1
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Simon A, Barradas NP, Jeynes C, Romolo FS. Addressing forensic science challenges with nuclear analytical techniques - A review. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 358:111767. [PMID: 37385904 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111767] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
We review the application of Nuclear Analytical Techniques (NATs) to forensic problems for the first time. NATs include neutron activation analysis (NAA), carried out in nuclear reactors for elemental analysis; accelerator-based techniques, mainly Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) for elemental and molecular analysis; and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) for dating of traces of forensic interest by "radiocarbon dating" and other related methods. Applications include analysis of drugs of abuse, food fraud, counterfeit medicine, gunshot residue, glass fragments, forgery of art objects and documents, and human material. In some applications only the NATs are able to provide relevant information for forensic purposes. This review not only includes a wide collection of forensic applications, but also illustrates the wide availability worldwide of NATs, opening up opportunities for an increased use of NATs in routine forensic casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Simon
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - C Jeynes
- University of Surrey Ion Beam Centre, Guildford, England, UK
| | - F S Romolo
- Università degli Studi di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
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2
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Shehata TP, Krap T. An overview of the heat-induced changes of the chemical composition of bone from fresh to calcined. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:1039-1053. [PMID: 38270608 PMCID: PMC11004044 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03160-z] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
When bone is exposed to thermal stress, the chemical composition changes. This affects bone tissue regeneration after surgery, and these changes can also aid in reconstructing ante-, peri-, and post-mortem events in forensic investigations and past activities on cremation practices in archaeology. However, to date, no complete overview exists on the chemical composition of both fresh and thermally altered bone. Therefore, we aimed (i) to present the chemical composition of fresh bone and (ii) to present an overview of heat-induced chemical changes in bone under both reducing and oxidizing conditions. From the overview, it became clear that some chemical changes occur at a consistent temperature, independent of exposure duration, meaning there is a temperature threshold. However, the occurrence of other chemical changes appeared to be more inter-experimentally variable, and therefore, it is recommended to further investigate these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P Shehata
- University of Amsterdam, Spui 21, 1012 WX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tristan Krap
- Department of Medical Biology, Section Anatomy & Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam Medical Centre, Location Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Maastricht University, Minderbroedersweg 4-6, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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3
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S D Corrêa H, Alessandri I, Verzeletti A. Assessing the usefulness of Raman spectroscopy and lipid analysis of decomposed human bones in forensic genetics and molecular taphonomy. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 354:111881. [PMID: 38000148 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111881] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Bones are among the structures most likely to be recovered after death. However, the low quantity of preserved DNA and complex processing from sample to DNA profile make forensic DNA analysis of bones a challenging task. Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), have the potential to be useful as screening tools for DNA analysis and in decomposition studies. The objective of this research was to assess the usefulness of such molecular investigations. Femur samples collected from 50 decomposing human bodies were subjected to Raman spectroscopy and GC/MS. Assessment of nuclear DNA quantity and short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping efficiency were also performed. Raman parameters (crystallinity, carbonate-to-phosphate ratio, mineral-to-matrix ratio) and detected lipids were recorded. Background fluorescence proved problematic for Raman analysis of forensic bones. Regardless, it was not associated with less preserved DNA or less detected STR alleles. Fatty acids, hydrocarbons, and five types of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were detected. The main phosphate peak position in Raman spectra was significantly correlated with preserved DNA (p = 0.03713), while significantly more STR alleles were detected in bones containing methyl hexadecenoate (p = 0.04236). Detection of FAMEs in the bone matrix suggests a reaction between methanol produced by bacteria and free fatty acids, which are not associated with the level of preservation of endogenous DNA. The techniques assessed have shown to be useful in molecular taphonomy studies and forensic genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heitor S D Corrêa
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medico-surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Forensic DNA Laboratory, Politec/MT, Cuiabá, Brazil.
| | - Ivano Alessandri
- INSTM and Sustainable Chemistry and Materials Laboratory, Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Verzeletti
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medico-surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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4
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Gautam R, Ahmed R, Haugen E, Unal M, Fitzgerald S, Uppuganti S, Mahadevan-Jansen A, Nyman JS. Assessment of spatially offset Raman spectroscopy to detect differences in bone matrix quality. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 303:123240. [PMID: 37591015 PMCID: PMC10528408 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.123240] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Since spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) can acquire biochemical measurements of tissue quality through light scattering materials, we investigated the feasibility of this technique to acquire Raman bands related to the fracture resistance of bone. Designed to maximize signals at different offsets, a SORS probe was used to acquire spectra from cadaveric bone with and without skin-like tissue phantoms attenuating the light. Autoclaving the lateral side of femur mid-shafts from 5 female and 5 male donors at 100 °C and again at 120 °C reduced the yield stress of cortical beams subjected to three-point bending. It did not affect the volumetric bone mineral density or porosity. Without tissue phantoms, autoclaving affected more Raman characteristics of the organic matrix when determined by peak intensity ratios, but fewer matrix properties depended on the three offsets (5 mm, 6 mm, and 7 mm) when determined by band area ratios. The cut-off in the thickness of the tissue phantom layers was ∼4 mm for most properties, irrespective of offset. Matching trends when spectra were acquired without phantom layers between bone and the probe, ν1PO43-/Amide III and ν1PO43-/(proline + OH-proline) were higher and lower in the non-treated bone than in the autoclaved bone, respectively, when the thickness of tissue phantom layers was 4 mm. The layers, however, caused a loss of sensitivity to autoclaving-related changes in ν3CO3/ν1PO43- and crystallinity. Without advanced post-processing of Raman spectra, SORS acquisition through turbid layers can detect changes in Raman properties of bone that accompany a loss in bone strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Gautam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 5824 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Biophotonics@Tyndall, IPIC, Tyndall National Institute, Cork, Ireland
| | - Rafay Ahmed
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Ave. S., Suite 4200, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Ezekiel Haugen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 5824 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Mustafa Unal
- Department of Bioengineering, Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, 70200, Turkey; Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, Karaman 70200, Turkey
| | - Sean Fitzgerald
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 5824 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Sasidhar Uppuganti
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Ave. S., Suite 4200, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Anita Mahadevan-Jansen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 5824 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, 410 24th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jeffry S Nyman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 5824 Stevenson Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Ave. S., Suite 4200, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, 1310 24th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
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5
