The emergence of the internet has transformed all areas of society.This includes the universe of scientific publications,with several publishers now exclusively focusing on the electronic format and open access model ...The emergence of the internet has transformed all areas of society.This includes the universe of scientific publications,with several publishers now exclusively focusing on the electronic format and open access model while expanding to a megajournal scope.in this context,the pandemic of predatory open access journals(POAJs)and meetings are of grave concern to the academic and research community.This new shift within academia produces a variety of new victims;namely,the authors themselves.in turn,scientific knowledge is often discredited,with the public placing less trust in science.Now more than ever,performing research with integrity and selecting a journal in which to publish requires close attention and expertise.The“predatory movement”has developed increasingly sophisticated techniques for misleading people into believing what seem to be credible professional layouts and legitimate invitations.initiatives such as the Jeffrey Beall’s list,the Cabell’s Scholarly Analytics and Think.Check.Submit offer some guidance to uncover the“parasitic”intervention of predatory journals and meetings,but specific education in this field is sorely needed.This work aims to review the main characteristics of predatory journals and meetings and to analyze this topic in the context of forensic and legal medicine research.展开更多
AIM: To demonstrate the potential of using 2-aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid(ATCA) as a novel biomarker/forensic biomarker for cyanide poisoning. METHODS: A sensitive method was developed and employed for the identi...AIM: To demonstrate the potential of using 2-aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid(ATCA) as a novel biomarker/forensic biomarker for cyanide poisoning. METHODS: A sensitive method was developed and employed for the identification and quantification of ATCA in biological samples, where the sample extraction and clean up were achieved by solid phase extraction(SPE). After optimization of SPE procedures, ATCA was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry. ATCA levels following the administration of different doses of potassium cyanide(KCN) to mice were measured and compared to endogenous ATCA levels in order to study the significance of using ATCA as a biomarker for cyanide poisoning.RESULTS: A custom made analytical method was established for a new(mice) model when animals were exposed to increasing KCN doses. The application of this method provided important new information on ATCA as a potential cyanide biomarker. ATCA concentration in mice plasma samples were increased from 189 ± 28 ng/mL(n = 3) to 413 ± 66 ng/mL(n = 3) following a 10 mg/kg body weight dose of KCN introduced subcutaneously. The sensitivity of this analytical method proved to be a tool for measuring endogenous level of ATCA in mice organs as follows: 1.2 ± 0.1 μg/g for kidney samples, 1.6 ± 0.1 μg/g for brain samples, 1.8 ± 0.2 μg/g for lung samples, 2.9 ± 0.1 μg/g for heart samples, and 3.6 ± 0.9 μg/g for liver samples. CONCLUSION: This finding suggests that ATCA has the potential to serve as a plasma biomarker / forensic biomarker for cyanide poisoning.展开更多
The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a modified Shannon trap to capture adult insects that are involved in cadaveric decomposition processes. The Shannon trap proposed here is composed of a thi...The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a modified Shannon trap to capture adult insects that are involved in cadaveric decomposition processes. The Shannon trap proposed here is composed of a thin fabric tent with a top formed by a transparent bottle containing a compartment filled with alcohol gel on which the captured insects are affixed. The trap was effective both for weather resistance and the quantity, quality and diversity of insects caught.展开更多
Clinical and forensic toxicology are critically involved in the acquisition of basic skills to correctly suspect intoxication,collect biological and non-biological materials for toxicological analysis,comprehend the c...Clinical and forensic toxicology are critically involved in the acquisition of basic skills to correctly suspect intoxication,collect biological and non-biological materials for toxicological analysis,comprehend the complexities inherent to laboratory activity,and understand the fundamentals of toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics that underlie the interpretation of results.This works presents a pedagogical innovation proposal for the teaching of clinical and forensic toxicology based on a compilation of more than 3000 cases where the image was fulcra for suspicion.The experience in this article follows the model practiced in bachelors,masters,and PhD degrees,as well as in other continuing training courses,where we are teaching toxicology for more than 15 years.All these levels of education are considered fundamental to the sound development of this science.This approach aims also to offer strength to the intervention of the true toxicologist in all the toxicological phases,besides the classic analytical chemistry.Indeed,it is impossible to provide effective clinical and forensic toxicological interpretations without a proper and broad education,and not thinking exclusively in terms of laboratory techniques.In the future,it will be interesting to evaluate knowledge retention and to propose a database of videos of signs related to intoxications.展开更多
Interpreting a myocardial inflammation as causal,contributory or as of no significance at all in the cause of death can be challenging,especially in cases where other pathologic and/or medico-legal findings are also p...Interpreting a myocardial inflammation as causal,contributory or as of no significance at all in the cause of death can be challenging,especially in cases where other pathologic and/or medico-legal findings are also present.To further evaluate the significance of myocardial inflammation as a cause of death we performed a retrospective cohort study of forensic and clinical autopsy cases.We revised the spectrum of histological inflammatory parameters in the myocardium of 79 adult autopsy cases and related these to the reported cause of death.Myocardial slides were reviewed for the distribution and intensity of inflammatory cell infiltrations,the predominant inflammatory cell type,and the presence of inflammation-associated myocyte injury,fibrosis,edema and hemorrhage.Next,the cases were divided over three groups,based on the reported cause of death.Group 1(n=27)consisted of all individuals with an obvious unnatural cause of death.Group 2(n=29)included all individuals in which myocarditis was interpreted to be one out of more possible causes of death.Group 3(n=23)consisted of all individuals in which myocarditis was reported to be the only significant finding at autopsy,and no other cause of death was found.Systematic application of our histological parameters showed that only a diffuse increase of inflammatory cells could discriminate between an incidental presence of inflammation(Group 1)or a potentially significant one(Groups 2 and 3).No other histological parameter showed significant differences between the groups.Our results suggest that generally used histological parameters are often insufficient to differentiate an incidental myocarditis from a(potentially)significant one.展开更多
