Forensic application of ESEM and XRF-EDS techniques to a fatal case of sodium phosphate enema intoxication

Viel, Guido; Cecchetto, Giovanni; Fabbri, Luigi; Furlan, Claudia; Ferrara, Santo Davide; Montisci, Massimo

doi:10.1007/s00414-009-0344-9

Cited by 16 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…First, micro-CT analysis gives an indirect identification of GSR particles; thereby, substances with the same density of powder particles might be erroneously tagged as GSR, generating a false positive result. Considering that micro-CT is a non-destructive technique [20], a possible solution for the above-mentioned problem could be the identification of the chemical composition of the metal residues by means of an environmental scanning electron microscope coupled to an X-ray fluorescence energy dispersive spectroscope [28], thus strongly reducing the possibility of a misinterpretation of the results.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Estimation of the firing distance through micro-CT analysis of gunshot wounds

et al. 2010

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Estimation of the firing range is often critical for reconstructing gunshot fatalities, where the main measurable evidence is the gunshot residue (GSR). In the present study intermediate-range gunshot wounds have been analysed by means of a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) coupled to an image analysis software in order to quantify the powder particles and to determine the firing distance. A total of 50 shootings were performed on skin sections obtained from human legs surgically amputated for medical reasons. For each tested distance (5, 15, 23, 30 and 40 cm), firing was carried out perpendicularly at the samples using a 7.65-mm pistol loaded with jacketed bullets. Uninjured skin sections were used as controls. By increasing the firing distance, micro-CT analysis demonstrated a clear decreasing trend in the mean GSR percentage, particularly for shots fired from more than 15 cm. For distances under 23 cm, the powder particles were concentrated on the epidermis and dermis around the hole, and inside the cavity; while, at greater distances, they were deposited only on the skin surface. Statistical analysis showed a nonlinear relationship between the amount of GSR deposits and the firing range, well explained by a Gaussian-like function. The proposed method allowed a good discrimination for all the tested distances, proving to be an objective, rapid and inexpensive tool for estimating the firing range in intermediate-range gunshot wounds

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Estimation of the firing distance through micro-CT analysis of gunshot wounds

et al. 2010

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“…However, this theory seems less plausible, given the consistent absence of any signs of granuloma or cell reactions. Scanning electron microscope in association with energy dispersion spectrometry has recently been used in forensic medicine in different areas like gunshot residue analysis [25][26][27], dental comparison [28], diagnosis of work-related pulmonary diseases (silica particles) [29] and evidence of exogenous substances (sodium phosphate) [30].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Release of metals from osteosynthesis implants as a method for identification: post-autopsy histopathological and ultrastructural forensic study

et al. 2009

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Metal structures--especially of stainless steel, titanium and their alloys (biomaterials)--are widely used in orthopaedic practice and the subject of constant study in bioengineering and preventive medicine. This study presents the first experience of forensic research into the presence of permanent tissue variations around metal implants in various bone structures for the purpose of identification, with particular reference to skeletal remains or severely decomposed corpses in the absence of other identifying elements. The evaluation was conducted on 12 corpses who had undergone osteosynthesis intra-vitam, whose implants were still in place or had been removed, in comparison with five controls who had never undergone osteosynthesis. Bone fragments taken during autopsy were subjected to histopathological and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive electroscopy examination in order to reveal and characterise any metal particles originating from osteosynthesis. The study enabled the discovery of intra-bone metal particles in tissues treated by osteosynthesis even in bone areas where the implants had been removed and even where there were no longer any radiological signs of their application. These results are therefore of considerable forensic importance, especially in the area of identification, providing a valid means of recognition beyond that of the well-established use of in situ metal implants.

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“…Obviously, considering that microCT is a nondestructive technique and that the proposed method allows only a presumptive identification of the GSR particles, positive results should be confirmed with a "gold standard" method such as environmental scanning electron microscopy coupled with an X-ray fluorescence energy dispersive spectrometry [26,27], ICP-MS [15,16] or neutron activation analysis [17].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

MicroCT detection of gunshot residue in fresh and decomposed firearm wounds

et al. 2011

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Gunshot residue (GSR) evidence may be altered or obscured by after-death events such as putrefaction, autolysis, and/or damage by animals. The present study aimed at evaluating and comparing the amount and differential distribution of GSR utilizing microcomputed tomography (microCT) analysis of fresh and decomposed gunshot wounds. A total of 60 experimental shootings at three different firing distances (5, 15, and 30 cm) were performed on human calves surgically amputated for medical reasons. Thirty specimens (10 for each tested distance) were immediately formalin-fixed, while the other 30 specimens were enclosed in a cowshed for 15 days, before formalin fixation (air temperature ranging from 11°C to 38°C). MicroCT analysis with three-dimensional image reconstruction detected GSR particles in all the investigated entrance wounds. In fresh specimens, GSR was concentrated on the skin surface around the entrance hole and in the epidermis and dermis layers around the cavity, while in decomposed specimens, the high density particles were detected only in the dermis layer. No GSR was detected in exit wounds of both fresh and decomposed specimens regardless of the tested firing distance. Statistical analysis demonstrated that also in decomposed wounds the amount of GSR roughly correlated with the distance from which the gun was fired, exhibiting, however, a higher variability than in fresh samples. The obtained results suggest that microCT analysis can be a valid screening tool for differentiating decomposed entrance and exit gunshot wounds.

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Forensic application of ESEM and XRF-EDS techniques to a fatal case of sodium phosphate enema intoxication

Cited by 16 publications

References 22 publications

Estimation of the firing distance through micro-CT analysis of gunshot wounds

Estimation of the firing distance through micro-CT analysis of gunshot wounds

Release of metals from osteosynthesis implants as a method for identification: post-autopsy histopathological and ultrastructural forensic study

MicroCT detection of gunshot residue in fresh and decomposed firearm wounds

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