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Khurshid Z, Alfarhan MFA, Bayan Y, Mazher J, Adanir N, Dias GJ, Cooper PR, Ratnayake J. Development, physicochemical characterization and in-vitro biocompatibility study of dromedary camel dentine derived hydroxyapatite for bone repair. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15711. [PMID: 37551347 PMCID: PMC10404400 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to produce hydroxyapatite from the dentine portion of camel teeth using a defatting and deproteinizing procedure and characterize its physicochemical and biocompatibility properties. Biowaste such as waste camel teeth is a valuable source of hydroxyapatite, the main inorganic constituent of human bone and teeth which is frequently used as bone grafts in the biomedical field. Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR), and micro-Raman spectroscopy confirmed the functional groups as-sociated with hydroxyapatite. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed camel dentine-derived hydroxyapatite (CDHA) corresponded with hydroxyapatite spectra. Scanning electron micros-copy (SEM) demonstrated the presence of dentinal tubules measuring from 1.69-2.91 µm. The inorganic phases of CDHA were primarily constituted of calcium and phosphorus, with trace levels of sodium, magnesium, potassium, and strontium, according to energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). After 28 days of incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF), the pH of the CDHA scaffold elevated to 9.2. in-vitro biocompatibility studies showed that the CDHA enabled Saos-2 cells to proliferate and express the bone marker osteonectin after 14 days of culture. For applications such as bone augmentation and filling bone gaps, CDHA offers a promising material. However, to evaluate the clinical feasibility of the CDHA, further in-vivo studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohaib Khurshid
- Department of Prosthodontics and Dental Implantology, College of Dentistry, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Oral Science, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Yasmin Bayan
- Department of Oral Science, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Javed Mazher
- Department of Physics, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Necdet Adanir
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - George J. Dias
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Paul R. Cooper
- Department of Oral Science, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jithendra Ratnayake
- Department of Oral Science, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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6
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Brandão ALC, Batista de Carvalho LAE, Gonçalves D, Piga G, Cunha E, Marques MPM. Differentiating present-day from ancient bones by vibrational spectroscopy upon acetic acid treatment. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 347:111690. [PMID: 37086578 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Acetic acid treatment for an accurate differentiation between ancient and recent human bones was assessed using Raman and FTIR-ATR spectroscopies. Each set of skeletal samples was analysed by these techniques, prior and after chemical washing, in order to determine the variations in bone´s chemical composition and crystallinity. Bone samples were collected from several independent sources: recent bones burned under controlled experimental conditions or cremated, and archaeological (XVII century and Iron Age). The effect of acetic acid, expected to impact mostly on carbonates, was clearly evidenced in the spectra of all samples, particularly in FTIR-ATR, mainly through the bands typical of A- and B-carbonates. Furthermore, as seen for crematoria and archaeological samples, acetic acid was found to remove contaminants such as calcium hydroxide. Overall, acetic acid treatment can be an effective method for removing carbonates (exogenous but possibly also endogenous) and external contaminants from bone. However, these effects are dependent on the skeletal conditions (e.g. post-mortem interval and burning settings). In addition, this chemical washing was shown to be insufficient for an unequivocal discrimination between recent and archaeological skeletal remains. Based on the measured IR indexes, only cremated bones could be clearly distinguished.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L C Brandão
- University of Coimbra, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - L A E Batista de Carvalho
- University of Coimbra, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - D Gonçalves
- University of Coimbra, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; Archaeosciences Laboratory, Directorate General Cultural Heritage (LARC/CIBIO/InBIO), 1349-021 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - G Piga
- University of Coimbra, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Sassari, DISSUF - Department of History, Human Sciences and Education, Italy
| | - E Cunha
- University of Coimbra, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, 1169-201 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M P M Marques
- University of Coimbra, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
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7
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Rosa J, Vassalo AR, Amarante A, Batista de Carvalho LAE, Marques MPM, Ferreira MT, Gonçalves D. Burned and buried: A vibrational spectroscopy analysis of burial-related diagenetic changes of heat-altered human bones. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023; 180:534-547. [PMID: 36790610 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The analysis of burned human remains can be very challenging due to heat-induced alterations. Occasionally, human bones present these coupled with diagenetic changes, offering even more of a challenge, since there is a lack of studies regarding interactions between both taphonomic phenomena. With this study, we aimed to assess and document the effects of inhumation on the chemical composition of both unburned and burned human skeletal remains. MATERIALS AND METHODS We buried, for 5 years, four groups of human bone samples comprising unburned bones and bones experimentally burned at 500, 900, and 1050 °C. Periodic exhumations were carried out to collect bone samples to be analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode, in order to calculate four chemical indexes: (1) crystallinity index (CI); (2) type B carbonates to phosphate index (BPI); (3) total carbonates (A + B) to carbonate B ratio (C/C); and (4) OH to phosphate ratio (OH/P). RESULTS After inhumation, CI and C/C of unburned bones and bones burned at 500 °C, and BPI of bones burned at 1050 °C did not vary significantly. However, the remaining indexes showed both relevant increments and reductions throughout observations, depending on burning temperature and index. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that diagenesis can have an effect in bone's molecular composition. However, these effects do not seem to significantly affect the conclusions that can be taken from the analysis of infrared bone spectra, at least in the case of inhumations with a duration of 5 years or less.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Rosa
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, Center for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Chemistry, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, Research Center for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana R Vassalo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, Center for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Chemistry, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, Research Center for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Amarante
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Center for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Maria Paula M Marques
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Chemistry, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Ferreira
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, Center for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, Research Center for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - David Gonçalves
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, Research Center for Anthropology and Health, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal.,Direção-Geral do Património Cultural, Laboratory of Archaeosciences (LARC), Lisbon, Portugal
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8
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Festa G, Mamede AP, Gonçalves D, Cunha E, Kockelmann W, Parker SF, Batista de Carvalho LE, Marques MPM. In-Situ Anaerobic Heating of Human Bones Probed by Neutron Diffraction. Anal Chem 2023; 95:2469-2477. [PMID: 36638233 PMCID: PMC9893223 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The first neutron diffraction study of in-situ anaerobic burning of human bones is reported, aiming at an interpretation of heat-induced changes in bone, which were previously detected by vibrational spectroscopy, including inelastic neutron scattering techniques. Structural and crystallinity variations were monitored in samples of the human femur and tibia, as well as a reference hydroxyapatite, upon heating under anaerobic conditions. Information on the structural reorganization of the bone matrix as a function of temperature, from room temperature to 1000 °C, was achieved. Noticeable crystallographic and domain size variations, together with O-H bond lengths and background variations, were detected. Above 700 °C, the inorganic bone matrix became highly symmetric, devoid of carbonates and organic constituents, while for the lower temperature range (<700 °C), a considerably lower crystallinity was observed. The present pilot study is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the heat-prompted changes in bone, which can be taken as biomarkers of the burning temperature. This information is paramount for bone analysis in forensic science as well as in archeology and may also have useful applications in other biomaterial studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Festa
- CREF
- Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche “Enrico
Fermi”, Via Panisperna 89a, Rome00184, Italy
| | - Adriana P. Mamede
- Molecular
