bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Dental Age Using HPLC-Technique to Determine the Degree of Aspartic Acid Racemization
Authors: Mörnstad H , Pfeiffer H , Teivens A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Age determinations of adult individuals are of great importance within the forensic sciences. Presently, age changes in the teeth provide good means for this. The best method up to now has been “Gustafson's method” with modifications. Over the last 10 years a new chemical method, based on the racemization of aspartic acid in enamel and dentine, has been developed. Enamel and dentine belong to the very few tissues that do not have metabolic turn-over after formation. Both reliability and validity have been shown to be high, and this method therefore seems to be the best choice for the future. However, most studies to date have been using expensive and special instruments (gas chromatographs or amino acid analyzers) for these determinations. This study was performed to explore if the same determinations can be carried out with ordinary HPLC technique. It was shown that there is a good correlation between the ratio of D- and L-forms of the aspartic acid and age of the tooth. The correlation coefficient was 0.97, which is close to those presented with the other techniques, where r has been 0.95 – 0.99. The prediction of an individual are can be made with a 95% confidence interval of about ± 12 years.
The Descriptive Epidemiology of Unnatural Deaths in Oregon's State Institutions: A 25-Year (1963–1987) Study. IV. The Reduction of Unnatural Death Rates During 1988–1992 in Three Facilities As a Result of Planned Changes
Authors: Kamara SG , Concannon KW , Butler JF , Batten PJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This paper documents the most recent five-year (1988–1992) analysis of unnatural deaths in Oregon's state mental and correctional institutions. The current findings are compared with those of the preceding five years (1983–1987) within the context of the long term trend in unnatural death rates for the previous 25 years. The unnatural death rates for the institutional clients are also compared with those for the noninstitutionalized citizens of Marion County, Oregon.
There are two major findings in these 1988–1992 data: (a) There have been highly significant reductions in unnatural death rates in Oregon State Hospital and in the Forensic Psychiatric Program, which the authors believe are largely due to the implementation of planned changes to reduce the previously very high suicide rates in these two facilities; and (b) There was a dramatic reduction (to zero) of unnatural deaths at the Fairview Training Center. The authors also believe that this was attainable mostly because of large-scale improvements made at that facility, by the Department of Human Resources and the Oregon Legislature, just before and during the present study time frame.
Changes in these three facilities which led to the improvement in unnatural death rates of clients are discussed.
The Dangerousness of Persons with the Othello Syndrome
Authors: Leong GB , Arturo Silva J , Garza-Treviño ES , Oliva D , Ferrari MM , Komanduri RV , Caldwell JCB 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The Othello syndrome, or delusional jealousy, often raises significant forensic issues, particularly dangerousness. Dangerous patients suffering from the Othello delusion may present with hostility ranging from verbal threats to homicidal acts. We present three cases of individuals suffering from Othello syndrome associated with significant hostility and organic mental factors. We analyze these cases along with Othello syndrome cases culled from the recent anglophonic literature, especially in terms of implications for domestic and public safety.
Fatal Carbon Dioxide Embolism Complicating Attempted Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy—Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Lantz PE , David Smith J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the surgical procedure of choice for individuals with symptomatic gallbladder disease. The procedure has gained popularity among surgeons and patients because of inconspicuous abdominal incisions/scars, less postoperative pain, shorter hospitalization, and reduced medical costs. Bile duct, vascular, and gastrointestinal iatrogenic injuries are major complications.
We describe the case of a 50-year-old woman who died of CO2 embolism during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis. With the patient under general anesthesia, a 1.5 cm incision was made just below the umbilicus, and a pneumoperitoneum was created by CO2 insufflation with a pneumoperitoneum (modified Veress) needle. Immediately, she experienced a cardiopulmonary arrest and could not be resuscitated. At autopsy, air bubbles were admixed with blood in the epicardial veins and leptomeningeal blood vessels. A triangular 0.1 cm perforation in the left common iliac vein had been created by the pneumoperitoneum needle.
