Postmortem Interval Estimation Using Accumulated Degree Days According to the Body’s Decomposition Stage
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17986/blm.2016220396Keywords:
forensic taphonomy, postmortem interval, forensic anthropologyAbstract
Postmortem interval arises one of the most important research topics in worldwide modern forensic science applications. In spite of utilizing morphological, biochemical, flow-cytometric, microbiological, entomological, anthropological, spectroscopic and main postmortem changes in postmortem interval estimation, it does not seem possible to get certain results by only one test or method. Because, there are many physical, chemical and biological processes affecting the parameters. Therefore, postmortem interval estimation needs development of previous methods and implementation of novel methods. In this regard, taphonomic methods need to be improved in postmortem interval estimation and regional factors and climate impact need to be determined by experimental studies. In particular, we are of the opinion that that more accurate estimation of postmortem interval will be achieved by determining regional factor involving postmortem period. This paper aims to evaluate the relationship between postmortem interval and accumulated degree days in respect of decomposition stages.
Key Words: Forensic Taphonomy, Postmortem Interval, Forensic Anthropology
Downloads
References
Dolinak D, Matshes E, Lew EO. Forensic Pathology: Principles and Practice. Burlington: Academic Press, 2005.
Saukko P, Knight B. Knight's Forensic Pathology. 3rd Ed. Arnold, London: CRC Press, 204.
DiMaio D, VJ D. Forensic Pathology. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2001.
McLay WDS. Clinical Forensic Medicine. Cambrigde: Cambridge University Press, 2009. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511576300
Madea B, Tsokos M, Preuß J. Death Due to Hypothermia Morphological Findings, Their Pathogenesis and Diagnostic Value. Forensic Pathology Reviews: Springer. 2008:3-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-110-9_1
Madea B, Käferstein H, Hermann N, Sticht G. Hypoxanthine in Vitreous Humor and Cerebrospinal Fluid¬-A Marker of Postmortem Interval and Prolonged (Vital) Hypoxia? Remarks Also on Hypoxanthine in SIDS. Forensic Sci Int 1994;65(1):19-31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0379-0738(94)90296-8
Koç S. Ölüm Zamanı ve Postmortem Interval Belirlenmesi. İstanbul Üniversitesi Cerrahpaşa Tıp Fakültesi Adli Tıp Ders Kitabı 1. Cerrahpaşa Tıp Fakültesi Yayınları, 2011, İstanbul.
Kaliszan M, Hauser R, Kernbach-Wighton G. Estimation of the Time of Death Based on the Assessment of Post Mortem Processes with Emphasis on Body Cooling. Legal Med 2009;11(3):111-7 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.legalmed.2008.12.002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.legalmed.2008.12.002
Mall G, Eisenmenger W. Estimation of Time Since Death by Heat-Flow Finite-Element Model. Part I: Method, Model, Calibration and Validation. Legal Med 2005;7(1):1-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.legalmed.2004.06.006
Mall G, Eisenmenger W. Estimation of Time Since Death by Heat-Flow Finite-Element Model Part II: Application to Non-Standard Cooling Conditions and Preliminary Results in Practical Casework. Legal Med 2005;7(2):69-80. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.legalmed.2004.06.007
Coe JI. Postmortem Chemistry Update Emphasis on Forensic Application. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 1993;14(2):91-117. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00000433-199306000-00001
Quan L, Zhu BL, Ishikawa T, Michiue T, Zhao D, Li DR, Ogawa M, Maeda H. Postmortem Serum Erythropoietin Levels in Establishing the Cause of Death and Survival Time at Medicolegal Autopsy. Int J Legal Med 2008;122(6):481-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-008-0276-9
Jashnani KD, Kale SA, Rupani AB. Vitreous Humor: Biochemical Constituents in Estimation of Postmortem Interval. J Forensic Sci 2010;55(6):1523-7. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01501.x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01501.x
Munoz JI, Suarez-Penaranda JM, Otero XL, Rodriguez-Calvo MS, Costas E, Miguens X, Concheiro L. A New Perspective in The Estimation of Postmortem Interval (PMI) Based on Vitreous. J Forensic Sci 2001;46(2):209-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1520/JFS14950J
