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 15.

Pharmacokinetic simulation of fatal carbamazepine intoxication in 23-month old child following phenytoin discontinuation
Abstract The antiepileptic, carbamazepine, is extensively metabolized via hepatic enzymes in the cytochrome P450 family and is therefore subject to a myriad of drug interactions. Concomitant administration with phenytoin enhances carbamazepine metabolism thus reducing serum concentrations and necessitating the use of a higher maintenance dose. Removal of phenytoin therapy in the absence of anticipatory dose adjustments and careful monitoring of serum concentrations may result in catastrophic outcomes. Reported herein are the events leading to the death of a 23-month old child who suffered a fatal carbamazepi...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - August 22, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology Source Type: research

A case of the large retroperitoneal solitary fibrous tumor
Abstract: A rare autopsy case of the extremely large retroperitoneal solitary fibrous tumor is reported. A 52-year-old female with a huge abdominal distention was found dead at home. She showed remarkable emaciation. The autopsy revealed a huge retroperitoneal tumor weighing 11.9kg (36×30×20cm in size), which occupied the entire intraperitoneal cavity. Histologically, the tumor consisted of spindle parenchymal cells with fibrous tissues. Immunohistochemically, CD34 was positively stained, whereas S-100, smooth muscle actin, and factor VIII were negative. Her cause of death was diagnosed as emaciation due to the compressi...
Source: Legal Medicine - August 22, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Makoto Nogami, Tomoaki Hoshi, Yoko Toukairin, Tomomi Arai, Hiroshi Uozaki, Toshio Fukusato Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

The 2011 GeFI collaborative exercise. Concordance study, proficiency testing and Italian population data on the new ENFSI/EDNAP loci D1S1656, D2S441, D10S1248, D12S391, D22S1045
Abstract: The 2011 collaborative exercise of the ISFG Italian Working Group GeFI was aimed at validating the five ENFSI/EDNAP miniSTR loci D1S1656, D2S441, D10S1248, D12S391 and D22S1045. The protocol required to type at least 50 multilocus profiles from locally resident individuals and two blind bloodstains in duplicate (i.e., using at least two different commercial kits), and to send the electropherograms to the Organizing Committee. Nineteen laboratories distributed across Italy participated, collecting a total of 960 samples. Full concordance was found for the five new miniSTRs as observed from the comparison of 13,150...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - August 22, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: C. Previderè, P. Grignani, F. Alessandrini, M. Alù, R. Biondo, I. Boschi, L. Caenazzo, I. Carboni, E. Carnevali, F. De Stefano, R. Domenici, M. Fabbri, E. Giardina, S. Inturri, S. Pelotti, A. Piccinini, M. Piglionica, N. Resta, S. Turrina, A. Verzeletti Tags: Forensic Population Genetics - Short Communication Source Type: research

Prevalence and persistence of male DNA identified in mixed saliva samples after intense kissing
Abstract: Identification of foreign biological material by genetic profiling is widely used in forensic DNA testing in different cases of sexual violence, sexual abuse or sexual harassment. In all these kinds of sexual assaults, the perpetrator could constrain the victim to kissing. The value of the victim's saliva taken after such an assault has not been investigated in the past with currently widely used molecular methods of extremely high sensitivity (e.g. qPCR) and specificity (e.g. multiplex Y-STR PCR).In our study, 12 voluntary pairs were tested at various intervals after intense kissing and saliva samples were taken...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - August 22, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Natália Kamodyová, Jaroslava Durdiaková, Peter Celec, Tatiana Sedláčková, Gabriela Repiská, Barbara Sviežená, Gabriel Minárik Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

The HIrisPlex system for simultaneous prediction of hair and eye colour from DNA
Abstract: Recently, the field of predicting phenotypes of externally visible characteristics (EVCs) from DNA genotypes with the final aim of concentrating police investigations to find persons completely unknown to investigating authorities, also referred to as Forensic DNA Phenotyping (FDP), has started to become established in forensic biology. We previously developed and forensically validated the IrisPlex system for accurate prediction of blue and brown eye colour from DNA, and recently showed that all major hair colour categories are predictable from carefully selected DNA markers. Here, we introduce the newly develop...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - August 22, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Susan Walsh, Fan Liu, Andreas Wollstein, Leda Kovatsi, Arwin Ralf, Agnieszka Kosiniak-Kamysz, Wojciech Branicki, Manfred Kayser Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

A hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of γ-hydroxybutyrate and its precursors in forensic whole blood
Abstract: A liquid-chromatography–tandem-mass-spectrometry method using pneumatically assisted electrospray ionisation (LC–ESI-MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), γ-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) in human ante-mortem and post-mortem whole blood. The blood proteins were precipitated using a mixture of methanol and acetonitrile, and the extract was cleaned-up by passage through a polymeric strong cation exchange sorbent. Separation of the analytes and their structural isomers was obtained using a column with a zwitterionic stationary phase. Matrix-mat...
Source: Forensic Science International - August 22, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Lambert K. Sørensen, Jørgen B. Hasselstrøm Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Screening and confirmation of microRNA markers for forensic body fluid identification
In this study, we employed the qPCR-array (TaqMan® Array Human MicroRNA Cards) to screen the body fluid-specific miRNAs. Seven candidate miRNAs were identified as potentially body fluid-specific and could be used as forensically relevant body fluid markers: miR16 and miR486 for venous blood, miR888 and miR891a for semen, miR214 for menstrual blood, miR124a for vaginal secretions, and miR138-2 for saliva. The candidate miRNA markers were then validated via hydrolysis probes quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (TaqMan-qPCR). In addition, BestKeeper software was used to validate the expression stability of four ...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - August 21, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Zheng Wang, Ji Zhang, Haibo Luo, Yi Ye, Jing Yan, Yiping Hou Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

DNA extraction and molecular analysis of non-tumoral liver, spleen, and brain from autopsy samples: The effect of formalin fixation and paraffin embedding.
Abstract The use of molecular biology in combination with morphological analysis is increasing because of the treatments by target therapies. However, to improve the methods for obtaining DNA for molecular analyses from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue is a challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the DNA extracted from FFPE tissue blocks (non-tumoral liver, spleen, and brain), obtained from autopsy, 8-24h post mortem, using three methods of DNA extraction. PCR of the β-actin (136pb) and human amelogenin (AMEL 212-218bp/106-112bp) genes, as well as short tandem repeat (STR) (100-400bp fragme...
Source: Pathology, Research and Practice - August 21, 2012 Category: Pathology Authors: Funabashi KS, Barcelos D, Visoná I, E Silva MS, E Sousa ML, de Franco MF, Iwamura ES Tags: Pathol Res Pract Source Type: research

Rapid quantitative colourimetric tests for trinitrotoluene (TNT) in soil
Abstract: A rapid quantitative colourimetric test was developed for the determination of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) in soil. Quantification was achieved using an innovative application of photography where the relationship between the Red Green Blue (RGB) value and concentration of colorimetric product was exploited. The wide linear range (1–50mg/L) and low detection limit (0.73±0.01mg/L to 3.5±0.4mg/L) achieved was comparable with spectrophotometric quantification methods. Quantification was validated both with known concentration standards and spiked soil extracts confirming the accuracy of the technique. The result...
Source: Forensic Science International - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Aree Choodum, Proespichaya Kanatharana, Worawit Wongniramaikul, Niamh NicDaeid Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Lucilia silvarum Meigen, 1826 (Diptera: Calliphoridae)—A new species of interest for forensic entomology in Europe
We present three forensic cases from different European countries reporting, for the first time, L. silvarum on human bodies that were found close to lakes, wetlands, or riversides. To use this species for post-mortem interval estimations, thermal development data is needed. The first step is accurate identification by morphological and molecular means. Therefore, we analysed a 611bp part of the mitochondrial COI region for 23 specimens of L. silvarum from 9 different geographical regions, all of which give the same haplotype. Differences within the haplotype varied by up to 0.2%. Comparison between the haplotype found and...
Source: Forensic Science International - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Heike Fremdt, Krzysztof Szpila, Johannes Huijbregts, Anders Lindström, Richard Zehner, Jens Amendt Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

