Archiv Fur Kriminologie[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
[Application of the hexagon-OBTI test and the RSID blood test for the determination of the post-mortem interval of bone samples].
Ebach SC, Ramsthaler F, Birngruber CG … +1 more , Verhoff MA
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 22039698
In this serial experiment, five human bones with known post-mortem intervals (PMI) in a soil environment from five different epochs (0.2 to approximately 2000 years) were tested in a blind setup with two established rapi...
In this serial experiment, five human bones with known post-mortem intervals (PMI) in a soil environment from five different epochs (0.2 to approximately 2000 years) were tested in a blind setup with two established rapid tests for the identification of human blood traces (Hexagon-OBTI test and RSID blood test). Based on previous study results concerning the usability of the Luminol test for the first assessment of the PMI of osseous remains, the question arising was whether those test procedures, which are highly sensitive for the detection of human blood components, could also be used to narrow down the post-mortem interval. Five test series were conducted applying modified standard protocols of the manufactures. The aim was to find out whether with prior reaction steps or a prolonged time of incubation hemoglobin or its metabolites can be dissolved from the bone and positive test results can be achieved dependent on the PMI. Four test series yielded negative results for all bone samples and one test series a uniformly weak positive result. The results indicate that rapid tests based on the detection of blood are not suitable for the determination of the PMI of bone samples despite the modification of the standard protocols. Further thorough research is required to clarify the postmortem degradation of hemoglobin in bones.
[Bumping into a knife--exculpatory statement or (tragic) accident?].
Wilke N, Püschel K
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 22039697
Assessing stab wounds is a common task in forensic medicine. Quite often an accused claims that the victim bumped into the knife. Taking into account all the facts ascertained in the investigations conducted, such a stat...
Assessing stab wounds is a common task in forensic medicine. Quite often an accused claims that the victim bumped into the knife. Taking into account all the facts ascertained in the investigations conducted, such a statement can be rapidly disproved in most cases. The present case of a 14-year-old boy fatally wounded by his mother with a kitchen knife examines the aspect of walking into a knife. It is an example that this statement cannot always be regarded as implausible and that every single case has to be reconstructed in detail on the basis of all the investigation results.
[Aiming at the chest, but hitting the back].
Zech WD, Axmann S, Siegenthaler L … +2 more , Kneubühl B, Thali M
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 22039696
Gunshot injuries in the back may suggest the unjustified use of firearms. A wound in the back inflicted by a firearm should not automatically imply that the shooter aimed at the back. A previous study demonstrated that i...
Gunshot injuries in the back may suggest the unjustified use of firearms. A wound in the back inflicted by a firearm should not automatically imply that the shooter aimed at the back. A previous study demonstrated that it is possible for men to turn their trunk faster than it takes for a shooter to fire or throw a hand-operated weapon. With a high speed motion camera the authors were able to demonstrate that it is also possible for women to turn their trunk fast enough, so that a shot in the back could have been aimed at the front of the body. This conclusion is also likely to apply to hand-operated or thrown weapons, since the velocity of their projectiles is considerably lower than that of firearms.
[Suicide by hypothermia with intentional partial undressing].
Müller K, Gehl A, Ottens R … +1 more , Püschel K
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 22039695
Most cases of fatal hypothermia are accidental, often in connection with alcoholisation, homelessness, age-related confusedness and others. The phenomenon of paradoxical undressing may be observed. A paradoxical feeling...
Most cases of fatal hypothermia are accidental, often in connection with alcoholisation, homelessness, age-related confusedness and others. The phenomenon of paradoxical undressing may be observed. A paradoxical feeling of warmth in the advanced condition of hypothermia leads to the behaviour of undressing, partly or completely. Suicides with intentional hypothermia are rare. Fatal hypothermia often appears as a concomitant mechanism, e. g. in drug poisoning. The case report describes the fatality of a young woman dying from suicidal hypothermia. She was found partly undressed. This was part of her scheduled plan and not a consequence of paradoxical undressing.
[From alcohol to liquid ecstasy (GHB)--a survey of old and modern knockout agents. Part 1: historic and classic knockout agents].
Schütz H, Jansen M, Dettmeyer R … +1 more , Verhoff MA
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 22039694
Alcohol has been the most important knockout drug in history and literature and continues to play an essential role up to now. Blunt force to the head in the form of a knockout punch is another mechanism leading to a tra...
