Application of mist to fingermark detection: Misting with high-boiling-point liquid containing p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde and cyanoacrylate.

In order to detect latent fingerprints that could be damaged by liquid or powder reagents, non-destructive processes such as gaseous reagents have been developed. In this report, we propose the use of fine mist generated when hot vapor of high-boiling-point liquids is rapidly cooled by surrounding air for fingermark detection. Octyl acetate (OA), 2-phenoxyethanol (2PE), and methyl decanoate (MD) were found to efficiently produce mist when heated to 230°C. By combining these liquids with p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMAC) and cyanoacrylate (CN), our team demonstrated effective fluorescence staining of cyano-treated fingermarks using DMAC/OA misting or DMAC/2PE misting, and one-step fluorescence detection of latent fingermarks without cyanoacrylate treatment using DMAC/OA/CN misting or DMAC/MD/CN misting. Fingermark fluorescence was efficiently observed by excitation with a blue LED light (max. wavelength 470 nm) equipped with an interference filter and passing through a 520 nm long-pass filter. We successfully obtained fluorescent images from fingermarks on several substrate materials using the developed misting method.

Analysis of water-soluble paper for forensic discrimination.

Water-soluble paper (WSP), which easily dissolves in water, has been found in criminal gang hideouts as evidence in crimes including bank transfer fraud, phone fraud, and grandparent scams, i.e. identity fraud to steal money. Distinguishing WSP products used in crimes is required in forensic investigations to link fraud groups with paper evidence or prove connections among fraud groups. In this work, we investigate distinguishing WSP products. White sheets of six WSP products available in Japan were analyzed by measuring the grammage and thickness, determining additive compounds by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), and performing fiber analysis by transmitted light microscopy. The six products were categorized into three groups by grammage and thickness. XRD, XRF, and SEM/EDX analysis provided elemental information about additive compounds and their distribution on the surface. Pulp analysis by Graff "C" stain provided the composition and morphology of the pulp. The six products could be distinguished in a similar way to plain paper by these analyses. Our results demonstrate that conventional analytical methods used for plain paper analysis can also be used to discriminate WSP in forensic investigations.

Development of a modified p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde solution for touch DNA analysis and its application to STR analysis.

We developed an acid-free p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMAC) solution containing silicone oil that was suitable for spraying on clothing for analysis of biological samples such as touch DNA. We investigated the effect of this solution and irradiation with blue light emitting diode (LED) light on short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. To examine the effect of adding acid to the DMAC solution on visualizing biological samples, saliva sample was deposited on T-shirt. The T-shirt was sprayed with acid-added DMAC or acid-free DMAC solution and left for 2 h before irradiation with the blue LED light. We observed no differences between the fluorescence intensities achieved with these two solutions. To examine the effect of acid addition to the DMAC solution on STR analysis, sweat samples were smeared on glass slides and dried. The slides were sprayed with acid-added or acid-free DMAC solution and irradiated with the blue LED light. Samples were collected from the slides with swabs, and DNA was extracted from each sample using a PrepFiler Express™ Forensic DNA Extraction Kit and quantified using a Human DNA quantification kit (Takara RR281). The extracted DNA was amplified using an AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® Plus PCR Amplification Kit for STR typing. We found that addition of acid to DMAC had little effect on DNA contained in the biological samples and STR analysis. To investigate whether DMAC could be used to visualize biological samples on clothes, saliva, sweat, and finger and palm prints were deposited on separate T-shirts. Biological samples were treated with DMAC and observed after 2 h, 1, 2, or 3 days under the blue LED. All biological samples were visualized and emitted fluorescence after 2 h. To examine the effects of the DMAC solution and LED irradiation on STR analysis, including DNA extraction, quantification, and STR typing, saliva and sweat were smeared on glass slides and dried. Touch DNA samples were deposited on glass slides directly. The slides were then sprayed with DMAC solution, sprayed with DMAC solution and irradiated with the blue LED, or left untreated. Samples were collected from the slides with swabs, and DNA was extracted, quantified, and amplified using the above kits. These results suggest that the DMAC solution and blue LED light will have no adverse effects on STR analysis. Therefore, this method will be very useful for touch DNA analysis in forensic investigations.

Vapor-phase staining of cyanoacrylate-fumed latent fingerprints using p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde.

Contrasting or enhancing of cyanoacrylate ester-fumed latent fingerprints deposited on solvent-sensitive materials such as oil marker writings and rough surface materials such as unglazed earthenware is not easy by conventional dye solutions dipping or dye powder dusting. In this study, a new vapor-phase staining method using p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMAB) is proposed for staining such materials. DMAB has high volatility and selective absorbability to cyanoacrylate-fumed fingerprints, so that cyanoacrylate-treated samples can be easily stained by leaving them simply in a closed container along with DMAB crystals for 48-96 h at room temperature or in conjunction with the use of mild heating. The stained fingerprint could be excited by UV irradiation (365 nm), and the fluorescent fingerprint was photographed through a UV cut-off filter (420 nm). The new method achieved minimally destructive fluorescent staining for the solvent-sensitive samples and the rough surfaced samples.

