IIJFMT 1(2) 2003
Journal Scan
Astrological Birth Signs in Suicide: Hypothesis or speculation?
Emad Salib.
Astrology
is no longer regarded as a science by many,because its claims are almost impossible
to test empirically in controlled laboratory conditions and it can not meet
the scientific need to be reproducable.
However, the majority of those who read their 'star signs' can identify aspects
of their personality in what they read and it is possible that this may influence
their attitudes and actions.The literature has neglected astrological signs
as a possible predictor of suicide ideation.
To see whether astrological birth signs are associated with suicide and the
method used, data was collected from the Public Health Department in North
Chenshire representing all the cheshire Coroner's verdicts of suicide, and
open verdicts, in all deceased aged 60 and above between 1989 and 2000.
The observed occurences of deaths due to natural causes, and suicide, in relation
to birth signs did not differ significantly from what would be expected from
chance.
However, the distribution of suicide by hanging appeared significantly higher
in those with a birth sign of virgo and lowest in Sagittarius and Scorpio.
The distribution of violent and non-violent suicides in relation to star signs
showed higher occurences of violent death in persons born in the summer months.
Virtopsy, a New Imaging Horizon in Forensic Pathology: Virtual Autopsy by Postmortem Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - a Feasibility Study
Thali MJ, Yen K, Shweitzer W, Vock P, Boessh C, Ozdoba C, Schroth G, Ith M, Sonnenschein M, Doernhoefer T, Scheurer E, Plattener T, Dirnhofer R.
Using postmortem multislice computed tomography(MSCT) and magnetic resonance
imaging(MRI), 40 forensic cases were examined and findings were verified by
subsequent autopsy. Results were classified as follows:(I) cause of death,
(II) relevent traumatological and pathological findings, (III) vital reactions,
(IV) reconstruction of injuries, (V) vizualisation. In these 40 forensic cases,47
partly combined causes of death were diagonised at autopsy, 26(55%) causes
of death were found independently using only radiological image data. Radiology
was superior to autopsy in revealing certain cases of cranial, skeletal, or
tissue trauma.Some forensic vital reactions were diagonised equally well or
better using MSCT/MRI. Radiological imaging techniques are particularly beneficial
for reconstruction and visualization of forensis cases, including the oppurtinity
to use the data for expert witness reports, teaching, quality control, and
telemedical consultation. these preliminary results, based on the concept
of "virtopsy" are promising enough to introduce and evaluate these
radiological techniques in forensic medicines.
Rapid determination of carboxyhemoglobin in blood by Oximeter
Brehmer C,Iten P X.
Different methods to determine carboxyhemoglobin(COHb) in blood are described in the literature. In our laboratory three methods to analyze COHb in post-mortom blood samples were compared: the spectrophotometric method of Maehly, a gas chromatographic metod with a theral conductivity detectoe (GC-TCD) and the Oximeter.Several COHb containing blood samples of deceased persons were analyzed.Results of all three methods were caomparable for low concentrations (ca.10% COHb) aewell asfor high concentrations (ca.80% COHb) regardless of the viscosity of the blood samples.The advantages of the Oximeter when compared to aehly's ethod and GC-TCD are extreme short time of analysis (<1min>.very small blood volue required (<0.1 ml) and easy handling. In our opinion application of Oximeter is not limited to analyses of blood samples fro living persons (e.g. in clinical toxicology): it can aswell be used for the deterination of COHb in postmortem blood samples. Hence it is a useful and time saving tool in forensic toxicology.
The Positive predictive Value of Rib Fractures as an Indicator of Nonaccidental Trauma in Children
Barsness K A, Cha E S, Bensard D D, Calkins C M, Patrick D A, Karrer F M, Strain D.
Background:
rib fractures have a strong association with non accidental trauma (NAT) and
severe trauma. The purposes of this study were to evaluate rib fractures in
children to determine (1) the positive predictive value of a rib fracture
in defining NAT and (2) the frequency of rib fractures as the only skeletal
manifestation on NAT.
Methods: We revived the medical records and imaging of all children with rib
fractures over a 6-year period.NAT was determined by the child Advocacy and
protection team.
Results: In children younger than 3 years of age, the positive predictive
value (ppv) of a rib fracture as an indicator of NAT was 95%.The positive
predivtive value increased to 100% once historical and clinical circumstances
excluded all other causes for rib fractures.