Concentration of drugs in blood of suspected impaired drivers

Analytical records concerning 440 living drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drug (DUID) were collected and examined during a 2 years period ranging from 2002 to 2003 in canton de Vaud, Valais, Jura and Fribourg (Switzerland). This study included 400 men (91%) and 40 women (9%). The average age of the drivers was 28+/-10 years (minimum 16 and maximum 81). One or more psychoactive drugs were found in 89% of blood samples. Half of cases (223 of 440, 50.7%) involved consumption of mixtures (from 2 to 6) of psychoactive drugs. The most commonly detected drugs in whole blood were cannabinoids (59%), ethanol (46%), benzodiazepines (13%), cocaine (13%), amphetamines (9%), opiates (9%) and methadone (7%). Among these 440 cases, 11-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH) was found in 59% (median 25 ng/ml (1-215 ng/ml)), Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in 53% (median 3 ng/ml (1-35 ng/ml)), ethanol in 46% (median 1.19 g/kg (0.14-2.95 g/kg)), benzoylecgonine in 13% (median 250 ng/ml (29-2430 ng/ml)), free morphine in 7% (median 10 ng/ml (1-111 ng/ml)), methadone in 7% (median 110 ng/ml (27-850 ng/ml)), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in 6% (median 218 ng/ml (10-2480 ng/ml)), nordiazepam in 5% (median 305 ng/ml (30-1560 ng/ml)), free codeine in 5% (median 5 ng/ml (1-13 ng/ml)), midazolam in 5% (median 44 ng/ml (20-250 ng/ml)), cocaine in 5% (median 50 ng/ml (15-560 ng/ml)), amphetamine in 4% (median 54 ng/ml (10-183 ng/ml)), diazepam in 2% (median 200 ng/ml (80-630 ng/ml)) and oxazepam in 2% (median 230 ng/ml (165-3830 ng/ml)). Other drugs, such as lorazepam, zolpidem, mirtazapine, methaqualone, were found in less than 1% of the cases.     

Synthesis of standards of the most important markers of Leuckart p-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA). Examination of the influence of experimental conditions and a drug diluent on SPE/TLC profiling

The synthesis of characteristic markers of PMMA obtained by Leuckart method was described. The effectiveness of a procedure of SPE/TLC screening profiling of impurities was studied on the basis of selected impurities. The influence of glucose (a drug diluent) on the profile quality was investigated. The intermediate product (characteristic for the Leuckart synthesis) N-formyl-p-methoxymethamphetamine (1) and by-products: N-formyl-p-methoxyamphetamine (2), p-methoxyamphetamine (3), N,N-dimethyl-p-methoxyamphetamine (4), (RS) and (RR/SS) diastereoisomers of bis(1-methyl-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl)amine (meso-5 and rac-5), (RS) and (RR/SS) diastereoisomers of N-methyl-bis(1-methyl-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl)amine (meso-6 and rac-6), N-methyl-1,3-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)propane-2-amine (7) were synthesized. The substrate p-methoxyphenylacetone and the impurities 1 and 4 were used in the study of influence of experimental conditions and glucose on the profiling process and results. The experiments were carried out according to a 2(4) factorial design. The proposed criterions of the profile quality are based on matrix presentation of TLC patterns. They take into account the number of spots revealed, differences between R(f) values and intensity of fluorescence, simultaneously.     

Handbook of the Psychology of Interviewing

Abstract

Handbook of the Psychology of Interviewing. By Memon. A. and Bull, R. (Eds). Chichester: Wiley, (1999). ISBN 0-471-97443-9 (hbk) $65.00.

Investigative Interviewing: Psychology and Practice. By Milne, R. and Bull, R. Chichester: Wiley, (1999). ISBN 0-471-98728-X (hbk) $34.95; ISBN 0-471-98729-8 (pbk) $17.99.

Detecting Lies and Deceit: The Psychology of Lying and the Implications for Professional Practice. By Vrij, A. Chichester: Wiley, (2000). ISBN 0-471-8516-X (pbk) $24.95.     

