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Children tend to answer yes-no questions with unelaborated "yes" and "no" responses, but the types of details likely omitted from unelaborated answers have not been explored. This study examined 379 4- to 12-year-olds' answers to yes-no questions in forensic interviews about CSA (N = 11,187), focusing on age differences in elaborated responses. As expected, older children elaborated more frequently than younger children. Our novel categorization of elaboration types revealed that although there were no age differences in children's use of nominal corrections (correcting a label), or in emphatic negations (giving forceful denials), older children were more likely to give narrative elaborations (providing additional narrative information), wh-elaborations (answering implicit wh-questions), and qualified elaborations (avoiding potentially misleading implications of unelaborated "yes" and "no" responses). The results suggest that children's developing understanding of the implied meaning of questions and responses helps to explain age differences in elaborative responses to yes-no questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Search Strategy Selection Criteria Data Collection and Analysis Main Results and Conclusions Prostaglandins (PGs) have emerged as key drugs in second trimester medical abortion (STMA) and are currently a cornerstone in obstetric practice. Nevertheless, the application of PGs, integral to labor and abortion procedures, is not risk‐free, and has been associated with several complications, particularly maternal fever and uterine rupture (UR).The main outcome of the present systematic review was to assess the safety of PGs use in STMA, particularly in scarred uterus (SC).The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. We performed a comprehensive systematic review by searching multiple databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, The Cochrane Library, Health Technology Assessment Database, and the research registers of Web of Science during the years 1990–2022.Only articles regarding cases of UR occurred after the use of PGs for STMA were included in the article. We excluded papers regarding UR during first trimester abortion induction of labor or pregnancy or unrelated to PGs use for STMA. Risk of bias was assessed employing a modified version of the “Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale” (NOS).A total of 178 studies were initially identified as potentially meeting the criteria for inclusion in the review. After full text evaluation, 110 other articles were excluded and 67 studies that suited the inclusion criteria were included. A total of 19 of the included studies were judged to have a high risk of bias. Given the heterogeneous nature of the findings, we opted for a narrative synthesis of the results.PGs appear to be an effective pharmacologic tool for STMA; however, their use is not entirely risk‐free. STMA requires well‐equipped obstetric centers with skilled clinicians and surgeons prepared for emergencies. Ultrasonographic scans should be routinely performed during STMA management, since a UR can also be silent during the induction of labor. Intrapartum transabdominal, transperineal, and transvaginal ultrasound may have the diagnostic potential to early recognize this obstetric emergency, to facilitate rapid medical and surgical treatment, improving the outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study covers Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) survivors who had never disclosed the abuse until their psychiatric interview. There is a clear lack of understanding of which factors contribute to delays in the disclosure of CSA. Thus, we aimed to examine the risk factors and sociodemographic variables that may inhibit CSA disclosures. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the files of patients who presented to a child and adolescent psychia- try clinic with different complaints between 2010 and 2020 in a tertiary hospital. All of these sexual assaults were officially reported by a child and adolescent psychiatrist to the competent authorities. Results: The mean period of time from abuse to disclosure was 28.4 ± 32.5 months. The time from abuse to disclosure was significantly negatively correlated with mothers' education years (r = -.430, P < .01) and with the age of onset of sexual abuse (r = -.589, P < .001). Results of multiple linear regression showed that female sex and the earlier age of onset of sexual abuse were significant predictors of increased duration from abuse to disclosure. Conclusion: Our results provide insights into several risks that may affect the time from abuse to disclosure for CSA survivors. Studies with larger samples are needed to understand the factors affecting the time from abuse to disclosure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cephalic index also known as the Cranial Index or Index of breath is an important parameter in craniometrical studies that help to differentiate human races and sex. It is a useful tool in forensic medicine, anthropology, and genetics. Aim and Objectives: - In the present study attempts have been made to discover the Cephalic index in males and females of Telangana. Material and Methods: - This study was carried out on 296 males and females of Telangana in the age group 20 - 25 years. Cranial length and breadth were taken and the Cephalic index was calculated. Results - The mean value for the cephalic index is 78.42 ± 6.75 for males and 81.14 ± 6.66 for females. Conclusions - The majority of the population in this study group is mesocephalic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drowning remains a significant cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating accurate diagnostic tools for forensic investigation. This paper conducts a comparative analysis of the Drowning Index (DI) to ascertain its relevance in distinguishing drowning deaths from non-drowning asphyxial deaths. Drowning deaths present a challenge for forensic pathologists, because the autopsy findings may occur in many non-drowning scenarios. Previous studies have attempted to identify patterns in organ weights that may be specific for drowning. The drowning index has been defined as the weight ratio of the lungs and pleural effusion fluid to the spleen. We compared the lung and pleural effusion weight, spleen weight, and DI from 124 autopsies of asphyxia deaths including both drowning deaths and non-drowning asphyxia deaths such as hanging, strangulation, suffocation and mechanical asphyxia at the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at the Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal from September 2021 to August 2022. Findings highlight the potential utility of the DI as a valuable adjunctive tool in forensic investigations, providing insights into its comparative efficacy in differentiating drowning from other modes of asphyxial deaths. Such insights are critical for enhancing accuracy in forensic diagnoses and contributing to advancements in medicolegal death investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aims at studying the ossification of thyroid cartilage and to compare it with age of the individual. Methods: The study was conducted in 300 samples of thyroid cartilage collected during autopsy in the department of Forensic medicine in a tertiary care hospital. Each thyroid cartilage is divided in to thirteen anatomical area and ossification in each defined area was studied through gross and cut section features and classified as ossified and not ossified areas. The samples were grouped in to seven groups of age and ossification features were compared between the age groups. Results: On analysing the ossification pattern of thyroid cartilage in thirteen defined anatomical areas and comparing it with the age, a peculiar sequence of ossification was noted, and it was also observed that frequency of ossification increases significantly with increasing age groups. Conclusion: Ossification of thyroid cartilage helps in establishing the age of individual and it can be categorised to an age group of ten years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A