The crime possibly perpetrated by a doctor named Vicente Urbino de Freitas in 1890 is one of the most famous cases of poisoning,and it had echoes in the Portuguese and foreign press for several decades.This prestigiou...The crime possibly perpetrated by a doctor named Vicente Urbino de Freitas in 1890 is one of the most famous cases of poisoning,and it had echoes in the Portuguese and foreign press for several decades.This prestigious doctor was convicted of the fatal poisoning of his nephew.He also attempted the homicide of two nieces and their mother-in-law,who only escaped because they obstinately refused to comply with the"therapeutics"prescribed by the family doctor.The motive of the crime should have been Vicente Urbino de Freitas'ambition to receive the family inheritance of his wife,the daughter of the well-known mer-chant Jose Antonio Sampaio of Flores Street in Porto.Vicente Urbino de Freitas was con-victed but doubt about his guilt persists for more than a century.This second work aimed to collect and analyse all the relevant and contradictory testimonial evidence of the prosecu-tion and defence witnesses.This case represents an odd historical record obtained through more than 12years of research on the first major significant Portuguese forensic case.Rare and unprecedented testimonial evidence and photographs were obtained from different countries and then repaired,since these also provide an important historical record of the medical photography.展开更多
Fast and unequivocal methods of questioned document analysis are essential in forensic science. Here, a desorption/ionization technique, EASI-MS, was assessed for its ability to investigate questioned driver’s licens...Fast and unequivocal methods of questioned document analysis are essential in forensic science. Here, a desorption/ionization technique, EASI-MS, was assessed for its ability to investigate questioned driver’s licenses (DL). Two suspects DL, displaying the same personal data in the proper fields (name and ID numbers), but with different individual photos, showing similar impressions on microscopic analysis, and authentic standards documents specimens were used as test cases. Profiles from authentic DL surface were dominated by a set of few minor ions, mainly from the plasticizers bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and dibutylphthalate. The seized suspect counterfeit DL on points from personal data and photo were, however, dominated by abundant diagnostic ions of m/z 463, 507, 551, 595, 639, 683, which confirmed counterfeiting. Surfynol<sup>®</sup> and Nonoxynol-9<sup>®</sup>, which are common constituents of inkjet printing, were detected in the counterfeiting areas by high-accuracy EASI(+)-FT-ICR MS. The EASI-MS technique is shown therefore to offer an attractive tool for forensic investigation of questioned documents.展开更多
The present paper investigates the pupal development times ofLucilia sericata which were studied in the laboratory at six different constant temperatures （20, 22, 24, 26, 28 ℃ each ± ℃）. Lower thresholds （tL...The present paper investigates the pupal development times ofLucilia sericata which were studied in the laboratory at six different constant temperatures （20, 22, 24, 26, 28 ℃ each ± ℃）. Lower thresholds （tL） for development were estimated from the linear regression of the developmental rates on each temperature. These data have made it possible to calculate the ADD （Accumulated Degree-Days） necessary for L. sericata to complete the larval stage and to achieve adult emergence. The minimal duration of development from oviposition to adult emergence was found to be inversely related to temperature. Additionally, six landmarks in pupal development are showed and for each of the landmarks the ADD value was calculated for every rearing temperature involved. These data assist in calculating the duration of the pupal stage based on morphological characteristics and would be of great value for future forensic entomological casework.展开更多
In order to study the development of forensic science standardization,this paper,based on the bibliometric method,analyzes the paper database of forensic science standardization.The research shows that the quantity an...In order to study the development of forensic science standardization,this paper,based on the bibliometric method,analyzes the paper database of forensic science standardization.The research shows that the quantity and quality of papers have a stable growth tendency and the hotspot in the field of forensic science is the technical innovation and multidisciplinary research.The standardization construction of forensic science in China is in the forefront of the world in terms of scientific research investment,but there is still a gap in organizational capacity and influence,which is reflected in the lack of international cooperation.China should strengthen the standardization of forensic science and explore new development modes constantly.展开更多
Teeth affect not only oral problems but also facial morphology.In China,there are few reports about the influence of the third molars on the craniofacial morphology of Han youths.Using in vivo imaging software,3D reco...Teeth affect not only oral problems but also facial morphology.In China,there are few reports about the influence of the third molars on the craniofacial morphology of Han youths.Using in vivo imaging software,3D reconstruction of craniofacial CTs were performed on 32 Chinese Han youths without mandibular third molars and 25 Chinese Han youth with full mandibular third molars.The morphology of their mandible and mandibular tissue was measured to identify differences.Among the morphological characteristics of hard tissues,except for∠ANB,people with a full eruption of the mandibular third molars had statistically significantly larger angle indicators than people without the eruption of the third molars.The soft tissue indicators also showed statistically significant discrepancies in terms of morphological facial height,mouth to gnathion distance,lip height,and mouth breadth.The most influential index for mandibular third molars was length of symphysis,followed by the four indicators of soft tissue and mandible length and height.Morphology facial height,mouth to gnathion distance,lip height,and height of symphysis were moderately correlated.The experimental results show that among Han youth in North China,the third molar eruption has a widespread influence on mandibular morphology,especially in angle,length,and height indicators.It also has a certain influence on maxillofacial soft tissue morphology.These results can be applied to future clinical risk assessment of the wisdom teeth and forensic personal identification of the cranial and maxillofacial region.展开更多
