MedWorm: Forensic Medicine

Practical experience in post-mortem tissue donation in consideration of the European tissue law

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:19:51 +0100

Abstract In consequence of the European guidelines of safety and quality standards for the donation, retrieval, storing and distribution of human tissues and cells the purpose of tissue transplantation was implemented into German legislation in May 2007. The law came into effect on August 1st 2007 considering of the European rules. The Institutes for Legal Medicine of the University of Frankfurt/Main and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf developed a model for tissue retrieval. The Institute of Legal Medicine (I.f.R.) at the University Medical Center Hamburg cooperates with the German Institute of Cell and Tissue Replacement (Deutsches Institut für Zell—und Gewebeersatz DIZG). Potential post-mortem tissue donors (PMTD) among the deceased are selected by sta...

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To hold or not to hold

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:01:19 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory CommentaryDOI 10.1007/s12024-009-9123-7Authors Andrew M. Baker, Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office 530 Chicago Avenue Minneapolis MN 55415 USALaura Crandall, The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Program, A Program of the CJ Foundation for SIDS 800-620-SUDC Hackensack NJ USA Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

Statistical Discrimination of Footwear: A Method for the Comparison of Accidentals on Shoe Outsoles Inspired by Facial Recognition Techniques.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study is intended to be a starting point for future research to build statistical models on the formation and evolution of accidental patterns. PMID: 19895540 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences)

The Intergenerational Cycle of Criminality-Association with Psychopathy*

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Repo-Tiihonen E, Tiihonen J, Lindberg N, Weizmann-Henelius G, Putkonen H, Häkkänen H Preventive interventions early in life are likely to lower the risk of intergenerational transmission of criminal behavior. We investigated if psychopathy among homicidal offenders is associated with criminal offending among the offenders' offspring. The basic sample consisted of consecutive Finnish homicide offenders (during 1995-2004) who had been subjected to a forensic psychiatric examination and rated for a file-based PCL-R, and their offspring. Criminal behavior among both genders of the offspring was more common than in the general population. In general, the offspring's crimes against others (e.g., threat, intimidation, deprivation of freedom, breach of domicile) were associa...

Cardiac Injuries Caused by Blunt Trauma: An Autopsy Based Assessment of the Injury Pattern.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Turan AA, Karayel FA, Akyildiz E, Pakis I, Uzun I, Gurpinar K, Atılmıs U, Kir Z Nonpenetrating chest trauma with injury to the heart and aorta has become increasingly common, particularly as a result of rapid deceleration in high-speed vehicular accidents, over the past 2-3 decades. The high mortality rate of cardiac injuries and possible late onset complications make blunt cardiac injuries an important challenging point for legal medicine. One hundred and ninety cases with blunt cardiac injuries in a period of 3 years were analyzed retrospectively in terms of patterns of cardiac injury, survival times, and demographic profiles of the cases in this study. PMID: 19895542 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences)

Debugging Decomposition Data-Comparative Taphonomic Studies and the Influence of Insects and Carcass Size on Decomposition Rate.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Simmons T, Adlam RE, Moffatt C Comparison of data from a variety of environments and ambient temperatures has previously been difficult as few studies used standardized measures of time/temperature and decomposition. In this paper, data from previous studies and recent experiments are compared using simple conversions. These conversions allow comparison across multiple environments and experiments for the first time. Plotting decomposition score against logADD allows the exponential progression of decomposition to be expressed as a simple linear equation. Data comparison from many environments and temperatures shows no difference in decomposition progression when measured using Accumulated Degree Days. The major effector of change in rate was insect presence, regardless of dep...

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Study: The Lack of Significant Association of the Catechol-O-Methyl Transferase (COMT) Gene Polymorphism in Violent Offenders with Mental Retardation.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the COMT gene genotype distribution and allele frequency is not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). This result suggests that the H/L polymorphism of the COMT gene does not show an association with the potential of "commits-violent offense" of Turkish subjects with mental retardation, compared with control group. PMID: 19895544 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences)

Identification of historical specimens and wildlife seizures originating from highly degraded sources of kangaroos and other macropods

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:54:14 +0100

We describe a method and new primers to amplify three small DNA fragments of the cytochrome b region of the mitochondrial DNA that are suitable for marsupial species identification from degraded sources, such as wildlife seizures. They were designed as consensus sequences from a comparison of 21 marsupial species. The primers also contained sequences intended specifically not to amplify human DNA, thereby reducing the likelihood of amplifying contaminants. Examples of the utility of these primers are given using a range of conditions that may be applied using such an approach, including (1) field-collected sub-fossil bones, (2) an example of museum mis-identification from a specimen collected in 1930 and (3) a skull collected from Bernier Island, in the harsh mid-west of Western Aust...

Basil RuDusky: Forensic cardiovascular medicine

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:27:04 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ReviewDOI 10.1007/s12024-009-9118-4Authors L. Maximilian Buja, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston 7000 Fannin, Suite 1715 Houston TX 77030 USA Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

Digital image analysis of fingernail colour in cadavers comparing carbon monoxide poisoning to controls

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:27:03 +0100

This study sought to objectively determine by using digital image analysis if a color difference occurred between the fingernails of a group of cadavers with carbon monoxide poisoning compared to a group of controls. The fingernails of the carbon monoxide group did tend to be more red than the controls, but due to overlap between the two groups assessment of the fingernails cannot be recommended as a rapid screening test. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s12024-009-9122-8Authors Neil E. I. Langlois, University of Adelaide Forensic Science SA 21 Divett Place Adelaide 5000 SA Australia Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

Editorial Board

Legal Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Legal Medicine)

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The identification of a human skull recovered from an eBay sale.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Seidemann RM, Stojanowski CM, Rich FJ A human skull seized by the State of Louisiana from an eBay sale is analyzed. Bioarchaeological analyses of age-at-death, sex, and population affinity suggest the individual represented by the skull was a middle-aged Native American female. The presence of intentional cranial modification independently supports the population affinity assessment while confounding the metric analyses. However, no further specificity as to population affinity could be inferred using existing methods and comparative databases. Sedimentological and palynological analyses were attempted to redress this impasse. The presence of fine-grained charcoal, abundant fungal remains, and small angular quartz grains suggestive of burial in loess, as well as the lack of po...

Body height measurements in images.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hoogeboom B, Alberink I, Goos M For any measurement of a person's height in an image, a difference exists between the actual height of the person and the image measurement. In order to gain knowledge about statistical behavior of differences between actual and measured heights it is necessary to make reference recordings, e.g., of test persons under the same recording conditions. To test whether the differences are dependent on camera and further circumstances, an experiment was set up which involved the measurement of 22 test persons using three cameras of varying quality. Reproducibility of measurements per image appears to be strongly dependent on the camera (quality), whereas systematic bias differs with the view point of the camera. Operator dependency of the measurement ...

Morbidity involving the hallucinogenic designer amines MDA and 2C-I.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This report demonstrates the utility of testing for a wider menu of compounds using LC-MS/MS in order to better characterize the prevalence and toxicities of novel amines such as 2C-I. PMID: 19878416 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences)

Commentary on: Authors' response [J Forensic Sci 2009;54(2):501] to Wells' comments [J Forensic Sci 2009;54(2):500] regarding Krane DE, Ford S, Gilder JR, Inman K, Jamieson A, Koppl R, Kornfield IL, Risinger DM, Rudin N, Taylor MS, Thompson WC. Sequential unmasking: a means of minimizing observer effects in forensic DNA interpretation.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ostrum B PMID: 19878427 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences)

Dog attack: the application of canine DNA profiling in forensic casework

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:57:20 +0100

Abstract More than 100,000 dog attacks occur each year in Australia and many go unsolved. Dog attacks are not only a cause of human injury but may also involve injury and death to family pets, prized livestock and wildlife. Canine biological evidence can often be left behind on a victim or at the scene of an attack. Our laboratory provides canine DNA profiling for forensic investigations, utilising an in-house panel of 11 canine-specific autosomal short tandem repeat markers previously validated for use in casework. Case studies will be presented that outline methods for sampling of suspected canine biological evidence, profiling of canine DNA, statistical analysis, case outcomes and challenges for investigators. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 1...

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Brenda L. Waters (ed.): Handbook of autopsy practice, 4th edn

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:57:44 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Book ReviewDOI 10.1007/s12024-009-9112-xAuthors Jan P. Sperhake, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf Department of Legal Medicine Butenfeld 34 22529 Hamburg Germany Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

Stuart L. Houser, M.D.: The Operated Heart at Autopsy

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:57:43 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Book ReviewDOI 10.1007/s12024-009-9113-9Authors Claas T. Buschmann, University Medical Centre Charité Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences Turmstr. 21, Building L 10559 Berlin Germany Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

Study of the Cytochrome b Gene Sequence in Populations of Taiwan.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, there are sufficient sequence polymorphisms of the MTCYB gene in individuals of different populations, which may be used in the analyses of human ethnic groups in forensic casework. PMID: 19874441 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences)

Retinal hemorrhages associated with meningitis in a child with a congenital disorder of glycosylation

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:41:22 +0100

Abstract A 9-month old infant presented in a state of shock to a district hospital. She was subsequently referred to the regional tertiary hospital. On admission, bruises were noted on the vertex of the skull. Retinal hemorrhages were present on ophthalmological examination. CT scan of the brain showed poor grey–white matter differentiation with apparent frontoparietal fractures of the skull. Her case was subsequently referred to the relevant authorities as it was suspicious for nonaccident injury (NAI). Her condition deteriorated and she died the next day. Postmortem examination showed that the bruises on the vertex were caused by rapid widening of the sutures of the skull, caused by rising intracranial pressure. There was no skull fracture or evidence of trauma. Histol...

Using accumulated degree-days to estimate postmortem interval from the DNA yield of porcine skeletal muscle

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:41:21 +0100

This study focused on the exposure of skeletal muscle tissue to a coastal environment. Two specimens of Sus domesticus, each weighing ~45 kg, were placed above ground to decompose over time. One pig was sampled over the summer season (December to February) and the other specimen during the winter season (June to August). Both the summer and winter pig studies were conducted in Drummond Cove, on the Mid West coast of Western Australia. Samples of muscle were collected at 2 day intervals for the summer and winter pigs. The daily maximum and minimum environmental temperature and humidity was recorded. Although time is an important factor in the degradation of DNA it is not critical. This study confirms that DNA degradation is best modelled as dependent on accumulated temperatu...

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A patterned abrasion on the neck of an infant: inflicted injury or not?

