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Andreas Schmeling

Publications and source records attributed to Andreas Schmeling.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Reference data for the Thiemann-Nitz method of assessing skeletal age for the purpose of forensic age estimation.

The aim of this study was to determine the statistical parameters of deviation in the Thiemann-Nitz method for use in forensic age diagnostics. To this effect, 402 hand radiograms, originally taken in two large German cities between 1983 and 2002 for the purpose of diagnosing trauma, were analyzed. At the time of examination, the patients were aged between 10 and 18 years. The study presents the mean, standard deviation, and median, with lower and upper quartiles, for the skeletal ages of 11.0 through 18.0 years. The simple standard deviations range between 0.2 and 1.2 years. To increase the accuracy of age estimates and improve the identification of age-relevant developmental disorders in forensic age estimation practice, the methods for determining skeletal age should always be combined with a physical and dental examination. In addition, the expert opinion should pay attention to the issue of different modernization levels in relevant populations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

The impact of economic progress and modernization in medicine on the ossification of hand and wrist.

One of the main criteria used for age estimations of young living subjects is the developmental status of the ossification of hand bones. The impact of economic progress and modernization in medicine on ossification rates in a given population still requires further clarification. We selected 36 samples from literature for which the ossification status had been determined with the Greulich-Pyle method and analyzed specific economic data (per capita income) and demographic data (life expectancy at birth) as parameters of modernization. To describe the influence of these parameters on the rate of ossification, we performed a regression analysis and found that a relatively high level of economic progress and modernization in medicine coincides with high ossification rates, while relatively low modernization seems to delay ossification. When performing age estimations, the expert opinion should therefore pay attention to the issue of different modernization levels.

Age Determination by Skeleton↗
PubMed2005

The influence of slice thickness on assessment of clavicle ossification in forensic age diagnostics.

Computed tomography scans originally obtained to assess the ossification status of the medial clavicular epiphyses of 40 live subjects for forensic age estimation purposes were analysed. From the data acquired we reconstructed images with slice thicknesses of 1, 3, 5 and 7 mm, and based on the classification of stages by Schmeling et al. (Int J Legal Med 118:5-8, 2004), we determined the ossification stage for each reconstructed slice thickness, separately for both sides. Of the 80 clavicular epiphysial plates examined, seven displayed slice-thickness-dependent differences at certain ossification stages. In one case a slice thickness of 1 mm led to a different diagnosis of the ossification stage than a slice thickness of 3 mm, in three cases the diagnoses differed between the slice thicknesses of 3 and of 5 mm, and in another three cases, between 5 and 7 mm. We therefore conclude that for age estimation purposes, the slice thickness should be 1 mm to ensure maximum accuracy and diagnostic reliability.

Age Determination by Skeleton↗
PubMed2005

Studies on the time frame for ossification of the medial epiphysis of the clavicle as revealed by CT scans.

The authors retrospectively analyzed 629 CT images of patients aged between 15 and 30 years produced during multiple trauma diagnostics at the Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin. For the purposes of this study, the authors reliably determined the ossification status of the medial epiphysis of the clavicle in 556 cases, using the classification of stages by Schmeling et al. In both sexes, stage 2 was first noted at age 15. In male patients, the earliest occurrence of stage 3 was noted at age 17, in female patients at age 16. Stage 4 was first achieved by both sexes at age 21. Stage 5 was first noted in female patients at age 21 and in male patients at age 22, which is 4 or 5 years earlier than was observed by a comparable study using conventional radiographs. The partial-volume effect in computed tomography using the thick slice scanning mode was discussed as a possible explanation for this early visualization. The question of how slice thickness affects the age intervals between ossification stages identified by CT examinations should be examined in additional studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Validation of common classification systems for assessing the mineralization of third molars.

One major criterion for dental age estimation is the evaluation of third molar mineralization. There are various methods for evaluating tooth mineralization based on classification by stages. The aim of the present work is to assess the validity of the common classification systems. To this end, we analyzed 420 conventional orthopantomograms of German females aged 12-25 years old. The mineralization status of tooth 38 was determined using the stages defined by Gleiser and Hunt, Demirjian et al., Gustafson and Koch, Harris and Nortje and Kullman et al., respectively. Of the methods tested, the most accurate results were obtained with Demirjian et al.'s classification system, which performed best not only for observer agreement but also for the correlation between estimated and true age. It is argued that this is due to the fact that Demirjian et al.'s classification is based on a sufficient number of stages which are defined independently of speculative estimations of length. This leads to the conclusion that the method devised by Demirjian et al. should be used for evaluating the mineralization of third molars for purposes of forensic age determination.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Forensic age estimation in living subjects: the ethnic factor in wisdom tooth mineralization.

