Disaster Victim Identification Research Articles

Tendons and table salt: A recipe to preserve human DNA

For disaster victim identification, hundreds of samples of human remains have to be extracted from human bodies rapidly for later DNA analysis, often in situation with high humidity, high temperature and no access to cooling facilities. Genetic typing of these samples may be challenging due to degradation of DNA. Until today, bone and teeth are the preferred biological matrix for genetic identification of decomposed human remains. However, processing these samples is time and cost consuming. To address the challenges associated with workload, finances, and sample preservation in the genetic identification of unknown dead bodies, we tested 44 hand and foot tendons from deceased with advanced post mortem changes as alternative DNA material. In addition, we examined commercially available table salt as potential preservation method with 10 tendons over a period of 12 months. The parameters external appearance, DNA quantity and quality have been analysed. Overall, 39 of 44 tendons examined yielded valuable DNA profiles with at least ten autosomal STR loci. Storage in table salt not only increased DNA yield but also resulted in high quality STR profiles of the preserved tendons throughout the study period of 12 months compared to storage without salt. According to the results of this study, we recommend hand and foot tendons as alternative DNA material from bodies with advanced post mortem changes. We particularly recommend commercially available table salt as a storage medium for the preservation of DNA samples. Under field conditions without cooling facilities and the need to store samples prior to DNA analysis table salt is a good storage medium: it preserves DNA and is easily available.

Sex determination and odontometric dimensions - A study of a North Indian population.

Sex determination is an indispensable parameter in identifying unknown deceased individuals. It can narrow down the chances of possible matches by 50%, providing a crucial lead in personal identification. In cases of commingled, decomposed, fragmented, charred and unidentifiable corpses, the importance of dental morphometrics cannot be overlooked due to the resistance of teeth to post-mortem degradation. Addressing this quality of teeth, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a North Indian population to evaluate sexual variations in dental dimensions and to identify the most sexually dimorphic dental dimension. The study included 207 participants (114 females and 93 males) in the age group of 21 to 45 years. Dental casts were prepared after obtaining informed consent from the participants and ethical clearance from the institute's ethical committee. Six odontometric dimensions, namely incisor-incisor distance, inter canine distance, combined width of central incisors, inter-premolar distance, inter-molar distance, and dental arch height of each participant were recorded on the dental casts using standard procedures. Analysis of the data elucidated the existence of statistically significant sexual dimorphism in the dental dimensions of the participants. The results of the discriminant function analysis show a sex determination accuracy of 68.1%, with a cross-validation accuracy of 65.2%. The study found the incisor-incisor distance to be the most sexually dimorphic trait, making it the best predictor of sex in the present population. The results of the present study may be helpful in sex determination and personal identification from dental remains in medico-legal and disaster victim identification cases.

Forensic facial identification – reconstruction of facial geometry and shape from dental dimensions

Human identification has always remained as a main task of forensic anthropology and forensic science for various purposes. The purpose of human identification may vary from legal identity to disaster victim identification, from criminal identity to unidentified deceased identification. The condition, such as putrefaction, charring and mutilation of corpse always become an obstacle during the process of identification. Due to surviving nature of teeth, they may serve as evidence for identification in highly decomposed conditions. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 207 participants (93 males and 114 females) in the age range of 21 to 45 years with the aim of two-dimensional facial reconstruction. Dental casts, anthropometric facial measurements and facial photographs were obtained from the participants. Dental measurements were taken on the cast in the laboratory. Statistical analysis revealed a weak but statistically significant correlation between the dental and facial parameters. The geometrical faces and the shapes were reconstructed based on the dental dimensions. The reconstructed facial geometry and shapes were very similar to the true facial geometry and facial shapes of the individual. By improving identification of disaster victims and unidentified deceased, the results of the study can have considerable implications in forensic and medico-legal case-works.

The radiographic diversity of dental patterns among 7219 young individuals-a contribution to disaster victim identification.

