Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology最新文献

{"title":"Gender differences in homicides. A comparative analysis of 106 fatalities in forensic autopsy data.","authors":"Cleo Walz, Steffen Eifert, Johanna Görg, Clara-Sophie Schwarz, Christian Steffan, Hauke Brettel, Tanja Germerott","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00847-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00847-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>While most homicides worldwide are committed against men, women and girls are disproportionately affected by domestic violence and its fatal consequences. The Istanbul Convention mandates the prevention of gender-based violence, particularly against women. This study analyzes the characteristics of male and female victims of homicides to provide a comprehensive understanding of the different situations and ways in which men and women are killed. Files of 106 forensic autopsies of homicide victims aged 14 years and older (51.9% males, 48.1% females) from 2012 to 2019 were reviewed. Demographic data, previous history with a focus on the perpetrator-victim relationship, substance influence, type of violence and law enforcement data were recorded. A gender-separated statistical analysis was carried out. Male victims were killed most often outside their own home (63.6%) by acquaintances or friends (54.5%). They were frequently under the influence of substances (56.4%). The perpetrators suffered from addictive diseases in 49.1%, and 52.7% had prior convictions. In both groups, stab/cut injuries were the most common causes of death, but stab/cut and gunshot injuries occurred more frequently in male victims. Female victims were killed most often in their own homes (76.5%) by intimate partners (62.7%). Compared to male victims, violent asphyxiation and blunt force trauma were more common causes of death. Furthermore, there was a higher frequency of multiple injuries (33.3%). The prevalence of a guilty verdict of the perpetrators was nearly equal in both groups. Gender-specific aspects should be considered when investigating homicides and establishing prevention and intervention strategies for interpersonal violence. Protective concepts are easier to establish in the public sphere than in private homes, which is why homicides against women require special attention in society, law enforcement, and legislation. Significant gender differences were found in the circumstances and the perpetrator-victim relationships of homicides. Gender-specific aspects should be taken into account when investigating homicides and developing prevention and intervention strategies. Homicides against women require special attention in society, law enforcement and legislation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"193-202"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11953208/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141261466","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":"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":"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}

{"title":"Demographic, co-intoxicants and other characteristics of citalopram-involved overdose deaths.","authors":"José E Muñoz, Marie A Abate, Zheng Dai, Gordon S Smith, James C Kraner, Allen R Mock","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00885-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00885-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) including citalopram are commonly used antidepressants that can be involved in drug-related deaths along with opioids and other substances. This study characterized citalopram involvement in West Virginia (WV) drug-related deaths compared to other SSRI and non-SSRI-related deaths. All 2005-2021 WV drug-related deaths were analyzed in this retrospective study. Demographics, other substances involved, and comorbidities in cases in which citalopram was listed on the death certificate were compared to other SSRI-related and total non-SSRI deaths. Citalopram concentrations and the association between citalopram presence with predicted fentanyl concentrations were determined. Citalopram was the most common antidepressant present in the deaths (4.5% of 14,363 total), with most (81%) unintentional. Male: female ratios in citalopram cases (0.9:1) were significantly lower than in non-SSRI deaths (2.3:1). Almost two-thirds of citalopram deaths had ≥ 4 substances involved compared to 26% of non-SSRI deaths. Overall, oxycodone was most frequently identified in citalopram deaths (fentanyl more commonly in recent years), followed by alprazolam and diazepam. Cardiovascular comorbidity was significantly more common in citalopram than non-SSRI deaths. No association was found between citalopram presence and predicted fentanyl concentrations. Most citalopram-related deaths were unintentional and involved proportionately more females, with larger numbers of concurrent substances present and more cardiovascular comorbidity compared to non-SSRI deaths. Citalopram is widely used and less toxic than many antidepressants. The extent to which it contributed to overdose deaths can be difficult to ascertain given the multiple substances usually present.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"80-89"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142139770","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":"Page kidney in a case of polyarteritis nodosa.","authors":"Tuba Demirci Yıldırım","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00904-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00904-6","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"507-508"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142498100","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":"The Yemeni genetic structure revealed by the Y chromosome STRs.","authors":"Khalid Al-Shoba, Nabil Al-Hamadi, Eida Khalaf Almohammed, Sibte Hadi, William Goodwin, Hayder Lazim","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00975-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00975-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Yemen, with its rich historical background and strategic geographical position at a major crossroads of trade and migration, offers an ideal setting for exploring population genetics. This study aimed to develop a Y-STR database for a Yemeni population and compare it with existing regional databases in the Middle East. For this investigation, buccal swabs were collected from 128 unrelated males. Genomic DNA was extracted using the QIAamp^® DNA Mini Kit, and Y-chromosomal STR profiling was performed with the AmpFℓSTR^® Yfiler™ PCR Amplification Kit to generate haplotype data across 17 Y-STR loci. The final dataset exhibited a haplotype diversity of 0.008 and a discrimination capacity of 0.95. Among the STR loci assessed, DYS458 emerged as the most polymorphic, displaying a gene diversity of 0.87 and accounting for the majority of microvariant alleles (62.5%). Additionally, haplogroup analysis using the NevGen haplogroup predictor tool revealed two predominant haplogroups within this Yemeni population: J1a (59.37%) and E1b1b (21.09%). Comparisons with 52 Middle Eastern populations (encompassing 5,568 individuals) through multidimensional scaling, phylogenetic assessments, admixture analyses, and ancestry variability evaluations collectively underscore the unique genetic landscape of Yemen. Overall, the combined findings indicate evidence of a potential founder effect within the Yemeni population. Taken together, these data not only enrich the forensic and population genetic understanding of the region but also emphasize Yemen's pivotal role in illuminating migration and demographic processes in the Middle East.