Journal of forensic sciences最新文献

Pseudo-Meigs syndrome is a rare clinical entity characterized by the triad of ascites, pleural effusion, and a benign pelvic tumor other than an ovarian fibroma. Although typically considered benign and reversible following tumor removal, the syndrome can result in severe life-threatening compromise if unrecognized or untreated. Unlike the classical Meigs syndrome, which has occasionally been associated with fatal outcomes, no deaths related to pseudo-Meigs syndrome due to benign tumors have been previously reported. This report presents the sudden death of a young adult woman who complained of acute shortness of breath and died shortly thereafter. Postmortem examination revealed more than 2.5 L of serous fluid within the thoracic and abdominal cavities, severe pulmonary collapse, and a markedly enlarged uterus containing a large leiomyoma. Histologic evaluation confirmed the tumor as a uterine leiomyoma. The findings observed at autopsy account for the proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms of death, in which impaired gas exchange and increased intrathoracic pressure likely compromised cardiac output, leading to death. These findings support a diagnosis of pseudo-Meigs syndrome with fatal cardiopulmonary consequences. This case represents the first fatality attributed to pseudo-Meigs syndrome associated with a benign tumor. Awareness of this potential outcome is essential for both clinicians and forensic pathologists when evaluating individuals with large benign pelvic tumors and unexplained cavity effusions.

This study evaluated the forensic integrity of digital images transferred from Dropbox to iPhones via Safari, a practical scenario for evidence collection when specialized tools are unavailable. Using a quantitative, quasi-experimental design, we analyzed 60 images across three iPhones (running iOS 14.2 and 14.4) to compare downloads to the Files folder and the Photos application. Controlled tests validated measurement sensitivity, while results revealed consistent image content integrity: cryptographic Secure Hash Algorithm 256 (SHA256) stream hashes matched control copies (100%), confirming unchanged pixel data. Additionally, Multiscale Structural Similarity Index (MS-SSIM) scores remained at 1.0, indicating no perceptible degradation in image quality. However, file container hashes were altered within the Photos application (100%) but remained unchanged in the Files folder (0%), reflecting iOS structural modifications. Uniform MS-SSIM scores precluded meaningful regression analysis. Based on our test conditions, the findings suggest forensic workflows comply with standards like Daubert because the transfer preserves content integrity. Limited to specific configurations, future work should explore diverse iOS versions, cloud platforms, and devices for broader applicability.

Forensic Investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) is a technique used to help identify the source of crime scene DNA or other unknown DNA sources. FIGG is a relatively new practice with several controversial aspects and relies on patchwork regulation in the United States. Two recent studies evaluated FIGG implementation and its public reception; this commentary summarizes and compares the findings of each in a discussion of the importance of public perspectives to evolving policy and practice. These recent empirical reports support new approaches to maintaining public trust in FIGG, including practitioner accreditation and certification, as well as educating and involving the public in further development of the field.

A forensic analyst must utilize a variety of artifacts in order to create a potent forensic method. By eliminating these artifacts, anti-forensic approaches seek to elude forensic detectors. The field of digital image forensics has many difficulties due to the growing sophistication of anti-forensic tactics. Two popular techniques for modifying image characteristics are contrast enhancement and median filtering, which are frequently used to hide signs of manipulation. Therefore, a solution for identifying anti-forensic techniques is urgently needed. This paper presents a multi-class forensic Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN) architecture that combines domain-specific feature streams and residual-domain pre-processing. This pre-processing is designed to reduce image content and highlight manipulation artifacts in order to detect and classify various kinds of image alterations. The DCNN is made to recognize and extract minute manipulation artifacts that are hidden in pixel-level patterns and invisible to the naked eye. The Boss Base dataset is used for training and testing. Experimental assessments show that the proposed model can recognize images that have been exposed to median filtering and contrast enhancement anti-forensics with a good accuracy of 96.42%, even with different levels of manipulation intensity. The proposed model integrates intelligent pre-processing with domain-tailored streams, which makes it robust against compression and is capable of distinguishing between a wide range of complex manipulation types. This strategy fulfills the increasing demand for automated and precise detection techniques in the fight against anti-forensic activities by offering a reliable tool to digital forensic investigators.

