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Shen Z, Zhong Y, Wang Y, Zhu H, Liu R, Yu S, Zhang H, Wang M, Yang T, Zhang M. A computational approach to estimate postmortem interval using postmortem computed tomography of multiple tissues based on animal experiments. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:1093-1107. [PMID: 37999765 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03127-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The estimation of postmortem interval (PMI) is a complex and challenging problem in forensic medicine. In recent years, many studies have begun to use machine learning methods to estimate PMI. However, research combining postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) with machine learning models for PMI estimation is still in early stages. This study aims to establish a multi-tissue machine learning model for PMI estimation using PMCT data from various tissues. We collected PMCT data of seven tissues, including brain, eyeballs, myocardium, liver, kidneys, erector spinae, and quadriceps femoris from 10 rabbits after death. CT images were taken every 12 h until 192 h after death, and HU values were extracted from the CT images of each tissue as a dataset. Support vector machine, random forest, and K-nearest neighbors were performed to establish PMI estimation models, and after adjusting the parameters of each model, they were used as first-level classification to build a stacking model to further improve the PMI estimation accuracy. The accuracy and generalized area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the multi-tissue stacking model were able to reach 93% and 0.96, respectively. Results indicated that PMCT detection could be used to obtain postmortem change of different tissue densities, and the stacking model demonstrated strong predictive and generalization abilities. This approach provides new research methods and ideas for the study of PMI estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zefang Shen
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Yue Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Yucong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Haibiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Forensic Science Center of Beijing Huatong Junjian Science and Technology Company Limited, Beijing, 100016, China
| | - Shengnan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Haidong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Min Wang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Tiantong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China.
| | - Mengzhou Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China.
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Palić M, Šoštarić Zuckermann IC, Džaja P, Ljubić BB, Severin K. A Biochemical and Histological Assessment of Postmortem Changes to the Eyes of Domestic Pigs: A Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1190. [PMID: 38672338 PMCID: PMC11047443 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Postmortem Interval (PMI) is the time from the death of an animal to its discovery. From a veterinary forensic standpoint, an accurate estimation of the PMI is of particular importance, especially with the observed increase in deaths of domestic and wild animals. A preliminary study was conducted using the eyes of domestic pigs. A biochemical analysis was conducted on the vitreous humor of the eye, whilst a histological analysis was conducted on the retina. The eyes were stored at +4 °C and changes were assessed at time intervals of 0, 12, 24, 48, and 120 h. The biochemical analysis during the PMI established a decrease in sodium, chlorine, and glucose concentrations, and a rise in potassium concentration. Accordingly, a simple linear regression showed a significant correlation between changes in concentrations of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), and glucose, in relation to the PMI. The histological analysis showed evident morphological changes in the retina, which included homogenization of the rod and cone cells, pyknosis of the outer nuclear layer, homogenization of the outer plexiform layer, pyknosis of the inner nuclear layer, homogenization of the inner plexiform layer, and pyknosis of the nuclei of the ganglion layer of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Palić
- Department of Forensic and State Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (P.D.)
| | | | - Petar Džaja
- Department of Forensic and State Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (P.D.)
| | - Blanka Beer Ljubić
- Internal Diseases Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Krešimir Severin
- Department of Forensic and State Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (P.D.)
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Fang S, Dai X, Shi X, Xiao L, Ye Y, Liao L. A pilot study investigating early postmortem interval of rats based on ambient temperature and postmortem interval-related metabolites in blood. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00643-0. [PMID: 37266864 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00643-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI), especially the early PMI, plays a key role in forensic practice. Although several studies based on metabolomics approaches have presented significant findings for PMI estimation, most did not examine the effects of ambient temperature. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC‒MS)‒based metabolomics was adopted to explore the changes in metabolites in the cardiac blood of suffocated rats at various ambient temperatures (5 °C, 15 °C, 25 °C, and 35 °C) from 0 to 24 h after death. Isoleucine, alanine, proline, valine, glycerol, glycerol phosphate, xanthine, and hypoxanthine were found to contribute to PMI in all temperature groups. Hypoxanthine and isoleucine were chosen to establish estimation models (equations) with an interpolation function using PMI as the dependent variable (f(x, y)), relative intensity as the independent variable x, and temperature as the independent variable y. Thereafter, these two models were validated with predictive samples and shown to have potential predictive ability. The findings indicate that isoleucine, alanine, proline, valine, glycerol, glycerol phosphate, xanthine, and hypoxanthine may be significant for PMI estimation at various ambient temperatures. Furthermore, a method to determine PMI based on ambient temperature and PMI-related metabolites was explored, which may provide a basis for future studies and practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyong Fang
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- School of Forensic Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Xinhua Dai
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoling Shi
- School of Forensic Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Ye
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Linchuan Liao
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
