Showing papers in "Journal of Forensic Sciences in 1985"
TL;DR: Analysis of the data shows that the decomposition rate of buried cadavers is highly dependent on the depth of burial and environmental temperatures, which can contribute to a more accurate estimation of time since death of a buried corpse and may aid in the location of such corpses.
Abstract: This is the second report on an ongoing study conducted to collect data on the decompositional rates of human cadavers and the first on buried cadavers. Six unembalmed human cadavers were buried separately in unlined trenches of various depths and allowed to naturally decompose for a time period ranging from a month to a year. During the period of burial, data were collected daily on the air, soil, and cadaver temperature at each burial site. At the end of each specified burial period the cadavers were exhumed and examined for the degree of decomposition which had taken place as well as changes in the soil pH, surface vegetation, and carrion insect activity. Analysis of the data shows that the decomposition rate of buried cadavers is highly dependent on the depth of burial and environmental temperatures. The depth at which the cadaver was buried also directly affected the degree of soil and vegetational changes as well as access by carrion insects. Application of this information can contribute to a more accurate estimation of time since death of a buried corpse and may aid in the location of such corpses.
323 citations
TL;DR: Police, rescue personnel, and emergency room physicians should be aware that excited delirium may be the result of a potentially fatal cocaine intoxication; its appearance should prompt immediate transport of the victim to a medical facility.
Abstract: Fatal cocaine intoxication presenting as an excited delirium is described in seven recreational cocaine users. Symptoms began with the acute onset of an intense paranoia, followed by bizarre and violent behavior necessitating forcible restraint. The symptoms were frequently accompanied by unexpected strength and hyperthermia. Fatal respiratory collapse occurred suddenly and without warning, generally within a few minutes to an hour after the victim was restrained. Five of the seven died while in police custody. Blood concentration of cocaine averaged 0.6 mg/L, about ten times lower than that seen in fatal cocaine overdoses. Police, rescue personnel, and emergency room physicians should be aware that excited delirium may be the result of a potentially fatal cocaine intoxication; its appearance should prompt immediate transport of the victim to a medical facility. Continuous monitoring, administration of appropriate cocaine antagonists, and respiratory support will hopefully avert a fatal outcome.
222 citations
TL;DR: Blood, brain, and liver concentrations of cocaine and benzoylecgonine in 37 cocaine overdose cases and 46 cases in which cocaine was incidental to the cause of death were reviewed and were characteristic of the time elapsed since cocaine dosing.
Abstract: Since cocaine in blood rapidly hydrolyzes to benzoylecgonine, cocaine concentrations determined in postmortem blood may not reflect the presence or concentration of cocaine in the body at the time of death. The interpretative value of the determination of cocaine and benzoylecgonine in brain tissue was investigated. Cocaine and benzoylecgonine were quantitated by coextraction and formation of the propyl derivative of benzoylecgonine followed by selected ion monitoring gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using electron ion impact ionization. Cocaine and benzoylecgonine were found to be evenly distributed throughout the brain. Cocaine and benzoylecgonine concentrations were stable in frozen brain tissue (-4 degrees C) on reanalysis after 1 to 3 months of storage, and in refrigerated tissue (10 degrees C) after 30 days of storage. Blood, brain, and liver concentrations of cocaine and benzoylecgonine in 37 cocaine overdose cases and 46 cases in which cocaine was incidental to the cause of death were reviewed. The ratios of cocaine/benzoylecgonine in the toxic cases (brain mean 14.7 and blood mean 0.64) were clearly different from those found in the incidental cases (brain mean 0.87 and blood mean 0.27). The brain/blood ratios of cocaine and benzoylecgonine concentrations generally were characteristic of the time elapsed since cocaine dosing. In cocaine overdose cases, the mean ratio was 9.6 for cocaine and 0.36 for benzoylecgonine. These are within the range found in animal studies for brain/blood ratios of cocaine and benzoylecgonine 0.5 to 2 h after cocaine administration. In incidental cases, the brain/blood ratios were mean 2.5 for cocaine and 1.4 for benzoylecgonine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
148 citations
TL;DR: It was concluded that sexual dimorphism can be detected by metrical analysis from the teens to the 70s and thisDimorphism increases with age.
