ORCID Profile
0000-0001-7780-243X
Current Organisation
University of Adelaide
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Publisher: Springer New York
Date: 2016
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 17-02-2022
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0264125
Abstract: Massively parallel sequencing following hybridisation enrichment provides new opportunities to obtain genetic data for various types of forensic testing and has proven successful on modern as well as degraded and ancient DNA. A customisable forensic intelligence panel that targeted 124 SNP markers (67 ancestry informative markers, 23 phenotype markers from the HIrisplex panel, and 35 Y-chromosome SNPs) was used to examine biogeographic ancestry, phenotype and sex and Y-lineage in s les from different ethnic populations of Pakistan including Pothwari, Gilgit, Baloach, Pathan, Kashmiri and Siraiki. Targeted sequencing and computational data analysis pipeline allowed filtering of variants across the targeted loci. Study s les showed an admixture between East Asian and European ancestry. Eye colour was predicted accurately based on the highest p-value giving overall prediction accuracy of 92.8%. Predictions were consistent with reported hair colour for all s les, using the combined highest p-value approach and step-wise model incorporating probability thresholds for light or dark shade. Y-SNPs were successfully recovered only from male s les which indicates the ability of this method to identify biological sex and allow inference of Y-haplogroup. Our results demonstrate practicality of using hybridisation enrichment and MPS to aid in human intelligence gathering and will open many insights into forensic research in South Asia.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-01-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S12024-013-9519-2
Abstract: Teeth and bones are frequently used in the genetic analysis of degraded and ancient human and animal remains. Standard extraction methods, including most commercially available systems, may not yield sufficient DNA to enable successful genetic analysis. Addition of a carrier molecule and demineralization (via EDTA) can increase yields from s les containing limited amounts of DNA. However the benefits of carrier molecules have not been demonstrated for bones and teeth and demineralization introduces large reagent volumes that are difficult to integrate into commercial DNA extraction systems. We compared nuclear DNA yields recovered from small s les of partially decomposed human teeth using a commercial silica-based DNA extraction system with and without the addition of carrier RNA and/or a low-volume demineralization step. DNA yield was significantly improved with demineralization, but there was no significant effect of carrier RNA. The DNA content of a s le did not influence the significance of the effect of demineralization. Using a simple low-volume (1 mL) demineralization step, prior to DNA extraction with the QIAmp DNA Investigator kit (Qiagen), as little as 50 mg of tooth powder can yield more than 500 ng of nuclear DNA.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 20-11-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-04-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-02-2023
DOI: 10.1002/OA.3204
Abstract: Archaeological investigation of the dentoalveolar complex in situ within a human skull requires detailed measurements using non‐invasive techniques. Standard macroscopic and radiographic methods have limitations but large volume micro‐computed tomography (LV micro‐CT) scanning has the potential to acquire data at high resolution in microns. In this study, archaeological specimens are analyzed using three‐dimensional data visualization software from LV micro‐CT scans with the aims of (1) determining whether LV micro‐CT can act as a single technique to provide detailed analysis of the dentoalveolar complex and (2) how findings from the LV micro‐CT technique compare with standard methods. These aims are explored by measuring a range of human skull specimens from a rare archaeological s le requiring non‐invasive methods, for multiple dental and alveolar bone health categories. The LV micro‐CT technique was the only method to provide a full range of detailed measurements across all categories studied. A combination of macroscopic and radiographic techniques covered a number of categories, but the use of multiple methods was more time consuming, did not provide the same level of accuracy, and did not include all measurements. There were high levels of reproducibility for intra‐operator scoring and good inter‐operator agreement from four operators with one operator whose results were outliers. As a further investigation of the potential of the LV micro‐CT technique, an additional in idual, a fragile, fragmented skull of an infant was studied. This investigation confirms the value of LV micro‐CT scanning as a non‐invasive, accurate, single technique for the extensive analysis of the dentoalveolar complex within archaeological skulls, which also allows the relationship of different tissues to be studied in situ.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 27-06-2022
DOI: 10.1101/2022.06.23.22276834
Abstract: Background Archaeological investigations of human skeletal material require non-destructive techniques. Large Volume Micro-Computed Tomography (LV Micro-CT) scanning systems allow acquisition of data from complete skulls. This study aims to determine 1) whether LV Micro-CT scanning can as a single technique provide adequate data for the analysis of the dentoalveolar complex, 2) how its outputs of dental and alveolar bone analyses compare to those of macroscopic and radiographic methods, and 3) how it compares with Small Volume Micro-Computed Tomography (SV Micro-CT), for analysis of in idual teeth? Material and Methods: Five archaeological human skulls were investigated. These represented both sexes and a broad age range. Large Volume Micro-CT, Macroscopic and Radiographic methods and SV Micro-CT scanning were used. Statistical analysis of intra and inter-operator reproducibility using five observers was undertaken. Results: Large Volume Micro-CT as a stand-alone technique provided results across the full range of dentoalveolar complex categories measured. By combining