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Forensic entomology plays a crucial role in death investigations, particularly in estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). This study presents a forensic entomology case involving a corpse found in a buried utility vehicle. The victim was in an advanced state of decomposition, with autopsy findings revealing gunshot wounds. Cadaveric fauna was collected at the scene and during the autopsy. The analysis revealed a diverse insect community, with predominance of Compsomyiops fulvicrura and Piophila casei. The time of development of species like Dermestes maculatus and Necrobia rufipes was used to estimate the minimum PMI. The presence and low abundance of Calliphora vicina, a species preferring lower temperatures, shed light on the seasonal conditions at the time of death and suggested possible body concealment shortly after death. This research is the first to report insects as evidence in a corpse found in a buried vehicle and contributes to the body of knowledge in forensic entomology. The study also suggests that the use of entomological evidence can provide additional information about the season in which the body was concealed, making it a valuable tool in death investigation and crime scene reconstruction. Finally, it emphasizes the need for proper sampling, expert identification, and close collaboration between forensic entomologists and pathologists.

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Fly colonization patterns and development are crucial in estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) of decomposing corpses. Understanding the potential effects of xenobiotics on species development in cadaveric entomofauna is essential for accurate PMI estimation, given their presence in decomposing bodies. Benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for their anxiolytic, hypnotic, and muscle relaxant effects, are of forensic interest due to their potential for abuse, dependence, intoxication, and overdose-related deaths. This study aimed to explore the effect of clonazepam and its metabolites on Megaselia scalaris, a species commonly used to estimate PMI, the alteration of which could impact the accuracy of said estimation. The S9 biotransformation fraction, an in vitro model consisting of an array of metabolic enzymes, was used to generate phase I and II metabolites for evaluating their effect on M. scalaris development, representing an innovative approach to this type of study. Megaselia scalaris larvae were reared in synthetic growth media under controlled conditions. The study compared different groups: control, clonazepam, and clonazepam with S9 fraction. Larvae were measured daily to determine growth rate, and clonazepam concentrations were analyzed using HPLC-DAD. Results showed that larvae grown in media containing clonazepam or clonazepam with S9 fraction developed faster than control larvae, reaching their pupal stage earlier. Growth rates were also altered in treated groups. In conclusion, the presence of clonazepam and its metabolites accelerated the life cycle of M. scalaris, potentially impacting the accuracy of PMI estimation. These findings underscore the importance of considering xenobiotics in forensic entomological studies for precise post-mortem interval determination.

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Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is a colonizer of cadavers in the Neotropical Region. Nevertheless, data on development for the P. (P.) chrysostoma (e.g., instar duration) and behavioral strategies used by the species for locating and colonizing a corpse are scant. We aimed to explore bionomic and reproductive aspects of the flesh fly P. (P.) chrysostoma, and in this article we: (a) provide quantitative data on the life cycle of P. (P.) chrysostoma; (b) present bionomic measurements (length and weight) of larvae and pupae; (c) describe intrauterine egg and larvae development; and (d) analyze the ovo/larviposition behavior by gravid females. Females showed ovaries with discernible eggs and larvae between 8 and 10 days (x̅ = 23.3 eggs/female). This study reports the first observation of egg deposition, an atypical behavior for the species. The average development time for immature stages was 22.24 h and 21.36 h for 1st and 2nd respectively, and 3rd showed an average development time of 80.47 h. Pupa had the longest duration (x̅ = 295.69 h). A direct increase was observed in weight (P < 0.05) and length (P < 0.05) throughout time. The average survival time of males and females is approximately 30 days. This study expands the knowledge on P. (P.) chrysostoma, such as facultative ovoviviparity under laboratory conditions and the life cycle, which may benefit future studies for accuracy in entomology-based estimation of minimum post-mortem interval (min PMI).

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Forensic entomology requires knowledge of the developmental rates of the species that colonize a body after death to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI). These developmental rates may vary depending not only on the species but also on the geographic location due to population differences. Therefore, the objectives of this work were to determine the developmental duration of the forensically important fly Chrysomya megacephala under constant controlled and field condition temperatures and to compare these results, through a meta-analysis, with data reported by other authors on populations from different localities. For this, C. megacephala colonies were established in the laboratory, and the duration of the life cycle was studied at two controlled temperatures (25 °C and 27 °C) and field conditions (27.5 ± 3.2 °C). Analysis of variance was performed to determine differences in developmental time and larval length between constant laboratory temperatures and field conditions. A generalized linear model was performed with predictor variables extracted from the literature (diet, relative humidity, latitude, longitude) to evaluate the effect of population variation on developmental times. The results showed significant differences in developmental times between 25 and 27 °C. As expected, the complete life cycle of C. megacephala was shorter at 27 °C. Finally, the meta-analysis suggested differences between the developmental times of different populations, based on temperature and geographic location. The results of this study provide fundamental developmental data to use C. megacephala in PMI estimations. Finally, we suggest that, when making expert reports, information from local populations should be used to determine a more accurate and reliable PMI.

