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Ermida C, Cunha E, Ferreira MT. Luminol and the postmortem interval estimation - influence of taphonomic factors. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:1109-1116. [PMID: 37996553 PMCID: PMC11003912 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03132-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the key challenges for forensic anthropologists. Although there are several methods referenced for this purpose, none is sufficiently effective. One of the main reasons justifying the complexity of this task is the influence of several taphonomic factors.The study of the Luminol technique has stood out as a promising method for estimating PMI, complementing the existing methods, since it is an economic, easy and reproducible method that operates as a presumptive test. However, it is not known which taphonomic factors can influence the results obtained by this technique.The aim of this study is to test the influence of taphonomic factors, such as temperature, humidity, soil type and pH, on the estimation of the PMI by the Luminol technique.In order to test the influence of the referred factors, a sample consisting of 30 clavicles, with known and similar PMI, collected from autopsies, was distributed as evenly as possible by six vases and buried with different decomposition conditions for a period of 12 months. After the exhumation and sample preparation, the Luminol technique was applied.It was possible to clearly observe differences in the results. Thus, according to our research, it is possible to conclude that the results obtained by the application of Luminol are influenced by taphonomic factors. Therefore, the context in which a body is found should always be considered for applying this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Ermida
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Eugénia Cunha
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (INMLCF), South Branch, Rua Manuel Bento de Sousa 3, 1150-334, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Ferreira
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
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Martin J, Gadsby Z, Jeremic P, Thompson M, Tse R. Postmortem Computed Tomography Is a Reliable, Reproducible, and Accurate Method in Measuring Body Length. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2024; 45:63-66. [PMID: 38305299 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Currently, traditional body length measurement at postmortem analysis involves processes, which are susceptible to human error and not reviewable or reproducible in case of data loss. Many facilities are now adopting routine postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) scanning, which provides a permanent and reviewable radiological record of body dimensions. Previous literature has validated the use of PMCT in estimating body and organ weights, but not in body length measurement. This retrospective study aimed to determine whether body length can be accurately and reliably measured when compared with traditional measurements in 50 consecutive adult cases. Our findings revealed that body length measured using PMCT had high intrarater and interrater reliability across different experience levels in raters (Pearson correlation coefficient and interclass correlation: >0.99, P < 0.01). Although body lengths measured using PMCT were significantly shorter (mean, -1.2 cm; 95% confidence interval, -1.75 to -0.65 cm; P < 0.05), it was deemed clinically insignificant and correlated well with those measured at postmortem examination (Pearson correlation coefficient and interclass correlation, >0.97; P < 0.01). While care will need to be taken to ensure the body in the body bag is in reasonable anatomical position for scanning purposes, overall, body length measured uniform PMCT is reliable, reproducible, and accurate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Martin
- From the Queensland Public Health and Scientific Services, Coopers Plains
| | - Zeena Gadsby
- From the Queensland Public Health and Scientific Services, Coopers Plains
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Dervišević E, Katica M, Mašić E, Čamdžić N, Ajanović Z, Dervišević L, Salihbegović A, Sarajlić N. Bone and Tooth: Substrates for determining Drowning: A new diagnostic procedure in forensic medicine Practice? Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 66:102366. [PMID: 38039660 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diatom tests are rarely used during autopsy to confirm drowning as the cause of death (COD) because of limitations of the current literature involving these techniques. Instead, experts rely on physical examination by the pathologist. Due to interpretive concerns regarding Diatom tests, they are often insufficient in establishing a diagnosis, but offer the potential to be an extremely useful diagnostic tool with further understanding. The aim of study is to optimize "Diatom Tests" for use in forensic medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina. METHODS A randomized prospective experimental study was conducted, using albino Wistar rat models (Rattus norvegicus), at the Veterinary Facility, University of Sarajevo. Thirty-two adult albino rats, were used and distributed into groups as follows: Group A (6 deceased rats with COD other than drowning, but due to mechanical asphyxia, which were then submerged for 1 h after death); Group B (6 deceased rats with COD other than drowning, but due to mechanical asphyxia, which were then submerged for 72 h after death); Group C (6 rats that were immediately autopsied after drowning, with COD determined as drowning); Group D (6 rats that underwent a 48-hour postmortem period after drowning); Group E (COD: drowning, post-mortem 72hrs after death, remained submerged in water until PM). Live algological material was collected for the research of the systematics of algae from the Bosna river, Sarajevo, and transported to the University of Sarajevo (Department of Biology, Faculty of Science). Periphyllon, epiphyllon and epipelon were used to collect phytobenthos. The material was fixed with 4% formalin solution. Laboratory processing of diatoms was performed using the methods described by Hustedt (16). In the process of obtaining pure diatom valves, part of the material is digested with potassium permanganate (KMnO4), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and oxalic acid (C2H2O4). In the next step, the cleaned diatom valves were mounted in Canadian balsam. A light microscope under 1000x magnification (Best Scope 2020) was used to evaluate and analyze the species. The identification of diatoms was performed using the reference of Cantonati et al (17). The nomenclature of diatom species was performed according to Guiry & Guiry's worldwide electronic internet database. RESULTS No diatoms were found in Groups A and B. However, Navicula sp. and Sellaphora sp. cf., were discovered during bone analysis of Group C where rats were immediately autopsied after drowning. Hantzschia amphioxus taxon was present in Group D, which underwent a 48-hour postmortem period after drowning and before samples were taken. In Groups C and D, where drowning was the COD, Diatoma vulgaris i Pinnularia major, Achnanthidium minutissimum i Melosira varians were present in the tooth samples. CONCLUSION Optimization of the "Diatom Test" method could potentially lead to its future use as a routine method within experimental settings. This experimental study is a starting point that guides forenscic medicine pracitioners towards the optimization of tests and sampling in cases of unexplained etiology, where preserved soft tissue structures is not available. In these cases, teeth and bones serve as accessible materials for diagnosing COD, alongside standardized nonspecific findings in the absence of organs for micro- and macroanalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emina Dervišević
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Muhamed Katica
- Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Veterinary Faculty University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ermin Mašić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nina Čamdžić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Zurifa Ajanović
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Lejla Dervišević
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Adis Salihbegović
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nermin Sarajlić
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Wu Y, Luo L, Li Y, Sun Y, Huang X, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Wang Y, Zeng D, Yun L. A comparative assessment of time-consuming and laborious diatom analysis:Brief experimentation with suggestion of automatic identification. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 355:111939. [PMID: 38246065 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.111939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Diatom testing is considered a useful method for providing supportive evidence for the diagnosis of drowning in forensic pathology. However, various factors remain controversial for recognizing diatoms, such as being time-consuming and laborious and influencing the consistency of the results. Given the absence of precise and well-defined studies on this subject, this study aimed to determine the relationship between the ability to identify diatoms and researchers with different technical backgrounds. A total of 55 samples from 18 cases, including water, lungs, liver, and kidneys, were treated using the microwave digestion-vacuum filtration-automated scanning electron microscopy (MD-VF-Auto SEM), which was used to compare diatom analyses among three groups of well-trained forensic pathologists (FPs), trained junior employees (JEs), and new trainees (TEs). In addition to achieving similar accuracy of positive findings from drowning cases, counting efficiency was evaluated based on taxonomy records and counting time after viewing more than 5500 diatom images. In contrast to the higher counting efficiency of the JE group than that of the TE group, we observed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the diatom classification between these two groups. Based on our experiments, an efficient analysis for automatically identifying and classifying diatoms is urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Wu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People' s Republic of China
| | - Lisiteng Luo
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People' s Republic of China
| | - Yuyang Li
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People' s Republic of China
| | - Yuntao Sun
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People' s Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Huang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People' s Republic of China
| | - Yuchi Zhou
- Criminal Investigation Department of Sichuan Provincial Public Security Bureau, NO.36, Wenmiaohoujie Street, Qingyang district, Chengdu 610015, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Wang
- Criminal Investigation Department of Sichuan Provincial Public Security Bureau, NO.36, Wenmiaohoujie Street, Qingyang district, Chengdu 610015, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqing Wang
- Criminal Science and Technology Division, Criminal Investigation Bureau, Chengdu Public Security Bureau, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, People's Republic of China
| | - Debing Zeng
- Criminal Science and Technology Division, Criminal Investigation Bureau, Chengdu Public Security Bureau, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, People's Republic of China
| | - Libing Yun
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People' s Republic of China.