Background:Fluorescence Microscope is a promising analytical method for the examination of the sequence of strokes of writing inks of different colours,brands,and models in a questioned document.Aims and Objectives:In...Background:Fluorescence Microscope is a promising analytical method for the examination of the sequence of strokes of writing inks of different colours,brands,and models in a questioned document.Aims and Objectives:In the present article,an attempt has been made to categorize the writing inks of different brands and colours on the basis of their fluorescence.Materials and Methods:Atotal of 36 writing inks were used to make the different intersections on a standard A4 sheet which were then analyzed under the excitation filters of the Fluorescence Microscope.Results:The results indicated that the different inks can be characterized optically based on the luminescent components of the ink present in crossed lined intersections.Conclusions:Fluorescence Microscopy is a relatively simple,fast,inexpensive,and non-destructive technology that can be used in conjunction with other,more complex,and expensive technologies to identify the sequence of line crossing.It can provide a novel way of analysis based on the assessment of microelement analysis and the characteristics of diverse ink handwriting samples.展开更多
Background:Using a comprehensive approach that combines Thin Layer Chromatography(TLC),UV-visible spectroscopy,and Adobe Photoshop image manipulation,this study aims to authenticate and identify Gen gel pens.Aim and O...Background:Using a comprehensive approach that combines Thin Layer Chromatography(TLC),UV-visible spectroscopy,and Adobe Photoshop image manipulation,this study aims to authenticate and identify Gen gel pens.Aim and Objectives:The principal objective is to describe gel pen ink compositions and develop an authentication process for them.Thirty gel pen ink samples total-ten of each for the colors red,black,and blue-are the subject of the study.Goals include applying Adobe Photoshop for improved visual differentiation and using TLC and UV-visible spectroscopy for preliminary characterization.Materials and Methods:To characterize the compositions of thirty gel pen ink samples,Thin Layer Chromatography and UV-visible spectroscopy were applied.To improve the visuals,images were turned upside down and their brightness was changed using Adobe Photoshop.Gel pen ink matching was tested in a blind trial that combined analytical findings with Photoshop-enhanced visual differentiation.Results:76%of samples could be distinguished clearly,according to analytical data,and 40%of samples showed UV absorption at 237.5 nm regardless of the colour of the ink.Remarkably,on the UV Visible Spectrum,76.6%showed distinct peaks.A major factor in the ability to visually distinguish ink samples was Adobe Photoshop.Different ink samples could be identified using UV-visible spectroscopy peak variations;23.3%of the samples showed nonspecific peak patterns that could be seen in photos that had been Photoshopped.Conclusion:The combined findings provide insightful information about gel pen ink differentiation and suggest a possible approach for model identification and authentication.This method combines Adobe Photoshop image manipulation with analytical methods like TLC and UV-visible spectroscopy.展开更多
This is a multicentre forensic study that identifies all sports-related sudden deaths (SRSDs) in young people,due to myocardial diseases (MDs) that occurred in a large area of Spain.The aim of the study is to assess t...This is a multicentre forensic study that identifies all sports-related sudden deaths (SRSDs) in young people,due to myocardial diseases (MDs) that occurred in a large area of Spain.The aim of the study is to assess the epidemiology,causes of death,and sport activities associated with these fatalities.This is a retrospective study based on forensic autopsies performed in the provinces of Biscay,Seville,Valencia and in the jurisdiction covered by the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences in Madrid (Spain).The retrospective study encompasses from 2010 to 2017.All sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs) in persons 1-35years old were selected.The total number of SCDs were divided into death occurred during exercise (SRSD) and death during rest,sleep or normal activities (non-SRSD).Each of these two groups was subdivided according to the cause of death into MD (primary cardiomyopathies and myocarditis) and non-MD.Clinic-pathological,toxicological and genetic characteristics of SRSD due to MD were analysed.Over the 8-year study period,we identified 645 cases of SCD in the young: 75 SRSD (11.6%) and 570 non-SRSD (88.4%).MD was diagnosed in 33 (44.0%) of the SRSD and in 112 (19.6%) of the non-SRSD cases.All cases of SRSD due to MD were males (mean age (24.0±7.6) years) practicing recreational sports (85%).SRSDs were more frequent in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) (37%) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (24%),followed by myocarditis (15%) and idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy (ILVH) (9%).Only in five cases of SRSD the MD responsible of death (HCM) had been diagnosed in life.Cardiovascular symptoms related to the disease were present in other seven patients (six of them with ACM).Postmortem genetic studies were performed in 15/28 (54%) primary cardiomyopathies with positive results in 12 (80%) cases.The most frequent sports disciplines were football (49%) followed by gymnastics (15%) and running (12%).In Spain,SRSD in young people due to MDs occurs in males who perform a recreational activity.Compared with control group we observed a strong association between MDs and exertion.One in three SRSDs are due to cardiomyopathy,especially ACM,which reinforces the need for preparticipation screening to detect these pathologies in recreational sport athletes.Further studies are warranted to understand the causes and circumstances of sudden death to facilitate the development of preventive strategies.展开更多
