Forensic Implications Research Articles

A rapid pesticide detection approach in food forensics using hyphenated technology of TLC-electronic nose

Pesticides are a commonly employed means for improving agri-yield but have grave forensic implications in cases of accidental or deliberate pesticide poisoning. There is a need of devising a rapid, portable, and accurate in-situ technique to detect pesticides in food samples encountered at the scene of crime. The technology Electronic Nose (E-nose) has the potential to detect pesticides rapidly by identifying the volatile constituent compounds in tested samples and generating corresponding "smell prints." The aim of this study was to determine a combined multiclass/multiresidue analytical approach using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and E-nose to be employed as a reliable, rapid and cost-effective method for detecting pesticides in different food samples at crime scene in cases of pesticide poisoning. Five food matrices were spiked with eight pesticides of standard concentration. TLC was used for a preliminary separation of pesticides in each of the food matrices spiked with the eight pesticides individually. Further, E-nose was employed to build a prediction model using two specific pesticides, atrazine and diafenthiuron. The data obtained was analyzed using built-in principal component analysis (PCA) and the spiked samples showed congruence to the prediction model. The results demonstrate the E-nose’s efficiency of detecting the presence of pesticide-contaminated food matrices as it responded well to the volatile pesticide components with good linearity (R2>9.998) as per the developed protocol. We advocate this combined approach to be utilized for on-field rapid and reliable qualitative forensic testing for pesticide contamination in food matrices with minimal sample preparation.

Forensic Implications of Kratom: Kratom Toxicity, Correlation with Mitragynine Concentrations, and Polypharmacy

Forensic Implications of Kratom: Kratom Toxicity, Correlation with Mitragynine Concentrations, and Polypharmacy

Forensic Implications of the Discrepancies Caused between NGS and CE Results by New Microvariant Allele at Penta E Microsatellite.

Examination of STR markers using the MPS technology is becoming more common in forensic genetics, but scientists still have insufficient experience in dealing with ambiguous results. However, it is always essential to resolve discordant data if we want to use the technology as an accredited method in routine forensic casework. During the internal laboratory validation of the Precision ID GlobalFiler NGS STR Panel v2 kit, we observed two discrepant genotypes at Penta E locus compared to the previous capillary electrophoresis results. Each NGS software that we applied (i.e., Converge, STRaitRazor and IGV) returned the same 12,14 and 12,16 genotypes in the two samples, respectively, instead of the 11.3,14 and 11.3,16 genotypes previously observed with CE (Capillary electrophoresis) typing. In the case of the length variant 11.3 alleles, traditional Sanger sequencing confirmed a complete twelve repeat unit structure in both samples. However, after sequencing was extended to the flanking regions of the variant alleles, sequence data revealed a two-bases GG deletion downstream of the last TCTTT repeat motif in the forward strand. The determined allele variant has not been previously reported in the scientific literature and highlights the need for a careful evaluation and thorough concordance studies before using NGS STR data in forensic cases.

Fauna of flies (Diptera) on bones and emergence succession: Forensic implications in skeletal remains

Fauna of flies on pig carcasses and bones and their emergence succession were investigated in Hokkaido, Japan. A total of 55,937 flies consisting 23 identified species in 16 families was collected from emergence traps after removal of carcasses and emergence containers containing bones. In emergence traps, Lucilia caesar (Linnaeus) emerged earliest, followed by Hydrotaea ignava (Harris). Piophilid flies emerged 22–25 days later than L. caesar, and their emergence periods were prolonged. In emergent flies from bones, Piophilidae was the dominant family, comprising five species; Stearibia nigriceps (Meigen) was the most abundant, followed by Liopiophila varipes (Meigen) and Protopiophila latipes (Meigen). Stearibia nigriceps and L. varipes remarkably dominated in summer bones and overwintering spring bones, respectively. Piophilids emerged from all 11 types of bones; the thoracic spine significantly yielded the most numerous individuals in S. nigriceps. The developmental duration of larvae of S. nigriceps in bones was estimated to be 12–34 days after placement of carcasses in summer. Observations of overwintering bones showed that L. varipes and Centrophlebomyia grunini (Ozerov) overwintered in larvae inside of bones. The importance of examining piophilid larvae in bones and their potential forensic usefulness are discussed.

