Forensic Science International: Reports最新文献

{"title":"Manual strangulation: When the laryngeal “colossus” gives way. A case report and literature review","authors":"Emeline Celo ,&nbsp;Ralph Iwaz ,&nbsp;Sophie Boucher ,&nbsp;Donca Zabet ,&nbsp;Nathalie Jousset","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2023.100351","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2023.100351","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Isolated fractures of the cricoid cartilage are rare. They are caused by violent trauma such as road traffic accidents, sports’ accidents and also assaults.</p><p>Observation: We report the case of a 39-year-old male who presented a displaced bifocal posterior fracture of the cricoid cartilage with a retropharyngeal haematoma responsible for the narrowing of the subglottic airway of around 70% following manual strangulation. He was intubated by nasofibroscopy then surgery was attempted to reduce one of the posterior fragments coupled with tracheotomy, with no success. The tracheostomy was kept in place for a total of three months and the subject was kept hospitalised for two months, due to recurring pulmonary abscesses requiring antibiotic treatment and drainage. On the last follow-up consultation, over one year after the trauma, persisted vocal weakness, exertional stridor, asymmetric positioning of the right arytenoid and laryngeal stenosis of around 15%.</p></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><p>We found 57 cases of cricoid fractures in the literature review. The primary manifestations of such fractures are dyspnoea, dysphonia and pain. The treatment most often consists in securing the airway by tracheostomy or intubation, however surgery can prove necessary. The main complication is laryngeal canal stenosis by granulomatous scar reaction. From a medico-legal point of view, cricoid fractures are considered by some authors as a potential indicator of homicide given the great force required to achieve this type of fracture, or at the very least, should raise suspicion of third party involvement. In the case of forensic autopsies, a meticulous examination is required given the fact that this cartilage is well sheathed inside the various surrounding structures. In forensic expertise, the potential complications and sequelae of these fractures should be taken into account.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Fractures of the cricoid cartilage are important for both clinician and forensic physician to be aware of, because of potential complications and sequelae, and because this type of trauma should raise suspicion of third-party involvement.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100351"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910723000464/pdfft?md5=6c012f8fb383800f9d128ba64b657b8b&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910723000464-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139107127","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":"DNA recovery from biological material on mini tapes using a simple extraction buffer and solid phase reversible immobilisation (SPRI) purification","authors":"Agnieszka Kuffel,&nbsp;Niamh Nic Daeid,&nbsp;Alexander Gray","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2023.100350","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2023.100350","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, we compare the performance of a simple PVP extraction method with a commercially available and widely used kit for recovering DNA from adhesive tapes. This novel method shows almost 60% higher DNA recovery from blood deposits on SceneSafe Fast™ minitapes when compared to the PrepFiler™ BTA Forensic DNA Extraction Kit. We also demonstrate how a simple modification of the magnetic bead-based purification step can lead to better recovery and removal of PCR inhibitors.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100350"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910723000452/pdfft?md5=81d9f8ac613770bfd2e807757bf15820&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910723000452-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139100050","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":"Utilizing differential extraction thresholds to deduce the existence of spermatozoa in forensic casework samples","authors":"Evelyn Ridgley,&nbsp;Casey Dejournett,&nbsp;Karen Olson","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100365","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100365","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Testing of evidence in an alleged sexual assault case not only seeks to address the question of who was involved, but also looks to answer the question of what biological source provided the DNA. It can be difficult to obtain positive serological data on challenging samples such as laundered items, low-level DNA samples, or sexual assault kit swabs obtained after a prolonged interval from the time of assault. In the absence of confirmatory serological results, an expert witness often cannot speak to the biological source of the DNA. In order to determine quantitation thresholds which could be used to deduce the presence of spermatozoa (sperm) within a sample, we evaluated the fractionation of male DNA utilizing our laboratory’s differential extraction method. Study samples included serial dilutions of semen and semen/saliva mixtures, post-coital and laundered samples as well as casework data from 1,729 samples that were processed using a differential extraction. Based on this data, it was determined that a sample which had at least 200 picograms of male DNA and at least 10% of the total male DNA in fraction 2 (F2, also known as the sperm-enriched or sperm fraction) could be reported as positive for the presence of sperm. No false positive results were obtained from the study-generated samples when using these thresholds to infer the presence of sperm. Additionally, samples that contained sperm, but were negative using traditional serological methods, could be detected. However, not all sperm-containing samples fractionated above both thresholds; therefore, serological testing may still be necessary to minimize false negative results. The thresholds developed here, proved reliable to deduce the presence of sperm in real casework samples.