Article
Entomology
Jennifer Pradelli, Fabiola Tuccia, Giorgia Giordani, Stefano Vanin
Summary: This study focuses on the cleaning and identification of Diptera puparia in forensic and archaeo-funerary contexts. The results indicate that cleaning via warm water/soap, sonication, and treatment with a sodium hydroxide solution are the most effective methods to achieve a good quality of the samples. These methods help improve the visualization of diagnostic characters on the puparia and facilitate species-level identification.
Article
Medicine, Legal
Heather L. Deel, Sophia Montoya, Keli King, Alexandra L. Emmons, Cameron Huhn, Aaron M. Lynne, Jessica L. Metcalf, Sibyl R. Bucheli
Summary: This study examines the microbiome of flies associated with human cadavers and finds that these flies have a similar microbiome to flies not associated with human cadavers. However, there are differences in the microbiome between seasons and fly parts. The study also shows that flies contribute to the human decomposer microbiome, providing important insights into the ecological mechanisms of human cadaver microbial community assembly.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Biology
Damien Charabidze, Vincent Lavieille, Thomas Colard
Summary: Research has found that larvae of the larder beetle can dig pupation chambers in dry human bones, which is important for understanding the biological changes of skeletal remains as well as the chronology of mass graves.
Article
Medicine, Legal
Julie-Eleonore Maisonhaute, Shari L. Forbes
Summary: Forensic entomology has been applied globally in criminal investigations. However, there have been limited studies on human cadavers in humid climates. This research focused on documenting the diversity and succession of insects associated with decomposed human bodies in a humid, continental climate in Quebec, Canada. The study revealed that the decomposition process in Quebec is heterogeneous and complex, with precocious desiccation/mummification and the presence of superficial skin lesions accelerating the colonization of blow flies. The study also reported the first observation of Cochliomyia macellaria in Quebec, providing valuable information for medico-legal death investigations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Hannah Moore, Lena Lutz, Victoria Bernhardt, Falko P. Drijfhout, Robert B. Cody, Jens Amendt
Summary: Research has shown that social insects and Diptera have species-specific hydrocarbons on their cuticle, which can be a useful tool in Forensic Entomology. Analyzing the CHC chemical profiles of empty puparia from various fly species can help in species identification, as well as potentially indicate geographical differences. Different cuticular hydrocarbon profiles were found among the analyzed species, and even geographical locations could be determined from the chemical analysis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Swaima Sharif, Cora Wunder, Mohd Kaleem Khan, Ayesha Qamar, Jens Amendt
Summary: Forensic entomology uses insect age to determine post-mortem interval. Recent research focuses on analyzing cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in insects and their empty puparia to estimate age. This study examines the weathering of CHCs in Calliphora vicina puparia stored in soil and non-soil media. Results show faster weathering in soil and increased abundance of Heptacosane in non-soil samples. Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Giorgia Giordani, Fabiola Tuccia, Daniel Martin-Vega, Chris S. Angell, Jennifer Pradelli, Stefano Vanin
Summary: Piophilidae is a globally distributed family of small Diptera insects historically associated with human activities. Their larvae have medical and legal relevance in addition to their economic importance. Piophilids are frequently found on bodies in advanced stages of decomposition, making them potential forensic indicators, and have also been reported in archaeological funeral contexts. Accurate species identification is essential for reliable analysis of insect material in medical, forensic, and archaeological investigations. This study describes the puparia of 11 species of forensic interest and presents a molecular analysis using COI sequencing for their identification.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Legal
Blake M. Dawson, Maiken Ueland, David O. Carter, Donna Mclntyre, Philip S. Barton
Summary: Knowledge of the decomposition of vertebrate animals has advanced considerably in recent years, but has not been fully incorporated into research or models of the postmortem interval (PMI). We propose using recent advances in decomposition theory to guide forensic research and understanding of the PMI. To improve in this area, a conceptual framework is introduced that highlights the multiple interdependencies affecting decay rates and calls for a multidisciplinary approach and an adaptive research cycle.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Liangliang Li, Yanan Zhang, Yang Chen, Yi Guo, Yinghui Wang, Gengwang Hu, Chengtao Kang, Jiangfeng Wang, Yu Wang
Summary: In this study, the morphological changes of Sarcophaga peregrina pupae under different constant temperatures were observed and divided into 12 sub-stages. The study found that the minimum duration of the pupal period decreased as the temperature increased. The results provide important basic data for estimating the minimum postmortem interval using the intrapuparial morphology of S. peregrina.
