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Chesson LA, Berg GE, Megyesi M. Disaster victim identification: Stable isotope analysis and the identification of unknown decedents. J Forensic Sci 2024. [PMID: 38856084 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Within the complex world of disaster victim identification, or DVI, forensic science practitioners use a variety of investigative techniques to work toward a common goal: identification of the decedents, bringing closure to the affected communities. Identification is a complex undertaking; the event (disaster) also can be extraordinarily complex, as it may be an acute event, or one that spans months or years. Compounding this time issue, remains may be heavily fragmented, dispersed, commingled, or otherwise disrupted by either the perpetrators or the disaster itself. To help solve these complexities, we explore the use of stable isotope analysis (SIA) in DVI events. SIA can be used with a variety of body tissues (hair, nail, bone, and teeth), and each represents different time depths in a decedent's life. Bone collagen and tooth enamel carbonate are useful to reconstruct an individual's diet and source water intakes, respectively, leading to likely population or geographic origin determinations. Additionally, the carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures of bone collagen have calculated intraperson ranges. These facts allow investigators to determine likely origin of remains using isotopic data and can be used to link skeletal elements (to an individual), or perhaps more importantly, show that remains are not linked. Application of SIA can thus speed remains identification by eliminating individuals from short lists for identification, linking or decoupling remains, and reducing the need for some DNA testing. These strategies and hypothesis tests should commence early in the DVI process to achieve maximum effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley A Chesson
- Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Laboratory, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Gregory E Berg
- Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Laboratory, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Mary Megyesi
- Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Laboratory, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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Ammer ST, Routhledge N, Davies GR, van Asten AC, Verdegaal-Warmerdam SJ, Kootker LM. Enhancing the contemporary human and water isotope reference database for the Netherlands: New insights from Sr-O-C-N-H isotope data. iScience 2024; 27:109561. [PMID: 38644979 PMCID: PMC11026730 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The determination of an individual's geographic origin is an essential aspect of forensic investigations. When primary identifiers cannot be used to make a positive identification, isotope analysis can be utilized to provide new leads. Modern reference data are essential for accurate interpretation of human isotopic data in terms of diet and origin. This article presents Sr-O-C-N-H isotope data of modern individuals (hair, dental enamel, and dentine collagen) and drinking water from the Netherlands. The δ15N values of human hair fall within the range of values observed worldwide and cannot be utilized to differentiate from other countries. Distinct disparities in the hair δ13C are evident between European countries and other regions, making it possible to exclude the Netherlands as a region of origin. Comparing Dutch dental isotope data to those of other nations has proven difficult due to the limited availability of reference data. The same limitation applies to tap water δ2H data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia T.M. Ammer
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nathan Routhledge
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Gareth R. Davies
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arian C. van Asten
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
- Van’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Suzan J.A. Verdegaal-Warmerdam
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette M. Kootker
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Agrawal G, Sanyal P. Discerning animal-sourced food in diet using isotope analysis of human scalp hair and fingernails. Eur J Nutr 2024; 63:409-423. [PMID: 38006443 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03273-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diet-related diseases are advancing as the leading cause of death globally. As self-reporting of diet by patients can be associated with errors, stable isotopes of human tissues can be used to diagnose diseases, understand physiology, and detect change in diet. This study investigates the effect of type and amount of food on the nitrogen and carbon concentration (Nconc and Cconc) and isotopic composition (δ15N and δ13C) in human scalp hair and fingernails. METHODS A total of 100 residents participated in the study whereas only 74 individuals provided complete diet history. Sixty-six food items majorly available to them were also collected. The Nconc, Cconc, δ15N and δ13C values of human hair, nails and food items were determined. RESULTS The Nconc, Cconc, δ15N and δ13C values between plant-sourced and animal-sourced food items, as well as human hair and nail tissue were significantly different (p < 0.05). The δ15N value of human tissues was distinct between lacto-vegetarians and omnivores by 0.9‰. The δ15N and δ13C values of human tissues increased by 0.4-0.5‰ with every 5% increase in the consumption of animal protein. CONCLUSIONS The study helps to demarcate lacto-vegetarians from omnivores, and estimate the percentage of animal protein in diet based on the dual isotope values of human tissues. It also acts as a reference to determine isotopic composition of hair tissue provided the isotope value of nail tissue is known and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunjan Agrawal
- Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, India.
| | - Prasanta Sanyal
- Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, India
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Chesson LA, Berg GE, Edwards AJ, Chau TH, Low L, Johnson DL, Tichinin AC. Forensic application of isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) for human identification. Sci Justice 2024; 64:28-37. [PMID: 38182310 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Application of isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to skeletal remains has become an important tool to investigate human behavior and history. Isotopic variations in collagen, enamel, and keratin reflect variations in an individual's diet and drinking water. Since food and water sources typically are geographically linked, isotope testing can assist in forensic identification by classifying remains to a likely geographic or population origin. If remains are commingled, differences in diet or geographic origin also can support their separation. The usefulness of IRMS in forensic science is dependent on the underlying quality and surety of the isotope test results; in other words, we need to understand their reliability in interpretations. To take ownership of isotopic data quality, we recommend asking a series of questions:Here, we use data collected during the buildout and accreditation of an isotope testing program at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) to answer the above questions for the forensic application of IRMS for human identification. While our primary focus is on the preparation and analysis of bone collagen, the questions above should be considered whenever isotope testing is used in forensic casework. Whether the populations of interest are drugs or humans, olives or explosives, users need to evaluate their isotopic data and interpretations to ensure they are scientifically sound and legally defensible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley A Chesson
- Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Laboratory, 590 Moffet Street, Bldg 4077, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, HI 96853, USA.
