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Caccia G, Cappella A, Castoldi E, Marino A, Colloca D, Amadasi A, Caccianiga M, Lago G, Cattaneo C. Blood and sperm traces on human hair. A study on preservation and detection after 3-month outdoor exposure. Sci Justice 2021; 61:657-666. [PMID: 34802638 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hair can retain important biological traces for forensic investigations. Forensic scientists are used to looking for such traces on clothing and skin of victims, however, when decomposition kicks in and all that remains of the victims is the skeleton, hair may be the only tissue representing the surface of the body at the time of a crime on which biological traces of an aggressor may have been left and still be detectable. Given the lack of research on this topic, this pilot study aims to assess the capacity of hair to retain semen and blood in hair, and the possibility to detect these fluids with well-known techniques and to obtain a useful genetic profile even when exposed to environmental conditions (Open Natural Environment (woods), Open Man Made Environment (urban)) for three months. Results showed that both traces were always visible and detectable with almost all techniques in the Control Environment, while in the two open environments some difficulties arose. However, biomolecular analysis was effective up to three months on both fluids in the Natural Environment and up to two months and one week respectively on blood and semen in the Man Made Environment. The Combur Test, OBTI, and Luminol were effective on blood up to three months in both environments while Sperm-HY-Liter and observation of cellular components were effective on semen up to at least 1 month and PSA testing was positive up to 1 week in both environments. The present work can be considered an encouraging starting point for the analysis of biological traces on hair in forensic contexts, regardless of the PMI, since blood and semen related to a crime may survive.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Caccia
- Labanof (Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense), Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - A Cappella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la salute, Università degli studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy; U.O. Laboratorio di Morfologia Umana Applicata, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | - E Castoldi
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma, Palazzo Ducale - Parco Ducale 3, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - A Marino
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma, Palazzo Ducale - Parco Ducale 3, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - D Colloca
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma, Palazzo Ducale - Parco Ducale 3, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - A Amadasi
- Labanof (Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense), Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy; Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, University Medical Centre Charité, University of Berlin, Turmstr.21, Building N, 10559, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Caccianiga
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, via Celoria, 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - G Lago
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma, Palazzo Ducale - Parco Ducale 3, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - C Cattaneo
- Labanof (Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense), Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Beyond the visible spectrum - applying 3D multispectral full-body imaging to the VirtoScan system. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2021; 17:565-576. [PMID: 34533694 PMCID: PMC8629877 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-021-00420-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Multispectral photography offers a wide range of applications for forensic investigations. It is commonly used to detect latent evidence and to enhance the visibility of findings. Additionally, three-dimensional (3D) full-body documentation has become much easier and more affordable in recent years. However, the benefits of performing 3D imaging beyond the visible (VIS) spectrum are not well known, and the technique has not been widely used in forensic medical investigations. A multicamera setup was used to employ multispectral photogrammetry between 365 and 960 nm in postmortem investigations. The multicamera setup included four modified digital cameras, ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR) light sources and supplemental lens filters. Full-body documentation was performed in conjunction with the use of a medical X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanner to automate the imaging procedure. Textured 3D models based on multispectral datasets from four example cases were reconstructed successfully. The level of detail and overall quality of the 3D reconstructions varied depending on the spectral range of the image data. Generally, the NIR datasets showed enhanced visibility of vein patterns and specific injuries, whereas the UV-induced datasets highlighted foreign substances on the skin. Three-dimensional multispectral full-body imaging enables the detection of latent evidence that is invisible to the naked eye and allows visualization, documentation and analysis of evidence beyond the VIS spectrum.
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Abstract
Animal sexual abuse (ASA) involves harm inflicted on animals for the purposes of human sexual gratification and includes such terms as bestiality, zoophilia, zoosadism, animal sexual assault, and others. The prevalence of ASA is not known, although it may be more common than is currently perceived. Veterinarians have the skills required to identify and document cases of ASA. This article reviews the terminology, legal definitions and forms of ASA, and its social and psychological context. An investigative approach is outlined, including an alternate light source examination; collection of swabs for DNA analysis; sampling vaginal washes, rectal washes, and toenails for trace evidence and biologic analyses; radiographic studies; and a complete forensic necropsy, including histopathology. Gross lesions identified in ASA victims include injuries to the anus, rectum, penis, scrotum, nipples, and vagina; the presence of foreign bodies; and abrasions, bruising, and other evidence of nonaccidental injury. Specialized procedures, including examination using alternate light sources and screening tests to identify human seminal fluid within samples from ASA victims, are of potential value but have not been validated for use in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. W. Stern
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - M. Smith-Blackmore
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA
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Abstract
Alternate light sources are devices that produce visible and invisible light at specific wavelengths to allow for enhanced visualization of fluorescent substances. These devices (which include Wood's lamp and blue light) are often used in forensics for evidence collection and can be quite useful to physicians in the medical evaluation of suspected physical or sexual assault. An understanding of the proper applications, as well as the limitations, of each alternate light source is imperative to correctly performing and interpreting medical evaluations in the emergency department. This review discusses the evidence from prospective trials in children and adults on the ability of specific alternate light sources to identify evidence of physical or sexual assault and also highlights some promising new technological adjuncts to alternate light sources that may allow for accurate dating of bruising.