The diversity of dental patterns is a fundamental topic in disaster victim identification. The current scientific literature, however, is scarce of data regarding young individuals. This study aimed to assess the radiographic diversity of dental patterns, considering missing, unrestored, and filled teeth in young individuals. The sample consisted of 7219 panoramic radiographs of individuals between 12 and 22.9 years. The permanent teeth, except third molars, were coded as missing, unrestored, or filled and odds ratios (OR) were calculated based on sex, dental arch, and age. The sex-combined sample had 1.116 distinctive dental patterns. "All unrestored" teeth was the most common pattern (OR: 0.437) followed by the sequence of unrestored teeth except restored mandibular first molars (OR: 0.021). Females had more distinctive dental patterns than males (p < .001), while males had more unrestored teeth (p < .001). In the age category of 12-12.9 years, the OR for finding a distinctive dental pattern was 11%, while in the age category of 22-22.9 years it increased to 58%. On the other hand, the OR for "all unrestored" gradually decreased according to age (74% in the younger category, and 23% in the older age category). The distinctiveness of dental patterns among young individuals is affected by the predominance of unrestored teeth. However, registering a single filled tooth in a remaining unrestored dentition can reduce exponentially the probability of finding an identical pattern of missing, unrestored and filled teeth.

The Texas Landscape: Accounting for Migrant Mortality and the Challenges of a Justice of the Peace Medicolegal System

Executive Summary This paper details the structural and resource challenges in Texas related to identifying migrant decedents, investigating their deaths, repatriating them, and adhering to legal and ethical requirements in addressing this humanitarian tragedy. While actors working on migrant decedent investigations in Arizona can map and provide accurate counts of migrant deaths, this is not yet possible for Texas cases. Texas’ mixed Medical Examiner/Justice of the Peace medicolegal system suffers from fragmentation across county jurisdictions, lack of resources, and minimal access to investigative tools for transnational families. These challenges produce a landscape where unidentified presumed migrants may structurally disappear (e.g., buried in temporarily marked graves as unidentified persons with no investigation or case tracking). The article highlights the work of Operation Identification (OpID), a humanitarian project formed to assist border counties with recovering, identifying, and repatriating migrant decedents. OpID’s extensive community outreach and collaboration with governmental and nongovernmental partners in the United States and Latin America have improved practices in some Texas counties. However, systemic change is still needed to address this humanitarian disaster. The article proposes that presumed migrant decedents be managed using a disaster victim identification (DVI) approach, which prioritizes identification, rather than how and why someone dies. It also proposes the establishment of regional Migrant Identification Centers (MICs) to streamline identification and repatriation efforts, while ensuring compliance with Texas law by Justices of the Peace (JPs). Centralization, the article argues, can lead to more accurate counts of migrant deaths and lay the groundwork for greater resources. The article also supports increased access to national databases including the National Combined DNA Indexing System (CODIS) and the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). It argues that transnational families of missing persons be afforded expanded access to investigative tools (e.g., NamUs)

Integrating Innovation with Tradition: Drones and Takaful in Mass Disaster Victim Identification

Integrating Innovation with Tradition: Drones and Takaful in Mass Disaster Victim Identification

Efficacy of Mastoid Morphometry in Sex Determination Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Analysis in Dakshina Kannada Population.

To evaluate the morphology of the mastoid process and its role in sex determination with the help of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A retrospective study was conducted on 200 adults who were subjected to full FOV CBCT scans (100 males and 100 females). Eight parameters of the mastoid process were assessed for sex determination. The study measured eight parameters of the mastoid process, including mastoid length (ML), mastoid width, mastoid height (MH), intermastoidale distance (IMD), intermastoidale lateral surface distance (IMLSD), mastoid medial convergence angle, mastoid size (MS), and mastoid surface area (MSA). Data were recorded and statistically analyzed. Statistics revealed a significant value for MH (p < 0.001), IMD (p < 0.001), IMLSD (p < 0.001), MSA (p < 0.001), MS (p < 0.001), and ML (p = 0.032). A highly significant value was noted for MH (p < 0.001), IMD (p < 0.001), IMLSD (p < 0.001), MSA (p < 0.001), MS (p < 0.001), followed by ML, all of which were found to be greater in males. Out of the eight parameters, IMD was found to be the best sex determinant among all the eight parameters, with an accuracy of 70%. The study showed a significant difference between the mastoid process morphometric measurements for males and females. It can be concluded from the present study that IMD can be used as a good index for sex determination. The combined parameters that were found to be the most accurate were right MH, left ML, and IMLSD, with an accuracy of 75%. The three-dimensional imaging techniques can contribute significantly towards disaster victim identification and sex determination in the fields of forensic odontology and anthropology. For the recognition of victims, sex determination becomes one of the most difficult parameters to assess. In such events, the mastoid process can become an important anatomical landmark for the estimation of sex. This is due to the condensed nature of the petrous bone and its protected position in the skull. How to cite this article: Ahmed J, Saha A, Muralidharan A, et al. Efficacy of Mastoid Morphometry in Sex Determination Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Analysis in Dakshina Kannada Population. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(5):453-458.