traditional techniques similar results were obtained. There were high levels of reproducibility for intra-operator scoring and good inter-operator agreement from 4 operators with 1 operator whose results were outliers. Discussion: The LV Micro-CT was the only technique to singularly provide a full range of measurements. A combination of the other techniques covered a similar range of categories, but the use of multiple methods was more time consuming. For some specific measurements, SV Micro-CT provided more detailed information. Conclusion: This first study confirms the value of LV Micro-CT scanning for the analysis of the dentoalveolar complex of archaeological s les. Findings demonstrate the advantage of LV Micro-CT, which provided a comprehensive range of data as a stand-alone technique rather than combing modalities to achieve the same result. The SV Micro-CT provided higher resolution analysis for loose in idual teeth due to the small size of the specimens but could not study the alveolar bone.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-03-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S12024-023-00591-9
Abstract: Forensic Odontology (FO) identification compares antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) dental datasets and is widely accepted as a primary identifier. Traditionally, a PM dental examination is undertaken in the same manner as a dental examination conducted for a living patient. Recently, the increased forensic application of computed tomography (CT) offers an alternative source of PM data. While charting from PMCT is widely accepted as less accurate, the impact on reconciliation is unknown. This study aims to determine if reconciliation outcome differs when PM dental data is collected from PMCT, compared with conventional PM examination. PMCT data was reviewed for 21 cases previously completed using conventional PM dental examination. Operators blinded to original identification outcomes charted from CT images before comparing to AM data to form an opinion regarding identity. Opinions formed were compared with original identification outcomes. Differences in PM dental charting between the two methods and the evidentiary value of AM and PM datasets were assessed to determine driving factors of differences in identification outcome. Compared to conventional PM dental examination, PMCT examination resulted in similar or less certain identification outcomes. Discrepancies in outcome were driven by the quality of AM and PM datasets rather than inaccuracies in charting from PMCT. Based on the results of this study, both conventional and PMCT methods of PM dental examination can reach similar identification outcomes. However, operators remained more certain in establishing identity when conducting conventional PM dental examinations especially when AM data was lacking.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JFLM.2017.07.020
Abstract: Fatalities due to fire events such as bushfires, domestic and industrial fires and vehicle accident related incineration, leave victims with limited prospects of being accurately identified. Due to their morphology and anatomical position teeth are uniquely protected in incineration cases and via comparison to dental records often provide the only scientifically valid means of identification. However, extreme heat and direct exposure to flame can render the teeth extremely fragile and vulnerable to damage and loss especially during collection and transportation to the mortuary. Here we highlight the advantages of forensic odontology assistance at the scene of such events and discuss techniques and protocols applied to actual cases in which these processes were used to facilitate the identification of incineration victims.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1556-4029.2009.01226.X
Abstract: This study was undertaken to determine if dental implants can be radiographically differentiated by company type to aid forensic identification of the deceased. Recognition of dental implants on intraoral radiographic images was assessed in a blind study using a radiographic examination guide to highlight differences between dental implants. Inter- and intra-examiner comparisons were conducted and a computer program (Implant Recognition System) was evaluated to see whether it improved the accuracy of implant recognition. The study found that dental implants could be radiographically differentiated by company type. The Implant Recognition System in its current form was of little benefit for radiographic assessment of dental implants for forensic odontologists. Prior knowledge of implant types, with a McNemar's statistical value of 92.9, proved to be most significant in identification.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-09-2020
Publisher: Geological Society of London
Date: 03-09-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-01-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S12024-017-9944-8
Abstract: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can provide a means for forensic identity testing when genotyping of nuclear DNA (nuDNA) targets is not possible due to degradation or lack of template. For degraded s les, an indication of the quantity and quality of mtDNA is essential to allow selection of appropriately sized targets for hypervariable region (HVR) analysis, which may conserve s le and resources. Three human-specific mtDNA targets of increasing length (86, 190 and 452 base pairs) were lified by singleplex quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), capable of providing an index of mtDNA degradation from fragment length information. Quantification was achieved by preparation of a standard curve for each target, using a purified mtDNA standard containing all three targets of interest, which produced a linear, accurate and precise result from 1×10
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCIJUS.2021.02.007
