Correlation of antemortem and postmortem digoxin levels.

Postmortem serum digoxin levels from any source routinely exceed antemortem values. Variation resulting from site of sampling gave a mean postmortem to antemortem ratio of 1.96 for heart, 1.63 for subclavian vein, and 1.42 for femoral vein samples. No correlation could be made between the postmortem interval and the increase in post-mortem serum values, irrespective of the site of sampling. A combination of femoral venous serum and vitreous humor values gave the best information for determining possible antemortem digoxin toxicity.     

大鼠死后脑、心肌和肾组织β-actin mRNA的降解与早期死亡时间的关系

目的 研究SD大鼠脑、心肌和肾组织细胞内β-actin mRNA的降解与早期死亡时间的关系,为早期死亡时间的推断寻找新的指标.方法 大鼠处死后置于20℃的环境中,分别于死后不同时间点提取脑、心肌、肾的总RNA,采用实时荧光定量RT-PCR方法检测总RNA中β-actin mRNA的水平(Ct值),分析死后经过时间与Ct...     

Rapid postmortem changes of rat striatum dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites as monitored by brain microdialysis

Brain microdialysis was used to monitor changes in extracelluar dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and their metabolite levels in the rat striatum at death by cervical dislocation. Maximum respective 450-fold and 150-fold increases in the extracelluar output of DA and 5-HT were observed within the first 30 min of death. DA and 5-HT outputs remained elevated over the following 2 h at levels about 100-fold and 50-fold above pre-death values, respectively. In contrast with monoamine outputs, the outputs of the DA metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and the 5-HT metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), rapidly decreased by 10% and 20%, respectively 1 h after death. 5-Hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL) gradually decreased after death. Before death both the extracellular DOPAC/DA and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios were about 400; after death these ratios dropped to 0.56 and 4.0, respectively at 30 min. These observations suggested that regulation of neurotransmitter releases through the neuronal membrane and metabolisms in the rat striatum were seriously disrupted at death. This finding may be helpful in the determination of death in the field of forensic medicine.     

Comparative study of postmortem barbiturates, methadone, and morphine in vitreous humor, blood, and tissue

With the introduction of radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques, it has become toxicologically possible to determine drug concentrations in postmortem vitreous humor. This study demonstrates and confirms this toxicological feasibility. In 49 medical examiner's drug related cases, postmortem tissue levels of morphine, barbiturates, and methadone were compared to the vitreous humor.     

RNA指标在死后人体皮肤组织中稳定性研究

目的探讨多种RNA指标的表达水平在死后人体皮肤组织中的稳定性。方法收集死亡时间(PMI)明确的人体皮肤组织样本10例,提取总RNA,运用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)技术检测ACTB、GAPDH、18S、miR-203、5S、1et-7a、RPS29、U6共计8个RNA指标的表达水平。geNorm软件评估各RNA指标表达水平的稳定性,挑选出稳定的内参指标并分析其表达水平与相关因素(年龄、性别、死因)的关系。结果人体皮肤组织中5S、U6和miR-203表达水平最为稳定,其平均表达量与年龄、性别、及死因无关(P0.05)。结论 5S、U6和miR-203可以作为qRT-PCR方法研究PMI的理想内参指标。     

Difference between in vivo and postmortem distances between anterior chest and heart surface. A combined autopsy and in vivo computerized tomography study

The distance between anterior chest surface and intrapericardial surfaces of the heart and great blood vessels was measured on 37 cases (seven with acute fatal hemopericardium) at autopsy and on 24 live persons by computerized tomography. At autopsy, the apex of the heart was always closest to the skin surface except in cases with acute fatal hemopericardium, where the heart was displaced backwards by 10-40 mm. At computerized tomography, chest-heart distances were approximately 16 mm shorter than at autopsy. Changing the position of the patient from supine to prone decreased the distances by about 10 mm. The data presented demonstrate that the topography of the heart and great vessels is changing with the position of the body in vivo and that chest-heart distance tend to increase postmortem; therefore, the depth of a stab wound in the anterior surface of the heart as measured at autopsy should be regarded as a maximal estimate of the length of the stabbing weapon actually having penetrated the tissues.     