Quan L, Ishikawa T, Hara J, Michiue T, Chen J-H, Wang Q, Zhu BL, Maeda H. Postmortem Serotonin Levels in Cerebrospinal and Pericardial Fluids With Regard to the Cause of Death in Medicolegal Autopsy. Legal Med 2011;13(2):75-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.legalmed.2010.11.003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.legalmed.2010.11.003
Hejna P, Zátopková L, Tsokos M. The Diagnostic Value of Synovial Membrane Hemorrhage and Bloody Discoloration of Synovial Fluid (“Inner Knee Sign”) in Autopsy Cases of Fatal Hypothermia. Int J Legal Med 2012;126(3):415-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-012-0677-7
Querido D. Time-Dependent Changes in Electrical Resistance of the Intact Abdomen During the 1–504 H Postmortem Period in Rats. Forensic Sci Int 1994;67(1):17-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0379-0738(94)90407-3
Elmas I, Baslo MB, Ertas M, Kaya M. Compound Muscle Action Potential Analysis in Different Death Models: Significance for The Estimation of Early Postmortem Interval. Forensic Sci Int 2002;127(1):75-81. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0379-0738(02)00112-3
Di Nunno N, Costantinides F, Cina SJ, Rizzardi C, Di Nunno C, Melato M. What Is The Best Sample for Determining The Early Postmortem Period By on-The-Spot Flow Cytometry Analysis? Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2002;23(2):173-80. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00000433-200206000-00013
Mathur A, Agrawal Y. An Overview of Methods Used for Estimation of Time Since Death. Australian J Forensic Sci 2011;43(4):275-85. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00450618.2011.568970
Morris J, Harrison L, Partridge S. Postmortem Bacteriology: A Re-Evaluation. J Clinical Pathol 2006;59(1):1-9. https://doi.org/10.1136/jcp.2005.028183. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/jcp.2005.028183
Saegeman V, Verhaegen J, Lismont D, Verduyckt B, De Rijdt T, Ectors N. Influence of Postmortem Time on the Outcome of Blood Cultures Among Cadaveric Tissue Donors. European J Clinical Microbiol & Infectious Diseases 2009;28(2):161-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-008-0609-0
Morris JA, Harrison LM, Biswas J, Telford DR. Transient bacteraemia: a possible cause of sudden life threatening events. Medical Hypotheses 2007;69(5):1032-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2007.02.039. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2007.02.039
Catts E. Problems in Estimating the Postmortem Interval in Death Investigations. J Agricultural Entomology 1992;9(4):245-55.
VanLaerhoven S, Anderson G. Forensic Entomology Determining Time of Death in Buried Homicide Victims Using Insect Succession, Technical Report TR-02 96. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Police Research Centre, 1996.
Goff M, Flynn M. Determination of Postmortem Interval by Arthropod Succession: A Case Study from the Hawaiian Islands. J Forensic Sci 1991;36(2):607-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1520/JFS13067J
Goff M. Estimation of Postmortem Interval Using Arthropod Development and Successional Patterns. Forensic Sci Review 1993;5(2):81-94.
Karapazarlıoğlu E. Doğal Ortamda Domuz Karkasları Üzerine Gelen Arthropoda'ların ve Süksesyonlarının Belirlenmesi. Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Yüksek Lisans Tezi. Samsun-2004.
Şabanoğlu B. Ankara İlinde (Merkez İlçe) Leş Üzerindeki Calliphoridae (Diptera) Faunasının Belirlenmesi ve Morfolojilerinin Sistematik Yönden İncelenmesi. Hacettepe Üniveristesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Yüksek Lisans Tezi. Ankara-2007.
Özdemir S. Ankara İli’nde (Merkez İlçe) Leş Üzerindeki Coleoptera Faunasının Belirlenmesi ve Morfolojilerinin Sistematik Yönden İncelenmesi. Hacettepe Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Yüksek Lisans Tezi. Ankara-2007.
Yuca P. İstanbul Pendik İlçesi Akfırat Beldesi'nde Adli Entomoloji'de Kullanılan Sinek Türlerinin Belirlenmesi. İstanbul Üniversitesi Adli Tıp Enstitüsü Fen Bilimleri Anabilim Dalı, Yüksek Lisans Tezi. İstanbul-2009.
Bana R. Edirne İli Trakya Üniversitesi Güllapoğlu (Balkan) Yerleşkesi’nde Adli Entomoloji Yönünde Önem Taşıyan Coleoptera Faunasının Leş Üzerinden Toplanması ve Taksonomik Yönden İncelenmesi. Trakya Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Yüksek Lisans Tezi. Edirne-2010.
Karapazarlıoğlu E. Kapalı Ortamda Domuz Karkasları Üzerine Gelen Böcek Türlerinin ve Süksesyonlarının Belirlenmesi ve Bir Örnek Vaka Çalışması. Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Doktora Tezi. Samsun-2010.
Karapazarlıoğlu E. Samsun Bölgesinde Meydan Gelen Bir Cinayet Olayında, Olay Yerinin Medikokriminal Adli Entomoloji Açısından İncelenmesi. Türkiye 1 Bitki Koruma Kongresi; Samsun-2004.