Ethanol enhances JWH-018-induced impairment of sensorimotor and memory functions in mice: From preclinical evidence to forensic implication in Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

BackgroundSeveral new Synthetic Cannabinoids have appeared each year since their introduction into the illicit drug market as recreational drugs. Among these, naphtalen-1-yl-(1-pentylindol-3-yl) methanone (JWH-018) is one of the most detected compounds in biological samples from patients involved in intoxication or death cases. Furthermore, consumption of JWH-018 has been linked to several cases of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID) suggesting that effects induced by this compound can affect individuals’ ability to drive. MethodsGiven the high spread of polydrug consumption and the wide number of alcohol-related traffic accidents, this study aims to investigate the acute effects induced by co-administration of JWH-018 with ethanol on sensorimotor and motor responses, grip strength and memory functions in CD-1 male mice. Acute impairments induced by JWH-018 and ethanol alone have also been investigated, in order to compare their effects with that induced by their concurrent administration. ResultsIn vivo behavioral experiments revealed a worsening of the cognitive and sensorimotor disruption after the co-administration of JWH-018 with ethanol compared to single compounds. ConclusionsThese animal-based findings suggest a potential increased impairment on psychomotor performances which could be related to driving abilities posed by poly-drug consumption involving SCs and ethanol.

On the speaker discriminatory power asymmetry regarding acoustic-phonetic parameters and the impact of speaking style.

This study aimed to assess what we refer to as the speaker discriminatory power asymmetry and its forensic implications in comparisons performed in different speaking styles: spontaneous dialogues vs. interviews. We also addressed the impact of data sampling on the speaker's discriminatory performance concerning different acoustic-phonetic estimates. The participants were 20 male speakers, Brazilian Portuguese speakers from the same dialectal area. The speech material consisted of spontaneous telephone conversations between familiar individuals, and interviews conducted between each individual participant and the researcher. Nine acoustic-phonetic parameters were chosen for the comparisons, spanning from temporal and melodic to spectral acoustic-phonetic estimates. Ultimately, an analysis based on the combination of different parameters was also conducted. Two speaker discriminatory metrics were examined: Cost Log-likelihood-ratio (Cllr) and Equal Error Rate (EER) values. A general speaker discriminatory trend was suggested when assessing the parameters individually. Parameters pertaining to the temporal acoustic-phonetic class depicted the weakest performance in terms of speaker contrasting power as evidenced by the relatively higher Cllr and EER values. Moreover, from the set of acoustic parameters assessed, spectral parameters, mainly high formant frequencies, i.e., F3 and F4, were the best performing in terms of speaker discrimination, depicting the lowest EER and Cllr scores. The results appear to suggest a speaker discriminatory power asymmetry concerning parameters from different acoustic-phonetic classes, in which temporal parameters tended to present a lower discriminatory power. The speaking style mismatch also seemed to considerably impact the speaker comparison task, by undermining the overall discriminatory performance. A statistical model based on the combination of different acoustic-phonetic estimates was found to perform best in this case. Finally, data sampling has proven to be of crucial relevance for the reliability of discriminatory power assessment.

Pathological Spectrum and β-APP Immunoreactivity as a Diagnostic Tool of Diffuse Axonal Injury following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Novel Classification.

