International journal of legal medicine
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Prenatal paternity analysis can be performed only after invasive sampling of chorionic villi or amnionic fluid. Aiming to enable noninvasive paternity testing, we attempted to amplify fetal alleles from maternal plasma. Cell-free DNA was isolated from plasma of 20 pregnant women and amplified with ampFLSTR Identifiler and ampFLSTR Yfiler kits. ⋯ Much better success was obtained with AmpFLSTR Yfiler kit, which, in the case of male fetuses, successfully amplified between six and 16 fetal loci. All amplified fetal alleles matched the alleles of their putative fathers, confirming the tested paternity. To the best of our knowledge, this is a first report of noninvasive prenatal paternity testing.
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This paper presents updated recommendations of the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics for age estimations in living individuals in criminal proceedings. In order to increase the diagnostic accuracy and to improve the identification of age-relevant developmental disorders, a physical examination, an X-ray examination of the left hand, as well as a dental examination including the determination of the dental status and an X-ray of the dentition should be performed in each case. ⋯ Instructions for the examination and the preparation of expert reports are presented. The committee of the study group organizes annual proficiency tests for quality assurance.
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The use of computed tomography (CT) scanners is rapidly becoming established in forensic medicine. Current multislice CT (MSCT) scanners attain a resolution of 0.42 mm. ⋯ Structures and minute fissures in the bone interior, which were neither visible macroscopically nor with the MSCT data, could be imaged with the eLU-CT data. In addition, a tiny interior impact defect from a retained missile could be detected by eLU-CT, which clearly aided the reconstruction of the gunshots in this case.
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Due to the decomposition of biological material, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is produced. In low concentrations, the well-known smell of "rotten eggs" is associated with H2S. In higher concentrations, H2S is an odourless and colourless gas that may cause rapid loss of consciousness, neurological and respiratory depression and imminent death--"... like a stroke of lightening". ⋯ Also the impending threat for colleagues, first aid helpers and professional rescue teams is demonstrated. The suspicion of a fatal H2S intoxication should be based on a precise scene analysis with respect to the possibility of life-threatening H2S intoxication for the helpers, the typical scent of rotten eggs, which may be noted on the corpses and the abovementioned morphological findings. The diagnosis should be confirmed by a qualitative and, if possible, quantitative analysis of H2S.
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Medical practice in police custody needs to be harmonized. A consensus conference was held on 2-3 December 2004 in Paris, France. The health, integrity, and dignity of detainees must be safeguarded. ⋯ However, their role should not be expected to exceed that required of the detainee's family under normal circumstances and must be specified in writing on the medical certificate. Doctor's opinion should be given in a national standard document. If the doctors consider that the custody conditions are disgraceful, they may refuse to express an opinion as to whether the detainee is fit for custody.