Forensic Implications Research Articles

Formicidae (Hymenoptera) community in corpses at different altitudes in a semiarid wild environment in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula

AbstractThe Formicidae are considered crucial components of the entomosarcosaprophagous fauna because they can delay the decomposition process, cause tissue postmortem damage and produce bloodstain patterns that may confuse investigations. Moreover, some studies suggest that the Formicidae can act as environmental and seasonal indicators. However, studies on this group on vertebrate carcasses are scarce, especially in the Iberian Peninsula and the southwest of Europe. Thus, comparative studies at different altitudes in a protected wild mountain area could provide useful information on its composition in such environmental conditions, their role as environmental indicators and their forensic implications. For this reason, the Formicidae sarcosaprophagous community was studied at three different altitudes, between 400 and 1,500 m, in a wild mountainous area in the southeast of Spain using a modified Schoenly trap, with two pitfall traps inside, baited with 5 kg piglets (Sus scrofa L.). This work illustrates an approach to the community of the Formicidae, as a representative of the sarcosaprophagous community in an altitudinal gradient, showing a great variability in its composition. Furthermore, when comparing our results with other studies carried out in the Iberian Peninsula, we are able to suggest certain species with a potential utility as geographic and environmental indicators. Thus, Iberoformica subrufa, Lasius brunneus, Lasius cinereus and Camponotus sylvaticus are species of special interest as they appeared in either one of the sampled areas or in the same region.

Transtorno dissociativo de identidade: aspectos diagnósticos e implicações clínicas e forenses

O transtorno dissociativo de identidade ou TDI (historicamente conhecido como “transtorno de múltiplas personalidades”) compreende uma classificação psicopatológica controversa em relação à sua validade transcultural. Ao longo da história, aquilo que chamamos de TDI adquiriu facetas muito diferentes conforme a época analisada, indo desde a possessão demoníaca até o diagnóstico de histeria e múltiplas personalidades no século XIX. No Brasil, poucos casos de TDI foram reportados na literatura científica. Contudo, tem-se observado, ainda que informalmente, um significativo aumento no interesse pelo tema e no número de relatos veiculados pela imprensa brasileira nos últimos anos. O presente artigo tem como propósito apresentar, para o público brasileiro, as controvérsias teóricas em torno do diagnóstico de TDI, bem como suas implicações clínicas e forenses. O texto avalia a metodologia dos estudos nessa área, a validade transcultural do TDI e os modelos teóricos existentes. O artigo conclui com recomendações para investigações futuras e sugestões de ordem prática para os profissionais de saúde mental (psiquiatras, psicólogos clínicos e forenses) e profissionais do Direito.

Forensic implications of foot arch index comparison between dynamic bare footprints and shoe insole foot impressions

• Footprints and insole impressions were compared for significant relationships. • The Chippaux-Smirak and Staheli arch indices were used to assess arch impressions. • No significant relationships were found between barefoot and insole arch indices. • Barefoot arch height cannot be predicted from an insole arch height or vice versa.

Forensic implication of cadaveric behaviors of the Japanese pavement ant (Tetramorium tsushimae Emery) attending to rabbit cadavers

AbstractIt is noticed by some researchers that ants may cause some forensic confusion in understanding death scenes. In the aspect of relationship between the ant‐animal decomposition, we observed the behavior of ants congregating on dead animals. Amongst various species of ants visiting dead rabbits, Tetramorium tsushimae Emery was noticeable in producing scratched scars, mounds, and nests around dead rabbits and covering them with soils. The behaviors are likely to interfere or to disturb the usual process of decomposition succession lead by maggots. We discussed that a series of cadaveric behaviors of T. tsushimae may be used as a potential forensic hint not to misunderstand death scenes disturbed by the species.

