Forensic Age Estimation In Geriatric Age Group

In the geriatric population, forensic age estimation could be essential for insurance-related issues, retirement processes, and work permits. Although cases of forensic age estimation are dominant in adolescents and early adults, nowadays the practice of forensic age determination is increasing in the geriatric population as well. Forensic age estimation, in living and deceased individuals, is among the most commonly studied topics in clinical forensic medicine. However, only few studies have been performed for age estimation in the geriatric population. Based on skeletal bone morphology, skeletal bone radiological traits, chronological dental changes, facial traits, degenerative processes, and automated systems, there are several methods for forensic age estimation in adults and partly in the geriatric population. This paper aims to the draw attention of health-care professionals by discussing methods used for forensic age estimation in the geriatric population.WoSScopu

The Unexpected Effect Of Syrian Civil War In Turkey: Change Of Forensic Postmortem Case Pattern

In the last decade, the whole world has witnessed a chaotic process characterized by uprisings, revolutions, and wars in the Middle East. The Syrian civil war, with its local and global consequences, is the most destructive of these events. Social and economic aspects of the effects of the Syrian civil war were discussed in detail. However, the change in forensic postmortem case pattern of neighboring countries remains unclear. Here, we aim to discuss the effects of the Syrian civil war on forensic postmortem case patterns in Turkey as a neighboring country, with possible causes and suggestions. The postmortem case patterns of the 5-year period before the beginning of the Syrian war (2006-2011) and the next 5-year period after the start of the war (2012-2016) were investigated retrospectively. This aims to reveal the possible effects of the Syrian civil war on forensic postmortem case pattern of Turkey in relation to the assault deaths of statistics of Turkey. We found that explosion-related and firearm-related death cases significantly increased after the Syrian civil war. The dramatic increase in the explosion-related deaths can be attributed to terrorist attacks. Wounded civilians during the civil war were admitted to health units and hospitals in the south and southeast parts of Turkey, which consequently result in a crisis in the application of health services. There was no significant difference in Turkish death statistics, however forensic case pattern was affected.WoSScopu

Forensic Medicine Evaluation Of Alzheimer Patients: A Series From Ankara, Turkey

Background/aim: Pathophysiological changes due to Alzheimer disease and increasing age might result in situations requiring forensic evaluation in the elderly. Judicial bodies might need forensic evaluation of trauma and the decision-making capacity of Alzheimer patients. This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of Alzheimer patients seen for forensic evaluation. Materials and methods: Forensic records issued by the Department of Forensic Medicine of Hacettepe University in 2012 and 2013 were investigated. Patients with Alzheimer disease were included in the study and were analyzed in terms of age, sex, reason for application, comorbid medical conditions, occupation, and place and status of living. Results: There were 30 Alzheimer patients examined in the study period. Of these, 17 (56.6%) were male and 13 (43.3%) were female. The patients' ages ranged between 51 and 90 years, and the mean age was 78.7 years. The majority of cases (25, 83.3%) were transferred for evaluation of decision-making capacity, while only 5 (17.7%) were referred to our department for forensic reporting of bodily damage. Conclusion: Forensic reporting of bodily damage in Alzheimer patients is similar to common injury cases. However, in conditions requiring evaluation of decision-making capacity in Alzheimer patients, all records should be carefully examined and a complete neuropsychiatric evaluation should be performed.WoSScopu

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy as a novel tool for rapid quantification of heroin and metabolites in saliva

Background: Heroin can be detected and quantified by certain analytical methods, however, forensic professionals and criminal laboratories study for cheaper and faster detection tools. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) rises as a possible alternative tool with its widening application spectra. There are few studies regarding Raman and SERS spectra of heroin and its metabolites, which are unfortunately controversial. In this study, we compared five different surfaces in order to find out more efficient Raman-active substrate for opiate detection and rapid quantification of heroin and its metabolites in saliva. Materials and methods: Morphine standard material was used to identify proper surface for SERS analysis of opiates. Heroin and its metabolites (morphine, morphine-3-beta-glucuronide and 6-monoacetyl morphine) were calibrated between 50 ppb and 500 ppm and quantified on AuNRs with signal enhancement of silver colloids in saliva. Raman microscope with a 785-nm laser source was used. Results and Conclusion: Obtained results showed that heroin and its metabolites can be detected and quantified in saliva samples using a SERS-based system. Additionally, the present study revealed that synergetic effect of a specific gold nano-surface with ability controlling liquid motion and silver nanoparticles increase band numbers and intensities. Therefore, we suggest a fast, accurate and cost-effective method to detect and quantify heroin in biological fluids