[The Polish helicopter crash in Belarus--an analysis of the accident].

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.

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH)--implications for human genetic identification.

The aim of this study was assessment of possible effects of loss of heterozygosity on human genetic identification of histolopathogical tissue sections. DNA templates were extracted from tumour tissue specimens excised from oncological patients and from reference blood samples. AmpFlSTR Identifiler PCR Amplification Kit and ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer (Applera) were used to obtain genetic profiles.

[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].

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.

[Ethnic variation and forensic usefulness of Y-STR loci in inhabitants of northeastern Poland].

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.

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.

Effect of soil and water environment on typeability of PowerPlex Y (Promega) in selected tissue samples.

In cases of decomposed bodies Y chromosomal STR markers may be useful in identification of a male relative. The authors assessed typeability PowerPlex Y (Promega) loci in tissue material stored in water and soil environment. Tissue material was collected during autopsies of five persons aged 20-30 years with time of death determined within the limit of 14 hours.

[A rare case of infant poisoning due to accidental administration of 1,2,3-triketohydrinden hydrate (ninhydrin)].

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.

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.

[Effect of cobalt bomb irradiation on genetic identification].

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.

[Forensic usefulness of four X-chromosomal STR polymorphisms in north-eastern Poland].

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.

[Polymorphism of 10 autosomal Strs in a population sample of Podlasie (NE Poland)--an extension to the STR core set].

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.

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.

X-chromosomal polymorphism data for the ethnic minority of Polish Tatars and the religious minority of Old Believers residing in northeastern Poland.

Population samples of 420 unrelated individuals of the ethnic minority of Polish Tatars and the religious minority of Old Believers residing in northeastern Poland were tested for four X-chromosomal STR frequencies by multiplex PCR and subsequent automated fluorescent detection (ABI 310) using a commercially available kit Mentype Argus X-UL. Kinship tests revealed a typical X-linked inheritance with no mutation. Significant differences in allele frequency distributions confirm previous findings regarding genetic variation among ethnic groups residing in northeastern Poland.

[Polymorphism of four X-chromosomal STRs in a population sample of Belarusian minority residing in Podlasie (NE poland)].

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 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.

[Comparative analysis of traffic accident fatalities in autopsy material of 1970-1986 and 1987-2006 collected at the Departament of Forensic Medicine Medical University of Białystok].

Unlabelled: INTRODUCTION, MATERIAL AND METHODS: The objective of the paper was a comparative analysis of traffic accident fatalities in autopsy material collected in the years 1970-1986 and 1987-2006 at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Białystok (624 and 1463 cases, respectively). Based on autopsy reports, main criteria included gender, site of death (urban area, rural area, non-built-up), mode of movement (driver, passenger, pedestrian, biker and cyclist), age, localisation of fatal injuries (head, thorax, abdomen and pelvis, upper and lower limbs, multiorgan injuries) and blood alcohol level. The collected data were analysed statistically according to the criteria applied and presented as text and graphs.

[Typeability of AmpFlSTR SGM Plus loci in kidney specimens incubated in different environments].

In consecutive stages of postmortem decomposition human hard tissues e.g. bones and teeth have been the most suitable material for genetic identification, however, its processing and DNA extraction is relatively costly and time-consuming.

[Carbon monoxide poisoning based on the autopsy material collected at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Białystok in the years 2004-2006].

Introduction: The objective of the paper was the presentation of observations and conclusions based on the review of autopsy records collected at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Białystok in the years 2004-2006.

Material And Methods: The criteria under evaluation included sex, age, alcohol level, carboxyhemoglobin concentration and site of poisoning. The COHb level was determined by the Wolff's method.

[Ethnic variation and forensic efficiency of selected microsatellite markers in a population of northeastern Poland].

Introduction: Objective of the research included calculation of biostatistical indexes and forensic efficiency parameters and deepening knowledge on genetic structure of the population considering historical background and ethnic composition.

Material And Methods: Forensic genetic markers were typed in a total of 620 individuals in population samples of Poles and minorities of Byelarussians, Lithuanians, Polish Tatars and Old Believers.

Results: Genetic polymorphisms analysed using statistic methods may be informative in differentiation of populations and ethnic groups.

[Medico-legal and victymology aspects of homicides in the material of Białystok Institute of Forensic Medicine in the years 2004-2006].

The authors presented an analysis of homicides based on autopsy material collected at the Institute of Forensic Medicine Medical University of Białystok in the years 2004-2006. Of 1331 postmortem examinations, this type of death accounted for 4.28% of cases, including 19,3% women and 80.

[Sole guardian's death as a cause of his handicapped mother's death--a case report].

Finding more than one body in the place of residence brings suspicion of poisoning or action of a third party. The authors present a case of two bodies--a handicapped mother and her son--found in their own house. The son was last seen by their neighbours three days before the bodies were revealed.

[Cases of suspected pediatric malpractice in casework material collected at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Białystok in the years 2001-2006].

The authors analysed medico-legal opinions issued by teams of expert witnesses in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Białystok. In the years 2001-2006 a total of 698 opinions in cases of suspected medical malpractice, including 44 (6.3%) pediatric cases, were issued.