A case of death after ingestion of an agrochemical spreading agent

An agrochemical spreading agent was found near the slightly decomposed corpse of a deceased female. The appearance of the stomach contents suggested that ingestion of a surfactant had occurred before death. The spreading agent was found to contain nonionic nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEO(n)) and anionic sulfonated naphthalene-formaldehyde condensates (SNFC(n)). A solid phase extraction cartridge containing a mixed reversed phase-weak anion exchange sorbent (Oasis WAX, Waters) was used to successfully extract both NPEO(n) and SNFC(n) from the blood. The cartridge was preconditioned with methanol and acetic acid (AcOH). After the dilute blood sample was applied to the cartridge, it was washed with AcOH, and then NPEO(n) and SNFC(n) were eluted with methanol/dichloromethane (7:3, v/v) and 5% NH(3)/80% methanol, respectively. The concentrations of NPEO(n=2-9) and SNFC(n=0) in the blood sample were 7.7μg/mL and 1.8mg/mL, respectively. It is possible that postmortem changes increased the concentration of SNFC(n=0) monomer by breaking down the polymer. However, the behavior of these compounds in the human body is unclear and further case studies are needed to investigate this result.     

根据颅骨特征推断中国东北地区汉族成年男性眼外形

目的研究颅骨影像学指标与眼外形之间的相关性。方法对101例20~40周岁中国东北地区汉族成年男性,拍摄头面部正面相片和正侧位X线片,对面宽(x1)、上面宽(x2)、两眶宽(x3)、全面高(x4)、上面高(x5)、颅骨最大宽(x6)、额骨最小宽(x7)、眶宽Ⅱ(x8)、前眶间宽(x9)、全颅最大高(x10)、鼻骨最小宽(x11)、眶高(x12)进行测量及统计学分析。结果通过线性回归分析,建立的推定眼内眦间距(y1)、眼外眦间距(y2)的回归方程分别为y1=0.025 x2+0.291 x3-0.011 x7+0.041 x10-0.525(R=0.613,SEE=0.222 cm)、y2=1.703-0.08 x2+0.573 x3-0.142 x4+0.421 x5+0.096 x7-0.256 x8+0.149 x9+0.071 x10(R=0.745,SEE=0.341 cm)。经回代检验,两方程在±1SEE的准确率分别为75.2%和80.2%。结论所建立的眼外形的回归方程具有较高的推定精度,可以用于实际颅骨面貌复原工作。     

Interpretations of the TDxFLx calibration data of the abused drugs

The useful TDxFLx calibration data was obtained for the interpretation of the interactions of the abused drugs to sheep antiserum protein. The antibody of TDxFLx calibrators was prepared from sheep antiserum. Furthermore these data can be used to interpret the abused drug-protein binding phenomena in human body and the TDxFLx screening results of the abused drugs in urine samples. TDxFLx system uses fluorescence polarization immunoassay technique that is a competitive binding immunoassay methodology to allow tracer-labeled antigen (*Drug) and patient antigen (Drug) to compete for the same binding sites on the antibody molecules of sheep antiserum. To obtain the binding parameters, binding constant (K) and number of independent binding site (n), generally, Scatchard equation is used. This Scatchard equation is expressed in the concentration terms of free drug, bound drug, and protein (antibody). The binding parameters can not be obtained by applying the TDxFLx calibration data to the Scatchard equation directly because the TDxFLx calibration data are composed of the fluorescence polarization and the total drug concentrations. To obtain the binding parameters from the TDxFLx calibration data the new useful equation which was expressed in the total concentrations of drug and fluorescence polarization should be derived. Derivation of new equation was based on the Scatchard equation. The TDxFLx calibration data was curve fitted to the derived equation using KaleidaGraph program and Macintosh computer. The binding constant (K) and the number (n(P(t))) of binding site of 11-nor-delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (COOH.THC) on the antibody were 1.14 x 10(8)l/mole and 4.04 x 10(-7)M, respectively. The binding constant and the number (n(P(t))) of binding site of amphetamine were 5.15 x 10(5)l/mole and 2.05 x 10(6)M, respectively. In case of COOH.THC the fluorescence polarization decreased linearly with the concentration. However, in case of amphetamine or the other three abused drugs the fluorescence polarizations decreased exponentially with their concentrations.     

