Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology最新文献

{"title":"Forensic podiatry in the identification of gait by CCTV. A systematic review.","authors":"Aurora Castro-Méndez, Natalia Tovaruela-Carrión, Laura Regife-Fernández, Sara García-Mora, María Vázquez-Castro, Juan Alvarez-Cordero","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01022-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01022-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Forensic podiatry is the application of the professional knowledge of this specialist in the legal field as an expert. Forensic podiatrists collaborate in the forensic identification of evidence that, from the foot, can help clarify what happened at a crime or crime scene. At the scene of the crime, footprints, shoe prints, and traces are evidence that are present even though they might not be immediately visible. The forensic analysis of a suspect's gait is evidence sometimes available and has as an important characteristic: it is an individualistic parameter and even a biometric factor. This gait analysis can be very relevant as evidence in the context of a crime. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the reliability of gait forensics with respect to the use of angular measurements compared to observational analysis of morphological characteristics to identify the current gold standard.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review of the scientific literature available in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Dialnet has been carried out. Nine observational studies were selected after applying the eligibility criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The selected studies were analytical and provided, among other information, numerical data on the reliability, reproducibility, and validity of the analysis methods in question. There is not enough conclusive scientific evidence on the reliability of the method of analysis using angular measurements, as there is controversy between authors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Forensic gait analysis based on angular measurements shows reliability limitations due to intra-individual factors (mood, clothing), requiring further empirical evidence; in contrast, the observational method analyzing of unique gait characteristics emerges as the most reliable method, offering high accuracy, validity, and reproducibility when conducted by trained biomechanical experts.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150052","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":"Analysis of the methamphetamine-related deaths in Eastern Saxony, Germany, between 2005 and 2019.","authors":"Henri Masing, Jörg Pietsch","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01023-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01023-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to evaluate the fatal consequences of the rising methamphetamine (MA) abuse in Eastern Saxony, Germany, and to examine the broader societal impact of MA on the region.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sociodemographic, forensic toxicological, forensic medical, and psychiatric data from 74 cases of deaths associated with MA were analyzed to identify significant trends and findings (2005-2019).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of cases involved male individuals and non-natural deaths, with accidental MA intoxications and suicides being the predominant categories. The Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) was calculated at 49.8 years. The majority of natural deaths were related to cardiovascular conditions (e.g. cardiogenic shock, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), myocardial infarction), metabolic (e.g. diabetic ketoacidosis, alcohol withdrawal delirium) and inflammatory causes. In cases of fatal MA mono-intoxications and mixed intoxications involving MA, significantly higher MA blood concentrations were observed compared to intoxications primarily caused by other substances. Individuals in socioeconomically precarious situations are especially vulnerable to MA-associated deaths.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There has been an increase in MA-related fatalities in Eastern Saxony since 2005. Accidental MA intoxications were the leading cause of death, followed by violent suicides. Challenging living conditions and social circumstances are especially vulnerable to MA-associated deaths. The study underlines the need for a comprehensive, coordinated approach to tackle the MA problem and reduce the number of MA-associated deaths.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144101581","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":"Injury rates following conducted electrical weapons and other less-lethal force modalities in real-life police settings: a comparative literature review.","authors":"Mark Nielsen, Julie Munkholm, Jytte Banner, Carl Johan Wingren","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01020-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01020-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to rank the rate and risk ratio of subject injury following exposure to less-lethal force modalities in real-life police interventions. The purpose was to observe whether the use of conductive electrical weapons (CEW) qualifies as a low-risk modality of force, with a similar risk of adverse health outcomes as exposure to other less-lethal modalities, such as physical force, baton, oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, and canine. A literature search was conducted using the scientific databases PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. We rated the included articles based on quality and calculated the weighted means of injury rates. We found 19 articles reporting the rate or risk ratio of injury following exposure to common less-lethal force modalities in real-life settings. OC spray appeared to have the lowest rate of subject injury. The outcome for subject injury following CEW was ambiguous but seemed to be lower in comparison to baton and canine. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to methodological limitations. The identified studies were heterogeneous in design, which limits the conclusions drawn. In general, there was an indication that the risk of injury is lowest when OC spray is used. The rate of subject injury following the use of CEW is lower compared to baton and canine. Further research using a systematic approach to the registration of injuries is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144076489","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":"Fatal stray dog attack in Russian Federation: a case report based on CCTV documentation.","authors":"Angelakopoulos Nikolaos, Merdietio Boedi Rizky, Lysenko Oleg Viktorovich, Zolotenkova Galina","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01015-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01015-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fatal dog attacks, though relatively rare, remain a significant public safety concern, particularly in regions with large stray dog populations. This case report details a fatal stray dog attack on a 77-year-old man in the Greater Moscow region, as documented through forensic examination and CCTV footage. The autopsy revealed extensive bite-related injuries, including severe vascular damage that led to exsanguination. The footage provided a unique and detailed account of the attack's sequence, highlighting the prolonged aggression exhibited by the dog. This case underscores the importance of forensic investigations, surveillance footage, and effective stray dog management strategies to mitigate similar incidents. Further research is needed to better understand the risk factors associated with fatal dog attacks and develop targeted prevention measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143977395","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":"Forensic applications of 3D printing - a review of literature, case studies and future implications.","authors":"Ayushi Srivastava, Vishal Sharma, Kewal Krishan","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01019-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01019-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The technological revolution has impacted every facet of life, including crime and law enforcement. Following the adoption of digital evidence, artificial intelligence, and CT scans, scientists and legal professionals have now turned to three-dimensional (3D) printing to present evidence more clearly in a court of law. 3D printing is a process of creating physical objects by depositing materials layer by layer, based on digital models, to form solid, tangible replicas. It has a wide range of applications across various fields of forensic science, including explosives analysis, ballistics, forensic medicine, forensic archaeology, and crime scene reconstruction. 3D printed impression evidence such as tire marks, and shoe prints etc., offers more detailed and accurate representations compared to traditional methods. Similarly, 3D printed crime scene reconstructions provide immersive and precise visualizations, enhancing their reliability and utility in forensic investigations. This article discusses the steps involved in 3D printing, the types of 3D printing technologies, its applications in various forensic examinations, and real-world criminal cases that highlight the significance of 3D printed evidence in judicial decision-making. 3D printing has proven instrumental in these cases for establishing the linkage of weapons to crimes and correlating injuries to weapons, and identifying charred or mutilated remains. However, like any emerging technology, 3D printing in forensics faces certain challenges, which need to be addressed to maximize its potential. These include standardized protocols, ethical considerations, and high initial setup costs-all of which must be addressed to fully realize its potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143959183","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":"Response to the letter \"Until all differential causes have been ruled out, aortic dissection should not be associated with chronic cocaine use\".","authors":"Pascale Basilicata, Antonio Lombardi, Mariagrazia Marisei, Emanuele Capasso, Angela Simonelli, A Silvestre, R Guadagni, M Niola, Maria Pieri","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01014-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01014-7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143976018","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":"Exploring global demographics of professionals in forensic odontology: a pilot study.","authors":"Nikolaos Angelakopoulos, Rizky Merdietio Boedi, Nikita Polukhin, Galina Zolotenkova, Akiko Kumagai, Sudheer Babu Balla","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00983-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00983-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Forensic odontology (FO) plays a crucial role in legal and humanitarian investigations, providing expert testimony and contributing to disaster victim identification (DVI). However, comprehensive global data on the demographics, distribution, and professional activities of forensic odontologists (FOs) remain limited. This pilot study aimed to explore the global landscape of FO by examining the demographic profiles, geographic distribution, professional engagement, and career trajectories of practitioners in the field. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing a 26-item self-administered online questionnaire developed via Microsoft Forms. The survey, comprising both open-ended and multiple-choice questions, was disseminated globally to FOs and FO students through WhatsApp®, LinkedIn®, ResearchGate®, and professional associations' email lists. A total of 206 qualified FOs and students participated in the study. The results indicated that 40.3% of respondents practice in regions where FO is formally recognized as a specialty, with notable regional disparities. Although a significant proportion reported involvement in forensic casework, 27.7% expressed dissatisfaction with the level of support and professional recognition. One of the most pressing barriers identified was the absence of FO in undergraduate dental curricula and the limited availability of specialized training programs. The survey also underscored the diverse professional roles of FOs, including participation in court proceedings, mass disaster response, and forensic research. Key challenges reported by respondents included limited recognition of the field (21.8%), restricted career opportunities (18.4%), and inadequate access to training resources (13.1%). Additionally, specific technical challenges-such as bite mark analysis and dental age estimation-were highlighted as areas requiring further attention. This study offers valuable insights into the geographic distribution and professional scope of FOs, providing a foundation for future research with expanded outreach to ensure a more globally representative sample.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143991767","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":"Histo- and cytopathological findings in the brain of two fire fatalities.","authors":"Simone Bohnert, Benjamin Ondruschka, Helmut Heinsen, Michael Bohnert","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01018-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01018-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>There are only few reports on the neuropathologic findings of fire victims. We investigated brain tissues of a 44-year-old and a 77-year-old man for neuropathologic examination with dehydration, embedding in celloidin, sectioning at 400 μm, and staining with gallocyanin. Microscopically, neurons were less well stained than those from an 87-year-old woman who died of cancer and whose brain had been fixed in formalin for three months. Glial cells were optimally stained. We observed local, laminar and disease-related qualitative and quantitative differences in the amygdaloid complex, temporal allo- and isocortex together with hyperchromatic staining of the medullary layer in the temporal lobe of both fire cases. The vasculature was well preserved and free of blood cells or clotted blood. The heat in fire deaths apparently acts as a kind of fixation, similar to the intention of formalin use, without the confounding effects of agonal and postmortem factors. Heat is most likely a major factor in microwave fixation. Thick gallocyanin-stained sections allow intuitive visual diagnosis of local and laminar neuronal degeneration or gliosis and have the potential to enhance and refine neuropathology-related diagnoses.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143977397","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":"Letter to the Editor: Reflections on the case report of sudden unexpected death due to B-ALL in a 3-Year-Old child.","authors":"Graziano Domenico Luigi Crudele, Lorenzo Franceschetti, Valentina Bugelli","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01016-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01016-5","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143983890","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":"Neonatal fatal haemorrhage after a ritual circumcision: forensic and ethical considerations.","authors":"Pierluigi Passalacqua, Raimondo Vella, Giorgio M Coppola, Nazaria Lanzillo, Francesca Servadei, Michele Treglia, Margherita Pallocci","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01011-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01011-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neonatal circumcision is a common procedure worldwide, which may be performed for medical reasons and for cultural and religious motivations. Regarding ritual circumcision, there has been a wide-ranging debate in medical society about the level of acceptability of this practice. Even from a bioethical and legal point of view, the problem is approached differently in different contexts worldwide, especially given that, even if rare, complications can occur both during and after the procedure, and may result in infections, bleedings, hemorrhages and even death. Bleeding occurs most frequently after the fourth week of life and is related to the presence of an abundant venous vascularization of the penile shaft. Unlike adults, the blood loss rates suggestive for hemorrhagic shock are not defined in neonatal populations. Therefore, the diagnosis of the cause of death can be challenging for the forensic pathologist, especially if circumstantial information is missing. We report the case of a full-term infant boy born after a terminally complicated pregnancy. He underwent a \"domestic\" circumcision on 22nd day of life. The same day he was admitted to the emergency room in cardiac arrest and died despite resuscitation procedures. The autopsy findings revealed the presence of a large amount of blood in the diaper and a circumferential laceration of the penile shaft, consistent with a recent circumcision. Diffuse organ pallor was macroscopically and microscopically demonstrated, consistently with a hemorrhagic shock. To conclude, the diagnosis of hemorrhagic shock can be difficult in the newborn and requires the estimation of lost blood volume. Moreover, due to the possibility of rare fatal complications, neonatal circumcision should be performed only in a controlled, medical environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143965443","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}