Forensic Practice Research Articles

Interdisciplinary Study on the Peculiarities of Preserving the Mental Health of Minors and Youth in Conditions of Martial Law

According to estimates by experts from the World Health Organization, approximately 10 million citizens in Ukraine may be at risk of mental disorders that are directly associated with post- and long-COVID conditions, as well as the ongoing effects of martial law. These challenges have led to significant changes in the nation’s psycho-neurological and psycho-emotional health. Under ICD-11, recognized risk factors span infections, depression, substance addictions, polydrug use, smoking, and excessive consumption of alcohol or psychoactive substances. In wartime, such mental health disorders can reduce educational attainment, limit athletic performance, and undermine work capacity and professional qualifications. Recognizing the urgent need to address these issues, an interdisciplinary study has been conducted to identify the root causes and the conditions that give rise to mental health challenges among minors and youth. Drawing on forensic medical practice, it emphasizes the necessity of protecting the psychological well-being of the younger population during martial law. In addition, the study clarifies its relevance by examining factors that adversely affect minors and youth, including the stressful impacts of ongoing conflict and restricted access to support systems. It also explores psychological support methods that are both environmentally safe and sanctioned for use in Ukraine. Findings show that when psychologists with specialized training are involved, minors’ and youth mental health is safeguarded. By using evidence-based approaches, they boost resilience and foster healthier outcomes under challenging conditions. Such efforts not only preserve individual well-being but also support the broader goal of sustaining a capable population in times of crisis.

Cohort-based nomogram for forensic prediction of SCD: a single-center pilot study.

Forensic diagnosis of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an extremely important part of routine forensic practice. The present study aimed to develop and validate nomograms for predicting the probability of SCD with special regards to ischemic heart disease-induced SCD (IHD-induced SCD) based on multiple autopsy variables. A total of 3322 cases, were enrolled and randomly assigned into a training cohort (n = 2325) and a validation cohort (n = 997), respectively. Prediction models of SCD and IHD-induced SCD were developed through multivariable logistic regression based on variables selected by LASSO regression or ridge regression, and prediction model with higher area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in the validation cohort was used to establish nomograms. For SCD prediction, discrimination of the nomogram was determined based on the ROC with AUC of 0.751 (95% CI, 0.726-0.775) and 0.735 (95% CI, 0.696-0.774) in the training cohort and validation cohort respectively. The AUC of IHD-induced SCD prediction nomogram in the training cohort and validation cohort were 0.742 (95% CI, 0.716-0.768) and 0.738 (95% CI, 0.698-0.777). To facilitate the use of nomograms in routine casework in forensic practice, web calculators ( https://forensic.shinyapps.io/Forensic_SCD/ , https://forensic.shinyapps.io/Forensic_IHDinducedSCD/ ) were constructed. In conclusion, the present study developed and validated simple and practical nomograms for predicting the probability of SCD and IHD-induced SCD based on multiple autopsy variables. The nomograms have certain efficiency for discrimination and calibration to provide a novel approach to diagnose cause of death, and may become a valuable tool in forensic practice.

Forensic veterinary evaluation of injuries caused by a shot with a smoothbore weapon in domestic dogs

Gunshot injuries in animals are an important subject of forensic veterinary expert opinions. The common occurrence of shootings with hunting weapons in veterinary and forensic practice and the need to determine their cause and effects and to identify the ammunition used, make it necessary to investigate characteristic features of injuries caused by various types of ammunition. This experiment involved shooting research material, i.e. nine carcasses of domestic dogs, with various calibres from distances of 0 m (contact shot), 1.2 m and 10 m. Pellets with diameters of 2.4 mm or 8.45 mm and slugs were used to obtain the full spectrum of injuries that may result from a shot with a smoothbore weapon. Next, colour tests were performed to identify gunshot residues in the area of the wound, as well as imaging tests, i.e. X-ray and CT, necropsy and a histopathological examination of tissues around the entry wound. The results reveal the possibility of extensive injuries to the tissues and bones of victims of gunshot wounds. A thorough analysis of the results of the experiment with projectiles of various calibres indicates that the extent and location of the damage are correlated with the calibre, diameter and bodymass of the pellets, their initial velocity and the distance between the end of the barrel and the object shot.

