[The application of mitochondrial genomics to forensic investigations based on human mitochondrial DNA testing]

In this study we present two forensic cases where mitochondrial DNA HVS I and HVS II haplotypes of evidentiary hairs match reference samples. Based on the information retrieved from mtDNA coding region of reference material, we selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located outside the HVS I and HVS II regions that could increase the informativeness of mtDNA analysis. The SNPs were typed via SNaPshot or dideoxy sequencing technology. In both cases the SNP results allowed for unambiguous exlusion of the evidence and for determining that reference samples originated from the same person.

[Saturation of the Polish mitochondrial DNA database]

The main objective of the study was a statistical evaluation of Polish mitochondrial DNA database, consisting of 1253 maternally unrelated individuals from seven different regions of Poland. Four relevant parameters were examined: haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity, number of polymorphic positions and number of haplotypes, including HVS I and HVS II mtDNA regions. The results show that while haplotype and nucleotide diversities have already reached saturation level, the number of haplotypes and polymorphic positions rises continuously inside the database. These results indicate a need for a substantial increase in the number of haplotypes in Polish mitochondrial DNA database.

[Pitfalls of anthropological typology]

The essence of anthropological typology is to classify people as belonging to anthropological types according to predetermined sets of morphological traits. The authors of the concept claim that traits characteristic of a given type are monogenic and have a Mendelian inheritance pattern. According to these assumptions, it is possible to unambiguously determine hair or eye color, etc. on the basis of scull characteristics only. Such a solution could be of a great importance in identification based on the skeleton but for the fact that the concept contradicts the current body of knowledge of population genetics or evolutionary biology analyses. It is widely known that the vast majority of morphological traits is determined by a complex of cooperating genes. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that genetic distances between populations are low, while most of the diversity is attributed to intrapopulation variation. Therefore, rejecting the classic concept of race seems to be justified. For this reason, today it is more reasonable to use the panel of SNP markers (AIMs) in identification of unknown individuals while aiming at prediction of their ethnic ancestry rather than to believe in the scientific value of anthropological typology.

[Using X-ray results in head gunshot wounds]

The authors draw attention to the importance of X-ray examinations in craniocerebral gunshot injuries. A life-saving neurosurgical operation of a victim resulted in changes occurring not only in the soft tissue, but also in the bony structures of the cranium, which practically rendered impossible any assessment of and differentiation between the location of entrance and exit wounds during autopsy. The assessment of preoperative head X-ray demonstrated the presence of characteristic crater-like bone defects, what allowed for determining the location of the entrance and exit wounds. The medico-legal examination of bone defects indicated that the entrance wound was situated on the left side, contrary to information provided by hospital medical records.

[Methods of age at death estimation based on compact bone histomorphometry]

The paper presents a review of possibilities of age at death assessment based on compact bone histomorphology. The author discusses the major methods of such evaluation and their differences. The analysis of related literature shows that there are several factors that exert a significant effect on reliability and accuracy of age estimation. These factors mainly involve genetic variation, pathologic conditions, traumas and mechanical stresses. Differences in accuracy of age assessment may also result from interpopulation variability and methodological factors. Nevertheless, the histomorphological analysis if done correctly is a fully valuable tool that allows for estimating age at death, especially in examinations of incomplete or markedly dismembered skeletons.

Complex interactions of the Eastern and Western Slavic populations with other European groups as revealed by mitochondrial DNA analysis

Mitochondrial DNA sequence variation was examined by the control region sequencing (HVS I and HVS II) and RFLP analysis of haplogroup-diagnostic coding region sites in 570 individuals from four regional populations of Poles and two Russian groups from northwestern part of the country. Additionally, sequences of complete mitochondrial genomes representing K1a1b1a subclade in Polish and Polish Roma populations have been determined. Haplogroup frequency patterns revealed in Poles and Russians are similar to those characteristic of other Europeans. However, there are several features of Slavic mtDNA pools seen on the level of regional populations which are helpful in the understanding of complex interactions of the Eastern and Western Slavic populations with other European groups. One of the most important is the presence of subhaplogroups U5b1b1, D5, Z1 and U8a with simultaneous scarcity of haplogroup K in populations of northwestern Russia suggesting the participation of Finno-Ugrian tribes in the formation of mtDNA pools of Russians from this region. The results of genetic structure analyses suggest that Russians from Velikii Novgorod area (northwestern Russia) and Poles from Suwalszczyzna (northeastern Poland) differ from all remaining Polish and Russian samples. Simultaneously, northwestern Russians and northeastern Poles bear some similarities to Baltic (Latvians) and Finno-Ugrian groups (Estonians) of northeastern Europe, especially on the level of U5 haplogroup frequencies. The occurrence of K1a1b1a subcluster in Poles and Polish Roma is one of the first direct proofs of the presence of Ashkenazi-specific mtDNA lineages in non-Jewish European populations.

