Skip to main content

Radu Carmen

G.E. Palade UMPhST of Targu Mures, Forensic Medicine, Faculty Member

Followers

14

Following

61

Co-authors

5

Public Views

Radu Carmen Corina, MD, PhDAssociate Professor at „G.E. Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Romania, Head of the Forensic Department,Director of the Institute of Forensic Medicine Târgu Mureș, Romania

less

Cristina Dimitriu

Daniela Paraschiv

Cristina Bardaca

National Institute for Research and Development of Biological Sciences

Suzana Cilievici

Mihai lucian Zabara

Irinel Totolici

Mihaela Mitache

Interests

Uploads

Papers by Radu Carmen

An Unusual Case of Accidental Carbon Monoxide and Ethanol Intoxication in Two Commorientes Deaths

by Sandu Ion and Radu Carmen

Revista de Chimie, 2018

Death by intoxication represents an important cause of violent deaths which could be easily preve... more Death by intoxication represents an important cause of violent deaths which could be easily prevented. Accidental ethanol and carbon monoxide intoxications produce the most frequent causes of violent deaths among civilians in Romania. To provide an insight in these types of deaths and to bring attention upon the clinical and biological manifestations as well as of the typical morphologically findings, the authors present a strange case of fatal intoxication due to carbon monoxide in an 88 years old male, found in his bed. Moreover, because of the simultaneous death of the male�s wife in the attic of the house, with ethanol intoxication, we would also like to bring attention to the juridical notion of commorientes, since in the establishing of its constituting characteristics the forensic expertise plays a decisive role.

Obesity and Overweight Risk Factors in Sudden Death Due to Cardiovascular Causes: A Case Series

Iranian journal of public health, 2017

Post-Mortem Diagnosis and Autopsy Findings in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Forensic Case Series

Diagnostics, 2020

Towards the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified as the culprit for a cluster of pneum... more Towards the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified as the culprit for a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. Since then, it has rapidly spread worldwide, affecting more than 43 million people, and in March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a pandemic. The purpose of the study is to present the findings of 15 forensic autopsies performed in Romania, on SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) positive subjects, and to present the case of one SARS-CoV-2 infected patient who experienced a violent death, as established during their autopsy. A total of 11 male and 4 female patients were autopsied, and SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed post-mortem in two cases. The most frequent symptoms before death were dry cough, dyspnoea, and fever. Hypertension, ischemic cardiac disease, and a history of stroke were the most frequent associated diseases. The mean duration from the symptoms’ debut to a RT-PCR positive SARS-CoV-2 test was 3.7 day...

Air guns: An underestimated danger - case presentation, literature review and legal interpretation

Acta Marisiensis, Mar 1, 2023

Introduction: The compressed air weapon is a type of arm to which the projectile is propelled due... more Introduction: The compressed air weapon is a type of arm to which the projectile is propelled due to the compression of air in a sealed chamber. These types of weapons belong to the category of non-lethal weapons and ammunition subject to authorization. However, accidental fatal cases, suicides or even deaths with intention attributed to these types of weapons are described in the literature. Case presentation: We are discussing the case of a 5-year-old boy who, at a picnic with several families, is shot and killed with a compressed air rifle, left unattended. The medical crew arrived at the scene could not save the boy's life. Necroptic examination revealed a gunshot wound through the heart, with the projectile stuck in the lateral-internal wall of the right ventricle. The projectile identified was a metal type projectile (lead), with a length of 8.5 mm and a diameter of 4.5 mm. Conclusions: Compressed air weapons, although considered non-lethal, have proven over time their extremely dangerous potential through the fatal injuries produced. Raising public awareness, limiting use and enforcing strict legislation could prevent tragic events.

The Applicability and Usefulness of Knowing the Types of Medical Liability

Romanian Journal of Legal Medicine

The present paper aims to structure in an organized way the legal information incident to medical... more The present paper aims to structure in an organized way the legal information incident to medical practice and the mandatory moral and professional norms, considering the lack of such a complete support. At this moment, these legal aspects are described separately in some laws, more or less known and accessible to the entire population. Thus, we will approach the topic of medical responsibility through theoretical notions, which concern criminal, civil, administrative and professional responsibility.

