Unidentified Bodies Research Articles

Recognizing Injured Faces via SCIFI Loss

Deaths and injuries are common in road accidents, violence, and natural disaster. In accidents and natural disasters scenarios, one of the tasks of responders is to retrieve the identity of the victims to reunite families or ensure proper identification of deceased persons. Apart from this, the identification of unidentified dead bodies due to violence and accidents is crucial for the police investigation. In the absence of identification cards, different forensic techniques such as DNA profiling and dental profiling may be used for identification. In this research, we present face recognition as a fast and viable approach for recognizing individuals with injuries. Face, which can be captured easily, is one of the most commonly used and widely accepted biometric modalities. However, face recognition is challenging in the presence of injuries as facial injuries change the appearance and geometric properties of the face due to swelling, bruises, blood clots, and accidental cuts. These changes introduce large intra-class variations among the same subject and small inter-class separability among different subjects. To address the challenge, we propose a novel Subclass Injured Face Identification (SCIFI) loss which is used in learning feature representation agnostic to injury variations. Additionally, an extended Injured Face (IF-V2) database of 150 subjects is presented to evaluate the performance of face recognition models. Multiple experiments and comparisons are performed to showcase the efficacy of the proposed SCIFI loss based face recognition.

A newly developed age estimation method based on CpG methylation of teeth-derived DNA using real-time methylation-specific PCR.

Age estimation of unidentified bodies is important in forensic medicine and crime scenes. There is accumulating evidence that DNA methylation in the human genome isolated from body fluids changes with age. Most of the data have been obtained by pyrosequencing. In the forensic field, a simple, quick, and economical method is required to evaluate the age of various types of samples. In this study, an age estimation method based on methylation levels of DNA extracted from teeth using real-time methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was developed. The CpG island in the upstream region of ELOVL2, which is known as a validated biomarker in blood samples, was selected as a target site. The CpG methylation levels highly correlated with age (r = 0.843, n = 29). Age-related increase in DNA methylation levels was not affected by sex differences. In addition, the simple regression model based on methylation status of the CpG island exhibited moderate accuracy with a mean absolute deviation between chronological age and predicted age of 8.94 years. The results imply that real-time MSP can be a new tool to perform age prediction of unidentified bodies in forensic scenes.

De fosas, exterminio e impunidad en Michoacán. Una reflexión desde la historia reciente

El artículo propone una mirada inquisitiva a un fenómeno muy poco atendido en la historia reciente de Michoacán. Me refiero al repertorio de la desaparición que siembra cuerpos en vilo; su no estar es el tiempo detenido de miles de personas. El accionar del crimen organizado y de las bandas delincuenciales –en muchos casos con la complicidad de las instancias de gobierno y de seguridad pública- privilegian una lógica macabra con el fin de producir un sufrimiento profundo –lo más inimaginable posible- para las víctimas y sus familiares.
 Evidenciar la ruta criminal y desentrañar el laberinto de la desaparición en distintos puntos del estado de Michoacán, pondrá al lector/a frente a una ventana de visibilidad para miles de casos; son hombres y mujeres cuya historicidad se pretendió borrar con métodos de exterminio. La historia debe asumir su función social al documentar si existe o no la voluntad del Estado de buscar a las personas desaparecidas. La Comisión de Búsqueda de Personas Desaparecidas en el Estado de Michoacán es, actualmente, un tímido esfuerzo para lograr dicho objetivo. Mientras tanto, los familiares claman ni olvido, ni perdón.