[Phylogeographic approach in the interpretation of mitochondrial DNA sequencing results in forensics]

In recent years, forensic mitochondrial DNA analysis has been undertaken from an evolutionary perspective. In particular, the phylogeographic approach based on a phylogenetic analysis of the spatial distribution of mitochondrial haplotypes and haplogroups appears to be a useful tool in the interpretation of identification cases. In this study, the phylogeographic approach has been employed in the analysis of three difficult forensic cases, where single nucleotide, homoplasmic differences were found between the reference and evidentiary haplotypes. mtDNA sequence variation has been examined by the control region (HVS I and HVS II) direct sequencing. Additionally, in order to clarify the subhaplogroup status of the selected haplotypes, DNA sequences of entire mitochondrial genomes obtained from two samples representing J1b subclade have been analyzed.

[Problems associated with chronological age estimation of children exploited in child pornography production]

Chronological age assessment of young persons featuring in pornographic pictures and videos is crucial to prove a violation of law. The paper discusses possibilities of and difficulties inherent in age estimation in cases of production and distribution of child pornography. The presented problems were divided into technical and individual development-associated issues. Technical difficulties included lack of a reference system for biological features reconstruction, poor quality and resolution of pictures or movies, pictures retouching and photomontage. The author stressed that biological hindrances in age assessment were the consequences of interpersonal variation of developmental patterns, namely overlapping of ranges typical for feature values at particular ages and biological variations between different human populations. The described problems can render age estimation impossible or far from precise. Developing more accurate methods of estimating age from pictures and videos requires the collaboration of specialists in the field of auxology, anthropology, pediatrics, as well as experts in photography and video techniques.

[The degree of closure of the cranial sutures as a quick method for adult age evaluation in autopsy]

The aim of this paper was to test a method of quick evaluation of age of deceased during autopsies based on examination of cranial suture closure. The age of 20 males and 20 females was evaluated based on sagittal and fragments of the coronal and lambdoid sutures. The results were compared with the actual chronological age of the deceased calculated on the basis of their dates of birth and demise. In many cases, a slight overestimation occurred in evaluating the age by analyzing the sutures. Thus the results show that a precise and thorough evaluation of the deceased's age is not possible on the basis of the cranial suture closure without maceration of the skull.

[The problems concerning estimating age at death based on morphological features of adult skeletons]

The paper contains a review of biological definitions of age and their application in forensic anthropology as a theoretical basis for age at death identification. The authors discuss the reasons and importance of discrepancies between chronological and developmental age. Also emphasized was the significance of "age at death" expression and paying attention to the limitations of age at death estimation.

[Use of morphologic changes in the pubic symphysis for age determination in the Polish male population]

The aim of this study was to determine if the Suchey-Brooks age at death estimation method could be applied to a male sample from the Polish population. Public symphyses were taken from cadavers of 83 males of age 13-88 years. On the base of the morphological key features every symphysis was qualified to the appropriate age phase. The estimation of means and standard deviations of chronological age of every phase was the next step in the study. The differences turned out to be insignificant for phases I-III and significant for phases IV-VI. These results suggests using the Suchey method only for age estimation of younger males.

[Development of the contemporary age at death estimating methods from cranial suture closure]

The paper presents a review of the most important studies on age estimating from cranial sutures. The main directions of investigations, the results of population studies and research into sex and race impact were presented in a historical context. Particular attention was paid to contemporary, advanced methods of age estimating from cranial suture closure.

[Using Lamendin and Meindl-Lovejoy methods for age at death estimation of the unknown person]

The paper presents the precise description of two methods used for age estimation on the base of single rooted tooth and cranial suture obliteration. Using the methods mentioned above, the age at death of the unknown person was estimated. A comparison of the estimated age and chronological age derived after identification, showed high usefulness of the mentioned methods.

