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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

Genetic Identification of Burned Human Remains: A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives: DNA-based identification of degraded human remains represents a major challenge in forensic science, particularly in cases involving burned, fragmented, or commingled bodies. Advances in forensic genetics have expanded the analytical capabilities for such samples; however, the effectiveness of different approaches and their integration within Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) workflows remain heterogeneous. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate current evidence on DNA-based identification of degraded remains, focusing on methodological strategies, emerging genomic technologies, and DVI applications, while integrating laboratory evidence and operational forensic practice into a structured analytical framework. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science from database inception to 5 June 2026, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eligible studies included original research addressing DNA analysis of degraded, thermally altered, or highly compromised human remains in forensic or DVI contexts. After a multistep screening process involving title/abstract and full-text evaluation, 37 studies were included. Data were extracted and organized into three thematic categories: (i) core DNA analysis, (ii) advanced molecular technologies, and (iii) DVI case applications. Results: The findings demonstrate that DNA recovery from degraded remains is influenced by thermal exposure, tissue type, and sampling strategy. Teeth and dense cortical bone consistently provide higher DNA yield. While autosomal STR profiling remains the primary analytical approach, its limitations in highly degraded samples are mitigated through the complementary use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), Y-chromosome STRs (Y-STRs), and SNP markers, together with advanced sequencing technologies such as massively parallel sequencing (MPS). Emerging technologies, including rapid DNA systems and predictive models based on macroscopic indicators, significantly enhance efficiency and success rates. DVI studies report identification rates exceeding 90-95% when multidisciplinary and structured workflows are applied. The evidence further supports a flexible triage-based analytical strategy, in which marker selection is guided by tissue preservation and degradation level. Conclusions: DNA-based identification of degraded human remains has evolved into an adaptive, multi-level forensic process. Successful outcomes rely on the integration of optimized sampling, hierarchical genetic analysis, and coordinated DVI strategies. The findings support a triage-based framework that links tissue selection, degradation assessment, and analytical methodology to maximize identification success. Future developments should focus on predictive models, advanced genomic tools, and standardized workflows to further improve identification in challenging forensic scenarios.

Humans↗
PubMed1975

Inhibition of supraeschar and subeschar Pseudomonas infection by silver sulfadiazine dry foam.

The results of an in vivo evaluation of silver sulfadiazine dry foam are described. Using burned guinea pigs infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, silver sulfadiazine was applied every 12hr as the dry foam or ointment. After 72 hr of therapy with the medicated dry foam, only one of the 15 burns remained infected while seven of the 15 burns remained positive for Pseudomonas after treatment with the corresponding medicated ointment (p less than 0.05 greater than 0.01). It is suggested that the medicated dry foam provided significantly greater activity in treating a supraeschar burn wound infection of recent onset. In addition, a modified crossover study demonstrated that both the medicated dry foam and ointment are less effective in treating subeschar burn wound infections.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Effect of photocoagulation on the barrier function of the pigment epithelium. II. A study by electron microscopy.

The healing of retinal photocoagulation burns and their permeability to colloidal carbon and horseradish peroxidase was studied by electron microscopy. Recent burns showed disruption of intercellular junctions in the pigment epithelium. By 2 days there was infiltration of the burn by proliferating pigment epithelial cells, and by 7 days the burn was composed of a mass of interconnected cells of pigment epithelial and Müller cell origin. Fresh photocoagulation burns result in complete disruption of the blood-ocular barrier, permitting particles as large as colloidal carbon to pass between disrupted pigment epithelial cells. Healed photocoagulation burns remain permeable to smaller tracers such as horseradish peroxidase.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Effects of ganglionic blockade upon the renal and cardiovascular dysfunction induced by thermal injury.

Studies to test the effects of partial ganglionic blockade on renal and cardiovascular function were carried out in 16 mongrel dogs that under chloralose anesthesia had been subjected to full thickness flame burns to approximately 25% of their body surface. All animals received intravenous fluid replacement according to the same resuscitation formula we use in burned children. Half of the animals received 0.3 mg/kg of chlorisondamine hydrochloride 40 minutes after the burn; the remaining 8 dogs received only the vehicle. Among the variables monitored before burning and before and after blockade were glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, water and osmolar clearance, sodium and potassium excretion, cardiac output, mean arterial, right atrial, and left ventricular end diastolic pressure, peripheral resistance, peak dP/dt/P, blood pH, and blood gases. Analysis of the data has revealed that pharmacologic blockade of the sympathetic system during the immediate postburn period results in a marked improvement in cardiac output and moderate improvement in kidney function.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗
PubMed2026

