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A review of the estimation of postmortem interval using forensic entomology Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-09-17 John Oladapo Obafunwa, Amanda Roe, Leon Higley
The postmortem interval (PMI) is a crucial factor in death investigations. For PMIs exceeding 24 h the forensic pathologist must turn to other specialties that focus on decompositional ecology of animals, including humans. Primary among these specialties is forensic entomology. Here, we review the importance of forensic entomology in estimating the PMI, and we examine the factors that influence these
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The over-representation of neurodivergent children in Youth Justice Systems and The Youth Court Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-08-28 Anne-Marie Day, Clare Allely, Louise Robinson, Kim Turner, Felicity Gerry KC, Andrew Forrester
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Postmortem CT and MRI for detecting bowel obstruction in cases of pediatric sepsis deaths Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-08-28 Mária Marosi, Guillaume Gorincour, Lucile Tuchtan-Torrents, Michael J Thali, Dominic Gascho
This article describes the utility of postmortem CT and MRI in diagnosing pediatric bowel obstruction (BO) as the cause of septic shock-induced death. Six pediatric cases with confirmed septic shock were retrospectively analyzed. Postmortem CT scans revealed clear signs of BO in all cases, with volvulus, intussusception, diaphragmatic hernia, or Meckel's diverticulum identified. MRI scans, performed
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Analytical methods for the determination of xylazine in pharmaceutical, clinical and forensic matrices – A review Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-08-23 Sachil Kumar, Hemi Gayakwad, Tulsidas R Baggi
Xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary anaesthetic tranquillizer that is not licensed for human use, has been linked to an increase in overdose fatalities worldwide. The study delves into the forensic aspects of xylazine usage, emphasizing on chemical, clinical and toxicological analyses of drug seizures, bodily fluids and tissues. It advocates for validated analytical methods for determining xylazine.
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Psychological trauma and the law…post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or post-traumatic disorders (PTDs)? Is PTSD still fit for purpose? Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-08-23 Martin Deahl
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An analysis of risk factors for child suicide in three centres from 2008 to 2017 Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-08-23 Kelly L Olds, Rexson Tse, Simon Stables, Andrew M Baker, Kathryn Hird, Neil E Langlois, Roger W Byard
As a part of a study of suicide in children aged 17 years and under in three centers—Hennepin County in the United States (US), Auckland in New Zealand (NZ), and South Australia in Australia (AUS) from 2008 to 2017 it was decided to characterize potential risk factors and to determine whether these differed by jurisdiction. Reviewed data included a history of psychiatric illness, symptoms prior to
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The legal rights of the fetus: Nepali perspective Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-08-19 Alok Atreya, Ritesh G Menezes, Sagar Adhikari
This article provides an analysis of the legal rights and protection accorded to fetuses under the Nepali law and the comparative common statues. It also analyses the abortion law in Nepal, which aims to balance the needs of women seeking abortion with limited protections for late-term fetuses. The article considers the case, “Lakshmi Dhikta v. the Government of Nepal,” which held that access to abortion
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Advancing research on femicide prevention: A mixed methods approach Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-08-17 Reena Sarkar, Nicholas Dempsey, Clare Toulmin, Joel Forthun, Annika Spiers, Chloe Dalla-Fontana, Richard Bassed
Femicide, the killing of women, girls, and infants, is a pervasive problem affecting all global societies. Policy and research are impeded by inaccurate and missing prevalence data, gaps in understanding of femicide, especially for hard-to-reach marginalized populations, and conflicting perceptions between jurisdictions. Leveraging on a combined socio-ecologic model and Public Health approach, the
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Artefacts due to putrefactive gas production – an overview Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-08-16 Roger W. Byard
Autolytic and putrefactive processes can cause considerable alterations to soft tissues and internal organs that may complicate forensic assessments. An overview was undertaken of the range of taphonomonic changes and processes that may result from postmortem putrefactive gas accumulation. The most commonly encountered phenomenon was purging of putrefactive fluids from the nose and mouth that was on
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Lethal septic pulmonary thromboembolism in a repatriated body – a rare complication of prolonged urinary catheterization Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-08-09 Kathryn Harvey, John D. Gilbert, Roger W Byard