| | - Gregory E Berg
- Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Laboratory, 590 Moffet Street, Bldg 4077, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, HI 96853, USA
| | - Amelia J Edwards
- SNA International Contractor, working under contract with the DPAA, 500 Montgomery Street, Ste 500, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Thuan H Chau
- SNA International Contractor, working under contract with the DPAA, 500 Montgomery Street, Ste 500, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Lyndi Low
- SNA International Contractor, working under contract with the DPAA, 500 Montgomery Street, Ste 500, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Daniel L Johnson
- SNA International Contractor, working under contract with the DPAA, 500 Montgomery Street, Ste 500, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Alina C Tichinin
- SNA International Contractor, working under contract with the DPAA, 500 Montgomery Street, Ste 500, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
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Li S, Li Y, Wang W, Jiao J, Degen AA, Zhang T, Bai Y, Zhao J, Kreuzer M, Shang Z. Dietary habits of pastoralists on the Tibetan plateau are influenced by remoteness and economic status. Food Res Int 2023; 174:113627. [PMID: 37981357 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
In general, dietary habits of pastoralists are livestock-derived, but are also influenced by external food sources under globalization. We hypothesized that dietary habits of pastoralists would be influenced by their remoteness, and that changes from the traditional diet would result in deviations in the local ecological chain. To test this hypothesis, we determined the δ13C and δ15N values of soil, plants, and hair of animals and pastoralists (n = 885). The δ13C value in human hair reflects the proportions of protein originating from C3 and C4 plants; whereas, the δ15N value reflects the proportions of protein derived from plants and animals, with higher values indicating a greater consumption of meat. The isotopic signatures enabled us to estimate the variation in dietary habits of pastoralists across a socio-economic gradient of easily accessible to remote areas on the Tibetan plateau, and to determine the trophic transfer of the isotopes along an ecological chain. The trophic magnification factor (TMF) evaluated the trophic transfer of δ15N in the soil-plants-animals-pastoralists ecological chain. The high δ15N values in soil and plants were not recovered in animals and pastoralists in easily accessible and developed areas, indicating the use of external feed and food resources, and that they deviated from the ecological chain. The mean δ13C (-22.0 ‰) and δ15N values (6.9 ‰) of pastoralists indicated diets consisting mainly of local C3 plants and animal products. However, pastoralists in remote areas relied more on meat protein and on the local ecological chain than pastoralists in easily accessible areas, as their δ15N values and trophic magnification factor of δ15N in the ecological chain were greater. In addition to remoteness, per capita GDP influenced dietary changes in pastoralists, with richer pastoralists consuming more external food. We concluded that dietary changes of pastoralists in the easily accessible areas were due to external food resources and alterations in the local ecological chain of animals and plant-based foods available to the pastoralists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China
| | - Yinfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wenyin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jianxin Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - A Allan Degen
- Desert Animal Adaptations and Husbandry, Wyler Department of Dryland Agriculture, Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410500, Israel
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yanfu Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jingxue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Michael Kreuzer
- ETH Zurich, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Eschikon 27, 8315 Lindau, Switzerland
| | - Zhanhuan Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Obertová Z, Skrzypek G, Danišík M, Rankenburg K, Cummaudo M, Olivieri L, Mazzarelli D, Cappella A, Evans N, Ubelaker D, Cattaneo C. Stable Isotope Provenance of Unidentified Deceased Migrants-A Pilot Study. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1371. [PMID: 37997970 PMCID: PMC10669205 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
In the global migration crisis, one of the challenges in the effort to identify deceased migrants is establishing their region of origin, which facilitates the search for ante mortem data to be compared with the post mortem information. This pilot study explores the potential of using stable isotope analysis to distinguish between individuals coming from West Africa and the Horn of Africa. Six individuals (four of known origin and two of unknown origin) were sampled. δ13CVPDB(keratin), δ15NVPDB(keratin) and δ18OVSMOW(keratin) of hair were analysed using Elemental Analyzers coupled with Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS). δ18OVSMOW(carbonate) and δ13CVPDB(carbonate) of bone were analysed using GasBench II with IRMS, while 87Sr/86Sr composition was determined in bone and dental enamel using laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The stable isotope compositions of the individual from the Horn of Africa differed from the other individuals. The differences found between 87Sr/86Sr of enamel and bone and between δ18O and δ13C in bone and hair reflect changes in sources of food and water in accordance with regionally typical migration journeys. The analysis of multiple stable isotopes delivered promising results, allowing us to narrow down the region of origin of deceased migrants and corroborate the information about the migration journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Obertová
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Centre for Forensic Anthropology, School of Social Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
| | - Grzegorz Skrzypek
- West Australian Biogeochemistry Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
| | - Martin Danišík
- School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia
| | - Kai Rankenburg
- School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia
| | - Marco Cummaudo
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Lara Olivieri
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Debora Mazzarelli
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Cappella
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Noreen Evans
- School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia
| | - Douglas Ubelaker
- Anthropology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Ueda M, Bell LS. Paired stable carbon and oxygen isotope analyses of human enamel for forensic human geolocation: An exploratory study. J Forensic Sci 2023; 68:382-398. [PMID: 36734276 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Stable carbon isotope analysis has proven utility for reconstructing dietary information in humans in past populations. The usefulness of stable carbon for forensic geolocation has been little investigated, largely because of the globalization of the human diet seemingly rendering it inconsequential. This study queried this assumption at a country-wide level on a known sample group. Stable carbon isotope values were obtained from human enamel with known biographical and geographical information to determine whether stable carbon, when paired with stable oxygen isotope values, could differentiate Canadians from non-Canadians. Samples originating outside of Canada were separated into three regions, and a linear discriminant analysis was used to generate discriminant functions that best separate the regions according to the stable carbon and oxygen isotope values. The results revealed two functions, where the first function explained 92.1% and the second 7.9% of the variance. Although some overlap in stable carbon and oxygen values was observed for individuals from both the United States and Canada, differences were observed between those from Canada and other geographical regions. This study demonstrated that pairing the dietary isotope carbon with the geolocator stable oxygen isotope, produced an interesting separation geographically, one that might well be helpful when attempting a geolocation query on unknown human remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momoko Ueda
- School of Criminology, Centre for Forensic Research, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lynne S Bell