Revisiting the Therapeutic Effects of Essential Oils on the Oral Microbiome

by Radu Carmen and Radu Casandra

Pharmacy, Feb 10, 2023

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more

Pregnancy-Associated Spontaneous Coronary Acute Dissection as a Cause of Sudden Cardiac Death—Autopsy Findings and Literature Review: Is COVID-19 Related?

Medicina

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of mortality globally (violent or non-violent), w... more Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of mortality globally (violent or non-violent), with few to no feasible remedies. The etiopathogenesis of SCD involves a complex and multilayered substrate in which dynamic factors interact with a preexistent cardiovascular pathology, which is often undiagnosed and untreated, leading to the rapid development of cardiac rhythm disorders and cardiac arrest. Cardiovascular disease is a rare but emerging factor in maternal mortality that can be justified by an upward trend in the mean age of pregnant individuals. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is defined as a non-traumatic and non-iatrogenic separation of the coronary arterial wall by intramural hemorrhage with or without an intimal tear. The resulting intramural hematoma compresses the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow and causing myocardial ischemia. SCAD continues to be misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, and managed as an atherosclerotic acute coronary syndrome, which may...

Life Endangerment – A Paramount Condition in Forensic and Judicial Practice

by Radu Carmen and Timur Hogea

Acta Marisiensis - Seria Medica, 2021

Life-threatening injuries represent those types of lesions that certainly lead to the victim’s de... more Life-threatening injuries represent those types of lesions that certainly lead to the victim’s death if no qualified medical care is applied in due time. We hold important the aspect of imminent danger, and that the lesion, in its natural way of evolution, will determine the person’s death, his life being saved only by a qualified medical intervention. The juridical correspondent is represented in article 194: bodily harm - The new criminal code and the new criminal procedure code. The authors review and comment on the main particular aspects of life-threatening traumas, based on topography, anatomical aspects and forensic interpretation, in order to offer arguments to be incorporated from a medico-legal point of view, reported to the criteria of life-threatening conditions. We shall illustrate the subject by 6 case reports.

Increased Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT), Left Coronary Artery Plaque Morphology, and Valvular Atherosclerosis as Risks Factors for Sudden Cardiac Death from a Forensic Perspective

Diagnostics

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more

Post-Mortem Diagnosis and Autopsy Findings in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Forensic Case Series

by Radu Carmen and Gabriela Keresztesi

Towards the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified as the culprit for a cluster of pneum... more Towards the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified as the culprit for a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. Since then, it has rapidly spread worldwide, affecting more than 43 million people, and in March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a pandemic. The purpose of the study is to present the findings of 15 forensic autopsies performed in Romania, on SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) positive subjects, and to present the case of one SARS-CoV-2 infected patient who experienced a violent death, as established during their autopsy. A total of 11 male and 4 female patients were autopsied, and SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed post-mortem in two cases. The most frequent symptoms before death were dry cough, dyspnoea, and fever. Hypertension, ischemic cardiac disease, and a history of stroke were the most frequent associated diseases. The mean duration from the symptoms' debut to a RT-PCR positive SARS-CoV-2 test was 3.7 days, while the mean survival time from the RT-PCR positive test was 4.2 days. A histological examination was performed in seven cases and revealed, in most of them, hyaline membranes, and mixed inflammatory cell infiltration of the interstitium, alveoli, and perivascular areas. In addition, all of the examined cases developed small vessel thrombosis. A case of violent death was also reported, regarding a 87-year-old male subject who suffered a femur fracture (domestic fall) and was diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection the following day after surgery. After transfer to a COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-19) support hospital, during an episode of behavioral disorder, the patient jumped from the first floor window. Death occurred a few days later, and the cause was established as bronchopneumonia superimposed on SARS-CoV-2 infection. In conclusion, autopsies should be conducted while providing a safe environment for professionals to perform them, because they are crucial procedures that can help gain a better understanding of the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection in thanatogenesis.

