Stubs Versus Swabs? A Comparison of Gunshot Residue Collection Techniques

Abstract: The collection efficiency of two widely used gunshot residue (GSR) collection techniques—carbon‐coated adhesive stubs and alcohol swabs—has been compared by counting the number of characteristic GSR particles collected from the firing hand of a shooter after firing one round. Samples were analyzed with both scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐rays by an experienced GSR analyst, and the number of particles on each sample containing Pb, Ba, and Sb counted. The adhesive stubs showed a greater collection efficiency as all 24 samples gave positive results for GSR particles whereas the swabs gave only positive results for half of the 24 samples. Results showed a statistically significant collection efficiency for the stub collection method and likely reasons for this are considered.     

Postmortem Computed Tomography Findings of Upper Airway Obstruction by Food

Abstract: This study is a retrospective analysis of 14 cases with food bolus upper airway obstruction as the defined cause of death where both postmortem computed tomography and autopsy were performed. Three groups were defined by the images i.e., Type 1: foreign body situated between the oral cavity and oropharynx, while the epiglottis sits in normal position, Type 2: foreign body situated in the oropharynx just above the epiglottis pushing it posteriorly and obstructing the airway, and Type 3: foreign body obstructing the laryngeal inlet while pushing the epiglottis anteriorly. At the time of autopsy, foreign bodies were detected by pathologists, occasionally in a different position, presumably being dislodged in the act of organ removal especially for the “Type 1” pattern. CT imaging provides accurate interrogation of upper airway bolus obstruction prior to autopsy.     

弥漫性轴索损伤的研究进展

弥漫性轴索损伤（diffuse axonal injury,DAI）以脑白质轴索弥漫性损伤为主要特征,迄今其形成机制尚未完全阐明,不同学科诊断标准迥异,是法医学和神经科学亟待解决的难题。磁共振弥散张量成像（diffusion tensor imaging,DTI）通过检测弥散参数及纤维束成像（fibre tracking,FT）可准确地反映轴索损伤部位及损伤程度,具有广泛的法医学应用前景。本文综述DAI发生机制及诊断方法的研究进展,尤其DTI技术在DAI诊断中的应用。     

磁珠法自动化纯化现场检材DNA方法研究

目的利用TE-MAGS在TECAN工作站上结合磁珠试剂盒,建立自动化工作站批量纯化现场检材DNA的方法,并探讨其在法医物证检案中的应用。方法灵敏度测试:标准品使用0.1ng/μL 9947A,用200μL TES稀释制备DNA总量0.1ng~1ng共10种的标准样品,采用本文方法提取纯化,使用IdentifilerTM试剂盒扩增,用3130XL型测序仪检测,Gene Mapper ID-X分析,分析STR图谱质量;纯化能力测试:在1ng总量的标准样品中加入腐殖酸、血红素,采用本文方法提取纯化、扩增检测,分析STR图谱质量;实际案件应用对比:收集304份现场检材,分别采用本方法和硅珠法进行提取纯化,经扩增检测,统计对比两种提取纯化方法 STR分型成功率。结果灵敏度测试:0.1ng~0.2ng总量标准样品提取的DNA模板,扩增后可检测到部分基因座STR图谱,0.3ng~1ng总量标准样品提取的DNA模板,扩增后可以得到完整的STR图谱;纯化能力测试:对混合有一定浓度的腐殖酸、血红素的标准样品的提取产物检测图谱未见明显抑制;实际案件应用对比测试:304份现场检材工作站磁珠法检出成功率(50%)高于硅珠法(40.8%)。结论本文所建立的方法缓冲范围较大,回收率高,纯化能力强,提取产物STR分型成功率高,适合现场检材批量化DNA检验。     

Characterization and Differentiation of Geometric Isomers of 3‐methylfentanyl Analogs by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry,Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry,and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

The cis and trans isomers of 3‐methylfentanyl and its three analogs were chemically synthesized, and these compounds were characterized and differentiated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The cis and trans isomers of the 3‐methylfentanyl analogs were completely separated by GC/MS. Although the high temperature of the GC injection port caused thermal degradation of β‐hydroxy‐3‐methylfentanyl, the degradation was completely suppressed by trimethylsilyl derivatization. The isomers were also well separated by LC/MS on an octadecylsilyl column with 10 mM ammonium acetate and methanol as the mobile phase. The proton NMR signals were split when the hydrochloride salts of the 3‐methylfentanyl analogs were dissolved in deuterated chloroform because stereoisomers were formed by the coordination of the hydrochloride proton to the nitrogen of the piperidine ring of the 3‐methylfentanyl analogs.     

Analyzing the Dynamics and Morphology of Cast‐off Pattern at Different Speed Levels Using High‐speed Digital Video Imaging

During a bloodstain pattern analysis, one of the essential tasks is to distinguish between different kinds of applied forces as well as to estimate their level of intensity. In this study, high‐speed digital imaging has been used to analyze the formation of cast‐off patterns generated by a simulated backswing with a blood‐bearing object. For this purpose, 0.5 mL blood was applied evenly over the last 5 cm of a blade simulant. Bloodstains were created through the controlled acceleration of a backswing at different speed levels between 1.1 m/sec and 3.8 m/sec. The flight dynamics of blood droplets were captured with an Olympus^® i‐Speed 3 high‐speed digital camera with a Nikon^® AF Nikkor 50 mm f/1.8 D lens and analyzed using the Olympus i‐Speed 3 Viewer software. The video analysis showed that, during the backswing, blood droplets would move toward the lower end of the knifepoint and would be tangentially thrown off. These droplets impacted on the horizontal surface according to the arc of the swing. An increase in velocity led to longer cast‐off patterns with distinct morphological characteristics. Under laboratory conditions, bloodstain pattern analysis allows certain conclusions about the intensity of a backswing and provides instructions on the position of the offender. However, due to the number of unknown variables at a crime scene, such interpretation of cast‐off patterns is extremely limited and should be performed with extreme caution.     

骨盆损伤鉴定的影像学检查方法选择探讨

目的通过研究骨盆结构和常用影像学检查方法,对骨盆损伤的影像学检查方法的选择提出建议。方法研究数例法医学鉴定中骨盆损伤的案例,结合骨盆环的生物力学和骨盆损伤分型,并对X线透视、X线摄片检查、CT等检查方法进行比较。结果四个骨盆损伤案例都是多发损伤,通过X线和CT检查均能满意地确认。结论结合骨盆致伤方式和生物力学,注意被鉴定人是否存在多发伤,来选择适合的影像学检查方法以正确评价骨盆损伤。     

眼眶骨折的影像学诊断及法医学评定

在眼眶骨折的法医学鉴定中常常出现漏诊和误诊。目前影像学技术在研究眼眶骨折的法医学特点和评价外伤的严重程度中有重要的意义。本文综述了眼眶骨折的分类、发病机制和影像学诊断的特点,对于眼眶骨折的法医学评价和鉴定有较好的帮助。     

利用数字图像处理技术伪造文件的研究

介绍了利用数字图象处理技术剪贴伪造文件、变造签名、彩色打印伪造原始印文和签名等三种伪造文件的方法及其特点.数字图象处理技术能够克服许多传统伪造方法的"缺点",使伪造的文件达到较高的逼真度.讨论了数字图象处理技术的滥用引发的新问题.