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Wiraagni IA, Rezadhini M, Setiawan J, Sofyantoro F, Priyono DS, Septriani NI, Perwitasari DA. Research trends on forensic entomology for five decades worldwide. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 71:102539. [PMID: 39427468 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2024] [Revised: 09/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/11/2024] [Indexed: 10/22/2024]
Abstract
Forensic entomology, the study of insects and arthropods in criminal investigations, is crucial for estimating postmortem intervals, determining changes in corpse positioning, and identifying causes of death. This study analyzes global research trends in forensic entomology using data from the Scopus database spanning 1970 to 2024, with data visualized through VOSviewer. A total of 2,261 articles were identified, with an average productivity of 42 papers per year. The leading countries in forensic entomology research are the United States (n = 444), Brazil (n = 266), China (n = 198), the United Kingdom (n = 194), and Germany (n = 156). Current hot topics in the field include pupae, feeding behavior, beetles, and genetics. These findings underscore the ongoing interest and advancements in forensic entomology, highlighting its significance and diverse applications in criminal investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idha Arfianti Wiraagni
- Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Forensic Medicine and Medicolegal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health Science and Nursing, Jl. Farmako Sekip Utara, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia.
| | - Melodia Rezadhini
- Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jl. Flora, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia.
| | - Jajar Setiawan
- Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Forensic Medicine and Medicolegal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health Science and Nursing, Jl. Farmako Sekip Utara, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia.
| | - Fajar Sofyantoro
- Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology, Jl. Teknika Selatan, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia.
| | - Dwi Sendi Priyono
- Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology, Jl. Teknika Selatan, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia.
| | - Nur Indah Septriani
- Universitas Gadjah Mada, Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology, Jl. Teknika Selatan, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia.
| | - Dyah Aryani Perwitasari
- Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jl. Prof. Dr. Soepomo, S.H, Warungboto, Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta 55191, Indonesia.
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Shen Z, Zhong Y, Wang Y, Zhu H, Liu R, Yu S, Zhang H, Wang M, Yang T, Zhang M. A computational approach to estimate postmortem interval using postmortem computed tomography of multiple tissues based on animal experiments. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:1093-1107. [PMID: 37999765 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03127-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The estimation of postmortem interval (PMI) is a complex and challenging problem in forensic medicine. In recent years, many studies have begun to use machine learning methods to estimate PMI. However, research combining postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) with machine learning models for PMI estimation is still in early stages. This study aims to establish a multi-tissue machine learning model for PMI estimation using PMCT data from various tissues. We collected PMCT data of seven tissues, including brain, eyeballs, myocardium, liver, kidneys, erector spinae, and quadriceps femoris from 10 rabbits after death. CT images were taken every 12 h until 192 h after death, and HU values were extracted from the CT images of each tissue as a dataset. Support vector machine, random forest, and K-nearest neighbors were performed to establish PMI estimation models, and after adjusting the parameters of each model, they were used as first-level classification to build a stacking model to further improve the PMI estimation accuracy. The accuracy and generalized area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the multi-tissue stacking model were able to reach 93% and 0.96, respectively. Results indicated that PMCT detection could be used to obtain postmortem change of different tissue densities, and the stacking model demonstrated strong predictive and generalization abilities. This approach provides new research methods and ideas for the study of PMI estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zefang Shen
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Yue Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Yucong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Haibiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Forensic Science Center of Beijing Huatong Junjian Science and Technology Company Limited, Beijing, 100016, China
| | - Shengnan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Haidong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Min Wang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Tiantong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China.
| | - Mengzhou Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science (China University of Political Science and Law), Ministry of Education, No. 25 Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100088, China.