[The effect of changes in stroke volume on QT dispersion during long-term DDD and VVI pacing]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the alterations of stroke volume (SV) on the QT dispersion (QTD) as a result of different pacing modes (DDD, VVI) and programmed AV delays (AVD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied 60 patients (pts) (22 F, 38 M) in mean age 67.5 +/- 7.5 yrs in whom DDD pacemakers were implanted due to complete atrioventricular block (AVB III degree). 10 pts had coronary artery disease (CAD)--"CAD" subgroup, 14 pts arterial hypertension (AH)--"AH" subgroup, 27 pts CAD and AH--"AH + CAD" subgroup. The control group consisted of 9 pts without structural heart disease, but with AVB III degree, paced in DDD mode. Previous myocardial infarction was recognised in 7 patients in "CAD" subgroup and in 7 patients in "AH + CAD" subgroup. Left ventricular hypertrophy was detected in 4 men in "AH" subgroup and in 8 patients in "AH + CAD" subgroup. In all cases basic rate of the pacemaker was programmed at 70/min. Resting ECG showed all atrial and ventricular complexes captured. AVD optimization was based on the measurements of SV by Doppler echocardiography. QT intervals (QT) were measured from 12-lead ECG at 50 mm/sec. speed. QTD was calculated as the difference between maximal and minimal QT. It was measured at optimal AVD (with highest SV--opt. DDD) and "unoptimal" AVD (unopt. DDD) programmed AV intervals and then in VVI mode (with lowest SV) after 24 hrs following reprogramming of the pacemaker.

RESULTS

In the whole population, in DDD mode, we found a strong correlation between SV and QTD (r = -0.655; p < 0.01). In VVI mode SV was significantly lower than in unopt. DDD (78.7 ml vs 90.0 ml, p < 0.001) and QTD was significantly greater (74.3 ms vs 69.2 ms, p < 0.05). The modifications in AVD and conversion of pacing mode (VVI to DDD) leading to maximal SV resulted in decreased QT dispersion. The highest SV (128.9 ml at opt. DDD) and the lowest QTD (48.3 ms at opt. DDD) were seen in the controls, but changes in dispersion were the least and insignificant during different pacing modes. In CAD; AH + CAD pts, we observed the lowest SV (61.7 ml; 74.9 ml at VVI respectively) and the highest QTD (77.8 ms; 80.9 ms at VVI respectively). In these pts, the modifications of AVD and conversion of pacing mode (VVI to opt. DDD) leading to maximal SV (106.8 ml; 115.9 ml in CAD and AH + CAD pts, respectively) resulted in decreased QTD (53.9 ms; 56.6 ms, respectively). During DDD pacing there was significant correlation of QTD to SV (r = -0.680; r = -0.656, respectively). In CAD pts with myocardial infarction or in AH pts with LV hypertrophy the correlation of SV to QTD was stronger (r = -0.937, r = -0.886, p < 0.025, respectively). We didn't find the correlation in the control group (r = -0.318).

CONCLUSIONS

Programming of different AVD and pacing modes significantly influences QTD in CAD and/or AH pts. QTD reflects hemodynamic status of these paced pts.

[QT dispersion in DDD and VVI paced patients after myocardial infarction or with left ventricular hypertrophy]

The aim of this study was to assess the alterations of stroke volume (SV) on the QT dispersion (QTD) as a result of different pacing modes and programmed AV delays in patients (pts) after myocardial infarction (MI) or with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). We studied 14 MI pts (9 M, 5 F) in mean age 72.3 +/- 3.7 yrs (Group I) and 12 pts with LVH (7 M, 5 F) in mean age 67.3 +/- 5.9 yrs (Group II), in whom DDD pacemakers were implanted due to complete atrioventricular block. The control group (Group III) consisted of 9 pts without MI or LVH. In all cases basic rate of the pacemaker was programmed at 70/min. Resting ECG showed all atrial and ventricular complexes captured. AV delay optimization was based on the measurements of SV by Doppler echocardiography. QT intervals (QTi) were measured from 12-lead ECG at 50 mm/s speed. QTD was calculated as the difference between maximal and minimal QTi. It was measured at optimal (opt. DDD, with highest SV) and "unoptimal" (unopt. DDD) programmed AV intervals and then in VVI mode (with lowest SV) after following reprogramming of the pacemaker. In Group I and II, a strong correlation between SV and QTD was found (R = 0.816 and -0.897, respectively). In control group, it was insignificant (R = -0.339). In VVI mode SV was significantly lower than in unopt. DDD (in Mi pts: 56.1 ml vs 71.1 ml, respectively, p < 0.01; in LVH pts: 64.1 ml vs 96.7 ml, respectively, p < 0.005) and QTD was significantly greater (74.8 ms vs 66.8 ms, respectively, p < 0.005 and 70.0 ms vs 53.5 ms, respectively, p < 0.005). In LVH pts or MI pts programming of different AV intervals and pacing modes significantly influences QTD.

