bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of the Mental Health Act Criteria in the Decision-Making Process for Compulsory Admissions: A Study of Psychiatrists in South London
Authors: Bhugra Dinesh , Dazzan Paola
Published: January 2017

This study investigates the decision-making process for admitting patients compulsorily under the Mental Health Act 1983 of England and Wales. We used three case-vignettes describing different clinical situations: 1) a man with depression and psychotic symptoms; 2) a woman with a possible first episode of psychosis; and 3) a man with a history of substance abuse and bipolar disorder. The vignettes were administered to a group of psychiatrists working at the Bethlem Royal and Maudsley Hospitals in South London.

The psychiatrists were asked to rate 11 factors from the most to the least important in their decision to admit the individual compulsorily. Three factors resembled the criteria considered in the Mental Health Act 1983 for compulsory admission: current mental state; severity of the disease; and dangerousness to self or others. Three were other clinical features of the patient: diagnosis; psychiatric history; and likely response of the mental state to the medical treatment. The remaining five were sociodemographic features of the patient: age and gender; owning a home; occupational status; and social support available. The psychiatrists were not given the option that the patient would accept a voluntary admission to hospital. We obtained responses from 42 psychiatrists (25 males and 17 females). The most important factor for deciding to detain a patient compulsorily was perceived dangerousness to self and others. The current mental state of the patient and the severity of the illness were the next two important factors. Our results confirm that the criteria recommended by the Mental Health Act 1983 of England and Wales were applied consistently in three different hypothetical situations. The need for protection of the patient or others may take precedence over the current mental state of the patient or the severity of the illness, a finding that warrants further investigation in view of the current debate on the responsibility of psychiatrists in deciding to detain subjects affected by personality disorder.
Aorto-Oesophageal Fistula and Intestinal Infarction Secondary to Volvulus following Ingestion of Foreign Bodies in a Schizophrenic Patient
Authors: Di Nunno Nunzio , Di Nunno Cosimo , Costantinides Fulvio , Garzya Vincenzo , Bernasconi Paola , Siciliano Claudia , Chiumarulo Carmine
Published: January 2017

We present a case of death caused by voluntary ingestion of non-organic foreign bodies observed at the Institute of Legal Medicine of the University of Trieste. The victim was a young schizophrenic patient whose death, at first giving rise to suspicions of murder by another psychiatric patient, was found to be caused by an uncommon chronic permanence of foreign bodies at different locations of the digestive tract which suddenly evolved into a series of simultaneous lethal complications as yet never described. The case also raised the issue of possible responsibilities of the subject's healthcare providers.
Legal Aspects of Mental Hospital Regime in England and Wales
Authors: Andoh Benjamin
Published: January 2017

Although there are several works on mental hospitals, the legal aspects of mental hospital regime have not been comprehensively studied. This paper aims to fill that gap as regards England and Wales.

The empirical study was conducted in a conventional English mental hospital which was within the National Health Service. After the introduction and a brief account of modes of admission to mental hospitals, the paper focuses on various aspects of mental hospital regime such as hospital rules and policies, daily routine, treatment without consent, seclusion, close observation, searches of patients and their property, restrictions on mail, etc., and then discusses the question of their legality, characterised by the tussle between the rights of patients and the rights of society. The paper concludes that although the regimes in mental hospitals may be considered reasonable and necessary, certain features of them (e.g., treatment without consent and searches of patients and their property) are controversial.
Responding to Inpatient Violence at a Psychiatric Hospital of Special Security: A Pilot Project
Authors: Crichton John H M , Calgie Jim
Published: January 2017

Within secure psychiatric hospitals, staff have to manage many difficult and challenging situations. Crichton (1997) suggested that when staff perceive a greater degree of responsibility on patients for their actions there is a particularly morally censorious response. The aim of this pilot study was to discover if this association, discovered using a hypothetical scenario, was also present in how nursing staff respond to real violent patient behaviour. Over a five week period all episodes of inter-personal violence in a hospital with special security were identified and those involved interviewed. Thirty-one episodes of inter-personal violence were identified. A disproportionate number were caused by female patients and patients detained under civil sections of mental health legislation. A personality disorder diagnosis and the staff belief that mental disorder did not reduce the individual patient's blame for the incident were associated with the response of a restrictive sanction (both cases p < 0.01).
Personality and Neuropsychological Function in Violent, Sexual and Arson Offenders
Authors: Dolan Mairead , Millington James , Park Isabelle
Published: January 2017

We aimed to test the hypothesis that incarcerated offender populations will not differ in neuropsychological test performance if patients are matched on age, intelligence and personality profile, particularly if impulsive aggressive traits and confounds such as substance misuse and performance anxiety are controlled for.

27 violent offenders, 20 sex offenders and 13 arson offenders detained in maximum security hospitals completed dimensional assessments of personality function and were assessed on a battery of frontal and temporal neuropsychological tests. All patients completed a variety of self-report measures of cognitive, affective and behavioural dispositions relevant to offender populations. Trait impulsivity was further assessed and composite impulsivity scores were derived. Assessments of emotional state were administered prior to neuropsychological testing.