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100365"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910724000148/pdfft?md5=0623f36002983af67e06e065f9ba22b4&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910724000148-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140347606","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":"Evaluation of the Investigator® 24plex GO! kit and associated allele frequency data for four South African population groups","authors":"Laura Jane Heathfield ,&nbsp;Lorraine Nel,&nbsp;Kate Megan Reid","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100357","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100357","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, population data were generated from South Africans using the Investigator® 24plex GO! Kit (QIAGEN, Hilden, Germany). Participants represented the four major population groups in South Africa, with self-reported ancestral origin being African (n = 208), European (n = 213), Indian/Asian (n = 103) or Admixed (n = 209). Allele frequency data and forensic parameters were calculated for each population group using Arlequin (v.3.5.2.2) and FORSTAT (v1.0). TPOX had the lowest discrimination capacity for all population groups, except for the African population group where THO1 was the least informative. SE33 had the highest discrimination capacity for all population groups (&gt;0.98), with 38 different alleles observed in the Admixed population group. Samples exhibiting novel alleles or anomalies underwent massively parallel sequencing using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit, which confirmed the following results: one null Y allele at Amelogenin, ten instances of TPOX tri-allelism and four novel micro-variant alleles. An additional four novel alleles in SE33 were observed but remain unconfirmed, due to SE33 not being included in the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit. Moreover, nine individuals had an allele 8 or 9 at D1S1656, where the peaks for these alleles occur before the D1S1656 marker range on the electropherogram and showed as a peak within the DYS391 marker. Although this observation was rare overall (1.2%), these nine individuals were from three of the four population groups, which motivates for the adjustment of the Investigator® 24plex PCR chemistry to avoid allelic overlap of D1S1656 with DYS391. Overall, these findings highlight the diverse genetic makeup of the South Africa population and accentuate the importance of local population studies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100357"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910724000069/pdfft?md5=bdf94b977f82ace65cfd4c265bc4f295&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910724000069-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139687053","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":"Anthropometric examination of footprints in South Indian population for sex estimation","authors":"Sravya Palla ,&nbsp;Anitha Shivajirao","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100354","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100354","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Individualisation is essential when assessing physical evidence that is discovered at a crime scene to connect the evidence to a suspect or victim. Many studies on the identification of an individual from various evidence types have been conducted across the globe. Once identified, a person's sex completes 50% of the individualisation process, which assists the investigator in leading the investigation in a specific direction by narrowing down the pool of suspects. The current study intends to ascertain an individual's sex, be it male or female, based on footprint evidence, which is a highly neglected research area. The present study is part of an anthropometrical research in which seven different footprint measurements, specifically lengths and widths, were recorded and statistically assessed to determine a person's sex from inked bilateral footprints of 132 individuals (61 males and 71 females) aged 18–50 years, who were born in South India.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The t-test scores show that the right footprint parameters are similar to the left footprint, except T1 (Length between the pternion and the first toe anterior point) and B1 (Total Ball Breadth) in females. T4_R (Length between the pternion and the fourth toe anterior end of the right foot) exhibited the strongest correlation with sex. In contrast, HB_Index_R (Heel ball index of right foot) exhibited the weakest correlation. The male and female footprints achieved 77% and 93% accuracy rates, respectively.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>A person's sex can be established, to a satisfactory degree, with the help of individual footprint measurements. Further studies can develop population-specific footprint standards to help investigators hasten the identification process.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100354"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910724000033/pdfft?md5=dfd24614a582a87c501e3ca52fab7e63&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910724000033-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139537590","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":"Delayed decompositional changes in indoor settings among Tibetan monastic communities in India: A case report","authors":"Tawni L. Tidwell ,&nbsp;Leslie E. Eisenberg ,&nbsp;Alexander Fedotov ,&nbsp;Elena Kokurina ,&nbsp;Julia Boytsova ,&nbsp;Tenzin Desel ,&nbsp;Lodoe Sangpo ,&nbsp;Ngawang Norbu ,&nbsp;Jigme Chokdrup ,&nbsp;Dorji Tsering ,&nbsp;Thupten Sherap ,&nbsp;Tanzin Chhonden ,&nbsp;Yeshi Dorje ,&nbsp;Chhoktan Lama ,&nbsp;Kunga Lhundup ,&nbsp;Jamyang ,&nbsp;Lharkyab ,&nbsp;Lobsang Phuntsok ,&nbsp;Tenzin Wangchuk ,&nbsp;Stanzin Lhakpa ,&nbsp;Svyatoslav Medvedev","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100370","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100370","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Within the fields of forensic anthropology and forensic medicine in general, the ability to provide accurate estimates of time since death that minimize error, maximize precision, and consider a multitude of variables is a critical component of all forensic and medicolegal investigations that focus on the identification of human remains and the circumstances surrounding death. In comparison with many forensic cases where date of death is typically unknown, we begin with a known postmortem interval and progressively assess, through external testing measures (temperature, skin elasticity and skin color changes) followed by photography and videography, decompositional changes over time. This work seeks to provide well-described cases with documented biological parameters to propose hypotheses for future research. Field team members observe and record any decompositional changes associated with the states of algor, rigor, and livor mortis, as well as progressive changes in skin color and tissue integrity in an environment where variability in climate and ecological factors may vary from case to case. The two cases were followed for 31 (postmortem interval [PMI] 38) and 19 (PMI 27) days in humid subtropical and tropical monsoon Köppen-Geiger classified climatic zones, respectively, where delayed decompositional and putrefactive changes observed are at odds with the anticipated rate and expected suite of biological changes occurring within an indoor permeable setting following clinical death. Within this taphonomic context, we also address the value of describing and documenting postmortem intervals in a closed subpopulation from which some individuals are recognized for exhibiting attenuated decompositional changes. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing understudied and underrepresented regions, climates, and cultural contexts for furthering research into the factors that may contribute to the understanding of the early stages of the PMI period and improve the precision of PMI estimates more broadly.