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Gomes RAMP, Santos AL, Catarino L. Elemental analysis using portable X-ray fluorescence: Guidelines for the study of dry human bone. Int J Paleopathol 2024; 44:85-89. [PMID: 38176088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive technique that measures the elemental concentration of different materials, including human bone. Recently, it began to be applied to paleopathological studies due to the development of portable devices and their relative ease of use. However, the lack of uniform procedures hampers comparability and reproducibility. This paper aims to provide guidelines for an efficient and standardized evaluation of bone elemental composition with a portable XRF (pXRF) device. MATERIALS This technical note is based on the application of the Thermo Scientific Niton XL3t 900 GOLDD+. METHODS This work includes suggestions for the choice and preparation of human bone samples, both from archaeological context and documented collections, and methodological procedures in pXRF setup, such as choice of calibration, assessment of accuracy, and analysis run time. Additionally, recommendations for data validation and statistical analysis are also included. CONCLUSIONS This technique has great potential in paleopathology since bone chemical variations may be associated with different pathological conditions, environmental contamination (e.g., lead), and/or administered treatments, such as mercury. Following an expected increase in the number of studies, it is essential to establish good practices that allow results from different researchers to be comparable. SIGNIFICANCE X-ray fluorescence is a non-destructive technique that measures small concentrations (ppm) of elements from magnesium (12Mg) through bismuth (83Bi). LIMITATIONS pXRF does not detect elements lighter than Mg, and its lower energy excitation penetrates less than other techniques. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Other research groups should test these guidelines and comment on their usefulness and replicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A M P Gomes
- University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), Rua do Arco da Traição, 3000-056 Coimbra, Portugal; Carrera de Antropologia, University of Concepción, Barrio Universitário s/n, Concepción, Chile.
| | - Ana Luisa Santos
- University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, Research Centre for Anthropology and Health (CIAS), Rua do Arco da Traição, 3000-056 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lidia Catarino
- University of Coimbra, Department of Earth Sciences, Geosciences Center, Rua Sílvio Lima - Pólo II, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
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Abstract
Biomonitoring of synanthropic species provides evidence about effects of the pollution in human environment. In the present study, tibia and tarsometatarsal bones were extracted from feral pigeons (Columba livia), found either deceased, or experimentally captured in the lofts of houses in Bratislava, Slovakia. Concentrations of mercury (tarsometatarsus), lead, iron, and zinc (tibia) were analyzed, along with sex and plumage pattern, wing, and tarsometatarsal length. In order to estimate age, lines of arrested growth (LAGs) were used. Results show no significant differences in heavy metal accumulation depending on sex or plumage pattern. However, age-related tarsometatarsus length was correlated to Hg, Pb, and Fe bone level accumulation. Thus, bigger or older pigeons with longer tarsometatarsal bones had higher Hg, Pb, and Fe concentrations. Higher heavy metal concentrations (mainly Fe and Zn) were also present in bones of older deceased individuals with completed LAG. These findings point to chronic accumulation of heavy metals in feral pigeons during their life in polluted environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Kozák
- Institute of High Mountain Biology, University of Žilina, Tatranská Javorina 7, SK-059 56, Tatranská Javorina, Slovak Republic
| | - Marián Janiga
- Institute of High Mountain Biology, University of Žilina, Tatranská Javorina 7, SK-059 56, Tatranská Javorina, Slovak Republic
| | - Jaroslav Solár
- Institute of High Mountain Biology, University of Žilina, Tatranská Javorina 7, SK-059 56, Tatranská Javorina, Slovak Republic.
