Diatom extraction: A new technique with heated H2O2. A technical note

The best method of diatom identification in animal and human tissues is still an important discussion topic, in terms of effectiveness and reliability. In this technical note, authors propose a new method of extraction of diatoms using heated hydrogen peroxide from animal and human tissue samples. This method has been compared with the traditional method of digestion with acids. The results of the comparison show that heated hydrogen peroxide extraction is more efficient in terms of reduction of sediment, extraction of the material and preservation of diatoms proving to be a viable alternative to conventional approaches with acids in terms of costs and operator safety

European Council of Legal Medicine (ECLM) on-site inspection forms for forensic pathology, anthropology, odontology, genetics, entomology and toxicology for forensic and medico-legal scene and corpse investigation: the Parma form

Further to a previous publication by the European Council of Legal Medicine (ECLM) concerning on-site forensic and medico-legal scene and corpse investigation, this publication provides guidance for forensic medical specialists, pathologists and, where present, coroners’ activity at a scene of death inspection and to harmonize the procedures for a correct search, detection, collection, sampling and storage of all elements which may be useful as evidence, and ensure documentation of all these steps. This ECLM’s inspection form provides a checklist to be used on-site for the investigation of a corpse present at a crime or suspicious death scene. It permits the collection of all relevant data not only for the pathologist, but also for forensic anthropologists, odontologists, geneticists, entomologists and toxicologists, thus supporting a collaborative work approach. Detailed instructions for the completion of forms are provided

A case report positive for synthetic cannabinoids: are cardiovascular effects related to their protracted use?

The use of synthetic cannabinoids is being increasingly recognised worldwide, but the chemical compositions and physiological effects of these drugs are poorly characterised and are continually changing. New substances are constantly being added to the content of synthetic cannabinoids and they are rarely identified on toxicological screening tests. Due to their structures synthetic cannabinoids and their effects have been compared to the psychoactive compound, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), found in marijuana. On the molecular level, they are potent cannabinoid receptor agonists that also may have affinity for other types of receptors such as those on platelets. Reported symptoms of toxicity include anxiety, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, tachycardia, hypertension, excessive sweating, nausea, and vomiting. They can also be linked to serious adverse cardiovascular events and can affect the cardiovascular system causing hypotension and bradycardia, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, prolonged QTc, and Mobitz type II atrioventricular block, as well as interfere with the aggregation of platelets. We present a case report of a cardiac tamponade with toxicological findings positive for synthetic cannabinoids. This case highlights the importance of testing routinely for novel psychoactive compounds, and recognising their potential to cause life-threatening conditions

Mephedrone and chemsex: a case report

The chemsex or slamsex phenomenon has attracted attention worldwide, with concerns also expressed by health professionals for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Mephedrone or 4-methylmethcathinone, a substituted cathinone homolog of ephedrine, is one of the most popular substances used as a cheaper alternative to other traditional drugs. Fatal cases of chemsex are still rare. We present here the first case-report to the best of our knowledge of a mephedrone-related acute toxicity case in Parma (Italy) detected and quantitated in biological specimens (2.0 mg/L in urine sample, 1.1 mg/L in bile and 1.0 mg/L in central blood while 0.8 mg/L in peripheral blood). None of the other most common drugs of abuse could be detected. Autopsy findings such as facies edematosa, oedema and polyvisceral congestion, interstitial petechiae are compatible elements with a death from acute cardio-respiratory failure, with peri-mortem agony of few minutes in which the cardiac hypertrophy, the moderate aortocoronary sclerosis and mephedrone injection have played a substantial role in the evaluation of the final cause due to an accidental acute intoxication with mephedrone

SCHEDE DI SOPRALLUOGO INTERGRUPPI: IL PROTOCOLLO DI PARMA

Il costante evolversi delle scienze forensi rappresenta una continua sfida per il medico legale, al quale sono richieste competenze sempre più ampie ed approfondite per la migliore interpretazione possibile del caso di interesse giudiziario, anche a fronte dell’impossibilità concreta di essere sempre affiancati da altri esperti forensi (antropologo, odontologo, genetista, entomologo e tossicologo). Per venir incontro a questa esigenza, partendo dall’attenta disamina dei protocolli operativi delle differenti discipline specialistiche, congiunta all’osservazione critica della pratica quotidiana del Servizio di Medicina Legale dell’Università di Parma, è stato elaborato un corpus di schede suddiviso in sei sezioni (Patologia forense, Antropologia, Odontologia, Genetica, Entomologia e Tossicologia) dal titolo “Protocollo di raccolta informazioni in sede di sopralluogo”. Sono state inoltre discusse le opportune procedure di conservazione dei campioni, nonché le modalità di compilazione delle schede specialistiche di accompagnamento da trasmettere all’esperto di riferimento. Le schede proposte sono state condivise dai Presidenti dei gruppi scientifici GIPF, GeFI, GTFI, GIEF e GIAOF e con i rispettivi direttivi. Successivamente, le schede approvate in via definitiva sono state presentate al I Convegno Intergruppi (Villasimius Settembre 2017) e, quindi, adottate dalla SIMLA che le ha condivise con i propri associati. La Consulta dei Giovani Medici Legali ha utilizzato le schede e i risultati sono stati presentati al II Convegno Intergruppi (Chia Maggio 2018). Le Schede che vengono presentate costituiscono il prodotto finale del confronto con tutti gli attori coinvolti

European Council of Legal Medicine (ECLM) on-site inspection forms for forensic pathology, anthropology, odontology, genetics, entomology and toxicology for forensic and medico-legal scene and corpse investigation: the Parma form

Further to a previous publication by the European Council of Legal Medicine (ECLM) concerning on-site forensic and medico-legal scene and corpse investigation, this publication provides guidance for forensic medical specialists, pathologists and, where present, coroners’ activity at a scene of death inspection and to harmonize the procedures for a correct search, detection, collection, sampling and storage of all elements which may be useful as evidence, and ensure documentation of all these steps. This ECLM’s inspection form provides a checklist to be used on-site for the investigation of a corpse present at a crime or suspicious death scene. It permits the collection of all relevant data not only for the pathologist, but also for forensic anthropologists, odontologists, geneticists, entomologists and toxicologists, thus supporting a collaborative work approach. Detailed instructions for the completion of forms are provided