Legal Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Sequencing and ranking patterns of morphological dental features radiographically assessed for human identification","authors":"Renata Ventura Batista ,&nbsp;Priscilla Belandrino Bortolami ,&nbsp;Débora Duarte Moreira ,&nbsp;Anna Turkina ,&nbsp;Rizky Merdietio Boedi ,&nbsp;Ademir Franco","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102633","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102633","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Highly distinctive patterns can result from the combination of dental features. These features are related to dental treatment, morphology or pathological conditions, and in human identification they can be optimally assessed by means of radiographic analysis. This study aimed to classify dental features and rank them based on distinctiveness.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The sample consisted of panoramic radiographs (n = 7212) of females (58,07 %) and males (41;93 %) between 12 e 22.99 years. The permanent teeth, except third molars, were analyzed in each radiograph. A 28-digit sequence was created with the following dental features: non-restored, missing, restored, presenting root dilaceration, impacted, rotated teeth.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study detected 2792 dental patterns (39 % of distinctiveness). The most common pattern was “all non-restored teeth” – corresponding to 30.4 % in males and 26.5 % in females. When a single tooth with rotation occurred, it decreased to 1 % the odds of finding an equal pattern. In general, males had a higher chance of presenting non-restored teeth compared to females (p &lt; 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The distinctiveness of dental patterns was almost twice as high in the mandible compared to the maxilla. Distinctiveness increased with age with the occurrence of less non-restored teeth. Forensic odontologists must be prepared to assess radiographic features related to tooth morphology, especially in mass disasters that involve dental human identification of young individuals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 102633"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143947495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of the sacroiliac joint in sex estimation: Analysis of morphometry and variation types using machine learning techniques","authors":"Orhan Gazi Kocamış ,&nbsp;Aynur Emine Çiçekcibaşı ,&nbsp;Gülay Açar ,&nbsp;Betül Digilli Ayaş ,&nbsp;Demet Aydoğdu","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102630","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102630","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the potential of machine learning algorithms in sex estimation by going beyond the traditional two-dimensional (2D) measurements of the pelvic bone, predominantly preferred in sex prediction, by including measurement data in three-dimensional (3D) images. Measurements were performed on abdominal multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images of 152 individuals (77 females, 75 males) aged 18–85. 3D-Slicer software was used for measurements on 2D and 3D images. In 2D images, sacroiliac joint surface area, the angle of the joint surface, the distance between the right and left joints, joint space measurements, and joint variation typing were performed. The distances from the sacroiliac joint to the apex of the contralateral linea terminalis and from the joint to the superior and inferior pubic symphysis were measured on 3D images. It was confirmed that sacroiliac joint space measurements were significantly higher in males than in females. Among the sacroiliac joint variations, 46% in males and 28% in females were the most common standard joint. A strong positive correlation was found between sacroiliac joint distance and the distance of the sacroiliac joint to the contralateral linea terminalis apex and the sacroiliac joint to the superior and inferior pubic symphysis. In this study, the support vector machine algorithm gave the most successful result compared to other algorithms, reaching 88% accuracy in sex estimation. We hope our study will guide the use of artificial intelligence on 3D images for forensic identification, especially in sex estimation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 102630"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143929209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancements in estimating post-mortem interval in medico-legal practice: A comprehensive review","authors":"Jyotsana Singh ,&nbsp;Ambrish Kumar ,&nbsp;Shruti Trivedi ,&nbsp;Surendra Kumar Pandey","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102627","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102627","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Estimating the Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) is a crucial aspect of forensic investigations, aiding in the resolution of criminal cases, identifying missing persons, and understanding decomposition processes. This review provides an exhaustive analysis of recent advancements in PMI estimation techniques, encompassing both traditional and emerging methodologies. Included in the study is an exhaustive examination of well-established methodologies, including algor mortis, livor mortis, and rigor mortis, as well as their shortcomings and improvements. It also delves into innovative approaches, including forensic entomology, chemical and molecular biology, microbiology, artificial intelligence, etc. Furthermore, this article discusses the integration of multiple disciplines and the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance PMI accuracy and reliability. By synthesizing the latest research findings and technological innovations, this review aims to provide forensic practitioners, law enforcement agencies, and medico-legal professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the