In forensic practice,it is difficult to determine whether a dead body in the water resulted from drowning or from disposal after death.Diatom testing is currently an important supporting technique for the determinatio...In forensic practice,it is difficult to determine whether a dead body in the water resulted from drowning or from disposal after death.Diatom testing is currently an important supporting technique for the determination of death by drowning and of drowning sites,even though it is a time-consuming and laborious task.This article reviews the development of diatom testing over the decades and discusses a new method for the potential application of deep learning in diatom testing.展开更多
Isotope analysis has become an increasingly valuable tool in forensic anthropology case-work over the past decade. Modern-day isotopic investigations on human remains have integrated the use of multi-isotope profiles ...Isotope analysis has become an increasingly valuable tool in forensic anthropology case-work over the past decade. Modern-day isotopic investigations on human remains have integrated the use of multi-isotope profiles (e.g. C, N, O, H, S, Sr, and Pb) as well as iso-topic landscapes ("isoscapes") from multiple body tissues (e.g. teeth, bone, hair, and nails) to predict possible region-of-origin of unidentified human remains. Together, data from various isotope analyses provide additional lines of evidence for human identification, including a decedent's possible region-of-birth, long-term adult residence, recent travel history, and dietary choices. Here, we present the basic principles of isotope analysis and provide a brief overview of instrumentation, analytical standards, sample selection, and sample quality measures. Finally, we present case studies that reflect the diverse applications of isotope analysis to the medicolegal system before describing some future research directions. As shown herein, isotope analysis is a flexible and powerful geolocation tool that can provide new investigative leads for unidentified human remains cases.展开更多
The generation of a DNA profile from skeletal remains is an important part of the identifica-tion process in both mass disaster and unidentified person cases. Since bones and teeth are often the only biological materi...The generation of a DNA profile from skeletal remains is an important part of the identifica-tion process in both mass disaster and unidentified person cases. Since bones and teeth are often the only biological materials remaining after exposure to environmental conditions, intense heat, certain traumatic events and in cases where a significant amount of time has passed since the death of the individual, the ability to purify large quantities of informative DNA from these hard tissues would be beneficial. Since sampling the hard tissues for gen-etic analysis is a destructive process, it is important to understand those environmental and intrinsic factors that contribute to DNA preservation. This will serve as a brief introduction to these topics, since skeletal sampling strategies and molecular taphonomy have been dis-cussed in depth elsewhere. Additionally advances in skeletal DNA extraction and analysis will be discussed. Currently there is great variation in the DNA isolation methods used by laboratories to purify DNA from the hard tissues;however, a standardized set of short tan-dem repeat (STR) loci is analyzed by many US laboratories to allow for comparisons across samples and jurisdictions. Recent advances have allowed for the generation of DNA profiles from smaller quantities of template DNA and have expanded the number of loci analyzed for greater discriminatory power and predictions regarding the geographic ancestry and phenotype of the individual. Finally, utilizing databases and expanding the number of com-parison samples will be discussed in light of their role in the identification process.展开更多
Forensic biomechanics gradually has become a significant component of forensic science.Forensic biomechanics is evidence-based science that applies biomechanical principles and methods to forensic practice,which has c...Forensic biomechanics gradually has become a significant component of forensic science.Forensic biomechanics is evidence-based science that applies biomechanical principles and methods to forensic practice,which has constituted one of the most potential research areas.in this review,we introduce how finite element techniques can be used to simulate forensic cases,how injury criteria and injury scales can be used to describe injury severity,and how tests of postmortem human subjects and dummy can be used to provide essential validation data.This review also describes research progress and new applications of forensic biomechanics in China.展开更多
Forensic odontology frequently plays a significant role in identification of the victims of multi-fatality disasters,but not in all.It depends on adequate dental remains surviving the disaster and on the availability ...Forensic odontology frequently plays a significant role in identification of the victims of multi-fatality disasters,but not in all.It depends on adequate dental remains surviving the disaster and on the availability of dental records to be successful.This paper describes current practice in the techniques of identification in forensic odontology and outlines recent advances that are moving into the mainstream.展开更多
The terrorist attacks of November 2015 led to the immediate death of 129 victims admitted to the Legal and Forensic Medicine Institute of Paris,including 41 unidentified.During the Disaster Victim Identification(DVI)o...The terrorist attacks of November 2015 led to the immediate death of 129 victims admitted to the Legal and Forensic Medicine Institute of Paris,including 41 unidentified.During the Disaster Victim Identification(DVI)operations,22 bodies were examined by the postmortem(PM)dental team with the aim of establishing PM odontograms.At the same time,the dental expert in the antemortem(AM)unit collected a large number of dental files,progressively filtered as the list of missing persons became reduced.Feedback from these events has highlighted the difficulties of implementing the DVI chain principles in a legal framework,published the day before the attacks,and also the technical complexity of collecting dental data on a week end of terror.The return on experience after this event has represented a paradigm shift on previous methods of DVI in Paris and even more in France.Indeed,the victim identification procedure was redesigned,integrating new technical means such as a CT scan directly on spot,allowing the extraction of maxillofacial data as soon as possible in order to support the PM dental examination team.Moreover,the National Dental Council proceeded to the overall remodeling of the dental identification unit,which is composed of trained members,from local,regional and national aspects.These forensic experts are dedicated,at the request of the legal authorities,to DVI operations and deployed throughout the country capable of managing AM and PM data.This unit aims also to share experiences and awarenessraising among health professionals and investigators in order to optimize a better submission of AM elements and also to enhance the major interest of odontology as a primary identifier in disaster.展开更多