Reprint of: The effects of decomposition and environment on antemortem H-Pb-Sr isotope compositions and degradation of human scalp hair: Actualistic taphonomic observations

Multi-isotope analysis (e.g., Sr-Pb-O-H-C-N) of human scalp hair is routinely used in forensic investigations of human remains to constrain the geographic origin of unidentified bodies, and to investigate antemortem mobility patterns. However, while it is known that postmortem processes can affect the preservation of, or even overprint, the biogenic isotopic signatures in hair, the speed and nature of these processes have rarely been studied. This study investigates the effects of decomposition and environment on the H-Pb-Sr isotope compositions of human hair as well as the relationship between structural hair shaft degradation and isotopic signature change over time. Human scalp hair samples from four body donations were collected at different stages throughout gross body decomposition. The willed-donated bodies were placed to decompose outdoors at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF) at Texas State University. Hair fibres from two of the donations were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution light microscopy (HRLM). Chemical and microbiological degradation of hair fibres occurred rapidly after placement of the body outdoors. Measurements of scalp hair isotopic composition demonstrated that H-Pb-Sr isotope ratios were altered within days after environmental exposure, presumably by deposition, leaching and/or exchange with the local bioavailable soil, and vapour. The degree of physical hair degradation and changes in H-Pb-Sr isotope composition were not correlated. We conclude that antemortem isotopic H-Pb-Sr isotope ratios are difficult to recover in hairs derived from decomposing whole bodies.

DNA extraction from sternum bone for identification of a saponified body: use of a modified protocol.

This paper discusses our approach and results obtained when attempting to identify a saponified human body recovered from the sea, without arms and legs. Bones, especially the long ones, are the only sources of DNA available in several cases involving unidentified bodies in advanced state of putrefaction. In this case, since the body was found without limbs, attempts were made to extract DNA from the sternum bone. The DNA was extracted using a modified version of the NucleoSpin® DNA Trace Kit (Macherey Nagel™) protocol and an STR analysis was performed. Thanks to this modified protocol a complete DNA profile was obtained from the sternum bone, while only partial results were obtained from blood and teeth. The DNA profile obtained from the sternum was compared with the DNA of the putative son searching for a genetic match. Five incompatibilities were detected so it was possible to exclude the kinship. In conclusion this could be a useful technique in personal identification through DNA analysis in case of poor quality and quantity of bone.

Incidenceof Tuberculosis in Unidentified Dead Bodies amongst Autopsy Conducted at Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai

A autopsy based prospective study on incidence of tuberculosis was conducted at government Stanley medical college for two year from June 2016 –June 2018in that 425 cases of unidentified bodies were subjected for postmortem in that 376 cases were taken for the present study these based on exclusion criteria during autopsy in that 201 cases were male and 175 cases were female, in all the cases sterile swabs were taken from intra bronchial region and directly from caseous necrosed sites and lung tissues from pathological sites are subjected for histopathological examination during autopsy and sterile swabs were subjected for acid fast staining and culture by lowenstien Jensen medium medium among the376 cases studied 52 cases had pulmonary tuberculosis and 2 cases had milliary and intestinal tuberculosis respectively.

Border beings. Present absences among migrants in the Spanish enclave of Melilla

Death is a constant feature of lives lived at the borders for migrants trying to reach Europe without the necessary authorizations from nation-states. At the border between Melilla and Morocco, many stories are told about near death experiences during attempts to cross both land and maritime borders, as well as about abandoned bodies. Other common narratives focus on the living dead, on the missing presumed dead, on unidentified bodies, and on the living who continue to be haunted by the disappeared. Drawing on ethnographic material, this paper examines the ways in which migrants’ journeys and subjectivities are shaped by death on the migrant trail to Europe.

The effects of decomposition and environment on antemortem H-Pb-Sr isotope compositions and degradation of human scalp hair: Actualistic taphonomic observations

