Forensic medical characteristics of stab wounds caused by objects differing in the blade sharpness

Based on the results of the present experimental study, morphological and histological criteria for incised skin wounds from objects differing in the blade sharpness were developed.     

Forensic medical examination of a medical malpractice case as a form of situational expertise

The authors propose to divide the process of forensic medical examination of a medical malpractice case into several stages and substantiate the possibility of their realization as a form of situational forensic medical expertise.     

Typing of mitochondrial DNA from isolated cells of the human buccal epithelium

The authors have developed a method for molecular-genetic analysis of DNA from isolated cells for the purpose of forensic medical diagnostics. The method is based on the use of the laser capture microdissection (LCM) technology in combination with typing of mitochondrial DNA. Optimization of the conditions for amplification of polymorphic mtDNA loci in preparations containing minimal amounts of the genetic material was accomplished at the initial stage of the work. To this effect, the two-round polymerase chain reaction was employed that allowed the amplified material to be accumulated in the amount sufficient for sequenation. At the next stages, the system thus obtained was tested on the cell model (using isolated cells of human buccal epithelium). It was shown that the proposed method is suitable for the analysis of specific mtDNA characteristics in a single human cell.     

A method for preparation of DNA suitable for medico-genetic studies from heparinized blood samples

Heparin traditionally used as an anticoagulant for blood preparations is one of the most powerful inhibitors of the polymerase chain reaction. The molecular genetic analysis for the purpose of forensic medical expertise encounters difficulties when DNA preparations obtained from heparinized samples have to be used. In our practical work, we were faced with the necessity to use heparin-treated blood samples. It turned out impossible to eliminated heparin from DNA isolated from these samples by the known methods. In order to obviate this difficulty, we have developed a special method for obtaining DNA from heparinized blood preparations suitable for the purpose of forensic medical expertise. The new technique includes the stages of preliminary extraction and purification of the blood cell fraction.     

Characteristics of the injuries to diaphyses of the long tubular bones in case of skew bending

The present experimental study was designed to elucidate specific morphological features emerging from the destruction of diaphyses of long tubular bones undergoing a combined strain/stress impact. It is concluded that the species-specific signs of the injuries to the long tubular bones can be used for the purpose of their differential diagnosis from other types of injuries.     

Forensic medical evaluation of stab-incised wounds caused by knives with point defects

The present experimental study allowed to characterize specific signs of stab-incised wounds caused by knives with operational point defects. Diagnostic coefficients calculated for these macro- and microscopic features facilitate differential diagnostics of the injuries and make it possible to identify a concrete stabbing/cutting weapon with which the wound was inflicted..     

Classification of skin injuries inflicted by the teeth of the carnivorous animals

The current approaches to the classification of skin injuries inflicted by the teeth of the carnivores on the human body are discussed. The new morphological classification is proposed taking into consideration the current views of the mechanisms underlying the formation of tooth marks on the integumental tissues of the victims of attacks by carnivorous animals. Morphological characteristics of skin injuries are briefly described in the framework of the new classification.     

Etalon-free laser mass-spectrometry as a new method of the elementary analysis of bone tissue at identification

The results of an experimental study dealing with the elementary composition of bone tissue by using the method of laser mass spectrometry are described in the paper. The method ensures the quantification of concentration values of all elements from the Mendeleev periodic table that can be made within an extensive dynamic range, which makes it promising in the forensic medical identification.     

Experience in using the "Termit-1" device for determining the time of death

The operating principle and utilization of a Termit-1 complex (equipment and software) is described. Expert cases are presented and recommendations are offered.