Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology最新文献

{"title":"Digital matching of palatal rugae patterns for forensic identification in edentulous denture wearers.","authors":"Javier A Rojas-Torres, Sandra López-Lázaro, Joan Viciano, Gabriel M Fonseca","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00852-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00852-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Identifying edentulous victims in forensic contexts poses a significant challenge. It has been reported that having a denture to reproduce and compare Palatal Rugae (PR) patterns is crucial for identifying edentulous individuals, yet there are no validated protocols for conducting this procedure. In this study, a new method was developed and validated for plaster molding of the internal surface of upper dentures, along with a protocol involving focus-stacked photographs and reference scales. Thirty-eight edentulous subjects participated in the study, obtaining plaster models of the patients (PM), and their dentures (AM) were standardized. The AM/PM model was highlighted and photographed with ten shots in different z-focuses for each model, using standard lighting and aligning the position of the PR perpendicular to the photographic axis using tubular spirit levels and modeling clay. The images were processed using the stacking technique and analyzed by three observers through the proposed protocol using Adobe® Photoshop®. The results were analyzed based on the intra-observer and inter-observer agreement levels, with a 95% confidence interval. This study demonstrated high-precision intra-observer and inter-observer agreement (k = 1) in the matching of Palatal Rugae (PR) and maxillary morphology obtained from participants and their dentures. The protocol is simple, cost-effective, and precise. It enables standardization of the technique for obtaining plaster models, and the exposure of PR and photographic protocol minimizes the presence of artifacts in the images, thereby reducing the likelihood of errors and promoting the reproducibility of both the recording technique and the comparison of the PR.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"157-164"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141442437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Death and injuries caused by cattle: A forensic overview.","authors":"Roger W Byard","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00786-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00786-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lethal episodes arising from interactions with cattle may be the result of a response of the animals to simple handling and herding, or from reactions to deliberate provocation or goading intended to incite aggressive behavior for public entertainment purposes. Deaths may be considered to be unprovoked and unanticipated, or provoked and predictable. Cattle cause significant numbers of deaths globally and are considered the most dangerous large animal in Britain. Behavior may be unpredictable even in apparently docile domesticated animals, and attacks may be by a single animal or a herd and result in injuries from kicking, head/butting/charging, stomping, goring, and crushing. Craniofacial injuries may involve fractures of the spine or skull with cerebral contusions and lacerations associated with subarachnoid, subdural, and extradural hemorrhages. Chest injuries are also characterized by fractures which may be multiple with flail chest, hemo- and pneumothoraces, and organ disruption. Injuries to the abdomen and perineum include intestinal perforations, splenic rupture, perineal and vaginal tears, urethral lacerations and avulsions, and bladder and rectal perforations. Significant vascular injuries include complete and partial transections and lacerations. Males living in rural areas are most at risk of a fatal encounter.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"401-405"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11953160/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139575541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Age-related patterns in mandibular third molar eruption: presenting new forensic age assessment reference data from a Chinese population.","authors":"Maximilian Timme, Jan Viktorov, Laurin Steffens, Adam Streeter, André Karch, Yu-Cheng Guo, Andreas Schmeling","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00820-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00820-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Valid reference data are essential for reliable forensic age assessment procedures in the living, a fact that extends to the trait of mandibular third molar eruption in dental panoramic radiographs (PAN). The objective of this study was to acquire valid reference data for a northern Chinese population. The study was guided by the criteria for reference studies in age assessment.To this end, a study population from China comprising 917 panoramic radiographs obtained from 430 females and 487 males aged between 15.00 and 25.99 years was analysed. Of the 917 PANs, a total of 1230 mandibular third molars were evaluated.The PANs, retrospectively evaluated, were performed for medical indication during the period from 2016 to 2021. The assessment of mandibular third molars was conducted using the staging scale presented by Olze et al. in 2012. Two independent examiners, trained in assessing PANs for forensic age estimation, evaluated the images. In instances where the two examiners diverged in their assessments these were subsequently deliberated, and a consensus stage was assigned.The mean age increased with higher stages for both teeth and both sexes. The minimum age recorded for stage D, indicating complete tooth eruption, was 15.6 years in females and 16.1 years in males. Consequently, the completion of mandibular third molar eruption was observed in both sexes well before reaching the age of 18. In light of our results, it is evident that relying solely on the assessment of mandibular third molar eruption may not be sufficient for accurately determining the age of majority. Contrary to previous literature, this finding of a completed eruption of the mandibular third molars in northern Chinese individuals is only suitable for detecting the completion of the 16th year of life in males according to our results. However, as the results are inconsistent compared to other studies in the literature, the trait should not be used as the only decisive marker to prove this age threshold in males from northern China.