Aim Different deposition patterns and grading systems used to define and identify DAI remain discordant and to date these are a challenge in clinical practice. Our main objective was to study the post-mortem axonal changes and develop a grading system to identify DAI on the basis of histopathological and immunoreactive β-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP) observations in severe TBI cases. Methods Prospective study with 35 decedents with sTBI (GCS score ≤ 8) was conducted and samples were collected from three different sites-corpus callosum, thalamus and brain stem. Serial sections from each site were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of β-APP. Results We developed a grading system based on histopathological characteristics to assess the overall damage of axonal injury. We found maximum histopathological changes in cases with prolonged stay. Corpus callosum showed maximum changes in both gradings. Curiously, we also detected axonal swellings with H&E staining. Usually neglected, the thalamus also showed significant histopathological and immunoreactive changes for sTBI. Conclusion Our study based on histopathological and β-APP scoring system to define and identify DAI thus facilitates accurate diagnosis of DAI post mortem, which has forensic implications, and may further contribute toward survival and improvement of quality of life of sTBI patients.

3D printed bionic ear and microtia-anotia: Medical and forensic implications.

Advances in science and technology result in continuous upgrading of the medical and clinical fields. These upgrades have been beneficial to many patients suffering from congenital and developmental diseases causing compromised functionality as well as the structural integrity of the affected organs. One such congenital anomaly is the microtia-anotia spectrum, which results in deformities of the external ear, affecting the hearing capability of an individual. The collaboration and integration of electronics in human biology are exemplified by the development of a 3D printed cyborg bionic ear from the patient's own cells, which is implanted to ameliorate microtia and improve the patient's hearing capacity. Since the late nineteenth century, forensic scientists have explored the external ear, establishing the significance of ear biometrics in the identification process. Similarly, ear prints can also play an important role in identifying the felon of a crime. In this regard, we examine the structure and functionality of implanted ears. This communication is an attempt to enlighten investigators on the forensic importance and limitations of the use of bionic ears for identification.

Forensic implication of seized drug imitating methamphetamine with mileage in crime

BackgroundThe increase in drug abuse a major global issue. Clandestine laboratories along with illegal drug trafficking and trade increase the menace. Increased confiscation of illicit drugs not only indicates the manifold rise in drug abuse in Delhi and its neighboring region but also signifies an escalation and proliferation in other drug-related criminal activities. Investigating agencies around the world are working hard to combat and eradicate this problem. The samples seized by these agencies are subsequently sent for forensic examination to rule out the presence of any illicit drugs. Few such seized crystalline samples such as “methamphetamine” were submitted for examination with a query for the identification of any scheduled substance. The analysis outline followed was physical, chemical, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis for detection, identification, and confirmation of seized drug samples. The purpose of a detailed investigation regarding the identification of the crystalline sample was also to understand the criminal activities involved in the consistent seizures and the forensics behind it.ResultsThe comprehensive examination identified the sample as an inorganic salt of sodium thiosulfate with the absence of contraband methamphetamine. The study on salt-imitating methamphetamine underlines its diverse uses as in adulteration, trafficking to camouflage narcotics drug and its involvement in numerous other illegal purposes which on the other hand has a very crucial impact on society and its well-being.ConclusionsThe novel findings will update the investigating agencies and other experts regarding the importance of the detection of sodium thiosulfate salt in seized samples and will well establish the foul play behind large seizures to justify the role of forensic science. This unique finding deals with a very sensitive issue that has immense social impact and needs exceptional thoughtfulness.

When the red-lined carrion beetle disrupts successional dynamics on large vertebrate carcasses

In a field study of insect colonization on domestic pig carcasses, the typical colonization sequence took a different turn midway through decomposition when Necrodes surinamensis (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Silphidae) dramatically increased in abundance on some carcasses. This provided an opportunity to test the prediction that N. surinamensis would aggregate at clumped carcasses but not as much at dispersed carcasses, thus leaving enough resources in less heavily colonized habitat patches to support weaker competitors, as predicted by the aggregation model of coexistence. Larger aggregations of this silphine beetle resulted in the collapse of blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) maggot populations due to intraguild predation, and a decline or exclusion of late-successional insect species. This phenomenon has been reported in a European Necrodes species but it is the first time it is documented with N. surinamensis, a widespread species in North America. Substantial increases in adult and larval populations of N. surinamensis were first documented on clumped carcasses and were not as pronounced on dispersed carcasses. The specifics of N. surinamensis aggregations are discussed with reference to ecological and forensic implications, including the fact that feeding by N. surinamensis larvae makes the remains appear to have been altered by scavengers and decomposing for longer than they have.

