[The Polish helicopter crash in Belarus--an analysis of the accident]. / Wypadek polskiego smiglowca na Bialorusi--analiza zdarzenia.

The subject of analysis was the crash of a helicopter of the Polish Border Guards, which happened on October 31, 2009, in the Byelorussian territory about two hundred meters from the Polish border. In the accident, three crew members perished: the pilot, navigator and operator. Based on the accounts obtained directly after the crash on the site of the tragedy, it was established that the pilot tried to land, but the impact was so strong that the aircraft sank about one meter into the ground. On November 3, 2009, a committee consisting of two prosecutors from the County Prosecutor Office in Bialystok, a forensic science expert and a representative from the Border Guards, went to Department of Forensic Medicine in Brzesc. The prosecutors and forensic science expert took part in recovering the bodies. During the process of internal and external examination, severe body injuries were noted, without any surviving tissue and intestines. Samples of blood, urine and fragments of internal organs were collected for chemical, biochemical, toxicological and histopathological examinations. Muscle DNA was also taken.

Detectability of SGM Plus profiles in heart and lungs tissue samples incubated in different environments.

The aim of the study was assessment of environmental effect on typeability of AmpFlSTR SGM Plus loci: D3S1358, VWA, D16S539, D2S1338, D81179, D21S11, D18S51, D19S433, TH01, FGA and gender marker amelogenin. Heart and lungs specimens collected during autopsies of five persons aged 20-30 years were incubated at 21 degrees C and 4 degrees C in different environmental conditions, fresh different water and soil conditions. DNA was extracted by organic method from tissue samples collected in 7-day intervals and subsequently typed using AmpFlSTR SGM Plus kit and ABI 310. Incubation at 21 degrees C and prevented air access, as well as in peat soil and in sand favoured faster DNA degradation reflected by decrease in typeability rate. In samples with negative genotyping results no DNA was found by fluorometric quantitation. Decomposed soft tissues are potential material for DNA typing.

[Polymorphism of 11 autosomal STRS in a population sample of Belarussian minority residing in the region of Podlasie (Northeastern Poland)--an extension of the STR core set]. / Polimorfizm 11 autosomalnych loci STR w populacji bialoruskiej mniejszosci narodowej zamieszkujacej region Podlasia--rozszerzenie typowego panelu badawczego.

Population genetic data for 11 STRs included in the Humantype Chimera kit were obtained by multiplex PCR and subsequent automated fluorescent detection (ABI 310) from a sample of 200 unrelated individuals of both genders belonging to the Belarussian minority residing in the region of Podlasie (Northeastern Poland). The objective of the investigations was determination of 11 STRs frequency and calculation of parameters of their usefulness in medicolegal examinations. The genotype distributions conformed to HWE for all the analyzed loci. The highly polymorphic systems exhibit a high degree of informativeness and are a potential extension to CODIS loci, particularly in kinship analysis and deficiency cases.

[Ethnic variation and forensic usefulness of Y-STR loci in inhabitants of northeastern Poland]. / Polimorfizm loci Y-STR wsród ludnosci Polski pólnocno-wschodniej w aspektach zróznicowania etnicznego i przydatnosci w badaniach medyczno-sadowych.

The objective of the investigation was the calculation of biostatistical indices and parameters of medicolegal usefulness and extension of the knowledge on the genetic structure of the population in view of its historical background and ethnic composition. Polymorphism of Y-STR loci was determined in population samples including the total of 718 males of Polish nationality and belonging to the minorities of Byelorussians, Lithuanians, Polish Tatars and the religious minority of the Old Believers. Statistical analysis of genetic polymorphisms indicated their usefulness in characterizing populations and ethnic groups. The variations in haplotype distribution in northeastern Polish populations should be taken into consideration while evaluating probability of genetic profile matching in medicolegal expert opinions.

