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Applied Sciences
Special Issues
Forensic Medicine and Its Applications
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Forensic Medicine and Its Applications

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2023) | Viewed by 8747

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ikegaya

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
Interests: personal identification
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting submissions for the Special Issue "Forensic Medicine and its Applications".

The number of unidentified corpses has increased in recent years, due to large-scale disasters, international conflicts, and terrorist incidents in various regions of the world. In the fields of forensic medicine and forensic dentistry, various methods have long been used to identify these unidentified corpses. However, the application of modern science, beginning with DNA fingerprinting, has made it possible to identify individuals with high probability, introducing a revolutionary change in personal identification.

However, several issues have arisen regarding DNA typing, which still need to be resolved. In addition, as a preliminary step to DNA typing, it is essential to narrow down the list of individuals who need to be matched; however, even now, it is not easy to accomplish this task using methods that target gender, age, dental features, and physical characteristics.

In this Special Issue, we invite submissions on state-of-the-art research and recent advances in the field of forensic personal identification. Comprehensive reviews and survey papers, as well as theoretical and experimental studies, are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ikegaya
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Identification
  • DNA
  • postmortem CT
  • antholopology
  • odontology

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 1829 KiB  
Article
Intelligent Materials for Labeling Dentures in Forensic Dental Identification—A Pilot Study
by Corina Laura Ştefănescu, Lavinia Simona Neculai-Cândea, Marius Florentin Popa, Agripina Zaharia, Rodica Maria Murineanu, Ştefan Pricop, Liliana Sachelarie, Loredana Liliana Hurjui and Vlad Danila
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5574; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095574 - 30 Apr 2023
Viewed by 945
Abstract
(1) Background: the present study continues previous research on new marking techniques by using intelligent materials, NFC-tags (Near Field Communication tags) and Aerogel. They prevent the loss of information over time for cadavers of unknown identities in various stages of destruction or unknown [...] Read more.
(1) Background: the present study continues previous research on new marking techniques by using intelligent materials, NFC-tags (Near Field Communication tags) and Aerogel. They prevent the loss of information over time for cadavers of unknown identities in various stages of destruction or unknown living victims, as well as missing persons who have lost or are concealing their identity. (2) Methods: this study consisted of a technological and an experimental stage. In the technological stage, two different sizes were used: round (Ø 1 cm, 0.1 mm thickness, 0.1 g weight) and square (5/5/0.1 mm), both with a 140 byte memory and high-temperature resistance (at max. 200 °C), (by the classical producing technology). After loading the identification information on the NFC-tags, they were embedded (either alone or protected by Aerogel) in the sample dentures using a new “sandwich technique” method, before the polymerization process. In the experimental stage, the sample dentures with the new materials were exposed to various damaging environments such as liquid media (sea water, fresh water, alcohol 40%, and HCl 0.2%) in order to test the time resistance of the identification elements. The samples were monitored and tested over four years. (3) Results: the information stored on the NFC tags was retrieved unaltered at the end of the monitoring period, regardless of the damage caused by the liquid media to the sample denture material and will provide an innovative solution as compared to other labeling methods. (4) Conclusion: the use of intelligent materials for labeling acrylic dentures provides additional reliability by preserving the identification information over time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forensic Medicine and Its Applications)
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10 pages, 1359 KiB  
Article
Current Issues in Dental Identification in Severely Burned Bodies from a Studio Arson Attack in Japan
by Hiroaki Ichioka, Risa Bandou, Nozomi Idota, Kaori Shintani-Ishida and Hiroshi Ikegaya
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010461 - 29 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1466
Abstract
A studio arson attack in Japan caused 36 deaths. Dentists obtained dental findings from 33 unidentified bodies immediately after the attack and autopsy. The dental findings before autopsy were obtained on the day of the incident and the next day. Dental findings after [...] Read more.