A case of septic pulmonary thromboembolism arising from thrombophlebitis of the prostatic venous plexus associated with long-term urinary catheterisation in a 51-year-old man is reported. Despite a previous autopsy having been conducted in the country where he had been resident overseas, a re-examination showed histological evidence of mild patchy chronic prostatitis with a florid, focally purulent
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Age estimation using medial clavicle by histomorphometry method with artificial intelligence: A review Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-08-07 Kewalee Pichetpan, Phruksachat Singsuwan, Pasuk Mahakkanukrauh
This review research critically assesses the evolving landscape of age estimation methodologies, with a particular focus on the innovative integration of histomorphometry and artificial intelligence (AI) in the analysis of the medial clavicle. The medial clavicle emerges as a crucial skeletal feature for predicting age, offering valuable insights into the morphological changes occurring throughout
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Increasing age and lethal opiate use Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-07-26 Jeremy WS Hunter, Corinna van den Heuvel, Lilli Stephenson, Lauren Elborough, Roger W Byard
Opioid abuse is a leading cause of drug-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. It has been suggested that the age of opiate users in Australia is rising. To evaluate this further in a local population, toxicology and pathology case files from Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, South Australia, were examined for all cases with lethal opioid levels from 2000 to 2019 ( n = 499; M:F 2.3:1; age range 18–91
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The three-parent baby: Medicolegal, forensic and ethical concerns Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-07-26 Nandini Chitara, Kewal Krishan, Tanuj Kanchan
In the recent past, human genetics and in vitro fertilization (IVF) have undergone various advances to combat with several congenital and developmental disorders. These advances are a boon for the families and patients who were restricted from having a child due to one or the other reasons. One such reason is the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, which are definitely transmitted from the mother
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Developing an initial programme theory for a model of social care in prisons and on release (empowered together): A realist synthesis approach Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-07-25 Deborah Buck, Lee D Mulligan, Charlotte Lennox, Jana Bowden, Matilda Minchin, Lowenna Kemp, Lucy Devine, Joshua Southworth, Falaq Ghafur, Catherine Robinson, Andrew Shepherd, Jennifer J Shaw, Katrina Forsyth
Many people are living in prison with a range of social care needs, for example, requiring support with washing, eating, getting around safely, and/or maintaining relationships. However, social care for this vulnerable group is generally inadequate. There is uncertainty and confusion about who is legally responsible for this and how it can best be provided, and a lack of integration with healthcare
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When missing becomes murder: An analysis of missing-femicide cases from the Republic of Ireland Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-07-23 Bernadette M Manifold
Many femicide cases are initially reported as missing persons to the police. Women who go missing have a greater risk of being a victim of homicide. This study explores the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and killing of women and girls in the Republic of Ireland from 1962 to 2023. A total of fifty-four cases were analysed, 52 cases were homicides. Most femicides occurred during 1990–1999
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Changes in the nature and outcome of notifications to HM Coroner from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK, before and after the introduction of a medical examiner service: 2018 versus 2022. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-06-11 Jason Payne-James,Louise Parapanos,Tim Bosworth,Saverio Virdone,Jes Fry,Jacqueline Lake
A medical examiner (ME) system was introduced to England and Wales in 2019 intended to ensure appropriate notification of cases to HM Coroner (HMC). The aim of the study is to determine and compare: (a) the nature of notifications to HMC for Norfolk from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) in 2018 compared with 2022; (b) to determine the outcome of those notifications and (c) to establish
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Selfie accidents and crimes in Egypt: A comprehensive discussion of the medico-legal implications. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-06-03 MennattAllah Hassan Attia,Nancy M Zaghloul
Selfies are self-surveillance images or videos captured by individuals using digital cameras that, in the attempt to obtain content, may lead to selfie-related injuries or deaths. Criminal selfies refer to offenders who take selfies with their victim(s) during crimes. Globally, both phenomena are underestimated due to deficient official data and the social nature of these incidents. This pioneering
