Hemorrhagic stroke caused by xylometazoline poisoning

An increase in the use of over-the-counter medications has been observed in recent years. This also concerns xylometazoline, approved for the treatment of allergic rhinitis or upper respiratory tract infections. We present the fatal case of a 40 year-old-woman with a massive hemorrhagic stroke. Initial toxicology tests of biological material collected during autopsy revealed the presence of xylometazoline. No other significant toxicology findings were noted. LC-MS/MS method has been developed to determine xylometazoline concentration, which was 18.6 ng/mL in blood and 498.9 ng/mL in urine. The macroscopically detected hemorrhagic focus was confirmed by histopathological which confirmed hemorrhagic infarcts in the brain tissue, especially in the subarachnoid area. No other pathological changes were found. Based on findings from autopsy and toxicological analyses, the direct cause of death was concluded to be hemorrhagic stroke resulting from xylometazoline intoxication. Although xylometazoline products are regarded as relatively safe and are available over the counter, the risk of adverse effects, in particular stroke leading to death, should be considered. If adverse effects are observed, it is reasonable to measure the concentration of the drug in blood and urine. With such data, it will be possible to assess the actual exposure to this xenobiotic and draw firmer conclusions.

Molecular Diagnosis of COVID-19 Sudden and Unexplained Deaths: The Insidious Face of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 epidemic has led to a significant increase in the number of deaths. This has resulted in forensic autopsies focusing on additional diagnostic possibilities. The following article is a summary of 23 autopsies of sudden and unexplained deaths. Particularly noteworthy are the described cases of children whose deaths were originally classified as SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). All tests were performed at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. Autopsy analyses were extended to include diagnostics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus using molecular methods and a detailed histopathological analysis of lung tissue. The material for molecular tests consisted of a nasopharyngeal swab taken postmortem and a lung tissue homogenate. In both cases, the RT-PCR method with CT cut-off point analysis was used for diagnosis. In all analyzed cases, the lungs showed massive congestion and increased fragility and cohesion. The tested material showed the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which indicated various stages of infection. It was observed that the higher the virus expression in the lungs, the lower or undetectable it was in the nasopharyngeal swab. This may explain false negative results during life in swabs. An interesting finding is that child deaths classified as SIDS also showed the presence of the virus. This may constitute a new direction of research.

Title: Skeletal evidence of the ethnic cleansing actions in the Free City of Danzig (1939-1942) based on the KL Stutthof victims analysis

In the early days of World War II, many of the prominent and influential people of Polish nationality from the Free City of Danzig were arrested by the Germans and sent to the nearby concentration camp KL Stutthof. Nearly a hundred of them died within the next seven months upon their arrival, and were buried in a clandestine mass grave in a nearby forest. However, the exact nature of their death is unknown, as it is unclear what the attitude of the aggressors was toward the victims. We do not know whether there was only one executioner or there were several assassins, nor if the killing methodology was consistent with the other state-regulated executions. The studied material represents the commingled remains of a minimum thirty-four people, possibly all male, aged from under eighteen to over sixty at the time of death. Perimortem traumatic lesions are shown mainly on the skull bones. We asked whether the perimortem trauma lesions visible on the victims' skeletons could be informative on the cause and manner of their death. Our results show the prevalence of the perimortem trauma inflicted by a blunt object are on the parietal bones above the Hat Brim Line (HBL), which is commonly associated with a violent attack. The gunshot trauma was usually localized on the occipital bone or posterior parietal, which could indicate a shot to the back of the head, and this was commonly encountered during executions. No signs of defensive injuries can be explained either by restraining of the hands or by a surprise attack. The abundance and variability of the trauma type can be evident of multiple assailants. Moreover, the multiple impact points detected on several crania prove unnecessary overkill and brutality, which reflects the personal attitudes of the executioners towards the victims.

The relationship between udder skin surface temperature and milk production and composition in dairy cattle (<i>Bos taurus</i> L.)

