Prolonged exposure to violence in any form takes a toll on children's health. It may increase the risk of multiple mental disorders appearing in adult life. Such disorders may be of severe intensity, and in extreme cases...Prolonged exposure to violence in any form takes a toll on children's health. It may increase the risk of multiple mental disorders appearing in adult life. Such disorders may be of severe intensity, and in extreme cases, they can even disable normal functioning both individually and socially. The present case concerns an eight-year-old girl subjected to all forms of abuse (sexual, physical, psychological and negligence) in her biological family. The foster parents made a notification of a suspected criminal offence based on their multiple observations of behavioral disorders of the child. After analyzing the evidence, including observations of behavior in the foster family and a comprehensive medical-psychological examination of the subject, all forms of child abuse according to ICD-10 have been diagnosed, as well as a negative impact of violence on the child's psychological well-being. A thorough analysis of the whole available data led to a conclusion that the girl, functioning in her biological family, was exposed to a direct danger of severe health impairment in the form of a permanent mental illness within the meaning of art. 160 of the Polish Penal Code.
Analysis of excess deaths, defined as the difference in the total number of deaths in an emergency compared to the number of deaths expected under normal conditions, allows a more reliable assessment of the impact on hea...Analysis of excess deaths, defined as the difference in the total number of deaths in an emergency compared to the number of deaths expected under normal conditions, allows a more reliable assessment of the impact on health systems caused by the global threat of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2). So far, data for the two years of the pandemic (2020-2021) indicates the occurrence of 14.9 million excess deaths according to WHO (World Health Organization) estimates. The purpose of the analysis conducted was to define the concept and identify the causes of excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inconsistent and unreliable death registration systems; overburdened health systems in low- and middle-income countries; reduced access to medical services for patients with health problems other than COVID-19; the introduction of social distancing and lockdown rules, which translated into increased deaths from psychiatric illnesses and addictions; political considerations and media messages that interfered with vaccination acceptance and adherence; and the additional impact of other natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, drought) were identified as the most important reasons for excess deaths occurrence. The correct identification of country-specific factors and the correct response and countermeasures taken appear crucial in terms of limiting the negative impact of the current pandemic, but also of future threats of a similar nature, in order to reduce excess deaths.
The aim of this review article was to collect and analyze the available information on methaqualone and its derivatives reported by users in dedicated online forums. Methaqualone is a sedative-hypnotic drug that has been...The aim of this review article was to collect and analyze the available information on methaqualone and its derivatives reported by users in dedicated online forums. Methaqualone is a sedative-hypnotic drug that has been widely used for medical purposes in the past, but is now illegal in most countries due to its high abuse potential. The review collected information on doses, routes of administration, desirable and side effects of intoxication and other relevant aspects of the abuse of these compounds. The results of the study suggest that methaqualone and its derivatives continue to be used by some individuals despite their illicit status and potential health risks. The review, in the absence of other more reliable toxicological data, provides valuable insights from direct users on the use of these substances.
AIM: The aim of the present study is to analyze drowning fatalities in the Vistula River from 2011 to 2020 in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material for the study consisted of autopsy protocols...AIM: The aim of the present study is to analyze drowning fatalities in the Vistula River from 2011 to 2020 in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material for the study consisted of autopsy protocols provided by the Department of Forensic Medicine in Cracow. Demographic data, results of post-mortem examinations and results of basic toxicological tests - levels of ethyl alcohol in the blood and urine of decedents were analyzed. The extracted data were subjected to statistical analysis using TIBCO Statistica® 13.3.0 software. χ2 and one-way ANOVA tests of independence (p < 0.05) were performed. RESULTS: 79 cases were analyzed. The mean age was 44.2 years (SD = 16.81). The majority of the study group was male (73.1%). 57.9% of men were under the influence of alcohol (>0.5 per mille) at the time of drowning, compared to 23.8% of women (p = 0.008). Most bodies were found between the Kosciuszko and Dąbie barrages (57.0%). Spring and summer were the most common seasons for drownings (59.5%). 35.4% of victims suffered from psychiatric illnesses. Emphysema aquosum was more frequent in bodies that were not in an advanced state of putrefaction (p = 0.000). 23.1% of victims had head injuries, 14.1% - upper limb injuries, while 11.5% had lower limb injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Inebriated men are more likely to be victims of drowning, which may be due to a greater tendency toward reckless behavior and irresponsible consumption of alcoholic beverages. Most drownings occur in the city center, which points to suicide as the cause of incident. The occurrence of external injuries is the result of jumping from a great height or the effect of carrying the corpse downstream.
