bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principles of surgical care: preoperative care
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: August 2015

This article discusses the care of people prior to their undergoing a surgical procedure. For many, the thought of having to undergo surgery can cause distress and anxiety. The healthcare assistant and assistant practitioner (HCA and AP), understanding the issues that people may face, are in an ideal position to offer support to patients, both from a physical and a psychological perspective.

This article outlines the principles of preoperative care, describing the categories and types of surgery. There is a discussion regarding the concerns that patients might have prior to surgery, preoperative information-giving and teaching and the importance of a preoperative checklist.
Safeguarding the welfare of children: what is the nurse's role?
Authors: El-Radhi A Sahib
Published: August 2015

Everyone who works with children, including teachers, GPs, other medical professionals and the police, has a responsibility to keep children safe and protect them from harm. Simply put, safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility. Children should be protected from maltreatment and any impairment that may affect their health and development. In addition, we all have to ensure that children grow up with safe and effective care. At particular risk, and therefore in particular need of safeguarding, are children who are disabled; who have educational or other specific additional needs; and who bear signs of child abuse, substance abuse, or domestic violence. Under the Children Act 1989, local authorities are required to provide services for children in need for the purposes of safeguarding and promoting their welfare. Nurses are well-placed to identify children and young people who may be at risk, and to act to safeguard them. Nurses and other health professionals should be familiar with local referral arrangements, usually to children's social care.
The Care Quality Commission hospital inspection process
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: August 2015

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, who is a specialist advisor for the Care Quality Commission, discusses what is involved in an inspection
Legal regulation of the management of waste
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: August 2015

Healthcare providers such as hospitals and clinics have a duty of care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and its regulations to ensure that the waste they produce does not cause pollution or present a hazard to health. Nurses are well placed to ensure that the trust they work for discharge that duty. In this article, Richard Griffith outlines the legislation regulating the safe management and disposal of waste and considers how the law applies to nurses.
An observational evaluation of a new foam adhesive dressing
Authors: Merlin-Manton Elizabeth , Greenwood Michelle , Linthwaite Adele
Published: August 2015

Following the work of Winter demonstrating the benefits of moist wound healing, there has been a constant stream of wound care products launched into the market to support this concept. This article will describe the findings of an observational evaluation to observe, document and analyse the clinical effectiveness of a new foam adhesive dressing, UrgoTul® Absorb Border (Urgo Medical). The main objective of the evaluation was to define the parameters to allow data capture that would demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of the dressing. Parameters studied and analysed included atraumatic pain-free dressing changes; ease of dressing application; comfort and conformability; exudate management; ability of the dressing to stay in place; and peri-wound skin management. A total of 25 patients with wounds suitable to be dressed using the evaluation product were recruited following a full documented wound assessment by the tissue viability nurse. Participants were selected across the organisation from acute hospital wards and outpatient departments, care homes, wound care clinics and the participants' own homes. Digital photography was used to demonstrate improvement or deterioration of the wound bed and surrounding skin, and images were assessed by non-participating clinicians to confirm documented observations made within the evaluation. The dressing was found to be clinically effective in both chronic and acute wound types, and had an excellent level of participant acceptance.
A clinical in-market evaluation of an alginate fibre dressing
Authors: Parkes Jolene
Published: August 2015

Practice nurses working in GP surgeries are responsible for caring for patients with both acute and chronic wounds. The management of wounds is challenging and it is important to achieve and maintain an optimum healing environment. As practice nurses play an integral part in managing both acute and chronic wounds within a community setting, it is essential that they can make informed decisions as to which products to use. A clinical in-market evaluation of 23 patients was carried out to assess the performance of ActivHeal Aquafiber® in clinical practice. Overall, the dressing performed well in respect of fluid handling and durability. The dressing addressed patient needs in terms of easy application and removal, prevention of leakage and wound progression.
MRSA decontamination using octenidine-based products
Authors: Danilevicius Mindaugas , Juzéniené Audra , Juzénaité-Karneckiené Indré , Veršinina Anželika
Published: August 2015

Background:

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are an increasing problem worldwide with a high risk of severe illness and mortality in hospitalised patients. Patients with chronic wounds are at particular risk of developing MRSA infections. As octenidine-based products have shown promising success in decontamination in the past, the aim of the present study was to determine its efficacy, safety, and tolerability in decontaminating hospitalised MRSA-positive patients.

Methods:

From 1 April 2011 until 9 November 2012, 36 patients were screened MRSA-positive at the Republican Vilnius University Hospital, Vilnius, Lithuania. At least three swab tests were performed for each patient to screen for MRSA, one from each nostril and one from the perineum. In patients with wounds, an additional swab was taken from the wound surface. In the affected patients octenidine-based products were used in one or two cycles of 7 days each. In addition, adverse events were recorded and the tolerability was assessed using a 4-point scale ranging from ‘very good’ to ‘poor’.