MARKS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON FORENSIC MEDICINE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

RJLM

Since the end of 2019, humanity has been facing a pandemic generated by the SARS-COV-2 virus, whi... more Since the end of 2019, humanity has been facing a pandemic generated by the SARS-COV-2 virus, which is felt in most functioning domains. Thus, the goal is to see how much forensic medicine has been affected by this virus and how it has reacted to this pandemic, given the fact that this domain can be of key importance in the fight against COVID-19. A number of 7 articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were thus analysed, initially starting from a number of 414 articles of so, searched in the PubMed database. The analysis of the specialized literature shows us that the number of autopsies performed, as well as of the publications in this sense is a low one.

UNUSUAL CHAINSAW SUICIDE FOLLOWING COMBINED METHYLENEDIOXYPYROVALERONE ("BATH SALTS") AND BARBITURATE ABUSE

RJLM

This paper discusses the death scene investigation and pertinent autopsy and toxicology findings ... more This paper discusses the death scene investigation and pertinent autopsy and toxicology findings in a rare case of suicide with a chainsaw following combined methylenedioxypyrovalerone ("bath salts") and barbiturate abuse. This information is compared to data from previous literature on chainsaw suicides.

Juvenile delinquency within the forensic context

RJLM

Juvenile delinquency researchers have tried to determine the factors that lead to its occurrence,... more Juvenile delinquency researchers have tried to determine the factors that lead to its occurrence, invoking various causes generating juvenile delinquency. Some emphasized biological determinism, others emphasized psychological particularities with the lack in communication, combined with substance or drug abuse [1, 2], while other researchers mentioned social issues with or without forensic implications [3-6]. In order for the preventive activity to be successful, criminal factors should be studied in detail. The results of these researches, as proving factors, would represent an important support in preventive activity triggering. The fundamental idea of the work was created in this respect. In this paper we would like to realize a complete portrait of risk factors in juvenile delinquency in the light recorded at the institute of forensic medicine. Total study sample consists of 60 (N=60) minor participants (classified in two major groups: the juvenile delinquent group consists of 30 (N=30) participants and control group consists of 30 minor participants (N=30). We used both quantitative and qualitative methods of research, among which we mention the following: analysis of documents (juvenile delinquents' files); questionnaire-based inquiry (for juvenile delinquents and control group); unstructured, individual and group interview (with juvenile delinquents); structured group interview (with juvenile delinquents) and situational test applied to both control group and young delinquents group. The results of our research have drawn the juvenile delinquent profile, which indicates a boy aged 15-16, who comes from a family with a precarious, disorganized financial situation, with an inappropriate family climate, in which the minor no longer under the control of his parents; with poor school preparation (flourishing failures and dropouts); with pathological background and psychological deficiencies.

Claims of "uniqueness" in forensic medicine

RJLM

The rationale of this paper is based on a deep fascination with the nature of identification, not... more The rationale of this paper is based on a deep fascination with the nature of identification, not only from a scientific point of view, but also from an existential and ethical perspective. In the field of Forensic Medicine the identification get extreme significance for a living person, being a proof of his or her existence. Especially in the modern society where everything has to be identified in order to be proved, identification is crucial. This paper is an attempt to make a philosophical approach to some identification methods, which are claimed by their supporters to be based on the theory of "uniqueness". It is a challenging claim which is counteracted in an argumentative discussion. The conclusions of these paper are: uniqueness should not be used in forensic science, as it belongs to the realm of a pure philosophy because the "uniqueness" is impossible to prove.

AGE EVALUATION IN FORENSIC CASEWORK

RJLM

Age is one of the essential factors in establishing a person's identity. Age estimation in adults... more Age is one of the essential factors in establishing a person's identity. Age estimation in adults is a difficult task for forensic practicians because as the age advances, the dentition gets influenced by numerous exogenous and endogenous factors, thus, an interdisciplinary approach is needed. The present article is an attempt to present the limitation and the international trends regarding this type of forensic examinations, while focusing on the ethical issues as well. The authors exemplify the work methodology by presenting an age estimation case in a 20-year-old individual.

ETHICS, BIOETHICS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Ethical professional-personal model of making decisions in forensic medicine

In this paper, the authors want to introduce the concept of responsibility of an alive person to ... more In this paper, the authors want to introduce the concept of responsibility of an alive person to the values and rights of the deceased person through the ethical professional-personal model introduced, which will help us to make a decision when it comes to issues of morality and ethics in the forensic practice.

