Implantation of an RFID-tag into human molars to reduce hard forensic identification labor. Part 2: physical properties

Modifying and implanting existing RFID-tags into extracted human molars was described previously [P. Thevissen, G. Poelman, B. Puers, M. De Cooman, G. Willems, Implantation of RFID-tag into human molars to reduce hard forensic identification labor. Part 1. Working principle, Forensic Sci. Int. 156 (2006)]. Maximal vertical occlusal load during which the implanted RFID-tags remain active was evaluated in vitro. The temperature dependency of the implanted RFID-tags was studied on the extracted teeth to find out the maximal obtainable temperature before failure and a test with embedded thermistors to verify temperature distributions. The maximal working temperature of the implanted RFID-tags was revealed and gave indications for the set-up of measuring intra oral and intra tooth temperature during the cremation of a human body. Fatigue was induced on the implanted teeth by thermocycling. The results of this investigation showed the need of putting an extra insulating layer around the modified tags before implantation. The different in vitro tests indicated that the implanted RFID-tags can support certain oral and forensic circumstances.     

Racemization of aspartic acid from human dentin in the estimation of chronological age

The estimation of chronological age in cadavers, human remains and in living human beings by various methods is discussed. These methods, which are based on the age dependent non-enzymatic changes of l-form amino acids to d-form amino acids, mainly aspartic acid, are among the most reliable and accurate methods to date. Most of these methods use gas chromatography (GC). In this review, results of aspartic acid racemization in dentin at different targets are discussed. In addition, pre-considerations and guidelines are given for the selection of dentin from teeth. A pilot project was run to evaluate the efficiency of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorescence detection. New buffer conditions were found to obtain stable derivatives of aspartic acid enantiomers for the estimation of racemization.     

Psychological health in midlife among women who have ever lived with a violent partner or spouse

This study examines the psychological health correlates of domestic violence in a large random sample of mid-aged Australian women (N = 11,310, age 47 to 52 years). Logistic regressions were used to investigate the associations between domestic violence and depression, anxiety, and psychological wellbeing, after adjusting for demographic variables (marital status, income management, area). Results indicate increased odds of having experienced domestic violence for those who had: ever experienced a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or an "other" psychiatric disorder; recent symptoms of depression and anxiety; used psychoactive medication for depression or anxiety in the 4 weeks prior to the survey; and who reported current depression. Current psychological well-being had an inverse association with a history of domestic violence: As psychological well-being decreased, the odds of having ever experienced domestic violence increased. The results indicate that a history of domestic violence is associated with decreased psychological well-being in mid-aged Australian women.     

医源性新生儿肺气肿—附3例分析

报道了3例新生儿肺气肿,均发现实质性肺气肿、间质性肺气肿和大泡性肺气肿,其中1例伴有气体广泛蓄积于软组织间隙,表现为自肺间隔开始,经肺门至纵隔,并直达胸、颈、腹、腹股沟等处皮下组织和阴囊。所报道的新生儿肺气肿原因被认为是抢救时加压吸氧造成。     

挤压家兔后肢导致急性肝损伤和抗氧化能力降低

目的本实验观察挤压家兔后肢导致肝氧化损伤,探讨氧化应激在挤压家兔后肢导致肝损伤中的作用。方法用标准重物间断压迫家兔后肢复制模型。采用生化方法检测ALT和AST活性;分析天平称重方法检测肝脏湿干重比值(W/D);比色法测定肝组织超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性和总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)以及丙二醛(MDA)含量变化;并观察肝组织病理学改变。结果血清ALT和AST活性明显增高(P<0.01),肝细胞明显肿胀,肝窦轻度淤血,而肝脏湿干重比值(W/D)轻度增加(P<0.05);肝脏氧化损伤明显加重,MDA含量增高,而肝脏抗氧化能力下降,SOD、CAT、GSH-Px活性和T-AOC分别比对照组降低了17%、29%、24%和21%(P均<0.01)。结论挤压家兔后肢引起急性肝损伤及肝脏的抗氧化能力下降;肝脏局部抗氧化能力下降可能是肝损伤的重要因素。