Comparative analysis of static and dynamic bare footprint dimensions in a north Indian population

Footprints recovered from the scene of a crime may be made while the perpetrator is standing, termed static, or walking, termed dynamic. Numerous studies on the medical and forensic aspects of static and dynamic footprints have been done and determining whether a footprint found at a crime scene is static or dynamic may have important forensic implications. Yet, little research has focused on the similarities or differences between static and dynamic footprints in the forensic context. The present study compared static and dynamic footprint two-dimensional variables to determine if statistically significant differences existed between them and if one can be estimated from the other. Footprints were taken from a sample of randomly selected 461 Jatt Sikh adults; major north Indian population. A total of 230 males and 231 females aged between 19 and 32 years were included in the study. Static and dynamic footprints were obtained from the participants using standard methodology. Seven linear footprint measurements and three footprint indices were calculated from each footprint. The dynamic footprint variables showed higher magnitudes than the static variables, and the differences were statistically significant for the length and width measurements. Furthermore, all measurements on the static and dynamic parameters exhibited statistically significant sexual dimorphism and bilateral differences. An attempt was made to estimate the static footprint dimensions from the dynamic footprint dimensions using the regression models to check the extent of differences between the two to help the investigators in estimating dimensions of one from another.

The Psychedelic Renaissance and Its Forensic Implications.

Recent years have seen a renaissance of research into the use of psychedelic compounds to address various psychiatric conditions. The study of these substances went dormant in 1970 when the United States government passed the Controlled Substances Act, which categorized lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD or acid, as a Schedule I drug. The rise of psychedelics in research settings raises questions regarding their risks outside of clinical trials. The available data on the impact of psychedelic use on interpersonal violence and other criminal behavior remain scant. Although Timothy Leary's work of the 1960s failed to clearly demonstrate a reduction in criminal recidivism with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, recent studies suggest that the use of psychedelics may reduce individuals' risk of interpersonal violence. Forensic psychiatrists should be aware of this research, as well as the role that psychedelics may play in various forensic assessments. This article summarizes basic information that the forensic practitioner should know about psychedelic substances, including their various effects and proposed mechanism of action; describes historical and recent research into psychedelics and criminal behavior; and offers evaluators a practical means by which to assess individuals' psychedelic use in forensic contexts.

Prodrugs of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): A New Challenge.

The concept of a substance acting as a prodrug for an intended drug is not new and has been known and utilized with particular benefits within medicine for efficacy and patient safety. Prodrugs of psychoactive substances are also not particularly new but this has also extended to considerations of prodrugs of new psychoactive substances (NPS). The continuing evolution of NPS has been a constant forensic challenge. In some countries, this constant evolution has led to the introduction of various alternative methods of drug control. Whether for this reason or in the pursuit of user experimentation, prodrugs of NPS have been discussed, developed, and exploited, posing some distinct forensic challenges. This is especially the case within toxicological analysis of biological fluids and for some substances, also forensic chemical analysis, through inherent instability of the prodrug or metabolism in the body. Particular examples of NPS prodrugs include 1-propanoyl-LSD, 1-butanoyl-LSD, 1-acetyl-LSD, and 2C-B-AN. This is in addition to associated substances and medicines that may be used for an intended pharmacological effect. Various prodrugs for stimulant and hallucinogenic substances in particular have appeared in the literature and have been discussed within drug user forums and made available for purchase online. Presently, drug monitoring data from national and international systems indicate that prodrugs are not widely available or problematic. Nevertheless, it is important that there is sufficient awareness of the prodrug concept and potential impact and associated forensic implications, not just for chemical analysis but also for toxicological considerations when a substance has been used.