Vitreous humour as a potential DNA source for postmortem human identification.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was the assessment of vitreous humor as a potential DNA for forensic human postmortem identification. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Vitreous humor samples were collected using two alternative approaches from 25 corpses of either sex during autopsies. DNA was extracted by standard organic method. Recovered DNA was quantitiated fluorometrically. AmpFlSTR SGM Plus kit and ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer (Applera) were used to obtain genetic profiles. RESULTS: Different DNA yields were quantitated in vitreous body depending on cause of death and sampling approach. CONCLUSION: Vitreous humor is a potential DNA for forensic human postmortem identification depending on a sampling method used.

[Polymorphism of 10 autosomal Strs in a population sample of Podlasie (NE Poland)--an extension to the STR core set]. / Polimorfizm 10 autosomalnych loci STR w populacji podlasia--rozszerzenie typowego panelu badawczego.

Population genetic data for 10 STRs included in the Humantype Chimera kit were obtained by multiplex PCR and subsequent automated fluorescent detection (ABI 310) from a sample of 220 unrelated individuals of Polish ancestry residing in north-eastern Poland. The genotype distributions conformed to HWE for all the analysed loci. The highly polymorphic systems exhibit a high informativeness and may be helpful in cases requiring an extension of the CODIS loci system, particularly in kinship analysis and deficiency cases.

[Forensic usefulness of four X-chromosomal STR polymorphisms in north-eastern Poland]. / Polimorfizm czterech loci X-sTR wsród ludnosci polski pólnocno- wschodniej w aspekcie przydatnosci w badaniach medyczno-sadowych.

Allele frequencies for four X-chromosomal STR were determined in a population sample of 1308 unrelated males and females from north-eastern Poland by multiplex PCR and subsequent automated fluorescent detection (ABI 310) using a commercially available multiplex PCR kit (Mentype Argus X-UL). The obtained data support the idea of genetic diversity among population groups of north-eastern Poland. The analysed quadruplex is a potential extension of the battery of autosomal systems in forensic applications, especially in the investigation of kinship analysis and deficiency cases.

Typeability of PowerPlex Y (Promega) profiles in selected tissue samples incubated in various environments.

In cases of decomposed bodies, Y chromosomal STR markers may be useful in identification of a male relative. The authors assessed typeability of PowerPlex Y (Promega) loci in post mortem tissue material stored in various environments. Kidney, spleen and pancreas specimens were collected during autopsies of five persons aged 20-30 years, whose time of death was determined within the limit of 14 hours. Tissue material was incubated at 21 degrees C and 4 degrees C in various environmental conditions. DNA was extracted by the organic method from tissue samples collected in 7-day intervals and subsequently typed using the PowerPlexY-STR kit and ABI 310. A fast decrease in the typeability rate was seen in specimens incubated in peat soil and in sand. Kidney tissue samples were typeable in all PowerPlexY-STR loci within 63 days of incubation at 4 degrees C. Faster DNA degradation was recorded in spleen and pancreas specimens. In samples with negative genotyping results, no DNA was found by fluorometric quantitation. Decomposed soft tissues are a potential material for DNA typing.

[A rare case of infant poisoning due to accidental administration of 1,2,3-triketohydrinden hydrate (ninhydrin)]. / Rzadki przypadek zatrucia niemowlecia wskutek blednego podania wodzianu 1, 2, 3-trójketohydrindenu (ninhydryny).

The paper presents a case of medical malpractice during the test for phenylketonuria. The authors analyzed all documents collected in the course of the investigation of infant poisoning due to accidental administration of ninhydrin. The medical assessment was based on an extensive review of the case history, as well as on spectroscopy (FT-IR), chromatography and chemical analysis findings that allowed for confirming the presence of the toxic substance in the evidence material collected during the initial investigation. The obtained results confirmed the presence of ninhydrin in the tea cup and in the teaspoon, which were used to prepare the diagnostic medium. No ninhydrin was found in other investigated materials. The employment of routine research methods, including GC-MS, FT-IR and UV-VIS, allowed for detection and identification of the pure chemical form of ninhydrin, as well as its color complex with amino acids. The detailed case analysis, as well as the variability of extensive evidence material collected during the investigation allowed for determining the identity of persons responsible for accidental administration of the poisoning substance to the infant.

