Morphometrics of the hyoid bone for human sex determination from digital photographs

The identification of unknown remains is very important. When unknown remains are found, anthropologists first determine their sex and age. The sex of most skeletons is determined by their shape. In the hyoid bone, the shape is sex related, so it can be used forensically to determine the sex. This study focused on sex-based morphometry of the hyoid bone in Koreans using digital photographs. Hyoid bones from 52 males and 33 females were examined. For each subject, we took 34 measurements from photographs using a computer program, and the data were analyzed statistically using SPSS 11.0. Twenty-one of 34 measurements had significant sex differences (p<0.05). The discriminant functions based on three measurements (X(1)-X(3)) were as follows: The accuracy of discriminant functions is 88.2% in both groups, so these can be used to distinguish males from females in a statistically significant manner.     

Correlation of circumstances with pathological findings in asphyxial deaths by hanging: a prospective study of 61 cases from Seattle, WA

Correlation of the circumstances of death with the pathologic findings in this prospective study of deaths by hanging affords insight pertaining to certain of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in fatalities of this type. The presence of conjunctival and facial/periorbital petechial hemorrhages correlates with increasing levels of body support below the point of ligature suspension. Hyoid bone and/or thyroid cartilage fractures (found in 26% of cases) are most frequently identified in those persons found completely suspended and in victims in the older age ranges. No hyoid bone/thyroid cartilage fractures, internal soft tissue injury, or petechiae were present in 13 (21%) of the study cases.     

儿童骨骼特征的组织学研究

目的研究儿童骨骼的组织学特征,为儿童骨骼残片的法医学鉴定提供科学依据。方法提取儿童四肢长骨骨片,制作骨骼的组织切片,在显微镜下观察内、外环骨板,骨单位,骨细胞的组织学结构,比较儿童骨骼与动物及成人骨骼的组织学区别。结果儿童骨骼的骨单位形态与成人相似,骨单位间存在大量的内层骨板,与动物的骨组织特征相似。结论根据骨组织学特征,可以确定儿童的骨骼残片。     

Reassembling scattered and mixed human bones by trace element ratios

Trace metal ratios in human bones were examined to determine if there were ratios that were sufficiently consistent within an individual yet varying sufficiently from the bones of another individual so that bones in a mixed grave could be reassembled. The concentrations of 21 elements sampled at 54 places on 30 human bones in each of 5 skeletons indicated that the magnesium/zinc ratio was the most reliable and that the zinc/sodium, magnesium/sodium, and chromium/sodium ratios could be used as supplements to help reassemble human bones belonging to the same individual after all standard techniques had been used.     

利用AutoMate Express~(TM)自动化法医DNA提取系统提取骨骼及牙齿DNA

目的探讨建立骨骼及牙齿DNA自动化提取的新方法。方法将33份骨骼及15份牙齿样本分别用冷冻研磨和手工处理两种方法研磨成粉,采用AutoMate ExpressTM自动化法医DNA提取系统提取DNA并定量。结果 AutoMate ExpressTM自动化法医DNA提取系统能够在3h左右完成骨骼、牙齿DNA的提取,两种方法处理的骨骼样本所得DNA质量浓度差异无统计学意义。冷冻研磨处理的骨骼和牙齿样本均获得了较好的STR分型结果,且牙齿样本所得DNA质量浓度高于手工提取所得。结论应用AutoMate ExpressTM自动化法医DNA提取系统是自动化提取骨骼、牙齿DNA的一种新方法,可应用于法医实际案件检验。     

Determination of length of human long bones of hands from their fragments

In cases of fragment/broken long bones, it becomes difficult to measure the length of bones for the purpose of calculation of total height (stature) of the individual with the help of magnification factors. An attempt has been made to devise a method of calculating the bones length from fragments on three long bones of the upper extremity.     

