Ahsen Kaya, Ender Senol, Engin Bayrakci, Hayrettin Altindag
{"title":"Traumatic spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries: correlation of trauma type with subsequent disability","authors":"Ahsen Kaya, Ender Senol, Engin Bayrakci, Hayrettin Altindag","doi":"10.1186/s41935-024-00385-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-024-00385-2","url":null,"abstract":"Traumatic spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries may lead to neurological deficits and fatal consequences. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of traumatic spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries, examine the relationship between the type of injury and the affected nerves, and discuss appropriate prevention measures. Of these, 236 were males and 63 were females, and the mean age was 35.56 ± 15.10 years. Traffic accidents (56.9%) were the most common etiological factor. This study included 288 peripheral nerve injuries and 82 spinal cord injuries. The fibular nerve (n = 49) and cervical spinal cord (n = 35) were the most frequently injured areas. Permanent functional and sensorial losses associated with traumatic nerve injuries were observed in 239 (79.9%) cases, of which 171 exhibited loss of muscle strength, 114 presented with neuro-sensorial symptoms, 37 had urinary/faecal incontinence, and 1 demonstrated erectile dysfunction. And, the incidence of permanent loss of function was significantly higher following traffic accidents ( $$chi$$ 2 = 50.095, Adj. p < 0.001). Peripheral and spinal nerve injuries play a crucial role in forensic investigations, providing valuable insights into the circumstances surrounding a crime or injury. Their significance extends to both criminal and civil proceedings, influencing legal strategies, determinations of liability, and the quantification of damages. In this study, especially traffic accidents were significantly associated with nerve injuries leading to permanent loss of function, and the type of trauma was associated with the nerves injured. Therefore, this study will contribute to criminal and civil proceedings.","PeriodicalId":11507,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of forensic sciences","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139585069","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}
Sogand Habibi-Chenaran, Bahram Samadirad, Amir Torab Miandoab, Peyman Rezaei-Hachesu, Taha Samad Soltani
{"title":"A decision support system to determine the amount of wergild and compensation based on forensic medicine clinical examinations","authors":"Sogand Habibi-Chenaran, Bahram Samadirad, Amir Torab Miandoab, Peyman Rezaei-Hachesu, Taha Samad Soltani","doi":"10.1186/s41935-023-00377-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-023-00377-8","url":null,"abstract":"Forensic medicine is crucial in ensuring that the law and justice are carried out as swiftly, effectively, clearly, and accurately as possible. The significant number and interactions of forensic clinical examination variables, the complexity of their differentiation, and the existence of multiple decision-making paths can lead to erroneous decisions that cause irreparable harm to individuals and society. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a decision support system for determining the amount of wergild and compensation based on forensic medicine clinical examinations and the severity of the patient’s injury. A total of 264 data elements and decision-making rules were identified based on an analysis of information sources and focus group discussions. In addition, a decision tree was used to organize the decision-making rules. Then, a system was developed using algorithms for intelligent decision-making. We included 500 patients in our analysis. This system was ultimately evaluated based on the following criteria: precision and accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, usability, and documentation quality. The results indicated that the precision and accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the system were 100%. Furthermore, the documentation quality (completeness) increased from 78.2 to 100%. The average score for system usability was 4.35 out of 5, indicating a highly acceptable range. The designed system was effective and beneficial for forensic clinical examinations and quantifying physical damage (wergild and compensation). Therefore, this system can be utilized in forensic medicine’s administrative and clinical processes, and its production and commercialization will result in an adequate market penetration rate. In addition, this will empower forensic medicine physicians and reduce decision-making errors. ","PeriodicalId":11507,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of forensic sciences","volume":"159 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139553847","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}
Szymon Rzepczyk, Paweł Świderski, Maciej Obst, Damian Rusek, Beata Bożek, Zbigniew Żaba, Czesław Żaba
{"title":"Cases of fatal electrocution due to contact between carbon fibre fishing rods and overhead power lines","authors":"Szymon Rzepczyk, Paweł Świderski, Maciej Obst, Damian Rusek, Beata Bożek, Zbigniew Żaba, Czesław Żaba","doi":"10.1186/s41935-023-00379-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-023-00379-6","url":null,"abstract":"Electrocution caused by electricity conducted via overhead power lines carries a high risk to health and life. With the introduction and proliferation of conductive carbon fibre fishing tackle, severe and fatal electrocution occurs due to accidental contact with overhead transmission lines. The paper presents three cases of men who died due to electrocution from a conductive fishing rod, which occurred in the same fishery over several years. The deaths occurred on the spot in two cases despite rapid rescue efforts. One of the men died in the hospital the following day due to developing severe complications. Additionally, all of the victims were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. During postmortem diagnosis, skin lesions were identified as signs of electric shock on the hands and feet in each case. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no similar case series available in the literature where several almost identical fatal electrocutions occurred in the same place as a result of contact of a fishing rod with overhead power lines. Action is needed to avoid similar incidents and to increase safety in the vicinity of power lines.","PeriodicalId":11507,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of forensic sciences","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139553653","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}