Physical Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra3004-535, Portugal
| | - David Gonçalves
- Centre
for Functional Ecology, Lab Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life
Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra3000-456, Portugal,Research
Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra3000-456, Portugal,Archaeosciences
Lab, Directorate General Cultural Heritage (LARC/CIBIO/InBIO), Lisbon1300-418, Portugal
| | - Eugénia Cunha
- Centre
for Functional Ecology, Lab Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life
Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra3000-456, Portugal,Department
of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra3000-456, Portugal
| | - Winfried Kockelmann
- ISIS
Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, DidcotOX11 0QX, United
Kingdom
| | - Stewart F. Parker
- ISIS
Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, DidcotOX11 0QX, United
Kingdom,
| | | | - Maria Paula M. Marques
- Molecular
Physical Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra3004-535, Portugal,Department
of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra3000-456, Portugal
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9
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McDowell MC, David B, Mullett R, Fresløv J, Delannoy J, Mialanes J, Thomas C, Ash J, Crouch J, Petchey F, Buettel J, Arnold LJ. Interpreting the mammal deposits of Cloggs Cave (
SE
Australia),
GunaiKurnai
Aboriginal Country, through community‐led partnership research. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. McDowell
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- Monash Indigenous Studies Centre Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
- School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Bruno David
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- Monash Indigenous Studies Centre Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Russell Mullett
- GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation Kalimna West Victoria Australia
| | - Joanna Fresløv
- GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation Kalimna West Victoria Australia
| | - Jean‐Jacques Delannoy
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- Laboratoire EDYTEM Université Savoie Mont Blanc Le Bourget du Lac Cedex France
| | - Jerome Mialanes
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- Monash Indigenous Studies Centre Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Cath Thomas
- GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation Kalimna West Victoria Australia
| | - Jeremy Ash
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- Monash Indigenous Studies Centre Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Joe Crouch
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- Monash Indigenous Studies Centre Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Fiona Petchey
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory University of Waikato Hamilton New Zealand
| | - Jessie Buettel
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Lee J. Arnold
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- School of Physical Sciences Environment Institute, and Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
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10
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Raman Spectra and Ancient Life: Vibrational ID Profiles of Fossilized (Bone) Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810689. [PMID: 36142598 PMCID: PMC9502200 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Raman micro-spectroscopy is a non-destructive and non-contact analytical technique that combines microscopy and spectroscopy, thus providing a potential for non-invasive and in situ molecular identification, even over heterogeneous and rare samples such as fossilized tissues. Recently, chemical imaging techniques have become an increasingly popular tool for characterizing trace elements, isotopic information, and organic markers in fossils. Raman spectroscopy also shows a growing potential in understanding bone microstructure, chemical composition, and mineral assemblance affected by diagenetic processes. In our lab, we have investigated a wide range of different fossil tissues, mainly of Mesozoic vertebrates (from Jurassic through Cretaceous). Besides standard spectra of sedimentary rocks, including pigment contamination, our Raman spectra also exhibit interesting spectral features in the 1200–1800 cm−1 spectral range, where Raman bands of proteins, nucleic acids, and other organic molecules can be identified. In the present study, we discuss both a possible origin of the observed bands of ancient organic residues and difficulties with definition of the specific spectral markers in fossilized soft and hard tissues.
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11
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Végh EI, Márquez-Grant N, Schulting RJ. Physicochemical Changes in Bone Bioapatite During the Late Postmortem Interval Pre- and Post-Burning. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 76:1080-1099. [PMID: 35188426 PMCID: PMC9490440 DOI: 10.1177/00037028221085600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Postmortem chemical transformation of bone bioapatite can take place during early diagenesis, resulting in a more thermodynamically stable mineral phase. This paper examines the impact of a one year postmortem interval on unburnt and burnt bone's structural and chemical alterations. This question is of importance for the reconstruction of funerary practices involving cremation in the archaeological record, as well as forensic anthropological investigations. Fleshed pig (Sus scrofa) tibiae were left exposed in a field, then collected at 14, 34, 91, 180, and 365 day intervals prior to being burnt in an outdoor fire (≤750 °C bone temperature). Fresh (fleshed) tibiae acted as unburnt and burnt controls. Also included in the study were two cremated human bone fragments from Middle-Late Neolithic (ca. 3300-2500 BCE) Ireland. Samples were analyzed for major and trace elements using an electron microprobe wavelength dispersive analyzer and molecular structures using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Linear regression, principal component analysis, linear discriminant analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance were performed for statistical analysis. Results indicate that the concentrations of elements associated with extracellular fluid (K, Na, and Cl) change with the postmortem interval (PMI) and survive burning. K values under 0.07 ± 0.01 wt% in the inner and mid-cortical zones of burnt bones suggest that bones were not burnt immediately after death. Using this criterion, results from the archaeological samples would indicate a PMI of at least weeks to months prior to cremation. Ca, P, Fe, Al, Si, and Sr are not significantly altered with burning, and Fe, Al, Si, and Sr are also unaffected by the PMI. In unburnt bones increased crystallinity and carbonate loss are detectable in <1 year, but both are obscured by burning. Structurally, the carbonate to phosphate ratio (C/P), the phosphate high temperature, and cyanamide to phosphate (CN/P) are the most useful ratios for discriminating between unburnt and burnt bones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emese I. Végh
- Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Nicholas Márquez-Grant
- Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedford, UK
| | - Rick J. Schulting
- Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
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12
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Falgayrac G, Vitale R, Delannoy Y, Behal H, Penel G, Duponchel L, Colard T. Critical aspects of Raman spectroscopy as a tool for postmortem interval estimation. Talanta 2022; 249:123589. [PMID: 35691126 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) from skeletal remains represents a challenging task in forensic science. PMI is often influenced by extrinsic factors (humidity, dryness, scavengers, etc.) and intrinsic factors (age, sex, pathology, way of life, medical treatments, etc.). Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate data analysis represents a promising tool for forensic anthropologists. Despite all the advantages of the technique, Raman spectra of skeletal remains are influenced by these extrinsic and intrinsic factors, which impairs precision and reproducibility. Both parameters have to reach a high level of confidence when such spectroscopy is used as a way to predict PMI. As a consequence, advanced multivariate data analysis is necessary to quantify the effect of all factors to improve the estimation of the PMI. The objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the Raman spectra of skeletal remains. We designed a protocol close to a real-world scenario. We used ANOVA-simultaneous component analysis (ASCA) to unmix and quantify the effect of 1 intrinsic (source body) and 1 extrinsic (burial time) factors on the Raman spectra. In our model, the burial time was found to generate the highest variability after the source body. ASCA showed that the variability due to the burial time has 2 mixed contributions. Seasonal variations are the first contribution. The second contribution is attributed to diagenesis. A decrease in the mineral bands and an increase in the organic bands are observed. The source body was also found to contribute to the variability in Raman spectra. ASCA showed that the source body induces variability related to the composition of bones. This quantification cannot be assessed by basic chemometrics methods such as PCA. The results of this study highlighted the need to use an advanced chemometric data analysis tool (like ASCA) combined with Raman spectroscopy to estimate the postmortem interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Falgayrac
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, Univ. Littoral Côte D'Opale, ULR 4490, MABLab- Adiposité Médullaire et Os, F-59000, Lille, France.
