Positive Identification Of Human Remains Research Articles

A Review of Histological Techniques for Differentiating Human Bone from Animal Bone.

The first step in anthropological study is the positive identification of human remains, which can be a challenging undertaking when bones are broken. When bone pieces from different species are mixed together, it can be crucial to distinguish between them in forensic and archaeological contexts. For years, anthropology and archaeology have employed the histomorphological analysis of bones to evaluate species-specific variations. Based on variations in the dimensions and configuration of Haversian systems between the two groups, these techniques have been devised to distinguish between non-human and human bones. All of those techniques concentrate on a very particular kind of bone, zone, and segment. Histomorphometric techniques make the assumption that there are size, form, and quantity variations between non-humans and humans. The structural components of Haversian bones are significant enough to use discriminant function analysis to separate one from the other. This review proposes a comprehensive literature analysis of the various strategies or techniques available for distinguishing human from non-human bones to demonstrate that histomorphological analysis is the most effective method to be used in the case of inadequate or compromised samples.

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.

Application of the Stephan et al. Chest Radiograph Comparison Method to Decomposed Human Remains.

This manuscript describes the use of comparative radiography of the chest to facilitate positive identification of human remains in advanced stages of decomposition. The method reported by Stephan et al. for positive identification of dry, disarticulated skeletal elements was used on semifleshed, decomposing remains. Positive identification was established through multiple points of concordance observed in radiographs of the left and right clavicles and the C5-T1 vertebrae. This case study demonstrates the applicability of the Stephan et al.'s method in cases involving decomposing remains.

Theoretical and Methodological Approaches to Understanding Human Migration Patterns and their Utility in Forensic Human Identification Cases

Human migration patterns are of interest to scientists representing many fields. Theories have been posited to explain modern human evolutionary expansion, the diversity of human culture, and the motivational factors underlying an individual or group decision to migrate. Although the research question and subsequent approach may vary between disciplines, one thread is ubiquitous throughout most migration studies: why do humans migrate and what is the result of such an event? While the determination of individual attributes such as age, sex, and ancestry is often integral to migration studies, the positive identification of human remains is usually irrelevant. However, the positive identification of a deceased is paramount to a forensic investigation in which human remains have been recovered and must be identified. What role, if any, might the study of human movement patterns play in the interpretation of evidence associated with unidentified human remains? Due to increasing global mobility in the world's populations, it is not inconceivable that an individual might die far away from his or her home. If positive identification cannot immediately be made, investigators may consider various theories as to how or why a deceased ended up in a particular geographic location. While scientific evidence influences the direction of forensic investigations, qualitative evaluation can be an important component of evidence interpretation. This review explores several modern human migration theories and the methodologies utilized to identify evidence of human migratory movement before addressing the practical application of migration theory to forensic cases requiring the identification of human remains.

Violência e impunidade em pauta: problemas e perspectivas sob a ótica da antropologia forense no Brasil

Forensic anthropology is playing an increasingly important role facing violence and impunity in many countries. A research performed at police stations of Civil Police and Forensic Institutes of six Brazilian capitals demonstrated that the practice of recover and positive identification of human remains has been neglected in different levels. The main problem is the lack of specific training of the professionals that accomplish the expertise in field and laboratory, but also the fact that no anthropological database of disappeared people is available. As a result of this situation, an expressive number of human remains leave the forensic institutes without positive identification, and criminal inquiries of homicides stay without resolution, contributing to the aggravation of the violence and impunity scenery that devastates the country.

The Role of Forensic Anthropology in Mass Fatality Incidents Management

Abstract In mass disaster situations, the positive identification of human remains is an important task performed by forensic scientists, i.e., pathologists, biologists, crime scene investigators, odontologists, fingerprint experts, and anthropologists. The identification process of the victims is usually accomplished by scientific methods. The comparison procedure of a large number of bodies with numerous missing persons calls for dividing the population into discrete subgroups to facilitate the task. Implementing forensic anthropology techniques enables, among other things, the reconstruction of the life history of the individuals concerned, i.e., age, sex, race and stature aids in the cross-sectional analysis. The importance of the role of the forensic anthropologist in all stages of investigation of mass disasters from the recovery process of remains, analyzing them, and interpreting signs of mechanical trauma and disease as well as positive identification, is discussed.

A case of squamosal craniosynostosis from the 16th century southeastern United States

AbstractThis paper describes a case of plagiocephaly stemming from a unilateral synostosis of the left squamosal and coronal sutures in a 16th century calvaria from Georgia. Although cases of squamosal involvement in syndromic, multisuture synostotic cases have been found in the archaeological record, isolated squamosal involvement is quite rare. Our literature review found only 15 such cases reported, and this is the first case to be reported from the southeastern United States. Despite the fact that the bevelled nature of the squamosal suture is unique in the human body and that the cause for squamosal involvement remains unclear, to our knowledge there have been no reviews of the nosology and aetiology of synostosis with particular reference to the squamosal suture in the anthropological or clinical literature. Isolated squamosal craniosynostosis may be frequently unreported in clinical settings, and thus case studies on the condition in archaeological contexts may prove valuable for future attempts to identify the frequency and causes of squamosal involvement. This case study also highlights both the potential and challenges of using rare pathological conditions as a tool for positive identification of human remains in historical forensic cases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Expert Testimony and Positive Identification of Human Remains Through Cranial Suture Patterns