All patients met the criteria for a DSM-III-R personality disorder diagnosis. There were no significant group differences in age, IQ, or educational attainment. There were no differences in the personality profile of the offender group although sex offenders scored higher on trait anxiety, depression and tension measures. Groups did not significantly differ in their performance on neuropsychological tests apart from poorer perseverative error scores on the Wisconsin Card Sort Test in arsonists, which could not be accounted for by state anxiety or depression scores.
The Prosecutor's Fallacy — A Pitfall in Interpreting Probabilities in Forensic Evidence
Authors: Leung Wai-Ching
Published: January 2017

Forensic evidence is often given in terms of a mathematical probability. However, it is easy to make a particular type of error, ‘the prosecutor's fallacy’, in the interpretation of such probability. This paper highlights the source of this error and briefly introduces Bayes Theorem as the correct theoretical basis for interpreting such evidence.

The first Californian legal case in which this error was committed is discussed, followed by all cases in the UK in which this error was highlighted and rectified by the Court of Appeal. It is important for all parties concerned — expert witnesses, lawyers and judges — to understand these principles correctly. Furthermore, the criminal courts face dilemmas when juries are involved. This paper concludes by discussing recent guidance from the Court of Appeal on how such evidence should be presented to the jury and the implications of this guidance.
Psychiatric Probation Orders: Failed Provision or Future Panacea?
Authors: Clark Tom , Kenney-Herbert Jeremy , Baker Jeffrey , Humphreys Martin
Published: January 2017

The psychiatric probation order has been a sentencing option for the courts for over fifty years. Many authors have lamented its underuse and described the inability of psychiatric and probation services to work together in a collaborative and effective way. The aim of this study was to describe probationers who had passed through Elliott House, a specialist bail and probation hostel for mentally disordered offenders.

A retrospective case note review of all individuals who have been resident at Elliott House as a condition of a probation order was conducted. The individuals were mostly young, single men with a severe mental illness and comorbid substance misuse. As a group their previous contact with psychiatric services was irregular. A probation order at Elliott House appeared to provide social support and stability along with a period of regular psychiatric treatment and follow-up. The results suggest that psychiatric probation orders, if properly managed, can be a useful tool for both health and probation services in the short term.
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Authors: Horncastle D. C. J.
Published: January 2017

Historically flame emission spectroscopy was developed first. Routine analysis showed the advantage of measuring absorption over emission for many metals. Instrumentation requirements are:—

1. Pressure regulators and flowmeters with the sources of gases;

2. Atomizer;

3. Burner;

4. Optical system;

5. Detector.

In addition, an energy source, e.g., a hollow cathode lamp, is needed.

Essentially the technique involved is the same as absorbance in a solution but taken into flame. The ground state atoms are expected to pick up the correct energy. A drop in intensity is measured.

Acetylene/air and acetylene/nitrous oxide are widely used now as flames. A complex theory of flames is discussed and conceptual difficulties are mentioned. Interference effects, e.g., compound formation and ionization are cited. Parameters affecting the signal are explored mathematically.

Sensitivities and detection limits are compared in respect of flame emission and atomic absorption for the elements of interest. Ways of improving performance are presented. Awareness of contamination problems is important.

For forensic applications and problems, absolute detection limits are lower with atomic absorption than in photometry for the majority of the listed elements. Among other advantages are specificity, several elements can be determined in one sample and one can operate on smaller samples than in some chemical methods, many elements can be surveyed with the one instrument, and there is freedom from time elapsing during colour development and drying of precipitates. All this is at relatively low cost, although sophisticated apparatus and elaborate accessories can be expensive.

More than 50 per cent of instruments bought have been applied to biochemical and agricultural projects. Versatility is evident from assays of the many trace elements present in all kinds of water.

Among disadvantages are failures with some lamps, too much trouble with the nebulizer, and the scarcity of information regarding the determination of major constituents. Suitable precision, adequate sensitivity, acceptable drift, allowable blank, and a satisfactory calibration curve are necessary for best accuracy.

Post-mortem urine samples were examined for a variety of elements and in the case of lead poisonings, blood and ‘wet oxidized’ tissue were analysed.

Reproducibility and difficulties of sampling and technique were compared using the three basic types of instrument available.

