Forensic Science International - Articles in Press

Post-mortem interval and bacteriological culture yield in sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) - Corrected Proof

2010-03-12

Abstract: It has been hypothesised that post-mortem translocation, the migration of micro-organisms from mucosal surfaces into the body after death, leads to microbial overgrowth in post-mortem samples, which is more frequently polymicrobial and which would be detected more frequently with increased post-mortem interval (PMI) from death to autopsy. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PMI and bacteriological yield in post-mortem examinations of sudden unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI).A retrospective review of all microbiological findings from >500 SUDI autopsies (7–365 days of age) was performed as part of a larger review of >1500 paediatric autopsies over a 10-year period, 1996–2005. All autopsies were carried out in a single specialist centre by a small number of paediatric pathologists.For the 507 SUDI included in the analysis, there were 2079 samples collected for bacteriological culture. The median PMI was 2 days. The proportion of positive cultures decreased from 83% for samples taken within 24h of death, to 67% when taken five or more days after death (chi-square for linear trend=19.99, P<0.0001). Polymicrobial cultures decreased from 61% to 46% (chi-square for linear trend=12.88, P=0.0003), and cultures taken two or more days after death yielded significantly fewer isolates per sample than cultures taken less than 2 days after death (Mann–Whitney U-test, P=0.009).The findings of this study demonstrate that a PMI of several days’ duration is neither associated with an increased frequency of positive cultures nor with an increased frequency of mixed-growth episodes as was hypothesised to occur with post-mortem translocation. Indeed, the opposite trend is observed, suggesting that a longer PMI may result in death of micro-organisms. However, these data do not allow assessment of the possibility of significant post-mortem translocation occurring within the first few hours after death. Whilst the interpretation of positive microbiological cultures in SUDI post-mortems remains difficult, a PMI of several days’ duration is not associated with an increased risk of post-mortem translocation and routine microbiological sampling is recommended in all SUDI autopsies, even when there is a PMI of several days.

Unexpected autoptic finding in a sudden death: Gossypiboma - Corrected Proof

2010-03-12

Abstract: Gossypiboma, i.e. a retained surgical sponge, is a serious and rare complication in surgical practice, most commonly occurring in abdominal procedures. Migration of retained surgical sponge is an unusual sequelae, particularly if occurring in tracheo-bronchial tree.Herein, we report a 35-year-old man who had had a retained surgical sponge forgotten during a radical thyroidectomy, and subsequently a trans-luminal migration of the gossypiboma which went through the trachea causing a sudden death of the patient.All the operators of the surgical team should keep in mind this terrible complication to avoid unpleasant consequences to patient and themselves.

Characterization of a suspect nuclear fuel rod in a case of illegal international traffic of fissile material - Corrected Proof

G. Capannesi, C. Vicini, A. Rosada, P. Avino — 2010-03-11

Abstract: This case study describes the characterization of a suspect rod of nuclear fuel seized in Italy: on request of the coroner, the characterization concerned the kind and the conditions of the rod, the amount and the specific characteristics of the species present in it, with particular attention to their possible use chemical and/or nuclear plants. The methodology used was based on radiochemical analyses (gammagraphic and γ-spectrometry) whereas the comparison was performed by means of a fuel reference element working in the TRIGA nuclear reactor at Research Center of ENEA-Casaccia. The results show clearly how the exhibit was an element of nuclear fuel, how long it was irradiated, and the amount of 239Pu produced and the 235U consumed. Finally, even if the seized rod was briefly radiated at the “zero power” and traces of fission products and plutonium were found, it would be still usable as “fresh” fuel in a reactor type TRIGA if it had not been intercepted by Italian police authorities.

Utilization of a detection level of 25ng/mL for cannabinoids in urine using a CEDIA® THCPLUS immunoassay: Application of this cut-off to urines of school children - Corrected Proof

Hima Madhavaram, Ronald A.F. Couch — 2010-03-11

Abstract: Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in New Zealand. About 4 years ago schools in New Zealand began introducing drug programmes in order ascertain a pupil's likely cannabinoid use. Our toxicology laboratory screened such specimens for the presence of cannabinoids, using CEDIA® immunoassay, at a cut-off of 50ng/mL as directed by the AS/NZS 4308:2001 standard. However, the consequent result that we reported, as not detected (<50ng/mL), in many cases did not parallel the pupil's confessed cannabis use.Our laboratory has therefore used a lower cut-off of 25ng/mL, by this immunoassay. We use this cut-off only for non-evidential analyses.Stored specimens were analysed over two time periods. Initially 2359 urine samples were screened for cannabinoids. 130 of these specimens had a value between 25 and 49ng/mL and 60 of this group were randomly selected for confirmation by GC–MS. In all the 60 specimens, the presence of THCCOOH was confirmed. A further 760 specimens were collected over a later time period. Of these, 48 specimens had an immunoassay value of 25–49ng/mL and all 48 specimens were confirmed positive for THCCOOH by GC–MS.This study indicates that the CEDIA® THCPLUS immunoassay can be used to screen for the presence of urinary cannabinoids using a 25ng/mL cut-off. Use of such a cut-off will limit the occurrence of false negative cannabinoid screening results.For school children a lower cut-off may be important, as consequent remedial action, following a positive immunoassay result, may limit the adverse outcomes such as dependence and impairment of achievements as suggested in a New Zealand study by Fergusson and Joseph.

Homicidal and suicidal sharp force fatalities: Autopsy parameters in relation to the manner of death - Corrected Proof

2010-03-11

Abstract: A retrospective, comparative study was carried out on 118 sharp force fatalities, including 70 homicides and 48 suicides, and covering a 22-year period from 1986 to 2008. The objective was to identify relevant parameters that may be used to distinguish between these two manners of death.The following parameters were analysed: age, gender, number of wounds, type of wounds, anatomical sites of the wounds, presence of wounds affecting bones or cartilage, the longitudinal axis of stab wounds located at the anterior part of the trunk, Injury Severity Score (ISS) and associated traumatic injuries.Our statistical analyses revealed several relevant parameters that may help differentiate the two manners of death. Homicide victims were younger than those who had committed suicide. Homicide cases showed associated stab and cut wounds, whereas suicide cases predominantly showed isolated cut wounds. Wounds located at the head, limbs, hands, nape of the neck, or back were predictive of a homicide, whereas wounds located solely at the anterior parts of the trunk, neck, or forearms were predictive of a suicide. The presence of bone or cartilage wounds was predictive of a homicide and their absence was predictive of a suicide. A vertical longitudinal axis of stab wounds located at the anterior part of the trunk was predictive of a homicide whereas a horizontal axis was predictive of a suicide. ISS was found to be significantly higher in homicide cases than in suicide cases. The presence of defensive or violence-associated traumatic wounds was predictive of a homicide whereas the presence of hesitation-associated wounds or the absence of associated traumatic wounds was predictive of a suicide.

May Toxoplasma gondii increase suicide attempt-preliminary results in Turkish subjects? - Corrected Proof

Fatih Yagmur, Suleyman Yazar, Hanife Ozcan Temel, Mustafa Cavusoglu — 2010-03-11

Abstract: Suicide attempts are one of the risk factors of suicide. Possible mechanisms by which Toxoplasma gondii may affect human behavior and it may also cause humans to attempt suicide. The aim of this study is to find out whether or not T. gondii is one of the reasons in suicide attempts. We investigated the sero-positivity level for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in subjects who have attempted to suicide to find out whether there is a probable relationship between T. gondii and suicide attempts. In our study, we selected 200 cases of suicide attempts and 200 healthy volunteers. The sero-positivity level for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies among suicide attempts (41%) was significantly higher than the control group (28%). This signifies that there might be a causal relationship between toxoplasmosis and the etiology of suicide attempt.

