Forensic Institutions Research Articles

Chiral analysis of amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA and MDA enantiomers in human hair samples.

A novel analytical method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of the R/S-enantiomers of amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDA and MDMA in hair samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). This method involved a straightforward derivatization step with dansyl chloride and the use of a chiral column, enabling the separation and quantification of all eight enantiomers in a single analysis. The method exhibited excellent linearity across a concentration range of 0.03-3.00 ng/mg for each enantiomer. Precision and accuracy were within acceptable limits, with bias and relative standard deviation (RSD) values consistently below 6% and 9%, respectively. Selectivity and specificity assessments confirmed the absence of any interference from contaminants or co-extracted drugs. The method demonstrated high sensitivity, with limits of detection (LOD) below 8 pg/mg and limits of quantification (LOQ) below 19 pg/mg for all analytes. Extraction recovery exceeded 79%, and matrix effects were minimal for all analytes. Processed sample stability evaluations revealed consistent results with deviations below 11% for all analytes. Application of the method to 32 authentic human hair samples provided valuable insights into amphetamine use patterns, allowing differentiation between medical amphetamine consumption and illicit use based on enantiomeric composition. Additionally, the method detected co-use of methamphetamine, MDA or MDMA in some samples, highlighting its applicability in drug monitoring and real-life case scenarios within a forensic institute. This innovative analytical approach offers a sensitive and selective method for enantiomeric differentiation of amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDA and MDMA in human hair samples, providing a valuable tool for forensic and clinical investigations.

Criminalistic aspects of torture using an artificial intelligence system: a review

The article discusses the use of artificial intelligence to identify violations and deficiencies in forensic institutions and law enforcement agencies and chipping employees of criminal prosecution agencies to prevent illegal investigative methods, including torture.
 The legislation of foreign countries regulating the procedures for conducting medical research and investigating cases of torture is considered.
 Regarding obtaining high-quality materials for examining the scene of an accident and using their results during a forensic medical study, the authors proposed a modular kit for recording the results of an inspection of the scene (utility model patent dated August 4, 2023).
 This study proposed a procedure for using artificial intelligence to improve the quality of work of criminal prosecution bodies and forensic institutions. A SWOT analysis of the use of artificial intelligence to improve the quality of law enforcement agencies and forensic institutions was conducted. Based on the results, the positive and negative aspects of the use of artificial intelligence were determined.
 Based on the analysis of the national mechanism for conducting forensic research, proposals have been developed to improve the work of investigators and forensic experts.

From data to a validated score-based LR system: A practitioner’s guide

Likelihood ratios (LRs) are a useful measure of evidential strength. In forensic casework consisting of a flow of cases with essentially the same question and the same analysis method, it is feasible to construct an ‘LR system’, that is, an automated procedure that has the observations as input and an LR as output. This paper is aimed at practitioners interested in building their own LR systems. It gives an overview of the different steps needed to get to a validated LR system from data. The paper is accompanied by a notebook that illustrates each step with an example using glass data. The notebook introduces open-source software in Python constructed by NFI (Netherlands Forensic Institute) data scientists and statisticians.

Совершенствование статуса руководителя судебно-экспертного учреждения в законодательстве о судебно-экспертной деятельности

The article presents proposals to the current legislation, as well as to the draft Federal Law “On Forensic expert activity” in terms of expanding the rights of the head of a forensic expert institution. The thesis is substantiated that it is necessary to give the head the status of a specialist in order to provide an opportunity to review the opinions of subordinate experts. It is also important to supplement its procedural competence with the right to apply for inclusion in the commission of experts of persons who do not work in the institution. The head should be obliged to inform the person who appointed the forensic examination of information about the expert or the commission of experts to whom it is entrusted.

Совершенствование законодательства о судебно-экспертной деятельности: некоторые вопросы организационно-правового и методического обеспечения

The authors analyze the applicable laws, investigative and expert practice to bring forward amendments to the applicable laws and the bill of the Federal Law on Forensic Activities in the Russian Federation in terms of certifi cation of private forensic experts, validation and certifi cation of scientifi c and methodological support of forensic examination. The article proves the idea that one needs to reach a balance of powers by engaging an equal number of representatives of various state forensic institutions in this procedure. The paper also notes inexpediency of the establishment of requirements for methodological support of forensic examination through introduction of additional regulatory procedures.

