Estimation of postmortem interval in myocardial stab wounds and firearm injuries: An immunohistochemical comparative study using C5b-9 and cardiac Troponin C.

BACKGROUND: Estimation of postmortem interval (PMI) is a critical component of forensic death investigations. C5b-9 and cardiac Troponin C (cTnC) have the potential as markers for myocardial damage and can be suitable markers for determination of PMI. The aim of current study was to estimate different postmortem intervals using C5b-9 and cTnC detected by immunohistochemical technique in stab wounds and firearm injuries of the heart. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cardiac tissue samples from 70 forensic autopsy cadavers were obtained from XXXXXXX morgue, processed, for histopathological examination as well as immunohistochemical detection of C5b-9 and cTnC expression. The surface area of the positive C5b-9 and troponin C immune reactive cardiac tissue was measured morphometrically then the data were used to construct multiple regression equations for the estimation of PMI. RESULTS: Histopathological autolytic changes occurred in all groups and increased in intensity with the increase in the PMI in stab wound and firearm injury groups. These findings were supported by immunohistochemical morphometric analysis. Constructed equations to estimate PMI were highly accurate especially those combining both markers. CONCLUSION: C5b-9 and cTnC can be considered reliable indicators of myocardial damage and can be used either separately or in combination for accurate estimation of PMI.

Palatoscopy and odontometrics' potential role in sex determination among an adult Egyptian population sample: A pilot study.

Background: Sex determination is the first step in personal identification in the forensic field. This study aimed to evaluate sexual dimorphism by using palatal rugae pattern and odontometrics, construct an Egyptian equation for sex determination using the discriminant function analysis. Participants and methods: The study sample included 200 participants of both sexes. Maxillary arch impressions were taken with alginate impression material using stainless steel impression tray. Identification and measurements were done to study the palatal rugae pattern, dental arch dimensions, and maxillary canine. Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference between males and females with higher male values regarding the total palatal rugae number, wavy rugae number, primary rugae number, arch length, width, maxillary canine right width, maxillary canine left width, intercanine distance, and maxillary canine right index while there was a highly statistically significant difference with higher female value regarding the straight rugae numbers. Four Egyptian equations were constructed using discriminant function analysis to determine the sex of an unidentified person. Conclusions: Palatal rugae pattern, dental arch dimensions, and maxillary canine index can be considered as useful tools for sex determination in the forensic field.