毒鼠强中毒大鼠脑神经元GABA_A α1受体的检测

目的探讨GABAAα1受体在毒鼠强中毒大鼠脑组织中的变化及其机制。方法选择健康Sprague-Daw-ley大白鼠30只,分成5组,每组6只;分别以2.0 LD50、1.0 LD50、1/2 LD50、1/10 LD50毒鼠强量,采用灌胃染毒方法制作毒鼠强中毒模型,并以健康大鼠灌服生理盐水为对照;断颈处死大鼠,提取脑皮质、海马及脑干脑桥等脑组织进行免疫组织化学染色,观察GABAAα1受体阳性染色神经元的变化。结果不同LD50量染毒大鼠的皮层、海马及脑干,其GABAAα1受体免疫组化阳性染色神经元较对照组组减少,其中以1.0 LD50、1/2LD50组减少最为显著;相同染毒剂量,以脑干组织减少最多。结论GABAAα1受体表达下降与毒鼠强中毒机制相关。     

不同机械性损伤皮肤创缘EGFR表达的研究

对５１例人体尸检材料及４０只ＳＤ大白鼠不同损伤时间组标本进行组织内表皮生长因子受体（ＥＧＦＲ）的酶标染色，结果发现：生前不同方式损伤类型，ＥＧＦＲ阳性染色率在不同损伤时间表达不同。刀伤、枪伤ＥＧＦＲ阳性染色率为７０．０％－８０．０％，而挫伤和索沟皮损的ＥＧＦＲ阳性染色率较低，仅为４．０％－１０．０％左右。动物实验结果提示，损伤５分钟至３０分钟；ＥＤＦＲ阳性率较低，仅为４００％，从０．５小时至２小时、阳性染色率明显提高，为６０．０％～１００．０％，我们实验还发现，ＥＧＦＲ在人体和动物死后伤均为阴性染色。故此，可用其作为法医生前和死后伤参考指标。     

标准三联体非父排除率计算公式的推导和验证

目的对标准三联体亲子鉴定的非父排除率(PE)进行公式推导和实验验证。方法基于PE定义自行推导公式:PE=sum(P_i~2(1-P_i)~2)from i=1 to n+sum(P_iP_j(1-P_i)~3)from ij to n+sum(P_iP_j(1-P_j)~3)from ij to n+sum(P_iP_j(P_i+P_j)(1-P_i-P_j)~2)from ij to n。将该公式与前人报道的5个公式(1)~(5)进行对比,计算AGCU EX20系统19个常染色体STR基因座的PE值。根据1 000例单亲样本和1 000个无关个体样本设计真实实验,计算PE真实实验值。以随机模拟法产生1 000万对模拟亲母子和1 000万个随机个体,设计模拟实验计算PE模拟实验值。在19个基因座,统计各基因座的等位基因频率之和(S),将PE的公式值、真实实验值和模拟实验值进行对比。结果当S=1时,公式(1)、(2)、(5)、(6)计算结果完全一致,且符合真实和模拟双重实验验证。当S≠1时,公式(1)、(2)、(5)、(6)计算结果有较小误差。公式(3)、(4)的计算结果有较大误差。结论本研究推导的公式(6)与经典公式(1)、(2)、(5)均可用于标准三联体亲子鉴定。S值对PE公式计算有一定影响。     

Determination of time-dependent skin temperature decrease rates in the case of abrupt changes of environmental temperature