A Large Postmortem Database of COVID-19 Patients Can Inform Disease Research and Public Policy Decision Making.

Autopsies performed on COVID-19 patients have provided critical information about SARS-CoV-2's tropism, mechanisms of tissue injury, and the spectrum of disease. To provide an updated database of postmortem disease in COVID-19 patients, assess relationships among clinical and pathologic variables, evaluate the accuracy of death certification, and correlate disease variables to causes of death. The 272 postmortem examinations reported in this paper were submitted by 14 pathologists from 9 medical or forensic institutions across the United States. The study spans the eras of the 3 principal COVID-19 strains and incorporates surveyed demographic, clinical, and postmortem data from decedents infected with SARS-CoV-2, including primary and contributing causes of death. It is the largest database of its kind to date. Demographics of the decedents reported here correspond well to national statistics. Primary causes of death as determined by autopsy and official death certificates were significantly correlated. When specifically cited disease conditions found at autopsy were correlated with COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 death, only lung findings characteristic of SARS-CoV-2 infection or the absence of lung findings were significantly associated. Changes in hospitalization and disease likely stem from longer lifespans after COVID-19 diagnosis and alteration in treatment approaches. Although Omicron variants preferentially replicate in the upper airways, autopsied patients who died of COVID-19 in that time period showed the same lung damage as earlier decedents. Most importantly, findings suggest that there are still unelucidated risk factors for death from COVID-19 including possibly genetic susceptibility.

The Sydney Declaration – An unique opportunity for Africa

The Sydney Declaration (SD) has the inherent virtue of shifting the focus from the tools used in forensic science to the fundamental characteristics of appropriate forensic practice analysis of a situation and all related trace data for the purpose of resolving a case. Though several differences might be observed between countries regarding the technologies used, the fundamental principle of forensic logical reasoning are universally applicable to all contexts and environments and not only restricted to sophisticated, well-resourced, established forensic science laboratories based in countries that offer adequate resources, strong networks and legal frameworks. In Africa, several countries lack resources to train practitioners and to develop forensic science institutes, laboratories and other relevant institutions. The SD can serve as departure point to attain appropriate forensic science outcomes. Upholding its sound guidance can help forensic science practitioners remain faithful to their science, acknowledge their limits, give expert opinions based solely on facts and scientific analysis and interpretation, whilst also enhancing communication with their stakeholders. As forensic science develops in Africa, the SD presents a timely opportunity for us to proceed with a common understanding and a solid foundation through which our field can grow.

В ГОД ПАМЯТИ СТАНИСЛАВА ИОСОФАТОВИЧА ЗАЛЕСКОГО – ОРДИНАРНОГО ПРОФЕССОРА, ВРАЧА-УЧЁНОГО, РОССИЙСКОГО ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО ДЕЯТЕЛЯ

Abstract. Introduction. In the year of the 165th anniversary of Ordinary Professor Stanislav I. Zalesky, collecting and structuring the materials about his scientific discoveries and his public and social reforms allow us to thankfully and highly appreciate his contribution to the development of Siberia and the Russian state as whole. Aim of the study is to estimate S. I. Zalesky’s importance for the progress of the medicine, chemistry, balneology, hydrology, and public life of the state and for the development of new approaches in teaching chemistry. Materials and Methods. In preparing this paper, we used the theoretical text analysis of lectures, speeches, dissertations, historical articles, and publications in the album of biographies. We present the analysis of the professor’s activities within the period of 1850-1890s. Results and Discussion. Working with Professor S. I. Zalesky’s research materials allows us to evaluate his contribution to various areas of science. Having got medical background and achieved considerable successes in studying anatomy, he worked his scientific way from a physician through a chemical scientist and made a great progress in this area. His interdisciplinary activities allowed Zalesky to be first to isolate ferritin, to discover the linkage between the spread of cholera and the water supply to populated areas, and to make much more important conclusions. Организовывал научные экспедиции совместно со студентами, в ходе которых был проведен химико-геологический и клима- тический анализ местных озер. Being a scientist eternally committed to his native Polish land, he established the fundamentals of studying and teaching chemistry in Siberia, having proposed the principle of profiling. He defined the importance of physiological, pathological, pharmaceutical, and geological chemistry. He studied micro- and macro- chemical reactions to iron in biological media, contributed to opening forensic institutions in Tomsk, initiated the studies of physiography of Siberia in terms of balneology, hydrology, and chemistry. Together with his students, he arranged research expeditions where they performed the chemical, geological, and climatic analyses of local lakes. Conclusions. Based on the theoretical analysis and structurization of materials available, we could evaluate the special contributions made by Professor S. I. Zalesky to the development of various areas of science.