- School of Criminology, Centre for Forensic Research, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Mancuso CJ, Ehleringer JR, Newsome SD. Examination of amino acid hydrogen isotope measurements of scalp hair for region-of-origin studies. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2023; 37:e9442. [PMID: 36411248 PMCID: PMC10518903 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Hydrogen isotope (δ2 H) analysis of keratinaceous bulk tissues has been used in forensic science to reconstruct an individual's travel history or determine their region-of-origin. Here, we use a compound-specific approach to examine patterns of individual amino acid δ2 H values in relation to those of local tap water, bulk scalp hair tissues, and region-of-origin. METHODS We measured δ2 H values of amino acids in anonymously collected scalp hair (n = 67) and tap water from 28 locations in the United States. Samples were hydrolyzed into their constituent amino acids, derivatized alongside in-house reference materials, and analyzed in triplicate using a GC-C-IRMS system. RESULTS Non-essential amino acid (AANESS ) δ2 H values and their corresponding tap water samples varied systematically across continental regions. Hydrogen isotope values of alanine, glutamic acid, and glycine were significantly correlated with tap water and an estimated 42%-51% of the hydrogen atoms in these AANESS were derived from tap water. We used linear discriminate analysis (LDA) to explore regional patterns in scalp hair bulk tissue and amino acid δ2 H values. For the model that included AANESS data, 87% of the variance was explained by the first linear discriminant axis (LD1), and was driven by bulk hair tissue, alanine, and proline. This model had an overall 72% successful reclassification with samples from the south and northwest regions reclassifying correctly 92% and 78% of the time, respectively. For the model that included AAESS data, LD1 explained 81% of the variation and was driven bulk hair, threonine, valine, phenylalanine, and isoleucine. The overall reclassification rate for the model that included AAESS was 70%. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that δ2 H analyses of AANESS and AAESS could help improve geolocation models for human and wildlife forensics by simultaneously providing information about both dietary and tap water inputs of hydrogen to tissue synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Seth D. Newsome
- University of New Mexico, Department of Biology, Albuquerque, NM 87131
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Lehn C, Hameder A, Graw M. Holiday trip to Norway - a stable isotope project on hair strands of individuals of a travel group from Bavaria. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:251-258. [PMID: 35665854 PMCID: PMC9816270 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02839-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Hair strands were taken from individuals of a travel group from Bavaria that stayed on the Lofoten Islands/Norway for 3 weeks. By means of serial stable isotope analyses of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and hydrogen along the hair strands, food-specific changes during travel could be detected. The higher consumption of marine fish led to significant changes of the stable isotope values of nitrogen, sulphur and hydrogen. The highest differences for the values were found in the most proximal part of hair strands which were taken shortly after the trip. The basic values for the isotope distribution of the elements in the hair also indicate specific diets of some individuals that could be confirmed upon request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lehn
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Annika Hameder
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Graw
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
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Bataille CP, Ammer STM, Bhuiyan S, Chartrand MMG, St-Jean G, Bowen GJ. Multi-isotopes in human hair: A tool to initiate cross-border collaboration in international cold-cases. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275902. [PMID: 36288264 PMCID: PMC9603990 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Unidentified human remains have historically been investigated nationally by law enforcement authorities. However, this approach is outdated in a globalized world with rapid transportation means, where humans easily move long distances across borders. Cross-border cooperation in solving cold-cases is rare due to political, administrative or technical challenges. It is fundamental to develop new tools to provide rapid and cost-effective leads for international cooperation. In this work, we demonstrate that isotopic measurements are effective screening tools to help identify cold-cases with potential international ramifications. We first complete existing databases of hydrogen and sulfur isotopes in human hair from residents across North America by compiling or analyzing hair from Canada, the United States (US) and Mexico. Using these databases, we develop maps predicting isotope variations in human hair across North America. We demonstrate that both δ2H and δ34S values of human hair are highly predictable and display strong spatial patterns. Multi-isotope analysis combined with dual δ2H and δ34S geographic probability maps provide evidence for international travel in two case studies. In the first, we demonstrate that multi-isotope analysis in bulk hair of deceased border crossers found in the US, close to the Mexico-US border, help trace their last place of residence or travel back to specific regions of Mexico. These findings were validated by the subsequent identification of these individuals through the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner in Tucson, Arizona. In the second case study, we demonstrate that sequential multi-isotope analysis along the hair strands of an unidentified individual found in Canada provides detailed insights into the international mobility of this individual during the last year of life. In both cases, isotope data provide strong leads towards international travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément P. Bataille
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Saskia T. M. Ammer
- Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre (CLHC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Shelina Bhuiyan
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gilles St-Jean
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gabriel J. Bowen
- Department of Geology & Geophysics and Global Change & Sustainability Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
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Curras MR, Donadio E, Middleton AD, Pauli JN. Carnivore niche partitioning in a human landscape. Am Nat 2021; 199:496-509. [DOI: 10.1086/718472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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12
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Lee HS, Shim JY, Shin WJ, Choi SH, Bong YS, Lee KS. Dietary homogenization and spatial distributions of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope ratios in human hair in South Korea. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256404. [PMID: 34415968 PMCID: PMC8378694 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary homogenization has progressed worldwide due to westernization and the globalization of food production systems. We investigated dietary heterogeneity in South Korea by examining the spatial distribution of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) isotope ratios using 264 human hair samples. Overall, variation in isotope values was small, indicating low dietary heterogeneity. We detected differences in δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S values between administrative provinces and metropolitan cities; inter-regional differences were typically < 1 ‰. Values of δ34S were significantly lower in hair samples from inland regions relative to those from coastal locations, and a similar pattern was observed in δ15N values. Understanding geographic variation in δ34S and δ15N values in human hair is useful for provenancing humans in South Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Seul Lee
- Research Center for Geochronology and Isotope Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yu Shim
- Research Center for Geochronology and Isotope Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Shin
- Research Center for Geochronology and Isotope Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Choi
- Center for Research Equipment, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Sik Bong
- Center for Research Equipment, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Sik Lee
- Research Center for Geochronology and Isotope Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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O'Connell TC. Comment on Ellegård et al. Clinical Nutrition 2019 "Distinguishing vegan-, vegetarian-, and omnivorous diets by hair isotopic analysis". Clin Nutr 2021; 40:4912-4913. [PMID: 34358836 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tamsin C O'Connell
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3DZ, UK.