组织中三甲胺-氮浓度变化与晚期PMI关系初探

目的探索死后尸体组织中三甲胺-氮(TMA-N)浓度变化规律及其与晚期死亡时间的关系。方法健康SD大鼠66只,颈椎脱臼法处死,随机分成11组,分别于死后即刻、1、2、3、4、5、6、7、8、9、10d取大鼠肌肉、肝脏和肾脏组织,用分光光度法检测TMA-N浓度,所得数据用方差分析比较组间差异性,并进行回归方程拟合。结果3种组织中TMA-N含量随死后时间延长而增加,肌肉于死后7d、肝脏和肾脏于死后8d达到高峰,之后有所下降,并均于死后10d再次升高,肝、肾组织之间TMA-N含量比较无统计学差异性。死后2~7d内,PM I与肌肉TMA-N浓度变化拟合度最高(R2=0.969);死后3~8d内,与肝肾中TMA-N浓度变化拟合度最高(R2=0.953)。结论死后组织中TMA-N含量变化与PM I有相关性,可望为晚期PM I推断提供参考,但肌肉与肝肾TMA-N含量变化规律存在一定差异,需选择最适时段以提高PM I推断的准确性。     

芬太尼中毒死亡大白兔体内分布研究

目的建立芬太尼中毒致死的动物模型,探讨芬太尼在致死大白兔体内的分布规律。方法用6只雄性大白兔按5.4mg/kg(2LD50)经耳缘静脉推注芬太尼注射液,大白兔死后迅速解剖并提取心、肝、脾、肺、肾、脑、肌肉、睾丸、胃、心血、周围血、胆汁和尿液,用正己烷∶乙醇(20∶1)萃取,利用UPLC-MSn法检测各组织和体液中芬太尼含量,使用SPSS15.0进行方差分析,均数两两比较的SNK法进行统计分析。检验水准为α=0.05。结果实验大白兔给药后1min出现颈项强直、四肢抽搐等中毒症状,平均4.7min因呼吸抑制而死亡。死后肺内芬太尼含量最高,其次是肾和心,而尿液中含量较低。结论本实验的结果与相关案例报道基本吻合,提示肺、肾和心脏是芬太尼中毒案件鉴定的理想检材,芬太尼在致死大白兔体内的分布规律可为相关案件的鉴定提供一定的依据。     

Immunofluorescence demonstration of digoxin in human myocardial tissue and isolated rat cardiac myocytes with monoclonal antibodies

The aim of the present investigation was to identify the morphological correlates of digoxin binding sites in human heart muscle tissue and isolated viable rat heart myocytes. Cardiac glycoside linked to myocardial cells was demonstrated by monoclonal digoxin specific antibody and by FITC-conjugated anti-mouse immunoglobin serum. This versatile immunofluorescence method can be used in diagnostic and experimental studies of cardiac glycoside binding.     

Contribution of rodents to postmortem artifacts of bone and soft tissue.

Postmortem disturbance of human remains by rodents extends beyond production of characteristic tooth mark artifacts in dry bones. Three case examples are presented that demonstrate a spectrum of rodent damage to dry and fresh bone and to fresh and mummified soft tissue. In one case, human remains are used for nesting purposes. Rodents are also noted to be vectors of bone transport. Rodent activities can affect bone recovery, human identification, and interpretation of artifacts to bone and soft tissue. Guidelines to differentiate soft tissue artifacts caused by rodents and carnivores are suggested.     

