Comparison of CT Values between Thrombus and Postmortem Clot Based on Cadaveric Pulmonary Angiography.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the difference in CT values between pulmonary thromboembolism and postmortem clot in postmortem CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) to further improve the application value of virtual autopsy. METHODS: Postmortem CTPA data with the definite cause of death from 2016 to 2019 were collected and divided into pulmonary thromboembolism group (n=4), postmortem clot group (n=5), and control group (n=5). CT values of pulmonary trunk and left and right pulmonary artery contents in each group were measured and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The average CT value in the pulmonary thromboembolism group and postmortem clot group were (168.4±53.8) Hu and (282.7±78.0) Hu, respectively, which were lower than those of the control group (1 193.0±82.9) Hu (P<0.05). The average CT value of the postmortem clot group was higher than that of the pulmonary thromboembolism group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CT value is reliable and feasible as a relatively objective quantitative index to distinguish pulmonary thromboembolism and postmortem clot in postmortem CTPA. At the same time, it can provide a scientific basis to a certain extent for ruling out pulmonary thromboembolism deaths.

Detection of multiple biomarkers associated with satellite cell fate in the contused skeletal muscle of rats for wound age estimation.

From the perspective of forensic wound age estimation, experiments related to skeletal muscle regeneration after injury have rarely been reported. Here, we examined the time-dependent expression patterns of multiple biomarkers associated with satellite cell fate, including the transcription factor paired box 7 (Pax7), myoblast determination protein (MyoD), myogenin, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), using immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR in contused skeletal muscle. An animal model of skeletal muscle contusion was established in 30 Sprague-Dawley male rats, and another five rats were employed as non-contused controls. Morphometrically, the data obtained from the numbers of Pax7 + , MyoD + , and myogenin + cells were highly correlated with the wound age. Pax7, MyoD, myogenin, and IGF-1 expression patterns were upregulated after injury at both the mRNA and protein levels. Pax7, MyoD, and myogenin protein expression levels confirmed the results of the morphometrical analysis. Additionally, the relative quantity of IGF-1 protein > 0.92 suggested a wound age of 3 to 7 days. The relative quantity of Pax7 mRNA > 2.44 also suggested a wound age of 3 to 7 days. Relative quantities of Myod1, Myog, and Igf1 mRNA expression > 2.78, > 7.80, or > 3.13, respectively, indicated a wound age of approximately 3 days. In conclusion, the expression levels of Pax7, MyoD, myogenin, and IGF-1 were upregulated in a time-dependent manner during skeletal muscle wound healing, suggesting the potential for using them as candidate biomarkers for wound age estimation in skeletal muscle.

Research Progress of Automatic Diatom Test by Artificial Intelligence.

Diatom test is the main laboratory test method in the diagnosis of drowning in forensic medicine. It plays an important role in differentiating the antemortem drowning from the postmortem drowning and inferring drowning site. Artificial intelligence (AI) automatic diatom test is a technological innovation in forensic drowning diagnosis which is based on morphological characteristics of diatom, the application of AI algorithm to automatic identification and classification of diatom in tissues and organs. This paper discusses the morphological diatom test methods and reviews the research progress of automatic diatom recognition and classification involving AI algorithms. AI deep learning algorithm can assist diatom testing to obtain objective, accurate, and efficient qualitative and quantitative analysis results, which is expected to become a new direction of diatom testing research in the drowning of forensic medicine in the future.

Comparison among Four Deep Learning Image Classification Algorithms in AI-based Diatom Test.

