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 13.

Applications of Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC–MSMS) in estimating the post-mortem interval using the biochemistry of the vitreous humour
We present a new LC–MSMS method developed for quantitative and qualitative analysis of [Hx] (valid also for guanine and xanthine), and qualitative determination of uric acid in vitreous humour. We also introduce a methodology to assess haematic contamination in order to improve the estimation of time since death. The method was fully validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, imprecision, analytical recovery, extraction and process efficiency and matrix effect.
Source: Forensic Science International - September 17, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Elena Lendoiro, Cristina Cordeiro, María S. Rodríguez-Calvo, Duarte N. Vieira, José M. Suárez-Peñaranda, Manuel López-Rivadulla, José I. Muñoz-Barús Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Exploratory data analysis for the interpretation of low template DNA mixtures
Abstract: The interpretation of DNA mixtures has proven to be a complex problem in forensic genetics. In particular, low template DNA samples, where alleles can be missing (allele drop-out), or where alleles unrelated to the crime-sample are amplified (allele drop-in), cannot be analysed with classical approaches such as random man not excluded or random match probability. Drop-out, drop-in, stutters and other PCR-related stochastic effects, create uncertainty about the composition of the crime-sample, making it difficult to attach a weight of evidence when (a) reference sample(s) is (are) compared to the crime-sample. In ...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - September 17, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: H. Haned, K. Slooten, P. Gill Source Type: research

[Managing aggression in a forensic psychiatric unit for adolescents: literature review and clinical implementation].
Abstract background Aggressive incidents are part and parcel of everyday life in a forensic psychiatric unit for adolescents. aim To review the literature about the prevalence of aggressive incidents and about aggression management policy in (forensic) child and adolescent psychiatry and to explain and elaborate the aggression management protocol in a newly established unit. method The literature was reviewed systematically using PubMed and Psyc&...
Source: Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie - September 16, 2012 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tremmery S, de Decker A, De Hert M, De Varé J, Danckaerts M Tags: Tijdschr Psychiatr Source Type: research

Age changes of facial measurements in European young adult males: Implications for the identification of the living.
This study investigates changes in facial measurements in European males aged between 20 and 30 years in order to identify metric characters that can be used for personal identification in young adults. A sample of 404 males of European ancestry, aged between 20 and 30 years from Germany, Italy and Lithuania were recruited for this project. Fourteen facial measurements were taken and correlation coefficients were calculated for each cranial measurement with age. Only two measurements - labial width and physiognomic ear length - seem to change between 20 and 30 years with a positive statistically significant correlation (p&...
Source: Homo - September 16, 2012 Category: Physiology Authors: Gibelli D, Mapelli A, Obertovà Z, Poppa P, Gabriel P, Ratnayake M, Tutkuviene J, Sforza C, Ritz-Timme S, Cattaneo C Tags: Homo Source Type: research

Aromatase cytochrome P450 enzyme expression in prolactinomas and its relationship to tumor behavior
This study shows that P450AROM expression is present in the pituitary tissues of patients with prolactinoma and that this presence could be important in development and tumor behavior of prolactinomas. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s11102-012-0436-2Authors Hakan Akinci, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, TurkeyAysegul Kapucu, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, TurkeyKadriye Akgun Dar, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turk...
Source: Pituitary - September 15, 2012 Category: Endocrinology Tags: Pituitary Source Type: research

Giant basilar artery aneurysm and unexpected death
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Lessons from the MuseumPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s12024-012-9381-7Authors Roger W. Byard, Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, School of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Level 3 Medical School North Building, Frome Road, Adelaide, 5005 Australia Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - September 15, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology Source Type: research

