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Heinrich F, Rimkus-Ebeling F, Dietz E, Raupach T, Ondruschka B, Anders-Lohner S. An assessment of the Henssge method for forensic death time estimation in the early post-mortem interval. Int J Legal Med 2024:10.1007/s00414-024-03338-5. [PMID: 39316179 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03338-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Time-since-death (TSD) diagnostics are crucial in forensic medical casework. The compound method by Henssge and Madea, which combines temperature and non-temperature-based techniques, is widely used to estimate TSD. This study aims to validate the predictive ability of this method in a cohort of 76 deceased individuals with known times of death (TOD). METHODS A convenience sample of 76 deceased individuals was examined at the Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. The study included individuals who died at the hospital and those with sudden death in public. Exclusion criteria included age under 18, known infection or sepsis, polytrauma, bleeding, and hyperthermia. The TSD interval was calculated using the Deathtime software. RESULTS The overall agreement between the actual TOD and the 95% prediction interval for the TSD was 36.8% (95% CI: 26.1 to 48.7). Warm-stored corpses showed a higher agreement (61.9% [95% CI: 38.4 to 81.9]) compared to cold-stored corpses (27.3% [95% CI: 16.1 to 41.0]). Factors such as body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) were found to influence the odds of agreement. Assuming a plausible range of ambient temperatures between death and admission improved the agreement in cold-stored cases. CONCLUSION The study found low to moderate agreement between the actual TOD and the 95% prediction interval using the Henssge method. Incorporating BMI and BSA could improve the predictive accuracy of TSD estimations. Further research with larger sample sizes and external validation is recommended to refine the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Heinrich
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Centre for Data and Statistical Science for Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Felix Rimkus-Ebeling
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eric Dietz
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Raupach
- Institute for Medical Education, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Benjamin Ondruschka
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Anders-Lohner
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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2
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Mathur A, Sharma C, Shukla V, Agrawal Y. Estimation of time since death using cardiac troponin I in case of death due to asphyxia and cardiotoxicity of acebutolol. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00719-x. [PMID: 37804400 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00719-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the degradation pattern of cardiac troponin I in rats in vivo, and to determine whether the pattern was dependent on the cause of death, for the purpose of estimating the postmortem interval. The rats were categorized into three distinct groups depending on the factors leading to their demise: the control group, the group experiencing acebutolol-induced cardiotoxicity, and the group affected by asphyxia. The analysis encompassed the isolation and segregation of the protein, subsequently employing Western blotting as a means of visualizing the results. The results revealed a distinct degradation pattern of cTnI into smaller fragments over time, indicating that cardiac troponin I can serve as a reliable marker for estimating the postmortem interval. Furthermore, noteworthy variations were noted in the degradation pattern of cardiac troponin I among the different causes of death, which suggests that this method can also be used to determine whether cardiac failure was the cause of death or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aashima Mathur
- Global Network for Sustainable Development, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Chandramauly Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, LJ School of Applied Sciences, LJ University, Ahmedabad, 382210, Gujarat, India.
| | - Viral Shukla
- Department of Microbiology, LJ School of Applied Sciences, LJ University, Ahmedabad, 382210, Gujarat, India
| | - Yadvendra Agrawal
- Centre of Excellence in Macromolecules & Nanotechnology, LJ University, Ahmedabad, 382210, Gujarat, India
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3
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Dani LM, Tóth D, Frigyik AB, Kozma Z. Beyond Henssge’s Formula: Using Regression Trees and a Support Vector Machine for Time of Death Estimation in Forensic Medicine. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13071260. [PMID: 37046478 PMCID: PMC10093024 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13071260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Henssge’s nomogram is a commonly used method to estimate the time of death. However, uncertainties arising from the graphical solution of the original mathematical formula affect the accuracy of the resulting time interval. Using existing machine learning techniques/tools such as support vector machines (SVMs) and decision trees, we present a more accurate and adaptive method for estimating the time of death compared to Henssge’s nomogram. Using the Python programming language, we built a synthetic data-driven model in which the majority of the selected tools can estimate the time of death with low error rates even despite having only 3000 training cases. An SVM with a radial basis function (RBF) kernel and AdaBoost+SVR provided the best results in estimating the time of death with the lowest error with an estimated time of death accuracy of approximately ±20 min or ±9.6 min, respectively, depending on the SVM parameters. The error in the predicted time (tp[h]) was tp±0.7 h with a 94.45% confidence interval. Because training requires only a small quantity of data, our model can be easily customized to specific populations with varied anthropometric parameters or living in different climatic zones. The errors produced by the proposed method are a magnitude smaller than any previous result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Mária Dani
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Pécs Medical School, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dénes Tóth
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Pécs Medical School, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrew B. Frigyik
