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28 June 2013, Volume 29 Issue 3 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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Expression of VCAM-1 and Caspase-3 in Myocardium of Persons Who Died from Viral Myocarditis GAO DI, TANG XIN-HUA, HUANG JING-LU, ET AL. 2013, 29(3): 161-163,167.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.001 Abstract ( 1400 )   Objective To observe the expression and distribution of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 （VCAM-1） and caspase-3 in myocardium of persons who died from viral myocarditis and to explore its pathogenesis and death mechanism. Methods Twenty cases died from viral myocarditis were selected as the experimental group. Ten cases died from traumatic shock and massive hemorrhage shock after traffic accidents were selected as the control group. The sections of myocardium were stained by immunohistochemistry for VCAM-1 and caspase-3, and observed under microscope. The positive expressions of VCAM-1 and caspase-3 of the two groups were compared with each other by image analysis and statistical analysis. Results （1） The vascular endothelial cells expressed VCAM-1 with dark nigger-brown colors in the experimental group, and weak expression was observed in the control group. The average optical density in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group （P＜0.05）. （2） The caspase-3 positive cells were mostly inflammatory cells around the myocardial vessels with brown-red granules in the experimental group. The positive cell number in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group （P＜0.05）. Conclusion VCAM-1 may play an important role in the inflammatory cells exudation caused by viral myocarditis, and may provide the reference for diagnosis of viral myocarditis in forensic pathology. However, the myocardial apoptosis mediated by caspase-3 doesn’t affect the lethal mechanism in the late stage of viral myocarditis. Related Articles | Metrics

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Myocardial Expression of Spry1 and MAPK Proteins of Viral Myocarditis XU HONG-FEI, MENG LIN, YAO JIAN, ET AL. 2013, 29(3): 164-167.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.002 Abstract ( 1354 )   Objective To discuss the myocardial expression of Spry1 and MAPK proteins of viral myocarditis （VMC）, to reveal its mechanism of sudden death, and to provide guides for forensic identification of sudden cardiac death. Methods Thirty Balb/c male mice were randomly divided into VMC group and control group, inoculated intraperitoneally with Coxsackievirus B3 and Eagel’s solution, respectively．After the mice were sacrificed, the cardiac tissues of the mice were taken to proceed regular pathological examination. The changes of Spry1 protein, Spry1 mRNA and MAPK protein were detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and real-time PCR. Results Under light microscope, the pathologic changes included myocardial interstitial edema, inflammatory cells infiltration, myocardial necrosis, and focal and patchy necrosis of myocardial fiber in VMC group. The expression of Spry1 protein in VMC group was lower than that in control group （P<0.05）. There was slightly decreased expression of Spry1 of the mRNA level in VMC group （P>0.05）. But the MAPK protein expression in VMC group was higher than that in control group （P<0.05）. Conclusion The pathway of MAPK/ERK involving Spry1 protein accelerates the expression of collagen, which may contribute to arrhythmia, heart failure and even sudden cardiac death. Related Articles | Metrics

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The Staging Method of Sternal End of Clavicle Epiphyseal Growth by Thin Layer CT Scan and Imaging Reconstruction WANG YA-HUI, WEI HUA, YING CHONG-LIANG, ET AL. 2013, 29(3): 168-171,179.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.003 Abstract ( 1416 )   Objective To establish a CT staging method of sternal end of clavicle epiphyseal growth for teenagers by thin layer CT scan, multiplanar reconstruction （MPR） and volume reconstruction （VR） technologies. Methods The CT imaging characteristics, which collected from 460 teenagers （aged from 15 to 25） in East and South China, were studied through both sternal ends of clavicles’ imagings by thin layer coronal CT scan and axial CT scan, MPR and VR technologies. The parameters of sternal end of clavicle including the longest diameter of epiphysis, the longest diameter of metaphysis, their length ratio, area of epiphysis, area of metaphysis, and their area ratio were measured and calculated in order to establish new classification. Results Based on the staging method of Schmeling, integrating the CT imaging reconstruction information of sternal end of clavicle, the new classification of sternal end of clavicle epiphyseal growth were divided into 1 to 5 stages, and stage 2 and stage 3, respectively, contained a, b and c sub-classification. Conclusion This new classification has merits of large sample size, wide age range and easy operability. By using CT imaging reconstruction techniques and analyzing the data which closely related to sternal end of clavicle epiphyseal growth of teenagers, the feasibility of the staging method could be increased. Related Articles | Metrics

