bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Olanzapine-Related Fatality
Authors: Stephens BG , Coleman DE , Baselt RC
Published: August 2015

A 43-year-old male psychiatric outpatient died within hours of ingesting as much as 600 mg of olanzapine, a newer antipsychotic agent related to clozapine. Analysis of postmortem blood and urine by gas chromatography with nitrogen-selective detection yielded olanzapine concentrations of 1238 and 6987 μg/L, respectively, greatly in excess of levels expected following therapeutic administration of the drug. Based on the toxicology findings, the decedent's known history of suicide attempts, and the circumstances surrounding the death, this case was ruled a suicide by olanzapine overdosage.
Determination of Gestational Age from Lunar Age Assessments in Human Fetal Remains
Authors: Huxley AK , Angevine JB
Published: August 2015

Occasionally forensic fetal remains are submitted to the office of the medical examiner for age determination. A variety of literature and many techniques are available for this assessment depending upon the overall condition of the remains. If one uses traditional forensic anthropological sources, then age is calculated in lunar months; if one uses other sources—embryological, anthropological and sonographic—then age is reported as gestational weeks. For comparison between ages derived from these various studies, especially in cases involving age assessments of incomplete fetal remains that may be partially damaged by taphonomic factors, it is necessary to convert between lunar age and gestational age. The objective of this study is to present a conversion table for exact correspondence between lunar months and gestational weeks from the point of conception to term. This information is useful for developing a forensic profile at any gestational age as well as providing a means to assess the probability of viability at the time of death.
Postmortem Drug Redistribution—Human Cases Related to Results in Experimental Animals
Authors: Hilberg T , Rogde S , Mørland J
Published: August 2015

Femoral blood is widely accepted as the most reliable postmortem specimen for drug analysis in forensic toxicology. There is considerable evidence that the drug concentrations in peripheral blood samples are closer to the antemortem level than the concentration in cardiac blood. In the present study drug concentrations measured in postmortem femoral and/or heart blood samples from eight cases were compared with the concentration found in serum samples from the same subject collected antemortem or perimortem. The drugs involved were amitriptyline, nortriptyline, imipramine, verapamil and chloroquine. Two additional cases with very early postmortem blood samples, as well as femoral blood samples from later autopsy, involved amphetamine and tetrahydrocannabinol. The results from the human cases were compared with results from rat experiments on similar drugs. The samples were analyzed by high performance liquid or gas chromatography. The cases with tricyclic antidepressants had a median postmortern femoral blood to antemortem serum drug concentration ratio of 3.3, the 95% reference range being from 1.1 to 6.0 (pooled data). Large variations of the ratios were seen. The extremes noted were a postmortem femoral blood to antemortem serum drug concentration ratio of 0.9 in a case with nortriptyline and 49 in the case with chloroquine. The low ratio in the former case could be due to attempted resuscitation, while the high ratio in the latter case is probably due to the extremely high apparent volume of distribution and a high blood to plasma concentration ratio for chloroquine. Accordingly, it is dubious whether the drug concentration found in femoral blood at autopsy can be accepted as being representative for the antemortem level. The results obtained from the human cases in the present study were generally in reasonable agreement with previous rat experiments, confirming that the animal studies when interpreted carefully, are indicative of the changes observed in man as well as a previous study in pigs. Studies on drug concentrations in pigs are not necessarily more representative for the findings in humans than experiments with a smaller animal like the rat. The postmortem concentration changes observed for tetrahydrocannabinol in man were found to be unpredictable, while in the accompanying experimental rat study there was a significant postmortem decrease in the tetrahydrocannabinol blood concentration measured in blood from the inferior vena cava. In special cases where the diagnosis of overdose is to be used as judicial evidence, a single sample of blood may prove insufficient. In such cases, analyses of several samples of blood and tissue will increase the possibility of reaching a correct conclusion, but reference values on drug concentrations in tissues are often missing.
Redistribution of Basic Drugs into Cardiac Blood from Surrounding Tissues During Early-Stages Postmortem
Authors: Moriya F , Hashimoto Y
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism(s) responsible for increases in the concentrations of basic drugs in cardiac blood of bodies in a supine position during early-stages postmortem. The concentrations of basic drugs in cardiac blood and other fluids and tissues of three individuals who had used one or more basic drugs were examined. The results were compared with those obtained in experiments using rabbits. In the first case, autopsy of whom was performed approximately 12 h after death, methamphetamine was detected and its concentrations were in the order: lung ≫ pulmonary venous blood > blood in the left cardiac chambers (left cardiac blood) ≫ pulmonary arterial blood > blood in the right cardiac chambers (right cardiac blood). In the second case, autopsy of whom was performed approximately 9 h after death, methamphetamine and morphine were detected and their concentrations in the left cardiac blood were roughly twice those in the right cardiac blood. The methamphetamine and morphine concentrations in the lung were 2 to 4 times higher than those in cardiac blood samples. In the third case, autopsy of whom was performed approximately 2.5 days after death, the pulmonary veins and arteries were filled with chicken fat clots. Toxicological examination revealed the presence of four basic drugs: methamphetamine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline and promethazine. Their concentrations in the lung were 5 to 300 times higher than those in cardiac blood, but postmortem increases in the concentrations of these drugs in the cardiac blood were not observed. In the animal experiments, rabbits were given 5 mg/kg methamphetamine intravenously or 20 mg/kg amitriptyline subcutaneously and sacrificed 20 min or 1 h later, respectively. The carcasses were left in a supine position at the ambient temperature for 6 h after or without ligation of the large vessels around the heart. For the groups with ligated vessels, the mean ratios of the drug concentrations in both left and right cardiac blood samples 6 to 0 h postmortem were about 1, whereas in those without ligated vessels, these ratios were about 2 and 1, respectively. The order of the methamphetamine and amitriptyline concentrations in blood and tissue samples were roughly: lungs > myocardium and pulmonary venous blood > cardiac blood, inferior vena caval blood and liver. Our results demonstrate that when bodies are in a supine position, (1) basic drugs in the lungs diffuse rapidly postmortem into the left cardiac chambers via the pulmonary venous blood rather than simply diffusing across concentration gradients, and (2) basic drugs in the myocardium contribute little to the increases in their concentrations in cardiac blood during the early postmortem period.
Metabolic Production of Amphetamine Following Administration of Clobenzorex
Authors: Valtier S , Cody JT
Published: August 2015

