Postmortem CT Angiography Compared with Autopsy: A Forensic Multicenter Study.

Purpose To determine if postmortem computed tomography (CT) and postmortem CT angiography help to detect more lesions than autopsy in postmortem examinations, to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each method, and to define their indications. Materials and Methods Postmortem CT angiography was performed on 500 human corpses and followed by conventional autopsy. Nine centers were involved.

Print to detect: a rapid and ultrasensitive phage-based dipstick assay for foodborne pathogens.

Foodborne pathogens are a burden to the economy and a constant threat to public health. The ability to rapidly detect the presence of foodborne pathogens is a vital component of any strategy towards establishing a safe and secure food supply chain. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses capable of infecting and replicating within bacteria in a strain-specific manner.

Early markers of myocardial ischemia: from the experimental model to forensic pathology cases of sudden cardiac death.

The goal of this study was to assess whether early markers of myocardial ischemia, identified in a previous experimental work, can be applied in forensic pathology cases of sudden, ischemic cardiac death. These markers include desphosphorylated connexin 43 (Cx43), JunB, TUNEL assay, myoglobin, and troponin T. Fourteen cases of sudden cardiac death with gross and/or histological signs of myocardial infarction and 14 cases of sudden cardiac death with signs of early ischemia at histology and positive immunoreactions for fibronectin and C5b-9 were investigated.

Early markers for myocardial ischemia and sudden cardiac death.

The post-mortem diagnosis of acute myocardial ischemia remains a challenge for both clinical and forensic pathologists. We performed an experimental study (ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery in rats) in order to identify early markers of myocardial ischemia, to further apply to forensic and clinical pathology in cases of sudden cardiac death. Using immunohistochemistry, Western blots, and gene expression analyses, we investigated a number of markers, selected among those which are currently used in emergency departments to diagnose myocardial infarction and those which are under investigation in basic research and autopsy pathology studies on cardiovascular diseases.

(210)Po poisoning as possible cause of death: forensic investigations and toxicological analysis of the remains of Yasser Arafat.

The late president of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat, died in November 2004 in Percy Hospital, one month after having experienced a sudden onset of symptoms that included severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain and which were followed by multiple organ failure. In spite of numerous investigations performed in France, the pathophysiological mechanisms at the origin of the symptoms could not be identified. In 2011, we found abnormal levels of polonium-210 ((210)Po) in some of Arafat's belongings that were worn during his final hospital stay and which were stained with biological fluids.

Determination of urinary catecholamines and metanephrines in cardiac deaths.

The aim of this study was to measure catecholamines and their O-methylated metabolites in urine and vitreous humor collected in cardiac deaths and noncardiac control cases that underwent medicolegal investigations. Our first goal was to assess whether cardiac events of different types are characterized by different catecholamine/metanephrine urine and/or vitreous profiles. Our second goal was to determine whether noncardiac causes of death with different survival intervals are characterized by different catecholamine/metanephrine urine and/or vitreous profiles.

Multiphase Postmortem Computed Tomography Angiography in Pediatrics: A Case Report.

Postmortem imaging techniques, especially postmortem computed tomography, have become integral tools in forensic investigations. Multiphase postmortem computed tomography angiography (MPMCTA) visualizes the vascular system in detail and makes it possible to evaluate the perfusion of even the smallest vessels. Although the technique has been well described for adults, no pediatric cases have been reported and no pediatric protocol has been established for this type of investigation.

Pathomorphological and CT-angiographical characteristics of coronary atherosclerotic plaques in cases of sudden cardiac death.

The goal of this study was to assess the localization and types of thrombosed plaques in cases of sudden cardiac death attributed to coronary artery disease and to evaluate possible correlations with body mass index (BMI) and increased heart weight. This retrospective study was performed on forensic cases for which the cause of death was attributed to coronary artery disease. A complete autopsy and a multi-phase postmortem computed tomography (CT) angiography (MPMCTA) were performed in all cases.

Cardioinhibitory reflex due to a karate kick: a case report.

This article describes the case of a 17-year-old adolescent boy who received a foot kick in the trunk area from an expert in karate. He presented with immediate cardiocirculatory arrest. After a prolonged resuscitation, he was transferred to a hospital where he died 5 days later without ever regaining consciousness.

Traumatic injuries after mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (LUCAS2): a forensic autopsy study.

Aim: The aim of our study was to compare traumatic injuries observed after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by means of standard (manual) or assisted (mechanical) chest compression by Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System, 2nd generation (LUCAS2) device.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted including cases from 2011 to 2013, analysing consecutive autopsy reports in two groups of patients who underwent medicolegal autopsy after unsuccessful CPR. We focused on traumatic injuries from dermal to internal trauma, collecting data according to a standardised protocol.

Application of contrast media in post-mortem imaging (CT and MRI).