current state-of-the-art in PMI estimation, facilitating more effective crime scene investigations and judicial proceedings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 102627"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143859729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pelvic fractures and Parachute Opening Shock (POS): Unveiling a rare skydiving Hazard. A case study and systematic review of the literature","authors":"Julia Lazzari ,&nbsp;Alessandra Cicchini ,&nbsp;Giorgio Chiandussi ,&nbsp;Roberto Testi ,&nbsp;Andrea Scatena ,&nbsp;David Forni ,&nbsp;Valentina Bugelli ,&nbsp;Marco Di Paolo","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102629","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102629","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 102629"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143877053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Postmortem mitochondrial membrane potential dynamics as a temperature-independent biomarker for early postmortem interval estimation","authors":"Yehui Lv ,&nbsp;Li Tao ,&nbsp;Luyuyan Hu ,&nbsp;Chengqiang Du ,&nbsp;Hui Wang ,&nbsp;Heng Zhang ,&nbsp;Yikai Hu ,&nbsp;Long Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102626","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102626","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Accurate determination of postmortem interval (PMI) and cause of death (COD) is a critical challenge in forensic pathology, with significant implications for criminal investigations. Traditional PMI estimation methods are based on macroscopic changes and are influenced by environmental factors and investigator subjectivity. Recent advances in molecular biology have shown that certain cellular structures, such as mitochondria, retain functionality after death, making them potential biomarkers for forensic assessment. As mitochondria play a central role in cellular metabolism and respond dynamically to post-mortem hypoxia, investigation of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) may provide a quantifiable and objective method for estimating PMI.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We successfully isolated mitochondria from post-mortem tissues and cultured cells, confirming their purity and membrane integrity. Regression analysis showed a strong linear correlation between ΔΨm and PMI in brain, myocardium and skeletal muscle within the first 15–18 h postmortem, with skeletal muscle showing the highest correlation coefficient. ΔΨm values remained stable at different temperatures, suggesting that it is a robust biomarker for estimating PMI. In vitro experiments under hypoxic conditions revealed a transient increase in ΔΨm at 24 h, accompanied by ATP depletion, ROS accumulation and shifts in mitochondrial fission and fusion dynamics, indicating mitochondrial adaptation to oxygen deprivation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings highlight ΔΨm as a promising temperature stable biomarker for early assessment of PMI. The observed mitochondrial adaptations suggest that ΔΨm-based models may improve forensic accuracy and provide insights into postmortem metabolic processes. Further validation with human postmortem samples is essential to refine these models and explore their applicability to COD determination.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 102626"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143859728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Forensic significance of quantitatively analyzing methamphetamine in male reproductive organs","authors":"Naoto Tani,&nbsp;Shigeki Oritani,&nbsp;Mayumi Ono,&nbsp;Takaki Ishikawa","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102618","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102618","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study measured concentrations of methamphetamine (MA) and its metabolite amphetamine (AMP) in male reproductive organs and investigated the significance of detecting these stimulants in the reproductive organs and the associated pharmacokinetics. The study examined the left and right testes and prostate from 28 male autopsy cases in which MA had been detected. Concentrations of MA and AMP in the left and right testes and prostate were quantified and compared with concentrations in right heart blood, iliac vein blood, and urine. No correlations were found between MA or AMP concentrations and post-mortem time at any sampling sites. MA and AMP concentrations in the left and right testes correlated with concentrations in iliac vein blood, but not with concentrations in urine. Conversely, MA and AMP concentrations in the prostate did not correlate with concentrations in any body fluid samples. Concentrations of MA were much higher in the left and right testes and prostate than in right heart and iliac vein blood (median, about 3–5 times higher). Concentrations of AMP were also much higher in the left and right testes and prostate than in right heart and iliac vein blood (median, about 2–3 times higher). In conclusion, this study revealed that MA and AMP were detected in the left and right testes and prostate at median concentrations about 2–5 times higher than those in blood.