Forensic Implications Research Articles

Forensic Implications of Anatomical Education and Surgical Training With Cadavers.

Anatomical education and surgical training with cadavers are usually considered an appropriate method of teaching, above all for all surgeons at various levels. Indeed, in such a way they put into practice and exercise a procedure before performing it live, reducing the learning curve in a safe environment and the risks for the patients. Really, up to now it is not clear if the nonuse of the cadavers for anatomical education and surgical training can have also forensic implications. A substantial literature research was used for this review, based on PubMed and Web of Science database. From this review, it is clear that the cadaveric training could be considered mandatory, both for surgeons and for medical students, leading to a series of questions with forensic implications. Indeed, there are many evidences that a cadaver lab can improve the learning curve of a surgeon, above all in the first part of the curve, in which frequent and severe complications are possible. Consequently, a medical responsibility for residents and surgeons which perform a procedure without adequate training could be advised, but also for hospital, that has to guarantee a sufficient training for its surgeons and other specialists through cadaver labs. Surely, this type of training could help to improve the practical skills of surgeons working in small hospitals, where some procedures are rare. Cadaver studies can permit a better evaluation of safety and efficacy of new surgical devices by surgeons, avoiding using patients as ≪guinea pigs≫. Indeed, a legal responsibility for a surgeon and other specialists could exist in the use of a new device without an apparent regulatory oversight. For a good medical practice, the surgeons should communicate to the patient the unsure procedural risks, making sure the patients' full understanding about the novelty of the procedure and that they have used this technique on few, if any, patients before. Cadaver training could represent a shortcut in the standard training process, increasing both the surgeon learning curve and patient confidence. Forensic clinical anatomy can supervise and support all these aspects of the formation and of the use of cadaver training.

Psychological and Forensic Challenges Regarding Youth Consumption of Pornography: A Narrative Review

Nowadays, technology has become part of the daily activities of a large part of the population. Many of the activities and development and socialization processes of minors and young people have been transferred to the online world, generating attention and concern from the educational, scientific, and forensic communities. One of the most worrying issues derived from this new online world is the consumption of pornography by teens. The objective of this literature review is to draw attention to the consequences and emotional disturbances derived from the consumption of pornography in young people, as well as the forensic implications of this phenomenon, among which are paraphilias, perpetration, and victimization of sexual assaults, and the development of new forms of online sexual victimization. The main findings suggest that the first contact with pornography starts at the age of 8 years old, with important behavioral and psychological consequences, such as hypersexualization, emotional disturbances, and the perpetuation of gender inequality. Furthermore, pornography consumption by youth has been linked to the exacerbation of paraphilias, an increase in sexual aggression perpetration and victimization, and, finally, it has been linked to an increase in online sexual victimization. Implications and future lines of research are discussed.

Laser assisted sampling vs direct desorption flowing atmospheric pressure afterglow mass spectrometry of complex polymer samples: Forensic implications for pressure sensitive tape chemical analysis

Flowing atmospheric pressure afterglow (FAPA) mass spectrometry (MS) is an easy-to-use, cost-effective, and potentially portable technique that allows direct desorption/ionization from samples with little-to-no sample preparation for real-time chemical analysis. However, it has limitations regarding analytes with low desorption efficiency, such as polymers. Here, laser assisted sampling (LAS) is developed and coupled to FAPA MS to allow access to a wider range of chemical information from polymer samples. This is achieved through laser-induced pyrolysis conditions that provide a much higher degree of spatio-temporal control compared to typical pyrolysis techniques. LAS FAPA MS, together with direct desorption FAPA MS, is implemented on pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape samples, which are often found at crime scenes and recovered as forensic evidence. Comparative PSA tape examination is typically performed to assess any differences in the comparison of unknown and known samples and provide an evidentiary association between suspects and crime scenes in forensic applications. PSA tape samples from several manufacturers of duct, masking, and electrical tape were analyzed from the adhesive and backing side. Direct desorption FAPA provides top-surface selectivity and the tape mass spectra are dominated by more peaks at lower m/z, many of which correspond to polymer additives. LAS gives access to sampling from all of the tape layers and the FAPA mass spectra is extended to higher m/z, while polymer fragmentation patterns are evident. Principal components analysis (PCA) was implemented to assess the ability of each technique to distinguish and categorize identified tape classes within the sampled population. The complementary nature of the resulting mass spectra from direct desorption vs LAS FAPA was evident from the PCA as different tape brands sub-sets were discriminated by each technique. The differentiation obtained by combining both methods is already competitive, or better, than conventional techniques, with the additional benefits of AMS.

