{"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}
{"title":"Causal analysis of vertebral artery dissection and fatal stroke following chiropractic cervical spine manipulation","authors":"Steven P. Brown","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100400","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100400","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A 34-year-old female suffered a fatal stroke 7.5 h after cervical spine manipulation (CSM) performed by a chiropractic physician. Imaging noted vertebral artery dissection (VAD), basilar artery occlusion, and thromboembolic stroke. The medical examiner opined that CSM caused the VAD which embolized to cause the fatal stroke. However, causation of VAD by CSM is not supported by the research.</div><div>We utilized an intuitive approach to causation analysis to determine the cause of the VAD and the stroke. Causation of the VAD and the stroke by CSM could not be established as more likely than not. The malpractice case was settled by bringing allegations of misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose and refer the VAD to medical emergency.</div><div>We conclude that in the absence of convincing evidence that CSM could cause VAD, forensic professionals should consider VAD as a presenting symptom prior to CSM in such cases. Adherence to the standard of care for the chiropractic profession with attention to differential diagnosis could prevent such cases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100400"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136035","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}
Praveena Prabhakaran , Shankar M. Bakkannavar , Vinod C. Nayak , Vinutha R. Bhat
{"title":"A review on rehydrating solutions for fingertips in dried decomposed bodies","authors":"Praveena Prabhakaran , Shankar M. Bakkannavar , Vinod C. Nayak , Vinutha R. Bhat","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100399","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100399","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In forensic science, fingerprint analysis remains one of the most reliable methods for identifying individuals. However, this becomes challenging when dealing with decomposed bodies. Although various techniques are available, there is still a lack of a methodology that yields results quickly, particularly for retrieving and rehydrating mummified fingertips. Mummified tissue presents unique challenges for fingerprinting due to its rigidity, shrinkage, and other features that obscure epidermal ridge detail. This article overviews the rehydration solutions currently used to restore fingerprint details. These solutions include sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, ethanol, and recent advancements such as citric acid and specialized tissue conditioners. The efficacy of each solution is discussed in terms of effectiveness and the time required for rehydration. By summarizing these approaches, this article aims to inform forensic practitioners of the available techniques for rehydration and explore future prospects in this field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100399"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136036","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}
Erica L. Romsos , Lilliana I. Moreno , Douglas R. Hares
{"title":"Results of the 2023 rapid DNA multi-laboratory study – RapidINTEL Plus sample cartridge","authors":"Erica L. Romsos , Lilliana I. Moreno , Douglas R. Hares","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100396","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100396","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Identical sensitivity and mixture sample sets were provided to six external laboratories to evaluate the recent enhancements to the Rapid DNA technology for crime scene-type samples. Data were returned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology for review and analysis. Manual interpretation (modified Rapid DNA analysis) was conducted on all samples to assess the success of genotyping for both full profiles and the 20 Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) core STR loci using 18 total cellular DNA input amounts ranging from 102.4 ng to 0.025 ng. Two-person and three-person mixtures at varying ratios for two total DNA inputs were analyzed and observed allele percentages were compared to expected allele percentages.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100396"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143151044","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}
Erica L. Romsos , Lilliana I. Moreno , Douglas R. Hares
{"title":"Results of the 2023 rapid DNA multi-laboratory study – I-Chip","authors":"Erica L. Romsos , Lilliana I. Moreno , Douglas R. Hares","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100395","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100395","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Identical sensitivity and mixture sample sets were provided to six external laboratories to evaluate the recent enhancements to the Rapid DNA technology for crime scene-type samples. Data were returned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology for review and analysis. Manual interpretation (modified Rapid DNA analysis) was conducted on all samples to assess the success of genotyping for both full profiles and the 20 Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) core STR loci using 18 total cellular DNA input amounts ranging from 102.4 ng to 0.025 ng. Two-person and three-person mixtures at varying ratios for two total DNA inputs were analyzed and observed allele percentages were compared to expected allele percentages.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100395"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143151045","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}