THE APPLICABILITY AND USEFULNESS OF KNOWING THE TYPES OF MEDICAL LIABILITY

RJLM, 2022

The present paper aims to structure in an organized way the legal information incident to medical... more The present paper aims to structure in an organized way the legal information incident to medical practice and the mandatory moral and professional norms, considering the lack of such a complete support. At this moment, these legal aspects are described separately in some laws, more or less known and accessible to the entire population. Thus, we will approach the topic of medical responsibility through theoretical notions, which concern criminal, civil, administrative and professional responsibility.

FORENSIC ASPECTS OF SKYDIVING -RELATED DEATHS AND INJURIES

RJLM, 2022

Skydiving incidents during flight are common, a decisive factor in what concerns the traumatic in... more Skydiving incidents during flight are common, a decisive factor in what concerns the traumatic injuries severity being represented by special techniques-to prevent the conversion of incidents into accidents. The injury pattern is revealing a polymorphism related to every single incident. In rare cases these incidents conclude with severe bodily injuries or even death. In this paper, two cases of skydiving accidents will be reviewed, one concluded with the survival of the skydiver, and the other with the person's death, by analyzing the operational procedures, their usage, the severity of the traumatic injuries and other skydiving accidents from international literature.

THE MEDICO-LEGAL EXAMINATION OF THE MALE AGGRESSOR IN RAPE CASES

RJLM

Sexual abuse is one of the medico-social problems known for a long time, and systematically under... more Sexual abuse is one of the medico-social problems known for a long time, and systematically undervalued. The medico-legal examination of the aggressor in cases of rape is often overlooked by the criminal investigation department, by failing to request it on numerous occasions. During this study, the traumatic injuries are assessed: their localization, morphology and mechanism of appearance are evaluated, together with a detailed genital examination. Both the general traumatological and the genital examination can bring information about a possible recent sexual intercourse. Objectives. The objective of this study is to assess the traumatic injuries of the male aggressor in rape case and perform the evaluation of the post-coitus injuries that can confirm the recent sexual intercourse. Method and materials. We analyzed the medico-legal expert reports of the Bistrița Năsăud County Medico-Legal Service regarding the examination of male aggressors in cases of rape during a 3 year span, 01.01.2019-31.12.2021. Both the traumatic injuries the perpetrators presented and the signs that could be interpreted as the result of recent sexual intercourse were evaluated. Results. 26 examinations of the alleged perpetrators of rape crimes were evaluated. 3 persons did not present any signs that could have been interpreted as the result of a sexual intercourse; 23 of them presented either traumatic injuries or genital signs of recent sexual intercourse. Out of these, 1 presented traumatic injuries, and 15 presented genital signs of a recent sexual intercourse; only 7 persons presented both. The most common injuries associated were ecchymosis-in 2 cases, excoriations-1 case, ecchymosis and excoriations-5 cases, equally produced by biting or scratching. The genital signs of recent sexual intercourse were confirmed by the investigation carried out in 21 cases out of the 22 that presented such signs. Among the 22 cases with signs of recent sexual intercourse, these injuries/signs were present in various anatomical locations. Conclusions. The genital lesions found at the examination of the male aggressor in the case of rape crimes are useful to demonstrate the recent sexual intercourse.

Accessory spleens at autopsy: the incidence and the presence of myoepithelial cells in the spleen capsule

by Radu Carmen and Andreea Camarasan

RJLM

Background. Accessory spleen represents a small body of splenic tissue that is situated elsewhere... more Background. Accessory spleen represents a small body of splenic tissue that is situated elsewhere in the abdominal cavity than in its normal position, having a congenital origin. Methods. We have investigated 150 forensic autopsies, the purpose of the study being to discover the incidence, distribution, histological aspect and immunohistochemistry features of accessory spleens. Results. Accessory spleens were found in both sexes, 67% were detected at men and 33% at women. In 3 cases the accessory spleen was situated along the splenic hilum and the vascular pedicle of the spleen; in one case the accessory spleen was found around the head of the pancreas; in one case it was found along of the greater curvature of the stomach; and in one case it was situated retroperitoneal, in the perirenal adipose tissue, on the anterior surface. Histological exam revealed normal splenic tissue. The normal spleen and the accessory spleen are presenting myoepithelial cells in the capsule. Conclusions. In all of the research cases, accessory spleens were diagnosed post-mortem and none of it while the person was still alive. Accessory spleens are integrated in the immune response as a functional accessory organ, and also have immunological functions like the normal spleens. We discovered the existence of the myoepithelial cells in the spleen capsule. The proper management in spleen trauma in adults is in debate and the role and myoepithelial cells number need further studies

