Identification Of Human Remains Research Articles

The Enormous Dimensions of Forensic Odontology

Forensic Odontology, a branch of Forensic sciences that is concerned with dental evidence, has established itself as an important indispensable science in medicolegal matters and has a greater scope of development. It is the study of teeth and jaw as evidence in law and justice. Forensic odontologists help legal authorities and prepare dental evidence by management and maintenance of dental records which contain all legal documents for unique dental information assisting in identification of human remains. This branch can also be of great help in managing human abuse, malpractice, fraud and personal injury cases, assessment of age and sex of the person. This article provides an overview of the basic concepts and conventional methods along with the recent trends used in forensic odontology.

The identification of British war casualties: The work of the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre

The Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre Commemorations team (JCCC), part of the British Ministry of Defence, is responsible for managing the identification of human remains from British casualties who fell during WWI and WWII primarily. With this task in mind, the work to identify and rebury the historic battle casualties is at the heart of this team’s work. In addition, the team also considers new evidence regarding possible identification of an individual buried as “unknown” and they administer the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. This paper provides an insight into the work undertaken by this Team, identifying and commemorating the remains of WWI and WWII British casualties. The paper also includes several case studies.

Men at war, recovery and analysis of soldiers’ remains from the WWI and WWII Italian Front

Italy was hit hard by the World Wars, still today the discovery of human remains dating back to 20th century is a common phenomenon, in particular on Alpine glaciers, due to climate changes. The authors will describe the Italian scenario in terms of legislation, scientific procedures and related disciplines involved, then the difficulties in the identification of human remains of soldiers, but also potential issues related to uncontrolled “scavenging” activities and consequent ethical aspects. The interdisciplinarity, used as systematic approach to deal with complex cases, allowed the presumptive identification of a WWI soldier recovered after one century from the glaciers of the Adamello mountain, as described. Putting aside the national perspective, the authors endorse and encourage the establishment of an international working group in order to share common issues, to exchange experience and to build global best-practices.

Mandibular Ramus Sexual Dimorphism Using Panoramic Radiography

Background: Identification of human remains is the first essential phase of forensic investigation and is significant for subsequent analyses. Mandible is the most dimorphic, largest, and hardest bone of skull and plays a decisive role in sex determination, especially when the complete skull is not available. This study aimed to examine the accuracy of mandibular ramus assessment in sex discrimination using panoramic radiography. Methods: A total of 135 panoramic radiographs (68 males and 67 females; aged 0-75 years) were retrieved from the database of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Iran and divided into five groups :4-14, 16-30, 31-45, 45-60, and 61- 75 years. The following four parameters were measured on the radiographs utilizing the mouse-driven method to determine sex: coronoid height (CRH), ramus height (RH), mandibular body height (MBH), and bicondylar breadth (BB). The radiographs were processed using the SCANORA® software. Data were analyzed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) graphs, t test, and the IBM SPSS software version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). Results: The percentage of certainty of each variable regarding the determination of sex from an unknown human mandible bone was as follows: RH=84.6%, CRH=82.4%, BB=73.5%, and MBH=83.8%, indicating that RH alone could categorize the sex in 84.6% of the cases (highest accuracy), CRH in 82.4%, BB in 73.5% (lowest accuracy), and MBH in 83.8%. The average accuracy in sex determination was 89% using all four variables. Conclusions: All the variables studied in the present study revealed a reliable extent of certainty for sex discrimination of unidentified skeletal remains. The overall accuracy of all variables altogether was 89%.

Human Remains Identification, Grief, and Posttraumatic Stress in Bereaved Family Members 14 Years After the September 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks.