人与狗、猪、牛、羊长骨哈氏系统图像分析的比较

目的探讨人与狗、猪、牛、羊长骨的哈氏系统的形态特点、图像分析特点及其鉴别要点。方法制作人与狗、猪、牛、羊长骨中段横切磨片35张,光镜下观察比较哈氏系统,并在研究型显微镜下进行图像分析。结果人骨无丛状骨和骨单位带;人与狗、猪、牛、羊骨的哈氏系统在形状、大小、分布位置、均匀程度等方面存在明显差异;人骨哈佛骨板层数最多,哈氏系统直径最大;中央管直径和面积百分比的图像分析结果显示人与动物骨的差异均有显著意义。结论(1)丛状骨、骨单位带在种属鉴定中可作为人骨的排除指标;(2)人骨与狗、猪、牛、羊骨在哈氏系统结构方面有明显区别;(3)利用图像分析进行种属鉴定,中央管面积百分比是区别人骨与动物骨的重要参考指标。     

陈旧性骨骼DNA提取技术的研究

对陈旧性骨骼建立一个高回收率并能除去 PCR 反应抑制物的提取 DNA 的方法。采用 CTAB 法提取 DNA。结果显示,该方法不但能有效去除 PCR 抑制物,而且对水泡、火烧、土埋以及10年左右的骨骼所提取的 DNA 均能成功地进行荧光标记 STR 多基因座扩增检验。实验表明,该方法稳定,重复性好,适合陈旧骨骼标本的 DNA 提取。     

Microscopical study on estimation of time since death in skeletal remains

For the purpose of estimating time since death in skeletal remains, postmortem changes in human compact bones were examined by microradiography and electron microscopy. The UV-fluorescence of the peripheral zone of compact bone was also examined by microscopic spectrophotometry. Microradiographic examination revealed no morphological changes in bones left in the open air for long periods, except one of 15 years since death. In bones left in the soil, vacuoles of 5-10 microns diameter, which contained a honeycomb-like structure formed by small vacuoles of 0.5-1 microns diameter, were found in the peripheral zone of the substantia compacta approximately 5 years since death, and in bones of 6 years or more, this change extended to the mid-zone. In bones left in the sea for 4-5 years, vacuoles of 5-10 microns diameter were observed in the outer peripheral zone of the substantia compacta. The relative intensity of UV-fluorescence in bones dwindled with time since death and the correlation coefficient was considerably high.     

Pontomedullary lacerations in falls from a height--a retrospective autopsy study

Brainstem pontomedullary laceration (PML) in falls from a height appears as isolated cases and usually in feet-first impacts with a ring fracture. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of PML in falls from a height, as well as the frequency of concomitant head and neck injuries. Out of 261 cases, PML was present in 40. An impact to the chin, as well as a feet- or buttocks-first impact, most often led to PML owing to transmission of the impact force. Also, a lateral, frontal, or posterior head impact, with subsequent hinge fracture, as well as the frontoposterior hyperextension of the head associated with an upper spine fracture, could be possible mechanisms of PML in falls from a height. The jawbone and other facial bones act as shock absorbers, and their fracture diminishes energy transfer toward the skull and protects the brain and brainstem from injury.     

The evaluation of a synthetic long bone structure as a substitute for human tissue in gunshot experiments

Our goal was to compare experimental gunshot wounds in our non-biological bone model with similarly created wounds in swine bones, and evaluate the results. The design of the synthetic (polyurethane) bone was patterned after human bone structure, with a compact outer layer covering a porous inner layer. Ordnance gelatin, as substitute bone marrow, was injected into the bone's hollow core. To simulate the periostium, the bone was covered with a layer of latex. Then the bone was embedded in gelatin used to simulate surrounding soft tissue. For comparison, fresh swine bones were also embedded in gelatin, and fired upon under the same guidelines. All gunshots were high-speed filmed. In our experimental study, gunshot wounds to swine bones, and to our synthetic, non-biological bones were compared. The results (the comparison between the biological swine bones and the non-biological model bones) in regard to the following points are absolutely equal: the loss of velocity and energy after striking bone, bone fragmentation, bullet deformation, and the penetrating wound channel. Continuing studies with our synthetic bone model will bring about an even greater understanding of the mechanisms of "bullet-bone interaction". For this reason, we have extended our variety of bone models to include other skeletal structures such as skull, spine, pelvis and flat bones for further gunshot experiments.     