An Unusual Case of Accidental Carbon Monoxide and Ethanol Intoxication in Two Commorientes Deaths

by Sandu Ion and Radu Carmen

Revista de Chimie, 2018

Death by intoxication represents an important cause of violent deaths which could be easily preve... more Death by intoxication represents an important cause of violent deaths which could be easily prevented. Accidental ethanol and carbon monoxide intoxications produce the most frequent causes of violent deaths among civilians in Romania. To provide an insight in these types of deaths and to bring attention upon the clinical and biological manifestations as well as of the typical morphologically findings, the authors present a strange case of fatal intoxication due to carbon monoxide in an 88 years old male, found in his bed. Moreover, because of the simultaneous death of the male�s wife in the attic of the house, with ethanol intoxication, we would also like to bring attention to the juridical notion of commorientes, since in the establishing of its constituting characteristics the forensic expertise plays a decisive role.

Obesity and Overweight Risk Factors in Sudden Death Due to Cardiovascular Causes: A Case Series

Iranian journal of public health, 2017

Post-Mortem Diagnosis and Autopsy Findings in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Forensic Case Series

Diagnostics, 2020

Towards the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified as the culprit for a cluster of pneum... more Towards the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified as the culprit for a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. Since then, it has rapidly spread worldwide, affecting more than 43 million people, and in March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a pandemic. The purpose of the study is to present the findings of 15 forensic autopsies performed in Romania, on SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) positive subjects, and to present the case of one SARS-CoV-2 infected patient who experienced a violent death, as established during their autopsy. A total of 11 male and 4 female patients were autopsied, and SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed post-mortem in two cases. The most frequent symptoms before death were dry cough, dyspnoea, and fever. Hypertension, ischemic cardiac disease, and a history of stroke were the most frequent associated diseases. The mean duration from the symptoms’ debut to a RT-PCR positive SARS-CoV-2 test was 3.7 day...

Air guns: An underestimated danger - case presentation, literature review and legal interpretation

Acta Marisiensis, Mar 1, 2023

Introduction: The compressed air weapon is a type of arm to which the projectile is propelled due... more Introduction: The compressed air weapon is a type of arm to which the projectile is propelled due to the compression of air in a sealed chamber. These types of weapons belong to the category of non-lethal weapons and ammunition subject to authorization. However, accidental fatal cases, suicides or even deaths with intention attributed to these types of weapons are described in the literature. Case presentation: We are discussing the case of a 5-year-old boy who, at a picnic with several families, is shot and killed with a compressed air rifle, left unattended. The medical crew arrived at the scene could not save the boy's life. Necroptic examination revealed a gunshot wound through the heart, with the projectile stuck in the lateral-internal wall of the right ventricle. The projectile identified was a metal type projectile (lead), with a length of 8.5 mm and a diameter of 4.5 mm. Conclusions: Compressed air weapons, although considered non-lethal, have proven over time their extremely dangerous potential through the fatal injuries produced. Raising public awareness, limiting use and enforcing strict legislation could prevent tragic events.

The Applicability and Usefulness of Knowing the Types of Medical Liability

Romanian Journal of Legal Medicine

The present paper aims to structure in an organized way the legal information incident to medical... more The present paper aims to structure in an organized way the legal information incident to medical practice and the mandatory moral and professional norms, considering the lack of such a complete support. At this moment, these legal aspects are described separately in some laws, more or less known and accessible to the entire population. Thus, we will approach the topic of medical responsibility through theoretical notions, which concern criminal, civil, administrative and professional responsibility.

Revisiting the Therapeutic Effects of Essential Oils on the Oral Microbiome

by Radu Carmen and Radu Casandra

Pharmacy, Feb 10, 2023

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more

Pregnancy-Associated Spontaneous Coronary Acute Dissection as a Cause of Sudden Cardiac Death—Autopsy Findings and Literature Review: Is COVID-19 Related?