For maximum sensitivity and best detection limits the double-beam instrument is preferred. Lamp, detector, and electronic drift are eliminated and its stability is superior.
Coronary Thrombosis following Injury and Burns
Authors: Sevitt Simon
Published: January 2017

Cases of recent coronary thrombosis, with or without myocardial infarction, are described in injured and burned subjects. Although the thrombi were associated with atheromatous disease, they cannot be set aside as being always or wholly due to natural causes because other cases with little or no coronary atheroma have been reported. Periodic thrombosis in renal arteries and other uninjured vessels strengthens the argument for a connexion between trauma and arterial thrombogenesis in some cases. The appearance of pulmonary microthrombi in most injured and burned cases and of glomerular microthrombi in some subjects indicates that thrombogenesis is a frequent systemic reaction to injury; whilst post-traumatic activation of the coagulation mechanism and a consumptive coagulopathy involving circulating platelets and clotting factors seem underlying mechanisms. Arterial thrombosis in injured or burned subjects may be regarded as a breakdown of the unsteady, post-traumatic equilibrium between thrombogenesis and thrombolysis. Under these circumstances, atherosclerosis could act as a predisposing and localizing factor, whilst thrombosis in coronary arteries would be the most important manifestation.
Fatal Battered Baby Cases
Authors: Scott P. D.
Published: January 2017

Twenty-nine cases in which the father, or substitute father, had been charged with killing his child (under five years of age) have been studied. Nearly two-thirds of the fathers are not married to their partner and more than half are not the biological fathers; however, the biological fathers are no less violent. The work and child-caring roles are reversed for a quarter of these parents and this contributes to the stress and opportunity. The sex motive is not important. The method of killing is never instrumental; the victim constitutes the immediate stimulus. Injuries are invariably multiple and excessively severe, e.g., combinations of fatal lesions. The circumstances show the father's unrealistic interpretation of the child's activities: the baby is seen as a threat, capable of adult thinking and as acting, or not acting, wilfully. Over half the fathers delay getting help, and often leave everything to the mother. Three-quarters have given unmistakeable warning of their subsequent actions (delayed protection). The fathers show much previous crime and 27 per cent have records of previous violent crimes. No psychiatric diagnosis other than personality disorder can be made, but this exists in 75 per cent of cases. Most cases had high environmental stress and a high degree of personality handicap, the latter seeming to be the more important factor generally. Most fathers had themselves experienced parental violence or hostility but a small proportion had not, and these are usually either very immature in personality or have been influenced vicariously by very punitive wives. Sentences appear somewhat arbitrary. Treatment needs, especially in prison, are discussed.

When the series is compared with a series of non-fatal battered baby cases there are significant differences in the marital status, biological paternity, number of working mothers, location of the injuries, and in the frequency and nature of previous convictions.
Casualties Attributed to Toxic Gas and Smoke at Fires: A Survey of Statistics
Authors: Bowes P. C.
Published: January 2017

This note surveys the statistics of fire casualties classified as having been overcome by gas or smoke in the United Kingdom Fire Statistics for the years 1955–72 inclusive. For the period covered, the proportion of all annual casualties suffering from this source of injury (both fatally and non-fatally) has increased by a factor of about 3. Currently, about half the fatal casualties from all causes in fires per annum are overcome by gas or smoke.

Possible reasons for this increase are discussed and, although the available statistics do not permit any causal relationships to be established, it is considered that major factors responsible are likely to have been an increase in the amounts and, perhaps, the irritancy of gas and smoke generated in fires, resulting in more persons being trapped. An examination of the proportion of casualties surviving exposure to smoke and fire gases shows no evidence of a significant change in the toxicity of fire gases.
Cardiac Contusion: A Review
Authors: Menzies Robert C.
Published: January 2017

The diagnosis of cardiac contusion is seldom considered in life, possibly because of its usual association with more obvious trauma. Nevertheless, it may be a relatively common lesion, and two cases illustrating its potential seriousness are presented. The literature is then reviewed as to both pathological and clinical findings, and the medicolegal implications of the injury are discussed.
Embolic Hemiplegia following Blunt Thoraco-Cervical Trauma
Authors: Sivanesan S. , Vignaendra V.
Published: January 2017

A 21-year-old man became hemiplegic 36 hours after being assaulted on the neck and chest. A carotid angiogram showed middle cerebral artery branch occlusion. He died 5 days after the assault. Post mortem examination showed infarction of the brain. This infarction is attributed to an embolus that could have arisen either in the internal carotid artery or a tributary of the pulmonary vein.
A Study of Aggressive and Violent Behaviour among a Group of Psychiatric in-Patients
Authors: Fottrell Eamonn , Bewley Thomas , Squizzoni Michael
Published: January 2017

A study of aggressive and violent behaviour among psychiatric patients in four acute or sub-acute wards of a large mental hospital over a nine month period is described.