Trace elemental analysis of titanium dioxide pigments and automotive white paint fragments for forensic examination using high-energy synchrotron radiation x-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

High-energy synchrotron radiation x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (SR-XRF) utilizing 116 keV x-rays was used to characterize titanium dioxide pigments (rutile) and automotive white paint fragments for forensic examination. The technique allowed analysis of K lines of 9 trace elements in 18 titanium dioxide pigments (rutile), and 10 trace elements in finish coat layers of seven automotive white paint fragments. High-field strength elements (HFSE) were found to strongly reflect the origin of the titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) pigments, and could be used as effective parameters for discrimination and classification of the pigments and paint fragments. A pairwise comparison of the finish coat layers of seven automotive white paint fragments was performed. The trace elements in the finish coat layers detected by the high-energy SR-XRF were especially effective for identification. By introducing the trace element information of primer and electrocoat layers, all the automotive white paint fragments could be discriminated by this technique.

Detection of pretreated fingerprint fluorescence using an LED-based excitation system.

Optimization of a light emitting diode (LED)-based excitation system for the detection of pretreated fingerprint fluorescence is described. Fluorescent ridges can usually be excited by irradiation with forensic light sources such as xenon arc lamps or quartz-halogen lamps with high-power output and suitable filters. However, they are too expensive for many crime laboratories in smaller organizations. We concentrated on LEDs which have advantages over conventional light sources in that they are simpler and of lower cost, but the power output and quality of each individual LED unit is not sufficient for the detection of weak fluorescent ridges. To resolve this subject, blue and green LED arrays composed of ninety LED units were adopted and suitable low pass filters for them were designed. An experimental system, consisting of blue and green LED arrays with the suitable low pass filters for illumination, high pass filters for viewing, a digital camera and a computer, was tested. The fluorescent images of cyanoacrylate ester fumed/rhodamine 6G stained fingerprint on white polyethylene sheet and weak fluorescent ridges of ninhydrin/indium chloride treated fingerprint on white paper were successfully detected and photographed. It was shown that the improvement of LED beam in intensity and quality can compensate the disadvantages, resulting in well-contrasted images.

Lower limits of detection of synchrotron radiation high-energy X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and its possibility for the forensic application for discrimination of glass fragments.

Synchrotron radiation high-energy X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) analysis utilizing 75.5keV X-ray radiation from beam-line BL37XU at Super Photon Ring 8GeV (SPring-8), a third-generation synchrotron facility, was found to have advantages for forensic discrimination of glass samples. The lower limits of detection (LLD) for calibration curves were at the picogram level for Ba, Ce, and Sm and at the 10pg level for Sr, Zr, Sn, and Hf. The spectrum of NIST SRM 612 glass reference material demonstrated K-line peaks of 31 elements including rare-earth elements, and the relative standard deviations (R.S.D.) of all the measured elements except Ca were less than 9.7%. Fragments of collected sheet glass were used as samples for investigating the application of this technique to forensic analysis. Several trace elements such as Pb, Rb, Sr, Zr, La, Ce, and Hf were detected in the spectra of the samples, and these elements could be used as indexes to characterize the glass samples. But the "lower limits of detection (LLD)" of each element were not examined enough. In this report, these limits by synchrotron radiation X-ray spectrometry were clarified. By these results, this technique should provide an effective approach to the nondestructive discrimination of small glass fragments in the field of forensic science.

[Anesthetic management of a patient with relapsing polychondritis].

A 71-year-old male patient with relapsing polychondritis was scheduled for elective sigmoidectomy. Relapsing chondritis often causes inflammation of the tracheal cartilages, leading to fragile trachea and bronchus. Preoperative evaluation with 3-dimensional computed tomography showed rightward tracheal shift and nearly 50% narrowing of the right bronchus during expiration phase. His trachea was intubated with fiberoptic-guided intubation under light sedation. General anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane 2.0% and air 50% in oxygen under mechanical ventilation employing PEEP (5cmH2O). No respiratory complication occurred during general anesthesia. But he suffered pleural effusion and atelectasis on the post-surgical day 2. We should pay attention to 3-dimensional structure of the airway when we perform general anesthesia for a patient with relapsing chondritis.

[Well leg compartment syndrome during prolonged surgery in the lithotomy position].

We experienced a case of the well leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) during total pelvic exenteration in a 54-year-old woman. She was placed in the head down-lithotomy position and her both lower legs were attached with elastic stocking and intermittent pneumatic compression for prevention of deep vein thrombosis. The surgery lasted for 13 hr and 15 min. Her vital signs stayed stable during the procedure. After emergence from anesthesia, she complained of severe bilateral crural pain. We found that her calves were swollen and rigid. Creatinin kinase increased to 40120 U x l(-1) the following morning. She was diagnosed as WLCS, and the left fibula paralysis remained as legacy of WLCS. WLCS during surgery is caused by inappropriate positioning of the lower limbs, in contrast to a compartment syndrome caused by trauma or injury. Its etiology consists of multi-factors e.g., prolonged surgery in the lithotomy position and hypo-perfusion. We emphasize the importance of both prevention and early treatment of WLCS. All anesthesiologists should pay attention to WLCS.