Multi-isotope analysis (e.g., Sr–Pb–O–H–C–N) of human scalp hair is routinely used in forensic investigations of human remains to constrain the geographic origin of unidentified bodies, and to investigate antemortem mobility patterns. However, while it is known that postmortem processes can affect the preservation of, or even overprint, the biogenic isotopic signatures in hair, the speed and nature of these processes have rarely been studied. This study investigates the effects of decomposition and environment on the H–Pb–Sr isotope compositions of human hair as well as the relationship between structural hair shaft degradation and isotopic signature change over time. Human scalp hair samples from four body donations were collected at different stages throughout gross body decomposition. The willed-donated bodies were placed to decompose outdoors at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF) at Texas State University. Hair fibers from two of the donations were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution light microscopy (HRLM). Chemical and microbiological degradation of hair fibers occurred rapidly after placement of the body outdoors. Measurements of scalp hair isotopic composition demonstrated that H–Pb–Sr isotope ratios were altered within days after environmental exposure, presumably by deposition, leaching and/or exchange with the local bioavailable soil, and vapor. The degree of physical hair degradation and changes in H–Pb–Sr isotope composition were not correlated. We conclude that antemortem isotopic H–Pb–Sr isotope ratios are difficult to recover in hairs derived from decomposing whole bodies.

The effect of clothing on decomposition and vertebrate scavengers in cooler months of the temperate southwestern Cape, South Africa

With research providing conflicting results from different habitats across the globe, the effect of clothing on decomposition is unclear; some studies indicate clothing increases decomposition rate by facilitating increased insect activity, and others conclude clothing prolongs the decay process. In South Africa, such research is lacking, with no data for the Western Cape Province, which suffers from a high murder rate with many unclaimed, unidentified bodies. Improving post-mortem interval (PMI) estimates will increase chances of correct forensic identification of decedents by narrowing the search window for police. Since no current PMI estimation method accounts for the possible influence of clothing, this study was designed to examine the effect of seasonally appropriate common clothing on decomposition rate in the thicketed Cape Flats Dune Strandveld, Cape Town, a forensically significant region. Four ∼60 kg domestic pig carcasses (Sus scrofa domesticus) were used as proxies for human decomposition, two were clothed and two unclothed. The clothing, altered by a seamstress to ensure an appropriate fit, caused a notable decrease in decay rate in this initial sample. Daily weight loss was used as a quantitative measure of decomposition progression, as the clothing prevented the use of visual decomposition scoring systems. Weight loss was closely associated with scavenging activity by the Cape grey mongoose (Galerella pulverulenta), with a clear scavenger preference for unclothed carcasses. This suggests that the effect of clothing on decomposition may be better assessed in this environment by examining how scavengers interact with only a single clothed carcass.

IS CADAVER STILL NEEDED IN MEDICAL EDUCATION?

Background: Medical education has been developing very rapidly. Cadavers, which can serve as very important learning resources, need special concern for their availability and utility.Methods: This narrative review is based on related articles freely downloaded which discuss the role and availability of cadavers worldwide. The recent Indonesian condition with Universitas Gadjah Mada as a case will be described.Results: Cadavers play important roles in several aspects, from bioethics and behavioral development until clinical skills, in basic education and especially in postgraduate and advance clinical training. The availability of cadavers has declined significantly, and as a result, the impacts must be considered. Most cadavers are unidentified bodies, eventhough presently a body donation program is recommended as the alternative source.Conclusion: Currently in Indonesia, timely participation is needed from various stakeholders to support effective and efficient cadaver availability and utility. Additional learning resources are needed to be developed in order to assure quality improvement of medical education.Keywords: cadaver, medical education, bioethics, unidentified bodies, body donation.

Prevalence of traumatic orofacial and dental injury in unidentified bodies—Data from a forensic medicine institute in Brazil

Orofacial trauma and traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are serious public health problems due to their high prevalence, severe morbidity, high costs of treatment, and long-term sequelae. However, the extent of the problem may be underestimated since trauma analysis, from a forensic odontology perspective, is not widely represented in the scientific literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of traumatic orofacial injuries (TOI) and TDI in unidentified bodies and their association with the cause of death. A retrospective analysis was conducted of dental and autopsy reports of unidentified bodies admitted to the Institute of Forensic Medicine of Belo Horizonte (IFM-BH), Brazil, between 2015 and 2016. The final sample was made up of 536 bodies.Demographic data, the location where the body was found, cause of death, and the presence and type of orofacial trauma were collected. The mean of the estimated age of the bodies was 38yearsand the median was 35 years. Mostof the bodies were from males (87.5%) and werefound downtown in the city of Belo Horizonte (60.4%). Violence was the most common cause of death (64%), generally by gunshot (48.7%). Bodies with an estimated age ≤35years were eight times more likely to have died from violent causes. TOI was registered in 50.9% of the reports. TDI was observed in 10.8% of the bodies. Victims of violent death were seven times more likely to present TOI. Such association was not observed when the presence of TDI was considered. There is a positive association between TOI and violent death in unidentified bodies.