Radiological assessment of the mineralization stage of third molars is a major criterion for age estimation of living people involved in criminal proceedings. To date insufficient knowledge has been obtained about how the ethnic origin can influence tooth mineralization. A comparative study of wisdom tooth mineralization was carried out on three population samples: one German, one Japanese and one South African. To this end, 3,652 conventional orthopantomograms were evaluated on the basis of Demirjian's stages. The Japanese subjects were on average 1-2 years older than their German counterparts upon reaching stages D-F, whereas the South African subjects were on average 1-2 years younger than the Germans when displaying stages D-G. To enhance the accuracy of forensic age estimates based on wisdom tooth mineralization we recommend the use of population-specific standards.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Studies on the chronology of third molar mineralization in a Japanese population.

In Germany, a sharp increase in forensic age estimations of living individuals has been observed in recent years. With regard to the relevant age group, radiologic assessment of the mineralization stage of the third molars is of particular importance. Still, the influence of ethnicity on the pace of mineralization has been insufficiently analyzed. A total of 1615 orthopantomograms of 929 female and 686 male Japanese subjects aged between 12 and 30 years was examined. The mineralization stages of third molars were evaluated on the basis of Demirjian's stages modified in accordance with Mincer's model. For the individual mineralization stages, the study presents the means and standard deviations for the genders separately. No statistically significant differences in the chronology of third molar mineralization between maxilla and mandible and between sides were observed. A comparison between genders largely did not render significant differences either. Apart from forensic age determination in living subjects, the presented reference data can also be used for age estimations of unidentified corpses and skeletons.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Studies on the time frame for ossification of the medial clavicular epiphyseal cartilage in conventional radiography.

Radiological assessment of the degree of ossification of the medial clavicular epiphyseal cartilage plays a vital part in forensic age diagnosis of living adolescents and young adults. A total of 873 plain chest radiographs requested by the staff medical officer for members of staff aged 16-30 at the University Hospital Charité were evaluated retrospectively. Of these X-rays 699 permitted an assessment of ossification of at least 1 side of the clavicle. In addition to the customary stages (1: non-ossified epiphysis, 2: discernible ossification centre, 3: partial fusion, 4: total fusion) a stage 5 was also defined, characterised by the disappearance of the epiphyseal scar following total fusion. The earliest age at which stage 3 was detected in either gender was 16 years. Stage 4 was first observed in women at 20 years and in men at 21 years. In both genders, the earliest observation of stage 5 was at 26 years. It was concluded that plain chest radiographs can essentially be used to assess clavicular ossification. In practice, if overlap in posterior-anterior views impedes evaluation, a lateral view should also be taken to facilitate age estimation. In forensic practice the reference values of the present paper should be applied.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Statistical analysis and verification of forensic age estimation of living persons in the Institute of Legal Medicine of the Berlin University Hospital Charité.

In recent years, the increase in international migration movements has led to a greater demand for forensic age estimation of foreigners without valid identification documents in numerous countries. The growing importance of forensic age determination is underlined by a rapid rise in the number of expert reports by the Institute of Legal Medicine of the Berlin University Hospital Charité. A total of 247 expert opinions on estimated age were given between 1992 and 31 December 2000. Subject to formal court ruling, age is estimated based on the physical inspection, in combination with an X-ray of the left hand and the clavicles as well as dental assessment. However, the statistical proof of the range of scatter for the summarized age diagnosis still remains to be clarified in the context of this assessment procedure. The age estimations made by the Institute of Legal Medicine of the Berlin University Hospital Charité were statistically analyzed with respect to the validity of the different methods. For verification of the age diagnoses, the age estimates were compared with the court records and the age determined in the course of legal proceedings. In 45 cases, the age diagnoses could be verified. In all cases where the age could be verified beyond doubt, deviations from the actual age did not exceed +/-12 months. From this, it can be concluded that the combined application of the above-mentioned methods allows forensic age estimations with a sufficiently high degree of reliability.

Academies and Institutes↗
PubMed2003

Comparative study on the chronology of third molar mineralization in a Japanese and a German population.

In Germany, a sharp increase in forensic age estimations of living persons has been observed in recent years. German law defines four legally relevant age limits: 14, 16, 18 and 21 years. In these age groups, radiographic assessment of the mineralization status of third molars is of particular importance. So far, the influence of ethnicity on the mineralization rate has been insufficiently analyzed. A total of 3031 orthopantomograms of 1597 Japanese and 1434 Germans aged between 12 and 26 years were examined. The mineralization status of third molars was evaluated on the basis of the classification proposed by Demirjian. For the individual mineralization stages, the study presents the mean values and standard deviations (SD) separately for both populations and sexes. The majority of probands from both the Japanese and the German population achieved the C stage and the late G and H stages of third molar development at similar ages. Significant differences between Japanese and Germans were observed, however, with regard to the D, E and F stages defined by Demirjian. Japanese men and women achieved the D, E and F stages approximately 2-3 years later than German men and women. In addition to forensic age determination in living persons, the presented reference data can also be used for age estimations of unidentified deceased persons and skeletons.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Case reports of suicide with an electric drill].