A pneumoperitoneum is required for laparoscopy and CO2 is the most commonly used gas. Carbon dioxide is highly soluble in blood and fairly innocuous to the peritoneum. Small amounts absorbed into the circulation cause slight increases in arterial and alveolar CO2 and in central venous pressure. When CO2 enters the venous circulation through iatrogenically opened vascular channels, catastrophic and potentially fatal hemodynamic and respiratory compromise may result.
125I Radioimmunoassay for the Dual Detection of Amphetamine and Methamphetamine
Authors: Ward C , McNally AJ , Rusyniak D , Salamone SJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A radioimmunoassay that exhibits a nearly equivalent response to D-amphetamine and D-methamphetamine in urine over the assay range of 0 to 1000 ng/mL while displaying low cross-reactivity to L-amphetamine and L-methamphetamine (4.6% and 2.4%, respectively) has been developed. In addition, methylenedioxy-amphetamine (MDA) and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) were detectable in the assay with cross-reactivity levels of &gt;100% and 77% respectively. Little cross-reactivity was observed with the commonly encountered over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and this cross-reactivity was further reduced by the addition of sodium periodate into the reaction mixture to oxidize the β-hydroxylamines. The double (second) antibody assay uses 125I-radiolabeled derivatives of both D-amphetamine and D-methamphetamine as tracers in combination with two highly specific sheep antisera directed against D-amphetamine and D-methamphetamine. The assay exhibits a dose-response of approximately 90,000 dpm from 0 to 1000 ng/mL of D-amphetamine or D-methamphetamine with a minimum detectable dose for either drug of approximately 25 ng/mL. With a cut-off level of 500 ng/mL, the assay gave a positive result for 100% of the 111 clinical samples containing GC/MS confirmed (at or above the NIDA GC/MS cut-off values) levels of amphetamine and/or methamphetamine. Eighty-eight samples that screened negative in a clinical laboratory were all negative in the assay. Nineteen samples which were incorrectly identified as positive by other commercially available amphetamine assays were negative in this RIA.
Hair Analysis for Buprenorphine and Its Dealkylated Metabolite by RIA and Confirmation by LC/ECD
Authors: Kintz P , Cirimele V , Edel Y , Jamey C , Mangin P 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Hair samples were obtained from 14 subjects admitted 2 or 3 months previously to a detoxification center. All reported an history of intravenous heroin abuse. After decontamination by two dichloromethane washes, about 50 mg hair were pulverized in a ball mill and incubated at 56°C overnight in 1 mL 0.1 HCl.
After neutralization, buprenorphine analyzed by RIA was in the range of 0.01 to 0.47 ng/mg. To confirm buprenorphine, liquid chromatography was used. After neutralization, drugs were extracted with toluene at pH 8.5 during a 3-step extraction procedure. A portion of the reconstituted residue was injected into a Lichrosorb CN column, with a mobile phase of phosphate buffer (pH 4.0)-acetonitrile-1-heptane sulfonic acid-butylamine (85:17:2:0.01, v/v).
Detection was achieved by coulometry, and the potential of the electrodes was 0.15 and 0.50 V, respectively.
Linear calibration curves were obtained from 0.02 to 2.0 ng/mg with a correlation coefficient r &gt; 0.99 for both drugs. The detection limit for the major metabolite was about 0.01 ng/mg and 0.02 ng/mg for buprenorphine, using a 50 mg hair sample. Recovery (at 0.2 ng/mg) was 54 and 62% for norbuprenorphine and buprenorphine, respectively. Drugs concentrations in hair were in the range 0.02–0.59 and not detected—0.15 ng/mg for buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine, respectively. Results suggest that a dose-reponse relationship exists between the concentration of buprenorphine in hair and the administered dose.
