Postmortem Injuries Research Articles

Forensic significance of VOCs profiling in decayed ante- and post-mortem injuries by GC×GC-TOF/MS.

Accurately identifying and differentiating the types of injuries in decomposed corpses is a major challenge in forensic identification. Forensic investigations involving decomposed cadavers pose challenges in determining the cause of death. Traditional methods often lack conclusive evidence. However, the implementation of advanced analytical techniques, such as comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOF/MS), shows promise in overcoming these limitations, but the potential in this area remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to bridge this gap by exploring the potential of GC × GC-TOF/MS in the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) changes within decaying ante- and post-mortem injuries.The research emphasizes the forensic significance of VOCs changes in decomposed cadavers. We used GC × GC-TOF/MS analysis to identify the specific volatile compounds in putrefied corpse tissue samples from mice. The GC × GC-TOF/MS analysis results showed that under winter conditions, PC1 explained 57.16% of the variance, and PC2 explained 25.23% of the variance; while under summer conditions, PC1 explained 71.89% of the variance, and PC2 explained 24.49% of the variance. This demonstrates the potential of GC × GC-TOF/MS in identifying specific VOCs present in tissue samples that can serve as potential biomarkers for distinguishing between antemortem and postmortem injury. GC × GC-TOF/MS analysis revealed distinct VOC patterns in both conditions. Comprehensive use of GC × GC-TOF/MS analysis enhances accuracy in identifying and characterizing ante- and post-mortem injuries in decomposed cadavers. This study can significantly contribute to the field of forensic medicine and improve the accuracy of forensic investigations.

Lateral Ankle Ligaments: An Insight Into Their Functional Anatomy, Variations, and Surgical Importance.

Ankle sprains are prevalent injuries leading to functional impairment. The lateral ankle ligament complex (LLC), comprising the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL), and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), is weak and prone to injury. The morphometric data of these ligaments are essential for orthopedic practices, including techniques like direct repair or ATFL reconstruction with autograft/allograft, which are limited in the literature. The present study aims to document the anatomy and morphometry of the LLC. Fifteen adult Indian-origin embalmed cadavers were selected for the study. Ankles with antemortem or postmortem injuries or previous surgical interventions were excluded from the study. After precise dissection of the ankle's anterior and lateral aspects as per Cunningham's dissection manual, ligaments were exposed. Length and width were measured using a digital vernier caliper. Morphological attributes such as shape, orientation, and inter-fiber angles were documented. The most common shape in ATFL was a single band (53.33%). Inner ATFL fibers merged with the ankle joint capsule in 73.33%. ATFL mean length and width were 14 ± 2.4 mm and 7.6 ± 2.0 mm. The angle between the fibula's long axis and ATFL fibers was 107 ± 22°, and the angle between tibiotalar joint lines and parallel ATFL fibers was 30 ± 9.5°. A single band of CFL was predominant (73.33%). The mean length and width ofCFL were 18.4 ± 3.9 mm and 5.2 ± 1.3 mm; the angle between the anterior fibula border's long axes and parallel CFL line was 131°. PTFL length was 20.9 ± 3.3 mm and width was 6.2 ± 1.4 mm. The mean length and width of the anterior inferior talofibular ligament (AiTFL) were 11.7 ± 2.6 mm and 9.5 ± 1.6 mm, and of the posterior inferior talofibular ligament (PiTFL) were 12.8 ± 2.1 mm and 10.4 ± 2 mm. Comprehensive knowledge of these ligaments' anatomy and relationships is vital for clinical examination and ultrasonography. Understanding LLCdetails aids radiologists and orthopedic surgeons in graft selection, sizing, and precise anatomical structure placement during surgical reconstruction.

The Role of Forensic Anthropology in Mass Disasters

The Function of Criminal Justice in situations involving widespread disasters, forensic anthropology is essential to the identification and handling of human remains. Forensic anthropologists play a crucial role in victim identification procedures following natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and major accidents. Their expertise guarantees precise and considerate treatment of the corpses. Their proficiency encompasses not only the retrieval and scrutiny of skeletal remains but also the amalgamation of anthropological information with further forensic proof, such DNA analysis and dental records. This review looks at the various ways that forensic anthropology contributes to mass catastrophe response. The use of skeletal analysis techniques to ascertain the age, sex, ancestry, and stature of unidentified remains is one of the key areas of study. Trauma analysis is a tool used by forensic anthropologists to distinguish between pre-, peri-, and postmortem injuries. This helps them piece together the events leading up to the death. The field of forensic anthropology plays a vital role in mass disaster response by offering essential knowledge that facilitates precise identification and enhances the overall effectiveness of disaster management initiatives. As methods and procedures are developed further, forensic anthropologists will be better equipped to handle the difficulties of victim identification in such difficult situations. The assessment also looks at the logistical difficulties that arise in cases of major disasters, such as the requirement for quick and well-planned recovery efforts, collaboration with other forensic specialties, and handling substantial amounts of remains.