The aim of the present study was to determine correlations between udder skin surface temperatures and milk yield and estimated composition in dairy cows. The thermographic images of 34 Polish Holstein-Friesian Black-and-White cows were taken in a milking parlour before and after milking. Partial correlation coefficients were calculated between the surface temperatures of the udder hind quarters and milk production traits controlling for age, parity, year and milking time. Daily milk yield was weakly and non-significantly correlated with surface temperatures (rp ranging from -0.19 to 0.21), except for the mean and maximum temperature of the left hind quarter after milking (rp = 0.40 and rp = 0.38, respectively). There were significant correlations of skin surface temperature with estimated fat content (rp = -0.55 to rp = 0.48), protein content (rp = -0.39 to rp = 0.42), fat yield (rp = -0.42 to rp = 0.54) and protein yield (rp = 0.37 to rp = 0.54). Estimated somatic cell count was significantly correlated with minimum temperatures (rp = -0.54 to rp = -0.36). Estimated urea content was significantly correlated with minimum temperature (rp = 0.52). A larger sample size is required in future research to confirm these preliminary results.

Thermography in clinical ophthalmic oncology

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to present our own experience with the use of thermography as a complementary method for the initial diagnosis and differentiation of intraocular tumors, as well as for the evaluation of the efficacy of treatment of intraocular melanomas.

METHODS

The study group comprised 37 patients with intraocular tumors, including 9 with uveal melanoma, 8 with uveal melanoma after I125 brachytherapy, 12 with a focal metastasis to the uvea, and 8 with retinal capillary hemangioblastoma. A FLIR T640 camera was used to capture images in the central point of the cornea, eye area, and orbital cavity area.

RESULTS

Eyes with uveal melanoma had higher temperature compared with the fellow normal eye of the patient in the range of all measured parameters in the regions of interest. In the group of patients with melanoma after unsuccessful brachytherapy, higher temperature was observed at the central point of the cornea. In patients with tumor regression, all measured parameters were lower in the affected eye. We observed lower tempe-ratures in the range of all tested parameters and areas in eyes with choroidal metastases. Eyes with diagnosed intraocular hemangioblastoma were characterized by higher parameters for the regions of interest versus eyes without this pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

A thermographic examination of the eye can be used as an additional first-line diagnostic tool for the differentiation of intraocular tumors. Thermography can be a helpful tool in monitoring the treatment outcome in patients with intraocular melanoma.

Infrared thermography for the analysis of ocular surface temperature after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE

In this study, we present our observations on changes in the surface temperature of the cornea, eye, and orbital cavity after cataract surgery.

METHODS

A total of 39 patients who underwent cataract surgery based on phacoemulsification were enrolled. Temperature was measured at the center of the cornea, on the eye surface, and in orbital cavities using the FLIR T640 thermal imaging camera at days 1, 14, and 28 after cataract phacoemulsification and compared with preoperative baseline values.

RESULTS

The mean value of ocular surface temperature of the orbital cavity 14 days after cataract surgery was significantly different compared with the preoperative temperature (p£0.05). Temperature of the investigated areas showed a reduction, with the greatest decrease on day 14 after surgery, followed by an increase on day 28 after surgery, which was comparable to the temperature measured prior to surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The reduction in ocular surface temperature toward the end of post-cataract surgery follow-up may be associated with increased instability of the tear film after phacoemulsification. Therefore, patient awareness regarding the possibility of clinical symptoms of dry eye syndrome during the first month after surgery should be part of clinical management of cataract surgery. Ocular surface temperature did not increase after cataract surgery, suggesting the absence of significant inflammation, and the temperature about 1 month after cataract surgery was comparable to that before surgery. Nevertheless, the negative correlation between age and ocular surface temperature should be of concern in the elderly.

Surgical instrument left inside abdomen

Leaving surgical instruments in the patient's body is one of the most difficult situations in the professional career of an operator and it can also have severe consequences for the patient. Contrary to world literature, there are no reports of such incidents in Polish publications. Lack of such reports creates an illusion that leaving surgical instruments in the patient's body does not happen in Poland, which is an unsubstantiated thesis. This paper presents two cases of leaving hemostats in the abdominal cavity. According to the authors, similar publications may facilitate critical assessment of the existing rules for inspecting instruments and surgical material by surgical teams. Importantly, confirming the compliance of instruments and material by surgical nurses is not the only criterion of assessment in this matter for the operator.

Consent for Surgery in View of an Ambigious Court Decision - Case Report

Guardianship courts seem to issue decisions in case of the need to obtain consent for surgery, amongst other things, when the patient is unable to consciously express written consent, and at the same time does not have a legal representative or a statutory representative does exist, but settlement with him is impossible. The presented study case demonstrated the abnormalities of applying court procedures, as well as the responsibilities and dilemmas posed in front of a surgeon. A specialist surgeon wanted to help the patient and he was able to accomplish his mission.

