bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ascertainment and evaluation of interval cancers in population-based mammography screening programmes: a collaborative study in four European centres
Authors: Törnberg Sven , Codd Mary , Rodrigues Vitor , Segnan Nereo , Ponti Antonio
Published: March 2005

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to estimate the interval cancer (IC) rates in four population-based mammography screening programmes in four countries with different health-care environments, different access to cancer registry data, and different age groupsof women invited.

Setting: The screening programmes in Coimbra (Portugal), Dublin (Ireland), Stockholm (Sweden), and Turin (Italy) participated in the study.

Methods: All cancer cases were searched for in cancer registries. IC rates and other outcome measures from the screeningprogrammes were estimated and compared between the centres. Poisson regression model was used to estimate the proportional incidence based on IC rate in relation to expected total breast cancer incidence rate in the absence of screening.

Results: There was a more than tenfold difference inthe number of invited women at the first round between the involved centres. The IC rates varied between 4.3 and 23.8 per 10,000 women screened. The levels of IC rates in relation to the estimated background incidence varied from 0.35 up to 0.46 depending on age groups involved in the programme,but did not differ significantly between three of the four involved centres.

Conclusions: IC rates were quite similar between three of the four centres despite the differences in target population, invited ages, length of building-up of the programmes and different health-care organizations.Different access to complete cancer registry data is likely to explain the lower IC rates in the fourth centre.
Current concepts in screening for noncommunicable disease: World Health Organization Consultation Group Report on methodology of noncommunicable disease screening
Authors: Strong K , Wald N , Miller A , Alwan A ,   On behalf of the WHO Consultation Group
Published: March 2005

Screening people for serious diseases is receiving increasing attention as studies demonstrate the potential benefits of early detection and early intervention in preventing morbidity and mortality. Screening tests are available for some of the most important noncommunicable diseases,including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and several site-specific cancers. However, screening guidelines for cardiovascular disease, cancers and diabetes vary within and between countries because many national and international organizations are developing their own guidelines. Thereis a need to address the issue of screening for disease, with an emphasis on providing accurate and practical information relevant to all countries. This report arose from a Consultation Group meeting held at WHO headquarters in Geneva. It presents an examination of the principles of screeningwith an emphasis on noncommunicable disease prevention and control policy.
Risk of invasive cervical cancer after pap smears: the protective effect of multiple negatives
Authors: Coldman Andrew , Phillips Norm , Kan Lisa , Matisic Jasenka , Benedet Lou , Towers Laura
Published: March 2005

Objective: To determine the relationship between the number of initial negative Pap smears and risk of subsequent cervical cancer.

Design: A cohort study was conducted using data from the British Columbia Cervical Cancer Screening Program and British Columbia CancerRegistry. The analysis used a random sample (1%) of women aged 20–69 with Pap smears and all cases of invasive cervical cancer diagnosed between 1994 and 1999. Each negative screen defined the beginning of a screening interval and intervals longer than five years were truncated. Thefollowing variables were created for each interval: age at the beginning of the interval, interval length, previous cytological abnormality, previous cervical procedure and number of preceding consecutive negative screens. The relationship between these variables and risk of squamous cervicalcancer was determined using survival analysis methods.

Results: A total of 388 cases of invasive cervical cancer (252 squamous) were included in the study from a study population of over 3.3 million Pap smears. The risk of invasive squamous cancer increased with time since the lastnegative screen, history of cytological abnormality and history of cervical therapeutic procedure. Risk was not significantly related to age ( P=0.2) but was highest in women aged 30–49. Multiple consecutive negative pap smears were associated with reduced risk in women with ahistory of moderate atypia ( P<0.0001), but not in women without a history ( P=0.4).

Conclusions: Multiple consecutive negative cytology was not associated with reduced risk of invasive cervical cancer in women with no history of cytological abnormality.
Providing a quality service: direct referral from the cytology laboratory to the colposcopy clinic
Authors: Kew Fiona M , Appleby Denise , Whittaker Vicki , Cruickshank Derek J , Knott Sandra
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To compare the time taken for the referral process and the accuracy of referrals before and after a process review and the introduction of a system of direct referral from the cytology laboratory to the colposcopy clinic.

Setting: The colposcopy service in a large teaching hospital in Teesside.

Methods: Data on time points within the referral process and smear histories were collected. Data on time points were obtained retrospectively from the case-notes from before the new system of referral ('pre' group) and from an electronic database after the changes ('post' group). Smear histories were retrieved from the cytology database.

Results: The overall time that patients waited from the time the smear was taken until the time they were seen in the colposcopy clinic was significantly reduced. The median time between smear and colposcopy decreased from 92.5 days (range 35−254 days) in the 'pre' group to 33 days (range 13−43 days) in the 'post' group ( P=0.0001). The median time taken from the smear report being issued until the report arrived in the colposcopy clinic was 14 days (range 4−123 days) in the 'pre' group, compared with two days (range 0−17 days) in the 'post' group ( P=0.0001). There was a significant reduction in the number of inaccurate referrals in the 'post' group compared with the 'pre' group ( P=0.02).

