Mass Disaster Victim Identification Research Articles

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

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

Detection of ABO Blood Groups From Dentin and Pulp by Using the Absorption-Elution Technique: A Forensic Cross-Sectional Study Among the Population of the Al Jouf Province, Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective Human teeth have a significant forensic importance. As they are the hardest of all human tissues, they are not just chemically stable but also their characteristics are maintained for a long time after death even in the most harsh environmental conditions. Despite the advances made in DNA analysis, fingerprinting, etc., ABO blood grouping still plays a significant role in the forensic practice in the field of personal identification, paternity disputes, and several other scenarios including the identification of mass disaster victims. The term blood groups refers to inherited antigens on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs) detected by specific antibodies. Since tooth pulp contains numerous blood vessels, blood group antigens are most certainly bound to be present in tooth pulp. Various studies have shown that blood group antigens in the pulp and dentin are preserved as long as up to two years after the demise of an individual. Absorption-elution technique has been proven to be the most sensitive, reliable, and consistent method to determine the ABO blood group from both the pulp and dentine.This study aimed toascertain the ABO blood group from both the hard (dentin) as well as the soft tissue (pulp) of the tooth by using the absorption-elution (AE) technique and also to determine if there are any variations in identifying the blood groups from the teeth based on age and gender. Material and methods After obtaining due consent, we included patients of both genders aged between 16-60 years visiting the outpatient department (OPD) clinics at the College of Dentistry for periodontal or orthodontic extractions.One patient's blood type was determined by using the slide agglutination technique before any capillary blood extraction was performed; this patient served as a control. For this investigation, we used the pulp and powdered dentin samples taken from the dental extractions to test for the presence of ABO and Rhesus (Rh) factor antigens by using the AE method. The study samples were compared with the control for blood group determination. Statistical analysis was carried out using the chi-square test with Monte Carlo (MC) simulation to check for any correlation of blood grouping with age and gender. Results The dentin and pulp were shown to have positive blood group antigens for the ABO and Rh factors.While neither pulp nor dentin performed significantly differently in identifying the blood group antigens, pulp showed marginally higher accuracy.There was no discernibledifference regarding gender or age in the dentin or pulp of any of the 45 samples studied. Conclusions For determining an individual's blood type and Rh factor, both the hard (dentin) and soft (pulp) tissues of a tooth are valid sources. This is particularly helpful in forensic medicine cases where teeth are the onlyremains that can be viably used to find out a person's identity.

Pitfalls and challenges with population assignments of individuals from admixed populations: Applying Genogeographer on Brazilian individuals

The assignment of individuals to a population can be of importance for the identification of mass disaster victims or criminal offenders in the field of forensic genetics. This assignment is based on biostatistical methods that process data of ancestry informative markers (AIMs), which are selected based on large allele frequency differences between the populations of interest.However, population assignments of individuals with an admixed genetic background are challenging. Admixed individuals are genetic mosaics of chromosomal segments from the parental populations, which may lead to ambiguous or no population assignment. This is problematic since admixture events are a substantial part of human history.In this study, we present challenges of interpreting the evidential weight of population assignments. We used Genogeographer for likelihood ratio (LR) calculations and Brazilians as examples of admixed individuals. Brazilians are a very heterogenous population representing a three-way admixture between Native Americans, Europeans, and Africans. Ancestry informative markers were typed in a total of 589 individuals from Brazil using the Precision ID Ancestry Panel. The Brazilians were assigned to six metapopulations (East Asia, Europe, Middle East, North Africa, South-Central Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa) defined in the Genogeographer software and LRs were calculated if the AIM profile was not an outlier in all metapopulations and simulated two-way (1:1) admixtures of the six metapopulations.Population assignments failed for 55% of the samples. These samples had significantly higher genetic contributions from East Asia, South-Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, and significantly lower genetic contributions from Europe. Most of the individuals with population assignments were assigned to the metapopulations of Middle East (58%) or North Africa (36%), followed by Europe (4%), South-Central Asia (1%), and Sub-Saharan Africa (1%). For 8% of the samples, population assignments were only possible when assignments to simulated two-way (1:1) admixtures of the six metapopulations were considered. Most of these individuals were assigned to two-way admixtures of North Africa, South-Central Asia, or Sub-Saharan Africa.Relatively low median likelihood ratios (LRs<1000) were observed when comparing population likelihoods for Europe, Middle East, North Africa, South-Central Asia, or simulated 1:1 admixtures of these metapopulations. Comparisons including East Asian or Sub-Saharan African populations resulted in larger median LRs (LR>1010).The results suggested that the Precision ID Ancestry Panel provided too little information and that additional markers specifically selected for sub-continental differentiation may be required for accurate population assignment of admixed individuals. Furthermore, a Genogeographer database with additional populations including admixed populations would be advantageous for interpretation of admixed AIM profiles. It would likely increase the number of population assignments and illustrate alternatives to the most likely population, which would be valuable information for the case officer when writing the case report.