A studio arson attack in Japan caused 36 deaths. Dentists obtained dental findings from 33 unidentified bodies immediately after the attack and autopsy. The dental findings before autopsy were obtained on the day of the incident and the next day. Dental findings after autopsy were obtained at 1 week from the day after the incident. We examined issues associated with collecting these dental findings. Other findings recorded were CT images, autopsy findings, and various blood and pathological examinations. Among the 33 unidentified bodies, for 30 bodies, the number of teeth from which the dental findings were obtained was significantly higher after autopsy than before autopsy. The dental findings of the remaining three bodies were not obtained before or after the autopsy. Five percent of anterior teeth and 28.7% of molars had differing pre-autopsy and post-autopsy findings. This discrepancy can be attributed to various factors. One of the major influencing factors was the carbonization of the facial surface muscles and skin along with limited mouth opening due to thermocoagulation. For the scientific identification of an individual based on dental findings, it is mandatory to examine the teeth in all quadrants. The collection of dental findings solely from anterior teeth may not be adequate to establish identity. The present article describes the challenges faced by the dentists while identifying charred bodies in an arson attack. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forensic Medicine and Its Applications)
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11 pages, 2924 KiB  
Article
Correct Use of a Conventional Lap-and-Shoulder Seatbelt Is Safest for Pregnant Rear-Seat Passengers: Proposal for Additional Safety Measures
by Arisa Takeda, Ayumu Kuwahara, Marin Takaso, Mami Nakamura, Yasuhito Miyata and Masahito Hitosugi
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(17), 8776; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12178776 - 31 Aug 2022
Viewed by 1225
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to assess the safety of various methods of seatbelt use and propose safety improvements to the lap-and-shoulder seatbelt for pregnant rear-seat passengers. The Maternal Anthropometric Measurement Apparatus dummy, version 2B, was used. Sled tests were performed to [...] Read more.
The objectives of this study were to assess the safety of various methods of seatbelt use and propose safety improvements to the lap-and-shoulder seatbelt for pregnant rear-seat passengers. The Maternal Anthropometric Measurement Apparatus dummy, version 2B, was used. Sled tests were performed to simulate frontal impact at a speed of 48 km/h in the right rear seat. Kinematics of the dummy were examined using high-speed video imaging, and time courses of the seatbelt loads and displacement and acceleration of the chest and pelvis were measured during impact. The kinematic parameters were compared under the following conditions: conventional lap-and-shoulder seatbelt used correctly, lap belt crossed over left and right femurs, and lap belt attached to both thighs using an extra restraint device. Then, by applying pretensioner and/or force limiter systems, the safest condition was investigated. Correct conventional seatbelt use was the most effective restraint method. When both pretensioner and force limiter were applied, the kinematic parameters were smallest, and the best restraint was achieved. The safety of rear-seat travel can be improved by using both pretensioner and force limiter systems, which would reduce the risk of chest and abdominal injuries to pregnant passengers and prevent negative fetal outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forensic Medicine and Its Applications)
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7 pages, 882 KiB  
Communication
Examination of Postmortem β-Hydroxybutyrate Increase in Forensic Autopsy Cases
by Hiroki Kondou, Risa Bandou, Hiroaki Ichioka, Ryota Matsunari, Masataka Kawamoto, Nozomi Idota, Deng Ting, Satoko Kimura and Hiroshi Ikegaya
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 7181; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12147181 - 16 Jul 2022
Viewed by 1467
Abstract
Ketoacidosis is one of the common diseases that sometimes result in death. In forensic autopsy cases, the measuring of ketone bodies, especially β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), is useful in diagnosing postmortem ketoacidosis as a cause of death. However, increased BHB values are not always indicative [...] Read more.
Ketoacidosis is one of the common diseases that sometimes result in death. In forensic autopsy cases, the measuring of ketone bodies, especially β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), is useful in diagnosing postmortem ketoacidosis as a cause of death. However, increased BHB values are not always indicative of ketoacidosis. Other causes of death, such as hypothermia, are known to increase BHB values. In addition, sometimes, we experience cases of increased BHB values that are unlikely to be associated with the pathophysiology or the cause of death resulting in an increase in BHB values. In this study, autopsies were performed to determine the relationship between blood BHB values and the postmortem interval (PMI). The patients were divided into four groups: PMI ≤ 24 h, PMI ≤ 48 h, PMI ≤ 72 h, and PMI > 72 h. The BHB values for each group were then compared. Based on the analysis, patients with a PMI ≤ 72 h and those with a PMI > 72 h had significantly higher BHB values than patients with a PMI ≤ 24 h. In conclusion, there remains a possibility that the BHB values increase after death. Forensic pathologists should consider PMI when diagnosing ketoacidosis as the cause of death. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forensic Medicine and Its Applications)
