The scoring and rating system for the estimation of the teaching efficiency in forensic medicine

The authors developed a system of criteria for the evaluation of the results of education of forensic medical students based on the scoring and rating scale. The major requirements for the organization of academic activities are considered. It is emphasized that the compliance with these requirements is an indispensable prerequisite for the introduction of the above system in the training routine at the Department of Forensic Medicine.     

The theory of postmortem rigidity: the history and an original concept

The original theory of postmortem rigidity has been developed and substantiated based on the concept of postmortem muscular contracture. It is postulated that the unrestricted growth of Ca2+ concentration in myoplasm of contractile cells during the immediate postmortal period brings the actin-myosine complex to the force generation state without subsequent relaxation.     

Thermometry of cadavers

The purpose of this study was to analyze the norm-setting documents on the order of thermometry, regulating the steps of physician during examination at the site where the cadaver was found and of medical expert during expert evaluations and to disclose the relationship between the depth to which the thermometer is inserted during measurements of rectal temperature and thermometry value. The following conclusions are made: 1) even at the same time of death, the data of rectal thermometry are in direct proportion to the depth to which the thermometer is inserted into the rectum; 2) some assumptions in the norm-setting documents regulating the order of cadaver thermometry are to be revised; and 3) thermometers and method of thermometry performed by medical specialists at the site of accident and by experts at thanatological departments of Bureaus of Forensic Medical Expert Evaluations are to be standardized.     

Determination of the time of death according to rectal thermometry data using computer calculations

A mathematic model of estimation of time of death (TD) in newborns is proposed. This computer method of TD timing by changes of body temperature differs from earlier developed mathematical models by possibility to consider individual anthropometric and thermophysical characteristics of the body. It is more precise, shorter and easy to perform.     

Diagnosis of acute intoxication with ethyl alcohol in expert practice

Significant chemical and biochemical signs of acute alcoholic intoxication are considered tanatologically. A complex approach to diagnosis of acute poisoning with ethyl alcohol is proposed.     

Proposals on standardization of the terminology used in assessing quality of medical service

The terms and notions used in assessment of medical care quality are sometimes ambiguously interpreted. The authors propose a complex approach to standardization of terminology used for assessment of medical care quality.     

Principles in construction of mathematical model for neonatal corpse cooling studies

The process of cooling of the body of a dead human was studied with consideration for the anatomical characteristics of adult and newborn human corpses. The body was simulated as a homogeneous elongated rotation ellipsoid and mathematical model was developed as function of relationship between body temperature and time. After appropriate characteristics in the mathematical model were established, cooling processes and effects of various factors on this process were analyzed for the final ellipsoid. The model suggests the possibility of amendments for environmental temperature and body parameters.     

Discrimination between functions of an expert bureau and a burial firm (topic for discussion)

The authors suggest measures aimed at discrimination of the functions performed by forensic medical experts and the services rendered by burial firms. The responsibilities of pathology departments of hospitals and bureaus of forensic medical expert evaluations, which should be reflected in official documents, should be confined to manipulations needed to solve the professional problems and removal of sections. Cases when utilization of certain chemicals or manipulations aimed at restoration of the body are prohibited should be listed in detail. The order of transfer of the body from pathology department or forensic medical bureau to the burial firm and to relatives should be regulated with consideration for the results of autopsy. The moment of the end of autopsy studies is to be determined.