Decomposed Bodies Research Articles

Age estimation on post-mortem CT based on pelvic bone mineral density measurement and the state of putrefaction: a multivariate method.

Age-at-death estimation is an important issue in forensic medicine and anthropology. Initially, methods relied on morphological criteria, but with the advancement of radiology, new techniques such as morphological studies on multi-slice computed tomography (CT) reconstructions have emerged. Recent studies have shown promising results by investigating the correlation between age and bone mineral density (BMD). However, there is currently a lack of data on post-mortem CTs (PMCT) involving decomposed bodies, and limited information exists regarding changes in Hounsfield Units measurement in a post-mortem context. In light of these gaps, our study aimed to examine the relationship between age at death and pubic and ilium BMD using a sample of forensic bodies. We also aimed to determine whether post-mortem processes, such as putrefaction, could interfere with this correlation. Our retrospective analysis encompassed 637 PMCTs conducted before medicolegal autopsies at Tours University Hospital. Utilizing simple and multiple linear regressions, we investigated the correlation between age and pubic and ilium BMD, as well as the relationship between BMD and the radiologic alteration index (RAI), a scale employed to quantify the degree of putrefaction. Our findings indicate promising outcomes in age-at-death estimation using pubic and/or ilium BMD for bodies exhibiting no or moderate decomposition (RAI < 80), particularly among individuals under 40years old. However, for highly decomposed corpses (RAI ≥ 80), the presence of gas infiltration significantly influences the BMD of both the ilium and pubis. Consequently, we advocate for the incorporation of the RAI score into the age estimation equation to enhance the accuracy of our results in such cases. Further investigation involving a larger cohort of decomposed bodies could facilitate refinement and validation of our method within this specific population.

Spatial dispersion of post-feeding larvae of forensically important flies: Implications for medicolegal investigation

IntroductionCalliphoridae flies allow estimating the postmortem interval (PMI), as they are the first to arrive at a decomposing body. Its larvae feed on the carcass and then move away to pupate (post-feeding dispersal). Since the environment alters the physiology and behaviour of insects, the dispersal of larvae and the final location of pupae could be related to the place where the carcass is deposited. The aim of this work was to study the dispersal of post-feeding larvae in relation to environmental variables in northern Patagonia. Materials and methodsThe distribution of pupae in response to different illumination, temperature, and soil inclination conditions was evaluated. A circular box divided into quadrants was used for each treatment and a control. Post-feeding larvae were placed in the centre of each box, allowing them to disperse until they pupate. Differences in the number of pupae collected in each quadrant were evaluated by ×2 tests. ResultsAccording to the control, the dispersion of post-feeding larvae occurs randomly (p=.098). Regarding temperature, the larvae eluded the heat source (p<.01). The inclination treatments showed that larvae avoided the raised surface (p<.01). Concerning illumination conditions, no trend was observed (p=.41). ConclusionsKnowing the dispersal patterns of larvae, considering environmental variables, reduces search times and let infers the sectors with the highest probability of finding pupae. In this way, it is likely to estimate a more precise PMI in the framework of medico-legal investigations.

Estimation of Sex From the Buccolingual Dimension of Tooth Among the North Indian Population.

Identification is an important aspect of forensic medicine. Identification plays an imperative role, especially in highly decomposed bodies, mutilated bodies, and undisclosed and fragmentary human remains. The estimation of sex is an essential parameter of human identification. In forensic anthropometry, sex determination is related to morphometric characteristics of skeletal bones, such as the skull and mandible, clavicle, sternum, scapula, humerus, pelvic bone, sternum, and femur. Since teeth are decay-resistant, conscientious analysis of teeth can accredit reliable sex estimation of an individual, especially when other determinants are fragmented or destroyed. The aim of the study was to explore the association between sex and buccolingual crown dimensions of teeth. The study sample consists of 100 volunteer subjects (50 male subjects and 50 female subjects) aged between 20 and 35 years. Alginate was used to take impressions of the teeth and the cast was prepared using pouring by dental stone. Measurements of buccolingual parameters of all the teeth (except the third molars) of both jaws were done on dental casts by using a digital caliper. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) and were outlined as mean and standard deviation (SD). The male and female groups were compared using an independent Student's t-test or unpaired test. The results of this study revealed that 16 out of 28 odontometric parameters (except third molar) of the two groups (male and female) were higher in the male group as compared to the female group (p < 0.05). Buccolingual odontometric parameters can be used for sex estimation in the North Indian population.