| | - Raffaele Vitale
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516, LASIRE, Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Intéractions la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Yann Delannoy
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, Univ. Littoral Côte D'Opale, ULR 4490, MABLab- Adiposité Médullaire et Os, F-59000, Lille, France; Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 7367 - UTML&A - Unité de Taphonomie Médico-Légale & d'Anatomie, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Hélène Behal
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694, METRICS: Évaluation des technologies de santé et des pratiques médicales, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Guillaume Penel
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, Univ. Littoral Côte D'Opale, ULR 4490, MABLab- Adiposité Médullaire et Os, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Ludovic Duponchel
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516, LASIRE, Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Intéractions la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Thomas Colard
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, MCC, PACEA, UMR 5199, F-33600, Pessac, France; Department of Oral Radiology, University of Lille, Lille University Hospital, F-59000, Lille, France
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13
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Festa G, Rubini M, Zaio P, Gozzi A, Libianchi N, Parker SF, Romanelli G, de Carvalho LAEB, Marques MPM. Vibrational spectroscopy to study ancient Roman funerary practices at the "Hypogeum of the Garlands" (Italy). Sci Rep 2022; 12:3707. [PMID: 35260648 PMCID: PMC8904470 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07689-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The “Hypogeum of the Garlands” is a sepulchral site, recently found in Grottaferrata (Lazio, Italy), dating back to the first-second century AD. Two sarcophagi were discovered inside, hosting the human remains of Aebutia Quarta, a rich Roman woman, and her son Carvilius Gemellus. While the body of Carvilius is exceptionally well-preserved, following its embalming and perfect sealing of the sarcophagus, in the case of Aebutia only the bones were preserved because of the sarcophagus’s seal breaking down, although she was covered with perfectly preserved flower garlands. Embalming of the body was a rare ritual in the Imperial Roman times when corpses were more often cremated. The remains of Aebutia showed possible traces of heating. Burned bones from a third individual were discovered on the chamber’s floor and preliminary anthropological survey showed that this individual was a male of 40–50 years old. Here, a combination of spectroscopic techniques, including non-destructive inelastic neutron scattering and Raman spectroscopy, and minimally destructive Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, were applied to the analysis of these bone samples to give information about ancient Roman funerary practices. The temperature and burning conditions were thus determined, showing that Aebutia Quarta was exposed to mild temperatures (200 °C) only in the upper part of the body, while the third individual was likely cremated as its bones were exposed to temperatures up to 900 °C in quasi-anaerobic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Festa
- CREF - Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Rome, Italy.
| | - M Rubini
- Anthropological Service S.A.B.A.P.-LAZ., Ministry of Culture, Tivoli, Italy.,Department of Archaeology, Foggia University, Foggia, Italy
| | - P Zaio
- Anthropological Service S.A.B.A.P.-LAZ., Ministry of Culture, Tivoli, Italy
| | - A Gozzi
- Anthropological Service S.A.B.A.P.-LAZ., Ministry of Culture, Tivoli, Italy
| | - N Libianchi
- Anthropological Service S.A.B.A.P.-LAZ., Ministry of Culture, Tivoli, Italy
| | - S F Parker
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - G Romanelli
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, OX11 0QX, UK.
| | - L A E Batista de Carvalho
- "Molecular Physical Chemistry" R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M P M Marques
- "Molecular Physical Chemistry" R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
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14
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Special Issue: Microorganisms and Plant Nutrition. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122571. [PMID: 34946172 PMCID: PMC8703746 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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15
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Rapid Targeted Method of Detecting Abused Piperazine Designer Drugs. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10245813. [PMID: 34945109 PMCID: PMC8704057 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Piperazine derivatives belong to the popular psychostimulating compounds from the group of designer drugs. They are an alternative to illegal drugs such as ecstasy and amphetamines. They are being searched by consumers for recreational use due to their stimulating and hallucinogenic effects. Many NPS-related poisonings and deaths have been reported where piperazines have been found. However, a major problem is the potential lack of laboratory confirmation of the involvement of piperazine derivatives in the occurrence of poisoning. Although many methods have been published, piperazine derivatives are not always included in a routine analytical approach or targeted toxicological analysis. There is an increasing need to provide qualitative evidence for the presence of piperazine derivatives and to ensure reproducible quantification. This article describes a new rapid method of detecting piperazine derivatives in biological material, using LC-MS. All target analytes were separated in a 15 min run time and identified based on the precursor ion, at least two product ions, and the retention time. Stable isotopically labeled (SIL) internal standards: BZP-D7, mCPP-D8 and TFMPP-D4 were used for analysis, obtaining the highest level of confidence in the results. The proposed detection method provides the analytical confirmation of poisoning with piperazine designer drugs.
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16
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Takamura A, Ozawa T. Recent advances of vibrational spectroscopy and chemometrics for forensic biological analysis. Analyst 2021; 146:7431-7449. [PMID: 34813634 DOI: 10.1039/d1an01637g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Biological materials found at a crime scene are crucially important evidence for forensic investigation because they provide contextual information about a crime and can be linked to the donor-individuals through combination with DNA analysis. Applications of vibrational spectroscopy to forensic biological analysis have been emerging because of its advantageous characteristics such as the non-destructivity, rapid measurement, and quantitative evaluation, compared to most current methods based on histological observation or biochemical techniques. This review presents an overview of recent developments in vibrational spectroscopy for forensic biological analysis. We also emphasize chemometric techniques, which can elicit reliable and advanced analytical outputs from highly complex spectral data from forensic biological materials. The analytical subjects addressed herein include body fluids, hair, soft tissue, bones, and bioagents. Promising applications for various analytical purposes in forensic biology are presented. Simultaneously, future avenues of study requiring further investigation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayari Takamura
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan. .,RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan.