Medicina

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of mortality globally (violent or non-violent), w... more Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of mortality globally (violent or non-violent), with few to no feasible remedies. The etiopathogenesis of SCD involves a complex and multilayered substrate in which dynamic factors interact with a preexistent cardiovascular pathology, which is often undiagnosed and untreated, leading to the rapid development of cardiac rhythm disorders and cardiac arrest. Cardiovascular disease is a rare but emerging factor in maternal mortality that can be justified by an upward trend in the mean age of pregnant individuals. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is defined as a non-traumatic and non-iatrogenic separation of the coronary arterial wall by intramural hemorrhage with or without an intimal tear. The resulting intramural hematoma compresses the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow and causing myocardial ischemia. SCAD continues to be misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, and managed as an atherosclerotic acute coronary syndrome, which may...

Life Endangerment – A Paramount Condition in Forensic and Judicial Practice

by Radu Carmen and Timur Hogea

Acta Marisiensis - Seria Medica, 2021

Life-threatening injuries represent those types of lesions that certainly lead to the victim’s de... more Life-threatening injuries represent those types of lesions that certainly lead to the victim’s death if no qualified medical care is applied in due time. We hold important the aspect of imminent danger, and that the lesion, in its natural way of evolution, will determine the person’s death, his life being saved only by a qualified medical intervention. The juridical correspondent is represented in article 194: bodily harm - The new criminal code and the new criminal procedure code. The authors review and comment on the main particular aspects of life-threatening traumas, based on topography, anatomical aspects and forensic interpretation, in order to offer arguments to be incorporated from a medico-legal point of view, reported to the criteria of life-threatening conditions. We shall illustrate the subject by 6 case reports.

Increased Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT), Left Coronary Artery Plaque Morphology, and Valvular Atherosclerosis as Risks Factors for Sudden Cardiac Death from a Forensic Perspective

Diagnostics

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more

Post-Mortem Diagnosis and Autopsy Findings in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Forensic Case Series

by Radu Carmen and Gabriela Keresztesi

Towards the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified as the culprit for a cluster of pneum... more Towards the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified as the culprit for a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. Since then, it has rapidly spread worldwide, affecting more than 43 million people, and in March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a pandemic. The purpose of the study is to present the findings of 15 forensic autopsies performed in Romania, on SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) positive subjects, and to present the case of one SARS-CoV-2 infected patient who experienced a violent death, as established during their autopsy. A total of 11 male and 4 female patients were autopsied, and SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed post-mortem in two cases. The most frequent symptoms before death were dry cough, dyspnoea, and fever. Hypertension, ischemic cardiac disease, and a history of stroke were the most frequent associated diseases. The mean duration from the symptoms' debut to a RT-PCR positive SARS-CoV-2 test was 3.7 days, while the mean survival time from the RT-PCR positive test was 4.2 days. A histological examination was performed in seven cases and revealed, in most of them, hyaline membranes, and mixed inflammatory cell infiltration of the interstitium, alveoli, and perivascular areas. In addition, all of the examined cases developed small vessel thrombosis. A case of violent death was also reported, regarding a 87-year-old male subject who suffered a femur fracture (domestic fall) and was diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection the following day after surgery. After transfer to a COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-19) support hospital, during an episode of behavioral disorder, the patient jumped from the first floor window. Death occurred a few days later, and the cause was established as bronchopneumonia superimposed on SARS-CoV-2 infection. In conclusion, autopsies should be conducted while providing a safe environment for professionals to perform them, because they are crucial procedures that can help gain a better understanding of the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection in thanatogenesis.

MARKS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON FORENSIC MEDICINE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

RJLM

Since the end of 2019, humanity has been facing a pandemic generated by the SARS-COV-2 virus, whi... more Since the end of 2019, humanity has been facing a pandemic generated by the SARS-COV-2 virus, which is felt in most functioning domains. Thus, the goal is to see how much forensic medicine has been affected by this virus and how it has reacted to this pandemic, given the fact that this domain can be of key importance in the fight against COVID-19. A number of 7 articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were thus analysed, initially starting from a number of 414 articles of so, searched in the PubMed database. The analysis of the specialized literature shows us that the number of autopsies performed, as well as of the publications in this sense is a low one.

