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Biomedical subjects

C Henssge

Publications and source records attributed to C Henssge.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Postmortem increase in the galvanic threshold].

The investigations of Joachim and Feldmann (1980) on the postmortem rise of muscular threshold were examined on a random sample of 20 bodies with known time of death. Muscular reaction on excitation was objectified using a sensitive force transducer pricked into the muscle (mostly thenar). The muscle was excitated (each half on hour) using rectangular impulses of 1 sec. duration with a current intensity which causes a muscular contraction of 2.5 mN until a current intensity of 80 mA doesn't reach this force any more. Ln of muscular threshold and time since death show a strong linear relationship (r = 0.965). Time since death was extrapolated with mean values for slope and intercept (calculated from the random sample) for all measured values of muscular threshold. Extrapolation from a single value with mean values also for the slope reveals a much more precise estimation of the time since death than extrapolation with an individual slope (according to Joachim) which requires repeated measurements of muscular threshold in an interval of 30 minutes. The procedure was examined at a random sample of 8 cases. The real time since death war always within the 95% limits of confidence of the calculated time since death.

Electric Stimulation↗

[Iatrogenic cardiac tamponade in lung embolism].

A 65 year old man with diffuse pleural mesothelioma suffering from acute dyspnoea and chest pain underwent pericardiocentesis to withdraw pericardial effusion. After some mispunctures blood was withdrawn. Exitus in tabula. At autopsy cardiac tamponade with two cuts of the right ventricle. Pulmonary thrombembolism of the right lung. Advanced diffuse pleural mesothelioma with infiltration of lung, mediastinum, pericard, cuirrassing of left pulmonary artery and descendent aorta thoracica. The connection between iatrogenic cardiac tamponade and death couldn't be established without any doubt in the presence of a concurring cause of death (massive pulmonary thrombembolism).

Aged↗

References for determining the time of death by potassium in vitreous humor.

The different statements concerning the slope and intercept of the regression line and the 95% limits of confidence are the reason that potassium in vitreous humor is not used (at least in Germany) as an aid in estimating the time of death. The relationship between the concentration of potassium and the time of death is mainly influenced by antemortem electrolyte imbalances caused by disease and/or duration of terminal episode. The influence of terminal episode is best identified by its duration (Adelson et al., J. Forensic Sci., 8 (1963) 503-514). In order to have a method suitable for every case and to be as precise as possible we looked therefore for parameters in vitreous humor which were stable postmortem and indicating antemortem electrolyte imbalance. Urea is such a parameter, being stable postmortem (Coe, Am. J. Clin. Pathol, 51 (1969) 741-750) and useful as a marker of antemortem electrolyte imbalance. Our investigations on potassium in vitreous humor, including sudden and hospital deaths after chronic lingering disease, revealed 95% limits of confidence of +/- 34 h up to 120 h postmortem. Reviewing only cases with urea less than 100 mg/dl the 95% limits of confidence could be reduced to +/- 22 h. Considering the duration of terminal episode (less than 6 h) the precision was +/- 20 h. In this way our modified procedure is suitable for every case with the resulting precision of estimation being determined only by the duration of the terminal episode and urea concentration.

Death↗

[Ambulatory electronic data processing using the hand-held computer (HP 71B)].

Hand-held computer are very useful devices for medico-legal tasks outside the institutes. They can be advantageously used at a scene of death for the estimation of the time since death instead of the temperature nomograms and the integrated chart as well as for the controlled reconstructive test cooling (dummy). They facilitate the calculation of the BAC at the court also.

Body Temperature Regulation↗

[Objective assessment and quantification of postmortem muscle contraction to electrical stimulation].

UNLABELLED: The muscular contraction on electrical stimulation (rectangular impulses of 1 s duration, 2 to 80 mA current intensity) was objectified using a sensitive force transducer. RESULTS: The shape of the muscular contraction (time course) is changing over the postmortem interval with two peaks (opening and closing contraction according to Pflüger's law) in the early postmortem interval and only one peak in the later postmortem interval. The relaxation period of muscular contraction is increasing over the postmortem interval. The maximum force developed during muscular contraction on definite current intensity is decreasing over the postmortem interval. Increase of the relaxation period a decrease of the maximum force in response to a definite current intensity are criteria allowing a determination of the time since death on an objective basis.

Electric Stimulation↗

[Findings in chronic use and acute overdose of Leponex].

Two fatal cases are represented in which the intake of the tricyclic neuroleptic drug with the active ingredient clozapine was involved. The chemical toxiological results are showed and in connection with the results of the autopsies and the case history discussed.

Adult↗

Death time estimation in case work. II. Integration of different methods.

The mean value of the time of death is not reliable because of the great variability of the time-dependent criteria of dead bodies. However, it is possible to narrow down a reliable time period for a stated death by means of the lower and upper limits of error of different criteria. The external data of lividity, rigor, mechanical and electrical excitability of facial muscles and the chemical excitability of the iris have all been gathered from literature, chronologically arranged and clearly presented. After rectal temperature measurement and a corresponding nomogram reading, it is simple to choose other suitable criteria and to integrate them with the aid of a chart thus producing a rational and practical procedure for use at a scene of crime.

Facial Muscles↗

Death time estimation in case work. I. The rectal temperature time of death nomogram.

A rectal temperature time of death nomogram was developed on the basis of physical considerations, the two-exponential term of Marshall and Hoare (J. Forensic Sci., 7 (1962) 56-81), further studies of literature and our own experimental body coolings. The Nomogram Method is based on a single measurement of the rectal temperature. The result is obtained immediately at a scene of crime without any mental arithmetic. Support in the practical application of the method and data for the accuracy of estimated death time are given. Special problems and its limitations are discussed. The Nomogram Method is compared with other temperature methods of estimating the time since death.

Algorithms↗

[Postmortem increase in potassium in the vitreous humor. Which parameters are suitable as indicators of antemortem agonal electrolyte imbalance?].

The relationship between a rise in the potassium concentration in the vitreous humor and the time of death has been established by several authors. Sturner (1963) and Adelson (1963) have been able to demonstrate a more precise relationship between potassium and the time of death in cases of sudden death and death occurring within 6 h as opposed to death after a chronic, lingering disease. However, the duration of the terminal episode cannot always be assessed in forensic medicine. Therefore, it would be valuable if other parameters could also be established that would indicate an agonal dysregulation of electrolytes. Our study revealed that sodium, urea, chloride, and calcium are of great value in indicating antemortem electrolyte imbalance because of their stability in the vitreous humor after death. The first results established that urea may be a suitable internal standard.

Calcium↗