Digit Ratio (2D:4D) Predicts Self-Reported Measures of General Competitiveness, but Not Behavior in Economic Experiments.

The ratio of index finger length to ring finger length (2D:4D) is considered to be a putative biomarker of prenatal androgen exposure (PAE), with previous research suggesting that 2D:4D is associated with human behaviors, especially sex-typical behaviors. This study empirically examines the relationship between 2D:4D and individual competitiveness, a behavioral trait that is found to be sexually dimorphic. We employ two related, but distinct, measures of competitiveness, namely behavioral measures obtained from economic experiments and psychometric self-reported measures.

Brain amino acid abnormalities in liver disease--a postmortem study.

In a postmortem exploratory study, we examined whether specific amino acid abnormalities associated with liver diseases in vivo may also be detected in human brain samples obtained at clinical autopsies. The branched-chain amino acids (BCAA: valine, leucine, isoleucine) were decreased in the group of patients with liver diseases compared with the control group, whereas the aromatic amino acids (AAA: phenylalanine, tyrosine) were increased. However, the ranges overlapped significantly and were not statistically different.

[Fatal child neglect in West Germany 1 January 1985 to 2 October 1990. Results of a multicenter study].

Unlabelled: Up to now reliable data were available on cases of lethal child neglect in the area of the Federal Republic of Germany prior to reunification (the former West Germany). In a multicenter study we therefore examined the police and court records for such cases occurring in the period from 1 January 1985 to 2 October 1990 in nearly the entire area of Federal Republic of Germany.

Results: The study center received information on 19 cases of lethal child neglect.

Stability of RNA transcripts in post-mortem psychiatric brains.

RNA isolated from frozen human post-mortem brain tissue was used for analysis of five gene products with a recently developed sensitive and competitive RT-PCR technique. Samples varying in post-mortem intervals up to four days from controls, schizophrenics and alcoholics were analyzed. Evaluation of three housekeeping genes, as well as Trk B and Trk C demonstrated that the levels of mRNA transcripts were stable in brain samples at all time periods (one to four days) examined.

[Fatal child abuse (caused by physical violence) in Germany during 1 January 1985 to 2 October 1990. Results of a multicenter study].

Unlabelled: No reliable data are available on cases of lethal child abuse (by active force) in the area of Federal Republic of Germany prior to reunification (the former West Germany). In a multicenter study we therefore examined the police and court records for such cases occurring in the period 1 January 1985 to 2 October 1990 in nearly the entire area of Federal Republic of Germany.

Results: The study center received information on 58 cases of lethal child abuse.

DNA-PCR analysis of bloodstains sampled by the polyvinyl-alcohol method.

Among the usual techniques of sampling gunshot residues (GSR), the polyvinyl-alcohol method (PVAL) includes the advantage of embedding all particles, foreign bodies and stains on the surface of the shooter's hand in exact and reproducible topographic localization. The aim of the present study on ten persons killed by firearms was to check the possibility of DNA-PCR typing of blood traces embedded in the PVAL gloves in a second step following GSR analysis. The results of these examinations verify that the PVAL technique does not include factors that inhibit successful PCR typing.

Rapid method for successful HLA class I and II typing from cadaveric blood for direct matching in cornea transplantation.

Background: The aim of the study was to establish fast methods for postmortem HLA class I and II typing of cornea donors using cadaveric blood.

Methods: The commercially available reagents Lymphokwik MN and Dynabeads were evaluated here to provide an enriched living mononuclear cell (MNC) population and B-cell population for HLA class I and II typing of cadaveric blood by serology. Cadaveric blood was obtained 1-80 h post mortem.

Salsolinol and norsalsolinol in human urine samples.

The tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids salsolinol and norsalsolinol were found in human urine samples in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 29.5 ng/ml.

Northrhine Westphalian data on the locus F13B.

A population study was carried out on 301 ethnic Germans from Düsseldorf (Northrhine Westphalia) using the short tandem repeat (STR) system HumF13B (Coagulation Factor XIIIB). Five different alleles were detected. No deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium could be observed.

Formaldehyde-derived tetrahydroisoquinolines and tetrahydro-beta-carbolines in human urine.

Human urine samples were examined for the occurrence of formaldehyde-derived tetrahydroisoquinolines and tetrahydro-beta-carbolines generated by condensation of the methanol oxidation product with biogenic amines. Positive results were obtained for the tryptamine condensation product 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline and the serotonine condensation product 6-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline as well as for the condensation products with tyramine, dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, 6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, N-methyl-4,6,7-trihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, 4,6,7-trihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, and the metabolite 6-methoxy-7-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline. Negative results were obtained for N-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and 6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, N-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline, 6-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline, and 6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline in samples of chronic alcoholics as well as in the urine of healthy volunteers.

