Legal Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Mechanism of postmortem drastic increase of blood myoglobin concentration: its permeability through vascular wall","authors":"Sella Takei ,&nbsp;Masanobu Miura ,&nbsp;Takehiko Murase ,&nbsp;Hiroshi Kinoshita ,&nbsp;Satoru Miyaishi","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102763","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102763","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We provide the first direct experimental evidence that myoglobin (Mb) diffuses through vascular walls and enters the blood after death. Postmortem Mb concentration in the blood increases rapidly; however, up to this date, no one has reported the responsible mechanism. We hypothesized the direct diffusion of Mb from skeletal muscle into the blood through the vessel wall is causing this concentration change, and proved this morphologically and biochemically, through experiments using animal samples. Firstly, IHC Mb staining of the artery which was directly contacted with skeletal muscle on the adventitia, revealed that the Mb diffuses from adventitia to the intima with time. Then, Mb quantification using ELISA showed Mb exudes through vascular walls into the vessel lumen. For this experiment, a diffusion model was established by sandwiching the artery between gelatin discs with or without Mb. The Mb concentration increased in a time-dependent manner, with approximately 16 % of Mb in its source exuding into the lumen within 5 days. This rate increased significantly when vein was used instead of aorta. These findings clarify a fundamental mechanism of postmortem biochemical redistribution and may enhance the reliability of interpreting postmortem blood protein levels in forensic practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102763"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839189","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":"High-resolution mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of residual botulinum concentrations in a mouse model of botulism","authors":"Dongqing Li ,&nbsp;Junyan Liang ,&nbsp;Ying Chen ,&nbsp;Xianglei Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102758","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102758","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Botulinum toxin type A is widely used to block acetylcholine release in the treatment of chronic sialorrhea, muscle spasticity, and dystonia. We aim to develop a user-friendly method for detecting cases of medical botulinum toxin poisoning.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The mice poisoning model was established by injecting or gavage with Botulax®, and the poisoning dose and symptoms were observed. The residual levels of toxin in poisoned mice were detected by high-resolution mass spectrometry and sandwich ELISA, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Two hours after poisoning, no residual botulinum toxin was found by mass spectrometry (MS) under our specific untargeted workflow and sample preparation conditions, but ELISA detected residual toxin in various tissues of mice. Among them, the muscle tissue had the highest level. There is no noticeable difference in the levels of toxin residues in the same organs of mice, regardless of the route of poisoning. The sandwich ELISA method is user-friendly for detecting medical botulinum toxin poisoning. The presence of toxin residues can be detected in various tissues two hours after exposure, with muscle being the optimal sampling tissue.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our research indicates that under specific sample preparation, chromatographic separation, and untargeted detection conditions, mass spectrometry may not be effective for detecting Botulinum toxin at concentrations below the ng/ml level. The study demonstrates that ELISA is a sensitive and practical alternative for early detection. Positive results can be detected within 2 h of poisoning, especially when taken from muscle tissue.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102758"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145570069","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":"Microbial toxins in forensic science: detection, classification, and biosecurity implications − a comprehensive review","authors":"Gunashree B.S.","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102761","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102761","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microbial toxins pose a significant threat to forensics due to their potential use in bioterrorism, unintentional exposure to pathogens, and natural outbreaks. This comprehensive review examines existing information and techniques for identifying, characterizing, and studying microbial toxins as forensic evidence. A systematic search was conducted on peer-reviewed literature related to the forensic detection of microbial toxins, classification systems for toxins, and emerging analytical technologies. Major databases were extensively searched using keywords relevant to forensic microbiology, toxin detection, and biosecurity implementation. The three main groups of microbial toxins of particular forensic interest are staphylococcal enterotoxins, clostridial toxins, and mycotoxins. Current advanced detection technologies include surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and next-generation sequencing, all offering greater sensitivity and specificity than previous methods. The CDC bioterrorism threat classification system is crucial for prioritizing threats and guiding responses. Forensic analysis of microbial toxins requires specialized analytical capabilities, rigorous quality assurance systems, and multidisciplinary expertise in microbiology, analytical chemistry, and threat assessment. Combining existing techniques with new technologies enhances both routine surveillance and emergency response capabilities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102761"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145736791","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":"Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry as part of an integrated multidisciplinary approach in a complex cadaver case","authors":"Alberto Delia ,&nbsp;Marcello Seligardi ,&nbsp;Marco Di Paolo ,&nbsp;Isabella Spinetti ,&nbsp;Sara Bortolini ,&nbsp;Valentina Bugelli","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102775","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102775","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The forensic investigation of severely decomposed or skeletonized human remains poses considerable diagnostic challenges, often limiting the effectiveness of traditional autopsy approaches. This study describes a homicide case involving partially skeletonized remains recovered in an abandoned rural building, demonstrating the crucial role of Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM-EDS) in determining cause and manner of death. The investigation was carried out using a multidisciplinary approach including post-mortem computed tomography (MSCT), entomological analysis, histology, immunohistochemistry, and SEM-EDS microanalysis. Entomological findings and the Total Decomposition Score (TDS = 14) indicated a post-mortem interval of approximately 4–5 months. Immunohistochemistry revealed extravascular positivity for Glycophorin A, confirming lesion vitality despite advanced decomposition. SEM-EDS analysis, conducted following internationally validated sampling protocols for inorganic gunshot residue (GSR) on skeletal tissues, identified characteristic particles of oxidized lead, barium, and sulphur at the orbital fracture margin, strongly indicative of a firearm entry wound. Control sampling from unaffected cranial regions was negative, confirming specificity. The colocalization of ballistic residues and fracture morphology supported the conclusion that death resulted from a cranial gunshot trauma. These findings align closely with previously published case series involving SEM-EDS analysis in similarly complex forensic contexts particularly those described by Amadasi et al. This case highlights the forensic value and reliability of SEM-EDS for detecting GSR under severe taphonomic conditions, reinforcing the necessity of integrating radiological, entomological, histological, and advanced microscopic techniques to resolve complex forensic scenarios where traditional autopsy methods are severely limited.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102775"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145913780","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":"Postmortem computed tomography reconstructed a lethal orbitocranial-penetrating injury: A case report","authors":"Shigeki Tsuneya ,&nbsp;Go Inokuchi ,&nbsp;Maiko Yoshida ,&nbsp;Yohsuke Makino ,&nbsp;Masatoshi Kojima ,&nbsp;Suguru Torimitsu ,&nbsp;Fumiko Chiba ,&nbsp;Yumi Hoshioka ,&nbsp;Yukiko Uemura ,&nbsp;Hirotaro Iwase","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102768","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102768","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In forensic pathology, identifying weapons and injury mechanisms is often necessary. Computed tomography (CT) can be used to detect intracerebral hemorrhage due to penetrating injury; however, reports on CT-based estimation of weapons and injury mechanisms are limited. In this case study, we aimed to reconstruct a case using postmortem CT (PMCT) images and an object file of the suspected knife.</div><div>A male in his 30 s died following arrival at the hospital after a fight. PMCT and autopsy revealed that an orbitocranial-penetrating injury severed the right anterior cerebral artery and inflicted lethal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Both PMCT and targeted PMCT angiography (PMCTA) depicted bone fractures and a wound in the brain as hemorrhage or contrast leakage.</div><div>Herein, the suspected knife was converted into an object file (.stl) and fitted to the PMCTA images on a workstation. The results showed that the knife image was fitted with the bone fractures and intracerebral hemorrhage to the fullest extent, although some minor discrepancies persisted.</div><div>Notably, this is the first report of CT-based precise reconstruction of transcranial penetration. Altogether, the findings highlight the importance of radiological modalities, including CT, for estimating weapon and injury mechanisms in forensic pathology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102768"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839188","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":"Hypoxia-induced LONP1 overexpression and mtDNA damage may serve as biomarkers for death from mechanical asphyxia","authors":"Tianpu Wu ,&nbsp;Heng Zhang ,&nbsp;Dongchuan Zhang ,&nbsp;Yikai Hu ,&nbsp;Lu Tian ,&nbsp;Wencan Li ,&nbsp;Fu Zhang ,&nbsp;Bi Xiao ,&nbsp;Jianlong Ma ,&nbsp;Yi Shi ,&nbsp;Yue Chen ,&nbsp;Hanfeng Jiang ,&nbsp;Xinbiao Liao ,&nbsp;Kaijun Ma ,&nbsp;Long Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102769","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102769","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Due to the absence of reliable signs, the authentication of death from mechanical asphyxia (DMA), commonly seen in forensic pathology, can be rather challenging especially when the criminal case is obscure. Lon protease-1 (LONP1) is an ATP-dependent serine protease located in mitochondria that participates in maintaining the integrity of the mitochondrial genome and regulating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication. In this research, cerebral tissues of corpses with different causes of death were collected to compare the expression of LONP1 and the changes of mtDNA to see the authenticating value of these markers. It was found that LONP1 was up-regulated in the cerebral tissue of DMA corpses while the integrity of mtDNA was destroyed conditionally. In neuroblastoma cancer cell line SH-SY5Y, LONP1 would suppress the repair and replication of mtDNA under hypoxia and partly lead to mitochondrial damage. In general, LONP1 is responsible for longer duration of hypoxic mtDNA damage and the repression of the replication of mtDNA. LONP1 and mtDNA integrity can both serve as biomarkers for DMA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102769"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839190","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 stability of novel synthetic cannabinoids in blood samples in different storage conditions","authors":"Murat Akbaba ,&nbsp;Oğuz Özdemir ,&nbsp;Aysun Baransel