The detection of Rh antigens (D,C,c,E,e) on bloodstains by a micro-elution technique using low ionic strength solution (LISS) and papain-treated red cells

Ninety experimental bloodstains, were examined, with the intention of detecting the principal Rh antigens, by using a micro-elution method improved by the use of low ionic strength solution (LISS) and papain-treated red cells. This method makes it possible to employ most commercially produced sera in routine forensic haematology laboratory work.The antigens could regularly be detected in stains of the following ages: D, C and c in stains of at least 6 months, E in stains of at least 4 months, and e in stains of at least 2 months.     

The dialectical psychoeducational workshop (DPEW) for males at risk for intimate partner violence: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Data are presented from a pilot study that tested the initial effectiveness of the Dialectical Psychoeducational Workshop (DPEW) in reducing the potential risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an experimental intervention (DPEW), and a control condition, the first session of an eight-week anger management program (AMW), was employed. Differences between experimental and control groups were analyzed by chi-square and t tests. Self-report questionnaires were administered pre- and post-test to 55 study participants. The questionnaire was comprised of standardized measures and highly-structured questions. Quantitative analyses provided strong preliminary support for the DPEW’s effectiveness in lowering a participant’s desire to express anger physically, while decreasing the potential risk for physical violence. This pilot study demonstrated promising initial support for the DPEW as an alternative, preventative intervention for males at risk for intimate partner violence. Its strong preliminary results provide evidence for a larger RCT. The study’s results are limited by a reliance on self-report measures, the brevity of the intervention, and a small sample size.     

The absorption-elution technique with the use of highly active proteases: a novel technology for the detection of Rhesus D antigen in bloodstains

The proposed method for the specific detection of Rhesus D antigen in 6 month old bloodstains is based on the use of modified immunoglobulins (anti-rhesus D peptides) in the absorption-elution reaction (AER). These peptides were prepared by an original method using polyclonal anti-rhesus D antibodies and standard erythrocytes preliminarily treated with a highly active protease. Specific identification of D antigen of the Rhesus system obviates the problem of poor AER specificity and thereby significantly improves the quality of forensic biological expertise.     

Seeking for risk factors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in a Greek national sample: the role of self-esteem

The objective of this article is to gain a better understanding of the magnitude of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Greece and to explore factors associated with increased risk of IPV prevalence. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 1,122 men and women, aged 18 to 65, who are residents of urban areas of Greece. The questionnaire used included 3 sections and 39 items that examined the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, rate of IPV victimization and perpetration (physical, sexual, emotional), childhood experience of violence, and level of self-esteem. Statistical analysis showed self-esteem to be significantly associated with physical violence victimization and perpetration (odds ratio [OR] = .975, confidence interval [CI] = .955-.996; OR = .972, CI = .951-.993, respectively), whereas experience of abuse during childhood was shown to be a strong predictor in all six models of IPV victimization and perpetration (p < .001). Finally, gender, age and years of cohabitation were some sociodemographic and background characteristics found to increase the risk of specific forms of IPV. Conclusions drawn from the current study should be taken into account in attempts aiming at preventing or ameliorating the problem.     

The detection and estimation of (A) arsenic in opium, and (B) strychnine in opium and heroin, as a means of identification of their respective sources

Samples of opium with arsenic as an adulterant, and both opium and heroin with strychnine as an adulterant are not infrequently encountered in the local drug scene. The paper describes a method for the possible identification of the sources of opium and heroin in the local market on the basis of an accurate quantitation of the adulterant arsenic and strychnine contents of the respective samples. A possible extension of this concept, would be the possibility of a similar identification of sources outside the country with a view to establishing channels of entry from abroad. Arsenic is determined by the Gutzeit method while strychnine is estimated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).     

The application of a simple RIA technique for the detection of 19-OH F1 alpha/F2 alpha prostaglandin, a specific semen marker, in semen contaminated vaginal swabs: time since intercourse studies

The specificity of the 19-OH F1 alpha/F2 alpha prostaglandin antisera for the detection of semen in seminal/vaginal mixtures, has been evaluated. Using a parallel curve test we found that the antibody showed a high specificity for these seminal prostaglandins in seminal/vaginal mixtures at concentrations of between 2 pg and 40 pg/100 microliter. The precision of the assay has been improved by the use of a donkey-anti-rabbit ferritin-bound second antibody. The application of this detection system makes it possible to complete an assay within 4.5 h. A survey of 50 semen-free vaginal swabs obtained from 3 donors, taken throughout the menstrual cycle, showed no trace of these prostaglandins. They were also not detected in the vaginal secretions of two further donors who were undergoing medication. Using only 10-microliter aliquots of a seminal/vaginal swab extract, prepared in 500 microliter, it was possible to detect semen up to approx. 80 h after one sexual act.     