Results:

Complete decontamination was achieved in 24 patients (67%) following treatment with the octenidine-based products. None of the patients experienced side-effects or secondary symptoms such as skin irritation or allergic reactions during the course of the study. In addition, octenidine was very well tolerated in the majority of patients (n=31; 86%).

Conclusions:

The results demonstrate that octenidine-based products are highly efficient in the multifaceted decontamination of hospitalised MRSA-positive patients. Having a range of products that can be used for full body decontamination (including the scalp and nasal passages) is of particular significance when developing an MRSA decontamination protocol, as multiple parts of the body can be affected. Combined with a favourable safety and tolerability profile, octenidine-based products thus represent a good choice in multifaceted MRSA decontamination regimes, which are necessary to curb the increasing problem of severe infections.
Zinc-impregnated and odour-control two-layer compression
Authors: Stephen-Haynes Jackie , Callaghan Rosie
Published: August 2015

This article presents the results of 40 patients using two versions of a new two-layer compression system in a large primary care organisation. The evaluation was undertaken to explore the following areas formulary inclusion consideration: ease of use, clinical acceptability, clinical outcome and additional patient benefits of an alternative new low-profile bandage system containing zinc (n=30) and odour-control properties (n=10).
Valuing Geospatial Information: Using the Contingent Valuation Method to Estimate the Economic Benefits of Landsat Satellite Imagery
Authors: Loomis John , Koontz Steve , Miller Holly , Richardson Leslie
Published: August 2015

While the U.S. government does not charge for downloading Landsat images, the images have value to users. This paper demonstrates a method that can value Landsat and other imagery to users. A survey of downloaders of Landsat images found: (a) established US users have a mean value of
$912 USD per scene; (b) new US users and users returning when imagery became free have a mean value of $367 USD per scene. Total US user benefits for the 2.38 million scenes downloaded is $1.8 billion USD. While these benefits indicate a high willingness-to-pay among many
Landsat downloaders, it would be economically inefficient for the US government to charge for Landsat imagery. Charging a price of $100 USD a scene would result in an efficiency loss of $37.5 million a year. This economic information should be useful to policy-makers who must
decide about the future of this and similar remote sensing programs.
Optimal Reduction of Multivariate Dirac Mixture Densities
Authors: Hanebeck Uwe D.
Published: August 2015

This paper is concerned with the optimal approximation of a given multivariate Dirac mixture, i.e., a density comprising
weighted Dirac distributions on a continuous domain, by a Dirac mixture with a reduced number of components. The parameters of
the approximating density are calculated by numerically minimizing a smooth distance measure, a generalization of the
well-known Cramér–von Mises-Distance to the multivariate case. This generalization is achieved by defining an alternative to the classical
cumulative distribution, the Localized Cumulative Distribution (LCD), as a smooth characterization of discrete random quantities (on continuous domains).
The resulting approximation method provides the basis for various efficient nonlinear estimation and control methods.
Sensitivity study of diffuser angle and brim height parameters
for the design of 3 kW Diffuser Augmented Wind Turbine
Authors: Lipian Michał , Karczewski Maciej , Olasek Krzysztof
Published: August 2015

The Diffuser Augmented Wind Turbine (DAWT)
is an innovative mean to increase the power harvested by
wind turbine. By encompassing the rotor with a diffusershaped
duct it is possible to increase the flow speed
through the turbine by about 40-50%. The study presents
the development of a numerical model and its validation
by the experiments performed in the wind tunnel of the
Institute of Turbomachinery, TUL. Then, the numerical
model is used for the geometry sensitivity study to optimize
the shape of a diffuser. The paper presents that the
DAWT technology has the potential to even double the
power outcome of wind turbine when compared to a bare
rotor version.
Outliers and persistence in threshold autoregressive processes
Authors: Ahmad Yamin , Donayre Luiggi
Published: August 2015

This paper uses Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the effects of outlier observations on the properties of linearity tests against threshold autoregressive (TAR) processes. By considering different specifications and levels of persistence for the data-generating processes, we find that additive outliers distort the size of the test and that the distortion increases with the level of persistence. In addition, we also find that larger additive outliers can help to improve the power of the test in the case of persistent TAR processes.
Forensic Science Applications of Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS): III. Direct Analysis of Polymeric Foams
Authors: Suzuki EM , Gresham WR
Published: August 2015

Many types of polymeric organic foams, which comprise items such as thermal insulation, packaging materials, furniture and garment fillings, carpet padding, and so forth, can be sampled directly using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Some of the advantages of direct DRIFTS sampling include: (1) no sample preparation is required, (2) the method is completely nondestructive, and (3) the method provides more spectral information for characterizing and individualizing particular substances than many alternative techniques do. Several examples illustrating the direct DRIFTS analysis of a variety of foam articles are presented and discussed.
Enhanced Quantitative Analytical Capability with a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometer by Use of an External Integrating Recorder
Authors: Hatzis A , Rothchild R
Published: August 2015

