Fatal varicella in immigrants from tropical countries: Case reports and forensic perspectives
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is a worldwide highly contagious herpes virus and the primary VZV infection is responsible for varicella (or chickenpox) [1]. Apart from neonates, infants, and pregnant women, groups at higher risk for severe complications and death include immunocompromised subjects and adults. The primary VZV infection typically occurs during childhood however a higher incidence of infection during adulthood has been observed in many tropical regions [1]. Indeed, a higher seronegative prevalence among adults has been demonstrated in Saudi Arabia, India and Sri Lanka [2,3] with associated significant morbidity...
Source: Legal Medicine - March 26, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Gianni Guadagnini, Simone Lo Baido, Francesca Poli, Annamaria Govi, Sveva Borin, Paolo Fais, Susi Pelotti Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

Mutation analysis of 19 commonly used short tandem repeat loci in a Guangdong Han population
At present, short tandem repeat (STR) loci are the most commonly used genetic markers in paternity testing and individual identification in forensic DNA laboratories worldwide [1,2]. However, because of the high mutation rates of STR, the findings of parentage testing may be incorrectly interpreted if even one or two mismatches occur between the parent and offspring [3,4]. Therefore, mutations must be considered when calculating paternity probability [5,6]. Further, credible information needs to be collected regarding the mutation rates and mutation characteristics of STR loci to ensure the accuracy of parentage or kinship...
Source: Legal Medicine - March 26, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Cheng Xiao, Zhiyong Peng, Feilong Chen, Hui Yan, Bofeng Zhu, Yunchun Tai, Pingming Qiu, Chao Liu, Xuheng Song, Zihao Wu, Ling Chen Source Type: research

Use of postmortem computed tomography to retrieve small metal fragments derived from a weapon in the bodies of victims in two homicide cases
Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is becoming a commonly used modality in routine forensic investigation [1,2]. Postmortem CT and magnetic resonance imaging have been proved to be useful for forensic examinations, especially in victims of trauma [3,4]. These imaging methods have revolutionized not only forensic diagnosis but also the documentation of evidence that can be used in court proceedings [5]. In addition, PMCT is a superior technique for finding air within the body, such as pneumothorax and gas embolism in the heart and great vessels [6,7]. (Source: Legal Medicine)
Source: Legal Medicine - March 26, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Rie Sano, Yoichiro Takahashi, Akira Hayakawa, Masayuki Murayama, Rieko Kubo, Satoshi Hirasawa, Hiroyuki Tokue, Takehiro Shimada, Sachiko Awata, Hiroyuki Takei, Masahiro Yuasa, Shinji Uetake, Hisashi Akuzawa, Yoshihiko Kominato Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

Fatal varicella in immigrants from tropical countries: case reports and forensic perspectives.
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is a worldwide highly contagious herpes virus and the primary VZV infection is responsible for varicella (or chickenpox) [1]. Apart from neonates, infants, and pregnant women, groups at higher risk for severe complications and death include immunocompromised subjects and adults. The primary VZV infection typically occurs during childhood however a higher incidence of infection during adulthood has been observed in many tropical regions [1]. Indeed, a higher seronegative prevalence among adults has been demonstrated in Saudi Arabia, India and Sri Lanka [2,3] with associated significant morbidity...
Source: Legal Medicine - March 26, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Gianni Guadagnini, Simone Lo Baido, Francesca Poli, Annamaria Govi, Sveva Borin, Paolo Fais, Susi Pelotti Source Type: research

Mutation analysis of 19 commonly used short tandem repeat loci in a Guangdong Han population
At present, short tandem repeat (STR) loci are the most commonly used genetic markers in paternity testing and individual identification in forensic DNA laboratories worldwide[1,2]. However, because of the high mutation rates of STR, the findings of parentage testing may be incorrectly interpreted if even one or two mismatches occur between the parent and offspring[3,4]. Therefore, mutations must be considered when calculating paternity probability[5,6]. Further, credible information needs to be collected regarding the mutation rates and mutation characteristics of STR loci to ensure the accuracy of parentage or kinship te...
Source: Legal Medicine - March 26, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Cheng Xiao, Zhiyong Peng, Feilong Chen, Hui Yan, Bofeng Zhu, Yunchun Tai, Pingming Qiu, Chao Liu, Xuheng Song, Zihao Wu, Ling Chen Source Type: research