Conclusions: Direct referral significantly reduces the time patients wait for colposcopy appointments and improves the accuracy of referrals.
Comparing the performance of mammography screening in the USA and the UK
Authors: Smith-Bindman Rebecca , Ballard-Barbash Rachel , Miglioretti Diana L , Patnick Julietta , Kerlikowske Karla
Published: March 2005

To compare the performance of screening mammography in the USA and the UK, a consecutive sample of screening mammograms was obtained in women aged 50 and older from 1996 to 1999 who participated in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium in the USA ( n=978,591) and the National Health Service Breast Cancer Screening Program in the UK ( n=3.94 million), including 6943 diagnosed with breast cancer within 12 months of screening. Recall rates were defined as the percentage of screening mammograms with a recommendation for further evaluation including diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, clinical examination or biopsy, and cancer detection rates including invasive cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ diagnosed within 12 months of a screening mammogram. All results were stratified by whether examinations were first or subsequent and adjusted to a standard age distribution. Among women who underwent a first screening mammogram, 13.3% of women in the USA versus 7.2% of women in the UK were recalled for further evaluation (relative risk for recall 1.9; 95% CI 1.8–1.9). For subsequent examinations recall rates were approximately 50% lower, but remained twice as high in the USA as in the UK. A similar percentage of women underwent biopsy in each setting, but rates of percutaneous biopsy were lower and rates of open surgical biopsy were higher in the USA. Women undergo screening approximately every 18 months in the USA and every 36 months in the UK. Based on a 20-year period of screening, the estimated percentage of women who would be recalled for additional testing was nearly threefold higher in the USA. The number of cancers detected was also higher in the USA (55 versus 43), and most of the increase was in the detection of small invasive and in situ cancers. The numbers of large cancers detected (>2 cm) were very similar between the two countries. Recall rates are approximately two to three times higher in the USA than in the UK. Importantly, despite less frequent screening in the USA, there are no substantial differences in the rates of detection of large cancers. Efforts to improve mammographic screening in the USA should target lowering the recall rate without reducing the cancer detection rate.
Gender differences in utilization of colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Wardle J , Miles A , Atkin W
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To assess the demographic and psychological mediators of gender differences in uptake of flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening for colorectal cancer.

Setting: A subsample ( n=5462) from a large community trial of FS in the UK.

Methods: Menand women randomized to screening as part of the UK Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Trial were sent a postal questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics and attitudes to screening six months before their screening appointment. Attendance at screening was recorded by the screening centres.

Results:More men than women attended screening (73% versus 67%). The higher male attendance was partially explained by their lower levels of socioeconomic deprivation, higher levels of marital status and lower perceived barriers to screening.

Conclusions: Contrary to expectations, men weremore likely than women to attend FS screening. This was partially explained by socioeconomic and attitudinal differences to screening, but additional research is needed to understand the key aspects of FS screening that will maximize screening uptake in men and women.
Determining the Sex of Human Remains Through Cranial Morphology
Authors: Rogers TL
Published: March 2005

Sex determination is the keystone of a biological profile, yet few qualitative methods of cranial sex determination have been tested. This analysis examines the accuracy and precision of 17 morphological features of the skull commonly used to determine the sex of unknown skeletal remains. The sample consists of 46 identified skulls from the 19th century St. Thomas' Anglican Church Cemetery in Belleville, Canada. Nasal aperature, zygomatic extension, malar size/rugosity, and supraorbital ridge proved the most useful; of secondary value are chin form and nuchal crest; mastoid size is of tertiary consideration; nasal size and mandibular symphysis/ramus size rank fourth; forehead shape ranks fifth; and palate size/shape are sixth. Skull size/architecture provides an internal standard to assess the relative sizes of other traits. This research is a necessary step in establishing the credibility of morphological sex determination with respect to the Daubert and Mohan criteria for admissibility in a court of law.
A Report of Decomposition Rates of a Special Burial Type in Edmonton, Alberta from an Experimental Field Study
Authors: Weitzel MA
Published: March 2005

Regional studies that examine decomposition rates of certain faunal remains can help to determine time since death. Forensic anthropologists have long used qualitative decomposition data, but linking these to more quantitative data could improve time since death estimations. Experiments were developed in which domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) were buried with varying characteristics then excavated and observed over a period of 15 months in Edmonton, Alberta. Data recorded after two weeks, five weeks, three months, one year, and 15 months were correlated with stages of decomposition as well as time since death, climate data, grave type, clothing, burial depth, and other factors. Results from these experiments provide useful regional information about stages of decomposition in a burial context. Pigs buried in June were skeletonized by approximately three to five weeks, while those buried in May were skeletonized between five weeks and three months. Climate data, insects, and grave type contributed the most to advanced decomposition, mainly in the form of mummification, and skeletonization.
Using Accumulated Degree-Days to Estimate the Postmortem Interval from Decomposed Human Remains
Authors: Megyesi MS , Nawrocki SP , Haskell NH
Published: March 2005