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143537057","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":"New geographic location data on the occurrence and abundance of carrion insects of forensic interest.","authors":"Beryl Morris","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00780-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00780-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The world's forensic entomologists have much in common. They face similar research challenges, apply the same scientific methodology, study the same kinds of evidence, and access global research databases. Nevertheless, some regional heterogeneity inevitably exists. For most countries, and particularly those that have complex and diverse ecosystems, the current priority is to stimulate use of forensic entomology by establishing open access databases with time series data using standardised protocols for occurrence, abundance, distribution, niche preferences, life cycle, and identification characteristics for the key regional species that may be encountered in forensic entomology cases. Even in countries where forensic entomology is routinely used as a tool in reconstructing the history of corpses found on crime scenes in accordance with principles found in the rapidly developing body of literature, there is still much to learn about forensically useful insects. Examples of regional gaps include the taxonomy of lesser-known carrion insect species, seasonal occurrence of carrion species in the country's various geographical regions, and rates of development of the local species modeled in the many site situations of forensic interest. The first published study of carrion insects found in Athens, Greece published in this journal is an example of entomologists in a region taking the necessary first step towards establishing baseline data about native and introduced species and hence, physiological and behavioural responses to local environmental conditions, including life cycles and likelihood of occurrence or absence in the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"460-462"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11953107/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139575543","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":"The micro CT evaluation of crown and root pulp volume versus dentin thickness in teeth in postmortem interval (PMI).","authors":"Selcuk Cetin, Nihat Akbulut, Kaan Orhan, Burak Bilecenoglu, Mert Ocak, Emre Bayram, Ahmet Altan, Bulent Eren, Serkan Silsupur, Bedirhan Sezer Oner","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00805-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00805-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Determining the postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the main study subjects of forensic sciences. The main purpose of this prospective in vitro study that was the Micro-CT evaluation of teeth crown and root pulp volume versus dentin thickness in terms of PMI determination. The study involved 60 female Wistar rats, with weights ranging from 270 to 320 g. These rats were grouped into six different post-mortem period categories. Following the animals' sacrifice, they were subjected to a natural putrefaction period, with a control group, in the grounds of a sheltered garden. Hemi-mandible samples were then extracted and placed in glass tubes for Micro-CT evaluations, following the progression of putrefaction processes. The pulp volume and dentin thickness were assessed using Micro-CT, and the gathered data underwent statistical analysis. Micro-CT was employed to analyze sixty right mandibular second molar teeth in the hemi-mandible. The crown pulp volume exhibited a reduction in group 6, with a value of 0.239 mm³ after a three-month period of natural putrefaction (p < 0.001). There is statistically differences among groups in case of pairwise comparison (p < 0.05). However, the root pulp volume and dentin thickness variables did not display any statistically significant changes. Despite certain limitations associated with this study, the Micro-CT findings concerning teeth pulp volume can serve as an objective parameter, especially for late postmortem investigations and the estimation of time of death.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"71-79"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11953174/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140186837","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":"Mechanical trauma in children and adolescents in Berlin.","authors":"Christine Eimer, Claas Buschmann, Jonas Deeken, Thoralf Kerner","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00814-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-024-00814-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Management of severe pediatric trauma remains challenging. Injury patterns vary according to patient age and trauma mechanism. This study analyzes trauma mechanisms in deceased pediatric patients. Fatal pediatric trauma cases aged 0-18 years who underwent forensic autopsy in the Federal State of Berlin, Germany, between 2008 until 2018 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Autopsy protocols were analyzed regarding demographic characteristics, trauma mechanisms, injury patterns, resuscitation measures, survival times as well as place, and cause of death. 71 patients (73% male) were included. Traffic accidents (40%) were the leading cause of trauma, followed by falls from height > 3 m (32%), railway accidents (13%), third party violence (11%) and other causes (4%). While children under 14 years of age died mostly due to traumatic brain injury (59%), polytrauma was the leading cause of death in patients > 14 years (55%). Other causes of death were hemorrhage (9%), thoracic trauma (1%) or other (10%). A suicidal background was proven in 24%. In the age group of > 14 years, 40% of all mortalities were suicides. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was carried out in 39% of all patients. 42% of the patients died at the scene. Children between 0 and 14 years of age died most frequently from traumatic brain injury. In adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age, polytrauma was mostly the cause of death with a high coincidence of suicidal deaths. The frequency of fatal traffic accidents and suicides shows the need to improve accident and suicide prevention for children and adolescents.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":"115-122"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11953125/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140854421","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}