Accurate Predictions of Postmortem Interval Using Linear Regression Analyses of Gene Meter Expression Data
The postmortem interval (PMI) is the elapsed time between death of an organism and the initiation of an official investigation to determine the cause of death. Its prediction is important to civil investigations such as those involving life insurance fraud because investigators need to determine if the person was alive or not when the policy was in effect [1]. The PMI is also important to criminal investigations, especially suspicious death cases where there are no witnesses, because it can help determine the time relationship between a potential suspect and the victim and eliminate people from a suspect list, which speeds...
Source: Forensic Science International - March 3, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: M. Colby Hunter, Alex E. Pozhitkov, Peter A. Noble Source Type: research
Classification of Footwear Outsole Patterns using Fourier Transform and Local Interest Points
With the increased popularity of crime solving dramas on television, the public is much more aware of what crime scene investigators are looking for while processing a scene. This knowledge, whether accurate or not, has altered the jury's expectations regarding the analysis and exhibition of forensic evidence presented during a criminal trial [1]. If this knowledge has affected the jury, it is equally likely to have altered how criminals attempt to conceal their crimes, putting greater importance on evidence types currently outside the limelight of the media. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - March 3, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Nicole Richetelli, Mackenzie C. Lee, Carleen A. Lasky, Madison E. Gump, Jacqueline A. Speir Source Type: research
The everlasting issue of GHB cut-offs in biological samples: how important it is to be careful when interpreting values
We have read with attention and interest the manuscript of Thomsen et al. [1] entitled: “Postmortem concentrations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in peripheral blood and brain tissue − differentiating between postmortem formation and antemortem intake”. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - February 28, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Francesco Paolo Busard ò, Simona Pichini Source Type: research
Prevalence of drugs in oral fluid from truck drivers in Brazilian highways
Traffic accidents have reached alarming heights around the world and are causing about 1.25 million deaths per year worldwide. Traffic accidents are the most common cause of death among those aged 15-29 years. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050 it will be responsible for 2.4 million deaths if no measures are taken [1]. In 2010, the United Nations declared the decade from 2011 to 2020 as the Decade of Action for Road Safety as an attempt to reduce in half the number of traffic accidents and saving millions of lives [1]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - February 28, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Henrique Silva Bombana, Hallvard Gjerde, Marcelo Filonzi dos Santos, Ragnhild El én Gjulem Jamt, Mauricio Yonamine, Waldo José Caram Rohlfs, Daniel Romero Muñoz, Vilma Leyton Source Type: research
Examining Authenticity: An Initial Exploration of the Suitability of Handwritten Electronic Signatures
Handwritten signatures which are captured electronically during the writing process are increasingly used in a variety of business environments [1,2]. Electronic signatures1 can be captured, for example, by writing on signature pads, smartphones or tablets with a stylus or even with a fingertip. Of course, any signature may have forensic relevance and thus the integrity of an electronically signed document and the authenticity of an electronic signature are important. To ensure integrity, electronic signatures can be linked to a document with algorithm-based, encrypted values, so called digital signatures [2]. (Source: For...
Source: Forensic Science International - February 28, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: J. Heckeroth, C.D. Boywitt Source Type: research
The (non)sense of routinely analyzing beta-hydroxybutyrate in forensic toxicology casework
It is with great interest that we read the article « The (non)sense of routinely analysing beta-hydroxybutyric acid in forensic toxicology casework» by Sadones, Lambert and Stove, recently published in Forensic Science International [1]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - February 27, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Cristian Palmiere Source Type: research
Initial exploration of handwritten electronic signatures ’ suitability for the examination of authenticity
Handwritten signatures which are captured electronically during the writing process are increasingly used in a variety of business environments [1,2]. Electronic signatures1 can be captured, for example, by writing on signature pads, smartphones or tablets with a stylus or even with a fingertip. Of course, any signature may have forensic relevance and thus the integrity of an electronically signed document and the authenticity of an electronic signature are important. To ensure integrity, electronic signatures can be linked to a document with algorithm-based, encrypted values, so called digital signatures [2]. (Source: For...
Source: Forensic Science International - February 27, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: J. Heckeroth, C.D. Boywitt Source Type: research
Remodelling of Myocardial Intercalated Disc Protein Connexin 43 Causes Increased Susceptibility to Malignant Arrhythmias in ARVC/D Patients
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a main cause of death in young people. In European and North American populations, approximately 50 to 100 people per 100,000 die of SCD each year [1]. Half of these deaths are attributed to malignant ventricular arrhythmias [2]. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) is the leading cause of SCD in young people and athletes [3]. It is a primary cardiomyopathy with a main manifestation of fibrofatty replacement and ventricular arrhythmias and an incidence rate ranging from 1/1000 to 1/5000 [4]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - February 27, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Xiao Chen, Liang Chen, Zhenglian Chen, Xinshan Chen, Jiangping Song Source Type: research
Three-dimensional analysis of the uniqueness of the anterior dentition in orthodontically treated patients and twins
Forensic investigations on the uniqueness of the human dentition (UHD) increased considerably in the last few years [1 –5]. Although the UHD is fundamental for forensic human dental identification and bite mark analysis, the increased prevalence of these investigations was mainly induced by the uncertainty surrounding the forensic bitemark practice [6–8]. It is estimated that more than 14 innocents were convicte d or indicted based on misinterpreted bitemark evidences [8,9]. Accordingly, the American National Academy of Science included the unproven UHD amongst the most essential topics to be revisited scientifically [...