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Girardet R, Bolton K, Lahoti S, Mowbray H, Giardino A, Isaac R, Arnold W, Mead B, Paes N. Collection of forensic evidence from pediatric victims of sexual assault. Pediatrics 2011; 128:233-8. [PMID: 21788219 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-3037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the time period after sexual assault of a child that specimens may yield evidence using DNA amplification. Secondary questions included the comparative laboratory yields of body swabs versus other specimens, and the correlation between physical findings and laboratory results. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data from evidence-collection kits from children 13 years and younger were reviewed. Kits were screened for evidence using traditional methods, and DNA testing was performed for positive specimens. Laboratory data were compared with historical information. RESULTS There were 277 evidence-collection kits analyzed; 151 were collected from children younger than 10; 222 kits (80%) had 1 or more positive laboratory screening test, of which 56 (20%) tested positive by DNA. The time interval to collection was <24 hours for 30 of the 56 positive kits (68% positives with a documented time interval), and 24 (43% of all positive kits) were positive only by nonbody specimens. The majority of children with DNA were aged 10 or older, but kits from 14 children younger than 10 also had a positive DNA result, of which 5 were positive by a body swab collected between 7 and 95 hours after assault. Although body swabs were important sources of evidence for older children, they were significantly less likely than nonbody specimens to yield DNA among children younger than 10 (P = .002). There was no correlation between physical findings and laboratory evidence. CONCLUSIONS Body samples should be considered for children beyond 24 hours after assault, although the yield is limited. Physical examination findings do not predict yield of forensic laboratory tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Girardet
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Hassan MI, Aijaz A, Ahmad F. Structural and functional analysis of human prostatic acid phosphatase. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2010; 10:1055-68. [PMID: 20645695 DOI: 10.1586/era.10.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is the most abundant phosphatase in human prostate tissue/secretions. It is a clinically important protein for its relevance as a biomarker of prostate carcinoma. Furthermore, it has a potential role in fertilization. We describe here most of the features of PAP including gene regulation, gene/protein structure, functions, its role in tumor progression and evolutionary features. PAP has phosphatase activity and is an extensively studied biomarker of prostate cancer. The major action of PAP is to dephosphorylate macromolecules with the help of catalytic residues (His(12) and Asp(258)) that are located in the cleft between two domains. This article will be of great interest to all those scientists who are working in the area of prostate pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
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Johnson TL. Updates and current trends in child protection. CLINICAL PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpem.2004.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Houmes BV, Fagan MM, Quintana NM. Establishing a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) program in the emergency department. J Emerg Med 2003; 25:111-21. [PMID: 12865124 DOI: 10.1016/s0736-4679(03)00159-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sexual assault cases present complex medical, psychological, social, and legal challenges to emergency practitioners. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs were designed to improve and expedite this patient care. The following review describes unique requirements, objectives, and resources when developing a program based in the Emergency Department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaine V Houmes
- Emergency and Trauma Department, Mercy Medical Center, 701 10th Street S.E., Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, USA
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Souza ERD, Assis SGD, Alzuguir FDCV. Estratégias de atendimento aos casos de abuso sexual infantil: um estudo bibliográfico. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE SAÚDE MATERNO INFANTIL 2002. [DOI: 10.1590/s1519-38292002000200003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Este trabalho visa apresentar um panorama da produção científica nacional e internacional sobre atendimento a casos de abuso sexual infantil pelos serviços de saúde. Busca-se fornecer conhecimento sobre o assunto e subsídios para a melhoria do atendimento prestado. Efetuou-se uma análise das 26 publicações referentes ao tema, localizadas no período de 1990 a 2000. Os resultados revelam a predominância de publicações internacionais (73,1%) e de revistas da área médica (38,5%). A maioria dos estudos focaliza poucos aspectos do atendimento, abordando, sobretudo, o processo de diagnóstico cuja figura central é o médico. Os textos refletem a ausência de uma visão integral do atendimento. Constatou-se ainda nas publicações nacionais uma tendência a explorar a denúncia e o registro das evidências.