[Effect of cobalt bomb irradiation on genetic identification]. / Wplyw napromieniowania bomba kobaltowa wybranych tkanek na identyfikacje genetyczna.

The objective of the paper was to assess the effect of gamma-irradiation on typeability of AmpFISTR SGM Plus loci in selected tissue specimens collected during forensic autopsies. Full AmpFISTR SGM profiles were obtained after gamma-irradiation of 150Gy. At the dose of 200Gy a gradual loss of longer amplicons was noted. In terms of AmpFISTR SGM Plus typeability, the thyroid gland and kidney were the most vulnerable to gamma-irradiation.

Genetic data on 10 STR loci a population of western Poland.

Allele frequencies for 10 STRs included in the AmpFlSTR SGM Plus kit were determined in a population sample of 668 unrelated individuals living in western Poland. All loci met Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Exact tests disequilibrium analysis revealed two departures from independence out of 45 pairwise comparisons. The combined matching probability (MP) and power of exclusion (PE) for all 15 loci are 2.56 x 10(-13) and 0.99996, respectively.

Genetic variation of STR loci D3S1358, TH01, D21S11, D18S51, Penta E, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, CSF1PO, Penta D, vWA, D8S1179, TPOX and FGA by GenePrint PowerPlex 16 in a Polish population.

Allele frequencies for the fifteen STRs included in the GenePrint PowerPlex kit were determined in 870 unrelated individuals from Polish population. All loci met Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Exact tests disequilibrium analysis revealed no departures from independence out of 105 pair-wise comparisons. The combined MP and PE for all 15 loci are 6.00x10(-17) and 0.999999, respectively.

The effect of glycoprotein IIIa A1/A2 gene polymorphism on one-year outcome in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa) is a platelet receptor composed of two subunits coded by individual genes. GP IIIa gene has two alleles: A1 and A2. The A2 allele determines higher platelet activity and was investigated many times as a potential risk factor of ACS. The influence of A1/A2 polymorphism on the prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has not been analysed so far. AIM: Evaluation of the relationship between GP IIb/IIIa A1/A2 gene polymorphism and one-year prognosis in patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). METHODS: 171 patients (23.9%--women, 39.7%--anterior MI) with STEMI treated successfully with pPCI as well as 121 healthy subjects from a reference group were enrolled in the study. Genotyping was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP). In one-year follow-up the primary end point included deaths and infarctions. The following methods were used in statistical analysis: chi(2) as well as Mann-Whitney test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Cox regression model and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The percentage of A2 allele carriers was similar in STEMI patients and in subjects from the reference group (27.4% vs. 21.5%, p=0.24). No statistically significant difference in the incidence of primary end point between the A1A1 homozygotes and A2 allele carriers (A1A2/A2A2 genotype) was observed among STEMI patients. In Cox regression analysis, the variables associated with death or MI were: ejection fraction (RR 0.912, p=0.01) and systolic blood pressure on admission (RR 0.97, p=0.049). The variables categorised as unfavourable predictors included: Killip class >2 and heart ratio on admission >100/min (p <0.05, log-rank test). CONCLUSION: No relationship between GP IIb/IIIa A1/A2 gene polymorphism and STEMI incidence as well as one-year prognosis in patients with STEMI treated with pPCI was documented.

[Polymorphism of four X-chromosomal STRs in a population sample of Belarusian minority residing in Podlasie (NE poland)]. / Polimorfizm czterech loci STR na chromosomie X w próbce populacyjnej bialoruskiej mniejszosci narodowej zamieszkujacej region Podlasia.