Abstract: Although there have been a number of radiological studies of the entire anterior thorax, no attempt has been made to establish a method of sex determination based on direct metrical analysis of an isolated rib. The present study attempts to determine sex from the sternal end of the fourth rib. The sample (144 males, 86 females) was obtained from individuals of known age, sex, and race autopsied at a medical examiner's office. Three measurements (height, width, and sternal articular pit depth) were taken from each bone. The sample was divided into three groups: young, old, and the combined total and analyzed by means of stepwise discriminant function statistics. It was found that the accuracy of sex determination varied from 82% in the young and 89% in the old groups to 83% for the combined group. However, when a discriminant function formula developed for a different age group was used the accuracy of correct assessment diminished considerably. It was, therefore, concluded that sexual dimorphism can be detected by metrical analysis from the teens to the 70s and this dimorphism increases with age.
118 citations
TL;DR: The presence of conjunctival and facial/periorbital petechial hemorrhages correlates with increasing levels of body support below the point of ligature suspension, and hyoid bone/thyroid cartilage fractures are most frequently identified in those persons found completely suspended and in victims in the older age ranges.
Abstract: Correlation of the circumstances of death with the pathologic findings in this prospective study of deaths by hanging affords insight pertaining to certain of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in fatalities of this type. The presence of conjunctival and facial/periorbital petechial hemorrhages correlates with increasing levels of body support below the point of ligature suspension. Hyoid bone and/or thyroid cartilage fractures (found in 26% of cases) are most frequently identified in those persons found completely suspended and in victims in the older age ranges. No hyoid bone/thyroid cartilage fractures, internal soft tissue injury, or petechiae were present in 13 (21%) of the study cases.
93 citations
TL;DR: Ultrasonic determinations were made of facial tissue thicknesses in 50 healthy American c Caucasianoid children, ranging in age from 4 to 15, to provide a basis for facial reproductions in caucasoid children.
Abstract: Ultrasonic determinations were made of facial tissue thicknesses in 50 healthy American caucasoid children, ranging in age from 4 to 15. Twenty measurements were taken at sites along the median, right sagittal, and right lateral planes. A static scanner was used in the B-mode. Three measurements significantly increased with age, the mid-philtrum (rs = 0.43, p
91 citations
TL;DR: Gases produced during structural fires were studied as to their potential toxicities and the organic compounds identified within the gases gave insight as to another potential health hazard not yet considered.
Abstract: Gases produced during structural fires were studied as to their potential toxicities. Carbon monoxide was the only gas measured in concentrations considered to be lethal within a short period of time. No correlations were found between gases produced and materials burning. However, significant correlations were discovered between gases produced and the physical aspects of the fire (intensity, burning rate, and the like). The organic compounds identified within the gases gave insight as to another potential health hazard not yet considered. These organic compounds are the products of free radical reactions and as free radicals their potential as toxics is enormous.
62 citations
TL;DR: There was found to be variation in values obtained by the different procedures for each of these constituents, but variations in values for both urea nitrogen and glucose would not pose any problems of interpretation for forensic science evaluations.
Abstract: Urea nitrogen, glucose, sodium, potassium, and chloride were measured in common vitreous humor samples using a variety of instruments. There was found to be variation in values obtained by the different procedures for each of these constituents. The variation in electrolyte values between the different procedures can pose real problems in attempting to determine the presence of an antemortem dehydration or low salt condition. Possible reasons for these variations are discussed, and the normal range of values of both sodium and chloride for the different instrumentalities is provided. However, variations in values for both urea nitrogen and glucose would not pose any problems of interpretation for forensic science evaluations.
