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Auen T, Linde E. Do Not Turn a Blind Eye on Forensic Biochemistry: Using Vitreous Electrolytes to Reveal Renal Insufficiency as Cause of Death. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2024; 45:266-270. [PMID: 38215054 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In both medical and forensic autopsy, the kidneys may be overlooked grossly and histologically. As both acute and chronic kidney dysfunction have major implications on morbidity and mortality, it is essential to consider the kidneys as a pathologic source for both immediate and proximate cause of death. For decades, vitreous humor has been used as a measure of postmortem electrolyte analysis to help understand ionic disturbances carried over from the antemortem period. Renal insufficiency from both acute and chronic kidney dysfunction can be ascertained from vitreous investigations and should be a consideration for cause of death. Here, we present 4 cases in which vitreous analysis was used to determine the cause of death. In highlighting these cases, we support the use of biochemical testing in autopsy while demonstrating how it can help elucidate an often overlooked means of mortality. Importantly, it can help with the formulation of clinicopathologic correlations between antemortem and postmortem findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Auen
- From the Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Erin Linde
- Physicians Laboratory Services, Omaha, NE
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2
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Handlosová K, Šištík P, Uvíra M, Andelova K, Handlos P, Stejskal D. Contribution of methamphetamine and insulin to the death of a woman suffering from type I diabetes - which played the greater role? Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024:10.1007/s12024-024-00855-y. [PMID: 38965163 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-024-00855-y] [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: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
This report presents a fatal case of a young female Type I diabetic patient who developed convulsions and loss of consciousness after taking methamphetamine and spending some time in a dance club. During the convulsions, she was given sugar and when no response occurred, her boyfriend who was not experienced in the use of insulin administered a dose of insulin to her. The woman lost consciousness and died despite the efforts of the emergency service. A biochemical analysis revealed a high level of insulin (196.67 mU/L) and low levels of glucose (2.96 mmol/L) and C-peptide (26 pmol/L). Toxicological analysis revealed a methamphetamine concentration of 389 ng/mL and an amphetamine concentration of 19 ng/mL. The forensic perspective of the difficult determination of the contribution of each of the factors to the death, i.e., the pre-existing medical condition (Type I diabetes), the use of methamphetamine, the physical exertion at the dance club, and, finally, the non-indicated administration of insulin, is discussed. The ruling of the court is also reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Handlosová
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, 70852, Czech Republic
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, 701 03, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Šištík
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Ostrava, 17. listopadu 1790, Ostrava, 708 52, Czech Republic
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, Ostrava, 703 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, Ostrava, 703 00, Czech Republic
| | - Matěj Uvíra
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, 70852, Czech Republic
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, 701 03, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Andelova
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, Ostrava, 703 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Petr Handlos
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, 70852, Czech Republic.
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, 701 03, Czech Republic.
| | - David Stejskal
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, Ostrava, 703 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
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3
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Wu SH, Zhao H, Zhang Y, Luo J, Tian M, Zhu B, Cao Z. Postmortem biochemical analysis of soluble ST2 in the pericardial fluid of patients with sudden cardiac death caused by ischemic heart disease: a pilot study. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024; 20:317-324. [PMID: 37450171 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00677-4] [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] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Soluble growth stimulation expressed gene 2 protein (sST2) is a myocardial protein induced by biomechanical stress. sST2 is widely present in the serum of patients with heart failure and is recommended as an important indicator to predict adverse outcomes in these patients. However, no postmortem biochemical analysis of sST2 in forensic practice has been reported. The present pilot study aimed to investigate the expression of sST2 in the pericardial fluid of patients with sudden cardiac death (SCD) caused by ischemic heart disease (IHD). In addition, to explore the relationship of sST2 with CK-MB, cTnT, and NT-proBNP, which have been proven to be auxiliary biomarkers for the diagnosis of SCD, we analyzed CK-MB, cTnT, NT-proBNP, and sST2 levels in twenty-one pericardial fluid samples from the Center of Forensic Investigation, China Medical University, with a Roche cobas e 411 electrochemiluminescence automatic immunoassay system and ST2/IL-33R Valukine™ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The levels of sST2 in the pericardial fluid of patients with SCD caused by IHD were significantly increased (P < 0.01) and positively correlated with CK-MB and NT-proBNP (P < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the combined measurement of sST2 and NT-proBNP has a higher diagnostic value for SCD caused by IHD than the measurement of either indicator alone. This study preliminarily demonstrated that sST2 in the pericardial fluid was significantly increased in patients with SCD caused by IHD and might be used as a novel auxiliary biomarker for postmortem diagnosis of SCD in forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Huang Wu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhao
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuming Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Luo
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Meihui Tian
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Baoli Zhu
- Judicial Authentication Center of Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110031, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhipeng Cao
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.
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Kutlu E, Avci E, Acar K. Postmortem biochemistry in deaths from ischemic heart disease. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 100:102599. [PMID: 37839363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102599] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and sudden cardiac death worldwide and is an important public health problem. The presence of ischemia in clinical applications can be detected by ECG, biochemical markers, and radiological methods. Myocardial infarction is also frequently encountered in forensic autopsies. Postmortem diagnosis is determined as a result of histopathological examinations and additional exclusionary examinations (toxicology, microbiology, etc.). However, routine histopathological examinations are insufficient, especially when death occurs in the early period of ischemia. It creates a problem for forensic pathologists and forensic medicine specialists in such cases of sudden cardiac death. Postmortem biochemistry is one of the important and promising disciplines in which forensic applications work in order to diagnose these cases correctly. The issue of whether biomarkers used in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in clinical studies can be used reliably in postmortem cases has been discussed by forensic medicine researchers for some time. This manuscript aims to review and summarize biomarkers belonging to various categories that have been studied in IHD-related deaths, in biological fluids taken at autopsy, or in animal experiments. Our study shows that the postmortem use of biochemical markers in the diagnosis of IHD yields promising results. However, it should not be forgotten that postmortem biochemistry is different from clinical applications due to its dynamics and that the body causes unpredictable changes in markers in the postmortem process. Therefore, comprehensive studies are needed to evaluate the postmortem stability of these markers in different biological fluids, their significance among various causes of death, and whether they are affected by any variable (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Postmortem interval, medications, etc.) before they are routinely applied. It is suggested by the authors that the cut-off values of biomarkers whose significance has been proven by these studies should be determined and that they should be used in this way in routine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdi Kutlu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Health Harakani State Hospital, Kars, Turkey.
| | - Esin Avci
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey.
| | - Kemalettin Acar
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey.