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Crime-scene and offender characteristics in conventional and nonconventional stranger homicides committed by male offenders in Sweden Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-05-27 Sara Rodre, Joakim Sturup, Thomas Masterman
In Sweden, from 1990 to 2013, most homicides occurred between family members, friends or acquaintances: the annual rate of incidents between unacquainted offenders and victims ranged between 8% and 13%. In the majority of these “stranger homicides,” three common motives, as defined by the precipitating event, could be identified: homicides resulting from a spontaneous altercation; homicides committed
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Women falling from heights in Turkey—can the Latin American model protocol help them? Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-05-25 Çağdaş Meriç, F. Gülsüm Önal
It is not always possible to determine the exact origin of death in cases of suspicious female deaths. Deaths resulting from falls present many challenges in forensic medicine. In order to overcome these difficulties, we screened the approaches to suspicious female deaths from international documents aimed at preventing violence against women worldwide, and we conclude that the Latin American Model
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Crime, punishment, and detention in secure psychiatric hospital Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-05-23 Andrew Shepherd
Many legal jurisdictions offer some form of hospital diversion and disposal as an alternative to incarceration in prison for mentally disordered offenders. Such diversion is commonly understood as offering a non-punitive alternative in terms of sentencing decisions. However, complete loss of responsibility with respect to acts of violence is rare and indicative of extreme degrees of mental disorder
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The role of Qatar's first forensic community team in reducing recidivism and re-admission of mentally unwell offenders Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-10 Shuja Reagu, Maryam Hussain Siddiqui, Majid Abdalla, Prem Chandra, Khaja Begum Nikhat
Introduction: Qatar established its Community Forensic Mental Health Team (CFMHT) in 2019 as part of the region's first comprehensive forensic psychiatry service. We present here the data on clinical and offending outcomes since its establishment and compare this with data from before the service was established. Objectives: To compare clinical and offending outcomes in mental health patients with
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Identifying focal points to prevent traffic accidents in Japan and specific measures proposed: Aspects common to Japan and South Korea and suggested preventive measures Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-05 Ken Inoue, Tatsushige Fukunaga, Haruo Takeshita, Yasuyuki Fujita, Satomi Kameo, Masaharu Hoshi, Noriyuki Kawano
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Suspected serial killers and unsuspected statistical blunders Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-01 John O’Quigley
A whole branch of theoretical statistics devotes itself to the analysis of clusters, the aim being to distinguish an apparent cluster arising randomly from one that is more likely to have been produced as a result of some systematic influence. There are many examples in medicine and some that involve both medicine and the legal field; criminal law in particular. Observed clusters or a series of cases
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Diatoms in maggots; a potential tool for drowning diagnosis – A preliminary study Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-04-01 I. K. Badu, D. Asante, E. D. Agyemang, K. Kwaku Duah, C. K. Adokoh, E. Girela-Lopez
Advanced putrefaction causes extensive loss of soft tissue, rendering it difficult to use the diatom test as a reliable diagnostic tool for drowning investigations. A positive diatom test in carrion insect larvae may provide significant assistance in overcoming the challenge of decomposition. The studies determined the utility of diatom test in carrion larvae on severely decomposed bodies. A modified
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Mental health care provision for segregated prisoners in England Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-28 Andrew Forrester
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Social care in prisons: Urgent development required Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-26 Adam O’Neill, Jenny Shaw, Emma Plugge, Nicola Brimblecombe, Claire Hargreaves, Catherine Robinson, Katrina Forsyth
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The impact of COVID-19 on clinical forensic medicine and forensic psychiatry: A literature review Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-13 Yangqi Xu, Jo Ann Parkin, Nicola Cunningham
Purpose:The COVID-19 pandemic prompted significant challenges in clinical forensic medicine and forensic psychiatry and emphasised the need for sustainable service delivery. Both fields faced difficulties in maintaining services due to COVID-19 precautions and limited referrals. This review examined the changes in forensic practices, aiming to understand their impact and learn from them to inform future