Alcohol has been the most important knockout drug in history and literature and continues to play an essential role up to now. Blunt force to the head in the form of a knockout punch is another mechanism leading to a transient loss of consciousness. Diethyl ether and chloroform are among the classical knockout substances. Although they have meanwhile been replaced by modern sedatives and hypnotics, their use is still observed in isolated cases.
[Autoerotic fatalities in Greater Dusseldorf].
Hartung B, Hellen F, Borchard N … +1 more , Huckenbeck W
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 22039693
Autoerotic fatalities in the Greater Dusseldorf area correspond to the relevant medicolegal literature. Our results included exclusively young to middle-aged, usually single men who were found dead in their city apartmen...
Autoerotic fatalities in the Greater Dusseldorf area correspond to the relevant medicolegal literature. Our results included exclusively young to middle-aged, usually single men who were found dead in their city apartments. Clothing and devices used showed a great variety. Women's or fetish clothing and complex shackling or hanging devices were disproportionately frequent. In most cases, death occurred due to hanging or ligature strangulation. There was no increased incidence of underlying psychiatric disorders. In most of the deceased no or at least no remarkable alcohol intoxication was found. Occasionally, it may be difficult to reliably differentiate autoerotic accidents, accidents occurring in connection with practices of bondage & discipline, dominance & submission (BDSM) from natural death, suicide or homicide.
[Clinical forensic examination findings and legal outcome in cases of suspected physical child abuse].
Bode-Jänisch S, Meyer Y, Schroeder G … +2 more , Günther D, Debertin AS
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 22039692
Clinical forensic examinations performed at the Institute of Legal Medicine of the Hanover Medical School between 1999 and 2008 in cases of suspected physical abuse of children were analyzed retrospectively with special...
Clinical forensic examinations performed at the Institute of Legal Medicine of the Hanover Medical School between 1999 and 2008 in cases of suspected physical abuse of children were analyzed retrospectively with special emphasis on the legal consequences. Altogether, 192 children (85 girls, 107 boys) with a median age of 4.4 years were examined. In 47 cases (24.5 %), the clinical forensic examination findings were interpreted as accidental injuries, birth traumas or unspecific findings. 29 victims (20.0 %) had suffered a shaken baby syndrome. Only part of the presented cases ended with conviction, which was more likely if the victims were aged between 7 and 11 years. Prison terms of 2 years and more were imposed only if the child suffered potentially or acute life-threatening injuries or if additional anogenital lesions were diagnosed indicating sexual child abuse.
[Variability of cannabinoid findings in blood].
Skopp G, Schmitt G
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 21850885
Cannabis products have been administered for many centuries; today, cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug all over the world. Nevertheless, the interpretation of cannabis findings in blood with regard to consumpt...
Cannabis products have been administered for many centuries; today, cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug all over the world. Nevertheless, the interpretation of cannabis findings in blood with regard to consumption behaviour and/or estimating the elapsed time since the last cannabis use is still a very challenging task. A wide variation of pharmacokinetic parameters has been observed even in experimental studies. Different chemical structures of precursors, smoking dynamics, pyrolysis of phytocannabinoids and frequency of drug use affect the amount of THC absorbed. Polymorphic enzymes are involved in phase-I-metabolism of THC. Pharmacological effects of other cannabinoids or medication on the pharmacokinetics of THC have not yet been studied in detail. Hydrolysis of cannabis conjugates may occur during storage of blood samples and processing of specimens for analysis; knowledge on the stability of cannabinoids in forensic specimens is still poor. Whether determination of cannabinoid conjugates may be useful is a matter of further consideration. At present, the broad variation of pharmacokinetic parameters and the limiting factors discussed in the present paper should be taken into account when using data from experimental studies for interpretation of analytical results in forensic case work.
[Diagnostic imaging in cases of suspected child abuse--focus craniocerebral trauma divergent guidelines and resulting problems].
Hartung B, Schaper J, Ritz-Timme S … +2 more , Strier U, Grass H
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 21850884
For the clinical diagnosis of non-accidental craniocerebral trauma in children there are different recommendations and guidelines, which are not completely consistent. Depending on the examiner, the focus may be on thera...
