Forensic Medicine Research This is an OPML file. It can be used to export all the MedWorm RSS feeds on this topic into your personal RSS reader (usually you have to save this file to your own computer before clicking on an Import OPML command in your own feed reader to upload the file which will then import all the feeds) or it can be used by webmasters to integrate MedWorm feeds with their own website. This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader, such as GoogleReader, or to display this data on your own website or blog. Subscribe to this data using MyMedWorm.Subscribe to this data using GoogleReader.Subscribe to this data using Bloglines.Subscribe to this data using MyYahoo.

This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 11.

Commentary on: Akyildiz E, Uzun I, Inanici MA, Baloglu H. Computerized image analysis in differentiation of skin lesion caused by electrocution, flame burns, and abrasion. J Forensic Sci 2009;54(6):1419-22.
PMID: 22950700 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - September 1, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Pierini G, Balbi T, Mandrioli D Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

[Patients' autonomy and patients' rights].
Abstract Patient autonomy is a valuable asset. Under German law, the patient's right to self-determination is ensured by a corresponding duty of the physician to inform. Owing to various case laws of the courts over the last few decades, that duty, in all of its aspects (i.e., informing the patient about risks and benefits, about the diagnosis, about the course of treatment, about necessary patient compliance, and about potential treatment costs) has gained enormous jurisdictional and scientific attention as well as forensic importance. Established court practice has become highly elaborated and differentiated. Som...
Source: Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz - September 1, 2012 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Katzenmeier C Tags: Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz Source Type: research

Analysis of footprint and its parts for stature estimation in Indian population
Abstract: Background: Most often, forensic podiatrists are called upon in crime scene investigations where pedal evidence is encountered at the crime scenes. The main aim of the forensic podiatrist is such case is to contribute towards the establishment of the identity of the suspects on the basis of the evidence. One form of the pedal evidence is footprints that are often recovered at the crime scenes. Estimation of stature from footprints forms a major parameter of personal identification in forensic examinations.Objectives: The main aim of the present study is to make stature estimation standards based on detailed analy...
Source: The Foot - September 1, 2012 Category: Podiatry Authors: Tanuj Kanchan, Kewal Krishan, S. ShyamSundar, K.R. Aparna, Sankalp Jaiswal Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Toxicology Testing
With the growth of the prescription drug epidemic, the advent of new classes of rapidly evolving designer drugs, continuing expansion of the mainstream illicit drug trade, and widespread adoption of per se drug and alcohol limits under state laws, the demand for clinical and forensic testing for drugs-of-abuse has never been greater. In this volume, the contributors have provided valuable historical background as well as reviewed the latest trends in these areas.
Source: Clinics in Laboratory Medicine - August 31, 2012 Category: Laboratory Medicine Authors: Michael G. Bissell Source Type: research

Haplogrouping mitochondrial DNA sequences in Legal Medicine/Forensic Genetics
Abstract Haplogrouping refers to the classification of (partial) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences into haplogroups using the current knowledge of the worldwide mtDNA phylogeny. Haplogroup assignment of mtDNA control-region sequences assists in the focused comparison with closely related complete mtDNA sequences and thus serves two main goals in forensic genetics: first is the a posteriori quality analysis of sequencing results and second is the prediction of relevant coding-region sites for confirmation or further refinement of haplogroup status. The latter may be important in forensic casework where disc...
Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine - August 31, 2012 Category: Medical Law Tags: International Journal of Legal Medicine Source Type: research

Whole genome amplification of degraded and nondegraded DNA for forensic purposes
Abstract Degraded DNA is often analyzed in forensic genetics laboratories. Reliable analysis of degraded DNA is of great importance, since its results impact the quality and reliability of expert testimonies. Recently, a number of whole genome amplification (WGA) methods have been proposed as preamplification tools. They work on the premise of being able to generate microgram quantities of DNA from as little as the quantity of DNA from a single cell. We chose, investigated, and compared seven WGA methods to evaluate their ability to “recover” degraded and nondegraded DNA: degenerate oligonucleotide-prime...
Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine - August 31, 2012 Category: Medical Law Tags: International Journal of Legal Medicine Source Type: research

