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Biomedical subjects

J Hiss

Publications and source records attributed to J Hiss.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Multidisciplinary forensic approach--investigation of a neonaticide and alleged concomitant rape.

In the case presented, a young woman claimed to have spontaneously aborted a 30-weeks old fetus conceived after being raped by her cousin. The police investigation was centred on a probable neonaticide, mitigated by a possible rape. In Israel, the crime of rape carries a heavy punishment similar to that of first degree murder. Thus the implementation of the most recent scientific forensic techniques is of paramount importance in charging or clearing a suspected rapist. The skeletonized fetal remains were found four months after the reputed abortion. The alleged neonaticide was supported by the results of the forensic clinical and anthropological examinations, while the rape accusation was dismissed by the results of the molecular biology identification of the skeletonized fetal remains. The aim of this report is to encourage the forensic community to apply a multi-disciplinary approach, thus maximizing the decision making competence of the courts of law.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Penile lesions -- reinforcing the case against suspects of sexual assault.

In most cases of sexual assault, even following long term abuse, genital and extra-genital injuries may be very scarce or literally not found. Though the forensic experts customary illustrate to the court that the absence of physical trauma does not rule out that the assault had taken place, more substantial medical evidence can be helpful in pursuing a conviction. We present three cases examined in the National Center of Forensic Medicine in Tel-Aviv in which information obtained during questioning of the victims concerning genital pathology of the assailant was later verified through examination of the suspects. Such data may provide key evidence to get an indictment when the assault is perpetrated by a stranger or a person who should not have an intimate relationship with the victim. Therefore, acquiring information from the victim concerning any pathology of the assailant's genitalia should be part of the routine questionnaire form of victims of suspected sexual assault or abuse as findings of this sort may become paramount in conviction of perpetrators.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Self inflicted gunshot wound caused by a home-made gun--medico-legal and ballistic examination.

The reconstruction of the mechanism of a fatal gunshot wound inflicted with a zip gun is presented. The joint investigation of medico-legal team and firearms experts teams resulted in an explanation of the unusual distribution of gunpowder encountered around the entry wound. Although the use of crude home-made weapons associated with various criminal activities and suicide is widespread, the forensic literature on this subject is sparse especially concerning tests conducted on the weapon.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Estimation of age in adolescents --the basilar synchondrosis.

The state of fusion of the basilar synchondrosis as a biological age indicator was assessed in a sample of 91 cadavers of both sexes whose ages ranged between 8 and 26 years. The correlation between the degree of closure and chronological age was investigated. Although the female population sample was very small (n = 21), the data indicate a tendency of differences in age between the "open" and "closed" groups. In the male population (n = 70), no significant differences were detected between the "open" and "closed" categories; in fact, the mean age of the two groups was the same (p = 0.9). These findings indicate that the stage of fusion of the basilar synchondrosis is not a good indicator of age in male cadavers, while in females the feature could be useful when estimating age of unknown human remains, although further investigation on a larger sample is advocated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Confusing exit gunshot wound--"two for the price of one".

During the post-mortem examination of a 36-year-old shooting victim, two entrance gunshot wounds in the back and only one corresponding exit wound in the chest were detected. The likelihood of a retained fragmented or whole bullet, or an embolic phenomenon was eliminated by full body x-ray examination. The only remaining plausible explanation was that the two bullet tracts had converged within the thorax, eventually exiting through a common exit wound. Dissection of the projectiles' path confirmed this unusual phenomenon. Autopsy techniques for gunshot wound cases are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Suprapelvic and pelvic phleboliths--a reliable radiographic marker for positive identification.

Identification of unknown human remains is often achieved by radiographic comparisons. Among the markers compared in antemortem and postmortem radiographs is the presence of concordant pelvic and supra-pelvic phleboliths which are calcified intravenous blood clots. An illustrative case is presented, where an unidentified decomposed cadaver of an elderly male was positively identified with the aid of medical data provided by the Israel National Police. Two missing persons' records were suggested as possible matches and the concordant presence of phleboliths in one of the cases was useful for the identification. The reliability of phleboliths for radiographic positive identification is discussed along with the etiology and frequency of this phenomenon.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Cytotoxic phenotype of intra-epithelial lymphocytes in normal and cryptorchid human testicular excurrent ducts.