Forensic anthropologists often rely on the state of decomposition to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) in a human remains case. The state of decomposition can provide much information about the PMI, especially when decomposition is treated as a semi-continuous variable and used in conjunction with accumulated-degree-days (ADD). This preliminary study demonstrates a supplemental method of determining the PMI based on scoring decomposition using a point-based system and taking into account temperatures in which the remains were exposed. This project was designed to examine the ways that forensic anthropologists could improve their PMI estimates based on decomposition by using a more quantitative approach. A total of 68 human remains cases with a known date of death were scored for decomposition and a regression equation was calculated to predict ADD from decomposition score. ADD accounts for approximately 80% of the variation in decomposition. This study indicates that decomposition is best modeled as dependent on accumulated temperature, not just time.
Postmortem Tissue Distribution of Olanzapine and Citalopram in a Drug Intoxication
Authors: Horak EL , Jenkins AJ
Published: March 2005

A 40-year-old white male was found dead in bed in a group home for mentally ill adults. The decedent had been diagnosed a paranoid schizophrenic. An autopsy was performed at the Office of the Cuyahoga County Coroner in Cleveland, Ohio. Toxicological testing detected olanzapine and citalopram in post mortem specimens. Multiple fluids and tissues were assayed by liquid-liquid extraction followed by gas chromatography with nitrogen phosphorus detection, and qualitative confirmation by electron impact gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Drug concentrations [olanzapine : citalopram; mg/L or mg/Kg] determined in this case are the highest reported to date involving these drugs- 1.38:3.35 heart blood, 1.11:1.65 femoral blood, 60.24:32.43 urine, 6.47:10:71 liver, and 38.36:49.16 lung, respectively. Drug concentrations in tissues were found to be the highest in lung for both drugs and lowest in the heart. Citalopram but not olanzapine was detected in bone. The cause of death was ruled acute intoxication by the combined effects of olanzapine and citalopram and the manner, accident.
Frequency and Severity of Injuries in Correlation with the Height of Fall
Authors: Atanasijevic TC , Savic SN , Nikolic SD , Djokic VM
Published: March 2005

The main aim of this study was to examine the correlation between the height of fall and the frequency, extensiveness, and type of injuries of certain body regions and organs. The specific objective was to determine characteristic injuries of the analyzed body regions in relation to the certain height of fall. The study included 660 cases of fatal falls from height (469 males and 191 females). Results support the hypothesis that the frequency and extent of the injured body regions and organs are related to the fall height. Head injuries are characteristic of the falls from heights up to 7m and beyond 30 m. Brain injuries in high falls from heights beyond 30m show an absence of contre coup contusions and macroscopically evident intracranial bleeding. The extensiveness of chest injuries is significantly statistically associated with fall height. In cases of high falls, the frequency of abdominal injuries is not significantly statistically related to the height of fall. Liver injuries are the most common abdominal injury and the critical height of fall at which the liver injury occurs is 15 m. Injuries of liver and spleen are concomitant in high falls from heights beyond 24 m, irrespective of the manner of impact. The height of fall over 15m appears to be a reasonable boundary height beyond which the injuries of two or three body regions are generally associated.
Multiplex PCR Development of Y-chromosomal Biallelic Polymorphisms for Forensic Application
Authors: Alessandrini F , Turchi C , Onofri V , Buscemi L , Pesaresi M , Tagliabracci A
Published: March 2005

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of Y chromosome (Y-SNPs) are a class of markers of interest in forensic investigations, because many of them show regional specificity, providing useful information about the geographic origin of a subject or evidence under investigation. A first multiplex with 7 SNPs (M35, M89, M9, M170, M172, M45, M173), which occur in the basal branches of the phylogenetic tree and are able to assign a subject to known most frequent European haplogroups, was designed. SNP genotyping was accomplished by hot-start PCR with primers amplifying fragments between 96 and 136 nucleotides, minisequencing, and capillary electrophoresis of extension products. Ninety seven subjects of known geographic provenance were studied, of which 68 from Europe. Of these, 57 had mutations found more frequently in European haplogroups and 11 more frequent in Asian populations. Subjects from non-European countries were also examined and had haplogroups common in their regions of provenance. Experiments with low molecular weight DNA gave positive amplification from 1 ng of DNA for all seven SNPs.
On the Non-equivalence of Documented Cadaver Lengths to Living Stature Estimates Based on Fully's Method on Bones in the Raymond A. Dart Collection
Authors: Bidmos MA
Published: March 2005

