Geschlechtsbestimmung an Zähnen

Zusammenfassung Über den sexuellen Dimorphismus der Zähne weichen die Angaben der Literatur auseinander, besonders weil sie oft auf einer Kleinzahl der Untersuchungen fußen. Die Verfasser haben mehrere tausend Untersuchungen diesbezüglich angestellt und die Ergebnisse tabellarisch zusammengefaßt. Die Angaben sind als Ergänzungsbelege zur Geschlechtsbestimmung verwendbar.     

Persistence of biological traces in gun barrels—an approach to an experimental model

Traces of backspatter in gun barrels after homicidal or suicidal contact shots may be a valuable source of forensic evidence. Yet, a systematic investigation of the persistence and durability of DNA from biological traces in gun barrels is lacking. Our aim was to generate a realistic model to emulate blood and tissue spatters in gun barrels generated by contact gunshots at biological targets and to analyse the persistence and typability of DNA recovered from such stains. Herein, we devise and evaluate three different models for the emulation of backspatter from contact shots: a gelatine-based model with embedded blood bags, a model based on a spongious matrix soaked with blood and covered with a thin plastic membrane and a head model consisting of an acrylic half sphere filled with ballistic gelatine and with blood bags attached to the sphere under a 3-mm silicone layer. The sampling procedure for all three models: a first shot was fired with several types of guns at each model construction and subsequently a second shot was fired at a backstop. Blood samples were collected after each shot by probing the inner surface of the front and rear end of the respective gun barrel with a sterile swab. DNA was then extracted and quantified and up to 20 different short tandem repeat (STR) systems were amplified to generate DNA profiles. Although DNA quantity and STR typing results were heterogenous between the models, all models succeeded in delivering full STR profiles even after more than one shot. We conclude that biological traces in gun barrels are robust and accessible to forensic analysis and that systematic examination of the inside of gun barrels may be advisable for forensic casework.     

Lehre und Forschung an Verstorbenen

At the Institute for Legal Medicine of the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf in addition to legal autopsies according to § 87 of the German Penal Code (Strafprozeßordnung StPO) diverse other interventions are carried out on corpses (also sometimes body donors) within the framework of teaching and research as well as clinical practice, e.g. tissue explantation according to the Human Tissue Act, medicolegal autopsies according to the Hamburg Autopsy Act, surgical interventions within the framework of the so-called Post-Mortem Learning Center and scientific investigations on (anonymous) tissue and bone. In this context legal medicine is (also) perceived as a discipline with clinical relevance, particularly with respect to quality assurance and innovation. Diverse legal and ethical aspects must be taken into consideration.     

Mikroskopische Beobachtungen an Würgemalen

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Decomposed bodies--still an unrewarding autopsy?

One of the classic mistakes in forensic pathology is to regard the autopsy of decomposed body as unrewarding. The present study was undertaken with a view to debunk this myth and to determine the characteristic pattern in decomposed bodies brought for medicolegal autopsy. From a total of 4997 medicolegal deaths reported at an Apex Medical Centre, Yeotmal, a rural district of Maharashtra over seven year study period, only 180 cases were decomposed, representing 3.6% of the total medicolegal autopsies with the rate of 1.5 decomposed body/100,000 population per year. Male (79.4%) predominance was seen in decomposed bodies with male female ratio of 3.9:1. Most of the victims were between the ages of 31 and 60 years with peak at 31-40 years (26.7%) followed by 41-50 years (19.4%). Older age above 60 years was found in 8.6% cases. Married (64.4%) outnumbered unmarried ones in decomposition. Most of the decomposed bodies were complete (83.9%) and identified (75%). But when the body was incomplete/mutilated or skeletonised then 57.7% of the deceased remains unidentified. The cause and manner of death was ascertained in 85.6% and 81.1% cases respectively. Drowning (35.6%) was the commonest cause of death in decomposed bodies with suicide (52.8%) as the commonest manner of death. Decomposed bodies were commonly recovered from open places (43.9%), followed by water sources (43.3%) and enclosed place (12.2%). Most of the decomposed bodies were retrieved from well (49 cases) followed by barren land (27 cases) and forest (17 cases). 83.8% of the decomposed bodies were recovered before 72?h and only in 16.2% cases the time since death was more than 72?h, mostly recovered from barren land, forest and river. Most of the decomposed bodies were found in summer season (42.8%) with peak in the month of May. Despite technical difficulties in handling the body and artefactual alteration of the tissue, the decomposed body may still reveal cause and manner of death in significant number of cases.     

Why perform an ACL augmentation?

Purpose  

The objective of this article is to determine the importance of an intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) stump and its role in the clinical outcome of an ACL reconstruction.     

