Forensic science international
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Post-mortem CT scanning (PMCT) has been introduced at several forensic medical institutions many years ago and has proved to be a useful tool. 3D models of bones, skin, internal organs and bullet paths can rapidly be generated using post-processing software. These 3D models reflect the individual physiognomics and can be used to create whole-body 3D virtual animations. In such way, virtual reconstructions of the probable ante-mortem postures of victims can be constructed and contribute to understand the sequence of events. ⋯ It has be shown that in Case #1 the lesions and the bullet path were not consistent with an upright standing position; instead, the victim was slightly bent forward, i.e. he was sitting or running when he was shot. In Case #2, one of the bullets could have passed through the arm and continued into the thorax. In conclusion, specialized 3D modelling and animation techniques allow for the reconstruction of ante-mortem postures based on both PMCT and clinical CT.
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Observational Study
Prevalence of psychoactive substances, alcohol and illicit drugs, in Spanish drivers: A roadside study in 2015.
A survey was conducted during 2015 to monitor psychoactive substance use in a sample of drivers in Spanish roads and cities. Traffic police officers recruited drivers at sites carefully chosen to achieve representativeness of the driver population. A brief questionnaire included the date, time, and personal and driving patterns data. ⋯ Cannabis was more likely to be detected at younger ages and cocaine was associated with night driving. Alcohol use before driving has decreased over the last decade; however, the consumption of other illegal drugs seems to have increased. The pattern of illegal psychoactive substance observed is similar to that declared in surveys of the general population of adults.
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Case Reports
Lethal suicide attempt with a mixed-drug intoxication of metoprolol and propafenone - A first pediatric case report.
The β1 adrenergic receptor blocker metoprolol is often prescribed together with the antiarrhythmic drug propafenone. Both are metabolized by cytochrome P450 2D6 and propafenone is also an inhibitor of this enzyme. We present a pediatric case showing metoprolol and propafenone intoxication in combination. ⋯ We document a pediatric case report of death due to a mixed drug overdose of metoprolol and propafenone, along with data regarding serum metoprolol, alfa-hydroxymetoprolol, and propafenone levels.