Evaluation of Sexual Dimorphism in Schneider Membrane Thickness Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) for its Clinical and Forensic Implications

Sinus augmentation requires careful manipulation of the Schneider membrane. Perforation of the membrane can be a challenging complication. The objective of this study is to evaluate the sexual dimorphism of Schneider membrane (sinus membrane) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging modality and discuss its clinical applications vis-a-vis the sinus lift procedure for dental implants and also its forensic implications. One hundred CBCT scans in the maxillary first molar region of fifty men and fifty women in the age group of 25–50 years were examined at two standardized points on the floor and lateral wall of maxillary sinus, and its mean was obtained. Measurements were taken for thickness of sinus membrane at most prominent antero-posterior and mesio-distal dimensions. The mean sinus membrane thickness and correlation in age groups (25–35 and 36–50 years) of both the genders were evaluated statistically. The results showed a thicker sinus membrane in women, especially in 36–50 age group than that of men. This study correlates the thickness of the sinus membrane with gender dimorphism and delves on its association with the risk of perforation during sinus lift procedures and also its forensic implications.

Overview of Synthetic Cannabinoids ADB-FUBINACA and AMB-FUBINACA: Clinical, Analytical, and Forensic Implications.

ADB-FUBINACA and AMB-FUBINACA are two synthetic indazole-derived cannabinoid receptor agonists, up to 140- and 85-fold more potent, respectively, than trans-∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), the main psychoactive compound of cannabis. Synthesised in 2009 as a pharmaceutical drug candidate, the recreational use of ADB-FUBINACA was first reported in 2013 in Japan, with fatal cases being described in 2015. ADB-FUBINACA is one of the most apprehended and consumed synthetic cannabinoid (SC), following AMB-FUBINACA, which emerged in 2014 as a drug of abuse and has since been responsible for several intoxication and death outbreaks. Here, we critically review the physicochemical properties, detection methods, prevalence, biological effects, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of both drugs. When smoked, these SCs produce almost immediate effects (about 10 to 15 s after use) that last up to 60 min. They are rapidly and extensively metabolised, being the O-demethylated metabolite of AMB-FUBINACA, 2-(1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide)-3-methylbutanoic acid, the main excreted in urine, while for ADB-FUBINACA the main biomarkers are the hydroxdimethylpropyl ADB-FUBINACA, hydroxydehydrodimethylpropyl ADB-FUBINACA and hydroxylindazole ADB-FUBINACA. ADB-FUBINACA and AMB-FUBINACA display full agonism of the CB1 receptor, this being responsible for their cardiovascular and neurological effects (e.g., altered perception, agitation, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, loss of consciousness and memory, chest pain, hypertension, tachycardia, seizures). This review highlights the urgent requirement for additional studies on the toxicokinetic properties of AMB-FUBINACA and ADB-FUBINACA, as this is imperative to improve the methods for detecting and quantifying these drugs and to determine the best exposure markers in the various biological matrices. Furthermore, it stresses the need for clinicians and pathologists involved in the management of these intoxications to describe their findings in the scientific literature, thus assisting in the risk assessment and treatment of the harmful effects of these drugs in future medical and forensic investigations.