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"173-182"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11953140/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140897987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Forensic investigation of complex and complicated suicides in Attica, Greece: a 12-year retrospective study.","authors":"Maria Alexandri, Maria Tsellou, Anthi Kapsali, Panagiotis Ferentinos, Athina Tatsioni, Artemis Dona, Ioannis Papoutsis, Flora Bacopoulou, Stavroula A Papadodima","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00842-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00842-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics (victims' profiles, circumstances surrounding the incidents, and methods employed) of complex and complicated suicides over a 12-year period in the broader area of Athens, Greece. A retrospective analysis of 5,568 autopsy cases performed at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2022, was carried out. Out of a total sample of 5,568 autopsies, 360 suicide cases were identified, among which 14 (3.9%) were classified as complex suicides, and one case (0.3%) was identified as complicated suicide. Among the victims, 78.6% were males. The age range of the victims varied between 25 and 82 years old. The most prevalent method of complex suicide was the use of sharp objects followed by jumping from a height (42.8%). The next most common combination of methods was poisoning (21.4%) along with hanging. Prior suicidal attempts and suicide note were mentioned in 16.7% and 8.3% of the cases respectively. Overall, a total of 9 different methods were used in the above 14 cases. Only half (50.0%) of the victims had an established psychiatric diagnosis. In determining the cause of death in cases of a complex or complicated suicides, it is of utmost importance for the forensic pathologist to gather and analyze all available information provided by the police, the victim's relatives along with a thorough investigation of the scene, a detailed autopsy and a toxicological analysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"90-97"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141283415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modeling of inflicted head injury by shaking trauma in children: what can we learn? : Update to parts I&II: A systematic review of animal, mathematical and physical models.","authors":"Kim Hutchinson, Jan Peter van Zandwijk, Marloes E M Vester, Ajay Seth, Rob A C Bilo, Rick R van Rijn, Arjo J Loeve","doi":"10.1007/s12024-023-00765-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-023-00765-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Inflicted shaking trauma can cause injury in infants, but exact injury mechanisms remain unclear. Controversy exists, particularly in courts, whether additional causes such as impact are required to produce injuries found in cases of (suspected) shaking. Publication rates of studies on animal and biomechanical models of inflicted head injury by shaking trauma (IHI-ST) in infants continue rising. Dissention on the topic, combined with its legal relevance, makes maintaining an up-to-date, clear and accessible overview of the current knowledge-base on IHI-ST essential. The current work reviews recent (2017-2023) studies using models of IHI-ST, serving as an update to two previously published reviews. A systematic review was conducted in Scopus and PubMed for articles using animal, physical and mathematical models for IHI-ST. Using the PRISMA methodology, two researchers independently screened the publications. Two, five, and ten publications were included on animal, physical, and mathematical models of IHI-ST, respectively. Both animal model studies used rodents. It is unknown to what degree these can accurately represent IHI-ST. Physical models were used mostly to investigate gross head-kinematics during shaking. Most mathematical models were used to study local effects on the eye and the head's internal structures. All injury thresholds and material properties used were based on scaled adult or animal data. Shaking motions used as inputs for animal, physical and mathematical models were mostly greatly simplified. Future research should focus on using more accurate shaking inputs for models, and on developing or and validating accurate injury thresholds applicable for shaking.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"366-381"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139485506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Forensic entomology in homicide cases: study of a corpse found inside a buried vehicle.","authors":"Ana Julia Pereira, Gustavo A Breglia, Marcelo H Uzal","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00889-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00889-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Forensic entomology plays a crucial role in death investigations, particularly in estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). This study presents a forensic entomology case involving a corpse found in a buried utility vehicle. The victim was in an advanced state of decomposition, with autopsy findings revealing gunshot wounds. Cadaveric fauna was collected at the scene and during the autopsy. The analysis revealed a diverse insect community, with predominance of Compsomyiops fulvicrura and Piophila casei. The time of development of species like Dermestes maculatus and Necrobia rufipes was used to estimate the minimum PMI. The presence and low abundance of Calliphora vicina, a species preferring lower temperatures, shed light on the seasonal conditions at the time of death and suggested possible body concealment shortly after death. This research is the first to report insects as evidence in a corpse found in a buried vehicle and contributes to the body of knowledge in forensic entomology. The study also suggests that the use of entomological evidence can provide additional information about the season in which the body was concealed, making it a valuable tool in death investigation and crime scene reconstruction. Finally, it emphasizes the need for proper sampling, expert identification, and close collaboration between forensic entomologists and pathologists.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"358-365"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142125294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Asbestos exposure determined 357 days after death through autopsy: a report of a multidisciplinary approach.","authors":"Giuseppe Davide Albano, Vito Rodolico, Simone Di Franco, Giuseppe Lo Re, Mauro Midiri, Ginevra Malta, Emanuele Cannizzaro, Antonina Argo, Stefania Zerbo","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00838-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00838-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Asbestosis is an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers and poses a significant risk to individuals working in construction, shipping, mining, and related industries. In a forensic context, postmortem investigations are crucial for accurate diagnosis, for which the gold standard is the histopathological examination. This case report describes the autopsy and related investigations conducted on an 84-year-old man, nearly one year (357 days) after his death. After a post-mortem CT scan, an autoptic investigation was performed, followed by histopathological, immunohistochemical, and scanning electron microscopy examinations. The integration of the evidence from these examinations with previously available personal and clinical information conclusively confirmed the diagnosis of asbestosis. We demonstrated the efficacy and reliability of our diagnostic protocol in detecting asbestosis and asbestos fibers and excluding mesothelioma even in decomposed tissues. According to our findings autopsy remains the diagnostic gold standard in cases of suspected asbestosis within a forensic context, even 1 year after death, therefore it is always highly recommended, even in cases where the body has decomposed.