Development of a multiplex panel with 36 insertion/deletion markers (InDel) for individual identification
In conclusion, the results showed that the 36-InDelplex panel is a reliable, sensitive, and accurate system that is suitable for human identification and population genetics purposes. (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - June 2, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Conventional HE staining combined with two special staining methods to identify antemortem stab wound in case with highly decomposed mutilated corpses
This study aims to identify an antemortem neck stab wound on a highly decomposed, headless and mutilated body by conventional hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining combined with Ponceau-Victoria blue B staining (P-VB staining) and Masson staining. Specifically, a tissue sample was excised from the skin and muscle tissue at the junction of the normal and brownish discolored areas around the suspected stabbing tract of the left neck, in the upper and lower wound-clavicle-shoulder region. Conventional HE staining only provides a morphological and structural outline of the tissue, with both the injury hemorrhage and local connective...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - May 31, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

A beetle for prosecution: exogenous DNA detection from larval and adult gut of a Neotropical carrion beetle
This study evaluated whether the Neotropical carrion beetleOxelytrum discicolle (Silphidae) has the potential for the detection of exogenous DNA into the gut. The whole gut or the gut contents were extracted fromO. discicolle larvae and adult previously fed on pig carcass. The pig DNA recovery rate was 33.3% in larvae and 25% in adults, indicating that the carrion beetle ’s gut may be useful for DNA identification of ingested food. Samples with the whole gut or only gut contents showed the same DNA recovery rate. Exogenous DNA from the whole gut was recovered from samples stored in ethanol at -20 ºC for 11 days, showing...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - May 27, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Cheiloscopy in sex estimation: a systematic review
This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to gather evidence to clarify if cheiloscopy can be used in sex estimation and identify the reasons behind the lack of consensus in the scientific community.  The systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. A bibliographic survey was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, restricted to articles published between 2010 and 2020. Studies were selected according to eligibility criteria, and then the study data were c ollected. The risk of bias in each study was assessed and applied as additional inclusion or exclusion criteria. The resul...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - May 27, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Cardiovascular-related death in infancy and childhood: a clinicopathological study of two referral institutions in England
AbstractTo review post-mortem findings among deaths presenting as sudden and/or unexpected deaths in two centers in the UK during a 16-year period in order to identify those related to cardiovascular conditions. The post-mortem databases of two tertiary referral institutions were searched, and all reports were reviewed. Histological features and results of ancillary investigations were noted. All cases of sudden and/or unexpected cardiac deaths (SCD) between 2003 and 2018 were identified. The study was PRISMA compliant and approved by clinical governance. 68/1129 cases of SCD (6.0%) were identified in one center and 83/753...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - May 26, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Simplified COI barcoding of blow, flesh, and scuttle flies encountered in medicolegal investigations
We describe here a simplified DNA barcoding method for identifying relevant species that may be implemented by forensic genetics laboratories. A cytochrome oxidase (COI) fragment is analyzed after PCR amplification with a single primer set. The method is effective for many species commonly encountered in death investigations in the USA: members of blowfly generaCalliphora,Chrysomya,Cochliomyia,Lucilia, andPhormia; members of the flesh fly generaBlaesoxipha,Oxysarcodexia,Ravinia, andSarcophaga; and the scuttle flyMegaselia scalaris. We tested the method on specimens with verified identifications and used it to build a colle...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - May 24, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Cameriere ’s open apices methodology for dental age estimation in children: a scoping review from a Latin American perspective
AbstractDental age estimation (DAE) is key to establishing an individual ’s identity, and this is relevant in minors. A widely used method for DAE in children is Cameriere’s open apices (CAM). Despite its wide dissemination, there are no clear reports of its use in Latin American populations. A scoping review was conducted using a search strategy in the PubMed/MEDLIN E database, Web of Science, and a complementary manual search. Only papers using CAM or its regression equation models for evaluating Latin American populations were included. Ten studies published between 2007 and 2020 responded to the search objective. B...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - May 24, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Acute subdural hematoma caused by rupture of a mycotic aneurysm due to meningitis associated with infectious endocarditis: comparison of autopsy findings with postmortem computed tomography
AbstractForensic pathologists often encounter cases of acute subdural hematoma (SDH) due to trauma, whereas those attributable to endogenous causes are rare. Here, we report a case of the latter type in a 42-year-old man who was found dead at home after several months of fever and malaise. Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and autopsy were undertaken to clarify the cause of death. PMCT images revealed a fatal SDH and a localized hyper-density area in the right parietal lobe; macroscopic and microscopic examinations revealed SDH due to rupture of a mycotic aneurysm (MA) associated with meningitis. The PMCT images also i...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - May 24, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