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Olczak M, Poniatowski ŁA, Siwińska A, Kwiatkowska M. Post-mortem detection of neuronal and astroglial biochemical markers in serum and urine for diagnostics of traumatic brain injury. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1441-1452. [PMID: 37272985 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02990-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Currently available epidemiological data shows that traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents one of the leading causes of death that is associated with medico-legal practice, including forensic autopsy, criminological investigation, and neuropathological examination. Attention focused on TBI research is needed to advance its diagnostics in ante- and post-mortem cases with regard to identification and validation of novel biomarkers. Recently, several markers of neuronal, astroglial, and axonal injury have been explored in various biofluids to assess the clinical origin, progression, severity, and prognosis of TBI. Despite clinical usefulness, understanding their diagnostic accuracy could also potentially help translate them either into forensic or medico-legal practice, or both. The aim of this study was to evaluate post-mortem pro-BDNF, NSE, UCHL1, GFAP, S100B, SPTAN1, NFL, MAPT, and MBP levels in serum and urine in TBI cases. The study was performed using cases (n = 40) of fatal head injury and control cases (n = 20) of sudden death. Serum and urine were collected within ∼ 24 h after death and compared using ELISA test. In our study, we observed the elevated concentration levels of GFAP and MAPT in both serum and urine, elevated concentration levels of S100B and SPTAN1 in serum, and decreased concentration levels of pro-BDNF in serum compared to the control group. The obtained results anticipate the possible implementation of performed assays as an interesting tool for forensic and medico-legal investigations regarding TBI diagnosis where the head injury was not supposed to be the direct cause of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieszko Olczak
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Center for Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Oczki 1, 02-007, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Łukasz A Poniatowski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Klinikum, Salvador-Allende-Straße 30, 17036, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Agnieszka Siwińska
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Center for Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Oczki 1, 02-007, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kwiatkowska
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Center for Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Oczki 1, 02-007, Warsaw, Poland
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Kutlu E, Çil N, Avci E, Bir F, Kiliç İD, Dereli AK, Acar K. Significance of postmortem biomarkers and multimarker strategy in sudden cardiac death. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 61:102212. [PMID: 36738552 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102212] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The most common cause in the etiology of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is ischemic heart disease due to atherosclerosis. Postmortem diagnosis can be made by histopathological examinations, but routine histopathological examinations are limited, especially in the early period of postmortem ischemia. For this reason, many methods are being investigated for the postmortem diagnosis of ischemia, and postmortem biochemical studies are promising. In our study, we evaluated the biochemical markers; hs-cTnT, NT-proBNP, H-FABP, pentraxin-3, copeptin, ischemic modified albumin (IMA), and PAPP-A in postmortem serums. In forensic pathology practice, it was investigated whether it would be useful to go to the diagnosis by measuring more than one marker in a single biological fluid in SCD cases. The study included 35 sudden cardiac death cases and 24 control cases and as a result of our study, hs-cTnT, NT-proBNP, and H-FABP values were found to be significantly higher in the SCD group than in the control group. Within the scope of the multi-marker strategy, models were tried to be developed in which the markers were used together, and it was concluded that the model consisting of the myocardial ischemia marker hs-cTnT, the myocardial stress marker NT-proBNP, and the inflammation marker pentraxin 3 was the most accurate combination by correctly classifying the cases at a rate of 94.9%. As a result, it was thought that it would be appropriate to use the multi-marker strategy which is widely used in clinical applications, also in forensic medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdi Kutlu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Kampüsü, 20200 Denizli, Turkey
| | - Nazlı Çil
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Kampüsü, 20200 Denizli, Turkey.
| | - Esin Avci
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Kampüsü, 20200 Denizli, Turkey.
| | - Ferda Bir
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Kampüsü, 20200 Denizli, Turkey.
| | - İsmail Doğu Kiliç
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Kampüsü, 20200 Denizli, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Kurtuluş Dereli
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Kampüsü, 20200 Denizli, Turkey
| | - Kemalettin Acar
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Kınıklı Kampüsü, 20200 Denizli, Turkey.
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7
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Lou J, Chen H, Huang S, Chen P, Yu Y, Chen F. Update on risk factors and biomarkers of sudden unexplained cardiac death. J Forensic Leg Med 2022; 87:102332. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Heimer J, Gascho D, Thali MJ, Zoelch N. Fundamentals of in situ Postmortem Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of the Brain in the Forensic Framework - A Review and Outlook. FORENSIC IMAGING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fri.2022.200499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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9
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Ros AC, Bacci S, Luna A, Legaz I. Forensic Impact of the Omics Science Involved in the Wound: A Systematic Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:786798. [PMID: 35071269 PMCID: PMC8770859 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.786798] [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: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In forensic autopsies, examining the wounds is one of the most critical aspects to clarify the causal relationship between the cause of death and the wounds observed on the corpse. However, on many occasions, it is difficult to differentiate antemortem injuries from post-mortem injuries, mainly when they occur very close to the moment of death. At present, various studies try to find biomarkers and clarify the molecular mechanisms involved in a wound due to the high variability of conditions in which they occur, thus being one of the most challenging problems in forensic pathology. This review aimed to study the omics data to determine the main lines of investigation emerging in the diagnosis of vital injuries, time of appearance, estimation of the age and vitality of the wound, and its possible contributions to the forensic field. Methods: A systematic review of the human wound concerning forensic science was carried out by following PRISMA guidelines. Results: This study sheds light on the role of omics research during the process of wounding, identifying different cytokines and other inflammatory mediators, as well as cells involved in the specific stage of the wound healing process, show great use in estimating the age of a wound. On the other hand, the expression levels of skin enzymes, proteins, metal ions, and other biomarkers play an essential role in differentiating vital and post-mortem wounds. More recent studies have begun to analyze and quantify mRNA from different genes that encode proteins that participate in the inflammation phase of a wound and miRNAs related to various cellular processes. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the role of research in the molecular characterization of vital wounds, heralding a promising future for molecular characterization of wounds in the field of forensic pathology, opening up an important new area of research. Systematic Review Registration: URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#myprospero, Identifier: CRD42021286623.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia Collados Ros
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Stefano Bacci
- Department of Biology, Research Unit of Histology and Embriology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Aurelio Luna
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Zhao R, Cao Z, Wang T, Wu SH, Liao Z, Zhu B. Analyses of N-Terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, cardiac troponin T, and creatine kinase MB in pericardial fluid in sudden cardiac death caused by ischemic heart disease. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCE AND MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_124_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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Rosato E, Bonelli M, Locatelli M, de Grazia U, Tartaglia A, Savini F, D’Ovidio C. Forensic Biochemical Markers to Evaluate the Agonal Period: A Literature Review. Molecules 2021; 26:3259. [PMID: 34071519 PMCID: PMC8198460 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, forensic research is multidisciplinary with new methods and parameters useful to define the cause and time of death as well as survival/agony times. The identification of biochemical markers able to estimate agonal period has been studied by many forensic researchers. It is known that the estimation of agonal time in different types of death is not always easy, hence our interest in literature's data. The studies analyzed in this review confirm the important role of thanatobiochemistry for the estimation of survival times. Regardless of the death cause, the survival/agony time between the primary event and death influences markers concentrations in biological samples (e.g., blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid). Different biomarkers can be used for qualitative evaluations in deaths with short and long agony (e.g., C-reactive protein, ferritin, GFAP, etc.). Instead, the quantitative interpretation showed limits due to the lack of reference cut-offs. Thanatobiochemistry is a useful tool to confirm what emerged from autopsies findings (macroscopic and histological analysis), but further studies are desirable to confirm the evidence emerging from our review of the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Rosato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (E.R.); (M.L.); (A.T.)
| | - Martina Bonelli
- Section of Legal Medicine, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via Polacchi, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Marcello Locatelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (E.R.); (M.L.); (A.T.)
