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28 October 2011, Volume 27 Issue 5 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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Analysis of the Changes of Amide A in Rabbit Heart after Death by FTIR Spectroscopy ZHANG HAI-DONG, YANG TIAN-TONG, ZHENG NA, ET AL 2011, 27(5): 321-323.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.001 Abstract ( 2085 )   Objective To explore the relationship of changes of amide A in rabbit heart and the postmortem interval（PMI） by FTIR spectroscopy technique. Methods Thirty-two rabbits were sacrificed and the hearts were sampled at 20 ℃ within 48 h postmortem points. All samples were sliced and tested by FTIR spectroscopy technique. The images of amide A were created by FTIR spectroscopic imaging. The positive and negative area ratios of amide A were analyzed using imaging analysis system. Results The positive and negative area ratios declined regularly with the prolongation of death time in 48 h. There was a significant quadric relationship between the area ratios（y） of amide A（positive and negative area） and PMI（x）. The regression equation was y=0.001 x2-0.038 x+0.747（R2=0.940）. Conclusion The ratios of positive and negative area of amide A showed a strong correlation with PMI and could be used to estimate PMI. Related Articles | Metrics

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Diatom Test in Lung Tissue of Corpses in Water and Causes of Death LI QI, MA KAI-JUN, ZHANG XIAO-DONG, ET AL 2011, 27(5): 324-326,333.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.002 Abstract ( 1928 )   Objective To explore potential application of diatom test of lung tissue in investigation of cause of death in victim found in the water. Methods Four hundred and seven cases were collected and analyzed for cause of death and the nature of case. Diatom test was performed in tissues and the amount was quantified. Forty-five rabbits died in the water（antemortem, postmortem and different seasons drowning） were randomly divided into 9 groups and the diatom content in lung tissue were tested with the method of nitric acid. Results In 407 drowning cases, 372 cases showed a positive result of diatom test. In positive cases, the amount of accidents or suicide were 35 and homicide were 21. Thirty-five cases showed negative result of diatom test and majority were homicide in which bodies were thrown into the water after killing. Some drowning cases were in special circumstances. Animal experiments confirmed that a large amount of diatoms in lung tissue were detected in drowning victim and showed the same type in water. The amount of diatom in lung tissue was usually lower in the summer and winter comparing with spring and autumn. Conclusion The diatom test could be considered as an auxiliary evidence in determination of cause of death in body found in the water. The test results were related with manner of death. The nature of case should be synthetically determined based on autopsy, criminal scene and details of the cases, etc. Related Articles | Metrics

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Influence of Visual Attention in Visual Evoked Potential Examination GENG WEN-JING, WANG GUANG-YONG, FANG CHAO, ET AL 2011, 27(5): 327-329.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.003 Abstract ( 2027 )   Objective To explore the influence of visual attention in visual evoked potential（VEP） examination. Methods The pattern visual evoked potential （PVEP） and flash visual evoked potential （FVEP） were used to examine 110 normal subjects whose visual acuity or corrected visual acuity is in the range of 4.8-5.2, and age between 20 to 30 years old. In PVEP inspection, subjects were asked to watch with three ways, to stare at the central screen （at the same time count silently the number of alternating of black and white squares to improve the subjects’ attention）, to stare at the central screen at the same time thinking other things, to look sideways （the left eye stared at the left bottom corner of the screen or the right eye stared at the right one）. In FVEP inspection, subjects were checked with eyes open and closed respectively. The latency and amplitude of P100 wave were recorded. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 13.0 software. Results In PVEP inspection, the latency and amplitude of P100 wave were statistically different among three watching ways. In FVEP inspection, latency and amplitude of P100 wave were statistically different between eyes open and closed group. Conclusion Although the visual evoked potential test is an objective electrophysiological visual function test, it is susceptible to the influence of various subjective factors such as visual attention. It should arise the attention of forensic experts. Related Articles | Metrics

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Establishment of Universal Algorithms for Commonly Used Kinship Indices between Two Individuals ZHAO SHU-MIN, ZHANG SU-HUA, QUE TING-ZHI, ET AL 2011, 27(5): 330-333.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.004 Abstract ( 3731 )   Objective To establish universal algorithms for commonly used kinship indices between two individuals. Methods Based on the formulas of paternity index in duos（PID）, full sibling index（FSI）, half sibling index（HSI）, avuncular index（AI）, grandparental index（GI） and first cousin index（CI1st） deduced from ITO method, the common factors, 1 plus reciprocal of the frequency of the allele with identity by state between the two individuals, shared in these formulas were abstracted with induction method, following with reconstruction of these formulas with the common factor and the coefficient of relationship（r）. Results A universal algorithm for PID, HSI, AI, GI and CI1st was developed with the common factor and r value according to the heterozygosity of the two individuals. Meanwhile, a group of two formulas for FSI calculation was also established according to the individuals’ heterozygosity. Conclusion The universal algorithms for the 6 types of kinship indices are practical in corresponding kinship determination and the batch arithmetic operation with the universal algorithms can be easily programmed. Related Articles | Metrics