| | - Takeaki Ozawa
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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17
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Baptista A, Pedrosa M, Curate F, Ferreira MT, Marques MPM. Estimation of the post-mortem interval in human bones by infrared spectroscopy. Int J Legal Med 2021; 136:309-317. [PMID: 34613463 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02641-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In forensic anthropology, there is an inherent difficulty in estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI). This study aimed to assess whether there is a correlation between changes in the bone mineral component and the PMI estimation. Samples of femur and humerus from 80 identified individuals with known post-mortem interval were analyzed. Infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR) was applied for this analysis, several indices having been obtained from the infrared bands most representative of the bone's relative contents in carbonate and phosphate. Specific relationships between sex/age and PMI were attained: for larger PMIs, there was an increase in the amount of B-type carbonate (BPI), A-type carbonates (API), and in the carbonate/phosphate (C/P) ratio, and a decrease of the crystallinity index (CI) and in the carbonate ratio (C/C). Two particular infrared indices (CI and C/C) were identified as the most suitable for post-mortem interval estimation, especially in females, controlling the effects of sex and age (in the statistical analysis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Baptista
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Mariana Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Curate
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.,Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Ferreira
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.,Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.,Centre for Functional Ecology, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M P M Marques
- Molecular Physical Chemistry" R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3004-456, Coimbra, Portugal
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18
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Marques MPM, Batista de Carvalho LAE, Gonçalves D, Cunha E, Parker SF. The impact of moderate heating on human bones: an infrared and neutron spectroscopy study. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:210774. [PMID: 34729208 PMCID: PMC8548792 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.210774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to analyse human bones exposed to low/medium temperatures (200-650°C) under experimentally controlled conditions, both oxidizing and reducing, using complementary optical and neutron vibrational spectroscopy techniques. Clear differences were observed between the aerobically and anaerobically heated bones. The organic constituents disappeared at lower temperatures for the former (ca 300°C), while they lingered for higher temperatures in anaerobic environments (ca 450-550°C). Unsaturated non-graphitizing carbon species (chars) were detected mainly for anaerobically heated samples, and cyanamide formation occurred only at 650°C in reducing settings. Overall, the main changes were observed from 300 to 400°C in anaerobic conditions and from 450 to 500°C in aerobic environments. The present results enabled the identification of specific spectroscopic biomarkers of the effect of moderate temperatures (less than or equal to 650°C) on human bone, thus contributing to a better characterization of forensic and archaeological skeletal remains subject to heating under distinct environmental settings. In particular, these data may provide information regarding cannibalism or ancient bone boiling and defleshing rituals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. P. M. Marques
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - L. A. E. Batista de Carvalho
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - D. Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- Archaeosciences Laboratory, Directorate General Cultural Heritage (LARC/CIBIO/InBIO), 1349-021 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - E. Cunha
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - S. F. Parker
- ISIS Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot OX11 0QX, UK
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19
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Biswas PP, Liang B, Turner-Walker G, Rathod J, Lee YC, Wang CC, Chang CK. Systematic changes of bone hydroxyapatite along a charring temperature gradient: An integrative study with dissolution behavior. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 766:142601. [PMID: 33071118 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The applicability of bone char as a long-term phosphorus nutrient source was assessed by integrating their mineral transformation and physicochemical properties with their dissolution behavior. We have explored synchrotron-based spectroscopic and imaging techniques (FTIR, XRD, and TXM) to investigate the physicochemical changes of bone and bone char along a charring temperature gradient (300-1200 °C) and used a lab incubation experiment to study their dissolution behaviors in solutions of different pH (4, 6, and 6.9). The thermal decomposition of inorganic carbonate (CO32-) and the loss of organic components rendered a crystallographic rearrangement (blueshift of the PO43- peak) and mineral transformation with increasing temperatures. The mineral transformation from B-type to AB- and A-type carbonate substitution occurred mainly at <700 °C, while the transformation from carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHAp) to more mineralogically and chemically stable HAp occurred at >800 °C. The loss of inorganic carbonate and the increase of structural OH- with increasing temperatures explained the change of pH buffering capacity and increase of pH and their dissolution behaviors. The higher peak area ratios of phosphate to carbonate and phosphate to amide I band with increasing temperatures corroborated the higher stability and resistivity to acidic dissolution by bone chars made at higher temperatures. Our findings suggest that bone char made at low to intermediate temperatures can be a substantial source of phosphorus for soil fertility via waste management and recycling. The bone char made at 500 °C exhibited a high pH buffering capacity in acidic and near-neutral solutions. The 700 °C bone char was proposed as a suitable liming agent for raising the soil pH and abating soil acidity. Our study has underpinned the systematic changes of bone char and interlinked the charring effect with their dissolution behavior, providing a scientific base for understanding the applicability of different bone chars as suitable P-fertilizers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Biqing Liang
- Department of Earth Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Gordon Turner-Walker
- Department of Cultural Heritage Conservation, National Yunlin University of Science & Technology, Douliu, Taiwan
| | - Jagat Rathod
- Department of Earth Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chang Lee
- Life Science Group, National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Optics and Photonics, National Central University, Chung-Li, Taiwan; Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chieh Wang
- X-ray Imaging Group, National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Kai Chang
- Material Science Group, National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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20
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Magnesium whitlockite - omnipresent in pathological mineralisation of soft tissues but not a significant inorganic constituent of bone. Acta Biomater 2021; 125:72-82. [PMID: 33610767 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Whitlockite is a calcium phosphate that was first identified in minerals collected from the Palermo Quarry, New Hampshire. The terms magnesium whitlockite [Mg-whitlockite; Ca18Mg2(HPO4)2(PO4)12] and beta-tricalcium phosphate [β-TCP; β-Ca3(PO4)2] are often used interchangeably since Mg-whitlockite is not easily distinguished from β-Ca3(PO4)2 by powder X-ray diffraction although their crystalline structures differ significantly. Being both osteoconductive and bioresorbable, Mg-whitlockite is pursued as a synthetic bone graft substitute. In recent years, advances in development of synthetic Mg-whitlockite have been accompanied by claims that Mg-whitlockite is the second most abundant inorganic constituent of bone, occupying as much as 20-35 wt% of the inorganic fraction. To find evidence in support of this notion, this review presents an exhaustive summary of Mg-whitlockite identification in biological tissues. Mg-whitlockite is mainly found in association with pathological mineralisation of various soft tissues and dental calculus, and occasionally with enamel and dentine. With the exception of high-temperature treated tumoural calcified deposits around interphalangeal and metacarpal joints and rhomboidal Mg-whitlockite crystals in post-apoptotic osteocyte lacunae in human alveolar bone, this unusual mineral has never been detected in the extracellular matrix of mammalian bone. Characterisation techniques capable of unequivocally distinguishing between different calcium phosphate phases, such as high-resolution imaging, crystallography, and/or spectroscopy have exclusively identified bone mineral as poorly crystalline, ion-substituted, carbonated apatite. The idea that Mg-whitlockite is a significant constituent of bone mineral remains unsubstantiated. Contrary to claims that such biomaterials represent a bioinspired/biomimetic approach to bone repair, Mg-whitlockite remains, exclusively, a pathological biomineral. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Magnesium whitlockite (Mg-whitlockite) is a unique calcium phosphate that typically features in pathological calcification of soft tissues; however, an alarming trend emerging in the synthetic bioceramics community claims that Mg-whitlockite occupies 20-35 wt% of bone mineral and therefore synthetic Mg-whitlockite represents a biomimetic approach towards bone regeneration. By providing an overview of Mg-whitlockite detection in biological tissues and scrutinising a diverse cross-section of literature relevant to bone composition analysis, this review concludes that Mg-whitlockite is exclusively a pathological biomineral, and having never been reported in bone extracellular matrix, Mg-whitlockite does not constitute a biomimetic strategy for bone repair.