Preliminary soilwater conductivity analysis to date clandestine burials of homicide victims - Corrected Proof

Jamie K. Pringle, John P. Cassella, John R. Jervis — 2010-03-08

Abstract: This study reports on a new geoscientific method to estimate the post-burial interval (PBI) and potential post-mortem interval (PMI) date of homicide victims in clandestine graves by measuring decomposition fluid conductivities. Establishing PBI/PMI dates may be critical for forensic investigators to establish time-lines to link or indeed rule out suspects to a crime. Regular in situ soilwater analysis from a simulated clandestine grave (which contained a domestic buried pig carcass) in a semi-rural environment had significantly elevated conductivity measurements when compared to background values. A temporal rapid increase of the conductivity of burial fluids was observed until one-year post-burial, after this values slowly increased until two years (end of the current study period). Conversion of x-axis from post-burial days to ‘accumulated degree days’ (ADDs) corrected for both local temperature variations and associated depth of burial and resulted in an improved fit for multiple linear regression analyses. ADD correction also allowed comparison with a previous conductivity grave study on a different site with a different soil type and environment; this showed comparable results with a similar trend observed. A separate simulated discovered burial had a conductivity estimated PBI date that showed 12% error from its actual burial date. Research is also applicable in examining illegal animal burials; time of burial and waste deposition. Further research is required to extend the monitoring period, to use human cadavers and to repeat this with other soil types and depositional environments.

Two non-probabilistic methods for uncertainty analysis in accident reconstruction - Corrected Proof

Tiefang Zou, Zhi Yu, Ming Cai, Jike Liu — 2010-03-08

Abstract: There are many uncertain factors in traffic accidents, it is necessary to study the influence of these uncertain factors to improve the accuracy and confidence of accident reconstruction results. It is difficult to evaluate the uncertainty of calculation results if the expression of the reconstruction model is implicit and/or the distributions of the independent variables are unknown. Based on interval mathematics, convex models and design of experiment, two non-probabilistic methods were proposed. These two methods are efficient under conditions where existing uncertainty analysis methods can hardly work because the accident reconstruction model is implicit and/or the distributions of independent variables are unknown; and parameter sensitivity can be obtained from them too. An accident case is investigated by the methods proposed in the paper. Results show that the convex models method is the most conservative method, and the solution of interval analysis method is very close to the other methods. These two methods are a beneficial supplement to the existing uncertainty analysis methods.

Does suggestive information cause a confirmation bias in bullet comparisons? - Corrected Proof

2010-03-08

Abstract: Several researchers have argued that the confirmation bias, the tendency to selectively gather and process information such that it fits existing beliefs, is a main threat to objective forensic examinations. The goal of the present study was to empirically investigate whether examiners making bullet comparisons are indeed vulnerable to this bias. In the first experiment, six qualified examiners evaluated 6 sets of bullets that were presented to them twice. In the neutral task condition it was mentioned in the case description that there were two perpetrators and two crime scenes, whereas in the potentially biasing task condition it was mentioned that there was only one perpetrator and one crime scene. The results showed no effect of biased information on the decision outcome. An exploratory analysis revealed rather large individual differences in two cases. In a second study we compared the conclusions of first and second examiners of actual cases that were conducted in the period between 1997 and 2006. As the second examiner mostly has no context information it may be expected that the conclusion of the first examiner should be more extreme when he or she would have become prey to a confirmation bias. The results indicate an effect in the opposite direction: the first examiner gave less extreme ratings than the second one. In all, our results indicate that examiners were not affected by biased information the case description.

Analysis of geometric moments as features for firearm identification - Corrected Proof

Nor Azura Md Ghani, Choong-Yeun Liong, Abdul Aziz Jemain — 2010-03-08

Abstract: The task of identifying firearms from forensic ballistics specimens is exacting in crime investigation since the last two decades. Every firearm, regardless of its size, make and model, has its own unique ‘fingerprint’. These fingerprints transfer when a firearm is fired to the fired bullet and cartridge case. The components that are involved in producing these unique characteristics are the firing chamber, breech face, firing pin, ejector, extractor and the rifling of the barrel. These unique characteristics are the critical features in identifying firearms. It allows investigators to decide on which particular firearm that has fired the bullet. Traditionally the comparison of ballistic evidence has been a tedious and time-consuming process requiring highly skilled examiners. Therefore, the main objective of this study is the extraction and identification of suitable features from firing pin impression of cartridge case images for firearm recognition. Some previous studies have shown that firing pin impression of cartridge case is one of the most important characteristics used for identifying an individual firearm. In this study, data are gathered using 747 cartridge case images captured from five different pistols of type 9mm Parabellum Vektor SP1, made in South Africa. All the images of the cartridge cases are then segmented into three regions, forming three different set of images, i.e. firing pin impression image, centre of firing pin impression image and ring of firing pin impression image. Then geometric moments up to the sixth order were generated from each part of the images to form a set of numerical features. These 48 features were found to be significantly different using the MANOVA test. This high dimension of features is then reduced into only 11 significant features using correlation analysis. Classification results using cross-validation under discriminant analysis show that 96.7% of the images were classified correctly. These results demonstrate the value of geometric moments technique for producing a set of numerical features, based on which the identification of firearms are made.

Simultaneous screening for and determination of 128 date-rape drugs in urine by gas chromatography–electron ionization-mass spectrometry - Corrected Proof

Piotr Adamowicz, Maria Kała — 2010-03-08

Abstract: Date-rape drugs (DRDs) are used for the purpose of “drugging” unsuspected victims and raping or robbing them while under the influence of the drug. The wide variety of substances used for criminal purposes, their low concentrations in body fluids and, often, a long time delay between the event and clinical examination make comprehensive screening analysis of biological materials collected from crime victims for the presence of these drugs very difficult. Detection of a drug used to facilitate sexual assault in biological fluids can be very important evidence of a committed crime. The purpose of this study was to develop a simple GC–EI-MS screening procedure for date-rape drugs in urine. Target analytes were isolated by solid-phase extraction. 2-mL urine samples were extracted and then derivatized by using BSTFA+1%TMCS reagent. Detection of all compounds was based on full-scan mass spectra and for each compound one ion was chosen for further quantification. The method allowed the simultaneous screening, detection and quantification of 128 compounds from different groups (number of compounds): opioids (20), amphetamines (11), GHB and related products (3), hallucinogens (9), benzodiazepines (18), antihistamines (9), antidepressants (14), selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (4), antipsychotics (7), barbiturates (7), other sedatives (5), muscle relaxants (2) and other drugs (19). The procedure can easily be expanded to encompass more substances. The developed method appeared to be suitable for screening for the target DRDs. The procedure was successfully applied to the analysis of authentic urine samples collected from victims of rapes and other crimes in routine casework.

First nationwide study on driving under the influence of drugs in Switzerland - Corrected Proof

2010-03-08

Abstract: In Switzerland, a two-tier system based on impairment by any psychoactive substances which affect the capacity to drive safely and zero tolerance for certain illicit drugs came into force on 1 January 2005. According to the new legislation, the offender is sanctioned if Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol THC is ≥1.5ng/ml or amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA), cocaine, free morphine are ≥15ng/ml in whole blood (confidence interval±30%). For all other psychoactive substances, impairment must be proven in applying the so-called “three pillars expertise”. At the same time the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving was lowered from 0.80 to 0.50g/kg. The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of drugs in the first year after the introduction of the revision of the Swiss Traffic Law in the population of drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). A database was developed to collect the data from all DUID cases submitted by the police or the Justice to the eight Swiss authorized laboratories between January and December 2005. Data collected were anonymous and included the age, gender, date and time of the event, the type of vehicle, the circumstances, the sampling time and the results of all the performed toxicological analyses. The focus was explicitly on DUID; cases of drivers who were suspected to be under the influence of ethanol only were not considered. The final study population included 4794 DUID offenders (4243 males, 543 females). The mean age of all drivers was 31±12 years (range 14–92 years). One or more psychoactive drugs were detected in 89% of all analyzed blood samples. In 11% (N=530) of the samples, neither alcohol nor drugs were present. The most frequently encountered drugs in whole blood were cannabinoids (48% of total number of cases), ethanol (35%), cocaine (25%), opiates (10%), amphetamines (7%), benzodiazepines (6%) and methadone (5%). Other medicinal drugs such as antidepressants and benzodiazepine-like were detected less frequently. Poly-drug use was prevalent but it may be underestimated because the laboratories do not always analyze all drugs in a blood sample. This first Swiss study points out that DUID is a serious problem on the roads in Switzerland. Further investigations will show if this situation has changed in the following years.

