Forensic Science International: Reports最新文献

{"title":"Fatal poisonings in Nordic countries in 2022 among people who use drugs","authors":"Pirkko Kriikku ,&nbsp;Hilde Marie E. Edvardsen ,&nbsp;Gunilla Thelander ,&nbsp;Svava Thordardottir ,&nbsp;Charlotte Uggerhøj Andersen ,&nbsp;Ilkka Ojanperä ,&nbsp;Anna K. Jönsson ,&nbsp;Joachim Frost ,&nbsp;Simon Kjær Hermansen ,&nbsp;Gerd J.M. Delaveris ,&nbsp;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":"2025-07-01","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":"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 ,&nbsp;Ilona Savochka ,&nbsp;Emilia Żarczyńska ,&nbsp;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":"2025-07-01","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":"A review of practical approach in suspected infanticide deaths","authors":"Lii Jye Tan ,&nbsp;Beng Beng Ong ,&nbsp;Nur Syahrina Rahim ,&nbsp;Cai Ping Koh ,&nbsp;Mohammad Shafie Othman ,&nbsp;Zhao Peng Koo ,&nbsp;Shau-Kong Lai","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100420","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100420","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Determining stillbirth or livebirth in cases of infant abandonment is a complex and challenging task in autopsy practice. This distinction is crucial in determining whether the death is link to natural causes or potentially involves criminal implications. This review critically examines current methodologies in postmortem investigations of newborn deaths, emphasizing the importance of accurately distinguishing between stillbirth and livebirth. Our goal is to provide a thorough checklist for forensic practitioners by analyzing pathological, radiological, and biochemical parameters in suspected infanticide investigations. Enhancing the accuracy of these investigations not only aids the judicial process but also serves as a deterrent against newborn abandonment or infanticide. Ultimately, the implementation of stringent legal measures against newborn abandonment is expected to reduce the incidence of infanticide and improve neonatal survival rates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100420"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144139335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Firearm fatalities in Dammam: A forensic retrospective study","authors":"Magdy Kharoshah ,&nbsp;Maram Aabdulghani AlFarayedhi ,&nbsp;Abdullah AlBouijan ,&nbsp;Noua AlOtaibi ,&nbsp;AbdulRahman Waheed AlDossary ,&nbsp;Ibrahim AlAboudi ,&nbsp;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":"2025-07-01","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}

{"title":"Biological sex and stature estimations from dry sternum: A population-specific study in Northeastern Thais","authors":"Chanasorn Poodendaen ,&nbsp;Supawadee Klaikran ,&nbsp;Atithaya Maihong ,&nbsp;Narawadee Choompoo ,&nbsp;Suthat Duangchit ,&nbsp;Worrawit Boonthai ,&nbsp;Nareelak Tangsrisakda ,&nbsp;Supatcharee Arun ,&nbsp;Chadaporn Chaimontri ,&nbsp;Sitthichai Iamsaard","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100419","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100419","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Biological sex determination and stature estimation are crucial components to establish the biological profiling for human identification. The population-specific standards are still needed to apply for accurate assessment. Sternum has been demonstrated to have high sexual dimorphism in many populations, but has not yet been adequately studied in Northeastern Thais to be applied in cases where traditional bones are not available or fragmented. This study, therefore, aimed to develop the standard measurements in Northeastern Thai sternum.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>The study examined 390 dry sterna (200 males, 190 females) collected from identified Thai skeletons. The length of manubrium, manubrium width, three corpus stern widths, and sternal body length were measured using a digital Vernier caliper. Logistic regression analysis was used for biological sex determination and the linear regression was employed to estimate the stature.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All sternal parameters showed significant sexual dimorphism. The optimized multivariate model for biological sex determination using four sternal parameters achieved approximately 83.6 % classification accuracy. For stature estimation, the combined equation using three measurements revealed the strongest correlation (r = 0.588) with a Standard Error of Estimate (SEE) of 6.24 cm. Sex-specific equations showed the improved precision of male SEE = 5.871 cm and of female SEE = 5.798 cm, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study provided the standards for biological sex determination and stature estimation from sternal measurements. Dry sternum can be useful for sex dimorphism and stature evaluation in forensic identification for Northeastern Thai population when the classical bones like complete pelvis, skull, or long bones are unavailable.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100419"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144146773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cold case report: Geoforensic brownfield site search for murder victim based on prison informant lead","authors":"Jamie K. Pringle ,&nbsp;Andrew Binley ,&nbsp;Kristopher D. Wisniewski ,&nbsp;Ben Davenward ,&nbsp;Vivienne G. Heaton ,&nbsp;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":"2025-07-01","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}

