Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii
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Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · Jan 2019
Review Case ReportsUnexpected deadly outcome of a body packer - a case of drowning and illegal drug trafficking with review
The human body is often used for illegal drug trafficking around the world. This may be done by concealing the drugs inside the body, so-called "body packing". ⋯ However, we present herein a case in which the death of an unidentified victim, which was notified as a case of seawater drowning in a non-suspicious manner, but later proved to be the death of a body packer as a result of drowning due to a morphine overdose. This case highlights the importance of investigating deaths even in unidentified bodies and the different presentations of fatal consequences of a body packer, which previously have not been described in literature.
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Hunting shot are 1.2-10 mm diameter balls, usually made of lead alloys, forming a cluster projectile used in smoothbore hunting shotguns. Shot may also be used in pistol and revolver ammunition, in which it can constitute structural element of the projectile. ⋯ It is hoped that such information will be useful for forensic ballistics experts. Historical development of pellets and their manufacturing technology from the 15th century is presented.
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Most likely, opium was the first narcotic substance discovered at the dawn of humankind. The history of drug addiction is immensely rich and allows for tracing the long way humankind had to travel to reach the contemporary level of consciousness with respect to narcotic substances. A retrospective view of drug addiction that takes into consideration the historical context, while extending our knowledge, also allows for a better understanding of today's problems. The report presents elements of a retrospective view of problems associated with addiction to opium, morphine and heroin over the centuries, what is a subject of scientific interest in contemporary toxicology.
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Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · Jan 2011
Review[Methods of carbon monoxide determination in postmortem blood--advantages and disadvantages].
With respect to epidemiology of carbon monoxide poisonings, the diagnostic management of poisonings caused by this xenobiotic is among the fundamental objectives of forensic toxicology. In forensic practice, to determine carbon monoxide, colorimetric and spectrophotometric methods, as well as gas chromatography are used. Based on literature data and their own experience, the authors discuss analytical methods universally applied in determinations of carbon monoxide in postmortem blood. The advantages and disadvantages, as well as the cause of errors resulting from the specificity of the examined material (postmortem blood) are indicated.
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Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol · Jan 2010
Review[Medico-legal autopsy--selected legal issues: regulation concerning the performance of medico-legal autopsy of July 15, 1929].
Polish literature on law and forensic pathology abounds with opinions that the Regulation of the Minister of Justice and of the Minister of Internal Affairs Concerning the Performance of Medico-Legal Autopsy of 15 July 15, 1929, continues to remain in force. The authors thoroughly analyse the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code of 19 April, 1969 and the Act on Enactment of the Provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code of 19 April, 1969. The results of semiotic and systematic interpretations of the aforementioned acts leave no doubt that the regulation of 1929 has been derogated. Nonetheless, the authors stress that, despite the lack of legal force, the regulation of the interwar years can still be considered a useful guide for less experienced doctors who perform medico-legal autopsies on an ad hoc basis.