Stab or throw? Biomechanical studies on the injuring potential of glass fragments - Corrected Proof

Vera Sterzik, Beat Kneubuehl, Wolf Rupp, Michael Bohnert — 2010-03-04

Abstract: During a Christmas party, two male guests started fighting. The perpetrator was allegedly pushed onto a glass table by the victim or fell into the table together with that man so that the glass top broke and caused a cut wound on the perpetrator's back. According to his statement he then threw a fragment of the broken glass table in the direction of the other man hitting him accidentally in a way so that the subclavian artery was severed and he died from exsanguination. Tests on the breaking characteristics of the glass table, the flying behaviour and the kinetics of thrown glass fragments conducted on various models supported the conclusion that the fatal injury on the victim's neck could not have been caused by a thrown glass fragment. It was much more likely that a stab with a blade-shaped glass fragment was the cause of the fatal injuries.

Two UK suicides using nicotine extracted from tobacco employing instructions available on the Internet - Corrected Proof

John M. Corkery, Jennifer Button, Alessandro E. Vento, Fabrizio Schifano — 2010-03-04

Abstract: Tobacco is one of the most easily accessible and commonly abused drugs world-wide. Nicotine, one of its principal constituents, can cause serious or fatal overdoses. Whilst the deliberate ingestion of this substance appears to be relatively rare, often the important signs of its consumption are not recognised, sometimes with fatal results. Here we describe two cases of intentional fatal ingestion of nicotine. The nicotine was extracted from tobacco using instructions available on the Internet. The first case involved a male aged 19 who died in 2008. The post-mortem blood and urine levels of nicotine were 5.5mg/l and >80mg/l respectively; the blood level is in line with the generally recognised fatal level of >5mg/l. The levels of nicotine's main metabolite, cotinine, for this case were 2.5mg/l and 7.9mg/l for blood and urine respectively. A comparative case in 1999 involved a 32 year-old male. The level of post-mortem nicotine in his blood was 1.0mg/l. These are believed to be the first UK suicides by nicotine using instructions from the Internet reported in the literature. Information that nicotine was the agent responsible only became apparent some time after death. There may be more deaths due to this cause that go unrecognised because quantification of nicotine and cotinine levels is not often conducted, due to the wide prevalence of smoking. It is important that all evidence at the scene of a sudden and unexplained death is carefully evaluated, including potential clues on PCs and lap-tops.

Postmortem diagnostics of assumed food anaphylaxis in an unexpected death - Corrected Proof

S. Unkrig, L. Hagemeier, B. Madea — 2010-03-02

Abstract: Diagnosis of lethal anaphylaxis is known to be difficult to establish in forensic autopsy. Cases of anaphylactic shock have to be dealt with in forensic medicine comparatively frequently as death due to anaphylaxis is likely to occur rapidly and without warning in seemingly healthy subjects. Autopsy findings might hint at allergic reaction, but classic manifestations can also be completely absent.A case of suspected food anaphylaxis in a middle-aged woman is presented. The deceased had been known to suffer from multiple allergies. Death came about after an evening meal with friends. Dyspnoea was reported to have been followed by collapse, unconsciousness and death within minutes. The course of further analysis undertaken (toxicology, biochemistry, immunohistochemistry) is examplarily described. By means of the results presented we discuss problems and possibilities of postmortem diagnostics of food induced anaphylaxis.

Injury biomechanics as a necessary tool in the field of forensic science: A pedestrian run-over case study - Corrected Proof

Carlos Arregui-Dalmases, Rafael Tejeira, Jason Forman — 2010-03-02

Abstract: A 49-year-old male pedestrian was fatally injured when an overloaded truck backed over him and two of the truck's rear wheels rolled over his chest. An analysis is presented to estimate whether or not the subject would have been severely injured if the truck had been loaded to the maximum-permitted weight. The magnitude of compression of the subject's chest is predicted both for the case weight and the maximum-permitted weight of the vehicle. These predicted magnitudes of chest compression are then used to predict the probability of thoracic injury in both cases. The analysis suggests that loading by either the case weight or the maximum-permitted weight of the vehicle would have caused very severe compressions of the chest, likely resulting in multiple rib fractures, collapse of the ribcage and injury to the thoracic organs. Thus, this analysis suggests that severe, possibly life-threatening, thoracic injury would have occurred if the vehicle was loaded to its maximum-permitted weight.

Fatal renal failure due to the Chinese herb “GuanMu Tong” (Aristolochia manshuriensis): Autopsy findings and review of literature - Corrected Proof

Zhu Shaohua, Sunnassee Ananda, Yuan Ruxia, Ren Liang, Chen Xiaorui, Liu Liang — 2010-03-02

Abstract: Herbal remedies have been used since ancient times and it is now known that they are not completely free of adverse effects. We present the case of a 41-year-old Chinese man, who died in renal failure because he consumed a herbal preparation called “Fen Qing Wu Lin Wan”, having GuanMu Tong as main ingredient, for about 1 month. GuanMu Tong is derived from the plant Aristolochia manshuriensis which contains aristolochic acid. Aristolochic acid is being reported as the causative agent of what is now called aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) which includes Chinese herb nephropathy (CHN) and Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), all having renal impairment as hallmark for the disease. The gross autopsy showed multiple punctate hemorrhages over the limbs, pleural effusion, and edematous lungs with consolidation, mild myocardial hypertrophy and normal-looking kidneys. Microscopic renal tissue examination showed severe degeneration, necrosis and desquamation of renal tubular epithelial cells, presence of protein cast and a widened, edematous interstitium with interstitial fibrosis. We also provide the clinical presentation of the deceased as reported in the medical records and briefly review the literature pertinent to similar cases.

Insects (Diptera) associated with cadavers at the Institute of Legal Medicine in Pernambuco, Brazil: Implications for forensic entomology - Corrected Proof

Tatiana Costa Oliveira, Simao Dias Vasconcelos — 2010-02-25

Abstract: Increasing rates of unsolved homicides in Brazil prompt the need for applied entomological data to be used as a complementary tool by criminal investigators. In that context, we analyzed the occurrence of forensically important insect species (Order Diptera) on 14 cadavers taken into the Institute of Legal Medicine (ILM), in Pernambuco, Brazil, according to the conditions of the body and the pattern of colonisation by insects. Simultaneously, we surveyed the diversity of insects in the surrounding environment using bait traps. Five species were present on cadavers: Chrysomya albiceps, Chrysomya megacephala and Cochliomyia macellaria (Calliphoridae), Oxysarcodexia riograndensis and Ravinia belforti (Sarcophagidae). A total of 4689 adult insects belonging to 24 species of seven dipteran families (Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Muscidae, Fanniidae, Phoridae, Anthomyiidae and Stratiomyidae) was collected at the ILM premises. C. albiceps was the most frequent species on the corpses and the most abundant in the traps. Species referred to as of forensic importance, such as Lucilia eximia, Chrysomya putoria, Oxysarcodexia modesta and Ophyra chalcogaster were collected on traps, but not on cadavers. There seems to be a limited colonisation of cadavers at the scene of the death, despite the ubiquity of necrophagous species in the area. The results contribute to differentiate between species that are involved in decomposition and those found in and around the mortuary installations of the ILM, thus providing potential clues about the locality of death and the post-mortem interval.

