Age estimation from the rib by phase analysis: white females

Metamorphosis at the sternal extremity of the rib has already been established as a reliable indicator of age at death. Using a sample of white males, it was shown that an accurate estimation of age can be made by direct examination of the bone itself. However, because of sexual differences in hormonal production and dimorphism in the skeleton, the present study was carried out to develop an appropriate standard for age determination from the sternal rib in white females. The sample consisted of 86 ribs of known age, sex, and race. Observations were made at the costochondral junction with special attention to pit formation (its shape and depth), changes in the walls and rim surrounding it, and overall bone density and texture. Based on changes in these areas, the ribs were separated into nine phases (0 through 8). The most rapid metamorphosis occurred in Phases 1 through 4 (mean ages 14-28) with changes noticeable at 3 to 4 year intervals. After mean age 28, this process slowed, considerably expanding the interval between phases to 10 to 15 years. The female ribs showed both earlier initial pit formation and a different morphologic pattern of aging as compared with males. Statistical analysis revealed that the features chosen to delineate the phases are valid predictors of age. This study has shown that the sternal rib can provide an accurate estimation of age in females spanning a mean age of 14 to 76 years.     

Application of an immunological method to detect trace amounts of dried human semen

An immunological assay based on a monoclonal antibody was used for identification of trace amounts of dried human semen in forensic science evidence. The monoclonal antibody (Mab 4E6) produced recognizes a human sperm-coating antigen which is specific to human seminal plasma. This antigen seems to be a protein secreted by the epithelial cells of the ejaculatory duct, which is stable indefinitely at room temperature. Mab 4E6 reacts positively with semen samples from individuals independently to their ABO group or secretory status, but does not react with semen from bull, ram, boar, horse, rabbit and dog. In the assay system developed, Mab 4E6 can detect human seminal plasma at concentrations of 0.5 micrograms/ml total protein. A similar sensitivity is found when human semen stains are eluted from forensic science samples and tested by the same assay. This method shows a good correlation with the microscopic methods routinely used. The method described is very sensitive and reproducible, it is time saving and special laboratory equipment is not needed.     

Determination of total hemoglobin in forensic blood samples with special reference to carboxyhemoglobin analysis

For the determination of total hemoglobin (Hb) in blood containing elevated carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), a newly developed reagent containing a 100-fold concentration of ferricyanide (20 g/l) and a 2-fold concentration of Sterox SE was compared with a standard reagent (0.2 g/l ferricyanide), the reagent of van Kampen and Zijlstra, using forensic blood samples and experimentally heated blood samples. There were no significant differences between the spectra of hemiglobincyanide (HiCN) solution produced with our reagent and the van Kampen and Zijlstra reagent using experimentally heated blood samples. Although the spectra of HiCN changed gradually with increased heating time and with the passage of time after mixing, the absorbance at 540 nm (A540) did not change until at least 120 min for both the reagents. When forensic blood samples containing elevated COHb were mixed with the van Kampen and Zijlstra reagent, total-Hb concentrations determined 5 min after mixing were 10-20% higher than those determined after 180 min. The overestimates of total Hb determined after 5 min resulted in comparable underestimates of percentage saturation of COHb (COHb%) when COHb% was obtained from the ratio of COHb content, determined by gas chromatogrpahy, to total-Hb concentration in blood. However, there was an extremely good correlation between the values of total Hb in forensic blood samples determined with the van Kampen and Zijlstra reagent after 180 min and those determined with our reagent after 5 min. From the results obtained, our reagent proved to be suitable for the determination of total Hb in forensic science practice.     

Transferrin polymorphism detected in human urine using isoelectric focusing followed by immunoblotting

Genetic polymorphism of transferrin (TF) was revealed in human urine by isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting on thin-layer polyacrylamide gels. Using this technique more than 300 urine samples were examined, and correct TF typing from a small volume of urine (approx. 0.5 ml) was achieved, in comparison with the results of direct grouping for plasma. Three common phenotypes, TF C1, C2-1 and C2, were differentiated. In addition, the rare types TF C1D, C2D, and C1B were observed. The frequencies of the TF alleles in our samples were found to be: TF*C1 = 0.7265, TF*C2 = 0.2624, TF*D = 0.0083 and TF*B = 0.0028.     

Fatal dog maulings associated with infant swings

We present three cases of fatal dog maulings of infants placed in mobile infant swings, a phenomenon not previously described in the literature. In each case, the victim was left in a mobile swing, unsupervised by an adult, and the attacking dog was a family pet. Case 1 involved an 18-day-old male infant attacked by a pit bull; Case 2 involved a 3-month-old male infant attacked by a Chow Chow and/or a Dachshund, and Case 3 involved an 18-day-old female infant attacked by a Labrador-pit bull mix. These cases not only underscore the importance of not leaving young children unattended in the presence of pet dogs, but also raise the possibility that mobile swings may trigger a predatory response in dogs and thus may represent an additional risk factor for dog attack.     

Four X-chromosomal STRs and their allele frequencies in a Chinese population

X-chromosomal markers are particularly useful for solving complex problems relating to kinship and deficiency paternity analysis. In the present study, population genetics data of four X-chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) DXS8378, HPRTB, DXS7423 and DXS7132 were obtained by analyzing 500 unrelated Chinese individuals (250 males and 250 females). Population genetics data obtained from the Chinese were compared with those of the Asian and European population. Mutations in X-chromosomal markers were analyzed based on a total of 61 proven father-child and 45 proven mother-child pairs.     

Drug and chemical related deaths: incidence in the State of Maryland--1975 to 1980

The incidence of drug and chemical related deaths was studied over a six-year period in the State of Maryland. Deaths were classified into the following categories: alcohol, carbon monoxide (CO), single drugs, multiple drugs, and narcotism. The last three categories were further subdivided as to the specific drugs or chemicals involved. Over the six-year period the number of alcohol and CO deaths remained steady, the number of barbiturate and propoxyphene deaths declined, while the number of tricyclic antidepressant drug deaths increased.