bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing for GHB in Hair by GC/MS/MS after a Single Exposure. Application to Document Sexual Assault
Authors: Kintz P , Cirimele V , Jamey C , Ludes B
Published: August 2015

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, or GHB, is a substance naturally present within mammal species. Properties of neurotransmitter or neuromodulator are generally given to this substance. GHB is therapeutically used as an anesthetic, but can be used for criminal offenses (date-rape drug).

It appears that the window of detection of GHB is very short in both blood and urine, and therefore its presence is very difficult to prove after a rape case.

In order to document single exposure, we investigated the use of hair.

Hair was collected one month after the allegated event in order to sample the corresponding period after regular growing.

After rapid (2 min) decontamination with dichloromethane, the hair shaft was cut into 3-mm segments. They were overnight incubated in 0.01 N NaOH in the presence of GHB-d6, followed by neutralization and extraction in ethyl acetate under acidic conditions. GHB (precursor ion m/z 233, product ions m/z 147 and 148) was tested by GC/MS/MS (Finnigan TSQ 700) after derivatization with BSTFA + 1% TMCS.

Physiological concentrations (n = 24) were in the range 0.5 to 12.0 ng/mg, with no influence due to hair color. No variation of concentrations was observed along the hair shaft in controlled subjects, except for the proximal segment, due to an incorporation through sweat. This demonstrates that endogenous levels for each single subject are constant during hair growth.

A controlled human administration of 25 mg/kg to a volunteer demonstrated that a single exposure to GHB is detectable in hair after segmentation.

In a case of rape under influence, a clear increase of the corresponding segment (about 2.4 ng/mg) in time was observed, in comparison with the other segments (0.6 to 0.8 ng/mg).

This study demonstrates that a single exposure to GHB in a case of sexual assault can be documented by hair analysis when collected about one month after the crime.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Schierenbeck KA
Published: August 2015

I do not normally work in the field of forensic biology but I recently was involved in a case that I believe may be of interest. It is my hope that the information reported here may contribute to the resolution of other cases based on botanical evidence.
A Potential Metallographic Technique for the Investigation of Pipe Bombings
Authors: Walsh GA , Inal OT , Romero VD
Published: August 2015

This study was conducted in an attempt to develop a metallographic method for the investigation of pipe bombings. Three common pipe materials, ASTM A53 steel, AISI 304L stainless steel, and 6061-T6 aluminum, were shock-loaded using five high explosives and three propellants. The explosives used were ANFO, Composition C4, C6 detasheet, nitroglycerine-based dynamite, and flake TNT. The propellants used were FFFFg black powder, Red Dot smokeless powder, and Turbo Fuel A.

The post-blast microstructure, hardness, and, in the case of 304L, transformed martensite content were examined for each test. The damage done to the microstructure was found to increase with increasing detonation velocity of the explosives and increase in pressure generated by the shockmetal interaction. Material hardness and, in the case of 304L, martensite content showed a sharp increase followed by a plateau as the shock pressure and detonation velocity increased.
Postmortem Findings in 22 Victims Due to Two Grain Silo Explosions in France
Authors: Botti K , Grosleron-Gros N , Khaldi N , Oliviera A , Gromb S , Gromb S
Published: August 2015

In 1982 and 1997 there were explosions of barley-containing silos in France, one in Metz (1982) and the other in Blaye (1997). There were a total of 25 victims, including 23 fatalities (12 in Metz and 11 in Blaye). In each case there was one survivor. This report is a retrospective study of 22 victims (11 at each site); all of them had multiple lesions due to the explosion and the immediate aftermath. The lesions demonstrated direct involvement of the blast effect associated with silo destruction, the heat from the explosion, the effects of toxic gases and asphyxia. The forensic pathologist is an important member of the emergency response team. This team has the responsibility for initially assessing the damage and for identifying the victims. The role of the forensic pathologist is therefore essential and they should be included in emergency planning to facilitate the initial assessment, shorten the time taken to identify the victims and improve safety procedures. Although dust explosions in agro-business plants are occurring more frequently, postmortem data are rare.
Gene Frequencies for Three Hypervariable DNA Loci in a Chilean Population of Mixed Ancestry
Authors: Carriquiry F , Bacallao K , Acuna M , Cifuentes L
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were collected in tubes containing ACD from 121 unrelated individuals who asked paternity analysis in The Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile during the years 2000 and 2001. The method presented by Comey (1) was used to remove DNA from the samples. The three STR were amplified using 1 ng of DNA for each PCR reaction, and the fragments electrophoresed through 6% acrylamide gels and silver stained, according to the manufacturer's recommendations (2).
Population Genetics of 12 STR Loci in a Sample of Mestizos from Ecuador (South America)
Authors: Sánchez DQ , Gonzalez-Andrade F , Martinez-Jarreta B
Published: August 2015