Dogan KH, Gunaydin G, Demirci S, Koc S. Postmortem Changes in Element Levels in Rat Skeletal Muscle Tissue. Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Medical Sciences 2010;30(4):1332-1338. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5336/medsci.2009-11743
Dokgöz H, Arican N, Elmas I, Fincanci SK. Comparison of Morphological Changes in White Blood Cells After Death and in Vitro Storage of Blood for the Estimation of Postmortem Interval. Forensic Sci Int 2001;124(1):25-31 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0379-0738(01)00559-X
Kurtulus A, Acar K, Sorkun H, Kelten C, Boz B. The Relationship between Adrenal Gland Morphometric Changes and Postmortem Intervalin Rats: A Stereological Study. Legal Med (Tokyo). 2012;14(4):214-218. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.legalmed.2012.03.002
Smith KG. A Manual of Forensic Entomology. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1986.
Haglund WD, Sorg MH. Method and Theory of Forensic Taphonomy Research. In: Haglund WD, Sorg MH, editors. Forensic Taphonomy: The Postmortem Fate of Human Remains. Boca Raton FL: CRC Press, 1997:13-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1201/9781439821923.sec1
Bass WM. Outdoor Decomposition Rates in Tennessee. In: Haglund WD, Sorg MH, editors. Forensic Taphonomy: The Postmortem Fate of Human Remains. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1997:181-6.
Megyesi MS, Nawrocki SP, Haskell NH. Using Accumulated Degree-Days to Estimate the Postmortem Interval from Decomposed Human Remains. J Forensic Sci 2005;50(3):618-26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1520/JFS2004017
Michaud JP, Moreau G. A Statistical Approach Based on Accumulated Degree‐days to Predict Decomposition‐Related Processes in Forensic Studies. J Forensic Sci 2011;56(1):229-32. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01559.x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01559.x
Efremov IA. Taphonomy: A New Branch of Paleontology. Pan-American Geologist 1940;74(2):81-93.
Haglund WD, Reay D, Swindler D. Canid Scavenging/Disarticulation Sequence of Human Remains in The Pacific Northwest. J Forensic Sci 1989;34(3):587-606. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1520/JFS12679J
Dirkmaat DC, Adovasio JM. The Role of Archaeology in the Recovery and Interpretation of Human Remains From an Outdoor Forensic Setting. In: Haglund WD, Sorg MH, editors. Forensic Taphonomy: The Postmortem Fate of Human Remains. Boca Raton: CRC Press,1997:39-64. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1201/9781439821923.ch3
Beary MO, Lyman RL. The Use of Taphonomy in Forensic Anthropology: Past Trends and Future Prospects. In: Dirkmaat DC, editor. A Companion to Forensic Anthropology. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012:499-527. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118255377.ch25
Vass AA, Bass WM, Wolt JD, Foss JE, Ammons JT. Time Since Death Determinations of Human Cadavers Using Soil Solution. J Forensic Sci 1992;37(5):1236-53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1520/JFS13311J
Mann RW, Bass WM, Meadows L. Time Since Death and Decomposition of the Human Body: Variables and Observations in Case and Experimental Field Studies. J Forensic Sci 1990;35(1):103-11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1520/JFS12806J
Adlam RE, Simmons T. The Effect of Repeated Physical Disturbance on Soft Tissue Decomposition—Are Taphonomic Studies an Accurate Reflection of Decomposition?. J Forensic Sci 2007;52(5):1007-14. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2007.00510.x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2007.00510.x
Galloway A. The Process of Decomposition: A Model from The Arizona-Sonoran Desert. In: Haglund WD, Sorg MH, editors. Forensic Taphonomy: The Postmortem Fate of Human Remains. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1997:139-50. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1201/9781439821923.ch8
Christensen AM, Passalacqua NV, Bartelink EJ. Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice: Elsevier: 2013. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-418671-2.00005-7
Ubelaker DH. Postmortem Internal. In: A SJ, S SP, editors. Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences. Second ed. Waltham: Academic Press, 2013. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-382165-2.00006-4
MacGregor DM. Decomposition of Pig Carrion in Southeast Queensland, Australia, During Winter. Paper presented at 51 st American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Meeting; Orlando, FL-1999.
Hobischak NR. Freshwater Invertebrate Successıon and Decomposıtıonal Studles on Carrıon in Brıtısh Columbıa. Simon Fraser University, Master Thesis. Ottawa, Canada-1997.
MacDonell N, Anderson G. Aquatic Forensics: Determination of Time Since Submergence Using Aquatic Invertebrates. Burbany: Canadian Police Research Centre, 1997.
