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Whilst it may be unpleasant, the autopsy examination of decomposing bodies is a rewarding task that will usually reveal the cause of death when performed with care. After death, the body undergoes a series of putrefactive decompositional changes in a predictable order, unless conditions favouring desiccation/mummification or adipocere formation intervene. All three decompositional changes may be present in the same body. Determining the postmortem interval in such bodies is fraught with difficulty. A systemic approach to the adult autopsy, coupled with an awareness of the limitations imposed by putrefaction on postmortem computed tomography, external examination, dissection findings and ancillary investigations is essential, and is presented in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following decomposition of a human body, a variety of decomposition products, such as lipids, are released into the surrounding environment, e.g. soils. The long-lasting preservation in soils and their high diagnostic potential have been neglected in forensic research. Furthermore, little is known about the preservation, chemical transformation, or degradation of those human derived lipids in soils. To date, several studies identified various lipids such as long-chain free fatty acids and steroids in soils that contained decomposition fluids. Those lipids are preserved in soils over time and could serve as markers of human decomposition in forensic investigations, e.g. for estimating the post-mortem interval or identifying the burial location of a human body. Therefore, this review focuses on the current literature regarding fatty acid and steroid that have been detected in soils and associated with human body decomposition. After a short introduction about human decomposition processes, this review summarises fatty acid and steroid analysis applied in current case studies and studies related to taphonomic research. This review provides an overview of the available studies that have used fatty acids and steroids as identifiers of human decomposition fluid in soils in a forensic context and discusses the potential for developing this innovative field of research with direct application in a forensic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a dearth of information on the mutual interaction between metal intoxication and adipocere formation. Herein, 40 adult female albino rats were distributed into two equal groups, one used as control while the other orally administered single dose of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) 225 mg/kg·bw (LDmin). Control group was killed by cervical dislocation. Half of dead rats of both groups were subjected for determination of iodine value and estimation of cadmium (Cd) residues while the other half of both groups were submerged in opened glass container previously filled with 4 L dechlorinated tap water kept in closed room with an open air access (one cadaver/container). Gross morphological changes of submerged cadavers were recorded weekly along the experiment. At the end of the experiment, after 3 months, samples were collected again for iodine value determination and estimation of Cd residues. The obtained results revealed the depressant effect of Cd toxicity on development of adipocere. Cd residues were found in different tissues of cadavers at time of death with the highest amount in the intestines followed by the liver and kidneys, then lungs, adipose tissue, muscles, and finally the bones. After 3 months of water submersion, tissues exhibited significant decrease in the amount of Cd residues but to a limit that was still detected. This study concluded the possibility of detection of Cd residues even after adipocere formation. Additionally, it shed light on the possibility of the interference of environmental pollution with the natural rate of decomposition especially adipocere formation.

Objective: To find out duration of adipocere formation in hot and humid area. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Mohi-Ud-Din Islamic Medical College Mirpur Azad Kashmir and HITEC-IMS Taxila, from Jan 2017 to Jan 2019. Methodology: Total 25 cases with adipocere formation were included in this study. The cause of death, time since death, death circumstances, surrounding environment from where the body was recovered and demographic profile of the deceased were considered, while cases of septicemic deaths were excluded from the study. The adipocere was confirmed by forensic medicine consultants by its soft, moist and greasy consistency, grayish white appearance and ammoniacal smell. Results: Most of the cases recovered during months of March to June from open and closed areas, while 3 cases were recovered from water source or river banks. The time duration of recovery from time of death was from 5 days to 15 days 3h. The adipocere formation showed a high odds ratio 2.0-(95%-CI-0.115-3.482) and OR-1.5-(95%-CI-.098-2.306) for bodies recovered from water and open areas respectively. The adipocere formation in hot and rainy season showed OR-3.3-(95%-CI .190-4.199) and OR-2.4-(95%-CI .122-3.642) respectively. The adipocere formation occurred more during days 1-5 with an OR-1.9-(95%-CI .221-1.625). Conclusion: The adipocere formation can be seen as early as 2 days in a hot humid environmentin closed areas, while the extent of adipocere is larger in bodies recover from water source.