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Navigating the legal complexities of telesurgery in China: An assessment of tort liability and the path forward Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-08 Jiao Xue, Sunzhe Weng
This study investigates the legal challenges posed by telesurgery, an emergent healthcare modality facilitated by advancements in 5G and Artificial Intelligence. It highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework reconciling the complexities of healthcare delivery and technology integration. The paper examines the Chinese adjudication of negligence and the evidentiary hurdles in telesurgery
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An examination of service user satisfaction in forensic mental health settings Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-02-01 Al Adiya Khan, Victoria Stirrup, Douglas MacInnes
High levels of service user satisfaction are viewed as a reliable indicator of a service providing good care and treatment. There has been limited research looking into levels of satisfaction in forensic mental health settings with most work focused on staff satisfaction in these settings. This study examined service users’ levels of satisfaction with a forensic mental health service in the United
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the asylum system. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-01-30 Amina Memon,Zoe Given-Wilson,Derya Ozkul,Karen McGregor Richmond,Julia Muraszkiewicz,Ella Weldon,Cornelius Katona
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Global adoption of facial recognition technology with special reference to India—Present status and future recommendations Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-01-24 Ankita Guleria, Kewal Krishan, Vishal Sharma, Tanuj Kanchan
The face is the most essential part of the human body, and because of its distinctive traits, it is crucial for recognizing people. Facial recognition technology (FRT) is one of the most successful and fascinating technologies of the modern times. The world is moving towards contactless FRT after the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to its contactless biometric characteristics, FRT is becoming quite popular
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“The uncooperative nearest relative and admission under sections 2 and 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983” Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2024-01-19 Benjamin Andoh
Compulsory admission of patients to hospital for assessment and for treatment is governed by sections 2 and 3, respectively, of the Mental Health Act 1983. The nearest relative of a patient plays an important role in the admission of a patient under those two sections. The term, ‘uncooperative nearest relative’, is used to describe the nearest relative who objects unreasonably to the making of an application
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The spectrum of presentations of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-21 Lilli Stephenson,Marianne Tiemensma,Corinna Van Den Heuvel,Roger W Byard
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless and tasteless gas which can be produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. Compared to vehicular CO suicides, unintentional cases (excluding those related to fires) are much less common. Increased education surrounding the risks associated with the accumulation of CO in enclosed spaces has contributed to a reduced incidence of unintentional
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The importance of enhancing suicide prevention measures for females in Japan based on suicide trends and global suicide epidemiology. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-17 Ken Inoue,Yuri Murayama,Yasuyuki Fujita,Tatsushige Fukunaga
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School violence in Saudi Arabia: A scoping review. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-12-11 Omar Abdulqader Bamalan,Mohammed Abdulmohsen AlSharit,Khalil Ibrahim Sabbagh,Abdullah Haleem Abuzaid,Hussain Jawad Aljubran,Waleed Abdullah Alzahrani,Nader Mohammed Alosaimi,Ritesh G Menezes
School violence comprises a broad spectrum of physical, psychological, and sexual acts that impact children and adolescents physically, psychologically, and academically. The aim of this article is to provide a scoping review of school violence in Saudi Arabia. The adversities of school violence and related forensic, legal, and social aspects from a Saudi Arabian perspective are discussed. The articles
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Fatal cerebral air embolism post esophageal endoscopy with dilatation: A case report. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-11-13 Kimberly Hamilton,Matthew Orde,Gordon Finlayson
This is a case of a patient who underwent an esophageal dilatation for benign esophageal strictures. As a consequence of the procedure, she developed an esophageal rupture and multiple cerebral and cerebellar air emboli resulting in infarction. The patient died after being placed on comfort care measures. The postmortem examination revealed focal breach of the esophageal mucosa but no sites of cardiac