Age Estimation through Analysis of Suture Synostosis in Forensic Practice: A Mini Review

Age Estimation through Analysis of Suture Synostosis in Forensic Practice: A Mini Review

DIAGNOSTICS OF THE DEGREE OF BLOOD LOSS BY THE METHOD OF STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF MAPS OF OPTICAL ACTIVITY OF THE POLYCRYSTALLINE COMPONENT OF BIOLOGICAL TISSUES AND FLUIDS

The research was conducted to create a reliable and accurate approach to determining the volume of blood loss, which will allow forensic experts to increase objectivity and accuracy in establishing the causes and circumstances of death, as well as assessing the degree of traumatic injuries, and will help ensure more reliable examination results in forensic practice. The aim of the work is to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a method for differential diagnosis of the degree of blood loss in corpses using statistical analysis of optical activity maps of the polycrystalline component of biological tissues and fluids. Material and methods. The study material was brain, kidney and blood samples (n=124) from corpses aged 18 to 60 years with a previously known blood loss volume from 0mm3 to 2500mm3. The study was conducted using the method of multiparametric differential Muller matrix tomography, which allows detecting changes in the structure of polycrystalline elements of biological tissues at different degrees of blood loss. Calculation of digital values was performed using a laser polarimeter of a standard scheme, further statistical processing was performed using MS® Excel® 2010™ and Statistica® 7.0 software. Results. For all studied biological samples, the method demonstrates high sensitivity in the range of blood loss volume from 0 мм³ to 1500 мм³ with an accuracy level of 86%-92%. Within the range of blood loss volume from 2000 мм³ to 2500 мм³ the accuracy of the method decreases to 56%-68%. The maximum level of accuracy is achieved for statistical parameters of kidney samples (SM4↔86%-92%), brain (SM4↔86%-90%) and blood films (SM2↔90%-92%), which characterize the Muller matrix maps of circular birefringence. Conclusions. Based on the conducted study, the high efficiency of the multiparametric Muller matrix differential tomography method in determining the degree of blood loss within the volume of lost blood ∆V=0mm3÷1500mm3 was established. The obtained results demonstrate that this method allows for an objective assessment of structural changes in biological tissues and fluids caused by blood loss. This makes it a unique tool for objectively determining the volume of blood loss.

RESTORATION OF THE PAPILLARY PATTERN OF THE HANDS OF A MUMMIFIED CORPSE FOR FURTHER FINGERPRINTING AND IDENTIFICATION

Identification of a person by papillary patterns is one of the key methods in forensic and criminalistic practice due to the uniqueness and stability of papillary patterns, which do not change during life under the influence of external factors. However, after death, especially with prolonged exposure to the external environment, soft tissues undergo putrefactive changes, mummification or other postmortem transformations, which significantly complicates or makes impossible the procedure of fingerprint identification. Purpose of the study. To analyze and create modern methods for restoring papillary patterns on the fingers of putrefactively changed and mummified corpses, in particular chemical, mechanical and digital technologies. Materials and methods. During the forensic examination of a corpse in a state of late cadaveric changes in the form of mummification and skeletonization, both hands of the corpse were cut off at the level of the radiocarpal joints. After that, the 2nd and 4th fingers of the left hand were cut off at the level of the interphalangeal joints. The 2nd finger of the left hand was placed in Ratnevsky's solution No. 2; the 4th finger of the left hand was placed in the MF24 solution. After the fingers were in the corresponding solutions, they were removed, examined under a trinocular stereomicroscope "RF4-6565pro" and fingerprints were obtained using the classical method. Research results. It was found that after 5 days of exposure to Ratnevsky's solution No. 2, the mummified 2nd finger of the left hand regained its volume, most of the folds straightened, the epidermis completely exfoliated, and the dermis acquired a pale yellow color. To straighten the remaining folds, the finger was pricked with a 50% aqueous solution of glycerin according to the Swenson and Wendel method. During stereomicroscopic examination, the papillary pattern is poorly distinguished due to the flattening of its ridges and furrows. At the same time, the resulting print has poor clarity, low contrast, and there is partially no clear contact in several areas. After 12 hours in the MF24 solution, the mummified 4th finger of the left hand significantly recovered its volume, the soft tissues regained their natural elasticity and firmness, the epidermis was completely exfoliated, the dermis became pale brown, and the residual folds were easily straightened. The resulting print looks structured with clearly visible details, and the mutual arrangement of the details of the pattern structure is preserved over the entire area of the print. An algorithm for restoring mummified fingers of the hands has been developed for further dactyloscopy and comparative research. When comparing the results of the exposure of the severed first, second and fourth fingers of the left hand in the above-described solutions, the soap solution proved to be unsuitable in the conditions of the need for prompt identification of the bodies of servicemen due to the required long exposure time. In turn, the exposure of the mummified severed second finger of the left hand in Ratnevsky solution No. 2 significantly reduced the required exposure time compared to the soap solution, but did not ensure prompt restoration of the papillary pattern. The MF24 solution allows you to reduce the required time for pattern restoration to 12 hours, which significantly speeds up the identification process. The print of the restored fourth finger of the left hand is of higher quality due to a clearer image of the papillary pattern, its contrast and completeness. Conclusions. The described methods for restoring papillary patterns using Ratnevsky solution No. 2 and MF24 solution are generally available, since they do not require expensive chemical compounds and special technical equipment for implementation. This makes them economical and possible for use in all regional forensic medical examination bureaus, regardless of material and technical support.