Returning human remains to family members after a loved one's death is thought to support grief adaptation. However, no known research has examined the effects that notifications of fragmented remains have on bereaved family members. We examined the number of notifications received, continuing questions about the death, grief severity, and posttraumatic stress (PTS) in family members bereaved by the September 11, 2001 attacks (N = 454). One notification was associated with fewer continuing questions compared to zero notifications, p = .037, or two or more notifications, p = .009. A model using notifications and continuing questions to predict grief severity showed there was no difference between receiving one and zero notifications, p = .244; however, receipt of two or more notifications was associated with higher grief severity compared to zero notifications, p = .032. A similar model demonstrated that receipt of any notifications was associated with PTS, ɳp 2 = .026, p = .006. Having continuing questions was associated with grief severity, ɳp 2 = .170, p < .001; and PTS, ɳp 2 = .086, p < .001. Additionally, participants who received one notification and chose not to receive more had fewer continuing questions compared to all other participants, and participants who received two or more notifications and chose no future notifications had higher PTS levels compared to all other participants. The results indicate that human remains notification is not associated with reduced grief severity but is associated with PTS. These findings should inform notification policy and guide families' notification choice after traumatic deaths.

A standalone humanitarian DNA identification database system to increase identification of human remains of foreign nationals.

The identification of missing persons and human remains is a worldwide problem which has been exacerbated with increased migrations and rampant human trafficking and smuggling cases. DNA typing and DNA databases are primary tools and resources used to help identify human remains and missing persons. The foundation of most, if not all, national DNA database systems, e.g., CODIS, is law enforcement identification. With such database systems, compliance with statutory and operational requirements is necessary to ensure the integrity of the databases. However, because of conditions in their homelands, relatives of missing persons at times may not trust the government and may be reluctant to contact a law enforcement agency, making it difficult to satisfy the law enforcement nexus necessary for entry into a national DNA database. A potential solution to increase the identification of unidentified human remains found within the USA, such as those that may be of foreign nationals, the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification (UNTCHI) has created a Humanitarian DNA Identification DNA Database (HDID) that enables family reference sample DNA profiles from non-US citizens to be compared with the DNA profiles from unidentified human remains within its local database system. This short communication describes the needs, basis, policies, and practices to inform the scientific, investigative, and legal communities and the public so that various entities may become aware and consider submitting family reference sample (FRS) profiles from foreign nationals for the purpose of searching against UNTCHI's HDID. It is our hope that by creating this HDID, another vehicle is available to support identification of human remains within the USA and to bring much needed answers to the family members of missing persons. The HDID will merge high forensic quality and best practices with the broader accessibility for non-US families to voluntarily donate DNA profiles for searching for missing loved ones.

Comparison of strontium isotope ratios in Mexican human hair and tap water as provenance indicators

Deceased undocumented border crossers are some of the most difficult individuals to identify due to the inability to narrow down the region of origin and therefore to obtain family reference samples for DNA comparison. The isotopic compositions of various body tissues have been demonstrated to be useful biomarkers for tracking locations and movements to aid in the identification of human remains. This study closes the large spatial gap of available 87Sr/86Sr ratios from North America in tap water and presents the first 87Sr/86Sr human tissue-based ratios from Mexico. The 101 hair samples from 32 locations in Mexico range in 87Sr/86Sr ratios from 0.70424 to 0.71613 (ΔSrmax–min=0.01189). Furthermore, 151 tap water samples from 51 locations range between 0.70404 to 0.71385 (ΔSrmax–min=0.00981). Overall, small variations in the hair and tap water samples collected from individual locations were recorded (ΔSrmax–min=0.00041 and 0.00034 respectively). Despite the fact that Mexico is one of the largest bottled water consumers in the world, the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of human hair and tap water correlated strongly (R2=0.87 for location averages and R2=0.80 when using individual data points). These data represent a valuable resource for identifying the provenance of human remains.

