bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Cocaine Analytes in Fingernail and Toenail Specimens
Authors: Garside D , Ropero-Miller JD , Goldberger BA , Hamilton WF , Maples WR 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Fingernail and toenail specimens were obtained from 18 suspected cocaine users. The nails were cut, heated under methanolic reflux, and the methanolic extracts were purified by solidphase extraction. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was utilized for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of nine cocaine analytes. Comparison of conventional postmortem analysis of blood and urine with nail analysis revealed a marked increase in the detection of cocaine use by nail analysis. Cocaine analytes were present in 14 (82.3%) subjects utilizing nail analysis. Out of those 14 subjects, only 5 (27.7%) were positive by conventional postmortem drug analysis. Cocaine and benzoylecgonine were the predominant analytes in all positive nail specimens. Anhydroecgonine methyl ester, ecgonine methyl ester, ecgonine ethyl ester, cocaethylene, norcocaine, and norbenzoylecgonine were detected in a limited number of specimens. The ratio of cocaine to benzoylecgonine ranged from 2–10:1. These findings suggest that nails may be a useful alternative matrix for the detection of cocaine exposure.
Medicolegal Implications of Drugs and Chemicals Detected in Intracranial Hematomas
Authors: Moriya F , Hashimoto Y 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine how drug findings in intracranial hematomas should be assessed in forensic autopsy cases. Six cases in which intracranial hematomas containing drugs and chemicals were detected were examined in this study. Of the six cases, five were positive for drugs and chemicals that had been self-administered by the victims prior to injury. Posttraumatic time interval from injury to death was in the range 10 to 65 h. In two individuals who were positive for norephedrine or toluene, the concentrations of these substances were much higher in the intracranial hematomas than in heart blood. In an individual who was positive for phenobarbital, its concentration was only a little higher in the intracranial hematoma than in heart blood. In the remaining two cases, substantial quantities of ethanol were detected in the intracranial hematomas, but little ethanol was detected in heart blood.
In three cases, some drugs were administered at hospital after the injuries. The time interval from the initial drug administration to death was 19 to 60 h. In two individuals given phenytoin and/or lidocaine intravenously, substantial amounts of these drugs were detected in the intracranial hematomas. In an individual given diazepam intravenously, a substantial quantity of diazepam was detected in heart blood, but not in the intracranial hematoma.
Toxicological analysis of intracranial hematomas may be useful not only for determining whether individuals were under the influence of ethanol at the time they were injured, but also for detecting pre-traumatic usage of other drugs and chemicals. However, the medical record should be reviewed thoroughly from a toxicological view point if victims underwent medical treatment prior to death because drugs administered for the purpose of medical treatment can disseminate into preexisting intracranial hematomas, depending on the size of the hematomas.
Forensic Implications and Medical-Legal Dilemmas of Maternal Versus Fetal Rights
Authors: Mohaupt SM , Sharma KK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to review the issue of fetal rights from primarily a legal perspective, with consideration of morals and professional ethics. The practice of medicine is fraught with numerous bioethical dilemmas. These dilemmas often leave the physician wondering if he has made the correct decision. A physician's morals and professional ethics may influence his or her decision in resolving bioethical dilemmas.
The case example is a 34-year-old female with a 41-week intrauterine pregnancy. The mother was refusing induction of labor. Without the labor induction, the fetus may die. Despite this risk, the mother desired to pursue a vaginal delivery.
The AMA's ethics state that a competent, pregnant mother's wishes should prevail and the court should not be involved unless there are unusual circumstances. The mother in the case example was competent and informed consent was provided.
Case law does not specifically address the dilemma of the case example. However, there is case law regarding court-ordered cesarean sections which reveals different opinions. The difference in court opinion encompasses the relative degree of weight given to the fetus's right to be born healthy and alive versus the mother's privacy rights. Some courts describe this “balancing test,” whereas others state that the mother's privacy rights prevail unless there are exceptional circumstances, which will be extremely rare. The fetus has acquired rights in other areas of the law; for example, abolishment of the intra-family immunity doctrine and the definition of murder in most states. In considering the legal arena of fetal versus maternal rights, a decision tree is presented to assist physicians in assessing cases of a pregnant mother refusing medical treatment.
