title: Death by electrocution: Histological technique for copper detection on the electric mark.
abstract: The current observation of deaths by electrocution, both for domestic and work-related accidents as well as those in other contexts, has deepened the scope of investigation into electric marks, especially from the histological point of view. This is one of the few investigation tools that may lead to the diagnosis of death by electrocution in this distinct area, bearing in mind the diagnostic difficulties that this type of fatality presents. Our attention has been placed on the phenomenon of metallization. In particular, we focused on using the Timm's method [1] to locate the copper deposits. The phenomenon of metallization, usually could be caused by the copper deposit, this happens due to the copper debris released onto the skin by the live conductor. To date, this technique has only been used in the pathological field. Nevertheless, we tried to assess its application in seven selected cases, after partially modifying the technique, comparing it with the most common staining detection techniques and analysing the specificity, sensitivity as well as the potential for its application in the routine.
authors.affiliation: Cameron Forensic Medical Sciences, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Forensic Medicine, University of Siena, Siena Policlinic, 53100 Siena, Italy. Electronic address: e.bellini@smd14.qmul.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bellini
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gambassi
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Forensic Medicine, University of Siena, Siena Policlinic, 53100 Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nucci
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Forensic Medicine, University of Siena, Siena Policlinic, 53100 Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Benvenuti
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Forensic Medicine, University of Siena, Siena Policlinic, 53100 Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Landi
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Forensic Medicine, University of Siena, Siena Policlinic, 53100 Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gabbrielli
authors.affiliation: Cameron Forensic Medical Sciences, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vanezis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000534:Alum Compounds; D003300:Copper / Q000032:analysis*; D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D005295:Ferrocyanides; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D049429:Forensic Pathology / Q000379:methods*; D006416:Hematoxylin; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011540:Prussian Blue Reaction; D012235:Rhodamines; D012835:Silver Nitrate; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D000534:Alum Compounds; D005295:Ferrocyanides; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006873:Hydroquinones; D012235:Rhodamines; D003300:Copper; C032807:Mayer's hemalum; D012835:Silver Nitrate; C000170:ferric ferrocyanide; C031927:hydroquinone; D006416:Hematoxylin
keywords: Autopsy; Histopathology; Immunohistochemistry; Metallization; Staining techniques; Timm's method