Forensic Science International: Synergy最新文献

{"title":"Quantifying the strength of palmprint comparisons: Majority identifications with surprisingly low value","authors":"Meredith Coon ,&nbsp;Thomas Busey","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100628","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100628","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Friction ridge examiners report conclusions to palm impression comparisons similarly to fingerprint impression comparisons, although several key differences exist. These include an extensive search process in palm impressions, differences in minutiae rarity, and orientation challenges that most fingerprint comparisons do not require. Most US laboratories use a three-conclusion scale that includes Identification, Exclusion, and Inconclusive, which have not been calibrated against the actual strength of the evidence in palmprint comparisons. To measure the strength of the evidence of palmprint impressions, the present work constructs likelihood ratios using an ordered probit model based on distributions of examiner responses in an error rate study. Many likelihood ratios calculated are quite modest and the current articulation scales may overestimate the strength of support for same source propositions by up to five orders of magnitude. These likelihood ratios help calibrate the articulation language and may offer an alternative to categorical reporting scales.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100628"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144687561","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":"Transparent reporting in forensic Science: Exploring its meaning and challenges","authors":"Kristy A. Martire","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100630","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100630","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The forensic and scientific communities widely endorse transparency as a core principle and fundamental obligation of forensic science reporting. Yet the definition of transparency - ironically – remains opaque. This ambiguity impacts scientist's ability to fulfill their obligations when reporting forensic findings to justice systems as the primary consumer. Applying Elliott's 2022 taxonomy of transparency clarifies the issue, revealing that transparency is central to achieving Reliability, Assessment, Justice, Accountability and Innovation goals. It involves disclosing information about the scientists' Authority, Compliance, Basis, Justification, Validity, Disagreements, and Context, and shows that the audiences for these disclosures includes not only primary consumers, but also a range of agents, actors, and stakeholders. This complexity creates a multidimensional challenge for scientists and forensic science service providers, requiring a careful balance between competing demands. Templates can mitigate some of these challenges, but must be coupled with ongoing collaboration among forensic scientists, legal stakeholders, and institutional bodies to ensure that reporting practices evolve in line with professional obligations, scientific rigor and the realities of forensic practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100630"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655808","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":"Validation of the EuroForMix at the Brazilian Federal Police: Analysis of matches involving complex genetic profiles","authors":"Ananda Duarte ,&nbsp;Augusto Soares Leite Ribeiro ,&nbsp;Marlon Anselmo Duarte da Costa ,&nbsp;Renato Teodoro Fereira de Paranaíba ,&nbsp;Apoena de Oliveira Lopes ,&nbsp;Luiz Guilherme Barros Cocentino ,&nbsp;Bruno Rodrigues Trindade ,&nbsp;Carlos Eduardo Martinez de Medeiros ,&nbsp;Cristina Moniz de Aragão Gualda ,&nbsp;Aline Costa Minervino","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100619","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100619","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>DNA mixture profiles and single profiles with drop-out originate from complex biological samples, whose interpretation poses challenges such as determining the number of contributors and evaluating the weight of genetic evidence. At the laboratory of the Forensic Genetics Service of the Federal Police (SEPGEF), the analysis of complex genetic profiles is performed using the LRmix Studio™ software, which has been discontinued. Thus, members of the National DNA Database (BNPG) and SEPGEF conducted this study to validate the use of the EuroForMix software in evaluating matches of complex genetic profiles in Federal Police cases. Simulated mixture profiles of two heterozygous individuals in 22 of the 23 autosomal genetic markers examined were analyzed. The mixtures, amplified in triplicate, were made in proportions of 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, and 1:6, with one-third of the samples subjected to degradation by ultraviolet (UV) radiation for 10 min, one-third for 20 min, and one-third without UV degradation. The LRmix Studio™ and EuroForMix were used to quantify the weight of genetic evidence observed in matches with the reference profiles used in the simulated samples. The analysis involved three situations: 1. Evaluation of the likelihood ratio (LR) between a DNA profile with drop-out classified as one contributor compared to a reference profile; 2. Evaluation of the LR between a mixture profile classified as having two contributors compared to a reference profile (major); 3. Evaluation of the LR between a mixture profile classified as having two contributors conditioning on one contributor (minor). Additionally, situations 2 and 3 were assessed in modified forms: the evaluation of the LR between a two-person mixture profile and a reference profile (minor); and the evaluation of the LR for a two-person mixture profile conditioned on the major contributor. Finally, six real cases, previously reported by the laboratory using LRmix Studio™, were analyzed with EuroForMix. The values obtained in both software were compared. The results showed that EuroForMix generally presented higher LR values than LRmix Studio™. Therefore, the EuroForMix software was validated for routine use at SEPGEF in the three situations mentioned.