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Sudden unexpected death of an individual with epilepsy can pose a challenge to death investigators, as most deaths are unwitnessed, and the individual is commonly found dead in bed. Anatomic findings (eg, tongue/lip bite) are commonly absent and of varying specificity, thereby limiting the evidence to implicate epilepsy as a cause of or contributor to death. Thus it is likely that death certificates significantly underrepresent the true number of deaths in which epilepsy was a factor. To address this, members of the National Association of Medical Examiners, North American SUDEP Registry, Epilepsy Foundation SUDEP Institute, American Epilepsy Society, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention constituted an expert panel to generate evidence-based recommendations for the practice of death investigation and autopsy, toxicological analysis, interpretation of autopsy and toxicology findings, and death certification to improve the precision of death certificate data available for public health surveillance of epilepsy-related deaths. The recommendations provided in this paper are intended to assist medical examiners, coroners, and death investigators when a sudden unexpected death in a person with epilepsy is encountered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a commentary on the role of phosphatidylethanol in assessing postmortem ethanol intake in autopsies. The author highlights the use of the ethanol compound as a biomarker in determining alcohol consumption in an autopsied person's brain and serum blood level. The author also offers the detailed information on the research conducted on the effectiveness of phosphatidylethanol in autopsies.

I In this in vitro study, i [5] I in the USA evaluated the cytotoxic effects of amikacin on equine chondrocytes, synoviocytes, and bone marrow and adipose- derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). i Chondrocytes, synovial cells, and adipose and bone marrow derived MSC were harvested post-mortem from three horses with no evidence of osteoarthritis. Cell metabolism/viability was assessed by colorimetric MTT assay, and cell proliferation was assessed by live cell imaging. Amikacin at clinically applied doses induces rapid, pronounced cell death of equine joint cells and so amikacin doses currently used intra-articularly should be reconsidered. [Extracted from the article]

Fourth, the Letter raises a number of additional issues: The Letter states that "The National Association of Medical Examiners has in place a procedure for providing contact information for surveys such as this in order to make sure that the sampling is complete and unbiased. To be clear, our paper calls for a long-overdue discussion about what information should and should not be used in forensic pathology decisions, and a collective recognition that cognitive bias occurs in forensic pathology decision-making - as it can in any decision-making task. In the second set of data from our experimental study, the research question was whether forensic pathology decisions were biased by nonmedical and irrelevant contextual information in general, I not i race specifically. Remember that our paper presents the first data to examine bias in forensic pathology decision-making, and as we clearly stated, "Our two data sets are the first step in examining biases in postmortem decision-making, and they do not answer all the questions.". [Extracted from the article]

Evidence of an insulin overdose is very complicated in the medico-legal field. The analysis and subsequent interpretation of results is complex, especially when treating postmortem blood samples. The instability of insulin, the special pre-analytical conditions and the absence of specific analytical methods has led most laboratories not to analyze insulin in their routine with a consequent underestimation of cases. This paper aims to assess the difficulties associated with the analytical characterization of insulin by describing a case that typically represents most of the inconveniences encountered following a suspected insulin overdose. The case concerns a man found dead at home by his brother. After an external examination, which did not reveal a specific cause of death, toxicological analysis was requested which did not reveal any substance of toxicological interest. Only 9 months later, it was reported to the toxicologist that the subject was diabetic, on insulin lispro treatment and that three empty syringes were found next to his body. Following analysis by LC-high-resolution mass spectrometry, the presence of insulin lispro at a concentration of 1.1 ng/mL, a therapeutic concentration, was evidenced. Despite the low concentration found, overdose cannot be excluded and this paper will describe the criteria evaluated to reach this conclusion. This case highlights that the interpretation of a postmortem insulin concentration is very complex and requires the evaluation of various elements including the circumstances of death, the subject's medical history, the interval between death and sampling and the sample storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robotic waste management automation systems are increasingly utilized around the globe as a user‐friendly, ecological and hygienic alternative to waste disposal, simultaneously reducing the volume and frequency of waste collection. The present paper aims to report a case of death by compaction in an automated robotic waste management system and review relevant literature on compactor‐related fatalities. The unusual fatal accident involved a 37‐year‐old male citizen who deliberately entered the robotic dumpster to retrieve his accidentally discarded medication. Upon entering the robotic chamber, the compaction system was automatically activated, although all safety measures were in full operation. This paper highlights the lack of standardized reporting on compactor‐related mortality, which however is of importance both in terms of its social impact and public safety. These deaths occur rarely, in scattered areas of the globe, associated with various situations (e.g., occupational fatalities, homeless people, infanticide) and trash compactors of different types, technology, age, maintenance quality, warning signage and safety interlocks. In all previously reported fatalities, the technology involved was considerably older (as in conventional waste containers, garbage compaction trucks, chute‐fed compactors in buildings, etc.). The case described in the present report is a rare event in both literature and international news coverage as it encompasses a fully automated technology intended for unsupervised, direct use by the public being located in public spaces where all citizens can interact with it. The aim of this report is to raise awareness and improve knowledge about safety parameters so that similar incidents can be avoided in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and aims: There is emerging evidence that heavy long‐term alcohol consumption may alter the neuroimmune profile. We conducted a meta‐analysis of the association between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and the extent of neuroinflammation using cerebrospinal (CSF), PET (Positron Emission Tomography), and postmortem studies. Design and methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Protocols (PRISMA‐P) for AUD‐related terms in combination with neuroinflammatory markers and cytokine‐ and chemokine‐related terms for CSF, PET, and postmortem studies. Participants had to meet established criteria for AUD and/or heavy alcohol consumption with dependence features and be compared with healthy controls. Papers retrieved were assessed for inclusion criteria and a critical appraisal was completed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. A meta‐analysis was conducted on postmortem and PET studies. Results: Eleven papers met the inclusion criteria with CSF, PET, and postmortem studies included in the final analysis. Postmortem studies demonstrate significant heterogeneity (푄 (14) = 62.02, 푝 < 0.001), with the alcohol group showing higher levels of neuroimmune markers than controls (푑 = 1.50 [95% CI 0.56, 2.45]). PET studies demonstrated a lower [11C] PBR28 total volume of distribution (VT) for translocator protein in the hippocampus (g = −1.95 [95% CI −2.72, −1.18], p < 0.001) of the alcohol group compared