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Zhang W, Dong K, Sun J, Huang Z, Shi P. The relationship between postmortem interval and protein changes in mice. J Forensic Leg Med 2024; 101:102618. [PMID: 37995438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Postmortem interval (PMI) estimation is important for forensic pathological autopsy. It has been reported that there is a correlation between certain protein changes in cadavers and PMI. However, no specific protein(s) has been used to determine the PMI so far. In this study, the total protein contents of mouse liver and spleen at different time of death were measured. The data showed that they were negatively correlated with the PMI. The degradation of β-actin was found to be positively correlated with the PMI in the liver. Additionally, proteomic technique was used to study the changes of protein expression related to PMI in the liver of mice. By using Two-dimensional electrophoresis, the expressions of four proteins were found to be significantly decreased and those of other three proteins were unchanged with the increase of PMI. Among the seven proteins, six were identified with peptide mass fingerprinting using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The three altered proteins were SBP2, ENOA, ALDH2 and three unchanged ones were 3HAO, TPIS, CATA, respectively. In the future, those unchanged proteins could be used as internal references to more accurately and reliably infer the time of death by assessing the level of changed proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Kaikai Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Biological Resources, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China
| | - Zhiwei Huang
- College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Ping Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
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Stigter H, Krap T, Gelderman T, Dijkhuizen L, Duijst W. Technical note: Practical application of post-mortem mechanical stimulation of skeletal muscle, a field study. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:55-60. [PMID: 35962850 PMCID: PMC10771997 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02873-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI) is a crucial aspect in crime scene investigation. PMI is defined as the time between the moment of death and the moment of finding the dead body. A combination of methods for estimating the PMI in forensic casework is internationally mostly used. Supravital muscle reaction (SMR) is one of those methods. SMR is an idiomuscular contraction and can be provoked by mechanical stimulation. OBJECTIVES A field study was carried out with the aim to investigate whether a reflex hammer can be used as tool for triggering an idiomuscular contraction and, furthermore, to determine if a learning period has to be taken into account by a forensic physician for appropriate application of a reflex hammer to trigger SMR. METHODS From January 2017 to January 2022, four forensic physicians used this SMR by mechanically stimulating the musculus brachioradialis and musculus biceps brachii. In total, 332 cases were included with a PMI less than 24 h. The cases were divided in chronological clusters of 20 cases. The ratio of the number of positive SMR versus the total number stimulations per forensic physician was used as a measure of accuracy of a reflex hammer for triggering SMR. The distribution of the data was analyzed by comparing the clusters in chronological order to assess whether a learning curve applies. RESULTS In 55.7%, a muscle reaction could be provoked by mechanical stimulation. Comparable outcome of SMR between the participating physicians was observed after 40 stimulations. CONCLUSION A reflex hammer is usable for provoking SMR. A learning period has to be taken in to account during the first forty cases per forensic physician.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Stigter
- Faculty of Law and Criminology, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - T Krap
- Faculty of Law and Criminology, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - T Gelderman
- Faculty of Law and Criminology, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - L Dijkhuizen
- Faculty of Law and Criminology, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wljm 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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Beardmore S, Adeley J, Brookes A, Robinson C, Davendralingam N, Joseph J, McManoman B, Morgan B. Impact of changing from autopsy to post-mortem CT in an entire HM Coroner region due to a shortage of available pathologists. Clin Radiol 2023; 78:797-803. [PMID: 37827590 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
A significant problem facing routine medicolegal coroner-referred autopsies is a shortfall of pathologists prepared to perform them. This was particularly acute in Lancashire, where the coroner decided to initiate a service that relied on post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT). This involved training anatomical pathology technologists (APTs) to perform external examinations, radiographers to perform scans, and radiologists to interpret them. The service started in 2018 and now examines over 1,500 cases per year. This study outlines the PMCT process using NHS staff, with CT equipment and logistics managed by the commercial sector. It compares the demographics and outcomes of PM investigations for two 6-month periods: the autopsy service prior to 2018, and then the PMCT service. These data were then compared with previous UK PMCT data. Referrals for adult non-suspicious deaths were made in 913 cases of which 793 (87%) had PMCT between 01/10/2018 and 31/03/2019. Fifty-six cases had autopsy after PMCT, so 81% of cases potentially avoided autopsy. The PMCT service did not delay release of bodies to the next-of-kin. Comparing the cause of death given shows no difference in the proportions of natural and unnatural deaths. There was an increase in diagnosis of coronary artery disease for PMCT, with less respiratory diagnoses, a feature not previously demonstrated. These data suggest PMCT is a practical solution for potentially failing autopsy services. By necessity, this involves changes in diagnoses, as PMCT and autopsy have different strengths and weakness, but the ability to pick up unnatural death appears unaffected.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Beardmore
- Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT, UK
| | - J Adeley
- HM Senior Coroner Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, Coroner's Court, 2 Faraday Court, Faraday Drive, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NB, UK
| | - A Brookes
- Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT, UK
| | - C Robinson
- Imaging Department, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - N Davendralingam
- Imaging Department, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - J Joseph
- Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT, UK
| | - B McManoman
- Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sharoe Green Lane North, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9HT, UK
| | - B Morgan
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Radiology Department, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK.
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Kranioti EF, Spanakis K, Flouri DE, Klontzas ME, Karantanas AH. Post-mortem CT in the investigation of homicides. Clin Radiol 2023; 78:832-838. [PMID: 37827593 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the reliability of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in a case series of homicides involving blunt-force, sharp-force, and ballistic trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study investigates 16 homicide cases that underwent PMCT before autopsy. Two radiologists assessed the PMCT examinations and the data were compared to the forensic pathology findings. Data were organised in broad categories: foreign bodies, external injuries, soft-tissue and organ injuries, fractures, air in cavities, fluid collections, random pathology, and wound track. Findings were organised by systems: head and neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis, extremities. Cohen's kappa statistics were used to assess observer agreement. RESULTS Six gunshot-related homicides (37.5%), seven sharp-force-related homicides (43.75%), two blunt-force-related deaths (12.5%), and one homicide due to mechanical asphyxia (1.25%) were analysed. A total of 64 fractures were reported by the pathologists, 67 by radiologist 1 and 68 by radiologist 2. Agreement was deemed substantial in all cases. Pathologists failed to report gas in cavities while radiologists underreported superficial injuries. CONCLUSION An overall observation was that less accurate findings were produced by the blinded radiologist in comparison to the non-blinded one. The extremeness of homicides obscured the interpretation of PMCT leading to the observed discrepancies. The combination of PMCT and autopsies is deemed optimal when investigating homicidal events.
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Affiliation(s)
- E F Kranioti
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71110, Greece.
| | - K Spanakis
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - D E Flouri
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71110, Greece
| | - M E Klontzas
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Advanced Hybrid Imaging Systems, Institute of Computer Science - FORTH, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - A H Karantanas
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Advanced Hybrid Imaging Systems, Institute of Computer Science - FORTH, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Abstract
Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) imaging is gaining popularity and acceptance for use alongside forensic autopsies of children, predominantly to aid in the detection of traumatic injuries. Recent research on this topic has provided a breadth of new information regarding the appropriate usage, imaging guidance, and diagnostic accuracy for the identification of different paediatric pathologies. Additionally, advanced CT imaging techniques, such as PMCT angiography or ventilated PMCT, have been trialled, and post-mortem micro-CT is now being used in specialist centres for the assessment of subtle fractures in extracted bone specimens. Various image post-processing methods (e.g., three-dimensional printing from PMCT imaging data) are being used for the illustration of injuries in the medicolegal setting to a lay audience and provide another avenue for the future of forensic radiology research. In this review, the evidence-based principles and benefits of post-mortem imaging for forensic investigation in childhood deaths are presented, with a particular focus on PMCT and current practices. Variations in forensic imaging strategies around the world, published diagnostic accuracy rates, and expected normal post-mortem imaging findings are discussed, as well as potential future applications and research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Edwards
- Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK
| | - S C Shelmerdine
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UK
| | - O J Arthurs
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UK.
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Neithiya T, Patra AP, Shaha KK, Harichandrakumar KT. Nomogram based Postmortem-interval estimation compared with the Actual death-interval in Tropical environmental conditions. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 100:102598. [PMID: 37820500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimating an accurate postmortem interval (PMI) is essential for death investigators to confirm the offence timing and suspects' alibis. Compared to traditional methods, the Nomogram-based method is claimed to estimate nearly accurate PMI, but most of such studies are based on the Western population. Adequate data for bodies exposed to tropical climate of India and the Indian subcontinent are not available. AIM To assess the accuracy and goodness-of-fit of Nomogram based PMI estimation in bodies exposed to Indian climatic conditions after death. MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a 3-year-long study on 200 bodies with known death times. The exact PMI was recorded from direct sources: family members, police and hospital records. Before autopsy, the ambient temperature, body weight, length, and rectal temperature were measured, and the details of clothing, sex, and age, were used on a nomogram to calculate the PMI (tN). One-way ANOVA correlation and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the variables. Linear regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the rectal temperature (Tr) and nomogram estimated PMI (tN) and the known PMI(t). The consistency and agreement between the tN and t were measured using Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Bland-Altman (BA) plot was used to compare the level of agreement between direct(t) and nomograms method PMIs. RESULTS Nomogram-based PMI estimation showed a statistically significant strong relationship with rectal temperature (R 0.77, R2 0.74, adjusted R2 0.76, t-stat 25.83 p < 0.000) and exhibited a relatively consistent agreement with the known death interval (ICC 0.935). Regressing the tN over t showed that the nomogram method can predict PMI with 95 % accuracy. The BA plot between Direct and Nomogram methods exhibited a consistent agreement in PMI estimation though the limits of agreement (LoA) were wide: range 39.09-121.18 min. CONCLUSION The accuracy and reliability of the Nomogram method in PMI estimation is high and recommended for the South Indian population. However, the presence of systematic differences between tN and t can't be ruled out due to wider LoA in BA plot. Hence, these findings highlight the need for further investigation and potential refinement of the PMI estimation methods to enhance accuracy and reduce discrepancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Neithiya
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, 605006, India.
| | - Ambika Prasad Patra
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, 605006, India.
| | - Kusa Kumar Shaha
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, 605006, India.
| | - K T Harichandrakumar
- Department of Biostatistics, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, 605006, India.
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Marrone A, La Russa D, Barberio L, Murfuni MS, Gaspari M, Pellegrino D. Forensic Proteomics for the Discovery of New post mortem Interval Biomarkers: A Preliminary Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14627. [PMID: 37834074 PMCID: PMC10572818 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Estimating the time since death (post mortem interval, PMI) represents one of the most important tasks in daily forensic casework. For decades, forensic scientists have investigated changes in post mortem body composition, focusing on different physical, chemical, or biological aspects, to discover a reliable method for estimating PMI; nevertheless, all of these attempts remain unsuccessful considering the currently available methodical spectrum characterized by great inaccuracies and limitations. However, recent promising approaches focus on the post mortem decomposition of biomolecules. In particular, significant advances have been made in research on the post mortem degradation of proteins. In the present study, we investigated early post mortem changes (during the first 24 h) in the proteome profile of the pig skeletal muscle looking for new PMI specific biomarkers. By mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics, we were able to identify a total of nine potential PMI biomarkers, whose quantity changed constantly and progressively over time, directly or inversely proportional to the advancement of post mortem hours. Our preliminary study underlines the importance of the proteomic approach in the search for a reliable method for PMI determination and highlights the need to characterize a large number of reliable marker proteins useful in forensic practice for PMI estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Marrone
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (A.M.); (D.L.R.); (L.B.)
| | - Daniele La Russa
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (A.M.); (D.L.R.); (L.B.)
| | - Laura Barberio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (A.M.); (D.L.R.); (L.B.)
| | - Maria Stella Murfuni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Marco Gaspari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Daniela Pellegrino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (A.M.); (D.L.R.); (L.B.)