[The role of prolonged cardiac pacing in management of secondary bradyarrhythmias based on personal experiences]

Three patients with bradyarrhythmia who were admitted to the Department for urgent pacemaker implantations are presented. The careful clinical evaluation revealed that these arrhythmias were remarkably secondary to underlying diseases (e.g. severe coronary heart disease, valvular defects). Surgical treatment applied in these cases (coronary bypass grafts, valve replacement) has resulted in successful outcome. We concluded that in some patients the pacemaker implantation alone, without heart surgery, would not be beneficial enough.

Plasma ANP and cyclic GMP levels versus left ventricular performance at different AV delays in AV sequential pacing

Eleven resting patients with an implanted DDD pacemaker were studied. After 30 minutes of AV sequential pacing at a rate of 80 beats/min with three consecutive atrioventricular delays (AVDs; 100, 150, and 200 msec) peripheral venous blood was drawn for further analyses by specific radioimmunoassays of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and the ANP second messenger, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Relative changes in left ventricular (LV) stroke volume following alterations of AVD were assessed by means of pulsed-Doppler echocardiography through measurement of LV outflow time-velocity integrals (TVI). The optimal AVD (oAVD) was defined in individual patients as that which was associated with the greatest TVI and with improvement over both other AVDs of more than 4%. The oAVD was found in nine patients. For these nine patients no significant differences in either plasma ANP or cGMP between various AVDs were observed. However, we found such differences with respect to values measured at oAVD; both ANP and cGMP levels were lowest at oAVD. Pooling together the data obtained in 11 patients at three AVDs, a positive correlation between ANP and cGMP levels was found (r = 0.7, P < 0.0001, n = 33). Moreover, changes of plasma ANP and cGMP induced by every AVD increment of 50 msec were also correlated (r = 0.6, P < 0.01, n = 22). It is concluded that in AV sequential pacing at rest plasma ANP reaches minimal levels at the AVD, which provides the best LV performance. Although levels of cGMP changed in parallel with those of ANP, low relative values of cGMP differences may limit the usefulness of cGMP assays in optimization of the AVD.

Expression of human thyroid peroxidase in the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Hansenula polymorpha

Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha have been used to express both full-length and a large hydrophilic domain of human thyroid peroxidase (TPO). Expression of TPO in S. cerevisiae, using the natural signal sequence or the yeast alpha-mating factor (MF alpha) signal sequence, resulted in undetectable or very low levels of recombinant TPO production. However, TPO was expressed when the natural TPO leader sequence was replaced by the yeast STE2 signal sequence. This recombinant TPO reacted with both rabbit anti-human TPO polyclonal and mouse anti-human TPO monoclonal antibodies on Western blots. In the case of H. polymorpha, TPO expression was achieved when the natural TPO leader sequence was replaced by the MF alpha leader and the construct placed under the control of the methanol-regulated promoter from the methanol oxidase gene. The recombinant TPO produced in H. polymorpha reacted with both TPO polyclonal and TPO monoclonal antibodies. No TPO was produced when the signal sequence of SUC2 (invertase) or the TPO natural signal sequence was used to direct expression.

Steroid 21-hydroxylase is a major autoantigen involved in adult onset autoimmune Addison's disease

An adrenal-specific protein reacting with autoantibodies in the sera of patients with adult onset Addison's disease has been purified from human adrenal glands. The protein, mol.wt. 55K, has the biochemical characteristics of steroid 21-hydroxylase and reacts on Western blots with rabbit antibodies to recombinant 21-hydroxylase. Absorption of the native human 55K adrenal protein with human adrenal autoantibodies prevented the subsequent reaction of the 55K protein with rabbit antibodies to 21-hydroxylase in Western blot analysis. In addition, human adrenal autoantibodies reacted with recombinant 21-hydroxylase expressed in yeast. These data indicate that the adrenal specific enzyme steroid 21-hydroxylase is a major autoantigen involved in adult onset autoimmune Addison's disease.

