Journal of forensic and legal medicine最新文献_第3页

Sexual violence and associated factors among female night students in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis 埃塞俄比亚女夜校学生的性暴力及其相关因素：系统回顾和荟萃分析

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Journal of forensic and legal medicine

Pub Date : 2025-12-18 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103053

Yeshiwas Ayale Ferede , Worku Chekol Tassew , Melese Legesse Mitku , Abiyie Demelash Gashe , Girum Meseret Ayenew , Adane Nigussie , Agerie Mengistie Zeleke

Background

Despite numerous efforts to prevent and control sexual violence in Ethiopia, the incidence continues to rise. It's crucial to have solid evidence to highlight the severity of the issue. Thus, this study aims to determine the overall prevalence of sexual violence and pinpoint the contributing factors among female night students in Ethiopia.

Method

A comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted across various electronic databases, including PubMed, HINARI, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, African Journal online (AJOL), and Google Scholar. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies, consisting of nine criteria. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q and I2 test statistics. The pooled prevalence estimate of sexual violence among female night students was calculated using a random-effects model.

Result

Out of 6410 studies reviewed, six studies involving 2699 night students were deemed relevant. The pooled estimate of sexual violence among female night students in Ethiopia was found to be 43.58 % (95 % CI: 30.68, 56.48). Factors associated with sexual violence included rural residency (POR = 2.51; 95 % CI: 1.17, 5.41), alcohol use (AOR = 3.30; 95 % CI: 1.68, 6.48), having multiple sexual partners (POR = 2.78; 95 % CI: 1.97, 3.92), and a commute time to school exceeding 20 min (POR = 1.74; 95 % CI: 1.18, 2.58).

Conclusion

The research revealed that nearly half of female night students encountered sexual violence, with significant correlations identified between this violence and factors such as having multiple sexual partners, residing in rural areas during childhood, having a commute time to school of over 20 min, and having a history of alcohol use. To effectively address and prevent sexual violence, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), policymakers, and stakeholders must prioritize these findings and take targeted actions.

尽管埃塞俄比亚为预防和控制性暴力做出了许多努力，但发生率仍在上升。有确凿的证据来强调问题的严重性是至关重要的。因此，本研究旨在确定埃塞俄比亚女夜校学生中性暴力的总体流行程度，并查明其影响因素。方法在PubMed、HINARI、Scopus、EMBASE、Web of Science、African Journal online （AJOL）和b谷歌Scholar等电子数据库中进行全面系统的文献检索。研究的质量使用乔安娜布里格斯研究所（JBI）对分析性横断面研究的关键评估清单进行评估，包括9个标准。采用Cochrane Q和I2检验统计量评估研究的异质性。利用随机效应模型计算了女夜校学生中性暴力的综合发生率。结果在6410项研究中，6项涉及2699名夜校学生的研究被认为是相关的。埃塞俄比亚女夜校学生的性暴力汇总估计为43.58% （95% CI: 30.68, 56.48）。与性暴力相关的因素包括农村居住（POR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.17, 5.41）、饮酒（AOR = 3.30; 95% CI: 1.68, 6.48）、拥有多性伴侣（POR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.97, 3.92）以及上学通勤时间超过20分钟（POR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.58）。研究表明，近一半的女夜校学生遭遇过性暴力，这种暴力与拥有多个性伴侣、童年时期居住在农村地区、上学通勤时间超过20分钟、有酗酒史等因素存在显著相关性。为了有效处理和预防性暴力，联邦卫生部、决策者和利益攸关方必须优先考虑这些调查结果，并采取有针对性的行动。

{"title":"Sexual violence and associated factors among female night students in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Yeshiwas Ayale Ferede , Worku Chekol Tassew , Melese Legesse Mitku , Abiyie Demelash Gashe , Girum Meseret Ayenew , Adane Nigussie , Agerie Mengistie Zeleke","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103053","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103053","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Despite numerous efforts to prevent and control sexual violence in Ethiopia, the incidence continues to rise. It's crucial to have solid evidence to highlight the severity of the issue. Thus, this study aims to determine the overall prevalence of sexual violence and pinpoint the contributing factors among female night students in Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted across various electronic databases, including PubMed, HINARI, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, African Journal online (AJOL), and Google Scholar. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies, consisting of nine criteria. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q and I2 test statistics. The pooled prevalence estimate of sexual violence among female night students was calculated using a random-effects model.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>Out of 6410 studies reviewed, six studies involving 2699 night students were deemed relevant. The pooled estimate of sexual violence among female night students in Ethiopia was found to be 43.58 % (95 % CI: 30.68, 56.48). Factors associated with sexual violence included rural residency (POR = 2.51; 95 % CI: 1.17, 5.41), alcohol use (AOR = 3.30; 95 % CI: 1.68, 6.48), having multiple sexual partners (POR = 2.78; 95 % CI: 1.97, 3.92), and a commute time to school exceeding 20 min (POR = 1.74; 95 % CI: 1.18, 2.58).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The research revealed that nearly half of female night students encountered sexual violence, with significant correlations identified between this violence and factors such as having multiple sexual partners, residing in rural areas during childhood, having a commute time to school of over 20 min, and having a history of alcohol use. To effectively address and prevent sexual violence, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), policymakers, and stakeholders must prioritize these findings and take targeted actions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103053"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145786444","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}

引用次数: 0

Forensic and clinical insights into the eshmun complex: A case of scrotal self-mutilation with phenol in a gender dysphoric individual 埃什蒙情结的法医和临床见解：一个性别焦虑个体用苯酚自残阴囊的案例

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Journal of forensic and legal medicine

Pub Date : 2025-12-18 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103054

Harshal R. Thube, V.J. Jishnu

The Eshmun complex is a term coined to describe self-genital mutilation or auto-castration under psychiatric disorders. Self-mutilation of the genitals can be an unfortunate outcome of different delusional beliefs regarding belonging to another gender or chronic substance abuse leading to self-harm. The result can be a minor injury or an adverse event, such as a fatality. In either case, the patient should undergo a medical and detailed psychiatric evaluation and counseling.

