Legal MedicinePub Date : 2024-08-13DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102520
Stefania Sica , Valerio Mastroianni , Paola Ciamarra , Pasquale Giugliano , Carlo Pietro Campobasso
{"title":"Neonatal chemical burns and child neglect","authors":"Stefania Sica , Valerio Mastroianni , Paola Ciamarra , Pasquale Giugliano , Carlo Pietro Campobasso","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102520","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102520","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Differential diagnosis of agents of chemical burns can be challenging in neonates, especially in absence of a clear history of the event. A wide variety of chemical agents, from acids to basics, can be involved. Massive chemical burns over 21% of the body surface of a four-day-old male neonate were observed. At the physical examination, lower chest, abdomen, genital area and upper limbs showed full-thickness contact burns with a clear demarcation line of the skin breakdown related to necrosis of the subcutaneous layer. Head and fingers exhibited small hard brownish eschars. No clear history was referred by the parents, raising the suspect of a child neglect. Due to the critical conditions, it was not possible to identify the chemical agents causing the burns. The prompt excision and synthetic skin grafting was successfull and the baby survived. Considering all the different chemical agents found in the domestic environment, a combination of acid-basic agents may have been involved. Both parents were sentenced to nine years imprisonment for child neglect and wounding with intent.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 102520"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1344622324001305/pdfft?md5=3765e558fc70ab983e364d78eb88f1a3&pid=1-s2.0-S1344622324001305-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141991293","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":"Unveiling human DNase II: Molecular characterization, gene insights, and functional implications","authors":"Sultana Razia , Haruo Takeshita , Ken Inoue , Reiko Iida , Misuzu Ueki , Toshihiro Yasuda","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102505","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102505","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This review comprehensively explores the molecular characterization, genetic insights, and functional implications of human DNase II, an enzyme crucial for DNA hydrolysis under acidic conditions. We discuss its purification, identification, and characterization, emphasizing the importance of highly purified samples for accurate analyses as well as for understanding the biochemical properties. The discovery and analysis of DNase II’s cDNA and gene have provided crucial insights into its genetic regulation and chromosomal location. Genetic polymorphism in DNase II activity levels, characterized by distinct alleles, provides valuable information on the diversity of enzyme function among individuals. Tissue distribution studies reveal its widespread presence across human tissues, hinting at potential endocrine connections. Clinical implications of DNase II variants, including therapeutic strategies targeting the JAK1 pathway, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatments. Overall, this review serves as a valuable resource for advancing our knowledge of DNase II and its impact on human health and disease.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 102505"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142057092","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 : 2024-08-08DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102504
Antonieta Zuniga , Yolly Molina , Patricia Soriano , Zintia Moya , Yessica Pinto , Digna Pineda , Karen Amaya , Leonel Cruz , Ismael Raudales , Elvis Herrera , Isaac Zablah , Marcio Madrid , Salvador Diaz , Carlos Agudelo-Santos , Oscar Garcia , Marco T. Medina
{"title":"Population genetic data for 23 STR loci (PowerPlex Fusion 6C™ kit) genetic markers in the Lenca ethnic group in Honduras","authors":"Antonieta Zuniga , Yolly Molina , Patricia Soriano , Zintia Moya , Yessica Pinto , Digna Pineda , Karen Amaya , Leonel Cruz , Ismael Raudales , Elvis Herrera , Isaac Zablah , Marcio Madrid , Salvador Diaz , Carlos Agudelo-Santos , Oscar Garcia , Marco T. Medina","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102504","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102504","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>We have studied the allele frequencies for 23 STR autosomal loci (CSF1PO, FGA, TH01, vWA, D1S1656, D2S1338, D2S441, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D10S1248, D12S391, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D19S433, D21S11; with the purpose to increase the power of discrimination, the markers Penta D, Penta E, D22S1045, TPOX and SE33 were included), from a sample of 100 unrelated individuals of Lenca ethnic group in Honduras, Central America.