MedWorm: Forensic Medicine

Randall K. Noon: Scientific method: applications in failure investigation and forensic science

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:50:00 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Book ReviewDOI 10.1007/s12024-010-9152-2Authors Thomas L. Bohan, MTC Forensics 54 Pleasant Avenue Peaks Island ME 04108 USA Journal Forensic Science, Medicine, and PathologyOnline ISSN 1556-2891Print ISSN 1547-769X (Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology)

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Simultaneous analysis of α-amanitin, β-amanitin, and phalloidin in toxic mushrooms by liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Forensic Toxicology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:18:45 +0100

Abstract An entire procedure for simultaneous analysis of α-amanitin, β-amanitin, and phalloidin in mushrooms by liquid chromatography (LC) electrospray ionization (ESI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) has been optimized and established. We used a hydrophilic interaction column TSK-gel Amide-80 3 μm for LC separation, which enabled the simultaneous detection of the three toxins and internal standard microcystin RR. After homogenizing mushroom debris with methanol acidified with trifluoroacetic acid, the extract solution was subjected to solid-phase extraction with an Oasis HLB cartridge. The eluate was applied to the LC-ESI-TOF MS instrument. The calibration curves for the three toxins showed good linearity over the range of 100–1000 ng/g. The detection li...

Simple analysis of blonanserin, a novel antipsychotic agent, in human plasma by GC-MS

Forensic Toxicology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:18:45 +0100

Abstract Blonanserin is a novel antipsychotic agent having dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonist properties. In this communication, a simple method for analysis of blonanserin in human plasma by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using hexobarbital as internal standard (IS) is presented. One milliliter of plasma containing blonanserin and 50 ng of IS was mixed well with 0.5 ml of 0.1 M hydrochloric acid and 2.5 ml of distilled water; the mixture was applied to an Oasis HLB cartridge. The cartridge was washed with 5 ml of distilled water, and the target compound and IS were eluted with 2 ml of chloroform. The eluate was evaporated to dryness under a stream of nitrogen. The residue was reconstituted in 50 μl of methanol for use in GC-MS analysis. The...

Postmortem toxicology

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:03:14 +0100

Abstract Results from toxicological analyses in death investigations are used to determine whether foreign substances were a cause of death, whether they contributed to death, or whether they caused impairment. Drug concentrations are likely to change during pre-terminal stages due to altered pharmacokinetics, to treatment during resuscitation or in the intensive care unit, to concomitant illness or to the presence of drug tolerance. The potential for postmortem changes must be considered in all but a few drugs. Formation of new entities as well as degradation of drugs may occur, especially in putrefied corpses; in addition, body fluids and tissues may be severely affected by autolysis and putrefaction. Specimens should be selected based on individual case history and on t...

Hyperthermia deaths among children in parked vehicles: an analysis of 231 fatalities in the United States, 1999–2007

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:03:14 +0100

Abstract Motor vehicle-related child hyperthermia fatalities (MVRCHF) have risen slightly in the past decade, but little research has been done investigating the circumstances surrounding MVRCHF. In order to address gaps in our understanding, the current study describes MVRCHF circumstances among children <1–14 years of age in the United States from 1999 to 2007. Three sources were used to identify child hyperthermia death cases in the United States from 1999 to 2007: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Compressed Mortality File (1999–2004), the Golden Gate Weather Service’s public MVRCHF database (2003-Present), and an independent internet search. Data about the victim’s characteristics and the circumstances surrounding the death were extrac...

Alcimedes

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:07 +0100

(Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

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A response to “Autopsy Profiles of Malpractice Cases” [16(1) (2009) 7–10]

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:07 +0100

Dear Editor, We read with interest a recently published research entitled “Autopsy Profiles of Malpractice Cases.” We are impressed with the study bringing out the details of the doctors and specialties implicated in malpractice cases in Turkey. However, we have some reservations. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Sex differences in fingerprint ridge density – Causes and further observations

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:06 +0100

Dear Sir Each individual possesses a unique set of minute raised ridges on volar pads called ‘friction ridge skin’. These clear and apparent unique outlines of the ridges are called fingerprints. Fingerprints are highly individualistic and forms the basis for personal identification in forensic examinations. Recent studies have reported that females have a significantly higher ridge density than males. This information facilitates the investigating officer to narrow down the investigating process in a particular case and direct the criminal investigation towards suspects belonging to the most likely sex. The higher ridge density in females has been attributed to the level of ridge thickness and it is opined that females tend to have finer epidermal ridge details. Consequently, the fem...