Inflammatory mediators and inflammatory cells as reliable molecular targets for assessment of wound age and vitality in rats

Evaluation of the wound age and vitality is a persistent problem for forensic examinations to determine when injuries occurred and whether during the antemortem or post-mortem period. This study aimed to use the inflammatory cells and mediators as a target marker to determine wound age in antemortem or post-mortem samples in rats. Wound skin samples (n=39) were collected from antemortem groups aged 30, 60, 180, and 360 min and post-mortem groups within the same periods with control samples (unwounded group). Immunohistochemical staining examined all tissue samples for two inflammatory cell markers (CD15, CD68) and 2 inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α). The results showed that CD15-positive neutrophils were expressed in all time intervals of antemortem, and the expression gradually increased from 30 to 360 min. The CD68-positive macrophages began at 30 minutes and reached the highest level at 360 minutes in the antemortem wound. Because of the negative expression of CD15 and CD68 in all post-mortem groups, they could be a marker for comparing the vital and non-vital wounds. Furthermore, the Immunoreactivity results showed that the IL-6 and TNF-α were negatively expressed in unwounded skin samples. In addition, the periods after the induced wound produced a rise in the expression area of both markers in antemortem wounds. In this study, IL-6 and TNF-α expressions were negative or low in areas far from wound margin, unwounded specimens, and post-mortem wounds. CD15, CD68, IL-6, and TNF-α may be valuable markers for assessing wound age and vitality.

Mykola Pirogov’s (1810-1881) illness mystery. Computed tomography and 3D reconstruction of the head of the famous surgeon's mummy

Introduction. It is known that at the age of 70, the outstanding surgeon Mykola Pirogov suffered from pain and a wound of the palate on the right and had problems with eating. He was consulted by well-known doctors M.V. Sklifosovskyi, E. von Wahl, V.F. Grube, E.I. Bohdanovskyi and the famous surgeon T. Billroth, convincing him that the ulcer was benign.On the fourth day after his death, on the initiative of his wife Baroness O.A. von Bistrom, Pirogov's body was embalmed by permission of the church.Case report. In 2018, M.I. Pirogov's body was re-embalmed in Vinnytsia according to the original method by scientists of Vinnytsia National Medical University and the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine.The remains were examined using a 32-slice computer tomograph Siemens "Somatom go. Up" (Germany) with 3D reconstruction of the entire body and the head of great surgeon. According to the protocol, the slices thickness was 0.8 mm, the voltage was 110‒120 kV, the current strength was 30‒230 mA, the thickness of reconstructions was 0.8 to 3.0 mm.Modern technologies made it possible to see destructive changes in the bones of the skull and establish the cause of Mykola Pirogov's illness and death. The 3D reconstructions prove the fact that Pirogov's diagnosis was correct. The existing bone changes indicate widespread malignancy, most likely cancer in the mouth, nasopharynx, and pterygopalatine fossa on the right.Discussion. Natural and anthropogenic mummies are important for history and science, as they can tell us about the health conditions and lifestyle of people in the past.Computed tomography is a non-destructive technique, and is therefore considered the gold standard for studying mummies. This method is also used during the embalming procedure and monitor the degree of preservation of the mummified body. Currently, computed tomography is widely used in mummy research to non-invasively assess the natural or anthropogenic origin, mummification embalming technique, bone and soft tissue preservation parameters, age, constitution, health status, cause of death, post-mortem injuries, etc.Conclusions. The use of computed tomography followed by 3D reconstruction is highly likely to not only predict the future, but also shed light on the mysteries of the past.

Postmortem injury evaluation using the Forensic Injury Severity Score Template (FISST): a preliminary study.

The Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and Injury Severity Score (ISS) are important evaluation tools used in clinical practice to determine the degree of injury in patients with trauma. However, they are not suitable for forensic practice and their use in forensic applications is limited. This study aimed to present a system that can objectively and quantitatively determine the severity of postmortem injuries and that can be applied to forensic medicine. Subsequently, we applied this system to individual postmortem cases and analyzed the injuries identified during autopsy. We performed a retrospective study of 119 autopsies performed between 2018 and 2021. Data were categorized and analyzed using the Forensic Injury Severity Score Template (FISST), a scoring system developed based on the AIS and ISS. The mean FISST scores were as follows: men, 53.6; women, 46.8; 20-65years old, 55.6; older than 65years, 41.4; natural death, 13.8; unnatural death, 66.3; and all deaths, 51.8. Statistically significant differences in the FISST scores were found between natural and unnatural deaths, suicidal and accidental deaths, and trauma-related death subtypes. Injuries identified during autopsy can be objectively and quantitatively evaluated using FISST. We suggest that FISST is a useful tool in forensic medicine because it is tailor-made for injury evaluation from a postmortem perspective.

Microbial community analyses provide a differential diagnosis for the antemortem and postmortem injury of decayed cadaver: An animal model

Differentiating antemortem injury from postmortem injury of decayed cadavers is one of the difficult issues in forensic science. Forensic pathologists identify antemortem injury according to the macroscopic and microscopic vital reactions taken place after being injured. However, the decomposition would render those vital reactions ineffective. Microbiomes have been widely used in forensic science due to their succession with time and sensitivity to vary of environment. In this study, microbiomes were introduced to determine whether the bacterial communities can be used to distinguish between the ante- and postmortem injuries through an animal experiment. Our findings showed that the differences of bacterial community were increasingly apparent from the 6th to 9th day after the wound created when the types of wounds were unidentified by morphological examination due to decomposition. The biomarkers at the genus level could effectively distinguish between injury types, Among them, Enterococcus and Enterobacter were only observed in the antemortem injured group, while Staphylococcus and Acinetobacter were only in the postmortem injured group. It is possible to tell whether cadaveric injuries developed before or after death by detecting differences in the bacterial communities of putrefying wounds. This study provides a new perspective for the differences between ante- and postmortem injuries and provides a promising method for us to identify the ante- and postmortem wounds, especially in decomposed cadavers.

Histopathological changes as tools to discriminate antemortem and post-mortem wounds in rats: prospective applications in forensic medicine

Wound age estimation is one of the chief exciting subjects in forensic medicine. It is substantial to determine the most likely accurate when wounds happened, whether during antemortem or post-mortem conditions. Moreover, histological change is a method that assists available parameters in determining the antemortem and post-mortem period. This study aims to observe the histopathological changes in induced wounds to determine when the injury occurred and whether the injury occurred during antemortem or post-mortem conditions. Thirty-nine rat wound skin biopsies were studied. All samples were taken in antemortem groups at 30, 60, 180, and 360 min, and in post-mortem groups within 30, 60, 180, and 360 min with control samples (unwounded group). The skin sections were seen by microscope to observe the changes in the following criteria: the ratio and distribution of the neutrophil and macrophage, congestion and dilatation of capillaries, and degree of autolysis. For the antemortem wounds, the number of neutrophils appeared at 30 minutes and sharply increased from 60 minutes after the wound. In addition, there was an increase in macrophages from 180 min after the wound. For the post-mortem wounds in all times examined, the degree of autolysis was the best criterion for knowing the wound timing. These results propose that histopathological changes can be used as a critical criterion for finding the time of wounds and comparing antemortem and post-mortem incisional wounds in forensic medicine.

Myeloperoxydase and CD15 With Glycophorin C Double Staining in the Evaluation of Skin Wound Vitality in Forensic Practice.