Groundwater source evaluation and quality checks, for drinking and irrigation uses in Eha-Amufu and environs, Eastern Nigeria

The research assesses the suitability of groundwater in Eha-Ndiagu and its Environs, astern Nigeria, for domestic and irrigation uses by analyzing the physicochemical, heavy metal, and bacteriological parameters in the area. The physicochemical analysis revealed that the groundwater is anthropologically contaminated by sewage and agricultural wastes.The forensic relevance and health implications of parameters with comparison to their respective recommended standards were elaborated. The parameter associations such as E coli, Chloride, Nitrate and total coliform counts were used to unravel sewage source of contamination while phosphate,nitrate and potassium were diagnostic of agricultural contamination Based on the conventional water quality index calculations, 60% of the water samples indicates poor water quality while 8% are within the good water range and 32% are within the very poor water range, and this finding was attributed to the presence of faecal and total coliform in the groundwater of the study area. MAR, PI, KR, SAR, and SSP were used to assess the groundwater suitability for irrigation use, and their respective spatial distribution maps were integrated and superimposed, for the production of an irrigation suitability map for the study area, delineating areas with poor, fair and good groundwater quality suitable for irrigation purposes. The map shows that about 95% of the groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation purposes while 5% are unsuitable.

Trauma- and stressor-related disorders in survivors from a shipwreck: a short report on forensic implications.

On January 2012 the Costa Concordia cruise ship sank after hitting an underwater rock off Isola del Giglio, in Tuscany, this resulting in a number of deaths and injuries. After the disaster, several survivors developed psychological disturbances. This led to medico-legal evaluations aimed at assessing the psychiatric sequelae of the accident in order to quantify the permanent biological impairment and the related compensations. In the present manuscript we provide an overview of the results of clinical and medico-legal evaluations performed between 2013 and 2019 on 177 survivors complaining psychological disturbances. The most frequently diagnosed condition was Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD; n=90), followed by Acute Stress Disorder (n=37), Adjustment Disorders (n=29) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (n=5). The results of such evaluations are consistent with evidence indicating the risk of developing PTSD and other trauma- and stressor-related disorders among disaster survivors; further, they highlight the potential relevance in the forensic context of individual elements increasing or decreasing the possibility to develop PTSD among subjects exposed to similar life threatening experiences.

The Relationship between Suggestibility, Fabrication, Distortion, and Trauma in Suspected Sexually Abused Children

Being a victim of abuse in childhood can lead to the development of trauma-related psychopathology, which could affect the testimony of the child victim. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a factor that can increase both the levels of suggestibility and the production of memory errors, such as confabulations, which can be identified in distortions and fabrications. No studies have analyzed the relationship between suggestibility, fabrications, distortions, and PTSD on samples of children and adolescents suspected of being sexually abused. This study aims to verify in a sample of 221 sexually abused children and adolescents the effect of PTSD, measured by Trauma Symptoms Checklist for Children, in increasing the levels of immediate and delayed suggestibility and the production of fabrications and distortions in immediate and delayed memory tasks, obtained by Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale 2, controlling age and non-verbal intelligence. Our results show that PTSD increases the levels of immediate and delayed suggestibility, but it has no effect on memory recall in immediate recall tasks. Moreover, PTSD leads to a greater number of distorted and fabricated information inserted in delayed memory. Forensic implications of PTSD consequences on memory tasks and suggestibility levels of sexually abused children are discussed.

Forensic Notion of the Trauma-Related Dissociation

Research and clinical experience reveals that severe traumatisation may cause development of Complex Trauma Syndrome (complex PTSD) with the trauma-related dissociation, which is often associated to the severe violence or crimes. Unlike other types of the dissociation or dissociative disorders, this subject matter is the most relevant to forensic psychiatry as severely traumatised individuals (with a history of dissociation) are often subjects of the court proceedings—dissociation has legal repercussions for relevance to the legal constructs of the accused’s responsibility for the wrongdoing. Trauma victim’s behaviour during dissociative flashbacks is quite unpremeditated and uncharacteristic, and does not appear to be an alternative motive as the most individuals experience amnesia for the episode, nor they are aware of the re-enacted trauma experiences. This article provides views and nature of the trauma-related dissociation and its forensic implications on trauma victim legal standing.