Aesthetics of dis-ability: A Short Study on Samuel Beckett’s Endgame

Locke, while writing his Second Treatise on Civil Government in 1689 states that all men by nature are ‘free, equal and independent’ but is everyone equal? We know by now that equity is the means through which true equality can be achieved but in order to make a change, we also need to accept the fact that ‘normalcy’ is nothing but a social construct. All those whom our society regard as ‘abnormal’, ‘incompetent’ or ‘non-productive’ have the right to live as much as ‘normal’ people do. When it comes to persons with disabilities, it gets even more complicated by the existing taboo. A sense of uneasiness and discomfort prevail whenever we confront bodies un-like our own. Some tend to sympathise while others tend to dismiss it altogether. Samuel Beckett tries to break this taboo by making use of characters in his writings who with their decomposing bodies, make an attempt to live the absurdities of life. His characters ‘stare at death with passionate attention’ but do not commit suicide because they are tenacious enough to live. Afterall as Molloy says, ‘To decompose is to live too’. The paper analyses Beckett’s Endgame in terms of disability and aesthetics. It aims to explore how the playwright makes use of theatre as a device to shatter the camera obscura that the bourgeoisie order maintains on bodies that it cannot contain. The able-bodied people witness man at his most vulnerable, striving to sustain by taking help of others thereby realising that co-dependency is evident and inevitable.

Preanalytical factors influencing the results ofethanol analysis inpostmortem specimens.

Excessive drinking and drunkenness are underlying factors in many fatal accidents, which make the quantitative determination of ethanol in postmortem (PM) specimens an essential part of all unnatural death investigations. The same analytical methods are used to determine ethanol in blood taken from living and deceased persons although the interpretation of the results is more complicated in medical examiner cases owing to various preanalytical factors. The biggest problem is that under anaerobic conditions ethanol can be produced naturally in decomposed bodies by microbial activity and fermentation of blood glucose. Ways are needed to differentiate antemortem ingestion of ethanol from PM synthesis. One approach involves the determination of ethanol in alternative specimens, such as bile, cerebrospinal fluid, vitreous humor and/or urine, and comparison of results with blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Another approach involves the analysis of various alcohol biomarkers, such as ethyl glucuronide, ethyl sulfate and/or phosphatidylethanol or the urinary metabolites of serotonin 5-hydroxytryptophol/5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HTOL/5-HIAA). If ethanol had been produced in the body by microbial activity, the blood samples should also contain other low-molecular volatiles, such as acetaldehyde, n-propanol and/or n-butanol. The inclusion of 1-2% w/v sodium or potassium fluoride, as an enzyme inhibitor, in all PM specimens is essential to diminish the risk of ethanol being generated after sampling, such as during shipment and storage prior to analysis. Furthermore, much might be gained if the analytical cut-off for reporting positive BAC was raised from 0.01 to 0.02 g% when PM blood is analyzed. During putrefaction low BACs are more often produced after death than high BACs. Therefore, when the cadaver is obviously decomposed, a pragmatic approach would be to subtract 0.05 g% from the mean analytical result. Any remaining BAC is expected to give a more reliable indication of whether alcohol had been consumed before death.

CORRELATION OF STATURE WITH MAXIMUM HEAD LENGTH OF MALE ADULTS OF UPPER PUNJAB

Background: In the field of forensic medicine, stature estimation in unknown skeletonized bodies is one of the most significant biological parameters. It is done many times when highly mutilated or decomposed bodies or fragmentary remains of skull are brought for forensic examination. The objective of this study was to correlate stature with maximum head length in male adults of 21–30 years in Upper Punjab. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of correlation as a tool to predict relationship of stature from maximum length of head. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, quantitative study. Data was collected from the 382 males of Kharian City in Upper Punjab selected with non-probability, purposive sampling. Head measurements were taken using blunt ended spreading callipers and the stature of individual was measured standing erect in anatomical position using a stadiometer. SPSS-25 software was used for data analysis. Results: The mean stature was 170.4±6.85 Cm. Mean head length was 16.95±0.6 Cm. Prediction accuracy tests were performed which indicated that regression models of this study can estimate the height with accuracy. Conclusion: This study established a correlation between stature and maximum head length. It will help the forensic experts to estimate stature from measuring head length, especially when only head is available as a result of some natural or human caused calamity. Pak J Physiol 2023;19(3):27–30

Investigating the link between frontal sinus morphology and craniofacial characteristics with sex: A 3D CBCT study on the South Indian population.

