Alberto Amadasi , Franziska Schwarz , Luca Berti , Lars Oesterhelweg
{"title":"Hair straightener burns in children: An experimental study originating from 2 cases","authors":"Alberto Amadasi , Franziska Schwarz , Luca Berti , Lars Oesterhelweg","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112270","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112270","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Burns in children are a topic of fundamental importance in the context of the differential diagnosis between accidental events and abuse. In this context, the present study arose from two cases of children with second-degree burns (in case 1 on the leg, in case 2 on the foot) caused by contact with the hot surfaces of a hair straightener, which were reported as accidental events but trough the complete medico-legal investigation later turned out to be abusive burns. With an experimental set on pig skin and by simulating the two anatomical districts (leg and foot), using the same type of hair straightener, injuries were caused by simulating different positions and possible variants of accidental and non-accidental occurrence. The morphology of the injuries confirmed the assessment of child abuse in both cases by “pressing” between the two hot plates of the hair straightener, with almost mirror-like injuries on the inner and outer sides of the skin. Cases of child abuse contact burns with hair straighteners have never been described in the forensic literature, but their widespread diffusion makes knowledge of the characteristics of possible injuries important.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 112270"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142544663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dana Ross , Duncan Taylor , Roland A.H. van Oorschot , Giles Best , Mariya Goray
{"title":"Classification of epidermal, buccal, penile and vaginal epithelial cells using morphological characteristics measured by imaging flow cytometry","authors":"Dana Ross , Duncan Taylor , Roland A.H. van Oorschot , Giles Best , Mariya Goray","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112274","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112274","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As a result of the increased sensitivity of forensic DNA techniques, which can generate informative results from as little as a few cells, developing an understanding of the anatomical region these cells originate from is becoming more pertinent. Imaging Flow Cytometry (IFC) represents a promising method for identifying epithelial cells from different anatomical regions. This project aimed to determine whether IFC could be used to distinguish epithelial cells collected from different forensically relevant anatomical regions based on their morphology and autofluorescence. Penile, vaginal, buccal, and epidermal epithelial cells were collected in triplicate from 15 male and 15 female participants, in three different age groups: 18–39, 40–59, and 60+ years. Using the high statistical output from the IFC, 234 morphological measurements were collected for 571,546 single cells. Using a linear discriminate analysis with a minimum posterior probability threshold, the four epithelial cell types could be identified and distinguished with a 72–83 % classification accuracy. The results showed that the age and biological sex of the individual had no effect on the morphology of the four epithelial cell types. These data provide insights into the ability of IFC to identify and distinguish penile, buccal, vaginal, and epidermal epithelial cells and identifies further avenues for improvement and optimisation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 112274"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142544662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nare Leah. Mojela, Kriveshini Pillay, Patrick Phogothi. Komane
{"title":"Synthesis and application of silver nanoparticles from lemon peel extract and other local plant extracts for detection of “blood” at crime scene","authors":"Nare Leah. Mojela, Kriveshini Pillay, Patrick Phogothi. Komane","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112257","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112257","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study reports the enhancement of luminol's sensitivity for blood detection at a crime scene. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the extracts derived from <em>Citrus limon</em> peels, <em>Aloe vera</em> leaves, <em>Capsicum annuum</em> barks from <em>Salix alba</em>, <em>Crinum asiaticum Linn</em> leaves, and <em>Crinum macowanii</em> bulb using green chemistry procedure. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles followed a green chemistry method utilizing water as a solvent, with the phytochemicals from the extracts acting as stabilizing and reducing agents to reduce Ag(I) to Ag(0). The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis). XRD revealed that the structural composition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was face-centered cubic crystalline (Fcc). TEM imaging demonstrated the spherical crystalline nature of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from the plant extracts. These silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were used to enhance the shelf-life, chemiluminescence intensity, specificity, and sensitivity of luminol. It was observed that the silver nanoparticles synthesized from these plant extracts effectively enhanced the chemiluminescence signal of luminol. Moreover, applying plant extracts in blood detection demonstrated a higher fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 112257"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142560872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xindi Wang , Shanshan Wei , Zibo Zhao , Xiang Luo , Feng Song , Yuan Li
