC7476619 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2019.1697060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ancestry assessment represents a major component of forensic anthropological analysis of recovered human remains. Interpretations of ancestry, together with other aspects of the biological profile, can help narrow the search of missing persons and contribute to eventual positive identification. Such information can prove useful to authorities involved in the identification and investigative process since many lists of missing persons have a reference to this parameter. Recent research has strengthened available methodologies involving metric, non-metric morphological as well as chemical and genetic approaches. This review addresses the new anthropological techniques that are now available, as well as the complex historical context related to ancestry evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugénia Cunha
- National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Douglas H. Ubelaker
- Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chatterjee PM, Krishan K, Singh RK, Kanchan T. Sex determination by discriminant function analysis using the human tibia in a Central Indian population. Med Sci Law 2019; 59:171-179. [PMID: 31112456 DOI: 10.1177/0025802419845821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In human beings, sexual dimorphism can be well distinguished in almost every bone of the skeleton. Establishing a reliable biological profile is the foremost step in identifying human skeletal remains. Sex determination along with the estimation of age, stature and ancestry comprise the important parameters in establishing a biological profile. The pelvis and skull are considered the most reliable bones in sexing human remains. In the absence of the pelvis and skull, forensic scientists must rely upon other parts of the skeleton for sex assessment. Determination of sex from long bones based on morphological traits can be a challenging task, as there are a few morphological differences between the sexes for long bones. However, metric variations can prove to be helpful, as they are reproducible and more reliable. Metric analysis also has the added benefit of being less biased than nonmetric analysis. This study aimed to establish sex determination standards from tibiae using discriminant function analysis. A total of 17 measurements were taken on 162 dry tibiae (116 males and 46 females) of known sex and in the age range 20–60 years. Discriminant function analysis was performed to derive models for sexing of the tibiae. The breadth of the medial articular surface was observed to be the best parameter for sex prediction from metric measurements of the tibia. In stepwise analysis, only seven parameters – namely, the breadth of the medial articular surface, the condylo-malleolar length, the circumference at the nutrient foramen, the breadth of the lateral articular surface, the maximum length, the transverse diameter in the middle of the bone and the transverse diameter at the level of the nutrient foramen – were entered into the discriminant functions. Overall, the accuracy of sexing was observed to be 93.8% and 95% with the direct method and the stepwise method, respectively. This study provides a database and standards for sex estimation from tibiae based on discriminant function models. This investigation further concludes that tibiae can be used for sex determination in forensic examinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preetika M Chatterjee
- 1 Department of Forensic Science, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh State, India
| | - Kewal Krishan
- 2 Department of Anthropology (UGC Centre of Advanced Study), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - R K Singh
- 3 Department of Forensic Medicine, Pt. J.N.M. Medical College, Raipur, Government of Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Tanuj Kanchan
- 4 Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
The analysis of skeletal remains opens the portal of scientific truth that enables the justice system to discover the facts and circumstances surrounding criminal acts. There is definite role of forensic odontology in identification and determination of dental age of skeletal remains (mandible), especially when visual identification and fingerprints cannot be used. Here, we present a case of a missing boy whose skeletal remains were recovered from a water tank. Skeleton remains were brought by police personal with an alleged history that the remains belong to a child who has been missing since 2 years. The skeletal bones after anthropological study, forensic odontology findings and DNA profiling, were confirmed to be of the missing child's. A skeletonized body recovered from water is not capable of being identified by visual means, and hence, other examinations i.e., forensic odontology and DNA profiling, substantiate the case.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neeta Sharma
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, H.P.G.D.C., Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sangeet Dhillon