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Alcohol-associated liver disease is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease. It comprises a clinical-histologic spectrum of presentations, from steatosis, steatohepatitis, to different degrees of fibrosis, including cirrhosis and severe necroinflammatory disease, called alcohol-associated hepatitis. In this focused update, we aim to present specific therapeutic interventions and strategies for the management of alcohol-associated liver disease. Current evidence for management in all spectra of manifestations is derived from general chronic liver disease recommendations, but with a higher emphasis on abstinence and nutritional support. Abstinence should comprise the treatment of alcohol use disorder as well as withdrawal syndrome. Nutritional assessment should also consider the presence of sarcopenia and its clinical manifestation, frailty. The degree of compensation of the disease should be evaluated, and complications, actively sought. The most severe acute form of this disease is alcohol-associated hepatitis, which has high mortality and morbidity. Current treatment is based on corticosteroids that act by reducing immune activation and blocking cytotoxicity and inflammation pathways. Other aspects of treatment include preventing and treating hepatorenal syndrome as well as preventing infections although there is no clear evidence as to the benefit of probiotics and antibiotics in prophylaxis. Novel therapies for alcohol-associated hepatitis include metadoxine, interleukin-22 analogs, and interleukin-1-beta antagonists. Finally, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, microbiota transplantation, and gut-liver axis modulation have shown promising results. We also discuss palliative care in advanced alcohol-associated liver disease.

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Studies under constant temperatures are the most common to estimate the Postmortem Interval (PMI). It is imperative that forensic sciences have data from studies carried out in the field. Therefore, this work aims to: (1) evaluate the parameters (weight, length, development time) associated with the life cycles of Lucilia ochricornis (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Lucilia purpurascens (Walker) under experimental conditions in the field considering fluctuating temperatures, and (2) compare these results with those known and published by the same authors for cultures realized in the laboratory under constant temperatures; which will permit us to contrast the most widely used existing methodologies for forensic application in estimating the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). For each season of the year, cultures of both species were made in the field, collecting information on temperature, humidity, and photoperiod to perform laboratory cultures, later comparing: development time, length, weight, and Accumulated Degree-Hours (ADH) in both types of cultures. Methods for estimating the PMI were obtained and validated with the information of the cultures grown in the field. The two types of cultures showed differences between each other for both species. The forensic use methods to estimate PMI were enhanced and their precision increased when maximum larval length data were used, and it was also concluded that feeding larval stages are the most accurate to be used in making estimates because the larva is growing. The estimation of the PMI through the use of necrophagous flies development remains reliable for obtaining the PMImin.

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La pandemia covid-19 se ha configurado como el mayor evento de salud pública conocido por las actuales generaciones, y cuyos efectos han trascendido a los sectores social y económico, llevando a 100 (88-115) millones de personas a condiciones de pobreza, y profundizando el impacto en la población ya considerada vulnerable, revirtiendo los avances previos en materia de progreso económico del actual siglo. Gran parte de esas repercusiones se relacionan a la importante transformación en las costumbres e interacciones de la sociedad a consecuencia de esta crisis sanitaria, que a su vez modificaron la dinámica económica en pequeña y gran escala. El impacto de esta enfermedad ha alcanzado el empleo, ingreso y estabilidad de los trabajadores, forjando un deterioro del capital humano y de las capacidades productivas, desfavoreciendo en especial a las mujeres, que serán más pobres que los hombres para 2030. En estas condiciones, el objetivo de reducir la tasa absoluta mundial de pobreza por debajo del 3 % para el año 2030, adoptado por las Naciones en la firma de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (PNUD, 2021), se hará inalcanzable si no se adoptan medidas políticas rápidas, significativas y sustanciales(AU)

The covid-19 pandemic has become the largest public health event known to current generations, and whose effects have transcended the social and economic sectors, leading 100 (88-115) million people to conditions of poverty, and deepening the impact on the population already considered vulnerable, reversing previous advances in economic progress of the current century. A large part of these repercussions are related to the important transformation in the customs and interactions of society as a result of this health crisis, which in turn modified the economic dynamics on a small and large scale. The impact of this disease has reached the employment, income and stability of workers, forging a deterioration of human capital and productive capacities, especially disadvantaging women, who will be poorer than men by 2030. Under these conditions, the goal of reducing the global absolute poverty rate below 3% by 2030, adopted by the Nations at the signing of the Sustainable Development Goals (UNDP, 2021), will become unattainable without swift political action, significant and substantial(AU)