56 citations
TL;DR: A selective introductory review of the Cannabis literature is presented, including the relative psychoactivities of Cannabis constituents, the disposition and distribution of THC and its metabolites, and the use of cannabinoid concentrations in physiological fluids in interpretations of the significance of Cannabis-induced effects.
Abstract: A selective introductory review of the Cannabis literature is presented. Subjects reviewed include the relative psychoactivities of Cannabis constituents, the disposition and distribution of THC and its metabolites, the relative psychoactivities of THC metabolites, and the use of cannabinoid concentrations in physiological fluids in interpretations of the significance of Cannabis-induced effects. The pharmacology of cannabinoids in humans is emphasized.
56 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that the demonstration of cannabinoids in blood or urine is no unequivocal proof of active Cannabis smoking.
Abstract: To test the possibility that cannabinoids are detectable following passive inhalation of Cannabis smoke the following study was performed. Five healthy volunteers who had previously never used Cannabis, passively inhaled Cannabis smoke for 30 min. Cannabis smoke was provided by other subjects smoking either marijuana or hashish cigarettes in a small closed car, containing approximately 1650 L of air. delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) could be detected in the blood of all passive smokers immediately after exposure in concentrations ranging from 1.3 to 6.3 ng/mL. At the same time total blood cannabinoid levels (assayed by radioimmunoassay [RIA] ) were higher than 13 ng/mL in four of the volunteers. Both THC and cannabinoid blood concentrations fell close to the cutoff limits of the respective assays during the following 2 h. Passive inhalation also resulted in the detection of cannabinoids in the urine by RIA and enzyme multiple immunoassay technique (EMIT) assays (above 13 and 20 ng/mL, respectively). It is concluded that the demonstration of cannabinoids in blood or urine is no unequivocal proof of active Cannabis smoking.
54 citations
TL;DR: Pathological findings consisted of an early onset of postmortem rigidity and microscopic hemorrhages with minimal degenerative neuronal changes in the spinal cord and the highest tissue concentrations of strychnine were found in the bile and liver.
Abstract: A typical case of suicidal strychnine poisoning by a rodenticide is presented. The forceful muscular convulsions were accompanied by a clear sensorium. Pathological findings consisted of an early onset of postmortem rigidity and microscopic hemorrhages with minimal degenerative neuronal changes in the spinal cord. The highest tissue concentrations of strychnine were found in the bile and liver. The pathophysiology and epidemiology of strychnine poisoning is reviewed and discussed in context.
TL;DR: In this paper, an ink has been on paper is determined by comparison of the relative concentrations of the volatile components of the questioned ink with those of known inks (age) of the same formulation.
Abstract: Ballpoint pen inks consist primarily of a mixture of dyes, resins, and vehicle components. The vehicles are used to solubilize or suspend dyes, resins, and other components as well as to provide smooth ball movement and flow of ink onto writing surfaces. These vehicles are relatively volatile and make up approximately 50% of the ink by weight. Extraction and formulation identification of the questioned ink is performed. Once identified, the volatile components of the ink are measured quantitatively by gas chromatography. Preliminary studies show that the relative proportions of these volatile ingredients decrease as the ink ages. How long an ink has been on paper is determined by comparison of the relative concentrations of the volatile components of the questioned ink with those of known inks (age) of the same formulation. The relationship between age of ink, storage conditions, and paper will also be discussed.
TL;DR: The procedure for its use in bite mark cases is presented and reflective ultraviolet photography has many forensic science applications particularly in child abuse, rape, homicide, and Bite mark cases.
Abstract: Reflective ultraviolet photography has many forensic science applications particularly in child abuse, rape, homicide, and bite mark cases. The potential of this relatively simple and inexpensive procedure has not been fully explored. The procedure for its use in bite mark cases is presented.
TL;DR: Female homicide-suicide perpetrators were more likely than individual female suicides to live in mobile homes but less likely to live alone and to be depressed.