UNUSUAL CHAINSAW SUICIDE FOLLOWING COMBINED METHYLENEDIOXYPYROVALERONE ("BATH SALTS") AND BARBITURATE ABUSE

RJLM

This paper discusses the death scene investigation and pertinent autopsy and toxicology findings ... more This paper discusses the death scene investigation and pertinent autopsy and toxicology findings in a rare case of suicide with a chainsaw following combined methylenedioxypyrovalerone ("bath salts") and barbiturate abuse. This information is compared to data from previous literature on chainsaw suicides.

Juvenile delinquency within the forensic context

RJLM

Juvenile delinquency researchers have tried to determine the factors that lead to its occurrence,... more Juvenile delinquency researchers have tried to determine the factors that lead to its occurrence, invoking various causes generating juvenile delinquency. Some emphasized biological determinism, others emphasized psychological particularities with the lack in communication, combined with substance or drug abuse [1, 2], while other researchers mentioned social issues with or without forensic implications [3-6]. In order for the preventive activity to be successful, criminal factors should be studied in detail. The results of these researches, as proving factors, would represent an important support in preventive activity triggering. The fundamental idea of the work was created in this respect. In this paper we would like to realize a complete portrait of risk factors in juvenile delinquency in the light recorded at the institute of forensic medicine. Total study sample consists of 60 (N=60) minor participants (classified in two major groups: the juvenile delinquent group consists of 30 (N=30) participants and control group consists of 30 minor participants (N=30). We used both quantitative and qualitative methods of research, among which we mention the following: analysis of documents (juvenile delinquents' files); questionnaire-based inquiry (for juvenile delinquents and control group); unstructured, individual and group interview (with juvenile delinquents); structured group interview (with juvenile delinquents) and situational test applied to both control group and young delinquents group. The results of our research have drawn the juvenile delinquent profile, which indicates a boy aged 15-16, who comes from a family with a precarious, disorganized financial situation, with an inappropriate family climate, in which the minor no longer under the control of his parents; with poor school preparation (flourishing failures and dropouts); with pathological background and psychological deficiencies.

Claims of "uniqueness" in forensic medicine

RJLM

The rationale of this paper is based on a deep fascination with the nature of identification, not... more The rationale of this paper is based on a deep fascination with the nature of identification, not only from a scientific point of view, but also from an existential and ethical perspective. In the field of Forensic Medicine the identification get extreme significance for a living person, being a proof of his or her existence. Especially in the modern society where everything has to be identified in order to be proved, identification is crucial. This paper is an attempt to make a philosophical approach to some identification methods, which are claimed by their supporters to be based on the theory of "uniqueness". It is a challenging claim which is counteracted in an argumentative discussion. The conclusions of these paper are: uniqueness should not be used in forensic science, as it belongs to the realm of a pure philosophy because the "uniqueness" is impossible to prove.

AGE EVALUATION IN FORENSIC CASEWORK

RJLM

Age is one of the essential factors in establishing a person's identity. Age estimation in adults... more Age is one of the essential factors in establishing a person's identity. Age estimation in adults is a difficult task for forensic practicians because as the age advances, the dentition gets influenced by numerous exogenous and endogenous factors, thus, an interdisciplinary approach is needed. The present article is an attempt to present the limitation and the international trends regarding this type of forensic examinations, while focusing on the ethical issues as well. The authors exemplify the work methodology by presenting an age estimation case in a 20-year-old individual.

ETHICS, BIOETHICS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Ethical professional-personal model of making decisions in forensic medicine

In this paper, the authors want to introduce the concept of responsibility of an alive person to ... more In this paper, the authors want to introduce the concept of responsibility of an alive person to the values and rights of the deceased person through the ethical professional-personal model introduced, which will help us to make a decision when it comes to issues of morality and ethics in the forensic practice.

THE APPLICABILITY AND USEFULNESS OF KNOWING THE TYPES OF MEDICAL LIABILITY

RJLM, 2022

The present paper aims to structure in an organized way the legal information incident to medical... more The present paper aims to structure in an organized way the legal information incident to medical practice and the mandatory moral and professional norms, considering the lack of such a complete support. At this moment, these legal aspects are described separately in some laws, more or less known and accessible to the entire population. Thus, we will approach the topic of medical responsibility through theoretical notions, which concern criminal, civil, administrative and professional responsibility.