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The early arrival and colonization of species belonging to the family Calliphoridae (Insecta: Diptera) on a corpse represent one of the most reliable means of estimating minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). However, information on the development and life cycles of some Argentine species in this family is not complete. The objective of this work was to contribute new information regarding the larval body size of neotropical species that allow, through the construction of forensic methods, the estimation of a more precise and specific PMImin. This work was conducted on laboratory cultures of larvae of Lucilia ochricornis (Wiedemann) and Lucilia purpurascens (Walker) using as average temperatures: 13.4, 15.1, 22.6, and 23.3°C, which represent the four seasons of the year for the province of Salta. With this information, we constructed isomegalen diagrams and growth models for the obtained variables of larval length and body weight. The mean values of length and body weight differ between both species, indicating that L. purpurascens exceeded L. ochricornis in both variables. In contrast, within each species the mean length and weight remained unchanged between culture temperatures for the three larval instars. Isomegalen diagrams can be used for the entire range of temperatures worked in the laboratory, but the body size entered is approximate. The growth models allow the use of point data but are specific for each culture temperature used.

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Abstract The order Coleoptera is considered second highest in forensic importance in criminal cases involving violent death, because members of this order increase in richness and abundance as the decomposition process progresses. We present here the first Forensic Entomology (FE) case in Brazil where the carrion beetle, Oxelytrum discicolle (Coleoptera: Silphidae), was used to estimate the minimum post-mortem interval (m-PMI) in a forensic case. A female corpse, at an advanced stage of decomposition, was found on a deserted highway near Brasília/Brazil. The corpse was removed from the site, and insect samples were collected on and inside the corpse at the Forensic Medicine Institute of the Federal Police, following the specific FE protocols. The m-PMI was estimated considering two techniques, the pre-appearance interval (PAI) and the accumulated degree-days (ADD). The development stage of the larvae of O. discicolle allowed investigators to propose that this species was part of an earlier colonization, soon after death, with total length and prothorax width compatible with third instar larvae. Adult females of O. discicolle oviposited on the corpse at least 20 days before it was removed from the site where it was found, thus characterizing the m-PMI. This is the first case in which information on the development of the O. discicolle was used in a criminal investigation in Brazil.

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ABSTRACT With homicide rates higher than the world average, Brazil stands out as one of the most violent countries worldwide. Time of death estimation based solely on body changes can be biased or inaccurate; forensic entomology can play a determinant role in such cases. Accurate knowledge of necrophilous fauna is essential to validate experimental data and allows for the application of entomological evidence in forensic investigations, which benefits scientists, investigators, and society in general. Entomological evidence from Curitiba and 22 nearby cities were collected by crime scene investigators from the Scientific Police of Paraná. The corpses were found in diverse environments and specimens from each species were collected from all life stages. We present data from 25 cases from 2011 to 2014, including associated species, new records, and comparisons between existing experimental data and data from species collected in the cases presented. We identified 23 total species, of which eight species of Coleoptera and two species of Diptera have not previously been recorded on corpses. In all cases, Calliphoridae (76%) and Silphidae (48%) were the most numerous families collected. Working together with the scientific police gave us insight into which species lacked detailed records and enabled us to collaboratively focus on resolving deficits in our knowledge of necrophagous insects.

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Resumen:La Entomología Forense es una ciencia que implica el estudio de las especies antropofágicas que practican un ciclo vital en el cadáver. Contribuye en la determinación del Intervalo posmortem. Los insectos de importancia forense que se estudiaron pertenecen a la orden Dípteros y Coleópteros. En el estudio realizado en el municipio de Pucarani, ubicado en la provinciaLos Andes del Departamento La Paz a 3852 m.s.n.m. entre otoño e invierno, se obtuvo dos ejemplares de cerdo S. scrofa, en dos ambientes: abierto (cerdo A) y cerrado: (cerdo B). Se identificó 339 especímenes entre dípteros y coleópteros. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la sucesión de entomofauna entre ambos ambientes, sin embargo predominó la familia Fannide sp. en el lugar cerrado por ser un ambiente húmedo. Los dípteros de mayor importancia son: Sarconesia Chlorogaster, Clorobrachycoma splendida, que pertenecen a la familia Calliphoridae, que se mantuvo en constante actividaden su estadio larval y su forma adulta en los cuatro estados de descomposición a temperaturas de 14 - 16°C, humedad relativa de 30%; no se encontró a Calliphora nigribasis en la descomposición avanzada; Sarconesiopsis magellánica solo se presenta en la etapa Fresco. Entre los Coleópteros: Oxelitrum apicale apareció desde la etapa hinchado. La sucesión de entomofauna cadavérica y su particularidad en cada etapa de descomposición, es el elemento que nos ayudaría a determinar el IPM, que dependerá de las condiciones climáticas a gran altitud como Bolivia.