to controls. Conclusion: There is emerging evidence across multiple diagnostic modalities that alcohol impacts neuroimmune signaling in the human brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several recent studies have demonstrated the complexity of funerary practices in megalithic burials. Mortuary taphonomy has proposed models to explain these practices, in which different actions, such as the generation of primary and secondary deposits, the selection and manipulation of bone remains, the extraction of materials from the grave, and so forth, can be identified. However, in the northern sub‐plateau of the Iberian Peninsula, the interpretation of funerary gestures related to megalithic tombs has not been systematically studied from the perspective of taphonomy. In this paper, we study two sites, Los Zumacales and La Lora, dated to the fourth millennium B.C. The analysis considers all the burial practices linked with megalithic tombs, with a focus on the social and natural processes involved in the formation of these complex mortuary deposits. In both examples, direct evidence of perimortem manipulation of human remains is documented by the presence of fresh fractures and cut marks in different long bones. As suggested in the discussion, this evidence may be related to secondary reduction practices following the initial deposition of the bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fatality review is a public health approach designed to inform efforts to prevent fatalities of a certain kind (e.g., suicide, homicide) or in a specific setting or population (e.g., hospitals, youth). Despite extensive literature on fatality review generally, the literature on suicide review teams specifically is scant. The aim of this paper is to: describe the implementation of a local adult suicide review commission, detail examples of initial outcomes and recommendations developed by the commission, and provide recommendations and/or best practices for how to develop and implement an adult suicide review team. Methods: We utilize framing questions from the American Association of Suicidology's psychological autopsy framework. By using these guiding questions in the discussion, members are invited to explore not only the stressors that may have more immediately preceded the suicide event itself, but to situate those stressors in the context of the individual's life course. Results: Several recommendations proposed by our commission have resulted in tangible outcomes and are detailed using Haddon's Matrix as a guiding prevention planning tool. Implications: We have highlighted the need to move beyond looking at individual‐level help‐seeking to focus on structural/systemic issues that result in stress or create unsafe environments for at‐risk individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Porous lesions of the orbit (cribra orbitalia [CO]) and cranial vault (porotic hyperostosis [PH]) are used as skeletal indicators of childhood stress. Because they are understudied in contemporary populations, their relationship to disease experience is poorly understood. This paper examines the relationship between length of childhood illness and CO/PH formation in a clinically documented sample. "Turning points," which identify the window for lesion formation for CO/PH, are defined, implications for hidden heterogeneity in frailty are considered. Methods: Data are from 333 (199 males; 134 females) pediatric postmortem computed tomography scans. Individuals died in New Mexico (2011–2019) and are 0.5 to 15.99 years (mean = 7.1). Length of illness was estimated using information from autopsy and field reports. Logistic regression was used to estimate predicted probabilities, odds ratios, and the temporal window for lesion formation. Results: Illness, single bouts, or cumulative episodes lasting over 1 month is associated with higher odds of CO; individuals who were never sick have lower odds of having PH. This relationship was consistent for fatal and incidental illnesses that did not cause death. The developmental window for CO formation appears to close at 8 years. Conclusions: Those ill for over 1 month are more likely to have CO/PH than those with acute illnesses. Some individuals lived sufficiently long to form CO/PH but died of illness. Others with lesions died of circumstances unrelated to disease. This indicates hidden variation in robusticity even among ill individuals with CO/PH, which is vital in interpreting lesion frequencies in the archeological record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perry disease (or Perry syndrome [PS]) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder inevitably leading to death within few years from onset. All previous cases with pathological confirmation were caused by mutations within the cytoskeleton‐associated protein glycine‐rich (CAP‐Gly) domain of the DCTN1 gene. Objectives: This paper presents the first clinicopathological report of PS due to a novel DCTN1 mutation outside the CAP‐Gly domain. Methods: Clinical and pathological features of the new variant carrier are compared with another recently deceased PS case with a well‐known pathogenic DCTN1 mutation and other reported cases. Results and Conclusions: We report a novel DCTN1 mutation outside the CAP‐Gly domain that we demonstrated to be pathogenic based on clinical and autopsy findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the first record of the critically endangered gravid female spiny butterfly ray, Gymnura altavela (Linnaeus, 1758), in the northern Mediterranean and simultaneously the only record of the species in this century for the Adriatic Sea. The female (173 cm disc width and 43.25 kg total weight) was captured at c. 200 m, off Vlorë in the southern Adriatic Sea off Albania on 12 May 2022. Upon necropsy, seven near‐term foetuses (mean 328 ± 6.47 mm disc width and mean 355 ± 20.06 g in total weight) were transported for further in‐vitro incubation. These results represent the deepest capture for the species, as well as the largest litter size and largest size at birth in the Mediterranean Sea, which indicates the need for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of two‐dimensional ultrasound at 11–14 weeks' gestation as a screening test for individual fetal anomalies and to identify factors impacting on screening performance. Methods: This was a systematic review and meta‐analysis that was developed and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018111781). MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of screening for 16 predefined, non‐cardiac, congenital anomalies considered to be of interest to the early anomaly scan. We included prospective and retrospective studies from any healthcare setting conducted in low‐risk, mixed‐risk and unselected populations. The reference standard was the detection of an anomaly on postnatal or postmortem examination. Data were extracted to populate 2 × 2 tables and a random‐effects model was used to determine the diagnostic accuracy of screening for the predefined anomalies (individually and as a composite). Secondary analyses were performed to determine the impact on detection rates of imaging protocol, type of ultrasound modality, publication year and index of sonographer suspicion at the time of scanning. Post‐hoc secondary analysis was conducted to assess performance among studies published during or after 2010. Risk of bias assessment and quality assessment were undertaken for included studies using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool. Results: From 5684 citations, 202 papers underwent full‐text review, resulting in the inclusion of 52 studies comprising 527 837 fetuses, of which 2399 were affected by one or more of the 16 predefined anomalies. Individual anomalies were not equally amenable to detection on first‐trimester ultrasound: a high (> 80%) detection rate was reported for severe conditions, including acrania (98%), gastroschisis (96%), exomphalos (95%) and holoprosencephaly (88%); the detection rate was lower for open spina bifida (69%), lower urinary tract obstruction (66%), lethal skeletal dysplasias (57%) and limb‐reduction defects (50%); and the detection rate was below 50% for facial clefts (43%), polydactyly (40%) and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (38%). Conditions with a low (< 30%) detection rate included bilateral renal agenesis (25%), closed spina bifida (21%), isolated cleft lip (14%) and talipes (11%). Specificity was > 99% for all anomalies. Secondary analysis showed that detection improved with advancing publication year, and that the use of imaging protocols had a statistically significant impact on screening performance (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The accurate detection of congenital anomalies using first‐trimester ultrasound is feasible, although detection rates and false‐positive rates depend on the type of anomaly. The use of a standardized protocol allows for diagnostic performance to be maximized, particularly for the detection of spina bifida, facial clefts and limb‐reduction defects. Highlighting the types of anomalies amenable to diagnosis and determining factors enhancing screening performance can support the development of first‐trimester anomaly screening programs. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Social media usage in mobile phones has increased substantially in recent times, and they are a critically important source of a forensics investigation. In this paper, we have developed Python‐based forensic analyzers that are integrated with the open‐source tool Autopsy. The proposed analyzers find forensic artifacts from the three most widely used social media messaging applications, that is, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger. This research focuses on finding forensic artifacts stored by these social media applications on an iOS device. These analyzers extract data critical for a forensic investigation such as text messages, media attachments, sender and receiver details, timestamps, contact information, and other related forensics data from the full file system image of iOS devices. These Python‐based plugins extract the required data from the social media applications' databases and present the evidential artifacts in a human‐readable format. We integrated these analyzers into the Autopsy Forensics tool and showcased the gathered evidence so that investigators are capable to analyze the extracted information effortlessly. The data integrity is maintained by converting it into readable form without permanently altering the database format. The results prove that the proposed analyzers can successfully extract and analyze forensics data at a low computational overhead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jar burial is a particular burial practice generally used in the Neolithic period of China. However, the rarity of finding prenatal individuals limits the ability to study their treatment in jar burial contexts. In this paper, to study the postmortem treatment of this specific age further, we focus on three jar burials of infant individuals excavated in 2021 at the Gangshang site in China, where the skeletal remains were relatively well preserved. The skeletal remains of three well‐preserved individuals are presented into inverted ceramic tripods near the residential area and with a crouched posture. In terms of this condition, we apply the osteometric method to estimate the range and mean of age at death for each individual investigated. Meanwhile, we use micro‐computed tomography (CT) scans to help judge the degree of microbial bioerosion. Besides, histological analysis on skeletal remains combined with the Oxford Histological Index (OHI) assessment allows us to estimate the developmental stage at the time of death by analyzing the results of micro‐CT scans. By using osteometric methods, the results show that the gestational age of the three individuals is 22–26, 24–28, and 22–26 weeks, respectively. The results of the micro‐CT scans indicate that all three fetuses died shortly after birth, or had died in their mother's uterus before birth, with the OHI score of 5. Moreover, we indeed observe infant skeleton remains with no bacterial bioerosion, indicating that it is effective using this method to judge the developmental stage at the time of death with a specific taphonomic environment in the Gangshang site of the Dawenkou culture period. Combined with the placement of the jars in which the three infants were buried, it is believed that this unique placement method was intentional and specific to the infant deaths. These results are instructive for exploring the postmortem treatment of dead infants by ancient residents of the Dawenkou culture period (4200 bc–2600 bc) in Shandong Province, China, and the significance and possible causes of the unique burial type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry ( TOF- SIMS) is a well-established surface technique that provides both elemental and molecular information from several monolayers of a sample surface while also allowing depth profiling or image mapping to be performed. Static TOF- SIMS with improved performances has expanded the application of TOF- SIMS to the study of a variety of organic, polymeric, biological, archaeological, and forensic materials. In forensic investigation, the use of a minimal sample for the analysis is preferable. Although the TOF- SIMS technique is destructive, the probing beams have microsized diameters so that only small portion of the questioned sample is necessary for the analysis, leaving the rest available for other analyses. In this study, TOF- SIMS and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared ( ATR- FTIR) were applied to the analysis of several different pen inks, red sealing inks, and printed patterns on paper. The overlapping areas of ballpoint pen writing, red seal stamping, and laser printing in a document were investigated to identify the sequence of recording. The sequence relations for various cases were determined from the TOF- SIMS mapping image and the depth profile. TOF- SIMS images were also used to investigate numbers or characters altered with two different red pens. TOF- SIMS was successfully used to determine the sequence of intersecting lines and the forged numbers on the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide instructive clues for clinical practice and further research of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, we analyzed the existing literature on viral neuroinvasion of SARS‐CoV‐2 in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients. To date, SARS‐CoV‐2 has been detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or brain parenchyma in quite a few patients, which provide undeniable evidence for the neuroinvasive potential of this novel coronavirus. In contrast with the cerebrum and cerebellum, the detection rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 was higher in the olfactory system and the brainstem, both of which also showed severe microgliosis and lymphocytic infiltrations. As compared with the number of patients who underwent viral testing in the central nervous system (CNS), the number of patients showing positive results seems very small. However, it seems too early to conclude that the neuroinvasion of SARS‐CoV‐2 is rare in COVID‐19 patients because the detection methods or sampling procedures in some studies may not be suitable or sufficient to reveal the CNS infection induced by neurotropic viruses. Moreover, the primary symptoms and/or causes of death were distinctly different among examined patients, which probably caused more conspicuous pathological changes than those due to the direct infection that usually localized to specific brain areas. Unfortunately, most autopsy studies did not provide sufficient details about neurological symptoms or suspected diagnoses of the examined patients, and the documentation of neuropathological changes was often incomplete. Given the complex pathophysiology of COVID‐19 and the characteristics of neurotropic viruses, it is understandable that any study of the CNS infection may inevitably have limitations. Highlights: We analyzed the papers on CSF testing and brain autopsies in COVID‐19 patients.SARS‐CoV‐2 has been detected in the CSF or brain parenchyma in a few patients.The detection rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 is high in the olfactory system and the brainstem.Some detection methods are not sufficient to reveal the CNS infection of SARS‐CoV‐2.Symptoms or death causes of examined patients are not often provided in some papers.It cannot be simply concluded that viral neuroinvasion is rare in COVID‐19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing interest in employing iris biometrics as a forensic tool for identification