It was found that most aggressive and violent behaviour was of a minor nature and was perpetrated by a minority of patients who repeatedly behaved in this fashion. The relevance of these findings for future research is discussed.
Mercury and Lead Content of Human Body Tissues from a Selected Population
Authors: Schmidt Robert , Wilber Charles G.
Published: January 2017

Organs from 40 cadavers, ranging in age from 1 to 90 years, were analyzed for lead and mercury using the atomic absorption technique. The results show no overall elevated trends in lead and mercury content of human tissues from persons in Northeastern Colorado, USA. The data, when compared with values obtained from autopsy specimens taken 60 years ago, suggest a sharp drop in mercury content of most human organs over that period of time. In general, lead in bone increases with age. Lead in kidney, liver, and muscle decreases with age. Mercury in bone is usually quite low. Mercury in kidney increases with age; in muscle it remains the same; in liver there is only a suggestion of increase with age.
Traffic Light Discoloration in Cremated Bones
Authors: Dunlop James M.
Published: January 2017

Pink, green and yellow discoloration were noted in certain human bones following cremation. It is suggested that the probability is that the pink discoloration is due to copper, the green discoloration to iron and the yellow discoloration due to zinc.
Legislation and Injury Control
Authors: Wigglesworth E. C.
Published: January 2017

The contribution of legislation to injury control is examined. It is suggested that the legislative approach Spends for its success on three factors. Firstly, the legislative requirements should be relevant to the injury causes that they purport to control. Secondly, legislative requirements should be capable of implementation i.e. they should be readily available, easy of comprehension, technically practicable, and permit ready detection of non-compliance. Finally, the legislative system should contribute to the development of expertise amongst all those persons whose daily activities are concerned with injury control.

Although the major emphasis of the paper is toward occupational injury control, an application to other forms of trauma is deduced. The importance of research is stressed.
Some Complications and Medicolegal Implications of Radio-Diagnostic Procedures
Authors: Grainger Ronald G.
Published: January 2017

Some of the more frequent complications and the attendant medicolegal implications that may occur during diagnostic procedures in the Radiology Department are indicated. With the increasing scope of interventional radiology, the potential for complication will escalate, and only by increasing our understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms involved and continued vigilance over all aspects of the procedures will radiologists fulfil their obligation to their patients.
A Therapeutic Catastrophe, Entailing 16 Exhumations, following the Administration of Digitoxin Instead of Oestradiol Benzoate to Prostatic Cancer Patients: Identification of the Poison
Authors: Thomas F. , La Barre J. , Renaux J. , Draux E.
Published: January 2017

The authors relate a therapeutic catastrophe, entailing 16 exhumations, following the administration of capsules containing digitoxin instead of oestradiol benzoate to patients suffering from prostatic cancer. The exhumations were carried out from 17 to 40 months (minus 3 days) after death.

In decomposed bodies digitoxin remains in skeletal muscle and it is there that one has the best chance of detecting it. The reason probably lies in the fact that putrefaction sets in more slowly in this tissue than elsewhere.

Routine chemical investigations were entirely unsuccessful except in 2 cases where thin layer chromatography provided a weak positive reaction in the muscle. On the contrary, entirely convincing, positive proof of the presence of the heart glycoside was obtained by resorting to Trevan and co-workers' biological method (1928), using the isolated auricles of the rabbit. In all, 200 tracings were made, necessitating the sacrifice of some 60 rabbits. Of the 16 patients exhumed, 2, who were known for certain not to have received any digitoxin at all, were negative. Nine of the 14 others were strongly positive, 2 only probable and 1 doubtful. Out of the 14, only 2 eases remained negative although they had also undoubtedly taken large doses of digitoxin, but this was expected from the start because of the extremely advanced state of putrefaction of those bodies. A number of cases of digitalin poisoning of special interest are reviewed.
The Aetiology of Repeated Serious Physical Assaults by Husbands on Wives (Wife Battering)
Authors: Gayford J. J.
Published: January 2017

Aetiological factors were studied in 100 battered wives, who came from a wide social and educational spectrum, with a quarter witnessing family violence in their childhood. Nearly half had been deprived of at least one parent before the age of 15 years, and there was an association between childhood unhappiness and adult attempted suicides. Psychiatric symptoms were frequently treated by general practitioners, but nearly half needed further psychiatric help. A small sub-group of women had an extra disturbed social and sexual history. Husbands were frequently violent while drunk; jealousy, imprisonment, unemployment, promiscuity and gambling were other possible aetiological factors reported in the men.
The 1959 Mental Health Act and Mentally Abnormal Offenders: A Comparative Study
Authors: Parker Elizabeth , Tennent Gavin
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the operation of Part V of the 1959 Mental Health Act during the periods 1962–64 and 1972–74 and looks at the parts played by the courts, the NHS psychiatric and mental handicap hospitals, the Special Hospitals and the prisons in the disposal of Part V mentally abnormal offenders. The possible effects of the proposed regional secure units on facilities for such offenders are discussed and recommendations made as to how the present plight of mentally abnormal offenders can best be alleviated.
The Use of Density Gradient Columns in the Forensic Comparison of Soils
Authors: Dudley R. J.
Published: January 2017

The use of density gradient columns for the comparison of soil samples has been re-examined. It has been shown that reproducible linear gradients, ranging from 1·5 to 2·9g/ml, can be produced in 30cm of glass tubing using bromoform/bromobenzene mixtures. Good reproducibility has also been shown for replicate samples taken from a bulk soil. The variation found for soils of the same dry colour indicates that good discrimination is possible, but not as great as has previously been suggested. An examination of samples from five simulated scenes of crime yielded good reproducibility of density patterns across each of the scenes.
Fatal Intoxication Due to Tranylcypromine
Authors: MacKell Mary Ann , Case Mary E. , Poklis Alphonse
Published: January 2017