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"332-340"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11953153/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141161048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative analysis of post-mortem drug concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and blood.","authors":"Paulina Wachholz, Rafał Celiński, Rafał Skowronek, Natalia Pawlas","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00801-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00801-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to compare the concentration of various xenobiotics in both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. We examined 175 autopsy cases covering a wide range of ages, causes of death, and drug ingestion histories, with cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples available for toxicological testing. Analytes studied included opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and illicit substances such as cannabinoids, stimulants and new psychoactive substances, including synthetic cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids. We found that concentrations in CSF were generally lower than in blood. A significant correlation was observed between drug concentrations in CSF and blood for many analytes (p < 0.05). However, the strength and direction of the correlation varied considerably depending on the physicochemical properties of the drugs, suggesting that a 'one size fits all' model may not be applicable. The results indicate that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be used to detect a variety of xenobiotics, particularly amphetamines, synthetic cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids, in cases where conventional biological materials are not available. Additionally, using the results obtained in the future can lead to a better understanding of pharmacokinetic processes and the effect of post-mortem redistribution. Further research is needed to refine our understanding of these relationships.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"23-32"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140109805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exception to the Puppe's rule reloaded and a warning in the interpretation of skull fractures: they run even through recent craniotomy burr holes.","authors":"Alberto Amadasi, Lorenzo Franceschetti, Larissa Amadasi, Lars Oesterhelweg","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00829-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00829-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A possible \"exception\" to Puppe's rule regarding the intersection of skull fractures has been previously addressed due to the observation that skull fractures can pass through old and remodeled craniotomies. In a further case presented herein, however, it was shown that cranial fractures are also able to pass through recent burr holes, a phenomenon never previously described. A 63-year-old man sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the right temple region, with an exit wound in the left temporal region. Twenty-five days prior, the patient had undergone parietal craniotomy for the evacuation of a subdural hematoma secondary to glioblastoma. Among the fracture lines originating from the exit wound, one traversed the craniotomy hole, terminating approximately 1.4 cm beyond its contralateral margin. This illustrates that cranial fractures possess the capability to cross \"fresh\" burr holes that have not undergone to bone remodeling. Consequently, the evaluation of Puppe's rule should be reconsidered, particularly in cases of gunshot injuries, wherein fractures pass through full-thickness circular lesions (such as entry and exit wounds). The varied scenarios underscore the potential for fractures to \"pass through\" these burr holes if they have not themselves generated fracture lines, as may be the case with entry holes with circular lesions without fractures.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"341-344"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11953106/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140908492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A case of death after the severing three appendiceal arteries during appendectomy.","authors":"Yongtai Zhang, Hongli Xiong, Fang Cheng, Qi Wang, Jianbo Li","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00841-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00841-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Acute appendicitis is one of the most common acute abdominal issues requiring surgery and is usually treated by appendectomy. During the process of removing the appendix, the appendiceal artery is severed. In most individuals, the appendix is supplied by only one appendiceal artery.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 50-year-old man underwent appendectomy. During the surgical procedure, the appendix artery and two accessory arteries of the appendix were severed, leading to massive hemorrhaging in the abdominal cavity, which ultimately resulted in the patient's unfortunate demise.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Through this case, we hope that surgeons can learn more about the anatomy of the appendiceal artery and understand the possibility of accessory arteries to the appendix. During surgery, the blood vessels supplying the appendix should be carefully explored, and the \"one-size-fits-all approach\" should be avoided. Moreover, attention should be given to complications after appendectomy, and timely symptomatic treatment should be provided. Key points 1. Rare typing: The case of death due to improper handling of the accessory appendicular artery during appendectomy in patients with three appendiceal arteries is currently unreported. 2. Detailed anatomical knowledge: Surgeons performing an appendectomy need to make a detailed exploration of the blood vessel supply of the appendix to avoid ignoring anatomically different blood vessels. 3. Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach: In the surgical process, a \"one-size-fits-all\" approach should be avoided, that is, the same surgical approach should not be used in all cases, but should be adjusted according to the anatomical characteristics of the individual. 4. Observation of postoperative bleeding: In the perioperative period, peritoneal drainage should be closely observed. If a large amount of bloody fluid is found, timely surgical treatment should be carried out. 5. Attention to complications: Surgeons should pay.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"255-259"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141603558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}