The forensic implications of the relationship between the proteolytic enzymes activity and the changes in NADH and FAD fluorescence intensity in skeletal muscle when determining the time of death (experimental study)

Evaluation of the relationship between the activity of proteolytic enzymes (cathepsin D and calpains) and the dynamics of the fluorescence intensity of the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in the rats' skeletal muscles in relation to the time of death. The proteolytic activity of enzymes in rat skeletal muscle was determined at the postmortem time points corresponding to the most significant changes in the dynamics of coenzymes NADH and FAD fluorescence intensity. The proteolytic enzymes activity was found to be low during the period of increasing intensity of NADH fluorescence observed within 3 hours after death. An increase in the activity of proteolytic enzymes was registered in 4.5 hours after death which corresponds to the initial point of decrease in NADH fluorescence intensity. In 24 hours post-mortem, corresponding to increased FAD fluorescence intensity a significant decrease in the activity of calpains was found. The results of the study suggest that the nature of the postmortem dynamics of the fluorescence intensity of coenzymes is largely due to the peculiarities of intracellular proteolysis. The study results suggest that the pattern of post mortem changes in coenzyme fluorescence intensity is largely attributable to the specifics of intracellular proteolysis. The relationship between coenzyme fluorescence and molecular mechanisms of cell death confirms the viability and feasibility of laser-induced spectroscopy for post-mortem changes assessment when determining the time of death.

Preliminary observation on the lepidopteran colonization on rat and rabbit carcasses in Malaysia.

The immature stages of necrophagous insects such as Diptera and Coleoptera play a vital ecological role in carrion decomposition. These invertebrates reduce the necromass significantly through consumption and recycle nutrients into organic forms which are readily being used by autotrophs or served as an abiotic storage in the soil ecosystem. Fly and beetle larvae are frequently encountered decomposers on ephemeral resource patches; however, lepidopterans associated with carrion decomposition is seldom reported. Here, we report colonization of Monopis sp. (Tineidae) and an unknown species of Psychidae on a rat carcass, and a Lithosiini caterpillar (Arctiidae) on a rabbit carcass in Peninsular Malaysia for the first time. The feeding behaviour and their potential forensic implications are discussed.

Sexual dimorphism and its forensic implications in human lanugo and vellus hair

Sexual dimorphism and its forensic implications in human lanugo and vellus hair

Adult memory for specific instances of a repeated event: a preliminary review

In cases of repeated victimisation, a complainant’s statement of abuse, and therefore memory, is often critical evidence for forensic investigations and legal proceedings. It is therefore important to understand the functioning of adults’ memory for repeated events. As such, the purpose of this paper was to review the extant literature on adult memory for instances of a repeated event. The results of the review revealed a small number of heterogeneous studies on adult repeated-event memory (N = 12). The literature so far shows that while adults might have difficulty in recalling information specific to instances (narrow accuracy), they are capable of remembering information across multiple instances (broad accuracy). It was also found that several factors may impact recall of instances including age, the number of experienced instances, rehearsing an event, repeated retrieval and event distinctiveness. The discussion highlights the forensic implications of this research and future research directions.

May I Speak Freely? The Difficulty in Vocal Identity Processing Across Free and Scripted Speech

In the fields of face recognition and voice recognition, a growing literature now suggests that the ability to recognize an individual despite changes from one instance to the next is a considerable challenge. The present paper reports on one experiment in the voice domain designed to determine whether a change in the mere style of speech may result in a measurable difficulty when trying to discriminate between speakers. Participants completed a speaker discrimination task to pairs of speech clips, which represented either free speech or scripted speech segments. The results suggested that speaker discrimination was significantly better when the style of speech did not change compared to when it did change, and was significantly better from scripted than from free speech segments. These results support the emergent body of evidence suggesting that within-identity variability is a challenge, and the forensic implications of such a mild change in speech style are discussed.

