Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112354
Lihong Chen , Yaoren Zhu , Chuang Ma , Zhou Lyu
In criminal investigations, distinguishing between impact spatters and fly spots presents a challenge due to their morphological similarities. Traditional methods of bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) rely significantly on the expertise of professional examiners, which can result in limitations including low identification efficiency, high misjudgment rates, and susceptibility to external disturbances. To enhance the accuracy and scientific rigor of identifying impact spatters and fly spots, this study employed artificial intelligence techniques in image recognition and transfer learning. Two types of bloodstains obtained from simulation experiments were utilized as datasets, and a pre-trained neural network, ResNet-18, was employed for feature extraction. The original fully connected layer was replaced, and a new fully connected layer with a dimensionality of 2 was introduced to fulfil the task requirements. The results demonstrate that the transfer learning network model, based on ResNet-18, achieved a maximum accuracy of 93 % in morphologically identifying impact spatters and fly spots. The objective is to assist crime scene investigators and BPA analysts to identify bloodstains at homicide scenes conveniently, rapidly and accurately, thereby furnishing scientific evidence for scene reconstruction and advancing BPA toward intelligent practices.
{"title":"Automated identification of impact spatters and fly spots with a residual neural network","authors":"Lihong Chen , Yaoren Zhu , Chuang Ma , Zhou Lyu","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112354","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112354","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In criminal investigations, distinguishing between impact spatters and fly spots presents a challenge due to their morphological similarities. Traditional methods of bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) rely significantly on the expertise of professional examiners, which can result in limitations including low identification efficiency, high misjudgment rates, and susceptibility to external disturbances. To enhance the accuracy and scientific rigor of identifying impact spatters and fly spots, this study employed artificial intelligence techniques in image recognition and transfer learning. Two types of bloodstains obtained from simulation experiments were utilized as datasets, and a pre-trained neural network, ResNet-18, was employed for feature extraction. The original fully connected layer was replaced, and a new fully connected layer with a dimensionality of 2 was introduced to fulfil the task requirements. The results demonstrate that the transfer learning network model, based on ResNet-18, achieved a maximum accuracy of 93 % in morphologically identifying impact spatters and fly spots. The objective is to assist crime scene investigators and BPA analysts to identify bloodstains at homicide scenes conveniently, rapidly and accurately, thereby furnishing scientific evidence for scene reconstruction and advancing BPA toward intelligent practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 112354"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142893233","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 : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112355
Matt N. Krosch , Nikolas P. Johnston , Kirby Law , James F. Wallman , Melanie S. Archer
Forensic entomology can be a crucial source of information for medicolegal investigations, with its most well-known application being for estimating minimum post-mortem interval (mPMI) in death investigations. The analysis of entomological evidence requires robust data on insect ecology, life history, behaviour, and taxonomy. In Australia, substantial basic research on forensically relevant insects has focused predominately in the populous southeast and southwest; however, knowledge gaps remain, most importantly for the tropical north. In addition, there are scant casework data available publicly, which limits the ability of practitioners to make connections between fundamental research and real-world casework and hampers refinement of analytical methods and techniques. To address this gap, this project collated and analysed data from expert forensic entomological casework reports for five eastern Australia jurisdictions (South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Queensland) for a period spanning nearly thirty years (1994–2022). Relevant data extracted from casework reports included species and life stages collected, various decedent and case characteristics, type of opinion requested and estimated mPMI. These data were used to explore associations between species composition and geographical region, surrounding environment, season, and decedent characteristics (e.g., wounds). Additionally, the accuracy and investigative ‘value’ of mPMI estimates was assessed, which demonstrated that entomology-derived timeframes are largely reliable and highly informative. Finally, we report the first records in Australian casework for several species and highlight several areas that require additional research to fill critical gaps in our knowledge. Overall, this review represents highly practical real-world data that will be of enduring benefit to the forensic community.