A case of fatal coin battery ingestion in a 2-year-old child - Corrected Proof

V. Soerdjbalie-Maikoe, R.R. van Rijn — 2010-02-24

Abstract: Foreign body aspiration is frequently encountered in young children, in the majority of cases it will not lead to an adverse outcome. However, in case of coin battery ingestion more serious adverse outcomes, including death, have been reported. We present a case with fatal outcome due to exsanguination, of a 2-year-old child with an aberrant right subclavian artery (or arteria lusoria) and coin battery ingestion. Radiological and autopsy findings and relevant literature are discussed.

Retrospective analysis of fatal falls - Corrected Proof

Annette Thierauf, Johanna Preuß, Eberhard Lignitz, Burkhard Madea — 2010-02-22

Abstract: Fatal falls are frequent and inhomogeneous events and affect every age. The criminalistic classification can often only be done on the basis of extensive investigations and the autopsy results. We retrospectively surveyed 291 cases of fatal falls on which a post-mortem examination had been carried out in the institutes of Forensic Medicine in Bonn and Greifswald. In large part, these cases are falls from height (n=123) and ground-level falls (n=122). These are compared to fatal falls down a stairs (n=46); the analysis is confined to injuries to the cranium. In ground-level falls the injury pattern in falls under the influence of alcohol differs from that of falls with no alcohol in the case history: all injuries are seen in higher relative frequency in casualties after the consumption of alcohol. In falls from height, the previous consumption of alcohol did not influence the injury pattern; the intracranial traumas are seen in decreasing frequency with increasing heights. The aim of this retrospective analysis is to present injury patterns and influencing factors like fall heights and alcohol for the different kinds of falls on the basis of our collective and to demonstrate similarities and differences between the subgroups.

Deaths involving serotonergic drugs - Corrected Proof

J.L. Pilgrim, D. Gerostamoulos, Olaf H. Drummer — 2010-02-22

Abstract: Serotonin-active drugs are detected relatively frequently in Victorian deaths. During 2002–2008, there were 1123 fatalities where one or more of the serotonin-active drugs tramadol, venlafaxine, fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, paroxetine and MDMA, were detected. These deaths were reviewed using pathology, toxicology and police reports, to determine the contribution of these drugs to the cause of death, particularly if serotonin toxicity was the mechanism of death. There were 28 cases of most interest to this research because of the presence of the target drugs and the circumstances suggesting the likelihood of serotonin toxicity involvement in death. There were 5 cases of reported serotonin toxicity and 23 other deaths suspected to have involved this form of toxicity. Tramadol featured most commonly out of the seven target drugs and was frequently detected in combination with serotonergic antidepressants. MDMA was also detected relatively commonly and was associated with moclobemide in 4 cases of confirmed serotonin toxicity. There were an additional 1095 cases where natural disease, external injury or the misuse of other drugs caused death, of which 2 reported the incidental contribution of serotonin toxicity.

Forensically significant scavenging guilds in the southwest of Western Australia - Corrected Proof

R. Christopher O’Brien, Shari L. Forbes, Jan Meyer, Ian Dadour — 2010-02-19

Abstract: Estimation of time since death is an important factor in forensic investigations and the state of decomposition of a body is a prime basis for such estimations. The rate of decomposition is, however, affected by many environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall, and solar radiation as well as by indoor or outdoor location, covering and the type of surface the body is resting upon. Scavenging has the potential for major impact upon the rate of decomposition of a body, but there is little direct research upon its effect. The information that is available relates almost exclusively to North American and European contexts. The Australian faunal assemblage is unique in that it includes no native large predators or large detrivorous avians. This research investigates the animals that scavenge carcasses in natural outdoor settings in southern Western Australia and the factors which can affect each scavenger's activity. The research was conducted at four locations around Perth, Western Australia with different environmental conditions. Pig carcasses, acting as models for the human body, were positioned in an outdoor environment with no protection from scavengers or other environmental conditions. Twenty-four hour continuous time-lapse video capture was used to observe the pattern of visits of all animals to the carcasses. The time of day, length of feeding, material fed upon, area of feeding, and any movement of the carcass were recorded for each feeding event. Some species were observed to scavenge almost continually throughout the day and night. Insectivores visited the carcasses mostly during bloat and putrefaction; omnivores fed during all stages of decomposition and scavenging by carnivores, rare at any time, was most likely to occur during the early stages of decomposition. Avian species, which were the most prolific visitors to the carcasses in all locations, like reptiles, fed only during daylight hours. Only mammals and amphibians, which were seldom seen during diurnal hours, were nocturnal feeders. The combined effects of the whole guild of scavengers significantly accelerated the later stages of decomposition, especially in the cooler months of the year when natural decomposition was slowest.

The importance of medico-legal evaluation in a case with intraabdominal gossypiboma - Corrected Proof

Tarık Uluçay, Mustafa Gökhan Dizdar, Mehmet SunayYavuz, Mahmut Aşırdizer — 2010-02-17

Abstract: Data concerning the incidence of gossypiboma tend to fluctuate and is difficult to estimate because of a low reporting rate lest medico-legal implication. Gossypiboma is frequently located in the abdominal and pelvic cavities after gynecologic and upper abdominal surgical operations but can also follow thoracic, orthopedic, and urological and neurosurgical procedures. In medical literature, there are few articles about the medico-legal evaluation of gossypiboma although it is typically subjected to a medico-legal process.In this article, we reported a 22-year-old female case with intraabdominal gossypiboma following a cesarean procedure and discussed the importance of medico-legal evaluation of gossypiboma.

A reduction in blood morphine concentrations amongst heroin overdose fatalities associated with a sustained reduction in street heroin purity - Corrected Proof

Shane Darke, Johan Duflou, Michelle Torok — 2010-02-17

Abstract: To determine the effects of a sudden and sustained reduction in heroin purity on the toxicology of heroin overdose, 959 consecutive heroin overdose cases autopsied at the NSW Department of Forensic Medicine (1/1/1998–31/12/2006) were analysed. There was a significant reduction in blood morphine concentration across the study period (β=−0.07), declining from a median of 0.50mg/L in the years 1998–2000 prior to 0.40mg/L in the period 2001–2006. There was no significant change in the proportion of alcohol positive cases, but the proportion of benzodiazepine positive cases increased across time (OR 1.11), as did methadone positive cases (OR 1.12). The decline in blood morphine concentrations remained significant after controlling for these factors (β=−0.07). In determining toxic and lethal morphine concentrations, the fact that the toxicology of overdose is responsive to changes in the opioid street market needs to be borne in mind.

CT verified cause of death in hepatic hydrothorax without ascites - Corrected Proof

S. Christoffersen — 2010-02-12

Abstract: In patients with cirrhosis of the liver, ascites is a common symptom, some of these patients will also present hydrothorax. Under rare circumstances patients with liver cirrhosis develop hydrothorax without showing any signs of ascites. This study presents one such case and shows autopsy findings consistent with hepatic hydrothorax without ascites. Furthermore, we present CT imaging which shows the possible cause of death in the case of severe hydrothorax.

