{"title":"Driving under the Influence of Non-Alcohol Drugs.","authors":"H. Gjerde, M. Strand, Jørg Mørland","doi":"10.4324/9781003030799-16","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003030799-16","url":null,"abstract":"In this article the methodological basis for our knowledge within the field of driving under the influence of non-alcohol drugs is reviewed. The experimental and epidemiological studies on drugs in relation to driving do not constitute a complete basis for conclusions to be drawn, but give at the present state nevertheless a platform to indicate increased hazard connected with the use of several drugs. It appears that the main problem with respect to therapeutic use of medicinal drugs is experienced with benzodiazepines (BZDs) and related drugs, and to a lesser extent with opioids and antidepressants. Antihistamine use does not appear to be a serious problem. The major problem within the field of drugged driving as it emerges today in the US and Europe is the high dose use (abuse) of BZDs and related drugs, opioids and illicit drugs such as cannabis, amphetamines, cocaine and related drugs with accompanying danger to traffic safety. Methods determining clinical drug effects in people combined with measurements of drug blood concentrations seem to constitute the best basis for evaluation of \"influence\". New methods to detect drugged drivers are under development, with saliva tests presently being the most promising. Legislation in the field can be of the \"zero tolerance\" type or the \"impairment\" type; combinations of these principles might well turn out to be the most efficient. Detection of drugged driving is presently, in relation to population size, most frequent in Norway, a country with not too pronounced drug problems, indicating a large potential for future detection of drugged driving in other countries. The prevention of drugged driving, especially in the drug-abusing group which has a high recidivism rate, is a challenge for future policy in this field.","PeriodicalId":38192,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science Review","volume":"12 1-2 1","pages":"79-105"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44962750","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Professor Robert F. Borkenstein - Appreciation of His Life and Work.","authors":"D. Lucas","doi":"10.4324/9781003030799-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003030799-4","url":null,"abstract":"Few men have made such a significant and sustained contribution to their chosen field of endeavor as Robert F. Borkenstein. He is an international forensic science celebrity, highly respected by his peers. The two most well-known products of his brilliance are the Breathalyzer, invented in 1954, and the \"Grand Rapids Study\", a seminal work which established the relative risk of being involved in a traffic accident with various blood alcohol concentrations. In addition to his significant scientific achievements, he is greatly admired for his personal qualities, acute wit and total commitment to the cause of traffic safety. This article is a brief review and appreciation of his life and his many accomplishments.","PeriodicalId":38192,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science Review","volume":"12 1-2 1","pages":"1-21"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43188698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Potential applications of nanopore sequencing for forensic analysis.","authors":"C L Hall, R R Zascavage, F J Sedlazeck, J V Planz","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advancements in DNA sequencing technologies are occurring at a rapid rate. Various platforms have proven useful in all aspects of health and science research, from molecular diagnostics in cancer research to spore identification in bioterrorism. In the field of forensics, one particular single-molecule sequencing platform shows promise for becoming a viable solution for small to midsize forensic laboratories. Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) has developed a portable, nanopore-based sequencing instrument that has already been utilized for on-site identification of Zika and Ebola viruses, full genome sequencing, evaluation of DNA and RNA base modifications, and enrichment-free mitochondrial DNA analysis. The rapid development of this technology creates possibilities relevant to standard DNA sequencing, direct analysis of forensic samples, including blood, semen, and buccal swabs, mitochondrial DNA analysis, SNP and STR analysis, familial identification, and microbial identification for bioterrorism and geolocation. The small size of the platform, its low cost, and its requirement of only basic laboratory equipment makes this platform well suited for small laboratories wishing to begin developing expertise in sequence-based forensic analyses. Herein, we outline recent developments and applications of nanopore sequencing technologies and their potential application in forensic analysis. We address current and potential techniques in mitochondrial DNA analysis, SNP and STR typing, and microbial identification. Additionally, we discuss recent developments in library preparation and data analysis tool further streamlining the sequencing process that integrate workflows in laboratories or in remote field scenarios.