There is no precise demarcation in assessing fetal and maternal rights. The greater the degree of fetal viability, the greater degree of fetal rights. Consideration must also be given to the relative degree of invasiveness to the mother for the proposed procedure; the more invasive, the greater degree of maternal rights. Each case must be evaluated on an individual basis and the decision tree can assist a clinician with this process.
Differences in Criminal Activity Between Heroin Abusers and Subjects Without Psychiatric Disorders—Analysis of 578 Detainees in Bilbao, Spain
Authors: Morentin B , Callado LF , Meana JJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The association between drug abuse and criminal activity has been deeply established, but the nature of this relationship is controversial. The incidence and types of criminal activity were analyzed in 837 arrests of 578 subjects who were also interviewed for psychiatric diagnosis and evaluation of criminal responsibility. There was a significant prevalence of heroin abuse/dependence (50.5 %) in the sample. Another 124 subjects (21.5 %) in whom no psychiatric disorder could be observed were considered as the control group. Heroin abusers were younger (26 years, SD 5.9) than controls (29 years, SD 11.2) and showed some different ethnic characteristics. Heroin abuse/dependence was the most important risk factor (O.R. = 10.15) for criminal recidivism. Females were more related to nonviolent criminal activity than males. There was a higher incidence of offenses against property among heroin abusers (burglary 57.8%; robbery 19.5%) than in the control group (burglary 15.3% robbery 4.8%). In contrast, aggression or resistance to police authorities and nonfatal offenses against persons were more frequent among controls (12% and 13.7%, respectively) than among heroin abusers (3.7% and 3%, respectively). The results of this study confirm the hypothesis of a relationship between criminal activity and heroin abuse/dependence, probably based on financial needs. However, the association seems not to be a single and direct cause-effect relationship, as other factors show influence on the criminal activity.
Time Since Discharge of Shotguns
Authors: Andrasko J , Norberg T , Ståhling S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A method for estimation of the time since the latest discharge of a shotgun is presented. This method is based on SPME (Solid Phase Micro-Extraction) sampling from the atmosphere inside the shotgun barrel. Two analytical systems were used in parallel, the GC/TEA and GC/FID(MS) system. These two systems detect various combustion products and the estimation of time since the latest discharge is based on the rate of escape of the volatile discharge residues from the barrel as a function of time. If the ammunition used in the suspect firearm is known, the use of decay curves for the actual firearm and the actual ammunition is fairly straightforward. For unknown ammunition, repective samplings must be performed and the results fitted to decay curves obtained for other ammunition types according to the proposed procedure. Generally, the method presented in this study can give an indication whether a weapon was fired, e.g., 2 to 3 days, 1 to 2 weeks, or more than 3 weeks ago. Some factors that may impact data interpretation were studied, such as the effect of cleaning the barrel, the number of shots fired, the eventual disturbance to the system by SPME sampling and the effect of temperature of the storage.
Efficacy of Repeated Psychophysiological Detection of Deception Testing
Authors: Dollins AB , Cestaro VL , Pettit DJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Physiological measures were recorded during repeated psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) tests to determine if reaction levels change with test repetition. Two groups of 22 healthy male subjects completed six peak of tension PDD tests on each of two test days. A minimum between test day interval of six days was maintained. The treatment group was programmed to respond deceptively to one of seven test questions while the control group was programmed to respond truthfully to all questions. The respiration and galvanic skin resistance (GSR) line lengths, GSR peak response amplitude and latency, and cardiovascular inter-beat-interval (IBI) were calculated for each response. Analyses indicated that, except for GSR peak response latency, differential physiological reactivity during a PDD test did not change significantly over repeated tests or days; there was a decrease in average respiration line lengths at the initial test(s) of each day; and differential changes in average respiration line length, GSR peak latency, and cardiovascular IBI responses corresponded to deception. Power analyses were calculated to assist in result interpretation. It is suggested that PDD decision accuracy, concerning subject veracity, should not decrease during repeated testing.
