CERES :: Browsing by Author "Márquez-Grant, Nicholas"

Browsing by Author "Márquez-Grant, Nicholas"

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Open Access
Accuracy of computed radiography in osteometry: a comparison of digital imaging techniques and the effect of magnification
(Elsevier, 2019-10-24) Carew, Rachael M.; Viner, Mark D.; Conlogue, Gerald J.; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Beckett, Sophie
Introduction Osteometric data may be obtained using digital imaging techniques, such as post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) and digital radiography, non-invasively and without ethical objection. Osteometric data from PMCT is known to be as accurate as taking direct measurements. Digital radiography is more accessible and affordable than PMCT but is limited due to the magnification of its subjects. Objectives To investigate the viability of implementing digital radiographic techniques for measurement of long bones, and to establish whether magnification can be accurately corrected for. Materials and Methods Twenty hind pig (Sus scrofa) legs were imaged using computed radiography (CR) and PMCT, and osteometric data obtained from the digital images and 3D CT volume reconstructions. Direct measurements were taken following maceration. A calibration object was imaged using CR, to provide magnification correction factors. Results Accuracy was determined by mean absolute error (AE), giving values of 3.3 ± 2.5 mm for PMCT (MPR), 2.4 ± 1.3 mm for PMCT (3D), 11.1 ± 7.4 mm for CR (PA), and 18.3 ± 14.5 mm for CR (LAT). PMCT data was more accurate than CR data. Through applying correction for magnification, CR data became closer to the direct measurement data, and stature estimation was substantially altered. Conclusion Magnification in computed radiography affects osteometric data and resulting stature estimations. Applying correction factors may be a viable option for improving accuracy. For digital radiography to be used reliably in forensic anthropology, further empirical research is needed to validate a magnification correction method.
Open Access
Age-related trends in the trabecular micro-architecture of the medial clavicle: is it of use in forensic science?
(Frontiers, 2020-01-22) McGivern, Hannah; Greenwood, Charlene; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Kranioti, Elena F.; Xhemali, Bledar; Zioupos, Peter
The mechanical and structural properties of bone are known to change significantly with age. Within forensic and archaeological investigations, the medial end of the clavicle is typically used for estimating the age-at-death of an unknown individual. Although, this region of the skeleton is of interest to forensic and clinical domains, alterations beyond the macro-scale have not been fully explored. For this study, non-destructive micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) was employed to characterize structural alterations to the cancellous bone of the medial clavicle. Fresh human cadaveric specimens (12-59 years) obtained at autopsy were utilized for this study, and were scanned with a voxel size of ∼83µm. Morphometric properties were quantified and indicated that the bone volume, connectivity density, mineral density, and number of trabeculae decreased with age, while the spacing between the trabeculae increased with age. In contrast to other sub-regions of the skeleton, trabecular thickness, and degree of anisotropy did not correlate with age. Collectively, this could suggest that the network is becoming increasingly perforated with age rather than exhibiting trabecular thinning. These results are used in the context of deriving a potential protocol for forensic investigations by using this particular and largely unexplored region of the skeleton, and provide inspiration for future experiments concerning micro-architectural and small scale changes in other regions of the human skeleton.
Open Access
The application of dual energy X-ray soil screening in forensic archaeology
(Elsevier, 2022-09-07) Kent, Daniel; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas
The need to forensically search soil for small artefacts at a burial site or traces of evidence in a deposition site is a common task shared by investigators and forensic archaeologists. In forensic casework, the importance of finding small pieces of evidence, such as personal effects or ballistic fragments, cannot be overstated as it can assist in the positive identification of the deceased, give an insight into the manner and cause of death, and identify any perpetrators. The soil search methods known as wet and dry sieving, are cumbersome, time-consuming and have limited success for some soil types. This often leads to the decision not to search, resulting in missed opportunities to identify potential evidence. The primary aim of this study was to investigate if a dual energy X-ray baggage scanner could be used to search for items of potential forensic interest in soil. A trial was conducted using a Smiths Detection ScanTrailer 100100 V-2is mobile X-ray inspection system to establish if it could be used to detect organic, inorganic, and metallic items located within soil. The soil type and natural variables such as water and organic content were adjusted to simulate different environments. The baggage scanner was found to provide a quick and easy way to detect items contained within various soil types, particularly in a sand rich matrix. It is estimated that using this method to search 1 m3 of soil, when broken down into samples that are < 13 cm in depth, would take around one hour to complete, compared with 100 to 150 person-hours by manual sieving. This is believed to be the first use of dual energy X-ray technology for this purpose and shows the potential for further research and use of this method in forensic archaeology.
