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Estrin-Serlui T, Yoon J, Osborn M. Investigating the relative frequencies of unascertained causes of death and advanced decomposition at autopsy. J Clin Pathol 2024; 77:304-305. [PMID: 38286612 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-209305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeong Yoon
- Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Michael Osborn
- Cellular Pathology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Abstract
ABSTRACT A study was undertaken at Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, South Australia, of all cases of homicide (January 2003-December 2022) where the victims' bodies had been concealed. Three hundred twenty-six homicides were identified, which included 27 cases where bodies had been deliberately hidden (8%) (age range, 2-82 years; ave, 34.9 years; M:F = 1.5:1). Deaths were due to blunt force trauma (n = 11), sharp force trauma (n = 4), asphyxia (n = 4), gunshot wound (n = 2), and a combination of drowning and asphyxia (n = 1). In 5 cases, the cause of death was not determinable. The methods of concealment (which were sometimes overlapping) included the following: dumping at a hidden/isolated location (n = 8), burial (n = 7), dismembering (n = 3), incinerating (n = 3), hiding in a wheeled garbage bin (n = 2), disposing in garbage resulting in the remains being located at waste disposal facilities (n = 2), hiding in a shed (n = 1), under a concrete floor (n = 1), in a suitcase (n = 1), in a river (n = 1), in a mine shaft (n = 1), and in a septic tank (n = 1). Although it has been asserted that concealed homicides are rarely encountered in forensic practice, the current study has demonstrated that the bodies in at least 8% of victims of homicide in South Australia have undergone some form of concealment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger W Byard
- From the Forensic Science SA and the School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Technical note: A comparison between rehydrating solutions in the pretreatment of mummified and corified skin for forensic microscopic examination. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:997-1007. [PMID: 35543756 PMCID: PMC9170645 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02833-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Microscopic examination of mummified or corified skin may be of extreme importance for forensic purposes. However, standard histological samples in these cases are low-end, and preparation is burdened by several problems and so are diagnostic results: an improvement of these types of specimens is therefore advantageous. This study aims to identify the best performing rehydration solution among a fabric softener, a body lotion, and Sandison's rehydrating solution. Samples of skin undergoing mummification or corification were collected from 25 corpses and each sample was divided into 4 fragments: one of these fragments was directly fixated in 4% formalin, one was previously treated with a tissue softener, another one was previously treated with a body lotion, and the last one was treated with Sandison's solution. After 72 h, the pretreated samples were post-fixated in 4% formalin and then prepared for standard histological examination staining the histological slides with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. At the microscopic examination, samples directly fixated in formalin were characterized by usual marked structural alterations and altered stainability, typical of such dry tissues. Vice versa, those previously treated appeared to be better-preserved even though with different improvement levels: body lotion made a medium-low-grade restoration of the tissues, and fabric softener a high-grade restoration, while Sandison's rehydrating solution produced an optimal grade restoration. Sandison's rehydrating solution was confirmed to be the best rehydrating substance for mummified and corified skin. Fabric softener could be, however, considered a valid substitute, being productive of high-grade microscopic yield.
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Kõrgesaar K, Jordana X, Gallego G, Defez J, Galtés I. Taphonomic model of decomposition. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2022; 56:102031. [DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2022.102031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Forensic Application of Monoclonal Anti-Human Glycophorin A Antibody in Samples from Decomposed Bodies to Establish Vitality of the Injuries. A Preliminary Experimental Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9050514. [PMID: 33946627 PMCID: PMC8145726 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9050514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycophorins are an important group of red blood cell (RBC) transmembrane proteins. Monoclonal antibodies against GPA are employed in immunohistochemical staining during post-mortem examination: Through this method, it is possible to point out the RBC presence in tissues. This experimental study aims to investigate anti-GPA immunohistochemical staining in order to evaluate the vitality of the lesion from corpses in different decomposition state. Six cases were selected, analyzing autopsies’ documentation performed by the Institute of Legal Medicine of Rome in 2010–2018: four samples of fractured bones and three samples of soft tissues. For the control case, the fracture region of the femur was sampled. The results of the present study confirm the preliminary results of other studies, remarking the importance of the GPA immunohistochemical staining to highlight signs of survival. Moreover, this study suggests that the use of this technique should be routinely applied in cases of corpses with advanced putrefaction phenomena, even when the radiological investigation is performed, the macroscopic investigation is inconclusive, the H&E staining is not reliable. This experimental application demonstrated that the use of monoclonal antibody anti-human GPA on bone fractures and soft tissues could be important to verify whether the lesion is vital or not.