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British Academy of Forensic Sciences - President's new year message. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-30 Peter Watson
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Deaths related to drowning in Antalya, an important tourism center in the Mediterranean region: A 10-year retrospective study. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-26 Abdullah Benna Sarın,Ahmet Sedat Dündar,Yaşar Mustafa Karagöz
Objectives: Drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental deaths in all age groups. This study aims to compare the sociodemographic data, scene of incident findings, clinical characteristics, and autopsy findings of Turkish and foreign victims of drowning in Antalya, one of the most popular global holiday destinations. Study Design: This study is the most extensive case series of drowning
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Age estimation in the combined long bones and ribs by histomorphometry: Past, present, and future. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-25 Treerat Gumpangseth,Pasuk Mahakkanukrauh
Numerous age estimation methods in unidentified bone have been a long time developing for application in forensic anthropology. The histomorphometric technique is one of the alternative methods that relied upon the evaluation of the cortical bone microstructure over the lifespan as a result of the remodeling process in bone. Remodeling is a sophisticated event occurring from the coupled function of
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Procedural justice and forensic mental health: An introduction and future directions. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-17 Jack Tomlin,Sarah Markham,Ciska Wittouck,Alexander Simpson
This article advocates for integrating procedural justice principles into forensic mental health services to enhance patient engagement and autonomy. Procedural justice, broadly defined as fair decision-making processes, is introduced and key principles including voice, neutrality, respect and trustworthiness are described. Evidence suggestive of positive outcomes following procedural justice experiences
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RECAPACITA PROJECT: Impact of the New York Convention on capacity modification judgments in persons with severe mental disorders: A comparative study using mixed methodology. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-10-11 Silvia Marcó-García,Natalia Ribas-Muñoz,Georgina Guilera,Sol Balsells-Mejía,Elena Huerta-Ramos
In 2013, Spain aligned its capacity modification processes (CM) legislation with the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, specifically for individuals with severe mental disorders (SMD). The reforms replaced incapacity verdicts with support provision and introduced the term "CM". However, the social impact of these changes remains uncertain. The RECAPACITA project was initiated
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Fatal gunshot trauma of a child: A case from colonial Cyprus. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-09-24 Constantine Eliopoulos,Konstantinos Moraitis,Matteo Borrini,Joel Irish,Xenophon Kallis,Panayiotis Manoli,Marios Chimonas,Marios Cariolou
Forensic science has made some significant contributions to the investigation of human rights abuses related to armed conflicts, especially in the last 40 years. Some investigations are aimed at the collection of evidence in order to prosecute those responsible, while others are humanitarian in nature. This paper presents the multidisciplinary effort to recover and identify the remains of a 7-year-old
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A proposed method for differentiating knives from cut marks on bone: A forensic anthropological approach. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-09-16 Melodi Ghui,Constantine Eliopoulos,Matteo Borrini
Knife cut marks have been extensively studied in forensic literature, and the results have been beneficial in identifying both the cut mark and implement type on bone. For this study, an assessment in differentiating knife cut marks has been attempted by using sword cut mark characteristics. In addition, a flowchart was created to assist in interpreting such marks. Knives of different serrations (non-serrated
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Police perspectives on the economic considerations of providing healthcare in short-term custodial settings in Australia. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-09-10 Caitlin Brandenburg,Julia Crilly,Stuart Thomas,Paul Gardiner,Stuart A Kinner,Ed Heffernan,Cathy Lincoln,Annabel Somerville,Peter Davidson,Daniel Wilson,David Green,Joshua Byrnes
Providing appropriate healthcare to people in short-term police custody settings (i.e. watch-houses) is challenging due to the complexity of detainee health needs and the limitations of the custodial environment. However, little is known about how detainee healthcare is managed in Australia, including economic considerations. This study had two aims: (1) to understand police perspectives on the costs
