Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112844
Romain Steiner , Monika Hilgert , Jens Brölz , Maria Aurora Fabiano , Aldo Mattei , On behalf of the ENFSI Fingerprint Working Group
The 2024 fingermark visualisation collaborative exercise (visCE), organised by the ENFSI Fingerprint Working Group (FIN-WG), aimed to provide an overview of current practices among European laboratories in the detection of latent fingermarks on Euro banknotes. The exercise focused on two denominations (€10 and €50) to investigate the impact of substrate characteristics, particularly the presence of a protective coating, on fingermark visualisation. Each test consisted of five fingermarks deposited in different areas of the banknotes. Three fingermarks were naturally deposited by a single donor and two marks were deposited using a fingerprint stamp and artificial secretions. Thirty-seven laboratories across Europe participated to the visCE. Participants were asked to process banknotes using their routine detection sequences, and to submit their results, images, and reagent formulations for evaluation. Twenty distinct detection sequences were reported, reflecting a marked lack of standardisation across laboratories. Amino acid reagents performed well on the unvarnished €50 banknotes but showed reduced efficiency on the varnished €10 notes, where CA fuming and other techniques suited to non-porous substrates yielded superior results. Analysis of the submitted formulations revealed notable variability, with several recipes deviating from established references. Significant inconsistencies were also observed in imaging and observation conditions, including issues with exposure, sharpness, and resolution, which adversely affected the quality of otherwise well-developed fingermarks. Based on the findings, recommended sequences were identified for each denomination: [PRELIM → CA → BMP → VMDAg/Zn] for varnished €10 banknotes and [PRELIM → IND/Zn → NIN → PD] for unvarnished €50 banknotes. The results underscore the need for greater harmonisation in detection workflows and imaging practices and will inform future ENFSI initiatives aimed at improving standardisation and reproducibility in fingermark detection across Europe.
{"title":"Fingermark visualisation on Euro banknotes – Current practices in European laboratories and outcomes of the 2024 collaborative exercise of the ENFSI Fingerprint Working Group","authors":"Romain Steiner , Monika Hilgert , Jens Brölz , Maria Aurora Fabiano , Aldo Mattei , On behalf of the ENFSI Fingerprint Working Group","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112844","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112844","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The 2024 fingermark visualisation collaborative exercise (visCE), organised by the ENFSI Fingerprint Working Group (FIN-WG), aimed to provide an overview of current practices among European laboratories in the detection of latent fingermarks on Euro banknotes. The exercise focused on two denominations (€10 and €50) to investigate the impact of substrate characteristics, particularly the presence of a protective coating, on fingermark visualisation. Each test consisted of five fingermarks deposited in different areas of the banknotes. Three fingermarks were naturally deposited by a single donor and two marks were deposited using a fingerprint stamp and artificial secretions. Thirty-seven laboratories across Europe participated to the visCE. Participants were asked to process banknotes using their routine detection sequences, and to submit their results, images, and reagent formulations for evaluation. Twenty distinct detection sequences were reported, reflecting a marked lack of standardisation across laboratories. Amino acid reagents performed well on the unvarnished €50 banknotes but showed reduced efficiency on the varnished €10 notes, where CA fuming and other techniques suited to non-porous substrates yielded superior results. Analysis of the submitted formulations revealed notable variability, with several recipes deviating from established references. Significant inconsistencies were also observed in imaging and observation conditions, including issues with exposure, sharpness, and resolution, which adversely affected the quality of otherwise well-developed fingermarks. Based on the findings, recommended sequences were identified for each denomination: [PRELIM → CA → BMP → VMD<sub>Ag/Zn</sub>] for varnished €10 banknotes and [PRELIM → IND/Zn → NIN → PD] for unvarnished €50 banknotes. The results underscore the need for greater harmonisation in detection workflows and imaging practices and will inform future ENFSI initiatives aimed at improving standardisation and reproducibility in fingermark detection across Europe.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112844"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146111947","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-02DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112856
Jin-Hwan Kim, Jun Seok Kim, Nam In Park, Jun Seok Byun
In this work, we propose a straightforward and practical object trajectory estimation method for dashboard camera (dashcam) videos with ego-motion. When an object detaches or is launched from a preceding vehicle, its motion under gravity follows a parabolic trajectory in 3D camera coordinates. However, conventional 2D image-plane methods, such as polynomial or exponential models, often yield inaccurate results because they neglect the camera’s ego-motion and lack a rigorous physical foundation. To address this, we derive a projection-based model from the 3D parabolic trajectory by incorporating the longitudinal translation of the dashcam into the projection process. We then estimate trajectory parameters using least-squares optimization, resulting in a practical and physically grounded estimation approach. Quantitative evaluation on real-world forensic case studies demonstrated that the proposed model fits the observed data closely, achieving an average Root Mean Square Error of 6.64 pixels. These results suggest that our approach can assist forensic analysts in interpreting object motion in traffic accident investigations.
