The classification of asphyxia and the definitions of subtypes are far from being uniform, varying widely from one textbook to another and from one paper to the next. Unfortunately, similar research designs can lead to totally different results depending on the definitions used. Closely comparable cases are called differently by equally competent forensic pathologists. This study highlights the discrepancies between authors and tries to draw mainstream definitions, to propose a unified system of classification. It is proposed to classify asphyxia in forensic context in four main categories: suffocation, strangulation, mechanical asphyxia, and drowning. Suffocation subdivides in smothering, choking, and confined spaces/entrapment/vitiated atmosphere. Strangulation includes three separate forms: ligature strangulation, hanging, and manual strangulation. As for mechanical asphyxia, it encompasses positional asphyxia as well as traumatic asphyxia. The rationales behind this proposed unified model are discussed.

Split-thickness skin autografts (AGs) are the standard surgical treatment for severe burn injuries. However, the treatment of patients with substantial skin loss is limited by the availability of donor sites for skin harvesting. As an alternative to skin autografts, our research group developed autologous self-assembled skin substitutes (SASSs), allowing the replacement of both dermis and epidermis in a single surgical procedure. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical outcome of the SASSs as a permanent coverage for full-thickness burn wounds. Patients were recruited through the Health Canada's Special Access Program. SASSs were grafted on debrided full-thickness wounds according to similar protocols used for AGs. The graft-take and the persistence of the SASS epithelium over time were evaluated. 14 patients received surgical care with SASSs. The mean percentage of the SASS graft-take was 98 % (standard deviation = 5) at 5 to 7 d after surgery. SASS integrity persisted over time (average follow-up time: 3.2 years), without noticeable deficiency in epidermal regeneration. Assessment of scar quality (skin elasticity, erythema, thickness) was performed on a subset of patients. Non-homogeneous pigmentation was noticed in several patients. These results indicated that the SASS allowed the successful coverage of full-thickness burns given its high graft-take, aesthetic outcome equivalent to autografting and the promotion of long-term tissue regeneration. When skin donor sites are in short supply, SASSs could be a valuable alternative to treat patients with full-thickness burns covering more than 50 % of their total body surface area.

In forensic sciences, the fate of abstracts presented at international meetings has not yet been assessed. The purpose of this study is to estimate publication ratio and evaluate possible predictors of publication after the 58th edition of the 2006 American Academy of Forensic Sciences annual meeting. Section of the meeting, type of presentation (oral platform or poster), number of authors per abstract and per paper, time span to publication, countries involved, and journal of publication were tabulated. A total of 623 abstracts were presented, from which 102 were subsequently published as a full paper. The overall publication rate was 16.4%, ranging from 3.4% (jurisprudence) to 28.8% (toxicology). The type of presentation (oral platform or poster) did not significantly affect the outcome of the abstract. However, a higher number of authors, foreign authors, and international collaboration were found to be good predictive factors of publication.

Progressive tapering of intravenous heparin is associated with an increased survival rate after finger replantation, particularly for arterial thrombosis. Further prospective and randomized trials are necessary to elucidate the optimal duration, method of infusion and indications for vascular grafts.

The pathophysiology of hanging is still poorly understood. This article presents a review of eight animal models: four models of isolated occlusion of the vessels of the neck (group 1), one model of combined tracheal and vessel occlusion (group 2), and three models of true animal hanging (group 3). Occlusion of the airway passages in group 2 did not accelerate respiratory arrest compared to group 1. Cessation of cerebral blood flow, rather than airway obstruction, seems to be the main cause of respiratory decline. In general, muscular movements ceased after 1-3.5 min and early generalized tonic-clonic convulsions were described. Complete circulatory collapse seems to occur between 4 and 8.5 min. These observations from animal models of hanging are compared with the data collected from filmed human hangings. Avenues to improve animal models are discussed.