Population genetic study of eight short tandem repeat loci CSF1PO,TPOX, TH01, F13A01, FESFPS,vWA, F13B and LPL in the Western Romanian population

Allele frequencies for eight tetranucleotide short tandem repeat (STR) loci-CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, F13A01, FESFPS, vWA, F13B, LPL-were obtained from a population sample of 105-122 unrelated individuals born in Transylvania and Banat (Romania).     

The ordinal localization of multiple mono-type carpal bones

The case study was based on the osteologic collection of the chair for anthropology, State Moscow University, including the male carpal bones (67) and female carpal bones (13), aged above 18 to 20. Four measurements were made according to Martin's scheme for metacarpal bones and finger phalanxes. A diagnostic method was worked out on the bases of the discriminative analysis, with such method enabling the remodeling of the ordinal localization of metacarpal bones as well as of main, medium and distal phalanxes. The maximally accurate classification was ensured for metacarpal bones, ranging from 81.5% to 100%; and the minimally accurate one was achieved for distal phalanxes, ranging from 20% to 95%. The discriminative analysis results were checked for distal phalanxes by Neklyudov's series (male--100, female--85); they were described according to 7 sizes. However, an attempt to enhance the accuracy of the classification of these phalanxes failed. The offered method should be applied in combination with the traditional anatomic-and-morphological method; besides, if possible, it is necessary to check the congruence of joint surfaces in the metacarpal interphalangeal joints.     

Test–Retest Reliability of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2)

The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) are widely used to measure intimate partner aggression. Various aspects of the CTS2 and its subscales have been examined, e.g. factor structure, internal consistency, and validity, but little or no evidence exists regarding the stability of the self-report of aggression on the CTS2 This study examines the stability of reports of aggression against a partner on the CTS2 among 82 men court-mandated to a batterer intervention program. At both testing times men reported on aggression occurring in the year prior to beginning treatment. Using variety scores, stability of report was strong for psychological aggression (r = 0.69), physical assault (r = 0.76), injury (r = 0.70), and negotiation (r = 0.60), but weaker for sexual coercion (r = 0.30). Implications for the use of the CTS2 in court-mandated populations are discussed.

Positive Resolution of Childhood Sexual Abuse Experiences: The Role of Coping,Benefit-Finding and Meaning-Making

Resolution of the trauma of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), and the current adjustment of 60 adult female CSA survivors were explored through qualitative and quantitative analyses of their coping strategies, perceived benefits, and meaning-making attempts. While the majority of the women (87%) perceived at least some benefit resulting from coping with the CSA experience, many (29%) found it impossible to make any meaning of their trauma. Specific benefits that were associated with various aspects of positive adjustment (marital satisfaction, better physical health, less isolation) included improved relationships with others, religious or spiritual growth, and improved parenting skills. Some perceived benefits were actually associated with a negative outcome. Increased knowledge of sexual abuse was associated with more isolation and lower marital satisfaction. When positive meaning could be derived from the coping process, the women reported less isolation. Avoidant coping was strongly associated with more depressive symptoms and poorer resolution of abuse issues. Results highlight the importance of considering coping strategies and cognitive restructuring efforts in designing therapeutic interventions with this population. Portions of this paper were presented at the annual meeting of the Midwest Psychological Association, May 2004, Chicago, IL.     

Forensic analysis of black coral (Order Antipatharia)

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), discriminate analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), and stereoscopic microscopy were used to separate black coral forensic evidence items from similarly appearing items manufactured from plastics, bovid keratin, and mangrove wood. In addition, novel observations were made of bromine and iodine relationships in black coral that have not been previously reported.     

Approaches to the improvement of forensic medical expertise in the cases of sexual crimes and doubtful gender status

The authors analyzed the results of the forensic medical expertise of the cases of sexual assaults and covert sexual abuse. Special attention is given to the peculiarities of forensic-medical expertise in the cases of veneral diseases and HIV-infection, injuries to sexual organs in women and men. The specific approaches to the examination of corpses in the cases of atypical sexual behavior or a murder supposedly committed for sexual motives are considered.     

Study of anatomical and topographical peculiarities of the mucosal pattern on the dorsal surface of the tongue in the immediate and late postmortem periods

The authors present information about anatomical and topographical peculiarities of the patterns of the mucous membrane at the backside surface of the tongue in the immediate and late postmortem periods. The apparent dynamics of the structural changes on this surface does not exclude the possibility of using them as the criteria for personality identification within 1 month after death.     

Characteristics of morphological manifestations of anaphylactic shock in response to the administration of pharmaceutical preparations encountered in the practice of forensic medical expert-histologist

The authors report the results of a forensic medical investigation of 6 cases of death associated with the administration of pharmaceutical products documented by forensic medical experts of the Russian Centre of Forensic Medical Expertise. The results of the study are compared with the clinical data and summarized using the methods of tanatogenetic analysis. The following main clinical variants of iatrogenic anaphylactic shock (IAS) are distinguished: bronchospastic IAS (n = 1), asphyxic IAS (n = 1), hemodynamic IAS (n = 3), and combined (bronchospastic plus hemodynamic) IAS (n = 1). The signs of all these variants are described allowing for their diagnostics and differentiation diagnostics. These data can be used for the purpose of forensic medical diagnostics and elucidation of the mechanisms of tanatogenesis.