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21
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Mata Tutor P, Benito Sánchez M, Villoria Rojas C, Muñoz García A, Pérez Guzmán I, Márquez-Grant N. Cut or burnt? - Categorizing morphological characteristics of heat-induced fractures and sharp force trauma. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2021; 50:101868. [PMID: 33677186 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.101868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Distinguishing trauma from heat-induced fractures is a challenge faced by forensic anthropologists and pathologists during medicolegal investigations in which fire has been used by the perpetrators to destroy evidence. This paper aims to validate the provided identification features to distinguish between fire induced alterations and sharp force trauma. A total of 80 cremated adult individuals were used in this paper: 3 recently deceased embalmed cadavers from Cementerio Sur de Madrid for the sharp force trauma experiment in which 55 pre-burning injuries were inflicted using a machete and a serrated knife in different anatomical regions. And 77 cremated individuals from the Forensic Anthropology and Odontology Laboratory osteological collection. Five cremated long bones from this collection were selected, and 10 cuts were manually inflicted using a serrated knife to analyse post-burning trauma. Heat-induced changes and trauma morphologic characteristics were thus documented and analysed. The examination and documentation of morphological traits enabled the production of a heat-induced changes visual guide and a flow-chart. Two intraclass correlation tests were performed to validate the capacity of the observer to distinguish between fire related alterations and toolmarks. The results obtained in the statistical analysis indicate that, even if the toolmarks are visible and recognizable upon macroscopic observation by the observers, some features, such as the step and the transverse fractures can be mistaken with inflicted trauma. The use of the proposed features coupled with careful anthropological examination is recommended and has been found functional for participants with no prior knowledge in the analysis of cremated remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Mata Tutor
- Departamento de Medicina Legal, Psiquiatría y Patología, Laboratorio de Antropología y Odontología Forense, Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Benito Sánchez
- Departamento de Medicina Legal, Psiquiatría y Patología, Laboratorio de Antropología y Odontología Forense, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Catherine Villoria Rojas
- Departamento de Medicina Legal, Psiquiatría y Patología, Laboratorio de Antropología y Odontología Forense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandra Muñoz García
- Departamento de Medicina Legal, Psiquiatría y Patología, Laboratorio de Antropología y Odontología Forense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Pérez Guzmán
- Departamento de Medicina Legal, Psiquiatría y Patología, Laboratorio de Antropología y Odontología Forense, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Prehistoria, Historia Antigua y Arqueología, Laboratorio de Arqueología, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicholas Márquez-Grant
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, UK.
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22
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Mckinnon M, Henneberg M, Simpson E, Higgins D. Effects of thermal insult on bone tissue as observed by micro computed tomography. FORENSIC IMAGING 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fri.2021.200437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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23
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Marques MPM, Gonçalves D, Mamede AP, Coutinho T, Cunha E, Kockelmann W, Parker SF, Batista de Carvalho LAE. Profiling of human burned bones: oxidising versus reducing conditions. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1361. [PMID: 33446708 PMCID: PMC7809265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80462-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Complementary optical and neutron-based vibrational spectroscopy techniques (Infrared, Raman and inelastic neutron scattering) were applied to the study of human bones (femur and humerus) burned simultaneously under either aerobic or anaerobic conditions, in a wide range of temperatures (400 to 1000 °C). This is the first INS study of human skeletal remains heated in an oxygen-deprived atmosphere. Clear differences were observed between both types of samples, namely the absence of hydroxyapatite's OH vibrational bands in bone burned anaerobically (in unsealed containers), coupled to the presence of cyanamide (NCNH2) and portlandite (Ca(OH)2) in these reductive conditions. These results are expected to allow a better understanding of the heat effect on bone´s constituents in distinct environmental settings, thus contributing for an accurate characterisation of both forensic and archaeological human skeletal remains found in distinct scenarios regarding oxygen availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P M Marques
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - D Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- Archaeosciences Laboratory, Directorate General Cultural Heritage (LARC/CIBIO/InBIO), 1349-021, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - A P Mamede
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - T Coutinho
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - E Cunha
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Centre for Functional Ecology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - W Kockelmann
- ISIS Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - S F Parker
- ISIS Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - L A E Batista de Carvalho
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Leskovar T, Zupanič Pajnič I, Jerman I, Črešnar M. Preservation state assessment and post-mortem interval estimation of human skeletal remains using ATR-FTIR spectra. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2020.1836254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Leskovar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivan Jerman
- Department for Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matija Črešnar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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25
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Shah FA. Towards refining Raman spectroscopy-based assessment of bone composition. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16662. [PMID: 33028904 PMCID: PMC7541616 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73559-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Various compositional parameters are derived using intensity ratios and integral area ratios of different spectral peaks and bands in the Raman spectrum of bone. The [Formula: see text]1-, [Formula: see text]2-,[Formula: see text]3-, [Formula: see text]4 PO43-, and [Formula: see text] CO32- bands represent the inorganic phase while amide I, amide III, Proline, Hydroxyproline, Phenylalanine, δ(CH3), δ(CH2), and [Formula: see text](C-H) represent the organic phase. Here, using high-resolution Raman spectroscopy, it is demonstrated that all PO43- bands of bone either partially overlap with or are positioned close to spectral contributions from the organic component. Assigned to the organic component, a shoulder at 393 cm-1 compromises accurate estimation of [Formula: see text]2 PO43- integral area, i.e., phosphate/apatite content, with implications for apatite-to-collagen and carbonate-to-phosphate ratios. Another feature at 621 cm-1 may be inaccurately interpreted as [Formula: see text]4 PO43- band broadening. In the 1020-1080 cm-1 range, the ~ 1047 cm-1 [Formula: see text]3 PO43- sub-component is obscured by the 1033 cm-1 Phenylalanine peak, while the ~ 1076 cm-1 [Formula: see text]3 PO43- sub-component is masked by the [Formula: see text]1 CO32- band. With [Formula: see text]1 PO43- peak broadening, [Formula: see text]2 PO43- integral area increases exponentially and individual peaks comprising the [Formula: see text]4 PO43- band merge together. Therefore, [Formula: see text]2 PO43- and [Formula: see text]4 PO43- band profiles are sensitive to changes in mineral crystallinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furqan A Shah
- Department of Biomaterials, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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26
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Mckinnon M, Henneberg M, Simpson E, Higgins D. A comparison of crystal structure in fresh, burned and archaic bone - Implications for forensic sampling. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 313:110328. [PMID: 32502739 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Standard protocols for extracting DNA from bone are variable and are largely dependent on the state of preservation. In archaic samples, endogenous DNA is believed to be tightly bound to crystal aggregates in the Hydroxyapatite (HAp) matrix requiring prolonged demineralisation to allow its release. By comparison, fresh bone contains abundant cellular material, discounting the need for demineralisation. Recommendations for incinerated bone, specifically how viable sampling sites should be selected and the ideal techniques for DNA recovery are unclear, and the protocol used is often selected based on macroscopic sample appearance. It has been postulated that like archaic bone, burned bone is 'highly degraded' and therefore aDNA techniques may present better results for DNA recovery than using fresh protocols. However, little research has been undertaken comparing the crystal structure of burnt, fresh and archaic bone. This study uses a combination of XRPD and SEM analysis to compare the crystalline profile and microscopic appearance of burned bone subjected to temperatures ranging from 100-1000°C, with archaic and fresh samples. Although macroscopically visually different, fresh samples and samples heated up to 500°C showed no microscopic differences or significant changes in crystallinity. By comparison, samples heated above 500°C became significantly more crystalline, with HAp crystal size increasing dramatically. Archaic samples were different again, more closely resembling the amorphous fresh samples than the highly crystalline incinerated samples. These results suggests that, potentially, samples burned at 500°C or lower can be treated as fresh samples, whilst samples exposed to higher temperatures may require adapted protocols. Whether or not these highly burned samples require demineralisation needs to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Mckinnon
