Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology最新文献

{"title":"Temporal analysis of inorganic and organic gunshot residue (GSR): implications for forensic viability.","authors":"Sreelakshmi Krishna, Pooja Ahuja","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01038-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01038-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gunshot residue (GSR) serves as crucial trace evidence in firearm-related investigations, aiding in reconstructing events and establishing shooter involvement. Despite extensive research on GSR, limited information exists regarding the long-term stability, degradation, and preservation of its components particularly under real-world forensic laboratory conditions. This lack of foundational knowledge hinders the reliability of GSR analysis, especially when delays occur between evidence collection and analysis. In India, the absence of standardized storage protocols and the use of varied storage media-such as zip-lock bags, Eppendorf tubes, glass vials, polypropylene boxes, and Falcon tubes raise concerns about the chemical and physical stability of both organic (OGSR) and inorganic (IGSR) GSR components. These diverse storage practices, often based on material availability rather than scientific validation, may impact on the evidentiary integrity of GSR samples during routine casework. Additionally, due to operational challenges such as limited manpower and case backlogs, forensic laboratories frequently experience delays ranging from hours to weeks between the collection and analysis of GSR samples. These time lapses can influence the composition of GSR, yet few systematic studies have evaluated the degradation patterns over extended time intervals. To address this gap, the current study investigates the stability of OGSR and IGSR under realistic storage and analytical delay conditions. The objective was to simulate common forensic laboratory scenarios and assess whether time and storage variables influence GSR composition. GSR samples were stored under uncontrolled ambient conditions, and temperature and humidity were monitored throughout the study (average 28 ± 3 °C; RH 45 ± 3%). Inter-week analyses were conducted on day 1, day 15, day 30, day 45 and day 60 using Raman Spectroscopy for OGSR and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for IGSR. The results demonstrated that both OGSR and IGSR particles remained chemically stable over time, with no significant variation in their spectral or elemental profiles across all time intervals and storage conditions. Minor fluctuations observed in IGSR concentrations were attributed to factors such as non-uniform particle distribution or fragmentation during discharge, which have been previously reported and are not indicative of chemical degradation. These inconsistencies were found to have negligible impact on overall composition and do not compromise evidentiary value. This study highlights the robustness of GSR particles under variable storage conditions and delayed analysis scenarios. The findings underscore the importance of establishing standardized protocols for GSR evidence handling to ensure consistent, reliable forensic outcomes. The insights gained provide a foundational framework for forensic agencies to develop guidelines on the storage, preservation, and analysis of OGSR","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144505299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pars basilaris size to estimate fetal and young infant age using forensic post mortem CT imaging.","authors":"Wolf Schweitzer, Inga Siebke, Mattias Kettner, Stephan Bolliger, Carlo Tappero, Garyfalia Ampanozi","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01039-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01039-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Accurate determination of fetal or neonatal age is vital in forensic and medicolegal death investigations. The pars basilaris of the occipital bone, one of the earliest and densest ossification centers, is less susceptible to taphonomic alteration than other measurements, and exhibits predictable growth patterns. Utilizing post mortem computed tomography (PMCT), measurements of the pars basilaris - specifically its maximum length (ML) and maximum width (MW) - can be applied to validated regression models to estimate age. We retrospectively reviewed all fetal and stillbirth/neonate PMCT cases from our institution over the past eight years and identified nine cases with known or previously estimated ages. ML and MW of the pars basilaris were measured in thin maximum intensity projection reconstructions. Age predictions and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using published regression equations based separately on ML and MW. We also derived a combined model to yield a single age estimate with its corresponding confidence interval. In all nine cases, the predicted age intervals included the known or previously estimated age. The results indicate that pars basilaris biometry reliably estimates age using PMCT. Cases involving maternal conditions-such as diabetes, preeclampsia, and alcohol exposure-showed deviations from average pars basilaris growth but remained within statistical confidence limits. Pars basilaris biometry via standard PMCT protocols provides a straightforward method to approach fetal and early infant age estimation in forensic contexts. Although maternal and pathological factors can influence bone size, the combined ML/MW model is accurate within its 95% confidence bounds. Further research should validate these findings across diverse populations and investigate integration with additional growth markers.