Systematic Review of Penetrating Cardiac Injury by a Firearm: Forensic Implications.

Penetrating injuries of the heart, named penetrating cardiac injury (PCI), may cause hemorrhagic shock as well as cardiac tamponade, leading to death if not treated immediately. This systematic review aims to highlight the main aspects of penetrating cardiac injuries after firearm wounds. The cases of 39 subjects (age 37.05 + 15.4) were selected (6 fatal cases). Specifically, 4/39 cases involved subjects under 18 y.o.; analyzing the entrance wound, in 30/39 cases it was located in the anterior chest, 4/39 in the posterior chest, 3/39 in the shoulder/axilla area, 1/39 in the neck, and 1/39 in the pelvis (gluteus). The exit wound was found in only 3/39 cases. Several factors may influence the prognosis: firstly, prompt intervention represents a crucial point, then considering the complications related to PCI, the most important are myocardial infarction, and projectile migration with embolization. The mortality rate is related to: (1) area and severity of the heart injury; (2) duration of transport and intervention; (3) contemporary lesion to other organ/s; (4) the quantity of blood lost; (5) and presence/absence of cardiac tamponade. Based on these findings, a correct approach in the management of PCI may be considered important from a forensic point of view, both as regards to medical liability and from the trial perspective.

Forensic implications of the seasonal changes in the rate of development of blowfly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera, Calliphoridae)

Studies on the development rate of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) suggested that the blowfly as a significant candidate for forensic investigations. Under natural ambient conditions development rate of C. megacephala in monsoon, winter and summer seasons indicated significant differences among seasons. The larvae began pupation at 92nd h in summer, 157th h in the monsoon season and 191st h in winter. Rapid larval growth in terms of length was observed in summer. During summer, the length of the larvae increased to a maximum of 13.9 mm at 54th h. Time taken for the emergence of the adult fly was 164, 249 and 311h in summer, monsoon and winter seasons respectively. Life table studies were conducted to assess the percentage survival and mortality by recording the survival rate of different development stages. Molecular diagnosis of species was done using COI gene. The analysis included molecular sequences of other samples of the same species from different regions of India. The neighborjoining method allowed us to identify the species at molecular level with precision and accuracy.

Applications of artificial intelligence in forensic sciences: Current potential benefits, limitations and perspectives

In recent years, new studies based on artificial intelligence (AI) have been conducted in the forensic field, posing new challenges and demonstrating the advantages and disadvantages of using AI methodologies to solve forensic well-known problems. Specifically, AI technology has tried to overcome the human subjective bias limitations of the traditional approach of the forensic sciences, which include sex prediction and age estimation from morphometric measurements in forensic anthropology or evaluating the third molar stage of development in forensic odontology. Likewise, AI has been studied as an assisting tool in forensic pathology for a quick and easy identification of the taxonomy of diatoms. The present systematic review follows the PRISMA 2020 statements and aims to explore an emerging topic that has been poorly analyzed in the forensic literature. Benefits, limitations, and forensic implications concerning AI are therefore highlighted, by providing an extensive critical review of its current applications on forensic sciences as well as its future directions. Results are divided into 5 subsections which included forensic anthropology, forensic odontology, forensic pathology, forensic genetics, and other forensic branches. The discussion offers a useful instrument to investigate the potential benefits of AI in the forensic fields as well as to point out the existing open questions and issues concerning its application on real-life scenarios. Procedural notes and technical aspects are also provided to the readers.

