Investigation of the microorganisms decaying blood evidences

Many biological evidences that submitted to forensic laboratories are not convenient for DNA analysis. Because of they are not collected and packaged correctly and not stored in the appropriate environment. For this reason, DNA test and many other non-DNA tests cannot be performed [1]. In order to protect blood evidence, should be known the reason of the deterioration. For this intention, we investigated the kind of microorganisms which decay the evidences, the effect of temperature, effect of package types and resistance of biological evidence to putrefaction. We aimed to determine the best condition for evidence safety. In our study, evidence modules were prepared using five different grounds, three different temperatures, two different time durations and three different package types. After the waiting periods, packages were opened and microbiological analyzed. At the end of microbiological analyzes, it determined that, as the waiting time of packages increases, microbial reproduction increases. The most decaying was seen on blood drips on the wall. After wall, respectively wood, sponge, fabric and knife are decaying by microorganism. The most putrefaction is seen at 40C, the least putrefaction is seen in the room conditions. Paper envelopes and cloth bags have been found to be better for protecting evidences. However, evidences that were completely dry were found to be better preserved in nylon bags. [Med-Science 2018; 7(1.000): 173-177

Source Determination and Seasonal Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Urban Soil of the Megacity Istanbul

A total of 62 topsoil samples (0-10 cm) were gathered from Istanbul's urban town and investigated for 8 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The main aim of the study was to assess the origins of PAHs using diagnostic ratios of selected pairs of PAH congeners in soil of Istanbul. The range of total of 8 PAHs (sigma(8)PAH) concentrations was found as 0.001-5.941 mu g g(-1). Generally higher concentrations were determined at locations being crowded towns and close to busy traffic. Most stations have both pyrolytic and petrogenic origins of PAHs. This study is the first research on the origin of PAHs in Istanbul urban soils and will be database for further studies

Investigation of human DNA profiles in house dust mites: Implications in forensic acarology

House dust mites are microscopic arthropods commonly found in many households. Since they feed on the flakes of shed human skin, human genetic material is expected to be present in these creatures. We conducted a study to find out if house dust mites can carry the DNA of the house occupants. If this were true, could human DNA isolated from the mites, obtained from a crime scene, be used as evidence in court

Prepared Disappearing Ink and Deciphering of Documents

Disappearing inks can be used for forgeries in many fields. In this study, thymolphthalein indicator solution was prepared as a disappearing ink. A total of 54 different solutions containing thymolphthalein were prepared at six different concentrations and nine different pH values. Among the prepared solutions, 0.16 g/50 mL and 0.32 g/65 mL thymolphthalein at pH 14 were the optimum solutions that were not distinguishable from regular ink when applied to promissory note. Fountain pens were filled with the abovementioned ink solutions and applied to promissory notes for experimental purposes. After 40 h, ink residues were not visible on promissory notes written with the ink with the optimum pH (pH = 14) value. To decipher the entries that disappeared, an instrumental method (Video Spectral Comparator-8000) and a chemical method (using NH3 vapor) were used, succeeded at 0.32 g/65 mL, but failed at 0.16 g/50 mL thymolphthalein. Therefore, NH3 had to be sprayed for 0.16 g/50 mL with negligible harm

Forensic Microbiological Evaluation of the Foods in School Canteens [Okul Kantinlerindeki Yiyeceklerin Adli Mikrobiyolojik Acidan Degerlendirilmesi]

The reliability of canteens which have an important place in nutrition of students and the reliability of the foods sold in those canteens are very important. In this study, the aim is to examine the food samples in terms of pathogen microorganisms that cause food poisoning and to have the results analyzed in frame of forensic sciences.Under the scope of this study, 240 components belonging to 100 foods, taken from the canteen and buffets of 5 different primary schools in Taksim, Mecidiyekoy, Fatih, Kartal, Nisantasi townships of Istanbul in 2009-2010 academic year, were microbiologically analyzed. The research was conducted in direction of Turkish food codex microbiological criteria regulation published in formal newspaper with date 06.02.2009 and no: 27133 in Istanbul University Forensic Medicine Institute Lab. At the end of the study, it was determined that microbiological analysis results of 25% of the foods produced in the canteen of primary school no: 2, 50% of the foods produced in the canteens of the primary schools no 1,3 and 5 and 75% of the foods produced in the canteen of the primary school no: 6 are not in accordance with microbiological criteria regulation. This fact makes us think that canteen operators do not pay enough attention to personal and environmental hygiene and they do not follow the proper storage conditions for the ingredients used for preparation of foods and therefore how important are the legal regulations, canteen inspections and the precautions to be taken regarding this issue. [Med-Science 2014; 3(3.000): 1456-69