Circumscribed injuries caused by an explosion in firecracker factory

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:05 +0100

Abstract: Firecracker display is used worldwide for celebrating religious festivities, New Year celebrations and various other occasions. Explosion during the manufacture of firecrackers can result in serious injuries. We, herein, report a case, where a person succumbed to injuries sustained in an explosion in a firecracker factory. Superficial to deep burns, traumatic amputation of right upper limb, and multiple abrasions and lacerations were present on various parts of the body with contusion of internal thoracic and abdominal organs. Also, multiple punctured circumscribed wounds with burnt floor and margins were present over the body. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Radiopaque stomach contents in postmortem CT in suicidal oral medication intoxication: Report of three cases

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:05 +0100

Abstract: In clinical medicine, plane radiography is used for detecting the remains of medications in the stomach in oral medication intoxication cases. Since postmortem computed tomography (CT), performed prior to autopsy, is currently intensively entering the forensic routine, the technique was applied to three fatal cases of oral medication intoxication. Here we report CT and autopsy findings for these cases.In all three cases, hyperdense areas within the stomach content were documented. The measurement of Hounsfield Units (HU) beyond 74HU showed mean values of 338, 88 and 98HU. Postmortem CT also showed brain edema and pulmonary aspiration in one case. At autopsy, tablet remains in the stomach were detected microscopically in all three cases. The ex vivo CT scans of the ingested medica...

Foreign body sexual assault complicated by rectovaginal fistula

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:05 +0100

Abstract: A case is discussed of an adolescent presenting with a rectovaginal fistula secondary to a sexual assault 2 years earlier. The fistula resulted from a retained foreign body (bottle cap) inserted into the vagina during the assault. The adolescent did not disclose the presence of the foreign body at the initial examination. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

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Stature estimation from hand and phalanges lengths of Egyptians

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:05 +0100

This study examines the relationship between stature and hand and phalanges lengths among Egyptians. Stature, hand and phalanges lengths of 159 subjects, 82 males and 77 females (18–25years) were measured. Statistical analysis indicated that bilateral variation was insignificant for all measurements. Sex differences were significant for all measurements. Linear and multiple regression equations for stature estimation were calculated. Correlation coefficients were found to be positive, but little finger measurements of male and distal phalanges of female fingers were not correlated with stature. Regression equations were checked for accuracy by comparing the estimated stature and actual stature. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Identification of sex in Iranian population using patella dimensions

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:05 +0100

Conclusions: The results of this study confirm the high accuracy of using the measurement of the patella for sex determination. Until further data collected suggests otherwise, the results expected in present study are limited to forensic cases of the Iranian population. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Visual assessment of the timing of bruising by forensic experts

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:05 +0100

Conclusion: Bruise age estimates by forensic experts, from photographs, are unreliable. However, it appears that the vast majority of observers are better able to place bruises from the same subjects in their chronological order. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Characteristics of sexual assaults in which adult victims report penetration by a foreign object

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:05 +0100

Abstract: This retrospective clinical audit reviews cases of adult sexual assault where the victim alleges that they were penetrated with a foreign object. These assaults were more likely to have positive genital and non-genital findings recorded by the clinician compared to assaults where no object was used. There is a suggestion that these assaults may be more violent with multiple assailants more common and an association with more use of threats and weapons. It is important to ask about the penetrative use of foreign objects in a sexual assault history and for clinicians to be aware of the greater possibility of injury in these cases. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

What is legal medicine – Are legal and forensic medicine the same?

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:05 +0100

Abstract: Some consider the terms “forensic” and “legal” medicine to be synonymous but this is counter to the title of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine or the dual strands for progression to fellowship of the Australian College of Legal Medicine. The paper examines a very brief historical background to legal medicine and develops a definition of the strands thereof, namely legal and forensic medicine. It demonstrates that the two are different components of the application of medical knowledge upon the legal system. Legal medicine has greater relevance to civil and tort law, impacting upon patient care, whereas forensic medicine relates to criminal law and damage to, or by, patients. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

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The issue of euthanasia in Greece from a legal viewpoint

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:05 +0100

Abstract: Modern Greek society appears to be split regarding the legalization of euthanasia. The Greek Orthodox Church maintains a negative attitude. Research shows that some forms of euthanasia are carried out “behind closed doors”. There is no specific legal provision. The government avoids bearing the political cost of regulating this marginal issue. According to the dominant view of Criminal Law jurists, some forms of euthanasia are considered permissible de lege lata, under certain conditions. The safety of the concurrence of these conditions, safeguarding of the acceptability of forms that are considered permissible and – mostly – the need to regulate the prohibited forms in exceptional cases, all force the legislators to promptly fill any legal vacuums. (Source: Journal of F...