A basic 60-MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer (Varian EM360A) can be economically upgraded by external connection to an integrating chart recorder (Shimadzu C-R3A). The analog voltage signal corresponding to vertical pen position for signal peaks on the spectrometer's flatbed recorder can provide an input signal to the external recorder. Major benefits include improved objectivity in quantitation by digital electronic integration of peak areas, ability to reprocess spectra stored in memory, and improved tracing of fast signal peaks. Details of the interfacing procedure and a discussion of results are provided.
Deaths Allegedly Caused by the Use of “Choke Holds” (Shime-Waza)
Authors: Koiwai EK
Published: August 2015

Shime-waza or the “choke hold,” when properly applied, should not cause death; therefore, its primary purpose should be to subdue violent suspects. When properly applied, the choke hold causes unconsciousness in 10 to 20 s. No fatalities as a result of shime-waza have been reported in the sport of judo since its inception in 1882. Among the methods of “control holds” taught to law enforcement officers is the choke hold similar or identical to shime-waza used in judo. Using the choke hold, officers may afford themselves maximum safety while subjecting the suspect to a minimum possibility of injury. The author has reviewed 14 fatalities with autopsy findings where death was allegedly caused by the use of choke holds.
Central Pontine Myelinolysis: A Complication of Hyponatremia or of Therapeutic Intervention?
Authors: Haibach H , Ansbacher LE , Dix JD
Published: August 2015

We report four cases of central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) that illustrate important features of the disorder. The condition is described mainly in the neurological literature and, to our knowledge, is not discussed in the forensic science journals. This disorder must be recognized and understood by the forensic science expert who addresses issues of liability. In cases of multiple motor deficits and death with a history of hyponatremia, CPM must be included in the differential diagnosis. Careful examination of the pons and adjoining structures must be performed. Myelin stains are advisable. The association of CPM with major illnesses, hyponatremia and the correction of hyponatremia by intravenous saline infusions is discussed.
Racial Variation in the Sternal Extremity of the Rib and Its Effect on Age Determination
Authors: İşcan MY , Loth SR , Wright RK
Published: August 2015

Most research on the aging process in the skeleton has not considered or elaborated differences that may exist between the races. Thus, techniques developed for the estimation of age assume that the racial background of the standards is compatible with the specimens to be assessed. However, racial differences in areas such as skeletal growth and bone density have been reported, along with specific variations in the aging process, in the ribs of disparate populations. The present investigation examines metamorphosis in the sternal ribs of American blacks (N = 53 males. N = 20 females), and tests the application of age estimation standards developed by the authors from a white population. All specimens were obtained from medical examiner's cases of known age, sex, and race. Although the sample was limited in both quantity and age range, analysis of the data revealed racial differences in both rate and pattern of metamorphosis. Statistical analysis showed that the calculated mean age per phase for black ribs was nearly identical to whites in Phases 1 through 4 or until the mean age of 28 years. By the early 30s, differences in morphology and their chronological association with the aging process became apparent and increased with age in both sexes. Blacks were consistently overaged from 3 to 10 years in Phases 5 through 7. Therefore, it was concluded that biological differences between these populations do exist and can affect age estimation from the rib. Social factors may also be involved, but they cannot be demonstrated from the available data. While the degree of interracial variation does not require completely new standards, the authors have suggested specific modifications of the white standards for use on black specimens.
Motions of Passenger Cars in Low-Speed Falls Over Embankments
Authors: Le Fevre WF
Published: August 2015

An analysis of the dynamics of motions of passenger cars in falls over embankments at speeds less than that required to launch a car into a free-fall trajectory is developed in this paper as an aid in evaluating initial vehicle speed in this particular type of crash involved in the forensic science field of accident reconstruction.
Validation of Police Officer Recruit Candidates' Self-Reported Drug Use
Authors: Ostrov E , Cavanaugh JL
Published: August 2015

Three hundred and fifty-nine Chicago Police Department recruit candidates submitted urine specimens as part of a drug-screening program. Candidates were tested in two groups about a week apart. About 20% of the recruit candidates in each group evidenced drug, primarily marijuana use. As part of a psychological screening test battery all the candidates also took the Inwald Personality Inventory (IPI). The IPI contains a self-report Drug Use Scale. Drug-Positive and Drug-Negative candidates' Drug Use Scale scores were matched by age, sex, and racial/ethnic group and compared to evaluate the accuracy of self-reported drug use when screening police recruit candidates. Results showed that Drug-Positive candidates' self-reported drug use was consistently higher than that of Drug-Negative candidates. Item-level analyses showed which drug use items best discriminate between Drug-Positive and Drug-Negative candidates. Implications are drawn for use of self-report as part of a police candidate screening process.
A Systematic Study of Epidermal Ridge Minutiae
Authors: Stoney DA , Thornton JI
Published: August 2015

To permit the testing of a number of basic hypotheses regarding the relationship between neighboring minutiae, epidermal ridge minutiae on the distal portions of 412 thumbprints have been surveyed. For each thumbprint a centrally located focal minutia was chosen; neighboring minutiae were then sampled. Minutiae were considered to be neighbors if there were no other minutiae in a rectangular region defined by the two minutiae and the ridge system. For each minutia the following data were recorded: minutia type, orientation, ridge count from the focal minutia, and the intervening distance along the ridge flow.