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100619"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655273","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":"Errors in toxicology testing and the need for full discovery","authors":"Aaron Olson ,&nbsp;Charles Ramsay","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100629","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100629","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite toxicology's foundation in analytical chemistry and quantitative measurements, it remains vulnerable to errors that can impact criminal justice outcomes. This paper presents a review of notable errors in toxicology collected over a combined 48 years of field experience. We highlight cases of toxicology errors from across multiple jurisdictions, categorizing them by type: traceability errors, calibration errors, discovery violations, maintenance failures, source code defects, fraud, errors due to interfering substances, reporting errors, laboratory contamination, and chain of custody breaches.</div><div>Our analysis reveals that many errors persisted for years before detection, with some lasting over a decade. Discovery often came from external sources rather than internal quality controls. Errors ranged from technical failures to deliberate misconduct, affecting thousands of cases. Notable patterns include institutional resistance to disclosure, retaliation against whistleblowers, and systematic withholding of exculpatory evidence. The compilation demonstrates vulnerabilities in toxicology. Key reforms needed include transparency through online discovery portals, mandatory retention of digital data, independent laboratory accreditation, whistleblower protections, and regular third-party audits. By examining past errors, the forensic science community can develop policies to prevent similar mistakes and enhance both scientific integrity and the pursuit of justice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100629"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655809","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":"Metabolic patterns of new psychoactive substances: Methyl-ketamine and 2-oxo-PCE in rats using UHPLC-QTOF analysis","authors":"Yu-gang Cai ,&nbsp;Yan-jun Wang ,&nbsp;Yong-fu Wu ,&nbsp;Jia-yi Feng ,&nbsp;Yan Mo ,&nbsp;Qing-hong Wang ,&nbsp;Yong Dai","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100623","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100623","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the metabolic profiles of two isomeric psychoactive agents, methyl-ketamine [2-(ortho-tolyl)-2-(methylamino)cyclohexanone] and 2-oxo-PCE [2-(phenyl)-2-(ethylamino)cyclohexanone], in rats. Following oral administration, blood, liver, and urine samples were collected at timed intervals and analyzed via ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS). Metabolomic comparisons revealed distinct metabolic pathways driven by structural differences. Methyl-ketamine primarily underwent cyclohexanone hydroxylation, dehydration, N-demethylation, cyclohexanone carbonyl hydrogenation, and glucuronidation, with N-dealkylation as the dominant process. In contrast, 2-oxo-PCE metabolism involved carbonyl hydrogenation of cyclohexanone, N-diethylation, deamination, hydroxylation, dehydration, and glucuronidation. Structural variations—specifically the steric hindrance imposed by the methyl group on o-tolyl in methyl-ketamine—were identified as key factors influencing metabolic divergence. This hindered the carbonyl hydrogenation of cyclohexanone observed in 2-oxo-PCE, while promoting hydroxylation/dehydration reactions in methyl-ketamine. Post-N-dealkylation, methyl-ketamine retained cyclohexyl hydroxylation/dehydration, whereas 2-oxo-PCE exhibited deamination and cyclohexanone carbonyl hydrogenation/dehydration. Notably, urinary metabolite profiles in humans were mirrored those in rats, and relevance was shown. It was elucidated how structural isomerism dictating metabolic outcomes and offering insights into the mechanistic basis of new psychoactive substances. The study underscored steric effects as critical determinants of metabolic pathways and provided a foundation for predicting pharmacokinetic behavior in related compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100623"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144614618","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":"Type and storage of human remains detection canine training aids: A review and handler survey","authors":"Fantasia Whaley,&nbsp;Daigoro Greco,&nbsp;Kaitlyn Mercando,&nbsp;Rushali Dargan,&nbsp;Lauryn DeGreeff","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100625","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100625","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>When properly trained, canines are very effective detectors, especially in human remains detection (HRD) and search and rescue (SAR). However, the variability in decomposition odor profiles presents a challenge and requires extensive and adaptable training. Although some protocols and guidelines exist, they do not account for all the possible influential factors leading to inconsistency between organizations. This paper combines a review of research on factors affecting the odor profile of remains with a survey of canine training in the field. Key aspects covered include training aid materials used (e.g. bones, blood, body parts), sample age, containment material, and storage conditions. Findings reveal a consensus amongst handlers and research in some practices, such as use of multiple training aid materials for a variation in odor profiles and use of glass containment to minimize background odor. Discrepancies, however, remain, particularly in the age of sample (fresh vs. very aged), frequency of aid replacement, and storage conditions such as temperature and humidity. The results emphasize the importance of exposing canines to diverse remains odors in differing conditions, providing recommendations for more improved HRD training and directions of future research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100625"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144614617","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":"Perls' Prussian blue staining and chemistry of Prussian blue and Turnbull blue","authors":"Ai Sonoda ,&nbsp;Masayuki Nihei ,&nbsp;Norihiro Shinkawa ,&nbsp;Eiji Kakizaki ,&nbsp;Nobuhiro Yukawa","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100627","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100627","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Perls’ Prussian blue staining or reaction is used to detect haemosiderin, which is stored or sequestrated non-haeme iron. Methodologically, the iron in haemosiderin is released as Fe³⁺ (Fe^III) by hydrochloric acid (HCl), and Fe^III reacts with potassium ferrocyanide (K₄[Fe^II(CN)₆]) to form Prussian blue. Iron released from ferritin, another stored non-haeme iron, is too scarce to be detected. Haeme iron, including haemoglobin and cytochromes, is not released by HCl. Thus, haemosiderin can easily be detected under the microscope as distinct blue deposits with minimal background staining. The chemistry of cyanide-bridged iron complexes, including Prussian blue and Turnbull blue, is the basis for understanding Perls' staining. Prussian blue is a cubic lattice with Fe^II or Fe^III ions alternately aligned at the corners to give Fe^II–CN–Fe^III formations at the edges. Physicochemically, Prussian blue is soluble in water (dispersible as a colloid) or insoluble depending on how it is formed. As with Perls' staining, Prussian blue is expected to take a soluble form because of excess K₄[Fe^II(CN)₆] compared to Fe³⁺ released from tissues. Notably, Prussian blue used in Perls' staining does not in fact dissipate into the staining solution but remains on the tissue, rendering this a practical method for histological detection of haemosiderin and also exogenous iron of forensic significance. However, further examinations of its mechanisms are needed to evaluate the applicability of this method on various forensics cases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100627"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144588554","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":"Comment on “Abbreviated injury scale-guided assessment of traumatic deaths: postmortem CT versus autopsy”","authors":"Hinpetch Daungsupawong ,&nbsp;Viroj Wiwanitkit","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100626","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100626","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100626"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144588555","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":"Application of bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) to reconstruct a staged crime scene in a complex forensic case","authors":"Matteo Antonio Sacco,&nbsp;Saverio Gualtieri,&nbsp;Aurora Princi,&nbsp;Roberto Raffaele,&nbsp;Isabella Aquila","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100624","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100624","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA) constitutes a critical component of modern forensic science, particularly in complex crime scenes where the physical evidence may be manipulated or misinterpreted. This manuscript presents a detailed reconstruction of a residential scene initially suspected to be the site of a violent homicide. Despite extensive blood distribution across multiple rooms, forensic investigation revealed that the injuries sustained were superficial and incompatible with the volume and morphology of the bloodstains observed. A systematic application of BPA, revealed patterns predominantly consistent with passive and transfer mechanisms. Specific attention was given to void patterns—unstained areas interrupting otherwise continuous blood distributions—which were geometrically consistent with object repositioning and indicative of post-event manipulation. Integration of BPA with clinical wound assessment, genetic profiling, and contextual behavioral analysis allowed investigators to identify the scene as staged. High-resolution photographic documentation played a pivotal role in the accurate characterization of the bloodstains, enabling precise evaluation of stain edges, distribution, and mechanisms of deposition. This case underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration and adherence to updated forensic standards to avoid investigative misdirection and ensure the integrity of crime scene interpretation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100624"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144571790","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":"Decolonising forensic odontology in Sub-Saharan Africa","authors":"Salma Kabbashi,&nbsp;Keane Bailie,&nbsp;Susan Chandler,&nbsp;Manogari Chetty","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100622","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100622","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic odontology plays a vital role in human identification, age estimation, and legal investigations. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the field has developed within a framework shaped by colonial histories, Western methodologies, and systemic underinvestment in local capacity. This article critically examines the need to decolonise forensic odontology in the region, proposing a comprehensive reform agenda grounded in four intersecting domains: historical legacies, indigenous knowledge integration, ethical considerations, and policy reform. It highlights how colonial-era forensic practices continue to influence current protocols and legal standards, often to the detriment of scientific accuracy and justice. By recognising and incorporating traditional dental knowledge, such as ritual dental modifications and community oral histories, the field can be enriched and made more contextually relevant. Ethical challenges surrounding data sovereignty, informed consent, cultural sensitivity, and the use of contested techniques are addressed, with recommendations for more equitable and transparent forensic practices. Policy reforms are proposed to institutionalise forensic odontology through education, infrastructure development, legal recognition, and collaborative networks. The article argues that decolonisation is not a rejection of global science but a reorientation toward context-appropriate, ethically grounded, and locally led forensic systems. Through these reforms, Sub-Saharan Africa can build a forensic odontology discipline that is scientifically robust, culturally responsive, and capable of delivering justice and dignity to affected communities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100622"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144522410","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}