Evaluation of extraction techniques for the forensic analysis of human scalp hair using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)

Preliminary research using on-line supercritical fluid extraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SFE/GC-MS) has shown that the natural and artificial surface components of human scalp hair are reproducible and differentiable. Therefore, these components may be useful for individualization or determining demographic characteristics or both. However, it is not known how the efficiency and selectivity of on-line SFE/GC-MS compares to other extraction methods. In this study, ultrasound, Soxhlet, and pressurized-fluid extraction were used to extract 1 mg to 1.3 g portions of a composite hair sample taken from an Asian male between the ages of 10 and 18. Percent extractables ranged from 0.9% to 5.6%, depending on the solvent used, and tended to increase with solvent polarity. Chemical analysis using GC/MS showed that the extracts contained large proportions of free fatty acids, squalene, cholesterol, and various wax esters. Finally, comparisons to SFE/GC-MS showed that this method possesses adequate efficiency, no observable differences in selectivity, and greater potential for miniaturization.     

Devolution: Where's the Revolution?

This study assesses the impacts and implications for U.S. citiesof the set of congressional actions, presidential orders, andjudicial decisions which, together, comprise the so-called "devolutionrevolution." Based on a survey of chief administrative officersof all cities with a population over 100, 000, the study attemptsto assess the impacts of these various devolution policies.Although for a few local officials, devolution policies areseen as being effective; for most, these policies are viewedas having had very little significant policy or programmaticconsequences. The study identifies the characteristics of thosecities where local officials believe devolution policies are,and are not, having significant impacts and conclude that themost important long-term implications of devolution policiesmay be the impacts they are having, and will continue to have,on the changing political and administrative leadership skillsrequired in the urban arena.     

Membranous fat necrosis due to subcutaneous elemental mercury injections

Membranous fat necrosis (MFN) is a distinct abnormality in systemic and subcutaneous fatty tissue. Although ischemia and trauma have been implicated in its causation, the exact pathogenesis of MFN remains unknown. The deposition of metallic mercury in subcutaneous tissue due to accidental penetration or deliberate injection of mercury is unusual. Depending on the duration of the deposition, localized necrosis, suppuration, and granuloma formation have been described at mercury injection sites. We report subcutaneous MFN, a hitherto unrecognized histopathologic phenomenon at sites of mercury deposition, in a 21-year-old soccer player who had deliberate subcutaneous and intramuscular elemental mercury injections to improve his sporting performance.     

A gas chromatographic method for detecting nitrites in the blood and stomach contents

Ethyl nitrite method is proposed as the tentative test for nitrites in studies of the blood and gastric contents. The sensitivity of the method in "pure" solutions is 17 micrograms/sample. The method is specific and its sensitivity is not inferior to routine chemical analyses of biological materials for nitrites.     

An improved method for restoring the initial appearance of injuries on the skin

Presents a modified method for restoring the shape and size of wounds on skin preparations. The advantages of the modification over the routine A. N. Ratnevski?'s method are enumerated.     

The possibilities for simulation in the expert assessment of the circumstances of the causes of head trauma

Some aspects of simulation experiments in forensic medicine are discussed, specifically those in studies of biomechanics and expert evaluation of the probable circumstances of a head injury caused by falling on a plane from a standing posture. Based on mathematical simulation and multifactorial analysis of physical parameters characterizing the process of falling (inertia, angular velocity, etc.), the authors prove the possibility of differentiating between spontaneous falling of a victim and falling caused by an outer force, and estimating the value of this force.     

The identification investigation of the material evidence of biological origin after multifactorial exposure

The possibility of investigating pieces of material evidence of biological origin after exposure to various factors is evaluated. The possibility of detecting proteins of liquid media of human organism by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide denatured gel is investigated. The method is intended for identification of biological material in a state of grave destruction. Methodology of such studies is proposed. The data indicate that the structural integrity and qualitative composition of the spectrum of main serum proteins are retained after combined exposure to damaging factors and complete destruction of blood cells.     

Morphological sign of cardiac ventricle fibrillation

An early sign of cardiac ventricle fibrillation is described: numerous surface cracks in the myocardial fibers. The formation of cracks is the initial stage of myocardial fiber fragmentation. The cracks are detected by polarization microscopy in the absence of fragmentation or in myocardial sites without focal fragmentation.     

Specific features of kidney injuries altered by disease

The degree of development of subcutaneous fat and muscles of the back, filling of the gastrointestinal tract, increase in intra-abdominal pressure, and pathological processes, specifically, cysts, hydronephrosis, tumors, pelvic stones, etc., play a significant role in the development of renal injuries. A case with a kidney rupture resultant from a slight trauma in a 19-year-old soldier is presented. Analysis of nephrectomy, review and intravenous excretory urography, and pathological examination of the removed kidney showed third-stage hydronephrosis. This diagnosis was significant for evaluation of the severity of corporal injuries and for determining the punishment for the guilty subject.