Hair analysis has been mainly used to document drug use history in abusers,drug-facilitated crime cases,doping control analysis and postmortem toxicology in the fields of forensic toxicology,clinical toxicology,and do...Hair analysis has been mainly used to document drug use history in abusers,drug-facilitated crime cases,doping control analysis and postmortem toxicology in the fields of forensic toxicology,clinical toxicology,and doping control.Hair analysis has also gained more attention in the last 30 years in China.Relevant technology has been promoted as more research has appeared concerning hair analysis,and consensus has been sought among forensic toxicologists regarding aspects such as hair decontamination treatment,detection of abused substances in hair,segmental hair analysis and interpretation of analytical results.However,there are still some limitations in the estimation of drug intake time and frequency by segmental hair analysis due to the different growth cycles evident within a bundle of hairs,the drug incorporation mechanism and sampling errors.Microsampling and imaging mass spectrometry(iMS)technology based on a single hair may be a good choice to estimate drug intake time more accurately.Analysis of hair root samples may also be used to document acute poisoning in postmortem toxicology,and the analysis of the hair shaft can document long-term use of drugs depending on the length of the hair being evaluated.展开更多
文摘The emergence of the internet has transformed all areas of society.This includes the universe of scientific publications,with several publishers now exclusively focusing on the electronic format and open access model while expanding to a megajournal scope.in this context,the pandemic of predatory open access journals(POAJs)and meetings are of grave concern to the academic and research community.This new shift within academia produces a variety of new victims;namely,the authors themselves.in turn,scientific knowledge is often discredited,with the public placing less trust in science.Now more than ever,performing research with integrity and selecting a journal in which to publish requires close attention and expertise.The“predatory movement”has developed increasingly sophisticated techniques for misleading people into believing what seem to be credible professional layouts and legitimate invitations.initiatives such as the Jeffrey Beall’s list,the Cabell’s Scholarly Analytics and Think.Check.Submit offer some guidance to uncover the“parasitic”intervention of predatory journals and meetings,but specific education in this field is sorely needed.This work aims to review the main characteristics of predatory journals and meetings and to analyze this topic in the context of forensic and legal medicine research.
基金Supported by NIH:NIAID/USAMRICD Interagency Agreements(W911NF-07-D-0001)the USAMRICD under the auspices of the US Army Research Office Scientific Services Program administered by Battelle(Delivery order 0557,Contract No TCN 08284)the Robert A.Welch Foundation at Sam Houston State University,Huntsville,TX,United States
文摘AIM: To demonstrate the potential of using 2-aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid(ATCA) as a novel biomarker/forensic biomarker for cyanide poisoning. METHODS: A sensitive method was developed and employed for the identification and quantification of ATCA in biological samples, where the sample extraction and clean up were achieved by solid phase extraction(SPE). After optimization of SPE procedures, ATCA was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry. ATCA levels following the administration of different doses of potassium cyanide(KCN) to mice were measured and compared to endogenous ATCA levels in order to study the significance of using ATCA as a biomarker for cyanide poisoning.RESULTS: A custom made analytical method was established for a new(mice) model when animals were exposed to increasing KCN doses. The application of this method provided important new information on ATCA as a potential cyanide biomarker. ATCA concentration in mice plasma samples were increased from 189 ± 28 ng/mL(n = 3) to 413 ± 66 ng/mL(n = 3) following a 10 mg/kg body weight dose of KCN introduced subcutaneously. The sensitivity of this analytical method proved to be a tool for measuring endogenous level of ATCA in mice organs as follows: 1.2 ± 0.1 μg/g for kidney samples, 1.6 ± 0.1 μg/g for brain samples, 1.8 ± 0.2 μg/g for lung samples, 2.9 ± 0.1 μg/g for heart samples, and 3.6 ± 0.9 μg/g for liver samples. CONCLUSION: This finding suggests that ATCA has the potential to serve as a plasma biomarker / forensic biomarker for cyanide poisoning.
文摘The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a modified Shannon trap to capture adult insects that are involved in cadaveric decomposition processes. The Shannon trap proposed here is composed of a thin fabric tent with a top formed by a transparent bottle containing a compartment filled with alcohol gel on which the captured insects are affixed. The trap was effective both for weather resistance and the quantity, quality and diversity of insects caught.
文摘Clinical and forensic toxicology are critically involved in the acquisition of basic skills to correctly suspect intoxication,collect biological and non-biological materials for toxicological analysis,comprehend the complexities inherent to laboratory activity,and understand the fundamentals of toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics that underlie the interpretation of results.This works presents a pedagogical innovation proposal for the teaching of clinical and forensic toxicology based on a compilation of more than 3000 cases where the image was fulcra for suspicion.The experience in this article follows the model practiced in bachelors,masters,and PhD degrees,as well as in other continuing training courses,where we are teaching toxicology for more than 15 years.All these levels of education are considered fundamental to the sound development of this science.This approach aims also to offer strength to the intervention of the true toxicologist in all the toxicological phases,besides the classic analytical chemistry.Indeed,it is impossible to provide effective clinical and forensic toxicological interpretations without a proper and broad education,and not thinking exclusively in terms of laboratory techniques.In the future,it will be interesting to evaluate knowledge retention and to propose a database of videos of signs related to intoxications.
