bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Allele of the Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Locus, CSF1PO
Authors: Margolis-Nunno H , Brenner L , Cascardi J , Kobilinsky L
Published: August 2015

CSF1PO is one of the thirteen core loci used for the CODIS database, and alleles reported for this short tandem repeat (STR) locus contain from 6 to 15 repeats of the tetranucleotide AGAT. Screening of DNA from 76 individuals by gel electrophoresis and silver stain detection yielded one sample that contained a rare, off-ladder CSF1PO allele; an allele larger than CSF1PO15 was detected in a heterozygote that also contained a CSF1PO10 allele. Capillary electrophoresis analysis using Gene-Scan™ software demonstrated that the variant allele contained four bases more than CSF1PO15. Following agarose gel electrophoresis to separate the two alleles of the heterozygote and cycle sequencing using dye terminators, sequence analysis showed that the variant, which was otherwise identical to the CSF1PO GenBank sequence, contained exactly 16 AGAT repeats. These results demonstrate the existence of an additional CSF1PO allele, a previously unreported size variant, CSF1PO16.
DNA Typing in a Cattle Stealing Case
Authors: Giovambattista G , Ripoli MV , Lirón JP , Villegas Castagnasso EE , Peral-García P , Lojo MM
Published: August 2015

DNA profiling was used as probative evidence in a cattle stealing case. The carcasses of the dead animals were found from a report and a farmer recognized the remains as those corresponding to the stolen animals by the farm mark on the coat. Those remains were collected as reference samples. Meat pieces were sequestered from a butchery and then sent to our Laboratory by the Justice Department of Buenos Aires (Argentine) to perform a DNA comparative analysis with the reference. Matches were found between the evidences and the references, supporting the hypothesis that the meat pieces had been obtained from the stolen animals. The butcher was suspected of stealing animals but no direct incrimination had been made yet.
Lack of Dental Uniqueness Between Two Bite Mark Suspects
Authors: Pretty IA , Turnbull MD
Published: August 2015

The central dogma of bite mark analysis is based upon two assumptions. The first is that human teeth are unique, and the second is that sufficient detail of the uniqueness is rendered during the biting process to enable identification. Both of these assumptions have been challenged over recent years, and a healthy scientific skepticism surrounding bite mark analysis has developed. The case presented features two suspects whose dental arrangement was similar and, when compared to the bite mark, both demonstrated consistent features. Within a closed population of possible biters, one of the two suspects was responsible for the injury. The case is illustrated with photographic and overlay detail of the suspect's teeth and demonstrates the complexity of such cases. The authors call for greater caution when drawing conclusions from such cases and highlight the need for further research into the replication of dental features on human skin.
Traumatic Venous Aneurysm of the Popliteal Vein with Outcome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Risse M , Reuhl J , Ogbuihi S , Weiler G
Published: August 2015

A case of sudden death due to recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism is described. The fatality took place three and a half weeks following blunt trauma to the left popliteal region. The patient died unexpectedly. Autopsy revealed the source of the emboli as a sacciform venous aneurysm of the popliteal vein, an entity seldom described, but important to consider in cases of soft tissue popliteal masses or unexplained pulmonary embolism, especially in otherwise healthy individuals.
Breath Alcohol Analysis in One Subject with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Gullberg RG
Published: August 2015

A large number of people suffer from the heartburn symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Relatively little has been published on its potential for biasing a breath alcohol measurement. The present case describes an individual (white male, aged 23) who experimentally consumed 1.0 g/kg of an alcohol beverage and subsequently provided breath and blood samples for analysis. Breath expirograms were also collected following several different preexhalation breathing maneuvers. Shortly after the end of drinking the mean of replicate breath alcohol results exceeded that of the corresponding venous blood alcohol. A later paired comparison (during the postabsorptive phase) showed the blood alcohol to exceed the breath. None of the expirograms provided evidence that “mouth alcohol” due to gastroesophageal reflux had biased any test results. People with GERD can provide biased-free end-expiratory breath alcohol results where sound forensic practice is followed, which includes: 15-min, pre-exhalation observation, duplicate testing, instrumental detection systems, and trained alert operators who ask appropriate questions and watch for associated signs.
A Case of Suicide by Ingestion of Sodium Nitroprusside
Authors: Froldi R , Cingolani M , Cacaci C
Published: August 2015

The study reports a case of suicide by ingestion of sodium nitroprusside which resulted in acute cyanide poisoning. Analyses carried out on body fluid yielded the quantitation of total (5.00 mg/L) and free (3.30 mg/L) cyanide in blood and of methemoglobin (blood = 10.5%). At the scene, some solid reddish-brown material was found in a glass, which on toxicological analysis was found to contain sodium nitroprusside; about 9 g of the same substance was identified in stomach contents. The detection and quantification of cyanide and methemoglobin in biological samples from the case indicated that the lethal effect was due to both metabolic products (cyanide and methemoglobin).
Fatal Intoxications with Chloral Hydrate
Authors: Gaulier J-M , Merle G , Lacassie E , Courtiade B , Haglund P , Marquet P , Lachâtre G
Published: August 2015

An alcoholic man, treated with chloral hydrate (CH) syrup to which he was dependent, was discovered comatose and in respiratory arrest. Death occurred on the ninth day of hospitalization following cerebral oedema. A woman, alcohol addicted, depressed, and epileptic was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit with heart and respiratory failure following CH absorption. She died three days later after a deep coma.