Tranylcypromine (trans-DL-2-phenylcyclopropylaminc) is a potent inhibitor of monoamine oxidase recommended for the treatment of severe reactive or endogenous depression in hospitalized or closely supervised patients. The drug is capable of producing numerous serious side effects, particularly hypertensive crises. Several fatalities have been reported due to the use of tranylcypromine, alone or in combination with other drugs (Babiak. 1961; Bacon, 1962; Bell and Scaff, 1963; MacCaig and Edmondson, 1969; Mawdsley, 1968). However, in only a few instances has post-mortem toxicological analysis been performed (Basalt et al., 1977; Cuthill et al., 1964; Griffiths, 1973). This communication concerns a fatal intoxication due to tranylcypromine. The results of toxicological analysis are presented and discussed in relation to previously reported tranylcypromine deaths.
Alternative Forms of Community Support after Sudden Infant Death
Authors: Bluglass Kerry , Hassall Christine
Published: January 2017

The range of community services for the support or counselling of parents of babies dying from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or cot death was studied in the response to an enquiry to all area health authorities in England and Wales and area health boards in Scotland.

Replies from specialists in community medicine (child health), (SCM (CH)), indicated a varied awareness of the needs of such parents and differed greatly in views as to which professionals should provide support. The ‘ideal’ of the primary health care team meeting these needs was often mentioned but this ideal was not achieved in reality. Major obstructions to setting up suitable services were delays or difficulties in notification of deaths from some coroners, local medical committees' disapproval and shortage of staff.

The majority described increasing reliance on the health visitor for immediate help in the bereavement and for later support and counselling. This has important implications for health visitor training and staffing. That many SCMs (CH) feel uncertain as to how best to offer a service for parents bereaved by cot death was reflected in requests for further information on completion of the study. A small number had been stimulated to action as a result of the enquiry.

Community support for bereaved parents varies widely across the country. There is a need to ensure speedy and reliable notification of the death, to raise levels of awareness in all professionals to the difficulties experienced by a family which has lost a child and to utilize and improve the skills of those best equipped to help.
Morbidity and Mortality Statistics on Solvent Abuse
Authors: Watson Joyce M.
Published: January 2017

A retrospective study of newspaper reports on solvent abuse indicated that there were some individuals who had been hospitalized or had died following the episode.

A subsequent study of hospital records demonstrated that only a very small proportion of both hospital casualties and inpatients was found to have been involved in solvent abuse. No morbidity appeared to have resulted from the practice in Lanarkshire.

In all, 45 deaths from solvent abuse occurred in Britain between 1970 and January 1977. It is possible that there have been other deaths resulting from accidents associated with the practice and also that in some cases, where death has occurred sometime later, the vital connection may have been overlooked or not recognized. In this way the number of actual cases could well be much higher than that represented in the statistics. It is obvious from the distribution of fatalities that the practice of solvent abuse has occurred in many areas of Britain since 1970.
Dissecting and Atherosclerotic Aneurysms: A Survey of Post-Mortem Examinations, 1968–77
Authors: Fothergill Diana F. , Bowen D. A. L. , Mason J. K.
Published: January 2017

A survey of 10 years of post-mortem examinations (total 21 366) revealed that death was attributed to a dissecting aneurysm in 305 cases. A typical case was an elderly, hypertensive female, in whom dissection started in the ascending aorta and ruptured to produce a haemopericardium; death occurred suddenly at home after a brief episode of chest pain.

In the same 10-year period there were 372 ruptured atherosclerotic aneurysms of the aorta. By contrast, a typical case was a male in his 70s, again hypertensive, with rupture in the abdominal portion of the aorta. Death is less sudden in many of these cases and the patient is more likely to have reached hospital.

There is no indication of any trend for either of these types of aneurysm to increase in the decade studied. The Registrar General's (1968, 1974, 1976) mortality statistics for England and Wales support this, but show an overall increase in incidence in the past 20 years.
Chloroquine Poisoning: Two Fatal Cases
Authors: Sarvesvaran R.
Published: January 2017

The pharmacology of chloroquine and the mechanism of death are discussed. Two cases of death in members of the nursing profession are reported. Case 2 was complicated by the absence of a helpful history and only the previous experience of acute pulmonary oedema associated with a story of a visit to a malarial district in the recent past raised the possibility of acute chloroquine poisoning.
Plasma Thyroglobulin as an Indicator of Mechanical Asphyxia—Comparison of Plasma Thyroglobulin Levels by Radioimmunoassay and the Results of Precipitation-Electrophoresis
Authors: Katsumata Yoshinao , Suzuki Osamu , Oya Masakazu , Yada Shoichi
Published: January 2017