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Pitakarnnop T, Buddhachat K, Pakdeenarong P, Nganvongpanit K. Elemental Distribution in Animal Carpal and Tarsal Bones Using Differences in X-ray Fluorescence Energy. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:874-887. [PMID: 32468226 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02210-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Little is known as to whether different operating voltages of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) can affect the accuracy rate for species identification. Here, we have addressed this question by comparing the rate of correct species identification using the elemental composition of either the carpal or tarsal bone obtained from a determination of the different energy values of XRF at 15 and 50 kV using energy-dispersive XRF (ED-XRF). Carpal bones were taken from 16 species and tarsal bones from 11 of these species. The data on the elemental profiles were analyzed by stepwise discriminant analysis for species discrimination. The classification results indicated that 94.1% and 63.7% of the originally grouped cases were correctly classified as carpal bones using 15 kV and 50 kV, respectively. Additionally, 69.4% and 77.3% of the originally grouped cases were correctly classified as tarsal bones using 15 kV and 50 kV, respectively. When the datasets of the elemental profiles obtained using two operating voltages were gathered, the classification results of the prediction rate appeared to be more accurate at 89.7% and 90.7% in the carpal and tarsal bones, respectively. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the elemental profiles of bones obtained using two operating voltages could effectively facilitate accurate species discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanita Pitakarnnop
- Forensic Science and Criminal Justice, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, 73000, Thailand
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
| | - Kittisak Buddhachat
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Veterinary Bioscience, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Pongpitsanu Pakdeenarong
- Forensic Science and Criminal Justice, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, 73000, Thailand
| | - Korakot Nganvongpanit
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand.
- Excellence Center in Veterinary Bioscience, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
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Ballová ZK, Korec F, Pinterová K. Relationship between heavy metal accumulation and histological alterations in voles from alpine and forest habitats of the West Carpathians. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2020; 27:36411-36426. [PMID: 32562226 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09654-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between toxic heavy metals and bio-elements in internal organs and femoral bones and their potential impacts on bone structural properties and renal histopathological changes in bank voles and snow voles were investigated. Our results reveal that heavy metals Hg and Pb accumulate more in femoral bones of alpine habitats than forests. In snow voles, the parameters of the primary osteons' vascular canals (length, average perimeter and area) simultaneously decreased with an increase of Pb and Sr. Wider primary osteons' vascular canals of snow voles contained decreased levels of K, but increased Ba. In bank voles, the number of primary osteons increased in alpine habitats along with K, Hg, and Pb accumulation. In the kidneys of bank voles, rising levels of Rb, Hg, and Zn were detected in alpine habitats. Hg increases the most in kidney tissue from alpine habitats in both vole species, and Hg levels (mean value 0.25 μg/g, max. value 0.55 μg/g) in the renal tissues of bank voles from alpine localities are similar to Hg levels from Hg-polluted industrial areas in other studies. This reflects that alpine areas of the Tatra Mountains are highly contaminated with Hg. The intensity of renal hemosiderosis relates significantly to Zn, Fe, and Cu levels in snow voles, with Fe and Zn levels in bank voles from forest habitats, and with Rb in bank voles from alpine habitats. The intensity of tubule necrosis in renal tissues of bank voles from alpine habitats was negatively related to Se content. In bank voles from forest habitats, significant positive correlations were found between the intensity of glomerular hyperplasia and amounts of Zn. The interactions of the detected element's association with bone tissue and internal organs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Kompišová Ballová
- Institute of High Mountain Biology, University of Žilina, Tatranská Javorina 7, SK-05956, Tatranská Javorina, Slovakia.
| | - Filip Korec
- Institute of High Mountain Biology, University of Žilina, Tatranská Javorina 7, SK-05956, Tatranská Javorina, Slovakia
| | - Katarína Pinterová
- Institute of High Mountain Biology, University of Žilina, Tatranská Javorina 7, SK-05956, Tatranská Javorina, Slovakia
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Sehrawat JS, Singh M. Application of Trace Elemental Profile of Known Teeth for Sex and Age Estimation of Ajnala Skeletal Remains: a Forensic Anthropological Cross-Validation Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 193:295-310. [PMID: 31030383 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01712-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Teeth store crucial information needed for medical, environmental, genomics, public health, and forensic anthropological research work. The prolonged forensic utility of teeth is ensured by their extended postmortem longevity as they can resist almost all sorts of chemical, biological, and physical degradations or destructions. The main aim of the present investigation was to utilize the discriminant functions and regression equations generated from the elemental profile of known teeth for estimating sex and age of unknown human skeletal remains excavated from an abandoned well at Ajnala (Amritsar, India). The written records mentioned that 282 Indian mutineer soldiers were killed in July 1857, their cadavers were dumped in the disused well, and then a religious structure was built over the periphery of the said well. These human remains, along with some contextual items, were excavated non-scientifically in April 2014. Preliminary results obtained from application of