Investigation Of Human Remains Research Articles

Investigation of human remains from the archaeological areas of “Parco archeologico di Ostia antica”: The role of CT imaging

• CT has been demonstrated a valuable method for studying ancient skeletal remains. • CT can highlight internal alterations in a non-invasive manner. • CT may be used to detect many pathologies, such as trauma, infection, arthropathy. • CT can support and enhance anthropological conclusions. Archeological excavations in the area of the “ Parco archeologico di Ostia antica ” uncovered human remains requiring radiological insight to clarify the etiology of multiple morphological alterations. The purpose of this paper was to analyze CT findings of the remains, to push forward the contribution of CT in anthropological analysis. We examined human remains belonging to four different individuals, coming from different chronological horizons, ranging from the Roman Imperial Age (cases 1, 2 and 4) to the Middle Age (case 3). Bone remains of each individual underwent CT scan separately using a 268-slice scanner (GE, medical system, revolution CT). CT findings added value in reaching effective hypotheses on the origin of bone alterations and on biological aspects of the examined individuals. In three out of four cases the radiological hypotheses corresponded to the anthropological ones (cases 1, 3 and 4), with better resolution of the inner alterations of bones which strengthened the initial hypothesis. In one case (case 2), CT imaging proposed an alternative hypothesis (i.e., osteomyelitis versus osteosarcoma). CT highlights internal alterations in a non-invasive manner, exposing hypotheses that are not evident or that can be underestimated from an external examination. Hence, this imaging modality may be used as a valuable tool to study archaeological remains and to detect a wide variety of pathologies, including trauma, infections, arthropathies and neoplasms, in the context of a multidisciplinary approach to archeological investigations.

Applying isotope analyses of cremated human bones in archaeological research – a review

Numerous experiments have recently been conducted on burnt bones in order to develop methods of isotope analysis which would be useful in archaeological research. Since the results of these studies are not yet widely known, this review presents their potential applications in investigations of human remains from cremation burials. Radiocarbon dating of burnt osteological materials is discussed, including problems related to the “old wood effect”. Also considered is the analysis of light stable isotopes, i.e. δ13C, δ15N and δ18O, which is unsuitable for palaeodietary determinations, but useful as a source of information about certain parameters of funeral pyres. Tracing geographical origins and human mobility is possible by means of the analysis of strontium isotope ratio 87Sr/86Sr. Since an understanding of high-temperature-induced transformations of bone structure and chemical composition is important for these considerations, a detailed account of the processes is given as an introduction.

Postmortem CT in the investigation of decomposed human remains: advantages and limitations

The investigation of decomposed bodies is a difficult task for the forensic practitioner due to the effect of taphonomy on the remains. Facial characteristics are missing, soft tissue is altered, and the remains are often disarticulated and/or scattered, which makes both the identification and the reconstruction of the death scene very challenging. These cases require maceration, which often is not possible in routine forensic pathology facilities. Postmortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) has emerged a few decades ago as a complementary modality to forensic autopsy and offers an alternative way of investigation of human remains1,2. This paper presents a series of cases from two forensic pathology departments in Scotland and Crete where PMCT was used in the investigation of human remains in different states of preservation (varying post-mortem interval) recovered from different environments (terrestrial, aquatic). Fig. 1 illustrates the 3D reconstruction from a PMCT of a decomposed body recovered in the northern coast of Crete. PMCT offered in all cases a quick inspection of the remains for the presence of foreign bodies and traumatic lesions, morphological information for the reconstruction of the biological profile and comparative material for positive identification. In addition, post-autopsy PMCT has proven to be very helpful in providing answers to specific forensic questions. The preliminary results of this study confirm the advantages in incorporating PMCT in the protocol for the examination of heavily decomposed remains, as a complement to the forensic pathology examination.

Case study: Age estimation using structural, chemical, and biomechanical data of a modern rib retrieved from the seashore

The biological identification of an individual has always been a challenging task throughout the process of investigating unknown skeletal remains. Accuracy in estimating age can be achieved using methodologies that include developmental markers of specific elements that is mostly applicable in individuals under 35 years of age. Additionally, protocols of aspartic acid racemization, carbon dating, and DNA methylation have been successfully used to estimate age with a standard deviation of ± 5 years [1] , [2] , [3] . A method using quantification of biomechanical properties in conjunction with bone microstructure for the mid-femur cortical bone has recently provided better results [4] . Throughout life, physical characteristics of ribs are less affected by mechanical stress compared to the femur, and thus, should be less affected by lifestyle. Furthermore, ribs are more easily accessible through the thoracic cage at autopsy. Well-known changes in the biomechanical and chemical properties of rib bone matrix of autopsy material (n = 24) from two samples were used in the present study. A set of 28 parameters involving biomechanical (nanoindentation), physical (DSC, helium pycnometer) and histomorphometric (porosity-image, in-vivo cracks) analysis on the 4th rib were included. An equation using 7 parameters revealed an R2 = 0.94 (2.77 ± 1.43 SD) while the equation using 2 parameters (cortical porosity/Image J & density pycnometer) produced an R2 = 0.79 (4.54 ± 0.34 SD) yrs [5] . As such, the method seems to perform better than all existing age-at-death methods based on ribs, providing a novel powerful tool for forensic investigation of human remains. This newly developed methodology was applied to a body retrieved on a shore in Crete in order to understand the effect of taphonomy on accuracy and precision. Results are promising and show no alteration of properties when the body is kept in salty water for long time intervals.

