Fatal brodifacoum rodenticide poisoning: autopsy and toxicologic findings.

This report details the pathologic and toxicologic findings in the case of a 15-year-old girl who deliberately and fatally ingested brodifacoum, a commonly used rodenticide. The mechanism of death, massive pulmonary hemorrhage, has not been previously reported. Brodifacoum was quantitated in liver, spleen, lung, brain, bile, vitreous humor, heart blood, and femoral blood using HPLC with fluorescence detection. The highest brodifacoum concentrations were detected in bile (4276 ng/mL) and femoral blood (3919 ng/mL). No brodifacoum was detected in brain or vitreous humor. A brodifacoum concentration of 50 ng/g was observed in frozen liver while formalin fixed liver exhibited a concentration of 820 ng/g. A very high blood:liver brodifacoum concentration ratio suggested acute poisoning but the historical and pathologic findings suggested a longer period of anticoagulation. Though most cases of brodifacoum poisoning in humans are non-fatal, this compound can be deadly because of its very long half-life. Forensic pathologists and toxicologists should suspect superwarfarin rodenticides when confronted with cases of unexplained bleeding. Anticoagulant poisoning can mimic fatal leukemia or infectious diseases such as bacterial sepsis, rickettsioses, plague, and leptospirosis. A thorough death scene investigation may provide clues that a person has ingested these substances.     

脑损伤与半胱天冬酶

脑损伤(brain injury)后脑组织发生的一系列病理、生理和生化改变,由许多基因、细胞因子参与调节并影响着损伤程度的转归。CED基因家族中的半胱天冬酶(cystein-dependent aspartate-specific protease,caspase)与脑损伤后细胞死亡有关,控制着引起细胞死亡的不同层面。细胞凋亡(Apoptosis)参与了神经细胞损伤的发病机制。     

Inflicted head injury in infants

There is scant neuropathological information in the child abuse literature; even the best reviews include assumptions based on the findings of a few inadequate early studies. Our recent series of 53 fatal cases (Brain 124 (2001) 1290, 1299 [1,2]) demonstrated age-related patterns of brain injury and showed the substrate of severe encephalopathy in the infants to be hypoxic brain damage, not diffuse traumatic axonal injury ('DAI'), as had previously been thought. About one-third had craniocervical injuries, particularly in the brain stem, suggestive of stretch injury to the neuraxis. Our interpretation was that this finding implied a mechanism of injury--brain stem damage from stretch injury to the neck with resultant apnoea--that could account for the clinical scenario in many cases, and for which violence would not necessarily be required. Since publishing this study we have turned our attention to the subgroup of infants who die without objective signs of injury, such as skull fracture or impact, whose carers are accused of abuse, usually, "violent shaking", on the pathologic findings alone. Given the striking discrepancy that there often is in such cases between the relatively trivial findings in the brain and the accusations of violence, we have been looking at the pathogenesis of the typical intracranial bleeding. A histologic study of dura from 50 paediatric autopsies, none of whom had suffered a head injury, has led us to propose that the subdural and retinal bleeding in such cases may well have a physiological aetiology, rather than being caused directly by trauma.     

The Effects of High Dynamic Range on Fingerprint Images Processed by Photoshop

High dynamic range (HDR) imaging is a function that combines five images with different exposures into a single image. This technique may provide fine ridge details of fingerprint images for forensic latent fingerprint examination. Therefore, viewing fingerprints under optimal conditions is of paramount importance. This paper analyzes HDR and non‐HDR photos by using the Michelson contrast formula. The Michelson formula will provide a measurement to determine whether better contrast between the background and print can be achieved using the HDR function and if the background color affects the quality of the images. Two hypothesis were tested: (i) the HDR image provides more details of fingerprints with a better tone, greater clarity, and contrast than a normally exposed image regardless of the background color; (ii) the background color does not affect the quality of HDR fingerprint images overall, but the multi‐color background may increase the contrast of HDR fingerprint images in some cases.     

Sudden death caused by parasites: postmortem cerebral malaria discoveries in the african endemic zone

This survey presents several cases of sudden deaths in Africa, specifically in Cote d'Ivoire, where the postmortem diagnosis of human cerebral malaria was determined after autopsy followed by pathologic examination of the brain. It is thought that cerebral malaria may be the primary cause of sudden death in nonimmunized persons during or after traveling in such endemic areas of Africa. The target population is composed of tourists, business travelers, and sailors. Because death caused by cerebral malaria occurs so suddenly, it can lead to forensic issues. Therefore, in any cases involving sudden death, it is very important for the forensic scientist to do a systematic evaluation, including pathologic examination of brain tissue, to rule in or exclude cerebral malaria. This practice will reinforce and aid research in progress directed at developing a vaccine and elucidating the role of tumor necrosis factor in this disease. Furthermore, this study will alert the physician to the importance of an effective and well-followed prophylaxis.     

Sex in Context: Space,Place, and the Constitution of Images

This paper examines the changing context for sexual images and the spaces that give law meaning. The details are evident in Congressional efforts to regulate sex on the Internet and the Supreme Court’s response as well as changing contexts for encountering forbidden images from the old stag films and peep shows to the local public library and sex sites on the web. The paper is part of a larger project on seeing law and the idea that Lady Justice is blind.     