</p>","PeriodicalId":38192,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science Review","volume":"32 1","pages":"23-54"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37601251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Vehicle safety features aimed at preventing alcohol-related crashes.","authors":"R. Voas","doi":"10.4324/9781003030799-21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003030799-21","url":null,"abstract":"This review focuses on the role of motor vehicles in the prevention of alcohol-related fatalities in the United States. Since alcohol significantly affects brain function, it is natural to make drivers the prime targets for impaired-driving-prevention programs. However, the prevalence, design, ease of operation, and safety features of motor vehicles, as well as state regulations of their operation, have an important influence on crash occurrences, particularly those involving alcohol. This review begins with a discussion of why the automobile became the central technological device in the alcohol-related fatality problem and then moves on to an overview of motor vehicle safety programs that have impacted impaired driving. The article then presents an extended discussion of the effectiveness of vehicle-based, alcohol-detecting ignition interlock devices (interlocks), which provided the principal specific vehicle-based effort in the 20th century to separate alcohol consumption from driving. The review ends with a commentary on the issues that will arise in managing operator impairment in autonomous (self-driving) vehicles-the probable principal 21st-century effort to reduce impaired driving and eliminate alcohol-related crashes by minimizing the role of the driver.","PeriodicalId":38192,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science Review","volume":"32 1 1","pages":"55-81"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47798743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Vehicle safety features aimed at preventing alcohol-related crashes.","authors":"R B Voas","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review focuses on the role of motor vehicles in the prevention of alcohol-related fatalities in the United States. Since alcohol significantly affects brain function, it is natural to make drivers the prime targets for impaired-driving-prevention programs. However, the prevalence, design, ease of operation, and safety features of motor vehicles, as well as state regulations of their operation, have an important influence on crash occurrences, particularly those involving alcohol. This review begins with a discussion of why the automobile became the central technological device in the alcohol-related fatality problem and then moves on to an overview of motor vehicle safety programs that have impacted impaired driving. The article then presents an extended discussion of the effectiveness of vehicle-based, alcohol-detecting ignition interlock devices (interlocks), which provided the principal specific vehicle-based effort in the 20th century to separate alcohol consumption from driving. The review ends with a commentary on the issues that will arise in managing operator impairment in autonomous (self-driving) vehicles-the probable principal 21st-century effort to reduce impaired driving and eliminate alcohol-related crashes by minimizing the role of the driver.</p>","PeriodicalId":38192,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science Review","volume":"32 1","pages":"55-81"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37601252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Approaches for reducing alcohol-impaired driving: Evidence-based legislation, law enforcement strategies, sanctions, and alcohol-control policies.","authors":"J C Fell","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Reducing impaired driving requires a systematic, consistent, and multifaceted approach. There is strong evidence on the effectiveness of both direct and indirect measures. The strategy that has the most immediate and largest impact has been highly publicized, visible, and frequent impaired-driving enforcement, especially deploying sobriety checkpoints or random breath testing. Lowering legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits for driving to 0.05 g/dL or lower has also had a world-wide impact. Raising the legal drinking age has been successful in the US and other countries in reducing young impaired-driver fatal crashes. Graduated drivers' licensing for youth has also been effective by restricting conditions under which youth can drive. Sanctions that reduce impaired-driving recidivism include special driving-under-the-influence (DUI)/driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) courts, mandatory alcohol ignition interlocks, and consistent alcohol-monitoring programs. Opportunities for further progress include better enforcement of the drinking age and refusing to serve obviously intoxicated patrons. Technology for detecting alcohol impairment and autonomous vehicles will also play an important role in future efforts to eliminate impaired driving.</p>","PeriodicalId":38192,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science Review","volume":"31 2","pages":"161-184"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37395705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Methodologies for establishing the relationship between alcohol/drug use and driving impairment - Differences between epidemiological, experimental, and real-case studies.","authors":"H Gjerde, J G Ramaekers, J G Mørland","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Experimental, epidemiological, and real-case studies have different advantages and limitations when used to study the effect of substance use on the risk for involvement in a road traffic crash. It is easier to perform well-controlled experimental studies than well-controlled epidemiological studies due to difficulties related to selection bias, information bias, and confounding. On the other hand, it is difficult or impossible to perform experimental studies using single and repeated substance doses similar to those used by drivers and problematic drugs users. Real-case studies indicate which substances may cause observed impairment and involvement in road traffic crashes and at which concentrations; however, those studies cannot be used to quantify crash risks or determine causality. All three types of studies are needed to obtain a broad and complete picture as they may complement each other when assessing the effects of substance use on road traffic safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":38192,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science Review","volume":"31 2","pages":"141-160"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37395704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Methodologies