Pub Date : 2025-04-17DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100414
Irene Kuiper, Aleksandar Dragutinovic, Leo Peschier, Rene de Bruyn
Poison frogs is the common name for several genera of frogs which occur naturally in Central- and South-America, Australia and Madagascar and which contain a wide variety of toxins. Their colourful appearance and minute size resulted in their extraction from their natural habitat for illegal trade, threatening population sizes. In order to fight this illegal trade, the poison frog’s ability to excrete environmentally acquired toxins via their skin can be used in criminal investigations. Since the frogs are not able to produce the toxins de novo, these alkaloid toxins have ultimately originated from their environment and are excreted through the skin, especially when stressed. Due to the reliance on a toxin-containing food source, we show that the presence of toxins in poison frogs can be used to distinguish between captive breeding and wild-capture in actual forensic case work. We describe the application of a gas chromatography-mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis on non-destructively derived samples from living frogs in five seizures, the biological interpretation of presence and absence of toxins and the criminalistic interpretation of the findings given propositions of both the prosecutor and the defendant.
{"title":"Non-destructive sampling of poison frogs for toxin analysis in forensic casework","authors":"Irene Kuiper, Aleksandar Dragutinovic, Leo Peschier, Rene de Bruyn","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100414","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100414","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Poison frogs is the common name for several genera of frogs which occur naturally in Central- and South-America, Australia and Madagascar and which contain a wide variety of toxins. Their colourful appearance and minute size resulted in their extraction from their natural habitat for illegal trade, threatening population sizes. In order to fight this illegal trade, the poison frog’s ability to excrete environmentally acquired toxins via their skin can be used in criminal investigations. Since the frogs are not able to produce the toxins de novo, these alkaloid toxins have ultimately originated from their environment and are excreted through the skin, especially when stressed. Due to the reliance on a toxin-containing food source, we show that the presence of toxins in poison frogs can be used to distinguish between captive breeding and wild-capture in actual forensic case work. We describe the application of a gas chromatography-mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis on non-destructively derived samples from living frogs in five seizures, the biological interpretation of presence and absence of toxins and the criminalistic interpretation of the findings given propositions of both the prosecutor and the defendant.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100414"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143868879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-11DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100415
Nana Ushine , Isao Nishiumi , Higuchi Aki , Aki Tanaka , Ayano Mori , Nanami Tsuchiya , Shin-ichi Hayama
Habouki is a tool used in Japanese tea ceremonies consisting of a bundle of feathers from birds of prey and waterfowl. Habouki often include feathers from avian species that are legally protected. In this study, we examined three types of Habouki (Zabaki, Tsukamibane, and Mitsubane) suspected of containing feathers from legally protected species and conducted species identification through feather morphological examination and molecular analysis. Morphological examinations and molecular biological analyses targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 region were conducted using the barbs of Habouki feathers. Genetic analysis revealed that Zabaki contained feathers from Aquila chrysaetos (genetic difference between Habouki feather and the control sample; 0.02 %), Tsukamibane contained Cygnus columbianus (0.16 %), and Mitsubane contained Ciconia boyciana (0.05 %). In the morphological examinations based on shape, color, and size, the Zabaki feather was presumed to be the rectrices of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), the Tsukamibane feather was the tertials of Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) and Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus), and the Mitsubane feather was the secondary and tertial feathers of the Japanese White Stork (Ciconia boyciana). Habouki are currently not being produced. To safeguard the continuity of Japanese tea ceremony culture, it is crucial to protect Habouki and prevent illegal activities such as poaching. When determining whether feathers belong to rare species, it is recommended to conduct feather morphological examinations rather than molecular biological examinations, which destroy Habouki.