Serum Albumin on Admission: A Prognostic Marker of Morbidity and Mortality in Burns? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Albumin is essential for maintaining oncotic pressure and vascular integrity. In burn injuries, increased capillary permeability leads to hypoalbuminemia, which is a recognized marker of poor outcomes in critical illness. However, its prognostic value in acute burn care remains underexplored. This study evaluated the prognostic value of admission serum albumin in predicting mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, ventilatory requirements, sepsis, and pulmonary infection in patients with burn injuries. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Embase was conducted. Of 5587 studies screened, 19 were included in the systematic review and 9 in the meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using RStudio, with pooled outcomes reported as odds ratios (ORs), standardized mean differences, and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q, I2, and tau2. Hypoalbuminemia on admission was significantly associated with increased mortality during admission (OR 9.51; 95% CI, 3.04-29.78; I2 49.3%). Admission hypoalbuminemia was also associated with an increased risk of AKI (OR 2.83; 95% CI, 2.49-3.22; I2 0%). Evidence for other outcomes was limited and heterogeneous. Admission serum albumin appears to be a valuable prognostic marker in patients with burn injuries, particularly for mortality and AKI. Further research is required to support its integration into burn-specific risk models, characterize albumin trends within the first 24 h postinjury, and establish optimal cut-off values.

Humans↗
PubMed1975

The function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes after surgical trauma.

The effect of surgical trauma on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) was studied by measuring the hexosemonophosphate shunt (HMS) activity and myeloperoxidase mediated iodination during phagocytosis. Patients submitted to elective general surgery showed normal iodination capacity and normal HMS activity in their PMN cells postoperatively. This implies that postoperative infectious complications are not caused or promoted by defective PMN cell function. Iodination was found significantly (p less than 0.05) impaired in phagocytosing PMN cells from burned patients whereas it was found normal in traumatic and septic conditions. No direct relation between extent of injury and degree of leukocyte impairment was found. HMS activity remained normal in burned patients suggesting that the impaired iodination might depend on a defective mobilization of lysosomal enzymes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Acute excision or exposure treatment? Results of a randomized controlled clinical trial.

An evaluation of a total of 2,460 patients treated with exposure during the period 1962-1971, marked that the exposure method showed satisfactory results, but also that there are clear upper limits for the possibilities of this method. The approach of treatment was reconsidered and consequently very severely burned patients were excised acutely in the years 1972-1975. It was proved plausible, permissable and practically possible. On May 1, 1976, a randomized, controlled clinical trial commenced: Patients admitted for fresh burns were divided into groups: one group was unsuited for trail (U), (e.g. small children, electric burns etc.); of the remaining patients every even was treated with acute excision (A), (i.e. operation within 24 hours post burn), every odd patient according to the classical exposure method (E), employed by our unit: exposure followed by excision and transplantation of all unhealed burned areas no later than day 14 post burn. The results concerning mortality in the first 2-year material are presented. In the first year, which began a few months after moving from a 115 year old hospital into a quite new university hospital, the mortality is found to be twice as high as that found the second year. The reasons are the difficulties caused as a result of moving to new larger buildings, needing an increase of staff with two thirds, all of which are inexperienced in the care of burned patients. The mortality is exactly the same in the group treated with acute excision (A) as the group treated with exposure (E). The trial must continue and results of studies concerning morbidity will be published later.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Regional blood flow redistribution during early burn shock in the guinea pig.

The distribution of blood flow was determined with radioactive microspheres following scald injury in guinea pigs. Burn was induced in halothane-anesthetized guinea pigs by a 3-sec immersion to the xiphoid process in 100 degree C water. Cardiac output and fractional blood flow measurements were made at preburn, 15-min postburn, and 75-min post-burn. In the scalded animals cardiac output decreased 58% by 75 min postburn. Three different blood flow responses to burn were noted: a) Brain, heart, hepatic artery, and adrenals received an increased fraction of the cardiac output; b) the fractional distribution of the diaphragm, liver (portal), spleen, gastrointestinal tract, muscle (from burned portion of the body), and bone remained constant; while c) the pancreas, burned skin, nonburned skin, and adipose tissue received a reduced fraction of the cardiac output. Although some regions of the body (i.e., brain and heart) received a greater percentage of the total cardiac output after burn injury, the cardiac output decrease was sufficient to cause a depression in absolute blood flow to all but two sites (adrenals and hepatic artery).

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Ineffectiveness of heparin treatment in burn shock in the guinea pig.