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S Kurup S, Bharathi M, Narayan G, R V, R R, Suvvari TK. Estimation of Time Since Death From Potassium Levels in Vitreous Humor in Cases of Unnatural Death: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e39572. [PMID: 37378257 PMCID: PMC10292726 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Estimation of time since death/postmortem interval (PMI) forms a crucial component for all autopsy surgeons. With the subjectivity that is prevalent with conventional morphological and physical signs of death, newer-age modalities such as chemical analysis provide better precision. The easy accessibility and the resistance to putrefaction make vitreous humor the best choice for such chemical analysis. Thus, the present study's aim is to estimate the time since death in cases of unnatural death by investigating the potassium level changes in the vitreous humor. Methodology This is a facility-based cross-sectional study conducted in the mortuary under the Department of Forensic Medicine in a public tertiary healthcare teaching hospital in South India between August and September 2022. Deceased individuals fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited in the study. Vitreous samples were collected from a single eye and analyzed using an autoanalyzer for potassium values. After due derivations, postmortem intervals were calculated from potassium values, then they were compared with the PMIs estimated using physical signs and those determined using official police records. Data were entered using MS Excel 20 (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington) and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Of the 100 deceased individuals included in the study, 68% were men, and the majority (24%) belonged to the age group of 53-62 years. A linear relationship is said to exist between vitreous potassium concentration and postmortem interval. No correlation was seen between the ambient temperature and the potassium levels of the vitreous humor. PMI confirmed by the potassium levels seconded the PMI given by the police records and physical signs (Rigor mortis) (Spearman's rho was statistically significant at the two-tailed level or at the 0.01 level with a kappa value of 0.88). Conclusion Potassium measurements in the vitreous humor to estimate the PMI are associated with improved accuracy and precision in determining the time since death. They are not affected by external factors, making them a reliable marker for the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruthi S Kurup
- Forensic Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, IND
| | - Murugesa Bharathi
- Forensic Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, IND
| | - Gaurang Narayan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, IND
| | - Vinayagamoorthi R
- Biochemistry, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, IND
| | - Rajesh R
- Forensic Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, IND
| | - Tarun Kumar Suvvari
- Research, Squad Medicine and Research (SMR), Visakhapatnam, IND
- General Medicine, Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, IND
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Szeremeta M, Samczuk P, Pietrowska K, Kowalczyk T, Przeslaw K, Sieminska J, Kretowski A, Niemcunowicz-Janica A, Ciborowski M. In Vitro Animal Model for Estimating the Time since Death with Attention to Early Postmortem Stage. Metabolites 2022; 13:metabo13010026. [PMID: 36676951 PMCID: PMC9861157 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) has remained the subject of investigations in forensic medicine for many years. Every kind of death results in changes in metabolites in body tissues and fluids due to lack of oxygen, altered circulation, enzymatic reactions, cellular degradation, and cessation of anabolic production of metabolites. Metabolic changes may provide markers determining the time since death, which is challenging in current analytical and observation-based methods. The study includes metabolomics analysis of blood with the use of an animal model to determine the biochemical changes following death. LC-MS is used to fingerprint postmortem porcine blood. Metabolites, significantly changing in blood after death, are selected and identified using univariate statistics. Fifty-one significant metabolites are found to help estimate the time since death in the early postmortem stage. Hypoxanthine, lactic acid, histidine, and lysophosphatidic acids are found as the most promising markers in estimating an early postmortem stage. Selected lysophosphatidylcholines are also found as significantly increased in blood with postmortal time, but their practical utility as PMI indicators can be limited due to a relatively low increasing rate. The findings demonstrate the great potential of LC-MS-based metabolomics in determining the PMI due to sudden death and provide an experimental basis for applying this attitude in investigating various mechanisms of death. As we assume, our study is also one of the first in which the porcine animal model is used to establish PMI metabolomics biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Szeremeta
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Paulina Samczuk
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Clinical Research Center, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Karolina Pietrowska
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Clinical Research Center, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kowalczyk
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Clinical Research Center, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Przeslaw
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-328 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Julia Sieminska
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Clinical Research Center, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Adam Kretowski
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Clinical Research Center, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Michal Ciborowski
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Clinical Research Center, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
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The biochemistry of the vitreous humour in estimating the post-mortem interval-a review of the literature, and use in forensic practice in Galicia (northwestern Spain). Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2022:10.1007/s12024-022-00539-5. [PMID: 36271219 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-022-00539-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The K+ and hypoxanthine (Hx) concentrations of the vitreous humour (VH) rise gradually after death, providing a means of estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI). The correlation between these analytes and the PMI is good since the vitreous chamber is partially isolated from autolytic events occurring elsewhere; the [K +] and [Hx] recorded is thus the result of changes within the eye. The present work provides a systematic review, following PRISMA recommendations, of 36 articles (3 reviews and 33 retrospective cohort studies) discussing the many procedures and regression models that have been developed for improving PMI estimates involving VH analytes. The results of a descriptive study are also provided, highlighting the causes and distribution of mortality as registered in medico-legal autopsies performed in 2019 in Galicia (northwestern Spain), and revealing the use of these PMI estimation methods in real forensic practice. Great heterogeneity was detected in the collection of VH samples, the treatments to which they were subjected before examination, and in their conservation and analysis. A lack of reproducibility in the analytical methods employed to estimate [K +] and [Hx] was noted, as well as an absence of external validation for most of the regression formulae used to determine the PMI from analyte values. The use of methods based on high-performance liquid chromatography, focal electrophoresis, or thermogravimetric/chemometric procedures might solve the problems encountered with traditional analytical techniques, offering reliable results more quickly and effectively (even when samples are contaminated). This study recommends using flexible multiple regression models that combine physical and chemical variables, and that population databases be constructed so that models can be properly validated.