OBJECTIVES: To select four algorithms with relatively balanced complexity and accuracy among deep learning image classification algorithms for automatic diatom recognition, and to explore the most suitable classification algorithm for diatom recognition to provide data reference for automatic diatom testing research in forensic medicine. METHODS: The "diatom" and "background" small sample size data set (20 000 images) of digestive fluid smear of corpse lung tissue in water were built to train, validate and test four convolutional neural network (CNN) models, including VGG16, ResNet50, InceptionV3 and Inception-ResNet-V2. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of subjects and confusion matrixes were drawn, recall rate, precision rate, specificity, accuracy rate and F1 score were calculated, and the performance of each model was systematically evaluated. RESULTS: The InceptionV3 model achieved much better results than the other three models with a balanced recall rate of 89.80%, a precision rate of 92.58%. The VGG16 and Inception-ResNet-V2 had similar diatom recognition performance. Although the performance of diatom recall and precision detection could not be balanced, the recognition ability was acceptable. ResNet50 had the lowest diatom recognition performance, with a recall rate of 55.35%. In terms of feature extraction, the four models all extracted the features of diatom and background and mainly focused on diatom region as the main identification basis. CONCLUSIONS: Including the Inception-dependent model, which has stronger directivity and targeting in feature extraction of diatom. The InceptionV3 achieved the best performance on diatom identification and feature extraction compared to the other three models. The InceptionV3 is more suitable for daily forensic diatom examination.

Virtual Autopsy Morphological Features of Drowning.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the application value of virtual autopsy to obtain key evidence information on drowned corpses and its application value of virtual autopsy in the diagnosis of drowning. METHODS: In this study, 7 corpses were selected as the research objects. The image data of corpses were collected by computed tomography (CT) before conventional autopsy. The characteristics of corpses were observed through image reading, combined with virtual measurement indexes, and compared with 15 non-drowned corpses. RESULTS: The postmortem CT of drowning showed the more fluid in respiratory tract than the non-drowning, and ground-glass opacities in the lung. The statistical volume of fluid in the sinus (maxillary sinus and sphenoid sinus) was (10.24±4.70) mL in drowning cases and (2.02±2.45) mL in non-drowning cases. The average CT value of fluid in the sinus, left atrial blood and gastric contents in drowning cases were (15.91±17.20), (52.57±9.24) and (10.33±12.81) HU, respectively, which were lower than those in non-drowning cases (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The comprehensive consideration of multiple characteristic image manifestations and the virtual measurement indexes are helpful to the forensic pathological diagnosis of drowning. Virtual autopsy can be used as an auxiliary method in the forensic diagnosis of drowning.

The performance of 18F-PSMA PET/CT in the detection of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This paper presents a meta-analysis regarding the detection rate (DR) of fluorine-18 (18F)-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT) in the management of patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Relevant studies regarding 18F-PSMA PET/CT in the management of PCa published until June 1, 2021, were electronically searched in online databases including EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science. The primary outcome was the DR of 18F-PSMA PET/CT in managing PCa patients, while the secondary outcome was the DR of 18F-PSMA PET/CT according to Gleason scores and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. The pooled DR was calculated on a per-patient basis, with pooled odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In total, 17 observational studies evaluating 1019 patients with PCa met the inclusion criteria. The DR of 18F-PSMA PET/CT was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78-0.88), in the random-effects model. Subsequently, the analysis of DR of 18F-PSMA PET/CT in PCa patients using Gleason score (≤7 vs ≥8), showed a significant difference in PCa patients. Based on the above results, the higher Gleason score of PCa patients, the higher DR of 18F-PSMA PET/CT. The DR of 18F-PSMA PET/CT in PCa was 0.57 for PSA <0.5 ng ml-1; 0.75 for PSA ≥0.5 ng ml-1 and <1.0 ng ml-1; 0.93 for PSA ≥1.0 ng ml-1 and <2.0 ng ml-1; and 0.95 for PSA ≥2.0 ng ml-1. Therefore, the significant diagnostic value was found in terms of the DR of 18F-PSMA PET/CT in managing PCa patients and was associated with Gleason score and serum PSA level.

