Biomedical subjects

S J Cina

Publications and source records attributed to S J Cina.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Isolation and identification of female DNA on postcoital penile swabs.

After sexual assault, cells originating from the assailant may be recovered from the victim. Through polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technology, positive scientific identification of the assailant may be made from these cells. Described is a prospective study describing a method for positively identifying cells from a female sex partner obtained from postcoital swabs of the penis of the male sex partner. Swabs were taken from the penis of a man at 1- to 24-hour intervals after coitus. DNA was isolated from each swab through standard organic extraction methods. The presence of female DNA was detected using the gender-specific amelogenin marker. Extracted DNA was amplified for eight different genetic loci using the Promega PowerPlex kit (Promega) and Amplitaq Gold (Perkin Elmer). Amplified samples were electrophoresed on precast sequencing gels (Hitachi) and were analyzed fluorescently using Hitachi's FMBIO 2 fluorescent scanner and software. Each sample obtained from a penile swab or condom was compared to male and female buccal controls. Female DNA was isolated from all postcoital penile swabs as determined by exclusive amplification of the X-chromosome specific 212 base pair amelogenin marker. In all cases, scientific identification of the female DNA from the swabs was determined by coamplification of eight STR loci (PowerPlex) and was compared to female and male control profiles. Cells shed from a female victim during sexual intercourse can be retrieved from the penis of a male offender after sexual intercourse during a 1- to 24-hour postcoital interval. DNA can be extracted from these cells and can be used to scientifically identify the female sexual participant through PCR-based technology. It is suggested that penile swabs be taken from alleged perpetrators of sexual assaults to associate them with a female victim.

Amelogenin↗

PubMed2000

Stereolithography: a potential new tool in forensic medicine.

Stereolithography is a computer-mediated method that can be used to quickly create anatomically correct three-dimensional epoxy and acrylic resin models from various types of medical data. Multiple imaging modalities can be exploited, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The technology was first developed and used in 1986 to overcome limitations in previous computer-aided manufacturing/milling techniques. Stereolithography is presently used to accurately reproduce both the external and internal anatomy of body structures. Current medical uses of stereolithography include preoperative planning of orthopedic and maxillofacial surgeries, the fabrication of custom prosthetic devices; and the assessment of the degree of bony and soft-tissue injury caused by trauma. We propose that there is a useful, as yet untapped, potential for this technology in forensic medicine.

Forensic Anthropology↗

PubMed2000

The role of Clostridium septicum in paraneoplastic sepsis.

CONTEXT: Clostridium septicum infections are rare but often associated with serious if not fatal outcomes. Clostridium septicum infection does not appear to be associated with a single specific defect in cellular or humoral immunity. It has been associated with multiple medical problems, including but not limited to leukemia, malignancy of the bowel, other solid tumors, cyclic neutropenia with enterocolitis, diabetes mellitus, and severe arteriosclerosis. Most cases of C septicum are associated with malignancy, and mortality approaches 100% if care is not rendered within 12 to 24 hours. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate outcomes of patients with C septicum bacteremia, whether treated medically or surgically or both, and to note associated conditions. DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of patients found to have C septicum bacteremia in the past 6 years. SETTING: Two teaching hospitals, Brooke Army Medical Center (250 beds) and Wilford Hall Medical Center (292 beds), were the source of our patients. PATIENTS: All patients found to have C septicum bacteremia during hospitalization or postmortem examination were included in the study. There were no exclusion criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Mortality associated with C septicum infection. RESULTS: In our case series, mortality was 33%, which is slightly lower than reported in prior studies (43%-70%). CONCLUSION: Presumptive identification based on Gram stain, awareness of C septicum infection as a paraneoplastic syndrome, and prompt, clear communication between laboratory personnel and clinicians are necessary for early diagnosis of C septicum infection. Early institution of antibiotic therapy improves prognosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Characteristics of hormone-treated prostate carcinoma: stressing the need for clinician-pathologist communication.