South Portuguese Population Data on the Loci HLA-DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8 and Gc
Authors: Brito RM , Ribeiro T , Espinheira R , Geada H 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Five South Portuguese Caucasian subpopulations were analyzed for the HLA-DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8 and Gc loci. Genotype distributions for these loci did not deviate from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. The allele and genotype frequencies found have been compared with previously published data from North and Central Portugal. A total of 11 out of 138 chisquare comparisons of allele frequencies between different Portuguese populations showed a certain degree of divergence. Alentejo, Algarve, Madeira Island and Azores Islands populations might be considered as different groups in a database. For forensic casework, a composite South Portuguese Caucasian population database was obtained for estimating multiple locus profile frequencies using the six PCR-based loci studied.
New Jersey Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic Population Data on the PCR-Based Loci HLA-DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, and Gc
Authors: Jankowski LB , Budowle B , Swec NT , Pino JA , Freck-Tootell S , Corey HW , Schwartz R , LaRue EJ , Rochin WL , Kearney CJ , Tarver ML 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
New Jersey Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic genotype and allele frequencies were determined for the six PCR-based loci, HLA-DQA1, LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, and Gc. All but one locus (HLA-DQA1 for African Americans) meet Hardy-Weinberg expectations. However, observing one departure in 18 loci over the three New Jersey sample populations is not unexpected. There is little evidence for departures from independence between pairs of loci in the three populations studied. Thus, multiple locus profile frequencies can be determined using the product rule.
The Effect of Pathologic Substances and Adulterants on the DNA Typing of Urine
Authors: Linfert DR , Wu AHB , Tsongalis GJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Human urine has not been adequately investigated as a potential source of DNA for forensic identity testing. The advent of polymerase chain reaction technology has made possible the analysis of previously undetectable levels of nucleic acids from human urine and other body fluids lacking nucleated cells. In this study, we evaluated the ability to genotype DNA extracted from adulterated urine specimens using the AmpliType® PM + DQA1 PCR amplification and typing system. Fresh, first-void male urine specimens were contaminated with household bleach, E. coli, human serum albumin, glucose and saponin (a strong detergent). All of the adulterated samples were typed without difficulty. Frozen male urine specimens were split into equal volumes; one aliquot was adulterated with either E. coli or saponin, and the other was left free of contaminants. Seventy-one percent of all frozen urine specimens tested (adulterated and unadulterated) were successfully typed using this amplification and typing system. Our data, therefore, suggest that the AmpliType® PM + DQA1 PCR amplification and typing system described is suitable for genotype analysis of adulterated fresh and frozen urine specimens.
Computer-Based Production of Bite Mark Comparison Overlays
Authors: Sweet D , Parhar M , Wood RE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Bite mark comparison protocols include measurement and analysis of the pattern, size, and shape of teeth against similar characteristics observed in an injury on skin or a mark on an object. The physical comparison of tooth position often depends upon transparent acetate overlays to detect similarities or differences between the teeth and the bite mark. Several methods are used to produce life-sized comparison overlays. The perimeter of the biting edges of the anterior teeth are usually recorded to produce facsimile images called hollow volume overlays. Some investigators hand-trace these outlines from dental study casts, or from bite exemplars produced in wax, styrofoam, or similar materials. Some use hand-traced outlines from xerographic images produced with office photocopiers that are calibrated to produce life-sized final images. Others use radiographic images and toneline photography of wax exemplars filled with radio-opaque materials, such as metal filings or barium sulfate. Dependence upon subjective input by the odontologist to trace these images manually is considered problematic. This is because the errors incorporated at any production stage are increased in the final product. The authors have developed a method to generate accurate hollow volume overlays using computer-based techniques. A PowerPC Macintosh computer, flatbed scanner, and Adobe Photoshop (a popular graphical interface application) are used to acquire, select, arrange and export detailed data from class and individual characteristics of a suspect's teeth to acetate film loaded in a high-resolution laser printer. This paper describes this technique to enable the odontologist to produce high-quality, accurate comparison overlays without subjective input.