The frequencies of mutated alleles of CYP2D6 gene in a Turkish population
Abstract: Allele and genotype frequency distribution of CYP2D6*3, *4, *5, *6 and *10 variants were analyzed in blood samples of 100 unrelated healthy individuals by Real-Time PCR.The allele frequencies of CYP2D6*3(A2549del), *4(G1846A), *6(T1707del) and *10(C100T) were 1%, 10%, 2.5% and 14.5% respectively, while allele frequency of CYP2D6*5 was 3% of the subjects tested.Extensive, poor and intermediate metabolizer (EM, PM, IM) genotype frequencies were 63%, 4% and 12%, respectively. CYP2D6 gene duplication was 4%.Our results show that the frequencies of the mutated alleles of CYP2D6 in Turkish populations are similar to so...
Source: Forensic Science International - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: A. Serin, H. Canan, B. Alper, M. Gulmen. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Determination of bromadiolone and brodifacoum in human blood using LC-ESI/MS/MS and its application in four superwarfarin poisoning cases
Abstract: Superwarfarin poisoning is a growing health problem. A sensitive and reproducible LC-ESI/MS/MS (liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry) method was developed and validated for the determination of bromadiolone and brodifacoum, the most commonly used superwarfarins, in human blood using warfarin-D5 as an internal standard. Bromadiolone and brodifacoum were extracted from whole blood samples by liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. Multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) was used to detect bromadiolone and brodifacoum using precursor→product ion combinations of m/z 525→250 and...
Source: Forensic Science International - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Hui Yan, Ping Xiang, Lin Zhu, Min Shen Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Snorkelling-related deaths in Australia, 1994-2006.
CONCLUSIONS: In the context of the large population sampled, snorkelling-related deaths are rare. Preventive measures for such deaths could include pre-dive medical assessments for people with a history of cardiac or respiratory disease or with a family history of sudden unexpected death; improved training in how to use snorkelling equipment; better matching of skills to health, fitness and water conditions; better supervision and quality training of supervisors in rescue and resuscitation techniques; and avoidance of hyperventilation before breath-hold diving. PMID: 22900874 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Med J Aust - August 20, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Lippmann JM, Pearn JH Tags: Med J Aust Source Type: research

The Radzinowicz Memorial Prize
Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: other Source Type: research

Doing Justice to Young People: Youth Crime and Social Justice. By Roger Smith (Abingdon: Willan Publishing, 2011, 227pp. {pound}226.99 pb)
Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Muncie, J. Tags: book-review Source Type: research

Researching Crime and Justice: Tales from the Field. * Conducting Law and Society Research: Reflections on Methods and Practices.
Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Richards, K., Bartels, L. Tags: book-review Source Type: research

Probation Practice and the New Penology: Practitioner Reflections. By John Deering (Farnham: Ashgate, 2011, 204pp. {pound}55.00 hb) * * Offender Supervision: New Directions in Theory, Research and Practice. By Fergus McNeill, Peter Raynor and Chris Trotter (Cullompton: Willan/London: Routledge, 2010, 555pp. {pound}31.95 pb)
Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Green, S. Tags: review-article Source Type: research

Research Methods: A Practical Guide for the Social Sciences. By B. Matthews and L. Ross (Harlow: Longman, 2010, 490pp. {pound}30.00 pb) * * Crime: Local and Global. By J. Muncie, D. Talbot and R. Walters (Cullompton: Willan, 2010, 263pp. {pound}75.00 hb, {pound}23.00 pb)
Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Barton, A. Tags: review-article Source Type: research

Communication and Social Regulation: The Criminalization of Work-Related Death
This paper addresses the movement towards criminalization as a tool for the regulation of work-related deaths in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the last 20 years. This can be seen as reflecting dissatisfaction with the relevant law, although it is best understood in symbolic terms as a response to a disjunction between the instrumental nature and communicative aspirations of regulatory law. This paper uses empirical data gathered from interviews with members of the public to explore the role that such an offence might play. The findings demonstrate that the failures of regulatory law give rise to a desire for cri...
Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Almond, P., Colover, S. Tags: research-article Source Type: research

