The Role of AFB1, OTA, TCNs, and Patulin in Forensic Sciences: Applications in Autopsy, Criminal Investigations, and Public Health Prevention.

Mycotoxins, specifically aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), trichothecenes (TCNs), and patulin, are a group of secondary metabolites that can contaminate food, leading to severe health implications for humans. Their detection and analysis within forensic toxicology are crucial, particularly as they can be implicated in cases of poisoning, foodborne illnesses, or lethal chronic exposure. However, little is known about the application that mycotoxins could have in forensic investigations and especially about the possibility of extracting and quantifying these molecules on tissues or post-mortem fluids collected at autopsy.

Rapunzel Syndrome: Clinical, Diagnostic and Forensic Aspects in Related Deaths-A Review of the Literature.

Rapunzel syndrome is a rare and severe form of trichobezoar, characterized by the presence of hair masses in the stomach that often extend into the bowel, resembling the legendary "Rapunzel's" long hair. : This review examines the clinical, diagnostic, forensic, and post-mortem aspects associated with Rapunzel syndrome, with a focus on cases resulting in mortality or those at high risk of death due to complications. In particular, the review systematically analyzes the existing literature on fatal cases of Rapunzel syndrome, emphasizing insights into risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, autopsy findings, and preventive measures to provide a focused understanding of these critical aspects.

Sudden Death in a Rare Case Due to Tracheo-Innominate Artery Fistula.

Tracheostomy is an essential procedure in cases of respiratory failure in patients requiring long-term ventilation or showing airway obstruction. Tracheostomy has both immediate and long-term complications. Among these, tracheo-innominate fistula is an emergency that is a rare long-term complication.

The role of necroscopy and autopsy investigations in the diagno-sis and risk management of infections related to public health care: forensic and medico legal implications.

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent the most frequent adverse event in healthcare systems around the world. From a forensic point of view, HAIs show various legal implications. Therefore, it is essential in cases of death or injury from a suspected nosocomial infection that the infection itself, the source and the method of contamination are correctly diagnosed in order to evaluate any profiles of professional liability.