A brief history of Forensic odontology since 1775

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:05 +0100

Abstract: The increasing role of DNA sampling of the saliva on and around the tooth marks on skin or other objects has perhaps led some to rely on this as too much of a gold standard to the detriment of more established and well-tried methods of odontological forensic detection.Forensic odontology should not become, as Geoffrey Pyke (1893–1948) the maverick inventor during the Second World War, once described such lost knowledge: “A lesson in collective forgetfulness”. This was said about the use of self sterilizing sphagnum moss as a field dressing due to a content of phenolic compounds. One amongst many of perhaps 350 species of the genus Sphagnum; Sphagnum angustifolium, was used as a highly absorbent wound dressing in both World Wars, the Spanish Civil War and before. (Source: Jo...

Air gun wounding and current UK laws controlling air weapons

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:05 +0100

Abstract: Air weapons whether rifles or pistols are, potentially, lethal weapons. The UK legislation is complex and yet little known to the public. Hunting with air weapons and the laws controlling those animals that are permitted to be shot with air weapons is even more labyrinthine due to the legal power limitations on the possession of air weapons. Still relatively freely available by mail order or on the Internet, an increasing number of deaths have been reported from the misuse of air weapons or accidental discharges. Ammunition for air weapons has become increasingly sophisticated, effective and therefore increasingly dangerous if misused, though freely available being a mere projectile without a concomitant cartridge containing a propellant and an initiator. (Source: Journal of Fore...

A fatal case of suicidal stabbing and cutting

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:04 +0100

Abstract: A 36-year old male was found dead inside a pub bath lying in a pool of blood.A small single-edged knife was discovered on the top of the water cistern. Multiple sharp weapon wounds at the usual sites of self-inflicted injuries were reported. It was possible to hypothesize a carotid artery injury as a bloodstain pattern compatible with high pressure blood exiting from a severed artery.At autopsy 39 stab and incised wounds were found: the left forearm showed 13 incised wounds, one of which deep enough to sever the radial artery, while 14 ones were found on the right forearm. Neck observation revealed three deep cut injuries but none reached the internal jugular vein or the carotid artery. On the chest there were nine stab wounds, one of which injured the heart apex leading to a 80m...

Countermeasures to the problem of accidents to intoxicated pedestrians

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:04 +0100

Abstract: A substantial part of the pedestrian accident problem arises from intoxicated pedestrians. Possible countermeasures are reviewed, organised into: (a) prevention of high levels of intoxication in pedestrians, (b) minimising pedestrian activity in the intoxicated, and (c) minimising risk of injury among intoxicated pedestrians. It is concluded that improved safety of intoxicated pedestrians is most likely to come about by making the environment safer for all pedestrians, drunk or sober. The measure that would be expected to have the greatest effect quickest is a reduced speed limit, especially in locations where traffic is busy and there are many pedestrians. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

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Aims & Scope/Editorial Board

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:04 +0100

(Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

ISFG Announcement

Forensic Science International: Genetics — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:04 +0100

(Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics)

Editorial Board

Forensic Science International: Genetics — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:02 +0100

(Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics)

Pediatric radiological diagnostic procedures in cases of suspected child abuse

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:07:47 +0100

Abstract Advanced and specialized radiological diagnostic procedures are essential in cases of clinically diagnosed injuries to the head, thorax, abdomen or extremities of a child, especially if there is no case history or if the reporting of an inadequate trauma suggests battered child syndrome. In particular, these diagnostic procedures should aim at detecting lesions of the central nervous system (CNS), so that the treatment can be immediately initiated. If the diagnostic imaging reveals findings typically associated with child abuse, accurate documentation constituting evidence, which will stand up in court, is required to prevent any further endangerment of the child’s welfare. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Continuing Medical Education ReviewDOI 10.1007/s...

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