大鼠脑震荡后c-jun蛋白表达变化

目的观察实验性大鼠脑震荡后c-jun蛋白的表达变化规律,探索脑震荡后法医病理学的诊断指标。方法将55只大鼠随机分为脑震荡组和对照组。用免疫组织化学SABC法观察大鼠脑震荡后脑内c-jun蛋白表达变化的规律。结果对照组大鼠可见c-jun蛋白的弱阳性表达。脑震荡组损伤后15min可在神经元观察到c-jun蛋白的表达,随着损伤后经过时间的延长,表达c-jun蛋白的细胞数及范围逐渐扩大,损伤后3h表达达高峰。结论c-jun蛋白的检测可作为诊断脑震荡和推断脑震荡后经过时间的一项敏感指标。     

伪装识别技术的研究进展

测谎仪作为传统的测谎手段,试图通过人体外周局部植物神经反应的变化进行测谎,有一定的局限性。测谎仪的可靠性在很大程度上还决定于与仪器无关的因素,因此受到了最多的关注和质疑。事件相关电位(ERPs)尽管具有很高的测谎特异性和时间分辨率,可监测大脑的即时认知过程和电活动,但其空间分辨率差。大脑功能核磁共振成像(fMRI)可直接观察大脑的功能变化,具有良好的空间分辨率,但这项技术时间分辨率差,只能记录说谎后大脑变化的最终结果,目前该技术仍然处于基础研究阶段。在涉及伪装精神病和伪装认知损害相关诈病的司法心理学实际运用中,心理测试技术得到了更多的应用和研究。     

Subependymoma and unexpected death

A previously healthy 53-year-old man died suddenly and unexpected. The main finding at the post mortem examination was a large 4th ventricle subependymoma, a rare brain tumour related to the ventricles of the brain. The salient features of subependymoma are described with emphasis on the microscopic picture and distinction from subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, as the tumour harboured large, bizarre astrocytes. Coronary atherosclerosis and mild cardiac hypertrophy were present as the only pathologic changes outside the central nervous system. The cause of death is discussed in light of earlier reports on brain tumours and sudden fatal incidents.     

Fas-L在大鼠脑液压冲击伤后的表达

目的为探讨轻型闭合性颅脑损伤的病理诊断及损伤时间推断依据。方法通过建立大鼠脑液压冲击伤模型,用免疫组化染色方法与图像分析技术分别检测大鼠轻型闭合性颅脑损伤后15,30min,1,3,6,12h,1,4,7,14d以及正常对照组与手术对照组大鼠大脑皮质、丘脑、海马等部位Fas-L的表达。结果发现伤后1hFas-L开始在大脑皮质及海马出现表达,随时间增加表达逐渐增强,伤后3hFas-L表达显著增加,伤后12h达高峰,损伤4d后Fas-L表达逐渐减弱,14d基本恢复正常。本研究证明,Fas-L介导的细胞凋亡不仅出现于脑损伤邻近,在远离损伤部位的脑组织亦有Fas-L介导的细胞凋亡发生。结论Fas-L表达可望为轻型闭合性颅脑损伤早期诊断提供依据;根据Fas-L阳性表达的变化规律可作为脑损伤时间推测的指标之一。     

Cocaine, fetal loss, and the role of the forensic pathologist

Adverse obstetrical outcomes are often associated with maternal cocaine use. These have included intrauterine growth retardation, abruptio placentae, and an increased incidence of spontaneous abortion and pre-term labor. This report details the case of an 18-week-gestation fetus recovered from a sewage treatment plant. A brain specimen was positive for cocaine. With the present epidemic of cocaine abuse, it is important for the forensic pathologist to seek toxicologic evidence of cocaine in all suspicious fetal and neonatal deaths.     

Identification of human skeletal remains by comparison of bony details of the cranium using computerized tomographic (CT) scans

A case is described where a cranium from an unknown individual is identified by comparison of antemortem and postmortem computerized tomographic (CT) images of the bony structure of the skull. While on at least one occasion CT scans of individual cranial landmarks have been used to identify unknown remains, this study is remarkable because positive identification of a deceased individual was accomplished by performing a CT scan on an unidentified cranium and comparing multiple landmarks and images with corresponding features in an antemortem CT scan of a missing man. Bony details of the frontal and sphenoid sinuses, ethmoid and mastoid air cells, sagittal cranial suture, and the torcula (the internal occipital protuberance) were exactly the same on both CT scans, confirming them as the same person.     

