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Ushida H, Suzumura A, Yamada K, Shimizu H, Suzuki A, Ishikawa Y, Kikuchi R, Nishiguchi KM, Kaneko H. Decrease in electrolyte after vitrectomy surgery may affect the results of forensic investigations using vitreous humor. BMC Ophthalmol 2024; 24:219. [PMID: 38783230 PMCID: PMC11118106 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03445-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Vitreous humor (VH) is used for postmortem biochemical studies because it is well protected in an uncontaminated state even after death. The goal of this research was to investigate electrolyte concentrations in the VH from human eyes with and without a history of vitrectomy surgery. METHODS We analyzed the sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations from 34 VH samples from 34 patients. Eleven samples were from eyes with a history of vitrectomy, and the remaining 23 eyes had no history of vitrectomy. The correlations of Na, K, Cl and Mg concentrations with patient age, interval between first and second vitrectomy, and lens status (history of cataract surgery) were also evaluated. RESULTS The Na, K, Cl and Mg concentrations in VH from vitrectomized eyes were 134.1 ± 7.9 mmol/L, 3.7 ± 0.2 mmol/L, 99.7 ± 6.7 mmol/L and 0.59 ± 0.09 mmol/L, respectively; all were significantly lower than the corresponding concentrations in VH from control eyes (lower by 5.0%, 11.0%, 11.7%, and 22.6%, respectively). Na, K, Cl and Mg concentrations in VH from vitrectomized eyes did not show significant correlations with patient ages or the interval between their first and second vitrectomies. There were no significant differences in Na, K, Cl and Mg concentrations in VH between phakic eyes and intraocular lens-implanted eyes. CONCLUSIONS With the increasing number of vitrectomies being performed, it is necessary to consider the history of vitrectomy when using a subject's VH in forensic examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Ushida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ayana Suzumura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Yamada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Shimizu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsuo Suzuki
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ishikawa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kikuchi
- Division of Clinical Laboratory, Gifu University Hospital, 1-1 Yanagido, 501-1194, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Koji M Nishiguchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kaneko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan.
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2
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Madea B, Doberentz E. A small RNA, microRNA as a potential biomolecular marker to estimate post mortem interval in forensic science: a systematic review by Pasaribu RS et al. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:413-414. [PMID: 37770640 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03093-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Madea
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111, Bonn, Germany
| | - Elke Doberentz
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Müllerstraße 44, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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3
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Huang W, Zhao S, Liu H, Pan M, Dong H. The Role of Protein Degradation in Estimation Postmortem Interval and Confirmation of Cause of Death in Forensic Pathology: A Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1659. [PMID: 38338938 PMCID: PMC10855206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
It is well known that proteins are important bio-macromolecules in human organisms, and numerous proteins are widely used in the clinical practice, whereas their application in forensic science is currently limited. This limitation is mainly attributed to the postmortem degradation of targeted proteins, which can significantly impact final conclusions. In the last decade, numerous methods have been established to detect the protein from a forensic perspective, and some of the postmortem proteins have been applied in forensic practice. To better understand the emerging issues and challenges in postmortem proteins, we have reviewed the current application of protein technologies at postmortem in forensic practice. Meanwhile, we discuss the application of proteins in identifying the cause of death, and postmortem interval (PMI). Finally, we highlight the interpretability and limitations of postmortem protein challenges. We believe that utilizing the multi-omics method can enhance the comprehensiveness of applying proteins in forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisheng Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
| | - Shuquan Zhao
- Faculty of Forensic Pathology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Huine Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
| | - Meichen Pan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
| | - Hongmei Dong
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
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4