Improved Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Barbiturates in Urine Using Centrifuge-Based Solid-Phase Extraction, Methylation, with d5-Pentobarbital as Internal Standard
Authors: Liu RH , McKeehan AM , Edwards C , Foster G , Bensley WD , Langner JG , Walia AS 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Effective solid-phase extraction, derivatization, and GC/MS procedures are developed for the simultaneous determinations of butalbital, amobarbital, pentobarbital, and secobarbital, using a deuterated pentobarbital (d5-pentobarbital) as the internal standard. Buffered (pH 7) urine samples were extracted with Bond Elute Certify II™ cartridge. Iodomethane/ tetramethylammonium hydroxide in dimethylsulfoxide was used for methylation, while a HP 5970 MSD equipped with a 13 m J & W DB-5 column (5% phenyl polysiloxane phase) and the Thru-Put Target® software package were used for GC/MS analysis and data processing. This protocol was found to be superior, in both chromatographic performance characteristics and quantitation results, over a liquid-liquid extraction procedure without derivatization using hexobarbital as the internal standard. Extraction recoveries observed from control samples containing four barbiturates range from 80% to 90%. Good one-point calibration data are obtained for all four barbiturates in the 50 to 3200 ng/mL range. Interestingly, the one-point calibration data for pentobarbital are inferior to the other three barbiturates—due to interference from the internal standard (d5-pentobarbital). The calibration data of pentobarbital are best described by a hyperbolic curve regression model. Precision data (% CV) for GC/MS analysis, over-all procedure, and day-to-day performance are approximately 2.0%, 6.0%, and 8.0%, respectively. With the use of a 2 mL sample size, the attainable detection limit is approximately 20 ng/mL.
Detection of Cocaine, Norcocaine, and Cocaethylene in the Meconium of Premature Neonates
Authors: Browne S , Moore C , Negrusz A , Tebbett I , Covert R , Dusick A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Our objective was to investigate the methodologic detection of cocaine abuse during pregnancy by determining the viability of meconium analysis for cocaine and its metabolites using chromatographic procedures as an alternative to urine testing using enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique.
Our design was as follows: meconium and urine were taken from 106 very low birthweight premature babies. Meconium analysis for cocaine and its metabolites using extraction and chromatographic analysis was compared with the criterion standard immunoassay testing for urine.
The work was carried out at The University of Chicago Hospital, Department of Pediatrics and the University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Pharmacodynamics. Our patients were very low birthweight, premature babies (mean birthweight 1109 g; mean gestational age 29.1 weeks). Gender was evenly divided between male and female.
The outcome measures were as follows: two active metabolites, norcocaine and cocaethylene, were detected in the meconium, but not in the urine, of some of the neonates. Determination of cocaine exposure in the newborn influenced assignment of babies in research studies as well as psychosocial evaluation and subsequent treatment of the neonate.
Our results were: of the 106 meconium samples analyzed, 21 (19.8%) were positive for cocaine (n = 19, 0.24–0.78 mg/kg), norcocaine (n = 7, 0.10–0.56 mg/kg), cocaethylene (n = 1, 0.12 mg/kg) or combinations thereof. Benzoylecgonine was not detected in any of the samples. Of the urine samples analyzed by immunoassay, only 8 (7.5%) were positive for cocaine metabolites.
We conclude that meconium is a better sample than urine for determining cocaine exposure in utero. The presence of two neuroactive metabolites, norcocaine and cocaethylene, is reported, norcocaine for the first time. Immunoassay screening procedures for urinalysis are inadequate because false-negative results are obtained.
A Fatality Due to Flurazepam
Authors: McIntyre IM , Syrjanen ML , Lawrence KL , Dow CA , Drummer OH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A fatality attributed to suicidal ingestion of up to 2.2 grams of flurazepam is described. The deceased was a 52-year old female with a history of depression and suicidal attempts. No significant pathology was found at autopsy. Full toxicological analyses detected only flurazepam and metabolites in her tissues. The concentrations of flurazepam in femoral blood, liver, bile, vitreous humor and urine were 5.5 mg/L, 130 mg/kg, 33 mg/L, 1.3 mg/L and 3.3 mg/L, respectively. Analysis of gastric contents showed 600 mg of flurazepam. Desalkylflurazepam was also detected in blood, liver, bile and vitreous, but at much lower concentrations than the parent compound.
