GHB free acid: II. Isolation and spectroscopic characterization for forensic analysis

A reference standard for gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) free acid is not commercially available, making its analysis in forensic exhibits more difficult. GHB free acid is typically encountered in aqueous solution and in the presence of the lactone, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), presenting difficulty in Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. The strong infrared (IR) absorptivity of the GBL carbonyl band, the shifting of the GBL carbonyl band in aqueous solutions, and the position of the O-H bend for water can mask the main carbonyl band for GHB free acid. Model solutions of beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) and GBL were studied in order to further understand the masking of the GHB free acid carbonyl band in FT-IR analysis. The use of second derivative FT-IR spectroscopy was shown to provide resolution of the free acid carbonyl band, and a presumptive test for GHB free acid was developed and applied. An extension of this work included preparing, for use as a standard reference material, small amounts (< or = 10 mg) of GHB free acid. Preparation was based on the instantaneous reaction of GHB's sodium salt with a stoichiometric amount of hydrochloric acid in aqueous solution, and subsequent isolation of the free acid in neat liquid form. Both FT-IR and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of the neat reference material were obtained and used to verify its identity. The isolation of GHB free acid from actual forensic exhibits is also presented, with identity confirmation using FT-IR.     

Child barbarity and torture: a case report

Penile strangulation with a strand of hair, acting as a tourniquet, and perforation of the eyes with a knife are uncommon accidental injuries in children. In such a situation, a mistreatment must be evoked. We present a case of barbarity and torture involving a young boy 3 years old. He was a victim of penis strangulation and perforation of the eyes, performed on previous surgical and infectious lesions. The mistreatment was performed by his mother's boyfriend. The perpetrator used the previous lesions to hide his misdeed. This amazing case of mistreatment points out the violence of the wounds and their being performed on previous lesions.     

DNA evidence in rape cases and the Debbie Smith Act: forensic practice and criminal justice implications

The Debbie Smith or "Justice for All" Act was passed on November 1, 2004. The act addresses the problem of collecting and analyzing DNA evidence from backlogged rape kits sitting in crime laboratories around the country. Presently, no empirical data exist by which to assess the soundness of the legislation. However, the act clearly affects discrete operations within the forensic and criminal justice systems. This article explores the relative merits of the Debbie Smith law, highlighting changes in Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs, law enforcement, court administration, correctional treatment, and juvenile justice practices. Concerns linked to the likely impact of the "Justice for All" Act raise significant questions about its overall programmatic utility and treatment efficacy.     

The variant of forensic-medical examination of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal system in cases of death due to a mechanical trauma

The authors propose the method of total isolation of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal system for more effective study of causes of death in craniocerebral injury and pathology in expert practice. The method can be also applied for making an anatomic preparation of the brain and hypophysis in teaching anatomy.     

Molecular-genetic identification of the hostages killed in the terror act on September 1-3, 2004, in Beslan

The authors describe principles, methods and staging of molecular-genetic identification of hostages killed in the Beslan terroristic act. Cases when it was impossible to identify person definitely are explained. Precise staging of the expert investigation is of key importance.     

Microscopic myocardial changes and their significance for forensic medical diagnosis

Morphological myocardial changes essential for diagnosis in forensic medical medicine are listed as well as alterations in the vessels of the myocardium, cardiac muscular fibers and cardiomyocytes important for diagnosis of death of ischemic heart disease, acute alcohol poisoning, alcohol cardiomyopathy, closed cardiac lesions. Changes induced by reflex impacts on the heart and postmortem alterations are also shown.     

Comparative characteristics of angulometric parameters of teeth and dentitions in terms of personal identification

Angulometric teleroentgenographic characteristics of teeth were compared for 158 subjects. A computer technology of calculation and assessment of 47 angular (quantitative) parameters characterizing spatial position of the teeth and jaws is proposed. This complex of parameters can be used as an additional test in personal identification.     

Quantitative assessment of brain hydration in determination of death speed and type of tanatogenesis in forensic medical practice

Brain hydration was determined in death of strangulation mechanical asphyxia, acute alcoholic poisoning, acute poisoning with opiates, cancer of stage IV, coronary heart disease with acute heart failure, hemorrhagic stroke. Brainstem edema (BSE) occurred in 69.2% cases (upper BSE - 20.2%, lower BSE - 17.3%, BSE of the all parts - 31.7%). BSE was present in all cases of opiate poisoning; 52.9% cases of hemorrhagic strokes, 61.3% cases of coronary heart disease. The data obtained show prevalence of brain tanatogenesis in death of the above diseases. Hypohydration and hyperhydration of the brain were observed in short and slow agony, respectively.