Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine

Peer-review medical journal

 

Editor-in-chief

Publisher

Journal founders

  • Russian Association of Forensic Medical Experts (link).
  • Eco-Vector Publishing group (link)

About

The peer-review medical journal "Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine" aimed to provide the very latest information both in research, practical and educational areas related to a wide range of fields across the forensic sciences. Fields include forensic pathology and histochemistry, chemistry, biochemistry and toxicology, biology, serology, odontology, psychiatry, anthropology, digital forensics, the physical sciences, firearms, and document examination, as well as investigations of value to public health in its broadest sense, and the important marginal area where science and medicine interact with the law. The journal publishers original researches, reviews, case reports, commentaries, letters to the editor, clinical and laboratory observations by Russian and international authors, pertinent to readers in CIS countries and around the world.  View full aims & scope

Publication frequency

  • Quarterly, 4 issues per year
  • Continuously Ahead-of-Print (Online First)

 

 

Language

  • English
  • Russian
  • Chinese

Distribution

  • Hybrid access: Subscription and Optional Open Access under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivates 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).

Indexing

APC

  • "Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine" charges APC (Article Processing Charge), and this is clearly flagged in the journal's guide for authors and during the submission process. All monies derived from APC are used to support the editorial preparation, Open Access for published articles, journal development and article selection procedures.

  • "Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine" do not levy any mandatory additional fees from authors (NO Article Submission Charge, NO Color Images Charge, NO Charge per Page).

  • The fee for paid editorial services can be reduced or voided at the request of any authors team. For more information on APCs please see Author Guidelines page.

Announcements More Announcements...

 

Vladimir A. Klevno, founder and first editor-in-chief of the Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine, passed away.

Posted: 25.08.2023

At the 69th year of life after a long and serious illness, Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences Vladimir A. Klevno passed away.
We remember, love and grieve.


 

XVI conference of young scientists and specialists “Forensic medical science and practice”

Posted: 15.03.2023

November 11, 2022, the Department of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law, Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry n.a. A.I. Evdokimov in conjunction with the Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination of the Moscow Department of Health held the XVI Scientific and Practical Conference of Young Scientists and Specialists "Forensic Science and Practice."

Detail available here: https://www.msmsu.ru/obrazovanie/student/studentu/facultet-cafedra/lechebnyy_fakultet/kafedra-sudebnoy-meditsiny-i-meditsinskogo-prava/scientific/ 


 

Current Issue

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Access granted  Restricted Access Subscription or Fee Access

Vol 9, No 4 (2023)

Cover Page

Full Issue

Open Access Open Access
Restricted Access Access granted
Restricted Access Subscription or Fee Access

ORIGINAL STUDY ARTICLES

Delayed deaths in near-hanging cases: An autopsy study of causes and associated factors
Hosahally J.S., Chandra G.Y., Hugar B.S.
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Near-hanging refers to individuals who survive a hanging injury for various durations. However, hospitalized patients succumb to complications resulting in delayed deaths.

AIM: to evaluate various factors associated with causes of delayed death in near-hanging events and provide insight into the improvement of emergency services.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective autopsy-based study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine, M.S. Ramaiah Medical College, between 2012 and 2021. All near-hanging cases of hospitalized patients who later succumbed to complications and were subsequently subjected to medicolegal autopsy were included in the study.

RESULTS: Victims were commonly women aged 19–30 years. More than half of them could reach the hospital within 30 min to 1 hour, and 47.8% of them were suspended for between 1–3 min. Moreover, 65% survived for more than a day. Partial hanging with a faint ligature mark was more common, and 95.7% of them had taken off from a platform with a falling height of <1 metre. Cerebral edema and consolidation were the common postmortem findings in the brain and lungs. Death was attributed to hypoxic encephalopathy in the majority of the cases.

CONCLUSION: Longer the duration of suspension, higher fall height, noncontact with the ground while being suspended, cerebral edema, hypoxia, pulmonary edema, hypotension, and need for resuscitation are predictors of fatal outcomes in near-hanging events.

Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine. 2023;9(4):373-381
pages 373-381 views
Profile of poisoning cases in a tertiary care centre in rural South India
Geetha K.B., H. J.S., Prakash M.
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Poisoning is the fourth most common cause of mortality in rural India. The commonest agents in India appear to be pesticides, sedatives, chemicals, alcohol, animal & plant toxins and household toxins. Our hospital receives an average of 20 to 25 poisoning cases every month.

