Value of stomach content in a case of fatal child homicide.

In death investigations, the volume of gastric contents may be useful concerning the time of death estimation, or to clarify the circumstances of death. Here, the case of a 4-month-old male infant who was found dead in his mother's bed is presented. SIDS was assumed as the cause of death after initial police investigations. Later, autopsy results revealed that this case was a homicide due to extensive abusive head trauma. The infant had three skull fractures on the back of his head with subdural hemorrhage and cerebral oedema. The survival time after feeding him formula and corresponding the time of death was determined to evaluate the mother's initial claims that the infant was alive several hours after feeding. In this case, the volume of stomach contents of the last meal was known. From the volume of milky fluid found in the stomach at autopsy, it was possible to estimate the time of death within a narrow time frame of less than one hour after feeding. The mother's claims could be ruled out, and she later confessed to having killed the child soon after feeding him. Even methods with low precision for estimating time of death, like examining stomach contents, can be essential for solving practical cases. To our knowledge, this is one of the first published cases in which an infant's stomach content was used successfully in the reconstruction of a homicide.

Selective increase of cerebrospinal fluid IL-6 during experimental systemic inflammation in humans: association with depressive symptoms.

Systemic inflammation is accompanied by profound behavioral and mood changes that resemble symptoms of depression. Findings in animals suggest that pro-inflammatory cytokines released by activated immune cells in the periphery evoke these behavioral symptoms by driving inflammatory changes in the brain. However, experimental data in humans are lacking. Here we demonstrate in healthy male volunteers (10 endotoxin treated, 8 placebo treated) that intravenous administration of low-dose endotoxin (0.8 ng/kg body weight), a prototypical pathogen-associated molecular pattern that activates the innate immune system, not only induces a significant increase in peripheral blood cytokine concentrations (that is, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10) but also results, with some latency, in a robust and selective increase of IL-6 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Moreover, we found a strong association between the endotoxin-induced increase of IL-6 in the CSF and the severity of mood impairment, with larger increases in CSF IL-6 concentration followed by a greater deterioration in mood. Taken together, these findings suggest that the appearance of depressive symptoms in inflammatory conditions might be primarily linked to an increase in central IL-6 concentration, identifying IL-6 as a potential therapeutic target in mood disorders.

[Is the discharge letter still relevant? : Chances and risks of "Medical apps" in orthopedics and traumatology]. / Ist der Entlassungsbrief noch zeitgemäß? : Chancen und Risiken von "Medical Apps" in Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie.

CURRENT SITUATION: The discharge letter currently represents the gold standard of the information and transfer document in the field of inpatient orthopedic and trauma patient care. In the age of digitization, the smartphone is penetrating more and more areas of life as an omnipresent internet access medium and is thus fundamentally influencing the awareness of our society. Whereas the use of applications on smartphones is already well established today, the range of medical apps is rudimentary. The potential of apps on smartphones as an innovative digital communication medium is undeniable, but the currently available medical apps in orthopedics and trauma surgery are available to a small patient clientele only. FORECAST: Currently, the use of medical apps is not an adequate alternative to the discharge letter. However, it is only a matter of time before the innovative potential of applications is used as a communication tool in outpatient and inpatient care. It is, therefore, essential to start creating the legal, ethical and medical framework and to establish a relevant regulatory body.

[Face protective patches do not reduce facial pressure ulcers in a simulated model of non-invasive ventilation]. / Uso de parches protectores faciales no reduce la presión facial en un modelo simulado de ventilación mecánica no invasiva.