Widespread pulmonary granulomatosis following long time intravenous drug abuse—A case report - Corrected Proof

R.B. Dettmeyer, M.A. Verhoff, B. Brückel, D. Walter — 2010-02-08

Abstract: Foreign body granulomas in the lungs following acute singular or long time intravenous drug abuse are frequent findings during microscopic investigation of the lungs. Most cases present single granulomas. Cases with multiple foreign body granulomas, already palpable during autopsy and leading to pulmonary granulomatosis with multiple granulomas are less frequent. We report the case of a 32-year old man, dying suddenly and unexpectedly after a well-known history of drug abuse for more than a decade. The granulomas are caused by foreign particle embolization immediately after intravenous injection of not only the drug itself but also of adulterants, e.g. cotton fibers, potato starch or microcrystalline cellulose. At the end, a reduction in the size of the pulmonary bed had occurred followed by pulmonary hypertension. For the first time, lung dust in such a case was characterised by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX).

A probability-based sampling approach for the analysis of drug seizures composed of multiple containers of either cocaine, heroin, or Cannabis - Corrected Proof

John R. Mario — 2010-02-08

Abstract: A probability-based analytical sampling approach for seized containers of cocaine, Cannabis, or heroin, to answer questions of both content weight and identity, is described. It utilizes the Student's t distribution, and, because of the lack of normality in studied populations, the power of the Central Limit Theorem with samples of size 20 to calculate the mean net weights of multiple item drug seizures. Populations studied ranged between 50 and 1200 units. Identity determination is based on chemical testing and sampling using the hypergeometric distribution fit to a program macro – created by the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) Drugs Working Group. Formal random item selection is effected through use of an Excel®-generated list of random numbers. Included, because of their impact on actual practice, are discussions of admissibility, sufficiency of proof, method validation, and harmony with the guidelines of international standardizing bodies.

A quick discrimination of vegetable oil by solid-phase microextraction method - Corrected Proof

Toshiyasu Mikuma, Tsuyoshi Kaneko — 2010-02-08

Abstract: A trace amount of vegetable oil was picked up with solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber and identified using a gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer (GC–MS). Unsaponifiable constituents such as sterols could be detected by an injection of the SPME fiber, with the fiber touching the vegetable oil and then leading directly into the port of the GC–MS. After thermal desorption of unsaponifiable constituents, the remaining triacylglycerols or oil that was freshly added to the fiber were recovered with a little organic solvent, and the profiles of the fatty acids that had been constructing the acylglycerols were determined using a base-catalyzed trans-esterification method which produced fatty acid methyl esters. The simple and rapid techniques that make up this method make it possible to significantly reduce the preparation time and as well as the required sample volume. When urgent discrimination is required with high accuracy, this technique could serve as a useful and powerful tool for identification of vegetable oil.

Application of computerised correction method for optical distortion of two-dimensional facial image in superimposition between three-dimensional and two-dimensional facial images - Corrected Proof

2010-02-01

Abstract: The applicability of computerised correction of optical distortion to two-dimensional (2D)/three-dimensional (3D) facial image superimposition was investigated. Two-dimensional (2D) facial images of 10 male volunteers were taken with a commercially available closed circuit device (CCD) camera (reference camera) at four areas of the lens field: the centre, top, upper right and right. Correction was made by computer by calculating differences vis-à-vis the co-ordinates of dots on a test chart. Discrepancies in facial outlines between the 3D and 2D images decreased following correction in all lens fields and were below the threshold for true positive. The correction method was also tested using an actual surveillance camera and video recorder installed in a bank. The method was found to be effective for the correction of facial images, especially those taken in the top and right lens fields. Since the total error (observed error) remaining after correction appeared close to the random error (real error), systematic error was thought to be minimised by correction. Therefore, the present method was thought to display high fidelity, and could be useful for supplementary examination of conventional superimposition.

Chemical analysis of synthetic cannabinoids as designer drugs in herbal products - Corrected Proof

Nahoko Uchiyama, Ruri Kikura-Hanajiri, Jun Ogata, Yukihiro Goda — 2010-02-01

Abstract: Several synthetic cannabinoids were found in 44 of 46 different kinds of herbal products that are currently distributed on the illegal drug market in Japan due to their expected narcotic effects. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses indicated that most of the products contained two major synthetic cannabinoids: (1RS,3SR)-3-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-methylnonan-2-yl)phenyl]cyclohexan-1-ol, renamed cannabicyclohexanol with the agreement of Pfizer Inc., and/or 1-naphthalenyl(1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)methanone, named JWH-018. Oleamide (cis-9,10-octadecenoamide), which is an endogenous cannabinoid, was also detected in 7 products. Additionally, two synthetic cannabinoids were identified as minor components in some products. One was (1RS,3SR)-3-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-methyloctan-2-yl)phenyl]cyclohexan-1-ol, which is named CP-47,497 and is a homolog of cannabicyclohexanol. The other was 1-naphthalenyl(1-butyl-1H-indol-3-yl)methanone, which is named JWH-073 and is a homolog of JWH-018. These compounds were reported as synthetic cannabinoids possessing pharmacological cannabimimetic activity. The concentrations of cannabicyclohexanol, JWH-018 and oleamide in the products ranged from 1.1 to 16.9mg/g, 2.0 to 35.9mg/g and 7.6 to 210.9mg/g, respectively, and showed considerable variation. In this study, details of the analysis and identification of these synthetic cannabinoids in herbal products being sold on the Japanese drug market are described.

Accidental circular saw hand injuries: Trauma mechanisms, injury patterns, and accident insurance - Corrected Proof

2010-01-29

Abstract: Introduction: Hand injuries due to circular saws are a common reason for patients seeking medical care in emergency departments. With respect to cases of insurance fraud, these injuries are of medico-legal interest. It is the aim of this study to investigate the critical circumstances of the incidents, the accident mechanism, and the specific injury patterns of circular saw related hand injuries with regard to accident insurance coverage.Patients and methods: Circular saw related hand injuries for the years 1999 through 2007 were followed-up and assessed in detail. Type, severity and pattern of the injury were assessed. An accident analysis investigated characteristic of the activities, of the saws, of the stock/cutting material, operational activities of the operators prior to/at the time of the incident, and detailed information on the insurance status.Results: The follow-up study encompassed 114 patients. A majority of these were covered by private or statutory accident insurances. Compensation payments were made in all cases. All lesions involved one hand, mainly the left non-dominant hand. Thumb and index were at highest risk for injury. One-finger injuries occurred mainly at the middle or distal phalanx. With increasing number of affected fingers, the level of the injury moved closer to the proximal phalanx. A majority of injuries occurred during do-it-yourself activities. Among blade contact injuries, the so-called kickback-mechanism was at highest risk.Conclusion: Positive circumstantial indications of a self-inflicted injury, which are often cited in the literature are less conclusive for the medico-legal decision finding. The detailed anatomic description of any lesions and the alleged accident mechanism as initially described by the patients in the emergency setting is the basis for any later accident reconstruction.

Estimation of age from sclerotic glomeruli - Corrected Proof

2010-01-28

Abstract: Glomerular sclerosis is one of the age-related causes of nephron damage. Histological studies of cadaver kidneys in several ethnic groups have shown that there is a consistent relationship between the percentage of sclerotic glomeruli (PSG) and age. However, no study regarding this relationship in the Japanese population has been reported to date. Here, we investigated such relationship in 150 Japanese cadavers that were selected regardless of clinical history. The straight line regression was estimated as follows: Age=23.3+1.36×APSG (APSG: arcsine-transformed PSG). The R2 value of the regression line was 0.598.The diagnostic test with the PSG value (cutoff=0.6%) for the age stratum (cutoff=33 years old) showed very high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (97.6%). From the results, PSG appears to be useful for the estimation of a cadaver's age in the Japanese population.