{"title":"Retrospective review of forensic entomology casework in eastern Australia from 1994 to 2022","authors":"Matt N. Krosch , Nikolas P. Johnston , Kirby Law , James F. Wallman , Melanie S. Archer","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112355","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112355","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic entomology can be a crucial source of information for medicolegal investigations, with its most well-known application being for estimating minimum post-mortem interval (mPMI) in death investigations. The analysis of entomological evidence requires robust data on insect ecology, life history, behaviour, and taxonomy. In Australia, substantial basic research on forensically relevant insects has focused predominately in the populous southeast and southwest; however, knowledge gaps remain, most importantly for the tropical north. In addition, there are scant casework data available publicly, which limits the ability of practitioners to make connections between fundamental research and real-world casework and hampers refinement of analytical methods and techniques. To address this gap, this project collated and analysed data from expert forensic entomological casework reports for five eastern Australia jurisdictions (South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Queensland) for a period spanning nearly thirty years (1994–2022). Relevant data extracted from casework reports included species and life stages collected, various decedent and case characteristics, type of opinion requested and estimated mPMI. These data were used to explore associations between species composition and geographical region, surrounding environment, season, and decedent characteristics (e.g., wounds). Additionally, the accuracy and investigative ‘value’ of mPMI estimates was assessed, which demonstrated that entomology-derived timeframes are largely reliable and highly informative. Finally, we report the first records in Australian casework for several species and highlight several areas that require additional research to fill critical gaps in our knowledge. Overall, this review represents highly practical real-world data that will be of enduring benefit to the forensic community.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 112355"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143097942","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 : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112391
Weiya Xie , Jun Zhu , Can Hu , Hongcheng Mei , Hongling Guo , Ping Wang , Yajun Li , Xianhe Deng
The source inference of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) is of great significance in the fight against crime. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is a reliable method for accurately measuring the isotope ratio, and it has been successfully used to differentiate and trace various explosives, including TATP. However, the current studies are not suitable for analyzing trace amounts of TATP in complex matrices. The matrix at the explosion site is complex, with severe interference and low levels of explosive residues, which makes it difficult to extract the explosive residues. Therefore, an effective method for extracting and enriching TATP is necessary before conducting IRMS analysis. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is an efficient extraction technology that combines extraction, concentration and sample injection. In this study, SPME-gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-IRMS) method based on isoreticular metal-organic framework-8 (IRMOF-8) coated fiber was established for the first time for the analysis of δ13C and δ2H signatures of TATP. The limits of detection of δ13C and δ2H signatures of TATP were 100 ng and 9 µg, respectively, with measurement errors of 0.36 ‰ and −3.75 ‰. The IRMOF-8-coated fiber exhibited better mechanical stability and a lower limit of detection compared to the commercial polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber. Using the established method, six TATP samples from different sources were distinguished accurately. The impact of matrix (soil and tap water) on δ13C and δ2H signatures of TATP was also investigated. The established method demonstrated high sensitivity and precision, making it suitable for in-situ extraction and source of trace explosive residues in explosion cases.
{"title":"Carbon and hydrogen isotope analysis of triacetone triperoxide using solid-phase microextraction coupled to GC-IRMS","authors":"Weiya Xie , Jun Zhu , Can Hu , Hongcheng Mei , Hongling Guo , Ping Wang , Yajun Li , Xianhe Deng","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112391","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112391","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The source inference of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) is of great significance in the fight against crime. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is a reliable method for accurately measuring the isotope ratio, and it has been successfully used to differentiate and trace various explosives, including TATP. However, the current studies are not suitable for analyzing trace amounts of TATP in complex matrices. The matrix at the explosion site is complex, with severe interference and low levels of explosive residues, which makes it difficult to extract the explosive residues. Therefore, an effective method for extracting and enriching TATP is necessary before conducting IRMS analysis. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is an efficient extraction technology that combines extraction, concentration and sample injection. In this study, SPME-gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-IRMS) method based on isoreticular metal-organic framework-8 (IRMOF-8) coated fiber was established for the first time for the analysis of <em>δ</em><sup>13</sup>C and <em>δ</em><sup>2</sup>H signatures of TATP. The limits of detection of <em>δ</em><sup>13</sup>C and <em>δ</em><sup>2</sup>H signatures of TATP were 100 ng and 9 µg, respectively, with measurement errors of 0.36 ‰ and −3.75 ‰. The IRMOF-8-coated fiber exhibited better mechanical stability and a lower limit of detection compared to the commercial polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber. Using the established method, six TATP samples from different sources were distinguished accurately. The impact of matrix (soil and tap water) on <em>δ</em><sup>13</sup>C and <em>δ</em><sup>2</sup>H signatures of TATP was also investigated. The established method demonstrated high sensitivity and precision, making it suitable for in-situ extraction and source of trace explosive residues in explosion cases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 112391"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143097578","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 : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112309
D. Hudson Smith , Noah Nisbet , Carl Ehrett , Cristina I. Tica , Madeline M. Atwell , Katherine E. Weisensee
Environmental and individualistic variables affect the rate of human decomposition in complex ways. These effects complicate the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) based on observed decomposition characteristics. In this work, we develop a generative probabilistic model for decomposing human remains based on PMI and a wide range of environmental and individualistic variables. This model explicitly represents the effect of each variable, including PMI, on the appearance of each decomposition characteristic, allowing for direct interpretation of model effects and enabling the use of the model for PMI inference and optimal experimental design. In addition, the probabilistic nature of the model allows for the integration of expert knowledge in the form of prior distributions. We fit this model to a diverse set of 2529 cases from the GeoFOR dataset. We demonstrate that the model accurately predicts 24 decomposition characteristics with an ROC AUC score of 0.85. Using Bayesian inference techniques, we invert the decomposition model to predict PMI as a function of the observed decomposition characteristics and environmental and individualistic variables, producing an R-squared measure of 71 %. Finally, we demonstrate how to use the fitted model to design future experiments that maximize the expected amount of new information about the mechanisms of decomposition using the Expected Information Gain formalism.