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144505298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Usefulness of postmortem computed tomography when neonatal death occurred after fetoscopic endotracheal occlusion- case report.","authors":"Rafał Skowronek, Jacek Zamłyński, Aleksandra Borowska-Solonynko","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01036-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01036-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is associated with high risk of neonatal death. It is observed in about 1 in 3,000 live births. Fetoscopic tracheal occlusion procedure is a therapeutic option with survival rate 46.4%. Our aim was analysis of the suitability of postmortem computed tomography in the case of neonatal death occurred after fetoscopic endotracheal occlusion performed due to the severe isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Postmortem computed tomography can be helpful in such cases because it allows for an objective assessment of whether the procedures used after the birth of the newborn enabled effective lung ventilation. Our case was the first use of postmortem computed tomography in neonatal death after fetoscopic endotracheal occlusion worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144474536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electrical effect on probe wounds after long time exposure with a new generation conducted electrical weapon (Taser T10®) on human volunteers.","authors":"S N Kunz, J D Ho, D M Dawes, J R Miner","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01025-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-025-01025-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) are widely employed by law enforcement agencies globally to manage and restrain potentially violent individuals. As newer generations of these weapons are introduced, it is crucial to assess their effectiveness and safety profiles. The TASER 10 (T10) represents a significant advancement, utilizing an independently targeted probe system with floating polarities, enabling any two probes to establish a connection. This design enhances its versatility and operational effectiveness compared to earlier models. In scenarios requiring use over greater distances- such as deployment via drones-prolonged electrical exposure may be necessary to bridge the gap to the subject and secure control of the situation. The extended exposure duration associated with these probes may result in altered wound mechanisms and morphological features. This study examines the morphological wound characteristics of 20-30 s of electrical exposure delivered through hand-placed dart electrodes of the T10 CEW. To our knowledge, this represents the first human study to investigate potential electrical injuries resulting from extended-duration exposure with the T10 CEW.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144339998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A rare case of postmortem diagnosis of penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer rupture in the ascending aorta.","authors":"Lorenzo Tornese, Vincenzo Cianci, Daniela Sapienza, Giovanni Bartoloni, Patrizia Gualniera, Alessio Asmundo, Cristina Mondello","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01034-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12024-025-01034-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A 74-year-old man underwent both a mitral valve replacement and ascending aorta replacement because of the presence of a critical aneurysm. Postoperatory CT angiography revealed both a periprosthetic hematoma of about 40 mm located at the distal prosthetic graft and a modest effusion at the base of the pericardium. 12 days after the surgery the patient suddenly died. Autopsy showed a cardiac tamponade due to ascending aorta rupture secondary to penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU). This paper highlights the key gross and microscopic findings of this rare lesion, emphasizing its forensic pathology relevance.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144332769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Increasing the performance of the bullet core by changing the geometry. an experimental and numerical study.","authors":"Ender Çelik, Ali Koç","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01024-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01024-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aims to transfer the entire kinetic energy of a geometrically unique 9 × 19 mm bullet onto the target without compromising its penetration capability. In an era where asymmetric security threats are increasingly prevalent, the newly designed bullet core is proposed as a potential \"force multiplier\" for security forces. The ANSYS Explicit Dynamics finite element model was employed to investigate the penetration behaviors of both the newly designed and currently used 9 × 19 mm bullets into human tissue analogs. %10 ballistic gelatin was utilized to simulate human tissue in the experiments. In this paper, the penetration effects of the newly designed and in-service 9 × 19 mm bullets on ballistic gelatin were first numerically modeled using finite element methods (FEM). The numerical findings were subsequently validated through experimental testing. Results indicated that the bullet featuring the new geometric design produced greater damage to the ballistic gelatin compared to the conventional design.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144283341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of postmortem histopathological changes in dental pulp of rats after drowning in water.","authors":"Tugba Ataseven, Selcuk Cetin, Umit Simsek, Bülent Eren, Reşit Doğan Koseoğlu","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01033-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01033-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of our study was to demonstrate the histopathological changes in the dental pulp of rats drowned in water. In our study, 48 rats (eight rats per group) were used. Death of the rats in the control group was induced with high-dose anesthesia. The remaining groups, except for the control group, were placed in containers filled with water after dissociative anesthesia. Rats that died due to drowning were dissected after 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h. In all groups, samples taken from both lung tissues were stained with H&E and analyzed for findings supporting drowning. After decalcification, molar tooth samples of the rats were stained with H&E and examined under a light microscope. Pulpal stromal