The contact area of static and dynamic footprints: Forensic implications

When found at crime scenes, footprints may be evidentially valuable and can assist with the identity of a perpetrator based on their features and/or measurements. Footprints can be either static (made while standing) or dynamic (made while walking). While extensive research has been performed on the linear measurements obtained from static and dynamic footprints, research on the comparisons between the contact area of static and dynamic footprints in the forensic context are limited. The present study compares the contact area of static and dynamic bare footprints to determine if statistically significant differences exist between the two. Static and dynamic footprints were obtained from a sample of randomly-selected 461 Jatt Sikh adults (230 males and 231 females) of Indian origin between the ages of 19 and 32 years. The footprint contact area was calculated from each footprint (excluding the toes) using a PedoGRID® sheet. No statistically significant differences were observed between the contact area of static and dynamic footprints for each foot among males and females. However, statistically significant differences between both the sexes were found in the footprint contact areas of both footprint types. The right dynamic footprint contact area was found to be the most predictive measurement for classifying and estimating sex from a footprint’s contact area. The study has implications in the analysis of footprints recovered from crime scenes.

Accuracy of Deciduous and Permanent Molar Teeth in Gender determination of Egyptian Children: Dental and Forensic Implications

Forensic odontology is an investigative aspect of dentistry that apply dental knowledge for legal issues including identification of unknown human bodies or remains. Sexual dimorphism of permanent teeth measurements has been extensively studied but, no studies involved pediatric age group with mixed deciduous and permanent dentition. The aim of this study was to determine accuracy of maxillary and mandibular deciduous and permanent molar teeth in sex determination in a sample of Egyptian children. Additionally, to estimate crown size of mandibular permanent first molar from mandibular deciduous second molar. A sample of 210 male and female children aged 6-12-years, in mixed dentition stage. Mesio-distal (MD) crown diameters of maxillary and mandibular permanent first molars and deciduous second molars were measured by a digital caliper. The mean MD crown diameter of both Rt maxillary and mandibular permanent first molars was significantly higher in males than females (10.29±.31 vs10.00±.60 and 11.01±.51 vs10.71±.60 respectively, p < 0.001). Furthermore, Rt and Lt mandibular deciduous second molars exhibited significantly larger mean MD diameter in males (9.94±.44 and 9.98±.42) than females (9.71±.46 and9.74±.46). Further, Simple linear regression revealed new equations for prediction of crown size of mandibular Rt permanent first molar from mandibular Rt deciduous second molar. Odontometric study of deciduous and permanent molar teeth showed poor accuracy in sex determination. They can be used in conjunction with other traits to establish gender accurately. Furthermore, this work presented new equations that will be helpful in estimating crown size of mandibular permanent first molar from mandibular deciduous second molar.

Morphometric analysis of coracoid process of scapula with special emphasis on its clinical and forensic implications

Morphometric analysis of coracoid process of scapula with special emphasis on its clinical and forensic implications

