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PubMed1984

[Toxicologic survey of findings in putrefied corpses. Corpse putrefaction in air].

Autopsies were conducted on 234 putrefied corpses (exposed to the air, not buried) at the Institute for Forensic Medicine of the University of Hamburg from January 1979 to May 1983. Estimating the time it had taken to reach the respective degree of putrefaction was almost impossible. Only anamnestic clues provided evidence to ascertain the approximate time of death (between 3 days and 46 months ago). The cadavers were found in different locations: outdoors, inside heated or non-heated rooms. Some corpses wore clothes; others were naked; some were covered with blankets or other material. Chemicotoxicological analyses consisted of routine methods and additional modern sophisticated techniques: capillary gas chromatography, combined GC/MS, infrared spectrometry, radio- and enzyme-immunological tests. In organ specimens and body fluids of 47 corpses organic medicaments or poisons could be detected. Nearly all of these 47 forensic autopsies were carried out by request of the legal authorities to rule out legal intoxication as well as the influence of illegal drugs or medicaments. Unlike 20 years ago, today it is possible to detect and quantify organic drugs and poisons as well as their metabolic products, especially minor or major tranquilizers or barbiturates, in highly putrefied specimens. In spite of analytical progress, interpretation of some chemotoxicological results remains difficult. Poor anamnestic data provide insufficient clues. Therefore, pathologicoanatomical and histological results have special significance for the final conclusions. Good cooperation between the pathologist and toxicologist is one of the imperative prerequisites to come to a satisfying result.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

[Identification and significance of delta-aminovaleric acid in putrefaction materials (author's transl)].

During former putrefaction experiments regularly a proteogenic substance has been found which by means of modern analytical methods now was identified as delta-aminovaleric acid (DAVA). DAVA seems to appear in guinea pig as well as human organs and some body fluids under experimental conditions never before the 3rd (20 degrees C) to 5th day (10 degrees C). It is characterized by statistically significant increases until the end of the 2nd (20 degrees C) to 5th week (10 degrees C) and relatively stable values thereafter. Considering storage temperature measurement of DAVA concentration can be of relevance for the estimation of the time of death in cases of putrescent corpses.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1987

Sudden infant death syndrome. The role of putrefactive toxins in respiratory paralysis and cerebral coma.

The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is responsible for the death of 10,000 infants annually in the U.S.A. The cause of these deaths is not known; all SIDS infants studied died during sleep in a silent fashion and there are no specific lesions observable post mortem. It may be of significance, however, that nearly half of SIDS infants had a respiratory tract infection in the last two weeks of life while forty percent had bloody froth over their mouths when found, presumably pulmonary oedema fluid. It is hypothesis that improper feeding or diarrhoea may likewise be involved in SIDS and that enterotoxins from putrefactive products are the precipitating event in this syndrome.

Bacterial Toxins↗
PubMed2004

The possible influence of micro-organisms and putrefaction in the production of GHB in post-mortem biological fluid.

In recent years, the post-mortem production of the drug of abuse gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in biological fluids (e.g. blood and urine) has caused various interpretative problems for toxicologists. Previously, other researchers have shown certain microbial species (Pseudomonas spp. and Clostridium aminobutyricum) possess the necessary enzymes to convert GABA to GHB. A preliminary investigation involving putrefied post-mortem blood indicated there was no observed relationship between "endogenous" GHB concentrations and concentrations of common putrefactive markers (tryptamine and phenyl-2-ethylamine). Microbiological analysis identified the presence of various micro-organisms: Clostridia spp., Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Enterococcus faecalis and Aeromonoas spp. Equine plasma, human blood and urine samples were inoculated with these and an additional micro-organism (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and incubated at 22 degrees C for 1 month. Following comparison with control samples and pre-inoculation concentrations, the data indicated an apparent production of GHB in unpreserved P. aeruginosa inoculated blood (2.3 mg/l). All other fluoride-preserved and unpreserved samples (including controls) had GHB concentrations <1mg/l. Although this concentration is lower than is typically associated with "endogenous" post-mortem GHB concentrations, this paper proposes a potential microbial production of GHB with time.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Putrefactive pleural effusions as an alternative sample for drug quantification.

In the investigation of drug-related deaths it is occasionally necessary to examine putrefied bodies. In such cases the availability of conventional body fluids for toxicologic analysis is usually limited, whereas blood-stained pleural effusion is often present in adequate quantity in the pleural cavity. Fifty-five cases involving numerous drugs are presented in which pleural effusion drug concentrations are compared with corresponding blood or liver concentrations. More than 90% of comparisons produced coincident interpretations of the role that drugs played in the deaths. In most instances pleural effusion analysis was shown to be a valid alternative to the analysis of blood or other conventional fluids or tissues in cases exhibiting advanced putrefaction.

Autopsy↗
PubMed1967

Recovery patterns of spores of putrefactive anaerobe 3679 in various subculture media after heat treatment.

