Analyzing Brazilian vehicle documents for authenticity by easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry

Using desorption/ionization techniques such as easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS), it is possible to analyze documents of Brazilian vehicles for authenticity, providing a chemical profile directly from the surface of each document. A method for the detection of counterfeit documents is described, and the falsification procedure is elucidated. Forty authentic and counterfeit documents were analyzed by both positive and negative ion modes, EASI(±)-MS. EASI(+)-MS results identified the presence of (bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate plasticizer and of dihexadecyldimethylammonium biocide in both types of documents. For EASI(-)-MS results, the 4-octyloxybenzoic acid additive ([M + H](+): m/z 249) is present only in counterfeit documents. It was also found that counterfeit vehicle documents are produced via Laserjet printers. Desorption/ionization techniques, such as EASI-MS, offer therefore, an intelligent way to characterize the counterfeiting method.     

Pages from the history of the Department of Forensic Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University

The history of the Department of Forensic Medicine of I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University is highlighted based on the results of the studies of the relevant literature data and archival materials. The authors lay special emphasis on the organization of the teaching process and research at different stages of the development of the Department, scientific and forensic medical activities of its leading specialists, materials obtained in the course of research, and the contribution to the development of forensic medicine made by outstanding scientists.     

Forensic medical diagnostics of chronic narcotic intoxication based on the morphological findings

The objective of the present work was to develop the forensic medical criteria for chronic narcotic intoxication based on the results of morphological studies. The internal organs from 179 cadavers were available for the examination following death from acute poisoning with narcotic substances or as a result of chronic narcotic intoxication. The studies were carried out with the use of routine histological staining techniques and an immunohistological method. The data obtained provided a basis for the development of criteria to be employed in forensic medical diagnostics of acute poisoning with narcotic drugs and chronic narcotic intoxication. These criteria include ischemia of cerebral neurons, pulmonary emphysema with the formation of foreign body-type granulomas and fibrin/erythrocyte thrombi, morphological signs of ventricular fibrillation, the picture of bacterial endocarditis, follicular hyperplasia of the lymphoid organs, chronic portal hepatitis, and nodular degeneration of the adrenal cortex associated with its atrophy.     

Determination of the human age based on the characteristics of the bone tissue

The principal characteristics of the investigations concerning estimation of the human age are presented. The new high-precision methods for the microosteometric determination of the biological age of man have been developed. The methodological basis for the application of microosteomeric data to the computer-assisted analysis of the images has been created. Taken together, the results of the present study guarantee the high accuracy of the measurements, save labour time, and expand the possibilities for the documentation and control of the experts' work.     

Isolation, extractive concentration, and determination of caffeine in the studies of blood plasma

The optimal conditions for the isolation of caffeine from human blood by means of acetone extraction are described with special reference to the peculiarities of extraction from aqueous solutions. The possibility of concentration and purification of caffeine from blood plasma using acetone and aceton-chlorophorm mixture (2:8) as the solvents is illustrated. In addition, purification by silica-gel thin layer chromatography is discussed. Thin layer chromatography, UV-spectrophotometry, and high performance liquid chromatography are considered as potential methods for the identification and quantitative determination of caffeine.     

The topical problems pertaining to the performance of forensic medical expertise of the subjects suspected or accused of committing a crime and remaining in custody

The authors consider topical problems pertaining to the performance of forensic medical expertise of the subjects suspected or accused of committing a crime and remaining in custody. The discussion is focused on the organization of expertise and medical examination of such persons with the participation of personnel representing different clinical disciplines. The special emphasis is laid on the absence in the normative-legal basis of the well-specified criteria for the severity of disease, the degree of vital activity limitation, and duration of the treatment in specialized hospitals. The lack of such criteria hampers not only medical certification of the subjects suspected or accused of committing a crime and remaining in custody but also objective forensic medical estimation of their health status. Recommendations for addressing this problem and its resolution are proposed.     

Demystifying "oxi" cocaine: Chemical profiling analysis of a "new Brazilian drug" from Acre State

Recent information from various sources suggests that a new illicit drug, called "oxi", is being spread across Brazil. It would be used in the smoked form and it would look like to crack cocaine: usually small yellowish or light brown stones. As fully released in the media, "oxi" would differ from crack cocaine in the sense that crack would contain carbonate or bicarbonate salts whereas "oxi" would include the addition of calcium oxide and kerosene (or gasoline). In this context, this work presents a chemical profiling comparative study between "oxi" street samples seized by the Civil Police of the State of Acre (CP/AC) and samples associated with both international and interstate drug trafficking seized by the Brazilian Federal Police in Acre (FP/AC). The outcome of this work assisted Brazilian authorities to stop inaccurate and alarmist releases on this issue. It may be of good use by the forensic community in order to better understand matters in their efforts to guide local law enforcement agencies in case such claims reach the international illicit market.