SEM and Stereomicroscopic Analysis of Cut Marks in Fresh and Burned Bone

This study documents the prevalence of cut mark characteristics in fresh and burned domestic pig ribs. Stab wounds from single edge serrated and smooth‐edged knives were inflicted in the vertebral and sternal regions of each fresh rib. Each rack of ribs was then divided into vertebral and sternal units. Vertebral units were defleshed and their associated cut marks were examined using a stereomicroscope. Sternal units were burned in an outdoor fire pit and examined with the addition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Linear cuts, V‐shaped cross‐sections, mounding, hinge fractures, and wastage were all observed on burned ribs. There was an overall decrease in the prevalence of all features (up to a 40% decrease), regardless of knife type, in burned ribs. Striations within cut marks were not observed in either fresh or burned ribs. Oblique faulting and bone lifts could only be observed using the SEM. Mounding and wastage were obliterated during the burning process. Therefore, cut marks in burned bone should ideally be examined for their characteristics utilizing an SEM.     

Microscopic Analysis of Sharp Force Trauma in Bone and Cartilage: A Validation Study,,

Sharp force trauma research lacks agreement on reported error rates for correctly identifying toolmark characteristics on bone and cartilage. This study provides error rates for determining blade class (serrated, partially serrated, nonserrated) and type of edge bevel (left, right, even). Three analysts examined cuts to a wax medium, cartilage, and bone using two types of microscopes. Additionally, the observers examined impressions taken from the wax medium and the cartilage. Overall, a total of 504 observations were performed. Serrated blades were distinguishable from nonserrated blades due to their patterned striations. Some difficulties were encountered in distinguishing serrated and partially serrated blades; however, when these groups were considered together as one classification type (serrated), classification accuracy improved from 79% to 96%. Classification accuracy for edge bevel was 65%. Error rates were similar when comparing direct observation of the cut marks versus indirect observation (impressions). Additionally, the type of microscope used did not affect error rates.     

A Call for Help: Women Offenders' Reflections on Trauma Care

Female prisoners have extensive trauma histories and complex treatment needs that contribute to their criminality, yet trauma screening and treatment is not widespread in prisons. This article examines qualitative data gathered from face-to-face interviews with 31 female offenders in Canadian prisons. Using a grounded theory approach we demonstrate an unmet need for trauma-specific services for female offenders. These services go beyond trauma-informed practice and treat the psychological and behavioral sequelae of trauma exposure (e.g., mental illness and addictions) to facilitate recovery. The findings suggest that women in prison want and need specific treatment for trauma exposure. Integrating trauma-specific services involves a cultural shift within the prison environment that might be achieved by positioning trauma within the risk–need–responsivity model as an additional risk factor for criminality. Although counter to the public health perspective that trauma is a health concern, it is a way to ensure that trauma becomes part of the battery of care in corrections so that the needs of traumatized women are addressed while they are in custody. This was a unique opportunity to learn about what women would like to help deal with their experiences of trauma.     

534例脑外伤所致精神障碍的司法精神病鉴定分析

目的分析脑外伤所致精神障碍的类型及鉴定的合理时间,探讨脑损伤程度及鉴定时间与智能损害程度的关系。方法对534例脑外伤患者的司法精神病鉴定资料进行回顾性分析。结果脑外伤所致精神障碍的类型中,器质性情感障碍最多(51.1%),其次为器质性神经症样综合征(24.0%)、器质性智能损害(18.0%)。伤残程度鉴定为Ⅷ级和Ⅸ级伤残最多,分别为219例(41.0%)和177例(33.1%)。智能损害组的脑损害程度、中国修订版韦氏成人智力量表(WAIS-RC)评定智力缺损程度明显高于非智能损害组(P0.05)。伤残等级和脑损伤分级、WAIS-RC评定结果、鉴定时的脑CT变化以及脑电地形图(brain electrical activity mapping,BEAM)异常分级具有相关性(P0.05),而智能损害程度与鉴定时间及脑损伤分级均无相关性(P0.05)。结论影响智能损害的因素很复杂,伤残程度鉴定时脑CT、BEAM、WAIS-RC等客观检查也是重要的参考指标。     