{"title":"Intracranial meningioma: an unusual silent killer—about two cases report and a literature review","authors":"Mohamed Amine Mesrati, Oumeima Brahim, Marwa Boussaid, Rakia Soiniya, Yosra Mahjoub, Nouha Ben Abdeljelil, Atef Ben Ncir, Abdelfattah Zakhama, Abir Aissaoui","doi":"10.1186/s41935-023-00382-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-023-00382-x","url":null,"abstract":"Meningiomas are common benign intracranial tumors, accounting for 1/3 of all primary intracranial neoplasms, and hence, are not considered the chief cause of death when encountered incidentally during autopsy. These tumors are usually slow-growing, and the clinical course may be asymptomatic to the point of acute complications. Sudden unexpected deaths due to meningiomas are exceptional and rarely reported in the literature. In the present report, we describe two autopsy cases of sudden unexpected death due to meningiomas and we discuss the mechanism of death. Two apparently healthy men were discovered dead in their home. A judicial autopsy was ordered. At dissection, a pedunculated firm mass, attached to the dura was found in both cases. Tumors were located in the anterior and middle fossa. The remaining organs were congestive without any abnormality. A microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of meningiomas. Postmortem toxicology analysis was negative. Forensic pathologists concluded to sudden unexpected death due to intracranial meningioma. These cases illustrate the possibility of meningioma remaining silent till acute complication and fatal outcome. Therefore, clinicians must bear in mind the possibility, albeit extremely rare, of sudden unexpected death in cases of undiagnosed intracranial meningiomas, as documented in the present report. Thus, we emphasize the value of promptly and thoroughly investigating even seemingly minor neurological symptoms, such as headaches or acute epileptic seizures, in adults. We also stress the importance of the early detection and appropriate management of brain tumors in fatal outcome prevention, and we highlight the role of the post-mortem examination to detect such a fatal complication.","PeriodicalId":11507,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of forensic sciences","volume":"3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139469896","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}
{"title":"A call for the initiation of the forensic humanitarian action in Gaza","authors":"MennattAllah Hassan Attia","doi":"10.1186/s41935-023-00384-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-023-00384-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Dear Editor,</p><p>The current situation of the war in Gaza has urged me to write this letter to the Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences on the delayed forensic action to investigate human rights status and the identification of unknown bodies. The major media outlets cited witness statements, from both parties to the conflict, about war crimes. Officials reported that Hamas militants abducted about 239 hostages (DeYoung 2023).</p><p>The fourth Geneva Convention is relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. However, it focuses on the protected civilians in occupied territory by the international humanitarian law (IHL) rather than the effects of hostile strategic bombing on civilians (Geneva Convention (IV) on Civilians 1949). The IHL is delegated for the protection of human rights and obliges the different states to prevent, criminalize, and investigate allegations of human rights violations, to present the contributors in front of the international courts, and to identify the victims (Geneva ICRC 2004). The humanitarian activities are granted by the leading humanitarian agency: the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Israel, Gaza, and the West bank as well as National societies like: Magen David Adom in Israel and the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Gaza, and the Egyptian Red Crescent Society at Rafah border (Parrin 2023; Clegg 2021).</p><p>While the entire world focuses on the urgency for medical and alimentary supplies to Gaza, rapid and sustained forensic humanitarian action is desperately needed as well. During active conflicts, forensic programs should ensure the effective location and recovery of the deceased and the practice of autopsies for the identification of victims, and in the assessment of cases of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse (Cordner and Tidball-Binz 2017). The intervention of forensic practitioners and experts from all forensic disciplines is essential for fulfilling an essential social and ethical function by ensuring the return of dead civilian casualties to their families. The ICRC supports forensic practitioners and their institutions to achieve sustainable best practices (ICRC 2013). However, the actual forensic work by the forensic science unit of the ICRC is carried out only in exceptional circumstances. The ICRC supports and strengthens the medico-legal systems via (1) the provision of forensic science tools, (2) building local and regional forensic capacity, and (3) fostering regional and international cooperation among forensic practitioners and institutions (Gaggioli 2018).</p><p>Currently, the ICRC’s neutral, impartial, and independent activities are blocked in terms of human suffering alleviation and the protection of dead victims’ dignity during these armed conflicts. William Schomburg, the head of the ICRC delegation in Gaza, stated that the conditions in Gaza are not suitable for the humanitarian personnel to work particularly the assistance of medical facili","PeriodicalId":11507,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of forensic sciences","volume":"83 2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139462777","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}