The number of neighbor minutiae was found to be normally distributed. Minutia orientation frequencies on the right and left hands were found to be unequal and to show a mirror image relationship. The incidence of particular minutia orientations and types were found to vary with ridge count from the focal minutia. Linear descriptions of these relationships were found to be adequate after adjustments were made for geometrical restrictions present for ridge counts of one, zero, and negative one. Predicted frequencies of minutia types and orientations for each ridge count were found to be in acceptable agreement with the observed frequencies.
Ultraviolet Photography: Bite Marks on Human Skin and Suggested Technique for the Exposure and Development of Reflective Ultraviolet Photography
Authors: West MH , Billings JD , Frair J
Published: August 2015

This project is an attempt to standardize a technique for ultraviolet (UV) photography of bite marks on human skin. It also deals with a technique for producing clinical bite marks on living human subjects and a review of the equipment, lighting source, scanning technique, filters, films, and recommended camera exposures and film development for reflective UV photographs for bite marks on human skin.
A Simple Approach to the Interlaboratory Transfer of Drug Retention Indices Determined by Temperature Programmed Capillary Gas Chromatography
Authors: Stowell A , Wilson L
Published: August 2015

Regression analysis of drug retention index (rI) data common to three independent published data bases, and an “in-house” data base, showed excellent interlaboratory correlations for rIs determined by temperature programmed capillary gas chromatography using nonpolar fused silica columns. Satisfactory interlaboratory transfer of rI data was shown to be feasible if appropriate linear regression equations were used to convert published rI data to corresponding in-house data.
The Classification of Office Copy Machines from Physical Characteristics
Authors: James EL
Published: August 2015

The identification of office copier machines has been simplified by the computerization of their class characteristics. The class characteristics examined are paper type, type of toner, reduction/enlargement capabilities, paper supply, presence of identifying marks, fusion method, and color capabilities. These known class characteristics are then compared against the established data base to limit the search to the possible manufacturers.
The Lateral Craniographic Method of Facial Reconstruction
Authors: George RM
Published: August 2015

Fifty-four lateral cephalographs with clear soft tissue profiles of American Caucasians (17 males, ages 14 to 36; 37 females, ages 14 to 34) were traced and measured to establish the ranges and means of midline soft tissue depths and facial angles. With these data it is possible to reconstruct “approximate” profiles over X-ray tracings of unidentified skulls. The lateral craniographic method of facial reconstruction requires four steps: (1) a cephalometric analysis is first made to determine the facial proportions and individual skull type; (2) the mean soft tissue thicknesses and angles are then plotted against the basic midline anthropometric points to establish the average dimensions of the nose, lips, and chin; (3) the points are connected and “harmonized” in accordance with the known anthropological data (sex, age, race); and (4) the profile is finally “humanized” by adding tone, a stylized eye, hair patterns, age lines, and any other features that can be determined from an anatomic examination of the skull. The validity of the method is illustrated with three study cases of living orthodontic patients.
Correlations of Injury, Toxicology, and Cause of Death to Galaxy Flight 203 Crash Site
Authors: Salomone J , Sohn AP , Ritzlin R , Gauthier JH , McCarty V
Published: August 2015

This report details the medical investigation of the crash of Galaxy Flight 203, on 21 Jan. 1985, near Reno, Nevada. Sixty-eight persons died at the scene, two died during hospitalization, and one victim survived. After completion of autopsies on all victims, pathologists determined causes of death based upon injuries, evidence of smoke inhalation, and toxicologic results. Our research shows that the majority of victims survived the impact only to succumb to toxic gas and fire. We correlated the causes of death, various injuries, and toxicologic findings to body location at the crash site to aid in reconstructing the events surrounding the accident and to address medicolegal problems and safety considerations. Our experience clearly supports the need for thorough medical investigation, including autopsy of each victim and determination of the precise cause of death for all fatalities.
A Simple Trace Evidence Trap for the Collection of Vacuum Sweepings
Authors: Petraco N
Published: August 2015

The design of a simple vacuum sweepings trap for use in a portable Dustbuster® vacuum is presented. The device allows for the preliminary sorting of the various types of particulate matter at the time of their collection. This trap has proven to be of value in forensic science cases that involve trace evidence.
Massive Metoprolol Ingestion Associated with a Fatality—A Case Report
Authors: David Riker C , Wright RK , Matusiak W , de Tuscan BE
Published: August 2015