Effects of immunosuppressive treatment on protein expression in rat kidney

The structural proteins of renal tubular epithelial cells may become a target for the toxic metabolites of immunosuppressants. These metabolites can modify the properties of the proteins, thereby affecting cell function, which is a possible explanation for the mechanism of immunosuppressive agents’ toxicity. In our study, we evaluated the effect of two immunosuppressive strategies on protein expression in the kidneys of Wistar rats. Fragments of the rat kidneys were homogenized after cooling in liquid nitrogen and then dissolved in lysis buffer. The protein concentration in the samples was determined using a protein assay kit, and the proteins were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis. The obtained gels were then stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue, and their images were analyzed to evaluate differences in protein expression. Identification of selected proteins was then performed using mass spectrometry. We found that the immunosuppressive drugs used in popular regimens induce a series of changes in protein expression in target organs. The expression of proteins involved in drug, glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism was pronounced. However, to a lesser extent, we also observed changes in nuclear, structural, and transport proteins’ synthesis. Very slight differences were observed between the group receiving cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and glucocorticoids (CMG) and the control group. In contrast, compared to the control group, animals receiving tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and glucocorticoids (TMG) exhibited higher expression of proteins responsible for renal drug metabolism and lower expression levels of cytoplasmic actin and the major urinary protein. In the TMG group, we observed higher expression of proteins responsible for drug metabolism and a decrease in the expression of respiratory chain enzymes (thioredoxin-2) and markers of distal renal tubular damage (heart fatty acid-binding protein) compared to expression in the CMG group. The consequences of the reported changes in protein expression require further study.

The effect of immunosuppressive therapy on renal cell apoptosis in native rat kidneys

AIM

To analyse the impact of the most commonly used immunosuppressive drugs on the occurrence of apoptosis in the native kidneys of Wistar rats.

METHOD

The study involved 36 rats. the animals being grouped according to the immunosuppressive regimen used (tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine A, rapamycin and prednisone). The rats in all study groups were treated with a 3-drug protocol for 6 months. The medication dose was adjusted based on available literature data. No drugs were administered to the control group. The rats were then killed. Autopsies of all animals were performed and the kidneys were isolated for histopathology (HE + PAS). To assess cell apoptosis the TUNEL reaction was performed. Blood trough levels of immunosuppressive drugs as well as the parameters of peripheral blood were determined.

RESULTS

1. In rats treated with cyclosporine A distal nephron tubules were characterised by more pronounced apoptosis. 2. In tacrolimus-treated rats a lower intensity of apoptosis was found in the distal tubules. 3. In rapamycin-treated rats the apoptosis was inhibited both in the distal and proximal nephron tubules. 4. In MMF treated rats intense apoptosis was observed in the proximal nephron tubules. 5. There were no significant changes in renal histopathology (HE + PAS).

CONCLUSIONS

The apoptosis in nephron tubules caused by immunosuppressive therapy is not accompanied by any histopathological changes (eg fibrosis, inflammation, tubular atrophy, vacuolation of the tubular cells) in light microscopy.

Example of human individual identification from World War II gravesite

This paper presents the procedure elaborated by our team which was applied to the mode of identification of Red Army soldiers who were taken as prisoners by the German Army during World War II and deceased in captivity. In the course of our search the unmarked burial of ten Soviet prisoners of war was found. Historical, anthropological and genetic research conducted by us led to the personal identification of nine of them, including two by means of DNA analysis.

Spirometry results (FEV1 and FVC) in young Bantu men from Tanzania vs environmental and family characteristics

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this paper was to examine the extent to which socioeconomic factors, anthropological data and somatic indices influenced the results of spirometric measurements (FEV1 and FVC) in Tanzanian youth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The population studied were young black Bantu men aged 12.8-24.0 years. Analysis was performed for the whole data set (n = 255), as well as separately for two age groups: under 17.5 years (n = 168) and 17.5 + (n = 87). A backward stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed for FEV1 and FVC as dependent variables on socioeconomic and anthropometric data.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analysis for the whole group revealed that the socioeconomic and anthropometric data under analysis accounted for 38% of the variation in FEV1. In addition the analysis demonstrated that 34% of the variation in FVC could be accounted for by the variables used in the regression. A significant impact in explaining the variability of FVC was exhibited by the thorax mobility, financial situation of the participants and Pignet-Verwaecka Index.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of the data indicates the significant role of selected socio-economic factors on the development of the biological specimens investigated. There were no perceptible pathologies, and the results can be treated as a credible interpretation of the influence exerted by the environment in which the teenagers under study grew up.