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12
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Glengarry J, Beaugeois M, Bugeja L, Huggins R, O’Donnell C. Suspension-associated dislocation of the jaw in hanging. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1489-1495. [PMID: 37462823 PMCID: PMC10421754 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03059-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Hanging is a common type of death, and the role of the medical investigation of such deaths by a forensic pathologist not only requires the determination of the cause of death but providing information to assist in the determination of the manner of death. The forensic pathologist should be well versed in the spectrum of injuries known to be associated with neck compression, to document injuries known to be associated with hanging, but also to identify those that are inconsistent with self-inflicted hanging or that may suggest the involvement of a third party in the death. Comprehensive identification and correct interpretation of external and internal injury are crucial for the appropriate degree of police and coroner/medical examiner investigation. We present two cases of deaths believed to be caused by self-inflicted hanging that were observed to have unexpected unilateral dislocation of the temporomandibular joint identified on routine post-mortem computed tomography, without any evidence of involvement of a third party. This injury was unexplained and had not been previously observed at our Forensic Institute nor was it identified after a review of the published biomedical research literature. Issues regarding the cause of this abnormality, possible mechanisms, and the medicolegal significance of this finding will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Glengarry
- Forensic Services and Department of Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and Monash University, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, VIC Australia
| | - Megane Beaugeois
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, VIC Australia
| | - Lyndal Bugeja
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, VIC Australia
| | - Richard Huggins
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Austin Health, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC Australia
| | - Chris O’Donnell
- Forensic Services and Department of Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and Monash University, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, VIC Australia
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13
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Battistini A, Capitanio D, Bailo P, Moriggi M, Tambuzzi S, Gelfi C, Piccinini A. Proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry of postmortem muscle protein degradation for PMI estimation: A pilot study. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 349:111774. [PMID: 37399773 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The determination of the postmortem interval is a topic of great forensic interest. The possibility of using new technologies has allowed the study of postmortem decay of biomolecules in the determination of PMI. Skeletal muscle proteins are promising candidates because skeletal muscle exhibits slower postmortem decay compared to other internal organs and nervous tissues, while its degradation is faster than cartilage and bone. In this pilot study, skeletal muscle tissue from pigs was degraded at two different controlled temperatures, 21 °C and 6 °C, and analysed at predefined times points: 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. The obtained samples were analysed by mass spectrometry proteomics approach for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of proteins and peptides. Immunoblotting validation was performed for the candidate proteins. The results obtained appeared significant and identified several proteins useful for possible postmortem interval estimation. Of these proteins, PDLIM7, TPM1, and ATP2A2 were validated by immunoblotting at a larger number of experimental points and at different temperatures. The results obtained are in agreement with those observed in similar works. In addition, the use of a mass spectrometry approach increased the number of protein species identified, providing a larger panel of proteins for PMI assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Battistini
- Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Paolo Bailo
- Section of Legal Medicine, School of Law, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Manuela Moriggi
- University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Tambuzzi
- Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gelfi
- University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, 20161 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Piccinini
- Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
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14
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Panwar R, Shekhawat RS, Shukla KK, Rao M, Rathore M, Kanchan T. Quantitative estimation of TNF-α and IL-3 by using ELISA from human lung tissue in fatal asphyxial deaths. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 98:102559. [PMID: 37453342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Asphyxia-related deaths have always been a challenging task in the specialty of forensic pathology. Apart from helpful macroscopical signs (e.g., strangulation marks, cyanosis, petechial haemorrhage, and lung edema), recent literature indicates that prolonged asphyxia is sufficient to induce an increase in mast cells (MC). Inflammatory cells migrate from the bone marrow to the lungs, aiding in the diagnosis of fatal asphyxial death. The present study analyzed human lung tissue samples from 90 medico-legal autopsy cases, including 45 asphyxial deaths and 45 controls (non-asphyxial deaths). The cases ranged from 2 to 68 years, with a mean age of 33.23 years. In 90 cases, 74 cases were of males, and 16 were of females. Human lung tissue samples were analyzed by using the sandwich ELISA method. The results indicated a statistically significant increase in TNF-α and IL-3 concentration in fatal asphyxial deaths, including those caused by hanging, drowning, and smothering. Mean ± SD in asphyxial and non-asphyxial cases for the TNF-α and IL-3 concentration statistically analysed. In asphyxial cases, the average IL-3 concentration (Conc.) was 1558.50 ± 350.53 pg/ml, and the average TNF-α concentration (Conc.) was 499.75 ± 479.41 pg/ml. In contrast, in non-asphyxial cases, the average IL-3 concentration (Conc.) was found to be 849.73 ± 484.99 pg/ml, and the average TNF-α concentration (Conc.) was 208.08 ± 81.23 pg/ml. The mean change in IL-3 and TNF-α (Conc.) values are found to significant (<0.01) in asphyxial cases as compared to non-asphyxial cases. The ROC (Receiver operating characteristic curve) analysis revealed that TNF-α (AUC = 0.89) and IL-3 (AUC = 0.87) concentration (conc.) were stronger predictors of asphyxial deaths with an optimal cut-off value of 455.20 pg/ml for TNF-alpha and 1700.62 pg/ml for IL-3 respectively. Our findings imply that mast cells (MC) are critical in fatal hypoxia-related mortality and that TNF-α and IL-3 can be reliable markers for detecting mast cells in asphyxial deaths. It could be very beneficial to forensic pathologists tasked with differentiating fatal asphyxial fatalities from other causes of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Panwar
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, 342005, India.
| | - Raghvendra Singh Shekhawat
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, 342005, India.
| | - Kamla Kant Shukla
- Department of Trauma and Emergency Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India.
| | - Meenakshi Rao
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India.
| | - Mohini Rathore
- Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India.
| | - Tanuj Kanchan
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, 342005, India.
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15
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Marshall M, Chraïbi V, Morgan R. Colonization of diatoms in and on porcine bone substrate and considerations of diatom ecology for forensic science. J Forensic Sci 2023; 68:1237-1244. [PMID: 37287334 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The presence of diatom algae in bone marrow has been used as forensic evidence of drowning for several decades; however, these studies are based on known or suspected recent drowning events. This study addresses the potential for diatoms to enter the bone marrow of skeletal remains, that is, de-fleshed long bones post-mortem. In laboratory and field experiments, bones were either inflicted with two access points by a cut and acid pitting or left intact. The bones were submerged in water for at least 1 week and up to 3 months. Samples of the bone surface and marrow were inspected for diatoms. The analysis considered the time required for diatoms to enter marrow and whether genus characteristics like size or mobility affect entry. The presence of an access point influenced diatom entry in that bones without an introduced access point had zero to one diatom present in the marrow, whereas a bone with an access point had >150 diatoms present in the marrow. The results of both laboratory and field phases suggest that diatoms will reliably colonize bone in as quickly as 1 week, establishing and maintaining communities for at least 3 months. However, the bone surface assemblages differ from the source community. Bone marrow displayed even more restrictive access to diatom colonization, resulting in communities dominated by small raphid diatoms. Based on these findings, we suggest some caveats on the use of diatoms as trace evidence in forensic science with recommendations for future avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ryan Morgan
- Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas, USA
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16
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Ong HN, Chen IH, Hsieh YH, Hsu CH, Weng TI, Chang CC. Comparison of fatal traumatic medico-legal cases with postmortem computed tomography and autopsy: A pilot study in Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc 2023; 122:351-354. [PMID: 36253239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2022.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to determine the performance of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) in identifying traumatic-relevant macroscopic findings in medico-legal cases, this retrospective observational pilot study involving nine trauma casualties who had received PMCT prior to autopsy. The comparison of these findings in six anatomical regions as dictated in Injury Severity Score (ISS) were performed. 104 traumatic-relevant findings were identified with achievement of 51% congruent findings. PMCT and autopsy had additionally found 22 and 29 findings respectively. PMCT had highest sensitivity for extremity injury (81.82%), followed by chest (73.91%), head, neck and face (71.43%), and abdomino-pelvic area (50%). It had excellent detection rate in abnormal air collection, fracture, foreign body localization, internal ballistic and intracranial pathology. However, the solid organ and vascular injuries as well as integumentary lesions were the major drawback. In conclusion, incorporation of PMCT to autopsy in medico-legal investigation helps to preserve the most abundant traumatic-relevant injuries compared to either modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooi-Nee Ong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan, University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Hung Chen
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Hsieh
- Department and Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cho-Hsien Hsu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Te-I Weng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan, University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chin-Chen Chang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Imaging, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan, University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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17
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Wenzlow N, Mills D, Byrd J, Warren M, Long MT. Review of the current and potential use of biological and molecular methods for the estimation of the postmortem interval in animals and humans. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:97-108. [PMID: 36744749 PMCID: PMC9999395 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231153930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We provide here an overview of the state of applied techniques in the estimation of the early period of the postmortem interval (PMI). The biological methods included consist of body cooling, CSF potassium, body cooling combined with CSF potassium, and tissue autolysis. For each method, we present its application in human and veterinary medicine and provide current methodology, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as target areas for improvement. We examine current and future molecular methods as they pertain to DNA and primarily to messenger RNA degradation for the estimation of the PMI, as well as the use of RNA in aging wounds, aging blood stains, and the identification of body fluids. Various types of RNA have different lengths, structures, and functions in cells. These differences in RNAs determine various intrinsic properties, such as their half-lives in cells, and, hence, their decay rate as well as their unique use for specific forensic tests. Future applications and refinements of RNA-based techniques provide opportunities for the use of molecular methods in the estimation of PMI and other general forensic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanny Wenzlow
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - DeEtta Mills
- Department of Biological Sciences and International Forensic Research Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jason Byrd
- Maples Center for Forensic Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mike Warren
- Maples Center for Forensic Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maureen T. Long
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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18
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Bhardwaj N, Ahluwalia AS, Pal SK, Mandotra SK. Potential of photoautotrophic microbial organisms in deciphering forensic issues. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 62:102223. [PMID: 36857944 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
In forensic pathology, solving the crime mystery of death due to drowning still remains a challenging issue. The amalgamation of autopsy findings and comparative study of diatoms recovered from the victim's body organs and suspected drowning site help to decipher the cause of death due to drowning or post-mortem immersion. Since the correct interpretation of the cause of death is an important criterion to provide justice to the victim, therefore, the main objective of our study is to throw light on the application of photoautotrophic micro-algal organisms, known as Diatoms, in solving seven cases of victims whose bodies were recovered from various water bodies of Himachal Pradesh, India. The diatom test was conducted by using reverse aqua regia solution (15 ml HNO3: 5 ml HCl) on the bone marrow extracted from the organs and water samples respectively. The informative outcomes of the experimental analysis demonstrated that the diatom test acts as a beneficial adjunct to solve drowning-related crimes where the exact cause of death remains hidden even after performing an autopsy of the victims. The protocol followed by the authors can be used conveniently to recover diatoms from bone marrow as well as from water samples. Our results showed that the maximum cases were of death due to accidental drowning but for one case of suicidal drowning in extremely cold water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitika Bhardwaj
- Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
| | - A S Ahluwalia
- Department of Botany, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, India.
