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Rosa J, Marques MPM, Gonçalves D, Ferreira MT. Half a century of systematic research on heat-induced colour changes in bone - A review. Sci Justice 2023; 63:573-580. [PMID: 37718004 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal human remains presenting heat-induced changes have been a focus of study for a long time. However, there is still a long way to go for the anthropologists to be able to fully interpret and understand these changes. Heat-induced colour modifications are one of the least understood phenomena in bone, displaying a variety of exceptions (e.g., tints of yellow, orange, blue, green, pink, and red) to the expected colour variations that bone can produce when exposed to high temperatures (i.e., ivory, brown, black, various shades of grey, and white). In addition to these, there is a lack of uniformization in the literature regarding the methods to determine the exact colourations observed and the nomenclature used, giving way to subjective descriptions. However, commitment to more objective and reliable methods is visible in more recent research. In this review, we compiled data published in the literature throughout the years to portray the state of the art regarding the potential of heat-induced colour changes for inferring the circumstances of death and the applicability of these methods in the legal framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Rosa
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; "Química-Física Molecular", Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - M Paula M Marques
- "Química-Física Molecular", Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - David Gonçalves
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; Direção-Geral do Património Cultural, Laboratory of Archaeosciences (LARC), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Ferreira
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
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2
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Nakao KI, Kibayashi K. Detection of methamphetamine in mouse femurs exposed to high temperature. J Forensic Sci 2023; 68:1268-1276. [PMID: 37149745 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15263] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Bone samples are valuable for examining the cause of death and circumstance leading up to death when body fluids are not available for forensic toxicological analysis. Examined were heat-induced changes in methamphetamine and amphetamine concentrations in femurs removed from methamphetamine-injected mice to determine if the burned bones could be used for toxicology testing. The femurs were heated at 100°C, 300°C, or 500°C for 10 or 30 min. The tissue structure of the heated femurs was preserved at 100°C for 30 min but was destructed at higher temperatures. Methamphetamine and amphetamine were detected in femurs heated at 100°C for 10 min, 100°C for 30 min, and 300°C for 10 min (with methamphetamine and amphetamine concentrations ranging from 0.36 to 35 μg/g and 0.54 to 47 μg/g, respectively). Methamphetamine and amphetamine were detectable when heated above their decomposition temperature as a result of limited heat transfer do to protection provide by the femoral muscle. Thus, the bone could be a useful analytical sample in cases of burn-related deaths, where it is difficult to collect body fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-Ichiro Nakao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Kibayashi
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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3
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The development of a tool to predict temperature-exposure of incinerated teeth using colourimetric and hydroxyapatite crystal size data. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:2045-2053. [PMID: 33655354 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02538-7] [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: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study presents a novel tool to predict temperature-exposure of incinerated pig teeth as a proxy for understanding impacts of fire on human teeth. Previous studies on the estimation of temperature-exposure of skeletal elements have been limited to that of heat-exposed bone. This predictive tool was developed using a multinomial regression model of colourimetric and hydroxyapatite crystal size variables using data obtained from unheated pig teeth and teeth incinerated at 300 °C, 600 °C, 800 °C and 1000 °C. An additional variable based on the observed appearance of the tooth was included in the tool. This enables the tooth to be classified as definitely burnt (600 °C-1000 °C) or uncertain (27 °C/300 °C). As a result, the model predicting the temperature-exposure of the incinerated teeth had an accuracy of 95%. This tool is a holistic, robust and reliable approach to estimate temperature of heat-exposed pig teeth, with high accuracy, and may act as a valuable proxy to estimate heat exposure for human teeth in forensic casework.