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Neithiya T, Patra AP, Shaha KK, Harichandrakumar KT. Nomogram based Postmortem-interval estimation compared with the Actual death-interval in Tropical environmental conditions. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 100:102598. [PMID: 37820500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimating an accurate postmortem interval (PMI) is essential for death investigators to confirm the offence timing and suspects' alibis. Compared to traditional methods, the Nomogram-based method is claimed to estimate nearly accurate PMI, but most of such studies are based on the Western population. Adequate data for bodies exposed to tropical climate of India and the Indian subcontinent are not available. AIM To assess the accuracy and goodness-of-fit of Nomogram based PMI estimation in bodies exposed to Indian climatic conditions after death. MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a 3-year-long study on 200 bodies with known death times. The exact PMI was recorded from direct sources: family members, police and hospital records. Before autopsy, the ambient temperature, body weight, length, and rectal temperature were measured, and the details of clothing, sex, and age, were used on a nomogram to calculate the PMI (tN). One-way ANOVA correlation and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the variables. Linear regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the rectal temperature (Tr) and nomogram estimated PMI (tN) and the known PMI(t). The consistency and agreement between the tN and t were measured using Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Bland-Altman (BA) plot was used to compare the level of agreement between direct(t) and nomograms method PMIs. RESULTS Nomogram-based PMI estimation showed a statistically significant strong relationship with rectal temperature (R 0.77, R2 0.74, adjusted R2 0.76, t-stat 25.83 p < 0.000) and exhibited a relatively consistent agreement with the known death interval (ICC 0.935). Regressing the tN over t showed that the nomogram method can predict PMI with 95 % accuracy. The BA plot between Direct and Nomogram methods exhibited a consistent agreement in PMI estimation though the limits of agreement (LoA) were wide: range 39.09-121.18 min. CONCLUSION The accuracy and reliability of the Nomogram method in PMI estimation is high and recommended for the South Indian population. However, the presence of systematic differences between tN and t can't be ruled out due to wider LoA in BA plot. Hence, these findings highlight the need for further investigation and potential refinement of the PMI estimation methods to enhance accuracy and reduce discrepancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Neithiya
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, 605006, India.
| | - Ambika Prasad Patra
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, 605006, India.
| | - Kusa Kumar Shaha
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, 605006, India.
| | - K T Harichandrakumar
- Department of Biostatistics, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, 605006, India.
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Madea B, Doberentz E. Commentary on De-Giorgio F, Bergamin E, Baldi A, Gatta R, Pascali VL. Immunohistochemical expression of HMGB1 and related proteins in the skin as a possible tool for determining post-mortem interval: a preclinical study. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00713-3. [PMID: 37682515 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00713-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Madea
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111, Bonn, Germany
| | - Elke Doberentz
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Müllerstraße 44, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Nilendu D. Toward Oral Thanatomicrobiology-An Overview of the Forensic Implications of Oral Microflora. Acad Forensic Pathol 2023; 13:51-60. [PMID: 37457549 PMCID: PMC10338735 DOI: 10.1177/19253621231176411] [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: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The oral cavity is home to numerous microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses which together form the oral microflora. It is the second most diverse microbial site in the human body after the gastrointestinal tract. Microbial degradation is a common phenomenon that occurs after death, with the early and advanced stages of decomposition being closely associated with oral microbial activity. Methods This article reviews the current state of knowledge on the role of the oral microflora in postmortem events, and highlights the growing importance of terms such as forensic microbiology and thanatomicrobiome. This article also discusses next-generation sequencing, metagenomic sequencing studies, and RNA sequencing to study the oral thanatomicrobiome and epinecrotic communities in forensic oral genetics. Results The indigenous microorganisms in the oral cavity are among the first to respond to the process of decomposition. DNA/RNA sequencing is a relatively simple, precise, and cost-effective method to estimate biological diversity during various stages of postmortem decomposition. The field of thanatomicrobiology is rapidly evolving into a key area in forensic research. Conclusion This article briefly narrates oral microflora and its implications in forensic odontology. The role of microbial activity in postmortem events is gaining importance in forensic research, and further studies are needed to fully understand the potential applications of advanced technology in the study of the oral thanatomicrobiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debesh Nilendu
- Debesh Nilendu PhD, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, K. M. Shah Dental College and Hospital, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Waghodia Road, Piparia, Taluk Waghodia, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India,
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7
