Use of computer software for indirect molecular genetic identification of unidentified bodies

The authors discuss the development and use of computer software for realization of indirect DNA identification, based on identification of biological relation. Estimated algorithms of this method are based on regularities of parental signs inheritance by children and consist in comparative analysis of allele states of nuclear DNA typed locuses in unidentified bodies and probable parents of these dead subjects and subsequent estimation of the coefficients of the likelihood of hypotheses of their probable blood relationship. Available software maintain the database with identification characteristics of VNTR and STR locuses, HLA DQA1 locuses, and PM system (potential set of 23 locuses). The results of identification are presented as lists of exclusions and tables with estimated likelihood coefficients for the probability expert evaluation of relationship. The suggested computer-aided method of indirect identification is a new highly effective tool for personality identification by chromosome markers under conditions of mass information processing in examinations of unidentified corpses.     

Principles in construction of mathematical model for neonatal corpse cooling studies

The process of cooling of the body of a dead human was studied with consideration for the anatomical characteristics of adult and newborn human corpses. The body was simulated as a homogeneous elongated rotation ellipsoid and mathematical model was developed as function of relationship between body temperature and time. After appropriate characteristics in the mathematical model were established, cooling processes and effects of various factors on this process were analyzed for the final ellipsoid. The model suggests the possibility of amendments for environmental temperature and body parameters.     

Evaluation of medical care quality in cases with health damage infliction leading to unfavorable outcomes

Discusses modern approaches to evaluation of the quality of medical care in cases when civil action is brought against medical people for inflicting damage to health leading to unfavorable outcomes. Emphasizes the need in developing a special organization model of medical care quality and efficacy control system, which should be based on universal principles, notions, and adequate tests and evaluations.     

Criteria for expert evaluation of mechanism of lower jaw fractures

A short analysis of 565 cases of fractures of the lower jaws is presented in the article with due regard for a mechanism of their formation. Criteria of the expert evaluation of an impact point and direction of action of a traumatic force are depicted with due respect for a type, specific features and fracture location.     

Prevalence and postmortem diagnosis of hemocontact infections in intravenous drug abusers based on forensic medical research data

The spread of viral hepatitis C and B and of HIV was studied among the intravenous drug consumers (IDC) on the basis of 42 forensic-medical autopsies. The enzyme immune-assay (EIA) of blood serum showed, in 95.2% of cases, antibodies to hepatitis C virus, antibodies to HbsAg and HIV were registered in 11.9% in both cases. The possibilities of using the autopsy-blood serum for EIA-diagnosis of viral hepatitis and HIV were demonstrated. Morphological examinations of IDC showed, in them, chronic hepatitis (CH) of minimal, weakly-pronounced and moderate activities. Viral CH in HIV infected IDCs is characterized by a minimal and small-pronounced activity of the process and it is not different, according to its activity, from viral CH in IDCs without HIV.     

Peculiarities of destruction in the facial area of the skull

Injuries observed in the facial skull area (FSA) in trauma made by hard blunt objects are registered within the forensic medical examinations of cadavers by far more rare than they are actually encountered in life. At the same time, a statement made to the effect that it was FSA that was affected in injuries of the cerebral skull area (CSA) is of an important forensic medical value. According to our research, the "strength beams" present in FSA and CSA are ovals and semi-ovals positioned above one another in 3 layers (top, medium and low ones). The anterior sections of all layers of FSA "strength beams" and of adjoining CSA regions, i.e. the squama of frontal bone (low one third of it) as well as anterior and middle cranial fossas, are a single deformative strength system. Specific features of each impact-zone region affect greatly a character of injuries in FSA at traumas in the medium facial third. Bones in the anterior and middle cranial fossas are damaged, apart from cranial injuries, in certain variations of impacts to FSA.     

Forensic and medical expertise of sexual transmission of venereal diseases and HIV infection

Although, there is a steady growth in the total number of sexually transmitted infections (STI), the forensic medical method is a rare expertise type as applicable to venereal and HIV infections. Since sexually abused persons are an STI risk category, they must be diagnosed as soon as possible. A micro-trauma of sexual violence, if detected, is an important finding because it is an open entry gate for STI. The specialist in skin and venereal diseases must examine all victims and all suspected of raping or of sexual violence to rule out the possibility of venereal disease infection.     

Forensic medical aspects of injuries inflicted with self-defense capsaicin aerosols

Toxicological and forensic medical characteristics of capsaicinoids are presented. Capsaicinoids represent a mixture of three basic compounds with similar structure: capsaicine, dihydrocapsaicine, and nordihydrocapsaicine, all of which are the primary components of red pepper extract (Oleoresin Capsicum). The advantages of this group of irritants in comparison with synthetic irritants are discussed. Probable routes of administration of the extract with regard to its hazard for the organism are considered. Results of experimental studies on nonbiological phantoms and volunteers are presented.