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7
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Garg D, Singh M, Verma N, Monika. Review on recent advances in fabrication of enzymatic and chemical sensors for hypoxanthine. Food Chem 2021; 375:131839. [PMID: 34968951 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxanthine is an important product of the nucleotide degradation pathway. It has been considered as a potential marker for assessing meat freshness and clinical diagnosis. In the review, we focus on advancement made in the fabrication of hypoxanthine sensors. Several traditional methods are being utilized for the detection of hypoxanthine, but these methods are expensive, complex, require pretreatment of the sample which is time-consuming and trained persons to operate. Sensors have emerged as simple, rapid, economic, disposable, and portable tools for hypoxanthine detection in biological samples. In particular, the review describes the significant role of hypoxanthine in clinical and food applications. Classification of sensors into enzymatic and non-enzymatic sensors along with the different methods used for xanthine oxidase immobilization and type of transducers used for hypoxanthine detection are briefly explained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diksha Garg
- Biosensor Technology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, Punjab, India.
| | - Minni Singh
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, Punjab, India.
| | - Neelam Verma
- Biosensor Technology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, Punjab, India.
| | - Monika
- Department of Biotechnology, Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh 140407, Punjab, India.
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Gelderman T, Stigter E, Krap T, Amendt J, Duijst W. The time of death in Dutch court; using the Daubert criteria to evaluate methods to estimate the PMI used in court. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2021; 53:101970. [PMID: 34601451 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.101970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
When a capital crime is committed the post-mortem interval (PMI) is of particular importance in investigating a suspect's alibi in court. A forensic expert can use different methods to estimate the PMI. This research focuses on who is considered an expert in court and whether the methods used to estimate the PMI are reliable. In this study, the methods used to estimate the PMI and the experts consulted, available in Dutch jurisprudence, in the period 2010-2019 were investigated. Ninety-four judicial cases were included and multiple experts and methods of estimating the PMI were found. As part of this study, the methods that were used to estimate the PMI in court were subjected to the Daubert criteria. Of these methods, only the Henssge nomogram and entomological methods met the Daubert criteria. However, the methods are only useful when applied by the right forensic expert and in the right manner. Unfortunately, this was not always the case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Gelderman
- Faculty of Law and Criminology, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Erik Stigter
- Faculty of Law and Criminology, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Tristan Krap
- Faculty of Law and Criminology, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK Maastricht, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Department of Medical Biology, Section Anatomy, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Ars Cogniscendi Foundation for Legal and Forensic Medicine, Wezep, the Netherlands
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Wilma Duijst
- Faculty of Law and Criminology, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK Maastricht, the Netherlands; Ars Cogniscendi Foundation for Legal and Forensic Medicine, Wezep, the Netherlands
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Ave MT, Ordóñez-Mayán L, Camiña M, Febrero-Bande M, Muñoz-Barús JI. Estimation of the post-mortem interval: Effect of storage conditions on the determination of vitreous humour [K +]. Sci Justice 2021; 61:597-602. [PMID: 34482940 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Obtaining a reliable estimate of the post-mortem interval (PMI) has been a long-running challenge in forensic medicine. Several more or less successful techniques for making such estimates have been developed, but in recent years important advances have been made thanks to the detailed study of the relationship between the PMI and the analytes - in particular K+ - of the vitreous humour (VH). The extraction and pre-treatment of VH samples has been standardized, the influence of certain environmental factors on analytical results has been quantified, and some of the circumstances under which techniques become unreliable have been identified. The present work examines how the conditions to which VH samples are subject in routine practice may alter the results of their analysis. Exposure to light and ambient temperature was found to alter the values returned in determinations of VH [K+], [Na+] and [Cl-], while exposure to several freezing/thawing cycles (even with final heating) led to no significant modifications in determinations of VH [K+] and [Na+]. It is recommended that if analysis has to be delayed, VH should be frozen for storage in a refrigerator before bringing to room temperature for processing. It is also recommended that samples not be exposed to ambient light and temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro T Ave
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Pathology, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pediatrics, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Lucía Ordóñez-Mayán
- Department of Psychiatry, Radiology, Public Health, Nursing and Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mercedes Camiña
- Department of Fisiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Manuel Febrero-Bande
- Department of Statistics, Mathematical Analysis and Optimization, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Ignacio Muñoz-Barús
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Pathology, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pediatrics, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Statistics, Mathematical Analysis and Optimization, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Ioelu L, Garland J, Palmiere C, Ondruschka B, Da Broi U, Glenn C, Kesha K, Stables S, Tse R, Morrow P. Use of vitreous humor electrolytes in estimating postmortem interval in infant population (<1 year). AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2021.1901989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leilani Ioelu
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jack Garland
- Forensic and Analytical Science Service, NSW Health Pathology, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cristian Palmiere
- CURML, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Ondruschka
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ugo Da Broi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Forensic Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Charley Glenn
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Northern Forensic Pathology Service of New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kilak Kesha
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Northern Forensic Pathology Service of New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simon Stables
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Northern Forensic Pathology Service of New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rexson Tse
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Northern Forensic Pathology Service of New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Paul Morrow
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Northern Forensic Pathology Service of New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
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Roy D, Tomo S, Purohit P, Setia P. Microbiome in Death and Beyond: Current Vistas and Future Trends. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.630397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Forensic medicine has, for a long time, been relying on biochemical, anthropologic, and histopathologic evidences in solving various investigations. However, depending on the method used, lengthy sample processing time, scanty sample, and less sensitivity and accuracy pervade these procedures. Accordingly, newer arenas such as the thanatomicrobiome have come forward to aid in its quandaries; furthermore, the parallel advances in genomic and proteomic techniques have complemented and are still emerging to be used in forensic experiments and investigations. Postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the most important aspects of medico-legal investigations. The current trend in PMI estimation is toward genomic analyses of autopsy samples. Similarly, determination of cause of death, although a domain of medical sciences, is being targeted as the next level of forensic casework. With the current trend in laboratory sciences moving to the discovery of newer disease-specific markers for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, the same is being explored for the determination of the cause of death by using techniques such as Real-Time PCR, DNA micro-array, to Next-Gen Sequencing. Establishing an individual’s biological profile has been done using medicolegal methods and anthropology as well as bar-bodies/Davidson bodies (gender determination); and in cases where the determination of age/gender is a challenge using morphological characteristics; the recent advances in the field of genomics and proteomics have played a significant role, e.g., use of mitochondrial DNA in age estimation and in maternity disputes. The major hurdle forensic medical research faces is the fact that most of the studies are conducted in animal models, which are often difficult to mimic in human and real-time scenarios. Additionally, the high accuracy required in criminal investigations to be used in a court of law as evidence has prevented these results to come out of the labs and be used to the optimum. The current review aims at giving a comprehensive and critical account of the various molecular biology techniques including “thanatogenomics,” currently being utilized in the veritable fields of forensic medicine.