OBJECTIVE: Patients scheduled for prostatectomy often receive androgen deprivation therapy to make malignant tumors more amenable to resection and improve the postoperative course. These hormonal therapies may significantly alter the histomorphology of carcinoma of the prostate detected on subsequent needle biopsies. METHODS: Needle specimens were obtained from resected prostates harboring biopsy-proven carcinoma previously treated with leuprolide. The tissue was examined by light microscopy to note architectural and cytologic characteristics. RESULTS: A high proportion of treated carcinomas had an atrophic, infiltrative appearance. Nuclear and nucleolar enlargement were consistently observed. Macronucleoli, blue-tinged mucin, and intraluminal pink amorphous material was frequently identified. CONCLUSIONS: The markedly atrophic nature of the cells and glands may result in either overgrading of prostate carcinoma or failure to recognize the more subtle patterns of this malignant neoplasm. It is imperative that clinicians convey a history of hormone treatment to pathologists when core biopsies of the prostate are submitted for histologic evaluation.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1999

Tissue distribution of tramadol and metabolites in an overdose fatality.

Tramadol (Ultram) is a centrally acting, synthetic analgesic agent. Although it has some affinity for the opiate receptors, tramadol is believed to exert its analgesic effect by inhibiting the re-uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. There are several published cases of tramadol's involvement in drug-related deaths and impairment. Reports of deaths involving tramadol alone with associated tissue concentrations are rare. This report documents a case in which tramadol overdose was identified as the cause of death. The following tramadol concentrations were found in various tissues: blood, 20 mg/L; urine, 110.2 mg/L; liver, 68.9 mg/kg; and kidney, 37.5 mg/kg. Tissue distributions of the two primary metabolites, N-desmethyl and O-desmethyl tramadol, are also reported. In each tissue or fluid except urine, the tramadol concentration was greater than either metabolite, consistent with other reports of drug-impaired drivers and postmortem cases. The O-desmethyl metabolite concentration was greater than the N-desmethyl metabolite concentration in all tissues; this is in contrast to other postmortem reports, in which the majority of cases report concentrations of O-desmethyl as less than those of N-desmethyl. This may be useful as an indicator of time lapse between ingestion and death.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Multifactorial analysis of firearm wounds to the head with attention to anatomic location.

Firearm wounds to the head are often fatal and are routinely encountered in the practice of forensic pathology in the United States. Often, the anatomic site of the entrance wound is used to support or refute the manner of death indicated by the scene investigation and/or circumstances of the case. The present retrospective study of 120 fatalities resulting from 140 firearm wounds to the head correlates the anatomic region of the entrance wound and range of fire with the manner of death. Other demographic data analyzed include age, race, and gender of the decedents, as well as evidence of drug and/or ethanol use. It is hoped that this study will provide concrete data to support the largely anecdotal associations between the specific site of entry of firearm injuries to the head and the manner of death.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

A study of various morphologic variables and troponin I in pericardial fluid as possible discriminators of sudden cardiac death.

