A matter of large body passing through a small hole: the holeproof out the window.

A baffling case of fall-from-height is described focusing on aspects of a human body passing through a small hole, within a holeproof window. It is a classic example of an unsatisfactory outcome when a scene of death is modified adversely due to delay in the commencement of scene management. The operative factors may be entirely outside the control of scene investigators. The primary medical attendant is reminded of the forensic obligations at a scene of unnatural death. Reporting this case might encourage forensic practitioners having experience of a similar case to respond through this journal.     

The development and evaluation of a 125I radioimmunoassay for the measurement of LSD in body fluids

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) has been developed for the direct detection of LSD in biological fluids. The radiotracer, (+)-2-[125I]iodo-LSD, allows the use of gamma-counting rather than the liquid scintillation counting currently used for existing 3H radioimmunoassays. The assay is specific for LSD and very closely related compounds. It is inexpensive, sensitive, simple to use and small volumes of samples (50 microliter) can be assayed directly without the need for any time-consuming extraction procedures. The cut-off levels are 1.2 ng/ml in blood and 3.0 ng/ml in urine. The results obtained using the 125I assay described in this work compare very favourably with those obtained using the 3H assay currently used by Home Office Forensic Science Laboratories. The advantages of the assay make it a most appropriate method for the routine screening of LSD in biological samples of forensic interest.     

RNA/DNA co-analysis from blood stains—Results of a second collaborative EDNAP exercise

A second collaborative exercise on RNA/DNA co-analysis for body fluid identification and STR profiling was organized by the European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP). Six human blood stains, two blood dilution series (5-0.001 μl blood) and, optionally, bona fide or mock casework samples of human or non-human origin were analyzed by the participating laboratories using a RNA/DNA co-extraction or solely RNA extraction method. Two novel mRNA multiplexes were used for the identification of blood: a highly sensitive duplex (HBA, HBB) and a moderately sensitive pentaplex (ALAS2, CD3G, ANK1, SPTB and PBGD). The laboratories used different chemistries and instrumentation. All of the 18 participating laboratories were able to successfully isolate and detect mRNA in dried blood stains. Thirteen laboratories simultaneously extracted RNA and DNA from individual stains and were able to utilize mRNA profiling to confirm the presence of blood and to obtain autosomal STR profiles from the blood stain donors. The positive identification of blood and good quality DNA profiles were also obtained from old and compromised casework samples. The method proved to be reproducible and sensitive using different analysis strategies. The results of this collaborative exercise involving a RNA/DNA co-extraction strategy support the potential use of an mRNA based system for the identification of blood in forensic casework that is compatible with current DNA analysis methodology.     

Analysis of human fecal material for autosomal and Y chromosome STRs

Human stool samples from eight volunteers were stored under various conditions and extracted by three different procedures. Fecal material and tissue paper soiled with fecal material obtained from a crime scene were also extracted. Extracted DNA was amplified using the AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus, AmpFlSTR COfiler, and the AmpFlSTR Identifiler PCR amplification kits for the detection of the autosomal STR allelic patterns. DNA extracted from the male volunteers and from the soiled tissue paper evidence sample was also amplified using the Y-PLEX 6 and Y-PLEX 5 amplification kits. Analysis of the amplified products was carried out by capillary electrophoresis on the ABI PRISM 310 Genetic Analyzer. Autosomal and Y-STR profiles obtained from the fecal material were concordant with the results from the donors' buccal swabs.     

How ‘Universal’ Is the United Nations’ Universal Periodic Review Process? An Examination of the Discussions Held on Polygamy

In 2006, United Nations Human Rights Council was tasked to establish a new human rights monitoring mechanism: Universal Periodic Review process. The objective of this process is to promote and protect the universality of all human rights issues and concerns via a dialogical peer review process. The primary aim of this investigation is to ask the following question: has this claim of promoting and protecting the universality of the human rights been met, or challenged, during state reviews in the UPR process? The issue of polygamy has been selected as the focus for this investigation to be used, primarily, as a tool to undertake an in-depth analysis of the discussions held during state reviews in the review process. In addition, this paper will employ scholarly debates between universalism and cultural relativism, as well as the sophisticated and nuanced approaches that fall in between the polarised opposites, to analyse the discussions held on human rights during state reviews. Ultimately, the findings and discussion of this investigation will provide a unique and valuable insight to the work and operation of the UPR process, so far.