EXAMPLE OF A FORSight^® ISSUE

FSS CURRENT AWARENESS BULLETIN

  CONTENTS

Telephone: +44-020-7230-3233
Facsimile: +44-020-7230-6003

Editor John Goodier

© Crown Copyright 2001.
This material was originated by the Forensic Science Service. Applications to reproduce any of the Crown copyright material contained in this publication should be addressed to the Forensic Science Service, Information Services, 109 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7LP, UK.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any retrieval system, without the written permission of the copyright holder.

ALCOHOL

85815
Investigation of Biochemical Markers of Chronic Alcoholism
Jeszenszky-E; Varga-T; Freudenstein-P; Bonte-W; Tari-R
Dept. of Forensic Medicine; Albert Szent-Gyorgyi Medical University; Szeged; Hungary
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V43; P118-125
In traffic accidents, alcohol is one of the main risk factors. Studies have shown that significant numbers of chronic alcoholics drive, forming a higher-risk group. At present, the diagnosis of chronic alcoholism is almost entirely based on psychiatric and psychological tests, therefore an objective laboratory-based test is desired for the identification and sanctioning of chronic alcoholics. One of the main biochemical markers of chronic alcoholism is an increased level of methanol in the blood. There is a relationship between the blood methanol level and the amount of methanol in consumed beverages. However, regions differ in terms of drinking habits and the quality of the alcoholic drinks consumed. In this study, blood samples were collected from chronic alcoholics in the Szeged region of Hungary and analysed by headspace gas chromatography in order to measure the following biochemical markers of alcoholism: ethanol, methanol, acetone, 2-propanol, and 1-propanol. The results were subsequently compared with those from similar studies in Dusseldorf and Vienna. The results support the usefulness of methanol as a biochemical marker of chronic alcoholism. The implications for traffic safety are discussed.

85775
Statistical Estimation of High Alcohol Concentrations Determined in Breath and in Blood
Zuba-D; Gubala-W; Labedz-J
Faculty of Chemistry; Jagiellonian University; Cracow; Poland
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P209-214
The aim of this study was to compare blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) obtained from breath analyses and from direct blood analyses. To this end, samples of blood and breath were obtained simultaneously from patients with a significant BAC. The results obtained showed that there are no grounds for the continuation of the current practice of treating BACs obtained by the analysis of breath as equivalent to BACs determined by the direct analysis of blood.

85803
Human Liver Carboxylesterases: Purification of These Two Enzymes, Properties in Relation to Cocaine and Alcohol Metabolism, and Specificities
Berthoin-K; Widmer-F; Giroud-C; Mangin-P; Barret-L
Laboratoire de Medecine Legale et Toxicologie; UFR de Medecine; Grenoble; France
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V43; P35-42
The aims of this study were twofold: (1) investigating cocaine metabolism in association with alcohol intake. Carboxylesterase specificities with cocaine and cocaethylene metabolites were determined by the incubation of one of the two purified enzymes with benzoylecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester, ecgonine ethyl ester, norcocaine, and norcocaethylene; (2) determining the affinity of each enzyme for a variety of xenobiotics. The first step involved the isolation of carboxylesterases 1 and 2 from postmortem human liver samples.

85801
Comparison of an Enzymatic Alcohol Dehydrogenase Assay and Alcohol Headspace GC-FID Method Using Statistical Analysis on Real Forensic Blood and Urine Samples
Arys-K-M; Van-Bocxlaer-J-F; Lambert-W; Van-Peteghem-C; De-Leenheer-A
Laboratory of Toxicology; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Ghent; Ghent; Belgium
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V43; P18-23
A comparison was made between two independent alcohol measurement techniques [Syva-Emit and headspace gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID)] using a paired sample t-test, regression analysis, and a graphical procedure. Analysis of actual forensic blood samples revealed a deviation between methods in the higher, but not the lower, concentration range.

BIOLOGY-DNA

85727
Multiplex DNA Typing of Short Tandem Repeat Loci on Y Chromosome of Chinese Population in Taiwan
Wu-F-C; Pu-C-E
Scientific and Technical Research Centre; Ministry Justice Investigation Bureau; 74 Chung-Hua Road; Hsin-Tien City; Taipai County 231; Taiwan; China
FORENSIC-SCI-INT; 2001; V120; P213-222
In this population genetic study, allele frequencies and haplotypes were determined for the Y chromosome short tandem repeat (STR) loci DYS19, DYS385I, DYS385II, DYS388, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, and DYS393 in a sample comprising 582 Chinese from Taiwan.

85899
Report of Three Further Collaborative Exercises on STR Loci by the Italian Group of Forensic Haematology
D-Aloja-F; Domenici-R; Alu-M; Asmindo-A; Caenazzo-L; Carnevali-E; Cerri-N; Cossu-G; Cucurachi-N; De-Stefano-F; Di-Nunno-C; Fattorini-P; Graziosi-G; Pascali-V-L; Pasqui-G; Pelotti-S; Piccinini-A; Previdere-C; Procaccianti-S; Ricci-U; Tagliabracci-A; Presciutti-S
PROG-FORENSIC-GENETICS; 2000; NO.8; P622-624
In this population genetic study, allele frequencies were determined for the CD4, TPOX, and CSF1PO loci in an Italian sample of approximately 2000 individuals as part of a collaborative exercise involving 19 laboratories.

85887
Personal Identification Using Y-Chromosomal Short Tandem Repeats From Bodily Fluids Mixed with Semen
Tsuji-A; Ishiko-A; Ikeda-N; Yamaguchi-H
Dept. of Forensic Pathology and Sciences; Graduate School of Medical Sciences; Kyushu University; Fukuoka 812-8582; Japan
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P288-291
Y-chromosome-specific short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) are useful for individual identification in forensic cases. During the investigation of a sexual crime, the direct Y-STR haplotype analysis of several mixtures of biological fluids, including semen, proved useful for the identification of the offender. The typing of the DYS19, DYS389II, and DYS390 Y-STR loci was possible from the mixed DNA of spermatozoa and female cells in the victim's vagina, vaginal orifice, and anus. The haplotypes generated, which originated from one individual, matched those of the suspect.

85728
Population Data of Y-Chromosomal STRs in Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Males
Lessig-R; Edelmann-J
Institute of legal Medicine; University of Leipzig; Johannisallee 28; 04103 Leipzig; Germany
FORENSIC-SCI-INT; 2001; V120; P223-225
Unrelated males from Lithuania (n=152), Latvia (n=145), and Estonia (n=133) were studied in order to obtain population genetic data for the "extended core set" of Y-chromosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci. The resulting haplotype data were subsequently included in the Y-STR database maintained at the Institute of Legal Medicine, Humboldt-University, Berlin.

85729
Human Y-Specific STR Haplotypes in a Slovenian Population Sample
Sterlinko-H; Zupanic-Pajnic-I; Balazic-J; Komel-R
Institute of Forensic Medicine; Faculty of Medicine; Ljubljana; Slovenia
FORENSIC-SCI-INT; 2001; V120; P226-228
In this study, the allele frequency distributions of the loci DYS19, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS385, and YCAII were determined in a population sample comprising 121 unrelated males from Slovenia.

85722
Validation and Casework Application of a Y Chromosome Specific STR Multiplex
Prinz-M; Ishii-A; Coleman-A; Baum-H-J; Shaler-R-C
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner; 520 First Avenue; New York; NY 10016; USA
FORENSIC-SCI-INT; 2001; V120; P177-188
Validation experiments were carried out for a Y-chromosome-specific short tandem repeat (STR) multiplex system following suggestions made by the Technical Working Group DNA Analysis Methods (TWGDAM). The PCR products were detected using automated sequencers with two labelling colours. There were no problems with regard to the stability, robustness or sensitivity of the multiplex. Studies using mixtures showed a cutoff rate similar to autosomal STRs for mixtures of male DNAs and no interference from female components. A comparison was made between the Y STR results and those obtained from autosomal typing for 56 non-probative semen stains and swabs. Use of the Y STR multiplex resulted in a slightly higher success rate in the detection of the alleles from the semen donor. Examples are used to highlight the usefulness of Y STR typing for the analysis DNA mixtures.

85848
DNase I: Structure, Function, and Use in Medicine and Forensic Science
Kishi-K; Yasuda-T; Takeshita-H
Dept. of Legal Medicine; Gunma University School of Medicine; 3-39-22 Showa; Maebashi; Gunma 371-8511; Japan
LEGAL-MEDICINE; 2001; V3; P69-83
This review summarises available structural data on deoxyribonucleases I (DNases I) from various mammals, hens, snakes, and frogs. Details are given of comparative studies on enzymatic and immunological properties and glycosylation, and a number of evolutionary proposals are put forward. The recent development of new investigative tools has allowed researchers to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms connecting the function and usefulness of DNase I in the fields of medicine and forensic science.

85789
Fingerprint and DNA Evidence
Cooke-G
THE-CRIMINAL-BAR-ASSOCIATION-NEWSLETTER; 2001; June; P13-14
The 16-point fingerprint standard for fingerprint identification is soon to be replaced by "opinion evidence", which relies solely on the expertise of the fingerprint expert. It remains to be seen how fingerprint experts will explain the significance of fingerprint evidence in cases where their opinions are less than certain. Consideration is also given to the interpretation of DNA profile evidence and the way in which this type of evidence is presented in court by forensic scientists. It is argued that the presentation of DNA evidence should be worded unambiguously, particularly with regard to the statistical aspects of the interpretation of the evidence.

85725
Sequence Polymorphism in the Coding Region of Mitochondrial Genome Encompassing Position 8389-8865
Tzen-C-Y; Wu-T-Y; Liu-H-F
Dept. of Pathology and Medical Research; Mackay Memorial Hospital; School of Medical Technology; Taipei Medical College; 45 Minsheng Road; Tamshui; Taipei; Taiwan; China
FORENSIC-SCI-INT; 2001; V120; P204-209
The analysis of polymorphic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences in forensic and anthropological studies have tended to focus on the displacement-loop and intergenic regions only. In this study, clustered polymorphic sites were identified in the mitochondrial coding region encompassing position 8389-8865. A population genetic study of 119 unrelated Chinese individuals revealed heteroplasmy in five individuals, with 39 sites discovered in this 477 bp region, and 41 haplotypes being identified. The probability of identity and allelic diversity were estimated to be 0.1265 and 0.8809, respectively. These results indicate that sequence polymorphism in the 8389-8865 region of the mtDNA can be used for human identification purposes.