Abstract: The record files of the Dade County Medical Examiner Department were reviewed and 133 homicide-suicides were identified. Of these, ten (or 7.5%) were female perpetrated. The chart data of these 10 female homicide-suicide perpetrators, chart data of 50 female homicide-suicide victims, and 50 female individual suicides systematically selected as controls were tabulated using a standardized instrument. The results were analyzed for differences using simple statistical methods. The comparisons revealed that female homicide-suicide perpetrators were more likely than female homicide-suicide victims to live in mobile homes, kill their lover or ex-lover, have their crime accidentally discovered, leave a suicide note, kill on a weekend, and be depressed, but are less likely than female homicide-suicide victims to live with a spouse. Additionally, female homicide-suicide perpetrators were more likely than individual female suicides to live in mobile homes but less likely to live alone and to be depressed.
TL;DR: Two intravenous amphetamine abusers had fatal, rapidly progressive cerebral mucormycosis with abscess formation in the presence of absolute lymphopenia, confirming the primary nature of the fungal cerebritis.
Abstract: Two intravenous amphetamine abusers had fatal, rapidly progressive cerebral mucormycosis with abscess formation in the presence of absolute lymphopenia. Postmortem examination confirmed the primary nature of the fungal cerebritis, documented by postmortem culture and histology. The clinical and pathologic features of these cases are compared to previously reported occurrences of primary fungal cerebritis (and abscess) among intravenous drug abusers, including cocaine users. Primary fungal cerebritis associated with intravenous abuse of stimulant drugs is discussed as a possible variant of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
TL;DR: This descriptive research paper reports on 52 geriatric defendants accused of criminal offenses and referred for forensic psychiatric evaluation and addresses demographic and clinical variables in that population.
Abstract: This descriptive research paper reports on 52 geriatric defendants accused of criminal offenses and referred for forensic psychiatric evaluation. It addresses demographic and clinical variables in that population. The authors hope that the data will assist in planning for forensic and therapeutic services for geriatric persons in the criminal justice system.
TL;DR: In a recent Louisiana forensic anthropology case, it was necessary to attempt species identification of six small bone fragments recovered by law enforcement officers inside a jeep pickup and at the gas station where the vehicle had been cleaned.
Abstract: In a recent Louisiana forensic anthropology case, it was necessary to attempt species identification of six small bone fragments. The primary concern was whether or not they matched the fractured humerus of a woman killed by two shotgun blasts and then disposed of in the Mississippi River. These tiny fragments were recovered by law enforcement officers inside a jeep pickup and at the gas station where the vehicle had been cleaned. The police suspect claimed that these fragments were from a deer that he had recently killed. The small size of the pieces precluded positive recognition of human versus nonhuman origin based upon gross morphology and cortical thickness. Microscopic examination was possible. This analysis involved comparison of the unknown specimens to reference deer and human thin sections including bone recovered from the woman during autopsy. Examination of the jeep and gas station fragments revealed no plexiform bone, secondary (not primary) osteons, and variability in size and shape of the osteons and Haversian canals. These and other variables identified the bone fragments as human.
TL;DR: Concentrations of lidocaine and MEGX were determined in a variety of tissues and other samples collected at autopsy in 13 of the cases examined in which lidocane was associated with death, tissue concentrations were greater than 15 mg/kg.
Abstract: Concentrations of lidocaine and MEGX were determined in a variety of tissues and other samples collected at autopsy. In 13 of the cases examined in which lidocaine was associated with death, tissue concentrations were greater than 15 mg/kg. Tissue concentrations in other patients treated with lidocaine were significantly lower.
TL;DR: In this article, the ninhydrin/zinc chloride method for laser latent fingerprint development is not well suited to the use of frequency-doubled neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers.
Abstract: The ninhydrin/zinc chloride method for laser latent fingerprint development is not well suited to the use of frequency-doubled neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers. We have examined several ninhydrin analogues and find that benzo(f)ninhydrin is very well matched to the use of this laser.
