Human genotyposcopy: the identification of the species, sex and individual by DNA genetic imprints in a case connected with a murder attempt]

Blood stains on a knife were identified by DNA genotyposcopy. The statistical validation method has confirmed that the blood stains on material evidence belonged to the victim, the probability of random coincidence being less than 10(-11). The efficacy of using hypervariable locus-specific DNA probes and the possibility of detecting DNA impressions in blood stains stored for more than 3 months have been demonstrated.     

New possibilities of detecting blood and seminal fluid in traces on material evidence using Fluorat-02-3M analyzer

Fluorat-02-3M liquid analyzer essentially extends the range of hemoglobin measurements, increasing its concentration in the studied extract from 0.1 to 100 micrograms in a 100 microliters sample (the lower threshold concentration remains unchanged: 0.005 in a 100-microliters sample) in detection of the blood in stains on material evidence pieces by fluorescent hemotest. This allows detection of blood in both washed and clearly seen blood stains on pieces of material evidence. Examples of using this method for measuring mass concentrations of zinc in water extracts on a Fluorat-02-3M analyzer are presented. The analyzer was developed at the Bureau of Forensic Medical Expert Evaluations of the Leningrad region for tentative detection of seminal fluid in stains on material evidence pieces. The results of this method are objectively recorded.     

The use of fluorescent microscopy for the detection of blood effusion in putrescent material

The present article was designed to demonstrate the efficiency of application of fluorescent microscopy for histological studies of preparations of putrescent material suspected to contain effused blood. This method makes it possible to detect haematoporphirin, a product of haemoglobin degradation, the presence of which gives reliable evidence of the presence of effused blood in the study material.     

On the detection of minor Rhesus antigens in blood stains

A new method for the detection of minor C, Cw, c, E, e-antigens of the Rhesus system in blood stains has been developed based on the absorption-elution technique with the use of anti-C, anti-Cw, anti-c, anti-E, and anti-e sera and standard erythrocyte preparations preliminarily treated with highly active proteases (protease C or papain). This method makes it possible to determine complete Rhesus phenotype in blood stains and substantially extend the possibilities of their differentiation on material objects (evidence) for the purpose of forensic-biological examination.     

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.     

Detection of blood in stains on material evidence by fluorescent hemotest and spectrofluorometry

The efficiency of detection of blood in stains on material evidence by spectrofluorometry and fluorescent hemotest developed at Bureau for Forensic Medical Expert Evaluations of the Leningrad region and by traditional methods used in Russia and abroad is compared. The proposed methods are 1000 times more effective than the methods routinely used in Russia; moreover, they allow objective computer recording and processing. These methods are 50-70 times cheaper than the methods used in foreign countries and are virtually as sensitive. Fluorescent hemotest persuasively proves the presence of blood in stains on material evidence under laboratory conditions, at the site of accident, and even under field conditions (express analysis).     

荧光免疫标记抗体法测定血痕ABO血型

目的探讨采用荧光免疫标记抗体法测定血痕血型的可行性和优点。方法根据抗原抗体特异性结合的原理,首先对抗A、抗B单克隆抗体进行荧光标记,然后使荧光标记抗体与相应抗原(血痕)在最佳条件下结合,最后荧光显微镜镜检,判定血痕的血型。结果采用该方法测定血痕的血型结果准确、灵敏度高、操作简单、检验时间短。结论该方法可以作为一种测定血痕血型的检验方法使用。     

The advantages of establishing the species classification of blood and other biological objects by the IFR in a quantitative modification

A quantitative modification of immunofluorescent test (IFT) is described. It was used for species identification of blood stains on material evidence objects. This modification is 1000 times more sensitive than electrophoretic methods traditionally used for this purpose in forensic medicine. Computer processing of the results helps objectively and persuasively determine the species appurtenance of blood and other biological objects. Results of the test represented as histograms should be attached to forensic medical conclusions as proofs for the court.     