Background: Measurement of craniofacial parameters plays an important role in sex determination in forensic science. The present study was done using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to evaluate the morphologic structure of the frontal sinuses and compare it with the width of nasal, cranial, maxillary and mandibular width which might help us in sex determination. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted using 142 full field of view (FOV) scans of patients archived from the department. The width of the nose, cranium, maxilla, and mandibular width was measured and compared with the frontal sinus between the two sexes. Results: A paired t-test was done to compare the linear measurements for both sexes' right and left frontal sinuses. The measurements were higher in males when compared to females. There was a statistically significant asymmetry (larger dimension on the left side) of the anterioposterior (p-value of 0.012) and superior-inferior dimensions in males (p-value of 0.135). Spearman's correlation showed that frontal sinus correlated with other craniofacial parameters like nasal, cranial, maxillary and mandibular width among both sexes. The frontal sinus, nasal, cranial, maxillary and mandibular widths were higher in males when compared to females (independent t-test). Discriminant function scores showed 66-68% accuracy to discriminate sex, using the anteroposterior dimension and mandibular width. Conclusions: The measurement of craniofacial parameters using CBCT can aid in determining the sex of unidentified and decomposed bodies.

Dispersión espacial de larvas postalimentarias de moscas de importancia forense: implicaciones para la investigación médico-legal

IntroductionCalliphoridae flies allow estimating the post-mortem interval, as they are the first to arrive at a decomposing body. Its larvae feed on the carcass and then move away to pupate (post-feeding dispersal). Since the environment alters the physiology and behavior of insects, the dispersal of larvae and the final location of pupae could be related to the place where the carcass is deposited. The aim of this work was to study the dispersal of post-feeding larvae in relation to environmental variables in northern Patagonia. Materials and methodsThe distribution of pupae in response to different illumination, temperature and soil inclination conditions was evaluated. A circular box divided into quadrants was used for each treatment and a control. Post-feeding larvae were placed in the center of each box, allowing them to disperse until they pupate. Differences in the number of pupae collected in each quadrant were evaluated by X2 tests. ResultsAccording to the control, the dispersion of post-feeding larvae occurs randomly (p = 0.098). Regarding temperature, the larvae eluded the heat source (p < 0.01). The inclination treatments showed that larvae avoided the raised surface (p < 0.01). Concerning illumination conditions, no trend was observed (p = 0.41). ConclusionsKnowing the dispersal patterns of larvae, considering environmental variables, reduces search times and let infers the sectors with the highest probability of finding pupae. In this way, it is likely to estimate a more precise post-mortem interval in the framework of medico-legal investigations.

Investigating the link between frontal sinus morphology and craniofacial characteristics with sex: A 3D CBCT study on the South Indian population

Background: Measurement of craniofacial parameters plays an important role in sex determination in forensic science. The present study was done using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to evaluate the morphologic structure of the frontal sinuses and compare it with the width of nasal, cranial, maxillary and mandibular width which might help us in sex determination. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted using 142 full field of view (FOV) scans of patients archived from the department. The width of the nose, cranium, maxilla, and mandibular width was measured and compared with the frontal sinus between the two sexes. Results: A paired t-test was done to compare the linear measurements for both sexes' right and left frontal sinuses. The measurements were higher in males when compared to females. There was a statistically significant asymmetry (larger dimension on the left side) of the anterioposterior (p-value of 0.012) and superior-inferior dimensions in males (p-value of 0.135). Spearman's correlation showed that frontal sinus correlated with other craniofacial parameters like nasal, cranial, maxillary and mandibular width among both sexes. The frontal sinus, nasal, cranial, maxillary and mandibular widths were higher in males when compared to females (independent t-test). Discriminant function scores showed 66-68% accuracy to discriminate sex, using the anteroposterior dimension and mandibular width. Conclusions: The measurement of craniofacial parameters using CBCT can aid in determining the sex of unidentified and decomposed bodies.