{"title":"Species identification of avian feathers in Japanese Habouki using feather morphological and molecular testing","authors":"Nana Ushine , Isao Nishiumi , Higuchi Aki , Aki Tanaka , Ayano Mori , Nanami Tsuchiya , Shin-ichi Hayama","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100415","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100415","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Habouki is a tool used in Japanese tea ceremonies consisting of a bundle of feathers from birds of prey and waterfowl. Habouki often include feathers from avian species that are legally protected. In this study, we examined three types of Habouki (Zabaki, Tsukamibane, and Mitsubane) suspected of containing feathers from legally protected species and conducted species identification through feather morphological examination and molecular analysis. Morphological examinations and molecular biological analyses targeting cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit 1 region were conducted using the barbs of Habouki feathers. Genetic analysis revealed that Zabaki contained feathers from <em>Aquila chrysaetos</em> (genetic difference between Habouki feather and the control sample; 0.02 %), Tsukamibane contained <em>Cygnus columbianus</em> (0.16 %), and Mitsubane contained <em>Ciconia boyciana</em> (0.05 %). In the morphological examinations based on shape, color, and size, the Zabaki feather was presumed to be the rectrices of the Golden Eagle (<em>Aquila chrysaetos</em>), the Tsukamibane feather was the tertials of Whooper Swan (<em>Cygnus cygnus</em>) and Tundra Swan (<em>Cygnus columbianus</em>), and the Mitsubane feather was the secondary and tertial feathers of the Japanese White Stork (<em>Ciconia boyciana</em>). Habouki are currently not being produced. To safeguard the continuity of Japanese tea ceremony culture, it is crucial to protect Habouki and prevent illegal activities such as poaching. When determining whether feathers belong to rare species, it is recommended to conduct feather morphological examinations rather than molecular biological examinations, which destroy Habouki.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100415"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143839010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-25DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100413
Thais Lópes , Maame Gyamfuah Buckman , Georgina Sauzier , Rodrigo M. Barros , Simon W. Lewis
Latent fingermarks are a crucial form of physical evidence for crime scene investigations; however, limited-resource jurisdictions, such as some states in Brazil, face challenges in identifying fingermarks due to lower access to commercial fingermark developers. The study of unconventional and alternative techniques for fingermark detection that are low-cost, easily available, and sustainable in line with the UN SDGs presents great value for under-resourced jurisdictions. Household items and easily available materials such as spices fit perfectly in such contexts as improvised fingermark powders. Turmeric is a globally accessible culinary spice which contains high levels of the fluorescent compound curcumin. This research reports for the first time the application of turmeric spice powder as fluorescent dusting powder for latent fingermark detection. Turmeric spice powders from different sources were evaluated for their performance as dusting powders and were subsequently characterised by optical microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectrophotometry. All turmeric powders exhibited high fluorescence intensities and were demonstrated to be suitable as fluorescent fingermark powders without further processing, though specimens with homogeneous particle size distribution and pure turmeric composition performed better. These preliminary results indicate that turmeric is a suitable fingermark powder without further modification and is a potential alternative to commercial powders for jurisdictions with limited resources.
{"title":"A proof-of-concept study into turmeric spice as an improvised fluorescent latent fingermark detection powder for limited resource jurisdictions","authors":"Thais Lópes , Maame Gyamfuah Buckman , Georgina Sauzier , Rodrigo M. Barros , Simon W. Lewis","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100413","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100413","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Latent fingermarks are a crucial form of physical evidence for crime scene investigations; however, limited-resource jurisdictions, such as some states in Brazil, face challenges in identifying fingermarks due to lower access to commercial fingermark developers. The study of unconventional and alternative techniques for fingermark detection that are low-cost, easily available, and sustainable in line with the UN SDGs presents great value for under-resourced jurisdictions. Household items and easily available materials such as spices fit perfectly in such contexts as improvised fingermark powders. Turmeric is a globally accessible culinary spice which contains high levels of the fluorescent compound curcumin. This research reports for the first time the application of turmeric spice powder as fluorescent dusting powder for latent fingermark detection. Turmeric spice powders from different sources were evaluated for their performance as dusting powders and were subsequently characterised by optical microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectrophotometry. All turmeric powders exhibited high fluorescence intensities and were demonstrated to be suitable as fluorescent fingermark powders without further processing, though specimens with homogeneous particle size distribution and pure turmeric composition performed better. These preliminary results indicate that turmeric is a suitable fingermark powder without further modification and is a potential alternative to commercial powders for jurisdictions with limited resources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100413"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143792760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-08DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100412
Nataliia Martynenko
The article highlights the experience of establishing and operation of the system of professional self-government of forensic scientists in the UK and France. The relevance of the issues studied in the article is due to the need to ensure strategic self-governance in the field of forensic science in Ukraine, which will involve all the main stakeholders. It is emphasized that there is a current need to reform forensic science activity. The author proposes a model of professional self-government of forensic scientists which will take into account: the system of subjects of forensic science activity operating in the state; the possibility of ensuring effective exercise of professional rights and protection of professional interests of forensic scientists, whether public or private, etc. The article substantiates the expediency of establishing the following organizational forms of self-government of forensic scientists: working groups of forensic scientists by type of forensic examination; the Council of Forensic Scientists of Ukraine; and the Congress of Forensic Scientists of Ukraine. It is proposed to name the professional self-governing organization that will unite all forensic scientists of Ukraine – the Forensic Science Academy of Ukraine. From this perspective, the author proposes amendments to the current Law of Ukraine “On Forensic Expertise”. The author concludes that organizations which exercise professional self-government of forensic scientists should lobby for the interests of their profession and perform a wide range of public functions.