We describe a case involving a 24-year-old man who arrived at the hospital's emergency department. With an alleged history of self-instillation of a household cleaning liquid containing phenol into the scrotum using a needle and syringe. Upon examination of the injured region, a puncture wound was discovered in the left testicle, accompanied by a noticeable buildup of fluid. A short psychological examination revealed his desire for a sex change and a previous attempt at self-genital mutilation.

“埃什蒙情结”是一个用来描述精神疾病导致的自我生殖器切割或自我阉割的术语。生殖器自残可能是关于属于另一性别的不同妄想信念或长期滥用药物导致自残的不幸结果。其结果可能是轻伤或不良事件，如死亡。在任何一种情况下，患者都应该接受医疗和详细的精神评估和咨询。我们描述了一个病例，涉及一名24岁的男子，他被送到医院的急诊科。涉嫌使用针头和注射器将含有苯酚的家用清洗液自行注入阴囊。在检查受伤部位时，发现左侧睾丸有一个穿刺伤口，并伴有明显的积液。一项简短的心理检查显示，他有变性的愿望，之前曾试图切割自己的生殖器官。

引用次数: 0

Retrospective analysis of clinical toxicology results from 2017 to 2023: exploring the characteristics and prevalence trends of detected drugs and poisons 回顾性分析2017 - 2023年临床毒理学结果：探讨检出药物和毒物的特点及流行趋势

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Journal of forensic and legal medicine

Pub Date : 2025-12-13 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103052

Yuxuan Fu , Sujing Zhang , Yibo Yan , Ping Xiang , Jian Li , Lei Xin , Hongxiao Deng , Hejian Wu , Xin Wang

To characterize temporal trends in toxic substance patterns involved in clinical toxicology cases in Shanghai, while considering regulatory changes, and to benchmark these findings against data from other regions. The clinical toxicology results reported by the Academy of Forensic Science (AFS) from January 2017 to December 2023 were collated, summarized, and retrospectively analyzed for the types and blood concentrations of different drugs and poisons. Overall, 4422 clinical toxicology cases were recorded, accounting for an average of approximately 630 cases per year, with 62 % presenting positive results. The positively detected substances were mainly clinical drugs and pesticides. The detected clinical drugs were predominantly sedative-hypnotics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Estazolam (n = 347), midazolam (n = 272), bromadiolone (n = 265), clonazepam (n = 228), and quetiapine (n = 199) were the top five most frequently detected substances in clinical toxicological cases. Other cases related to plant poisons, toxic heavy metals, and toxic alcohols were also recorded. The blood concentrations of the various drugs showed significant variability. This study highlights a concerning rise in psychoactive drug use, particularly sedative-hypnotics and antidepressants, reflecting a growing mental health burden in the population. This pattern is further supported by the frequent detection of blood drug concentrations exceeding therapeutic upper limits, indicating widespread non-therapeutic exposure. In response, psychotropic drug prescribing practices must be comprehensively strengthened through stricter regulations and the establishment of prescription surveillance to ensure rational and safe medication use. Additionally, a decline in certain toxicants, such as paraquat, suggests the effectiveness of policy interventions. The findings also emphasize the risks of polypharmacy and the need for enhanced poisoning prevention and emergency response systems.

在考虑监管变化的情况下，分析上海临床毒理学病例中涉及的有毒物质模式的时间趋势，并将这些发现与其他地区的数据进行比较。对法医学科学院（AFS） 2017年1月至2023年12月报告的临床毒理学结果进行整理、总结，并对不同药物和毒物的类型和血药浓度进行回顾性分析。总体而言，共记录了4422例临床毒理学病例，平均每年约630例，其中62%呈阳性结果。阳性物质主要为临床用药和农药。临床检出的药物以镇静催眠药、抗抑郁药和抗精神病药为主。艾司唑仑（347例）、咪达唑仑（272例）、溴代洛酮（265例）、氯硝西泮（228例）、喹硫平（199例）是临床毒理学病例中检出频率最高的5种物质。其他与植物中毒、有毒重金属和有毒酒精有关的案件也有记录。不同药物的血药浓度表现出显著的差异。这项研究强调了精神活性药物使用的增加，特别是镇静催眠药和抗抑郁药，反映了人口中日益增长的精神健康负担。血液中药物浓度超过治疗上限的频繁检测进一步支持了这种模式，表明广泛的非治疗性暴露。为此，必须通过更严格的法规和建立处方监督来全面加强精神药物的处方实践，以确保合理和安全用药。此外，某些有毒物质如百草枯的减少表明政策干预的有效性。研究结果还强调了多种用药的风险以及加强中毒预防和应急响应系统的必要性。

