XRF identification of sharp-force trauma in fresh and dry human bone under varied experimental heat conditions

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q2 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Science & Justice Pub Date : 2024-04-21 DOI:10.1016/j.scijus.2024.04.005

Joana Rosa , Luís A.E. Batista de Carvalho , Maria Paula M. Marques , Maria Teresa Ferreira , David Gonçalves , Francisco P.S.C. Gil

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Heat-induced fractures can be hard to distinguish from sharp force traumas. This challenge can negatively impact medico-legal analysis. The present study aimed to experimentally assess if X-ray fluorescence (XRF) can be used to detect chemical traces transferred from the blade of a sharp instrument onto both fresh and dry human bones. This was performed by inducing sharp force traumas with five different instruments on 20 fresh and 20 dry human clavicles. All bone samples were probed before and after experimental burning (at 500 °C, 700 °C, 900 °C and 1100 °C). Our results show that XRF is potentially useful for detecting iron traces in fresh human bone, both unburned and burned. However, we were not able to clearly detect iron traces from the blades in bones that have been previously inhumed, since exogenous iron acquired during diagenesis masks the iron traces originating from the blade.

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不同实验加热条件下新鲜和干燥人骨中锐器创伤的 XRF 鉴定

热力导致的骨折很难与锐器创伤区分开来。这一难题会对医学法律分析产生负面影响。本研究旨在通过实验评估 X 射线荧光 (XRF) 是否可用于检测从锐器刀刃转移到新鲜和干燥人骨上的化学痕迹。具体方法是用五种不同的工具对 20 块新鲜和 20 块干燥的人体锁骨造成锐力创伤。所有骨骼样本在实验灼烧（500 °C、700 °C、900 °C和 1100 °C）前后都进行了探测。我们的研究结果表明，X 射线荧光光谱仪可用于检测未燃烧和已燃烧的新鲜人类骨骼中的铁痕量。不过，我们无法在先前被吸入的骨头中清楚地检测到来自刀片的铁痕迹，因为成岩过程中获得的外源铁掩盖了来自刀片的铁痕迹。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Science & Justice 医学-病理学

CiteScore

4.20

自引率

15.80%

发文量

审稿时长

81 days

期刊介绍： Science & Justice provides a forum to promote communication and publication of original articles, reviews and correspondence on subjects that spark debates within the Forensic Science Community and the criminal justice sector. The journal provides a medium whereby all aspects of applying science to legal proceedings can be debated and progressed. Science & Justice is published six times a year, and will be of interest primarily to practising forensic scientists and their colleagues in related fields. It is chiefly concerned with the publication of formal scientific papers, in keeping with its international learned status, but will not accept any article describing experimentation on animals which does not meet strict ethical standards. Promote communication and informed debate within the Forensic Science Community and the criminal justice sector. To promote the publication of learned and original research findings from all areas of the forensic sciences and by so doing to advance the profession. To promote the publication of case based material by way of case reviews. To promote the publication of conference proceedings which are of interest to the forensic science community. To provide a medium whereby all aspects of applying science to legal proceedings can be debated and progressed. To appeal to all those with an interest in the forensic sciences.