Journal of forensic and legal medicine最新文献

{"title":"Purple bowel misdiagnosed as intestinal hemorrhage","authors":"Hasan A. Abderrahman ,&nbsp;Imad M. Al-Abdallat ,&nbsp;Lamia K. Alsenaidi ,&nbsp;Younes F. Samara ,&nbsp;Deema K. Allouzi ,&nbsp;Sara A. Ishtaieh ,&nbsp;Leen A. Abuzaid","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102833","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102833","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>When blood-like discoloration is found during the autopsy, forensic pathologists consider a traumatic origin. This paper presents a case of blood-like discoloration of the bowel arising from a natural cause. Intestinal discoloration by beetroot is a postmortem phenomenon explained by the passive diffusion of the pigment from the lumen of the intestine through the autolyzed intestinal mucosa 1. The pigment is not permanent and can transfer from the intestinal wall to surrounding tissues. Moreover, the color vanished during fixation in buffered formalin and could not be detected on histological examination. We conclude that the purple bowel is rarely reported because preprocedural fasting makes it hard to spot the discoloration in living patients, and the amount of beetroot needed to induce the discoloration is not known. In addition, adequate time must pass between death and autopsy for the passive diffusion to occur 2. Finally, it might be mistaken for hemorrhage due to its similarity in appearance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 102833"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143488741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Umbrella review: CT of frontal, maxillary and sphenoidal sinuses for sexual dimorphism","authors":"Wahaj Anees ,&nbsp;Debora Moreira ,&nbsp;Marianna Arakelyan ,&nbsp;Walbert Vieira ,&nbsp;Luiz Renato Paranhos ,&nbsp;Ademir Franco","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102838","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102838","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to synthesize evidence on the use of computed tomography (CT) for sexual dimorphism based on the frontal (FS), maxillary (MS) and sphenoidal (SS) sinuses.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An umbrella review was designed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews (PRIOR) and considered the Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research (EQUATOR) network. The study protocol was registered in Open science framework (OSF, <span><span>https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5XWJU</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining FS, MS and SS through CT imaging were included. The search was performed across PubMed, SciELO, LILACS and Open Grey.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Six eligible systematic reviews published between 2021 and 2024 were identified. These reviews analyzed the sinuses for parameters such as height, width, length, area, and volume. The studies predominantly focused on adults with age range spanning 13–97 years. The findings indicated accuracy rates for sexual dimorphism typically ranging between 60 % and 80 %, with MS generally being more dimorphic than the others. Two systematic reviews included meta-analyses, reporting sensitivity and specificity rates for MS of up to 72.3 % and 69 %, respectively. Cone beam CT yielded higher accuracy compared to multislice CT. However, the quality of studies was critically low or moderate based on AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS assessments – highlighting methodological inconsistencies and biases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The studied sinuses were considered adjuvant tools for sexual dimorphism. Better results might come from MS visualized by means of CBCT. Primary studies remain necessary for stronger evidence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 102838"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143535300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sodium azide/nitrite suicides in the Netherlands between 2015 and 2022","authors":"Karen E. van den Hondel ,&nbsp;Dominique van Pelt ,&nbsp;Lizanne Schweren ,&nbsp;Tristan Akershoek ,&nbsp;Peter Paul M. Bender ,&nbsp;Aleid de Booij ,&nbsp;Inge van Eck ,&nbsp;Lotte Gundlach ,&nbsp;Erik Huisman ,&nbsp;Jonne Kortmann ,&nbsp;Sieb van Kuijk ,&nbsp;Peter Letmaath ,&nbsp;Kelsey Martienus ,&nbsp;Emma van der Molen ,&nbsp;Michelle Nysten ,&nbsp;Carry Oostdam ,&nbsp;René Stumpel ,&nbsp;Joost Toussaint ,&nbsp;Jeroen Verweij ,&nbsp;Erik Wannee ,&nbsp;Manon Ceelen","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102836","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102836","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In 2017, a ‘right-to-die‘ organization publicly announced the legally available and existing chemical “agent X″ as a method of suicide. Both sodium azide as sodium nitrite were mentioned as “agent X”.</div><div>Based on the external examination reports registered in Formatus by the forensic physicians working at the Public Health Services and data from Statistics Netherlands, an observational study was conducted into the number of sodium azide and sodium nitrite deaths in the period from 2015 to 2022 in the Netherlands as well as the characteristics of these deceased. The number of sodium azide and sodium nitrite suicides in that period was compared with to the total number of suicides and suicides by self-poisoning in that same period.</div><div>Between 2015 and 2022, 172 sodium azide and sodium nitrite suicides were identified on the basis of external examination reports drawn up by forensic physicians whereby 12 % (n = 20) of the cases were confirmed by toxicologic screening. The first case was reported in 2017. The total group contained approximately an equal number of men (53 %) and women. 