{"title":"Establishing a system of professional self-government of forensic scientists in Ukraine","authors":"Nataliia Martynenko","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100412","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100412","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The article highlights the experience of establishing and operation of the system of professional self-government of forensic scientists in the UK and France. The relevance of the issues studied in the article is due to the need to ensure strategic self-governance in the field of forensic science in Ukraine, which will involve all the main stakeholders. It is emphasized that there is a current need to reform forensic science activity. The author proposes a model of professional self-government of forensic scientists which will take into account: the system of subjects of forensic science activity operating in the state; the possibility of ensuring effective exercise of professional rights and protection of professional interests of forensic scientists, whether public or private, etc. The article substantiates the expediency of establishing the following organizational forms of self-government of forensic scientists: working groups of forensic scientists by type of forensic examination; the Council of Forensic Scientists of Ukraine; and the Congress of Forensic Scientists of Ukraine. It is proposed to name the professional self-governing organization that will unite all forensic scientists of Ukraine – the Forensic Science Academy of Ukraine. From this perspective, the author proposes amendments to the current Law of Ukraine “On Forensic Expertise”. The author concludes that organizations which exercise professional self-government of forensic scientists should lobby for the interests of their profession and perform a wide range of public functions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100412"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143592588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sex estimation from skeletal remains is an essential task in forensic anthropology. Traditional morphological analysis, while effective, can be time-consuming and subject to inter-observer variability. This study evaluates artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods, specifically object detection and instance segmentation, for sex estimation using the foramen magnum (FM). A total of 600 adult dry skull images (300 males, 300 females) were labeled and augmented to create a dataset of 2280 images, which was split into training (92 %), validation (5 %), and test (3 %) sets. The models were trained using Roboflow and assessed based on sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), with additional validation performed on 30 independent skulls. The object detection model demonstrated strong performance, achieving high precision (95.0 %) and recall (100.0 %) in training, with precision values of 93.0 % and 89.0 % in validation and test sets, respectively, while maintaining 100.0 % recall across datasets. In the independent test set, the model achieved 75.0 %specificity. The instance segmentation method yielded lower performance, with specificity of 68.75 %. The overall accuracy of the object detection method was 65.68 % (95 % CI: 46.19 % - 81.64 %), outperforming the instance segmentation method, which achieved an accuracy of 62.69 % (95 % CI: 43.22 % - 79.55 %). Although AI-based methods, particularly object detection, show potential for forensic sex estimation from foramen magnum, the results indicate that their accuracy remains lower than traditional morphometric approaches. Future research should focus on integrating additional cranial features and expanding the training dataset to enhance model reliability and generalizability.
{"title":"Enhancing forensic sex identification through AI-based analysis of the foramen magnum","authors":"Sirinart Chomean , Natipong Chatthai , Napakorn Sangchay , Chollanot Kaset","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100411","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100411","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sex estimation from skeletal remains is an essential task in forensic anthropology. Traditional morphological analysis, while effective, can be time-consuming and subject to inter-observer variability. This study evaluates artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods, specifically object detection and instance segmentation, for sex estimation using the foramen magnum (FM). A total of 600 adult dry skull images (300 males, 300 females) were labeled and augmented to create a dataset of 2280 images, which was split into training (92 %), validation (5 %), and test (3 %) sets. The models were trained using Roboflow and assessed based on sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), with additional validation performed on 30 independent skulls. The object detection model demonstrated strong performance, achieving high precision (95.0 %) and recall (100.0 %) in training, with precision values of 93.0 % and 89.0 % in validation and test sets, respectively, while maintaining 100.0 % recall across datasets. In the independent test set, the model achieved 75.0 %specificity. The instance segmentation method yielded lower performance, with specificity of 68.75 %. The overall accuracy of the object detection method was 65.68 % (95 % CI: 46.19 % - 81.64 %), outperforming the instance segmentation method, which achieved an accuracy of 62.69 % (95 % CI: 43.22 % - 79.55 %). Although AI-based methods, particularly object detection, show potential for forensic sex estimation from foramen magnum, the results indicate that their accuracy remains lower than traditional morphometric approaches. Future research should focus on integrating additional cranial features and expanding the training dataset to enhance model reliability and generalizability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100411"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143388442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100410
Magdy Kharoshah , Maram Aabdulghani AlFarayedhi , Abdullah AlBouijan , Noua AlOtaibi , AbdulRahman Waheed AlDossary , Ibrahim AlAboudi , Sahar Issa
Background
Numerous nations have released studies on lethal firearm injuries. Nonetheless, there has been little documentation of their occurrence and pattern in various parts of Saudi Arabia and other Arab Countries.