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:44:05 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSISDOI 10.1007/s12024-009-9111-yAuthors Neil E. I. Langlois, University of Adelaide Forensic Science 21 Divett Place Adelaide SA 5000 Australia Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

Infiltrating carcinoma of the breast mimicking electrocution

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:44:05 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSISDOI 10.1007/s12024-009-9110-zAuthors Roger W. Byard, The University of Adelaide Discipline of Pathology Level 3 Medical School North Building, Frome Road Adelaide 5005 Australia Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

Imaginary Penalities. Edited by Pat Carlen (Cullompton, Devon: Willan, 2008, 332pp. {pound}25.00)

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:04 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues)

Victims of Crime: Policy and Practice in Criminal Justice. By Matthew Hall (Devon: Willan, 2009, 262pp. {pound}38.00 hb)

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:04 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues)

A History of Murder: Personal Violence in Europe from the Middle Ages to the Present. By Pieter Spierenburg (Cambridge: Polity Press, 2008, ISBN 978-0-7456-4378-6. {pound}17.99)

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:04 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues)

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The Currency of Justice: Fines and Damages in Consumer Societies. By Pat O'Malley (Abingdon and New York: Routledge-Cavendish, 2009, ix + 187pp. {pound}22.99)

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:04 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues)

Unequal Crime Decline: Theorising Race, Urban Inequality and Criminal Violence. By Karen F. Parker (New York: NYU, 2008, 163pp. {pound}35.50)

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:04 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues)

Out There/in Here: Masculinitiy, Violence and Prisoning. By Elizabeth Comack (Halifax Winnipeg: Fernwood Publishing, 2008, 160pp. {pound}12.26)

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:04 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues)

Policing and Crime Control in Post-Apartheid South Africa. By Anne-Marie Singh (Ashgate: Aldershot, 2008, 158pp. {pound}50.00)

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:04 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues)

Police Occupational Culture: New Debates and Directions. Edited by M. O'Neill, M. Marks and A.-M. Singh (Amsterdam: Elsevier JAI Press, 2007, 393pp. {pound}59.00 hb)

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:04 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues)

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Mothers for Justice?: Gender and Campaigns against Miscarriages of Justice

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:04 +0100

Miscarriages of justice are often only exposed through the extra-judicial activities of parties determined to fight for a particular cause, involving those closest to victims of miscarriages of justice. This paper examines the role of women, and particularly of mothers, in such justice campaigns and the extent to which there is a gendered dimension to campaigns against injustice. Based on interviews with those closely associated with justice campaigns, the paper argues that women tend to occupy a special, powerful place in campaigns against miscarriages of justice, one interwoven with familial relationships. The paper proceeds to relate this ‘special’ place to differential processes of grieving and the dynamics of women's engagement with protest and campaigning more generally. ...

What Works for Women?: A Comparison of Community-Based General Offending Programme Completion

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:03 +0100

This study uses multivariate statistical techniques on national data for 2006–07 to examine the characteristics significantly predicting completion rates for General Offending Programmes. In particular, it uses criminogenic factors from the OASys risk-assessment tool to identify the features predicting compliance, as captured by the Interim Accredited Programmes System (IAPS), and determine whether they differ between men and women. The results show significant variation between the women and men in the predictors of programme completion. The practical implications of these for research, policy and practice are discussed. (Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues)

Reconsidering the Theory on Adolescent-Limited and Life-Course Persistent Anti-Social Behaviour

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:03 +0100

This article presents a critical review of the taxonomic theory of adolescent-limited and life-course persistent anti-social behaviour (Moffitt 1993) and its empirical evidence. This influential theory suggests that there are two qualitatively distinct types of offenders that require distinct theoretical explanations. Moreover, the empirical evidence for the typology is considered to be strong, at least by some. I discuss along three lines: first, to what extent the taxonomy should be interpreted literally; second, whether the suggested mechanisms are likely to produce the hypothesized groups; third, whether some of the most important empirical evidence really does support the theory. I conclude that the theoretical arguments are surprisingly unclear on key issues and that the empirical ev...

Embodying Uncertainty?: Understanding Heightened Risk Perception of Drink 'Spiking'

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:03 +0100

There is a stark contrast between heightened perceptions of risk associated with drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) and a lack of evidence that this is a widespread threat. Through surveys and interviews with university students in the United Kingdom and United States, we explore knowledge and beliefs about drink-spiking and the linked threat of sexual assault. University students in both locations are not only widely sensitized to the issue, but substantial segments claim first- or second-hand experience of particular incidents. We explore students’ understanding of the DFSA threat in relationship to their attitudes concerning alcohol, binge-drinking, and responsibility for personal safety. We suggest that the drink-spiking narrative has a functional appeal in relation to the co...

Public Health and Fear of Crime: A Prospective Cohort Study

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:03 +0100

Public insecurities about crime are widely assumed to erode individual well-being and community cohesion. Yet, robust evidence on the link between worry about crime and health is surprisingly scarce. This paper draws on data from a prospective cohort study (the Whitehall II study) to show a strong statistical effect of mental health and physical functioning on worry about crime. Combining with existing evidence, we suggest a feedback model in which worry about crime harms health, which, in turn, serves to heighten worry about crime. We conclude with the idea that, while fear of crime may express a whole set of social and political anxieties, there is a core to worry about crime that is implicated in real cycles of decreased health and perceived vulnerability to victimization. The challenge...

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Governing Through Anti-social Behaviour: Regulatory Challenges to Criminal Justice

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:03 +0100

This article argues that the language of regulation has been appropriated and deployed to cloak and legitimize ambitious (yet ambiguous) bouts of hyper-active state interventionism. These may have more to do with quests to demonstrate government's capacity to be seen to be doing something tangible about public anxieties than with meaningful behavioural change. Rather, regulatory ideas are being used to circumvent and erode established criminal justice principles, notably those of due process, proportionality and special protections traditionally afforded to young people. Consequently, novel technologies of control have resulted in more intensive and earlier interventions. (Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues)

Community Policing or Zero Tolerance?: Preferences of Police Officers from 22 Countries in Transition

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:03 +0100

This study is the first of a two paper series on the relationship between democratization and police attitudes, preferences and behaviours. This study reports the results of a pilot study of 315 police supervisors from 22 transitioning nations asking about their preferences towards two different styles of crime prevention—community-oriented policing and zero tolerance approaches. The results indicate that the officers from countries more democratically consolidated tend to have stronger relative preferences towards community-oriented policing over zero tolerance styles. (Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent issues)

Social Control in the Face Of Security and Minority Threats: The Effects of Terrorism, Minority Threat and Economic Crisis on the Law Enforcement System in Israel

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:03 +0100

This study focuses on a combination of security, minority and economic threats that occurred concurrently during the Second Intifada in Israel and their impact on social control. The Israeli situation provides a unique opportunity for implementing the natural experiment approach. This study was based on an interrupted time-series analysis of a restricted time period, namely 1995–2005. ARMA models were used to examine the effects of Intifada period, terrorist attacks, unemployment rates and ethnic origin on pre-trial detention rates. The findings support the minority threat hypothesis. A strong and statistically significant interaction effect was found between the Second Intifada and ethnic origin: pre-trial detentions of Arabs increased during the Intifada and were higher than those ...

Aggravating Racism and Elusive Motivation

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:03 +0100

Since the implementation of the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act, courts in England and Wales have seen an increase in the number of racially aggravated charges brought before them. However, the extent to which racism is central, rather than ancillary to, the offences prosecuted under this law remains contested, both in individual legal cases and in criminological writing about hate and bias-motivated crime. Using the narrative accounts of one man convicted of perpetrating a racially aggravated assault, this article outlines how important it is to engage with the complexity of motivation as it is perceived by offenders and the necessity of developing analytic approaches capable of transcending what offenders say about their attitudes to race. (Source: British Journal of Criminology - recent iss...

'I'm a Muslim, but I'm not a Terrorist': Victimization, Risky Identities and the Performance of Safety

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:03 +0100

Since the events of 11 September 2001, Muslim minority groups have been subjected to pervasive scrutiny in the United Kingdom. The 7 July 2005 attacks have led to young Muslims’ being party to intensified modes of monitoring, surveillance and intervention by crime and security agencies. The introduction of multiple forms of counter-terrorism regulation by the state has been underpinned by discourses of (in)security, which have defined British Muslims en bloc as a risky, suspect population. Against this wider backdrop, this paper presents the findings from a study investigating the effects of these processes on young British Pakistanis in the North-West of England. Giving voice to these young people, we explore their responses to risk-victimization and articulate the impacts of legal ...

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'We Are Going to Rape You and Taste Tutsi Women': Rape during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide

British Journal of Criminology - recent issues — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:03 +0100

Over the past decades, scholars have paid greater attention to sexual violence, in both theorization and empirical analysis. One area that has been largely ignored, however, is sexual violence during times of armed conflict. This paper examines the nature and dynamics of sexual violence as it occurred during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Drawing upon testimonies given to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), descriptions of rapes—both singular and mass—were qualitatively analysed. In general, three broad types of assaults were identified: opportunistic assaults, which seemed to be a product of the disorder inherent within the conflict; episodes of sexual enslavement; and genocidal rapes, which were framed by the broader genocidal endeavours occurring at the time. ...

More descriptive sub-coding for the source or place of carbon monoxide poisoning would be required for the revision of ICD-11

Legal Medicine — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We examined the statistics of accidental and suicidal death due to CO poisoning with reference to gender, age, month and place from The vital statistics submitted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan . The statistics show an increase in the number of lethal CO poisoning accidents from 1998 to 2007. Approximately two thirds of the accidental CO poisoning occurs during cold season (from November to April), and more than half at home. There have been many news reports on CO poisoning due to defects in household gas appliances, and manufacturer’s negligence, but the statistics do not tell the truth. (Source: Legal Medicine)

A fatal case of myocardial damage due to misuse of the “designer drug” MDMA

Legal Medicine — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: A 39-year-old woman collapsed after oral intake of 3,4-methylenedioxymethyl-amphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”). After ingestion of the drug, she had felt persistent discomfort in her anterior chest area, and lost consciousness for a few minutes on the following morning. She was transported to a hospital and died seven days after collapse. A serum sample obtained on admission revealed an MDMA concentration of 1.2mg/L, but no evidence of any other drug including amphetamine, methamphetamine, or other ring-substituted amphetamines. Microscopic examination at autopsy revealed striking changes in the heart, including small foci of myocyte necrosis with a surrounding macrophage inflammatory response, foci of fibrosis, and calcification accompanied by myocyte necrosis, these changes bein...

