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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory.

Extraction of nuclear DNA from rhinoceros horn and characterization of DNA profiling systems for white (Ceratotherium simum) and black (Diceros bicornis) rhinoceros
Abstract: Rhinoceros horn is now worth more, per unit weight, than gold, diamonds, or cocaine. Rhinoceros horn has been used in traditional Asian medicine as a presumed cure for a wide range of ailments. Rhinoceros poaching in South Africa has, on average, more than doubled each year over the past 5 years with the rapid economic growth in east and southeast Asia being assumed to be the primary factor driving the increased demand for horn. Here we report on the characterization of methods for genomic DNA extraction from rhinoceros horn and on DNA profiling systems for white (Ceratotherium simum) and black (Diceros bicornis)...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - June 18, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Cindy K. Harper, Gerhard J. Vermeulen, Amy B. Clarke, Jacobus I. de Wet, Alan J. Guthrie Tags: Short communications Source Type: research

Editorial Board
(Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics)
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - June 18, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

STRait Razor: A length-based forensic STR allele-calling tool for use with second generation sequencing data
Abstract: Recent studies have demonstrated the capability of second generation sequencing (SGS) to provide coverage of short tandem repeats (STRs) found within the human genome. However, there are relatively few bioinformatic software packages capable of detecting these markers in the raw sequence data. The extant STR-calling tools are sophisticated, but are not always applicable to the analysis of the STR loci commonly used in forensic analyses. STRait Razor is a newly developed Perl-based software tool that runs on the Linux/Unix operating system and is designed to detect forensically-relevant STR alleles in FASTQ sequen...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - June 18, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: David H. Warshauer, David Lin, Kumar Hari, Ravi Jain, Carey Davis, Bobby LaRue, Jonathan L. King, Bruce Budowle Tags: Original papers Source Type: research

Considering the effect of stem-loop reverse transcription and real-time PCR analysis of blood and saliva specific microRNA markers upon mixed body fluid stains
Abstract: Forensic RNA analysis is gathering pace with reports of messenger RNA analysis being used in case work, and with microRNA being increasingly researched. Such techniques address a fundamental issue in body fluid identification, namely increased specificity over existing chemical tests, and the incorporation of additional body fluids such as vaginal material. The use of RNA analysis will be of particular value to sex offences, where there can be a mixture of multiple body fluids from different people. The aim of this study was to determine whether microRNA based body fluid identification tests can be applied to mix...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - June 18, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Mari L. Uchimoto, Emma Beasley, Natalie Coult, Emma J. Omelia, Damian World, Graham Williams Tags: Original papers Source Type: research

Investigation into the performance of different models for predicting stutter
Abstract: In this paper we have examined five possible models for the behaviour of the stutter ratio, SR. These were two log-normal models, two gamma models, and a two-component normal mixture model. A two-component normal mixture model was chosen with different behaviours of variance; at each locus SR was described with two distributions, both with the same mean. The distributions have difference variances: one for the majority of the observations and a second for the less well-behaved ones. We apply each model to a set of known single source Identifiler™, NGM SElect™ and PowerPlex® 21 DNA profiles to show the applic...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - June 18, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Jo-Anne Bright, James M. Curran, John S. Buckleton Tags: Original papers Source Type: research

[In Context] A forensic sleep thriller
Sleep disorders—particularly sleepwalking—are rarely portrayed in TV series or films. When they do appear, they are usually introduced as something unknown or disturbing, or, by contrast, as an innocent comic element. For example, in the episode The Sleeping Brother (1962) from The Dick Van Dyke Show, there is a rather shy character who turns out to be a great comedian and banjo player only when he sleepwalks. Side Effects, a film by Steven Soderbergh (director of Sex, Lies and Videotape, Traffic among others) goes far beyond other films in which sleep disorders are depicted by making the disorder central to the plot. ...
Source: Lancet Neurology - June 16, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Alex Iranzo Tags: In Context Source Type: research

Editorial Board
(Source: Legal Medicine)
Source: Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Research methods in human skeletal biology
It is easy to forget, when looking back, how difficult it was when making those first early steps on the academic career path. And I don't mean those first grant applications, or even the doctoral research proposal. I mean even before then, when we were desperately trying to decide what final year dissertation to study as an undergrad. They say ‘every journey starts with a single step’, and it is this first step that DiGangi and Moore hope to help with. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Tim Thompson Tags: Book Review Source Type: research

Alcimedes
Where were you on the afternoon of February 25th 1953? If you were anywhere near the Eagle Pub, Cambridge, you may be able to help us with our enquiries. Apparently, two young scientists stormed into the pub around lunchtime and announced that they had “discovered the secret of life.” In their considered opinions, they had unearthed the double helix structure of DNA. They are believed to go by the names of Watson and Crick. Such arrogance will not be tolerated. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Alcimedes Source Type: research