AIMS: To profile all cases of poisoning those are reported to casualty department at Dr. Chandramma Dayananda Sagar Institute of Medical Education and Research (CDSIMER); to study the types and frequency of poisoning cases admitted to the centre; to study the socio demographic associations of the poisoning cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Present study is a hospital record-based retrospective observational study of acute poisoning cases registered in the medicolegal register in the casualty of CDSIMER, which is a tertiary care centre situated in rural area near Harohalli, Ramanagara District, India.

RESULTS: Males constituted 58% of the cases and 33.52% of the cases were in the age group of 21–30 years. 81.4% of the cases were able to reach hospital between 1 to 8 hours. 56% of the cases recovered and were discharged within 3 days. In 22 cases the duration of admission was more than 2 weeks as they went into complications. Organo phosphorus group of insecticide was the most common type of poison consumed constituting to 40.8% of the cases followed by Snake bite. Attempt to suicide (60.35%) was more common than accidental poisoning.

CONCLUSION: Insecticides mainly Organophosphorus compound are the most common group of poisons which causes morbidity and mortality in rural Indian population especially in young adults between 21 to 40 years. Owing to the presence of forests in the region, Snake bite becomes the second largest type of poisoning. Suicide frequently prevails in the rural areas; financial problem is the leading cause for farmers to commit suicide.

Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine. 2023;9(4):383-390
pages 383-390 views
Bridging the gap: Assessing death certification competency in Bulgarian healthcare education
Kolev Y.G., Valentinova T., Stefanovski P.H., Tumbeva E., Mirochnik N.M., Kolev P.Y.
Abstract

BACKGROUND: In Bulgaria, procedural protocols following a citizen’s death are governed by an intricate network of normative documents. Despite the presumed alignment between international and national guidelines, practical experiences reveal shortcomings in the proficiency of healthcare providers, particularly in cases involving prior medical interventions or systemic vulnerabilities.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the readiness of final-year medical students and early-career physicians in navigating death certification intricacies, including their responses, documentation precision, and postmortem procedures for bereaved families, with implications for national health statistics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: By employing a mixed-methods approach, this study distributed questionnaires to sixth-year medical students and practicing physicians, including those in emergency medicine centers and general practice. Data collection included paper-based and digital questionnaires, ensuring anonymity and ethical compliance. Statistical analysis, employing parametric (t-test) and nonparametric (Chi-square) tests, forms the basis for actionable recommendations and educational material development.

RESULTS: This study included 143 participants, of which 41% expressed apprehension about managing out-of-hospital deaths. Approximately 44% claimed familiarity with death certification regulations, with students displaying higher theoretical confidence but lacking practical knowledge. Remarkably, 74% of physicians never received formal training in death certification. Discrepancies in issuing death certificates, timing, and notification procedures were identified.

CONCLUSION: Findings reveal varying practices among physicians according to their specialties. Issues related to documentation, timing, and notification were prevalent. The study emphasizes the need for improved training, particularly for medical students. Emergency medicine doctors exhibited higher preparedness levels. Medical students and early-career physicians urgently require enhanced education in death certification preparedness. Incorporating these topics into medical curricula, offering specialized courses, and disseminating instructional materials can significantly enhance effectiveness. Future studies should assess the quality and accuracy of recorded causes of death, which affect healthcare statistics, public service, and legal procedures, underscoring the societal and administrative significance of death certification practices.

Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine. 2023;9(4):391-401
pages 391-401 views
Individual age determination based on computed tomography knee analysis using artificial neural networks and computer vision: Preliminary results
Zolotenkov D.D., Trufanov M.I., Solodovnikov V.I.
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Currently, studies have focused on the modernization of existing methods of forensic age assessment (bone and skeletal) through the active use of modern methods of medical imaging (e.g., computed tomography) and artificial intelligence for their analysis. This approach enables the creation of new methods for assessing biological age, which is characterized by increased accuracy and reproducibility.

AIM: To develop and test an algorithm for predicting the biological age of an individual based on computed tomography analysis of the knee joint using artificial neural networks and computer vision.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational retrospective transverse (one time) study analyzed computed tomography scans (334) of the knee joint performed in the Departments of Radiation Diagnostics of the Priorov Central Institute for Trauma and Orthopedics, Vreden National Medical Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics, between 2018 and 2021. The study enrolled persons of both sexes aged 13–45 years. Cases of developmental abnormalities, knee injuries, signs of general connective tissue pathology were excluded. Research methods include the use of intelligent information technologies (a formalized set of mathematical and software solutions).