Thyroglobulin levels in the plasma of victims of mechanical asphyxia or other causes of death were determined by radioimmunoassay, and the results were compared with those obtained by precipitation-electrophoresis. The plasmas containing over 190 ng/0.1 ml of thyroglobulin showed positive reaction by the precipitation-electrophoresis and were restricted to the victims of mechanical asphyxia. Four out of 15 samples of mechanical asphyxia showed plasma levels of 29–170 ng/0.1 ml and 5 out of 15 levels of 0.10 ng/0.1 ml. Ten samples obtained from victims of other causes of death showed the levels of 0–10 ng/0.1 ml except for the two victims suspected of suffering a bruise on their neck region (144 and 116 ng/0.1 ml). The simple precipitation-electrophoresis technique was recommended as the supplementary test for the diagnosis of mechanical asphyxia.
The Use of the Telecopier in the Long-Distance Transmission of Dental Information in Mass Disasters
Authors: Vermylen Y.
Published: January 2017

The rapid, accurate transmission of antemortem information about individuals killed in mass disasters is of fundamental importance to the speedy conclusion of the identification process. The Rank Xerox telecopier is a useful piece of equipment which will facilitate this part of the investigation.
A Survey of Psychiatric Reports on Potential Special Hospital Patients
Authors: Tennent Gavin , Treves-Brown Christopher
Published: January 2017

189 letters written by consultants at Broadmoor Hospital about patients whom they had seen at the request of the Department of Health and Social Security, regarding suitability for admission, were studied for the presence or absence of comments about various aspects of the patients' social, criminal and psychiatric histories and current mental states. Social and psychiatric histories were similar for those who were accepted and rejected. A history of previous violence or of sexual violence was more common in the accepted group. Major differences were found in the current mental states described for the two groups of patients.
Intestinal Obstruction Due to Ingestion of Food Bolus
Authors: Heath M.J.
Published: January 2017

A case of acute intestinal obstruction is described, following the ingestion of dried apricots.
Estimation of Post-Mortem Interval from Rectal Temperature by Use of Computer
Authors: Hiraiwa Kouichi , Ohno Youkichi , Kuroda Fusakuni , Sebetan Ismail M. , Oshida Shigemi
Published: January 2017

The simulation model of the approximate equations derived from the infinite cylinder was used to investigate the applicability of the theoretical curve to the actual one of rectal temperature. The rectum was found by the computer tomography to be near to the junction of the anterior three-quarters and the posterior quarter inside the body, and this result was employed in the simulation. The method of estimating the postmortem interval, in which two recordings of rectal temperature were used, was considered to be useful enough as it can be applied to any case in practice. As reported by Akaishi et al., fluctuation of less than 2 °C in the ambient temperature was shown by the simulation to have little effect on the rectal temperature curve.
Accidental Death Due to Explosion of Acetylene Birdscarer
Authors: Jerreat P.G.
Published: January 2017

This paper reports a case of accidental death following explosion of a bird-scarer using the production and ignition of acetylene gas to create a loud bang.
A Study of Occupational Stigmas as an Aid to Identification
Authors: Asawa B. L. , Mathur G. M. , Damyanti Thakur
Published: January 2017

Two hundred and twenty-one persons belonging to 11 occupational groups were studied for the stigmas caused by different types of work. They are of medico-legal significance, especially for identification of unclaimed bodies.
An Epidemiological and Sociological Study of Unexpected Death in Infancy in Nine Areas of Southern England: I: Epidemiology
Authors: Watson Elizabeth , Gardner Angela , Carpenter R. G.
Published: January 2017

An epidemiological survey of unexpected deaths in infancy covering nine areas of southern England is reported. The areas include specially deprived inner city areas of London, inner and outer suburbs of London, rapidly developing and new towns and their surrounding country districts and a coastal resort. The report is based on 308 cases and 236 controls.

Theepidemiological patterns found in respect of time of death, age, sex and season are similar to those reported by previous studies. The characteristic ‘cot death’ age distribution cannot be explained by the inclusion of older infants whose respiratory passages are obstructed by bedding or infection. Possible explanations for a substantial outbreak in one area are considered. Well recognized differences between cases and controls in respect of age of parents, parity, prematurity, twinning, hospital admission and clinic attendance were found to persist and to be essentially similar in all areas despite there being significant differences between the populations. Sociological differences between cases and controls were largest in the most socially deprived areas, illustrated by an illegitimacy rate of 27 per cent in inner north London.

Bottle feeding was only significantly associated with unexpected death when the standard of the home was excellent. Where the homes were poor more cases than controls were breast fed.
An Epidemiological and Sociological Study of Unexpected Death in Infancy in Nine Areas of Southern England
Authors: Watson Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

There has been no large scale study of the effects of bereavement on parents who have experienced an unexpected infant death (cot death).

Three hundred and eight such families were studied in nine area health authorities in Great Britain. Each family was visited by two suitably qualified members of the Community Health Services to assess the effect of the bereavement on the family and to identify their sources of support.