[Y-STR Poland--a database for evaluation of evidence value in forensic genetics]

The "Y-STR Poland" is a multicenter project, the aim of which is the construction of a widely available database of Y chromosome haplotypes determined in the Polish population in a range of sixteen loci in AmpFISTR Y-filer system. The database will be regularly updated and it will be used in assessment of evidence value in forensic genetics. The starting base "Y-STR Poland" contains 1600 Y-STR haplotypes and encompasses data collected in Lodz (two independent centers), Warsaw and Szczecin regions. The present report contains as an attachment the data in an Excel-type file, which serves as a tool in frequency determination of a given Y haplotype in the Polish population. The file will be updated on a regular basis along with updating the database, and will be freely available from www.genetyka-sadowa.pl.

[Identification of the site of skeletal remains from World War II]

The objective of the present article is to show the model of processing in case of discovering a WW II grave with skeletal remains and to discuss the possibilities of personal identification of the victims. In many similar cases, it is impossible to employ genetic methods because of lack of samples for comparison. The shown procedure proved to be efficient in spite of the fact that more than 60 years passed since the date of death.

Population genetics of 15 autosomal STR loci in the population of Pomorze Zachodnie (NW Poland)

Allele frequency data and forensic efficiency parameters for 15 STR loci: D8S1179, D21S11, D7S820, CSF1PO, D3S1358, TH01, D13S317, D16S539, D2S1338, D19S433, vWA, TPOX, D18S51, D5S818, FGA were estimated from a sample of 600 unrelated individuals from the Pomorze Zachodnie (NW Poland). The combined MP and PE for all 15 loci are 3.9x10(-18) and 0.9999988, respectively. Pairwise comparisons between Northwestern Poland and other Polish populations were performed.

[Examination over a foreign body left inside during an operation of a lumbar spine]

Procedure of an examination over a gauze swab removed during a repeated operation of a patient who had undergone earlier a neurosurgical operation of a lumbar spine has been described. The extracted gauze swab became an exhibit in a case at court for financial compensation. The court commissioned to explain "if it could be placed in another way than leaving it during the former surgical operation". The neurosurgeon who performed the former operation decidedly denied that the gauze swab in question could have been left by him. Hemogenetic and histologic examination gave basis to the statement that the exhibit was left inside during the former neurosurgical operation.

[The issue of expert opinions in underage pornography materials involving underage persons below 15 years of age]

The number of cases in which the estimation of age of the persons pictured in pornography materials is mandatory has been increasing for the last few years. The aim of the publication was to indicate the possibilities which are currently available for the forensic experts in this matter. The ones published heretofore mainly had focused on the difficulties which are inseparable elements of such expertise. Current publication has a demonstrative character and has been based upon the experience of two Forensic Medicine Departments. Such expertise have been constantly prepared in both of them for the last few years and none of them had to be changed till now. The currently available methods which allow for age estimation of the persons upon their photographical and movie images are far from perfection. Still authors remain skeptic about the possibility that significant progress in that matter can be achieved in predictable future. In such situation the most effective application of existing techniques becomes essential to minimize the risk of false-positive and false-negative results from appearing. Some of the difficulties pointed out by other authors are not important in practice.

[Criminal methods in archaeology--collaboration between Forensic Medicine Department, Pomeranian Medical University and the Archaeological Museum in Gdańsk]

INTRODUCTION

During excavation works carried in the Old Town by the Archaeological Museum in Gdańsk, human remains were found which date back to the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries. On the basis of Gdańsk townsmen's skulls, Forensic Medicine Department, Pomeranian Medical University (PAM) performed the skull based face reconstruction of 8 individuals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study, we wanted to present possibilities of using Gierasimow reconstruction method for museum goals. Reconstruction is an anthropological method which aims at reconstructing bony elements of a skull and head soft tissue. The most commonly employed modern way of reconstruction is Gierasimow's method which is based on the observation of soft tissue thickness and its dependence on the form and level of development of different skull areas. Standards for tissue thickness were elaborated for various points (along the profile and transverse sections); they were based on the examination of soft tissue thickness performed on the corpse (for each sex separately). Deviations from the standards result from racial affiliation, age, and the level of development of adequate skull areas. The research scheme includes determination of sex and age, and collection of the detailed craniometrical and cranioscopic data with comprehensive description of the features which can affect the appearance of soft parts. After relevant measurements are done, the muscles are modeled. During the following stage, soft tissue thickness is marked in particular points as stalks and ridges. Next they are joined together to achieve the final effect of reconstruction. From this moment, finishing works are continued by a sculptor in cooperation with an anthropologist.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of research conducted by anthropologists, anatomists, morphologists, physicians and criminologists are of great importance and they convey both cognitive and practical meaning. Reconstructions appeal to human imagination, and for that reason they are also addressed to non-professional audience.

