Forensic scientist’s blog

Dear Editor, We read with interest a recently published research entitled “Autopsy Profiles of Malpractice Cases.” We are impressed with the study bringing out the details of the doctors and specialties implicated in malpractice cases in Turkey. However, we have some reservations. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

(Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Dear Sir Each individual possesses a unique set of minute raised ridges on volar pads called �?friction ridge skin’. These clear and apparent unique outlines of the ridges are called fingerprints. Fingerprints are highly individualistic and forms the basis for personal identification in forensic examinations. Recent studies have reported that females have a significantly higher ridge density than males. This information facilitates the investigating officer to narrow down the investigating process in a particular case and direct the criminal investigation towards suspects belonging to the most likely sex. The higher ridge density in females has been attributed to the level of ridge thickness and it is opined that females tend to have finer epidermal ridge details. Consequently, the fem...

Conclusion: Bruise age estimates by forensic experts, from photographs, are unreliable. However, it appears that the vast majority of observers are better able to place bruises from the same subjects in their chronological order. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Tags: Forensic news

Conclusions: The results of this study confirm the high accuracy of using the measurement of the patella for sex determination. Until further data collected suggests otherwise, the results expected in present study are limited to forensic cases of the Iranian population. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

This study examines the relationship between stature and hand and phalanges lengths among Egyptians. Stature, hand and phalanges lengths of 159 subjects, 82 males and 77 females (18–25years) were measured. Statistical analysis indicated that bilateral variation was insignificant for all measurements. Sex differences were significant for all measurements. Linear and multiple regression equations for stature estimation were calculated. Correlation coefficients were found to be positive, but little finger measurements of male and distal phalanges of female fingers were not correlated with stature. Regression equations were checked for accuracy by comparing the estimated stature and actual stature. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Abstract: A case is discussed of an adolescent presenting with a rectovaginal fistula secondary to a sexual assault 2 years earlier. The fistula resulted from a retained foreign body (bottle cap) inserted into the vagina during the assault. The adolescent did not disclose the presence of the foreign body at the initial examination. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Abstract: In clinical medicine, plane radiography is used for detecting the remains of medications in the stomach in oral medication intoxication cases. Since postmortem computed tomography (CT), performed prior to autopsy, is currently intensively entering the forensic routine, the technique was applied to three fatal cases of oral medication intoxication. Here we report CT and autopsy findings for these cases.In all three cases, hyperdense areas within the stomach content were documented. The measurement of Hounsfield Units (HU) beyond 74HU showed mean values of 338, 88 and 98HU. Postmortem CT also showed brain edema and pulmonary aspiration in one case. At autopsy, tablet remains in the stomach were detected microscopically in all three cases. The ex vivo CT scans of the ingested medica...

Abstract: Firecracker display is used worldwide for celebrating religious festivities, New Year celebrations and various other occasions. Explosion during the manufacture of firecrackers can result in serious injuries. We, herein, report a case, where a person succumbed to injuries sustained in an explosion in a firecracker factory. Superficial to deep burns, traumatic amputation of right upper limb, and multiple abrasions and lacerations were present on various parts of the body with contusion of internal thoracic and abdominal organs. Also, multiple punctured circumscribed wounds with burnt floor and margins were present over the body. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

J'ai déposé fin février mon dossier de demande de réinscription quinquennale sur la liste des experts judiciaires près ma Cour d'Appel. J'ai déjà décris dans ce billet le processus de réinscription.Et fatalement, je suis amené à envisager que la justice décide de se passer de mes services. Non que l'hypothèse m'enchante, mais il est normal de l'envisager et autant le faire sereinement.Je vous