Age estimation in Indians from pulp/tooth area ratio of mandibular canines - Corrected Proof

Medha Babshet, Ashith B. Acharya, Venkatesh G. Naikmasur — 2010-01-28

Abstract: In India, age estimation of living individuals is gaining importance, particularly in cases of child labour, ascertaining majority status and to assess disputed age in criminals. Previous studies on adult age prediction in Indians have focused on histological parameters, which are invasive in nature and not feasible in the living. Methods for age estimation in living adults make use of radiographs to indirectly measure the rate of secondary dentine deposition and studies have focused on ratios of linear measurements rather than absolute dimensions per se. Recently, the ratio of the pulp/tooth area of canines was suggested by a group in Italy who developed regression formulas for age estimation . The present study has assessed the usefulness of one of the formulas on an Indian sample and also examined the use of an India-specific equation in age prediction. Intraoral periapical digital radiographs of mandibular canines were obtained from 143 individuals (aged 20–70 years) using the paralleling technique; pulp and tooth areas were measured using a commercially available computer software programme and the pulp/tooth area ratio was computed. Age was calculated using the Italian formula which revealed a mean absolute error (MAE) of 11.01 years in Indians, an error recognisably greater than the 4.38 years reported in the Italian sample. The divergence may be explained on account of population differences that exist between Italians and Indians as well as variation in the pattern of secondary dentine deposition in Indians. The Indian formula derived (age=64.413−(195.265×PTR), where PTR is the pulp/tooth area ratio) was applied on a control group of 35 radiographs. The Italian formula was also applied on the control sample to ascertain if the Indian formula markedly improved age prediction. No apparent difference was observed between the two (MAE was 10.76 and 11.58 years, respectively, using the Indian and Italian formula) however, the Indian formula had a tendency to produce more ‘stable’ age estimates. This could be on account of low correlation (r=−0.34) between secondary dentine deposition and age in Indians and the consequent large pulp/tooth area ratio in some cases; such cases would invariably result in very low age estimates using the Italian formula, unlike the Indian formula which had factored in the low correlation.

Dissecting firearm injury to the head and neck with non-linear bullet trajectory: A case report - Corrected Proof

Muhammet Can, Nadir Yildirim, Gökçe Kaan Ataç — 2010-01-27

Abstract: Firearm injuries to the head and neck have a potential for fatal complications caused by damage to neurovascular structures in the region. We herewith present a case of a missile injury to the face, caused by a bullet from a rifle with high muzzle energy that slackened while penetrating a vehicle before hitting the victim. The bullet advanced through the retrofacial spaces following a non-linear course and was retained within the opposite parapharyngeal region without injuring any vital structure. The resultant damage was a ‘low-velocity injury’. However, it is noteworthy that the missile had still retained enough energy to penetrate the tissue and travel in a ‘dissecting’ fashion. It is likely that the blunting of the missile during vehicle penetration and the compactness of the anatomical structures bordering the head and neck spaces, such as fascia and tendons, forced the projectile to follow a non-linear inter-structural path. This case yet again demonstrates that the magnitude of firearm-related tissue damage may also depend upon the shape of the projectile and confirms that the head and neck spaces have anatomical integrity rather than just being arbitrarily designated topographical areas. It has also been confirmed that non-surgical approach with regular follow-ups is a viable option for uncomplicated head and neck injuries.

Colour contrast in ballistic gelatine - Corrected Proof

Christian Walter Albert Schyma — 2010-01-27

Abstract: Gelatine is a reliable tissue simulant in wound ballistic experiments. The projectile penetrating the gelatine transfers energy and causes radial cracks according to the temporary cavity. Thus the crack length is a function of the energy spent in the medium. In practice the fissures are poorly contrasted for which reason an enhancement of contrast was searched.A series of six shoots with expanding bullets (9mm×19 Action-5, 9mm×19 Quick Defense 1, 5.56mm×45 Styx Action) was realized on 10% gelatine blocks at 4°C temperature. Three blocks were marked with acryl paint on the front, three blocks were shot native. The blocks were cut in slices of 1cm thickness and optically scanned. The evaluation was performed according to Fackler's wound profile, the total crack length method and the polygon method. The paint was soaked into the block by the collapse of the temporary cavity and transported with diminishing intensity to the end of the trajectory. Colour contrast was successfully realized in all the shots which made easier to measure the length of the fissures. The comparison of the shots with and without paint gave a better reproducibility of measures with colour contrast. Using paint the energy transfer began earlier so that the curve of the wound profile was shifted by 1cm to the entry which is explicated by the paint pad put on the block. The maximum crack lengths did not significantly differ with and without paint. All evaluation methods profited from colour contrast but the total crack length method the most of all. Further experiments showed that colour contrast is also successful in 20% gelatine and is not dependent of the type of projectile.

Comprehensive identification of active compounds in tablets by flow-injection data-dependent tandem mass spectrometry combined with library search - Corrected Proof

Marion Pavlic, Birthe Schubert, Kathrin Libiseller, Herbert Oberacher — 2010-01-25

Abstract: A convenient mass spectrometric approach for the identification of toxicologically relevant compounds in tablets and tablet residues is presented. For comprehensive forensic-toxicological analysis electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was accomplished in positive as well as in negative ion mode on a quadrupole–quadrupole–time-of-flight instrument. Dissolved samples were introduced into the mass spectrometer by flow-injection. Mass spectra as well as tandem mass spectra were acquired. A data-dependent acquisition strategy was used to switch between the mass spectrometric modes. Identification was accomplished via search within a tandem mass spectral library. The applied database contained 8252 spectra collected from 836 compounds in positive ion mode as well as 1023 spectra collected from 103 compounds in negative ion mode. A total of 22 casework samples collected during autopsies from mouth, oesophagus or gastric contents, seized by the police, or found with patients at hospital were screened. Twelve samples contained compounds only detectable in positive ion mode (sildenafil, dihydrocodeine, diphenhydramine, oxprenolol, N-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, morphine, amphetamine, caffeine, pemoline, orphenadrine, m-chlorphenylpiperazine and tramadol), six samples contained species exclusively detectable in negative ion mode (salicylic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, ketorolac, valproic acid and phenobarbital), and three samples contained diclofenac detectable in both ionization polarities. One sample did not contain any compound amenable to mass spectrometric analysis. For verification all samples were additionally analyzed by GC/MS. Both methods revealed identical results for all but one sample. The beta-adrenergic blocker oxprenolol was exclusively detected by the flow-injection method.

Evaluation of frontal sinus and skull measurements using spiral CT scanning: An aid in unknown person identification - Corrected Proof

2010-01-25

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to test a simple system for the identification of unknown bodies using spiral CT images of frontal sinus and other skull measurements among selected Iraqi sample.Ninety patients (45 males and 45 females) with age range from 20 to 49 years were selected in this study. Three features and two groups of measurements of frontal sinus and three skull dimensions were obtained from the CT images. Three basic features were F (presence or absence of frontal sinus), S (septum) and S (scalloping). Measurements selected for the study were frontal sinus width, height and anteroposterior length. In addition to measurements of total width, the distance between the highest points of the two sinuses, the distance between the highest points of each sinus to its maximum lateral limit. Skull measurements included; maximum skull length, prostio-bregmatic height and maximum skull width. All data were subjected to a descriptive and discriminative analysis using the SPSS (Version 17.0).The pre-post comparison (number of discordant items) resulted in 95% accurately predicted perfect match for intra-examiner calibration and 90% accurately predicted perfect match for inter-examiners calibration and the result for one discordant item was 5% for intra-examiner calibration and 10% for inter-examiners calibration. The discriminative analysis showed that the ability of the frontal sinus to identify gender was 76.9%, adding the skull measurements to the frontal sinus measurements gave a higher overall classification accuracy for gender (85.9%).Frontal sinus measurements are valuable method in differentiating gender. Adding skull measurements to the frontal sinus measurements can significantly improve accuracy of gender determination using discriminant analysis. CT based films can provide valuable and precise measurements not only for frontal sinus but even for the whole skull that cannot be approached by other means.