Mexican mestizo population sub-structure: effects on genetic and forensic statistical parameters.
Abstract Since Mexican mestizos are an admixed population, it is necessary to determine the effects that the substructure of the population has on genetic and forensic parameters. With this aim, a study was performed with 15 STR loci (CODIS plus D2S1338 and D19S433) on 1,640 unrelated Mexican mestizos. We determine allele and genotypic frequencies observing departure from Hardy-Weinberg expectation (12 out of 15 loci, with an excess of homozygotes, Fis > 0), as well as pairs of loci in an apparent linkage disequilibrium (13 of 92 loci). We conducted a test for genetic population stratification, the results sho...
Source: Molecular Biology Reports - September 15, 2012 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Noris G, Santana C, Meraz-Ríos MA, de Lourdes Munoz M, Majluf-Cruz A, Magaña JJ, Granados J, Quezada R, Revilla MC, Martínez-Salas S, Xihuitl S, Martínez de la Escalera G, Díaz-Badillo A, Calderon-Aranda ES, Gómez R Tags: Mol Biol Rep Source Type: research

An uncommon finding of subtle Simon’s bleedings in a fatally injured skydiver
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Images in ForensicsPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s12024-012-9368-4Authors Vladimir Živković, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Belgrade - School of Medicine, 31a Deligradska str., 11000 Belgrade, SerbiaSlobodan Nikolić, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Belgrade - School of Medicine, 31a Deligradska str., 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - September 14, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology Source Type: research

An autopsy case of bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma-associated cerebral hemorrhage
Abstract: The autopsy findings of a 30-year-old woman who died of cerebral hemorrhage induced by bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma are presented. The cerebral hemorrhage was shown on the left cerebral hemisphere widely. Her both adrenal glands were severe swelling, and their parenchyma was occupied by a dark red-brown tumorous positive for chromogranin A. The serum catecholamine and their metabolite, vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) levels were markedly high. Furthermore, cardiac hypertrophy and sclerosis of the arteries of various organs had progressed, suggesting an influence of persistent endocrinal hypertension. The measur...
Source: Legal Medicine - September 14, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Hajime Mizukami, Shuichi Hara, Masamune Kobayashi, Shinjiro Mori, Fumi Kuriiwa, Tatsushige Fukunaga Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

What younger forensic pathologists need for their training: Valuable comments from our interviews
The shortage of board certified forensic pathologist or those with comparable competence is a serious issue around the world . Japan is facing the same serious problem. We conducted a preliminary questionnaire survey , to elucidate what forensic pathologists believe they need to be able to successfully train young successors. Furthermore, an additional complementary interview research project has taken place in our department, from which we obtained valuable comments from participants. Therefore, we have briefly summed them up in this letter.
Source: Legal Medicine - September 14, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Manabu Murakami, Kotaro Matoba, Koichi Terazawa Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research

A one step multiplex PCR assay for rapid screening of East Asian mtDNA haplogroups on forensic samples
Abstract: The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup typing has become an essential tool to study human evolutionary history and to infer the matrilineal bio-geographic ancestry. In forensic field, the screening of mtDNA haplogroups by genotyping of mtDNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can help guarantee the quality of mtDNA sequence data as well as can reduce the need to sequence samples that do not match. Here, a multiplex mutagenically separated (MS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system was developed for simultaneous rapid detection of 14 coding region SNPs and one deletion motif representing common mtDNA haplog...
Source: Legal Medicine - September 14, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Hwan Young Lee, Jung Ah Yoon, Woo Ick Yang, Kyoung-Jin Shin Tags: Brief Communications Source Type: research