| | - Ugo de Grazia
- Laboratory of Neurological Biochemistry and Neuropharmacology, IRCCS Neurological Institute Foundation Carlo Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Angela Tartaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (E.R.); (M.L.); (A.T.)
| | - Fabio Savini
- Pharmatoxicology Laboratory-Hospital “Santo Spirito”, Via Fonte Romana 8, 65124 Pescara, Italy;
| | - Cristian D’Ovidio
- Section of Legal Medicine, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via Polacchi, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
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12
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Interference of hemolysis on the postmortem biochemical analysis of IgE by ECLIA. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:1661-1668. [PMID: 33783602 PMCID: PMC8008023 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02578-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Forensic diagnosis of anaphylactic shock is a challenging task in forensic practice due to the lack of characteristic morphological changes. Postmortem analysis of serum IgE can provide helpful information for determining anaphylaxis. However, postmortem serum always suffers from hemolysis. To investigate the interference of hemolysis on postmortem analysis of total IgE by electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA) and verify the suitability of the commercially available ECLIA kit for postmortem hemolyzed blood with the dilution-correction method, different levels of hemolyzed serum were prepared to evaluate the interference of hemolysis. A linear regression analysis was then performed on the concentration of total IgE in the completely hemolyzed blood and the corresponding serum. Our results indicated that hemolysis negatively interfered with the total IgE analysis by ECLIA and the interference (|Bias%|) increased with increasing levels of hemolysis. After controlling for |Bias%| by dilution, the test concentration of total IgE in the completely hemolyzed blood was still significantly lower than that in the serum (P < 0.05) and resulted in eight false-negative cases. A strong correlation was observed between the test concentration of total IgE in the completely hemolyzed blood and that in the serum (r = 0.983). After correction by the regression formula, the corrected concentration revealed no significant differences and exhibited the same diagnostic ability, compared with the serum total IgE concentration. These results indicate that the completely hemolyzed blood is not recommended for postmortem analysis of total IgE directly. The dilution-correction method might have potential utility in forensic practice for evaluating serum total IgE concentrations.
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13
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Morioka F, Tani N, Ikeda T, Hirokawa T, Ikeda K, Shida A, Aoki Y, Ishikawa T. Morphological and biochemical changes in the pancreas associated with acute systemic hypoxia. Hum Cell 2021; 34:400-418. [PMID: 33532907 PMCID: PMC7900369 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-020-00481-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the changes associated with acute systemic hypoxia in the endocrine system, particularly in pancreatic tissues. The investigation was based on macroscopic, pathohistological, biochemical, and molecular biological findings in cell lines and human cadavers. The results showed that cases of death due to asphyxia more frequently showed severe subcapsular/interstitial hemorrhage versus the other causes of death. Histological examination showed that asphyxia cases were associated with severe morphological changes. Although measured insulin levels in the asphyxia were higher compared to other causes of death, no differences were noted for the glucagon and amylase levels with regard to the cause of death. Increased blood insulin levels were not associated with macro- and micromorphological changes, and did not show any association with glucose or cortisol levels. The experiment conducted under hypoxic conditions in cultured cells demonstrated that insulin mRNA expression and insulin protein levels peaked at 10 min after hypoxia exposure. However, there were no changes in either the amylase mRNA or protein levels. Corticosterone level peaked at 120 min after exposure to hypoxic conditions. Overall, acute systemic hypoxic conditions can directly affect the mechanisms involved in pancreatic insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiya Morioka
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan.
| | - Naoto Tani
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan.,Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-Legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center (MLCPI-SC), Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoya Ikeda
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan.,Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-Legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center (MLCPI-SC), Osaka, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Hirokawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan.,Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-Legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center (MLCPI-SC), Osaka, Japan
| | - Kei Ikeda
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Alissa Shida
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Yayoi Aoki
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Takaki Ishikawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan.,Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-Legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center (MLCPI-SC), Osaka, Japan
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14
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Lin H, Guo X, Luo Y, Chen Y, Zhao R, Guan D, Wang Z, Huang P. Postmortem Diagnosis of Fatal Hypothermia by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of Edema Fluid in Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Lung Tissues. J Forensic Sci 2019; 65:846-854. [PMID: 31868923 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to investigate whether pulmonary edema could become a specific diagnostic marker for fatal hypothermia using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics. The spectral profile analysis indicated that hypothermia fatalities associated with pulmonary edema fluid contained more β-sheet protein conformational structures than the control causes of death, which included sudden cardiac death, brain injury, cerebrovascular disease, mechanical asphyxiation, intoxication, and drowning. Subsequently, the results of principal component analysis (PCA) further revealed that the content of β-sheet protein conformational structures in the pulmonary edema fluid was the main discriminatory marker between fatal hypothermia and the other causes of death. Ultimately, a robust postmortem diagnostic model for fatal hypothermia using a partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) algorithm was constructed. Pulmonary edema fluid spectra collected from eight new forensic autopsy cases that did not participate in the construction of the diagnostic model were predicted using the model. The results showed the causes of death of all these eight cases were correctly classified. In conclusion, this preliminary study demonstrates that FTIR spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics could be a promising approach for the postmortem diagnosis of fatal hypothermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hancheng Lin
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Xiangshen Guo
- Forensic Medicine School, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Yiwen Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Yijiu Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Forensic Medicine School, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Dawei Guan
- Forensic Medicine School, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, 200063, China
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15
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Cao Z, Zhao M, Xu C, Zhang T, Jia Y, Wang T, Zhu B. Evaluation of Agonal Cardiac Function for Sudden Cardiac Death in Forensic Medicine with Postmortem Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and NT‐proBNP: A Meta‐analysis. J Forensic Sci 2019; 65:686-691. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Cao
- Department of Forensic Pathology School of Forensic Medicine China Medical University Shenyang 110122 China
| | - Mengyang Zhao
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Biology School of Forensic Medicine China Medical University Shenyang 110122 China
| | - Chengyang Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang 110001 China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology School of Forensic Medicine China Medical University Shenyang 110122 China
| | - Yuqing Jia
- Department of Forensic Pathology School of Forensic Medicine China Medical University Shenyang 110122 China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology School of Forensic Medicine China Medical University Shenyang 110122 China
| | - Baoli Zhu
- Department of Forensic Pathology School of Forensic Medicine China Medical University Shenyang 110122 China
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16
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Tani N, Ikeda T, Aoki Y, Shida A, Oritani S, Ishikawa T. Evaluation of screening for drug use using postmortem prolactin levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Hum Exp Toxicol 2019; 38:1244-1253. [PMID: 31319705 DOI: 10.1177/0960327119864139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Prolactin (PRL) levels can usually be controlled by PRL-inhibiting psychiatric drugs that include anti-dopamine agents. However, the use of dopamine (DA) antagonists may lead to hyperprolactinemia under certain clinical conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate postmortem PRL levels as potential markers of drug abuse, especially that of DA antagonists, in autopsy cases. We examined 121 autopsy cases, excluding cases involving acute hypoxia/ischemia, such as asphyxia, because PRL concentrations are reportedly increased under acute hypoxic conditions. Detected drugs were classified as either DA antagonists, stimulants, psychotropic drugs other than DA antagonists, or other non-psychotropic drugs, and many cases had no detected drugs. Samples comprised blood collected from the right heart chamber and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). PRL protein level was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay, and PRL gene expression in the anterior pituitary of autopsy cases was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The PRL-positive cell ratio in the anterior pituitary gland was also measured by immunohistochemical analysis. The results indicated that PRL levels in the serum and CSF were higher in DA antagonist cases than in other cases. PRL levels in the serum and CSF also correlated with the PRL gene expression in cases with abuse of DA antagonists. However, no significant difference in the PRL-positive cell ratio in the anterior pituitary gland was evident between any of the classes of drug-detected and drug-undetected cases. These results suggest that postmortem measurements of PRL transcription levels may be useful for diagnosing cases of DA antagonist use.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Tani
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan.,Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center, c/o Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - T Ikeda
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan.,Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center, c/o Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - Y Aoki
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - A Shida
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - S Oritani
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - T Ishikawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan.,Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center, c/o Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
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17
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Diagnostic Roles of Postmortem cTn I and cTn T in Cardiac Death with Special Regard to Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133351. [PMID: 31288395 PMCID: PMC6651768 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cardiac troponin I (cTn I) and cardiac troponin T (cTn T) are currently widely used as diagnostic biomarkers for myocardial injury caused by ischemic heart diseases in clinical and forensic medicine. However, no previous meta-analysis has summarized the diagnostic roles of postmortem cTn I and cTn T. The aim of the present study was to meta-analyze the diagnostic roles of postmortem cTn I and cTn T for cardiac death in forensic medicine, present a systematic review of the previous literature, and determine the postmortem cut-off values of cTn I and cTn T. Methods: We searched multiple databases for the related literature, performed a meta-analysis to investigate the diagnostic roles of postmortem cardiac troponins, and analyzed the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to determine their postmortem cut-off values. Results and Conclusions: The present meta-analysis demonstrated that postmortem cTn I and cTn T levels were increased in pericardial fluid and serum in cardiac death, especially in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We determined the postmortem cut-off value of cTn I in the pericardial fluid at 86.2 ng/mL, cTn I in serum at 9.5 ng/mL, and cTn T in serum at 8.025 ng/mL.