Economic Rationalities of Governance and Ambiguity in the Criminalization of Cartels
In July 2009, Australia introduced criminal offences and jail for collusive conduct (price fixing, output restriction, market allocation and bid rigging) in markets. The substance of the justification for criminalization of cartel conduct is ‘blindly’ economic. It does not spring from a sense of moral or political outrage at collusion in the market. Rather, it is justified on the basis of effective regulatory technique, the need to deter economically harmful behaviour. This paper examines the rationality of anti-cartel law from the point of view of the ‘legal consciousness’ of 25 business people who...
Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Parker, C. Tags: research-article Source Type: research

Ambiguities in Criminalizing Cartels: A Political Economy
Criminalizing the harms of the powerful has considerable appeal for those who desire a more tractable, ethical and sustainable business sector. Yet, attempts to both establish criminal offences and to enforce them once they are enacted often face perennial challenges. These challenges are a product of the ambiguities—economic, moral and legal—associated with the conduct sought to be criminalized, in this case cartels, and with the character of the criminal law itself. Following Aubert, we argue that exploring these ambiguities reveals critical social and economic shifts in society. Further, these shifts pose si...
Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Haines, F., Beaton-Wells, C. Tags: review-article Source Type: research

Dangerous Instruments?: Constructing Risk and Culpable Drivers through the Criminalization of Negligence
Qualifying the automobile as a dangerous instrument is linked to the ‘responsibilization’ and the criminalization of individual negligent drivers in the United States. One case—State v. Fitzgerald (1978)—is selected to illustrate this particular process. The use of the dangerous instrument argument lowers the threshold of criminal liability from gross to ordinary negligence and offers judicial ground to increase the degree of culpability for negligent homicide. My argument is twofold. First, I claim that the criminalization of negligent driving points to a process whereby the motor vehicle and the n...
Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Poama, A. Tags: research-article Source Type: research

Financial Channels of Money Laundering in Spain
This is the first instalment of the results from an empirical research project on money laundering in Spain. The research is based on the analysis of the court documents referring to 367 cases judged between 1995 and 2011. The numerous data obtained are contrasted with the quantitative and qualitative hypotheses published in the official papers of international institutions dedicated to fight money laundering. These hypotheses have been the basis for the development of the legal principles for the implementation of anti-laundering laws worldwide. The main conclusions of the research shed some light on the economic, financi...
Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Steinko, A. F. Tags: research-article Source Type: research

Probation in Romania: Archaeology of a Partnership
The intention of this paper is to contribute to the international debate on penal policy transfer by describing the development of a probation service in Romania following the policy transfer schema developed by Dolowitz and Marsh (1996). Both authors of this article played a role in the establishment of probation in Romania and this article provides an ‘inside story’. Our conclusion is that both the debate and practices of policy transfer have been too simplistic to capture the dynamic and complex nature of international policy transfer and, indeed, that the notion of policy transfer itself is ill conceived. W...
Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Durnescu, I., Haines, K. Tags: research-article Source Type: research

Intoxication and Homicide: A Context-Specific Approach
This article presents a context-specific analysis of intoxication and homicide. Substantial proportions of homicides involve alcohol and/or drug intoxication, yet this remains an under-researched phenomenon in the United Kingdom. The article draws upon ESRC-funded research incorporating three sources of data: Homicide Index data for 1995–2005; police homicide files; and interviews with convicted homicide offenders. This dataset provides a unique insight into this complex phenomenon and demonstrates the value of integrating multiple sources of data. The findings highlight under-reporting of intoxication-related homici...
Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Miles, C. Tags: research-article Source Type: research