for establishing the relationship between alcohol/drug use and driving impairment - Differences between epidemiological, experimental, and real-case studies.","authors":"H. Gjerde, J. Ramaekers, J. Mørland","doi":"10.4324/9781003030799-20","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003030799-20","url":null,"abstract":"Experimental, epidemiological, and real-case studies have different advantages and limitations when used to study the effect of substance use on the risk for involvement in a road traffic crash. It is easier to perform well-controlled experimental studies than well-controlled epidemiological studies due to difficulties related to selection bias, information bias, and confounding. On the other hand, it is difficult or impossible to perform experimental studies using single and repeated substance doses similar to those used by drivers and problematic drugs users. Real-case studies indicate which substances may cause observed impairment and involvement in road traffic crashes and at which concentrations; however, those studies cannot be used to quantify crash risks or determine causality. All three types of studies are needed to obtain a broad and complete picture as they may complement each other when assessing the effects of substance use on road traffic safety.","PeriodicalId":38192,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science Review","volume":"31 2 1","pages":"141-160"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42953092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Driving under the influence of psychoactive substances - A historical review.","authors":"A W Jones, J G Mørland, R H Liu","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Important events in the history of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and/or other drugs (DUID) are reviewed covering a period of approximately 100 years. This coincides with major developments in the pharmaceutical industry and the exponential growth in motor transportation worldwide. DUID constitutes an interaction between the driver, the motor-driven vehicle, and one or more psychoactive (mind-altering) substances. In this connection, it is important to differentiate between drugs intended and used for medical purposes (prescription or licit drugs) and recreational drugs of abuse (illicit drugs). All chemicals with a mechanism of action in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) are potentially dangerous to use when skilled tasks, such as driving, are performed. The evidence necessary to charge a person with drug-impaired driving has evolved over many years and initially rested on a driver's own admissions and observations made about the driving by police officers or eyewitnesses. Somewhat later, all suspects were examined by a physician, whose task was to ask questions about any recent ingestion of alcohol and/or other drugs and to administer various clinical tests of impairment. By the 1940s-1950s, the driver was asked to provide samples of blood, breath, or urine for toxicological analysis, although the test results served only to verify the type of drug causing impairment of the driver. The current trend in DUID legislation is toward zero-tolerance or concentration per se statutes, which are much more pragmatic, because behavioral evidence of impairment is no longer a lynchpin in the prosecution case. This legal framework puts considerable emphasis on the results of toxicological analysis; therefore, the methods used must be accurate, precise, and fit for forensic purposes. Many traffic delinquents charged with DUI or DUID suffer from a substance use and/or personality disorder, with high recidivism rates. In addition to conventional penalties and sanctions for drug-related traffic crimes, many offenders would probably benefit from a medical intervention, such as counseling, rehabilitation, and treatment for substance use disorder, which often coexists with a mental health problem.</p>","PeriodicalId":38192,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science Review","volume":"31 2","pages":"103-140"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37395703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M V Karakasi, S Tologkos, V Papadatou, N Raikos, M Lambropoulou, P Pavlidis
{"title":"Conium maculatum intoxication: Literature review and case report on hemlock poisoning.","authors":"M V Karakasi, S Tologkos, V Papadatou, N Raikos, M Lambropoulou, P Pavlidis","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this paper is to highlight the symptomatology in three Conium maculatum intoxication incidents, one of which was fatal. A number of studies were reviewed in order to update and summarize the relevant literature on the incidence, sociodemographic variables, method of poisoning, pathophysiology, diagnosis, variables associated with survival and fatality, management, and treatment of C. maculatum intoxication as well as the biosynthesis and biological effects of poison hemlock alkaloids. Results show that hemlock poisoning is relatively rare, although incidence varies in different regions, despite its worldwide distribution. Hemlock poisoning is more common in European and especially Mediterranean countries. The majority of the patients are adult males over 38 years of age. The clinical course of hemlock poisoning includes neurotoxicosis, tremor, vomiting, muscle paralysis, respiratory paralysis/failure, rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure. The therapeutic management focuses on absorption reduction, close observation for complications, and supportive therapy (especially for respiration). Acute occurrence is severe and life-threatening, but the survival rate is high if treatment is provided promptly. Recovery is rapid, generally taking only a few days.</p>","PeriodicalId":38192,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Science Review","volume":"31 1","pages":"23-36"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"36865166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}