Analysis of Primer Residue from CCI Blazer® Lead Free Ammunition by Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray
Authors: Harris A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Traditional gunshot residue analysis is based on the detection of lead (Pb), barium (Ba) and antimony (Sb). CCI's recent development of a lead free centerfire primer for their Blazer® Lead Free ammunition presents a new challenge for forensic scientists since it does not contain lead, barium or antimony. Research presented here is the result of the analysis of this new primer by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray which involved analyzing CCI's lead free primer directly as well as the gunshot residue obtained by test firing a series of firearms using CCI's Blazer® Lead Free ammunition. Analysis of the residue from a fired primer determined that the only metal present was strontium; however, when the lead free ammunition is discharged in firearms previously fired using traditional primer ammunition, particles containing lead, barium and antimony were detected. These findings hold true for older firearms cleaned prior to testing as well as a “new” firearm that had only been test fired by the manufacturer.
D1S80 Population Data in African Americans, Caucasians, Southeastern Hispanics, Southwestern Hispanics, and Orientals
Authors: Budowle B , Baechtel FS , Smerick JB , Presley KW , Giusti AM , Parsons G , Alevy MC , Chakraborty R 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Allele frequencies for the locus D1S80 were determined in African American, Caucasian, Southeastern Hispanic, Southwestern Hispanic, and Oriental sample populations using the polymerase chain reaction and subsequent electrophoresis and silver staining of the amplified products. Due to the presence of anodal and cathodal electrophoretic variants (in reference to the steps in an allelic ladder), allele frequencies were established using a classification protocol based on the steps in the allelic ladder. All sample populations met Hardy-Weinberg expectations for D1S80. In addition, there was no evidence for association of alleles between the loci D1S80 and D1S7. The product of allele frequencies from the data from the sample populations in this study can be used in forensic analyses and paternity tests to estimate the frequency of a D1S80 DNA genotype.
Validation and Population Studies of the Loci LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, and Gc (PM loci), and HLA-DQα Using a Multiplex Amplification and Typing Procedure
Authors: Budowle B , Lindsey JA , DeCou JA , Koons BW , Giusti AM , Comey CT 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Studies were performed to evaluate the forensic applicability of multiplex amplification of the loci low density lipoprotein receptor, glycophorin A, hemoglobin G gammaglobin, D7S8, and group-specific component (PM loci) and simultaneous typing of these loci using a reverse dot blot approach where allele specific oligonucleotide probes are immobilized on a nylon membrane strip. These results were obtained by using the AmpliType® PM PCR Amplification and Typing Kit. The experiments included: mixed body fluid studies; chemical contaminant effects on the DNA in body fluid samples; the effect of typing DNA from body fluid samples deposited on various substrates; the effect of microorganism contamination on typing DNA derived from blood and semen; the effect of sunlight and storage conditions on DNA typing; determination of the sensitivity of detection of the PM test kit; determination of cross-reactivity of DNA from species other than human; typing DNA derived from various tissues from an individual; and an evaluation of the hybridization temperature of the assay. The data demonstrate that DNA exposed to a variety of environmental insults yields reliable PM typing results. Allele and genotype frequencies for six loci (PM loci and HLA-DQα) were determined in African Americans, Caucasians, southeastern Hispanics, and southwestern Hispanics. All loci meet Hardy-Weinberg expectations and there is little evidence for association of alleles between the loci. The frequency data can be used in forensic analyses and paternity tests to estimate the frequency of a multiple locus DNA profile in various general United States populations.
Extraction of Psychotropic Drugs From Human Scalp Hair
Authors: Couper FJ , McIntyre IM , Drummer OH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A comparison of techniques for the extraction of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs in human scalp hair is described. Human scalp hair was obtained from cadavers known to be taking psychotropic drugs prior to their death. Following a washing step, hair was either solubilized in sodium hydroxide, or treated with dilute hydrochloric acid, methanol or subtilisin. Digests were treated with a solvent and the extracted drugs quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. The alkaline digestion procedure was found to be significantly more effective (P &lt; 0.01) in recovering a range of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs from hair than either the acidic, methanolic or enzymatic treatments.