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14
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Lehn C, Rossmann A, Graw M, Davies GR. Identification of a female murder victim found in Burgenland, Austria in 1993. Forensic Sci Res 2021; 7:308-318. [PMID: 35784408 PMCID: PMC9246003 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2021.1924425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1993, the skeletal remains of a female corpse were found in Burgenland, Austria. Initial identification of the approximately 25–35-year-old female appeared impossible, but the case was reopened 23 years later. By applying biogeochemical isotope methods to her body tissues, the geographical origin of the unknown corpse could be predicted. The results of the C, N, S, H, Sr, and Pb isotope analyses suggested that the female did not originate from Europe and most likely spent her youth in the northern Caribbean. Using these findings, the police were able to identify the woman within 2 weeks. The female came from the Dominican Republic and resided in Austria for only a short period before she was murdered. This case shows that isotope biogeochemistry investigations can provide the police with crucial information that enables unknown persons to be identified.Keypoints C-N-S-H and Sr-Pb isotope analyses were applied to human remains associated with a cold case. It was possible to determine the region of origin of the unknown deceased individual as the northern Caribbean. After 23 years, the murder victim was successfully identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lehn
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Rossmann
- Laboratory for Stable Isotope Analytics, Isolab GmbH, Schweitenkirchen, Germany
| | - Matthias Graw
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gareth R. Davies
- Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Bird MI, Crabtree SA, Haig J, Ulm S, Wurster CM. A global carbon and nitrogen isotope perspective on modern and ancient human diet. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2024642118. [PMID: 33941703 PMCID: PMC8126777 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024642118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses are widely used to infer diet and mobility in ancient and modern human populations, potentially providing a means to situate humans in global food webs. We collated 13,666 globally distributed analyses of ancient and modern human collagen and keratin samples. We converted all data to a common "Modern Diet Equivalent" reference frame to enable direct comparison among modern human diets, human diets prior to the advent of industrial agriculture, and the natural environment. This approach reveals a broad diet prior to industrialized agriculture and continued in modern subsistence populations, consistent with the human ability to consume opportunistically as extreme omnivores within complex natural food webs and across multiple trophic levels in every terrestrial and many marine ecosystems on the planet. In stark contrast, isotope dietary breadth across modern nonsubsistence populations has compressed by two-thirds as a result of the rise of industrialized agriculture and animal husbandry practices and the globalization of food distribution networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael I Bird
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia;
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
| | - Stefani A Crabtree
- Department of Environment and Society, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322
- The Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM 87501
| | - Jordahna Haig
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
| | - Sean Ulm
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
- College of Arts, Society and Education, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
| | - Christopher M Wurster
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
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16
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Fauberteau AE, Chartrand MM, Hu L, St-Jean G, Bataille CP. Investigating a cold case using high-resolution multi-isotope profiles in human hair. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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17
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Hülsemann F, Fußhöller G, Lehn C, Thevis M. Excretion of 19‐norandrosterone after consumption of boar meat. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:1581-1586. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hülsemann
- Institute of Biochemistry German Sport University Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Gregor Fußhöller
- Institute of Biochemistry German Sport University Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Christine Lehn
- Institute of Legal Medicine University of Munich Munich Germany
| | - Mario Thevis
- Institute of Biochemistry German Sport University Cologne Cologne Germany
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18
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Hu L, Chartrand MMG, St-Jean G, Lopes M, Bataille CP. Assessing the Reliability of Mobility Interpretation From a Multi-Isotope Hair Profile on a Traveling Individual. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.568943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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19
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Ehleringer JR, Covarrubias Avalos S, Tipple BJ, Valenzuela LO, Cerling TE. Stable isotopes in hair reveal dietary protein sources with links to socioeconomic status and health. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:20044-20051. [PMID: 32747534 PMCID: PMC7443935 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1914087117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in hair sampled from 65 communities across the central and intermountain regions of the United States and more intensively throughout 29 ZIP codes in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah, revealed a dietary divergence related to socioeconomic status as measured by cost of living, household income, and adjusted gross income. Corn-fed, animal-derived proteins were more common in the diets of lower socioeconomic status populations than were plant-derived proteins, with individual estimates of animal-derived protein diets as high as 75%; United States towns and cities averaged 57%. Similar patterns were seen across the socioeconomic status spectrum in the Salt Lake Valley. It is likely that corn-fed animal proteins were associated with concentrated animal-feeding operations, a common practice for industrial animal production in the United States today. Given recent studies highlighting the negative impacts of animal-derived proteins in our diets, hair carbon isotope ratios could provide an approach for scaling assessments of animal-sourced foods and health risks in communities across the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Ehleringer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112;
- Global Change and Sustainability Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | | | - Brett J Tipple
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
- Global Change and Sustainability Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Luciano O Valenzuela
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Ecología Evolutiva Humana, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, CP 7631 Quequén, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Thure E Cerling
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
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20
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Socioeconomic and geographic implications from carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope ratios in human hair from Mexico. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 316:110455. [PMID: 32858379 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This article presents data on carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) isotopic composition of human hair collected throughout Mexico. The recorded values ranged from -18.3‰ to -12.8‰ for δ13C, 6.8‰ to 10.8‰ for δ15N and from 2.7‰ to 8.0‰ for δ34S. The socioeconomic covariates explored in this study showed, in part strong correlations with the recorded isotope values. Furthermore, these three isotope systems provide records of the dietary preferences and practices and also showed some spatial variation. This study detected geospatial patterning in the δ13C values of hair samples from Mexico as well as significant correlations with socioeconomic factors. No geospatial variation was detected in the δ15N and δ34S values, however, socioeconomic correlations were found. A δ13C isoscape was generated using a GIS approach, which provides a tool to narrow down region-of-origin predictions (in combination with other isotope systems) and to document the travel history of unidentified individuals.