by investigation authorities, there is a need for a thorough examination and understanding of postmortem decomposition processes that take place within the human eyeball, especially the iris. This can prove useful for fast and accurate matching of antemortem with postmortem data acquired at crime scenes or mass casualties, as well as for ensuring correct dispatching of bodies from the incident scene to a mortuary or funeral homes. Following these needs of forensic community, this paper offers an analysis of the coarse effects of eyeball decay done from a perspective of automatic iris recognition. We analyze postmortem iris images acquired for a subject with a very long postmortem observation time horizon (34 days), in both visible light and near‐infrared light (860 nm), as the latter wavelength is used in commercial iris recognition systems. Conclusions and suggestions are provided that may aid forensic examiners in successfully utilizing iris patterns in postmortem identification of deceased subjects. Initial guidelines regarding the imaging process, types of illumination, and resolution are also given, together with expectations with respect to the iris features decomposition rates. Visible iris features possible for human, expert‐based matching persists even up to 407 h postmortem, and near‐infrared illumination is suggested for better mitigation of corneal opacity while imaging cadaver eyes (Post‐mortem iris decomposition and its dynamics in morgue conditions. ArXiv pre‐print, 2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portable x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) is a reliable, rapid and noninvasive technique. Recently, it has been used in a wide variety of fields where the sample must still be available after examination or when qualitative information on chemical composition is needed quickly to perform more detailed studies. These properties also make it suitable for forensic investigations, as shown by some recent reports. In the present work, a systematic evaluation of metal micro traces in electric marks was performed in a case of death by electrocution (high‐voltage current). The results are promising, as XRF has been shown to be a suitable tool not only for skin fragments but also for graphite adhesive tapes placed on the body skin areas of forensic interest and then analyzed. The latter finding proves that skin samples at autopsy are not the only valuable sampling method, thus paving the way for the application of XRF in the diagnosis of electrical injuries in living individuals as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Does our life have value for us after we die? Despite the importance of such a question, many would find it absurd, even incoherent. Once we are dead, the thought goes, we are no longer around to have any wellbeing at all. However, in this paper I argue that this common thought is mistaken. In order to make sense of some of our most central normative thoughts and practices, we must hold that a person can have wellbeing after they die. I provide two arguments for this claim on the basis of postmortem harms and benefits as well as the lasting significance of death. I suggest two ways of underwriting posthumous wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil cephalopods are frequently encrusted by epibionts; however, determining whether encrustation occurred prior to or post‐mortem to the host, and whether the final environment of deposition corresponds to the habitat of encrustation is complex. The present paper describes cirripede epibionts, their calcareous bases and their attachment scars on 6 post‐mortem shells of Nautilus macromphalus, collected from deep water off New Caledonia. The cirripedes have left both cemented calcareous bases of Hexelasma and scars associated with bioerosion and discoloration produced by verrucomorph barnacles. Live cirripedes included a Metaverruca recta, with articulated opercular plates and organic tissue (on a shell that had been exposed on the sea floor for at least 150 years), and specimens of Hexelasma velutinum, one of which was partly attached to an internal surface of a shell. The disposition of verrucomorphs indicates that most Nautilus shells were colonized post‐mortem rather than during a floating stage. However, as cirripedes are known to have colonized living Nautilus, some Hexelasma, preserved only as calcareous eroded bases, may represent specimens that settled on a living Nautilus. The degree of bioerosion and discoloration induced by verrucomorph barnacles varies according to the surface preservation of Nautilus shells, with deeper and discolored traces preserved on old and degraded shells. Traces made by verrucomorphs described here are ellipsoidal and a new ichnotaxon, Anellusichnus ellipticus, is proposed to accommodate them. Importantly, verrucomorphs and other cirripede taxa with membranous bases that were attached to pristine shells may not leave any substantial scars, and, thus, will be difficult to detect in the fossil record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of forensic science can be defined as providing relevant opinions to assist investigators and courts of law in answering questions. The Likelihood Ratio (LR) provides a quantitative and logical approach to communicating the strength of expert evidence. We reviewed existing forensic literature on sharp force fatalities, focusing on studies reporting the manner of death and the frequency of some characteristics that are traditionally assessed. Four studies were included, resulting in a database of 173 suicides and 354 homicides. The LR of each of the characteristic under both hypotheses (suicide and homicide) was obtained. Subsequently, the LR was computed in six fatalities with known manner of death, three suicides and three homicides, by multiplying the corresponding LR of each individual characteristic. LR ranged from 115 to 140,250 in suicidal cases and from 9 to 2728 in homicidal cases. Compared to other fields of forensic science where LR is used extensively, the values obtained in our cases of sharp force fatalities is low. However, in forensic pathology there is evidence that is outside the expert's opinion, and it is for the trier of fact, such as the judge or jury, to draw conclusions. Nevertheless, the LR serves as a tool for interpreting and weighing evidence while maintaining the distinct roles of the trier of fact and the expert. To comprehensively apply the LR in the field of sharp force deaths, it will be necessary to standardize the methodology of investigation and data collection in descriptive studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image acquisition of dead bodies, particularly using postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), has become common in forensic investigations worldwide. Meanwhile, in countries such as Japan which have an extremely low rate of autopsy, PMCT is being increasingly used in the clinical field to certify the cause of death (COD) without performing an autopsy or toxicological tests, even in cases of unnatural death. Additionally, these PMCT images are predominantly interpreted by clinical personnel such as emergency physicians or clinicians who are not trained in PMCT interpretation and who work for the police, that is, the so‐called police doctors. Many potential pitfalls associated with the use of PMCT have been previously described in textbooks and published papers, including the pitfalls of not performing a complete forensic pathology investigation, and the use of physicians without appropriate PMCT training to interpret PMCT and direct death investigation and certification. We describe five examples in which apparent misdiagnosis of COD based on PMCT misinterpretation was revealed by autopsy. Here are the five examples of errors: (1) Postmortem changes were misinterpreted as COD, (2) resuscitation effects were misinterpreted as COD, (3) COD was determined after an incomplete examination, (4) fatal findings caused by external origin were wrongly interpreted as 'of internal origin' based on PMCT, and (5) non‐fatal findings on PMCT were wrongly interpreted as fatal. Interpretation of PMCT by appropriately trained physicians and an accompanying complete forensic investigation, including autopsy when indicated, is necessary to prevent significant errors in COD determination and related potential adverse medicolegal consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS‐CoV‐2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), the new coronavirus responsible for the pandemic disease in the last year, is able to affect the central nervous system (CNS). Compared with its well‐known pulmonary tropism and respiratory complications, little has been studied about SARS‐CoV‐2 neurotropism and pathogenesis of its neurological manifestations, but also about postmortem histopathological findings in the CNS of patients who died from COVID‐19 (coronavirus disease 2019). We present a systematic review, carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review standards, of the neuropathological features of COVID‐19. We found 21 scientific papers, the majority of which refer to postmortem examinations; the total amount of cases is 197. Hypoxic changes are the most frequently reported alteration of brain tissue, followed by ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions and reactive astrogliosis and microgliosis. These findings do not seem to be specific to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, they are more likely because of systemic inflammation and coagulopathy caused by COVID‐19. More studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis and to detect other possible alterations of neural tissue. Brain examination of patients dead from COVID‐19 should be included in a protocol of standardized criteria to perform autopsies on these subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a method for the determination of methadone, EDDP, and EMDP in postmortem biological materials using liquid‐liquid extraction with ethyl acetate (pH9) and UHPLC‐MS/MS technique. Methadone‐d9 and EDDP‐d3 were used as the internal standards. The method validation results for blood and urine were as follows: linearity: 0.5–1000 ng/ml; R2 > 0.9993 for methadone, EDDP and R2 > 0.9944 for EMDP. Intra‐ and inter‐day precision: 0.1%–7.5% and 0.3%–8.6%, respectively; intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy: −11.8% to 13.9% and −9.3 to 14.8%, respectively; recovery: 91.5%–123.0%; matrix effect: 83.5%–123.9%. This study also describes 18 postmortem cases, where methadone concentrations ranged 2.3–1180 ng/ml in blood (n = 17), from 11.0 to >10,000 ng/ml in urine (n = 13) and 135.2–409.0 in vitreous humor (VH, n = 3). EDDP concentrations ranged from not detectable to 180 ng/mL in blood, from 42.4 to >10,000 ng/ml in urine and 18.3–36.5 in VH. EMDP concentrations were found in four cases in blood from below LLOQ to 1.8 ng/ml and in seven cases in urine, ranged 2.1–243.0 ng/ml. EMDP was not detected in VH samples. The EDDP/methadone ratios and blood/urine ratios for methadone and EDDP in EMDP‐positive and negative cases were performed. The paper presents mass spectra of other methadone metabolites, than EDDP and EMDP (ring hydroxylated methadone, ring hydroxylated EDDP, ring hydroxylated EMDP, methadol, and DDP). Simultaneous determination of methadone and its metabolites in order to unequivocally interpret the results of toxicological tests seems to be useful in cases related to prescription/illicit use of methadone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opioid crisis has continued to progress in the United States and the rest of the world. As this crisis continues, there is a pressing need for a rapid and cost‐effective method for detecting fentanyl. Recent studies have suggested that lateral flow immunoassays (LFIs) could fill this technology gap. These qualitative paper‐based assays contain antibodies designed to react with fentanyl and provide positive or negative results within a matter of minutes. In this study, two different LFI configurations for the detection of fentanyl were examined (dipsticks and cassettes) for effectiveness of detection using seized drug samples and postmortem urine samples. In the current study, 44 seized drug samples (32 fentanyl‐positive, 12 fentanyl‐negative) and 14 postmortem urine samples (10 fentanyl‐positive, 4 fentanyl‐negative) were analyzed. All 32 fentanyl‐containing seized drug samples and 10 postmortem fentanyl‐positive urine samples displayed positive LFI results with both LFI configurations. The fentanyl dipsticks displayed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 75%, and an efficiency of 93.2% for seized drug samples and a sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency of 100% for postmortem urine. Analysis of the fentanyl cassettes displayed a sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency of 100% for seized drug samples and a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 75%, and an efficiency of 92.9% for postmortem urine samples. These data point to the utility of LFIs as a quick and low resource‐dependent option for presumptive detection of fentanyl in real‐world situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varices are the main clinical manifestation of portal hypertension, and their bleeding is the predominant cause of mortality from this condition. Periumbilical varices are known as "caput medusae." Reports of their bleeding are rare, with only three fatal cases described in the literature. The antemortem diagnosis is relatively simple, while the postmortem diagnosis is more complex. This paper is the first report of fatal hemorrhage from a caput medusae for which the diagnosis was made postmortem, thanks to a complete diagnostic process including scene and circumstances, medical history, and autopsy with detailed histology. The circumstantial analysis showed the presence of a large amount of blood at the scene, blood which originated from a small abdominal wound; an analysis of the subject's clinical data reported that he was affected by portal hypertension. The autopsy revealed some dilated and convoluted veins in the subcutaneous tissue of the umbilical region; a fistula between these veins and the abdominal wound was detected. The histological study confirmed the presence of periumbilical varices, one of them ruptured and connected with the overlying skin. The cause of death was attributed to a massive hemorrhage generated by a periumbilical varix in a patient affected by portal hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phoridae are a family of necrophagous flies commonly found in indoor death scene. They account for approximately 19.7% of the entomofauna in human cadavers in Korea. Additionally, this taxon is an indicator of indoor hygiene, and these flies appear in environments where access by other necrophagous insects is difficult, such as enclosed rooms. Thus, they are likely to be used as forensic evidence. Despite their importance in forensic investigations and environmental hygiene, detailed studies on the taxonomy and molecular barcoding for this family are scarce, including in Korea. Because accurate taxonomic information regarding necrophagous insects collected from a death-related scene is essential during medicolegal investigations, molecular barcoding data could be useful as well as reliable. In this paper, full-length nucleotide sequences of genes coding for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) in 79 Phoridae larvae collected from 20 medicolegal autopsy cases in Korea were phylogenetically analyzed by comparing their sequences to the foreign barcoding data of Phoridae. Six mitochondrial haplogroups were identified, which two of them matched to foreign Phoridae fly species haplotypes, Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) and M. spiracularis Schmitz 1938. Taxonomies of five other haplogroups, with nucleotide distances ranging from 1.68% to 2.26% from the M. scalaris group, could not be confirmed solely based on the molecular barcoding data. Further research should be performed to determine whether these five haplogroups are diverged conspecifics of M. scalaris or a closely related sister cryptic species of M. scalaris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Within the new psychoactive substances (NPS) scenario, several hundred different molecules, mostly including synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, have been identified so far. The aims of the paper were to: (i) identify the number of synthetic cathinones mentioned in a range of psychonaut, NPS‐related, online sources; and (ii) describe the associated acute/long term clinical scenario and the related treatment/management plan. Methods: After about 18 months of operation