38 % of all suicides was 70 years or older at the time of death with an average age of 59 years. Compared to all suicides in the Netherlands, people who opted for sodium azide and sodium nitrite were more often female (p &lt; 0.001) and on average older (p &lt; 0.001). 70 % (n = 120) had a history of psychiatric illness. The use of sodium azide and sodium nitrite for suicide increased between 2017 and 2022, with a provisional peak (n = 50) in 2021. The rate sodium azide and sodium nitrite suicides in relation to the total number of suicides and intoxications per year increased gradually in the period 2017–2021.</div><div>This study is the first to our knowledge that investigates the numbers of sodium azide and sodium nitrite suicides and the associated characteristics of the individuals. Since 2017 a rise of these suicides was observed. More research to investigate characteristics on the individuals should be done in order to create accurate suicide prevention methods in the future and pay attention to the trends regarding the use of these suicide powders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 102836"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143473835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Skull fractures or accessory sutures: A case report","authors":"Ruth Sabu ,&nbsp;Bernard I'Ons ,&nbsp;David Charles Mangham","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102835","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102835","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 102835"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143465403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multidisciplinary analysis of ancient human skeletal remains using computed tomography: A case study from Cumae, Italy","authors":"Antimo Moretti ,&nbsp;Anna Russo ,&nbsp;Valeria Parisi ,&nbsp;Vittorio Patanè ,&nbsp;Salvatore Cappabianca ,&nbsp;Luigia Fusco ,&nbsp;Federica Tomaino ,&nbsp;Andrea Averna ,&nbsp;Carlo Rescigno ,&nbsp;Giovanni Iolascon ,&nbsp;Alfonso Reginelli","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102832","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102832","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Radiology is a pivotal clinical method in anthropology, offering minmally destructive examination of ancient human remains. Archaeologists frequently rely on radiology to analyse anthropological and pathological findings without damaging osteological artifacts from archaeological excavations, including those intended for museum display. Imaging plays a critical role in assessing anthropological and pathological aspects of bones in osteoarchaeological studies, providing insights into sex, age at death, stature, and various pathologies such as infections, and neoplasmas, and trauma. This study, conducted at the University Hospital \"Luigi Vanvitelli\" in Naples, focuses on analyzing human skeletal remains excavated from the Acropolis of Cumae (Campania, Italy), fostering collaboration among archaeologists, physical and rehabilitation medicine physicians (i.e., physiatrists) with expertise in the management of metabolic bone diseases,and radiologists. The study aims to identify and assess anthropological and pathological features of skeletal remains using advanced imaging techniques. Additionally, it highlights the role of multidisciplinary collaboration for comprehensive analysis of ancient remains, laying the basis for future research to improve knowledge in this field.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Materials and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Human remains from the cemetery of the Christian Basilica of Cumae, were catalogued and examined utilizing conventional radiography (CR) and computed tomography (CT). CT scans were conducted on bone fragments to assess integrity, density alterations, fractures, and pathologies. Each bone fragment was analyzed separately, maintaining anatomical orientation. Dual-energy CT (DECT) scans were employed in select cases, enhancing bone lesion detection.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The collaboration between archaeologists and radiologists facilitated the reconstruction and the identification of skeletal fragments. CT analysis revealed diverse findings across cases, including fractures, osteosclerotic areas, and degenerative changes. Detailed observations from CT scans were complemented by X-ray examinations, contributing to comprehensive skeletal analyses.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Discussion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Paleoradiology, coined in 1987, has evolved with CT advancements, enabling minimally invasive examination of ancient remains. CT imaging offers superior resolution and detail compared to conventional radiography, aiding in the identification of subtle pathologies. Multidisciplinary collaboration enhances diagnostic accuracy and ensures comprehensive analyses.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;CT analysis provides detailed insights into bone integrity and pathologies, facilitating comprehensive anthropological examinations. Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for accurate interpretations of ancient human remains. This study represents a preliminary phase, laying the groundwork for further investiga","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 102832"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143445644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors linked to juvenile delinquency among forced migrant children","authors":"Berna Aygun,&nbsp;Nusret Soylu","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102829","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102829","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Conditions of war have caused millions of children to be displaced both externally and internally worldwide. The present study aims to evaluate individual and trauma-caused risk factors and sociodemographic characteristics associated with juvenile delinquency among forced migrant children.