Open Access
Assessing the reliability of microbial bioerosion features in burnt bones: a novel approach using feature-labelling in histotaphonomical analysis
(Elsevier, 2021-03-22) Végh, Emese I.; Czermak, Andrea; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Schulting, Rick J.
Objectives Recent histotaphonomic studies have focused on the presence of features thought to be caused either by bacteria (microscopic focal destruction/MFD and cyanobacterial tunnelling) or fungal (Wedl tunnelling types 1 and 2) attack on unburnt bone. Identifying these characteristics on burnt bones could indicate the state of decomposition before burning, with important repercussions for both archaeological and forensic contexts. Materials and Methods Fleshed pig (Sus scrofa, N = 25) tibiae were left exposed on a field, then collected at 14-, 34-, 91-, 180-, 365-day intervals before being burnt in an outdoor fire (≤750 °C). Fresh (fleshed) legs (N = 10) acted as unburnt and burnt controls. Thin sections were examined using transmitted light microscopy and backscattered scanning electron microscopy. Diagenetic traits were quantitatively and systematically assessed by a novel data labelling application developed for this study. Results Features meeting the published characteristics of microbial bioerosion (‘Wedl tunnelling’, ‘lamellate’ and ‘budded MFD’) were significantly correlated with time since deposition on the unburnt bones. Only budded MFD increased significantly over time in the burnt groups. However, the presence features meeting the published characteristics of Wedl 2 tunnelling were present on the fresh burnt bones, indicating that they are an artefact. Discussion The presence of many features seemingly indistinguishable from those caused by bioerosion on the freshly burnt control bones suggests that burning is not only able to conceal features thought to be the result of bioerosion but can produce them as well. Thus, such features are not a reliable indication of bioerosion. Budded MFD may be a viable indicator but more research is required.
Open Access
Changes to the micro-architecture and material properties of the human clavicle and rib in ontogeny
(2019-12) McGivern, Hannah L; Zioupos, P; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas
The detrimental effects of ageing on the human skeleton are universally resonant. With increase in age, an increased fragility at the macroscopic scale is observed in bone, which is indicative of changes that occur at different levels within the heterogeneous and complex, hierarchical arrangement of this biological composite. In spite of that, a comprehensive understanding of ageing characteristics in the medial clavicle is largely missing from the literature. The seminal research currently available concerns developmental markers such as morphological alterations to shape and structure, which are capped at the point of skeletal maturity. Estimating age-at-death continues to be one of the most challenging responsibilities for forensic anthropologists when compiling a biological profile for unidentified skeletonised human remains (most especially following the maturation of the skeleton). The medial clavicle and sternal rib ends are fundamental to age estimation; the former is the last bone to fuse in the human skeleton making the development ideal for estimating age when the remainder of the skeleton has completed epiphyseal fusion, and the latter are easily accessible during routine autopsy. Current methods which utilise these skeletal sub-regions are primarily qualitative and rely on the expert interpretation of subjective traits which relate to broad and descriptive phase categories. There is a need to go beyond using morphological biomarkers currently employed in forensic anthropology. The introduction of new, quantitative techniques is therefore fundamental to addressing the following unanswered question: what significant, ontogenetic changes occur beyond the macro-scale which can be utilised for generating multivariate age prediction models for the clavicle and rib? In order to address this question, the primary research aim for this research was to characterise statistically significant (p0.7 to effectively predict age-at-death. This novel approach addresses disciplinary norms through the application of micro-computed tomography (µ-CT), nanoindentation and the combined diagnostic power of two thermo-analytical techniques (DSC-TGA) to elucidate agerelated changes in a sample of 161 cadaveric specimens from 58 donors at a scale beyond what has thus far been presented in the literature. Accordingly, a series of associated hypotheses were devised concerning the individual constituent parts, which altogether contribute to the physical manifestiations of age and form the complex arrangment of bone, using each of these techniques. The effect of the size of the sample has also been considered. The age range of the sample in question (12-59 years) focuses on a division of the age spectrum which has received less attention in previous studies, particularly in comparison to study groups which have primarily comprised of elderly individuals. Firstly, a non-destructive assessment of the morphometric characteristics of the trabecular bone located in the medial end of the clavicle was implemented using micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) to test for statistically signficant (p0.7 which is indicative of a strong model. iv