BackgroundThe determination of skin wound vitality based on tissue sections is a challenge for the forensic pathologist. Histology is still the gold standard, despite its low sensitivity. Immunohistochemistry could allow to obtain a higher sensitivity. Upon the candidate markers, CD15 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) may allow to early detect polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and the specificity of CD15 and MPO, with glycophorin C co-staining, compared to standard histology, in a series of medicolegal autopsies, and in a human model of recent wounds.MethodsTwenty-four deceased individuals with at least one recent open skin wound were included. For each corpse, a post-mortem wound was performed in an uninjured skin area. At autopsy, a skin sample from the margins of each wound and skin controls were collected (n = 72). Additionally, the cutaneous surgical margins of abdominoplasty specimens were sampled as a model of early intravital stab wound injury (scalpel blade), associated with post-devascularization wounds (n = 39). MPO/glycophorin C and CD15/glycophorin C immunohistochemical double staining was performed. The number of MPO and CD15 positive cells per 10 high power fields (HPF) was evaluated, excluding glycophorin C—positive areas.ResultsWith a threshold of at least 4 PMN/10 high power fields, the sensitivity and specificity of the PMN count for the diagnostic of vitality were 16 and 100%, respectively. With MPO/glycophorin C as well as CD15/glycophorin C IHC, the number of positive cells was significantly higher in vital than in non-vital wounds (p < 0.001). With a threshold of at least 4 positive cells/10 HPF, the sensitivity and specificity of CD15 immunohistochemistry were 53 and 100%, respectively; with the same threshold, MPO sensitivity and specificity were 28 and 95%.ConclusionWe showed that combined MPO or CD15/glycophorin C double staining is an interesting and original method to detect early vital reaction. CD15 allowed to obtain a higher, albeit still limited, sensitivity, with a high specificity. Confirmation studies in independent and larger cohorts are still needed to confirm its accuracy in forensic pathology.

A Clue on the Skin: A Systematic Review on Immunohistochemical Analyses of the Ligature Mark.

Background: A ligature mark is a common injury in cases of hanging or strangulation. Estimation of age and vitality of the ligature mark can be crucial for differentiating antemortem and postmortem wounds and to distinguish between simulated suicidal hanging or accidental strangulation to conceal a crime and not simulated events. The immunohistochemistry has been recommended by several Authors as a reliable tool to determine whether an injury was sustained during life or not. Unfortunately, no general agreement on the immunohistochemical markers to be used has been found among the scientific community. The aim of the study was to detect the type and function of the immunohistochemical markers useful in the assessment of the vitality and age of the ligature marks for routine diagnostics. Methods: Papers available on Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science were reviewed according to the PRISMA statement. Results: Only eight papers satisfied all the following inclusion criteria: full texts in English dealing with human ligature marks and immunohistochemistry published on impacted or indexed scientific journals. Conclusions: The assessment of the vitality of a ligature mark is still a challenging topic in forensic science. Under ideal conditions and in compliance with autopsy protocols, the diagnosis of death by hanging or strangulation on fresh bodies can be better supported by autopsy findings other than a ligature mark. The validation of immunohistochemical markers on large series could be of help in doubtful cases and differential diagnoses.

Digital Unwrapping of the Mummy of King Amenhotep I (1525-1504 BC) Using CT.

The mummy of King Amenhotep I (18th Dynasty c.1525–1504 BC) was reburied by the 21st Dynasty priests at Deir el-Bahari Royal Cache. In 1881 the mummy was found fully wrapped and was one of few royal mummies that have not been unwrapped in modern times. We hypothesized that non-invasive digital unwrapping using CT would provide insights on the physical appearance, health, cause of death, and mummification style of the mummy of King Amenhotep I. We examined the mummy with CT and generated two- and three-dimensional images for the head mask, bandages, and the virtually unwrapped mummy. CT enabled the visualization of the face of Amenhotep I who died around the age of 35 years. The teeth had minimal attrition. There was no CT evidence of pathological changes or cause of death. The body has been eviscerated via a vertical left flank incision. The heart is seen in the left hemithorax with an overlying amulet. The brain has not been removed. The mummy has 30 amulets/jewelry pieces including a beaded metallic (likely gold) girdle. The mummy suffered from multiple postmortem injuries likely inflicted by tomb robbers that have been likely treated by 21st Dynasty embalmers. These included fixing the detached head and neck to the body with a resin-treated linen band; covering a defect in the anterior abdominal wall with a band and placing two amulets beneath; placement of the detached left upper limb beside the body and wrapping it to the body. The transversely oriented right forearm is individually wrapped, likely representing the original 18th Dynasty mummification and considered the first known New Kingdom mummy with crossed arms at the chest. The head mask is made of cartonnage and has inlaid stone eyes. The digital unwrapping of the mummy of Amenhotep I using CT sets a unique opportunity to reveal the physical features of the King non-invasively, understand the mummification style early in the 18th Dynasty, and the reburial intervention style by 21st Dynasty embalmers. This study may make us gain confidence in the goodwill of the reburial project of the Royal mummies by the 21st dynasty priests.

MiRNAs as New Tools in Lesion Vitality Evaluation: A Systematic Review and Their Forensic Applications.