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Universal Algorithms for Paternity Index in Trios and Its Extended Application QUE TING-ZHI, ZHANG SU-HUA, ZHAO SHU-MIN 2011, 27(5): 334-336.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.005 Abstract ( 2514 )   Objective To introduce an universal algorithm for kinship index between a baby and a random person with biologic mother reference. Methods Based on the formulas of paternity index in trios（PIT）, common factors shared in these formulas were deduced following reconstructions of these formulas with the common factors. Universal algorithms for other common kinship indices, such as grandparental index （GI）, half sibling index （HSI）, avuncular index （AI） and first cousin index （CI1st）, were investigated according to avuncular index rule and the coefficient of relationship（r）. Results The common factor shared in the formulas for PIT calculation was 1 plus reciprocal of the frequency of the allele with identity by state between the alleged father and the detected baby. Two general formulas for PIT, GI, AI, HSI and CI1st with biologic mother reference were successfully established with the common factor and r value. Conclusion The calculation was simplified with the universal algorithms for common kinship indices between random person and the baby with biologic mother reference and the batch arithmetic operation with the universal algorithms can be easily realized with programming. Related Articles | Metrics

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Genotyping and Linkage Disequilibrium Analysis of 67 SNP Loci on X Chromosome LI LI, LIU YAN, LIN YUAN, ET AL 2011, 27(5): 337-341.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.006 Abstract ( 2110 )   Objective To screen a panel of SNP loci on X chromosome（X-SNP loci） that is informative in Chinese Han population and evaluate its potential value in forensic identification. Methods Sixty-seven candidate X-SNP loci were selected according to the information on dbSNP and HapMap. Genomic DNA extracted from blood samples of 428 unrelated Chinese Han individuals were analyzed through multiplex amplification followed by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and allele frequencies of the 67 X-SNP loci were calculated. In view of the population data and situation of linkage disequilibrium, X-SNP markers promising in forensic identification were sorted out. Results Population data of the 67 X-SNP loci were obtained. Except rs12849634, no deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium could be found. Of the rest 66 X-SNP loci, two loci （rs1229078 and rs1544545） were found to be low informative （minor allele frequency<0.3）. Closely linked alleles were observed at six pairs of X-SNP loci and slightly linked alleles were observed at two pairs of X-SNP loci. Fifty-two X-SNP loci showing independent inheritance and high polymorphisms were finally selected. The markers were promising in forensic identification. CPE in trio and duo cases were 0.999 999 999 96 and 0.999 999 5, respectively. CDP in female and male populations were 0.999 999 999 999 999 999 999 84 and 0.999 999 999 999 999 31, respectively. Conclusion A panel of 52 informative X-SNP loci showing independent inheritance is selected. These markers meet the needs of individual identification and relationship testing in judicially disputed cases. Related Articles | Metrics

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Application of Modified Overt Aggression Scales on Risk Behavior Assessment of Patients with Mental Illness ZHANG XUE-LI, HU JUN-MEI 2011, 27(5): 342-345.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.007 Abstract ( 2214 )   Objective To explore the value of Modified Overt Aggression Scales （MOAS） in assessing risk behavior of patients with mental illness. Methods Four hundred and ninety patients, who were from three mental health institutions （Refined Control Ward in Ankang Hospital, Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Relief Ward in De Kang Hospital） belong to public security, health and civil system respectively, were evaluated with MOAS. Results Three hundred and thirteen patients did not have dangerous behavior, but 177 patients did （99 aggression, 78 violence）. The descending order of risk behavior in patients with mental illness were Refined Control Ward in Ankang Hospital, Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Relief Ward in De Kang Hospital. Physical and total aggression scores were higher in Refined Control Ward in Ankang Hospital than that in other two hospitals（P<0.05）. Autoaggression score in Mental Health Center of West China Hospital was higher than that in other two hospitals（P<0.05）. Physical and total aggression scores in male were higher than that in female（P<0.05）. Autoaggression score in female was higher than that in male（P<0.05）. Score of every single item and total score were higher in violent and aggressive group than that in non dangerous behavior group（P<0.05）. Physical and total aggression scores in violent group were higher than that in aggressive group（P＜0.05）. Conclusion The proportion, type and degree of risk behaviors in three mental health institutions are different and the type of risk behavior has gender difference. Related Articles | Metrics

