Pentobarbital in the context of possible suicides: Analysis of a Case
Barbiturates, derivatives of barbituric acid, are one of the oldest classes of general central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Various barbiturates are still available, indicated as sedative-hypnotics, anticonvulsants, in migraine therapy, and for reduction of cerebral oedema secondary to head trauma. The general barbiturate structure has multiple modification sites to produce the various therapeutic barbiturate analogs [1]. The characteristic signs and symptoms of barbiturate poisoning are the depression of the CNS and of the cardiovascular systems. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - December 7, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Paula Melo, Pedro Costa, Maria Jos é Quintas, André Castro, Sónia Tarelho, João Miguel Franco, Helena M. Teixeira Source Type: research
Applicability and Limitations of Sex Assessment Based on Foramen Magnum
Sex assessment of skeletal remains in the context of forensic investigation is one of the most important components when constructing biological profile of the deceased individual since it helps to significantly narrow down the number of potential victims. Therefore, the number of methods suitable to estimate sex should be as wide as possible, especially for cases of highly fragmented remains. This paper offers a classification method for sexing human remains based on an area around foramen magnum and tests other similar discriminatory functions published elsewhere on an independent sample from the circummediterranean regi...
Source: Forensic Science International - December 7, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Zby šek Seifert, Lukáš Friedl, Kathia Chaumoitre, Jaroslav Brůžek Tags: Forensic Anthropology Population Data Source Type: research
Isolation of PCR Ready-Human DNA using copper nanoparticles from Skeletal Remains
Personnel identification of human remains or badly decomposed body with forensic anthropology is an old methodology but still in use. To readout from this issue molecular biology based on serological analyses of protein polymorphism, blood groups and some genetic markers are recently adopted for personnel identification. In the beginning of the 20th century the ABO blood group system was applied in forensic examination of biological evidences related to crimes or human identification [1]. DNA is responsible for the genetic inheritance. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - December 7, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Anand Lodha, Niha Ansari, Shahil Shah, M.V. Rao, Shobhana K. Menon Source Type: research
Osteometric sex estimation from the os coxa in a Thai population
The coxal bone shows a very high degree of sexual dimorphism both morphologically and metrically. However, despite a number of recent studies on sex estimation from the skeleton in Thailand, no osteometric methods of sexing the Thai os coxa have been proposed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a standard sex estimation method for a Thai population by examining the efficacy of six coxal bone measurements and eight indices obtained from 200 Thai skeletons. Independent samples t-tests revealed statistically significant differences between males and females for all but one of the measurements. (Source: Forensic S...
Source: Forensic Science International - December 6, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Pasuk Mahakkanukrauh, Sittiporn Ruengdit, Saw Myint Tun, D.Troy Case, Apichat Sinthubua Tags: Forensic Anthropology Population Data Source Type: research
Did a “lucky shot” sink the submarine H.L. Hunley?
On February 17, 1864 the H.L. Hunley sank the USS Housatonic and became the world ’s first submarine to be successful in combat. However, the Hunley did not return victorious to harbor after its successful mission, but instead disappeared for over 130 years. The Hunley was re-discovered buried in the ocean floor outside Charleston Harbor in 1995, and raised in 2000. Since its r ecovery it has been undergoing extensive conservation efforts at Clemson University, and these efforts have gradually removed years of marine concretion to reveal the hull beneath. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - December 1, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Rachel M. Lance, Henry Warder, Cameron R. “Dale” Bass Tags: Case Report Source Type: research
An observed rise in γ-hydroxybutyrate-associated deaths in London: evidence to suggest a possible link with concomitant rise in chemsex
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a central nervous system depressant produced naturally in the body in small quantities and is also an illegal drug used recreationally for its aphrodisiac, euphoric and relaxant effects [1]. Regular use of GHB is thought to be relatively higher in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, though other populations also use it. [1] Anecdotal evidence suggests that GHB use is increasing, and this may be driven in part by an increase in the incidence of chemsex. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - December 1, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Joanna Hockenhull, Kevin G Murphy, Sue Paterson Source Type: research
Novel application of three-dimensional technologies in a case of dismemberment
Although rare in the UK, cases of complete dismemberment pose a significant challenge to the police [1]. In most cases, the individual body parts are deposited separately making them difficult to locate and thereby obscuring the victim ’s identity. Fortunately, from an evidentiary perspective, such cases offer a great potential, as the likelihood of finding traces at the dismemberment or deposition site is high due to the inherently visceral nature of dismemberment [1]. On the body itself, further evidence such as characteristic tool marks can be identified during an anthropological examination. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - December 1, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Waltraud Baier, Daniel G. Norman, Jason M. Warnett, Mark Payne, Nigel P. Harrison, Nicholas C.A. Hunt, Brian A. Burnett, Mark A. Williams Tags: Case Report Source Type: research