- Bánki Donát Faculty of Mechanical and Safety Engineering, Óbuda University, Népszínház u. 8, H-1081 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Zsolt Kozma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Pécs Medical School, Szigeti út 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
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4
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Wilk LS, Edelman GJ, Aalders MCG. Next-generation time of death estimation: combining surrogate model-based parameter optimization and numerical thermodynamics. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220162. [PMID: 35911202 PMCID: PMC9326290 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The postmortem interval (PMI), i.e. the time since death, plays a key role in forensic investigations, as it aids in the reconstruction of the timeline of events. Currently, the standard method for PMI estimation empirically correlates rectal temperatures and PMIs, frequently necessitating subjective correction factors. To address this shortcoming, numerical thermodynamic algorithms have recently been developed, providing rigorous methods to simulate postmortem body temperatures. Comparing these with measured body temperatures then allows non-subjective PMI determination. This approach, however, hinges on knowledge of two thermodynamic input parameters, which are often irretrievable in forensic practice: the ambient temperature prior to discovery of the body and the body temperature at the time of death (perimortem). Here, we overcome this critical limitation by combining numerical thermodynamic modelling with surrogate model-based parameter optimization. This hybrid computational framework predicts the two unknown parameters directly from the measured postmortem body temperatures. Moreover, by substantially reducing computation times (compared with conventional optimization algorithms), this powerful approach is uniquely suited for use directly at the crime scene. Crucially, we validated this method on deceased human bodies and achieved the lowest PMI estimation errors to date (0.18 h ± 0.77 h). Together, these aspects fundamentally expand the applicability of numerical thermodynamic PMI estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah S. Wilk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerda J. Edelman
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Divisie Bijzondere Dienstverlening en Expertise, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497 GB The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice C. G. Aalders
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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5
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Wilk LS, Edelman GJ, Roos M, Clerkx M, Dijkman I, Melgar JV, Oostra RJ, Aalders MCG. Individualised and non-contact post-mortem interval determination of human bodies using visible and thermal 3D imaging. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5997. [PMID: 34650046 PMCID: PMC8517003 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26318-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining the time since death, i.e., post-mortem interval (PMI), often plays a key role in forensic investigations. The current standard PMI-estimation method empirically correlates rectal temperatures and PMIs, frequently necessitating subjective correction factors. To overcome this, we previously developed a thermodynamic finite-difference (TFD) algorithm, providing a rigorous method to simulate post-mortem temperatures of bodies assuming a straight posture. However, in forensic practice, bodies are often found in non-straight postures, potentially limiting applicability of this algorithm in these cases. Here, we develop an individualised approach, enabling PMI reconstruction for bodies in arbitrary postures, by combining photogrammetry and TFD modelling. Utilising thermal photogrammetry, this approach also represents the first non-contact method for PMI reconstruction. The performed lab and crime scene validations reveal PMI reconstruction accuracies of 0.26 h ± 1.38 h for true PMIs between 2 h and 35 h and total procedural durations of ~15 min. Together, these findings broaden the potential applicability of TFD-based PMI reconstruction. Establishing the time since death (TSD) is vital in many forensic investigations. By combining thermometry, photogrammetry and numerical thermodynamic modelling, the TSD can be determined non-invasively for bodies of arbitrary shape and posture with an unprecedented accuracy of 0.26 h ± 1.38 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah S Wilk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerda J Edelman
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Divisie Bijzondere Dienstverlening en Expertise, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497 GB, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Roos
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Divisie Bijzondere Dienstverlening en Expertise, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497 GB, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Mara Clerkx
- Department of Medical Biology, Section Clinical Anatomy and Embryology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Inge Dijkman
- Department of Medical Biology, Section Clinical Anatomy and Embryology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jordi Vera Melgar
- Department of Medical Biology, Section Clinical Anatomy and Embryology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roelof-Jan Oostra
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Biology, Section Clinical Anatomy and Embryology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice C G Aalders
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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6
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Wilk LS, Hoveling RJM, Edelman GJ, Hardy HJJ, van Schouwen S, van Venrooij H, Aalders MCG. Reconstructing the time since death using noninvasive thermometry and numerical analysis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaba4243. [PMID: 32523999 PMCID: PMC7259946 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba4243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The early postmortem interval (PMI), i.e., the time shortly after death, can aid in the temporal reconstruction of a suspected crime and therefore provides crucial information in forensic investigations. Currently, this information is often derived from an empirical model (Henssge's nomogram) describing posthumous body cooling under standard conditions. However, nonstandard conditions necessitate the use of subjective correction factors or preclude the use of Henssge's nomogram altogether. To address this, we developed a powerful method for early PMI reconstruction using skin thermometry in conjunction with a comprehensive thermodynamic finite-difference model, which we validated using deceased human bodies. PMIs reconstructed using this approach, on average, deviated no more than ±38 minutes from their corresponding true PMIs (which ranged from 5 to 50 hours), significantly improving on the ±3 to ±7 hours uncertainty of the gold standard. Together, these aspects render this approach a widely applicable, i.e., forensically relevant, method for thermometric early PMI reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah S. Wilk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), University of Amsterdam, 1098XH Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Richelle J. M. Hoveling