INTERMEDIATE RESULTS OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE NEW PERMANENTLY OPERATING CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION OF THE ETAF HUMANITARIAN MISSION FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF DEAD IN MASS DISASTERS OPENED IN UKRAINE

The work describes the intermediate results of the Humanitarian Training Center by the European Training Center for Disaster Victim Identification and Forensic Sciences – forensic medical identification of victims of mass disasters, which was opened in September 2023 in Chernivtsi on the basis of the Bukovyna State Medical University and CMI "Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination", in connection with the full-scale invasion of the troops of the russian federation into Ukraine. The center was created to solve humanitarian tasks during armed conflicts and mass disasters.

Collaboration between forensic odontology and forensic pathology is crucial in Disaster Victim Identification

While forensic pathologists have always played a pivotal role in victim identification after mass casualties, new developments in forensic methods have given forensic anthropologists more agency in positively identifying individuals who were previously unidentifiable.This review aims to contribute to the refinement of diagnostic tools, ensure optimal utilization of remnants and information available, and emphasize the contributions of forensic pathologists and forensic odontologist to victim identification and the importance of forensic pathologists and forensic odontologist in the criminal justice system. Considering the Interpol DVI Guide's emphasis on fingerprints, dental examinations, and DNA as primary identifiers, the forensic pathologist's role as the leader of a multidisciplinary team of experts in a disaster situation has taken on new significance. This is due to the forensic pathologist's and forensic odontologist training and experience leading similar teams during routine operations at a forensics institute. This thorough examination highlights the utmost significance of the job carried out by forensic pathologists and forensic odontologist. They play an important role in the judicial process by providing expert views in criminal investigations. Their expertise ensures accurate identification of victims and provides critical evidence that is necessary for holding offenders responsible. Their contributions are fundamental to the administration of justice, highlighting the great importance of their function in the overall structure of the criminal judicial system.

Review of SNP assays for disaster victim identification: Cost, time, and performance information for decision-makers.

In mass disaster events, forensic DNA laboratories may be called upon to quickly pivot their operations toward identifying bodies and reuniting remains with family members. Ideally, laboratories have considered this possibility in advance and have a plan in place. Compared with traditional short tandem repeat (STR) typing, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may be better suited to these disaster victim identification (DVI) scenarios due to their small genomic target size, resulting in an improved success rate in degraded DNA samples. As the landscape of technology has shifted toward DNA sequencing, many forensic laboratories now have benchtop instruments available for massively parallel sequencing (MPS), facilitating this operational pivot from routine forensic STR casework to DVI SNP typing. Herein, we present the commercially available SNP sequencing assays amenable to DVI, we use data simulations to explore the potential for kinship prediction from SNP panels of varying sizes, and we give an example DVI scenario as context for presenting the matrix of considerations: kinship predictive potential, cost, and throughput of current SNP assay options. This information is intended to assist laboratories in choosing a SNP system for disaster preparedness.

Javaslat egy hazai áldozatazonosítási szolgálat létrehozására

Following a comparison of protocols for disaster victim identification (dvi) in the United States and within Interpol, the author sets forth an initiative to establish disaster victim identification units in Hungary.

Piece by piece-a computer-aided method for virtual re-association of commingled fragmented remains.

Mass disasters with highly fragmented bodies represent a major challenge for the disaster victim identification (DVI) teams.Using CT-scans of the fragments, a virtual re-association method could enhance the DVI process and reduce the number of genetic analysis required.A laboratory setting using porcine femurs shown that the VRA process could start earlier and was faster than the physical re-association.Although methodological limits were highlighted, and the efficiency of the method has to be re-evaluated, the controlled bombing showed that the VRA could be applied in a real case scenario.