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The Evaluation of SCI by TMS-MEP and Its Forensic Significance YANG LEI, LIU XING-BEN, ZHU RONG-TING, ET AL. 2013, 29(3): 172-175.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.004 Abstract ( 1334 )   Objective To find an objective and accurate examination for evaluation of spinal cord injury （SCI） in forensic clinical medicine. Methods The onset latency of cortex, peak latency of N1, central motor conduction time （CMCT） and wave width of the abductor pollicis brevis and the anterior tibialis were calculated by transcranial magnetic stimulation-motor evoked potential （TMS-MEP）. The data of 68 patients suffered from SCI including 23 cervical levels and 45 thoracolumbar levels were collected and compared with that of 30 normal controls. Results In experimental group, when the muscle strength of the abductor pollicis brevis or the anterior tibialis decreased or disappeared, the onset latency of cortex, the peak latency of N1, and CMCT prolonged and the wave width broadened. And these indexes of grade 2 and 3 muscle strength in experimental group were higher than that in the control group （P<0.05）. Conclusion The TMS-MEP can determine directly and objectively the motor functional status of pyramidal tract of spinal cord in order to provide more accurate and objective evidences in forensic medicine. Related Articles | Metrics

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Morphological Characteristics of Hyoid Bone and Its Gender Difference WANG JIE, CHEN LU-SHI, LU SHAO-XING, ET AL. 2013, 29(3): 176-179.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.005 Abstract ( 1336 )   Objective To understand and analyze the morphological characteristics of hyoid bone and its gender difference in order to find out its forensic significance. Methods The hyoid bones of 68 adult corpses were dissected from redundant soft tissues after heating. The connection status of body of hyoid, greater cornu and lesser cornu, the morphological characteristics of hyoid bone and the degree of ossification were observed by visual inspection. The height of hyoid bone and the arched height of hyoid bone were measured and compared the differences between male and female in order to deduce the analytic equation for gender estimation by hyoid bone. Results Five connection conditions of hyoid bone were identified by the morphological characteristics, including complete ossification in both sides, no ossification in both sides, partial ossification in both sides, complete ossification in one side （partial ossification in the other side）, and complete ossification in one side （no ossification in the other side）. The values of the arched height of hyoid bone （x1） and the height of hyoid bone （x2） in male were both higher than that in female （P<0.01）. The analytic equation for gender estimation （y） was y=0.438 x1+1.042 x2-12.979. The discriminant value was -0.272 5 and the resolution was 88.2%. Conclusion According to the gender characteristics of hyoid bone, the data of hyoid bone can provide helps for forensic practices. Related Articles | Metrics

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Calculation of Likelihood Ratio for X-STR Typing in Kinship Testing ZHANG YIN-MING, LI LI, SUN HONG-YU 2013, 29(3): 180-184.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.006 Abstract ( 1869 )   Objective To deduce the calculation formulae of likelihood ratio for kinship testing with X-short tandem repeat （X-STR） typing. Methods With the identity by decent coefficient of different relationships, the joint genotypic probability of two individuals with specific genotypes was calculated as X value, and then the joint genotypic probability of two unrelated individuals was calculated as Y value; therefore, the likelihood ratio value（X/Y） was obtained. Results The calculation formulae of the likelihood ratio for different genotype combinations of the female-female, female-male and male-male genetic relationships were derived and verified by real cases. Conclusion The calculation formulae are simple and accurate to evaluate the likelihood ratio for two individuals’ genetic relationship with X-STR typing. The formulae provide the basic potential value for the difficult kinship testing with X-STR loci. Related Articles | Metrics

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Forensic Analysis of 24 Dismembered Homicide Cases in Shanghai GE YAN-CHANG, MA XIANG-TAO, MA KAI-JUN, ET AL. 2013, 29(3): 190-192.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.008 Abstract ( 1538 )   Objective To explore the characteristics of the dismembered homicide cases in Shanghai and to provide the valuable guidance for forensic pathological practices. Methods Twenty-four cases of dismembered homicides were selected from 2005 to 2012 in Institute of Forensic Science, Shanghai Public Security Bureau. The general information of the victims and suspects, cause of death, criminal motive, postmortem body parts, tools and information of discarding body parts were retrospectively analyzed. Results Among the 24 dismembered homicide cases, victims were female in 16 cases, and suspects were male in 23 cases and were acquaintances in 22 cases. The main causes of death were mechanical asphyxia and traumatic brain injury. Most of the criminal motives were emotional disputes. The number of postmortem body parts was commonly from 20 to 30. The tools were mainly sharp instruments, including kitchen knives used in 20 cases. The postmortem body parts were discarded to different transregional areas, mainly using vehicles. Conclusion The dismembered homicide cases in Shanghai show the following characteristics: the number of postmortem body parts is in large quantity; the methods of dismembered corpse are complex and different; the job characteristics of suspects are difficult to determine; the distance from homicide scene is far and the vehicles are commonly used. Related Articles | Metrics