In these two cases, CH intoxication was confirmed by toxicological analysis: CH and its major metabolite, trichloroethanol (TCE), were identified and determined in serum and urine using headspace-capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The concentrations measured were compared with those found in previously published fatalities. The analytical method used can be proposed for both clinical and forensic cases.
Timely Antemortem and Postmortem Concentrations in a Fatal Carbamazepine Overdose
Authors: Spiller HA , Carlisle RD
Published: August 2015

There are no published reports that include both timely antemortem and postmortem carbamazepine concentrations after massive overdose. We report a fatal overdose of carbamazepine with both timely antemortem and postmortem carbamazepine concentrations. Carbamazepine concentrations were 47.7 mcg/mL 2 h antemortem and 53 mcg/mL at 9 h postmortem. The slight rise in drug concentration may reflect continued absorption of the drug in the last 2 h before death. Postmortem carbamazepine concentrations drawn from a peripheral vessel in this patient appeared to reflect drug concentrations at the time of death.
Six Y-Chromosome STR Frequencies in a Population FromCentral Spain
Authors: López-Parra A , de Rodas SAL , Mesal M-S , Bandrés F , Arratzio A , Arroyo-Pardo E
Published: August 2015

Six Y-Chromosome STR Frequencies in a Population FromCentral Spain
Allele Frequencies of 13 STR Loci and the D1S80 Locus in a Tamil Population from Madras, India
Authors: Balamurugan K , Prabakaran N , Duncan G , Budowle B , Tahir M , Tracey M
Published: August 2015

Allele Frequencies of 13 STR Loci and the D1S80 Locus in a Tamil Population from Madras, India
Population Data of Two Minisatellite Loci (D1S80 and D17S5) Among Five Distinct Ethnic Groups of India
Authors: Das B , Ghosh A , Chauhan PS , Seshadri M
Published: August 2015

Population Data of Two Minisatellite Loci (D1S80 and D17S5) Among Five Distinct Ethnic Groups of India
Allele Frequencies of Y-GTAT-1A1 STR Locus in Chinese Population
Authors: Tang JP , Hou YP , Zhang J , Li YB , Wu J , Zhang J
Published: August 2015

Allele Frequencies of Y-GTAT-1A1 STR Locus in Chinese Population
Population Data on the D1S80 Locus in the Upper Silesia (Poland)
Authors: Raczek E
Published: August 2015

Population Data on the D1S80 Locus in the Upper Silesia (Poland)
Population Data on Three STR Loci in the Upper Silesia (Poland)
Authors: Raczek E
Published: August 2015

Population Data on Three STR Loci in the Upper Silesia (Poland)
DNA Short Tandem Repeat Profiling of Three North Indian Populations
Authors: Agrawal S , Müller B , Bharadwaj U , Bhatnagar S , Sharma A , Khan F , Agarwal SS
Published: August 2015

DNA Short Tandem Repeat Profiling of Three North Indian Populations
Review of: Investigating Computer-Related Crime
Authors: Nalla MK
Published: August 2015

In Investigating Computer-Related Crime Stephenson examines the nature and extent of cyber crime and its impact on business community. He identifies various investigative and computer forensic techniques, describes techniques for gathering and preserving evidence, and finally suggest ways to prepare to deal with the problem. While computer crime is a broader concept, Stephenson focuses on “cyber crime” to limit his investigation of crimes that occur in the context of “networked issues, especially including global networks such as the internet” (p. 3).
Review of: Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences
Authors: Gaensslen RE , Stoney DA
Published: August 2015

Encyclopedia: a comprehensive reference work containing articles on a wide range of subjects or on numerous aspects of a particular field, usually arranged alphabetically (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 3rd ed., 1996). This newly released three volume set meets the foregoing definition of an “encyclopedia” with respect to the forensic sciences taken in the broadest possible sense. There are over 200 articles on a very broad range of topics. If one defined the forensic sciences, as the editors have chosen to do for purposes of preparing the encyclopedia, as encompassing almost every area covered by the ten sections of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, from the analytical chemistry- and biochemistry-based to the social science-, generaland even lab management-oriented, there is likely to be some coverage in these volumes. There are complimentary forewords by two internationally high-profile forensic scientists, Henry Lee and Janet Thompson. An international “editorial advisory board,” consisting of a geographically widespread group of well known forensic scientists, is listed in the front matter. Some, but not all of these people were also contributors to individual chapters. The contributor roster is also internationally representative. Many of the contributors are well-recognized authorities in the discipline areas in which they contributed, but others are considerably less so.
Jonestown Tragedy Revisited: The Role of Dentistry
Authors: Brannon RB , Morlang WM
Published: August 2015

The authors record the contribution of dentistry to the identification of victims of one of the most significant tragedies of the 20th century—the mass suicide of members of a religious cult, which initially resulted in 913 deaths and ultimately in 923. Though forensic dentistry played a significant part in identifying victims, the only report by members of the United States identification team did not examine dentistry's valuable role. Furthermore, the dental-investigation aspects have been mentioned merely in passing by the news media despite an infinite number of stories on the tragedy ranging from factual to expose. The dental team's organization, methodology, and significant contributions to forensic dentistry and a variety of remarkable problems that the team encountered and the lessons learned from them are documented in this paper.
Mandibular Ramus Height as an Indicator of Human Infant Age
Authors: Norris SP
Published: August 2015

There were two goals to be achieved from the analysis of 53 skeletonized infants from the Southwest Collection at the National Museum of Natural History. The first objective was to determine whether this infant sample could be aged based on a mandibular measurement. The second was to determine which dimension of the mandible, if any, most accurately predicts infant age within a six-month range.

