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Forensic Sciences
Special Issues
Innovations and New Aspects in Forensic Practice
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Innovations and New Aspects in Forensic Practice

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 5282

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rosario Barranco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
Interests: forensic medicine; forensic pathology; histopathology; legal medicine; autopsy; forensic toxicology; medical liability; sudden cardiac death
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Simone Grassi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Section of Forensic Medical Sciences, Health Sciences Department, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Interests: legal medicine; medical malpractice claims; medical liability; risk management; patient safety

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Forensic sciences are continuously updated in many research fields. In recent years, notable advances in histopathology and genetics have been made. Nowadays, forensic practice requires a multidisciplinary approach requiring expertise in forensic pathology, histopathology, genetics, toxicology, forensic radiology and anthropology. In some forensic fields, forensic psychopathology skills are necessary.

In this special issue we want to discuss and collect the innovations and updates of forensic science that can help and improve the conduct of daily practice.

In this way, given the importance of the topic, this special issue aims to collect original article, case report, review, technical note, perspective articles, communication, brief report in all forensic and medico-legal fields.

Dr. Rosario Barranco
Dr. Simone Grassi
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 pathology
  • legal medicine
  • histopathology
  • forensic genetics
  • molecular autopsy
  • forensic toxicology
  • anthropology
  • forensic psychopathology

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 435 KiB  
Article
Exploring Cerebrospinal Fluid: Validation of a New Method for Quantification of 39 Drugs of Abuse by LC-MS/MS
by Alexandra Dimitrova, Emma Beatrice Croce, Gaia Iaquinta, Elisa Ferri, Simone Faccioli, Giulia Chiavacci, Barbara Gualco, Martina Focardi, Simone Grassi and Fabio Vaiano
Forensic Sci. 2024, 4(4), 546-554; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci4040036 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 897
Abstract
The use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in post-mortem (PM) toxicological analysis is an under-addressed topic, likely due to the technical complexity of the collection of a proper sample. However, it is a matrix of significant interest since it has similar chemical and physical [...] Read more.
The use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in post-mortem (PM) toxicological analysis is an under-addressed topic, likely due to the technical complexity of the collection of a proper sample. However, it is a matrix of significant interest since it has similar chemical and physical properties to the blood and it is less exposed to risks like PM redistribution and diffusion due to its anatomical location. This study aimed to validate a sensitive analytical method for the quantification of drugs of abuse and their metabolites (i.e., cocaine, ketamine, amphetamine, MDPV, 6-monoacetylmorphine, morphine, codeine, and methadone) through liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). CSF was collected through ventricular puncture, and 200 µL was deproteinated with acetonitrile (600 µL). Quantification was carried out, acquiring two MRM transitions for each compound in positive ionization mode. Chromatographic separation was achieved with a C18 column. Limits of quantification ranged from 0.05 to 5 ng/mL. Bias and precision were always within the acceptance criteria. Ion enhancement and suppression effects were observed depending on the substance. The method validated here was applied to a real case, proving to be suitable for PM analysis. CSF and blood were positive for methadone (460 vs. 280 ng/mL), cocaine (125 vs. 69 ng/mL), benzoylecgonine (4640 vs. 3160 ng/mL), and lorazepam (19 vs. 25 ng/mL). In the future, this will be useful for the evaluation of CSF as a valuable alternative matrix in PM investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations and New Aspects in Forensic Practice)
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12 pages, 2966 KiB  
Article
Creation of an Experimental Animal Model for the Study of Postmortem Dark Scleral Spots
by Matteo Nioi, Pietro Emanuele Napoli, Domenico Nieddu, Alberto Chighine, Maurizio Fossarello and Ernesto d’Aloja
Forensic Sci. 2024, 4(4), 487-498; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci4040032 - 24 Sep 2024
Viewed by 660
Abstract
Postmortem dark scleral spots, first described by Sommer in 1833, are well-known in forensic pathology. Background/Objectives: Despite this, their presence is currently considered a nonspecific sign, and their pathogenesis has received little attention in forensic literature. In recent years, however, preliminary studies have [...] Read more.
Postmortem dark scleral spots, first described by Sommer in 1833, are well-known in forensic pathology. Background/Objectives: Despite this, their presence is currently considered a nonspecific sign, and their pathogenesis has received little attention in forensic literature. In recent years, however, preliminary studies have suggested new mechanisms in their pathogenesis and links to specific types of death. This study aims to create an experimental model for studying scleral spots. Methods: Twenty sheep, already slaughtered for food, were used. After decapitation, the heads were transported to a room with known temperature and humidity. The right eye underwent eyelid excision, while the left eye’s eyelids were sutured. Continuous observation for approximately 24 h was conducted, with brief interruptions to observe the closed eyes. Results: Dark scleral spots appeared in all open eyes (20/20) after an average of 240.96 ± 58.36 min. The spots did not appear in any of the closed eyes. Conclusions: Experimental data indicate that despite the different location compared to human cadavers, this model serves as an excellent experimental framework for studying postmortem scleral spots. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations and New Aspects in Forensic Practice)
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Review