Many of the anorectic drugs that are metabolized to amphetamine and/or methamphetamine pose significant concerns in the interpretation of amphetamine-positive drug testing results. One of these drugs—clobenzorex—has been shown to produce amphetamine. Thirty milligrams of clobenzorex hydrochloride, in the form of a single Asenlix capsule (Roussel, Mexico), were administered orally to five human volunteers with no history of amphetamine, methamphetamine or clobenzorex use. Following administration, urine samples (total void volume) were collected ad lib for seven days and pH, specific gravity and creatinine values were determined. To determine the excretion profile of amphetamine and parent drug, samples were extracted, derivatized, and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using a standard amphetamine procedure with additional monitoring of ions at m/z 91, 118, 125 and 364 for the detection of clobenzorex. Peak concentrations of amphetamine were detected at 4 to 19 h postdose and ranged from approximately 715 to 2474 ng/mL amphetamine. Amphetamine could be detected (>5 ng/mL) in the urine in one subject for up to 116 h postdose. GC/MS was also used to determine the enantiomeric composition of the metabolite, amphetamine. This analysis revealed the metabolically derived amphetamine was only the d-enantiomer. This differs from previous literature which indicates clobenzorex is the racemic N-orthochlorobenzyl derivative of amphetamine.
Methamphetamine as a Risk Factor for Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Swalwell CI , Davis GG
Published: August 2015

Acute aortic dissections are catastrophic vascular events that have a high rate of mortality. Aortic dissections have been associated with a variety of factors, particularly hypertension. We reviewed 84 medical examiner autopsies on individuals dying from acute aortic dissections with particular emphasis on the role of drugs. Previous case reports have associated aortic dissections with both cocaine and methamphetamine intoxication.

We found that seven of the 35 cases tested for drugs of abuse were positive for methamphetamine. Our study had no cases of solely cocaine-related dissection, although one of the cases was positive for both methamphetamine and the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine. No significant association was found with any other drugs. As with other studies, we found the most common risk factor to be hypertension. Surprisingly, methamphetamine use was the second most common risk factor. The association between methamphetamine use and aortic dissection is most likely due to its hypertensive effect. Although methamphetamine appears to pose a greater risk than cocaine, both drugs should be considered as possible factors in all aortic dissections.
Human Methamphetamine-Related Fatalities in Taiwan During 1991–1996
Authors: Shaw K-P
Published: August 2015

Methamphetamine (MAP) is currently considered to be the major illicit drug in Taiwan, and MAP constitutes the majority of illicit drugs seized by the judicial institutes. Thus, MAP has raised public attention. The purpose of this retrospective study is to observe the trends of MAP-related fatalities in Taiwan with respect to the manners of death so as to determine the epidemiological implications of MAP. Two hundred and forty-four MAP-related fatalities out of a total of 3958 forensic fatalities were collected by the Forensic Medicine Center (Taiwan) during the period of 1991 to 1996. The annual percentages of MAP-related fatalities compared to the total autopsy cases during 1991 through 1996 were 3.4, 10.3, 12.1, 4.2, 4.0 and 5.6%, showing that the number of MAP-related fatalities increased from 1991 to 1993, declined during 1994 and 1995, and rose again in 1996. The mean age of the MAP-related fatalities during this period was 30.7 years and occurred predominantly in males (73%). The manner of deaths included natural, accidental, suicidal, homicidal and uncertain causes of deaths, represented, respectively, by 31 (13%), 143 (59%), 28 (11%), 34 (14%) and 8 (3%) cases. As a consequence of the endemic problem and public hazard created by illicit drug abuse in Taiwan, stronger anti-drug programs and curbs to illicit-drug addiction were required urgently from the government and from the public. The findings of this study represent the results of utilization of an anti-drug program in Taiwan (Support by NSC 85-2331-B-016-092).
Mechanisms of Aortic Injury in Fatalities Occurring in Motor Vehicle Collisions
Authors: Shkrum MJ , McClafferty KJ , Green RN , Nowak ES , Young JG
Published: August 2015