Immersion Technique for Brain Removal in Perinatal Autopsies
Authors: Prahlow JA , Ross KF , Salzberger L , Lott EG , Guileyardo JM , Barnard JJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Perinatal autopsies present forensic pathologists with a variety of challenges, not the least of which involves the removal and examination of very small and sometimes fragile organs. Removal of the immature brain can be particularly troublesome. Even if great care is taken during brain removal, one is often left with no more than a semifluid amorphous mass of softened tissue by the time the brain is ready to be fixed in formalin.
We describe a method of perinatal brain removal which helps to preserve brain shape and integrity. By removing the brain while the head (and body) is totally immersed in water, we find that the brain is easier to remove and less apt to destruction. Subsequent fixation in formalin results in well-preserved, intact specimens, allowing for optimal examination and sectioning.
Determination of Benzodiazepines in Forensic Samples by HPLC with Photo-Diode Array Detection
Authors: He W , Parissis N , Kiratzidis T 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method has been developed for the analysis of several benzodiazepines and some of their metabolites in blood, plasma and urine. The method included a liquid-liquid extraction with n-hexane:ethylacetate, a gradient elution on a C8 reversed phase column with a non-electrolyte eluent and a photo diode array detection. This allowed a rapid detection, a purity check, and identification as well as quantitation of the eluting peaks. The detection limit was 10 to 30 ng and the limit of quantitation was 0.05 μg/mL, using 1 mL of blood, plasma or urine. The procedure is applied routinely in forensic toxicological analyses involving blood, stomach content, urine and organ samples. About 30 positive cases are reported. The avoidence of the use of an electrolyte buffer in the eluent resulted in a robust procedure, free of technical problems and of long rinsing periods, suitable for routine use in forensic toxicology analysis involving blood, urine, stomach content and tissue samples.
Sudden Death Due to Sarcoid Heart Disease
Authors: Boglioli LR , Taff ML , Funke S , Mihalakis I 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A case of sudden death due to massive myocardial sarcoidosis is presented. Cardiac sarcoidosis is discussed. Since the deceased was a New York City police officer with death benefit entitlements under the Heart Bill, the implications of the medicolegal autopsy are emphasized.
Speedballing with Needle Embolization: Case Study and Review of the Literature
Authors: Thorne LB , Collins KA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Foreign-body embolization is not an uncommon occurrence. However, to our knowledge, there are only ten reported cases of needle embolization associated with intravenous drug use.
We report the sudden death of a 49-year-old white male with a known history of crack cocaine abuse. At autopsy, suspicious needle marks were noted on the right lower extremity. The lungs were of increased weight at 1000 and 1090 g and appeared edematous. The heart weighed 520 g and had a normal red-brown myocardium. Upon sectioning, a broken hypodermic needle of very small caliber was identified in the right ventricular myocardium protruding into the right ventricular chamber. This needle apparently traveled from the injection site to the right ventricle. The right ventricle was dilated and hypertrophied, and microscopic examination showed hyperemic myocardium surrounding the needle. Sections of lung showed numerous foreign-body type giant cells containing polarizable foreign material consistent with intravenous drug use. Toxicological analysis revealed the presence of ethanol (36 mg/dL), cocaine (0.098 mg/L), benzoylecgonine (2.16 mg/L), and morphine (0.841 mg/L). Urine and blood were positive for the presence of 6-monoacetylmorphine. Based on the toxicological analysis, the cause of death was determined to be cocaine and heroin toxicity, and the manner accidental. The needle embolus was considered an incidental finding.