How sick is the defendant? Forensic and emergency medical aspects at trial
We present three case reports about forensic and emergency medical aspects at trial, considering how the forensic expert can be able to meet the subsequent challenges.
Source: Legal Medicine - September 14, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: C. Buschmann, M. Peters Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Child abuse followed by fatal systemic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection
Abstract: Child abuse has become an increasingly serious diagnostic challenge for physicians. The clinical manifestations include malnutrition and sometimes infection. In fact, stress in children has been reported to increase corticosteroid levels. As a consequence, the thymus begins an involution process, producing a severe impairment in cellular and humoral immunity.Here, we report the case of a 7-year-old child who suffered a prolonged history of abuse and died from a systemic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. An initial local chronic infection propagated to the pelvic lymph nodes in an immunologically weak body and evo...
Source: Legal Medicine - September 14, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Massimo Senati, Matteo Polacco, Vincenzo M. Grassi, Arnaldo Carbone, Fabio De-Giorgio Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Detection of coronary thrombosis after multi-phase postmortem CT-angiography
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare postmortem angiography-based, autopsy-based and histology-based diagnoses of acute coronary thrombosis in a series of medicolegal cases that underwent postmortem angiographies according to multiphase CT-angiography protocol. Our study included 150 medicolegal cases. All cases underwent native CT-scan, postmortem angiography, complete conventional autopsy and histological examination of the main organs and coronary arteries. In 10 out of the 150 investigated cases, postmortem angiographies revealed coronary arterial luminal filling defects and the absence of collateral vessels,...
Source: Legal Medicine - September 14, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Cristian Palmiere, Johannes Alexander Lobrinus, Patrice Mangin, Silke Grabherr Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Causes of death in forensic autopsy cases of malnourished persons
In this study, we examined the underlying causes of death among a large number of forensic autopsy cases that showed emaciation to clarify the features of sudden, unexpected death in malnourished persons.Methods: Documents of autopsy cases without putrefaction handled during 2007–2010 by the Tokyo Medical Examiner’s Office were reviewed (n=7227). The body mass index (BMI) was calculated for each case. The causes of death for cases with severe malnutrition (BMI
Source: Legal Medicine - September 14, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Hideto Suzuki, Takanobu Tanifuji, Nobuyuki Abe, Tatsushige Fukunaga Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Risks of non-lethal weapon use: Case studies of three French victims of stinger grenades
Abstract: The development of non-lethal weapons started in the 1960s. In France, they have been used by the police for about 10 years.We relate the cases of three French women, victims of stinger grenades, non-lethal weapons recently adopted by the French law enforcement to distract and disperse crowds. The three victims presented serious injuries requiring emergency surgical care. One lost her eye.Based on these cases, we discuss the lethal character of these weapons and propose measures to be taken to prevent their dramatic consequences.Although the danger is obviously less than for firearms, stinger grenades are nonethe...
Source: Forensic Science International - September 14, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: V. Scolan, C. Herry, M. Carreta, C. Stahl, L. Barret, J.P. Romanet, F. Paysant Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Reported assaults and observed injuries in detainees held in police custody
Abstract: The deprivation of liberty in police custody can be associated with violent situations and traumatic injuries. The rare available data did not mention whether alleged assaults occurred at the time of the arrest or during custody. Our objectives were to describe the frequency of recent traumatic injuries observed in detainees at the time of medical examination and to record detainees’ self-reports of received physical violence, either before being arrested, at the time of the arrest, or during custody.In 2694 consecutive detainees examined in a suburban area near Paris, we compared persons’ characteristics in ...
Source: Forensic Science International - September 14, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Sophie Gahide, Aude Lepresle, Cyril Boraud, Tiao S. Mahindhoratep, Patrick Chariot Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Indicators for acute hypoxia—An immunohistochemical investigation in cerebellar Purkinje-cells
Abstract: The Purkinje-cells (PCs) of the cerebellum are highly vulnerable to hypoxic/ischemic insult. Calbindin-D28k is a calcium-binding protein that is strongly expressed in PCs. Following hypoxia, a decrease in its concentration has been found in animal models before any morphological change of the PCs took place. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are increasingly expressed in tissues that undergo durations of hypoxia, and also in brain tissues.We examine whether a change in expression of any of these factors, or a combination of alterations, is an indicator of acute h...
Source: Forensic Science International - September 14, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Svenja Bartschat, Armin Fieguth, Jasmin Könemann, Anke Schmidt, Stefanie Bode-Jänisch Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Responsivity to criminogenic need in forensic intellectual disability services
Conclusions Various possible explanations of these findings are explored including staffing levels, diagnosed mental illness, expertise of staff and clarity of purpose in services.
Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research - September 14, 2012 Category: Disability Authors: W. R. Lindsay, A. J. Holland, D. Carson, J. L. Taylor, G. O'Brien, L. Steptoe, J. Wheeler Source Type: research

