Legal MedicinePub Date : 2025-03-02DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102607
Tae Mo Kang , Kyu Jin Youm , Jieun Park , Kyung Min Lee , So Youn Im , Kwang Soo Ko , Jinhyuk Choi , Seong Hwan Park
{"title":"Identifying blowfly species using posterior spiracle by Error-rate based morphometrics in third instar larvae","authors":"Tae Mo Kang , Kyu Jin Youm , Jieun Park , Kyung Min Lee , So Youn Im , Kwang Soo Ko , Jinhyuk Choi , Seong Hwan Park","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102607","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102607","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Necrophagous flies are the first insects to colonize corpses in medicolegal cases, making the identification of their larvae species crucial for the utilization of forensic entomology data. However, morphological species identification of larvae is challenged by issues such as limited species range and difficulty. This study aimed to address the limitations of existing morphological identification methods by developing a straightforward and unified approach for identifying third instar larvae. We devised new classification indices—Angle Between Slits, Distance Between Slits, and Length BiSlits—using three pairs of posterior spiracular slits. Based on the error rate and morphometrics, we developed a classification method called Error-rate Based Morphometrics (EBM). Using the three indices and EBM, we developed a new species identification method.</div><div>This study targeted nine major species of necrophagous Calliphoridae flies found in Korea. Basic statistical data and species identification criteria for the three indices were established using a total of 151 samples from the nine species. Additionally, the accuracy of the species identification method and the significance of the three indices were statistically analyzed.</div><div>The morphological species identification method using EBM demonstrated an accuracy of 92.7% for all species. Additionally, the indices utilized for species identification were confirmed to be significant indicators with low correlation to larval development, as measured by body length.</div><div>This study developed a new species identification method using the classification indices along with EBM. The morphological species identification method for third instar larvae using EBM enable rapid species identification with high-magnification posterior spiracle images.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102607"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143620593","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}
Legal MedicinePub Date : 2025-03-02DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102606
Kochi Toyomane, Ai Asahi, Satoshi Kubota
{"title":"Evaluation of acetic acid solution for rehydration of mummified skin tissues","authors":"Kochi Toyomane, Ai Asahi, Satoshi Kubota","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102606","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102606","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Histological characteristics such as transverse striation of skeletal muscle are preserved in mummified tissues compared with autolyzed or putrefied tissues, providing histological or forensic information upon histological analysis. However, processing dried tissue for histological examination is difficult due to its hardness. In addition, the histological architecture may be altered during the dehydration process, leading to alternation of the staining appearance. To overcome these problems, rehydration solutions such as Sandison’s solution have been utilized in both paleohistological and forensic contexts. In this study, we introduce another procedure utilizing acetic acid to rehydrate dried tissue for forensic trace evidence analysis. We prepared mock mummified tissue specimens by drying sliced animal skin tissues to simulate fragmented tissue specimens found at crime scene investigations. Acetic acid treatment improved the staining results efficiently for both hematoxylin-eosin staining and connective tissue staining compared with specimens without rehydration treatments. Notably, even 2-h treatment with acetic acid solution sufficiently improved the staining results, suggesting that acetic acid solution can be used to rapidly analyze fragmented and dried tissues for criminal investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102606"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143563694","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 fatal intoxication case due to the serotonin syndrome induced by dextromethorphan and moclobemide overdose","authors":"Takahiro Harada , Akira Namera , Naoki Nakao , Kazuhiro Murata , Narutaka Katsuya , Takafumi Nagao , Masataka Nagao","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102604","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102604","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Serotonin syndrome has been known as a disease with a potentially life-threatening condition and which occurs usually drug-related and results from an increase in serotonergic activity in the central nervous system. We experienced a fatal case in which may have led to the development of serotonin syndrome and death by intaking privately imported dextromethorphan and moclobemide, MAOIs.</div><div>We report an autopsy case, a 44-year-old man was found deceased on the bed of his girlfriend’s house by her mother. Beside the victim, there was a bottle, which was presumed to have been personally purchased on the Internet, contained two different types of tablets. There were no findings that suggested the presence of obvious trauma or internal diseases in the judicious autopsy. Additional drug testing was performed, and the concentration of dextromethorphan in heart blood was 37.2 μg/mL was detected. In addition, the fact that the patient had a high body temperature and intramuscular bleeding at the time of death strongly suggests that he had died due to serotonin syndrome. In this case, the diagnosis of serotonin syndrome was made on the basis of autopsy findings and additional drug testing. In cases of suspected death due to serotonin syndrome, additional drug testing and quantitative evaluation to identify the causative agent would be helpful in the diagnosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102604"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143642447","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}
Legal MedicinePub Date : 2025-02-25DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102603
Sami Ben Jomaa , Oumeima Bouzid , Taher Sakly , Seifeddine Ben Hammouda , Mariem Bel Haj , Abdelfattah Zakhama , Nidhal Haj Salem