A comparative study was made of the heat resistance of spores of putrefactive anaerobe 3679 grown in two different sporulation media and of the recovery pattern of these spores in several subculturing media after treatment with moist and dry heat. The heat resistance of the spores was characterized in the form of D and z values. The D values were determined by the modified Schmidt method. The z values were established by the graphic method. The results revealed significant differences in D and z values, depending on the type of heat and sporulation and subculture media. Spores grown in beef heart infusion showed higher heat resistance than those grown in Trypticase. Among the seven subculture media used, the largest number of spores was recovered in beef infusion. The magnitude of the D values at 121.1 C obtained with spores heated in moist heat decreased, depending on the subculture medium used, in the following order: beef infusion, pea infusion, yeast extract, liver infusion, Eugonbroth, Trypticase, synthetic medium. With spores subjected to dry heat, D values at 148.9 C decreased with the subculture medium in the following order: beef infusion, yeast extract, pea infusion and liver infusion, Trypticase, Eugonbroth, synthetic medium. The z values obtained with spores subjected to dry heat were approximately double those obtained with moist heat. Their relative magnitude varied slightly, depending on the type of subculture medium used. However, the relative magnitudes of the D values and z values with reference to the subculture media used were different with moist heat from those obtained with dry heat. Two theories are discussed as possible explanations for the logarithmic order of death of bacterial spores. The results obtained in these experiments, together with the findings of other workers, are most compatible with the theory that heat treatment of spores results in an increased rate of random injury to the genetic material of the spores.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1967

Sequence of events during germination of putrefactive anaerobe 3679 spores.

The sequence of changes during germination of putrefactive anaerobe 3679h spores was studied under aerobic conditions in a solution containing l-alanine and sodium pyrophosphate. Evidence that specific changes occurred in two distinct regions of the spore is given by data on several criteria that were used to measure germination. During the initial stage of germination, the absorbancy decreased, dipicolinic acid was released, the spores lost their resistance to heat and toxic chemicals, and the spore periphery (cortex) darkened gradually under phase-contrast microscopy. The final stage of germination was characterized by changes in the central spore region (core), notably phase darkening of the spore center and stainability with mercurochrome, and by a slight additional absorbancy decrease.

Alanine↗
PubMed1969

Ultrastructure of putrefactive anaerobe 3679h during sporulation.

Sporulation of putrefactive anaerobe 3679h was studied by observation of ultra-thin sections in the electron microscope. The customary stages were observed during forespore formation, spore maturation, and liberation of the free spore. The exosporium was partially laminated and devoid of the hairlike surface projections observed on spores of some species. Atypical membrane configurations occurred in some cells, and, occasionally, cells with bipolar forespores were found.

Cell Membrane↗
PubMed1989

Morphological changes in putrefactive anaerobe 3679 (Clostridium sporogenes) induced by sorbate, hydrochloric acid, and nitrite.

Putrefactive anaerobe 3679 (Clostridium sporogenes), a gram-positive bacterium, was examined by light and electron microscopy during normal growth and in a medium containing sorbate (50 mM, pH 6.5), hydrochloric acid (pH of medium adjusted from 7 to 5 with HCl), or nitrite (1 mM, pH 7). During the early exponential growth phase, untreated cells were filamentous and nonseptate, but became septate later and divided when the culture entered the stationary phase. Untreated short and filamentous cells had a double-layered cell wall. Sorbate-treated cells were usually filamentous and nonseptate, but with distorted shapes characterized by numerous bends and bulges. Septation, when present, resulted in minicells. The inner cell wall appeared to be thickened and the outer wall was absent in many areas. Acid-treated cells were similar to sorbate-treated cells but contained septa. Considerable cellular debris was present in the suspension. Nitrite-treated cells were also filamentous, bent, and bulged but the cell wall appeared normal. Considerable cellular debris was also present in suspensions of nitrite-treated cells. Changes in morphology are discussed in relation to possible mechanisms of cell growth regulation and the inhibitory action of sorbate, acid, and nitrite.

Cell Wall↗
PubMed2006

Streptococcus salivarius promotes mucin putrefaction and malodor production by Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Although the contribution of the oral microbiota to oral malodor is well-documented, the potential role of Gram-positive micro-organisms is unclear. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that Gram-positive micro-organisms contribute to malodor production by deglycosylating oral glycoproteins, rendering them susceptible to subsequent proteolysis. To this end, we examined the effect of Streptococcus salivarius on Porphyromonas gingivalis-mediated putrefaction of a model glycoprotein (pig gastric mucin). Malodor was scored by two odor judges, and volatile sulfides were determined with the use of a sulfide monitor. Mucin degradation was followed by electrophoresis on SDS-PAGE. Results showed that the addition of S. salivarius or beta-galactosidase promoted mucin degradation and concomitant malodor production. Addition of glycosidic inhibitors (p-APTG and glucose) inhibited this process. These results suggest that Gram-positive micro-organisms such as S. salivarius contribute to oral malodor production by deglycosylating salivary glycoproteins, thus exposing their protein core to further degradation by Gram-negative micro-organisms.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Effect of lactosucrose (4G-beta-D-galactosylsucrose) on fecal flora and fecal putrefactive products of cats.

