Current Forensic Science - Current Issue

Forensic pathologists, archeologists, and forensic anthropologists are often required to interpret burnt bones. One of the key factors for an accurate interpretation of the remains and the events leading to incineration is the estimation of the maximum exposure temperature of the human remains. Several types of research focus on temperature estimation, using color assessment, histology observations, and mechanical changes, which can help in the most accurate interpretation. The color of burnt bone is inevitably related to the time and temperature(s) to which it was exposed, the size and condition of the bone, and the environment. Nevertheless, it can be possible to estimate exposure temperature based on visual observation and analysis.

Development of a colorimetric scale for photographic documentation and the color calibration of burnt bone.

This paper proposes a patented prototype scale with calibrated colors of burnt bone colors at different temperatures, based on the existing RGB color published data as a visual aid in the interpretation and estimation of the maximum temperature exposure of burnt bone.

Authors are aware that the estimation of the maximum temperature of burnt bone cannot be determined solely by colors. Visual color recognition is prone to errors.

The proposed device should be considered a tool during photography of burnt bone and aid in interpreting temperature estimates.

Gender determination of human samples is critical in forensic identification. The most popular forensic kit AmpliFlSTR^® is based on Short Tandem Repeat (STR), and gender determination is performed on a single copy Amelogenin gene with X and Y homologous chromosomes. This method is not sufficiently sensitive for degraded and a small number of samples and requires a lengthy time. Furthermore, this method needs fragment analysis by a genetic analyzer and an analytical kit for sample preparation, which is costly and not available for public support in developing countries.

Thus, it is urgent to have an alternative, quick, and cost-effective gender identification method during mass disasters.

We proposed to use an alternative PCR method with a single AluSTYa primer and compare it with our designed primer to identify male and female DNA samples in mass disasters when identification is crucial.

In the current research, we scanned 16 samples from the fire incidence area known as Mohammadpur slum of Dhaka city in different time frames, where bodies were partially burnt. Patients were admitted to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. Thirty-six unknown samples from the healthy cohort were included from the Dhaka University campus for comparison. Modified Alu primer was used in addition to known commercial AluSTYa primers.

This study revealed that our designed primer and commercial AluSTYa primer could identify Alu insertion by a simple PCR method into a non-recombinant Y homologous region. The results showed the high quality of DNA extracted from the burnt specimens and a 100% difference in the number of bands in X and Y chromosomes by a simple, robust, and cost-effective PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis method for gender identification.

This method can be applied to mass disaster incidents where rapid gender identification of unknown persons is urgent for forensic purposes.

Cardiomyopathies are a group of diseases of the heart that can lead to heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, and sudden death. They typically manifest as an enlarged heart or a normal heart with microscopic anomalies (fibrosis, inflammation, etc.). The aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence of deaths due to cardiomyopathies of unknown etiology in young subjects in a forensic pathology setting.

Deaths due to cardiomyopathy in decedents less than 40 years old evaluated at the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office in Chicago from January 2013 to June 2018 were studied.

In total, 140 cases of cardiomyopathies were identified in the study period: among these, in 20 cases (14%), no underlying etiology could be found through medical history and autopsy investigation. The demographics and the macroscopic and microscopic findings of these cases are described, highlighting the importance of medical history review and adequate histological sampling of hearts in cases of sudden, unexpected death in children and young adults.

This study highlights the importance of medical history review and adequate histological sampling of hearts in cases of sudden, unexpected death in children and young adults to identify possible cardiomyopathies of unknown etiology.

Two cases involving father-daughter incest, a rare report in the Indian population, have been analyzed in the current study. STR markers on both autosomal and sex chromosomes were employed to expound the cases.

The objective of this study is to confirm the identity of the fetus as a product of father-daughter incest and to study the inheritance pattern of alleles in such cases.

Autosomal, X, and Y chromosomal analyses were performed to confirm the identity of the fetus. Statistical analyses were carried out to strengthen the evidentiary value of the obtained results.

In both cases, the aborted fetus was found to be the product of an incestuous father-daughter relationship. The probability of paternity as well as maternity was found to be >99.9999% in both cases. Analysis of other paternity and forensic parameters also substantiated the inclusion of the alleged individuals. Father-daughter incest had a tremendous effect on the genome as evidenced from the dramatical decrease in unrelated alleles between father/child [16.66% (Case 1), 20% (Case 2)] and mother/child [26.66% (Case 1), 21.66% (Case 2)]. Genetic evidence also suggested an increased biallelic match i.e., 26.66% (Case 1) and 33.33% (Case 2) between mother and fetus, which are at par/ above the normal siblings’ values i.e., 26.66%.

A significant increase in the percentage of homozygous alleles (53.33% in both cases) was observed in the product of father-daughter incest. Both daughters share the same X chromosome from the father, which also suggested the case to be of father-daughter incest. Similarly, the same Y-STR profile between the male fetus and alleged father confirmed the correct pattern of inheritance of the Y chromosome in this case.