Conventional Forensic Theory on Order of Bugs That Feast on Corpses Upended
When a human body calls it quits, it can take as few as 30 seconds for blowflies to begin feasting on it. For the next several hours to days, a carnival of blowflies, other flies and beetles make the departed their personal bed-and-breakfasts. A determination of that succession of insects is one of the tools that crime-scene investigators (CSIs) use to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI), or the time elapsed since death. [More]
Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed - September 13, 2012 Category: Science Tags: More Science,Society & Policy,More Science,Biology,Everyday Science Source Type: research

Latent adrenal Ewing sarcoma family of tumors: A case report
We report an autopsy case of suicidal hanging, in which adrenal ESFT was incidentally revealed. To our knowledge, this is the first case of latent ESFT arising from the adrenal gland. Autopsy can sometimes reveal latent disease. Some of these latent diseases are very rare and we would not be able to detect them without a complete autopsy. As forensic pathologists, we should attempt to perform a complete autopsy and report new discoveries for the development of medicine.
Source: Legal Medicine - September 13, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Takuma Yamamoto, Kosho Takasu, Yuko Emoto, Takahiro Umehara, Kazuya Ikematsu, Nobuaki Shikata, Morio Iino, Ryoji Matoba Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Antidote treatment for cyanide poisoning with hydroxocobalamin causes bright pink discolouration and chemical–analytical interferences
Abstract: Here we report the case of a 70-year-old woman who committed suicide by cyanide poisoning. During resuscitation cares, she underwent an antidote treatment by hydroxocobalamin. Postmortem investigations showed marked bright pink discolouration of organs and fluids, and a lethal cyanide blood concentration of 43mg/L was detected by toxicological investigation. Discolouration of hypostasis and organs has widely been studied in forensic literature. In our case, we interpreted the unusual pink coloration as the result of the presence of hydroxocobalamin. This substance is a known antidote against cyanide poisoning, in...
Source: Forensic Science International - September 13, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: C. Brunel, C. Widmer, M. Augsburger, F. Dussy, T. Fracasso Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Person identification in Ethnic Indian Goans using ear biometrics and neural networks
This study presents new insights and experimental results for the use of ears as a non-invasive biometric for human identification. To determine the uniqueness of the external ear pattern two methods were employed: The Weighted Scoring System and Pattern Recognition by Neural Networks. A total of 10 external ear features classified into 37 sub-features for both right and left ears of 400 Indians of Goan origin were studied after acquiring standardized side profile digital photographs. These features were then converted to numeric scores by the ‘Weighted Scoring System’ which were then compared to ascertain the uniquene...
Source: Forensic Science International - September 13, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ajit D. Dinkar, Shruti S. Sambyal Tags: Forensic Anthropology Population Data Source Type: research

Distribution of free and conjugated cannabinoids in human bile samples
Abstract: The metabolism of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is relatively complex, and over 80 metabolites have been identified . However, much less is known about the formation and fate of cannabinoid conjugates. Bile excretion is known to be an important route for the elimination of phase II metabolites. A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry LC–MS/MS procedure for measuring cannabinoids in oral fluid was adapted, validated and applied to 10 bile samples. THC, 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC), 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH), cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahy...
Source: Forensic Science International - September 13, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Marie Fabritius, Christian Staub, Patrice Mangin, Christian Giroud Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

A Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Five Loci Influencing Facial Morphology in Europeans
by Fan Liu, Fedde van der Lijn, Claudia Schurmann, Gu Zhu, M. Mallar Chakravarty, Pirro G. Hysi, Andreas Wollstein, Oscar Lao, Marleen de Bruijne, M. Arfan Ikram, Aad van der Lugt, Fernando Rivadeneira, André G. Uitterlinden, Albert Hofman, Wiro J. Niessen, Georg Homuth, Greig de Zubicaray, Katie L. McMahon, Paul M. Thompson, Amro Daboul, Ralf Puls, Katrin Hegenscheid, Liisa Bevan, Zdenka Pausova, Sarah E. Medland, Grant W. Montgomery, Margaret J. Wright, Carol Wicking, Stefan Boehringer, Timothy D. Spector, Tomáš Paus, Nicholas G. Martin, Reiner Biffar, Manfred Kayser Inter-individual variation in facial shape is ...
Source: PLoS Genetics - September 13, 2012 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Fan Liu et al. Source Type: research