| | - S K Pal
- Department of Biology and Serology, Directorate of Forensics Services, Shimla Hills, Junga Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - S K Mandotra
- Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
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19
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Pittner S, Merold V, Anders S, Lohner L, Amendt J, Klinger M, Hausmann R, Kissling S, Monticelli F, Geissenberger J, Zissler A, Steinbacher P. A standard protocol for the analysis of postmortem muscle protein degradation: process optimization and considerations for the application in forensic PMI estimation. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1913-1923. [PMID: 35710956 PMCID: PMC9576658 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02849-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The analysis of postmortem protein degradation has become of large interest for the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI). Although several techniques have been published in recent years, protein degradation-based techniques still largely did not exceed basic research stages. Reasons include impractical and complex sampling procedures, as well as highly variable protocols in the literature, making it difficult to compare results. Following a three-step procedure, this study aimed to establish an easily replicable standardized procedure for sampling and processing, and further investigated the reliability and limitations for routine application. Initially, sampling and processing were optimized using a rat animal model. In a second step, the possible influences of sample handling and storage on postmortem protein degradation dynamics were assessed on a specifically developed human extracorporeal degradation model. Finally, the practical application was simulated by the collection of tissue in three European forensic institutes and an international transfer to our forensic laboratory, where the samples were processed and analyzed according to the established protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Pittner
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Veronika Merold
- Department of Environment and Biodiversity, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sven Anders
- Department of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Lohner
- Department of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Miriam Klinger
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Roland Hausmann
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital St, Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Steffen Kissling
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital St, Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Fabio Monticelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Janine Geissenberger
- Department of Environment and Biodiversity, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Angela Zissler
- Department of Environment and Biodiversity, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Peter Steinbacher
- Department of Environment and Biodiversity, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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20
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Koo ZP, Siew S. Diagnosis of lung infection in sudden adult death: Comparison of postmortem computed tomography and histopathology. Malays J Pathol 2022; 44:203-214. [PMID: 36043583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed at comparing two main existing diagnostic methods for the detection of lung infection in post-mortem cases of sudden adult death. Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) imaging of lungs and histopathology examination (HPE) of lung tissue were selected to compare their sensitivity and specificity. This retrospective case control study was conducted in a tertiary referral centre on 220 deceased individuals who underwent PMCT imaging prior to autopsy and had histology sampling during autopsy in the years 2016 - 2019. The bodies were examined with PMCT prior to conventional autopsy. Histology sampling were taken in those selected cases as part of medicolegal investigations. The reports and images of PMCT, and HPE reports with slides were retrieved and re-evaluated. Findings of PMCT and HPE were divided into pneumonia and non-pneumonia groups. Only PMCT images of chest and histology slides of lungs were accessed and evaluated. The result showed that the sensitivity and specificity of PMCT in the diagnosis of lung infection was 98.2% and 36.4%, whereas HPE showed a sensitivity and specificity of 97.3% and 100%. The accuracy of PMCT and HPE were 67.2 % and 98.6 % respectively. In conclusion, HPE had better accuracy compared to PMCT with almost similar sensitivity but higher specificity. PMCT may act as a good screening tool for pneumonia but is insufficient to substitute conventional autopsy in the diagnosis of pneumonia. Routine histology sampling during autopsy should be practised whenever dealing with sudden death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z P Koo
- University of Malaya Medical Centre, Department of Forensic Pathology, Malaysia. ,
| | - S Siew
- Kuala Lumpur Hospital, National Institute of Forensic Medicine, Malaysia
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21
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Dong TN, Li N, Wang XX, Zhang LL, Tang LG. Research Progress of Forensic Diagnosis Approaches of Early Acute Myocardial Infarction. Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi 2022; 38:385-395. [PMID: 36221834 DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2020.401105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The postmortem diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), especially the postmortem diagnosis of early AMI that died immediately after onset or within 1 hour, has always been a difficulty in forensic identification. This article reviews the forensic application of diagnosis and analysis methods for AMI postmortem diagnosis including autopsy imaging, histomorphology, immunohisto-chemistry, biochemical marker and molecular biology diagnosis, and explores the feasible scheme of early postmortem diagnosis in AMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Na Dong
- Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Shandong Public Security Department, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Na Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Xiao-Xi Wang
- Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Shandong Public Security Department, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Lei-Lei Zhang
- Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Shandong Public Security Department, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Li-Gang Tang
- Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Shandong Public Security Department, Jinan 250001, China
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22
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Maiese A, Manetti AC, Iacoponi N, Mezzetti E, Turillazzi E, Di Paolo M, La Russa R, Frati P, Fineschi V. State-of-the-Art on Wound Vitality Evaluation: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6881. [PMID: 35805886 PMCID: PMC9266385 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The vitality demonstration refers to determining if an injury has been caused ante- or post-mortem, while wound age means to evaluate how long a subject has survived after the infliction of an injury. Histology alone is not enough to prove the vitality of a lesion. Recently, immunohistochemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology have been introduced in the field of lesions vitality and age demonstration. The study was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review (PRISMA) protocol. The search terms were "wound", "lesion", "vitality", "evaluation", "immunohistochemistry", "proteins", "electrolytes", "mRNAs", and "miRNAs" in the title, abstract, and keywords. This evaluation left 137 scientific papers. This review aimed to collect all the knowledge on vital wound demonstration and provide a temporal distribution of the methods currently available, in order to determine the age of lesions, thus helping forensic pathologists in finding a way through the tangled jungle of wound vitality evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniello Maiese
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (A.C.M.); (N.I.); (E.M.); (E.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Alice Chiara Manetti
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (A.C.M.); (N.I.); (E.M.); (E.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Naomi Iacoponi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (A.C.M.); (N.I.); (E.M.); (E.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Eleonora Mezzetti
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (A.C.M.); (N.I.); (E.M.); (E.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Emanuela Turillazzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (A.C.M.); (N.I.); (E.M.); (E.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Marco Di Paolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (A.C.M.); (N.I.); (E.M.); (E.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Raffaele La Russa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Institute of Legal Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Institute of Legal Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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23
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Liu JJ, DU YK, Zhao J, Kang XD, Yu ZH, Zheng DY, Shi H, Xu QY, Chen LF, Liu C. Effects of Digestive Temperature and Time on Diatom Test. Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi 2022; 38:77-81. [PMID: 35725708 DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2021.410611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the effects of temperature and time for diatoms digestion and find out suitable digestive temperature and time. METHODS Eighty pieces of liver tissues were collected, each piece of tissue was 2 g, and 2 mL Pearl River water was added to each piece of tissue. The digestion temperature was set at 100 ℃, 120 ℃, 140 ℃, 160 ℃, 180 ℃ and the digestion time was set at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 min. The liver tissue and water mixture were divided into 8 portions in each group. All the samples were tested by microwave digestive - vacuum filtration - automated scanning electron microscopy method. The quantity of diatom recovered and the quality of residue on the membrane were recorded. RESULTS When the digestion time was set to 60 min, there were statistically significant differences in the number of diatoms recovered at different temperatures (P<0.05). The maximum number of diatoms recovered was (28 797.50±6 009.67) at 140 ℃, and the minimum residue was (0.60±0.28) mg at 180 ℃. When the digestion temperature was set at 140 ℃, there were statistically significant differences in the number of diatoms recovered at different digestion times (P<0.05). The number of diatoms recovered was the highest at 40 min, it was up to (20 650.88±1 950.29), and the residue quality of each group had no statistical significance among different digestion time groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The effect of diatom digestion is related to temperature and time. When the digestion temperature was 140 ℃ and the digestion time was 40, 50 and 60 min, it is favorable for diatom test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jian Liu
- College of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yu-Kun DU
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jian Zhao
- Guangzhou Forensic Science Institute & Key Laboratory of Forensic Pathology, Ministry of Public Security, Guangzhou 510442, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Kang
- Guangzhou Forensic Science Institute & Key Laboratory of Forensic Pathology, Ministry of Public Security, Guangzhou 510442, China
| | - Zhong-Hao Yu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Dong-Yun Zheng
- Guangzhou Forensic Science Institute & Key Laboratory of Forensic Pathology, Ministry of Public Security, Guangzhou 510442, China
| | - He Shi
- Guangzhou Forensic Science Institute & Key Laboratory of Forensic Pathology, Ministry of Public Security, Guangzhou 510442, China
| | - Qu-Yi Xu
- Guangzhou Forensic Science Institute & Key Laboratory of Forensic Pathology, Ministry of Public Security, Guangzhou 510442, China
| | - Li-Fang Chen
- College of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
- Forensic Science Institute of Yunnan Provincial Public Security Department, Kunming 650228, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Guangzhou Forensic Science Institute & Key Laboratory of Forensic Pathology, Ministry of Public Security, Guangzhou 510442, China
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24
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Jian JQ, Zou DH, Li ZD, Zhang JH, Qin ZQ, Liu NG. Virtual Autopsy Morphological Features of Drowning. Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi 2022; 38:53-58. [PMID: 35725704 DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2021.410806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the application value of virtual autopsy to obtain key evidence information on drowned corpses and its application value of virtual autopsy in the diagnosis of drowning. METHODS In this study, 7 corpses were selected as the research objects. The image data of corpses were collected by computed tomography (CT) before conventional autopsy. The characteristics of corpses were observed through image reading, combined with virtual measurement indexes, and compared with 15 non-drowned corpses. RESULTS The postmortem CT of drowning showed the more fluid in respiratory tract than the non-drowning, and ground-glass opacities in the lung. The statistical volume of fluid in the sinus (maxillary sinus and sphenoid sinus) was (10.24±4.70) mL in drowning cases and (2.02±2.45) mL in non-drowning cases. The average CT value of fluid in the sinus, left atrial blood and gastric contents in drowning cases were (15.91±17.20), (52.57±9.24) and (10.33±12.81) HU, respectively, which were lower than those in non-drowning cases (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The comprehensive consideration of multiple characteristic image manifestations and the virtual measurement indexes are helpful to the forensic pathological diagnosis of drowning. Virtual autopsy can be used as an auxiliary method in the forensic diagnosis of drowning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Qi Jian
- Shaoxing University Forensic Center, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Dong-Hua Zou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Zheng-Dong Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Jian-Hua Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Qin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Ning-Guo Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai 200063, China
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25
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Cai J, Wang B, Chen JH, Deng JQ. Application Progress of High-Throughput Sequencing Technology in Forensic Diatom Detection. Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi 2022; 38:20-30. [PMID: 35725700 DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2021.410807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Diatom detection is an important method for identifying drowning and throwing corpses after death and inferring the drowning sites in forensic examination of corpses in water. In recent years,high-throughput sequencing technology has achieved rapid development and has been widely used in research related to diatom taxonomic investigations. This paper reviews the research status and prospects of high-throughput sequencing technology and its application in forensic diatom detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cai