Ecuador is a small South American country with almost 12 million inhabitants comprised of three main ethnic groups: (a) Urban populations, usually dihybrid Mestizos- or trihybrid and (b) Amerindian natives, more than 100 multiethnic and pluricultural groups, and (c) African-derived populations in fairly isolated communities and descendants of slaves (1,2). Mestizos are the most representative and largest group in our country. They are descendants of Spanish (Caucasian) and Amerindian people. This is a new hybrid group, like the Mulatos who arose from Caucasians and Blacks or Zambos, a mixture of Amerindians and Blacks. We think that different degrees of genetic admixture exist, mainly with Amerindians, too. This situation has several variations towards the cities of the Andes and the cities of the Pacific coast.
Allele Frequencies for Two STR Loci D21S1436, D21S2052 in Chinese Population
Authors: Yan J , Hou YP , Wu J , Li YB , Tang JP , Gao YZ , Ying BW
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were collected from unrelated individuals of Chinese Han ethnic group in Chengdu of China. DNA was extracted using Chelex method (1). PCR amplification conditions can be accessed at http://www.legalmed.org/dna/d21s1436.htm. The volume of PCR reaction for each locus was 37.5 µL. The PCR products were analyzed by horizontal non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with discontinuous buffer system and visualized by silver staining (2,3). Data were analyzed using POWERSTATS program (4). The genotype distribution was analyzed for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium according to Hou's method (5) and no deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed.
Mitochondrial DNA Hypervariable Region I and II Sequence Polymorphism in the Dravidian Linguistic Group of India
Authors: Rajkumar R , Kashyap VK
Published: August 2015

Mitochondrial DNA is an important tool for studying maternal lineage that has been widely used in the study of human identification and population structure as well. In this study, HV I and HV II sequence polymorphism is studied in four important populations belonging to the Dravidian linguistic family of Karnataka, India. The information on some polymorphic autosomal STR loci is already available for these populations (1).
Preferential Extraction of Hydrocarbons from Fire Debris Samples by Solid Phase Microextraction
Authors: Lloyd JA , Edmiston PL
Published: August 2015

Headspace analysis by extraction/GC-MS is a common method of detecting volatile hydrocarbon accelerants in fire debris samples. Solid-phase microextraction was tested to determine if there is selective extraction of chemically distinct compounds. It was found that both the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and Carboxen/PDMS solid phase microextraction fibers show preferential extraction of aliphatic or aromatic compounds from the headspace depending on fiber type and temperature. The Carboxen/PDMS fiber type showed particular (although not exclusive) selectivity for extraction of aromatic hydrocarbons. Other experimental considerations of SPME are noted.
Allele Frequencies for D1S80 (pMCT118) Locus in Some East European Populations
Authors: Verbenko DA , Kekeeva TV , Pogoda TV , Khusnutdinova EK , Mikulich AI , Kravchenko SA , Livshits LA , Bebyakova NA , Limborska SA
Published: August 2015

The Byelorussian populations are from three regions of the Republic of Belarus (Grodno, Bobruisk, and Mjadel areas); the Russians are from the Kholmogory town of the Russian Federation (Arkhangelsk district); and the Ukrainian populations are from the Kiev and L'vov areas of Ukraine. The Mordva-Moksha (Staro-Shaiginsk and Romodanovsk areas of Mordva Republic), the Bashkirs (Ilishevsky, Abzelilovsky, Sterlibashevsky, Arkhangelsky, and Beloretsky districts of Bashkir Republic), the Komi-Zyrjan (Sysolsky district of Komi Republic), the Tartar (Almetyevsk town of Tartar Republic), and the Mari (Zvenigovsk area of Mari Republic) populations present distinct ethnic groups of the region between the Volga River and the Ural Mountains in Russia. Eastern Slavonic populations (Russians, Byelorussians, Ukrainians) are Caucasoids; other populations were considered as admixture populations with different levels of a Mongoloid component.
The Diversity of Adult Dental Patterns in the United States and the Implications for Personal Identification
Authors: Adams BJ
Published: August 2015

Few would argue about the individuality of dental radiographs for forensic identification, but when an antemortem/postmortem comparison is based strictly on dental treatment notes and/or charts it becomes less certain. In the past, attempts to validate the high diversity of dental patterns created by combinations of missing, filled, and unrestored teeth have been based on unfounded statistical assumptions. The goal of this research is to present a statistically valid method of assessing dental pattern diversity for the identification of missing individuals. Empirical observation of large reference datasets was found to be the best technique for assessing dental diversity. This technique is nearly identical to the procedure used for mitochondrial DNA casework. For the research presented in this paper, two large datasets were used, one composed of U.S. military personnel and one composed of U.S. civilians. Dental patterns were found to be very diverse on a scale that is comparable to mtDNA. In addition, it was found that the diversity values remain very consistent regardless of the level of detail present in the treatment records. Overall, combinations of missing, filled, and unrestored teeth were found to be very individualistic and an excellent source for forensic identification.
Establishing Personal Identification Based on Specific Patterns of Missing, Filled, and Unrestored Teeth
Authors: Adams BJ
Published: August 2015

The primary goal of this research is to examine the overall utility of nonradiographic dental records for the establishment of individual identifications. It was found that even without radiographic lines of comparison, charts and notes that accurately detail a missing individual's antemortem dental condition can be essential for establishing an identification. Based on an analysis of two large datasets, individual dental patterns were determined to be generally unique, or at least very uncommon. Through this type of empirical comparison, it is possible to establish a strong, quantifiable association with a missing individual. The results of this research indicate that a definitive number of points of concordance do not need to be established in dental identification cases. Each case must be assessed individually. The critical factor is to remove subjective judgment calls from dental comparisons. This research has proposed a new method of empirical comparison that allows forensic odontologists to derive objective frequency information regarding the occurrence of specific dental patterns in the general population. The method is similar to that used for mtDNA casework, and a computer program (OdontoSearch) has been developed to make the technique accessible. It was found that even a small number of common dental characteristics may produce a very rare dental pattern, a point that may be counterintuitive to many forensic odontologists.
The Happy Land Homicides: 87 Deaths Due to Smoke Inhalation
Authors: Gill JR , Goldfeder LB , Stajic M
Published: August 2015

