Histological analysis of forearm superficial veins structure.

BACKGROUND: The connection between the basilic and cephalic veins of the forearm shows considerable interindividual variation. Depending on its form, the most common types of venous connections are M-, N- or Y-shaped. This study aims to compare the metric traits of the basilic and cephalic veins and the relative content of smooth muscle/collagen fibers/elastic fibers in their walls and to determine the differences between the forearm venous systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 42 veins collected from 26 deceased individuals between the ages of 19 and 50 years. Vein sections were fixed, embedded in paraffin blocks and used to prepare histological slides, stained according to pentachrome Movat's method. Venous metrics were assessed and the percentage of muscle, elastic and collagen fibers was determined using the Trainable Weka segmentation. Statistical analysis compared the M-type vein with the Y- and N-types, which were combined into one category. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Analysis showed a greater tunica media thickness in the M-type vein, with a greater lumen circumference in the Y/N types. Correlation analysis showed a correlation of vein metrics with elastic fibre content and a weak inverse correlation with the tunica media thickness. It can be hypothesized that the increased performance of N- and Y-types may be related to elastic fibers content.

Dislocation of Internal Organs of the Neck and Trunk Into Crush Injuries of the Head: Case Report on a Truck-to-Pedestrian Accident.

The authors report on a case of a 43-year-old male pedestrian struck and run over by a truck. The accident was accompanied by a mechanism of injury resulting in a unique autopsy picture of trunk and head injuries. The internal organs of the neck (larynx, trachea, esophagus), chest (lungs, thoracic aorta), and part of the abdominal cavity (bottom of the stomach and fragments of the liver) were dislocated in the direction of the head. The result was a traumatically deformed, crushed skull characterized by an extensive gaping wound with excerebration. The organs were dislocated through a channel formed by the rupture of soft tissues and comminuted fracture of the base of the skull. Parts of internal organs (larynx, trachea, and aorta) were turned 180° around the transverse axis of the body. This report, due to its unusual character, may be useful during detailed analysis of potential injury mechanisms in traffic accidents involving pedestrians.

Example of suicidal gunshot wound to the head with a blank actuated projectile shot from Keseru-type revolver as an example of danger connected with use of firearms replicas that can be bought without license.

In January 2011 a body of 56-year old man was sent to Wroclaw Forensic Medicine Department. He was supposed to shoot himself with a noisemaker revolver. During the forensic autopsy a wound to the right temporal area was found, furthermore a hole in right temporal bone and a gunshot wound canal leading from right to left, slightly to the back and up. A deformed, metallic, 5.5 mm BB shot was found in the canal. The revolver found alongside the body was also examined. It was capable of projecting rubber or metal BB shots actuated by a blank cartridge discharge. Test shots were measured in the chronograph (5.5 mm metal BB shots). Peak initial velocity of the projectile reached around 120 m/s. This revolver does not require any license to buy and own. It is also not necessary to register it. Authors highlight the dangers connected with the use of such firearms as well as not sufficient legal regulations concerning this type of weapons.

Liver steatosis in Polish children assessed by medicolegal autopsies.

BACKGROUND: Cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are increasing in the pediatric population. Their growing prevalence coincides with the obesity epidemic. Assessment of the incidence requires liver biopsies on a representative population sample, which are hampered by the absence of indications for invasive examination on children without clinical symptoms. The aim of the current study was to assess the incidence of liver steatosis in the population of children up to 18 years old from Lower Silesia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 342 medico-legal autopsy reports from 2000 to 2009. We separated a group of 256 children whose death was caused by trauma. Liver steatosis was diagnosed according to the results of histopathological examinations and typical macroscopic imaging. RESULTS: In the 265 children who died from trauma, liver steatosis was reported in 11 (4.2%) children (6 boys) aged between 6 months and 18 years old. Six of the 11 children (54.5%) were found to be overweight. In all 342 children, steatosis was found in 18 (5.3%) children (13 boys), while NASH was diagnosed in 1 (0.3%). Excess body weight was observed in 55.6% (10/18) of children with steatosis. CONCLUSIONS: Liver steatosis can occur at any age, even in infancy. Being overweight is a very important risk factor. Gross examination of the liver is insufficient for the diagnosis of steatosis because of its lower sensitivity and specificity. Verification of liver steatosis requires reference histopathological examination.

[Possibilities of energy augmentation of pellets shot from ASG replicas and gunshot wounds]. / Mozliwosci zwiekszania energii pocisków wystrzeliwanych z replik broni ASG a obrazenia powodowane postrzalami.

In this paper, the authors review the types of air soft gun replicas depending on the type of drive and ammunition, showing the possibilities of altering the M4A1 rifle replica's technical parameters and the effect of such modifications on initial energy of the projectile. A PJ4 CQB NAVY replica's inner barrel, spring, motor and cylinder kit were replaced. Subsequently, the muzzle velocity was determined and compared to the initial muzzle velocity. This example showed that amateur modifications can greatly increase the initial energy of the pellet. The authors suggest that especially in terms of determining the exposure to direct danger of death or grave detriment to health, the manufacturer's data about pellet energy should not be taken without question, but one should strive for an individual assessment of the ASG replica constituting the evidence.