Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to U Stachetzki.
The principles of modern forensic DNA-analysis using the amplification of so called STR-polymorphisms are explained. Four cases from practise that required the collaboration of forensic molecular biology and pathology and which were analysed by them are presented and discussed. Similarities and variations in the work of both "disciplines" are presented and suggestions for the storage of samples formulated.
The practical use of the legally required documentation of occupational diseases is demonstrated by a case of asbestos-related pleural mesothelioma. During the mandatory inquest before cremation, information of manifest pleural mesothelioma had been relayed to the widow of the patient, and an investigation for a possible occupational disease was performed. Reconstruction of the case showed that in the course of 3 months at least 13 physicians had been involved in in-hospital as well as ambulatory therapeutic measures. Until death, none of them informed the trade association about a suspected occupational disease in accordance with BK 4105 of the codex of occupational diseases, although the diagnosis of manifest pleural mesothelioma had been histologically confirmed already 10 weeks prior to the death of the patient. This case demonstrates obvious and evident deficiencies in applying the Code of Social Law VII, which requires physicians to report occupational diseases. In addition, it shows the importance of the post-mortem examination as a control function before cremation.
Increasing evidence points to a close relationship between the autonomic nervous system and the immune system. To further investigate mechanisms regulating beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2R) expression in lymphocytes, the influence of cytokines on the density of beta2R on purified CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes was determined in vitro. beta2R were determined by means of a radioligand binding assay with (125I)iodocyanopindolol. CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were incubated with catecholamines, interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) for 6-72 h. The results demonstrate declining beta2R numbers on CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in vitro augmented by epinephrine. IL-1beta has no effect on beta2R expression compared to medium. However, incubation with IL-2 resulted in an up-regulation of beta2R on CD8+ lymphocytes. Thus, the study demonstrates a differential regulation of beta2R on T-lymphocyte subpopulations with CD8+ lymphocytes being more susceptible to mechanisms of beta2R modulation than CD4+ lymphocytes. The findings further strengthen the concept of a close interplay between the autonomic nervous system and the immune system.
OBJECTIVES: The morphological findings in organ systems following exhumation, form the basis for answering a number of medical insurance issues. The aim of this study was to analyse the development of the number of exhumations performed and the medical insurance relevance over a 31-year-period. METHODS: A total of 371 exhumations, performed between 1967-1998 at the Institute of Pathology, Occupational Associations Hospital, Bochum, for medical insurance reasons were evaluated. RESULTS: The average number of days after burial was 74, ranging from 9 to 47.8. For the first third of the period investigated, the proportion of exhumations was 3.5% of all autopsy cases, for the second third this fell to about 0.4% and rose to 1.5% for the last third. In the first two-thirds, the main reasons for the exhumations were related to the grading and effects of pneumoconioses in connection with the cause of death. In the last third, asbestos-associated diseases were mainly involved. In 99.2% of all cases, the autopsy results revealed important evidence for clarification of the medical insurance issues. The current catalogue of expectations listing the pathomorphological findings which can be expected after certain periods of internment, could be extended by our own results.
Intravascular lymphomatosis (IVL) is a rare lymphoproliferative disease characterized by intravascular growth of lymphoma cells in small vessels. Most frequently, its first manifestations occur in the central nervous system or skin. Based on autoptical findings in a 68-year-old-man with IVL, the pathological morphology in the central nervous system is compared to the course of neurological symptoms. The disease could not be diagnosed during his lifetime. The spectrum of neurological deficits can be explained histopathologically by occlusive intravascular aggregations of lymphomatous cells in small vessels of the spinal leptomeninges and nerve roots causing perfusion deficits and areas of ischemic necrosis of up to 4 mm in diameter in the medulla. Aggregations of lymphoma cells in the vessels of other organs are also found, but did not result in clinical symptoms. In reference to the present case, a survey of other literature reports on IVL with neurological and psychiatric manifestations is given. In patients with this condition, even an invasive biopsy has to be considered in order to make the correct diagnosis at an early clinical stage.