Forensic Case Reports Presenting Immersion Pulmonary Edema as a Differential Diagnosis in Fatal Diving Accidents

Immersion Pulmonary Edema (IPE) reduces the transport of gases over the respiratory membrane due to edema in the interstitium and respiratory zones. IPE has previously been described in both swimmers and divers, with a few known fatal cases. We have reviewed 42 SCUBA and snorkeling‐related drowning deaths, and through a thorough analysis of each case, including both diving physiology and forensic pathology, we present IPE as a differential diagnosis to drowning in four cases. Our findings propose that; absence of watery content in the stomach and conducting airways, and liquid filled lungs without hyperexpansion, may be compatible with IPE. We suggest that IPE should be considered in cases where witness testimony reveals; no obvious signs of aspiration and rapid respiratory deterioration despite continuous breathing through an appropriate air source. The diagnosis should be based on the overall impression, including both the autopsy findings and the circumstances regarding the accident.     

海安县猪水肿病的流行病学调查

对江苏省海安县2003年各乡镇猪水肿病的发病和死亡情况进行了流行病学调查,发现猪水肿病在海安地区呈零星散发,发病率为0.29%～1.36%,死亡率为0.08%～0.35%。从疑似猪水肿病的病料中分离到22株大肠埃希氏菌,其中12株经血清型鉴定,O1395株,O452株,O55、O93、O9、O101、O119各1株。经多重PCR检测毒素基因和黏附素单抗检测菌毛,发现6个分离株带有SLT Ⅱe基因,其余6株带有STb基因。单独表达F18菌毛的4株,F5 F41的1株,F41 F18的1株,F5 F41 F18的2株。药敏试验结果表明,多数分离株对恩诺沙星、庆大霉素、阿米卡星和壮观霉素高度敏感。     

不同离体时间对非血管化游离骨移植同期种植血供建立的影响

目的:观察不同离体时间对非血管化游离骨块同期种植在体内血管形成的情况,了解非血管化游离骨块离体后时间的长短对其植入体内后成活的影响。方法:截除狗下颌骨的无牙颌骨段,取自体非血管化的髂骨块,在离体10、20和80分钟内植入纯钛金属种植体,修复下颌骨的节段性缺损处,恢复下颌骨的连续性,分别在术后1,2,4周处死动物取材前用墨汁灌注和八因子抗原染色进行血管标记。结果:在术后1、2、4周的时间点,可见非血管化的骨块内墨汁灌注的血管数逐渐增多,标志血管的内皮细胞由团块状,同心圆状,逐渐向中空的血管样演变,离体10分钟和20分钟组之间有所差别,但没有统计学的意义,P>0.05;80分种组墨汁灌注血管较少,八因子标记的血管出现较晚,计数较少,与离体10和20分钟组之间有着显著的差异,P<0.05。结论:非血管化游离骨块同期种植体修复颌骨节段性缺损时,游离骨块的离体时间是影响血管生成的因素之一,离体时间越短越有利于血管的生成和移植骨的成活。     

Quantification of Osteon Morphology Using Geometric Histomorphometrics

Many histological methods in forensic anthropology utilize combinations of traditional histomorphometric parameters which may not accurately describe the morphology of microstructural features. Here, we report the novel application of a geometric morphometric method suitable when considering structures without anatomically homologous landmarks for the quantification of complete secondary osteon size and morphology. The method is tested for its suitability in the measurement of intact secondary osteons using osteons digitized from transverse femoral diaphyseal sections prepared from two human individuals. The results of methodological testing demonstrate the efficacy of the technique when applied to intact secondary osteons. In providing accurate characterization of micromorphology within the robust mathematical framework of geometric morphometrics, this method may surpass traditional histomorphometric variables currently employed in forensic research and practice. A preliminary study of the intersectional histomorphometric variation within the femoral diaphysis is made using this geometric histomorphometric method to demonstrate its potential.     

A Novel Forensic Investigation Applied to Bone Remains Exhumed near to Quirra Interforce Firing Range

The need to implement novel techniques, able to support a causal link between exposure and pathology, has been emerged over the recent years. The application of scanning electron microscope coupled with probe X‐ray microanalysis (by means of an energy‐dispersive spectroscopy) has been developed by our research group for the bone remains investigation. It was aimed to testify the exposure to microsized and nanosized pollutions, due to military activities in the Quirra interforce firing range, of a Sardinian shepherd, died of acute leukemia. Metallic debris with a combustive morphology and with an oncogenic potential has been surely detected inside his bone marrow canal. This novel technique has proved to be able to bring to light a source of past exposure preserved over time within the bone marrow canal. It can be useful for postmortem analyses, delivering a new avant‐garde approach to modern forensic science.     