different forensic anthropological techniques like stable isotope, pulp-tooth area ratio, and mtDNA analyses have indicated that these remains belonged to adult males. In present study, the elemental concentrations of 100 mandibular molars of known age and sex were estimated from wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometer (WD-XRF) analyzer. The statistical equations so generated from elemental concentrations of known teeth were applied to estimate the probable age and the sex of unknown mandibular teeth (N = 100) collected from Ajnala skeletal assemblage. The elements Pb and As were detected in ancient teeth only whereas the detection of elements like Ba, Se, and Te was limited to modern teeth samples only. When the statistical equations so generated were applied to elemental concentrations of Ajnala teeth, it was found that 96% teeth belonged to adult males and the remaining ones were classified to be that of females. Though sexual differences were observed in concentrations of majority of elements, statistically significant differences were found in elemental concentrations of very few teeth. Age estimates of unknown teeth were found in the age ranges of 19 to 48 years. Thus, the trace elemental analysis results supported the written records that the victims were adult males. The cross-validated application of elemental profiles of known teeth for establishing the identity of unknown teeth is the first forensic anthropological study reported from India. Though the obtained accuracy levels were not found within acceptable forensic threshold limits, the present study results may guide future researches involving human hard tissues. It may be concluded that trace elemental concentrations of teeth may be influenced by the factors like age and sex of an individual and thus cannot be used for accurate and reliable forensic sex or age estimations. Dental trace elemental composition can be used as a forensic tool only if used in conjunction with other morphological or molecular analysis of the unknown dental remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Sehrawat
- Department of Anthropology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
| | - Monika Singh
- UGC-SRF, Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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Chen X, Dai Y, Wang Z, Zhu G, Ding X, Jin T. The association between serum vitamin D levels and renal tubular dysfunction in a general population exposed to cadmium in China. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195682. [PMID: 29634781 PMCID: PMC5892922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium exposure can cause renal tubular dysfunction. Recent studies show that vitamin D can play multiple roles in the body. However, the association between serum vitamin D levels and renal tubular dysfunction in a general population exposed to cadmium has not been clarified. We performed study to assess the effects of cadmium on serum 25(OH) D levels and the association between serum 25(OH) D levels and renal tubular dysfunction in a population environmentally exposed to cadmium. A total of 133 subjects living in control area and two cadmium polluted areas were included in the present study. Cadmium in urine (UCd) and blood (BCd), urinary β2Microglobulin (UBMG), urinary retinol binding protein (URBP) and serum 25 (OH) D were determined. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between 25 (OH) D and prevalence of renal tubular dysfunction. No significant differences were observed in serum 25(OH) D levels among the four quartile of UCd and BCd after adjusting with cofounders. After adjusted with the confounders, the odds ratio (OR) of subjects with 25(OH) D ≥ 40 ng/ml were 0.20 (95%CI: 0.1–0.8) if UBMG was chosen as indicators of renal dysfunction and 0.28 (95%CI: 0.1–1.1) if URBP was chosen as indicators of renal dysfunction, compared with those with 25(OH) D < 30 ng/ml, respectively. Similar results were observed in those subjects living in cadmium polluted areas or with high level of UCd or BCd. Our data indicated that cadmium exposure did not affect serum 25(OH) D level and high 25 (OH) D levels were associated with a decreased risk of renal tubular dysfunction induced by cadmium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of kidney and dialysis, Shanghai, China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Dai
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of kidney and dialysis, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Guoying Zhu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Ding
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of kidney and dialysis, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (XD); (TJ)
| | - Taiyi Jin
- Department of Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (XD); (TJ)
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Nganvongpanit K, Buddhachat K, Piboon P, Euppayo T, Kaewmong P, Cherdsukjai P, Kittiwatanawong K, Thitaram C. Elemental classification of the tusks of dugong (Dugong dugong) by HH-XRF analysis and comparison with other species. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46167. [PMID: 28387333 DOI: 10.1038/srep46167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The elemental composition was investigated and applied for identifying the sex and habitat of dugongs, in addition to distinguishing dugong tusks and teeth from other animal wildlife materials such as Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) tusks and tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) canine teeth. A total of 43 dugong tusks, 60 dugong teeth, 40 dolphin teeth, 1 whale tooth, 40 Asian elephant tusks and 20 tiger canine teeth were included in the study. Elemental analyses were conducted using a handheld X-ray fluorescence analyzer (HH-XRF). There was no significant difference in the elemental composition of male and female dugong tusks, whereas the overall accuracy for identifying habitat (the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand) was high (88.1%). Dolphin teeth were able to be correctly predicted 100% of the time. Furthermore, we demonstrated a discrepancy in elemental composition among dugong tusks, Asian elephant tusks and tiger canine teeth, and provided a high correct prediction rate among these species of 98.2%. Here, we demonstrate the feasible use of HH-XRF for preliminary species classification and habitat determination prior to using more advanced techniques such as molecular biology.