We reviewed all 87 deaths from the Happy Land Social Club fire. All deaths were due to smoke inhalation. The carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) concentrations ranged from 37 to 93% with a mean of 76.5%. The vast majority (97%) of the decedents had a COHb concentration over 50%. Cyanide blood concentrations ranged from 0 to 5.5 mg/L with a mean of 2.2 mg/L. Nine decedents had no cyanide detected, and seven had cyanide concentrations of less than 1 mg/L. Fewer than one third of the decedents had thermal injuries, and most were partial thickness burns involving less than 20% body surface area. Ethanol was detected in 72% of decedents with a range of 0.01 to 0.29 g% and a mean blood concentration of 0.11 g%. Cocaine or cannabinoid use was identified in 9% of the decedents. All decedents were visually identified, and all had soot in the airway extending to the major bronchi. Carboxyhemoglobin concentrations corresponded well with deaths from smoke inhalation. Cyanide concentrations did not correspond with the extent of smoke inhalation, and the role of cyanide in contributing to these deaths is doubtful. Hydrogen chloride inhalation, as evidenced by comparison of the pH of tracheal mucosa to controls, was not a factor.
Autosomal Microsatellite Profile of Three Socially Diverse Ethnic Tamil Populations of India
Authors: Sitalaximi T , Trivedi R , Kashyap VK
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture from random, consenting individuals of the three populations: Kongu Vellala Gounder (56), Irular (54), and Chakkiliyar (49). DNA was isolated using standard phenol/chloroform procedure (1). Fifteen autosomal microsatellite loci were amplified using the PowerPlex® 16 system (Promega Corporation, Madison) according to manufacturer's recommendations (2). The amplified products were separated by denaturing gel electrophoresis using the ABI Prism™ 377 DNA Sequencer (PE Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Alleles were determined by comparison with the allelic ladder included in the kit.
Allele Frequency of Eight Y-Chromosome STR Loci in Oriya Population of India
Authors: Sahoo S , Chainy GBN , Kashyap VK
Published: August 2015

DNA was isolated from blood samples obtained from 150 healthy male individuals by standard phenol/chloroform procedure (3). Custom-made primers were labeled with 5'-FAM and JOE fluorescent dyes. PCR amplification for all the eight Y-STRs namely, DYS19, DYS385, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, and DYS393, was carried out with a 25-ng template DNA in two multiplex reactions, standardized in the laboratory, using primers as described elsewhere (4,5). Amplified PCR products were run on a 5% polyacrylamide gel using a ABI 377 Automated DNA Sequencer. Sizing of the products was done using the ABI 377 Genescan Analysis Software version (3.1).
An Alternative Method to Screen for Pepper Spray Residue
Authors: Gillis TD , Kubic TA , De Forest PR
Published: August 2015

A method was developed to screen for pepper spray residue using instruments and methods other than those techniques commonly employed to analyze chemical residue (i.e., gas chromatography mass spectrometry-GCMS or liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-LCMS). The method employed gas chromatography (GC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) to screen for dried pepper spray stains. Pepper sprays from nine different manufacturers were investigated. Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin were identified and unique IR reflectance spectra are presented. An additional five compounds were presumptively found. Results showed that a particular stain could be characterized as a pepper-based stain.
Distribution of the D17S5 Alleles in South-East Spain (Murcia Region)
Authors: Torío A , Moya-Quiles MR , Luna A , Alvarez-López MR
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were collected in EDTA coated vacutainers from TABLE 1-Distribution of the D17S5 alleles. 206 healthy unrelated individuals from Murcia Region. DNA was extracted using standard procedures (1). Amplification and typing was performed using previously described protocol (2). Data were analyzed by the Promega software, POWERSTATS. Chi-square test was carried out for testing Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium ( p>0.05).
Measures of Aggression and Mood Changes in Male Weightlifters With and Without Androgenic Anabolic Steroid Use
Authors: Perry PJ , Kutscher EC , Lund BC , Yates WR , Holman TL , Demers L
Published: August 2015

Supraphysiologic doses of testosterone are associated with increased aggression that is hypothesized to be a function of testosterone serum concentrations, mood, and personality. The study attempted to characterize this relationship among weightlifters who were users (n = 10) and nonusers (n = 18) of anabolic steroids. Participants were interviewed using the Modified Mania Rating Scale and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression to assess mood, the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) and Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm (PSAP) to assess aggression, and the Personality Disorder Questionnaire (PDQ-R) to assess personality. Blood samples were obtained for the determination of total, free, and weakly bound testosterone. Comparisons of continuous variables between testosterone users and non-users were performed with a parametric (unpaired t-test) or non-parametric (Mann-Whitney) test where appropriate. Correlations with testosterone were examined separately for testosterone users and non-users, using Spearman rank correlation. The subjective (BDHI) and objective (PSAP) assessments of aggression found that supranormal testosterone concentrations were associated with increased aggression. However, the PDQ-R results suggest that this finding was confounded by the personality disorder profile of the steroid users, because steroid users demonstrated Cluster B personality disorder traits for antisocial, borderline, and histrionic personality disorder.
“The Story of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” or “Am I My Brother's Keeper?”
Authors: Oz C , Zamir A , Gafny R , Motro U
Published: August 2015