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Christian CW, Lavelle JM, De Jong AR, Loiselle J, Brenner L, Joffe M. Forensic evidence findings in prepubertal victims of sexual assault. Pediatrics 2000; 106:100-4. [PMID: 10878156 DOI: 10.1542/peds.106.1.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends forensic evidence collection when sexual abuse has occurred within 72 hours, or when there is bleeding or acute injury. It is not known whether these recommendations are appropriate for prepubertal children, because few data exist regarding the utility of forensic evidence collection in cases of child sexual assault. This study describes the epidemiology of forensic evidence findings in prepubertal victims of sexual assault. METHODS The medical records of 273 children <10 years old who were evaluated in hospital emergency departments in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and had forensic evidence processed by the Philadelphia Police Criminalistics Laboratory were retrospectively reviewed for history, physical examination findings, forensic evidence collection, and forensic results. RESULTS Some form of forensic evidence was identified in 24.9% of children, all of whom were examined within 44 hours of their assault. Over 90% of children with positive forensic evidence findings were seen within 24 hours of their assault. The majority of forensic evidence (64%) was found on clothing and linens, yet only 35% of children had clothing collected for analysis. After 24 hours, all evidence, with the exception of 1 pubic hair, was recovered from clothing or linens. No swabs taken from the child's body were positive for blood after 13 hours or sperm/semen after 9 hours. A minority of children (23%) had genital injuries. Genital injury and a history of ejaculation provided by the child were associated with an increased likelihood of identifying forensic evidence, but several children had forensic evidence found that was unanticipated by the child's history. CONCLUSIONS The general guidelines for forensic evidence collection in cases of acute sexual assault are not well-suited for prepubertal victims. The decision to collect evidence is best made by the timing of the examination. Swabbing the child's body for evidence is unnecessary after 24 hours. Clothing and linens yield the majority of evidence and should be pursued vigorously for analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Christian
- Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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Santucci KA, Nelson DG, McQuillen KK, Duffy SJ, Linakis JG. Wood's lamp utility in the identification of semen. Pediatrics 1999; 104:1342-4. [PMID: 10585986 DOI: 10.1542/peds.104.6.1342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accurate detection of semen is critical to forensic, medical, and legal personnel. The Wood's lamp (WL) emits ultraviolet light (UVL) and has been identified as useful in rape evaluations because it is purported to cause semen to fluoresce. This study was intended to determine if semen can be distinguished from other products by WL analysis. METHODS Investigators reviewed the previous training and frequency of use of the WL by emergency medicine and pediatric emergency medicine physicians at 2 medical centers. The participants were asked to use a WL to distinguish between a semen sample (<6 hours old) and 13 commonly used products. Next, 29 semen samples were collected and evaluated under high-power microscopy and under UVL. RESULTS A total of 41 physicians participated in the study (68% male). The number of years practicing in an emergency setting spanned from.3 to 25 years with a mean of 7. 1 years. A total of 51% of participants trained in emergency medicine, 23% in pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine. A total of 22% reported formal training in the collection of forensic evidence. A total of 62% of the physicians believed they have identified semen in the past; one third felt they could differentiate semen from other products under UVL. None of the 41 physicians were able to differentiate semen from other products using a WL. Moreover, the semen samples used for the study did not fluoresce under WL analysis. None of the 29 semen samples fluoresced whether wet or dry. The medicaments most commonly mistaken for semen were A&D ointment (Cardinal Health, Inc, Dublin, OH), Surgilube (Division of Atlanta, Inc, Melville, NY), Barrier cream (Carrington Laboratories, Inc, Irving, TX), and bacitracin (Division of Atlanta, Inc, Melville, NY). CONCLUSIONS Participating physicians were unable to distinguish between semen and other common products, using the WL. Although the WL has been purported to be a useful tool as a screening device for the detection of seminal stains, the investigators have found it to be unreliable. Semen, previously reported to fluoresce under WL analysis, does not appear to do so. The correct identification of semen may be complicated by the presence of previously existing ointments and creams, some of which may be iatrogenically introduced (ie, Surgilube).
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Santucci
- Brown University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- P Asawanonda
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA
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Abstract
Adolescents are frequently victims of sexual assault, often by a previously known assailant. This article discusses the initial management of adolescents who have been sexually assaulted, including obtaining the history and performing a careful physical examination, forensic evidence collection, and medical and psychologic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Bechtel
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Kerns DL. Establishing a medical research agenda for child sexual abuse. Historical perspective and executive summary. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 1998; 22:453-465. [PMID: 9649887 DOI: 10.1016/s0145-2134(98)00011-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D L Kerns
- Department of Pediatrics, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
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Abstract
The identity and genetic origins of the nonspecific orthophosphate monoesterases with an acid pH optimum--the acid phosphatases--are now becoming clear. They form a family of genetically distinct isoenzymes, many of which show significant posttranslational modification. Four true isoenzymes exist. The erythrocytic and lysosomal forms show widespread distribution and are expressed in most cells; in contrast, the prostatic and macrophagic forms have a more limited expression. The erythrocytic and macrophagic forms are distinguished from the others in resisting inhibition by dextrorotatory tartrate. The prostatic form has long been used as a marker for prostatic cancer and the macrophagic forms have been linked with miscellaneous disorders, notably increased osteolysis, Gaucher's disease of spleen, and hairy cell leukemia, whereas the normal levels of intravesical lysosomal acid phosphatase in I cell disease pointed the way toward the mechanisms underlying its intracellular processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Moss
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London, U.K
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