Mandibular fracture caused by absolute close-range gunshot with a blank cartridge fright weapon]

Bony injuries caused by starter's pistols were repeatedly observed in the form of fractures of the temporal squama and other thin osseous lamellae; in experiments rib fractures could also be produced. In the presented case a contact shot from a blank cartridge pistol caused a fracture of the lower jaw (transverse fracture with a bone fragment split off in reg. 46). The friend of the 17-year-old victim had fired a shot to the right mandibular region during an argument. In the depth of the gunshot entrance wound, which communicated with the oral cavity, intense soot deposits were found as signs of the contact shot.     

用于DNA分离的毛细管电泳无胶筛分介质研究进展

毛细管电泳是一种在生命科学应用最为广泛的生物分子分离技术,目前已广泛应用于DNA测序,SNP检测,DNA片段分析等。筛分介质是毛细管电泳性能的关键因素,筛分介质的种类、结构、分子量及所形成的溶液决定着生物分子的迁移特性、分辨率、读出长度、重现性等参数,对分离结果有重大影响。本文对近年来用于DNA分离的无胶筛分介质的研究和应用情况进行综述,希望能对相关研究和鉴定提供参考和借鉴。     

Reliability of SE33 typing by capillary electrophoresis

A ladder of 24 ACTBP2 (SE33) alleles was separated 175 times by denaturing capillary electrophoresis on an ABI Prism 310 Genetic Analyzer using polymer POP-4. The mean standard deviation of fragment size determination was 0.083 bp. Fragments in the whole allelic range of ACTBP2 could be typed with high precision and reproducibility if adjacent fragments differed by at least two nucleotides. The capacity of resolving 1 bp differences was tested by repeatedly running a ACTBP2*14.2/14.3/31.2/31.3 allelic mixture. The 14.2/14.3 fragment pair could be separated in 98%, the 31.2/31.3 fragment pair only in 65% of all runs. Reliable separation of this difficult fragment mixture could exclusively achieved by using POP-6.     

Validation of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for determining osseous or dental origin of unknown material

Forensic anthropological examinations typically involve the analysis of human skeletal remains, but in cases where samples are very small and/or physically compromised, it may first be necessary to determine whether the material is even osseous or dental in origin. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) is a technique that reveals the elemental composition of materials and is hypothesized to have utility in such cases. XRF analysis was conducted on a variety of tissues and materials in unaltered and altered (damaged) states. With few exceptions, osseous and dental tissues in unaltered and altered conditions contained characteristic levels of calcium and phosphorus, while other materials did not. Materials could be accurately identified as osseous or dental in origin based on the calcium and phosphorus levels identified by XRF, and we therefore conclude that XRF analysis is a valid and effective means of determining osseous or dental origin of unknown material.     

Chemical Differentiation of Osseous and Nonosseous Materials Using Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry and Multivariate Statistical Analysis

Identification of osseous materials is generally established on gross anatomical features. However, highly fragmented or taphonomically altered materials may be problematic and may require chemical analysis. This research was designed to assess the use of scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDX), elemental analysis, and multivariate statistical analysis (principal component analysis) for discrimination of osseous and nonosseous materials of similar chemical composition. Sixty samples consisting of osseous (human and nonhuman bone and dental) and non-osseous samples were assessed. After outliers were removed a high overall correct classification of 97.97% was achieved, with 99.86% correct classification for osseous materials. In addition, a blind study was conducted using 20 samples to assess the applicability for using this method to classify unknown materials. All of the blind study samples were correctly classified resulting in 100% correct classification, further demonstrating the efficiency of SEM/EDX and statistical analysis for differentiation of osseous and nonosseous materials.     