文摘Interpreting a myocardial inflammation as causal,contributory or as of no significance at all in the cause of death can be challenging,especially in cases where other pathologic and/or medico-legal findings are also present.To further evaluate the significance of myocardial inflammation as a cause of death we performed a retrospective cohort study of forensic and clinical autopsy cases.We revised the spectrum of histological inflammatory parameters in the myocardium of 79 adult autopsy cases and related these to the reported cause of death.Myocardial slides were reviewed for the distribution and intensity of inflammatory cell infiltrations,the predominant inflammatory cell type,and the presence of inflammation-associated myocyte injury,fibrosis,edema and hemorrhage.Next,the cases were divided over three groups,based on the reported cause of death.Group 1(n=27)consisted of all individuals with an obvious unnatural cause of death.Group 2(n=29)included all individuals in which myocarditis was interpreted to be one out of more possible causes of death.Group 3(n=23)consisted of all individuals in which myocarditis was reported to be the only significant finding at autopsy,and no other cause of death was found.Systematic application of our histological parameters showed that only a diffuse increase of inflammatory cells could discriminate between an incidental presence of inflammation(Group 1)or a potentially significant one(Groups 2 and 3).No other histological parameter showed significant differences between the groups.Our results suggest that generally used histological parameters are often insufficient to differentiate an incidental myocarditis from a(potentially)significant one.
文摘The crime possibly perpetrated by a doctor named Vicente Urbino de Freitas in 1890 is one of the most famous cases of poisoning,and it had echoes in the Portuguese and foreign press for several decades.This prestigious doctor was convicted of the fatal poisoning of his nephew.He also attempted the homicide of two nieces and their mother-in-law,who only escaped because they obstinately refused to comply with the"therapeutics"prescribed by the family doctor.The motive of the crime should have been Vicente Urbino de Freitas'ambition to receive the family inheritance of his wife,the daughter of the well-known mer-chant Jose Antonio Sampaio of Flores Street in Porto.Vicente Urbino de Freitas was con-victed but doubt about his guilt persists for more than a century.This second work aimed to collect and analyse all the relevant and contradictory testimonial evidence of the prosecu-tion and defence witnesses.This case represents an odd historical record obtained through more than 12years of research on the first major significant Portuguese forensic case.Rare and unprecedented testimonial evidence and photographs were obtained from different countries and then repaired,since these also provide an important historical record of the medical photography.
文摘Fast and unequivocal methods of questioned document analysis are essential in forensic science. Here, a desorption/ionization technique, EASI-MS, was assessed for its ability to investigate questioned driver’s licenses (DL). Two suspects DL, displaying the same personal data in the proper fields (name and ID numbers), but with different individual photos, showing similar impressions on microscopic analysis, and authentic standards documents specimens were used as test cases. Profiles from authentic DL surface were dominated by a set of few minor ions, mainly from the plasticizers bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and dibutylphthalate. The seized suspect counterfeit DL on points from personal data and photo were, however, dominated by abundant diagnostic ions of m/z 463, 507, 551, 595, 639, 683, which confirmed counterfeiting. Surfynol<sup>®</sup> and Nonoxynol-9<sup>®</sup>, which are common constituents of inkjet printing, were detected in the counterfeiting areas by high-accuracy EASI(+)-FT-ICR MS. The EASI-MS technique is shown therefore to offer an attractive tool for forensic investigation of questioned documents.
文摘The present paper investigates the pupal development times ofLucilia sericata which were studied in the laboratory at six different constant temperatures （20, 22, 24, 26, 28 ℃ each ± ℃）. Lower thresholds （tL） for development were estimated from the linear regression of the developmental rates on each temperature. These data have made it possible to calculate the ADD （Accumulated Degree-Days） necessary for L. sericata to complete the larval stage and to achieve adult emergence. The minimal duration of development from oviposition to adult emergence was found to be inversely related to temperature. Additionally, six landmarks in pupal development are showed and for each of the landmarks the ADD value was calculated for every rearing temperature involved. These data assist in calculating the duration of the pupal stage based on morphological characteristics and would be of great value for future forensic entomological casework.
基金This study was supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Plan of China(grant number 2022YFC3302005)the Shanghai special analysis of technical trade fund(grant number 2022TBT007).
文摘In order to study the development of forensic science standardization,this paper,based on the bibliometric method,analyzes the paper database of forensic science standardization.The research shows that the quantity and quality of papers have a stable growth tendency and the hotspot in the field of forensic science is the technical innovation and multidisciplinary research.The standardization construction of forensic science in China is in the forefront of the world in terms of scientific research investment,but there is still a gap in organizational capacity and influence,which is reflected in the lack of international cooperation.China should strengthen the standardization of forensic science and explore new development modes constantly.
基金supported by Biological Anthropology Innovation Team Project of JZMU(Grant No.JYLJ201702)Liaoning Distinguished Professor Project(Grant No.LNTP20183501&LNTP201418701)。
文摘Teeth affect not only oral problems but also facial morphology.In China,there are few reports about the influence of the third molars on the craniofacial morphology of Han youths.Using in vivo imaging software,3D reconstruction of craniofacial CTs were performed on 32 Chinese Han youths without mandibular third molars and 25 Chinese Han youth with full mandibular third molars.The morphology of their mandible and mandibular tissue was measured to identify differences.Among the morphological characteristics of hard tissues,except for∠ANB,people with a full eruption of the mandibular third molars had statistically significantly larger angle indicators than people without the eruption of the third molars.The soft tissue indicators also showed statistically significant discrepancies in terms of morphological facial height,mouth to gnathion distance,lip height,and mouth breadth.The most influential index for mandibular third molars was length of symphysis,followed by the four indicators of soft tissue and mandible length and height.Morphology facial height,mouth to gnathion distance,lip height,and height of symphysis were moderately correlated.The experimental results show that among Han youth in North China,the third molar eruption has a widespread influence on mandibular morphology,especially in angle,length,and height indicators.It also has a certain influence on maxillofacial soft tissue morphology.These results can be applied to future clinical risk assessment of the wisdom teeth and forensic personal identification of the cranial and maxillofacial region.