Morphometric Evaluation of Dry Humerus Bone in a Medical College of Eastern Nepal

Introduction: Anthropometric measurement of dry bones are helpful to estimate the stature. It is useful for differentiating unidentified bodies, skeletal remains, surgical procedures and are helpful for anthropologists, anatomists, forensic and surgery.
 Objective: The objective of this study was to find the morphometric measurements of dry Humerus bone available at Birat Medical College and Teaching Hospital of Eastern Nepal.
 Methodology: A cross- sectional study was conducted from 28th June- 28th July 2019 in the department of Anatomy of Birat Medical College and Teaching Hospital by taking 59 dry humerus bone. Various parameters such as maximum length, circumference of surgical neck, epicondylar breadth together with position and number of nutrient foramina were measured. Data was collected using osteometric board, vernier caliper and tape. The number, direction and location of nutrient foramina were observed macroscopically by using a fine wire. Ethical clearance was taken from Institutional Review Committee of Birat Medical College and Teaching Hospital.
 Results: Among 59 dry humerus bone, majority (32) were left humerus. No statistical significant difference was found in morphometric measurements between right and left side of dry Humerus bone. The single nutrient foramen was present in 85.18% and 81.25% of right and left humeri respectively. Double nutrient foramina in 14.81% of right humeri and 15.62% of left humeri. Triple nutrient foramina was only seen in left humeri (3.12%).
 Conclusion: Single nutrient foramen is most common in both sides of humeri. No statistical significant difference was found between right and left humeri in the different parameters such as maximum humeral length (MHL), vertical diameter of superior articular surface (VDSAS), circumference of surgical neck (CSN), circumferences of middle shaft (CMS), epicondylar breath (EB), medial epicondyle to capitulum (ME - C), transverse diameter inferior articular surface (TDIAS), maximum transverse diameter of trochlea (MTDT), anteroposterior diameter of the trochlea (APDT) and position of nutrient foramina (PNF).

The Gnoseological Nature of Investigation and Identification Activities

The article examines the gnoseological nature of investigation and identification work. The authors perform the retrospective analysis of research in this sphere — from the sources of the criminalistic theory of investigation (1920s) to the research carried out by contemporary specialists in operative investigation theory, and use the results of this analysis to outline a complex of problems connected with the search for different categories of missing persons, the identification of persons and unidentified bodies, all studied from the standpoint of coordinating legal norms that regulate the operative investigation activities. The authors establish a correlation between the structure of opinions and views existing within the investigation and identification trends and draw some conclusions that could give the most precise answers to the unsolved problems regarding the approaches to the analyzed activity and its logical contents. The authors note that in recent years the structure of law enforcement bodies changed and they acquired additional responsibilities that are also included in the investigation and identification activities, so it became relevant to conduct research analysis and monitoring of the condition of the above-mentioned sphere of activities. Besides, the authors draw attention to the fact that the operative investigation doctrine does not offer any theoretical solutions to the analyzed problems and present not only such solutions, but also some ideas that are revolutionary for this kind of research, for example, the independence of investigation and identification activity from the operational investigation activity. Based on this study, the authors formulate the notion of investigation and identification activity and conclude that this activity has some specific features. In the gnoseological aspect, the activity of internal affairs bodies is viewed as a kind of cognition of those events in the world that present some interest and are relevant to the soonest solution of the problems and reaching the goals of investigation and identification. From this viewpoint, the investigation and identification activities are characterized by all the regularities typical of any cognitive activities, including the general philosophic regularities of studying the environment, viewing the human being as an object or a subject of investigation and identification activities, studying his thinking and behavior, as well as the cognition process itself. The authors also present the operational investigation description of the analyzed activities.

