MedWorm: Forensic Medicine

Throat-cutting of accidental origin

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:28:52 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: Incised wounds of the neck can be accidental, homicidal, or suicidal. In this paper, a death case has been presented where a spinning circular saw of a cutting machine in a workshop came off its place and cut the throat of a 30-year-old male who ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

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Meta-analytically quantifying the reliability and biasability of forensic experts

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:58:48 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: In this paper we employ meta-analytic procedures and estimate effect sizes indexing the degree of reliability and biasability of forensic experts. The data are based on within-expert comparisons, whereby the same expert unknowingly makes ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

A clandestine burial in costa rica: prospection and excavation

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:58:43 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: This case report describes the search for a clandestine grave in Costa Rica for which the police sought the assistance of an archaeologist. An anonymous informant suggested that the victim had been kidnapped and murdered, placed in a shallow ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

A novel approach for fingerprinting mummified hands

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:58:36 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: Fingerprinting has long been used as a method for identifying bodies and, since first discovered, many advances have been made in both fingerprint acquisition and interpretation. However, in the field of forensic pathology, the attainment of ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

A y-chromosome str marker should be added to commercial multiplex str kits

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:58:29 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: Autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) analysis has become highly relevant in the identification of victims from mass disasters and terrorist attacks. In such events, gender misidentification can be of grave consequences, yet the list reporting ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Kumho, daubert, and the nature of scientific inquiry: implications for forensic anthropology*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:58:28 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: In the last 15 years, the US Supreme Court has implemented major changes concerning the admittance of expert testimony. In 1993, Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals superseded the Frye ruling in federal courts and established judges, not the ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

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Radiation safety for the nomad™ portable x-ray system in a temporary morgue setting*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:58:28 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the radiation levels resulting from leakage and scatter encountered by the forensic dental personnel using the Nomad™ at St. Gabriel, LA, following Hurricane Katrina. Using a Keithley Radiation Survey ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Comparison of natural and artificial aging of ballpoint inks

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:58:24 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: Solvent evaporation caused by aging from ballpoint inks was measured by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The sample preparation was carried out with two different thermal desorption systems. The results are compared. Thirteen inks ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

John and jane doe: the epidemiology of unidentified decedents

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:58:24 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: The number of people who cannot be identified at the time of death, sometimes referred to as John or Jane Does, is unknown, and little is known about them as a group. The study’s objectives were to estimate the number of annual unidentified ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Small bowel perforation and fatal peritonitis following a fall in a 21-month-old child

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:19:46 +0100

Abstract The authors report a case of fatal peritonitis due to small bowel perforation in a 21-month-old female child. Necropsy excluded natural disease and a thorough Coronial investigation concluded that an accidental fall onto a “doorstop” caused the bowel injury. The investigative findings are presented; the discussion address issues of diagnosis and causation/mechanism of injury. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s12024-008-9041-0Authors Andrew M. Davison, Cardiff University College of Medicine Wales Institute of Forensic Medicine Cardiff CF14 4XN UKEdgar J. Lazda, Cardiff University College of Medicine Department of Pathology Cardiff CF14 4XN UK Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

Ba’alat

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:19:46 +0100

Ba’alat Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Ba'alatDOI 10.1007/s12024-008-9043-yAuthors Elisabeth E. Turk, Leicester Royal Infirmary East Midlands Forensic Pathology Unit, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building Leicester LE2 7LX UKRalph BouHaidar, Leicester Royal Infirmary East Midlands Forensic Pathology Unit, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building Leicester LE2 7LX UK Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

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Fatality complicating agranulocytosis in the setting of carbimazole therapy