Case reviews based on autopsy studies have shown that motor vehicle collisions cause between 50 and 90% of traumatic aortic ruptures. Very few studies have analyzed the nature and severity of the collision forces associated with this injury. Our passenger car study (1984–1991) examined 36 collisions in which 39 fatally injured victims sustained aortic trauma. In this injury group, a disproportionate number of heavy truck and roadside fixed-object impacts occurred. Vehicle crash forces were generally severe and were either perpendicular or oblique to the vehicle surface. Intrusion into the occupant compartment was a significant factor in most of these fatal injuries. Occupant contact with vehicle interior surfaces was identified in most cases, and occupant restraints were often ineffective, especially in side collisions. The more elderly victims were seen in the least severe collisions.

The most frequent site of aortic rupture was at the isthmus. A majority of victims had rib/sternal fractures indicating significant chest compression. Of the various traumatic aortic injury mechanisms proposed in motor vehicle impacts, the favored theories in the literature combine features of rapid deceleration and chest compression. This study supports that predominant impression, concluding that rapid chest deceleration/compression induces torsional and shearing forces that result in transverse laceration and rupture of the aorta, most commonly in the inherently vulnerable isthmus region.
A Visual Method of Determining the Sex of Skeletal Remains Using the Distal Humerus
Authors: Rogers TL
Published: August 2015

This study introduces a new method of determining sex based on four morphological features of the posterior, distal humerus. The technique was developed on a 20th century anatomy series, the University of Toronto Grant Skeletal Collection, and was tested on 35 known individuals from the University of New Mexico Documented Collection and 93 individuals from the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection. Four statistically significant characteristics relating to the carrying angle of the arm are identified (p < 0.05). Together, they are capable of determining sex with 92% accuracy.
Midline Facial Tissue Thicknesses of Subadults from a Longitudinal Radiographic Study
Authors: Garlie TN , Saunders SR
Published: August 2015

Fourteen midline facial tissue measurements were taken from 615 tracings of lateral radiographs of subadults aged 8 to 20 years. The data were collected to examine two questions: First, are there differences in facial soft tissue measurements between female and male subadults? Second, do facial tissue thicknesses change as children grow? Results indicate that males exhibit greater tissue thickness measurements than females but only significantly so after age 14. Results further indicate a trend of increased facial tissue thickness as individuals grow; however, correlations are weak and suggest that other unknown factors are involved. Data presented here can be of practical application for facial reproduction in forensic cases.
The Analysis of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride by Thermal Desorption Ion Mobility Spectrometry and SIMPLISMA
Authors: Reese ES , Harrington P de B
Published: August 2015

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has been successfully developed to yield an advanced portable instrument. Such instruments may detect trace quantities of regulated substances at the crime scene. The atmospheric ion chemistry that occurs within the instrument may hinder the determination of analytes in realworld samples. The use of temperature programming adds an extra dimension to the data that improves the selectivity of the IMS data when chemometric processing is applied. The SIMPLISMA (SIMPLe-to-use-Interactive Self-Modeling Mixture Analysis) method is demonstrated for modeling variances in IMS data that are introduced from the temperature program. Methamphetamine hydrochloride IMS peaks are obscured by chemical interferences that arise from cigarette smoke residue. Cigarette smoke residue is pervasive at crime scenes. The ability of SIMPLISMA to resolve the analyte peaks that correspond to methamphetamine hydrochloride from interfering cigarette smoke has been demonstrated. A reduced mobility of 1.62 cm2V−1s−1 was observed for a methamphetamine hydrochloride monomer. With the IMS drift tube at room temperature, a second peak was observed at 1.24 cm2V−1s−1, which is consistent with a dimer ion. This peak has not been previously reported.
Lewis (FUT3) Genotypes in Two Different Chinese Populations
Authors: Liu Y-H , Koda Y , Soejima M , Pang H , Wang B , Kimura H
Published: August 2015

The allelic frequencies of the α(1,3/4)fucosyltransferase gene (FUT3) in two different Chinese populations (138 individuals in Shenyang and 154 in Guangzhou) were investigated using PCR-RFLP and nucleotide sequencing methods. The common alleles in the Oriental population, Le (wild type allele), le59,508 (with the mutations at nucleotide (nt) 59T → G and nt 508G → A) and le59,1067 (with the mutations at nt 59T → G and nt 1067T → A) were encountered, and also the rare alleles, le1067 (with the mutation at nt 1067T → A) and Le59 (with the mutation at 59T → G), were observed in these Chinese populations. In addition, the common allele in Caucasians, le202,314 (with the mutations at nt 202T → C and nt 314C → T), was found in the Oriental population for the first time. The allelic frequencies of the Le, Le59, le59,508, le59,1067, le202,314, and , and le1067, were 0.750, 0.011, 0.145, 0.054, 0.036, and 0.004 in the Shenyang population and 0.675, 0.026, 0.14, 0.123, 0.026, and 0.010 in the Guangzhou population, respectively. The presence of the alleles containing either the 59 mutation (Le59) or the 1067 mutation (le1067) suggested that the allele le59,1067 may have originated by recombination between them.
Analysis and Interpretation of Short Tandem Repeat Microvariants and Three-Banded Allele Patterns Using Multiple Allele Detection Systems
Authors: Crouse CA , Rogers S , Amiott E , Gibson S , Masibay A
Published: August 2015

The Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office (PBSO) Crime Laboratory and the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS) have validated and implemented analysis of short tandem repeat (STR) sequences on casework using silver staining kit and SYBR® Green I detection systems and are presently validating fluorescently tagged STR alleles using the Hitachi FMBIO 100 instrument. Concurrently, the Broward County Sheriff's Office (BSO) Crime Laboratory is validating the ABI Prism310 Genetic Analyzer capillary electrophoresis STR detection system (ABI CE310) from Perkin Elmer Applied BioSystems. During the course of analyzing over 10,000 individuals for the STR loci CSF1PO, TPOX and THO1(CTT) using silver staining for allele detection, 42 samples demonstrated alleles that were “off ladder,” contained three-banded patterns at a single locus, or exhibited an apparent THO1 “9.3,10” allele pattern. PBSO, ADFS and BSO Crime Laboratories have collaborated on the verification of the allele patterns observed in these 42 samples using the following allele detection systems: (1) manual silver staining, (2) SYBR® Green I staining, and/or (3) fluorescently tagged amplified products separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or capillary electrophoresis followed by laser detection. Regardless of the CTT allele detection system utilized, concordant results were obtained for 41 of the 42 samples. The only exception was a sample in which a wide band within the THO1 locus was identified as a THO1 “9.3, 10” genotype by silver staining kit and SYBR® Green I staining but was verified to be a THO1 “9.3” homozygote by all other allele detection systems. Manual allele detection could readily identify microvariants, as a visual assessment of stained gels clearly shows that alleles do not migrate coincident with well-characterized allele size standards. As would be predicted, however, the manual detection systems did not provide adequate resolution to approximate the basepair size for off-ladder variants. All fluorescent software program systems were consistent in designating alleles “not in range” or “off ladder,” thereby indicating true microvariants. All single-locus three-banded patterns were detected using all of the STR multiplex systems. In addition, individual locus-specific primers verified multiplexed amplified products were specific for the locus in question.
DNA-PCR Analysis of Bloodstains Sampled by the Polyvinyl-Alcohol Method
Authors: Schyma C , Huckenbeck W , Bonte W
Published: August 2015

Among the usual techniques of sampling gunshot residues (GSR), the polyvinyl-alcohol method (PVAL) includes the advantage of embedding all particles, foreign bodies and stains on the surface of the shooter's hand in exact and reproducible topographic localization. The aim of the present study on ten persons killed by firearms was to check the possibility of DNA-PCR typing of blood traces embedded in the PVAL gloves in a second step following GSR analysis. The results of these examinations verify that the PVAL technique does not include factors that inhibit successful PCR typing. Thus the PVAL method can be recommended as a combination technique to secure and preserve inorganic and biological traces at the same time.
Blood Grouping of Mixed Bloodstains Using Immunocytochemical Methods
Authors: Bunai Y , Nakamura I , Nagai A , Yamada S , Watanabe Y , Takayama T , Ohya I
Published: August 2015

Immunocytochemical methods to determine the ABO blood group of each blood of mixed bloodstains have been developed. Mixed bloodstains were made on surgical blades and a cedar board. The blades were dipped into blood and then dipped into blood of a different group at intervals of 30, 20, 15, 10 and 5 s. Two drops of blood were dropped on a cedar board and then two drops of blood of a different group were dropped there at the same intervals. The bloodstains were dried for a week. The blood samples were removed from the blades or the cedar board and processed according with a routine histological method. Three serial thin sections were obtained. After deparaffinization, the sections were treated in papain solution for 2 h at 36°C, to unmask antigenic sites on red cell membranes. The labeled streptavidin-biotin (LSAB) and peroxidase-anti-peroxidase (PAP) methods were used to detect A and B antigens, and an indirect immunocytochemical method for H antigen. These immunocytochemical methods showed specific immunologic reactions and allowed determination of the blood group of each blood of mixed bloodstains. Further, these methods indicated a possibility to determine who was stabbed first, in cases where two or more victims were stabbed with a single knife.
Problems in Mass-Disaster Dental Identification: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Brannon RB , Kessler HP
Published: August 2015

A wide variety of problems may prevent or hinder a dental-identification (ID) team in its efforts to identify mass casualties. Since these problems have been infrequently reported in a comprehensive manner, the authors identified and summarized these problems to increase the awareness of dental-ID team members and to prepare them for future mass-disaster missions. The authors analyzed 50 mass disasters—ten in which the authors as members of military dental ID teams played a major role and 40 from the literature—and summarized problems that they confronted.
LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8 and GC Allele and Genotype Frequencies in the Northwest Italian Population
Authors: Gino S , Robino C , Torre C , Iorio M , Peruccio D
Published: August 2015