- Department of Forensic Medicine of Hainan Medical University, Academician Workstation of Hainan Province (Tropical Forensic Medicine), Hainan Province Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Center of Forensic Science, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine of Hainan Medical University, Academician Workstation of Hainan Province (Tropical Forensic Medicine), Hainan Province Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Center of Forensic Science, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Jian-Hua Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine of Hainan Medical University, Academician Workstation of Hainan Province (Tropical Forensic Medicine), Hainan Province Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Center of Forensic Science, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Deng
- Department of Forensic Medicine of Hainan Medical University, Academician Workstation of Hainan Province (Tropical Forensic Medicine), Hainan Province Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Center of Forensic Science, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
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26
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Khalikov AA, Kildyushov EM, Kuznetsov KO, Komlev DS, Khalikova LV. [Diagnostics of the presence of once of death and peculiarities of performance of the forensic medical examination in post-mortal facial condition]. Sud Med Ekspert 2022; 65:16-19. [PMID: 35416010 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20226502116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the research is to summarize the current information about post-mortem interval (PMI) estimating and the peculiarities of the forensic medical examination in postmortem glaciation of the corpse. On the territory of most regions of the Russian Federation, the autumn-winter period passes with a significant decrease in ambient temperature, which makes this topic relevant. The article describes in detail the mechanisms of freezing of human cells and tissues, methods for diagnosing PMI, the peculiarities of the examination in postmortem glaciation, and also put forward directions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - E M Kildyushov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - D S Komlev
- Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Russia
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27
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Chumakova YV, Dubrova SE, Klevno VA, Sokolova ZY. [Postmortem computed tomography of the frozen corpse]. Sud Med Ekspert 2022; 65:51-55. [PMID: 36472181 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20226506151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the work is to identify the possibilities of computed tomography in establishing postmortem changes in the bones of the skeleton and internal organs during in a frozen corpse. The article describes a case from thanatological practice with the performance of a pre-sectional computed tomography of a corpse of a young woman found in a forest in a state of complete freezing. As a result of the study, CT images of frozen internal organs were obtained, which are never found in clinical practice. Significant changes in the CT pattern were revealed due to a decrease in the density of the frozen zones. The use of pre-sectional computed tomography enabled to identify postmortem changes in internal organs formed during freezing of the corpse; the position of the corpse during its glaciation and the uniformity of the freezing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu V Chumakova
- M. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute, Moscow, Russia
- Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination, Moscow, Russia
| | - S E Dubrova
- M. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - V A Klevno
- M. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - Z Yu Sokolova
- Pirogov Russian Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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28
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Kildushov EM, Kuznetsov KO, Khrustaleva YA. [Current view on stab/cut injuries]. Sud Med Ekspert 2022; 65:58-63. [PMID: 36196842 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20226505158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Currently, mechanical trauma is the most significant cause of violent death. The injuries caused by sharp objects rank high in the structure of mechanical trauma. The study objective is to review domestic and foreign literature on the study of stab/cut injuries, identify the main issues and consider new promising diagnostic methods. The stab/cut wound morphology is widely described in the available literature, but little attention has been paid to their study of late postmortem changes. This issue requires consideration since putrefactive corpses (hidden by placing the corpse in water, burying it in the ground, etc.) are often the object of forensic medical examination. New methods for assessing stab/cut injuries are also considered: computed tomography, multilayer computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Each of the diagnostic methods has its undeniable advantages and prospects for widespread use in expert practice, but they cannot completely replace the main methods and are intended only to supplement them.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Kildushov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - K O Kuznetsov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yu A Khrustaleva
- Military Medical Academy named after S.M. Kirov, St. Petersburg, Russia
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29
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Onitsuka D, Nakamae T, Katsuyama M, Miyamoto M, Higo E, Yatsushiro M, Hayashi T. Epidemiological analysis of intramuscular hemorrhage of respiratory and accessory respiratory muscles in fatal drowning cases. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261348. [PMID: 34941921 PMCID: PMC8699964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The postmortem diagnosis of drowning death and understanding the mechanisms leading to drowning require a comprehensive judgment based on numerous morphological findings in order to determine the pathogenesis and epidemiological characteristics of the findings. Effortful breathing during the drowning process can result in intramuscular hemorrhage in respiratory and accessory respiratory muscles. However, the characteristics of this phenomenon have not been investigated. We analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of 145 cases diagnosed as drowning, in which hemorrhage, not due to trauma, was found in the respiratory muscles and accessory respiratory muscles. Hemorrhage was observed in 31.7% of these cases, and the incidence did not differ by gender or drowning location. The frequency of hemorrhage was significantly higher in months with a mean temperature below 20°C than in months above 20°C, suggesting a relationship between the occurrence of hemorrhage and low environmental temperature. Moreover, the frequency of hemorrhage was significantly higher in the elderly (aged ≥65 years) compared to those <65 years old. In the elderly, the weakening of muscles due to aging may contribute to the susceptibility for intramuscular hemorrhage. Moreover, these intramuscular hemorrhages do not need to be considered in cases of a potential bleeding tendency due to disease such as cirrhosis or medication such as anticoagulants. Our results indicate that intramuscular hemorrhage in respiratory and accessory respiratory muscles can serve as an additional criterion to differentiate between fatal drowning and other causes of death, as long as no cutaneous or subcutaneous hematomas above the muscles with hemorrhages are observed. In addition, the epidemiological features that such intramuscular hemorrhage is more common in cold environments and in the elderly may provide useful information for the differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiko Onitsuka
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
- Kushikino Coast Guard Office, Tenth Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, Japan Coast Guard, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Takuma Nakamae
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Midori Katsuyama
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Machiko Miyamoto
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Eri Higo
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Masahiko Yatsushiro
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Takahito Hayashi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
- * E-mail:
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30
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Kuninaka Y, Ishida Y, Nosaka M, Ishigami A, Taruya A, Shimada E, Kimura A, Yamamoto H, Ozaki M, Furukawa F, Kondo T. Forensic significance of intracardiac heme oxygenase-1 expression in acute myocardial ischemia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21828. [PMID: 34750390 PMCID: PMC8575909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01102-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an inducible stress-response protein, exerts anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. However, its significance in forensic diagnosis of acute ischemic heart diseases (AIHD) such as myocardial infarction (MI) is still unknown. We examined the immunohistochemical expression of HO-1 in the heart samples to discuss their forensic significance to determine acute cardiac ischemia. The heart samples were obtained from 23 AIHD cases and 33 non-AIHD cases as controls. HO-1 positive signals in cardiomyocyte nuclear were detected in 78.2% of AIHD cases, however, that were detected in only 24.2% control cases with statistical difference between AIHD and non-AIHD groups. In contrast to HO-1 protein expression, there was no significant difference in the appearance of myoglobin pallor regions and leukocyte infiltration in the hearts between AIHD and non-AIHD groups. From the viewpoints of forensic pathology, intracardiac HO-1 expression would be considered a valuable marker to diagnose AIHD as the cause of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Kuninaka
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Yuko Ishida
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan.
| | - Mizuho Nosaka
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Akiko Ishigami
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Akira Taruya
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Emi Shimada
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kimura
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yamamoto
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Ozaki
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Fukumi Furukawa
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
- Takatsuki Red Cross Hospital, 1-1-1 Abuno, Takatsuki-shi, Osaka, 569-1096, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Kondo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan.
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31
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Chen XS, Chu J, Yang LJ, Wang T, Tao LY. Application of Immunohistochemistry and Special Staining Technique in Forensic Traumatic Pathology Identification. Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi 2021; 37:666-672. [PMID: 35187919 DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2020.400817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In forensic traumatic pathology practice, immunohistochemistry and special staining technique play an important role in wound age estimation and complications of traumatic complication identification. They even play an important role in the identification of special cases, such as snakebites and insulin killings. This article reviews the application and value of immunohistochemistry and special staining techniques in forensic traumatic pathology based on the cases of forensic practice reported in literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Shi Chen
- Department of Forensic Science (Institute of Forensic Sciences), Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jun Chu
- Criminal Police Branch, Suzhou Public Security Bureau, Suzhou 215131, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li-Jun Yang
- Criminal Police Branch, Suzhou Public Security Bureau, Suzhou 215131, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Forensic Science (Institute of Forensic Sciences), Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lu-Yang Tao
- Department of Forensic Science (Institute of Forensic Sciences), Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, Jiangsu Province, China
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32
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Garland J, Hu M, Duffy M, Kesha K, Glenn C, Morrow P, Stables S, Ondruschka B, Da Broi U, Tse RD. Classifying Microscopic Acute and Old Myocardial Infarction Using Convolutional Neural Networks. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2021; 42:230-234. [PMID: 33833193 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Convolutional neural network (CNN) has advanced in recent years and translated from research into medical practice, most notably in clinical radiology and histopathology. Research on CNNs in forensic/postmortem pathology is almost exclusive to postmortem computed tomography despite the wealth of research into CNNs in surgical/anatomical histopathology. This study was carried out to investigate whether CNNs are able to identify and age myocardial infarction (a common example of forensic/postmortem histopathology) from histology slides. As a proof of concept, this study compared 4 CNNs commonly used in surgical/anatomical histopathology to identify normal myocardium from myocardial infarction. A total of 150 images of the myocardium (50 images each for normal myocardium, acute myocardial infarction, and old myocardial infarction) were used to train and test each CNN. One of the CNNs used (InceptionResNet v2) was able to show a greater than 95% accuracy in classifying normal myocardium from acute and old myocardial infarction. The result of this study is promising and demonstrates that CNN technology has potential applications as a screening and computer-assisted diagnostics tool in forensic/postmortem histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Garland
- From the Forensic and Analytical Science Service, NSW Health Pathology, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mindy Hu
- Northern Forensic Pathology Service of New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael Duffy
- Northern Forensic Pathology Service of New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kilak Kesha
- Northern Forensic Pathology Service of New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charley Glenn
- Northern Forensic Pathology Service of New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Paul Morrow
- Northern Forensic Pathology Service of New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simon Stables
- Northern Forensic Pathology Service of New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - 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
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33
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Lockyer BE. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and forensic pathology. Med Sci Law 2021; 61:167-169. [PMID: 33884936 PMCID: PMC8685467 DOI: 10.1177/00258024211009749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brett E Lockyer
- Brett E. Lockyer, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, Hampshire, PO6 3LY, UK.
