Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a life-threatening condition that includes acute aortic dissection (AAD), intramural hematoma (IMH), and symptomatic penetrating aortic ulcer. While hypertension is the primary risk factor, substance abuse—especially cocaine—has been linked to AAS. However, the role of opioids remains unclear.
This study presents two autopsy cases of opioid users who died from cardiac tamponade due to aortic dissection. The first case involved a 55-year-old male undergoing methadone treatment, with biologically active methadone detected at death. The second case was a 58-year-old male with no known substance abuse history but with postmortem findings of morphine and methadone, indicating recent opioid use. Histological examination in both cases revealed vascular damage consistent with aortic dissection.
While no direct causal link has been established, chronic opioid exposure may contribute to vascular degradation through hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α)-mediated inflammation. The overlap between opioid use and AAS in these cases suggests a potential association, warranting further investigation into the vascular effects of opioids and their clinical implications.
{"title":"Aortic dissection and opioid use: Two autopsy cases and potential pathological implications","authors":"Luca Tomassini , Erika Buratti , Rino Froldi , Roberto Scendoni","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2026.100456","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2026.100456","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a life-threatening condition that includes acute aortic dissection (AAD), intramural hematoma (IMH), and symptomatic penetrating aortic ulcer. While hypertension is the primary risk factor, substance abuse—especially cocaine—has been linked to AAS. However, the role of opioids remains unclear.</div><div>This study presents two autopsy cases of opioid users who died from cardiac tamponade due to aortic dissection. The first case involved a 55-year-old male undergoing methadone treatment, with biologically active methadone detected at death. The second case was a 58-year-old male with no known substance abuse history but with postmortem findings of morphine and methadone, indicating recent opioid use. Histological examination in both cases revealed vascular damage consistent with aortic dissection.</div><div>While no direct causal link has been established, chronic opioid exposure may contribute to vascular degradation through hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α)-mediated inflammation. The overlap between opioid use and AAS in these cases suggests a potential association, warranting further investigation into the vascular effects of opioids and their clinical implications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100456"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100424
Emelie Bäckström Kalb , Fredrik Tamsen , Ingemar Thiblin
The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the use of sodium rhodizonate (NaRh) as a histological staining for lead and barium containing gunshot residues in autopsy material and to provide guidance on the interpretation of these. Samples from gunshot wounds were stained with NaRh and graded according to a four-point rating scale. Higher grades were somewhat associated with entrance wounds and shorter shooting distance. In some gunshot injuries, though, the exit wounds stained more positive than the entrance wounds Thus, in this study, we conclude that NaRh cannot be used as a sole discriminator between gunshot entrance and exit wounds.
{"title":"Rhodizonate, histological analysis of gunshot wounds in autopsy cases","authors":"Emelie Bäckström Kalb , Fredrik Tamsen , Ingemar Thiblin","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100424","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100424","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the use of sodium rhodizonate (NaRh) as a histological staining for lead and barium containing gunshot residues in autopsy material and to provide guidance on the interpretation of these. Samples from gunshot wounds were stained with NaRh and graded according to a four-point rating scale. Higher grades were somewhat associated with entrance wounds and shorter shooting distance. In some gunshot injuries, though, the exit wounds stained more positive than the entrance wounds Thus, in this study, we conclude that NaRh cannot be used as a sole discriminator between gunshot entrance and exit wounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100424"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144827608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The interpretation of mixed DNA profiles originating from multiple individuals can be very challenging. Probabilistic genotyping software is used to interpret such mixed DNA profiles, and it assigns a likelihood ratio based on the evidence given two hypotheses: a prosecution hypothesis and a defense hypothesis. For proper utilization of probabilistic genotyping software, internal validation is required. In this study, we performed internal validation of the probabilistic genotyping software STRmix™. Our internal validation studies complied with the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods guidelines for the validation of probabilistic genotyping systems, and was performed using GlobalFiler™ profiles generated from Japanese individuals to study the sensitivity, specificity, and precision of STRmix™, and the effects of the addition of a known contributor and incorrect assumption of the number of contributors were also assessed. The results of our internal validation studies suggest that STRmix™ using our laboratory-specific parameters is suitable for the purpose of interpreting mixed DNA profiles and statistical evaluation in our experimental and analytical environment. In addition, there were a few rare cases in which STRmix™ interpreted the results as exclusion (likelihood ratio = 0), despite the person of interest being a true contributor, due to extreme heterozygote imbalance and/or significant differences in the mixture ratio between loci due to the stochastic effects of PCR amplification. Therefore, we report these rare cases along with the results of our internal validation studies.
