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.     

Toxicity of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs

Data are reported on toxicity of a majority of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAD), which are the most frequently used in clinical practice and whose chemical structures are different. The action mechanism and side effects of some NSAD, in particular, of diclofenac, ibuprofen and indometacin, are also in the focus of attention.     

Lineup Identification by Children: Effects of Clothing Bias

This study examined effects of clothing cues on children's identification accuracy from lineups. Four- to 14-year-olds (n = 228) saw 12 video clips of individuals, each wearing a distinctly colored shirt. After watching each clip children were presented with a target-present or target-absent photo lineup. Three clothing conditions were included. In 2 conditions all lineup members wore the same colored shirt; in the third, biased condition, the shirt color of only one individual matched that seen in the preceding clip (the target in target-present trials and the replacement in target-absent trials). Correct identifications of the target in target-present trials were most frequent in the biased condition, whereas in target-absent trials the biased condition led to more false identifications of the target replacement. Older children were more accurate than younger children, both in choosing the target from target-present lineups and rejecting target-absent lineups. These findings suggest that a simple clothing cue such as shirt color can have a significant impact on children's lineup identification accuracy.     

Eyewitness Testimony in Occupational Accident Investigations: Towards a Research Agenda

Accident investigation is frequently cited as the cornerstone of an effective occupational health and safety program. We suggest that the literature on accident investigation is based on a model of witnesses as neutral and accurate recording devices. The literature on eyewitness testimony and criminal investigation offers strikingly different conclusions. We review these findings and point to their implication for research on accident investigation in occupational health and safety contexts.     

An unusual fatality in a child due to oxycodone

An unusual fatality secondary to oxycodone in a child is reported. A 2-year-old female child was conveyed to a local hospital after exhibiting signs of rubbing of the mouth and staggering. A hospital toxicological immunoassay screen for drugs of abuse and tricyclic antidepressants was performed on a urine sample and reported as negative. She was discharged and found unresponsive the next morning. She was conveyed to a second hospital in full cardiopulmonary arrest and despite resuscitative efforts, was pronounced dead upon arrival. An autopsy was performed and postmortem specimens were submitted and screened for drugs using mainly chromatographic techniques. Quantitation was achieved by gas chromatography with nitrogen phosphorus detection. Confirmation was performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Oxycodone was the only drug detected in the following concentrations: heart blood, 1.36 mg/L; gastric contents, 7.33 mg in 33 mL (222.34 mg/L); liver, 0.2 mg/kg; and urine, 47.23 mg/L (47,230 ng/mL). In addition, immunoassay testing of the urine was positive for the opiate class of drugs. This case report demonstrates an unusual cause of death in a young child with emphasis on potential limitation in hospital urine screening tests and the importance of complete forensic toxicological testing in all child deaths.