Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology最新文献

{"title":"Exploring the capabilities of Micro-XRF to study the dispersion of GSR in firearms cases.","authors":"Niha Ansari, Hemang Parmar","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00989-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00989-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The forensic scientific establishment requires an evaluation of GSR obtained at the scene of the incident because it provides answers to challenges like differentiating between different types of ammunition, estimating the firing range, and linking an individual to the discharge of a firearm. There is inadequate information on the classification of ammunition types utilizing GSR analysis. This paper delves into the capabilities of Micro-XRF in characterizing GSR particles, assessing their distribution, and elucidating their significance in forensic investigations. A cloth substrate as a target sample for assemblage of firearm discharge that is GSR particles was selected as an analog of sample obtained from the crime scene from victim or suspect. Micro-XRF proved to very advantageous non-destructive technique for the aimed study herein. The results of Micro-XRF are were able to characterize the heterogeneity of GSR particles originating from different distance & firearm-ammunition respectively. The technique provided non-destructive, highly sensitive, qualitative, quantity analysis with Fast deconvolution of the samples signals proving to be beneficial in GSR discrimination with respect ammunition and shooting distance. By exploring the benefits and limitations of this technique, we aim to contribute to the advancement of forensic science methodologies, ultimately aiding law enforcement in firearm-related cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143691528","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":"The mastoid triangle (Ma-Ast-Po) as a sexually dimorphic feature - a systematic review of 1604 human skulls and meta-analysis.","authors":"Maria Eduarda Ramos Stefanel, Lígia Melissa de Souza, Fernanda Thomaz de Aquino Macedo, Débora Duarte Moreira, Rhonan Ferreira Silva, Nikolaos Angelakopoulos, Walbert Andrade Vieira, Luiz Renato Paranhos, Ademir Franco","doi":"10.1007/s12024-024-00906-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-024-00906-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The mastoid triangle is the area between the craniometric landmarks Mastoidale (Ma), Asterion (Ast) and Porion (Po), which has been studied in the field of physical anthropology as an alleged tool for sexual dimorphism. The evidence in the current scientific literature, however, is disputable. This systematic review aimed to find out how safe is the mastoid triangle for sexual dimorphism. A research protocol submitted to PROSPERO (CRD42023488216) was designed based on PRISMA-P. Pubmed, SciELO, LiLACS, LIVIVO, Open Gray and Open Access Theses and Dissertations were searched with structured strategies. The Joanna Briggs Institute manual was followed and the critical appraisal checklist for cross-sectional studies was used. The search found 14 eligible studies out of 2148 initially screened. The combined sample consisted of 1604 human skulls. Eight studies (57,14%) clearly encouraged the use of the mastoid triangle for sexual dimorphism, while three (21,42%) advised against it. All the studies had a low risk of bias (75-100%). The standardized mean difference between male and females was between 1.00 and 1.42 without statistically significant differences between geographic regions (p > 0.05). Expressive heterogeneity and large confidence intervals were detected, showing great variability across studies. A country-specific subgroup meta-analysis revealed lack of statistically significant differences based on geographic regions. This systematic review showed low level of evidence to support the use of the mastoid triangle as a tool for sexual dimorphism.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143691442","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":"An alternative method to differentiate pleural effusion after leakage of artificial enteral nutrition formula.","authors":"Fabian Picht, Karen Blümke-Anbau, Carolin Richter, Marco Weber","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00982-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00982-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This case report highlights a rare but fatal complication of artificial enteral nutrition due to feeding tube misplacement, leading to pleural effusion and respiratory failure. The primary objective was to determine whether enteral nutrition formula leakage contributed to the patient's death and to differentiate the pleural effusion from other possible etiologies, such as chylothorax.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A 59-year-old male patient with severe lung disease underwent left-sided partial lung resection and subsequently received enteral nutrition via a nasogastric feeding tube. After suspected feeding tube misplacement and formula leakage into the pleural cavity, autopsy and histological examination were performed. Cytological and chemical analyses, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, were employed to identify nutritional components in pleural effusion and to confirm the presence of enteral nutrition formula.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The autopsy revealed milky, turbid pleural effusion, aspiration pneumonia, and a rupture of the right visceral pleura. Cytological analysis confirmed granulocytic pleural empyema with rod-shaped Congo red-positive material resembling the enteral nutrition formula. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified tricaprylin, a unique marker for enteral nutrition formula, confirming nutritional leakage into the pleural cavity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case study emphasizes the necessity for radiological confirmation of feeding tube placement and the implementation of comprehensive diagnostic protocols for suspected cases of nutritional fluid leakage. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry proved invaluable in distinguishing nutritional effusions from other potential etiologies by enabling the specific identification of enteral formula components. The high specificity and adaptability of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry render it an essential tool for forensic investigations and clinical diagnostics involving complex fluid analyses, facilitating evidence-based conclusions in critical care and postmortem contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143673713","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":"Sudden cardiac death due to isolated right ventricle thromboembolism in a young male.","authors":"Hunter Koster, Lorenzo Gitto","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00988-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00988-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sudden cardiac death due to an isolated right ventricular thromboembolism is an uncommon cause of death. In the reported case, a healthy, asymptomatic young male with no past medical history outside of obesity and his age was found unresponsive by a family member who suspected him to be sleeping. Examination of the heart at autopsy revealed a large serpiginous, organized and obstructive blood clot compromising most of the right ventricle with no other cardiac abnormalities and without any evidence of a pulmonary embolism. The patient was found to not have any history of substance abuse, genetic predispositions, kidney disease, or COVID-19 infection which has all been linked to ventricular thrombi.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143668742","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":"The application of neutrophil extracellular traps to thrombus age Estimation in rat deep vein thrombosis model.","authors":"Xing Pan, Kai-Qiao Zhang, Quan Liu, Liang Ren","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00986-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00986-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In experimental models of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been established as pivotal mediators in the initial phases of thrombus formation. Through the establishment of a chromatin-based scaffold, NETs provide a structural foundation that enhances platelet adhesion. Furthermore, they significantly contribute to the perpetuation of a self-amplifying cycle of venous endothelial cell injury, thereby exacerbating thrombogenesis. While extant research has predominantly concentrated on the role of NETs in the initiation of DVT, there remains a paucity of investigation into the temporal dynamics of NETs content across the sequential stages of thrombus development, including formation, elongation, organization, and recanalization. The present study elucidates the forensic application of NETs for temporal assessment of thrombus age in cases of sudden death resulting from pulmonary embolism secondary to deep vein thrombosis. This was accomplished through the establishment of a time-gradient DVT model in a rat model system. Utilizing myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibody, a well-established marker of neutrophil activation, in conjunction with CitH3 histone antibody, a specific marker for neutrophil extracellular traps, we performed dual immunofluorescence co-localization studies. These investigations confirmed the integral involvement of NETs in the thrombotic process. Complementary Western blot analyses demonstrated temporal variations in NETs content within the thrombotic mass. The CitH3 levels exhibited no significant elevation during the initial 3-6 h post-ligation period, followed by a gradual increase after 24 h, reaching maximal expression on day 3. Subsequently, a progressive decline was observed, culminating in complete resolution by day 21. Quantitative analysis of positive cell counts (×1000, across five representative fields) at sequential time points revealed distinct temporal patterns. During the initial 3-hour to 1-day post-ligation period, MPO-positive cells demonstrated a significantly more rapid increase compared to CitH3-positive cells. By day 3, MPO levels commenced a decline, ultimately falling below CitH3 levels. Subsequent analysis of the CitH3/MPO ratio yielded significant forensic implications. Our findings demonstrate that a CitH3/MPO ratio approximating 1.0 corresponds to a thrombus formation time within 5 days. The degree of ratio variation among multiple samples serves as a temporal indicator: minimal variation (approaching 1.0) suggests a shorter thrombus formation interval, while ratios exceeding 2.0 or demonstrating substantial variation are indicative of thrombus formation times surpassing 7 days.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143668875","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":"Quantitative wound ballistic analysis of gelatin head phantoms by computed tomography using the total crack length method.","authors":"Vasiliki Chatzaraki, Dominic Gascho, Michael J Thali, Beat P Kneubuehl, Carlo Tappero, Stephan A Bolliger","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00995-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00995-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gelatin-based phantoms are appropriate simulants of human soft tissue and can be used for ballistic experiments. Computed tomography (CT) is useful for quantitative wound ballistics analysis and has been applied to gelatin blocks. This study aimed to create total crack length (TCL) profiles along the penetration depth in head phantoms after ballistic experiments with different types of ammunition at varying distances using CT data. Sixteen commercially available gelatin-based head phantoms were subjected to ballistic testing with six different types of ammunition. Nine were contact shots, while seven were fired from a 15-meter distance. Following the experiments, CT scans of the phantoms were performed. The TCL, a secondary effect of the temporary cavity, was measured based on the CT data. All phantoms exhibited perforation shots. The CT data enabled measurements along the penetration depth for each phantom. Metal artifacts caused by small projectile fragments along the path did not interfere with the measurements. The resulting TCL curves for the different ammunition types demonstrated distinct differences. TCL measurements in gelatin-based head phantoms are feasible and provide values proportional to the transferred energy at a given penetration depth for different ammunition types and shooting distances.