The cardiovascular and metabolic responses during burn shock were characterized in 10 guinea pigs burned to the xyphoid process for 3 s in boiling water. This produced a burn of approximately 70% of the body surface. Their responses were compared to the values obtained at corresponding times in a group of unburned controls (n=10). The effect of Heparin treatment on burn shock was evaluated in another group (n=8) of guinea pigs burned to the xyphoid process and injected subcutaneously with 50,000 U Heparin/kg immediately after being burned. In the burned, untreated (BUT) animals, cardiac output was reduced more than 50% at 15 mins post-burn, and cardiac output remained depressed for the next 8 h. Mean arterial blood pressure was initially maintained in the BUT animals, but started to fall after 3 h. Heart rate, oxygen consumption and core temperature all decreased progressively in the BUT group. Hemoconcentration was evident in the BUT animals, and there was an elevation in the post-burn glucose and lactate levels, a decrease in pH, and no change in free fatty acids. Heparin treatment did not significantly modify 24-h survival, and the post-burn cardiovascular responses of the Heparin-treated animals were similar to those of the BUT animals. Metabolically, the Heparin-treated animals had a significant elevation in free fatty acids post-burn, but otherwise closely resembled the BUT animals.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Prospective randomized treatments for burned hands: nonoperative vs. operative. Preliminary report.

It has been suggested that deep partial-thickness burns of the hand which remain unhealed by 14 days should be excised and totally resurfaced. Controlled data supporting this suggestion is not available. Therefore, a prospective randomized study was performed on 222 burns of the hand to evaluate if excision and skin grafting had any advantage over conservative management. Full-thickness burns were eliminated from the series by excision and grafting them as soon as possible after the diagnosis had been made. To eliminate the very superficial burns, randomization did not take place until the wound had remained unhealed for ten days and would not heal for at least another week. In the two groups, the first ten days were managed similarly with topical antibacterials, escharotomies when necessary, and splinting in the "safe" position. Conservatively managed hands were treated with scarlet red gauze dressing as soon as all eschar had been removed. Those cases randomized into the excision and grafting group were operated upon approximately day 14. Physical therapy was the same in both groups except for the immediate period after grafting. Results were recorded by active and passive joint measurements and photographs on predetermined days throughout the study. In this study, spontaneous healing, taking as much as five weeks, gave acceptable results, comparable to excision and grafting performed at two weeks. The use of range of motion exercises, accurate splinting and pressure allowed optimal healing and prevented stiffness and contractures in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two treatment modalities.

Bandages↗
PubMed1977

Fatal systemic mycotic infections in the burned child.

Two cases of systemic phycomycotic burn wound infection occurred in severely burned children. Both patients, although treated aggressively, died after systemic colonization through the burn wound by fungi. Modern burn therapy has increased survival of many severely burned children but opportunistic fungal infection remains as an ominous threat. Early recognition, wide excision or amputation, and systemic antifungal agents comprise the current clinical armamentarium against systemic fungal invasion of burn wounds.

Burns↗
PubMed1979

Adenylate cyclase after burn injury: resistance to desensitization by catecholamines.

In vivo injection of isoproterenol(IPR) (4 mg/kg) in normal rats caused fat cell adenylate cyclase to become desensitized to stimulation by IPR in vitro. In contrast, adenylate cyclase from tissues of burn-injured rats (20% body surface, full-thickness scald) remained fully responsive to stimulation by IPR for several days after injury even though catecholamine excretion was elevated more than twofold. Furthermore, fat cell adenylate cyclase from burn-injured animals was not desensitized after acute in vivo IPR injections, whereas adenylate cyclase from the shams did become desensitized after acute IPR injections. To determine whether the apparent resistance to desensitization in burn-injured rats might be an adaptation to the chronic elevation of catecholamines that follows burn injury, two other rat models in which catecholamines are chronically elevated were studied: one was produced by a twice daily schedule or IPR (1 mg/kg) injections for 3 weeks; the other by 3 weeks' cold exposure (0--4 degrees C). As had been observed in burn injury, adenylate cyclase remained fully responsive to IPR in both models, and adenylate cyclase from the cold-acclimated rats was resistant to desensitization by acute injections of IPR. It therefore seems likely that chronic elevations of catecholamines evoke regulatory mechanisms in target cells to circumvent the desensitizationwhich would otherwise occur consequent to acute exposures to catecholamines. In burn injury this may result in an inadvertent adaptation which contributes to hypermetabolism.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1977

[Asepsis and antisepsis in the treatment of burn patients (author's transl)].