RESULTS: Based on the experiments conducted, an algorithm for assessing age according to the computed tomography scans of the knee joint has been developed. The main components of the developed system are as follows: a preprocessing module, an intelligent computing core, a data analysis module, a three-dimensional reconstruction module, a property extraction module, and a final age assessment module. The essence of the proposed method is the simultaneous use of artificial neural networks and clearly formalized mathematical procedures for calculating the properties of the epiphyseal line. To obtain the results and conduct primary experimental studies that confirmed the feasibility, correctness, and operability of the method, software using the YOLOv5 neural network was developed. The result of the error matrix analysis after training shows a probability of correct recognition of the order of 80%. Verification of experimental studies was performed on 46 cases. At present, the age estimation error is approximately 1 year for children and adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS: The experimental results have confirmed the adequacy of the age estimates obtained to the actual age of the individual and, consequently, the applicability of the proposed method in forensic medical institutions. The proposed method is currently implemented as a set of software components with subsequent manual integration of automatically calculated data. The plan was to supplement the database of computed tomography images to increase the training sample and the accuracy of age prediction.

Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine. 2023;9(4):403-412
pages 403-412 views
Operator dependence of methods for obtaining metric characteristics of a face with real measurements and digital images
Yusupova A.A., Alyabyev F.V., Tsiupko E.V., Dyagileva A.P., Sukhareva K.V., Chesalov N.P., Vashchenko G.A.
Abstract

BACKGROUND: No studies in the scientific literature have established the operator dependence of portrait identification with the manual method of measuring facial parameters in subjects compared with measurements from digital images. The labor costs and accuracy of the measurements with these methods have not been established.

AIM: To establish the operator dependence of methods of real-face measurement and measurement on digital images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Facial parameters were instrumentally measured in 24 Caucasian women aged 19–20 years who were studying at the Professor V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University by four researchers independently of each other. The same type of standard digital photography of each subject’s face was taken in five projections, followed by a comparison of the results of real measurements with digital ones.

RESULTS: When comparing the results of facial measurements obtained from digital images and manual method, an error was observed both in the measurements of one parameter by one researcher using two methods and in the excellent results obtained by other researchers. However, the greatest deviations were observed with the manual method, which may be due to the dependence of measurements on the operator.

CONCLUSION: With a streamlined and methodically verified approach to working with digital facial images, this technique is more accurate and less labor-intensive than real measurements because of the absence of operator dependence, which can be used in investigating crimes.

Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine. 2023;9(4):413-420
pages 413-420 views
Establishment of the morphological features of stab injuries to the ribs caused by a knife with a blade spine thickness of 0.1 cm
Potankina T.V., Maksimov A.V., Lysenko O.V., Kislov M.A.
Abstract

BACKGROUND: The identification of all possible parameters and features of the tool that caused the injuries is of high significance for resolving specific forensic questions in the study of stab injuries to the ribs. However, data on the influence of blade spine thickness on the morphological features of stab injuries to the ribs are lacking.

AIM: To determine the morphological features of stab injuries caused by a knife with a blade spine thickness of 0.1 cm at various angles of impact relative to the lamellar structure of the rib.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental works were performed. Injuries were inflicted perpendicularly to the plane of the rib, to a depth of 5.4 cm, with a knife having a blade spine thickness at the penetration level of 0.1 cm. The study analyzed the anterior sections of ribs IV–VI of individuals of both sexes, predominantly male, aged 18–59 years, which is based on an experimental literature review of cutting and stubbing injuries. In total, 60 experiments were conducted, with 20 injuries each inflicted longitudinally, obliquely, and transversely on the rib lamellar structure. The results of the macroscopic observations were recorded and considered for subsequent interpretation.

RESULTS: In the macroscopic examination of injuries inflicted at various angles to the lines of the compact layer’s lamellar structure, linear-slit-shaped injuries were registered on the external compact plate. When oriented longitudinally in relation to the long axis of the bone, arcuate slit-shaped injuries were also observed. When a split crack was formed in the blade spine zone, a crack formed from one of the corners of the blunt end of the injury, extending longitudinally and obliquely along the bone’s lamellar structure, with some deviations toward the edge of the bone nearest to the injury. In transverse alignment of the injury to the long axis of the bone, the split crack morphologically corresponded to a fracture in bending deformation, gravitating toward the rib edge. The area influenced by the blade spine showed no macroscopic signs of abrasion of the compact or spongy bone. The blunt end of the injury had a round shape. On the internal compact plate, the shape of the injuries more frequently appeared slit-like, and in some cases serrated, due to the bulging of compact bone areas.

CONCLUSION: The study identified significant specific morphological features of stab injuries to the ribs caused by a knife with a blade spine thickness of 0.1 cm, taking into account the lamellar structure of the bone tissue, which allows us to draw conclusions about the knife blade spine thickness.

Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine. 2023;9(4):421-428
pages 421-428 views
Examinations of medical cases conducted in the Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination of the Tambov region
Bestolchenkov A.V., Kurzin L.M.
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Over the past 5 years, the number of commission examinations on improper provision of medical care by the Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination of the Tambov Region has increased. These examinations were performed to identify defects in the provision of medical care and determine their effect on an unfavorable outcome for the patient.

AIM: To analyze and evaluate forensic medical examinations performed at the Tambov Regional Bureau of Forensic Medicine in so-called medical cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: To identify medical specialties with the most frequent cases of inadequate medical care, which are the direct cause of unfavorable outcomes, an analysis of examinations was conducted for 2017–2021. The study included examinations performed from both the Tambov region and other regions.

RESULTS: The number of cases of inadequate provision of medical care, for which the examination confirmed a cause-and-effect relationship with an unfavorable outcome, remains approximately at the same level throughout 2017–2021, and the largest number of defects in the provision of medical care were identified in the profile “obstetrics and gynecology.” However, the identified defects in the provision of medical care do not directly correlate with the number of examinations prescribed.

CONCLUSION: The analysis of medical cases showed that the number of examinations in which a direct causal link was established between defects in the provision of medical care and adverse outcomes remained low annually (not more than 9%). The largest number of defects in the provision of medical care was found in the profile “obstetrics and gynecology,” which relates to defects in diagnosis and treatment.

Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine. 2023;9(4):429-438
pages 429-438 views

CASE REPORTS

Shifting blame from the actions of the accused to medical professionals
Barinov E.K., Voevodina S.G., Barinov A.E.
Abstract

A constant, clear trend is observed toward the appointment of forensic medical examinations in criminal and civil claims to healthcare institutions and individual medical workers. In some cases, criminal cases were initiated against medical workers without sufficient grounds. In their grief, relatives are not always able to objectively assess the actions of medical workers, which is often the reason for contacting investigative and judicial instances. Lawyers also support them in this. Often, medical workers receive complaints because they do not know how to properly explain to the patient and relatives the complexity of the situation and insist on hospitalization. All this is taken into service by lawyers, including medical professionals. Thanks to their actions, the prosecutor’s office, investigation, and courts are forced to do unnecessary and not always necessary work. All the above has become more often manifested during the investigation and trials to mitigate the guilt of the accused in criminal cases that harm health. The defendant or the representative of the defense declares that the consequences of the injury caused to the victim or the death of the victim are the result of the improper actions of medical workers, that is, the victim received inappropriate medical care. Explaining the purpose pursued by these people is difficult. However, such statements only lead to a delay in investigative actions and trials, appointment of additional, and sometimes repeated, forensic medical examinations, including commissions. In court hearings, not only forensic medical experts who conducted examinations are called witnesses to the incident but also medical workers. The presented work provides an expert observation of the death of a 4-year-old child. During the investigation and trial, the issue of inappropriate medical care arose, and a forensic medical examination commission was appointed. The forensic medical examination revealed that the child received appropriate medical care and had no connection with bodily harm.

Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine. 2023;9(4):439-445
pages 439-445 views
Death following COVID-19 vaccination: A case report
Hosahally J.S., Patil V., Chandra G.Y.
Abstract

Vaccines are necessary to reduce the mortality and morbidity of infectious diseases. It has played a vital role in the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Different types of vaccines have been developed to combat the pandemic. Adverse events following immunization including anaphylaxis have been reported for all types of COVID-19 vaccine. Anaphylaxis is common in a person who has a history of allergic reactions. Adverse reactions develop within minutes or a few hours after vaccination. Thus, in India, vaccine recipients are made to stay in the medical facility for 30 min for observation.

Herein, we report the case of a 23-year-old woman who succumbed after 24 hours of taking COVISHIELD ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Corona Virus Vaccine (recombinant). She did not have any symptoms after vaccination during her observation at the medical facility and did not have a history of allergic reactions. She was brought dead to M.S. Ramaiah Hospital, and the autopsy revealed pulmonary edema. Antibodies to COVID-19, inflammatory markers, serum IgE, and coagulation indicators in the postmortem blood sample were high. The cause of death was attributed to a delayed allergic reaction to COVISHIELD vaccine. Newer vaccines can cause fatal allergic reaction, sometimes later than expected, even when cutaneous reactions may not be present.

Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine. 2023;9(4):447-455
pages 447-455 views
Possibilities of identity identification during comprehensive examination of bone remains: A case report
Tolmachev I.A., Lavrukova O.S., Antipov А.V.
Abstract

One of the most difficult types of research conducted in the forensic department of the Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination is the identification of individuals by bone remains. When examining discovered bone remains, the first stage includes the tasks of determining the belonging of bones to a person and then determining the racial identity, sex, age, and growth of an individual. The set of established characteristics plays a decisive role in further search activities and identification of specific persons. This article presents an actual case. Human bone remains were found in the forest, which was established to belong to a white man. The victim was most likely 173–183.5 cm tall. The anatomical and morphological features of the bones correspond to the age of 49–56.5 years. Further, an identification examination was conducted with the study of radiological images of citizen N (52 years old) using graphic identification algorithms. The results established that the bone remains belong to citizen N. The above case demonstrates the possibilities of identity identification in a comprehensive study of bone remains and confirms the relevance of the problem of identifying unidentified corpses in forensic medicine. However, even today, no specific algorithm has been established for identifying the identity of a corpse in a particular situation, which creates additional difficulties in choosing the most correct method (s). Further modernization and improvement of methods for identifying the identity of unidentified corpses is required, and the search for new, simpler, more accessible and objective research methods has both scientific and significant practical interest.

Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine. 2023;9(4):457-464
pages 457-464 views

HISTORY

About teeth in forensic medicine: 120 years since G.I. Vilga defended Russia’s first doctoral dissertation on forensic dentistry
Pashkov K.A., Barinov E.K., Bondar V.A.
Abstract

1923 marked the 120th anniversary of the defense of the doctoral dissertation “On Teeth in Forensic Medicine” by the outstanding Russian odontologist Gilyariy Ivanovich Vilga. The dissertation included an extensive review of foreign literature and the results of his research performed on 160 young healthy men (soldiers) using hand-made instruments.

The work, performed at the junction of odontology and forensic medicine, was the first in Russia to analyze traumatic dental injuries (dislocations and fractures) from this point of view, describe methods of identification of a person by odontological status, methods of studying bite wounds, and approaches to forensic examination of dental and dental technique errors. For many years, this work remained the only manual for odontologists and forensic experts in Russia.

Many provisions of the doctoral dissertation of G.I. Vilga “About teeth in forensic medical relation” have not lost their relevance even today; all this certainly allows us to consider G.I. Vilga as the founder of domestic forensic dentistry.

Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine. 2023;9(4):465-472
pages 465-472 views

BOOK REVIEWS

Book by V.A. Klevno, V.V. Frolov and I.A. Frolova “Forensic medical assessment of traumatic brain injury” as an addition to the textbook on forensic medicine: Review
Kanibolotskiy A.A.
Abstract

This review contains an overview of the textbook “Forensic medical assessment of traumatic brain injury” published in “Practical Medicine” by V.A. Klevno, V.V. Frolova, and I.A. Frolova. The review emphasized the importance of the peer-reviewed publication for modern medicine and content of the main sections devoted to the epidemiology of traumatic brain injury, revealed the main mechanisms of traumatic effects for causing traumatic brain injury and brain damage both with well-studied impression, compression, inertial trauma, and with impulse action, and emphasized the importance of defining the concept of traumatic brain injury, disclosure, and systematization of the concept of “damaging factors.” set out in the first five sections. The review also noted the importance of practical forensic experts’ knowledge of traumatic isolated subdural hematoma and chronic subdural hematoma, including the pathogenesis of its development and macroscopic signs in Sections 6 and 7 of the textbook. The review also evaluated the important role of practical recommendations on the rules for the collection and referral of biological materials for forensic histological examination, examples of the design of a forensic medical diagnosis, a medical death certificate, and conclusions for various types of traumatic brain injury. A detailed list of literary sources is provided, which presents the names of the most authoritative experts on the problem under consideration, as well as a glossary that is important for the unification and uniform understanding of the terms and concepts used. The review emphasizes the high quality of the book’s design, convenience for readers of the chosen publication format, and rich color schemes and illustrations. The analysis shows that the reviewed textbook contains the main information on traumatic brain injury and intracranial hemorrhages to date, which gives readers a full understanding of this problem, interests them with the need to understand complex and controversial issues and study the works referred to by the authors, which will undoubtedly improve the understanding of the complex mechanisms of various types of traumatic brain injury and the quality conducted forensic medical examinations. The textbook is extremely relevant, modern, and designed at a high level and contains comprehensive information for the training processes and use in the work of most medical specialists. The review concluded with a statement of hope that Vladimir Alexandrovic et al. will not stop there and will release a full-fledged manual on the forensic diagnosis of traumatic brain injury, with a more detailed classification and content that meets modern scientific and practical needs.

Russian Journal of Forensic Medicine. 2023;9(4):473-478
pages 473-478 views


This website uses cookies

You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website.

About Cookies