Are Old Men Impotent? On a Sparse Discourse of Early Modern Medicine and Its Forensic Implications in Paolo Zacchia’s Quaestiones medico-legales

In early modern medical literature, there are increasing references to sterility and impotence in older men. This is especially true of the Quaestiones medico-legales by the Roman physician Paolo Zacchia (1584-1659). In several books of this systematically structured manual, its author discusses medical and legal arguments on the one hand. On the other hand, in the 10th, only posthumously published volume, a total of five cases of impotence in old men are described on the basis of court decisions of the Rota Romana and expert opinions of the author. The paper examines these cases with regard to central statements on male impotence in old age, which are placed in the medical as well as the social and legal-historical context of the time. It becomes clear that old-age impotence and sterility were less a medical than a legal problem in the 17th century. However, the physician Zacchia emphasises the concept of biological age instead of historically transmitted numerical age limits. In this respect, his expert opinions already show the first signs of medical empiricism.

Dehydration-Induced alterations to sharp force trauma on Sus domesticus radii

Dehydration is a taphonomic process that affects nearly all skeletal remains, yet there is a dearth of evidence on this process within the forensic taphonomy literature. When considering the forensic implications of skeletal dehydration, a particular area of concern is sharp force trauma due to its global prominence in forensic cases. In an attempt to address these literature gaps and quantify the effects that dehydration has on skeletal elements, a controlled experiment subjected Sus domesticus (i.e., domestic pig) radii samples (n = 36) to laboratory-induced dehydration after they were inflicted with knife trauma. All samples were photographed pre- and post-dehydration; bone section and kerf mark length, width, and area were then measured from these photographs using ImageJ. Statistical analysis of pre- and post-dehydration samples showed that all measurements experienced significant (p ≤ 0.001) shrinkage, with bone sample area shrinking an average of 8.8 % and kerf mark area an average of 29.7 %. Alterations in length, width and area between the kerf marks and bone samples showed a weak, moderate, and strong correlation, respectively. These findings suggest that anthropological analysis may be affected by dehydration-induced shrinkage, highlighting the necessity of continued research into the effects of dehydration on skeletal trauma.

What respiratory physicians should know about parasomnias.

To understand the common features of NREM and REM parasomnias.To differentiate between the causes of motor behaviours during sleep.To discuss the treatment approach for NREM and REM parasomnias.

Patho-mechanical comparative morpho-characterization of contre-coup injuries of liver by cadaveric experimental simulation for medico-legal and forensic implications

BackgroundLiver is the most common organ to get injured in cases of blunt force trauma to the abdomen (BFTA). It is the 2nd commonest organ after brain to sustain injuries out of all the trauma related fatalities. However, the literature about contre-coup injuries to the liver due to BFTA is scarce in-spite of the high mortality rates seen out of injury to this particular organ. PurposeThe authors intended to systematize the characteristic morphogenesis of the contre-coup injuries of the liver on the basis of the patho-mechanics involved in various types of BFTA. MethodologyOne hundred and sixty three cases of BFTA were identified, and interpretation was attempted for the contre-coup rupture of the liver seen in twenty out of all the trauma related fatalities that presented for post-mortem examination during the study period. However, the mechanics of the pattern of the rupture injuries to the liver were indiscernible. This motivated the authors to conduct the comparative characterization of injuries to the liver by experimental simulation of BFTA after necessary permission via inflicting pre-calculated forces on unclaimed cadavers. ResultsThe patterns of contre-coup rupture/s of liver were established in all the twenty out of one sixty-three cases of BFTA. The rupture depicted patterns of injury in the situations of - 1) strong hits with a limited surface trauma, 2) very strong hits with a generalized surface trauma, 3) and collision with a solid surface resulting due to fall onto the side of the abdomen. The causative mechanism discerned was deformation of the liver, followed by its parenchymal rupture due to the shear and strain types of force/s consequent upon tissue compression. The minimum force and energy of impact required for the liver to rupture was estimated to be 2000 N and 141.5 J. ConclusionThis series of the simulation experiments revealed two variants of liver rupture in the contre-coup impact zone. The pattern of injury was maintained in cases, those studied at post-mortem examinations, but the relief ruptures were found to vary depending upon the overall mechanics of the traumatic forces involved in the simulation experiments performed on the cadavers. The anti-shock ruptures were formed during shock trauma, and shockproof ruptures were not seen in cases of underlying compressive forces. The morphogenetic characterization of the relief rupture surface of the liver was also delineated in relation to its surface orientation to the spine on the basis of the terms “large” and “very large” depicting the quantum of force/s delivered out of an impact or blow.