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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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Bacci N, Augustine TN, Hunt HG, Nixon KJ, Hoffman J, Bam L, de Beer F, Randolph-Quinney P. Harnessing Thor's Hammer: Experimentally induced lightning trauma to human bone by high impulse current. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2021; 3:100206. [PMID: 34988414 PMCID: PMC8710840 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2021.100206] [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: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
Lightning fatality identification relies primarily on soft tissue traumatic pattern recognition, prohibiting cause of death identification in cases of full skeletonisation. This study explores the effects of high impulse currents on human bone, simulating lightning-level intensities and characterising electrically induced micro-trauma through conventional thin-section histology and micro-focus X-ray computed tomography (μXCT). An experimental system for high impulse current application was applied to bone extracted from donated cadaveric lower limbs (n = 22). μXCT was undertaken prior to and after current application. Histological sections were subsequently undertaken. μXCT poorly resolved micro-trauma compared to conventional histology which allowed for identification and classification of lightning-specific patterns of micro-trauma. Statistical analyses demonstrated correlation between current intensity, extent and damage typology suggesting a multifaceted mechanism of trauma propagation - a combination of electrically, thermally and pressure induced alterations. This study gives an overview of high impulse current trauma to human bone, providing expanded definitions of associated micro-trauma. Combination of thermal, electrical and pressure forces involved in micro-trauma. Micro-fracture sizes and numbers appeared to increase at higher current intensities. New criteria for the classification of bone micro-trauma were developed. Certain micro-fracture types predominated at higher current intensities. Light microscopy of histological section is the preferred method of investigation.
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Krap T, van de Goot FR, Oostra RJ, Duijst W, Waters-Rist AL. Temperature estimations of heated bone: A questionnaire-based study of accuracy and precision of interpretation of bone colour by forensic and physical anthropologists. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2017; 29:22-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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7
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Macoveciuc I, Márquez-Grant N, Horsfall I, Zioupos P. Sharp and blunt force trauma concealment by thermal alteration in homicides: An in-vitro experiment for methodology and protocol development in forensic anthropological analysis of burnt bones. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 275:260-271. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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8
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Krap T, Nota K, Wilk LS, van de Goot FRW, Ruijter JM, Duijst W, Oostra RJ. Luminescence of thermally altered human skeletal remains. Int J Legal Med 2017; 131:1165-1177. [PMID: 28233101 PMCID: PMC5491595 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1546-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Literature on luminescent properties of thermally altered human remains is scarce and contradictory. Therefore, the luminescence of heated bone was systemically reinvestigated. A heating experiment was conducted on fresh human bone, in two different media, and cremated human remains were recovered from a modern crematory. Luminescence was excited with light sources within the range of 350 to 560 nm. The excitation light was filtered out by using different long pass filters, and the luminescence was analysed by means of a scoring method. The results show that temperature, duration and surrounding medium determine the observed emission intensity and bandwidth. It is concluded that the luminescent characteristic of bone can be useful for identifying thermally altered human remains in a difficult context as well as yield information on the perimortem and postmortem events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Krap
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Life Sciences and Technology-Biotechnology-Forensic Science, Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. .,Ars Cogniscendi Centre for Legal and Forensic medicine, Wezep, The Netherlands.
