1,721,003 research outputs found
Impact of cadaver decomposition on soil organic matter chemistry and bacterial responses during varying seasonal conditions within a temperate human taphonomic facility
No full textData consists of chemical and bacterial analyses collected from soil sampled at varying distances (0-100 cm) and horizons (A and B) from decomposing human remains deposited during warm (n = 3) or cold (n =3) seasonal conditions at the REST[ES] facility (Bécancour, Québec). This was done to evaluate the environmental impact of human decomposition, particularly on soil nutrient and energy fluxes.
Les données proviennent d'analyses chimiques et bactériennes recueillies à partir d'échantillons de sol prélevés à différents distances (0-100 cm) et horizons (A et B) des restes humains déposés pendant des conditions saisonnières chaudes (n = 3) ou froides (n = 3) au site de recherche REST[ES] (Bécancour, Québec). Ces analyses ont été réalisées pour évaluer l'impact environnemental de la décomposition cadavérique, notamment sur les flux de nutriments et d'énergie dans les sols. (2020-08-10
Physical and chemical analysis of pig carcass decomposition in a fine sand
Get PDFThe development and improvement of methods used for the estimation of the
postmortem interval (PMI) is a common area of research in forensic science. This
research was conducted to physically and chemically analyze pig carcass decomposition
on a soil surface using conventional and newly developed methods for the potential use in
estimating the PMI. Photographs of pig carcasses decomposing on forested and open
land were scored using a decomposition scoring system and decomposition scores were
related to accumulated degree days (ADD). Overall, the ADD values were significantly
different for the two groups of carcasses; however, the ADD values for the onset of each
score demonstrated more similarity between groups. Decomposition scoring results also
indicated that refinements must be made to the calculation of ADD to allow for a
meaningful comparison of pig and human decomposition. The decomposition of pig
carcasses altered the water content, pH and fatty acid content of soil. The fatty acids,
myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic and oleic acids were successfully extracted and
analyzed from decomposition soil. Palmitic, stearic and oleic acids were the most
abundant fatty acids detected whilst the levels of myristic and palmitoleic acids were
negligible in comparison. A three peak fatty acid cycle was also observed for each fatty
acid. Variations in soil pH and fatty acid content of decomposition soil have the potential
to indicate the presence of a decomposition site. Furthermore, a nonlinear diffusion
model was developed to predict the development of the cadaver decomposition island
(CDI) in soil over time. The simulation of the model indicated that the diffusion model
has the potential to generate PMI estimations for early stages of decomposition by
corresponding the effective radius of the CDI to a particular time point. The general
findings of this research indicate that more accurate methods for PMI estimations can
potentially be developed with further research.University of Ontario Institute of Technolog
Investigation of sterols as potential biomarkers for the detection of pig (S. s. domesticus) decomposition fluid in soils
No full textThis study was carried out to evaluate the potential of using cholesterol and coprostanol, as indicators for the detection of decomposition fluid of buried pigs (S. s. domesticus) in soils. In May 2007, four pig carcasses (~35. kg) were buried in shallow graves (~40. cm depth) at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Canada. Two pigs were exhumed after three months (Pig 1, Pig 2) and six months (Pig 3, Pig 4) post burial. Soil samples were collected beneath the pig carcasses (~40. cm depth) and from grave walls (~15-20. cm depth) as well as from a parallel control site. Coprostanol and cholesterol were extracted from soils, purified with solid phase extraction (SPE) and analysed with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A significant increase in cholesterol concentrations (p<. 0.05) and amounts of coprostanol were detected in soil located beneath the pig carcasses after three months of burial. It is assumed that during the putrefaction and liquefaction stages of decomposition pig fluid which contains cholesterol and coprostanol is released into the underlying soil. Therefore, cholesterol and coprostanol could be used as potential biomarkers to detect the presence of decomposition fluid three months after burial under comparable soil and environmental conditions. Further research is suggested for additional soil sampling before and after three months to investigate the abundance of these and other sterols. © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Get PDFThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Biochemical alteration of gravesoils between season and soil type
Get PDFDecomposition chemistry refers to the biochemical degradation processes which occur in soft tissue as decomposition proceeds. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the release of decomposition fluids into contrasting soil environments and their potential correlation with the presence of a decomposing carcass. Soil from two different carcass decomposition trials was utilized to determine if seasonal and soil variation altered the soils reaction to a carcass. The reaction was determined by investigating the soil available phosphorus, extractable lipid-phosphate, pH, moisture and fatty acid content. A significant increase in the relative concentration of extractable lipid-phosphate, soil available phosphorus, and fatty acid content was identified, confirming the flux in the microbial biomass in the soil. Contrary to these nutrients, there were no notable changes in the soil pH and moisture content. The findings of this study were able to highlight the future forensic potential of these techniques and demonstrate a need for further research.University of Ontario Institute of Technolog