Sudden and unexpected death in early life: proceedings of a symposium in honor of Dr. Henry F. Krous
Abstract Reported here are the proceedings of a symposium given in honor of Dr. Henry F. Krous upon his retirement as Clinical Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics at the University of California Schools of Medicine, and as Director of the San Diego SIDS/SUDC Research Project. Dr. Krous’ distinguished 37-year-career was dedicated to research into sudden unexpected death in infancy and childhood, notably the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC). The presentations were given at the International Conference on Stillbirth, SIDS, and infant survival on October 5,...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - August 31, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology Source Type: research

Identification of 1-butyl-3-(1-(4-methyl)naphtoyl)indole detected for the first time in “herbal high” products on the Italian market
Graphical abstract: Highlights: ► GC/MS and GC/FID analysis of herbal high products seized in Italy in 2010–2011. ► Adulteration of these herbal products with illegal alkylindoles. ► Identification of 1-butyl-3-(1-(4-methyl)naphtoyl)indole for the first time in Italy.Abstract: The results of the analysis of some herbal products and powders adulterated with alkylindoles recovered on the Italian market between 2010 and 2011 are reported. Besides the well-known alkyindoles JWH-018 and JWH-073, other derivatives such as JWH-250 and AM-694 have been detected and for the first time in Italy 1-butyl-3-(1-(4-methyl)naphtho...
Source: Forensic Science International - August 31, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ermanno Valoti, Eleonora Casagni, Lucia Dell’Acqua, Marco Pallavicini, Gabriella Roda, Chiara Rusconi, Valentina Straniero, Veniero Gambaro Tags: Rapid Communications Source Type: research

Detection of Transcribed Seal Impressions Using 3-D Pressure Traces.
Abstract Seals have been frequently used to certify that individuals or organizations have authorized or approved a document that bears these impressions. Much attention has been focused on the detection of forged seal impressions to expose and prevent seal-related frauds. This paper describes an image-processing technique that detects seal impressions transferred from a genuine document to a target document using transcription media. The proposed method utilizes a three-dimensional (3-D) scanner to generate a pressure trace map of the suspect seal impression. After utilizing a noise-reduction algorithm to improve ...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - August 31, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Lee J, Kong SG, Lee YS, Kim JS, Jung NE Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

The Evidence of the Rugoscopy Effectiveness as a Human Identification Method in Patients Submitted to Rapid Palatal Expansion.
The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of rugoscopy as a human identification method, even when the patient is submitted to rapid palatal expansion, which in theory would introduce doubt. With this intent, the Rugoscopic Identity was obtained for each subject using the classification formula proposed by Santos based on the intra-oral casts made before and after treatment from patients who were subjected to palatal expansion. The casts were labeled with the patients' initials and randomly arranged for studying. The palatine rugae kept the same patterns in every case studied. The technical error of ...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - August 31, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Barbieri AA, Scoralick RA, Naressi SC, Moraes ME, Daruge E, Daruge E Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

Forensic grading of myocarditis: An experimental contribution to the distinction between lethal myocarditis and incidental myocarditis
Abstract: Myocarditis can be either the cause of the death of a person or just an incidental finding during the autopsy and the following histological examinations. To establish whether a single myocarditis is a lethal or just an incidental pathology a very careful grading is always mandatory. The aim of the present work is thus to test the hypothesis about the reliability of an evidence-based distinction between the lethal myocarditis and the incidental myocarditis. The present work compares clinical and histological features from two different groups of myocarditis. Group A is composed of patients having myocarditis at t...
Source: Forensic Science International - August 30, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Michelangelo Bruno Casali, Antonella Lazzaro, Guendalina Gentile, Alberto Blandino, Enzo Ronchi, Riccardo Zoja Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Hyperspectral imaging for the age estimation of blood stains at the crime scene
Abstract: The age estimation of blood stains can provide important information on the temporal aspects of a crime. As previously shown, visible spectroscopy of blood stains can successfully be used for their age estimation. In the present study we evaluated the feasibility to use hyperspectral imaging for this purpose. Visible reflectance spectra of blood stains were recorded using a pushbroom hyperspectral imaging system. From these spectra, the relative amounts of oxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin and hemichrome within the blood stains were derived. By comparison of the hemoglobin derivative fractions with a reference dataset...
Source: Forensic Science International - August 30, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Gerda Edelman, Ton G. van Leeuwen, Maurice C.G. Aalders Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Genetic anomalies consistent with gonadal mosaicism encountered in a sexual assault-homicide
Contrary to conventional expectations a different STR genotype result was encountered between a saliva reference sample and a semen evidence sample that was found to be from the same person in a sexual assault-homicide investigation. Saliva reference sample and blood evidence sample genotyping results differed at 1 locus when compared to the semen evidence sample. This was the first time such a difference between body fluids from the same individual was found in a forensic case however it was previously observed with a non casework sample set of saliva, blood and semen collected and tested recently and approximately 10 yea...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - August 30, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Gary Shutler, Tara Roy Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research

