Mark Nielsen, Julie Munkholm, Jytte Banner, Carl Johan Wingren
{"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":"Galina Zolotenkova, Rizky Merdietio Boedi, Oleg Viktorovich Lysenko, Nikolaos Angelakopoulos","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01015-6","DOIUrl":"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}
Pascale Basilicata, Antonio Lombardi, Mariagrazia Marisei, Emanuele Capasso, Angela Simonelli, A Silvestre, R Guadagni, M Niola, Maria Pieri
{"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}
Simone Bohnert, Benjamin Ondruschka, Helmut Heinsen, Michael Bohnert
{"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}
Graziano Domenico Luigi Crudele, Lorenzo Franceschetti, Valentina Bugelli
{"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}
Pierluigi Passalacqua, Raimondo Vella, Giorgio M Coppola, Nazaria Lanzillo, Francesca Servadei, Michele Treglia, Margherita Pallocci
{"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}
{"title":"A case of fatal chlorfenapyr poisoning: evidence from histopathology and autopsy.","authors":"Hinsan Chui, Qian Wei, Ying Wang, Jiahui Chen, Feijun Huang, Fenghua Zhang, Daoyin Gong","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-01010-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-01010-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chlorfenapyr poisoning is rare in clinical practice, with limited documented cases. This study aims to elucidate the clinical progression and pathological features of fatal chlorfenapyr poisoning through a forensic autopsy case. We present a case involving a 15-year-old male who died following oral ingestion of chlorfenapyr. Autopsy and histopathological examinations were performed, supplemented by toxicological analysis. Findings included decerebrate rigidity, cerebral edema, myocardial contraction band necrosis, pulmonary hemorrhage, and rhabdomyolysis. Histopathology confirmed neuronal damage, gliosis, and myoglobin-positive renal tubules. Toxicological analysis detected both chlorfenapyr and tralopyril in premortem and postmortem blood samples. Tralopyril levels measured 2610 ng/mL premortem and 1980 ng/mL postmortem, while chlorfenapyr levels were 320 ng/mL and 280 ng/mL, respectively. The patient exhibited delayed symptom onset, rapid deterioration, and resistance to supportive treatment. This case underscores chlorfenapyr's systemic toxicity, particularly its impact on high-energy-demand organs. The absence of a specific antidote highlights the need for early intervention and hemodialysis. This report-the first forensic autopsy of adolescent chlorfenapyr poisoning-enhances understanding of its pathophysiology and aids clinicians in recognizing nonspecific early symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143989263","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}
Harishchandra Jirimali, Saiprasad Santre, Shubhangi Deonikar, Bhausaheb More
{"title":"A mini review on study of forensically important poisoning cases involving bromadiolone.","authors":"Harishchandra Jirimali, Saiprasad Santre, Shubhangi Deonikar, Bhausaheb More","doi":"10.1007/s12024-025-00991-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-025-00991-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This aims to study poisoning cases involving bromadiolone, its detection from biological samples, and treatment for the survival of the victim.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A literature survey on bromadiolone poisoning using Scopus, PubMed, and World Wide Web using relevant keywords, e.g. Bromadiolone poisoning, bromadiolone toxicology, poisoning treatment, bromadiolone detection, detection methods. The analytical methods like thin layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, CT scans (computed tomography scan) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and combined mass spectroscopic methods were used for the detection of bromadiolone.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Bromadiolone poisoning in different organisms like cats, rats, birds, foxes, and human beings was studied. On the basis of the concentration of bromadiolone and its half-life period, symptoms like internal hemorrhage were observed; in some cases, lesions on the brain were seen. Vitamin K (Vit. K), is the effective treatment for the curing of bromadiolone, was identified.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This review suggests that in the case of bromadiolone poisoning, it is very important to find out the poisoned compound and not to rely only on symptomatic treatment. It is found that Vit. K is the major curative treatment for the survival of bromadiolone poisoning victims.</p>","PeriodicalId":12449,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144063126","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}