Allele and genotype frequencies for five PCR-based DNA markers (LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8 and GC) were determined in 100 unrelated individuals from Piedmont (Northwest Italy). All five loci met Hardy-Weinberg expectations in the sampled population. The combined PD and CE were, respectively, 0.995 and 0.697. Frequencies obtained were compared with other previously published data on Caucasian populations with no significant differences. The genetic data from this study, in addition to those already collected by other groups, contribute to the expansion of the Italian DNA database suitable for forensic casework and paternity testing.
Deoxyribonuclease I Phenotyping from Saliva Stains
Authors: Iida R , Sawazaki K , Yasuda T , Tsubota E , Aoyama M , Matsuki T , Kishi K
Published: August 2015

Good typing results were obtained using a newly developed method for extraction and purification of deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) from saliva stains. Previously, DNase I phenotyping from saliva stains has been unsuccessful because of low enzyme activity and heavy contamination. Salivary DNase I was extracted from stains using phosphate buffer containing Nonidet P-40. Extracts were purified using Phenyl Sepharose CL-4B gel. Electrophoresis was performed, and DNase I was successfully phenotyped. All of the DNase I phenotypes, which were obtained from saliva stains using this new method, were identical to the phenotypes determined from urine samples. Moreover, DNase I was correctly phenotyped from saliva stains that had been stored for over three months at room temperature or at 37°C. These results suggest that DNase I polymorphisms provide valuable information for forensic characterization of saliva stains.
Modified Sheet Printing Method (MSPM) for the Detection of Lead in Determination of Shooting Distance
Authors: Ståhling S
Published: August 2015

In this study the sheet printing method (SPM) for determination of shooting distance has been modified. Instead of cellulose hydrate foil, a plastic-based photographic paper was used as a substrate for transfer of metallic gunshot elements from cloth. The modified sheet printing method (MSPM) has been successfully tested in more than 100 shooting experiments. This technique saves time and has several additional advantages in comparison with the SPM method.
Use of an Alternate Light Source for Tattoo Recognition in the Extended Postmortem Interval
Authors: Bennett JL , Rockhold LA
Published: August 2015

With increasing frequency the art of tattooing is permeating Western culture. In the United States, this rise in popularity has been accompanied by the adoption of more personalized and intricate designs; hence tattoos are becoming increasingly useful as tools for personal identification in medicolegal settings. Although pathological examinations indicate tattoos become more distinct given removal, or slippage, of the epidermal layer and/or following saturation with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, information on the degenerative change of tattoos during the postmortem interval has not been presented. This technical note provides an assessment of tattoo enhancement methods and presents a new method to enable better recognition of tattoos during the postmortem interval. Our results indicate certain tattoos remain visible and identifiable given extensive soft tissue decomposition. The use of an alternative light source proved most useful in illuminating tattoo inks throughout decomposition.
A Method for Mathematically Documenting Bitemarks
Authors: McGivney J , Barsley R
Published: August 2015

A method for describing and documenting bitemarks is presented in which the patterned injury from each arch is broken down into its constituent marks. The centroid of each mark is determined and used as a point to define the mark. Lines are used to connect each point around the arch. The length of each line is recorded and the angle formed between each pair of adjacent lines is also recorded. The ordered set of line lengths and angles is used to describe the bitemark. This format lends itself to computer storage, manipulation, and comparison.
Electronic Typewriter Grids
Authors: Hicks AF
Published: August 2015

In order to determine if misalignments of typewritten characters or entire typewritten passages are present, forensic document examiners have long made use of glass and acetate grids. These grids come with varying spaces between their lines and are physically placed on top of the typewritten document to check the alignment characteristics of the typewriting. Computer technology allows for these grids to be created in any spacing desired and overlaid on an image that has been imported into the computer. The two primary advantages of this are the ability to create a grid with any line spacing that might be necessary and the relative ease with which the results can be displayed for others.
DNA Typing as a Strategy for Resolving Issues Relevant to Forensic Toxicology
Authors: Chaturvedi AK , Vu NT , Ritter RM , Canfield DV
Published: August 2015

