Pub Date : 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112842
Gaia Giordano , Michele Boracchi , Giuseppe D’Orazio , Cristina Cattaneo , Domenico Di Candia
Purpose
Forensic toxicology plays a crucial role in forensic sciences, focusing on the detection and interpretation of xenobiotics in various biological samples, including bone tissue. This study aimed to compare different extraction techniques for bone tissue and subsequently analyze and validate the best analytical method via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.
Methods
Samples were collected from autopsied cadavers, prepared, and subjected to four different extraction methods (EM-1 to EM-4).
Results
Absolute recovery tests indicated EM-1 as the better extraction method, successfully detecting all the target analytes. Method validation for EM-1 demonstrated acceptable bias, precision, interference studies, and stability in various analytes. The validated method was then applied to ten real cases, confirming its efficacy in forensic toxicology for detecting opioids, dissociative anesthetics, stimulants, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, and sedatives in bone tissue.
Conclusions
This study validated a new extraction method for bone tissue. This technique was applied to forensic real cases.
{"title":"Development and validation of bone extraction procedure in forensic toxicology: A comparison of different extraction techniques","authors":"Gaia Giordano , Michele Boracchi , Giuseppe D’Orazio , Cristina Cattaneo , Domenico Di Candia","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112842","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112842","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Forensic toxicology plays a crucial role in forensic sciences, focusing on the detection and interpretation of xenobiotics in various biological samples, including bone tissue. This study aimed to compare different extraction techniques for bone tissue and subsequently analyze and validate the best analytical method via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Samples were collected from autopsied cadavers, prepared, and subjected to four different extraction methods (EM-1 to EM-4).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Absolute recovery tests indicated EM-1 as the better extraction method, successfully detecting all the target analytes. Method validation for EM-1 demonstrated acceptable bias, precision, interference studies, and stability in various analytes. The validated method was then applied to ten real cases, confirming its efficacy in forensic toxicology for detecting opioids, dissociative anesthetics, stimulants, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, and sedatives in bone tissue.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study validated a new extraction method for bone tissue. This technique was applied to forensic real cases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112842"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112838
Hongbing Chen , Bi Wei , Hanting Wang , Xin He , Yusen Wang , Qi Wang , Minzhu Zhao , Chong Chen , Hongwei Li , Jianbo Li
Background
In forensic practice, distinguishing fall-related injuries from nonfall-related injuries remains a challenge.
Objective
To quantify the parameters of metacarpal fractures to analyze spatial injury patterns in cases resulting from fall-related versus nonfall-related injuries.
Method
A total of 50 metacarpal fracture cases (31 fall-related fractures, 125 fragments; 19 nonfall-related fractures, 63 fragments) were included. Digital reduction aligned fractures with healthy anatomy for standardized orientation. Three-dimensional displacement was measured via centroid Euclidean distance, whereas rotational characteristics were assessed using quaternion transformation and inertia tensor-derived angles.
Results
Predominant involvement of the shaft and base of the fourth and fifth metacarpals (MC4, MC5) was observed in a cohort primarily comprising young and middle-aged male trauma patients. The fracture fragments exhibited a distribution pattern characterized by small, scattered fragments at the head, larger and relatively consolidated fragments in the shaft, and intermediate-sized fragments at the base. Both groups demonstrated a significant negative correlation between fragment volume and rotational angle, along with a strong synergistic effect between total displacement and rotational angle. The fall-related injury group exhibited significantly smaller fracture volume (p = 0.0112), greater posterior ulnar displacement (p = 0.0047), and greater rotational angles (p = 0.0097) at the first metacarpal (MC1) base, whereas the MC5 base tended toward palmar displacement (p = 0.0152).
Conclusion
Quantitative analysis of metacarpal fracture patterns revealed a synergistic effect between rotation and displacement, with smaller fragment size being correlated with greater rotational deformity. Furthermore, the research also suggests that fractures at the base of MC1 and MC5 may exhibit distinct spatial features when fall-related and nonfall-related injuries are compared, thereby enhancing the understanding of fracture mechanics and supporting forensic evaluations.