C-fos, fos-B, c-jun and dusp-1 expression in the mouse heart after single and repeated methamphetamine administration

Legal Medicine — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: In forensic autopsy, there are numerous sudden methamphetamine (MA)-related deaths. The concentration of MA in the blood is measured to determine the cause of death in case of MA-related death. As a low concentration of MA is detected in MA-related death cases, it is sometimes difficult to identify to the cause of death. MA abusers often exhibit various cardiovascular diseases. MA induces arrhythmia and morphological change in cultured cardiomyocytes. Therefore, MA might affect heart cells, especially in terms of gene expression. Immediate early genes (IEGs) are expressed before some specific gene expressions following certain stimuli. We investigated the expression of IEGs, including c-fos, fos-B, c-jun and dusp-1 mRNA, in the mouse heart after a once-daily MA injection for 1day...

Frequency, types and causes of intraventricular haemorrhage in lethal blunt head injuries

Legal Medicine — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Autopsy findings and neuropathological examination of formalin-fixed brains in 676 deaths due to blunt head injury, here with special attention to injuries of the inner (periventricular) cerebral structures and haemorrhages into the ventricles.Intraventricular haemorrhage of any degree was present in 17.6%, considering only distinct and massive haemorrhage in 10% of all cases. Considering the types of trauma, the frequency was lowest in ground level falls and highest in traffic accidents (pedestrians with head contact to the car) – indicating a relation between the severity of impacts and the likelihood of ventricular haemorrhage. They predominantly resulted from periventricular injuries (27%) or retrograde expansions of infratentorial lesion with subarachnoid bleeding (19%), f...

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A study of neutrophil as a morphological marker of death from hemorrhagic shock in forensic practice cases

Legal Medicine — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Excessive autolytic inflammation accompanied by dysfunction of “shock organs” is recognized as arising from hemorrhagic shock due to the promotion of endovascular recruitment of neutrophils. Here, activated neutrophils in the organs of autopsy cases were evaluated as a marker of death from hemorrhagic shock. Morphologically-determined injury to the heart, lung, liver, and kidney was investigated in death from five major causes: hemorrhagic shock, head injury, exsanguination, asphyxia, and drowning. The frequency of activated neutrophils was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. When the antemortem interval was less than 2h, it was found that neither morphological damage nor neutrophil frequencies were significantly different after death due to any of these 5 causes. In co...

Walk and Die: An Unusual Presentation of Head Injury.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We report three deaths in young adult males following closed blunt trauma to the head and face where the affected individuals were able to walk away from the incident, before subsequently collapsing and dying a short distance from the site of the assault. In each case, due to the rapidity of the posttrauma collapse, the pathologist was faced with a diagnostic difficulty at autopsy; the external examination revealed multiple injuries to the head and face, but internal examinations showed limited findings with no structural explanation for the death. We discuss possible mechanisms that could account for this scenario, the implications of alcohol consumption with a concussive head injury, and parallels that can be drawn with the so-called "talk and die,""talk and deteriorate," and "second imp...

Fast Multiplexed Polymerase Chain Reaction for Conventional and Microfluidic Short Tandem Repeat Analysis.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Giese H, Lam R, Selden R, Tan E The time required for short tandem repeat (STR) amplification is determined by the temperature ramp rates of the thermal cycler, the components of the reaction mix, and the properties of the reaction vessel. Multiplex amplifications in microfluidic biochip-based and conventional tube-based thermal cyclers have been demonstrated in 17.3 and 19 min, respectively. Optimized 28-cycle amplification protocols generated alleles with signal strengths above calling thresholds, heterozygous peak height ratios of greater than 0.65, and incomplete nontemplate nucleotide addition and stutter of less than 15%. Full CODIS-compatible profiles were generated using the Profiler Plus ID, COfiler and Identifiler primer sets. PCR performance over a wide range of DNA...

Integrating DSM-IV Factors to Predict Violence in High-Risk Psychiatric Patients.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study incorporated Axis-II and Axis-IV factors in DSM-IV to test the relationship between predicted risk for violence assessed in the psychiatric emergency room and actual violence during hospitalization. Psychiatric nurses lack an objective instrument to use during the acute psychiatric assessment. The retrospective study comprised consecutive psychiatric admissions (n = 161) in one tertiary veterans' hospital. Statistical testing for the predictive power of risk factors, relationships between variables, and violent events included nonparametric tests, factor analysis, and logistic regression. Of the 32 patients who committed violence during hospitalization, 12 had committed violence in the psychiatric emergency room. Statistical significance was shown for violent incidents and demen...

Diplotype analysis of the human cardiac sodium channel regulatory region in Japanese cases of sudden death by unknown causes

Legal Medicine — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Inherited mutations in the human cardiac sodium channel (SCN5A) gene cause arrhythmogenic diseases such as tachyarrhythmia and bradyarrhythmia. Moreover, mutation subsets in the coding region impair SCN5A function, potentially leading to sudden cardiac death (SCD). In the present study, we performed diplotype analysis of the regulatory region of the SCN5A gene in Japanese people who died suddenly because of an unknown cause (sudden death group; n=70) and controls (n=112). There were no significant differences at six polymorphic loci between the groups. However, 38 diplotypes of 6-nucleotide polymorphism variants were identified. One of these diplotypes—Dip.D (CTG–TC/CCG–TC)—occurred significantly more frequently in the sudden death group than in the controls (p (Source: L...

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Anthropological and Radiographic Comparison of Antemortem Surgical Records for Identification of Skeletal Remains*

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Scott AL, Congram D, Sweet D, Fonseca S, Skinner M This case review illustrates the important contributions of forensic archeological methods and forensic anthropological analysis to the identification of found skeletal remains. After reassociation of skeletal remains found in two locations, anthropological analysis provided the basis for a presumptive identification and a request for antemortem medical records. Partial DNA profiles were supportive but not conclusive and antemortem dental records were not available. Comparison of antemortem traumas, skeletal morphology, and surgical artifacts with antemortem radiographs and surgical records led to positive identification of an individual missing for almost a decade. PMID: 19818106 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Sourc...

An Unusual Zip Gun Suicide-Medicolegal and Ballistic Examination.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This article presents an unusual case of a suicide carried out by means of a fatal gunshot wound to the head using a home-made zip gun. A 49-year-old male, with a history of paranoid psychosis was found dead in the dwelling place of a family house. The investigation at the crime scene did not lead to suspicion of a gunshot wound because of the unusual nature of the firearm used. A medical examiner diagnosed an opened head injury as the primary cause of the victim's death. The autopsy findings provided immediate grounds for further inspection of the crime scene. Subsequently, a simple zip gun, which had been overlooked during the scene investigation, was discovered. An undeformed projectile recovered from the victim's head was consistent with the use of the home-made firearm. Following the ...

The Nocturnal Ovipositing Behavior of Carrion Flies in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Stamper T, Davis P, Debry RW The behavioral patterns of nocturnal oviposition represent a window of time that potentially has a large impact on postmortem interval estimations. We investigated the behavioral patterns of carrion flies at night by exposing euthanized rats between sunset and sunrise to see if carrion flies oviposited upon the carrion over two consecutive summers. We investigated urban and rural locations, in both lit and unlit conditions with n = 125. We found that nocturnal ovipositing did not occur in the Cincinnati metropolitan area. We conclude that nocturnal oviposition is an unlikely event in the Cincinnati metropolitan area. PMID: 19818108 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences)

A Grass Molecular Identification System for Forensic Botany: A Critical Evaluation of the Strengths and Limitations*

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ward J, Gilmore SR, Robertson J, Peakall R Plant material is frequently encountered in criminal investigations but often overlooked as potential evidence. We designed a DNA-based molecular identification system for 100 Australian grasses that consisted of a series of polymerase chain reaction assays that enabled the progressive identification of grasses to different taxonomic levels. The identification system was based on DNA sequence variation at four chloroplast and two mitochondrial loci. Seventeen informative indels and 68 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were utilized as molecular markers for subfamily to species-level identification. To identify an unknown sample to subfamily level required a minimum of four markers or nine markers for species identification. The accuracy...

Characterization of the Products Formed by the Reaction of Trichlorocyanuric Acid with 2-Propanol.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We report a recent investigation into the death of a cat that was initially thought to involve intentionally burning the animal via the use of an ignitable liquid. The exposure of the animal to flame was ruled out. Instead, forensic investigation revealed the intentional mixing together of a common outdoor swimming pool chlorinator, trichlorocyanuric acid (TCCA), and 2-propanol (aka, isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol). The reaction of these two chemicals resulted in the formation of cyanuric acid residue, hydrochloric acid, and the evolution of a significant volume of chlorine gas. Further alpha-chlorination side reactions also occurred between 2-propanol and TCCA to produce a variety of chlorinated 2-propanone species that were detected on the submitted evidence. The identification of ...

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DNA Preparation from Sexual Assault Cases by Selective Degradation of Contaminating DNA from the Victim.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Garvin AM, Bottinelli M, Gola M, Conti A, Soldati G The standard method to purify sperm DNA from vaginal swabs taken from rape victims is to selectively digest the victim's epithelial cells to solubilize the victim's DNA, and then separate the soluble DNA from the intact sperm by centrifugation. A different approach to removing the soluble victim's DNA is to selectively degrade it using a nuclease, DNase I. DNase I reduces the amount of soluble DNA by over 1000-fold, while having virtually no effect on the sperm DNA remaining in the sperm head and inaccessible to the enzyme. Nuclease inactivation and sperm lysis then yield a soluble, pure male DNA fraction. An aliquot of soluble DNA is removed prior to nuclease addition to provide the victim's fraction. Vaginal swabs taken at ...

Age at Death Estimation in Adults by Computer-Assisted Histomorphometry of Decalcified Femur Cortex.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study was divided into two parts: in the first, we tested different decalcifying methods to determine the most appropriate for femoral bone; in the second part, we used computer-assisted histomorphometry to estimate age at death in 29 samples of femoral bone. We measured intact osteon density (N.On), fragmented osteon density (N.On.Fg) and percentage of lamellar bone surface per unit area (Lm.B.Ar) in the cortex of the femoral midshaft, on four or 20 fields per section. We found that 20% nitric acid solution at room temperature proved to be the best decalcifying method, with a mean decalcification duration of 1 week. Fragmented osteon density was found to be the morphometric feature most closely correlated with age, followed by intact osteon density; Lm.B.Ar. did not increase accuracy...