edema, cytoplasmic enlargement, vascular enlargement, perivascular edema, and separation of the odontoblast cell group from the dentin layer were evaluated using four grades. Chi-Square test was used for comparison between groups. P was set than 0.05. In our study, statistically significant differences were found between the control group and Group 2 (PM 0th hour) for some of the evaluated parameters. Statistically significant parameters were observed between Group 2 and some groups maintained in water at different time intervals. It is seen that the changes in the dental pulp are promising to support the diagnosis of drowning. It is thought that this will be useful to support other studies to be conducted in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144257772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of human remains in case of transgender individuals in forensic anthropology: a systematic review.","authors":"Viana Elisabetta, Selvaggi Gennaro, Milani Chantal","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01030-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01030-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>During anthropological analysis of human skeletal remains, sex assessment is a key step in forensic identification of individuals. For transgender individuals, complications can arise during the estimation of biological sex, as physical characteristics may not correspond with the documented gender recorded at registration of the missing person with authorities. In this systematic review, we analyzed the current literature focusing on methods employed for state-of-the-art identification of skeletal remains of transgender and gender-diverse individuals in forensic anthropology, including the effects on the skeleton of gender-affirming hormone therapy and/or facial gender-affirmation surgery. Our findings support the need for additional studies using larger sample sizes and control groups involving different treatment regimens or longitudinal studies at different follow-up intervals. Furthermore, studies suggest that the impact of surgery involving the skull may provide identifying elements due either to the presence of surgical artifacts, traces of materials used for implants, or the possible incongruence with the pelvis in cases of sex estimation. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of these anatomical aspects on outcomes related to forensic anthropology.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144265857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ruptured palmar pseudoaneurysm after carpal tunnel surgery.","authors":"Stefano Tambuzzi, Guendalina Gentile, Lorena Ferraroli, Alessandro Del Gobbo, Riccardo Zoja","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01032-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01032-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rupture of a pseudoaneurysm of the superficial palmar arch after surgical release of the carpal tunnel is an extremely rare and still debated occurrence. Only a few cases have been described in the literature, none of which were fatal. In this report, we present a single case that came to our attention, in which an elderly man suffered a fatal haemorrhage due to the rupture of a palmar pseudoaneurysm 22 days after surgical carpal tunnel release. Autopsy examination confirmed the presence of a breach in the large palmar hematoma as the sole source of bleeding. Histologic examination in some of the serial sections of the suprafascial hematoma revealed a ruptured arterial pseudoaneurysmal cavity. Based on these findings, the man's death could be attributed to acute haemorrhage due to the rupture of the palmar pseudoaneurysm. Further studies are required to investigate whether there is actually a causal link with the surgical release of the carpal tunnel but the current evidence suggest that this may be possible. The case is therefore reported to the forensic scientific community due to its exceptional occurrence and its potential implications.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144247314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancements in craniofacial reconstruction: approaches and applications in forensics.","authors":"Noreen Asghar, Saadia Noreen, Umar Javed, Faryad Ali","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01031-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01031-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Forensic craniofacial reconstruction deals with recreating a person's facial features from the skull by combining anatomy archeology, anthropology and statistical approaches. When DNA analysis gives inconclusive results, the investigative leads directed towards craniofacial reconstruction. This review article sheds light on advances of CFR from manual techniques of clay and tissue depth markers historical methodologies such as the American, Manchester, and Russian methods, along with forensic photography and superimposition to AI driven methods that evaluate diverse applications in forensics. The articles from PubMed, Google scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus are incorporated in relevant sections. Results of this research reveal that 3D scanning, virtual modeling, and artificially enhanced reconstruction approaches along several applications of CFR with advanced imaging techniques, such as high-resolution CT and MRI scans, identifies gaps existing in the literatures, and further recommends prospective directions to enhance scientific contributions and real-world applications i.e. mass disaster identifications or creating lifelike depictions or historical figures for museums. Critical discussion also illustrates strength and weakness of methodologies, future perspectives that are aimed at maximizing advances in digital methods i.e. holography, forensic DNA phenotyping to achieve higher accuracy, provide ethical backbone, and garner public engagement or acceptance with CFR, thus strengthening it as an indispensable aspect to forensic and anthropological research.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144233628","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}