Identification of Distorted Fingerprints Using Wavelet Method and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)

Biometrics offers a valuable tool for disaster victim identification, particularly through fingerprints. However, distorted or damaged fingerprints pose a significant challenge for recognition. This study explores the potential of Wavelet and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) techniques to enhance the accuracy of distorted fingerprint recognition. Wavelet transform addresses the non-stationary nature of images and reduces detected noise. Convolutional Autoencoder, a CNN component, generates simplified feature representations from input images and attempts to reconstruct them. Utilizing 500 fingerprint samples, the testing results demonstrate accuracy variations ranging from 11% to 59.2%. Image reconstruction achieved 7.16% to 12.47% accuracy, while fingerprint matching attained accuracies between 92.71% and 93.96%. Averaging across all damage levels, the overall accuracy reached 37.65%, with average fingerprint reconstruction at 9.31% and average matching accuracy at 93.03%. The successful reconstruction and matching of distorted fingerprints within a certain range of damage using Wavelet and Convolutional Neural Network highlights the promising potential of these techniques for improved fingerprint identification in forensic and security contexts.

A review of the contributions of forensic archaeology and anthropology to the process of disaster victim identification.

Forensic archaeology and anthropology have developed significantly over past decades and now provide considerable assistance to the investigation process of disaster victim recovery and identification. In what are often chaotic death and crime scenes, the formal process of utilizing archaeological methods can bring control, order, and ensure systematic search. Procedures assist in defining scene extent, locating victims and evidence, rule out areas for consideration, and provide standardized recording and quality assurance through dedicated use of standardized forms (pro formas). Combined archaeological and anthropological search methods maximize opportunities to recovery the missing through identifying remains, mapping distributions, and providing accounting of victims at the scene. Anthropological assistance in examinations contributes to individual assessment, resolving commingling and fragmentation issues, and utilizing DNA sampling methods and matching data to reassociate and account for the missing. Utilization of archaeology, anthropology, and DNA matching data provides scope to review crime scene recovery and determine requirements and potential for further survey and retrieval. Adopting the most suitable methods for a particular context can maximize recovery, efficiency, and resource use. Case studies demonstrate the utility of archaeological methods in a range of scenarios. They exemplify the success of multidisciplinary analysis in providing evidence of the sequence of events, the timing of events, the impact of taphonomic processes, the location and accounting of victims, and the demonstration of systematic scene search. The considerations provided in this article, utilizing archaeology and anthropology processes, may assist investigators in planning and implementing responses to mass fatalities.

Facial recognition for disaster victim identification

Mass disaster events can result in high levels of casualties that need to be identified. Whilst disaster victim identification (DVI) relies on primary identifiers of DNA, fingerprints, and dental, these require ante-mortem data that may not exist or be easily obtainable. Facial recognition technology may be able to assist. Automated facial recognition has advanced considerably and access to ante-mortem facial images are readily available. Facial recognition could therefore be used to expedite the DVI process by narrowing down leads before primary identifiers are made available. This research explores the feasibility of using automated facial recognition technology to support DVI. We evaluated the performance of a commercial-off-the-self facial recognition algorithm on post-mortem images (representing images taken after a mass disaster) against ante-mortem images (representing a database that may exist within agencies who hold face databases for identity documents (such as passports or driver's licenses). We explored facial recognition performance for different operational scenarios, with different levels of face image quality, and by cause of death. Our research is the largest facial recognition evaluation of post-mortem and ante-mortem images to date. We demonstrated that facial recognition technology would be valuable for DVI and that the performance varies by image quality and cause of death. We provide recommendations for future research.

Disaster victim identification: Stable isotope analysis and the identification of unknown decedents.

Within the complex world of disaster victim identification, or DVI, forensic science practitioners use a variety of investigative techniques to work toward a common goal: identification of the decedents, bringing closure to the affected communities. Identification is a complex undertaking; the event (disaster) also can be extraordinarily complex, as it may be an acute event, or one that spans months or years. Compounding this time issue, remains may be heavily fragmented, dispersed, commingled, or otherwise disrupted by either the perpetrators or the disaster itself. To help solve these complexities, we explore the use of stable isotope analysis (SIA) in DVI events. SIA can be used with a variety of body tissues (hair, nail, bone, and teeth), and each represents different time depths in a decedent's life. Bone collagen and tooth enamel carbonate are useful to reconstruct an individual's diet and source water intakes, respectively, leading to likely population or geographic origin determinations. Additionally, the carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures of bone collagen have calculated intraperson ranges. These facts allow investigators to determine likely origin of remains using isotopic data and can be used to link skeletal elements (to an individual), or perhaps more importantly, show that remains are not linked. Application of SIA can thus speed remains identification by eliminating individuals from short lists for identification, linking or decoupling remains, and reducing the need for some DNA testing. These strategies and hypothesis tests should commence early in the DVI process to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of Teeth for Identification of Natural Disaster Victims in Manila, Philippines