Methods
The present study was conducted to investigate fatal firearm injuries in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, during 2013–2023. All investigated victims were referred to the mortuary of the Forensic Medicine Department, Dammam.
Results
The study investigated all firearm deaths in Dammam. Most of the victims were Saudi Nationals. Homicidal victims (N = 88) surpassed the suicidal cases (N = 24). Rifled weapons were the most common weapon used in both groups. Head wounds were much more common in suicides (70.8 %) compared to homicides (34.1 %) (p = 0.001). Toxicological findings confirmed more Cannabis in homicide cases and more Ethanol in suicide cases.
Conclusions
The current findings were contradictory to the pattern seen in other countries where suicides were the predominant group.
{"title":"Firearm fatalities in Dammam: A forensic retrospective study","authors":"Magdy Kharoshah , Maram Aabdulghani AlFarayedhi , Abdullah AlBouijan , Noua AlOtaibi , AbdulRahman Waheed AlDossary , Ibrahim AlAboudi , Sahar Issa","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100410","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100410","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Numerous nations have released studies on lethal firearm injuries. Nonetheless, there has been little documentation of their occurrence and pattern in various parts of Saudi Arabia and other Arab Countries.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The present study was conducted to investigate fatal firearm injuries in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, during 2013–2023. All investigated victims were referred to the mortuary of the Forensic Medicine Department, Dammam.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study investigated all firearm deaths in Dammam. Most of the victims were Saudi Nationals. Homicidal victims (N = 88) surpassed the suicidal cases (N = 24). Rifled weapons were the most common weapon used in both groups. Head wounds were much more common in suicides (70.8 %) compared to homicides (34.1 %) (p = 0.001). Toxicological findings confirmed more Cannabis in homicide cases and more Ethanol in suicide cases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The current findings were contradictory to the pattern seen in other countries where suicides were the predominant group.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100410"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143377828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100408
Pirkko Kriikku , Hilde Marie E. Edvardsen , Gunilla Thelander , Svava Thordardottir , Charlotte Uggerhøj Andersen , Ilkka Ojanperä , Anna K. Jönsson , Joachim Frost , Simon Kjær Hermansen , Gerd J.M. Delaveris , Kirsten Wiese Simonsen
The present study is a survey of fatal poisonings occurring in 2022 among people who use drugs (PWUD) in the Nordic countries. This is the eighth report in a series of studies on PWUD conducted about every fifth year since 1984 by a working group representing Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.Data on the number of deaths, gender, age, place of death, main intoxicant, and drugs detected in blood were recorded. National data were compared between the Nordic countries as well as with the earlier studies. The death rate (number of deaths per 100,000 inhabitants) among PWUD in 2022 was highest in Norway (8.03), followed by Iceland (7.20) and Finland (5.95), and lowest in Denmark (5.09). This rate increased in all countries compared to 2017, except in Sweden, which saw a decrease from 6.46 to 5.91. The change was only statistically significant in Norway. Most deaths occurred among men, with women accounting for 16–23 %. The median age at the time of death among PWUD was 40–43 years in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, while it was about ten years younger in Finland and Iceland (median age 33 years). Opioids were the main cause of PWUD death in all countries. The proportion of opioid deaths amounted to 73–89 % and was lowest in Denmark and highest in Iceland. New psychoactive substances (NPS) were sporadically detected in all countries but were rarely the main intoxicant. The largest diversity of NPS was detected in Finland and Sweden.