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>40 juvenile delinquents and 40 controls aged 13–17 who were forced migrants took part in the study. Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children, Harvard Trauma Scale, Strengths and Difficulties Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Relationship Scales Questionnaire-Adolescent Form were administered to both groups. Chi-square test(x2) and Fisher's Exact test were used to compare categorical variables across two groups. Normality was assessed by Kolmogorov- Smirnov test. Normally distributed continuous variables were compared by the student's <em>t</em>-test whereas for non-normal continuous variables Mann-Whitney <em>U</em> test was used.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Juvenile delinquency was related to larger family structure, lower socioeconomic and parental education levels, greater prevalence of smoking, alcohol, and substance use, and psychiatric diagnoses such MDD, PTSD, ADHD, ODD, DD among children. Traumatic migration experiences, longer migration periods, forced internal migration, having witnessed death or injury, not having attended school prior to migration, illiteracy, fragmented family structure, living apart from the parents, refugee camp experience, and were more prevalent among delinquents than non-delinquents.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These risk factors should be considered when designing prevention and intervention strategies and identifying protective factors to mitigate the negative effects of juvenile delinquency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 102829"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143465350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prediction model for pre-existing mental health difficulties in cases of child sexual assault reporting to Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre","authors":"Rabiya Majeed-Ariss ,&nbsp;Glen P. Martin ,&nbsp;Wofa Saleh ,&nbsp;Cath White","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102806","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102806","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Child sexual assault (CSA) is associated with mental health (MH) difficulties, both as a risk factor and as a consequence. Research is lacking on predictive factors that indicate which children attending a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) are more likely to have pre-existing MH difficulties.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>(1) To identify the prevalence of pre-existing MH difficulties across children attending Saint Marys SARC in Manchester. (2) To develop and internally validate a risk prediction model for children attending SARC with pre-existing MH difficulties, which could be used to triage such patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Our primary outcome was any history of self-reported MH difficulty and/or current psychiatric medication. We developed the predictive model for this primary outcome using logistic regression. From a list of 7 candidate predictors for potential inclusion in the model, we used stepwise selection to determine the final variables in the model. Calibration and discrimination of the model was assessed using bootstrap internal validation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analysis cohort included 492 cases of CSA (aged over 11 years). Of these, 218 cases (44.31 %) had the primary outcome. After applying variable selection, the developed prediction model included 4 predictors of MH difficulties (age, gender, location of alleged assault, and time between alleged assault and SARC attendance), and achieved good performance, upon internal validation, in terms of both calibration (calibration-in-the-large of −0.01 [-0.186, 0.162], calibration slope of 0.77 [0.52, 1.15]) and discrimination (AUC of 0.59 [0.56, 0.61]).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Being able to predict which children attending a SARC are likely to have MH difficulties would enable proactive tailoring of interventions and swift referrals. A timely response is known to have a positive impact on children's MH outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 102806"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143552936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Head or skull injury? Consequences of using mistranslated ICD diagnosis category: Multicenter, blinded, randomized controlled analysis","authors":"Katalin Fogarasi ,&nbsp;Gábor Simon ,&nbsp;Attila Gátos ,&nbsp;Gábor Gyenes ,&nbsp;Péter Gergely ,&nbsp;Zoltán Patonai","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102815","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102815","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Emergency care units in Hungary treat approximately 140–180 thousand head injuries of varying se'verity each year. These head injuries are mainly caused by traffic accidents, assaults, or domestic accidents. The outpatient care record contains details about the circumstances and underlying mechanisms of the head injury, the results of physical and imaging examinations, and therapeutic recommendations. The record also contains standardized codes for the diagnoses and the interventions performed, using the BNO (Betegségek Nemzetközi Osztályozása) classification, the Hungarian version of the international diagnostic classification system ICD (International Classification of Diseases). These records are important for financial reasons and for statistical purposes. The injury diagnoses consist of the ICD codes with the related diagnostic categories and in most cases also the corresponding Latin diagnoses describing the injuries sustained. The ICD categories often appear as Hungarian translations of the Latin diagnoses in the detailed Medical Diagnostic Reports on Injuries (MDRI). In Hungary, MDRI reports are prepared by physicians at the request of criminal prosecutors for forensic evaluation. In practice, however, MDRIs are usually based on the primary outpatient records. Head injuries are diagnosed using the codes in ICD Chapter 19, S00-S09. Translation errors may occur when ICD is adapted for different languages, resulting in different applications of certain diagnostic codes.