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, I.G.M.C., Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nieves-Colón MA, Ozga AT, Pestle WJ, Cucina A, Tiesler V, Stanton TW, Stone AC. Comparison of two ancient DNA extraction protocols for skeletal remains from tropical environments. Am J Phys Anthropol 2018; 166:824-836. [PMID: 29603124 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23472] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The tropics harbor a large part of the world's biodiversity and have a long history of human habitation. However, paleogenomics research in these climates has been constrained so far by poor ancient DNA yields. Here we compare the performance of two DNA extraction methods on ancient samples of teeth and petrous portions excavated from tropical and semi-tropical sites in Tanzania, Mexico, and Puerto Rico (N = 12). MATERIALS AND METHODS All samples were extracted twice, built into double-stranded sequencing libraries, and shotgun sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq 2500. The first extraction protocol, Method D, was previously designed for recovery of ultrashort DNA fragments from skeletal remains. The second, Method H, modifies the first by adding an initial EDTA wash and an extended digestion and decalcification step. RESULTS No significant difference was found in overall ancient DNA yields or post-mortem damage patterns recovered from samples extracted with either method, irrespective of tissue type. However, Method H samples had higher endogenous content and more mapped reads after quality-filtering, but also higher clonality. In contrast, samples extracted with Method D had shorter average DNA fragments. DISCUSSION Both methods successfully recovered endogenous ancient DNA. But, since surviving DNA in ancient or historic remains from tropical contexts is extremely fragmented, our results suggest that Method D is the optimal choice for working with samples from warm and humid environments. Additional optimization of extraction conditions and further testing of Method H with different types of samples may allow for improvement of this protocol in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Nieves-Colón
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287
| | - Andrew T Ozga
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287.,Institute of Human Origins, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287.,Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287
| | - William J Pestle
- Department of Anthropology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33124
| | - Andrea Cucina
- Facultad de Ciencias Antropológicas Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán 97305, México
| | - Vera Tiesler
- Facultad de Ciencias Antropológicas Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán 97305, México
| | - Travis W Stanton
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Anne C Stone
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287.,Institute of Human Origins, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287.,Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287.,Center for Bioarchaeological Research, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate differences in the diaphyseal cross-sectional geometry (CSG) of the metatarsal bones (MTs) between two populations with different habitual activities: the Jomon hunter-gatherers and modern Japanese people. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated the first through fifth MTs of 117 skeleton samples: 59 (33 men and 26 women) were obtained from Late and Final Jomon period archeological sites and 58 (31 men and 27 women) were from modern Japanese people. CSG properties were calculated at the mid-shaft of the MTs and the relative values of the polar section modulus (Zp ) of each second-to-fifth MTs to first MTs were calculated. These variables were compared according to population and sex. RESULTS Many of the CSG properties of MTs, except first MTs, were higher in the Jomon population than in the modern Japanese population for both sexes. Additionally, the relative values of the Zp of the MTs were higher in Jomon men and women than in modern Japanese men and women. Moreover, the Jomon population had sex-based differences in the ratio of the shape of third MTs and fourth MTs and the relative MTs value. Jomon women had elliptical third MTs and fourth MTs, and the relative Zp values of the third-to-fifth MTs to first MTs were higher in Jomon women than in Jomon men. DISCUSSION Our result suggests that the habitual activity of the Jomon population placed heavy loads on the forefoot. This finding possibly relates to mediolateral forefoot loading that appears to be related to traversing uneven terrain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuo Hagihara
- Department of Medical Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takashi Nara
- Department of Medical Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a promising, novel method to aid in the assessment of bone quality in forensically relevant skeletal remains. BMD is an important component of bone's nutritional status and in skeletal remains of both juveniles and adults, and it can provide information about bone quality. For adults remains, it can provide information on pathological conditions or when bone insufficiency may have occurred. In juveniles, it provides a useful metric to elucidate cases of fatal starvation or neglect, which are generally difficult to identify. This paper provides a protocol for the anatomical orientation and analysis of skeletal remains for scanning via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Three case studies are presented to illustrate when DXA scans can be informative to the forensic practitioner. The first case study presents an individual with observed longitudinal fractures in the weight bearing bones and DXA is used to assess bone insufficiency. BMD is found to be normal suggesting another etiology for the fracture pattern present. The second case study employed DXA to investigate suspected chronic malnutrition. The BMD results are consistent with results from long bone lengths and suggest the juvenile had suffered from chronic malnutrition. The final case study provides an example where fatal starvation in a fourteen-month infant is suspected, which supports autopsy findings of fatal starvation. DXA scans showed low bone mineral density for chronological age and is substantiated by traditional assessments of infant health. However, when dealing with skeletal remains taphonomic alterations should be considered before applying this method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Hale