[Influence of radioactive contamination and iodine prophylaxis after the Czernobyl disaster on thyroid morphology and function of the Poznan region]

The radioactive contamination of Poznań Region was recognized after Chernobyl accident as average. The predicted values of minimal (inhalation) and maximal (inhalation and ingestion) committed dose equivalent to the thyroid varied from 2.5 (min) to 24.7 (max) mSv in different groups of adults and children. To follow up the results of iodine prophylaxis and some aspects of possible thyroid gland morphological and functional changes 11086 persons were carefully investigated clinically and biochemically. Among these 11086 persons were 42.6% males and 57.4% females both adults from 17 till 40 year and children up do 16 years. The following parameters were reviewed: pregnancy, time of residence in the region, thyroid abnormalities, family history concerning thyroid diseases, iodine intake in April and May 1986 with possible side effects, changes in the thyroid size observed before and after 1986, degree and kind of thyroid enlargement, serum concentration of T3, T4, TSH, ATMA and ATG titre and finally the effectiveness of thyroid blockade at 24, 48 and 72 h after ingestion of Lugol's solution. Side effects of the ingestion of potassium iodide from 30-70 mg were observed in 153 cases, 36 of them consulted medical doctors but in no case the side effects (dominated by vomiting) threatened the life. In the investigated group were 144 pregnant women. Majority, because 88% of them delivered the baby on or after time and 6.9% before time, 4.9% of natural abortions were noted but non artificial. In the group of children thyroid gland abnormalities before 1986 were reported in 3 cases in 23 after 1986 it is after Chernobyl accident. This information is interesting but needs more precise analysis of different dependencies occurring. The data obtained indicated the existence in Poznań. Region the goiter endemy because 27.5% of investigated children and adults had goiter classified as grades O-B, I, II and III. The elevation or diminution of T3 values were noted in 1164 cases, for T4 in 418 cases and for TSH in 1412 cases. The presence of antimembrane and antithyroglobulin antibodies were observed in 303 cases. All persons with changes observed in thyroid morphology and function are periodically controlled and the results will be published separately. The investigations performed and results presented concern the early aspects of radioactive contamination and effects of iodine prophylaxis. The answer regarding late effects including thyroid cancer needs further multi year studies for which the clinical material investigated in different parts of Poland and well documented should be used as model group for further periodical studies.

Sex dimorphism in the thyroid gland. IV. Cytologic aspects of sex dimorphism in the rat thyroid gland

This study was designed to explain whether the sex-dependent differences in the structure of the thyroid gland of adult male and female rats depend on quantitative or qualitative changes in the thyroid follicular cells. Absolute thyroid gland weight was similar in male and female rats, but its relative weight was markedly higher in females however. Volume fractions of epithelium and stroma were higher and that of colloid lower in male than in female rats and the epithelium/colloid ratio was higher in the males. Also absolute the volumes (in mm3) of epithelium and stroma were higher in the males; the thyroid gland of females contained more colloid. The average volume of a thyroid follicular cell, estimated by stereology, was higher in males than in females, although the thyroid gland contained similar numbers of follicular cells in both sexes. Also, thyroid glands from both male and female rats contained a similar DNA quantity. Results of the present study show that the sex dimorphism in the rat thyroid depends upon a difference in the mean volume of thyroid follicular cells, with males having larger cells than females. However, in both sexes the thyroid gland contains a similar quantity of these cells.

Frey's syndrome

Frey's syndrome occurs after parotid gland surgery or injury to the parotid gland and is characterized by gustatory sweating and erythema of the face upon mastication. The syndrome occurs in 50 to 60 per cent of all patients undergoing parotid surgery but the symptoms are only distressing to about 10 per cent of patients undergoing parotidectomy. A case of Frey's syndrome is reported The patient obtained good relief of symptoms with scopolamine cream and atropine cream. Other methods of therapy are discussed along with their limitations. Noninvasive therapy with topical anticholinergic creams is effective and seems appropriate in the control of gustatory sweating.