Abstract:Forensic entomology is a science that involves the study of the cannibalistic species that plays a vital cycle in the body. It helps to determinate the postmortem interval. Insects with forensic importance that were studied belong to the order Diptera and Coleoptera. In the study conducted in the Municipality of Pucarani, located in the province of Los Andes La Paz Department at 3852 meters between autumn and winter, two copies of pork S. scrofa was obtained in two environments: open (pork A), closed (pig B). 339 specimens between Diptera and Coleoptera were identified. No significant differences were found in the entomofauna sequence between the two environments, however the Fannide sp. In the place closed for being a humid environment. The most important dipterans are: Sarconesia Chlorogaster, Clorobrachycoma splendida, belonging to the family Calliphoridae, which remained in constant activity in its larval stage and its adult form in the four decaying states at temperatures of 14 - 16 ° C, humidity Relative to 30%; Calliphora nigribasis was not found in advanced decomposition; Magellanic sarconesiopsis only occurs in the Fresco stage. Among the Coleoptera: Oxelitrum apicale appeared from the swollen stage. The succession of cadaveric entomofauna and its particularity in each stage of decomposition is the element that would help us determine the MPI, which will depend on high altitude climatic conditions like Bolivia.

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Fanniidae (Insecta: Diptera) is a relatively small family (ca. 350 spp.) with five genera, of which Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 and Euryomma Stein, 1899 have Neotropical distributions. Some of these species are almost always found in forensic studies. Forensically relevant species have been neglected, despite recent forensic studies that suggest their importance for estimating post-mortem interval (PMI). Thus, current and updated keys to identify adults or larvae on carcasses are unavailable for the most important species. While immature stages are important in estimating PMI, evidence suggests that adults (Fanniidae as well as other families) may also be useful for this purpose. Here we provide a key to males of the species of Fanniidae (found on corpses and other decomposing organic matter) with a checklist of species that have been used in forensics in the Neotropical region. The key comprises all 38 species of Fannia and Euryomma that have already been successfully used in forensics, and species that are potentially useful for estimating PMI. These records were found after reviews of the literature and data from entomological collections. Photographs and illustrations of the main characters in the key are provided.

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Fanniidae (Insecta: Diptera) is a relatively small family (ca. 350 spp.) with five genera, of which Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 and Euryomma Stein, 1899 have Neotropical distributions. Some of these species are almost always found in forensic studies. Forensically relevant species have been neglected, despite recent forensic studies that suggest their importance for estimating post-mortem interval (PMI). Thus, current and updated keys to identify adults or larvae on carcasses are unavailable for the most important species. While immature stages are important in estimating PMI, evidence suggests that adults (Fanniidae as well as other families) may also be useful for this purpose. Here we provide a key to males of the species of Fanniidae (found on corpses and other decomposing organic matter) with a checklist of species that have been used in forensics in the Neotropical region. The key comprises all 38 species of Fannia and Euryomma that have already been successfully used in forensics, and species that are potentially useful for estimating PMI. These records were found after reviews of the literature and data from entomological collections. Photographs and illustrations of the main characters in the key are provided.(AU)

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Carrion breeding insects may be of great utility in crimes briefing. Studies on forensic entomology are restricted to few localities in Brazil and very few of them were done in the cerrado vegetation (a type of Savannah) until now. This work aimed to survey the main species of dipterans associated with the decomposition process of Sus scrofa and the insect succession pattern in carcasses in the Cerrado. The study was carried out in the dry and humid season of the year, in two cerrado vegetation profiles in Uberlândia, MG. Two pig carcasses were placed in each vegetation profile and time period of the year. The decomposition process was slower and insects were more abundant in the dry season. Differences in temperature, air humidity and pluvial precipitation seemed to be the main physical factors responsible for the differences in the time of decomposition of the pig carcasses between the two seasons. Fourteen species of dipterans (59,467 specimens) bred in the decomposing carcasses. Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) was the species more abundantly breed in the two periods. The other species that breed in the carcasses were: C. putoria (Wiedemann), Hemilucilia segmentaria(Fabricius), Lucilia eximia(Wiedemann) (Calliphoridae), Peckia (Pattonella) intermutans(Walker), Peckia (Squamatoides) trivitatta(Curran), Sarcodexia lambens(Wiedemann) (Sarcophagidae), Musca domestica(L.), Ophyra aenescens(Wiedemann), Stomoxys calcitransL. (Muscidae), Fannia pusio(Wiedemann), Fannia sp. (Fanniidae), Hermetia illuscens L. (Stratiomyidae) and Phoridae sp. The Cerrado of this region presents many dipterans potential forensic indicators.