Many types of homicide motives have been described in the scientific literature. However, inconsistencies regarding how these motives are defined and classified may hinder the ability to understand the driving factors behind homicide. Developing a classification system that defines and organizes commonly used motives into superordinate categories may improve research focused on homicide. The current study sought to develop such a classification system, titled the Homicide Offender Motive Scale (HOMS), based on a qualitative systematic review. Databases including Medline, PsychINFO, and Google Scholar were reviewed to identify all homicide motive studies published prior to February 2024. Multiple reviewers independently assessed the quality of the studies using an empirical appraisal checklist. Seventy-seven studies comprising 143 motives with varying definitions were included. The reviewers then conducted a thematic analysis to identify descriptive and analytical themes for the 143 motives described in the studies. Following empirical guidelines, the motives were synthesized into 21 descriptive themes with operational definitions and criteria. Perfect interrater reliability of these definitions and criteria was then established in an independent sample of 200 adult homicide offenders. Finally, the 21 descriptive themes were grouped into four distinct analytical themes, which were also partly based on an existing criminological classification system. The 21 descriptive themes represent commonly observed motives across different homicide cases. The four analytical themes are superordinate categorizations of the specific motives. The empirical nature of the HOMS may offer a unified typology of homicide motive for researchers to expand upon.

We report a rare case of postmortem scavenging by cats in Japan involving the skeletonized remains of a woman in her 80s discovered in a locked, garbage-filled room. The body was missing many bones, including vertebrae other than the atlas with odontoid process. The remaining bones were extensively damaged, with destruction of the zygomatic arches, mastoid processes, vertebral facets of the atlas (C1), and epiphyses of the long bones. The bones showed distinctive features such as punctures, denticulated edges, and narrow grooves, consistent with felid dentition. Notably, the damage extended beyond soft tissue consumption, indicating scavenging behavior likely driven by extreme starvation. No evidence of scavenging by canines or rodents was observed, and this case highlights the forensic challenges in identifying postmortem scavengers. This is a well-documented, yet extreme, case of scavenging by cats causing extensive bone destruction. These findings provide valuable insight for future investigations with a long death–postmortem interval and advanced decomposition in domestic environments.

Free blood within the abdominal cavity (hemoperitoneum) presents a significant diagnostic and interpretive challenge. It may result from trauma or occur spontaneously in association with underlying disease conditions. When no source of fatal hemorrhage is identified, the implications extend across forensic, criminalistic, legal, and ethical domains. Idiopathic spontaneous intraperitoneal hemorrhage (ISIH), historically known as abdominal apoplexy, is characterized by fatal hemoperitoneum in the absence of trauma or known nontraumatic causes of intraabdominal bleeding. Rupture of a small intraabdominal vessel is suspected; however, the bleeding source usually remains unidentified. We report the case of a 45-year-old female with cirrhosis who succumbed to ISIH. Autopsy revealed massive hemoperitoneum and signs of exsanguination. Careful dissection of the abdominal cavity identified hemorrhagic ectopic venous varices beneath the right diaphragmatic arch, covered by an organized blood clot. Histological analysis confirmed recent hemorrhage and demonstrated suspected rupture of the parietal peritoneum near dilated ectopic venous varices. This case is evaluated in the context of pathophysiology, etiological theories, diagnostic limitations, potential contributions of imaging modalities, and forensic relevance. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of ISIH with dual confirmation—both gross and histological—of hemorrhage originating from ectopic varices. These findings testify that rupture of ectopic venous varices may cause fatal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis and underscore the necessity of meticulous autopsy and histopathological correlation.

Cheng Y-C, Houston R. “The development of two fast genotyping assays for the differentiation of hemp from marijuana”. J Forensic Sci. 2025;70(1):49–60. https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.15663

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Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in adolescents is rare and often attributed to previously undiagnosed cardiac conditions, including genetic cardiomyopathies, congenital anomalies, conduction disorders, or thrombotic events. In atypical cases, intracardiac or vascular thromboembolism may resemble vegetations, posing a diagnostic challenge during postmortem evaluation. Thorough investigation, including histopathological analysis, is critical to accurately determine the cause of death. We report the case of a 14-year-old girl who experienced acute chest pain and vomiting shortly after school. Although she received immediate emergency care, she collapsed and passed away within hours. She had a history of occasional chest pain, but prior cardiac evaluations had been normal. The autopsy revealed soft, vegetation-like masses blocking both coronary ostia, raising suspicion of several potential underlying conditions. The differential diagnosis includes infective endocarditis, nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis, thromboembolus formation, cardiac tumors, vasculitis, and iatrogenic causes. There was no evidence of infection or other common predisposing factors for the thromboembolism. The patient had been fasting during Ramadan, raising the possibility of dehydration and increased blood viscosity as contributing factors. This case highlights the potential for coronary thromboembolism to mimic vegetations. Histopathological examination can yield crucial insights that aid in establishing an accurate diagnosis. SCD in adolescents, particularly in the absence of known risk factors, warrants a comprehensive medicolegal autopsy to uncover underlying or contributing pathologies. Accurate differentiation between thromboembolism and vegetations is essential for correct diagnosis, understanding of pathophysiology, and prevention strategies.