Legal Medicine最新文献

Preliminary study of mixed traces on cigarette butts and non-self DNA transfer, persistence, prevalence and recovery in different forensic scenarios. 烟头混合痕迹与非自体DNA在不同法医场景中的转移、持续、流行和恢复的初步研究。

IF 1.4 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Legal Medicine

Pub Date : 2026-02-02 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102803

Denise Gianfreda, Beatrice Corradini, Gianmarco Ferri, Francesca Ferrari, Ilaria Borciani, Rossana Cecchi, Anna Laura Santunione

Recent studies focus on the different ways in which DNA can be transferred from and individual to another or to a surface. This work investigates how mixed DNA profiles can be generated on items commonly collected at the crime scene, specifically on cigarette butts. The aim is to determine how biological material exchanged during intimate contact (kissing or sharing a cigarette) can be secondarily transferred onto cigarettes, and how long non-self DNA persists and remains recoverable under different conditions and time intervals. The preliminary experimental study involved one investigative couple: each volunteer smoked a cigarette at fixed intervals after kissing (from 0 to 120 min) and both partners smoked a shared cigarette. DNA was extracted from cigarette butts immediately and after 30 days using the QIAamp DNA Investigator Kit on the QIAcube Connect. Quantification was performed with PowerQuant® System Kit and genetic profiles were obtained using PowerPlex® Fusion and Y23 Kits. Results showed non-self DNA alleles up to 2 h after kissing, even in non-immediate extractions, partial Y-STRs profiles in female butts after 1 h: individual variability and degradation made interpretations harder. Based on preliminary findings, the study will be expanded including more partner pairs, more smoking devices and longer processing timeframes. Our findings suggest the possibility of reconstructing transfer scenarios leading to mixed DNA traces on cigarette butts and of assessing a time window within which non-self DNA can be secondarily transferred to the cigarette, highlighting the impact of processing times and smoking device on DNA results.

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引用次数: 0

IF 1.4 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Legal Medicine

Pub Date : 2026-01-27 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102800

Fatih Hitami Usluoğulları , Volkan Aydin , Selin Cabuk , Narin Akici , Ahmet Akici

Objective

Medications are frequently reported in association with suicidality in youth, yet age-specific risks within reported cases remain unclear. We aimed to analyze drug-related suicide among children and adolescents in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of FAERS reports from 1997 to 2024 that involved 5–19-year-olds and any suicide-related events. We described demographics and age-/sex-stratified adjusted reporting-odds ratios (aOR) for fatality; a 2014–2024 window confirmed robustness.

Results

We identified 18,779 cases, most from 13 to 17-years; girls constituted the majority (58.3%) except in the 5–12-years group. Completed-suicide reports accounted for 22.3% overall, rising from 6.9% (5–12 years) to 32.0% (18–19 years). Diphenhydramine showed the highest odds of reported death (aOR 8.2, 95% CI: 6.3–10.7), followed by oxycodone (6.7, 4.7–9.5) and bupropion (5.6, 4.6–6.9), stable in the last-decade subset. Age-dependent increase in reporting odds of death for risperidone (7.4, 3.3–16.5), atomoxetine (3.3, 1.6–7.1), and montelukast (2.8, 1.2–6.3) reversed after 18 years. Fluoxetine and quetiapine were associated with death predominantly in girls, whereas venlafaxine and paroxetine were more prominent in boys.

Conclusion

Across FAERS youth suicide reports, drug-associated fatality risk varies markedly by drug, surges in mid- to late adolescence, diverges by sex and shifts at both age extremes. These heterogeneities underscore the need for age-appropriate pharmacovigilance and trial strategies rather than direct extrapolation from adult data, particularly regarding the safety of drugs associated with suicide.