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21
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Bataille CP, Chartrand MMG, Raposo F, St-Jean G. Assessing geographic controls of hair isotopic variability in human populations: A case-study in Canada. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237105. [PMID: 32776947 PMCID: PMC7416927 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying the isotope variability in fast-growing human tissues (e.g., hair, nails) is a powerful tool to investigate human nutrition. However, interpreting the controls of this isotopic variability at the population scale is often challenging as multiple factors can superimpose on the isotopic signals of a current population. Here, we analyse carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur isotopes in hair from 590 Canadian resident volunteers along with demographics, dietary and geographic information about each participant. We use a series of machine-learning regressions to demonstrate that the isotopic values in Canadian residents' hair are not only influenced by dietary choices but by geographic controls. First, we show that isotopic values in Canadian residents' hair have a limited range of variability consistent with the homogenization of Canadian dietary habits (as in other industrialized countries). As expected, some of the isotopic variability within the population correlates with recorded individual dietary choices. More interestingly, some regional spatial patterns emerge from carbon and sulphur isotope variations. The high carbon isotope composition of the hair of eastern Canadians relative to that of western Canadians correlates with the dominance of corn in the eastern Canadian food-industry. The gradient of sulphur isotope composition in Canadian hair from coast to inland regions correlates with the increasing soil pH and decreasing deposition of marine-derived sulphate aerosols in local food systems. We conclude that part of the isotopic variability found in the hair of Canadian residents reflects the isotopic signature associated with specific environmental conditions and agricultural practices of regional food systems transmitted to humans through the high consumption rate of intra-provincial food in Canada. Our study also underscores the strong potential of sulphur isotopes as tracers of human and food provenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement P. Bataille
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Francis Raposo
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gilles St-Jean
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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22
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Matos MPV, Jackson GP. Compound-Specific Isotope Analysis of Human Hair: Predicting Behaviors and Biometrics beyond Dietary Factors. Anal Chem 2020; 92:3014-3022. [PMID: 31955563 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b04085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mayara P. V. Matos
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, United States
| | - Glen P. Jackson
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, United States
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, United States
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23
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Distinguishing vegan-, vegetarian-, and omnivorous diets by hair isotopic analysis. Clin Nutr 2019; 38:2949-2951. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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24
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Correia MA, Foley R, O'Connell TC, Ramírez-Rozzi F, Mirazón Lahr M. Carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures of hair, nail, and breath from tropical African human populations. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2019; 33:1761-1773. [PMID: 31287915 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Stable isotopic analyses are increasingly used to study the diets of past and present human populations. Yet, the carbon and nitrogen isotopic data of modern human diets collected so far are biased towards Europe and North America. Here, we address this gap by reporting on the dietary isotopic signatures of six tropical African communities: El Molo, Turkana (Kerio), Luhya (Webuye), Luhya (Port Victoria), and Luo (Port Victoria) from Kenya, and Baka from Cameroon; representing four subsistence strategies: fishing, pastoralism, agriculturalism, and hunter-gatherer. METHODS We used an elemental analyser coupled in continuous-flow mode to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer to measure the carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios of hair (n = 134) and nail (n = 80) and the carbon isotopic ratios of breath (n = 184) from these communities, as well as the carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios of some food samples from the Kenyan communities. RESULTS We expand on the known range of δ13 C values in human hair through the hunter-gatherer Baka, with a diet based on C3 plants, and through the agriculturalist Luhya (Webuye), with a diet based on C4 plants. In addition, we found that the consumption of fish from East African lakes is difficult to detect isotopically due to the combined effects of high nitrogen isotopic ratios of plants and the low nitrogen isotopic ratios of fish. Finally, we found that some of the communities studied are markedly changing their diets through increasing sedentism and urbanisation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings contribute substantially to the understanding of the environmental, demographic, and economic dynamics that affect the dietary landscape of different tropical populations of Africa. These results highlight the importance of studying a broader sample of human populations and their diet, with a focus on their precise context - from both isotopic and more general anthropological perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ana Correia
- Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Fitzwilliam Street, Cambridge, CB2 1QH, UK
| | - Robert Foley
- Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Fitzwilliam Street, Cambridge, CB2 1QH, UK
- Turkana Basin Institute, Hardy Post, 2nd Floor, Ushirika Road, Nairobi, 24467-00502, Kenya
| | - Tamsin C O'Connell
- McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3ER, UK
| | - Fernando Ramírez-Rozzi
- Écoanthropologie, Musée de l'Homme (UMR 7206), 17 place du Trocadéro, Paris, 75116, France
| | - Marta Mirazón Lahr
- Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Fitzwilliam Street, Cambridge, CB2 1QH, UK
- Turkana Basin Institute, Hardy Post, 2nd Floor, Ushirika Road, Nairobi, 24467-00502, Kenya
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25
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Meier‐Augenstein W. Forensic stable isotope signatures: Comparing, geo‐locating, detecting linkage. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/wfs2.1339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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26
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27