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Buddhachat K, Brown JL, Thitaram C, Klinhom S, Nganvongpanit K. Distinguishing real from fake ivory products by elemental analyses: A Bayesian hybrid classification method. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 272:142-9. [PMID: 28157639 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
As laws tighten to limit commercial ivory trading and protect threatened species like whales and elephants, increased sales of fake ivory products have become widespread. This study describes a method, handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) as a noninvasive technique for elemental analysis, to differentiate quickly between ivory (Asian and African elephant, mammoth) from non-ivory (bones, teeth, antler, horn, wood, synthetic resin, rock) materials. An equation consisting of 20 elements and light elements from a stepwise discriminant analysis was used to classify samples, followed by Bayesian binary regression to determine the probability of a sample being 'ivory', with complementary log log analysis to identify the best fit model for this purpose. This Bayesian hybrid classification model was 93% accurate with 92% precision in discriminating ivory from non-ivory materials. The method was then validated by scanning an additional ivory and non-ivory samples, correctly identifying bone as not ivory with >95% accuracy, except elephant bone, which was 72%. It was less accurate for wood and rock (25-85%); however, a preliminary screening to determine if samples are not Ca-dominant could eliminate inorganic materials. In conclusion, elemental analyses by XRF can be used to identify several forms of fake ivory samples, which could have forensic application.
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Nganvongpanit K, Buddhachat K, Piboon P, Euppayo T, Mahakkanukrauh P. Variation in elemental composition of human teeth and its application for feasible species identification. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 271:33-42. [PMID: 28056377 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Identifying human remains is a primary task in forensic science. In this study, we propose a possible new technique, handheld X-ray fluorescence (HHXRF), for determining whether a suspected tooth is an authentic human tooth. A total of 444 teeth obtained from 111 human skulls (male=62, female=49) aged between 30-67 years (51.81±8.37 years) were used as subjects. The teeth were scanned by HHXRF to acquire their elemental profile. Differences in elemental composition were analyzed for different tooth positions (numbers 1-32), between crown and root, and between sexes (male and female); also, the proportion of elements in relation to different human ages was examined. Teeth from 20 different animal species, serving as non-human teeth samples, were used to distinguish between human and non-human teeth through a stepwise discriminant analysis. Our results revealed that different tooth positions, different regions (crown and root) of a tooth, and different sexes demonstrated disparities in the proportion of several elements. The accuracy rate of predicting sex based on the elemental profile of human teeth was 65.5%. Likewise, a dissimilar distribution of elements between human and non-human teeth was observed, leading to a high degree of correctness of 83.2% for distinguishing them. In conclusion, elemental analysis by HHXRF could serve as a promising candidate tool for identifying human teeth in forensic science, but is ineffective for sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korakot Nganvongpanit
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
| | - Kittisak Buddhachat
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand.
| | - Promporn Piboon
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
| | - Thippaporn Euppayo
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
| | - Pasuk Mahakkanukrauh
- Excellence Center in Osteology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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Nganvongpanit K, Buddhachat K, Piboon P, Klinhom S. The Distribution of Elements in 48 Canine Compact Bone Types Using Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence. Biol Trace Elem Res 2016; 174:93-104. [PMID: 27106541 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-016-0698-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A major question when we talk about the elements in the bone is whether all bones contain the same elements. To answer this question, this study was designed for determination of the elemental levels in 48 various canine compact bones using handheld X-ray fluorescence technique. From a total of 26 elements that could be detected, only 13 elements were found in all 48 bones. The sternum and os penis were significantly different from the other bones in that they contained the highest number of elements. The ratio of Ca and P was significantly different when comparing certain bones: there was a higher Ca/P ratio in the patella (right), calcaneus (right and left), and sternum compared with a lower ratio in the radius (left), rib (left), phalanx (left forelimb), and carpus (left). These results are the first to demonstrate that different types of bones have different elemental profiles, even for major elements such as Ca and P. Moreover, the Ca/P ratio was also different between bone types. This data is important for the selection of bones appropriate to the element studied. In addition, the results proved that the elements were not equally distributed in every bone in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korakot Nganvongpanit
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand.