{"title":"Spatial characteristics of metacarpal fractures: A quantitative 3D CT study of fall-related versus nonfall-related injuries","authors":"Hongbing Chen , Bi Wei , Hanting Wang , Xin He , Yusen Wang , Qi Wang , Minzhu Zhao , Chong Chen , Hongwei Li , Jianbo Li","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112838","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112838","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In forensic practice, distinguishing fall-related injuries from nonfall-related injuries remains a challenge.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To quantify the parameters of metacarpal fractures to analyze spatial injury patterns in cases resulting from fall-related versus nonfall-related injuries.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A total of 50 metacarpal fracture cases (31 fall-related fractures, 125 fragments; 19 nonfall-related fractures, 63 fragments) were included. Digital reduction aligned fractures with healthy anatomy for standardized orientation. Three-dimensional displacement was measured via centroid Euclidean distance, whereas rotational characteristics were assessed using quaternion transformation and inertia tensor-derived angles.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Predominant involvement of the shaft and base of the fourth and fifth metacarpals (MC4, MC5) was observed in a cohort primarily comprising young and middle-aged male trauma patients. The fracture fragments exhibited a distribution pattern characterized by small, scattered fragments at the head, larger and relatively consolidated fragments in the shaft, and intermediate-sized fragments at the base. Both groups demonstrated a significant negative correlation between fragment volume and rotational angle, along with a strong synergistic effect between total displacement and rotational angle. The fall-related injury group exhibited significantly smaller fracture volume (p = 0.0112), greater posterior ulnar displacement (p = 0.0047), and greater rotational angles (p = 0.0097) at the first metacarpal (MC1) base, whereas the MC5 base tended toward palmar displacement (p = 0.0152).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Quantitative analysis of metacarpal fracture patterns revealed a synergistic effect between rotation and displacement, with smaller fragment size being correlated with greater rotational deformity. Furthermore, the research also suggests that fractures at the base of MC1 and MC5 may exhibit distinct spatial features when fall-related and nonfall-related injuries are compared, thereby enhancing the understanding of fracture mechanics and supporting forensic evaluations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112838"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-26DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112836
Cagdas Ufuk Kacargil , Hatice Soyturk , Asli Atasoy Aydin , İsmail Ethem Gören , Goksun Demirel , Nebile Daglioglu
Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil are consumed both as cosmetics and as dietary supplements. Many countries have implemented legal regulations establishing thresholds for cannabinoids, particularly Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), in hemp seeds and hemp seed oil. This study presents the development and validation of a LC-MS/MS method for the quantitative determination of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) in 12 hemp seeds and 20 hemp seed oils. In hemp seeds, as determined using the fully optimized method, the Δ9-THC concentrations ranged from 0.11 to 2.08 µg/g (mean 0.78 µg/g, SD: 0.66 µg/g, SE: 0.19 µg/g), Δ8-THC concentrations from 0.07 to 0.20 µg/g (mean 0.12 µg/g, SD: 0.05 µg/g, SE: 0.01 µg/g), CBD concentrations from 0.13 to 2.40 µg/g (mean 0.88 µg/g, SD: 0.76 µg/g, SE: 0.22 µg/g), CBN concentrations from 0.05 to 0.21 µg/g (mean 0.12 µg/g, SD: 0.05 µg/g, SE: 0.11 µg/g), and THCA concentrations from 0.01 to 1.18 µg/g (mean 0.60 µg/g, SD: 0.59 µg/g, SE: 0.34 µg/g). In hempseed oil, Δ9-THC concentrations ranged from 0.11 to 31.08 µg/mL (mean 6.64 µg/mL, SD: 8.55 µg/mL, SE: 1.96 µg/mL), Δ8-THC concentrations from 0.03 to 15.17 µg/mL (mean 3.57 µg/mL, SD: 3.94 µg/mL, SE: 0.90 µg/mL), CBD concentrations from 0.11 to 24.34 µg/mL (mean 5.15 µg/mL, SD: 6.24 µg/mL, SE: 1.43 µg/mL), CBN concentrations from 0.02 to 3.81 µg/mL (mean 0.94 µg/mL, SD: 1.04 µg/mL, SE: 0.25 µg/mL), and THCA concentrations from 0.08 to 5.57 µg/mL (mean 1.73 µg/mL, SD: 2.25 µg/mL, SE: 0.71 µg/mL). All seed and seed oil samples obtained from the market, except for one seed oil sample, contained detectable amounts of ∑THC. The mean value of the ∑THC level in commercially available hempseed oils in Türkiye (10.21 µg/mL) was higher than the regulatory thresholds applied in Denmark (4 µg/mL) and the European Union (7.5 µg/g), as well as the limit established in the USA (10 µg/g), Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea (10 µg/mL). Since the current laws in Türkiye have adopted the "zero tolerance" principle for Δ9-THC, the findings of this study suggest that cannabinoid levels in seeds and oils may lead to legal problems.
