Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology最新文献

{"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}

{"title":"Regarding \"A singular case of complex suicide by hanging with hesitation marks by axe\".","authors":"Aleksa Leković, Slobodan Nikolić","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00993-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00993-x","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":"143647939","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 new robust AI/ML based model for accurate forensic age estimation using DNA methylation markers.","authors":"Jinsu Ann Mathew, Geetha Paul, Joe Jacob, Janesh Kumar, Neelima Dubey, Ninan Sajeeth Philip","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00985-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00985-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>CpG sites are regions of DNA where a cytosine nucleotide is followed by a guanine nucleotide in the 5' → 3' direction. Epigenetic markers based on methylation values at CpG sites are valuable for accurate age prediction and have become essential in forensic science, supporting criminal investigations and human identification. The present study identified 12 CpG sites from a collection of 476,366 CpG sites based on the following criteria: (a) CpG sites were retained if the Pearson correlation coefficient between the methylation values and the chronological age of the individual is greater than 0.85, and (b) if the mutual correlation coefficient between a pair of selected CpG sites is greater than 0.15, only one of them is retained. The identified CpG sites are associated with genes FHL2, ELOVL2, TRIM59, PCDHB1, KLF14, C1orf132, ACSS3, and CCDC102B. To ensure that the predictive accuracy is intrinsic to the selected CpG sites and not model dependent, the identified CpG sites were passed to three different Neural network models. All models achieved comparable accuracy across diverse populations, genders, and health conditions. The model's accuracy and reliability were validated through age predictions on independent datasets. By utilizing a minimal set of CpG sites, this approach offers a robust and efficient solution for forensic age estimation, significantly enhancing the precision and reliability of forensic investigations.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143630315","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":"Risk factors associated with drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) compared with non-DFSA - a systematic review.","authors":"Marina Rasmussen, Johannes Rødbro Busch, Mikkel Jon Henningsen, Jytte Banner","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00953-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00953-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Criminological and interpersonal covariates are different in drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) and sexual assault in general. These observations are based on retrospective survey-only data from victims who were not examined clinically in the acute setting.  This study aims to review the current literature reporting data specifically on clinically examined victims of suspected DFSA and associated interpersonal and criminological covariates.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this systematic review, we searched PubMed/Medline and Embase for studies on DFSA reporting interpersonal or criminological covariates in victims older than 15 years and clinically examined within seven days of assault. Two authors independently screened studies for inclusion and extracted data. Meta-analysis was not possible due to different definitions of DFSA in the included studies.  RESULTS: The search yielded 1,350 hits. Thirty-one observational studies, case-control studies, and descriptive studies were included for a total of 14,727 observations. Twenty-two studies reported DFSA as a covariate in other research contexts. The most reported covariates were age, sex, and injuries.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The published data are sparse, varying, and often reported as secondary outcomes or epidemiological data. The varying definitions of DFSA preclude meta-analysis and hinder efforts to help victims of DFSA. An internationally agreed-upon consensus definition of DFSA should be established to overcome this challenge.  More knowledge regarding DFSA is necessary to investigate if DFSA victims experience different barriers to seeking both medical and judicial help than SA victims in general.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143614309","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}