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18
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Cao Z, Zhu B. "Diagnostic role of serum tryptase in anaphylactic deaths in forensic medicine: a systematic review and meta-analysis" should be re-calibrated and re-edited. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2019; 15:675-676. [PMID: 31187427 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-019-00117-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Cao
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Baoli Zhu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Postmortem diagnosis of fatal hypothermia/hyperthermia by spectrochemical analysis of plasma. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2019; 15:332-341. [PMID: 31054024 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-019-00111-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Postmortem diagnosis of extreme-weather-related deaths is a challenging forensic task. Here, we present a state-of-the-art study that employed attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in combination with Chemometrics for postmortem diagnosis of fatal hypothermia/hyperthermia by biochemical investigation of plasma in rats. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) and spectral analysis revealed that plasma samples from the fatal hypothermia, fatal hyperthermia, and control groups, are substantially different from each other based on the spectral variations associated with the lipid, carbohydrate and nucleic acid components. Two partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) classification models (hypothermia-nonhypothermia and hyperthermia-nonhyperthermia binary models) with a 100% accuracy rate were constructed. Subsequently, internal cross-validation was performed to assess the robustness of these two models, which resulted in 98.1 and 100% accuracy. Ultimately, classification predictions of 42 unknown plasma samples were performed by these two models, and both models achieved 100% accuracy. Additionally, our results demonstrated that hemolysis and postmortem hypothermic/hyperthermic effects did not weaken the prediction ability of these two classification models. In summary, this work demonstrates ATR-FTIR spectroscopy's great potential for postmortem diagnosis of fatal hypothermia/hyperthermia.
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20
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Cao Z, Jia Y, Zhu B. BNP and NT-proBNP as Diagnostic Biomarkers for Cardiac Dysfunction in Both Clinical and Forensic Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081820. [PMID: 31013779 PMCID: PMC6515513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) are widely used as diagnostic biomarkers for heart failure (HF) and cardiac dysfunction in clinical medicine. They are also used as postmortem biomarkers reflecting cardiac function of the deceased before death in forensic medicine. Several previous studies have reviewed BNP and NT-proBNP in clinical medicine, however, few articles have reviewed their application in forensic medicine. The present article reviews the biological features, the research and application status, and the future research prospects of BNP and NT-proBNP in both clinical medicine and forensic medicine, thereby providing valuable assistance for clinicians and forensic pathologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Cao
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Yuqing Jia
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Baoli Zhu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
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21
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Jian J, Wan L, Shao Y, Zou D, Huang P, Wang Z, Liu N, Chen Y. Postmortem chest computed tomography for the diagnosis of drowning: a feasibility study. Forensic Sci Res 2019; 6:152-158. [PMID: 34377573 PMCID: PMC8330748 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2018.1557386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
It may be difficult to distinguish the cause of death in drowning cases without specific findings. The aim of this study was to explore the forensic value of thoracic postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) using routine images and three-dimensional (3D) image reconstructions. The imaging data of PMCT examinations of six drowning cadavers, aged 21–54 years, were analyzed. Twelve victims of sudden death from coronary artery disease (CAD) were chosen as a control group. After 3D bilateral lung images were reconstructed using image processing software, an interactive medical image control system was used to measure and analyze parameters including lung volume, lung volume ratio, mean CT value of the whole lung, and lung CT value distribution curves. Lung volume and lung volume ratio were used to assess the shape changes of the lung. Lung CT value distribution curves showed the corresponding number of pixels of the different CT values in the lung image. Lung volume was not significantly larger in drowning cases (mean 2 958 cm3) than in controls (mean 2 342 cm3). Lung volume ratio values in the drowning group (mean 0.3156) were greater than those in the control group (mean 0.2763); (P = 0.02). There was no significant difference between the drowning and control group in the mean CT value of the whole lung. There were differences between lung CT value distribution curves in drowning victims and controls, with drowning victims showing a single peak and CAD cases showing a bimodal distribution. Thoracic PMCT is helpful for the forensic medical diagnosis of drowning. Lung volume ratio and lung CT value distribution are potential indicators to distinguish between drowning and CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Jian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lei Wan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Shao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Donghua Zou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuoqun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ningguo Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijiu Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
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22
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Takaso M, Tsuboi H, Komeda N, Morimoto M, Ikegaya H. Value of the serum thyroglobulin level for diagnosing neck compression in postmortem cases. J Forensic Leg Med 2018; 58:126-129. [PMID: 29957588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the relationship between blood thyroglobulin (Tg) levels and neck compression, the Tg levels of right cardiac blood were measured using a chemiluminescence immunoassay in 256 autopsy cases. There were 11 cases in which neck compression was confirmed based on autopsy findings and other information, in which the mean Tg level was 3155 ng/mL (range: 179-16,500 ng/mL). In the remaining cases, the mean Tg level was 4160 ng/mL (range: 0.3-139,000 ng/mL). There was no significant difference between the mean Tg levels of the two groups. In a comparison between the case groups with Tg levels of ≥200 ng/mL and <200 ng/mL, it was found that the frequency of neck compression was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the ≥200 ng/mL group. The frequency of high Tg levels (≥200 ng/mL) was increased among the cases in which death was caused by neck compression or asphyxia. In a comparison of the median Tg values of right heart blood, left heart blood, whole blood, and femoral venous blood, the median Tg values of whole blood and right heart blood were shown to be about 10 times higher than those of left heart blood and peripheral blood. It is said that high postmortem blood Tg levels are caused by mechanical compression of the thyroid gland. However, high Tg levels were detected in the half of the cases without neck compression. Therefore, neck compression should be diagnosed carefully based on autopsy findings and other information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marin Takaso
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hajime Tsuboi
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan
| | - Noriko Komeda
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan
| | - Mami Morimoto
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ikegaya
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan.