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University;
| | - Ann H Ross
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Du Plessis AM, Greyling LM, Page BJ. Differentiation and classification of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae. J Anat 2018; 232:850-856. [PMID: 29363131 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12781] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The literature states that transitional vertebrae at any junction are characterized by features retained from two adjacent regions in the vertebral column. Currently, there is no published literature available that describes the prevalence or morphology of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae (TLTV). The aim of this study was to identify the qualitative characteristics of transitional vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction and establish a technique to differentiate the various subtypes that may be found. A selection of vertebral columns from skeletal remains (n = 35) were evaluated in this study. Vertebrae were taken based on features that are atypical for vertebrae in each relative region. The transitional vertebrae were qualitatively identified based on overlapping thoracic and lumbar features of vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction. The following general overlapping characteristics were observed: aplasia or hypoplasia of the transverse process, irregular orientation on the superior articular process and atypical mammillary bodies. The results show that the most frequent location of the transitional vertebrae was in the thoracic region (f = 23). The second most frequent location was in the lumbar region (f = 10). In two specimens of the selection (f = 2), an additional 13th thoracic vertebra was present which functioned as a transitional vertebra. This study concluded that one can accurately identify the characteristics of transitional vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction. In addition, the various subtypes can be differentiated according to the region in the vertebral column the vertebra is located in and the relative number of vertebral segments in the adjacent regions of the vertebral column. This provides a qualitative tool for researchers to differentiate the transitional vertebrae from distinctly different typical thoracic or lumbar vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anneli M Du Plessis
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Linda M Greyling
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Benedict J Page
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Brown MA, Bunch AW, Froome C, Gerling R, Hennessy S, Ellison J. Citrate Content of Bone as a Measure of Postmortem Interval: An External Validation Study. J Forensic Sci 2017; 63:1479-1485. [PMID: 29278649 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The postmortem interval (PMI) of skeletal remains is a crucial piece of information that can help establish the time dimension in criminal cases. Unfortunately, the accurate and reliable determination of PMI from bone continues to evade forensic investigators despite concerted efforts over the past decades to develop suitable qualitative and quantitative methods. A relatively new PMI method based on the analysis of citrate content of bone was developed by Schwarcz et al. The main objective of our research was to determine whether this work could be externally validated. Thirty-one bone samples were obtained from the Forensic Anthropology Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office. Results from analyzing samples with PMI greater than 2 years suggest that the hypothetical relationship between the citrate content of bone and PMI is much weaker than reported. It was also observed that the average absolute error between the PMI value estimated using the equation proposed by Schwarcz et al. and the actual ("true") PMI of the sample was negative indicating an underestimation in PMI. These findings are identical to those reported by Kanz et al. Despite these results this method may still serve as a technique to sort ancient from more recent skeletal cases, after further, similar validation studies have been conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann W Bunch
- College at Brockport, SUNY, Brockport, NY, 14420
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sun Q, Jiang L, Zhang G, Liu J, Zhao L, Zhao W, Li C. Twenty-seven continental ancestry-informative SNP analysis of bone remains to resolve a forensic case. Forensic Sci Res 2017; 4:364-366. [PMID: 32002497 PMCID: PMC6968571 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2017.1306431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We employed our previously developed 27-plex ancestry-informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel to infer the ancestral components of bone remains of a possible foreign pilot found in south-western China. For ancestry assignment of this unknown individual, we first obtained the 27-SNP genotype of the individual. Then, based on a reference database of 3081 individuals from 33 populations, we calculated the match probability and likelihood ratio using the self-developed software program Forensic Intelligence. Inferred ancestral components of this individual were calculated by structure at K = 3. A complete profile was obtained for the individual using our multiplexed SNP assay. The European population was within one order of magnitude of the highest likelihood. The major ancestral component of this individual was 97.6% European.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qifan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Crime Scene Evidence Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Crime Scene Evidence Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Guangfeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Crime Scene Evidence Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Crime Scene Evidence Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Crime Scene Evidence Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Wenting Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Crime Scene Evidence Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Caixia Li