目的药物经常被报道与青少年自杀有关，但报告病例的年龄特异性风险尚不清楚。我们的目的是分析FDA不良事件报告系统（FAERS）中儿童和青少年与药物相关的自杀行为。方法对1997年至2024年5 - 19岁青少年的FAERS报告和任何与自杀相关的事件进行回顾性研究。我们描述了死亡率的人口统计学和年龄/性别分层调整报告优势比（aOR）；2014-2024年的窗口期证实了其稳健性。结果共发现18779例，年龄在13 ~ 17岁；除5 - 12岁年龄组外，女孩占多数（58.3%）。自杀未遂报告占总体的22.3%，从6.9%（5-12岁）上升到32.0%（18-19岁）。苯海拉明报告的死亡几率最高（aOR 8.2, 95% CI: 6.3-10.7），其次是羟考酮（6.7,4.7-9.5）和安非他酮（5.6,4.6-6.9），在最近十年的亚组中稳定。利培酮（7.4,3.3 - 16.5）、托莫西汀（3.3,1.6-7.1）和孟鲁司特（2.8,1.2-6.3）的年龄依赖性死亡报告几率在18年后逆转。氟西汀和喹硫平主要与女孩死亡相关，而文拉法辛和帕罗西汀在男孩中更为突出。结论：在FAERS青少年自杀报告中，药物相关死亡风险因药物而异，在青春期中后期激增，因性别而异，并在两个极端年龄发生变化。这些异质性强调了适合年龄的药物警戒和试验策略的必要性，而不是从成人数据中直接推断，特别是关于与自杀有关的药物的安全性。

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引用次数: 0

Modular tools for the analysis of pulmonary histological images: A pilot study on the differential thanatological diagnosis between born alive and stillbirth 用于分析肺组织学图像的模块化工具：一项关于活产和死产之间鉴别死亡诊断的初步研究

IF 1.4 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Legal Medicine

Pub Date : 2026-01-27 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102797

Nappi Mariarita , Cardinale Andrea Nicola , Turco Massimiliano , Cazzato Gerardo , Ingravallo Giuseppe , Valle Francesco , Sablone Sara

The determination of autonomous life signs in neonatal bodies is crucial in forensic practice, given its numerous legal implications. Current techniques, not individually exhaustive, often focus on verifying the occurrence of autonomous respiration, despite potential artifacts from decomposition and/or resuscitation efforts. This preliminary study proposes a novel technique for more accurate differential diagnosis by using modular tools to histologically analyze neonatal lungs. Lung sections, obtained from one fetal intrauterine death, two postnatal deaths due to intrapartum asphyxia, and one neonatal death (control case), were processed using a high-resolution scanner, converting stained histological slides into digital optical microscopy images. Based on their expertise, two forensic pathologists conducted a double-blind image analysis using two different open-source software, thereby marking areas (called “grains”) corresponding to the aerated alveoli, and obtaining consistent quantitative parameters. The results, showing significant differences between the cases according to the circumstances of death, aligned with available clinical and thanatological data, thus providing a proof-of-concept. Although based on the operator’s expertise, the tested modular tool proved promising for future forensic applications in this specific field. However, it would be worthy of further research to make the results reproducible, of high predictive value in differential thanatodiagnosis, and usable in courtrooms. Moreover, a casuistry extension and an experimental estimation of all factors potentially affecting results are advisable for the full implementation of this novel method in forensic investigations.

新生儿身体自主生命体征的确定在法医实践中至关重要，因为它具有许多法律含义。目前的技术，不是单独详尽的，通常侧重于验证自主呼吸的发生，尽管分解和/或复苏努力可能产生伪影。本初步研究提出了一种新的技术，更准确的鉴别诊断，使用模块化的工具，组织学分析新生儿肺。使用高分辨率扫描仪对一例胎儿宫内死亡、两例分娩时窒息导致的产后死亡和一例新生儿死亡（对照病例）的肺切片进行处理，将染色的组织学切片转换为数字光学显微镜图像。根据他们的专业知识，两位法医病理学家使用两种不同的开源软件进行了双盲图像分析，从而标记出与充气肺泡对应的区域（称为“颗粒”），并获得一致的定量参数。结果显示，根据死亡情况不同，病例之间存在显著差异，这与现有的临床和死亡学数据一致，从而提供了概念证明。虽然基于作业者的专业知识，但经过测试的模块化工具在该特定领域的法医应用前景广阔。然而，为了使结果具有可重复性，在鉴别死亡诊断中具有较高的预测价值，并在法庭上可用，值得进一步研究。此外，诡辩的延伸和所有可能影响结果的因素的实验估计是建议在法医调查中充分实施这种新方法。

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引用次数: 0

A single-center autopsy study: postmortem diagnosis of hypothermia 单中心尸检研究：体温过低的死后诊断

IF 1.4 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Legal Medicine

Pub Date : 2026-01-25 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102798

Veysel Osman Soğukpınar , Muhsin Gürkan Gürsoy , Mesut Dincer , Kasım Bulut , Koray Yılmaz , Koray Büyükatak