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Machine learning and regression analysis for age estimation from the iliac crest based on computed tomographic explorations in an Indian population. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-09-05 Varsha Warrier,Rutwik Shedge,Pawan Kumar Garg,Shilpi Gupta Dixit,Kewal Krishan,Tanuj Kanchan
Age estimation constitutes an integral parameter of identification. In children, sub-adults, and young adults, accurate age estimation is vital on various aspects of civil, criminal, and immigration law. The iliac crest presents as a suitable age marker within these age cohorts, and the modified Risser method constitutes a relatively novel and unexplored method for iliac crest age estimation. The present
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Features of fatal pesticide ingestion in South Australia. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-09-04 Lilli Stephenson,Corinna Van Den Heuvel,Melissa Humphries,Christine Nash,Roger W Byard
Pesticides are used to kill, repel or control any animal or plant species which are considered pests, but have also been associated with intentional and unintentional human fatalities. A rapid increase in pesticide suicides was observed during 'The Green Revolution' after pesticides were introduced into low- and middle-income rural households without appropriate guidelines for safe use and storage
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Victim-perpetrator relationship, age and method of homicide in intimate and non-intimate cases of femicide from the republic of Ireland. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-08-22 Bernadette M Manifold
This study presents a review of femicides over 31 years (1991-2021) from the Republic of Ireland. A total of 253 cases were located and reviewed, of those 125 were intimate partner homicides (IPH) and 128 non-intimate homicides (NIH). One hundred and ninety-nine (78%) girls and women were killed by a male known to them - intimate partner (husband, partner, boyfriend, ex-partner, ex-boyfriend) (n = 125;
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Co-location of specialized mental health services in an intimate partner violence advocacy organization. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-08-22 Obianuju O Berry,Phyllis Kaufman,Marina Weiss,Elizabeth Fitelson,Catherine Monk
Historically, services for intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors predominantly focused on advocacy, resulting in service gaps for IPV survivors who need mental health care. When mental health services are offered, there are several barriers that limit treatment engagement. To address these gaps, a novel, integrated care model, comprised of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and social workers
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Stature estimation from the scapula measurements using 3D-volume rendering technique by regression equations in the Northern Indian population. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-08-09 Karthi Vignesh Raj K,G Gokul,Abhishek Yadav,Sudhir K Gupta,Swati Tyagi,Abilash Srinivasamurthy
The present study assessed the correlation between the stature and scapular measurements from both sides in order to develop population-specific regression equations to estimate the stature from measurements of the scapula in a contemporary Northern Indian population individually for the left and right sides. A total of 597 cadavers underwent postmortem multidetector computed tomography and subsequent
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Unexpected death involving the spleen - an overview. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-08-03 Alice Dalrymple,Luzern Tan,Roger W Byard
The spleen is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdominal cavity and has both immunological and haematological functions. A variety of quite different entities may be associated with sudden death due to splenic involvement. These range from simple traumatic disruption of the parenchyma of a normal spleen with marked intra-abdominal haemorrhage, to conditions such as malaria and infectious mononucleosis
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ChatGPT: Forensic, legal, and ethical issues. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-08-01 Ankita Guleria,Kewal Krishan,Vishal Sharma,Tanuj Kanchan
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to a group of technologies that enable people to perform a variety of activities, including observing, comprehending, analysing and translating data, among other things. Nowadays, practically every school of thought is interested in AI. One such innovation, a chatbot by the name of ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer), launched by OpenAI recently, has
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Applicability of the Suchey-Brooks method for age estimation in an Indian population: A computed tomography-based exploration using Bayesian analysis and machine learning. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-07-25 Varsha Warrier,Rutwik Shedge,Pawan Kumar Garg,Shilpi Gupta Dixit,Kewal Krishan,Tanuj Kanchan
Age estimation occupies a prominent niche in the identification process. In cases where skeletal remains present for examination, age is often estimated from markers distributed throughout the skeletal framework. Within the pelvis, the pubic symphysis constitutes one of the more commonly utilized skeletal markers for age estimation, with the Suchey-Brooks method comprising one of the more commonly