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Evaluating on Recognition Impairment after Traumatic Brain Injury with WCST HANG RONG-HUA, XU YA-JUN, XIE HAI-FENG, ET AL 2011, 27(5): 346-349.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.008 Abstract ( 2039 )   Objective To explore the value of Wisconsin Card Sorting Test （WCST） in evaluating the recognition impairment after traumatic brain injury（TBI）． Methods WCST and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised in China（WAIS-RC） were adopted to assess the cognitive function in 186 patients with brain injury（experimental group） and 180 healthy volunteers（control group）, respectively. The cognition between the experimental group and the control group was compared. The correlation between WCST and IQ was analyzed. The correlation between age, education level, the severity of TBI and the executive function were also analyzed. Results （1） The performances of WAIS-RC and WCST in the experimental group were significantly worse than that of the control group. （2） There were significantly negative correlation between the performance of total errors, percentage of preservative errors, percentage of random errors, response number on first category and IQ（P<0.05）. While there were significantly positive correlation between the categories completed, percentage of conceptual level and IQ（P<0.05）. （3） There was significantly negative correlation between percentage of conceptual level and the severity of TBI. While there were significantly positive correlation between percentage of preservative errors, percentage of random errors, response number on first category and the severity of TBI. Conclusion WCST could be an important method in evaluating cognition of patients with brain injury． Related Articles | Metrics

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Determination of Doxepin in Whole Blood by SPE-LC-MS/MS GONG FEI-JUN, YAN SONG-MAO, WU ZHONG-PING, ET AL 2011, 27(5): 350-352.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.009 Abstract ( 1738 )   Objective To develop a method of SPE-LC-MS/MS for the determination of doxepin in whole blood. Methods After solid phase extraction, the samples were identified by LC-MS/MS. Positive ion electrospray ionization mode and multiple reaction monitoring（MRM） mode was selected. Amitriptyline was used as internal standard. The m/z of doxepin： 280→107, 280→235 and 280→220. The m/z of amitriptyline： 278→233. The retaining time of doxepin and amitriptyline were 15.15 and 16.94 min, respectively. Results The calibration curve was linear among the concentration of doxepin range from 0.005 to 1.00 μg/mL. The linear correlation equation was y=3.204 7 x+0.033 9, the correlation coefficient was 0.999 6. The detection limit of doxepin was 0.001 μg/mL and average recovery rate was 78.0%-82.9%. The relative standard precision for within-day and between-day were less than 2.55% and 5.90%, respectively. Conclusion The method is effective, simple, reliable and can be used in the determination of doxepin in whole blood. Related Articles | Metrics

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Analysis of Death Cases Involved in TASER in the State of Maryland MARY G. RIPPLE, ZHANG XIANG, SHEN YI-WEN, ET AL 2011, 27(5): 353-357.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.010 Abstract ( 2247 )   Objective To evaluate the features of autopsy cases involved in electronic weapon（TASER） in the State of Maryland, and to discuss the appraisable points. Methods Thirteen autopsy cases involving TASER were collected from 2004 to 2011 in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Maryland. All the cases include detailed scene investigations, complete autopsy, toxicological analysis and histopathological examination. Statistical analysis were conducted including general information of victim, type of TASER, type of contact, toxicological results, manner and cause of death. Results Majority of victims were male with an acute onset of agitated and delusional behavior. Drugs were often involved. Deaths were attributed to multiple factors. Conclusion Most of cases involved in TASER resulted from multiple fatal factors. Further researches are needed for the principal mechanism. Thorough scene investigation and complete autopsy examination play crucial role in evaluation of such cases. Related Articles | Metrics

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Analysis of 57 Abdominal Penetrating Injury Cases with Exploratory Laparotomy YU YAN-HE, PENG HUI, CHEN YAN-QING, ET AL 2011, 27(5): 358-360,364.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.011 Abstract ( 1681 )   Objective To explore the characteristics of abdominal penetrating injuries with exploratory laparotomy, as well as to summarize the key points of injury degree, and to supply reasonable reference for the practice and criterion modification in forensic clinical medicine identification. Methods Fifty-seven cases which were all abdominal penetrating injuries with exploratory laparotomy from July 1990 to February 2011 were retrospectively analyzed including the instrument causing trauma, amount of the hemoperitoneum, the organs of the injury, conclusion of the forensic indentification, and so on. Results There was some correlation between the organ injury patterns, volume of hemoperitoneum and identification conclusion for the abdominal penetrating injury cases with exploratory laparotomy. Conclusion The intra-abdominal injury has important effect for the injury degree of the abdominal penetrating injury cases with exploratory laparotomy and should be considered in the practice and criterion modification of these kinds of cases. Related Articles | Metrics