{"title":"Enhancing forensic education: exploring the importance and implementation of evidence-based education system","authors":"Debesh Nilendu","doi":"10.1186/s41935-023-00375-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-023-00375-w","url":null,"abstract":"This manuscript explores the importance of an evidence-based education system in forensic education and its implications for improving forensic training and practice. Background The demand for graduates in forensic science, equipped with knowledge aligned with the latest best practices, is increasingly critical not only on a national scale but also in the global context. Incidents and trends underscore the urgency of implementing evidence-based education in forensic science, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is prepared to address complex crime scenes and challenges. Body Collaboration between academia and practicing professionals is essential to keep forensic education relevant and responsive to the dynamic field's needs. An illustrative example of successful collaboration can be seen in the partnership between then India's \"National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS)\" and the \"Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).\" This collaboration has significantly enhanced forensic education in India, with joint initiatives bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. In the realm of faculty development and training, effective strategies and programs have significantly enhanced faculty skills and knowledge in forensic science. For example, immersive workshops and mentorship programs provide educators with practical experience and keep them updated on the latest forensic techniques. Online courses and webinars further facilitate ongoing professional development, expanding educators' expertise. Turning to the evidence-based education scenario in India, recent developments highlight substantial progress. Collaborations between Indian forensic institutions and international bodies have enriched curricula and enhanced training methodologies. India is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of the forensic science field with a cadre of highly skilled professionals. Evidence-based education in forensic science acts as a bridge between academia and practice, enhancing training and the practice's quality. Collaborations, faculty development, and the adoption of global best practices ensure graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of real-world forensic scenarios. Conclusion By adopting evidence-based principles, addressing challenges, and implementing strategies, forensic education prepares professionals for successful careers in the field. Beyond its immediate impact, evidence-based education holds the potential to contribute to the broader justice system and enhance public trust. Through a well-prepared workforce equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, evidence-based forensic education not only empowers practitioners but also fosters greater confidence in the reliability and integrity of forensic science within society.","PeriodicalId":11507,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of forensic sciences","volume":"54 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139413250","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}
Nur Arina Ahmad, Faridah Mohd Nor, Mohamed Swarhib Shafie, Nurul Kharmila Abdullah, Nadiawati Abdul Razak, Nadeeya ‘Ayn Umaisara Mohamad Nor, Normaliza Omar
{"title":"A study of ear biometrics in autopsied cases at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre","authors":"Nur Arina Ahmad, Faridah Mohd Nor, Mohamed Swarhib Shafie, Nurul Kharmila Abdullah, Nadiawati Abdul Razak, Nadeeya ‘Ayn Umaisara Mohamad Nor, Normaliza Omar","doi":"10.1186/s41935-023-00374-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-023-00374-x","url":null,"abstract":"The ears have increasingly been recognized as one of the supportive tools in forensics, based on the identification of landmark variations of ear biometrics in living persons. However, no studies on the reliability of such comparisons have been done on the deceased. The study aimed to investigate the correlation between ear biometrics and the age, sex, and stature of the deceased. The study was conducted on 181 deceased persons, aged between 18 and 70 years old on cases received by the Forensic Unit of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. Documentation of age, sex, race, and height was recorded, and photographs of bilateral ears were taken. Measurements of twelve ear biometrics based on the Iannarelli method and ear length and ear width were taken from the photographs. Results showed that there was a significant difference between males and females in six ear biometrics. There was also a significant correlation between ear biometrics, that is, ear length and ear width with the age and height of an individual. In brief, there exists a significant difference between males and females in ear biometrics with good correlations between ear biometrics and the height and age of an individual. Hence, the ear can be used for personal identification in the forensic field.","PeriodicalId":11507,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of forensic sciences","volume":"11 2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139413519","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}