Navigating Liminality in Evolving Forensic Anthropology Professionalism.

Emerging aspects of professionalism within forensic anthropology, while enhancing the scientific foundation and practice for the discipline, have created liminalistic spaces and experiences in education and training, employment, ethics, and identities that reflect the broader transitional status in the discipline as a whole. These liminal states and problems are discussed in terms of their creation, development, and potential for resolution. They are interpreted within a liminal framework which requires navigation through significant changes in roles, status, and identity in forensic anthropology practice. Recommendations for mitigating the identified deficiencies, ambiguities, and frustrations they produce include expansion of educational training, certification, employment options, and roles and responsibilities, as well as adherence to standards and recognition and promotion of self-care. Successful navigation of these issues will lead to a stronger future for both the discipline and the practitioner.

The Impact of Forensic Accounting on Financial Fraud Prevention: A Comparative Analysis Across Countries

This study examines the impact of forensic accounting on financial fraud prevention through a qualitative comparative analysis across multiple countries. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, the study explores how forensic accounting practices contribute to identifying, mitigating, and deterring financial fraud in diverse regulatory and cultural contexts. Data were gathered from case studies, academic literature, and expert interviews to analyze the effectiveness of forensic accounting tools and techniques in detecting fraudulent activities. The findings indicate that countries with robust forensic accounting frameworks experience lower incidences of financial fraud, highlighting the importance of specialized skills, advanced technologies, and regulatory enforcement. Furthermore, the research underscores the role of cultural and legal differences in shaping the adoption and implementation of forensic accounting practices. For instance, nations with stringent anti-corruption laws and transparency initiatives exhibit a higher integration of forensic accounting in financial monitoring processes. Conversely, countries with weaker institutional frameworks face challenges such as limited access to forensic expertise and inadequate regulatory oversight. This study provides insights into best practices and offers policy recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of forensic accounting globally. By emphasizing the interplay between regulatory structures, cultural norms, and forensic accounting methodologies, this research contributes to the discourse on financial fraud prevention and its implications for global economic stability.

Fluorescence of various buried fresh and fresh-frozen-thawed tissue types up until the point of active decay: a human taphonomy study.

Forensic taphonomy is the study of postmortem changes of human remains for the purpose of answering legal investigative questions. Many variables can affect the pattern and rate of decomposition of remains, posing challenges for taphonomic studies and estimation of the postmortem interval. Given the gap in knowledge regarding the suitability of using frozen remains to extrapolate conclusions to fresh material, investigating the effects of freeze-thaw cycles followed by burial on human remains is vital for forensic practice and taphonomic research. This study explored the impact of a freeze-thaw cycle and subsequent burial on human tissue decomposition under semi-controlled field conditions. Fresh and fresh-frozen-thawed hands were buried at the Amsterdam Research Initiative for Sub-surface Taphonomy and Anthropology for 31.7 to 340.4 accumulated degree days. Decomposition was assessed using fluorescence measurements targeting protein and fluorescent oxidation products, and broader excitation-emission matrix measurements in skin, adipose, and muscle tissue. Decomposition trends varied primarily by treatment group: fresh samples generally aligned with expectations that protein levels would decrease over time while fluorescent oxidation products increased, whereas fresh-frozen samples deviated significantly from these expectations. Significant differences were found between protein and fluorescent oxidation products levels of fresh and fresh-frozen tissue at corresponding time points, indicating this method's potential in determining sample state. However, fluorophore peak monitoring in excitation-emission matrices did not prove useful in establishing decomposition trends or potentially distinguishing between sample states. Despite limitations inherent to pilot and human taphonomy studies, this study clearly demonstrates that differences exist in the decomposition of fresh and fresh-frozen tissue, and that these trends vary slightly by tissue type. We therefore conclude that frozen material cannot be considered a proper substitute for fresh tissue regarding taphonomic processes, and the methods used in this study show promise in being used to differentiate between pre-decomposition treatments.