Nucleic acid amplification techniques for the detection of Schistosoma mansoni infection in humans and the intermediate snail host: a structured review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by hematodes of genus Schistosoma. This review evaluated the available nucleic acid amplification techniques for diagnosing S. mansoni infections in humans, intermediate host snails, and presumed rodent reservoirs. METHODS: Sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and 95% CI were calculated based on available literature. The potential of PCR, nPCR, PCR-ELISA, qPCR, and LAMP was compared for diagnosing S. mansoni infections. RESULTS: A total of 546 published records were identified. Quality assessment by QUADAS-2 revealed an uncertain risk in most studies, and 21 references were included in the final. For human samples, the four nucleic acid amplification techniques showed an overall sensitivity of 89.79% (95% CI: 83.92%-93.67%), specificity of 87.70% (95% CI: 72.60%-95.05%), and DOR of 37.73 (95% CI: 21.79-65.33). LAMP showed the highest sensitivity, followed by PCR-ELISA, PCR, and qPCR, while this order was almost reversed for specificity; qPCR had the highest AUC. For rodent samples, qPCR showed modest sensitivity (68.75%, 95% CI: 43.32%-86.36%) and high specificity (92.45%, 95% CI: 19.94%-99.83%). For snail samples, PCR and nPCR assays showed high sensitivity of 90.06% (95% CI: 84.39%-93.82%) and specificity of 85.51% (95% CI: 54.39%-96.69%). CONCLUSION: Nucleic acid amplification techniques had high diagnostic potential for identifying S. mansoni infections in humans.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices and the analysis of risk factors regarding schistosomiasis among fishermen and boatmen in the Dongting Lake Basin, the People's Republic of China.

BACKGROUND: Fishermen and boatmen are a population at-risk for contracting schistosomiasis due to their high frequency of water contact in endemic areas of schistosomiasis in the People's Republic of China (P. R. China). To develop specific interventions towards this population, the present study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) towards schistosomiasis of fishermen and boatmen, and to identify the risk factors associated with schistosome infection using a molecular technique in a selected area of Hunan Province in P. R. China. METHODS: A cross sectional survey was conducted in the Dongting Lake Basin of Yueyang County, Hunan Province. A total of 601 fishermen and boatmen were interviewed between October and November 2017. Information regarding sociodemographic details and KAPs towards schistosomiasis were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Fecal samples of participants were collected and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the risk factors related to the positive results of PCR. RESULTS: Of the 601 respondents, over 90% knew schistosomiasis and how the disease was contracted, the intermediate host of schistosomes and preventive methods. The majority of respondents had a positive attitude towards schistosomiasis prevention. However, only 6.66% (40/601) of respondents had installed a latrine on their boats, while 32.61% (196/601) of respondents defecated in the public toilets on shore. In addition, only 4.99% (30/601) respondents protected themselves while exposed to freshwater. The prevalence of schistosomiasis, as determined by PCR, among fishermen and boatmen in Yueyang County was 13.81% (83/601). Age, years of performing the current job, number of times receiving treatment, and whether they were treated in past three years were the main influencing factors of PCR results among this population. CONCLUSIONS: Fishermen and boatmen are still at high risk of infection in P. R. China and gaps exist in KAPs towards schistosomiasis in this population group. Chemotherapy, and health education encouraging behavior change in combination with other integrated approaches to decrease the transmission risk in environments should be improved.

Contributions and achievements on schistosomiasis control and elimination in China by NIPD-CTDR.

Being a zoonotic parasitic disease, schistosomiasis was widely spread in 12 provinces of Southern China in the 1950s, severly harming human health and hindering economic development. The National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at the Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, and Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research (NIPD-CTDR), as the only professional institution focussing on parasitic diseases at the national level, has played an important role in schistosomiasis control in the country. In this article, we look back at the changes of schistosomiasis endemicity and the contribution of NIPD-CTDR to the national schistosomiasis control programme. We review NIPD-CTDR's activities, including field investigations, design of control strategies and measures, development of diagnostics and drugs, surveillance-response of endemic situation, and monitoring & evaluation of the programme. The NIPD-CTDR has mastered the transmission status of schistosomiasis, mapped the snail distribution, and explored strategies and measures suitable for different types of endemic areas in China. With a good understanding of the life cycle of Schistosoma japonicum and transmission patterns of the disease, advanced research carried out in the NIPD-CTDR based on genomics and modern technology has made it possible to explore highly efficient and soft therapeutic drugs and molluscicides, making it possible to develop new diagnostic tools and produce vaccine candidates. In the field, epidemiological studies, updated strategies and targeted intervention measures developed by scientists from the NIPD-CTDR have contributed significantly to the national schistosomiasis control programme. This all adds up to a strong foundation for eliminating schistosomiasis in China in the near future, and recommendations have been put forward how to reach this goal.

Di-n-butyl phthalate epigenetically induces reproductive toxicity via the PTEN/AKT pathway.

Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a kind of ubiquitous chemical linked to hormonal disruptions that affects male reproductive system. However, the mechanism of DBP-induced germ cells toxicity remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that DBP induces reduction of proliferation, increase of apoptosis and DNA damage dependent on the PTEN/AKT pathway. Mechanistically, DBP decreases PTEN promoter methylation and increases its transcriptional activity, leading to increased PTEN expression. Notably, DNMT3b is confirmed as a target of miR-29b and miR-29b-mediated status of PTEN methylation is involved in the effects of DBP treatment. Meanwhile, DBP decreases AKT pathway expression via increasing PTEN expression. In addition, the fact that DBP decreases the sperm number and the percentage of motile and progressive sperm is associated with downregulated AKT pathway and sperm flagellum-related genes. Collectively, these findings indicate that DBP induces aberrant PTEN demethylation, leading to inhibition of the AKT pathway, which contributes to the reproductive toxicity.

Efficacy and Safety of Tamsulosin in the Medical Expulsion Therapy for Distal Ureteral Calculi: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Placebo-Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: Tamsulosin, a medical expulsive therapy (MET), was always recommended for patients with distal ure-teral calculi less than 10 mm. The aim of the systematic review was to assess the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin in MET compared with placebo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in the databases PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science for relevant articles, covering all the literatures published until April 2018. All placebo controlled trails were identified in which patients were randomized to receive either tamsulosin or placebo for distal ureteral calculi. RESULTS: A total of seven placebo controlled studies including 4135 patients met the inclusion criteria and were involved in the review. We found that tamsulosin was associated with a significantly higher expulsion rate (ESR) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00-1.21] than placebo in patients with distal ureteral stones less than 7 mm. The ESR ranged from 67.0%-90.7%. But the significant difference was better seen in pa-tients with distal ureteral stones less than 10 mm (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.01-1.21). Even though tamsulosin has a higher incidence of retrograde ejaculation than placebo, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of other adverse events. CONCLUSION: The results of the current meta-analysis indicated that tamsulosin was superior to placebo in its effi-cacy for distal ureteral stones though retrograde ejaculation was worse with tamsulosin use. It should be a safe and effective medical expulsive therapy choice for distal ureteral stones when stone sizes are less than 10 mm.

MicroRNA-153 promotes brain-derived neurotrophic factor and hippocampal neuron proliferation to alleviate autism symptoms through inhibition of JAK-STAT pathway by LEPR.

Autism is known as a severe neurobehavioral syndrome, with males affected more often than females. Previous studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the search for novel therapeutic strategies for autism. Therefore, we evaluate the ability of miR-153 to influence brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) of autism as well as proliferation and apoptosis of hippocampal neuron through the janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway by targeting leptin receptor (LEPR). Firstly, the autistic mice models were established and Morris water maze was employed for the analysis of the learning ability and memory of the mice. Besides, in vitro experiments were conducted with the transfection of different mimic, inhibitor, or siRNA into the hippocampal neuron cells, after which the effect of miR-153 on LEPR and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway-related factors was investigated. Next, 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry assay were conducted to evaluate cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis respectively following transfection. The results revealed that there was a significant decrease in learning ability and memory in the autistic mice along with a reduction in the positive expression rate of BDNF and serious inflammatory reaction. LEPR was confirmed as a target gene of miR-153 by the dual luciferase reporter gene assay. After transfection of overexpressed miR-153, LEPR and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway were inhibited followed by an increase in BDNF and enhancement of cell proliferation. In conclusion, the high expression of miR-153 can inhibit activation of JAK-STAT signaling pathway by LEPR, thus improving BDNF expression and the proliferative ability of hippocampal neurons.

Field Evaluation of a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Platform for the Detection of Schistosoma japonicum Infection in Oncomelania hupensis Snails.