{"title":"Determination of cannabinoids in commercial hemp seeds and hemp seed oil products in Türkiye by LC-MS/MS","authors":"Cagdas Ufuk Kacargil , Hatice Soyturk , Asli Atasoy Aydin , İsmail Ethem Gören , Goksun Demirel , Nebile Daglioglu","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112836","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112836","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil are consumed both as cosmetics and as dietary supplements. Many countries have implemented legal regulations establishing thresholds for cannabinoids, particularly Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), in hemp seeds and hemp seed oil. This study presents the development and validation of a LC-MS/MS method for the quantitative determination of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) in 12 hemp seeds and 20 hemp seed oils. In hemp seeds, as determined using the fully optimized method, the Δ9-THC concentrations ranged from 0.11 to 2.08 µg/g (mean 0.78 µg/g, SD: 0.66 µg/g, SE: 0.19 µg/g), Δ8-THC concentrations from 0.07 to 0.20 µg/g (mean 0.12 µg/g, SD: 0.05 µg/g, SE: 0.01 µg/g), CBD concentrations from 0.13 to 2.40 µg/g (mean 0.88 µg/g, SD: 0.76 µg/g, SE: 0.22 µg/g), CBN concentrations from 0.05 to 0.21 µg/g (mean 0.12 µg/g, SD: 0.05 µg/g, SE: 0.11 µg/g), and THCA concentrations from 0.01 to 1.18 µg/g (mean 0.60 µg/g, SD: 0.59 µg/g, SE: 0.34 µg/g). In hempseed oil, Δ9-THC concentrations ranged from 0.11 to 31.08 µg/mL (mean 6.64 µg/mL, SD: 8.55 µg/mL, SE: 1.96 µg/mL), Δ8-THC concentrations from 0.03 to 15.17 µg/mL (mean 3.57 µg/mL, SD: 3.94 µg/mL, SE: 0.90 µg/mL), CBD concentrations from 0.11 to 24.34 µg/mL (mean 5.15 µg/mL, SD: 6.24 µg/mL, SE: 1.43 µg/mL), CBN concentrations from 0.02 to 3.81 µg/mL (mean 0.94 µg/mL, SD: 1.04 µg/mL, SE: 0.25 µg/mL), and THCA concentrations from 0.08 to 5.57 µg/mL (mean 1.73 µg/mL, SD: 2.25 µg/mL, SE: 0.71 µg/mL). All seed and seed oil samples obtained from the market, except for one seed oil sample, contained detectable amounts of ∑THC. The mean value of the ∑THC level in commercially available hempseed oils in Türkiye (10.21 µg/mL) was higher than the regulatory thresholds applied in Denmark (4 µg/mL) and the European Union (7.5 µg/g), as well as the limit established in the USA (10 µg/g), Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea (10 µg/mL). Since the current laws in Türkiye have adopted the \"zero tolerance\" principle for Δ9-THC, the findings of this study suggest that cannabinoid levels in seeds and oils may lead to legal problems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112836"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-26DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112839
Min Li , Xue Yu , Weizhu Zhao , Guofang Cai , Peng Zhou , Chunjiang Yu , Deping Meng , Ran Wei , Xiaoqun Xu , Jiangwei Yan , Song Zhou , Chen Fang
In forensic genetics, Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (Y-SNPs) are indispensable for paternal lineage identification and population genetic research. While Y-STRs enable short-term familial linkage, their high mutation rates complicate precise lineage determinations. Conversely, Y-SNPs provide stable deep phylogenetic resolution, complementing Y-STRs by resolving mutation-induced ambiguities and enhancing forensic accuracy. However, existing methods lack a combined detection system tailored to Chinese populations that integrates Y-STRs (with varied mutation rates) and Y-SNPs optimized for diverse forensic scenarios. To address this gap, we developed a 365-plex next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel optimized for Chinese populations. The panel integrates 57 Y-STRs (13 rapidly mutating, 44 moderate-to-slow) and 308 Y-SNPs (68 % targeting O subclades), with short amplicons designed for degraded DNA. Validation following SWGDAM guidelines confirmed its reliability. It has a genotyping sensitivity of 125 pg input DNA, 100 % repeatability, and can resolve male-male mixtures up to 1:4 and male-female mixtures up to 1:10 and no cross-reactivity in non-target samples. Among 326 Shandong Han Chinese males, the panel achieved perfect Y-STR haplotype diversity (HD=1.0000) and discrimination capacity (DC=1.0000). Remarkably, 13 rapidly mutating Y-STRs exhibited discriminatory power comparable to 44 moderate-to-slow loci, effectively distinguishing close relatives. Y-SNP analysis identified 137 terminal haplogroups with a haplogroup diversity of 0.9910, confirming high resolution for Chinese populations. By simultaneously analyzing recent familial relationships and deep phylogenetic lineages, this panel resolves Y-STR mutation ambiguities, offering a robust tool for paternal lineage and ancestry analysis in Chinese forensic applications.
