(1) Background: the present study continues previous research on new marking techniques by using intelligent materials, NFC-tags (Near Field Communication tags) and Aerogel. They prevent the loss of information over time for cadavers of unknown identities in various stages of destruction or unknown living victims, as well as missing persons who have lost or are concealing their identity. (2) Methods: this study consisted of a technological and an experimental stage. In the technological stage, two different sizes were used: round (Ø 1 cm, 0.1 mm thickness, 0.1 g weight) and square (5/5/0.1 mm), both with a 140 byte memory and high-temperature resistance (at max. 200 °C), (by the classical producing technology). After loading the identification information on the NFC-tags, they were embedded (either alone or protected by Aerogel) in the sample dentures using a new “sandwich technique” method, before the polymerization process. In the experimental stage, the sample dentures with the new materials were exposed to various damaging environments such as liquid media (sea water, fresh water, alcohol 40%, and HCl 0.2%) in order to test the time resistance of the identification elements. The samples were monitored and tested over four years. (3) Results: the information stored on the NFC tags was retrieved unaltered at the end of the monitoring period, regardless of the damage caused by the liquid media to the sample denture material and will provide an innovative solution as compared to other labeling methods. (4) Conclusion: the use of intelligent materials for labeling acrylic dentures provides additional reliability by preserving the identification information over time.

In recent years, the emergence of carbapenem‑resistant strains has been increasing worldwide, including in Romania. Rapid tests for post‑mortem examinations have been researched and currently have several applications. In the present study, we aimed to test the performance of O.K.N.V.I. RESIST‑5 tests on impure post‑mortem biological samples compared with a standard of pure cultures. When a death occurs during hospitalization and the issue of malpractice arises, the medico‑legal practice would benefit from rapid tests applicable to post‑mortem samples. Thus, detection and differentiation of the five targeted carbapenemases, namely oxacilinase‑48, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase, New Delhi metallo‑β‑lactamase, Verona integron‑encoded metallo‑β‑lactamase and imipenemase, could be useful in guiding sampling for third‑party microbiological assessment and could also be an asset from an epidemiological standpoint. The present prospective and observational pilot study included medico‑legal autopsy cases performed at Mina Minovici National Institute of Legal Medicine (Romania) between June and July 2022. A total of two sets of O.K.N.V.I. RESIST‑5 tests were performed: Test I, which was performed on‑site from biological samples obtained during autopsy; and Test II, which was performed on pure cultures after sample inoculation and incubation. Total of 39 O.K.N.V.I. RESIST‑5 rapid tests were performed on 19 biological samples, at least one sample per case. The O.K.N.V.I. RESIST‑5 tests performed on‑site showed an overall sensitivity of 92.3% with a 100% specificity. The results obtained through rapid tests using post‑mortem impure samples were comparable to the results obtained from sample cultures with good sensitivity and specificity. Through post‑mortem screening for carbapenem resistance, it would be possible to narrow down the number of cases that require further bacteriological assessment.

Both chronic and acute mercury exposure represents a threat to public health. Mercury is generally used in several industrial areas to manufacture a variety of chemical products such as paint, explosives, batteries, thermometers, electronics, etc. Although the medico-legal practice rarely deals with this specific pathology, it is not to be taken lightly, in most cases being result of suicide attempts through self-injection and oral administration with systemic and local consequences – mercurism. We present the case of a 56-year-old male admitted to the hospital with signs of acute renal failure of unknown origin and severe metabolic acidosis. At the time of admission, there wasn t sufficient data pointing to a chronic mercury intoxication. This diagnosis was later suspected and ultimately confirmed by autopsy and laboratory results (toxicology and histopathology).