Analysis of clonidine in biological fluids using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector

The method of clonidine identification in blood and urine is described. It is based on liquid-liquid extraction and purification with toluol, subsequent derivation with pentafluobenzoylchloride and test on gas chromatograph with a detector of electron capture. The method is proposed for expert examinations.     

Geometric method for determining the skull-portrait aspect in craniofacial identification of the body

Correspondence of the reference graphic images by the aspect is an important condition of craniofacial personality identification. The authors propose methods of determining the skull-portrait aspect by X and Y axes simultaneously. This allows 2 potentialities of comparing the photograph and the skull picture: 1) positioning the skull in a strictly determined aspect estimated by analysis of coordinates of reference points on the photoportrait and 2) positioning the skull and re-estimation of the photoportrait coordinates into the "zero" aspect (zero turning, inclination, and lateral deviation). Hence, all coordinates of the reference points of examined graphic images in the database can be estimated for the zero position and the same scale, which helps automate the search for analogs.     

Properties of the molecular-genetic individual identification system on the basis of D1S111 locus in terms of forensic-expert typing of DNA

The article presents a comparative analysis of reference nucleotide sequences for locus D1S111, estimation of basic parameters of this locus polymorphism in the representative sample of Russian population for use as an individual identification molecular-genetic system in forensic expert examinations.     

The need of regulation of production of components for forensic-medical molecular-genetic technologies and improvement of legal basis of forensic-medical molecular-genetic expert examinations in the Russian Federation

Of late, Ministry of Health of Russian Federation has developed instructions concerning forensic-medical molecular genetic methods of analysis promoting creation of standardized forensic-medical genetic service. However, some legal uncertainty exists in respect to design and production of the materials for forensic-medical molecular-genetic technologies, unification and standardization of molecular-genetic kits and methods. It is thought necessary to regulate legally forensic medical molecular-genetic technologies from foreign countries and production and use of domestic components for forensic medical molecular-genetic expert examinations.     

Allele polymorphism of molecular-genetic individualizing systems based on tetranucleotide tandem repeats LPL,vWA and TH01 among the population of Russia

Until recently, data bases on incidence rates of alleles STR (LPL, vWA and THO1 loci) have not been introduced in Russia. To obtain information on the above rates in Russia, a large scale research of distribution of LPL, vWA and Tho1 loci has been performed among a sample of 442 blood-unrelated persons from 57 regions of the Russian Federation to specify basic assessment characteristics of these loci and to raise efficiency of expert use of identifying systems on their base. Relevant parameters (allele frequencies) are presented for each polymorphic locus as well as basic population characteristics of polymorphism in the studied sample of RF population. These results can be used as key parameters for standard probability estimations in assessing the results of molecular-genetic identification.     

Study of the skeleton of Admiral F. F. Ushakov

Reports the results of examination of the skeleton of Admiral F. F. Ushakov, carried out in connection with canonization in the Russian Orthodox Church. Heretofore unknown data on the somatic characteristics of F. F. Ushakov and his diseases are presented. Special attention is paid to uneven age involution of the skeleton and the hypoergic aging velocity. A detailed morphological similarity between the skulls of F. F. Ushakov and monk Feodor (Admiral's uncle, I. I. Ushakov) evidenced common features inherited through the masculine line. Modern computer technologies showed that the appearance of F. F. Ushakov, determined by the skull and postcranial skeleton, agree with his appearance on the life-time portrait, in spite of Professor M. M. Gerasimov's opinion (1949). In this connection, the possibility of repeated reconstruction of Admiral Ushakov's appearance is proven.     

The differential diagnosis and the identification importance of the track of the heel of stabbing-cutting weapons in skin wounds

Data on 123 cut-stab wounds and 52 knives were examined in the course of medicolegal expert evaluation. It was found that 30 knives possessed heels which could have two forms: symmetric and asymmetric. Heel traces were seen in 16 expert evaluations (34%) in 31 wounds (25.2%) and in some of them particular features of knife blade heel were represented. Differences between butt end and heel trace according to series of signs were noted.     

Genomic "dactyloscopy" in the expertise of disputed paternity and the determination of biological relationship

Genome "dactyloscopy" (DNA fingerprinting) is a principally new way of personal identification based on analysis of human genetic material (DNA); the difference in DNA structure of different subjects is the scientific basis of this method. This ensures opportunity to estimate biological relationship of persons positively. The authors were the first to demonstrate using certain expert material the adequacy and potentials of DNA fingerprinting by M 13 probe for medicolegal expert practice in most complicated cases of relationship determination requiring positive identification of paternity and maternity.     

Some practical notes about performing polymerase chain reaction and electrophoretic fractionation of amplificated products

Practical aspects concerning standardization of molecular-genetic expertise performing with the use of the method of DNA are considered. Examples of difficulties, which can occur at nonobservance of requirements of polymerase chain reaction and electrophoresis performing, are described; practical recommendations of their elimination are given.