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34
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Kodama S, Hata J, Kanawaku Y, Nakagawa H, Oshiro H, Saiki E, Okano J H, Iwadate K. Determining the effect of water temperature on the T1 and T2 relaxation times of the lung tissue at 9.4 T MRI: A drowning mouse model. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2021; 49:101836. [PMID: 33476946 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Japanese individuals have a unique culture of soaking in a bathtub, and forensic pathologists have experienced fatal cases due to drowning. However, T1 and T2 relaxation times of a drowning lung are poorly documented. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between drowning water temperature and T1 and T2 relaxation times of drowning lung tissues at 9.4 T MRI (Bruker, BioSpec94/20USR). The mice used as animal drowning models were directly submerged in freshwater. Water temperature was set to 8 °C-10 °C (cold), 20 °C-22 °C (normal), 30 °C, and 45 °C. The regions of interest (ROIs) on the axial section of the third slice were set at the central and peripheral areas of each-the left and the right-lung. T1 relaxation times measured immediately after death differed by the presence or absence of soaking water, except in case of cold water temperature. In the drowning groups, T1 relaxation time showed a linear dependency on water temperature. By contrast, T2 relaxation time was almost constant regardless of the presence of drowning under the same temperature condition; when compared in the lung areas of the same individuals, the times were uniformly reduced in drowning models. To minimize the effects of hypostasis and decomposition, we performed measurements immediately after death and were able to determine the noticeable difference in drowning water temperature. These results may be useful for qualitative assessments of a drowning lung and may serve as a basis when imaging the human body during forensic autopsy cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saki Kodama
- Department of Forensic Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Junichi Hata
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan.
| | | | - Hiroshi Nakagawa
- Department of Forensic Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | - Erisha Saiki
- Laboratory Animal Facilities, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hirotaka Okano J
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kimiharu Iwadate
- Department of Forensic Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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35
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Oliva A, Grassi S, Grassi VM, Pinchi V, Floris R, Manenti G, Colosimo C, Filograna L, Pascali VL. Postmortem CT and autopsy findings in nine victims of terrorist attack. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:605-618. [PMID: 33420525 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02492-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In a foreign country, a religious terrorist group raided a restaurant, using pipe bombs, sharp-edged weapons, and various types of firearms (handguns, submachine guns, and AK-47 assault rifles) loaded with normal and prohibited bullets to kill foreigner customers, some of whom were Italian tourists. Local pathologists performed forensic autopsies on the bodies, but we were asked to perform additional external examinations, postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) scans, and then a second round of complete autopsies on nine victims (5 females and 4 males). Four victims had slash wounds inflicted by sharp-edged weapons, mostly localized in the head and neck. All but two victims had gunshot wounds. Finally, three casualties had injuries caused by the explosion of improvised explosive devices. In all cases, PMCT was a reliable source of information and provided strategic guide during autopsies, helping identify and describe the injuries and thus reconstruct the events. Therefore, in these cases, we suggest integrating the autopsy findings with the postmortem radiological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Oliva
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Simone Grassi
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo M Grassi
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vilma Pinchi
- Section of Forensic Medical Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Floris
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, UOC of Diagnostic Imaging, University of Rome, "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Manenti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, UOC of Diagnostic Imaging, University of Rome, "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Cesare Colosimo
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy and Hematology - Diagnostic Imaging Area, Fondazione Policlinico, Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Filograna
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, UOC of Diagnostic Imaging, University of Rome, "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo L Pascali
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Cirielli V, Bortolotti F, Cima L, De Battisti Z, Del Balzo G, De Salvia A, Laposata C, Raniero D, Vermiglio E, Portas M, Rodegher P, Ghimenton C, Martignoni G, Eccher A, Narayanasamy M, Vergine M, Turrina S, Tagliaro F, De Leo D, Brunelli M. Consultation between forensic and clinical pathologists for histopathology examination after forensic autopsy. Med Sci Law 2021; 61:25-35. [PMID: 33591882 DOI: 10.1177/0025802420965763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The magnitude of the diagnostic benefit conferred by performing histopathological examinations after medico-legal/forensic autopsies remains debatable. We have tried to address this issue by reviewing a series of histopathology referrals concerning medico-legal autopsies in real-world routine practice. We present an audit of the consultations provided to forensics by clinical pathologists at our institute between 2015 and 2018. Over this period, 493 post-mortem examinations were performed by forensic pathologists. Of these cases, 52 (11%) were referred for histopathology. Gross assessment was requested in 22/52 (42%) cases. Histopathology examination was performed on single organs in 15/52 (29%) cases, primarily on the lung and heart, whereas parenchymatous multi-organ analysis was carried out in 14/52 (27%) cases. Bone-marrow sampling was studied in 4/52 (8%) cases. Immunohistochemistry was needed in 16/52 (31%) cases, special stains in 9/52 (21%) cases and molecular analysis in 4/52 (8%) cases. Focusing on technical processes, standard methodology on pre-analytical procedures was changed in 10/52 (19%) cases in order to answer specific diagnostic questions. We showed that although most of the time the diagnosis is clear by the end of dissection on the basis of the macroscopic findings, histopathology can provide, modify or confirm the cause of death in many medico-legal/forensic cases. Therefore, it is desirable that forensic pathologists and clinical pathologists establish robust working relationships in a cooperative environment. We conclude that it is important to implement guidelines based on real-world routine practice in order to identify cases where histopathology can provide useful contributions, which in our experience applied to 11% of forensic cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Cirielli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Legal Medicine and Forensic Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
- Department of Prevention, Legal Medicine Unit, Azienda ULSS 8 Berica, Italy
| | - Federica Bortolotti
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Legal Medicine and Forensic Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
| | - Luca Cima
- Department of Clinical Service, Pathology Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, Italy
| | - Zeno De Battisti
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Legal Medicine and Forensic Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanna Del Balzo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Legal Medicine and Forensic Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandra De Salvia
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Legal Medicine and Forensic Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Laposata
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Legal Medicine and Forensic Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
| | - Dario Raniero
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Legal Medicine and Forensic Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Vermiglio
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Legal Medicine and Forensic Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
| | - Margherita Portas
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Legal Medicine and Forensic Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
| | - Pamela Rodegher
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Legal Medicine and Forensic Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
| | - Claudio Ghimenton
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
| | - Guido Martignoni
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, Italy
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
| | | | - Marco Vergine
- Pathology Department, Brighton and Sussex University, University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
| | - Stefania Turrina
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Legal Medicine and Forensic Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
| | - Franco Tagliaro
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Legal Medicine and Forensic Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
- Institute of Pharmacy and Translational Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Russia
| | - Domenico De Leo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Legal Medicine and Forensic Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
- FISH Lab, Integrated University Hospital Trust of Verona, Italy
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Pittner S, Bugelli V, Benbow ME, Ehrenfellner B, Zissler A, Campobasso CP, Oostra RJ, Aalders MCG, Zehner R, Lutz L, Monticelli FC, Staufer C, Helm K, Pinchi V, Receveur JP, Geißenberger J, Steinbacher P, Amendt J. The applicability of forensic time since death estimation methods for buried bodies in advanced decomposition stages. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243395. [PMID: 33296399 PMCID: PMC7725292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimation of the postmortem interval in advanced postmortem stages is a challenging task. Although there are several approaches available for addressing postmortem changes of a (human) body or its environment (ecologically and/or biochemically), most are restricted to specific timeframes and/or individual and environmental conditions. It is well known, for instance, that buried bodies decompose in a remarkably different manner than on the ground surface. However, data on how established methods for PMI estimation perform under these conditions are scarce. It is important to understand whether and how postmortem changes are affected under burial conditions, if corrective factors could be conceived, or if methods have to be excluded for respective cases. We present the first multi-methodological assessment of human postmortem decomposition carried out on buried body donors in Europe, at the Amsterdam Research Initiative for Sub-surface Taphonomy and Anthropology (ARISTA) in the Netherlands. We used a multidisciplinary approach to investigate postmortem changes of morphology, skeletal muscle protein decomposition, presence of insects and other necrophilous animals as well as microbial communities (i.e., microbiomes) from August to November 2018 associated with two complete body exhumations and eight partial exhumations. Our results clearly display the current possibilities and limitations of methods for PMI estimation in buried remains and provide a baseline for future research and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Pittner
- Dept. of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Valentina Bugelli
- Dept. of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M. Eric Benbow
- Dept. of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Dept. of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | - Angela Zissler
- Dept. of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Carlo P. Campobasso
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, University L. Vanvitelli of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Roelof-Jan Oostra
- Dept. of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC – location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice C. G. Aalders
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC – location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Zehner
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lena Lutz
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Christian Staufer
- Dept. of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Katharina Helm
- Dept. of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Vilma Pinchi
- Dept. of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Joseph P. Receveur
- Dept. of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | | | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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Pittner S, Bugelli V, Weitgasser K, Zissler A, Sanit S, Lutz L, Monticelli F, Campobasso CP, Steinbacher P, Amendt J. A field study to evaluate PMI estimation methods for advanced decomposition stages. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:1361-1373. [PMID: 32248308 PMCID: PMC7295721 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02278-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the major tasks and a continuous challenge in forensic pathology. It is often an exclusion process of available methods, which ultimately can lead to an unsatisfactory outcome due to poor reliability. This problem is most acute in the late PMI, when decomposition proceeds and some methods (such as rigor, livor, and algor mortis) are no longer applicable. Several methods, such as forensic entomology, skeletal muscle protein degradation, and the study of body decomposition by application of a morphological scoring, are expected to provide further information; however, all have certain limitations and weaknesses. Availability of a tool-box of methods allows a case-specific selection of the most appropriate one(s), or eventually provides improvements in the overall accuracy and precision of the PMI estimation by merging and combining methods. To investigate practical (field) application, eventual interferences, and/or synergetic effects, as well as the robustness of these methods towards specific influencing factors, a field study was conducted, using eight pig cadavers of different body weights and physical coverage, left to decompose under natural conditions for 16 days. Morphological changes during decomposition were assessed using the total body score (TBS), muscle samples were collected to analyze protein degradation, and insect colonization was evaluated. The results reveal strengths and current limitations of all tested methods, as well as promising synergistic effects, and thus, provide a baseline for targeted future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Pittner
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Valentina Bugelli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | | | - Angela Zissler
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sangob Sanit
- Department of Parasitology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Lena Lutz
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Fabio Monticelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Carlo P Campobasso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University L. Vanvitelli of Campania, Aversa, Italy
| | - Peter Steinbacher
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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Tombolini A, Broglia I, Ferrara G. Technical note: double immunohistochemical stain (anti-CD31 and anti-cytokeratins) as a tool for a confident forensic post-mortem diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism. Int J Legal Med 2020; 135:355-357. [PMID: 32504148 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02331-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare cause of unexpected late maternal gestational death. The forensic post-mortem diagnosis is rendered upon the histological recognition of fetal "foreign" material inside maternal lung vasculature. The authors propose a double immunohistochemical (anti-CD31 plus anti-cytokeratin AE1/AE3) stain in order to assess accurate amniotic fluid pulmonary embolic burden in a highly reproducible fashion based on the fact that such technique allows to detect an impressive amount of scales within lung vasculature, thereby offering further evidence that pulmonary embolic obstructive microangiopathy, rather than anaphylactoid reaction, is major determinant in AFE-related death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Tombolini
- UOC Medicina legale - ASUR AV3, Via Annibali 31L - Piediripa, 62100, Macerata, Italy.