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12
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De-Giorgio F, Grassi S, d'Aloja E, Pascali VL. Post-mortem ocular changes and time since death: Scoping review and future perspective. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2021; 50:101862. [PMID: 33610931 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.101862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The forensics literature on the relationship between ocular changes and the postmortem interval (PMI) has traditionally focused on time-related variations in concentrations of metabolites and elements within the eye. However, structural changes within the eye over time deserve the same attention because there is significant evidence of their importance in determining the time since death. Therefore, we reviewed publications that provided substantial evidence on this issue. In light of our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 26 papers were eligible for review. On the basis of the ocular parameters considered, we grouped the reviewed evidence into eight thematic areas: corneal opacities, corneal thickness, drug-induced pupil diameter variations, retinal changes, segmentation of retinal vessels, intraocular pressure reduction, globe temperature and crystalline alterations. The most important and common limitations of the reviewed studies were small study populations (many were monocentric studies), absence of robust statistical methodology, use of mathematical models valid only in ideal conditions and validation only for short PMIs. Although many phenomena cannot be used to reliably estimate PMI, there is rigorous evidence suggesting that promising factors, including corneal thickness, require methodological innovations for application to forensics practice but could be used in the near future to reliably estimate the time since death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio De-Giorgio
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Simone Grassi
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ernesto d'Aloja
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Forensic Medicine Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo L Pascali
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Magni PA, Senigaglia V, Robinson SC, Dadour IR. The effect of submersion in different types of water on the survival and eclosion of blow-fly intra-puparial forms (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Forensic Sci Int 2020; 319:110663. [PMID: 33422801 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Blow-fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) immatures are the main colonizers of decomposing remains, and any information on what influences their growth and development are important to forensic entomologists when they are required to estimate post-mortem intervals during a death investigation. Much of this work has been qualified and quantified in terrestrial environments, but is deplete in aquatic environments. When considering a blow-fly's life history, the longest immature life stage goes from the formation of the puparium to adult emergence, and involves metamorphosis. In an aquatic scenario a corpse may be completely submerged, floating on the surface and or it could be associated with water but neither submerged or floating (e.g. beached on a seashore or washed up after a flood event). The present study concerns two blow-fly species, Lucilia sericata (Meigen) and Calliphora vomitoria (L.), and the effects of the age of the intra-puparial forms ("pupal age") and resultant survival, when submerged in tap, river or salt water for varying times - up to 3 days. The experiment was conducted in two localities, L. sericata in Boston USA and C. vomitoria in Turin, Italy, and full puparia of both species were divided into 4 age cohorts ("white", "young", "medium", and "old') before submergence. L. sericata intra-puparial forms showed a three time greater survival rate compared to C. vomitoria intra-puparial forms when submerged in each of the three water types. Both species had the highest survival rate in tap water. Overall, younger and older intra-puparial forms showed a greater and significant survival rate than medium intra-puparial forms when submerged. The eclosion time following submersion of C. vomitoria and L. sericata was mainly influenced by both the age at which the intra-puparial forms were submerged, and by the type of water, but the duration of the submersion also influenced the eclosion time of L. sericata. These results are discussed considering blow-fly physiology. A deeper understanding of the dynamics of survival and growth rate of blow-fly intra-puparial forms on human remains that have undergone a period of submergence could assist in the estimation of the time of death in criminal cases connected to different aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola A Magni
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia; Murdoch University Singapore, King's Centre, 390 Havelock Road, 169662, Singapore.
| | - Valeria Senigaglia
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Sakura C Robinson
- Program in Forensic Anthropology, Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, United States.
| | - Ian R Dadour
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia; Source Certain International, 2/27 Clark Court Bibra Lake, Western Australia, 6163, Australia.
