Abstract Botanical analysis has often benefited forensic investigators by offering insights into various aspects of the crime. This methodology is increasingly useful due to the omnipresence of plant-based evidence in crime scenes. Forensic botany can be used to determine the cause of death, the time since death, or even the modus operandi of the crime. It helps ascertain the primary and secondary crime scenes, among other applications. In the present case, chilli powder, which contains capsaicin, an ingredient known for its pungent taste, strong sternutatory property, and membrane-irritating nature, was used to momentarily incapacitate the victim in an attempted robbery. Microscopic analysis of the samples and stains recovered from the clothes of the victim and accused, from the roadside as well as from the two-wheeler of the accused, proved that the powder used by the perpetrator was indeed chilli and established the structural similarity between them, effectively linking the victim, the accused, and the crime scene. Thus, this case can help in future investigations involving the use of chilli powder. Owing to the severity of such incidents, given the ability of chilli powder to lead to visual impairment, this report aims to aid the judiciary in effective justice dispersal.
Abstract The identification of body fluid stains using messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) has been studied for over two decades, yet its application in practical cases, especially in the examination of aged or degraded samples, remains limited. This study analyzed and compared the examination process and results of peripheral blood-specific mRNA markers in three cases of aged and degraded samples, discussing the prospects and limitations of mRNA testing in criminal investigations. Case 1: A murder case occurred 23 years ago. The suspect’s short tandem repeat (STR) profile was identified from a suspicious blood stain on the wooden door pieces of the victim’s house. Case 2: A murder case occurred 18 years ago. The victim’s STR profile was detected from a suspicious blood stain on the suspect’s weapon, a rusty iron hammer. Case 3: A murder case occurred 4 years ago. The victim’s STR profile was identified from a suspicious blood stain on the suspect’s trousers, which had been soaked in sewage. The fecal occult blood (FOB) tests were negative in all three cases. After RNA extraction, co-extraction with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), reverse transcription, and endpoint polymerase chain reaction, four mRNA markers (HBA [hemoglobin A], HBB [hemoglobin B], GYPA [glycophorin A], and SPTB [spectrin beta, erythrocytic]) were identified in Case 1; only one mRNA marker (HBA) was identified in Case 2; and two mRNA markers (HBA and HBB) were identified in Case 3. The DNA test results were consistent with the previous analysis. The examination results of these three cases suggest that peripheral blood mRNA marker testing may provide additional value in the analysis of old, degraded, or contaminated samples, particularly when conventional FOB tests yield negative results. These findings highlight the potential of mRNA profiling to support DNA-based evidence in cold cases and compromised samples, although detection rates vary with sample condition and storage history.
Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to conduct a GMM analysis to explore the shape variations of the sacrum according to sex, ancestry, and age among the three main ethnicities of the Malaysian population. Materials and Methods: A total of 320 subjects were included. The segmented CT images of the sacral bones obtained with Mimics Research 17.0 software were landmarked with 19 points via the Institute for Data Analysis and Visualization Landmark 3.0 software. The coordinates were extracted into Notepad++ 7.6.3 software and analyzed with MorphoJ 1.06d software. Results: The greatest degree of variation was observed in the transverse diameter of the first sacral (S1) body, the alae dimensions, and the auricular surfaces. The success rates of the sex discrimination function with cross-validation ranged from 84.47% (136/161) to 92.45% (147/159). Males had a relatively more curved sacrum, longer sacral height and auricular length, and larger S1 body dimensions but narrower alae compared with females. The success rates of the discrimination function with cross-validation between Chinese and Indian ranged from 64.22% (70/109) to 83.02% (88/106). Chinese had generally greater sacral basal width and sacral height compared with Malay and Indian. Elderly individuals had larger S1 body dimensions and alae anteroposterior dimensions and a shorter sacral height compared with adolescents. Conclusion: This population-specific study is valuable for Malaysian experts in analyzing the sacrum for biological profiling.
Abstract Objective: Sex determination is a critical aspect of forensic anthropology, particularly when traditional methods relying on the pelvis and skull are unavailable due to postmortem damage. The patella, due to its compact structure and resistance to degradation, is increasingly recognized as a valuable skeletal element for this purpose. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of patellar dimensions obtained through computed tomography (CT) scans in determining sex in a South Indian population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included participants aged 18 years and above undergoing CT angiograms for lower limb ailments at PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, from May 2023 to May 2024. Patellar parameters measured included maximum height (MH), maximum breadth (MB), maximum thickness, medial articular facet breadth, lateral articular facet breadth, and total patellar perimeter (TPP). Statistical analyses using SPSS 26.0 employed independent t -tests, analysis of variance, and regression models to assess sexual dimorphism. Results: Significant differences in patellar dimensions were observed between males and females. Males exhibited larger values for all parameters, with the most pronounced sexual dimorphism noted in TPP (right: 129.88 mm in males vs. 114.74 mm in females; left: 130.21 mm in males vs. 114.62 mm in females). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis highlighted TPP as the most reliable metric for sex differentiation, with an area under the curve exceeding 0.85 for both patellae. Parameters such as MH and MB also demonstrated substantial diagnostic value. Conclusions: The study confirms the utility of patellar dimensions, particularly patellar perimeter, in sex determination. The findings are consistent with both Indian and international literature, supporting the reliability of these anthropometric parameters in forensic and anthropological research. The results further highlight the importance of regional studies in forensic anthropology, as different populations may exhibit slight variations in skeletal morphology.
Abstract Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of postmortem blood and pericardial fluid Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and tryptase levels in fatal anaphylactic shock, to assess pericardial fluid as an alternative specimen, and to clarify the influence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on these two biomarkers. Methods: Literature was retrieved from seven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database) up to October 20, 2025. Meta-analyses were performed to compare postmortem IgE and tryptase levels among fatal anaphylactic shock, CVD, and control groups, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were conducted to determine diagnostic cutoff values. Results: A total of 18 unique studies were included (5 IgE-related studies and 17 tryptase-related studies, with 4 studies overlapping). Blood IgE (SMD = 3.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49–5.76, P = 0.001) and tryptase (SMD = 3.20, 95% CI: 2.21–4.19, P < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in fatal anaphylactic cases than in the control group; pericardial fluid tryptase was also significantly elevated (weighted mean difference = 24.03, 95% CI: 23.76–24.29, P < 0.001), supporting pericardial fluid as an alternative testing specimen. No statistically significant differences in either biomarker were found between the CVD and control groups (IgE: P = 0.56; tryptase: P = 0.06). ROC analyses yielded cutoff values of 125.62 IU/mL for blood IgE, 25.95 μg/L for blood tryptase, and 17.24 μg/L for pericardial fluid tryptase. Conclusions: Elevated IgE and tryptase levels in blood and pericardial fluid provide auxiliary evidence for the forensic diagnosis of fatal anaphylaxis, but no single biomarker can independently determine the cause of death. CVD caused no overall significant changes in these indicators, although a marginal interfering effect on blood tryptase cannot be excluded.