ECG changes in a case of attempted partial hanging
Abstract: This is a case of attempted partial hanging that behaved like a cerebrovascular accident. The serial electrocardiograms (ECGs) showed the characteristic ST and T-wave changes, QT prolongation and U waves later reverting to normal over a period of one month. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Mohd. Aslam, Shesh Prakash Maurya Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Temporal evolution in peritoneal hemorrhage as depicted by postmortem CT
Abstract: Background: Computed Tomography (CT) is now utilized as an effective tool for postmortem diagnoses. However, reports on the temporal evolution in imaging findings of these postmortem CT is limited.Case presentation: One night, a 66 year old male following drinking at a bar on his way home slept in the road. He was ran over by a taxi at 01:28 and immediately transferred to a nearby hospital. During his transfer to the hospital, he lost consciousness and fell into a state of cardiopulmonary arrest, and died despite resuscitation attempts. CT images were taken at 02:30. Following this, CT images were re-taken 54 h ...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Daisuke Miyamori, Noboru Ishikawa, Yoshihisa Akasaka, Kei Yamada, Hiroshi Ikegaya Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Features and motivation of a fatal attack by a juvenile white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, on a young male surfer in New Caledonia (South Pacific)
We present the case of a non provoked fatal shark attack on a 19-year old male surfer in New Caledonia. Several severe bites removed the right arm and all flesh from the right thigh, provoking a quick hypovolemic shock that was fatal. The information provided by a witness and the analysis of a partial bite on the right calf allowed us to identify a 2.7 m TL (est. length) white shark as responsible for this attack. The features of the attack are consistent with a young predator motivated by hunger and the development of its predatory skills. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Eric Clua, Dennis Reid Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

A suicidal poisoning due to tramadol. A metabolic approach to death investigation
Abstract: Tramadol is a synthetic opioid, widely used for post-surgical and chronic pain. Lethal overdose due only to tramadol is not common; more often the poisoning is due to tramadol in combination with other substances.Reported is a suicidal case of lethal tramadol poisoning in a 48-year-old woman. Tramadol and its metabolites O-desmethyltramadol (M1), N-desmethyltramadol (M2), N,N-didesmethyltramadol (M3), N,O-didesmethyltramadol (M5) were detected by GC/MS in biological fluids (femoral blood, bile, urine, gastric content) and viscera (brain, lung, liver and kidney). The tramadol concentration in femoral blood was 61....
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Nunziata Barbera, Marco Fisichella, Andrea Bosco, Francesca Indorato, Giorgio Spadaro, Guido Romano Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Letter to the editor: Response to “Assessing the presence of female DNA on post-coital penile swabs: Relevance to the investigation of sexual assault” published in the October 2012 edition of the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
I write in response to “Assessing the presence of female DNA on post-coital penile swabs: Relevance to the investigation of sexual assault” published in the October 2012 edition of the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. Farmen et al. are to be congratulated on the very interesting research findings that they have disseminated. The researchers investigate whether female vaginal epithelial cells can be found on penile swabs taken after consensual vaginal intercourse and, furthermore, quantify the extent of the female DNA profile that could be subsequently recovered. In the study, female DNA was recovered on all pos...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Kieran M. Kennedy Tags: Letter to Editor Source Type: research

Patterned genital injury in cases of rape – A case–control study
In conclusion, this study has confirmed the existence of different patterns of genital lesions. Background data for detection of genital lesions using the three most commonly used techniques is provided. These results will aid in the interpretation of findings seen when examining sexual assault victims. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Birgitte Schmidt Astrup, Pernille Ravn, Jørgen Lange Thomsen, Jens Lauritsen Tags: Short Reports Source Type: research

Age estimation by pulp/tooth ratio in lateral and central incisors by peri-apical X-ray
Abstract: Since 2004, several papers on the analysis of the apposition of secondary dentine have been published. The aim of this paper was to study a sample of peri-apical X-ray images of upper and lower incisors, both lateral and medial, to examine the application of pulp/tooth area ratio as an indicator of age. A sample of 116 individuals, 62 men and 54 women, aged between 18 and 74 years, was studied. Data were fitted with age as a linear function of the pulp/tooth ratio of incisors. The total variance explained by the regression equation ranged from 51.3% of age, when lower lateral incisors were used as explanatory var...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: R. Cameriere, E. Cunha, S.N. Wasterlain, S. De Luca, E. Sassaroli, F. Pagliara, E. Nuzzolese, M. Cingolani, L. Ferrante Tags: Short Reports Source Type: research

An unusual case of smothering by a medical nebulizer
Abstract: The following report describes an unusual case of smothering by a medical nebulizer of a psychiatric in-patient and discusses the manner of death. A 43-year-old man, with previous medical history of paranoia was hospitalized at a psychiatric department because of a suicide attempt. He was found dead by the medical staff in the seclusion room. The patient is known suffering from asthma attacks treated by Ventoline® spray. Autopsy findings showed a ventoline's nebulizer impacting within the pharynx and in the upper part of oesophagus. These findings were compatible with a death by smothering. Smothering is an unco...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Nidhal Haj Salem, Abir Aissaoui, Meriem Boughattas, Ali Chadly Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Lack of efficacy during the switch from brand to generic allopurinol
In conclusion, even if generic formulations are considered to have the same effects in comparison to the brand one, more data are necessaries in order to well define their effectiveness and rationale use. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Antonio De Vuono, Francesca Scicchitano, Caterina Palleria, Emilio Russo, Giovambattista De Sarro, Luca Gallelli Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

