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Special Issue "Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences in 2023"

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A special issue of Forensic Sciences (ISSN 2673-6756).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2023 | Viewed by 11066

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira

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Guest Editor

1. TOXRUN – Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, Advanced Polytechnic and University Cooperative (CESPU), CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
2. Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
3. UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
4. MTG Research and Development Lab, 4200-604 Porto, Portugal
Interests: real-world evidence; implementation science; toxicology; forensic sciences; psychoactive substances; drugs; biomedical research; scientometrics; scientific medical writing; pedagogical Innovation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Francisca Alves Cardoso

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

1. Center for Research in Anthropology, CRIA, NOVA FCSH, 1069-061 Lisboa, Portugal
2. Cranfield Defense & Security, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 0AL, UK
Interests: forensic anthropology; age assessment; sex assessment; human collection; ethics; paleopathology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Pier Matteo Barone

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Archaeology and Classics Program, American University of Rome, Via Pietro Roselli 4, 00153 Rome, Italy
Interests: archaeological methods and science; remote sensing and GIS; landscape archaeology; archaeological prospections; forensic archaeology; forensic geophysics; forensic geoscience; art crime; cultural heritage protection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to collect high-quality submissions in the research field of forensic sciences. We encourage researchers from various fields within the journal’s scope to contribute papers highlighting the latest developments in their research field or to invite relevant experts and colleagues to do so. The topic of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to:

Computer forensics, criminology, forensic accounting (also known as forensic accountancy or financial forensics), forensic anthropology, forensic archaeology, forensic art, forensic astronomy, forensic ballistics, forensic biomechanics, forensic chemistry, forensic genetics, and forensic geology.

Both original research articles and comprehensive review papers are welcome. You are welcome to send short proposals for Special Issue feature papers to our Editorial Office ([email protected]) prior to submission.

Prof. Dr. Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
Dr. Francisca Alves Cardoso
Dr. Pier Matteo Barone
Guest Editors

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. Forensic Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1000 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

forensic sciences
forensic toxicology
forensic anthropology
forensic geoscience

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 5230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interlaboratory Comparison of SpermX™ and Conventional Differential Extractions Indicated High Male DNA Recovery by the SpermX Method

and

Forensic Sci. 2023, 3(4), 592-610; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci3040043 - 01 Dec 2023

Viewed by 188

Abstract

The National Institute of Justice reported that current methods for processing sexual assault samples have a high failure rate, with 60 to 80 percent of tested kits unable to produce usable DNA profiles. Even when samples test positive for male DNA, 34 percent of sexual assault kits (SAKs) do not yield recovered male DNA after differential extraction. Less than 30% recovery of available sperm DNA contributes to this low success rate. The SpermX™ method (SX) has been shown to recover 80 percent or more of sperm DNA from sexual assault samples. An interlaboratory evaluation compared SX to standard differential extraction (DE) protocols. Mock samples with known ratios of female epithelial cells and sperm cells were processed using both methods. Results revealed that SX consistently provided CODIS up-loadable DNA profiles, even with as few as 25 sperm cells, whereas DE failed to produce usable results. On average, SX yielded a seven-fold increase in the recovery of unshared male alleles compared to DE. In conclusion, SX outperformed DE in recovering higher quantities of male DNA with minimal female carryover in sexual assault-type samples. This improved success rate in obtaining usable DNA profiles can significantly aid in solving sexual assault cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences in 2023)

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15 pages, 857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison between Blood, Non-Blood Fluids and Tissue Specimens for the Analysis of Cannabinoid Metabolites in Cannabis-Related Post-Mortem Cases

Abdulnasser E. Alzahrani

and

Forensic Sci. 2023, 3(2), 330-344; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci3020025 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1631

Abstract

Cannabis use is widespread and is one of the most common drugs encountered in forensic-related analysis (antemortem and postmortem cases). However, the correlation between illicit cannabis use and death is rarely investigated, even while taking into consideration its role in the central nervous system depression and cardiovascular disorders. Few studies have discussed other non-blood specimens; this has brought a special interest in analyzing THC and its metabolites in different body parts in order to make precise forensic decisions. Herein, we are investigating the presence of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its metabolites:(11-hydroxy-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-OH) and 11-nor-Δ⁹- tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxy (THC-COOH)) in different postmortem specimens. Forty-three cases of bodily fluids and tissue post-mortem samples, previously found to be cannabinoid-positive were analyzed in the current investigation using alkaline hydrolysis followed by solid phase extraction and LC-MS/MS for THC and its metabolites concentration. In the current study, the highest median THC-COOH and THC-OH concentrations were detected in bile samples (1380 ng/mL and 8 ng/mL, respectively), while the highest THC median concentration was detected in gastric contents (48 ng/mL). This can be explained due to the postmortem distribution of blood to other bodily fluids and tissues and the accumulation in bile following multiple doses. Furthermore, high THC levels in gastric contents can be explained by the undergoing cycles of entero-hepatic circulation which resulted in a significant increase in THC in gastric contents. THC-COOH can be the best indicator to detect cannabinoids in toxicology studies, thus the inclusion of active THC metabolites is essential in death investigations. Additionally, THC-OH concentrations in postmortem cases could be influenced by body mass index. In this study, all types were specimens found to be suitable for testing cannabinoid metabolites, except for vitreous humor which showed low rates of detectability for cannabinoid metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences in 2023)

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9 pages, 4418 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

A Complementary Remote-Sensing Method to Find Persons Missing in Water: Two Case Studies

Pier Matteo Barone

Rosa Maria Di Maggio

and

Silvia Mesturini

Forensic Sci. 2023, 3(2), 284-292; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci3020021 - 24 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1477