文摘Background:Fluorescence Microscope is a promising analytical method for the examination of the sequence of strokes of writing inks of different colours,brands,and models in a questioned document.Aims and Objectives:In the present article,an attempt has been made to categorize the writing inks of different brands and colours on the basis of their fluorescence.Materials and Methods:Atotal of 36 writing inks were used to make the different intersections on a standard A4 sheet which were then analyzed under the excitation filters of the Fluorescence Microscope.Results:The results indicated that the different inks can be characterized optically based on the luminescent components of the ink present in crossed lined intersections.Conclusions:Fluorescence Microscopy is a relatively simple,fast,inexpensive,and non-destructive technology that can be used in conjunction with other,more complex,and expensive technologies to identify the sequence of line crossing.It can provide a novel way of analysis based on the assessment of microelement analysis and the characteristics of diverse ink handwriting samples.
文摘Background:Using a comprehensive approach that combines Thin Layer Chromatography(TLC),UV-visible spectroscopy,and Adobe Photoshop image manipulation,this study aims to authenticate and identify Gen gel pens.Aim and Objectives:The principal objective is to describe gel pen ink compositions and develop an authentication process for them.Thirty gel pen ink samples total-ten of each for the colors red,black,and blue-are the subject of the study.Goals include applying Adobe Photoshop for improved visual differentiation and using TLC and UV-visible spectroscopy for preliminary characterization.Materials and Methods:To characterize the compositions of thirty gel pen ink samples,Thin Layer Chromatography and UV-visible spectroscopy were applied.To improve the visuals,images were turned upside down and their brightness was changed using Adobe Photoshop.Gel pen ink matching was tested in a blind trial that combined analytical findings with Photoshop-enhanced visual differentiation.Results:76%of samples could be distinguished clearly,according to analytical data,and 40%of samples showed UV absorption at 237.5 nm regardless of the colour of the ink.Remarkably,on the UV Visible Spectrum,76.6%showed distinct peaks.A major factor in the ability to visually distinguish ink samples was Adobe Photoshop.Different ink samples could be identified using UV-visible spectroscopy peak variations;23.3%of the samples showed nonspecific peak patterns that could be seen in photos that had been Photoshopped.Conclusion:The combined findings provide insightful information about gel pen ink differentiation and suggest a possible approach for model identification and authentication.This method combines Adobe Photoshop image manipulation with analytical methods like TLC and UV-visible spectroscopy.
文摘This is a multicentre forensic study that identifies all sports-related sudden deaths (SRSDs) in young people,due to myocardial diseases (MDs) that occurred in a large area of Spain.The aim of the study is to assess the epidemiology,causes of death,and sport activities associated with these fatalities.This is a retrospective study based on forensic autopsies performed in the provinces of Biscay,Seville,Valencia and in the jurisdiction covered by the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences in Madrid (Spain).The retrospective study encompasses from 2010 to 2017.All sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs) in persons 1-35years old were selected.The total number of SCDs were divided into death occurred during exercise (SRSD) and death during rest,sleep or normal activities (non-SRSD).Each of these two groups was subdivided according to the cause of death into MD (primary cardiomyopathies and myocarditis) and non-MD.Clinic-pathological,toxicological and genetic characteristics of SRSD due to MD were analysed.Over the 8-year study period,we identified 645 cases of SCD in the young: 75 SRSD (11.6%) and 570 non-SRSD (88.4%).MD was diagnosed in 33 (44.0%) of the SRSD and in 112 (19.6%) of the non-SRSD cases.All cases of SRSD due to MD were males (mean age (24.0±7.6) years) practicing recreational sports (85%).SRSDs were more frequent in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) (37%) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (24%),followed by myocarditis (15%) and idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy (ILVH) (9%).Only in five cases of SRSD the MD responsible of death (HCM) had been diagnosed in life.Cardiovascular symptoms related to the disease were present in other seven patients (six of them with ACM).Postmortem genetic studies were performed in 15/28 (54%) primary cardiomyopathies with positive results in 12 (80%) cases.The most frequent sports disciplines were football (49%) followed by gymnastics (15%) and running (12%).In Spain,SRSD in young people due to MDs occurs in males who perform a recreational activity.Compared with control group we observed a strong association between MDs and exertion.One in three SRSDs are due to cardiomyopathy,especially ACM,which reinforces the need for preparticipation screening to detect these pathologies in recreational sport athletes.Further studies are warranted to understand the causes and circumstances of sudden death to facilitate the development of preventive strategies.
基金This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China[grand numbers 81801873,81722027 and 81671869]the Science and Technology Committee of Shanghai Municipality[grand numbers 17DZ2273200 and 19DZ2292700]Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine[grand numbers KF1802].
文摘In forensic practice,it is difficult to determine whether a dead body in the water resulted from drowning or from disposal after death.Diatom testing is currently an important supporting technique for the determination of death by drowning and of drowning sites,even though it is a time-consuming and laborious task.This article reviews the development of diatom testing over the decades and discusses a new method for the potential application of deep learning in diatom testing.