{"title":"Internal validation of probabilistic genotyping software STRmix™ V2.8 for GlobalFiler™ profiles generated from Japanese individuals","authors":"Takashi Fukagawa, Haruhiko Watahiki, Yusuke Mita, Tetsushi Kitayama, Koji Fujii, Natsuko Mizuno","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100437","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100437","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The interpretation of mixed DNA profiles originating from multiple individuals can be very challenging. Probabilistic genotyping software is used to interpret such mixed DNA profiles, and it assigns a likelihood ratio based on the evidence given two hypotheses: a prosecution hypothesis and a defense hypothesis. For proper utilization of probabilistic genotyping software, internal validation is required. In this study, we performed internal validation of the probabilistic genotyping software STRmix™. Our internal validation studies complied with the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods guidelines for the validation of probabilistic genotyping systems, and was performed using GlobalFiler™ profiles generated from Japanese individuals to study the sensitivity, specificity, and precision of STRmix™, and the effects of the addition of a known contributor and incorrect assumption of the number of contributors were also assessed. The results of our internal validation studies suggest that STRmix™ using our laboratory-specific parameters is suitable for the purpose of interpreting mixed DNA profiles and statistical evaluation in our experimental and analytical environment. In addition, there were a few rare cases in which STRmix™ interpreted the results as exclusion (likelihood ratio = 0), despite the person of interest being a true contributor, due to extreme heterozygote imbalance and/or significant differences in the mixture ratio between loci due to the stochastic effects of PCR amplification. Therefore, we report these rare cases along with the results of our internal validation studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100437"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145575927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-08-31DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100425
Devair Monteiro , Laryssa Suemy Oumoriz , Carmen Silvia Molleis Galego Miziara , Ivan Dieb Miziara
This study examines the relationship between the incidence of willful homicides committed with firearms and economic factors in the subprefectures of São Paulo (Brazil) in the year 2023. The analysis involved comparing records of willful homicides with the average family income in the locations where the crimes occurred. The results indicate a lack of significant statistical correlation between the incidence of such crimes and the economic conditions of the analyzed regions. Therefore, one possible conclusion is that family income alone is not a determinant factor in the observed crime patterns. In summary, although the average family income provides valuable insights into the socioeconomic scenario of the subprefectures, it is insufficient to elucidate the complexity of urban crime in São Paulo. So, this study suggests that other factors, possibly related to social, cultural, or public policy dynamics, should be considered for a more comprehensive understanding of the homicide patterns in the city.
{"title":"Homicides in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: Are they related to family income?","authors":"Devair Monteiro , Laryssa Suemy Oumoriz , Carmen Silvia Molleis Galego Miziara , Ivan Dieb Miziara","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100425","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100425","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines the relationship between the incidence of willful homicides committed with firearms and economic factors in the subprefectures of São Paulo (Brazil) in the year 2023. The analysis involved comparing records of willful homicides with the average family income in the locations where the crimes occurred. The results indicate a lack of significant statistical correlation between the incidence of such crimes and the economic conditions of the analyzed regions. Therefore, one possible conclusion is that family income alone is not a determinant factor in the observed crime patterns. In summary, although the average family income provides valuable insights into the socioeconomic scenario of the subprefectures, it is insufficient to elucidate the complexity of urban crime in São Paulo. So, this study suggests that other factors, possibly related to social, cultural, or public policy dynamics, should be considered for a more comprehensive understanding of the homicide patterns in the city.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100425"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144931887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100435
Jonathan Wong , Evelyn Mei Ling Goh , Jia Ying Goh , Mei Ching Ong , Hooi Yan Moy , Angeline Tiong Whei Yap
This case report describes the concurrent analysis of a seized plant material and a urine sample. The seized plant material was found to contain delta-8-THC acetate, a prodrug of delta-8-THC, as a major component. While the urine sample was found to contain metabolites of delta-8-THC, this was disparate with the relative abundance of delta-8-THC detected in the plant material recovered from the suspect. Delta-8-THC acetate in the plant material was fully characterised by GC-MS, LC-Orbitrap-MS and NMR. Metabolism studies using human liver microsomes demonstrated metabolism of delta-8-THC acetate with the concurrent formation of delta-8-THC-COOH as the primary metabolite. The in-vitro findings were consistent with the authentic urine sample, suggesting that detection of delta-8-THC-COOH likely resulted from delta-8-THC-acetate consumption. This work demonstrates the critical role of orthogonal analytical techniques in the analysis of controlled substances and emphasises the necessity of accounting for prodrug metabolism when interpreting results from the analysis of urine samples.