To investigate aircraft accidents, multiple postmortem biological samples of victims are submitted to the Civil Aeromedical Institute for toxicological evaluation. However, depending upon the nature of a particular accident, their body components are often scattered, disintegrated, commingled, contaminated, and/or putrefied. These factors impose difficulties with victim identification, tissue matching, and consequently authentic sample analysis and result interpretation. Nevertheless, these limitations can be overpowered by DNA typing. In this regard, three situations are hereby exemplified where DNA analysis was instrumental in resolving a tissue mismatching/commingling issue, pinpointing an accessioning/analytical error, and interpreting an unusual analytical result. Biological samples from these cases were examined for six independently inherited genetic loci using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) suitable for analyzing degraded DNA generally encountered in putrefied/contaminated samples. In the first situation, three of five specimen bags from one accident were labeled with two different names. DNA analysis revealed that one of these bags actually had commingled specimens, originating from two different individuals. Therefore, the sample was excluded from the final toxicological evaluation. In the second situation, an unacceptable blind control result was reported in a cyanide batch analysis. By comparing DNA profiles of the batch samples with those of the known positive and negative blind controls, it was concluded that the error had occurred during the analysis instead of accessioning. Accordingly, preventive measures were taken at the analytical level. The third situation was related to the presence of atropine at toxic concentrations in the blood (318 ng/mL) and lung (727 ng/g) with its absence in the liver, spleen, and brain. DNA analysis of the blood and liver samples exhibited their common identity, ensuring that the submitted samples had indeed originated from one individual. The selective presence of atropine was attributed to its possible administration into the thoracic cavity by the emergency medical personnel at the accident site for resuscitation, but circulatory failure prevented its further distribution. These examples clearly demonstrate the applicability of the PCR-based DNA typing to enhance the effectiveness of forensic toxicology operation.
A Study Involving Venlafaxine Overdoses: Comparison of Fatal and Therapeutic Concentrations in Postmortem Specimens
Authors: Jaffe PD , Batziris HP , Hoeven P van der , DeSilva D , McIntyre IM
Published: August 2015

The distribution and redistribution of venlafaxine were investigated in two overdoses and several cases involving the therapeutic use of venlafaxine. Blood, liver, bile vitreous humor, urine and gastric contents were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Blood concentrations of venlafaxine in the two overdose cases were 53 mg/L and 78 mg/L. Comparison of venlafaxine concentrations in blood samples taken at different times after death revealed increases in concentrations over time, suggesting the possible postmortem redistribution of venlafaxine.
Cyclohexyl Nitrite Encounter
Authors: Dearmore IK
Published: August 2015

A brown glass bottle containing yellow liquid was submitted for examination for the presence of common controlled substances. While no controlled substances were detected, the liquid was identified as impure cyclohexyl nitrite, a compound of the same chemical class as amyl and butyl nitrite, which are known for their abuse potential. A bottle labeled cyclohexyl nitrite, but not confirmed by analysis, is the only known previous case submitted to this lab. The case history, examination, and analytical results are presented.
Comparing the Alleged Weapon with Damage to Clothing—The Value of Multiple Layers and Fabrics
Authors: Taupin JM
Published: August 2015

The examination of damage to multiple layers of clothing of an attempted murder victim is described. The large number of cuts to the garments, the multiple layers and the varying types of fabric composing these garments gave valuable information as to the possible implement causing the damage. The results also show that some types of material may better reflect the geometry of the suspect weapon than others.
A Novel Application of Time Since the Latest Discharge of a Shotgun in a Suspect Murder
Authors: Andersson C , Andrasko J
Published: August 2015

The recently developed method for the determination of time since the latest discharge of a shotgun was applied to an unusual murder case. A man was killed by two shots from a shotgun, but the suspect maintained that he killed the man unintentionally and in self-defense, by shooting one shot from each of the barrels of a double-barreled shotgun at the same time. The laboratory investigation revealed that only one of the barrels was fired the last time the gun had been used. As the victim was hit by two shots, the conclusion was that both shots were fired from the same barrel, which means that the suspect had to reload his weapon between firings. The suspect was consequently charged with murder.
Determination of the Size of a Foreign Body in the Eye Using Image Analysis of Its Roentgenogram
Authors: Pilin A , Pudil F , Hořejš J , Braný J
Published: August 2015

The case of a computer-enhanced image analysis of X-ray pictures of a pellet in the orbit of a man who sustained a shotgun injury to his right eyeball is presented. The man was shot accidentally during a pheasant hunt. Two hunters were shooting simultaneously but they were using three different sizes of pellet—3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 mm. One of the pellets hit a third man in the eye. He sustained serious injury with a resultant loss of sight in this eye despite immediate medical treatment. Unfortunately the pellet could not be removed from the orbit, but it was necessary to establish who was responsible for the injury. The problem lay in determining the specification and size of the pellet at that moment. The problem was solved using computer-enhanced video image analysis of the X-ray pictures of the pellets. The image processor LUCIA G (http://www.lim.cz) was used.
A Fatality Due to the Intranasal Abuse of Methylphenidate (Ritalin®)
Authors: Massello W , Carpenter DA
Published: August 2015

A fatality in a teenager from the recreational intranasal abuse of methylphenidate (Ritalin®) is reported. The prescribed use of methylphenidate (Ritalin®) in the treatment of attention deficit and/or hyperactivity disorder is widespread. The intranasal abuse of methylphenidate (Ritalin®) among teenagers is becoming increasingly more recognized. Previous deaths from the parenteral abuse of methylphenidate (Ritalin®) have been reported. This fatality is the first reported from its intranasal abuse.
Stereochemical Determination of Selegiline Metabolites in Postmortem Biological Specimens
Authors: Kupiec TC , Chaturvedi AK
Published: August 2015

