Grazia Mattutino

A pre-Hispanic head.

This report on a male head revealed biologic rhythms, as gleaned from hydrogen isotope ratios in hair, consistent with a South-American origin and Atomic Mass Spectrometry radiocarbon dating (AMS) compatible with the last pre-Hispanic period (1418–1491 AD, 95.4% probability). Biopsies showed exceptionally well-preserved tissues. The hair contained high levels of toxic elements (lead, arsenic and mercury) incompatible with life. There was no evidence for lead deposition in bone consistent with post-mortem accumulation of this toxic element in the hair. We propose that the high content of metals in hair was the result of metabolic activity of bacteria leading to metal complexation in extra cellular polymeric substances (EPS). This is a recognized protective mechanism for bacteria that thrive in toxic environments. This mechanism may account for the tissues preservation and gives a hint at soil composition where the head was presumably buried. Our results have implications for forensic toxicology which has, hitherto, relied on hair analyses as one means to reconstruct pre-mortem metabolism and for detecting toxic elements accumulated during life. Our finding also has implications for other archaeological specimens where similar circumstances may distort the results of toxicological studies.

Application of true color X-ray vision for electron microscopy in fired bullets and gunshot residue investigation

An X-ray color imaging system was used to study primer particles and fired bullets from different .22 rimfire ammunition. The technique proved to be very useful, allowing a ready, concomitant analysis of the morphology of primer particles and their elemental composition. The investigation of the bottom of fired bullets showed that antimony present in the bullet alloy is not evenly distributed, but organized in plates made up of almost pure antimony. Moreover, particles and other traces adherent to lead bottomed bullets containing elements different from lead, therefore, useful to the understanding of primer composition are readily and easily detected.

Violence against African migrant women living in Turin: clinical and forensic evaluation

The phenomenon of migration is often related to violence and exploitation. Data collection in conflict-affected countries is hard and complicated by the lack of literature, especially on the health of migrant female victims of violence. The aim of our study has been to realise a clinical and forensic evaluation on African female migrant’s global health through their admissions to the Rape Centre “Soccorso Violenza Sessuale” at Sant’Anna Hospital in Turin. In our sample, we considered several aspects such as place where the violence occurred, number and the identity of the perpetrators, use of physical restraint instruments and/or substances, kidnapping, prostitution under duress, abuses, pregnancies and outcomes, injuries and complained symptoms, female genital mutilation, and sexually transmitted diseases. The sample consisted of 143 women, of which 136 were victims of violence. In 72.8% of the episodes, the perpetrator of violence was an unknown subject. Of the women, 58.8% reported being abused in Libya, 92.6% were victims of sexual violence, and 30.2% became pregnant after sexual abuse. The physical examination of the sample showed that 34.6% of women had at least a scar and that 12.5% reported a female genital mutilation. This is the first database on health of African female migrants in Turin area collecting data on migration, violence, and physical and psychological effects of abuse.