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Franceschetti L, Amadasi A, Bugelli V, Bolsi G, Tsokos M. Estimation of Late Postmortem Interval: Where Do We Stand? A Literature Review. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:783. [PMID: 37372068 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Estimating time since death can be challenging for forensic experts, and is one of the most challenging activities concerning the forensic world. Various methods have been assessed to calculate the postmortem interval on dead bodies in different stages of decomposition and are currently widely used. Nowadays, the only well-recognized dating technique is carbon-14 radioisotope measurement, whereas other methods have been tested throughout the years involving different disciplines with different and sometimes not univocal results. Today, there is no precise and secure method to precisely determine time since death, and late postmortem interval estimation remains one of the most debated topics in forensic pathology. Many proposed methods have shown promising results, and it is desirable that with further studies some of them might become acknowledged techniques to resolve such a difficult and important challenge. The present review aims at presenting studies about the different techniques that have been tested in order to find a valuable method for estimating time since death for skeletal remains. By providing a comprehensive overview, the purpose of this work is to offer readers new perspectives on postmortem interval estimation and to improve current practice in the management of skeletal remains and decomposed bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Franceschetti
- Istituto di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Amadasi
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Turmstr. 21 (Haus M), 10559 Berlin, Germany
| | - Valentina Bugelli
- South-East Tuscany Local Health Unit, Department of Legal Medicine, via Cimabue 109, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
| | - Giulia Bolsi
- Istituto di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Michael Tsokos
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Turmstr. 21 (Haus M), 10559 Berlin, Germany
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8
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Tambuzzi S, Gentile G, Zoja R. Letter to the Editor regarding the article "Mummification in a forensic context: an observational study of taphonomic changes and the post‑mortem interval in an indoor setting". Int J Legal Med 2023:10.1007/s00414-023-03002-4. [PMID: 37083864 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03002-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tambuzzi
- Laboratory of Forensic Histopathology and Forensic Microbiology, Section of Legal and Insurance Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Luigi Mangiagalli Street, 37 - 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Guendalina Gentile
- Laboratory of Forensic Histopathology and Forensic Microbiology, Section of Legal and Insurance Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Luigi Mangiagalli Street, 37 - 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Zoja
- Laboratory of Forensic Histopathology and Forensic Microbiology, Section of Legal and Insurance Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Luigi Mangiagalli Street, 37 - 20133, Milan, Italy
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9
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Guerrero-Urbina C, Fors M, Vásquez B, Fonseca G, Rodríguez-Guerrero M. Histological changes in lingual striated muscle tissue of human cadavers to estimate the postmortem interval. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023; 19:16-23. [PMID: 35763190 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-022-00495-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although there are physiological methods to determine the postmortem interval (PMI), interval forensic histopathology can be applied to obtain accuracy. The aim was to describe the histological changes in human lingual striated musculature at different PMI. Seven groups were formed according to increasing PMI of 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h postmortem (PM). Each group was made up of 16 samples of tongues from each cadaver. The samples were fixed in buffered formaldehyde at 10% and processed for embedding in paraplast. Section 5 μm thick were cut and dyed with H&E for analysis. The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador. The histological changes in the striated muscle cells of the tongue were associated with the different PMI. From 6 to 24 h PM, there were initial changes in the cellular and nuclear morphology. At 48 h PM, at least 50% of the samples presented poorly conserved and reduced muscle striations. At 72 h PM, 100% of the cases presented myofibers with altered morphology, cytoplasmic vacuoles (93.75%), edema (68.55%) and pyknosis (93.75%). At 96 and 120 h PM, the myofibers presented pyknotic nuclei, and they were absent in the rest. The changes in the histology of the human lingual striated muscle make it possible to estimate the PMI, either in the early phase (0-72 h) or the late phase (92-120 h). However, further research is needed to verify, refine and expand on these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clivia Guerrero-Urbina
- Doctoral Program in Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidad Regional Autónoma de los Andes, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador.,Legal Medicine Unit, Policía Nacional del Ecuador, Zone 9, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Martha Fors
- Medicine School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Bélgica Vásquez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Tarapacá, Avenida 18 de Septiembre, Arica, Chile.