medico-legal case is a case of injury or illness where the attending doctor, after eliciting history and examining the patient, thinks that some investigation by law enforcement agencies is essential to establish and fix responsibility for the case in accordance with the law of the land. Medico-legal cases are an integral part of medical practice that is frequently encountered by medical officers working in emergency department. Aims and Objectives: To analyze the pattern of medico-legal cases presented to the casualty at Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of medico-legal cases registered in a casualty of Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Muddenahalli, chikkaballapura, Karnataka for a period of one year from1st Janaury2023 to 31st December 2023. Results: Of the 218 cases, 171 were men and 47 were women with RTA constituting 66.05% (144 cases) of the cases and poisoning with 08.71% (19 cases) of the cases forming most of the case profile. Conclusion: The Casualty of Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research deals with a reasonable number of MLCs due to the large semi urban to rural population and easy accessibility from nearby areas. The clinical forensic medicine branch should be developed well to deal with MLC documentation for the administration of proper justice in the court of law at a later stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trend of medico legal cases is a fundamental part of the prevention of avoidable causalities in future and to study the crime rate in area. In present study an attempt is made to know the burden of medico legal cases. The aim of present study is to describe the profile, pattern and trend of medico-legal cases and identify errors in the medico-legal reports. Method: This is a Retrospective, descriptive, non-interventional study, conducted in emergency department of Government Medical College and Hospital Jalaun during the period from 1st January 2023 to 31th December 2023. This is a tertiary care teaching hospital where patients are referred from most of private hospitals. Patients from district hospitals of the region are also admitted in this college. Conclusions: In majority of places, duty of casualty medical officer is accomplished by MBBS doctor who is not expert in handling of medico legal cases. Therefore medico-legal work should be done under the direction of forensic medicine expert to avoid inaccuracy in giving the opinion. The present study showed that male out numbered female and maximum cases were of younger generation. Most common aetiology was of road traffic injuries. Such incidences can be prevented by giving awareness through proper education and training of safety standards by administrators through road safety programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Medico legal deaths including burns claim a substantial number of lives in central Karnataka. 'A prospective Study of Histo-Pathological changes in Lungs, Liver and Kidneys in Burns Cases' was carried out at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, SS hospital, SSIMS & RC, Davangere. Material & methods: The present study was carried out for the period of 3 years from January 2021 to December 2023. Totally 100 cases with burns and scalds injuries brought to the mortuary for autopsy was the material for study and collection of tissues for histopathological examination. Observations & Results: In the present study, histopathological changes in lungs showed congestion, pulmonary edema, Diffuse alveolar damage or ARDS changes, bronchopneumonia, interstitial pneumonitis, anthracotic pigment, carbon laden macrophages, intravascular thrombi, septic emboli, interstitial & intra alveolar hemorrhage. Histopathological changes in liver showed congestion, fatty change, centrilobular necrosis, cloudy swelling, focal hemorrhage, necrosis, portal inflammation. Histopathological changes in kidneys showed ATN in majority of cases, cloudy degeneration, congestion, tubularcasts and acute pyelonephritis in rest of the cases. Conclusion: The effect of burns on vital organs can be assessed through histopathological examination, which helps in determining the post burn complications and which aid in better treatment outcome of the burn's patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forensic Science & Technology is the property of Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In engineering, DIC is a widely used measurement technique. Its major advantage is that it provides real-time results (displacements, accelerations, stresses, strains, deformations) of the surface under examination relatively quickly and without contact. However, its application in medicine, biomechanics, and the field of criminalistics is novel. The present research focuses mainly on the frontier areas of forensics and medicine. The research aims to define the test boundary conditions and preparatory activities to measure the surface of the animal and then human skin. Injuries caused by low-energy ballistic bullets, blunt-force trauma, and cuts and punctures caused by knives and/or blades will be investigated. The present research focuses on puncture injuries in animal skin. The main challenge is to create a speckle pattern on the surface that can track deformation well. The research is about developing and validating this. The GOM ARAMIS measurement system was applied for the measurements. This paper demonstrates that a suitable preparation, painting procedure, and measurement setup has been established to measure the above effects, i.e., to identify displacements and deformations of up to tenths of a millimeter with sufficient accuracy. The evaluation of the results will also show that this method could be used in forensic applications, the automotive industry, medical orthopedics, and the textile industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives An important aspect of forensic investigation is determining the sex of an unidentified person. The frontal sinus is unique and remains intact, thus making it suitable for forensic analysis. The main objective of this study is to determine the sex of an individual by frontal sinus using a multidetector computed tomography scan. Materials and Methods A total of 100 patients (50 males and 50 females) were included in the study, and different parameters of the frontal sinus for both sides were analyzed, that is height, width, depth, and total length. Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics of all the variables were computed and compared. SPSS version 16 was used to perform the Mann–Whitney U test, binary logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis on the acquired data. Results The result suggested that males have higher mean values than females, with the left frontal sinus height being the only variable to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Based on the ROC curve analysis, the optimum cutoff value was 0.489, which means if the predicted probability value was less than 0.489, the individual was considered a male; and if the predicted probability value was ≥0.489, the individual was considered a female. The accuracy of the mathematical model based on binary logistic regression analysis for determining sex was 70% for females and 66% for males. Conclusion The present study plays a significant role in determining sex in the Indian population by using left frontal sinus height measurement through a multidetector computed tomography scan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rechtsmedizin is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: The high rate of incarceration, now exceeding 11.5 million people worldwide, has raised concerns about the conditions within penal institutions, such as the consequences of incarceration on the person. This retrospective study aims to investigate the issue of death in custody, exploring the relationship between incarceration, health vulnerabilities, and death from the forensic pathologist's point of view. Methods: We analyzed, from a forensic, clinical and toxicological perspective, 86 cases of deaths in detention facilities in North-Western Italy from 1999 to 2022. Results: The analysis has