Presented is a case report of a violent sexual assault where the DNA profile obtained from an item of evidence was compared to a suspect's profile. The profiles did not match, but the sharing of such a large number of alleles raised the suspicion that perhaps the real perpetrator was a blood relative of the suspect. The investigators requested a sample from the suspect's brother, and a match was defined. In an era of technological breakthroughs in the field of forensic DNA analysis, the importance of the scientist's attention to the evidence presented in each case is stressed.
Investigation of Italy's Deadliest Building Collapse: Forensic Aspects of a Mass Disaster
Authors: Campobasso CP , Falamingo R , Vinci F
Published: August 2015

We describe the investigation of the 1999 collapse of an apartment building in Foggia, Italy. Sixty-one victims were recovered in the rubble of the building, and five people were unaccounted for. All the bodies were well preserved except for two who had been burned. The majority of the victims were identified visually or by comparing body features, clothing, or personal effects with information collected from relatives or friends. Positive identifications of the two victims who were burned were obtained by dental comparison and DNA analysis. Approximately half of the victims (51.6%) sustained fatal injuires, while the remainder died from asphyxia. The injuries were characterized using the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and the New Injury Severity Score (NISS) systems. Injury severity associated with the location of victims inside the apartment may provide useful information for those involved in building design and/or search and rescue operations. Engineers determined that the collapse was the result of the use of inappropriate foundation material.
Systematic Study on STR Profiling on Blood and Saliva Traces after Visualization of Fingerprint Marks
Authors: Grubwieser P , Thaler A , Silvano K , Teissl R , Rabl W , Parson W
Published: August 2015

This paper describes a systematic study of the influence of optical, physical, and chemical methods used for fingerprint enhancement on subsequent DNA analysis of biological stains. Latent fingerprints as well as fingerprints in contact with blood and saliva on different surfaces were treated with dactyloscopic methods. As a general finding, subsequent STR profiling of the blood/saliva traces led to good results after all the enhancement methods included in this study. Concerning blood enhancement procedures, the airbrush technique showed deleterious effects on subsequent STR analysis in some cases. We therefore recommend the implementation of the layer technique, as it brings advantages for fingerprint enhancement as well. It could also be shown that, as can be necessary in practical casework, two enhancement methods can be performed on a single stain without having influence on STR profiling. In terms of methodological variety, this paper reflects a comprehensive study performed on STR profiling after fingerprint enhancement methods, including rare methods and variations of techniques, which can be a useful alternative in certain case scenarios.
Identification of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Polypropylene Tape
Authors: Sakayanagi M , Konda Y , Watanabe K , Harigaya Y
Published: August 2015

Identification of colorless, transparent, pressure-sensitive adhesive polypropylene tape (PP tape) was performed using infrared absorption spectrometry (IR) and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) to determine the pressure-sensitive adhesive. Twenty different products of colorless, transparent PP tapes were examined in this study, and the results of analysis of IR spectra and Py-GC/MS were classified into twelve groups. In addition, the tapes were classified into 14 groups on the basis of IR measurement of release agent present in the backside. The results indicate that colorless, transparent PP tapes can be distinguished in terms of manufacturer, thereby demonstrating that this method of identifying colorless, transparent PP tape is effective. Moreover, the method was applied to the analysis of an actual forensic sample.
Development of an Alu-Based, QSY 7-Labeled Primer PCR Method for Quantitation of Human DNA in Forensic Samples
Authors: Nicklas JA , Buel E
Published: August 2015

Determining the amount of human DNA extracted from a crime scene sample is an important step in DNA profiling. The forensic community relies almost entirely upon a technique (slot blot) to quantitate human DNA that is imprecise, time consuming, and labor intensive. This paper describes the development of a new technique based on PCR amplification of a repetitive Alu sequence. Specific primers were used to amplify a 124-bp fragment of Alu sequence; amplification was detected by SYBR Green I staining in a fluorescent plate reader. To reduce background in the plate reader assay, QSY-7 labeled primers were utilized. The assay was tested on animal DNAs, human blood spots, mock crime samples, and degraded DNA in comparison with the slot blot technique. The QSY Alu assay has a dynamic range of 10 ng to 10 pg, and is sensitive, specific, fast, quantitative, and comparable in cost to the slot blot assay.
Allele Frequencies for Two STR Loci D11S1977 and D22S444 in Chinese Population
Authors: Ying BW , Tang JP , Gao YZ , Hou YP , Li YB , Wu JW , Zhang JZ , Yan JY
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were collected from unrelated individuals of Chinese Han ethnic group in Chengdu of China. DNA was extracted using Chelex method (1). Reaction condition of PCR amplification can be accessed at http://www.legalmed.org/ dna/D11S1977.htm. The volume of PCR reaction for each locus was 37.5 µL. The PCR products were analyzed by horizontal non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with discontinuous buffer system, and visualized by silver staining (2,3). Data of population genetics and forensic science were analyzed using POWERSTATS program (4). The genotype distribution was analyzed for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium according to Hou's method (5) and no deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed. The complete data can be accessed at http://www.legalmed.org/dna/D11S1977.htm.
The Human Ear: Its Role in Forensic Practice
Authors: Swift B , Rutty GN
Published: August 2015