| | - Gabriel Fonseca
- Doctoral Program in Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Center for Research in Forensic and Legal Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
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Elastic fiber degradation as a possible indicator for PMI estimation on mummified and corified skin: a pilot study. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:519-535. [PMID: 36434263 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02915-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mummified and corified bodies are particularly complex scenarios to investigate, starting from identifying the post-mortem interval (PMI), even more so in indoor environments. In these bodies, the skin has the peculiar feature to resist for a long time. Among its components, there are elastic fibers, which are characterized by intrinsic resistance to post-mortem degenerative phenomena. Starting from these considerations, we investigated microscopically the persistence, detectability, and changes of elastic fibers in the skin of mummified and corified bodies with different known PMI. The aim was to evaluate whether they could provide an additional tool to aid in PMI estimation in these cases. Therefore, we collected skin samples from mummified or corified bodies found in a domestic environment with different known PMI, as well as from corified bodies that had been exhumed after 11 years of burial. Histochemical staining specific for elastic fibers, namely, Weigert's resorcin fuchsin, showed their prolonged persistence and a progressive and different degradation between mummified and corified skin as a function of PMI. Moreover, on the whole, we observed greater preservation of elastic fibers in mummified skin than in corified one at the same PMI. Therefore, histological analysis of elastic fibers in mummified and corified skin may help to provide valuable aid in estimating PMI, especially in those particular cases where more reliable alternatives are lacking.
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11
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Mostafa HES, El-Shafei DA, Abouhashem NS, Alaa El-Din EA. Could skeletal muscle changes provide a reliable method for estimating the time since death: A histological, biochemical, and DNA study. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2021.1921272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Heba El-Sayed Mostafa
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Dalia Abdallah El-Shafei
- Department of Community, Environmental & Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nehal S. Abouhashem
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Eman Ahmed Alaa El-Din
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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12
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Roy D, Tomo S, Purohit P, Setia P. Microbiome in Death and Beyond: Current Vistas and Future Trends. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.630397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Forensic medicine has, for a long time, been relying on biochemical, anthropologic, and histopathologic evidences in solving various investigations. However, depending on the method used, lengthy sample processing time, scanty sample, and less sensitivity and accuracy pervade these procedures. Accordingly, newer arenas such as the thanatomicrobiome have come forward to aid in its quandaries; furthermore, the parallel advances in genomic and proteomic techniques have complemented and are still emerging to be used in forensic experiments and investigations. Postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the most important aspects of medico-legal investigations. The current trend in PMI estimation is toward genomic analyses of autopsy samples. Similarly, determination of cause of death, although a domain of medical sciences, is being targeted as the next level of forensic casework. With the current trend in laboratory sciences moving to the discovery of newer disease-specific markers for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, the same is being explored for the determination of the cause of death by using techniques such as Real-Time PCR, DNA micro-array, to Next-Gen Sequencing. Establishing an individual’s biological profile has been done using medicolegal methods and anthropology as well as bar-bodies/Davidson bodies (gender determination); and in cases where the determination of age/gender is a challenge using morphological characteristics; the recent advances in the field of genomics and proteomics have played a significant role, e.g., use of mitochondrial DNA in age estimation and in maternity disputes. The major hurdle forensic medical research faces is the fact that most of the studies are conducted in animal models, which are often difficult to mimic in human and real-time scenarios. Additionally, the high accuracy required in criminal investigations to be used in a court of law as evidence has prevented these results to come out of the labs and be used to the optimum. The current review aims at giving a comprehensive and critical account of the various molecular biology techniques including “thanatogenomics,” currently being utilized in the veritable fields of forensic medicine.