shown that suicide, mainly committed by hanging, plastic bag suffocation and butane intoxication, represents the leading type of violent death (52%), followed by accidental deaths (16%). On the other hand, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of natural deaths (42%), followed by infectious diseases (especially HIV-related). Discussion: The present study identifies the most frequent and critical situations and risk factors related to death in custody and the profile of the inmate who is at a higher risk of death, allowing to highlight the issues to be addressed from a public health point of view. On the whole, it calls for comprehensive reforms, aligned with international human rights standards, addressing mental and physical care gaps, improving correctional officers' education, and training, and focusing on rehabilitation with well-being and dignity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental identification systems (DISs) encompass various techniques used for forensic identification, serving as alternatives or complements to genetic methods. Technologies such as microchip implants, prosthetic inscriptions, microSD cards, and identification plaques have been proposed to address limitations in comparative methods, offering streamlined processes for forensic experts. This study reviews current and potential DIS implementations, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and community benefits. Literature analysis from PubMed (2008–2024) yielded 17 relevant articles on implantable DISs, enabling direct subject identification via teeth or prostheses. The integration of DIS aims to enhance accuracy and speed in personal profiling and legal identification, promoting technology transfer in dentistry. It will be necessary to develop strict privacy regulations to protect patient data and establish ethical guidelines for their use. The study's aim is to highlight that the universal adoption of DISs could mitigate healthcare disputes and facilitate data exchange in clinical settings, which is particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maxillofacial trauma, as seen from a medico-legal point of view, is an integral part of medical practice in emergency departments. Therefore, general practitioners should have sufficient knowledge about their roles and responsibilities in managing these cases. This study aimed to assess general practitioners' knowledge, practices, and attitudes regarding managing medico-legal cases (MLCs). Material and method: This study included 113 general practitioners from St. Spiridon Hospital in Iasi, Romania. Participants completed a self-administered structured questionnaire assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general practitioners regarding the handling of medico-legal cases. Results: The scores obtained for the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices indicate a good level of knowledge on the part of the responding doctors, with the average value being 38, in a range from 0 to 49 (min. value 28–max wave. 47). The score regarding the attitudes of doctors related to the management of medico-legal cases is modest, with the average value being 37 points out of a maximum of 60 points (min. 14–max. 51). The same situation is recorded in the case of practices regarding the management of medico-legal cases, with the average value being 68 out of a maximum value of 90 (min. 38–max. 84). Conclusion: This study's results revealed the absence of a well-defined protocol for the recognition and handling of medico-legal cases among general practitioners from Iasi and the need to improve the level of attitudes and practices regarding the management of medico-legal cases. The limitations of this study included the relatively small sample from a single hospital and the use of a methodology based on self-administered questionnaires, which may be subjective. Accordingly, future studies should involve larger and more diverse samples to monitor changes in knowledge and practices over time and qualitative methodologies to gain deeper physician-related insights into medical case management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filicide is the act of a parent killing their own offspring. Previous studies indicate that there are both commonalities and distinctions between filicides committed by mothers and fathers. The main objective of this study was to compare maternal and paternal filicide with a major focus on clinical and sociodemographic features of perpetrators, incident details, and victims. Filicide cases were examined at the bedded unit of the Expertise Department of Observation of the Council of Forensic Medicine that were referred by the Turkish Ministry of Justice. A total of 51 perpetrators and 57 victims were analyzed from June 2014 to December 2023. The perpetrators were daily face‐to‐face interviews by psychiatry and forensic medicine physicians. There were significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics and psychiatric conditions between maternal and paternal cases. Female perpetrators tended to be younger, unemployed, mostly targeted younger victims and used asphyxiation to kill, whereas males tended to target older victims and utilized firearms. The most common primary cause of filicide in maternal cases was “unwanted pregnancy,” whereas “spousal revenge” and “anger or impulsivity” were predominant in paternal filicides. All perpetrators who were not criminally responsible were mothers, mostly diagnosed with psychotic depression. Unwanted pregnancy, psychotic depression, and postpartum psychosis should be assessed when evaluating risk for mothers, especially for infanticide. The desire for revenge on a spouse, often seen with personality disorders, impulsivity and anger, access to firearms should be screened for risk of paternal filicide, particularly in older victims. Early recognition of these factors can help in implementing prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Operators in the obituary and necropsy sectors are exposed to various environmental hazards during specific tasks. Despite this exposure, occupational risks have often been underestimated, resulting in a lack of substantial evidence. The primary objectives of this study were to identify sources of chemical risk, establish procedures for monitoring and quantifying exposure during necropsy activities, and recommend adjustments to regulatory guidelines to protect the health of the operators. The study was conducted at the Legal Medicine Unit of the Umberto I General Hospital in Rome, focusing on the quantitative measurement of particulate matter (PM) exposure among at-risk operators during necropsy activities. Environmental levels of total suspended particles, PM10, PM4, PM2.5, and PM1 were assessed by evaluating the average, minimum, and maximum instantaneous indoor concentrations using an airborne analyzer. Results: The monitoring activities revealed that the PM concentrations were significantly lower than the recognized reference values. However, bone sawing, body removal, and cleaning were identified as high-risk maneuvers for dust suspension. Conclusions: Our study highlighted specific risks associated with necropsy activities, particularly concerning timing and certain maneuvers. These results may lead to interventions for improving current prevention procedures, implementing good practices, and developing specific guidelines to enhance operator safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike qualifying education, forensic social work education is heterogeneous. This review provides a cross-national comparison of 10 countries: the United States, Brazil, England, the Netherlands, Hungary, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, India and Australia. It aims to understand education models across diverse contexts and encourage further reflection on forensic social work pedagogy. Findings revealed that there is little mandating of educational standards or curriculum requirements in forensic social work. Moreover, current modelling is drawn from Eurocentric epistemologies and has a duty to incorporate and celebrate First Nations, non-Western and culturally inclusive paradigms. Opportunities