The human ear has much to offer investigators in relation to many areas of forensic practice including forensic pathology, anthropology, identification and facial reconstruction and yet its full potential is often overlooked. This review paper explores current knowledge related to the human ear drawing attention to those situations where the ear could play a valuable role in a forensic investigation.
Reliability and Validity of Eight Dental Age Estimation Methods for Adults
Authors: Soomer H , Ranta H , Lincoln MJ , Penttila A , Leibur E
Published: August 2015

This paper evaluates the reliability and validity of eight published dental age estimation methods for adults that may aid in victim identification. Age was calculated on 20 Caucasian teeth of known age according to the methods of Kvaal (for in situ and extracted teeth), Solheim (for in situ and sectioned teeth), Lamendin (for extracted teeth), Johanson (for sectioned teeth) and Bang (for extracted and sectioned teeth) by one independent observer. For each method, mean age error and standard error were assessed as the measures of accuracy and precision. In addition, method simplicity, requirements for tooth preparation and the equipment necessary were assessed and recommendations given for forensic use in various situations. Methods for sectioned teeth gave more reliable results when compared to methods for intact teeth.
Commentary on: Fregean CJ, Vanstone H, Borys S, McLean D, et al. AmpFℓSTR Profile Plus and AmpFfSTR Cofiler analysis of tissues stored in GenoFix, a new tissue preservative solution for mass disaster DNA identification. J Forensic Sci 2001;46(5):1180-90
Authors: Arya S , Agarwal N
Published: August 2015

In a recent issue of the Journal of Forensic Sciences, Fregeau et al. (1) described intriguing data on preservation of DNA from biopsy tissues by addition of GenoFix, a new alcohol-based tissue fixative. GenoFix ensured storage of tissues samples for short term tandem repeat DNA typing analysis even at room temperature for up to one year and seven months, or at —20°C in a freezer for up to 3 1/2 years. Certainly, GenoFix would exert an additive or even synergistic action along with RNA tissue preservatives to guarantee intact nucleic acid sequences in tissues awaiting either criminal investigations or mass disaster identifications. Prospective investigators would better ascertain the alcohol-based GenoFix was compatible with the commercially available aqueous stabilization solutions (RNAlater; Ambion).
Authors' Response
Authors: Fregeau CJ , Fourney RM , Birnboim HC
Published: August 2015

In the Letter to the Editor, Subhash Arya comments on the utility of GenoFix™ for preserving DNA in tissues at room temperature for extended periods of time. Arya further notes that fixatives like GenoFix™ would be of "immense value to surgeons and allied health care personnel in developing countries in preserving numerous surgically excised tissues awaiting different DNA or RNA based molecular investigations even at far-off locations. In such countries, adverse environment seriously affects even the ordinary biochemical or immunological assays."
Variant Alleles on the Penta E Locus in the PowerPlex® 16 Kit
Authors: Mizuno N , Sekiguchi K , Sato H , Kasai K
Published: August 2015

Penta E in the PowerPlex® 16 kit is a pentanucleotide tandem repeat marker located on Chromosome 15, containing an AAAGA repeat motif. Variant alleles (18.4 and 19.4) were found in the Japanese population. A sequence analysis revealed that both the variant alleles had a partial repeat motif of AAAA, resulting in one-base-shorter alleles compared to known alleles. Despite the relatively large amplicon sizes (379 to 474 bp) of Penta E, an accurate allele assignment can be reliably made by capillary electrophoresis. However, alleles differing in size by only one base (e.g., 18.4 and 19) were not separated and appeared as a single broad peak. The Genotyper® software assigned one of the component alleles to this peak. Therefore, such broad peaks require careful interpretation so as to not overlook the other component allele contained by the peak. As an index to recognize a peak containing two alleles, the ratio of peak area to peak height was found to be useful.
Fingerprints as Evidence for a Genetic Profile: Morphological Study on Fingerprints and Analysis of Exogenous and Individual Factors Affecting DNA Typing
Authors: Alessandrini F , Cecati M , Pesaresi M , Turchi C , Carle F , Tagliabracci A
Published: August 2015