В ГОД ПАМЯТИ СТАНИСЛАВА ИОСОФАТОВИЧА ЗАЛЕСКОГО – ОРДИНАРНОГО ПРОФЕССОРА, ВРАЧА-УЧЁНОГО, РОССИЙСКОГО ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО ДЕЯТЕЛЯ

Abstract. Introduction. In the year of the 165th anniversary of Ordinary Professor Stanislav I. Zalesky, collecting and structuring the materials about his scientific discoveries and his public and social reforms allow us to thankfully and highly appreciate his contribution to the development of Siberia and the Russian state as whole. Aim of the study is to estimate S. I. Zalesky’s importance for the progress of the medicine, chemistry, balneology, hydrology, and public life of the state and for the development of new approaches in teaching chemistry. Materials and Methods. In preparing this paper, we used the theoretical text analysis of lectures, speeches, dissertations, historical articles, and publications in the album of biographies. We present the analysis of the professor’s activities within the period of 1850-1890s. Results and Discussion. Working with Professor S. I. Zalesky’s research materials allows us to evaluate his contribution to various areas of science. Having got medical background and achieved considerable successes in studying anatomy, he worked his scientific way from a physician through a chemical scientist and made a great progress in this area. His interdisciplinary activities allowed Zalesky to be first to isolate ferritin, to discover the linkage between the spread of cholera and the water supply to populated areas, and to make much more important conclusions. Организовывал научные экспедиции совместно со студентами, в ходе которых был проведен химико-геологический и клима- тический анализ местных озер. Being a scientist eternally committed to his native Polish land, he established the fundamentals of studying and teaching chemistry in Siberia, having proposed the principle of profiling. He defined the importance of physiological, pathological, pharmaceutical, and geological chemistry. He studied micro- and macro- chemical reactions to iron in biological media, contributed to opening forensic institutions in Tomsk, initiated the studies of physiography of Siberia in terms of balneology, hydrology, and chemistry. Together with his students, he arranged research expeditions where they performed the chemical, geological, and climatic analyses of local lakes. Conclusions. Based on the theoretical analysis and structurization of materials available, we could evaluate the special contributions made by Professor S. I. Zalesky to the development of various areas of science.

A practical treatment of sensitivity analyses in activity level evaluations

Evaluations of forensic observations considering activity level propositions are becoming more common place in forensic institutions. A measure that can be taken to interrogate the evaluation for robustness is called sensitivity analysis. A sensitivity analysis explores the sensitivity of the evaluation to the data used when assigning probabilities, or to the level of uncertainty surrounding a probability assignment, or to the choice of various assumptions within the model. There have been a number of publications that describe sensitivity analysis in technical terms, and demonstrate their use, but limited literature on how that theory can be applied in practice. In this work we provide some simplified examples of how sensitivity analyses can be carried out, when they are likely to show that the evaluation is sensitive to underlying data, knowledge or assumptions, how to interpret the results of sensitivity analysis, and how the outcome can be reported. We also provide access to an application to conduct sensitivity analysis.

Pregabalin use in forensic hospitals and prisons in German speaking countries-a survey study of physicians.