Quantity and asymmetry of fingerprint white lines: forensic implication

Bilateral asymmetry is one of the widely used features by proxy as an indicator of environmental and occupational stress and developmental instability. However, its application in personal identification has not been well elucidated in the literature. The present study strives to investigate the forensic implication of fingerprint white line count (FWLC) quantity and asymmetry and the potential of their utilization as complementary tools in personal identification. The objectives of the study were to determine the potential of FWLC asymmetry as a possible feature for sex and left or right of digit determination and its possible forensic implication among the Hausa population of Kano state, Nigeria. The study was a cross sectional type which comprises of 300 participants. A plain fingerprint captured using live scan techniques to determine the FWLC. Wilcoxon signed ranks and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the paired and independent variables. Binary logistic regression analyses were employed for determination of sex and left or right of the digit. The result shows statistically significant differences between the left and right FWLC in both sexes. FWLC exhibited leftward asymmetry in all the digits in both males and females. Significant sexual dimorphism in FWLC asymmetry was observed in all the digits except for the middle digits. Regarding the sex and left or right determination, the coefficients of discrimination of sex and left or right of digit were found to be significant for all the digits except for the middle digits for sex. The variance of sex and left or right of the digits explained by FWLC asymmetry was higher for index and ring digits. The group membership prediction was best for index and ring digits. In conclusion, the FWLC asymmetry exhibits potential in sex and left or right of the digit prediction among Hausa population. Index and ring digits were the best digits that expressed the level of dimorphism and discrimination.

Latent Aggression and Impulsive Manifestations of the Psychiatric Patient. Clinical, Legal and Ethical Aspects

Psychiatry represents the medical branch that focuses not only on the patient’s mental state but also on general health issues and wellbeing. With the continuous development of human civilization, the individual no longer uses aggression, a counterproductive method for day to day living in the community, to meet its basic needs. Neurobiological changes that lead to aggressive manifestations are a medical problem only if the aggressive impulses occur in a person with a psychiatric diagnosis already established and poses a danger to himself and others. Aggressive behaviour due to a medical condition or biological factors is an old problem that has great forensic implications both for the patient and for the medical staff. Decreased quality of life, low emotional support and social marginalization are some of the repercussions that emerge. Understanding the negative effects of aggressive impulses found in multiple psychiatric diagnoses is the key to an optimal doctor-patient relationship. An individualized treatment is necessary, the final goal being social reintegration.

Succession study on forensically important Coleoptera from India: a preliminary study and its forensic implications

BackgroundColeoptera is the second most important group of entomofauna associated with decomposition, yet little is known about its role in decomposition and postmortem colonization of carcasses in India and other parts of the world. Consequently, a preliminary study was conducted to study the succession of forensically important Coleoptera using goat carrion as an animal model.ResultsFive decomposition stages were observed during the experiment. A total of 1174 adult coleopterans belonging to 21 species and seven families were collected during this study. Throughout faunal succession, Histeridae and Silphidae were the dominant Coleopteran families, and they occurred mainly during the bloated and decay stages of decomposition; Necrophila (Calosilpha) ioptera was the dominant species present from the bloated to dry stage of putrescence. Two species, Pachylister bellicus and Saprinus sternifossa were reported for the first time from India.ConclusionThis study provides baseline data regarding Coleopteran species associated with different decomposition stages, but more extensive studies need to be performed to develop a geographical database on arthropod succession from as many habitats as possible so that this kind of data can be used in forensic cases.

Forensic Analysis of Social Media Apps

Social networks in any form, specifically online social networks (OSNs), are becoming a part of our everyday life in this new kind of millennium especially with the advanced and simple communication technologies through easily accessible devices such as smartphones and laptops and desktops. The data generated through the use of these technologies need to be analyzed for forensic purposes when criminal and terrorist activities are involved. And is useful to analyze and come to an understanding about their further intentions. In order to deal with the forensic implications of social networks, current research on both digital forensics and social networks need to be incorporated and understood. In this paper we are conducting forensic analysis on different networking sites such as Twitter, Skype, and WhatsApp on famous search engine called Firefox.

Diagnosis and management of nonrapid eye movement-parasomnias.

Nonrapid eye movement (NREM) parasomnias are common sleep disorders that potentially have significant personal, social and forensic implications. They represent a unique opportunity in nature to explore the coexistence of sleep and wake-state in the human brain. Neuroimaging and electroencephalography have advanced our understanding of NREM-parasomnia pathophysiology, and the interplay between wakefulness and sleep. These disorders are increasingly viewed as resulting from an evolutionary process with a basis in uni-hemispheric brain activity in sleep seen in some animals, maintaining consciousness and ability to act against life-threatening situations. Although current classification of NREM parasomnia phenotypes distinguishes between disorders of arousal and other types of behaviours, evidence increasingly points to there being a significant overlap between the various phenotypes. Treatment practice appears more standardized nowadays based on larger case series, but randomized control trials are still needed. NREM-parasomnia is a very common disorder of uncertain pathogenesis but of known pathophysiology, the diagnosis of which remains primarily clinical.