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gerda J. Edelman
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Divisie Bijzondere Dienstverlening en Expertise, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Huub J. J. Hardy
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan van Schouwen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), University of Amsterdam, 1098XH Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Divisie Bijzondere Dienstverlening en Expertise, The Hague, Netherlands
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Harry van Venrooij
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Divisie Bijzondere Dienstverlening en Expertise, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Maurice C. G. Aalders
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), University of Amsterdam, 1098XH Amsterdam, Netherlands
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7
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Listos P, Gryzinska M, Batkowska J, Grela M, Jakubczak A. Algorithm for establishing the time of death of a dog based on temperature measurements in selected sites of the body during the early post-mortem period. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 289:124-129. [PMID: 29864598 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Post-mortem measurements were made of the body temperature of dogs. The aim of the study was to evaluate and verify a reliable mathematical model that can be used to establish the time elapsed since the death of a dog during the initial post-mortem period at room temperature, using the eye (vitreous body), internal organs (heart, liver, kidney and lung), and rectum as sites for temperature measurement. The measurements were performed at six points in the body using an electronic thermometer in conjunction with a temperature probe. The method of temperature measurement is simple and does not cause perceptible macroscopic changes or disfigure the carcass. Multiple regression analysis was shown to be suitable for estimating the time elapsed from death to the discovery of the body for a period up to 12h post-mortem. The proposed multiple regression equation using body weight and the temperature at a specific site reduces manipulation of the carcass to a minimum and thus reduces error in establishing the time of death. The multiple regression model makes it possible to precisely estimate the time elapsed since the death of the animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Listos
- Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, Sub-Department of Pathomorphology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Gleboka 30, 20-612 Lublin, Poland.
| | - M Gryzinska
- Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Biology, Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.
| | - J Batkowska
- Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Biology, Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.
| | - M Grela
- Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, Sub-Department of Pathomorphology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Gleboka 30, 20-612 Lublin, Poland.
| | - A Jakubczak
- Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Biology, Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.
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8
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Rectal temperature-based death time estimation in infants. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2016; 19:35-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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9
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Rodrigo MR. A Nonlinear Least Squares Approach to Time of Death Estimation Via Body Cooling. J Forensic Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marianito R. Rodrigo
- School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics; University of Wollongong; Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia
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10
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Hayman J, Oxenham M. Peri-mortem disease treatment: a little known cause of error in the estimation of the time since death in decomposing human remains. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2015.1042048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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11
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Temperature measurement from the brain and rectum in charred corpses: a pilot study on an animal model. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2014; 35:34-7. [PMID: 24457576 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Measurement of body temperature provides relevant data on postmortem interval, and different studies have been so far attempted to apply temperature assessment methods also under extreme environmental conditions; however, none of them has been performed yet on charred or heated bodies, where temperature measurement is presumed to be unreliable because of the possible influence of heating. This study aimed at verifying any possible early-stage alterations of rectal and endocranial temperature due to fire on an animal model during the charring process. Three pigs, 2 adults (pigs 1 and 2) whose weight was about 50 kg each and 1 piglet weighing 3 kg, were heated and burnt on a natural fire lit on top of a wooden stack, without the use of accelerants; 2 thermocouples were positioned in the rectum and in the cranium to record second-by-second rectal and endocranial temperature values. Results demonstrate that the rectal temperature does not seem to increase in adult pigs for 40 to 50 minutes after the body has been exposed to fire, probably because of the thermal insulating characteristics of the adipose tissue. Therefore, temperature may still be of some help for estimating postmortem interval on heated or burnt cadavers.