Abstract: Forensic odontology identification scales are used to express certainty of identifications of deceased persons. These standardized scales are assumed to convey unambiguous expert opinions and facilitate communication between forensic odontologists and end users. However, to date no studies have investigated how the experts interpret and use these scales. Forensic odontology identification scales are used to express certainty of identifications of deceased persons. These standardized scales are assumed to convey unambiguous expert opinions and facilitate communication between forensic odontologists and end users. However, to date no studies have investigated how the experts interpret and use these scales. This paper aims to examine the interpretation of the DVISYS forensic identification scale and choices of the levels in the scale subsequent to, and derived from, comparison of pairs of dental radiographs by extending the analysis of the data collected in the study by Page and Lain et. al. 2017. The studied variables: self-reported confidence, forced binary decision of match and non-match, choice of level in the DVISYS scale (Identified, Probable, Possible, Insufficient and Exclude) were further analysed in this study using mixed models for relationships between the choices of level in the identification scale and the fundamental beliefs of likelihood of identification. The results of this further analysis showed that the reported confidence of the decisions was correlated to the difficulty of cases, and as confidence decreased the use of less definitive terms ('Probable', 'Possible' and 'Insufficient') increased. 'Probable' and 'Possible' were used mainly in underlying beliefs below that of 'Identified' whereas 'Insufficient' was used mainly to convey a sublevel of 'Exclude'. The use of 'Insufficient' in this study was not consistent with the prescribed definition of the term. The participants of the original study were not aware of the difficulty grading of the cases nor were required to grade them, however the reported confidence was systematically correlated to difficulty. Furthermore, indicated confidence level was correlated with choice of level on the scale in general, but the interpretation of the definition and application of the terms varied. The findings reported here contribute to the foundational knowledge of factors governing the interpretation and application of the DVISYS forensic odontology identification scale and suggest that this scale may need to be modified.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 19-05-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.FSIGEN.2018.02.006
Abstract: Short Tandem Repeat (STR) genotyping is currently the primary DNA-based method for human identification, however it can have limited success when applied to degraded human remains. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) provides new opportunities to obtain genetic data for hundreds of loci in a single assay with higher success from degraded s les. However, due to the extra requirement for specialised equipment, expertise and resources, routine use of MPS may not be feasible or necessary for many forensic cases. Here we describe the development of a mini-multiplex SNaPshot screening tool (Miniplex) for human s les which allows the qualitative comparison of short mitochondrial and nuclear DNA targets, as well as the interrogation of biogeographic ancestry, lineage, and phenotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This tool is useful to triage s les based on s le quality prior to downstream identification workflows and provides broad biological profile data for intelligence purposes.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-09-2018
DOI: 10.1111/ADJ.12545
Abstract: Human identification can be reliably established by dental comparison success is significantly impacted by inadequate ante-mortem information. Previous Australian research revealed suboptimal recording of features important for forensic dental identification and compliance with Dental Board of Australia guidelines. We hence created and evaluated an online education programme aimed at improving oral health practitioner recording. An interactive learning module (ILM) was constructed and released to three focus groups representing practitioners with varying experience levels: Australian Society of Forensic Odontology members, third year dental students and the wider dental community. Pre- and post-participation perceptions were recorded, with percentage, mean, broad agreement, standard deviation and statistical significance between responses determined. Improved recognition of importance of record keeping, knowledge, confidence, skill and motivation to learn was seen following ILM interaction. This was particularly significant for students, participants with 3-5 years of experience in their current occupation and those whose highest level of education was achieved in Australia. The ILM increased self-reported awareness, understanding and attitude of participants with different levels of case note recording experience this can improve recording practises and aid forensic dental identification if utilized in undergraduate teaching and as a continuing professional development tool for dental practitioners.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCIJUS.2013.06.001
Abstract: Teeth and bones are frequently the only sources of DNA available for identification of degraded or fragmented human remains. The unique composition of teeth and their location in the jawbone provide additional protection to DNA compared to bones making them a preferred source of DNA in many cases. Despite this, post-mortem changes in the structure and composition of teeth, and the location and diagenesis of DNA within them are poorly understood. This review summarises current knowledge of tooth morphology with respect to DNA content and preservation, and discusses the way in which post-mortem changes will affect the recovery of DNA from teeth under a range of commonly used extraction protocols. We highlight the benefits and pitfalls of using specific tooth tissues for DNA extraction and make recommendations for tooth selection and s ling that will maximise DNA typing success. A comprehensive understanding of tooth structure and an appreciation of the relationship between DNA and mineralized tissues in post-mortem teeth are critical for optimal s le selection. More informed s ling methods that target specific tooth tissues will increase the likelihood of successful genetic analysis and allow for efficient and timely missing persons case work and disaster victim identification response.
No related grants have been discovered for Denice Higgins.