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%.     

The propriety of establishing the fact of neonatality based on the examination of the child's corpse

It is shown based on the historical and legal analysis that the designation of the child's status as a newborn infant throughout the period of its neonatal life till violent death "at or immediately after births" is the exclusive prerogative of the law-enforcement authorities. An original approach has been developed and recommended for the introduction into the expert practice. According to this proposal facts and arguments in the "Expert conclusions" should be formulated so as to avoid mentioning the child as newborn and to indicate only the duration of its extrauterine life. Such an approach leaves it to the law-enforcement authorities to decide in each concrete case whether the child should be designated as a newborn infant or not.     

Optimization of the biological microchip for genotyping of the AB0 locus: correction of DNA probes

The objective of the present work was to search for methodological options facilitating the improvement and optimization of the biological microchip designed for genotyping of the AB0 locus. Testing a prototype biological microchip for genotyping of the AB0 locus using a reference set of preparations with the known group specificity has demonstrated that the choice of DNA probes by theoretical calculation of their thermodynamic parameters does not necessarily yields the desired practical result. Suffice it to say that under certain conditions some cells of the biochip appear to generate artifact hybridization signals that tend to make the results of genotyping either incorrect or difficult to interpret. This problem required the adjustment of the molecular structure of DNA probes for the optimization of their hybridization properties. As a result new DNA probes have been developed and synthesized and new variants of the prototype biochip constructed to be subjected to experimental verification.