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) frequently involves the development of facial pressure ulcers (FPU). Its prevention considers the empirical use of protective patches between skin and mask, in order to reduce the pressure exerted by it. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of protective patches on the pressure exerted by the facial mask, and its impact on the programmed ventilatory parameters. METHOD: Bilevel NIV simulated model using full face mask in phantom with a physiological airway (ALS PRO +) in supine position. Forehead, chin and cheekbones pressure were measured using 3 types of standard protective patches versus a control group using pressure sensors (Interlinks Electronics®). The values obtained with the protective patches-mask model were evaluated in the programmed variables maximum inspiratory flow (MIF)), expired tidal volume (Vte) and positive inspiratory pressure (IPAP), with Trilogy 100 ventilator, Respironics®. The programming and recording of the variables was carried out in 8 opportunities in each group by independent operators. RESULTS: There was no decrease in facial pressure with any of the protective patches compared to the control group. Moltopren increased facial pressure at all support points (p < 0.001), increased leakage, it decreased MIF, Vte and IPAP (p < 0.001). Hydrocolloid patches increased facial pressure only in the left cheekbone, increased leakage and decreased MIF. Polyurethane patches did not produce changes in facial pressure or ventilatory variables. CONCLUSION: The use of protective patches of moltopren, hydrocolloid and polyurethane transparent did not contribute to the decrease of the facial pressure. A deleterious effect of the moltopren and hydrocolloid patches was observed on the administration of ventilatory variables, concluding that the non-use of the protective patches allowed a better administration of the programmed parameters.

Loss of DJ-1 impairs antioxidant response by altered glutamine and serine metabolism.

The oncogene DJ-1 has been originally identified as a suppressor of PTEN. Further on, loss-of-function mutations have been described as a causative factor in Parkinson's disease (PD). DJ-1 has an important function in cellular antioxidant responses, but its role in central metabolism of neurons is still elusive. We applied stable isotope assisted metabolic profiling to investigate the effect of a functional loss of DJ-1 and show that DJ-1 deficient neuronal cells exhibit decreased glutamine influx and reduced serine biosynthesis. By providing precursors for GSH synthesis, these two metabolic pathways are important contributors to cellular antioxidant response. Down-regulation of these pathways, as a result of loss of DJ-1 leads to an impaired antioxidant response. Furthermore, DJ-1 deficient mouse microglia showed a weak but constitutive pro-inflammatory activation. The combined effects of altered central metabolism and constitutive activation of glia cells raise the susceptibility of dopaminergic neurons towards degeneration in patients harboring mutated DJ-1. Our work reveals metabolic alterations leading to increased cellular instability and identifies potential new intervention points that can further be studied in the light of novel translational medicine approaches.

[No improved survival rate in severely injured patients by prehospital intubation : A retrospective data analysis and matched-pair analysis]. / Kein verbessertes Überleben bei schwerstverletzten Patienten durch die präklinische Intubation : Eine retrospektive Datenanalyse mit Matched-pair-Analyse.

BACKGROUND: Training programs for the treatment of trauma patients generally recommend establishing a secure airway if the patient presents with a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score of less than 9; however, the evidence for its effectiveness is rather sparse. This study analyzed the effect of preclinical intubation on mortality of patients with a GCS <9 in an emergency medical situation. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included patients who were primarily admitted to a German level 1 trauma center between 2002 and 2012 with an injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16, a GCS < 9 and primary transport from the site of the accident. Data were collected from the trauma registry of the German Society for Trauma Surgery and from hospital records. A total of 455 patients were included and a matched-pair analysis of 62 patients was conducted. RESULTS: Both analytical methods showed no significant reduction in mortality rate after prehospital intubation. In the retrospective analysis intubated patients presented with a significantly lower systolic blood pressure on admission, received a higher amount of fluid volume at all phases of treatment and arrived at the hospital after a prolonged rescue time. In the matched-pair analysis, intubated patients also received a higher amount of fluid volume and showed better peripheral oxygen saturation on admission. No further differences between the groups could be found. CONCLUSION: It appears that preclinical intubation in trauma patients with a GCS < 9 does not result in a better outcome. The preclinical intubation resulted in a reduced systolic blood pressure on arrival at hospital, a prolonged preclinical rescue time and a greater amount of infused fluid volume.

Desmopressin improves intestinal functional capillary density and decreases leukocyte activation in experimental endotoxemia.

