Development of Human Neuro-digital Slides and Neuro-atlas for Neuroscience Tutorial I (Spinal Cord and Brain Stem) / 체질인류학회지

In order to present the optimal neuroscience tutorial material for medical students and researchers, this study is aimed to make neuro-digital slide and neuro-atlas based on the histological specimens of human spinal cord and brain stem. Cadavers which had agreed for organ donation for research purpose were used in this study. Brains and spinal cords were extracted within 24 hours after death, and then fixed with 10% neutral buffered formalin. Paraffin blocks were made with the following regions; 8 regions from the spinal cord (the levels of the upper cervical segment, the cervical enlargement, the upper thoracic segment, the mid thoracic segment, the lower thoracic segment, the upper lumbar segment, the lumbar enlargement, the sacral segment), 14 regions from the brain stem (the levels of the spinomedullary junction, the pyramidal decussation, the medial lemniscus decussation, the obex, the mid-olivary medulla, the upper medulla, the pontomedullary junction, the lower pons, the mid pons, the upper pons, the isthmus rhombencephali, the inferior colliculus, the superior colliculus, the posterior commissure). Using virtual microscope software, we made digital neuro-slides which can be used anywhere and anytime regardless of equipment of microscope. To help understanding anatomy and functions of nervous tissue, we also made neuro-atlas based on the digital slide images. As results, the outline and detailed structures of nuclei and tracts are easily discriminated and also matched with marks and nomenclatures of neuro-atlas. Moreover, the cytoarchitecture of each nucleus and histological features can be well distinguished. We hope that this product would be used as a useful neuroscience tutorial material for the medical and paramedical school students, clinical trainees like interns and residents, and also neuroscience researchers.

A Statistical Analysis on Forensic Autopsy in Busan Area in 2006: The Institute of Forensic Medicine in Pusan National University / 대한법의학회지

This study was aimed to analyse the cause and manner of death on 297 cases of forensic autopsy performed at Institute of Forensic Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, referred by law enforcement agencies in Busan and parts of Gyeongnam, Gyeongbuk from Mar. 2006 to Dec. 2006. In Busan, total 233 cases of autopsy was performed among 1,040 cases of postmortem inspection on the spot (autopsy rate: 22.4%). Among the total 297 cases, male was 197 cases (66.3%) and female 100 (33.7%). The age of forties and fifties occupied almost half (141 cases : 47.5%) of cases. By the manner of death, there were 216 cases of unnatural deaths (72.7%), 76 natural deaths (25.6%), and 5 unknown (1.7%). Among unnatural deaths, there were 35 cases of suicide (16.2%), 89 homicide (41.2%), 68 accident (31.5%), and 24 undetermined (11.1%). By the cause of death, unnatural deaths was classified as 117 cases of traumatic deaths (54.2%), 26 asphyxia (12.0%), 23 thermal injuries (10.6%), 18 medical procedures (8.3%), 15 poisoning (6.9%), 13 drowning (6.0%). Among 76 natural deaths, there were 49 cases of cardiac diseases (64.5%), 10 diseases involving vascular system (13.2%), and 6 diseases involving digestive system (7.9%).

Incidence of Subconjunctival Petechiae by Type of Hanging / 대한법의학회지

Hanging is traditionally classified as complete, incomplete by the completeness of suspension and typical, atypical by the point of suspension and location of knot. It has been well known that the signs of hanging including subconjunctival petechiae are different according to the type of hanging. We evaluated the incidence of subconjunctival petechiae on 260 cases of hanging and classified the point of suspension and location of knot, ligature mark, and position on cases with subconjunctival petechiae. The subconjunctival petechiae was found in 33.6% of all cases, mostly seen in incomplete, atypical hanging. However, about 30% of incomplete, atypical hanging showed no definite subconjunctival petechiae. The patterns of location of ligature mark, type of knot, and position were somewhat different between positive and negative cases of subconjunctival petechiae in incomplete, atypical hanging.

Suicidal Smothering by Means of Multiple Loops of Adhesive Tape: A case Report / 대한법의학회지

Suicidal smothering is distinctly uncommon, especially when caused by winding strips of adhesive tape around the head to cover the nose and mouth. The authors report a very unusual case in which the deceased, a 43-year-old woman, was found with gray adhesive tape wrapped 8 times around the head and strictly obstructed nose and mouse and 2 times around neck. Clear distinction between the homicidal and suicidal smothering by means of multiple loops of adhesive tape is often impossible on the basis of the anatomical findings alone. An accurate evaluation of circumstances, a thorough post-mortem examination, inspection of the scene are extremely important in such cases. We reports a case of suicidal smothering by means of multiple loops of adhesive tape with brief review of literature.