Analysis of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) in vitreous humour as a forensic tool for detection of alcohol misuse

Analysis of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin concentration in vitreous humour (VH-CDT) has recently been demonstrated to be useful for diagnosis of pre-mortal alcohol misuse, but more knowledge considering possible methodological problems is warranted. In a forensic sample we examined the stability of VH-CDT during laboratory handling as well as the possible affection of time-dependent changes of total transferrin concentrations in vitreous humour (VH-Transferrin) in the dead body on VH-CDT as indicator of alcohol misuse. By use of a commercial assay designed for serum analysis (CDTect) it was possible to measure VH-CDT with high precision, and detectable amounts were found in 20 of 21 alcoholics and in two of seven controls. The compound was demonstrated to be stable in vitreous humour during laboratory handling, since the results of the first analysis were well reproducible after 4 months storage of the specimens (rs=0.86, P=0.0002). Transferrin concentrations in vitreous humour (VH-Transferrin) correlated to the estimated time since the individual last time had been alive before the forensic examination (rs=0.57, P<0.005). However, in this small sample the discriminating property of VH-CDT as indicator of alcohol misuse was not decisively affected, whether or not the variables "VH-Transferrin" and "estimated time since the individual last time had been alive" were considered in a multivariate logistic regression analysis (minor change in the beta-coefficient from 0.57 to 0.52, P=0.086). We conclude that CDT is stable in vitreous humour during proper laboratory handling and that detection of VH-CDT is primarily a marker of alcohol misuse before death. However, the results of this study do not exclude that time-dependent changes of VH-Transferrin, possibly affecting VH-CDT, may occur in the dead body. VH-CDT analysis should thus, at present, be restricted to cases with rather short post-mortal time interval.     

Third Parties and Culture

This essay describes the four broad themes that emerged from our discussionabout the role of process in cross-cultural negotiations and considerstheir implications for future research. First, we address the nature of theconflict, in particular whether a negotiation is classified as a dispute or atransactional exchange. Second, we contrast the role of cognition and rapportin negotiations and consider when rapport replaces the centrality ofcognition. We also discuss the extent to which negotiating processes createrelationships based on trust or power, and consider how cultural valuesinfluence the development of these underlying relationships. Finally, weconsider the role of culture in defining what is perceived as an optimal outcomeand raise the possibility that suboptimal outcomes may holdsymbolic value in cross-cultural negotiations.     

Public Opinion and Federalism, 1986

At a time when Americans are assessing their Constitution, thequestion of how the public views the federal system is important.This article examines questions relating to federalism and intergovernmentalrelations from public opinion polls in an effort to understandpublic attitudes. Different polling organizations asked differentquestions at different times, producing conflicting and oftenincomplete data. Nevertheless, the evidence indicates that Americansrecognize the intergovernmental nature of their system and believethat all their governments should share in the provision andfinancing of public programs and policies. Moreover, they wereselective in their choice of which government should bear theprincipal responsibility for certain functions. Although theywanted a more vigorous federal government and believed thatit gave them more for the dollar, Americans expressed strongsupport for the states. Their attitudes evidence support forthe federal arrangement, a preference for shared authority,and a climate conducive to cooperation.     

Are Power Asymmetries a Reason for the State to Intervene?

Power asymmetries between farmers and slaughterhouses have led the Swiss government to install an independent agency that evaluates the quality of pig and cattle carcasses. This case is used to explore public interventions to mitigate power asymmetries. The independent classification is described and its economic rationale explored. The positions of the most important stakeholders in the system are depicted and the counter-arguments analyzed by objective hermeneutics. It is concluded that public interventions against power asymmetries are no panacea but can be useful to create a just and effective system.     

Phosphoglucomutase (PGM) grouping of bloodstains on silver.

This paper describes a case involving alteration of phosphoglucomutase (PGM) isoenzyme patterns in bloodstains present on silver. The effect could be produced by treating blood samples with silver nitrate solution.