JOURNAL OF ASIA-PACIFIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
G. Giordani, S. Vanin
Summary: In medicolegal forensic entomology, the accuracy of species identification is crucial for estimating the minimum postmortem interval and other evaluations. This study focuses on Heleomyza serrata, an underestimated species in forensic investigations, and describes its puparium and evaluates its monophyly using molecular analysis. The findings highlight the potential presence of this species on human and other animals' cadavers during the cold seasons.
EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Adeyemi Daniel Adetimehin, Calvin Gerald Mole, Devin Alexander Finaughty, Marise Heyns
Summary: This paper reports a case of bone modification caused by the feeding activity of the ant, Crematogaster cf. liengmei. The study found that this ant species can eat and remove bone particles and soft tissue remnants, leaving furrows on the bone. Additionally, the study also discovered that this ant species can modify skeletal remains in terrestrial environments.
FORENSIC SCIENCE MEDICINE AND PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, Legal
James T. Pokines, Samantha Kelley, Alexis Muschal, Isabella Liggett, Alyssa Zamora, Megan Hill, Sierra Sater, Austin Shamlou, Meagan O'Brien
Summary: This study investigated the dispersal behavior of dry bones in a forested urban environment populated by various scavenging taxa. Game cameras were used to document the behavior, revealing that bones were dispersed in small amounts with the majority of movements within 1-5 cm range. Rodents were found to have gnawed on 72.7% of the bone sample, indicating their significant impact on bone dispersal.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Maria-Isabel Arnaldos, Maria-Dolores Garcia
Summary: Insects and other arthropods found at a forensic scene provide valuable evidence on the time and place of death, treatment of the victim, and geographical origin of substances. However, to draw firm conclusions from entomological evidence, a comprehensive understanding of insect biology in the area is crucial. This study highlights the importance of entomological studies and expert training in forensic investigations, as demonstrated through actual cases in Southeastern Spain.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Liangliang Li, Hao Wu, Wang Xu, Yinghui Wang, Jiangfeng Wang, Yu Wang
Summary: Estimating postmortem interval (PMI) remains a challenge in forensic science, and the preadult development of sarcosaprophagous flies has been identified as a reliable method for estimating the minimum PMI (PMImin). However, this method may not be effective when the PMI exceeds the duration of preadult development. In this study, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessory was used to collect biochemical information from puparia of the sarcosaprophagous fly Chrysomya megacephala at different times after eclosion.
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Entomology
Szymon Matuszewski
Summary: Forensic entomology is crucial in estimating the post-mortem interval of human cadavers. Research on the development and succession of carrion insects, thermogenesis in aggregations of their larvae, and error rates of PMI estimation protocols are key areas to focus on to improve accuracy. Challenges related to education, promotion, and insect evidence collection are also important considerations in advancing this field.