There is a dearth of information on the mutual interaction between metal intoxication and adipocere formation. Herein, 40 adult female albino rats were distributed into two equal groups, one used as control while the other orally administered single dose of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) 225 mg/kg·bw (LDmin). Control group was killed by cervical dislocation. Half of dead rats of both groups were subjected for determination of iodine value and estimation of cadmium (Cd) residues while the other half of both groups were submerged in opened glass container previously filled with 4 L dechlorinated tap water kept in closed room with an open air access (one cadaver/container). Gross morphological changes of submerged cadavers were recorded weekly along the experiment. At the end of the experiment, after 3 months, samples were collected again for iodine value determination and estimation of Cd residues. The obtained results revealed the depressant effect of Cd toxicity on development of adipocere. Cd residues were found in different tissues of cadavers at time of death with the highest amount in the intestines followed by the liver and kidneys, then lungs, adipose tissue, muscles, and finally the bones. After 3 months of water submersion, tissues exhibited significant decrease in the amount of Cd residues but to a limit that was still detected. This study concluded the possibility of detection of Cd residues even after adipocere formation. Additionally, it shed light on the possibility of the interference of environmental pollution with the natural rate of decomposition especially adipocere formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exhumation is the process of removing the dead body from the grave. The reasons and time limit for exhumation may vary from country to country. After receiving a request from the Magistrate, exhumation followed by postmortem is done to gain essential evidence. To comprehensively analyze the exhumation cases done in Victoria Hospital, Bangalore, and how exhumation followed by postmortem examination aids in finding the cause of death. Methods: All cases of exhumations performed for 10 years (from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021) in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Victoria Hospital, Bangalore, were studied retrospectively. The essential data were collected from requisition forms, exhumation, and postmortem reports. The results were obtained after tabulating, and data were analyzed with an observational method. Results: A total of 37 exhumation cases were done during the study period. Young males in the age group of 21 to 30 years were the major population. Out of 37 cases, the cause of death was established in 25 cases (68%). Conclusion: Analysis of postmortem examination in exhumed cases gives much information from a medicolegal point of view to determine the cause and reveal the mysteries behind the manner of death. Hence it is not a vain procedure.

Objective: To find out duration of adipocere formation in hot and humid area. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Mohi-Ud-Din Islamic Medical College Mirpur Azad Kashmir and HITEC-IMS Taxila, from Jan 2017 to Jan 2019. Methodology: Total 25 cases with adipocere formation were included in this study. The cause of death, time since death, death circumstances, surrounding environment from where the body was recovered and demographic profile of the deceased were considered, while cases of septicemic deaths were excluded from the study. The adipocere was confirmed by forensic medicine consultants by its soft, moist and greasy consistency, grayish white appearance and ammoniacal smell. Results: Most of the cases recovered during months of March to June from open and closed areas, while 3 cases were recovered from water source or river banks. The time duration of recovery from time of death was from 5 days to 15 days 3h. The adipocere formation showed a high odds ratio 2.0-(95%-CI-0.115-3.482) and OR-1.5-(95%-CI-.098-2.306) for bodies recovered from water and open areas respectively. The adipocere formation in hot and rainy season showed OR-3.3-(95%-CI .190-4.199) and OR-2.4-(95%-CI .122-3.642) respectively. The adipocere formation occurred more during days 1-5 with an OR-1.9-(95%-CI .221-1.625). Conclusion: The adipocere formation can be seen as early as 2 days in a hot humid environment in closed areas, while the extent of adipocere is larger in bodies recover from water source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adipocere formation depends upon multiple environmental factors. In comparison with temperate countries, it usually develops early in the subtropical climate. We have studied a retrospective data of 31 cases with adipocere formation at Department of Forensic Medicine at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Most of the cases were recovered during the month of May to October from closed rooms at home, open grounds, open forest areas, various water sources, and riverbanks. The time duration of recovery from the time of death was from 12 h to 7 days 12 h. In 10 cases, adipocere formation was seen within 2 days, and in four male cases among them, the adipocere formed within a day. Most of the bodies showing adipocere formation within 2 days were recovered from land. These facts showed that subtropical climate having hot and humid weather promotes early adipocere formation compared to temperate climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exhumation is a process by which the already buried dead body is taken out by digging under the law of the land. Most of exhumations are attended by non forensic hence the legal procedure of exhumation and meticulous examination of the dead body are lacking and literature is silent regarding it. Objective: To study exhumation process, digging time, depth of burial, posture of the body, human remains cause of death and interval between death and burial were studied. Materials & Methods: 18 cases of exhumation carried at Vijayapur district from 2003 to 2015 were studied. Results: Average digging time 56 minutes, average depth of burial 3.56 feet, posture of the body in 50% sitting and in 50% horizontal, in all cases expect one case skeleton remains were examined, cause of death found in 88.88% cases, average duration of burial 103 days. Interval between death and burial affects rate of decomposition. In 2 cases cause of death not found hence soil and decomposed soft tissues were preserved, duration of skeletinization to occur was 2 to 3 months. Conclusions: Exhumation is not a futile exercise and cause of death can be found in most of cases irrespective of duration of burial. Interval between the date and time of death to the date & time of burial is also an important factor which affect rate of decomposition. Always it is advantageous to hold exhumation & medico legal autopsy on the exhumed dead body or the remains by Forensic Medicine & Toxicology expert.