{"title":"Blunt chest trauma-induced myocardial infarction: a case of sudden death by homicide","authors":"Mohammed Akbar, Vempalli Seshagiri Raju, Puneet Setia, Kriti Chaturvedi, Meenakshi Rao","doi":"10.1186/s41935-023-00376-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-023-00376-9","url":null,"abstract":"Blunt cardiac injuries, which are typically the result of blunt chest trauma, are not particularly significant clinically. It is vital never to underestimate blunt chest injuries, especially when they occur in the anterior thoracic area. Blunt trauma to the chest is one of the rarest causative factors of myocardial infarction (MI). Blunt cardiac injury encompasses different medical emergency conditions such as gradual damage to the myocardium leading to myocardial ischemia, injuries to the great vessels of the heart, pericardial tamponade, septum or wall ruptures, pump failure, conduction abnormalities, and atrial and ventricular fibrillations. The most common cause of blunt chest trauma is a road traffic accident (RTA), followed by a sports injury. Mostly blunt trauma chest injuries occur below the age group of 45 years. A 45-year-old male with a history of physical assault was brought to the emergency department by his neighbor. He was allegedly kicked by his relative over the chest during an altercation sustained blunt-force trauma to the chest and collapsed immediately. On admission, he was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation and declared dead. On autopsy, there were no signs suggestive of external injury or any shoeprints/footprints on the chest. On histopathological examination, a diffuse area of discoloration consistent with an extensive myocardial infarction was noted. Old healed infarcts were seen in the free wall of the left ventricle, left posterior papillary muscle, and left apex. The coronaries showed atheromatous plaque with lumen narrowing and focal calcification. It is the task of the forensic pathologist to ascertain and record evidence as to whether the myocardial infarction was caused by the alleged blunt trauma to the chest during the autopsy. This is important as it will determine the type of prosecution the accused is likely to be charged with and the extent of the punishment that he will likely receive under the Indian Penal Code.","PeriodicalId":11507,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of forensic sciences","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139413114","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}
Ezzat A. Ismail, Shaimaa A. Shehata, Ahmed M. Fouad, Moetaz D. Gomaa, Ahmed M. Bakr
{"title":"Telemedicine practice among Egyptian urologists: knowledge, attitude, and medicolegal concerns","authors":"Ezzat A. Ismail, Shaimaa A. Shehata, Ahmed M. Fouad, Moetaz D. Gomaa, Ahmed M. Bakr","doi":"10.1186/s41935-023-00380-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-023-00380-z","url":null,"abstract":"The usage and implementation of telemedicine by urologists to diagnose, treat, mentor, and prevent diseases have grown worldwide. Numerous clinical, legal, and ethical issues are addressed by this practice. This is a cross-sectional study based on an anonymous online questionnaire, aimed to assess the current urologists’ knowledge and attitude towards telemedicine use in Egypt. A total of 108 Egyptian urologists filled out the questionnaire which included sociodemographic data, urologist knowledge, attitude regarding telemedicine, and common concerns and barriers. Out of the total sample, 75.9% of participants did not use telemedicine modalities until COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 66.7% of participants did not receive formal medicolegal training on using telemedicine. About 62% of participants used personal accounts on social media, and 73.1% of teleconsultations were to assess radiological and laboratory data. Several concerns were highlighted such as possible malpractice risks (79.6%), defamation (72.2%), and keeping patient records (71.3%). Urologists raised many considerable barriers regarding telemedicine, such as lack of patient technology skills (84.3%), absence of regulations or laws (76.9%), insurance reimbursement (57.4%), and lack of administrative support (53.7%). Most of the participants have a positive impression of the advantages of tele-urology. There was a statistically significant difference between the number of cases seen per week and positive total attitude score. Although most participants practiced telemedicine, many obstacles were highlighted through the study. Ignoring legal, ethical, personal, and patient issues may also jeopardize the future of telemedicine. Well-established health policies, formal education, and the implementation of regulated laws of telemedicine are fundamental.","PeriodicalId":11507,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of forensic sciences","volume":"54 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139413201","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}
Parshant Dahiya, Madhav D. Makwana, Poojan Chaniyara, Ashna Bhatia
{"title":"A comprehensive review of forensic diatomology: contemporary developments and future trajectories","authors":"Parshant Dahiya, Madhav D. Makwana, Poojan Chaniyara, Ashna Bhatia","doi":"10.1186/s41935-023-00378-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-023-00378-7","url":null,"abstract":"Forensic diatomology is a rapidly progressing domain that involves the examination of microscopic algae known as diatoms for forensic purposes. Diatoms are microscopic, single-celled, eukaryotic algae that exist in diverse aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans. They are characterized by their rigid cell wall made up of silica, which is a unique morphological character, making them useful for forensic investigations. Diatoms are a type of unicellular microscopic algae that belong to the class Bacillariophyta. They are one of the most common phytoplankton found in all aquatic environments, including marine and freshwater habitats. Diatoms have proven to be valuable evidence in various forensic investigations, particularly in cases involving drowning or bodies recovered from aquatic environments. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the principles, methodologies, applications, and challenges associated with the field of forensic diatomology. It emphasizes the importance of diatoms as trace evidence and discusses their potential to establish critical associations between the victim and the surroundings. This review also explores some recent advancements in diatom analysis techniques, including molecular approaches and automated identification methods. Finally, the paper outlines future directions for research and underlines the necessity for standardized protocols and interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance the reliability and validity of forensic diatomology.","PeriodicalId":11507,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of forensic sciences","volume":"40 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139396750","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}