Identification of human gender by hand x-ray

A planimetric analysis of hand bones x-ray images is proposed for gender identification. The gender is determined by two methods: by interval estimation of bones size and calculation of the discriminant function and its comparison with group centroid values.     

Forensic chemical detection of furadan

Isolation of furadan from biological material by ethyl acetate is considered. Column chromatography with silicone gel L 100/160micro was used to purify extractions from biological objects. A technique was elaborated for identification and quantitation of furadan in cadavers. It is possible to use this technique in forensic expert examination.     

Mitochondrial DNA typing--a new level for solving identification problems in forensic medical expert identification of unidentified remains of victims of terrorist acts in Moscow and the armed conflict in the Chechen Republic

Two large-scale episodes described in this paper reflect the first in Russia use of molecular genetic matrilinear markers (analysis of polymorphism of sequences of amplified fragments of mitochondrial DNA hypervariable locuses) in solution of a complex identification problem: forensic medical identification of unidentified fragments of victims of explosions of houses in Moscow in September, 1999, and of soldiers dead in the war conflict in the Chechen Republic in 1994-1996. The results of this work and methodological experience gained in it essentially extend the potentialities of expert studies as regards forensic medical identification of victims of large scale disasters, terroristic acts, and war conflicts.     

Analysis of scientific and pedagogical activities of Forensic Medicine Departments (courses) at higher medical schools in Russia

Pedagogical staff of departments (courses) of forensic medicine at higher medical schools of the Russian Federation, topics of research and pedagogical work at various faculties of higher school are analyzed. Forensic dentistry curriculum is suggested for students of dentistry faculties. New forms of forensic medical training are presented.     

Detection of captopress and novopassit in forensic chemical analysis of cadaveric material

A method for identification of captopress and novopassit in drugs and biological objects is suggested. These agents are isolated by 90% ethanol or chloroform mixture with isopropanol. 11 color tests and thin-layer chromatography are suggested for identification. The threshold level of captopress detection is 0.1 mg%, that of novopassit 5 mg%.     

Metalloligand homeostasis: molecular basis of iatrogenic and technogenic trace element deficiency

It is well known that a toxic effect of some medicines is the result of their in vivo interactions with trace elements leading to disturbance of trace element balance in the living body. The Mossbauer spectrometry technique has been used for toxicochemical evaluation of iron-bearing medicines. This method can be used in forensic toxicology. We studied composition of trace elements in the hair of children living in Macedonia: in polluted territory (the town of Veles, the study group) versus in unpolluted one (Ivankovci village, the control group). AES-ICP and ICP-MS techniques were used. We discovered that the hair of children living in the polluted territory contain significantly elevated concentrations of Pb (in 43% cases), Hg, Ni (14%), Cd (21%), Cu (16%), Sn, As, Na, Se and subnormal concentrations of Mg (in 51% cases), Mn, Cr and Li.     

Forensic medical assessment of acute blood loss in combination with craniocerebral trauma and alcohol intoxication

Forensic medical findings have been analysed retrospectively for 242 deceased of acute blood loss: 186 (76.8%) corpses were male and 56 (23.2%) corpses were female. It was found that in acute blood loss (ABL) duration of the terminal period (TP) depended on its combination with craniocerebral trauma (CCT) or alcohol intoxication (AI). A short TP (several minutes) was observed in ABL patients with CCT (39.6%), a long-term TP--in ABL associated with AI (20-60 min, 40.4% cases; several hours, 56.3%; over 24 hours, 54.5%). Slow TP occurred primarily in mild AI (TP for several hours 55.6%, over 24 hours--83.3% cases). In severe AI the number of cases with a short TP exceeded the number of cases with a long TP (over 24 hours) by 53.7%.     

Forensic-medical examination of the effect of current synthetic detergents on the exhibits

A test for trace quantities of synthetic detergents on fabric is described in detail. Feasibility of detergents identification in the spots on the exhibits with thin-layer chromatography on silufol is shown and cases of such identification in biological material are given for illustration. Adequacy of the results is confirmed. Such investigation in forensic-medical practice will raise informative value of expert certification in cases when standard biological methods are unable to provide necessary precision.