exist to develop international standards for forensic social work education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skull is a complex, vital structure made up of many bones. It has been observed that studies on skulls help to determine species and sex. In recent years, craniometric studies have been frequently used to determine morphometric features in animals. In our study, 150 skulls were studied, 50 from the second trimester (25 males and 25 females), 50 from the third trimester (25 males and 25 females), and 50 from the third and fourth week after birth (25 males and 25 females). The skulls were sectioned by computerised tomography and stored in DICOM format. From the images, nine different measurements and five index calculations were made. The similarities and differences between species were determined by ignoring sex differences. Correlation analyses were performed to compare measurement parameters between animal species. In addition, the results of statistical analyses between sexes were evaluated without species distinction. SL, CW and ICI parameters were highly statistically significant between measurements in the second trimester, third trimester and postnatal group (p < 0.01). In the third trimester, the EHC measurement parameter was found to be highly significant between males and female (p < 0.01). In Table 5, the CL parameter was positively correlated with CW, IHC, EHC, ILC, ELC, FMW and FMH. There are very few studies on foetal development. It is predicted that the data obtained can be used in zoo‐archaeology, anatomy, surgery and forensic medicine. In addition, radiographic determination of craniometric features will help in the treatment and prognosis of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lip print recognition technology originated in the field of forensic medicine, and convolutional neural network has made breakthrough achievements in the field of pattern recognition and machine vision. Convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm is rarely used in lip pattern recognition. Further exploration and research on the network model suitable for lip pattern recognition. Lip print recognition algorithm based on depth convolution neural network aims to solve the problems of complex image preprocessing, difficult feature extraction and low recognition efficiency in traditional lip print recognition algorithms. It includes collecting lip print images to establish data sets, selecting different CNN models to conduct performance evaluation experiments on low resolution lip print data sets, and analyzing the experimental results with model evaluation indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most experimental protocols, false starts are produced on dry bones obtained through a maceration process for anthropological analyses, for the sake of reproducibility. Although this allows for controlled experimental conditions, the absence of soft parts when experimentally creating false starts does not correspond to the real conditions of criminal dismemberment. The main objective of this study was to determine if the results of experimental work on the characteristics of false starts were valid under medico-legal conditions. In this experimental study, a hand saw (rip saw, wavy set, TPI 32) was used. 240 false starts were produced on human and pig bones. Randomly, the false starts were either produced on a dry bone or on a flesh bone. The criteria for microscopic analysis included the shape of the walls, the shape and visibility of striae on the floor, the shape of the profile, and the minimum width of the false start. On human bone, 100% of the false starts produced on a bone that had previously undergone a maceration process for anthropological analyses (dry bone) allowed the definition of all the blade characteristics. This was the case for 78.3% on bone in the presence of soft tissue (flesh bone). The striae on the floor of the false start are in some cases less visible with flesh bones, implying that it may be more difficult to conclude on the characteristics of a saw under medico-legal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to analyze blunt-force trauma is crucial for deciphering valuable clues concerning mechanisms of injury and as evidence for medico-legal investigations. The use of alternate light sources (ALS) has been studied over the past decade, and is proposed to outperform conventional white light (CWL) during bruise assessments. In response to the growing interest of the technology worldwide, a systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to address the ability of ALS to detect and visualize bruising. From an initial 4055 records identified, ten studies met the eligibly criteria and were selected for this review. Evaluation also included a novel framework, referred to as SPICOT, to further systematically assess both scientific evidence and risk of bias in forensic literature. Analysis reveals that narrowband wavelengths within in the infrared or ultraviolet spectral ranges do not significantly outperform CWL in visualizing or detecting bruising. However, wavelengths within the visible spectrum, particularly 415 nm combined with longpass or bandpass yellow filters, are more effective. However, the majority of selected studies only address the sensitivity of ALS, and therefore, results may only be considered valid when the location of a bruise is known. Further investigation is required to understand the specificity of ALS, in particular how the use of topical cosmetic products, previous wounds/scar-tissue, tattoos, moles and freckles may affect detection. The ethical concern regarding the interpretation of enhanced visualized trauma should also be considered in prospect discussions prior to implementing ALS into routine practice. Nevertheless, this review finds that narrowband ALS within the visible spectrum demonstrates potential for improved injury documentation, outperforming CWL in the detection and visualization of bruising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the undeniable increase in asylum requests from unaccompanied alleged minors, age estimation of living individuals has become an essential part of the routine work in European forensic centers. This study aims to review the forensic age estimations performed in our center since 2010, to evaluate the state-of-the-art of this practice in Switzerland with the evolution of the methodology according to upcoming recommendations. Our institute's expert reports performed between 2010 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. We gathered the following parameters: demographic data, morphological characteristics, alleged age compared with the assessed minimum age, sexual maturation, dental and bone age. When available, we collected personal and family history, medical history, records of torture-related/self-inflicted injuries, and information about eating habits that might affect skeletal development. Data collection amounted to 656 cases. Forensic age estimations ordered by the Swiss Secretariat for Migration (SEM) represented 76.4% of cases, with 23.6% of them ordered by the Court/Public Prosecutor. Most alleged minors were male (94.5%) and came from Afghanistan (53.4%). Adjunction of CT scans of the sternoclavicular joints was necessary in 86.4% of cases. Only 25.2% of our reports concluded on most probable minority, with 55.6% of definite majors; in 19.2% of our cases, minority could not be excluded. This study aspires to further broaden our expertise regarding forensic age estimations. Given the increasing migratory flows, we can expect a notable increase in the frequency of these requests. Consequently, this study aims to promote a multidisciplinary approach and the international standardization of the methodology of these estimations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Council of Legal Medicine (ECLM) is the body established in 1992 to represent practitioners forensic & legal medicine and is composed of delegates of the countries of the European Union (EU) and from other countries which form part of Europe to a current total of 34 member countries. The aims of this study were to determine the current status of