| | - Irene Broglia
- UOC Anatomia Patologica - ASUR AV3, Via Santa Lucia, 62100, Macerata, Italy
| | - Gerardo Ferrara
- UOC Anatomia Patologica - ASUR AV3, Via Santa Lucia, 62100, Macerata, Italy
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Wang Z, Ma K, Zou D, Liu N, Li Z, Shao Y, Chen Y. Diagnosis of drowning using postmortem computed tomography combined with endoscopic autopsy: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e19182. [PMID: 32176043 PMCID: PMC7220088 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000019182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Postmortem forensic imaging technologies provide a noninvasive/minimally invasive approach for imaging of internal organ structures of the human body to detect injuries, diseases, and other morphologic changes. Currently, postmortem forensic imaging methods have been widely used in determination of the cause of death. However, these methods do not allow histologic examinations. Endoscopic autopsy emerged in the 1990s. Thoracoscopy and laparoscopy are mainly used to examine organs and tissues in the thoracic and abdominal cavity. Target tissues are also sampled for histologic examination. By combining postmortem forensic imaging with endoscopic autopsy, comprehensive examination of the corpse, organs, and sampling for histologic examination can be carried out. PATIENT CONCERNS A 34-year-old woman was witnessed jumping into the river, sinking after struggling in the water. The body was found 24 hours later and confirmed with no vital signs. No preexisting medical conditions were known. DIAGNOSIS, INTERVENTIONS, AND OUTCOMES Postmortem computed tomography, target coronary postmortem computed tomography angiography, and endoscopic autopsy were performed before conventional autopsy. Laparoscopic examination was used to examine the abdominal organs. The diaphragm and pericardium were cut open from the abdominal cavity to allow access to the examination of lungs and heart. Tissue samples were collected from various organs for histologic examination, and a diatom test was carried out on lung samples. Postmortem computed tomography revealed fluid in the paranasal sinuses, airways, stomach, and duodenum; emphysema aquosum; and mosaic pattern of the lung parenchyma. Endoscopic examination additionally detected Paltauf spots. The results were consistent with those of conventional autopsy. Histologic examination revealed pulmonary congestion, pulmonary edema, pulmonary emphysema, pulmonary hemorrhage, and congestion in multiple organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Diatoms were detected in lung tissues, which were identical in morphology to diatoms in water samples collected from the scene. The cause of death was determined as drowning. CONCLUSION Combining forensic imaging and endoscopic autopsy for postmortem examination yields a more comprehensive and scientific finding, and the combination is minimally invasive and more acceptable to the family members. This method can be used as an alternative for conventional autopsy under specific circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoqun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai
| | - Kaijun Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, China
| | - Donghua Zou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai
| | - Ningguo Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai
| | - Zhengdong Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai
| | - Yu Shao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai
| | - Yijiu Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai
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Michaud K, Basso C, d'Amati G, Giordano C, Kholová I, Preston SD, Rizzo S, Sabatasso S, Sheppard MN, Vink A, van der Wal AC. Diagnosis of myocardial infarction at autopsy: AECVP reappraisal in the light of the current clinical classification. Virchows Arch 2020; 476:179-194. [PMID: 31522288 PMCID: PMC7028821 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-019-02662-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and death worldwide. Consequently, myocardial infarctions are often encountered in clinical and forensic autopsies, and diagnosis can be challenging, especially in the absence of an acute coronary occlusion. Precise histopathological identification and timing of myocardial infarction in humans often remains uncertain while it can be of crucial importance, especially in a forensic setting when third person involvement or medical responsibilities are in question. A proper post-mortem diagnosis requires not only up-to-date knowledge of the ischemic coronary and myocardial pathology, but also a correct interpretation of such findings in relation to the clinical scenario of the deceased. For these reasons, it is important for pathologists to be familiar with the different clinically defined types of myocardial infarction and to discriminate myocardial infarction from other forms of myocardial injury. This article reviews present knowledge and post-mortem diagnostic methods, including post-mortem imaging, to reveal the different types of myocardial injury and the clinical-pathological correlations with currently defined types of myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Michaud
- University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne - Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Chemin de la Vulliette 4, CH - 1000, Lausanne 25, Switzerland.
| | - Cristina Basso
- Cardiovascular Pathology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia d'Amati
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Giordano
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivana Kholová
- Pathology, Fimlab Laboratories and Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Stefania Rizzo
- Cardiovascular Pathology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Sabatasso
- University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Geneva University Hospital and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mary N Sheppard
- Department of Cardiovascular Pathology, Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's Medical School, London, UK
| | - Aryan Vink
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Allard C van der Wal
- Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Usumoto Y, Kudo K, Tsuji A, Ihama Y, Ikeda N. The derivation of predictive equations to speculate the post-mortem interval using cases with over 20-mL pleural effusion: A preliminary study. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 65:61-67. [PMID: 31103925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Often, pleural effusion is noted at autopsy when the cause of death is drowning or diseases such as heart, renal and liver failure. Several studies have established a correlation between the concentrations of electrolytes in pleural effusion and the post-mortem interval (PMI) or those concentrations and drowning site. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between the amount of pleural effusion, concentrations of electrolytes and total protein in pleural effusion, by integrated interpretation using various factors such as the deceased's gender, age, cause of death, drowning site, PMI and body temperature. We included 40 cadavers (26 male, 14 female) with >20-mL pleural effusion, which were categorised into four groups as follows: freshwater drowning; brackish water drowning; seawater drowning (drowning group); and not drowning. An equation derived to assess the lung weight revealed that the drowning site affected the lung weight. An equation for the amount of pleural effusion in the drowning group for the first time revealed that the amount of pleural effusion was directly proportional to the PMI. Using an equation to assess the PMI, we could estimate the PMI within 13.0-13.2 h in cases with >20-mL pleural effusion. Despite a small number of cases in the present study, we attained exciting results from the integrated statistical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Usumoto
- Department of Legal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fuku-ura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan; Department of Forensic Pathology and Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Keiko Kudo
- Department of Forensic Pathology and Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Akiko Tsuji
- Department of Forensic Pathology and Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Yoko Ihama
- Department of Legal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fuku-ura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan.
| | - Noriaki Ikeda
- Department of Forensic Pathology and Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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43
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Choi KM, Zissler A, Kim E, Ehrenfellner B, Cho E, Lee SI, Steinbacher P, Yun KN, Shin JH, Kim JY, Stoiber W, Chung H, Monticelli FC, Kim JY, Pittner S. Postmortem proteomics to discover biomarkers for forensic PMI estimation. Int J Legal Med 2019; 133:899-908. [PMID: 30864069 PMCID: PMC6469664 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of postmortem degradation of skeletal muscle proteins has emerged as a novel approach to estimate the time since death in the early to mid-postmortem phase (approximately 24 h postmortem (hpm) to 120 hpm). Current protein-based methods are limited to a small number of skeletal muscle proteins, shown to undergo proteolysis after death. In this study, we investigated the usability of a target-based and unbiased system-wide protein analysis to gain further insights into systemic postmortem protein alterations and to identify additional markers for postmortem interval (PMI) delimitation. We performed proteomic profiling to globally analyze postmortem alterations of the rat and mouse skeletal muscle proteome at defined time points (0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hpm), harnessing a mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics approach. Hierarchical clustering analysis for a total of 579 (rat) and 896 (mouse) quantified proteins revealed differentially expressed proteins during the investigated postmortem period. We further focused on two selected proteins (eEF1A2 and GAPDH), which were shown to consistently degrade postmortem in both rat and mouse, suggesting conserved intra- and interspecies degradation behavior, and thus preserved association with the PMI and possible transferability to humans. In turn, we validated the usefulness of these new markers by classical Western blot experiments in a rat model and in human autopsy cases. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of mass spectrometry-based analysis to discover novel protein markers for PMI estimation and show that the proteins eEF1A2 and GAPDH appear to be valuable markers for PMI estimation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Min Choi
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Angela Zissler
- Dept. of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eunjung Kim
- Dept. of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Eunji Cho
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Se-In Lee
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | | | - Ki Na Yun
- Dept. of Chemistry, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
- Biomedical Omics Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, South Korea
| | - Jong Hwan Shin
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
- Biomedical Omics Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, South Korea
| | - Jin Young Kim
- Biomedical Omics Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, South Korea
| | - Walter Stoiber
- Dept. of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Heesun Chung
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | | | - Jae-Young Kim
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea.