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Ke Y. The changes of attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared after rat’s death under different humidity conditions. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2018.1434831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ke
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People’s Republic of China
- Forensic Medicine Identification Center, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People’s Republic of China
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Byard RW. Putrefaction: An Additional Complicating Factor in the Assessment of Freshwater Drownings in Rivers. J Forensic Sci 2017; 63:899-901. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roger W. Byard
- Forensic Science SA and Adelaide Medical School; The University of Adelaide; Medical School Nth, Frome Rd Adelaide South Australia Australia
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Forensic Autopsy of Human Decomposed Bodies as a Valuable Tool for Prevention: A French Regional Study. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2016; 37:270-274. [PMID: 27571173 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Post mortem changes due to putrefaction sometimes make people wrongly consider the autopsy of a decomposed body as unrewarding. A 5-year retrospective study was conducted and included all types of decomposed body subject to medicolegal autopsy, excluding bone remains and charred bodies. Sociodemographic, medical, and forensic data were collected. In the 350 cases included, most were socially isolated mature males discovered at home. The cause of death was determined in 80% of cases, and the manner of death in 86.6%. Identification was considered effective in 99.7% of cases by the chief prosecutor. The authors show that such an autopsy usually answers most questions raised by the investigation but can also be a valuable tool in the prevention, making it possible to define a profile of persons at risk of dying alone. In addition, they underline that forensic scientists should be cautious in their identification of conclusion as diverging views regarding the concept of "presumed identity" may lead to ethical tensions between judiciary and prosecutors as well as the medical community.
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Leonard A, Vink R, Byard RW. Brain Fluid Content Related to Body Position and Postmortem Interval - An Animal Model. J Forensic Sci 2016; 61:671-3. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Revised: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Leonard
- Adelaide Centre for Neuroscience Research; School of Medical Sciences; The University of Adelaide; Frome Rd Adelaide SA 5005 Australia
| | - Robert Vink
- Adelaide Centre for Neuroscience Research; School of Medical Sciences; The University of Adelaide; Frome Rd Adelaide SA 5005 Australia
- University of South Australia; Frome Rd Adelaide SA 5005 Australia
| | - Roger W. Byard
- Adelaide Centre for Neuroscience Research; School of Medical Sciences; The University of Adelaide; Frome Rd Adelaide SA 5005 Australia
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Wenholz DS, Luong S, Philp M, Forbes SL, Stuart BH, Drummer OH, Fu S. A study to model the post-mortem stability of 4-MMC, MDMA and BZP in putrefying remains. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 265:54-60. [PMID: 26829335 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is currently limited data available on the stabilities of the three stimulants 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and N-benzylpiperazine (BZP) in a putrefying matrix. A Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) method to determine the concentration of the three drugs in putrefying porcine liver over a three month period was developed and validated. Both 4-MMC and BZP were found to be unstable, becoming undetectable and having an average recovery of 52% respectively after one month at ambient room temperature (20°C). MDMA was found to be moderately stable, with an average recovery of 74% after three months at room temperature. This study indicated that the putrefaction process could have a significant impact on concentrations of 4-MMC and BZP in post-mortem cases involving putrefied remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Wenholz
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Susan Luong
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Morgan Philp
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Shari L Forbes
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Barbara H Stuart
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Olaf H Drummer
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University and Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, VIC, 3006, Australia
| | - Shanlin Fu
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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Byard RW. Unusual patterned skin lesions caused by postmortem fungal activity. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2014; 10:651-3. [PMID: 25027416 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-014-9589-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roger W Byard
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Frome Rd; Forensic Science SA, Divett Place, Adelaide, SA, Australia,