Kateřina Pachnerová Brabcová , Nikola Pravdíková , Kateřina Čápová , Jaroslava Frouzová , Kristýna Hebenstreitová , Kateřina Jandová , Jaroslav Kukla , Eliška Rajmonová , Ondřej Salaba , Ivo Světlík , Dominik Šmok , Jakub Trubač , Jitka Kufnerová
{"title":"Effect of leather tanning process on stable isotopes and radiocarbon in tissues of Persian leopard: Preliminary results","authors":"Kateřina Pachnerová Brabcová , Nikola Pravdíková , Kateřina Čápová , Jaroslava Frouzová , Kristýna Hebenstreitová , Kateřina Jandová , Jaroslav Kukla , Eliška Rajmonová , Ondřej Salaba , Ivo Světlík , Dominik Šmok , Jakub Trubač , Jitka Kufnerová","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100398","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100398","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The international trade in animals and their parts is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Legal trade in wild animals and their derivatives is based on sustainable practices, ensuring that specimens are taken in quantities that do not threaten population stability. Unregulated or illegal international trade can jeopardise the survival of certain species by depleting wild populations. Forensic analysis is crucial in distinguishing between legal and illegal trade, particularly by determining the geographical origin or age of a specimen through methods such as stable isotope and radiocarbon analysis. The tanning process, which converts mammalian raw hides into valuable fur skins, involves the use of aggressive chemical reagents. These reagents, if absorbed by the hair or skin, can alter the original isotopic signatures, complicating forensic efforts. The extent of these alterations is not yet fully understood. The novelty of our approach lies in the fact that, for the first time, we have measured the step-by-step changes in isotopic composition throughout each individual phase of the tanning process. Previous studies have typically focused only on raw hides and final products. Additionally, we compared different tanning methods applied to a single hide. Using a leopard skin, we documented potential isotopic shifts in <sup>14</sup>C, <sup>2</sup>H, <sup>18</sup>O, <sup>15</sup>N and <sup>13</sup>C during the tanning process, employing accelerated mass spectrometry and stable isotope mass spectrometry. Our preliminary findings suggest that the tanning process induces slight shifts in both stable and radioactive isotope ratios.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100398"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143151046","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":"Forensic archaeology and illegal familial repatriation and burial of a fallen WW1 soldier, Nièvre, central-east France","authors":"Marine MEUCCI DULY , Caroline Costedoat , Julien Fargettas , Emeline Verna","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100397","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100397","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The context of past conflicts, especially World War I or World War II, is treated differently in various countries. In France, the discovery of military human remains falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of the Armed Forces. Collaborations between the Ministry and national Universities allow for interdisciplinary studies that meet international scientific standards. This case report highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to achieve the identification of skeletonized individuals. An abandoned grave vault in a small town of Nièvre, central-east France, uncovered three skeletons associated with <em>militaria</em>. Initially, the remains were believed to belong to three Senegalese Riflemen executed nearby in 1940, but some of the evidence appeared contradictory. The aim of this study is to determine whether these three skeletons were the three Senegalese Riflemen or other individuals. Through an interdisciplinary approach, combining the position of the bodies in the vault, anthropological analysis of the human remains, and archival research, it was determined that the three bodies belonged to the same family. The remains were those of an illegally repatriated body of a soldier from the battlefields of WW1, together with his parents. It is suggested that they illegally repatriated him from the battlefield/cemetery and then buried him in the family vault, and later, when the parents passed away, they were also buried alongside him. This case illustrates the profound violence of the First World War and the many family losses.</div></div><div><h3>Simple summary</h3><div>The identities of three skeletons discovered buried together in a graveyard were investigated due to the presence of <em>militaria artefacts associated with one of them, revealing a rare case of illegal World War I fallen soldier familial repatriation.</em></div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100397"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143151043","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}
Dylan J. Drazdik , David M. Hammond , Travis J. Worst , Crystal M. Oechsle