Regression equations for stature estimation have been derived from documented cadaver lengths available as part of the demographic information in the catalogue of skeletonised remains in different collections around the world. The Raymond A. Dart Collection is one such collection, but the reliability of documented cadaver lengths in it has been previously questioned. The aim of this study was to compare these lengths with estimated living stature using Fully's anatomical method. Living stature was estimated with this method from a total of 156 complete skeletons obtained from the Collection. These heights were then compared with the documented cadaver lengths. It was observed that the documented cadaver lengths were significantly higher than the estimated living stature using Fully's method.
mtDNA Investigations After Differential Lysis
Authors: Anslinger KD , Bayer BR , Rolf B , Eisenmenger W
Published: March 2005

In order to gain information regarding the ethnic origin of an unknown offender in a murder case it was necessary to sequence the HV1 and 2 regions of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The only evidentiary material that could be linked to the suspect was DNA, extracted from spermatozoa after differential lysis. The observed mtDNA sequences were identical to the sequences of the victim. Therefore, we had to check if this was a coincidence or the result of a technical limitation of the testing procedure. Subsequently, we performed a systematic study. In cases with complete separation of sperm and female cells it wasn't possible to obtain a mtDNA sequence for the sperm fraction. This phenomena is based on the loss of the sperm's flagellum and mid-piece during the first lysis step and a concomitant loss of the sperm's mitochondria. In our murder case, a minor carry-over of female cells to the sperm fraction was responsible for the sequencing result.
SNPs and MALDI-TOF MS: Tools for DNA Typing in Forensic Paternity Testing and Anthropology
Authors: Petkovski E , Keyser-Tracqui C , Hienne R , Ludes B
Published: March 2005

DNA markers used for individual identification in forensic sciences are based on repeat sequences in nuclear DNA and the mitochondrial DNA hypervariable regions 1 and 2. An alternative to these markers is the use of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These have a particular advantage in the analysis of degraded or poor samples, which are often all that is available in forensics or anthropology. In order to study the potential of SNP analysis in these fields, 41 SNPs were selected on the basis of following criteria: conservation, lack of phenotypic expression, and frequency of occurrence in populations. Thirty-six autosomal SNPs were used for genotyping 21 inclusionary and 3 exclusionary paternity cases. The behavior of 5 X-chromosome SNPs was analyzed in a French representative population. Our approach to SNP typing is a multiplex PCR based amplification followed by simultaneous detection by primer extension (PEX) analyzed by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The selected autosomal SNPs showed independent inheritance and gave clear results in paternity investigation. All X-SNPs were useful as both paternity and identification markers. PEX and MALDI-TOF MS, with their high sensitivity, precision and speed, gave a powerful method for forensic and anthropological exploitation of biallelic markers.
DNA Typing: An Accessory Evidence in Doping Control
Authors: Marques MAS , Damasceno LMP , Pereira HMG , Caldeira CM , Dias BFP , de Giacomo Vargens D , Amoedo ND , Volkweis RO , Viana ROV , Rumjanek FD , Neto FRA
Published: March 2005

A clear positive case for anabolic steroids doping was confounded by alleged urine tampering during doping control procedures. Review of the chain of custody showed no flaws, but nevertheless the athlete was adamant that the urine sample should be analyzed for DNA in order to support her contention that she was not the donor of the sample. The results obtained showed that the urine sample that scored positive for steroids contained nuclear DNA that could not be matched to the DNA obtained from the athlete's blood. On the other hand, the same urine sample contained mitochondrial DNA whose nucleotide sequences spanning the hyper variable regions HV1 and HV2 proved to be identical to those determined in mitochondrial DNA amplified from the athlete's blood. The occurrence of an extraneous genotype is compatible with exogenous nuclear DNA admixture to the athlete's urine. Alternatively, taking in consideration the mitochondrial DNA, we could not exclude that a sibling or a maternal relative of the athlete could have acted as a donor of the urine utilized for doping control and DNA analysis. Both situations point to possible tampering of the urine by the athlete. Adjudication at CAS maintained previous national and international federation decision that there was no proof of a chain of custody flaw to justify the athlete's allegation of urine substitution after collection.
Does Sexual Dimorphism in Facial Soft Tissue Depths Justify Sex Distinction in Craniofacial Identification?
Authors: Stephan CN , Norris RM , Henneberg M
Published: March 2005

Separation of male and female soft tissue depths into discrete groups for craniofacial identification implies that males and females differ enough from each other, with respect to this application, for this distinction to be useful. In this study, previously published soft tissue depth data were analyzed for sex separation. It was found that the variation within each sex was large while the variation between the sexes was small. Often the value of two standard deviations of the measurement for either sex was larger than the difference displayed between the means of each sex. Furthermore, opposite sex overlap in regions defined to be close to the male or female mean were found to be large and the amount of variance explained by sex was small (less than 6% on average). These results indicate that while male and female means at single craniofacial landmarks may differ slightly, and even at statistically significant levels, individual male and female soft tissue depths are often the same or very similar. On average, soft tissue depths of the face do display some sexual dimorphism but it is not marked and of little practical meaning for craniofacial identification where a single individual must be independently considered. Thus, there is little use in separate reporting of data for males and females and data should be combined to increase sample sizes.
Heterosexual Intimate Partner Homicide: Review of Ten Years of Clinical Experience
Authors: Farooque RS , Stout RG , Ernst FA
Published: March 2005