Extraction of DNA from Skeletonized Postcranial Remains: A Discussion of Protocols and Testing Modalities

This paper provides a retrospective of the DNA analysis performed by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner–Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory between 1990 and 2018. Over 13,000 postcranial osseous materials, comprised of wartime losses from World War II, the Korean War, and South‐East Asia, were examined by the following: mitochondrial DNA sequencing, a modified AmpFlSTR® Yfiler?, AmpFlSTR® MiniFiler?, PowerPlex® Fusion, or NGS. Four different DNA extraction protocols were used: incomplete demineralization coupled with an organic purification; complete demineralization with an organic purification; complete demineralization with an inorganic purification using QIAquick PCR Purification Kit; and a protocol designed specifically for use with next‐generation sequencing. In general, complete demineralization coupled with an organic purification was the optimal extraction protocol for sequencing of mitochondrial DNA, regardless of the osseous element tested. For STR testing, demineralization paired with an inorganic purification provided optimum results, regardless of kit used or osseous element tested.     

DNA extraction: an anthropologic aspect of bone remains from sixth- to seventh-century ad bone remains

In the archeological site of the early Christian Episcopal complex of Saint Peter, in Canosa di Puglia (Bari, Italy), during the operations of archaeological excavations, tombs were discovered. They were dated between the sixth and seventh centuries ad with carbon 14 methodology. Five skeletons were found in the 5 tombs: 28A: male individual, 43 years old. The height was 170 cm; the biomass was 65.7 kg. The analysis of the bones indicated several noteworthy pathologies, such as a number of hypoplasia lines of the enamel, the presence of Schmorl hernias on the first 2 lumbar vertebrae, and the outcome of subacromial impingement syndrome. 28E was a male individual, with a biologic age of death of between 44 and 60 years. The height was 177 cm. He had a posttraumatic fracture callus of the medial third of the clavicle, with an oblique fracture rima. 29B was a female individual, 44-49 years old. The height was 158.8 cm; the biomass was 64.8 kg. There was Wells bursitis on the ischial tuberosity on both sides. 29E was a male individual, 45-50 years old. The height was 169.47 cm; the biomass was 70.8 kg. The third and the fourth vertebrae showed Baastrup syndrome (compression of the vertebral spine). There were radiologic signs of deformity on the higher edge of the acetabula and results of frequent sprains of the ankles. 31A was a male individual, 47-54 years old. The height was 178.65 cm; the biomass was 81 kg. The vertebral index showed a heavy overloading in the thoracic lumbar region. There were bony formations under the periosteum on both on the higher and medium facets of the first metatarsus and on the higher and lateral facets of the fifth metatarsus on both sides. As the topography indicates, these small ossifications coincided with the contact points between the back of the foot and parts of the upper shoe. From the osseous remains, in particular from the teeth (central incisors), the DNA was extracted and typed to identify potential family ties among all the subjects. The extraction technique used came from the DNA Promega technique, partially modified by the authors. Stay times of the sample in the extraction buffer were increased and were increased the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cycles.     

The contour characteristics of the mucous membrane of the hard palate as dependent on the form of its osseous base]

Analyzes the relief of the hard palate mucosa, depending on the shape of osseous base. Presents data on the prevalence of various morphological shapes of lateral folds in the hard palate mucosa and the levels of their disposition in the ipsiloid, ellipsoid, and parabolic osseous base of the hard palate. Demonstrates the possibility of using the characteristics of the hard palatal mucosa relief as an extra test for personality identification by the oral status.     

不同条件下Percoll密度梯度离心分离组织细胞浮游生物的比较

目的实验评估不同条件下Percoll密度梯度离心分离组织中浮游生物的效果。方法大白兔肝组织匀浆后与3种藻类混合物混匀,分为混匀高速分离组、混匀低速分离组、叠加高速分离组、叠加低速分离组和未分离组(对照组)进行Percoll密度梯度离心分离浮游生物,镜检并提取其DNA,用PCR技术分别检测浮游生物16S rDNA和叶绿素基因特异性片段。结果混匀高速分离组有较多浮游生物呈分层条纹状分布于离心管中部,叠加高速分离组浮游生物紧邻组织细胞层下,低速分离组见较少浮游生物紧邻于组织细胞层之下,未分离组见浮游生物和组织细胞混杂沉于管底;经DNA检测,各分离组组织细胞层下液体均可检出浮游生物的1条447bp 16S rDNA片段及1条194bp叶绿体/叶绿素脱辅基蛋白基因片段,未分离组均未检出扩增产物且背景较深。结论混匀加样方式进行高速Percoll密度梯度离心,合并收集组织细胞层下所有液体,是分离浮游生物的最有效方法。     

Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy‐Dispersive X‐Ray (SEM/EDX): A Rapid Diagnostic Tool to Aid the Identification of Burnt Bone and Contested Cremains

This study investigates the use of Scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray (SEM‐EDX) as a diagnostic tool for the determination of the osseous origin of samples subjected to different temperatures. Sheep (Ovis aries) ribs of two experimental groups (fleshed and defleshed) were burned at temperatures of between 100°C and 1100°C in 100°C increments and subsequently analyzed with the SEM‐EDX to determine the atomic percentage of present elements. Three‐factor ANOVA analysis showed that neither the exposure temperature, nor whether the burning occurred with or without soft tissue present had any significant influence on the bone's overall elemental makeup (p > 0.05). The Ca/P ratio remained in the osseous typical range of between 1.6 and 2.58 in all analyzed samples. This demonstrates that even faced with high temperatures, the overall gross elemental content and atomic percentage of elements in bone remain stable, creating a unique “fingerprint” for osseous material, even after exposure to extreme conditions.     

Traumatic rupture of intracranial vertebral artery due to hyperextension of the head: reports on three cases

In three cases of fatal basal subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of the normal intracranial vertebral artery, the ruptures appeared to have been caused by overstretching of the vertebral artery from traumatic hyperextension of the head. In the first case, that of a 31-year-old male pedestrian who, while intoxicated, had been hit from behind by a car, symmetrically located bilateral complete and incomplete tearing of the vertebral arteries was found. In both of the other two cases, involving women aged 37 and 51 found dead after receiving fist blows to the face while intoxicated, complete rupture of the vertebral artery was found. The blood alcohol concentrations of the three cases ranged from 1.6 to 1.7 mg/g at autopsy.     

Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and extracranial vertebral artery injury: a case report and review of the literature

The case is presented of a 19-year-old man who was assaulted and died shortly afterward from a large traumatic basal subarachnoid hemorrhage (TBSAH) that arose from rupture of the left vertebral artery, proximal to the point at which the artery penetrated the dura. The literature regarding TBSAH and vertebral artery rupture is reviewed, and a number of points are highlighted: patients with TBSAH may remain conscious for a period of hours after injury, subcutaneous or muscular bruising may be contralateral to the ruptured vessel, fractures of the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae and significant pathology of the vertebral artery are not typically associated with TBSAH, and rupture of the vertebral artery may be intracranial, junctional, or extracranial.     

MRI鉴别新鲜与陈旧性椎体压缩性骨折

目的 探讨MRI对新鲜与陈旧性椎体压缩性骨折的鉴别价值.方法 回顾性分析43例胸、腰椎椎体压缩性骨折的MRI表现,MRI检查序列主要为T1WI、T2WI和STIR.结果 本组43例共发现55处胸、腰椎椎体压缩性骨折,其中46处椎体被判定为新鲜骨折,T1WI呈低信号或低信号中混有少许高信号,T2WI呈高信号,STIR呈明...     

Traumatic bilateral vertebral artery dissection

Traumatic vertebral artery dissection is not often seen by forensic pathologists, and cases investigated are scarce in the forensic literature. We present the case of a 40-year-old woman cyclist who was struck by a car while wearing a helmet, and was neurologically near normal immediately thereafter at Emergency. She presented 48 h later with acute right hemiparesis, decreasing level of consciousness, and unsteadiness. CT revealed massive cerebellar infarction. CT angiography was normal. The patient died in coma 7 days after injury and autopsy revealed bilateral edematous cerebellar infarction and bilateral vertebral artery dissection. Rotational neck injury and mural tear in the wall of the Atlantic parts of both vertebral arteries is suggested as the possible mechanism of the arterial injury. Head and neck injuries are reported as a precipitating cause of vertebral artery injury. The possible influence of trauma may be further underestimated if longer intervals between vessel dissection and ischemia occur. The current case illustrates that "talk-and-die" syndrome may be due to occult vertebral artery dissection, possibly bilateral. In forensic cases of delayed death after mild trauma to the head and neck, the vertebral arteries should be examined for the cause of death.     