Results of this study indicate the profoundly disruptive effect of the tragedy on the majority of these families. It has highlighted the importance of skilled interviewing to help parents verbalize their fears and assuage guilt feelings.

Guidance and training in counselling is recommended for all health care professionals likely to have contact with such families.
An Epidemiological and Sociological Study of Unexpected Death in Infancy in Nine Areas of Southern England
Authors: Carpenter R.G. , Gardner Angela , Watson Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

This paper shows that a modified form of scoring would be useful in identifying infants at risk in these areas. It is predicted that a useful reduction in unexpected infant deaths would follow increasing the care given to high risk infants.

To evaluate such a programme and to update the scoring system, an ongoing survey of all cases of unexpected death would be required. Case conferences based on this information would also improve the level of care so that the overall effect of the whole package might be substantially larger than predicted from theory.
The Role of the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths
Authors: Limerick Sylvia
Published: January 2017

This precious new being soon became the centre of my day. Like every new mother I was fascinated watching him grow stronger and more responsive. Soon he became such a personality that it was hard to imagine what life was like before he came along. He was our great delight. Then suddenly our whole world was shattered. I put him to bed one night not unduly worried by the little snuffle he had developed that day. It was not bothering him and he was his usual perky self. He was sleeping happily when we looked in to see him before going to bed ourselves. When we were to get him up in the morning his face was blue and he showed no sign of life. Although we hoped against hope as we rushed him to the doctor, he could only confirm that M was dead. He was just 13 months old.

We made exhaustive enquiries as to why a seemingly healthy baby should die so suddenly — so without warning. We learnt that what we had faced that morning is faced by five or six families every day in Britain; that unexpected deaths in infancy are the commonest kind of death in babies aged between 1 week and 2 years, though in the majority of cases the babies are aged between 1 and 6 months; and that after the age of 1 week, there are now more babies dying unexpectedly at home in the community than die in hospital.
Mineral Content of Reagents Used in Subtilisin Assays
Authors: Locke J. , Carpenter R. , Osselton M. D.
Published: January 2017

The mineral content of subtilisin Carlsberg and an associated buffer reagent was established by the application of spark source mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of the elements detected were too low to contaminate tissue samples that form the bulk of toxicological work in a forensic laboratory.
Exploring New Strategies for Facial Recall
Authors: Davies Graham , Ellis Hadyn , Christie Donald
Published: January 2017

Marked discrepancies exist between levels of face recognition and accuracy of face recall registered by Photofit. One of the reasons for this may be that Photofit demands that subjects initially identify features in isolation and such a strategy is incompatible with normal coding processes. Experiment 1 compared the normal feature-based approach to face building with a condition which permitted subjects to work from an established face (‘Mr Average’). No superiority for the latter condition could be established. Experiment 2 contrasted the standard building method with one in which subjects were offered a variety of facial types as potential starting points. Again, accuracy was no higher under the novel procedure. It was concluded that there were no grounds advocating for a wholesale change in current tactics of Photofit building which emphasize feature-selection prior to amending a total facial composite.
The Effects of Alcohol on Four Choice Serial Reaction Time
Authors: Antebi Daniel
Published: January 2017

Sixteen subjects were asked to perform a 4 choice serial reaction task, 8 of whom were given 140 ml of 65.5° vodka before performing the task. The subjects were all asked to complete the test every half an hour for 2 1/2 hours.

The results showed that: Although the mean number of errors was increased this was not significant. The total number of responses and total number of correct responses were both increased. This again was not statistically significant. The mean number of gaps, i.e. reaction times greater than 1.000 seconds, was increased significantly. The mean reaction times were also significantly increased.
Alcohol and Fatal Road Traffic Accidents
Authors: Crompton M. Rufus
Published: January 2017

An analysis of 208 cases of immediate death in a road traffic accident in which the blood alcohol was estimated, showed a definite characteristic distribution of varying blood alcohol levels in the various types of road users of differing age and sex.
Waddiloves Hospital — An Open Forensic Psychiatric Unit
Authors: Milne H. B. , Wood P. J. W.
Published: January 2017

The paper describes the background to Waddiloves Hospital and outlines the treatment approach. Aspects of 188 admissions (141 males and 47 females) are given: the patients were young, unmarried and lacked social stability, 28 per cent were referred by the Courts and the main diagnoses were drug or alcohol dependence and personality disorder.
A Case of Fatal Lomotil® Overdosage
Authors: Ragheb Sameeh Abu AL , Dajani Basem M. , Salhab Abdul Azeem , Amr Sameer S. , Shaker Kandeel S.
Published: January 2017

A 3 1/2-year-old British girl died in cardio-pulmonary arrest after ingesting an unknown amount of Lomotil® tablets. Chemical analysis by gas-liquid chromatography confirmed the presence of high levels of diphenoxylate in the blood as well as stomach and intestinal contents. No diphenoxylate was found in the urine. At autopsy the intestines were congested, but the main pathology was in the cerebellum, which showed typical changes described by others as ‘respirator brain’. The deceased was not put on a respirator and did not receive naloxone.
A Fatality Due to Drug Synergism
Authors: Wootton D. G.
Published: January 2017