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Ceciliason AS, Andersson MG, Nyberg S, Sandler H. Histological quantification of decomposed human livers: a potential aid for estimation of the post-mortem interval? Int J Legal Med 2020; 135:253-267. [PMID: 33236207 PMCID: PMC7782410 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02467-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine if a novel scoring-based model for histological quantification of decomposed human livers could improve the precision of post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation for bodies from an indoor setting. The hepatic decomposition score (HDS) system created consists of five liver scores (HDS markers): cell nuclei and cell structure of hepatocytes, bile ducts, portal triad, and architecture. A total of 236 forensic autopsy cases were divided into a training dataset (n = 158) and a validation dataset (n = 78). All cases were also scored using the total body score (TBS) method. We specified a stochastic relationship between the log-transformed accumulated degree-days (log10ADD) and the taphonomic findings, using a multivariate regression model to compute the likelihood function. Three models were applied, based on (i) five HDS markers, (ii) three partial body scores (head, trunk, limbs), or (iii) a combination of the two. The predicted log10ADD was compared with the true log10ADD for each case. The fitted models performed equally well in the training dataset and the validation dataset. The model comprising both scoring methods had somewhat better precision than either method separately. Our results indicated that the HDS system was statistically robust. Combining the HDS markers with the partial body scores resulted in a better representation of the decomposition process and might improve PMI estimation of decomposed human remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofie Ceciliason
- Forensic Medicine, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - M Gunnar Andersson
- Department of Chemistry, Environment and Feed Hygiene, The National Veterinary Institute, SE-751 89, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sofia Nyberg
- Department of Forensic Medicine, The National Board of Forensic Medicine, Box 1024, SE-751 40, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Håkan Sandler
- Forensic Medicine, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Forensic Medicine, The National Board of Forensic Medicine, Box 1024, SE-751 40, Uppsala, Sweden
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14
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Giles SB, Harrison K, Errickson D, Márquez-Grant N. The effect of seasonality on the application of accumulated degree-days to estimate the early post-mortem interval. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 315:110419. [PMID: 32784040 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of seasonal variables on decomposition in the early post-mortem period using 26 donated human cadavers at the University of Tennessee's Anthropology Research Facility (ARF), USA. The rate and pattern of decomposition in human cadavers (as measured by TBS and the revised TBSsurf methods) did not vary significantly between all seasons. Summer and autumn cadavers had comparable rates of accelerated decomposition despite significant differences in both ADD and temperature (p<0.05). Spring cadavers had the slowest onset of decomposition characteristics, even compared to the few decomposition characteristics expressed in winter. Seasonal variation in humidity, rather than temperature, may be the overarching driving force for decomposition progression in the early post-mortem period. Both TBS and TBSsurf methods were poor predictors of the PMI (R2=0.4) and significantly over-estimated the PMI across all seasons, although to a lesser extent in spring. This study also demonstrated no relationship between known ADD and TBS/TBSsurf (R2=0.025). TBS and TBSsurf are ADD-based PMI estimation models that cannot be validated under experimental conditions. Accounting for seasonal expression of individual decomposition characteristics is needed for improvement of PMI predictability in forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B Giles
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham Campus, Wiltshire SN6 8LA, United Kingdom.
| | - Karl Harrison
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham Campus, Wiltshire SN6 8LA, United Kingdom.
| | - David Errickson
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham Campus, Wiltshire SN6 8LA, United Kingdom.
| | - Nicholas Márquez-Grant
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham Campus, Wiltshire SN6 8LA, United Kingdom.
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Application of scanning electron microscopy in the auxiliary diagnosis of death caused by potassium chloride intravenous injection: a case report. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:1719-1725. [PMID: 32607752 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02361-6] [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: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
To determine the cause of death, in addition to routine autopsy, some assisted techniques are imperative to achieve a definite diagnosis. Herein, we report a case of 36-year-old man who was found dead in his apartment. Medical drug containers (potassium chloride, zolpidem, and propofol) and medical instruments (syringes and indwelling needles) were also found at the scene. An autopsy revealed large amounts of whitish foamy and brown liquid in the trachea and bronchi, and histopathological findings showed remarkable pulmonary congestion and edema. An injection mark with hemorrhage on the right wrist was found on external examination. Results of forensic pathology excluded the presence of mechanical injuries, mechanical asphyxia, embolism, and other fatal diseases. The data of toxicological analysis showed that concentrations of zolpidem and propofol in blood were appreciably higher than the therapeutic dose but they did not reach the absolute lethal dose. Moreover, the level of potassium in the blood and vitreous humor was higher than the expected concentration after death. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalyzer (EDX) was subsequently applied to assess the skin samples collected from bilateral wrists. Ultrastructural observation discovered continuous visible interruption of the skin around the injection mark, and energy spectrum analysis revealed statistically significantly higher potassium content of the skin over the right wrist than the left wrist. Comprehensive analysis concluded that the deceased had died of potassium chloride intravenous injection under the zolpidem and propofol effects.
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