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Bartelink EJ, Chesson LA. Recent applications of isotope analysis to forensic anthropology. Forensic Sci Res 2019; 4:29-44. [PMID: 30915415 PMCID: PMC6427615 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2018.1549527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Isotope analysis has become an increasingly valuable tool in forensic anthropology casework over the past decade. Modern-day isotopic investigations on human remains have integrated the use of multi-isotope profiles (e.g. C, N, O, H, S, Sr, and Pb) as well as isotopic landscapes (“isoscapes”) from multiple body tissues (e.g. teeth, bone, hair, and nails) to predict possible region-of-origin of unidentified human remains. Together, data from various isotope analyses provide additional lines of evidence for human identification, including a decedent’s possible region-of-birth, long-term adult residence, recent travel history, and dietary choices. Here, we present the basic principles of isotope analysis and provide a brief overview of instrumentation, analytical standards, sample selection, and sample quality measures. Finally, we present case studies that reflect the diverse applications of isotope analysis to the medicolegal system before describing some future research directions. As shown herein, isotope analysis is a flexible and powerful geolocation tool that can provide new investigative leads for unidentified human remains cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Bartelink
- Department of Anthropology, California State University, Chico, CA, USA
| | - Lesley A Chesson
- Contractor at Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Laboratory, Pacific Architects and Engineers (PAE), HI, USA
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28
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Wang L, Chen M, He P, Yu H, Block KA, Xie Z. Composition and spatial distribution of elements and isotopes of a giant human bladder stone and environmental implications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:835-846. [PMID: 30308858 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The composition and spatial distribution of minerals, trace elements, as well as carbon and nitrogen isotopes from the outer crust to inner nucleus of a 20-year old giant human bladder stone comprising thirteen layers were intensively investigated. Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) was found to concentrate in the inner and middle layers, struvite was concentrated in middle and outer layers, and fluorapatite occurred in almost all layers. The spatial distribution of minerals has the potential to provide preliminary knowledge regarding the long-term urine composition, or even the physiological condition of the patient. The stable carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) and stable nitrogen isotope ratio (δ15N) were measured in each layer and significant correlation was found between δ13C with calcium oxalate monohydrate content and between δ15N and struvite content. Nearly constant values of -23.2‰ and 7.1‰ for δ13C and δ15N, respectively, were found in the organic components of the stone. Both isotope ratios indicate a long-term fixed diet consisting mainly of C3 plants, such as rice and wheat, for the 20-year time period of the stone formation. In addition, eighteen elements (Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Al, Fe, Zn, Pb, Cu, Sr, Ba, Ti, V, Cr, Ni, Mn and Co) were measured in all the layers. The trace elements Al, Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Sr, Ba and Ti showed a similar spatial distribution pattern from the outer crust to the inner core. Although there were complex correlations between elements and minerals, Factor Analysis suggests that the occurrence of these elements in stones may be mainly the result of environmental exposure to metals during the formation of the stone, indicating that urinary stones may serve as potential long-term biomonitors. In particular, Ni and Cr showed a distinct distribution pattern in the stone, which may relate to human metabolic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longquan Wang
- School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Mei Chen
- Department of Urology, the 105(th) Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Hefei 230061, China
| | - Pengzhen He
- School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Haiyun Yu
- Department of Urology, the 105(th) Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Hefei 230061, China
| | - Karin A Block
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, City College of New York, New York 10031, USA
| | - Zhouqing Xie
- School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China.
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29
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Matos MPV, Konstantynova KI, Mohr RM, Jackson GP. Analysis of the 13C isotope ratios of amino acids in the larvae, pupae and adult stages of Calliphora vicina blow flies and their carrion food sources. Anal Bioanal Chem 2018; 410:7943-7954. [PMID: 30357442 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-1416-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Adult blow flies are one of the first necrophagous insects to colonize fresh carcasses. The eggs they lay hatch into larvae, which then feed on the decomposing body. Like all organisms, blow flies "are what they eat," meaning that the isotopic composition of their body tissues reflects their diet. This manuscript combines ecology with a forensic application by using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to understand the relationship between the δ13C of amino acids in different carrion sources and the blow fly that feed on them. We also measure the amino acid-level fractionation that occurs at each major life stage of the blow flies. Adult blow flies from a commercial strain of Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) oviposited on raw pork muscle, beef muscle, or chicken liver. Larvae, pupae, and adult blow flies from each carrion were selected for amino acid compound-specific isotope analysis. Canonical discriminant analysis showed that flies were correctly classified to specific carrion types in 100% (original rules) and 96.8% (leave-one-out cross-validation [LOOCV]) of cases. Regarding life stages, we obtained 100% and 71% of correct classification in original rules and LOOCV, respectively. The isotope ratios of most of the essential amino acids did not significantly change between life stages (at 95% CI). However, some non-essential amino acids (Ala, Ser, and Glu) and some conditionally essential amino acids (Gly and Pro) were isotopically depleted in the adult stage. Except for the essential amino acids, the amino acids in larvae and pupae were enriched in 13C, and adult blow flies were depleted in 13C relative to the carrion on which they fed. These results make it possible to exclude potential sources of carrion as larval food. Amino acid-specific IRMS could help inform entomologists whether a fly has just arrived from another location to feed on a corpse or has emerged from a pupa whose feedstock was the corpse. Such insight could enhance the significance of blow flies for post-mortem interval determinations. The analytical ability to link organisms from one trophic level to another through the use of compound-specific isotope analysis of amino acids could have wide-reaching consequences in a variety of disciplines. Graphical abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayara P V Matos
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506-6121, USA
| | - Kateryna I Konstantynova
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506-6121, USA
| | - Rachel M Mohr
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506-6121, USA
| | - Glen P Jackson
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506-6121, USA. .,Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506-6121, USA.