Myocardial lipofuscin accumulation in ageing and sudden cardiac death

Lipofuscin is an intracellular aggregate of highly oxidized proteins that cannot be digested in the ubiquitin-proteasome system and accumulate mainly in lysosomes, especially in aged cells and pathological conditions. However, no systematic study has evaluated the cardiac accumulation of lipofuscin during human ageing and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Age estimation in unidentified bodies and postmortem SCD diagnosis are important themes in forensics. Thus, we aimed to elucidate their correlations with myocardial lipofuscin accumulation. We collected 76 cardiac samples from autopsy patients aged 20–97 years. After histopathological examination, myocardial lipofuscin was measured using its autofluorescence. Lipofuscin accumulated mainly in the perinuclear zone, and its accumulation rate positively correlated with chronological ageing (r = 0.82). Meanwhile, no significant change in lipofuscin level was observed with different causes of death, including SCD. There was also no significant change in lipofuscin level in relation to body mass index, serum brain natriuretic peptide level, or heart weight. Moreover, we performed LC3 and p62 immunoblotting to evaluate autophagic activity, and no change was observed in ageing. Therefore, lipofuscin accumulation more directly reflects chronological ageing rather than human cardiac pathology. Our study reveals the stability and utility of cardiac lipofuscin measurement for age estimation during autopsy.

Age estimation based on visual parameters of the skin of cadavers.

Previous studies have reported relationships between various visual parameters of the skin and changes due to aging. Due to an increase in the discovery of unidentified bodies, the field of forensic medicine anticipates the development of a rapid method for estimating age. The present study measured various visual parameters of the skin in human remains and investigated the correlation between these parameters and age. Skin images were taken of four body parts (cheek, chin, brachium, and thigh) of 414 forensic cases. We interpreted eight visual parameters of the skin (smoothness, roughness, texture, dullness, brightness, erythema, color phase, and sagging) from skin photograph images, and constructed three age-prediction models, categorized by sex, postmortem interval, and age. Significant correlations were observed in the erythema of the cheek and chin, the roughness of the brachium, and the texture of the brachium and thigh among the visual parameters calculated in four body parts, using the three models. The root-mean-square errors, which indicate the precision of the three prediction models, were 13.06, 13.80, and 13.77. The only model that demonstrated a correlation with the visual parameters was sex (but not age or postmortem interval). Similar to living subjects, we observed a correlation with age for a number of visual parameters. The parameters that correlate with age depend on whether the site being measured was exposed to sunlight. Age estimation based on visual parameters requires measurement of visual parameters for skin both exposed and not exposed to sunlight.

Estimation of birth year by radiocarbon dating of tooth enamel: Approach to obtaining enamel powder

Atmospheric radiocarbon (14C) levels increased from 1955 to 1963 due to atmospheric nuclear weapon tests, and then decreased. As 14C accumulates in human tooth enamel while the enamel is being formed, 14C can be used to estimate the birth year of unidentified bodies. Measurement results of 14C content in tooth enamel using accelerator mass spectrometry vary depending on the enamel's sample site. To address this problem, a method for equalizing samples using a pulverizer was considered in this study. Regarding the tube and cone used as the pulverizer, (1) a polycarbonate tube and stainless steel cone, (2) a stainless steel tube and cone, and (3) a tungsten carbide tube and cone, were compared. In (1), the modern carbon ratio was approximately half that of the normal ratio of 100 pMC, with which accurate dating was impossible, and in (2), a high background value was obtained for IAEA-C1, which was pulverized using a reusable tube and cone. In (3), the 14C content for IAEA-C1 pulverized using reusable tube and cone, which was washed with quartz sand, was 0.31 ± 0.01 pMC. This result did not show any problems regarding background value. Therefore, the use of tungsten carbide products and washing with quartz sand is recommended for 14C measurement of pulverized teeth.