Dentist as an Expert Witness under Section. 45 of Indian Evidence Act 1872

Dentists of different specialties are sought for their expert testimony in person identification, injury relatedto oral and dental structures. Person identification may include live or dead, injured or healthy, skeletonized,or mummified. Dentists also opine in crime scene investigation, mass disaster victim identification, andprofessional negligence or injury. The dental surgeon evaluates the available dental evidence and drafts areport to testify in a deposition as a professional opinion in the medico-legal cases. This article discusses thedemeanor of the dental surgeon as an expert in the court of law.

Facio-odontometric analysis in mass disaster victim identification - A novel approach.

Forensic dentistry is an evolving field in legal medicine. In mass disasters, the co-mingled body parts can be misplaced; however, the intervention by dental experts can efficiently sort out the dispute. Understanding the fact that, rule of phi applies to all that exists in nature, in the present study, we aimed to correlate the Total Maxillary Arch Perimeter with the Total Body Height of an individual in cases scenarios where only the skull along with maxilla is the only leftover remains of the unidentified. An observational study was designed involving ninety subjects comprising 45 males and 45 females of age 25 to 30 years for the following parameters. Total Body Height (TBH) was measured in centimetres using anthropometric rod. Total Facial Height (TFH) was then measured from nasion to gnathion using digital vernier caliper. Total Maxillary Arch Perimeter (TMAP) was measured from the maxillary arch model cast using digital vernier caliper. The Total Maxillary Arch perimeter has significant positive correlation with Total Body Height as well as Total Facial Height of an individual. The regression equation was positively established for the prediction of Total Body Height from the known Total Maxillary Arch Perimeter as Total Body Height = 80.91762 + 0.718777 (Total Maxillary Arch Perimeter). The Total Maxillary Arch Perimeter can be used as a predictive tool in estimating the Total Body Height of the individual where the skeletal remains of the skull along with maxilla is only present.

Sex assessment from the proximal femur in a Spanish population based on three-dimensional computed tomography metric analysis

Background/Aim. The studies published in recent years have shown that the linear measurements on the three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) clinical images of the hip bone, skull or breastbone can serve as a reliable alternative method for sex estimation. In spite of the fact that the proximal femur exhibited high dimorphism when examining the skeletal material, there is still a lack of morphometric studies dealing with the CT imaging of this anatomical region that would confirm the relevance of the previously obtained results. The aim of this study was to validate the reliability and precision of some proximal femur measurements obtained in vivo from the 3D-CT models and to compare the accuracies of our findings with those formerly reported by other relevant research. Methods. A total of 146 CT scans (73 male and 73 females) were selected to take 6 measurements using the traditional osteometric methods. The 3D reconstruction was done at 1mm and 1.25 mm thick slices with OsiriX (v.4.1). The univariate and multivariate discriminant functions (DFs) were formulated for assessing sex. Results. The vertical diameter of neck and the vertical diameter of head were found to contribute the most when considered independently (90.4%?91.8%). When combining these with the other dimensions, the prediction accuracy increased up to 97.3%. The accuracy of CT measurements is in accordance with those obtained in the traditional morphometric studies on the skeletonized femurs of contemporary populations. The 3D-CT approach showed remarkably higher percentage of predictive ability in comparison with the 2D technique. Conclusion. 3D-CT is a suitable tool for the objective quantification of osteological data. The medical scans and measurements on living individuals offer a valuable source of data from which the highly reliable skeletal standards can be developed for estimating sex, even from the fragmented remains. The method proposed here can be highly useful especially in the identification of mass disaster victims when the direct osteometry is difficult to apply and maceration of the remains is not an option.

