Journal of forensic and legal medicine最新文献

{"title":"Forensic reconstruction of cause of death in a dismembered and partially burnt body: A case report.","authors":"Karan Pramod, Athira Saji","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2026.103291","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2026.103291","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dismemberment and postmortem burning are uncommon forensic challenges that may obscure identification, injury interpretation and determination of cause of death. Systematic anatomical reconstruction and careful examination of dismemberment wounds, vital reaction of tissues and thermal alteration are essential for forensic reconstruction. Toxicological findings must be interpreted according to the substances and analytical categories actually examined.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>Dismembered remains of an adult male were recovered from multiple locations and anatomically reassembled for medico-legal autopsy. Circumferential chop wounds at the shoulder, thigh and pelvic separation sites had serrated margins and extensive hemorrhagic infiltration with extensive division of vascular soft tissues and bones, and the pale internal organs supported the interpretation that the injuries were inflicted while circulation persisted and caused substantial blood loss. Some body parts showed thermal alteration without demonstrable gross vital reaction, no red line of demarcation along with no soot detected in the trachea and in overall context, the findings supported postmortem burning. Additionally an antemortem intravenous puncture wound was present in the right cubital fossa. The chemical examiner reported \"No Poison\" detected in the submitted viscera and blood after testing for several pesticide groups, volatile substances including ethyl and methyl alcohol, cyanide, metallic and non-metallic poisons, and acidic, basic and neutral extracts for drugs/plant poisons; it did not identify individual recreational drugs or provide a named comprehensive recreational-drug panel. The official postmortem opinion was given as hemorrhage and shock consequent to the chop injuries. Subsequent investigative information from police alleged prior exposure to an unknown drug, but this was not analytically established.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The final cause of death remains hemorrhage and shock consequent to the extensive chop injuries, morphologically compatible with a heavy sharp serrated instrument, as stated in the formal autopsy report. Subsequent police investigation revealed dismemberment using a motorized saw and partial burning to conceal crime following an altercation. This case highlights the importance of anatomical reconstruction and meticulous forensic autopsy in markedly altered remains where extent of the separation wounds, marked hemorrhagic infiltration of the cut tissues and the overall autopsy findings formulated the cause of death. The chemical examiner detected no poison in the submitted exhibits within the scope of the tests reported; this does not establish that every possible recreational drug was excluded. The alleged unknown drug exposure was not analytically demonstrated and was not considered the cause of death.</p>","PeriodicalId":94078,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"124 ","pages":"103291"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149241057","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 patterns and epidemiology of intimate partner violence in Brazil: A nationwide cross-sectional analysis, 2009-2023.","authors":"Edmilson Ozorio Dos Santos, Ivan Dieb Miziara","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2026.103252","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2026.103252","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Intimate partner violence represents a persistent and complex threat to both public health and public security, with far-reaching consequences for morbidity, mortality, and health system capacity. Despite its magnitude, comprehensive analyses capable of capturing long-term epidemiological trends and relational dynamics of intimate partner violence remain limited, particularly in middle-income countries. This study provides a comprehensive national assessment of intimate partner violence in Brazil, integrating temporal trends, sociodemographic shifts, relationship characteristics, and indicators of violence severity and lethality. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional analysis of 921,305 cases of intimate partner violence registered in national surveillance systems between 2009 and 2023. Analyses examined changes over time in victims' sociodemographic profiles and assessed contextual and clinical indicators of violence severity, including health care referral and deaths directly or indirectly attributable to intimate partner violence. The findings reveal a marked and sustained increase in reported cases over time, accompanied by substantial shifts in victim profiles and distinct epidemiological patterns according to relationship dynamics. Importantly, differentiated risks of severe and lethal violence across perpetrator types underscore the substantial burden imposed on health services and highlight critical intersections between health and public security. By leveraging a large, nationally representative dataset over an extended period, this study advances the epidemiological understanding of intimate partner violence in Brazil and provides robust, policy-relevant evidence to inform integrated public health and public security strategies aimed at preventing violence, reducing lethality, and mitigating its long-term societal impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":94078,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"124 ","pages":"103252"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149229694","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 role of artificial intelligence in analyzing clinical malpractice disputes through medical record management.","authors":"Lucio Di Mauro, Emanuele Capasso, Camilla Tettamanti, Claudia Casella, Martina Francaviglia, Gianpietro Volonnino, Raffaella Rinaldi, Massimiliano