Additionally, the value of adopting a multi-method system was illustrated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) which revealed the extent to which principal components (namely HVIT, EIT, percentage loss of organic weight [Or%] and final percentage weight of mineral phase [Ash%]) were contributing to clustering patterns associated with age. These findings explore the research hypothesis which concerns the identification of changes to clavicle and rib physiology and mechanical behaviour in ontogeny; details that will hold significant value in medico-legal cases for age-atdeath estimation. This research also addresses set objectives concerned with the development of easily reproducible and accurate methods of age-at-death estimation using the medial clavicle and sternal end of the sixth rib without specialist anthropological expertise. The results presented also contribute to basic knowledge of mechano-biology for micro- and nano-structures that influence fracture risk at the organ level, which is of interest to clinicians in orthopaedic biomechanics and is also vital to other sectors. For example, the automotive industry can use such data to establish whether age-related changes to the structure and material composition of these bones lessens the failure threshold and mechanical behaviour of the chest in vehicle collisions. This information in turn could also contribute to the improvememt of automotive safety designs.
Open Access
Cut or Burnt? – Categorizing morphological characteristics of heat-induced fractures and sharp force trauma
(Elsevier, 2021-02-28) Mata Tutor, Pilar; Benito-Sánchez, María; Villoria Rojas, Catherine; Muñoz García, Alexandra; Pérez Guzmán, Inés; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas
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.
Open Access
Decomposition variability between the scene and autopsy examination and implications for post-mortem interval estimations
(Elsevier, 2021-11-24) Giles, Stephanie B.; Errickson, David; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas
Forensic experts rely on scene and/or autopsy photographs to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) when an in-situ assessment of decomposition is unfeasible. The degree of decomposition may vary between the scene and autopsy, which importantly could affect estimations of the unknown PMI in forensic casework. This study aimed to investigate decomposition variability between the scene and autopsy and assess the subsequent effect on the accuracy of PMI estimations. Scene and autopsy photographs from 94 cases with known PMI were used from the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner in Pittsburgh, United States. The total decomposition scoring (TDS) method measured the overall decomposition level, and 28 markers of decomposition were recorded as a percentage of the total body surface area (TBSA). In 60% of cases the TDS had increased at autopsy causing significant overestimations of the autopsy PMI and 86% of decomposition markers varied between the scene and autopsy. Decomposition progressed during mortuary time lags (MTL) of 3–44 h, where bodies were stored in a pre-autopsy refrigerator at 4 °C, suggesting that refrigeration may not always delay decomposition. This research also assisted in validating photographs as a proxy for real-time decomposition assessments. While the autopsy photographs conferred higher quality than the scene photographs, the scene photographs produced more accurate PMI estimations. Forensic experts should exhibit caution when estimating the PMI from autopsy photographs alone, as they may not accurately reflect scene decomposition. To prevent misinterpretation of the PMI estimation, both scene and autopsy photographs should always be requested.
Open Access
Dental age estimation based on pulp chamber/crown volume ratio measured on CBCT images in a Spanish population
(Springer, 2020-07-17) Molina, Ana; Bravo, Manuel; Fonseca, Gabriel M.; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Martín-de-las-Heras, Stella
Dental age estimation in living individuals is one of the most frequent requests undertaken by forensic odontologists. The aim of this study was to estimate the dental age by pulp/tooth volume ratio, as measured on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, in a Spanish population. This study included 313 teeth from 107 adult individuals, 56 females and 51 males with a mean age of 44 ± 14 years. The statistical analysis of the results took account of clustering (multiple teeth in individuals). Linear regression models were constructed on the relationship between pulp/tooth volume ratio and chronological age for each tooth type. The highest coefficient of determination (R2) value was provided by the upper incisors (36.6%), and the difference between chronological and estimated age was less than 5 years in 31.3% of the sample and less than 10 years for 65.7%. CBCT is an accurate imaging technique to measure dental volume with a relatively low radiation dose, and it can be used to assess dental age in living adult individuals. Volumetric changes in the pulp cavity with increasing age proved valuable to estimate dental age in this Spanish population
Open Access
Determining the postmortem timing of sharp force damage and the pre-burning condition of burnt bone
(Springer, 2023-08-15) Végh, Emese I.; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Schulting, Rick J.
