A definition of the nomenclature of allele variants and a description of allele polymorphism within a molecular-genetic individualization system based on the pentanucleotide tandem replication of HUMCD4

While analyzing the available published data, we found significant differences in definition of alleles of the HUMCD4 polymorphic chromosome locus. It is an obstacle for comparing the expertise results obtained while using the locus as molecular individualization system in different laboratories and, as a consequence, it hinders the use of the said marker in building up a reference database. The structure of the HUMCD4 locus was analytically investigated and the distribution of the locus alleles was systemized in a sample of 407 persons (citizens of Russia who are not blood relatives) within the present case study for the purpose of a detailed definition of its allele's characteristics. We worked out recommendations related with the nomenclature standardization of alleles of the HIMCD4 locus and specified the main population features of the locus polymorphism on the bases of the studied sample of Russia's citizens. The results can be used as reference parameters in interpreting the findings of the molecular-genetic identification expertise and examinations and in building up databases.     

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage related to methamphetamine abuse: autopsy findings and clinical correlation

A healthy 31-year-old male abstinent from drug abuse during his recent incarceration developed slurred speech, a severe headache, and left-sided hemiparesis prior to his eventual death 9.5 hours after inhalation of methamphetamine. On postmortem examination, inspection of the brain revealed bilateral subarachnoid hemorrhage, with a prominent intralobar hemorrhage centered within the right frontal cerebral hemisphere. No evidence of vasculitis, infarction, intraventricular hemorrhage, or ruptured aneurysm could be observed. While this is not the first report of a methamphetamine-related stroke, this report describes the autopsy findings of an intracerebral hemorrhage secondary to methamphetamine abuse on autopsy and compares the findings and antemortem history to previously reported methamphetamine cerebral vascular deaths.     

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in fatal thallium poisoning: evidence for delayed distribution into the central nervous system

The neurologic manifestations of thallium poisoning include a severely painful ascending peripheral neuropathy, autonomic dysfunction, cranial nerve abnormalities, and a toxic encephalopathy. Although thallium has a short half-life, these neurologic manifestations commonly progress, even as the blood concentration of thallium decreases. This suggests either that thallium persists in neuronal tissues or that it initiates an injury cascade that takes time to fully manifest. As the latter mechanism is consistent with many toxin exposures, the concept of a central nervous system reservoir for thallium is often discounted. A recent case provided a unique opportunity to evaluate this possibility. A 48-year-old man was acutely and chronically thallium poisoned by his common-law wife. During his initial exposures, only gastrointestinal symptoms manifested. Following an acute ingestion, hospitalization was required. Over 3 days, his symptoms rapidly progressed from a severely painful neuropathy to slurred speech, ptosis, confusion, coma, respiratory insufficiency, and death. Because of considerations of alternative diagnoses, 2 lumbar punctures were performed, one on admission and another on the day of his death. Serum thallium concentrations obtained from stored blood samples were paired with spinal fluid concentrations from the same days. On day 1, serum and spinal fluid concentrations were 8700 mu/L and 1200 mu/L, respectively. On day 3, although the serum concentration had fallen to 7200 mu/L, the spinal fluid concentration had increased to 2100 mu/L. This case provides evidence to support the hypothesis that thallium distributes into the central nervous system more slowly than the blood compartment, and this may in part account for the progression of neurologic findings in the setting of decreasing serum concentrations.     

Believing is seeing III: perceptions of content in criminal psychological profiles

This study explored Kocsis and Heller's findings concerning the relationship between one's belief and the perceived accuracy of a profile. The influence of types of information was also considered. A sample of 353 participants was used in the present experiment that gauged the perception of information contained in a profile. The results supported Kocsis and Heller's earlier findings with a positive relationship found between belief and perceived accuracy. The more an individual believes in profiling, the more likely he or she is to perceive a profile to be accurate. This relationship was most pronounced in participants' perceptions of information contained in a profile concerning an unknown offender's crime behavior and past history. The more an individual believes in profiling, the more information relating to these two factors is likely to be perceived. This relationship was not observed where information in the same profile involved physical features of the offender.     