Material recovered from 374 fingerprints left by eleven laboratory workers on three different substrates (glass, wood, metal) at a standard pressure time of 30 s, with and without preliminary handwashing, was submitted to morphological, quantitative, and type analysis. Morphological and agarose-gel electrophoresis analysis showed that a non-negligible amount of epidermal corneal cells presented apoptotic alterations. The quantity of DNA recovered from fingerprints ranged between 0.04 to 0.2 ng, and in a significant number of experiments no DNA was detected. Handwashing reduced the amount of DNA recovered from fingerprints. The "shedder status" of the donor was a very important factor, causing inter-individual variations in the amount of DNA left by fingerprints. Spurious alleles from laboratory-based and secondary transfer contamination, stutters, and other artifacts described when analyzing low-copy-number DNA and capable of affecting correct profiles were observed.
DNA Short Tandem Repeat Profiling of Morocco
Authors: Jauffrit A , El Amri H , Airaud F , André M , Herbert O , Landeau-Trottier G , Giraudet S , Richard C , Chaventré A , Moisan J
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were randomly collected on 186 unrelated males coming from all regions of Morocco. DNA was extracted using a Nucleon extraction kit (Amersham Life Science) and was genotyped with the Powerplex 16 kit (Promega) containing markers D3S1358, TH01, D21S11, D18S51, Penta E, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, CSF1PO, Penta D, vWA, D8S1179, TPOX, and FGA. Profiles were analyzed on a ABI 3100 sequencer (Applied Biosystem, Inc).
Y-Chromosomal STR Haplotypes at the Loci DYS19, DYS385, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, and DYS393 in Marmara Region of Turkey
Authors: Hadi Çakir A , Çelebioğlu,1 Ph.D. A
Published: August 2015

Genomic DNA was isolated from either blood samples or hair samples using Chelex extraction procedure (1).

The extracted DNA was quantified according to the quantification procedure (2). Slot-blot hybridization was done using the Quantiblot® Human DNA Quantification Kit (Perkin-Elmer, Foster City, CA).
Malaria Deaths in the United States: Case Report and Review of Deaths, 1979–1998
Authors: Stoppacher R , Adams SP
Published: August 2015

Malaria is the world's most important parasitic disease, accounting for an estimated 300 to 500 million new cases and between 1.5 and 2.7 deaths annually. The majority of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa where malaria is endemic and are the result of infection with Plasmodium falciparum. The number of deaths in the United States due to malaria is comparably much lower and involves so-called “imported” cases in which U.S. travelers acquire the infection upon travel to endemic areas and subsequently return to the United States or in which infected foreign citizens travel to the United States.

There were a total of 118 deaths due to malaria in the United States between 1979 and 1998 with an average of 5.9 deaths per year. Specific epidemiological data provided by the CDC regarding the 40 deaths that occurred between 1992 and 1998 yielded the following results. Deaths occurred in patients ranging from 9 months to 89 years of age (median, 53 years). Thirty-eight (95%) of these were due to P. falciparum and two (5%) due to P. vivax. Anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis was taken in 40% of cases, not taken in 45% of cases, and unknown in 15% of cases. Twenty-four (60%) of the cases involved U.S. travelers to endemic areas, of whom 59% traveled to Africa, 25% to South America, 8% to India, 4% to Haiti, and 4% to unspecified areas. The remaining cases included eleven foreign travelers to the U.S. (27.5%), three induced cases (7.5%), and two undetermined cases (5%). Thirty-nine (98%) of the cases were diagnosed antemortem and only one case was known to have come to the attention of the medical examiner/coroner.

An illustrative case report demonstrates many of the features associated with fatal malaria infections in the United States. The case involves a U.S. student who was studying in Africa and who, by report, had not taken antimalarial chemoprophylaxis. Despite seeking medical attention, the patient was not diagnosed with P. falciparum infection and cerebral malaria until the time of medico-legal autopsy, where the classic gross and microscopic features of cerebral malaria were identified.

This case represents one of the few cases of P. falciparum infection in the United States not diagnosed antemortem. Given the worldwide prevalence of the disease, increasing international travel, and rapidly developing drug resistance, malaria will continue to be an important disease and should be considered in cases of sudden, unexplained deaths. By reviewing the major epidemiological features of malaria-related deaths in the United States and by presenting the major gross and microscopic features of cerebral malaria, an attempt is made at raising the awareness of the forensic community to the potential of malaria-related deaths.
Coronal Cleft Vertebra Initially Suspected as an Abusive Fracture in an Infant
Authors: Aronica-Pollak PA , Stefan VH , McLemore J
Published: August 2015

A case of a four-month-old male infant is described who was found unresponsive at home and brought to the emergency room. He lived for four days. During his hospital admission he was diagnosed by radiography with a fracture of the third lumbar vertebra that was presumed abusive in nature.

Autopsy examination failed to confirm a fracture. However, a defect in the development of the vertebral bodies was discovered. He was diagnosed with possible failure of the notochord to regress, a condition with no significant sequelae. The cause of death was certified as sudden infant death syndrome after full investigation, and all autopsy studies were negative.
Characterization and Aging Study of Currency Ink and Currency Canine Training Aids Using Headspace SPME/GC-MS
Authors: Vu D-TT
Published: August 2015

Solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME/GC-MS) was used to characterize the volatile components associated with U.S. currency, U.S. currency inks, and Canadian currency. Compounds that can be attributed to the ink-curing process include series of straight-chain aldehydes, alkenals, acids, alcohols, and ketones and a series of lactones and 2-alkyl furans. Solvent compounds include naphthenic and paraffinic hydrocarbons with a profile typical of petroleum products, alkyl cyclohexanes, various ethylene glycol alkyl ethers, and traces of chlorinated solvents. Trace levels of 2-phenoxyethanol, a solvent often used in ink formulations, were also detected. Environmental contaminants, those compounds found in circulating currency but not in currency ink, include 2,2'-diethyl-1,1'-biphenyl, methyl benzoate and salicylate, menthol, limonene, dimethyl and diethyl phthalate, and ionol. Not including simple hydrocarbons, over 100 compounds were identified in the headspace of currency-related samples.
A Review of Nail Gun Suicides and an Atypical Case Report
Authors: Shakir A , Koehler SA , Wecht CH
Published: August 2015

The nail gun was designed as a powerful industrial tool to drive nails into various hard surfaces with ease. Serious injuries associated with the tool are uncommon and deaths are rare. Unintentional injuries normally occur from misuse of the tool or from ricocheting nails. The intentional use of a nail gun to commit suicide is unusual.