In legal medicine, the determination of post-mortem interval (PMI) is not only an important but also one of the most difficult aspects. Several methods are used to estimate PMI such as physicochemical, entomological, bio...In legal medicine, the determination of post-mortem interval (PMI) is not only an important but also one of the most difficult aspects. Several methods are used to estimate PMI such as physicochemical, entomological, biochemical, metabolic, autolytic, and physical methods. These methods provide a wide range of PMI as they are affected by different factors. The approach behind the present study is to calculate an accurate PMI by using mRNA degradation and fold change expression (FCE) of cardiac-specific genes viz. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NPPB) and cardiac troponin I (TNNI3). Seventeen cadaver heart tissues were analysed within a time frame of up to 12 hours from the time since death, at different time intervals at room temperature. Gene expression was determined and the data were analysed using the value of average delta Ct (ΔCt) value of the assessed gene and housekeeping gene. Delta delta Ct (ΔΔCt) method was used to calculate the FCE at the different 7-time groups. The FCE of TNNI3 was almost stable till 15 hours of PMI and then after 15 hours, expression shows a decrease up to 24 hours after death; whereas, NPPB shows that FCE was stable till 12 hours of PMI and then after 12 hours, expression shows a decrease up to 24 hours after death. The FCE of NPPB and TNNI3 was almost stable till 12 hours. Thus, the estimation of PMI by analysis of the FCE of cardiac-specific genes can be a new promising method in forensic medicine.
PURPOSE: Forensically, the widespread use of antibiotics necessitates methods for their detection in biological materials to ascertain their role in adverse reactions or fatalities. Given the need to conduct toxicologica...PURPOSE: Forensically, the widespread use of antibiotics necessitates methods for their detection in biological materials to ascertain their role in adverse reactions or fatalities. Given the need to conduct toxicological studies on materials stored for extended periods under various temperature conditions, research on antibiotic stability in biological matrices over such durations is crucial for accurate toxicological assessments. METHODS: The stability of cefuroxime in blood and urine was determined for 278 days at three different temperatures: -15°C, +4°C, +23°C. The analyses were conducted using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. Results: The method met all validation requirements. This study also describes the results of the thermal stability of cefuroxime. Cefuroxime showed the greatest stability at -15°C and was highly unstable at room temperature (+23°C) in all types of studied biological matrices. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms instability of cefuroxime in blood and urine samples. Therefore, the analysis of this antibiotic in biological matrices for purposes such as forensic toxicology should be performed as soon as possible after sampling to avoid decline in concentration. In cases of prolonged material storage, the concentrations should be cautiously interpreted in the prepared expertise.
The main aim of the study was an attempt to develop and present characteristics of rapes that occurred in the family, with consideration of the modus operandi of the perpetrators according to the degree of kinship, their...The main aim of the study was an attempt to develop and present characteristics of rapes that occurred in the family, with consideration of the modus operandi of the perpetrators according to the degree of kinship, their motivational background, the circumstances under which the acts were committed, and the psychosocial profile of the perpetrator and the victim. Moreover, an attempt was made to isolate the risk factors for intra-familial rapes, with the possibility of using them in preventive measures. The study was conducted based on empirical material from court cases in which the perpetrators of rapes were related to the victims. The research material consisted of files of criminal cases completed with a final judgment in 2015-2020. At the request of the researcher, criminal cases meeting the accepted criteria, where the male or female perpetrator of rape was a person related to the victim or a partner, were made available from the criminal departments of the courts. In the study presented here, a total of 46 intra-familial rape cases were analysed, of which 38 involve incestuous rape and 8 involve partner rape. Regardless of the type of abuse and kinship, the perpetrators were characterized by a fairly low psychosocial status (low level of education, low occupational status), addiction or alcohol abuse, personality disorders, problems with higher emotionality. Most of the acts against minors were of a substitutionary nature, the perpetrators did not show sexual preference disorders in the form of paedophilia. Alcohol abuse and personality disorders are risk factors irrespective of the cases. Impulse and emotional control deficits, deficits in understanding emotions and feelings, low self-esteem and lack of established normal male role models. A risk factor is the perpetrators' limited intellect and associated impaired social functioning: reduced critical thinking, lack of internalised social norms, elevated levels of sexual drive and limitations in the areas of impulse control and deferring gratification.