Detection of Antidepressant and Antipsychotic Drugs in Postmortem Human Scalp Hair
Authors: Couper FJ , McIntyre IM , Drummer OH 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The presence of therapeutic drugs in postmortem human scalp hair was investigated. Hair samples from 21 cadavers known to have taken antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs were solubilized in 1 M sodium hydroxide. Drugs were extracted using solvent extraction procedures and analyzed by gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antidepressant drugs detected were amitripty-line, dothiepin, doxepin, imipramine, trimipramine, and mianserin. Antipsychotic drugs detected were haloperidol, chlorpromazine and thioridazine. Concentrations of these drugs and their metabolites ranged from 1.3 to 242 ng/mg hair. Segmental analysis demonstrated that the drug concentrations detected were either consistent with the known dosing regime of the deceased, or were able to provide an indication of drug use within the last few months prior to death. This study reinforces the potential of hair as a useful tissue in forensic investigations, in establishing a history of past exposures to therapeutic drugs.
Evaluation of a Rapid Assay System, HIV 1/HIV 2 Testpack, Abbott, to Detect Human Immunodeficiency Virus Antibodies in Postmortem Blood
Authors: Zehner R , Bratzke H , Mebs D 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
For evaluating the HIV 1 / HIV 2 Testpack (Abbott, Chicago, IL) to detect antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in whole postmortem blood 456 samples were collected prior forensic autopsies. All samples were tested using the enzymelinked immunoassay (ELISA) and the Testpack; positively reactive samples and samples with equivocal results were confirmed by Western blot. Of the 456 samples 21 (4.6 per cent) proved to be reactive in both systems (confirmed by Western blot). In 17 cases (3.7 percent) interpretation of the result was difficult, but no serious misinterpretations occurred.
It is concluded that the HIV-Testpack provides accurate results in testing whole postmortem blood for HIV antibodies.
The Identification of Cathinone in Khat (Catha edulis): A Time Study
Authors: Lee MM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Previous studies on the khat plant (Catha edulis) illustrated the importance of using freshly harvested young shoots and leaves such that cathinone, the principal active component and Schedule I controlled drug contained within the plant, could be suitably isolated and identified. Upon drying and storage of the cut plant material, cathinone readily converts to the reduced product, cathine, which necessitates rapid extraction and chemical analysis for cathinone identification. This study demonstrates that by air drying the young khat shoots at ambient temperature, cathinone may be detected in khat samples that have been harvested for more than 10 days. Refrigeration for two weeks and freezing for one month of the khat samples also yield identifiable levels of cathinone. Cathinone and cathine are both specifically determined and differentiated by vapor phase infrared detection, which is the method of choice in relation to mass spectrometry.
An ELISA Procedure for the Detection of Soluble ABH Blood Group Substance in Semen, Saliva, and Vaginal Samples
Authors: Parigian MJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the detection of ABH blood group substances in body fluids. The original procedure was modified to provide maximum sensitivity and reliability. The modified ELISA method proved to be more sensitive and required much less sample than previously described techniques.
Identification of an Unknown Corpse by Means of Computed Tomography (CT) of the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Riepert T , Rittner C , Ulmcke D , Ogbuihi S , Schweden F 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
For the first time, a case is described in which an unknown corpse is identified by the comparison of antemortem and postmortem computed tomographic (CT) images. A posterolateral disc herniation at L5-S1 on the right side, Schmorl's nodes and a lucency in the ilium were found in identical locations in each case. Additionally there were characteristic morphological similarities in the vertebral bodies, spinous processes, transverse processes and neural arches. In CT identification, as in conventional radiographic identification, one must try to reproduce comparable scanning conditions and images because apparent differences in the roentgenological morphology can occur as a result of different gantry angles or slice thicknesses.