and exclusion of false positives/duplicates, some 4204 unique NPS molecules were included in the NPSfinder® crawling/navigating software database. Most popular NPS included: 1265 psychedelic phenethylamines (30.1%; confidence interval [CI] 95%: 28.7–31.5%); 1253 synthetic cannabinoids (29.8%; CI 95%: 28.4–31.2%); 429 synthetic opioids (10.2%; CI 95%: 9.3–10.2%); and 171 synthetic cathinones (4.1%; CI 95% 3.5–4.7%). Conversely, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction databases respectively included 169 and 140 cathinones. Overall, the 3 databases reported some 222 synthetic cathinones, and 41 were uniquely identified by the NPSfinder®. Results: In terms of clinical scenarios, synthetic cathinone ingestion is initially associated with stimulant effects; however, psychopathological disturbances, violence, suicidal behaviour, hyperthermia, coma and death have also been described. Conclusion: The proportion of cathinones commented on by psychonaut fora appeared to be relatively small, and similar to those reported by both the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. This may be associated with a recent significant decline in both cathinone‐related consumption and acute medical presentation. Due to their complex behavioural and medical toxicity issues, healthcare professionals should be, however, be educated to recognise the signs and symptoms of NPS, including synthetic cathinone, ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of carbon monoxide (CO) and carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) is of utmost importance in forensic toxicology to determine the cause of death in cases of CO poisoning, fire, and explosions. To this end, reliable and updated analytical methods are required. In this paper, four different methods for the determination of carbon monoxide in postmortem blood samples were compared: (i) the spectrophotometric determination of COHb applying the method proposed by Rodkey and modified by Beutler–West, (ii) the spectrophotometric determination of CO using a micro‐diffusion‐based method, (iii) the determination of CO by gas chromatography coupled to a TCD detector, and (iv) the determination of COHb by blood gas analysis. Three postmortem blood samples were analyzed with all methods, and the results were comparable. The applied methodologies showed different features depending on the sensitivity, sample preparation, and volume. The HS‐GC/TCD method in our hand was the most appropriate, on postmortem samples, and versatile to apply. Unfortunately, only a limited number of postmortem blood samples were available for this study due to the rarity of that kind of intoxication in our jurisdiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral coenurosis is a significant disease that affects sheep and goats worldwide. Studies conducted in northern and southern Tanzania have determined its magnitude and determinants. However, limited information from other regions of the country hinders the development of comprehensive national control plans. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, knowledge, risk factors, and molecular identity of Coenurus cerebralis in sheep and goats in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania, in order to establish the preliminary status of the disease in the central regions. Data were collected through postmortem examinations of 84 sheep and 295 goat heads for cysts, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing for species identification, and a structured questionnaire of 303 small ruminant keepers for knowledge and identification of risk factors. The overall prevalence of cerebral coenurosis in sheep and goats was 13.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 10.3–17.2). In goats, the prevalence of cerebral coenurosis was comparatively higher 15.9% (95% CI 11.9–20.6) than in sheep 4.8% (95% CI 1.3–11.8) (p = 0.008). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the origin of sheep and goats (Chipogoro: odds ratio (OR) = 7.54, 95% CI 1.96–28.97, and Iwondo: OR = 3.90, 95% CI 1.04–14.61) as a risk factor. The average knowledge score among small ruminant keepers on disease detection was 60.7%, on disease infection cycle and control was 10.85%, and on zoonotic potential was 1.39%. Phylogenetic analysis of Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (CO1) gene partial nucleotide sequences revealed the two distinct clusters of Taenia multiceps, one from Saudi Arabia in 2021 and another from Egypt in 2018, Peru in 2017, and China in 2016. These findings suggest cerebral coenurosis is locally widespread and highlight the importance of considering animal movement patterns, livestock keeper's knowledge, and good husbandry practices when planning for control measures of cerebral coenurosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hydatid disease is a zoonotic disease caused by the intermediate stage of dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Objectives: The study investigated the prevalence of hydatid cysts and the risk factors in cattle slaughtered at the Bishoftu municipal abattoir. It also analyzed the economic loss and community's awareness of this matter. Animals: 480 cattle brought for slaughtering were included in the study. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to April 2023 in Bishoftu municipal abattoir involving antemortem examination of cattle and postmortem hydatid cyst investigation, assessment of associated economic loss, and community awareness survey. Animals were selected systematically and cysts were investigated using standard meat inspection procedures. Results: 10.4% of the slaughtered cattle were found positive for hydatid cysts, with no statistically significant association with the considered risk factors. From 85 collected cysts, the lungs accounted for 55.3%, the liver for 29.4%, and the remaining 15.3% were from the spleen, kidney, and heart. About 47.1% of the cysts were fertile and 52.9% were infertile, of which, 37.5% were nonviable. In a survey of 100 individuals, 33.0% were unaware of hydatid disease, and 61.0% were unaware that the disease is zoonotic. Annual economic loss due to the case was estimated at 5,444,564.4 ($97,224.4). Conclusion: This study identified hydatid disease as a significant issue in cattle in Bishoftu, indicating the need for preventative and control measurements. Strategies such as deworming, controlling street dogs, establishing standardized abattoirs, and raising public awareness should be applied to alleviate the problem in Bishoftu and nationwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document outlines the program for the 36th Symposium of the European College of Veterinary Neurology (ECVN) and the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (JVIM), focusing on topics such as neuro-ophthalmology, acute blindness, and neurological disorders in animals. It discusses cases of Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RBD) and urinary retention disorder in Russian Blue cats, potentially linked to a genetic variant, with favorable outcomes in most cases. Additionally, the document highlights the importance of considering metabolic disorders in young dogs with neurological signs and the value of urine organic acid analysis in diagnosing certain conditions. The case series also emphasizes the significance of considering Salmonella spp. as a potential cause of discospondylitis and osteomyelitis in cats, as well as the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy in dogs with myositis and neuritis. [Extracted from the article]

Here, we report the first case of a leukodystrophy diagnosed by I post mortem i neuropathological examination, in which whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed compound heterozygous variants in I PIGT i . Furthermore, leukodystrophies involve glial cells or other nonneuronal cells and should be distinguished from the more general term leukoencephalopathy, used to describe any disease of white matter, also including acquired or toxic diseases of white matter [1]. In conclusion, the PIGT-CDG leukodystrophy that we report must belong to the first category (myelin disorders) in a new classification system of genetic white matter disorders proposed by a recent paper [16]. Novel compound heterozygous PIGT mutations caused multiple congenital anomalies-hypotonia-seizures syndrome 3. [Extracted from the article]