- Excellence Center in Osteology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
| | - Kittisak Buddhachat
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
| | - Promporn Piboon
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
| | - Sarisa Klinhom
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
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Buddhachat K, Klinhom S, Siengdee P, Brown JL, Nomsiri R, Kaewmong P, Thitaram C, Mahakkanukrauh P, Nganvongpanit K. Elemental Analysis of Bone, Teeth, Horn and Antler in Different Animal Species Using Non-Invasive Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155458. [PMID: 27196603 PMCID: PMC4873253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mineralized tissues accumulate elements that play crucial roles in animal health. Although elemental content of bone, blood and teeth of human and some animal species have been characterized, data for many others are lacking, as well as species comparisons. Here we describe the distribution of elements in horn (Bovidae), antler (Cervidae), teeth and bone (humerus) across a number of species determined by handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to better understand differences and potential biological relevance. A difference in elemental profiles between horns and antlers was observed, possibly due to the outer layer of horns being comprised of keratin, whereas antlers are true bone. Species differences in tissue elemental content may be intrinsic, but also related to feeding habits that contribute to mineral accumulation, particularly for toxic heavy metals. One significant finding was a higher level of iron (Fe) in the humerus bone of elephants compared to other species. This may be an adaptation of the hematopoietic system by distributing Fe throughout the bone rather than the marrow, as elephant humerus lacks a marrow cavity. We also conducted discriminant analysis and found XRF was capable of distinguishing samples from different species, with humerus bone being the best source for species discrimination. For example, we found a 79.2% correct prediction and success rate of 80% for classification between human and non-human humerus bone. These findings show that handheld XRF can serve as an effective tool for the biological study of elemental composition in mineralized tissue samples and may have a forensic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kittisak Buddhachat
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Sarisa Klinhom
- Elephant Research and Education Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Puntita Siengdee
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Janine L. Brown
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Center for Species Survival, National Zoological Park 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, Virginia, 22630, United States of America
| | - Raksiri Nomsiri
- Veterinary Conservation and Research Section, Chiang Mai Night Safari, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | | | - Chatchote Thitaram
- Elephant Research and Education Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Pasuk Mahakkanukrauh
- Excellence Center in Osteology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Korakot Nganvongpanit
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Elephant Research and Education Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Osteology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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Nganvongpanit K, Buddhachat K, Klinhom S, Kaewmong P, Thitaram C, Mahakkanukrauh P. Determining comparative elemental profile using handheld X-ray fluorescence in humans, elephants, dogs, and dolphins: Preliminary study for species identification. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 263:101-106. [PMID: 27093230 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.03.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Species identification is a crucial step in forensic anthropological studies. The aim of this study was to determine elemental profiles in bones from four mammal species, to be used for species discrimination. Human, elephant, dog, and dolphin bones were scanned by X-ray fluorescence (XRF); the differences in elemental profiles between species were determined using discriminant analysis. Dogs had the greatest number of elements (23), followed by humans (22) and elephants (20). Dolphins had the lowest number of elements (16). The accuracy rate of species identification in humans, elephants, dogs, and dolphins was 98.7%, 100%, 94.9%, and 92.3%, respectively. We conclude that element profiles of bones based on XRF analyses can serve as a tool for determining species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korakot Nganvongpanit
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; Elephant Research and Education Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; Excellence Center in Osteology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Kittisak Buddhachat
- Animal Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
| | - Sarisa Klinhom
- Elephant Research and Education Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
| | | | - Chatchote Thitaram
- Elephant Research and Education Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
| | - Pasuk Mahakkanukrauh
- Excellence Center in Osteology Research and Training Center, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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