The transversoclasiotome: a novel instrument for examining the vertebral artery
AbstractOpening the foramen transversarium of the cervical vertebrae is necessary for accessing the vertebral vessels. There are no specialist tools for cutting the anterior lamina of the transverse processes, and alternatives lead to questionable results. A novel tool, the transversoclasiotome, is described and tested.  The literature and patent databases were systematically reviewed. A blueprint of the transversoclasiotome was created, and the prototype was tested through autopsy on ten fresh-frozen cadavers within our Body Donation Program. The transversoclasiotome consists of two delicate branches mounted as a scisso...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - May 24, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Four cases of fatal acute arsenic poisoning: histopathology, toxicology, and new trends
This study summarizes the histopathological features of arsenic poisoning and presents data on arsenic distrib ution. Arsenic concentrations in the liver and kidneys can increase the reliability of identifying arsenic poisoning. Furthermore, in traditional Chinese medicine-related deaths, arsenic poisoning needs more attention. (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - May 24, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Fatal cerebral sinus thrombosis associated with diabetic ketoacidosis in a child
We present the case of 14-year-old child in whom lateral sinus thrombosis was caused by dehydration complicating ketoacidosis in a previously undiagnosed type 1 diabetes. The diagnosis of the CST was established during the autopsy due to the rapidity of the neurological deterioration. The cause of death was tonsillar herniation due to diffuse cerebral edema secondary to CST. This is the first published report of a CST in association with new onset type 1 diabetes in a child diagnosed at the postmortem examination. (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - May 24, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

The association of Ned Kelly tattoos with suicide and homicide in a forensic context —a confirmatory prospective study
AbstractNed Kelly, an iconic figure in contemporary Australian mythology, was a bushranger (outlaw) who was executed in 1880 for the murder of a serving police officer, Constable Thomas Lonigan. Kelly is often commemorated by tattoos which depict his armour and helmet or his alleged last words of “Such is life”. A study was undertaken from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2020, at Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, South Australia, of all cases with such tattoos. De-identified case details included the year of death, age, sex and cause and manner of death. There were 38 cases consisting of 1 0 natural deaths (26.3%) and 28...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - May 23, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Commentary on “Pulmonary barotrauma in SCUBA diving‐related fatalities: a histological and histomorphometric analysis”
(Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - May 23, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Potential use of the cusp and crown areas of the maxillary posterior teeth measured with a two-dimensional stereomicroscope for sex determination
In this study, we aimed to compare the cusp and crown areas of the maxillary first premolar (PM1), second premolar (PM2), and first molar (M1) in males and females in the Malay population and to formulate sex prediction models. For this purpose, the maxillary posterior teeth of 176 dental cast samples (from 88 males and 88 females) were selected and transformed to two-dimensional digital models using 2D-Hirox KH-7700. Cusp and crown area measurements were obtained using Hirox software by tracing the outermost circumference of the tooth cusps. Statistical analysis included independentt-tests, logistic regression analysis, a...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - May 18, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Premature burial
AbstractThe fear of being buried alive or taphophobia remains a significant concern for a number of individuals. In previous centuries however, reports of live burials were frequently promulgated in the media fostering an industry focused around the manufacturing and selling of security coffins which either facilitated egress or enabled the recently buried to alert those on the surface to their plight. Holding mortuaries with resuscitation facilities were also established mainly in Continental Europe to permit close observation of the recently deceased until definitive signs of putrefaction had developed. Underpinning much...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - May 17, 2023 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research