Investigation of Different Ways in Which the CODIS 7.0 May be Used in Mass Disaster Identification.

DNA analysis is a key method for the identification of human remains in mass disasters. Reference samples from relatives may be used to identify missing persons by kinship analysis. Different methods of applying the CODIS in disaster victim identification (DVI) were investigated. Two searches were evaluated: (i) relating family relatives to a pedigree tree (FPT) and (ii) relating unidentified human remains to a pedigree tree (UPT). A joint pedigree likelihood ratio (JPLR) and rank were calculated for each search. Both searches were similar in average JPLR and rank. In exceptional cases, namely the existence of a mutation different from the CODIS model, a nonbiological father, a mistake in STR, or incorrect profile association, the UPT search returned one true rank, whereas the FPT search returned no results. This paper suggests a novel strategy to overcome these limitations and increase efficiency in conducting identification of mass disaster victims.

Procedura identyfikacji ofiar katastrof masowych w Rosji

The Russian procedure of identification of mass disaster victims is based on the present state of knowledge and the employment of state-of-the-art scientific analysis equipment. The Authors analyse legal regulations, concerning the identification of unknown bodies, that are in force in Russia, describe recommendations established by the doctrine regarding the methodology of conducting respective identification procedures, as well as forms and methods of the work organisation of the investigative team in a section describing identification of victims.

Targeted sampling of cementum for recovery of nuclear DNA from human teeth and the impact of common decontamination measures

BackgroundTeeth are a valuable source of DNA for identification of fragmented and degraded human remains. While the value of dental pulp as a source of DNA is well established, the quantity and presentation of DNA in the hard dental tissues has not been extensively studied. Without this knowledge common decontamination, sampling and DNA extraction techniques may be suboptimal. Targeted sampling of specific dental tissues could maximise DNA profiling success, while minimising the need for laborious sampling protocols and DNA extraction techniques, thus improving workflows and efficiencies. We aimed to determine the location of cellular DNA in non-degraded human teeth to quantify the yield of nuclear DNA from cementum, the most accessible and easily sampled dental tissue, and to investigate the effect of a common decontamination method, treatment with sodium hypochlorite (bleach).We examined teeth histologically and subsequently quantified the yield of nuclear DNA from the cementum of 66 human third molar teeth. We also explored the effects of bleach (at varying concentrations and exposure times) on nuclear DNA within teeth, using histological and quantitative PCR methods.ResultsHistology confirmed the presence of nucleated cells within pulp and cementum, but not in dentine. Nuclear DNA yields from cementum varied substantially between individuals but all samples gave sufficient DNA (from as little as 20 mg of tissue) to produce full short tandem repeat (STR) profiles. Variation in yield between individuals was not influenced by chronological age or sex of the donor. Bleach treatment with solutions as dilute as 2.5% for as little as 1 min damaged the visible nuclear material and reduced DNA yields from cementum by an order of magnitude.ConclusionsCementum is a valuable, and easily accessible, source of nuclear DNA from teeth, and may be a preferred source where large numbers of individuals need to be sampled quickly (for example, mass disaster victim identification) without the need for specialist equipment or from diseased and degraded teeth, where pulp is absent. Indiscriminant sampling and decontamination protocols applied to the outer surface of teeth can destroy this DNA, reducing the likelihood of successful STR typing results.