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143668721","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":"Assessment of sexual dimorphism in the humerus among a Greek Cypriot population using binary logistic regression and linear discriminant analysis.","authors":"Erica Baer, Anna S H La Valley, Xenia-Paula Kyriakou","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00984-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00984-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Determining the sex of unknown human remains is pertinent to the reconstruction of biological profiles in forensic anthropology. The Greek Cypriot population is underrepresented in forensic anthropology literature, with only a handful of sex estimation studies having been produced thus far. The aim of this research is to provide accurate and reliable methods for estimating the sex of Greek Cypriot remains to forensically evaluate unknown human remains.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study created classification models using two statistical methods, binary logistic regression (BLR) and linear discriminant function analysis (LDA), to determine which method provided more accurate sex classification based on measurements of the humerus in a Greek Cypriot population. Additionally, cut points were calculated for use in classification. The sample consisted of 119 Greek Cypriots from the Cyprus Research Reference Collection (CRRC; 1975-2015). Four classification models were built, implementing BLR and LDA for both left- and right-side measurements. These models were analyzed using accuracy rates, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, area under the curve (AUC), and Cohen's kappa.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed that all four models demonstrated good to excellent classification rates based on AUC (0.88-0.91) and accuracy rates (85.56-87.92%). Maximized summed sensitivity and specificity ratios, ranging between 1.55 and 1.76, were used to determine the optimal cut points by measurement.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on these results, BLR is a better choice to evaluate sexual dimorphism of the humerus in Greek Cypriots. Further, cut points based on individual measurements can serve as useful markers for classifying humeri by sex.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143662944","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 successive DNA extractions from cotton and flocked swabs.","authors":"Ella Pickell, Charlotte Arsenault, Kara L Jaremko, Georgiana Gibson-Daw, Deborah S B S Silva","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00960-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00960-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The use of swabs to collect biological samples is a current practice in forensic investigations. Once a sample is collected, the DNA is extracted and used for testing at the crime lab. DNA extraction can often be sub-optimal in yield, and identifying new approaches to obtain larger DNA quantities from casework samples is critical. The goal of this study was to investigate the success rate of obtaining sufficient DNA yields from previously extracted swabs. Reference and case-type samples were collected using different types of swabs and genomic DNA was extracted from samples multiple times using only the QIAamp^® DNA Investigator Kit or using this kit in combination with the Investigator Lyse&Spin Basket Kit. DNA samples were amplified using the GlobalFiler™ PCR Amplification Kit and separated on a SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer. All types of swabs and extraction methods yielded DNA after three extractions, and complete DNA profiles were produced for reference and case-type samples up to the third extraction. This provides a proof-of-concept that it is possible to recover DNA from previously extracted swabs in sufficient yield for full STR profiles. Also, trace DNA casework swabs can be extracted twice in succession and extracts pooled to increase yields for necessary DNA tests.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143656738","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":"3D imaging for dental identification: a pilot investigation of a novel segmentation method using an intra oral scanning device.","authors":"Harry Perkins, Adam B Rohrlach, Toby Hughes, Alex Forrest, Denice Higgins","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00992-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00992-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Forensic dental identification relies on the comparison of antemortem and postmortem dental records. 3D dental imaging presents the potential for detailed anatomical features of teeth to be quantified between individuals in automated identification tools. This study introduces a novel segmentation method to simultaneously remove extraneous data from two images reducing processes and time required during 3D dental image comparisons, and tests this against existing approaches to better understand segmentation techniques for forensic purposes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Six volunteers had both digital and stone cast full arch dental models created. The casts were scanned and digitized with an intra oral laser scanner, and five different segmentation methods were then applied to all images. Segmented images were compared via a method for aligning 3D images for possible matching (same person) and non-matching (different person) pairings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All segmentation methods removed adequate excess materials to provide consistent repeated outcomes in the comparison process, with the novel segmentation method showing equivalent outcomes with existing methodologies. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the process of segmentation in distinguishing between 3D dental imaging and underscore the potential of 3D imaging technologies in forensic odontology.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study demonstrates the efficacy of a new segmentation method in forensic dental identification, offering a faster approach; calling for further validation of these methods within a legal framework.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143656732","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":"Until all differential causes have been ruled out, aortic dissection should not be associated with chronic cocaine use.","authors":"Josef Finsterer","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00994-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00994-w","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143647943","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}