undergraduate forensic & legal medicine teaching in the curriculum of medical studies in ECLM countries and to use the results of this study to determine whether it would be appropriate to develop new guidelines and standards for harmonising the content of undergraduate forensic medicine training across ECLM member countries. A detailed questionnaire was sent to all individuals or organisations listed on the ECLM contact database. Responses were received from 21 of 33 countries on the database. These responses showed considerable emphasis on undergraduate teaching of forensic medicine in all countries with the exception of Belgium and the United Kingdom. There was great general consistency in the subjects taught. The data from this survey provide a baseline which should assist in developing a strategy to harmonise forensic & legal medicine undergraduate training in member countries of the ECLM. The ECLM is now in a good position to establish a pan-European working group to coordinate a consensus document identifying an appropriate and modern core undergraduate forensic medicine curriculum that can be presented to the medical education authorities in each country, and which can be adapted for local requirements, based on available personnel, the forensic medicine structure in the country, and most importantly, the needs of the local population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/aim: Turkey has experienced a heavy migration burden in recent years due to its location and benevolent policies. This study aimed to retrospectively examine and discuss the reports prepared for foreign nationals who requested assistance at the Forensic Medicine Department of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Hospital in Tokat, which is located in the Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey, between 2014 and 2022. Materials and methods: This study retrospectively evaluated reports prepared between 2014 and 2022 in the outpatient clinics of Forensic Medicine at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Hospital. Results: Based on the files reviewed, 219 cases were included in the study, of which 70.8% (n = 155) were male and 29.2% (n = 64) were female. Among the 75 cases referred by judicial authorities, 34.6% (n = 26) involved assault, 28% (n = 21) involved determination of the ability to understand the legal significance and consequences of the act, 16% (n = 12) involved traffic accidents, 8% (n = 6) involved poisoning, 9.3% (n = 7) involved abuse, and 4% (n = 3) involved age determinations. Discussion: Problems with immigrants, which have always been a reality due to Turkey's location on migration routes, have increased significantly in recent years. For this reason, we believe that studies with multicenter and larger series should be conducted to determine the current situation that foreigners create for themselves and Turkey to facilitate necessary arrangements, determine proposed solutions, increase the quality of services offered, and develop plans for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting external post-mortem examinations is an essential skill required of physicians in various countries, regardless of their specialization. However, the quality of these examinations has been a subject of continuous debates, and notable errors were reviled. In response to these shortcomings, a virtual reality (VR) application was developed at Halle's medical department in Germany, focusing on the scene of discovery and the completion of death certificates. The initial trial of this VR application in 2020 involved 39 students and 15 early-career professionals. Based on the feedback, the application underwent improvements and was subsequently introduced to the medical department in Dresden, Germany, in 2022. Its primary objective was to showcase the VR training's adaptability and scalability across various educational structures and levels of medical expertise. Out of 73 students who participated, 63 completed the evaluation process. 93.1% (n = 58) of the evaluators reported increased confidence in conducting external post-mortem examinations, and 96.8% (n = 61) felt more assured in filling out death certificates, crediting this progress to the VR training. Additionally, 98.4% (n = 62) believed that repeating forensic medical aspects in their coursework was crucial, and 96.8% (n = 61) viewed the VR examination as a valuable addition to their academic program. Despite these positive responses, 91.6% (n = 55) of participants maintained that training with real corpses remains irreplaceable due to the insufficiency of haptic feedback in VR. Nevertheless, the potential for enhancing the VR content and expanding the training to additional locations or related disciplines warrants further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Teaching through role-plays is a preferred modality when certain behaviours or skills need to be taught. They provide a risk-free environment that simulates a real-life scenario. For a clinician, appearance in a Court of Law as an expert witness is a part of his/her legal obligation. Objective: To explore the utility of Mock Court as an additional teaching tool for undergraduate medical students, in understanding and familiarizing with legal procedures, specifically the courtroom procedures. Methodology: We conducted Mock Court sessions with the students playing various roles, following which feedback was collected from the students, teachers and guest assessors. The data was statistically analysed by comparison of frequencies and paired t-test (pre- and post-session comparison). Results: The study revealed a positive effect of the Mock Court sessions on the students, based on their increased confidence, motivation and a better grasp of legal procedures. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvement in the understanding of specific aspects of courtroom procedures after the session. Conclusion: The authors recommend the active implementation of Mock Court as a teaching aid for undergraduate medical students, and the use of PDSA (Deming) cycle as a tool for quality-checks and self-improvement in subsequent sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical errors and adverse effects of treatment are inherent to medical practice. Like any other medical specialty, rheumatology is not exempt. Although the problem is imprecisely quantified, according to some authors it affects up to 10% of hospitalised patients. Describing and qualifying misdiagnoses in rheumatology will help us to understand and reduce these. Further, misdiagnosis generates unjustified costs and medico-legal consequences with errors in initial diagnosis the basis for medico-legal disputes involving assessment of work incapacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary bladder diverticula are formed by the herniation of the mucosa into the muscle layer of the bladder wall, often ending with a narrow neck that communicates with the bladder lumen. They may be congenital or acquired, and they most often affect males. Urinary bladder diverticula discovery during autopsy incidence described in the literature is approximately 5–10%. Various causative factors have been described, including urinary tract obstruction (e.g., benign prostate hyperplasia) and neurogenic and iatrogenic causes. The most described site of occurrence is adjacent to the ureteral orifice. Their clinical presentation does not often facilitate diagnosis, as most are small and asymptomatic. Complications of urinary bladder diverticulosis include infections, lithiasis, neoplasia, pressure on adjacent tissues, obstruction, and rupture. Indeed, urinary bladder diverticula may lead to spontaneous bladder rupture in extremely rare cases. This paper presents the case of an 87-year-old female suffering from atrial fibrillation and under anticoagulant therapy who was pronounced dead in a hospital and was subsequently referred to our department for medico-legal examination. Upon macroscopic examination of the body, intra-abdominal hemorrhage was observed in the vicinity of the urinary bladder, extraperitoneally. A meticulous examination excluded the possibility of injury as the cause of this finding, and