{"title":"Delta-8-THC acetate-a prodrug of delta-8-THC?: A case report","authors":"Jonathan Wong , Evelyn Mei Ling Goh , Jia Ying Goh , Mei Ching Ong , Hooi Yan Moy , Angeline Tiong Whei Yap","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100435","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100435","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This case report describes the concurrent analysis of a seized plant material and a urine sample. The seized plant material was found to contain delta-8-THC acetate, a prodrug of delta-8-THC, as a major component. While the urine sample was found to contain metabolites of delta-8-THC, this was disparate with the relative abundance of delta-8-THC detected in the plant material recovered from the suspect. Delta-8-THC acetate in the plant material was fully characterised by GC-MS, LC-Orbitrap-MS and NMR. Metabolism studies using human liver microsomes demonstrated metabolism of delta-8-THC acetate with the concurrent formation of delta-8-THC-COOH as the primary metabolite. The <em>in-vitro</em> findings were consistent with the authentic urine sample, suggesting that detection of delta-8-THC-COOH likely resulted from delta-8-THC-acetate consumption. This work demonstrates the critical role of orthogonal analytical techniques in the analysis of controlled substances and emphasises the necessity of accounting for prodrug metabolism when interpreting results from the analysis of urine samples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100435"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100436
Juho-Antti Junno , Mikael Brix , Eveliina Lammentausta , Alina Junno , Timo Liimatainen , Jaakko Niinimäki , Juha Kiljunen , Petteri Oura
Identification of the projectile type is among the main objectives in the forensic investigation of a gunshot incident, even if the projectile itself cannot be recovered. Medical imaging, primarily computed tomography (CT), has become a valuable tool in the examination and documentation of gunshot injuries. Bullet types often exhibit distinct patterns of fragment deposition and wound cavitation. In this study, we examined the potential of a CT-based digital three-dimensional (3D) analysis of cavitation and fragmentation patterns to distinguish between four bullets of.223 Remington ammunition (one soft point, one full metal jacket, and two expanding monolithic bullets). We utilized 20 x 20 x 25 cm blocks of ballistic gelatine as tissue simulant, with artificial skin on entry and exit walls of the blocks. Test firing was performed from a distance of 50 m. The gelatine blocks were CT-scanned and 3D reconstructions of the blocks, demonstrating both air cavitation and metal fragments, were generated. In addition, other parameters of cavitation and fragmentation were obtained from the CT scans, including the volume and internal surface area of the air cavity within the gelatine block. Entry and exit defects of the skin simulant were also documented. Our results indicated that different bullet types exhibited different cavitation and fragmentation patterns. We also detected differences in exit wounds in the skin simulant. Further studies are needed to confirm our preliminary findings that a digital 3D analysis may aid to distinguish the bullet type in certain forensic scenarios.