Wound vitality demonstration is one of the most challenging fields in forensic pathology. In recent years, researchers focused on the application of histological and immunohistochemical staining in this sphere of study. It is based on the detection of inflammation, red cell infiltration, and tissue alterations at the histological examination, all of which are supposedly present in antemortem rather than post-mortem wounds. Nevertheless, some doubts about the reliability of those markers have arisen. Furthermore, the lack of a standardized protocol and the operator dependency of this approach make the proper interpretation of its results difficult. Moreover, a differential miRNAs expression has been demonstrated in antemortem and post-mortem wounds. Herein, a systematic review concerning the current knowledge about the use of miRNAs in lesion vitality evaluation is carried out, to encourage researchers to deepen this peculiar study area. A compendium about the potential miRNAs that may be further investigated as vitality markers is also provided. The aim is to collect all available data about this topic to direct further studies on this field and highlight the future applications of miRNAs in forensic pathology. We found 20 articles and a total of 51 miRNAs that are involved in inflammation and wound healing. Further studies are certainly needed to deepen the role of miRNAs in inflammatory processes in lesioned skin and to evaluate their reliability in distinguishing between antemortem and post-mortem lesions.

Desert Related Death.

Introduction: Desert death is defined as any death that occurs in the desert and could be attributed to a list of causes including environmental, animal related, undetermined, and other causes. Death in the desert seems to be obscure and little discussed in the field of forensic medicine, despite its importance, and there is only limited literature available on this broad topic. This narrative review aims to identify the most common causes of desert death and its medicolegal implications. Desert death causes: Environmental causes of death could be a result of temperature and lightening-related causes. Moreover, a variety of animals found in deserts are considered to be threatening and fatal, in addition to other and undetermined causes. Medicolegal implications of desert death: Likely to arise from the difficulties faced in finding the cause of death are the identification of the victim and the postmortem injuries that occur. Conclusion: Desert death is a broad topic with great medicolegal significance. More information and case reports need to be added in the literature. Guidelines for people about the danger of going to deserts in specific weather conditions should be implemented. Safety regulations must be taken into account at all times.

Cytokines as new biomarkers of skin wound vitality.

The diagnosis of skin wound vitality is currently based on standard histology, but histological findings lack sensitivity in case of a short survival time. New reliable biomarkers of vitality are therefore strongly needed. We assessed the ability of 10 candidate cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, TNF-α) to discriminate between vital and early post-mortem wounds. Twenty-four cadavers with a recent open skin wound (< 3h) were included (20 men, 4 women, mean age = 51.0 ± 24.3years). An early post-mortem wound was performed in an uninjured skin area, and both wounds were sampled at the autopsy (post-mortem interval (PMI) = 66.3 ± 28.3h). Needle-puncture sites related to resuscitation cares were included as very early post-mortem wounds (n = 6). In addition to standard histology, cytokines levels were simultaneously measured in each sample using a multiplex sandwich immunoassay, then normalized on healthy skin levels. A quantitative evaluation of IL-8-positive cells in ante- and post-mortem wound samples was also performed. In the training set of samples (n = 72), cytokine levels were significantly higher in vital wounds (mean age = 47 ± 53min) than in post-mortem wounds (mean PMI = 6.9 ± 9.0h) (p < 0.2), except for two cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-2). IL-8 was the best discriminatory cytokine (Se = 54%, Sp = 100%, AUC = 0.79), while a multivariate model combining IL-4 and IL12p70 was a bit more discriminant (Se = 55%, Sp = 100%, AUC = 0.84). In the validation set (n = 72), the discriminatory power of the cytokines and the predictive model was slightly lower, with IL-8 remaining the best cytokine (Se = 46%, Sp = 96%, AUC = 0.75). The predictive model remained highly specific (Sp = 100%). Both the cytokines and the predictive model allowed the iatrogenic injuries to be correctly classified as post-mortem wounds. Standard histology and immunohistochemistry showed 21% sensitivity and a specificity of 79% and 100%, respectively. Only two iatrogenic wounds could be properly categorized histologically. This study suggests that cytokines could be useful biomarkers of skin wound vitality and that the immunoassay method could be more sensitive than immunohistochemistry to identify wounds with a short survival time. Further research is underway to confirm these preliminary data.