{"title":"Modeling human decomposition: A Bayesian approach","authors":"D. Hudson Smith , Noah Nisbet , Carl Ehrett , Cristina I. Tica , Madeline M. Atwell , Katherine E. Weisensee","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112309","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112309","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Environmental and individualistic variables affect the rate of human decomposition in complex ways. These effects complicate the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) based on observed decomposition characteristics. In this work, we develop a generative probabilistic model for decomposing human remains based on PMI and a wide range of environmental and individualistic variables. This model explicitly represents the effect of each variable, including PMI, on the appearance of each decomposition characteristic, allowing for direct interpretation of model effects and enabling the use of the model for PMI inference and optimal experimental design. In addition, the probabilistic nature of the model allows for the integration of expert knowledge in the form of prior distributions. We fit this model to a diverse set of 2529 cases from the GeoFOR dataset. We demonstrate that the model accurately predicts 24 decomposition characteristics with an ROC AUC score of 0.85. Using Bayesian inference techniques, we invert the decomposition model to predict PMI as a function of the observed decomposition characteristics and environmental and individualistic variables, producing an R-squared measure of 71 %. Finally, we demonstrate how to use the fitted model to design future experiments that maximize the expected amount of new information about the mechanisms of decomposition using the Expected Information Gain formalism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 112309"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142784879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The search for missing people is a complex and intensive undertaking. Predictive models (such as RAG mapping and geographic profiling) in combination with drone-mounted technologies can improve these searches by driving down time and monetary costs, gathering new types of data and reducing the need for investigators to expose themselves to dangerous environments. Promising technologies to discover traces of clandestine burials in the landscape are LiDAR, RGB photography, multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, as well as infrared/thermal photography. This review covers the existing literature on these techniques and discusses future opportunities and directions.
{"title":"A review of predictive modelling and drone remote sensing technologies as a tool for detecting clandestine burials","authors":"Marissa Koopman, Quentin Milliet, Christophe Champod","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112375","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112375","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The search for missing people is a complex and intensive undertaking. Predictive models (such as RAG mapping and geographic profiling) in combination with drone-mounted technologies can improve these searches by driving down time and monetary costs, gathering new types of data and reducing the need for investigators to expose themselves to dangerous environments. Promising technologies to discover traces of clandestine burials in the landscape are LiDAR, RGB photography, multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, as well as infrared/thermal photography. This review covers the existing literature on these techniques and discusses future opportunities and directions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 112375"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143002736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112326
The Interim Executive of AFSA
Forensic science bodies their respective regions and form the foundation for best practice. Until recently, no officially registered body existed that represented all forensic science practitioners across Africa. The African Forensic Sciences Academy (AFSA) was founded in December 2022 for this reason to serve African forensic science practitioners. This article details the progress of AFSA to date, highlights its core values and mission, and outlines the way forward for this newly established Academy.
{"title":"African Forensic Sciences Academy (AFSA): An emerging movement in Africa","authors":"The Interim Executive of AFSA","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112326","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112326","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic science bodies their respective regions and form the foundation for best practice. Until recently, no officially registered body existed that represented all forensic science practitioners across Africa. The African Forensic Sciences Academy (AFSA) was founded in December 2022 for this reason to serve African forensic science practitioners. This article details the progress of AFSA to date, highlights its core values and mission, and outlines the way forward for this newly established Academy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 112326"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142853642","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 : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112377
Victoria Prokopowicz, Aleksandra Borowska-Solonynko
Individual identification of unknown deceased is a vital function carried out by medical professionals, thus many tools have been developed or tested towards its end. One of the tools tested and still being tested is post-mortem computed tomography [PMCT]. This review aims to summarise the current state of using PMCT for personal identification beyond odontology. We found that most medicolegal researchers had a positive view of using PMCT for individual identification or for disaster victim identification. They have shown PMCT scans can be compared with a wide range of AM material – ante-mortem computed tomography [AMCT] scans, AM radiographs, or even textual AM medical history – for a successful identification. The use of textual medical history suggests the potential to create an artificial intelligence model that could quickly highlight areas of comparison. Anatomical body structures, pathological changes, or foreign bodies provide bases of comparison when using PMCT for individual identification. We found most (79 %) researchers have used qualitative methods to compare PMCT with AM material. Likewise, researchers so far have focussed on the axial skeleton (sans pelvis) when testing the viability of comparing specific body structures between AM material and PMCT scans. More body structures remain to be tested for their viability in personal identification, especially using quantitative methods.