A forensic autopsy case of death in a patient with pseudoxanthoma elasticum – Dermatopathologic findings as a clue of the cause of death
Abstract: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by papular skin lesions and cutaneous laxity caused by fragmentation and mineralization of elastic fibers. Although vascular and retinal aspects of this disease and their associated complications are well characterized, few authors have focused on the increased incidence of epilepsy in patients with PXE. A 28-year-old Korean male was found dead in his work place with bloody-foamy discharge from his mouth and nostrils. He reportedly had a convulsive episode 5 days prior to his death in the work place. The skin showed generalized laxit...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Seong Hwan Park, Gi Yeong Huh, Huguo Piao, Se Hoon Kim, Juck-Joon Hwang Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Alias: Lying to the police and pathological criminal behavior
Abstract: The use of aliases has been shown to be associated with antisocial behavior, but the empirical research on this topic is modest. The current study employs a multiple analytical approach to explore the association between aliases and career criminality in two large samples of adult offenders. We hypothesized that the use of aliases would not only be strongly associated with arrest history but this singular behavior would accurately classify a large proportion of habitual criminals. Results show that alias usage is robustly associated with career arrests net the effects of arrest onset, age, and sex in negative bin...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Matt DeLisi, Alan Drury, Monic Behnken, Michael G. Vaughn, Jonathan W. Caudill, Chad R. Trulson Tags: Short Reports Source Type: research

Safeguarding forensic DNA reference samples with nullomer barcodes
Abstract: Unintended transfer of biological material containing DNA is a concern to all laboratories conducting PCR analysis. While forensic laboratories have protocols in place to reduce the possibility of contaminating casework samples, there is no way to detect when a reference sample is mislabeled as evidence, or contaminates a forensic sample. Thus there is public concern regarding the safeguarding of DNA submitted to crime labs. We demonstrate a method of introducing an internal amplification control to reference samples, in the form of a nullomer barcode which is based upon sequences absent or rare from publically a...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Jayita Goswami, Michael C. Davis, Tim Andersen, Abdelkrim Alileche, Greg Hampikian Tags: Short Reports Source Type: research

Delta-storage pool disease as a mimic of abusive head trauma in a 7-month-old baby: A case report
Abstract: A seven-month-old baby was admitted to a hospital emergency department after collapsing suddenly while staying with his nanny. The baby displayed classic symptoms of shaken baby syndrome, including subdural haemorrhage, cytotoxic cerebral oedema, and bilateral retinal hemorrhages. Child protection services were informed, but both the parents and the nanny denied any involvement. In the subsequent weeks, the baby developed three other episodes of new subdural bleeding and a medico-legal investigation was started into the origin of the repeated subdural bleeding. Eventually, platelet aggregation tests and electron ...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Marc De Leeuw, Emile Beuls, Philippe Jorens, Paul Parizel, Werner Jacobs Tags: Short Reports Source Type: research

Population data for DXS6800, DXS101 and DXS8377 loci from Buenos Aires (Argentina)
We present allele frequencies for these loci in a population comprising 113 women and 99 men. The Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was tested in the female sample and no significant deviations were observed. The homogeneity of allele frequencies of men and women was compared by the Fisher's exact test and showed similar distributions. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) tests were performed in males for all pairs of loci and no significant associations were detected. Parameters of forensic interest were also estimated. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Pablo A. Noseda, Jaclyn Kenline, Samantha Manning, David A. Gangitano Tags: Short Reports Source Type: research

Review of forensically important entomological specimens collected from human cadavers in Malaysia (2005–2010)
In conclusion, although large numbers of fly species were found on human decedents, the predominant species are still those of Chrysomya. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Rajagopal Kavitha, Wasi Ahmad Nazni, Tian Chye Tan, Han Lim Lee, Mohd Sofian Azirun Tags: Original Communications Source Type: research

Estimation of stature using lower limb measurements in Sudanese Arabs
Abstract: Objectives: The estimation of stature from body parts is one of the most vital parts of personal identification in medico-legal autopsies, especially when mutilated and amputated limbs or body parts are found. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and accuracy of using lower limb measurements for stature estimations.Material and methods: The stature, tibial length, bimalleolar breadth, foot length and foot breadth of 160 right-handed Sudanese Arab subjects, 80 men and 80 women (25–30 years old), were measured. The reliability of measurement acquisition was tested prior to the primary data collecti...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - June 14, 2013 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Altayeb Abdalla Ahmed Tags: Original Communications Source Type: research