| | - Kevin Nota
- Department of Life Sciences and Technology-Biotechnology-Forensic Science, Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Leah S Wilk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Forensic Technical Solutions B.V, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jan M Ruijter
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilma Duijst
- Ars Cogniscendi Centre for Legal and Forensic medicine, Wezep, The Netherlands.,University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Roelof-Jan Oostra
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Effects of heat on cut mark characteristics. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 271:49-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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10
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Pazzaglia UE, Congiu T, Basso P, Alessandri I, Cucca L, Raspanti M. The application of heat-deproteinization to the morphological study of cortical bone: A contribution to the knowledge of the osteonal structure. Microsc Res Tech 2016; 79:691-9. [DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ugo E. Pazzaglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities; Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia; Brescia Italy
| | - Terenzio Congiu
- Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences; University of Insubria; Varese Italy
| | - Petra Basso
- Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences; University of Insubria; Varese Italy
| | - Ivano Alessandri
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering; Chemistry for Technologies Lab, University of Brescia; Brescia Italy
| | - Lucia Cucca
- Department of Chemistry; University of Pavia; Pavia Italy
| | - Mario Raspanti
- Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences; University of Insubria; Varese Italy
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11
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Estimating temperature exposure of burnt bone — A methodological review. Sci Justice 2015; 55:181-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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DNA survival and physical and histological properties of heat-induced alterations in burnt bones. Int J Legal Med 2015; 128:439-46. [PMID: 24658641 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-014-0988-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
During forensic casework, it is vital to be able to obtain valuable information from burnt bone fragments to ascertain the identity of the victim. Here, we report the findings of an experimental study on burnt bovine compact bone segments. Compact bones were cut to size and heated in an electric furnace at a temperature range of 100–1,100 °C with 100 °C increments. Heat-induced alterations to the bone color,weight, volume, and density were monitored using gross morphology and micro-focus X-ray computed tomography.We found that the increase in temperature caused the color of the compact bones to change in order of yellow, brown, gray,and white. In contrast to the weight reduction that occurred immediately after burning, we measured no significant reduction in volume even at 600 °C; however, volume reduced drastically once the temperature reached 700 °C. Light microscopic histological observations of burnt bone revealed heat induced alterations such as cracking and separation of the osteons at higher temperatures. In addition to these findings,we sought to examine the survival of DNA in the burnt bones using polymerase chain reaction of mitochondrial DNA. No amplification was found in the specimens burnt at 250 °C or higher, indicating the likely difficulty in testing the DNA of burnt bones from forensic casework. The results of this study will enable an estimation of the burning temperatures of burnt bones found in forensic cases and will provide an important framework with which to interpret data obtained during anthropological testing and DNA typing.
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13
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Tas AC. The use of physiological solutions or media in calcium phosphate synthesis and processing. Acta Biomater 2014; 10:1771-92. [PMID: 24389317 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This review examined the literature to spot uses, if any, of physiological solutions/media for the in situ synthesis of calcium phosphates (CaP) under processing conditions (i.e. temperature, pH, concentration of inorganic ions present in media) mimicking those prevalent in the human hard tissue environments. There happens to be a variety of aqueous solutions or media developed for different purposes; sometimes they have been named as physiological saline, isotonic solution, cell culture solution, metastable CaP solution, supersaturated calcification solution, simulated body fluid or even dialysate solution (for dialysis patients). Most of the time such solutions were not used as the aqueous medium to perform the biomimetic synthesis of calcium phosphates, and their use was usually limited to the in vitro testing of synthetic biomaterials. This review illustrates that only a limited number of research studies used physiological solutions or media such as Earle's balanced salt solution, Bachra et al. solutions or Tris-buffered simulated body fluid solution containing 27mM HCO3(-) for synthesizing CaP, and these studies have consistently reported the formation of X-ray-amorphous CaP nanopowders instead of Ap-CaP or stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) at 37°C and pH 7.4. By relying on the published articles, this review highlights the significance of the use of aqueous solutions containing 0.8-1.5 mMMg(2+), 22-27mM HCO3(-), 142-145mM Na(+), 5-5.8mM K(+), 103-133mM Cl(-), 1.8-3.75mM Ca(2+), and 0.8-1.67mM HPO4(2-), which essentially mimic the composition and the overall ionic strength of the human extracellular fluid (ECF), in forming the nanospheres of X-ray-amorphous CaP.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cuneyt Tas
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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14
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Scanning electron microscopy analysis of experimental bone hacking trauma of the mandible. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2011; 31:326-9. [PMID: 20890172 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0b013e3181e2ed0b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The authors report on a macroscopic and microscopic study of human mandible bone lesions achieved by a single-blade knife and a hatchet. The aim of this work was to complete the previous data (scanning electron microscopy analysis of bone lesions made by a single-blade knife and a hatchet, on human femurs) and to compare the lesions of the femur with those of the mandible. The results indicate that the mandible is a more fragile bone, but the features observed on the mandible are quite similar to those previously observed on the femur. This work spells out the main scanning electron microscopy characteristics of sharp (bone cutting) and blunt (exerting a pressure on the bone) mechanisms on human bone. Weapon characteristics serve to explain all of these features.
