Spectrophotometric analysis of post-mortem lividity: A new objective measure to define time of death.

The correct definition of time of death often represents a key to solving judicial cases. One of the methods for determination of the time interval since death is at present the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of hypostases. However, the simple observation of the degree and fixation of hypostases is based on nonobjective parameters, and is therefore characterized by an intrinsic variability that can compromise their reliability. The purpose of the present study was to define an objective and standardizable method that allows estimation of time since death with good approximation. To achieve this, the instrument used was based on spectrophotometry, to analyze only the hemoglobin contribution to skin color, while excluding the role of melanin. This made it possible to analyze a hypostatic area, with a numerical value defined as a measure of the hemoglobin content before and after application of standardized pressure for a defined time interval. The study was conducted on 100 cadavers in various wards. The variables considered in the study were: Hb-pre (mean hemoglobin measure before weight force application); Hb-post (mean hemoglobin measure after weight force application), ΔHb (change in mean hemoglobin measures from before to after weight force application); and red% Hb (percentage reduction in hemoglobin after weight force application, compared to the mean measure of hemoglobin before weight force application). The analysis showed statistically significant correlations between red% Hb in the skin area analyzed and time from death to examination. This provided a mathematical formula to estimate time since death with good reliability ( ± 4 h, 50 min).

Soft-tissue thickness values using cone beam computed tomography: A literature review.

When human remains are found, with no evidence of identity, facial approximation can be a useful technique to employ. The reconstruction of the ante-mortem appearance can reproduce the likely features of the face, starting from the skull, based on the overlying soft-tissue thickness. Over the years, many techniques have been developed to achieve soft-tissue thickness measurements, one of which is based on the use of cone beam computed tomography. This study aimed to review the status of this technique and to evaluate heterogeneity among studies undertaken in this field, with particular regard to determination of landmarks, sex and body mass index.

DNA extraction from sternum bone for identification of a saponified body: use of a modified protocol.

This paper discusses our approach and results obtained when attempting to identify a saponified human body recovered from the sea, without arms and legs. Bones, especially the long ones, are the only sources of DNA available in several cases involving unidentified bodies in advanced state of putrefaction. In this case, since the body was found without limbs, attempts were made to extract DNA from the sternum bone. The DNA was extracted using a modified version of the NucleoSpin® DNA Trace Kit (Macherey Nagel™) protocol and an STR analysis was performed. Thanks to this modified protocol a complete DNA profile was obtained from the sternum bone, while only partial results were obtained from blood and teeth. The DNA profile obtained from the sternum was compared with the DNA of the putative son searching for a genetic match. Five incompatibilities were detected so it was possible to exclude the kinship. In conclusion this could be a useful technique in personal identification through DNA analysis in case of poor quality and quantity of bone.

Facial approximation: Soft tissue thickness values for Caucasian males using cone beam computer tomography.

The aim of this study was to obtain soft tissue thickness (STTs) of Caucasian males starting from 12 bone landmarks, to allow facial reconstruction and assign an identity to skeletal remains. When a skeleton is found without any circumstantial evidence of identity, through anthropological investigations it is possible to estimate age, sex, and race studying specific characteristics of bones. This first step of identification process helps investigators to narrow down the identity suppositions, but not always forensic analysis guarantees a final positive identification. Moreover, it is possible to rely on facial reconstruction trying to reproduce the likely features of the face from the skull. The obtained images could be used as a support in recognition by relatives who could provide photos and other data to carry out a comparative analysis. Furthermore, identity can be confirmed by conventional identification methods such as DNA profiling, odontological identification, and radiological comparison. Forensic facial reconstruction (FFR) is based on the bone surface that conditions the facial physiognomy. Analyzing cone beam CT (CBCT) scans of 30 Caucasian males, average STTs values were obtained. CBCT, compared with the conventional spiral CT, has much lower radiation doses, lower costs, high spatial resolution and focuses on head and neck. The obtained results were compared with existing literature and databases and were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Two researchers repeated measurements in different times to assess the reliability of the method.