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23
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Brown TT, Prahlow JA. Postmortem Serum Amylase and Lipase Analysis in the Diagnosis of Acute Pancreatitis. Acad Forensic Pathol 2018; 8:311-323. [PMID: 31240044 DOI: 10.1177/1925362118782071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, which can occur due to natural and nonnatural causes, is usually made at autopsy based on gross and microscopic examination. However, some pathologists choose to measure serum amylase and lipase levels in postmortem blood samples, which may provide corroborating evidence of acute pancreatitis when evaluated in the context of the autopsy findings. A small series of autopsy cases of deaths related to acute pancreatitis with corresponding postmortem serum amylase and lipase levels and a review of the literature are used to highlight the potential benefits and interpretation issues of postmortem serum amylase and lipase. In autopsies without decomposition, elevated postmortem serum amylase (greater than 1000 U/L) and lipase can provide supportive evidence of acute pancreatitis as a cause of death. However, relying on postmortem serum amylase and lipase alone to diagnose acute pancreatitis is insufficient and unreliable. Rather, one must have the gross and histologic evidence of acute pancreatitis. Acad Forensic Pathol. 2018 8(2): 311-323.
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24
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Abd-Elhakim YM, El Sharkawy NI, El Bohy KM, Gomaa M, Haseeb S. Morphological, biochemical, and histopathological postmortem ocular indices following subchronic exposure to cadmium and/or lead in a rabbit model. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:6619-6632. [PMID: 29260467 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-1043-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. There is a dearth of information on the mutual interaction between the antemortem metal intoxication and the postmortem changes of the eye. Thus, this study aimed to follow the morphological, biochemical, histopathological ocular perturbations and the retinal DNA damage up to 8 h postmortem (PM) in Cd and/or Pb intoxicated rabbits. The animals orally received 5 mg Cd Cl2/kg bw and/or 12.5 mg lead acetate/kg bw for 30 consecutive days. At time of death, eye pupil of different groups had a normal diameter except Pb-intoxicated group had marked myosis. After 8 h of death, different rabbit's eye corneas appeared wrinkled and covered with thin white cloud while the pupils were in the mydriatic stage. Up to 8 h PM, the individual exposure to Cd or Pb resulted in a significant elevation in GGT, urea, K, DNA damage and obvious retinal lesions. However, their co-exposure evoked an antagonistic outcome. The eye of Cd and/or Pb intoxicated rabbit showed mildly degenerated tissue of cornea and sclera and the presence of irregular eosinophilic droplets of variably size in the lens with a gradual degeneration and vacuolization in the different cell layers of retina especially ganglion up to 8 h PM. Also, by increasing post mortem interval (PMI), retinal DNA damage in Cd and/or Pb intoxicated group significantly decreased. It is concluded that Cd and/or Pb intoxication induced ocular alterations which retain the same trend in correlation with PMI as natural deaths except for the retinal DNA damage. Also, the simultaneous exposure to Cd and Pb evoked an antagonistic outcome in the eye. The findings of the current study should be taken into consideration when estimating PMI in areas with high Cd and/or Pb contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Mohammed Abd-Elhakim
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Nabela I El Sharkawy
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Khlood M El Bohy
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Gomaa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Sarah Haseeb
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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25
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Mohamed AAR, Elbohi KM, El Sharkawy NI, Hassan MA. Biochemical and Apoptotic Biomarkers of Experimentally Induced Traumatic Brain Injury: In Relation to Time since Death. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjbas.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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26
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Abo El-Noor MM, ElHosary NM, Elatrozy HI, Abou Elgheit HM, Elbelkasy AM, Fath AG, El-Shafy GH. Forensic and clinical significance of serum amylase, lipase and gamma glutamyl transferase as predictors of outcome in head injured patients. J Forensic Leg Med 2017; 52:229-235. [PMID: 29031233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2017.10.005] [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: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Head trauma is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Combined head lesions consist of more than one form of lesions. Biochemical markers of brain injury are used in determining the extent of brain injury and predicting its outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the forensic and clinical significance of serum amylase, lipase and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) as predictors of the outcome in head injured patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixty head injured patients were enrolled and subjected to personal history taking, general and local physical examination. Glasgow coma scale (GCS), head computed tomography scan and pelvi-abdominal ultrasound were performed. Two blood samples (each 3 mL) were drawn at the time of admission and after 24 h for measuring serum amylase, lipase and GGT levels using special kits. RESULTS Most cases of head trauma occurred accidentally during daytime, in the street as a result of falls and road traffic accidents (RTA). Significant increase of serum amylase, lipase and GGT levels on re-evaluation after 24 h from admission were demonstrated in combined head lesions. There was a high significant negative correlation between GCS and these enzymes both on admission and 24 h after admission. Serum levels of measured enzymes were significantly higher in non-survivors as compared to survivors. CONCLUSION Serum amylase, lipase and GGT are good predictors of the outcome in head injured patients. This could be useful for forensic experts to deduce that the poor outcome of the victims was primarily related to the effects of head trauma and its sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Mohamed Abo El-Noor
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Naema Mahmoud ElHosary
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | | | | | | | - Ahmed Gamal Fath
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Ghada Hamed El-Shafy
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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27
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Molecular pathology of cerebral TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS and Nrf2 in forensic autopsy cases with special regard to deaths due to environmental hazards and intoxication. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2017; 13:409-416. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-017-9896-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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28
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Wang Q, He H, Li B, Lin H, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Wang Z. UV-Vis and ATR-FTIR spectroscopic investigations of postmortem interval based on the changes in rabbit plasma. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182161. [PMID: 28753641 PMCID: PMC5533326 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimating PMI is of great importance in forensic investigations. Although many methods are used to estimate the PMI, a few investigations focus on the postmortem redistribution. In this study, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) measurement combined with visual inspection indicated a regular diffusion of hemoglobin into plasma after death showing the redistribution of postmortem components in blood. Thereafter, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to confirm the variations caused by this phenomenon. First, full-spectrum partial least-squares (PLS) and genetic algorithm combined with PLS (GA-PLS) models were constructed to predict the PMI. The performance of GA-PLS model was better than that of full-spectrum PLS model based on its root mean square error (RMSE) of cross-validation of 3.46 h (R2 = 0.95) and the RMSE of prediction of 3.46 h (R2 = 0.94). The investigation on the similarity of spectra between blood plasma and formed elements also supported the role of redistribution of components in spectral changes in postmortem plasma. These results demonstrated that ATR-FTIR spectroscopy coupled with the advanced mathematical methods could serve as a convenient and reliable tool to study the redistribution of postmortem components and estimate the PMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haijun He