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, Adelaide Medical School, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Maciej Henneberg
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, Adelaide Medical School, the University of Adelaide, Frome Road, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | | | - Denice Higgins
- Forensic Odontology Unit, Adelaide Dental School, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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27
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Pedrosa M, Curate F, Batista de Carvalho LAE, Marques MPM, Ferreira MT. Beyond metrics and morphology: the potential of FTIR-ATR and chemometrics to estimate age-at-death in human bone. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:1905-1914. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02310-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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28
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Pantawane MV, Ho YH, Robertson WB, Khan RJK, Fick DP, Dahotre NB. Thermal Assessment of Ex Vivo Laser Ablation of Cortical Bone. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:2415-2426. [PMID: 33455309 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b01559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As a potential osteotomy tool, laser ablation is expected to provide rapid machining of bone, while generating minimal thermal damage (carbonization) and physical attributes within the machined region conducive to healing. As these characteristics vary with laser parameters and modes of laser operation, the clinical trials and in vivo studies render it difficult to explore these aspects for optimization of the laser machining parameters. In light of this, the current work explores various thermal and microstructural aspects of laser-ablated cortical bone in ex vivo study to understand the fundamentals of laser-bone interaction using computational modeling. The study employs the Yb-fiber Nd:YAG laser (λ = 1064 nm) in the continuous wave mode to machine the femur section of bovine bone by a three-dimensional machining approach. The examination involved thermal analysis using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry, phase analysis using X-ray diffractometry, qualitative analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and microstructural and semiquantitative analysis using scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive spectrometry. The mechanism of efficient bone ablation using the Nd:YAG laser was evaluated using the computational thermokinetics outcome. The use of high laser fluence (10.61 J/mm2) was observed to be efficient to reduce the residual amorphous carbon in the heat-affected zone while achieving removal of the desired volume of the bone material at a rapid rate. Minimal thermal effects were predicted through computational simulation and were validated with the experimental outcome. In addition, this work reveals the in situ formation of a scaffold-like structure in the laser-machined region which can be conducive during healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mangesh V Pantawane
- Laboratory for Laser Aided Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing, Virtual Center for Advanced Orthopedics, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle-305310, Denton, Texas 76203-5017, United States
| | - Yee-Hsien Ho
- Laboratory for Laser Aided Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing, Virtual Center for Advanced Orthopedics, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle-305310, Denton, Texas 76203-5017, United States
| | - William B Robertson
- Laboratory for Laser Aided Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing, Virtual Center for Advanced Orthopedics, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle-305310, Denton, Texas 76203-5017, United States.,Australian Institute of Robotics Orthopedics, 2 Centro Avenue, Subiaco, Western Australia 6008, Australia.,Department of Computing School of Electrical Engineering and Computing, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Riaz J K Khan
- Laboratory for Laser Aided Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing, Virtual Center for Advanced Orthopedics, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle-305310, Denton, Texas 76203-5017, United States.,Australian Institute of Robotics Orthopedics, 2 Centro Avenue, Subiaco, Western Australia 6008, Australia.,Department of Computing School of Electrical Engineering and Computing, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia.,The Joint Studio, Hollywood Medical Centre, 85 Monash Avenue, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Daniel P Fick
- Laboratory for Laser Aided Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing, Virtual Center for Advanced Orthopedics, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle-305310, Denton, Texas 76203-5017, United States.,Australian Institute of Robotics Orthopedics, 2 Centro Avenue, Subiaco, Western Australia 6008, Australia.,Department of Computing School of Electrical Engineering and Computing, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia.,The Joint Studio, Hollywood Medical Centre, 85 Monash Avenue, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Narendra B Dahotre
- Laboratory for Laser Aided Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing, Virtual Center for Advanced Orthopedics, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle-305310, Denton, Texas 76203-5017, United States
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29
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Festa G, Romanelli G, Senesi R, Arcidiacono L, Scatigno C, Parker SF, Marques MPM, Andreani C. Neutrons for Cultural Heritage-Techniques, Sensors, and Detection. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 20:E502. [PMID: 31963186 PMCID: PMC7014385 DOI: 10.3390/s20020502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Advances in research in Cultural Heritage see increasing application of a multidisciplinary approach and the combined use of physical and chemical characterization of artefacts that can be used to define their structure and their state of conservation, also providing valuable information in selecting the most suitable microclimatic conditions for the exhibition environment. This approach provides a platform for a synergic collaboration amongst researchers, restorers, conservators, and archaeologists. Existing state-of-the-art technologies for neutron-based methods are currently being applied to the study of objects of historical and cultural interest in several neutron-beam facilities around the world. Such techniques are non-invasive and non-destructive and are, therefore, ideal to provide structural information about artefacts, such as their composition, presence of alterations due to the environmental conditions, inclusions, structure of the bulk, manufacturing techniques, and elemental composition, which provide an overall fingerprint of the object's characteristics, thanks to the nature of the interaction of neutrons with matter. Here, we present an overview of the main neutron methods for the characterization of materials of interest in Cultural Heritage and we provide a brief introduction to the sensors and detectors that are used in this framework. We conclude with some case studies underlining the impact of these applications in different archaeological and historical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Festa
- CENTRO FERMI—Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche “Enrico Fermi”, Piazza del Viminale 1, 00184 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (R.S.); (C.S.); (C.A.)
| | - Giovanni Romanelli
- ISIS Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX, UK;
| | - Roberto Senesi
- CENTRO FERMI—Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche “Enrico Fermi”, Piazza del Viminale 1, 00184 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (R.S.); (C.S.); (C.A.)
- NAST Centre and Physics Department, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca, Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
- CNR-IPCF Sezione di Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 37, 98158 Messina, Italy
| | - Laura Arcidiacono
- Diamond Light Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, UK;
- UCL, University College of London Institute of Archaeology, 31-34 Gordon Square, Kings Cross, London WC1H 0PY, UK
| | - Claudia Scatigno
- CENTRO FERMI—Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche “Enrico Fermi”, Piazza del Viminale 1, 00184 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (R.S.); (C.S.); (C.A.)