Using histomorphometry for human and nonhuman distinction: A test of four methods on fresh and archaeological fragmented bones

Positive identification of human remains is the very first step in anthropological analysis, and the task may be particularly difficult in the case of fragmented bones. Histomorphometry methods have been developed to discriminate human from nonhuman bones, based on differences in the size and shape of Haversian systems between the two groups. Those methods all focus on a very specific type of bone, section, and zone. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test the efficiency of four histomorphometric methods on a sample of fragmented bones. The sample is composed of 37 archaeological and fresh specimens, 25 nonhumans (Bos taurus, Equus caballus, Sus scrofa, Capreolus, Canis familiaris, Cervus elaphus, Ovis, and Capra) and 12 humans (Homo sapiens). Eight histomorphometric criteria were collected from all intact osteons visible on each fragment and then inserted into the corresponding discriminate function of each method. The results were compared with the real origin to establish rates of correct classification for each method. The methods of Martiniaková et al. (2006) and Crescimanno and Stout (2012) obtained very low percentages of good classification (32 % and 67 %). Those of Cattaneo et al. (1999) obtained 94 % correct classification, but only after a correction of the units of measurement for Haversian canal area in their formula. The methods of Dominguez and Crowder (2012) obtained an 86 % rate for well-classified specimens. Some of the methods tested here contain errors in the original publication that make them unusable in their current state. Plus, it seems that histomorphometric methods developed from specific areas are more difficult to apply to fragments. A reduced number of intact osteons analyzed may partially affect the reliability of the method by being unrepresentative of the entire microstructure. Therefore, this study demonstrates that one should be cautious with the use of histomorphometric methods to distinguish human and nonhuman fragmented bone until further research can refine these methods to achieve greater reliability.

The challenge of predicting human pigmentation traits in degraded bone samples with the MPS-based HIrisPlex-S system

Identification of human remains is an important part of human DNA analysis studies. STR and mitochondrial DNA markers are well suited for the analysis of degraded biological samples including bone material. However, these DNA markers may be useless when reference material is not available. In these cases, predictive DNA analysis can support the process of human identification by providing investigative leads. Forensic DNA phenotyping has progressed significantly by offering new methods based on massively parallel sequencing technology, but the frequent degradation processes observed in skeletal remains can make analysis of such samples challenging.In this study, we demonstrate the usefulness of a recently established Ion AmpliSeqTM HIrisPlex-S panel using Ion Torrent technology for analyzing bone samples that show different levels of DNA degradation. In total, 63 bone samples at post-mortem intervals up to almost 80 years were genotyped and eye, hair and skin colour predictions were performed using the HIrisPlex-S models.Following the recommended coverage thresholds, it was possible to establish full DNA profiles comprising of 41 DNA variants for 35 samples (55.6%). For 5 samples (7.9%) no DNA profiles were generated. The remaining 23 samples (36.5%) produced partial profiles and showed a clear underperformance of 3 HIrisPlex-S SNPs - rs1545397 (OCA2), rs1470608 (OCA2) and rs10756819 (BNC2), all used for skin colour prediction only. None of the 23 samples gave complete genotypes needed for skin colour prediction was obtained, and in 7 of them (25.9%) the 3 underperformed SNPs were the cause. At the same time, the prediction of eye and hair colour using complete IrisPlex and HIrisPlex profiles could be made for these 23 samples in 20 (87.0%) and 12 cases (52.2%), respectively.Complete HIrisPlex-S profiles were generated from as little as 49 pg of template DNA. Five samples for which the HIrisPlex-S analysis failed, consistently failed in standard STR analysis. Importantly, the 3 underperforming SNPs produced significantly lower number of reads in good quality samples. Nonetheless, the AUC loss resulting from missing data for these 3 SNPs is not considered large (≤0.004) and the prediction of pigmentation from partial profiles is also available in the current HPS tool.The study shows that DNA degradation and the resulting loss of data are the most serious challenge to DNA phenotyping of skeletal remains. Although the newly developed HIrisPlex-S panel has been successfully validated in the current research, primer redesign for the 3 underperforming SNPs in the MPS design should be considered in the future.

Using already-solved cases of a mass disaster event for prioritizing the search among remaining victims: a Bayesian approach

This work presents a new method for assisting in the identification process of missing persons in several contexts, such as enforced disappearances. We apply a Bayesian technique to incorporate non-genetic variables in the construction of prior information. In that way, we can learn from the already-solved cases of a particular mass event of death, and use that information to guide the search among remaining victims. This paper describes a particular application to the proposed method to the identification of human remains of the so-called disappeared during the last dictatorship in Argentina, which lasted from 1976 until 1983. Potential applications of the techniques presented hereby, however, are much wider. The central idea of our work is to take advantage of the already-solved cases within a certain event to use the gathered knowledge to assist in the investigation process, enabling the construction of prioritized rankings of victims that could correspond to each certain unidentified human remains.