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Medical Negligence in Surgery： 112 Cases Retrospective Analysis XIANG JIAN, CHANG LIN, WANG XU, ET AL. 2013, 29(3): 193-195.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.009 Abstract ( 1343 )   Objective To explore the general characteristics of medical negligence in surgery in order to provide the reference for forensic practices. Methods One hundred and twelve cases of medical negligence in surgical department were retrospectively analyzed in Fada Institute of Forensic Medicine and Science from 2008 to 2010. Results The common types of medical negligence cases in the surgery were improper operation procedure （28.57%）, failure of consent （26.79%）, and inadequate monitoring （22.32%）. The results of complications included disability or functional impairment （61.61%）, death （31.25%） and transient impairment with no obvious adverse reactions （7.14%）. The most common roles played by the medical negligence cases were minor role （26.79%）, equal role （19.64%）, and slight role （14.29%）. Conclusion Significant attention should be paid to the operation procedure, consent, and monitoring. It should be cautious to not make assessment on involvement degree of medical negligence. Related Articles | Metrics

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Mutation of Suspected Autosomal STR Loci: 227 Cases Retrospective Analysis MU HAO-FANG, XU DA, LIU BIN, ET AL. 2013, 29(3): 196-198.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.010 Abstract ( 1457 )   Objective To study the suspected autosomal STR loci mutation cases. Methods A total of 227 suspected autosomal STR loci mutation cases were selected from Center of Forensic Sciences, Beijing Genomics Institute. The allelic mutation cases were screened and the number of mutation of each STR loci was statistically analyzed. The CPI value was calculated in order to study the characteristics and rules of the mutations. Results In the 227 suspected mutation cases, 3 cases were excluded paternity, and 228 mutations were observed at 18 STR loci in the rest of the cases. The average number of STR mutation loci was 1-2. The maximum of mutation step was 4. After using 20A amplification kit, the CPI values in 3 non-parentage cases were all less than 104. After using 20A and 10G amplification kits, the CPI values were all larger than 104 in all standard parents-child triplet cases and in 99.45% of diad cases. Conclusion The allelic mutation of STR loci is relatively common in forensic cases. By increasing the number of the required STR loci and supplementing the samples of  the triplet, the identification errors could be decreased to a great extent when suspected autosomal STR loci mutation occurs. Related Articles | Metrics

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Depression Status of the Family Member and Its Influencing Factors in the Patient with Mental Disorder Caused by Cerebral Trauma： 245 Cases Analysis YANG CHENG-LONG, PANG YAN-XIA, XIE YAN-PING, ET AL. 2013, 29(3): 199-201.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.011 Abstract ( 1401 )   Objective To determine the family member’s depression status and its influencing factors in the patient with mental disorder caused by cerebral trauma. Methods The self-designed information questionnaire and self-rating depression scale （SDS） were used to investigate 245 family members’ depression conditions. On the basis of SDS score index, all cases were divided into depression group and non-depression group. The data were analyzed by the univariate analysis and multiple factors regression analysis. Results In the 245 family members, 117 family members had different degrees of depressive symptoms including 68 with mild depression, 42 with moderate depression, and 7 with severe depression. In the multiple factors regression analysis, genetic relationship, personality characteristics and payment method were the main influencing factors of the depression status. Conclusion Much attention should be paid to the family member’s depression condition of the patient with mental disorder caused by cerebral trauma through specific psychological intervention. Related Articles | Metrics

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Genetic Polymorphisms of 15 X-STR Loci in Shandong Han Population MA TENG, XU JING, YANG YA-JUN, ET AL. 2013, 29(3): 202-205,208.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.012 Abstract ( 1442 )   Objective To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of 15 X-STR loci in Shandong Han population in order to establish the forensic application database. Methods The multi-PCR primers of these loci were designed by Primer Premier 5.0 software and labeled by 4 fluoresceins （FAM, VIC, NED and TET）. The developed multi-PCR was used to investigate 15 X-STR loci （DXS10011, DXS101, GATA165B12, DXS6795, DXS6800, DXS6801, DXS6803, DXS7132, DXS7133, DXS7423, DXS7424, DXS8377, DXS8378, DXS9898 and HPRTB） selected from the X chromosome of 481 unrelated individuals （295 females and 186 males） in Shandong Han population. Results Among the 15 X-STR loci, GATA165B12, DXS6800, DXS6803, DXS7133 and DXS7423 showed moderate polymorphisms, while the rest 10 X-STR loci showed high polymorphisms （PIC>0.5 and H>0.5）. No shared haplotype was detected among the males in Shandong Han population. Conclusion The developed multi-PCR system with fluorescence detection provides an effective way to establish X-STR loci database of population genetics in Shandong Han population and shows its forensic application. Related Articles | Metrics