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17 pages, 8494 KiB  
Article
Age-Related Study and Collision Response of Material Properties of Long Bones in Chinese Pedestrian Lower Limbs
by Yong Zeng, Qingnan Meng, Yijiu Chen, Donghua Zou and Luyang Tao
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 6911; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12146911 - 08 Jul 2022
Viewed by 1269
Abstract
In forensic examination cases, lower limb injuries are common, and pedestrians of different ages suffer different injuries when they are hit by vehicles, especially the injuries to the long bones of the lower limbs. Aging remains a challenging issue for the material properties [...] Read more.
In forensic examination cases, lower limb injuries are common, and pedestrians of different ages suffer different injuries when they are hit by vehicles, especially the injuries to the long bones of the lower limbs. Aging remains a challenging issue for the material properties and injury biomechanical properties of pedestrian lower limb long bones. We analyzed the regression relationship between the age of 50 Chinese pedestrians and the material properties of the lower limb long bones (femur, tibia). We compared them with previous studies to propose a regression model suitable for Chinese human long bone material properties. Through the established Human Active Lower Limb (HALL) model that conforms to the Chinese human anatomy, seven pedestrians’ (20/30/40/50/60/70/80 years old (YO)) lower limbs were parameterized to assign long bone material properties. In the finite element analysis, the Hall model was side-impacted by a family car (FCR) at speeds of 30/40/50/60/70 km/h, respectively. The results showed that an increase in age was negatively correlated with a decrease in the material properties of each long bone. Moreover, with an increase in age, the tolerance limit of long bones gradually decreases, but there will be a limit, and there is no obvious positive correlation with age. During a standing side impact, the stress change in the femur was significantly smaller than that of the tibia, and the stress of the femur and tibia decreased with age. Age is a more significant influencing factor for lower limb injuries. Older pedestrians have a higher risk of lower limb injuries. Forensic experts should pay attention to the critical factor of age when encountering lower limb traffic accident injuries in forensic identification work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forensic Medicine and Its Applications)
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9 pages, 2052 KiB  
Article
Association of Cadaveric Factors with the Degree and Region of Discoloration on Pink Teeth: An Approach to Serial Cases
by Saki Minegishi, Hisako Saitoh, Hajime Utsuno, Jun Ohta, Shuuji Namiki, Maiko Toya, Nozomi Sumi and Koichi Sakurada
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 4242; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12094242 - 22 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1678
Abstract
The pink teeth phenomenon has been observed in cases of hanging and drowning, but the relationship of this phenomenon with cause of death has not been positively affirmed. To date, teeth with a pinkish tone have been simply regarded as pink teeth. However, [...] Read more.
The pink teeth phenomenon has been observed in cases of hanging and drowning, but the relationship of this phenomenon with cause of death has not been positively affirmed. To date, teeth with a pinkish tone have been simply regarded as pink teeth. However, we speculated that classification and evaluation of the degree and region of discoloration with reference to how color is classified in prosthodontic dentistry may produce novel findings regarding the pink teeth phenomenon. Therefore, we classified the degree and region of discoloration on teeth into three grades and attempted to evaluate the relationship of grade with various cadaveric factors in 68 cases of pink teeth. The degree and region scores of discoloration did not show significant differences in terms of sex, age, cause of death, and place of discovery, but the degree of discoloration in terms of time after death showed a significant increase at 6 months (p < 0.01) and a significant decrease after 7 months (p < 0.05), while the region score also showed a significant decrease after 7 months. Furthermore, in 18 cases of drowning, the degree of discoloration significantly increased with time after death (p < 0.01). Thus, it was clarified that time after death was most strongly related to the pink teeth phenomenon, suggesting cadaveric decomposition may affect the occurrence of pink teeth. Further investigation in cases of early postmortem changes would be required to determine whether pink teeth in putrefactive cadavers have utility in medico–legal assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forensic Medicine and Its Applications)
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