{"title":"Survey of bloodstain pattern analysts regarding pattern classifications on assorted fabrics","authors":"Dylan J. Drazdik , David M. Hammond , Travis J. Worst , Crystal M. Oechsle","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100394","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100394","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Because bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) on absorbent surfaces, such as fabrics, is far more complex than its application on hard, nonporous surfaces, pattern type may be interpreted differently between fabric substrates and by analysts with more or less experience. Four bloodstain pattern types (impact spatter, transfer, drip stains, and cast-off) were created on seven fabrics (cotton, satin polyester, rayon, blended polyester/spandex, blended nylon/spandex, blended modal/polyester/spandex, and terry cloth), foamboard, or butcher paper and then photographed. A survey questionnaire that asked respondents to classify 16 patterns as to general pattern type, specific pattern type, and directionality was developed and disseminated among bloodstain pattern analysts. Respondents (n = 32, divided into five experience levels) classified the bloodstains differently based upon amounts of training and experience, the pattern type, and the substrate type. The ability to accurately classify the specific pattern type overall (p-value < 0.0002) as wells as on fabric (p-value < 0.001) was dependent upon respondent experience level. The more experienced respondents were less likely to specifically classify patterns than the less experienced respondents (p-value < 0.001). Furthermore, the ability to accurately classify the specific pattern type was dependent upon whether the pattern had been created on fabric or some other substrate (p-value < 0.0000000001). However, if the proper morphology was present in the stain, it was found that BPA on certain fabrics was possible. This finding supports the need for further research and the development of guidelines and standards for bloodstain pattern analysis on fabric materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100394"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142702571","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":"Missing persons of post-conflict countries: Assessing dental identification through a questionnaire-based study in Syria","authors":"Rawad Qaq , Scheila Mânica , Sean McAleer","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100393","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100393","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Locating and identifying missing persons is crucial to protecting human rights and rebuilding war-torn countries like Syria. Biological identity primarily relies on DNA, fingerprints, or dentition. However, post-conflict countries with high deaths, limited databases, insufficient resources, and a reduced or a lack of forensic expertise make this effort more challenging. Teeth are a practical and cost-effective means to identify human remains, particularly when acceptable dental records are available. Still, the application of comparative dental analysis in conflict scenarios needs to be more explored.</div><div>A survey study in Syria examined whether post-conflict countries could employ comparative dental identification of missing individuals. The attitudes and perceptions of four groups (the public and dentists, forensic odontologists, dental schools, and the Syrian Dental Association) were determined using questionnaires and analysed for the first two groups. Most respondents (>90 %) indicated that addressing disappearance is crucial for post-conflict reconstruction and considered it unachievable without international support and only 20 % had confidence in this support. Issues hindering human identification reported by a high percentage of dentists and forensic odontologists and included education in Forensic Odontology (92 %), expertise in the field (70 %), awareness (90 %), the availability of <em>antemortem</em> records (92.3 %) and political and security influence (50 %). Responses from over 80 % of the public, 50 % of the dentists and 92 % of the forensic odontologists indicated that comparative dental identification in Syria may not be feasible.</div><div>The results of this study provide strong evidence of the challenges in identifying missing persons using teeth in developing nations, particularly those affected by conflicts. They include the lack of <em>antemortem</em> records and forensic expertise. The international community is urged to support post-conflict nations including Syria.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100393"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142658513","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}
Nicholas Marsh , Karen Marsh , Lisa Hall , Ruth Buckley , Stephen Bleay
{"title":"Technical Report A light touch; Reviewing the relative effectiveness of light sources and physical/chemical techniques for fingermark retrieval in casework","authors":"Nicholas Marsh , Karen Marsh , Lisa Hall , Ruth Buckley , Stephen Bleay","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100391","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2024.100391","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study reviewed the efficacy of non-contact light source examinations of serious crime scenes using ultraviolet A (UVA) light, bespoke white light and lasers, compared with subsequent powdering or chemical enhancements. Twenty-six examinations of serious crime scenes or motor vehicles were analysed, from which 655 areas of retrieved fingermark or friction ridge detail<span><span><sup>1</sup></span></span> where reported on. It was found that undertaking a light source examination revealed equivalent numbers of marks to aluminium powder and chemical enhancements, with only a 4 % duplication rate between optical and physical/chemical techniques suggesting that both approaches are supplementary and should be used sequentially to each other.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100391"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142658512","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}