Forensic Science International: Synergy最新文献

{"title":"A critical review of the American Academy of Pediatrics technical report on abusive head trauma","authors":"Chris Brook ,&nbsp;Cyrille Rossant ,&nbsp;Waney Squier ,&nbsp;Anders Eriksson ,&nbsp;Judy Melinek ,&nbsp;Barry Schifrin","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100650","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100650","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In 2025, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a Technical Report (TR) providing guidance for diagnosing abusive head trauma (AHT). We critically examined the primary research studies cited in the TR, focusing on how cases of AHT were classified. We identified studies that sought to identify findings specific to AHT or to evaluate diagnostic accuracy, and categorized each by its methods for classifying cases as AHT. Across these studies, 71 % included cases classified by multidisciplinary team opinion, 30 % by medical records, 22 % by predetermined criteria, 22 % by caregiver confessions (only two relied exclusively on this), 9 % by court decision, and 6 % by witnessed events; totals exceed 100 % because several studies applied more than one method. We evaluated methodological rigor with particular attention to circular reasoning and incorporation bias, and found that none of these studies adequately addressed these risks. The heavy reliance on expert opinion and the systematic incorporation of prior assumptions into case classification call into question the validity of the current diagnostic framework. These findings highlight the urgent need for more rigorous, evidence-based approaches to support the validity of the AHT diagnosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100650"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681241","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":"2025-12-01","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":"Evaluating bias in forensic evidence: From expert analysis to AI-based decision tools","authors":"Ido Hefetz","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100645","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100645","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100645"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465459","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":"Truth, power, and the crisis of forensic independence","authors":"Aaron Olson","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100647","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100647","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic laboratories operating within law enforcement hierarchies face an inherent structural conflict between scientific independence and institutional loyalty. When scientists challenge prosecutorial narratives or expose systemic problems, they frequently experience professional retaliation, forced resignations, or career marginalization. This editorial examines documented cases of such retaliation and argues that these patterns reflect deeper cultural mechanisms that protect institutional authority by expelling dissenters who threaten the myth of forensic objectivity. Drawing on historical parallels to religious and state orthodoxy and René Girard's theory of scapegoating, the analysis demonstrates that these conflicts are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a fundamental governance failure. Genuine scientific independence, mandatory full disclosure, external peer review, and whistleblower protections are essential to restore public trust and ensure that forensic science is guided by truth rather than institutional interests.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100647"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145520016","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":"The development of Forensic Science in the criminal justice system of England and Wales (2000–2024): A systematic review","authors":"Shrey Jhalani ,&nbsp;Ruth M. Morgan ,&nbsp;Amelia Shooter ,&nbsp;John Cassella ,&nbsp;Jakub Pintér","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100641","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100641","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic Science in England and Wales has undergone substantial transformation since 2000, shaped by many factors including privatisation, regulatory change, and evolving expectations within the criminal justice system. These shifts have impacted the delivery, governance, and identity of the discipline, raising critical questions about its effectiveness, sustainability, and value. This systematic review identifies and evaluates how organisational reforms, policy shifts, and scientific advancements have influenced Forensic Science practice and discourse by identifying key themes in the published literature which affect both the operational integrity and strategic development of Forensic Science.</div><div>Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken on 203 articles published (2000–2024). Thematic coding and cross-phase mapping enabled structured synthesis of key developments in Forensic Science. Ten interrelated themes were identified in the literature, with Quality, Communication &amp; Knowledge Sharing, and Research emerging as the most prominent. Three phases of the development of Forensic Science were identified: Early Challenges (2000–2010), System Change (2011–2015), and Modern Dynamics (2016–2024). It was observed that the challenges of fragmentation, leadership and accountability and inconsistent funding remained persistent themes across the literature reviewed between 2000 and 2024.</div><div>A key insight was the demonstration of the dynamic nature of Forensic Science and its development. Agility and adaptability will be key in ensuring that Forensic Science anticipates and tackles current and future challenges. Forensic Science embodies multiple perspectives which need to be accommodated as a full continuum in the broader forensic science ecosystem to build connections across diverse perspectives and promote holistic advancement of Forensic Science.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100641"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145319783","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":"Forensic homicidal strangulation in women: Case series and systematic literature review","authors":"Ginevra Malta ,&nbsp;Maria Puntarello ,&nbsp;Mauro Midiri ,&nbsp;Tommaso D'Anna ,&nbsp;Stefania Zerbo ,&nbsp;Antonina Argo","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100577","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100577","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This systematic review explores women's homicidal strangulation using PRISMA method. A total of 40 Google Scholar, 26 PubMed and 4 manual searching articles were analyzed, while other sources were excluded due to lack of full texts, irrelevance, or outdated content. Review highlights gender violence as an underestimated issue and provides a socio-demographic analysis. Diagnosing strangulation can be challenging, particularly in absence of visible asphyxial signs in the external examination. Judicial authorities' collaboration and reliance on circumstantial evidence are crucial in forensic investigations. Strangulation is statistically prevalent in sexually motivated crimes and employs various methods. We reported four different strangulation cases at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Palermo, to emphasize findings, forensic characteristics, and interpretation difficulties. The primary goal of this review is to shed light on homicidal strangulation's specific characteristics, given its underreported nature, and to stress the importance of mechanical asphyxia in forensic differential diagnosis. Distinguishing strangulation from other asphyxial deaths is difficult, as is identifying potential third-party involvement. This review also aims to provide key indicators that assist forensic pathologists in differentiating strangulation from other asphyxial causes of death. Future perspectives highlight the use of specific protocols, using artificial intelligence (AI), and instrumental investigations to support forensic pathologists in performing differential diagnoses and providing compatibility assessments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100577"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143420720","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 comparative accuracy of handprints and footprints for stature and sex determination","authors":"Sara Gamal Abbas,&nbsp;Amany Elsayed Abdelrahman,&nbsp;Omneya Saad El-Oefy","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100572","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100572","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>One of the main goals of forensic medicine is the successful identification of unidentified bodies. This is essential in mass disasters, criminal medicolegal investigations, and most cases of deaths with poorly preserved remains. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of anthropometric determination of handprint versus footprint dimensions for sex and stature estimation in a sample of the Egyptian population and to formulate equations for stature and sex determination using hand and footprint anthropometric measures. A total of two hundred adults, aged 21–40 years, of Egyptian descent were selected for the study. Stature, hand, and footprint dimensions were measured and analyzed. The current study revealed that hand and footprint lengths were the most significant estimators of stature for both sexes. However, footprint measures were significantly better for stature estimation than handprint measures in females, while handprint measures were statistically better estimators of stature than footprint measures in males. On the other hand, the most sexually dimorphic parameters were handprint length, handbreadth, T4, and T5. Importantly, hand parameters were better predictors of sex than foot parameters. In conclusion, footprint measurements were more accurate for estimating stature in females, while handprint measurements were more accurate for males. Additionally, handprint parameters were more effective for sex determination than footprint parameters. Regression equations were presented in this study to estimate the sex and stature of individuals of Egyptian descent from various hand and footprint dimensions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100572"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11760282/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143047881","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":"Effect of stroke-induced memory impairment on handwriting–A forensic case study","authors":"Mohinder Singh ,&nbsp;Romika Chopra ,&nbsp;Ajay Sharma ,&nbsp;Vishal Sharma","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100582","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100582","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Handwriting is an acquired neuromuscular skill that relies on motor memory and brain function, which make it vulnerable to impairments caused by physical or mental conditions. This paper presents a forensic case study comparing pre- and post-stroke Devnagari writing samples of a post-neurosurgery memory-impaired patient. The study aimed to assess the feasibility, reliability, and limitations of handwriting identification, in such cases. Results revealed that there are significant differences between pre- and post-stroke handwritings, indicating distinct master pattern and potentially different writers. In the absence of medical history, a false negative opinion could have been generated in this case. This study highlights the need for contemporaneous specimens, careful evaluation, and integration of medical history in forensic document examination. It is, certainly, a grey area, emphasizing the need for further research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100582"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143644956","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":"Manner of death prediction: A machine learning approach to classify suicide and non-suicide using blood metabolomics","authors":"Witchayawat Sunthon ,&nbsp;Thitiwat Sopananurakkul ,&nbsp;Giatgong Konguthaithip ,&nbsp;Yutti Amornlertwatana ,&nbsp;Somlada Watcharakhom ,&nbsp;Kanicnan Intui ,&nbsp;Churdsak Jaikang","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100580","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100580","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The classification of the manner of death (MOD) is a critical step in forensic investigations. The process is based on scene investigation, autopsy, histological and toxicological findings. However, in complex suicide cases, these findings may be insufficient to clearly establish the MOD and need potential biomarkers to assist judicial determinations. This study aims to identify specific biomarkers in the blood that could distinguish suicide from the non-suicidal deaths group. Heart blood samples were collected from suicide (n = 45) and non-suicide cases (n = 45) and metabolomic profiles were analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Nineteen blood metabolites were significantly different between the groups (p &lt; 0.05); especially, 4-hydroxyproline, sarcosine and heparan sulfate emerged as potential biomarkers for differentiating between the groups. A logistic regression-based predictive model incorporating sarcosine and heparan sulfate achieved sensitivity and specificity values of 73 % and 72 %, respectively. The integration of machine learning with blood metabolomics holds significant potential in forensic science and may apply to the model to adopt in criminal justice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100580"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143474260","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":"Impact of harassment and bullying of forensic scientists on work performance, absenteeism, and intention to leave the workplace in the United States","authors":"Rana DellaRocco ,&nbsp;Ryan D. Krone ,&nbsp;Nancy L. Wayne","doi":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100576","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100576","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The purpose of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the extent and nature of harassment and bullying in forensic science laboratories associated with law enforcement in the United States. We hypothesized that the most common harassment would be that of male sworn civil servants <em>working in forensics</em> targeting women non-sworn forensic scientists. Further, we assessed whether levels of harassment were associated with workplace performance, absenteeism, and intention to leave. There were three types of self-reported harassment investigated: work performance-related, interpersonal, and physical intimidation. There were three categories of respondents: lab technician, manager/supervisor, and “Other” that included students, administrative support personnel, assistants, and consultants. Results showed that levels and types of harassment varied depending upon the inter-relationship between the harassed and the harasser, with higher levels of harassment reported by participants coming from harassers above them in authority. While the majority of harassment reported was between women, due to the overwhelmingly female respondent pool and gender of those employed in forensics, the effect of gender on harassment may be skewed. Work-related harassment was associated with a decrease in work performance and increased intention of participants to leave their agencies. Intention to leave was mitigated by the employee maintaining high work performance despite the harassment. This study can be valuable to forensic scientist employers seeking to identify those most likely to experience harassment so that agencies may intervene, prevent decreases in productivity and job satisfaction, and to address employee retention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36925,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Synergy","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100576"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143437114","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}