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Harbeck M, Schleuder R, Schneider J, Wiechmann I, Schmahl WW, Grupe G. Research potential and limitations of trace analyses of cremated remains. Forensic Sci Int 2011; 204:191-200. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2009] [Revised: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 06/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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16
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Ubelaker DH. The forensic evaluation of burned skeletal remains: a synthesis. Forensic Sci Int 2008; 183:1-5. [PMID: 19010619 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2008.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2008] [Accepted: 09/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, research and case experience have greatly augmented knowledge regarding the effects of extreme heat on skeletal remains. As a result of this effort, enhanced interpretation is now possible on such issues as the extent of recovery, reconstruction, trauma, individual identification, size reduction, thermal effects on histological structures, color variation, the determination if remains were burned with or without soft tissue, DNA recovery and residual weight. The rapidly growing literature in this area of forensic science includes experimental research that elucidates the dynamics of the thermal impact on skeletal structure and morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas H Ubelaker
- Department of Anthropology, Smithsonian Institution, NMNH, MRC 112, Washington, DC 20560-0112, United States.
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18
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Chapter 3 Investigation of diagenetic and postmortem bone mineral change by small-angle X-ray scattering. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1871-1731(06)80004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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19
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Hiller JC, Thompson TJU, Evison MP, Chamberlain AT, Wess TJ. Bone mineral change during experimental heating: an X-ray scattering investigation. Biomaterials 2003; 24:5091-7. [PMID: 14568425 DOI: 10.1016/s0142-9612(03)00427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The effects of heating and burning on bone mineral have previously been studied using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) with the aim of discerning a characteristic signature of crystal change. This would enable a better understanding of alteration to bone mineral during heating, which would in turn impact on the preparation and use of natural bone hydroxyapatite as a biomaterial resource. In addition, this knowledge could prove invaluable in the investigation of burned human remains from forensic and archaeological contexts in cremation and funerary practice. Here we describe a complementary method, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), to determine more accurately the changes to bone crystallite size and shape during an experimental heating regimen. Samples were subjected to controlled heating at 500 degrees C, 700 degrees C, or 900 degrees C for 15 or 45 min. Our results show bone crystallites begin to alter in the first 15 min of heating to 500 degrees C or above. They then appear to stabilise to a temperature-specific thickness and shape with prolonged heating. While the samples heated to lower temperatures or for shorter periods produce XRD traces showing little alteration to the apatite, corresponding information obtained from SAXS shows an early, subtle change in crystal parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Hiller
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Biophysics Group, University of Cardiff, Redwood Building, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK.
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20
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Abstract
Medicolegal anthropology has a very long history in France. Basic studies on human skeletal remains started as early as the 18th century. The 19th century produced many medical theses and research papers on age, sex, as well as stature estimation. The research proliferated in the first 60 years of the 20th century, much of which is still in use in France and abroad. The later half of the 20th century, however, was dormant in research on human skeletal biology at a time when forensic anthropology was becoming an active field worldwide. In the last decade, medicolegal anthropology took a different perspective, independent of its traditional roots. Research and practice have both been in the professional domain of forensic physicians unlike the situation in many other countries. Population based studies requiring large databases or skeletal collections have diminished considerably. Thus, most research has been on factors of individualization such as trauma, time since death, crime scene investigation, and facial reconstruction. It is suggested that there is a need for cooperation between the forensic physician and anthropologist to further research. This also encourages anthropologists to carry out research and practice that can fulfill the needs of the medicolegal system of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Işcan
- University of Istanbul, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Turkey
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