{"title":"Retrospective analysis of clinical toxicology results from 2017 to 2023: exploring the characteristics and prevalence trends of detected drugs and poisons","authors":"Yuxuan Fu , Sujing Zhang , Yibo Yan , Ping Xiang , Jian Li , Lei Xin , Hongxiao Deng , Hejian Wu , Xin Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103052","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103052","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To characterize temporal trends in toxic substance patterns involved in clinical toxicology cases in Shanghai, while considering regulatory changes, and to benchmark these findings against data from other regions. The clinical toxicology results reported by the Academy of Forensic Science (AFS) from January 2017 to December 2023 were collated, summarized, and retrospectively analyzed for the types and blood concentrations of different drugs and poisons. Overall, 4422 clinical toxicology cases were recorded, accounting for an average of approximately 630 cases per year, with 62 % presenting positive results. The positively detected substances were mainly clinical drugs and pesticides. The detected clinical drugs were predominantly sedative-hypnotics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Estazolam (n = 347), midazolam (n = 272), bromadiolone (n = 265), clonazepam (n = 228), and quetiapine (n = 199) were the top five most frequently detected substances in clinical toxicological cases. Other cases related to plant poisons, toxic heavy metals, and toxic alcohols were also recorded. The blood concentrations of the various drugs showed significant variability. This study highlights a concerning rise in psychoactive drug use, particularly sedative-hypnotics and antidepressants, reflecting a growing mental health burden in the population. This pattern is further supported by the frequent detection of blood drug concentrations exceeding therapeutic upper limits, indicating widespread non-therapeutic exposure. In response, psychotropic drug prescribing practices must be comprehensively strengthened through stricter regulations and the establishment of prescription surveillance to ensure rational and safe medication use. Additionally, a decline in certain toxicants, such as paraquat, suggests the effectiveness of policy interventions. The findings also emphasize the risks of polypharmacy and the need for enhanced poisoning prevention and emergency response systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103052"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145786443","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}

引用次数: 0

Semi-supervised learning with dynamic classifier selection for PMI estimation: An animal study 半监督学习与动态分类器选择PMI估计：一项动物研究。

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Journal of forensic and legal medicine

Pub Date : 2025-12-13 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103051

Jian Li , Yan-juan Wu , Xing-yu Lu , Shu-rui Zhang , Na Li , Qiu-xiang Du , Jie Cao , Ru-feng Bai , Jun-hong Sun

The application of machine learning in analyzing postmortem molecular alterations represents a promising strategy for estimating the Postmortem Interval (PMI), yet samples with undetermined PMI significantly compromise model efficacy and compound the existing scarcity of forensically viable samples. The generalization ability of the model is significantly impaired by the insufficient effective sample size, which greatly hinders the widespread application of PMI estimation based on machine learning. Semi-supervised learning (SSL) methods can effectively leverage both labeled samples with known PMI and unlabeled samples with unknown PMI to jointly train models. This approach is crucial for enhancing sample utilization and improving the accuracy of PMI estimation. In this study, we examined skeletal muscle from rats at different PMI. Using both labeled and unmarked PMI samples, we evaluated the efficacy of Supervised Learning (SL) and SSL models in addressing the prevalent challenge of PMI estimation within forensic science. On this basis, we employed the dynamic classifier selection (DCS) strategy to enhance the construction process of both SL and SSL models. The findings demonstrate that SSL-DCS significantly enhances the predictive efficacy of PMI compared to SL-DCS, exhibiting an area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.89 and an R² of 0.93 for time to death from 0 to 9 days. The outcomes of this study suggest that SSL-DCS not only enhances prediction efficacy but also improves the utilization rate of scarce samples, which would serve as a paradigm that can be extended and applied to other biomedical domains.

机器学习在分析死后分子变化中的应用代表了估计死后间隔（PMI）的一种很有前途的策略，但PMI未确定的样本会显著损害模型的有效性，并使现有法医可行样本的稀缺性复杂化。有效样本量不足严重影响了模型的泛化能力，极大地阻碍了基于机器学习的PMI估计的广泛应用。半监督学习（SSL）方法可以有效地利用PMI已知的标记样本和PMI未知的未标记样本来联合训练模型。这种方法对于提高样本利用率和提高PMI估计的准确性至关重要。在这项研究中，我们检查了不同PMI大鼠的骨骼肌。使用标记和未标记的PMI样本，我们评估了监督学习（SL）和SSL模型在解决法医科学中普遍存在的PMI估计挑战方面的有效性。在此基础上，我们采用了动态分类器选择（DCS）策略来增强SL和SSL模型的构建过程。结果表明，与SL-DCS相比，SL-DCS显著提高了PMI的预测效果，0 - 9天死亡时间的受试者工作特征曲线下面积（AUC）为0.89，R2为0.93。本研究结果表明，SSL-DCS不仅提高了预测效果，而且提高了稀缺样本的利用率，为其他生物医学领域的推广和应用提供了一个范例。