Abstract

This short communication discusses how a specific geoarchaeological remote-sensing (RS) method, such as analyzing satellite images through NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index), can be used to aid in searching and locating persons missing in watercourses. Thanks to its high capacity to analyze changes in the surface water area, this index can remotely detect the presence of anomalies related to disappearances in water bodies and provide valuable information that can reduce the use of human resources and help pinpoint likely areas of search. Two real-life cases of missing persons in rivers in which the NDWI index was used are presented, and the results obtained are discussed, emphasizing the importance of NDWI analysis as a complementary method to different approaches, especially non-invasive and remote-sensed ones, when positively searching for missing persons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences in 2023)

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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 2223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CBD-Containing Liquids for e-Cigarettes: Formation of Psychotropic and Secondary Cannabinoids and Amount of CBD Surviving the Smoking Procedure

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Forensic Sci. 2023, 3(2), 258-272; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci3020019 - 10 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1379

Abstract

Recently, as the interest in cannabidiol (CBD) has grown due to its therapeutic potential, e-cigarette liquids containing CBD have proliferated on the market. Typically, e-liquids contain variable concentrations of CBD (from 2 mg∙mL⁻¹ to 20 mg∙mL⁻¹) in propylene glycol or 70:30 propylene glycol:glycerol mixture and are eventually flavored with food-grade flavors. In this work, carried out by a GC-MS analysis of the condensed smoke produced by a real e-cig, we have demonstrated the actual amount of CBD that can survive the smoking process, and we found that negligible amounts of THCs are formed during the smoking process (i.e., the amount formed was <0.005 mg for each mg of vaped CBD); considering that the threshold dose for ∆⁹-THC is around 2.5 mg (smoked or ingested per os), it is reasonable to conclude that accidental THC intoxication is unlikely, which is a very important issue from a forensic point of view, as in some court cases the use of e-cig liquids containing CBD has been argued as being the source of THC intoxication. Furthermore, all the other cannabinoids considered in this study and potentially derived from CBD thermal degradation have concentrations below the instrumental LOD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences in 2023)

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13 pages, 2026 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of DNA Methylation-Based Age-Prediction Models from Saliva and Buccal Swab Samples Using Pyrosequencing Data

Hélène Singla-Sanchez

and

Sylvain Hubac

Forensic Sci. 2023, 3(2), 192-204; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci3020015 - 24 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1462

Abstract

In forensic genetics, the identification of an individual is often carried out by comparing unknown DNA profiles obtained in a case against databases or references. When no match is found, investigators need new tools in order to obtain additional leads. The latest technical advances now make it possible to predict externally visible characteristics. With this objective, predicting the age of an individual through DNA methylation analysis remains one of the last challenges. The prediction models have to account for the specific constraints of this field, including tissue specificity and DNA availability (i.e., low DNA amounts or low-quality DNA). Jung and colleagues have recently produced models from blood, saliva and buccal cells by using a single base extension sequencing method. With the goal of evaluating these models in our own analytical conditions, saliva and buccal cell samples from 115 French individuals between the ages of 0 and 88 years old were collected and analyzed. After having determined the optimal analysis conditions, including the DNA quantity for bisulfite conversion (75 ng), some differences were highlighted in the measured methylation rates between the two studies. Despite these discrepancies, the prediction performance levels remain very similar, our study showing mean absolute errors of 3.5 years, 3.9 years and 3.2 years, respectively, for the saliva, buccal swab and multitissue model, with limitations observed for the oldest and youngest individuals. Furthermore, we propose the use of a prediction interval with an error dispersion and correct prediction rate at ±5 years and ±10 years, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences in 2023)

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Review

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14 pages, 2061 KiB

Open AccessReview

Innovations in Forensic Sciences for Human Identification by DNA in the French Gendarmerie during the Last 10 Years

Jean-Philippe Lavigne

Amel Larnane

Christian Siatka

and

Francis Hermitte

Forensic Sci. 2023, 3(2), 316-329; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci3020024 - 17 May 2023

Viewed by 1937

Abstract

The IRCGN (Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale) is a forensic science institute built by the French Gendarmerie which has the ability to exploit crime scene evidence. Any piece of evidence, anywhere in the world, in any environment, can be examined by IRCGN teams deployed in just a few hours. During the past 10 years, experts specializing in genetics have developed innovative genetic engineering technologies for application in forensic sciences. In this review, we highlight the main innovations and the creation of new tools for human identification, which are fully suited to the French Gendarmerie’s needs. Devices developed by the IRCGN are specific to the Gendarmerie’s purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences in 2023)

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Other

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9 pages, 298 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Among Bodies: Portuguese Cemeterial Exhumations Three Years after a Pandemic

Angela Silva-Bessa

Maria Teresa Ferreira

and

Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira

Forensic Sci. 2023, 3(2), 293-301; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci3020022 - 12 May 2023

Viewed by 1321

Abstract

On 19 March 2020, a “state of emergency” was declared in Portugal due to the manifestation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with an exponential rate of infection and high mortality and morbidity rates. Since then, the state of emergency was declared a further fifteen times until 30 April 2021, during which a total of 16,974 deaths associated with COVID-19 were acknowledged in the country. Over the aforementioned period, guidelines were followed regarding the handling of suspected cases in autopsy rooms, mortuaries, and cemeteries. However, no procedures have been established regarding the handling of human remains during and after cemeterial exhumations. Furthermore, little is known about the virus survival and its spatial distribution in postmortem human tissues. Given that the minimum Portuguese legal period of inhumation is ending and cemeteries have been facing limited burial space and soon will start exhuming buried individuals, the authors believe it is important to reflect on the matter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences in 2023)

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