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 102618"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143850466","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recovery of human DNA from fly larvae (Order: Diptera) using Powersoil® Pro","authors":"Cesar Cantu ,&nbsp;Sibyl Bucheli ,&nbsp;Rachel Houston","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102617","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102617","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forensic entomology, the use of insects in criminal and civil investigations, is commonly associated with the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI). Dipteran larvae found on decomposing bodies can be used for PMI estimations, and as a potential source of human DNA to identify individuals and establish scene-to-victim connections. The ability to use fly larvae for multiple purposes would increase their evidentiary value and help investigations. This study investigates the use of DNeasy® Powersoil® Pro (QIAGEN) paired with various forensic genotyping methods to assess the recovery of useful human and fly DNA. Fly larvae were collected at the Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science (STAFS) Facility from cadavers to process crops and whole fly larvae. Human DNA was quantified using Quantifiler™ Trio (Applied Biosystems™) and short tandem repeat (STR) profiles were recovered with Investigator® 24plex QS (QIAGEN). Human and fly larval mitochondrial DNA were sequenced for HVI and II and <em>CO1</em>, respectively. Genotyping with ForenSeq® MainstAY SE was also attempted to assess the possibility of using next generation sequencing on human DNA recovered from fly larvae. Full and partial STR profiles from crop and whole fly larvae were recovered. Human mtDNA analysis was successful, recovering full sequences and haplogroups for samples that failed STR typing. <em>CO1</em> sequencing and MainstAY SE yielded additional information for investigative purposes. PMI estimates were provided using species specific development and Total Body Score (TBS). Fly larvae as a source of human DNA can allow laboratories to attempt various genotyping methods on an extract to aid investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 102617"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143839790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Population data for 12 X-STR loci in the Orang Asli population of Peninsular Malaysia","authors":"Abdullah Nur Azeelah ,&nbsp;Hanis Zainal Abidin NurWaliyuddin ,&nbsp;Alwi Aedrianee Reeza ,&nbsp;Zainuddin Zafarina","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102615","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102615","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Orang Asli, the earliest inhabitants of Peninsular Malaysia, constitute only 0.6% of the country’s population. This study analyses allele frequencies and forensic parameters for 12 X-STR loci across six Orang Asli subgroups using the Investigator® Argus X-12 QS kit. Blood samples were collected from 164 individuals (68 males, 96 females), with genomic DNA extracted and analysed through PCR amplification, capillary electrophoresis, and allele assignment. A total of 117 alleles were identified, with DXS10135 being the most polymorphic and DXS8378 the least. The highest power of discrimination was observed at DXS10135 for both males and females. The highest haplotype diversity was found in linkage group 4 with 39 haplotypes, while linkage group 3 had the lowest with 23 haplotypes. Forensic statistical analysis confirmed a combined power of discrimination and mean exclusion chance exceeding 0.999999. These findings provide valuable data for forensic applications, population genetics, and anthropological research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 102615"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143800344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strontium concentration in body cavity fluids as a novel marker for drowning diagnosis and entry site determination","authors":"Ryota Nakanishi ,&nbsp;Takahiro Eida ,&nbsp;Tomoyoshi Hariba ,&nbsp;Satoru Minabe ,&nbsp;Asami S. Mashio ,&nbsp;Takaya Murakami ,&nbsp;Hiroshi Hasegawa ,&nbsp;Masahiko Zuka","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102616","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102616","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We started to measure concentrations of dissolved and particulate phases for dozens of chemical elements to compensate for the shortcomings of the diatom test. In this study, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and cerebrospinal body fluids were obtained from 34 cases diagnosed as drowning and 25 non-drowning and non-immersed (NDNI) cases. The results showed that from the body fluids, in particular from bilateral pleural and pericardial fluids, synergically measured levels of the dissolved phase of strontium (Sr), lithium (Li), and Boron (B) and particulate phase of Sr concentrations were increased in seawater drowning (SWD) cases as opposed to freshwater drowning (FWD) cases and NDNI cases, forecasting the location of water aspiration. To categorically attribute the cause of death to drowning, however, a comprehensive investigation of circumstantial evidence, a careful external examination of the body, and a thorough analysis of body fluids pertaining to diatom testing in various organs and body fluids should be undertaken. Our research with the latter analysis method reveals that it is a powerful diagnostic aid, particularly in SWD cases versus FWD cases. Going forward, we hope that the results we achieved will be helpful when investigating drowning location with water aspiration for suspected drowning cases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"75 ","pages":"Article 102616"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143791292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to “Exploring health professionals’ knowledge of end of life in Italy” [Leg. Med. 71 (2024) 102542]","authors":"Claudia Casella,&nbsp;Emanuele Capasso,&nbsp;Mariagrazia Marisei,&nbsp;Gaetano Di Donna,&nbsp;Pierpaolo Di Lorenzo,&nbsp;Massimo Niola","doi":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102571","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102571","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49913,"journal":{"name":"Legal Medicine","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 102571"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143015155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}