Most of the literature on intimate partner homicide addresses violence between the two partners, spousal abuse, and family violence. There is less focus on the relationship of mental illness, intellectual functioning, and drug and alcohol abuse to these homicides.We investigated this type of homicide in a collection of forensic cases seen by the first author over a period of 10 years. Twenty-eight patients who underwent forensic psychiatric evaluation for heterosexual intimate partner homicide from August 1993 to June 2003 were studied using a retrospective case review methodology.We found that firearms were used as the method of killing more often by females than by males.We also compared method of killing with substance abuse and intoxication at the time of the homicide. Educational status indicates that this group of accused perpetrators is functioning at higher intellectual levels compared with a previously studied sample of filicides. We also found significant presence of serious mental illness in our sample of accused perpetrators of heterosexual intimate partner homicide.
A Field Diagnostic Test for the Improvised Explosive Urea Nitrate
Authors: Almog J , Klein A , Tamiri T , Shloosh Y , Abramovich-Bar S
Published: March 2005

A sensitive, specific and simple color test for the improvised explosive urea nitrate is described. It is based on the formation of a red pigment upon the reaction between urea nitrate and p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (p-DMAC) under neutral conditions. Urea itself, which is the starting material for urea nitrate, does not react with p-DMAC under the same conditions. Other potential sources of false positive response e.g., common fertilizers, medications containing the urea moiety and various amines, do not produce the red pigment with p-DMAC. Exhibits collected from 10 terrorist cases have been tested with p-DMAC. The results were in full agreement with those obtained by instrumental techniques including GC/MS, XRD and IR.
Differentiation of Composition C-4 Based on the Analysis of the Process Oil
Authors: Reardon MR , Bender EC
Published: March 2005

United States military Composition C-4 explosive contains 91% cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX), 5.3% dioctyl sebacate or adipate (DOS or DOA), 2.1% polyisobutylene (PIB), and 1.6% oil. The original military specification required low viscosity engine oil, but this has since been changed to a specially manufactured mineral oil, also called “process oil.” Differentiation of military and commercial Composition C-4 may be possible by analyzing the oil. In this study, samples of Composition C-4 were taken from various lots of U.S. military M112 demolition blocks from two commercially manufactured brands sold in the U.S. The oil and plasticizer were extracted with pentane, and the plasticizer was removed using silica solid phase extraction cartridges. The oil was then analyzed by high-temperature gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HTGC/MS). Results indicated that HTGC/MS is an excellent discriminating technique for oil comparisons; however, differentiation of Composition C-4 is limited by manufacturer production and distribution practices.
The Role of Psychopathy and Sexuality in a Female Serial Killer
Authors: Myers WC , Gooch E , Meloy JR
Published: March 2005

The case of Aileen Wuornos, executed in Florida for the serial killing of seven men, is studied to determine her degree of psychopathy and the presence or absence of sexuality or sexual sadism as a motivation or gratification for her crimes. The authors, one of whom evaluated the subject shortly before her death, determined that she evidenced a psychopathic personality (PCL-R score 32). She also met DSM-IV-TR criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder. While her killings ostensibly were carried out during routine acts of prostitution, there was ambiguous evidence that her crimes were sexually motivated or gratifying. Her articulated motivation was robbery and elimination of the witness/victim. After carefully considering all available data, the authors concluded there was no convincing evidence of sexual sadism in either her personal history or her method of committing serial murder, and it remains unclear whether sexual gratification was to some degree a motivating factor in her commission of these offenses. The confluence of early childhood attachment disruptions, severe psychopathy, other personality disorder pathology, and a traumagenic abuse history likely contributed to her having serially murdered seven victims.
An Unusual Form of Fatal Ethanol Intoxication
Authors: Wilson CI , Ignacio SS , Wilson GA
Published: March 2005

Forensic pathologists are very familiar with deaths due to ethanol intoxication. The overwhelming majority of these deaths are a result of the oral ingestion of ethanol. We report an unusual case of an individual who expired in his secured residence after self administration of a wine enema. Toxicology showed an ethanol concentration of 0.40 g/dL in the blood and 0.41 g/dL in the vitreous fluid. Scene investigation was of paramount importance in determining the unusual method by which the decedent absorbed the alcoholic beverage.
Application of the Suchey-Brooks Method to Three-dimensional Imaging of the Pubic Symphysis
Authors: Telmon N , Gaston A , Chemla P , Blanc A , Joffre F , Rougé D
Published: March 2005