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12
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Nelson EL. Estimation of short-term postmortem interval utilizing core body temperature: a new algorithm. Forensic Sci Int 2000; 109:31-8. [PMID: 10759069 DOI: 10.1016/s0379-0738(99)00216-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The use of temperature-based short-term postmortem interval (PMI) estimation methods can be useful to homicide investigators at the scene of a questionable death; however, a number of current PMI estimation techniques have high error rates such that they are of limited utility to law enforcement investigators and forensic professionals. These methods fail to control confounding errors present in individual data. An averages-based method of short term postmortem interval estimation was compared to eight other methods, and found to predict postmortem interval considerably more accurately, and for much longer periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Nelson
- Department of Forensic Science, National University, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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13
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McDowall KL, Lenihan DV, Busuttil A, Glasby MA. The use of absolute refractory period in the estimation of early postmortem interval. Forensic Sci Int 1998; 91:163-70. [PMID: 9530829 DOI: 10.1016/s0379-0738(97)00191-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The estimation of the time since death (postmortem interval) is one of the most difficult problems in forensic pathology. Most methods currently employed use temperature-based algorithms intended to model the cooling of the body after death and thus estimate the postmortem interval. These methods are subject to considerable inaccuracy but their reliability can be improved if a range of other observed criteria such as lividity and rigor are also taken into consideration. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of using the absolute refractory period as an adjunct to the estimation of postmortem interval. The relationship between the 'postmortem interval' and the 'duration of absolute refractory period' was investigated using the rat sciatic nerve. A strong correlation between the duration of the absolute refractory period and the postmortem interval was observed. When both absolute refractory period and temperature were used in conjunction, the strength of this correlation was increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L McDowall
- Department of Anatomy, University of Edinburgh Medical School, UK
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14
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Baccino E, De Saint Martin L, Schuliar Y, Guilloteau P, Le Rhun M, Morin JF, Leglise D, Amice J. Outer ear temperature and time of death. Forensic Sci Int 1996; 83:133-46. [PMID: 9022275 DOI: 10.1016/s0379-0738(96)02027-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
From a research sample of 138 corpses, divided into four subgroups of ambient storage temperature (0-5 degrees C, 6-10 degrees C, 11-15 degrees C and 16-23 degrees C) four linear regression formulae of actual versus estimated post-mortem interval were obtained ('interval' formulae) using a single outer ear temperature measurement on both sides. This method showed the best correlation coefficient among five other methods previously proposed for time of death determination (rectal temperature, vitreous K+, CSF K+, blood log NA+/K+ and log Cl-), however its results were less accurate than those obtained with a multivariate equation combining several of the above mentioned methods. Eventually an equation expressing time of death (TOD) as a function of outer ear temperature (OE T degrees) and ambient temperature was also established from the whole research sample ('global' formulae). On a different sample of 141 corpses the regression formulae ('interval' and 'global') for the outer ear temperature were compared to three methods based on a single rectal temperature measurement ('rule of thumb' 1 and 2, Henssge nomogram) and therefore useful at the scene; the results of all methods were compared within the four subgroups of ambient temperature as well as in three subgroups of different post-mortem interval lengths (< 7 h, < 10 h, < 15 h). In all cases the outer ear temperature formulae provided better results than the rectal temperature methods (especially Henssge nomogram and rule of thumb 1). Moreover they did not show any post-mortem plateau which was present in almost 30% of cases when rectal temperature was measured in corpses kept at ambient temperature above 15 degrees C. Our results show that outer ear temperature measurement is the method which provides the best simplicity/quality ratio and should therefore be proposed for use at the scene when conditions are similar to those of our experiment (within buildings). A software equipped thermometer is required in order to use in each case the appropriate formula and confidence interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Baccino
- C.H.U. Morvan, Service Médecine Legale, Brest, France
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Jaafar S, Nokes LD. Examination of the eye as a means to determine the early postmortem period: a review of the literature. Forensic Sci Int 1994; 64:185-9. [PMID: 8175090 DOI: 10.1016/0379-0738(94)90230-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Reported are various techniques to determine the early postmortem period by examining the eye. These include corneal opacity, retinal vessel segmentation, pupil reaction, retinal changes and intraocular pressure. All are subjective, requiring experience to implement the techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Jaafar
- Paediatric Department, Llandough Hospital, Penarth, Cardiff, Wales, UK
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