Hypothermia is a critical clinical condition characterized by a drop in core body temperature below 35 °C, leading to life-threatening physiological disturbances. The absence of specific and pathognomonic findings in forensic cases complicates diagnosis and necessitates a multidisciplinary evaluation. This study aims to assess hypothermia-related forensic death cases in light of autopsy, toxicological, histopathological, and scene findings. A retrospective review was conducted on 56 cases diagnosed with hypothermia as the cause of death between 01/01/2020 and 31/12/2024. Sociodemographic data, scene investigation reports, external and internal examination findings, radiology (scopy), histopathological and toxicological analyses were evaluated. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. 94.6% of the cases were male, predominantly young adults. All individuals with available nationality data were foreign nationals. 89.2% were found in rural areas, and 66.1% during the spring season. Wet clothing was observed in 57.1%, and undressing in 42.9%. Scopy was performed in 10.7%. Cold burns and pink-red livor mortis were found in 71.4% and 60.7%, respectively. Gastric erosion was noted in 21.4%, and pulmonary edema in 42.9%. Toxicology revealed psychiatric drugs in 30.4%, and narcotics/volatile substances in 3.6%. Healthcare access was documented in only 5.4%. Autopsy findings alone are insufficient for diagnosing hypothermia. Integrating scene, clinical, and laboratory data enhances diagnostic accuracy. Hypothermia-related deaths should be addressed as public health issues involving medical, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. Standardization of postmortem diagnostic tools and early intervention models for risk groups are recommended.

体温过低是一种关键的临床症状，其特征是核心体温降至35℃以下，导致危及生命的生理紊乱。在法医案件中缺乏具体和病理特征的发现使诊断复杂化，需要多学科评估。本研究旨在根据尸检、毒理学、组织病理学和现场调查结果评估与低温相关的法医死亡病例。回顾性分析了2020年1月1日至2024年12月31日56例诊断为低体温死亡的病例。对社会人口统计数据、现场调查报告、外部和内部检查结果、放射学（镜检查）、组织病理学和毒理学分析进行评估。采用描述性统计和卡方检验，以p <； 0.05为差异有统计学意义。94.6%的病例为男性，以青壮年为主。所有有国籍数据的个人都是外国人。89.2%发生在农村，66.1%发生在春季。湿衣服占57.1%，脱衣占42.9%。10.7%的患者行镜检查。冷烧伤和粉红色尸斑分别占71.4%和60.7%。胃糜烂占21.4%，肺水肿占42.9%。毒理学显示精神药物占30.4%，麻醉品/挥发性物质占3.6%。只有5.4%的人记录了获得医疗保健的情况。尸检结果本身不足以诊断体温过低。整合现场、临床和实验室数据可提高诊断准确性。低温相关死亡应作为涉及医疗、社会经济和环境因素的公共卫生问题加以处理。建议为危险群体标准化死后诊断工具和早期干预模式。

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引用次数: 0

Computed tomography and 3D visualization in forensic shooting distance estimation - A ballistic gelatine pilot study. 法医射击距离估计中的计算机断层扫描和三维可视化。弹道明胶试验研究。

IF 1.4 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Legal Medicine

Pub Date : 2026-01-25 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102799

Juho-Antti Junno, Mikael Brix, Eveliina Lammentausta, Alina Junno, Timo Liimatainen, Jaakko Niinimäki, Juha Kiljunen, Petteri Oura

Accurate estimation of shooting distance is one of the main aspects in forensic gunshot case reconstruction. Reliable methods to estimate shooting distance are thus important for forensic practitioners. In this pilot study we test how computed tomography (CT) based evaluation of bullet cavitation could potentially be utilized to differentiate shooting distance. To conduct our study, we utilized ballistic gelatine blocks as a soft tissue simulant. Test shooting was performed from two distances, 20 and 100 m. Four expanding monolithic bullets were used all in 0.30 caliber (Barnes TTSX, Sako Blade, Norma Ecostrike, Lapua Naturalis). The gelatine blocks were CT-scanned after the experiment. The scans were processed and segmented using an open-source 3D Slicer software to provide a 3D reconstruction of the cavitation and obtain numerical cavitation parameters (total volume and surface area of cavitation; maximum crack diameter; location of maximum cavitation). Our results indicated that all four bullets had distinct terminal ballistic performance. This could be detected from the bullet parameters such as maximum diameter and also from the pattern of cavitation. Shooting distance had a consistent, measurable association with bullet diameter and surface area of the gelatine cavity in all four bullets. Our preliminary pilot study underscores the potential of CT in the comprehensive analysis of gelatine cavitation in terminal ballistics. Our results suggest that it would be essential to know exact bullet type when shooting distance is estimated from terminal ballistic findings.