Detection of Acute Diazepam Exposure in Bone and Marrow: Influence of Tissue Type and the Dose‐Death Interval on Sensitivity of Detection by ELISA with Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Confirmation*

Abstract: Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) were used to detect diazepam exposure in skeletal tissues of rats (n = 15) given diazepam acutely (20 mg/kg, i.p.), and killed at various times postdose. Marrow, epiphyseal, and diaphyseal bone were isolated from extracted femora. Bone was cleaned, ground, and incubated in methanol. Marrow underwent ultrasonic homogenization. Extracts and homogenates were diluted in phosphate buffer, and then underwent solid‐phase extraction and ELISA. Relative sensitivity of detection was examined in terms of relative decrease in absorbance (ELISA) and binary classification sensitivity (ELISA and LC/MS/MS). Overall, the data showed differences in relative sensitivity of detection of diazepam exposure in different tissue types (marrow > epiphyseal bone > diaphyseal bone), which is suggestive of heterogenous distribution in these tissues, and a decreasing sensitivity with increasing dose‐death interval. Thus, the tissue type sampled and dose‐death interval may contribute to the probability of detection of diazepam exposure in skeletal tissues.     

The Correlation Between Skeletal Weathering and DNA Quality and Quantity*

Abstract: Mitochondrial DNA analysis of skeletal material is invaluable in forensic identification, although results can vary widely among remains. Previous studies have included bones of different ages, burial conditions, and even species. In the research presented, a collection of human remains that lacked major confounders such as burial age, interment style, and gross environmental conditions, while displaying a very broad range of skeletal degradation, were examined for both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) quality and quantity. Overall skeletal weathering, individual bone weathering, and bone variety were considered. Neither skeletal nor bone weathering influenced DNA quality or quantity, indicating that factors that degrade bone do not have the same effect on DNA. In contrast, bone variety, regardless of weathering level, was a significant element in DNA amplification success. Taken together, the results indicate that neither skeletal nor individual bone appearance are reliable indicators of subsequent mtDNA typing outcomes, while the type of bone assayed is.     

Age at Death Estimation Using Multislice Computed Tomography Reconstructions of the Posterior Pelvis*

Abstract: Thanks to recent advances, computed tomography is now seen as a tool of great value in the field of physical anthropology. In this study, we focused on the posterior pelvis and the auricular surface and evaluated the accuracy of 3D reconstructions of the auricular surface, using a methodology derived from a previous study by Lovejoy et al. We also looked for trabecular bone criteria expressing age‐related changes. Forty‐six coxal bones were scanned, and scoring of macroscopic criteria showed a good agreement between 3D reconstructions and photographs, especially for transverse organization (k = 0.90). The changes occurring in the posterior part of the sacropubic trabecular bundle were evaluated on CT reconstructions via three new criteria, which exhibited a good intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement (k = 0.77–0.89), and were particularly useful in identifying older subjects. We concluded that these CT‐evaluated trabecular bone criteria are promising and yield useful information about age at death.     

A Preliminary Assessment of the Identification of Saw Marks on Burned Bone*

Abstract: This study assesses the degree of modification to the saw mark characteristics of dismembered skeletal remains when exposed to a controlled outdoor fire of limited duration. The sample consists of 36 adult pig hind limbs which were dismembered fleshed. Six handsaws and six power saws were used, with three limbs dismembered and burned for each of the saw types. Results indicate that fire exposure affects the visibility and identifiability of saw mark striae. With the handsaws, the bow saw, hacksaw, and keyhole saw were consistently recognizable. In the power saw group, the saw marks of the jigsaw, reciprocating saw, and chainsaw remained identifiable. Although the bone ends exhibited thermal alterations, the false starts were well preserved with minimal damage. Given the parameters of this study, it is possible to identify the class of saw based on the diagnostic characteristics present on the cremated bones.     

烧骨的研究现状与展望

本文根据国内外相关文献,对烧骨的宏观、微观形态学特点,烧骨形态特征与各影响因素之间的关系,热致骨折与损伤骨折、条件性骨折的鉴别等方面进行了综述,并对现有研究的局限之处进行了分析,提出改进方向。