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Ngando FJ, Zhang X, Qu H, Xiao J, Ren L, Yang F, Feng Y, Shang Y, Chen S, Zhang C, Guo Y. Age determination of Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) using lifespan patterns, gene expression, and pteridine concentration under constant and variable temperatures. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 354:111916. [PMID: 38141350 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is a blowfly species widely studied in medical, veterinary, and entomological research. Our study examined the impact of constant (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C) and variable (ranging from 21.0 to 25.4 °C, with an average of 23.31 °C) temperatures on the development and larval body length of C. megacephala. Additionally, we analyzed the age of the adult C. megacephala through pteridine content and related metabolic genes analysis. Our findings revealed three distinct growth patterns: isomorphen diagram, isomegalen diagram, and thermal accumulated models. At constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C, egg-hatching times were 44.5 ± 8.9, 26.7 ± 4.6, 12.6 ± 1.1, 11.0 ± 1.0, and 9.9 ± 1.9 h, respectively, while it was 15.3 ± 5.9 h at variable temperatures. The total development times from oviposition to adult eclosion in C. megacephala required 858.1 ± 69.2, 362.3 ± 5.9, 289.6 ± 17.8, 207.3 ± 9.3, and 184.7 ± 12.1 h at constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C, respectively. This duration was extended to 282.0 ± 64.1 h under variable temperatures. However, no significant differences were found in hatching times and the total developmental durations between 25 °C and variable temperatures. A developmental threshold temperature (D0) of 9.90 ± 0.77 °C and a thermal summation constant (K) of 4244.0 ± 347.0° hours were ascertained. Pteridine content patterns varied significantly across constant temperatures, but not between 25 °C and variable temperatures. Sex and temperature were identified as the primary factors influencing pteridine levels in the head of C. megacephala. Gene expression associated with pteridine metabolism decreased following adult eclosion, matching with increased pteridine concentration. Further investigations are needed to explore the use of pteridine cofactors for age-grading adult necrophagous flies. These findings provide valuable insights into the lifespan of C. megacephala, thereby offering valuable groundwork for forthcoming investigations and PMImin determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernand Jocelin Ngando
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Xiangyan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Hongke Qu
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Jiao Xiao
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Fengqin Yang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yakai Feng
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yanjie Shang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Sile Chen
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Changquan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China.
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Qu Y, Wang B, Deng J, Feng Y, Pi Z, Ren L, Cai J. Geographical Distribution and Multimethod Species Identification of Forensically Important Necrophagous Flies on Hainan Island. INSECTS 2023; 14:898. [PMID: 37999097 PMCID: PMC10672153 DOI: 10.3390/insects14110898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Forensic entomology offers unique advantages for the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) estimation of decomposed corpses in forensic investigations. Accurate species identification and up-to-date locality information are essential. Hainan Island has a tropical rainforest climate and a vast territory. In this study, the community structure of necrophagous flies on Hainan Island was investigated in detail according to geographical environment. The results showed that the dominant species included C. megacephala, S. peregrina, C. rufifacies, S. misera, H. ligurriens, S. sericea, S. cinerea, S. dux, C. pinguis, and M. domestica. Furthermore, C. rufifacies and C. villeneuvi were found only in the high-altitude areas of Wuzhi Mountain, while S. cinerea was distributed only in coastal areas; the latter is a representative species of Hainan Island and has not been reported before. Furthermore, a GenBank database of forensically important flies was established, whilst a high-resolution melt (HRM) curve analysis was applied to identify the common species of Hainan Island for the first time. This study enriches the database of forensically important flies in tropical rainforest regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihong Qu
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.P.)
- Hainan Equity Judicial Expertise Center, Hainan Vocational College of Political Science and Law, Haikou 570100, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation, Haikou 570100, China; (B.W.); (J.D.)
| | - Jianqiang Deng
- Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation, Haikou 570100, China; (B.W.); (J.D.)
| | - Yakai Feng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China;
| | - Zhiyun Pi
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.P.)
| | - Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.P.)
- Shanghai Key Lab of Forensic Medicine, Key Lab of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai 570100, China
| | - Jifeng Cai
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.P.)
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5
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Shao S, Yang L, Hu G, Li L, Wang Y, Tao L. Application of omics techniques in forensic entomology research. Acta Trop 2023; 246:106985. [PMID: 37473953 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of the post-genome era, omics technologies have developed rapidly and are widely used, including in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome research. These omics techniques are often based on comprehensive and systematic analysis of biological samples using high-throughput analysis methods and bioinformatics, to provide new insights into biological phenomena. Currently, omics techniques are gradually being applied to forensic entomology research and are useful in species identification, phylogenetics, screening for developmentally relevant differentially expressed genes, and the interpretation of behavioral characteristics of forensic-related species at the genetic level. These all provide valuable information for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). This review mainly discusses the available omics techniques, summarizes the application of omics techniques in forensic entomology, and their future in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng Shao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Lijun Yang
- Criminal Police Branch, Suzhou Public Security Bureau, Renmin Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Gengwang Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China.