For the clinical diagnosis of non-accidental craniocerebral trauma in children there are different recommendations and guidelines, which are not completely consistent. Depending on the examiner, the focus may be on therapeutic relevance, minimization of the exposure to radiation or potential conclusions as to the course of events. Under certain circumstances it may be difficult for the responsible institution to deal with all three perspectives, as is shown by the presented case. From the authors' point of view it would be desirable to work out a common guideline taking into account paediatric radiological and medicolegal aspects.
[Clinical forensic examination findings and legal outcome in cases of suspected sexual child abuse].
Bode-Jänisch S, Voigt S, Günther D … +1 more , Debertin AS
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 21850883
The clinical forensic examinations conducted at the Institute of Legal Medicine of the Hanover Medical School between 1999 and 2008 in cases of suspected sexual abuse of children were evaluated retrospectively and analys...
The clinical forensic examinations conducted at the Institute of Legal Medicine of the Hanover Medical School between 1999 and 2008 in cases of suspected sexual abuse of children were evaluated retrospectively and analysed with regard to their legal outcome. In total, the study included 223 children (172 girls, 51 boys) with a median age of 8.6 years. In 34 children (15.2%), forensically relevant diagnostic findings due to anogenital injury and/or detection of semen were recorded. Perpetrators were convicted more often when they were not a member of the victim's family. In cases with victims aged seven years or older, conviction was more common. The study shows that medical findings can best be preserved by an immediate clinical forensic examination. Suspected sexual child abuse can often not be proved by medical examination results, but in some cases diagnostic findings are not mandatory for conviction.
[Differentiation of epithelial cell types by cell diameter].
Evers H, Birngruber CG, Ramsthaler F … +3 more , Müller U, Brück S, Verhoff MA
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 21850882
Genital swabs play an important role in cases of alleged sexual assault. The aim of our study was to see if epithelial cells from the vagina, glans penis, or mouth could be distinguished on the basis of size. Vaginal swa...
Genital swabs play an important role in cases of alleged sexual assault. The aim of our study was to see if epithelial cells from the vagina, glans penis, or mouth could be distinguished on the basis of size. Vaginal swabs were taken from 12 women in different phases of their menstrual cycles; penile swabs were taken from 5 men, and mouth swabs were taken from 6 men and 6 women. For each swab, a sample was smeared across a microscope slide and allowed to dry. The dried epithelial samples were then viewed without any further processing with a "SteReoLumar.V12" stereo microscope. The microscope slide surfaces were divided into grids and all single epithelial cells whose contours could be clearly distinguished were photographed. The maximum diameter for each photographed cell was digitally determined using the Axiovision software. In total, 995 vaginal epithelial cells, 211 penile epithelial cells, 329 male oral epithelial cells, and 525 female oral epithelial cells were measured. Menstrual cycle phase did not affect vaginal epithelial cell diameter. The mean vaginal epithelial cell diameter was 63.95 microm (min. = 28.08 microm, max. = 108.06 microm, s = 11.50 microm). The mean penile epithelial cell diameter was 39.24 microm (min. = 28.38 microm, max. = 51.02 microm, s = 4.84 microm). The diameter of oral epithelial cells hardly differed for both sexes, although the female cells were, on the whole, slightly larger. On the basis of these results, it is not possible to conclude that epithelial cells of less than a certain diameter found in the assessment of a vaginal swab must be of penile origin. It is also not possible to usefully distinguish vaginal epithelial cells from male or female oral epithelial cells on the basis of the diameter. However, finding epithelial cells with a diameter distinctly greater than 50 microm in a penile swab sample suggests the presence of vaginal or oral epithelial cells. Epithelial cells examined with the presented method can be used without restrictions for further examinations, such as single-cell DNA analysis after single-cell picking with the micromanipulator developed by Aura Optik (Jena).
[Injuries of the female genitalia in cases of sexual assault].
Schröder AS, Güzel MO, Seifert D … +2 more , Püschel K, Anders S
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 21850881
Sexual violence is a global problem that particularly affects women and children. A retrospective analysis of 390 clinical-forensic examinations and 120 autopsies regarding injuries of the female genitalia in cases of se...
