Academic Forensic Pathology最新文献

COVID-19 related "quorum deaths" may conceal fatal angioedema/anaphylaxis that is misclassified as primary respiratory failure or cardiac arrest, particularly when urticaria or an identifiable allergen is absent. We propose an expanded diagnostic and forensic framework in which SARS-CoV-2-associated endothelial injury converges with mast cell activation disorders and complement system maladaptation, producing a self-amplifying mast cell-endothelium-complement axis capable of terminal vascular collapse without prominent systemic inflammation. To reduce diagnostic indeterminacy and improve cause-of-death attribution, we outline pragmatic postmortem approaches: early serum tryptase sampling, complement studies (C4 and C1-inhibitor levels), targeted histology for perivascular mast cell degranulation in the larynx and terminal pulmonary bronchioles, and selected genetic testing for hereditary angioedema and mast-cell-related variants (e.g., SERPING1, KIT D816V). Integrating these investigations into forensic workflows may reduce misclassification, strengthen pharmacovigilance, and support pandemic-era risk stratification and equity.

Modern medical education increasingly emphasizes deep learning, professional identity formation (PIF), and longitudinal competency development. The tea-steeping metaphor, drawn from the gradual infusion process of tea leaves into water, offers a novel lens to conceptualize immersive and time-dependent learning. This metaphor holds particular relevance in forensic medicine, where learners must develop a nuanced understanding of medico-legal principles, ethical reasoning, and procedural competence over time. Objective of this article is to explore the origin, educational applications, benefits, limitations, and practical impact of the tea-steeping metaphor in the context of forensic medicine teaching. A narrative review methodology was employed, integrating theoretical frameworks from constructivist learning, competency-based education, and experiential learning. Real-world applications in forensic education were examined, including longitudinal case-based learning, simulation-based training, reflective practice, and PIF. The tea-steeping metaphor supports gradual cognitive and affective skill development by allowing learners to process complex information over time and within context. In forensic medicine, this approach enhances critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and integration of theory with practice. Benefits include promotion of deep learning, reflective practice, and adaptability. However, challenges such as time constraints, potential information overload, and the need for optimal learning conditions limit its universal applicability. The tea-steeping metaphor provides a valuable pedagogical framework for forensic medicine education. When implemented strategically, it can foster immersive, reflective, and ethically grounded learning experiences. Further research is warranted to assess its longitudinal outcomes and adaptability across diverse educational contexts.

Machinery, whether it is operating or idle, may cause various types of contact injuries, including caught-in or caught-between incidents with moving parts, avulsions, amputations, burns, crush injuries, falls, and impacts with the machine or surrounding surfaces. Despite the prevalence of industrial accidents, fatalities caused by chemical blender machines have never been reported. This case reports a rare fatal case involving a 48-year-old male who sustained musculoskeletal injuries after falling into a chemical blender mixer while manually stirring powder in an industrial setting. The victim became trapped in the machine for ∼30 s, leading to extensive lacerations and fractures, and died due to hemorrhagic shock. The autopsy revealed multiple lacerations and fractures on the lower limbs due to the machine's helical blades, alongside a deep laceration on the right shoulder. Internal injuries included rib fractures, liver lacerations, and significant blood loss, ultimately causing death. The unique design of the blender machine blades, with helical-shaped blades, played a critical role in the injury pattern. A crime scene investigation emphasized the absence of proper safety measures, such as guarding mechanisms, which allowed the victim's entrapment.

Gray et al's investigation into angioedema-anaphylaxis deaths amidst the COVID-19 pandemic raises important forensic implications, particularly concerning differential diagnostics in postmortem settings ( 1). However, a critical avenue requiring deeper contextualization is the immunopathological intersection between SARS-CoV-2-induced mast cell activation and bradykinin-mediated pathways ( 2).

Introduction: Age is a crucial parameter in establishing identity, and the skull is often the only remaining structure found at disaster sites. With recent advancements, computed tomography has become a widely used diagnostic modality. Leveraging this, we utilized data with known age to correlate the stages of fusion observed on both external and cross-sectional views of skull images. Methodology: This is a study on the relationship between age and the closure patterns of coronal sutures, using both cross-sectional and external measurements. Coronal suture was divided into seven parts. Results: Employing Pearson's correlations and linear regression, it identifies statistically significant associations, with C1 and C6 showing the strongest correlations to external measurements, while C4 shows almost none. External measurements at C2, C3, and C5 correlate most strongly with age whereas cross-sectional measurements are less consistent, with C4 emerging as the most age-sensitive point. Discussion: The study's strengths include its robust quantitative analysis, detailed anatomical focus and potential applications in fields such as forensic science and anthropology. However, limitations such as missing data, lack of demographic context, and weak correlations in certain areas reduce its generalizability. Further research incorporating diverse datasets and more nuanced analyses is recommended to enhance the findings' reliability and applicability in establishing age-related identity. Conclusion: External measurements at C2, C3, and C5 show the strongest correlations with age, whereas cross-sectional measurements are less consistent, with C4 emerging as the most age-sensitive point.