Seven osteometric measurements were applied to each mandible. Statistical analysis determined that the individuals in the Smithsonian's Southwest Collection that were under two-years-old could be accurately aged to within six months. Out of these seven measurements the most accurate age-at-death estimates were generated based on the maximum height of the mandibular ramus. This finding can potentially aid investigators in determining the age-at-death of infants.
Population-Specific Histological Age-Estimating Method: A Model for Known African-American and European-American Skeletal Remains
Authors: Cho H , Stout SD , Madsen RW , Streeter MA
Published: August 2015

Previously developed histological age-estimating methods have been based on samples lacking interpopulation variability. A comparison of age-associated rib histomorphometrics between an European-American sample and an African-American sample indicates that ethnicity can have a significant effect on osteon population density (OPD), osteon cross-sectional area (On.Ar), and relative cortical area (Ct.Ar/Tt.Ar). Based upon these findings, new histological age-predicting formulae are presented that are recommended when estimating age for African-American or European-American skeletal remains. A general formula that is applicable to remains of unknown ethnicity is also provided.
A Test of the Phenice Method for the Estimation of Sex
Authors: Ubelaker DH , Volk CG
Published: August 2015

The Phenice method for the estimation of sex of an individual from the pelvis was tested on 198 individuals of known sex from the Terry collection by an individual with training in the technique, but no additional training in forensic anthropology. Sex was correctly estimated in 88.4% of all individuals and more accurately estimated in females than in males. In a subsequent test of the same individuals by the same investigator utilizing additional nonmetric pelvic indicators, overall accuracy increased to 96.5%, with slightly greater accuracy for males. The study suggests that experience likely contributes to the accuracy of the Phenice method and that for inexperienced investigators, consultation of all pelvic indicators offers an advantage over using just the three variables in the Phenice method.
Variation in Midfacial Tissue Thickness of African-American Children
Authors: Williamson MA , Nawrocki SP , Rathbun TA
Published: August 2015

Forensic anthropologists use facial reconstruction to develop a likeness of an unknown individual in order to generate public interest that may lead to a positive identification. Tissue thicknesses of the face from living persons or cadavers are an essential part of the reconstruction method. The purpose of this study is to add to the growing database of tissue thicknesses along the facial midline of African-American children and to begin to examine the possibility of geographic differences between children of the same ancestral group. Results indicate that significant differences do not exist between males and females or between African-American females from the Midwest and Southeast U.S. Only age was determined to have a significant effect on mean tissue thickness variation, in our sample, with the majority of change occurring in the facial region.
Age Estimation by Measuring the Racemization of Aspartic Acid from Total Amino Acid Content of Several Types of Bone and Rib Cartilage: A Preliminary Account
Authors: Ohtani S , Matsushima Y , Kobayashi Y , Yamamoto T
Published: August 2015

Age estimation has been often performed based on the rate of aspartic acid racemization using bones. In this study, we investigated various kinds of bone and a cartilage for suitability to estimate age by racemization. Ten male cadavers aged 22 to 77 years at death were selected, and bone specimens and cartilage were taken from seven sites in each individual. The rate of racemization of aspartic acid among total amino acid contained in each specimen was analyzed by gas chromatography. The correlation coefficient between the rate of racemization and chronological age was relatively high in the sternum, skull, and femur. The rates of aspartic acid racemization were high in the costal cartilage, femur, and skull. In addition, we found that the rate of racemization was only slightly lower after the second irrigation than after the first irrigation in femur and skull bone specimens, but those of others were significantly lower. These findings showed that among the six different bones and rib cartilage, the skull and femur might be used most effectively for age estimation using total amino acid fraction.
Detection of Pepper Spray Residues on Fabrics Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Reilly CA , Crouch DJ , Yost GS , Andrenyak DM
Published: August 2015