The relationship between postmortem interval in advanced decomposed bodies and the settling ratio of the liver in postmortem CT scan

The relationship between postmortem interval in advanced decomposed bodies and the settling ratio of the liver in postmortem CT scan

African Vernacular Symbols of Black Intersex Children in Sinethemba Ngubane's Installations (2007-2016)

African Vernacular Symbols of Black Intersex Children in Sinethemba Ngubane's Installations (2007-2016)

ESTIMATION OF AGE FROM ATTRITION OF TEETH IN DECOMPOSED DEAD BODIES- A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Objective:Age estimation is important in forensic medicine and odontology for identification of deceased victims and also for crimes and accidents. Various methods have been constructed and tested to estimate the age of young individuals. Among them are the physical examinations using anthropometric measurements, skeletal maturation, dental age estimation, a combination of dental development and anthropometric measurements and a combination of skeletal and tooth eruption. In cases of unknown and unclaimed decomposed bodies, age estimation from attrition of teeth is one of the important parameters. Material and Methods: In the present study, we retrospectively studied 80 cases of decomposed dead bodies centered on the attrition effect over the occlusal surface of molar teeth with the advancing age. Result and Conclusion: The attrition of teeth was mild in the young adult, moderate in middle aged and severe in old age. In this study, we concluded that the grade of attrition of teeth as per Gustafsons Method commensurate with the advancement of age of the person.

Assessing wound vitality in decomposed bodies: a review of the literature

The capability of discriminating between a vital and a post-mortem injury has always been a central theme in forensic pathology, particularly when the corpse is an advanced state of decomposition. Post-mortem decay of the body can mask or disrupt the classical features of a skin lesion, making it difficult to establish the cause and manner of death. Taphonomically challenging situations pose several interpretative issues of skin lesions which need to be addressed with scientifically recent methods that are still limited in the forensic literature. For that reason, the present research aims at resuming what is currently available in the attempt to provide some insight regarding this topic. This review considers only original researches, in which the markers of vitality were studied a significant amount of time after death, in order to test post-mortem persistency of these markers over time. A number of 132 original articles and reviews were considered, and the most significant results are resumed in an overview table and in two intuitive figures. Though many researchers tried to establish the vitality of lesions in specimen, few analysed samples from bodies when a significant degree of putrefaction or burning had occurred. The most significant marker proved to be GPA, which sowed a satisfying persistence over time (up to 6months in air putrefaction and 15days in water). However, what clearly emerged is that further studies are needed to address the challenges of taphonomically transformed specimen and to possibly neutralize the variability of experimental conditions, which affect the reproducibility of results. In conclusion, this study could be a starting point for providing food for thoughts about the most useful markers to search for in unusually tricky autopsy cases.

A technical protocol for 3D observation and documentation of human decomposition

ABSTRACT The changes that occur to the human body after death reflect a multitude of complex biological processes, which can be impacted by a collection of variables that are not yet fully understood. Typically, information is obtained through in-situ examination and/or 2D data collection, which may restrict the availability of data and prevent collection of valuable information. To address this gap, the aim of this paper is to present a protocol for 3D data collection of human decomposition in outdoor environments. The specific objectives include presenting an approach and framework using wildlife cameras and performing 3D observation of a decomposing body. The method includes the design and construction of a walk-in cage including five frames holding 31 cameras, installed at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research. Preliminary trials completed on one subject in Zurich and various objects provided promising results through the generation of a 3D model. Comparing the wildlife cameras 3D model with a high-quality 3D model showed only minor discrepancies. This approach will be used in a study designed to improve our understanding of the human decomposition process to ultimately assist investigators with PMI estimations and to help reconstruct the sequence of events and time of death.