藻酸盐材料在提取深色织物上潜血足迹的应用

目的建立一种用藻酸盐齿科材料转印显现纺织物上血足迹的方法。方法依据藻酸盐能和纺织物上血足迹中的血结合,从而使足迹被转印到藻酸盐模上,并通过染色增强反差。结果藻酸盐印模材料转印法能够在不破坏织物客体的情况下清楚的反映出血足迹细节特征。结论藻酸盐类齿科材料能够转印、提取显现织物上血足迹,尤其是潜在血足迹,并反映出其细节特征。     

Assessing DNA recovery and profile determination from bloody snow

Successful DNA typing of forensically relevant evidence is reliant on both the quality and quantity of biological material recovered from a crime scene. In geographical areas of the world exposed to cold climates, it is not uncommon for biological evidence to encounter a diversity of challenging surfaces and environments, including snowy surfaces. Currently, there is no standard protocol for recovery of bloodstain evidence in snow and very few publications exploring adequate methods of recovering biological evidence from snowy surfaces. In this study, three common substrates (e.g., cotton swabs, FTA paper, and untreated filter paper) utilized by investigators for evidence recovery were evaluated for their ability to recover human blood (DNA) evidence from snow that would be viable for traditional forensic DNA typing. Each biological sample was extracted and quantified to evaluate the quality and quantity of DNA recovered. All samples yielded sufficient non-degraded DNA to proceed with DNA profiling, where complete DNA profiles were generated from each collection substrate. The experimental findings presented herein demonstrate that the ability to recover viable DNA from human blood collected on surface snow is possible using all three collection methods tested.     

Possibility of the species identification using blood stains located on the material evidences and bone fragments with the method of solid phase enzyme immunoassay with "IgG general-EIA-BEST" kit and human immunoglobulin G

The authors give the comparative analysis of Russian and foreign forensic medical methods of species character identification of the blood from the stains on the material evidences and bone fragments. It is shown that for this purpose it is feasible to apply human immunoglobulin G (IgG) and solid phase enzyme immunoassay (EIA) with the kit "IgG general-EIA-BEST". In comparison with the methods used in Russia this method is more sensitive, convenient for objective registration and computer processing. The results of experiments shown that it is possible to use the kit "IgG general-EIA-BEST" in forensic medicine for the species character identification of the blood from the stains on the material evidences and bone fragments.     

Gm(11) grouping of dried bloodstains

An absorption inhibition method for the detection of gamma marker Gm(11) in dried bloodstains is described. Particular reference is made to the association of Gm(11) with Gm(-1, -2). When a dried bloodstain fails to inhibit anti-Gm(1) and anti-Gm(2), this may represent a true Gm(-1, -2) result or there may be insufficient material to inhibit either antibody. The detection of Gm(11) in a bloodstain extract provides an objective means of confirming the apparent absence of Gm(1) and Gm(2) as representing a true Gm(-1, -2) result. This antigen compares very well with other blood group systems with regard to the amount of bloodstain required for analysis and its stability. No evidence is available for preferential loss of Gm(1) and Gm(2) relative to Gm(11) in dried bloodstains.     

Isolation of drugs from blood and tissues with XAD-2 bags

Nylon bags containing 2-g portions of Amberlite XAD-2 resin were used for systematic analysis of drugs in biosamples. The procedure requires 10 or less grams of material, two XAD-2 bags, and enables rapid and economical isolation of most common drugs. The method was demonstrated on autopsy blood spiked with 19 of the most common drugs, and was routinely used in cases of fatal and non-fatal poisoning. The eluates were clean and suitable for direct gas chromatographic and ultraviolet spectrophotometric analysis.The procedure used appeared more convenient than XAD-2 column extraction procedures. Classic solvent extraction methods were usually less efficient.     

Contribution to the Development of Guidelines in the Analysis of Biological Evidence in Sexual Assault Investigations

This investigation intends to study materials and techniques used for biological evidence collection in sexual assault cases and is divided into two stages: in stage one, methods for biological evidence collection (the single swab (including three variants) and the “double swab technique”) were compared; in stage two, swabs’ component material was compared. The sampling was composed of 42 heterosexual couples who provided mock samples. The collection methods in which the whole swab is covered by evidence presented significantly better outcomes (p < 0.001), such as the “double swab technique.” Additionally, nylon swabs proved to present significantly better features regarding the capacity of sample elution, providing significantly higher amounts of DNA (p ≤ 0.034). This study provides guidelines for better collection of biological evidence regarding the collection method using a swab and the proper swab material to utilize.     