牙髓细胞DNA含量与死后经过时间的相关性

目的探讨死后不同环境温度下离体牙的牙髓细胞平均DNA含量变化与死后时间(PM I)的相关性。方法采用细胞图像分析系统(PIPS-2020),测定离体即刻至15d牙齿在低温环境(10~15℃)和高温(30~35℃)环境下牙髓细胞DNA含量变化值,并对其数据进行统计学分析。结果在不同的环境温度下,牙髓细胞DNA降解的速度有所不同,温度的升高有加速牙髓细胞DNA降解的趋势,且DNA降解存在一个平台期。低温组牙髓细胞平均DNA含量与PM I之间的相关系数r=0.953,相关指数R2=0.917;高温组的相关系数r=0.991,相关指数R2=0.971。结论牙髓细胞平均DNA含量与PM I之间具有高度相关性,测定牙髓细胞的DNA变化情况对推断3d(高温环境)或6d(低温环境)后的PM I有参考价值。     

A comparison of carboxyhemoglobin saturation values in postmortem heart blood and peripheral blood specimens

The following is a study conducted to determine whether there was any significant difference in carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) saturation levels between the heart blood and blood collected from a peripheral site. The average heart blood to peripheral blood COHb saturation level ratio in the 42 cases studied was 1.09. Sixty-two percent (26 of 42) of the cases had a heart blood to peripheral blood ratio between 0.9 and 1.1; 74% (31 of 42) had a ratio between 0.8 and 1.2. Eighty-three percent (35 of 42) had a ratio between 0.7 and 1.3. There were four cases where the heart blood to peripheral blood ratio was either below 0.6 or greater than 1.4. The differences between the two sites were not statistically significant.     

A study of drug detection in a postmortem pediatric population

At The Office of the Cuyahoga County Coroner (CCCO), Cleveland, Ohio, it is customary to perform an autopsy and conduct toxicological testing on decedents less than 19 years of age. This study provides a retrospective evaluation of drugs detected in a pediatric postmortem population between the years 1998 and 2002 (n = 730). Demographic information, cause and manner of death, and toxicological results were examined. Blacks comprised 54% of cases, males 59%, and 48% were less than one year of age or stillborn. Forty-two percent of deaths were ruled natural, 27% accident, 13% undetermined, 5% suicide, and 2% homicide. Of the 640 cases subjected to comprehensive testing, 38% of the cases were positive for at least one compound. Resuscitative/treatment drugs were detected most frequently (56% of positive results), followed by illicit drugs (26%), ethanol (11%), carbon monoxide (8%), and antihistamines (6%). Eighty-seven cases contained more than one drug. The deaths of 47 individuals were drug related (6%). In this population, it is recommended that illicit drugs and ethanol are targeted for testing, especially when limited specimens are available for analysis.     

大鼠死后心肌细胞DNA含量与死亡时间关系的进一步研究

目的研究机体的细胞核内DNA含量与死亡时间的关系。方法本实验通过计算机图像系统,选择核面积、积分光密度等7种参数,研究了15只大鼠心肌细胞在死后25～49h细胞核DNA含量的变化规律。结果心肌细胞DNA含量测定适合相对较长死亡时间的推断。结论应用计算机图像分析技术测量机体死后心肌细胞DNA含量将有可能成为推断死亡时间精确、客观的新方法。     

A fatal case of oral ingestion of methanol. Distribution in postmortem tissues and fluids including pericardial fluid and vitreous humor.

A 41-year-old man ingested orally a large quantity of methanol and was found dead at home. The presence of methanol in body fluids and tissues was determined by head-space gas chromatography. The blood ethanol and acetone were negative. Tissue distribution of methanol showed that the kidney presented the highest content of methanol (5.13 g/kg) followed by liver (4.18 g/kg), vitreous humor (3.96 g/l), heart (3.45 g/kg), urine (3.43 g/l), pericardial fluid (3.29 g/l), blood (2.84 g/l) and finally stomach content (2.21 g/l).     

Experimental forensic and bioanthropological aspects of soft tissue taphonomy: 1. Factors influencing postmortem tissue desiccation rate.