tissue samples were collected for histopathological examination. A ruptured urinary diverticulum was discovered and confirmed histopathologically. Death was attributed to intra-abdominal hemorrhage after rupture of urinary bladder diverticulum. A forensic pathologist should be aware of this diagnosis, as although extremely rare, such pathology may lead to death, especially when the patient is under anticoagulant therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Maxillofacial injuries, due to their diverse etiological causes, are often considered a component of multi-trauma and constitute a significant portion of trauma. This study aims to elucidate the incidence of maxillofacial traumas, particularly among military personnel, various clinical courses, and characteristics, thereby contributing to the literature. METHODS: Forensic reports, primarily related to military personnel and organized between 2011 and 2016 at the Forensic Medicine Department of Gülhane Medical Faculty, Health Sciences University, were retrospectively examined. The study involved a detailed analysis of cases with maxillofacial injuries resulting from trauma, focusing on aspects such as age, gender, the origin of the trauma, degree of injury, the presence of bone and dental fractures, and the occurrence of psychiatric disorders as a result of the trauma. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that maxillofacial traumas predominantly occurred in young male individuals, particularly among military personnel. The most common etiological factor identified was interpersonal violence. The majority of injuries were soft tissue damages, with the nasal bone being the most frequently fractured area. Injuries to the head and upper extremities were also detected in some of the cases, showing that multiple injuries are common in such cases. Post-traumatic psychological disorders developed in some cases, with anxiety disorders being the most commonly observed. CONCLUSION: It has been determined that maxillofacial injuries can affect multiple body regions, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach. This study underscores the importance of developing comprehensive strategies and policies for understanding and managing maxillofacial traumas, providing a fundamental reference for future studies in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary bladder diverticula are formed by the herniation of the mucosa into the muscle layer of the bladder wall, often ending with a narrow neck that communicates with the bladder lumen. They may be congenital or acquired, and they most often affect males. Urinary bladder diverticula discovery during autopsy incidence described in the literature is approximately 5–10%. Various causative factors have been described, including urinary tract obstruction (e.g., benign prostate hyperplasia) and neurogenic and iatrogenic causes. The most described site of occurrence is adjacent to the ureteral orifice. Their clinical presentation does not often facilitate diagnosis, as most are small and asymptomatic. Complications of urinary bladder diverticulosis include infections, lithiasis, neoplasia, pressure on adjacent tissues, obstruction, and rupture. Indeed, urinary bladder diverticula may lead to spontaneous bladder rupture in extremely rare cases. This paper presents the case of an 87-year-old female suffering from atrial fibrillation and under anticoagulant therapy who was pronounced dead in a hospital and was subsequently referred to our department for medico-legal examination. Upon macroscopic examination of the body, intra-abdominal hemorrhage was observed in the vicinity of the urinary bladder, extraperitoneally. A meticulous examination excluded the possibility of injury as the cause of this finding, and tissue samples were collected for histopathological examination. A ruptured urinary diverticulum was discovered and confirmed histopathologically. Death was attributed to intra-abdominal hemorrhage after rupture of urinary bladder diverticulum. A forensic pathologist should be aware of this diagnosis, as although extremely rare, such pathology may lead to death, especially when the patient is under anticoagulant therapy.

Abstract Background Operators in the obituary and necropsy sectors are exposed to various environmental hazards during specific tasks. Despite this exposure, occupational risks have often been underestimated, resulting in a lack of substantial evidence. The primary objectives of this study were to identify sources of chemical risk, establish procedures for monitoring and quantifying exposure during necropsy activities, and recommend adjustments to regulatory guidelines to protect the health of the operators. The study was conducted at the Legal Medicine Unit of the Umberto I General Hospital in Rome, focusing on the quantitative measurement of particulate matter (PM) exposure among at-risk operators during necropsy activities. Environmental levels of total suspended particles, PM10, PM4, PM2.5, and PM1 were assessed by evaluating the average, minimum, and maximum instantaneous indoor concentrations using an airborne analyzer. Results The monitoring activities revealed that the PM concentrations were significantly lower than the recognized reference values. However, bone sawing, body removal, and cleaning were identified as high-risk maneuvers for dust suspension. Conclusions Our study highlighted specific risks associated with necropsy activities, particularly concerning timing and certain maneuvers. These results may lead to interventions for improving current prevention procedures, implementing good practices, and developing specific guidelines to enhance operator safety.

Forensic pattern analysis requires examiners to compare the patterns of items such as fingerprints or tool marks to assess whether they have a common source. This article uses signal detection theory to model examiners' reported conclusions (e.g., identification, inconclusive, or exclusion), focusing on the connection between the examiner's decision threshold and the probative value of the forensic evidence. It uses a Bayesian network model to explore how shifts in decision thresholds may affect rates and ratios of true and false convictions in a hypothetical legal system. It demonstrates that small shifts in decision thresholds, which may arise from contextual bias, can dramatically affect the value of forensic pattern-matching evidence and its utility in the legal system.

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to determine current study topics and changing dynamics in the field of Disaster Victim Identification by conducting a bibliometric analysis of articles in the international literature. Methods: In the Web of Science database, the words “disaster victim identification”, “DVI” and “mass disaster” were searched in the titles and keywords of the publications and the articles in the literature were evaluated. The study contained 190 articles which fulfilled the criteria of being indexed in SCI-E, SSCI, or ESCI, having the research area “medicine legal”, being of document type “article”, and being in English language were included in the study. The VOSviewer 1.6.19 software was used to analyze and visualize networks. Results: The first paper was published in 1971, and the peak year for publications was 2011. Australia was the most productive country in this field with 42 publications. The articles received a total of 2,664 citations over the years, with the highest number of citations occurring in 2021. These articles were published in 15 journals, and Forensic Science International was the leading journal in this field with 55 articles. When the top 10 most cited articles were examined, it was observed that the studies covered various fields such as genetics, anthropology, radiology and odontology. Conclusion: This study is the pioneering bibliometric analysis of disaster victim identification articles. By assessing publication characteristics, international collaboration, and co-citation analysis, we’ve shed light on the latest research trends in this field. Consequently, we believe our work offers valuable insights to researchers in forensic medicine and forensic sciences.