</div><div>The present study investigates the use and frequency of the ICD-10 code S07.1 in Hungarian MDRIs issued for forensic evaluation. The results of our study show that, due to an inaccurate translation, superficial head injuries (specifically, bruises) are incorrectly coded in Hungary with S07.1, which in ICD-10 is reserved for severe head injuries (crushing injury of the skull).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"110 ","pages":"Article 102815"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143070567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Postmortem redistribution of carbofuran and benzofuranol in rats determined using solid phase extraction by HPLC-MS/MS","authors":"Zhang Wen-ji","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102812","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102812","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carbofuran has been implicated in many homicide and suicide cases worldwide. We investigated the postmortem redistribution of carbofuran and its main metabolite benzofuranol using the rat model. Carbofuran (50 mg/kg) was intragastric administrated, followed by euthanasia 1 h post injection. Tissues including cardiac blood, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, brain, myocardium, and thigh muscle were collected at different postmortem intervals (0, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h). The samples were extracted using solid phase extraction cartridges filled with self-prepared multi-wall carbon nanotubes based molecular imprinting polymers, and analyzed using validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. The concentrations of carbofuran and benzofuranol were found both influenced by postmortem redistribution and postmortem degradation throughout the postmortem period. The carbofuran concentration increased in cardiac blood, liver and kidney, but decreased in lung, while benzofuranol concentration increased in cardiac blood, liver, spleen, and kidney. The benzofuranol in cardiac blood and liver is more prominent than carbofuran after 80 h after death, which implies that benzofuranol could be regarded as an alternative marker in carbofuran poisoning cases for the corpse died for a long time when carbofuran could hardly be detected. These findings provide a valuable aiding information when determining the cause of death of carbofuran poisoning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"110 ","pages":"Article 102812"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143173950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges and considerations in forensic entomology: A comprehensive review","authors":"Sarika Bansode ,&nbsp;Abhay Morajkar ,&nbsp;Vinod Ragade ,&nbsp;Vitthal More ,&nbsp;Kiran Kharat","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102831","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102831","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic entomology is the study of insect biology as it relates to societal problems that come to the attention of the legal profession and that often must be resolved by legal proceedings. These problems come under the purview of medico-criminal entomology. Forensic entomology is the study of arthropods, especially insects, their identification, post-mortem intervals (PMI), crime scene details associated with crimes and other aspects of the courts and judicial system. Understanding the predictable succession patterns of Diptera and Coleoptera on decomposing remains is crucial for accurately determining the post-mortem interval in forensic investigations. Beetles and blowflies play a critical role in the decomposition process, with beetles often appearing later and blowflies swiftly colonizing remains, making both essential for accurately estimating the post-mortem interval and understanding decomposition dynamics. Insects, particularly flies, serve as crucial forensic tools, allowing for detecting drugs, poisons, and other substances long after traditional tissue samples degrade. Their ability to retain and reveal evidence, even in severely decomposed or altered remains, significantly enhances the accuracy of criminal investigations. Recent advancements in forensic entomology, such as integrating infrared spectroscopy, omics technologies, and molecular taxonomy, have significantly improved the precision and scope of forensic investigations. These tools, combined with thorough validation processes, enable forensic scientists to identify species, estimate post-mortem intervals, and interpret complex cases with greater accuracy and reliability. However, challenges such as environmental influences, insect behavior, body concealment, faunal succession limitations, and gaps in knowledge and resources present obstacles to accuracy and standardization. This review summarises key insect species involved in crime Investigation, PMI Intervals and their significance, Recent advances, Challenges and limitations so that entomotoxicologists can analyze challenging cases recovered after a long period this review also analyses the scope of entomotoxicology in the area of death investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"110 ","pages":"Article 102831"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143419447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}