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Crime Scene Evidence Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Čakar J, Pilav A, Džehverović M, Ahatović A, Haverić S, Ramić J, Marjanović D. DNA Identification of Commingled Human Remains from the Cemetery Relocated by Flooding in Central Bosnia and Herzegovina. J Forensic Sci 2017; 63:295-298. [PMID: 28493427 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13535] [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: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina in May 2014 caused landslides all over the country. In the small village of Šerići, near the town of Zenica, a landslide destroyed the local cemetery, relocated graves, and commingled skeletal remains. As the use of other physical methods of identification (facial recognition, fingerprint analysis, dental analysis, etc.) was not possible, DNA analysis was applied. DNA was isolated from 20 skeletal remains (bone and tooth samples) and six reference samples (blood from living relatives) and amplified using PowerPlex® Fusion and PowerPlex® Y23 kits. DNA profiles were generated for all reference samples and 17 skeletal remains. A statistical analysis (calculation of paternity, maternity, and sibling indexes and matching probabilities) resulted in 10 positive identifications. In this study, 5 individuals were identified based on one reference sample. This has once again demonstrated the significance of DNA analysis in resolving the most complicated cases, such as the identification of commingled human skeletal remains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Čakar
- Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amela Pilav
- Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Mirela Džehverović
- Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Anesa Ahatović
- Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Sanin Haverić
- Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jasmin Ramić
- Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Damir Marjanović
- Francuske revolucije bb, International Burch University, Francuske revolucije bb, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.,Institute for Anthropological Research, Ljudevita Gaja 32, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cappella A, Cummaudo M, Arrigoni E, Collini F, Cattaneo C. The Issue of Age Estimation in a Modern Skeletal Population: Are Even the More Modern Current Aging Methods Satisfactory for the Elderly? J Forensic Sci 2016; 62:12-17. [PMID: 27783413 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The main idea behind age assessment in adults is related to the analysis of the physiological degeneration of particular skeletal structures with age. The main issues with these procedures are due to the fact that they have not been tested on different modern populations and in different taphonomic contexts and that they tend to underestimate the age of older individuals. The purpose of this study was to test the applicability and the reliability of these methods on a contemporary population of skeletal remains of 145 elderly individuals of known sex and age. The results show that, due to taphonomic influences, some skeletal sites showed a lower survival. Therefore, the methods with the highest percentage of applicability were Lovejoy (89.6%) and Rougé-Maillart (81.3%), followed by Suchey-Brooks (59.3%), and those with the lowest percentage of applicability were Beauthier (26.2%) and Iscan (22.7%). In addition, this research has shown how for older adults the study of both acetabulum and auricular surface may be more reliable for aging. This is also in accordance with the fact that auricular surface and the acetabulum are the areas more frequently surviving taphonomic insult.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Cappella
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Cummaudo
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Arrigoni
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Collini
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lewis L, Christensen AM. Effects of Aluminum Foil Packaging on Elemental Analysis of Bone. J Forensic Sci 2016; 61:439-441. [PMID: 27404616 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Burned skeletal material is often very fragile and at high risk for fragmentation during packaging and transportation. One method that has been suggested to protect bones in these cases is to carefully wrap them in aluminum foil. Traces of aluminum, however, are known to transfer from foil packaging materials to food products. If such transfer occurs between aluminum foil and bones, it could interfere with subsequent chemical, elemental and isotopic analyses, which are becoming more common in forensic anthropological investigations. This study examined aluminum levels in bones prior to and following the use of aluminum foil packaging and storage for a 6-week period. Results indicate no significant change in the detected levels of aluminum (p > 0.05), even when packaged in compromised foil and exposed to elevated temperatures. Aluminum foil can therefore continue to be recommended as a packaging medium without affecting subsequent chemical examinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyniece Lewis
