Identification in forensic medicine--significance and proof value

Strictly speaking, identity in forensic identification can--if need be--be established by the evidence of living persons. Otherwise, the entire identity can only be determined by assessing the individual parts of the corpse, whereby the different characteristics of the objects of examination have a different probative force, according to the frequency of their occurrence. In skull identification, by taking soft tissue thickness into consideration, with the help of modern photographic or electronical super projection processes, so many (theoretical) points of comparison come to the fore, that, in most cases, identity is evident due to the numerous agreeable reference points, which are apparent in suitable, comparable material (photographs).     

Device and methods for the measurement of energy transfer in experiments involving thermal and electrical injuries of skin

This work is part of a larger investigation aiming at tracing differences between injuries caused by heat and electricity. Electrodes and heaters similar to the electrodes of an electric cattle baton are used to dissipate approximately 40 joules in 40 seconds in pig skin.Voltages in the range 40–60 volts (AC or DC) are applied via stainless steel electrodes and temperatures in the range 50–100 °C are applied via heaters made of copper wire. Heat transfer is controlled by electronically regulated heaters utilizing the temperature dependence of the heater wire itself as a thermometer.Transfer of electricity takes place from either commerical DC supply, from transformed voltage from the mains or from a sine voltage generator connected to a power amplifier. The energy transfer is in all cases measured by electronic integration of the dissipated power in time. The power supplied to the electrodes or the heaters is found by electronic multiplication of the applied voltage and current.Typical power vs. time curves are presented.     

A solid-phase immunoenzyme method for the quantitative determination of ephedrine

Competitive ELISA method for ephedrine assay in biological fluids is developed. Anti-ephedrine antibodies obtained by rabbit immunization with conjugated antigen ephedrine-protein and ephedrine complex with horseradish peroxidase were used as reagents. ELISA in combination with chromatographic methods may be used in medicolegal and narcological practice.     

Accidents related with atypical sexual behavior

The article is devoted to the phenomenon of autoerotism, in particular, to sexual asphyxia. Published research data and independent observations were used to describe lethal and non-lethal incidents of forensic-and-medical importance.     

Criteria for expert evaluation of mechanism of lower jaw fractures

A short analysis of 565 cases of fractures of the lower jaws is presented in the article with due regard for a mechanism of their formation. Criteria of the expert evaluation of an impact point and direction of action of a traumatic force are depicted with due respect for a type, specific features and fracture location.     

Prevalence and postmortem diagnosis of hemocontact infections in intravenous drug abusers based on forensic medical research data

The spread of viral hepatitis C and B and of HIV was studied among the intravenous drug consumers (IDC) on the basis of 42 forensic-medical autopsies. The enzyme immune-assay (EIA) of blood serum showed, in 95.2% of cases, antibodies to hepatitis C virus, antibodies to HbsAg and HIV were registered in 11.9% in both cases. The possibilities of using the autopsy-blood serum for EIA-diagnosis of viral hepatitis and HIV were demonstrated. Morphological examinations of IDC showed, in them, chronic hepatitis (CH) of minimal, weakly-pronounced and moderate activities. Viral CH in HIV infected IDCs is characterized by a minimal and small-pronounced activity of the process and it is not different, according to its activity, from viral CH in IDCs without HIV.     

Forensic medical specificity of death in atypical sexual behavior: asphyxiophilia, autoerotism

The diagnosis of death of autoerotic asphyxia has not been virtually stated by Russian forensic medical expert. All such cases were interpreted as mechanical asphyxia entailing suicide, and "accidental" or "fatal" death. The authors observed, during the recent 5 years, 10 lethal cases in different-type autoerotic practice. Strangulation asphyxia was the death cause in 7 cases. Compression asphyxia, inhaling of glue vapor and electric shock caused death, each in one case. Death of asphyxia seizes to be exceptional; it is rather a regular phenomenon in the present-day life, which needs a proper research from 2 standpoints--etiopathogenesis, and forensic medical diagnosis.