{"title":"Enhancing forensic sex identification through AI-based analysis of the foramen magnum","authors":"Sirinart Chomean , Natipong Chatthai , Napakorn Sangchay , Chollanot Kaset","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100411","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100411","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sex estimation from skeletal remains is an essential task in forensic anthropology. Traditional morphological analysis, while effective, can be time-consuming and subject to inter-observer variability. This study evaluates artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods, specifically object detection and instance segmentation, for sex estimation using the foramen magnum (FM). A total of 600 adult dry skull images (300 males, 300 females) were labeled and augmented to create a dataset of 2280 images, which was split into training (92 %), validation (5 %), and test (3 %) sets. The models were trained using Roboflow and assessed based on sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), with additional validation performed on 30 independent skulls. The object detection model demonstrated strong performance, achieving high precision (95.0 %) and recall (100.0 %) in training, with precision values of 93.0 % and 89.0 % in validation and test sets, respectively, while maintaining 100.0 % recall across datasets. In the independent test set, the model achieved 75.0 %specificity. The instance segmentation method yielded lower performance, with specificity of 68.75 %. The overall accuracy of the object detection method was 65.68 % (95 % CI: 46.19 % - 81.64 %), outperforming the instance segmentation method, which achieved an accuracy of 62.69 % (95 % CI: 43.22 % - 79.55 %). Although AI-based methods, particularly object detection, show potential for forensic sex estimation from foramen magnum, the results indicate that their accuracy remains lower than traditional morphometric approaches. Future research should focus on integrating additional cranial features and expanding the training dataset to enhance model reliability and generalizability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100411"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143388442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Magdy Kharoshah , Maram Aabdulghani AlFarayedhi , Abdullah AlBouijan , Noua AlOtaibi , AbdulRahman Waheed AlDossary , Ibrahim AlAboudi , Sahar Issa
{"title":"Firearm fatalities in Dammam: A forensic retrospective study","authors":"Magdy Kharoshah , Maram Aabdulghani AlFarayedhi , Abdullah AlBouijan , Noua AlOtaibi , AbdulRahman Waheed AlDossary , Ibrahim AlAboudi , Sahar Issa","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100410","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100410","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Numerous nations have released studies on lethal firearm injuries. Nonetheless, there has been little documentation of their occurrence and pattern in various parts of Saudi Arabia and other Arab Countries.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The present study was conducted to investigate fatal firearm injuries in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, during 2013–2023. All investigated victims were referred to the mortuary of the Forensic Medicine Department, Dammam.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study investigated all firearm deaths in Dammam. Most of the victims were Saudi Nationals. Homicidal victims (N = 88) surpassed the suicidal cases (N = 24). Rifled weapons were the most common weapon used in both groups. Head wounds were much more common in suicides (70.8 %) compared to homicides (34.1 %) (p = 0.001). Toxicological findings confirmed more Cannabis in homicide cases and more Ethanol in suicide cases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The current findings were contradictory to the pattern seen in other countries where suicides were the predominant group.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100410"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143377828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pirkko Kriikku , Hilde Marie E. Edvardsen , Gunilla Thelander , Svava Thordardottir , Charlotte Uggerhøj Andersen , Ilkka Ojanperä , Anna K. Jönsson , Joachim Frost , Simon Kjær Hermansen , Gerd J.M. Delaveris , Kirsten Wiese Simonsen
{"title":"Fatal poisonings in Nordic countries in 2022 among people who use drugs","authors":"Pirkko Kriikku , Hilde Marie E. Edvardsen , Gunilla Thelander , Svava Thordardottir , Charlotte Uggerhøj Andersen , Ilkka Ojanperä , Anna K. Jönsson , Joachim Frost , Simon Kjær Hermansen , Gerd J.M. Delaveris , Kirsten Wiese Simonsen","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100408","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100408","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study is a survey of fatal poisonings occurring in 2022 among people who use drugs (PWUD) in the Nordic countries. This is the eighth report in a series of studies on PWUD conducted about every fifth year since 1984 by a working group representing Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.Data on the number of deaths, gender, age, place of death, main intoxicant, and drugs detected in blood were recorded. National data were compared between the Nordic countries as well as with the earlier studies. The death rate (number of deaths per 100,000 inhabitants) among PWUD in 2022 was highest in Norway (8.03), followed by Iceland (7.20) and Finland (5.95), and lowest in Denmark (5.09). This rate increased in all countries compared to 2017, except in Sweden, which saw a decrease from 6.46 to 5.91. The change was only statistically significant in Norway. Most deaths occurred among men, with women accounting for 16–23 %. The median age at the time of death among PWUD was 40–43 years in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, while it was about ten years younger in Finland and Iceland (median age 33 years). Opioids were the main cause of PWUD death in all countries. The proportion of opioid deaths amounted to 73–89 % and was lowest in Denmark and highest in Iceland. New psychoactive substances (NPS) were sporadically detected in all countries but were rarely the main intoxicant. The largest diversity of NPS was detected in Finland and Sweden.