Airbag Mediated Death of a Two-Year-Old Child Wearing a Shoulder/Lap Belt
Authors: Cooper JT , Balding LE , Jordan FB 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Airbag injuries have resulted in the deaths of several infants and small children, and such deaths are generally associated with rearward-facing infant seats or unrestrained children in front passenger seats of cars equipped with airbags. An airbag can also cause death in a small child wearing a shoulder/lap belt, however, as this case report illustrates. A two-year-old female was involved in a low-speed collision while riding in the front passenger seat of a dual-airbag-equipped automobile. Secondary impact with the airbag caused catastrophic occipitoatlantoaxial disarticulation with traumatic spinal cord separation, thermal injury and abrasions of the right forearm and distinctive patterned abrasions of the face. The possibility of airbag injury should be considered in all low-speed traffic fatalities, and the confirmatory injuries sought at postmortem examination.
A Fatal Drug Interaction Between Clozapine and Fluoxetine
Authors: Ferslew KE , Hagardorn AN , Harlan GC , McCormick WF 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A case is presented of a fatal drug interaction caused by ingestion of clozapine (Clozaril™) and fluoxetine (Prozac™). Clozapine is a tricyclic dibenzodiazepine derivative used as an “atypical antipsychotic” in the treatment of severe paranoid schizophrenia. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used for the treatment of major depression. Clinical studies have proven that concomitant administration of fluoxetine and clozapine produces increased plasma concentrations of clozapine and enhances clozapine's pharmacological effects due to suspected inhibition of clozapine metabolism by fluoxetine. Blood, gastric, and urine specimens were analyzed for fluoxetine by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and for clozapine by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). Clozapine concentrations were: plasma, 4.9 µg/mL; gastric contents, 265 mg; and urine, 51.5 µg/mL. Fluoxetine concentrations were: blood, 0.7 µg/mL; gastric contents, 3.7 mg; and urine 1.6 µg/mL. Norfluoxetine concentrations were: blood, 0.6 µg/mL, and none detected in the gastric contents or urine. Analysis of the biological specimens for other drugs revealed the presence of ethanol (blood, 35 mg/dL; vitreous, 56 mg/dL; and urine 153 mg/dL) and caffeine (present in all specimens). The combination of these drugs produced lethal concentrations of clozapine and high therapeutic to toxic concentrations of fluoxetine. The deceased had pulmonary edema, visceral vascular congestion, paralytic ileus, gastroenteritis and eosinophilia. These conditions are associated with clozapine toxicity. The combined central nervous system, respiratory and cardiovascular depression of these drugs was sufficient to cause death. The death was determined to be a clozapine overdose due to a fatal drug interaction.
Distribution of Phenol in a Fatal Poisoning Case Determined by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Tanaka T , Kasai K , Kita T , Tanaka N 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A victim who was presumed to have ingested waste fluid containing phenol of DNA extraction was found dead in his laboratory. The skin was partially chemically burned, with blisters as maps. No mechanical injuries were observed. The pathological findings of the liver and kidney were typical of those of acute substantial poisoning. Phenol concentrations in the blood, urine, stomach contents and organs were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Phenol was distributed throughout the body. The concentration of free phenol in the blood was found to be 60 µg/mL, and in the urine it was 208 µg/mL. The phenol concentrations in the organs were found as follows: 106 µg/g in the brain; 116 µg/g in the lungs; 166 µg/g in the liver, and 874 µg/g in the kidney, respectively. Significantly high concentrations were observed in the kidney, urine, and liver. To the best of our knowledge, such an intoxication through this kind of ingestion has never been reported before. Distributions of phenol in fatal poisonings have been reported, but colorimetry was used as the analytical method and it cannot exclude the interference of other phenolic compounds.