Population genetic data on four STR loci in a Hungarian Romany population.

A population study of Hungarian Romanies was carried out on the STR loci HumLPL, HumF13B, HumFES and HumF1301. There was little evidence for association of alleles within/between the four STR systems. Allele frequency distributions were significantly different between the Romany and the previously reported Central Hungarian population databases. Population differentiation was estimated by computing F- and phi-statistics as well as frequency estimate differences of individual phenotypes for these two population samples. The results suggest that the population structure may have an effect on the interpretation of forensic DNA evidence in Hungary. Phylogenetic tree reconstruction with six populations from three major ethnic groups revealed a relatively distant genetic relationship of the Baranya Romanies with other Caucasian populations.

[Person identification with video super-projection]. / Personenidentifizierung mittels Video-Superprojektion.

The author reports on the identification of a male corpse which was found in a marsh where it had been lying for approximately three months. Autopsy revealed a laceration of the scalp with an underlying skull fracture. Since the corpse could not be identified by means of dental status, bloodgrouping or finger prints, the method of videosuperimposition was used. A comparison of the skull with a photograph of the suspected victim confirmed identity.

A new approach to computer-aided comparison of skull and photograph.

A computer-based method developed for the purpose of checking the results of identification performed with the "traditional" method of video-superprojection (developed by Helmer and Grüner) is demonstrated; it does not require any special programs in addition to those necessary for digitising the video pictures. The method is suitable for filtering out "false-positive" cases. A great advantage is that the phase of computer evaluation can be separated from the job performed in the video studio, both in time and space. The process can be reconstructed, which means it can be checked. The results can be easily documented and interpreted for lay people.

[Bullet embolism of the median cerebral artery]. / Az arteria cerebri media sörét-emboliája.

A shot injury to the middle cerebral artery caused occlusion to the vessel by thrombosis and emboly of the missile. The projectil had been removed, but a thrombus formed in the a. cerebri media as a postoperative complication or by progression of a thrombosis in the internal carotid artery and after 19 days the patient died. A focal emollition of the left cerebral hemisphere was found at autopsy.

[Unusual cases of maternal death caused by amniotic fluid embolism]. / Rendkívüli gestatiós anyai halálesetek, magzatvíz embolia miatt.

Five cases of amnion fluid embolism are reported. In the first case the cause of the death was the obstruction of the lung-vessels. In the lung tissue calcium embolia could also been detected. In the second case embolization started--at unruptured amnionsac--with ecclampsia-like convulsions, later it was followed by coagulopathia. In the third case amnion fluid embolism was complicated by coagulopathia. In the fourth case in addition to amnion fluid embolism endometritis purulenta complicated by endotoxinaemia and coagulopathia were also present. In all four cases rupture of the uterus was revealed. In the fifth case amnion fluid embolism developed without the rupture of the uterus. At the autopsy of cases of maternal death the possibility of amnion fluid embolism should always be considered. Although macroscopic changes seen at amnion fluid embolism are not pathognomic, when clinical and pathological symptoms of haemorrhagic diathesis are present, there always arises the suspicion of amnion fluid embolism. Since lungs are relatively resistant to putrefaction amnion fluid embolism in optimal cases can be diagnosed histologically even in exhumated lung specimen. Reliable diagnosis of amnion fluid embolism in cases of sudden maternal death gives possibility to exclude medical negligence.