{"title":"Sudden death due to Crohn’s colitis: An autopsy case report","authors":"Sami Ben Jomaa , Oumeima Bouzid , Taher Sakly , Seifeddine Ben Hammouda , Mariem Bel Haj , Abdelfattah Zakhama , Nidhal Haj Salem","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102603","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102603","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Crohn’s colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon, which can result in serious complications such as intestinal perforation and peritonitis. Clinically, it presents with symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, which can be misinterpreted or overlooked, leading to diagnostic delays. We present an autopsy case of a 43-year-old woman with no significant past medical history, who initially consulted the Emergency Department for persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea over a 10-day period. Despite symptomatic treatment, no further diagnostic investigations were conducted. Three days later, she presented a sudden loss of consciousness at home and she was declared dead shortly thereafter. A medico-legal autopsy was ordered to determine the cause of death. External examination revealed cyanosis of the face and nails, abdominal distension, and no signs of trauma. At the internal examination, there were a stercoral peritoneal effusion of approximately 400 ml and multiple perforations in the colon, specifically in the ascending colon and sigmoid regions. Further examination showed an inflamed, hemorrhagic colonic mucosa. Histological analysis revealed deep ulcerations and areas of transmural inflammation alternating with healthy mucosa, typical of Crohn’s colitis. No other organ abnormalities were noted. Toxicology tests were negative. The cause of death was attributed to peritonitis secondary to colonic perforation due to undiagnosed Crohn’s colitis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102603"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143563695","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}
Legal MedicinePub Date : 2025-02-25DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102602
Alberto Amadasi , Lorenzo Franceschetti , Graziano Domenico Luigi Crudele , Greta Pogliani , Guendalina Gentile , Riccardo Zoja
{"title":"Alteration of bronchiolar club cells and pneumocytes as markers of fatal pulmonary toxicity from systemic agents: Considerations on a group of autopsy samples","authors":"Alberto Amadasi , Lorenzo Franceschetti , Graziano Domenico Luigi Crudele , Greta Pogliani , Guendalina Gentile , Riccardo Zoja","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102602","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102602","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Club cells and pneumocytes may undergo qualitative and quantitative modifications when lungs are damaged and the modifications of these cells when the body is involved in systemic toxicity, thus when lung is not the target organ, may be an interesting challenge. Therefore, crucial information may be provided by the investigation of the feasibility of possible markers of lung damage in case of intoxication by different substances.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>For this reason, the study aimed at assessing the histological changes of club cells and type I-II pneumocytes in 85 cases of acute poisoning by exogenous substances, whilst controls were 50 cases of death related to non-toxic causes. A total of 405 histological thin sections were analyzed after staining with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s trichrome and Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed a numerical variation of club cells and type I and type II pneumocytes depending on the toxic agent examined.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>It is therefore possible to ascribe to this kind of bronchiolar cells a detoxifying effect, capable of detecting lung injuries in an early stage and which may represent a marker (although not specific for the substance) even when lungs are not directly involved among a systemic toxic mechanism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102602"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143488508","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}
Legal MedicinePub Date : 2025-02-24DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102601
Laura Donato , Douglas H. Ubelaker , Valentina Bugelli , Jessika Camatti , Michele Treglia , Anna Laura Santunione , Luigi Tonino Marsella , Rossana Cecchi
{"title":"Forensic age progression application in a morphological study of an Italian family: A case report","authors":"Laura Donato , Douglas H. Ubelaker , Valentina Bugelli , Jessika Camatti , Michele Treglia , Anna Laura Santunione , Luigi Tonino Marsella , Rossana Cecchi","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102601","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102601","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Processing a photo aimed at the aging of the person depicted is a delicate process. The technique performed in these cases, i.e. age progression, takes into consideration the physiognomic elements of the face and its variations over time.</div><div>This study aims to deepen knowledge regarding the morphological similarities of the physiognomic traits found in two generations of an Italian family. Age progression is carried out on the two daughters to compare the result with their current appearance.</div><div>Twelve photos were studied, depicting the members of an Italian family in close-up. Three photos of each member of the family were analysed, consisting of the father, mother, and two sisters (L. and E.). Facial features, such as shape of the face, eyes, eyebrows, nose and mouth were evaluated at age 1, 7 and 30. In addition, age progression technique was applied.</div><div>Through the analysis of the images, facial features are studied to find similarities, and the problems encountered in studying the photos are discussed. Furthermore, the age progressions are obtained, and they do not show 100% accuracy. This study represents an analysis of age progression technique and explains how the provision of photographic documentation of family members can be important.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102601"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143510344","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}
Legal MedicinePub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102559
Tadashi Hosoya , Kazuki Harada , Jun Kanetake