在枪击事件的法医调查中，识别弹丸类型是主要目标之一，即使弹丸本身无法恢复。医学成像，主要是计算机断层扫描（CT），已成为检查和记录枪伤的宝贵工具。子弹类型通常表现出明显的碎片沉积和伤口空化模式。在这项研究中，我们研究了基于ct的空化和破片模式的数字三维（3D）分析的潜力，以区分四颗。223子弹雷明顿弹药（一枚软弹，一枚全金属弹套，两枚膨胀整体式子弹）。我们使用20 x 20 x 25 cm的弹道明胶块作为组织模拟物，在块的入口和出口壁上放置人造皮肤。试验射击距离为50 m。对明胶块进行了ct扫描，并生成了三维重建块，显示了空气空化和金属碎片。此外，从CT扫描中获得了其他空化和破碎参数，包括明胶块内空气腔的体积和内表面积。皮肤模拟物的入口和出口缺陷也被记录下来。结果表明，不同类型的子弹具有不同的空化破片模式。我们还在皮肤模拟物中发现了出口伤口的差异。需要进一步的研究来证实我们的初步发现，即数字3D分析可能有助于在某些法医场景中区分子弹类型。
{"title":"Differentiation between bullet types by means of a 3D analysis of gunshot cavitation and bullet fragmentation - A computed tomography study in ballistic gelatine","authors":"Juho-Antti Junno , Mikael Brix , Eveliina Lammentausta , Alina Junno , Timo Liimatainen , Jaakko Niinimäki , Juha Kiljunen , Petteri Oura","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100436","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100436","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Identification of the projectile type is among the main objectives in the forensic investigation of a gunshot incident, even if the projectile itself cannot be recovered. Medical imaging, primarily computed tomography (CT), has become a valuable tool in the examination and documentation of gunshot injuries. Bullet types often exhibit distinct patterns of fragment deposition and wound cavitation. In this study, we examined the potential of a CT-based digital three-dimensional (3D) analysis of cavitation and fragmentation patterns to distinguish between four bullets of.223 Remington ammunition (one soft point, one full metal jacket, and two expanding monolithic bullets). We utilized 20 x 20 x 25 cm blocks of ballistic gelatine as tissue simulant, with artificial skin on entry and exit walls of the blocks. Test firing was performed from a distance of 50 m. The gelatine blocks were CT-scanned and 3D reconstructions of the blocks, demonstrating both air cavitation and metal fragments, were generated. In addition, other parameters of cavitation and fragmentation were obtained from the CT scans, including the volume and internal surface area of the air cavity within the gelatine block. Entry and exit defects of the skin simulant were also documented. Our results indicated that different bullet types exhibited different cavitation and fragmentation patterns. We also detected differences in exit wounds in the skin simulant. Further studies are needed to confirm our preliminary findings that a digital 3D analysis may aid to distinguish the bullet type in certain forensic scenarios.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100436"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145622928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-09-09DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100428
Saurjya Ranjan Das , Sreepreeti Champatyray , Dhiren Kumar Panda
Background
Facial morphology plays a crucial role in forensic identification, anthropological research, and reconstructive surgery. However, forensic reference databases often lack ethnicity-specific 3D anthropometric data, limiting the accuracy of forensic facial reconstruction and automated facial recognition systems. This study integrates 3D imaging technology and multivariate statistical analyses to enhance forensic facial identification models by providing ethnicity-specific facial measurements.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 500 participants (250 males and 250 females) from seven Indian ethnic groups (Odia, Bengali, Tamil, Punjabi, Maratha, Telugu, and Gujarati). High-resolution 3D facial scans were obtained using the Artec Eva 3D scanner and analyzed using landmark-based anthropometry. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) assessed sex and ethnic differences in upper facial height (UFH), lower facial height (LFH), intercanthal distance (ICD), and face width (FW). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used to evaluate the interdependencies among facial dimensions.
Results
Males exhibited significantly larger UFH and ICD, while females had greater LFH (p < 0.001). Significant ethnic differences were observed (p < 0.01), with the Odia group having the widest face and the Bengali group showing the smallest ICD. PCA revealed two major components that explained 81.4 % of the total variance, with UFH and FW being the primary contributors. SEM demonstrated a strong correlation between UFH and FW (β = 0.72, p < 0.001) and an inverse relationship between LFH and ICD (β = −0.48, p = 0.002).
Conclusion
This study provides forensically relevant, ethnicity-specific 3D anthropometric data for facial reconstruction and forensic identification. These findings support the integration of 3D morphometric databases into forensic facial analysis software, enhancing population-specific identification accuracy. Future research should consider including Body Mass Index (BMI) as a variable to account for the potential impact of soft tissue distribution on facial morphology.
