Jennifer C. Love

Decomposition Chemistry of Human Remains: A New Methodology for Determining the Postmortem Interval

This study was conducted to characterize the chemistry associated with the decomposition of human remains with the objective of identifying time-dependent biomarkers of decomposition. The purpose of this work was to develop an accurate and precise method for measuring the postmortem interval (PMI) of human remains. Eighteen subjects were placed within a decay research facility throughout a four-year time period and allowed to decompose naturally. Field autopsies were performed and tissue samples were regularly collected until the tissues decomposed to the point where they were no longer recognizable (encompassing a cumulative degree hour (CDH) range of approximately 1000 (approximately 3 weeks)). Analysis of the biomarkers (amino acids, neurotransmitters, and decompositional by-products) in various organs (liver, kidney, heart, brain, muscle) revealed distinct patterns useful for determining the PMI when based on CDHs. Proper use of the methods described herein allow for PMIs so accurate that the estimate is limited by the ability to obtain correct temperature data at a crime scene rather than sample variability.

Understanding rib fracture patterns: incomplete and buckle fractures.

Reconstructing traumatic thoracic events, especially when soft tissues are absent, requires an advanced understanding of ribcage fracture patterns. The morphology and orientation of ribs complicate the fracture pattern, as a single blow often causes multiple fractures at various locations. Furthermore, fracture types observed in ribs are not explained easily by current bone biomechanic literature. Using evidential skeletal material archived at the Regional Forensic Center, Memphis, the ribs of 43 blunt force trauma cases were analyzed. A total of 195 incomplete fractures and 63 buckle fractures were noted. Incomplete fractures, previously thought to be common in children but rare in adults, were found among individuals ranging in age from 21-76 years. A buckle fracture, failure resulting from compressive instability, has been undefined previously in bone trauma literature but was repeatedly observed in this sample. This study elucidates recognizable rib fracture patterns while emphasizing gross bone examination for force and mechanical factors.

Manual and automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): a comparison of associated injury patterns.

The purpose of this study was to identify and compare patterns of trauma associated with AutoPulse® CPR and manual CPR. Finalized autopsy records from 175 decedents brought to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences were reviewed, 87 received manual‐only CPR, and 88 received AutoPulse® CPR (in combination with manual CPR as per standard protocol). The characteristic pattern observed in manual‐only CPR use included a high frequency of anterior rib fractures, sternal fractures, and midline chest abrasions along the sternum. The characteristic pattern observed in AutoPulse® CPR use included a high frequency of posterior rib fractures, skin abrasions located along the anterolateral chest and shoulder, vertebral fractures, and a few cases of visceral injuries including liver lacerations, splenic lacerations, and hemoperitoneum. Knowledge of the AutoPulse® CPR injury pattern can help forensic pathologists differentiate therapeutic from inflicted injuries and therefore avoid an erroneous assessment of cause and manner of death.

Skeletal atlas of child abuse

Skeletal atlas of child abuse / , Skeletal atlas of child abuse / , کتابخانه دیجیتال جندی شاپور اهواز

Validation of Tool Mark Analysis of Cut Costal Cartilage

Abstract:  This study was designed to establish the potential error rate associated with the generally accepted method of tool mark analysis of cut marks in costal cartilage. Three knives with different blade types were used to make experimental cut marks in costal cartilage of pigs. Each cut surface was cast, and each cast was examined by three analysts working independently. The presence of striations, regularity of striations, and presence of a primary and secondary striation pattern were recorded for each cast. The distance between each striation was measured. The results showed that striations were not consistently impressed on the cut surface by the blade’s cutting edge. Also, blade type classification by the presence or absence of striations led to a 65% misclassification rate. Use of the classification tree and cross‐validation methods and inclusion of the mean interstriation distance decreased the error rate to c. 50%.