In assessing the correctness of dentist's proceedings, the expert opinion plays a crucial role and forms the basis for the decision-making process of the procedural authority. Experts, using their knowledge and experienc...In assessing the correctness of dentist's proceedings, the expert opinion plays a crucial role and forms the basis for the decision-making process of the procedural authority. Experts, using their knowledge and experience, while also relying on medical standards and recognized international indicators of orthodontic treatment effectiveness, evaluate the medical proceedings. The aim of the study was to analyse the opinions concerning orthodontic treatment in the material of the Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine of the Medical University of Lodz. During the examined period from 2016 to 2023, 14 such opinions were issued. These opinions were analysed in terms of case characteristics and primarily examined whether there is a correlation between the orthodontic specialization of the dentist conducting the treatment and the expert's assessment of their proceedings. Our analysis indicates that the qualifications of the dentist, understood as holding a specialization, affect the objective quality of orthodontic treatment. In cases where an opinion indicated incorrect proceedings, the error was most often made at the stage of orthodontic diagnosis, leading to the implementation of incorrect treatment. Therefore, dentists without a specialization - although no regulation prohibits them from providing orthodontic treatment - should realistically assess their capabilities before undertaking such treatment. This is particularly important because if they do undertake such treatment, their actions will be judged in the same way as those of specialists.
The assessment of physical violence against children is an important issue in forensic medicine, particularly in the case of infants and toddlers, who, due to their stage of development, are unable to communicate the vio...The assessment of physical violence against children is an important issue in forensic medicine, particularly in the case of infants and toddlers, who, due to their stage of development, are unable to communicate the violence inflicted upon them. This case describes a two-week-old girl of Roma origin, who was transferred from a temporary to a foster family. While changing the child, the foster parents noticed bruises in the sacral area. Based on the initial assessment of these changes at the hospital, the authorities were notified and an investigation was initiated. The first court expert assessing the changes indicated that the image resembled resorbing haemorrhages resulting from trauma. Another team of experts, consisting of specialists in forensic medicine, dermatology and pathology, was appointed. Based on the analysis of medical records and a physical examination using a dermatoscope, pale-blue spots characteristic of the Mongolian spot were found in the lumbar and buttock areas. Mongolian spots are congenital developmental abnormalities classified as melanocytic naevi. In most cases, the changes appear immediately after birth or shortly thereafter. Clinically, a lesion appears as single or multiple spots on the lower back, sacrum, or buttocks. These lesions can range in colour from dark grey to blue-green and take on various shapes, such as round, oval, or irregular. Lesions on the skin of children can morphologically resemble bruises, so their evaluation requires special attention. In case of doubt as to the nature of the lesion, additional examination should be performed. Furthermore, the analysis of medical records and the evaluation by a dermatologist can be helpful.
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To describe autopsy findings of suicide victims who used inorganic compounds over the past five years and to attempt to explain the resurgence of these substances as a method of suicidal poisoning....THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To describe autopsy findings of suicide victims who used inorganic compounds over the past five years and to attempt to explain the resurgence of these substances as a method of suicidal poisoning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is based on a retrospective analysis of autopsy reports from the Department of Forensic Medicine in Cracow, covering the years 2018-2023. Cases of death resulting from suicide by ingestion of inorganic compounds were collected based on toxicological analyses. RESULTS: Between 2018 and 2023, 23 cases were identified (19 men and 4 women at an average age of 30 years). In 15 victims, poisoning with methemoglobin-forming substances was confirmed; in 7 of these cases, toxicological tests determined the substance to be sodium nitrite. In 13 individuals from this group, livor mortis was cyanotic or grayish in color. In 7 cases, brown blood discoloration was noted. Six more victims chose potassium cyanide as the method of suicide; all displayed congestion of internal organs as well as pulmonary edema. Intensely or moderately reddened stomach mucosa was found in 3 victims. Two individuals committed suicide by ingesting sodium azide. CONCLUSIONS: In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in suicides involving inorganic compounds. Key factors contributing to this upward trend include easy availability of these poisons and the widespread access to information online regarding their effective use. The relatively young age of the victims can be attributed to their proficiency in using this medium.
THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate in which rivers and water bodies the phenomenon of corpse damage caused by scuds occurs, whether it is related to the duration of the body's immersion in wat...THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate in which rivers and water bodies the phenomenon of corpse damage caused by scuds occurs, whether it is related to the duration of the body's immersion in water, and to define the common characteristics of such skin lesions. Furthermore, the frequency of its occurrence was assessed, taking into account air temperature and season. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The autopsy reports from the Department of Forensic Medicine at Jagiellonian University in Krakow for the years 2015-2024 were analysed. A total of 285 cases of drowning victims were selected. The occurrence and type of injuries were verified based on documentation and autopsy photographs. Histopathological examinations were performed at the Department of Forensic Medicine to confirm the presence of human proteins in the digestive system of crustaceans. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A common feature in all the cases was the punctate disruption of the epidermis. In 5 out of 285 cases, small crustaceans were found, along with epidermal lesions on exposed parts of the body. Similar damage, but without the presence of individuals of scuds, was present on 25 bodies. No typical damage caused by D. haemobaphes was found on corpses in an advanced state of decomposition. The phenomenon of scud scavenging on corpses was observed almost exclusively at positive air temperatures, with an increase during the spring-summer period. The characteristic punctate epidermal lesions on corpses retrieved from water are the result of scud scavenging, including D. haemobaphes. Such damage occurred only when the time between the victim's death due to drowning and their retrieval from the water was short. The largest number of drowning victims with signs of scud scavenging was found in the Vistula River.
The use of an electric drill to commit suicide is rare in forensic practice. The aim of the work is to present the first case of this kind from the Upper Silesia. The results of post-mortem examinations and the results o...The use of an electric drill to commit suicide is rare in forensic practice. The aim of the work is to present the first case of this kind from the Upper Silesia. The results of post-mortem examinations and the results of prosecutor's examination of case files containing medical documentation from the patient's treatment were analyzed. People with mental disorders and diseases may choose unusual methods of taking their own lives, such as using an electric drill. This may cause investigators a lot of doubt as to whether the event was really a suicide. In addition to full post-mortem diagnostics, it is particularly important in such cases to assess the medical history of the deceased, often with the participation of a psychiatrist as a consultant.
This publication reveals the origins of forensic psychiatry in tsarist Russia during a selected historical period. The article reveals the first forensic and medical examinations of the mental state of defendants, as wel...This publication reveals the origins of forensic psychiatry in tsarist Russia during a selected historical period. The article reveals the first forensic and medical examinations of the mental state of defendants, as well as the first major legal regulations in this area. The issue of the participation of a medical expert (usually physicians) as an expert witness in court proceedings in the examination of the mental state is discussed from legal and historical, as well as historical and medical aspects.
Recommendations formulated by the Professor Jan Sehn Institute of Forensic Research in Kraków and approved by the Board of the Polish Society of Forensic Medicine and Criminology on November 28, 2023.Recommendations formulated by the Professor Jan Sehn Institute of Forensic Research in Kraków and approved by the Board of the Polish Society of Forensic Medicine and Criminology on November 28, 2023.
OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of the study was to identify the species origin of the material from which the incriminating lampshade bought at a flea market had been made. METHODS: The histological and molecular biology m...OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of the study was to identify the species origin of the material from which the incriminating lampshade bought at a flea market had been made. METHODS: The histological and molecular biology methods commonly used in forensic genetics were selected to achieve this goal. The DNA for the research was isolated using a QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (Qiagen) according to the manufacturer's protocol for tissues. The quantitative and qualitative evaluation of genetic material was carried out by the real-time PCR method with a Quantifiler Duo DNA Quantification Kit (Applied Biosystems). Specific genetic markers of mtDNA of cattle, equines, deer, wild boar, and sheep were selected to identify species. RESULTS: Histological tests showed that the lampshade had been made from intestinal flaps. The DNA from sample tested positive for cattle. The test results dispelled the suspicion that the researched lampshade had been made from human skin.-hour journey. The second case is a 55-year-old male assaulted with double punches in his chest and declared dead on arrival at the hospital after 30 minutes. A medicolegal autopsy and thorough investigation, in both cases, revealed cardiac tamponade due to ventricular rupture with no underlying pathology. CONCLUSION: The proposed testing method can be used to verify the origin of the artifacts misleadingly described as made from human skin. To our knowledge, such artifacts can be found in museums and private collections. Further-more, it has been widely believed until now that human-skin products, mainly lampshades, were mass-produced in Nazi concentration camps, mainly in Buchenwald.
Forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) benefits largely from popularity of genealogical research within (mostly) American society and the advent of new sequencing techniques that allow typing of challenging forensic samples. I...Forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) benefits largely from popularity of genealogical research within (mostly) American society and the advent of new sequencing techniques that allow typing of challenging forensic samples. It is considered a true breakthrough for both active and especially cold cases where all other resources and methods have failed during investigation. Despite media coverage generally highlighting its powers, the method itself is considered very laborious and the investigation may easily got suspended at every stage due to many factors including no hits in the database or breaks in traceable lineages within the family tree. This review summarizes the scope of FGG use, mentions most concerns and misconceptions associated with the technique and points to the plausible solutions already suggested. It also brings together current guidelines and regulations intended to be followed by law enforcement authorities wishing to utilize genetic genealogy research.
BACKGROUND: The use of new high-resolution and forensic identification capabilities for population studies offered by new multiplex methods (such as Yfiler Plus) is crucial in forensic genetics cases. The development of...BACKGROUND: The use of new high-resolution and forensic identification capabilities for population studies offered by new multiplex methods (such as Yfiler Plus) is crucial in forensic genetics cases. The development of haplotype frequency databases is essential to take full advantage of the new Y chromosome determination capabilities. PURPOSE: Development of the haplotype database of the Yfiler Plus kit for a population-based sample of 534 males from northeastern Poland and calculation of suitability parameters for forensic genetics studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on a population sample of 534 unrelated males from the area of northeastern Poland using the Yfiler Plus panel of 27 markers located on the Y chromosome. RESULTS: Four haplotypes appeared twice. The Discrimination Capacity (DC) of the entire set was 0.9925. The highest Gene Diversity (GD) value was calculated for DYS518 (0.86) belonging to the fast-mutation markers, while the lowest GD was calculated for DYS392 (0.42). CONCLUSION: The results indicate the need for further research and observation of changes, both in different regions of Poland and across Europe.
The problems with obtaining expert opinions from court-appointed physicians in Poland have been known for a long time and are well-diagnosed. The reasons for this state of affairs are: an overall insufficient number of p...The problems with obtaining expert opinions from court-appointed physicians in Poland have been known for a long time and are well-diagnosed. The reasons for this state of affairs are: an overall insufficient number of physicians compared to the general needs, uncompetitive remuneration levels, and the difficulty of reconciling professional and court-appointed expert duties, while taking into consideration the availability expected of experts. The ongoing generational transition may further exacerbate these problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the latter phenomenon by comparing the age profile of court-appointed physicians with that of physicians in general. Information on the age of court-appointed physicians was obtained from the presidents of regional courts and the Central Register of Physicians, while general statistics on physicians were also acquired from the latter. Research allowed us to formulate the following conclusions: only 0.8% of all physicians in Poland serve a court-appointed expert function. Almost two-thirds of court-appointed physicians belong to the Baby Boomer generation (born in 1946-1964), nearly one-third to Generation X (1965-1980), and only one-sixteenth (6.10%) to Generation Y (1981-1996), or Millennials. The results obtained, as well as data from the literature, suggest that the current bad state of affairs regarding access to the opinions of court-appointed physicians will further deteriorate in the coming years due to generational changes, i.e., the replacement of Baby Boomers and Generation X, currently dominant among court-appointed experts, by Generation Y, i.e., Millennials, with a different attitude to life.