Düsseldorf data on the PCR-based locus HumFES/FPS (human c-fes/fps proto oncogene).

This paper reports PCR-based genotype distribution and allele frequencies of the locus HumFES/FPS (human c-fes/fps proto oncogene). For this study 300 unrelated Caucasoids of German ancestry living in Düsseldorf were analyzed. Seven of the eight alleles previously described and fourteen of the corresponding thirty-six diploid genotypes were detected.

[Offensive cadaver dismemberment by an ice pick].

The paper reports on a case of offensive corpse dismemberment by an unusual tool. A man with an acute exacerbation of a psychosis decapitated a 96-year-old woman by an ice-axe.

Northrhine Westphalian data on the HumTH01 locus.

A population study was carried out on 302 ethnic Germans from Düsseldorf and 273 ethnic Germans living in Northrhine Westphalia using the short tandem repeat (STR) system HumTH01 (TC11). Seven different alleles were detected. No deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium could be observed.

VNTR locus D1S80: allele frequencies and genotype distribution in the region of Düsseldorf.

Hypervariable loci within the human genome are useful tools in several disciplines: for example in forensic medicine (paternity testing and forensic identification). One of these genetical markers is located at chromosome 1 and is called D1S80 (MCT118). The genotype distribution and the allele frequency of the VNTR locus D1S80 have been studied in a population of 378 unrelated Germans living at Düsseldorf.

German data on the HUMVWA31 locus.

A population study was carried out on Caucasians from Düsseldorf using the short tandem repeat (STR) system HumVWA (von Willebrand factor; locus 12p12-12pter; intron A). After amplification, electrophoresis and silver staining 9 alleles could be detected in the sample of 304 unrelated individuals. No deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium could be observed.

[Ethanol-independent methanol elimination in chronic alcoholics].

72% of a collective of chronic alcoholics (DSM-III-R, ICD 9), who were admitted under the influence of alcohol in order to undergo alcohol withdrawal, showed a serum methanol concentration (SMC) above 10 mg/l. This level is usually considered to be the one for the detection of regular alcohol consumption. The SMC values were considerably higher in cases where alcoholic beverages with a higher methanol content were consumed rather than the ones lower in methanol.

[Disposal of the corpse by cement encapsulation and submersion in water].

The paper reports on a remarkable case of corpse disposal. A 32-year-old inmate of a prison with the permission to go out on weekends had disappeared since 1 1/4 years. His corpse poured in a concrete block was found in a metal-drum having been sunk in a disused part of a river.

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric screening procedure for the identification of formaldehyde-derived tetrahydroisoquinolines in human urine.

A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method has been developed for the identification of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and six metabolites extracted from urine in the picogram range. The derivatization procedure for the substances, formed by reaction of formaldehyde with biogenic amines, employs propionic anhydride and can take place in aqueous medium. In this way artificial formation of these compounds via condensation of biogenic amines with aldehydes or alpha-keto acids during the work-up procedure is eliminated.

Distribution of GC-subtypes in a series of chronic alcoholics.

This article reports on the distribution of GC-(group specific component) subtypes in a series of chronic alcoholics (N = 100). The determination of the phenotypes was carried out by immunoblotting. The results are interpreted and discussed.

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric screening procedure for the identification of formaldehyde-derived tetrahydro-beta-carbolines in human urine.

A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for the identification of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline and four metabolites extracted from urine is described. In a first step the substances, formed by reaction of formaldehyde with biogenic amines, were derivatized in aqueous solution with methyl chloroformate to eliminate an artificial formation of these compounds via condensation of endogenous indole ethylamines with aldehydes or alpha-keto acids during the work-up procedure. This initial derivatization formed stable hydrophobic compounds and improved the extractability for a liquid-liquid extraction.

Measures against drunken driving in Germany.

The German authorities tend to reinforce the combat against drunken driving. Three of the countermeasures will undergo changes. The usual blood tests will be replaced by breath tests in the near future.

DNA fingerprinting of freeze-dried tissues.

DNA profiling is usually unproblematic when carried out on material sampled shortly after death. Prolonged postmortem intervals and improper storage cause significant DNA degradation, however there are instances where DNA analysis becomes necessary months after the autopsy. In such cases the investigator may be able to revert to material initially stored for toxicological purposes.