Schistosoma infection in snails can be monitored by microscopy or indirectly by sentinel mice. As both these approaches can miss infections, more sensitive tests are needed, particularly in low-level transmission settings. In this study, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique, designed to detect a specific 28S ribosomal Schistosoma japonicum (Sj28S) gene with high sensitivity, was compared to microscopy using snail samples from 51 areas endemic for schistosomiasis in five Chinese provinces. In addition, the results were compared with those from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by adding DNA sequencing as a reference. The testing of pooled snail samples with the LAMP assay showed that a dilution factor of 1/50, i.e., one infected snail plus 49 non-infected ones, would still result in a positive reaction after the recommended number of amplification cycles. Testing a total of 232 pooled samples, emanating from 4006 snail specimens, showed a rate of infection of 6.5%, while traditional microscopy found only 0.4% positive samples in the same materials. Parallel PCR analysis confirmed the diagnostic accuracy of the LAMP assay, with DNA sequencing even giving LAMP a slight lead. Microscopy and the LAMP test were carried out at local schistosomiasis-control stations, demonstrating that the potential of the latter assay to serve as a point-of-care (POC) test with results available within 60⁻90 min, while the more complicated PCR test had to be carried out at the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases (NIPD) in Shanghai, China. In conclusion, LAMP was found to be clearly superior to microscopy and as good as, or better than, PCR. As it can be used under field conditions and requires less time than other techniques, LAMP testing would improve and accelerate schistosomiasis control.

Functional and Transcriptomic Characterization of a Dye-decolorizing Fungus from Taxus Rhizosphere.

We isolated three laccase-producing fungus strains from Taxus rhizosphere. Myrotheium verrucaria strain DJTU-sh7 had the highest laccase activity of 216.2 U/ml, which was increased to above 300 U/ml after optimization. DJTU-sh7 had the best decolorizing effect for three classes of reactive dyes. The DJTU-sh7-containing fungal consortium displayed the robust decolorizing ability. Both color removal efficiency and chemical oxygen demand were increased in the consortium mediated biotransformation. Transcriptome changes of M. verrucaria elicited by azo dye and phenolic were quantified by the high throughput transcriptome sequencing, and the activities of the selected oxidases and reductases were determined. The possible involvement of oxidases and reductases, especially laccase, aryl alcohol oxidase, and ferric reductase in the biotransformation of dye and phenolic compounds was revealed at both transcriptomic and phenotypic levels. Revealing the transcriptomic mechanisms of fungi in dealing with organic pollutants facilitates the fine-tuned manipulation of strains in developing novel bioremediation and biodegradation strategies.We isolated three laccase-producing fungus strains from Taxus rhizosphere. Myrotheium verrucaria strain DJTU-sh7 had the highest laccase activity of 216.2 U/ml, which was increased to above 300 U/ml after optimization. DJTU-sh7 had the best decolorizing effect for three classes of reactive dyes. The DJTU-sh7-containing fungal consortium displayed the robust decolorizing ability. Both color removal efficiency and chemical oxygen demand were increased in the consortium mediated biotransformation. Transcriptome changes of M. verrucaria elicited by azo dye and phenolic were quantified by the high throughput transcriptome sequencing, and the activities of the selected oxidases and reductases were determined. The possible involvement of oxidases and reductases, especially laccase, aryl alcohol oxidase, and ferric reductase in the biotransformation of dye and phenolic compounds was revealed at both transcriptomic and phenotypic levels. Revealing the transcriptomic mechanisms of fungi in dealing with organic pollutants facilitates the fine-tuned manipulation of strains in developing novel bioremediation and biodegradation strategies.

Differentiating snail intermediate hosts of Schistosoma spp. using molecular approaches: fundamental to successful integrated control mechanism in Africa.

BACKGROUND: Snail intermediate hosts play active roles in the transmission of snail-borne trematode infections in Africa. A good knowledge of snail-borne diseases epidemiology particularly snail intermediate host populations would provide the necessary impetus to complementing existing control strategy. MAIN BODY: This review highlights the importance of molecular approaches in differentiating snail hosts population structure and the need to provide adequate information on snail host populations by updating snail hosts genome database for Africa, in order to equip different stakeholders with adequate information on the ecology of snail intermediate hosts and their roles in the transmission of different diseases. Also, we identify the gaps and areas where there is need for urgent intervention to facilitate effective integrated control of schistosomiasis and other snail-borne trematode infections. CONCLUSIONS: Prioritizing snail studies, especially snail differentiation using molecular tools will boost disease surveillance and also enhance efficient schistosomaisis control programme in Africa.

