Burned bodies: post-mortem computed tomography, an essential tool for modern forensic medicine.

Currently, post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) has become an accessible and contemporary tool for forensic investigations. In the case of burn victims, it provides specific semiologies requiring a prudent understanding to differentiate between the normal post-mortem changes from heat-related changes. The aim of this pictorial essay is to provide to the radiologist the keys to establish complete and focused reports in cases of PMCT of burn victims. Thus, the radiologist must discern all the contextual divergences with the forensic history, and must be able to report all the relevant elements to answer to the forensic pathologist the following questions: Are there tomographic features that could help to identify the victim? Is there evidence of remains of biological fluids in liquid form available for toxicological analysis and DNA sampling? Is there another obvious cause of death than heat-related lesions, especially metallic foreign bodies of ballistic origin? Finally, what are the characteristic burn-related injuries seen on the corpse that should be sought during the autopsy? TEACHING POINTS: • CT is highly useful to find features permitting the identification of a severely burned body. • PMCT is a major asset in gunshot injuries to depict ballistic foreign bodies in the burned cadavers. • CT is able to recognise accessible blood for tests versus heat clot (air-crescent sign). • Heat-related fractures are easily differentiated from traumatic fractures. • Epidural collections with a subdural appearance are typical heat-related head lesions.

Evaluation of unenhanced post-mortem computed tomography to detect chest injuries in violent death.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the performances of unenhanced post-mortem computed tomography (CT) to detect thoracic injuries in violent death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospectively, we conducted a review of unenhanced CT scans of 67 victims of violent deaths with thoracic injuries and compared CT findings with the results of clinical autopsy. Our gold standard was a comparison of CT scans with autopsy discussed in a monthly forensic radiology multidisciplinary team meeting (MDTM). The data were collected by organ system: heart, pericardium, aorta, lungs, pleura, bone, and diaphragm and performance indices (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy) were calculated. RESULTS: Pleural (59/67) and bone (55/67) injuries detected on CT were also found at autopsy and confirmed by the MDTM (sensitivity and specificity 100%). Seventeen out of 67 diaphragmatic lesions were visible on CT. Eighteen out of 67 were confirmed during MDTM after autopsy, yielding overall sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 98%. Forty out of 67 lung contusions were found on CT with two false positives and one false negative yielding 95% sensitivity for CT with a specificity of 96%, and accuracy of 95%. Fourteen out of 67 aortic injuries were found on CT compared to 19 confirmed during MDTM (sensitivity 74%, specificity 85%, accuracy 82%). In terms of pericardial lesions, 19/67 were found on CT and 20 on autopsy and confirmed during MDTM (sensitivity 80%, specificity 94%, accuracy 85%). Ten out of 10/67 cardiac lesions were visible on CT imaging and 15 found on autopsy and confirmed during MDTM (sensitivity 57%, specificity 94%, accuracy 81%). CONCLUSION: Unenhanced post-mortem CT performs well to detect pleural, pulmonary, bone and diaphragmatic injuries but less well to identify cardiac and aortic injuries, for which the use of indirect signs is essential.

The problem with medical research on tissue and organ samples taken in connection with forensic autopsies in France.

Currently, in France, it is legally impossible to conduct scientific research on tissue and organ samples taken from forensic autopsies. In fact, the law schedules the destruction of such samples at the end of the judicial investigation, and the common law rules governing cadaver research cannot be applied to the forensic context. However, nothing seems in itself to stand in the way of such research since, despite their specific nature, these samples from forensic autopsies could be subject, following legislative amendments, to common law relating to medical research on samples taken from deceased persons. But an essential legislative amendment, firstly to allow the Biomedicine Agency to become authorized to issue a research permit and secondly, to change the research conditions in terms of the non-opposition of the deceased to said research. Such an amendment would be a true breakthrough because it would allow teams to continue to move forward calmly in research, and allow this research to be placed within a legal framework, which would promote international exchanges.