Objective: This study examines cases of violence victims who applied to the newly established Forensic Medicine Polyclinic in the first nine months. It aims to discuss the sociodemographic, medical, and judicial characteristics and explore what experts can do to prevent violence, a serious public health issue, and establish justice more effectively. Methods: The forensic reports of violence victims who sought treatment at the Forensic Medicine unit, where the study was conducted, between September 22, 2022, the day of its establishment, and June 22, 2023, as outpatients under law enforcement supervision, were retrospectively examined. Statistical analysis was conducted by evaluating the type of violence, age, gender, application time, findings, consultations, and outcomes. Results: Out of 172 victims, 58.7% were male, 41.3% were female, and 89% were aged 18-65. 63% were brought for examination by law enforcement, with physical violence detected in 97.6%. Sixty-four percent of cases were examined within the first 3 hours, 74.4% had treatable wounds, and women were often attacked at home by their spouses and lovers. Men faced violence from acquaintances in open spaces and workplaces, with cases frequently referred to the psychiatric clinic. Conclusion: Factors such as demographic characteristics (e.g., gender, age), type and duration of violence, and hospitalization are very important in assessing violent incidents. This data helps prevent violence and provide appropriate support and treatment to victims. Collaboration with forensic medicine experts and other branches is useful in forensic case management, especially in emergency departments.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different test positions on quantitative muscle strength of wrist and finger flexor muscle groups and to establish a standardized muscle strength test protocol for each muscle group.MethodsForty healthy subjects （12 males and 28 females） were recruited. A portable digital quantitative muscle strength tester, Micro FET2TM, was used to measure the flexor muscle strength of each finger and the wrist joint at the 30° extension, 0° neutral, and 30° flexion, respectively. Palmar abduction strength of the thumb was measured at 30° and 60°, respectively. Ten subjects were randomly selected from the 40 subjects, and the quantitative muscle strength of each muscle group was tested again by the same operator after an interval of 10 to 15 days.ResultsExcept for the fact that in males, there was no significant difference in flexor muscle strength of thumb and wrist joint between 30° of wrist extension and neutral 0° position, the muscle strength of the other fingers flexion and wrist palmar flexor showed the following characteristics： 30° of wrist extension > neutral 0° position > 30° of flexion, and the PAST was 30°>60°; The flexor muscle strength of all the subjects was thumb > index finger > middle finger > ring finger > little finger; All muscle strength values of male were greater than those of female, and the difference was statistically significant （P0.05）. The reliability of muscle strength values measured at different times in 10 subjects was good.ConclusionThe quantitative muscle strength of each muscle group of the hand and wrist is affected by the test position, and a standardized and uniformed test position should be adopted in the actual identification. Micro FET2TM has good reliability for hand and wrist quantitative muscle strength testing. The 30° extension of the wrist can be used as the best standardized test position for the flexion muscle strength of each finger and wrist joint. The 30° position can be used as the best standardized test position for PAST.

The quality of Japanese forensic experts has been widely recognized around the world, which cannot be separated from the “ripple effect” caused by the rapid rise of the modern forensic education in Japan. By continuously adopting foreign forensic education resources and teaching experience, it has finally formed a forensic professional talent training model with a clear hierarchy of basic education and professional training, as well as classroom teaching and case studies complementing each other; and it continuously improves the comprehensive quality of practitioners through domestic training and international exchange and cooperation, providing talented professionals for the development of the Japanese forensic industry. In this context, this article takes the development history of Japanese forensic medicine as the starting point to study how it gradually formed the embryonic form of forensic education in modern times. Based on this, it analyzes the characteristics of Japan’s modern forensic medicine talent training model, summarizes excellent experiences for localized transformation, such as emphasizing the role of practical teaching, exerting the effectiveness of vocational skills training, and promoting international exchange and cooperation, to provide reference and inspiration for the training of relevant professional talents in China.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is an overlooked type of violence, remaining largely concealed and relegated to the private domain of family affairs. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers IPV a critical global public health concern. Its repercussions extend beyond physical harm, significantly affecting the mental and emotional health of women within our nation. This study aimed to determine the demographic characteristics of women who have experienced IPV by conducting a thorough cross-sectional investigation. The research was conducted among patients seeking consultation at the forensic medicine department of Laghouat Hospital, located in a southern Algerian region where population dynamics may vary compared to other parts of the country. In this study, 566 female violence victims were initially screened, 341 of which reported IPV experiences. Data were then gathered through individual interviews with the victims using a data collection form to investigate the demographic characteristics of these victims. This study sheds light on several factors intricately linked to IPVs. These factors include the age of the victim, educational level, occupation, living standards, marital status, marriage duration, number of children, spouse’s premarital acquaintance, sexual activity, and the association of verbal threats and obscene remarks. This study emphasizes that IPV is preventable, highlighting the pivotal role of societal strategies in its mitigation. Proactive measures involving governmental bodies, legal systems, official organizations, educational institutions, the media, and voluntary groups must be taken to effectively reduce the incidence of IPV.