Sex estimation using the proximal end of the femur on a modern Chilean sample

Sex estimation is fundamental for the identification of skeletonized human remains in forensic contexts. The methods most often used are based on pelvis and skull morphology evaluation. When these elements are not available due to poor preservation, other bone elements, such as the femur, can be used given its good preservation and marked sexual dimorphism. Particularly, the proximal end of the femur is the most dimorphic region of this bone, so its evaluation is especially useful for sex estimation. A set of new sex estimation models were elaborated utilizing 8 metric variables from the proximal end of the femur in a modern Chilean sample of 270 individuals (200 individuals for training, 70 individuals for validation) from the Santiago Modern Osteological Collection. Sex estimation models were calculated using logistic regression. Results showed that the models based on the femoral neck measurements are the best sex estimators, with up to 92.9% (univariable models) and 95.7% (multivariable models) of overall accuracy and low sex bias. The models proposed here are the most accurate reported to date for modern Chilean population and can contribute toward the identification of human remains in cases of Human Rights violations committed during the Civil-Military Dictatorship in Chile (1973–1990).

Spatial Distributions of Oxygen Stable Isotope Ratios in Tap Water From Mexico for Region of Origin Predictions of Unidentified Border Crossers.

One of the many difficulties associated with identifying undocumented border crossers stems from an inability to narrow down the search area for the region of origin and family members to obtain family reference samples for DNA comparison. While the geography of regions of origins is wide, the biological profiles of the undocumented border crossers often show strong similarities, young and male. The isotopic composition of human bones, teeth, and hair has been demonstrated to be useful biomarkers for tracing locations and movements of individuals and for aiding in the identification of human remains. Data obtained from human remains can be compared to and aligned with various reference sources, such as soils and bedrock, archaeological remains, or cultural data. Here, the spatial deficiency in isotopic reference data for Mexico, specifically for oxygen (δ18 O) isotopes in tap water, is being addressed through the collection and analysis of over 150 water samples and explored with tooth enamel isotopic values from recently identified Mexican nationals. The isoscape was developed using a Spine with Barriers interpolation method and shows sufficient detail to narrow down the regions where specific isotopic values are represented. The individuals were plotted on the developed isoscape using conditional correlations. The methodology was successful in assigning the correct regions of origin for the two individuals, which shows the tremendous potential of the developed isoscape. Nonetheless, there is more research needed to further improve upon this geolocation method, including analysis of multiple isotopes in different tissues, and the development of new isotopic methods.

Application of anthropometric measurements analysis for stature in human vertebral column: A systematic review

Abstract Identification of skeletal human remains as the biggest challenge in forensic anthropology. Human stature estimation is an important biological profile component during forensic anthropological investigation. This systematic review summarised the application of anthropometric measurements on human vertebral column for stature prediction in different population. An extensive literature search was done in PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar from 2009 to 2019. The inclusive criteria include English studies that used anthropometry method on human vertebral columns for prediction of stature during identification skeletal remains. During the literature search, 38 related articles were found, whereby 13 had met the inclusion criteria. Most study showed a positive correlation of various anthropometric measurements on human vertebra column for stature estimation in different populations. This evidence-based review revealed the usefulness of anthropometric measurements using human vertebra column as an alternative method other than long bones for identification of human remains among different populations. Further studies are needed to determine the best reliable methods for stature estimation among various anthropometric measurements with a more advanced meta-analysis of the results on human vertebra column.