Recognition of skeletal fractures in infants: An autopsy technique

Abstract:  Complete recognition and documentation of injury pattern is crucial in the diagnosis of child abuse. Skeletal fractures regarded as highly specific to nonaccidental injury in infants include posterior rib, scapular, metaphyseal, and spinous process fractures. These injuries are often occult, especially when acute, to standard radiologic and autopsy procedures. The presented autopsy technique requires incising and reflecting skeletal muscles to expose the bones and costal osseous joints in situ, increasing the opportunity to recognize skeletal injury. Fractured or atypical appearing bones are removed and processed for complete evaluation. The bones are processed by macerating the soft tissue in a water soap bath at an elevated temperature. To aid in reconstruction of the decedent, long bones are replaced with wooden dowels and the chest cavity is packed with the organ bag. The technique is invasive and recommended for cases in which the pathologist has reasonable suspicion of acute or remote trauma.

Microscopic Saw Mark Analysis: An Empirical Approach

Microscopic saw mark analysis is a well published and generally accepted qualitative analytical method. However, little research has focused on identifying and mitigating potential sources of error associated with the method. The presented study proposes the use of classification trees and random forest classifiers as an optimal, statistically sound approach to mitigate the potential for error of variability and outcome error in microscopic saw mark analysis. The statistical model was applied to 58 experimental saw marks created with four types of saws. The saw marks were made in fresh human femurs obtained through anatomical gift and were analyzed using a Keyence digital microscope. The statistical approach weighed the variables based on discriminatory value and produced decision trees with an associated outcome error rate of 8.62–17.82%.

The Utility of Forensic Anthropology in the Medical Examiner's Office

Over the past few decades, the field of forensic anthropology has seen major advancements and experienced a considerable growth of professionals in medical examiner/coroner offices. Despite this expansion, misconceptions regarding the role and utility of the anthropologist in the medicolegal setting still exist. This article brings together practitioners employed full-time in four medical examiners offices, with each practitioner providing a unique perspective and emphasis regarding their role as an anthropologist. Discussed is the history of the anthropology division in each office as well as the types of casework and ancillary duties completed by the anthropologists. Consistently, the anthropologists are involved in the search and recovery of human remains, managing long-term unidentified cases, facilitating disposition of unclaimed decedents, and developing mass disaster protocols for their respective agency. Also consistent across the four offices is the fact that the anthropologists receive far more consult requests for trauma evaluation of nonskeletonized cases than any other type of case.

The Value of the Pediatric Skeletal Examination in the Autopsy of Children

The pediatric skeletal examination (PSE) is an autopsy technique recommended for pediatric cases suspicious for nonaccidental injury. The technique requires the reflection of the musculature and periosteum of the ribs, clavicles, long bones, and scapulae, and inspection of the bone surfaces and chondro-osseous interfaces. The technique is time consuming, labor intensive and possibly disfiguring. Therefore, the value of the technique must be measured against the cost. The present study was designed to evaluate the impact of the PSE on the sensitivity of the autopsy. A non-randomized retrospective review of 94 autopsy reports was done. The cause and manner of death for each case was classified as blunt force trauma and homicide. Half of the sample received a PSE during the autopsy and half did not. The number of rib and long bone fractures noted in the reports was significantly greater in the group that received the PSE. The number of cranial, scapular and clavicular fractures was not significantly different between the two groups. The PSE does not increase the visibility of the neurocranium; therefore, a difference in the number of cranial fractures was not expected. Scapular and clavicular fractures were rare in the study population. The insignificant difference between the two groups may be a reflection of the rarity of the fracture as opposed to the sensitivity of the PSE. The results of the study indicate that the PSE increases the sensitivity of the pediatric autopsy with respect to long bone and rib fractures.

The Value of Anthropology in Medicolegal Death Investigation of Pediatric Nonaccidental Injury

Forensic anthropologists have made remarkable contributions to the medicolegal investigation of nonaccidental injury in pediatric cases. They have created standard nomenclature for fracture descriptions. Anthropologists have developed novel techniques that increase the sensitivity of the pediatric autopsy. They have performed biomechanical research that enables reconstruction of events surrounding death. Also, anthropology practitioners have developed several reference guides on the subject of nonaccidental injury that are of value to forensic pathologists. These advancements assist forensic pathologists in the accurate classification of cause and manner of death in pediatric cases.