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:19:45 +0100

Abstract Carbimazole is an antithyroid drug of the thionamide class which is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Rarely, use of this drug may be associated with the development of agranulocytosis and neutropenia with the consequent risk of sepsis. We present the case of a 50-year-old female who developed rapidly progressive Pseudomonas aeruginosa septicemia in the setting of panycytopenia approximately 4 weeks following the commencement of carbimazole therapy for Graves’ disease. She died shortly after presentation to hospital and the case was referred to the coroner as the death was unexpected and the clinical course was considered unusual. Relatively sudden, unexpected deaths resulting from hematological/endocrine causes are uncommonly encountered by forensic pathologists and this case serves to illustrate the enduring value of the autopsy in providing important clinicopathological correlation to clinicians. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s12024-008-9038-8Authors Matthew J. Lynch, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine 57-83 Kavanagh Street Southbank VIC 3006 AustraliaNoel W. F. Woodford, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine 57-83 Kavanagh Street Southbank VIC 3006 Australia Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

Dna reviews: low level dna profiling

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:19:42 +0100

Abstract Low copy number (LCN) DNA profiling has recently been scrutinized in the United Kingdom following the comments of Mr Justice Weir made during the trial of suspected terrorist Sean Hoey. Mr Hoey was acquitted of all charges related to the Omagh bombing of 1998, following the inadmissibility of key DNA evidence during this trial. The Association of Chief Police Officers and Crown Prosecution Service, initially suspended the use of this technique, but quickly reinstated its use following an internal enquiry. This review describes the low copy number technique and the sample types that are now routinely collected from suspects, victims, and crime scenes for examination by this method. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory DNA ReviewDOI 10.1007/s12024-008-9044-xAuthors Eleanor A. M. Graham, University of Leicester East Midlands Forensic Pathology Unit Robert Kilpatrick Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary Leicester LE2 7LX UK Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

Experimental simulation of non-ballistic wounding by sharp and blunt punches

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:19:41 +0100

Abstract Despite a long history of gross and microscopic descriptions of blunt and sharp force injury to the dermal tissues, few have addressed the mechanisms underlying such trauma. The need to develop an understanding of how non-ballistic injury occurs calls for an ability to biomechanically model the process. We recently introduced a basic skin and subcutaneous model, which we used to investigate wounding from a spherical object. Here we employ the same model to examine wounding caused by a sharp wedge shaped object and a blunt rectangular object. Macroscopic examination and SEM views of the surface and cross sections of blunt and sharp force tears show that while in the former there is a clean cut through the skin into the underlying sponge, in the latter there is a tissue plug confined to the skin that is smaller than the impacting rectangle. Fracture initiation in the subdermal tissue occurs at the angles of the impacting object. In sharp force trauma, there is localized breaching of the skin layer coupled with the wedging action of the impacting object. Because the subdermal tissue, in this case the underlying hydrated foam, is attached to the base of the skin, it will contribute to further tearing of the foam beneath the line of contact. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s12024-008-9042-zAuthors Brittany Wong, University of Otago Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Dunedin New ZealandJules A. Kieser, University of Otago Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry Dunedin New ZealandIonut Ichim, University of Otago Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry Dunedin New ZealandMichael Swain, University of Otago Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry Dunedin New ZealandVicki Livingstone, University of Otago Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine Dunedin New ZealandNeil Waddell, University of Otago Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry Dunedin New ZealandMichael Taylor, Institute for Environmental Science and Research Christchurch New Zealand Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

Driving under the influence of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (ghb)