BACKGROUND: Blood flow to the intestine is decreased in sepsis in favor of vital organs resulting in ischemic damage of the gut mucosa. Once the mucosa is damaged, increased translocation of intestinal bacteria to the systemic circulation may occur. This in turn aggravates the inflammatory response contributing to the development of multi-organ failure. Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of vasopressin, an anti-diuretic hormone which has been shown to induce vasodilation and is thought to be implicated in immunomodulation. In this study, we investigate the effects of desmopressin on the intestinal microcirculation during sepsis in an experimental endotoxemia model in rats using intravital microscopy. In addition, we investigate the effects of desmopressin on systemic inflammation. METHODS: Forty Lewis rats were subdivided into four groups, where rats received intravenous saline (control), desmopressin (1µg/kg/ml), lipopolysaccharide (5mg/kg) or lipopolysaccharide followed by desmopressin. Inflammatory response was assessed by quantifying the number of temporary and firmly adherent leukocytes in submucosal venules. Capillary perfusion was determined by assessing the number of functional, non-functional and dysfunctional capillaries in the intestinal wall layers (muscularis longitudinalis, muscularis circularis and mucosa). Additionally, inflammatory cytokine levels were determined by multiplex assays. RESULTS: The number of firmly adhering leukocytes in V1 venules of rats receiving lipopolysaccharide and treated with desmopressin was significantly reduced compared to lipopolysaccharide only group (LPS: 259±25.7 vs. LPS+DDAVP: 203±17.2; n/mm(2); p<0.05). Additionally, desmopressin treatment improved impaired intestinal microcirculation by improving functional capillary density following lipopolysaccharide administration in all examined layers of the intestinal wall. We also observed a significant decrease in TNF-α levels in rats which received desmopressin in endotoxemia compared to untreated rats (LPS: 383±64.2; LPS+DDAVP: 261.3±22; pg/ml; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Desmopressin administration improved intestinal capillary perfusion and reduced inflammatory response in rat endotoxemia.

[High flow nasal cannula in infants: Experience in a critical patient unit]. / Cánula nasal de alto flujo en lactantes: experiencia en una unidad de paciente crítico.

INTRODUCTION: The high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a method of respiratory support that is increasingly being used in paediatrics due to its results and safety. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of HFNC, as well as to evaluate the factors related to its failure and complications associated with its use in infants. PATIENTS AND METHOD: An analysis was performed on the demographic, clinical, blood gas, and radiological data, as well as the complications of patients connected to a HFNC in a critical care unit between June 2012 and September 2014. A comparison was made between the patients who failed and those who responded to HFNC. A failure was considered as the need for further respiratory support during the first 48hours of connection. The Kolmogorov Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, chi squared and the Exact Fisher test were used, as well as correlations and a binary logistic regression model for P≤.05. RESULTS: The study included 109 patients, with a median age and weight: 1 month (0.2-20 months) and 3.7kg (2-10kg); 95 percentile: 3.7 months and 5.7kg, respectively. The most frequent diagnosis and radiological pattern was bronchiolitis (53.2%) and interstitial infiltration (56%). Around 70.6% responded. There was a significant difference between failure and response in the diagnosis (P=.013), radiography (P=018), connection context (P<.0001), pCO2 (median 40.7mmHg [15.4-67 mmHg] versus 47.3mmHg [28.6-71.3mmHg], P=.004) and hours on HFNC (median 60.75hrs [5-621.5 hrs] versus 10.5hrs [1-29 hrs], P<.0001). The OR of the PCO2 ≥ 55mmHg for failure was 2.97 (95% CI; 1.08-8.17; P=.035). No patient died and no complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: The percentage success observed was similar to that published. In this sample, the failure of HFNC was only associated with an initial pCO2 ≥ 55mmHg. On there being no complications reported as regards it use, it is considered safe, although a randomised, controlled, multicentre study is required to compare and contrast these results.