Effects of cocaine and heroin, and their combination, on the development rate of Calliphora vomitoria (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Insects present on or near decomposing bodies are collected by forensic entomologists and used to estimate the post-mortem interval. Drugs metabolized by a person before death may affect the rate of development of insects feeding on the corpse. This study aimed to determine the effects of cocaine and heroin main metabolites on the development rate of the Calliphora vomitoria (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and their implications on minimum post-mortem interval determination. Groups of 250 eggs each were placed into four separate pots of 150 g of minced pork meat being either un-spiked, or spiked with benzoylecgonine, morphine, or a combination of both. Larval length (mm) and weight (mg) measurements were taken twice daily and the rate of development of the insects’ life cycle was monitored until eclosion. Results show that cocaine-fed larvae developed less in length and weight than the control group. Heroin-fed larvae showed a more fluctuating pattern, being smaller and lighter than the control group for most of their larval cycle, but overtaking them in both parameters towards pupation. Combination-fed larvae seemed to favour the effects of cocaine. The three conditions also had a significant impact on the length of the insects’ life cycle. Cocaine and drug combination treatments increased the length of the second and third instar stages, but led to the shortening of pupation and accelerated eclosion. Conversely, heroin treatment led to lengthier pupation. Interestingly, the effects of the drug combination seemed to mirror more precisely those of cocaine.These findings indicate that both cocaine and heroin, singularly and in combination, have sizable effects on blowflies’ development rates, potentially biasing post-mortem interval estimations.

Bizygomatic distance as a predictor of age and sex determination: a morphometric analysis using cone beam computed tomography

Despite advancements in diagnostic technologies, one of the most challenging tasks in forensic medicine is the identification of skeletal and decomposing body parts of the deceased. Estimating gender and age is also a significant issue in the identification of unknown skulls. The aim of the present study was to estimate the sexual dimorphism and variations occurring with ageing in bizygomatic distance. This was a prospective observational study performed on 180 subjects, comprising 90 males and 90 females. Linear measurements of bizygomatic distance were evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography. The study showed that there was significant difference in bizygomatic distance among different age groups and gender, with males depicting comparatively higher values than females. The results obtained were statistically significant. It was concluded that the linear measurements of bizygomatic distance on CBCT images can be used in forensic anthropology as an aid for the determination of age and sex.

Electrolyte analysis of pleural effusion for discrimination between seawater and freshwater drowning in decomposed bodies

ObjectiveThe diagnosis of drowning is an important issue in forensic investigations. Moreover, discriminating between seawater and freshwater drowning is crucial to identify where the drowning occurred. The present study aimed to investigate electrolyte concentrations in pleural fluid in decomposed bodies in late postmortem intervals and derive cut-off values for the diagnosis of seawater and freshwater drowning. Study designData were collected from 44 seawater drowning cases, 60 freshwater drowning cases, and 30 non-drowning cases with pleural effusion which served as controls. The levels of sodium ion (Na+), potassium ion (K+), and chloride ion (Cl−) of pleural fluid were measured, and two indices were calculated: summation of Na+ and K+ levels (SUM Na + K), and summation of Na+, K+, and Cl− levels (SUM Na + K + Cl). The means of the three ion concentrations and two indices significantly differed between the three groups (p < 0.0001). ResultsThe receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the sensitivity and specificity were both 1.000 for SUM Na + K + Cl of 288.3 mEq/L between the seawater and control groups. The Na+ value of 109.0 mEq/L also had a high sensitivity of 0.977 and a specificity of 0.933 in the seawater and control groups. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.967 and 1.000, respectively, for SUM Na + K of 123.2 mEq/L between the freshwater and control groups. ConclusionThe electrolyte concentrations in pleural effusion may be useful for the diagnosis of drowning in decomposed bodies with a longer postmortem interval.

Perimortem Skeletal Sharp Force Trauma: Detection Reliability on CT Data, Demographics and Anatomical Patterns from a Forensic Dataset.