Pathologists frequently examine victims of sudden cardiac death. In some cases, a firm diagnosis of cardiac-related death can be made based on conclusive gross and histologic findings. In many other cases, we find evidence supportive of, but not diagnostic of, cardiac death (e.g., atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, cardiomegaly, myocardial scarring). A final cohort consists of cases of sudden death with minimal to mild cardiac disease, no other significant pathology, and negative toxicologic studies. This prospective study compared 38 cardiac-related deaths with 52 control cases with respect to concentrations of pericardial cardiac troponin I (cTnI), heart weight, evidence of old and/or recent myocardial injury, and presence of significant coronary artery disease. The influence of documented chest trauma and/or perimortem cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on levels of cTnI was also analyzed. Even though median cTnI levels were significantly higher in cardiac deaths than in controls (p = .003), cTnI was not found to be a significant predictor of cardiac deaths, as determined by discriminant analysis (p = .52). Heart weight >500 g, evidence of old and recent myocardial injury, and significant coronary artery disease were seen statistically more often in cardiac deaths than in controls (p < or = .005 in each case), and median age was significantly higher in cardiac deaths than in controls (p = .001). Based on a stepwise logistic regression model, significant coronary artery disease, old and recent myocardial injury, and heart weight >500 g were found to contribute significantly to the prediction of cardiac death. Finally, neither chest injury nor CPR significantly affected concentrations of cTnI in pericardial fluid. These data confirm that the presence of acute and remote myocardial injury, significant coronary artery disease, and cardiomegaly (heart weight >500 g) strongly supports the diagnosis of a cardiac-related death. In contrast to a recently published report, we do not find that elevated concentrations of cTnI in pericardial fluid are strong indicators of cardiac-related deaths using our methodology.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Collecting duct meningeal carcinomatosis.

Collecting duct carcinoma (CDC) is an aggressive primary renal neoplasm that represents a distinct subtype of renal cell carcinoma. Histochemical (eg, mucicarmine) and immunohistochemical (eg, Ulex europaeus) studies, taken in concert with the gross and histologic findings, allow differentiation of CDC from the conventional varieties of renal cell carcinoma in most cases. Collecting duct carcinoma generally pursues a more aggressive course than conventional renal cell carcinoma. Metastases to regional lymph nodes, bone, adrenal glands, lung, and skin have been reported in CDC. We describe the case of a 26-year-old man who presented with a clinical and radiologic impression of multifocal meningioma. Biopsies of the meninges and extracranial soft tissues revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma; subsequent studies suggested metastatic CDC. Ultrasound-guided biopsy was performed on a subsequently identified renal mass, which showed features consistent with CDC. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of meningeal carcinomatosis due to CDC. The diagnostic features of this tumor are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

A simplified method for postmortem coronary angiography using gastrograffin.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the adequacy of perfusion of the heart at autopsy with a gastrograffin and dye mixture to obtain rapid postmortem angiograms while simultaneously documenting the vascular distribution of the myocardium. BACKGROUND: Postmortem coronary angiography is occasionally used in the evaluation of suspected cardiac deaths. Angiography provides legal documentation and can serve to guide subsequent cardiac dissection. Multiple techniques have been suggested in the literature for coronary angiography using infusion of radio-opaque silicone or gelatin. These techniques are cumbersome and require equipment generally not available in autopsy suites. METHODS: Following removal of the heart, a mixture of gastrograffin and colored dyes is injected into each coronary artery via a syringe. The coronary arteries are ligated and radiographs are obtained. After fixation, the heart is dissected in the usual manner. RESULTS: Adequate postmortem coronary angiograms are routinely obtained with this method. The coronary arterial distribution within the myocardium is easily documented at both the gross and microscopic levels because of the presence of differential coloration. CONCLUSIONS: The aforementioned technique using a gastrograffin and dye mixture provides a simplified approach to postmortem angiography. The novelty of the procedure stems from the low cost, ease of implementation, dual ability to assess vascular anatomy radiologically (gastrograffin), and gross distribution and histologic findings of dependent tissue using the light microscope (colored dye). This technique is inexpensive, rapid, and easily used, making it more suitable for general hospital practice and medical examiners' offices than previously described methods.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

A case of familial angiolipomatosis with Lisch nodules.