Sulforaphane attenuates di-N-butylphthalate-induced reproductive damage in pubertal mice: Involvement of the Nrf2-antioxidant system.

di-N-butylphthalate (DBP) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant used for plastic coating and in the cosmetics industry. It has toxic effects on body health, especially the male reproductive system. Here, we investigated the effects of DBP on the male reproductive system of pubertal mice and explored the protective role of sulforaphane (SFN). The results showed that DBP significantly reduced the anogenital distance, testicular weight, sperm count and motility, and plasma and testicular testosterone levels and significantly increased the oxidative stress, sperm abnormalities, and testicular cell apoptosis. SFN supplementation ameliorated these effects. After DBP stimulation, the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was adaptively increased together with its target genes, such as HO-1 and NQO1. Upregulation of Nrf2 by SFN reduced the DBP-mediated intracellular oxidative toxicity and also increased testosterone secretion and spermatogenesis, which were decreased by DBP. These findings indicate that SFN can attenuate DBP-induced reproductive damage in pubertal mice via Nrf2-associated pathways.

Association between ERCC2 Lys751Gln polymorphism and the risk of pancreatic cancer, especially among Asians: evidence from a meta-analysis.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Excision repair cross-complementing group 2 (ERCC2) gene are suspected to affect the risk of pancreatic cancer. Many studies have reported the association between ERCC2 Lys751Gln polymorphism (rs13181) and the susceptibility to pancreatic cancer, but the outcomes remained controversial. To comprehensively determine this association, we conducted a meta-analysis based on a total of eight studies. Evidence for this association was obtained from the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. In general, a significant association was found between ERCC2 rs13181 polymorphism and the susceptibility to pancreatic cancer in four genetic models [CC vs. AA: OR = 1.56, (95% CI: 1.28-1.90), P = 0.470; AC/CC vs. AA: OR=1.20, (95% CI: 1.06-1.36), P = 0.396; CC vs. AC/CC: OR = 1.50; (95% CI: 1.24-1.81), P = 0.530; C vs. A: OR=1.22, (95%CI:1.11-1.34), P = 0.159]. Furthermore, stratified analyses by ethnicity indicated a significant association only in the Asian population. Our results indicate that the ERCC2 Lys751Gln polymorphism might be important in stimulating the development of pancreatic cancer, especially for Asians.

[Comparison of Postmortem MSCT and Autopsy Findings in Traffic Accident Victims].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of postmortem multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) by observing and analyzing the injury features in the traffic accident victims. METHODS: Ten traffic accident victims were scanned with whole body MSCT. The systemic autopsy was subsequently performed to compare with the results of MSCT. The advantages and disadvantages of autopsy and MSCT for obtaining the information of traffic accident injuries were then analyzed. RESULTS: MSCT could reveal 3D shape of fractures clearly and detect air accumulation in different positions of the body, which showed the obvious advantages compared with autopsy. However, the resolution of MSCT was limited compared to the detection of organ and soft tissue injuries. CONCLUSION: A combination of MSCT and autopsy is the best way for determining the manner and the cause of death in traffic fatality victims.

Determination of a Newborn with Lethal Type II Osteogenesis Imperfecta and Other Anomalies Using Autopsy and Postmortem MSCT--A Case Report.

A case of a stillbirth with lethal type II osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) was reported. The fetus had skull fractures and craniocerebral injuries during pregnancy. Postmortem multi-sliced computed tomography (MSCT) and 3D-reconstruction were performed, followed by a medico-legal autopsy. The autopsic findings showed the typical features of type II OI, including a soft calvarium, deformed extremities, flexed and abducted hips, and uncommon features, such as white sclera, coxa vara, absence of several bones and organs, a cleft lip, and asymmetric ears. The radiologic images revealed such anomalies and variations as a cleft palate, mandibular dysplasia, spina bifida, costa cervicalis, and fusion of the ribs and vertebrae, which were difficult to detect during conventional autopsy. The paper investigated the classification, causative mutation, cause of death, and the differentiation of OI from child abuse, coming to a conclusion that OI knowledge can be of great importance to forensic pathologists and that the merits of postmortem MSCT should be emphasized in forensic pathologic examinations.