Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) span multiple disciplines, including the medico-legal sciences, also with reference to the concept of disease and disability. In this context, the International Classification of Diseases, Injuries, and Causes of Death (ICD) is a standard for the classification of diseases and related problems developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), and it represents a valid tool for statistical and epidemiological studies. Indeed, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) is outlined as a classification that aims to describe the state of health of people in relation to their existential spheres (social, family, work). This paper lays the foundations for proposing an operating model for the use of AI in the assessment of impairments with the aim of making the information system as homogeneous as possible, starting from the main coding systems of the reference pathologies and functional damages. Providing a scientific basis for the understanding and study of health, as well as establishing a common language for the assessment of disability in its various meanings through AI systems, will allow for the improvement and standardization of communication between the various expert users.

Trichotillomania is a psychiatric disorder characterized by recurring urges to pulling out hairs, eyelashes, or down in other parts of the body. Trichophagia, which is the urge to ingesting the pulled-out hairs, can cause Rapunzel syndrome, an unusual disorder where gastric trichobezoars can be found in the small intestine. Trichobezoars, amorphous masses composed of undigested food formed by hairs, can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract up to simulating symptoms typical of bowel obstruction. Rapunzel syndrome, named after Grimm’s tale, may cause death, especially in the pediatric population, being it seldom over the age of 6; moreover, developing countries and environmental and familiar issues are listed as uncertain risk factors. The present case report deals with the death of a 4-year-old female occurred after lunch and following a series of vomit events; while no traumatic or pathological findings were revealed at the external examination, the autopsy revealed three large trichobezoars localized in the stomach and the small intestine. Despite death was due to gastrointestinal obstruction for multiple trichobezoars and collateral bronchoaspiration of dietary material, histological findings were totally non-specific, meaning that it is sometimes difficult to conclude that death is related to the primary pathological condition.

Rust stains are marks left by firearms in case of prolonged contact with the cutaneous surfaces. These peculiar signs along with other well-documented findings can guide the medical examiner in the determination of the manner of death, especially in case of firearm suicide. This paper presents the case of a 33-year-old male soldier who committed suicide by using a short-barreled weapon, whose trigger remained in contact with the first finger of his right hand, leading to the formation of a rust stain that perfectly reproduced its design. The forensic examination of the scene, the external cadaveric inspection, and the autopsy are described. For the evaluation of the histological findings typical of rust spots, the authors decided to replicate the phenomenon in an experimental setting using porcine skin. In order to provide an exhaustive overview on the formation and the features of rust stains, a review of the forensic literature concerning this rare mark was performed.

The above article, published online on January 27, 2020, in Wiley Online Library, has been withdrawn by agreement between the authors, the JFS Editor in Chief (Dr. Michael Peat), and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The withdrawal has been agreed by all parties given the ongoing confidential legal proceeding concerning the death of the individual included in the Case Report.

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