This paper will review successful and unsuccessful suicide attempts by use of a nail gun. We will present an atypical case of suicide committed with a nail gun by a 46-year-old depressed male investigated by the Allegheny County Coroner's Office in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania in April 2002. This case reports for the first time a unique pathological finding of a ring of bone traveling with the nail, which has not been seen in wounds of the head caused by other types of projectiles.
Improper Sealing Caused by the Styrofoam Integrity Seals in Leakproof Plastic Bottles Lead to Significant Loss of Ethanol in Frozen Evidentiary Urine Samples
Authors: Sreerama L , Hardin GG
Published: August 2015

Evidentiary urine samples (n = 345) stored frozen at -20°C in their original containers (leakproof 100 mL plastic bottles) upon retesting for ethanol resulted in concentrations that were significantly lower (average loss = ~30%) than those prior to their storage at -20°C (p ~ 0.0001). The observed loss of ethanol was independent of the method of thawing or the concentration of ethanol in the samples, but was dependent on the sample volume in the container, i.e., the larger the volume of sample the larger the magnitude of ethanol loss. The loss of ethanol was determined to be due to improper sealing by a Styrofoam integrity seal attached to the mouth of the container. Accordingly, adopting leakproof plastic containers that do not contain Styrofoam integrity seals, but rather an outside and across the cap tape integrity seal for evidence collection and longterm storage, will prevent loss of ethanol due to evaporation.
Polydrug Fatality Involving Metaxalone
Authors: Gruszecki AC , Kloda S , Simmons GT , Daly TM , Hardy RW , Robinson CA
Published: August 2015

A 29-year old female with a history of depression was found dead in a hotel room. The death scene investigation found empty pill bottles and an empty liter bottle of wine. Metaxalone, a centrally acting muscle relaxant, along with citalopram, ethanol, and chlorpheniramine were identified in the postmortem samples and quantitated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The concentration of metaxalone in femoral vein blood was 39 mg/L. The heart blood concentration was 54 mg/L. Femoral vein blood concentrations of citalopram and chlorpheniramine were 0.77 mg/L and 0.04 mg/L, respectively. Ethanol levels were 0.13 g/dL in vitreous and 0.08 g/dL in heart blood. Other tissue samples were also analyzed. The authors consider the metaxalone concentrations toxic and potentially fatal. The citalopram concentrations were lower than those reported in fatal cases for this drug alone. Death was ascribed to polydrug abuse/overdose with metaxalone a major contributor. This represents the first reported case to our knowledge in which a metaxalone overdose significantly contributed to death.
Allele Frequencies of Nine STR Loci in Chinese She Ethnic Group from Zhejiang, China
Authors: Zhang YF , Hou YP , Li YY , Lan ZC
Published: August 2015

D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820 Blood samples were collected from 120 unrelated individuals of Chinese She ethnic group in Zhejiang province, China. DNA was extracted from blood samples using Chelex method (1). The PCR amplification of the nine STR loci (D3S1358, vWA, FGA, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820) was carried out by using reagents provided in the AmpFfSTR Profiler Plus™ kit (PE-Biosystems, Foster City, CA) and using a GeneAmp PCR System 9600 (PE-Biosystems, Foster City, CA) according to the technical manual. The amplified products were analyzed by ABI Prism™ 310 Genetic Analyzer (PE-Biosystems, Foster City, CA) according to the manufacturer's recommendation protocol. Data of population genetics and forensic science were analyzed using POWERSTATS program (2). The genotype distribution was analyzed for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium according to Hou's method (3) and no deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed.
Allele Frequencies and Statistical Parameters for Eight STR Loci in Córdoba (Argentina) Population
Authors: Silvart TG , Lucca MA , Miozzo MC , Furrer VE , Mutal SA , Pacharoni C , Martinez G , Modesti NM
Published: August 2015

EDTA whole blood samples were collected from above 300 unrelated individuals of urban and countryside population of Cordoba (Argentina) to study loci TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, FESFPS, F13A01. The sample set for loci D16S530, FABP, and D6S366 were 117, 192, and 171 individuals respectively. DNA was obtained by CTAB treatment, chloroform extraction, and ethanol precipitation (1). Loci CSF1PO, TH01, TPOX, FESFPS and F13A01, were amplified using either homemade PCR or GenePrint STR Multiplex Systems CTT and FFV (Promega Corporation, Madison WI). The homemade PCRs were performed using standard protocols (2–4). Either CTT and FFv GenePrint STR Multiplex Systems, and GenePrint Silver STR III for locus D16S539, were used according to the manufacturer's instructions (5).
Two Fatal Cases Involving Concurrent Use of Methamphetamine and Morphine
Authors: Uemura K , Sorimachi Y , Yashiki M , Yoshida K
Published: August 2015

