[Analysis of the sudden heart death causes in selected sample of dead]. / Rozbor prícin náhlé srdecní smrti ve vybraném vzorku zemrelých.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is death from cardiac causes within one hour of the onset of symptoms. In the Czech Republic, there is no SCD registry, analyses of SCD causes are rare and there is no functional connection between the results of an autopsy on a person with SCD and examination of relatives who are at risk of a similar disease. The authors reviewed available autopsy records of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law of the University Hospital Olomouc over a specified period of time to find persons with severe coronary artery disease, heart failure or deaths from unknown causes in a specific age range. Subsequently, the available information about the circumstances of SCD was analyzed.

[Paternity testing based on the analysis of DNA and its revision]. / Paternitní posudek zalozený na analýze DNA a jeho revize.

Paternity testing is nowadays mostly based on the analysis of DNA short tandem repeats (STR). Number and selection of STR loci differ according to identification kit producers and also particular laboratories. This article refers a revision of formerly excluded paternity. The cause of the mismatch was revealed by the enlargement of STR loci panel and reciprocal evaluation of samples and paternity was on the contrary confirmed. Different possibilities of failures, their consequences and preventions are also discussed.

Post-mortem sperm retrieval in new European Union countries: case report.

This paper describes post-mortem sperm retrieval from a man who had given prior written consent to the retrieval and use of his sperm in assisted reproduction before his accidental death. The case illustrates some of the complex ethical and legal issues occurring in a new European Union (EU) country and the need for prior preparation by the medical teams involved. We also discuss a questionnaire sent to Centres of Assisted Reproduction in other new EU countries, which reveals a dearth of both legislation and guidelines for post-mortem sperm retrieval. If this method becomes more requested in these culturally diverse countries in the future, the situation demands public debate first of all at the national level.

[Overview of the changes in alcohol content of beers produced in the Czech Republic]. / Prehled aktuálních zmen v obsahu alkoholu u piv vyrábených v Ceské republice.

Paper concerns the alcohol contents of beer now produced. The previous and contemporary ways of beer signing as well as a complete list of beer sorts produced in the Czech Republic is presented.

[Sublimate intoxication]. / Otrava sublimátem.

Acute oral intoxication with inorganic mercury compounds (in particular mercury bichloride sublimate) is characterized in particular by corrosion of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract associated with necrotizing sublimate nephrosis, with microscopically selective necrosis of the proximal tubule cells. Toxicological analysis of the affected organs (stomach, oesophagus) confirms the diagnosis.

[Entomologic fauna and its importance in the determination of the age of corpses]. / Entomofauna a její význam pro urcování stárí mrtvých tel.

The authors summarize results of research conducted in 1990-1992, the aim of which was to test the accuracy of practical application of forensic entomology in medical practice. Based on the results of laboratory breeding of necrophagic Diptera collected from corpses and based on time characteristics of subsequent stages, the authors assessed the assumed time of death. In all instances where there was the first generation of necrophagic species of Diptera in the first and second stage of succession the results were very accurate, in the remaining cases the data of death was estimated correctly but less accurately.

[Cantharidin and its detection in forensic toxicology]. / Cantharidin a jeho prukaz ve forenzní toxikologii.

Experimental detection of deadly toxic cantharidin C10H12O4 by chemical analysis was performed in imagoes of two species of cryptotoxic Meloidae beetles--Lytta vesicatoria and Mylabris variabilis. Samples were processed by extraction and sublimation and analyzed by gas chromatography. Graphic documentation proved the presence of cantharidin. A part of microcristalline sublimate was studied microscopically and determinant features of crystalline cantharidin were identified. Moreover, cantharidin levels in single body parts of the beetle were investigated.

[Fatal occupational injuries due to falls from heights--from the viewpoint of causes of injuries and possibilities of prevention]. / K problematice smrtelných pracovních úrazu pádem z výse--z hlediska úrazových prícin a mozností prevence.

From a group of 2669 serious and 887 fatal work injuries in the North Moravian region in 1974-1983 injuries caused by fall from a high place were analyzed in more detail and in this group fatal injuries and severe injuries contracted during work of fitters. The authors deal in particular with the causes of 71 fatal and 243 severe injuries with regard to age, the time of the day, the time relation of the working shift, professiography and the effect of disease or alcohol. Obvious pathological causes were revealed in a minority of cases although in 69,7% of necropsies pathological changes were detected in the organism. The part played by alcohol is obvious only in 4.45%. Suggestions for a preventive orientation with emphasis on psychological factors are submitted.

[Modern concepts and methods in forensic medicine education]. / K moderní koncepci a metodám výuky soudního lékarství.

The authors deal with the modernisation of contents of lectures and practicals in forensic medicine, their politcal and educational effect, the position within the framework of medical sciences and its incorporation in the teaching process and the use of developed technical advances in contemporary teaching.