Rodriguez WC. Decomposition of Buried and Submerged Bodies. In: Haglund WD, Sorg MH, editors. Forensic Taphonomy: The Postmortem Fate of Human Remains Boca Raton, USA: CRC Press, 1997:459-68.
Nawrocki SP, E LK. Modeling core and peripheral processes in human decomposition: A conceptual framework. Proceedings of the 65th annual meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences; February 18-23; Washington, DC 2013.
Vass AA. The Elusive Universal Post-Mortem Interval Formula. Forensic Sci Int 2011;204(1):34-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.04.052. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.04.052
Micozzi MS. Frozen Environments and Soft Tissue Preservation. In: Haglund WD, Sorg MH, editors. Forensic Taphonomy, the Postmortem Fate of Human Remains 200. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press, 1997:171-80. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1201/9781439821923.ch11
Clark MA, Worrell MB, Pless JE. Postmortem Changes in Soft Tissues. In: Haglund WD, Sorg MH, editors. Forensic Taphonomy: The Postmortem Fate of Human Remains. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1997:151-64.
Buchan M, Anderson G. Time Since Death: A Review of the Current Status of Methods Used in the Later Postmortem Interval. Canadian Society Forensic Sci J 2001;34(1):1-22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00085030.2001.10757514
Simmons T, Cross P. Forensic Taphonomy. In: A SJ, S SP, editors. Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences. Second ed. Walthaw: Academic Press, 2012:12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-382165-2.00004-0
Marks M, Love J, Dadour I. Taphonomy and Time: Estimating the Postmortem Interval. Hard Evidence: Case Studies in Forensic Anthropology, 2nd edn Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2009:165-78.
Coe JI, Curran WJ. Definition and Time Of Death. In: Curran WJ, McGarry AL, S PC, editors. Modern Legal Psychiatry and Forensic Science. Philadelphia: FA Davis Co, 1980:1310.
Schroeder H, Klotzbach H, Oesterhelweg L, Püschel K. Larder Beetles (Coleoptera, Dermestidae) as An Accelerating Factor for Decomposition of A Human Corpse. Forensic Sci Int 2002;127(3):231-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0379-0738(02)00131-7
Steadman DW, Adams BJ, Konigsberg LW. Statistical Basis for Positive Identification in Forensic Anthropology. Am J Physical Anthropol 2006;131(1):15-26. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.20393. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.20393
Pope MA. Differential decomposition Patterns of Human Remains in Variable Envirmonts of the Midwest. University of South Florida, Masters Thesis. Florida, USA-2010.
Larizza M. Physical and Chemical Analysis of Pig Carcass Decomposition in A Fine Sand. University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Masters Thesis. Oshawa, Canada-2010.
Parsons HR. The Postmortem Interval: A Systematic Study of Pig Decomposition in West Central Montana. The University of Montana, Masters Thesis. USA-2009.
Schiel M. Using Accumulated Degree Days for Estimating the Postmortem Interval: A Re-evaluation of Megyesi's Regression Formulae. University of Indianapolis, Masters Thesis. Indiana, USA-2008.
Myburgh J, L’Abbé EN, Steyn M, Becker PJ. Estimating the Postmortem Interval (PMI) Using Accumulated Degree Days (ADD) in A Temperate Region of South Africa. Forensic Sci Int 2013;229(1):165-el. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.03.037
Simmons T, Adlam RE, Moffatt C. Debugging Decomposition Data-Comparative Taphonomic Studies and the Influence of Insects and Carcass Size on Decomposition Rate. J Forensic Sci 2010;55(1):8-13. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01206.x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01206.x
Sorg MH. Developing Regional Taphonomic Standards. Report (Study/Research). USA: National Institute of Justice, 2013.
Fitzgerald CM, Oxenham M. Modelling Time-Since-Death in Australian Temperate Conditions. Australian J Forensic Sci 2009;41(1):27-41. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00450610902935981
Oliveira-Costa J, de Mello-Patiu CA. Application of Forensic Entomology to Estimate of the Postmortem Interval (PMI) in Homicide Investigations by the Rio De Janeiro Police Department in Brazil. Anil Aggrawal's Int J Forensic Med Toxicol 2004;234(3978):165.75. 5 40-44.
Dautartas AM. The Effect of Various Coverings on The Rate of Human Decomposition.The University of Tennessee, Masters Thesis. Knoxville, USA-2009.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
The Journal and content of this website is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) License. The Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) allows users to copy, distribute and transmit an article, adapt the article and make commercial use of the article. The CC BY license permits commercial and non-commercial re-use of an open access article, as long as the author is properly attributed.