文摘Isotope analysis has become an increasingly valuable tool in forensic anthropology case-work over the past decade. Modern-day isotopic investigations on human remains have integrated the use of multi-isotope profiles (e.g. C, N, O, H, S, Sr, and Pb) as well as iso-topic landscapes ("isoscapes") from multiple body tissues (e.g. teeth, bone, hair, and nails) to predict possible region-of-origin of unidentified human remains. Together, data from various isotope analyses provide additional lines of evidence for human identification, including a decedent's possible region-of-birth, long-term adult residence, recent travel history, and dietary choices. Here, we present the basic principles of isotope analysis and provide a brief overview of instrumentation, analytical standards, sample selection, and sample quality measures. Finally, we present case studies that reflect the diverse applications of isotope analysis to the medicolegal system before describing some future research directions. As shown herein, isotope analysis is a flexible and powerful geolocation tool that can provide new investigative leads for unidentified human remains cases.
文摘The generation of a DNA profile from skeletal remains is an important part of the identifica-tion process in both mass disaster and unidentified person cases. Since bones and teeth are often the only biological materials remaining after exposure to environmental conditions, intense heat, certain traumatic events and in cases where a significant amount of time has passed since the death of the individual, the ability to purify large quantities of informative DNA from these hard tissues would be beneficial. Since sampling the hard tissues for gen-etic analysis is a destructive process, it is important to understand those environmental and intrinsic factors that contribute to DNA preservation. This will serve as a brief introduction to these topics, since skeletal sampling strategies and molecular taphonomy have been dis-cussed in depth elsewhere. Additionally advances in skeletal DNA extraction and analysis will be discussed. Currently there is great variation in the DNA isolation methods used by laboratories to purify DNA from the hard tissues;however, a standardized set of short tan-dem repeat (STR) loci is analyzed by many US laboratories to allow for comparisons across samples and jurisdictions. Recent advances have allowed for the generation of DNA profiles from smaller quantities of template DNA and have expanded the number of loci analyzed for greater discriminatory power and predictions regarding the geographic ancestry and phenotype of the individual. Finally, utilizing databases and expanding the number of com-parison samples will be discussed in light of their role in the identification process.
基金The study was financially supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Plan[grant number 2016YFC0800702]Council of National Science Foundation of China[grant numbers 81701863,81722027]+3 种基金Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine[grant number 17DZ2273200]Shanghai Forensic Service Platform[grant number 19DZ2290900]Central Research Institute Public Project[grant numbers GY2020G4,GY2019Z2]Opening Project of Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence[grant number 2019XCWZK03].
文摘Forensic biomechanics gradually has become a significant component of forensic science.Forensic biomechanics is evidence-based science that applies biomechanical principles and methods to forensic practice,which has constituted one of the most potential research areas.in this review,we introduce how finite element techniques can be used to simulate forensic cases,how injury criteria and injury scales can be used to describe injury severity,and how tests of postmortem human subjects and dummy can be used to provide essential validation data.This review also describes research progress and new applications of forensic biomechanics in China.
文摘Forensic odontology frequently plays a significant role in identification of the victims of multi-fatality disasters,but not in all.It depends on adequate dental remains surviving the disaster and on the availability of dental records to be successful.This paper describes current practice in the techniques of identification in forensic odontology and outlines recent advances that are moving into the mainstream.
文摘The terrorist attacks of November 2015 led to the immediate death of 129 victims admitted to the Legal and Forensic Medicine Institute of Paris,including 41 unidentified.During the Disaster Victim Identification(DVI)operations,22 bodies were examined by the postmortem(PM)dental team with the aim of establishing PM odontograms.At the same time,the dental expert in the antemortem(AM)unit collected a large number of dental files,progressively filtered as the list of missing persons became reduced.Feedback from these events has highlighted the difficulties of implementing the DVI chain principles in a legal framework,published the day before the attacks,and also the technical complexity of collecting dental data on a week end of terror.The return on experience after this event has represented a paradigm shift on previous methods of DVI in Paris and even more in France.Indeed,the victim identification procedure was redesigned,integrating new technical means such as a CT scan directly on spot,allowing the extraction of maxillofacial data as soon as possible in order to support the PM dental examination team.Moreover,the National Dental Council proceeded to the overall remodeling of the dental identification unit,which is composed of trained members,from local,regional and national aspects.These forensic experts are dedicated,at the request of the legal authorities,to DVI operations and deployed throughout the country capable of managing AM and PM data.This unit aims also to share experiences and awarenessraising among health professionals and investigators in order to optimize a better submission of AM elements and also to enhance the major interest of odontology as a primary identifier in disaster.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China[grant number 81772022]Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine[grant number 17DZ2273200]Shanghai Forensic Service Platform[grant number 19DZ2292700].
文摘Hair analysis has been mainly used to document drug use history in abusers,drug-facilitated crime cases,doping control analysis and postmortem toxicology in the fields of forensic toxicology,clinical toxicology,and doping control.Hair analysis has also gained more attention in the last 30 years in China.Relevant technology has been promoted as more research has appeared concerning hair analysis,and consensus has been sought among forensic toxicologists regarding aspects such as hair decontamination treatment,detection of abused substances in hair,segmental hair analysis and interpretation of analytical results.However,there are still some limitations in the estimation of drug intake time and frequency by segmental hair analysis due to the different growth cycles evident within a bundle of hairs,the drug incorporation mechanism and sampling errors.Microsampling and imaging mass spectrometry(iMS)technology based on a single hair may be a good choice to estimate drug intake time more accurately.Analysis of hair root samples may also be used to document acute poisoning in postmortem toxicology,and the analysis of the hair shaft can document long-term use of drugs depending on the length of the hair being evaluated.