Effects of Employment and Unemployment on Serious Offending in a High-Risk Sample of Men and Women from Ages 18 to 32 in the Netherlands
Using longitudinal data on the criminal careers of a group of high-risk men and women (N = 540) who were institutionalized in a Dutch juvenile justice institution in the nineties, this article addresses the effects of (un)employment on crime. Results show that, for both men and women, employment rates are below average and stability in employment is low. Nevertheless, random effects models consistently show employment to reduce the estimated number of convictions for both men and women. Employment duration has an additional effect on crime, but only for men. Unemployment duration increases the estimated number of...
Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues - August 20, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Verbruggen, J., Blokland, A. A. J., van der Geest, V. R. Tags: other Source Type: research

Toxicogenetics—cytochrome P450 microarray analysis in forensic cases focusing on morphine/codeine and diazepam
Abstract Genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P 450 (CYP) enzymes could lead to a phenotype with altered enzyme activity. In pharmacotherapy, genotype-based dose recommendations achieved great importance for several drugs. In our pilot study, we ask if these genetic tests should be applied to forensic problems as a matter of routine. Starting from 2004 through 2008, we screened routine cases for samples where the relation of parent compound to metabolite(s) (P/M ratio), particularly morphine to codeine ratios and diazepam to its metabolites, was noticeable or not consistent with the information provided by th...
Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine - August 17, 2012 Category: Medical Law Tags: International Journal of Legal Medicine Source Type: research

The Third Molar as an Age Marker in Adolescents: New Approach to Age Evaluation.
Abstract Adolescence is a relatively short period between childhood and adulthood. It is very difficult to determine adulthood based on biological indicators. The third molar may be considered a potential age marker for the period between the ages of 16-21. Our study evaluated a set of 1700 panoramic radiographs of individuals aged between 5 and 21 years. Results confirmed the statistically significant difference in the course of third molars development. The mean deviation for individuals with one third molar agenesis is -0.98 years, for individuals with two third molars agenesis -1.89 years, and with three mol...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - August 17, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Rozkovcova E, Dostalova T, Markova M, Broukal Z Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

A Fatal Case of Subcapsular Liver Hemorrhage in Late Pregnancy: A Review of Hemorrhages Caused by Hepatocellular Hyperplastic Nodules.
Abstract A previously healthy 23-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with abdominal pain at 39 weeks 0 days of pregnancy. The patient suffered sudden cardiopulmonary arrest during the observation and unfortunately died. An autopsy was performed to determine the cause of death. Opening of the peritoneal cavity revealed 2220 mL of blood and a subcapsular hematoma weighing 1060 g on the anterior surface of the right hepatic lobe. A lesion of c. 1 cm in diameter was noted at the center of the front surface of the right hepatic lobe, which was shown on histological examination to be a focal nodular hyperplasia-...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - August 17, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Yajima D, Kondo F, Nakatani Y, Saitoh H, Hayakawa M, Sato Y, Otsuka K, Sato K, Iwase H Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

Suicide Trends in Upper Egypt.
This study showed that suicide rates have increased since 1987, indicating a grave problem that needs to be solved. PMID: 22900760 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - August 17, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Abdel Moneim WM, Yassa HA, George SM Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

GC-MS and GC-MS/MS in PCI Mode Determination of Mescaline in Peyote Tea and in Biological Matrices.
This study reports a case of an underage boy suspected of mescaline abuse. For this purpose, we analyzed a dark green liquid sample found in the bedroom of the boy whose urine and hair samples were collected shortly after the drink was found. A method by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) in positive chemical ionization mode was developed and validated in terms of linearity, specificity, accuracy, and sensitivity for mescaline determination at the low concentrations present in hair. GC-MS analysis of the liquid identified mescaline, while urine was negative; GC-MS/MS segmental hair ana...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - August 17, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Gambelunghe C, Marsili R, Aroni K, Bacci M, Rossi R Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

Sudden Death Due to Infiltration of Left Bundle Branches by Interventricular Septal Cardiac Fibroma.
We report a case of a 68-year-old female who died suddenly. Postmortem investigation detected a huge cardiac fibroma in the pars muscularis of the interventricular septum, occupying almost the entire muscular septum, and restricting the volume of left ventricular chamber. Histological examination revealed numerous foci of calcification in the alternating complex interlacing or strictly parallel collagenous fiber mass. Tumor mass was mainly demarcated, but in some places, fibrous infiltration of surrounding working cardiac muscle was found. We present a case when direct tumor involvement in the descending left bundle branch...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - August 17, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: István K, Törő K, Kardos M, Imre C, György D, Agnes N Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