| | - Luyang Tao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
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Hu G, Li L, Zhang Y, Shao S, Gao Y, Zhang R, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Guo Y, Kang C, Wang J, Wang Y. A global perspective of forensic entomology case reports from 1935 to 2022. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1535-1553. [PMID: 37410176 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03053-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Forensic entomology case reports are the product of rapid development in the field, the widespread acceptance of the science and the application of forensic entomological knowledge. In this study, we retrospectively summarized information derived from 307 forensic entomology case reports from 1935 to 2022 from a global perspective. Our checklist of relevant information included insect species, specific indoor or outdoor preferences, preferred temperatures, and stages of body decomposition. Finally, a concept and calculation method for postmortem interval (PMI) estimation accuracy was proposed. There were 232 cases using insect developmental data and 28 cases using succession patterns to estimate PMI. A total of 146 species of insects were involved in the cases, of which 62.3% were Diptera and 37.7% were Coleoptera. Postmortem intervals were estimated from eggs in 4 cases, larvae in 180 cases, pupae in 45 cases, and puparia in 38 cases. The majority of cases were from June to October, and the average number of species mentioned in the cases was more at 15-30 °C. Considering the standardization of application, in the majority of cases, insect evidence was collected by other personnel and sent to forensic entomologists, there was a delay in the sampling, and the scene or meteorological data were directly used without correcting. Our data shows that there are still many shortcomings in the universality and standardization of forensic entomology in its practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengwang Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yingna Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
- Department of Pathology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Shipeng Shao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yundi Gao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Ruonan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Chengtao Kang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Jiangfeng Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China.
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Shao S, Hu G, Li L, Sheng Y, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Guo Y, Kang C, Xu W, Chen J, Wang J, Wang Y. Estimating the intra-puparial period of Hydrotaea spinigera (Stein,1910) (Diptera: Muscidae) with morphological and gene expression changes. Acta Trop 2023; 242:106910. [PMID: 36963598 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Hydrotaea spinigera (Stein, 1910) (Diptera: Muscidae) is a forensically important sarcosaprophagous species widely distributed throughout the Oriental and Australasian regions. At the advanced decomposition stage or the skeletonize stage, the immature stages of H. spinigera, especially the pupae, can still be found in large quantities and could be used as important indicators to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). However, there have been no studies on the intra-puparial period of this species. Herein, we studied morphological and differential gene expression changes during the intra-puparial development of H. spinigera, aiming to accurately estimate the intra-puparial age of H. spinigera. The intra-puparial morphological changes of H. spinigera were observed at seven constant temperatures ranging from 16°C to 34°C and divided into 12 sub-stages. Structures that could be used to estimate the intra-puparial age, such as compound eyes, mouthparts, antennae, thorax, legs, wings, and abdomen, were observed in detail, and the developmental process of each structure was divided into 5 to 10 stages. The time range of each sub-stage, or when a structure appeared, was recorded. For the gene expression section, the most suitable reference genes were screened by geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and ΔCt methods. Based on the selected reference genes, real-time quantitative PCR (RT qPCR) was used to detect the expression changes of the white and hsp90 genes with developmental time at 19°C, 25°C, and 31°C. Results showed that the trend of Hsp90 gene expression under different temperatures was not consistent, while white genes exhibited regular changes during development, and could thus be used for age estimation of H. spinigera. This study provides an important basis for forensic entomology to use morphological and differential gene expression for estimating the age of H. spinigera during the intra-puparial period. Moreover, the combination of the two methods can produce a more accurate minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) estimate compared to when each method is used separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng Shao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Gengwang Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Sheng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Chengtao Kang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Wang Xu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Clinical Experimental Center, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Jiangfeng Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China.