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9 pages, 559 KiB  
Review
Amelogenin-Based Molecular Methods for Sexual Dimorphism Identification: Protocol of a Scoping Review
by Inês Lopes Cardoso, Maria Teresa Moreira, Clarisse Dupuis, Filipe Castro and Maria Inês Guimarães
Forensic Sci. 2024, 4(4), 499-507; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci4040033 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 924
Abstract
Forensic dentistry and sexual dimorphism are distinct concepts. Still, they are related due to the usefulness that the first may have in the second, and this review focuses on them. A scoping review will be performed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology. [...] Read more.
Forensic dentistry and sexual dimorphism are distinct concepts. Still, they are related due to the usefulness that the first may have in the second, and this review focuses on them. A scoping review will be performed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology. Scientific databases and grey literature will be used, and the following keywords will be applied: amelogenin, analyses, sex determination, and human identification. This scoping review will include in vitro studies concerning the goal of this review. This scoping review will deepen our knowledge concerning using teeth and amelogenin genes in sex identification in a forensic context. According to the available data, it will help implement guidelines for human remains identification. This protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations and New Aspects in Forensic Practice)
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Other

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7 pages, 403 KiB  
Technical Note
Technical Note: Rapid Species Barcoding Using Bento Lab Mobile Laboratory
by Karolina Mahlerová, Lenka Vaňková, Marcin Tomsia and Daniel Vaněk
Forensic Sci. 2024, 4(4), 566-572; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci4040038 - 14 Oct 2024
Viewed by 613
Abstract
In scenarios when the morphological identification of samples is not feasible, the utilization of molecular analyses becomes an imperative. However, that can often be challenging in conditions where standard molecular laboratories cannot be established. In this study, we present a simplified and field-friendly [...] Read more.
In scenarios when the morphological identification of samples is not feasible, the utilization of molecular analyses becomes an imperative. However, that can often be challenging in conditions where standard molecular laboratories cannot be established. In this study, we present a simplified and field-friendly protocol of the previously published Triplex PCR Assay for the identification of mammalian and plant sample origin using a fully portable molecular laboratory from Bento Lab (Bento Bioworks Ltd., London, UK), effectively eliminating the need for a traditional laboratory setup. The protocol in combination with correctly selected kits enables DNA extraction, result evaluation based on electrophoresis, and direct use of the PCR products for downstream analyses such as Sanger sequencing and third-generation sequencing; therefore, enabling the use of molecular analysis directly in situ or for educational purposes in a classroom. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations and New Aspects in Forensic Practice)
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7 pages, 3720 KiB  
Case Report
Phosgene Inhalation in Fire-Related Deaths: A Case Report of Two Lovers Burnt in a Travelling Carousel
by Enrica Callegari, Enrico Mazzobel, Silvano Zancaner, Paolo Fais, Guido Viel and Giovanni Cecchetto
Forensic Sci. 2024, 4(3), 257-263; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci4030018 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1216
Abstract
Fire deaths present several diagnostic challenges for the forensic examiner, the most significant of which is the identification of the cause of death and the evaluation of the morphological consequences of heat injuries in the ante-mortem and post-mortem periods. Here, we describe the [...] Read more.
Fire deaths present several diagnostic challenges for the forensic examiner, the most significant of which is the identification of the cause of death and the evaluation of the morphological consequences of heat injuries in the ante-mortem and post-mortem periods. Here, we describe the case of two young lovers found dead inside a travelling carousel destroyed by a fire. Circumstantial evidence of disputes between families running the town fair raised the suspicion of intentional arson. Comparative analysis of crime scene investigation, radiological, autoptic, histological, and toxicological findings revealed signs of vitality (i.e., presence of soot deposits inside the respiratory and digestive tracts, heat damage to the respiratory mucosa) and identified fatal asphyxia from haemorrhagic pulmonary oedema as the cause of death. Since the experimental burning of plastic samples collected from a similar carousel demonstrated the significant production of phosgene, the death of the two lovers was attributed to the probable inhalation of this gas. The case presented here underlines the importance of a multidisciplinary approach of any fire-related death, providing an insight into circumstantial and forensic (autopsy, toxicological, and immunohistopathological) elements useful in raising suspicion of possible toxic gas inhalation. In the presence of high levels of PVC materials at the fire scene and pulmonary oedema at the autopsy, with no alternative causes of death, the forensic pathologist must suspect a fatal exposure to phosgene. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations and New Aspects in Forensic Practice)
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