An unusual fatality involving a 26-year-old male who intentionally ingested approximately 10 g of metaoprolol is presented. Autopsy findings revealed foreign material in the gastric content with an acute thrombosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Microscopic studies showed evidence of an extremely early infarct. Metoprolol concentrations in the blood, liver, gastric content, and urine are reported by both capillary gas chromatography and ultraviolet spectrophotometric analysis. A review of the literature confirmed that little information has been published concerning intoxication with this drug.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism, Hypercalcemia, Paranoid Delusions, Homicide, and Attempted Murder
Authors: Brown RS , Fischman A , Robert Showalter C
Published: August 2015

This report describes a case of primary hyperparathyroidism in a 68-year-old man. The endocrine disorder, while suspected before the commission of homicide and attempted murder, was proven biochemically and histologically a number of months after the commission of the crimes. The acts of homicide and attempted murder followed the development of paranoid delusions, which rapidly resolved upon successful removal of a single cystic parathyroid gland adenoma. The unusual events that immediately followed the acts of violence indicate that the delusions occurred in a clear sensorium (absence of delirium). Psychological measures taken before and after surgery document improvement in subtle organic functioning while intelligence was unchanged. This report discusses the neuropsychiatric manifestations of hypercalcemia and reviews the literature.
Determining the Relative Age of Ballpoint Inks Using a Single-Solvent Extraction Technique
Authors: Brunelle RL , Breedlove CH , Midkiff CR
Published: August 2015

A new single-solvent extraction technique was developed to estimate the relative age of ballpoint inks. The procedure involves extracting the inks with weak solvents, spotting the ink extract onto a thin-layer chromatographic plate and measuring the amount of ink extracted densitometrically. By comparing the amount of questioned ink extracted with the amount extracted by known dated inks, it is possible to estimate the date the questioned ink was written. Success in using this technique depends on finding suitable weak solvents for extracting the ink. It also depends on the ability of the analyst to remove nearly equal amounts of ink from the document for each ink sample tested. This paper describes the results of several experiments for determining the relative age of ballpoint inks using a single extraction technique. Reproducibility measurements, experimental variations, and the limitations of the technique are also reported. Suggestions for further work are proposed.
A Critical Evaluation of Current Ink Dating Techniques
Authors: Brunelle RL , Cantu AA
Published: August 2015

Advances in ways to date inks have been publicized over the past 17 years. As a result, Government agencies and the private sector now rely heavily on these techniques in criminal and civil litigations. As new procedures have become known, more forensic scientists are asked to perform ink dating examinations. While the capabilities of these techniques are generally known, their limitations are not. This paper evaluates the current approaches used for dating writing inks and takes a critical look at conclusions that can be made on the basis of the different laboratory techniques.
Comparison of Drug Retention Indices Determined on Packed, Wide Bore Capillary and Narrow Bore Capillary Columns
Authors: Japp M , Gill R , David Osselton M
Published: August 2015

The retention indices of 75 drugs and other compounds of toxicological significance have been measured on SE-30 equivalent, chemically bonded, fused silica capillary columns under isothermal conditions. The data have been assessed to determine the validity of using retention indices measured on packed columns for the identification of compounds eluting from narrow bore thin film or wide bore thick film capillary columns. The results indicate that the extensive retention index data bases published for SE-30 packed columns may be used for the preliminary identification of peaks eluting from capillary columns in toxicological screening. The study also indicates that retention index data bases generated on narrow bore capillary columns are applicable to wide bore thick film capillary columns.
Comparative Radiographic Study of Human and Animal Long Bone Patterns
Authors: Chilvarquer I , Katz JO , Glassman DM , Prihoda TJ , Cottone JA
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that certain radiographic features can be found to distinguish between human and animal long bone fragments, and therefore would be useful as an adjunct in forensic science identification. Using proposed radiographic criteria, 13 archeologists and 12 dentists were asked to identify 20 radiographic samples as representing human or animal bone. Results showed that archeologists correctly identified 86.8% of the samples, and dentists correctly identified 81.9%. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that radiographic interpretation of long bone fragments may be a useful aid in a forensic science investigation of human and animal remains.
Police Custody: Deaths and Medical Attention
Authors: Segest E
Published: August 2015

Information was obtained from all the county constabularies regarding deaths and medical attention given to those in police custody. It was presumed that this information covered all deaths in custody in Denmark during the period 1981 through 1985. There is no apparent increase in the absolute number of deaths during detention during the period 1969 through 1985. The number of deaths occurring in custody in relation to the annual number of persons incarcerated has fallen during the period 1955 through 1985. Simultaneously, a marked rise has occurred in the number of persons held in police custody. During the period 1981 through 1985, 7.9 persons were incarcerated per 1000 population per year. One homicide and nineteen other deaths occurred. The most frequent cause of death was asphyxiation as a result of aspiration of gastric contents during alcohol intoxication, drug poisoning, and intracranial hemorrhage. A physician had been consulted but had not diagnosed the seriousness of the condition in 42% of the deaths. All the deceased were men, and all suffered from the effects of social, psychiatric, and physical diseases. The lethality evaluated from hospitalized clients with the same type of life-threatening conditions was found to be 25%. A discussion is presented of the costs which will be incurred if a large group of those kept in police custody were admitted to hospital. Similarly, changes in the present arrangements are suggested that could ensure a greater certainty of avoiding deaths in detention.
Drugs and Alcohol in Hypothermia and Hyperthermia Related Deaths: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kortelainen M-L
Published: August 2015