Major complications in the palaeopathological analysis of burnt human remains include distinguishing whether bone was fresh or dry at the time of burning, and whether trauma/damage was inflicted ‘perimortem’ or postmortem. Some prehistoric societies are suggested to have defleshed human remains prior to cremation, mostly classified based on the lack of warping and thumbnail fractures. The distinction between perimortem and postmortem sharp force trauma (SFT) characteristics has rarely been investigated on burnt bones. This study investigates whether these features are distinguishable on burnt bone, as well as assessing the rate of cutmark survival, and the presence of heat-induced fractures in relation to the bone’s pre-burnt collagen content. Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) tibiae were left to decay in a field for 14, 34, 91, 180, and 365 days in Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire, UK. Prior to burning, bones were inflicted with SFT by a non-serrated and partially serrated knife and a flint blade (N = 15/bone). Fleshed bones with cutmarks and bones without trauma served as controls. Cutmark survival, features, and heat-induced fractures were recorded on the burnt bones and compared with the collagen extracted from unburnt bones at the abovementioned time intervals. Statistical analysis included linear regression and MANOVA. Heat-induced fractures did not depend on the limited collagen loss during the 1-year postmortem inverval (PMI) prior to burning. There was a loss (mean 18.4%) of identifiable cutmarks after burning. Significant alterations in the cutmark characteristics appeared after 6 months of exposure in burnt bones, marked by the increase in postmortem features, which can inform on the pre-burning PMI.
Open Access
Don´t forget the children! a review of the consequences of natural disasters and epidemics on childhood health and mortality in the past
(Maney Publishing (T&F), 2022-02-09) Squires, Kirsty; Hookway, Esme; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas
Natural disasters, pandemics, and epidemics have devastating impacts on communities. Poverty, famine, ill health, social isolation, and death are some of the consequences of such events. Transformations in culture, religion, political and economic stability, and other social aspects can also be attributed to catastrophic incidents. Whilst such events have been well documented and studied, little attention has been given to their effect on children. Using osteoarchaeological and historical evidence, this review article explores how children appear to have been affected during, and in the aftermath of, natural disasters and epidemics. A range of cases from Antiquity to the modern day is provided, alongside three focal case studies. This research demonstrates analogies with the present-day where countries face disease outbreaks, droughts, floods, and earthquakes. Ultimately, the findings presented in this paper illustrate the extent to which these events shaped the lives and deaths of children in the past.
Open Access
The effect of diet and sociopolitical change on physiological stress and behavior in late Roman‐Early Byzantine (300–700 AD ) and Islamic (902–1,235 AD ) populations from Ibiza, Spain
(Wiley, 2020-04-22) Osipov, Benjamin; Alaica, Aleksa K.; Pickard, Catriona; Garcia‐Donas, Julieta G.; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Kranioti, Elena F.
Objectives: This study evaluated chronological changes in physiological stress and levels of habitual loading of Ibizan populations from the Late Roman-Early Byzantine to the Islamic period (300-1235 AD) using measures of body size and bone cross-sectional properties. It also explored the effect of diet, modeled using stable isotopes, on physiological stress levels and behavior. Materials and Methods: The sample comprised individuals from three archaeological populations: Urban Late Roman- Early Byzantine (LREB) (300-700 AD), Medieval Urban Islamic (902-1235 AD), and Rural Islamic. Bone lengths, femoral head dimensions, and diaphyseal products and circumferences were compared to assess differences in body size and habitual loading in 222 adult individuals. Ordinary least squares regression evaluated the correlations between these measures and carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios in 115 individuals for whom both isotope values and osteological measures are available. Results: The Rural Islamic group had shorter stature and reduced lower limb cross-sectional properties compared to the two urban groups. In both LREB and Islamic groups, body mass and femur length was positively correlated with δ13C values, and δ15N shows a positive correlation with left humerus shape in the LREB Urban sample. Conclusions: The low stature and cross-sectional properties of the Rural Islamic group are most likely an indicator of greater physiological stress, potentially due to poorer diet. Positive correlations between measures of body size and δ13C values further suggest that greater access to C4 resources improved diet quality. Alternatively, this relationship could indicate greater body size among migrants from areas where individuals consumed more C4 resources.