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hancheng Lin
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yinming Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Yağmur F, Çelik S, Cemek M, Hazini A, Kocaman AT, Alpdoğtaş S, Konak HB, Yıldırım M, Çeltek M. New postmortem diagnostic biomarker for myocardial infarction: ischemia modified albumin. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2017.1340519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Yağmur
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Safa Çelik
- Council of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Cemek
- Department of Bioengineering (Biochemistry Division), Faculty of Chem. and Met. Eng., Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Hazini
- Department of Bioengineering (Biochemistry Division), Faculty of Chem. and Met. Eng., Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - A. Tuba Kocaman
- Department of Bioengineering (Biochemistry Division), Faculty of Chem. and Met. Eng., Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Saadet Alpdoğtaş
- Department of Bioengineering (Biochemistry Division), Faculty of Chem. and Met. Eng., Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - H. Büşra Konak
- Department of Bioengineering (Biochemistry Division), Faculty of Chem. and Met. Eng., Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
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30
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Paper-based microfluidic devices on the crime scene: A simple tool for rapid estimation of post-mortem interval using vitreous humour. Anal Chim Acta 2017; 974:69-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2017.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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31
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Belsey SL, Flanagan RJ. Postmortem biochemistry: Current applications. J Forensic Leg Med 2016; 41:49-57. [PMID: 27131037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The results of biochemical analyses in specimens obtained postmortem may aid death investigation when diabetic and alcoholic ketoacidosis is suspected, when death may have been the result of drowning, anaphylaxis, or involved a prolonged stress response such as hypothermia, and in the diagnosis of disease processes such as inflammation, early myocardial infarction, or sepsis. There is often cross-over with different disciplines, in particular with clinical and forensic toxicology, since some endogenous substances such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and insulin can be used as poisons. The interpretation of results is often complicated because of the likelihood of postmortem change in analyte concentration or activity, and proper interpretation must take into account all the available evidence. The unpredictability of postmortem changes means that use of biochemical measurements in time of death estimation has little value. The use of vitreous humour is beneficial for many analytes as the eye is in a physically protected environment, this medium may be less affected by autolysis or microbial metabolism than blood, and the assays can be performed with due precaution using standard clinical chemistry analysers. However, interpretation of results may not be straightforward because (i) defined reference ranges in life are often lacking, (ii) there is a dearth of knowledge regarding, for example, the speed of equilibration of many analytes between blood, vitreous humour, and other fluids that may be sampled, and (iii) the effects of post-mortem change are difficult to quantify because of the lack of control data. A major limitation is that postmortem vitreous glucose measurements are of no help in diagnosing antemortem hypoglycaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Belsey
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 9RS, UK.
| | - R J Flanagan
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 9RS, UK; Toxicology Unit, Dept of Pathology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK
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32
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Lodha A, Ansari N, Prajapati T, Rao M, Menon SK. Novel approach to determine post-mortem interval from ATPase activity. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2015.1115128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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33
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Attia AM, Abo El-Atta HM, El-sherbiny M, El-Shahat EE. Evaluation of procalcitonin postmortem levels in some models of death: An experimental study. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 37:28-32. [PMID: 26554826 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Post-mortem determination of biochemical parameters, especially for obscure cases, has been recognized useful in diagnosis of the underlying causes of death. Procalcitonin (PCT) is known to rise in a response to any proinflammatory stimulus. The present study aims to estimate postmortem PCT levels in serum and kidney, liver, brain; and whether it is similar in different causes of death models (trauma, drowning and freezing) models or not. The study was performed on 60 male rabbits. Rabbits were divided into four different death induced models (15 rabbit each): trauma, infection, drowning and freezing models. At the end of the study, all rabbits were sacrificed; blood samples, kidneys, livers and brains were collected. PCT was measured using ELISA assay. Results showed highly significant increase in PCT levels in all tested samples in different models of death. The infection induced model showed the highest levels in all tested samples compared to other groups mainly in liver; followed by trauma model and drowning model which were increased mainly in brain's samples. The least model which showed increased PCT levels was the freezing model mainly in liver samples. Post Hoc multiple comparisons test showed significant differences between groups in most of liver, brain and kidney samples, while PCT serum blood samples were significant only between trauma and infection groups. It was concluded that PCT can differentiate between sepsis and non-sepsis related deaths and that organs like liver, kidney and brain PCT levels could be an alternative to serum PCT for the diagnosis of postmortem sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf M Attia
- Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
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Chen JH, Michiue T, Inamori-Kawamoto O, Ikeda S, Ishikawa T, Maeda H. Comprehensive investigation of postmortem glucose levels in blood and body fluids with regard to the cause of death in forensic autopsy cases. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2015; 17:475-82. [PMID: 26593993 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The serum glucose level is regulated within a narrow range by multiple factors under physiological conditions, but is greatly modified in the death process and after death. The present study comprehensively investigated glucose levels in blood and body fluids, including pericardial fluid (PCF), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and vitreous humor, reviewing forensic autopsy cases (n=672). Right heart blood glucose level was often higher than at other sites, and the CSF glucose level was the lowest, showing greater dissociation in acute/subacute death cases. The glucose level was higher in the diabetic (high HbA1c) than in the non-diabetic (low HbA1c) group at each site (p<0.01-0.0001). Fatal diabetic ketoacidosis cases had evidently high glucose levels at each site; whereas in the non-diabetic group, blood glucose level was higher in fatal alcohol abuse, saltwater drowning, electrocution, cerebrovascular disease and sudden cardiac death due to ischemic heart disease. Fatal methamphetamine (MA) abuse, sepsis, malnutrition (starvation) and hypoglycemia due to antidiabetics showed markedly lower blood glucose levels. Ketones in bilateral cardiac blood and PCF were increased in diabetic ketoacidosis and fatal alcohol abuse as well as in most cases of hyperthermia (heatstroke), hypothermia (cold exposure) and malnutrition. These findings suggest that combined analysis of glucose, HbA1c and ketones in blood and body fluids is useful to investigate not only fatal diabetic metabolic disorders but also death processes due to other causes, including alcohol and MA abuse, as well as thermal disorders, sepsis and malnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Chen
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center (MLCPI-SC), c/o Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan.
