Giulia Nucci

Death by electrocution: Histological technique for copper detection on the electric mark

The current observation of deaths by electrocution, both for domestic and work-related accidents as well as those in other contexts, has deepened the scope of investigation into electric marks, especially from the histological point of view. This is one of the few investigation tools that may lead to the diagnosis of death by electrocution in this distinct area, bearing in mind the diagnostic difficulties that this type of fatality presents. Our attention has been placed on the phenomenon of metallization. In particular, we focused on using the Timms method [1] to locate the copper deposits. The phenomenon of metallization, usually could be caused by the copper deposit, this happens due to the copper debris released onto the skin by the live conductor. To date, this technique has only been used in the pathological field. Nevertheless, we tried to assess its application in seven selected cases, after partially modifying the technique, comparing it with the most common staining detection techniques and analysing the specificity, sensitivity as well as the potential for its application in the routine.

The Usefulness of Cadaveric Fungi as an Investigation Tool.

To the Editor: In forensic pathology, it is common practice to date the postmortem interval (PMI) only as an approximation. Interval estimation is based on cadaveric phenomena, which are very dynamic and at the same difficult to quantify and reproduce experimentally, that is, cooling, hypostasis, rigor mortis, and postmortem changes. The important role that the chronology after death plays in order to assess the time of death and the continuous lack of objective evidence for this assessment prompted the interest of numerous scholars to study this subject in depth. Nevertheless, one of the possible contributions to establish the PMI might be provided by mycology. Regarding this topic, the article written by Menezes et al, “Cadaveric Fungi: Not Yet an Established Forensic Tool,” deals with the role of forensic mycology that cannot be used as an aid in determining the PMI and making an analysis about the use of microfungi to establish the time of death. The argument suggesting that forensic mycology is not useful as an investigation tool could be premature. The usefulness of fungi as a tool for postmortem investigation is demonstrated by a case report in 1982 published by van de Voorde and van Dijck. These scientists showed the correct approach, with rigorous scientific methods, establishing a time interval during which the death had occurred. They performed the isolation of microfungi, after letting them grow. Subsequently, they compared the stage of development of microfungi (under similar conditions of the crime scene) with the sample, properly frozen, taken during the crime scene inspections from the corpse. Thiswas the first application of forensic mycology to a murder investigation, and thanks to the mold, they established the time in which the death occurred. Conversely, Hitosugi et al have assessed, inaccurately, the PMI based on

La responsabilità dello psichiatra

This paper evaluates forensic duties and liabilities for psychiatrists, based on the current literature and based on our experience over several years of forensic medicine practice, involving both criminal and civil cases. We evaluated different scenarios, including cases of patients dangerous to themselves or others. We highlighted the importance to keep adequate and detailed clinical records, both in the inpatient and outpatient setting, given the absence of other objective items (e.g., laboratory records or other instrumental assessments) that may be of help for the judge and his/her counselors.This paper evaluates forensic duties and liabilities for psychiatrists, based on the current literature and based on our experience over several years of forensic medicine practice, involving both criminal and civil cases. We evaluated different scenarios, including cases of patients dangerous to themselves or others. We highlighted the importance to keep adequate and detailed clinical records, both in the inpatient and outpatient setting, given the absence of other objective items (e.g., laboratory records or other instrumental assessments) that may be of help for the judge and his/her counselors.