Periadventitial extracranial vertebral artery hemorrhage in a case of shaken baby syndrome

We report a case of a two-month-old boy who became unresponsive in the sole custody of his father. Resuscitation efforts on route to the hospital were able to restore the infant's heart beat. However, neurologic function never recovered. Autopsy revealed massive cerebral edema, recent subdural, and subarachnoid hemorrhages, bilateral retinal hemorrhages, and cervical spine ligament hemorrhages. Separation of individual cervical vertebrae showed extensive, bilateral, periadventitial vertebral artery hemorrhages between C1 and C4, with corresponding luminal compression of the vertebral arteries. The importance of this previously unreported phenomena of periadventitial vertebral artery hemorrhage in the setting of shaken baby syndrome is discussed.     

Healing following cranial trauma

This paper reports on the gross appearance of the initial osseous response following cranial gunshot wounds. A total of 127 adult crania and cranial sections were analyzed for four types of bone response: osteoblastic, osteoclastic, line of demarcation, and sequestration. In general, no osteoblastic or osteoclastic response was noted during the first week. This response was followed by an increasing prevalence of expression after this time. By the sixth week postfracture both osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity was scored for 100% of the sample. Further, our observations suggest that the line of demarcation may establish the boundary between the living bone and bone not surviving the fracture. Sequestration appears to be a long-term event and was scored as present well past the eighth week of healing. The osseous expression of infection following fracture was also considered.     

画落谁家？——处理用他人材料绘画问题的罗马人经验及其现代影响

盖尤斯在其《法学阶梯》2,78中提出的板添画规则经历了历史的流变,这一规则的生态功能,它意味的成立添附与新物所有权分配的分离,画家和板主各自根据它取得画幅所有权的可能以及途径,值得研究,它对于中国司法具有重要的意义。以盖尤斯的这一片段为依据,中外作者对于罗马添附制度的三个错误说法应予纠正。     

A proposed dissection procedure for vertebral arteries in forensic pathology

Vertebral artery removing constitutes a significant forensic pathology challenge. Dissection techniques during head-neck autopsy are based on anterior approach, a difficult method, which is unable to assess the transverse part of the artery. This work presents an original and simple method for dissecting vertebral arteries by a posterior approach, opening the vertebroarterial canal through the spinal canal without any special equipment. Once the spinal cord is removed, the transversarium foramens are opened by an internal cut at the pedicle and an external cut at the transverse process. This enables us to visualize vertebral arteries in its entirety. The method improves both the examination of the upper extracranial segment of the vertebral artery and the neuropathological study when arterial injury is suspected. Applying this method routinely is both feasible and useful in suspected cases of vertebral artery trauma and could contribute to assess more precisely the actual incidence of this injury.     

Injury of the vertebral artery in suicidal hanging

The vertebral artery was investigated in suicidal hanging for specific forensic, but also general traumatological reasons. The objective was to establish the extent to which the vertebral artery in its relatively protected position is injured at all and if so, in what form. For this purpose, cervical spine preparations with the posterior space of the skull were fixed in formalin and detached in the sagittal plane in 36 unselected cases of suicidal hanging after angiographic visualization of the vertebral artery. Afterwards, both vertebral arteries were visualized, and vascular injuries were compared with injuries of the soft tissues of the neck, of the cervical spine, and of the external types of hanging. The vertebral artery was shown to be injured quite frequently (rupture, intimal tear, sub-intimal hemorrhage), namely in one quarter of all cases, and indeed in more than half taking into account the perivascular bleeding. In this way, frequencies were found which were far in excess of those of the common carotid artery. The different mechanical behavior of these two paired neck arteries in traction are dealt with and the form of injury explained.