Assessment of Impulsive Aggression in Patients with Severe Mental Disorders and Demonstrated Violence: Inter-Rater Reliability of Rating Instrument.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Felthous AR, Weaver D, Evans R, Braik S, Stanford MS, Johnson R, Metzger C, Bazile A, Barratt E Measurements of impulsive and premeditated aggression, developed recently, have been applied to prison and outpatient populations without severe mental disorders. Comparable measures of impulsive and premeditated aggression have not been developed for populations with a severe mental disorder. A practical difficulty is that seriously disturbed, thought-disordered patients are incapable of providing reliable historical information. The investigators adapted the Barratt-Stanford instrument for differentiating impulsive from premeditated aggression so that instead of serving as an interview schedule, it could be used to assess aggression from previously documented written descriptions....

Fragmentary femora: Evaluation of the accuracy of the direct and indirect methods in stature reconstruction

Forensic Science International — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:47:48 +0100

Abstract: Selected measurements of the femur have been used in the derivation of regression equations for stature estimation in several populations. Various studies have indicated that stature can be estimated from fragmentary bones by either the direct or the indirect method. The direct method allows for the estimation of stature directly from individual or combination of measurements of fragments of the femur. However, the indirect method consists of two steps. An initial step which involves the estimation of maximum length of the femur from measurements of its fragments is followed by stature estimation from the estimated maximum length of the femur. While Steele noted that the indirect method provides a relatively more precise estimate of stature, none of the subsequent studies on stat...

Editorial Board

Forensic Science International — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:47:42 +0100

(Source: Forensic Science International)

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Evidentiary Standards for Forensic Anthropology*

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Christensen AM, Crowder CM As issues of professional standards and error rates continue to be addressed in the courts, forensic anthropologists should be proactive by developing and adhering to professional standards of best practice. There has been recent increased awareness and interest in critically assessing some of the techniques used by forensic anthropologists, but issues such as validation, error rates, and professional standards have seldom been addressed. Here we explore the legal impetus for this trend and identify areas where we can improve regarding these issues. We also discuss the recent formation of a Scientific Working Group for Forensic Anthropology (SWGANTH), which was created with the purposes of encouraging discourse among anthropologists and developing an...

Fimag: The United Kingdom Disaster Victim/Forensic Identification Imaging System.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We present a new national disaster victim/forensic identification imaging system-Fimag-which is applicable for both contaminated and non-contaminated mass fatality imaging and addresses the issues of judicial reporting. We suggest this system opens a new era in radiological diagnostics for mass fatalities. PMID: 19804521 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences)

The Teaching of Denture Marking Methods in Dental Schools in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Richmond R, Pretty IA Forensic organizations worldwide have recommended that dental prostheses should be marked with, at a minimum, the patient's name and preferably with further unique identifiers such as a social security number. The current study aimed to assess the denture marking practice of dental schools within the United States and the United Kingdom. A questionnaire-based survey was employed to gain both quantitative and qualitative data on the methods, practices, and ethos behind denture marking in 14 U.K. and 32 U.S. dental schools. One hundred percent of U.K. and 87.5% of U.S. schools returned surveys and the results suggest that, for dental schools where there is no legal or legislative need for denture marking, the practice is inconsistently taught and appears to...

The Use of Hemastix(R) and the Subsequent Lack of DNA Recovery Using the Promega DNA IQ System.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Poon H, Elliott J, Modler J, Frégeau C Following implementation of our automated process incorporating the Promega DNA IQ(TM) system as a DNA extraction method, a large number of blood-containing exhibits failed to produce DNA. These exhibits had been tested with the Hemastix((R)) reagent strip, commonly used by police investigators and forensic laboratories as a screening test for blood. Some exhibits were even tainted green following transfer of the presumptive test reagents onto the samples. A series of experiments were carried out to examine the effect of the Hemastix((R)) chemistries on the DNA IQ(TM) system. Our results indicate that one or more chemicals imbedded in the Hemastix((R)) reagent strip severely reduce the ability to recover DNA from any suspected stain ...

Santeria and Palo Mayombe: Skulls, Mercury, and Artifacts.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gill JR, Rainwater CW, Adams BJ Santeria and Palo Mayombe are syncretic religions created in the New World based upon African religious beliefs combined with Christianity. The main worship of Palo Mayombe involves religious receptacles that may contain earth, sticks, varied artifacts, and animal and human remains. Due to the use of human and nonhuman remains, discovery of these items often leads to involvement by the police due to a concern of homicide. We review in detail the medical examiner records of two of these ritualistic cases including the autopsy, anthropology, police, and investigators' reports. For the human remains, careful consideration of the context in which the remains were recovered, their state of preservation, and the associated artifacts (e.g., beads and m...

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The Stable Isotope Ratios of Marijuana. II. Strontium Isotopes Relate to Geographic Origin.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: West JB, Hurley JM, Dudás FO, Ehleringer JR Effectively addressing marijuana trade is aided by understanding marijuana geographic sources. We analyzed the (87)Sr/(86)Sr of marijuana samples grown in 79 counties across the United States to determine if a primary geologic signal is retained in marijuana, which could therefore be useful for geographic sourcing. The marijuana results were compared with modeled bedrock (87)Sr/(86)Sr values based on (87)Rb decay rates and a generalized geologic map of the U.S.A. A significant correlation was observed between marijuana (87)Sr/(86)Sr and modeled bedrock (87)Sr/(86)Sr. Although values clustered near the 1:1 relationship, there was a predominance of positive anomalies, perhaps attributable to carbonate bedrock. A small number of ne...

Forensic Terrestrial Photogrammetry from a Single Image.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gonzalez-Aguilera D, Gomez-Lahoz J Forensic terrestrial photogrammetry is one of the most valuable and low-cost resources of spatial data available today. Due to the ephemeral crime scene characteristics, these photographs can often capture information that is never to be seen again. This paper presents a novelty approach for the documentation, analysis, and visualization of crime scenes for which only a single perspective image is available. The photogrammetric process consists of a few well-known steps in close-range photogrammetry: features extraction, vanishing points computation, camera self-calibration, 3D metric reconstruction, dimensional analysis, and interactive visualization. Likewise, the method incorporates a quality control of the different steps accomplished seq...

Skull Fracture with Brain Expulsion in a One-Level Jumping-Fall.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Guyomarc'h P, Campagna-Vaillancourt M, Chaltchi A, Sauvageau A Here presented is the case of a one-level jumping-fall with extensive skull fractures and brain expulsion. The body was found on the basement floor at the foot of the stairs. At the autopsy, the skull was extensively fractured, with about half of the brain expulsed several feet away from the body. The cause of death was established as a craniocerebral trauma with brain expulsion. The circumstances and manner of death were still unclear at that time. A low fall seemed very unlikely considering the severity of the skull and brain damage. The police investigation clearly revealed that the man, in a paranoid psychotic state, attacked his wife with a knife and then was witnessed by his children to have hit his head seve...

An Amino Acid Model for Latent Fingerprints on Porous Surfaces*

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schwarz L Analytical standards are needed in latent fingerprint detection for research and development as well as for quality control in routine work because normal fingerprints are too varied for comparison studies and tests. One way is to create latent fingerprints. For the amino acid sensitive detection method this can be achieved by coating test items with an amino acid solution using a modified commercial office bubble jet printer. Besides low costs, fast and easy preparation, the main advantage of a bubble jet printer is that the amino acid loading per area on the test item can be calculated by weighing the cartridge on a balance. This opens the possibility to determine the deviation for every printing series. The reproducibility of prints in a printing series made by on...

Medicolegal Aspects of Posttraumatic Gastroduodenal Ulcers: A Retrospective Study*

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Savic S, Stevanovic R, Alempijevic D, Petkovic S, Baralic I Retrospective examination of 5-year autopsy material showed the presence of posttraumatic gastroduodenal ulcers (PGDU) in 17.7% of decedents deemed to be at risk. They were more common in males (77%) and in patients aged over 50. In the majority of cases (76%) the survival period was <12 days; in 16.5% it was < 48 h. PGDU developed most commonly in victims of polytrauma and isolated craniocerebral injury, with ISS values >/=16; patients with spinal cord injuries were at greatest risk. Most frequently affected was the stomach, exhibiting numerous, usually superficial lesions, while solitary acute and exacerbated chronic peptic ulcers were more common in the duodenum. Complications of PGDU developed in 40% of c...

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A LDR-PCR Approach for Multiplex Polymorphisms Genotyping of Severely Degraded DNA with Fragment Sizes

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In this study, we present a multiplex typing method that couples ligase detection reaction with PCR that can be used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms and small-scale insertion/deletions in a sample of severely fragmented DNA. This method adopts thermostable ligation for allele discrimination and subsequent PCR for signal enhancement. In this study, four polymorphic loci were used to assess the ability of this technique to discriminate alleles in an artificially degraded sample of DNA with fragment sizes <100 bp. Our results showed clear allelic discrimination of single or multiple loci, suggesting that this method might aid in the analysis of extremely degraded samples in which allelic drop out of larger fragments is observed. PMID: 19804530 [PubMed - as supplied by publi...

Subway Train-Related Fatalities in New York City: Accident versus Suicide*

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We examined the characteristics of subway train-related fatalities in New York City between Jan. 1, 2003 and May 31, 2007 in order to determine which factors are useful in differentiating accident from suicide. Subway train-related deaths with homicide and undetermined manners also are included. During this period, there were 211 subway train-related fatalities. The manners of death were: suicide (n = 111), accident (n = 76), undetermined (n = 20), and homicide (n = 4). The causes of death were blunt trauma (n = 206) and electrocution (n = 5). Torso transection and extremity amputation were more frequent in suicides. Antidepressant medications were more frequently detected in suicides, whereas cocaine and ethanol were more frequent in accidents. However, autopsy findings should be weighed ...

Study of Short- and Long-Term Storage of Teeth and Its Influence on DNA.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study analyzed DNA degradation in 24 extracted teeth after storage at room temperature for 0, 2, 5, and 10 years. DNA concentration, quantified by dot-blot hybridization, declined significantly for the first 2 years, but there was no significant further degradation from the second to the tenth year of storage. COfiler analysis was used and the allelic dropout ratio for the amelogenin locus relative to CSF1PO locus was also estimated. Statistically significant differences were found between fresh teeth and teeth from the 2- and 5-year groups but not from the 10-year group. Under our storage conditions most of the DNA degradation occurred during the first 2 years. Further research is needed to control for individual and external factors that could affect DNA. PMID: 19804532 [PubMed ...