BACKGROUND: Most testicular and epididymal lymphocytes express T-cell markers, but their cytotoxic potential and activation status have not been reported. In this study, distribution of the cytotoxic cells was compared between normal and cryptorchid testes stratified into two groups: the first with complete absence of germ cells [Sertoli cell-only (SCO)] and the second with arrested spermatogenesis (SCA). METHODS: Immunohistochemistry for the T-lymphocyte marker CD3 and cytotoxic markers CD8, TIA-1 and granzyme B was performed on paraffin-embedded sections. RESULTS: The number of CD8+ and CD3+ intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IELs) increased distally throughout the normal epididymis. TIA-1 immunostaining revealed that a significant proportion of IELs exhibited cytotoxic potential, whereas granzyme B staining disclosed a subpopulation of activated cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs). TIA-1/CD8 and granzyme B/CD8 double immunostaining revealed that the vast majority of TIA-1+ and granzyme B+ cells were CD8+. The proportion of activated granzyme B+ lymphocytes increased distally throughout the normal epididymis. The number of TIA-1+ and granzyme B+ intra-epithelial and stromal lymphocytes was significantly increased in the normal as opposed to the SCO cryptorchid epididymis and proximal vas deferens. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that exposure of the testicular excurrent ducts to spermatozoa or immature germ cells triggers the activation and recruitment of CTLs. Cytotoxic granule effector mechanisms may contribute to the immunological barrier preventing the immune response to spermatozoa in testicular ducts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Personal identification based on radiographic vertebral features.

Personal identification of human remains constitutes about 10% of the normal caseload of any forensic medicine practice. Identification can be achieved by a variety of methods, one of which is the comparison of antemortem and postmortem radiographs. There are numerous accounts of cranial and dental radiographic features useful for identification, whereas the availability of postcranial radiographs and especially plates that depict the vertebral column is less widespread among the forensic community. The authors here review the various vertebral features instrumental in positive identification that can be identified on radiographs of the spine.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Fingerprinting the deceased: traditional and new techniques.

Identification of the deceased is an important task in medicolegal investigations. Fingerprints rank as the most widely used identification method, although obtaining the prints from the cadaver is not always easily accomplished. Various techniques for fingerprinting decomposed, mummified and burn victims have been suggested in the literature. In the present review, the diverse fingerprinting procedures implemented for cadavers in various conditions, with an emphasis on mummified fingers, are presented.

Autopsy↗
PubMed2000

Release from apoptosis correlates with tumor progression in the AKR lymphoma.

Disturbance of apoptosis is an established factor in tumorigenesis. The role of apoptosis in tumor progression is not yet clear. In the present study we compared the tendency to spontaneous apoptosis (and the proliferative capacity) of tumor cells derived from primary (PT) and metastatic tumor (MT) cells of several AKR lymphoma variants. Apoptosis-related gene expression was also compared. Our results indicate that release from apoptosis has a role in the tumor progression of this T cell lymphoma. At the cellular level, a markedly lower apoptotic tendency was observed in MT than in PT cells. The existence of macrophages only in PT also supports the presence of apoptotic cells in local but not in MTs. By contrast, proliferative capacity does not determine tumor aggressiveness in this system. At the molecular level, we found a higher staining intensity for bcl-2 in MT than in PT cells, suggesting that bcl-2 might be responsible for the reduced apoptosis in MT compared to PT cells. Evidence for p53 overexpression was found in the MT cells of one of the variants but in none of the PT. Comparison of Fas receptor, unexpectedly showed an increased expression in MT versus PT cells, possibly indicating resistance to Fas-induced apoptosis in the MT cells.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Sensitivity to macrophages decreases with tumor progression in the AKR lymphoma.

Resistance to immune reactions, innate or acquired, may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the progression of tumors. We have, indeed shown higher numbers of macrophages surrounding low- as compared to high-malignancy cells. In the present study we examined the level of cell surface molecules known to determine sensitivity to macrophages, namely galactose (GAL) and sialic acid (SA) residues. A histochemical assay for identification of SA by electron microscopy showed a higher cell surface content on metastatic (MT) than on primary (PT) tumor cells. The FACS data seen with fluorescent lectins showed a higher binding of Sambucus nigra agglutinin, which identifies SA attached to terminal GAL in -2.6 or -2.3 linkage, in MT than in PT cells. Binding of Maakia amurensis lectin (MAL-1), which identifies SA at position 3 of GAL, showed that the MT cells contain two subpopulations, one binding more MAL-1 and another less. Cell sorting showed a more aggressive behavior of the first population. The comparison of Peanut agglutinin (PNA) binding, which identifies GAL, demonstrated a decreased amount of PNA receptors in MT as compared to PT cells. Western blot analysis of the membranal proteins with different lectins, identified 3 sialylated glycoproteins. The 88 kDa glycoprotein had no significance for metastatic potential. The 130 kDa glycoprotein was higher in MT than on PT cells. The 220 kDa glycoprotein was practically present only on MT cells. The tendency observed was of a higher level of membranal glycoconjugates terminally sialylated with subterminal galactose residues, inMT cells as compared to PT cells. This may explain the recently found decrease in apoptotic cell death with increasing aggressiveness of the AKR lymphoma and suggests a lower sensitivity to macrophages with tumor progression. Treatment based on the reduction in sialic acid content might render the tumor cells more vulnerable to macrophages. We found, indeed, that Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) injected in vivo, exerted an inhibitory effect on growth of the lymphoma. We found moreover that WGA-treated tumor cells were more sensitive than nontreated cells to macrophages in vitro.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Body packer: cocaine intoxication, causing death, masked by concomitant administration of major tranquilizers.