- NAST Centre and Physics Department, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca, Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Stewart F. Parker
- ISIS Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX, UK;
| | - M. P. M. Marques
- Química-Física Molecular, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Andreani
- CENTRO FERMI—Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche “Enrico Fermi”, Piazza del Viminale 1, 00184 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (R.S.); (C.S.); (C.A.)
- NAST Centre and Physics Department, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca, Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
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30
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Evolution of surface morphology of Er:YAG laser-machined human bone. Lasers Med Sci 2019; 35:1477-1485. [PMID: 31828574 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-019-02927-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The extensive research on the laser machining of the bone has been, so far, restricted to drilling and cutting that is one- and two-dimensional machining, respectively. In addition, the surface morphology of the laser machined region has rarely been explored in detail. In view of this, the current work employed three-dimensional laser machining of human bone and reports the distinct surface morphology produced within a laser machined region of human bone. Three-dimensional laser machining was carried out using multiple partially overlapped pulses and laser tracks with a separation of 0.3 mm between the centers of consecutive laser tracks to remove a bulk volume of the bone. In this study, a diode-pumped pulse Er:YAG laser (λ = 2940 nm) was employed with continuously sprayed chilled water at the irradiation site. The resulting surface morphology evolved within the laser-machined region of the bone was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray micro-computed tomography. The distinct surface morphology involved cellular/channeled scaffold structure characterized by interconnected pores surrounded by solid ridges, produced within a laser machined region of human structural bone. Underlying physical phenomena responsible for evolution of such morphology have been proposed and explained with the help of a thermokinetic model.
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31
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Festa G, Andreani C, Baldoni M, Cipollari V, Martínez-Labarga C, Martini F, Rickards O, Rolfo MF, Sarti L, Volante N, Senesi R, Stasolla FR, Parker SF, Vassalo AR, Mamede AP, Batista de Carvalho LAE, Marques MPM. First analysis of ancient burned human skeletal remains probed by neutron and optical vibrational spectroscopy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaaw1292. [PMID: 31259242 PMCID: PMC6598762 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaw1292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Burned skeletal remains are abundant in archaeological and paleontological sites, the result of fire or of ancient funerary practices. In the burning process, the bone matrix suffers structural and dimensional changes that interfere with the reliability of available osteometric methods. Recent studies showed that these macroscopic changes are accompanied by microscopic variations are reflected in vibrational spectra. An innovative integrated approach to the study of archaeological combusted skeletal remains is reported here, where the application of complementary vibrational spectroscopic techniques-INS (inelastic neutron scattering), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared), and micro-Raman-enables access to the complete vibrational profile and constitutes the first application of neutron spectroscopy to ancient bones. Comparison with data from modern human bones that were subjected to controlled burning allowed identification of specific heating conditions. This pioneering study provides archaeologists and anthropologists with relevant information on past civilizations, including regarding funerary, burial, and cooking practices and environmental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Festa
- CENTRO FERMI–Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche “Enrico Fermi”, Piazza del Viminale 1, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - C. Andreani
- CENTRO FERMI–Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche “Enrico Fermi”, Piazza del Viminale 1, 00184 Rome, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”–Dipartimento di Fisica, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”–Centro NAST, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome Italy
| | - M. Baldoni
- Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”–Dipartimento di Biologia, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”–Dipartimento di Biomedicina e Prevenzione, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - V. Cipollari
- Soprintendenza Archeologica, Belle Arti e Paesaggio per l’area metropolitana di Roma, la provincia di Viterbo e l’Etruria meridionale, Via Cavalletti 2, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - C. Martínez-Labarga
- Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”–Centro NAST, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome Italy
- Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”–Dipartimento di Biologia, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - F. Martini
- Università degli Studi di Firenze–Dipartimento di Storia, Archeologia, Geografia, Arte e Spettacolo, Via S. Gallo 10, 50129 Florence, Italy
| | - O. Rickards
- Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”–Centro NAST, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome Italy
- Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”–Dipartimento di Biologia, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - M. F. Rolfo
- Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”–Dipartimento di Storia, Patrimonio culturale, Formazione e Società, Via Columbia 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - L. Sarti
- Università di Siena–Dipartimento di Scienze Storiche dei Beni Culturali, Via Val di Montone 4–Via Roma 56, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - N. Volante
- Università di Siena–Dipartimento di Scienze Storiche dei Beni Culturali, Via Val di Montone 4–Via Roma 56, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - R. Senesi
- CENTRO FERMI–Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche “Enrico Fermi”, Piazza del Viminale 1, 00184 Rome, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”–Dipartimento di Fisica, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”–Centro NAST, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome Italy
| | - F. R. Stasolla
- Sapienza Università di Roma–Dipartimento di Scienze dell’Antichità, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - S. F. Parker
- ISIS Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot OX11 0QX, UK
| | - A. R. Vassalo
- University of Coimbra–Unidade de I&D “Química-Física Molecular”, Department of Chemistry, Coimbra 3004-535, Portugal
| | - A. P. Mamede
- University of Coimbra–Unidade de I&D “Química-Física Molecular”, Department of Chemistry, Coimbra 3004-535, Portugal
| | - L. A. E. Batista de Carvalho
- University of Coimbra–Unidade de I&D “Química-Física Molecular”, Department of Chemistry, Coimbra 3004-535, Portugal
| | - M. P. M. Marques
- University of Coimbra–Unidade de I&D “Química-Física Molecular”, Department of Chemistry, Coimbra 3004-535, Portugal
- University of Coimbra–Department of Life Sciences, Coimbra 3000-456, Portugal
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32
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Mamede AP, Marques MPM, Vassalo AR, Cunha E, Gonçalves D, Parker SF, Kockelmann W, Batista de Carvalho LAE. Human bone probed by neutron diffraction: the burning process. RSC Adv 2019; 9:36640-36648. [PMID: 35539083 PMCID: PMC9075133 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra07728f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The first neutron diffraction study of human burned bone – for understanding heat-induced changes, relevant for archaeology, biomaterials and forensic science.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. P. Mamede
- Molecular Physical Chemistry R&D Unit
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Coimbra
- 3004-535 Coimbra
- Portugal
| | - M. P. M. Marques
- Molecular Physical Chemistry R&D Unit
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Coimbra
- 3004-535 Coimbra
- Portugal
| | - A. R. Vassalo
- Molecular Physical Chemistry R&D Unit
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Coimbra
- 3004-535 Coimbra
- Portugal
| | - E. Cunha
- Department of Life Sciences
- University of Coimbra
- 3004-535 Coimbra
- Portugal
- Lab. Forensic Anthropology
| | - D. Gonçalves
- Lab. Forensic Anthropology
- Centre for Functional Ecology
- University of Coimbra
- 3004-535 Coimbra
- Portugal
| | - S. F. Parker
- ISIS Facility
- STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
- Didcot
- UK
| | - W. Kockelmann
- ISIS Facility
- STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
- Didcot
- UK
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