From animal cruelty to serial murder: applying the graduation hypothesis

Although serial murder has been recorded for centuries, limited academic attention has been given to this important topic. Scholars have attempted to examine the causality and motivations behind the rare phenomenon of serial murder. However, scant research exists which delves into the childhood characteristics of serial murderers. Using social learning theory, some of these studies present supporting evidence for a link between childhood animal cruelty and adult aggression toward humans. Based on five case studies of serial murderers, we contribute to the existing literature by exploring the possible link between childhood cruelty toward animals and serial murder with the application of the graduation hypothesis.     

Area-specific increased density of mu-opioid receptor immunoreactive neurons in the cerebral cortex of drug-related fatalities

In animal experiments and in cell culture, chronic morphine treatment has been followed by "up-regulation" as well as "down-regulation" of the mu-opioid receptor (OR) number. The present postmortem morphometric study of morphine-related fatalities of drug-addicts (n=13, 20-35 years old, with blood unconjugated morphine levels from 27.1 ng/ml to 458 ng/ml, m.v. 198.5 ng/ml) versus a non-addicted control group (n=13, 10-44 years old) was intended to examine, whether chronic opiate exposure affects the numerical density of mu-OR expressing neurons in the human neocortex (areas 11, 24 and 25 according to Brodmann). For the immunohistochemical procedure, vibratome sections (100 microm) were incubated with a monoclonal antibody against the mu-OR, diluted 1:100, and immunolabelled sites were visualized using an immunoperoxidase protocol. The numerical densities of OR immunoreactive neuronal profiles and Nissl-stained central profiles were assessed morphometrically (camera lucida-drawings). In both groups, the anti-mu-OR-immunoreactivity was mainly localized in pyramidal neurons of layers (L) II/III and V and in multiform neurons of L VI. In the areas 24 and 25, the density of the immunoreactive neuronal profiles did not display a significant difference between the two examined groups. In the area 11, however, the number of immunolabelled neuronal profiles amounted to 2777+/-206 mm(3) in the drug-related fatalities and to 2320+/-124 mm(3) in the control group and thus was significantly increased.     

"Ancient" protocols for the crime scene? Similarities and differences between forensic genetics and ancient DNA analysis

We provide a short overview on some current issues in the fields of forensic genetics and ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis. We discuss about the existence of the possible points of contact between the two disciplines, in terms of open problems and the inherent approach to their solution. We mainly focus on the problem of results authentication, its theoretical and technical aspects.     

Morphometric investigation of emphysema aquosum in the elderly

We compared the lungs of six drowned and six non-drowned persons over 70 to determine whether there is evidence of acute overinflation in drowning that can be distinguished from senile lung emphysema. All left lungs underwent intrathoracic formalin fixation to preserve their state of insufflation. To assess the effects of lung collapse, all right lungs were sectioned as usual and then immersed in formalin. After histological processing, microphotography and image processing of 12 specimens per corpse, 50 binary images of each specimen were measured by computerized morphometry. Intrathoracic fixation resulted in significantly less tissue area (and more airspace) in the left than in the right lungs of both groups. Comparing both groups' left lungs revealed that the interalveolar septa were thinner and the area occupied by connecting nodes smaller in drowning; these single nodes also tended to be smaller. There was a tendency for less alveolar tissue area per image in drowning than in control lungs and for narrow tissue structures to comprise a higher percentage of both the total tissue area and total tissue perimeter per image. We conclude that there is morphological evidence of acute overinflation even in senile lungs, but this is masked by postmortem lung collapse as suggested by the overlapping values of the right lungs. Support to the diagnosis of drowning among drowned elderly patients can only be available in lungs subjected to intrathoracic postmortem fixation.     

Court strikes out latest action in contaminated blood litigation

On 24 June 2003, the Federal Court of Canada--Trial Division struck out an action by three hemophiliacs infected with HIV through contaminated blood products. The case arose out of the destruction of records by members of Canadian Blood Committee (CBC) in 1989. The defendants were the government of Canada and three government of Canada employees who worked at the CBC in 1989 and were alleged to have been involved in the destruction of records.     

Assessment and aftercare for deliberate self-harm patients provided by a general hospital psychiatric service

We report on a sample of 135 deliberate self-harm (DSH) patients who were assessed by a general hospital DSH service, and on those who were offered aftercare by, or telephone open access to, the service. Patients' satisfaction with assessment and treatment, and their outcome were investigated at follow-up 12-20 months later. Four-fifths of patients reported the assessment following DSH to have been helpful and the assessor sympathetic. Thirty-three (24%) of the 135 patients assessed were offered treatment by the DSH service but 13 declined or failed to attend. Of the 20 who engaged in treatment, 17 (94%) were satisfied with their care. Open access to the DSH service by telephone was offered to 53 (39%) patients, nine (22%) of whom reported at follow-up that they had used this facility. A specialist DSH service can effectively assess and treat patients following DSH. It is important that the service is accessible and acceptable to patients.