Constituent profiling of ecstasy seizures by GC-MS after joint derivatization with MSTFA and MBTFA

Forensic Toxicology — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:51:27 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s11419-009-0080-3Authors Pinjia Meng, Chinese People’s Public Security University Department of Forensic Science Muxidi Nanli 1# Xicheng District, Beijing 100038 P.R. ChinaPierre Margot, University of Lausanne Institute de Police Scientifique Lausanne-Dorigny Switzerland Journal Forensic ToxicologyOnline ISSN 1860-8973Print ISSN 1860-8965 (Source: Forensic Toxicology)

Capsaicin, an active ingredient in pepper sprays, increases the lethality of cocaine

Forensic Toxicology — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:51:26 +0100

Abstract Since 1992, California police have been using pepper sprays containing oleoresin capsicum (OC) as a nonlethal method to subdue delirious or violent individuals. Capsaicin is a primary ingredient in OC spray. From January 1993 to June 1995, at least 20 deaths in California were associated with OC and stimulant drug (cocaine, amphetamines, or ephedrines) exposure. Based on this background, we hypothesized a direct potentiation of cocaine toxicity by capsaicin. We performed animal experiments and also reviewed human data involving capsaicin and stimulants. The lethal effects of capsaicin administered with cocaine (both compounds administered intraperitoneally) were assessed in 14 groups of 20–40 male mice. Capsaicin at 10 mg/kg increased the lethality of cocaine in...

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Alcimedes

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:17 +0100

(Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:17 +0100

This volume is an updated version of the original volume (at that time Volume 2 in this series) published 6years previously. Chapters relating to drugs and toxicology account for 80% of the book (>800 pages) and the information contained within this part of the book is very detailed. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Response to Karch

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:16 +0100

Steven B. Karch says he never intended to ridicule forensic toxicology or forensic toxicologists, which is a bit hard to swallow considering the rubric of his article “Is post-mortem toxicology quackery.” He fails to mention the incorrect calculations dealing with distribution volume of methamphetamine and his attempt to estimate the dose administered from the measured blood-concentration of this stimulant. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Response to Postcard from Sweden

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:16 +0100

I am not persuaded that JCFM is the proper venue for the sort of discussion Jones invites, but I do think he raises some important scientific issues and those I am happy to address. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Post-mortem toxicology is not quackery when done by qualified practitioners

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:16 +0100

The rather provocative title of Steven B. Karch’s postcard from America (Is postmortem toxicology quackery?) should have raised a few eyebrows among practicing forensic toxicologists. Surprisingly, his postcard and opinions have, to my knowledge, not been answered. This prompted a postcard from Sweden to highlight some errors and omissions in the material submitted by Dr. Karch. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

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Ethanol-based hand cleansers

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:16 +0100

In the July issue of 2008 JFLM Alcimedes correctly reported that exposure to ethanol-based hand cleansers does not produce measurable levels of plasma ethanol. Be that as it may, some ethanol is absorbed, even if it is below limits of detection, and some of that ethanol is converted to a minor metabolite known as ethyl glucuronide. On this side of the pond, at least, the presence of ethyl glucuronide is considered a marker for ethanol consumption, and it is. But just as pubs are not the only source of lager, drinking is not the only source of ethanol ethyl glucuronide (EtG). (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Identification at autopsy of pulverized pills in lungs of a first-time methadone user

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:16 +0100

Abstract: We recently encountered a 25-year-old white man who died of substance abuse including methadone. The route of administration of the drug(s) appears to have been insufflation. He was found dead at home. There were bottles of prescribed medications and an empty bottle of non-prescribed methadone. There was a grinding device nearby. At autopsy, no needle tracts were identified. Microscopically, the bronchi had desquamated ciliated respiratory epithelium admixed with red-brown pigment, which was found under plane-polarized light to be comprised of birefringent finely-granular material consistent with pulverized pills. Blood toxicology was positive for tetrahydrocannabinol, sertraline, nicotine, and methadone. The cause of death was ruled drug interactions with cerebral and pulmonary ...

“Atypical Suicidal” cut throat injury – A case report

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:16 +0100

We present here an unusual and rare case of self-inflicted cut throat injury of a 45-year old ex-military man without tentative cuts over the neck, which has resulted from a curved sharp weapon. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Life threatening intracerebral hemorrhage with isometheptene mucate, dichlorophenazine and acetaminophen combination therapy

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:16 +0100

Abstract: A 45year old female with no stroke risk factors suffered a massive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after ingesting Midrin – a combination of isometheptene mucate, dichlorophenazine and acetaminophen. Neuroimaging revealed no evidence of structural disease or underlying vasculopathy. This is the first reported case of isometheptene induced ICH in the absence of underlying cerebrovascular disease. Physicians must be aware of the potential for this complication, and inquire about the use of isometheptene in unexplained cerebral hemorrhages. Neurological communities in countries with nonprescription isometheptene should discourage unsupervised or excessive use of the drug. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Homicide of six family members using multiple methods in Sri Lanka

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:16 +0100

Abstract: A family of six members were murdered at their own residence. Four of the family members had been killed with large heavy sharp weapons which produced multiple deep cut injuries predominantly on the neck and face. In these victims, death occurred as a result of haemorrhage. Two family members were killed by ligature strangulation and hanging. The victim, who was hanged, was sexually abused before she was killed. An unusual finding was the presence of an alleged assailant to the murders with multiple blunt weapon trauma to his body, at the scene of crime. The homicides of the family were as a result of personal disputes between the perpetrators who were their neighbours. Three of the alleged assailants were charged for murder and rape. The fourth assailant was charged for rape. No...

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Paradoxical air embolism through patent foramen ovale during consensual intercourse in a non-pregnant young female

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:16 +0100

Abstract: Sudden vaginal bleeding and a cardiac arrest occurred in a 18-year-old female during consensual intercourse. Resuscitation procedures, applied at the arrival of a medical emergency team, restored the cardiac function allowing admission to hospital, where two vaginal mucosal lacerations were diagnosed and sutured. Cardiological investigations diagnosed a left ventricle myocardial infarction and a patent foramen ovale while a brain CT scan showed ischemic signs and intravascular air images. Death occurred after 48h, due to heart failure, cerebral anoxia and multiorgan failure. Autopsy confirmed a patent foramen ovale considered as responsible for a paradoxical air embolism. Judicial Authority evaluated the fatal paradoxical air embolism as a consequence of an unpredictable accident...

Lemierre syndrome and unexpected death in childhood

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:16 +0100

Abstract: Lemierre syndrome refers to necrotizing infections of the head due to Fusobacterium necrophorum and has been called the ‘forgotten disease’ due to its rarity in the antibiotic era. Recently, however, more cases have been documented in the literature suggesting that there has been an increase in incidence. A 10-year-old boy is reported who had a five-day history of ear infection, with the development of fever, drowsiness and ipsilateral neck swelling. Unexpected cardiac arrest occurred soon after medical assessment. At autopsy, right otitis media was demonstrated with extension of suppurative infection into subcutaneous tissues behind the ear and also into the extradural space at the lateral end of the petrous temporal bone. There was also septic thrombophlebitis of the adjace...

Early adipocere formation: A case report and review of literature

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:15 +0100

Abstract: Adipocere has a long history of frightening and fascinating mankind, from so called “incorruptible saints” to the famous “iceman” and its formation on human remains has long been known and feared. Adipocere formation replaces the putrefactive changes, when the body lies buried in shallow, moist, clay, soiled grave or it is thrown into cess pools or submerged in water. As the progression of putrefaction is arrested, the facial features and wounds are preserved without much alteration, thereby aiding the identification and to certain extent, the cause of death. The time required for the formation of adipocere is a subject of controversy. Here we present a case of early adipocere formation within 3days and the review of literature pertaining to it. (Source: Journal of Forens...

A rare case of myocardial infarction due to parathion poisoning

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:15 +0100

In conclusion, myocardial infarction is a rare complication of parathion poisoning. Awareness of this complication of parathion poisoning, proper monitoring and treatment could prevent fatalities. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Allele frequencies for six miniSTR loci of Northwestern Chinese Han populations

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:15 +0100

Abstract: MiniSTR loci has demonstrated to be an effective approach to recover genetic information from degraded sample, due to the improved PCR efficiency of their reduced PCR product sizes. Allele frequencies and forensic parameters for the six miniSTR loci D10S1248, D2S441, D1S1677, D9S1122, D10S1435 and D17S1301 were investigated in 154 Northwestern Chinese Han populations. All loci showed a moderate degree of polymorphism with observed heterozygosity >0.6 and did not show departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for Northwestern Chinese Han populations. The accumulated powers of discrimination for the six loci were 0.999998. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

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Landmine associated injuries in children in Turkey

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:15 +0100

This study aims to examine trends of injuries due to landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) and to determine problems during and after the treatment of children and adolescent victims in Turkey. Data from the records of 23 children injured from landmines and UXO were analyzed from April 2001 to October 2008. Cases consist of 21 (91.3%) males and two (8.7%) females with a mean age of 12.8years. Cause of injury was landmine explosion in 20 (87.0%) and UXO in three (13.0%) cases. Injuries in upper and lower extremities were determined in eight (34.8%) children. Hand amputation was the result in 10 (43.5%) children where in two cases a leg, in one case an eye, in one case a hand and arm, in two cases a hand and leg, in one case an eye and a leg and in three cases a hand and eye were lost. One...

Study of fingerprint classification and their gender distribution among South Indian population

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:15 +0100

Abstract: Identification of an individual plays a vital part of any medicolegal investigation. Fingerprint is considered to be the most accurate and reliable indicator in identification.The present study was conducted on 500 South Indian subjects to determine the individuality and the predominant fingerprint pattern among South Indian population. Two-hundred and fifty males and 250 females of South Indian origin were included for this study and rolled prints were taken from all the 10 digits and the same were stored on a proforma.The most frequent fingerprint pattern was ulnar loop in the total population, as well as in the sex wise distribution. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Sexual abuse of children. A comparative study of intra and extra-familial cases

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:15 +0100

This study aims to identify possible differences between these types of abuse.A retrospective study was performed based on medico-legal reports related to children suspected of being sexually abused (n=1054).The results revealed that 40.2% of the suspected abuses were intra-familial and were significantly different than extra-familial cases with respect to the following: (a) the complainants were younger; (b) their relationship to the alleged abuser was closer; (c) the alleged abusers had higher rates of previous sexual abuse; (d) the suspected abuses were less intrusive physically; (e) there was less physical but more psychological violence; (f) the delay between the last abuse and the medico-legal examination was greater; and (g) there were fewer physical signs and DNA evidence (none in ...

Fire-related fatalities in Istanbul, Turkey: Analysis of 320 forensic autopsy cases

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:15 +0100

Abstract: In this retrospective autopsy study fire-related deaths whose autopsies were carried out in the Council of Forensic Medicine in Istanbul, Turkey were analyzed in order to evaluate the relationship between the mode of the death and the laboratory and autopsy findings. There were 320 fire-related fatalities constituting the 2.07% of all autopsy cases of that period. Of the 320 cases 228 (71.3%) were males and 91 (28.4%) were females, average age in age-determined group was 36.6 (SD: 21.98) ranging from 8months to 98years.Carbon monoxide intoxication played role in death of 104 cases (32.5%) either directly or together with other factors such as burning and lack of oxygen. In 32 cases (10.0%) burning was the only cause of death and in 90 cases (28.1%) burning and related complicatio...