Age determination is a major field of interest in forensic anthropology. Among the different methods based on macroscopic skeletal study, the Suchey-Brooks method, which analyzes the pubic symphysis, is one of the most reliable. We applied the Suchey-Brooks method to three-dimensional computed tomographic reconstructions of the pubic symphysis. We demonstrated excellent agreement between the results of analysis of bone samples and those of the three-dimensional images, in particular regarding ridges of the articular surface and delimitation of the extremities. The accuracy of age estimation did not significantly differ (Wilcoxon test) between the Suchey-Brooks method applied to bones and the same method applied to CT images. Using high-quality images, this approach seems as reliable as the standard Suchey-Brooks method and offers several advantages: no bone preparation, no damage to bone material, and the possibility of application to living individuals.
The Presence of Trace Amines in Postmortem Cerebrospinal Fluid in Humans
Authors: Balbi T , Fusco M , Vasapollo D , Boschetto R , Cocco P , Leon A , Farruggio A
Published: March 2005

The postmortem levels of biogenic amines in cerebrospinal fluid may represent a useful tool in defining some pathological conditions; no information is available concerning the occurrence of trace amines in postmortem cerebrospinal fluid. Thus, the occurrence of octopamine, synephrine and tyramine were evaluated by using a HPLC system in 20 postmortem samples of cerebrospinal fluid (obtained from 11 males and 9 females) and their levels were compared with those of 20 living subjects (obtained from 11 males and 9 females). The results show that trace amines dramatically increase in the postmortem cerebrospinal fluid (100, 20, and 4 fold increase for tyramine, octopamine, and synephrine respectively). To our knowledge, our data represent the first time trace amines have been identified in postmortem cerebrospinal fluid and the dramatic increase observed for tyramine has the potential of becoming a new tool in forensic science for better defining the time of death.
Suicide: A Ten-Year Retrospective Review of Kentucky Medical Examiner Cases
Authors: Shields LBE , Hunsaker DM , Hunsaker JC
Published: March 2005

Suicide, a manner of death, ranked as the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States and accounted for approximately 30,000 deaths in 2001. A host of biological and psychosocial components interplay in a suicide investigation. Precipitating factors may include domestic quarrels, loss of employment, financial difficulties, substance abuse, chronic disease, or mental illness. The authors conducted a ten-year (1993–2002) retrospective review of suicide from all Medical Examiners' Offices in Kentucky. There were 2,864 suicides ranging between 11 and 96 years (average age 42.0 years). The majority of victims were males (81.7%) and Caucasian (94.8%). African-American females comprised the smallest group, consisting of only 0.59%. The preferred mode of death was by firearm (67.5%), followed by hanging (13.7%), overdose (9.9%), and carbon monoxide poisoning (4.4%). This comprehensive study discusses the trends of suicide in the United States during the twentieth century and underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the investigation and prevention of suicide.
Utilizing the Urinary 5-HTOL/5-HIAA Ratio to Determine Ethanol Origin in Civil Aviation Accident Victims
Authors: Johnson RD , Lewis RJ , Canfield DV , Dubowski KM , LeRoy Blank C
Published: March 2005

Specimens from fatal aviation accident victims are submitted to the FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute for toxicological analysis. During toxicological evaluations, ethanol analysis is performed on all cases. Care must be taken when interpreting a positive ethanol result due to the potential for postmortem ethanol formation. Several indicators of postmortem ethanol formation exist; however, none are completely reliable. The consumption of ethanol has been shown to alter the concentration of two major serotonin metabolites, 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL) and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA). While the 5-HTOL/5-HIAA ratio is normally very low, previous studies using living subjects have demonstrated that the urinary 5-HTOL/5-HIAA ratio is significantly elevated for 11–19 h after acute ethanol ingestion. Recently, our laboratory developed and validated an analytical method for the simultaneous determination of both 5-HTOL and 5-HIAA in forensic urine samples using a simple liquid/liquid extraction and LC/MS/MS and LC/MS/MS/MS. In this previous work a 15 pmol/nmol serotonin metabolite ratio cutoff was established in postmortem urine, below which it could be conclusively determined that no recent antemortem ethanol consumption had occurred. In the current study this newly validated analytical method was applied to five ethanol-positive aviation fatalities where the origin of the ethanol present could not previously be conclusively determined. In four of the five cases examined the detected ethanol was demonstrated to be present due to postmortem microbial formation, and not consumption, even though some indication of ethanol consumption may have been present.
Results from the NIST 2004 DNA Quantitation Study
Authors: Kline MC , Duewer DL , Redman JW , Butler JM
Published: March 2005

