Detection of semen in stains on material evidences by quantitative immunofluorescence test

Russian and foreign methods used in forensic medicine for detection of the semen in stains on material evidences are compared. The potentialities of quantitative immunofluorescence test for detection of the semen in stains on material evidences, developed at Bureau for Forensic Medical Expert Evaluations of the Leningrad region, are described. Unlike other methods used in Russia, this method detects the semen in stains in the absence of spermatozoa and in stains with very low amount of the semen. Our modification allows objective recording of the results with computer processing. The method is cheaper than its foreign analogs and its sensitivity is similar to them.     

Forensic medical evaluation of professional working capacity in victims, who needs additional care

The philosophy of evaluating the need of a victim in extra care is discussed. The method for evaluating the need in transport vehicles for the victim is described in detail. Legislative documents which help solve such problems are cited, including those used by committees of forensic medical evaluations.     

Study of microinjuries to hair cuticle of human head by scanning electron microscopy

The author presents the data on microclues in the free edges of hair cuticles of human head: microinjuries, microdefects (cracks, breaks, clefts, large and small waves) in representatives of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. The studies were carried out by scanning electron microscopy. Microinjuries of cuticle cells forming during hair combing by different types of combs and as a result of "permanent" curling are described. Scanning electron microscopy at the optimal magnification of x 3000 is a highly informative method for investigating microinjuries to the hair cuticle as additional signs in expert evaluation of the hair.     

Structure of hair on the head and other parts fo body in Latin Americans

The structure of hairs from the head, chest, armpits, and pubis of residents of Latin America (Bolivia, Salvador, Panama, Ecuador, Chile, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Peru, Brasil, and Mexico) has been studied. New data on macro- and microscopic characteristics of hairs of the population of the above countries were obtained (color, shape, length, thickness of hair; number of cuticle lines; characteristics of hair layers, shapes of transverse sections, etc.).     

Comparative analysis fo heroin

A protocol for comparative analysis of heroin making use of chromatographic methods and infra-red spectroscopy is presented.     

Isolation of nitrobenzene from biological material

Toluene is recommended as an agent for extraction of nitrobenzene from biological material. Optimal conditions for nitrobenzene isolation from cadaveric human liver are defined and the results of isolation are quantitatively evaluated.     

Expert significance of evaluating volatile non-metal combustion products in analysis of blood from subjects dead in fire

Qualitative and quantitative composition and time course of formation of toxic substances during burning of polymers have been studied for two polymers, P-53-P and STBO. The most toxic gaseous products of nitrogen combustion are listed: hydrogen cyanide, nitrites, acid nitriles, aldehydes, aromatic carbohydrates, alkanes, and carbon oxide. Two expert conclusions are presented, including analysis of blood and viscera from subjects who died during fire. The following toxic substances were detected: carbon oxide, hydrogen cyanide, nitrites, acrylonitrile, acetonitrile, benzene, and methane in one case and the same products except carbon oxide in the other. The author considers that the list of tested toxic substances should be extended, particularly in cases with negative results of blood testing for carbon oxide and carboxyhemoglobin.