Hydrogen from ethanol reforming with aqueous fraction of pine pyrolysis oil with and without chemical looping.

Reforming ethanol ('EtOH') into hydrogen rich syngas using the aqueous fraction from pine bio-oil ('AQ') as a combined source of steam and supplementary organic feed was tested in packed bed with Ni-catalysts 'A' (18wt%/α-Al2O3) and 'B' (25wt%/γ-Al2O3). The catalysts were initially pre-reduced by H2, but this was followed by a few cycles of chemical looping steam reforming, where the catalysts were in turn oxidised in air and auto-reduced by the EtOH/AQ mixture. At 600°C, EtOH/AQ reformed similarly to ethanol for molar steam to carbon ratios (S/C) between 2 and 5 on the H2-reduced catalysts. At S/C of 3.3, 90% of the carbon feed converted on catalyst A to CO2 (58%), CO (30%) and CH4 (2.7%), with 17wt% H2 yield based on dry organic feedstock, equivalent to 78% of the equilibrium value. Catalyst A maintained these outputs for four cycles while B underperformed due to partial reduction.

Alteration of vascular reactivity in heart failure: role of phosphodiesterases 3 and 4.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study examined the role of the main vascular cAMP-hydrolysing phosphodiesterases (cAMP-PDE) in the regulation of basal vascular tone and relaxation of rat aorta mediated by ß-adrenoceptors, following heart failure (HF). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Twenty-two weeks after proximal aortic stenosis, to induce HF, or SHAM surgery in rats, we evaluated the expression, activity and function of cAMP-PDE in the descending thoracic aorta. KEY RESULTS: HF rat aortas exhibited signs of endothelial dysfunction, with alterations of the NO pathway, and alteration of PDE3 and PDE4 subtype expression, without changing total aortic cAMP-hydrolytic activity and PDE1, PDE3 and PDE4 activities. Vascular reactivity experiments using PDE inhibitors showed that PDE3 and PDE4 controlled the level of PGF2α -stimulated contraction in SHAM aorta. PDE3 function was partially inhibited by endothelial NO, whereas PDE4 function required a functional endothelium and was under the negative control of PDE3. In HF, PDE3 function was preserved, but its regulation by endothelial NO was altered. PDE4 function was abolished and restored by PDE3 inhibition. In PGF2α -precontracted arteries, ß-adrenoceptor stimulation-induced relaxation in SHAM aorta, which was abolished in the absence of functional endothelium, as well as in HF aortas, but restored after PDE3 inhibition in all unresponsive arteries. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our study underlines the key role of the endothelium in controlling the contribution of smooth muscle PDE to contractile function. In HF, endothelial dysfunction had a major effect on PDE3 function and PDE3 inhibition restored a functional relaxation to ß-adrenoceptor stimulation.

Formulations based on alpha cyclodextrin and soybean oil: an approach to modulate the oral release of lipophilic drugs.

The purpose of this work was to investigate the potential of α-cyclodextrin combined to soybean oil-based formulations to modulate the release of a model drug, indomethacin. Dry emulsion, naked and coated beads were prepared from the same initial formulation using the same manufacturing process. Dry emulsion was selected to accelerate drug release while beads coated with α-cyclodextrin were designed to sustain it. Indomethacin-loaded systems were prepared, characterised and evaluated in vitro. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed in fasted and fed rats. The presence of the α-cyclodextrin coat was confirmed by confocal microscopy, and an increase of the mass and diameter of the beads. The layer of α-cyclodextrin improved their resistance in simulated gastro-intestinal fluids. In vitro, the dissolution of indomethacin was slower with coated beads than with emulsion and naked beads. Lipid-based formulations showed an increase of relative bioavailability of IND versus Indocid®. Whatever the formulation, greater and faster release of indomethacin was noticed in sodium taurocholate-rich medium and in fed rats. Compared to naked beads, an increased Cp(max) with a shorter T(max) was observed with the emulsion while T(max) and MRT were increased and Cp(max) reduced with the coated beads. Interestingly, formulations based on alpha cyclodextrin and soybean oil can modify the release of a lipophilic drug depending on the system formed.