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Ambade VN, Kukde HG, Malani A, Tumram NK, Borkar JL, Batra AK, Meshram SK. Decomposed and non-decomposed bodies retrieved from water: a comparative approach. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2013; 53:12-18. [PMID: 23155119 DOI: 10.1258/msl.2012.012037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The cause and manner of death in submersion cases are a routine challenge for forensic pathologists as they present considerable diagnostic difficulties. The present study was undertaken with a view to determine the characteristic pattern in bodies retrieved from water. From a total of 6779 medicolegal deaths reported at an Apex Medical Centre, Yeotmal, a rural district of Maharashtra over a 10-year study period, only 110 cases (1.6%) were decomposed and 243 cases (3.6%) were non-decomposed bodies retrieved from water with a rate of 0.6 decomposed body as compared with 1.4 non-decomposed bodies per 100,000 population per year. However, out of total 353 bodies retrieved from water, 31.2% were decomposed and 68.8% non-decomposed. Male predominance was seen in both groups with peak at 31-40 years. The cause and manner of death were ascertained as 89.9% and 82.7%, respectively, in decomposed bodies as compared with 100% and 96.3%, respectively, in non-decomposed bodies. Drowning was the commonest cause of death in both groups with suicide as the commonest manner of death in decomposed bodies in contrast to accidental in non-decomposed bodies. Excessive amount of pleural fluid, aquatic animal activity and mud/vegetation in lower respiratory tract was more commonly encountered in decomposed bodies. However, fine white froth was not seen in any of the cases in contrast to 81% non-decomposed bodies. Bodies were commonly recovered from wells in both groups. Most of the bodies were retrieved in the rainy season followed by summer and winter seasons in both groups.
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Byard RW, Tsokos M. The challenges presented by decomposition. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2012; 9:135-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-012-9386-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Butzbach DM, Stockham PC, Kobus HJ, Noel Sims D, Byard RW, Lokan RJ, Stewart Walker G. Bacterial Degradation of Risperidone and Paliperidone in Decomposing Blood. J Forensic Sci 2012; 58:90-100. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2012.02280.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2011] [Revised: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hilton J. Kobus
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences; Flinders University; Bedford Park; SA; 5042; Australia
| | | | | | - Robert J. Lokan
- Forensic Science South Australia; 21 Divett Place; Adelaide; SA; 5000; Australia
| | - George Stewart Walker
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences; Flinders University; Bedford Park; SA; 5042; Australia
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Butzbach DM, Stockham PC, Kobus HJ, Sims DN, Byard RW, Lokan RJ, Walker GS. Stability of Serotonin-Selective Antidepressants in Sterile and Decomposing Liver Tissue,. J Forensic Sci 2012; 58 Suppl 1:S117-25. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2012.02266.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Revised: 09/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hilton J. Kobus
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University; Bedford Park; SA; 5042; Australia
| | | | | | - Robert J. Lokan
- Forensic Science South Australia; 21 Divett Place; Adelaide; SA; 5000; Australia
| | - G. Stewart Walker
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University; Bedford Park; SA; 5042; Australia
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Byard RW. The complex spectrum of forensic issues arising from obesity. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2012; 8:402-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-012-9322-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Abstract
An 84-year-old woman is reported whose death was associated with strenuous exercise on an extremely hot day (maximum temperature=43.1 °C, 109.6 °F). At autopsy there was evidence of exposure to high environmental temperatures with early putrefactive changes and mummification. There was underlying cardiomegaly with mild pulmonary emphysema. No significant injuries were detected. Toxicology revealed therapeutic levels of oxybutynin prescribed for urinary stress incontinence. Death was considered to be heat related, exacerbated by oxybutynin therapy, exercise, and cardiomegaly. Given that it has been predicted that there may be an increase in the number of heatwaves and in their intensity and duration, it is possible that such cases may be encountered more often in future. The assessment of all deaths occurring during conditions of extreme heat will require consideration of postmortem toxicology, particularly if there are underlying conditions such as stress incontinence that may be associated with anticholinergic drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon Herbst
- Forensic Science SA, 21 Divett Place, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Decomposed bodies – Still an unrewarding autopsy? J Forensic Leg Med 2011; 18:101-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2011.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2010] [Revised: 11/19/2010] [Accepted: 01/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Zhou C, Byard RW. Factors and processes causing accelerated decomposition in human cadavers – An overview. J Forensic Leg Med 2011; 18:6-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2010.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2010] [Accepted: 10/20/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Byard RW. Forensic pathology and problems in determining cause of death. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2008; 4:73-4. [PMID: 19291475 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-008-9034-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2008] [Accepted: 03/04/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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