Postsacrificial Management of Human Body: Evidence and Ritual Implications of a Terminal Classic Burial in Lagartero, Chiapas

The investigation of human remains from a Classic period deposit at the archaeological site of Lagartero revealed incomplete anatomical segments of a male individual with anthropogenic perimortem and postmortem marks distributed in various areas of the bones. Based on the anthropological evidence in combination with the fact that the skeleton comes from one of the ball court altars, we assume that these are the remains of a sacrificed victim. The corpse also had been heavily processed postmortem, probably for ritual purposes or to be manufactured into bone artifacts.

Accuracy of the anthropometric measurements of skeletonized skulls with corresponding measurements of their 3D reconstructions obtained by CT scanning.

The anthropometric measurements of the skeletonized skull are crucial in the investigation of human remains, mostly for personal identification. The images of the skull are used if the superimposition or approximation of the facial appearance is to be performed. The aim of the study was to compare the accuracy of the anthropometric measurements of skeletonized skulls with corresponding measurements of their 3D reconstructions obtained by CT scanning. Ten skeletonized skulls and their 3D digital reconstructions were measured according to standard anthropometric procedures. The results were compared and statistical analysis was performed. The statistical analysis revealed that the 3D reconstruction is absolutely reliable for any measurements within the skull. The results of the measurements obtained from the CT image were accurate and comparable to the results of the anthropometric analysis of the skeletonized skull. The correlation between the anthropometry of the skeletonized skulls and the CT reconstructions was strong. It is relevant that 3D reconstructions of the skull can be used in forensic anthropology for personal identification.

Observational Case Series: An Algorithm Incorporating Multidetector Computed Tomography in the Medicolegal Investigation of Human Remains after a Natural Disaster

An algorithm incorporating multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), digital radiographs, and external examination was used to triage cases for noninvasive or complete autopsy after a natural disaster. The algorithm was applied to 27 individuals who died during or soon after the earthquake that struck the Republic of Haiti on January 12, 2010. Of the 27 cases reviewed, 7 (26%) required a complete autopsy to determine cause and manner of death. In the remaining 20 (74%), cause and manner of death were determined with a reasonable degree of medical certainty after review of circumstances, an external examination, and postmortem imaging by MDCT and digital radiography (noninvasive autopsy). MDCT was particularly useful in detecting skeletal fractures caused by blunt force injury which were not evident on digital radiographs. The algorithm incorporating postmortem MDCT can be useful in the triage of human remains for autopsy after a natural disaster.

Bowls, Bobbins and Bones. Resolving the Human Remains Crisis in British Archaeology: A Response

In 2010 and 2011 a series of articles appeared in British Archaeology describing a crisis surrounding the archaeological investigation of human remains. Behind these articles was a campaign to change the licensing conditions issued by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for the excavation of human remains. The campaign was covered in local, national and international media and resulted in questions in parliament and letters from select committees addressed to the MoJ. It was chiefly orchestrated by three archaeologists, Mike Parker Pearson, Mike Pitts and Duncan Sayer, but hundreds of others offered their support and time, and many individuals and organisations wrote directly to the minister to explain their dissatisfaction with the situation as it existed. The political, professional and media pressure, alongside the advice of several individuals in a closed meeting organised by the MoJ, resulted in a ‘more flexible’ interpretation of the licensing conditions from 2011 and a rewriting of the application procedure for permission to excavate.

Innovationen in der Computertomographie (CT): Software-Routinen und ihre Relevanz für Mumienforschung und Anthropologie

The application of computed tomography (CT) has been proved to be useful not only in present-day medicine, but also in non-clinical disciplines, as it is mummy research and physical anthropology. Concerning these fields CT-high-tech-innovations as three-dimensional surface reconstruction, dual energy/bone mineral-density--and metal artefact correction-programs are introduced and partly exemplified by investigation of human remains from ancient Egypt. The results point out that specific problems can be cleared up, which otherwise could be solved by means of destructive methods only. It is expected that future development of the mentioned CT-software helps to broaden its applicability.