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Analysis of 54 Mental Disability Reappraisal Cases Due to Brain Damage WANG YUN-JIE, SUN DA-MING, ZHENG ZHAN-PEI, ET AL 2011, 27(5): 361-364.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.012 Abstract ( 1916 )   Objective To investigate the different kinds of controversial cases of mental disability after brain damage, to analysis the problems in the first appraisal, and to explore solutions of the problems. Methods The reappraisals of mental disorders after traumatic brain damage were collected from 2007—2011 in Shanghai forensic center, and the first appraisal and reappraisal cases were analyzed and compared. Results The changes of conclusion in reappraisal cases showed the following major reasons： inappropriate appraisal time, not comprehensive and object investigation of mental state of patients in first appraisal, misunderstanding the standards, etc. Conclusion The quality improvement of appraisal should adopt the following measures： regulating the practice, improvement of the professional skills of experts, choosing appropriate appraisal time, improvement of appraisal standards, etc. Related Articles | Metrics

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Forensic Application of Investigator Argus X-12 Kit in Han Population from East China ZHANG SU-HUA, ZHU RU-XIN, LI LI, ET AL 2011, 27(5): 365-368.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.013 Abstract ( 1744 )   Objective To investigate the genetic data of the 12 X-STR included in Investigator Argus X-12 kit and to evaluate the forensic application in Han population from East China. Methods By detecting 309 unrelated individuals with Investigator Argus X-12 kit, allele frequencies, population genetics parameters and the information of linkage disequilibrium of the 12 X-STR were analyzed by statistics and were compared with available data of other Han populations from different regions. Results No deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were detected.  Except loci of DXS10103 and DXS10101 linked closely, all other loci were independent while HET exceed 0.5 and PIC all above 0.4. Distributions of allele frequencies of all loci were not significant statistically except for locus of DXS10146 in Han population from Guangdong. Conclusion Loci of Investigator Argus X-12 kit were highly polymorphic in Han population from East China, which is suitable for forensic application in paternity testing and individual identification. Related Articles | Metrics

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Application of Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Evaluation of Cardiac Function in Forensic Medicine GAO WEI-MIN, MAO RUI-MING, DU ZHONG-BO, ET AL 2011, 27(5): 369-371,375.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.014 Abstract ( 1662 )   Brain natriuretic peptide（BNP） is a major marker for evaluating cardiac function and has been widely used in clinical practice. Recent researches show that BNP is also useful for identification of sudden cardiac death in forensic pathology. This article reviews the molecular structure and biological characteristics of the BNP and its application as a functional indicate in forensic medicine. It shows that the expression of BNP in cardiac muscles, together with the expression of BNP in blood and pericardium liquid can be used to evaluate the pathological physiology changes and dysfunction degrees of the heart during the cardiac sudden death. Related Articles | Metrics

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Costicartilage Analysis Inspection Technology in the Application of Forensic Medicine MENG HANG, XIAO BI, YAN JIAN-JUN, ET AL 2011, 27(5): 372-375.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.015 Abstract ( 1756 )   The traditional costicartilage analysis inspection is limited to morphological inspection. In recent years, with the development of forensic radiology and molecular genetics, the costicartilage analysis inspection technology has been further enriched and developed. At present, the costicartilage analysis inspection technology have been able to be used in the practice of forensic medicine. This paper reviews the research advances about the costicartilage analysis inspection technology in the identification of human gender, age and so on in order to provide the references for forensic appraisers. Related Articles | Metrics

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Application of Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry in Toxicological Screening LI XIAO-WEN, SHEN BAO-HUA, ZHUO XIAN-YI 2011, 27(5): 376-381.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2011.05.016 Abstract ( 1623 )   Due to the diversity of toxicologically relevant substances, the uncertainty of target compounds and the specificity of samples, toxicological screening techniques have always been valued by the forensic toxicologists. Depending on its powerful separation ability, superhigh resolution and accurate mass measurement, combined with the two levels spectrum database matching and abundance ratio of isotope ion, the liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry（LC-HRMS） analyzers have increasingly advantage in screening and identification of chemical compound. This review focuses on the applications of LC-HRMS in screening and identification of drug-of-abuse, prescription drugs, pesticide and stimulant. The prospect of LC-HRMS in forensic toxicology analysis is also included. Related Articles | Metrics