Open Access
The effect of seasonality on the application of accumulated degree-days to estimate the early post-mortem interval
(Elsevier, 2020-08-01) Giles, Stephanie B.; Harrison, Karl; Errickson, David; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas
This study investigated the effect of seasonal variables on decomposition in the early post-mortem period using 26 donated human cadavers at the University of Tennessee’s Anthropology Research Facility (ARF), USA. The rate and pattern of decomposition in human cadavers (as measured by TBS and the revised TBSsurf methods) did not vary significantly between all seasons. Summer and autumn cadavers had comparable rates of accelerated decomposition despite significant differences in both ADD and temperature (p<0.05). Spring cadavers had the slowest onset of decomposition characteristics, even compared to the few decomposition characteristics expressed in winter. Seasonal variation in humidity, rather than temperature, may be the overarching driving force for decomposition progression in the early post-mortem period. Both TBS and TBSsurf methods were poor predictors of the PMI (R²=0.4) and significantly over-estimated the PMI across all seasons, although to a lesser extent in spring. This study also demonstrated no relationship between known ADD and TBS/TBSsurf (R²=0.025). TBS and TBSsurf are ADD-based PMI estimation models that cannot be validated under experimental conditions. Accounting for seasonal expression of individual decomposition characteristics is needed for improvement of PMI predictability in forensic practice
Open Access
Establishing a minimum PMI for bone sun bleaching in a UK environment with a controlled desert-simulated comparison
(Springer, 2020-08-15) Stokes, Sarah; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Greenwood, Charlene
Microenvironments play a significant part in understanding the post-mortem interval in forensic taphonomy. Recently, the value of weathering factors in relation to obtaining a PMI has been investigated further. In this study, observations were made to calculate the length of time it takes for three different bone elements (femur, rib, and scapula) to bleach in a UK summer and winter. This research also investigated whether there were any physicochemical modifications to the bone caused by bleaching. Porcine femora, scapulae, and ribs were placed into open and shaded areas of an outdoor research facility located in Oxfordshire, UK, during summer (July–Sep) and winter months (Dec–Mar). The specimens were monitored at 3-week intervals using photography, and an observational scoring method was developed to quantify the extent of bleaching. As temperatures are typically much lower in the UK compared with warmer climates, a controlled indoor-simulated desert experiment was also undertaken to be used as a control. This allowed sun bleaching and changes to the bone chemistry to be monitored in a controlled, high-UV environment for comparison with the UK outdoor experiments. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to analyze physicochemical modifications to both the mineral and organic components of the bone. The FTIR was used to calculate crystallinity index (CI), mineral to organic ratio, and the relative amount of carbonate concentrations. Weather data was collected and a positive correlation was found between both ultraviolet (UV) levels and accumulated degree days (ADD) when compared with observational bleaching scores. Bleaching (whitening) of the bone samples occurred in both seasons but at different rates, with the bleaching process occurring at a slower rate in winter. During summer, the initial bleaching process was evident at 6 weeks, and by 9 weeks, the bones were an off-white colour. During the winter period, whitening of the bone started at 9 weeks; however, only the scapula and rib samples displayed a similar off-white colour. This colouration was observed at 13 weeks rather than at 9 weeks. The desert simulation samples started bleaching in a similar pattern to the outdoor samples after 1 week but the bones did not fully bleach. The bone chemistry, based on physicochemical properties obtained from the FTIR, showed a significant statistical difference between the simulated desert and winter season when compared against a control sample. For the winter samples, the mineral to organic ratio was significantly higher than that in the control, suggesting a reduction in the proportion of organic. For the samples in the simulated desert environment, the crystallinity index was significantly higher than that in the control samples, suggesting an increase in crystallinity. The results of this experiment support the fact that it is possible to achieve bleaching in a UK environment and that the minimal time frame for this to occur differs in seasons.