Introduction: Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes often cause significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure. Identification of victims of natural disasters is an important aspect in the recovery process and forensic investigation. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been proven to be an effective tool for individual identification due to its stable and maternally inherited nature. Teeth are an ideal source of DNA material for mtDNA analysis because they are durable against environmental degradation. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mtDNA analysis of teeth for identifying victims of natural disasters in Manila, Philippines. Methods: Dental samples were collected from identified natural disaster victims and their family members. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted from teeth and analyzed using PCR and DNA sequencing techniques. The results of the mtDNA analysis were compared with mtDNA data obtained from family members to confirm the victim's identity. Results: Analysis of mtDNA on teeth succeeded in identifying all victims of natural disasters identified in this study. The mtDNA analysis results were consistent with mtDNA data obtained from family members, indicating the effectiveness of this method for individual identification. Conclusion: Analysis of mtDNA in teeth is a valuable tool for the identification of victims of natural disasters. This method can help in the recovery process and forensic investigations after natural disasters.

Advances in postmortem fingerprinting: Applications in disaster victim identification.

Postmortem fingerprinting is the fastest and most reliable way to scientifically identify unknown decedents from mass fatality incidents. In disaster victim identification (DVI), fingerprints, DNA, and dental examinations are the three primary methods of identification. Additional secondary identifiers such as comparative medical radiography, scars, marks, and tattoos can also be used if viable antemortem information can be located. As DNA technology continues to evolve, RAPID DNA may now identify a profile within 90 min if the remains are not degraded or comingled. When there are true unknowns, however, there is usually no DNA, dental, or medical records to retrieve for a comparison without a tentative identity. It is imperative to understand how to properly collect postmortem prints following various postmortem changes, which databases are available to search against, and what additional resources are available prior to any such event occurring. With advances in technology, automated fingerprint searching is faster than ever before. Mobile devices can now search all the major databases within a matter of minutes from a cell phone or tablet utilizing a peripheral fingerprint scanner. Preliminary research into the application of WD-40® when utilizing optical-capacitive scanners has shown to greatly increase the efficacy of capturing usable fingerprints. This additional step allows for the digital capture of fingerprints in even complicated settings, both in daily cases and DVI incidents. This article outlines all the available ways to obtain postmortem fingerprints in complex cases, and how they can be applied to efficiently and effectively used in the DVI process.

First Responder's Standard Operating Procedure for Employing Drones to Expedite Insurance Claims

Drones offer cost-effective real-time data collection, payload delivery, and have accelerated various commercial, industrial, and recreational applications. They are commonly used for research, disease transmission monitoring, disaster site assessment, and biohazard monitoring. However, disaster victim insurance claims are hampered by insufficient cooperation between first responders, typically the Civil Defence Department, and the insurance industry. This paper proposes integrating drones into standard operating procedures for disaster victim identification by first responders. Improved collaboration between first responders and insurers can expedite insurance claims, benefiting both parties and disaster victims. Insights are drawn from feedback provided by Civil Defence Department Malaysia's first responders and experienced forensic experts in search and rescue operations

Assessing the feasibility of free DNA for disaster victim identification and forensic applications

In tropical disaster victim identification (DVI) scenarios, challenging environmental conditions lead to accelerated DNA degradation in remains. To further enhance the utilization of leached DNA from tissue in the preservative solution (termed “free DNA”) as an alternative source, we incorporated new results by assessing its integrity in postmortem and decomposing cadavers preserved in DNA/RNA Shield™ and modified TENT, with silica-based purification (QIAquick®) for faster processing. The psoas muscle tissues of one decomposed and ten cadavers were preserved in each solution at 25 °C and 35 °C for 3 months. Free DNA efficiency was compared with individual reference samples for reliable results in quantity, quality, and STR profiles. The findings revealed that DNA/RNA Shield™ effectively preserves free DNA integrity for extended storage, while modified TENT is more suitable for short-term storage due to higher degradation levels. Moreover, the use of free DNA samples with massive parallel sequencing displays potential for forensic DNA analysis. Successful amplification of the mtDNA control region enables variant calling and heteroplasmy analysis while also serving as quality control using ACTB and enabling differentiation within the 16S rRNA region for microbiome analysis. The simplicity of handling free DNA for PCR-based forensic analysis adds to its potential for various applications, including DVI and field-based analysis of biological evidence.