Comparative analysis of bones, mites, soil chemistry, nematodes and soil micro-Eukaryotes from a suspected homicide to estimate the post-mortem interval

Criminal investigations of suspected murder cases require estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI, or time after death) which is challenging for longer periods. Here we present the case of human remains found in a Swiss forest. We have used a multidisciplinary approach involving the analysis of bones, soil chemical characteristics, mites and nematodes (by microscopy) and micro-Eukaryotes (by Illumina high throughput sequencing). We analysed soil samples collected beneath the remains of the head, upper and lower body and “control” samples taken a few meters away. The PMI estimated on hair 14C-data via bomb peak radiocarbon dating gave a time range of 1 to 2 years before the finding of the remains on site. Cluster analyses for chemical constituents, nematodes, mites and micro- Eukaryotes revealed two clusters 1) head and upper body and 2) lower body and controls. From mite evidence, we conclude that the body was likely to have been brought to the site after death. However, chemical analyses, nematode community analyses and the analyses of micro-Eukaryotes indicate that decomposition took place at least partly on site. This study illustrates the usefulness of combining several lines of evidence for the study of homicide cases to better calibrate PMI inference tools

EAACI position paper on occupational rhinitis

The present document is the result of a consensus reached by a panel of experts from European and non-European countries on Occupational Rhinitis (OR), a disease of emerging relevance which has received little attention in comparison to occupational asthma. The document covers the main items of OR including epidemiology, diagnosis, management, socio-economic impact, preventive strategies and medicolegal issues. An operational definition and classification of OR tailored on that of occupational asthma, as well as a diagnostic algorithm based on steps allowing for different levels of diagnostic evidence are proposed. The needs for future research are pointed out. Key messages are issued for each item

Management of spontaneous dissection of the cervical carotid artery

This manuscript reviews the management of patients with spontaneous dissection of the cervical internal carotid artery (sICAD). Recommendations are not based on controlled-randomized trials, but on case-control and observational, hospital-based studies, and case reports. Vascular risk factors seem to be as prevalent in patients with sICAD as in age-matched, healthy volunteers. Stroke prevention includes the treatment of vascular risk factors and the administration of oral aspirin, which may be as effective as anticoagulation. The few available data indicate that most patients with sICAD causing severe stenosis or occlusion, or an aneurysm can be treated conservatively. Patients with sICAD were not excluded in the intravenous controlled-randomized thrombolysis trials with tissue plasminogen activator, but were excluded in the intraarterial controlled-randomized thrombolysis trials. Taking the few published case series and reports on thrombolysis in patients with sICAD into consideration, intravenous thrombolysis may be beneficial, whereas it remains unclear whether intraarterial thrombolysis is useful