{"title":"Fatal poisonings in Nordic countries in 2022 among people who use drugs","authors":"Pirkko Kriikku , Hilde Marie E. Edvardsen , Gunilla Thelander , Svava Thordardottir , Charlotte Uggerhøj Andersen , Ilkka Ojanperä , Anna K. Jönsson , Joachim Frost , Simon Kjær Hermansen , Gerd J.M. Delaveris , Kirsten Wiese Simonsen","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100408","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100408","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study is a survey of fatal poisonings occurring in 2022 among people who use drugs (PWUD) in the Nordic countries. This is the eighth report in a series of studies on PWUD conducted about every fifth year since 1984 by a working group representing Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.Data on the number of deaths, gender, age, place of death, main intoxicant, and drugs detected in blood were recorded. National data were compared between the Nordic countries as well as with the earlier studies. The death rate (number of deaths per 100,000 inhabitants) among PWUD in 2022 was highest in Norway (8.03), followed by Iceland (7.20) and Finland (5.95), and lowest in Denmark (5.09). This rate increased in all countries compared to 2017, except in Sweden, which saw a decrease from 6.46 to 5.91. The change was only statistically significant in Norway. Most deaths occurred among men, with women accounting for 16–23 %. The median age at the time of death among PWUD was 40–43 years in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, while it was about ten years younger in Finland and Iceland (median age 33 years). Opioids were the main cause of PWUD death in all countries. The proportion of opioid deaths amounted to 73–89 % and was lowest in Denmark and highest in Iceland. New psychoactive substances (NPS) were sporadically detected in all countries but were rarely the main intoxicant. The largest diversity of NPS was detected in Finland and Sweden.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100408"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-26DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100409
Corine Müller, Elie Pascolo Tièche, Martin Zieger
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are used in forensic examinations of sexual offences to indicate the presence of seminal fluid. Based on a retrospective analysis of 484 forensic samples collected in sexual assault cases, we observed a significant enrichment of potentially misleading tests for seminal fluid, for samples collected post-mortem. Reduced reliability of PSA testing for the indication of the presence of ejaculate in samples collected post-mortem has already been reported previously. However, previous studies either included only a small number of rectal samples, particularly from female cadavers, or were based on vaginal swabs. In our study, 34 female and 67 male rectal swab samples collected post-mortem were analysed. The rate of positive SERATEC® PSA Semiquant tests was 33 % for women and 67 % for men. Using male specific qPCR, male DNA was detected in only one of the female samples, indicating a high false-positive rate for both sexes when using SERATEC® PSA Semiquant tests as indicators for the presence of seminal liquid post mortem. Different degrees of decomposition showed no significant correlation with the PSA positivity rate. As expected, a significant correlation between the sex of the deceased individuals and the PSA test result could be demonstrated. The study demonstrates the very limited probative value of PSA as a marker for seminal fluid post mortem.
{"title":"PSA is not suitable as a reliable marker for seminal fluid in rectal samples collected post-mortem","authors":"Corine Müller, Elie Pascolo Tièche, Martin Zieger","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100409","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100409","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are used in forensic examinations of sexual offences to indicate the presence of seminal fluid. Based on a retrospective analysis of 484 forensic samples collected in sexual assault cases, we observed a significant enrichment of potentially misleading tests for seminal fluid, for samples collected post-mortem. Reduced reliability of PSA testing for the indication of the presence of ejaculate in samples collected post-mortem has already been reported previously. However, previous studies either included only a small number of rectal samples, particularly from female cadavers, or were based on vaginal swabs. In our study, 34 female and 67 male rectal swab samples collected post-mortem were analysed. The rate of positive SERATEC® PSA Semiquant tests was 33 % for women and 67 % for men. Using male specific qPCR, male DNA was detected in only one of the female samples, indicating a high false-positive rate for both sexes when using SERATEC® PSA Semiquant tests as indicators for the presence of seminal liquid post mortem. Different degrees of decomposition showed no significant correlation with the PSA positivity rate. As expected, a significant correlation between the sex of the deceased individuals and the PSA test result could be demonstrated. The study demonstrates the very limited probative value of PSA as a marker for seminal fluid post mortem.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100409"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100407
Katia Robledo Querol , Bonifacio Rodrigues Cebola , Susanna Caminada , Manuel González Rodríguez , Enani Rogerio Uamusse , Nolton Francisco Jeque , Justin Stebbing , Samantha Lundringan , Damiano Pizzol , Lee Smith
Necrophilia is a paraphilia in which the primary source of pleasure comes from having sex with, or sexually abusing the dead. The etiology is unknown and includes multiple social, environmental and contextual factors. Its prevalence is probably underestimated, and, especially in low-income settings, the reporting is limited. We report on a 17-year-old female cadaver characterized by generalized coldness, fixed lividity in the posterior plane, cadaveric relaxation phase, presence of a green abdominal stain in the right iliac fossa and chromatic phase of putrefaction; exhumed and sexually violated after burial. We also provide a review of the existing literature.
