Evaluation of the 190H analogues of prostaglandins E1, E2, F1 alpha and F2 alpha as specific markers for the identification of human semen in body fluid mixtures

The specificity of antisera raised against each of the prostaglandin series 190H E1/E2 and 190H F1 alpha/F2 alpha, produced in males, was evaluated by radioimmunoassay. Further, the ability of these antisera to detect semen specific prostaglandins in mixtures of body fluids was examined. Antisera directed against the 190H E1/E2 series cross-reacted with prostaglandin E1 and marginally with E2. Antisera raised to the 190H F1 alpha/F2 alpha series were, however, highly specific to the semen specific prostaglandins 190H F1 alpha/F2 alpha and 190H E1/E2. It was possible to detect picogramme quantities of contaminating 190H F1 alpha/F2 alpha on vaginal swabs taken up to 72 h after intercourse and on vaginal swabs stored at room temperature for up to 2 years. These prostaglandins were not detected on semen free vaginal swabs, in faecal material, saliva, urine or in a sample of human milk (stain). A limited study of casework material is also described. Detection of the 190H F series, as a group, has considerable potential in the identification of human semen at picogramme levels, eliminating the need for alternative chemical tests and extensive microscopic examination.     

Carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a hot plate

The autopsy of a woman aged 85 years who was found dead sitting in her kitchen bent over the kitchen-table revealed a fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. Subsequent inquiries excluded the chimney flue and above all the gas-fired water heater from being the CO-generator. Operating experiments upon the gas stove including the ultimately used pot and the Hot Plate likewise found showed a CO-content of 100 ppm in the room-air after half an hour, there upon an over-proportional ascent of the CO-concentration. This CO-production was brought about by the considerable deformation of the Hot Plate, which has obviously been used for years. The lack of an adequate warning in the directions for use of such products is remarked critically.     

A transition zone phenomenon of the skin in cadavers lying in bath water

In three cases a phenomenon is reported, seen on the skin of bodies found dead after a longer time of lying in bathtubs filled with water. The sign was parallel to the surface of the water and showed a breadth up to about 1 cm. Contrary to the surrounding skin, the mark was characterized by paleness and clearly les distinct formation of postmortem alterations as put-refaction. Searching for an explanation, temperature measurements were performed in model. The results showed the marginal paleness of the skin to be a thermal phase transition phenomenon. This mark has a forensic message too: it demonstrates a longer remaining of the corpse in the corresponding position, is a statement concerning the high of the water level, and allows a reconstruction of the original situation after manipulation, but is no sign of vital reaction.     

Study of postmortem blood circulation

The objective of this work was to study the postmortem redistribution of blood volumes and its influence of the distribution of substances of different molecular weight (194.2 and 150,000 Da). Lipiodol Ultrafluide, Omnitrast, or a radioisotopic mixture of aminohippuric acid and human IgG were injected into the left ventricle of a total of 20 rabbits divided into three groups. Our results demonstrate the importance of related factors, including left ventricular postmortem contraction, the arterial vascular bed, diffusion processes connected to the physicochemical characteristics of the substances, and the anatomical distribution of the vessels. Postmortem diffusion of aminohippuric acid to the urine was observed.     

Study on the effects of heat on blood and on the post-mortem estimation of carboxyhaemoglobin and methaemoglobin

Blood samples of different carboxyhaemoglobin (CoHb) content (0%, 50%, 100%) were analysed, after short exposure to heat, for determination of the change of CoHb and methaemoglobin (MetHb) during the succeeding 14 days. Untreated blood showed an initial increase of MetHb after heating followed by a decrease during this period. There was no formation of CoHb in the untreated blood. When CoHb was already present in the blood the amount of MetHb was smaller in amount and was formed at a slower rate. In these samples the concentration of CoHb slowly decreased.