The intricate interplay of exposure and speed leave motorcyclists vulnerable, leading to high mortality rates. During the collision, the driver and the passenger are usually projected away from the motorcycle, with variable trajectories or final positions. Injuries resulting from the crash can exhibit distinct and specific characteristics depending on the circumstances of the occurrence.The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of the literature on injuries sustained by motorcyclists involved in road accidents describing and analyzing elements that are useful for forensic assessment.The literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from January 1970 to June 2023. Eligible studies have investigated issues of interest to forensic medicine about during traffic accidents involving motorcycle. A total of 142 studies met the inclusion criteria and were classified and analyzed based on the anatomical regions of the body affected (head, neck, thoraco-abdominal, pelvis, and limb injuries). Moreover, also the strategies for preventing lesions and assessing injuries in the reconstruction of motorcycle accidents were examined and discussed.This review highlights that, beyond injuries commonly associated with motorcycle accidents, such as head injuries, there are also unique lesions linked to the specific dynamics of accidents. These include factors like the seating position of the passenger or impact with the helmet or motorbike components. The forensic assessment of injury distribution could serve as support in reconstructing the sequence of events leading to the crash and defining the cause of death in trauma fatalities.

Children involved in car crashes can experience either direct trauma or inertial injuries resulting from interactions with external objects, such as other vehicles, or with the restraint system. Furthermore, improper use of restraint systems can lead to additional severe injuries. Recent reports from international institutions underscored the persistent prevalence of inadequate restraint systems utilization and this widespread issue increases children’s vulnerability and risk of injuries.The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of the literature on injuries sustained in children involved in road accidents describing and analyzing elements useful for forensic assessment.The literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from January 1970 to March 2023. Eligible studies have investigated issues of interest to forensic medicine about traffic accidents involving pediatric passengers. A total of 69 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were categorized and analyzed according to the anatomical regions of the body affected (head, neck, thoraco-abdominal, and limb injuries), and the assessment of lesions in reconstruction of the accident was examined and discussed.The review highlights that in motor vehicle accidents involving children, the forensic evaluation of both the cause of death and accident dynamics needs to consider several factors, such as the child’s age, the type of restraint system employed, and the specific passenger seat occupied. Considering the complexity of the factors that can be involved in this road accident, it is crucial that there is a comprehensive exchange of information between the judge and the medical expert.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic receptors designed to selectively bind specific molecules, mimicking natural antibody–antigen interactions. Produced through polymerization around a target molecule (template), MIPs create imprints that confer high specificity and binding affinity upon template removal. Initially developed in the 1970s with organic polymers, MIPs now play critical roles in separation sciences, catalysis, drug delivery, and sensor technology. In forensic science, MIPs offer potential for sample preparation, pre-concentration, and analyte detection, especially with complex biological and non-biological matrices. They exhibit superior stability under extreme conditions, enabling their use in challenging forensic contexts such as detecting new psychoactive substances or trace explosives. Despite advantages like reusability and high selectivity, MIPs face limitations in forensic analysis due to their complex synthesis, potential template leakage, and non-specific binding. Moreover, the lack of standardized protocols limits their mainstream adoption, as forensic applications require validated, reproducible methods. This review systematically assesses MIPs in forensic toxicology, focusing on their current capabilities, limitations, and potential for broader integration into forensic workflows. Future research should address standardization and evaluate MIPs’ effectiveness in diverse forensic applications to realize their full potential.

Distinguishing between homicides, suicides, and accidental deaths remains a challenging task. The examination of actual cases, which involve a multitude of variables, significantly contributes to our understanding of these matters. In this context, we present three distinct cases that required the involvement of various specialists to conduct a thorough analysis of the manner of death. In the first case, the integration of on-site inspection, autopsy, radiological, and kinematic data enabled the identification of a homicidal death. In the second case, the combination of circumstantial evidence, autopsy findings, toxicological analysis, and meteorological data revealed an atypical accidental death resulting from an attempted suicide. In the third case, radiological findings, supplemented with criteria from forensic science, indicated an accidental manner of death. In all reported cases, a multidisciplinary approach played a pivotal role in the differential diagnosis of the manner of death.

Scavenging occurs whenever a body is accessible to animals which depredate post-mortem, leading to tissue modification and consumption. In forensic investigations, the consequences of indoor scavenging are associated with the capacity of dogs to destroy or scatter body parts, creating post-mortem artefacts that pose challenges for forensic pathologists and veterinarians in determining the cause and dynamics of death and the time of death estimation. The purpose of this study is to provide a literature review on the forensic implications of indoor domestic dog scavenging, in order to discuss victim and dog characteristics, injury patterns, and identification methods. The literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from January 1950 to March 2024. Eligible studies have investigated issues of interest (forensic veterinary medicine, forensic pathology, forensic genetics). A total of 38 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review and they were organized and discussed by issue of interest (Victim risk factors, assessment of canine behavioral and physical conditions, anatomical distribution of post-mortem injuries, assessment of ante-mortem injuries and setting, identification of scavenging dog). The findings of this systematic review underscore the importance of paying particular attention to the condition of the individuals involved, especially isolated elderly individuals, as well as to the results of physical examinations and autopsies. These may provide crucial information regarding the distribution and vitality of lesions. Additionally, the potential benefits of a multidisciplinary approach are emphasized, based on close cooperation between veterinarians, crime scene personnel, medicolegal experts, and prosecutors.

Sudden infant deaths should be recognized as a public health concern, and understanding their underlying causes is crucial to elucidate this still poorly understood phenomenon. Despite efforts and standardized diagnostic protocols including autopsies and laboratory tests, the causes of sudden infant death often remain unclear in the 75 % of the cases. The aim of this review is to analyze the available data on SUDI associated with myocarditis, offering forensic pathologists a comprehensive overview of this topic, with a particular focus not only on pathophysiological and clinical implications but also on medico-legal aspects. This systematic review included articles concerning SUDI related to myocarditis, in particular etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, consequences and medico-legal implications. The research was carried out on articles written in English published between January 1990 and December 2024. A total of 557 studies were found through the electronic search and 11 studies were included after cross-referenced research on the references of the examined full-text articles. A total of 31 studies were included in this systematic review. The study showed that a definitive diagnosis of myocarditis should only be established when all necessary criteria have been met, given the potential liability implications of asserting a specific cause of death in an infant condition that remains the subject of ongoing debate and research. To optimize this process, the inclusion of expert pediatric pathologists in multidisciplinary teams is strongly recommended to standardize analytical methods and guide autopsy, histological, and genetic examinations based on the unique characteristics of the pediatric population.