大鼠脑震荡后GFAP的表达

目的探讨脑震荡后GFAP在脑内的时间性变化规律,为脑震荡后经过时间的法医学鉴定提供理论依据。方法54只SD大鼠按不同损伤时间分成3,6,12,24h和2,4,7,10d及对照组,用单摆式机械打击装置建立大鼠脑震荡模型,用免疫组织化学技术观察大鼠脑震荡后GFAP在伤后不同时间的表达情况。结果正常大鼠可见少量GFAP阳性细胞,脑震荡后6h后,随伤后经过时间的延长,GFAP表达逐渐增强,阳性细胞数目增多,胞体增大,突起增粗、增多,染色加深,至伤后7d达高峰。结论GFAP的检测可作为法医病理学诊断脑震荡的依据和推断脑震荡后经过时间的参考指标。     

Pore Sub‐Features Reproducibility in Direct Microscopic and Livescan Images—Their Reliability in Personal Identification

Abstract: Third level features have been reported to have equal discriminatory power as second level details in establishing personal identification. Pore area, as an extended set third level sub‐feature, has been studied by minimizing possible factors that could affect pore size. The reproducibility of pore surface area has been studied using direct microscopic and 500 ppi Livescan images. Direct microscopic pore area measurements indicated that the day on which the pore area was measured had a significant impact on the measured pore area. Pore area measurement was shown to be difficult to estimate in 500 ppi Livescan measurements owing to lack of resolution. It is not possible to reliably use pore area as an identifying feature in fingerprint examination.     

Fingerprint image enhancement by differential hysteresis processing

A new method to enhance defective fingerprints images through image digital processing tools is presented in this work. When the fingerprints have been taken without any care, blurred and in some cases mostly illegible, as in the case presented here, their classification and comparison becomes nearly impossible. A combination of spatial domain filters, including a technique called differential hysteresis processing (DHP), is applied to improve these kind of images. This set of filtering methods proved to be satisfactory in a wide range of cases by uncovering hidden details that helped to identify persons. Dactyloscopy experts from Policia Federal Argentina and the EAAF have validated these results.     

光谱成像检验技术

光谱成像组合了光谱技术和成像技术。通过运用成像光谱仪 ,光谱成像方法可以记录被检验物体在一个较宽光谱范围内均匀密集分布的窄波段反射光或荧光亮度分布影像 ,形成含有物体亮度信息和光谱信息的光谱影像集。这种技术方法可以用于物证的形态特征检验和物质成分检验。相对传统光谱检验或成像检验技术 ,光谱成像检验的能力和效果都具有明显优势。     

Differential effectiveness of the cognitive interview in a simulation of testimony

The cognitive interview (CI) is a set of forensic evaluation procedures that has proven its efficiency. Nevertheless, little investigation has been made into its usage on witnesses with the intention of lying. With the aim of proving whether the efficiency of the CI is maintained where the witness is lying we carried out two experiments and we included instructions to tell the truth or to lie as independent variables. We used a 2 Type of interview (SI/CI)×2 Statement Condition (True/False)×2 Interviewee Gender (Male/Female) design with 18 interviewers in a sample group of 240 gender-matched university students being interviewed and the classic measures from the CI as dependent variables: the total number of details, details of actions, details about people and details concerning objects. In a first experiment, participants who lied exculpated the protagonist of a film fragment from rape, whereas in a second, those who lied accused an innocent protagonist. The results, in accordance with previous studies, showed a globally better efficiency for CI. Nevertheless, analysing the material based on type of details, this efficiency is only found in details concerning actions and objects. We discuss the forensic importance of these findings.     

掺杂Cd的水溶性荧光ZnSe/MPA量子点显现胶带手印方法

目的探索水溶性荧光量子点溶液——掺杂镉的硒化锌（ZnxCd（1-x）Se）对胶带手印的显现方法。方法以巯基丙酸（MPA）为修饰剂合成了掺杂Cd的水溶性荧光ZnSe/MPA量子点,利用它显现水浸胶带及粘连胶带上的油汗指印,并在365nm下拍照成像。结果良好的显现出水浸胶带上的指印以及粘连胶带上的指印。与常规方法相比,优势更为明显。结论水溶性荧光量子点ZnxCd（1-x）Se溶液显出的指印纹线细腻流畅,在法庭科学领域具有很好的应用前景。     

Enhancing security of fingerprints through contextual biometric watermarking

This paper presents a novel digital watermarking technique using face and demographic text data as multiple watermarks for verifying the chain of custody and protecting the integrity of a fingerprint image. The watermarks are embedded in selected texture regions of a fingerprint image using discrete wavelet transform. Experimental results show that modifications in these locations are visually imperceptible and maintain the minutiae details. The integrity of the fingerprint image is verified through the high matching scores obtained from an automatic fingerprint identification system. There is also a high degree of visual correlation between the embedded images, and the extracted images from the watermarked fingerprint. The degree of similarity is computed using pixel-based metrics and human visual system metrics. The results also show that the proposed watermarked fingerprint and the extracted images are resilient to common attacks such as compression, filtering, and noise.     

Research in forensic neurotraumatology

Over the past 100 years forensic research in neurotraumatology was focusing on the genesis, e.g. biomechanis, and the origin of epidural, subdural, subarachnoidal, intracerebral and brain stem haemorrhage, particularly under aspects to enable the differential diagnosis of bleeding due to non-traumatic diseases. Moreover the estimation of the age of brain injuries has important criminological implications (survival time following traumatic forces to the head, alibi etc.). Beside these main fields of research, aspects of expertise in special areas such as head trauma due to child abuse, capability to act despite severe brain injuries and research on cervical trauma are reviewed.