The effects of lactosucrose (4G-beta-D-galactosylsucrose) on fecal flora and fecal putrefactive products were studied in 3 Himalayan and 5 Persian cats fed 175 mg of lactosucrose/each/day for 2 weeks. During lactosucrose administration, the counts of lactobacilli increased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas the counts of clostridia, including Clostridium perfringens and Enterobacteriaceace decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The levels of fusobacteria and staphylococci were decreased significantly (p < 0.01) on day 7 of lactosucrose administration, while the counts of bacteroides increased significantly (p < 0.05) and day 14 of lactosucrose administration compared to pre-administration. In frequency of occurrence, bifidobacteria increased significantly (p < 0.001) during lactosucrose administration, while Spirochaetaceae and lecithinase-negative clostridia decreased significantly (p < 0.05) on day 14 of lactosucrose administration compared to pre-administration. No detectable change occurred in the counts of other organisms throughout the experimental periods. Fecal concentrations of ammonia, indole, ethylphenol, and urinary ammonia were reduced significantly (p < 0.05) on day 14 of lactosucrose administration. The water content and weight of the feces increased slightly during lactosucrose administration, but the pH values decreased slightly. The environmental ammonia and the fecal odor also decreased remarkably (p < 0.01) during administration.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[The development and changes of pressure of putrefactive gas in cadaveric enterocelia in spring and its forensic application].

OBJECTIVE: To study the development and changes of pressure of putrefactive gas (PPG) in cadaveric enterocelia in spring, and to explore its application in estimation of postmortem interval (EPI). METHODS: 57 goats were divided into 2 groups according to means of death, on land or in water. Celiac PPG were observed timely and systematically. RESULTS: The development of PPG in cadaveric enterocelia, which can be divided into raising phase, peak phase, and declining phase was observed, and a model to estimate postmortern interval by changes of PPG was founded. CONCLUSION: Measuring PPG in cadaveric enterocelia could be used in forensic EPI.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Effect of various natural medicinals on salivary protein putrefaction and malodor production.

OBJECTIVE: Salivary incubation assays are commonly used in oral malodor studies. Using an in vitro model system, the effect of various natural medicinals (i.e., echinacea, propolis, elder, mastic gum, marigold, sage, lavender, thyme, and chamomile) on salivary protein putrefaction and malodor production was examined. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Malodor production levels were scored by an experienced odor judge. Volatile sulfide levels were measured using a sulfide monitor (Halimeter), and salivary protein degradation was determined densitometrically following electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE). Microbial population was evaluated by viable counts and microscopy. RESULTS: Whereas all of the various medicinals caused some reduction in malodor production from the incubated whole saliva, echinacea and lavender were the most effective. CONCLUSION: The bioassay utilized in the present study suggests that these herbs may inhibit oral malodor production.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Rates of putrefaction of dental pulp in the Northwest coast environment.

Cytological stability is of interest to criminal investigators in instances where remnants of soft tissue have been preserved, since such tissue can aid in the identification of human remains, helping to determine either the sex of the individual or his or her identity. This study based on seven experiments shows that, in Northwest coast outdoor environments in both summer (three experiments) and winter (three experiments), the stability of dental pulp nuclei ranges from 4 days to 2 weeks. The seventh experiment serves to describe the morphological sequence observed in nuclear putrefaction. The specimens included human and pig extracted teeth and unextracted pig teeth. Deposition of the specimens was made both on the surface and in the subsurface (30-cm depth), and the environmental variables were recorded.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

High pressure liquid chromatographic determination of putrefactive amines in foods.

A high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) procedure is described for determining the following putrefactive amines: histamine, tyramine, putrescine, cadaverine, tryptamine, and beta-phenylethylamine. The amines were extracted from tuna or cheese with methanol. Further cleanup was performed by sequential extractions with butanol and HCl. The acid extract was dried, and residues were derivatized with dansyl chloride. HPLC separations were performed on an Ultrasphere-ODS column at 33 degrees C. A gradient elution program was used; the total elution time was less than 17 min. Linear standard curves with high correlation coefficients were obtained. The procedure allowed good recoveries of histamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine; recoveries of tryptamine and beta-phenylethylamine were lower but constant. With this method, some swiss cheese samples were found to contain considerable amounts of histamine, tyramine, putrescine, cadaverine, and beta-phenylethylamine. Canned tuna samples had very low levels of these amines. Since the presence of amines at high levels has been associated with tuna decomposition, this method may be useful in identifying decomposed fish.

Amines↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Biochemical study of lipids in adrenals altered by putrefaction (the forensic medical diagnosis of stress)].

Biochemical method of lipid extraction with hexane permits the diagnosis of functional exhaustion of adrenals resultant from prolonged stress using both fresh material and that changed by putrefaction when histologic and histochemical methods of investigation are useless. These data may be used in examinations of putrescent corpses to assess thanatogenesis and establish the cause of death.

Adolescent↗