Pregabalin is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analog that was approved in the EU in 2004 for the treatment of neuropathic pain, generalized anxiety disorder and epilepsy. Since its introduction, pregabalin abuse and misuse has increased significantly. In Switzerland, clinical reports suggest that pregabalin misuse is common among patients in forensic hospitals and prisons. However, data on pregabalin use is scarce, especially in these settings. Therefore, we conducted a study to explore patterns of pregabalin use among prison and forensic patients. We used a questionnaire to survey physicians working in prison and forensic medicine in German-speaking countries. A total of 131 responses were received. According to the physicians' subjective assessment, 82.5% of them had observed a recent increase in pregabalin use by their patients and 89.1% of them reported that their patients requested pregabalin without a clear medical indication. Patients misusing pregabalin in combination with other illicit substances were observed by 93.3% of the physicians surveyed. According to 73.5% of the physicians surveyed, they had already encountered patients on pregabalin doses of more than 600 mg/day (the maximum recommended daily dose); the highest dose reported was 4,200 mg/day. According to 85.0% of physicians surveyed, they have observed patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms from pregabalin, with the most commonly reported symptoms being displeasure and high aggression. Regarding the nationality of pregabalin-misusing patients, 58.3% of the interviewed physicians reported to be rather in contact with foreign patients, mainly from Northwest Africa (Maghreb). Only 45.0% of the surveyed physicians prescribe pregabalin. Among patients who developed behavioral problems while taking pregabalin, none of the physicians (0.0%) showed a tendency to continue pregabalin at the same dose; all respondents chose to reduce/substitute/discontinue. Our study has provided confirmatory evidence that the use of pregabalin presents a significant issue in forensic and prison medicine across German-speaking countries. Prescribing pregabalin in this field can compound use disorder problems and exacerbate challenges in daily life for those in forensic institutions or prisons. It is necessary that all physicians who prescribe pregabalin are clearly informed about the management (including the risks) of this drug.

Individual age determination based on computed tomography knee analysis using artificial neural networks and computer vision: Preliminary results

BACKGROUND: Currently, studies have focused on the modernization of existing methods of forensic age assessment (bone and skeletal) through the active use of modern methods of medical imaging (e.g., computed tomography) and artificial intelligence for their analysis. This approach enables the creation of new methods for assessing biological age, which is characterized by increased accuracy and reproducibility.
 AIM: To develop and test an algorithm for predicting the biological age of an individual based on computed tomography analysis of the knee joint using artificial neural networks and computer vision.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational retrospective transverse (one time) study analyzed computed tomography scans (334) of the knee joint performed in the Departments of Radiation Diagnostics of the Priorov Central Institute for Trauma and Orthopedics, Vreden National Medical Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics, between 2018 and 2021. The study enrolled persons of both sexes aged 13–45 years. Cases of developmental abnormalities, knee injuries, signs of general connective tissue pathology were excluded. Research methods include the use of intelligent information technologies (a formalized set of mathematical and software solutions).
 RESULTS: Based on the experiments conducted, an algorithm for assessing age according to the computed tomography scans of the knee joint has been developed. The main components of the developed system are as follows: a preprocessing module, an intelligent computing core, a data analysis module, a three-dimensional reconstruction module, a property extraction module, and a final age assessment module. The essence of the proposed method is the simultaneous use of artificial neural networks and clearly formalized mathematical procedures for calculating the properties of the epiphyseal line. To obtain the results and conduct primary experimental studies that confirmed the feasibility, correctness, and operability of the method, software using the YOLOv5 neural network was developed. The result of the error matrix analysis after training shows a probability of correct recognition of the order of 80%. Verification of experimental studies was performed on 46 cases. At present, the age estimation error is approximately 1 year for children and adolescents.
 CONCLUSIONS: The experimental results have confirmed the adequacy of the age estimates obtained to the actual age of the individual and, consequently, the applicability of the proposed method in forensic medical institutions. The proposed method is currently implemented as a set of software components with subsequent manual integration of automatically calculated data. The plan was to supplement the database of computed tomography images to increase the training sample and the accuracy of age prediction.