Incidence of Postconcussion Symptoms in Psychiatric Diagnostic Groups, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, and Comorbid Conditions.
Abstract The constellation of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, collectively known as postconcussion syndrome (PCS), is not uniquely associated with concussion, making the etiology of chronic postconcussion symptoms controversial. The current study compared percentages of individuals meeting symptom-based criteria for PCS in a population-based sample of veterans composed of subgroups with various psychiatric diagnoses, a history of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), and healthy controls. Participants were identified from 4462 randomly sampled male U.S. Army veterans who served during the Vietnam era. On...
Source: The Clinical Neuropsychologist - August 30, 2012 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Donnell AJ, Kim MS, Silva MA, Vanderploeg RD Tags: Clin Neuropsychol Source Type: research

The composition of carcass volatile profiles in relation to storage time and climate conditions
Abstract: After death organisms are decomposed by a variety of enzymes and microorganisms. The decay is typically accompanied by the emission of a plethora of volatile organic compounds responsible for the unpleasant odour of a carcass and thus, for the attraction of necrophagous insects. The composition of carcass-related odour profiles strongly depends on the composition of macro-nutrients like fat, carbohydrates, and particularly protein, as well as on the presence of oxygen which influences the community of microorganisms colonising the corpse. The impact of abiotic factors like temperature and humidity on carcass-rela...
Source: Forensic Science International - August 29, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Julia Kasper, Roland Mumm, Joachim Ruther Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Analysis of 10 X-STRs in three population groups from Ecuador
X-chromosomal short tandem repeat (X-STR) loci provide a useful tool for forensic purposes . Due to a sex-based mode of inheritance, the use of this genetic system has become extremely valuable in paternity testing, especially in deficiency cases involving female offspring .
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - August 29, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Miriam Baeta, Carolina Núñez, José María Aznar, Cecilia Sosa, Yolanda Casalod, Miguel Bolea, Fabricio González-Andrade, Marian M. de Pancorbo, Begoña Martínez-Jarreta Tags: Forensic Population Genetics - Letters to the Editor Source Type: research

Improving human forensics through advances in genetics, genomics and molecular biology
Nature Reviews Genetics 13, 753 (2012). doi:10.1038/nrg3327 Author: Manfred Kayser & Peter de Knijff Nature Reviews Genetics12, 179–192 (2011)In Figure 3 of this article, the red box surrounding the second, third and fourth eyes in the third column was incorrectly positioned. The box should surround the third, fourth and fifth eyes
Source: Nature Reviews Genetics - August 29, 2012 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Manfred KayserPeter de Knijff Tags: Corrigendum Source Type: research

[Sudden death during sport activity in Tunisia: A necropsy study of 32 cases.]
CONCLUSION: This is the first study dealing with autopsy in SD in sport have provided a specific profile of victims. Other studies on larger samples and using standardized autopsy protocols are needed. PMID: 22959438 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Annales de Cardiologie et d'Angeiologie - August 29, 2012 Category: Cardiology Authors: Allouche M, Boudriga N, Ahmed HB, Banasr A, Shimi M, Gloulou F, Zhioua M, Bouhajja B, Baccar H, Hamdoun M Tags: Ann Cardiol Angeiol (Paris) Source Type: research

Characterization of In Vitro Metabolites of CP 47,497, a Synthetic Cannabinoid, in Human Liver Microsomes by LC-MS/MS.
In this study, the in vitro metabolism of CP 47,497 was investigated in human liver microsomes to characterize the metabolic fate of CP 47,497. CP 47,497 was incubated with human liver microsomes, and the reaction mixture was analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A total of eight metabolites were detected in human liver microsomes and structurally characterized based on mass spectral data. The main metabolic pathways involved hydroxylations or oxygenations. The identified metabolites were mono-oxygenated metabolites (M1 and M4), mono-hydroxylated metabolites (M3, M5, M6, M7, and M8), and a di-oxyge...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - August 29, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Jin MJ, Lee J, In MK, Yoo HH Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