Characterisation of palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB) and pinewood bio-oils and kinetics of their thermal degradation.

Ultimate and proximate analyses and thermal degradation of bio-oils from pinewood and palm empty fruit bunches (PEFB) were carried out to evaluate the oils' potential for production of fuels for transport, heat and power generation, and of hydrogen via the calculation of performance indicators. The pinewood and PEFB oils indicated good theoretical hydrogen yields of 13.7 and 15.9 wt.% via steam reforming, but their hydrogen to carbon effective ratios were close to zero, and their propensity for fouling and slagging heat exchanger surfaces via combustion was high. Both oils exhibited two phases during mass loss under nitrogen flow at heating rates of 3-9 Kmin(-1), but the kinetics of their thermal degradation from TGA-FTIR analysis indicated different degradation mechanisms that were well reproduced by a nth order reaction model for pinewood and Jander's 3D-diffusion model for PEFB. These findings lead to recommendations on pretreatments prior to the oils' utilisation.

[X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy or the trap of making commonplace of child's psycho-cognitive disorders]. / L'adrénoleucodystrophie liée à l'X ou le piège de la banalisation des troubles psycho-cognitifs de l'enfant.

A 10-year-old boy is referred to the pediatric ward for regression of school performance and behavior problems. The clinic has been evolving for two years in a context of parental separation. Given the clinical deterioration, the patient is sent to child psychiatrist. A complete somatic checkup is achieved, he reveals white matter lesions suggesting the diagnosis of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) confirmed by the metabolic assay. No curative treatment will be offered given the stage of the disease; the patient dies within two years. The X-ALD is a degenerative disease of the white matter having a prevalence estimated at 1/20,000 cases worldwide. The mutated gene, located on the long arm of chromosome X, encodes a peroxisomal membrane protein. Over 500 mutations are known and cause a disorder of fatty acids beta-oxidation. Several phenotypes exist without phenotype-genotype relationship. The diagnosis of X-ALD is mainly based on brain magnetic resonance and blood very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) blood level. Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, only known cure can be achieved in patients with asymptomatic (from screening) or early stage. Without treatment, the survival prognosis at diagnosis is an average of 3 years. Genetic counseling and screenings (pre-natal, neo-natal and family) are essentials to improve this diagnosis. Vigilance is crucial when dealing with child's psycho-cognitive disorders.

Use of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability to infer yield stress at high-energy densities.

We use the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI) at a metal-gas interface to infer the metal's yield stress (Y) under shock loading and release. We first model how Y stabilizes the RMI using hydrodynamics simulations with a perfectly plastic constitutive relation for copper (Cu). The model is then tested with molecular dynamics (MD) of crystalline Cu by comparing the inferred Y from RMI simulations with direct stress-strain calculations, both with MD at the same conditions. Finally, new RMI experiments with solid Cu validate our simulation-based model and infer Y~0.47 GPa for a 36 GPa shock.

High purity H2 by sorption-enhanced chemical looping reforming of waste cooking oil in a packed bed reactor.

High purity hydrogen (>95%) was produced at 600 degrees C and 1 atm by steam reforming of waste cooking oil at a molar steam to carbon ratio of 4 using chemical looping, a process that features redox cycles of a Ni catalyst with the in-situ carbonation/calcination of a CO(2) sorbent (dolomite) in a packed bed reactor under alternated feedstreams of fuel-steam and air. The fuel and steam conversion were higher with the sorbent present than without it. Initially, the dolomite carbonation was very efficient (100%), and 98% purity hydrogen was produced, but the carbonation decreased to around 56% with a purity of 95% respectively in the following cycles. Reduction of the nickel catalyst occurred alongside steam reforming, water gas shift and carbonation, with H(2) produced continuously under fuel-steam feeds. Catalyst and CO(2)-sorbent regeneration was observed, and long periods of autothermal operation within each cycle were demonstrated.