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100408"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"PSA is not suitable as a reliable marker for seminal fluid in rectal samples collected post-mortem","authors":"Corine Müller, Elie Pascolo Tièche, Martin Zieger","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100409","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100409","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are used in forensic examinations of sexual offences to indicate the presence of seminal fluid. Based on a retrospective analysis of 484 forensic samples collected in sexual assault cases, we observed a significant enrichment of potentially misleading tests for seminal fluid, for samples collected post-mortem. Reduced reliability of PSA testing for the indication of the presence of ejaculate in samples collected post-mortem has already been reported previously. However, previous studies either included only a small number of rectal samples, particularly from female cadavers, or were based on vaginal swabs. In our study, 34 female and 67 male rectal swab samples collected post-mortem were analysed. The rate of positive SERATEC® PSA Semiquant tests was 33 % for women and 67 % for men. Using male specific qPCR, male DNA was detected in only one of the female samples, indicating a high false-positive rate for both sexes when using SERATEC® PSA Semiquant tests as indicators for the presence of seminal liquid post mortem. Different degrees of decomposition showed no significant correlation with the PSA positivity rate. As expected, a significant correlation between the sex of the deceased individuals and the PSA test result could be demonstrated. The study demonstrates the very limited probative value of PSA as a marker for seminal fluid post mortem.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100409"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Katia Robledo Querol , Bonifacio Rodrigues Cebola , Susanna Caminada , Manuel González Rodríguez , Enani Rogerio Uamusse , Nolton Francisco Jeque , Justin Stebbing , Samantha Lundringan , Damiano Pizzol , Lee Smith
{"title":"Necrophilia a case report from Mozambique","authors":"Katia Robledo Querol , Bonifacio Rodrigues Cebola , Susanna Caminada , Manuel González Rodríguez , Enani Rogerio Uamusse , Nolton Francisco Jeque , Justin Stebbing , Samantha Lundringan , Damiano Pizzol , Lee Smith","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100407","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100407","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Necrophilia is a paraphilia in which the primary source of pleasure comes from having sex with, or sexually abusing the dead. The etiology is unknown and includes multiple social, environmental and contextual factors. Its prevalence is probably underestimated, and, especially in low-income settings, the reporting is limited. We report on a 17-year-old female cadaver characterized by generalized coldness, fixed lividity in the posterior plane, cadaveric relaxation phase, presence of a green abdominal stain in the right iliac fossa and chromatic phase of putrefaction; exhumed and sexually violated after burial. We also provide a review of the existing literature.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100407"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence of latent tuberculosis and mycobacterial infections in medicolegal cases with pleural adhesions: An observational study","authors":"Jayanthi Yadav , Ujjawal Khurana , Shubham Richariya , Shashank Purwar , Sangita Moirangthem , Johann Aibantyllilang Blah","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100406","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100406","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective and Background</h3><div>Pleural adhesions, fibrous bands between pleural layers, are common in autopsies and often associated with Tuberculosis (TB). This study aims to determine the prevalence of latent TB and mycobacterial infections in medicolegal cases with pleural adhesions. The focus is on various diagnostic approaches and implications of the study for TB management in a high-burden setting like India.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>The observational study spanned two years, involving 743 autopsies at AIIMS Bhopal. Tissue samples from 82 cases with pleural adhesions were analyzed after obtaining consent and a detailed history. Diagnostic methods, including direct smear microscopy, Mycobacteria Growth Indicator (MGIT), Lowenstein–Jensen (LJ) media, and PCR, were employed.</div></div><div><h3>Observation</h3><div>Of 164 cases with pleural adhesions, 15 (18.29 %) were positive for Mycobacterium, including 11 MTB and 4 NTM cases. Diagnostic methods revealed the challenges in detecting latent TB. Incidental diagnoses were prevalent, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness. Advanced techniques (MGIT, LJ, PCR) improved detection rates. The study highlights latent TB's impact in India, suggesting the importance of research, surveillance, and interventions for effective TB control. Addressing latent TB becomes crucial in global eradication efforts.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study emphasizes India's TB burden, with pleural adhesions acting as clinical markers. Incidental diagnoses and the role of latent TB in the population underscore the need for enhanced research and diagnostic strategies. Diagnostic challenges, including limited symptoms, necessitate advanced techniques. The study discusses the multifaceted challenge of latent TB diagnosis and the importance of interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100406"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adele Lauren Kaleigh Naidoo , Donna-Lee Pamela Martin , Laura Jane Heathfield
{"title":"Establishment of performance parameters for the Qubit™ 1X dsDNA HS Assay for use in forensic genetics casework","authors":"Adele Lauren Kaleigh Naidoo , Donna-Lee Pamela Martin , Laura Jane Heathfield","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100405","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100405","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Next generation sequencing is being more regularly used in forensic casework, particularly for post-mortem genetic analyses in sudden unexpected death cases. Accurate quantification of DNA and associated sequencing libraries is essential, however, no validation studies have been published on the recommended fluorometric quantification methods. The aim of this study was to optimise and internally validate the Qubit™ 1X dsDNA HS Assay Kit on the Qubit™ 4 Fluorometer as part of a molecular autopsy workflow for forensic applications. An optimised working solution equilibration period, sample incubation time and dilution medium were established. The optimised workflow was then used to assess the DNA concentration of control Lambda DNA, DNA extracted from forensic samples and sequencing libraries. The accuracy, precision, dynamic range, and sensitivity were established in accordance with ISO 17025 standards. All parameters met the manufacturer’s criteria of acceptance except for the precision of measurements for samples with DNA concentrations greater than or equal to 0.5 ng/µl, which were expected to have less than 1 % CV. The precision of the measurements (1.2–2.44 % CV), however, was deemed acceptable for our laboratory, as downstream DNA sequencing results surpassed quality thresholds. Additionally, precision between operators was poor. This study has advanced our progression towards implementing a molecular autopsy sequencing workflow in South Africa and provides the first performance parameters for the Qubit™ 1X dsDNA HS Assay Kit which may be useful for other laboratories.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100405"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jamie K. Pringle , Andrew Binley , Kristopher D. Wisniewski , Ben Davenward , Vivienne G. Heaton , Georgina E. Handley