Esposito, Mario Chisari","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102941","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102941","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare has revolutionized various aspects of clinical practice, including the management of medical malpractice disputes. AI-driven technologies, particularly machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP), enable the automated analysis of electronic health records (EHRs) and other medical documentation, improving the efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of malpractice investigations. By systematically identifying inconsistencies, detecting patterns of errors, and evaluating compliance with clinical guidelines, AI systems offer valuable insights into potential negligence claims. This study examines the impact of AI on medical record management in malpractice disputes, addressing its role in mitigating human biases, enhancing forensic assessments, and supporting legal decision-making. AI-powered algorithms facilitate objective analysis by cross-referencing vast datasets of patient histories, diagnostic reports, and treatment protocols, thus strengthening the evidentiary basis for malpractice claims. However, despite its advantages, the use of AI in forensic and legal medicine raises significant ethical and legal concerns, including issues of accountability, data privacy, and algorithmic bias. Questions regarding liability in AI-assisted medical decision-making and the potential risk of over-reliance on automated assessments must be critically addressed. To maximize AI's benefits while minimizing risks, robust regulatory frameworks, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical oversight are essential. Ensuring transparency in AI-driven decision-making and safeguarding patient rights will be crucial in fostering trust in these technologies. The findings suggest that AI-assisted medical record analysis can significantly enhance dispute resolution processes by providing standardized, data-driven evaluations of malpractice claims, ultimately contributing to more equitable and efficient healthcare litigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":94078,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"115 ","pages":"102941"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144818869","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":"From risk to resilience: Understanding and mitigating juvenile delinquency.","authors":"İnci Yağmur Tezbasan Arslan, Murat Nihat Arslan, Mehmet Korkut","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102940","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102940","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Juvenile delinquency is a significant global issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities, necessitating an understanding of its underlying causes for effective intervention. This study aims to identify the demographic, educational, familial, and social factors contributing to juvenile delinquency among adolescents in Turkey, with the goal of informing comprehensive prevention and rehabilitation strategies. A prospective, interview-based study was conducted involving 225 adolescents aged 12-15 years who were referred for mental evaluation due to criminal activities. Data were collected through structured interviews by forensic medicine specialists, covering aspects such as the type of crime, educational status, family structure, prior criminal behaviors, substance use, and mental maturity examination results. The findings reveal a significant gender disparity in delinquent behaviors, with males predominantly involved in theft, physical assault, and drug trafficking, while females were more engaged in theft and drug use. Lower educational attainment was strongly linked to higher rates of delinquency, underscoring the need for improved educational support and vocational training as preventive measures. Family dynamics also played a crucial role, with children from single-parent families or those with poor parental supervision being more prone to criminal activities. Additionally, a significant association was found between the criminal history of parents and the likelihood of juveniles committing crimes, highlighting the importance of comprehensive family support programs. Substance use, particularly smoking and drug addiction, was associated with higher rates of theft, drug trafficking, and physical assault, indicating the necessity of psychological support and substance abuse treatment in addressing juvenile delinquency. The study emphasizes the importance of rehabilitative measures, including family support, education, vocational training, psychosocial support, and community involvement, to reduce offending tendencies and facilitate the reintegration of juveniles into society. This study highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing juvenile delinquency and advocates for targeted, multifaceted interventions to promote the well-being and rehabilitation of young offenders.</p>","PeriodicalId":94078,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"115 ","pages":"102940"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144812759","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":"As precisely as possible! Molecular methods of postmortem interval prediction - current prospects and limitations.","authors":"Magdalena Mróz, Martyna Miodońska, Julia Cieśla, Rafał Skowronek, Marcin Tomsia","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102946","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102946","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Determining the time passing since death, also known as post-mortem interval (PMI), is one of the primary duties of forensic medicine. However, standard methods of PMI estimation only sometimes allow for accurate determination of its value because many internal and external factors influence the estimate's accuracy. In recent years, several studies have reported using molecular biology and genetics methods in PMI estimation. Due to the promising results obtained in both animal and human models, these methods can replace existing techniques in the future and allow PMI to be determined more precisely. The presented narrative review analyzes methods of molecular biology already available and used to estimate PMI, outlines the latest reports on determining PMI using molecular methods, and summarizes research on using RNA, DNA, and other biochemical molecules for PMI estimation. Moreover, the presented review indicates limitations of using molecular methods for molecular PMI estimation that need to be solved before entering forensic practice and underlines prospects for further research in this area.