| | - Tomomi Michiue
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center (MLCPI-SC), c/o Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Osamu Inamori-Kawamoto
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center (MLCPI-SC), c/o Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Sayuko Ikeda
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center (MLCPI-SC), c/o Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Takaki Ishikawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center (MLCPI-SC), c/o Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Maeda
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center (MLCPI-SC), c/o Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
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35
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Chen JH, Inamori-Kawamoto O, Michiue T, Ikeda S, Ishikawa T, Maeda H. Cardiac biomarkers in blood, and pericardial and cerebrospinal fluids of forensic autopsy cases: A reassessment with special regard to postmortem interval. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2015; 17:343-50. [PMID: 26052007 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2015.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies suggested possible application of postmortem biochemistry of myocardial biomarkers to the investigation of sudden cardiac death; however, differences from clinical findings should be considered in autopsy materials. The present study involved a comprehensive investigation of cardiac troponin T and I (cTnT and cTnI), and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) in cardiac and peripheral external iliac venous blood, pericardial fluid (PCF) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for reassessment, with special regard to the estimated postmortem interval in relation to the cause of death, reviewing a large number of forensic autopsy cases (n=1923). These cardiac biomarkers showed cause-of-death- and postmortem-time-dependent differences: blood and PCF levels of each marker were higher in hyperthermia (heatstroke), bathwater drowning and chronic congestive heart disease in cases of postmortem interval (PMI) <12h. After 12h postmortem, these markers were also higher in fatal drug abuse, spontaneous cerebral/subarachnoid bleeding, electrocution and pulmonary embolism. In addition, most other causes of death, including ischemic heart disease, showed substantial elevations, while these markers remained low in acute hemorrhagic death from sharp instrument injury, hypothermia (cold exposure) and sea-/freshwater drowning during PMI of <48h. CSF cTnI and CK-MB showed similar findings. There was no difference between myocardial infarction and other causes of death to be discriminated, including asphyxiation, drowning and fire fatality. These findings are similar to clinical observations in critical ill patients, suggesting that elevated cardiac biomarkers cannot be a specific finding for death from acute ischemic heart disease, but indicate the severity of myocardial injury in postmortem investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Chen
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center, Uehonmachi 7-1-16-1308, Tennoji, Osaka 543-0001, Japan.
| | - Osamu Inamori-Kawamoto
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center, Uehonmachi 7-1-16-1308, Tennoji, Osaka 543-0001, Japan
| | - Tomomi Michiue
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center, Uehonmachi 7-1-16-1308, Tennoji, Osaka 543-0001, Japan
| | - Sayuko Ikeda
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center, Uehonmachi 7-1-16-1308, Tennoji, Osaka 543-0001, Japan
| | - Takaki Ishikawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center, Uehonmachi 7-1-16-1308, Tennoji, Osaka 543-0001, Japan; Division of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Maeda
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center, Uehonmachi 7-1-16-1308, Tennoji, Osaka 543-0001, Japan
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36
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Fortes FJ, Perez-Carceles MD, Sibon A, Luna A, Laserna JJ. Spatial distribution analysis of strontium in human teeth by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: application to diagnosis of seawater drowning. Int J Legal Med 2014; 129:807-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-014-1131-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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37
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van de Goot FR, Korkmaz HI, Fronczek J, Witte BI, Visser R, Ulrich MM, Begieneman MP, Rozendaal L, Krijnen PA, Niessen HW. A new method to determine wound age in early vital skin injuries: A probability scoring system using expression levels of Fibronectin, CD62p and Factor VIII in wound hemorrhage. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 244:128-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Hayakawa A, Matoba K, Horioka K, Murakami M, Terazawa K. Appropriate blood sampling sites for measuring Tg concentrations for forensic diagnosis. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2014; 17:65-9. [PMID: 25287273 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that thyroglobulin (Tg) concentrations in heart blood are high in cases of asphyxia caused by neck compression such as hanging, strangulation, and throttling and in those with fatal traumatic brain injuries. However, even in cases without these findings presumed to increase the Tg concentration in the previous studies, we previously reported that in some cases the Tg concentration in right heart blood (RHB) and left heart blood (LHB) exceeded the standard value for diagnosis (200 ng/mL) defined in previous studies and the Tg concentration in RHB was significantly higher than that in LHB. In the present study, in our 46 forensic autopsy cases without findings presumed to increase Tg concentration, we separately collected external iliac venous blood (IVB) and external iliac arterial blood (IAB) in addition to RHB and LHB, measured Tg concentrations in RHB, LHB, IVB, and LAB (TRHB, TLHB, TIVB, and TIAB, respectively), and investigated the appropriate blood sampling site for measuring Tg concentrations for forensic diagnosis. TRHB, TLHB, TIVB, and TIAB were 386.3 ± 674.1, 105.8 ± 179.0, 109.2 ± 166.8, and 43.7 ± 90.9 ng/mL, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between TRHB and TLHB, TIVB and TIAB, TRHB and TIVB, and TLHB and TIAB. Tg is more readily diffused by the venous system (RHB, IVB) than by the arterial system (LHB, IAB) because the venous system retains more blood volume after death. Tg is more readily diffused to heart blood (RHB, LHB) than to peripheral blood (IVB, IAB) because of the proximity of the heart to the thyroid gland. Therefore, we conclude that Tg leaks into the vessels around the thyroid gland because of the influences of postmortem changes and subsequently diffuses through the blood after death, and therefore the Tg concentration increases after death. When Tg concentration values are used for forensic diagnosis, it is appropriate to measure them using peripheral arterial blood situated distant from the thyroid gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Hayakawa
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kotaro Matoba
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Kie Horioka
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Manabu Murakami
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Koichi Terazawa
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
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Palmiere C, Augsburger M. Markers for sepsis diagnosis in the forensic setting: state of the art. Croat Med J 2014; 55:103-14. [PMID: 24778096 PMCID: PMC4009711 DOI: 10.3325/cmj.2014.55.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable diagnoses of sepsis remain challenging in forensic pathology routine despite improved methods of sample collection and extensive biochemical and immunohistochemical investigations. Macroscopic findings may be elusive and have an infectious or non-infectious origin. Blood culture results can be difficult to interpret due to postmortem contamination or bacterial translocation. Lastly, peripheral and cardiac blood may be unavailable during autopsy. Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 can be measured in biological fluids collected during autopsy and may be used as in clinical practice for diagnostic purposes. However, concentrations of these parameters may be increased due to etiologies other than bacterial infections, indicating that a combination of biomarkers could more effectively discriminate non-infectious from infectious inflammations. In this article, we propose a review of the literature pertaining to the diagnostic performance of classical and novel biomarkers of inflammation and bacterial infection in the forensic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Palmiere
- Cristian Palmiere, , University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
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40
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Soejima M, Koda Y. Evaluation of point-of-care testing of C-reactive protein in forensic autopsy cases. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 237:27-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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41
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Unreliability of the use of thyroglobulin concentration in postmortem blood samples in forensic diagnosis. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2014; 16:164-7. [PMID: 24565964 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that the concentration of thyroglobulin (Tg) in heart blood is high in cases of asphyxia by neck compression such as hanging, strangulation, and throttling and in those with traumatic injuries to the head. However, we have experienced cases in which we observed high Tg concentrations without such findings. Therefore, we analyzed the influence of postmortem changes on Tg concentration. Of 253 forensic autopsies conducted at our institution, we analyzed 44 cases without the findings presumed to increase Tg concentration. We collected right heart blood (RHB) and left heart blood (LHB) separately and measured Tg concentrations in each. The Tg concentration of the RHB in 19 (43%) cases and that of the LHB in 10 (23%) cases was higher than the standard value (200ng/ml) obtained in previous studies. In some cases, we found large differences between the Tg concentrations of RHB and LHB. We suggest that Tg concentration can increase above the standard value and that a difference between the Tg concentration of RHB and LHB arises as a result of postmortem changes. Consequently, if there is a large difference between the Tg concentration of RHB and LHB, the concentration of Tg should not be used as a basis for forensic diagnosis.