Relation of Kinetic Energy to Contact Wounds of the Head by Centerfire Rifles and Shotgun Slugs.
Abstract Wounds of high-energy centerfire rifles and shotguns represent distinctive injuries of forensic importance. Previous studies of contact wounds have shown variability in the potential of these weapons to produce bursting wounds of the head. The present study analyzed contact head wounds owing to 26 centerfire rifles and nine shotgun slugs and compared them with respect to weapon, ammunition, entry wound site, and projectile kinetic energy. The bursting effect, defined for this study as disruption of at least 50% of the head, occurred in 25/35 of cases and was related to kinetic energy. Bursting was associat...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - August 29, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Harruff RC, Park J, Smelser BJ Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

A Novel Forged Image Detection Method Using the Characteristics of Interpolation.
Abstract Development of digital image-editing programs has enabled us to be widely exposed to forged digital images surrounding us. Such forged images have been dispersed through the Internet, newspaper articles, and magazines, and in particular, the information contained in these unverified images happened to be regarded as true. As a result, the forged images provided wrong information for individuals and society, thus sometimes creating social issues. In order to solve such problems, this study was aimed to suggest the methods of identifying the veracity of forged images. In this way, it suggested re-interpolati...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - August 29, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Hwang MG, Har DH Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

Stability of Serotonin-Selective Antidepressants in Sterile and Decomposing Liver Tissue.
This study suggests that fluvoxamine concentrations in cases with evidence of decomposition/putrefaction should be interpreted with extra caution. PMID: 22931374 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - August 29, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Butzbach DM, Stockham PC, Kobus HJ, Sims DN, Byard RW, Lokan RJ, Walker GS Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

Characterization of mitochondrial DNA control region lineages in Iraq
Abstract To evaluate the utility of mtDNA control region data for the purposes of forensic DNA testing in Iraq, a sample of 182 subjects (128 Arab Muslims, 15 Kurd Muslims, 22 Assyrian Christians and 17 Mandaean Arabs) was tested. High numbers of singleton haplotypes were observed among Arabs, Kurds and Assyrians, but fewer were found in Mandaeans. High molecular diversity and low random match probabilities confirmed the value of control region data in the investigation of maternal genetic lineages among the Iraqi population. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Population DataPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s0041...
Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Medical Law Tags: International Journal of Legal Medicine Source Type: research

Alcimedes
“There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics” is a phrase that has been attributed to many individuals over the years, most notably the 19th century British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. Although the origins of this saying may be debatable, the sentiment persists to this day, namely that figures can be manipulated and mis-represented to suit the person presenting them.
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Medical error reporting should it be mandatory in Scotland?
In conclusion, Scotland would benefit from mandatory reporting of serious adverse events and voluntary near-miss reporting.
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Anne Eadie Tags: Personal Views Source Type: research

An unusual case of self-strangulation by ligature
We report an unusual case of self-strangulation where the body was found in an open area with a ligature around neck and another around the feet. The case was initially taken up as homicide. The manner was determined as suicide later based on detailed investigations. The deceased had used two ligatures tied to heavy stones, one secured around the feet and the other around the neck to strangulate him. The case is reported for its rarity and the unusual method adopted by the victim to commit suicide by self-strangulation in an open area. In cases where it is difficult to reach a definitive conclusion as to manner of death, i...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Kishor Kumar Badiadka, Tanuj Kanchan, Deepak Herald D’Souza, Kiran Subhash, Shirley Vasu Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Collision victim travels for “seven kilometres” on top of the car that hit him
Abstract: Case report: A 26-year-old man, after a drinking binge, drove into a tram building site and collided with a track-grinding machine which left a fist-size hole in his windscreen. He then hit a construction worker who was catapulted onto the car roof. The worker held on to the antenna and the windscreen hole, while the car drove on for 7 km, reaching speeds of 90 km h−1.The victim suffered several fractures and survived with relatively little consequential damage. The investigation showed the driver to have been under the influence of alcohol and cannabis. In trial, he claimed loss of memory and stated that he...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Steffen Heide, Dankwart Stiller, Manfred Kleiber, Karen Bluemke Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

A case of a serial sexual offender: The first ever report from Turkey
Abstract: There have been cases of serial sexual offenders and studies dealing with such cases in the literature. However, no serial sexual offender case was reported in Turkey, to the best of our knowledge. In this article, as the first report from Turkey, we present a serial sexual offender who assaulted 27 women. The assailant entered a total of 29 houses, and assaulted victims in 27 of them, and he failed to assault two individuals. The ‘modus operandi’ of the offender was identical in all assault cases and led the police towards a hypothesis that these assaults were all committed by the same individual. The offend...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: C. Zeren, M.M. Arslan, R. Karanfil, R. Akcan Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