Hypothermia and hyperthermia related cases recorded for the period 1973 to 1984 were collected from the files of the Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Oulu, and the necropsy protocols including toxicological results were analyzed. The fact that similar alcohol concentrations were found in both types of fatalities points to the poikilothermic effect of alcohol in humans, as found in animal studies. Both types of deaths seem to be associated with the alcohol elimination phase. Antidepressants and neuroleptics were most often found in the hypothermia cases, but benzodiazepines were also quite frequently present. In spite of the diminished use of barbiturates, these still appear in hypothermia fatalities. Certain other drugs that affect thermoregulation were also noted in solitary cases. Extended toxicological analysis was seldom made in the cases of hyperthermia deaths, and no firm conclusions on the poikilothermic effect of psychotropic drugs could be reached, for example. Therapeutic drug concentrations did not alone predispose the subjects to hypothermia, but appeared in connection with alcohol consumption or chronic diseases.
The Forensic Science Evidence in the Investigation of the World War II Activities of Dr. Kurt Waldheim
Authors: Crown DA
Published: August 2015

Dr. Kurt Waldheim, Ex-Secretary General of the United Nations, had claimed that he was a student in Vienna recovering from a war wound in 1943. A newly discovered photograph showed Waldheim in Yugoslavia in 1943 talking with an SS General. The steps in evaluating the physical evidence on the photograph are detailed.
Embolization of Cotton Pledgets Following Insertion of Porcine Cardiac Valve Bioprostheses
Authors: Lifschultz BD , Donoghue ER , Leestma JE , Boade WA
Published: August 2015

A variety of complications involving heart valve implants have been documented. Embolism originating from thrombosis of the valve has been a recurrent problem in mechanical and to a lesser extent porcine implants. We report two accidental deaths as a result of embolization of cotton pledgets from porcine valves. Hospital personnel failed to remove this cotton material from the valves before surgical placement. In the first case, when portions of the pledgets embolized to both carotid arteries, fatal cerebral infarction occurred. In the second case, portions of the pledgets embolized to a coronary artery producing severe left ventricular failure.
A Case of Paternity Testing Influenced by the Silent Allele of Rh Erythrocyte Groups
Authors: Ota M , Yonemura I , Fukushima H , Hasekura H , Ishimoto G , Mizutani Y , Yamada T
Published: August 2015

A paternity test is presented in which a father and his two children possessed an extremely rare amorphic gene R−29(̿r, –––). One of the children was determined to be illegitimate at the first trial as her Rh phenotype was R2R2 (ccDEE) and the father's phenotype was R1R1 (CCDee). At the Court of Appeal, however, the rare Rh gene (r= –––) was shown to be inherited from the father to the appellant child through extended tests including her brother whose phenotype was also R2R2 (ccDEE). She was acknowledged to be legitimate.
Ingestion of Isobutyl Nitrite, A Recreational Chemical of Abuse, Causing Fatal Methemoglobinemia
Authors: O'Toole JB , Robbins GB , Dixon DS
Published: August 2015

Isobutyl nitrite is widely abused as a sexual stimulant and enhancer of discotheque dancing. Though the usual route of administration by inhalation has not resulted in any toxicologically verified deaths, there may be fatal toxic methemoglobinemia if the chemical is orally ingested. A second case of death following ingestion is discussed.
Fatal Disopyramide Intoxication from Suicidal/Accidental Overdose
Authors: Sathyavagiswaran L
Published: August 2015

Disopyramide is an oral antiarrhythmic drug which reduces conduction velocity, prolongs duration of action potential and the effective refractory period, and exerts vagolytic properties. The drug is usually well absorbed orally. The principal use of the drug is to suppress ventricular extrasystoles with usual oral dosage of 100 to 200 mg every 6 h, until blood levels of 2 to 4 µg/mL are attained. The use of the drug for suicide is uncommon as it is a prescription drug.

Two cases of fatal disopyramide intoxication seen at the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office will be discussed followed by a review of the literature of fatal suicidal disopyramide overdose. Case 1 was a 31-year-old male pharmacist with known history of depression and no history of heart disease. His decomposed remains were found with a suicide note and with several disopyramide tablets. At autopsy the blood level for disopyramide was 146 µg/mL. Case 2 is a 40-year-old male with history of alcoholism and prior suicidal attempts who regularly took disopyramide to control ventricular arrhythmias. He apparently ingested 36 100-mg tablets of disopyramide before his final collapse. At autopsy his blood level of disopyramide was 63 µg/mL.
Gas Chromatographic/Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Morphine and Codeine in Human Urine of Poppy Seed Eaters
Authors: ElSohly HN , Stanford DF , Jones AB , ElSohly MA , Snyder H , Pedersen C
Published: August 2015