{"title":"The current state of using post-mortem computed tomography for personal identification beyond odontology – A systematic literature review","authors":"Victoria Prokopowicz, Aleksandra Borowska-Solonynko","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112377","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112377","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Individual identification of unknown deceased is a vital function carried out by medical professionals, thus many tools have been developed or tested towards its end. One of the tools tested and still being tested is post-mortem computed tomography [PMCT]. This review aims to summarise the current state of using PMCT for personal identification beyond odontology. We found that most medicolegal researchers had a positive view of using PMCT for individual identification or for disaster victim identification. They have shown PMCT scans can be compared with a wide range of AM material – ante-mortem computed tomography [AMCT] scans, AM radiographs, or even textual AM medical history – for a successful identification. The use of textual medical history suggests the potential to create an artificial intelligence model that could quickly highlight areas of comparison. Anatomical body structures, pathological changes, or foreign bodies provide bases of comparison when using PMCT for individual identification. We found most (79 %) researchers have used qualitative methods to compare PMCT with AM material. Likewise, researchers so far have focussed on the axial skeleton (sans pelvis) when testing the viability of comparing specific body structures between AM material and PMCT scans. More body structures remain to be tested for their viability in personal identification, especially using quantitative methods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 112377"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143037793","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}
An increasing number of countries have legalised cannabis for medicinal purposes in recent years leading to tensions with other regulatory frameworks. Some countries grant a medical defence according to their drug driving legislations. This may lead to specific medico-legal assessments relating to the participation of cannabis patients in road traffic. In Germany, these enquiries for expert opinions are opposed by incomplete statistics on medicinal cannabis patients, which limits the assessment of individual cases.
Methods
A cross-sectional, anonymous patient survey was carried out nationwide in the first quarter of 2022 using an online questionnaire. The overall collective (n = 1030) was analysed with regard to application patterns of cannabis-based medicines. In particular, a detailed evaluation of the cannabis flower sub-collective was carried out.
Results
Taking into account patients with health insurance prescription and, for the first time, self-payers, a high proportion of cannabis flower patients was observed (89.9 %). On average, the intake of cannabis flowers is associated with substantially higher daily THC doses (336 mg) compared to the usage of other cannabis-based medicines (≤ 17 mg). In addition, 16.2 % of patients reported complex usage patterns consisting of combinations of different types of cannabis-based medicines. Over a quarter (28.4 %) of respondents stated a smoking intake of cannabis flowers which is not recommended from a medicinal point of view.
Conclusions
Descriptive information on individual application patterns of cannabis-based medicines provide a valuable source of information for medico-legal expert statements as well as a basis for further research projects.
{"title":"Individual application patterns of Cannabis-based Medicines in Germany – Descriptive evaluation of a patient survey and discussion from a forensic perspective","authors":"Marica Hundertmark , André Ihlenfeld , Assaf Landschaft , Jörg Röhrich , Tanja Germerott , Cora Wunder","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112352","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112352","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>An increasing number of countries have legalised cannabis for medicinal purposes in recent years leading to tensions with other regulatory frameworks. Some countries grant a medical defence according to their drug driving legislations. This may lead to specific medico-legal assessments relating to the participation of cannabis patients in road traffic. In Germany, these enquiries for expert opinions are opposed by incomplete statistics on medicinal cannabis patients, which limits the assessment of individual cases.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional, anonymous patient survey was carried out nationwide in the first quarter of 2022 using an online questionnaire. The overall collective (n = 1030) was analysed with regard to application patterns of cannabis-based medicines. In particular, a detailed evaluation of the cannabis flower sub-collective was carried out.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Taking into account patients with health insurance prescription and, for the first time, self-payers, a high proportion of cannabis flower patients was observed (89.9 %). On average, the intake of cannabis flowers is associated with substantially higher daily THC doses (336 mg) compared to the usage of other cannabis-based medicines (≤ 17 mg). In addition, 16.2 % of patients reported complex usage patterns consisting of combinations of different types of cannabis-based medicines. Over a quarter (28.4 %) of respondents stated a smoking intake of cannabis flowers which is not recommended from a medicinal point of view.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Descriptive information on individual application patterns of cannabis-based medicines provide a valuable source of information for medico-legal expert statements as well as a basis for further research projects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 112352"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142876535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112359