Prospective Associations Between Boys' Substance Use and Problem Behavior Histories and Their Facial Trustworthiness in Adulthood

Introduction: People whose faces look untrustworthy tend to receive harsher social evaluations, including more severe criminal sentences. Yet little is known about how much facial trustworthiness reflects individuals' behavioral histories. We examined whether adolescent histories of delinquency and substance use predict strangers' perceptions of young men's facial trustworthiness. Methods: Boys (n = 206) recruited from schools with higher juvenile crime rates were assessed repeatedly from ages 10–24 years, including arrest records and self-reported delinquency and substance use. Coders blind to the study's purpose rated participants' facial trustworthiness from photographs taken at ages 14 and 24; parent-reported childhood family income and coder ratings of attractiveness and positive affect at age 24 were considered as controls. Results: Facial trustworthiness at age 24 (but not age 14) negatively correlated with all measures of problem behavior. Yet, self-reported tobacco use occasions from ages 12–23 had the strongest association with facial trustworthiness at age 24, a relation that persisted when controlling for arrests and delinquency from ages 12–23, other substance use, family income, ratings of age-24 positive facial affect, attractiveness, and age-14 facial trustworthiness (β = −.29, 95% CI [−.42, −.15], p < .001). Discussion: Although boys' early facial trustworthiness did not relate to their later problem behavior, men with histories of more delinquency and tobacco use appeared less facially trustworthy as adults. Appearance-related biases may have forensic and healthcare implications for young men. Additionally, prevention efforts could leverage information about the early impacts of tobacco use on appearance.

Forensic Implications of the New Classification of ICD-11 Paraphilic Disorders in Brazil

IntroductionThe World Health Organization (WHO) Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse appointed a Working Group on Sexual Disorders and Sexual Health in order to revise and propose changes to ICD-10 categories. AimAnalyze ethical and legal implications in Brazil of the proposed ICD-11 diagnostic criteria for paraphilic disorders. MethodsA forensic working group of Brazilian experts in collaboration with representatives of WHO reviewed the proposed modifications to the classification of Disorders of Sexual Preference in ICD-10 (F65), which is recommended to be replaced by Paraphilic Disorders in ICD-11. Proposals were reviewed through a medicolegal lens, using a legal and policy analysis guide put forth by WHO. The premise of this review was to understand that, although the ICD classification is intended to provide a basis for clinical and statistical health interventions, medical diagnostics may also be entangled in the complex legal, normative, and political environment of various countries. Main Outcome MeasureThe most important proposed change to this section is to limit the concept of paraphilic disorders primarily to patterns of sexual arousal involving a focus on others who are unwilling or unable to consent, but this change has not affected the ethical and legal aspects of psychiatric functioning in the Brazil. ResultsBecause Brazilian criminal law is directed toward criminal behavior and not to specific psychiatric diagnoses, the changes proposed for ICD-11 are not expected to create obstacles to health services or to modify criminal sentencing. Clinical ImplicationsAlthough ICD-11 has a number of changes in its content, there are no significant clinical implications in the Brazilian context, but a better clarity of conceptual definitions and diagnostic criteria. Strengths & LimitationsThe study is conducted with people from different Brazilian states, which is important for a comprehensive view. On the other hand, considering that it is a very heterogeneous country, there is the limitation that an even wider scope of the study is not possible. ConclusionIn the Brazilian context, the new guidelines for paraphilic disorders contribute to clinical utility and are not expected to create difficulties related to the legal, social, and economic consequences of sexual offenses in the country.Abdalla-Filho E, de Jesus Mari J, Diehl A, et al. Forensic Implications of the New Classification of ICD-11 Paraphilic Disorders in Brazil. J Sex Med 2019; 16:1814–1819.