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 102504"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142020446","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":"HIF-1α expression by immunohistochemistry and mRNA-210 levels by real time polymerase chain reaction in post-mortem cardiac tissues: A pilot study","authors":"Rossana Cecchi , Jessika Camatti , Maria Paola Bonasoni , Ginevra Maria Clemente , Simona Nicolì , Nicoletta Campanini , Paola Mozzoni","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102508","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102508","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>The postmortem diagnosis of acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) represents a challenging issue in forensic practice. Immunohistochemical studies and gene expression studies are becoming a promising field of research in forensic pathology. The present study aims to evaluate HIF-1α expression through immunohistochemistry (IHC), and mRNA-210 level using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in order to define if HIF-1α and mRNA-210 in post-mortem myocardium could be adopted in the diagnosis of AMI.</p></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><p>Thirty-five deceased individuals, who underwent forensic autopsy at the Legal Medicine Service of the University of Parma, between 2010 and 2018, were investigated. The cohort was divided into two groups according to the cause of death (sudden deaths caused by AMI vs control cases). Cardiac specimens were collected during autopsy, then samples were processed for morphological evaluation using haematoxylin–eosin staining, for IHC, and for RT-PCR. HIF-1α expression and mRNA-210 levels were investigated.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Statistical evaluation demonstrated statistically significant differences in terms of number of IHC positive vessels, leukocytes, and cardiomyocytes between the two groups. Moreover, in the majority of cases, immunostaining positivity was observed only in myocardial and subendocardial samples. With reference to mRNA-210, the difference between the two groups proved to be statistically significant.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The present study indicates that HIF-1α and mRNA-210 in post-mortem cardiac specimens could represent appropriate biomarkers in the diagnosis of AMI. The current study was primarily limited by the scarcity of the cohort, so further research is required to confirm these preliminary observations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 102508"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141977083","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 : 2024-08-08DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102507
Hena Khatoon , Siti Munirah Mohd Faudzi
{"title":"Balancing acts: The dual faces of fentanyl in medicine and public health","authors":"Hena Khatoon , Siti Munirah Mohd Faudzi","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102507","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102507","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid widely used in medicine for its effective analgesic properties, particularly in surgical procedures and in the treatment of severe, chronic pain. In recent decades, however, there has been a worrying increase in the illicit use of fentanyl, particularly in North America. This rise in illicit use is concerning because fentanyl is associated with polydrug abuse, which adds layers of complexity and dangerous. This review provides a comprehensive examination of fentanyl, focusing on its synthesis and medical use. It also discusses the significance of the piperidine ring in medicinal chemistry as well as the critical role of fentanyl in pain management and anesthesia. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges associated with the abuse potential of fentanyl and the resulting public health concerns. The study aims to strike a balance between the clinical benefits and risks of fentanyl by advocating for innovative uses while addressing public health issues. It examines the chemistry, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of fentanyl and highlights the importance of personalized medicine in the administration of opioids. The review underscores the necessity of continuous research and adaptation in both clinical use and public health strategies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 102507"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141914379","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":"Educating Japanese elementary students on proper smartphone use and social media risks: Reflecting on post-COVID-19 crime trends","authors":"Ken Inoue , Sultana Razia , Masato Nakano , Yuri Murayama , Masanori Kamura , Yasuyuki Fujita , Haruo Takeshita","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102506","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102506","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Smartphone ownership and social media use are increasing worldwide, and children are not exempt from these trends. Past studies on this issue have mainly focused on educational campaigns to prevent the prolonged use of smartphones, social media, and video games. Recently, harm to children from engagement with bad actors through social media has become a major problem in Japan, and preventive measures need to be based on close analysis of the facts. The present study was performed descriptive epidemiology and comparison between two groups.