Conceptual approaches to defining the one-pointedness of forensic expert institutions as a factor determining the effectiveness of their interaction

Is to identify the effectiveness of cooperation between forensic expert institutions on the basis of approaches to determining their one-pointedness. Legislative and regulatory legal acts regulating forensic expert activity have been studied. Methods of synthesis, analysis and comparison have been used for their processing. The comparison of the carrying out of targeted diversified studies has been conducted. The article substantiates a necessity of uniform approaches to determination of one-pointedness of forensic expert institutions in order to increase the effectiveness of interdepartmental interaction.

Substantive approach to ensuring infectious safety in forensic medical expert practice

The objective of the study is to analyze existing measures and identify problematic aspects of ensuring the organization of infectious safety activity in forensic medical expert institutions, to develop ways of their solution. Documents regulating the functional principles of forensic medical expert institutions in cases of detection or suspicion of infectious pathology have been examined. Specific proposals for the development of a system to ensure infectious safety in the organization of work in the bureau of forensic medical expertise have been formulated.

Особливості грошового забезпечення військовослужбовців і додаткової винагороди в період дії воєнного стану в Україні

This paper intends to determine and systematize the basis, procedure, and conditions for accrual and financial compensation, as well as extra compensation for military personnel during martial law. The methodological basis of the research is a system of general scientific and special methods of scientific knowledge, namely: dialectical, formal-logical, systemic-structural, and formal-dogmatic. The legal regulation of financial support and extra compensation for military personnel in Ukraine contains numerous legislative and by law norms. The lasting changes in the legislation, the development of scientific opinion regarding financial support, and the escalation of the war in Ukraine require the systematization of the grounds, procedure, and conditions for accrual and financial compensation, as well as extra compensation for military personnel during martial law. As a result of the study, the author’s own vision regarding the definition of the concept of financial support for military personnel is given. The main grounds, procedure, and conditions for accrual and financial compensation, as well as extra compensation for military personnel during martial law, have been established and systematized. A circle of controversial issues related to financial support and extra compensation, for the resolution of which the military personnel turns to the court, has been highlighted. The conclusions of the scientific research are based on an in-depth analysis of the current Ukrainian legislation, court practice and scientific literature, that reveal the issue on financial support and extra compensation for the military personnel. The results of the study can be used in the future for law-making, research activities of forensic institutions, practical activities, and other purposes.

Interaction Of Forensic Science Institutions With Ukrainian Civil Society Institutions: Essence, Significance, Prospects

Formalized structures of civil society are of particular importance in the performance of state functions. Their involvement in the implementation of law enforcement activities is currently approved. Forensic science institutions also play a substantial role in these activities, ensuring justice through scientifically based conclusions based on specific expertise in the field of science and technology. Stemming from the above, the Article Purpose is to clarify the essence, significance, and potential outcomes arising from the collaboration between Ukrainian forensic science institutions and civil society institutions while analyzing both Ukrainian and international experiences. The research findings indicate that these mentioned entities frequently engage with each other, even in the absence of normatively established principles. The development of a normative-legal and organizational-legal framework to govern the interaction between forensic institutions and civil society institutions is deemed promising.

Separate ways of providing the forensic institution with qualified employees

The article deals with the topical issue of providing qualified employees to forensic expert institutions of Ukraine. It was determined that personnel policy is an integral component of the country’s economic system. According to the authors, modern approaches to the management of organizations require organizational changes in the priority areas of personnel development, including the processes of recruitment, selection and placement of personnel. It is noted that the selection and placement of employees in a forensic institution, being a direct expression of the division and cooperation of labor, is created by the institution’s team. The expediency of forming a collective has been proven, taking into account not only the professional, business and personal qualities of each of its members, but also the effect of their combination psychological compatibility, which helps employees to work quickly and successfully with each other. It is noted that the rational arrangement of personnel is the distribution of employees by positions, in which the discrepancy between a person’s personal qualities and the requirements for the work performed by him is minimal without excessive or insufficient workload. The purpose of the article is to highlight the ways of selection and placement of professional personnel as one of the directions of providing a forensic expert institution with qualified professional employees. To achieve the goal, general scientific methods of theoretical generalization, comparison, system analysis and formalization were used. The issue of effective provision of training by qualified personnel of forensic expert institutions of Ukraine was considered. The process of personnel selection, possible methods used for this process are considered in detail. The system of errors that are allowed in the personnel policy of forensic institutions and possible options for solving them are separately defined. Ways to overcome staffing errors that are more effective are proposed.