Compared growth patterns of the foot and its correlation with stature in Western Uttar Pradesh and NCR Delhi children aged between 6 and 10 years

Introduction: The present study is based on the measurement of foot length and width which is correlated with the stature of 250 Western Uttar Pradesh and NCR Delhi children between 6 and 10 years of age. The measurements of the feet were taken on a flatbed scanner, and the image was captured and analyzed on a computer using Photoshop software. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted on 250 Western UP and NCR Delhi children who belong to different parts of Western UP and NCR Delhi. The stature of the person was measured from vertex to the floor while the individual was standing in an anatomical position. Obtained data were analyzed, and an attempt was made to find the correlation and to derive the linear regression formulae between stature and foot measurement. A good correlation was observed between stature and foot measurements. Results: Foot length of both right and left feet had a stronger correlation to stature with a value of 0.736, and the significance level was 0.01. Foot width of the right foot had a good correlation to stature with a value of 0.591, and the significance level was 0.01. Foot width of the left feet also had a good correlation to stature with a value of 0.588, and the significance level was 0.01. Discussion and Conclusion: Stature is an important parameter in determining the partial identity of unidentified bodies and dismembered remains. Determination and monitoring of growth rate may be possible with the correlation of foot length and stature. Results obtained would be useful for anthropologists and forensic medicine experts.

Aspartic acid racemization of root dentin used for dental age estimation in a Polish population sample

Precise age determination of unidentified bodies and human remains is one of the essential tasks of forensic science. The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of using the enantiomeric composition of aspartic acid racemization in root and crown dentin for dental age estimation using a Polish population sample. Coronal and root dentin from four teeth groups from the mandible were studied using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated a very high correlation between the chronological age and enantiomeric composition in both of the dentin samples. Individual linear equations of root dentin with correlation coefficients between 0.96 and 0.98 and a standard estimation error of ±2.95–4.84 years validated the application of aspartic acid racemization as a significant practical contribution to everyday forensic medical practice. Discrepancies in methodological aspects and modifications that simplify the protocol are presented.

Challenges in mass fatality management: A case study of the 2010 Haiti earthquake

A mass fatality incident occurs when a disaster causes many deaths and the affected country does not have sufficient resources to process the remains of victims. The January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti was one such event; the estimated 316,000 deaths overwhelmed the response system of the government. The purpose of this article is to review the challenges relating to mass fatality management in this incident. Findings were collected through interviews of 28 individuals along with personal observation obtained during two visits to Haiti after the earthquake. The article argues that a good understanding of these challenges (eg, aftershocks, debris, movement and tampering with bodies, lack of resources, environmental factors, smell of decomposing bodies, threat of epidemics, unidentified bodies, psychological stress, and looting) is crucial for an effective response and quick recovery in communities affected by mass fatality incidents.The article concludes with recommendations for addressing these challenges.

The forensic medical characteristic of the non-identified corpses based on the materials of Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise of the Moscow Health Department

We undertook the analysis of the archive data of forensic medical expertises of the non-identified corpses accumulated at the tanatological divisions of the Moscow Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise for the period from 2012 till 2016. Special attention was given to sex and age composition of the deceased as well as the structure of mortality and the traces of ethyl alcohol, if any, present in the blood. It was shown that the majority of the unidentified bodies were those of the young men, with the main cause of the non-violent deaths being the cardiovascular pathology. Ethyl alcohol was found in the blood of 43% of the corpses. The analysis encompassed also the most frequently used methods for personality identification based on the data available from the medical-criminalistic department of the Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise. The statistical treatment of the results of the study provided materials making it possible to envision the tendencies of the further development and improvement of the methods for personality identification for the purpose of forensic medical expertise and judicial practice.