应用磁珠法提取陈旧骨骼DNA

目的探讨采用磁珠法提取陈旧骨骼DNA的可行性。方法取经土埋或室外暴露下存放1~5年不等的10根长骨,经水洗、刮净,钻取骨密质骨粉3g,应用EQ1000磁珠试剂盒提取DNA,经复合扩增,ABI 3130XL基因分析仪电泳分离,进行STR分型检测。结果 10根长骨均获得完整的STR分型,电泳图谱基线干净,除个别大片段基因座外,等位基因荧光信号分布均衡性较好。结论采用磁珠法提取陈旧骨骼的DNA,能满足分型要求,可在实际检案中选用。     

Microbial contamination of ABO antigens in bone tissue

Fragments of human bones were stored in different media for two years and then expression of the ABO antigens was indicated. Simultaneously, microbiological investigations were performed. In almost all cases, different ABO substances were detected in putrefied and fresh bones taken from the same person. Blood group antigens found in putrefied bones were compared with serological activity of bacterium cultured from these tissues. Attempts were made to remove unspecific reactions. The authors assume that bacteria are responsible for nonspecific serological reactions, not only as a carrier of blood-group-like substances, but also as a source of enzymes responsible for changes in the structure of ABO antigens in putrefied bones.     

人骨骼及牙齿DNA提取方法的比较和优化

目的人骨骼和牙齿DNA提取方法的比较和优化。方法收集18份不同个体的长骨、30颗磨牙和同一个体2根股骨、8颗磨牙。利用TissueLyser-Ⅱ组织破碎仪和PreFiler Express BTA^TM法医DNA提取试剂盒（BTA法）,应用Automate Express^TM自动化法医DNA提取系统提取DNA,进行STR分型,与脱钙法进行比较,并进行实验条件优化。结果用TissueLyser-Ⅱ结合BTA法,约2.5h即可完成骨骼和牙齿的DNA提取,分型成功率分别为94.4%和96.7%。与脱钙法比较,两种方法获得DNA质量浓度和检出率比较接近（P〈0.05）,但BTA法在操作过程方面更具优势。最佳样本量为100mg,消化时间为2h。结论采用TissueLyser-Ⅱ组织破碎仪结合BTA法对骨骼和牙齿进行DNA提取和分型检验,能满足实际检案的要求,可在法医学实践中选择使用。     

舌骨的法医人类学研究

目的建立利用舌骨形态测量值判别性别的方法,并探讨其在法医学应用中的价值。方法对于河北地区收集的108例舌骨样本(男78例,女30例)进行观察研究,确立11个观测指标并进行测量,测量值采用SPSS统计软件进行统计学分析,建立利用舌骨形态测量值判别性别的方程,并进行Fisher判别分析。结果在11项观察指标中,8项测量指标男女性别间存在显著性统计学差异(P<0.01);利用8项测量指标中的任一指标或之中的多个指标组合建立线性性别判别方程,方程判别性别的准确率在66%～92%,其中多指标的方程判别性别准确率较单一指标的方程高,最高达到92%。结论舌骨形态存在着性别差异,利用多个舌骨形态学测量值建立的性别判别方程准确率较高,可用于无名尸骨的性别判别。     

2种陈旧骨骼、牙齿DNA纯化方法的比较

目的比较有机法+QIAquick纯化法和DNA IQ磁珠法对陈旧骨骼和牙齿DNA的纯化效果。方法选择10份陈旧骨骼和12份牙齿样本,进行消化后分别采用有机法+QIAquick纯化法和DNA IQ磁珠法进行提取纯化,进行DNA定量后用SinofilerTM试剂盒进行检测。结果 2种方法纯化的骨骼、牙齿DNA的IPC CT值无显著差异。有机法+QIAquick纯化法纯化的骨骼、牙齿DNA平均浓度分别为0.180ng/μL±0.068ng/μL和0.132ng/μL±0.027ng/μL,所有样品均获得全部基因分型。DNA IQ磁珠法纯化的DNA平均浓度分别为0.038ng/μL±0.028ng/μL和0.036ng/μL±0.007ng/μL,有5份骨骼和6份牙齿样本仅获得部分基因分型或未能分型。结论有机法+QIAquick纯化法对陈旧骨骼、牙齿DNA的纯化效果优于DNA IQ磁珠法。     