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引用次数: 0

Chorioamnionitis in intrauterine fetal death: A forensic histopathological case study 子宫内胎儿死亡中的绒毛膜羊膜炎：一个法医组织病理学案例研究

IF 1.4 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Legal Medicine

Pub Date : 2026-01-24 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102796

Giorgia Franchetti , Eva Grosso , Pasquale Padalino , Pietro Fabris , Laura Secco , Stefano Palumbi , Renzo Giordano , Pantaleo Greco , Guido Viel

Introduction

Acute chorioamnionitis is a placental inflammatory condition often implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes, including intrauterine death. The histopathological identification of maternal and fetal inflammatory responses (MIR and FIR) is critical for diagnosis and understanding potential causal mechanisms. Chorioamnionitis frequently warrants medico-legal investigation, particularly for suspected medical malpractice.

Material and methods

Two forensic cases of intrauterine fetal death with histological finding of acute chorioamnionitis are presented. Each case has been investigated with a complete autopsy with histological examination of fetal organs and placenta. The investigations were conducted following the Royal College of Pathologists’ Guidelines on autopsy practice for fetal death and the European Guidelines for forensic investigations involving suspected healthcare professional liability.

Results and Discussion

In Case 1, histopathology revealed acute necrotizing chorioamnionitis associated with chorionic vasculitis, funisitis and fetal organ involvement (stage 3/grade 2 MIR; stage 2/grade 1 FIR), supporting a causal role in fetal death. In Case 2, only focal chorioamnionitis with minimal fetal inflammatory response (stage 2/grade 1 MIR; stage 1/grade 1 FIR) was detected. A definitive and certain causal relationship with the death cannot be established due to the absence of systemic fetal involvement. No substandard medical care was identified in either case.

Conclusion

These cases underscore the importance of integrating clinical and histological data to determine the pathophysiological significance of chorioamnionitis in fetal death. The evaluation of FIR and organ involvement are critical for distinguishing between causal and incidental findings. Thorough histopathological evaluation is essential for accurate cause of death determination and medicolegal assessment.

急性绒毛膜羊膜炎是一种胎盘炎症，常与不良妊娠结局有关，包括宫内死亡。母体和胎儿炎症反应（MIR和FIR）的组织病理学鉴定对于诊断和理解潜在的因果机制至关重要。绒毛膜羊膜炎经常需要进行法医学调查，特别是对疑似医疗事故的调查。材料与方法报告了两例以急性绒毛膜羊膜炎为病理表现的宫内胎儿死亡的法医病例。每个病例都进行了完整的尸检，并对胎儿器官和胎盘进行了组织学检查。调查是根据皇家病理学家学院关于胎儿死亡尸检实践的指导方针和涉及可疑医疗保健专业责任的法医调查的欧洲指导方针进行的。结果和讨论在病例1中，组织病理学显示急性坏死性绒毛膜羊膜炎伴绒毛膜血管炎、绒毛膜炎和胎儿器官受累（3期/ 2级MIR； 2期/ 1级FIR），支持胎儿死亡的因果作用。在病例2中，仅检测到局灶性绒毛膜羊膜炎，胎儿炎症反应最小（2期/ 1级MIR； 1期/ 1级FIR）。由于没有系统性胎儿受累，无法确定与死亡的明确和确定的因果关系。在这两起案件中都没有发现不合格的医疗服务。结论这些病例强调结合临床和组织学资料来确定绒毛膜羊膜炎在胎儿死亡中的病理生理意义的重要性。评估FIR和器官受累是区分因果和偶然发现的关键。彻底的组织病理学评估是准确确定死亡原因和法医评估的必要条件。

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引用次数: 0

Histiocytic myocarditis: A rare and complex cause of cardiogenic shock 组织细胞性心肌炎：心源性休克的一种罕见而复杂的病因

IF 1.4 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Legal Medicine

Pub Date : 2026-01-21 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102795

Tommaso D’Anna , Beatrice Belmonte , Elisabetta Orlando , Eleonora Formisano , Ginevra Malta , Antonina Argo , Stefania Zerbo , Ada Maria Florena , Emiliano Maresi

Introduction

Histiocytic Myocardial Inflammatory Disease (HMID) is a rare and under-recognized form of myocarditis, characterized by predominant histiocytic infiltration within the myocardial tissue. Unlike more common lymphocytic and eosinophilic forms, HMID remains diagnostically challenging, particularly in children. Here we present a pediatric case, outlining the clinical course and the difficulties encountered, and highlighting the histopathological and immunohistochemical features essential for establishing the diagnosis.