</p><p>This study investigated the number of children in Japan who fell victim to criminal offense through their use of social media, categorized by level of schooling, type of offense, and means of accessing social media over the 8-year period from 2016 to 2023. The 8-year period was divided into 2016–2019 (4 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic) and 2020–2023 (4 years during the pandemic). Statistical analysis was conducted to compare these periods.</p><p>The number of elementary school students victimized by criminal offense through social media in Japan increased significantly in 4 years during the pandemic. Furthermore, in 4 years during the pandemic, there was also a notable rise in felony-related incidents, and an increase in the number of victims accessing social media via smartphones.</p><p>Schools, parents/guardians, and personnel and organizations in relevant fields need to collaborate in addressing and educating students about the proper use of smartphones and the risks of social media starting at the elementary school age.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 102506"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141908129","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":"Assessment of differences in mechanical properties and thickness of temporal and occipital bones and correlation with age in Japanese forensic samples","authors":"Suguru Torimitsu , Yoshifumi Nishida , Daisuke Yajima , Go Inokuchi , Ayumi Motomura , Fumiko Chiba , Rutsuko Yamaguchi , Yumi Hoshioka , Shigeki Tsuneya , Hirotaro Iwase , Yohsuke Makino","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102503","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102503","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The mechanical properties and thickness of adult temporal and occipital bones were examined in modern Japanese forensic samples. Cranial bones were obtained from 293 Japanese corpses (179 men and 114 women). During autopsy, left temporal (LT), right temporal (RT), and occipital (O) bone samples were extracted from each skull. Sample thickness (ST) was measured using multidetector computed tomographic imaging. The fracture load (FL) of each sample was measured by a bending test, in which the flexural strength (FS) was calculated. The FL and ST values for O were significantly greater compared with those of the LT and RT bones. The temporal bones were thinner compared with other parts of the skull and at greater risk for fracture. There is a need to take precautions to prevent temporal bone fractures. There were no significant differences in any of the values between LT and RT, indicating bilateral symmetry of the temporal bones. There were significant negative correlations between age and the FL and FS values for all sites in both sexes, except for O in the male samples, suggesting that older individuals are at increased risk for fractures. No significant correlations were observed between age and ST values in any of the samples. There were significantly positive correlations between FL and ST values at all sites regardless of sex.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 102503"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141903368","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 : 2024-08-02DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102502
Johannes Laaksonen , Hilla Mäkinen , Petteri Oura
{"title":"Prevalence of secondary brain injuries and association with trauma circumstances in neuropathologically examined medico-legal autopsy cases with primary head trauma","authors":"Johannes Laaksonen , Hilla Mäkinen , Petteri Oura","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102502","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102502","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Primary head injury is often followed by secondary brain damage. However, the association between injury circumstances and the prevalence of secondary injuries remains unclear. We report the prevalence and association of secondary brain injuries with the circumstances in which a head injury was sustained. The sample comprised 76 neuropathologically examined medico-legal autopsy cases with an acute primary head injury. Neuropathology reports were analysed to determine the prevalence of various secondary injuries, i.e., hypoxic-ischaemic neuronal injury, brain oedema, and vascular axonal injury (VAI). The prevalences were compared between cases from three distinct injury circumstances, i.e., fall, assault, and strangulation. The sample had a median age of 49 years (interquartile range 27–73) and 71.1% were identified as male. As for distinct injury circumstances, the sample comprised 14 fall cases, 21 assault victims, and 6 strangulation victims. The prevalence of hypoxic-ischaemic neuronal injury was highest in strangulations (100.0%), followed by assaults (81.0%) and falls (64.3%); of specific brain regions, statistically significant differences between the three case groups were found in frontal and parietal cortex (p ≤ 0.018) and the hippocampus (p = 0.005). Brain oedema was present in approximately half of assault (47.6%) and strangulation cases (50.0%), contrastingly to the lower prevalence in falls (7.1%; p = 0.024). The prevalence of VAI appeared higher among assault (23.8%) and strangulation cases (16.7%) compared to falls (7.1%), but the differences were not statistically significant. We conclude that hypoxic-ischaemic neuronal injury and brain oedema were more prevalent among assault and strangulation cases compared to falls.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 102502"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1344622324001123/pdfft?md5=0a6b891356b0db64977e4a6124d3202c&pid=1-s2.0-S1344622324001123-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141903369","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 : 2024-07-26DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102501