Sexual violence is a global problem that particularly affects women and children. A retrospective analysis of 390 clinical-forensic examinations and 120 autopsies regarding injuries of the female genitalia in cases of sexual violence was performed. In the majority of cases no injuries of the female genitalia were found. Autopsy cases showed significantly more (and more serious) injuries of the genitalia than clinical forensic examinations (43 % vs. 25 %; p = 0.0004). Predominantly found were injuries of the external anogenital area, mostly tears or soft tissue lesions. In the current literature, data regarding the rate of injuries in victims of sexual violence vary strongly and their comparability is limited. Regarding the reconstruction of an offence, a forensic examination with an appropriate documentation of the injuries is evidently crucial.
[Determination of blood/serum ratios of different forensically relevant analytes in authentic samples].
Jantos R, Schuhmacher M, Veldstra JL … +8 more , Bosker WM, Klöpping-Ketelaars I, Touliou K, Sardi GM, Brookhuis KA, Ramaekers JG, Mattern R, Skopp G
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 21805908
For forensic toxicological investigations only whole blood, but no serum is often available. Pharmacokinetic data are helpful for interpreting the results, but most of these studies indicate serum or plasma concentration...
For forensic toxicological investigations only whole blood, but no serum is often available. Pharmacokinetic data are helpful for interpreting the results, but most of these studies indicate serum or plasma concentrations. In order to obtain reliable conversion factors which also take intersubject variability into account, the blood/serum ratios (B/S) of oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, zopiclone, MDMA, dexamphetamine, alprazolam, risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone were determined by LC-MS/MS using authentic samples. Blood and corresponding serum samples were obtained from driving studies performed with controlled or known dosages of the above drugs. The analytes were analysed in blood and serum and the following mean B/S ratios (relative standard deviations) were determined: oxycodone 1.48 (8.19 %); morphine 1.03 (3.59 %); fentanyl 0.87 (13.9 %); hydromorphone 1.04 (8.11 %); zopiclone 0.89 (16.1 %); MDMA 1.19 (8.04 %); dexamphetamine 0.89 (10.9 %); alprazolam 0.81 (5.84 %); risperidone 0.65 (7.52 %); 9-hydroxyrisperidone 0.73 (12.3 %). These mean values are largely in line with those reported in the literature. The B/S ratios did not appear to depend on partition coefficients, whereas there was strong evidence that B/S ratios decreased with increasing plasma protein binding.
[Semen analysis using methods of molecular genetics--a case report].
Laberke PJ, Wiprächtiger N, Wittig H … +2 more , Hausmann R, Balitzki B
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 21805907
The presented case report describes the exclusion of the suspect of a sexual offence by means of methods of molecular genetics. Pretests for prostate-specific antigen performed at the beginning of the investigation and c...
The presented case report describes the exclusion of the suspect of a sexual offence by means of methods of molecular genetics. Pretests for prostate-specific antigen performed at the beginning of the investigation and cytological sperm tests were negative. Nevertheless, by combining the methods of differential lysis and DNA quantification a small number of spermatozoa could be demonstrated in the trace evidence. Subsequently, the profile of the woman's boyfriend, with whom she had had unprotected vaginal intercourse two days before the incident, could be detected in the fraction of the hard lysis.
[Neonaticides in Hamburg, Germany, from 1998 to 2008].
Krohn J, Anders S, Püschel K … +1 more , Schröder AS
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 21805906
In the analyzed period from 1998 to 2008, the autopsies performed at the Hamburg Institute of Legal Medicine included 13 cases in which an investigation for neonaticide had been initiated by the public prosecutor. The ki...
In the analyzed period from 1998 to 2008, the autopsies performed at the Hamburg Institute of Legal Medicine included 13 cases in which an investigation for neonaticide had been initiated by the public prosecutor. The killed neonates showed a nearly equal distribution between both sexes. The most common method of neonaticide was suffocation. Most of the perpetrators were young, unmarried primipara with an average educational background. Almost all of them were suffering under psychological stress and had negated their pregnancy. In most cases, birth and neonaticide happened alone in their flat, and there was no medical attendance in any case. In the cases brought to court the women were charged with manslaughter (Section 212 German Criminal Code) and those found guilty were always granted a mitigated sentence pursuant to Section 213 Criminal Code.