Solid sampling electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for discrimination of automotive paint samples in forensic analysis
J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2012, Accepted ManuscriptDOI: 10.1039/C2JA30193H, PaperAlemayehu Asfaw, Grethe Wibetoe, D BeaucheminPieces of automotive paint often constitute trace evidence at crime scenes, especially in hit-and-run cases. As minute amounts of sample generally are available for forensic analysis, sensitive direct analysis methods...The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry
Source: RSC - J. Anal. At. Spectrom. latest articles - September 12, 2012 Category: Chemistry Authors: Alemayehu Asfaw Source Type: research

A Beginner's Guide to Uranium Chronometry in Nuclear Forensics and Safeguards
J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2012, Accepted ManuscriptDOI: 10.1039/C2JA30182B, Tutorial ReviewFloyd E. StanleyNuclear forensics and international safeguards are rising in importance in the face of increasing concerns over the illicit production and trafficking of nuclear materials worldwide. One of the most valuable...The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry
Source: RSC - J. Anal. At. Spectrom. latest articles - September 12, 2012 Category: Chemistry Authors: Floyd E. Stanley Source Type: research

Reliability of Schmeling’s stages of ossification of medial clavicular epiphyses and its validity to assess 18 years of age in living subjects
Abstract Nowadays, due to the global increase in migration movements, forensic age estimation of living young adults has become an important focus of interest. Minors often have no identification documents providing their correct birth dates. Establishing the age of majority is therefore fundamental in order to determine whether juvenile penal systems or penal systems in force for adults are to be applied. Radiological examination of the clavicles is one of the methods recommended by the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics. In this retrospective study, a sample of chest radiographs of 274 subjects, aged ...
Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine - September 12, 2012 Category: Medical Law Tags: International Journal of Legal Medicine Source Type: research

Skeletal age estimation in Hungarian population of known age and sex
Abstract: Several methods of estimating age on the basis of human skeletal remains are used all over the world, methods that were established using known age and sex databases or during medicolegal autopsies. Over the course of the past several decades, many tests have been carried out on various populations to confirm the applicability of these methods in age assessment. While the opinions of experts vary regarding the cranial suture closure techniques, morphology of the sternal end of the fourth rib has been proven to be more accurate as an age assessor. The purpose of this paper is to test the reliability of three age e...
Source: Forensic Science International - September 12, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: K. Wolff, Z. Vas, P. Sótonyi, L.G. Magyar Tags: Forensic Anthropology Population Data Source Type: research

Decaying Mouse Volatiles Perceived by Calliphora vicina Rob.-Desv.
In this study, the volatile profiles of five mice (Myodes glareolus) were sampled with charcoal filter tubes from their time of death until advanced decay. Eleven compounds were quantitated by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Electroantennographic experiments with female Calliphora vicina antennae led to the identification of dimethyl trisulfide, dimethyl disulfide, nonanal, hexan-1-ol, 1-octen-3-ol, 3-methylbutan-1-ol, and heptanal as electrophysiologically active compounds. When these were compared, dimethyl trisulfide (17 ng/μL) and dimethyl disulfide (11 ng/μL) were found to be emitted in higher conce...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - September 12, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Paczkowski S, Maibaum F, Paczkowska M, Schütz S Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

Armanni-Ebstein Lesions: A Need for Clarification.
Abstract Armanni-Ebstein lesions were first described by Luciano Armanni, a pathologist at the University of Naples, during autopsy studies undertaken in 1872, as a unique vacuolar nephropathy associated with poorly controlled diabetes that involves selective renal epithelial cell glycogen accumulation. However, within the last two decades, a broader range of vacuolar changes, including lipid deposition, have also been termed Armanni-Ebstein (AE) lesions, creating some confusion on possible etiology. We would suggest that the term AE phenomenon would be best reserved for the original clear cell change associated wi...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - September 12, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Zhou C, Yool AJ, Nolan J, Byard RW Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