Physician Suicide.
Abstract Pathology files at Forensic Science South Australia were examined over a 14-year period, from January 1997 to March 2011 for cases of physician suicide. Nine cases were identified (ages, 30-69 years; median = 41 years; M:F = 3:1). Three cases (33.3%) had a history of prescription drug abuse, and eight cases (88.9%) died from lethal drug self-administration. Intravenous administration of drugs was the favored method in seven cases. In only one case was an alternative method used, involving jumping from a high building. A history of depression and/or suicidal ideation was noted in six cases (66.7%). Th...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - August 17, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Austin AE, van den Heuvel C, Byard RW Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research

A validation study of the Nucleix DSI-Semen kit—a methylation-based assay for semen identification
Abstract The detection of semen can assist in reconstructing the events of a sexual assault and impact the outcome of legal dispositions. Many methods currently are used for detecting the presence of semen, but they all have limitations with regards to specificity, sample degradation/consumption, stability of biomolecule assayed, and/or incompatibility with downstream individual identification assays. DNA is routinely collected at sexual assault crime scenes and is widely used for individual identification. The DNA also carries methylation patterns that are tissue specific. To date, however, assays designed ...
Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine - August 16, 2012 Category: Medical Law Tags: International Journal of Legal Medicine Source Type: research

A novel strategy for sibship determination in trio sibling model.
Conclusions. The high sensitivity and specificity figures when using two known siblings compared to a putative sibling are significantly greater than when using only one known relative. The data also support the use of increasing number of loci allowing for greater confidence in genetic identification. The system established in this study could be used as the model for evaluating and simulating the cases with multiple relatives. PMID: 22911526 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Croatian Medical Journal - August 15, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Chun-I Lee J, Lin YY, Tsai LC, Lin CY, Huang TY, Chu PC, Yu YJ, Linacre A, Hsieh HM Tags: Croat Med J Source Type: research

Universal Multiplex PCR: a novel method of simultaneous amplification of multiple DNA fragments
Performing multiple PCR reactions in the same tube ('multiplexing') is a way of enhancing the throughput and efficiency of analytical procedures, but can be technically challenging to set up. The authors describe a universally applicable innovation that greatly improves the reliability of multiplex PCR, with many potential applications including analysing the genetic purity of seeds (as here), species identification, mutation analysis, mapping and forensic studies.
Source: BioMed Central - August 15, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Daxing WenChunqing Zhang Source Type: research

Simple and rapid determination of myristicin in human serum
This report describes the rapid, simple, and useful procedure for myristicin analysis in human serum, involving myristicin–protein complex degradation before chromatographic analysis. The developed method is characterized by a high recovery (above 99 %), a low detection limit (6.0 ng/g) and good repeatability (average RDS of 2.01 %). Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Short CommunicationPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s11419-012-0151-8Authors Andrzej L. Dawidowicz, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie Sklodowska University, Pl. Marii Curie Sklodowskiej 3, 20-031 Lublin, PolandMichal P. Dybowski, Faculty of C...
Source: Forensic Toxicology - August 14, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Forensic Toxicology Source Type: research

Common and Expected Postmortem CT Observations Involving the Brain: Mimics of Antemortem Pathology [BRAIN]
CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of expected postmortem patterns is required before pathology can be accurately diagnosed. A limitation of CT virtual autopsy is the possibility of missing small blood collections.
Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology - August 14, 2012 Category: Radiology Authors: Smith, A. B., Lattin, G. E., Berran, P., Harcke, H. T. Tags: BRAIN Source Type: research