Forensic-medical characteristics of penetrating wounds as manifestations of explosive trauma in the case of decomposed bodies examination

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 caused a significant spike in the number of deaths from blast injury. The impossibility of evacuating the bodies of dead servicemen or civilians from the battlefield for a long time leads to the fact that forensic experts often have to deal with the examination of bodies in a state of decomposed changes. At the same time, the material and technical support of forensic medical institutions in different parts of Ukraine is heterogeneous: most experts do not have access to laboratory or instrumental research methods and can only rely on macroscopic research data. This article provides an overview of the cases of expert examination of cases of explosive trauma of decomposed bodies using macroscopic, microscopic, chemical and instrumental research, which indicates the high efficiency of their use for the purpose of solving expert questions of various nature. At the same time, the identified morphological characteristics of the damage are not purely specific and indicate the action of a blunt solid object with a limited contact surface, which had high kinetic energy and significant penetrating capacity.

Hygienic aspects of legal and methodological support for organizing forensic medical examination

BACKGROUND: The problem of the prevention and control of infections associated with the provision of medical services in the forensic medical examination bureau (FME) remains relevant. In connection with the spread of new coronavirus and other infections, it is of interest to study the compliance of the regulatory and methodological framework with new challenges from the point of view of hygienic and organizational aspects of forensic work, including examination, disease prevention, and reduction of the effect of risk factors on workers.
 AIM: To analyze the current state of the regulatory framework of the activities of the forensic medical examination service.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The regulatory documents at the federal and departmental levels regulating the activities of the forensic medical service were studied. Documents regulating a set of measures aimed at maintaining sanitary and epidemiological well-being and compliance with sanitary norms and rules in relation to the divisions of the FME bureau were analyzed. Emphasis was placed on identifying sanitary and hygienic measures to ensure that FME bureau workers are safe from infectious contamination.
 RESULTS: The organization of the activities of the FME bureau is regulated by relevant legal acts that consider the procedure for organizing and conducting forensic medical examinations and are developed in strict accordance with the requirements of federal laws and orders. Some questions related to individual stages of the forensic medical examination, such as the location of the incident, transportation of the corpse to the medical examiner’s office, storage of a corpse, conducting an autopsy, and collecting biomaterial for examination, require solutions to improve the safety and quality of forensic medical examination. The protection of employees of the FME bureau from infectious contamination, organization of preventive measures, and prevention of risks of infection of medical personnel require the development of regulatory legal acts.
 CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicate the need to improve the legal regulation of individual stages of forensic medical examinations and improve the quality of anti-epidemic measures that ensure the safety of FME bureau workers from infectious diseases. The recommendations are aimed at improving the forensic medical examination service in the country, improving the equipment of morgues, and ensuring conditions for the implementation of the right of personnel of forensic medical institutions to health protection.

Unsupervised short leave in forensic addiction treatment: Is there an influence on treatment progress?

Abstract Short leave is an integral part of forensic addiction treatment in Germany. Individuals with addiction problems who have offended can be admitted to forensic addiction treatment institutions to receive treatment for their addiction disorder and reduce their risk of reoffending. During this treatment, short leave is implemented to allow the practising of an abstinent lifestyle, enhance treatment motivation, and enable the individual to stay connected with the community. A critical step is the unsupervised short leave, which comes with benefits but also risks for the individual and the community. Short leave (especially unsupervised short leave) bears the risk of incidents such as new offences, drug relapses or absconding. This study examines the influence of unsupervised short leave on treatment progress. It builds on the methodology from a previous study of patients in forensic psychiatric hospitals and uses a pre-post design with follow-up. Furthermore, the impact of incidents during short leave on treatment progress is analysed. The sample consists of 157 patients in forensic addiction treatment in Germany. The results suggest that unsupervised short leave can enhance the treatment progress of patients in forensic addiction treatment. However, incidents during short leave can have a negative effect on treatment progress.