Thioridazine is a phenothiazine tranquillizer with specificity for psychotherapeutic action. It is well tolerated but will induce changes in myocardial repolarization which are further aggravated in the presence of low blood potassium levels. Fatalities due to overdosage of thioridazine are rare and those associated with therapeutic dosage and cross-reaction with other drugs even more so. This communication concerns the death of a 40-year-old white female, attributed to the combined effects of the misuse of thioridazine, frusemide and clonidine.
Psychiatric Interim Regional Secure Unit: Seven Years' Experience
Authors: Faulk M. , Taylor J. C.
Published: January 2017

The 140 patients admitted during the seven-year period 1977–84 accounted for 225 discharges. Schizophrenia and personality disorder were the two commonest diagnoses and violence and arson the commonest cause for their admission. Patients were accepted from prisons, Special Hospitals and other hospitals, and were discharged to the community principally and into the care of their orginal catchment-area hospitals.

Problems which remain unresolved include responding quickly enough to requests from catchment-area hospitals to accept difficult patients, finding appropriate treatment facilities for behaviourally-disturbed subnormal individuals and providing a service for psychopathic patients. The security within the secure unit has not proved a problem. Maintaining staffing levels has proved difficult both locally and nationally. Staff morale can be sustained by good personnel arrangements.
Solvent Abuse Using Bromochlorodifluoromethane from a Fire Extinguisher
Authors: Heath Michael J.
Published: January 2017

A large variety of solvents are used by glue-sniffers, and the solvents are inhaled usually for kicks, most commonly by children and adolescents. A case of death from solvent abuse using bromochlorodifluoromethane is reported.
Sudden Natural Deaths Associated with Commercial Air Travel
Authors: Sarvesvaran R.
Published: January 2017

A study of the causes of sudden natural deaths associated with commercial air travel, during the period February 1979 to January 1982 at the world's busiest international airport (Heathrow, London) was undertaken. Amongst long-distance passengers, fatal pulmonary embolism caused 18 per cent of deaths, 81.8 per cent occurring amongst females.
The Psychopathology of the Hostage Experience—A Review
Authors: Harkis Barbara A.
Published: January 2017

This review considers the experience of hostages during a kidnap. The long-term consequences of the incident for adults and children are then considered. It is shown that hostages released physically unharmed may suffer after-affects for a prolonged period. Such suffering may also be extended to their families.
Investigation of the Responses of ‘Fakers’ and ‘Non-Fakers’ on the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS)
Authors: Smith Karen , Gudjonsson Gisli H.
Published: January 2017

This paper looks at the quantitative and qualitative responses of ‘fakers’ and ‘non-fakers’ on the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS). It was hypothesized that ‘fakers’ would show: (a) less consistency between different parts of the scale than ‘non-fakers’ and (b) more confabulation. The hypotheses were confirmed: memory was' found to be easier to fake than suggestibility.
Hypothermia in the Elderly
Authors: Lloyd Evan L.
Published: January 2017

A large number of factors which can increase the risk of hypothermia in the elderly are described, and a number of relatively simple measures are suggested which could reduce the risk of hypothermia and other cold-related deaths. However, there is the danger that insufficient and/or intermittent heating is more dangerous than no heating in the house. Identification of hypothermia in the elderly demands a high index of suspicion and proper measurement of the person's temperature. The initial first aid is by insulation but the complex fluid shifts commonly found in the subchronic hypothermia of the elderly, means that the only safe place to manage the rewarming period is in an intensive care facility. There is disagreement as to the number of deaths from hypothermia among the elderly but most of this stems from differing definitions. However, it is certainly true that in winter there is an increase in deaths from a number of causes and it is correct to say that these deaths are cold related but they are not all due to hypothermia, nor are they restricted to the elderly.
A Legal Framework to Eradicate Female Circumcision
Authors: Ogiamien T. B. E.
Published: January 2017

The traditional practices of genital mutilation1 of young girls and women, hereinafter called FC (female circumcision) have in recent times generated incessant controversy in political and academic circles.

The campaign against the practice has similarly captured the interest of sociologists, interest groups and, until recent times, the law.2 Because of the medical dangers of FC, proposals to eradicate the activity have been suggestive of an outright ban; but others hold the view that the necessity for legislation to prohibit the practice will be unrealistic.3 As will be seen below, a few jurisdictions who have in the past partially legislated against it, met with little or no success. Paradoxically, the problem exists.4
Bereavement in Those Who Have Killed
Authors: Fraser Kim A.
Published: January 2017

The background to complicated grieving is discussed with particular reference to individuals who were responsible for the death of a loved one. Aspects of management are presented, and a review of criminal statistics demonstrates the likely scale of this type of bereavement reaction on a national basis.