MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'International Journal of Legal Medicine' source. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:38:47 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5660831&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fn310t37406tw04lq%2F Abstract  Fatal thromboembolism during physical restraint in patients suffering from psychotic disorders is a very rare occurrence. In the case we present here, the criteria used in forensic pathology for the age determination of venous thrombi are applied to a case of pulmonary embolism in a patient suffering from schizophrenia who died after physical restraint. The possible association between conventional antipsychotic drugs and deep venous thrombosis, followed by pulmonary embolism, in a man with no predisposing risk factors, as well as the question concerning the appropriateness of medical care, are discussed. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00414-012-0670-1Authors Rossana Cecchi, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Legal ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5660831 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:15:45 +0100 5660831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5660832&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F820m9k35p539627x%2F This study examined the development of a non-invasive means for measuring mass volume using computed tomography (CT) scanning. It was found that CT can be used to visualise and measure the volume of maggot masses, and a series of rules for doing so were established. The level of agreement between mass measurements made by four ‘judges’ using CT volumetric analysis tools produced excellent reliability (ICC > 0.95). This high level of reliability was maintained when applied to masses of different sizes in experimental cups of meat and natural masses of mixed species on human bodies. Entomological features of mortuary CT scans are now routinely reported in forensic entomology casework in Victoria, Australia, as a result of our work. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Origi... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5660832 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:11:56 +0100 5660832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5660833&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fp7tx3k1p06vg4864%2F Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Population DataPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00414-012-0672-zAuthors Laura Cainé, Jardim Carrilho Videira, 4050-167 Porto, PortugalSérgio Costa, Jardim Carrilho Videira, 4050-167 Porto, PortugalMaria F. Pinheiro, Jardim Carrilho Videira, 4050-167 Porto, Portugal Journal International Journal of Legal MedicineOnline ISSN 1437-1596Print ISSN 0937-9827 (Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine) International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5660833 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:11:55 +0100 5660833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5649900&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fp3w0531300t244h8%2F Abstract  A study was performed on the detection, separation and quantification of isomers from the new designer drugs named fluoroamphetamines (FAs) in forensic cases in eastern Denmark. The drugs were detected in whole blood extracts by ultraperformance liquid chromatography with time of flight mass spectrometer (UPLC-TOF-MS) and thereafter verified and quantified by UPLC tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS). The quantitative method involved liquid–liquid extraction of FAs from whole blood, evaporation of organic solvent, and reconstitution with a mobile phase mixture. Identification of the FAs was achieved by the retention time, multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) traces [154 > 109 (quantifier); 154 > 137], and ion ratio of the two transitions. For all FAs, LOQ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5649900 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:52:11 +0100 5649900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5649901&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fnh888247j29m75uj%2F In this study, we explored the use of microbial flora to indicate vaginal origin. First, we explored the vaginal microbiome for a large set of clinical vaginal samples (n = 240) by next generation sequencing (n = 338,184 sequence reads) and found 1,619 different sequences. Next, we selected 389 candidate probes targeting genera or species and designed a microarray, with which we analysed a diverse set of samples; 43 DNA extracts from vaginal samples and 25 DNA extracts from samples from other body sites, including sites in close proximity of or in contact with the vagina. Finally, we used the microarray results and next generation sequencing dataset to assess the potential for a future approach that uses microbial markers to indicate vaginal origin. Since no candidate genera/s... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5649901 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:45:08 +0100 5649901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5639397&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fm1122h3161847645%2F Abstract  The role of familial database search as a crime-solving tool has been increasingly recognized by forensic scientists. As an enhancement to the existing familial search approach on single source cases, this article presents our current progress in exploring the potential use of familial search to mixture cases. A novel method was established to predict the outcome of the search, from which a simple strategy for determining an appropriate scale of investigation by the police force is developed. Illustrated by an example using Swedish data, our approach is shown to have the potential for assisting the police force to decide on the scale of investigation, thereby achieving desirable crime-solving rate with reasonable cost. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Orig... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5639397 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:15:51 +0100 5639397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5639398&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fvx81604668705164%2F Abstract  An 86-year-old woman was hospitalized for breathlessness and a large right-sided pleural effusion. Approximately 1 h after thoracentesis, she developed a hemothorax resulting in hypotension and death. Routine postmortem CT scanning showed a large volume right hemothorax and a markedly enlarged liver. In an attempt to determine the origin of bleeding prior to autopsy, a postmortem CT angiogram was performed. Following inadvertent cannulation of the left long saphenous vein and infusion of ∼1,700 mL of a polyethylene glycol 200 and iodine-based radiographic contrast solution into systemic veins using a mechanical pump, CT scanning revealed a dense hepatic "parenchogram" containing multiple large, filling defects indicative of metastases. These were confi... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5639398 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:15:46 +0100 5639398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5610900&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fmu44h25047184p64%2F In conclusion, this study proved that gunshot residues survive extremely high temperatures and can be detected via SEM/EDX even in cases of charred tissues. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0661-7Authors Alberto Amadasi, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ItalyAlberto Brandone, Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, ItalyAgostino Rizzi, Dipartimento di Geologia - CNR, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ItalyDebora Mazzarelli, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, ItalyCristina Cattaneo, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy Journal International Journal of Legal MedicineOnline ISSN 1437-... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5610900 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:18:33 +0100 5610900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5610901&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fv48r8346p603p055%2F Abstract  Marker sets that are based on small insertion/deletion (INDEL) alleles can serve as useful supplementary or stand-alone assays for human identification. A validation study has been performed on a human identification assay based on a panel of 30 INDELs and amelogenin using the Investigator DIPplex® kit (Qiagen). The assay was able to type DNA from a number of forensically relevant sample types and obtain full profiles with 62 pg of template DNA and partial profiles with as little as 16 pg of template DNA. The assay is reproducible, precise, and non-overlapping alleles from minor contributors were detectable in mixture analysis ranging from 6:1 to 19:1 mixtures. Population studies were performed on the 30 indels, and there were no significant departures ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5610901 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:18:32 +0100 5610901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5599225&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fm01855784u8073j3%2F Abstract  Allele frequencies and forensic statistics of 21 autosomal short tandem repeat loci (i.e., D6S474, D12ATA63, D22S1045, D10S1248, D1S1677, D11S4463, D1S1627, D3S4529, D2S441, D6S1017, D4S2408, D19S433, D17S1301, D1GATA113, D18S853, D20S482, D14S1434, D9S1122, D2S1776, D10S1435 and D5S2500) were estimated in Han population from northern China (n = 220). Significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was detected only for D22S1045. The observed heterozygosity, the expected heterozygosity, the discrimination power, the probability of paternity exclusion in trios, the probability of paternity exclusion in duos and the polymorphic information content ranged from 0.591 to 0.836, 0.594 to 0.830, 0.762 to 0.948, 0.341 to 0.659, 0.189 to 0.487 and 0.535 to 0.807... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5599225 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:56:04 +0100 5599225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5599224&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fw722347pl5410mj7%2F Abstract  The mechanically stimulated idiomuscular contraction of skeletal muscles is part of the widely used compound method for death time estimation and therefore represents an item of high relevance and practicability in forensic case work. However, data on the topic are scarce and inconsistent and the currently reported maximum time span for the occurrence of the phenomenon until 13 h post-mortem (hpm) is based on a single case report from the beginning of the twentieth century. Therefore, idiomuscular contraction following mechanical stimulation has been investigated in skeletal muscles of 270 cases with assured time of death at defined post-mortem time points between 7 and 15 hpm. Of all investigated cases, 45 (16.7%) showed a positive reaction with a prepondera... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5599224 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:56:04 +0100 5599224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5584439&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fl00464m077442720%2F We report a real-time PCR-based amelogonin Y (AMELY) allele dropout estimation model in an AMEL-based gender typing. We examined 915 replicates of AMELY-positive modern male DNA with varying amounts of DNA and humic acid. A male-specific AMEL fragment (AMELy) dropped out in 143 genuine male replicates, leading to gender typing errors. By graphing a scatter plot of the crossing point versus the end cycle fluorescence of the male replicates, a standard graph model for the estimation of the AMELy allele dropout was constructed with the dropout-prone and dropout-free zones. This model was then applied to ancient DNA (aDNA) samples. Nine samples identified as female were found in the dropout-prone zone; with higher DNA concentrations, six were shifted to the dropout-free zone. Among them,... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5584439 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:56:43 +0100 5584439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572985&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fa335mj1q6k7536tx%2F In conclusion, we identified a higher prevalence of variants in the CPVT-associated gene RYR2 than in a previously reported cohort of SIDS (9.4% vs. 1–2%). Segregation studies show that one variant (p.H4579Y) co-segregates with CPVT and is presumed to be pathogenic. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0658-2Authors M. K. Larsen, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, 8200 Aarhus N, DenmarkK. E. Berge, Unit for Cardiac and Cardiovascular Genetics, Oslo University Hopsital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, NorwayT. P. Leren, Unit for Cardiac and Cardiovascular Genetics, Oslo University Hopsital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, NorwayP. H. Nissen, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572985 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:07:36 +0100 5572985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5561859&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fyh3773862124p1u0%2F Conclusion  In fatal scuba diving accidents, offgassing appears early (starting from the first hour after death) in the venous system then spreads to the arterial system after about 3 h. The presence of intra-arterial gas is therefore not specific to barotrauma. To affirm a death by barotrauma followed by a gas embolism, a postmortem scanner should be conducted very early. Subcutaneous emphysema should not be mistaken as diagnostic criteria of barotrauma because it can be caused by the resuscitation maneuvers. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0662-6Authors Pierre-Eloi Laurent, Aix-Marseille Université, Faculté de Médecine, Laboratoire de Physiopathologie et Thérapeutique Vasculaire (L2PTV), Marseille, Fran... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5561859 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 07:09:16 +0100 5561859 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5545534&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fy187708515362138%2F This study presents mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data from 107 unrelated individuals from two of the major ethnic groups in Ecuador: Amerindian Kichwas (n = 65) and Mestizos (n = 42). We characterized the diversity of the matrilineal lineages of these Ecuadorian groups by analyzing the entire mtDNA control region. Different patterns of diversity were observed in the two groups as result of the unique historical and demographic events which have occurred in each population. Higher genetic diversity values were obtained for the Mestizo group than for the Amerindian group. Interestingly, only Native American lineages were detected in the two population samples, but with differences in the haplogroup distribution: Kichwa (A, 49%; B, 3%; C, 8%; and D, 40%) and Mestizo (A, 33%; B, 33%;... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5545534 Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:05:29 +0100 5545534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5506634&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fk705070r713k7064%2F This study introduces a new quantity, the combined arteriosclerotic index (CAI), which is defined as the ratio between the diameter and the longitudinal prestrain of an artery. The longitudinal prestrain has been adopted as the ratio between the in situ length and the excised length of the abdominal aorta, and is a measure of arterial elasticity. During ageing, arteriosclerosis is manifested by the loss of pretension and by enlargement of the diameter of the artery. CAI combines these two effects. A sample of 61 female and 194 male autopsy measurements of human abdominal aortas shows that CAI correlates significantly with chronological age (R = 0.916/0.921; female/male). The sample had the following parameters: age 53 ± 19/48 ± 16 years; diameter of the abdominal a... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5506634 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:16:49 +0100 5506634 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5495816&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F48154u56w0736l46%2F Abstract  Traces of backspatter in gun barrels after homicidal or suicidal contact shots may be a valuable source of forensic evidence. Yet, a systematic investigation of the persistence and durability of DNA from biological traces in gun barrels is lacking. Our aim was to generate a realistic model to emulate blood and tissue spatters in gun barrels generated by contact gunshots at biological targets and to analyse the persistence and typability of DNA recovered from such stains. Herein, we devise and evaluate three different models for the emulation of backspatter from contact shots: a gelatine-based model with embedded blood bags, a model based on a spongious matrix soaked with blood and covered with a thin plastic membrane and a head model consisting of an acrylic half ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5495816 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:08:17 +0100 5495816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5495817&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fj22134782k53w1pj%2F Abstract  In recent years, there has been heightened awareness regarding the use of drugs to modify a person’s behavior to facilitate crime. A drug rape case involving the potent, short-acting sedative triazolam will be presented. On three occasions, the victim consumed green tea and chocolate before being massaged and ultimately sexually abused. Screening for alcohol, commonly used drugs and illicit substances in blood and urine sampled during the forensic examination 20 h after the last incident, was negative. Consequently, hair samples for chemical analysis were taken from the assaulted individual 34 days after the last incidents. The hair was cut into three 2-cm segments (0–6 cm) that were washed, dissolved in extraction solvent and screened and verif... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5495817 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:22:12 +0100 5495817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5488358&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fdr7l6560141r1741%2F Abstract  The significance of focal myocardial inflammation in sudden death is poorly understood, because there are few studies addressing its frequency in noncardiac and cardiac arrhythmic deaths. We prospectively assessed inflammation in 384 consecutive hearts seen in consultation from a single medical examiners' office. Hearts were received intact and sectioned uniformly in five areas and reviewed histologically by a single pathologist. Intrinsic inflammatory diseases of the myocardium were excluded. Infiltrates were classified as lymphocytic without necrosis, lymphocytic with myocyte necrosis, and eosinophilic. Histologic findings were retrospectively correlated with other cardiac findings, history of drug and medication use, postmortem toxicology, and cause of death. I... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5488358 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:03:17 +0100 5488358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5477910&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fh81n712t76716485%2F Abstract  A liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitation of psilocin in plasma is presented. Sample workup was performed with mixed-mode solid-phase extraction using ascorbic acid and nitrogen for drying to protect the unstable analyte. Calibration curves were linear from 2 to 100 ng/mL, and no selectivity problems occurred. The limit of detection was 0.1 ng/mL, and the limit of quantitation was 0.34 ng/mL. Recovery was >86% and matrix effects were <110%. Both were reproducible. Interday and intraday precisions at different concentrations were 1.5–4.3% relative standard deviation, bias within ±9%. Processed samples were stable in the autosampler for at least 26 h. Furthermore, the stability ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5477910 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:13:57 +0100 5477910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5477911&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fa58742122367m545%2F In this study, we generated a set of such complex LT mixtures and examined two methods to assist in DNA profile analysis and interpretation: the “n/2” consensus method (Benschop et al. 2011) and the pool profile approach. N/2 consensus profiles include alleles that are reproducibly amplified in at least half of the replications. Pool profiles are generated by injecting a blend of independently amplified PCR products on a capillary electrophoresis instrument. Both approaches resulted in a similar increase in the percentage of detected alleles compared to individual profiles, and both rarely included drop-in alleles in case mixtures of pristine DNAs were used. Interestingly, the consensus and the pool profiles often showed differences for the actual alleles detected for the LT compo... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5477911 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:42:48 +0100 5477911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5459421&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Ft323317784kh1t5u%2F Abstract  Insertion-deletion polymorphisms (INDELs) are diallelic markers derived from a single mutation event. Their low mutation frequency makes them suitable for forensic and parentage testing. The examination of INDELs thus combines advantages of both short tandem repeats (STR) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). This type of polymorphisms may be examined using as small amplicon size as SNP (about 100 bp) but could be analyzed by techniques used for routine STR analysis. For our population study, we genotyped 55 unrelated Czech individuals. We also genotyped 11 trios to analyze DIPplex Kit (QIAGEN, Germany) suitability for parentage testing. DIPplex Kit contains 30 diallelic autosomal markers. INDELs in DIPplex Kit were tested with linkage disequilibrium tes... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5459421 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:57:23 +0100 5459421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5459422&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F17646h3484r5611w%2F Abstract  In cases of suspected neonaticide, the results of a forensic autopsy might be important for conviction or acquittal. But autopsy findings in dead newborns are often unspecific and can rarely provide corroborative evidence of inflicted injury, as they are known to occur during normal birth as well. In our study, we examined 59 vaginally delivered, healthy newborns within the first 30 min after birth to know more about the prevalence and possible correlations of a caput succedaneum and facial petechiae. Caput succedaneum occurred in 33.9%, facial petechiae in 20.3%. As for the occurrence of caput succedaneum, statistically significant differences could be shown for the duration of delivery and the mother's parity. These correlations could not be shown for the o... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5459422 Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:48:02 +0100 5459422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5450236&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F378008511180x801%2F Content Type Journal ArticleCategory EditorialPages 1-1DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0650-xAuthors Heidi Pfeiffer, Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Röntgenstrasse 23, 48149 Münster, GermanyThomas Bajanowski, Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany Journal International Journal of Legal MedicineOnline ISSN 1437-1596Print ISSN 0937-9827 (Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine) International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5450236 Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:59:42 +0100 5450236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5450237&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fp45534r07243g24v%2F Abstract  Sex determination is routinely performed in forensic casework using the amelogenin-based sex test. The human amelogenin gene resides on homologous regions of the sex chromosomes. However, a deletion in the AmelY locus may sometimes lead to gender misidentification. The pentanucleotide microsatellite DXYS156 maps to the pseudoautosomal region of both the sex chromosomes and helps in sex determination. This STR offers an advantage of being multi-allelic, with delimited and demographically restricted alleles for the X and Y chromosomes. Also, the Y-specific alleles can be discerned from their X chromosomal counterpart due to an adenine insertion in the (TAAAA)n repeat units of the STR. The present study examines the differential variation pattern at the X and Y locus o... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5450237 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:49:44 +0100 5450237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5423650&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F8x26135307771444%2F Abstract  Gunshot residue (GSR) evidence may be altered or obscured by after-death events such as putrefaction, autolysis, and/or damage by animals. The present study aimed at evaluating and comparing the amount and differential distribution of GSR utilizing microcomputed tomography (microCT) analysis of fresh and decomposed gunshot wounds. A total of 60 experimental shootings at three different firing distances (5, 15, and 30 cm) were performed on human calves surgically amputated for medical reasons. Thirty specimens (10 for each tested distance) were immediately formalin-fixed, while the other 30 specimens were enclosed in a cowshed for 15 days, before formalin fixation (air temperature ranging from 11°C to 38°C). MicroCT analysis with three-dimensional image... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5423650 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:00:26 +0100 5423650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5410199&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F73317034hr803416%2F Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Book ReviewPages 1-1DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0645-7Authors Heidi Pfeiffer, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Münster, Roentgenstrasse 23, 48147 Münster, Germany Journal International Journal of Legal MedicineOnline ISSN 1437-1596Print ISSN 0937-9827 (Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine) International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5410199 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:54:18 +0100 5410199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5410200&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fj761t3751xj252hx%2F Abstract  Individuals of Basque origin migrated in large numbers to the Western USA in the second half of the nineteenth century, and the flow continued with less intensity during the last century. The European source population, that of the Basque Country, has long been a cultural and geographical isolate. Previous studies have demonstrated that Y-STR frequencies of Basques are different from those of other Spanish and European populations [1]. The Basque diaspora in the Western USA is a recent migration, but the founder effect and the incorporation of new American Y chromosomes into the paternal genetic pool of the Basque diaspora could have influenced its genetic structure and could thus have practical implications for forensic genetics. To check for genetic substructure ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5410200 Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:54:15 +0100 5410200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5410202&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F9pwj766443344511%2F Abstract  A healthy man in his 30s was working on the balustrade of stairs on the second floor. He suddenly fell downstairs without saying anything. On emergency hospitalization, chest echogram showed left hemothorax. Cardiac echogram showed a floating mass from the mitral valve in the left ventricle and severe mitral regurgitation. Surgery for hemothorax and pulmonary contusion was immediately undertaken. However, bleeding from pulmonary contusion could not be controlled and he underwent cardiopulmonary arrest. Autopsy showed a white, elastic, pendulous mass in the left atrium and a white mass in the lower lobe of the left lung. Tumor histology showed a reticular pattern, Schiller–Duval bodies, eosinophilic hyaline globules, and positive staining for α-fetoprotein. We d... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5410202 Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:54:13 +0100 5410202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5410201&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fh773j83026630m72%2F Conclusion  The experimental findings prove the wounding capacity of muzzle gases. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0641-yAuthors Christian Schyma, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111 Bonn, Germany Journal International Journal of Legal MedicineOnline ISSN 1437-1596Print ISSN 0937-9827 (Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine) International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5410201 Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:54:13 +0100 5410201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5410203&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F32n653p111501603%2F We describe a case of pulmonary embolism associated with bone fragments after a gunshot to the head in which bone fragments surrounded by leukocytes, interstitial and intra-alveolar oedema and haemorrhage around the embolised vessels, leukostasis and fat and bone marrow embolism suggest that the survival time from the gunshot was sufficiently long to allow changes in lung microcirculation and lung tissue. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0643-9Authors R. Cecchi, Department of anatomical, histological, medico-legal and locomotor apparatus sciences, Forensic Medicine section, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, ItalyL. Cipolloni, Department of anatomical, histological, medico-legal and locomotor apparatus sciences, Forensic Medicine sec... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5410203 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:54:10 +0100 5410203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5410204&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fjn78831811936732%2F Abstract  Short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms have been extensively used in forensic genetics analysis. Knowledge about the locus-specific mutation rates of STRs improves forensic probability calculations and interpretations of diversity data. To incorporate single-locus diversity information into autosomal STR mutation rate estimations, 13 STR loci were studied during 2007–2009 in 10,959 paternity investigation cases from Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil, covering an overall number of 284,934 allelic transfers. A total of 355 mutations were identified; 348 repeats were gains or losses of one step, three were gains or losses of two steps, and four were gains or losses of not stepwise mutation. The mutation rates ranged from 4.6 × 10−5 to 2.3�... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5410204 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:54:09 +0100 5410204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5410205&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F2146u347h0571687%2F Abstract  The wide prediction intervals obtained with age estimation methods based on third molar development could be reduced by combining these dental observations with age-related skeletal information. Therefore, on cephalometric radiographs, the most accurate age-estimating skeletal variable and related registration method were searched and added to a regression model, with age as response and third molar stages as explanatory variable. In a pilot set up on a dataset of 496 (283 M; 213 F) cephalometric radiographs, the techniques of Baccetti et al. (2005) (BA), Seedat et al. (2005) (SE), Caldas et al. (2007) and Rai et al. (2008) (RA) were verified. In the main study, data from 460 (208 F, 224 M) individuals in an age range between 3 and 26 years... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5410205 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:54:08 +0100 5410205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5410206&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fhr41265181885x90%2F Abstract  A study was undertaken reclassifying cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) taken from two geographically separate locations utilizing the San Diego definition with subclassifications. One hundred twenty-eight infant cases were examined from files at Forensic Science South Australia in Adelaide, SA, Australia over a 7.5-year period from July 1999 to January 2007. Thirty-one cases (24%) had initially been diagnosed as SIDS and 30 (23%) as undetermined while 67 (52%) had an explainable cause of death. After reclassification, the number of SIDS cases had increased to 49 of the 128 cases, now representing 38% of the cases; category IB SIDS constituted 10 (20%) and II SIDS 39 (80%) of the SIDS cases. No cases were classified as IA SIDS. Two hundred eighteen infan... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5410206 Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:15:13 +0100 5410206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5410207&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fh2u85131n401q265%2F Conclusions  In a small group of patients, very high cytokine concentrations are a possible explanation for the cause of death (“cytokine storm”). Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0638-6Authors Mechtild M. T. Vennemann, Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Röntgenstr. 23, 48149 Münster, GermanyBrigitte Loddenkötter, Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Röntgenstr. 23, 48149 Münster, GermanyTony Fracasso, University Center of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, SwitzerlandEdwin A. Mitchell, Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New ZealandAnnette S. Debertin, Institute of Legal Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germa... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5410207 Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:50:41 +0100 5410207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5364157&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F1hj611h6p3626110%2F In this study, 31 adult bovine ribs underwent a shooting test. Every rib was shot with a single bullet, at a near-contact shooting distance, using two kinds of projectile: 17 samples were shot with a full metal-jacketed bullet and the remaining 14 with an unjacketed bullet. After the shooting test, every rib underwent a “charring cycle” in an electric oven up to 800°C. Every sample underwent radiological investigation with conventional radiography, before and after the burning process, to evaluate any changes in number and distribution of metallic residues. Radiographs showed survival of radiopaque residues in every sample, even after the charring process, especially when the bullet used was of the unjacketed type. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5364157 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:17:33 +0100 5364157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5349576&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F8mg07227j2067787%2F We examined 314 joints (elbow and knee) of 79 deceased at defined time points up to 21 h post-mortem (hpm). Data were analysed using a random intercept model. Here, we show that re-establishment occurred in 38.5% of joints at 7.5 to 19 hpm. Therefore, the maximum time span for the re-establishment of rigor mortis appears to be 2.5-fold longer than thought so far. These findings have major impact on the estimation of time since death in forensic casework. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0632-zAuthors Sven Anders, Department of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Butenfeld 34, 22529 Hamburg, GermanyMichaela Kunz, Department of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Butenfe... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5349576 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:52:45 +0100 5349576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5337999&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F6n0w851446630310%2F Abstract  Valid information for physicians in Switzerland concerning knowledge and continuing education in traffic medicine is not available. Also, their attitude to the legally prescribed periodic driving fitness examinations is unclear. In order to gain more information about these topics, 635 resident physicians in Southeast Switzerland were sent a questionnaire (response rate 52%). In a self-estimation, 79% of the queried physicians claimed to know the minimal medical requirements for drivers which are important in their specialty. Statistically significant differences existed between the specialties, whereby general practitioners most frequently claimed to know the minimal medical requirements (90%). It appears that the minimal medical requirements for drivers are well ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5337999 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:44:55 +0100 5337999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5338001&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fw1262m2024k28643%2F We report a case of a 4-year-old child found dead at his home inside a domestic clothes (tumble) dryer. The child had been reported missing in the morning by his mother and found a short time later inside the dryer with the door shut. The child was pronounced dead at the scene. A pre-autopsy computed tomography scan identified findings associated with aggressive resuscitation attempts. Post-mortem examination showed generalised blunt trauma to his head and limbs, a thin film subdural haemorrhage and burns from contact with hot components and hot air whilst being trapped alive inside the active dryer. A forensic examination of the dryer revealed that it was possible for the child to become trapped in the dryer by his own action and that the dryer could operate for sufficient time to a... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5338001 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:55:22 +0100 5338001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5338000&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fnw43105511n17670%2F Abstract  A 6-year-old male was found dead on his stomach with massive reddish vomiting from his mouth and nose. Postmortem cranial CT revealed an epidural haematoma in the left occipital region, but the cause and origin of the haematoma were unclear. An autopsy revealed that the epidural haematoma expanded over the left temporal region and the left side of the occipital region and posterior cranial fossa, and its origin was a laceration in the left transverse sinus induced by diastases in the left lambdoidal and occipitomastoid sutures. A pathohistological examination revealed that one portion of the haematoma was an early-stage hemorrhage, while the other portion extended approximately 1 week after the hemorrhage. Moreover, approximately 1 week elapsed after the... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5338000 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:55:22 +0100 5338000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5338002&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fq63l152874366443%2F Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0636-8Authors Andrew John Hopwood, Forensic Science Service, Birmingham, UKKeith Elliott, Forensic Science Service, Birmingham, UK Journal International Journal of Legal MedicineOnline ISSN 1437-1596Print ISSN 0937-9827 (Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine) International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5338002 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:02:51 +0100 5338002 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5338003&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F83w775436287v733%2F Abstract  Germline mutations of 24 short tandem repeat (STR) loci (TPOX, D3S1358, FGA, D5S818, CSF1PO, D7S820, D8S1179, TH01, vWA, D13S317, Penta E, D16S539, D18S51, Penta D, D21S11, D2S1772, D6S1043, D7S3048, D8S1132, D11S2368, D12S391, D13S325, D18S1364, and GATA198B05) were studied for 6,441 parent–child meioses taken from the paternity testing cases in Chinese Han population. In total, 195 mutations were identified at 22 of the 24 loci. Among them, 189 (96.92%) mutations were one step, five mutations (2.56%) were two step, and one mutation (0.51%) was three step. No mutation was found at the TH01 and TPOX loci. The overall mutation rate estimated was 0.0013 (95% CI 0.0011–0.0015), and the locus-specific mutation rate estimated ranged from 0 to 0.0034. There was a bi... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5338003 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:02:50 +0100 5338003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5324984&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fn205235289vn8331%2F Abstract  We developed two multiplex systems for the coamplification of X-chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs). X-Multiplex 1 consisted of DXS6807, DXS6800, DXS7424, DXS101, GATA172D05 and HPRTB and X-Multiplex 2 consisted of DXS8378, DXS9898, DXS6801, DXS6809, DXS6789, DXS7133, DXS8377 and DXS7423. In addition, we present allele frequencies for these loci in a south Brazilian population comprising 124 females and 141 males and haplotype frequencies of linked markers for males. Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was tested in the female sample and no significant deviations were found after applying Bonferroni’s correction. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) tests were performed for all pairs of loci and three significant results, out of 91 pairwise comparisons, were obtained. ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5324984 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:40:08 +0100 5324984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5316775&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fr3v10w9680313313%2F Abstract  As a continuation of “Postmortem Chemistry Update Part I,” Part II deals with molecules linked to liver and cardiac functions, alcohol intake and alcohol misuse, myocardial ischemia, inflammation, sepsis, anaphylaxis, and hormonal disturbances. A very important array of new material concerning these situations had appeared in the forensic literature over the last two decades. Some molecules, such as procalcitonin and C-reactive protein, are currently researched in cases of suspected sepsis and inflammation, whereas many other analytes are not integrated into routine casework. As in part I, a literature review concerning a large panel of molecules of forensic interest is presented, as well as the results of our own observations, where possible. Content Type... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5316775 Sat, 08 Oct 2011 15:43:53 +0100 5316775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5316777&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F1360376160657580%2F Abstract  In a forensic investigation, there is considerable difficulty in distinguishing between different mechanisms that could explain the head injury sustained. The key question is often whether the injury was the consequence of a fall, a blow, or a fall caused by a blow. Better understanding of the parameters influencing the mechanism of skull fracture could be of use when attempting to distinguish between different causes of injury. Numerous parameters concerning fall conditions and biological variability are reported in the literature to influence the mechanism of skull fracture. At the current time, there are no studies that investigate both the effect of a fall and biological parameters. The aim of this paper is to study the influence of these parameters on the mec... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5316777 Sat, 08 Oct 2011 15:43:52 +0100 5316777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5316776&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fh700880t8r771302%2F Abstract  The Taser® eXtended Range Electronic Projectile (XREP®) is a wireless conducted electrical weapon (CEW) designed to incapacitate a person from a larger distance. The aim of this study was to analyze the ballistic injury potential of the XREP. Twenty rounds were fired from the Taser®X12 TM shotgun into ballistic soap covered with artificial skin and clothing at different shooting distances (1–25 m). One shot was fired at pig skin at a shooting distance of 10 m. The average projectile velocity was 67.0 m/s. The kinetic energy levels on impact varied from 28–52 J. Depending on the intermediate target, the projectiles penetrated up to 4.2 cm into the ballistic soap. On impact the nose assembly did not separate from the chassis, and no el... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5316776 Sat, 08 Oct 2011 15:43:52 +0100 5316776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5305720&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fj154706725236678%2F Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ErratumPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0611-4Authors Evelyn Pawlik, Institute of Legal Medicine, Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf, GermanyGerd Plässer, State Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Duesseldorf, GermanyHellmut Mahler, State Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Duesseldorf, GermanyThomas Daldrup, Institute of Legal Medicine, Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany Journal International Journal of Legal MedicineOnline ISSN 1437-1596Print ISSN 0937-9827 (Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine) International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5305720 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:49:49 +0100 5305720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5251946&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F614378n18367u582%2F Abstract  Postmortem chemistry is becoming increasingly essential in the forensic pathology routine and considerable progress has been made over the past years. Biochemical analyses of vitreous humor, cerebrospinal fluid, blood and urine may provide significant information in determining the cause of death or in elucidating forensic cases. Postmortem chemistry may essentially contribute in the determination of the cause of death when the pathophysiological changes involved in the death process cannot be detected by morphological methods (e.g. diabetes mellitus, alcoholic ketoacidosis and electrolytic disorders). It can also provide significant information and useful support in other forensic situations, including anaphylaxis, hypothermia, sepsis and hormonal disturbances. I... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5251946 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:19:24 +0100 5251946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5251945&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fn646208t59748577%2F Abstract  The muscle relaxant succinylcholine (SUX) evokes respiratory paralysis, and numerous cases of fatal SUX intoxication have been reported. Detection of SUX and its metabolite succinylmonocholine (SMC) is difficult, both due to their (bis-) quaternary structure and the extreme hydrolytic susceptibility of SUX, and data on degradation kinetics of SUX and SMC is scarce. The present study investigates the in vivo and in vitro degradation as well as elimination of both target analytes using authentic blood and urine samples from anesthetized patients. With a special focus on the urinary data and stabilization issues, this work intends to considerably enhance the forensic knowledge concerning SUX intoxications and to present the reader with practical analytical strategies... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5251945 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:19:24 +0100 5251945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5251947&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F5vw9x2w35012412u%2F Abstract  The prevalence of developmental asymmetry between left and right sides of the body in the third molar tooth and medial clavicular epiphysis is examined in a contemporary Australian population (92% Caucasian). The contention that differences between left and right side developmental timing is statistically insignificant, and can therefore be ignored in forensic age estimation procedures, is questioned. It was found that of a population sample of 604 individuals, 177 displayed asymmetrical timing in development between antimeres of the third molar, the medial clavicle or both. There was no correlation found between the third molar tooth and medial clavicular epiphysis in terms of left/right synchronicity. For those individuals differing in development by two or more... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5251947 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 05:42:39 +0100 5251947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5251948&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fh453844tt18m4017%2F Abstract  Fragmentation of bio-medicolegal knowledge has led to a proliferation of ultra-specialised sub-disciplines and branches, often published in ‘field-oriented’ scientific journals.The aim of this work is to provide an in-depth analytical picture of bio-medicolegal sources of publication, within and outside the traditional conception of legal medicine. An extensive search of bio-medicolegal articles published in the last five and a half years was performed on the MEDLINE database according to MeSH terms combined with free-text protocols. We performed a systematic analysis of targeted journals after merging, selecting and categorising all retrieved records, taking into account data from the 2009 JCR Science Edition (released on June 2010); 1,037 different journals ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5251948 Thu, 22 Sep 2011 05:53:03 +0100 5251948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5251949&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fh260551v581j5464%2F We describe and discuss haemorrhages discovered in the back and auxiliary breathing muscles of a population of cases of suicidal death by hanging. Intramuscular haemorrhages were present in approximately 30% of the cases. Pre-existing illnesses with an increased tendency to bleed or an anticoagulant medication did not exist; corresponding skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue structures were intact in each case. In cases of death by hanging, the occurrence of muscle haemorrhages of this type may be explained pathophysiologically by the occurrence of increased respiratory exertions and/or seizures during the hanging process. Although the results of our study do not indicate an obligatory autopsy finding, evidence of internal haemorrhaging into the back and auxiliary breathing muscles may... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5251949 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:55:22 +0100 5251949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5227956&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F0494v37244mpw417%2F Abstract  Headbutt is a relevant type of a criminal assault that can result in injuries. The aim of this study was to collect basic biomechanical data and assess the injury risk associated with a headbutt. Series of measurements were carried out with volunteers with and without relevant soccer heading experience, and the impact velocity of the striking head was measured. A soccer ball was used as a surrogate of the stationary victim’s head. Two scenarios were considered: one corresponding to the typical headbutt situation, i.e. short movement of the assailant’s head without backswing, and one representing the worst case, i.e. the most severe head impact without time or space constraints for the assailant. The results as well as epidemiological data from court cases and ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5227956 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:45:32 +0100 5227956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5227957&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fx264tm3881297151%2F Abstract  X chromosome STR (X-STR) polymorphisms are a useful tool in the fields of human population genetics and personal identification and are quite informative in the investigation of complex kinship or deficiency cases, especially where it is necessary to determine relationships with second-generation offspring in which the same X chromosome may have been inherited. We investigated eight X-STR systems using the Mentype Argus X-8 kit and further developed decaplex PCR for the DXS10148, DXS10161, DXS10160, DXS10159, DXS10079, DXS10075, DXS6799, DXS10102, DXS10106, and DXS10146 loci with the aim of constructing closely linked groups on the X chromosome. The studied population comprised 569 Japanese individuals (390 males and 179 females). Heterozygosity among the present ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5227957 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:09:21 +0100 5227957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5227958&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fp860875k70077280%2F In this study, we examined the alteration degree of DNA quantification results estimated in DNA samples containing a PCR inhibitor by using a Quantifiler® Human DNA Quantification kit. For experiments, we prepared approximately 0.25 ng/μl DNA samples containing various concentrations of humic acid (HA). The quantification results were 0.194–0.303 ng/μl at 0–1.6 ng/μl HA (final concentration in the Quantifiler reaction) and 0.003–0.168 ng/μl at 2.4–4.0 ng/μl HA. Most DNA quantity was undetermined when HA concentration was higher than 4.8 ng/μl HA. The C T values of an internal PCR control (IPC) were 28.0–31.0, 36.5–37.1, and undetermined at 0–1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 ng/μl HA. These results indicate that underestimated DNA quantificat... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5227958 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:53:07 +0100 5227958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5210904&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fr0r2u6705v43rm01%2F Conclusion  Hair EtG definitively provides an accurate and reliable diagnostic test for detecting chronic and excessive alcohol consumption. The proposed cutoff values can serve as reference for future cutoff recommendations for clinical and forensic use. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0619-9Authors Hicham Kharbouche, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne–Geneva, rue du Bugnon 21, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandMohamed Faouzi, Alcohol Treatment Center, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandNathalie Sanchez, Alcohol Treatment Center, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandJean Bernard Daeppen, Alcohol Treatment Center, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, 1011 Lausanne... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5210904 Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:49:10 +0100 5210904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5210905&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fa2l0261641jx1111%2F Abstract  In Germany, the external post-mortem examination is considered a medical duty and may be performed by any licensed physician. Concerning legal medicine as a curricular subject in teaching medical students, the external post-mortem examination is regarded a core area. At the University of Müenster, 15 virtual cases of death have been developed by using the web-based Inmedea Simulator. The programme allows performing all relevant steps in executing a complete external post-mortem examination. A particular importance was attached to the aspect of training users in approaching the subject in a systematic way to interpret significant forensic findings correctly and to comprehend their medico-legal implications. The programme was used for the first time in the academic... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5210905 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 06:09:56 +0100 5210905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5210906&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F944pk67887k8260x%2F Abstract  In forensic examination it is a standard to take vaginal swabs from victims of sexual assault for further molecular genetic analysis. Laboratories then are usually confronted with mixtures of lots of female and only a small amount of male DNA. Nowadays it is possible to work with specific Y chromosomal markers after DNA extraction by differential lysis. The determined ratio of autosomal DNA and Y chromosomal DNA can be used to identify the possibility of generating a male profile in these samples. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Technical NotePages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0615-0Authors Patrick Johannes Laberke, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Institute of Legal Medicine St. Gallen, St. Gallen, SwitzerlandRahel Grossenbacher, University of Basel, Institute of ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5210906 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 06:09:54 +0100 5210906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192952&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fm1k0756gl1ll3373%2F Abstract  X-chromosome markers have become a useful set of markers of choice when certain complex kinship cases need to be unravelled. The Argus X-12 kit allows the co-amplification in a single PCR reaction of 12 X-chromosome short tandem repeats located in four linkage groups. A number of 507 unrelated individuals from Greenland, Denmark and Somalia together with two generation families were typed using the Argus X-12 kit. Silent alleles for the DXS10148 and DXS10146 systems were observed in males, mostly from Somalia. High levels of intrapopulation variability and therefore high forensic parameter values were calculated for the three studied populations. The population in Greenland showed a significantly lower intrapopulation variability and a high genetic differentiation... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192952 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:51:31 +0100 5192952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192953&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fd681657124u52632%2F Abstract  In the routine clinical examination of sexual assault victims, apart from documenting physical evidence of abuse, securing evidence, typically DNA from blood, semen, or saliva, is an important part of the process. Often the presence of semen is considered a most interesting piece of evidence. Not only does it often contain enough DNA for DNA profiling, but it also strongly indicates that an actual sexual act has taken place. The examination of smear slides obtained in sexual assault cases is a time-consuming task especially for the less trained and in cases where the smear only contains few sperm cells. In this work the goal was to develop a procedure to rapidly visualize human sperm cells in smear slides with the use of bright-field microscopy. Using SPERM HY-LIT... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192953 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:51:30 +0100 5192953 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5147539&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fxj31522755229064%2F Abstract  Population data of 15 short tandem repeat loci of the AmpFlSTR® next generation multiplex (NGM)™ were obtained from a sample of 835 individuals. The loci are the ten short tandem repeats (STRs) in the SGM Plus® Kit plus the EDNAP- and ENSFI-recommended STRs D10S1248, D22S1045, D2S441, D1S1656, and D12S391. Allele frequency and other forensically relevant statistics data were generated for the NGM loci into five current country macroregions of Brazil (North, Northeast, Central West, Southeast, and South). All the analyzed loci meet Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium expectations and no linkage disequilibrium in all pairs of loci. The observed and expected heterozygosity, power of discrimination, polymorphic information content, and the other population–genetic indi... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5147539 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 05:47:52 +0100 5147539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5147540&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fb75gu1737031313j%2F This study examined the transcriptional stability of nine potential reference genes (β-actin, GAPDH, RPL32, PGK1, SDHA, RPL13, HPRT, Tbp, and Ywhaz) in contused rat skeletal muscle by RT-qPCR. The raw Ct values were determined for each candidate gene at different time points following contusion, and the data were analyzed by the NormFinder, geNorm, and BestKeeper validation programs. The reference genes RPL13 and RPL32 were the most stably expressed genes in contused skeletal muscle, whereas PGK1 was the least stable. The commonly used reference genes β-actin and GAPDH appeared to be too unstable for normalization of RT-qPCR expression profiling in contused muscle. The reference genes RPL13 and RPL32 were also the best combination for multianalysis. The use of RPL13 and RPL32 as in... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5147540 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 06:19:30 +0100 5147540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5111237&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Farx1w12308817617%2F This study investigates the pathophysiological nature of head injuries caused by blunt force trauma, specifically in relation to the incidence and formation of a laceration. An experimental model was devised to assess the force required to cause damage to the scalp and underlying skull of porcine specimens following a single fronto-parietal impact. This was achieved using a drop tower equipped with adapted instrumentation for data acquisition. The applied force and implement used could be correlated with resultant injuries and as such aid pathological investigation in the differentiation between falls and blows. Experimentation revealed prevalent patterns of injury specific to the reconstructed mechanism involved. It was found that the minimum force for the occurrence of a laceration... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5111237 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 05:47:06 +0100 5111237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5089594&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F1k1v21q51312381p%2F Abstract  Intoxications with yew (Taxus spp.) pose a challenge to forensic toxicology because a variety of Taxus ingredients have been associated with its toxic effects. To provide preliminary evidence in cases where plant material is available, we introduce a novel direct PCR assay for the detection of DNA traces from Taxus spp. This assay has been successfully applied to a forensic case of suicidal poisoning via ingestion of Taxus leaves. PCR primers were designed to target a sequence located in the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of nuclear ribosomal DNA, which is well conserved among species of the genus Taxus and can, therefore, be exploited to discriminate between Taxus and other conifers. Because ITS1 exists as a multicopy sequence within the plant genome, the assay... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5089594 Sat, 30 Jul 2011 15:51:07 +0100 5089594 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5064842&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fu42829427914qh82%2F Abstract  The Y chromosome is paternally inherited and therefore serves as an evolutionary marker of patrilineal descent. Worldwide DNA variation within the non-recombining portion of the Y chromosome can be represented as a monophyletic phylogenetic tree in which the branches (haplogroups) are defined by at least one SNP. Previous human population genetics research has produced a wealth of knowledge about the worldwide distribution of Y-SNP haplogroups. Here, we apply previous and very recent knowledge on the Y-SNP phylogeny and Y-haplogroup distribution by introducing two multiplex genotyping assays that allow for the hierarchical detection of 28 Y-SNPs defining the major worldwide Y haplogroups. PCR amplicons were kept small to make the method sensitive and thereby appli... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5064842 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:04:10 +0100 5064842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5064843&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fbm457p133p552445%2F Abstract  The metabolism of the novel designer drug 3-fluoromethcathinone (3-FMC), sold as “legal highs”, was investigated in vitro via cryopreserved rabbit liver slices. The pharmacological properties and toxicological effects of 3-FMC and its metabolites are not known yet. It can be assumed that 3-FMC will cause effects similar to 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) and methcathinone. For the metabolism studies, pretests were performed with rabbit liver slices incubated with kavain to evaluate optimal conditions. Finally, six known metabolites of kavain were revealed and therefore sufficient information about the suitability of the enzyme system of the rabbit liver slices was obtained. Under optimized conditions, 3-FMC was added to Krebs–Henseleit buffer, pH 7.4 ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5064843 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:04:09 +0100 5064843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5064844&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F72412891389l61r6%2F In this study, we developed a strategy for seeking and genotyping new Y-SNP markers based on both Pyrosequencing and the SNaPshot methods. As results, 34 new biallelic markers were observed to be polymorphic in the Chinese Han population by estimation of allele frequencies of 103 candidate’s Y-SNP loci in DNA pools using Pyrosequencing technology. Then, a multiplex system with 20 Y-SNP loci was genotyped using the SNaPshot™ multiplex kit. Twenty Y-SNP loci defined 56 different haplotypes, and the haplotype diversity was estimated to be 0.9539. Our result demonstrated that the strategy could be used as an efficient tool to search and genotype biallelic markers from a large amount of candidate loci. In addition, 20 Y-SNP loci constructed a multiplex system, which could provide sup... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5064844 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:07:51 +0100 5064844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5064845&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fx57347830m805066%2F Conclusion  Despite operating under the same set of laws, we document significant regional differences in forensic investigations of young persons suffering a sudden unexpected death. This is probably not unique for Denmark although no data exist to confirm that. The results are worrying and call for a revision of the way these deaths are handled. Mandatory autopsy in sudden unexpected death in young persons is warranted as a thorough investigation of the death may help the clinician in guidance of the relatives in relation to hereditary diseases. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0602-5Authors Bo Gregers Winkel, The Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia (DARC), Copenhagen, DenmarkAnders Gaarsdal Holst, The Dani... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5064845 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:07:50 +0100 5064845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5064846&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fd074832026u2l673%2F Abstract  Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a cardiac disorder with an abnormality of cardiac rhythm associated with sudden death especially in younger, apparently healthy individuals. If there is no clear cause of death detectable during comprehensive coroner's inquest (autopsy-negative cases), you have to consider LQTS and other heritable arrhythmia syndromes. A molecular genetic screening regarding mutations in associated genes can help to ensure the cause of death and to protect affected family members. Genetic testing of LQTS, currently performed mainly by sequencing, is still very expensive and time consuming. With this study we present a rapid and reasonable method for the simultaneously screening of some of the most common mutations associated with LQTS, focused on the KCN... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5064846 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 06:07:46 +0100 5064846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5041594&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fx73j10731g40v154%2F Abstract  Forensic age determination has become increasingly important over the past few years. Dental age estimation is frequently used as a part of this process due to the technique simplicity and reliability. This process is done taking into account pre-established values that, often, concern the population of the undocumented person. In this manner, population parameters are needed. In this paper, the authors present data concerning the third molar eruption in a Portuguese population: The minimum age for alveolar emergence of third molars ranged from 6.6 to 11.3 in females and 7.4 to 8.3 in males, for gingival emergence was 11.1 to 15.1 for females and 8.3 to 14.4 in males and for complete emergence was 15.9 to 19.4 in females and 13.4 for males. Complete emergence was ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5041594 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 06:06:00 +0100 5041594 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5031843&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fx059rx1017602g1l%2F In this study, mass spectra of derivatized ibotenic acid and muscimol are shown, and validation of the method is described. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0599-9Authors Jan Stříbrný, Military Institute of Forensic Medicine, Central Military Hospital Prague, Prague, Czech RepublicMiloš Sokol, Military Institute of Forensic Medicine, Central Military Hospital Prague, Prague, Czech RepublicBarbora Merová, Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech RepublicPeter Ondra, Faculty Hospital, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic Journal International Journal of Legal MedicineOnline ISSN 1437-1596Print ISSN 0937-9827 (Source: International Journal of Lega... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5031843 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 06:12:22 +0100 5031843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5031844&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fnj1771lt18216n48%2F Abstract  In drug-facilitated crimes, victims are subjected to nonconsensual acts while they are incapacitated by the effects of a drug. A specific LC-MS/MS protocol for determining benzodiazepines and hypnotics at low concentration in hair specimens was developed and validated in order to target the allegedly administered drugs on a chronological basis. In the case hereby reported, a 26-year-old woman claimed to have been sexually assaulted after being administered an allegedly drugged coffee, but toxicological analysis of urine and blood provided no evidence of any drug intake. Subsequently, a second woman accused the same man of sexual abuse. Hence, the suspect was prosecuted. Specimens were collected from four subjects (two alleged victims, the suspect and his wife) and... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5031844 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 06:12:21 +0100 5031844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5022376&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F66876383l8352u1k%2F Abstract  This paper presents a comparison of the isotopic ratios of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and sulphur of three pairings of hair and nail tissue taken from contemporary human remains. Our aim was to examine the possibility of a direct comparison of isotopic data in hair with that of nail tissue for forensic purposes. The results indicate that stable isotope ratios of the elements were best comparable between human scalp hair longer than 3 cm and the distal end of the nails. There were no distinct variations between finger and toenails. Our isotopic data for bulk hair and nail confirmed that hair samples were slightly enriched in 13C but depleted in 15N compared to nail samples. Furthermore, our data reveal that δ34S values in nail samples were more variable than i... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5022376 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 06:31:36 +0100 5022376 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5022378&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F9667n22n7827u257%2F Abstract  The aims of this study were to investigate the usefulness of serum C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 as postmortem markers of sepsis and to compare C-reactive protein and procalcitonin values in serum, vitreous humor, and cerebrospinal fluid in a series of sepsis cases and control subjects, in order to determine whether these measurements may be employed for the postmortem diagnosis of sepsis. Two study groups were formed, a sepsis group (eight subjects coming from the intensive care unit of two university hospitals, with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis in vivo) and control group (ten autopsy cases admitted to two university medicolegal centers, deceased from natural and unnatural causes, without elemen... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5022378 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 05:45:29 +0100 5022378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5022377&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Far053705260531l3%2F Abstract  The use of amelogenin locus typing as a gender marker incorporated in short tandem repeat (STR) multiplexes is a common practice in sex typing. Mutations in the X or Y homologue of the amelogenin gene can be misleading and result in serious mistakes in forensic applications and prenatal diagnosis. In these present studies, the amelogenin gene of 8,087 unrelated male individuals from Chinese Han population was genotyped with Powerplex®16 system. The samples that showed discordant results were taken for frequency calculation and further validated by re-amplification with different primer sets, Y-STR typing, and sequencing. Our results describe six amelogenin X-allele (AMELX) or amelogenin Y-allele (AMELY) null cases in these studied subjects with an overall prevalenc... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5022377 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 05:45:29 +0100 5022377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4994551&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fy79qu341rx873207%2F Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0577-2Authors Elisabeth Elena Turk, Institute of Legal Medicine, The Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, GermanyAndreas Ewald, Institute of Legal Medicine, The Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany Journal International Journal of Legal MedicineOnline ISSN 1437-1596Print ISSN 0937-9827 (Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine) International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4994551 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:43:18 +0100 4994551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4987442&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fr8774848614x1283%2F Abstract  Twenty-one X-chromosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci, including the six clusters of linked markers DXS10148–DXS10135–DXS8378 (Xp22), DXS7132–DXS10079–DXS10074 (Xq12), DXS6801–DXS6809–DXS6789 (Xq21), DXS7424–DXS101 (Xq22), DXS10103–HPRTB–DXS10101 (Xq26), DXS8377–DXS10146–DXS10134–DXS7423 (Xq28) and the loci DXS6800, GATA172D05 and DXS10011 were typed in a popula3tion sample from Ivory Coast (n = 125; 51 men and 74 women). Allele and haplotype frequencies as well as linkage disequilibrium data for kinship calculations are provided. On the whole, no significant differences in the genetic variability of X-STR markers were observed between Ivorians and other sub-Saharan African populations belonging to the Niger–Kordofanian linguistic gr... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4987442 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:51:16 +0100 4987442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4987443&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F1662350xp7h4n0w4%2F Abstract  Studies of human genetic variation predominantly use short tandem repeats (STRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) but Insertion deletion polymorphisms (Indels) are being increasingly explored. They combine desirable characteristics of other genetic markers, especially the possibility of being analysed using short amplicon strategies, which increases the ease of analysis, contributing to justify their interest in population and forensic genetics. After the advent of autosomal and uniparental genomes (mtDNA and Y chromosome), these fields of research are also focusing on the X chromosome, given its special transmission pattern. The X chromosome markers brought new insights into the history of modern human populations and also proved useful in forensic kins... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4987443 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:51:15 +0100 4987443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4987444&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fq8173513655105ht%2F Abstract  There is a necessity for deceased identification as a result of many accidents and sometimes bones are the only accessible source of DNA. So far, a universal method that allows for extraction of DNA from materials at different stages of degradation does not exist. The aims of this study were: the comparison of three methods of DNA extraction from bones with different degree of degradation and an evaluation of the usefulness of these methods in forensic genetics. The efficiency of DNA extraction, the degree of extract contamination by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitors and the possibility of determining the STR loci profile were especially being compared. Nuclear DNA from bones at different states of degradation was isolated using three methods: classical, ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4987444 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:52:55 +0100 4987444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4987445&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F03667lu266548461%2F Abstract  X-chromosomal short tandem repeats (X-STRs) loci are used for forensic practice in recent years which play increasingly important roles in some complex kinship cases. In this paper, a new multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system which can simultaneously analyze 11 X-STR markers (DXS8378, DXS6795, DXS7132, DXS6803, DXS9898, DXS6801, DXS7133, GATA165B12, HPRTB, DXS8377 and DXS7423) was developed. The samples of 1,605 (742 males and 863 females) unrelated individuals from Tibetan and Northern Han population were successfully analyzed using this multiplex system. A total of 103 alleles for all the loci were observed. Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium tests demonstrated no significant deviation from expected values (P > 0.05) for all of the 11 X-STR loci in th... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4987445 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:52:54 +0100 4987445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4947339&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fa504755001863k7g%2F Abstract  To define the matrilineal relationships between Bulgarians and other European populations, we have evaluated the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in a sample of 855 Bulgarian subjects from the mtDNA perspective. The molecular survey was performed by sequencing ∼750 bp of the control region, which resulted in 557 different haplotypes, and by a subsequent restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis to confirm haplogroup/subhaplogroup affiliation. The classification was carried out according to the most updated criteria as reported by van Oven and Kayser (Hum Mutat 30:386–394, 2009), allowing the identification of 45 mitochondrial clades. The observed pattern of mtDNA variation indicates that the Bulgarian mitochondrial pool is geographically homogen... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4947339 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 06:21:29 +0100 4947339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4939630&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F61uh563r53xgj530%2F Abstract  Estimation of dental age is an important part of forensic age estimation in living persons. As the quality of the values given in population-specific reference studies has a great impact on the estimation, the aim of this study was to validate reference data for wisdom teeth mineralization and eruption of a German population concerning the diagnosis of the age limit of 18 years in persons with known age. Mineralization and eruption was evaluated in 307 orthopantomograms of Central European subjects aged 17.5–18.5 years. Dental age was estimated using reference data and compared to chronological age. Statistical methods were used to analyze the differences and to propose adjusted reference values. Estimation of dental age relying on mineralization resul... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4939630 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 05:44:41 +0100 4939630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4939631&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fm277114n85476r62%2F Abstract  The I-DNADuo multiplex system combination is composed of previously validated I-DNA1 and a new short tandem repeat (STR) multiplex named I-DNA2 that analyses 11 STR loci plus amelogenin. I-DNADuo, with amplicon sizes ranging from 57 to 298 bp, is specifically designed to analyse amelogenin and 15 STR loci (ten of them plus amelogenin in duplicate), including all the STR loci of the CODIS, ISSL and ECL databases, and seven of the eight in GCL. The validation of I-DNADuo shows that it is a highly sensitive, robust multiplex system for obtaining individual genetic profiles and for detecting and preventing allelic dropouts. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0585-2Authors Adrian Odriozola, BIOMICs Research Group, Centre for Research ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4939631 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 05:44:40 +0100 4939631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4939632&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fl8kw448161w81g58%2F This study suggests that before systematic application of these three methodologies in Spanish populations, further statistical modeling and research into the covariance of chronological age with morphological change are necessary. Future methods should be developed specific to various world populations and should allow for both precision and flexibility in age estimation. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0586-1Authors Carme Rissech, Unit of Anthropology, Department of Animal Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, SpainJeremy Wilson, Department of Anthropology, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN, USAAllysha Powanda Winburn, Department of Anthropology, University of Florida (UF), Gainesville, FL, USADaniel... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4939632 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 05:44:37 +0100 4939632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4915393&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F500633570541h401%2F Abstract  Insertion–deletion (INDEL) markers are very frequent in the human genome and present several advantages for population and forensic studies, such as low mutation rates, easy interpretation, small amplicons, easy genotyping, and the possibility of using multiplex PCR. The great adaptability of INDELs for amplification of low copy number or degraded DNA allows its using as an interesting platform of genetic identity by DNA in forensic cases. In the present study, we tested the ability of 48 diallelic INDEL markers on genotyping forensic samples collected from different biological samples related to criminal cases. Moreover, we evaluated the lowest DNA concentration with which there was amplification of all markers from each one of three indel-plex panels. When com... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4915393 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 05:47:54 +0100 4915393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4896714&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fp1h5136682l1115n%2F We describe the forensic validation of Promega’s PowerPlex® European Standard Investigator 16 (ESI 16) multiplex kit and compare results generated with the AmpFlSTR® SGM Plus® (SGM+) multiplex. ESI 16 combines the loci contained within the SGM+ multiplex with five additional loci: D2S441, D10S1248, D22S1045, D1S1656, and D12S391. A relative reduction in amplicon size of the SGM+ loci facilitates an increased robustness and amplification success of these amplicons with degraded DNA samples. Tests performed herein supplement ESI 16 data published previously with sensitivity, profile quality, mock casework, inhibitor and mixture study data collected in our laboratories in alignment with our internal technical and quality guidelines and those issued by the Scientific Working Group o... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4896714 Fri, 27 May 2011 18:10:59 +0100 4896714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4896716&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fk544xr7281087p66%2F Abstract  Since their introduction in the 1950s in the construction and building trade, powder-actuated fastening tools (nail guns) are of forensic and traumatological importance. There are countless reports on both accidental and intentional injuries and fatalities caused by these tools in medical literature. While the ballistic parameters of so-called low-velocity fastening tools, where the expanding gases act on a captive piston that drives the fastener into the material, are well known, ballistic parameters of “high-velocity” tools, which operate like a firearm and release the energy of the propellant directly on the fastener, are unknown. Therefore, it was the aim of this work to investigate external ballistic parameters of cal. 9 and 6-mm fastening bolts discharge... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4896716 Mon, 23 May 2011 16:49:36 +0100 4896716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4896715&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fu5gw765439116u8x%2F This study presents a comparison of simulated bite marks in different kinds of food with the dentitions of the presumed biter. Bite marks were produced by six adults in slices of buttered bread, apples, different kinds of Swiss chocolate and Swiss cheese. The time-lapse influence of the bite mark in food, under room temperature conditions, was also examined. For the documentation of the bite marks and the dentitions of the biters, 3D optical surface scanning technology was used. The comparison was performed using two different software packages: the ATOS modelling and analysing software and the 3D studio max animation software. The ATOS software enables an automatic computation of the deviation between the two meshes. In the present study, the bite marks and the dentitions were compa... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4896715 Mon, 23 May 2011 16:49:36 +0100 4896715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4896717&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F3064g00677594n65%2F Abstract  This paper presents an experiment with a knife seized as material evidence in a homicide case. The reason for the experiment was the necessity to determine whether the injuries of the deceased could have been inflicted with this instrument since in the course of the investigation doubt arose as to the origin of linear, parallel scratches around one of the wounds and on the abdominal integuments suggesting a serrated blade. The knife found near the crime scene had a smooth blade and small serrations only on the borderline between its blade and hilt. However, the performed experiment showed that if the knife is directed towards the integuments of the body in a special way, its serrations, even though not located on the blade itself, may leave such striated marks on ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4896717 Mon, 23 May 2011 16:49:34 +0100 4896717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4856190&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fq478912712752611%2F Abstract  NT-proBNP, a marker of cardiac failure, has been shown to be stable in post mortem samples. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of NT-proBNP to detect heart failure in the forensic setting. One hundred sixty-eight consecutive autopsies were included in the study. NT-proBNP blood concentrations were measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay kit. Cardiac failure was assessed by three independent forensic experts using macro- and microscopic findings complemented by information about the circumstances of body discovery and the known medical story. Area under the receiving operator curve was of 65.4% (CI 95%, from 57.1 to 73.7). Using a standard cut-off value of >220 pg/mL for NT-proBNP blood concentration, heart failure was detected with a se... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4856190 Thu, 19 May 2011 16:33:34 +0100 4856190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4856192&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fc0753064wh360x98%2F Abstract  The European mosaic of socio-cultural, economic and legal realities is reflected in forensic and legal medicine, in which a great variety of operational modes of forensic medical services, organisational systems, structures, functional competences and scientific research strategies can be observed. The present work analyses the European bio-medicolegal scientific output of the last 5.5 years (exact time window, January 1, 2005–June 1, 2010), categorising papers by nationality of the corresponding author and forensic sub-discipline in question, in order to identify the peculiarities of national sub-specialised competences and to build up international research projects. This country-based bibliometric analysis, based on the number of articles and the impact ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4856192 Wed, 18 May 2011 18:19:16 +0100 4856192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4833312&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fv2l07283151u2833%2F Abstract  Messenger RNA (mRNA) profiling in post-mortem human tissue might reveal information about gene expression at the time point of death or close to it. When working with post-mortem human tissue, one is confronted with a natural RNA degradation caused by several parameters which are not yet fully understood. The aims of the present study were to analyse the influence of impaired RNA integrity on the reliability of quantitative gene expression data and to identify ante- and post-mortem parameters that might lead to reduced RNA integrities in post-mortem human brain, cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle tissues. Furthermore, this study determined the impact of several parameters like type of tissue, age at death, gender and body mass index (BMI), as well as duration of a... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4833312 Mon, 16 May 2011 08:42:28 +0100 4833312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4833313&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fm32m0722532244g0%2F Abstract  The successful analysis of weak biological stains by means of highly sensitive short tandem repeat (STR) amplification has been increased significantly over the recent years. Nevertheless, the percentage of reliably analysable samples varies considerably between different crime scene investigations even if the nature of the stains appears to be the same. It has been proposed that the amount and quality of DNA left at a crime scene may be due to individual skin conditions (among other factors). Therefore, we investigated DNA from handprints from 30 patients acutely suffering from skin diseases like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or skin ulcer before and after therapy by STR amplification using the new and highly sensitive Powerplex® ESX17 kit in comparison to 22 hea... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4833313 Sat, 14 May 2011 15:57:44 +0100 4833313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4783907&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Frx75427141200g36%2F Abstract  A person who keeps or controls a dog in his own interest is liable “without fault” should that dog cause harm to any person. By owning a dog, man welcomes into his home a beast that preserves much of its primordial self, and is capable of inflicting a fatal bite wound. The courts may require the forensic expert to identify which specific dog caused the damage or fatal bite in an effort to establish the owner/controller of the animal. Very little has been published on the individualisation of dog bite marks, the procedures to be followed when confronted with usable bite marks and the range of analysis techniques available. The authors advocate a multidisciplinary approach, and utilise a case study to demonstrate the protocol to be followed when analysing a dog b... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4783907 Mon, 02 May 2011 15:00:34 +0100 4783907 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4783908&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F9874930343774688%2F Abstract  The most common method used in determining the estimated time since death in the early post-mortem phase is back-calculation based on rectal temperature decrease. Cooling experiments are essential for model generation and validation. Post-mortem temperature models are necessary to perform back-calculations. Thus far, cooling experiments have not been performed under controlled environmental conditions. The present study provides data on 84 post-mortem cooling experiments under strictly controlled environmental conditions. For a period of 5 years, starting in 2003, deceased persons with a known time of death and known environmental conditions at the death scene were transferred to a climatic chamber for the process of body cooling. The environmental temperatur... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4783908 Mon, 02 May 2011 15:00:33 +0100 4783908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4783909&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F2188711q668krpw3%2F Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0571-8Authors Kristina Baumjohann, Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Melatenguertel 60–62, 50823 Cologne, GermanyKarl-Heinz Schiwy-Bochat, Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Melatenguertel 60–62, 50823 Cologne, GermanyMarkus Alexander Rothschild, Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Melatenguertel 60–62, 50823 Cologne, Germany Journal International Journal of Legal MedicineOnline ISSN 1437-1596Print ISSN 0937-9827 (Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine) International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4783909 Mon, 02 May 2011 05:43:46 +0100 4783909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4783910&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F17pwm51685744825%2F Abstract  In Switzerland, every physician has the right to report a patient that is potentially unfit to drive to the licensing authority without violating medical confidentiality. Verified information regarding physicians’ attitudes concerning this discretionary reporting and the frequency of such reports are not available. In order to answer these questions, 635 resident physicians were sent a questionnaire. The response rate was 52%. On average, the responding physicians—for all specialties—reported 0.31 patients (SD 0.64, 95% CI 0.24–0.38) in the year before the survey and 1.00 patient (SD 1.74, 95% CI 0.81–1.20) in the past 5 years. Seventy-nine percent of the responding physicians indicated knowing the current legal requirements for driving in Switzerla... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4783910 Mon, 02 May 2011 05:43:45 +0100 4783910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4727259&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fq6p3711168770w27%2F Abstract  Cardiomyopathies and channelopathies are major causes of sudden cardiac death. The genetic study of these diseases is difficult because of their heterogenic nature not only in their genetic traits but also in their phenotypic expression. The purpose of the present study is the analysis of a wide spectrum of previously known genetic mutations in key genes related to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), long QT syndrome (LQTS), and Brugada syndrome (BrS) development. The samples studied include cases of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young adults and their relatives in order to identify the real impact of genetic screening of SCD in forensic cases. Genetic screening of described variation in 16 genes implicated in the development of HCM and three more genes implicated ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4727259 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:49:48 +0100 4727259 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4727260&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fdt09u07545q33044%2F Abstract  The distinction between perimortem and postmortem fractures in forensic anthropology is still a frequently unsolved issue. In the present study, we try to verify if there are differences in the pattern of osteon fracturing between fresh and dry bone which could be used for such a diagnosis. Fresh and dry long bones were fractured by a hammer at the mid-shaft perpendicularly to the long axis of the bone and the fracture margins examined under a light microscope as undecalcified sections. Examination of 982 osteons (505 fresh, 477 dry) showed that twice as often the fracture line crosses the osteons as opposed to travelling around them, independently of whether the bone is fresh or dry. Statistical analysis confirmed that there was no significant difference between ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4727260 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:30:16 +0100 4727260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4699480&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F60687670l5k71ml2%2F This study reveals that the completeness of DNA degradation during cornification of the hair is a polymorphic trait. Furthermore, our results suggest that in situ labeling of DNA in hair may be useful for predicting the probability of success of forensic analysis of nuclear DNA in shed hair. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0566-5Authors Sandra Szabo, Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090 Vienna, AustriaKarin Jaeger, Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090 Vienna, AustriaHeinz Fischer, Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4699480 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:07:17 +0100 4699480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4699481&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fd396k2030w8j6v22%2F In conclusion, MGL expression is detected in neutrophils, macrophages, and myofibroblasts and significantly up-regulated, suggesting that it may play roles in response to inflammation during skin-incised wound healing. From the viewpoint of forensic pathology, MGL detection is applicable to skin wound age determination. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0567-4Authors Wen-Xiang Ma, Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.92, Beier Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110001, People’s Republic of ChinaTian-Shui Yu, Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, No.92, Beier Road, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110001, People’s Republ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4699481 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:07:16 +0100 4699481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4694200&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F0r777tt516t1k205%2F Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0565-6Authors T. Bajanowski, Institut für Rechtsmedizin Universitätsklinikum, Essen Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, GermanyH. Pfeiffer, Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Röntgenstrasse 23, 48149 Münster, Germany Journal International Journal of Legal MedicineOnline ISSN 1437-1596Print ISSN 0937-9827 (Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine) International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4694200 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 06:43:51 +0100 4694200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4694201&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F7572172377h21314%2F We examined the potential of tissue-specific differential DNA methylation for body fluid identification. Five tDMRs for the genes DACT1, USP49, HOXA4, PFN3, and PRMT2 were selected, and DNA methylation profiles for these tDMRs were produced by bisulfite sequencing using pooled DNA from blood, saliva, semen, menstrual blood, and vaginal fluid. The tDMRs for DACT1 and USP49 showed semen-specific hypomethylation, and the tDMRs for HOXA4, PFN3, and PRMT2 displayed varying degrees of methylation according to the type of body fluid. Preliminary tests using methylation-specific PCR for the DACT1 and USP49 tDMRs showed that these two markers could be used successfully to identify semen samples including sperm cells. Body fluid-specific differential DNA methylation may be a promising indicato... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4694201 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 06:43:49 +0100 4694201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4688000&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F68254rjk680h0072%2F Abstract  In the UK, stabbing is the most common cause of homicide. The weapons used include knives, swords, screwdrivers and glass shards. Quantifying the exact force used in a stabbing incident is considered to be a difficult area due to the large number of variables present, such as sharpness of weapon, angle of attack and relative movements of the people involved. Having quantifiable data would allow a forensic pathologist to make a more informed decision when it comes to answering the commonly posed question in court “what was the degree of force involved in the stabbing incident?” The answer to this question is considered significant in determining an alleged assailant’s intent to cause harm. This paper presents results of the first detailed study relating geome... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4688000 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:58:32 +0100 4688000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4659973&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fxj1q0167632k882h%2F This study examined 16 Y-STRs in three sampled populations of Native Americans from Alaska: Inupiat, Yupik, and Athabaskan. Population genetic and statistical issues addressed were: (1) the degree of diversity at locus and haplotype levels, (2) determination of the loci that contribute more so to haplotype diversity, and (3) the effects of population substructure on forensic statistical calculations of the rarity of a Y-STR profile. All three population samples were highly polymorphic at the haplotype level for the 16 Y-STR markers; however, the Native Americans demonstrated reduced genetic diversity compared with major US populations. The degree of substructure indicated that the three populations were related and admixed in terms of paternal lineage. The examination of more polymor... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4659973 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:35:22 +0100 4659973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4646081&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fm7426t55p6841545%2F Abstract  The temporary cavity of a missile produces radial tears in ordnance gelatine, which correlate to the energy transfer. Computed tomography is a useful and non-destructive method to examine gelatine blocks. However, the tears give only few radiocontrast by air filling, which decreases with the time past shooting. Therefore, systematically, a radiocontrast material was searched to enhance the contrast. Different contrast materials were amalgamated to acryl paint, and about 7 g was sealed in a foil bag, which was integrated in the front of a standard 10% gelatine cylinder. Shots with Action-5 expanding bullets were performed from a 5-m distance. Gelatine was scanned by multi-slice computed tomography. The multiplanar reconstructed images were compared to mechanic... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4646081 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 05:50:24 +0100 4646081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4633160&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fn102450016117721%2F Abstract  The age of the victim plays a crucial role for the legal implications concerning pornography. Judges therefore often call on forensic experts to verify the age of individuals depicted on photographs or videos. However, there is no scientifically established protocol available for forensic practice in such cases. The conventional methods such as the evaluation of secondary sexual characteristics provide unsatisfactory results particularly when the legally relevant ages for child pornography (i.e. 14 and 18 years) are concerned. To overcome these limits, a European research group has explored the applicability of facial proportions as an age indicator on images. In this pilot study, standardized facial images of 353 females and 20 males from four age groups (6,... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4633160 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:24:59 +0100 4633160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4617746&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F3031443245821282%2F In this study, we retrospectively examined 50 victims of blunt trauma with regard to grade and extent of fractures and crushing of subcutaneous fatty tissue and presence and severity of PFE. Our results indicate that PFE can arise due to mere crushing of subcutaneous fat and that the fracture grade correlated well with PFE severity (p = 0.011). The correlation between PFE and the fracture severity (body regions affected by fractures and fracture grade) showed a lesser significant correlation (p = 0.170). The survival time (p = 0.567), the amount of body regions affected by fat crushing (p = 0.336) and the fat crush grade (p = 0.485) did not correlate with the PFE grade, nor did the amount of body regions affected by fractures. These results may have clinical implic... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4617746 Sat, 19 Mar 2011 02:53:27 +0100 4617746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4596949&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fd17h3np46204v223%2F Abstract  The admixed Brazilian population shows high levels of genetic variability, which resulted from the contribution of three main ethnicities, Amerindian, European, and African. However, due to its huge territory, admixing has been asymmetrical, i.e., the relative contribution from each ethnicity has been unequal in the five geopolitical regions of the country. The aim of this study was to describe genetic variability using a panel of short-tandem repeats on the X chromosome (X-STR) in order to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the usefulness of such markers for forensic purposes in Brazil. Twelve X-STR (DXS9895, DXS7132, DXS6800, DXS9898, DXS6789, DXS7133, GATA172D05, DXS7130, HPRTB, GATA31E08, DXS7423, and DXS10011) were chosen and tested in a sample of 2,234 in... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4596949 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:53:02 +0100 4596949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4567516&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fn347362861j8q815%2F Abstract  Worldwide, there is a high risk of medical complications or death in police custody. This risk is often increased by unclear legislation, a lack of clearly defined responsibility and medical examination standards. Any solution to these problems requires as a very basis the systematic analysis of the medical examinations that determine whether a person is fit to be detained in custody. We analysed a total of 3,674 medical records on fitness for custody, taken from two large German towns (Halle/S and Bremen). The examined individuals were predominantly males or of a younger age. The indication in the majority of cases was acute alcoholic intoxication or drug withdrawal syndromes. Traumata and internal or mental diseases were also quite frequent. For approximately 50... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4567516 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:02:37 +0100 4567516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4537287&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F2752391701622067%2F We present a proof of concept paper describing a simple, quick, cost-effective, manual, targeted in situ post-mortem cardiac angiography method using a minimally invasive approach, to be used with multi-detector computed tomography for high throughput cadaveric imaging which can be used in permanent or temporary mortuaries. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0559-4Authors Sarah L. Saunders, East Midlands Forensic Pathology Unit, Robert Kilpatrick Building, Level 3 Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE2 7LX UKBruno Morgan, Imaging Department, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE27LX UKVimal Raj, Imaging Department, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE27LX UKClaire E. Robinson, ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4537287 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:13:55 +0100 4537287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4514170&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fb272711359825x68%2F Abstract  The use of vitreous humor (VH) as an alternative matrix to blood in the field of forensic toxicology has been described for numerous drugs. Interpretation of drug concentrations measured in VH, as in other matrices, requires statistical analysis of a data set obtained on a significant series. In the present study, two diagnostic tests interpreting postmortem VH concentrations of meprobamate in 117 sets of autopsy data are reported. (1) A VH meprobamate concentration threshold of 28 mg/l was statistically equivalent to that of blood meprobamate concentration threshold of 50 mg/l distinguishing overdose from therapeutic use in blood. The intrinsic qualities of the test were good, with sensitivity of 0.95 and absolute specificity of 1. (2) A novel interpret... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4514170 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 06:36:22 +0100 4514170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4514172&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F46771282813h0g41%2F Abstract  Here, we applied the Taguchi method, an engineering optimization process, to successfully determine the optimal conditions for three SYBR Green I-based quantitative PCR assays. This method balanced the effects of all factors and their associated levels by using an orthogonal array rather than a factorial array. Instead of running 27 experiments with the conventional factorial method, the Taguchi method achieved the same optimal conditions using only nine experiments, saving valuable resources. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0558-5Authors Phuvadol Thanakiatkrai, Centre for Forensic Science, University of Strathclyde, 204 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1XW UKLindsey Welch, Centre for Forensic Science, University of Strathclyde, 204 Georg... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4514172 Sat, 19 Feb 2011 07:05:44 +0100 4514172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4514171&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fv21t5g05250n22xw%2F Abstract  Injuries and assaults related to alcohol consumption are a growing concern in many countries. In such cases, the use of impulsive weapons, an object from the immediate environment, such as a glass bottle, is not uncommon. This current study utilises a material testing system to measure the force required to push a broken glass bottle into a skin simulant with the displacement of the bottle into the skin simulant being recorded simultaneously, using a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT). From this data, load versus displacement plots were produced. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) was also used to analyse bottle wall thickness to determine if a relationship could be found between force required for penetration and bottle wall thickness. The for... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4514171 Sat, 19 Feb 2011 07:05:44 +0100 4514171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4471308&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Ff236747pw5647322%2F Conclusions  These findings demonstrate a link between ABCB1 polymorphisms and increased mortality, and suggest that individualized genotyping should be considered prior to digoxin treatment. This research also exemplifies the value of gender-segregated genotyping studies in helping establish drug safety parameters, while allowing more decisive determination of cause and manner of death in a medico-legal context. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0550-0Authors Anu M. Neuvonen, Department of Forensic Medicine, Hjelt-Institute, Laboratory of Forensic Biology, University of Helsinki, PO Box 40 (Kytösuontie 11), Helsinki, FI-00014 FinlandJukka U. Palo, Department of Forensic Medicine, Hjelt-Institute, Laboratory of Forensic Biology, Universit... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4471308 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:55:58 +0100 4471308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4461441&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fa28124kq2u1477r2%2F Abstract  It is still a matter of debate whether a positive correlation between the dose and the amount of drug in the hair exists. Drugs such as buprenorphine (BUP) used under controlled conditions present an opportunity to prove a possible relationship. Due to discrepant findings of BUP/norbuprenorphine (NBUP) ratios in hair, in vitro degradation of both analytes in diluted acid was also investigated. The levels of BUP and NBUP in proximal hair sections from 18 subjects participating in a maintenance program were determined by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry following incubation with methanol and subsequent liquid/liquid extraction. BUP and NBUP were incubated in diluted hydrochloric acid at 60°C for up to 24 h. The alleged rearrangement products were... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4461441 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:53:38 +0100 4461441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4443099&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fe3180g642814j78q%2F Abstract  Model-based methods play an important role in temperature-based death time determination. The most prominent method uses Marshall and Hoare's double exponential model with Henssge's parameter determination. The formulae contain body mass as the only non-temperature parameter. Henssge's method is well established since it can be adapted to non-standard cooling situations varying the parameter body mass by multiplying it with the corrective factor. The present study investigates the influence of measurement errors of body mass m as well as of variations of the corrective factor c on the error of the Marshall and Hoare–Henssge death time estimator t D. A formula for the relative error of t D as a function of the relative error of m is derived. Simple approximations... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4443099 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:25:16 +0100 4443099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4430208&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fr040741272l8rqp4%2F Abstract  Although potato cannons are an area of great interest among internet users, they are almost completely unknown in the medical community. These simple ballistic devices are made from plastic plumbing pipes and are powered with propellant gas from aerosol cans. By combustion of the gas–oxygen mixture, a high pressure is produced which propels the potato chunks through the barrel. It is the aim of this study to investigate the hazardous potential of these shooting devices. Test shots were performed using three illegally manufactured potato cannons that were confiscated by police authorities. Velocity, impulse, kinetic energy, and energy density were calculated. The risk of head and chest injuries was investigated by using Sturdivan's Blunt Criterion (BC), an energy... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4430208 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:31:10 +0100 4430208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4430209&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fq27747371651417q%2F We present our experience with the plastic adaptation of devastating head injuries in the two exemplary cases. The principal of the reconstruction is manual repositioning of bone fragments of the cranial and facial parts of the skull and careful approximation of the wound edges and their gradual suture using suture material. The reconstruction method can be recommended as an auxiliary technique in the identification of unknown victims with crushing head injuries and in the evaluation of devastating gunshot wound of the head. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00414-011-0553-xAuthors Petr Hejna, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Institute of Legal Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Šimkova 870, 500 01 Hradec Králové, Czech RepublicMiroslav Šafr, Fa... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4430209 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:36:54 +0100 4430209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4401877&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F5763q23643p14t15%2F Abstract  This paper presents a system for the multiplex amplification of 15 loci, known as I-DNA1, which combines mini and midiSTR technology, with amplicon sizes ranging from 49 to 297 bp. I-DNA1 analyses all the STR loci included in the CODIS and the Interpol Standard Set of loci, nine of the ten European core loci and seven of the eight German core loci, making it suitable for use in identifying humans. Moreover, its high sensitivity and the small size of its amplicons mean that I-DNA1 is potentially highly useful for analysing highly degraded and/or very small DNA samples. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00414-010-0539-0Authors A. Odriozola, Grupo BIOMICs/BIOMICs Research Group. Banco de ADN UPV/EHU. Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU. CIE... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4401877 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:16:59 +0100 4401877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4401876&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fd81002471624r540%2F Abstract  In the past, it was almost impossible for forensic scientists to separate DNA from an undefined number of different individuals in mixed stains where, for example, two or more suspects had handled the same weapon. Such samples often contain complex mixtures with the consequence of ambiguous or inconclusive mixed DNA profiles. Using the method described of comprehensive and/or targeted screening of shed cells adhering to tapings of garments or objects enables such stains to be individualized. To evaluate the method, 500 microscopically selected single skin flakes were analyzed using two different commercial STR kits to compare the success rates for each PCR typing system. The method has been validated for use in routine casework and has been shown to be rapid, sens... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4401876 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:16:59 +0100 4401876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4401878&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F9330w2w822p8p1ql%2F In this study, different factors influencing the analysis of mitochondrial heteroplasmy (DNA polymerases, PCR and sequencing primers, nucleotide incorporation, and sequence context) were examined. BigDye Sanger sequencing and the SNaPshot minisequencing were compared as to the accuracy of detection using artificially created mitochondrial DNA mixtures. Both sequencing strategies showed to be robust, and the parameters tested showed to have a variable impact on the display of nucleotide ratios. However, experiments revealed a high correlation between the expected and the measured nucleotide ratios in cell mixtures. Compared to the SNaPshot minisequencing, Sanger sequencing proved to be the more robust and reliable method for quantification of nucleotide ratios but showed a lower detec... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4401878 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 07:07:54 +0100 4401878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4357228&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fm37g256q1826051j%2F Abstract  Data from the literature indicate that the pulmonary pressure rises in cases of ethanol intake. We have recently proposed a method for the detection of prevalent right ventricular damage in cases of fatal pulmonary thromboembolism and pulmonary fat embolism. In the present study, we compared the expression of the antibodies against fibronectin and C5b-9 in 19 cases of lethal alcohol intoxications (study group: 5 females, 14 males, mean age 46 years, mean blood ethanol concentration 3.5‰, min. 2.11‰, max. 5.31‰) to a group of 26 cases of fatal pulmonary thromboembolism (PE; group 2: 16 females, 10 males, mean age 56 years). Moreover, a group of 15 cases of hanging (group 3: 5 females, 10 males, mean age 50 years) as well as a group of 18 cases ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4357228 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:33:01 +0100 4357228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4357229&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fk2gqj638q71l7474%2F Conclusions  Bone density decay only theoretically provides a new method to determine age at death for adult females. Due to the scattering of the data, an accuracy of approximately ±18 years is found at a confidence interval of 75%, which is, unfortunately, of limited practical interest. We found new sex differences of bone density decay in the skull that are potentially of relevance for the general understanding of bone degradation processes. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00414-010-0544-3Authors Christina Schulte-Geers, Department of Neuroradiology, UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Klinikstraße 29, 35385 Giessen, GermanyMartin Obert, Department of Neuroradiology, UKGM, Justus-Liebig University, Klinikstraße 29, 35385 Giessen, GermanyRen�... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4357229 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:32:58 +0100 4357229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4346379&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F28j46v1846048j31%2F We examined 11 candidate genes with skin-specific expression, as ascertained from expression databases and the literature, as well as five candidate reference genes ascertained from previous studies, in skin samples and in other forensically relevant tissues. We identified mRNA transcripts from three genes CDSN, LOR and KRT9, showing strong over-expression in skin samples relative to samples from forensic body fluids, making them suitable markers for skin identification. Out of the candidate reference genes tested, only ACTB showed similarly high expression in skin and body-fluid samples, providing a suitable reference marker for quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis of skin. Analyses of palmar and thumbprint skin samples indicate that our qPCR approach for the three skin-targete... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4346379 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:10:04 +0100 4346379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4346380&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F9u432265n1w8353g%2F We describe and discuss autopsy findings of bowel wall hemorrhage in a study population comprising cases of suicidal death by hanging. Intramural hemorrhages were seen in approximately 12% of the cases examined; no preexisting bowel diseases were found. In hanging deaths with a longer agonal phase, we opine that abdominal congestion during the hanging process provides a viable pathophysiological explanation for bowel wall hemorrhage. Though we are not dealing here with obligatory autopsy findings, the detection of bowel wall hemorrhage might be used as another sign of vital hanging after considering differential diagnostic aspects. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00414-010-0543-4Authors Friedrich Schulz, Department of Forensic Medicine, University Medical Cent... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4346380 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:10:02 +0100 4346380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4346381&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fq4j6h854655381w6%2F Conclusion  Our study shows that although the GPM is a reproducible and repeatable method, there is a wide margin of error in the estimation of chronological age, mainly in the critical estimated ages of 14 and 18 years old in both males and females. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00414-010-0541-6Authors Marco Tisè, Institute of Legal Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Conca 71, 60126 Ancona, ItalyLaura Mazzarini, Institute of Legal Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Conca 71, 60126 Ancona, ItalyGiancarlo Fabrizzi, General and Pediatric Radiology, Ospedali Riuniti University Hospital, Ancona, ItalyLuigi Ferrante, Department of Clinical Medicine and Applied Biotechnologies, Università Politecnica delle Marche,... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4346381 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:10:00 +0100 4346381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4319620&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fv2818t8416682411%2F Conclusion  This study is the first to show that the appearance of post-mortem gas follows a specific distribution pattern. An association between intracardiac gas and hepatic parenchymal gas could distinguish between post-mortem-generated gas and vital air embolism. We propose that this finding provides a key for diagnosing death due to cardiac air embolism. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00414-010-0542-5Authors Coraline Egger, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, CH-1011 SwitzerlandPierre Bize, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, Lausanne, CH-1011 SwitzerlandPaul Vaucher, University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Gen... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4319620 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:50:58 +0100 4319620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4301223&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F05526048qh1767p4%2F Abstract  In times of globalisation, the future of bio-medicolegal sciences in Europe depends on the scientific community’s ability to develop new strategies for research, to introduce new and generally accepted standards, to develop new analytical methods, all in order to draw up inter-site, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary long-term research projects, eligible for European Union (EU) funding. To analyse the scientific output and to identify the topics of greatest interest and appeal in these sciences, an innovative method has been developed to select and analyse publications. This method has been applied to analyse a total of 21,176 records from PubMed out of which 5,826 papers were suitable for further analysis because they were published in national and interna... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4301223 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:09:33 +0100 4301223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4289402&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F7047268l1l573013%2F Abstract  Complete mitochondrial control region data were generated for 230 unrelated Pathans from North West Frontier Province and Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. To confirm data quality and to explore the genetic structure of Pathans, mitochondrial DNA haplogroup affiliation was determined by shared haplogroup-specific polymorphisms in the control region and by the analysis of diagnostic coding region single-nucleotide polymorphisms using a multiplex system for the assignment of eight haplogroups: M, N1′5, W, R, R0, T, J, and U. Sequence comparison revealed that 193 haplotypes were defined by 215 variable sites when major insertions were ignored at nucleotide positions 16193, 309, and 573. From a phylogenetic perspective, Pathans have a heterogeneous or... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4289402 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:47:13 +0100 4289402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4273475&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fet586602v80260p2%2F Abstract  The identification of putrefied bodies is a common task in forensic routine work. The deceased are usually identified by dental records, fingerprinting, or—in cases were no such data are available—DNA analysis. However, with progressive putrefaction, DNA integrity is rapidly decreasing. Genetic analysis may then be greatly impaired, if not impossible. The aim of our study was to establish an efficient procedure to successfully extract and amplify DNA from soft tissues of bodies in different stages of putrefaction. Soft tissues—unlike teeth or bones—usually allow the application of fast and easy-to-use extraction protocols. DNA was extracted from different tissues (aorta, kidney, liver, and skeletal muscle) taken at autopsy using a commercially available DN... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4273475 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:38:54 +0100 4273475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4250234&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fkh5732056707x7qv%2F Abstract  As a rapid-acting dissociative anesthetic, ketamine has been used in drug-facilitated crimes. The aim of this study is to investigate the disposition of ketamine and its main metabolite norketamine in hair after a single dose of ketamine. Four healthy volunteers were recruited into the study. Hair was collected 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after a single oral dose of ketamine solution (10 mg) and analyzed by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The wet cotton swab wiped the scalp of the subjects at 1 h, 24 h, 48 h and 1 week after administration. Maximum hair concentrations (C max) for ketamine and norketamine were 19.0 ± 6.5 and 18.7 ± 13.3 pg/mg, respectively. Except for the first ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4250234 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:09:56 +0100 4250234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4243211&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fdp667145k25311g1%2F Abstract  Images of bruises serve as a clinical record and may facilitate forensic analysis in the assessment of suspected physical child abuse. Currently, only conventional imaging techniques are employed; however, alternative imaging modalities using visible and non-visible light may provide additional information. We sought to determine the image modality preferences of paediatricians and the between-observer agreement therein. Nine paediatricians who work in child protection independently compared five image modalities (conventional colour, conventional grey-scale, cross-Polarised, ultraviolet, and infrared) of four bruises, with a compliance rate of 95%. All images were taken using a standardised set of protocols with Nikon D90 cameras and 105-mm macro-lenses. The paed... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4243211 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:44:59 +0100 4243211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4229511&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fxw8m1p6874044g85%2F Abstract  The laboratory evaluated 154 sexual assault cases from four Child Protection Units in the Philippines involving female child victims aged from 2 years to 18 years old. All child victims sought medical attention within 72 h after sexual contact. In 130 cases, the child victim knew the alleged offender and identified them during the interview with the social worker. Penile ejaculation was reported by 68 child victims with varying reports of washing after contact. Overall, 84 child victims admitted having wiped their genitalia prior to the collection of biological samples for DNA testing. Laboratory personnel examined vaginal smears in only 109 cases using a light microscope and reported 23 samples to be positive for sperm cells. Using the PowerPlex® ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4229511 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 18:07:33 +0100 4229511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4227073&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F8640v88042726490%2F Abstract  In the Australian state of Victoria, all fatalities that were recorded from 2002 through to 2008 involving the use of certain serotonin active drugs (tramadol, venlafaxine, fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and paroxetine), were reviewed to assess the incidence of contraindicated or ill advised drug combinations. More than 1,000 were identified of which 326 cases formed the basis of this study. These cases involved contraindicated or inappropriate drug combinations that can lead to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and subsequent fatal toxicity. Of these, 46% were drug-related, 35% were a result of natural disease and 13% were classified as external injury cases. The remaining cases were those where the cause of death (COD) was unascertained. Tramadol was the most co... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4227073 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:49:16 +0100 4227073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4227074&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F75kv465r2877n133%2F Abstract  Estimation of the firing range is often critical for reconstructing gunshot fatalities, where the main measurable evidence is the gunshot residue (GSR). In the present study intermediate-range gunshot wounds have been analysed by means of a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) coupled to an image analysis software in order to quantify the powder particles and to determine the firing distance. A total of 50 shootings were performed on skin sections obtained from human legs surgically amputated for medical reasons. For each tested distance (5, 15, 23, 30 and 40 cm), firing was carried out perpendicularly at the samples using a 7.65-mm pistol loaded with jacketed bullets. Uninjured skin sections were used as controls. By increasing the firing distance, micro-CT ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4227074 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:49:13 +0100 4227074 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4204466&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fy51455035p7qq407%2F Abstract  The decline of signal joint T-cell receptor rearrangement excision circles (sjTRECs) in human peripheral blood has been demonstrated to be age-related, which can be a potential marker for individual age determination. However, little is known about the quantitative relationship between the levels of sjTREC and age. The aim of the present study was to investigate the levels of sjTREC in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) among different age groups in Chinese population, so as to clarify whether it could serve as a suitable marker for biological age estimation in forensic practice. sjTREC levels were measured by real-time quantitative PCR analysis in peripheral blood samples from individuals of known age (n = 248). The quantification results showed that sjTREC de... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4204466 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:51:39 +0100 4204466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4204467&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Ff15606811m771627%2F Abstract  Third molar development was assessed using a sample of 1,131 orthopantomograms from a Portuguese population. The methodology applied was the eight stages (A–H) method described by Demirjian et al. The final sample was made of 739 orthopantomograms, 387 (52.5%) of which belonging to females; age ranged between 6.1 and 22.5 years old (mean age = 14.49, S.D. = 4.37). For each developmental stage, mean age, standard deviation, and minimal and maximal age was assessed; evaluation of the rate formation of each tooth, according to sex, was calculated and data distribution expressed in percentiles for each stage; the probability of an individual being 16 was also evaluated. The relationship between tooth development and chronological age had a statistical s... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4204467 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:51:38 +0100 4204467 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4204468&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Ft4045k2454569581%2F Abstract  A 24-year-old woman was strangulated by her husband using his wife’s own 60-cm long artificial head hair integrations. During a domestic conflict, she was strangulated while lying in bed in a prone position. Her husband wrapped her hair around her neck and pulled it with one hand while fixing her head with the other hand. Due to the soft and broad nature of the ligature, the neck skin presented scarcely any ligature marks and showed a horizontal pale area in the middle of the neck above which the neck and face were congested; the skin showed extensive petechial haemorrhages. The autopsy revealed no internal injuries except two small haematomas in the soft tissue on each side of the neck. These were located under the pale area of the skin. The larynx and hyoid bo... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4204468 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:26:26 +0100 4204468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4187615&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fp414q54350v38264%2F Abstract  In contact shots, all the materials emerging from the muzzle (combustion gases, soot, powder grains, and metals from the primer) will be driven into the depth of the entrance wound and the following sections of the bullet track. The so-called “pocket” (“powder cavity”) under the skin containing soot and gunpowder particles is regarded as a significant indicator of a contact entrance wound since one would expect that the quantity of GSR deposited along the bullet's path rapidly declines towards the exit hole. Nevertheless, experience has shown that soot, powder particles, and carboxyhemoglobin may be found not only in the initial part of the wound channel, but also far away from the entrance and even at the exit. In order to investigate the propagation of G... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4187615 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:53:10 +0100 4187615 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4160780&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fg453u2536q085572%2F In this study, we tried to read the biological clock in tissues from dead bodies to estimate the time of death using molecular biological techniques. At first, we examined real-time RT-PCR analysis of gene expression for mPer2 and mBmal1, which constitutes a feedback loop in the oscillation system, in the kidney, liver, and heart of mice. We could detect circadian oscillation of these gene expressions in mouse tissues even at <48 h after death. Thus, the ratio of mPer2/mBmal1 was found to be useful for estimating the time of death. We next applied this method to the liver, kidney, and heart obtained from forensic autopsy cases with less than 72 h of postmortem interval. Significant circadian oscillation of hPer2/hBmal1 ratio could be detected in these autopsy samples. We... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4160780 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:23:56 +0100 4160780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4160781&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F0072064373781579%2F Abstract  Human brain samples were collected from 70 autopsy cases including 22 freshwater drowning (FWD), 26 saltwater drowning (SWD), and 22 non-drowning cases as controls. Then, immunohistochemical study combined with morphometry was carried out in order to examine the differential expression of AQP1 and AQP4 in the brain samples. Immunohistochemically, star-shaped cells bearing highly branched processes, often surrounding blood vessels, showed positive reactions for AQP1 and AQP4 in FWD, SWD, as well as control groups. Additionally, with double-color immunofluorescence analysis, AQP1- or AQP4-positive cells could be identified as GFAP-positive astrocytes. Moreover, AQP1-positive reaction was also observed in blood vessels. Morphometrically, there were no significant dif... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4160781 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:23:54 +0100 4160781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4153270&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fn080253170l5733u%2F In conclusion, BM is an interesting alternative matrix, and further experimental data and validated assays are required to confirm its great potential relevance in forensic toxicology. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00414-010-0525-6Authors Nathalie Cartiser, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, ISPB-Faculté de pharmacie, Laboratoire de Toxicologie, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon cedex 08, FranceFabien Bévalot, Laboratoire LAT LUMTOX, 69008 Lyon, FranceLaurent Fanton, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Institut de Médecine Légale, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon cedex 08, FranceYvan Gaillard, Laboratoire LAT LUMTOX, 69008 Lyon, FranceJérôme Guitton, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, ISPB-Faculté de pha... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4153270 Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:17:04 +0100 4153270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4146067&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F561312821254u670%2F The objective of this work was to develop an easily applicable technique and a standardized protocol for high-quality post-mortem angiography. This protocol should (1) increase the radiological interpretation by decreasing artifacts due to the perfusion and by reaching a complete filling of the vascular system and (2) ease and standardize the execution of the examination. To this aim, 45 human corpses were investigated by post-mortem computed tomography (CT) angiography using different perfusion protocols, a modified heart–lung machine and a new contrast agent mixture, specifically developed for post-mortem investigations. The quality of the CT angiographies was evaluated radiologically by observing the filling of the vascular system and assessing the interpretability of the result... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4146067 Sat, 06 Nov 2010 20:18:02 +0100 4146067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4141490&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fw311773r1g33p18n%2F Abstract  Heteroplasmy, the presence of two or more variants in an organism, may render mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-based individual identification challenging in forensic analysis. However, the variation of heteroplasmic proportions and the segregation of heteroplasmic variants through generations and within families have not been systematically described at a large scale in animals such as the domestic dog. Therefore, we performed the largest study to date in domestic dogs and screened a 582-bp-long fragment of the mtDNA control region in 180 individuals in 58 pedigrees for signs of heteroplasmy. We identified three pedigrees (5.17%) with heteroplasmic point mutations. To follow the segregation of the point mutations, we then analyzed 131 samples from these three independen... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4141490 Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:56:26 +0100 4141490 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4136464&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fn118722u468kgq18%2F Abstract  In the present study, we investigated 21 short tandem repeat (STR) loci (D6S474, D12ATA63, D22S1045, D10S1248, D1S1677, D11S4463, D1S1627, D3S4529, D2S441, D6S1017, D4S2408, D19S433, D17S1301, D1GATA113, D18S853, D20S482, D14S1434, D9S1122, D2S1776, D10S1435, D5S2500), which are not included in the Combined DNA Index System and Amelogenin locus in 104 randomly selected healthy autochthonous individuals from the Tibetan ethnic minority group residing in the Lhasa region, Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Allelic frequencies, common forensic statistical parameters, and the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in this population were calculated with a modified PowerState V12.xls. A total of 143 alleles were found in the Tibetan group with corresponding allelic frequencies ra... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4136464 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:17:26 +0100 4136464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4091140&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fj10678n743813447%2F This study is to develop a new multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system that simultaneously amplifies the nine X-chromosome short tandem repeats loci in the same PCR reaction, and to explore their polymorphism and mutation rate among three nationality populations from China. These loci included DXS6854, DXS9902, DXS6809, GATA172D05, HPRTB, DXS7423, DXS6807, DXS8378, and DXS8377. The samples of 890 (484 males and 406 females) unrelated individuals from Guangdong Han population, Xinjiang Uigur, and Inner-Mongolia Mongol were successfully analyzed using this multiplex system. The allele frequencies and mutation rates of the nine loci were investigated, and the comparison of allele frequency distribution among different populations was performed. There were 87 alleles for all the... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4091140 Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:14:50 +0100 4091140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4091141&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F6g0p6433174301l1%2F Abstract  The atmospheric carbon-14 (14C) concentration remained relatively stable until 1955, but then rapidly increased after 1955 by nuclear bomb tests, peaked in 1963, and decreased thereafter. Recently, Spalding et al. proposed epoch-making method for determining date of birth (DOB) using the tooth enamel 14C incorporated during enamel formation. However, because the 14C level analyzed in one tooth gives two possible age ranges (up-slope or down-slope of the bomb curve), a variety of teeth that formed in different periods are required for estimating DOB in this method. Enamel formation in a tooth moves from the incisal (occlusal) side to the cervical side. Taking advantage of this characteristic, we have first succeeded in specifying the age range from only single tooth... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4091141 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 19:00:27 +0100 4091141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4083587&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F41607760u4440270%2F Abstract  Predicting 18 years of age can be crucial in forensic contexts. The third molar is the only tooth developing during this chronological period and has been used to estimate minority/majority status (</≥18 years). Conventionally, Demirjian’s grading has been used to assess third molar development although the method was not originally intended for evaluating this tooth. Demirjian incorporated third molar assessment in a recent modification and replaced the alphabetical grading (A to H) with a numerical scale (0 to 9). The new grading system is untested on third molars and this study assessed the tooth’s development on orthopantomograms of 221 Indian subjects (68 males, 153 females; age range 15–21 years). The tendency to correctly determine ... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4083587 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 21:01:38 +0100 4083587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4069712&cid=s_33386_24_f&fid=33386&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fk4u22m5184085062%2F Abstract  In many cases, it is not possible to call the motorists to account for their considerable excess in speeding, because they deny being the driver on the speed-check photograph. An anthropological comparison of facial features using a photo-to-photo comparison can be very difficult depending on the quality of the photographs. One difficulty of that analysis method is that the comparison photographs of the presumed driver are taken with a different camera or camera lens and from a different angle than for the speed-check photo. To take a comparison photograph with exactly the same camera setup is almost impossible. Therefore, only an imprecise comparison of the individual facial features is possible. The geometry and position of each facial feature, for example the d... International Journal of Legal Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4069712 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:49:25 +0100 4069712