Case description

A 4-year-old girl accompanied by her parents, who showed up at the hospital with persistent fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting. A cardiac evaluation revealed a mild pericardial effusion with preserved systolic function. Doctors treated her with corticosteroids and broad-spectrum antibiotics, but her condition rapidly deteriorated, resulting in cardiogenic shock and death from cardiac arrest. We performed a forensic autopsy that included histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis of the cardiac muscle (in particular in the right ventricle). The CD68 positivity highlighted the presence of a diffuse infiltrate of hystiocites. CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD20 staining showed only scarce lymphocyte representation. The child’s history gave no hint of autoimmune or inflammatory disease, underscoring the abrupt and unexpected nature of her illness.

Discussion

HMID is rare but can mimic common myocarditis, complicating diagnosis. Its fulminant course requires early recognition and confirmation by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. This case shows the importance of recognizing HMID in pediatric cardiogenic shock or sudden cardiac death of unclear cause.

组织细胞性心肌炎症病（HMID）是一种罕见且未被充分认识的心肌炎，其特征是心肌组织内主要的组织细胞浸润。与更常见的淋巴细胞型和嗜酸性粒细胞型不同，HMID的诊断仍然具有挑战性，特别是在儿童中。在这里，我们提出一个儿科病例，概述临床过程和遇到的困难，并强调组织病理学和免疫组织化学特征是建立诊断所必需的。病例描述：一名4岁女童在父母陪同下，因持续发热、腹痛和呕吐来到医院。心脏检查显示轻度心包积液，并保留了收缩功能。医生用皮质类固醇和广谱抗生素治疗她，但她的病情迅速恶化，导致心源性休克和心脏骤停死亡。我们进行了法医尸检，包括组织病理学检查和心肌（特别是右心室）的免疫组织化学分析。CD68阳性提示存在弥漫性囊性浸润。CD3、CD4、CD8和CD20染色仅显示少量淋巴细胞。孩子的病史没有显示出自身免疫性疾病或炎症性疾病的迹象，强调了她的疾病的突发性和出乎意料的性质。hmid是罕见的，但可以模拟普通心肌炎，使诊断复杂化。其暴发性病程需要通过组织病理学和免疫组织化学早期识别和确认。本病例显示在小儿心源性休克或原因不明的心源性猝死中识别HMID的重要性。

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引用次数: 0

Suicidal death due to the toxicity of the organophosphorus pesticide ethoprophos 由于有机磷农药乙氧丙磷的毒性导致的自杀死亡

IF 1.4 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Legal Medicine

Pub Date : 2026-01-21 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102792

Amvrosios Orfanidis, Kleio-Evangelia Fragkouli, Dimitra Florou, Vassiliki A. Boumba

The current case report concerns the first reported fatality due to ethoprophos toxicity after intentional ingestion of the toxicant, to the best of authors’ knowledge, documented with autopsy findings and toxicological data, including the identification and quantification of ethoprophos in blood by LC-MS/MS. The deceased was a 60-year-old man, who was found dead in his vehicle by his family. Initially the death was considered as sudden, and the decedent was subjected to postmortem investigation. Upon autopsy, no external injuries were observed, nor macroscopic lesions or signs of underlying disease were noticed. Internal examination revealed cerebral and pulmonary edema and partially digested gastric contents with multiple black granules attached to his gastric mucosa. Peripheral blood, urine, and gastric contents, with the black granules, were collected for toxicology analysis. The GC–MS screening analysis of the granules revealed that their active component was ethoprophos. To determine this pesticide in blood, an analytical protocol based on LC-MS/MS analysis was developed that allowed the identification of trace amounts of ethoprophos in blood. The toxicological results indicated that ethoprophos was the only toxic substance that could have contributed to the death, and the manner of death was reported as suicide. In the present case, death was attributed to the intake of ethoprophos, and the manner of death was reported as suicide.

