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Biomedical subjects

S Banaschak

Publications and source records attributed to S Banaschak.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Postmortem biochemical examination of synovial fluid--a preliminary study.

Vitreous humor chemistry is used for postmortem analysis since serum values of many components are thought to be reflected in vitreous humor and to be stable for a prolonged postmortem interval (pmi). A similar isolated compartment to vitreous humor is synovial fluid which up to now was hardly used for postmortem chemistry. The aim of the present examination was to compare the values of various analytes in both fluid compartments to get first hints for the reliability of the examination of synovial fluid. Therefore, in 74 cases of sudden death both fluids were taken and analysed for natrium, potassium, calcium, chloride, urea, creatinine, and glucose. The results show that the examination of synovial fluid as compared to vitreous humor is a reliable method to get hints on the premortal metabolic status since most analytes are stable postmortem. The range of all values is comparable in both fluids. The time course of glucose concentrations and, much more important, potassium concentrations is nearly similar. If no vitreous humor is available synovial fluid may be used with all precautions in diagnosis known from vitreous humor.

Calcium↗
PubMed2000

Multiple interchanging of tissue samples in cases of breast cancer.

Due to the suspicion of a gynaecologist, a pathologist was suspected of incorrect diagnoses in cases of breast cancer and the interchanging of tissue samples. Many women applied to the attorney's bureau to clarify the reproaches. The privately owned laboratory for pathology was searched and 926 histological slides, roughly the same number of paraffin blocks and about 20 formalin fixed tissue samples were confiscated. Together with other confiscated material, at least 1236 histological slides and additional 249 paraffin blocks had to be sorted. Histological slides and paraffin blocks were matched with patients as far as possible following the laboratory book. Many of the warranted samples which were diagnosed as containing the carcinoma by the pathologist were missing. A total of 160 samples were chosen and rediagnosed by two independent pathologists. The formalin fixed tissue was negative for DNA most likely due to storage in formalin for years. Most of the histological slides were positive for DNA. On the whole, 18 expertises about histological findings and the DNA results were given. In some cases only DNA results could be presented, as previous experts had only performed DNA examinations without controlling the histological diagnosis. In six cases a carcinoma could be confirmed and the DNA profile matched with patient's DNA; in seven cases a carcinoma was confirmed without match with the patient; in two cases the carcinoma could not be confirmed in the presented samples. A jurisdictional solution was impossible because the accused pathologist died during the investigation. In conclusion, it must be stated that a DNA examination of histological slides should never be performed without a rediagnosis of an independent pathologist and photographic documentation of the findings. Whenever possible, material should be left on the slide.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2000

Influence of different staining techniques on the DNA analysis of histological sections.

The use of stained histological sections as a source for DNA may be necessary in forensic case work if confusion of tissue is suspected, for identification or paternity cases. To elucidate the influence of different staining techniques on the PCR amplification of DNA, histological sections of liver tissue were prepared using eight different staining techniques and two histochemical methods. The DNA of the sections was extracted by a modified Chelex extraction and amplified using a commercial triplex kit. Staining with hematoxylin-eosin, hemalum-eosin, azan, periodic acid-schiff and prussian blue showed no adverse effect on the amplification of DNA while the extracts of tissue stained by Masson-Goldner, Ladewig and elastica-van Gieson methods had to be purified before amplification was possible. Staining with phosphoric tungsten acid hematoxylin and Gomori led to a degradation of DNA probably due to the use of potassium permanganate solution.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Suicide of a diabetic by inducing hyperglycemic coma.

Deaths due to hyperglycemic and hyperosmolar coma in diabetics are usually disease-related. In the exceptional case reported here there was evidence for an intentional ingestion of a sugar solution, the person was a diabetic and known to be depressive suggesting a suicidal intention. The autopsy findings were inconspicuous and only further laboratory findings led to the final diagnosis.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

ROC analysis of alcoholism markers--100% specificity.

A combination of 4 so-called markers of alcoholism, i.e. methanol, acetone + 2-propanol, gamma-glutamyltransferase and carbohydrate deficient transferrin, was investigated in 341 blood samples from alcoholics and non-alcoholics. From the history of alcohol consumption, four defined subgroups were formed: non-alcoholics divided into (A) 33 persons with no ethanol consumption during the past year and (B) 60 persons with daily consumption less than 40 g ethanol. Alcoholics were divided into (C) 177 persons with no ethanol at the time of admission/first blood sampling (withdrawal therapy) and (D) 71 persons with positive ethanol levels on admission/first blood sampling. All markers showed different extents of overlap between the collectives of alcoholics and non-alcoholics. By logistic regression, a formula was developed combining these markers with different mathematical weights. Thus an "Alc-Index" could be calculated for each individual. The ROC curve connecting all individual values gives an ideal form with 100% specificity and nearly 93% sensitivity. The threshold between the collectives of alcoholics and non-alcoholics was defined by the Alc-Index value 1.7. This was associated with no false positives among the non-alcoholics while nearly 93% of the alcoholics exceeded this index. The ROC-based calculation of the Alc-Index thus seems to be the most effective method for the diagnosis of alcoholism.

1-Propanol↗
PubMed1999

The role of clinical forensic medicine in cases of sexual child abuse.