{"title":"3D-3D superimposition techniques in personal identification: A ten-year systematic literature review","authors":"Xindi Wang , Shanshan Wei , Zibo Zhao , Xiang Luo , Feng Song , Yuan Li","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112271","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112271","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The 3D-3D superimposition technique offers a comprehensive comparison and quantification of the similarity between two 3D models, making it a promising approach for forensic science. This systematic review aims to explore scanning techniques, 3D analysis software, and 3D-3D superimposition methods, along with providing an overview of their applications and performance in personal identification. We searched four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase) for articles published between January 2014 and May 2024. QUADAS-2 was adopted to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. After applying the eligibility criteria, a total of 25 articles were selected for our review. From these articles, we identified six scanning techniques and eight software programs. These diverse scanning technologies and 3D software significantly streamline the process of 3D data registration and similarity calculations. The surface-based registration was the most frequently utilized approach and was considered more suitable for forensic research. Studies have shown that 3D-3D superimposition has emerged as a valuable tool in various fields, including the antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) comparison, pair-matching, re-association, craniofacial superimposition, and face identification. It is anticipated that further research involving a broader range of sample types and standardized protocols will further enhance the applicability of 3D-3D superimposition technology in forensic practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 112271"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142544660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Olwen C. Groth , Alexander Strassberger , Vera Höft , Irina Schusterbauer , Susan Rahaus , Adeyemi D. Adetimehin , Matthias Graw , Martin H. Villet
{"title":"Exploring unified methods of killing and storing insect samples for forensic entomotoxicology using diazepam in Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae","authors":"Olwen C. Groth , Alexander Strassberger , Vera Höft , Irina Schusterbauer , Susan Rahaus , Adeyemi D. Adetimehin , Matthias Graw , Martin H. Villet","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112255","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112255","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic entomologists use the maturity of necrophagous larvae to estimate the minimum post-mortem interval (PMI<sub>min</sub>), ideally taking account of effects that xenobiotics in the corpse may have on insect maturation. Forensic toxicologists may employ larvae to detect drugs in drug-related deaths when human samples are unavailable. Yet current pre-analytical practices of these two professions differ significantly, impeding the successful use of the same samples. Potential benefits of shared pre-analytical practices and opportunities for enhanced collaboration have yet to be fully explored. We employed <em>Lucilia sericata</em> (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae, raised in the presence of diazepam, to investigate the effects of two standard investigative practices on larvae for drug detection and for quantifying mass and length as proxies of age. Specimens were killed by either blanching or freezing and stored at −20℃ for either intermediate or long periods. Blanched larvae showed smaller changes in size and body integrity during storage, thereby producing the most reproducible estimates of PMI<sub>min</sub>. Consequently, data obtained from blanched larvae were used to evaluate the impact of diazepam on larval development. Diazepam exerted no significant effect on larval mass, and a weak effect on length. Diazepam recovery was significantly higher from blanched larvae, suggesting that freeze-killing causes drug loss. This model system demonstrates the value to forensic entomologists of the standard technique of blanching larvae, followed by storage at −20℃ for toxicological analysis. We recommend that forensic toxicologists consider blanching to kill larvae before storage at low temperatures, at least for certain drugs. This approach offers the dual benefit of high-quality specimens for both PMI estimation and drug detection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 112255"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142527785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A haplogroup-based methodology for assigning individuals to geographical regions using Y-STR data","authors":"Marziyeh Afkanpour , Mehri Momeni , Arash Alipour Tabrizi , Hamed Tabesh","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112260","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112260","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Y chromosome markers are essential tools in forensic genetics, offering valuable insights for genetic identification. This study seeks to develop a forensic prediction model using machine learning techniques to improve the efficiency of genetic identification processes. Specifically, the model aims to predict an individual's nearest geographical area of residence based on Y chromosome marker analysis. The methodology involved four key steps: haplogroup determination, primary branch identification, geographical region assignment, model stratification, and fine-tuning. Once developed, the model can be integrated into decision support systems, providing forensic geneticists with a reliable knowledge source to enhance decision-making during investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 112260"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142527783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paulo Henrique Viana Pinto , Letícia Carneiro Fares , Juliane Bustamante Sá dos Santos , Gonzalo Garizoain , Karen Escalante-Flórez , Roberto C. Parra , Ricardo Henrique Alves da Silva
Paolo Bailo , Daniele Capitanio , Alessio Battistini , Danilo De Angelis , Manuela Moriggi , Stefano Tambuzzi , Matteo Marchesi , Sergio Vedovati , Marco Enrico Giovanni Arosio , Francesco Auxilia , Cecilia Gelfi , Andrea Piccinini