Morphometric Study of Hyoid Bone and its forensic implication

Background: Hyoid bone, the bone of anterior neck is significant in forensic medicine as it presents the sexual dimorphism. Also, the measurement can be quick and easy. This study was conducted with the aim of finding the exact morphometry of hyoid bone and its relationship with sex and height of individual via cadaveric study so that it can aid in forensic investigation as well as archaeological studies.&#x0D; Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted on 60 hyoid bones (36 male and 24 female) in the Department of Anatomy from 2013 to 2016. Fine dissection was done to get the hyoid bone during the practical of Neck for MBBS and BDS students. The damaged, abnormal and unfused hyoid bones were excluded. Before the dissection, sex and approximate age of the cadaver was recorded. The ethical approval was taken from the department. The 12 major anthropometric measurements were taken on each hyoid bone using digital Vernier Calipers, and electronic weighing machine. The mean, standard deviation were calculated, and t-test was used as a statistical tool to compare the mean, and Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to see the association. The p-value &lt;.05 was considered significant.&#x0D; Result: Total of 60 hyoid bones were studied in this study, out of which 36(60%) were male. The average length of all 12 major parameters of the hyoid bone were found to be significantly greater in male than in female. Moreover, the length of the cadaver (height) had significantly correlated with the&#x0D; Conclusion: All the anthropometric measurements of hyoid bone were significantly greater in males than in females. Moreover, the height of the person had strong positive correlation with the vertical breadth and transverse length of the body of hyoid bone. The anthropometrical parameters of hyoid bone can be used for forensic investigation as well as archeological studies.

The relationship between trauma symptoms and immediate and delayed suggestibility in children who have been sexually abused

AbstractThere is general absence of research about the relationship between trauma symptoms and immediate and delayed suggestibility in children who have been sexually abused. The participants were 134 children aged between 7 and 17 years with a history of reported sexual abuse. All children completed the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (2), a non‐verbal IQ test, and The University of California at Los Angeles Child/Adolescent Reaction Index for post‐traumatic stress (UCLA‐PTSD‐RI‐5). Delayed suggestibility was measured after a 1 week delay. A Hierarchical Regression showed that trauma symptoms accounted overall for 43.4% of the variance in delayed suggestibility after controlling for age, sex, IQ, and immediate recall (a large effect size). There was a small shared variance between trauma and immediate suggestibility (low effect size). The findings strongly suggest that the severity of trauma symptoms impact more on delayed than immediate suggestibility. The theoretical and forensic implications are discussed.

Clinical-Forensic Autopsy Findings to Defeat COVID-19 Disease: A Literature Review.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 was identified for the first time in China, in December 2019. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported around the world; indeed, this infection has been declared a pandemic. Consequently, the scientific community is working hard to gain useful information about the history of this virus, its transmission, diagnosis, clinical features, radiological findings, research and development of candidate therapeutics as well as vaccines. This review aims to analyze the diagnostic techniques used to ascertain the COVID-19 infection, critically reviewing positive points and criticism for forensic implications, obviously including autopsy. Finally, this review proposes a practical workflow to be applied in the management of corpses during this outbreak of the COVID-19 infection, which could be useful in cases of future infectious disease emergencies. Analyzing the diagnostic methods, to date, virus nucleic acid RT-PCR represents the standard method used to ascertain the COVID-19 infection in living subjects and corpses, even if this technique has several criticisms: mainly, the staff should be highly specialized, working in high-throughput settings, able to handle high workloads and aware of health risks and the importance of the results. Thus, IgG/IgM serological tests have been developed, overcoming RT-qPCR duration, costs, and management, not requiring highly trained personnel. Nevertheless, serological tests present problems; the WHO recommends the use of these new point-of-care immunodiagnostic tests only in research settings. Furthermore, nothing has yet been published regarding the possibility of applying these methods during post-mortem investigations. In light of this scenario, in this review, we suggest a flow chart for the pathologist called on to ascertain the cause of death of a subject with historical and clinical findings of COVID-19 status or without any anamnestic, diagnostic, or exposure information. Indeed, the literature data confirmed the analytical vulnerabilities of the kits used for laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19, particularly during postmortem examinations. For these reasons, autopsy remains the gold standard method to ascertain the exact cause of death (from or with COVID-19 infection, or other causes), to consequently provide real data for statistical evaluations and to take necessary measures to contain the risks of the infection. Moreover, performing autopsies could provide information on the pathogenesis of the COVID-19 infection with obvious therapeutic implications.