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Hu G, Kang C, Zhu R, Guo Y, Li L, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wang J. A Preliminary Study of Body Decomposition and Arthropod Succession in an Arid Area in Northwest China During Summer. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:306-315. [PMID: 36478242 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The study of insect fauna and their development and succession patterns on decaying cadavers is crucial to promoting insect evidence as a useful tool in forensic science, particularly for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). Body decomposition and arthropod succession are affected by many factors and exhibit substantial regional variations; therefore, detailed succession studies in different biogeographic regions are required for understanding the successional patterns of insects in various environments. This study was conducted in the summer of 2021 using three domestic pig carcasses (Sus scrofa domestica L., 1758) in the field of Shizuishan City, Ningxia, Northwest China. A total of 40 species of necrophagous insects belonging to three orders and 16 families were collected. Among Diptera, Lucilia sericata (Meigen,1826), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius,1794), and Phormia regina (Meigen,1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) were the dominant species. As for Coleoptera, the dominant species changed throughout the process of carcass decomposition from Saprinus semipunctatus (Fabricius,1792) (Coleoptera: Histeridae) to Dermestes maculatus DeGeer,1774 and Dermestes frischii Kugelann,1792 (Coleoptera: Dermestidae). The carcasses desiccated rapidly and reached the remains stage under extreme conditions of high temperatures and low humidity, after which a large amount of dried tissue of the carcasses attracted populations of Coleoptera, particularly Dermstidae, which were abundant and remained until the end of the experiment on day 50. The current study is the first forensic entomological investigation of succession in Northwest China and provides basic data for the estimation of PMI during summer in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengwang Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Chengtao Kang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Shizuishan Public Security Bureau, Criminal Police Branch, Shengli East Road, Shizuishan 753099, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Jiangfeng Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou 215000, China
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Shang Y, Feng Y, Ren L, Zhang X, Yang F, Zhang C, Guo Y. Pupal Age Estimation of Sarcophaga peregrina (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) at Different Constant Temperatures Utilizing ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Cuticular Hydrocarbons. INSECTS 2023; 14:143. [PMID: 36835712 PMCID: PMC9965786 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sarcophaga peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is a forensically important flesh fly that has potential value in estimating the PMImin. The precise pupal age estimation has great implications for PMImin estimation. During larval development, the age determination is straightforward by the morphological changes and variation of length and weight, however, the pupal age estimation is more difficult due to anatomical and morphological changes not being visible. Thus, it is necessary to find new techniques and methods that can be implemented by standard experiments for accurate pupal age estimation. In this study, we first investigated the potential of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) for the age estimations of S. peregrina pupae at different constant temperatures (20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C). The orthogonal projections latent structure discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) classification model was used to distinguish the pupae samples of different developmental ages. Then, a multivariate statistical regression model, partial least squares (PLS), was established with the spectroscopic and hydrocarbon data for pupal age estimations. We identified 37 CHCs with a carbon chain length between 11 and 35 in the pupae of S. peregrina. The results of the OPLS-DA model show a significant separation between different developmental ages of pupae (R2X > 0.928, R2Y > 0.899, Q2 > 0.863). The PLS model had a satisfactory prediction with a good fit between the actual and predicted ages of the pupae (R2 > 0.927, RMSECV < 1.268). The results demonstrate that the variation tendencies of spectroscopy and hydrocarbons were time-dependent, and ATR-FTIR and CHCs may be optimal for the age estimations of pupae of forensically important flies with implications for PMImin estimation in forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Shang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yakai Feng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830017, China
| | - Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xiangyan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Fengqin Yang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Changquan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
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10
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A novel method for determining postmortem interval based on the metabolomics of multiple organs combined with ensemble learning techniques. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:237-249. [PMID: 35661238 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02844-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Determining postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the most challenging and essential endeavors in forensic science. Developments in PMI estimation can take advantage of machine learning techniques. Currently, applying an algorithm to obtain information on multiple organs and conducting joint analysis to accurately estimate PMI are still in the early stages. This study aimed to establish a multi-organ stacking model that estimates PMI by analyzing differential compounds of four organs in rats. In a total of 140 rats, skeletal muscle, liver, lung, and kidney tissue samples were collected at each time point after death. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to determine the compound profiles of the samples. The original data were preprocessed using multivariate statistical analysis to determine discriminant compounds. In addition, three interrelated and increasingly complex patterns (single organ optimal model, single organ stacking model, multi-organ stacking model) were established to estimate PMI. The accuracy and generalized area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the multi-organ stacking model were the highest at 93% and 0.96, respectively. Only 1 of the 14 external validation samples was misclassified by the multi-organ stacking model. The results demonstrate that the application of the multi-organ combination to the stacking algorithm is a potential forensic tool for the accurate estimation of PMI.