The objective is to compare the characteristics of individuals involved in homicides with (OBH) and without overkill and brutal features (NBH) assessed by the Council of Forensic Medicine. In the OBH group, female victims and child and adolescent victims were significantly higher. Significantly elevated usage of piercing and cutting instruments was noted in the OBH group. Homicides with overkilling and brutal features – representing the ultimate manifestation of violent homicide cases – exhibiting distinctive features that contrast with typical characteristics of general homicides. These acts are frequently motivated by jealousy and hostility, transcending the mere act of killing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fight against substance use disorders, which have been on the rise in recent years, requires a multidisciplinary approach. The factors that cause addiction, environmental factors that enable substance access, and the resulting harm from substance use are intertwined. As per the 2021 data released by the Istanbul Morgue Specialization Department of the Council of Forensic Medicine, drug or stimulant use caused 1.7% of the 5458 autopsies conducted. In our research, deaths resulting from polysubstance use are the most prevalent, with amphetamine derivatives being the most frequently detected substance. The rise in fatalities associated with amphetamine derivatives and their easy accessibility pose a significant public health concern. Based on these findings, it is crucial to focus on the environmental and economic factors that support the use of these substances to control access to amphetamine derivatives. Additionally, people with substance abuse problems are isolated due to social isolation. This situation makes it difficult for them to access addiction treatment and prevents them from receiving emergency medical intervention in the event of an overdose. In this context, it is advisable to adopt a multidisciplinary approach and to develop a comprehensive intervention strategy in cooperation with the health, education, and security sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the time of death, estimating the age of unknown human remains is valuable for post-mortem identification. However, no sufficiently reliable methods have been developed to date. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between aortic measurements and age of human remains and to assess the feasibility of age estimation using aortic measurements. Data were collected from 550 Japanese dead bodies (321 male and 229 female subjects), ranging in age from infancy to older adulthood (age 0–97 years). During autopsy, aortic thoracic circumference (ATC) and aortic abdominal circumference (AAC) were measured using a ruler, and the sum of ATC and AAC (STA) was calculated. A simple linear regression analysis using the least-squares method was performed to evaluate the correlation between aortic measurements and age in years and to establish the formula for age estimation using aortic measurements. Additionally, four-parameter logistic curves were created for age estimation. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between age and each aortic measurement. Standard errors of the estimation values using ATC and STA were 9.90–12.27 and 8.88–12.28 years, respectively. The results suggest that age estimation based on aortic measurements is useful for forensic investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Synthetic cannabinoids (SC) are a subgroup of "new psychoactive substances" (NPS) with particular importance due to both the number of substances available on the market and their prevalence in Germany. SC are consumed as an alternative to THC-containing cannabis, however SC have a less favourable risk profile compared to cannabis. Additionally, immunoassays tailored for cannabis cannot detect SCs and immunoassays specifically tailored towards SC have proven ineffective due to the dynamic nature of the SC market. This poses a large problem for effective abstinence control programs, especially in prisons and forensic-psychiatric clinics. Aim: The aim of this project was the investigation of SC prevalence in urine samples from forensic-psychiatric clinics. Methods: Urine samples sent to the Institute of Legal Medicine Freiburg by German forensic-psychiatric clinics between the beginning of 2018 and November 2023 were included. The samples were analysed for SC by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: Overall, a reduction of urine samples positive for SC from approx. 16 % in 2018 to approx. 10 % in 2023 was observed. However, in selected federal states, positivity rates showed deviating trends over the observed period, ranging from a very strong decrease of SC positivity rate to a twofold increase. Conclusion: Despite a general reduction of the SC positivity rate in urine samples over the observed period, the consumption of SC remains a relevant problem for abstinence control in psychiatric clinics. The results showed considerable differences in the different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the postmortem interval estimation still represents one of the main goals of forensic medicine, there are still several limitations that weigh on the methods most used for its determination: for this reason, even today, precisely estimating the postmortem interval remains one of the most important challenges in the forensic pathology field. To try to overcome these limitations, in recent years, numerous studies have been conducted on the potential use of the mRNA degradation time for reaching a more precise post mortem interval (PMI) estimation. An evidence-based systematic review of the literature has been conducted to evaluate the state of the art of the knowledge focusing on the potential correlation between mRNA degradation and PMI estimation. The research has been performed using the electronic databases PubMed and Scopus. The analysis conducted made it possible to confirm the potential applicability of mRNA for reaching a more precise PMI estimation. The analysis of the results highlighted the usefulness of some mRNAs, such as β-actin and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA, especially in short time frames, within a few hours or days of death. The matrices on which these analyses were conducted were also analyzed, resulting in less exposure to the external environment, including the heart, brain, and dental pulp. The major limitations were also reported, including the short time intervals analyzed in most of the articles, the lack of mathematical models, and the failure to report the error rate between the mRNA degradation time and PMI. Given the still small number of published articles, the lack of globally recognized standardized methods, and the numerous techniques used to evaluate the mRNA degradation times, numerous and larger studies are still necessary to reach more solid and shared evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Turkish Journal of Trauma & Emergency Surgery / Ulusal Travma ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Trauma & Emergency Surgery / Ulusal Travma ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: The study is on the emerging role of artificial intelligence in the forensic sciences. After clarifying the basic concepts and a brief historical overview, the possibilities of using AI in various forensic fields are discussed: genetics, pattern recognition, chemistry, toxicology, anthropology, forensic medicine, and scene reconstruction. Methodology: The study synthesises several recently published international papers. Findings: The penetration of the application of artificial intelligence into some fields of science is undoubtedly an ongoing process. Most of the varied forensic fields also cannot avoid this development. Analysing large databases unmanageable with traditional methods, pattern recognition, and machine learning can all be important tools for forensic science. However, an important conclusion is that AI is a supporter of human expert work, not a substitute. Value: In the field of forensic sciences, no such detailed summary article has been published in Hungarian so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Belügyi Szemle / Academic Journal of Internal Affairs is the property of Ministry of Interior of Hungary and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Elder mistreatment, including elder abuse and neglect, is a difficult diagnosis to make and manage for most providers. To address this, two elder abuse consultation teams were developed for patients in the hospital and emergency department settings. As these teams have developed, the providers involved have obtained specialized training and experience that we believe contributes to a new field of elder abuse geriatrics, a corollary to the well-established field of child abuse pediatrics. Providers working in this field require specialized training and have a specialized scope of practice that includes forensic evaluation, evaluation of cognition and capacity, care coordination and advocacy for victims of abuse, and collaboration with protective services and law enforcement. Here we describe the training, scope of practice, ethical role, and best practices for elder mistreatment medical consultation. We hope this will serve as a starting point for this new and important medical specialty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]