The present study deals with the development of a method for determining time-dependent temperature decrease rates and its application to postmortem surface cooling. The study concentrates on evaluating skin cooling behavior since data on skin cooling in the forensic literature are scarce. Furthermore, all heat transfer mechanisms strongly depend on the temperature gradient between body surface and environment. One of the main problems in modelling postmortem cooling processes is the dependence on the environmental temperature. All models for postmortem rectal cooling essentially presuppose a constant environmental temperature. In medico-legal practice, the temperature of the surrounding of a corpse mostly varies; therefore, an approach for extending the models to variable environmental temperatures is desirable. It consists in 'localizing' them to infinitesimal small intervals of time. An extended model differential equation is obtained and solved explicitly. The approach developed is applied to the single-exponential Newtonian model of surface cooling producing the following differential equation:T(S)'(t)=-lambda(t)(T(S)(t)-T(E)(t))(with T(S)(t) the surface/skin temperature, T(E)(t) the environmental temperature, lambda(t) the temperature decrease rate and T(S)'(t) the actual change of skin temperature or first-order derivative of T(S)). The differential equation directly provides an estimator:lambda(t)=-T(S)'(t)T(S)(t)-T(E)(t)for the time-dependent temperature decrease rate. The estimator is applied to two skin cooling experiments with different types of abrupt changes of environmental temperature, peak-like and step-like; the values of the time-dependent temperature decrease rate function were calculated. By reinserting them, the measured surface temperature curve could be accurately reconstructed, indicating that the extended model is well suited for describing surface cooling in the case of abrupt changes of environmental temperature.     

Fatal intoxication following self-administration of a massive dose of buprenorphine

Several drug packages, including Subutex (high-dose buprenorphine, as sublingual tablets) boxes, were found near the corpse of a 25-year-old male drug addict, who apparently had committed suicide. The autopsy revealed a fatal respiratory depression. The toxicological investigations concluded that death resulted from massive burpienorphine intoxication. The determination of buprenorphine (BU) and norbuprenorphine (NBU) in all biological specimens was performed by liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ES-MS) after hydrolysis (for solid tissues), deproteinization of the matrices, and solid-phase extraction of the compounds. Exceptionally high concentrations of BU and NBU were found in blood (3.3 and 0.4 mg/L, respectively), urine (3.4 and 0.6 mg/L), bile (2035 and 536 mg/L and brain (6.4 a nd 3.9 microg/g). The high concentration of BU (899 mg/L) and the absence of NBU in gastric liquid suggested oral intake. High concentrations of amino-7-flunitra/epam, the main metabolite of flunitra/epam, were also found in blood, urine and gastric liquid. This benzodiazepine may have been a co-factor in the toxic effects of BU.     

Exemption of certain systems of records under the Privacy Act. Final rule

This final rule exempts four systems of records (SORs) from subsections (c)(3), (d)(1) through (d)(4), (e)(4)(G) and (H), and (f) of the Privacy Act pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2): The Automated Survey Processing Environment (ASPEN) Complaint/ Incidents Tracking System (ACTS), HHS/CMS, System No. 09-70-0565; the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Information Tracking System (HITS), HHS/CMS, System No. 09-70-0544; the Organ Procurement Organizations System (OPOS), HHS/CMS, System No. 09-70- 0575; and the Fraud Investigation Database (FID), HHS/CMS, System No. 09-70-0527.     

Application of operational psychology to assessment of inmates

Abstract

The newly developed actuarial risk instruments, Static-2002 (Hanson & Thornton, 2003a) and Risk Matrix 2000 (RM2000) (Thornton et al., 2003), were cross-validated and compared with Static-99 (Hanson & Thornton, 2000) in a retrospective follow-up study of 304 forensic psychiatrically evaluated sexual offenders (mean time-at-risk=14.8 years). All instruments predicted any sexual, non-sexual violent and any violent recidivism moderately for child molesters [area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC)=0.67 (95% CI=0.57–0.77) to 0.76 (95% CI=0.68–0.85)] but poorly for rapists [AUCs=0.64 (95% CI=0.51–0.70) to 0.68 (95% CI=0.59–0.77)]. The instruments also predicted severe sexual recidivism moderately for child molesters [AUCs=0.74 (95% CI=0.63–0.86) to 0.79 (95% CI=0.70–0.89)] but were of no value in informing on this outcome for rapists [AUCs=0.58 (95% CI=0.47–0.68) to 0.63 (95% CI=0.53–0.73)]. AUC estimates were generally higher for Static-2002 and RM2000 than for Static-99, but no single instrument demonstrated statistical superiority. The study provides support for implementing actuarial instruments in applied risk assessments of child molesters.     