For optimal DNA short tandem repeat (STR) typing results, the DNA concentration ([DNA]) of the sample must be accurately determined prior to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification step in the typing process. In early 2004, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted an interlaboratory study to help assess the accuracy of DNA quantitation in forensic DNA laboratories. This study was designed with four primary purposes: (1) to examine concentration effects and to probe performance at the lower DNA concentration levels that are frequently seen in forensic casework; (2) to examine consistency with various methodologies across multiple laboratories; (3) to examine single versus multiple source samples; and (4) to study DNA stability over time and through shipping in two types of storage tubes. Eight DNA samples of [DNA] from 0.05 ng/μL to 1.5 ng/μL were distributed. A total of 287 independent data sets were returned from 80 participants. Results were reported for 19 different DNA quantitation methodologies. Approximately 65% of the data were obtained using traditional slot blot hybridization methods; 21% were obtained using newly available quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR) techniques. Information from this interlaboratory study is guiding development of a future NIST Standard Reference Material for Human DNA Quantitation, SRM 2372.
Characterization of Adipocere Formation in Animal Species
Authors: Forbes SL , Stuart BH , Dent BB , Fenwick-Mulcahy S
Published: March 2005

Adipocere is a soft white substance formed postmortem from fatty tissue in a decomposing body. In this preliminary study the formation of adipocere in soil was investigated for a number of animal species. Adipocere was formed from the fatty tissue of pig, cattle, sheep and rabbit. It was found that adipocere did not form from the fatty tissue of chicken or kangaroo in the time frame investigated. The issues being considered are relevant to the forensic examination of remains whose origin is otherwise uncertain or which are, in some way, related to human remains. Infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to characterise the composition of adipocere formed in the various species after different burial durations. Adipocere was observed to form at different rates among the species, but there was no distinct evidence of the fundamental composition varying between species.
An alternative for the Extraction and Storage of DNA from Insects in Forensic Entomology
Authors: Harvey ML
Published: March 2005

An important area of recent research in forensic entomology has been the use of insect DNA to provide identification of insects for fast and accurate estimation of time since death. This requires DNA to be extracted efficiently and in a state suitable for use in molecular procedures, and then stored on a long-term basis. In this study, Whatman FTA™ cards were tested for use with the Calliphoridae (Diptera). In particular, testing examined their ability to effectively extract DNA from specimens, and store and provide DNA template in a suitable condition for amplification using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The cards provided DNA that was able to be amplified from a variety of life stages, and thus appears to be of sufficient quality and quantity for use in subsequent procedures. FTA cards therefore appear suitable for use with calliphorids, and provide a new method of extraction that is simple and efficient and allows for storage and transportation without refrigeration, consequently simplifying the handling of DNA in forensic entomological cases.
Titian's Secret: Comparison of Eleonora Gonzaga della Rovere's Skull with the Uffizi Portrait
Authors: Rollo F , Mascetti M , Cameriere R
Published: March 2005

The present paper describes the study of a skeleton, kept at the Church of Santa Chiara in Urbino, Italy. Traditionally, this skeleton was thought to be that of the Duchess Eleonora Gonzaga della Rovere (1493–1550), but suspicion exists as to whether or not the remains might belong to another important personage of the Urbino Renaissance, Battista Sforza (1447–1472). Here, external observation of the skull and odontological examination of the mandible were conducted in an attempt to clarify the identity. Age estimates of the skeleton were found to be consistent with the age at death of Eleonora but not with that of Battista. Craniofacial superimposition using the portrait of Eleonora Gonzaga by Titian (Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence) shows that the face of Eleonora matches the skull fairly closely except for the length of the nose. The historical record and the age matching appear to provide strong evidence that the remains are those of Eleonora, and the discrepancies in the superimposition may suggest that the artist altered the dimension of the Duchess' nose, possibly to make the portrait correspond to his canons of classical beauty. The results highlight the potential of forensic methods as a key to understand the work of earlier painters.
Forensic Casework Analysis Using the HVI/HVII mtDNA Linear Array Assay
Authors: Divne A-M , Nilsson M , Calloway C , Reynolds R , Erlich H , Allen M
Published: March 2005

The mitochondrial hypervariable regions I and II have proven to be a useful target for analysis of forensic materials, in which the amount of DNA is limited or highly degraded. Conventional mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing can be time-consuming and expensive, limitations that can be minimized using a faster and less expensive typing assay.We have evaluated the exclusion capacity of the linear array mtDNA HVI/HVII region-sequence typing assay (Roche Applied Science) in 16 forensic cases comprising 90 samples. Using the HVI/HVII mtDNA linear array, 56% of the samples were excluded and thus less than half of the samples require further sequencing due to a match or inconclusive results. Of all the samples that were excluded by sequence analysis, 79% could be excluded using the HVI/HVII linear array alone. Using the HVI/HVII mtDNA linear array assay, we demonstrate the potential to decrease sequencing efforts substantially and thereby reduce the cost and the turn-around time in casework analysis.
Modifications of bull spermatozoa induced by three extenders: Biociphos, low density lipoprotein and Triladyl, before, during and after freezing and thawing
Authors: Amirat Lamia , Anton Marc , Tainturier Daniel , Chatagnon Gérard , Battut Isabelle , Courtens Jean Luc
Published: March 2005

The success of artificial insemination with frozen semen implies the reduction of the deleterious effects on the cells induced by this technique. These effects can occur as early as during the first dilution in an extender, as well as at any step, during or after the freezing process.