85892
Analysis of DNA in Minute Volumes of Blood From Stains and Crusts
Soares-Vieira-J-A; Munoz-D-R; Miazato-Iwamura-E-S; De-Almeida-Cardoso-L; Billerbeck-A-E-C
Departamento de Medicina Legal; Faculdade de Medicina; Universidade de Sao Paulo; Instituto Oscar Freire; Rua Teodoro; Sampaio 115; Sao Paulo; SP Cep 05405-000; Brazil
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P308-312
In this study, the D1S80 locus was PCR-amplified from genomic DNA which had been extracted from artificial bloodstains and crusts containing different quantities of blood (32 ul, 16 ul, 8 ul, 4 ul, 2 ul, and 1 ul). DNA typing was possible in each case. Secondly, the HLA-DQA1 locus was amplified from genomic DNA extracted from diluted blood samples (640, 320, 160, 80, 40, 20, 10, and 5 leucocytes). DNA typing was successful when at least 10 leucocytes were present in the sample. Based on these results, it is concluded that 1 ul of bloodstains or crusts was sufficient for DNA profiling.

85897
Evaluation of Three Different Procedures of DNA Extraction From Paraffined Tissues and Stained Microscopical Slides
Cerri-N; Bottelli-A; Tavani-M; De-Ferrari-F
Institute of Forensic Medicine; University of Brescia; Brescia; Italy
PROG-FORENSIC-GENETICS; 2000; NO.8; P482-484
In this study, a comparison was made between three DNA extraction methods in terms of their ability to extract DNA from paraffin-fixed tissues and stained microscope slides. The extraction methods tested were: organic extraction (protease K and phenol/chloroform purification, ethanol precipitation), QIAmp protocol (Protease K and purification of high molecular weight DNA on spin-columns), and Dynabeads DNA Direct method (based on the capture of DNA using paramagnetic beads). As well as being rapid, these extraction methods do not need repeated manipulations, thereby reducing the chances of cross-contamination occurring. Preliminary results show that the QIAmp and Dynabeads methods are preferable to organic extraction for these samples.

85726
Y-Chromosomal STR Haplotype in Toscany (Central Italy)
Ricci-U; Sani-I; Giovannucci-Uzielli-M-L
Genetics and Molecular Medicine Unit; Hospital "A. Meyer"; University of Florence; Via Masaccio 209; I-50132 Florence; Italy
FORENSIC-SCI-INT; 2001; V120; P210-212
A population genetic study was carried out in order to determine the allele frequency distribution of the Y-chromosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci DYS19, DYS388, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS385, YCAII, and DXYS156Y in a sample comprising 107 males resident in the Toscany region of central Italy.

85898
Improvement in the Yield of Mitochondrial DNA Amplification Products: Implications for the Analysis of Old and Degraded Biological Samples
Lorente-M; Lorente-J-A; Wilson-M-R; Budowle-B; Alvarez-J-C; Villanueva-E
Dept. of Legal Medicine; University of Granada; 18012 Granada; Spain
PROG-FORENSIC-GENETICS; 2000; NO.8; P485-486
Although mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) amplification is highly sensitive, very old and/or badly decomposed samples can prove problematic. In order to analyse bloodstains dating back to the 18th century, standard mtDNA amplification procedures were adjusted, resulting in typeable samples being obtained when the standard procedure failed. The adjustments involved doubling the concentrations of the PCR primers, increasing the annealing temperature from 60 to 63 C in one-degree increments, and doubling the amount of Taq polymerase used.

BIOLOGY-GENERAL

85812
Electrophoretic Analysis of Serum Proteins of Birds and Mammals
Helal-E-G-E; Zahkouk-S-A-M; Mekkawy-H-A
Zoology Department; Faculty of Science; Al-Azhar University for Girls; Cairo; Egypt
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V43; P98-104
A study was carried out to determine the electrophoretic patterns of serum from bird species, such as pigeons and chickens, and mammals, such as guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and rabbits. Native and SDS methods were capable of separating various protein, glycoprotein and lipoprotein bands. Using the native electrophoretic method for total proteins, chickens showed 13 bands, and pigeons showed 12 bands. Cats and dogs showed 7 bands, guinea pigs showed 10 bands, and rabbits showed 13 bands. Total proteins by SDS methods showed 8 bands for pigeons and 13 bands for chickens. This method also showed 13 bands for guinea pigs and rabbits, 10 bands for cats, and 18 bands for dogs. Native glycoproteins serum showed 8 bands for both bird species, 8 bands for rabbits and guinea pigs, 10 bands for cats, and 7 bands for dogs. Pigeons and chickens differed significantly in terms of SDS glycoproteins, with 4 and 10 bands, respectively. Guinea pig serum showed 8 bands, dogs showed 11 bands, and cats showed 16 bands. Pre-straining lipoprotein showed 2 bands for cats, dogs, and rabbits, 4 bands for chickens and guinea pigs, and 5 bands for pigeons. The data reported are useful for classification and evolutionary studies, and may prove useful in forensic science.

BIOLOGY-SEMEN-VAGINAL

85874
Persistence of Spermatozoa and Prostatic Acid Phosphatase in Specimens From Deceased Individuals During Varied Postmortem Intervals
Collins-K-A; Bennett-A-T
Medical University of South Carolina; Dept. of Pathology; Forensic Section; 165 Ashley Avenue; Suite 309; P.O. Box 250908; Charleston; SC 29425; USA
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P228-232
Although the survival of spermatozoa and the persistence of prostatic acid phosphatase has interested investigators of sexual assault cases, the literature contains few studies regarding the examination of dead bodies in order to determine the postmortem interval and the presence of such evidence. A review was carried out of 199 cases which were examined for signs of sexual assault during a 10-year period. The examination of the bodies included the taking of swabs for Papanicolaou staining of smears and for the quantitative analysis of prostatic acid phosphatase. The majority of the victims were female. In most cases, the swabs were taken from oral, vaginal, and anorectal areas in females, and from oral and anorectal areas in males. Prostatic acid phosphatase was analysed by the microparticle enzyme immunoassay method, with a level of >100 ng/ml being considered positive. Each case was examined with respect to the postmortem interval, the presence or otherwise of spermatozoa (intact or heads), elevated levels of prostatic acid phosphatase, body location of the sample, time of year, location of the body, and physical injuries associated with sexual assault. The aim of this work is to establish a correlation between the presence or absence of such evidence and the aforementioned variables.

DOCUMENTS

85719
Sounds Familiar? - Voice Identification Evidence
Ormerod-D
University of Hull; Hull; UK
CRIM-LAW-REV; 2001; P595-622
This paper reviews the pitfalls associated with the use of voice identification and recognition evidence. Suggestions are made for the proper use of such evidence in pre-trial and trial procedures in order to ensure that suitable safeguards are in place.
 

85779
By Their Words Ye Shall Know Them
Coulthard-M
Professor of English Language and Linguistics; University of Birmingham; Birmingham; UK
SOLICITORS-J; 2001; V145 (32); August; P20-21
This article reviews the work of the forensic linguistics expert, dealing with both the spoken and written word, which may be of great significance when attempting to resolve a dispute concerning authorship. Analysis of the spoken word encompasses voice matching, voice recognition, and the interpretation of poor-quality voice recordings. The analysis of written documents includes the study of disputed police records, cases of disputed authorship, and plagiarism.

EXPLOSIVES

85786
Sheet Explosive
Quellin-P
PCW-REVIEW; 2001; NO.5; P20-21
Modern sheet explosives are basically plastic explosives that are manufactured in the form of thin sheets. The most commonly used sheet explosives are PETN and RDX. The explosives are blended with suitable materials to produce thin, flexible sheets. In this form, explosives are easily disguised, presenting security problems. Information is provided for airport security staff regarding the characteristics of sheet explosives for detection purposes.

85745
Application of Solvent Microextraction to the Analysis of Nitroaromatic Explosives in Water Samples
Psillakis-E; Kalogerakis-N
Dept. of Environmental Engineering; Technical University of Crete; Polytechneioupolis; GR-73100 Chania; Crete; Greece
J-CHROMATOGR; 2001; V907; P211-219
This paper describes the use of solvent microextraction for the analysis of nitroaromatic explosives. Eleven such explosives were extracted by suspending 1 ul of organic solvent to the tip of a microsyringe in a stirred aqueous solution. Among the parameters studied and optimised were extraction solvent, stirring rate, salt concentration, and sampling time. Using bench-top quadrupole mass spectrometry and short extraction times (15 min), the limits of detection were between 0.08 and 1.3 ug/l, with relative standard deviations in the range 4.3-9.8%. Although the accuracy and precision of quantification must be determined, this method was found to be rapid, simple, and inexpensive for the preconcentration and matrix isolation of nitroaromatics on a microscale.
 

85746
Performance Evaluation of an In-Injection Port Thermal Desorption/Gas Chromatographic/Negative Ion Chemical Ionisation Mass Spectrometric Method for Trace Explosive Vapour Analysis
Sigman-M-E; Ma-C-Y; Ilgner-R-H
Chemical and Analytical Sciences Division; Oak Ridge National Laboratory; P.O. Box 2008; MS 6100; Oak Ridge; TN 37831-6100; USA
ANAL-CHEM; 2001; V73 (4); February; P792-798
This paper describes a method for the analysis of trace explosive vapour by gas chromatography using thermal desorption of Tenax TA and sol-gel traps, combined with negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. Sorbent tubes were packed with Tenax TA an sorbent particles which had been prepared in-house using the sol-gel process. Thermal desorption was carried out in a split/splitless injection port with minimal instrument modification. Relative thermal desorption recovery, precision, linearity of calibration, and detection limits were determined. The method was validated using a series of dinitrotoluenes, dinitrobenzene, trinitrotoluene, trinitrobenzene, two aminodinitrotoluenes, three nitroesters, and two nitramines. The method validation data served as the basis for the evaluation of the performance of Tenax TA and sol-gel sorbents. This procedure was used to analyse trace explosive vapour which had been collected and concentrated with sol-gel solid sorbent traps from the headspace of a sample of smokeless gunpowder.