{"title":"Necrophilia a case report from Mozambique","authors":"Katia Robledo Querol , Bonifacio Rodrigues Cebola , Susanna Caminada , Manuel González Rodríguez , Enani Rogerio Uamusse , Nolton Francisco Jeque , Justin Stebbing , Samantha Lundringan , Damiano Pizzol , Lee Smith","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100407","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100407","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Necrophilia is a paraphilia in which the primary source of pleasure comes from having sex with, or sexually abusing the dead. The etiology is unknown and includes multiple social, environmental and contextual factors. Its prevalence is probably underestimated, and, especially in low-income settings, the reporting is limited. We report on a 17-year-old female cadaver characterized by generalized coldness, fixed lividity in the posterior plane, cadaveric relaxation phase, presence of a green abdominal stain in the right iliac fossa and chromatic phase of putrefaction; exhumed and sexually violated after burial. We also provide a review of the existing literature.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100407"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pleural adhesions, fibrous bands between pleural layers, are common in autopsies and often associated with Tuberculosis (TB). This study aims to determine the prevalence of latent TB and mycobacterial infections in medicolegal cases with pleural adhesions. The focus is on various diagnostic approaches and implications of the study for TB management in a high-burden setting like India.
Materials and Methods
The observational study spanned two years, involving 743 autopsies at AIIMS Bhopal. Tissue samples from 82 cases with pleural adhesions were analyzed after obtaining consent and a detailed history. Diagnostic methods, including direct smear microscopy, Mycobacteria Growth Indicator (MGIT), Lowenstein–Jensen (LJ) media, and PCR, were employed.
Observation
Of 164 cases with pleural adhesions, 15 (18.29 %) were positive for Mycobacterium, including 11 MTB and 4 NTM cases. Diagnostic methods revealed the challenges in detecting latent TB. Incidental diagnoses were prevalent, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness. Advanced techniques (MGIT, LJ, PCR) improved detection rates. The study highlights latent TB's impact in India, suggesting the importance of research, surveillance, and interventions for effective TB control. Addressing latent TB becomes crucial in global eradication efforts.
Conclusion
The study emphasizes India's TB burden, with pleural adhesions acting as clinical markers. Incidental diagnoses and the role of latent TB in the population underscore the need for enhanced research and diagnostic strategies. Diagnostic challenges, including limited symptoms, necessitate advanced techniques. The study discusses the multifaceted challenge of latent TB diagnosis and the importance of interventions.
{"title":"Prevalence of latent tuberculosis and mycobacterial infections in medicolegal cases with pleural adhesions: An observational study","authors":"Jayanthi Yadav , Ujjawal Khurana , Shubham Richariya , Shashank Purwar , Sangita Moirangthem , Johann Aibantyllilang Blah","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100406","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100406","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective and Background</h3><div>Pleural adhesions, fibrous bands between pleural layers, are common in autopsies and often associated with Tuberculosis (TB). This study aims to determine the prevalence of latent TB and mycobacterial infections in medicolegal cases with pleural adhesions. The focus is on various diagnostic approaches and implications of the study for TB management in a high-burden setting like India.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>The observational study spanned two years, involving 743 autopsies at AIIMS Bhopal. Tissue samples from 82 cases with pleural adhesions were analyzed after obtaining consent and a detailed history. Diagnostic methods, including direct smear microscopy, Mycobacteria Growth Indicator (MGIT), Lowenstein–Jensen (LJ) media, and PCR, were employed.</div></div><div><h3>Observation</h3><div>Of 164 cases with pleural adhesions, 15 (18.29 %) were positive for Mycobacterium, including 11 MTB and 4 NTM cases. Diagnostic methods revealed the challenges in detecting latent TB. Incidental diagnoses were prevalent, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness. Advanced techniques (MGIT, LJ, PCR) improved detection rates. The study highlights latent TB's impact in India, suggesting the importance of research, surveillance, and interventions for effective TB control. Addressing latent TB becomes crucial in global eradication efforts.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study emphasizes India's TB burden, with pleural adhesions acting as clinical markers. Incidental diagnoses and the role of latent TB in the population underscore the need for enhanced research and diagnostic strategies. Diagnostic challenges, including limited symptoms, necessitate advanced techniques. The study discusses the multifaceted challenge of latent TB diagnosis and the importance of interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100406"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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