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:19:41 +0100

Abstract We used an in-house forensic toxicology database (TOXBASE) to evaluate the occurrences of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in blood samples from people arrested in Sweden for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) between 1998 and 2007. Age, gender, and concentrations of GHB in blood were compared and contrasted when GHB was the only drug present and when it occurred along with other drugs. GHB was determined in blood by gas chromatography (GC) after conversion to gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and analysis of the latter with a flame ionization detector. The cut-off concentration of GHB in blood for reporting a positive result was 8 mg/l, which served as limit of quantitation. The mean and median GHB concentrations were 89 mg/l and 82 mg/l, respectively (2½ and 97½ percentiles 12 and 220 mg/l) in 548 arrested drivers. These individuals were predominantly men (95%) with an average age of 26 ± 5.5 years (range 15–50 years) and women (5%) were several years older with an average age of 32 ± 8.0 years (range 19–47). There were 102 individuals (29%) who were arrested more than once with GHB in blood (average ~3 times per person) and one as many as 10 times. GHB was the only psychoactive substance detected in 215 cases (39%) at mean and median blood-concentrations of 91 mg/l and 83 mg/l, respectively. These concentrations were not significantly different from poly-drug users. A weak but statistically significant correlation existed between the concentration of GHB in blood and the person’s age (N = 548, r = 0.135, P < 0.01). The signs of drug influence noted by arresting police officers included sedation, agitation, unsteady gait, slurred speech, irrational behavior, jerky body movements, dilated pupils, and spitting. The blood concentrations reported here are probably appreciably less than at time of driving (30–90 min earlier) owing to the short elimination half-life of GHB (t ½ = 30–40 min). Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s12024-008-9040-1Authors Alan Wayne Jones, National Board of Forensic Medicine Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology Artillerigatan 12 58133 Linköping SwedenAnita Holmgren, National Board of Forensic Medicine Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology Artillerigatan 12 58133 Linköping SwedenFredrik C. Kugelberg, National Board of Forensic Medicine Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology Artillerigatan 12 58133 Linköping Sweden Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

The influence of footwear sole hardness on slip initiation in young adults*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:01:14 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: Slips occur when the friction demand of an individual exceeds the friction available from the shoe/floor interface. Shoe sole hardness is one of the factors thought to influence friction demand and available friction. The purpose of this study ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

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Bromadiolone poisoning: lc–ms method and pharmacokinetic data

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:01:24 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: Poisoning with superwarfarins, like bromadiolone, is a growing public health problem, and the mortality is high. Pharmacokinetic data on bromadiolone in humans are however scarce, and there are no reports following repeated exposures to ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Visualization of latent fingerprint corrosion of metallic surfaces

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:01:23 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: Chemical reactions between latent fingerprints and a variety of metal surfaces are investigated by heating the metal up to temperatures of ∼600°C after deposition of the fingerprint. Ionic salts present in the fingerprint residue corrode the ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Development of the supernormality scale-revised and its relationship with psychopathy

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:01:14 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: The current research addresses the psychometric and diagnostic qualities of the Supernormality Scale-Revised (SS-R), a self-report measurement. Supernormality is defined as the tendency to systematically deny the presence of common symptoms (... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

An evaluation of determination of handedness using standard osteological measurements*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:01:11 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. Abstract: Numerous studies have assessed side dominance assuming arm bones on the side of handedness will be larger, but concerns over sample size or replicability of measurements usually emerged. Attempting to improve upon these limitations, this ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Anaphylactic latex reaction during anaesthesia: the silent culprit in a fatal case.

Forensic Science International — Fri, 09 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Anaphylactic latex reaction during anaesthesia: The silent culprit in a fatal case.

Forensic Sci Int. 2008 May 9;

Authors: Turillazzi E, Greco P, Neri M, Pomara C, Riezzo I, Fineschi V

The true incidence of anaphylactic latex reactions and their associated morbidity and mortality remain poorly defined. It is noteworthy that a number of groups of individuals are at risk for anaphylactic reactions to latex during surgical and medical procedures; one of these groups is represented by the obstetric and gynaecologic population. A case of unrecognized first anaphylactic reaction to latex in a pregnant woman patient who underwent a caesarean section is presented. The diagnosis of latex allergy was missed and the following day the woman underwent a surgical re-exploration complicated by fatal cardiovascular arrest. At post-mortem examination, pulmonary mast cells in the bronchial walls and capillary septa were identified and a great number of degranulating mast cells with tryptase-positive material outside the cells was documented. A post-mortem latex-specific IgE test showed a high titre (14.00U/I). Latex-induced fatal anaphylactic shock was recorded as the cause of death. This case highlights some of the practical difficulties in the initial diagnosis and subsequent investigation of fatal anaphylactic reaction during anaesthesia. Anaphylaxis is often misdiagnosed because many other pathologic conditions may present identical clinical manifestations, so anaphylactic shock must be differentiated from other causes of circulatory collapse. Although latex allergy usually has a delayed onset after the start of the surgery and most often a slow onset too, it should be always suspected if circulatory collapse and respiratory failure occur during surgery, even if the patient does not belong to a risk group; in the presence of identified risk factors for latex allergy a well-founded suspicion must be stronger, leading to an immediate discontinuation of the potential trigger.