2D Barcodes: A Novel and Simple Method for Denture Identification.
Abstract Several methods of denture marking have been described in the literature. However, most of them are expensive, time-consuming, and do not permit the incorporation of large amounts of information. We propose a novel and simple method incorporating 2D codes which has several advantages over the existing methods. A 2D code was generated in the dental office and inserted into a maxillary denture. The code was then read using software downloaded into a mobile phone giving access to the website containing details about the patient. The denture was also subjected to durability tests, which did not hamper the effi...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - September 12, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Sudheendra US, Sowmya K, Vidhi M, Shreenivas K, Prathamesh J Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

Identification of Tool Marks of a Sickle on a Telephone Cable.
Abstract Linkage of a cutting tool (a sickle) with a telephone cable of 100 pairs of copper wires is reported in a case of theft of a telephone cable. Telephone cables contain numerous insulated copper wires of small diameter inside an outer covering and are stolen for the relatively precious copper. The cutting pattern of the cable can only point to the type of the tool but because of the large number of copper wires, it is practically difficult to make a definite linkage with the tool used to cut the cable by comparing the tool marks. The present work reports the successful attempt of the authors in establishing ...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - September 12, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Kumar R, Patial N, Singh S Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

Identification of Human Remains by DNA Analysis of the Gastrointestinal Contents of Fly Larvae.
Abstract Dipterous fly larvae (maggots) are frequently collected from a corpse during a criminal investigation. Previous studies showed that DNA analysis of the gastrointestinal contents of maggots might be used to reveal the identity of a victim. However, this approach has not been used to date in legal investigations, and thus its practical usefulness is unknown. A badly burned body was discovered with its face and neck colonized by fly larvae. Given the condition of the body, identification was not possible. Short tandem repeat (STR) typing was performed using the gastrointestinal contents of maggots collected f...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - September 12, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: de Lourdes Chávez-Briones M, Hernández-Cortés R, Díaz-Torres P, Niderhauser-García A, Ancer-Rodríguez J, Jaramillo-Rangel G, Ortega-Martínez M Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

An Unusual Case of Predation: Dog Pack or Cougar Attack?
We present the investigation of a fatal dog pack attack involving a 43-year-old man in Bell Ville (Argentina) where the evidence provided by a forensic dentist and a biologist was categorical for establishing the animal species involved. Because of the unusual characteristics of the wounds and the initial hypothesis made by local authorities of a cougar attack, habits and specific patterns of both dog pack and cougar predation on humans are discussed. PMID: 22971181 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - September 12, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Fonseca GM, Palacios R Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

Forensic medical examination of adolescent and adult victims of sexual violence
The acute care and examination of a victim of sexual violence must be carried out by a competent forensic examiner in a setting appropriate for crisis intervention, forensic evidence collection, and medical follow up. The aim of forensic evidence and biological material collection is to document an alleged physical or sexual contact between individuals and to corroborate the victim's and the assailant's history. This is why the forensic examiner is expected to be objective and in possession of specialised technical and scientific skills. These skills are addressed and recommendations are made on how to carry out a forensic...
Source: Best Practice and Research. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology - September 10, 2012 Category: OBGYN Authors: Ole Ingemann-Hansen, Annie Vesterby Charles Source Type: research

