DEET (N,N‐Diethyl‐meta‐toluamide) Induced Delay of Blowfly Landing and Oviposition Rates on Treated Pig Carrion (Sus scrofa L.)

Abstract: The question of whether the insect repellent N,N‐Diethyl‐meta‐toluamide (DEET) affected fly attraction, oviposition, and larval development was investigated; in part, to determine whether the common habit of wearing DEET as a repellent could affect the rate of human decomposition. Experiments using pig surrogates of human decedents were carried out in a rural environment. Dead piglets were sprayed with DEET, and fly behavior, colonization levels, and maggot development were compared with those in nonsprayed controls. Piglets treated with DEET experienced significant delays in fly visitation and oviposition and delayed appearance of each larval instar, as well as reduced total larval numbers (p < 0.01 for all variables), with subsequently reduced decomposition (p < 0.05). Such changes in fly behavior and larval population development would significantly impact the estimation of the period following the death from entomological evidence in decedents wearing DEET at the time of their death.     

Evaluation of the (hu)MANid program for sex and ancestry estimation in a diverse,contemporary CT scan-based sample

Human remains from forensic and bioarcheological contexts are often fragmentary, requiring methods for estimating a forensic profile that are based upon limited skeletal features. In 2017, Berg and Keryhercz created an online application, (hu)MANid, that provides sex and ancestry estimation from mandibular morphoscopic traits and linear measurements. In this study, we examine the utility of the (hu)MANid application in a diverse, urban US adult sample (aged 20–45; n = 143) derived from computed tomography (CT) scans. We secondarily conduct a preliminary analysis of the program's utility in a sample of adolescents (aged 15–17; n = 40). Six morphoscopic, and eleven morphometric traits were recorded as directed by the literature associated with the (hu)MANid program. Percent correct classification and posterior predictive values were calculated for the sex and ancestry estimations output by the program; chi-squared tests were employed to compare self-reported and predicted ancestry. In the adult sample, sex was accurately predicted for 75.52% of the sample. Ancestry prediction, however, was less favorable ranging from 19.3% to 50% correct. For the adolescent sample, correct sex estimation (45%) did not surpass what could occur by chance alone, though ancestry prediction fared better than in the larger adult sample (percent correct prediction overall average: 47.5%, range 35.71%–71.43%). The (hu)MANid application shows utility for use with CT scan-derived adult samples for sex estimation, but caution is warranted for ancestry estimation and use with samples that may not have reached full adult maturity.     

Delusional infestation/parasitosis and the law: a review

Delusional infestation (DI) is a psychodermatological condition where sufferers falsely believe they are infested with parasites despite all evidence to the contrary. Besides sparse records of suicide and doctors being assaulted or threatened with legal action by DI patients, few studies have looked at the forensic presentation of DI. This study aimed at describing when and why DI appears in the courtroom. Westlaw and Google Scholar searchers were conducted for relevant articles and legal cases in the USA containing keywords including delusions, insects, bugs, mites, worms, infested, and parasite. The presentation of DI in the courtrooms was compared to its appearance in the general population. Co-morbidity with other mental disorders and/or drug abuse was common, as were other delusions. Evidence of DI has been used in hearings of competency to stand trial and appeals against involuntary commitment or denial of disabilities benefits. Several DI sufferers had filed lawsuits against those they felt failed to properly treat their ‘infestations,’ but all were dismissed for failure to state a claim. In several cases, children were deemed at risk directly due to their parents’ DI. Increased awareness is needed of DI and its risks, especially for children living with delusional caretakers.