Radiological analysis of a naturally mummified body

A body in an advanced stage of mummification was found in a concrete apartment in Japan. Natural complete mummification is very rare in Japan's humid and temperate climate. We performed multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) to obtain information on the body prior to autopsy. MSCT clearly illustrated old fractures in the right lower leg. Bone resists destruction during body decomposition. If antemortem medical records of the deceased are available, MSCT scanning can provide information for positive identification. At autopsy, the cervical tissues presented as a dried mass, and it was difficult to separately remove the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage. Fractures of the large horn of the hyoid bone and superior horn of the thyroid cartilage, which are not observed in all strangulation cases, strongly suggest criminal activity. The diagnosis of these fractures is of great value. In our case, MSCT revealed that there was no fracture in the hyoid bone or ossified area of the thyroid cartilage. Hard tissues are usually well preserved in mummies. Although MSCT images have limits in mummies because of the severe dryness of soft tissues and organs, they could become a useful tool not only for personal identification, but also for the identification of neck compression.     

Usefulness of postmortem computed tomography before forensic autopsy for alerting forensic personnel to tuberculosis infection

Since May 2009, we have performed multislice computed tomography (MSCT) prior to forensic autopsy for cases of suspicious death. In the present case, innumerable widely scattered nodules in both pulmonary fields on MSCT were indicative of miliary tuberculosis (TB). At autopsy, both lungs were submerged in formalin fluid immediately after removal from the body. Miliary TB was finally diagnosed based on microscopic findings. TB is a disease that autopsy room workers need to be aware of to protect themselves. Unfortunately, because little medical information about deceased individuals is usually available before forensic autopsy, the diagnosis of TB is frequently not made until autopsy. This leads to a much higher incidence of TB in autopsy room staff members even if they wear protective clothing. Therefore, MSCT before forensic autopsy may identify suspected cases of miliary TB in advance and thus help to prevent TB infection in forensic autopsy personnel.     

The sternalis muscle: radiologic findings on MDCT

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to characterize and determine the prevalence of the sternalis muscle using 64-row multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed MDCT chest scans that were performed in a hospital during the course of a month. The study population consisted of 948 consecutive patients (511 males and 467 females). On the MDCT scans the sternalis muscle was defined as the longitudinal muscle lying on and superficial to the pectoralis major muscle.

Results

The prevalence of the sternalis muscle was 10.5?%. The muscle was present more frequently in females (13.0?%) compared to males (8.4?%) (P?=?0.02). In the majority of patients, the muscle was located longitudinally in the parasternal position; however, in two patients it was positioned across the sternum. One hundred twenty were flat types, while the remaining five had oblique shapes. The muscle mean height, width and depth were 77.9?±?25.1, 19.4?±?12.2 and 2.8?±?1.3?mm, respectively. The muscle was wider in males compared to females (P?<?0.001).

Conclusion

Using MDCT, its prevalence was shown to be 10.5?%. This variant muscle can be differentiated from other pathological structures using its specific characteristic appearance.     

Postmortem computed tomography images of a broken piece of a weapon in the skull

The use of post-mortem radiological imaging is becoming increasing widespread in forensic medicine. These images can help improve the quality and safety of autopsy. We report two cases of homicide victims that had broken pieces of a weapon in their skull. Postmortem multislice computed tomography (MSCT) demonstrated metal artifacts in the skull of two homicide cases. Autopsy showed that both artifacts were pieces broken off of a sharp instrument. Some possible benefits of postmortem MSCT include the ability to reconstruct visual images of weapons and the possible prevention of injury to autopsy personnel.     

Self-assembling peptide nanofiber as a novel culture system for isolated porcine hepatocytes

Freshly isolated porcine hepatocytes are a very attractive cell source in the cell-based therapies to treat liver failure because of unlimited availability. However, due to the loss of hepatocyte functions in vitro, there is a need to develop a functional culture system to keep the cells metabolically active. Here we compared the effect of a self-assembling peptide nanofiber (SAPNF) as an extracellular matrix (ECM) with collagen type I on hepatocyte metabolic and secretion activities following hepatocyte isolation. Isolated porcine hepatocytes were cultured in SAPNF and collagen type I. Morphological assessment at different time points was performed by using SEM and phase contrast microscope. Metabolic and secretion activities were comparatively performed in the groups, by means of ammonia, lidocaine, and diazepam as well as albumin. Hepatocytes cultured on SAPNF revealed a three-dimensional spheroidal formation, thus maintaining cell differentiation status during 2 weeks of culture. On the other hand, hepatocytes in collagen revealed a spread shape, and by day 14 no hepatocyte-like cells were observed, but cells with long shape were present, thus revealing a degree of dedifferentiation in collagen culture. Hepatocytes in SAPNF were capable of drug-metabolizing activities and albumin secretion in higher ratio than those cultured on collagen. The present work clearly demonstrates the usefulness of SAPNF for maintaining differentiated functions of porcine hepatocytes in culture.     

Regulatory mechanisms of ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ release channel revealed by recent advancements in structural studies

Journal of Muscle Research and Cell Motility - Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are huge homotetrameric Ca2+ release channels localized to the sarcoplasmic reticulum. RyRs are responsible for the release...     

Distribution of lesions in the Landry-Guillain-Barré syndrome,with emphasis on involvement of the sympathetic system

Zusammenfassung Es wird ein Fall von Landry-Guillain-Barré-Syndrom mit einer Krankheitsdauer von 15 Tagen und Tod durch Atemlähmung beschrieben. Läsionen wurden in allen Teilen des untersuchten kraniospinalen peripheren Nervensystems gefunden. Der Demyelinationsprozeß schien verschiedener Natur zu sein. Die am schwersten betroffenen Hirnnerven waren der III., VI. und XI. An den peripheren Spinalnerven waren die Läsionen in allen untersuchten Segmenthöhen gleich schwer ausgeprägt. Der Plexus brachialis bot die schwersten Veränderungen im gesamten peripheren Nervensystem, wobei die Stämme stärker als die Wurzeln betroffen waren. Der Plexus lumbosacralis war geringer betroffen. Der N. phrenicus, intercostalis und radialis befanden sich unter den am schwersten geschädigten peripheren Nerven. In diesen Nerven zeigten die Läsionen eine Zunahme der Intensität nach distalwärts. Das sympathische Nervensystem war ausgiebig am pathologischen Prozeß beteiligt. Die bemarkten Fasern waren nicht weniger betroffen, als die in anderen Teilen des peripheren Nervensystems. Die Remark-Fasern waren gering geschädigt. Fibrotische Gebiete im Truncus sympathicus wiesen auf eine frühere Schädigung hin.     

Über die verwendung Einer Neuen Methode der Kreislaufdiagnose Mittels Anwendung von Hochfrequenten Elektrischen Schwingungen

Ohne Zusammenfassung