Rabies viral encephalitis with proable 25 year incubation period!
We report a case of rabies viral encephalitis in a 48-year-old male with an unusually long incubation period, historically suspected to be more than 20 years. The case was referred for histological diagnosis following alleged medical negligence to the forensic department. The histology and immunocytochemical demonstration of rabies viral antigen established the diagnosis unequivocally. The case manifested initially with hydrophobia and aggressive behavior, although he suddenly went to the bathroom and drank a small amount of water. History of dog bite 25 years back was elicited retrospectively following clinical suspicion....
Source: Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology - August 14, 2012 Category: Neurology Authors: SK ShankarAnita MahadevanSilvano Dias SapicoM. S. G. GhodkirekarR. G. W. PintoSN Madhusudana Source Type: research

Application of high-throughput chiral analysis of amphetamines by GC–MS to whole blood specimens
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s11419-012-0150-9Authors Hiroshi Fujii, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180 JapanKenji Hara, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180 JapanMasayuki Kashiwagi, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180 JapanAya Matsusue, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma,...
Source: Forensic Toxicology - August 13, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Forensic Toxicology Source Type: research

Significance of CYP2C9 genetic polymorphism in inhibitory effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on CYP2C9 activity
In this study, in vitro inhibitory effects of Δ9-THC on catalytic activities of two major allelic variants, CYP2C9.2 and CYP2C9.3, were examined with the recombinant enzymes. Δ9-THC inhibited S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation, diclofenac 4′-hydroxylation, and tolbutamide 4-hydroxylation by CYP2C9.2 and CYP2C9.3 in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 values for the catalytic activities toward S-warfarin, diclofenac, and tolbutamide were 2.39, 1.04, and 1.12 μM, respectively, for CYP2C9.2, and 2.91, 1.38, and 1.09 μM, respectively, for CYP2C9.3. The inhibitory potencies against these mutant variants were s...
Source: Forensic Toxicology - August 13, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Tags: Forensic Toxicology Source Type: research

Estimation of the detection rate in STR analysis by determining the DNA degradation ratio using quantitative PCR
Abstract: Performing short tandem repeat (STR) analysis from degraded DNA is a challenge for forensic biologists. For assessing the quality and quantity of DNA, we developed quantitative PCR assays to determine the extent of DNA degradation. Quantitative PCR assays using primers that generate two sizes of amplicons from the same region of genomic DNA were used to determine the extent of DNA degradation. These quantitative PCR assays were used with artificially degraded DNA and degraded DNA extracted from aged bloodstains. Increased DNA degradation correlated with a decrease in the number of detectable loci in STR analysis....
Source: Legal Medicine - August 13, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Tetsushi Kitayama, Koji Fujii, Hiroaki Nakahara, Natsuko Mizuno, Kentaro Kasai, Naoto Yonezawa, Kazumasa Sekiguchi Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Fatal manganese intoxication due to an error in the elaboration of Epsom salts for a liver cleansing diet
We describe the case of a 50-year-old man with a fatal intoxication after accidental massive oral ingestion of manganese. The patient presented with lethargy, diffuse abdominal pain, vomiting, and profuse diarrhea after ingesting Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) during a liver cleansing diet. Despite intensive care management with intubation, prone position ventilation, continuous venovenous hemofiltration, and multiple transfusions, he progressed to refractory shock with multiple organ dysfunction resulting in death within 72h. Similar patients arrived at several hospitals with identical epidemiology (all had ...
Source: Forensic Science International - August 13, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Baltasar Sánchez, Jaume Casalots-Casado, Salvador Quintana, Amparo Arroyo, Carles Martín-Fumadó, Ignasi Galtés Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

The Ashikaga case of Japan—Y-STR testing used as the exculpatory evidence to free a convicted felon after 17.5 years in prison
In 1990, a 4-year-old girl was murdered and abandoned at the bank of a river (known as the Ashikaga case in Japan). The short-sleeved shirt of the victim found at the river side was an important piece of evidence. It was confirmed by microscopic examination that a lot of sperm stuck to the shirt.
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics - August 13, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Katsuya Honda Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research