Isır","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102762","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102762","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The synthetic cannabinoids dominated the market with a detrimental effect on society. Determining the stability of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) in samples is crucial for accurate detection and quantification in drug testing. Since designer narcotics emerge rather quickly, a new generation of cannabinoid-associated compounds also appears rapidly. Thus, it is crucial to identify, detect, and determine the confidence of drug testing to provide fairer judgments. In this study, we aimed to determine optimal storage conditions to prevent degradation and preserve the samples of four new-generation SCs (MDMB-4en-PINACA, 4-Fluoro MDMB-BICA, 5F-MDMB-PICA, and 5F-MDMB-PINACA) in blood samples due to the lack of available information on the stability. Blood samples were collected from 20 healthy volunteers, treated with cannabinoids at concentrations of 10 and 50 ng/mL, and stored at temperatures of room temperature, +4°C, and −20 °C over 35 days. Our findings revealed a gradual decline in cannabinoid concentrations over time, with 5F-MDMB-PINACA exhibiting the highest degradation rate. Storage temperature significantly influenced degradation rates, with the most rapid reduction observed at room temperature and the slowest degradation at −20 °C. Our findings are a reference study providing valuable insights into the preservation of the samples for the testing of the most prevalent SCs of the present day.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102762"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789850","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":"Regarding the “Commotio cordis: Insights from a case of blunt chest trauma and a road map for the correct diagnosis”","authors":"Aleksa Leković ,&nbsp;Slobodan Nikolić","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102744","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102744","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102744"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145486458","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 medical analysis of closed head acceleration–deceleration injuries: a narrative review","authors":"Natasha Davceva ,&nbsp;Jože Balažic","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102778","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102778","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A key classification of closed head injuries, particularly relevant for reconstructing trauma biomechanics and of greatest medicolegal importance, is the distinction between contact injuries and acceleration–deceleration injuries. The two most characteristic acceleration–deceleration injuries are acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and diffuse axonal injury (DAI), which both arise from acceleration forces applied to the head but differ in the duration of these forces.</div><div>ASDH typically results from rapid deceleration against a firm surface, as occurs in falls, falls accompanied by blows, or traffic accidents in which the head strikes the ground directly, with cyclists and motorcyclists being particularly vulnerable. In contrast, DAI is associated with prolonged acceleration–deceleration forces, usually of lower magnitude, and occurs most frequently in vehicular traffic accidents, where deformable or padded surfaces extend the deceleration phase. DAI may also result from falls from considerable heights. This review discusses the development of knowledge regarding DAI, its definition, diagnostic criteria, and key considerations, based on a literature review. Post-mortem detection requires a comprehensive forensic-neuropathological examination of fixed brain tissue, with immunohistochemistry using antibodies against β-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP) remaining the method of choice to visualize damaged axons and distinguish traumatic from ischemic patterns of injury.</div><div>In conclusion, although ASDH and DAI are both acceleration injuries and may occasionally co-occur, current evidence suggests that their coexistence more likely reflects complex injury mechanisms rather than a single, shared pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102778"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924404","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":"Myocardial calcification revealed by postmortem computed tomography in a case of infantile myocardial ischemia caused by anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery","authors":"Haruki Fukuda ,&nbsp;Akira Hayakawa ,&nbsp;Yoichiro Takahashi ,&nbsp;Hiroyuki Tokue ,&nbsp;Rie Sano","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102743","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102743","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bland-Garland-White syndrome, or an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), is a rare congenital coronary anomaly that can cause myocardial ischemia, congestive heart failure, and sudden death. In this study, we aimed to present a case of sudden infant death caused by ALCAPA. Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) showed a collapsed left lung, enlarged heart volume, and severe calcification of the left ventricular papillary muscles and posterior left ventricular wall. Macroscopic examination during the autopsy revealed marked cardiac hypertrophy and an anomalous left coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery. Furthermore, microscopic examination showed significant myocardial fibrosis with severe left ventricular calcification. Histological findings revealed features of acute-on-chronic myocardial ischemia, including myocytolysis around fibrotic and calcified areas, contraction-band necrosis, and a characteristic wavy cardiomyocyte pattern. In this case, we suggest that localized myocardial calcification detected by PMCT, particularly following three-dimensional visualization, may be useful for the postmortem assessment of ALCAPA and other causes of chronic myocardial ischemia in infants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102743"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145514940","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}