Euthanized rats' carcasses were exposed in an environmental chamber to multiple variables including: (1) position, (2) enveloping clothing, and (3) soil interment in an effort to determine the individual variables' effect on postmortem rate of body and visceral organ water loss. Results indicated that body water loss was enhanced by a horizontal position versus vertical, probably because of wider spread of bacteria- and enzyme-laden abdominal fluid secondary to diaphragm digestion with consequent greater tissue digestion and liquefaction. Clothing also accelerated the desiccation rate. Desiccation was about equally as effective by soil interment as by air exposure, though simulating windy conditions by tripling the air flow rate resulted in much more rapid desiccation in the air-exposed specimen. These studies suggest that the single most important factor influencing postmortem body water loss rate is the environment at the skin surface that acts to enhance or impair water removal from the skin surface and thus influences the water concentration gradient between the skin and underlying deeper tissues.     

人体死后肝细胞DNA含量与死亡时间关系的研究

目的研究人体死后肝脏细胞DNA含量变化与死亡时间的关系及影响因素。方法选取46例已知死亡时间的人体肝脏,根据离体肝脏所处的环境温度分为12—19％（A组）和20—27％（B组）两组,每组23例。在死后24～72h内每隔4h穿刺取肝组织1次,制成细胞悬液,经RNA酶消化,PI染色后,用流式细胞仪测定被检测细胞中含不完整DNA的细胞数所占百分比,所得数据经Exp032V1．2软件计算N值。结果死后24～72h肝细胞N平均值,A组从10．91％增至49．72％,B组从16．22％增至69．63％。两组N平均值随死亡时间的延长均逐渐增高,与死亡时间有相关性,A组r值为：0．598,B组r值为0．77357。并且建立了不同环境温度对应的回归方程。结论在不同环境温度下,死后24～72h内人体肝脏细胞DNA降解均随死亡时间的延长和环境温度的升高而逐渐加快,相关数据可望为死亡时间推断提供一定参考依据。     

Immunoenzyme demonstration of isoantigens A, B and H in kidney tissue changed by putrefaction

In contrast to blood serology, which usually fails in specimens more than a few days old, immunohistochemistry (PAP technique) provided reliable information on the blood group (ABO) and, in most cases, also the secretor character of 23 kidney specimens stored for months at room temperature. Better results were obtained with monoclonal antibodies than with human sera. In the late stages of decomposition, blood group diagnosis is based on the more decomposition-resistant antigens of the collecting tubular epithelium (in secretors) and the endothelia of the arteriolae medullares rectae and not on the identification of erythrocytic antigens. In addition, a decomposition-resistant epithelial antigen in the distal convoluted tubules (Tc II) is unmasked by autolysis or heterolysis. "Blood group" antigens were frequently detected in bacteria and fungi. These antigens, however, were clearly distinguishable from blood group characters of the tissue. A transient, weak, false-positive reaction with monoclonal anti-B appeared in decomposed Tc II epithelia.     

Elucidation and chemical identification of a heart strength and heart rate-increasing substance from human kidney extracts

Bioassays involving the measurement of cardioactivity have been used in the past to determine glycoside concentration in post-mortem specimens following glycoside poisoning. This paper describes the presence of a cardioactive principle in alcoholic extracts of kidney that could interfere with these bioassays and which has been identified as tyramine. For the analysis of tyramine a combination of purification methods was employed, including cation exchange with Sephadex CM C-25, gel filtration and HPLC. Detection was achieved using mass spectrometry after careful cation-exchange treatment. The fragmentation pattern with and without prior formation of the TFA-derivative corresponded to that tyramine. IR and UV spectra also indicated the presence of tyramine. Under suitable experimental conditions, positive inotropic and positive chronotropic effects on the right guinea-pig atrium and positive inotropic effect on the left guinea-pig atrium produced by the kidney extract can be shown to differ from those cardiac glycosides. These investigations bring into question earlier court decisions made in legal processes which have been based upon the results of bioassays for the evaluation of cardiac glycoside toxicity.     

Analysis of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) in human postmortem specimens

N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) levels in postmortem specimens of stomach and contents, blood, liver, and urine are reported following ingestion of the compound. DEET was analyzed by gas chromatography with an OV-101 column and a nitrogen phosphorus detector. The presence of the compound in the four postmortem specimens was confirmed by mass spectrometry.