Alcohol and drugs in suspected impaired drivers in Ontario from 2001 to 2005

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:15 +0100

Conclusion: However, these data demonstrate that ‘‘drugged driving” does occur and that further, comprehensive investigation is needed to determine the frequency and type of drug use by Ontario drivers. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

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Stature estimation from the length of the sternum in South Indian males: A preliminary study

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:15 +0100

Abstract: Estimation of stature is one of the important initial steps during forensic analysis of human skeletal remains. The aim of the present study was to derive a linear regression formula for estimating stature of adult South Indian males from the length of the sternum. The study included 35 male sternums of South Indian origin dissected from cadavers during medico-legal autopsies. The linear regression equation [Stature=117.784+(3.429×Sternal length)] was derived to estimate the stature from the length of the sternum. The correlation coefficient was 0.638. The standard error of the estimate was 5.64cm. This preliminary study concludes that the length of the sternum can be used as a tool for stature estimation in adult South Indian males. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medici...

The potential significance of elevated vitreous sodium levels at autopsy

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:14 +0100

Abstract: Elevated levels of sodium that may be detected in the analysis of post-mortem fluid samples may arise from a wide variety of organic illnesses and environmental factors that have caused either water depletion or solute gain. When hypernatraemia is suspected at autopsy a careful history is required with particular emphasis on pre-existing medical conditions such as renal or gastrointestinal disease. In addition, detailed information is required on the circumstances of death, including any clinical symptoms and signs that the deceased may have manifested, or medical procedures such as dialysis, colonoscopy or intravenous fluid replacement. Reduced intake of fluid may be associated with cognitive or physical impairment or may result from environmental depletion (the latter may be a ...

Aims & Scope/Editorial Board

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:12 +0100

(Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Biting Through an Arteriovenous Hemodialysis Graft: An Unusual Method of Suicide.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We report a patient on chronic hemodialysis with a history of depression and suicidal ideation who bit into his forearm arteriovenous graft and exsanguinated. PMID: 19788702 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences)

Potentially Lethal Behaviors Associated With Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder: Review of the Literature and Forensic Implications.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study reviewed the literature on RBD with regard to potentially lethal behavior. A total of 39-41 clinical cases of RBD associated with potentially lethal behaviors to self and/or others were found, involving a child and adults of all age groups, that manifested as choking/headlock (n = 22-24), defenestration/near-defenestration (n = 7), and diving from bed (n = 10). A total of 80.8% (n = 21) were males; 19.2% (n = 5) were females; mean age was 65.6 +/- (SD) 13.8 years (range: 27-81 years, and a child). (Gender/age data were not listed in the remaining cases.) An etiologic association of RBD with a neurologic disorder (or with pharmacotherapy of psychiatric disorders, n = 4) was present in 21-23 patients. Thus, RBD carries well-documented, potential forensic consequences during RBD ep...

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Alcohol-Related Mortality Risk in Natural and Non-Natural Death Cases.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Törő K, Dunay G, Róna K, Klausz G, Fehér S Determination of the associations between alcohol influence and sudden natural death represents challenges for medicolegal investigations. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of alcohol influence in medicolegal autopsies. In our study of natural and non-natural deaths cases (5496 total: 4045 males, 1451 females) were examined. Blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) were detected by headspace gas chromatographic method. We investigated the alcohol-related mortality using hierarchical log-linear statistical models. Severe BACs were detected among suicidal victims in the oldest age group (>65 years) (InF = 0.442) and among the homicide victims between the age of 40-65 years (InF = 0.234). Correlat...

Computerized Image Analysis in Differentiation of Skin Lesions Caused by Electrocution, Flame Burns, and Abrasion.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In this study, epidermal nuclear area, perimeter, nuclear form factor, nuclear minimum axes, nuclear maximum axes, and minimum axes/maximum axes ratio were measured. As a result, we think that computerized image analysis beside light microscopic examination can be useful in the differentiation of the electrocution, flame burn, and abrasion type lesions. PMID: 19788705 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences)

Partial bowel obstruction in a 2-month-old child. A delayed diagnosis of anal abuse

Forensic Science International — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We present the case of an anal sexual abuse involving a 2-month-old boy, who was admitted to the Pediatric Surgery Unit of the University of Padua for low bowel obstruction. The infant had been already hospitalized for 3 days in a peripheral hospital and treated with daily rectal wash-outs for a fecaloma. Only after a careful interpretation of the plain abdominal radiograph, along with the performance of a rectoscopy and a laparotomy, a vegetable foreign body (about 3cm in diameter and 7cm in length) was discovered in the sigma. The morphology and dimensions of the foreign body, as well as its location, left no doubt about the etiology of the partial bowel obstruction, proving that it was clearly related to an anal sexual abuse. (Source: Forensic Science International)

GC–MS and GC–IRD studies on dimethoxyamphetamines (DMA): Regioisomers related to 2,5-DMA

Forensic Science International — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The mass spectrum of the drug of abuse 2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (2,5-DMA) is characterized by an imine fragment base peak at m/z 44 and additional fragments at m/z 151/152 for the dimethoxybenzyl cation and radical cation, respectively. Five positional ring isomers of dimethoxyamphetamines (DMA) have an isomeric relationship to 2,5-DMA. All six compounds have the same molecular weight and produce similar EI mass spectra. This lack of mass spectral specificity for the isomers in addition to the possibility of chromatographic coelution could result in misidentification. The lack of reference materials for the potential imposter molecules constitutes a significant analytical challenge. Perfluoroacylation of the amine group reduced the nitrogen basicity and provided individual fragme...

The analytical profile of some 4-methylthioamphetamine (4-MTA) homologues

Forensic Science International — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The 4-methylthioamphetamine (4-MTA) is a sulphur-containing amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS), which appeared on the illicit market in Europe at the end of 90s. For the purpose of this study, several N-alkyl homologues of 4-MTA, including 4-methylthiomethamphetamine (4-MTMA), 4-methylthioethylamphetamine (4-MTEA), 4-methylthiodimethamphetamine (4-MTDMA), 4-methylthiopropylamphetamine (4-MTPA) and 4-methylthiobutylamphetamine (4-MTBA) were synthesized. The homologues were characterized by means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS), infrared (IR) spectroscopy and the magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H and 13C NMR). The gas chromatography and mass spectrometry properties of their acetyl, trifluoroacyl (TFA), pentafluoropropionyl (PFP) and heptafluorobutyryl (HFB) deriva...

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A novel method for the diagnosis of drowning by detection of Aeromonas sobria with PCR method

Legal Medicine — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, from the preserved blood samples of 32 freshwater drowning cases, specific DNA fragments of Aeromonas sobria, one of the most common aquatic bacteria, were examined using PCR. The DNA fragments of the bacterium were detected from 27 of 32 cases with first round PCR or nested-PCR. The remaining 5 cases in which bacterial DNA was not detected had longer storage periods for the blood samples and shorter time intervals from drowning to death. These results indicate that the present method can be applied to the diagnosis of death by drowning. (Source: Legal Medicine)

Basic forensic identification of artificial leather for hit-and-run cases

Forensic Science International — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In this report, basic studies were conducted on identification of artificial leathers and single fibers from leather materials. Fiber morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), color of these leather sheets was evaluated by microspectrophotometry (MSP), the leather components were measured by infrared micro spectrometry (micro-FT-IR) and the inorganic contents were ascertained by micro-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (micro-XRF). These two methods contribute to other analytical methods too, in the case of utilized single fiber analytical methods. The combination of these techniques showed high potential of discrimination ability in forensic examinations of these artificial leather samples. In regard with smooth surface artificial leather sheet samples, a total of 182...

A case of shotgun injury which occurred while an unconventional home security alarm system was being checked

Forensic Science International — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Installation of devices involving shotguns is rarely encountered in forensic medicine practice.In this case report, authors aimed to present an unusual and rare case of shotgun injury due to a home security alarm system and its legal assessment.An electrical technician was invited to a summer house to check a home security alarm system installed by another firm which he worked for previously. It was an unconventional home security alarm system attached to a shotgun. The technician was injured with 18 buckshot pellets (no: 4) while checking the system. The host was convicted of a possible intent to cause a life-threatening injury to the technician. We think that this verdict will set a precedent for similar cases. (Source: Forensic Science International)

Stop press!!!

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:45:56 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory AnnouncementDOI 10.1007/s12024-009-9106-8 Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

A commentary on the possible association of Ljungan virus and SIDS and issues in SIDS research

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:45:55 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory CommentaryDOI 10.1007/s12024-009-9107-7Authors Henry F. Krous, Rady Children’s Hospital—San Diego 3020 Children’s Way, M5007 San Diego CA 92123 USANeil E. Langlois, The University of Adelaide, Forensic Science South Australia 21 Divett Place Adelaide SA 5000 Australia Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

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Children, adolescents and young adults suicide data from Epirus, northwestern Greece

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:45:53 +0100

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate suicide trends among individuals ≤ 24 years of age in the region of Epirus, northwestern Greece, from January 1998 to December 2008. Twenty-one cases were classified as suicides out of 242 total deaths (8.7%). The male to female suicide ratio was 4.25 (17 males and 4 females). The preferred suicide method for those aged ≥ 19 years involved firearms, and for those aged < 19 years was hanging. Alcohol was implicated in more than 50% of the suicides and was consumed exclusively by those aged > 16 years. Suicides by self-shooting were more often related to drinking than suicides by other methods. Children and adolescents (aged up to 15 years), older adolesce...

Soft Tissue Decomposition of Submerged, Dismembered Pig Limbs Enclosed in Plastic Bags*

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study examines underwater soft tissue decomposition of dismembered pig limbs deposited in polyethylene plastic bags. The research evaluates the level of influence that disposal method has on underwater decomposition processes and details observations specific to this scenario. To our knowledge, no other study has yet investigated decomposing, dismembered, and enclosed remains in water environments. The total sample size consisted of 120 dismembered pig limbs, divided into a subsample of 30 pig limbs per recovery period (34 and 71 days) for each treatment. The two treatments simulated non-enclosed and plastic enclosed disposal methods in a water context. The remains were completely submerged in Lake Ontario for 34 and 71 days. In both recovery periods, the non-enclosed samples lost sof...