PMID: 18468822 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Forensic Science International)

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Histopathological differentiation of skin lesions caused by electrocution, flame burns and abrasion.

Forensic Science International — Thu, 08 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Histopathological differentiation of skin lesions caused by electrocution, flame burns and abrasion.

Forensic Sci Int. 2008 May 8;

Authors: Uzün I, Akyıldız E, Inanıcı MA

The aim of this study was to reveal histopathological features for differential diagnosis of skin lesions caused by electrocution, flames and abrasions. Based on the causes of the lesions, cases were assigned into three groups. Group 1 included 30 deaths from electric shock. Group 2 included 30 individuals with flame burns who died in the fires. Group 3 included 30 deaths from traffic accidents, from which the individuals had abrasions. Data from the crime scene investigations and macroscopic and microscopic findings from the autopsies allowed determination of the cause of death in all cases. The features of the lesions examined under the light microscope were intraepidermal separation, subepidermal (dermoepidermal) separation, coagulation necrosis in the epidermis, nuclear elongation in the epidermis, dark-staining epidermal nucleus, depth of homogenization in the dermis, and nuclear elongation in the epithelium of hair follicles. A significantly high rate of electrical lesions had intraepidermal separation. The rate of subepidermal separation was slightly more significant in flame burns. A significantly higher rate of electrical lesions had both intraepidermal and subepidermal separation. The rate of coagulation necrosis in the epidermis was significantly the highest in electrical lesions. Although the severity of nuclear elongation was the most significant in electrical lesions, varying degrees of nuclear elongation in the epidermis were present in all three groups. Dark staining of the epidermal nuclei was present in all lesions except for one electrical lesion, though the severity of staining was significant in the abrasion group. The depth of homogenization was slightly more significant in the abrasion group. The rate of nuclear elongation in the epithelium of the hair follicles was significantly lower in the abrasion group. The results of this study revealed that certain morphological changes determined under a light microscope could help the differential diagnoses of electrical lesions, flame burns and abrasions.

PMID: 18472235 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Forensic Science International)

Diagnosing post-mortem treatments which inhibit dna amplification from us mias buried at the punchbowl.

Forensic Science International — Thu, 08 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Diagnosing post-mortem treatments which inhibit DNA amplification from US MIAs buried at the Punchbowl.

Forensic Sci Int. 2008 May 8;

Authors: Koon HE, Loreille OM, Covington AD, Christensen AF, Parsons TJ, Collins MJ

The US military is committed to recovering and identifying the remains of unknown military service members. Casualties of the Korean War were exhumed from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, or Punchbowl, and submitted to the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) for mtDNA sequencing. Contrary to AFDIL's experience on other samples from this era, most failed to yield amplifiable DNA. Suspicion fell on mortuary practices that may have been applied to the remains, evidenced by a white powder found with the bones, and general records suggesting the use of formaldehyde-based stablizing agents. To improve the chances of successful identification of the unknown individuals, we looked for the causes underlying this failure. We did this by examining the state of the collagen, the most abundant biomolecule in bone, by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The DSC analyses showed collagens with a range of different thermal stabilities. When these results were compared with the DNA amplification results, a clear correlation between elevated thermal stability and amplification failure was evident. TEM analysis revealed that fibril integrity was maintained after thermal and acid treatments in the samples which failed amplification. Together these two approaches implicate a stabilization agent as the cause of problems with DNA analysis, presumably due to excessive cross-linking. Following the initial study, the ability of DSC to rapidly identify problem samples was tested in a blind study of 14 samples, the method successfully identifying all the problematic samples from Punchbowl. Within this unusual context, DSC analysis is a useful method to assess the likelihood of successful DNA extraction and amplification.