Denise Gianfreda , Beatrice Corradini , Gianmarco Ferri , Francesca Ferrari , Ilaria Borciani , Rossana Cecchi , Anna Laura Santunione
In case of severely burned bodies, victim identification by visual or fingerprints recognition is often prevented by altered body conditions. To overcome these circumstances, different techniques are available. Among these, the most reliable is molecular identification, especially in cases of detached body parts. However, DNA analysis of highly burned remains is a very challenging task. The high temperatures reached at the time of burning can lead to the complete destruction of the genetic material, making DNA typing arduous. This work presented a successful identification through molecular analysis of 11 heavily carbonized victims assigned to the Institute of Legal Medicine of Modena (Italy) between June 2022 and June 2023: a helicopter crash, a femicide and two car accidents. Post-mortem (PM) and ante-mortem (AM) data were compared, allowing victims’ identification and their quick return to relatives. Complete autosomal and Y chromosome STRs profiles were obtained for all the corpses. For the helicopter crash case, the utility of the DVI module implemented in the Familias software is shown as this aid the fast association of the seven victims involved with the familiar references available for identification. The importance of the sampling strategy and the need of a systematic approach to select the most promising biological material for a more successful downstream DNA-based identification is also highlighted.
{"title":"Experience based efficient approach for DNA-led identification of highly carbonized human remains","authors":"Denise Gianfreda , Beatrice Corradini , Gianmarco Ferri , Francesca Ferrari , Ilaria Borciani , Rossana Cecchi , Anna Laura Santunione","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112359","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112359","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In case of severely burned bodies, victim identification by visual or fingerprints recognition is often prevented by altered body conditions. To overcome these circumstances, different techniques are available. Among these, the most reliable is molecular identification, especially in cases of detached body parts. However, DNA analysis of highly burned remains is a very challenging task. The high temperatures reached at the time of burning can lead to the complete destruction of the genetic material, making DNA typing arduous. This work presented a successful identification through molecular analysis of 11 heavily carbonized victims assigned to the Institute of Legal Medicine of Modena (Italy) between June 2022 and June 2023: a helicopter crash, a femicide and two car accidents. Post-mortem (PM) and ante-mortem (AM) data were compared, allowing victims’ identification and their quick return to relatives. Complete autosomal and Y chromosome STRs profiles were obtained for all the corpses. For the helicopter crash case, the utility of the DVI module implemented in the Familias software is shown as this aid the fast association of the seven victims involved with the familiar references available for identification. The importance of the sampling strategy and the need of a systematic approach to select the most promising biological material for a more successful downstream DNA-based identification is also highlighted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 112359"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142902654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112350
Wilmar Alexander Ariza-Garcia , Daniel Pardo-Rodriguez , Gloria E. Guerrero Alvarez , Gonzalo Taborda-Ocampo , Milton Rosero-Moreano , Mónica P. Cala
Accurate detection of cyanide exposure is crucial, particularly in forensic science. However, cyanide's high volatility and potential biochemical conversions in biological samples pose challenges for direct detection, complicating the determination of cause of death. Identifying alternative cyanide metabolites as markers may mitigate false negatives and positives, extending the detection window in poisoning cases. This study aimed to evaluate metabolic changes induced by cyanide exposure in forensic cases using a multi-platform approach, including metabolomics and lipidomics analyses via liquid and gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Results demonstrated clear discrimination between cyanide-exposed and control groups through OPLS-DA models. A total of 92 altered metabolites were identified in cyanide-exposed individuals compared to controls. Significant changes in metabolites primarily included glycerophospholipids (30.7 %), glycerolipids (14 %), fatty acyls (12.9 %), sphingolipids (8.0 %), amino acids and analogs (8.0 %), among others. Cyanide intoxication disrupted multiple metabolic pathways, including mitochondrial β-oxidation, acylcarnitine accumulation, a shift towards gluconeogenesis in amino acid metabolism, and ammonia homeostasis disturbance, affecting both ammonia recycling and the urea cycle. These pathways are essential for cellular energy production. The altered metabolic profiles provide insight into cyanide poisoning pathways, potentially aiding the development of new forensic diagnostic strategies. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess each model's predictive value. Findings suggest that metabolites such as phosphate and 3-hydroxybutyric acid could serve as diagnostic biomarkers in lethal cyanide poisoning cases. Future studies must evaluate these potential biomarkers' effectiveness in different fatal victim cohorts and validate the suggested panel through a targeted approach.
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