{"title":"Development and validation of a 365-Plex NGS panel for integrated Y-STR and Y-SNP typing: Enhancing paternal lineage analysis in Chinese populations","authors":"Min Li , Xue Yu , Weizhu Zhao , Guofang Cai , Peng Zhou , Chunjiang Yu , Deping Meng , Ran Wei , Xiaoqun Xu , Jiangwei Yan , Song Zhou , Chen Fang","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112839","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112839","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In forensic genetics, Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (Y-SNPs) are indispensable for paternal lineage identification and population genetic research. While Y-STRs enable short-term familial linkage, their high mutation rates complicate precise lineage determinations. Conversely, Y-SNPs provide stable deep phylogenetic resolution, complementing Y-STRs by resolving mutation-induced ambiguities and enhancing forensic accuracy. However, existing methods lack a combined detection system tailored to Chinese populations that integrates Y-STRs (with varied mutation rates) and Y-SNPs optimized for diverse forensic scenarios. To address this gap, we developed a 365-plex next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel optimized for Chinese populations. The panel integrates 57 Y-STRs (13 rapidly mutating, 44 moderate-to-slow) and 308 Y-SNPs (68 % targeting O subclades), with short amplicons designed for degraded DNA. Validation following SWGDAM guidelines confirmed its reliability. It has a genotyping sensitivity of 125 pg input DNA, 100 % repeatability, and can resolve male-male mixtures up to 1:4 and male-female mixtures up to 1:10 and no cross-reactivity in non-target samples. Among 326 Shandong Han Chinese males, the panel achieved perfect Y-STR haplotype diversity (HD=1.0000) and discrimination capacity (DC=1.0000). Remarkably, 13 rapidly mutating Y-STRs exhibited discriminatory power comparable to 44 moderate-to-slow loci, effectively distinguishing close relatives. Y-SNP analysis identified 137 terminal haplogroups with a haplogroup diversity of 0.9910, confirming high resolution for Chinese populations. By simultaneously analyzing recent familial relationships and deep phylogenetic lineages, this panel resolves Y-STR mutation ambiguities, offering a robust tool for paternal lineage and ancestry analysis in Chinese forensic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112839"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112834
Maggie Clifton , Teneil Hanna , Ciara Devlin , Matthew Bolton , Scott Chadwick
Over the last decade, international police have witnessed a steady rise in criminal activity related to three-dimensional (3D) printed firearms, documenting seizures of blueprints, components, whole 3D printed firearms as well as 3D printers. Investigators have determined traditional firearm examination techniques are insufficient to facilitate the source printer of 3D printed firearms, instead requiring foundational research and adapted forensic methodologies that will better suit the novel toolmarks. Therefore, the current study aimed to bridge the gaps in understanding of 3D print to printer relationships. The study conducted a comprehensive examination of 3D printed items manufactured by five UltiMaker S5 3D printers to establish the presence and persistence of nozzle deposited markings; known as drag marks, between 3D prints of the same make and model, as well as assessing their potential for source information. The feature exhibited a strong potential to discriminate to specific