</p>","PeriodicalId":94078,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"115 ","pages":"102946"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144818868","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":"Artificial intelligence in forensic neuropathology: A systematic review.","authors":"Michele Treglia, Raffaele La Russa, Gabriele Napoletano, Alessandro Ghamlouch, Fabio Del Duca, Biancamaria Treves, Paola Frati, Aniello Maiese","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102944","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102944","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gained prominence as a robust tool for clinical decision-making and diagnostics, owing to its capacity to process and analyze large datasets with high accuracy. More specifically, Deep Learning, and its subclasses, have shown significant potential in image processing, including medical imaging and histological analysis. In forensic pathology, AI has been employed for the interpretation of histopathological data, identifying conditions such as myocardial infarction, traumatic injuries, and heart rhythm abnormalities. This review aims to highlight key advances in AI's role, particularly machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques, in forensic neuropathology, with a focus on its ability to interpret instrumental and histopathological data to support professional diagnostics.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A systematic review of the literature regarding applications of Artificial Intelligence in forensic neuropathology was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review (PRISMA) standards. We selected 34 articles regarding the main applications of AI in this field, dividing them into two categories: those addressing traumatic brain injury (TBI), including intracranial hemorrhage or cerebral microbleeds, and those focusing on epilepsy and SUDEP, including brain disorders and central nervous system neoplasms capable of inducing seizure activity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In both cases, the application of AI techniques demonstrated promising results in the forensic investigation of cerebral pathology, providing a valuable computer-assisted diagnostic tool to aid in post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) assessments of cause of death and histopathological analyses.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In conclusion, this paper presents a comprehensive overview of the key neuropathology areas where the application of artificial intelligence can be valuable in investigating causes of death.</p>","PeriodicalId":94078,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"115 ","pages":"102944"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144812758","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":"Blood extravasations in the vaginal and rectal mucosa: probably underdiagnosed findings in female victims of sexual homicide.","authors":"M Große Perdekamp, S Pollak, U Schmidt, V Thoma","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102936","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102936","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In suspected sex-related homicides, special attention is paid to morphological and trace evidence suggesting a sexual assault. As far as anogenital lesions are concerned, injuries may be located externally (affecting the vulva, perineum and anus) or internally. In the latter case, the vagina, the cervix and the rectal wall can be involved. Among the findings associated with sexual homicides, mainly striking injuries such as perforations, lacerations and deep abrasions of the vagina and/or rectum are mentioned in textbooks and autopsy reports. In contrast, the presence of non-penetrating mucosal lesions such as petechiae, ecchymoses and more extensive blood extravasation is rarely noticed. Based on two exemplary cases, the macroscopic and histological appearance of haemorrhages within the vaginal and rectal mucosa are demonstrated in synopsis with concomitant signs of anogenital trauma. Locally acting shear forces followed by ruptures of small vessels are considered to be the most important injury mechanism. Contributing factors may result from special circumstances of the individual case such as the offender's modus operandi.</p>","PeriodicalId":94078,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"115 ","pages":"102936"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144805518","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":"A primary study of ethanol production in postmortem liver and muscle tissue of rats","authors":"Qing Gao, Fanggang He, Hao Wang, Weisheng Huang, Hongmei Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102653","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102653","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94078,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"206 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139824534","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":"Identifying the prevalence of genital injuries amongst patients attending Saint Mary's sexual assault referral centre following an allegation of digital penetration","authors":"R. Majeed‐Ariss, Glen P. Martin, Catherine White","doi":"10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102656","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102656","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94078,"journal":{"name":"Journal of forensic and legal medicine","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139812073","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}