Short time impact of different hydroxyethyl starch solutions on the mesenteric microcirculation in experimental sepsis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Fluid resuscitation plays a crucial role in the therapy of severe sepsis and septic shock. The use of colloids in sepsis is controversial at present. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of second and third generation colloids on the mesenteric microcirculation in early experimental sepsis. METHODS: Male Lewis rats (n=64) were used. Animals underwent sham surgery or colon ascendens stent insertion for sepsis induction by peritonitis. Sixteen hours after the surgery animals were randomly assigned to receive one of the following fluid regimens intravenously: 16ml/kg Ringer's lactate, 64ml/kg Ringer's lactate, 16ml/kg 130/0.4 hydroxyethyl starch, and 16ml/kg 200/0.5 hydroxyethyl starch. Intravital microscopy of the mesenteric microcirculation (plasma extravasation; leukocyte-endothelial interactions) and arterial blood gas analysis were performed before and after fluid resuscitation. RESULTS: In animals with experimental sepsis plasma extravasation was significantly increased compared to control animals (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in plasma extravasation between septic animals receiving crystalloids and or colloid. Furthermore, the type of administered fluid did not influence the number of adhering leucocytes during the observation period. CONCLUSION: The short time impact of different hydroxyethyl starch solutions on the microcirculation of the mesentery is not different from crystalloids in colon ascendens stent peritonitis-induced experimental sepsis in rats.

[Femoral neck fractures]. / Schenkelhalsfrakturen.

Femoral neck fractures (FNF) are the most frequent fractures in the older population and are also of high socioeconomic importance due to the high risk of mortality. The diagnostics are based on the clinical examination and imaging procedures. The classification systems used in the routine clinical practice are oriented towards the prognosis and are therefore a valuable aid in making decisions for the selection of the treatment procedure. Early surgery is decisive for the success of treatment. Older patients (> 60 years) with arthritically damaged hips and a high degree of fracture dislocation benefit from prompt hip replacement (bipolar systems, total hip arthroplasty, dual mobility systems). In contrast, joint-preserving surgery by osteosynthesis is indicated in younger patients with a low degree of dislocation. This article summarizes the clinically relevant aspects of FNF and gives an overview of current treatment strategies with inclusion of the scientific literature.

Renal expression of Hsp27, 60, and 70 in cases of fatal hypothermia.

Macromorphological findings can be missing in cases of fatal hypothermia when the agonal period is very short because of a large difference between environmental and core body temperatures. Expression of heat shock proteins (Hsps) increases under endogenous and exogenous cellular stresses such as thermal stress. These stress proteins can be revealed by immunohistochemical staining. Forty-five cases of death due to hypothermia and a control group of 100 deaths without any antemortem thermal stress were examined for Hsp27, 60, and 70 expression in renal tissue because renal tissue is sensitive to cellular stress. The results revealed no significant difference between Hsp27, 60, and 70 expression in both groups (28.8% positive staining in the study group and 19.0% positive staining in the control group), which is contradictory to a previous study on expression of Hsp70 in renal tissue in cases of fatal hypothermia. Hence, it is currently unclear whether immunohistochemical staining of Hsps supports a morphological diagnosis of fatal hypothermia.

Expression of heat shock proteins (Hsps) 27 and 70 in kidney in cases of fatal hemorrhage.

The expression levels of intracellular heat shock proteins (Hsps), specialized chaperone proteins, increase in cases of cellular stress with protein misfolding and aggregation. In a previous study, we demonstrated that there is an extensive increase in intracellular Hsp27 and 70 expression levels in renal tissues in fire fatality cases. Hsp expression can be induced by not only heat, but also by tissue hypoxia. In cases of fatal hemorrhage, the individual suffers hypoxemia and consequently tissue hypoxia. Here, we examined 43 cases of fatal hemorrhage and a control group of 85 deaths not related to blood loss or temperature exposure. We evaluated Hsp27 and 70 protein expression levels in renal tissue using immunohistochemistry. The results revealed that no extensive Hsp27 or 70 expression is induced in the fatal hemorrhage cases. The renal Hsp levels were similar to those of the control group. Fatal blood loss does not cause relevant cell stress.