FIBRES-HAIR

85736
Colour Gamut of Natural Dyes on Cotton Yarns
Gulrajani-M-L; Srivastava-R-C; Goel-M
Dept. of Textile Technology; Indian Institute of Technology; Hauz Khas; New Delhi 110016; India
COLORATION-TECHNOLOGY; 2001; V117; P225-228
In this study, cotton fibres were dyed with a variety of natural dyes, either alone or in combination, yielding basic shades of blue, yellow, red, black, green, and fawn. The dyed fibres were subsequently blended in various proportions with undyed cotton fibres before being spun on a rotor-spinning machine, resulting in 204 coloured yarns. Consideration was given to the fastness properties of the basic shades, and also to the L*a*b* and L*C*h* values of the yarns with 50% dyed fibres and 50% undyed fibres. Plotting of the values revealed the colour gamut of natural dyes on cotton yarns.

FINGERPRINTS

85721
Powder Method for Detecting Latent Fingerprints: A Review
Sodhi-G-S; Kaur-J
Dept. of Chemistry; SGTB Khalsa College; University of Delhi; Delhi 110007; India
FORENSIC-SCI-INT; 2001; V120; P172-176
The use of powders for the detection of latent fingerprints involves the application of the powder formulation to the area of interest, usually with a glass-fibre or camel hair brush. The powder used adheres to the sweat residue, revealing the ridge pattern, but does not adhere to the furrows. The powder used is normally coloured, therefore, when the ridge pattern becomes visible, the print is said to have been developed.

FIRE

85869
Hydrogen Cyanide and Carbon Monoxide in Blood of Convicted Dead in a Polyurethane Combustion: A Proposition for the Data Analysis
Ferrari-L-A; Arado-M-G; Giannuzzi-L; Mastrantonio-G; Guatelli-M-A
Laboratorio Quimica Forense; Suprema Corte de Justicia; 41 Entre 119 y 120; 1900 La Plata; Argentina
FORENSIC-SCI-INT; 2001; V121 (1-2); September; P140-143
Carbon monoxide (CO) can be toxic in fire atmospheres, but this case deals with the importance of hydrogen cyanide as a toxic agent in fires. In 1990, a polyurethane mattress fire caused the deaths of 35 offenders in an Argentinean prison. In order to determine the cause of death of the victims, postmortem blood carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) levels were determined. Saturation of COHb was in the range 4-18%, with the corresponding range for HCN being 2.0-7.2 mg/l. The HCN levels were higher than lethal levels reported in the literature. No other toxic components were detected in the samples from the deceased. Chi-square analysis was used to find differences between HCN and COHb levels. It was found that saturation of COHb and HCN in blood were not independent variables, and that the ratio COHb/HCN was constant (0.47 +or- 0.04). In order to assess the part played by each toxic agent in causing death, a lethal index was defined for COHb and HCN. A suitable plot of both indices could be used to infer the most likely cause of death. It was found that, in these 35 fire victims, the most probable cause of death was HCN toxicity. In this case, HCN was generated by the rapid heating and subsequent decomposition of polyurethane.

85730
Household Chemicals: Warning Labels Hint of Fire Hazards, But Are They a Significant Fuel Source?
Anon
FIRE-FINDINGS; 2001; V9 (3); P1-3
A study was carried out to assess whether household chemicals are flammable, and whether they could contribute significantly to the fuel load of a fire in the area in which such products are stored. A review of product labels identified the chemicals most likely to contribute to fires, such as isopropanol. Tests were then carried out in an effort to ignite the material by the application of a flame to the spilt product or to a passing spray. The test results indicated that household chemicals do not play an important role in providing fuel for a fire, despite the warnings on the labels of such products.
 

85718
Deflagrations Involving Stratified Heavier-than-Air Vapour/Air Mixtures
De-Haan-J-D; Crowhurst-D; Hoare-D; Bensilum-M; Shipp-M-P
Fire-Ex Forensics, Inc.; 3505 Sonoma Boulevard; #20-314; Vallejo; CA 94590; USA
FIRE-SAFETY-J; 2001; V36; P693-710
An important indicator of the type of explosive material involved in an explosion and its location is the distribution of explosion damage in a structure. A vapour/air explosive mixture tends to result in generalised, omnidirectional damage. Fire investigators have been taught that more intense blast damage to the lower parts of an enclosure suggests that the vapours involved were heavier than air, and that greater explosion damage to the upper parts indicates a gaseous fuel that is lighter than air. In the literature, most of the explosion pressure data deal with well-mixed mixtures of uniform concentration. This study considers the pressure distributions caused by the ignition of shallow (0.05-0.2 m depth) layers of hexane vapour created by the evaporation of liquid in a still, isothermal compartment. The resulting floor-level vapour layers were ignited by an electric arc, and the resulting pressures were monitored at five different locations within the room. The pressures were found to increase exponentially over a period of 300-400 ms after ignition until there was failure of the relief panel at approximately 5-6 kPa. The peak pressures at all five locations coincided in time and intensity, indicating that the pressures produced in the room equilibrated very rapidly. Any failure of the compartment would, therefore, be the result of failure of the weakest part of the confining structure, as opposed to the result of the pre-ignition distribution of the vapour/air mixture. Approximately 60-70 ms after the maximum positive pressure, there was a slight, but reproducible, negative peak pressure (approximately -2 kPa), showing that negative pressure peaks can be caused by deflagrating vapour/air mixtures that could exert physical effects on lightweight debris which had been dislodged as a result of the initial positive pulse.

85731
Rollers Get Just Hot Enough to Curl Your Hair
Anon
FIRE-FINDINGS; 2001; V9 (3); P5
In this study, hot rollers were tested in order to determine the amount of heat given off, and if the heat produced presented a fire hazard. Even when covered with multiple layers of cloth, the temperature of the exterior of the rollers only reached a maximum of 236 degrees F. The reddish glow, which lit up the roller case, was found to be caused by two halogen bulbs, which provided both heat and light. Based on these findings, it is concluded that such hot rollers do not pose a significant fire risk.

85717
The Who, What, Where and Why of Waking to Fire Alarms: A Review
Bruck-D
Dept. of Psychology; (S089) Victoria University; P.O. Box 14428; MCMC; Melbourne City; Victoria 8001; Australia
FIRE-SAFETY-J; 2001; V36; P623-639
This review considers research which has been carried out into: (a) auditory arousal thresholds (AATs) as they pertain to sleep; (b) the factors which affect responsiveness to auditory stimuli during sleep; (c) the responsiveness to smoke detector alarms during sleep, and (d) statistics relating to fire deaths and victim characteristics. The effects of age, stage of sleep, sleep deprivation, signal frequency, background noise, loss of hearing, time of night, gender differences, dream incorporation, depression, signal meaningfulness, sleeping medication, alcohol, and marijuana on responsiveness during sleep are discussed. Research has shown that an unimpaired, sleeping adult will respond quickly to a 55-60 dBA smoke alarm, although the AAT literature suggests higher thresholds. However, it is argued that the level required to awaken adults under experimental conditions should not be the minimum standard for pillow audibility as such a level may not awaken children, those taking sleeping medication, those with impaired hearing, those who have been deprived of sleep, and those intoxicated by alcohol or marijuana. The results of tests using unimpaired adults cannot be generalised to the populations most at risk, including the young, the elderly, the sick, and the intoxicated. The sound intensity of the smoke alarm at the pillow should be capable of awakening those most at risk in fire situation, therefore it is recommended that such alarms be installed in bedrooms, making the signal intensity approach 90 dBA.

85732
Burn Pattern Testing
Sanderson-J-L
FIRE-FINDINGS; 2001; V9 (3); P7-11
The pattern of damage inflicted by an upward-moving fire on vertical surfaces such as walls, becomes wider as it reaches the ceiling. Such patterns are known as "V" patterns, given their similarity to the letter "V." The interpretation of V patterns and how such patterns occur are important for fire investigators, therefore a series of tests was carried out to study the creation of V patterns. The test results showed that the patterns produced were not V-shaped, and that the shape of the fire plume could be better described as a column. V patterns may be more attributable to a structure, such as a ceiling, blocking the upward path of gases. The results also challenged the theory that fire burns outwards at a specific angle.

85716
Simulation on Natural Smoke Filling in Atrium with a Balcony Spill Plume
Chow-W-K; Li-J
Dept. of Building Services Engineering; The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Hung Hom; Kowloon; Hong Kong; China
J-FIRE-SCI; 2001; V19; July; P258-283
A study was carried out into the smoke-filling in atria of local shopping centres. Consideration was given to the spread of smoke from a shop adjacent to an atrium. The CL-Atrium two-layer zone model was developed with balcony spill plume. Three plume expressions (Thomas et al., Poreh et al., and NFPA-92B) were utilised and assessed. Also, a comparison was made with CFAST simulations. It was found that a condition must be satisfied for the plume expression due to Thomas et al. The results concerning the smoke layer temperature and interface height in the atrium are similar when using the plume expressions of Poreh et al. and Thomas et al.

FIREARMS

85886
A Novel Hunting Accident. Discharge of a Firearm by a Hunting Dog
Baker-A-M; Keller-G; Garcia-D
Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner; 1413 Research Boulevard; Building 102; Rockville; MD 20850; USA
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P285-287
In the case described, a 21-year-old man was killed when his shotgun discharged accidentally as he was duck hunting. The weapon, which had been lying on the ground with the safety off, discharged when a hunting dog stepped on the trigger. The muzzle was pointing towards a nearby river, where the victim was placing decoy ducks, and the resulting shot caused a fatal head wound. Postmortem examination and investigation of the scene confirmed a range of fire which agreed with witness statements. The only significant finding of the examination of the weapon was a light trigger pull. A review is presented of the epidemiology and causality of hunting accidents, and consideration is given to the rules that were broken in this unusual case. Particular attention is paid to the aspects of the investigation which are important when dealing with a firearm death.