Among the main aspects to be considered when treating burns, the problem of infection control remains unsolved. Considerable financial resources are needed to prevent the transmission of organisms. To justify such investments in buildings and antiseptic measures, an extensive epidemiological hospital study was carried out from 1970 to 1974, involving 930 patients, and more than 25,000 wound biopsies as well as 10,000 contact cultures and environmental swabs. Bacteria from the environment of severly burned patients were counted every week. Serotyping was used for a specialized study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In 200 patients wound organisms were counted. The most important organisms were: Streptococcaceae (pyogenic streptococci, less frequently faecal and salivary streptococci). Pseudomonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Micrococcaceae (especially Micrococcus aureus). Povidon iodine, gentamicin and silver sulfadiazine were used for local disinfection. Antibiotics used were gentamicin, carbenicillin and polymyxin. Whereas from 1970 to 1972 P. aeruginosa was the predominant organism found in wounds, other gram-positive organisms increased from 1972 on. Wounds were colonized mainly in the course of the first two weeks of treatment. Special studies regarding P. aeruginosa revealed a predominance of serotypes 5 and 13 between 1970 and 1973, whereas types brought into the hospital were dominant from 1973 on. An analysis of furniture and equipment, water faucets and drains showed that Pseudomonas strains found in the water did not coincide with those found in wounds. Therefore, a contamination from this source seems unlikely. Strains found on furniture and equipment, however, also appeared in the wound flora. When the therapeutic routine was changed (to prevent patients passing through common treatment areas such as bathrooms and dressing areas) hospital organisms 5 and 13 could be eliminated almost completely. Thus, it is possible to achieve a considerable reduction in the rate of cross-infection among patients by, for instance, excluding common treatment areas from the therapy programme. Nevertheless, in the majority of cases wounds will still be colonized, in particular by bacteria that were already in the anal region or on the skin before the patient was injured. For this reason, the elimination of such organisms by topical bactericidal agents constitutes an an important factor in efforts to reduce the rate of septicaemic complications. In view of the persisting high mortality due to generalized infections this therapeutic aspect must also be exploited thoroughly in the future. Although in comparative studies of topical therapy using povidon iodine, silver sulfadiazine and gentamicin, organisms did appear in the course of the first two weeks; in the case of the PVP-I the colonization never reached 10(5) organisms per cm2, i.e. the danger threshold for generalized sepsis. There was no evidence of a correlation between number of organisms and depth of burns.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1977

[Characteristics of the lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme spectrum of the skin in the presence of thermal lesions].

Experiments were conducted on rats; a study was made of the activity of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and its isoenzymes in the zone of affection and in the adjacent areas of the skin at various periods after the burn infliction; on the 1st--8th day there occurred a reduction of the sum total LDH activity in the scab zone and the underlying tissue by 70--80%, and in the margin and the intact skin--by 50%. These changes were accompanied by shifts in the isoenzymatic LDH spectrum in the affected tissue; the activity of fraction 5 displayed a sharp rise on the 1st day and that of fractions 2 and 3--a reduction, on the contrary, by the 8th day there was seen some diminution of fraction 5 activity and an elevation of fractions 2 and 3 activity. The following picture is observed on the 14th--22nd day after the burn; the sum total LDH activity remains low, the isoenzymatic LDH spectrum in the margin and the scab is largely normalized, whereas in the underlying tissue there persist changes in the LDH enzyme ratio (a reduction of fractions 1--3 activity, and a rise of fraction 5 activity).

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Cerebrovascular disease.

Cerebrovascular disorders producing transient or permanent symptoms and signs are very common, but they are not the only causes of a sudden neurologic deficit. Careful examination of the cardiovascular system may indicate the likely cause of the lesion, while accurate neurologic localization is also useful in establishing a diagnosis and prognosis. The CT scan is very helpful in distinguishing infarction from haemorrhage. In the management of the acute lesion, treatable disorders such as systemic diseases, potentially fatal rostro-caudal herniation, haematomas and aneurysms always need to be positively exlcuded. Endarterectomy, platelet inhibitors and anticoagulants are advised in certain situations, although their place in the management of cerebrovascular disorders still remains somewhat controversial.

Auscultation↗
PubMed1979

The role of NADH-NADPH oxidase activity in the leukocyte function of burned patients.

Irreversible sepsis, in spite of advancements in topical therapy and antimicrobial agents, remains the leading cause of death in major thermal injury. A defect in intracellular bactericidal capacity in leukocytes from severely burned patients appears to correspond with increases in bacterial wound colonization and ultimate sepsis. This leukocyte defect has been demonstrated by abnormally low nitroblue tetrazolium reduction (NBT) and oxygen consumption of white cells in patients with major thermal injury. The subcellular mechanisms responsible for decreased bactericidal capacity were therefore investigated. Nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and nicotinamide-adenine phosphodinucleotide (NADPH) oxidase activity was measured in patients with major burns, controls (normals), and in patients with nonburn stress or infection. NADH and NADPH oxidase levels in leukocytes from burn patients were not significantly different from those of normal nonchallenged controls but were significantly lower than the leukocyte values found in the patients with nonburn infections or stress. This NADH and NADPH defect in the subcellular leukocyte fraction suggests that it may be a significant factor in the reduced bactericidal function of the intact leukocyte in thermally injured patients.

Burns↗
PubMed1977

[Dependence of shrinkage on the mineral content of experimentally burned bones].

Quantitative changes of the human femur compacta have been studied by dilatometer investigation. Furthermore it was found that increasing mineral content of cortical bone is significantly correlated with a decreasing value of thermally induced shrinkage. Therefore, cortical thickness should be a useful criterion for sexing cremated remains.

Bone and Bones↗