The application of the immunohistological method for the detection of ABO antigens in cellular elements

This paper was designed to illustrate the advantages of immunohistological methods over those traditionally employed in this country for the study of material evidence. A method for the identification of ABO antigens in cellular elements based on the use of Diagnostic BioSystems-Universal HPP kits is described. The reaction is specific and as sensitive as the immunofluorescent techniques. The stained preparations can be stored during a long period without the loss of their properties. The authors recommend to use the method being considered in forensic medical (specifically, in forensic cytological) practice.     

The Morphology of Fecal and Regurgitation Artifacts Deposited by the Blow Fly Lucilia cuprina Fed a Diet of Human Blood

Fly feces and regurgitation deposits may be mistaken for bloodstain patterns at a crime scene, potentially compromising event reconstruction and/or misdirecting police resources. In some instances, these artifacts contain sufficient human biological material to generate a full DNA profile, sometimes 2 years after deposition. Clearly, it is important that investigators can make the distinction between artifacts and bloodstains. This study examined 6645 artifacts deposited on a smooth, nonporous surface after Lucilia cuprina were fed human blood. Artifacts were also compared with bloodstains on a variety of other surfaces. Both similarities and differences were found between artifacts and bloodstains, highlighting the need for an identification system to assist personnel with little training in bloodstain pattern analysis. The morphology of the artifacts has been described so that these deposits may be more clearly distinguished from bloodstains, targeted by crime scene personnel as potential sources of human DNA, and/or identified as potential evidence contaminants. Flowcharts have been devised to facilitate the analysis.     

Determination of ABO antigens in fingernails using the APAAP (immunoalkaline phosphatase) technique

Fingernail specimens with adherent nail-bed were taken from autopsy material with blood groups A, AB, B and O. Frozen 4-5-microns sections were submerged and floated carefully during each working step. Portions of fingernails were contaminated with blood and buccal cells, respectively. Furthermore, fingernail fragments of 8 volunteers were embedded in a biocomponent adhesive according to Grieve and Kotowski (Forensic Sci. Soc., 26 29-34) (1986) and cut by the usual microtome technique. APAAP staining is a proper method for demonstrating blood group antigens in fingernails from groove to margin. Frozen sections as well as smallest specimen embedded in a suitable adhesive are applicable for staining procedures. Using freshly prepared artificial stains, blood group constellations of red blood cells and/or buccal cells adherent on the surface of fingernails may be distinguished from the nail matrix.     

Disappearance rate of alcohol from the blood of drunk drivers calculated from two consecutive samples; what do the results really mean?

Based on a large material (N = 2354) of double blood specimens from drunk drivers apprehended in The Netherlands, we selected 1314 cases for further evaluation. The difference BAC2-BAC1 was used as index of alcohol elimination rate from the blood. The results ranged from below 0.10 to 0.64 mg/ml/h, with a mean of 0.22 mg/ml/h. At least about 2% of drivers were still absorbing alcohol as indicated by a rising BAC. Some likely mechanisms are discussed that might account for the wide range of alcohol elimination rates observed.     

论证据的种类

我国法律将证据分为八种是缺乏根据的。八种“证据”中只有物证、书证是两种独立的证据。证人证言、被害人陈述、犯罪嫌疑人、被告人供述和辩解只是人证的不同类型 ,而与物证、书证并列的只能是人证。勘验、检查笔录和鉴定结论都不是证据本身 ,它们只是反映了物证的物证资料。视听资料不是单一事物 ,其四种成分中只有一种成分是证据 ,且属于书证。根据以上分析 ,本文认为 ,证据只有三种 :物证、书证、人证。证据都是由事实构成的 ,事实构成证据的情况只有三种 :一是客观存在 ;二是被“书”记载 ;三是被人感知。三种情况下的事实只能构成三种证据。司法人员获得证据的途径也只有三种 :一是找证物 ;二是找“证书” ;三是找“证人”。     

Determination of clofelin in blood by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Gas chromatography--mass spectrometry is proposed for measuring clofelin (clonidine) in cadaveric blood. The method includes liquid-liquid extraction of clonidine from the blood, derivatization with pentafluorobenzyl bromide, and subsequent purification of derivatization products before chromatographic analysis. The range of 0.5-50.0 ng/ml covers therapeutic and lethal concentrations of clonidine in the blood. The method was tried on expert material in Chelyabinsk Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Expert Evaluations and can be used in forensic chemical and toxicological analysis.