据作者所知，目前的病例报告涉及首次报告的因故意摄入该毒物而导致的乙丙磷毒性死亡，并记录了尸检结果和毒理学数据，包括通过LC-MS/MS对血液中乙丙磷的鉴定和定量。死者是一名60岁的男子，被家人发现死在自己的车里。最初认为死亡是突然的，对死者进行了尸检。尸检时，没有观察到外伤，也没有发现宏观病变或潜在疾病的迹象。内部检查显示脑水肿和肺水肿，胃内容物部分消化，胃粘膜有多个黑色颗粒附着。采集带有黑色颗粒的外周血、尿和胃内容物进行毒理学分析。GC-MS筛选分析表明，颗粒的有效成分为乙硫磷。为了确定血液中的农药，建立了一种基于LC-MS/MS分析的分析方案，可以鉴定血液中痕量的乙氧丙磷。毒理学结果表明，乙氧丙磷是唯一可能导致死亡的有毒物质，据报告，死亡方式为自杀。在本案中，死亡原因是摄入了乙氧丙磷，据报告死亡方式为自杀。

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引用次数: 0

Retrospective analysis of suicide cases in the province of Ferrara 费拉拉省自杀案例的回顾性分析

IF 1.4 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Legal Medicine

Pub Date : 2026-01-21 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102793

Luca Diani , Giada Rovito , Irene Pradelle , Matilde Ruju , Rosa Maria Gaudio , Margherita Neri

Introduction

In 2016, the Postgraduate School of Forensic Medicine of the University of Ferrara presented a paper at the Annual Congress of the AAFS that analyzed some characteristics of suicides in the territory of the Province of Ferrara between 1996 and July 2016. This presentation is intended to stand as an ideal follow-up to that work.

Since 2017, the number of suicides in Italy has been progressively decreasing and peaked in 2021 (0.40 per 10,000 inhabitants). In Emilia-Romagna, available data confirm a steady decline in the number of suicides since 2001.

Materials and methods

Records collecting necrosectorial activity of the Institute were retrospectively analyzed. During the period between August 2016 and April 2025, about 1000 autopsies were performed, 153 of which involved suicide cases. For each of these autopsies, factors regarding the people who committed suicide, as well as the suicide method and the type of activity carried out by the Institute pathologists were examined.

Results and discussion

Among deaths by suicide, 77% are male (118 vs 35), with percentages not dissimilar to those between 1996 and 2016.

The most frequently used suicide method is confirmed to be hanging (49%), followed by the use of firearms (15.6%) and precipitation (9.8%).

Suicide cases come to the attention of the Institute overwhelmingly at the request of the Judicial Authority (87.2%) with judicial autopsy performed in 60% of cases.

Thus, the data collected show that suicide trends have not changed over the past nine years and are in line with national data.

2016年，费拉拉大学法医学研究生院在AAFS年会上发表了一篇论文，分析了1996年至2016年7月费拉拉省境内自杀事件的一些特征。这次演讲的目的是作为这项工作的理想后续。自2017年以来，意大利的自杀人数一直在逐步减少，并在2021年达到峰值（每万居民0.40人）。在艾米利亚-罗马涅，现有数据证实，自2001年以来，自杀人数稳步下降。材料和方法回顾性分析该所收集的坏死部门活动记录。在2016年8月至2025年4月期间，进行了约1000例尸检，其中153例涉及自杀案件。对于每一次尸检，都检查了有关自杀者的因素，以及研究所病理学家进行的自杀方法和活动类型。在自杀死亡人数中，77%为男性（118比35），这一比例与1996年至2016年的比例没有什么不同。最常使用的自杀方式是上吊（49%），其次是使用枪械（15.6%）和自杀（9.8%）。研究所注意到的自杀案件绝大多数是应司法当局的要求（87.2%），其中60%的案件进行了司法尸检。因此，收集的数据表明，自杀趋势在过去九年中没有改变，并且与国家数据一致。

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引用次数: 0

Shot or buckshot? The evidentiary value of ballistic and forensic medical expertise in a case of homicide and personal injury 霰弹还是铅弹？在杀人案和人身伤害案中，弹道和法医专业知识的证据价值。

IF 1.4 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Legal Medicine

Pub Date : 2026-01-20 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102794

Eleonora Micaela Ertola , Euprepio Caprino , Tommaso Berloco , Gianpiero D’Antonio , Marco Albore , Cataldo Raffino , Giorgio Bolino