The donating capacity of the elderly: A case report of vascular dementia
Abstract: Seniors may be more vulnerable to the influence of others, being less able to make judicious decisions. The legal legitimacy of donating capacity is based on the clinical assumption that, at the time of the event, the donor is able to understand the nature of the transaction, weigh its consequences and determine his/her actions according to it. From the point of view of forensic psychiatry, the evaluation of such premises is a challenge, reflecting the difficulty in assessing, retrospectively, the subject's cognitive functions at the time of the event. In cases where the cross-sectional evaluation favours the dia...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Fernanda Miguel, Ana Moreira, Máximo Colón Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

A fatal intoxication case involving ropinirole
Abstract: Ropinirole, a specific non-ergoline dopamine D2-receptor agonist, belongs to the drugs applied in treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) and acts as a D2, D3, and D4 dopamine receptor agonist with highest affinity for D3. Therapeutic ropinirole plasma levels in adults are defined between 0.4 and 6 ng/mL. This case report documents a fatal intoxication involving ropinirole. Information about lethal ropinirole concentrations is hitherto lacking in the literature and the assessed ropinirole levels of this case may present a step towards defining potentially lethal concentrations. A 3...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Sébastien Duband, Carolyne Bidat, Yvan Gaillard, Max Rochet, Jean-Philippe Camdessanche, Michel Péoc'h Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

How reliable is external examination in identifying internal injuries – Casper’s sign revisited
Abstract: It has been proposed that the absence of injuries to the outside of a body that has been subject to blunt trauma indicates that the forces involved were relatively minor. It has also been suggested that an autopsy will be unlikely to uncover any significant injuries. A series of cases involving lethal blunt trauma from vehicle crashes and falls are described where minimal external injuries were associated with major disruption of internal organs. Skin is both resilient and elastic enabling it to resist injury, while allowing considerable forces to be transmitted to the musculoskeletal system and internal organs b...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Roger W. Byard Tags: Original Communications Source Type: research

Dilemmas concerning the diffuse axonal injury as a clinicopathological entity in forensic medical practice
Abstract: Dilemmas and discussions concerning the diffuse axonal injury (DAI) and still existing in forensic medical practice are as it follows: 1. Whether the occurrence of DAI can indicate the type of traumatic event that has caused the head trauma, 2. Whether the presence of axonal damage in cases of hypoxia, ischaemia and other pathological conditions casts a shadow on the post-mortem pathological diagnosis of DAI and totally negates it, or there are certain clues in the findings that can point to the aetiology of the axonal damage. This paper discusses our findings based on neuropathological examination of 60 forensic...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: N. Davceva, V. Janevska, B. Ilievski, L. Spasevska, Z. Popeska Tags: Original Communications Source Type: research

Dental age assessment of young Iranian adults using third molars: A multivariate regression study
Conclusion: Use of population-specific standards is recommended as a means of improving the accuracy of forensic age estimates based on third molars mineralisation. To obtain more exact regression formulae, wider age range studies are recommended.
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ali Bagherpour, Najmeh Anbiaee, Parnia Partovi, Shayan Golestani, Shakiba Afzalinasab Tags: Original Communications Source Type: research

Experience of violence perpetration and victimization in alcohol-dependent patients hospitalized for alcohol withdrawal
Conclusion: In this study, received and expressed violence related to alcohol consumption was a common finding, one side of which can be evaluated through interview of hospitalized patients.
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Catherine Dang, Eric Hispard, Patrick Chariot Tags: Original Communications Source Type: research

Hypothalamic transcript profiling in hypothermia using SuperSAGE
Abstract: Understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying hypothermia is of primary importance in devising strategies to diagnose hypothermia. We investigated the hypothalamic transriptome in hypothermia. For transcriptomic analyses, SuperSAGE, an improved method of serial analysis of gene expression, was used. Totally, 62,208 and 54,084 tags were collected from the hypothalami of normal and hypothermia, respectively. And 367 transcripts were differentially expressed at a statistically significant level. That is, 157 and 210 transcripts among them were expressed at a higher level in normal and hypothermic hypothalami. Res...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Masataka Takamiya, Nori Nakayashiki, Koji Dewa Tags: Original Communications Source Type: research