Familial angiolipomatosis is a rare syndrome that may be confused clinically with neurofibromatosis type 1. This condition is most often inherited in an autosomal recessive manner; however, several reports have been published suggesting an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Angiolipomatosis, although somewhat disfiguring, is a benign condition with no known association with malignant neoplasms. This is in contradistinction to neurofibromatosis, an autosomal dominant syndrome associated with a myriad of benign and malignant neoplasms. It is, therefore, important to discriminate this entity from neurofibromatosis when a patient presents with multiple subcutaneous tumors and a family history of similar lesions. Described is a case of a prison inmate with a history of seizures and "neurofibromatosis" without clinical documentation. Lisch nodules were noted on the irides. Postmortem examination showed multiple subcutaneous yellow tumors on the chest and arms. Fine-needle aspiration of 1 mass yielded adipose tissue with prominent vessels; histologic sections of another mass showed angiolipoma. The remainder of the autopsy showed significant coronary artery disease and a remote cerebral infarction of the temporal lobe but no signs of neurofibromatosis. We feel that the presence of multiple angiolipomas in combination with Lisch nodules lends credence to the proposed relationship between fatty tumors and neurofibromatosis suggested by other authors.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

The regional medical examiner of the Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner: an introduction for the practicing military physician.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Forensic Medicine↗

PubMed1999

Postmortem percutaneous core biopsy of the liver.

Unexpected deaths related to significant hepatopathology are encountered daily by forensic pathologists. After investigation, a decision will be made regarding whether or not to perform an autopsy. In considering the options available to assess the degree of hepatopathology, a study was undertaken to evaluate the potential role of percutaneous core biopsy of the liver at the time of postmortem examination. Postmortem percutaneous hepatic core biopsy was attempted at the time of external examination in 28 nonconsecutive cases examined at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Maryland; hepatic tissue was obtained in 26 cases. In 21 of these cases, hepatic tissue was obtained during subsequent partial or complete autopsy and submitted for histologic correlation. There was complete histologic correlation of tissue obtained via percutaneous biopsy with hepatic tissue obtained by open biopsy in 18 of 20 cases (86%). Significant hepatopathology was identified by core biopsy in 5 of 9 cases (56%) with a history of ethanol abuse and in 8 of 19 cases (42%) with a negative ethanol history. The sensitivity of this technique was 82% and the specificity was 100%. This study has shown that core biopsy of the liver can provide information related to the cause of death in cases with and without a history of alcohol consumption. In cases in which a complete autopsy is deferred because of familial religious objections, infectious disease, or time/budgetary constraints, this modality can be used to obtain diagnostic tissue.

Alcoholism↗

PubMed1999

Accuracy of death certification in two tertiary care military hospitals.

To determine the number and type of errors in death certifications, death certificates and corresponding postmortem examination results for 98 patients were analyzed at two tertiary care military hospitals. Of the 98 death certificates, errors were found in 36 (37%). The most prevalent type of error was the use of a nonspecific diagnosis as the underlying cause of death (22 of 36 errors, 61%). No errors were found in the listed manner of death. Given the high prevalence of errors found in death certification, recommendations are made to ensure the proper completion of death certificates. In addition, it is suggested that for patients who are to undergo postmortem examination, the immediate, any intermediate, and the underlying cause of death may be listed as "pending" so that the clinician can use the autopsy results in the completion of the death certificate.

Autopsy↗

PubMed1998

Holmium:YAG lithotripsy: photothermal mechanism converts uric acid calculi to cyanide.

PURPOSE: Holmium:YAG lithotripsy fragments stones through a photothermal mechanism. Uric acid when heated is known to be converted into cyanide. We test the hypothesis that holmium: YAG lithotripsy of uric acid calculi produces cyanide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human calculi of known uric acid composition were irradiated with holmium:YAG energy in water. Stones received a total holmium:YAG energy of 0 (control), 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 or 1.25 kJ. The water in which lithotripsy was performed was analyzed for cyanide concentration. A graph was constructed to relate holmium:YAG energy to cyanide production. RESULTS: Holmium:YAG lithotripsy of uric acid calculi in vitro produced cyanide consistently. Cyanide production correlated with total holmium:YAG energy (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Holmium:YAG lithotripsy of uric acid calculi risks production of cyanide. This study raises significant safety issues.

Aluminum Silicates↗

PubMed1998

Suicide using a compound bow and arrow.