Pericarotid bone splinter: a microscopic appearance in hanging

The investigation of the neck structures drawn from 145 cases of asphyxia involving pressure on the neck, for which microscopic examination was required at the Pathology Laboratory of the "Hotel Dieu" Hospital from Lyon, France, during January 1, 1999, to May 1, 2001, has pointed out in 3 cases, besides the classic signs already known, a particular lesion unmentioned yet in the literature, namely, a pericarotid bone splinter, placed in the proximity of the common carotid artery bifurcation. The bone splinters had dimensions between 0.25 and 0.7 mm and a certain antemortem character, surrounded by hemorrhagic areas and by fibrin. The 3 cases deal with adult males who had died through complete hanging, with the knot placed lateral, the hanging mark having the maximum depth in the laterocervical region, correspondent with our finding. Given the location of the bone splinter, we believe that this was produced by the tearing out from the transverse apophysis of the fourth cervical vertebra, as a consequence of the sudden traction during hanging. This sign appeared neither at other types of hanging nor at strangulation by hand or by ligature.     

STR Data for the AmpFlSTR Identifiler loci in three ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese, Indian) of the Malaysian population

Allele frequencies for the 15 STR loci in the AmpFlSTR Identifiler kit were determined and compared for the three main ethnic groups of the Malaysian population comprising 210 Malays, 219 Chinese and 209 Indians. Blood was placed on FTA paper and DNA was purified in-situ.     

STR data for 09 autosomal STR markers from Rio Grande do Sul (southern Brazil)

Allele frequencies for 09 STR autosomal loci (D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D18S51, D21S11, FGA and VWA) included in the AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus were obtained from a sample of unrelated individuals from Rio Grande do Sul (southern Brazil).     

Y-chromosomal STR haplotypes in Inuit and Danish population samples

Nineteen Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs), DYS19, DYS389-I, DYS389-II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS385, DYS388, DYS434, DYS435, DYS436, DYS437, DYS438, DYS439, DYS460, DYS461 and DYS462 were typed in Inuit (n=70) and Danish (n=62) population samples.     

Study of unusual phenomenon of contact firing on gelatine block using .38 Special revolver--forensic importance

Gunshot wounds in suicide cases are self-inflicted wounds. Self-inflicted wounds in suicide cases are usually caused by contact firing and are of great forensic significance. Evaluation of contact wound may be associated with difficulties if the bore gets obstruction prior to firing. This paper investigates the phenomenon and interprets the results of test firing conducted on 20% gelatine block at 10 degrees C, using .38 Special revolver with obstruction of a bullet in the bore. Test firings were conducted in three different muzzle-target contact conditions keeping the muzzle pressed against the gel block in each case. The physical evidence and the wound ballistic parameter namely bullet track, remaining velocity of the bullets and volume of permanent cavity have been studied. When compared with the results of contact firing conducted with the same firearm without having any bore obstruction under similar conditions, it has been found that the physical evidence and the wound ballistic parameters would be helpful for interpretation of such unusual incidents for forensic inference.     

Assessing allegations of domestic violence in child custody evaluations

There has been an increased focus on child custody evaluations involving domestic violence allegations with much criticism of evaluators' training, practices, and procedures. A national survey of 115 child custody evaluators (doctoral and master's level) was conducted to explore these criticisms. Findings revealed adequate training, multiple sources of data collection, and practices/procedures that closely adhere to child custody guidelines. However, robust, specialized domestic violence instruments, tests, and questionnaires were underutilized. Respondents indicated that findings supporting domestic violence allegations had a substantial impact on their subsequent recommendations. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of assessing domestic violence when conducting custody evaluations and the need for developing practice standards in this domain. Generally, results did not support common criticisms of custody evaluation practice.