[Escherichia coli meningitis and parietal osteomyelitis in an infant: a rare complication of cephalohematoma]. / Méningite à Escherichia coli associée à une ostéomyélite de l'os pariétal chez un nourrisson: une complication rare d'un céphalhématome.

We report the case of a 30-day-old infant presenting a E. coli meningitis with recurrence 5 days after stopping antibiotics. The clinical investigations concluded to the diagnosis of osteomyelitis of the parietal bone probably as a consequence of the infection of a cephalohematoma due to a wound caused by a foetal monitoring. Cephalohematoma is frequent in infant and is usually without consequences. Though rare, cases of infected cephalohematomas are described in the literature, with possible complications of meningitis (E. coli) and osteomyelitis. Sometimes the both pathologies are associated. A secondary infection of cephalohematomas must be taken in consideration when the etiology of a E. coli meningitis is not quite clear enough. In this situation, looking for an osteomyelitis whose presence may influence the infant's treatment is needed.

Chemical looping reforming of waste cooking oil in packed bed reactor.

Chemical looping steam reforming for hydrogen production from waste cooking oil was investigated using a packed bed reactor. The steam to carbon ratio of 4 and temperatures between 600 and 700 degrees C yielded the best results of the range of conditions tested. Six cycles at two weighted hourly space velocities (WHSV of 2.64 and 5.28 h(-1)) yielded high (>0.74) and low (<0.2) oil conversion fractions, respectively, representing low and high coking conditions. The WHSV of 2.64 h(-1) yielded product concentrations closest to equilibrium values calculated assuming a fresh rapeseed oil composition. Repeated cycling revealed some output oscillations in reactant conversion and in the extent of Ni-NiO conversion, but did not exhibit deterioration by the 6th cycle. The selectivity of CO, CO(2) and CH(4) were remarkably constant over the performed cycles, resulting in a repeatable syngas composition with H(2) selectivity very close to the optimum.

Bacterial swarming: a biochemical time-resolved FTIR-ATR study of Proteus mirabilis swarm-cell differentiation.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was applied to the study of the differentiation process undergone by Proteus mirabilis. This bacterium exhibits a remarkable dimorphism, allowing the cells to migrate on a solid substratum in a concerted manner yielding characteristic ring patterns. We performed an in situ noninvasive analysis of biochemical events occurring as vegetative cells differentiate into elongated, multinucleate, nonseptate, and hyperflagellated swarm cells. The major findings arising from this study are (i) the real-time monitoring of flagellar filament assembly, (ii) the evidence for de novo synthesis of qualitatively different lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and/or exopolysaccharides (EPS) constituting the slime into which bacteria swarm, and (iii) the alteration in the membrane fatty acid composition with a concomitant 10 degrees C decrease in the gel/liquid crystal phase transition resulting in an elevated membrane fluidity in swarm cells at the growth temperature. The time course of events shows that the EPS-LPS syntheses are synchronous with membrane fatty acid alterations and occur about 1 h before massive flagellar filament assembly is detected. This study not only provided a time sketch of biochemical events involved in the differentiation process but also led to the identification of the major spectral markers of both vegetative and swarm cells. This identification will allow to resolve the time-space structure of P. mirabilis colonies by using infrared microscopy.

Experimental and modelling study of sulfur and nitrogen doped premixed methane flames at low pressure.

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) has been used to observe NS and NO in methane/oxygen/argon laminar flames at low pressure doped with ammonia and sulfur dioxide. NS profiles as a function of height above the burner have been measured for rich flames. The effect of adding various amounts of sulfur dioxide on the observed NO in the burnt gas region has been investigated for a variety of stoichiometries. The experimental measurements have been compared with PREMIX simulations using a detailed elementary reaction mechanism for nitrogen- and sulfur-containing species in a methane flame. Sensitivity analysis has been employed to highlight the important reactions for NS, NO and SO2. The results demonstrate significant uncertainties in currently best available rate data for important reactions involving sulfur-containing species.