North American forensic anthropological research should conform to the Daubert criteria (U.S.A.) and Mohan ruling (Canada) to ensure admissibility in a court of law. Positive identification through radiographic comparison of antemortem and postmortem cranial suture patterns was evaluated in light of these criteria. The technique is based on reliable principles, but problems with terminology and the resolution of radiographs make Sekharan's method difficult to apply. Using the location, length, and slope of a suture's component lines, rather than Sekharan's descriptions of sutural configurations, it is possible to determine the probability of a particular suture pattern occurring in more than one individual. A match of four consecutive lines is sufficient to establish positive identification. This approach meets the Daubert and Mohan criteria, although resolution of radiographs is still a major limitation. Computed tomography (CT) scans may prove a more useful modality for positive identification, due to better resolution and greater availability.

Quantitative assessment of trabecular bone pattern identification

The results of the research described in this paper demonstrate that the trabecular architecture is unique to each individual and stable enough to be used as a forensic marker for positive identification of human remains. The trabecular bone architecture depicted on radiographs is often used as an individualizing forensic marker for positive identification of human remains. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the reliability of the trabecular pattern in forensic identification. The trabecular pattern is potentially the best radiographic forensic marker since its presence on a radiograph doesn't depend on a previous pathology or traumatic event. A sample of 305 radiographs of the left wrist of 103 postmenopausal women was studied using an image analyzer. The uniqueness and stability over time of the trabecular architecture was examined by creating line maps or “densitographs” of the ultra-distal point of the radius of each roentgenogram. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated for all possible combinations of pairs of radiographs. The correlation coefficient of pairs of radiographs of the same individual, taken at different times (2 to 6 years apart), was always higher than 0.72, while the correlation coefficients of radiographs of different individuals was always below 0.62.

Quantitative Assessment of Trabecular Bone Pattern Identification

The results of the research described in this paper demonstrate that the trabecular architecture is unique to each individual and stable enough to be used as a forensic marker for positive identification of human remains. The trabecular bone architecture depicted on radiographs is often used as an individualizing forensic marker for positive identification of human remains. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the reliability of the trabecular pattern in forensic identification. The trabecular pattern is potentially the best radiographic forensic marker since its presence on a radiograph doesn't depend on a previous pathology or traumatic event. A sample of 305 radiographs of the left wrist of 103 postmenopausal women was studied using an image analyzer. The uniqueness and stability over time of the trabecular architecture was examined by creating line maps or "densitographs" of the ultra-distal point of the radius of each roentgenogram. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated for all possible combinations of pairs of radiographs. The correlation coefficient of pairs of radiographs of the same individual, taken at different times (2 to 6 years apart), was always higher than 0.72, while the correlation coefficients of radiographs of different individuals was always below 0.62.

Suicidal Terrorist Bombings in Israel—Identification of Human Remains

Positive identification of human remains is one of the most important tasks in mass disaster investigations. Religious and jurisdictional demands in Israel, require the identification process to be completed in the shortest possible time. In the 18 suicidal terrorist bombings that took place in Israel between the years 1993-1996, 127 victims and 19 perpetrators were killed, and their severely fragmented bodies were identified within 24 h. The efficient completion of the identification endeavor was enabled by the implementation of a variety of techniques and the close collaboration in the investigation between the different emergency and forensic agencies. This paper presents the mass disaster identification policy and techniques currently used in Israel. The importance of an interdisciplinary approach for the identification of extremely fragmented human remains from mass disasters and the creation of a central data bank of fingerprints and genetic markers is emphasized.

Positive Identification by Means of Trabecular Bone Pattern Comparison

Positive identification of human remains is often achieved by comparing antemortem and postmortem radiographs. Usually, radiographs contain a number of markers that can serve as reference for comparison, one of these markers is the trabecular bone pattern depicted in the roentgenograms. In the present case, densitometric analysis of the trabecular bone pattern was used as the sole means of identification. Later on, two other methods confirmed the original positive identification.

The Effects of Aging on Antemortem—Postmortem Comparisons of the Peripheral Skeleton for Positive Identification

A case is presented that illustrates the usefulness of postcranial X-rays for the positive identification of human remains. However, both compact and cancellous bone are known to change during an individual's adult lifetime. To evaluate the cumulative effects of bony changes on antemortem-postmortem comparisons, radiographs of two hospital patients whose treatment spanned 10 and 11 years are compared. In both cases, skeletal changes are evident, but sufficient constancy exists so that comparability for identification is not significantly diminished. X-rays are presented for the knee, shoulder, hip and wrist/hand. Of particular interest are a set of three hand X-rays of a patient who, over a ten year period displayed dramatic osteoarthritic changes.

Developing a forensic dental code and programme.

An attempt was made to develop a computer-assisted programme to aid in the positive identification of human remains. The first and second generations of a computer code and programme for entering ante-mortem and post-mortem records into a computer data bank are discussed. The initial code is presented along with the results following the computer evaluation of 50 record pairs. The self-evaluating aspects of the programme are discussed and the proposed second generation code is presented. The programme exhibits some promising characteristics but further refinement based on increased data banks is needed.