A hierarchical model for body height estimation in images - Corrected Proof

Ardo van den Hout, Ivo Alberink — 2010-01-18

Abstract: In forensic practice, validation experiments performed on known items or persons are used to make predictions on unknown ones. An example of this is body height estimation in digital images. Using a hierarchical statistical model in this case is quite natural as it allows outcomes of the experiment to depend on random effects for test persons and on fixed effects for operators performing the measurements. In the paper, a hierarchical model is described and implemented in WinBUGS to obtain Bayesian credible intervals for perpetrator heights in a case study involving four perpetrators. Comparing the estimated credible intervals of the Bayesian inference to frequentist confidence intervals proposed in the literature, the results that emerge are quite similar, Bayesian intervals being slightly wider. The hierarchical model takes into account the variation within the individual measurements which is ignored by models using observed means over operators. The approach described is applicable for situations in which on the basis of (repeated) measurements on known objects, a prediction is required on a questioned object under the same circumstances. Another example of this is estimating the speed of a vehicle on video footage on the basis of a validation experiment.

Quality assurance in road traffic analyses in Switzerland - Corrected Proof

2010-01-18

Abstract: Swiss laboratories performing toxicological road traffic analyses have been authorized for many years by the Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). In 2003 FEDRO signed a contract with the Swiss Society of Legal Medicine (SSLM) to organize the complete quality management concerning road traffic analyses. For this purpose a multidisciplinary working group was established under the name of “road traffic commission (RTC)”.RTC has to organize external quality control, to interpret the results of these controls, to perform audits in the laboratories and to report all results to FEDRO. Furthermore the working group can be mandated for special tasks by FEDRO.As an independent organization the Swiss Center for Quality Control (CSCQ) in Geneva manages the external quality controls in the laboratory over the past years. All tested drugs and psychoactive substances are listed in a federal instruction. The so-called ‘zero tolerance substances’ (THC, morphine, cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA and MDEA) and their metabolites have to be tested once a year, all other substances (benzodiazepines, zolpidem, phenobarbital, etc.) periodically. Results over the last years show that all laboratories are generally within the confidence interval of ±30% of the mean value. In cases of non-conformities measures have to be taken immediately and reported to the working group.External audits are performed triennially but accredited laboratories can combine this audit with the approval of the Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS). During the audits a special checklist filled in by the laboratory director is assessed. Non-conformities have to be corrected.During the process of establishing a new legislation, RTC had an opportunity of advising FEDRO.In collaboration with FEDRO, RTC and hence SSLM can work actively on improving of quality assurance in road traffic toxicological analyses, and has an opportunity to bring its professional requests to the federal authorities.

Sex determination from measurements of the sternum and fourth rib using multislice computed tomography of the chest - Corrected Proof

2010-01-18

Abstract: Introduction: One of the most important data that can be obtained from bones is sex determination for which the recommended method is taking metric measurements. Metric measurements can be performed directly on dried bones obtained from the cadaver or indirectly from their radiographs.Aim: We assessed the accuracy of sex determination and the applicability of previously defined rules using the sternum and 4th rib measurement data from chest multislice computed tomography (MSCT) imaging of 340 patients and developed a model/formula that would provide the best way to determine sex.Methods: We analyzed the chest MSCT of 340 patients (143 females, 197 males; mean age: 57.6±15.2 years) and created a coronal image parallel to the sternal long axis and a coronal image at the level of sternal ending of the 4th rib. The 5 sternal measurements [length of the manubrium and sternal body, combined length of the manubrium and sternal body (CL), manubrium width and corpus sterni width] and 4th rib width (FRW) described in the literature were obtained. Sternal index (SI) and sternal area (SA) were calculated from these measurements.Results: The left FRW values were used for sex determination as the left FRW was found to be more significant than the right FRW. An accuracy of over 80% was achieved for sex determination when the “142 rule” was used for CL only, a cut-off value of 5600mm2 for SA only and a cut-off value of 16mm for FRW only. We found that Hyrtl's law and SI did not provide adequate accuracy for sex determination in our patients. The model with the highest accuracy (88.2%) for sex determination used SA and FRW together. We also believe that the best predictors for sex determination using the sternum and 4th rib are SA and FRW, similar to the Torwalt and Hoppa report.Conclusion: Radiological methods such as MSCT are useful in making reliable measurements to be used in various anthropological and forensic investigations and determining their accuracy.

Determination of sex in South Indians and immigrant Tibetans from cephalometric analysis and discriminant functions - Corrected Proof

Venkatesh G. Naikmasur, Rahul Shrivastava, Sunil Mutalik — 2010-01-18

Abstract: Skeletal components play significant role in sex determination in forensic and anthropological fields. Skull is considered second best, after pelvis, in determination of sex. Methods based on morphological characteristics and morphometry are already in use with reasonable accuracy. Standardized radiographic techniques like cephalometry have advantages of being more precise and objective when compared to morphologic methods. The present study aimed at obtaining and comparing the reliability of cranio-mandibular parameters in South Indian and Indian immigrant of Tibetan populations using lateral and postero–anterior (PA) cephalograms. A total of 11 cephalometric parameters were traced on lateral and PA cephalograms manually. Functions to aid in the sex determination were developed by subjecting the cephalometric parameters to discriminant analysis. Among the chosen parameters bizygomatic width, ramus height, depth of face contributed most for sexual dimorphism in both the populations. Upper facial height was the additional parameter for sexual dimorphism in immigrant Tibetan population. The discrimination accuracy in South Indian population was 81.5% while that of immigrant Tibetan population was 88.2%. With the current study it can be concluded that cephalometric cranio-mandibular parameters can be used to discriminate the sex using discriminant function analysis and similar cranio-mandibular parameters contribute to sex prediction across populations.

Forensic differentiation of paper by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy - Corrected Proof

2010-01-18

Abstract: The possibility to discriminate between sheets of paper can be of considerable importance in questioned document examinations. 19 similar types of office paper were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction to individuate the most discriminating features that could be measured by these techniques. The discriminating value associated to them was also assessed. By using a sequence of these two techniques, all the samples could be differentiated.

Occupational asphyxiation by unknown compound(s): Environmental and toxicological approach - Corrected Proof

2010-01-18

Abstract: During a routine truck-tank washing operation, five healthy workers were found motionless inside an empty tanker. Four of them died inside the tanker while the fifth died the following day in hospital. Since the true nature of the fatal compound(s) were not known, a rigorous environmental and toxicological approach supported by autopsy findings was essential to clarify the cause of death.Environmental results indicated that H2S fumes arising from the liquid sulfur previously shipped were responsible for the serial deaths, also confirmed by a simulation performed on two similar truck-tanks.These environmental findings were supported by toxicological analyses through the measurement of thiosulfate, one of the main H2S metabolites. Abnormal thiosulfate concentrations from 1.1 to 186.2mg/kg were revealed in all post-mortem biological samples (blood, lung, liver, kidney, brain and fat). Finally, the cluster analysis performed on thiosulfate body distribution contributed to establishing the time of death according to the accident scene reconstruction.This report presents valuable findings in correctly identifying the cause of death in gas asphyxiation cases by unknown compound(s).