In this study, findings related to an aircraft accident are reported. Biological specimens collected at autopsy from the pilot of the fatal accident and two types of tablets found at the accident scene were submitted for toxicological evaluation. It was determined that the pilot was dead at the crash site and the cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries. The tablets were identified as selegiline and levodopa, commonly prescribed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Selegiline, a stereospecific compound, is biotransformed into (−)-N-desmethylselegiline, (−)-methamphetamine, and (−)-amphetamine. The latter two levorotatory metabolites cannot be easily distinguished by routine analysis from their dextrorotatory isomers, which are controlled substances. It was, therefore, prudent to differentiate these isomers to determine if they resulted from the ingestion of a controlled substance, (+)-methamphetamine. Initial immunoassay drug screenings revealed the presence of amphetamine class drugs (867 ng/mL) in urine, amphetamine/methamphetamine (261 ng/mL) in urine, and methamphetamine (46 ng/mL) in blood. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) results revealed the presence of methamphetamine in the concentrations of 76 ng/mL of blood and 685 ng/mL of urine. The concentration of amphetamine was 52 ng/mL in blood and 320 ng/mL in urine. To determine the stereospecificity of these amines, the isolated amines from the biosamples were derivatized by a stereospecific agent, (S)-(−)-N-(trifluoroacetyl)-prolyl chloride, and characterized by a GC/MS method to be levorotatory. The 2.14 ratio of (−)-methamphetamine to (−)-amphetamine concentrations in the urine was consistent with a selegiline study in the recent literature. The stereospecific analysis, in conjunction with the history of the pilot being on Parkinson's medications, suggests that the source of these amines was selegiline. This conclusion substantiates the importance of the identification of enantiomers in evaluating and interpreting related analytical results for accident investigations.
Recommendations for Toxicological Investigations of Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assaults
Authors: LeBeau M , Andollo W , Hearn WL , Baselt R , Cone E , Finkle B , Fraser D , Jenkins A , Mayer J , Negrusz A , Poklis A , Walls HC , Raymon L , Robertson M , Saady J
Published: August 2015

The recent increase in reports of drug-facilitated sexual assaults has caused alarm in the general public and prompted forensic toxicologists from across North America to address the toxicological issues surrounding this matter. The authors have developed recommendations and guidelines to inform law enforcement, medical, and scientific personnel of the requirements for performing successful toxicological examinations in cases of drug-facilitated rape.
In vitro Stability of Endogenous Gamma-hydroxybutyrate in Postmoretem Blood
Authors: Stephens BG , Coleman DE , Baselt RC
Published: August 2015

In vitro Stability of Endogenous Gamma-hydroxybutyrate in Postmoretem Blood
Commentary on McIntyre IM, King CV, Staikos V, Gall J, Drummer OH. A Fatality Involving Moclobemide, Sertraline and Pimozide. J Forensic Sci 1997;42:951–53
Authors: Desta Z , Flockhart DA
Published: August 2015

Commentary on McIntyre IM, King CV, Staikos V, Gall J, Drummer OH. A fatality involving moclobemide, sertraline and pimozide. J Forensic Sci 1997;42:951–53
Review of GC-MS Guide to Ignitable Liquids
Authors: Fultz ML
Published: August 2015

It is rare to find a book published for forensic examiners who perfoim fire debris analysis. This book addresses two issues for those involved in the identification of ignitable liquids recovered from fire debris; first, the increased availability of “speciality solvents” which do not fall into the five main categories of more familiar and easily recognizable ignitable liquids and, second, the increased use of mass spectrometry for the identification of ignitable liquids.
Review of “Bombs and Bombings”
Authors: Byall EB
Published: August 2015

Tom Brodie, formerly with the Metro Data Police Department in Miami, Florida, is widely recognized as one of the foremost bomb technicians in the United States. He has investigated hundreds of bombing incidents and rendered safe many improvised explosive devices. Since its formation in the early 1970s, Mr. Brodie has steadfastly supported the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, the primary organization for law enforcement officers dedicated to this type of work, and has attempted to pass on his considerable knowledge to others in the field. This book is a continuation of that effort.
Bruce L. Danto, M.D.: A Street Smart Forensic Psychiatrist
Authors: Taff ML , Boglioli LR
Published: August 2015

Bruce L. Danto, M.D.: A Street Smart Forensic Psychiatrist
Iliac Cancellous Bone in Drug Addicts: A Histomorphometric Study
Authors: Schiwy-Bochat K-H , Lemke R
Published: August 2015