Accidental, suicidal, and homicidal injuries have been caused by arrows fired from crossbows. To our knowledge, a case of suicide using a full-size compound bow to fire a projectile has not been reported in the English literature. Described is a case of a 17-year-old man who shot himself in the chest with a broadhead hunting arrow fired from a compound bow. Examination of the footwear suggests that the decedent drew the bowstring with his left foot while holding the bow in his hands. The mechanism of injury is discussed. When dealing with a longbow-related fatality, examination of the weaponry used and reenactment of the fatal methodology are critical in determining whether self-inflicted injury is a probability.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Serum concentrations of cardiac troponin I in sudden death: a pilot study.

Sudden cardiac death due to lethal arrhythmia may be the initial presenting symptom of ischemic heart disease. In many cases, in the absence of trauma, a majority of these deaths will be visually inspected by a medical examiner and released with death being ascribed to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, or a similar diagnosis. When an autopsy is performed, there may be significant cardiovascular disease but no gross or histologic evidence of an acute myocardial infarct unless the patient survived for several hours following the event. Biochemical assays of creatine kinase MB fraction (CKMB) performed on serum have been used to document myocardial injury in the absence of morphologic changes. Newly developed assays for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) may detect myocardial injury with a greater sensitivity than CKMB. A prospective study was performed on 28 autopsied patients at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the state of Maryland. Subclavian blood was sampled for subsequent analysis of serum CKMB and cTnI. In 3 cases of cardiac-related death, there was insufficient plasma for analysis of both CKMB and cTnI, and only CKMB was quantitated. In 12 cases, hemolysis rendered interpretation questionable. Of the remaining 16 cases, the mean serum CKMB level was 857.9 ng/ml (n = 7) and the cTnI level was 93.4 ng/ml (n = 4) for cardiac-related deaths, compared with mean CKMB levels of 116.4 ng/ml (n = 9) and mean cTnI levels of 16.6 ng/ml (n = 9) for non-cardiac-related deaths. The differences in serum elevation of both CKMB and cTnI noted between the cardiac- and non-cardiac-related deaths were statistically significant. Serum cTnI concentrations >40 ng/ml were only noted in cardiac-related deaths. These data suggest that an elevated postmortem serum concentration of cTnI reflects ischemic heart disease and supports its use in determining cause of death. Quantitation of this analyte may prove useful when death may be due to an arrhythmia following a morphologically undetectable microinfarct.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed1997

Prospects for utilization and usefulness of postmortem cytology.

Cytologic evaluation of nongynecologic tissues is a widely accepted diagnostic modality commonly used in the clinical evaluation of living patients. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of superficial masses and touch preparations of surgical specimens often yield diagnostic results. The adjunctive role of these two techniques during postmortem examination has not been adequately addressed. A prospective study was carried out on a series of 13 patients undergoing postmortem examination. FNA was performed in a standard manner to obtain tissue fragments from superficial masses in three cases. Visceral lesions grossly suspicious for cancer were scraped and smeared onto glass slides to create a "touch prep" in 10 cases. Cytologic evaluation of alcohol-fixed, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides was performed in each case. Cytologic diagnoses were subsequently correlated with histologic sections. In the majority of cases, cytologic material was diagnostic. Touch prep slides, in combination with gross findings, were diagnostic of primary and metastatic carcinoma in visceral lesions. FNA of superficial masses accurately assessed local recurrences of carcinoma and nodal metastases. Both methods yielded diagnoses within minutes, in contrast to the time required to process routine histologic sections. Cytologic evaluation of tissues obtained at autopsy provides accurate, inexpensive, and rapid diagnostic information. The touch prep is an inexpensive adjunct to histologic sections in documenting the presence of carcinoma or the extent of metastatic disease found at autopsy, and its further application can strengthen the standard applied in clinicopathologic diagnosis.

Adenocarcinoma↗