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Comparative use of aqueous humour 1H NMR metabolomics and potassium concentration for PMI estimation in an animal model. Int J Legal Med 2020; 135:845-852. [PMID: 33219398 PMCID: PMC8036180 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02468-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI) remains a matter of concern in the forensic scenario. Traditional and novel approaches are not yet able to fully address this issue, which relies on complex biological phenomena triggered by death. For this purpose, eye compartments may be chosen for experimental studies because they are more resistant to post-mortem modifications. Vitreous humour, in particular, has been extensively investigated, with potassium concentration ([K+]) being the marker that is better correlated with PMI estimation. Recently, a 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomic approach based on aqueous humour (AH) from an animal model was proposed for PMI estimation, resulting in a robust and validated regression model. Here we studied the variation in [K+] in the same experimental setup. [K+] was determined through capillary ion analysis (CIA) and a regression analysis was performed. Moreover, it was investigated whether the PMI information related to potassium could improve the metabolome predictive power in estimating the PMI. Interestingly, we found that a part of the metabolomic profile is able to explain most of the information carried by potassium, suggesting that the rise in both potassium and metabolite concentrations relies on a similar biological mechanism. In the first 24-h PMI window, the AH metabolomic profile shows greater predictive power than [K+] behaviour, suggesting its potential use as an additional tool for estimating the time since death.
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Pérez-Martínez C, Prieto Bonete G, Pérez-Cárceles MD, Luna A. Influence of the nature of death in biochemical analysis of the vitreous humour for the estimation of post-mortem interval. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2019.1593503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gemma Prieto Bonete
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Aurelio Luna
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Zelentsova EA, Yanshole LV, Melnikov AD, Kudryavtsev IS, Novoselov VP, Tsentalovich YP. Post-mortem changes in metabolomic profiles of human serum, aqueous humor and vitreous humor. Metabolomics 2020; 16:80. [PMID: 32613532 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-020-01700-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Application of metabolomic methods to forensic studies may expand the limits of the post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation, and improve the accuracy of the estimation. To this end, it is important to determine which tissue is the most suitable for analysis, and which compounds are the most promising candidates for PMI estimation. OBJECTIVES This work is aimed at the comparison of human serum, aqueous humor (AH), and vitreous humor (VH) as perspective tissues for metabolomic-based PMI estimation, at the determination of most promising PMI biomarkers, and at the development of method of PMI estimation based on the measurement of concentrations of PMI biomarkers. METHODS Quantitative metabolomic profiling of samples of the human serum, AH, and VH taken at different PMIs has been performed with the use of NMR spectroscopy. RESULTS It is found that the metabolomic changes in anatomically isolated ocular fluids are slower and smoother than that in blood. A good positive time correlation (Pearson coefficient r > 0.5) was observed for several metabolites, including hypoxanthine, choline, creatine, betaine, glutamate, and glycine. A model for PMI estimation based on concentrations of several metabolites in AH and VH is proposed. CONCLUSIONS The obtained results demonstrate that the metabolomic analysis of AH and VH is more suitable for the PMI estimation than that of serum. The compounds with good positive time correlation can be considered as potential PMI biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina A Zelentsova
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, Institutskaya 3a, Novosibirsk, Russia, 630090
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova 2, Novosibirsk, Russia, 630090
| | - Lyudmila V Yanshole
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, Institutskaya 3a, Novosibirsk, Russia, 630090
| | - Arsenty D Melnikov
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, Institutskaya 3a, Novosibirsk, Russia, 630090
| | - Ivan S Kudryavtsev
- Novosibirsk Regional Clinical Bureau of Forensic Medicine, Nemirovicha-Danchenko 134, Novosibirsk, Russia, 630087
| | - Vladimir P Novoselov
- Novosibirsk Regional Clinical Bureau of Forensic Medicine, Nemirovicha-Danchenko 134, Novosibirsk, Russia, 630087
| | - Yuri P Tsentalovich
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, Institutskaya 3a, Novosibirsk, Russia, 630090.
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Focardi M, Lanzilao L, Bonari A, Lazzeretti M, Lorubbio M, Ognibene A, Gualco B, Fanelli A, Pinchi V. Improvement in estimation of time since death by albumin and potassium concentrations in vitreous humor. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 314:110393. [PMID: 32623091 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The measurement of the potassium concentration (K+) in vitreous humor (VH) has been a well-known adjunct for the estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI) since the early 1960s. For years, however, many authors have been using other biochemical markers in an attempt to improve predictions. In this paper we confirm the role of K+ in the determination of the PMI adopting a linear regression model and we investigate whether other biochemical markers could improve the model through a multiple regression analysis. Additionally, the research aims to confirm the data of the analytes of interest among different techniques and instrumentations. We deemed this as an important issue because a primary concern in the literature is that automated analytical methods are often calibrated and, for the most part, validated for serum or urine analysis. Our results confirmed the well-established role of K+ as well as highlighted Albumin as a novel marker to be considered for further improvement of prediction models, especially since 72 h after death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Focardi
- Section of Forensic Medical Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Lanzilao
- General Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Bonari
- General Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Barbara Gualco
- Section of Forensic Medical Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fanelli
- General Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Vilma Pinchi
- Section of Forensic Medical Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Liao L, Xing Y, Xiong X, Gan L, Hu L, Zhao F, Tong Y, Deng S. An electrochemical biosensor for hypoxanthine detection in vitreous humor: A potential tool for estimating the post-mortem interval in forensic cases. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.104760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Pigaiani N, Bertaso A, De Palo EF, Bortolotti F, Tagliaro F. Vitreous humor endogenous compounds analysis for post-mortem forensic investigation. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 310:110235. [PMID: 32169668 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The chemical and biochemical analysis of bodily fluids after death is an important thanatochemical approach to assess the cause and time since death. Vitreous humor (VH) has been used as a biofluid for forensic purposes since the 1960s. Due to its established relevance in toxicology, a literature review highlighting the use of VH with an emphasis on endogenous compounds has not yet been undertaken. VH is a chemically complex aqueous solution of carbohydrates, proteins, electrolytes and other small molecules present in living organisms; this biofluid is useful tool for its isolated environment, preserved from bacterial contamination, decomposition, autolysis, and metabolic reactions. The post-mortem analysis of VH provides an important tool for the estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI), which can be helpful in determining the cause of death. Consequently, the present review evaluates the recent chemical and biochemical advances with particular importance on the endogenous compounds present at the time of death and their modification over time, which are valuable for the PMI prediction and to identify the cause of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pigaiani
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health - Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, Verona, Italy.