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30
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Hülsemann F, Gougoulidis V, Schertel T, Fusshöller G, Flenker U, Piper T, Thevis M. Case Study: Atypical
δ
13
C values of urinary norandrosterone. Drug Test Anal 2018; 10:1728-1733. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hülsemann
- German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Biochemistry Cologne Germany
| | | | - Thomas Schertel
- German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Biochemistry Cologne Germany
| | - Gregor Fusshöller
- German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Biochemistry Cologne Germany
| | - Ulrich Flenker
- German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Biochemistry Cologne Germany
| | - Thomas Piper
- Center for Preventive Doping Research – Institute of BiochemistryGerman Sport University Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Mario Thevis
- German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Biochemistry Cologne Germany
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31
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Mancuso CJ, Ehleringer JR. Resident and Nonresident Fingernail Isotopes Reveal Diet and Travel Patterns,. J Forensic Sci 2018; 64:77-87. [PMID: 29975989 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Global travel has increased, and having a diagnostic tool to distinguish residents from visitors would be valuable. This study examined stable isotope biomarkers of fingernail tissues of resident (n = 26) and nonresident (n = 22) participants in Salt Lake City (SLC), UT, from 2015 to 2016. The purpose of this research was to determine whether fingernail isotopes could be used for reconstructing geolocation movements and to examine the convergence in nonresident fingernail isotopes to that of the resident signal following their arrival to SLC. Resident isotope values defined a baseline to make comparisons to. Initial nonresident hydrogen and oxygen isotope values were correlated with precipitation isotopes of their prior location. Fingernail isotope turnover rates were rapid and nonresident isotopes were indistinguishable from residents after ~71-90 days. The results of our study highlight the utility of stable isotope measurements of fingernail clippings to examine travel history reconstruction that could aid in identification of human remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy J Mancuso
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112
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Applying the principles of isotope analysis in plant and animal ecology to forensic science in the Americas. Oecologia 2018; 187:1077-1094. [PMID: 29955984 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4188-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The heart of forensic science is application of the scientific method and analytical approaches to answer questions central to solving a crime: Who, What, When, Where, and How. Forensic practitioners use fundamentals of chemistry and physics to examine evidence and infer its origin. In this regard, ecological researchers have had a significant impact on forensic science through the development and application of a specialized measurement technique-isotope analysis-for examining evidence. Here, we review the utility of isotope analysis in forensic settings from an ecological perspective, concentrating on work from the Americas completed within the last three decades. Our primary focus is on combining plant and animal physiological models with isotope analyses for source inference. Examples of the forensic application of isotopes-including stable isotopes, radiogenic isotopes, and radioisotopes-span from cotton used in counterfeit bills to anthrax shipped through the U.S. Postal Service and from beer adulterated with cheap adjuncts to human remains discovered in shallow graves. Recent methodological developments and the generation of isotope landscapes, or isoscapes, for data interpretation promise that isotope analysis will be a useful tool in ecological and forensic studies for decades to come.