In 2012, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences began prospectively collecting injury data from pediatric autopsies. These data and associated case information from 635 pediatric cases are archived in the Infant Injury Database (IID). This paper introduces the IID to the forensic community and demonstrates its potential utility for child abuse and infant fatality investigations. The database is intended to be a source of evidence‐based research for coroners/medical examiners and clinicians in the recognition and diagnosis of child abuse. RR estimates were employed to quantify the relationship between individual autopsy findings to trauma‐related and nontrauma‐related causes of death. For example, unsurprisingly, the RR of trauma cases with multiple injury types is significantly greater than other causes of death, but the RR results provide a quantitative representation of the relationship. ROC curve modeling of the presence/absence of various injury types performed well at discriminating trauma from other causes of death (AUC = 0.96). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The first and largest peak of trauma mortality is encountered on the trauma site. The aim of this study was to determine whether these trauma-related deaths are preventable. We performed a systematic literature review with a focus on pre-hospital preventable deaths in severely injured patients and their causes. Methods: Studies published in a peer-reviewed journal between January 1, 1990 and January 10, 2018 were included. Parameters of interest: country of publication, number of patients included, preventable death rate (PP = potentially preventable and DP = definitely preventable), inclusion criteria within studies (pre-hospital only, pre-hospital and hospital deaths), definition of preventability used in each study, type of trauma (blunt versus penetrating), study design (prospective versus retrospective) and causes for preventability mentioned within the study. Results: After a systematic literature search, 19 papers (total 7235 death) were included in this literature review. The majority (63.1%) of studies used autopsies combined with an expert panel to assess the preventability of death in the patients. Pre-hospital death rates range from 14.6 to 47.6%, in which 4.9–11.3% were definitely preventable and 25.8–42.7% were potentially preventable. The most common (27–58%) reason was a delayed treatment of the trauma victims, followed by management (40–60%) and treatment errors (50–76.6%). Conclusion: According to our systematic review, a relevant amount of the observed mortality was described as preventable due to delays in treatment and management/treatment errors. Standards in the pre-hospital trauma system and management should be discussed in order to find strategies to reduce mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe normal ocular morphology and establish parameters for select diagnostics in a population of Panamanian Golden Frogs (PGF) Atelopus zeteki maintained at the Detroit Zoo. Method: A total of 22 toads free of ocular disease were included in this study. Ophthalmic diagnostic tests included as follows: endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPPTT), assessment of intraocular pressures (IOP), Rose Bengal stain, palpebral fissure width, blink rate and corneal cultures. Histology was performed on stored postmortem samples. Results: Panamanian Golden Frogs have a distinct brow ridge and mobile third eyelid. Biomicroscopy revealed avascular, convex corneas with a shallow anterior chamber. Iris color ranged from yellow to green with dark pigmentation of the peripheral iris. Pupil shape was round. Posterior segment and fundus could not be visualized. Total number of blinks observed over a 10‐minute period was one. Mean EAPPTT was 2 ± 1 mm and 3 ± 1 mm in males and females, respectively (P). Mean IOP using rebound tonometry in horizontal and vertical restraint positions were 21.6 ± 2.28 mm Hg and 17.45 ± 3.66 mm Hg, 21.85 ± 2.7 mm Hg and 17.5 ± 3.93 mm Hg in males and females, respectively. Mean palpebral fissure width was 5.02 ± 0.46 mm and 6.12 ± 0.39 mm in males and females, respectively (P). Enterococcus faecalis was isolated from one clinically normal toad. Conclusions: Tear production and blink rate were low and not significantly different between males and females. Intraocular pressure was significantly greater in male toads (P value <0.01). Females had a significantly larger palpebral fissure width when compared to males (P value <0.01) 5819. The ophthalmic parameters established in this study can aid in the evaluation and diagnosis of eye diseases in PGF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2015 Robert Veatch published the second edition of his Transplantation ethics, this time together with Lainie Ross. The chapters on postmortem organ procurement distinguish between 'giving' and 'taking' systems, and argue that 'taking' systems may promise a greater yield of organs for transplantation, but inevitably violate a requirement of respect for the deceased's autonomy. That argument has been very influential, and is also representative of a way of thinking that is widespread in the literature and in public debate. In this paper I contend that it is conceptually flawed in a number of important respects. These concern the understanding of both the concept of 'consent' and the requirement of respect for autonomy, the role of the relatives in any procurement system, and the factors that actually determine the extent to which a system respects autonomy, under any interpretation of that requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum phosphide is one of the commonest poisons encountered in agricultural areas, and manner of death in the victims is often suicidal and rarely homicidal or accidental. This paper presents an unusual case, where two humans (owner and housemaid) and eight dogs were found dead in the morning hours inside a room of a house, used as shelter for stray dogs. There was allegation by the son of the owner that his father had been killed. Crime scene visit by forensic pathologists helped to collect vital evidence. Autopsies of both the human victims and the dogs were conducted. Toxicological analysis of viscera, vomitus, leftover food, and chemical container at the crime scene tested positive for aluminum phosphide. The cause of death in both humans and dogs was aluminum phosphide poisoning. Investigation by police and the forensic approach to the case helped in ascertaining the manner of death, which was accidental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dentin translucency measurement is an easy yet relatively accurate approach to postmortem age estimation. Translucency area represents a two-dimensional change and may reflect age variations better than length. Manually measuring area is challenging and this paper proposes a new digital method using commercially available computer hardware and software. Area and length were measured on 100 tooth sections (age range, 19-82 years) of 250 μm thickness. Regression analysis revealed lower standard error of estimate and higher correlation with age for length than for area ( R = 0.62 vs. 0.60). However, test of regression formulae on a control sample ( n = 33, 21-85 years) showed smaller mean absolute difference (8.3 vs. 8.8 years) and greater frequency of smaller errors (73% vs. 67% age estimates ≤ ±10 years) for area than for length. These suggest that digital area measurements of root translucency may be used as an alternative to length in forensic age estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For parents who experience stillbirth, knowing the cause of their baby's death is important. A post mortem examination is the gold standard investigation, but little is known about what may influence parents' decisions to accept or decline. Aim: We aimed to identify factors influencing maternal decision‐making about post mortem examination after late stillbirth. Methods: In the New Zealand Multicentre Stillbirth Study, 169 women with singleton pregnancies, no known abnormality at recruitment, and late stillbirth (≥28weeks gestation), from seven health regions were interviewed within six weeks of birth. The purpose of this paper was to explore factors related to post mortem examination decision‐making and the reasons for declining. We asked women if they would make the same decision again. Results: Maternal