{"title":"Semi-supervised learning with dynamic classifier selection for PMI estimation: An animal study","authors":"Jian Li , Yan-juan Wu , Xing-yu Lu , Shu-rui Zhang , Na Li , Qiu-xiang Du , Jie Cao , Ru-feng Bai , Jun-hong Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103051","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103051","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The application of machine learning in analyzing postmortem molecular alterations represents a promising strategy for estimating the Postmortem Interval (PMI), yet samples with undetermined PMI significantly compromise model efficacy and compound the existing scarcity of forensically viable samples. The generalization ability of the model is significantly impaired by the insufficient effective sample size, which greatly hinders the widespread application of PMI estimation based on machine learning. Semi-supervised learning (SSL) methods can effectively leverage both labeled samples with known PMI and unlabeled samples with unknown PMI to jointly train models. This approach is crucial for enhancing sample utilization and improving the accuracy of PMI estimation. In this study, we examined skeletal muscle from rats at different PMI. Using both labeled and unmarked PMI samples, we evaluated the efficacy of Supervised Learning (SL) and SSL models in addressing the prevalent challenge of PMI estimation within forensic science. On this basis, we employed the dynamic classifier selection (DCS) strategy to enhance the construction process of both SL and SSL models. The findings demonstrate that SSL-DCS significantly enhances the predictive efficacy of PMI compared to SL-DCS, exhibiting an area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.89 and an R<sup>2</sup> of 0.93 for time to death from 0 to 9 days. The outcomes of this study suggest that SSL-DCS not only enhances prediction efficacy but also improves the utilization rate of scarce samples, which would serve as a paradigm that can be extended and applied to other biomedical domains.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103051"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145777027","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}

引用次数: 0

Impact of psychoactive substances and attention-related impairments on driving performance: Sex differences and road crash involvement 精神活性物质和注意力相关障碍对驾驶表现的影响：性别差异和道路交通事故参与。

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Journal of forensic and legal medicine

Pub Date : 2025-12-12 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103050

Claudio Terranova , Clara Cestonaro , Stefano Palumbi , Laura Marino , Alessandro Gentili , Francesco Pozzebon , Rocco Miazzi , Anna Aprile

Introduction

Crashes are a global public health concern, with psychoactive substance use and attention impairments potentially increasing risk and affecting male and female drivers differently. This study aims to identify factors related to psychoactive substance use and attention impairments that predict road crash involvement by sex, offering insights for targeted prevention effort.

Methods

This observational study examined individuals assessed for driving license reissuance after driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Data collected included personal and sociodemographic details, results from a Continuous performance test (CPT-3) (a neuropsychological test assessing inattentiveness, impulsivity, sustained attention, and vigilance), and toxicological analyses of biological samples. Statistical analyses (chi-square, logistic regression, and ROC curve) aimed at identifing sex-specific predictors of road crash involvement.

Results

The study included 169 participants (82.8 % males, 17.2 % females). Initial univariate analyses indicated sex differences that were not confirmed after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Logistic regression found blood alcohol concentration predictive of crashes in males (p = 0.005, OR = 2.52), while inattentiveness was a major factor for females (p = 0.045, OR = 12.0). In the combined model, sex itself was not an independent predictor after adjusting for these factors. The model showed moderate accuracy for males (ROC-AUC = 0.695) and higher accuracy for females (ROC-AUC = 0.816), suggesting that inattentiveness may play a particularly important role in predicting crashes in the female subgroup.

Conclusions

Inattentiveness and alcohol use emerged as key predictors of crash involvement, with inattentiveness showing particular relevance in the female subgroup. Prevention should focus on modifiable risk factors rather than sex. The model's higher accuracy in females suggests attentional measures may help identify at-risk drivers, though the small female sample limits generalizability.

导言：车祸是一个全球性的公共卫生问题，精神活性物质的使用和注意力障碍可能增加风险，对男性和女性司机的影响不同。本研究旨在确定与精神活性物质使用和注意力障碍相关的因素，这些因素可以预测性别道路交通事故的发生，为有针对性的预防工作提供见解。方法：本观察性研究调查了在酒精和/或药物影响下驾驶后被评估补发驾照的个体。收集的数据包括个人和社会人口学细节，持续表现测试（CPT-3）（一种评估注意力不集中、冲动、持续注意力和警惕性的神经心理学测试）的结果，以及生物样本的毒理学分析。统计分析（卡方、逻辑回归和ROC曲线）旨在确定道路交通事故涉及的性别特异性预测因子。结果：研究纳入169名参与者（男性82.8%，女性17.2%）。最初的单变量分析表明，在Bonferroni校正多重比较后，性别差异未得到证实。Logistic回归发现血液酒精浓度可预测男性的撞车（p = 0.005, OR = 2.52），而注意力不集中是女性的主要因素（p = 0.045, OR = 12.0）。在综合模型中，在调整了这些因素后，性别本身并不是一个独立的预测因子。该模型显示，男性的准确度中等（ROC-AUC = 0.695），女性的准确度较高（ROC-AUC = 0.816），这表明注意力不集中可能在预测女性亚组的撞车事故中起着特别重要的作用。结论：注意力不集中和饮酒是导致车祸的关键因素，其中注意力不集中在女性亚组中表现出特别的相关性。预防应侧重于可改变的危险因素，而不是性别。该模型在女性中的较高准确性表明，注意力测量可能有助于识别有风险的驱动因素，尽管女性样本较少限制了普遍性。