Cocaine, derived from the leaves of the shrub Erythroxylon coca, which grows on the slopes of the Andes, remains one of the most widely abused illicit drugs (Johnson et al., 1993). Its abuse appears to be increasing and as a result, so is its trafficking across borders, with ever-increasing sophistication of concealment (Rouse, 1992). Over the past few years, cases of cocaine intoxication have been reported, resulting from ruptured packets of cocaine that have been swallowed, or inserted into the vagina or rectum by couriers (drug smugglers), so called 'body packers' or 'mules' (Westli and Mittleman, 1981; Ricaurte and Langston, 1995). Cocaine is a powerful sympathomimetic and central nervous system stimulant, an overdose of which causes primarily cardiac, neurological and psychiatric effects (Ricaurte and Langston, 1995). Acute toxicity is dose-related and is characterized in the first place by its sympathomimetic effects, which include tachycardia, hypertension and hyperthermia arrythmias, followed by seizures. Brainstem depression and cardio-respiratory collapse, stroke, coma, intracranial vasculitis, myocardial infarction and sudden death have all been reported in cocaine abuse (Ricaurte and Langston, 1995). We present a fatal case with neurological and psychiatric symptoms, but without the usual cardiac and systemic signs.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Fatal haemorrhage following male ritual circumcision.

Lethal complications following ritual circumcision are extremely rare, the most common being sepsis. We present here a case of fatal haemorrhage from a tiny incision of the glans, following a 'home' circumcision of a 6-week-old baby. The post-mortem examination disclosed idiopathic neonatal hepatitis. It is suggested that the previously undiagnosed hepatic condition was responsible for the fatal haemorrhage.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Sudden cardiac death during sport and recreational activities in Israel.

Sudden unexpected death of healthy individuals during strenuous physical activity is rarely encountered. In the present study, 36 cases of death during physical exercise over the past 19 years were examined at the Israel National Center of Forensic Medicine. The victims' ages ranged from 13-62 years; none of them had a pre-existing history of a cardio-vascular condition. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) was the cause of death in most of the older participants in sport activities (35 years of age and over), while younger individuals died mainly as a result of diseases of the myocardium. More than half of the deceased had been found fit to participate in active sports following basic medical examination. We conclude that more detailed medical screening tests should be utilized to detect potentially hazardous cardiovascular diseases in all those engaged in strenuous physical activity.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Child neglect or tragic misadventure?

The body of a 2-month-old baby was found inside the pram where he had been left overnight. Initial assessment of the event by a paramedic unit seemed to indicate foul play, based on the presence of a prominent linear pressure mark on the child's scalp and face. Thorough police and medicolegal investigation cleared the suspect and disclosed that the death resulted from accidental positional asphyxia, related to a faulty mechanism of the pram. We advise that when examining sudden unexpected death of children, forensic investigators should be aware of the potential hazards associated with baby accessories.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Improved method for shooting distance estimation. Part III. Bullet holes in cadavers.

An improved method to estimate firing distance on human body surfaces is described. The novel part of the method includes a chemical test in addition to the traditional visual and microscopic examinations of the gunshot wounds. This chemical test consists of a transfer of the gunpowder residues from the area of a gunshot wound to an adhesive lifter; the residues are then visualized as total nitrite after alkaline hydrolysis by the Modified Griess Test (MGT). When cadavers are in an advanced stage of decomposition or when gunshot wounds are in hairy areas, the information obtained by this chemical test can be crucial for shooting distance evaluation. In other cases it may improve the accuracy of the examination. In some cases, the results obtained by this test may assist in the discrimination between entrance and exit gunshot wounds.

Adhesives↗
PubMed2000

Trauma and identification of victims of suicidal terrorism in Israel.

The postmortem examination and identification procedures performed by medical and law enforcement personnel involved in mass disaster management in Israel are reported. The Israel National Police, the Israel Defense Forces, and the L. Greenberg Institute of Forensic Medicine's experts examined 171 victims who died in 21 incidents of suicidal terrorism. The trauma sustained by the victims and perpetrators of suicidal bombings included complete body disruption and explosive, flying missile, and blast injuries. The modus operandi of the perpetrators, reconstructed from the distribution and type of injury of the victims, is discussed. Fifty-five victims perished in open space bombings and 91 inside buses. All perpetrators of these bombings died at the time of the incident regardless of their location. Identification of the victims was achieved using fingerprints, dental records, medical intervention signs, anatomic variation, genetic profile, and personal recognition. Prompt identification of the perpetrators allowed speedy apprehension of the accomplices and prevention of similar attacks. Collaboration between the different forensic, military, and law enforcement teams increased the efficiency of disaster management efforts.

Blast Injuries↗