FORENSIC ASPECTS OF SKYDIVING -RELATED DEATHS AND INJURIES

RJLM, 2022

Skydiving incidents during flight are common, a decisive factor in what concerns the traumatic in... more Skydiving incidents during flight are common, a decisive factor in what concerns the traumatic injuries severity being represented by special techniques-to prevent the conversion of incidents into accidents. The injury pattern is revealing a polymorphism related to every single incident. In rare cases these incidents conclude with severe bodily injuries or even death. In this paper, two cases of skydiving accidents will be reviewed, one concluded with the survival of the skydiver, and the other with the person's death, by analyzing the operational procedures, their usage, the severity of the traumatic injuries and other skydiving accidents from international literature.

THE MEDICO-LEGAL EXAMINATION OF THE MALE AGGRESSOR IN RAPE CASES

RJLM

Sexual abuse is one of the medico-social problems known for a long time, and systematically under... more Sexual abuse is one of the medico-social problems known for a long time, and systematically undervalued. The medico-legal examination of the aggressor in cases of rape is often overlooked by the criminal investigation department, by failing to request it on numerous occasions. During this study, the traumatic injuries are assessed: their localization, morphology and mechanism of appearance are evaluated, together with a detailed genital examination. Both the general traumatological and the genital examination can bring information about a possible recent sexual intercourse. Objectives. The objective of this study is to assess the traumatic injuries of the male aggressor in rape case and perform the evaluation of the post-coitus injuries that can confirm the recent sexual intercourse. Method and materials. We analyzed the medico-legal expert reports of the Bistrița Năsăud County Medico-Legal Service regarding the examination of male aggressors in cases of rape during a 3 year span, 01.01.2019-31.12.2021. Both the traumatic injuries the perpetrators presented and the signs that could be interpreted as the result of recent sexual intercourse were evaluated. Results. 26 examinations of the alleged perpetrators of rape crimes were evaluated. 3 persons did not present any signs that could have been interpreted as the result of a sexual intercourse; 23 of them presented either traumatic injuries or genital signs of recent sexual intercourse. Out of these, 1 presented traumatic injuries, and 15 presented genital signs of a recent sexual intercourse; only 7 persons presented both. The most common injuries associated were ecchymosis-in 2 cases, excoriations-1 case, ecchymosis and excoriations-5 cases, equally produced by biting or scratching. The genital signs of recent sexual intercourse were confirmed by the investigation carried out in 21 cases out of the 22 that presented such signs. Among the 22 cases with signs of recent sexual intercourse, these injuries/signs were present in various anatomical locations. Conclusions. The genital lesions found at the examination of the male aggressor in the case of rape crimes are useful to demonstrate the recent sexual intercourse.

Accessory spleens at autopsy: the incidence and the presence of myoepithelial cells in the spleen capsule

by Radu Carmen and Andreea Camarasan

RJLM

Background. Accessory spleen represents a small body of splenic tissue that is situated elsewhere... more Background. Accessory spleen represents a small body of splenic tissue that is situated elsewhere in the abdominal cavity than in its normal position, having a congenital origin. Methods. We have investigated 150 forensic autopsies, the purpose of the study being to discover the incidence, distribution, histological aspect and immunohistochemistry features of accessory spleens. Results. Accessory spleens were found in both sexes, 67% were detected at men and 33% at women. In 3 cases the accessory spleen was situated along the splenic hilum and the vascular pedicle of the spleen; in one case the accessory spleen was found around the head of the pancreas; in one case it was found along of the greater curvature of the stomach; and in one case it was situated retroperitoneal, in the perirenal adipose tissue, on the anterior surface. Histological exam revealed normal splenic tissue. The normal spleen and the accessory spleen are presenting myoepithelial cells in the capsule. Conclusions. In all of the research cases, accessory spleens were diagnosed post-mortem and none of it while the person was still alive. Accessory spleens are integrated in the immune response as a functional accessory organ, and also have immunological functions like the normal spleens. We discovered the existence of the myoepithelial cells in the spleen capsule. The proper management in spleen trauma in adults is in debate and the role and myoepithelial cells number need further studies