Two cases of transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage are well known, but the etiology remains unclear. Transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome is characterized by acute onset myocardial infarction-like symptoms, transient (reversible) cardiac dysfunction, and shapes resembling ampulla on left ventriculography. We managed general anesthesia for two patients with transient left ventricular apical ballooning and ECG abnormalities associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage. During anesthesia, their hemodynamic status was almost stable although their cardiac performance analyzed by transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal cardiography was poor. Anesthetic management of this syndrome may be simplified if less cardiosuppressive anesthetic management is used. We recommend evaluating cardiac function with transthoracic echocardiography or transesophageal cardiography when an subarachnoid hemorrhage patient has ECG abnormalities.

Complete suppression of paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia by globus pallidus internus pallidal stimulation.

Stereotactic functional surgery is being explored as potential therapies for medically intractable paroxysmal dyskinesias (PxD). We report on a 59-year-old man in whom stimulation of globus pallidus internus produced immediate and sustained relief of paroxysmal non-kinesigenic dyskinesia secondary to a rotator cuff tears on the left shoulder. Our finding strongly suggests that altered function of neuronal circuits of the basal ganglia underlies the manifestation of PxD.

Mental strain in medical students during simulator training measured by forehead sweating.

Forehead sweating developed in 78% of medical students when they attempted tracheal intubation on a simulator, and increased during subsequent attempts if the first attempt was not successful. Thus, forehead sweating may be a useful index of mental strain.

Nondestructive analysis of silver in gold foil using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

Small particles of gold foil detached from an indoor decoration might be important evidence to associate a suspect with a crime scene. We have investigated the application of elemental analysis using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to discriminate small particles of gold foil. Eight kinds of gold foil samples collected in Japan were used in the experiments. As a result of synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, only two elements, gold and silver, were detected from all gold foil samples. The intensity ratios of AgKalpha/AuLalpha showed good correlation with the content ratios of Ag/Au. The variation of intensity ratio within a same sample was sufficiently small compared with those of different samples. Therefore the comparison of this intensity ratio can be an effective method to discriminate small particles originating from different types of gold foil.

Forensic discrimination of sheet glass by a refractive-index measurement and elemental analysis with synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

Measurements of the refractive index (RI) and elemental analysis using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (SR-XRF) were applied to the forensic discrimination of sheet-glass samples from different origins. The refractive index was calculated from the matching temperature at which the glass fragments became invisible in silicone oil. Fragments smaller than 1 mm in maximum diameter were taken from each of 11 sheet glasses and subjected to analysis by SR-XRF. The XRF spectrum of these samples indicated that a comparison of 6 elements (Ca, Fe, Sr, Zr, Ba and Ce) was useful for the discrimination of sheet glasses. Cluster analysis was performed using 33 sets of SR-XRF data obtained by triplicate measurements for the 11 glasses. Comparing 528 pairs among 33 samples, 515 pairs could be correctly discriminated. The number of indistinguishable pairs could be reduced from 36 to 4 by comparing the SR-XRF data. Elemental analysis by SR-XRF could provide small glass fragments with a more evidential value than the solely measurement of only RI, through a significant improvement of the discrimination capability.

[Tracheal intubation using a guide wire for a 5-month-old baby with epiglottic cyst].

We report anesthetic management for a 5-month-old baby with an epiglottic cyst causing stenosis of the upper airway and growth failure. A flexible guide wire was first inserted into the trachea through the forceps port of the fiberoptic bronchoscope (O.D. 3.5 mm) nasally. After removal of the bronchoscope, the trachea was then successfully intubated with a trachea tube (I.D. 3.5 mm) passed over it. Her symptom improved after removal of the cyst. A flexible guide wire combined with fiberoptic bronchoscope is useful in tracheal intubation for a baby with a difficult airway.

["Cannot-ventilate" after anesthetic induction in a patient with rapidly increased laryngeal tumor].

A 76-year-old male patient with laryngeal tumor was scheduled for elective laryngo-microsurgery. He had no dyspnea nor symptoms of obstructive lung disease detected by spirometry. Preoperative finding by laryngoscopy showed decreased movement of the left vocal cord. However, no significant narrowing was found in the glottis. Following anesthetic induction with fentanyl and thiamylal, the lungs could not be ventilated with anesthesia circuit even by use of oral airway device. After his resuming spontaneous breathing, assisted ventilation became possible. However, the lungs could not be ventilated again after vecuronium i.v. The vocal cords could not be visualized by direct laryngoscopy with a Macintosh blade. The trachea was intubated with a tracheal tube (I.D. 6.0 mm) by blind technique, and mechanical ventilation was established. The intraoperative laryngomicroscopy showed that the laryngeal tumor had grown rapidly occupying the glottis except posterior commissure. We should be careful of rapid preoperative growth of the laryngeal tumor.