| | - Anna Bertaso
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health - Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, Verona, Italy.
| | - Elio Franco De Palo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health - Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, Verona, Italy
| | - Federica Bortolotti
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health - Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, Verona, Italy
| | - Franco Tagliaro
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health - Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, Verona, Italy; Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Madea B, Ortmann J, Doberentz E. Estimation of the time since death-Even methods with a low precision may be helpful in forensic casework. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 302:109879. [PMID: 31378398 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Gold standard for the estimation of the time since death in the early postmortem period is the temperature based nomogram method together with time of death dependent criteria of postmortem lividity, rigor mortis and supravital reactions. There is also a huge literature on chemical methods proposed for estimating the time since death which however play obviously no role in forensic practice. Especially the rise of vitreous potassium has been studied intensively. Also immunohistochemical methods have been proposed for estimating the time since death but obviously not yet applied in casework. We present a case where a woman was found murdered 8 days after having been seen last alive. Due to lack of putrefactive changes postmortem interval was thought to be not more than 2 days. However, immunohistochemical stainings and vitreous potassium concentration revealed that time since death was more than 6 days and the woman was obviously murdered immediately after she was seen lastly alive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Madea
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, D-53111 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Jan Ortmann
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, D-53111 Bonn, Germany
| | - Elke Doberentz
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, D-53111 Bonn, Germany
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Garland J, Olds K, Rousseau G, Palmiere C, Ondruschka B, Kesha K, Glenn C, Morrow P, Stables S, Tse R. Using vitreous humour and cerebrospinal fluid electrolytes in estimating post-mortem interval - an exploratory study. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2019.1642956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jack Garland
- Forensic and Analytical Science Service, NSW Health Pathology, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Kelly Olds
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, Australia
| | - Guillaume Rousseau
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University Hospital of Angers, Angers, France
| | - Cristian Palmiere
- CURML, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - K. Kesha
- Department of Forensic Pathology, LabPLUS, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charley Glenn
- Department of Forensic Pathology, LabPLUS, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - P. Morrow
- Department of Forensic Pathology, LabPLUS, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - S. Stables
- Department of Forensic Pathology, LabPLUS, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - R. Tse
- Department of Forensic Pathology, LabPLUS, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
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Go A, Shim G, Park J, Hwang J, Nam M, Jeong H, Chung H. Analysis of hypoxanthine and lactic acid levels in vitreous humor for the estimation of post-mortem interval (PMI) using LC–MS/MS. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 299:135-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Locci E, Stocchero M, Noto A, Chighine A, Natali L, Napoli PE, Caria R, De-Giorgio F, Nioi M, d'Aloja E. A 1H NMR metabolomic approach for the estimation of the time since death using aqueous humour: an animal model. Metabolomics 2019; 15:76. [PMID: 31069551 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-019-1533-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The estimation of the time since death, or post-mortem interval (PMI), still remains a main conundrum in forensic science. Several approaches have been so far proposed from either a qualitative or a quantitative point of view, but they still lack reliability and robustness. Recently, metabolomics has shown to be a potential tool to investigate the time-related post-mortem metabolite modifications in animal models. OBJECTIVES Here we propose, for the first time, the use of a 1H NMR metabolomic approach for the estimation of PMI from aqueous humour (AH) in an ovine model. METHODS AH samples were collected at different times after death (from 118 to 1429 min). 1H NMR experiments were performed and spectral data analysed by multivariate statistical tools. RESULTS A multivariate calibration model was built to estimate PMI on the basis of the metabolite content of the samples. The model was validated with an independent test set, obtaining a prediction error of 59 min for PMI < 500 min, 104 min for PMI from 500 to 1000 min, and 118 min for PMI > 1000 min. Moreover, the metabolomic approach suggested a picture of the mechanisms underlying the post-mortem biological modifications, highlighting the role played by taurine, choline, and succinate. CONCLUSION The time-related modifications of the 1H NMR AH metabolomic profile seem to be encouraging in addressing the issue of a reproducible and robust model to be employed for the estimation of the time since death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Locci
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Matteo Stocchero
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Noto
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Chighine
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Natali
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Caria
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Nioi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ernesto d'Aloja
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Risoluti R, Canepari S, Frati P, Fineschi V, Materazzi S. “2n Analytical Platform” To Update Procedures in Thanatochemistry: Estimation of Post Mortem Interval in Vitreous Humor. Anal Chem 2019; 91:7025-7031. [PMID: 31059231 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b01443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Risoluti
- Department of Chemistry, “Sapienza” University of Rome, p.le A.Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, “Sapienza” University of Rome, p.le A.Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedic Sciences, “Sapienza”, University of Rome, p.le A.Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedic Sciences, “Sapienza”, University of Rome, p.le A.Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Materazzi