[Post-traumatic necrosis of the humeral head-Endoprosthesis or joint preservation]. / Posttraumatische Humeruskopfnekrose ­ Endoprothese oder Gelenkerhalt.

BACKGROUND: Humerus fractures play a major role in daily clinical routine, and subsequent osteonecrosis is common after osteosyntheses. OBJECTIVES: The current paper highlights the incidence and cause of osteonecrosis after proximal humerus fractures, with respect to presentation of anatomy and risk factors. METHODS: Display of the literature and therapy options for humerus fracture and subsequent necrosis. RESULTS: Humerus fractures are the seventh most frequent fractures in humans. The complication rate is 40%, and the described rate of necrosis is up to 34%. Accordingly, the surgical revision rate is at 19% according to recent literature. CONCLUSION: The treatment of humerus head fracture must consider numerous variables. The individual type of fracture and the current individual situation of the patient must be included in the process of choosing the right treatment. Modern implants with screw locking features should be used, and for certain circumstances the direct implantation of a prosthesis should be considered. Thereby the expectations of the patient with respect to the postoperative activity level play a major role.

Characteristics of Medically Transported Critically Ill Children with Respiratory Failure in Latin America: Implications for Outcomes.

Several challenges exist for referral and transport of critically ill children in resource-limited regions such as Latin America; however, little is known about factors associated with clinical outcomes. Thus, we aimed to describe the characteristics of critically ill children in Latin America transferred to pediatric intensive care units for acute respiratory failure to identify risk factors for mortality. We analyzed data from 2,692 patients admitted to 28 centers in the Pediatric Collaborative Network of Latin America Acute Respiratory Failure Registry. Among patients referred from another facility (773, 28%), nonurban transports were independently associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 9.4; 95% confidence interval: 2.4-36.3).

[Multisegmental and minimally invasive dorsal stabilization of thoracic and lumbar vertebral column. Operative technique]. / Multisegmentale und minimal-invasive dorsale Stabilisierung der Brust- und Lendenwirbelsäule : Operative Technik.

Dorsal stabilization of the thoracic and lumbar vertebral column is still the fundamental technique for acute treatment of unstable vertebral fractures and intervertebral ligament injuries as well as in tumor surgery and the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory diseases. The aim is to achieve the best possible anatomical and axis-correct stabilization of the physical lordosis and kyphosis. This article describes in detail the operational preparation (e.g. necessary imaging, possible positioning of the patient) and procedure (e.g. access, placement of screws and plates, wound closure and postoperative follow-up treatment) and possible complications due to misplaced pedicle screws, the rate of which can possibly be reduced by intraoperative 3D imaging.

Anticancer innovative therapy: Highlights from the ninth annual meeting.

The Ninth Annual Conference of "Anticancer Innovative Therapy", organized by Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano (Fondazione IRCCS INT) and hosted by Hotel Michelangelo, was held in Milan on 25 January 2019. Cutting-edge science was presented in two main scientific sessions: i) pre-clinical evidences and new targets, and ii) clinical translation. The Keynote lecture entitled "Cancer stem cells (CSCs): metabolic strategies for their identification and eradication" presented by M. Lisanti, was one of the highlights of the conference. One key concept of the meeting was how the continuous advances in our knowledge about molecular mechanisms in various fields of research (cancer metabolism reprogramming, epigenetic regulation, transformation/invasiveness, and immunology, among others) are driving cancer research towards more effective personalized antineoplastic strategies. Specifically, recent preclinical data on the following topics were discussed: 1. Polycomb group proteins in cancer; 2. A d16HER2 splice variant is a flag of HER2 addiction across HER2-positive cancers; 3. Studying chromatin as a nexus between translational and basic research; 4. Metabolomic analysis in cancer patients; 5. CDK4-6 cyclin inhibitors: clinical activity and future perspectives as immunotherapy adjuvant; and 6. Cancer stem cells (CSCs): metabolic strategies for their identification and eradication. In terms of clinical translation, several novel approaches were presented: 1. Developing CAR-T cell therapies: an update of preclinical and clinical development at University of North Carolina; 2. Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell activation and immune suppression in multiple myeloma; 3. Predictive biomarkers for real-world immunotherapy: the cancer immunogram model in the clinical arena; and 4. Mechanisms of resistance to immune checkpoint blockade in solid tumors. Overall, the pre-clinical and clinical findings presented could pave the way to identify novel actionable therapeutic targets to significantly enhance the care of persons with cancer.