The Tomašica grave-site near Prijedor in the north of Bosnia is reported to be the largest primary mass grave discovered thus far relating to the 1992–95 war. A total of 275 complete bodies and 125 body parts were exhumed from it in 2013. Post mortem examinations of the victims showed that nearly all had died from gunshot injuries but an additional striking feature was the degree of preservation of many of the bodies, even 21 years on, with skin, soft tissues and internal organs still present in abundance and gross structures clearly identifiable. Histology was performed on 68 samples of soft tissue from a total 13 bodies, on both skin and internal organs, and the degree of preservation was assessed in terms of the ability to recognize microscopic structure. Further comparison was made with samples taken a month or so later (56 tissue samples from 9 bodies, all but one different from the first group), after the bodies had been covered in salt as a means of general preservation. Generally, at a microscopic level, skin and subcutaneous tissues were better preserved than internal organs, while tissues sampled at the time of autopsy were better preserved than those sampled weeks later.

Skeletal remains were retrieved from a cave in an arid desert environment. The submitted material consisted of dried grass, soil, and malodorous skeletal remains wrapped in leather. After examination, it was revealed that the smell had not been due to recent decomposition but to adipocere. The cause of death was listed as "undetermined" and a suggested date of death as "unknown." Although adipocere usually requires a damp environment or submersion in water to develop, this case provides further evidence for the rare possibility of adipocere formation in an otherwise very dry environment. Wrapping of the body in leather material had produced an impermeable barrier which had sequestrated and preserved bodily fluids allowing anaerobic decay with fat hydrolysis and adipocere formation. Microenvironments may have potentially significant and quite idiosyncratic effects on decompositional processes which may initially confuse investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forensic Science & Technology is the property of Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Two carbonate- and phosphate-rich concretions from Early Jurassic strata at Buttenheim (Bavaria, Germany) and their immediate claystone host rocks were analysed to study the mechanisms of biomarker preservation in concretions. Superimposed on a common sedimentary background signal, distinctive biomarkers reflect microbial processes involved in concretion formation. When normalized to the HCl-insoluble insoluble rock portion, concretions show ∼1.5–3 times higher TOC values than their host rocks, but identical absolute quantities of most extractable hydrocarbons. In contrast, n -fatty acids and α,ω-dicarboxylic acids are, by an order, more abundant compared to the host rocks, suggesting an enhanced preservation or selective accumulation mechanism for carboxylic acids in the concretions. Further, linear and iso -/ anteiso -fatty acids with unusually short carbon chains (as low as C 8 ) are exclusively observed in the concretions and are interpreted as biodegradation products of lipids derived from in-situ bacteria. Likewise, strongly enhanced neohop-13(18)-enes and hopanoic acids with more ‘immature’ isomer distributions indicate an in-situ contribution of microbial biomass during formation of the concretions. Pyrolysis released ample additional saturated short-chain n -fatty acids from the kerogens of the concretions, but not from the host rocks. We hypothesize that these compounds are remnants of locally accumulated OM rich in fatty acyl moieties (e.g. plant polymers or triglyceride storage lipids) whose hydrolysis products were initially precipitated as fatty acid salts (‘adipocere’). During shallow burial, these substances may have delivered a steadily flowing energy source for sedimentary microorganisms, with their anaerobic decomposition supplying both carbonate and metal ions. In concert with other factors, this may have promoted carbonate precipitation and thus, the formation of the Buttenheim concretions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of criminal activity, human bodies are sometimes dismembered and concealed within sealed, plastic waste sacks. Consequently, due to the inhibited ingress of insects and dismemberment, the rate of decomposition of the body parts within may be different to that of whole, exposed bodies. Correspondingly, once found, an estimation of the postmortem interval may be affected and lead to erroneous inferences. This study set out to determine whether insects were excluded and how rate of decomposition was affected inside such plastic sacks. The limbs, torsos and heads of 24 dismembered pigs were sealed using nylon cable ties within plastic garbage sacks, half of which were of a type claimed to repel insects. Using a body scoring scale to quantify decomposition, the body parts in the sacks were compared to those of ten exposed, whole pig carcasses. Insects were found to have entered both types of plastic sack. There was no difference in rate of decomposition in the two types