Article
Biology
W. Wyatt Hoback, Adrianne Pursley, Kerri Farnsworth-Hoback, Leon G. Higley
AMERICAN BIOLOGY TEACHER
(2015)
Article
Entomology
William W. Hoback, Bueno Adeney de Freitas, Carlos A. Martinez, Leon G. Higley, Odair A. Fernandes
ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA
(2015)
Article
Entomology
M. L. Fisher, L. G. Higley, J. E. Foster
JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE
(2015)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Leon G. Higley, Tierney R. Brosius, Karl J. Reinhard, David Carter
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
(2016)
Article
Biology
Lynn R. LaMotte, Amanda L. Roe, Jeffrey D. Wells, Leon G. Higley
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS
(2017)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robert K. D. Peterson, Andrea C. Varella, Leon G. Higley
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jose A. S. Rossato Jr, Leonardo L. Madaleno, Marcia J. R. Mutton, Leon G. Higley, Odair A. Fernandes
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. M. Florence, L. G. Higley, R. A. Drijber, C. A. Francis, J. L. Lindquist
Article
Entomology
Amber E. MacInnis, Leon G. Higley
ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Entomology
W. Wyatt Hoback, Rafael Hayashida, Jesse Ziems, Ben Zechmann, Adeney de Freitas Bueno, Leon G. Higley
Summary: Research on the relationship between canopy defoliation by insects and yield loss in potato has shown that different levels of defoliation at various growth stages did not significantly affect the total yield, suggesting that growers could consider increasing the economic threshold of defoliation to optimize management practices for insect defoliators.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Entomology
Monica M. Gotschall, John L. Bowley, Ross Winton, Kelly A. Willemssens, Braymond Adams, Leon G. Higley, Robert K. D. Peterson
COLEOPTERISTS BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jose R. L. Pinto, Odair A. Fernandes, Leon G. Higley, Robert K. D. Peterson
Summary: In this study, cause-of-death probabilities and irreplaceable mortality were estimated using Multiple Decrement Life Table (MDLT) analysis of 268 insect life tables. The results suggest that both temperate and tropical zones experience non-natural enemy factors as the major source of insect mortality. Surprisingly, irreplaceable mortality from predators in tropical zones was significantly higher compared to temperate zones. There were no differences in natural enemy and non-natural enemy factors based on whether the insect species was native or non-native.
Article
Entomology
Ana Paula Frugeri Barrufaldi, Rafael Hayashida, William Wyatt Hoback, Leon G. Higley, Jose Romario de Carvalho, Regiane Cristinade de Oliveira
Summary: This study evaluated the biological characteristics of the brown stink bug under constant and fluctuating temperatures for three successive generations. It found that temperature affected the bug's development and reproduction. Increasing temperature reduced the duration of the nymphal stage, but some temperatures prevented adult reproduction. These findings are important for mass-rearing programs and field management of the stink bug.
Article
Archaeology
Karl Reinhard, Kelsey B. Lynch, Annie Larsen, Braymond Adams, Leon Higley, Marina Milanello do Amaral, Julia Russ, You Zhou, Donatella Lippi, Johnica J. Morrow, Dario Piombino-Mascali
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE-REPORTS
(2018)
Article
Archaeology
Johnica J. Morrow, Allen Myhra, Dario Piombino-Mascali, Donatella Lippi, Amanda Roe, Leon Higley, Karl J. Reinhard
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE-REPORTS
(2016)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Wangping Zhang, Kaikai Dong, Jing Sun, Zhiwei Huang, Ping Shi
Summary: Postmortem interval (PMI) estimation is crucial in forensic pathology. This study reveals a negative correlation between total protein content and PMI in mouse liver and spleen, as well as a positive correlation between beta-actin degradation and PMI in the liver. Proteomic techniques were employed to identify protein expression changes related to PMI in the liver, leading to the discovery of four significantly decreased proteins and three unchanged proteins with the increase of PMI. These findings provide potential internal references for more accurate and reliable estimation of the time of death.
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC AND LEGAL MEDICINE
(2024)
Review
Medicine, Legal
Wojciech Oronowicz-Jaskowiak, Tomasz Kozlowski, Marta Polanska, Jerzy Wojciechowski, Piotr Wasilewski, Dominik Slezak, Miros law Kowaluk
Summary: Machine learning methods for identifying child sexual abuse materials have limitations, including the lack of annotated training sets by forensic experts, rare use of models trained on real pornographic content, and absence of detailed justification for classification decisions. This study trained convolution neural networks using expert-labelled CSAM images, achieving high accuracy in classifying CSAM. The study also highlighted the crucial areas for classifying pornographic content involving children and suggested the ResNet-s neural network as a reliable tool for clinical work and supporting expert witnesses in the field of anthropology.
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC AND LEGAL MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Nozomi Idota, Ryutaro Takazakura, Hiroshi Ikegaya
Summary: Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) can occur after airway obstruction by foreign bodies or laryngospasms, and even if the obstruction is removed. The CT features of NPPE include diffuse central ground-glass opacities and thickening of the bronchovascular bundles and bronchial walls. Forensic practitioners may not be aware of NPPE, but understanding its mechanisms and CT findings can be useful for them.
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC AND LEGAL MEDICINE
(2024)