{"title":"Impact of psychoactive substances and attention-related impairments on driving performance: Sex differences and road crash involvement","authors":"Claudio Terranova , Clara Cestonaro , Stefano Palumbi , Laura Marino , Alessandro Gentili , Francesco Pozzebon , Rocco Miazzi , Anna Aprile","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103050","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103050","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Crashes are a global public health concern, with psychoactive substance use and attention impairments potentially increasing risk and affecting male and female drivers differently. This study aims to identify factors related to psychoactive substance use and attention impairments that predict road crash involvement by sex, offering insights for targeted prevention effort.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This observational study examined individuals assessed for driving license reissuance after driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Data collected included personal and sociodemographic details, results from a Continuous performance test (CPT-3) (a neuropsychological test assessing inattentiveness, impulsivity, sustained attention, and vigilance), and toxicological analyses of biological samples. Statistical analyses (chi-square, logistic regression, and ROC curve) aimed at identifing sex-specific predictors of road crash involvement.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study included 169 participants (82.8 % males, 17.2 % females). Initial univariate analyses indicated sex differences that were not confirmed after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Logistic regression found blood alcohol concentration predictive of crashes in males (p = 0.005, OR = 2.52), while inattentiveness was a major factor for females (p = 0.045, OR = 12.0). In the combined model, sex itself was not an independent predictor after adjusting for these factors. The model showed moderate accuracy for males (ROC-AUC = 0.695) and higher accuracy for females (ROC-AUC = 0.816), suggesting that inattentiveness may play a particularly important role in predicting crashes in the female subgroup.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Inattentiveness and alcohol use emerged as key predictors of crash involvement, with inattentiveness showing particular relevance in the female subgroup. Prevention should focus on modifiable risk factors rather than sex. The model's higher accuracy in females suggests attentional measures may help identify at-risk drivers, though the small female sample limits generalizability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103050"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145776918","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}

引用次数: 0

Alcohol-impaired driving in Tunisia: Forensic insights and population-level data for North African public health and road safety 突尼斯酒后驾驶：北非公共卫生和道路安全的法医见解和人口数据

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Journal of forensic and legal medicine

Pub Date : 2025-12-09 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103049

Omar Smaoui , Bilel Moslah , Mohamed Anouar Nouioui , Cyrine Messaoud , Nessrine Ben Haj Yahya , Dorra Amira

Aims

Alcohol abuse remains a significant global public health challenge contributing to road accidents, chronic diseases, and social issues. In Tunisia, limited data on alcohol consumption trends among drivers and accident victims prompted this forensic study, which analyzed blood samples from 2068 individuals detained during roadside checks or involved in road accidents over five years (2019–2023).

Methods

This study used semi-quantitative immunoassay screening to assess alcohol prevalence and demographic patterns.

Results

The results revealed an 82.5 % positivity rate for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeding the legal limit of 0.3 g/L, with a strong male predominance (97.8 %) and a majority of cases in the 20–35 age group (51.1 %). Alcohol consumption was most prevalent among manual laborers (48.2 %) and urban residents, particularly in Tunis (52.3 %). The study also identified seasonal peaks in alcohol-related arrests and highlighted the risks associated with various BAC levels, from minor impairments at 0.3–0.5 g/L to severe intoxication at levels above 1.5 g/L.

Conclusions

These findings provide the first systematic forensic evidence on alcohol-impaired driving in Tunisia. To our knowledge, this research work provides, for the first time, data on the prevalence and patterns of alcohol use in an African country based on large-scale forensic analysis. This potentially represents an important case study for comparison with other continental regions, particularly Europe and the northern Mediterranean. Furthermore, such analysis has highlighted differences in substance use trends in a comparative case study of the European Neighbourhood and Southern countries, helping to adjust and adapt prevention and harm reduction strategies to regional realities.

酒精滥用仍然是一个重大的全球公共卫生挑战，导致道路事故、慢性病和社会问题。在突尼斯，关于司机和事故受害者的酒精消费趋势的数据有限，促使了这项法医研究，该研究分析了五年内（2019-2023年）在路边检查期间被拘留或涉及道路事故的2068人的血液样本。方法本研究采用半定量免疫分析法筛查，评估酒精患病率和人口统计学模式。结果血酒精浓度（BAC）超过法定限0.3 g/L阳性率为82.5%，男性居多（97.8%），以20 ~ 35岁年龄组居多（51.1%）。酒精消费在体力劳动者（48.2%）和城市居民中最为普遍，尤其是在突尼斯（52.3%）。该研究还确定了与酒精相关的逮捕的季节性高峰，并强调了与不同BAC水平相关的风险，从0.3-0.5 g/L的轻微损伤到高于1.5 g/L的严重中毒。这些发现为突尼斯的酒后驾驶提供了第一个系统的法医证据。据我们所知，这项研究工作首次在大规模法医分析的基础上提供了关于非洲国家酒精使用流行程度和模式的数据。这可能是与其他大陆区域，特别是欧洲和地中海北部进行比较的重要案例研究。此外，这种分析突出了欧洲邻国和南方国家的比较案例研究中药物使用趋势的差异，有助于根据区域现实调整和调整预防和减少危害战略。

{"title":"Alcohol-impaired driving in Tunisia: Forensic insights and population-level data for North African public health and road safety","authors":"Omar Smaoui , Bilel Moslah , Mohamed Anouar Nouioui , Cyrine Messaoud , Nessrine Ben Haj Yahya , Dorra Amira","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103049","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103049","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aims</h3><div>Alcohol abuse remains a significant global public health challenge contributing to road accidents, chronic diseases, and social issues. In Tunisia, limited data on alcohol consumption trends among drivers and accident victims prompted this forensic study, which analyzed blood samples from 2068 individuals detained during roadside checks or involved in road accidents over five years (2019–2023).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study used semi-quantitative immunoassay screening to assess alcohol prevalence and demographic patterns.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results revealed an 82.5 % positivity rate for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeding the legal limit of 0.3 g/L, with a strong male predominance (97.8 %) and a majority of cases in the 20–35 age group (51.1 %). Alcohol consumption was most prevalent among manual laborers (48.2 %) and urban residents, particularly in Tunis (52.3 %). The study also identified seasonal peaks in alcohol-related arrests and highlighted the risks associated with various BAC levels, from minor impairments at 0.3–0.5 g/L to severe intoxication at levels above 1.5 g/L.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings provide the first systematic forensic evidence on alcohol-impaired driving in Tunisia. To our knowledge, this research work provides, for the first time, data on the prevalence and patterns of alcohol use in an African country based on large-scale forensic analysis. This potentially represents an important case study for comparison with other continental regions, particularly Europe and the northern Mediterranean. Furthermore, such analysis has highlighted differences in substance use trends in a comparative case study of the European Neighbourhood and Southern countries, helping to adjust and adapt prevention and harm reduction strategies to regional realities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103049"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733542","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}