The Effects of Soil Environment on Postmortem Interval: A Macroscopic Analysis.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jaggers KA, Rogers TL Burial environment, in particular soil moisture, has a significant impact on the type, rate, and extent of bone degradation, which ultimately affects estimations of the postmortem interval (PMI). The purpose of this research is to determine the effects of soil moisture on the color, weight, condition, and texture of bone as it relates to the PMI. Bone changes occurring over two different time intervals (2 and 5 months) were examined using 120 sus scrofa leg bones. During each time interval bones were buried in two soil environments, one of which was drier than the other. The bones in both environments lost weight over time but the net weight loss was greater for bones in the higher moisture environment. There was no change in color, texture, or overall co...

Investigation Delayed Is Justice Denied: Proposals for Expediting Forensic Examinations of Digital Evidence*

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Casey E, Ferraro M, Nguyen L There is an urgent need to reduce the growing backlog of forensic examinations in Digital Forensics Laboratories (DFLs). Currently, DFLs routinely create forensic duplicates and perform in-depth forensic examinations of all submitted media. This approach is rapidly becoming untenable as more cases involve increasing quantities of digital evidence. A more efficient and effective three-tiered strategy for performing forensic examinations will enable DFLs to produce useful results in a timely manner at different phases of an investigation, and will reduce unnecessary expenditure of resources on less serious matters. The three levels of forensic examination are described along with practical examples and suitable tools. Realizing that this is not simpl...

Selection effects and database screening in forensic science

Forensic Science International — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: We argue that it is, in principle, not difficult to deal with selection effects in forensic science. If a suspect is selected through a process that is related to the forensic evidence, then the strength of the evidence will be compensated by very small prior odds. No further correction is necessary. The same is true for so-called data-dependent hypotheses. These are allowed, since if the hypothesis is really “tailored around” the evidence, the evidential value will be high but the prior odds will compensate for that. The assessment of the prior odds is outside the scope of the forensic scientist, but he should make lawmakers, judges and juries aware of the phenomenon. This discussion applies to many situations—we discuss four concrete examples. (Source: Forensic Science In...

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Odontometric sex assessment in Indians

Forensic Science International — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Sex determination of unidentified skeletal remains is important and various hard-tissue parameters have been evaluated towards this end. The dentition is considered as a useful adjunct in skeletal sex determination, particularly since teeth are resistant to postmortem destruction and fragmentation. Sex dimorphism in tooth size and the accuracy of odontometric sex prediction, is found to vary in different regions and researchers have advocated the need for population-specific data. No odontometric standards exist for Indians for use in forensic sex prediction. Therefore, this study examined sexual dimorphism in Indians using univariate and multivariate statistics. Mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) measurements of all teeth, except third molars, were obtained from 105 Indians ...

A fast ultrasound-assisted extraction procedure for trace elements determination in hair samples by ICP-MS for forensic analysis

Forensic Science International — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: An ultrasound-assisted extraction method is proposed for the determination of trace elements in hair samples by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for forensic investigation. Prior to analysis, 25mg of hair samples were accurately weighed into (15mL) conical tubes. Then, 2mL of 20% HNO3 is added to the samples, sonicated at 2min (50W, 100% amplitude), and then further diluted to 10mL with Milli-Q water. Resulted diluted slurries are centrifuged and the analytes are directly determined in the supernatant. Calibrations against aqueous solutions were carried out with rhodium as internal standard. The method was successfully applied for the extraction of Al, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Tl, U, V and Zn with a method detection limit (3s, n=20) of 0.1, 0.4, 0....

Allele frequency distribution for 15 autosomal STR loci in Afridi Pathan population of Uttar Pradesh, India

Legal Medicine — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Allele frequencies of the 15 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci D8S1179, D21S11, D7S820, CSF1PO D19S433, vWA, TPOX, D18S51, D3S1358, THO1, D13S317, D16S539, D2S1338, D5S818 and FGA were determined in Afridi Pathan population of Uttar Pradesh, India. All the 15 STR loci studied were found to be highly polymorphic with respect to observed heterozygosity values. Adherence to the expectations of the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was confirmed for all the loci with an exception of TPOX and FGA. The allele 12 in CSF1PO was found to be most frequent. The power of discrimination was found to be high ranging from a minimum of 0.858 for the locus CSFIPO to maximum of 0.962 for the locus FGA, thereby facilitating the validation and efficiency of these STR markers in human identif...

Population genetic data on 15 autosomal STRs in a Pakistani population sample

Legal Medicine — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Allele frequencies for the 15 STR loci (D3S1358, TH01, D21S11, D18S51, Penta E, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, CSF1PO, Penta D, VWA, D8S1179, TPOX and FGA) were investigated using PowerPlex®16 amplification kit in a sample of 328 unrelated individuals from Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The allelic distributions were in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium for all loci except for the loci FGA, TPX and THO1. Various forensic indices were calculated and a comparison was made with geographically nearby populations. (Source: Legal Medicine)

Population genetic data for 15 STR loci (Identifiler™ kit) in Bolivia

Legal Medicine — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Allele frequencies for 15 STR autosomal loci (D8S1179, D21S11, D7S820, CSF1PO, D3S1358, TH01, D13S317, D16S539, D2S1338, D19S433, VWA, TPOX, D18S51, D5S818 and FGA) were obtained from a sample of 200 unrelated individuals from Bolivia, South America. (Source: Legal Medicine)

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Trajectory Reconstruction Through Analysis of Trace Evidence in Bullet-Intermediate Target Interaction by SEM/EDX.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hu S, Shen H, Wang S, Fang C A young male was shot to death by a police officer with a Chinese Type 64 7.62 mm pistol when he was dealing with an aggravated assault arising from a traffic accident. By using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), trace deposits on the discharged bullet and the intermediate target, i.e., a concrete telegraph pole at the scene, were identified to be from each other. The result demonstrated the bullet causing the death ricocheted from the concrete telegraph pole before striking the victim, thus indicating the incident was accidental. The case report illustrates the evidential value of trace materials derived, respectively, from discharged bullets and intermediate targets in bullet-intermediate target inter...

Asphyxiation by Occlusion of Nose and Mouth by Duct Tape: Two Unusual Suicides.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We report two instances of a far less common method of suicidal asphyxiation, occlusion of the nose and mouth by duct tape. One was a 47-year-old man with a history of paranoid schizophrenia with suicidal ideation and the other was a 52-year-old man who was depressed due to gambling debts. The value of scene investigation, including review of available video surveillance to determine the manner of death is highlighted. PMID: 19737336 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences)

Estimating the Time of Death in Domestic Canines.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study, conducted indoors in still air at approximately room temperature, monitored the postmortem reduction in rectal, liver, brain, and aural temperatures in 16 dogs for 32 h after death. Graphs of temperature reduction were prepared to estimate the TOD of dogs within the first 32 h postmortem. Sex, body mass, and hair coat density did not affect the rate of body temperature reduction, but increased body weight and volume slowed it. Rectal temperature was the most convenient, reasonable site for measuring body temperature. Vitreous humor potassium ion concentration [K(+)] was measured in both eyes at c. 1.5 and 7 h after death. Both eyes had the same [K(+)] when measured simultaneously, and [K(+)] increased after death. PMID: 19737337 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: ...

The New Face of Terrorism in Turkey: Actor Unknown Political Murders.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In this study, we have analyzed the temporal and spatial trends in actor unknown political murders in Turkey. A total of 1852 cases, defined as actor unknown political murders, occurred in Turkey between 1975 and 2006, with the peak years being 1980 and 1994. Three different time frames could be defined: 1975-1993, 1994-1999, and 2000-2006. During the first period, cases were common all over Turkey, but during the second and third periods, they were more frequent in metropolitan areas and in the southeast. Incidents occurring during the first period could be attributed to the struggle between right- and left-wing supporters, while most murders occurring during the second and third periods seem to have been related to Kurdish separatism. Although the most crucial factor in preventing actor ...

The Stability of Collected Human Scent Under Various Environmental Conditions*

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hudson DT, Curran AM, Furton KG Human scent evidence collected from objects at a crime scene is used for scent discrimination with specially trained canines. Storage of the scent evidence is usually required yet no optimized storage protocol has been determined. Storage containers including glass, polyethylene, and aluminized pouches were evaluated to determine the optimal medium for storing human scent evidence of which glass was determined to be the optimal storage matrix. Hand odor samples were collected on three different sorbent materials, sealed in glass vials and subjected to different storage environments including room temperature, -80 degrees C conditions, dark storage, and UVA/UVB light exposure over a 7-week period. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the headspac...

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Determining an Optimal Sequence for Chemical Development of Latent Prints on Cartridge Casings and Shotgun Shells*

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Edmiston KE, Johnson J In developing latent prints on cartridge casings and shotgun shells, multiple chemical processes should be used in order to obtain the best results. In Phase I, this study established an optimal chemical sequence for both Brass and Nickel cartridge casings based on six sequences involving four chemicals: Cyanoacrylate, Black Powder, Rhodamine 6G and Acidified Hydrogen Peroxide. Phase II was a validation study of Phase I involving a random sample of both Brass and Nickel cartridge casings, which were processed according to the determined optimal sequences. In addition, ribbed shotgun shells were processed under Phase I results and determined to be dependent upon the utilization of a CrimeScope at 515 nm. Consideration should be given to the type of cartri...

Upper-Bounding the Incidence Rate of Associations Between Camouflage Uniforms and Surveillance Images*

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Adams N, Perlin V, Rohde M, Gaffney R, Harmsen N, Kriigel C Camouflage garments can be associated with surveillance images of a crime scene even in the absence of unique wear marks or very high-quality images. However, the probability of an accidental association, or incidence rate, is significant. The present work describes and validates a method for estimating the incidence rate based on a statistical model of the garment manufacturing process. The model was developed primarily for use with the current U.S. Army Combat Uniform (ACU), but can be applied to any camouflage garment. Eight garment manufacturers were studied, and all sources of variation in the manufacturing process were characterized. The marking and spreading procedures were found to be dominant and consistent s...

Blood and Tissue Spatter Associated with Chainsaw Dismemberment.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Randall B In response to the unexpected paucity of blood/tissue spatter at the site where a body of an adult woman was dismembered by an electric chainsaw, we dismembered two large pig carcasses with a small electric chainsaw in a controlled environment. These experiments demonstrated first that a large carcass could be easily dismembered by a small electric chainsaw. When the chainsaw bar is held parallel to the ground the majority of the blood and tissue is deposited directly beneath the saw and bar and very little elsewhere. If the discharge chute of the saw however is not oriented directly at the ground, larger amounts of blood and tissue may be sprayed on lateral surfaces or deposited some distance from the chainsaw. The characteristic striations created on the surface of...