TL;DR: The limits of precision and accuracy that can be ascribed to urine alcohol results are demonstrated through an evaluation of actual case results wherein both a first void and a subsequent urine sample were analyzed and converted to an equivalent blood alcohol concentration (BAC) using a urine to blood conversion factor of 1.3:1.
Abstract: The value of urine tests for determining an equivalent blood alcohol concentration in driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement cases is reviewed from a historical, theoretical, and practical perspective. The limits of precision and accuracy that can be ascribed to urine alcohol results are demonstrated through an evaluation of actual case results wherein both a first void and a subsequent urine sample were analyzed and converted to an equivalent blood alcohol concentration (BAC) using a urine to blood conversion factor of 1.3:1.
TL;DR: In this paper, electron impact ionization, isobutane chemical ionisation, and negative chemical ionization methods were used to form ions from each of the compounds studied, which can facilitate rapid screening for particular types of explosives by the neutral loss scanning procedure.
Abstract: Data obtained via tandem mass spectrometry are reported for ions derived from several explosives and related compounds. Electron impact ionization, isobutane chemical ionization, and negative chemical ionization methods were used to form ions from each of the compounds studied. These compounds include o-, m-, and p-nitrotoluene; m-dinitrobenzene; 2,4-dinitrotoluene; 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene; 2,4-dinitrophenol; picric acid; 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX); 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetra-azacyclooctane (HMX); nitroglycerin; pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN); and ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN). For a given ionization method each class of compounds (that is, nitrobenzenes, heterocyclic nitramines, and nitrate esters) shows common decompositions. This promises to facilitate rapid screening for particular types of explosives by the neutral loss scanning procedure. Of the three ionization methods employed, electron impact ionization is least suitable for analysis of explosives by tandem mass spectrometry. Positive and negative chemical ionization methods, in contrast, tend to generate the types of ions most useful for analysis by tandem mass spectrometry.
TL;DR: This study describes women accused of setting fires in the City of New York who were evaluated between 1980 and 1983 at the Forensic Psychiatry Clinic for the New York Criminal and Supreme Courts.
Abstract: This study describes women accused of setting fires in the City of New York who were evaluated between 1980 and 1983 at the Forensic Psychiatry Clinic for the New York Criminal and Supreme Courts. Consideration is given to their age, ethnicity, history of prior mental illness, abuse of controlled substances, economic status, family background, education, and employment. Their methodology, planning, and targeting for their firesetting behavior, as well as reported motivations for engaging in arson, are also considered.
LGC1
TL;DR: Samples taken from seizures of imported illicit heroin preparations of known geographical origin have been examined and it is possible to give an opinion as to the origin of some samples of illicit heroin of unknown provenance.
Abstract: Samples taken from seizures of imported illicit heroin preparations of known geographical origin have been examined. The typology developed in a previous survey of illicit heroin products is applicable to virtually all the samples studied in this work. On the basis of these observations it is possible to give an opinion as to the origin of some samples of illicit heroin of unknown provenance. The observation in the previous survey that unrelated samples of illicit heroin possess unique chemical profiles has been confirmed by the present results.
TL;DR: Major components of the pyrolysate were identified as heroin, 6- acetylmorphine, N,6-diacetylnormorphine, and N-acetylnorheroin by comparison of mass spectra and NMR spectra with those of authentic compounds.
Abstract: Heating of heroin hydrochloride or of heroin at 250°C led to extensive degradation. Major components of the pyrolysate were identified as heroin, 6-acetylmorphine, N,6-diacetylnormorphine, and N-acetylnorheroin by comparison of mass spectra and 13C- and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra with those of authentic compounds. There was evidence for degradation of the piperidino moiety and the structure 3,4-diacetoxyphenanthrene was proposed for a minor product.