{"title":"Comprehensive study of various vitamin concentrations in the human postmortem blood with an autopsy case report of beriberi","authors":"Tadashi Hosoya , Kazuki Harada , Jun Kanetake","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102559","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102559","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Using human cardiac blood from forensic autopsy cases, comprehensive measurements of albumin, vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, folate, and PIVKA-Ⅱ were performed. Of 128 cases, 83 were male, with an average age of 61.8 years and average postmortem interval of 44 h. The average concentrations of vitamins were 29.8 μg/dL for vitamin A, 32.2 μg/dL for vitamin B1, 278 ng/mL for vitamin B6 (pyridoxamine), 152 ng/mL for vitamin B6 (pyridoxal), 57.2 ng/mL for vitamin B6 (pyridoxal), 17.9 ng/mL for folate, 1188 pg/mL for vitamin B12, 23.5 μg/mL for vitamin C, 15.0 ng/mL for vitamin D, and 1.03 μg/mL for PIVKA-Ⅱ. An autopsy case of a Japanese middle-aged male with beriberi was also presented, where severe edema and effusion of the cavity and a high NT-proBNP serum value were observed; however, cardiac pathology showed no specific abnormal features. In the present case, the blood vitamin B1 concentration was within the standard clinical range. This study revealed that bloodborne water-soluble vitamin levels shows higher to clinical standard value at postmortem, whereas fat-soluble vitamin levels may stay in the standard range or lower. Our findings suggest that postmortem water-soluble vitamin concentrations within the clinical standard may reflect low antemortem vitamin concentrations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 102559"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142822649","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":"Effective diagnosis of cervical fracture using postmortem computed tomography and autopsy findings","authors":"Yoriko Shinba , Yuki Abe , Takanori Kohyama , Masahide Mitsuma , Hiromi Yamashita , Takehiko Murase , Kazuya Ikematsu","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102555","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102555","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A common forensic problem is cervical fractures, which sometimes need to be diagnosed only by physical examination of the body, without imaging or autopsy. Despite reports from clinical practice describing the association between cervical fractures and head injury, we could not find any analysis of autopsy cases. In addition, discussion of the cervical fracture diagnosis by postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) appears limited. This study aimed to examine autopsy and PMCT findings and explore valid methods for the diagnosis. We analyzed autopsy cases of cervical fractures during the 7 years before (2004–2010) and after (2014–2020) the PMCT introduction in our department. In 2014–2020, 67 autopsy cases with cervical fractures were recorded, of which 61 (91 %) were related to blunt injury to the head. Those with cervical fractures had a significantly higher incidence of blunt injury to the head (p < 0.001), particularly “forehead” and “face” injury, which accounted for > 50 % of cases. Of the external forces on the neck, “extension” accounted for 82.1 %. The cervical fracture-positive rate in all autopsy cases increased significantly from 11 (4.0 %) in 2004–2010 to 67 (8.2 %) in 2014–2020 (p = 0.021). From December 2015 to December 2020, when “cervical retroflexion” imaging was actively performed in PMCT, the cervical fracture diagnosis rate increased significantly from 57.1 % in the cervical normal position to 81.0 % with the addition of “cervical retroflexion” position (p = 0.021). Blunt head injury and PMCT in the “cervical retroflexion” position may be useful in the diagnosis of cervical fractures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 102555"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142824566","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":"Letter to the Editor regarding the Article “Complex suicides involving the use of firearms and hanging: A retrospective study and review of the literature”","authors":"Andrea Gentilomo , Stefano Tambuzzi , Guendalina Gentile , Riccardo Zoja","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102563","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102563","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 102563"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142866131","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":"Age estimation by radiomics analysis of mandibular condylar cone beam computed tomography images","authors":"Aytaç Üzel, Alican Kuran, Oğuz Baysal, Umut Seki, Enver Alper Sinanoglu","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102560","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102560","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The aim of this study was to estimate the legal age using the parameters obtained from radiomic analysis of the mandibular condyle in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.</div></div><div><h3>Material and Methods</h3><div>The study group consisted of 300 mandibular condyles, which were categorized into six groups based on the age of the patients: 8–11 years, 12–14 years, 15–17 years, 18–20 years, 21–23 years, and over 24 years. Each patient’s condyle was segmented individually using the 3D Slicer program. Radiomic features were extracted from the segmented images using the SlicerRadiomics plugin. Subsequently, three distinct models were developed with reference to three specific subgroups of the 12–14 age group, 15–17 age group, 18–20 age group and the efficacy of radiomic features in predicting the age of the patient was evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The ROC analysis of the three radiomics scores (RS) yielded AUC values of 0.927, 0.860, and 0.769 for RS<sub>12-14</sub>, RS<sub>15-17</sub>, and RS<sub>18-20</sub>, respectively. The RS<sub>12-14</sub> model exhibited the highest sensitivity and specificity values among the models, with 88% and 84.4%, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Among the radiomic features extracted from the mandibular condyle in CBCT images, the most significant features, identified based on developed models and their respective coefficients, can be applied to estimate patients’ ages. Future studies hold substantial potential for advancing this method, particularly in automating both the segmentation process and the derivation of formulae for age estimation. The use of radiomic features for age prediction presents a promising alternative method for developing fully automated systems in clinical practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 102560"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142878425","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}