of sack ( F = 1.78, p = 0.19), but this was considerably slower than those of whole carcasses ( F = 1453, p < 0.001), with heads showing the largest differences. As well as a slower decomposition, sacks resulted in formation of some adipocere tissue as a result of high humidity within. Based upon existing methods, postmortem intervals for body parts within sealed sacks would be significantly underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We quantified drugs and metabolite in saponified brain using LC/MS/MS. • Saponified brain in the cranium was immersed in seawater for over 10 years. • Diphenhydramine, haloperidol, and reduced haloperidol were identified and quantified. • Saponified tissues can be applied as an alternative specimen for forensic toxicology. In forensic toxicology, blood and urine specimens are commonly used for detecting and quantifying drugs and their metabolites. When the cadaver is so damaged or decomposed such that the specimens mentioned above cannot be collected, it is necessary to perform drug analysis using alternative specimens such as hair, nails, oral fluids and meconium. Adipocere is resistant to further degradation; it is thus possible to be used as an alternative specimen to analyze drugs and their metabolites. Some researchers indeed have reported drug concentrations in saponified samples that were collected years after decedents' deaths. In this study, we subjected saponified brain, which remained under sea for over 10 years after death, to forensic toxicological analysis using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Using product ion scan analysis, we confirmed the presence of diphenhydramine, haloperidol, and reduced haloperidol, a metabolite of haloperidol. In addition, drugs and metabolite quantification were performed using the standard addition method. Correlation coefficients of the calibration curves were over 0.98. Analyte concentrations in the saponified brain were as follows: diphenhydramine was 1.84 ng/g, haloperidol was 1.30 ng/g, and reduced haloperidol was 3.02 ng/g. Our results suggest that it can be possible to quantify not only parent drugs but also their metabolites in saponified brain. These findings indicate that saponified tissues could be applied as alternative specimens for forensic toxicology, and could be useful as supporting information for victim identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the excavation of the Spanish Civil War mass grave at La Pedraja (Burgos, Spain), 104 individuals were found interred within it, 45 of which displayed brains that were preserved but dehydrated and reduced in size. This exceptional finding has resulted in the formation of a multidisciplinary team, with the aim of obtaining as much information as possible and to primarily understand the taphonomic phenomena that has led to the preservation of these brains. The following types of analyses were undertaken on three of these brains: macroscopy, histology, radiology, chemical-toxicology, genetics, chemical analysis of the soil and 3D modelling for stereolithography. The historical context was considered, plus all archaeological and other forensic data provided by the investigation of the mass grave. The results of the analyses on these morphologically identifiable human brains confirmed the presence of nerve structures, fatty acids, and in one case ante-mortem evidence for an intracranial haemorrhage. The fatty acid profile corresponds to the process of saponification. Therefore, the interpretation is that the preservation of these brains at the mass grave of La Pedraja was due to the saponification process, which was influenced by the manner and cause of death, the chemical composition of the brain, the physicochemical properties of the soil and the meteorological conditions at the time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examination of skeletonised remains for the cause and manner of death is a highly challenging task for forensic experts. We report an unusual case of postmortem decapitation following hanging with the presence of a well-preserved ligature mark in the partially skeletonised body. Careful death scene investigation, interpretation of circumstantial evidence and meticulous autopsy provided information on the cause and manner of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residue analysis is an established area of expertise focused on detecting traces of substances found on the surface of objects. It is routinely employed in forensic casework and increasingly incorporated into archaeological investigations. In archaeology, sampling and data interpretation sometimes lacked strict standards, resulting in incorrect residue classifications. In particular, molecular signals of salts of fatty acids identified by FTIR have been, at times, interpreted as evidence for adipocere, a substance formed as a consequence of adipose tissues' degradation. This article reviews and discusses the possibilities and limitations of the analytical protocols used in residue analysis in archaeology. The focus is on three main points: (1) reviewing the decomposition processes and the chemical components of adipocere; (2) highlighting potential misidentifications of adipocere while, at the