Characterization of a novel cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor, CBI28, in Gluconacetobacter xylinus
Get PDFTo study the underlying mechanisms for microbial cellulose biosythesis, a novel compound, CBI28, was used as an inhibitor along with classical genetics and EMS mutagenesis. An EZ-Link Biotin Hydrazide Kit was used to create a CBI28-Biotin conjugate for further studies. Gluconacetobacter xylinus cells were exposed to 10 uM CBI28 to induce cellulose biosythesis inhibition, lysed and small hydrophobic molecules were extracted using methanol and Waters Oasis HLB SPE-Paks. Samples were separated and detected using the Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer/Photo Diode Array. Putative mutants were isolated but did not survive for further study. An ion with the expected mass of a CBI28-Biotin conjugate (552 m/z) was detected but not in sufficiently high concentrations for characterization. Metabolite studies revealed putative metabolites derived from the HLB SPE and methanol extractions with no significant difference in extraction methods. Potential metabolites with masses of ~281.77 m/z and ~79 m/z were detected in CBI28 exposed cells. Further analysis needs to be performed to determine if CBI28 metabolites prevent cellulose production.University of Ontario Institute of Technolog
Influence du climat provincial sur l’identification de restes humains en décomposition exposés en milieu naturel dans le sud du Québec : optimisation des méthodes de restauration et prélèvement des empreintes digitales
Get PDFLes empreintes papillaires sont principalement utilisées à des fins d'identification par les forces policières, chez les individus vivants et décédés. Dans les contextes forensiques, l'étendue de la conservation/décomposition de restes peut avoir un impact sur la capacité de restaurer et prélever les empreintes papillaires, et par conséquent, sur les méthodes utilisées. L’application de ces méthodes sur le terrain (p. ex. en cas de catastrophes de masse ou fosses communes) ne peut pas compter sur les mêmes installations/ressources de laboratoire, et nécessite des adaptations pratiques. Ce travail de recherche représente la première application et comparaison dans un cadre expérimental des méthodes de restauration et prélèvement des empreintes papillaires à partir de restes humains en décomposition dans des conditions contrôlées au Québec.
Deux essais ont été menés sur quatre donneurs au site de Recherche en Sciences Thanatologiques Expérimentales et Sociales (REST[ES]); un à l’été 2021 et un à l’automne/hiver 2021-2022. Au total, cinq méthodes existantes de restauration et trois méthodes de prélèvement, développées sous d'autres climats, ont été expérimentées. Les résultats ont montré que les méthodes pouvaient être adaptées pour une application sur le terrain, de manière simple, rapide et économique. Les restaurations et prélèvements après l'hiver ont été réalisées de façon moins invasive et destructrice qu'en été, où des variables incontrôlables ont limité leur application. Basé sur ces résultats, deux outils ont été développés pour soutenir la prise de décision des praticiens du Québec (Canada) lors du choix des méthodes à prioriser dans les cas réels forensiques.Fingerprints are primarily used for identification purposes by law enforcement, for both living and deceased individuals. In forensic contexts, the extent of preservation or decomposition of remains can impact the ability to restore and collect fingerprints, and subsequently the methods used. Additionally, implementation of these methods in the field in cases of mass disasters or mass graves cannot rely on laboratory facilities and resources, and therefore require practical adaptations. This research work represents the first application and comparison in an experimental setting of fingerprints restoration and collection methods from decomposing remains under controlled conditions in Quebec.
Two trials were conducted on four donors at the site for Research in Experimental and Social Thanatology (REST[ES]); one in summer 2021 and one in fall/winter 2021-2022. In total, five existing restoration methods and three collection methods, developed in other climates, were tested. Results showed that fingerprint restoration and collection methods could be adapted for practical applications in real forensic contexts, in a simple, rapid, and cost-effective way. Fingerprints restorations and collections after winter were achieved in less invasive and destructive manners than in summer, where uncontrollable variables limited their application. Based on these results, two tools have been developed to support the decision-making of forensic practitioners in Quebec (Canada) when choosing which methods to prioritize in real forensic cases
Detection of gasoline from internal tissues for use in determining victim status at the time of a fire
Get PDFIn Ontario, fire investigators from the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) are responsible for determining the origin and cause of suspicious fires. As part of the investigation, fire debris samples are collected from the scene and analyzed by the Centre of Forensic Sciences. The standard practice is to collect items that are porous, highly absorbent or adsorbent with high surface areas as they allow for better retention of the ignitable liquids. The evidence typically collected includes carpets, cardboards, soils, cloths and other items that have not been impinged by flame such as beneath baseboards. These samples are analyzed for the presence of ignitable liquid residues which may be evidence that an accelerant was used at the fire. When a body is recovered from a fire it can provide another source from which to collect samples for analysis. These samples can be especially helpful in instances where the fire generated an intense heat which may cause a loss of ignitable liquid residues from the fire debris. The tissue samples have a greater likelihood of still containing residues as the organs and body fluids can act as a shield protecting the residues from volatilization.