A fatal case of oral ingestion of toluene

A 51-year-old male ingested orally a large quantity of toluene and died about 30 min later. The presence of toluene in body fluids and tissues was confirmed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Tissue distribution of toluene showed that the liver detected the highest content of toluene (433.5 micrograms/g), except for the stomach contents, followed by pancreas (88.2 micrograms/g), brain (85.3 micrograms/g), heart (62.6 micrograms/g), blood (27.6 micrograms/g), fat (12.2 micrograms/g) and finally cerebrospinal fluid (11.1 micrograms/g).     

Population substructure can significantly affect reliability of a DNA-led process of identification of mass fatality victims

Aiming to evaluate the effects of population substructure on the reliability of a DNA correspondence in the process of human identification, we used the model of "in silico" constructed populations with and without substructure. Effects of population substructure were evaluated at the level of locus heterozygosity, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and mini-haplotype distribution. Inbreeding in a subpopulation of 100 individuals through 10 generations did not significantly alter the level of heterozygosity and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. However, analysis of mini-haplotype distribution revealed a significant homogenization in separated subpopulations. Average observed mini-haplotype frequency (f(o)) increased to threefold from expected values (f(e)), and the number of mini-haplotypes with f(o)/f(e) above 10 increased over sixfold, suggesting that the effects of population substructure on calculated likelihood ratios (LR) might be larger than previously estimated. In most criminal cases, this would not represent a problem, whereas for identifications in large-scale mass fatality events, population substructure might considerably increase the risk of false identification.     

Efficacy of cerebro-spinal fluid biochemistry in the diagnosis of brain insult.

Postmortem biochemical indices may provide a useful adjunct to morphological studies in the identification of antemortem brain insult. We studied 34 routine medico-legal cases categorising them into one of four diagnostic groups. There were 11 cases of head trauma, 7 of 'hypoxia' (3 hangings and 4 carbon monoxide or drug poisonings), 7 sudden cardiac deaths and 9 miscellaneous cases. Survival time and postmortem interval was known for each case. The degree of cranio-cerebral trauma was graded. Cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) and vitreous humour were analysed for calcium, glucose, total proteins, aldolase, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase BB isoenzyme (CK-BB). CK-BB was also measured in superior vena cava serum. In CSF there was a significant correlation between the severity of cranio-cerebral trauma and levels of aldolase, CK-BB, AST, ALT and total proteins. CSF CK-BB, median units/l (range), for the groupings of head trauma, hypoxia, sudden cardiac death and miscellaneous were respectively 823 (2-3431); 96 (2-187); 4 (2-25); 5 (1-69). Corresponding serum CK-BB levels were 240 (28-322); 390 (26-411); 180 (20-482); 79 (18-530).     

Metabolites of ephedrines in human urine after administration of a single therapeutic dose