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, South Korea.
| | - Stefan Pittner
- Dept. of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
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44
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Szaluś-Jordanow O, Bonecka J, Pankowski F, Barszcz K, Tarka S, Kwiatkowska M, Polguj M, Mickiewicz M, Moroz A, Czopowicz M, Frymus T, Kaba J. Postmortem imaging in goats using computed tomography with air as a negative contrast agent. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215758. [PMID: 31013296 PMCID: PMC6478312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Evaluation of the usefulness of air as a negative contrast medium of blood vessels in goats in post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) and establishing the protocol with appropriate doses and timing of the contrast medium administration. METHODS Thirty three goats were euthanized 10 to 300 min before the study. First, in 3 goats air was administered into the left or right common carotid artery at dose of 60, 100 and 120 ml/kg, and after each dose PMCT was performed in lateral recumbency. As the latter dose proved to visualize blood vessels best, following 30 goats were examined in the same manner but only with the use of air dose of 120 ml/kg. The quality of CT scans was evaluated independently by two board-certified radiologists. RESULTS In all studied animals the vascular system filled with air was clearly visualized on CT scans. In most of goats this amount of air revealed vessels smaller than 4 mm in diameter. CONCLUSIONS PMCT with air as a negative contrast agent may be an alternative technique used in post-mortem angiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Szaluś-Jordanow
- Department of Small Animal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Joanna Bonecka
- Department of Small Animal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Filip Pankowski
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Barszcz
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sylwia Tarka
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Michał Polguj
- Department of Angiology, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Marcin Mickiewicz
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Moroz
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Czopowicz
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Frymus
- Department of Small Animal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Kaba
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
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45
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Abstract
We examined whether and how conferences on cases of medico-legal autopsy after emergency medicine (EM) practices improved the diagnostic accuracy and expertise of emergency medicine practitioners (EMPs) and forensic pathologists (FPs); we also examined the necessity of imaging in autopsy diagnoses. We additionally discuss whether imaging could replace autopsy.An unsigned, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the attendees of monthly case conferences during which EMPs and FPs discussed EM-associated autopsy cases. The questionnaire addressed the following 6 questions: was the conference useful for forensic medicine or EM practices, was autopsy necessary for each case, were the autopsy and clinical diagnoses consistent, was imaging necessary for autopsy diagnosis, and should autopsy results be disclosed to the public. Participants were autopsy operators, third-party EMPs, and FPs, primarily from universities in and near Tokyo.Fifty-two cases were discussed; more than 80% of the attendees acknowledged the usefulness of autopsy and the conferences, and 33.6% corrected their diagnoses by considering autopsy information. Major clinical misdiagnoses were corrected by autopsy in 35.3% of cases, including procedure-related hemorrhage, intoxication, asphyxia, fat embolism, diabetes, organ injuries, and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Approximately 75% of the attendees recognized the usefulness of imaging for autopsy. However, in a series of four SAH cases, the clinical diagnoses were corrected after the conferences more often by EMPs than by FPs. In a violence-related case, false legal judgment was prevented because the conference discussion corrected the clinical diagnosis from traumatic to natural.In conclusion, the conference improved the accuracy and expertise of diagnoses provided by EMPs and FPs; conference participation led to the correction of major clinical misdiagnoses as well as that of the first diagnoses issued by attendees in more than one-third cases. The usefulness of imaging for autopsy was acknowledged by two thirds of the attendees. Our results also suggested that imaging cannot replace autopsy in deaths related to procedure or violence and in several categories of deaths such as intoxication and asphyxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Maeda
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Shijuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
| | - Takako Tsujimura
- Department of Japanese Linguistics, School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Kawatacho, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken-ichi Yoshida
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Shijuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
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46
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikolas P Lemos
- William Harvey Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK
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47
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Garazdiuk M, Bachinskyi V, Vanchuliak O, Garazdiuk O, Nechytailo O. [TIME SINCE DEATH ESTIMATION BY USING THE METHOD OF POLYCRYSTALLINE CEREBROSPINAL FLUID FILMS IMAGES MUTUAL POLARIZATION DEGREE LEVELS DISTRIBUTIONS TWO-DIMENSIONAL MAPPING WITH FINE-SCALE SPATIAL FREQUENCY FILTRATION]. Georgian Med News 2018:166-170. [PMID: 30516516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Objective - to develop a method of two-dimensional Stokes-polarimetric spatial-frequency mapping of small-scale components of cerebrospinal fluid to improve the accuracy of post-mortem interval estimation. The object of the study was polycrystalline cerebrospinal fluid films taken from 69 corpses (the main study group) and 20 healthy volunteers (comparison group). For each sample, the coordinate distribution of the values of the complex degree of mutual polarization was determined in the optical arrangement of the Stokes polarimeter. The value of the statistical moments of 1 - 4 orders with further statistical processing was calculated. Time dependences of the variation of the value of the most sensitive statistical moments were built to achiev of values stabilization. The interval and the accuracy of the post-mortem interval were estimated by generalizing of the time dependences of the third and fourth order statistical moments of the polarization maps obtained by the two-dimensional mapping of the values distributions of the complex degree of mutual polarization of the small-scale component of polycrystalline networks of cerebrospinal fluid films. An interval of 10 h and the accuracy of post-mortem interval estimation ΔT = ± 12.5 min was established.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Garazdiuk
- Higher State Educational Establishment of Ukraine "Bukovinian State Medical University", Chernivtsi, Ukraine
| | - V Bachinskyi
- Higher State Educational Establishment of Ukraine "Bukovinian State Medical University", Chernivtsi, Ukraine
| | - O Vanchuliak
- Higher State Educational Establishment of Ukraine "Bukovinian State Medical University", Chernivtsi, Ukraine
| | - O Garazdiuk
- Higher State Educational Establishment of Ukraine "Bukovinian State Medical University", Chernivtsi, Ukraine
| | - O Nechytailo
- Higher State Educational Establishment of Ukraine "Bukovinian State Medical University", Chernivtsi, Ukraine
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48
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Abstract
As suicide by ligature strangulation is rare, the correct medico-legal diagnosis may be difficult to establish if there is no clear supporting circumstantial evidence. We report an unusual case of suicide by strangulation with a double ligature. Investigation of the scene of death and pathological findings at autopsy are reported and discussed. We emphasise the importance of an external examination and an on-the-spot investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Luca Marella
- 1 Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Dominicis
- 2 Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Arcudi
- 1 Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier, Rome, Italy
| | - Saverio Potenza
- 2 Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Silvestro Mauriello
- 2 Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Milano
- 2 Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Feola
- 2 Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi T Marsella
- 2 Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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49
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Fais P, Mazzotti MC, Teti G, Boscolo‐Berto R, Pelotti S, Falconi M. HIF1α protein and mRNA expression as a new marker for post mortem interval estimation in human gingival tissue. J Anat 2018; 232:1031-1037. [PMID: 29504141 PMCID: PMC5980163 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimating the post mortem interval (PMI) is still a crucial step in Forensic Pathology. Although several methods are available for assessing the PMI, a precise estimation is still quite unreliable and can be inaccurate. The present study aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical distribution and mRNA expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) in post mortem gingival tissues to establish a correlation between the presence of HIF-1α and the time since death, with the final goal of achieving a more accurate PMI estimation. Samples of gingival tissues were obtained from 10 cadavers at different PMIs (1-3 days, 4-5 days and 8-9 days), and were processed for immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The results showed a time-dependent correlation of HIF-1α protein and its mRNA with different times since death, which suggests that HIF-1α is a potential marker for PMI estimation. The results showed a high HIF-1α protein signal that was mainly localized in the stratum basale of the oral mucosa in samples collected at a short PMI (1-3 days). It gradually decreased in samples collected at a medium PMI (4-5 days), but it was not detected in samples collected at a long PMI (8-9 days). These results are in agreement with the mRNA data. These data indicate an interesting potential utility of Forensic Anatomy-based techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, as important complementary tools to be used in forensic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Fais
- Department of Medical and Surgical SciencesSection of Legal MedicineUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Maria Carla Mazzotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical SciencesSection of Legal MedicineUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Gabriella Teti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor SciencesSection of AnatomyUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Rafael Boscolo‐Berto
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular SciencesSection of Legal MedicineUniversity Hospital of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Susi Pelotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical SciencesSection of Legal MedicineUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Mirella Falconi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor SciencesSection of AnatomyUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
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50
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Gelderman HT, Boer L, Naujocks T, IJzermans ACM, Duijst WLJM. The development of a post-mortem interval estimation for human remains found on land in the Netherlands. Int J Legal Med 2018; 132:863-873. [PMID: 29110084 PMCID: PMC5920129 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1700-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The decomposition process of human remains can be used to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI), but decomposition varies due to many factors. Temperature is believed to be the most important and can be connected to decomposition by using the accumulated degree days (ADD). The aim of this research was to develop a decomposition scoring method and to develop a formula to estimate the PMI by using the developed decomposition scoring method and ADD.A decomposition scoring method and a Book of Reference (visual resource) were made. Ninety-one cases were used to develop a method to estimate the PMI. The photographs were scored using the decomposition scoring method. The temperature data was provided by the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute. The PMI was estimated using the total decomposition score (TDS) and using the TDS and ADD. The latter required an additional step, namely to calculate the ADD from the finding date back until the predicted day of death.The developed decomposition scoring method had a high interrater reliability. The TDS significantly estimates the PMI (R 2 = 0.67 and 0.80 for indoor and outdoor bodies, respectively). When using the ADD, the R 2 decreased to 0.66 and 0.56.The developed decomposition scoring method is a practical method to measure decomposition for human remains found on land. The PMI can be estimated using this method, but caution is advised in cases with a long PMI. The ADD does not account for all the heat present in a decomposing remain and is therefore a possible bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- H T Gelderman
- Public Health Service IJsselland, Department of Forensic Medicine, Zeven Alleetjes 1, 8011 CV, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - L Boer
- Public Health Service IJsselland, Department of Forensic Medicine, Zeven Alleetjes 1, 8011 CV, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - T Naujocks
- Public Health Service Groningen, Department of Forensic Medicine, Hanzeplein 120, 9713 GW, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A C M IJzermans
- Public Health Service Hart voor Brabant, Department of Forensic Medicine, Vogelstraat 2, 5212 VL, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - W L J M Duijst
- Public Health Service IJsselland, Department of Forensic Medicine, Zeven Alleetjes 1, 8011 CV, Zwolle, The Netherlands.
- Maastricht University, faculty of law and criminology, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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