引用次数: 0

How people die inside: Fact patterns in civil litigation for in-custody deaths 人是如何在内部死亡的：羁押中死亡民事诉讼的事实模式。

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Journal of forensic and legal medicine

Pub Date : 2025-12-05 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103048

Taleed El-Sabawi , Shelly Weizman , Regina LaBelle

Civil litigation provides a novel and underutilized source of information about deaths in U.S. jails, particularly when official data are incomplete. This study systematically analyzes verdicts, settlements and judgments to explore patterns in practices linked to preventable mortality in U.S jails.

Results

Content analysis of facts alleged in 90 cases filed between 2015 and 2020 revealed thematic patterns related to inadequate or delayed medical care. Alleged facts routinely included observable signs of serious medical need—such as incoherence, convulsions, or pleas for help—followed by failures to provide timely or medically appropriate care. In cases of suicide, allegations commonly describe known mental health conditions, discontinued medication, and lapses in monitoring or suicide prevention protocols. Despite repeated warnings—by the individuals themselves, fellow incarcerated persons, or family members—jail staff frequently failed to act. A small subset of cases resulted in judgments for the defense, often where some care was provided or protocols were followed, even if outcomes were still fatal.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that in cases resulting in reported settlements, verdicts or judgments in-custody deaths in the U.S. could be prevented through improved intake screening, timely medical monitoring, care coordination, and adherence to established protocols. Litigation records offer important insight into how systemic failures contribute to jail mortality, with implications for policy, public health, and correctional practice.

民事诉讼提供了一种新的、未得到充分利用的关于美国监狱死亡的信息来源，特别是在官方数据不完整的情况下。本研究系统地分析了判决、和解和判决，以探索与美国监狱中可预防的死亡率相关的实践模式。结果：对2015年至2020年间提交的90起案件所指控事实的内容分析揭示了与医疗服务不足或延误相关的主题模式。所谓的事实通常包括可观察到的严重医疗需求的迹象——如语无伦次、抽搐或求助——随后未能提供及时或适当的医疗护理。在自杀案件中，指控通常描述已知的精神健康状况、停止用药以及监测或预防自杀协议的失误。尽管囚犯本人、狱友或家属一再警告，但监狱工作人员经常不采取行动。一小部分案件的结果是被告胜诉，通常是在提供了一些护理或遵循了协议的情况下，即使结果仍然是致命的。结论：这些发现表明，在报告的和解、判决或判决的案件中，美国可以通过改进摄入筛查、及时的医疗监测、护理协调和遵守既定协议来预防在押人员死亡。诉讼记录提供了重要的见解，了解系统故障如何导致监狱死亡率，并对政策、公共卫生和惩教实践产生影响。

{"title":"How people die inside: Fact patterns in civil litigation for in-custody deaths","authors":"Taleed El-Sabawi , Shelly Weizman , Regina LaBelle","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103048","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103048","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Civil litigation provides a novel and underutilized source of information about deaths in U.S. jails, particularly when official data are incomplete. This study systematically analyzes verdicts, settlements and judgments to explore patterns in practices linked to preventable mortality in U.S jails.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Content analysis of facts alleged in 90 cases filed between 2015 and 2020 revealed thematic patterns related to inadequate or delayed medical care. Alleged facts routinely included observable signs of serious medical need—such as incoherence, convulsions, or pleas for help—followed by failures to provide timely or medically appropriate care. In cases of suicide, allegations commonly describe known mental health conditions, discontinued medication, and lapses in monitoring or suicide prevention protocols. Despite repeated warnings—by the individuals themselves, fellow incarcerated persons, or family members—jail staff frequently failed to act. A small subset of cases resulted in judgments for the defense, often where some care was provided or protocols were followed, even if outcomes were still fatal.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings suggest that in cases resulting in reported settlements, verdicts or judgments in-custody deaths in the U.S. could be prevented through improved intake screening, timely medical monitoring, care coordination, and adherence to established protocols. Litigation records offer important insight into how systemic failures contribute to jail mortality, with implications for policy, public health, and correctional practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103048"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145717081","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}

引用次数: 0

Revolutionizing forensic DNA analysis: The potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in genetic investigations 革命性的法医DNA分析：CRISPR-Cas9技术在遗传调查中的潜力

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Journal of forensic and legal medicine

Pub Date : 2025-12-05 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103047