{"title":"Cold case report: Geoforensic brownfield site search for murder victim based on prison informant lead","authors":"Jamie K. Pringle , Andrew Binley , Kristopher D. Wisniewski , Ben Davenward , Vivienne G. Heaton , Georgina E. Handley","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100404","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100404","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cold case searches for the missing can be challenging, especially when the convicted perpetrator may or may not be giving forensic investigators truthful information. This paper reports on a cold case search for a teenage girl who was reported missing during the mid-2000s in north-west England, with this being the second area searched following the disclosure of information by a suspect prison cellmate. The disused search area had many uses, including an animal sanctuary after the girl went missing. Initial police ground searches proved unsuccessful in locating the victim. Geoforensic search aims was to use geophysics to identify potential burial position(s) within the search site priority areas to be then forensically investigated. A multi-phased geoforensic search was conducted, initially forensic botany removed vegetation back to when the girl went missing, electromagnetic induction (EMI) surveys then identified potential burial areas, before ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys were also collected in other areas to identify near-surface buried object positions. The EMI and GPR identified priority targets were then forensically excavated, with several isolated animal burials recovered and a drainage pipe identified to be cause of other geophysical targets, which gave confidence that any burials onsite could be identified geophysically. No case-relevant material was found. The case presented suggests these geoforensic approaches provide assurances to rule out forensic search locations, saving time and costs in such cold case investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100404"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Naoto Tani , Tomomi Michiue , Aya Matsusue , Takaki Ishikawa
{"title":"Considerations arising from a case of cannibalism: A forensic autopsy report","authors":"Naoto Tani , Tomomi Michiue , Aya Matsusue , Takaki Ishikawa","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100403","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100403","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cannibalism represents an individual of a species eating another of the same species and is a widely recognized phenomenon in many species. Issues surrounding the existence of human cannibalism have long been debated and motivations for consuming human tissue have been divided into three types: ritual, survival, and pathological. Individuals who engage in such practices are usually either severely mentally ill or suffering from a significant paraphilia. In the present case, an autopsy was performed on a victim of cannibalism in her 20 s. The suspected male perpetrator had been found dead at the same time, and autopsy revealed parts of the victim’s breast and tongue in the stomach of the suspect. DNA analysis of stomach contents confirmed that they belonged to the female victim. The present case involved a murder targeting a woman, and the female genitalia were cut off and partially eaten, suggesting pathological cannibalism. In addition to significant paraphilia, the male suspect in this case may have also had psychological aspects such as identification. When encountering such murders, cannibalism may need to be considered, particularly if parts of the victim’s body are missing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100403"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessment of the impact of fabric composition and color on the visualization of biological traces and lubricants using the Foster + Freeman Crime-lite® ML PRO","authors":"Dagmara Lisman , Ilona Savochka , Emilia Żarczyńska , Andrzej Ossowski","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100401","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100401","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The effective visualisation of biological traces, such as blood, semen, saliva, urine, and lubricants, is crucial in forensic investigations. The Foster + Freeman Crime-lite® ML PRO is a tool used to detect these traces by employing different wavelengths of light. This study investigates how fabric type and colour influence the effectiveness of this device in identifying biological and lubricant traces. This study evaluates how fabric composition and colour affect the effectiveness of biological trace and lubricant visualisation using the Foster + Freeman Crime-lite® ML PRO device. Various fabrics and substances were analysed to determine the optimal conditions for detection. Both natural and synthetic fabrics were tested under different lighting conditions provided by the device. The visibility of biological traces and lubricants was examined across multiple wavelengths, including the visible and infrared spectra. Key parameters such as fabric composition, colour, and stain concentration were assessed. The findings indicate that both the chemical composition and colour of fabrics play a significant role in the effectiveness of biological trace and lubricant visualisation. The Foster + Freeman Crime-lite® ML PRO device was effective in detecting biological traces when optimal conditions were met. However, the variability in results highlights the need for tailored approaches depending on fabric type and colour.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100401"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}