85733
Effects of Stun Guns and Tasers
Fish-R-M; Geddes-L-A
Dept. of Bioengineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and College of Medicine; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Urbana; IL 61801; USA
LANCET; 2001; V358; September; P687-688
Plans by the Metropolitan Police to use tasers to subdue violent or threatening individuals have raised concerns about the safety of such weapons. Tasers and stun guns are high-voltage, low-current stimulators capable of causing involuntary muscle contractions and sensory responses, such as pain. Such weapons produce electrical stimuli in the form of brief, repetitive pulses of 50,000 volts. When used properly, these devices are very unlikely to cause myocardial stimulation. Studies which examined the safety of tasers showed that there was a link between significant (even fatal) injury and the taking of drugs such as phencyclidine. Tasers may also affect the acid-base balance by a brief increase in skeletal muscle activity and decreased respiration. Although these weapons are generally safe and effective for the restraint of violent individuals, further research should be carried out into taser- and stun gun-related injuries.

  FORENSIC-MEDICINE

85847
Issues in Child Homicides: 11 Cases
Cordner-S-M; Burke-M-P; Dodd-M-J; Lynch-M-J; Ranson-D-L; Robertson-S-D
Dept. of Forensic Medicine; Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine; Monash University; 57-83 Kavanagh Street; Southbank; Victoria 3006; Australia
LEGAL-MEDICINE; 2001; V3; P95-103
Forensic pathologists find child murders the most difficult of cases for a variety of reasons. For example, such crimes tend not to be witnessed, accidental explanations are offered, there may have been more than one carer during the period when the injuries were thought to have been sustained, and various medical experts may have conflicting views on such cases. This paper describes 11 cases of child murder in order to highlight certain difficulties associated with the subsequent investigations. Consideration is also given to the legal aspects of such cases, and the difficulties faced by the legal profession in cases of fatal child abuse.

85749
Carbon Monoxide Cardiotoxicity
Gandini-C; Castoldi-A-F; Candura-S-M; Locatelli-C; Butera-R; Priori-S; Manzo-L
Toxicology Unit; Salvatore Maugeri Foundation; Institute of Pavia; Via Ferrata 8; 27100 Pavia; Italy
CLIN-TOXICOL; 2001; V39 (1); P35-44
Cardiac disorders, such as arrhythmias and myocardial ischaemia have been associated with carbon monoxide intoxication, and scattered punctiform haemorrhages throughout the heart have been recorded in postmortem samples. A suitable diagnostic approach must be used for the assessment of cardiac damage resulting from carbon monoxide intoxication. However, such assessments may be complicated by factors such as the lack of overt symptoms and the absence of specific ischaemic changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG). Animal studies have shown that exposure to carbon monoxide results in cardiac changes similar to those found in humans, therefore they have served as useful models for studying the effects and mechanisms of cardiac damage resulting from carbon monoxide intoxication. Animal and in vitro studies support the theory that carbon monoxide has a direct action on the heart, in addition to systemic hypoxia resulting from the formation of carboxyhaemoglobin. In this review, particular attention is paid to the diagnostic aspects of carbon monoxide cardiotoxicity. Consideration is also given to the results of animal and in vitro studies.

85875
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Without Cherry-Red Livor
Carson-H-J; Esslinger-K
Dept. of Pathology; Mercy Medical Centre; 701 10th Street SE; Cedar Rapids; IA 52403; USA
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P233-235
It is usually the case that carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication results in so-called cherry-red livor of the skin and viscera. In the case described, however, cherry-red livor was not observed. The victim was a 75-year-old male who was found dead in his car during a cold winter. The blood CO saturation was found to be 86%. The cause of death was deemed to be CO intoxication, and the manner of death suicide. Testing of the victim's blood and tissue samples at different temperatures showed that there was no tendency for either type of specimen to develop the cherry-red colour. It is thought that the skin's response to cold may have sequestered CO-saturated blood in the cadaver. Regarding the viscera, CO can bond to other proteins which may contribute to the development of visceral cherry-red livor. The absence of this symptom may result in the cause and manner of death being incorrectly classified.

85797
Cardiac Damage in Paediatric Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Gandini-C; Castoldi-A-F; Candura-S-M; Priori-S; Locatelli-C; Butera-R; Bellet-C; Manzo-L
Toxicology Unit; Salvatore Maugeri Foundation; Institute of Pavia; Via Ferrata 8; 27100 Pavia; Italy
CLIN-TOXICOL; 2001; V39 (1); P45-51
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning has been shown to induce cardiovascular disorders such as myocardial ischaemia and heart failure. However, CO-induced cardiotoxicity may be under-diagnosed due to the lack of obvious symptoms and specific ischaemic changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG). Routine markers of myocardial necrosis my be ineffectual at diagnosing CO-toxicity, especially in those with concomitant skeletal muscle necrosis or multiple organ failure complicating CO poisoning. This paper describes a case of CO poisoning in a 12-year-old child who suffered from occult cardiac damage although the symptoms were mild and the levels of carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) were low. The presence of myocardial and mitral valve dysfunctions indicated an ischaemia-like syndrome. The cardiac damage sustained was reversible within a month. This case confirms that prolonged exposure to CO can cause cardiac damage in children, even when specific symptoms are lacking.

85796
Do Not Get Complacent About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Krenzelok-E-P
Pittsburgh Poison Centre; 3705 Fifth Avenue; Pittsburgh; PA 15213; USA
CLIN-TOXICOL; 2001; V39 (1); P33-34
Although literature reports and official statistics confirm the ubiquity and toxic nature of carbon monoxide (CO), the data indicate that the true incidence of CO poisoning may be under-estimated and that the mortality rate is extremely high. Although CO has been around for many years, major gaps still exist in our understanding of this toxic gas. This issue of Clinical Toxicology also includes a review of CO-induced cardiotoxicity which demonstrates that the cardiac effects of CO are not entirely due to indirect tissue hypoxia, but also due to the direct action of CO on the heart. Consideration is also given to the diagnostic challenge of CO poisoning, and the problems faced by medical professionals and the general public.

85723
Immunohistochemical Quantification of Pulmonary Mast-Cells and Post-Mortem Blood Dosages of Tryptase and Eosinophil Cationic Protein in 48 Heroin-Related Deaths
Fineschi-V; Cecchi-R; Centini-F; Paglicci-Reattelli-L; Turillazzi-E
Institute of Legal Medicine; University of Foggia; Ospedali Riuniti; Via L. Pinto 1; I-71100 Foggia; Italy
FORENSIC-SCI-INT; 2001; V120; P189-194
Recent studies have indicated that many heroin-related deaths are due to anaphylactoid reaction. In this study, levels of tryptase and eosinophil cationic protein were determined in postmortem blood samples from heroin-related deaths. A study was also made of the presence and pulmonary distribution of mast cells using specific immunohistochemical antibody for tryptase and morphometric evaluation. The results obtained were compared with 44 victims of fatal head trauma and 32 victims of fatal anaphylactic shock. In the heroin-related deaths, serum tryptase levels and eosinophil cationic protein dosages were elevated in comparison with the trauma cases. However, immunohistochemical study of the mast cell counts in the lung failed to reveal a definite pattern between the heroin-related cases and the control cases. Also, the wide range of morphine concentrations detected in the heroin-related cases indicate that the term 'overdose' is relative and cannot adequately characterise heroin-related deaths. This work supports the finding that increased levels of serum tryptase are found in many heroin-related deaths, but that these deaths cannot be attributed to 'heroin overdose' as other possible systemic reactions may contribute to the mechanism of death.

85885
Rupture of Liver Cell Adenoma with Fatal Massive Haemoperitoneum Resulting from Minor Road Accident
Suarez-Penaranda-J-M; De-La-Calle-M-C; Rodriguez-Calvo-M-S; Munoz-J-I; Concheiro-L
Instituto de Medicina Legal; Facultad de Medicina; C/S; Francisco s/n; 15705 Santiago de Compostela; Spain
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P275-277
Blunt abdominal trauma can cause potentially fatal injuries to the internal organs. In such cases, the liver is often involved, and, when torn, may result in haemoperitoneum and, subsequently, death. Minor trauma can cause serious liver damage only when previous pathological changes cause enlargement of the organ. This paper describes a case where a 25-year-old woman died after being involved in a minor traffic accident. Postmortem examination revealed a massive haemoperitoneum caused by the rupture of an unusually large liver cell adenoma. Liver cell adenomas have the potential for spontaneous rupture, causing death. Such a rupture occurring after a minor blunt abdominal trauma is, however, unusual.

85734
Mechanisms of Brain Injury in Infantile Child Abuse
Shannon-P; Becker-L
Dept. of Pathology; University Health Network and Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto; Ontario; M5G 1X8; Canada
LANCET; 2001; V358; September; P686-687
In children and infants, abuse is a common cause of central nervous system injury. However, such injuries are difficult to study and interpret, especially as children and adults differ in terms of the mode of trauma, the mechanical properties of the brain and the reaction to injury. Particular attention is paid to the mechanism of brain injury in cases of shaken-baby syndrome, and it is proposed that, in such cases, there is evidence of trauma in the cervical spine, with a high frequency of spinal cord injury, evidence of spinal nerve-root injury and injury to the brainstem pyramidal tracts.

85849
Suicidal Choking Caused by a Bizarre Combination of Inhalation to the Bronchi and External Neck Compression
Blanco-Pampin-J; Garcia-Varela-L
Ministry of Justice; Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Pathology; c/ Viena s/n; 15701 Santiago de Compostela; Spain
LEGAL-MEDICINE; 2001; V3; P119-122
This paper describes a highly unusual case in which an elderly man choked himself. Initial examination of the body led to suspicions of a violent death, due to the presence of a sweater around the victim's neck and blunt injuries sustained to the head, left elbow, and sacrum region. Postmortem examination revealed a fragment of newspaper inside the lower respiratory tract and minimal punctata haemorrhages of the larynx and trachea. The unusual features of this case are the lack of a history of schizophrenia and the presence of the foreign object in the lower respiratory tract. Few similar cases have been reported in the literature.

85780
How Valid are Current Measures of Pedestrian Conspicuity?
Moberly-N-J
School of Cognitive and Computing Sciences; University of Sussex; Brighton; BN1 9QH; UK
IMPACT; 2001; August; P32-35
Although pedestrian injuries and deaths incur substantial costs, little research has been carried out into methods for improving pedestrian conspicuity. The few studies which have been performed have been affected by methodological problems and a lack of consensus over issues of measurement. The aim of this article is to review the main findings of studies into pedestrian conspicuity at night. Particular attention is paid to the methodological problems associated with this research and how they have hindered the drawing of clear conclusions. Suggestions are also made for improvements in the research methodology in order to advance research of this nature.