A study of lip print pattern in Goan dental students – A digital approach
Conclusion: The digital method of analyzing the Lip Print images using Adobe Photoshop 7 software serves as a convenient method that provides better visualization and ease in identification and recording of the Lip Print pattern. Predominant pattern in all four quadrants was Type V followed by the linear pattern i.e. Type I′ in quadrants I, II, and III and Type I in quadrant IV in the studied population. Distribution of pattern is not affected by the sex. Although type V is the most predominant pattern found in Goan population, the sub-classification of this type defines the more defined term and aids in accuracy of the classification.
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Rachana V. Prabhu, Ajit Dinkar, Vishnudas Prabhu Tags: Original Communications Source Type: research

Assessing the presence of female DNA on post-coital penile swabs: Relevance to the investigation of sexual assault
In this study, female DNA was recovered on all post-coital penile swabs taken at 5–24 h intervals.
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ragne Kristin B. Farmen, Ingebjørg Haukeli, Peter Ruoff, Elin S. Frøyland Tags: Original Communications Source Type: research

Sex determination using anthropometric dimensions of the clavicle in Iranian population
This study was carried out to assess the accuracy of this bone for sex determination in Iranian population. Based on the results of this research, by using the anthropometric dimensions of the clavicle bone, gender can be estimated with a high accuracy.Materials and methods: This research was carried out on 120 Iranian cadavers. Maximum of length and midshaft circumference of clavicle was measured. SPSS (Version 13.5) was used for statistical analysis.Results: The mean of maximum of the length and the midshaft circumference of clavicle was larger in men (P
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Mitra Akhlaghi, Behzad Moradi, Marzieh Hajibeygi Tags: Original Communications Source Type: research

The application of CamScan 2 in forensic dentistry
Abstract: Forensic dentistry plays a major role in body identification. The dental examination is very accurate and also, nowadays, in the time of a comprehensive fingerprint and DNA assessment, objectively supported. The identification, which is based on the dental documentation, leads up to 43–89% of a successful process. The purpose of the study is to describe the techniques employed by forensic odontology to identify human remains and also to provide details of some of the novel developments within this area. Comparative methods of dental identification of the unknown subject with pre-mortem clinical records, X-ray i...
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Tatjana Dostalova, Hana Eliasova, Michaela Seydlova, Jaroslav Broucek, Lenka Vavrickova Tags: Clinical Practice Source Type: research

Interference of tobacco smoke with immunochromatography assay for urinary drug detection
This study aimed to evaluate the interference of tobacco smoke on immunochromatography assay of urinary drug detection.Methods: Our study included 256 voluntary subjects (143 passive smokers and 113 current smokers). Cotinine was measured by immunoenzymatic method and thiocyanates (SCN−) by selective electrode. Urinary drug was detected by immunochromatography assay. A positive result is completed by an analytical method with an immunometric assay.Results: False positive results for benzodiazepines are significantly more frequent in smokers compared with passive smokers (90.2% Vs 22.4%; χ2 = 116.62, p
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Dhouha Haj Mouhamed, Asma Ezzaher, Hajer Mabrouk, Mohamed Hachem Sâadaoui, Fadoua Neffati, Wahiba Douki, Lotfi Gaha, Mohamed Fadhel Najjar Tags: Clinical Practice Source Type: research

Aims & Scope/Editorial Board
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - August 28, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research

Evaluation of the accuracy of different molar teeth measurements in assessing sex
This study explores the utility of crown and cervical MD, BL and diagonal measurements of molars in sex assessment when used separately. A total of 254 permanent molars (excluded third molars) from 101 individuals (51 males, 50 females) from the Athens Collection were examined. Stepwise discriminant analysis was used to evaluate the accuracy of each diameter group in assessing sex. It was found that the accuracy ranges from 65.5 to 88.4 %. Cervical diagonal diameters are the most accurate followed by crown diagonal diameters, and crown and cervical MD and BL diameters. Therefore the high classification accuracy o...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - August 27, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology Source Type: research

What is toxic in infants and children?
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory CommentaryPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s12024-012-9371-9Authors Marianne Arnestad, Division of Forensic Medicine and Drug Abuse Research, Department of Toxicological and Pharmacological Assessment, The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - August 27, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology Source Type: research