The analysis of trace evidence for the presence of biological and nonbiological residues is an integral part of many criminal and civil investigations and the use of pepper spray self-defense weaponry by the general public, criminals, and law enforcement agents is increasing. Therefore, the possibility that pepper spray residues may be present as forensic evidence at crime scenes or from civil disturbances becomes more likely. We have investigated the effects of storage and washing on the detection of pepper spray residues (i.e., capsaicinoids) on cotton, cotton-polyester blend, wool, and nylon fabrics. The concentrations of the capsaicinoid analogues on the fabrics decreased between 5 to 60% during six months of storage when compared with samples of each fabric type that were prepared and analyzed at the onset of the stability study (Time 0). The rate of disappearance of the capsaicinoids was analogue specific. Degradation of the capsaicinoids was independent of fabric type and temperature of storage. We also investigated the effects of washing the fabrics on the detection of capsaicinoids. Fabrics were washed with water, 1% detergent, 1% bleach, or 5%Spray and Wash™. Water was the least effective method of removing the capsaicinoids from the fabric and bleach the most effective. Retention of the capsaicinoids on the fabrics following washing was affected by fabric type as well as the chemical properties of the individual capsaicinoid analogues. The uses and limitations of capsaicinoid residue evidence as an indicator of exposure to pepper sprays or use of pepper sprays are discussed.
An Approach to Individual Video Camera Identification
Authors: Kurosawa K , Kuroki K , Saitoh N
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a method that can be used to determine whether or not questioned video images were recorded with a specific video camera. This type of identification can be made because the nonhomogeneous nature of dark currents in charge coupled devices (CCDs) can be detected by integrating multiple images and the distribution pattern of the nonhomogeneous dark currents is unique and intrinsic to a specific camera. The distribution patterns of the dark currents in nine cameras representing four different types were examined. In eight of the nine cameras (three types), unique detectable patterns were identified in recorded blank images, indicating that it should be possible to identify whether or not a given image had been recorded with a given camera. The method presented was used in an actual case to determine whether or not questioned video images of a criminal scene were recorded with the suspect's camera, and the results of that effort are reported.
Forensic Implications of Biting Behavior: A Conceptually Underdeveloped Area of Investigation
Authors: Webb DA , Sweet D , Hinman DL , Pretty IA
Published: August 2015

Within the context of a criminal investigation the human bitemark traditionally provides the forensic dentist with both physical and biological evidence. In recent years, however, examples exist where in addition to discussing physical and biological evidence, expert witnesses have also testified in court regarding the behavioral aspects of biting behavior. Interested in this additional source of evidence, the authors reviewed the research literature from which biting behavior could be explained. The review found a hiatus of empirical knowledge in this respect, with only two papers seemingly related to the topic.

With this dearth of knowledge in mind, the authors present a framework for further analysis and tentatively suggest reasons for biting behaviors, using a range of psychological models. The article ends with a cautionary note that vague and often misleading behavioral assumptions must not be applied to bitemark testimony until further data are available.
Application of Lamendin's Adult Dental Aging Technique to a Diverse Skeletal Sample
Authors: Prince DA , Ubelaker DH
Published: August 2015

Lamendin et al. (1) proposed a technique to estimate age at death for adults by analyzing single-rooted teeth. They expressed age as a function of two factors: translucency of the tooth root and periodontosis (gingival regression). In their study, they analyzed 306 singled rooted teeth that were extracted at autopsy from 208 individuals of known age at death, all of whom were considered as having a French ancestry. Their sample consisted of 135 males, 73 females, 198 whites, and 10 blacks. The sample ranged in age from 22 to 90 years of age. By using a simple formulae (A _ 0.18 _ P _ 0.42 _ T _ 25.53, where A _ Age in years, P _ Periodontosis height _ 100/root height, and T _ Transparency height _ 100/root height), Lamendin et al. were able to estimate age at death ith a mean error of _ 10 years on their working sample and _ 8.4 years on a forensic control sample.

Lamendin found this technique to work well with a French population, but did not test it outside of that sample area. This study tests the accuracy of this adult aging technique on a more diverse skeletal population, the Terry Collection housed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Our sample consists of 400 teeth from 94 black females, 72 white females, 98 black males, and 95 white males, ranging from 25 to 99 years. Lamendin's technique was applied to this sample to test its applicability to a population not of French origin. Providing results from a diverse skeletal population will aid in establishing the validity of this method to be used in forensic cases, its ideal purpose.

Our results suggest that Lamendin's method estimates age fairly accurately outside of the French sample yielding a mean error of 8.2 years, standard deviation 6.9 years, and standard error of the mean 0.34 years. In addition, when ancestry and sex are accounted for, the mean errors are reduced for each group (black females, white females, black males, and white males).

Lamendin et al. reported an inter-observer error of 9 _1.8 and 10 _ 2 years from two independent observers. Forty teeth were randomly remeasured from the Terry Collection in order to assess an intra-observer error. From this retest, an intra-observer error of 6.5 years was detected.
Dental Participants in Mass Disasters—A Retrospective Study with Future Implications
Authors: Pretty IA , Webb DA , Sweet D
Published: August 2015

Mass casualty incidents continue to require the services of forensic dentists to determine the identity of victims. Across North America and Europe, teams of forensic dentists train, using mock disaster exercises, to prepare for such duties. It is vital that these mock exercises simulate the features of real disaster situations as far as possible. In order to inform those responsible for the design and implementation of mock exercises, a study was undertaken to determine the features of actual disasters that dental personnel had attended. Using a questionnaire, data were solicited from 38 odontologists. The average number of disasters attended by the respondents was eight, with an average casualty number of 94. Aircraft crashes were the most frequent cause of disasters that were attended by the odontologists. The authors conclude that future mock disaster exercises should replicate features of aircraft crashes as closely as possible by using commingled, fragmented, and burned remains. In addition, mock disasters should require the identification of a realistic number of individuals to ensure authenticity and the maximum logistical preparedness of participants.
Ecstasy (MDMA) Deaths in New York City: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gill JR , Hayes JA , deSouza IS , Marker E , Stajic M
Published: August 2015