Fungal succession during mammalian cadaver decomposition and potential forensic implications

The necrobiome is the postmortem community that includes bacteria, fungi, arthropods, and other cadaver-associated organisms. It has been suggested as biological evidence for forensic investigation. Fungi form distinctive mildew spots in colonizing decomposing bodies, converting them into moldy cadavers. However, the postmortem fungal community consists of more than these visible species. Characterizing the succession pattern of the fungal community during decomposition is valuable not only for understanding the ecosystem composition of the cadaver decomposition islands but also for contributing to forensic investigations. In the present study, the fungal composition of pig cadavers and succession patterns during decomposition were investigated with high-throughput sequencing. The succession patterns were easier to discern in outdoor cadavers, compared with those that were placed indoors. The metabarcoding approach revealed trends linking particular fungal taxa with specific postmortem intervals (PMIs). Dominant species increased notably in cadavers and soil. Furthermore, the succession of the soil community was driven by the cadaver decomposition. Significant mycoflora differences were observed between environmental and cadaveric soil. The results obtained suggested that postputrefaction mycoflora have considerable potential for PMI estimation, particularly in cases that involve heavily decomposed bodies. In addition, the diversity of fungal communities revealed by the metabarcoding approach allowed us to discriminate the sites of cadaver decomposition, implying that postputrefaction mycoflora may be helpful in identifying the environment in which a cadaver has been placed, or the original location from which a cadaver has been moved. Our results provide an important step towards developing fungal evidence for use in forensic science and add to the growing body of work on postmortem microbial communities.

Pattern of Occurrence of Ocular Injuries and their Forensic Aspects

Introduction: All penetrating or non-penetrating intentional ocular trauma causing loss of an organ or part of an organ and which have as a consequence the facial disfigurement or post trauma sequelae formation have forensic implications.
 Objectives: To study the pattern of ocular injuries its forensic implications and meticulous documentation in ocular medicolegal cases.
 Methodology: This hospital based cross sectional study was carried out by Forensic medicine personnel in Department of Ophthalmology and Emergency Department of Manipal Teaching Hospital Pokhara, Nepal. A total of 251 cases of ocular injury constituted the sample size. Cases were analyzed according to age, sex, type of trauma, causative agent, and manner of injury and ocular injuries having any medicolegal value. All data was evaluated and relevant information were extracted and entered into a database.
 Results: Male subjects 174 (69.32%) were more susceptible to ocular injuries and age group 21-30 years 66 (26.3%) were more predisposed to ocular injuries. The commonest cause of ocular trauma was due to fall on blunt objects 42(16.73%). The most common site of injury was cornea 120(47.81%) and corneal abrasion 65(54.16) was the most common ocular finding. Accidental manner of injury was observed in majority of the cases 230 (91.60%). Ocular injuries sustained were all simple in nature 251(100%) as a result no fatality was observed following ocular injury.
 Conclusion: Proper history taking and methodical documentation of injuries not only assist in diagnosis and management of the patient but also holds an evidentiary value in medico legal cases.

Forensic Considerations in a Series of 14 Deaths of Patients with a Left Ventricular Assist Device.

To better understand the forensic implications of death with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), we reviewed all deaths that were reported to a regional medical examiner jurisdiction involving patients who had an LVAD. Medical examiner case files between January 2012 and September 2018 were searched for "LVAD" and "left ventricular assist device" to identify deaths that were reported to the medical examiner involving a decedent who had an LVAD at the time of death. During the study period, a total of 14 deaths were reported to the regional medical examiner involving decedents who had an implanted LVAD at the time of death. The average age at death was 64 years, with a range from 40 to 81 years. The underlying cardiac disease leading to LVAD implantation was ischemic heart disease (n = 9), nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 4), and chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity (n = 1). Of these 14 deaths, 2 deaths were due to loss of power to the LVAD, 1 death was due to traumatic subdural hemorrhage occurring in the setting of anticoagulation therapy required by LVAD implantation, and 1 death was due to femur fracture following a fall. Medical examiners should be familiar with the potential complications of LVADs, especially those complications that may prompt consideration of non-natural manners of death. Medical examiners should also be aware of the tools and investigative strategies that may assist in the investigation of LVAD-related deaths.