TL;DR: The patient's clinical course demonstrated many of the features of inorganic selenium toxicity described in animals; hypotension as a result of both vasodilation and decreased cardiac output, adult respiratory distress syndrome, severe myopathy which contributed to respiratory failure, and a garlicky odor to the breath.
Abstract: Selenium is used widely in industry and as a dietary supplement. Reports of acute selenium toxicity are infrequent, however, and the relationship of toxicity to selenium concentrations in blood and tissues has not been established. We describe a patient who died eight days after ingesting selenious acid in the form of gun blueing. The patient's clinical course demonstrated many of the features of inorganic selenium toxicity described in animals; hypotension as a result of both vasodilation and decreased cardiac output, adult respiratory distress syndrome, severe myopathy which contributed to respiratory failure, and a garlicky odor to the breath. Four days after ingestion the serum selenium concentration was twenty times normal and urinary excretion seventy times normal. Postmortem tissue selenium concentrations were up to 40 times normal.
TL;DR: The pulmonary histopathologic changes revealed light to heavy infiltrations of pigmented monocytes within alveoli as well as varying degrees of monocytic and lymphocytic infiltration into the interstitium of the lungs.
Abstract: Thirteen individuals ranging in age from fifteen to forty years, who were known smokers of marijuana, all of whom died suddenly, were autopsied as coroner's cases. The pulmonary histopathologie changes revealed light to heavy infiltrations of pigmented monocytes within alveoli as well as varying degrees of monocytic and lymphocytic infiltration into the interstitium of the lungs. The intensity of the pulmonary infiltrate appears to be dose related. This report calls attention to the accelerated pathological changes in the lungs from marijuana smoking as compared to tobacco smoking leading to pulmonary scarring, emphysema, and eventual chronic obstructive pulmonary discase.
TL;DR: It has been demonstrated that the number of particles of glass transferred to fabric is dependent upon fabric type and particle size but that the loss of particles is primarily determined by particle size as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: It has been demonstrated that the number of particles of glass transferred to fabric is dependent upon fabric type and particle size but that the loss of particles is primarily determined by particle size.
TL;DR: Almost half were found to have personality disorders, while one-fifth were given a diagnosis of schizophrenia, affective disorder, or an atypical psychosis, and Surprisingly few were diagnosed as having a paraphilia.
Abstract: Ninety-five defendants charged with sexual offenses were evaluated in a forensic psychiatry clinic Their psychiatric diagnoses, as well as social, demographic, and criminal characteristics, were studied Almost half were found to have personality disorders, while one-fifth were given a diagnosis of schizophrenia, affective disorder, or an atypical psychosis Surprisingly few were diagnosed as having a paraphilia
TL;DR: Free radicals, measured by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, were trapped in concentrations that the authors consider incapacitating, thus providing an explanation for "incapacitation without cause."
Abstract: Most fire departments respond within the first 5 min of notification of a fire. If fire victims are found at that stage by the firefighters, then incapacitation or death has occurred during the initial low-energy phase where smoke is being produced. Studies have shown that during this initial low-energy phase of the fire, gases commonly thought responsible for incapacitation or death are frequently not present in concentrations adequate to cause this result. In the current study free radicals, measured by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, were trapped in concentrations that we consider incapacitating, thus providing an explanation for “incapacitation without cause.” This finding points the way to the design of more efficient temporary protective equipment for those who are in a high fire hazard environment, such as airline passengers, and suggests the idea of establishing a thermodynamic marker for the relative toxicity of building materials.
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of di-(β-phenylisopropyl)amine as a main impurity in the synthesis of illicit amphetamine is discussed, and a method for synthesis is given.
Abstract: Illicit amphetamine samples frequently contain di-(β-phenylisopropyl)amine as a main impurity. Its formation during the Leuckart synthesis is discussed. A method for synthesis is given. Special attention is given to its stereoisomerism. Analytical data are presented; the role of the compound in the comparison of illicit amphetamine samples is discussed.