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100370"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910724000197/pdfft?md5=2acf4effc38f95e20c641093474e81b4&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910724000197-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141030713","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":"The first X-STR population study for the South African population","authors":"Amy-Leigh Whittaker,&nbsp;Laura Jane Heathfield","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100359","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100359","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The utilisation of X-chromosome short tandem repeats (X-STRs) for DNA profiling has been demonstrated to be particularly useful in resolving distant familial relations and deficiency paternity testing. The implementation of X-STRs within a medico-legal context requires baseline frequency data for the general population to allow for appropriate statistical interpretations of results. This study aimed to generate the first X-STR data for the South African population using an optimised and internally validated Qiagen Investigator Argus X-12 QS workflow. Biological samples from 1016 South African individuals (593 males and 423 females) with either African, European, Indian/Asian or mixed ancestry were processed. Herein, allele and haplotype frequencies, as well as forensic and population parameters for the four major South African population groups are reported. Locus DXS10135 was the most informative across all four population groups. Similarly, linkage group 1 had the highest haplotype diversity. An MDS plot revealed that the population groups in South Africa cluster with other global populations of similar ancestry, rather than each other. Additionally, 75 off-ladder alleles were identified, of which 37 were novel. X-STR analyses for civil inheritance disputes and the identification of unknown individuals are now possible given these data.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100359"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910724000082/pdfft?md5=f2652ac72a55811eb3a53eb21888a318&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910724000082-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139749319","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":"Death by scythe: Where forensic pathology meets arts and symbolism","authors":"Martin Janík ,&nbsp;Ľubomír Straka ,&nbsp;Lenka Zátopková ,&nbsp;Petr Hejna","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100362","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100362","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>We report a rare case of fatal exsanguination by a scythe. A 71-year-old man slipped while jumping over a stream and impaled himself on a 70 cm long curved steel blade of the scythe. The external examination of the body disclosed a stab wound in the left upper part of the trunk. Internally, impaling injuries involving the left thoracic walls, left lung parenchyma, and pulmonary vasculature were disclosed. Toxicology results indicated preceding alcohol use. This paper also traces and consolidates symbolic, artistic, and historical connotations of the scythe and highlights the intersection of art and science that defines the field of forensic pathology. Although exploring the relationship between the arts and pathology is not novel, intriguing links between the arts and forensic practice can broadly enhance observation and analytical skills, and help forensic professionals become more thoughtful and contextual.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100362"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910724000112/pdfft?md5=87e88f4bf3aa618384f14de57c2d0ad8&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910724000112-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140067131","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":"Fatal myocardial infarction following pulmonary vein isolation due to atrioesophageal fistula: Case report","authors":"Conny Hartmann ,&nbsp;Joelle Tschui ,&nbsp;Kristina Bauer ,&nbsp;Jeremias Klaus ,&nbsp;Wolf-Dieter Zech ,&nbsp;Christian Jackowski ,&nbsp;Nicolas Lange-Herr","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100364","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100364","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This case report describes the death of a 73-year-old man who suffered a fatal myocardial infarction following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Post-mortem examination and imaging revealed the presence of an atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) leading to gas embolism at various sites of the heart including the right coronary artery. Atrioesophageal fistulas are rare complications of pulmonary vein isolation with high mortality rates.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100364"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910724000136/pdfft?md5=8080bea0edfa0debbafbebda426022b2&pid=1-s2.0-S2665910724000136-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140347607","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":"Survivability of IED components, suitcases, their contents and luggage containers in suitcase bombs","authors":"Erwin Vermeij","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100366","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100366","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>One of the most striking attacks on a commercial passenger airliner was the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 (PA103) on 21 December 1988. Shortly after departure, the Boeing 747 “Clipper Maid of the Seas” broke apart over the Scottish town of Lockerbie. All 259 passengers and crew were killed, along with 11 residents of Lockerbie. The bombing of flight PA103 is still subject to controversy. The origin of a crucial piece of evidence, a fragment of circuit board, is highly questioned. One of the reasons for this ongoing controversy is probably that circumstantial evidence, that led to the conviction of a Libyan, is not supported by other evidence. Almost nothing is published in the forensic literature regarding the survivability of components that make up an improvised explosive device (IED). To gain insight into the survivability of IED components, suitcases, their contents, and luggage containers, a series of controlled experiments were carried out in which suitcase bombs, positioned in different configurations in aluminium LD3 luggage containers, were detonated. From the results, it could be seen that the major part of the suitcases, their contents and the LD3 containers survived the explosion. Also, almost all components of the IED itself survived the explosion to a greater or lesser extent.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100366"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266591072400015X/pdfft?md5=befb44245fed0c54796a37f8ae594fa1&pid=1-s2.0-S266591072400015X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140617995","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}