[Genetic identification of an osseous material dating from diverse historical periods]

INTRODUCTION

Bad quality and slender amount of the material at our disposal during identity examination and ever growing number of expired and difficult identity cases compelled us to examine: 1) amplification grade and amount of human DNA in degraded biological material originating from diverse environments and historical periods; 20 operating mode in case of biological material from its preparation through isolation, amplification till interpretation of the achieved results; 3) usefulness of the accepted identification and amplification method while creating an identification procedure pattern in case of strongly decayed material.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The research material were samples isolated from: bone fragments collected from grave crypts, bone fragments collected during autopsies performed in the Forensic Medicine Institute PMA and during exhumations. DNA isolation was done by means of modified osseous DNA preparation method proposed by Zołedziewska and Dobosz. DNA amount was determined by means of ABI PRISM 7900HT Sequence Detection System apparatus with the use of Quantifiler Human DNA Qualification Set. The samples were amplified by means of AmpFlSTR SGM Plus set and were separated electrophoretically in the ABI PRISM 310 apparatus.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Environmental conditions like humidity, temperature, subsoil and microorganisms putrefying the body have the greatest influence on the preservation and DNA degradation grade. 2. Low amplification of long DNA fragments testifies that in the future the analysis of degraded DNA would be made with the use of sets based on the short fragments: ca. 100 pz. 3. Time that elapses since death is of less significance when we take into account tissues exposed to unfavourable, multifactoral environmental influence. 4. The method used and introduced modifications can be freely utilised in identification cases when the material is strongly decayed, coming from victims of mass disasters, terrorist attempts, genocide and natural cataclysms when the use of standard methods is impedimented or impossible.

[Application of thermovision in forensic medicine on the basis of the research carried out in Forensic Medicine Department, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin]

All solid bodies in the temperature above absolute zero emit electromagnetic radiation whose spectrum depends, among others, on temperature. Thermovision is the method which uses infrared cameras for recording infrared radiation emitted by human skin. The method is widely applied in medicine. In this study we want to present possible applications of the thermovision camera in forensic medicine (to investigate the decrease in the temperature of mortal remains; to study temperature distribution in the material simulating human body tissue exposed to the action of a bullet shot from firearms) as well as emphasize the necessity of establishing thermal norms as a potential source for comparative research.

[The usefulness of thermography as a diagnostic method in dermatology on the basis of clinical trials in 2001-2005]

INTRODUCTION

Thermal imaging is a powerful tool for the study of temperature of the human body. Even though the skin lies superficially and as such is an ideal object for thermography, the method has not gained widespread acceptance as a diagnostic modality in dermatology. The aim of this study was to describe the methodology of thermography for applications in dermatology and to develop a method for computer processing ofthermograms. In addition, we searched for skin factors, which could be responsible for false results in thermography and errors during interpretation of thermal images.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Clinical trials were performed in 2001-2005. We enrolled 230 patients, including 70 who were hospitalized at the Department of Dermatology and Venereal Diseases, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, and 160 who were referred from the Outpatient Dermatology Clinic. The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers. The skin was examined to disclose primary and secondary skin lesions. Thermography was performed according to recommendations of the European Association of Thermology. Therma CAM SC500 infrared camera was used and the thermograms were analyzed with Therma CAM 200 Professional software.

RESULTS

1. Areas of the skin with inflammatory reactions resulting from allergy, infection or other process causing local hyperthermia could be visualized. 2. Primary eruptions (papules, nodules) and secondary eruptions (scales) presenting as hypothermia in thermography were found in the skin of the patients and some individuals from the control group. 3. Interpretation of thermograms in dermatoses can be done using various colour scales, like "rain", "iron", "medical", "grey", "greyred" and the three-dimensional scale.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Thermography is a useful diagnostic method in dermatology. 2. The normal thermogram, as well as thermograms specific for various dermatoses need to be described. 3. Compliance is indispensable with rules and principles concerning the examination itself, as well as analysis and clinical interpretation of the results. 4. The person performing the examination and interpreting the thermograms should take part in history-taking and physical examination of the patient and should be familiar with photographic documentation of the examined regions of the skin.