same time, addressing issues related to residue preservation and contamination; and (3) proposing new research avenues to identify adipocere on archaeological objects. • Interdisciplinary teams are needed when investigating ancient adipocere traces. • Adipocere can be chemically identified with molecular methods (e.g., GC-MS, FTIR). • It is essential to corroborate the baseline data of adipocere spectra with experimental studies. • Chemical fingerprinting should be implemented in residue analysis in archaeology. • Forensic science can provide the standards needed for reliable residue identifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the display of the mummy titled "The soap lady" at the Mutter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It states the Soap Lady's body fat turned to adipocere after death. It mentions donations of saponified bodies unearthed from a graveyard at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by physician Joseph Leidy to the Mutter Museum.

This report aimed to present the postmortem finding of toluene in a homicide victim buried under the ground for six years. The bones of the skull and limbs were exposed, and the remainder of the subcutaneous tissues, brain and heart had formed into adipocere. There were numerous fractures in the skull and the anterior side of the ribs. A cardiac contusion extending into the cavity of the right ventricle was also observed. No other obvious injuries were identified on the body. The concentration of toluene in the bone marrow within the head of the humerus was 58.4 μg/g. The cause of death was suspected as heart rupture, possibly from a forceful impact or compression of the anterior chest under toluene intoxication. This report presents a rare case where toluene intake by a human was disclosed by autopsy even after several years of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An examination of the chemistry of adipocere formation in aquatic systems provides insight into how environmental factors affect the decomposition processes of human remains. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) have been employed to monitor the changes to the chemistry of adipocere formed in aquatic environments used to model seawater, river and chlorinated water systems. Seawater was shown to inhibit adipocere formation, and a distinctively different elemental composition was produced in this environment due to the high concentrations of salts. By comparison, river water has been shown to accelerate the formation of adipocere. Chlorinated water appears to significantly enhance adipocere formation, based on a comparison with established fatty acid concentration values. However, a competing reaction to form chlorohydrins in chlorinated water is believed to be responsible for the unusual findings in this environment. The application of the chemical characterisation of adipocere to an understanding of how this particular decomposition product forms in different water environments has been demonstrated, and there is potential to utilise this approach to identify the environment in which a body has been immersed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of adipocere slows further decomposition and preserves corpses for decades or even centuries. This resistance to degradation is a serious problem, especially with regard to the reuse of graves after regular resting times. We present results from an exhumation series in modern graveyards where coffins from water-saturated earth graves contained adipocere embedded in black humic material after resting times of about 30 years. Based on the assumption that this humic material resulted from in situ degradation of adipocere, its presence contradicts the commonly held opinion that adipocere decomposition only occurs under aerobic conditions. To test our hypothesis, we collected black humic material, adipocere as well as soil samples above and below coffins from representative graves (n=7). A comprehensive chemical analysis of the samples substantiated our in situ degradation theory. Element compositions and fatty acid mass spectra confirmed that the humic black material originated from the corpses. A van Krevelen diagram classified the excavated adipocere material as lipid, whereas the black humic material was closer to the carbohydrate region. Mass fragmentograms of the humic material revealed the presence of large amounts of saturated vs. unsaturated nC16 and nC18 fatty acids, which is typical for adipocere. In addition, the soil samples exhibited a lipid signature deriving primarily from plant waxes and root components (C20C32). Solid-state (13)C NMR spectra of adipocere displayed well-resolved signals of saturated aliphatic chains and a signal that corresponded to carboxylic acid groups. The NMR spectra of the black humic material revealed signals characteristic of long aliphatic chains. The intensities varied in relation to the state of degradation of the sample, as did the signals of oxidized aliphatic chains, acetals and ketals, aromatic structures, esters and amids. The analyses confirmed that the black humic material was indeed derived from adipocere, so the assumption is that the components detected must have developed from aliphatic