UltiMaker S5 printers. To further assess drag marks utility in a forensic scenario, exclusion-based decision trees were developed and applied to a blind study of 3D printed items. Which resulted in successful source determination of 44 % of samples, demonstrating the previously unassessed possibility of striations on 3D printed items as class and individual level evaluators. The study suggested the continuance of cataloguing and understanding the presence of toolmarks on seized and laboratory generated 3D printed firearms before implementation into casework. Thereby, forensic investigators can begin to disrupt illicit 3D printed firearm manufacturing and distribution.
{"title":"Exploration of striation-based 3D print source evaluation","authors":"Maggie Clifton , Teneil Hanna , Ciara Devlin , Matthew Bolton , Scott Chadwick","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112834","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112834","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Over the last decade, international police have witnessed a steady rise in criminal activity related to three-dimensional (3D) printed firearms, documenting seizures of blueprints, components, whole 3D printed firearms as well as 3D printers. Investigators have determined traditional firearm examination techniques are insufficient to facilitate the source printer of 3D printed firearms, instead requiring foundational research and adapted forensic methodologies that will better suit the novel toolmarks. Therefore, the current study aimed to bridge the gaps in understanding of 3D print to printer relationships. The study conducted a comprehensive examination of 3D printed items manufactured by five UltiMaker S5 3D printers to establish the presence and persistence of nozzle deposited markings; known as drag marks, between 3D prints of the same make and model, as well as assessing their potential for source information. The feature exhibited a strong potential to discriminate to specific UltiMaker S5 printers. To further assess drag marks utility in a forensic scenario, exclusion-based decision trees were developed and applied to a blind study of 3D printed items. Which resulted in successful source determination of 44 % of samples, demonstrating the previously unassessed possibility of striations on 3D printed items as class and individual level evaluators. The study suggested the continuance of cataloguing and understanding the presence of toolmarks on seized and laboratory generated 3D printed firearms before implementation into casework. Thereby, forensic investigators can begin to disrupt illicit 3D printed firearm manufacturing and distribution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112834"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112832
Kento Kumisaka, Hitomi S. Kikkawa, Koichiro Tsuge, Ritsuko Sugita
The visual assessment of soil color is a key component in forensic soil analysis. Soil colors, observed after sequential treatments to decompose organic matter and remove iron oxides, provide essential information for initial screening because they reflect soil-forming factors. However, color determination can be subjective, influenced by the examiner's experience and individual perception. To address this, the study used a spectrophotometer for objective soil color measurement. Soil samples from around Nirasaki, Yamanashi Prefecture were analyzed using the spectrophotometer, and their colors were compared with those on the Munsell soil color charts. Our results demonstrated that the spectrophotometer exhibited high repeatability, and the soil colors identified by both the Munsell soil color chart and the spectrophotometer were comparable. Additionally, the changes in soil color after pretreatment were consistent between the two methods. Therefore, the spectrophotometer is suitable for use in forensic soil examinations. The discrimination power obtained from the spectrophotometer was higher than that from the soil color chart, likely owing to differences in discrimination thresholds. Therefore, soil color comparison methods should remain consistent in the same cases to ensure reliable results.