In this work, we have compared the modifications induced by Triladyl, low density lipoproteins (LDL) and Biociphos extenders, after dilution and cooling to 4 °C for 1, 4 and 24 h. Alterations in the cell structures were visualized by electron microscopy (EM). More than 80% of spermatozoa were injured after incubation for 4 h in Triladyl, while 3% and 47% were counted in LDL and Biociphos respectively. This latter extender was deleterious to cell membrane integrity after incubation for 4 h or longer.

The ultrastructure of frozen spermatozoa was studied by EM of cryofixed-cryosubstituted samples obtained from regular 0.5 ml French straws frozen using our usual protocol. The main differences between samples concerned the size and appearance of the frozen extender veins, while very few cell defects were found to be added by the freezing process at any depth in the straws.

After thawing, semen motility was twofold higher (P< 0.05) in Biociphos (64%) and LDL (61%) than in Triladyl (32%) and the cells were less altered in LDL. We concluded that the LDL extender offers a better protection for storage of frozen spermatozoa, and can probably also be used for the preservation of fresh semen for short periods.
The expression of calpain 1 and calpain 2 in spermatogenic cells and spermatozoa of the mouse
Authors: Ben-Aharon Irit , Brown Paula R , Etkovitz Nir , Eddy Edward M , Shalgi Ruth
Published: March 2005

There is some evidence suggesting that Ca2+is involved in processes that occur during the development and function of spermatozoa. Calcium-dependent proteins, such as calmodulin, are expressed during mammalian spermatogenesis further suggesting that Ca2+takes part in its regulation. However, the precise roles of Ca2+in spermatogenesis remain to be elucidated. Calpains are a family of Ca2+-dependent cysteine proteases whose members are expressed ubiquitously or in a tissue-specific manner. Calpain has been demonstrated to mediate specific Ca2+-dependent processes including cell fusion, mitosis and meiosis. We herein followed the expression pattern of calpain’s ubiquitous isoforms, 1 and 2, throughout spermatogenesis at the RNA and protein levels by RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis. Both RNA and protein studies revealed that these isoforms are expressed in all spermatogenic cells. The expression of calpain 1 levels is slightly higher in spermatocytes entering the meiotic phase. Both calpain isoforms are also expressed in mouse spermatozoa and are localized to the acrosomal cap. Inducing capacitated spermatozoa to undergo the acrosome reaction in the presence of a selective calpain inhibitor significantly reduced the acrosome reaction rate in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, calpain, a pluripotential protease with numerous substrates, may serve as an effector in more than one pathway in the complex process of spermatogenesis and in the events preceding fertilization, such as the acrosome reaction.
Bioscience-bioethics and life factors affecting reproduction with special reference to the Indigenous Australian population
Authors: Pollard Irina
Published: March 2005

The demand for equality of recognition or respect is the dominant passion of modernity. The 20th century experienced a giant leap in technological inventiveness and ruthless use of technological power. In the 21st century, human welfare and environmental wellbeing demand fundamental political appraisal. We have the means, if we choose, to eradicate poverty and to responsibly protect the global environment. However, economic, political and cultural systems act to differentially allocate the benefits and risks for growth between socioeconomic groups. For example, it is a matter of pride that the neonatal mortality rate in affluent societies has dropped substantially since the late 1970s. However, the level of infant mortality (three times the national average) and low birthweight (13%) among the Indigenous Australian population is the highest in the country. With hindsight we now know that is the inevitable legacy of Australia’s colonial history. Chronic physical and psychological stress is recognized as an important etiological factor in many lifestyle diseases of the cardiovascular, immune and reproductive systems. Diseases of adaptation are further advanced by non-adaptive lifestyle choices, depression, alcoholism and other drug dependencies. This review describes the principles of bioscience ethics and targets equity issues as they affect human reproduction across generations with particular reference to the Indigenous population of Australia. The review also considers ways we may advance global and cultural maturity from the Indigenous Australian perspective and proposes an ecologically based model of preventative care. If we are to embrace fundamental social change and protect future children without threatening parents’ basic freedoms, then new beliefs and priorities – based on a compassionate understanding of biological systems – must evolve from the general public. Belief in human rights arising from a sense of human dignity is a collective outcome originating from individual commitment. The golden rule; that is, Nature’s principle of reciprocity, is fundamental in bridging the gap between knowledge and effective action.