Ephedrine (EPH), pseudoephedrine (PEPH), phenylpropanolamine (PPA), methylephedrine (MEPH) and cathine are sympathomimetic amines. These drugs are commonly found in over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines and some dietary supplements. In Taiwan, the misuse of these drugs has resulted in an increase in athletic violations. Excretion studies of the ephedrine-related drugs have been performed to better understand the metabolic yields of ephedrines in urine. After consuming a single clinical dose of each of these drugs, urine samples from volunteers (n=3 for each drug) were subjected to tert-butyl-methyl-ether (TBME) extraction and trifluoroacetic acid (TFAA) derivatization before gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Most ephedrines were excreted unchanged in urine, including EPH (40.9%), PEPH (72.2%), and PPA (59.3%). However, only a relatively small amount of MEPH (15.5%) was excreted unchanged in urine. In addition, a trace amount of PPA (1.6%) and cathine (0.7%) was found to be the metabolites of EPH and PEPH, respectively. Urinary EPH, PEPH, and PPA reached peaks at 2-6h and disappeared in urine at approximately 24-48 h post-administration. For MEPH, the peaks of excretion extended from 4 to 12h post-administration and were undetectable at approximately 48 h. A single clinical dose of EPH (25 mg) may exceed threshold level (10 microg/mL) in sport drug testing if the urine samples are tested within approximately 8h post-administration. However, a single dose of MEPH (20 mg) never reached the threshold value (10 microg/mL).     

社会转型期城市治安宏观影响要素分析

社会转型期城市治安状况既有异质性，又有同质性。从长期来看，城市治安状况主要取决于社会要素（形态与自由度度、政社关系要素要社会控制效果会、人口要素（数量、密度及流动性）、经济要素（发展水平和阶段）、管理要素（治安防控水平和力度）等宏观影响要素。     

精神发育迟滞者的刑事责任能力评定

本文对８０例精神发育迟滞有违法行为者的智力缺损程度、犯案动机、预谋、自我保护能力及对行为的辨认、控制能力等因素进行分析。鉴定结论，诊断为轻度精神发育迟滞者５８例（７２．５％），中度者１７例（２１．３％），重度者５例（６．２％）。评定无责任能力者１３例（１６．３％），限制责任能力４５例（５６．２％），完全责任能力２２例（２７．５％）。     

Quantification and aging of the post-blast residue of TNT landmines

Post-blast residues are potential interferents to chemical detection of landmines. To assess the potential problem related to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), its post-blast residue was identified and quantified. In the first part of this study laboratory-scale samples of TNT (2 g) were detonated in a small-scale explosivity device (SSED) to evaluate the explosive power and collect post-blast residue for chemical analysis. Initiator size was large relative to the TNT charge; thus, issues arose regarding choice of initiator, residue from the initiator, and afterburning of TNT. The second part of this study detonated 75 to 150 g of military-grade TNT (typical of antipersonnel mines) in 55-gal barrels containing various witness materials (metal plates, sand, barrel walls, the atmosphere). The witness materials were analyzed for explosive residue. In a third set of tests, 75-g samples of TNT were detonated over soil (from Fort Leonard Wood or Sandia National Laboratory) in an indoor firing chamber (100 by 4.6 by 2.7 m high). Targeted in these studies were TNT and four explosive-related compounds (ERC): 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), 1,3-dinitrobenzene (DNB), 2- and 4-aminodinitrotoluene (2-ADNT and 4-ADNT). The latter two are microbial degradation products of TNT. Post-blast residue was allowed to age in the soils as a function of moisture contents (5 and 10%) in order to quantify the rate of degradation of the principal residues (TNT, DNT, and DNB) and formation of the TNT microbial degradation products (2-ADNT and 4-ADNT). The major distinction between landmine leakage and post-blast residue was not the identity of the species but relative ratios of amounts. In landmine leakage the DNT/TNT ratio was usually greater than 1. In post-blast residue it was on the order of 1 to 1/100th of a percent, and the total amount of pre-blast residue (landmine leakage) was a factor of 1/100 to 1/1000 less than post-blast. In addition, landmine leakage resulted in low DNT/ADNT ratios, usually less than 1, whereas pre-blast residues started with ratios above 20. Because with time DNT decreased and ADNT increased, over a month the ratio decreased by a factor of 2. The rate of TNT degradation in soil observed in this study was much slower than that reported when initial concentrations of TNT were lower. Degradation rates yielded half-lives of 40 and 100 days for 2,4-DNT and TNT, respectively.