85879
Sudden Death Caused by Tension Pneumothorax After Rupture of a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Kurosaki-K; Fushimi-Y; Hara-S; Kano-S; Kuriiwa-F; Nagai-T; Endo-T
Dept. of Forensic Medicine; Tokyo Medical University; 6-1-1 Shinjuku; Shinjuku-ku; Tokyo 160-8402; Japan
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P250-252
This paper reports an unusual case of fatal tension pneumothorax where an elderly Japanese man with marked subcutaneous emphysema of the neck collapsed in a betting office. Antemortem radiographic examinations resulted in the diagnosis of left tension pneumothorax. Postmortem examination showed severe pneumomediastinum, and the descending thoracic aorta with a ruptured dissecting aneurysm closely adhered to the left lung pleura. After spreading into the pulmonary parenchyma, the haemorrhage spouted out from the surface of the lung apex. As the actual blood loss was not fatal in terms of quantity, it was concluded that the cause of death was tension pneumothorax caused by a lung penetration from the rupture of an aortic aneurysm.

85878
Glucose and Lactate in Vitreous Humour Compared with the Determination of Fructosamine for the Postmortem Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus
Osuna-E; Garcia-Villora-A; Perez-Carceles-M; Conejero-J; Abenza-J-M; Martinez-P; Luna-A
Dept. of Forensic Medicine; University of Murcia; E-30100 Espinardo; Murcia; Spain
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P244-249
The postmortem diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is complicated by the difficulty associated with the interpretation of blood glucose levels and relatively non-specific pathological features, therefore biochemical markers in vitreous humour are useful. A study was carried out to compare the results obtained for the combined determination of glucose and lactate with fructosamine levels in vitreous samples from a diabetic group and a non-diabetic group. The aim was to determine the capacity of different markers in vitreous humour to diagnose diabetes mellitus. The cases studied were assigned to two diagnostic groups according to whether or not they had previously been diagnosed as diabetic. There were statistically significant differences between the two diagnostic groups in terms of glucose, fructosamine, and the sum values of glucose and lactate. The highest levels were observed in those cases which had previously been diagnosed as diabetic. Comparing receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the sum values of glucose and lactate in vitreous humour is a better predictor of antemortem diabetes mellitus than fructosamine.

85880
Unusual Basal Skull Fracture in a Vehicle Equipped with an Air Bag
Bandstra-R-A; Carbone-L-S
Product Analysis Engineering Coordinator; Volkswagen of America, Inc.; 600 Sylvan Avenue; Englewood Cliffs; NJ 07632; USA
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P253-255
This paper reports a case where a woman who was wearing her seat-belt in her car, which was equipped with an airbag, was involved in an oblique frontal collision with a tractor-trailer combination. Prior to impact, the woman was observed to be in the unusual position of being slumped over the steering wheel. This positioning resulted in fatal injuries being sustained when the airbag inflated. Postmortem examination revealed an unusual partial ring fracture of the base of the skull.

85890
Posttraumatic Thrombosis of the Middle Cerebral Artery
Bunai-Y; Nagai-A; Nakamura-I; Akaza-K; Ohya-I
Dept. of Legal Medicine; Gifu University School of Medicine; 40 Tsukasamachi; Gifu 500-8705; Japan
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P299-302
Cases of post-traumatic cerebral infarction due to carotid or cerebral artery occlusion are rare. The most common cause of infarction is traumatic dissection of the carotid artery, with post-traumatic thrombosis of the cerebral artery being very unusual. The case described features post-traumatic thrombosis of the left middle cerebral artery in a 16-year-old boy. The victim had received blows and kicks to the head, face, body, back, and hips during an attack. Computed tomographic examination 10 h after the attack showed a gross cerebral infarction in the region of the left middle cerebral artery. The victim died nine days later. Postmortem examination revealed a thrombosis in the left middle cerebral artery, and microscopic examination showed granulation tissue in the intima and a rupture of the internal elastic lamina near the beginning of the artery. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the blows sustained to the head and face resulted in a partial rupture of the arterial wall, causing thrombosis and cerebral infarction.

85873
Sudden Death Related to Small Coronary Artery Disease
Michaud-K; Romain-N; Brandt-Casadevall-C; Mangin-P
Institut Universitaire de Medecine Legale; Bugnon 21; 1005 Lausanne; Switzerland
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P225-227
This paper describes two cases of sudden death in apparently healthy young individuals. The only significant pathological finding was a fibromuscular dysplasia of the artery supplying the conduction system of the heart, with a considerable narrowing of the lumen and pronounced thickening of the arterial wall. In neither case was there an individual or family history of cardiac disease. These cases highlight the importance of analysing the conduction system, including the intramural coronary arteries which supply the conduction system.
 

85891
Heat-Related Death and Mental Illness During the 1999 Cincinnati Heat Wave
Kaiser-R; Rubin-C-H; Henderson-A-K; Wolfe-M-I; Kieszak-S; Parrott-C-L; Adcock-M
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention; National Centre for Environmental Health; Division of Environmental Hazards & Health Effects; Health Studies Branch (E23); 1600 Clifton Road NE; Atlanta; GA 30333; USA
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P303-307
Eighteen heat-related fatalities were reported by the Hamilton County Coroner during the 1999 heat wave in Cincinnati, Ohio. In order to identify risk factors for mortality during this period, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Cincinnati Department of Health carried out a case-control study using surrogate case information and first-person control information. Additional information was obtained from death scene investigation and toxicological screens. The study material comprised 17 case subjects and 34 controls from the decedents' neighbourhood. Of the 17 case subjects, 8 were mentally ill. An interaction between age and mental health was suggested. The strongest protective factor was an operational air conditioner. Toxicological screening results suggested that mentally ill case subjects may not have taken their complied in terms of taking their prescriptions Three of the victims died in group homes for mentally ill people, suggesting that preventive action may not have been taken. Based on these findings, preventive measures during heat waves should focus on those suffering from mental illnesses, particularly those taking psychotropic medication.

85882
Foetal Death - A 10-Year Retrospective Study
Sims-M-A; Collins-K-A
3 Huguenot Avenue; Charleston; SC 29407; USA
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P261-265
A review was carried out of all forensic cases of foetal death subjected to postmortem examination in the Forensic Section of the Medical University of South Carolina between 1990 and 1999. The 42 cases were analysed to determine the gestational age, sex, race, and weight of the foetus, together with the location of delivery, history of pre-natal care, maternal drug use, chromosomal abnormalities, cause and manner of death, and postmortem examination results. The aim of this retrospective study was to further study the factors leading to foetal death in order to assist death investigators.

85893
Hepatic Glycogen Staining - Applications in Injury Survival Time and Child Abuse
Thogmartin-J-R; England-D; Siebert-C-F
District 6 Medical Examiner; Pinellas/Pasco Counties; 10850 Ulmerton Road; Largo; FL 33778; USA
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P313-318
It has long been known that glycogen stores in the liver decrease with starvation, trauma, acute stress, and shock. In this study, postmortem samples of hepatic tissue were examined in 122 cases with various causes of death (age range 1-88 years). In 121 cases, hepatic tissue was stained for glycogen/carbohydrates using the Best's carmine and/or period acid-Schiff (PAS)-alcian blue methods. The samples were subsequently assessed in terms of amount of staining, staining around hepatic injuries (if present), and presence of histological abnormalities. Staining prominence was found to decrease with increasing survival time after injury and increasing postmortem interval. Although staining along the edges of hepatic injuries was reduced in antemortem injuries, this was not the case in postmortem-induced injuries. These staining methods, when used in conjunction with circumstantial and postmortem examination information, could be useful in determining survival times after injury and the vital nature of suspect injuries in child deaths.

85894
Venous Air Embolism in Homicidal Blunt Impact Head Trauma - Case Reports
Adams-V; Guidi-C
401 South Morgan Street; Tampa; Florida 33602; USA
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P322-326
Between 1992 and 1997, 41 deaths by homicidal blunt impact head trauma were recorded in Hillsborough County, Florida. Of these cases, 21 were excluded from this study due to putrefaction or survival until admission to hospital, leaving 20 cases. One of the 15 who were found dead at the scene and one of the five pronounced dead in the hospital emergency department had definite venous air embolism. The first victim, who was found dead, had been bludgeoned with a concrete block, and had open vault and comminuted basilar skull fractures. There was a laceration of the dura forming the right sigmoid sinus at the jugular foramen. Prior to the postmortem examination, a chest radiograph and examination under water revealed gas in the pulmonary artery and right ventricle. The second victim, who had been bludgeoned with a steel stake, was pronounced dead on arrival in the emergency department. Examination revealed open comminuted vault fractures, a transverse basilar skull fracture, and brain lacerations. Radiography revealed air in the right side of the heart. Another victim, who suffered basilar fractures, had a small gas bubble in the pulmonary artery which was not detected by the pathologist. In a fourth victim, radiographic examination showed what was thought to be air in the posteromedial aspect of the lower lobe of the left lung which could not be excluded as an air embolus. This study shows that venous air embolism can occur in cases of homicidal bludgeoning and, when significant, can easily be demonstrated in the absence of putrefactive gases. The demonstration of a venous air embolism proves that a victim was alive and breathing when the head wounds were inflicted.

85896
Fatal Paediatric Head Injuries Caused by Short-Distance Falls (Refers to FORS 84700)
Spivak-B
Louisville; Kentucky; USA
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P332-336
In response to a previous paper dealing with the fatal head injuries in children caused by short-distance falls (FORS 84700), the author contends that drawing conclusions from these rare deaths, which involve serious contact forces, would be wrong and dangerous if such conclusions were to be applied to infants dying from shaking and/or shaking-associated impact. The biomechanics of fall injuries in children are discussed in detail, with particular attention being paid to falls from swings. Falls from swings are also the subject of a reply to this letter, in which clarification of the biomechanics of such falls is provided.