{"title":"Forward Spatter Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: AO Estimation Using Image Processing and Numerical Modeling","authors":"Aylin Yalçın Sarıbey ,&nbsp;Fatma Nida Ocak","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100416","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100416","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of examining the forward spatter bloodstain patterns of gunshot wounds is to accurately describe the relationship between the victim, the culprit, and the crime scene. The purpose of this study is to determine the approximate location of the blood source, i.e. the victim, at the crime scene by using an image processing and numerical modeling approach. To achieve this, an experimental setup is designed with cardstocks and a cow blood-soaked sponge. In total, twenty forward spatter patterns are obtained onto cardstocks after successful shootings. In the post-processing phase, ellipses on the cardstocks are detected by processing the forward spatters in MATLAB. To achieve this, ellipse properties are identified for calculating the impact angles. The impact angles are then utilized as inputs to the tangent method within the program to estimate the Area of Origin (<em>AO</em>_<em>x</em>). For visualization, 2D and 3D images are generated. In conclusion, it is observed that the program works the best in determining the <em>AO</em>_<em>x</em>, for the scenarios where the real <em>AO</em>_<em>x</em> distances (blood source to target distances) are 35 cm, 50 cm, and 100 cm respectively. The program’s weakness while determining <em>AO</em>_<em>x</em> for the source distance of 5 cm is also reported. It is necessary to improve the program for short blood source-to-target distances and long shooting distances. It can be concluded that image quality is also a key factor for post-processing as it might mislead the results with visible ellipses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100416"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143859125","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing forensic sex identification through AI-based analysis of the foramen magnum","authors":"Sirinart Chomean ,&nbsp;Natipong Chatthai ,&nbsp;Napakorn Sangchay ,&nbsp;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":"2025-07-01","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}

{"title":"Species identification of avian feathers in Japanese Habouki using feather morphological and molecular testing","authors":"Nana Ushine ,&nbsp;Isao Nishiumi ,&nbsp;Higuchi Aki ,&nbsp;Aki Tanaka ,&nbsp;Ayano Mori ,&nbsp;Nanami Tsuchiya ,&nbsp;Shin-ichi Hayama","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100415","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100415","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Habouki is a tool used in Japanese tea ceremonies consisting of a bundle of feathers from birds of prey and waterfowl. Habouki often include feathers from avian species that are legally protected. In this study, we examined three types of Habouki (Zabaki, Tsukamibane, and Mitsubane) suspected of containing feathers from legally protected species and conducted species identification through feather morphological examination and molecular analysis. Morphological examinations and molecular biological analyses targeting cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit 1 region were conducted using the barbs of Habouki feathers. Genetic analysis revealed that Zabaki contained feathers from <em>Aquila chrysaetos</em> (genetic difference between Habouki feather and the control sample; 0.02 %), Tsukamibane contained <em>Cygnus columbianus</em> (0.16 %), and Mitsubane contained <em>Ciconia boyciana</em> (0.05 %). In the morphological examinations based on shape, color, and size, the Zabaki feather was presumed to be the rectrices of the Golden Eagle (<em>Aquila chrysaetos</em>), the Tsukamibane feather was the tertials of Whooper Swan (<em>Cygnus cygnus</em>) and Tundra Swan (<em>Cygnus columbianus</em>), and the Mitsubane feather was the secondary and tertial feathers of the Japanese White Stork (<em>Ciconia boyciana</em>). Habouki are currently not being produced. To safeguard the continuity of Japanese tea ceremony culture, it is crucial to protect Habouki and prevent illegal activities such as poaching. When determining whether feathers belong to rare species, it is recommended to conduct feather morphological examinations rather than molecular biological examinations, which destroy Habouki.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100415"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143839010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","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,&nbsp;Elie Pascolo Tièche,&nbsp;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":"2025-07-01","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}