{"title":"Objective color measurement of forensic soil samples using a spectrophotometer in the Nirasaki area, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan","authors":"Kento Kumisaka, Hitomi S. Kikkawa, Koichiro Tsuge, Ritsuko Sugita","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112832","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112832","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The visual assessment of soil color is a key component in forensic soil analysis. Soil colors, observed after sequential treatments to decompose organic matter and remove iron oxides, provide essential information for initial screening because they reflect soil-forming factors. However, color determination can be subjective, influenced by the examiner's experience and individual perception. To address this, the study used a spectrophotometer for objective soil color measurement. Soil samples from around Nirasaki, Yamanashi Prefecture were analyzed using the spectrophotometer, and their colors were compared with those on the Munsell soil color charts. Our results demonstrated that the spectrophotometer exhibited high repeatability, and the soil colors identified by both the Munsell soil color chart and the spectrophotometer were comparable. Additionally, the changes in soil color after pretreatment were consistent between the two methods. Therefore, the spectrophotometer is suitable for use in forensic soil examinations. The discrimination power obtained from the spectrophotometer was higher than that from the soil color chart, likely owing to differences in discrimination thresholds. Therefore, soil color comparison methods should remain consistent in the same cases to ensure reliable results.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112832"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112833
Sonja Bitzer, John Divoy, Inès Lemans
Measuring the value of forensic science is crucial for helping law enforcement agencies allocate resources more effectively, ultimately enhancing policing outcomes. However, this assessment is neither straightforward nor uniform. Through the results of a systematic literature review of studies examining the contribution of forensic science, this study investigates two key questions. A first challenge lies in defining the specific contributions of forensic science, which are closely tied to the definition of forensic science itself, its utility dimensions, and its roles within the criminal justice process. Secondly, these roles vary across cases and contexts, necessitating the use of diverse evaluation metrics. Quantitative metrics, such as the number of traces collected or analysed, lead times, and case clearance rates, provide measurable outcomes, while qualitative measures, including decision-making factors, reasons for trace analysis, and the informational impact on investigations, capture subtler contributions. The findings reveal that forensic science's perceived value is highly dependent on roles given to or expected by forensic science (operational, strategic or symbolic), impacting factors (personnel, contextual, conceptual and structural) and the metrics and frameworks applied. These results highlight the importance of adopting a holistic and context-sensitive approach to evaluation. By addressing these challenges, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers aiming to optimise the integration of forensic science into the criminal justice process.
{"title":"Systematic review on trace processing and forensic science contributions. Part II: Measuring the contribution of forensic science.","authors":"Sonja Bitzer, John Divoy, Inès Lemans","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112833","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112833","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Measuring the value of forensic science is crucial for helping law enforcement agencies allocate resources more effectively, ultimately enhancing policing outcomes. However, this assessment is neither straightforward nor uniform. Through the results of a systematic literature review of studies examining the contribution of forensic science, this study investigates two key questions. A first challenge lies in defining the specific contributions of forensic science, which are closely tied to the definition of forensic science itself, its utility dimensions, and its roles within the criminal justice process. Secondly, these roles vary across cases and contexts, necessitating the use of diverse evaluation metrics. Quantitative metrics, such as the number of traces collected or analysed, lead times, and case clearance rates, provide measurable outcomes, while qualitative measures, including decision-making factors, reasons for trace analysis, and the informational impact on investigations, capture subtler contributions. The findings reveal that forensic science's perceived value is highly dependent on roles given to or expected by forensic science (operational, strategic or symbolic), impacting factors (personnel, contextual, conceptual and structural) and the metrics and frameworks applied. These results highlight the importance of adopting a holistic and context-sensitive approach to evaluation. By addressing these challenges, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers aiming to optimise the integration of forensic science into the criminal justice process.</p>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"112833"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146118425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anterior disc space widening (ADSW), defined in this study as an autopsy-based category of cervical discoligamentous injury, is difficult to diagnose on postmortem computed tomography. The vacuum phenomenon (VP) has been debated as a trauma-related finding, and several studies have suggested that its presence may indicate ADSW. However, VP generation requires a negative-pressure environment and may not occur in structurally disrupted disc spaces.