Mastoid and Magnum – Hidden Key in Forensics – A Retrospective Three-Dimensional Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Study

Introduction and Aim: The identification of skeletal remains and decomposing them is the most challenging skill in medicolegal investigations. Gender determination utilizing the skeletal remains has been of keen interest. This study aims to assess the role of the foramen magnum (FM) and mastoids in gender determination through osteometric analysis using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the osteometric measurements in relation to FM (shape, length, width, and area) and mastoid process (length, width, height, angle, area, and intermastoid distance) was assessed in 60 CBCT images in Planmeca ProMax three-dimensional midface machine using Romexis software, taken for the purpose of various dental treatments in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College, Chennai. Results: P Conclusion: Throughout history, dental forensics has played a major role in the identification of human remains. CBCT is gaining more popularity in the recent times over the other conventional radiographic techniques because of lesser radiation exposure, better accuracy thus it could widen the frontiers of forensics. With the emerging trends in forensics, this study will reveal the explicit aid of FM and the mastoid process using CBCT in forensic odontology.

DNA Identification of Human Remains in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI): An Identification of Burned Girls Students in Tanzania

The Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) in Tanzania is the only institution offering DNA testing in solving various human identification challenges using Human DNA technology. Globally, forensic DNA typing has undeniably been a useful tool employed in cases such as criminal investigation,, missing persons and parentage testing. In Tanzania, the indispensable need for Human DNA technology in human identification was greatly emphasized in August 2009 following the inferno at Idodi secondary school in Iringa region whereby the fire burnt and razed a girl’s dormitory to the ground killing twelve girls student while leaving twenty students severely wounded. The cause of the fire was later determined to have been due to a lit candle by a student aiming to study late into the night even after the power generator had been switched off. DNA typing of 15 autosomal Short Tandem Repeat markers using ABI 3100 Genetic Analyser was performed on samples collected from the recovered deceased bodies and their relatives. Successful human identification was achieved for all twelve recovered bodies and their reunification with their respective families. Therefore, the Idodi gruesome incident marked both an icon in scientific approach towards the utilization of DNA technology for disaster victim identification and usefulness of experts’ collaborations from different disciplines in mass fatalities and human identification in Tanzania.

To Investigate the Frequency of Patient Identity Validation when First Registering with a Dental Practice in the British Isles (UK)

Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of patient identity validation when they first register with a dental practice in the British Isles. Methods: The study reviewed responses made by 123 dental practices across mainland UK, including the Highlands and Islands, comprising Northern Ireland, Scilly Isles, Isle of Man, Channel Isles, Western Isles, Shetland Isles, Hebrides, and the Orkney Isles, to the question, “When a new patient first registers with your practice, is any proof of identity required before they are able to book an appointment and see a clinician?” Results: In total, 1156 UK dental practices (approx. 9.62% of total number of UK dental practices) were polled, and of the 123 practices who responded to the questionnaire, 120 reported not asking new patients for any form of formal identification, and 3 practices (2.44% of the respondents) reported requesting formal photographic ID, before enrolling new patients. Conclusion: With only three of the practices out of 123 respondents surveyed asking for proof of identity when new patients enroll at that practice, there does appear to be a disparity between the legal weight that dental records hold in the process of identification of human remains, relative to the level of proof of identity from which the former is taken.

Identification of human remains using Rapid DNA analysis

Rapid identification of human remains following mass casualty events is essential to bring closure to family members and friends of the victims. Unfortunately, disaster victim identification, missing persons identification, and forensic casework analysis are often complicated by sample degradation due to exposure to harsh environmental conditions. Following a mass disaster, forensic laboratories may be overwhelmed by the number of dissociated portions that require identification and reassociation or compromised by the event itself. The interval between the disaster and receipt of victim samples at a laboratory is critical in that sample quality deteriorates as the postmortem interval increases. When bodies decompose due to delay in collection, transport, and sample processing, DNA becomes progressively fragmented, adversely impacting identification. We have previously developed a fully automated, field-forward Rapid DNA identification system that produces STR profiles (also referred to as DNA IDs or DNA fingerprints) from buccal and crime scene samples. The system performs all sample processing and data interpretation in less than 2 h. Here, we present results on Rapid DNA identification performed on several tissue types (including buccal, muscle, liver, brain, tooth, and bone) from exposed human bodies placed above ground or stored in a morgue/cooler, two scenarios commonly encountered following mass disasters. We demonstrate that for exposed remains, buccal swabs are the sample of choice for up to 11 days exposure and bone and tooth samples generated excellent DNA IDs for the 1-year duration of the study. For refrigerated remains, all sample types generated excellent DNA IDs for the 3-month testing period.

