Journal of Forensic Research

Cavum Septi pellucid (CSP), a cavity between the laminae of the septum pellucidum, for a longer period has been reported as an anomaly of the brain midline, associated with neuropsychiatric diseases, mostly schizophrenia, but also posttraumatic stress disorder, De la Tourette disease, and persons who survived a repeated a serious head trauma, boxers on the first place. Our investigation has been performed on 479 unfixed frozen brains, of the autopsied individuals of both genders, and MRI scans of 250 examinees, out of which 110 had neuropsychiatric illness. In our sample, the prevalence of CSP was 22.96% among the autopsied individuals and 9.2% in examinees who underwent MRI scan. The cause of the death among schizophrenia suffering persons was suicide (18 out of 25 patients). Obviously, CSP is more frequently associated with neuropsychiatric diseases, but a dilemma still exists, did we make a bias in brain suitability for the examination or we did the same mistake in observing clinical cases. A large CSP, though, is an almost certain sign for an underlying neuropsychiatric impairment, especially schizophrenia. The CSP among alcoholics and persons with the priory sustained head blows is probably of the same cause and represents an aftermath of the diffuse axonal injuries, i.e. brain trauma.

The aims of this research are to study the mitochondria noncoding region by using the Sanger sequencing technique and establish the degree of variation characteristic of a fragment. FTA® Technology (FTA™ paper DNA extraction) utilized to extract DNA. A portion of a noncoding region encompassing positions 16024-16365 amplified in accordance with the Anderson reference sequence. PCR products purified by EZ-10 spin column then sequenced and detected by using the ABI 3730xL DNA Analyzer. The most frequent variant differed in the single position A16227G, according to the CRS sequence. A new polymorphic position 16046, 16105 and 16141 are described may in future be suitable sources for identification purpose. The data obtained can be used to identify variable nucleotide positions characterized by frequent occurrence most promising for identification variants.

Now a day’s cannabis is enormously using as for the drug abuse in India including other developing countries. The plant Cannabis sativa is also known as marijuana, presents unique issues in our justice system, not the least of which is its identification both by law enforcement officers as well as Forensic Crime Laboratories. Present work is aimed for identification of that biological evidence of Cannabis plant, which can enhance the suitability of identification. Comprehensive studies of both chemical and morphological methods have led investigators to conclude that the two approaches are complementary [1]. In this morphological study was performed by using trinoccular biological research microscope while chemical study by colour/spot tests and Thin Layer Chromatography due to its ease of availability and handling. A combination of the two provides experienced analysts with a very reliable means for identifying Cannabis fragments. If any of the residue/fragments of Cannabis plant found at the crime scene, a Forensic Analyst (investigator) can adopt any of the identification technique as suitable as for their reliability [2]. Some of the researchers have been already qualified these types of techniques but present study included the anatomy of root, stem, with their visual feature followed by chemical and instrumental techniques which can provide accuracy of identification.

Background: In this study DNA typing of old skeletal remains was improved through AmpFlSTR®Identifiler®PCR amplification kit using different approaches. Methodology: DNA extraction was carried out by silica columns based total demineralization extraction method.DNA quantification was carried out by Real Time PCR. DNA amplification was carried out by using AmpFlSTR®Identifiler® PCR amplification kit with modified conditions. Capillary electrophoresis and Data analysis were carried out by Genetic Analyzer 3130 (ABI) and GeneMapper ID software version 3.2. Results: DNA was detected in 17 out of 24 skeletal remains. Among them, in 7 samples DNA was in the range of 1-10 pg/µL, in 4 samples it was in the range of 22-69 pg/µL and in 6 samples the DNA was in the range of >100 pg/ µL. The CT value (<30) of 40 cycles indicated that the PCR inhibitors were removed during DNA extraction method. Promising results were obtained by increasing the number of PCR cycles from standard 28 to 33 instead of 32 in PCR reaction. Finally it was observed that consensus approach produced reliable and reproducible DNA profiles from old skeletal remains. Conclusions: Forensic DNA typing of old skeletal remains, through a multiplex AmpFlSTR®Identifiler® PCR amplification kit, is improved by using: a highly effective DNA extraction method, modified and optimized PCR conditions, increasing sensitivity of PCR amplification and consensus approach

On Sunday March 13th 2011, at half past eight in the evening, the French public national television channel France 5 broadcast a documentary relating the investigation which had led to the “formal” identification of Henry IV’s skull. It had been conducted by a team of scientists led by Doctor Philippe Charlier, a forensic medical examiner-a well-known anthropologist. Throughout the programme, many factors were introduced and proved the identification. And yet, taking a scientific step back and looking at things from a distance with historical knowledge, these factors seem to be questionable. Here is a new perspective which showed the seeds of doubt on the showcasing of absolute certainty.

Acts of school violence increase awareness of the public safety role played by school police. While not every school has permanently assigned police officers, research shows they can make a positive difference. The high profile gun violence cases have increased demands for safer schools, with an argument over the best ways to fund and achieve that goal. This paper examines high profile school shootings; traumatization in the wake of school violence, the biopsychosocialcultural impact of violence on school climate, as well as student resource officer relationships with pupils, parents and the community. The comprehensive effect of school violence is best measured using a biopsychosocialcultural paradigm. Training school police for crafting a safety plan, threat assessment, and scene management are discussed. Finally, implications for forensic psychological research and practice are explored.

Parents can provide information and insight critical to the understanding and treatment of clinical and forensic psychological issues presented by juvenile fire setters. Better inclusion of parents may improve treatment outcomes, and thus promote public safety. Forensic assessments of juvenile fire setters (JFSB) often reveal emotional discord (e.g., anxiety, depression, social, trauma-related stress). The intentional features of a juvenile’s case meet the FBI criteria for arson-related behaviors. Risk assessment by mental health professionals is imperative to try to anticipate the threat of repeat behavior. The ratings can then be used by a diverse group of professionals (e.g., psychosocial service providers, legal agencies, prosecutors, and probation officers). Parents are powerful (though sometimes reluctant) informants, who may require encouragement to assist mental health professionals craft better risk assessments. Information from parents can significantly influence the clinical and forensic service experiences of JFSs. This paper reviews the clinical and forensic matters relevant to understanding juvenile fire setters. The article examines risk assessment issues relative to using information provided by parents in the context of forensic work with juvenile fire setters. A section of the article is dedicated to the considering how the assessment of parents is used in the broader context of the forensic work with a juvenile. A recommended interview procedure for parents of juvenile fire setters is reviewed. Conclusions for forensic research and implications for forensic psychological practice are also highlighted.