Effect of Heat on the Fluorescence Properties of Tooth-Colored Restorative Materials and Their Forensic Implications.

During antemortem and postmortem comparison of dental records of carbonized victims, restorations may be part of such records. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat on the fluorescence behavior of contemporary tooth-colored restorative materials and natural tooth structure when subjected to range of temperatures, using illumination with 405nm wavelength light. A total of 132 human extracted teeth restored with tooth-colored restorative materials were exposed to heat (200, 500, 900, 1200°C) in an oven for 30min. Samples were imaged before and after heat treatment. All tooth-colored restorative materials underwent changes in color and in fluorescence properties, at each of the temperatures used. Resin-based restorative materials still fluoresced at 200°C, and at 500°C underwent major color changes due to volatilization of resin. Materials containing inorganic fluorophores still fluoresced at 900°C, while at 1200°C, none of the materials tested in this study showed any fluorescence.

Recent advances in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder for mental health professionals

Understanding the pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and treatment implications of the interface between mental disorder and the consequences of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) is important for mental health professionals (MHP) seeking to provide the most effective care. This review was written to highlight the importance of identifying and intervening with regards to the unique mental health and medical needs of individual with PAE. Over the last year, research has identified differences in the diagnostic criteria for Neurodevelopmental Disorder Associated with PAE (ND-PAE)/Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and called for standardization, given that diagnosis is the main route to appropriate support. Care will improve with advances in epigenetic, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological discoveries regarding the consequences of PAE. For example, recent progressions allow for improved detection of alterations in DNA methylation and functional connectivity between cortical and deep grey matter. Therapeutic innovations targeting specific neurocognitive impairment and ligand-specific symptom clusters, as well as lifelong multidisciplinary interventions to support patients, were reported as producing effective outcomes. Developments in genetics, epigenetics, imaging, and interventions are relevant to the current knowledge of FASD. MHP are encouraged to recognize the importance of understanding unique considerations for this population, including forensic implications and the whole-body impacts of FASD, which could assist in reducing stigma and improving quality of care.

Different predictive and accuracy models for sex and stature estimation from second- and fourth-digit lengths in the Kinnaur population of Himachal Pradesh, North India: Medico-legal and forensic implications.

Forensic anthropologists are not only active in courtroom testimonies but also contribute to disaster victim identification. The timely recovery and identification of victims in any disaster is crucial, and anthropologists play a vital role in this process. In mass disasters such as airplane crashes, tsunamis, earthquakes or terrorist attacks, fragments of dead bodies are usually brought for identification. Each fragment demands special tactics to fulfil any of the basic attributes of forensic identification such as age, sex, stature or ancestry. If sex and stature can be estimated from a single fragment, then it can potentially reduce the identification time and possible victim matches. In this study, an attempt has been made to estimate sex and stature from the second- and fourth-digit lengths. Different predictive and accuracy models have been devised using statistical techniques. No bilateral difference was observed in the digit lengths in either sex. Consequently, an average of the digit lengths was employed for model approximations. The fourth-digit length provided the best sex estimates (M=82.1%, F=79.2%) when binary logistic regression (BLR) statistics were applied. It was also observed that overall sex estimations improved from 78.8% (from BLR) to 79.8% when discriminant function analysis was used for sex estimation. Second- and fourth-digit lengths were used independently and together for stature estimation models for males and females individually and for the pooled sample. In stature estimation models, three major interpretations were perceived: (1) the second-digit length provided the best stature estimates; (2) the estimation models compute better stature estimates for females than their counterparts, that is, standard errors are less in females than males; and (3) second and fourth digits predict more reliable stature estimation when the sex of the digits is known than that of the pooled sample.