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11
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Forensic entomology in research and practice: an overview of forensic experts’ perceptions and scientific output in Brazil. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1149-1161. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02836-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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12
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Development of Necrobia ruficollis (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) under Different Constant Temperatures. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13040319. [PMID: 35447761 PMCID: PMC9026447 DOI: 10.3390/insects13040319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Sarcosaprophagous beetles are significant pests, but they are also key indicator insects for postmortem interval estimation. In this paper, the development of Necrobia ruficollis (Fabricius, 1775) at five constant temperatures between 22 °C and 34 °C was investigated. The developmental threshold temperature and thermal summation constant were estimated, the relationship between the larval body length with development time, and the widths of the head capsules and the distance between the urogomphi at different instars were studied. The results provide important basic developmental data for using N. ruficollis to estimate the minimum postmortem interval. Abstract Necrobia ruficollis (Fabricius, 1775) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) is an important cosmopolitan storage pest, and also frequently appears on highly decomposed and skeletonized corpses. It is a forensically important species expected to indicate a longer postmortem interval (PMI). Therefore, we investigated the development of N. ruficollis at five constant temperatures between 22 °C and 34 °C. Under temperatures of 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34 °C, the mean (±SD) developmental durations from eggs to adults were 93.00 ± 1.63, 70.67 ± 0.94, 65.33 ± 3.40, 47.33 ± 0.94, and 56.66 ± 8.73 days, respectively. According to the developmental time and accumulated degree hours results, an isomorphen diagram and thermal summation model were generated. The calculated values of developmental threshold temperature and accumulated temperature constant were estimated by a linear model to be 14.51 ± 0.52 °C and 684.12 ± 33.85 degree days, respectively. Lower developmental thresholds, intrinsic optimum temperature, and upper lethal developmental threshold temperature were estimated by a nonlinear model to be 14.61, 25.90, and 34.94 °C. Morphological indexes of larvae were obtained by in vivo measurements. A growth curve and an equation of the relationship between development time and body length were simulated. In addition, the widths of the head capsules and the distance between the urogomphi of larvae at different instars were determined by cluster analysis. Classifiers were created and validated by linear discriminant analysis. These results provide important basic developmental data for using N. ruficollis to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (minimum PMI). However, this study was only conducted under constant temperature, and the applicability of these data to variable temperature conditions needs to be further confirmed.
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13
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The Postmortem Interval of Two Decedents and Two Dog Carcasses at the Same Scene Based on Forensic Entomology. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13020215. [PMID: 35206788 PMCID: PMC8876788 DOI: 10.3390/insects13020215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary This paper reports a case in which the minimum postmortem interval (PMI) of two corpses, a man and a woman, and two dog carcasses at the same scene was estimated using forensic entomology. The corpses were found in various states of decay and had been colonized by different insect species. A total of eight taxa of immature insects were isolated from the four corpses and carcasses. The minimum PMIs were estimated to be about 8.75 days for the corpse of the woman, 4.17 days for that of the man, 3.13 days for the dog carcass found in the stairwell, and about 28.80 days for the dog carcass found in the toilet. These estimations were consistent with other evidence. Although the soft tissue loss observed on the man’s corpse was more severe than that of the woman’s corpse, the woman had died much earlier than the man. The discrepancy is thought to have been caused by dogs’ feeding activity. This case report provides a reference point and new perspectives for forensic entomology research on estimating the minimum PMIs of multiple human corpses and animal carcasses found in an indoor environment. Abstract In this paper, we report the estimation of the minimum PMIs of two human corpses and two dog carcasses using entomological evidence. Corpses of an elderly couple and carcasses of four dogs were found scattered on different floors in a house. The scene was very dirty. In addition, there were 12 emaciated live dogs at the scene. The corpses had been eaten by the dogs to different degrees, but the damage was greater on the man’s corpse. After forensic examination, it was concluded that both individuals died of natural causes. The minimum PMIs of the two individuals and the two dogs were estimated using entomological evidence. The minimum PMIs of the other two dogs were not estimated because of the risk of contamination with the human corpses. Different insect species were found on each of the corpses and carcasses. The minimum PMIs were estimated as about 8.75 days for the woman, 4.17 days for the man, 3.13 days for the dog found in the stairwell and about 28.80 days for the dog found in the toilet. These estimations coincided with the time the woman stopped communicating with her daughter and when the electricity consumption at the house decreased significantly.
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Charabidze D, Martín-Vega D. Looking Back to Move Forward: How Review Articles Could Boost Forensic Entomology. INSECTS 2021; 12:648. [PMID: 34357308 PMCID: PMC8303913 DOI: 10.3390/insects12070648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Locard's exchange principle (1930) holds that the perpetrator of a crime leaves traces behind that can later be sampled and used as forensic evidence [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Charabidze
- UMR 8025, Centre d′Histoire Judiciaire, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Unit of Social Ecology (USE), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Daniel Martín-Vega
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
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