MDMA (“ecstasy”) has gained renewed popularity as a drug of abuse. To access the epidemiology and causes of death of MDMA-positive fatalities, all deaths investigated by the OCME that tested positive for MDMA (22 deaths) between January 1997 and June 2000 were reviewed. There were three deaths in each 1997 and 1998, eleven in 1999, and five in the first part of 2000. Of these 22 deaths, 13 were due to acute drug intoxications, 7 due to mechanical injury (blunt trauma, gunshot wounds), and 2 due to a combination of natural disease and acute drug intoxication. Evidence of recent opiate and/or cocaine use was found in 7 of the acute intoxication deaths and in none of the traumatic or combination natural/intoxication deaths. The race of all decedents was White between the ages of 17–41 years, and 18 of 22 were men.
Bodies Found in the Waterways of New York City
Authors: Lucas J , Goldfeder LB , Gill JR
Published: August 2015

We reviewed the case records for all decedents recovered from the waterways of New York City over a three year period (1997–2000). The epidemiological profile, circumstances, toxicology findings, putrefactive changes, date of recovery, length of immersion, and injuries were examined. There were 123 deaths: 52 suicides, 50 undetermined, 16 accidents, and five homicides. The causes of death included: 97 drownings, 13 undetermined, and 13 other. Of all the floating decedents, 27% were without putrefactive change. All found after two or more weeks of immersion were recovered from November to May. The detection of ethanol and illicit drugs was 53% in the accident, 41% in the suicide, and 33% in the undetermined groups. Detection of ethanol and/or drugs of abuse is not a reliable criterion to distinguish suicide from accident. The identification of the deceased is pivotal for determining the manner of these deaths. Therefore, a great reliance is placed upon the medical investigator and the police (including the missing persons bureau) to determine the circumstances and identification of the decedent.
Time of Submergence Using Aquatic Invertebrate Succession and Decompositional Changes
Authors: Hobischak NR , Anderson GS
Published: August 2015

Pig carcasses were placed in pond and stream habitats in the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest in Maple Ridge, B.C. for approximately one year, to examine the development, species, and sequence of invertebrates associated with the carrion. An invertebrate successional database was created for pond and stream habitats for potential use in estimating time of submergence in water related death investigations. Analysis has shown that a predictable succession of invertebrates colonize the carrion. However, whether or not this succession is carrion dependent or seasonal is unknown. There is a difference in the species composition between pond and stream habitats. Habitats influence invertebrate fauna, therefore, species colonizing carrion are habitat-specific. In both habitats, no one organism can determine time of submergence alone. Decompositional descriptions from this research were compared with 15 freshwater related death investigations. Similarities were seen in the earlier decompositional characteristics including bloat, discoloration, and nail shedding; however, the human descriptions were so vague that they had little value in determining time of submergence and hence time of death.
Disposition of Citalopram in Biological Specimens from Postmortem Cases
Authors: Jenkins AJ , Gubanich K
Published: August 2015

Citalopram is a bicyclic phthalate compound approved in 1998 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of depression. It is a highly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that appears to have little effect on noradrenaline or dopamine reuptake. Since this drug has only recently been released on the U.S. market, information regarding therapeutic, toxic, and lethal concentrations is sparse. This study reports the detection of citalopram in 22 postmortem cases. Citalopram was identified and quantitated by capillary column gas chromatography with nitrogen phosphorus detection after basic liquid-liquid extraction. Confirmation was achieved by full scan electron impact gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In the 22 cases studied, heart blood citalopram oncentrations ranged from 0.09 to 1.64 mg/L (n _ 22, mean_ SD _ 0.51 _ 0.43, median _ 0.34); femoral blood concentrations ranged from 0.09 to 0.76 mg/L (n _ 14, mean _ SD _ 0.34_ 0.23, median _ 0.28); and urine concentrations ranged from 0.05 to 276.00 mg/L (n _ 13). Liver was analyzed in three cases with citalopram concentrations ranging from 2.22 to 8.08 mg/kg. The average heart blood/femoral blood ratio was 1.26 (range 0.75 to 1.98, n _ 14). In each case, the cause of death was not considered to be related to citalopram toxicity. These data may therefore provide a basis for establishing post mortem citalopram concentrations following therapeutic doses.
New Formulae for Estimating Stature in the Balkans
Authors: Ross AH , Konigsberg LW
Published: August 2015

Recent studies of secular change and allometry have observed differential limb proportions between the sexes, among and within populations. These studies suggest that stature prediction formulae developed from American Whites may be inappropriate for European populations. The purpose of this investigation is to present more appropriate stature prediction equations for use in the Balkans to aid present-day identifications of the victims of genocide. The reference sample totals 545 white males obtained from World War II data. The Eastern European sample totals 177 males and includes both Bosnian and Croatian victims of the recent war. Mean stature for Eastern Europeans was obtained from the literature.