PMID: 18472236 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

(Source: Forensic Science International)

Sexing and stature estimation criteria for balkan populations

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:23:08 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 601-605, May 2008. Abstract: Two standard measurements, maximum femur length and head diameter, were collected by International Criminal Tribunal (ICTY) anthropologists. Only Kosovans had both femur dimensions for both sexes. Antemortem stature data were available only for ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Identification of biological samples in a case of contamination of a cytological slide preparation*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:23:06 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 739-741, May 2008. Abstract: Here we report a case where a discrete section of the cytological slide preparation of a female individual was obviously contaminated with pleura liquid of a female tumor patient. Analysis of the cancerous pleura liquid and the healthy cells of ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

New formulae for estimating age-at-death in the balkans utilizing lamendin’s dental technique and bayesian analysis*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:55 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 578-587, May 2008. Abstract: The present study analyzed apical translucency and periodontal recession on single-rooted teeth in order to generate age-at-death estimations using two inverse calibration methods and one Bayesian method. The three age estimates were compared to ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

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The placement of the human eyeball and canthi in craniofacial identification

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:50 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 612-619, May 2008. Abstract: An accurate understanding of the spatial relationships between the deep and superficial structures of the head is essential for anthropological methods concerned with the comparison of faces to skulls (superimposition) or the prediction of faces ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Review of: geological and soil evidence

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:47 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 764, May 2008. (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Sequence analysis of a new short tandem repeat locus d17s2266e located in the human growth hormone gene cluster humgh@*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:46 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 683-686, May 2008. Abstract: D17S2266E is a new, variable genetic marker exhibiting polymorphism of the number of repeats of four- and two-nucleotide motifs. This study, carried out on a group of 250 unrelated persons from various regions of Poland, revealed the presence of ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Inter-observer variation in methodologies involving the pubic symphysis, sternal ribs, and teeth*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:46 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 594-600, May 2008. Abstract: For the skeletal age of a victim to be useful in victim identification, the methods on which it is based must be reliable, accurate, and the results easily duplicated. The ability of multiple investigators to duplicate results is an interesting ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Analysis of age-at-death estimation through the use of pubic symphyseal data*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:44 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 558-568, May 2008. Abstract: The question of whether age parameters derived from an American population will reliably estimate age-at-death for East European skeletal populations is important since the ability to accurately estimate an individual’s age-at-death hinges on ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

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Identification of acepromazine in hair: an illustration of the difficulties encountered in investigating drug-facilitated crimes

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:38 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 755-759, May 2008. Abstract: After a drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA), a woman was found in a drowsy state at home. She remembered having drunk an unknown beverage by the accused. Blood samples (collected 8 hours after the DFSA), two glasses, and a teaspoon seized by ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Detection of explosives in hair using ion mobility spectrometry

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:37 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 690-693, May 2008. Abstract: Conventional explosives 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), nitroglycerin (NG), and ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN) sorbed to hair can be directly detected by an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) in E-mode (for explosives). Terrorist explosive, ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

When dna is not available, can we still identify people? recommendations for best practice*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:36 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 533-540, May 2008. Abstract: Recommendations of best practice to conduct identifications in settings with large numbers of victims and technological limitations are provided, based on a sample of 116 cases in which positive presumptive identifications were generated using "... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Review of: death investigation: systems and procedures

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:35 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 762, May 2008. (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Issues in the global applications of methodology in forensic anthropology*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:34 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 606-607, May 2008. Abstract: The project and research reported in this collection of articles follows a long-term historical pattern in forensic anthropology in which new case work and applications reveal methodological issues that need to be addressed. Forensic ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