This case highlights the crucial role of forensic sciences in reconstructing the dynamics of a firearms-related case involving two victims. G.D. died at the scene after being struck by three shots from a 12-gauge firearm loaded with 11/0 buckshot, causing massive bilateral hemothorax and aortic laceration. Autopsy revealed multiple pellet wounds consistent with this ammunition. C.D. was hospitalized with multiple injuries, including three entry wounds to each shoulder and grazing wounds to the left temporal region and right thoracic wall. Examination of seized evidence—cartridge cases, an unexploded cartridge, wads, and pellets—confirmed that all injuries were compatible with the same weapon and ammunition type. Ballistic analysis demonstrated that all cartridge cases were fired from a single firearm. G.D.’s injuries corresponded to shots from 3 to 7 m, while C.D. was struck by two shots from 10 to 12 m. Initial hypotheses suggesting the use of different weapons (birdshot and buckshot) were not supported; metallic fragments in C.D.’s temporal region were identified as fragments from a single buckshot pellet. Shooting distances were estimated based on pellet spread and wound patterns and confirmed through experimental test-firing.

In conclusion, the investigation confirmed that both the fatal injuries of G.D. and the non-fatal wounds of C.D. resulted from a single 12-gauge firearm using 11/0 buckshot. This case underscores the importance of a combined medico-legal and ballistic approach for accurately evaluating firearm injuries and reconstructing shooting events.

这一案件突出了法医学在重建涉及两名受害者的与枪支有关的案件的动态过程中的关键作用。动力局被一把装有11/0铅弹的12口径手枪击中三枪当场死亡，造成双侧大量胸血和主动脉撕裂。尸检显示多处弹丸伤与这种弹药相符。C.D.因多处受伤住院，包括每个肩膀的三处射入伤以及左颞区和右胸壁的擦伤伤。检查了缴获的证据——弹壳、未爆炸的弹壳、弹团和弹丸——确认所有伤害都是由同一种武器和弹药造成的。弹道分析表明所有的弹壳都是由一支枪射出的。国民生产总值s的伤口对应于3到7米的子弹，而C.D.则被10到12米的子弹击中。最初关于使用不同武器（鸟枪和铅弹）的假设不被支持；cd中的金属碎片的颞区被鉴定为一枚铅弹的碎片。根据弹丸的扩散和伤口形态估算射击距离，并通过试验射击进行确认。总之，调查证实了动力局的致命伤和C.D.的非致命伤都是由一把12口径的霰弹造成的。这一案件强调了医学-法律和弹道相结合的方法对于准确评估火器伤害和重建射击事件的重要性。

{"title":"Shot or buckshot? The evidentiary value of ballistic and forensic medical expertise in a case of homicide and personal injury","authors":"Eleonora Micaela Ertola , Euprepio Caprino , Tommaso Berloco , Gianpiero D’Antonio , Marco Albore , Cataldo Raffino , Giorgio Bolino","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102794","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2026.102794","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This case highlights the crucial role of forensic sciences in reconstructing the dynamics of a firearms-related case involving two victims. G.D. died at the scene after being struck by three shots from a 12-gauge firearm loaded with 11/0 buckshot, causing massive bilateral hemothorax and aortic laceration. Autopsy revealed multiple pellet wounds consistent with this ammunition. C.D. was hospitalized with multiple injuries, including three entry wounds to each shoulder and grazing wounds to the left temporal region and right thoracic wall. Examination of seized evidence—cartridge cases, an unexploded cartridge, wads, and pellets—confirmed that all injuries were compatible with the same weapon and ammunition type. Ballistic analysis demonstrated that all cartridge cases were fired from a single firearm. G.D.’s injuries corresponded to shots from 3 to 7 m, while C.D. was struck by two shots from 10 to 12 m. Initial hypotheses suggesting the use of different weapons (birdshot and buckshot) were not supported; metallic fragments in C.D.’s temporal region were identified as fragments from a single buckshot pellet. Shooting distances were estimated based on pellet spread and wound patterns and confirmed through experimental test-firing.</div><div>In conclusion, the investigation confirmed that both the fatal injuries of G.D. and the non-fatal wounds of C.D. resulted from a single 12-gauge firearm using 11/0 buckshot. This case underscores the importance of a combined medico-legal and ballistic approach for accurately evaluating firearm injuries and reconstructing shooting events.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"81 ","pages":"Article 102794"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146031491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

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