Use of postmortem computed tomography to retrieve small metal fragments derived from a weapon in the bodies of victims in two homicide cases
Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is becoming a commonly used modality in routine forensic investigation [1,2]. Postmortem CT and magnetic resonance imaging have been proved to be useful for forensic examinations, especially in victims of trauma [4,5]. These imaging methods have revolutionized not only forensic diagnosis but also the documentation of evidence that can be used in court proceedings [3]. In addition, PMCT is a superior technique for finding air within the body, such as pneumothorax and gas embolism in the heart and great vessels [6,7]. (Source: Legal Medicine)
Source: Legal Medicine - March 26, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Rie Sano, Yoichiro Takahashi, Akira Hayakawa, Masayuki Murayama, Rieko Kubo, Satoshi Hirasawa, Hiroyuki Tokue, Takehiro Shimada, Sachiko Awata, Hiroyuki Takei, Masahiro Yuasa, Shinji Uetake, Hisashi Akuzawa, Yoshihiko Kominato Source Type: research

Tangential cranial ballistic impact: An illustration of the limitations of post-mortem CT scan?
Restoring a body after an autopsy can be a complex task. On the one hand, according to French law (articles R. 230-28 to 230-31 of the Criminal Procedure Code), no-one can obstruct a judicial autopsy ordered by the public prosecutor. On the other hand, the Act of May 11, 2011, states that “the practitioner who carried out a judicial autopsy is required to ensure the best possible restoration of the body before its return to the relatives”. Post-mortem imaging makes this requirement easier to meet because of its non-invasive, fast and accurate approach. (Source: Legal Medicine)
Source: Legal Medicine - March 17, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Cl émence Delteil, Pierre Gach, Noura Ben Nejma, Françoise Capasso, Pierre Perich, Pierre Massiani, Guillaume Gorincour, Marie-Dominique Piercecchi-Marti, Lucille Tuchtan Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

sjTREC quantification using SYBR quantitative PCR for age estimation of bloodstains in a Japanese population
In forensic investigations, DNA genotyping is widely used for individual identification and paternity testing. Moreover, DNA phenotyping has practical applications such as age estimation [1]. Individual age is a useful phenotypic trait for identification purposes. Previously proposed genetic indicators for human age estimation are based on the accumulation of mitochondrial DNA deletions [2,3] and telomere shortening [4,5]. These are not suitable for practical applications because of the complex procedures and problems with accuracy. (Source: Legal Medicine)
Source: Legal Medicine - March 15, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Eisuke Yamanoi, Saori Uchiyama, Makoto Sakurada, Yasuhiro Ueno Source Type: research

A case of transnasal intracranial penetrating injury with skull base fracture caused by a broken golf club shaft
Penetrating head injuries are an uncommon subset of head trauma and account for only 0.4% of all head injuries [1 –3]. Penetrating head injuries are usually caused by firearms or metallic objects such as bullets or knives. These injuries are most commonly the result of assault, falls, or motor vehicle collisions. In Japan, most penetrating intracranial traumas are caused by pointed objects such as pencils and umbrella tips [4,5]. Most of them pass through the eye orbit, and cases through nasal cavity are rare. (Source: Legal Medicine)
Source: Legal Medicine - March 12, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Hideaki Kato, Sanae Kanno, Jun Ohtaki, Yoshimi Nakamura, Tetsuya Horita, Mamiko Fukuta, Kazuhito Eguchi, Mohamed Hassan Gaballa, Yasuhiro Aoki Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

Suicidal shot in the mouth with rubber bullets
A lot of «non-lethal» weapons exist [1,2], they are commonly used by the police to maintain public order, but also by citizens for self-defense. (Source: Legal Medicine)
Source: Legal Medicine - March 1, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Malou Gu érant, Marie-Aude Vaz, Michel Peoc'h, Yvan Gaillard, Baptiste Boyer Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

Editorial Board
(Source: Legal Medicine)
Source: Legal Medicine - March 1, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Editorial Board (Issue 1)
(Source: Legal Medicine)
Source: Legal Medicine - March 1, 2018 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research