Alpha- and beta-asarone in herbal medicinal products. A case study
Abstract: The composition of pellets and tablets, which were sold as the preparations of Chinese natural medicine, was studied. The drugs were seized by the police due to the intoxication of a young woman. Analyses were performed by GC–MS (HP-5ms column) and by HPLC (RP-18e Chromolith® monolithic column).Diverse content of asarone isomers was found in the tested material. The dose of alpha-asarone ranged from 0.49 to 42.5μg per pellet, while its average concentration in the tablets was 51.4μg. Beta-asarone was not detected in the pellets with low content of alpha isomer (below 1μg), while its content in the remaining...
Source: Forensic Science International - September 10, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Dariusz Zuba, Bogumiła Byrska Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Dental age estimation in Spanish children
This study also set out to create tables to convert specific dental age using the maturity data from our sample. This study was performed on a sample of 1010 orthopantograms taken of Spanish children (485 boys and 525 girls) aged 2–16. We found that the mean estimated dental age exceeded the mean chronological age in both boys and girls, with the mean difference being 0.87 and 0.55 years respectively. We adapted Demirjian's method to our study sample to obtain specific conversion tables and curves.
Source: Forensic Science International - September 10, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Gonzalo Feijóo, Elena Barbería, Joaquín De Nova, Jose Luis Prieto Tags: Forensic Anthropology Population Data Source Type: research

Why is the molecular identification of the forensically important blowfly species Lucilia caesar and L. illustris (family Calliphoridae) so problematic?
Abstract: Species of the fly genus Lucilia are commonly used in forensic investigations to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI). Two close-related species Lucilia caesar and L. illustris are difficult to identify. Previous studies showed that the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) marker could be used to identify many Lucilia species. However, mixed results were obtained for L. caesar and L. illustris due to some European specimens showing identical haplotypes. Here, we investigated 58 new European male specimens of L. illustris and L. caesar whose morphological identifications were checked and for which ...
Source: Forensic Science International - September 10, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Gontran Sonet, Kurt Jordaens, Yves Braet, Stijn Desmyter Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Differentiation of lipsticks by Raman spectroscopy
Abstract: Dispersive Raman spectra have been obtained using a Raman microscope and an excitation wavelength of 632.8nm from 69 lipsticks of various colours and from a range of manufacturers without any pre-treatment of the samples. 10% of the samples were too fluorescent to give Raman spectra. 22% of the samples gave spectra which were unique to the brand and colour within the collected sample set. The remaining 68% of the samples gave spectra which could be classified into seven distinct groups. Discrimination of red lipsticks by this technique was the most difficult. The spectra of deposited lipstick samples remained unc...
Source: Forensic Science International - September 10, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Fatma Salahioglu, Michael J. Went Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Establishing a universal swabbing and clean-up protocol for the combined recovery of organic and inorganic explosive residues
Abstract: A single-step solvent extraction and a solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up procedure was developed and optimised in order to establish a universal sampling and clean-up protocol for the combined recovery of organic and inorganic explosive residues.Mixtures of three common swabbing solvents (acetone, acetonitrile and methanol) with water, in various ratios, were assessed for the extraction of four target organic explosives [pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and triacetone triperoxide (TATP)] and two inorganic anions (chlorate and nitra...
Source: Forensic Science International - September 10, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Nopporn Song-im, Sarah Benson, Chris Lennard Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Population data for 17 Y-chromosome STRs in a sample from Apulia (Southern Italy)
Abstract: The 17 Y-STR loci included in the AmpFLSTR Yfiler PCR Amplification Kit were analyzed in 98 unrelated healthy males from Apulia (Southern Italy). A total of 97 different haplotypes were identified, of which 96 haplotypes were unique and 1 occurred twice. Allele frequencies for each Y-STR locus in pooled sample and estimated value of gene diversity (GD) were evaluated. The lowest value of GD was observed for DYS392 (0.126) and the highest one (0.936) for DYS385. The HD (haplotype diversity) for the studied Y-STR set showed a value of 0.9994, with an HMP (haplotype match probability) value of 0.0006, while the over...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - September 10, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: M. Piglionica, S. Lonero Baldassarra, E. Giardina, A. Stella, F.D. D’Ovidio, P. Frati, G.M. Lenato, N. Resta, A. Dell’Erba Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research