Synthesis and Organic Impurity Profiling of 4-Methoxymethamphetamine Hydrochloride and its Precursors
4-Methoxymethamphetamine (or p-methoxymethamphetamine, PMMA) is a synthetic substance that is an analogue of methamphetamine and closely related in structure to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (Fig. 1) [1]. Drug analogues often appear in the illicit market as substitutes for other substances as well as being marketed in their own right. PMMA is a stimulant with similar [2,3] but possibly more short-lived [4] effects compared to those of MDMA. It has been suggested that there is a small margin between a safe and lethal dose of PMMA [3]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - December 1, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Rebecca Tam, Erin Heather, Ronald Shimmon, Brandon Lam, Andrew M. McDonagh Source Type: research
Instant Detection and Identification of Concealed Explosive-related Compounds: Induced Stokes Raman versus Infrared
An explosion phenomenon includes a small volume of solid which is instantly converted into a large volume of gas, with the release of massive amount of heat. To react with sufficient rapidity, an explosive must contain its own source of oxygen [1,2]. For this reason, chemical explosives should have C, H, N, and O atoms. Fig. 1 demonstrates the chemical structure of common explosive materials. Explosives are designed to be dense and to have high oxygen and/or nitrogen content [3 –5]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - November 29, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Sherif Elbasuney, Ashraf F. El-Sherif Source Type: research
A definitive analytical spectroscopic study of Indian yellow, an ancient pigment used for dating purposes
A major factor in the deployment of analytical Raman and infrared spectroscopy for the characterization of pigments in works of art is the existence of a database in the literature which facilitates the comparison of spectral signals with those of standards for the recognition of the spectra recorded from single pigments and from components in admixture. The interpretation of these spectral data and their assignment to particular molecular species enables the presence or otherwise of a pigment to be determined in the specimens which itself can be used to identify materials which may be out-of-context chronologically in dis...
Source: Forensic Science International - November 29, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Dalva L.A. de Faria, Howell G.M. Edwards, Valeria Careaga, Nicholas Walt, Marta S. Maier Tags: Technical Note Source Type: research
Dental Age Estimation —Root Pulp Visibility (RPV) Patterns: A Reliable Mandibular Maturity Marker at the 18 Year Threshold
The increasing numbers of subjects seeking asylum in Europe and North America and in the Pacific Area has led to a number of publications aimed at using the development of the lower third molar as an indication of mature status. The most common age threshold is 18 years as this, in legal terms, is the defining age between child and adult status [3]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - November 25, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Victoria S. Lucas, Fraser McDonald, Manoharan Andiappan, Graham Roberts Source Type: research
Analysis of plant soil seed banks and seed dispersal vectors: its potential and limits for forensic investigations
Various plant parts can be useful as evidence [56,57]. The use of pollen has received particular attention regarding forensic approaches and criminal cases (e.g., [53,55,75,76,32]. Recently utilized methods also include the use of vascular plant, bryophyte, algal and fungal vegetative parts and/or spores, and seeds and/or fruits (e.g. [56,70,63,75,52]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - November 25, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Kate řina Šumberová, Michal Ducháček Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Disturbances of glucose metabolism associated with the use of psychotropic drugs: a post-mortem evaluation
Treatment with atypical antipsychotic agents (such as clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone) and tetracyclic antidepressants (such as mirtazapine) has been associated with impaired glycemic control. Reported complications have included insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, new-onset diabetes mellitus, life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis and, rarely, death [1 –15]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - November 25, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Cristian Palmiere, Marc Augsburger, Vincent Varlet Source Type: research
Stability of Synthetic Cathinones in Oral Fluid Samples
Synthetic cathinones are novel psychoactive substances (NPS) that can elicit powerful effects such as delusions, hallucinations and potentially dangerous behavior [1]. Since the mid-2000s, synthetic cathinones gained popularity in the recreational drug market worldwide because of their unregulated status, low cost and ready accessibility via the Internet and head shops [2]. They are advertised as “legal highs” and sold as “bath salts” or “plant food”, and are labeled as “not for human consumption” to avoid drug abuse legislation [3]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - November 25, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Briana Miller, Jiyoung Kim, Marta Concheiro Source Type: research
Fatal intravenous injection of potassium: is postmortem biochemistry useful for the diagnosis?
The potassium ion is an essential electrolyte present in all tissues and body fluids in mammals. Its plasma levels are normally maintained within narrow limits (typically, 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/l) by multiple mechanisms that collectively make up potassium homeostasis [1,2]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - November 25, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Cristian Palmiere, Maria Pia Scarpelli, Vincent Varlet, Pia Baumann, Katarzyna Michaud, Marc Augsburger Source Type: research