The purpose of this study is to validate whether a victim was alive or deceased at the time a fire was intentionally set by detecting presence or absence of gasoline residues within their lungs and heart blood post fire. It was hypothesized that only when a victim was alive and performing respiration would sufficient gasoline vapours enter the airways and bloodstream for detection postmortem. Contamination becomes a significant issue when these samples are collected at autopsy and this study aimed to determine the accuracy with which a gasoline signature can be interpreted following the collection and analysis of lung tissue and heart blood.
Pig (Sus domesticus) carcasses were chosen as acceptable analogues for humans in this study. The experiments involved anaesthetizing a pig (with Animal Ethics Approval), exposing the pig to gasoline vapours for 10 minutes, and then euthanizing it. The carcass was clothed with a cotton t-shirt and placed in a house where additional gasoline was poured onto it. The house also contained two additional clothed pig carcasses which did not inhale gasoline vapours; one with gasoline poured directly onto it and the other with no gasoline exposure (negative control). Thermocouples were placed under each carcass and in the centre of each room at ceiling and floor level to record the temperature. The house was set ablaze and monitored by a volunteer fire service. After the fire had reached
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flashover and was suppressed, the carcasses were collected and their lungs and heart blood excised at a necropsy. The lungs and heart blood were then placed into glass mason jars following the OFM protocol. The headspace from each sample was analyzed by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy to determine the presence or absence of a gasoline signature. Two full scale house fires were conducted in order to obtain three replicates.
The results showed that only the lungs and heart blood from the pig that inhaled gasoline contained gasoline residues. This indicates that it is possible to determine a victim’s status at the time of the fire based on the detection of gasoline in the lungs and/or heart blood. It was also concluded that contamination of samples during an autopsy can be minimized by changing gloves before handling the internal tissues. The thermal data showed that the bodies act as an insulator and protects the underside as the temperatures under the carcasses did not exceed 30⁰C while the room reached over 900⁰C at the first full scale house fire.
These results will impact the forensic community by demonstrating the importance of analyzing a deceased victim’s internal tissues for ignitable liquid residues post fire as they may provide evidence of an intentionally set fire as well as providing information about the victim’s status when a fire was started. These findings will have a direct impact to the OFM as additional evidence can be obtained by completing internal tissue analysis. This will intern impact the Centre of Forensic Science (CFS) as it confirms the importance of analyzing internal tissues in order to provide results to fire investigators. Finally these findings should be used to implement new protocols at the Coroner’s Office so contamination can be minimized during fire autopsies and accurate samples are collected and sent to the CFS for analysis.University of Ontario Institute of Technolog
Determining the impact of carrion decomposition on soil microbial activity levels and community composition.
Get PDFThe ubiquitous nature of microorganisms and their specificity to certain locations make them potentially useful for forensic investigators. Advances in microbial profiling techniques have made it possible to compare microbial community profiles obtained from evidence or crime scenes to individuals and vice versa. Profiling microbial communities associated with cadaver decomposition may provide useful information concerning post-mortem intervals and aid in the identification of clandestine graves. Four experiments using pigs as human decomposition analogues were performed over the course of 2011 and 2012 in southern Ontario to document changes in soil microbiology following decomposition. Studies were conducted in the spring and summer to document the effect of environmental conditions on the decomposition process and subsequent changes in gravesoil microbiology. Microbial activity was measured using a fluorescein diacetate assay as a preliminary indicator of changes within the soil microbial population. Both decreases and increases in microbial activity were observed throughout each decomposition experiment indicating that the microbial response to decomposition is complex. It is believed that environmental conditions and decomposition rates play a role in determining how taphonomic events affect soil microbial activity. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) profiling was used document community level changes throughout decomposition. Shifts in FAMEs profiles were brought on by the onset of active decay and persisted through to the dry remains stage. The fatty acids 3OH 12:0, 12:0, 16:0 and 18:0 were frequently found in higher amounts in gravesoils and may prove useful as markers of cadaver decomposition. Metagenomic profiles of soil microbial communities were obtained using Illumina® sequencing. Decomposition was associated with changes in microbial community composition. This allowed gravesoil samples to be differentiated from control samples for an extended period of time. Bacteria responsible for the shift in microbial profiles are those commonly associated with cadaver decomposition. Both sets of soil profiles indicated that weather had an effect on microbial community composition. Results highlight the need to document natural changes in microbial communities over seasons and years to establish normal microbial patterns to effectively use soil microbial profiles as post-mortem interval or clandestine grave indicators.University of Ontario Institute of Technolog
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