In this study, poppy seeds were examined for a natural constituent that might serve as a marker for the seeds' ingestion as opposed to opiate abuse. Thebaine was selected as possible marker, since it was found to be a component of all poppy seeds examined and was not a natural component of different heroin samples. During the course of this investigation, a new extraction and cleanup procedure was developed for the gas chromatographic/nitrogen phosphorus detection (GC/NPD) and gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis of morphine and codeine in urine. A linear response, over a concentration range of 25 to 600 ng/mL, was obtained for codeine and morphine (r = 0.9982 and 0.9947, respectively). The minimum detectable level (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) for morphine were 10 and 30 ng/mL, respectively; whereas LOD and LOQ for codeine were 2 and 8 ng/mL, respectively. The coefficients of variance (CV, n = 6) for morphine and codeine analyses at the 100-ng/mL level were 13.3 and 4.6%, respectively.

This procedure was used for the analysis of urine samples from five poppy seed eaters who each ingested 200 g of poppy seed cake. Results indicated that significant amounts of morphine and codeine are excreted in urine and that in all subjects, at least at one point in time, the apparent morphine concentration as determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) analysis exceeded the cutoff value (300 ng/mL) established for screening. Thebaine was not detected in urine specimens collected following poppy seeds ingestion and thus could not be used as a marker.
Asphyxial Deaths as a Result of Aspiration of Dental Appliances: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Adelman HC
Published: August 2015

Three cases of asphyxial deaths as a result of aspiration of dental appliances are presented. The possible association of this condition with resuscitative effort and patient debilitation is discussed. A recommendation to improve diagnosis and facilitate resuscitation is offered.
Detection and Use of Salivary Hemagglutinins for Forensic Blood Grouping
Authors: Kobilinsky L , Harrington JJ
Published: August 2015

A sensitive method for the detection of anti-A and anti-B hemagglutinins in fresh saliva has been developed. The method utilizes a bromelin treated erythrocyte suspension as indicator cells and includes a simple procedure to concentrate these hemagglutinins. Antiserum directed against immunoglobulin A enhances the hemagglutination assay. We find that these salivary hemagglutinins are present in over 90% of the population and that their titer remains stable over a period of two months. These hemagglutinins can be used to blood type the donor of a saliva sample and can be used in a confirmatory test that complements the commonly used absorption-inhibition test which is used to detect salivary blood group agglutinogens. In preliminary studies we have determined that hemagglutinins can be successfully isolated and analyzed from dried saliva stains.
Estimation of Postmortem Interval Based on the Third Component of Complement (C3) Cleavage
Authors: Kominato Y , Harada S , Yamazaki K , Misawa S
Published: August 2015

To estimate postmortem interval (PMI), the spontaneous conversion of the native third component of complement (C3) to its derived fragments in whole blood was studied by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. C3 cleavages in vitro at different temperatures showed that the incubation of whole blood at a higher temperature led to a faster conversion of beta 1C (native C3) to beta 1A (C3c). In cadaveric blood, we found a significant positive correlation between percentage of C3 cleavage and PMI. From these results, it is possible to estimate PMI from the ratios of C3 cleavage.
The Shielding Capacity of the Standard Military Flak Jacket Against Ballistic Injury to the Kidney
Authors: O'Connell KJ , Frazier HA , Clark MA , Christenson PJ , Keyes BT , Josselson A
Published: August 2015

An animal model was designed to evaluate the ability of the standard military flak jacket to protect the kidneys from direct ballistic trauma. Yorkshire swine were anesthetized and their flanks were protected by flak jackets. Ballistic insults ranging from a low-velocity handgun to a high-velocity rifle were evaluated. The results demonstrate that a flak jacket provides adequate protection against low- and mid-velocity projectiles since none of the animals from this group had evidence of internal trauma and because only minor superficial surgical attention would have been required. Survivability in each case was considered to be excellent. The flak jacket failed to provide any protection against several types of high-velocity bullets. These weapons caused severe internal injury to the genitourinary system as well as to other major organ systems. Survival would have been unlikely.
The Influence of Storage Temperature and Chemical Preservation on the Stability of Succinylcholine in Canine Tissue
Authors: Baldwin KA , Forney R
Published: August 2015

Succinylcholine (SCh) has been detected six months postmortem in liver, kidney, and injection site muscle of rats given 10 to 200 mg/kg by intramuscular injection. SCh stability was studied in canine tissue to evaluate three storage temperatures and two chemical preservatives at three time periods after injection. Nine mongrel dogs weighing 17.2 to 28 kg were divided equally into three groups and administered either 0.5, 1.0, or 5.0 mg SCh/kg intravenously into the cephalic vein. Liver, kidney, and gastrocnemius muscle were removed 90 min post-injection and divided into twelve portions. Each portion was treated with embalming fluid, physostigmine, the combination (50/50), or nothing. Chemically treated tissues and nontreated tissues were then stored at either 27, 5, or −20°C for a period of up to forty days. Tissue portions were analyzed using ion-pair extraction, chemical demethylation, and gas chromatography with nitrogen phosphorous detection.