Source: Forensic Science International - February 22, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: A. Franco, G. Willems, P.H.C. Souza, O.M. Tanaka, W. Coucke, P. Thevissen Source Type: research
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy: a deeper and quantitative insight into the fingermarks physical modifications over time
Fingermarks found at the crime scene undoubtedly represent one of the most important forms of physical evidence of paramount forensic relevance. Although significant progresses have been achieved in recent years in the field of latent fingermarks development, as a result of astonishing advancements in the field of nanotechnology [1 –4], as well as in immunological detection techniques [5–7], there is still increasingly need for enhancements in sensitivity and specificity, as recently underlined by several researchers [8,9], in order to reduce the number of fingermarks remaining undetected. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - February 22, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Roberto Rosa, Roberto Giovanardi, Andrea Bozza, Paolo Veronesi, Cristina Leonelli Tags: Technical Note Source Type: research
Diagnosis of drowning: Electrolytes and total protein in sphenoid sinus liquid
In forensic diagnosis, diagnosis of drowning presents a major problem [1]. Useful findings for diagnosis of drowning include the presence of micro-froth around the mouth and in the airways, pleural effusion, emphysema aquosum, water in the stomach and duodenum, and diatoms in the blood and various organs [1 –9]. It is also important to determine whether drowning occurred in freshwater or seawater because it is important to determine the site where drowning occurred [1]. To determine whether drowning occurred in freshwater or seawater is greatly assisted by the characteristics of the lungs, diatom tes t, electrolyte conce...
Source: Forensic Science International - February 22, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Akira Hayakawa, Koichi Terazawa, Kotaro Matoba, Kie Horioka, Tatsushige Fukunaga Source Type: research
Effect of hand sanitizer on the performance of fingermark detection techniques
Hand sanitizers are effective microbial killing liquids, gels or foams that are used to disinfect and cleanse hands without the need for soap and water. Hand sanitizers have been a growing commodity ever since their introduction in 1966, with hand sanitizer sales peaking to over 15 million sales in a single week in 2009 –(coinciding with the news of a H1N1 outbreak) [1]. These products were originally alcohol-based, with ethanol or isopropanol as the active ingredient. At concentrations between 60 to 95 percent [2], alcohols are effective against most bacteria and fungi, and many viruses, killing these organisms by denat...
Source: Forensic Science International - February 22, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Scott Chadwick, Melissa Neskoski, Xanthe Spindler, Chris Lennard, Claude Roux Source Type: research
The development of a stabbing machine for forensic textile damage analysis
Stab injuries and fatalities are common crimes of violence in several countries, particularly those where access to firearms is restricted including Australia, Scandinavia and the United Kingdom [1]. For example, in Australia, more homicide victims die from stab wounds than from any other single cause. The total number of homicides that were attributed to knives and sharp implements peaked in 2006 –2008 to 43%, and has remained consistent on average until 2011 [2,3]. Analysis of damage to the victim’s clothing such as cuts and tears caused by a weapon may provide important forensic information [4,5]. (Source: Forensic ...
Source: Forensic Science International - February 20, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Natasha Benson, Robson Oliveria Dos Santos, Kate Griffiths, Nerida Cole, Philip Doble, Claude Roux, Lucas Blanes Source Type: research
Factors associated with latent fingerprint exclusion determinations
Historically, the latent print1 [1 –9] examination process was primarily focused on identifying (or individualizing) the person (subject) who left a latent print. Only in special circumstances did examiners need to make the distinction between not identifying the source of a latent print (“non-identification”) and determining t hat a specific finger or palm from a subject was not the source of a latent print (exclusion). “Non-identification” is inherently ambiguous, as it does not differentiate between exclusions and inconclusive determinations: exclusions explicitly indicate that a subject was not the source of ...
Source: Forensic Science International - February 20, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Bradford T. Ulery, R. Austin Hicklin, Maria Antonia Roberts, JoAnn Buscaglia Source Type: research
An exploratory study of the potential of LIBS for visualizing gunshot residue patterns
Gunshot residues (GSR), also known as cartridge discharge residues or firearms discharge residues, are particles produced during the discharge of a firearm [1]. These particles, typically of micron dimensions, are a mixture of organic compounds, coming mainly from the propellant, and inorganic compounds from the primer, propellant, cartridge case, bullet or the firearm itself. GSR particles are launched with the projectile and are transferred to the victim (target), the shooter or to different objects at the scene. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - February 20, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Mar ía López-López, César Alvarez-Llamas, Jorge Pisonero, Carmen García-Ruiz, Nerea Bordel Source Type: research