The Influence of Broilers’ Body Weight on the Efficiency of Electrical Stunning and Meat Quality under Field Conditions

Simple SummaryWater-bath stunning represents the most-applied stunning system in poultry slaughtering. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of two types of electrical equipment applied to broilers with different live body weights. Moreover, the influence of the tested stunners on broiler meat quality was evaluated. 6600 broilers, divided into three weight groups, were stunned and the state of unconsciousness and post-mortem defects were evaluated by blinded trained operators. Considering the total body weight, the application of the two stunning systems resulted in a different occurrence of ineffective stunning signs registering statistical differences (p < 0.01) among groups. Considering injuries, an inverse relationship between body weight and lesions was found. The results highlighted the effectiveness of both stunning systems that apply the best combination of electrical parameters, taking into account the weight of the animal and ensuring its welfare.Water-bath stunning represents the most-applied stunning system in poultry slaughtering, but within the European Union, specific indications on electric parameters that should be used, such as voltage, are missing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of two commercially available types of electrical equipment (A and B) on broilers with different live body weights and the influence of the tested parameters on meat quality. Experimental trials in a European Union-approved slaughterhouse were carried out using two different stunners. 6600 broilers, divided into three weight groups, were stunned applying different protocols based on the same current frequencies and intensity but different voltages. The state of unconsciousness (presence of corneal reflex and wings flapping) and post-mortem defects (pectoral hemorrhages and dark meat) were evaluated by blinded trained operators. The presence of corneal reflex and petechiae were the most reported consciousness signs and post-mortem injuries, respectively. Different weights played an important role within stunner A, registering statistical differences (p < 0.01) among groups. Considering injuries, an inverse relationship between body weight and lesions was found. The results highlighted the effectiveness of both stunning systems applying the best combination of electrical parameters considering the weight of the animal and ensuring its well-being.

HMGB1-RAGE, A Useful Partnership in Vital Response?

Abstract Introduction: In forensic practice, it is well known that the mechanism and dating of traumatic injuries is one of the primary responsibilities of this specialty. Currently, it is a subject still debated by researchers, and so far, an infallible marker that would objectively support their intravitam/postmortem occurrence has not yet been identified. However, studies have shown that the HMGB1-RAGE axis is rapidly activated after trauma and might be an essential element to help solve the forensic problem of wound dating. Purpose: To compare the values of HMGB1-RAGE expression occurring in wounds produced intravitally shortly before death and in wounds produced postmortem and to quantify the differences arising between them. Material and method: For this prospective study, skin fragments were collected from the site of wounds in autopsied cadavers at the County Clinical Service of Forensic Medicine Constanta (SCJML Constanta), wounds produced intravitally and with a maximum survival time of 60 minutes. Postmortem wounds and control fragments from volunteers undergoing surgery for skin tumours were also collected. The main conditions were: chronological documentation of the lesion and absence of neoplastic or inflammatory conditions. Ninety-six autopsy cases between 2021–2022 met the criteria for inclusion in the study. A control fragment accompanied each fragment from the wound. Routine Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE), Perls and Van Gieson Werhoeffstaining, as well as immunohistochemistry with HMGB1 and RAGE markers were performed on each fragment and a score based on staining intensity was determined. Results: Routine staining was not useful in assessing vitality in segments with survival time up to 30 min. Immunohistochemically, both markers showed increased values compared to control values (p&lt;0.0001) and to lesions produced postmortem. An interesting aspect is the lack of reactivity in the lesion’s margins for both markers. Conclusions: Although further research is needed, the results of our study support the hypothesis that the HMGB1-RAGE axis is useful in assessing the vital reaction in skin wounds.

Scavenging versus predation: shark-bite injuries in stranded sea turtles in the southeastern USA.

Injuries inflicted by sharks are a frequent observation in stranded sea turtles. Sharks prey on live turtles and scavenge carcasses, which can create uncertainty as to the cause of stranding when sea turtles are found dead with shark-bite wounds. Consequently, attributing the cause of stranding to a shark attack based purely on the presence of the characteristic wounds can overestimate predation by sharks as a cause of mortality. To better characterize the timing of shark-bite wounds relative to death of sea turtles in the southeastern USA, we performed necropsies on 70 stranded turtles that were found dead in which the predominant observation was bite wounds without any grossly evident vital responses (inflammation or healing). Postmortem examination included assessment for evidence of exsanguination and histopathological evaluation of skeletal muscle comprising wound margins. We characterized wounds as antemortem, perimortem, or postmortem based on specific criteria related to the presence or absence of supravital and intravital responses. Most (80%) shark-bite wounds were postmortem, 10% were antemortem, and 10% were perimortem. We found that antemortem and postmortem wounds were similar in extent and location except for wounds that primarily involved the shell, which were never found in cases of scavenging. For sea turtles found dead in the southeastern USA, our findings suggest that most shark-bite wounds without externally evident vital responses are due to scavenging. Additionally, this scavenging can significantly damage a carcass, potentially obscuring the detection of other causes of mortality. These findings should be considered when using data derived from stranded sea turtles to conduct mortality assessments.

