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This paper describes the first use of multiplex PCR amplification kits for the analysis of DNA extracted from cigarette butts in a criminal case. Two suspects could be excluded as potential contributors to the samples, whereas the multi locus PCR-based DNa profile derived from the cigarette butts was consistent with a DNA profile derived from a third suspect. For identity testing in criminal cases where cigarette butts are involved, commercially available PCR amplification kits provide currently the most powerful tool. Furthermore this PCR-based analysis can be implemented into most application orientated laboratories.

Genetic characterization of biological material in criminal cases and for parentage testing at the DNA level has gained wide acceptance. This paper describes the basic methodology of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and the methodology based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RFLP typing is performed in all cases where larger quantities of DNA are available because of its high discrimination power. PCR is used when only limited quantities of DNA or degraded DNA are available. There is a lot of applicabilities for the gynecologist, primarily in the investigation of sexual assault cases and in parentage testing of newborns, which is shown by several examples of forensic cases.

For many years, the resolution of disputed paternity cases by genetic means relied on laboratory blood tests of red cell antigens and red cell and serum protein electrophoresis. These systems are generally characterized as lacking polymorphism and having low powers of exclusion, therefore it was necessary to use a panel of up to 23 marker systems. Over the past five years, a variety of DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) systems have been developed that characterize individuals at the DNA level. In this paper we describe the implementation of a Hae III RFLP system utilized in our laboratory for the resolution of disputed parentage cases as well as forensic casework. Since the analysis of highly polymorphic VNTR loci has proven to be the most powerful method to date for the determination of biological relatedness the utilization of the conventional methodologies should be completely replaced.

Benzodiazepine derivates can cause transient global amnesia even when administered in therapeutical doses. As amnesia seems to be more frequent than supposed, it is relevant for traffic medicine. We shall discuss forensic cases in which Midazolam amnesia was suspected with special attention to the interpretation of toxicological data.

In view of application to personal identification and paternal analysis, the allele distribution of the loci DYS 19, DYS389 I and II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, and DYS393 were determined in a sample of 126 unrelated males from the area of Bern (Switzerland). The 7 Y-STR loci were coamplified in a total of two multiplex reactions using fluorescently-labeled primers. PCR products were separated and detected on a capillary electrophoresis ABI Prism 310 instrument. All loci were polymorphic and the allele distributions are similar to other caucasian data.

The case is reported of a 26 year-old man with a colloid cyst of the third ventricle (paraphyseal cyst; neuroepithelial cyst), which gave rise to a fatal increase in intracranial pressure. Despite repeated hospitalisation the diagnosis was not established prior to death. This report serves as a reminder that this rare disorder must be considered in the differential diagnosis of conditions causing increased intracranial pressure in view of the life-saving therapeutic management required to avert a fatal outcome.

The autopsy of a newborn child that was found wrapped up in a plastic bag revealed a biparietal fracture of the skull. Only after knowing all circumstances it was possible to explain the origin of this fracture. A plausible reconstruction was possible after the inspection of the scene, the autopsy and by taking into consideration the statement of the mother. Thus it is could be decided that the death of the newborn child occurred by an accident while an infanticide, birth injury or labor precipitate causing the fracture was excluded.