85888
An Unusual Case of Anaphylaxis - Mould in Pancake Mix
Bennett-A-T; Collins-K-A
3 Huguenot Avenue; Charleston; SC 29407; USA
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P292-295
In the case described, a 19-year-old man with a history of "multiple allergies," including pets, moulds and penicillin, died after eating pancakes which had been made with a packaged mix which had been opened two years previously. Although his companions stopped eating the pancakes because of the unusual taste, the decedent continued, only to become short of breath. After he was taken to a nearby clinic, he became unresponsive and died. Postmortem examination revealed laryngeal oedema and hyperinflated lungs with mucous plugging. Microscopic examination showed oedema and many degranulated mast cells in the larynx. Mucus was found in the smaller airways, as were findings characteristic of chronic asthma. Levels of serum tryptase were elevated (14.0 ng/ml). Analysis of the pancake mixture revealed the presence of Penicillium, Fusarium, Mucor, and Aspergillus. Given the decedent's history of allergies to moulds and penicillin, the cause of death was determined to be anaphylaxis.

85889
Mountain Medical Mystery - Unwitnessed Death of a Healthy Young Man, Caused by Lightning
Cherington-M; Kurtzman-R; Krider-E-P; Yarnell-P-R
Lightning Data Centre; Centura Health-St. Anthony Hospital; 4231 West 16th Avenue; Denver; CO 80204; USA
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P296-298
This case report concerns the death of a young man whose body was found on an exposed mountain slope. Postmortem examination revealed ruptured tympanic membranes and a melted shoe, establishing the cause of death as a lightning strike. In such cases, the National Lightning Detection Network can assist investigators by providing information regarding the location and date of lightning strikes in the area.

85895
Victim's Scalp on the Killer's Head - An Unusual Case of Criminal Postmortem Mutilation
Kunz-J; Gross-A
Chair of Forensic Medicine; Jagiellonian University; Cracow; Poland
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P327-331
This paper reports an unusual case involving mutilation of the murder victim's body. After stabbing his father to death, the offender decapitated his victim and dissected the scalp, forming a mask of the victim's head and neck. The offender than wore the scalp-mask over his own head in order to imitate his father. In this case, the motive was revenge and a realisation of the perpetrator's fantasies, with the mutilation representing a penalty for his father's past life, which the killer considered amoral.

LAW

85778
Expert Hearings
Mallalieu-R
Chambers of Kieran Coonan QC; Temple; London; UK
SOLICITORS-J; 2001; V145 (32); August; P13-15
In this article, consideration is given tot he effect of the Civil Procedure Rules on the role of the expert, together with relevant issues raised in recent cases. Particular attention is paid to the role of the joint expert, that is, an expert jointly instructed by both paries. The choice of expert is an important feature, as a well-chosen one with proper qualifications and experience should avoid many of the problems which may result in applications for a second expert. The emphasis is on the early resolution of disputes and the proper administration of justice.

METHODS-GENERAL

85791
Tricks of the Trade - Dust Collection Method
Hopen-T-J
MVA, Inc.; 5500 Oakbrook Parkway; Suite 200; Norcross; GA 30093; USA
MICROSCOPE; 2000; V48 (4); P213
The collection of settled dust may be achieved using several techniques. The method described in this paper involves the use of an inside-out plastic bag as a collection glove to wipe the surface. Once wiped, the bag can be turned back to its normal configuration and closed.

OTHER-GENERAL

85785
Weapon Profile - Combs and Brushes
Anon
PCW-REVIEW; 2001; NO.5; P9
Photographs are used to illustrate the disguise of weapons such as knives as innocuous combs and brushes. Approximately half of those shown are commercially manufactured weapons, with the rest being improvised.
 

85784
Sugar and Spice and All Things Nice?
Spriggs-C
PCW-REVIEW; 2001; NO.5; P4-5
In this paper, police officers are warned about the dangers of underestimating female assailants, as such people can be more violent than their male counterparts. Females tend to be underestimated because of their less threatening appearance and purely because they are female. Advice is given to police officers with regard to safety when dealing with offenders, be they male or female.

PHOTOGRAPHY-IMAGING

85783
Digital Images as Evidence
O-Neill-C
Crash Investigation Unit; Sussex Police; UK
IMPACT; 2001; August; P45-49
Those wishing to present digital images face several problems, the most important of which is proving the integrity of the images and their history. Further problems include those of image quality and cost. This paper describes a project which was carried out by Sussex Police in order to assess the feasibility of replacing traditional wet photography with digital imaging technology in order to reduce costs in the long-term.

PLANTS

85876
Diatom Numbers Around the Continental Shelf Break
Funayama-M; Mimasaka-S; Nata-M; Hashiyada-M; Yajima-Y
Dept. of Forensic Medicine; Tohoku University School of Medicine; Seiryo-machi; Sendai 980-8575; Japan
AM-J-FORENSIC-MED-PATHOL; 2001; V22 (3); September; P236-238
In this study, diatom levels in seawater were determined at monthly intervals in four aquatic regions. Levels of diatoms inside a bay varied on a month-to-month basis, but these variations were detectable. In open water around the continental shelf break, however, few diatoms were detected in any month. These findings suggest that, when an individual drowns in open water, the diatom test may not function reliably.

  TOXICOLOGY-DRUGS

85768
Cut-Off Concentrations for Drugs of Abuse in Saliva for DUI, DWI or Other Driving-Related Crimes
Spiehler-V; Baldwin-D; Hand-C
DABFT; Newport Beach; USA
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P160-168
The investigation of suspected cases of driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) would be facilitated by a roadside screening test using saliva as a matrix. The development of such a test required suitable cut-off values to be established. . This was achieved by considering the main drug present in saliva the saliva/plasma ratio for that drug, and the blood levels of the drug likely to result in impaired driving. In this paper details are given of the results obtained for opiates, cannabis, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and cocaine. A comparison is made between the theoretical target value and the RapiScan Saliva Drug Test empirical cut-off values.

85769
Screening for the General Unknown in Tissue Samples by Polystyrene Resins
Stimpfl-T; Vycudilik-W
Institute of Forensic Medicine; University of Vienna; Vienna; Austria
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P169-172
Screening for a variety of compounds in complex biological matrices requires a clean-up procedure which is non-selective. This paper describes a semi-automated method which uses the polystyrene resins OASIS or ISOLUTE 101, which is suitable for dealing with 5 ml of postmortem blood or 1 g of tissue. This method allows for the isolation of lipophilic organic compounds from postmortem tissue samples, and may be applied to the toxicological screening of general unknown poisons in target organs.

85770
Mass Spectral Characterisation of Hepatic Cell Metabolites of D,L-Kavain Using HPLC and GC/MS Systems
Tarbah-F-A; Mahler-H; Temme-O; Daldrup-T
Institute of Legal Medicine; Heinrich Heine University; Dusseldorf; Germany
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P173-180
The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatic metabolism of D,L-kavain in human urine and a human hepatic cell-line (Hep-G2). Samples were collected on a frequent basis, extracted, and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Twenty-three fractions were collected and re-analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) before and after derivatisation (methylation and silylation). The analysis of the Hep-G2 cell-line extracts revealed a total of 12 metabolites.
 

85766
The Development of a Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method for the Detection of Allopurinol and Its Metabolite in Human Hair
Kelly-T; Rose-H; Keegan-J; Williams-K; Conn-C
Dept. of Chemistry, Materials and Forensic Sciences; University of Technology; Sydney; Australia
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P143-151
This paper describes the development of a method, based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), for the detection of allopurinol and its metabolite, oxypurinol, in samples of human hair. The experimental results suggest that oxypurinol, but not allopurinol, is incorporated into hair. The results also suggest that the LC-MS method used may allow the clinical monitoring of oxypurinol, which is potentially useful due to the adverse effects associated with the accumulation of oxypurinol in the body.

85765
Comparative Efficiency of Hair and Urine Analysis When Assessing Drug Consumption
Jurado-C; Soriano-T; Menendez-M; Repetto-M
Instituto Nacional de Toxicologia; Sevilla; Spain
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P137-142
In this study, hair analysis and urinalysis were compared in terms of their effectiveness in identifying drug-using individuals. The study material comprised hair and urine samples collected from 153 individuals. Results showed that both matrices are useful for identifying drug users, although hair analysis is superior for the assessment of chronic drug use.

85764
The Application of Opiates Determination in Saliva for Diagnostic and Prognostic Proposes During Detoxification of Addicted Persons
Janowska-E; Piekoszewski-W; Pach-J; Winnik-L
Institute of Forensic Research; Cracow; Poland
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P130-136
In Poland, the abuse of home-made heroin ("kompot") is very common. During the detoxification and monitoring of addicts, frequent blood sampling is necessary, which is inconvenient. An alternative matrix for the determination of morphine and other constituents of kompot is saliva, therefore a study was carried out to compare serum and saliva levels of morphine and codeine in patients admitted to the detoxification unit and during their stay at the Toxicology Clinic. The first stage was the development and validation of gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) methods for the determination of morphine and codeine. Serum morphine levels in the study patients were in the range 0-671 ng/ml, with the corresponding codeine range being 0-553 ng/ml. In saliva these ranges were 0-142 ng/ml and 0-428 ng/ml, respectively. A correlation was found between morphine levels in serum and saliva, but no such correlation was found for codeine levels. These results suggest that the measurement of salivary morphine could be used to monitor the consumption of home-made heroin.

85700
Analysis of Cocaine, Benzoylecgonine, Ecgonine Methyl Ester, and Ecgonine by High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography-API Mass Spectrometry and Application to a Short-Term Degradation Study of Cocaine in Plasma
Klingmann-A; Skopp-G; Aderjan-R
Institute of Legal Medicine and Traffic Medicine; Ruprecht-Karls University; Vossstrasse 2; 69115 Heidelberg; Germany
J-ANAL-TOXICOL; 2001; V25; September; P425-430
This paper describes a method, based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS), for the determination of cocaine, benzoylecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester, and ecgonine in plasma samples. This method is rapid, sensitive, reliable, and reproducible. The wide linear concentration range of this method allows for the detection of the aforementioned substances in kinetic and forensic studies. It appears that LC-MS is superior to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as the derivatisation of the polar hydrolysis products of cocaine is unnecessary. A study of the short-term, in vitro degradation in human plasma showed that ecgonine is a promising post-collection artefact in preserved and unpreserved samples. Cocaine, benzoylecgonine, and ecgonine methyl ester were found to degrade at measurable rates, although their common transformation product appears stable. The identification of ecgonine should, therefore, be possible even if the sample storage conditions have been unfavourable, providing useful evidence of cocaine intake.