Editorial Board

Forensic Science International — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:57:33 +0100

(Source: Forensic Science International)

An infantile case of asphyxia with coincidental myocarditis

Legal Medicine — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: A six-month-old infant was found dead in a small dustbin in an upside-down position. The police investigation showed that there was no criminal environment including negligence. Analysis at the scene suggested death caused by asphyxia (wedging death). Microscopically, however, diffuse lymphocyte infiltration was observed in the interstitial spaces of the myocardium. Common symptoms of infantile myocarditis are generally non-specific, and the predominant neurological problem is a decrease in activity. The records of rectal temperature suggested that the decedent was dead without a high fever. In the present case, there was no obvious relationship between myocarditis and movement of the infant. We conclude that myocarditis was coincidental to the cause of death by asphyxia. (Source...

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Post-mortem imaging of laryngohyoid fractures in strangulation incidents: First results

Legal Medicine — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we examined the usefulness of post-mortem imaging with multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in detecting lesions of the laryngohyoid structures and the surrounding soft-tissues. For this purpose, we examined MSCT images of the neck of eight deceased persons who had suffered different types of strangulation and compared the findings with those obtained at the subsequent forensic autopsy.In six of the eight cases (75%), the fracture findings at autopsy were concordant with those found with MSCT. In the two non-congruent cases, MSCT revealed fractures, which were not discovered at autopsy.Soft-tissue haemorrhages were detected by autopsy in five cases, but only in one case with MSCT. MSCT does not suffice in detecting soft-tissue injuries.These preliminary results are promisin...

Stature estimation formulae from radiographically determined limb bone length in a modern Japanese population

Legal Medicine — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to derive regression formulae for stature estimation from long limb bones in a Japanese population. Moreover, commonly employed estimation equations, such as that of Fujii, were re-evaluated through application of current data. To construct equations, measurements were conducted on 434 living subjects (342 females and 92 males; 18–59years old). The whole or maximum length of the femur, tibia, and humerus was determined radiographically using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, which permitted measurement of long bones with no magnification. Regression formulae were constructed for females and males relative to the real body height measured in the erect position. Lower limbs of the femur and tibia were more accurate predictors (R=0.813–0.903) than the humer...

Forensic Science International — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This is the second edition of a book first published in 1997 “written for medical examiners, coroners, and other law enforcements officers who are responsible for conducting death investigations” (p. xi), specifically with the aim of providing “the medico legal officer some guidelines for determining how to choose and when to use a forensic anthropologist” (p. xi). Written for a North American audience, the book consists of 11 chapters which adequately cover the breadth of information potentially provided by a forensic anthropologist: from the investigation of the scene (chapter 2), recovery (chapter 4) and analysis (chapters 5 and 10) of skeletonised remains. (Source: Forensic Science International)

Immunohistochemical detection of CCR2 and CX3CR1 in sepsis-induced lung injury

Forensic Science International — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory disease with high mortality. In the present study, we immunohistochemically examined CCR2 and CX3CR1 expression in sepsis-induced lung injury, and discussed its availability for the postmortem diagnosis of sepsis. Lung samples were obtained from different lung lobes of nine sepsis and eight control cases with postmortem intervals between 12 and 48h. Immunohistochemically, mononuclear cells recruited into the lungs expressed CCR2 and CX3CR1 in both sepsis and non-septic groups. In double-color immunofluorescence analysis, CCR2- or CX3CR1-positive cells could be identified as CD68-positive macrophages. Moreover, most of CD68-positive macrophages expressed both CCR2 and CX3CR1. Morphometrically, the average of CCR2- and CX3CR1-positive macrophages w...

Estimating the shooting distance of a 9-mm Parabellum bullet via ballistic experiment

Forensic Science International — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: We demonstrate here how the shooting distance of a 9-mm Parabellum FMJ bullet (115gr) has been estimated via shooting experiments. Such a bullet was found by investigators near a concrete wall, fairly distorted at its tip. The bullet carries no evidence of multiple impact and no evidence of ballistic impact on the wall has been reported. We estimated the impact velocity by comparing the questioned bullet with a set of comparison bullets hitting a wall (rigid target) with different velocities. The shooting distance was recovered from the impact velocity by studying the typical behavior of a manufactured 9mm bullet weighting 115g (7.45g), shot in pistol or a sub-machine gun. The results demonstrated that the questioned bullet was a lost bullet. The shooting distance also helped the...

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A comparison between neural network and other metric methods to determine sex from the upper femur in a modern French population

Forensic Science International — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the artificial neural network is a powerful classification technique that may improve the accuracy rate of sex determination models for skeletal remains. (Source: Forensic Science International)

Examination for Membership of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine MFFLM

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:06:03 +0100

(Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Alcimedes

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:06:03 +0100

(Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Reply to the letter “Cadaveric fungi: Not yet an established forensic tool – Authors response”

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:06:03 +0100

At the outset we are sorry to say that the authors in the article “Cadaveric fungi: Not yet an established forensic tool – Authors response” have not taken our views in a right and challenging scientific spirit, instead has raised damaging remarks on the authors. The same caution should have been taken care by Menezes et al. in his article, when the authors have loosely commented on the work and questioned on the validity of the study done by Histosugi et al. The authors have prematurely commented that “the use of cadaveric fungi as a forensic tool in estimating time since death at autopsy as reported in the case by Hitosugi et al. may not be applicable without any appropriate reasoning”, which is very dishonorable statement to the forensic scientists, though the authors have sci...

Condom-murder?

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:06:03 +0100

We read with interest the article entitled ‘condom-murder’ by Murty in the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. The article deals with six cases that are dubbed as ‘condom-murder’. In the ‘discussion’ section, Murty has listed the evidence which could potentially be derived from a condom discovered at a crime site. However, Murty has not provided any information regarding the same in the six cases reported by him. Moreover, the circumstances of death as understood by us from the glumly presented case reports appear not to be the same, and therefore, it is unacceptable to club all of them under the inappropriate blanket of ‘condom-murder’. In case 1, the presence of an unused condom in the pocket of the deceased discovered at autopsy is a mere co-incidental finding and is...

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‘A response to “S.A. Bolliger, S. Ross, L. Oesterhelweg, M.J. Thali, B.P. Kneubuehl, Are full or empty beer bottles sturdier and does their fracture-threshold suffice to break the human skull?” [J Forensic Leg Med 16 (2009) 138–142]’

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:06:03 +0100

The authors provided in their paper interesting experimental data on the breaking energy of full or empty beer bottles. Full bottles broke at 30J impact energy, empty bottles at 40J. The conclusion of the authors is that the breaking energies surpass the minimum fracture-threshold of the human neurocranium and therefore beer bottles are capable of breaking human calvaria. In relation to these interesting experimental findings experiences from forensic casework and experimental biomechanical investigations published some years ago shall be recalled. Skull fractures resulting from blows to the head with glass bottles can be considered as rare events. Although in the literature cases of fatal depressed fractures in the skull caused by blows with glass bottles are described they are in the own...

David Jenkins Memorial Lecture 2008: Tria Juncta in Uno – The Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:06:03 +0100

Abstract: The David Jenkins Memorial Lecture given at the Annual General Meeting of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine on 6 June 2008 at Maidstone, Kent. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Unusual gastrointestinal causes of unexpected death in the elderly

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:06:03 +0100

Abstract: Gastrointestinal causes of sudden and unexpected death occur at all ages but are more common at the extremes of life. In the elderly quite significant disease may be present without observable symptoms and signs. Two cases of unexpected deaths due to small intestinal obstruction from unusual occult hernias are reported. Case 1: an 84-year-old woman was found dead lying in bed at her home address. Death was caused by intestinal herniation through a defect created by the greater omentum that had adhered to an area of acute serosal inflammation associated with underlying acute diverticulitis of the jejunum. Case 2: an 83-year-old woman was found dead lying on the kitchen floor at her home address. Death was caused by herniation of a portion of small intestine into a direct inguinal ...

Fatal propeller injuries: Three autopsy case reports

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:06:02 +0100

We present the autopsy reports of three people who died after colliding with boat propellers. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Pontine cavernous haemangioma – An incidental autopsy finding

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:06:02 +0100

Abstract: Cavernous haemangiomas belong to a group of vascular malformations that are developmental defects of the vascular bed. Occurrence of an asymptomatic cavernoma in the pons is uncommon and worthy of record. At autopsy, cavernomas have to be differentiated from traumatic haemorrhagic lesions in head injury cases. We hereby report a case in which a pontine cavernous haemangioma was detected at autopsy in a 25-year-old female who died due to burn injuries. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

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Fatal traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage due to assault-related tear of the basilar artery

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:06:02 +0100

This report provides an overview of potential mechanisms accounting for vertebrobasilar system rupture, with application to our case. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Carotid sheath haematoma: A case report

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:06:02 +0100

Abstract: Carotid sheath haematoma is a rare finding, sometimes the only injury found in cases of manual strangulation without any associated external or internal injury to the neck. One such rare case is reported in an 8 year old female victim where presence of carotid sheath haematoma not only helped to ascertain the cause of death but also helped in the reconstruction of mechanism of infliction of force on the neck. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Three-dimensional reconstitution of bullet trajectory in gunshot wounds: A case report

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:06:02 +0100

Abstract: In the medico-legal assessment of cases of aggression with firearms, imaging techniques have a particularly important role, especially in the study of a bullet’s path through the victim’s body. The analysis of these trajectories can be performed by the use of three-dimensional reconstitution techniques, namely Three-Dimensional Multi-Slice Computed Tomography (3D-MSCT). This imaging technique has been widely used in fatal cases, as a very important complement of the classical autopsy procedures, becoming known as “virtual autopsy” or “Virtopsy”. To our knowledge, no reports describing the use of 3D-MSCT in non-fatal cases have been described in the medico-legal literature. The authors present a case of a man with a gunshot injury, in the context of a multiple aggresso...

A case of severe anal injury in an adolescent male due to bestial sexual experimentation

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:06:02 +0100

This report delineates a case of anal injury in a 12-year-old boy who gave a detailed history of bestial behavior with a male bulldog. The child described how he had seen this behavior modeled on the internet and subsequently initiated contact with his own dog, causing the dog to penetrate him anally. This type of juvenile bestial behavior with injury has only been reported once previously in the medical literature. Zoophilia, along with a number of other paraphilias, frequently has its onset in the adolescent age group. Adolescents evidencing paraphilic behaviors require thorough psychological evaluation. Spontaneous sexual assault of a human by a canine has never been described in the human or veterinary medical literature, nor is such a thing likely. A clinician involved in evaluating s...