Axial: an abused word?

OBJECTIVE: This article will discuss how the word axial has developed into a synonym for transverse, and why this is incorrect usage when describing an anatomic plane. CONCLUSION: Radiologists should be aware of what these terms mean and use them appropriately. Journal editors are in a unique position to encourage this.     

Blisters—an unusual effect during radiotherapy

The skin reaction to radiation is regularly monitored in order to detect enhanced radiosensitivity of the patient, unexpected interactions (e.g. with drugs) or any inadvertent overdosage. It is important to distinguish secondary disease from radiation reaction to provide adequate treatment and to avoid unnecessary discontinuation of radiotherapy. A case of bullous eruption or blisters during radiotherapy of the breast is presented. Differential diagnoses bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, and bullous impetigo are discussed and treatment described.     

Enzymchemische Untersuchungen an der Perikardflüssigkeit

Zusammenfassung Blutfreie Perikardflüssigkeiten wurden auf die Enzymaktivitäten von LDH, CK, GOT, GPT und -GT untersucht. Aus dem Sektionsmaterial bildeten wir 7 Gruppen: Kopfschuß mit sofortigem Tod, plötzlicher Herztod, Vergiftung, zentrales Herz-Kreislaufversagen mit langer Überlebenszeit, früher Schock, plötzlicher Säuglingstod und Ersticken. Die Herztodesfälle unterscheiden sich signifikant auf dem 1%-Niveau von den Schuß-Todesfällen, der plötzliche Herztod bei der CK auf dem 5%-Niveau von den Vergiftungen. Die Streubreite der Ergebnisse läßt jedoch eine verläßliche Zuordnung eines Einzelwertes zur jeweiligen Gruppe nicht zu.Vorgetragen auf der Tagung der Oberrheinischen Rechtsmediziner in Mainz am 30.5. 1987     

Postoperative Befunde an der Wirbels?ule

Postoperative imaging after spinal surgery is usually performed to document the correct positioning of implants or to rule out complications if patients still suffer from pain after surgery. Depending on the question various imaging modalities can be used all of which have benefits and limitations. Conventional X-ray is used for the documentation of the correct positioning of spinal implants, stability (olisthesis) and during follow-up to rule out fractures or instability of the implants, whereas soft tissue changes cannot be completely assessed. Besides these indications, imaging is usually performed because of ongoing symptoms (pain for the most part) of the patients. Soft tissue changes including persistent or recurrent herniated disc tissue, hematoma or infection can best be depicted using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which should be performed within the immediate postoperative period to be able to distinguish physiological development of scar tissue from inflammatory changes in the area of the surgical approach. Often imaging alone cannot differentiate between these and imaging can therefore only be considered as an adjunct. Computed tomography is the modality of choice for the evaluation of bony structures and an adjunct of new therapies such as image-guided application of cement for kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty.     

Half pipe snowboarding: an (un)forgettable experience or an increasing risk for head injury?

The case is presented of a professional half pipe snowboarder with a large post-traumatic subdural haematoma, which allowed close to normal functioning and socialisation. It is an example of a potentially life threatening sports injury in an increasingly commercialised and popular winter sport. It highlights that a knowledge of injury patterns and a high level of suspicion should be maintained in the treatment of snowboarding injuries.     

“Perifollicular rim sign” in an enlarged ovary—an additional non-contrast CT finding in ovarian torsion

Emergency Radiology - To look for the presence of “perifollicular rim sign” on non-contrast CT in surgically proven cases of ovarian or adnexal torsion. A retrospective analysis of...     

Strahlentherapeutische Beteiligung an interdisziplinären palliativmedizinischen Einrichtungen

BACKGROUND: In Germany, a sufficient system of palliative care does not exist. Possibilities for participation of radiooncologists in the further development of this promising part of medical action are reported. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experiences from interdisciplinary work in the field of palliative care are described. This experience is communicated for use in the actual discussion about the future of palliative care in Germany, especially in the field of radiooncology. RESULTS: A palliative care unit can only work in a team of different professions, which means different physicians, but also nurses, social workers, psychologists or pastors. A palliative care unit will benefit from working with radiooncologists as well as radiooncologists will do from working in the field of palliative care. CONCLUSION: In times of growing interest in and need for palliative care, radiooncologists should actively participate in the development of palliative care units in Germany. The aim of this participation should be to reasonably arrange the treatment of incurably ill patients with the chances of modern radiotherapy. Another aim should be to improve the treatment of "classic" radiation oncology patients by ideas of palliative care. The further development of palliative care in Germany should not take place without the participation of radiooncologists. This will meet the interests of palliative care and radiotherapy and-most importantly-the patients' interests.