Almost 40 years have passed since Alec Jeffreys’ seminal publications on the use of repetitive DNA marker analysis for human identification. The analysis of STR markers using multiplex PCR methods that followed this discovery has become a standard test for human identification. These methods also have investigative value. They are useful in the search for an unknown perpetrator through mass DNA testing as well as through forensic DNA databases. Another breakthrough is the analysis of long-range relationships. The ability to establish long-range relationships has enabled investigators to find the perpetrator of a crime, even in the absence of investigative hypotheses, by analysing the genealogical links recorded in our genomes. Modern DNA analysis not only provides strong evidence to be presented in court, but can also provide useful investigative leads when the identity of the perpetrator is unknown to the authorities.

The results of research projects to understand the diversity of the human genome have opened up new avenues of biomedical research and provided new tools for human identification studies. Genome wide association studies and epigenome wide association studies have enabled the identification of DNA markers that have been implemented and validated as predictive tools in the field of forensic DNA phenotyping. In the age of genomics, the study of biological traces can reveal the biogeographical ancestry, physical appearance, age and lifestyle of the perpetrator. The combination of different methods, including forensic genetic genealogy and prediction of phenotypic features, offers the possibility of significantly narrowing down the pool of suspects, thereby significantly improving the process of solving criminal cases. In general, a limitation is the availability of effective methods for large-scale DNA analysis that would ensure the forensic level sensitivity of the test.

Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the type and intensity of aggressive behavior of patients with schizophrenia and dual diagnosis, as well as to describe their mental state, selected personality traits and sociodemographic variables.

Material and methods: 81 patients with mental disorders were included in the study. A comparative analysis was carried out in 3 groups of patients: (group 1) with schizophrenia and addiction, who had committed a prohibited act, undergoing therapy in isolation as a protective measure (n = 27), and (group 2) a group of people with a dual diagnosis (n = 27) and (group 3) a group of patients only with a diagnosis of schizophrenia (n = 27). The following tools were used: 1) PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) – to assess psychopathological symptoms; 2) BPAQ (Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire) – to measure the intensity and indicators of aggression; 3) EPQ-R questionnaire – to assess personality variables; 4) IVE scale – to assess impulsivity, risk-taking and empathy; 5) Author’s sociodemographic survey.

Main results: The obtained results indicate that forensic patients with dual are characterized by a greater intensity of general psychopathology, a predominance of positive symptoms and a greater intensity of negative symptoms than general psychiatric patients. Both groups with dual diagnosis reveal a higher level of general aggression and a greater tendency to physical aggression compared to patients diagnosed with schizophrenia only. Forensic patients demonstrate greater anger than the group of patients with schizophrenia only.

Practical implications for forensic science: Analysis of the type and intensity of aggressive behavior, as well as personality, sociodemographic and clinical variables may have prognostic significance in estimating the risk of recidivism of forensic patients. It can also provide tips for the correct selection of therapy dedicated to a specific patient in order to correct his or her behavior. Knowing of the nature of patients’ aggressive behavior can also facilitate the development of special preventive and protective programs for both staff and families of aggressive patients.

This article discusses the security features of national identity cards of different countries in order to compare and help understand the application and uniqueness of these features. national identity cards are security documents provided with embedded security features to prevent their counterfeiting and misuse. These features include holograms, microprinting, anti-photocopying properties, QR codes, and ghost images. A security document is a medium necessary to prove a person’s identity as an unique individual in the civil and legal sense. This article analyzes a comparative study of national identity cards used in five countries: India, Brazil, South Africa, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The study was based on a collective set of 22 security features, such as ghost images, QR codes, tactile engravings, microprocessor chips, guilloches, holograms, and anti-photocopying features. The results showed that the lowest number of security features appears in the Brazilian identity card (8), followed in increasing order by India (10), Malaysia (12), the Philippines (12), and South Africa (14). Moreover, the article discusses the prevalence of security features, along with the need for and the methods to implement their improvement. The study aims to identify a security feature or a combination of features that would make the security document in question safer. This could assist countries around the world in curbing the prevalence of fraud and identity theft by improving and strengthening their identification systems.

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of Messerer fractures in the years 1980–1984 and 2016–2020 in the material of the Department of Forensic Medicine in Kraków and to equate it with the available literature.

Material and methods: Section protocols collected at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Kraków from 1980–1984 and 2016–2020 were investigated. Cases of car-pedestrian traffic accidents were collected and analyzed.

Results: In the 39 cases from 1980–1984, 47 Messerer fractures were present. These reports represented 8.35% of deaths related to car-pedestrian traffic accidents. Among 9 women, Messerer fracture was generally observed in the right femur (41.67%), and the base of the wedge was lateral (41.67%). Whereas among 30 men, it was mainly located in the right femur or tibia (25.71% each). Alcohol was detected among 17 people. While in the 34 postmortem reports from 2016–2020 (15.38% of fatal strikes by a car), 43 Messerer fractures were present. They were usually located in the right tibia (39.5%), then in the right fibula (20.9%) and in the left tibia (14%). The bases of the wedges were mostly lateral (51.2%) and anterior (14%). In contemporary protocols, alcohol was detected among 22 people.

Conclusions: Contrary to the literature data Messerer fractures occur in modern times almost twice as often as in the 80’s. Some differences regarding localization in lower extremities or wedge orientation can be observed.