Results show that formulae based on Trotter and Gleser systematically underestimate stature in the Balkans. Because Eastern Europeans are taller than American Whites it is appropriate to use this as an “informative prior” that can be applied to future cases. This informative prior can be used in predictive formulae, since it is probably similar to the sample from which the Balkan forensic cases were drawn. Based on Bayes' Theorem new predictive stature formulae are presented for Eastern Europeans.
Typing of the Locus DYS19 from DNA Derived from Fingernail Clippings Using PCR Concert™ Rapid Purification System
Authors: Gangitano DA , Garófalo MG , Juvenal GJ , Budowle B , Padula RA
Published: August 2015

DNA extracted from the fingernails of female victims of a violent or aggressive act may assist in the identification of the male. Sometimes with the current autosomal STR loci, however, the victim's profile may mask the perpetrator's DNA profile or the perpetrator's DNA may be substantially lower in quantity than that of the victim's DNA. Thus, under these conditions, no characterization is possible. In this paper, an alternative DNA extraction procedure was employed, and the application of an STR locus residing on the Y chromosome DYS19 was typed to allow for genetic characterization of the perpetrator in such cases.
Photographic Evidence Protocol: The Use of Digital Imaging Methods to Rectify Angular Distortion and Create Life Size Reproductions of Bite Mark Evidence
Authors: Bowers CM , Johansen RJ
Published: August 2015

Bite mark evidence seen in skin injuries or objects is commonly photographed for evidentiary documentation, preservation, and analysis. Distortion in forensic evidence photographs diminishes the outcome of analytical procedures available to the forensic odontologist. Inaccurate positioning of the evidence, camera, or measurement reference scale creates perspective and parallax distortion of the captured image. These variables must be eliminated, if possible, to ensure reliable results derived from comparison of the suspect teeth and the bite mark. Detection and measurement of camera/evidence/scale misalignment is the threshold step in evidence evaluation, and is possible through digital imaging methods coupled with established methods. Correction (rectification) of perspective distortion is possible through the application of additional digital editing techniques. This study establishes type categories of perspective and parallax distortion seen in bite mark evidence, validates the use of the digital imaging tools of Adobe® Photoshop® to correct certain types of distortion, and establishes a forensic protocol to verify the accuracy of evidence photographs requiring dimensional accuracy.
Estimation of Postmortem Interval from Hypoxic Inducible Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Thaik-Oo M , Tanaka E , Tsuchiya T , Kominato Y , Honda K , Yamazaki K , Misawa S
Published: August 2015

Estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the most important tasks in forensic medicine. Five autopsy organ tissues such as brain, lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys were taken at the time of forensic autopsy from 19 known PMI cases with a range of postmortem intervals ranging from 1 to 120 h (the mean was 25.81 h), and the time-course of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was measured. The human hepatoma-derived Hep 3B cell line was used as a control.

The levels of VEGF increased linearly with the PMI up to 20 h in lung (r = 0.95 and in kidney (r = 0.89), and up to 15 h PMI in liver (r = 0.88). The VEGF levels fell after 24 h PMI, and then remained stable. In brain, the levels of VEGF started to increase after 24 h PMI and increased linearly with PMI up to 40 h in brain (r = 0.94) and then begin to fall. In heart, there was no clear correlation between the PMI and VEGF level. Some variations occurred in selected cases, such as the infant and asphyxial deaths.

In conclusion, measurement of hypoxia-inducible levels of VEGF in various body organs appears to be a useful method of estimating the PMI up to 24 h in forensic medicine and pathophysiology. This method is also probably applicable in ischaemia in clinical and basic medicine.
Identification of Stolen Rare Palm Trees by Soil Morphological and Mineralogical Properties
Authors: Lee BD , Williamson TN , Graham RC
Published: August 2015

The San Diego County District Attorney's office requested our help to investigate the theft of palm trees from a private collection of exotic plants. Circumstantial evidence led investigators to the suspect's residence where 33 palm trees were found. Because the victim raised all palms from seed in the same potting mix, we compared morphologic and mineralogic properties of soil samples collected from the root balls of palms that were at the victim's and suspect's residences. Analyses of soil color, reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, particle size, heavy:light mineral ratios, and mineral speciation of the _2.86 g cm_3 fine sand fraction, indicated that 25 of 33 soil samples collected from palm trees at the suspect's residence were very similar to soil samples from palm trees at the victim's residence. After a pretrial hearing at which the soil evidence was presented, the suspect changed his innocent plea to guilty.
Chemical Analysis of Vegetable Oils Following Spontaneous Ignition
Authors: Coulombe R
Published: August 2015

Two cases of spontaneous ignition of vegetable oil in fabrics after being washed and dried are reported. In both cases, the analysis revealed the consumption of unsaturated fatty material and the recovery of higher proportions of saturated fatty material along with saturated fatty diacids. The investigators reported that in the first case the origin of the fire was in a plastic container filled with cotton towels and in the second case, a garbage bag. In both cases, the fabrics had been washed and were freshly dried. In the second case, the recovery of the nonpolar volatile fraction disclosed the presence of 1-phenylalkanes along with oxygenated species.
Deaths Associated with Liposuction: Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Platt MS , Kohler LJ , Ruiz R , Cohle SD , Ravichandran P
Published: August 2015