Methods
We retrospectively evaluated 395 cases that underwent autopsy and postmortem kinetic CT of the cervical spine, including neutral and extension series. VP was defined as intervertebral gas with attenuation values below −100 HU. The prevalence of VP was analyzed in relation to cervical positioning, degeneration, and the presence or absence of ADSW.
Results
The prevalence of VP increased significantly from the neutral to the extended position and was consistently higher in degenerated spines, indicating a posture-dependent, degeneration-related phenomenon. In contrast, no clear positive association with ADSW was observed on neutral imaging, and ADSW showed a tendency toward lower VP prevalence in the extended position and among newly appearing VP after positional change. Bayesian logistic regression analysis demonstrated a high posterior probability that the odds ratio for VP occurrence was less than 1 in the presence of ADSW.
Conclusion
These findings indicate that VP reflects degenerative negative-pressure states rather than traumatic disc separation. Accordingly, VP should not be regarded as a marker of traumatic injury but may serve as supportive evidence against ADSW in forensic practice, particularly when evaluated on postmortem kinetic CT.
{"title":"Intradiscal vacuum phenomenon on postmortem kinetic computed tomography of the cervical spine suggests intact discoligamentous structures","authors":"Shogo Shimbashi , Motoo Yoshimiya , Tomoaki Hagita , Akiko Tashiro , Hideki Hyodoh","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112831","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112831","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Anterior disc space widening (ADSW), defined in this study as an autopsy-based category of cervical discoligamentous injury, is difficult to diagnose on postmortem computed tomography. The vacuum phenomenon (VP) has been debated as a trauma-related finding, and several studies have suggested that its presence may indicate ADSW. However, VP generation requires a negative-pressure environment and may not occur in structurally disrupted disc spaces.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We retrospectively evaluated 395 cases that underwent autopsy and postmortem kinetic CT of the cervical spine, including neutral and extension series. VP was defined as intervertebral gas with attenuation values below −100 HU. The prevalence of VP was analyzed in relation to cervical positioning, degeneration, and the presence or absence of ADSW.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The prevalence of VP increased significantly from the neutral to the extended position and was consistently higher in degenerated spines, indicating a posture-dependent, degeneration-related phenomenon. In contrast, no clear positive association with ADSW was observed on neutral imaging, and ADSW showed a tendency toward lower VP prevalence in the extended position and among newly appearing VP after positional change. Bayesian logistic regression analysis demonstrated a high posterior probability that the odds ratio for VP occurrence was less than 1 in the presence of ADSW.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings indicate that VP reflects degenerative negative-pressure states rather than traumatic disc separation. Accordingly, VP should not be regarded as a marker of traumatic injury but may serve as supportive evidence against ADSW in forensic practice, particularly when evaluated on postmortem kinetic CT.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112831"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112828
Johannes Pippidis Lorentzen , Mads Skipanes
We investigate how effectively automatic named entity recognition can recover entities selected by investigators in real criminal cases. Two homicide cases and one synthetic case were processed with five NER models, and extracted entities were matched to investigator labels using a lightweight entity resolution and similarity scoring method. Police trained models aligned best with investigator annotations, while general-purpose models produced larger but less relevant entity sets. Manual validation confirmed that many labels are not text recoverable, establishing a realistic upper bound on NER performance. The results indicate that extraction and investigative relevance are distinct tasks, motivating a two-stage pipeline and future work on relevance modelling and improved resolution.
