Objective This study aims to better understand lightning deaths and their distribution law in Liaoning Province and provide a reliable basis for the forensic analysis and identification of lightning deaths and the related research. Methods A retrospective review of related data of lightning deaths from Forensic Science Division of Liaoning Provincial Public Security Department was performed between 2010 and 2015 .Results One hundred and twelve decedents were identified, ages 6–72 years old (mean 37.4 years old), 85 males and 27 females. Physical findings were often related to the superthermal effect carried by the electrical current including the damage of clothing and the metal items(55.4%) , burning of skin(54.5%), lightning mark(19.6%). Most deaths occurred from June to August of each year between 14:00 and 20:00 at weekends, associated with the location, work and activity environment. The number of deaths in rural areas is higher than that in urban areas. Conclusion The occurrence of lightning death cases has certain regularity,systematic and comprehensive examination of lightning deaths are required. Through the statistics of the lightning deaths in Liaoning Province and the analysis of related influencing factors , it is conducive to improving the level of scene investigation and forensic identification of the lightning deaths.

Objective To investigate the relationship between changes in the liver computed tomography (CT) images and the postmortem interval (PMI) of rabbits 129 h after their death due to hemorrhagic shock. Methods CT scanning was used to investigate the hemorrhagic shock death model in 23 rabbits to identify the postmortem cerebral changes from 0 h to 129 h after death. Results The liver or lumbar area in the liver window showed the following characteristic changes: from unchanged, to rapid shrinkage, to slow shrinkage; the mean CT values of the liver initially increased and subsequently decreased. The regression equations for the relationship between the two indices and PMI were established by surgery, and they all had statistical significance (P ＜ 0. 01). Conclusion CT scanning can accurately show changes in the rabbit liver after death. The mean CT value of the liver tissue is more sensitive for inferring early PMI. Furthermore, the liver area/lumbar area ratio parameters are more sensitive for inferring mid-late PMI.