Tumescent liposuction is a common cosmetic procedure that is performed as an outpatient service in physician's offices and is largely believed to be safe. The protuberant areas of the body containing the undesirable fat deposits are injected with normal saline containing lidocaine and epinephrine for pain control and hemostasis, and the waterlogged cells are suctioned out via cannula through a small incision. We recently encountered three cases in which deaths were attributed to this procedure. Two showed fat embolization in the lung and one died from fluid overload. The osmium tetroxide post-fixed lung sections showed fat emboli in the interstitial capillaries and arterioles. We reviewed the recent literature and found that pulmonary thromboemboli, fat embolization, fluid overload, and lidocaine and epinephrine intoxication are found at autopsy in many cases. Forensic pathologists responsible for determining the cause and manner of death should become familiar with the postmortem findings and risks of liposuction therapy and communicate them to their clinical colleagues and communities.
A Fatal Case of Cocaine Poisoning in a Body Packer
Authors: Furnari C , Ottaviano V , Sacchetti G , Mancini M
Published: August 2015

A 27-year-old man was carrying in his digestive tract 99 packages each containing about 10 g of a 86% cocaine powder. The courier died by acute cocaine intoxication due to inflation and rupture of four packages during a flight from Bogotá to Rome. At the autopsy, the external examination was unremarkable. The internal examination showed edema and generalized congestion of the organs.

Toxicological analyses were performed by gas chromatographymass spectrometry after solid phase extraction using Bond Elut Certify columns and derivatization with BSTFA/TMCS. High levels of cocaine and benzoylecgonine were found in blood (4.0 μg/mL and 17.0 μg/mL), urine (152.0 μg/mL and 512.0 μg/mL), bile (99.8 μg/mL and 54.0 μg/mL), vitreous humor (7.1 μg/mL and 5.8 μg/mL), brain (7.5 μg/mL and 3.5 μg/mL), and hair (55.5 ng/mg and 27.7 ng/mg). The presence of the cocaine and its metabolite in the hair suggested that the man was a cocaine user.
Hair Analysis of Seven Bodybuilders for Anabolic Steroids, Ephedrine, and Clenbuterol
Authors: Dumestre-Toulet V , Cirimele V , Ludes B , Gromb S , Kintz P
Published: August 2015

Several bodybuilders, all winners of international competitions, were arrested for trafficking of a number of doping agents including anabolic steroids, ephedrine, beta-adrenergics, human chorionic gonadotropin, antidepressants, and diuretics.

In accordance with the recent French law against doping, the judge asked to test seven bodybuilders to identify doping practices. Hair and urine specimens were collected for analysis. After decontamination, a 100 mg hair strand was pulverized in a ball mill, hydrolyzed, extracted, and derivatized to be tested by GC/MS for anabolic steroids, beta-adrenergic compounds, ephedrine, and other doping agents. Urine was analyzed for anabolic steroids and metabolites, beta-adrenergic compounds, ephedrine, and human chorionic gonadotropin, in addition to a broad spectrum screening with GC/MS.

The following compounds were detected in urine: ephedrine (29 and 36 ng/ml, n = 2), clenbuterol (0.2 to 0.3 ng/ml, n = 3), norandrosterone (4.7 to 100.7 ng/ml, n = 7), norethiocholanolone (0.9 to 161.8 ng/ml, n = 6), stanozolol (1 to 25.8 ng/ml, n = 4), methenolone (2.5 to 29.7 ng/ml, n = 4), testosterone (3 to 59.6 ng/ml, n = 7), epitestosterone (1 to 20.4 ng/ml, n = 7) and ratio testosterone/epitestosterone n = 6 for four subjects (18.5 to 59.6).

The following drugs were detected in hair: ephedrine (0.67 and 10.70 ng/mg, n = 2), salbutamol (15 to 31 pg/mg, n = 3), clenbuterol (15 to 122 pg/mg, n = 6), nandrolone (1 to 7.5 pg/mg, n = 3), stanozolol (2 to 84 pg/mg, n = 4), methenolone (17 and 34 ng/ml, n = 2), testosterone enanthate (0.6 to 18.8 ng/mg, n = 5), and testosterone cypionate (3.3 to 4.8 ng/mg, n = 2). These results document the doping practice and demonstrate repetitive exposure to anabolic compounds and confirm the value of hair analysis as a complement to urinalysis in the control of doping practice.
Typing Y Chromosome STR Haplotypes Using Redesigned Primers
Authors: Hou Y , Zhang J , Sun D , Li Y , Wu J , Zhang S , Prinz M
Published: August 2015

A panel of Y-specific STR loci, including DYS19, DYS389, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, and DYS393 was analyzed using horizontal nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with a discontinuous buffer system (horizontal disk-PAGE). In order to obtain correct results for the larger DYS389 and DYS392 alleles, it was necessary to design new primers that bind closer to the repeat region and lead to a significant reduction of the amplified fragment size. Using the modified primer sets the horizontal disk PAGE results were consistent with a nondenaturing approach using fluorescent primers and a 377 automated sequencer. The modified procedure also amplifies the second repeat stretch at the duplicated DYS389 locus as a single fragment, which results in an immediate allele identification. The results indicate that horizontal disk-PAGE with silverstaining is a simple approach to type the recommended Y-specific STR markers.
Identification of Decomposed Human Remains from Radiographic Comparisons of an Unusual Foot Deformity
Authors: Sudimack JR , Lewis BJ , Rich J , Dean DE , Fardal PM
Published: August 2015