[Negligent homicide caused by exhaust gas escaping from a manipulated chimney].
Wirth I, Varchmin-schultheiss K, Schmeling A
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 21805905
A chimney built and operated according to the instructions is supposed to ensure that the combustion gases coming from the fireplace can escape safely. If the operational reliability is impaired, this presents a risk of...
A chimney built and operated according to the instructions is supposed to ensure that the combustion gases coming from the fireplace can escape safely. If the operational reliability is impaired, this presents a risk of acute poisoning. The report deals with a negligently caused carbon monoxide poisoning of a married couple as a consequence of improper installation of a cover of the chimney opening. Various causes of fatal poisoning due to defective exhaust systems are discussed in connection with the presented case report.
[The QR code in society, economy and medicine--fields of application, options and chances].
Flaig B, Parzeller M
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 21805904
2D codes like the QR Code ("Quick Response") are becoming more and more common in society and medicine. The application spectrum and benefits in medicine and other fields are described. 2D codes can be created free of ch...
2D codes like the QR Code ("Quick Response") are becoming more and more common in society and medicine. The application spectrum and benefits in medicine and other fields are described. 2D codes can be created free of charge on any computer with internet access without any previous knowledge. The codes can be easily used in publications, presentations, on business cards and posters. Editors choose between contact details, text or a hyperlink as information behind the code. At expert conferences, linkage by QR Code allows the audience to download presentations and posters quickly. The documents obtained can then be saved, printed, processed etc. Fast access to stored data in the internet makes it possible to integrate additional and explanatory multilingual videos into medical posters. In this context, a combination of different technologies (printed handout, QR Code and screen) may be reasonable.
[Criminal professional body packers and harmless "swallowers"].
Hohner M, Püschel K
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 21805903
Body packing practices used by professional drug smugglers are sometimes imitated. However, both groups can develop the same clinical symptoms induced by body packing. The paper describes four cases of criminal professio...
Body packing practices used by professional drug smugglers are sometimes imitated. However, both groups can develop the same clinical symptoms induced by body packing. The paper describes four cases of criminal professional body packers and two cases of "swallowers" not regarded as criminals who required medical treatment. The authors discuss the necessity of an abdominal X-ray and show how the increasingly professional methods used by body packers make a reliable diagnosis more difficult.
[Spontaneous Clostridium infection--often a post-mortem diagnosis].
Martos VP, Bartsch C
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 21661254
Infections with Clostridium species occur very seldom but then often as a lethal disease. They are mainly associated with trauma, surgery and malignancies, but can also occur with dermal and intestinal infections, burns...
Infections with Clostridium species occur very seldom but then often as a lethal disease. They are mainly associated with trauma, surgery and malignancies, but can also occur with dermal and intestinal infections, burns and septic abortion. The development of gas gangrene is insidious and progression is very rapid. So it may stay unrealized until death and is often diagnosed only at autopsy.
[Detection of latent fingerprints by the use of silver nitrate].
Schwarz L, Hermanowski ML
Arch Kriminol · 2011 · PMID 21661253
Silver nitrate has been an established agent for the detection of latent fingerprints for some 120 years, and it was one of the few reagents suitable for use on porous surfaces until ninhydrin was introduced in forensics...
Silver nitrate has been an established agent for the detection of latent fingerprints for some 120 years, and it was one of the few reagents suitable for use on porous surfaces until ninhydrin was introduced in forensics. The method is based on the reaction of silver ions with chlorides in the fingerprints, which are visualized in brown, violet or black. The literature describes many variations of the procedure, but the information provided is often vague and imprecise. The purpose of this study was to show whether this method can also be used on modern types of paper and how it should be applied. The results of the tests showed that silver nitrate solutions do work also on modern papers, but that they cannot be recommended as a standard, because the appearance of the prints and the paper background can strongly change in the course of time. The findings also do not justify the use of methanol-containing silver nitrate solutions in contrast to the variations based on water. For reasons of occupational safety, methanol, which is classified as poisonous, should not be used. The silver nitrate method may be taken into consideration, however, e.g. after the application of ninhydin, if there are hints that the potential fingerprints are not too old, have not been affected by moisture and if there are clues that the perpetrator perspired strongly while causing the prints.
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