85773
Determination of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in Serum or Plasma with GC/MS
Verstraete-A-G; Van-De-Velde-E; De-Paepe-P; Rosseel-M-T
Laboratory of Clinical Biology-Toxicology; University Hospital; Ghent; Belgium
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P195-201
This paper describes a method, based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), for the direct determination of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in samples of serum and plasma. This procedure involves the addition of a deuterated internal standard, precipitation with acetonitrile, and derivatisation with BSTFA. This method is sensitive, and requires only a small sample volume. When combined with a method for detecting gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), it is possible to differentiate GBL from GHB.

85774
Screening for Drugs in Serum and Urine by LC/ESI/CID-MS and MS-MS with Library Searching
Weinmann-W; Lehmann-N; Renz-M; Wiedemann-A; Svodoba-M
Institute of Legal Medicine; University of Freiburg; Freiburg; Germany
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P202-208
The analysis of approximately 500 drugs with a triple-quadrupole ionspray mass spectrometer resulted in the establishment of a mass spectra library using in-source, collision-induced dissociation (ESI-CID) together with a MS-MS library. Single quadrupole mode was used for the ESI-CID MS library, and triple quadrupole mode was used for the MS-MS library. These libraries were established for general-unknown screening and for the identification of drugs and their metabolites in samples of serum and urine.

85788
The Identification, Purification, and Authentication of Some Reference Drug Standards
Chan-K-B
Chemist; Dept. of Chemistry Malaysia; Jalan Sultan; 46661 Petaling Jaya; Malaysia
MICROGRAM; 2001; V34 (8); August; P214-219
The analysis of illicit drugs requires the use of reference drug standards. Such standards are usually purchased from drug manufacturers and distributors, but a recent increase in prices has prompted the preparation of drug reference standards from seized samples. In this paper, details are given of the preparation and authentication procedures carried out when making drug reference standards. The standards prepared are 6-monoacetylmorphine, methylamphetamine, MDA, MDMA, MDEA, and MBDB (all as hydrochloride salts).

85776
Mass Spectrometric Identification of Some Sulphur Containing Phenalkylamine Designer Drugs
Bosman-I-J; De-Boer-D; Siderius-E-B; Dos-Reys-L-J-A-L; Maes-R-A-A
Dept. of Human Toxicology; Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Utrecht; The Netherlands
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P215-219
The most recent development on the European drugs scene is the marketing of sulphur-containing phenylalkylamine designer drugs. These compounds must be identified due to potential problems associated with the abuse of such substances. This paper describes the mass spectral characteristics of two alkylthiophenylalkylamines.

85787
Extraction of Mescaline from Peyote
Maloney-D-C
Forensic Chemist; Jefferson County Sheriff's Office; 200 Jefferson County Parkway; Golden; Colorado; USA
MICROGRAM; 2001; V34 (8); August; P205-213
Peyote is the mescal button or the flowering head of the Lopophora Williamsii Cactaceae, a plant which grows mainly in northern Mexico and southern Texas. The psychoactive element in the mescal button is the alkaloid mescaline. Several different methods for the extraction of mescaline from peyote have been reported. This paper focuses on the isolation of mescaline and the chromatographic separation with the other alkaloids contained in peyote. Particular attention is paid to the extraction and clean-up steps, followed by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis.
 

85763
Selectivity of Photodiode Array UV Spectra for Substance Identification in Systematic Toxicological Analysis
Herzler-M; Pragst-F; Herre-S; Rothe-M
Institute of Legal Medcine; Dept. of Toxicological Chemistry; Humboldt University; Berlin; Germany
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P122-129
The aim of this study was to assess the selectivity of photodiode array (PDA) UV spectra for systematic toxicological analysis. A significant amount of spectral variation was found among toxicologically relevant compounds. Modern PDA detectors are now capable of distinguishing structurally similar compounds down to a LOI of 10 ng/ml.

85762
Accuracy of the Sequence of Steps in the Analytical Procedure in Forensic Toxicology, the Significance and Priority for the Interpretation of the Final Result of Single Cases of Poisoning
Gut-W-J
Cracow; Poland
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P111-121
In forensic toxicology, the interpretation of the final result of a quantitative analysis is characterised by a significant level of uncertainty due to the unique object of study having a high degree of biological variability. Uncertainty of this nature is complicated further by the inadequacy of the preservation of the material to be analysed and a lack of awareness regarding the analytical steps which most significantly affect the precision of the analytical result.

85761
Hemp Tea Versus Hemp Milk: Behavioural, Physiological Effects, Blood, Urine, Saliva and Sweat Cannabinoids Levels Following Ingestion by Two Groups of Six Healthy Volunteers
Giroud-C; Menetrey-A; Augsburger-M; Buclin-T; Sanchez-Mazas-P; Mangin-P
Laboratoire de Toxicologie Analytique; Institut de Medecine Legale; Lausanne; Switzerland
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P102-110
A smoking study and a controlled ingestion (hemp as either a water or milk decoction) study were carried out in order to investigate the effects of hemp consumption. The lipophilic nature of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ensured that much higher levels of THC were extracted into milk compared with water during the tea-making process. After drinking the hemp milk, the highest mean levels of THC, 11-OH-THC, and THC-COOH were 4.0, 3.4, and 24.5 ng/ml whole blood. Only trace amounts of THC-COOH could be detected in the blood following the ingestion of the hemp tea, with none of the effects characteristic of cannabis use being evident. However, the ingestion of the milk (23.2 mg THC) caused significant psychoactive and clinical effects. The time since exposure was estimated using the mathematical models I and II established by Huestis et al. and the results obtained were compared with the known time of use. In this study, model I gave much better predictions of the time of cannabis exposure than model II.

85760
Heroin-Related Deaths in Victoria (Australia): A Review of Cases for 1997 and 1998
Gerostamoulos-J; Staikos-V; Drummer-O-H
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and Dept. of Medicine; Monash University; Southbank; Australia
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P95-101
During the past five years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of heroin-related deaths in Victoria, Australia. In the seven years from 1991 to 1998, there was a five-fold increase in the prevalence of deaths attributed to heroin toxicity, with the increase over the last 12 months being particularly dramatic. In 1998, heroin-related deaths made up 47% of all drug-related deaths reported to the Coroner in Victoria. Characteristics of the victims include a median age of 30 years, and concomitant use of central nervous system depressants, with benzodiazepines and alcohol being the most common. Around 60% of deaths occur indoors in a private residence, and approximately 60% die alone. The mean blood level of total morphine was found to be 0.52 +or- 0.53 mg/l, with concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 3.4 mg/l. Details are given of the toxicological findings from 434 heroin-related deaths.

85758
Beta-Adrenergic Compounds Through Hair Analysis
Dumestre-Toulet-V; Cirimele-V; Goulle-J-P; Pepin-G; Kintz-P
Laboratoire Ruffie et Associes; Bordeaux; France
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P82-89
Beta-adrenergic compounds may be used by athletes wishing to improve their level of performance. Thee compounds include beta-agonists, such as salbutamol, which increase respiratory capacity, or clenbuterol which increases muscle mass, and beta-blockers, which support psychomotor coordination. The analysis of urine for evidence of doping only provides short-term information on drug abuse, cannot discriminate between chronic and single/therapeutic use, and is susceptible to adulteration. An alternative matrix may be hair, therefore an original procedure was developed for the simultaneous testing of 14 beta-adrenergic compounds in hair samples. This technique has been validated and applied to hair samples. Quality control measures have been developed by several French laboratories. Details are given of the applications of this method.

85757
"Phenethylamine" Street Samples Encountered on the Belgian Drug Market
Dirinck-I; Lambert-W; De-Leenheer-A
Laboratory of Toxicology; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Ghent; Ghent; Belgium
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P75-81
Phenylethylamine derivatives are widely used by recreational drug users for their stimulating and mood-altering properties. In this study, gas chromatography-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (GC-FTIR) was used to analyse 478 street samples (260 powders, 197 tablets, and 21 other dosage forms) which had been confiscated by Belgian law enforcement authorities between 1991 and 1998. A computerised street sample database was established. This database contains the results of GC-FTIR analyses of phenylethylamine street samples, together with information on by-products, impurities, filling agents and adulterants. Details are also given regarding the dosage forms encountered.

85756
The Combination of Two-Dimensional Thin Layer Chromatography and Remission Spectrometry - A Chromatographic Technique with High Identification Power for Systematic Toxicological Analysis
Demme-U; Ahrens-B; Klein-A; Werner-R
Institute of Forensic Medicine; University of Jena; Jena; Germany
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P64-74
This paper reports the identification of drugs by combining two-dimensional, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) with remission spectrometry. The power of discrimination and information content of this combination have been calculated and compared with the corresponding values of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The advantages and limitations of HPTLC are discussed, and the application of this method to drug analysis is described.

85755
Analytical Chemistry of Cannabinoids in Plant Material and Body Fluids, an Unrenounceable Tool for Law Enforcement, Prosecution and Judgement
Bernhard-W; Aebi-B; Regensheit-P; Hayoz-B; Broillet-A; Hochmeister-M
Institute of Legal Medicine; University of Bern; Bern; Switzerland
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P59-63
Swiss Federal Narcotic Law stipulates that hemp may be cultivated indoors and outdoors. However, this Law does not specify whether hemp may be cultivated with the intent of narcotic production or whether hemp is suitable for narcotic production. Under Swiss Federal Narcotic Law, therefore, the phrase "cultivation of hemp for the production of illicit drugs" may be interpreted loosely, which may result in the complete liberalisation of cannabis use, despite the increase in the number of cannabis-related incidents and accidents.