A case of positive identification from decomposed human remains using an unusual foot deformity is presented. Scrutiny of the decedent revealed foot deformities, which upon examination, prompted further inquiry. Radiographic comparisons and defleshing each foot established bilateral talipes equinovarus (TEV, clubfoot). Positive identification was based upon unique skeletal features present in the radiographs.
Detection of Ketosis in Vitreous at Autopsy after Embalming
Authors: Steinhauer JR , Volk A , Hardy R , Konrad R , Daly T , Robinson CA
Published: August 2015

Ketosis occurs in ketoacidosis or malnourishment. When either is suspected in relation to a death, it may be important to analyze for ketosis at autopsy. We encountered a case where starvation was suspected in a deceased nursing home resident, where the body had been embalmed prior to autopsy. Gas chromatography (GC) was unable to separate acetone from formaldehyde, a component of embalming fluid. The Acetest is a simple test that can detect acetone and acetoacetate in body fluids. We validated the Acetest with GC on vitreous. The Acetest and GC were consistent except at very low levels of acetone or acetoacetate. The sensitivity of the Acetest for acetoacetate in vitreous was 10 mg/dL, consistent with early starvation. Significant interference from embalming fluid did not occur. The Acetest was negative in the described case. The Acetest is a simple and useful test for the detection of ketosis in embalmed autopsies.
Three Y-Chromosome STR Frequencies in a Population from Equatorial Guinea (Central Africa)
Authors: Alvarez S , López-Parra AM , Mesa MS , Jiménez V , Herrera SJ , Bandrés F , Arraztio A , Rubio JM , Arroyo-Pardo E
Published: August 2015

Specimens were collected from unrelated apparently healthy males, blood donors from Equatorial Guinea (Central Africa). DNA was extracted from blood specimens using a bloodclean DNA purification Kit (Biotools) and typed in an ALF-Sequencer (Pharmacia). DYS19 alleles were determined according to protocols and allelic ladders kindly supplied by Peter de Knijff (1). Primers for DYS389I and DYS389II were synthesized according to Schultes et al. (2). PCR conditions for these two systems were modified as follows: a first denaturation step at 94°C 3 min; 5 cycles of 94°C 15 s, 58#x00B0;C 20 s, 72#x00B0;C 20 s, 34 cycles of 94#x00B0;C 15 s, 54#x00B0;C 20 s, 72#x00B0;C 20 s. Amplification products were typed with allelic ladders from our laboratory. Frequencies were calculated for all the systems through the gene counting method and gene diversity was estimated according to Nei (3).
Allele Frequency Distribution for Nine Fluorescent Based STR Loci in Tamil Population (South India)
Authors: Panneerchelvam S , Vanaja N , Goud CV , Sheeba A , Rao GV , Damodaran C
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were collected from unrelated Tamil-speaking volunteers. DNA was extracted by the salting out procedure (1). DNA typing was by PCR using 2.5 ng target DNA following manufacturer's instructions (AmpFlSTR — Profiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit — Perkin Elmer). Data were analyzed as per the methods already reported (2–4).
Population Data on the Three STR Loci in the Upper Silesia (Poland)
Authors: Raczek E
Published: August 2015

Blood samples from unrelated individuals were extracted using Kunkel's et al. (1) method with small modifications. DNA samples (2 to 5 ng) were amplified and typed according to manufacturer's instructions (2). Data were analyzed using a program provided by P. M. Miller (Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ). Htobs., Htexp., PD, MEC, MEP, and PIC were calculated using program provided by G. M. Dudek (Technical University of Czȩstochowa, Poland). The dataset can be accessed at: e-mail: medsad@slam.katowice. pl.
Haplotype Frequencies for Two New Y-STR Loci in Chinese Population
Authors: Zhang J , Hou YP , Tang JP , Li YB , Wu J
Published: August 2015

Blood samples were collected from 104 unrelated male individuals of Han ethnic group in Chengdu of China. DNA was extracted using Chelex method (1). Primers for Y-GATA-C4 were redesigned by us. The sequences of the primers for Y-GATA-C4 were 5' -gtggaaccagcccaaatatc-3' and 5' -aatgctctcttggcttctcact-3'. Primers for Y-GATA-A10 were in accordance with White's (2). The PCR amplification conditions can be obtained at: http://www.legalmed.org/dna/y-c4a10.htm. The PCR reaction volume 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 (3). The diversity of haplotype, the discrimination power and the probability of exclusion for the two Y-STR loci were calculated according to Hou's method (4).
Review of: Craniofacial Identification in Forensic Medicine
Authors: Fenton TW
Published: August 2015

This excellent volume on craniofacial identification is evidence that the frontiers of forensic science are being advanced on a global scale; the 28 contributions are from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The editors of this book should be commended for their excellent work. Comprehensive and well written, it consists of 20 chapters organized into four parts, bringing together an impressive amount of information on craniofacial anatomy, analysis, documentation, and identification. What sets this book apart from others is its educational theme, which clearly outlines specific procedures followed in the forensic investigation and identification of human remains.