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Revealing details of stays abroad by sequential stable isotope analyses along human hair strands. Int J Legal Med 2018; 133:935-947. [PMID: 29876636 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-018-1866-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Same, same but different!—matching entomological traces to a human food source by stable isotope analysis. Int J Legal Med 2017; 132:915-921. [PMID: 29189911 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1753-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Hülsemann F, Koehler K, Flenker U, Schänzer W. Do we excrete what we eat? Analysis of stable nitrogen isotope ratios of human urinary urea. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2017; 31:1221-1227. [PMID: 28466567 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Natural stable nitrogen isotope ratios (δ15 N) are frequently used for the determination of provenance and dietary assessment of recent and ancient humans. Although individual δ15 N values typically correspond to the dietary δ15 N composition, they are also affected by metabolic conditions. Preferred matrices for the measurement of human δ15 N values have been hair, nail or blood. The goal of this study was to validate a novel approach for the assessment of the δ15 N values from urinary urea, the principal end-product of human N metabolism. METHODS The method, which involves the precipitation of urea from urine using xanthydrol, was validated using fortified urea solutions. Intra- and inter-individual variance of the δ15 N values of urinary urea was determined from samples obtained from multiple human subjects. RESULTS Precipitation with xanthydrol did not alter the δ15 N values of urea. The mean δ15 N value in urinary urea from human subjects from Germany was +4.4 ± 0.6 ‰, which corresponds to the estimated dietary composition. It falls below previously reported δ15 N values for human tissue and blood samples. Longitudinal analyses over 7 days illustrate short-time changes linked to varying protein intake. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that δ15 N values can be measured reliably from human urine and that the method is suitable to monitor rapid dietary and metabolic changes of an individual. Our findings further confirm that urinary urea is depleted in 15 N compared with human tissue but within the range of the δ15 N composition of the diet. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hülsemann
- Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Köln, Germany
- The German Research Centre of Elite Sport, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Köln, Germany
| | - Karsten Koehler
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Ulrich Flenker
- Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Köln, Germany
- The German Research Centre of Elite Sport, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Köln, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Schänzer
- Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Köln, Germany
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Camin F, Perini M, Bontempo L, Galeotti M, Tibaldi E, Piasentier E. Stable isotope ratios of H, C, O, N and S for the geographical traceability of Italian rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Food Chem 2017; 267:288-295. [PMID: 29934170 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Multielement isotope ratio was assessed in fat and defatted (protein) fillet of 130 rainbow trout, reared with feed incorporating a high or low fish content in 20 Italian farms, focusing on two northern Italian regions (Friuli Venezia Giulia and Trentino). The aim was to investigate the ability of isotopic analysis to trace the geographical origin of trout, also according to the type of feed. The carbon, nitrogen and sulphur isotope ratios of feed and fillet were highly positively correlated both within each matrix (feed or fillet) and between the two matrices and negatively correlated with the δ2H and δ18O of feed and the δ2Hfat. The δ2Hprotein and δ18Oprotein were positively interrelated with the δ18O of tank water. By applying the tested Partial Least Squares - Discriminant Analysis multiclass model (85 fillets) to the validation dataset (45 fillets), 91% accuracy was obtained for the two Italian regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Camin
- Department of Food Quality and Nutrition, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM), Via E. Mach 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Italy; University of Udine, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Matteo Perini
- Experiment and Technological Services Department, Technology Transfer Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM), Via E. Mach 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Italy.
| | - Luana Bontempo
- Department of Food Quality and Nutrition, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM), Via E. Mach 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Italy
| | - Marco Galeotti
- University of Udine, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Emilio Tibaldi
- University of Udine, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Edi Piasentier
- University of Udine, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Kamenov GD, Curtis JH. Using Carbon, Oxygen, Strontium, and Lead Isotopes in Modern Human Teeth for Forensic Investigations: A Critical Overview Based on Data from Bulgaria. J Forensic Sci 2017; 62:1452-1459. [PMID: 28230896 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Isotopic data obtained from human remains can provide information about an individual's origin, migration, and diet. We evaluate the usefulness of carbon, oxygen, strontium, and lead isotopes for forensic investigations by comparing data from Bulgarian teeth with data from other regions. Geo-referencing based on oxygen or strontium isotopes can be misleading due to overlap with other countries in Europe and other continents. Carbon and lead isotopes, in combination with oxygen and strontium isotopes, provide the most useful information for identification of local vs foreigner status. In particular, high-precision Pb isotopes show a distinct "Bulgarian" range; however, it is possible that individuals from other countries in Eastern Europe and/or central to western Asia could have overlapping isotopic values. Additional high-precision multi-isotope data from modern humans from different regions in the world are required to transition from speculative to more quantitative estimation of a geographical place of origin for unidentified human remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- George D Kamenov
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, 241 Williamson Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611
| | - Jason H Curtis
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, 241 Williamson Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611
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Baković M, Vreča P, Mayer D. Case of Fatal Starvation: Can Stable Isotope Analysis Serve to Support Morphological Diagnosis and Approximate the Length of Starvation? J Forensic Sci 2017; 62:258-264. [PMID: 27861910 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of death as a result of starvation is established on anthropological measurements, visual appearance of the deceased on external and internal examination, microscopic analysis, laboratory testing, and exclusion of other causes of death. Herein, we present our findings on a case of 95-year-old man who died of starvation. After the diagnosis of starvation was established by traditional forensic medicine methods, we have conducted retrospective segmental analysis of stable carbon (δ13 C) and nitrogen (δ15 N) isotope ratios in hair sample. This method reveals periods of starvation through decrease in δ13 C and increase in δ15 N along the strand of hair. Our analysis revealed the decrease of 0.6 ‰ in δ13 C during the last 10-12 weeks prior to death, similar as reported in other investigations. Also, a decrease of 0.7 ‰ in δ15 N during the last 8-10 weeks prior to death was determined that was different than observed in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Baković
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Criminalistics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 11, Zagreb, 10 000, Croatia
| | - Polona Vreča
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Davor Mayer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Criminalistics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 11, Zagreb, 10 000, Croatia
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Homogeneous diet of contemporary Japanese inferred from stable isotope ratios of hair. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33122. [PMID: 27616586 PMCID: PMC5018884 DOI: 10.1038/srep33122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The globalization of food production and distribution has homogenized human dietary patterns irrespective of geography, but it is uncertain how far this homogenization has progressed. This study investigated the carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in the scalp hair of 1305 contemporary Japanese and found values of −19.4 ± 0.6‰ and 9.4 ± 0.6‰ (mean ± SD), respectively. Within Japan, the inter-regional differences for both isotope ratios was less than 1‰, which indicates low dietary heterogeneity among prefectural divisions. The carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of the hair showed a significant correlation with the results of questionnaires on self-reported dietary habits. The carbon isotope ratios from Japan were lower than those in samples from the USA but higher than those in samples from Europe. These differences stem from the varying dietary proportions of food products originally derived from C3 and C4 plants. The dietary variation of Japan is as small as those of Europe and USA and smaller than those of some Asian countries. These results indicate that dietary homogeneity has progressed in Japan, which may indicate the influence from the spread of the Western-style diet and food globalization, although dietary heterogeneity among countries is still preserved.
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