Quality assurance testing of an explosives trace analysis laboratory — Further improvements to include peroxide explosives
Abstract: The Forensic Explosives Laboratory (FEL) operates within the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) which is part of the UK Government Ministry of Defence (MOD). The FEL provides support and advice to the Home Office and UK police forces on matters relating to the criminal misuse of explosives. During 1989 the FEL established a weekly quality assurance testing regime in its explosives trace analysis laboratory. The purpose of the regime is to prevent the accumulation of explosives traces within the laboratory at levels that could, if other precautions failed, result in the contamination of samples and c...
Source: Science and Justice - August 13, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Andrew Crowson, Richard Cawthorne Tags: Scientific, technical and review papers Source Type: research

Comparison of fatal poisonings by prescription opioids
Abstract: There is a rising trend of fatal poisonings due to medicinal opioids in several countries. The present study evaluates the drug and alcohol findings as well as the cause and manner of death in opioid-related post-mortem cases in Finland from 2000 to 2008. During this period, fatal poisonings by prescription opioids (buprenorphine, codeine, dextropropoxyphene, fentanyl, methadone, oxycodone, tramadol) increased as a share of all drug poisonings from 9.5% to 32.4%, being 22.3% over the whole period. A detailed study including the most prevalent opioids was carried out for the age group of 14–44 years, which is th...
Source: Forensic Science International - August 13, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Margareeta Häkkinen, Terhi Launiainen, Erkki Vuori, Ilkka Ojanperä Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Separation of overlapping fingermarks by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Abstract: Latent fingermarks are impressions of the skin ridge pattern that are transferred by the accidental contact of fingertips with a deposition surface. The ability to enhance, lift and produce an image of a latent fingermark, for comparison and suspect match against a central fingerprint database, provides forensic investigators with what is still considered one of the most powerful means of biometric identification to date. Identification relies on the recovery, visualisation, extraction and comparison of local characteristics of the ridge pattern (minutiae) that are unique to individuals. Therefore, both for manua...
Source: Forensic Science International - August 13, 2012 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: R. Bradshaw, W. Rao, R. Wolstenholme, M.R. Clench, S. Bleay, S. Francese Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

Age‐at‐death estimation in an Italian historical sample: A test of the Suchey‐Brooks and transition analysis methods
Abstract A growing body of research is demonstrating increased accuracy in aging from a relatively new method, transition analysis. Although transition analysis was developed for paleodemographic research, a majority of subsequent studies have been in the forensic arena, with very little work in bioarchaeological contexts. Using the Suchey‐Brooks pubic symphysis phases, scored on a target sample of historic Italians from the island of Sardinia, we compare accuracy of aging between transition analysis combined with a Bayesian approach and the standard Suchey‐Brooks age ranges. Because of the difficulty in identifying a ...
Source: American Journal of Physical Anthropology - August 13, 2012 Category: Physiology Authors: Kanya Godde, Samantha M. Hens Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Microwave Digestion—Vacuum Filtration-Automated Scanning Electron Microscopy as a sensitive method for forensic diatom test
This study was designed to evaluate the sensitivity of this method, the recovery of diatom, and loss ratio of centrifugation, which were compared using the MD-VF-Auto SEM method and the conventional acid digestion method. Two groups of samples were designed in the study. Groups A (n = 20) and B (n = 20) were performed by MD-VF-Auto SEM method and the conventional acid digestion method, respectively. In addition, another eight water samples were centrifuged, and the diatoms in the supernatant and precipitate were counted and measured, respectively, in order to find out how many diatoms were lost after centrifuga...
Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine - August 11, 2012 Category: Medical Law Tags: International Journal of Legal Medicine Source Type: research

Human dental age estimation combining third molar(s) development and tooth morphological age predictors
Abstract In the subadult age group, third molar development, as well as age-related morphological tooth information can be observed on panoramic radiographs. The aim of present study was to combine, in subadults, panoramic radiographic data based on developmental stages of third molar(s) and morphological measurements from permanent teeth, in order to evaluate its added age-predicting performances. In the age range between 15 and 23 years, 25 gender-specific radiographs were collected within each age category of 1 year. Third molar development was classified and registered according the 10-point st...
Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine - August 11, 2012 Category: Medical Law Tags: International Journal of Legal Medicine Source Type: research