The forensic implications of camouflaging: a study into victimisation and offending associated with autism and pathological demand avoidance

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influence of social camouflaging on victimisation and offending in relation to autism and pathological demand avoidance (PDA) traits. Camouflaging aims to overcome or conceal difficulties in social and communication skills. Autistic individuals report camouflaging in response to threat and being verbally and physically assaulted when they have not camouflaged. Thus, camouflaging could be associated with victimisation. Camouflaging could also impact on specialist support available to an individual, potentially increasing the risk of victimisation or offending.Design/methodology/approachCross-sectional study was conducted using 220 participants from the general population who completed online questionnaires measuring victimisation and offending, autism and PDA traits, camouflaging and symptoms of depression and anxiety.FindingsCorrelational analysis found positive associations between camouflaging and victimisation, and camouflaging and lifetime offending. Greater camouflaging and PDA traits predicted greater offending, whereas greater autism traits predicted fewer offending behaviours. While correlated, camouflaging was not significantly predictive of victimisation. Victimisation was predicted by symptoms of depression and PDA traits.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to consider camouflaging as an influencing factor on offending and victimisation in autistic and PDA individuals.

Epigenetic Studies for Evaluation of NPS Toxicity: Focus on Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones.

In the recent decade, numerous new psychoactive substances (NPSs) have been added to the illicit drug market. These are synthetized to mimic the effects of classic drugs of abuse (i.e., cannabis, cocaine, etc.), with the purpose of bypassing substance legislations and increasing the pharmacotoxicological effects. To date, research into the acute pharmacological effects of new NPSs is ongoing and necessary in order to provide an appropriate contribution to public health. In fact, multiple examples of NPS-related acute intoxication and mortality have been recorded in the literature. Accordingly, several in vitro and in vivo studies have investigated the pharmacotoxicological profiles of these compounds, revealing that they can cause adverse effects involving various organ systems (i.e., cardiovascular, respiratory effects) and highlighting their potential increased consumption risks. In this sense, NPSs should be regarded as a complex issue that requires continuous monitoring. Moreover, knowledge of long-term NPS effects is lacking. Because genetic and environmental variables may impact NPS responses, epigenetics may aid in understanding the processes behind the harmful events induced by long-term NPS usage. Taken together, “pharmacoepigenomics” may provide a new field of combined study on genetic differences and epigenetic changes in drug reactions that might be predictive in forensic implications.

Medicolegal aspects of non-rapid eye movement parasomnias

In a subset of adults with non-rapid eye movement (NREM) parasomnias, clinical variants might be violent in nature and can potentially result in unintentional but considerable harm. As such, there is substantial interest on the forensic ramifications of these sleep behaviours. This review examined the diagnostic criteria for parasomnias established in the context of international classification systems; medicolegal case reports; legal frameworks; and court cases in and outside of Singapore, to provide an overview of the implications of NREM parasomnias. Violent or injurious behaviours that occurred in the context of somnambulism, otherwise known as sleepwalking, have challenged traditional legal theories of criminal culpability. Yet little has changed in the application of sleep science to criminal responsibility. In Singapore, the defence of somnambulism has hitherto not been directly raised. Nonetheless, sleep medicine practitioners may increasingly be requested to render their opinions on legal issues pertaining to violent or injurious behaviours allegedly arising during sleep. Although the understanding of NREM parasomnias has improved, there is still a dearth of evidence to support both medical and legal decisions in this area. NREM parasomnias come with disquieting legal and forensic implications for adjudicating criminal responsibility. There is a need to critically examine legal perspectives on behaviours occurring during sleep. More reliable empirical studies investigating the pathophysiology of NREM parasomnias can offer clearer diagnostic guidelines and address complex behaviours of NREM that often come with medicolegal implications.