Evaluation of a commercial radioimmunoassay kit for the detection of lysergide (LSD) in serum, whole blood, urine and stomach contents

The Diagnostic Products Corporation Coat-A-Count radioimmunoassay kit for LSD in urine has been evaluated for use in forensic toxicology with a variety of sample types. The cut-offs (defined as the mean response of blank samples plus three standard deviation) for LSD in serum, haemolysed whole blood, urine and stomach contents were 0.06, 0.050-0.055, 0.18 and 0.18 ng/ml, respectively. Preliminary extraction of LSD from the samples is not usually necessary. The precision of the analysis and the recoveries from spiked samples were satisfactory. The cross-reactivities of 2-oxo-LSD, lysergic acid methyl propylamide, lysergic acid monoethylamide and nor-LSD were estimated to be 11,6,2 and 1% respectively relative to LSD (100%).     

The family law detection of overall risk screen (FL-DOORS): Utility as a repeated measure for assessing change in family violence risk over time

Conflicted parental separation is associated with risks to safety and wellbeing for all family members. The Family Law DOORS (FL-DOORS; Detection of Overall Risk Screen) is a standardized screening framework to assist identification, evaluation, and response to family safety risks. The FL-DOORS has previously been validated in two large Australian samples (N = 6089) and found fit-for-purpose as an indicator of family violence and wellbeing risks in separated families. Now, using pilot data from a community mediation context, we examine its utility as a repeated measure for detecting change in safety and wellbeing over time. A pilot cohort of 67 parents engaged in a mediation service for parenting and/or property disputes completed the FL-DOORS at intake (T1) and approximately 8 weeks later (T2). We assessed T1-T2 change scores and correlations in change between variables and used MANOVA to determine if clusters of related scales discriminated change across time. Findings support the psychometric capacity of the FL-DOORS for use as a repeated measure in risk monitoring. We also note possible effects of this early screening process for reducing risk prior to engagement in mediation input. We discuss implementation utility for family law services to monitor change in risk type and magnitude over time.     

The use of a tunable light source (Mini-Crimescope MCS-400, SPEX Forensics) in dissecting microscopic detection of cryptic epithelial particles

As skin particles are often deposited by even a single skin contact, the detection of skin debris is important for evidence collection and DNA testing. Unfortunately, even when a dissecting microscope is used by an experienced examiner, epidermal particles are often hard to find and these traces of evidence might escape DNA analysis. Fluorescence is defined as the property of absorbing short-wavelength light and emitting longer-wavelength light. By virtue of the fluorescence characteristics of many target materials, tunable light sources assist in the macroscopic search of crime scenes and items. We combined the dissecting microscope and an alternate light source to examine the fluorescence characteristics of skin and skin particles. In a comparative study, small skin scales were hidden between sand, fibers, and soil probes, and it proved possible to search more successfully with less time and effort. On staged casework exhibits, the efficiency of the screening aid was again tested and the usability of the new procedure shown.     

The emergence of a group of four characters (Vāsudeva, Saṃkarṣaṇa, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha) in the Harivaṃśa: points for consideration

There are good reasons to think that Vāsudeva, Saṃkarṣaṇa, Pradyumna and Aniruddha already form a sort of implicit tetrad in the HV. The aim of this paper is to draw attention to often overlooked data related to this tetrad. (1) Upon first reading, the sequence of the HV episodes appears to be somewhat disconnected, and might lead one to conclude that no such grouping of these figures had as of yet taken place. Nevertheless, a closer look at the structure of the text makes it clear that these four characters are one of the main focuses of the narrator’s interest. (2) The relationships of these four heroes to one another and to other deities will be examined. In addition to their close kinship, these heroes with the exception of Aniruddha, are also said to be incarnations of other entities; thus the logic underpinning this grouping must be located at this other level. (3) Considered against the backdrop of the entire HV, one realizes that a basic pattern is established in which the presence of the goddess, under various names and functions, is required not only to facilitate Saṃkarṣaṇa’s and Kr̥ṣṇa’s births and actions on earth, but also the actions of Pradyumna and Aniruddha. In fact, neither Kr̥ṣṇa Vāsudeva, nor Saṃkarṣaṇa, nor Pradyumna nor Aniruddha can act entirely independently of her assistance. (4) The HV does not employ the word vyūha in connection with the group of Vāsudeva, Saṃkarṣaṇa, Pradyumna and Aniruddha. Nevertheless, during the battle waged to deliver Aniruddha, the idea of vyūha is present even if the word itself is not. HV 110.47–49 describes a true trivyūha composed of three fighters (Vāsudeva, Saṃkarṣaṇa and Pradyumna), who are arranged in such a way as to protect one another. The episode of Aniruddha’s liberation appears to be the missing link, showing clearly that at least Kr̥ṣṇa, Saṃkarṣaṇa and Pradyumna are capable of assuming a vyūha as they fight the Rudraic forces.     