面部形态学在法医鉴定、人类学研究和重建手术中起着至关重要的作用。然而，法医参考数据库往往缺乏特定种族的3D人体测量数据，限制了法医面部重建和自动面部识别系统的准确性。本研究将3D影像技术与多元统计分析相结合，通过提供特定种族的面部测量来增强法医面部识别模型。方法对来自印度7个民族（奥迪亚族、孟加拉族、泰米尔族、旁遮普族、马拉地族、泰卢固族和古吉拉特族）的500名参与者（250男250女）进行横断面研究。使用Artec Eva 3D扫描仪获得高分辨率3D面部扫描，并使用基于地标的人体测量学进行分析。多变量方差分析（MANOVA）评估了上面部高度（UFH）、下面部高度（LFH）、颊间距离（ICD）和面部宽度（FW）的性别和种族差异。采用主成分分析（PCA）和结构方程模型（SEM）来评估面部维度之间的相互依赖性。结果男性有较大的UFH和ICD，女性有较大的LFH （p <； 0.001）。观察到显著的种族差异（p <； 0.01），Odia组的面部最宽，孟加拉组的ICD最小。PCA揭示了两个主要成分，解释了81.4 %的总方差，其中UFH和FW是主要贡献者。扫描电镜显示UFH和FW之间有很强的相关性（β = 0.72, p <； 0.001），LFH和ICD之间呈负相关（β = - 0.48, p = 0.002）。结论本研究为面部重建和法医鉴定提供了与法医相关的、种族特异性的三维人体测量数据。这些发现支持将3D形态测量数据库集成到法医面部分析软件中，从而提高特定人群识别的准确性。未来的研究应考虑将身体质量指数（BMI）作为一个变量，以解释软组织分布对面部形态的潜在影响。
{"title":"Anthropometric analysis of facial dimensions using 3D imaging for forensic identification and ethnicity-specific reference models","authors":"Saurjya Ranjan Das , Sreepreeti Champatyray , Dhiren Kumar Panda","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100428","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100428","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Facial morphology plays a crucial role in forensic identification, anthropological research, and reconstructive surgery. However, forensic reference databases often lack ethnicity-specific 3D anthropometric data, limiting the accuracy of forensic facial reconstruction and automated facial recognition systems. This study integrates 3D imaging technology and multivariate statistical analyses to enhance forensic facial identification models by providing ethnicity-specific facial measurements.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted with 500 participants (250 males and 250 females) from seven Indian ethnic groups (Odia, Bengali, Tamil, Punjabi, Maratha, Telugu, and Gujarati). High-resolution 3D facial scans were obtained using the Artec Eva 3D scanner and analyzed using landmark-based anthropometry. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) assessed sex and ethnic differences in upper facial height (UFH), lower facial height (LFH), intercanthal distance (ICD), and face width (FW). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used to evaluate the interdependencies among facial dimensions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Males exhibited significantly larger UFH and ICD, while females had greater LFH (p < 0.001). Significant ethnic differences were observed (p < 0.01), with the Odia group having the widest face and the Bengali group showing the smallest ICD. PCA revealed two major components that explained 81.4 % of the total variance, with UFH and FW being the primary contributors. SEM demonstrated a strong correlation between UFH and FW (β = 0.72, p < 0.001) and an inverse relationship between LFH and ICD (β = −0.48, p = 0.002).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study provides forensically relevant, ethnicity-specific 3D anthropometric data for facial reconstruction and forensic identification. These findings support the integration of 3D morphometric databases into forensic facial analysis software, enhancing population-specific identification accuracy. Future research should consider including Body Mass Index (BMI) as a variable to account for the potential impact of soft tissue distribution on facial morphology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100428"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145104636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-17DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100434
Carl Grevel , Marie Belle Kathrina Mendoza Hlela , Domonica Dos Reis , Chanté du Toit , Bronwen Davies
Charcoal burning (CB) in enclosed spaces has emerged as a recognised method of suicide due to the inhalation of lethal levels of carbon monoxide (CO). While this has been widely documented globally, CB is also implicated in accidental CO poisoning deaths, particularly in densely populated, low-income communities where limited access to safer heating, cooking, and lighting alternatives increases vulnerability and contributes to preventable fatalities. This retrospective study examined CO toxicity deaths unrelated to fire-burns in the Western Cape province of South Africa over a three-year period, from 2022 to 2024, focusing on prevalence, characteristics, and circumstantial patterns. A total of 68 postmortem cases were included from routine submissions to the Forensic Toxicology Unit in Cape Town. Of these, 50 % were suspected accidents, 30.9 % alleged suicides, and 19.1 % remained under investigation. Most victims were male (69.1 %), middle-aged (44.1 %), and deaths peaked in winter (p < 0.001), primarily driven by accidental exposures. CB was the most frequently identified source of CO, followed by vehicle exhaust and gullies/imbawulas (makeshift metal drums of combustible wood, coals, or refuse). The source of CO exposure was significantly associated with the suspected manner of death (p < 0.001). The mean carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) level was 60.7 % (range: 31.4–78.4 %) with significantly higher levels in suicides (p < 0.001), while the mean blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.07 g/100 mL (range: 0.01–0.26 g/100 mL). Most fatalities occurred in congested domestic settings within socio-economically disadvantaged areas, highlighting non-fire CO poisoning as an underrecognised public health concern. Prevention should include public education, housing safety improvements, warning labels, and greater access to safer energy sources.