Folded structures in protonated reduced dipeptides.

Reduced dipeptides with the general formula RCO-Xaa-rXbb-N+HR'R" (rXbb, reduced analogue of residue Xbb: NH-C alpha HR1-CrH2) are shown to adopt a folded conformation in solution and in the solid state. The protonated reduced amide bond is an active proton donor capable of interacting with a peptide carbonyl to give a strong hydrogen bond topologically equivalent to the i+2 or i+3-->i interaction. The resulting conformation is similar to the y- or beta-turn structure found in peptides and proteins.

Invasive candidiasis complicating spontaneous esophageal perforation (Boerhaave syndrome).

Spontaneous esophageal perforation is a rare condition that frequently results in infectious complications. Empirical broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy is therefore part of the standard management. We describe two patients suffering from spontaneous esophageal perforation who developed invasive candidiasis with hematogenous dissemination. One patient died of multiple organ failure due to Candida sepsis. Preexistent Candida colonization, incomplete mediastinal drainage, broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy, and prolonged intensive care therapy place patients with esophageal perforation at high risk for secondary fungal infection. Intense microbiological searching is mandatory, but the distinction between colonization and infection may be impossible. Empirical antifungal treatment with imidazole derivatives, particularly in patients with potential risk factors, should be considered.

Turn induction by N-aminoproline. Comparison of the Gly-Pro-Gly and Gly psi [CO-NH-N]Pro-Gly sequences.

The folded structure induced by the N-aminoproline residue (the hydrazino analogue of proline, denoted hPro) in the Boc-Gly1-hPro2-Gly3-NHiPr hydrazino tripeptide has been characterized in the solid state by X-ray diffraction, and compared to the usual beta II-turn structure in the Boc-Gly1-Pro2-Gly36-NHiPr cognate tripeptide. It is stabilized by a bifurcated hydrogen bond in which (Gly3)NH interacts with both (Gly1)CO and (hPro2)N alpha. This conformation is retained in CH2Cl2 and CHCl3 solutions, and allows an overall folded conformation of the hydrazino tripeptide in which (iPr)NH is hydrogen-bonded to (Boc)CO. The hPro alpha-hydrazino acid residue appears to promote a local folded structure, and might behave as a beta-turn mimic.

[The role of circular migration in urban dynamics: examples from Ecuador and India]. / Role des mobilites circulaires dans les dynamiques urbaines: illustrations a partir de l'Equateur et de l'Inde.

PIP: Using the examples of Ecuador and India, this article examines different forms of circular migration affecting the dynamics of urban populations, and considers their impact on how cities function. The authors look at the strategies of temporary migrants and commuters regarding how they fit into the geographic and occupational spaces available in cities, their residence characteristics, how they affect urban investment and infrastructure, and their contribution to the labor force.^ieng

[Enteral nutrition at home with jejunostomy catheter]. / Heimernährung über Katheterjejunostomie.

Ten patients with obstructive tumors of the upper gastrointestinal tract received a catheter jejunostomy (CJ) for long periods of enteral nutritional support. Seven of those patients received home enteral nutritional support for a period of 2-9 months. Body weight and serum albumin remained constant during the nutritional therapy. Complications (diarrhea, leakage) were rare and could successfully treated without interruption of feeding. In our experience CJ is a safe and effective method for home enteral nutritional support.

[Main lines of evolution of the French population since World War II]. / Grandes lignes de l'evolution de la population francaise depuis la deuxieme guerre mondiale

PIP: Major population trends in France since the end of World War II are described. Consideration is given to population growth, mortality, fertility, nuptiality, households, demographic aging, migration and the composition of the foreign population, spatial distribution (including urbanization and counter-urbanization), and the economically active population. It is noted that following a period of quasi-stagnation, the French population experienced its most rapid growth in history and then entered a phase of slowing growth.^ieng