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Genetic Polymorphisms of 16 Non-CODIS STR Loci in Beijing Han Population ZHANG QING-XIA, YANG JIAN, LIU YA-CHENG, ET AL. 2013, 29(3): 206-208.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.013 Abstract ( 1823 )   Objective To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of 16 non-CODIS loci （D6S477, D22-GATA198B05, D15S659, D8S1132, D3S3045, D17S1290, D14S608, D2S441, D18S535, D13S325, D10S1435, D11S2368, D1S1656, D7S3048, D10S1248 and D19S253） in Beijing Han population. Methods The DNA of 300 unrelated individuals in Beijing Han population were PCR amplified using GoldeneyeTM DNA identification system 18NC kit, and the PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis through 3130XL genetic analyzer. The fragment sizes of alleles were taken subsequently by GeneMapper v3.2. Results The distributions of genotype frequencies of 16 non-CODIS STR loci in Beijing Han population satisfied the Hardy-Weinberg equilibration. The population genetic parameters were obtained as followings: heterozygosity was 0.677-0.873; discrimination power, 0.890-0.967; probability of paternity exclusion, 0.393- 0.741; and polymorphism information content, 0.706-0.853. Conclusion These 16 non-CODIS STR loci show great genetic polymorphisms in Beijing Han population, and are useful for the research of population genetics and forensic application. Related Articles | Metrics

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Modified TRIzol Method for RNA and DNA Co-extraction from Blood QIN JUAN-JUAN, LU ZHI-YONG, JIAO ZHANG-PING, ET AL. 2013, 29(3): 209-211.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.014 Abstract ( 1879 )   Objective To establish a new method for RNA and DNA co-extraction from the same sample by TRIzol reagent. Methods After the aqueous phase which contained total RNA was removed by traditional TRIzol method, the values of pH of the interphase phase and organic phase were adjusted. The DNA was precipitated with ethanol and purified with DNA IQTM system. The purified DNA was measured in quality and quantity. As the template, it was amplified and typed by PCR-STR. The data was compared with that extracted by traditional TRIzol method. Results The DNA extracted by this modified method showed a better result of quality and quantity than that by traditional TRIzol method and a good STR typing. Conclusion The modified TRIzol method is advisable and reliable to simultaneously extract both DNA and RNA from the same sample. It could be used for individual identification and paternity testing to satisfy the need of forensic science. Related Articles | Metrics

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Development of Chinese Forensic Y-STR DNA Database GE JIAN-YE, YAN JIANG-WEI, XIE QUN, ET AL. 2013, 29(3): 212-215,221.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.015 Abstract ( 2336 )   Y chromosome is a male-specific paternal inherited chromosome. The STR markers on Y chromosome have been widely used in forensic practices. This article summarizes the characteristics of Y-STR and some factors are considered of selecting appropriate Y-STR markers for Chinese population. The prospects of existing and potential forensic applications of Y-STR profiles are discussed including familial excluding, familial searching, crowd source deducing, mixture sample testing, and kinship identifying. The research, development, verification of Y-STR kit, Y-STR mutation rate, and search software are explored and some suggestions are given. Related Articles | Metrics

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Statistical Prediction Methods in Violence Risk Assessment and Its Application LIU YUAN-YUAN, HU JUN-MEI, YANG MIN, ET AL. 2013, 29(3): 216-221.  DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2013.03.016 Abstract ( 1380 )   It is an urgent global problem how to improve the violence risk assessment. As a necessary part of risk assessment, statistical methods have remarkable impacts and effects. In this study, the predicted methods in violence risk assessment from the point of statistics are reviewed. The application of Logistic regression as the sample of multivariate statistical model, decision tree model as the sample of data mining technique, and neural networks model as the sample of artificial intelligence technology are all reviewed. This study provides data in order to contribute the further research of violence risk assessment. Related Articles | Metrics