- Department of Chemistry, “Sapienza” University of Rome, p.le A.Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Cordeiro C, Ordóñez-Mayán L, Lendoiro E, Febrero-Bande M, Vieira DN, Muñoz-Barús JI. A reliable method for estimating the postmortem interval from the biochemistry of the vitreous humor, temperature and body weight. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 295:157-168. [PMID: 30611119 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The estimation of the time elapsed since death is of paramount importance in the field of forensic sciences and criminal investigation, owing, among other factors, to the possible legal repercussions. Over the past few years various formulae have been developed to calculate this interval using a combination of different statistical methods and the concentrations of substances found in the vitreous humor. Corrective factors, such as ambient temperature, cause of death or age, which can modify the concentration of these substances and therefore the estimation of the postmortem interval, have been incorporated into models. In this paper five simple and reliable models to estimate PMI based the on the analysis of potassium, hypoxanthine and urea in the vitreous humor are presented. Corrective factors, such as body weight, rectal temperature and ambient temperature, which can influence the estimation of this interval have been incorporated into the formulae. Finally, the R2 and the mean squared error have been calculated for each model in order to select the best of the five. A free software program which calculates the PMI from the model and parameters used is available from the authors. It provides quick and reliable results as well as the error committed and R2 for each case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cordeiro
- National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences - Centre Branch, Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Forensic Medicine, Ethics and Medical Law, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal; CENCIFOR (Centre of Forensic Sciences) - Foundation for Science and Technology, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Lucía Ordóñez-Mayán
- Department of Psychiatry, Radiology, Public Health, Nursing and Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Elena Lendoiro
- Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Manuel Febrero-Bande
- Department of Statistics, Mathematical Analysis and Optimization, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Duarte Nuno Vieira
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Ethics and Medical Law, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
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Murthy AS, Das S, Thazhath HK, Chaudhari VA, Adole PS. The effect of cold chamber temperature on the cadaver's electrolyte changes in vitreous humor and plasma. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 62:87-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Gelderman H, Kruiver C, Oostra R, Zeegers M, Duijst W. Estimation of the postmortem interval based on the human decomposition process. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 61:122-127. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Zhang J, Wei X, Huang J, Lin H, Deng K, Li Z, Shao Y, Zou D, Chen Y, Huang P, Wang Z. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectral prediction of postmortem interval from vitreous humor samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2018; 410:7611-7620. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-1367-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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29
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Dai X, Fan F, Ye Y, Lu X, Chen F, Wu Z, Liao L. An experimental study on investigating the postmortem interval in dichlorvos poisoned rats by GC/MS-based metabolomics. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2018; 36:28-36. [PMID: 30326392 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is always a key issue in forensic science. Although many attempts based on metabolomics approaches have been proven to be feasible and accurate for PMI estimation, there have been no reports regarding the determination of the PMI in acute dichlorvos (DDVP) poisoning. In this study, all rats were killed by acute DDVP poisoning at a dose three fold the oral LD50 (240 mg/kg). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was applied to investigate the metabolic profiling of blood samples at various times after death up to 72 h. A total of 39 metabolites were found to be associated with PMI, and the combinations of various numbers of metabolites were used to establish support vector regression (SVR) models to investigate the PMI. The SVR model constructed by 23 metabolites had a minimum mean squared error (MSE) of 5.49 h for the training set. Then, the SVR model was validated by prediction set with an MSE of 10.33 h, suggesting good predictive ability of the model for investigating the PMI. The findings demonstrated the great potential of GC/MS-based metabolomics combined with the SVR model in determining the PMI of DDVP poisoned rats and provided an experimental basis for the application of this approach in investigating the PMI of other toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhua Dai
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fei Fan
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Ye
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang Lu
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fan Chen
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhigui Wu
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Linchuan Liao
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Meurs J, Krap T, Duijst W. Evaluation of postmortem biochemical markers: Completeness of data and assessment of implication in the field. Sci Justice 2018; 59:177-180. [PMID: 30798866 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Throughout the years an increase has been observed in research output on biochemical markers for determining the postmortem interval (PMI). However, to date, a complete overview is missing on the results of postmortem biochemical markers (PBM's) for PMI estimation. In this paper, literature was reviewed in order to identify the knowledge lacunae of PBM research from a practical point of view. A three-step approach was undertaken in order to achieve the set goal. Literature was collected, the PBM's were evaluated for completeness by means of a scorings index based on set criteria, and PBM's were subsequently evaluated in light of the Daubert &Frye criteria for scientific evidence in court. Seven PBM's were found to be well investigated, from which potassium had the highest completion score. However, none of these PBM's could be qualified as suitable for court evidence. Further, this study revealed that the majority of PBM's (94%) is not well investigated. Consequently, these PBM's did not meet Daubert &Frye criteria. In order to improve the assessment for use of PBM's as evidence in court regarding PMI estimation, PBM's should be investigated more thoroughly and data should be made readily available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Meurs
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; Ars Cogniscendi Centre for Forensic & Legal Medicine, Zuiderzeestraatweg 404, 8091 PB Wezep, The Netherlands.