Pallavi Kumari , Vinayak Gupta , Anjali Chhikara , Jyoti Dalal

The newest achievements in the field of molecular biology and gene-editing technologies have transformed the paradigm of forensic DNA analysis. However, there are still great difficulties in interpreting degraded, low-template, mixed genetic samples. The review critically evaluates the transformative potential of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and an associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) as an accurate, effective, and cost-efficient system of genome-editing in the field of forensic science. Based on the evidence of the current literature, the paper critically analyzes the mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas9 activity, its RNA-guided specificity, dual-strand cleavage, and high-fidelity targeting, and compares its functionality with other standard methods like the STR and SNP profiling. The review also discusses more complex CRISPR-based diagnostic systems, such as SHERLOCK, DETECTR, and HOLMES that allow the analysis of DNA rapidly, without amplification, and in a portable format. Among major discoveries, there is the ability of CRISPR to increase the accuracy of DNA profiling, resolve mixture, recapitulate damaged genetic material, and reduce the possibility of contamination. In addition to genetic analysis, it has applications in forensic epigenetics, prediction of phenotypes, microbial forensics and environmental trace analysis. The review also covers the ethical, legal and governance implications of implementing CRISPR-based evidence in the judicial process especially in as far as data privacy; admissibility and equity of access are concerned. In general, CRISPR-Cas9 is a paradigm shift in forensic genomics, the one that has the potential to transform personal identification, reconstruction of the crime scene, and the interpretation of molecular evidence. Future efforts should focus on method validation, standardization, and ethical governance to ensure the responsible and sustainable implementation of this technology in forensic practice.

分子生物学和基因编辑技术领域的最新成就改变了法医DNA分析的范式。然而，在解释降解的、低模板的、混合的基因样本方面仍然存在很大的困难。这篇综述批判性地评估了集群规则间隔短回文重复序列和相关蛋白9 （CRISPR-Cas9）作为一种准确、有效和成本效益高的基因组编辑系统在法医学领域的变革潜力。基于现有文献的证据，本文批判性地分析了CRISPR-Cas9活性的机制、其rna引导的特异性、双链切割和高保真靶向，并将其功能与STR和SNP分析等其他标准方法进行了比较。本综述还讨论了更复杂的基于crispr的诊断系统，如SHERLOCK、DETECTR和HOLMES，它们允许快速分析DNA，无需扩增，并且以便携式格式。在重大发现中，CRISPR能够提高DNA分析的准确性，分解混合物，概括受损的遗传物质，并减少污染的可能性。除遗传分析外，它还应用于法医表观遗传学、表型预测、微生物法医和环境痕迹分析。审查还涵盖了在司法程序中实施基于crispr的证据的伦理、法律和治理影响，特别是在数据隐私方面；涉及可采性和公平获取。总的来说，CRISPR-Cas9是法医基因组学的一个范式转变，它有可能改变个人身份，重建犯罪现场，以及解释分子证据。未来的努力应该集中在方法验证、标准化和道德治理上，以确保在法医实践中负责任和可持续地实施这项技术。

{"title":"Revolutionizing forensic DNA analysis: The potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in genetic investigations","authors":"Pallavi Kumari , Vinayak Gupta , Anjali Chhikara , Jyoti Dalal","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103047","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103047","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The newest achievements in the field of molecular biology and gene-editing technologies have transformed the paradigm of forensic DNA analysis. However, there are still great difficulties in interpreting degraded, low-template, mixed genetic samples. The review critically evaluates the transformative potential of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and an associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) as an accurate, effective, and cost-efficient system of genome-editing in the field of forensic science. Based on the evidence of the current literature, the paper critically analyzes the mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas9 activity, its RNA-guided specificity, dual-strand cleavage, and high-fidelity targeting, and compares its functionality with other standard methods like the STR and SNP profiling. The review also discusses more complex CRISPR-based diagnostic systems, such as SHERLOCK, DETECTR, and HOLMES that allow the analysis of DNA rapidly, without amplification, and in a portable format. Among major discoveries, there is the ability of CRISPR to increase the accuracy of DNA profiling, resolve mixture, recapitulate damaged genetic material, and reduce the possibility of contamination. In addition to genetic analysis, it has applications in forensic epigenetics, prediction of phenotypes, microbial forensics and environmental trace analysis. The review also covers the ethical, legal and governance implications of implementing CRISPR-based evidence in the judicial process especially in as far as data privacy; admissibility and equity of access are concerned. In general, CRISPR-Cas9 is a paradigm shift in forensic genomics, the one that has the potential to transform personal identification, reconstruction of the crime scene, and the interpretation of molecular evidence. Future efforts should focus on method validation, standardization, and ethical governance to ensure the responsible and sustainable implementation of this technology in forensic practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103047"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733541","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}

引用次数: 0

Histological insights in decomposed bodies: A case report challenging the homicide hypothesis 在腐烂的尸体组织学见解：案件报告挑战谋杀的假设

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Journal of forensic and legal medicine

Pub Date : 2025-12-04 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103046

Cecilia Frigerio , Jean-Loup Gassend , Katarzyna Michaud

European recommendations regarding medico-legal autopsies indicate that specimens from the main organs should be sampled for histology in all cases. In reality however, depending on local practices, available funding and personal choice by the physician, these recommendations are not always followed. The National Association of Medical Examiners (USA) guidelines indicate that histological examinations should be performed if no obvious cause of death is found at autopsy, and that histology is not recommended in severely decomposed bodies. With this case report, we present the case of a suspected homicide involving a severely decomposed body, in which histological examinations of the heart revealed unexpected information that significantly changed the interpretation of the case, highlighting the importance of performing histological examinations in all cases.