Stability of SCh was greatest for samples stored at −20°C and preserved with the combination of embalming fluid plus physostigmine. Kidney concentrations of SCh were significantly higher than those in liver or muscle at all doses. SCh was detected 24 h post-injection in all cases. By 40 days, only trace amounts of SCh, if any, could be detected in samples stored at room temperature with no chemical preservatives.
The Bite Mark Standard Reference Scale—ABFO No. 2
Authors: Hyzer WG , Krauss TC
Published: August 2015

A scale of spatial reference for bite mark photography has been developed and evaluated. The scale incorporates both linear and circular graduations to meet the diverse needs of practicing forensic odontologists in the rectification and measurement of photographically recorded bite marks. Its unique L-shaped configuration ensures accurate scaling in both the vertical and horizontal directions and facilitates the gridding of photographs to correct for distortional errors created by oblique camera angles. This paper describes the design and constructional features of the scale and offers guidelines for its effective application to bite mark photography.
Statistical Evaluation of Truncated Breath-Alcohol Test Measurements
Authors: Gullberg RG
Published: August 2015

The reporting of breath-alcohol measurements truncated to two decimal places is a form of computational error. The magnitude of the error can range from 0.000 to 0.009 g/210 L. The truncation error will follow a uniform distribution. A total of 500 breath-alcohol test measurements were evaluated to determine the distribution of the third digit. There are 10 possible discrete values for the third digit. The frequency of each third digit was found to range from 44 for the lowest to 57 for the highest. The data closely approximated the uniform distribution. To conform exactly with the uniform distribution, there would have to be 50 of each decimal value. Given that the third digit approximates the uniform distribution, one cannot attach a greater probability to a particular third-digit value as opposed to another.
An Extinction-Type Photometering Technique for Low-Light-Level Luminance Measurements in Accident Investigations
Authors: Hyzer WG
Published: August 2015

An extinction-type luminance measurement method using an inexpensive illuminance meter for low-light-level measurements is described. The method has application in night-time crime and accident scene investigations where poor and inadequate visibility may be a contributing factor. The meter is useful for measuring luminances under field conditions.
A Report on the Use of Fully's Anatomical Method to Estimate Stature in Military Skeletal Remains
Authors: Lundy JK
Published: August 2015

The present study applies two methods of estimating living stature from long limb bones to a sample of military remains. Preliminary results comparing the relative accuracy of the two methods are presented.
Alterations in Human Bones and Teeth as a Result of Restricted Sun Exposure and Contact with Corrosive Agents
Authors: Ubelaker DH , Sperber ND
Published: August 2015

Skeletal remains were discovered in an unused cistern near the Omaha, Nebraska airport and were positively identified through comparison of antemortem and postmortem dental radiographs. Although nearly nine years had elapsed between death and discovery, the bones and teeth revealed evidence of the application of a corrosive substance at or about the time of death, as well as an unusual restricted response to sun exposure, that contributed to the prosecution and murder conviction of a member of Hell's Angels in the Omaha area.
Osteological Individuality Indicative of Migrant Citrus Laboring
Authors: Wienker CW , Wood JE
Published: August 2015

Particular features of a skeleton discovered near Dade City, Florida, are consistent with the stresses of a life of migrant citrus laboring. In particular, unusual aspects of the right shoulder skeleton are not manifested bilaterally. Ethnographic data, radiographs from a living citrus worker, and the police investigation also support the hypothesis that these remains were derived from an individual who spent significant time as a citrus fruit picker.
Designer Drugs: Past History and Future Prospects
Authors: Henderson GL
Published: August 2015

Historically, drugs of abuse have come from two sources: plant products and diverted pharmaceuticals. Today, new, totally synthetic drugs produced by clandestine laboratories have become an increasingly important source of abused substances. Of particular concern are the fentanyls, a family of very potent narcotic analgesics, which first appeared on the streets in California in 1979 under the name “China White.” At least 10 different analogs have been identified to date and are thought to be responsible for over 100 overdose deaths. The fentanyls are not used by any particular ethic or age group, but rather by the general heroin using population. Their use, however, does seem to be restricted to suburban, rather than urban areas, and almost exclusively to the state of California. The most potent analogs, the 3-methy- and beta-hydroxy-fentanyls, may be up to 1000 times as potent as heroin, but are not chemically related to the opiates and therefore not detected by conventional narcotic screening tests. However, using a sensitive radioimmunoassay highly specific for the fentanyls they can be measured at the very low concentrations observed in body fluids, generally less than 10 ng/mL. It is likely that, as efforts to restrict the importation of natural products and prevent diversion of pharmaceuticals become more effective, the fentanyls and other synthetics will become increasingly important drugs of abuse.