decision to decline a post mortem (70/169, 41.4%) was more common among women of Māori (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.99 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70–14.64) and Pacific (aOR 3.94 95% CI 1.47–10.54) ethnicity compared to European, and parity two or more (aOR 2.95 95% CI 1.14–7.62) compared to primiparous. The main reason for declining was that women 'did not want baby to be cut'. Ten percent (7/70) who declined said they would not make this decision again. No woman who consented regretted her decision. Conclusion: Ethnic differences observed in women's post mortem decision‐making should be further explored in future studies. Providing information of the effect of post mortem on the baby's body and the possible emotional benefits of a post mortem may assist women faced with this decision in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different animal species have been used as proxies for human remains in decomposition studies for decades, although few studies have sought to validate their use in research aimed at estimating the postmortem interval. This study examines 45 pig, rabbit, and human subjects placed in three seasonal trials at the Anthropology Research Facility. In an earlier paper, we found that overall decomposition trends did vary between species that could be due to differential insect and scavenger behavior. This study specifically examines if scavenger behavior differs by carrion species. Daily photographs, game camera photographs, written observations, and Total Body Score (TBS) documented scavenging and decomposition changes. Results show that raccoons were the most commonly observed vertebrate scavenger, that scavenging was most extensive in winter, and that certain human subjects were preferred over other humans and all non‐human subjects. Finally, scavenging activity greatly reduces the accuracy of postmortem interval estimates based on TBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Congenital muscle diseases, such as myopathies or dystrophies, occur relatively frequently, with estimated incidences of up to 4.7 per 100 000 newborns. To diagnose congenital diseases in the early stages of pregnancy, and to interpret the results of increasingly advanced in utero imaging techniques, a profound knowledge of normal human morphological development of the locomotor system and the nervous system is necessary. Muscular development, however, is an often neglected topic or is only described in a general way in embryology textbooks and papers. To provide the required detailed and updated comprehensive picture of embryologic muscular anatomy, three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions were created based on serial histological sections of a human embryo at Carnegie stage 23 (8 weeks of development, crown–rump length of 23.8 mm), using Amira reconstruction software. Reconstructed muscles, tendons, bones and nerves were exported in a 3D‐PDF file to permit interactive viewing. Almost all adult skeletal muscles of the trunk and limbs could be individually identified in their relative adult position. The pectoralis major muscle was divided in three separate muscle heads. The reconstructions showed remarkable highly developed extraocular, infrahyoid and suprahyoid muscles at this age but surprisingly also absence of the facial muscles that have been described to be present at this stage of development. The overall stage of muscle development suggests heterochrony of skeletal muscle development. Several individual muscle groups were found to be developed earlier and in more detail than described in current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Phosphine poisoning is rarely reported in poultry, and its diagnosis is a great challenge for veterinary toxicologists and pathologists. A case of phosphine toxicosis in local, free range chickens is reported. Fourteen dead chickens (age ≥6 months old) were presented to the veterinary clinic for necropsy. The history revealed that the chickens were normally fed with guinea corn grains, but were suspected to have been fed boiled rice laced with poison. The clinical signs observed were ruffled feathers, somnolence, anorexia and high mortality. The disease ran a 2‐day course with mortality pattern of four chickens the first day, six overnight and 14 the following day. Necropsy findings showed generalized vascular congestion and haemorrhage in the lungs and visceral organs, with the crop and gizzard filled with guinea corn and rice grains and greenish‐yellow faecal material in the intestinal lumen. The presence of widespread congestion and petechial haemorrhages on visceral organs with the microscopic pulmonary congestion, and diffuse intraparabronchial presence of air sac macrophages, strongly suggested an acute toxic cause of death. Chemical tests on the crop contents of the dead chickens were positive for phosphine gas. This report will contribute to a better understanding of the clinical signs and lesions presented in cases of acute phosphide rodenticide exposure in domestic chickens, with a brief review of the forensic literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of myocarditis is complex because it is not always preceded by clear symptoms. We report the case of a woman who died suddenly. Autopsy and histopathological investigations revealed a lymphocytic myocarditis. Clinical history showed the patient went to the hospital some days before for joint pain and low‐grade fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydatidosis (cystic echinococcosis) is one of the major serious parasite infectious diseases that cause poor weight gain and organ condemnation, which contributes to Ethiopia's low cattle industry production. A cross‐sectional study was performed at the Nekemte Municipal Abattoir, Western Ethiopia, from October 2020 to August 2021 with the aim of determining the prevalence of bovine hydatid cysts, assessing the related risk factors, and evaluating the organ level of distributions of the cysts. An antemortem examination and postmortem examination were performed as usual on all 220 chosen slaughtered cattle. We evaluated the organs of systemically selected cattle through visual inspection and palpation. Of the total number inspected, 44 (20%) had one or more hydatid cysts in one or more of their organs. Both age and sex of the cattle were significantly associated with the prevalence of bovine hydatidosis (X2 = 5.928; p = 0.015; and X2 = 4.086; p = 0.043, respectively) among the risk factors evaluated. 44 (20%) of the 220 animals evaluated were positive for hydatidosis. In terms of organ distribution, the liver accounted for 27 (61.4%), the lung for 16 (36.3%), and the spleen for 1 (2.3%). 34 (55.8%) of the 62 cysts counted and characterized were found in the liver, 27 (53.6%) in the lung, and 1 (2.3%) in the spleen. 22 (35.5%) of the 62 cysts collected were calcified, and 31 (50%) were found to be fertile. Of the 31 fertile cysts discovered, 7 (22.6%) were found in the liver, 23 (74.2%) in the lungs, and 1 (2.3%) in the spleen. Hydatidosis is still one of the most critical diseases that need careful consideration for prevention and control measures in the East Welega Zone, even with the moderate level of infection currently detected. This is because there appears to be a socioeconomic environment that is conducive to the disease. Therefore, the installation of regulated, well‐equipped abattoirs, public awareness campaigns, and stray dog control are crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a sporadic, unpredictable, and usual fatal obstetric complication. The paper deals with two cases of maternal deaths because of AFE verified by medicolegal autopsy. In both the cases, several known risk factors associated with AFE, such as increased maternal age (41 and 35 years), diabetes, augmented labor, and cesarean delivery, were identified. Clinical features were typical, including sudden onset of cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms. In the patient who survived longer, both clinical and autopsy signs of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy were present, while they were absent in the case where death occurred rapidly. This paper describes briefly the particular features to look for at autopsy and stresses the importance of histology examination and staining techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]