Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology最新文献

The primary aim of this study was to verify the persistence of seminal traces under varying chain-of-custody conditions, along with determining how different contamination factors, time intervals between collection, and storage methods influence the detectability of semen in the context of sexual assault cases. This study combined laboratory and field analyses to simulate real-case scenarios. Three forensic detection tools-Sperm Tracker Lab, Sperm Tracker Spray, and RSID™ tests-were evaluated on multiple substrates (skin, hair, nylon, cotton, and car interiors) and under various contamination conditions, including the presence of blood, dust, soil, and bodily fluids. Detection techniques included contact-pressure methods (Sperm Tracker Lab), application on uneven surfaces (Sperm Tracker Spray), fluorescence-based searches with ALS (alternative light sources), and immunochromatographic testing (RSID™ kits) for sperm-specific proteins. Positive findings were confirmed via microscopic examination and DNA analysis. All the samples were labelled and stored following strict chain-of-custody protocols. Sperm Tracker Spray demonstrated consistent effectiveness, successfully detecting minimal volumes (1-2 µL) across a wide range of materials. Conversely, ALS showed reduced sensitivity, especially in the presence of diluted or minimal traces and on textured or dark fabrics. RSID™ kits provided reliable confirmation of the presence of semen, even when environmental or biological contamination was present. Accurate and thorough documentation of the chain of custody proved essential for preserving sample authenticity and reducing the risk of error. The findings underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary forensic approach combining specialized reagents, confirmatory immunochromatographic testing, and rigorous adherence to chain-of-custody procedures. This integrated strategy enhances the reliability of seminal trace detection in investigations of sexual assault. Moreover, verifying trace persistence under diverse conditions contributes significantly to the evidentiary value of forensic samples in judicial contexts.

Background: Digital pathology (DP) and whole-slide imaging (WSI) are increasingly utilized in clinical pathology; however, their role in forensic medicine remains less defined, as evidentiary standards demand robust validation, auditability, and a chain of custody.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies that applied DP and WSI to forensic, autopsy, or postmortem contexts, with eligibility requiring peer-reviewed human studies that reported methods and outcomes. Data were charted for study design, tissue, devices/software, and outcomes (diagnostic agreement, quantitative metrics, validation/quality assurance (QA)).

Results: The search retrieved 361 records; after screening and full-text assessment, 21 studies were selected for inclusion. Fifteen studies primarily advanced diagnostic knowledge using postmortem material (e.g., quantitative neuropathology and organ-specific morphometry), while five had direct forensic aims (casework validation or core forensic tests).

Conclusions: The review highlights that DP is technically ready for medico-legal workflows; however, its use remains low compared to other clinical settings. Adoption in forensics should centre on CAP-style, use-case-specific validation, traceable/auditable pipelines (including hashing, logs, and tile-linked overlays), stain/colour governance, and external robustness testing. Under these conditions, DP can deliver reproducible, transparent, and court-defensible evidence across forensic practice.

This study evaluates the image quality of postmortem photon-counting computed tomography (PMPCCT) compared to conventional postmortem energy-integrating computed tomography (PMCT) for a protocol adapted to post-mortem imaging. The focus lies on objective image quality parameters such as noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio, supplemented by subjective image quality evaluations. A Chest Phantom N1 and one decedent were scanned using PMCT (Siemens SOMATOM^® X-Cite; slice thicknesses of 1 mm and 0.5 mm; Br40, Br60) and PMPCCT (Siemens NAEOTOM Alpha.peak^®; slice thicknesses of 1 mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.2 mm; Br40, Br60). Image quality parameters were computed for regions of interest. In addition, two radiologists conducted subjective image quality evaluations (noise, overall image quality, sharpness, bone details, contour visibility, and artifact formation) using a modified Likert scale. The overall findings were mixed, with PMPCCT potentially demonstrating an advantage over PMCT in terms of SNR and CNR, particularly at moderate slice thicknesses of 1 mm and 0.4 mm. The results obtained from the phantom exhibit in some cases considerable differences compared to those from the decedent, so that model studies can hardly be transferred to reality without scrutiny. PMPCCT outperformed PMCT in subjective assessments of overall image quality, sharpness, and bone detail, particularly with Br40 reconstruction kernels. PMPCCT may demonstrate advantages in objective and subjective image quality, with improvements in soft tissue imaging, sharpness, and bone detail at moderate slice thicknesses. These results may suggest PMPCCTs promising potential in forensic imaging. Further studies are needed to investigate and optimize its utility in postmortem settings.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) caused by congenital coronary ostial stenosis (CCOS) remains underrecognized in forensic practice due to its rarity and the diagnostic challenges. This report presents 10 autopsy-confirmed cases of CCOS-related SCD, aiming to illustrate their characteristic manifestations, pathophysiological mechanisms, and key forensic identification criteria. A systematic literature review was conducted to contextualize our findings within existing evidence. Definitive diagnosis of CCOS requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating death scene investigation, complete autopsy (including whole-heart dissection), histopathological validation (H&E staining), and rigorous exclusion of other causes of death. Quantitative analysis showed 7 cases (70%) had right coronary artery ostial (RCO) stenosis, 1 case (10%) had left coronary artery ostial (LCO) stenosis, and 2 cases (20%) had bilateral stenosis, with 4 cases (40%) presenting obstructive fibrous membranes. This study emphasizes the necessity of a standardized anatomical protocol for coronary ostial assessment, particularly transverse sectioning at 2 mm intervals starting from the aortic sinus. These findings aim to prompt forensic pathologists to incorporate specialized coronary ostial evaluation into routine autopsy procedures, thereby reducing diagnostic omissions in sudden unexpected death investigations.

Fictitious disorder by proxy (FDP) is characterized by an adult, often a parent, alleging or fabricating symptoms in a child to induce repeated diagnostic tests or treatments. This form of abuse is particularly serious and difficult to diagnose. Worldwide, it is estimated that 0.5 to 1.2 per 100,000 children are abused in this way every year. We report the case of FDP in an 8-year-old child who presented with coagulation disorders secondary to the unknowing administration of Acenocoumarin. His parents had requested seven medical consultations over a six-month period. The parents systematically reported a coagulation pathology (factor VII deficiency), prompting further investigations and treatment. Biological tests showed deficiencies of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors, raising suspicion of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) use. Toxicological tests revealed the presence of Acenocoumarin in the child's blood three times, at levels of 0.15 mg/L; 0.06 mg/L and 0.43 mg/L. The biological abnormalities corrected spontaneously after the child was hospitalized. A family investigation led to the diagnosis of medical child abuse in the child's older sister, who presented bleeding. The severity and recurrence of this syndrome correlated with the role that caregivers play in this type of abuse deserves our full attention to prevent and manage it as effectively as possible.

A male newborn found lifeless raised the question of whether he had lived after birth. The float sample test results of both lungs and the gastrointestinal tract were positive. Microbiological examinations detected the Fusobacterium gonidiaformans, an obligate anaerobic gas-forming germ, in the lung tissue and in the heart blood, which caused the float test results to be 'false-positive'. As far as can be seen, a comparable case has not yet been reported in forensic literature.