Forensic archaeology and anthropology sensitization in post-conflict Uganda

The renowned work of Clyde Snow and the development of the Equipo Argentino de Anthropología Forense (EAAF) team has inspired the use of forensic anthropological and archaeological skills in human rights interventions around the world. Whether for medico-legal intervention and acquisition of evidence or humanitarian repatriation and identification of human remains, forensic expertise has garnered attention in the global arena. Arguably fulfilling evidentiary and psychosocial needs, there has been growing interest in this post-conflict redress. However, as part of the critique of these interventions, scholars and practitioners have pointed out – primarily in medico-legal investigations – a lack of sensitization of local communities regarding forensic work, increasing the potential for re-traumatization, unrealistic expectations, or an unintentional increase in political tensions. Research regarding forensic intervention and human remains have permeated social sciences, peace and conflict studies, and science and technology studies, revealing both intentional and unintentional impacts of forensic sciences after mass violence. In an effort to mitigate negative impacts of medico-legal or humanitarian interventions, the research described here sought to sensitize communities in Uganda about forensic methods. Findings from this study suggest that sensitization is necessary and desired, and that a multi-step approach can assist in managing expectations.

Characterization of ancestry informative markers in the Tigray population of Ethiopia: A contribution to the identification process of dead migrants in the Mediterranean Sea

Determination of bio-geographical ancestry by means of DNA ancestry informative markers (AIMs) can contribute to the identification of human remains in missing person cases and mass disasters. While the presence of Eastern Africans among the migrant victims of trafficking accidents in the Mediterranean Sea is often suspected, few studies have addressed the ability of autosomal AIM panels in current use in forensic laboratories to provide differentiation of populations within the African continent. In this study, two assays consisting of 46 AIM-Indels and 31 AIM-SNPs were typed in a Tigray population sample from Northern Ethiopia. STRUCTURE analysis showed that the Tigray population is characterized by a strong (∼50 %) non-African genetic component shared with European and Middle Eastern populations. The intermediate position of the Tigray sample between sub-Saharan African and European / Middle Eastern reference population samples was confirmed by principal component analysis. Both AIM panels provided effective differentiation between Tigray and sub-Saharan African populations. Classification accuracy of other populations involved in the current Mediterranean migrant crisis, like South Asians, was superior with the AIM-SNP panel compared to the AIM-Indel panel. Misclassification of Middle Eastern samples as Tigray was frequent with both AIM-indel (∼30 % misclassified) and AIM-SNPs (∼20 %). However, with AIM-SNPs, error rates were reduced to acceptable levels by applying cautionary minimum thresholds to assignment likelihoods.Establishment of an Eastern African reference database of AIMs that can be genotyped by means of low cost, small-scale assays compatible with capillary electrophoresis, sets a balance between the need for ancestry inference tools and the budget limitations faced by Italian laboratories engaged in the humanitarian identification of dead migrants recovered from the Mediterranean Sea.

A study of old Serbian skeletal remains using ForenSeq DNA Signature™ kit

Recent advances in massively parallel sequencing (MPS) has become a very promising technology for forensic applications (Børsting and Morling, 2015). In this study Illumina ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit was tested to determine if MPS offers a more comprehensive evaluation of degraded samples than the traditional fragment analysis/capillary electrophoresis based method (Athey, 2006). The use of MPS could reduce the analysis time and augment the identification of human remains. In this context we aimed to analyse bone/tooth samples using ForenSeq™ DNA Signature kit. These samples were partially degraded and had given partial profiles with the GlobalFiler™ kit previously. The MPS kit showed that it was highly sensitive, aided in higher allele recovery for STR loci and provides valuable information about biogeographic ancestry, identity and phenotypic features from a single analysis. The work resulted in highly successful amplification and sequencing of 30 degraded bone/teeth samples using MPS method.