Biparietal Thinning: Accidental Death by a Fall from Standing Height

Biparietal thinning resulting in bilateral and symmetrical resorption and loss of thickness of the parietal bones is an uncommon to rare condition in the anthropological and clinical literature. This enigmatic condition of unknown etiology was first reported in the 18th century and has been variously described as a nonmetric trait, anatomical variant, anomaly, and pathology. Biparietal thinning presents grossly and radiographically as oval‐shaped depressions in 0.25–0.8% and 0.4–0.5% of individuals and with a higher frequency in females over the age of 60 years. A review of the literature revealed only one example of cranial trauma associated with biparietal thinning and none of fatal trauma associated with this condition. This case reports a rare example of fatal trauma in an elderly man that resulted from a backward fall from a standing height and highlights the increased risk of craniocerebral trauma in individuals with this condition.     

Characteristics of Bone Injuries Resulting from Knife Wounds Incised with Different Forces

The aim of this research was to experimentally determine the characteristics of incised bone wounds, which are commonly found in defense injuries. A specially constructed pivoting arm device was used to inflict wounds with controlled forces and direction. Five knives were selected to inflict the wounds on porcine forelimbs. Eight incised wounds were made per knife per force. A larger knife and a greater force caused longer and wider bone wounds. Comparisons of individual knives at the two forces produced varying results in the bone wounds. A correlation was seen between the force and the length (r = 0.69), width (r = 0.63), and depth (r = 0.57) of bone wounds. Serrated‐edge and nonserrated knives can be distinguished from the appearance of the wound. The outcomes may be applicable in forensic investigations to ascertain the forces associated with incised wounds and identify the specific knife used.     

脑钠尿肽的表达调控机制及其法医学应用

脑钠尿肽是主要由心肌细胞分泌的钠尿肽类激素,通常在心肌细胞受到牵拉时产生,具有利钠、利尿、舒张血管、调节血压等功能。临床上BNP是反映心功能的重要指标之一,近年的研究表明,BNP在法医学中对心源性猝死的诊断也具有十分重要的价值。本文综述了BNP的分子结构、表达调控及法医学应用的进展。     

109例外伤性视损害的法医学分析

目的对外伤性视力损害的类型,机制及法医学鉴定进行分析。方法收集109例外伤性视损害案例,回顾性分析其两眼视差、屈光参差、受伤眼别、视力分布等项目。结果男女比例5.8:1,多见于30~59岁;单、双眼受伤的比例17.17:1,故意伤害案左、右眼受伤的比例1.39:1;受伤眼115目,83目达低视力或盲程度;两眼视力之差≥3行视标的95人(87.16%);屈光参差2.25D~6.00D的9人,6.00D的23人。结论两眼视差、屈光参差等问题在鉴定实践中并不少见,但我国鉴定标准尚未涉及,建议制定相关标准时关注双眼整体功能。     

Macroscopic characteristics of screwdriver trauma

The main objective of the study was to determine the type of macroscopic trauma created by a flat-tipped and a cross-tipped screwdriver. The second objective was to determine if the trauma inflicted by the two screwdrivers could be macroscopically differentiated. Three tests were conducted, each by a male volunteer. Each test consisted of 12 samples of fleshed pig ribs; six were stabbed with a flat-tipped screwdriver and the remaining six with a cross-tipped screwdriver (Phillips). Each sample received 15 stab wounds during the process. The stabbings were conducted at perpendicular and oblique angles, with fabric variables being utilized. Results illustrate two main categories of macroscopic skeletal trauma, fractures, and puncture wounds. By studying the macroscopic appearance in tandem with differing trauma frequencies, these two screwdriver types can be differentiated.