Investigating antemortem, perimortem and postmortem injuries: forensic implication

Context:Skeletal injuries discovered from human remains are classified into antemortem,perimortem and postmortem. Studies that documents injuries of various skeletal elementsis of vital importance to forensic anthropologist.&#x0D; Aim: This study investigated antemortem,perimortem, postmortem and other injuries caused by various instruments among skeletal elements.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 200 bones of unknown age and gender were studied.Injuries were interpreted based on basic features specific to them and each was described andphotographed. Chisquare test was used to show association between skeletal elements andtime of injuries. Statistical evaluation was done using SPSS 20 Software Version. Significance was accepted at p&lt;0.05.&#x0D; Result: The bones from this study showed 17.50% antemortem, 24%perimortemand 57% postmortem. Findings showed that 49.50% of the bones had blunt forceinjury, 30.50% had sharp force while 20.00% had ballistic injuries. Basic features of antemorteminjuries were smooth and round fractured edges within bones. Sharp, smooth fractured edgeswere observed among perimortem bones in contrast to irregular, blunt fractured edges anduneven discoloration in postmortem bones .Straight line incisions were seen in bones withsharp force injuries,presence of an entrance wound in ballistic injuries while an impact area wasdiscovered in most bones with blunt force injury.Findings showed that there exist a significantassociation between ante, peri and postmortem injuries in the ulnar,radius and femur bones(X2=25.32;13.35;10.11. p=0.000;0.001,0.006)&#x0D; Conclusion: Bones from this study showed morepost mortem blunt force injury.&#x0D; Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(1) 2021 p.50-57

Skull fractures in forensic putrefied/skeletonised cases: The challenge of estimating the post-traumatic interval

The objective of our study was to assess the reliability of the estimation of posttraumatic survival time (PTST) in forensic cases based on microCT and histology of putrefied/dry bone samples with comparison of initial macroscopic fracture classification performed during autopsy. Macroscopic morphological patterns of bone fracture are routinely used in forensic pathology and anthropology to distinguish between antemortem, perimortem and postmortem injuries. Based on macroscopic and microscopic analysis of six craniofacial fractures, our study results illustrate the need to complete macroscopical findings and initial fracture classification with microscopic analysis to avoid any inaccuracy. MicroCT has become a powerful technique to identify early bone healing signs but histology remains the gold standard to estimate the PTST and determine vital fracture based on hemorrhage marker. Raman microspectroscopy can identify a blood clot in the fracture line.

Chemical Biomarkers of Diffusse Axonal Injury

Cranio cerebral trauma is the most common cause of death and post-traumatic disability in people under 45 years of age. In Romania, the annual incidence shows, that for every 100,000 inhabitants, there are 300 cases of craniocerebral trauma that require specialized medical assistance. Craniocerebral traumas are the most common types of traumas encountered in current forensic practice. Research on the mechanisms of injury, the timing of head trauma and the establishment of causes of death remain relevant. Establishing the traumatic moment implies both the distinction between pre-mortem and post-mortem injuries but also considerations regarding the post-traumatic survival interval. Regarding the elucidation of the moment of occurrence of the craniocerebral trauma from the forensic point of view, a satisfactory result has not been reached so far. The classic hypothesis regarding the development of traumatic brain injuries shows that they are the result of primary traumatic injuries due to cell necrosis combined with the inflammatory brain response that causes secondary brain injuries. It was considered that post-traumatic neuronal losses are strictly due to necrosis and inflammation, and cellular apoptosis being a physiological process, does not play a role in this process. Due to recent experimental data, brain cell apoptosis has begun to be reevaluated. The pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury is far from being fully understood, with the idea that apoptosis would play an even more important role than originally thought. Specifically, damaged brain cells release neuromodulatory substances that can lead to late-onset neuronal damage long after necrotic and inflammatory brain phenomena have ceased to act. These neuronal cell losses are responsible for the development of various neurological deficits and post-traumatic sequelae.