In this report, three cases of suicide by an electric power drill are described. In the first case, a man aged 51 was found with four penetrating wounds of the head and chest. The second case involves a 56-year-old man who suffered a penetrating craniocerebral injury and the third case involves a 53-year-old man who suffered one head injury and two chest injuries. In the first two cases, the victims were found dead. In the third case, the victim survived his injuries for 28 hours. The case histories and the post-mortem examinations revealed no evidence of homicide.

Autopsy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Age determination of an unknown body in early adulthood].

The authors report on the estimation of the age of an unidentified deceased adolescent in connection with the body's identification. A physical examination by a forensic physician and an examination by a forensic dentist, including determination of the dental status and an X-ray of the teeth were used to estimate the age. In addition, an X-ray of the left hand as well as an X-ray and MRT scan of the clavicles were carried out by forensic radiologists. Combining the results of the individual examinations, the age of the deceased was estimated to range between 18 and 21 years. In the course of the police investigation it was found out that the deceased was 20 years and 7 months old. This has led to the conclusion that combined use of methods allows the age even of adolescents to be determined with relatively high accuracy and a minimum of time and effort.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Decapitation due to early post-mortem canine gnawing].

A 53-year-old male was found dead in his home. The deceased's head, almost totally skeletonized, was lying at a distance of about 150 cm from the thorax inlet. The other occupant of the flat was a mongrel sheepdog. The autopsy conducted for the inquest established extensive damage to soft tissue in the head, neck and chest. The second to sixth cervical vertebrae were missing. The seventh cervical vertebra and the right first rib displayed bone lesions. The tissue injuries were attributed in the diagnosis to post-mortem canine gnawing. Cause of death was given as intermittent haemorrhaging of the gastro-intestinal tract from oesophageal varices in a status of hepatic cirrhosis. There was no indication that death had been caused by another party. About two days were estimated to have elapsed since death. Attention is drawn to this doubtless rare instance of total decapitation of the deceased with displacement of the head caused by a dog during the early post-mortem period.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Radiologically determined DMF index variations for forensic age estimation of young adults].

The eruption and mineralization of third molars are the main criteria for dental age estimation of living people involved in criminal proceedings. Since the development of third molars is usually completed by the age of 19 or 20 years, this feature cannot be used to ascertain whether a person has attained the forensically relevant age of 21 years. This study examined whether the DMFT index or the third molar DFT index could supply reliable information enabling conclusions to be drawn about whether a person has reached the age of 21. To this end, 650 conventional orthopantomograms of German subjects aged 18 to 30 years were evaluated. The DMF index variations considered were found to be unsuitable for determining whether a person is over 21 because they displayed a weak correlation with age and considerable individual scatter. A high indicative value can only be attributed to a third molar DFT index of 4, although this is rarely observed in the relevant age group. An X-ray examination of the medial clavicular epiphyseal cartilage is, therefore, strongly recommended when assessing whether a person has attained 21 years of age.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Homicide by stab to the neck with subsequent attempted suicide by cut to the neck].

A 37-year-old Turkish woman was fatally injured by her 65-year-old Turkish husband with a stab to the cervical region. After her death he inflicted a deep cut to his own neck, which he survived thanks to immediate medical assistance. To the authors' knowledge this combination of a homicidal stab to the neck and a suicidal cut to the neck has not been described before. Kosher butchering, which is common in the couple's traditional cultural environment, is discussed as possible reason for the choice of the neck as site for applying sharp violence. It may have induced the perpetrator to choose this anatomical region.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The case of a corpse found in a fox's den--forensic and criminological aspects].

Whenever foul play is suspected in a death, the forensic pathologist is required to examine the corpse where it is found. In the case described here, the unusual location of the corpse initially led investigators to suspect a crime was involved. A thorough examination of the site and the autopsy results ultimately pointed to a not-violent manner of death, although the advanced state of decomposition made it impossible to determine the exact cause of death. The fact that the victim crawled into a fox's den to die can be interpreted as a primitive reaction in a case of death due to hypothermia. Criminological aspects of the case are also discussed.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Gastric death as first described by Sehrt ("Sehrt'scher Magentod")--a review of the literature].

The gastric death (Sehrt) is a rare form of death in the water with heterogeneous etiology. According to the first description, the pathogeneic mechanisms can be divided into two groups: asphyxiation after aspiration of vomited gastric contents and drowning due to hyperemia during digestion. In this paper, the authors discuss the different views on the causes of gastric death and evaluate relevant post-mortem findings.

Adolescent↗