Lack of gastric emptying at autopsy eleven days after heat trauma in the sauna- a forensic autopsy case report.

A man in his mid-70s passed out in a public 90-degree sauna and remained unconscious for at least half an hour. He suffered third-degree burns to approximately 50% of his body surface area. Despite immediate transport to a burn center and intensive care therapy, he did not regain consciousness and died eleven days later.When the body was opened, the lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen showed changes consistent with the burns, intensive care therapy, and clinically suspected septic shock. The stomach contained approximately 200ml of thickened chyme with coarse vegetable components. Such food components were not seen in the duodenum or in the following intestinal segments.Considering the overall circumstances, the stomach contents must have been the last meal the man had eaten before the sauna session. The problem of reduced gastrointestinal motility in burn patients is clinically recognized. Nevertheless, a complete failure of gastric emptying for eleven days after intensive care therapy has not been described before and shows that the use of gastric contents in forensic practice is inappropriate for drawing conclusions about the time interval between last food intake and death and thus for estimating the time of death.

Effects of Dichloromethane, Nitrate, and Sulfhemoglobin-Induced Substances on Carboxyhemoglobin Detection: A Comprehensive Review.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a common gaseous toxin that causes severe poisoning symptoms. Accurate detection of the formation of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) in the blood is very important for the identification of CO poisoning. In this review, the effects of exogenous toxins, including dichloromethane (DCM), nitrite and hydrogen sulfide, on the determination of COHb by spectrophotometry were summarized by comparing epidemiological data, case studies and analytical methods. The mechanism of the effects of these exogenous poisons on COHb detection is described, and the extent of their influence on the clinical diagnosis and forensic identification of CO poisoning is discussed. We suggest that emergency medicine and forensic science practices need to improve the understanding of these toxins, and optimize clinical diagnosis and evaluation strategies to address the effects of toxins on the determination of COHb.

Digital detectives: Exploring the integration of artificial intelligence in Indian forensic medicine

Forensic Medicine is the application of medical knowledge for law and administration of justice, which involves conducting the medico-legal post-mortem examination, estimation of the age of the individual, victim-accused examination and the study of poisons in all aspects. Many times, minute details of the examination are often missed by the naked eye, especially if the expert is inexperienced or if the autopsy is conducted at night time leading to high numbers of negative or obscure autopsies. As Artificial Intelligence is booming the smoothening of the work in all specialities like finance, administration, transportation, health care and the medical field, its applicability can smoothen the work of forensic medicine experts. It can offer the result more accurately, efficiently, precisely and within no time at low cost as compared to contemporary services. This review explores the applications, benefits, challenges, and prospects of AI in forensic medicine within the Indian context. By examining recent advancements and case studies, this paper aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of AI's impact on forensic practices in India.

Human oral microbiome as forensic biomarkers for individual identification: A systematic review

: The oral microbiome is a promising and novel source of biomarkers for forensic identification. It offers distinct signatures that may differentiate individuals, sparking new avenues of research and discovery.: This systematic review is meticulously designed to comprehensively consolidate current research on oral microbiome signatures in forensic contexts, leaving no stone unturned in our quest for knowledge. It focuses explicitly on microbial diversity, community structure, and specific taxa as potential markers for individual identification.s: To identify relevant studies published between 2014 and 2024, a comprehensive search of major scientific databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed articles investigating oral microbiome diversity and specific microbial markers relevant to forensic individual identification. These studies were employed to evaluate the reliability and consistency of these biomarkers across diverse populations and environmental conditions.: The review included 13 studies that met the criteria, revealing significant associations between specific oral microbial taxa and individual identification. This systematic review highlighted consistent discriminatory power and stability of microbial signatures across varied populations.: Oral microbiome analysis is promising to enhance forensic investigations by providing unique biomarkers for individual identification. However, challenges such as standardization of microbiome studies and influences of environmental factors on microbiome underscore the need for further research to validate and effectively implement oral microbiome data in forensic practice.