Szymon Rzepczyk , Kacper Nijakowski , Jakub Jankowski , Filip Nowicki , Czesław Żaba
{"title":"Salivary markers of aggression − The possible alterations in salivary hormones levels to identify perpetrators of aggression-related violence","authors":"Szymon Rzepczyk , Kacper Nijakowski , Jakub Jankowski , Filip Nowicki , Czesław Żaba","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102501","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102501","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Aggression, understood as intentional actions aimed at causing harm, remains in a direct relation with the phenomenon of interpersonal violence, especially its physical form. Creating an objective marker of aggression would be an important tool for preventing, protecting the victims and maintaining control over suspects. There have been attempts to link aggression with shifts in hormone levels, including those that can be measured in saliva, especially testosterone and cortisol. The systematic review aimed to assess changes in salivary hormone levels among perpetrators of violence, with particular emphasis on physical violence, as parameters pointing to perpetrators of violence. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 22 studies were included. Most of the papers included in the analysis came from the USA and Europe. Studies typically included adults as well as children, while focusing mainly on men. Among the hormones, salivary testosterone levels were the ones analyzed most frequently. On the basis of the included studies, a meta-analysis was conducted on the relationship between aggressive behavior and the levels of concentration of testosterone and cortisol measured in saliva. Regardless of gender, individuals exhibiting aggressive behavior were proved to have significantly higher testosterone levels and lower cortisol concentrations in saliva measurements. The obtained results indicate the feasibility of using the examined parameters for initial detection of perpetrators of aggression-related violence. However, further research is necessary to more precisely determine the relationship between aggressive behavior and hormonal changes in order to determine the feasibility of using these parameters as an objective marker for early identification of perpetrators.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 102501"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1344622324001111/pdfft?md5=0aaa8f115820010171ec89ef7a5b99e6&pid=1-s2.0-S1344622324001111-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141850514","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 : 2024-07-24DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102500
Salina Hisham , Poh Soon Lai , Mohamad Azaini Ibrahim , Khairul Anuar Zainun
{"title":"Sex estimation using post-mortem computed tomographic images of the clavicle in a Malaysian population","authors":"Salina Hisham , Poh Soon Lai , Mohamad Azaini Ibrahim , Khairul Anuar Zainun","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102500","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102500","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Forensic practitioners need contemporary anthropological data for the identification of human remains. The clavicle possesses a high degree of variability in its anatomical, biomechanical, and morphological features that are sex-dependent albeit population specific. The aim of this study was to develop sex estimation models for Malaysian individuals using post-mortem computed tomographic images of the clavicle. Sample comprised scans of 2.0 mm resolution of 405 individuals (209 male; 196 female) aged between 19 to 88 years. These scans were reconstructed and visualized using <em>Infinitt</em>. Six clavicular measurements (i.e. maximum length, C1; midshaft circumference, C2; midshaft maximum diameter, C3; midshaft minimum diameter, C4; maximum breadth of the sternal end, C5; and maximum breadth of the acromial articular surface, C6) were obtained from these images. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and discriminant function analysis. Measurements taken from the images were highly precise (ICC = 0.770–0.999). There is a significant difference between all parameters and sex (p < 0.001), however none for age and ethnic group. A multivariate sex estimation model was developed: Sex = (C1*0.86) + (C2*0.236) + (C3*-0.145) + (C5*- 0.074) − 17.618; with an accuracy rate of 89.1 % and sex bias of −3.2 %. Lower accuracy rates were obtained for single variable models (61.5–83.2 %). The resultant sex discriminant models can be used for estimating sex based on the clavicle in our local forensic practice.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"71 ","pages":"Article 102500"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141776661","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}