Open Access
Estudio antropológico de las alquerías de Benizahat y Zeneta (Vall d´Uixó, Castellón). Una ventana a la vida rural andalusí
(Universitat de Valencia, 2021-12-31) Olivé-Busom, Júlia; López-Costas, Olalla; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Kirchner, Helena
During the Andalusi period, modern day Vall d'Uixó (Castellón, Spain) was formed by a series of hamlets that were inhabited by Islamic population until the 16th century. Through the anthropological analysis of 99 skeletons from two of these hamlets, Benizahat and Zeneta, this study explores the possible existence of differences in the lifestyle of males and females and occupational stress related to the rural economy of this population. In addition, their living conditions and stress levels during growth are assessed through the confrontation with other peninsular Islamic populations. Although the studied sample is not clearly distinguishable from other Andalusian populations in terms of physiological and occupational stress, the significant differences in the distribution of Schmörl’s nodes between males and females and the high frequencies of dental caries in the population should be highlighted.
Open Access
Ethical considerations and publishing in human bioarcheology
(Wiley, 2022-01-07) Squires, Kirsty; Roberts, Charlotte A.; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas
INTRODUCTION: As bioarcheologists and forensic anthropologists, we are writing to highlight the apparent lack of ethical consideration, or mention of ethics, in published papers, especially when publishing on archeological human remains. In many situations, data deriving from excavated human remains provide the deep time perspective relevant to populations today (e.g., Binder et al., 2014). However, bearing in mind current ethical debates around the excavation, analysis, and curation of human remains (e.g., Squires, Errickson, & Márquez-Grant, 2019), and any in the future, we do need to address the ethics surrounding our research and its publication as we go forward.
Open Access
Evidence of otitis media and mastoiditis in a Medieval Islamic skeleton from Spain and possible implications for ancient surgical treatment of the condition
(Elsevier, 2020-11-21) Olivé-Busom, Júlia; López-Costas, Olalla; Quer-Agustí, Miquel; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Kirchner, Helena
Objective To evaluate lesions on a cranium from the Iberian Peninsula and assess its medico-historical and paleopathological significance. Materials The skeletal remains of a juvenile individual found in a Medieval Islamic grave (10th -16th century) in Eastern Spain. Methods Macroscopic examination of the left and right temporal bones, binocular microscopy, X-ray, and Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were performed. Results A sub-oval perforation superior to the right mastoid process and pathological changes on the right temporal bone were identified. SEM-EDS confirmed the presence of copper in the surrounding area of the perforation. Conclusions The observed pathological changes are most likely compatible with otitis media and subsequent mastoiditis. The sub-oval perforation could be interpreted either as an abscess or as evidence of a surgical procedure (mastoidectomy) or a combination of both; and the Cu traces may be the result of an associated object or, possibly, the application of a plaster with copper acetate used as medical treatment. Significance This case contributes to the paleopathological record and the interpretation of similar cases, and also helps in the understanding of medical care and treatment in Medieval Islam. Limitations The lack of similar pre-modern cases of surgical intervention limits comparability to clinical cases. Suggestion for further research: Exploration into indicators of health care in past populations
Open Access
Examination of misconceptions surrounding fatal fire victims
(Elsevier, 2023-07-27) Harding, Mary-Jane; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Williams, Mike
Fire deaths are not unusual in forensic investigative practice but due to the destructive nature of fire they are often very difficult to investigate. With the need to identify the deceased and the events surrounding the manner and cause of death, knowledge of thermally induced alteration to the human body is important. Within the fire investigation community, a number of misconceptions have been present for years regarding the protrusion of the tongue as an indicator of life during the fire, and fractured skulls as the result of brains boiling and skulls exploding. This work presents qualitative analysis on the experimental burning of 42 unembalmed human donated cadavers by the San Luis Obispo Strike Team (SLOFIST) on their annual Forensic Fire Death Investigation Course (FFDIC) between 2017 and 2019. Prior to burning, the position of the tongue within the dental arch was confirmed and sharp, blunt, surgical and gunshot trauma to the cranium documented. Temperature was recorded from ignition through to suppression with thermocouples present both within the scene and the body. Post burn analysis on the position of the tongue, observation of cranial fractures and presence of brain tissue were recorded and analysed in conjunction with thermocouple data, fire scene dynamics and body demographics. The results provide a more comprehensive understanding of the thermal environmental factors involved in producing the phenomena that facilitate these misconceptions, identifying that a more thorough understanding of individual fire scenes and their development is essential when interpreting alteration and injury to the body of the fatal fire victim.
