Lorenzo Varetto

Scanning electron microscope study of the lung in drowning.

The authors describe the results obtained using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) to study drowned lungs and control lungs. Results are compared with a previous study carried out using laboratory animals. The results from both studies are analogous, in the absence of chronic pulmonary emphysema. The diagnosis of chronic pulmonary emphysema is simple with the SEM even when dealing with autoptic material obtained 24 to 48 h after death, but the diagnosis of drowning becomes difficult in lungs with chronic emphysema.

Scanning Electron Microscopic Ultrastructural Alterations of the Pulmonary Alveolus in Experimental Drowning

Scanning electron microscopic structural and ultrastructural alterations of alveolar wall in experimental drowning are described. The results obtained confirm the literatures data. Peculiar microlesions affecting Type I alveolar cells, the basement membrane, and sometimes the capillary endothelium could also be observed. Finally, Type II alveolar cells show alterations which could be related with a possible direct action of the drowning liquid.

The Use of Plasma Ashing on Samples for Detection of Gunshot Residues with Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM/EDXA)

A method is described for the removal of organic material from the adhesive tape employed for collecting particles on the hands. It utilizes the coupled action of contamination by the electron beam of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and oxygen plasma ashing. The cells of the epidermis are destroyed and only thin filaments are left, while particles that were previously concealed become evident. The treatment does not alter the morphology or composition of gunshot residue (GSR) or of inorganic environmental particles.

Dermal surface in electric and thermal injuries. Observations by scanning electron microscopy.

The dermal surface (after enzymatic digestion of the dermo-epidermal junction) in electric and heat lesions is described. There do not appear to be elements that help in forming a precise differential diagnosis. It is possible, however, to differentiate these lesions from all traumatic cutaneous injuries and some limited nontraumatic lesions (e.g., verrucae). Remarkably good preservation of the dermal surface even in an advanced state of decomposition does suggest the possibility of certain diagnosis of electric and heat lesions even when postmortem phenomena have greatly damaged or even totally removed the epithelial part of the skin.

An exceptional case of necrophilia.

The authors describe a case of necrophilia in which the corpse of a young girl was disinterred. No lesions were observed on the genitals and breasts, but the aspect of the anus suggested that some object had been introduced in it. The possible modalities of the event are discussed.

New observations on cutaneous firearm wounds.

&NA; The authors describe the aspect of the dermal surface in firearm wounds. In entrance wounds, the abraded area is rather evident, with loss of the papillary pattern and lacerations of the basement membrane. Exit wounds appear as irregularly lacerated interruptions, with protruding collagen fibers; the surrounding dermis has nearly undamaged papillae. Also described, still on the dermal surface, are the flame effect and the powder tattooing. Evident lesions of the basement membrane, produced by the grains of powder, can be observed. Particles [gunshot residues (GSR)] are often recognizable lying on the dermal surface or entrapped among the collagen fibers of the superficial dermis.

The Ultrastructure of the Electric Burn in Man: A Transmission Electron Microscopy-Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

The authors describe the ultrastructural aspects of the electric burn observed with the transmission electron microscope (TEM) and the scanning electron microscope (SEM). With the TEM the most apparent feature is the homogenization and arrangement of the filamentous cytoplasmic material in elongated and parallel bundles together with elongation of the nuclei and junctional structures. SEM studies present a three-dimensional vision of the filamentous material that confirms and clarifies the cellular deformation as a whole. An hypothesis is advanced suggesting that the phenomenon is due to the effects produced by the extremely rapid dehydration of the tissue or that the electric current and Joule effect can act upon the filaments and contractile proteins, causing the cell deformation.

SEM study of dermal surface. A new approach to forensic traumatology.

We describe a method of enzymatic digestion of the dermo-epidermal junction, that allows an observation with a SEM of the finest details of the dermal surface covered by the reticular fibrils of the basement membrane. By means of this technique, we have made a panoramic review of the traumatology and have observed typical characteristics in all types of examined lesions. It seems that the method can constitute a new approach for medicolegal study, in all those cutaneous lesions that involve, even superficially, the dermis.

Intra-abdominal needle: Medical malpractice?

This case relates to an intra-abdominal foreign body which was detected in a patient. The patient claimed that this was a needle which had been negligently left in his abdomen by a surgical team following an appendectomy which had been performed 13 years previously (in 1994). A radiograph was taken in 2007 and compared against the pre-operative radiograph which had been taken in 1994. This showed that the foreign body had been in the patients body prior to the appendectomy being performed. The foreign body was extracted from the patients liver through laparoscopic surgery in 2007. Examination of the fragments revealed that the foreign body was a sewing needle. Medical literature suggests that the needle may have accidentally been ingested by the patient. This is a rare case of a migrated swallowed foreign body (there are only 46 similar cases reported worldwide). It is of interest that the patients immediate reaction was to assume that this was a case of medical malpractice. This report discusses issues relating to this case that were raised during the criminal proceedings relating to the medical negligence claim.

Dermal surface morphology in wound healing. An experimental scanning electron microscope study.

The authors observed, with a scanning electron microscope, the dermal surfaces of experimental wounds, following the enzymatic digestion with trypsin of the dermo-epidermal junction. Cut lesions showed an early reconstitution of the basement membrane and progressive convergence of the margins. A peculiar arrangement of the dermal crests was also observed. In wounds with loss of substance, the complete coating by newly formed basement membrane took longer. There was an early deformation of the holes of hair follicles in the undamaged dermis surrounding the lesion, as well as the appearance of creases that moved toward the center. This process was over within a few days; then the lesion became very small and the holes of the hair follicles reappeared. The results suggest a force of traction bound toward the center of the lesion and acting on the surface, the effects of which on the basement membrane are most evident between the eighth and the 15th days.