The application of contrast media in post-mortem radiology differs from clinical approaches in living patients. Post-mortem changes in the vascular system and the absence of blood flow lead to specific problems that have to be considered for the performance of post-mortem angiography. In addition, interpreting the images is challenging due to technique-related and post-mortem artefacts that have to be known and that are specific for each applied technique.

The trail making test as a screening instrument for driving performance in older drivers; a translational research.

Background: In many countries, primary care physicians determine whether or not older drivers are fit to drive. Little, however, is known regarding the effects of cognitive decline on driving performance and the means to detect it. This study explores to what extent the trail making test (TMT) can provide indications to clinicians about their older patients' on-road driving performance in the context of cognitive decline.

A neuropsychological instrument measuring age-related cerebral decline in older drivers: development, reliability, and validity of MedDrive.

When facing age-related cerebral decline, older adults are unequally affected by cognitive impairment without us knowing why. To explore underlying mechanisms and find possible solutions to maintain life-space mobility, there is a need for a standardized behavioral test that relates to behaviors in natural environments. The aim of the project described in this paper was therefore to provide a free, reliable, transparent, computer-based instrument capable of detecting age-related changes on visual processing and cortical functions for the purposes of research into human behavior in computational transportation science.

Application of direct-infusion ESI-MS/MS for toxicological screening.

Background: Direct-infusion ESI-MS/MS is a powerful approach for the identification of substances in complex mixtures. The aim of this work was to investigate its applicability to the toxicological screening of blood samples. A simple protein precipitation was used, followed by a 15 min infusion of the extract in the mass spectrometer.

Urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid levels in postmortem serum, vitreous humor, and pericardial fluid.

Urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid are relatively stable in postmortem serum and may, therefore, be used for diagnostic purposes when chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure are investigated as causes of death. Nevertheless, uncertainties remain in defining the best alternative to postmortem serum for the identification and assessment of significantly decreased kidney function. In this study, we investigated urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid levels in postmortem serum, pericardial fluid, and vitreous humor in a series of medico-legal cases (500 autopsies) with various causes of death.

The emergence of forensic nursing and advanced nursing practice in Switzerland: an innovative case study consultation.

Background And Methods: The objectives of this article were to systematically describe and examine the novel roles and responsibilities assumed by nurses in a forensic consultation for victims of violence at a University Hospital in French-speaking Switzerland. Utilizing a case study methodology, information was collected from two main sources: (a) discussion groups with nurses and forensic pathologists and (b) a review of procedures and protocols. Following a critical content analysis, the roles and responsibilities of the forensic nurses were described and compared with the seven core competencies of advanced nursing practice as outlined by Hamric, Spross, and Hanson (2009).

When nightclub security agents assault clients more insight through a qualitative approach.

Between 2007 and 2009, aggressions by security agents of nightclubs on clients increased from 6% to 10% among community violence situations encountered at the Violence Medical Unit (VMU) at the Lausanne University Hospital in Switzerland. Most victims were young men who had been drinking alcohol before the assault. About one quarter (25.

Diagnostic performance of urinary metanephrines for the postmortem diagnosis of hypothermia.

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic potential of urinary metanephrines and 3-methoxytyramine compared to urinary catecholamine determination in diagnosing antemortem cold exposure and fatal hypothermia. 83 cases of fatal hypothermia and 144 control cases were included in this study. Catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine), metanephrines (metanephrine, normetanephrine) and 3-methoxytyramine were measured in urine collected during autopsy.

The investigation of deaths in custody: a qualitative analysis of problems and prospects.

The right to be treated humanely when detained is universally recognized. Deficiencies in detention conditions and violence, however, subvert this right. When this occurs, proper medico-legal investigations are critical irrespective of the nature of death.

Clinically assessed consequences of workplace physical violence.

Objectives: To assess consequences of physical violence at work and identify their predictors.

Methods: Among the patients in a medicolegal consultation from 2007 to 2010, the subsample of workplace violence victims (n = 185) was identified and contacted again in average 30 months after the assault. Eighty-six victims (47 %) participated.

Acute aortic dissection with carotid and coronary malperfusion: from imaging to pathology.

Postmortem imaging, including postmortem computed tomography angiography, has become an integral tool in forensic investigation in recent years. A relatively new technique, multiphase postmortem computed tomography angiography, allows detailed visualization of the vascular system and makes it possible to evaluate the dynamic perfusion of aortic branches, including the coronary arteries. Here, we report a case of aortic dissection involving the ascending aorta (type A) with coronary and carotid malperfusion.

Measurement of β-tryptase in postmortem serum, pericardial fluid, urine and vitreous humor in the forensic setting.

In the realm of forensic pathology, β-tryptase measurement for diagnostic purposes is performed in postmortem serum obtained from femoral blood. This may be partially or completely unavailable in some specific cases, such as infant autopsies and severely damaged bodies. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of determining β-tryptase levels for diagnostic purposes in alternative biological samples.