{"title":"Object trajectory estimation in the dashcam videos with ego-motion","authors":"Jin-Hwan Kim, Jun Seok Kim, Nam In Park, Jun Seok Byun","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112856","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112856","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this work, we propose a straightforward and practical object trajectory estimation method for dashboard camera (dashcam) videos with ego-motion. When an object detaches or is launched from a preceding vehicle, its motion under gravity follows a parabolic trajectory in 3D camera coordinates. However, conventional 2D image-plane methods, such as polynomial or exponential models, often yield inaccurate results because they neglect the camera’s ego-motion and lack a rigorous physical foundation. To address this, we derive a projection-based model from the 3D parabolic trajectory by incorporating the longitudinal translation of the dashcam into the projection process. We then estimate trajectory parameters using least-squares optimization, resulting in a practical and physically grounded estimation approach. Quantitative evaluation on real-world forensic case studies demonstrated that the proposed model fits the observed data closely, achieving an average Root Mean Square Error of 6.64 pixels. These results suggest that our approach can assist forensic analysts in interpreting object motion in traffic accident investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112856"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146124294","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112855
Laura Siemon, Senta Niederegger, Dirk K. Wissenbach
For more than four decades, no standardized study design or workflow has been established for systematic entomotoxicological research in forensic casework. This study aimed to develop a universal rearing protocol for fly larvae grown on drug-spiked tissue surrogate and a standardized workflow for the qualitative analysis of pharmacologically active compounds (PACs) in insects of different developmental stages. Larvae of Protophormia terraenovae and Lucilia sericata were reared on minced meat serving as tissue surrogate. First-instar larvae were transferred to minced meat spiked with diazepam, amitriptyline, pipamperone, or lamotrigine, each triturated with placebo tablets. Actively feeding and post-feeding third-instar larvae were soaked for 24 h in ethanol (30 mL, 70:30, v:v), and both the larvae and the soaking solution were analysed using LC-MS/MS. The larval extraction method was optimized by replacing pure acetonitrile with an acetonitrile-methanol mixture and introducing centrifugation at −10°C. PAC detection was achieved in both larvae and soaking solution, confirming the sensitivity and applicability of the method. The workflow was further validated using authentic postmortem case samples. These findings demonstrate that ethanol-soaked larvae can be used effectively for both toxicological and entomological analyses. Overall, this study provides a universal and standardized workflow that simplifies and strengthens the application of entomotoxicology in forensic casework.
{"title":"Development of a standardized routine workflow for entomological and toxicological analysis using larvae of two forensically relevant fly species (Diptera, Calliphoridae)","authors":"Laura Siemon, Senta Niederegger, Dirk K. Wissenbach","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112855","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112855","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>For more than four decades, no standardized study design or workflow has been established for systematic entomotoxicological research in forensic casework. This study aimed to develop a universal rearing protocol for fly larvae grown on drug-spiked tissue surrogate and a standardized workflow for the qualitative analysis of pharmacologically active compounds (PACs) in insects of different developmental stages. Larvae of <em>Protophormia terraenovae</em> and <em>Lucilia sericata</em> were reared on minced meat serving as tissue surrogate. First-instar larvae were transferred to minced meat spiked with diazepam, amitriptyline, pipamperone, or lamotrigine, each triturated with placebo tablets. Actively feeding and post-feeding third-instar larvae were soaked for 24 h in ethanol (30 mL, 70:30, v:v), and both the larvae and the soaking solution were analysed using LC-MS/MS. The larval extraction method was optimized by replacing pure acetonitrile with an acetonitrile-methanol mixture and introducing centrifugation at −10°C. PAC detection was achieved in both larvae and soaking solution, confirming the sensitivity and applicability of the method. The workflow was further validated using authentic postmortem case samples. These findings demonstrate that ethanol-soaked larvae can be used effectively for both toxicological and entomological analyses. Overall, this study provides a universal and standardized workflow that simplifies and strengthens the application of entomotoxicology in forensic casework.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112855"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146104548","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 : 2026-04-01Epub 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":"2026-04-01","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 : 2026-04-01Epub 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":"2026-04-01","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}
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":"2026-04-01","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 : 2026-04-01Epub 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":"2026-04-01","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-15DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112823