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Wang Q, Ishikawa T, Michiue T, Zhu BL, Guan DW, Maeda H. Molecular pathology of brain matrix metalloproteases, claudin5, and aquaporins in forensic autopsy cases with special regard to methamphetamine intoxication. Int J Legal Med 2014; 128:469-74. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-014-0972-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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43
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Maeda H, Ishikawa T, Michiue T. Forensic molecular pathology: its impacts on routine work, education and training. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2014; 16:61-9. [PMID: 24480586 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The major role of forensic pathology is the investigation of human death in relevance to social risk management to determine the cause and process of death, especially in violent and unexpected sudden deaths, which involve social and medicolegal issues of ultimate, personal and public concerns. In addition to the identification of victims and biological materials, forensic molecular pathology contributes to general explanation of the human death process and assessment of individual death on the basis of biological molecular evidence, visualizing dynamic functional changes involved in the dying process that cannot be detected by morphology (pathophysiological or molecular biological vital reactions); the genetic background (genomics), dynamics of gene expression (up-/down-regulation: transcriptomics) and vital phenomena, involving activated biological mediators and degenerative products (proteomics) as well as metabolic deterioration (metabolomics), are detected by DNA analysis, relative quantification of mRNA transcripts using real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and immunohisto-/immunocytochemistry combined with biochemistry, respectively. Thus, forensic molecular pathology involves the application of omic medical sciences to investigate the genetic basis, and cause and process of death at the biological molecular level in the context of forensic pathology, that is, 'advanced molecular autopsy'. These procedures can be incorporated into routine death investigations as well as guidance, education and training programs in forensic pathology for 'dynamic assessment of the cause and process of death' on the basis of autopsy and laboratory data. Postmortem human data can also contribute to understanding patients' critical conditions in clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Maeda
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, 545-8585 Osaka, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center (MLCPI-SC), c/o Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, 545-8585 Osaka, Japan.
| | - Takaki Ishikawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, 545-8585 Osaka, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center (MLCPI-SC), c/o Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, 545-8585 Osaka, Japan; Division of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, 683-8503 Tottori, Japan
| | - Tomomi Michiue
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, 545-8585 Osaka, Japan; Forensic Autopsy Section, Medico-legal Consultation and Postmortem Investigation Support Center (MLCPI-SC), c/o Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, 545-8585 Osaka, Japan
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Santos Júnior JC, Mollo Filho PC, Felice Guidugli RB, Eberlin MN, Pessôa GDS, da Silva EG, Arruda MAZ, Höehr NF. Metals and (metallo)proteins identification in vitreous humor focusing on post-mortem biochemistry. Metallomics 2014; 6:1801-7. [DOI: 10.1039/c3mt00373f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of metals and (metallo)proteins in vitreous humor samples at different post-mortem intervals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio César Santos Júnior
- Department of Clinical Pathology
- School of Medical Sciences. State University of Campinas – UNICAMP
- 13083-881 Campinas, Brazil
| | - Pedro Carlos Mollo Filho
- Team of Forensic Medicine West
- Medico-Legal Institute
- Police Technical Scientific Superintendence – SPTC
- , Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Nogueira Eberlin
- ThoMSon Mass Spectrometry Laboratory
- Institute of Chemistry
- University of Campinas – UNICAMP
- 13085-970 Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gustavo de Souza Pessôa
- Group of Spectrometry
- Sample Preparation and Mechanization (GEPAM)
- Institute of Chemistry. State University of Campinas – UNICAMP
- 13084-862 Campinas, Brazil
| | - Elidiane Gomes da Silva
- Group of Spectrometry
- Sample Preparation and Mechanization (GEPAM)
- Institute of Chemistry. State University of Campinas – UNICAMP
- 13084-862 Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurélio Zezzi Arruda
- Group of Spectrometry
- Sample Preparation and Mechanization (GEPAM)
- Institute of Chemistry. State University of Campinas – UNICAMP
- 13084-862 Campinas, Brazil
| | - Nelci Fenalti Höehr
- Department of Clinical Pathology
- School of Medical Sciences. State University of Campinas – UNICAMP
- 13083-881 Campinas, Brazil
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Ondruschka B, Pohlers D, Sommer G, Schober K, Teupser D, Franke H, Dressler J. S100B and NSE as useful postmortem biochemical markers of traumatic brain injury in autopsy cases. J Neurotrauma 2013; 30:1862-71. [PMID: 23796187 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2013.2895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Postmortem analysis of relevant biomarkers might aid in characterizing causes of death and survival times in legal medicine. However, there are still no sufficiently established results of practical postmortem biochemical investigations in cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The two biomarkers--S100 protein subunit B (S100B) and neuronal specific enolase (NSE)--could be of special interest. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate changes in their postmortem levels for further determination of brain damage in TBI. In 17 cases of TBI (average age, 58 years) and in 23 controls with different causes of death (average age, 59 years), serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were analyzed with a chemiluminescence immunoassay for marker expression. An increase in serum S100B, as well as a subsequent decrease after survival times>4 days, were detected in TBI cases (p<0.01). CSF NSE values >6,000 ng/mL and CSF S100B levels >10,000 ng/mL seem to indicate a TBI survival time of at least 15 min (p<0.01). It is of particular interest that CSF S100B levels (p<0.01) and serum S100B levels (p<0.05) as well as CSF NSE values (p<0.01) were significantly higher in TBI cases in comparison to the controls, especially when compared with fatal non-head injuries. In conclusion, the present findings emphasize that S100B and NSE are useful markers in postmortem biochemistry in cases of suspected TBI. Further, S100B may be helpful to estimate the survival time of fatal injuries in legal medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ondruschka
- 1 Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical Faculty University of Leipzig, Leipzig , Germany
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46
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Cardiac troponin T in forensic autopsy cases. Forensic Sci Int 2013; 233:154-7. [PMID: 24314515 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to describe the findings of postmortem serum and pericardial fluid (PF) cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in various causes of death with regard to the postmortem interval (PMI) and comorbid cardiovascular disease, using 101 autopsy cases with PMI of 8-141 h divided into 9 groups: cardiovascular disease (CVD), other diseases (OD), poisoning (P), asphyxia (A), drowning (D), hypothermia (H), thoracic trauma (TT), other trauma (OT) and fire fatalities (F). The results suggest that cTnT levels may help to differentiate cardiovascular death from poisoning and non-thoracic trauma, as well as to differentiate cardiovascular and other diseases as cause of death from drowning and hypothermia. However, the effect of PMI, unlike comorbid cardiovascular disease, has to be taken into account.
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47
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Vidaki A, Daniel B, Court DS. Forensic DNA methylation profiling—Potential opportunities and challenges. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2013; 7:499-507. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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48
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Tominaga M, Michiue T, Ishikawa T, Kawamoto O, Oritani S, Ikeda K, Ogawa M, Maeda H. Postmortem Analyses of Drugs in Pericardial Fluid and Bone Marrow Aspirate. J Anal Toxicol 2013; 37:423-9. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkt047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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49
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Palmiere C, Mangin P, Werner D. Preliminary results on the postmortem measurement of 3-beta-hydroxybutyrate in liver homogenates. Int J Legal Med 2013; 127:943-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-013-0870-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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50
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Molecular pathology of brain edema after severe burns in forensic autopsy cases with special regard to the importance of reference gene selection. Int J Legal Med 2013; 127:881-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-013-0868-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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