- Department of Forensic Science, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA, 22030
| | - Angi M Christensen
- Department of Forensic Science, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA, 22030.,Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory, 2501 Investigation Parkway, Quantico, VA, 22135
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Potter BA, Irish JD, Reuther JD, McKinney HJ. New insights into Eastern Beringian mortuary behavior: a terminal Pleistocene double infant burial at Upward Sun River. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:17060-5. [PMID: 25385599 PMCID: PMC4260572 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1413131111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report on the discovery of two infant burials dating to ∼11,500 calibrated years (cal) B.P. at the Upward Sun River site in central Alaska. The infants were interred in a pit feature with associated organic and lithic grave goods, including the earliest known North American hafted bifaces with decorated antler foreshafts. Skeletal and dental analyses indicate that Individual 1 died shortly after birth and Individual 2 was a late-term fetus, making these the youngest-aged late Pleistocene individuals known for the Americas and the only known prenate, offering, to our knowledge, the first opportunity to explore mortuary treatment of the youngest members of a terminal Pleistocene North American population. This burial was situated ∼40 cm directly below a cremated 3-y-old child previously discovered in association with a central hearth of a residential feature. The burial and cremation are contemporaneous, and differences in body orientation, treatment, and associated grave goods within a single feature and evidence for residential occupation between burial episodes indicate novel mortuary behaviors. The human remains, grave goods, and associated fauna provide rare direct data on organic technology, economy, seasonality of residential occupations, and infant/child mortality of terminal Pleistocene Beringians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben A Potter
- Department of Anthropology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775;
| | - Joel D Irish
- Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Palaeoecology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L33AF, United Kingdom; and
| | - Joshua D Reuther
- Department of Anthropology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775; Archaeology Department, University of Alaska Museum of the North, Fairbanks, AK 99775
| | - Holly J McKinney
- Department of Anthropology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Báez-Molgado S, Bartelink EJ, Jellema LM, Spurlock L, Sholts SB. Classification of pelvic ring fractures in skeletonized human remains. J Forensic Sci 2014; 60 Suppl 1:S171-6. [PMID: 25381919 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pelvic ring fractures are associated with high rates of mortality and thus can provide key information about circumstances surrounding death. These injuries can be particularly informative in skeletonized remains, yet difficult to diagnose and interpret. This study adapted a clinical system of classifying pelvic ring fractures according to their resultant degree of pelvic stability for application to gross human skeletal remains. The modified Tile criteria were applied to the skeletal remains of 22 individuals from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México that displayed evidence of pelvic injury. Because these categories are tied directly to clinical assessments concerning the severity and treatment of injuries, this approach can aid in the identification of manner and cause of death, as well as interpretations of possible mechanisms of injury, such as those typical in car-to-pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Socorro Báez-Molgado
- Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX; Instituto de Investigaciones Antropológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Srivastava R, Saini V, Rai RK, Pandey S, Singh TB, Tripathi SK, Pandey AK. Sexual dimorphism in ulna: an osteometric study from India. J Forensic Sci 2013; 58:1251-1256. [PMID: 23718819 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12158] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Determination of sex constitutes the most important element during the identification process of human skeletal remains. Several sex-specific features of human skeleton have been exploited for sex determination with varying reliability. This study aims to obtain sexual dimorphic standards for ulnae of the north Indian population. Eight measurements were obtained on a sample of 106 ulnae (males--80, females--26) in the age range of 25-65 years. The sexual dimorphism index and demarking points were calculated for all the variables. The data were then subjected to stepwise and direct discriminant function analysis. The best discriminator of sex was the maximum length (84.9%) followed by radial notch width (84%). In stepwise analysis, these two variables were selected and provided an accuracy of 88.7% (M-87.5%, F-92.3%). The proximal end provided a classification rate of 81.1% (M-80%, F-84.6%) with selection of the notch length and olecranon width.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Srivastava
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Vineeta Saini
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Rai
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Shashikant Pandey
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Tei Bahadur Singh
- Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Sunil Kumar Tripathi
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Abhay Kumar Pandey
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| |
Collapse
|