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Three unusual neuropathologic-related causes of sudden death*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:32 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 734-738, May 2008. Abstract: We discuss the autopsy findings of three medico-legal cases of sudden death associated with uncommon neuropathologic findings of which the general forensic pathologist may not be familiar. Case 1 was a 43-year-old man who died of a seizure due ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Characterization of lesions in hanging deaths

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:32 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 720-723, May 2008. Abstract: Hanging is a common method of committing suicide and a routine task in medico-legal autopsies. The hanging mark is the most relevant external sign and its characteristics are well known, but, for unknown reasons, there are major differences in ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Determination of sex for the 12th thoracic vertebra by morphometry of three-dimensional reconstructed vertebral models

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:31 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 620-625, May 2008. Abstract: Thirty-three linear measurements and two ratios were derived from 102 12th thoracic vertebrae of the Digital Korean database at the Catholic Institute for Applied Anatomy. Of 35 linear traits, 23 were sexually dimorphic. We created 23 ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Pig-mentation: postmortem iris color change in the eyes of sus scrofa*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:29 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 626-631, May 2008. Abstract: Experienced forensic pathologists and examiners may be familiar with the phenomenon of postmortem iris color change; however, only Knight, Simpson’s forensic medicine, Arnold, London, 1997; Ref. 1 and Saukko and Knight, Knight’s forensic ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

A solid-phase microextraction method for the detection of ignitable liquids in fire debris

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:28 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 668-676, May 2008. Abstract: A solid-phase microextraction (SPME) procedure involving direct contact between the SPME fibers and the solid matrix and subsequent gas chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis for the detection of accelerants in fire debris is described. The ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

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Comparing the performance of ibis and bullettrax-3d technology using bullets fired through 10 consecutively rifled barrels*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:26 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 677-682, May 2008. Abstract: This study evaluates the abilities of the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) and BulletTRAX-3D electronic imaging systems to identify bullets fired by the same weapon in a large database of images. Ten consecutively rifled ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Review of: mummies and death in egypt

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:25 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 766, May 2008. (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Death in sauna*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:24 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 724-729, May 2008. Abstract: Bathing in sauna is common in Finland, where there are approximately 2 million saunas among the population of 5.2 million. In this paper, deaths occurring while in a sauna in 1990–2002 in Finland were studied by analyzing police and forensic ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Automated processing of forensic casework samples using robotic workstations equipped with nondisposable tips: contamination prevention

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:21 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 632-651, May 2008. Abstract: An automated process has been developed for the analysis of forensic casework samples using TECAN Genesis RSP 150/8 or Freedom EVO liquid handling workstations equipped exclusively with nondisposable tips. Robot tip cleaning routines have been ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Pubic bone age estimation in adult women*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:19 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 569-577, May 2008. Abstract: In recent years, numerous physical anthropologists have pointed out the need for regional standards for estimating age in various world populations. While investigating aging methods for East European populations, dramatic changes were noted in ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

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Review of: forensic methods: excavation for the archaeologist and investigator

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:18 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 765, May 2008. (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Review of: the forensic mission: investigate forensic science through a killer mystery!

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:17 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 763, May 2008. (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

The detection of hydromorphone in urine specimens with high morphine concentrations*

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:17 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 752-754, May 2008. Abstract: A previous study suggested that small amounts of morphine are metabolically converted to hydromorphone. In the present study, morphine positive urine specimens obtained from a postmortem laboratory and a random urinalysis program were tested for ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)

Discrimination of falls and blows in blunt head trauma: systematic study of the hat brim line rule in relation to skull fractures

Journal of Forensic Sciences: T — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:17 +0100

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 53, Issue 3, Page 716-719, May 2008. Abstract: In the discrimination of falls from blows in blunt head trauma, the hat brim line rule is one of the most often used criteria. The present study assesses the validity of the hat brim line rule for skull fractures and looks at other possible ... (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences: T)