Simple SummaryThe increased use of computed tomography images in forensic anthropology is easily explained with a variety of benefits: among other reasons they are digitally stored, they can easily be shared and they are non-invasive. However, it is not clear how suitable these images are for forensic anthropologists to detect sharp force trauma. Therefore, we analyzed computed tomography images, by observing digital images of 41 forensic cases in different viewing modalities. In addition, we looked for anatomical injury patterns in the soft- and hard-tissues and any significant correlations between the manner of death (suicide or homicide) with different parameters. Our findings indicated a superiority of viewing the images in 2D, but not all bone lesions were detected. The manner of death was significantly correlated to some of the parameters, which could be extrapolated to future forensic anthropological cases. We promote the inclusion of imaging training into the anthropological curricula.The increasing importance of trauma analysis by means of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is insufficiently reflected in forensic curricula, nor are best practice manuals available. We attempt to detect sharp force bone lesions on PMCT of closed forensic cases with the aims of assessing errors and pointing out patterns in anatomical location and manner of death (MOD). We investigated 41 closed sharp force fatality cases, with available PMCT and forensic reports. Two observers with different radiological training assessed the lesions on PMCT scans (2D and 3D) for comparison with the reports. Between 3% (suicides) and 15.3% (homicides) of sharp force injuries caused visible bone lesions. While our observations were repeatable, each forensic investigation left a similar number of bone lesions undetected. Injury patterns differed between MOD, with thoracic bone lesions being most frequent overall. Soft tissue injury location varied between the MOD. Associations between MOD and age as well as number of injuries were significant. The detection of bone lesions on PMCT for untrained forensic specialists is challenging, curricula and pertinent manuals are desirable. With the low frequency of bone lesions compared to soft tissue injuries, we should be aware when analyzing decomposed bodies.

Smile photograph analysis and its connection with focal length as one of identification methods in forensic anthropology and odontology

To positively identify a highly decomposed body forensic experts often use information obtained from the dentition. In this study authors try to employ a method of comparing incisal borders of the anterior teeth from antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) photographs within an experimental scenario with living individuals. The second purpose was to determine how focal length of the lens affects compared smile lines. The research was divided into two stages. In procedure 1, the participants (28 individuals) were asked to provide a photo (for the purpose of the research consideredas "antemortem") in which the anterior teeth were visible. A series of experimental photographs (considered as "postmortem") were then taken trying to reproduce the position of the person's head in relation to "AM" picture as faithfully as possible. The procedure 2 (10 individuals) consisted of taking "AM" photos under controlled conditions using an accidental focal length, then taking "PM" photos using a priori established focal lengths: 18mm, 55mm and 80mm. In both procedures, the final stage involved marking and comparing the incisal borders from "AM" and "PM" photographs. Procedure 1 showed that in 82% of cases the compared smile lines are fully compatible. 11% was marked as "tolerable", and only 2% as "insufficient". Procedure 2 proved that the choice of focal length when taking a PM photograph is significant and that the medium focal lengths (range of 55-85mm) are suggested in case of unknown focal length in AM photo. The results indicate that this method can be reliably applied in forensic cases when AM photographs of deceased are available.

Estimation of stature from length of sternum in adult females of North East Madhya Pradesh - An autopsy based study

Determination of stature is an important step to complete the biological profile of an individual to establish identity particularly in partially skeletonized, dismembered, mutilated, and highly decomposed bodies. The present descriptive observational study was conducted on 50 female cadavers of age more than 25 years brought for medicolegal autopsy in this tertiary care center located in north east Madhya Pradesh. The aim of the present study was to find out a correlation between the lengths of different parts of fresh sternums and stature and derive a simple linear regression equation for stature estimation from the length of the sternum. Simple linear regression formulae were derived by correlating stature with the length of manubrium, length of mesosternum, and the combined length of manubrium and mesosternum. We observed a moderately positive correlation between stature and length of manubrium (R=0.167) and the combined length of manubrium and mesosternum (R=0.207). Amongst all parameters taken into consideration in the present study, stature can be most reliably predicted by the regression equation which is derived from the correlation between stature and the combined length of the manubrium and mesosternum [standard error of estimate (SEE) - 5.85]. Due to lesser values of correlation coefficient and higher SEE, lengths of different parts of the sternum are less reliable in predicting stature than lengths of long bones, hand length, and foot length. The findings of the present study will be useful for rapid estimation of stature in relatively fresh but mutilated bodies or badly decomposed bodies only when long bones are not available or are partially broken and fragmented.