Optimized mass fatalities victim identification: An airplane crash as a test case

Efficient corpse tissue preservation, automated DNA extraction, sensitive DNA quantification and expert analysis software makes possible to design highly efficient workflows that speed up the mass disaster victim identification process from highly fragmented human bodies. Herein we describe the workflow employed in the reconstruction of the identity of 22 victims fragmented in 418 remains that emerged from the airplane crash occurred on May 18th 2011 in the province of Rio Negro, Argentina. Fatal victims identification was performed by comparison with first degree relatives by autosomal and Y STRs analysis. A SAAB plane carrying 19 passengers and three crew members (3 females and 19 males) exploded at high altitude over the ground level (approx. 2000m). All bodies were severely fragmented and a high number of isolated cranial bones were found. Remains were collected at the disaster area and sent to Buenos Aires where samples were selected and preserved in 50mL polypropylene tubes containing solid sodium chloride (table salt). DNA extractions from muscle and bone were performed using a semi-automated DNA purification system, quantification was carried out by Real Time PCR, STRs amplification using commercial kits and STR profile analysis with the help of an expert software. The implementation of this strategy allowed us to identify all the victims in one week. However, the complete task of identifying all remains recovered within the disaster area took over ten months due to the wide dispersion of fragments and the court's decision to identify each morphologically recognizable human tissue found within the disaster area.

International standards in cases of mass disaster victim identification (DVI)

Mass disasters with a large number of unknown victims are among the biggest challenges for the police and forensic disciplines. Historical events illustrate the development of different methods which can be used in such circumstances. The fire in the Ring-Theater of Vienna (Austria) in 1881 with 449 victims of which 284 were subsequently identified [1], or the fire in the Bazar de la Charite in Paris (France) with 126 victims in 1897 [2] are examples of the usefulness of identification procedures such as forensic autopsy, odontology, and finger printing. These two disasters from the nineteenth century were the beginning of modern identification processes in legal medicine [2]. In the following years several major accidents, especially after the introduction of regular civil air transportation services, demanded an effective diaster victim identification (DVI) system. Even today the identification of victims of mass disasters is still one of the most important tasks. Forensic experts are involved in different ways depending on the country of residence, and include forensic pathologists, forensic dentists, forensic anthropologists, forensic molecular biologists and other specialists. The organization of the identification process differs from country to country, and within the countries, depending on the historical and political structures and on the kind of disaster. The success of the identification essentially relies on the organization, the experience, and the documentation of findings. The communication between countries or states can be difficult, particularly in cases where victims have different nationalities. Therefore, the solution to such problems should be a standardized process. The recent natural disaster in Japan, triggered by a massive earth quake, also illustrates the need for standards in cases of radioactive contamination. Nobody has experiences in cases of simultaneous chemical, biological, or radioactive/nuclear (CBRNE) situations and assaults with a large number of contaminated bodies.

Simplified Field Preservation of Tissues for Subsequent DNA Analyses*

Successful DNA-based identification of mass disaster victims depends on acquiring tissues that are not highly degraded. In this study, multiple protocols for field preservation of tissues for later DNA analysis were tested. Skin and muscle samples were collected from decaying pig carcasses. Tissues were preserved using cold storage, desiccation, or room temperature storage in preservative solutions for up to 6 months. DNA quality was assessed through amplification of successively larger segments of nuclear DNA. Solution-based storage, including a DMSO/NaCl/EDTA mixture, alcohols, and RNAlater preserved DNA of the highest quality, refrigeration was intermediate, and desiccation was least effective. Tissue type and extent of decomposition significantly affected stored DNA quality. Overall, the results indicate that any tissue preservation attempt is far superior to delaying or forgoing preservation efforts, and that simple, inexpensive methods can be highly effective in preserving DNA, thus should be initiated as quickly as possible.