We report on two cases of simultaneous administration of methamphetamine (MAP) and morphine (MOR) with hyperthermia. The blood levels of MAP and MOR were toxic and putatively lethal, respectively, although hyperthermia is a known cause of intoxication due to MAP rather than MOR. In Japan, MAP is the most predominant cause of drug intoxication. The presented cases suggest that MOR may exert synergistic effect on hyperthermia due to the MAP intoxication, together with experimental findings.
Cadaver Dog and Handler Team Capabilities in the Recovery of Buried Human Remains in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Lasseter AE , Jacobi KP , Farley R , Hensel L
Published: August 2015

The detection of human remains that have been deliberately buried to escape detection is a problem for law enforcement. Sometimes the cadaver dog and handler teams are successful, while other times law enforcement and cadaver dog teams are frustrated in their search. Five field trials tested the ability of four cadaver dog and handler teams to detect buried human remains. Human and animal remains were buried in various forested areas during the summer months near Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The remains ranged in decomposition from fresh to skeletonized. Cadaver dogs detected with varying success: buried human remains at different stages of decomposition, buried human remains at different depths, and buried decomposed human and animal remains. The results from these trials showed that some cadaver dogs were able to locate skeletonized remains buried at a significant depth. Fresh and skeletonized remains were found equally by the cadaver dogs along with some caveats. Dog handlers affected the reliability of the cadaver dog results. Observations and videotape of the cadaver dogs during field trials showed that they were reliable in finding buried human remains.
Allele Frequency Distribution of Power Plex 1.2 and Profiler Plus Short Tandem Repeats (STR) Loci in Egyptian Population
Authors: Tahir MA , Herrera RJ , El-Gohary M , Granoff M , Amjad M
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were collected from 176 unrelated Egyptian individuals in EDTA-coated vacutainer tubes. Of these, 148 individuals were Muslims and 28 Christian. Informed consent was obtained at the time of blood collection. DNA was extracted by organic extraction (Phenol/chloroform/Isoamyl alcohol) followed by ethanol precipitation (1). The quantity of DNA was determined using ACES 2.0 quantiblot kit (GIBCO-BRL Gaithersburg, MD). Promega PowerPlex 1.2 and PE Profiler Plus kits were used to amplify DNA from the Muslim and Christian populations, respectively. Amplified products were electrophoresed on an ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer (ABI Systems, Foster City, CA). Data were analyzed using DNA typing program written by Chakraborty and Zhong (2).
Population Data of Ecuador for Fifteen STR Loci (POWERPLEX™ 16)
Authors: Fenandez-Rosado F , Martinez-Espin E , Rodriguez T , Entrala C , Alvarez JC , Lorente JA , Lorente M , Budowle B , Villanueva E
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture from unrelated individuals (n = 150) living in Ecuador.
Paraguayan Population Data on the Fifteen STR Loci Included in the POWERPLEX 16™ Kit
Authors: Martinez-Espin E , Fernandez-Rosado F , Alvarez JC , Entrala C , Lorente JA , Oviedo de Duarte M , Villanueva E , Budowle B
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture from unrelated individuals (n = 168) living in Paraguay.
Nonmetric Subadult Skeletal Sexing Traits: I. A Blind Test of the Accuracy of Eight Previously Proposed Methods Using Prehistoric Known-Sex Mummies from Northern Chile
Authors: Sutter RC
Published: August 2015

While a number of nonmetric sex-related traits have been proposed, the accurate assignment of sex to subadult skeletal materials is generally considered problematic. Eight previously proposed nonmetric traits of the ilia and mandible have been demonstrated by other researchers to be related to the known-sex of subadults, yet there has been relatively little research attempting to evaluate the utility of these traits using independent collections of known-sex subadult skeletal remains. These eight traits include: elevation of the auricular surface, angle of the greater sciatic notch, depth of the greater sciatic notch, the "arch criteria," curvature of the iliac crest, gonial eversion, mandibular protrusion, and mandibular arcade shape.

The present study blindly tested these eight nonmetric traits using 85 autopsied prehistoric known-sex mummified subadult remains from northern Chile that range in age between newborn and 15 skeletal years of age. The two primary questions examined for each trait are: (1) are the different character states for each of the eight traits related to known-sex, and (2) which of the eight traits are accurate enough for use in forensic cases? These questions are examined for each trait by both sex and age class so as to uncover potential sex- and age-related strengths and weaknesses for each of the characteristics.

The results indicate that all eight of the previously proposed subadult sex-related traits are indeed related to known-sex, but that there is a great deal of variation by both sex and age in terms of the strength of congruent sex-related associations. With the exception of gonial eversion, all of the traits produced statistically significant X2 values for their associations with known-sex when all subadult remains were considered. However, when all subadults are considered, only four traits demonstrated acceptable levels of accuracy for forensic applications. These traits include the arch criteria (82.3%), angle of the sciatic notch (80.7%), depth of the sciatic notch (79.0%), and mandibular arcade shape (77.6%). For subadults ranging in age from newborn to five skeletal years of age, only depth of the sciatic notch (81.5%) and the arch criteria (81.5%) approach acceptable levels of accuracy for use in forensic cases. The implications of these results are discussed and recommendations for bioarchaeological and forensic applications are made.