Circumstantial and toxicological features of deaths from self-administered intravenous anesthetic/narcotic agents
Abstract For a better understanding of circumstantial and toxicological findings of fatalities resulting from self-administration of intravenous anesthetic/narcotic agents, medico-legal autopsy files of the State Institute of Legal and Social Medicine Berlin from 1998 to 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Of a total of 15,300 autopsies, 9 cases of such deaths were identified, and all were health care professionals. Medical supplies for injection were found still on, or near, the body at the scene. Anesthetic/narcotic agents detected were classified into 3 categories, and administered solely or in combinatio...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - August 27, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology Source Type: research

Molecular identification of traces from the White-tailed Sea Eagle
Conclusions The novel PCR primers allowed for the correct assignment of traces from H. albicilla, even in mixed samples and in cases with limited and degraded biological material. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Technical ReportPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s12024-012-9370-xAuthors Christian Gausterer, Forensisches DNA Zentrallabor GmbH, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, AustriaChristina Stein, Forensisches DNA Zentrallabor GmbH, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, AustriaChristian Pichler, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Vienna, AustriaRemo Probst, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Vienna, Austri...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - August 27, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology Source Type: research

Prognostic significance of neuronal marker expression in glioblastomas
Conclusions Although the correlation of neuronal marker expression and clinical outcome in glioblastoma is of considerable interest, the presented data support the limited prognostic value of neuronal marker expression in glioblastoma. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00381-012-1883-9Authors Kyung-Hwa Lee, Department of Pathology and Center for Biomedical Human Resources (BK-21), Chonnam National University Medical School and Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 5 Hak-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 501-746 KoreaKyung-Joo Kang, Department of Neurosurgery, Chonnam Na...
Source: Child's Nervous System - August 27, 2012 Category: Pediatrics Tags: Child's Nervous System Source Type: research

Autophagy modulators sensitize prostate epithelial cancer cell lines to TNF-alpha-dependent apoptosis
Abstract TNF-alpha levels in prostate cancer correlate with the extent of disease and are significantly elevated in the metastatic stage. TNF receptor superfamily controls two distinct signalling cascades, leading to opposite effects, i.e. apoptosis and survival; in prostate cancer TNF-alpha-mediated signalling induces cell survival and resistance to therapy. The apoptosis of prostate epithelial cancer cells LNCaP and PC3 was investigated upon treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine and the autophagy inducer rapamycin, in combination with TNF-alpha. Cells were exposed to these molecules for 18...
Source: Apoptosis - August 27, 2012 Category: Molecular Biology Tags: Apoptosis Source Type: research

Clinical history and characteristics of persons with oxycodone-related deaths in Hillsborough County, Florida in 2009
Conclusions: Results suggest that the demographic findings mirror statewide and national trends. In general, mean oxycodone concentration levels were shown to be lower than those previously reported in literature. Overlap and range of concentrations between those with a primary/contributory and incidental cause of death demonstrates the significance of individual case history and tolerance in the interpretation of postmortem drug concentrations when determining cause and manner of death.
Source: Forensic Science International - August 27, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ashley Ogle, Kathleen Moore, Blake Barrett, M. Scott Young, Julia Pearson Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

The laying of live larvae by the blowfly Calliphora varifrons (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
This study examined larviposition in Calliphora varifrons Malloch (Diptera: Calliphoridae), an ovoviviparous blowfly of forensic importance in Western Australia. Females took 1.5min (mean 89±10.0s, n=42) to deposit their live, first instar larvae (average body length 2.5mm) on fresh liver in the laboratory. Females laid an average of 30 live larvae (mean of 29.9±1.2, n=50) at a rate of 1 larva every 2s (mean of 0.46±0.05 larvae/s, n=42). Most females (66%) laid live larvae only, but 18% laid fully developed eggs (half of the egg masses laid by individual females were viable) and 16% laid live larvae and some eggs at the...
Source: Forensic Science International - August 27, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: David F. Cook, Sasha C. Voss, Ian R. Dadour Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Analysis of Investigator HDplex markers in Swedish and Somali populations
In this study we have performed population analyses of a Swedish and a Somali population for the twelve short tandem repeat (STR) markers included in the Investigator HDplex kit (Qiagen). The set of markers tested, was also evaluated for their efficiency in forensic casework.
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - August 27, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Andreas O. Tillmar, Helena Nilsson, Daniel Kling, Kerstin Montelius Tags: Forensic Population Genetics - Letters to the Editor Source Type: research