Os insetos podem ser de grande utilidade no auxílio de elucidações de crimes. Estudos de entomologia forense ainda estão restritos a poucas localidades no Brasil e são escassos na vegetação de cerrado. Este estudo teve por objetivo identificar as principais espécies de Diptera associadas ao processo de decomposição de carcaças de suínos Sus scrofa e o padrão de sucessão de insetos nesse tipo de substrato. Foram realizados dois experimentos nos períodos seco e úmido do ano em duas áreas de cerrado no município de Uberlândia, MG. Foram utilizadas duas carcaças de suínos em cada ambiente e período do ano. O processo de decomposição foi mais lento no período seco, assim como a maior quantidade de insetos coletados. Diferenças na temperatura, umidade e precipitação pluviométrica parecem ter sido os principais responsáveis pelas diferenças nos tempos de decomposição entre os dois períodos do ano. Quatorze espécies (59.467 espécimes) foram coletadas nas carcaças em decomposição. Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) was the species more abundantly breed in the two periods. The other species that breed in the carcasses were: C. putoria (Wiedemann), Hemilucilia segmentaria(Fabricius), Lucilia eximia(Wiedemann) (Calliphoridae), Peckia (Pattonella) intermutans(Walker), Peckia (Squamatoides) trivitatta(Curran), Sarcodexia lambens(Wiedemann) (Sarcophagidae), Musca domestica(L.), Ophyra aenescens(Wiedemann), Stomoxys calcitransL. (Muscidae), Fannia pusio(Wiedemann), Fannia sp. (Fanniidae), Hermetia illuscens L. (Stratiomyidae) e Phoridae sp. O cerrado dessa região apresenta vários dípteros potenciais indicadores forenses.

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Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera, Stratiomyidae) é uma espécie abundante em todo o continente americano. No entanto, ainda há poucos estudos no Brasil abordando aspectos em relação a sua biologia e ecologia, em particular associados a estudos forenses. Neste trabalho, nós observamos os efeitos de hormônios esteróides na decomposição corporal de Rattus norvergicus, variedade Wistar enterrados na atração de H. illucens. Além da presença de diversas espécies de larvas e adultos de insetos freqüentemente encontrados em carcaças nessas condições, observou-se uma grande quantidade de imaturos de H. illucens. Essa espécie representou aproximadamente 22 por cento de todos os espécimes coletados, tendo aparecido somente nos animais que receberam tratamento com esteróides sexuais dos tipos testosterona, progesterona e estradiol. Dentre esses, a maior abundância foi verificada nos que haviam recebido testosterona (68 por cento). A presença de imaturos de H. illucens, apenas nos animais que receberam o tratamento com esteróides, em experimentos realizados em dois anos consecutivos revela uma possível atração/seleção dessa espécie por corpos com quantidades aumentadas de hormônios sexuais. Esse comportamento pode ser particularmente útil para a entomologia forense no que diz respeito à estimativa do intervalo pós-morte (IPM), particularmente quando tem como base informações sobre o ciclo de vida e ecologia de insetos necrófagos.

Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera, Stratiomyidae) is an abundant species in the entire American continent. Nevertheless, there are few studies in Brazil dealing with aspects of its biology and ecology, particularly associated with forensic studies. In this study we intended to observe the effects of steroids hormones in the corporal decomposition of buried Rattus norvergicus from the Wistar variety in the attraction of H. illucens. Besides the presence of several insect species commonly found in carcasses, a great amount of immature H. illucens was observed. This species represented approximately 22 percent of all collected specimens and it was only found in the animals that have received treatment with sexual steroids, such as testosterone, progesterone and estradiol. Among the animals under treatment, the greater abundance was verified in those who had received testosterone (68 percent). The presence of immatures of H. illucens only in the animals that received hormone treatments in experiments accomplished in two consecutive years strongly suggests a possible attraction of this species for bodies with different amounts of sexual hormones. This behavior can also be relevant for the forensic entomology in regard to the post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation, particularly when the PMI is based on information about the necrophagous insect's life cycle and ecology.