85753
Tragic Flying Attempt Under the Influence of "Magic Mushrooms"
Asselborn-G; Wennig-R; Yegles-M
Laboratoire National de Sante; Division Toxicologie; Centre Universitaire; Luxembourg
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P41-46
This paper reports a fatal case involving the ingestion of magic mushrooms. Shortly after ingesting a handful of psilocybe mushrooms, a young girl was killed whilst attempting to fly by jumping from a second-floor window. Postmortem examination showed that the cause of death was trauma. Postmortem toxicological analysis revealed that psilocybin and cannabis had been consumed. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) was used to determine the psilocybin/psilocin content of the mushrooms. Psilocin was quantified in postmortem samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in electron impact mode (GC-EI-MS). following derivatisation with MSTFA. The internal standard in this case was bufotenin. Psilocin levels in the heart blood and femoral blood were 0.06 and 0.22 mg/l. Blood levels of cannabinoids were as follows: THC, 0.03 mg/l; 11-OH-THC, 0.008 mg/l; and THC-COOH, 0.09 mg/l. No traces of psilocin were found in hair samples.

85751
The Power of Drug Testing
Cone-E-J
ConeChem Research; Baltimore; USA
Z-ZAGADNIEN-NAUK-SADOWYCH; 2000; V42; P24-35
Increasing knowledge of chemistry resulted in the development of new, synthetic drugs that were not to be found in the environment. Experiments with such drugs resulted in knowledge being obtained regarding their use and abuse. Drug abuse is now widespread in society, prompting scientists to develop methods for detecting, monitoring, and treating drug abuse. Awareness of the extent of drug abuse problems was highlighted by the introduction of workplace drug testing programmes in the United States. In the 1980s and 1990s, developments in toxicology led to the introduction of analytical tools for the diagnosis and treatment of drug abuse. At present, drug epidemics and the associated spread of disease threatens the health and financial stability of many countries, therefore access to newer, more reliable drug testing methods will help the fight against drug abuse in those countries. The key issue in drug testing is the interpretation of the results obtained, with liberty, employment, and financial gain at risk. As well as workplace drug screening, drug testing is also used in forensic investigations, in cases of driving under the influence, and many other fields. In this paper, a brief review is provided of the evolution of drug testing technology through the years.

85701
Detection of Non-Prescription Heroin Markers in Urine with Liquid Chromatography-Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation Mass Spectrometry
Bogusz-M-J; Maier-R-D; Erkens-M; Kohls-U
Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre; P.O. Box 3354; 11211 Riyadh; Saudi Arabia
J-ANAL-TOXICOL; 2001; V25; September; P431-438
The intended introduction of a prescription heroin programme in Germany prompted the development of a method for differentiating between prescribed and non-prescribed diamorphine use. The markers chosen for non-prescription heroin use were acetylcodeine (AC), codeine (C), codeine-6-glucuronide (C6G), papaverine (P), and noscapine (N). The typical heroin markers of diamorphine (DAM), monoacetylmorphine (MAM), and morphine (M) were also determined. Urinalysis involved solid-phase extraction followed by analysis with liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS) in two isocratic systems. Selected ion monitoring was used for protonated molecular masses and characteristic fragments of the relevant substances. The limits of detection ranged from 0.5 to 1 ng/ml urine. This method was applied to the analysis of casework samples (n=25) obtained from heroin abusers. C6G was present in all samples, C was found in 24 samples, N in 22 samples, MAM in 16 samples, P in 14 samples, DAM in 12 samples, and AC in 4 samples. The presence of these compounds in urine reflects their pharmacokinetic properties and the composition of non-prescription heroin.

85702
Protein Binding of Glufosinate and Factors Affecting it Revealed by an Equilibrium Dialysis Technique
Hori-Y; Koyama-K; Fujisawa-M; Nakajima-M; Shimada-K; Hirose-Y; Kohda-Y; Akuzawa-H
Emergency and Critical Care Medical Centre; Niigata City General Hospital; 2-6-1 Shichikuyama; Niigata City 950-8739; Japan
J-ANAL-TOXICOL; 2001; V25; September; P439-442
The aim of this study was to examine the protein binding of glufosinate ammonium (GLF) and factors affecting this binding using human serum albumin (HSA) and serum from volunteers. The mean ratios of the free GLF (RFr-GLF) to 4% HSA were investigated in serum samples from patients described elsewhere at GLF levels of between 1 and 500 ug/ml; the range was only 0.80 to 0.88. The RFr-GLF to HSA was not affected by the incubation temperature or by buffers containing different levels of chloride ions. The RFr-GLF was not affected by the addition of heparin, glycoprotein-alpha-acid (AAG), or sodium azide, although an effect was noted by changes to the pH of the isotonic phosphate buffer and the addition of palmitic or oleic acid. The mean RFr-GLF to human serum was found to be 0.99, providing evidence for the rapid excretion of GLF via the renal route.

85744
Column-Switching High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry for Identification of Heroin Metabolites in Human Urine
Katagi-M; Nishikawa-M; Tatsuno-M; Miki-A; Tsuchihashi-H
Forensic Science Laboratory; Osaka Prefectural Police HQ; 1-3-18 Hommachi; Chuo-ku; Osaka 541-0053; Japan
J-CHROMATOGR-BIOMED-APPL; 2001; V751; P177-185
This paper describes a simple and sensitive method, based on a combination of semi-microcolumn high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a column-switching technique, and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), for the analysis of urine in order to demonstrate heroin use. This method was successfully used to determine heroin, monoacetylmorphine, and morphine in urine samples collected from heroin users.
 

85743
Optimisation of Diphasic Dialysis Procedure for Clenbuterol Residues Extraction in Bovine Retina and Hair
Ramos-F; Gonzalez-P; Oliveira-A; Almeida-A; Fente-C; Franco-C; Cepeda-A; Noronha-Da-Silvera-M-I
Laboratorio de Bromatologia, Nutricao e Hidrologia; Faculdade de Farmacia da Universidade de Coimbra; 3000-295 Coimbra; Portugal
J-LIQ-CHROMATOGR-RELAT-TECHNOL; 2001; V24 (2); P251-263
This paper describes a simple, rapid, and accurate method for the extraction of clenbuterol residue from bovine hair and retina using diphasic dialysis. Following sample digestion, diphasic dialysis was carried out using four organic solvents (dichloromethane, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and diethyl ether) and five buffers (acetate, phosphate, borate, carbonate, and citrate). After the extract was evaporated to dryness, the residue was derivatised with butylboronic acid. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis revealed that the acetate buffer was most suitable for buffer dialysis. Dichloromethane and diethyl ether proved to be the most suitable extraction solvents for hair and retina, respectively. The validation data show that diphasic dialysis is well-suited to the extraction of clenbuterol residue from bovine hair and retina samples.

85735
Cardiovascular Complications of Recreational Drugs
Ghuran-A; Van-Der-Wieken-L-R; Nolan-J
Dept. of Cardiological Sciences; St. George's Hospital Medical School; London; SW17 0RE; UK
BR-MED-J; 2001; V323; September; P464-466
Recreational drug abuse is associated with profound effects on cardiovascular function. However, as many patients may be unwilling or unable to provide an accurate history, knowledge of the pathophysiological effects of such drugs should assist the physician to diagnose the condition. When cardiovascular problems occur in association with central nervous system dysfunction, physicians should suspect drug use. The effects of several common drugs of abuse on the cardiovascular system are discussed.

85703
In Vitro Reaction of Barbiturates with Formaldehyde
Gannett-P-M; Daft-J-R; James-D; Rybeck-B; Knopp-J-B; Tracy-T-S
West Virginia University; School of Pharmacy; Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences; P.O. Box 9530; Morgantown; West Virginia 26506; USA
J-ANAL-TOXICOL; 2001; V25; September; P443-449
As part of a larger project aimed at determining the stability, reactions, and products of various drugs with formaldehyde under conditions analogous to embalmed tissue, a study was carried out into the reactions of phenobarbital, pentobarbital and secobarbital with formaldehyde. Unexpectedly, methylol amides or amidals were not formed. Formaldehyde was found to catalyse the degradation of phenobarbital, therefore the analysis of this drug in embalmed tissue should involve the analysis of 2-phenylbutyric acid as an alternative analyte. Pentobarbital and secobarbital appear stable in the presence of formaldehyde.

85707
Effects of Stealth Adulterant on Immunoassay Testing for Drugs of Abuse
Cody-J-T; Valtier-S
Academy of Health Sciences; MCCS-HMP PA Branch; 3151 Scott Road; Fort Sam Houston; Texas 78234-6138; USA
J-ANAL-TOXICOL; 2001; V25; September; P466-470
It has been claimed that the adulterant Stealth cannot be detected by adulteration tests. This adulterant has been described as peroxidase and peroxide, which aims to prevent a positive drug screen when added to urine. The effect of Stealth on urine samples and immunoassay results was studied in order to assist the detection of this adulterant. After Stealth was added to several urine samples, parameters such as pH, specific gravity, colour, creatinine level, chloride level, urea, blood, glucose, and nitrite were assessed. Samples were spiked with THC-COOH, benzoylecgonine, morphine, secobarbital, PCP, amphetamine, and LSD prior to immunoassay screening. The results obtained revealed that Stealth did not cause the urine sample to exceed any of the aforementioned parameters. However, the use of this adulterant did cause samples positive for THC-COOH, LSD, and morphine at 125-150% of cutoff to screen negative by immunoassay. The adulteration of a positive sample provided by a cannabis user also caused the sample to screen negative by immunoassay.

85708
Evaluation of Roche Abuscreen ONLINE Amphetamine Immunoassay for Screening of New Amphetamine Analogues
Lekskulchai-V; Mokkhavesa-C
Dept. of Pathology; Faculty of Medicine; Srinakharinwirot University; Bangkok; Thailand
J-ANAL-TOXICOL; 2001; V25; September; P471-475
The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of the Roche Abuscreen ONLINE reagent amphetamine immunoassay kit for the detection of several amphetamine derivatives which have become popular drugs of abuse in Thailand. The assay demonstrated high cross-reactivity to 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), but low cross-reactivity to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA), methylamphetamine, and ethylamphetamine. There was also a methylamphetamine detection sensitivity enhancement effect of amphetamine, the active metabolite of methylamphetamine. However, there was a poor correlation between the measured levels and the actual amount of these two drugs in the sample. This test, therefore, can only be used the detect methylamphetamine when amphetamine is present in the sample, either as a result of co-administration or metabolism of methylamphetamine.
 

85709
Identification and Quantitation of 11-Nor-Delta-9-Te