The Effect of Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol®) on the Development of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and its Implications for Forensic Entomology

This study investigated the potential effects of flunitrazepam (known as “date rape drug”) on the developmental cycle of Chrysomya megacephala, an important forensic species, and their possible implications for the calculation of the PMI. A 1050 C. megacephala eggs were divided into five groups with seven replications each. The eggs were placed on artificial diet prepared with four drug concentrations of flunitrazepam (4, 8, 16, and 32 ng/g), besides the control group (prepared with water). Were evaluated the potential effects on development time, weight gain, and mortality during the cycles. The drug had no significant effect on development time or mortality although it did affect the weight of the pupae and adults (Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.05). The result can be deduced that the determination of the postmortem interval is not affected.     

The Self-Report Symptom Inventory (SRSI): a New Instrument for the Assessment of Distorted Symptom Endorsement

Self-report instruments to detect distorted symptom reporting play a crucial role in clinical and forensic psychology. Most of the instruments currently available for this purpose only list implausible symptoms, which makes them easily identifiable as symptom validity tests. We developed the Self-Report Symptom Inventory (SRSI), combining five self-report scales of genuine symptoms with five pseudosymptom scales to screen for distorted symptom reporting in various domains (e.g., depression, post-traumatic stress). With a preliminary questionnaire version, we collected data in a heterogeneous sample (N?=?239) and performed an item selection, resulting in the final 107-item version. This version was evaluated in civil forensic patients, inmates of a prison, and a population-based sample; N?=?387). Data show that (a) SRSI pseudosymptom scores correlate highly (≥.80) with other instruments tapping distorted symptom endorsement, notably the Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology; (b) High SRSI pseudosymptom scores tend to correlate with underperformance; and (c) The psychometric features of the SRSI are satisfactory, with internal consistency for the total scales >.90 and retest reliability >.85. The instrument appears to be a promising tool for examining symptom exaggeration, but further work is required, in particular cross-validation with other samples and different methods.     

Rupture of the spleen or splenic vessels (splenic emergency syndrome) in late pregnancy: a report of two autopsy cases

During the years 2004-2006, seven divers, who had deadly accidents, underwent post-mortem examination at the Institute of Legal Medicine of the University of Munich. The cause of death in all divers was drowning with typical pathomorphological findings. This should be regarded as separated to the triggering reason for drowning. The trigger for accident was established in four of seven cases by technical analysis and police investigation. High risk-taking, lack of technical service, and deficiency of dive equipment care were main reasons for death. We present two of these cases which showed several problems occurring concurrently. Autopsy always is necessary to look for indices for application of force or to exclude competitive reasons for death.     

Screening for suicide risk factors in prison inmates: Evaluating the efficiency of the Depression,Hopelessness and Suicide Screening Form (DHS)

The Depression, Hopelessness and Suicide Screening Form (DHS; Mills & Kroner, 2002 ) is a recently developed self‐report instrument to aid in screening inmates in the titled areas. Research has shown the DHS to have good internal consistency, factor structure and construct validity. The present study extends the previous validation research by comparing the disclosure of suicide risk factors on the DHS with both interview‐based and file review information. In addition, the DHS scores were used to predict psychological distress. The results indicate that despite the paper‐and‐pencil self‐report approach of the DHS it is comparably efficient in gathering suicide risk factors to other methods. In addition, the predictive accuracy of the DHS in identifying inmates experiencing psychological distress was confirmed. The current study has implications for the method of collection of suicide screening information. The discussion centres on the potential of self‐report in screening for suicide and self‐harm indicators in inmate populations.     

The witness in German criminal case (a contribution from the legal, psychological and psychiatrical view) (author's transl)]

The judgement of adult witnesses in particular cases, as sufficiently made clear by the described special case, is at least as necessary as a specialist's opinion of child testimony. Furthermore, it should be noted that the present modus of criminal proceedings does not allow for adequate objectivation possibilities of testimony of witnesses. Thirdly, it should be pointed out that at least for the so-called key witnesses a specialist's examination, i.e. by a psychiater and a psychologist is of great importance; it seems at least necessary that in problematic cases the specialist or the court should have the possibility to interrogate the witness to the exclusion of the public. It also seems of utmost importance to extend the judge's knowledge in the field relevant to the subject during his university education and also during his further professional instruction in order to enable him to identify problematical cases in time and decide on calling upon an adequate specialist.