[Modification of the method of Figgie for determination of joint line shifting in total knee arthroplasty]. / Modifizierung der Messmethode nach Figgie zur Bestimmung der Gelenklinienverschiebung in der Knieendoprothetik.

An important factor for a good result after total knee arthroplasty is the position of the patella in relation to the tibiofemoral joint line. The position of the patella itself is not influenced by arthroplasty, therefore any changes in the position of the tibiofemoral joint line are of special interest. The Figgie method to describe patella height delivers only absolute measurements, which makes it difficult to compare different radiographs. For this reason we developed a new JL/P quotient (JL: distance from the tibial plateau to the tibial tubercle, P: distance from the inferior pole of the patella to the tibial plateau) to enable better comparison. Furthermore, we modified the JL/P quotient and instead of taking the tibial plateau as the reference line, we constructed a tangent on the femoral condyle. With this modification, problems such as tibial inlays of different heights which have to be taken into account in the measurements, the slope of the tibial component or difficult assessment of the tibial joint surface in osteoarthritic knees do not arise. The JL/P quotient shows massive shift to cranialisation of the tibiofemoral joint line which does not correspond to reality. The modified method also shows cranialisation of the tibiofemoral joint line, but in a realistic way. Both methods show a minimal interobserver variability. The modified JL/P quotient seems to be a good method for determining the shift in the tibiofemoral joint line after total knee arthroplasty.

[Modification of the Blackburne-Peel ratio for improved application in total knee arthroplasty]. / Modifizierung des Blackburne-Peel-Index zur besseren Anwendung in der Knieendoprothetik.

BACKGROUND: The methods currently used to measure patella height in relation to the tibiofemoral joint line after total knee arthroplasty are not easily reproducible. For this reason we modified the Blackburne-Peel ratio. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Instead of taking the tibial joint line as the reference line, we constructed a tangent on the femoral condyle. In addition, we took the greatest diameter of the patella from the tip of the patella as a measuring line. RESULTS: Compared with the classic Blackburne-Peel and Caton-Deschamps ratios, it was much easier to determine the patella height in osteoarthritic knees and after total knee replacement using this modified Blackburne-Peel ratio. Factors such as the height of the polyethylene inlay, the slope of the tibial component, and superimposition of the patellar joint line can be disregarded. Preoperative and postoperative reference lines can be compared readily. Furthermore, the classic Blackburne-Peel ratio shows a greater tendency to interpret the measurements after total knee arthroplasty as pseudo-patella baja. The interobserver variability was good for all ratios. CONCLUSION: We can therefore recommend the modified Blackburne-Peel ratio for measuring patella height in relation to the tibiofemoral joint line after total knee arthroplasty.

[Breakdancer's "Headspin Hole" - first description of a common overuse syndrome]. / Das "Headspin Hole" bei Breakdancern - medizinische Erstbeschreibung eines häufigen Uberlastungsschadens.

INTRODUCTION: Several typical injuries due to breakdancing have been described in medical literature, but until now the "headspin hole" has not been mentioned. METHODS: We conducted internet research and interviewed 106 breakdancers. RESULTS: 60.4 % of the breakdancers suffered from overuse of the scalp due to the headspin. Loss of hair was found in 31.1 % and painless lumps on the head in 23.6 %. Inflammation of the scalp was reported in 36.8 %. DISCUSSION: The "Headspin Hole" is a common overuse syndrome of the scalp specific to headspins causing hair loss, inflammation and lumps on the skull.