{"title":"Entity recovery in criminal investigations: Evaluating NER and investigator labels on real case texts","authors":"Johannes Pippidis Lorentzen , Mads Skipanes","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112828","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112828","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We investigate how effectively automatic named entity recognition can recover entities selected by investigators in real criminal cases. Two homicide cases and one synthetic case were processed with five NER models, and extracted entities were matched to investigator labels using a lightweight entity resolution and similarity scoring method. Police trained models aligned best with investigator annotations, while general-purpose models produced larger but less relevant entity sets. Manual validation confirmed that many labels are not text recoverable, establishing a realistic upper bound on NER performance. The results indicate that extraction and investigative relevance are distinct tasks, motivating a two-stage pipeline and future work on relevance modelling and improved resolution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112828"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112829
Łukasz A. Poniatowski , Agnieszka Siwińska , Albert Acewicz , Magdalena Kwiatkowska , Mieszko Olczak
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) constitutes the principal cause of disability and death globally. Recently, the group of neurotrophic and lysosomal trafficking-related proteins, including prosaposin (PSAP), progranulin (PGRN), sortilin (SORT1), and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), has garnered increasing interest in neuroscience research. The aim of this study was to profile the post-mortem levels of PSAP, PGRN, SORT1 and LRP1, and to determine whether these biomarkers could serve as diagnostic tools for mechanistic stratification in forensic neuropathology and medico-legal investigations. The study involved a total of 40 cases, individuals with head injuries (n = 20) suspected to be the cause of death and control atraumatic cases of sudden death (n = 20) due to cardiopulmonary reasons. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), were collected approximately 24 h post-mortem and analyzed through ELISA testing. Brain specimens were obtained during forensic autopsies and subjected to immunohistochemical staining. We observed the elevated concentration level of PSAP in CSF, and the elevated concentration level of PGRN within serum and CSF. In the frontal cortex, anti-SORT1 and anti-LRP1 immunostaining revealed a general homogenization of the reaction in the study group. The molecular and cellular evidence suggests lysosomal trafficking disruption as central element of fatal TBI. The redistribution of SORT1 and LRP1, together with CSF-specific PSAP elevation and systemic PGRN increase, support a model in which neuronal lysosomal stress, receptor trafficking breakdown, and systemic release of lysosomal proteins are intertwined. The potential use of PSAP, PGRN, SORT1, and LRP1 assays offers an novel tool for research regarding TBI diagnosis and pathogenesis.
{"title":"Lysosomal trafficking markers covering PSAP, PGRN, SORT1 and LRP1 in body liquids and cerebral tissue as auxiliary indicative tool of traumatic brain injury","authors":"Łukasz A. Poniatowski , Agnieszka Siwińska , Albert Acewicz , Magdalena Kwiatkowska , Mieszko Olczak","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112829","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112829","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Traumatic brain injury (TBI) constitutes the principal cause of disability and death globally. Recently, the group of neurotrophic and lysosomal trafficking-related proteins, including prosaposin (PSAP), progranulin (PGRN), sortilin (SORT1), and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), has garnered increasing interest in neuroscience research. The aim of this study was to profile the post-mortem levels of PSAP, PGRN, SORT1 and LRP1, and to determine whether these biomarkers could serve as diagnostic tools for mechanistic stratification in forensic neuropathology and medico-legal investigations. The study involved a total of 40 cases, individuals with head injuries (n = 20) suspected to be the cause of death and control atraumatic cases of sudden death (n = 20) due to cardiopulmonary reasons. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), were collected approximately 24 h post-mortem and analyzed through ELISA testing. Brain specimens were obtained during forensic autopsies and subjected to immunohistochemical staining. We observed the elevated concentration level of PSAP in CSF, and the elevated concentration level of PGRN within serum and CSF. In the frontal cortex, anti-SORT1 and anti-LRP1 immunostaining revealed a general homogenization of the reaction in the study group. The molecular and cellular evidence suggests lysosomal trafficking disruption as central element of fatal TBI. The redistribution of SORT1 and LRP1, together with CSF-specific PSAP elevation and systemic PGRN increase, support a model in which neuronal lysosomal stress, receptor trafficking breakdown, and systemic release of lysosomal proteins are intertwined. The potential use of PSAP, PGRN, SORT1, and LRP1 assays offers an novel tool for research regarding TBI diagnosis and pathogenesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112829"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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