Delphi study and qualitative analysis to establish domains, core competencies, and content in forensic nursing pedagogy

BACKGROUND: The American Nurses Association designated forensic nursing (FN) a specialty in 1995. Nursing schools subsequently adopted Lynch's theoretical framework. Inconsistent sub-specialty-focused graduate education emerged, creating difficult-to-compare early programs of study. AIMS: Update FN domains, descriptions of and context for FN practices, core competencies, and sub-competencies with content for graduate curricula, align FN with new AACN Essentials, and create a certification foundation. METHODS: Methods include the mini-Delphi design (Estimate-Talk-Estimate), with Nominal Group Techniques methods, Cognitive Task Analysis, and NVivo™ qualitative analysis of experts' virtual recordings. The FN sample (N=126) included educators-clinicians, who gathered face-to-face (2002-4, 2014) and virtually (2020-22). RESULTS: The 2002-04 results informed the 2014 meeting, validating major knowledge pillars (legal foundations, forensic science, and nursing science). Analysis of 2020-2022 data named key domains, descriptions of and context for practice, core competencies, sub-competencies, concepts, and content in forensic nurse science and practice. The research included qualitative analysis of participant conversations, naming key content for each pillar. CONCLUSIONS: The 20-year Delphi study transformed knowledge integration for competent future Generalist and Advanced Forensic Nurse education and practice. The study confirmed Lynch’s thesis, three pillars of knowledge, and aligned FN core competencies with AACN Essentials and other national nursing publications, naming common practices, essential for all FNs. The study’s derivation of scientific content, important for certifications, arose from qualitative analysis of expert conversations, implying that as FN science evolves, the diverse practice roles of the FN mature with a common and basic core for application in all FN practices.

A rapid identification system for vaginal fluid stains based on nested recombinant polymerase amplification and lateral flow dipstick.

In forensic practice, identifying the species of unknown bodily fluid stains can provide assistance in the qualitative analysis and investigation of cases, and vaginal fluid stains, as one of the common bodily fluid stains, are most commonly seen at the scene of sexual assault. At present, the commonly used vaginal peptidase or microscopic detection methods currently have drawbacks such as high false negative rates, poor sensitivity, and high requirements for sample integrity and background color. However, in forensic investigations, the test materials have specificity and scarcity, making it difficult to ensure their quantity and quality. Thus, in order to achieve rapid and sensitive detection of vaginal fluid stains, in this study, we combined nested PCR and isothermal amplification technology to construct a rapid detection system for suspicious vaginal fluid stains using lateral flow dipstick. This system achieves detection by detecting the specific marker microbial community Lactobacillus crispatus in vaginal fluid, and has a high sensitivity and accuracy, which can achieve detection at template quantities as low as 2.31 copies. More importantly, the system can achieve detection at a constant temperature of 37°C without the need for complex instruments. It can provide rapid and sensitive identification results, providing assistance for subsequent forensic material extraction and individual identification.

Complex kinship testing using the MGIEasy Pa-SNPs genotyping kit.

Disaster victim identification and criminal investigations have intensified the demand of complex kinship testing. Compared to close relatives, distant relatives share fewer identical-by-descent genetic segments; therefore, more genetic markers are required to improve the system effectiveness. Driven by the progress of next-generation sequencing, several commercial or in-house panels, including a large number of genetic markers, have been developed and applied in forensic caseworks. However, few efficient panels are available for first cousins (FC) kinship testing. Here, we adopted the MGIEasy Pa-SNPs genotyping kit, a two-step multiplex PCR strategy to detect 2,009 SNPs, and evaluated their system effectiveness in complex kinship analysis. Samples from 10,000 pairs of relatives and unrelated individuals were simulated to evaluate the system power. Simultaneously, real samples were used to further confirm this, including 72 pairs of full siblings (FS), 52 pairs of uncle/aunt/-niece/nephew (UN), 92 pairs of FC, 79 pairs of first cousin once removed (1C1R), and 780 pairs of unrelated individuals. The results showed that this kit was sufficiently powerful in FS, UN, and FC versus unrelated kinship testing and could also discriminate part of 1C1R relatives against unrelated individuals. This method was also powerful in the kinship determination of FS versus UN, FS versus FC, FS versus 1C1R, and UN versus 1C1R kinship testing but had limited power to determine UN versus FC and FC versus 1C1R relationships. This study provides an effective strategy and guidance for complex kinship analysis in forensic practice.