大規模災害における犠牲者の身元確認と情報技術

大規模災害における犠牲者の身元確認と情報技術

Real-time PCR method for identification of Asian populations in forensic casework

The priorities for mass disaster victim identification are rapid investigation turn-around time and low cost. We describe a DNA typing procedure to selectively identify members of Asian populations by a real-time PCR method using polymorphisms of the α2 chain of the type I collagen gene ( COL1A2) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Among the 50 members of the Asian population included in the present study, 37 harbored a deleted allele in intron 33 of COL1A2 (26822–26823del) or the 10400C > T substitution mutation in mtDNA to give a probability of 0.740 for these SNPs in the Asian population.

法医学におけるＤＮＡ型鑑定の歴史

Since the method of minisatellites for the identification of humans with restriction-fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) was reported by Jeffreys et al. in 1985, the revolution has taken place within the field of forensic genetics. In the crime case, the DNA markers have advantages over the traditional biological markers and the DNA technologies have been improved continuously. Today, the multiplex STR (short tandem repeat analysis) polymorphisms have become the major and widely used method for human identification test both in criminal investigation and mass disaster victim identification.

A Importância do Odontolegista no Processo de Identificação Humana de Vítima de Desastre em Massa. Sugestão de Protocolo de Exame Técnico-Pericial

In this study it had done a scientific literature review about odontology analyze of human identification of mass disaster victims and the importance of forensic dentistry acting for identification success . So through the study and analyze of casuistic and literature we propose to show the importance of forensic dentistry acting in human identification process and establish the ideal forensic exam protocol in mass disaster for forensic dentistry. How is seen in national and international literature it is observed that there are a several forensic exam protocol but there is not have an official protocol.

Preliminary Evaluation of Xtrana's Xtra Amp® DNA Extraction System for Potential use with Mass Disaster Samples

ABSTRACTThe Xtra Amp® Series III kit was released by Xtrana in early 2002 for the rapid isolation of genomic DNA for amplification. This kit was investigated as a potential addition to new DNA identification strategies for mass disaster victim identification. Our preliminary studies using blood swabs, chewing gum, human tissue, and hair indicate that the Xtra Amp® system exhibits great potential for use in mass disaster identification. Optimization experiments included testing the compatibility of AmpliTaq Gold® DNA polymerase with the Xtra Bind® chemistry, increasing the magnesium concentration of the PCR cocktail, comparing different concentrations of Amp Enhance (a kit reagent that is added to the PCR cocktail to prevent inhibitors from interfering with PCR), decreasing the PCR volume, and comparing different cycles of amplification. Further experiments involved testing different lysing conditions, adding Proteinase K to the Xtra Amp® protocol, comparing fresh versus frozen tissue and the effect of preserved tissue on the Xtra Amp® system, comparing Xtrana's Lysis Buffer with in-house Stain Extraction Buffer for lysing hair roots, and determining the DNA binding capacity of the Xtra Bind® matrix by making serial dilutions of known DNA standards. Ideally, we were interested in developing a system that would lead to rapid identification in hopes that we could provide closure to relatives of victims in mass disaster situations in a quick and timely fashion. Our preliminary studies using the Xtra Amp® system suggest that this kit satisfies this criterion due to its capability of high throughput robotic extractions of mass disaster samples.

Identification of Mass Disaster Victims: The Swiss Identification System

A new, simple, and reliable forensic identification system has been described. It permits the rapid and positive identification of victims of catastrophies such as airplane accidents, battles, floods, and fires. An electronic microprocessing unit directs a mechanical engraver to encode up to 13 alphanumeric characters on a small gold disk 0.25 mm thick and 2.0 mm in diameter. The identification chip is sealed in a 0.8-mm deep cavity prepared with a specially designed diamond burr in the lingual enamel of a molar tooth. The sealant is a stained composite material shown experimentally to be leakage proof, fire resistant, and readily detectable in teeth exposed to high temperatures. At the identification center the gold disk can easily be recovered and the victim positively identified without recourse to time-consuming comparison of dental records. Minimal training is required for the forensic personnel.

Dental identification of mass disaster victims

Dental identification of mass disaster victims