"Why confessions trump innocence": Corrections and updates to Kassin (2012).
Reports an error in "Why confessions trump innocence" by Saul M. Kassin ( American Psychologist, Advanced Online Publication, Apr 30, 2012, np). Minor corrections should be made in the description of the Amanda Knox case. These corrections are presented in the erratum. For the most recent and “official” opinion on this case, see the Hellmann-Zanetti Report on the Acquittal of Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito–December 16, 2011, Translated into English (http://hellmannreport.wordpress.com/contents/). In addition, since the article was published Online First, the prosecution’s appeal of Knox’s acquittal has been s...
Source: American Psychologist - September 10, 2012 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Kassin, Saul M. Source Type: research

The differential diagnosis of tongue swelling
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Differential DiagnosisPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s12024-012-9378-2Authors Takahito Hayashi, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, University Medical Centre Charité, University of Berlin, Turmstr. 21, Building N, 10559 Berlin, GermanyMichael Tsokos, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, University Medical Centre Charité, University of Berlin, Turmstr. 21, Building N, 10559 Berlin, Germany Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - September 8, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology Source Type: research

Polymorphisms upstream of the melanocortin‐1 receptor coding region are associated with human pigmentation variation in a Brazilian population
Conclusion:These data suggest that the rs3212345‐T and rs3212346‐G alleles may have contributed to lighter pigmentation phenotypes in modern humans. Genotyping for these SNPs may prove useful to the fields of molecular anthropology and forensic genetics. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source: American Journal of Human Biology - September 8, 2012 Category: Biology Authors: Vanessa Neitzke‐Montinelli, Turan P. Urmenyi, Edson Rondinelli, Pedro Hernan Cabello, Rosane Silva, Rodrigo S. Moura‐Neto Tags: Short Report Source Type: research

Identification of forensically important Sarcophaga species (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) using the mitochondrial COI gene
In this study, we sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene of 126 specimens of 56 W European Sarcophaga species and added GenBank data to our database to yield a total dataset of 270 COI sequences from 99 Sarcophaga species to evaluate the COI gene as a molecular diagnostic tool for species identification in this genus. Using two simple criteria (Best Match, BM and Best Close Match, BCM), we showed that the identification success using a mini-barcode region of 127 bp was very low (80.7–82.5 %) and the use of this region is not recommended as a species identifier. In contrast,...
Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine - September 7, 2012 Category: Medical Law Tags: International Journal of Legal Medicine Source Type: research

Unusual suicide using a table saw
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Images in ForensicsPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s12024-012-9377-3Authors Petr Hejna, Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical Faculty of Charles University and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Šimkova 870, 500 38 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - September 7, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology Source Type: research

Out with the "Junk DNA" Phrase.
PMID: 22957975 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - September 7, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Wagner JK Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

P3 Selective sound sensitivity syndrome (misophonia) and Tourette syndrome
Conclusion Selective sound sensitivity syndrome (SSSS, or misophonia, from the Greek "miso", hatred, and "phonia", sound) is described as a "hate of sound", possibly associated with abnormal activity within the limbic system and its functional connections with the primary auditory cortex and the autonomic nervous system. Misophonia is a relatively rare condition, which can be distinguished from hyperacusis by its sensitivity to the subjective response elicited. This is the first documented case of misophonia reported by a patient with a diagnosis of TS. The phenomenological similarity between misophonia and other subjectiv...
Source: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry - September 7, 2012 Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Neal, M., Cavanna, A. E. Tags: Genetics, Movement disorders (other than Parkinsons), Sleep disorders (neurology), Child and adolescent psychiatry, Personality disorders, Sleep disorders, Ear, nose and throat/otolaryngology BNPA 2012 AGM Source Type: research

Corrigendum to “New identification criteria for the Chilean population: Estimation of sex and stature” [Forensic Sci. Int. 204 (2011) 206.e1–206.e3]
The authors regret that there was an error with the male stature estimates for Table 4 (male stature equations). The corrected equations have been reproduced below. The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. We would like to thank Carlos Villalobos Fuentes for bringing this to our attention.
Source: Forensic Science International - September 6, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ann H. Ross, María José Manneschi Tags: Corrigendum Source Type: research