[Artefacts in the anthropologic (craniologic) material at the archives of ZMS PAM--possible diagnostic difficulties]

In the study we presented some of the more interesting forms of artefacts which had been documented during last 7 years of the anthropological laboratory of the Forensic Med. Department of the Pomeranian Med. Univ. We also present the outgoing conclusions concerning the possible diagnostic difficulties. The descriptions of archaeological as well as autopsy-derived material were included. The anthropological analysis was made using data contained in the classic works of literature, which included cranioscopy. The longitudinal and transversal intersections of skulls were used for the analysis of their deformations.

[Phenomenon of karyolysis in cytophotomorphometric examinations]

Studies were performed on hepatocytes of ten rabbits' livers. The one-year-old animals were sacrificed by a blow in the suboccipital region. Under aseptic conditions each liver was divided into 9 parts. One of them was examined at once (zero time) the remaining parts were placed in sterile vessels lined with gauze moistened in Ringer's solution, which created an environment of 100% humidity. Autolysis was being conducted for 8 hours at temperature 37 degrees C, carrying out the investigations with hourly intervals. The cells for studying were obtained by preparing contact smears that stemmed from a fresh cross-section of the liver segment. The smears were fixed in formalin vapour 40% proceeding for 2 hours at temperature 21 degrees C, and subsequently in 96% ethanol for 0.5 hour. Feulgen's reaction was run in accordance with the routine principles by using the basic fuschin NI 42510 of Fischer Firm (USA). The morpho-photometric measurements of nuclei were taken by means of computed device "Morphoquant" of Carl Zeiss Firm, Jena, 1982. The following measurements of the cell nuclei were accomplished, namely: A. morphometric--surface, circumferential length, bulged surface, ratio of diameters, unstained surface; B. photometric--medium extinction, circumferential extinction, total extinction. The results of studies were documented by 95 diagrams. On the basis of measurements taken, it has been established that, during the 7 hour-long period of autolysis, nucleus of hepatocyte is subjected to dynamic transformations, whereas the plotted function does not follow a linear course. During the observation the circumference and the surface resemble a polynomial with three extremes (Fig. 12, 21, 39); similarly the mean extinction and circumference extinction (attention is attracted by its severe course as compared to surface and circumference) (Fig. 57, 66). At the time of experiment the differentiation of nuclei population undergoes changes in the direction of its uniformity which concerns, to greater or lesser degree, all the investigated features (compare figures of histograms). The isolated group of tetraploidal nuclei is characterised by occupying another place. It is defined by 3 variables in spatial arrangement (Fig. 76, 80). The analysis of correlation allowed for determination of the dynamic connections, between the studied variables, which seem to be specific for a given experimental time (Tab. 1, 2). On the ground of the performed studies 7 final conclusions have been formulated: 1. Autolysis of the nuclei of hepatocytes is non-linear phenomenon; (its course resembles multinominal graph 6 degrees with three extremes in 1, 4 and 6th hour. 2. Photomorphometric parameters allow for determining the status of the nucleus of hepatocyte in the course of autolysis. 3. The fourth hour of autolysis is a characteristic point after which no response of nucleus to deteriorating oxygen condition was observed. 4. In postmortem autolysis of the nuclei of hepatocytes pyknosis is found to appear, there is no phenomenon of karyorrhexis. 5. After a 7-hour-long experiment, Feulgen's diffusional reaction starts in cytoplasm. 6. A group of tetraploid nuclei is being isolated in the course of the autolysis of hepatocytes. 7. In the course of experiment there appeared a small quantitative loss of nuclear DNA.

Bone structure of the temporo-mandibular joint in the individuals aged 18-25

Osteohistometric studies were performed in 15 female and 15 male cadavers aged 18-25. Condyloid process and right and left acetabulum of the temporo-mandibular joint have been studied. Density has been investigated using monitor screen linked with microscope (magnification 80x). Density in the spongy part of the condyloid process was 26.67-26.77%; in the subchondrial layer--72.13-72.72%, and in the acetabular wall 75.03-75.91%. Microscopic structure of the bones of the temporo-mandibular joint revealed no differences when compared with images of compact and cancellous bone shown in the histology textbooks. Sex and the side of the body had no influence on microscopic image and proportional bone density. Isles of chondrocytes in the trabeculae of the spongy structure of the condyloid process were found in 4 cases and isles of the condensed bone resembling the compact pattern in 7 cases.