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The UK's Illegal Migration Bill: Human rights violated. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-07-24 Paul Arnell,Olayinka Lewis,Erika Kalocsányiová,Andrew Forrester
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Recidivism risk in male adult sex offenders with psychopathic traits assessed by PCL-R: A systematic review. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-07-24 Giulia Moretti,Emma Flutti,Miriana Colanino,Danila Ferlito,Livio Amoresano,Guido Travaini
Psychopathy has been empirically associated with various forms of antisocial behavior including sexual assault. In fact, the lack of empathy characterizing psychopathic offenders may facilitate the perpetration of more extreme violence. This systematic review aims to explore the relationship between psychopathy traits in male adult sex offenders and the increase in recidivism risk for any type of reoffence
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How different countries respond to adverse events whilst patients' rights are protected. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-06-27 Eva Gil-Hernández,Irene Carrillo,Mary-Elizabeth Tumelty,Einav Srulovici,Kris Vanhaecht,Katharine Ann Wallis,Priscila Giraldo,María Pilar Astier-Peña,Massimiliano Panella,Sofia Guerra-Paiva,Sandra Buttigieg,Deborah Seys,Reinhard Strametz,Asier Urruela Mora,José Joaquín Mira
Patient safety is high on the policy agenda internationally. Learning from safety incidents is a core component in achieving the important goal of increasing patient safety. This study explores the legal frameworks in the countries to promote reporting, disclosure, and supporting healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in safety incidents. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to ascertain
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Increased incidence of mixed drug toxicity deaths involving tapentadol - A forensic study. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-06-23 Lilli Stephenson,Corinna van den Heuvel,Melissa Humphries,Timothy Scott,Roger W Byard
Tapentadol is a relatively new synthetic opioid analgesic prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain. While tapentadol has been shown to be more effective than traditional opioid analgesics, it still carries the risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse. In Australia, tapentadol has become one of the top five most commonly prescribed opioid drugs, with prescriptions increasing by approximately
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The relationship between biological parameters and facial soft tissue thickness measured by ultrasound and its forensic implications. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-06-20 Petra Švábová,Mária Matláková,Radoslav Beňuš,Mária Chovancová,Soňa Masnicová
Facial soft tissue thickness (FSTT) data are currently widely used in forensic and medical science. In the forensic sciences, they form the basis for craniofacial reconstruction and identification methods. Since there are few FSTT data in the Slovak population, this study aims to enrich the data in well-defined age categories, taking into account differences between sexes and body mass index (BMI)
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Transnational comparison of the impact of COVID-19 on medicolegal death investigations and the administration of justice: Early stages of the pandemic. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-06-20 Vienna C Lam,Steff King,Sheryl C Fabian,Gail S Anderson
COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on arguably every sector of our criminal justice system. To assess the impact that this global health crisis has had on our medicolegal investigations and administration of justice during the early stages of the pandemic, this research aims to give voice to the lived experiences of medicolegal death investigators (coroners, medical examiners and pathologists)
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Fatal hyperthermia among children in school buses: Analysis of 47 cases in China. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-06-20 Tianying Sun,Lijun Ge,Meichen Pan,Kang Wang,Weiwei Zhu,Hongmei Dong
The school bus is an important mode of transportation for school-age children, and safety-related issues are always the focus of public concern. Fatal hyperthermia occurring in school buses is an uncommon type of school bus-related injury. An internet search using Chinese internet search engines based on various combinations of keywords including 'vehicles', 'school bus', 'children or babies', 'hyperthermia
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Characteristics of acid attacks involving children in India. Med. Sci. Law (IF 1.5) Pub Date : 2023-06-12 Navpreet Kaur,Roger W Byard
Aim: To examine the characteristics of acid attack survivors who were aged ≤16 years at the time of the assault. Methods: Case files from the Chhanv and the Laxmi Foundations in India were accessioned for cases of acid attacks involving children and adolescents (≤16 years). Details of the age, sex, reason for the attack, injuries sustained and possible outcomes were recorded. Results: Ten cases were