fatty acids via a number of oxidation and condensation processes. We therefore propose the existence of chemical pathway(s) for the degradation of adipocere under poikiloaerobic conditions. Possible (biogeo)chemical reaction chains include (1) the autoxidation of fatty acids enhanced by haemoglobin, methaemoglobin and haemin, (2) the use of alternative electron acceptors, which leads to the formation of H2S that then reacts abiotically with iron (from haemoglobin), rendering iron sulphide, and (3) the Maillard reaction. These findings are another step forward in understanding the chemistry of buried corpses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adipocere has, infrequently, been reported from archaeological contexts normally on the external surface of bodies. In contrast to those cases, this study focuses on a white, powdery and greasy substance found inside two right human femora during sampling. These samples were obtained from two identified individuals buried in the late 19th century, who were exhumed froma rock-cut and a brick-lined grave in a steeply sloping graveyard with wet soil conditions. Both individualswere buried in coffins. Fourier transforminfrared spectroscopy was used to test the composition of the substances, and both were found to conform to the spectrum of adipocere. This is likely to be a breakdown product of the fats in bonemarrow in an anaerobic, moist environment mediated by bacteria. None of the other individuals (n=6) buried in similar graves displayed evidence of adipocere; this includes those whose femora were in a similar state of preservation (n=4). Contemporaneous data on precipitation for the month of burials do not highlight any obvious trends, but one of the individuals was found in a water-logged grave. The similar preservation of other femora buried in brick-lined graves highlights the interplay of multiple factors in the formation and degradation of adipocere. More importantly, it demonstrates differential preservation, which may impact on DNA and other biomolecular research. Furthermore, this adds to the limited data currently available on adipocere found in archaeological contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite many reports concerning processing of ancient soft tissues, scant attention has been paid to optimizing procedures for processing soft tissues that have been altered by taphonomic processes. To determine the best procedures, we investigated the rehydration solution, time of exposure to the solutions, fixative solution and exposure to heat. Processes were evaluated based on the minimum section thickness, degree of tissue fragmentation, definition of tissue architecture and penetration of stains. We found that in desiccated samples, tissue architecture was optimized by using Ruffer's solution for rehydration and Schaffer's solution as fixative, because these tissues require water restoration within the tissues due to their compacted character. Heating enhanced penetration of dyes in these specimens, which improved diagnosis. Saponified tissues that had suffered extensive decomposition were more labile and required slow water uptake. The best histological sections were obtained using Sandison's solution followed by fixation with formaldehyde and avoiding heat. To obtain the best results with paleohistological specimens, the procedure must be determined by the condition of the sample and by accounting for the nature of its damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fat is a vital macronutrient, and its intake is closely monitored by an array of molecular sensors distributed throughout the alimentary canal. In the mouth, dietary fat constituents such as mono- and diunsaturated fatty acids give rise to taste signals that stimulate food intake, in part by enhancing the production of lipid-derived endocannabinoid messengers in the gut. As fat-containing chyme enters the small intestine, it causes the formation of anorexic lipid mediators, such as oleoylethanolamide, which promote satiety. These anatomically and functionally distinct responses may contribute to the homeostatic control and, possibly, the pathological dysregulation of food intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of decomposition by using accumulated degree days (ADDs) has been suggested not only in terrestrial decay but also for water-related deaths. Previous studies have demonstrated that the accumulation of thermal energy as a function of the post-mortem submersion interval (PMSI) can be derived from a descriptive decompositional scoring system (DSS). In order to verify how useful can the total aquatic decomposition score (TADS) for ADD prediction be, a comparative taphonomic study has been performed between two series of bodies: 16 corpses found floating in shallower waters with a presumptive PMSI from 3 to 118 days and exposed to water temperatures (Tw) between 10.5 and 20.3 °C approximately equating from a minimum of 46 to 1.392 ADD; 52 bodies, all victims of a single shipwreck, found in sequestered environments and subjected to constant Tw of 4 °C for 210 days approximately equating to 840 ADD. The two series of bodies have revealed different stages of decay and a large DSS variability. In most of bodies, freshly formed adipocere was able to delay the appearance of later decompositional stages explaining why most of the bodies were in relatively good condition. Although promising, the accuracy of the TADS model can be affected by adipocere and animal activity. The TADS model suffers of the same limitations for ADD calculations as they can give a false perception of accuracy due to the complexity of integrating all changing factors affecting human decay in sequestered and non-sequestered marine environments (currents, animal activity, water temperatures, depth of submersion). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain death (death by neurologic criteria) is declared in 2% of all in-hospital deaths in the United States. Published neuropathology studies of individuals maintained on cardiorespiratory support are generally decades old, and notably include only 3 cases with long intervals between brain and "somatic" death (68 days, 101 days, 20 years). Here, we share our observations in a young woman supported for nearly 4½ years following declaration of brain death after oropharyngeal surgery. While limited by tissue availability and condition, we found evidence of at least partial perfusion of the superficial cerebral and cerebellar cortices by external carotid and vertebral arteries (via meningeal and posterior pharyngeal branches), characterized by focal cellular reaction and organization. Dural venous sinuses had thrombosis and recanalization, as well as iron deposition. In nonperfused brain areas, tissue "mummification," akin to that seen in certain postmortem conditions, including macerated stillbirths and saponification (adipocere formation), was identified, and are reviewed herein. Unfortunately, correlation with years-earlier clinical and radiographic observations was not possible. Nevertheless, we feel that our careful neuropathologic inspection of this case expands the understanding of the spectrum of human brain tissue alterations possible in a very rarely seen set of conditions., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of American Association of Neuropathologists, Inc.)

The article focuses on a study which examines the biochemical composition of the newly described acoustic fat bodies in mysticetes as well as compares those fat bodies with the acoustic fats of toothed whales. It discusses the use of samples from two Balaenopteridae including minke and fin whales. Other information such as lipids in adipose depots is provided.

Copyright of Archiv für Kriminologie is the property of Schmidt-Roemhild Verlag and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The preservation of soft tissue is a valuable evidence for forensic investigation as it may provide information about the cause and manner of death as well as the time since death. Adipocere forms from the conversion of triglycerides in the neutral fats into stable fatty acids producing a solid white product which aids tissue preservation. Adipocere will typically form in water-logged grave sites and aquatic environments. Documentation on the chemical and microbiological changes that cause adipocere formation in aquatic environments is scant and mostly based on observational case reports. The aim of this study was to monitor the early adipocere formation in lacustrine waters to investigate the effect of aquatic bacteria on adipocere formation. Tissue samples from pork ( Sus scrofa domesticus) belly were submerged in water samples from Lake Ontario and deionised water (control). Bacteria samples from both water and tissue were harvested. Changes in the fatty acid composition of the tissue were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Early-stage adipocere formation was confirmed on porcine tissue submerged in lake water but was not identified on porcine tissue submerged in deionised water. Adipocere formation required an abundance of gram-positive bacteria during the early postmortem period to assist in lipolysing the triglycerides into free fatty acids. Formation of adipocere in the lake water resulted in a decrease in bacterial concentrations in the tissue over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five pairs of mass graves, each containing carcasses of 21 rabbits, were used to examine differential decomposition at four locations within the burial: surface, deep, mid-outer, and core. Every 100 accumulated degree days (ADD), a pair of graves was exhumed, and total body score (TBS) and internal carcass temperature of each rabbit were recorded. Decomposition did not differ for core- and deep-positioned carcasses (p = 0.13); differences were significant (p < 0.001) for all other location comparisons. Decomposition occurred fastest in shallow carcasses, followed by mid-outer carcasses; deep and core carcasses decomposed slowest and at rates not significantly different from one another. Adipocere formation was minimal and confined to deep carcasses. Carcass location within the mass grave significantly influenced internal carcass temperature (p < 0.001); a mean internal temperature difference of ca. 1°C existed between deep and shallow carcasses (30 cm apart). Effects of mass compactness and oxygenation require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]