Open Access
Final thoughts on WWI and WWII legislation, recovery, identification and burial of human remains: best practice, challenges, and recommendations
(Elsevier, 2021-03-19) Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Errickson, David; Morgan, Sarah; Ronner, Eva; Giles, Stephanie B.
The ‘WWI and WWII Symposium: Legislation, Recovery, Identification and Burial of Human Remains’, took place on 13th March 2020 (Márquez-Grant and Errickson, 2021). The event was in the form of a round table discussion with participating specialists who focus on the forensic recovery and identification of war casualties, particularly with a focus on Europe. Although the event saw a large amount of knowledge exchange, the discussion went far beyond those who attended the session. As a result, this Special Issue in ‘Forensic Science International’ is aimed at disseminating the discussion to a wider number of individuals while incorporating further views and input from specialists who could not be in attendance on the day.
Open Access
Forensic DNA extraction methods for human hard tissue: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of technologies and sample type
(Elsevier, 2022-12-08) Finaughty, Chandra; Heathfield, Laura Jane; Kemp, Victoria; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas
DNA identification of human remains has a valuable role in the field of forensic science and wider. Although DNA is vital in identification of unknown human remains, post-mortem environmental factors can lead to poor molecular preservation. In this respect, focus has been placed on DNA extraction methodologies for hard tissue samples, as these are the longest surviving. Despite decades of research being conducted on DNA extraction methods for bone and teeth, little consensus has been reached as to the best performing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a thorough systematic literature review to identify potential DNA extraction technique(s) which perform optimally for forensic DNA profiling from hard tissue samples. PRISMA guidelines were used, by which a search strategy was developed. This included identifying databases and discipline specific journals, keywords, and exclusion and inclusion criteria. In total, 175 articles were identified that detailed over 50 different DNA extraction methodologies. Results of the meta-analysis conducted on 41 articles – meeting further inclusion criteria - showed that statistically significant higher DNA profiling success was associated with solid-phase magnetic bead/resin methods. In addition, incorporating a demineralisation pre-step resulted in significantly higher profiling successes. For hard tissue type, bone outperformed teeth, and even though dense cortical femur samples were more frequently used across the studies, profiling success was comparable, and in some cases, higher in cancellous bone samples. Notably, incomplete data sharing resulted in many studies being excluded, thus an emphasis for minimum reporting standards is made. In conclusion, this study identifies strategies that may improve success rates of forensic DNA profiling from hard tissue samples. Finally, continued improvements to current methods can ensure faster times to resolution and restoring the identity of those who died in obscurity.
Open Access
Histomorphological analysis of the variability of the human skeleton: forensic implications
(Springer Verlag, 2018-01-20) Cummaudo, Marco; Cappella, Annalisa; Biraghi, Miranda; Raffone, Caterina; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Cattaneo, Cristina
One of the fundamental questions in forensic medicine and anthropology is whether or not a bone or bone fragment is human. Surprisingly at times for the extreme degradation of the bone (charred, old), DNA cannot be successfully performed and one must turn to other methods. Histological analysis at times can be proposed. However, the variability of a single human skeleton has never been tested. Forty-nine thin sections of long, flat, irregular and short bones were obtained from a well-preserved medieval adult human skeleton. A qualitative histomorphological analysis was performed in order to assess the presence of primary and secondary bone and the presence, absence and orientation of vascular canals. No histological sections exhibited woven or fibro-lamellar bone. Long bones showed a higher variability with an alternation within the same section of areas characterized by tightly packed secondary osteons and areas with scattered secondary osteons immersed in a lamellar matrix. Flat and irregular bones appeared to be characterized by a greater uniformity with scattered osteons in abundant interstitial lamellae. Some cases of “osteon banding” and “drifting osteons” were observed. Although Haversian bone represent the most frequent pattern, a histomorphological variability between different bones of the same individual, in different portions of the same bone, and in different parts of the same section has been observed. Therefore, the present study has highlighted the importance of extending research to whole skeletons without focusing only on single bones, in order to have a better understanding of the histological variability of both human and non-human bone.