Anomalies of the human chest plate area. Radiographic findings in a large autopsy population

Anomalies of the sternal rib ends and costal cartilages, sternal foramina, and epi(supra)sternal bones from a large, modern autopsy population have been described. Rib abnormalities (duplications, fusions, and spurs) were found in 55 of 2,016 plastron roentgenograms, sternal foramina were found in 135, and episternal bones were found in 51. Sternal foramina were significantly more common in blacks than in whites and episternal bones more common in whites than blacks; rib anomalies had no recognizable racial predilection. Rib anomalies were almost three times more common in males than females, whereas episternal bones were only slightly more common in males. Sternal foramina had no sex predilection. Episternal bones were slightly more often unilateral than bilateral and, when unilateral, were twice as often located on the left. While none of the malformations studied appeared to be of clinical significance, they are of potential forensic value in individual identification.     

Anthropological measurement of lower limb and foot bones using multi-detector computed tomography

Anthropological examination of defleshed bones is the gold standard for osteological measurement in forensic practice. However, multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) offers the opportunity of three-dimensional imaging of skeletal elements, allowing measurement of bones in any plane without defleshing. We present our experiences of the examination of 15 human lower limbs in different states of decomposition using MDCT. We present our method of imaging and radiological measurement of the bones including sex assessment. The radiological measurements were undertaken by three professional groups--anthropology, radiology, and forensic pathology--both at the site of scanning and at a remote site. The results were compared to anthropological oestological assessment of the defleshed bones. We discuss the limitations of this technique and the potential applications of our observations. We introduce the concept of remote radiological anthropological measurement of bones, so-called tele-anthro-radiology and the role that this could play in providing the facility for standardization of protocols, international peer review and quality assurance schemes.     

Radiological, forensic, and anthropological studies of a concrete block containing bones

Multidisciplinary forensic, anthropological, and radiological studies of bone fragments encased in a concrete block were carried out to determine whether or not the bones were human. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) investigation was performed before the bones were removed from the concrete. MSCT study pinpointed the location of the bone fragments within the concrete block, which was helpful for their extraction and recovery, and identified most of their types and nature. Osteological study on dry bones provided more accurate identification of the bones and of their side. According to both methods, the human skeletal remains were compatible with those of a child, aged 8-13 years old, with a minimum height of 128 cm. Neither investigation identified sex or racial phenotype. Both studies identified the skeletal remains as consisting of two animal and five human bones. Furthermore, both methods revealed that the concrete completely encased bones, suggesting a secondary burial.     

Diagnostics of the skeletal massiveness and human somatotype using hand bones

The skeleton massiveness (SM) and the somatotype of human constitution were determined on the basis of osteometry of bones of carpal and metacarpal bones (MB) and of phalanxes. Seventy male and 13 female skeletons from the collection of the chair for anthropology, Moscow State University, were investigated. Described are the results of examinations of 8 carpal bones made according to 3 signs (length, width, and height), and of 5 metacarpal bones made according to 4 signs (length, base and head width, and base height); investigation findings of finger phalanxes (in full) are also presented. Methods of current multidimensional statistics were used within the case study, i.e. related with the key components--for SM specification and the discriminative analysis--for constitution specification. The SM determination accuracy according to type A was 40%, according to type B--80%, according to type C--37.5% and according to type D--52.9%. The classification accuracy of constitutions by carpal bones was 50.0%, by MB--46.4%, and by MB plus finger phalanxes--48.1%. It is pointed out that it was for the first time that the elaborated quantitative criteria of osteometry of hand bones could be used in the expertise practice for the purpose of personality identification by osseous remains.