{"title":"A 3-year retrospective review of fatal carbon monoxide toxicity in the Western Cape, South Africa (2022–2024)","authors":"Carl Grevel , Marie Belle Kathrina Mendoza Hlela , Domonica Dos Reis , Chanté du Toit , Bronwen Davies","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100434","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100434","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Charcoal burning (CB) in enclosed spaces has emerged as a recognised method of suicide due to the inhalation of lethal levels of carbon monoxide (CO). While this has been widely documented globally, CB is also implicated in accidental CO poisoning deaths, particularly in densely populated, low-income communities where limited access to safer heating, cooking, and lighting alternatives increases vulnerability and contributes to preventable fatalities. This retrospective study examined CO toxicity deaths unrelated to fire-burns in the Western Cape province of South Africa over a three-year period, from 2022 to 2024, focusing on prevalence, characteristics, and circumstantial patterns. A total of 68 postmortem cases were included from routine submissions to the Forensic Toxicology Unit in Cape Town. Of these, 50 % were suspected accidents, 30.9 % alleged suicides, and 19.1 % remained under investigation. Most victims were male (69.1 %), middle-aged (44.1 %), and deaths peaked in winter (<em>p</em> < 0.001), primarily driven by accidental exposures. CB was the most frequently identified source of CO, followed by vehicle exhaust and gullies/imbawulas (makeshift metal drums of combustible wood, coals, or refuse). The source of CO exposure was significantly associated with the suspected manner of death (<em>p</em> < 0.001). The mean carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) level was 60.7 % (range: 31.4–78.4 %) with significantly higher levels in suicides (<em>p</em> < 0.001), while the mean blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.07 g/100 mL (range: 0.01–0.26 g/100 mL). Most fatalities occurred in congested domestic settings within socio-economically disadvantaged areas, highlighting non-fire CO poisoning as an underrecognised public health concern. Prevention should include public education, housing safety improvements, warning labels, and greater access to safer energy sources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100434"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145576009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-09-17DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100430
Kelly P. Kearse
The Shroud of Turin is a fourteen-foot-long cloth bearing the life size image of a man with blood marks and has been heralded as the most scientifically studied archaeological artifact in human history. The Shroud has been proclaimed to be either the actual burial cloth of the historical Jesus of Nazareth or a cunning medieval forgery. In several recent television programs that received widespread international media attention, a “Shroud expert” made the claims that the blood on the Shroud has been demonstrated to be human, male, and type AB, and was identified as Semitic. Additionally, it was reported that high levels of ferritin and creatine, indicative of polytrauma, had been found on the cloth and that premortem and postmortem blood had been identified. Discussed below is a scientific fact check about such characteristics of the blood on the Shroud of Turin and the capabilities and limitations of the techniques used in these investigations.
{"title":"The aggrandizement of scientific data in the media: The Shroud of Turin blood marks as a case example","authors":"Kelly P. Kearse","doi":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100430","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100430","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Shroud of Turin is a fourteen-foot-long cloth bearing the life size image of a man with blood marks and has been heralded as the most scientifically studied archaeological artifact in human history. The Shroud has been proclaimed to be either the actual burial cloth of the historical Jesus of Nazareth or a cunning medieval forgery. In several recent television programs that received widespread international media attention, a “Shroud expert” made the claims that the blood on the Shroud has been demonstrated to be human, male, and type AB, and was identified as Semitic. Additionally, it was reported that high levels of ferritin and creatine, indicative of polytrauma, had been found on the cloth and that premortem and postmortem blood had been identified. Discussed below is a scientific fact check about such characteristics of the blood on the Shroud of Turin and the capabilities and limitations of the techniques used in these investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36331,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science International: Reports","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100430"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145104637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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