Nosocomial Bacterial Bronchopneumonia and SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia in Patients with Traumatic Injuries: Imaging Aspects and Macroscopic and Microscopic Findings of Lung Tissue.

Patients with traumatic injuries often represent the best hosts for healthcare-associated infections, especially pneumonia or bronchopneumonia. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic raised serious problems in the diagnosis and treatment of patients that had a SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated nosocomial bacterial bronchopneumonia. In forensic medicine, these aspects need to be considered when establishing the cause of death and the distinction between the two types of bronchopneumonia is of particular importance. We present nine cases that were autopsied at the Institute of Forensic Medicine Timisoara between 1 June 2020 and 31 December 2021, that presented traumatic injuries, a SARS-CoV-2 infection, and bronchopneumonia. We focused on the main findings of the macroscopic and microscopic aspects of lung tissues. We consider that the aspects we highlighted in this study, can be very useful in forensic practice in cases with a pluri-factorial pathology.

Autopsy-Based Cross-Sectional Observational Study On Carotid Artery Injury In Non-Penetrative Neck Trauma

Background: Non-penetrative neck trauma poses a significant risk of carotid artery injury, which can lead to severe consequences. Diagnosis of carotid artery injury in non-penetrative trauma remains challenging due to delayed clinical presentation. Research on non-penetrative mechanisms of injury is relatively less common compared to penetrating trauma. This study aims to analyse patterns of vascular injuries in compression injuries to the neck, focusing on non-penetrative trauma. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Forensic Medicine Department of Government Stanley medical college, Chennai, over a one-year period, analysing 150 cases of non-penetrative neck trauma. Post-mortem data, including gross and histopathological findings, were collected and analysed. Results & Discussion: Among the 150 cases studied, hanging was the most prevalent cause of blunt cervical trauma. The majority of cases affected individuals were between the age group 21 and 40 years, with male preponderance. Gross examination revealed intimal tears in a proportion of cases, with histopathological examination identifying a higher prevalence of injuries. Posterior knot ligatures were predominant in both complete and partial hanging cases, correlating with a higher incidence of carotid body hemorrhage. The association between posterior knot position and carotid body hemorrhage emphasizes specific vulnerabilities in hanging cases. Conclusion: The findings of the study emphasize the importance of forensic investigations in identifying vascular injuries, guiding injury prevention strategies, and informing medicolegal proceedings. Further research is needed to enhance diagnostic and management approaches in clinical and forensic practice.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Age-Related Changes in Knowledge and Perception of Medico-Legal Autopsies.

Our study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of medical students, residents, and the general public towards medicolegal autopsies in Northern region, India, in the year 2023. Significant disparities were identified in knowledge perspectives, influenced by age. Younger adults, particularly those falling in the age group of 20-29 years showed higher levels of knowledge (35.33%) about autopsies as compared to the older adults falling in the age group of 60 and above showed lower levels of knowledge (100%). Overall, 802 participants (72.6%) had a negative perception in regards to medicolegal autopsy while 302 participants (27.4%)​had a positive perception towards medico legal autopsy. This research study highlights the varying levels of knowledge and perception towards medicolegal autopsies among different age groups, emphasizing the need for targeted educational strategies to bridge the knowledge gaps and calls for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to build public trust, advance forensic medicine practices, and improve public health outcomes.

Myositis Ossificans of the Thighs Due to Repeated Assault: A Case Report

Myositis ossificans (MO) is defined as a lesion where abnormal ossification forms in soft tissues, such as muscle, fascia, and ligament, usually as a result of trauma. It commonly appears in areas such as the thigh, hip, and elbow, though it can affect any part of the body. In the forensic field, MO resulting from trauma is reported to be valuable evidence of repeated physical abuse. This case report describes a deceased adult male with an intellectual disability, whose cause of death was multiple injuries from assault. Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and autopsy findings revealed MO of both thighs associated with repeated physical abuse. This case also showed typical findings of MO on PMCT imaging, characterized by well-defined, high-density lesions within the quadriceps. Adults with intellectual disabilities are at high risk of abuse and assault. Therefore, autopsy findings of MO can serve as important evidence in forensic practice, considering the possibility of repeated abuse.