{"title":"Mass spectrometry proteomic profiling of postmortem human muscle degradation for PMI estimation","authors":"Paolo Bailo , Daniele Capitanio , Alessio Battistini , Danilo De Angelis , Manuela Moriggi , Stefano Tambuzzi , Matteo Marchesi , Sergio Vedovati , Marco Enrico Giovanni Arosio , Francesco Auxilia , Cecilia Gelfi , Andrea Piccinini","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112256","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112256","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The discovery of new methods for determining the post-mortem interval is of significant forensic interest. Mass spectrometry has enhanced the accuracy of assessing post-mortem protein decay, with skeletal muscle being the most studied substrate due to its intrinsic properties of postmortem decay. In this pilot study, human skeletal muscle tissue (iliopsoas) was harvested and allowed to decay under controlled temperature and humidity conditions at predetermined intervals.</div><div>The samples were analyzed using mass spectrometry proteomics for both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of proteins and peptides. Candidate proteins were validated through immunoblotting.</div><div>The results were significant, identifying several proteins that could aid in estimating the post-mortem interval. Notably, PLIN4, MYOZ2, SYNPO2, and BAG3 were validated by immunoblotting over a broader range of experimental points and temperatures. Furthermore, human results were compared with animal muscle samples from a previous study, revealing similarities in decomposition kinetics.</div><div>This analysis of human samples marks a step forward in the potential forensic application of proteomic evaluation by mass spectrometry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 112256"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142497820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Valentina Leonie Birne , Christoph G. Birngruber , Marielle Vennemann , Hannah Bauer , Marcel A. Verhoff , Gustavo Quezada Esparza , Franziska Holz , Richard Zehner
{"title":"Tendons and table salt: A recipe to preserve human DNA","authors":"Valentina Leonie Birne , Christoph G. Birngruber , Marielle Vennemann , Hannah Bauer , Marcel A. Verhoff , Gustavo Quezada Esparza , Franziska Holz , Richard Zehner","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112254","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112254","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>For disaster victim identification, hundreds of samples of human remains have to be extracted from human bodies rapidly for later DNA analysis, often in situation with high humidity, high temperature and no access to cooling facilities. Genetic typing of these samples may be challenging due to degradation of DNA. Until today, bone and teeth are the preferred biological matrix for genetic identification of decomposed human remains. However, processing these samples is time and cost consuming. To address the challenges associated with workload, finances, and sample preservation in the genetic identification of unknown dead bodies, we tested 44 hand and foot tendons from deceased with advanced post mortem changes as alternative DNA material. In addition, we examined commercially available table salt as potential preservation method with 10 tendons over a period of 12 months. The parameters external appearance, DNA quantity and quality have been analysed. Overall, 39 of 44 tendons examined yielded valuable DNA profiles with at least ten autosomal STR loci. Storage in table salt not only increased DNA yield but also resulted in high quality STR profiles of the preserved tendons throughout the study period of 12 months compared to storage without salt. According to the results of this study, we recommend hand and foot tendons as alternative DNA material from bodies with advanced post mortem changes. We particularly recommend commercially available table salt as a storage medium for the preservation of DNA samples. Under field conditions without cooling facilities and the need to store samples prior to DNA analysis table salt is a good storage medium: it preserves DNA and is easily available.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 112254"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142497822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rodrigo F. Kruger , Marcela M.G. Pédra , Laura dos Santos Fonseca , Diuliani Fonseca Morales , Gratchela Dutra Rodrigues , Marco Antonio Tonus Marinho
{"title":"The impact of burnt carcass on the occurrence probability of Chrysomya albiceps and Lucilia ochricornis (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil","authors":"Rodrigo F. Kruger , Marcela M.G. Pédra , Laura dos Santos Fonseca , Diuliani Fonseca Morales , Gratchela Dutra Rodrigues , Marco Antonio Tonus Marinho","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112249","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112249","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We evaluated the impact of burnt carcasses on the probability of finding <em>Chrysomya albiceps</em> (Wiedemann, 1819) and <em>Lucilia ochricornis</em> (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and the time it took for them to arrive at the experimental carcasss. These species are biological indicators of the postmortem interval (PMI) in forensic scenarios. Using stillborn pig carcasses, this study analysed how different degrees of burning affect the level of attraction and colonisation by these species. Experimental models were subjected to level 2 (CG2) and 4 (CG4) burning according to the Crow-Glassman (CG) scale, ranging from fresh to skeletonization. Generalised Linear Models (GLM) with a Binomial distribution were used to evaluate the influence of decomposition time and experimental treatment on the probability of occurrence of each species. Additionally, survival analyses with the Weibull distribution were used to investigate how long it takes until the arrival of the first fly species in each experimental group. The results indicate that burning affects the probability of occurrence and colonisation time of the studied fly species. Although both species were affected by high degrees of burning, <em>Lucilia ochricornis</em> was more heavily affected than <em>Chrysomya albiceps.</em> This pattern was reflected in the time it took for the first occurrence of each fly species. In both cases, it took longer for flies to arrive at carcasses that had been more severely burnt. In the case of <em>C. albiceps</em>, the longest mean time until a fly was detected (Weibull, α = 79.9 h) happened in the CG4 group, followed by the CG2 group (α = 65.6 h) and the control group (α = 51.5 h). In contrast, for <em>L. ochricornis</em>, the longest mean first occurrence time (α = 85.4 h) was in CG2 group, followed by the Control (α = 49.1 h) and CG4 (α = 54.4 h) groups. This study emphasises the importance of considering whether or not a carcass was burnt and its degree of burning in forensic investigations, given that this variable can influence the accuracy of PMI estimation in crime scenes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"365 ","pages":"Article 112249"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142497823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}