| | - Tristan Krap
- Ars Cogniscendi Centre for Forensic & Legal Medicine, Zuiderzeestraatweg 404, 8091 PB Wezep, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Biology, Section Anatomy, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilma Duijst
- Ars Cogniscendi Centre for Forensic & Legal Medicine, Zuiderzeestraatweg 404, 8091 PB Wezep, The Netherlands; Faculty of Law, Maastricht University, Bouillonstraat 1-3, 6211 LH Maastricht, The Netherlands
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A computational approach to estimate postmortem interval using opacity development of eye for human subjects. Comput Biol Med 2018; 98:93-99. [PMID: 29778926 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2018.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents an approach to postmortem interval (PMI) estimation, which is a very debated and complicated area of forensic science. Most of the reported methods to determine PMI in the literature are not practical because of the need for skilled persons and significant amounts of time, and give unsatisfactory results. Additionally, the error margin of PMI estimation increases proportionally with elapsed time after death. It is crucial to develop practical PMI estimation methods for forensic science. In this study, a computational system is developed to determine the PMI of human subjects by investigating postmortem opacity development of the eye. Relevant features from the eye images were extracted using image processing techniques to reflect gradual opacity development. The features were then investigated to predict the time after death using machine learning methods. The experimental results prove that the development of opacity can be utilized as a practical computational tool to determine PMI for human subjects.
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32
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Ordóñez Mayán L, Martínez Silva I, Represas Vázquez C, Muñoz Barús JI. Predictive models for the assessment of bodily harm. Forensic Sci Res 2017; 2:185-191. [PMID: 30483640 PMCID: PMC6197112 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2017.1379122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Spanish scale to quantify or qualify bodily harm resulting from any unintentional traffic accident prior to 1 January 2016 is established by Royal Legislative Decree (RDL) 8/2004. This scale assigns points to the sequelae, which are converted into Euros using a table that is updated annually. The objective of this study is to develop a predictive model of sequelae points that will enable the estimation of compensation a short time after the accident. This will facilitate the calculation of the money reserve and rapid access to compensation for the injured party. To conduct this study, we developed a database with information from 999 individuals who had suffered car crash injuries which were evaluated according to the scale contained in RDL 8/2004 for medical experts. Predictive models based on logistic regression models were designed on this database. To choose the best model, we calculated Mallow's Cp. The use of hurdle models made it possible to predict the points received by an injured party within a relatively short period of time after the accident. Once these points are known, it is a simple matter to calculate the corresponding compensation. The prediction models developed provide an easy way to predict the compensation to be awarded to the injured party. These models use days of hospitalization, sex, age and the results of international scales based on the Abbreviated Injury Scale. These variables can be used soon after the occurrence of the crash.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Ordóñez Mayán
- Institute of Forensic Science, University of Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, Spain
| | - Isabel Martínez Silva
- SiDOR, Statistical Inference, Decision and Operations Research, University of Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Carlos Represas Vázquez
- Department of Forensic Science, Pathology, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pediatrics, University of Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, Spain
| | - José Ignacio Muñoz Barús
- Institute of Forensic Science, University of Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, Spain
- Department of Forensic Science, Pathology, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pediatrics, University of Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, Spain
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Di Venere M, Viglio S, Cagnone M, Bardoni A, Salvini R, Iadarola P. Advances in the analysis of “less-conventional” human body fluids: An overview of the CE- and HPLC-MS applications in the years 2015-2017. Electrophoresis 2017; 39:160-178. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201700276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Di Venere
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Biochemistry Unit; University of Pavia; Pavia PV Italy
| | - Simona Viglio
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Biochemistry Unit; University of Pavia; Pavia PV Italy
| | - Maddalena Cagnone
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Biochemistry Unit; University of Pavia; Pavia PV Italy
| | - Anna Bardoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Biochemistry Unit; University of Pavia; Pavia PV Italy
| | - Roberta Salvini
- Department of Molecular Medicine; Biochemistry Unit; University of Pavia; Pavia PV Italy
| | - Paolo Iadarola
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “L. Spallanzani”; Biochemistry Unit; University of Pavia; Pavia PV Italy
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34
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Yang M, Li H, Yang T, Ding Z, Wu S, Qiu X, Liu Q. A Study on the Estimation of Postmortem Interval Based on Environmental Temperature and Concentrations of Substance in Vitreous Humor. J Forensic Sci 2017; 63:745-751. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhen Yang
- Department of Forensic Medicine; Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Huijun Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Tongji Hospital; Tongji Medical College; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Tiantong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science; China University of Political Science and Law; Ministry of Education; Beijing 100040 China
| | - Zijiao Ding
- Department of Forensic Medicine; Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Shifan Wu
- Department of Forensic Medicine; Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Xingang Qiu
- Department of Forensic Medicine; Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine; Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan 430030 China
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35
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Maile AE, Inoue CG, Barksdale LE, Carter DO. Toward a universal equation to estimate postmortem interval. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 272:150-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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