Peri- and post mortem hemorrhages in the anterior neck after chin-collar application.

Intense blunt compression trauma to the neck can result in subcutaneous, intramuscular or laryngeal mucosa bleedings of different intensity. While these findings can easily be detected through a layer-wise dissection of the neck muscles and soft tissue during autopsy, it can be difficult to distinguish between peri-/post- and ante mortem hemorrhages solely based on macroscopic findings. Especially when an initial preliminary diagnosis is required, possible artifacts have to be excluded. The study at hand examines possible peri- and post mortem hemorrhages in the anterior neck after NorMors™ chin-collar application. In routine clinical and forensic autopsy cases, where such a chin-collar has been placed around the neck of the deceased in close proximity after death, focus was directed to the soft tissue and muscles of the neck. The results of our analysis could prove that the use of chin-collar shortly within the first 1 ½ hours after death applies just enough pressure to the neck to be able to cause superficial hemorrhages within the surface of the sternocleidomastoid muscles, which can mimic vital compression trauma injuries. Based on location, morphological outlines and intensity of the injuries, it is possible to correlate them with the position of the applied collar. Together with histological analyses, asphyxia by a second party involvement can be excluded. However, the application of chin-collars should be prohibited in any case, where an autopsy might be performed.

[Cremation plant planning and related hygienic-sanitary aspects]. / Potenzialità dell'impianto di cremazione nell'ambito di una programmazione territoriale e relative problematiche igienico-sanitarie.

The number of cremators is set to grow in Italy owing to current increasing demand for cremation, as a system of burial as well as a system of disposal of non-decomposed human remains resulting from operations of exhumation (as provided by the Circular No. 10 of 31 July of 1998 of the Ministry of Health). Some indications on how town planners need to size up the cremation plant with regard to its capacity to face cremation demand, in order to avoid any hygienic-sanitary inconveniences are given. As a matter of fact, for planning the demand for cremation from Circular No. 10 of 31 July of 1998 it is necessary to assess the decomposition time in burial sites.

PCDDs/DFs emissions from crematories in Japan.

Concentrations of PCDDs and PCDFs in emission gases from 10 crematories were measured. The relationship between PCDDs/DFs and several factors such as structure, equipment and operational state of the crematory is discussed. Furthermore, emission of PCDDs/DFs from all crematories in Japan is estimated. The following results are obtained: (1) total concentration of PCDDs/DFs was 2.2-290 ng/N m3, whose TEQ concentration was 0.0099-6.5 ng TEQ/N m3; (2) total concentration of PCDFs was higher than that of PCDDs; (3) T4CDFs was the highest in the homologue pattern and 2,3,7,8-T4CDF was the highest in the isomer pattern; (4) emission of PCDDs/DFs was the largest in the first 20 min of cremation; (5) concentration of PCDDs/DFs was related to the existence of a secondary combustion chamber and a dust collector, and the ratio of the numbers of main and secondary combustion chambers; (6) total emission of PCDDs/DFs from crematories in Japan was estimated to be 8.9 g TEQ/yr.

Post-cremation taphonomy and artifact preservation.

Contemporary commercial cremation is a reductive taphonomic process that represents one of the most extreme examples of postmortem human alteration of bone. The thorough reduction and fragmentation of cremated human remains often leaves little biological evidence of diagnostic value. Instead, non-osseous artifacts often provide the best evidence of the origin of the cremated remains, the identity of the decedent, and commingling of the remains of more than one individual. Once human remains have been cremated they are most commonly placed into a processor and reduced into small fragments and fine ash suitable for inurnment or scattering. The type of processor determines the size and utility of the particulates and artifacts available for analysis. The newest type of processors have changed the manner and degree of postmortem bone modification and altered the preservation of diagnostic bone fragments and cremation artifacts. This paper addresses the impact of the newest cremation procedures on forensic analysis of cremated remains.

The handling of bariatric bodies.

Increased body mass has occurred in many countries over the past two decades. Morbidly obese individuals are prone to higher rates of cardiovascular, endocrine and malignant disease requiring hospitalization and medical care. A review of problems encountered by ambulance services, hospitals, forensic facilities and funeral service reveals common problems in examination, transport and handling. Strategies used in one area of health to deal with bariatric cases can be adapted for use in other areas. Forensic facilities may require the use bigger body bags, reinforced trolleys and vehicles, with larger refrigerator bays and CT scanning machines. The best option is for purpose built mortuaries designed with lifting hoists and passages, doorways, machinery and autopsy tables that can cope with morbidly obese bodies. Unnecessary handling and lifting of these bodies should be minimized, and so the admissions area, cool room storage and dissection theatre should be in close proximity to each other.

Simple hand-held metal detectors are an effective means of detecting cardiac pacemakers in the deceased prior to cremation.

The hazard of undetected cardiac pacemakers exploding in crematoria is well described. This short report describes the use of an affordable hand-held metal detector to detect cardiac pacemakers. Over the course of a year, the metal detector located 100% of cardiac pacemakers in a district general hospital mortuary. A simple model using pigskin and fat is also used to demonstrate the effectiveness in vitro. Commercially purchased hand-held metal detectors should be used in all mortuaries responsible for detection and removal of cardiac pacemakers prior to cremation.

Human DNA contamination of mortuaries: does it matter?

With the continuing development of extremely sensitive, automated systems for the detection of human DNA from a number of cellular sources, the problem of sample contamination from scenes of crime, cadavers, and the mortuary environment has become a potentially serious issue, with implications for all involved in forensic investigations. A recent survey of 20 mortuaries identified quantifiable human DNA on mortuary work surfaces and instruments which, when amplified, produced in some cases three or more profiles from single site samples. Possible sources of DNA contamination in the mortuary are discussed, along with implications related to its presence and its avoidance during the sampling process. These observations may not be confined to forensic practice.

An integrative approach to mortuary analysis: social and symbolic dimensions of Chumash burial practices.

Although most archaeologists recognize that valuable information about the social lives of ancient people can be obtained through the study of burial practices, it is clear that the symbolic nature of burial rituals makes interpreting their social significance a hazardous enterprise. These analytical difficulties can be greatly reduced using a research strategy that draws upon the strengths of a broad range of conceptually and methodologically independent data sources. We illustrate this approach by using archaeological data from cemeteries at Malibu, California, to explore an issue over which researchers are sharply divided: when did the simple chiefdoms of the Chumash Indians first appear in the Santa Barbara Channel area? First we establish the social correlates of Chumash burial practices through the comparison of historic-period cemetery data, ethnohistoric records, and ethnographic accounts. The resulting understanding of mortuary symbolism is then used to generate hypotheses about the social significance of prehistoric-period Malibu burial patterns. Finally, bioarchaeological data on genetic relationships, health status, and activity are used to independently test artifact-based hypotheses about prehistoric Chumash social organization. Together, these independent data sources constitute strong evidence for the existence of a ranked society with a hereditary elite during the late Middle period in the Santa Barbara Channel area.