Histomorphometry was used to determine structural bone changes in drug addicts. Iliac crest bone biopsies were obtained at autopsy from 28 subjects (21 male, 7 female, aged 18 to 45 years) who had a history of drug abuse and had died due to overdose of illicit drugs. For histomorphometry, undecalcified sections were investigated using the Merz grid. The following histomorphometric indices were measured and calculated: BV/TV, BS/BV, Tb.Th, Tb.N, Tb.Sp, OV/TV, OS/BS, Ob.S/BS, O.Th, ES/BS, Oc.S/BS, and N.Oc/T.A. In 28 controls (24 male, 4 female, aged 17 to 47 years) trabecular bone specimens were investigated in the same way. The parameters in drug addicts did not show any correlation to age, body weight, height or sex differences. Trabecular bone volume and trabecular thickness were slightly but not significantly increased (BV/TV: 23.37 ± 5.77% (mean, SD), controls 22.23 ± 5.08%, p = 0.434; Tb.Th: 172.67 ± 36.83 mcm, controls 169.73 ± 36.13 mcm, p = 0.764). Only the eroded surface was significantly different to the controls (ES/BS: 8.16 ± 2.04%, controls 6.96 ± 2.17%, p = 0.038). We conclude that the incidence of metabolic bone disease in drug addicts is low.
Analysis of Blunt Trauma Injuries: Vertical Deceleration Versus Horizontal Deceleration Injuries
Authors: Tomczak PD , Buikstra JE
Published: August 2015

There are several similarities found in blunt trauma injuries to humans sustained as a result of vertical deceleration (falling) and those sustained as a result of deceleration in a horizontal plane (automobile accidents). However, examination of the patterns of traumatic skeletal injuries can distinguish those injuries associated with falling from heights from those associated with automobile accidents. While there is considerable variation within each type of blunt trauma injury dependent on the angle at which one falls or is struck, there are several characteristic skeletal features associated which each type of trauma. In this study we review both the current literature and human skeletal remains from the University of New Mexico's Documented Collection known to have been subjected to blunt trauma. This collection is used to characterize and differentiate the pattern of skeletal injuries to various parts of the body for each type of trauma. These assessments are applied to investigate the traumatic skeletal lesions observed in a forensic case where the manner of death is unknown. Analyses suggest two possible scenarios that would explain the death of the individual investigated, with death most likely related to a vehicular-pedestrian accident.
The Evidential Value of Paint. Part II: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: McDermott SD , Willis SM , McCullough JP
Published: August 2015

Over 1000 vehicles were examined and the make, color and year recorded. In addition, the presence of foreign paint was noted and whether or not there was damage to the vehicle's paintwork that may have given rise to paint being transferred.

Using Bayes' theorem the likelihood ratios for various paint transfer scenarios are calculated. These ratios are then converted to an appropriate verbal equivalent and compared to conclusions used by forensic paint examiners for similar scenarios.
A Study of Illicit Cocaine Seizure Classification by Pattern Recognition Techniques Applied to Metal Data
Authors: Bermejo-Barrera P , Moreda-Piñeiro A , Moreda-Piñeiro J , Bermejo-Barrera A , Bermejo-Barrera AM
Published: August 2015

Fifteen metallic species, silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr) and zinc (Zn), were determined in 46 cocaine samples confiscated by the Spanish police in Galicia (northwest Spain). Classification of these cocaine samples according to their geographic origin (Colombia and Venezuela) was achieved by the application of pattern recognition techniques to the metallic content data. Cocaine samples, around 0.5 g, were directly dissolved in 2 mL of 35.0%(v/v) HNO3, diluted to 10 mL with ultrapure water. The metals were quantified by means of electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (Ag, Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Sr), flame atomic absorption spectrometry (Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn), and flame atomic emission spectrometry (K and Na). Results show that two geographic origins can be established through the presence of trace and major elements.
A New Method for Fiber Comparison Using Polarized Infrared Microspectroscopy*
Authors: Cho L , Reffner JA , Gatewood BM , Wetzel DL
Published: August 2015

Polarized infrared (IR) microspectrometry was used to measure the changes in infrared absorption resulting from the molecular orientation of single textile fibers. Dichroic ratios were determined from single experimental fibers subjected to incremental elongation from an unstretched to a stretched condition. Similar measurements were made on commercial fibers of the same polymer with known draw ratios. These infrared spectroscopic measurements provided a direct means for comparing fibers drawn under production conditions with single fibers stretched in controlled experiments. The dichroic ratio data are indicative of the molecular orientation that occurs when fibers are drawn in the manufacturing process. Dichroic ratio data of commercial fibers can be used to monitor textile fiber quality and to compare fiber evidence in forensic investigations.
Forensic Classification of Polyester Fibers by Infrared Dichroic Ratio Pattern Recognition
Authors: Cho L , Reffner JA , Wetzel DL
Published: August 2015

Using a statistical analysis of infrared dichroic ratio data and fiber morphology, 32 polyester fiber samples were classified into 22 unique individual fiber groups and five paired fiber groups. This classification was based on discriminant analysis of infrared dichroic spectra, differences in fiber diameters, and variations in cross-sectional shapes. Using only the infrared dichroic data, the fibers were sorted systematically into 13 infrared groups. A model for discriminant analysis was derived and tested using 2640 infrared dichroic ratios calculated from 5280 quantitative absorbance measurements from single fiber spectra. A tentative protocol is recommended for fiber sorting. The 32 different polyester fibers that were analyzed represented five U.S. manufacturers. Because polyester fibers are the most common synthetic fibers, differentiating single fibers is important in comparisons of forensic trace evidence.