Search results for "030216 legal & forensic medicine"
showing 10 items of 85 documents
Caspase 9 and Caspase 3 Immunohistochemical Pattern in Skeletal and Cardiac Muscles at Different Times after Death: An Experimental Study on PMI Esti…
2021
(1) Background: The estimation of the post mortem interval (PMI) is a challenge for forensic pathologists because data emerging from methods commonly applied are not always conclusive, since several conditions exist that may affect the reliability of these parameters. Thus, new approaches have been proposed to overcome such a limit. In recent years, several studies have been performed on proteins analyzing their expression/degradation patterns in relation to the progressing of the post mortem interval. (2) Methods: The immunoreactivity patterns of two apoptosis mediators—Caspase 9 and Caspase 3—have been tested in order to evaluate their potential role as markers of the post mortem interval…
Sensitive screening of synthetic cannabinoids using liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry after solid phase extraction.
2021
Analysis of synthetic cannabinoids still poses a challenge for many institutions due to the number of available substances and the constantly changing drug market. Both new and well-known substances keep appearing and disappearing on the market, making it hard to adapt analytical methods in a timely manner. In this study, we developed a qualitative screening approach for synthetic cannabinoids and their metabolites by means of liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). Samples were measured in data-dependent auto-MS/MS mode and identified by fragment spectra, retention time and accurate mass. Two established solid phase extractions were compared using fo…
Poisoning histories in the Italian renaissance: The case of Pico Della Mirandola and Angelo Poliziano.
2018
Giovanni Pico della Mirandola and Angelo Poliziano were two of the most important humanists of the Italian Renaissance. They died suddenly in 1494 and their deaths have been for centuries a subject of debate. The exhumation of their remains offered the opportunity to study the cause of their death through a multidisciplinary research project. Anthropological analyses, together with documentary evidences, radiocarbon dating and ancient DNA analysis supported the identification of the remains attributed to Pico. Macroscopic examination did not reveal paleopathological lesions or signs related to syphilis. Heavy metals analysis, carried out on bones and mummified tissues, showed that in Pico's…
Advance Directives. Comparison of current legislation within the European Union
2021
Abstract Advance Directives have been legally binding in Spain since the publication of Act 41/2002, of 14th November, which regulates patients’ rights to autonomy and obligations concerning clinical information and recording clinical information. However, the situation in each country of the European Union remains heterogeneous and unknown to most health care professionals. By collecting and studying the legislation on patients' rights in European Union countries we have made an updated comparison of the different features of Advance Directives in each country. Only 15 of the 28 European Union Countries have developed specific rules on advance directives which makes them legally binding in…
Determination of Third-Generation Synthetic Cannabinoids in Oral Fluids.
2020
Abstract A procedure has been developed for the determination of third-generation synthetic cannabinoids in oral fluid samples by using a semi-automated microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) procedure and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) determination. Five synthetic cannabinoids were employed as model compounds 5F-ADB, MMB-CHMICA, THJ-2201, CUMYL-4CN-BINACA and MDMB-CHMCZCA. The most adequate operative conditions for MEPS were evaluated giving quantitative recoveries, from 89 to 124%, in synthetic and field saliva samples spiked with 125 and 250 μg/L of the studied cannabinoids, with the exception of MDMB-CHMCZCA in field saliva samples that provided slightly lower recoverie…
The CSI-education effect: Do potential criminals benefit from forensic TV series?
2018
Abstract Forensic series have become popular over the last two decades. They have raised the importance of forensic evidence in the eyes of the public (CSI effect). However, it has not been investigated to what extent criminals may learn about forensic evidence through these shows. We used multiple approaches to tackle this potential CSI-education effect. First, we analyzed crime statistics for crime and detection rate. Second, we asked convicted criminals about their impressions about the usefulness of crime shows for covering up a crime. Third, we asked fans of crime series and a control group of non-watchers to slip into the role of a criminal by enacting the cleaning up a murder crime s…
GHB related acids are useful in routine casework of suspected GHB intoxication cases
2021
Abstract GHB related acids (3,4-dihydroxy butyric acid, 2,4-dihydroxy butyric acid and glycolic acid) are produced through oxidative GHB metabolism. These analytes could be potential biomarkers to ensure the diagnosis of a GHB intoxication and even prolong the detection window. Within this study, forensic routine cases were measured to consider the potential of additional gas chromatographic mass spectrometric analysis on these acids. 17 GHB positive real cases (10 serum samples and 7 urine samples) and 40 cases with suspicion of drugging in DFC cases and negative GHB results (21 serum samples and 19 urine samples) were evaluated. Increased GHB related acid concentrations were detected in a…
Detectability of cannabinoids in the serum samples of cannabis users: Indicators of recent cannabis use? A follow‐up study
2021
Forensic toxicologists are frequently required to predict the time of last cannabis consumption. Several studies suggested the utility of minor cannabinoids as indicators of recent cannabis use. Because several factors influence blood cannabinoid concentrations, the interpretation of serum cannabinoid concentrations remains challenging. To assess the informative value of serum cannabinoid levels in cannabis users (in total N = 117 patients, including 56 patients who stated an exact time of last cannabis use within 24 h before blood sampling), the detectability of cannabinoids, namely delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), 11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC, 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-THC, cannabichr…
Steroid fingerprints: Efficient biomarkers of human decomposition fluids in soil
2018
Abstract The decomposition of animal and human cadavers can lead to comprehensive chemical and biochemical changes in soil, which can provide helpful information for the analysis of archaeological and crime scenes. The current study focused specifically on the concentration and distribution patterns of steroids in soil with the aim of assessing their suitability for demonstrating the presence of human decomposition products. Soil samples were collected from a forensic site where a human corpse had been lying on the soil surface for 18 days. Total organic carbon (TOC) and steroid concentrations were analysed in soil samples taken from beneath the body at the time the corpse was removed and a…
When a virus (Covid-19) attacks human rights: The situation of asylum seekers in the medico-legal setting
2020
The Covid-19 pandemic is a global health emergency that requires immediate, effective action by governments to protect the health and basic human rights of everyone’s life. Refugees and migrants are potentially at increased risk because they typically live in overcrowded conditions often without access to basic sanitation. Since the beginning of the official lockdown for Covid-19, the medico-legal assessment of physical violence related to obtaining status or other forms of human protection has been frozen.