The work of specialists in forensic medicine in those cases of child abuse that result in the killing of a child is defined and well known. It is less well defined in cases of (suspected) sexual abuse. The cases presented show the difficulties that arise if medical doctors and prosecutors are uncertain about the procedures that have to be followed or do not appreciate the value of objective findings. It is concluded that knowledge about necessary examinations by physicians, police officers and prosecutors has to be promoted in order to improve handling and (legal) outcome of these cases.

Child Abuse, Sexual↗
PubMed1999

[Confusing tissue samples: causes, consequences, prevention].

The rising numbers of tissue samples for securing a diagnosis has led to a multitude of tissue samples in pathology institutes. Criteria and measures for ensuring the quality of histological diagnosis have been developed. Corresponding rules for the organization of the tissue sampling up to their processing do not yet exist. Suspicion of interchanged samples occurs much more often than it actually happens; however, it is important to be aware of the possibility so as to inform the clinician and to eliminate any possible causes of the confusion. The civil and penal consequences of such an interchanging, the subsequent "incorrect" diagnosis and the therapeutic measures are secondary compared to the potentially dramatic consequences for the patient. Important causes for an interchanging and possible preventive measures are presented.

Clinical Laboratory Techniques↗
PubMed1998

Potential DNA mixtures introduced through kissing.

The use of saliva samples is an alternative to blood samples when a large number of control samples are to be compared by DNA investigations. The most convenient and safe method is by using cotton wool swabs. In this investigation the average DNA content of saliva samples taken by three different sampling techniques (i. e. cotton wool swab, filter paper, liquid saliva) was compared. In addition the possibility of a DNA mixture of saliva samples after intensive kissing was investigated by taking samples from voluntary pairs. Mixed STR patterns were found in five samples but restricted to the first sampling after kissing within max. 60 s.

DNA↗
PubMed1997

[Identification of tissue samples in suspected accidental specimen interchange].

When there is a possibility that tissue samples have been interchanged, DNA analysis of the histological specimens can be carried out to correctly assign the specimens to a patient. The use of polymerase chain reaction enables results to be obtained even from degraded DNA in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Two cases of exenteration of the brain from Brenneke shotgun slugs.

A case of extended suicide resulted in two fatalities due to craniocerebral gunshots from a 12-gauge shotgun firing Brenneke shotgun slugs. In each case, the gunshot shattered the skull and the brain and in one case, large parts of the brain including a complete hemisphere were ejected similar to a "Krönlein shot". The location of the trajectory close to the base of the skull, the muzzle gases and the ballistic characteristics of the missile contributed to this rare form of head injury. The high mass and the large diameter of the lead missile do not necessitate a high muzzle velocity to crush large amounts of tissue or to produce an explosive type of head injury. The wadding material and the metal screw attached to the Brenneke slug can be of forensic significance.

Brain Injuries↗
PubMed1996

[Differential diagnosis of multiple pulmonary coin lesions--pulmonary hyaline granuloma].

In addition to metastases, the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules also includes tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and silicosis. Rarer diseases such as amyloid tumors, rheumatic nodules, and plasma-cell granulomas can, depending on the clinical situation, be the cause of this finding. For the example of the clinical picture of pulmonary hyalinizing granuloma, the differential diagnosis of multiple pulmonary nodules is illustrated under consideration of the pathognomonic, morphologic observations.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Forensic medicine experiences in cremation autopsy in Bonn].

2016 coroner's crematorial inquests of the Bonn Institute of Legal Medicine over a 3 years' period were evaluated and the statements in the death certificates were compared to those ones of the Statistical Country Office of Northrhine-Westphalia. No significant differences were found with respect to age, gender and reason of death. However, the number of insufficiently classified deaths with respect to the reason of death were overrepresented especially in cases of older women, while the number of unnatural deaths was generally underrepresented. According to legal medical criteria 2 1/4 per cent of the deaths were falsely classified as natural. Only in 2 cases an autopsy was accomplished. Other author's statements on the validity of death certificates were confirmed.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Homicide by burning].

Compared to the total number of deaths by heat (burning, scalding), homicides by the direct effect of thermal energy (setting the victim on fire, pouring hot liquids over them) are rare; accordingly this subject is seldom dealt with in forensic and criminological literature. From our own autopsy material three cases are presented describing some peculiarities of homicide by heat. Sometimes additional findings (e.g., residual traces of gagging or tying) primarily point in the direction of homicide.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Retained capacity for action in brain gunshot injury. Case report and systematic examination].

A case of physical activity following a suicidal gunshot to the head including perforation of the left frontal lobe from a .22 rimfire rifle is reported. Subsequently, the man was able to walk a distance of more than 100 m and to reload manually. The special wound ballistic features of the head leading to increased intracranial projectile effects are discussed and the morphological changes such as cortical contusion zones, intracerebral hemorrhages or indirect skull fractures are explained. The analysis of 38 cases of head shots followed by physical activity reveals that injury to certain CNS-areas or the use of centre fire rifles and large handguns usually excludes a potential for subsequent physical activity. But physical activity is possible if the trajectory is restricted to the frontal brain or one temporal lobe only and if a projectile of low wounding potential has been used for this gunshot.

Brain↗