Rachel Christie, Ross Conlon, Thomas Néfau, Ana Gallegos
The emergence and proliferation of semi-synthetic cannabinoids (SSCs) represents a significant evolution in the European new psychoactive substances (NPS) landscape. SSCs, are substances that mimic the effects of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC or delta-9-THC), the substance primarily responsible for the major psychoactive effects of cannabis. They are marketed as ‘legal’ replacements to cannabis and delta-9 THC and can be produced from cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from low-THC cannabis (hemp). Since the first detection of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) in Europe in late 2022, the SSC market has rapidly expanded, with over 30 compounds now under monitoring by the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA). These substances exhibit targeted chemical modifications to the structure of delta-9-THC, aimed at increasing potency, altering pharmacokinetics, or circumventing legislation. However, little is known about their pharmacological and toxicological profiles, metabolic pathways, or long-term health effects. SSCs are widely available in various consumer-friendly forms, including vapes, edibles, and herbal products. They are frequently mislabelled, can often contain undeclared substances or contaminants, and are marketed in ways that can appeal to younger or inexperienced users. These factors, combined with their unpredictable potency, have contributed to an increase in acute poisonings reported by several EU countries. Analytically, SSCs pose major challenges. The rapid pace of market innovation, issues with accessibility and affordability of certified reference materials, and the presence of isomeric compounds, for example, complicate detection and identification. Consumer product matrices—ranging from vape liquids to edibles—introduce additional variability and analytical interference. Forensic and toxicological laboratories involved in SSC analysis must navigate a challenging landscape, characterised by uncertainty and rapidly changing targets. To address these challenges and to ensure laboratories are best equipped to respond to emerging threats, such as SSCs, coordinated and collaborative efforts are needed. The sharing of information, best practices and analytical data, combined with investment in research, test-purchasing projects and pharmacological and toxicological studies are some key strategic responses. The EUDA coordinates some of these efforts and has implemented several strategic initiatives. These include the EU Early Warning System (EWS), the establishment of a dedicated Network of forensic and toxicological laboratories, and the development of the EUDA-JRC GC-MS library containing reference spectra for newly identified substances. Technical meetings and collaborative efforts have identified key priorities such as inter-laboratory harmonisation, increased data sharing, and targeted research into metabolism and toxicity.
{"title":"Semi-synthetic cannabinoids: Recent developments, analytical challenges and strategic responses","authors":"Rachel Christie, Ross Conlon, Thomas Néfau, Ana Gallegos","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112823","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112823","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The emergence and proliferation of semi-synthetic cannabinoids (SSCs) represents a significant evolution in the European new psychoactive substances (NPS) landscape. SSCs, are substances that mimic the effects of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC or delta-9-THC), the substance primarily responsible for the major psychoactive effects of cannabis. They are marketed as ‘legal’ replacements to cannabis and delta-9 THC and can be produced from cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from low-THC cannabis (hemp). Since the first detection of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) in Europe in late 2022, the SSC market has rapidly expanded, with over 30 compounds now under monitoring by the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA). These substances exhibit targeted chemical modifications to the structure of delta-9-THC, aimed at increasing potency, altering pharmacokinetics, or circumventing legislation. However, little is known about their pharmacological and toxicological profiles, metabolic pathways, or long-term health effects. SSCs are widely available in various consumer-friendly forms, including vapes, edibles, and herbal products. They are frequently mislabelled, can often contain undeclared substances or contaminants, and are marketed in ways that can appeal to younger or inexperienced users. These factors, combined with their unpredictable potency, have contributed to an increase in acute poisonings reported by several EU countries. Analytically, SSCs pose major challenges. The rapid pace of market innovation, issues with accessibility and affordability of certified reference materials, and the presence of isomeric compounds, for example, complicate detection and identification. Consumer product matrices—ranging from vape liquids to edibles—introduce additional variability and analytical interference. Forensic and toxicological laboratories involved in SSC analysis must navigate a challenging landscape, characterised by uncertainty and rapidly changing targets. To address these challenges and to ensure laboratories are best equipped to respond to emerging threats, such as SSCs, coordinated and collaborative efforts are needed. The sharing of information, best practices and analytical data, combined with investment in research, test-purchasing projects and pharmacological and toxicological studies are some key strategic responses. The EUDA coordinates some of these efforts and has implemented several strategic initiatives. These include the EU Early Warning System (EWS), the establishment of a dedicated Network of forensic and toxicological laboratories, and the development of the EUDA-JRC GC-MS library containing reference spectra for newly identified substances. Technical meetings and collaborative efforts have identified key priorities such as inter-laboratory harmonisation, increased data sharing, and targeted research into metabolism and toxicity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112823"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146118428","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112827