Release of erythroblasts to the peripheral blood suggests higher exposure to hypoxia in cases of SIDS with co-sleeping compared to SIDS non-co-sleeping - Corrected Proof

2010-01-14

Abstract: Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) includes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Co-sleeping is regarded as a major risk factor for SIDS. Under normal circumstances, nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs) are absent from the peripheral blood and their release can occur in cases with a probable hypoxic mode of death.The aim of our study was to assess the significance of the release of nRBCs in SIDS occurring during co-sleeping and the association with hemorrhages in the dura and the lungs.35 cases were retrospectively assigned to one of the following categories: (I) 9 SUDI (of various causes) with no co-sleeping; (II) 16 SIDS while co-sleeping; (III) cause of death in hypoxic circumstances (3 hangings, 2 cardiac malformations, 1 meningitis 1 intoxication with diazepam); (IV) 3 SIDS in the cot. nRBCs were present in 5/9 cases of Category I (mean: 0.5%); 10/16 cases of Category II (mean: 1.87%); 7/7 cases of Category III (mean: 3.8%) and 0/3 cases of Category IV (mean: 0). ANOVA one-way test showed a significance of 0.003 amongst the 4 groups. The presence of diffuse intra-alveolar hemorrhage was associated with a higher release of nRBCs (mean: 3.1%) than focal hemorrhage (mean 0.6%). nRBCs were associated with focal hemorrhages in the falx and tentorium (mean: 2.3 vs. 0.9% when no hemorrhages were seen). The high mean of nRBCs seen in the co-sleeping SIDS cases suggests a higher exposure to hypoxia in the co-sleeping group which may have led to the release of nRBCs. More cases need to be analyzed to confirm this hypothesis.

Chemical analysis of four capsules containing the controlled substance analogues 4-methylmethcathinone, 2-fluoromethamphetamine, α-phthalimidopropiophenone and N-ethylcathinone - Corrected Proof

2010-01-14

Abstract: In August 2007, four capsules containing white powders, said to have originated from an Israel-based Internet company “Neorganics”, were anonymously delivered to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia. The capsules were analysed and the active components were identified including 4-methylmethcathinone, 2-fluoromethamphetamine, α-phthalimidopropiophenone and N-ethylcathinone, all of which were unlisted within South Australian controlled substance regulations. We examined the relevant scientific literature surrounding these chemicals and present both GCMS and NMR data for 4-methylmethcathinone and α-phthalimidopropiophenone, which have previously received little attention. We also present the vapour- and condensed-phase infrared spectra (IR) of 4-methylmethcathinone as these have also not been reported in the literature previously. We discuss the issues surrounding whether these chemicals can be classified as controlled substance analogues and the likely impact this could have on prosecutions of individuals distributing these products.

Comparing ballistic wounds with experiments on body simulator - Corrected Proof

F. Bresson, O. Franck — 2010-01-14

Abstract: This paper demonstrates how ballistic experiments on body simulator can bring a key information in the forensic science field. In the investigated case, a hunter was shot by accident in the back. Two hunters were suspected of having inadvertently shot towards the victim. The deadly bullet left the body and cannot be found on the scene neither in the body. The only way to discriminate the two options was to perform ballistic tests in body simulators. Even though the knowledge about body simulators is not enough advanced yet to expect accurate quantitative results, it was supposed to fully discriminate the two investigated cases as its respective impact energy are highly different (respectively 1200J and 2400J). For each investigated possibility, bullet's expansion state and body wounds were simulated. Bullet impact characteristics were determined by measuring the muzzle velocity, compute the impact velocity in the considered range (the position of each hunter is accurately known). Reloading cartridges allowed to reproduce accuretaly the corresponding velocity. The body was simulated by 3 different means in order to explore the accuracy of the simulation process. We demonstrated that the reported case is situated in a velocity/energy range in which body simulators do not need to be particularly accurate to reproduce the bullet expansion/non-expansion state. It furthermore demonstrated that only one case is compatible with the ballistic wounds of the victim. In the other case, the bullet's expansion would lead to a completely different wound shape.

Increased cannabinoids concentrations found in specimens from fatal aviation accidents between 1997 and 2006 - Corrected Proof

2010-01-14

Abstract: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) reported a 1.5-fold increase in the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of street cannabis seizures from 1997 to 2001 versus 2002 to 2006. This study was conducted to compare the changes, over those years, in blood and urine cannabinoid concentrations with the potency of THC reported in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids were screened using radioimmunoassay (RIA) for blood and fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) for urine and confirmed using GC/MS. A total of 95 individuals were found to be using cannabis from a total number of 2769 (3.4%) individuals tested over the period 1997 through 2006. Other impairing drugs were found in 38% of the cannabinoids-positive individuals. The mean concentration of THC in blood for 1997–2001 was 2.7ng/mL; for 2002–2006, it was 7.2ng/mL, a 2.7-fold increase in the mean THC concentration of specimens from aviation fatalities, compared to a 1.5-fold increase in cannabis potency reported by the NIDA and ONDCP. The mean age for cannabis users was 40 years (range 18–72) for aviation fatalities. For all blood and urine specimens testing negative for cannabinoids from aviation fatalities, the mean age of the individuals was 50 years (range 14–92). More than half of the fatalities tested were 50 years or older, whereas, 80% of the positive cannabis users were under 50. As indicated by these findings, members of the transportation industry, government regulators, and the general public should be made aware of the increased potential for impairment from the use of high-potency cannabis currently available and being used.

Effect of laundering on blunt force impact damage in fabrics - Corrected Proof

F.Y. Daroux, D.J. Carr, J. Kieser, B.E. Niven, M.C. Taylor — 2010-01-13

Abstract: Blunt force assault is a growing issue worldwide. In New Zealand, recorded cases of grievous blunt force assault increased steadily from 1011 in 1999 to 2139 in 2008 . In many cases of blunt force assault victims are struck on parts of their body covered by clothing, yet the use of damage to apparel as forensic evidence largely appears to have been overlooked. The current research investigated blunt force impact (BFI) damage in common apparel fabrics and the effects prior and post-laundering had on this damage. Two 100% cotton fabrics (single jersey knit, bull drill) were impacted as single and double layers using an impactor representative of a hammer face, the force transmitted through specimens was measured and impulse calculated. Impacting and laundering were completed cumulatively to establish the effects of impact damage on new, dimensionally stable (laundered 6 times) and aged fabrics (laundered up to 30 times), and the effects of laundering on impacted specimens. BFI left recognisable patterns of damage in specimens, although the extent of this damage varied. Laundering after the impact event altered the visible and microscopic damage. Laundering previously impacted fabrics produced holes in some specimens and some fibres exhibited failure characteristic of blunt force impact.

Sex differences from fingerprint ridge density in Chinese and Malaysian population - Corrected Proof

2010-01-13

Abstract: The fingerprints are very typical for a human being. The present study was undertaken to study the gender differences in fingerprint ridge density in Chinese and Malaysian population. The study done on 200 subjects (100 males and 100 females) of Chinese origin and 100 subjects (50 males and 50 females) of Malaysian origin revealed that significant gender differences occur in the finger ridge density. Fingerprint mean ridge density of 12 ridges/25mm2 or less is found to be more likely to be of males and a mean ridge count of more the 13 ridges/25mm2 is more likely of female origin in Chinese subjects. Fingerprint mean ridge density of 11 ridges/25mm2 or less is found to be more likely to be of males and a mean ridge count of more the 13 ridges/25mm2 is more likely of female origin in Malaysian subjects.

Small volume liquid extraction of amphetamines in saliva - Corrected Proof

Pinjia Meng, Yanyan Wang — 2010-01-13

Abstract: The present study introduced a procedure of small volume liquid extraction of amphetamines, including amphetamine (AM); methamphetamine (MA); 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA); 3,4-methylenemethamphtamine (MDMA), in saliva. Extraction efficiencies were compared between the conventional volume liquid phase extraction (LPE) and the small volume one, in which <100μL solvent was used instead of several milliliters in LPE. Conditions such as types and volumes of organic solvent used in the extraction and concentrations of target analytes in aqueous samples were examined. Results showed that small volume liquid extraction had an enrichment effect on the analytes. After extraction, the organic phase was either directly drawn out for GC analysis, or partially transferred to another vial for derivatization. Detection limits were less than 5ng/mL in saliva using GC/MS–SIM after derivatization. RSD (of peak area ratios) was less than 15% at all drug concentrations. The method was used in the analyses of saliva collected from amphetamine abusers, and was proven to be practical for detecting trace amounts of amphetamines in saliva.