Forensic DNA databases in Western Balkan region: retrospectives, perspectives, and initiatives

The European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) recommended the establishment of forensic DNA databases and specific implementation and management legislations for all EU/ENFSI members. Therefore, forensic institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia launched a wide set of activities to support these recommendations. To assess the current state, a regional expert team completed detailed screening and investigation of the existing forensic DNA data repositories and associated legislation in these countries. The scope also included relevant concurrent projects and a wide spectrum of different activities in relation to forensics DNA use. The state of forensic DNA analysis was also determined in the neighboring Slovenia and Croatia, which already have functional national DNA databases. There is a need for a 'regional supplement' to the current documentation and standards pertaining to forensic application of DNA databases, which should include regional-specific preliminary aims and recommendations.     

Immunohistochemical validation of multiple phospho-specific epitopes for estrogen receptor α (ERα) in tissue microarrays of ERα positive human breast carcinomas

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) activity is regulated by phosphorylation at several sites. Recently several antibodies specific for individual phosphorylated sites within ERα have became available. Such antibodies potentially provide invaluable tools to gain insight into the relevance in vivo of phosphorylated ERα in human breast tumors. However, validation of these antibodies for immunohistochemistry in particular is necessary in the first instance. In this study we have investigated the usefulness of several antibodies generated to specific phosphorylated sites within ERα for immunohistochemistry of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human breast cancer biopsy samples. As well, these data demonstrate for the first time, the detection of multiple phosphorylated ERα forms in breast cancer (P-S104/106-ERα, P-S118-ERα, P-S167-ERα, P-S282-ERα, P-S294-ERα, P-T311-ERα, and P-S559-ERα) suggesting the possibility that profiling of phosphorylated ERα isoforms might be useful in selecting subgroups of breast cancer patients that would benefit from endocrine therapy.     

Effect of resection of the lateral retinaculum of the knee in surgical treatment of symptomatic patello-femoral incongruency

Biomechanical malfunction of the knee extensor mechanism in the patello femoral joint is regarded as patella malalignment but major patients complaints are anterior knee pain and patellar slipping. Lateral retinacular release is one of the basic surgical procedures in the treatment of patellar malalignment. The aim of the study was to estimate the achievements of the lateral retinacular release in solving particular biomechanical disorders of the patello femoral joint, as well as individual patients complaints. Evaluation of objective parameters x-ray and clinical findings before and after the operation, shows statistically highly significant difference, thus confirming implementation of the fore mentioned surgical procedure. Despite the fact that anterior knee pain subsided postoperatively in the number of patients, statistically significant values, comparing to the preoperative findings, could not be obtained. Incidence of the patellar slipping has shown statistically significant reduction two years following the surgery. Achieving proper biomechanical alignment of the patello femoral joint is obviously not sufficient to provide relief of subjective complaints, especially concerning anterior knee pain, although considerable improvements were registered in the number of patients.     

Developmental dislocation of the hip is still important problem--therapeutic guidelines

The authors are describing currently important problem--developmental dislocation of the hip. Guidelines for the treatment have been given according to literature date and upon their own experience. Therapeutic suggestions for the first twelve months of life are based on the ultrasound typing--it is advised to perform nonoperative treatment (abduction devices, "over head" traction, Pavlik harnesses). During the second year of life a pause in the treatment should be adviced in order to avoid postreduction avascular hip necrosis as a very important complication. After that period surgical treatment has to be done (open reduction, pelvic and femoral osteotomies). Special suggestions have been given for the treatment of consecutive leg length inequality and the deformities caused by postreduction avascular hip necrosis.     

Congenital herniation through the foramen Morgagni — clinical presentation,diagnosis and treatment in pediatric population

Congenital Morgagni hernia is a rare entity, accounting for less than 1,5% of all types of congenital diaphragmatic hernias. The majority of Morgagni hernias are diagnosed late because patients can be asymptomatic or present with non-specific respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms and signs. The medical records of all patients diagnosed with CMH and treated in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed for age at diagnosis, sex, site of hernia, clinical symptoms, associated anomalies, operative findings and treatment. Over a 20-year period, 5 cases with CMH diagnoses were hospitalized and operated. The age of diagnosis ranged from nine months to 11 years. Male to female ratio was 3:2. Associated anomalies were seen in 2 patients (40%). Most patients had transabdominal operations. There were no complications in the postoperative period. Morgagni hernia is a rare condition. The rarity is due to the nonspecific presentation of symptoms, which contributes to a delay in diagnosis. We advocate surgical repair even in asymptomatic patients, because of the risk of strangulation. There is a low rate of complications.