Taru Mäkinen, Heli Maijanen, Oula Seitsonen
The unique climatic conditions of the Nordic region, particularly the freeze-thaw cycle, present both challenges and opportunities for detecting clandestine burials. By understanding seasonal environmental and vegetational indicators, forensic archaeologists can develop more effective methods for locating burial sites to aid in forensic investigations, archaeological surveys, and humanitarian projects. This pilot study investigates the detection of clandestine burials in a Nordic environment, focusing on a case study of a 50-year-old pet cemetery in Finland. While domestic pets are a poor substitute to human bodies, their burials are very similar to clandestine human burials. The burials are usually small and shallow, and the bodies are often bare or wrapped in cloth or plastic. Pet cemeteries are also often less regulated, in remote locations, and have less visitors, allowing for discreet research. The study site was monitored for changes in ground temperature, vegetation and topography during the thawing period 2021–2024. The aim of the study was to determine whether burials show seasonal variation that would make them easier to detect during a specific season. Ground surface temperature surveys revealed significant differences between burials and undisturbed ground during early spring. Vegetation analysis identified early blooming flowers and specific persistent plants growing over graves as potential indicators of past burials. Topographical changes, including mounds and depressions, were more pronounced during the thawing cycle, aiding in the identification of burials. These findings are valuable, for instance, for detecting clandestine and forgotten graves in historical contexts, such as old cemeteries, mental hospitals, prisons and childrens’ homes.
{"title":"Using a pet cemetery as a control study to optimise clandestine burial search in the Nordic region with insights into seasonal variation in vegetation, topography and temperature","authors":"Taru Mäkinen, Heli Maijanen, Oula Seitsonen","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112827","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112827","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The unique climatic conditions of the Nordic region, particularly the freeze-thaw cycle, present both challenges and opportunities for detecting clandestine burials. By understanding seasonal environmental and vegetational indicators, forensic archaeologists can develop more effective methods for locating burial sites to aid in forensic investigations, archaeological surveys, and humanitarian projects. This pilot study investigates the detection of clandestine burials in a Nordic environment, focusing on a case study of a 50-year-old pet cemetery in Finland. While domestic pets are a poor substitute to human bodies, their burials are very similar to clandestine human burials. The burials are usually small and shallow, and the bodies are often bare or wrapped in cloth or plastic. Pet cemeteries are also often less regulated, in remote locations, and have less visitors, allowing for discreet research. The study site was monitored for changes in ground temperature, vegetation and topography during the thawing period 2021–2024. The aim of the study was to determine whether burials show seasonal variation that would make them easier to detect during a specific season. Ground surface temperature surveys revealed significant differences between burials and undisturbed ground during early spring. Vegetation analysis identified early blooming flowers and specific persistent plants growing over graves as potential indicators of past burials. Topographical changes, including mounds and depressions, were more pronounced during the thawing cycle, aiding in the identification of burials. These findings are valuable, for instance, for detecting clandestine and forgotten graves in historical contexts, such as old cemeteries, mental hospitals, prisons and childrens’ homes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112827"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146006505","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112857
Geoffrey Stewart Morrison , Alex Biedermann , Matt Tart , Didier Meuwly , Charles E.H. Berger , June Guiness
{"title":"Addendum to: A response to EA-4/23 INF:2025 “The Assessment and Accreditation of Opinions and Interpretations using ISO/IEC 17025:2017”","authors":"Geoffrey Stewart Morrison , Alex Biedermann , Matt Tart , Didier Meuwly , Charles E.H. Berger , June Guiness","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112857","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112857","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"381 ","pages":"Article 112857"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146124271","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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