The objective of the paper is to determine the allele frequencies for four X-chromosomal STRs determined in a population sample of 294 unrelated volunteers (191 males and 103 females) belonging to the Belarusian minority residing in northeastern Poland. A commercially available kit Mentype Argus X-UL (Biotype AG, Germany) was used to co-amplify X-STR loci: DXS8378, DXS7132, HPRTB and DXS7423. Electrophoresis and typing were performed by automated fluorescent detection in an ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer. The genotype distributions among the females conformed to HWE for all the analyzed loci. The evaluated quadruplex is a potential extension to a battery of autosomal systems in forensic applications, particularly in kinship analysis and in casework samples from sexual assaults.

[Medico-legal and victimology aspects of homicides in the material of Bialystok Institute of Forensic Medicine in the years 1982-2003]. / Sadowo-lekarskie i wiktymologiczne aspekty zabójstw na podstawie danych zakladu medycyny sadowej AM w bialymstoku.

The authors presented an analysis of homicides based on autopsy material collected at Institute of Forensic Medicine in Bialystok in the years 1982-2003. Of 8,780 postmortem examinations, this type of death accounted for 7,4 % of cases, including 31,2 % women and 68,8 % men. Married individuals predominated among females, whereas the majority of male victims were single. Fifty-seven percent of victims died on the crime scene, 5,3 % within 48 hours. In conflicts of long-standing, immediate conflicts and fights, the perpetrators most commonly employed hard, blunt or blunt-edged crime weapons. In cases of murder with robbery and sexual homicides, strangulation was the most frequently used method. No seasonal character in homicide prevalence was observed.

Polymorphism of four X-chromosomal STRs in a Polish population sample.

Allele frequencies for four X-chromosomal STR were determined in a population sample of 240 unrelated males and females from the northeastern Poland by multiplex PCR and subsequent automated fluorescent detection (ABI 310) using a commercially available multiplex PCR kit (Mentype Argus X-UL). Kinship tests revealed a typical X-linked inheritance with no mutation. The analysed quadruplex is a potential extension to a battery of autosomal systems in forensic applications, especially in the investigation of kinship analysis and deficiency cases.

Genetic data on 15 STRs in a population sample of religious minority of Old Believers residing in the northeastern Poland.

This study provides a 15 STRs database for a population sample of Old Believers (n = 136) living in the northeastern Poland for the use as a highly discriminatory system of genetic markers in population studies and in personal identification. Significant differences revealed between the Old Believers and the autochthonous Poles by using RxC test as well as F(ST) and F(IS) estimates suggest a certain degree of genetic isolation of this religious minority.

Genetic data on 15 STR loci in the ethnic group of Polish Tatars residing in the area of Podlasie (Northeastern Poland).

Population genetic data for the 15 STRs included in the AmpFlSTR Identifiler kit were obtained from a sample of 168 unrelated individuals of the ethnic group of Polish Tatars residing in the Northeastern Poland. Significant differences revealed in relation to the autochthonous Poles by using R x C test as well as F(ST) and F(IS) estimates suggest that the ethnic group of Polish Tatars is a distinct genetic community.

Y-chromosome STR haplotypes and alleles in the ethnic group of Polish Tatars residing in the Northeastern Poland.

Haplotype and allele frequencies for eight Y-STRs were determined in a population sample of the ethnic group of Polish Tatars residing in the Northeastern Poland. A total of 125 unrelated males produced 101 different haplotypes. Thirteen haplotypes occurred more than once, while 88 haplotypes were unique. The observed gene diversity was 0.9638. The ethnic group of Polish Tatars can be distinguished from the autochthonous Poles based on AMOVA estimates in all the analyzed systems except DYS385.

Population genetics of Y-chromosome STRs in a population sample of the Lithuanian minority residing in the northeastern Poland.

Haplotype and allele frequencies for the 12 Y-STRs were determined in a population sample of 124 unrelated males--members of the Lithuanian minority residing in the northeastern Poland. Three of the haplotypes were encountered in duplicate, while 118 haplotypes were unique. The overall gene diversity was 0.9952. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that the Lithuanian minority can be distinguished from the autochthonous Poles, although these two populations are very close to each other. This database study provides an essential precondition for applying Y-chromosomal STRs estimates in forensic identification of male DNA and tracing of paternal lineages.