欧洲关于法医解剖的建议表明，在所有情况下，都应对主要器官标本进行组织学取样。然而，在现实中，根据当地的做法，可用的资金和医生的个人选择，这些建议并不总是遵循。国家医学检查员协会（美国）的指导方针指出，如果在尸检中没有发现明显的死亡原因，则应进行组织学检查，并且不建议对严重腐烂的尸体进行组织学检查。在本病例报告中，我们提出了一起涉及严重腐烂尸体的疑似杀人案，其中心脏的组织学检查揭示了意想不到的信息，这些信息显着改变了对案件的解释，强调了在所有病例中进行组织学检查的重要性。

引用次数: 0

Salivary biomarkers in forensic science: Bridging molecular biology and legal medicine 唾液生物标志物在法医学：连接分子生物学和法律医学

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Journal of forensic and legal medicine

Pub Date : 2025-11-26 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103044

Arathi Padutholil Ajith Kumar , Premalatha Bidadi Rajashekaraiah , Sheethal Chandra Aralaguppe Chandraprakash , Parvathy Beena Chandran , Vaishaka Ashok Malali , Vidyadevi Chandavarkar

Saliva has emerged as a versatile and non-invasive biological specimen in forensic science. It is a rich source of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolic, and microbiomic factors, offering significant potential in forensic investigations. This review explores the multi-dimensional aspects of salivary biomarkers in forensic science, integrating molecular biology with legal medicine.

It provides a comprehensive overview of the saliva composition, highlighting its biochemical constituents and the methodologies employed for its effective collection in forensic scenarios. From a molecular and analytical perspective, we delve into the diverse classes of salivary biomarkers, including genomic markers that enable individual and kinship profiling; transcriptomic and proteomic biomarkers that reveal gene expression and protein profiles that contribute in post-mortem interval estimation and physiological state evaluation; and metabolomic and microbiomic signatures which offer additional discriminatory power to infer health, lifestyle, and even geographic origins.

The forensic applications of these biomarkers and their growing acceptance in judicial proceedings, where the admissibility and evidential value of saliva-derived data are critically assessed, are discussed. Supported by relevant case studies, this review highlights the real-world utility and impact of salivary biomarkers in forensic practice. The challenges and limitations of saliva in forensics are addressed. Additionally, insights into future prospects, such as salivaomics, lab-on-a-chip platforms, and AI-driven data interpretation, are provided.

In conclusion, by mapping the intersection of molecular diagnostics and legal frameworks, this review underscores that saliva can be a revolutionary medium that advances the accuracy and accessibility of forensic identification by bridging its biological complexity with forensic applications.

唾液作为一种用途广泛、非侵入性的生物标本在法医学中已经出现。它是基因组、转录组、蛋白质组、代谢和微生物组因子的丰富来源，在法医调查中提供了巨大的潜力。本文将分子生物学与法医学相结合，从多方面探讨唾液生物标志物在法医学中的应用。它提供了唾液成分的全面概述，突出其生化成分和在法医场景中有效收集唾液的方法。从分子和分析的角度来看，我们深入研究了不同类别的唾液生物标志物，包括能够进行个体和亲属分析的基因组标记；转录组学和蛋白质组学生物标志物，揭示基因表达和蛋白质谱，有助于死后时间间隔估计和生理状态评估；代谢组学和微生物组学特征提供了额外的歧视性力量来推断健康，生活方式，甚至地理来源。讨论了这些生物标志物的法医应用及其在司法程序中的日益接受，其中唾液衍生数据的可采性和证据价值被严格评估。在相关案例研究的支持下，本综述强调了唾液生物标志物在法医实践中的现实效用和影响。解决了唾液在法医学中的挑战和局限性。此外，还提供了对未来前景的见解，如唾液组学、芯片实验室平台和人工智能驱动的数据解释。总之，通过绘制分子诊断和法律框架的交叉点，本综述强调了唾液可以成为一种革命性的媒介，通过将其生物学复杂性与法医应用联系起来，提高法医鉴定的准确性和可及性。

{"title":"Salivary biomarkers in forensic science: Bridging molecular biology and legal medicine","authors":"Arathi Padutholil Ajith Kumar , Premalatha Bidadi Rajashekaraiah , Sheethal Chandra Aralaguppe Chandraprakash , Parvathy Beena Chandran , Vaishaka Ashok Malali , Vidyadevi Chandavarkar","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103044","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.103044","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Saliva has emerged as a versatile and non-invasive biological specimen in forensic science. It is a rich source of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolic, and microbiomic factors, offering significant potential in forensic investigations. This review explores the multi-dimensional aspects of salivary biomarkers in forensic science, integrating molecular biology with legal medicine.</div><div>It provides a comprehensive overview of the saliva composition, highlighting its biochemical constituents and the methodologies employed for its effective collection in forensic scenarios. From a molecular and analytical perspective, we delve into the diverse classes of salivary biomarkers, including genomic markers that enable individual and kinship profiling; transcriptomic and proteomic biomarkers that reveal gene expression and protein profiles that contribute in post-mortem interval estimation and physiological state evaluation; and metabolomic and microbiomic signatures which offer additional discriminatory power to infer health, lifestyle, and even geographic origins.</div><div>The forensic applications of these biomarkers and their growing acceptance in judicial proceedings, where the admissibility and evidential value of saliva-derived data are critically assessed, are discussed. Supported by relevant case studies, this review highlights the real-world utility and impact of salivary biomarkers in forensic practice. The challenges and limitations of saliva in forensics are addressed. Additionally, insights into future prospects, such as salivaomics, lab-on-a-chip platforms, and AI-driven data interpretation, are provided.</div><div>In conclusion, by mapping the intersection of molecular diagnostics and legal frameworks, this review underscores that saliva can be a revolutionary medium that advances the accuracy and accessibility of forensic identification by bridging its biological complexity with forensic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16098,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103044"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145621560","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}

引用次数: 0