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Background/Aim: Optimal intake of magnesium minerals is essential in maintaining the coordinated physiological functions of cells, tissues and organs. The importance of this element is reflected in the fact that it is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body, participating as a cofactor in more than three hundred enzymatic reactions. Its presence is necessary for the proper functioning of a number of vital functions, such as glycaemic control, the work of the heart and the vascular system and it can potentially play a role in the regulation of body weight. Aim of this study was to investigate the effects of subchronic intake of magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water on changes in body weight, organ weight and cardiovascular variables in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Methods: Wistar rats (n = 28) were divided into 4 groups: two control groups, on tap water (TW-C, n = 7) and magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-C, n = 7); and two experimental groups with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, on tap water (TW-DM, n = 7) and magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-DM, n = 7). The values of body weight, organ weight and cardiovascular parameters were compared after 6 weeks between control groups of rats on subchronic treatment with tap water (TW-C) and magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-C) and between groups with streptozotocin-induced diabetes on tap water (TW-DM) and with magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-DM). Results: By comparing the values of cardiovascular parameters between groups, significant (p < 0.05) positive effects of magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water were registered on the values of systolic and pulse blood pressure in diabetic rats fed with magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water (MW-DM) compared to those fed with tap water (TW-DM). In contrast, no significant effect of magnesium hydrocarbonate on changes in body weight and organ weight was observed. Conclusion: Based on the results, the beneficial effects of magnesium hydrocarbonate-rich water in the regulation of blood pressure can be clearly observed. Potential effects on other cardiovascular variables and body weight and organ weight should be further investigated.

Introduction. Herein we present an illustrative case from the Forensic Museum collection made by Professor Milovan Milovanović (1884–1948). Museum specimen No. 465 represents a jar containing three glass syringes and two small bottles of 10–20 ml, sealed with corks, found in the pockets of the deceased whose autopsy was performed in 1929. Case outline. It was a 30-year-old male, found dead in a tavern shed, a former medical student, lieutenant, and Russian emigre who came to Belgrade, Serbia in 1921 following the commanding general of the anti-Bolshevik White Army, Pyotr Nikolayevich Wrangel. He was an alcoholic, a drug user, and a member of the so-called Russian cocaine quartet gang. In the autopsy report, Professor Milovanović described a textbook example of a drug user: extremely malnourished body, skin covered with scabs, multiple „purulent abscesses” and „livid infiltrations,” and attenuated nasal septum with mucosa covered with scabs. Internal autopsy findings included fatty liver, pneumonia, and anemia of all internal organs. At the time, the whole brain, tissue of internal organs, and contents of the stomach and intestines were used for the analysis (“the Stas–Otto method for extraction of alkaloids”). Qualitative analyses showed “the presence of cocaine” in all the examined organs, and the analysis of the content from the “cloudy, colorless liquid” found in the dark bottle showed that it contained “0.0113 g of morphinum hydrochloricum.” Conclusion. Contemporary analyses of the material from one of the syringes and the transparent glass bottle performed 90 years later showed the presence of cocaine, morphine, and codeine, confirming that the cause of death was drug-related.

Background/Aim. Type IV collagen belongs to the group of nonfibrillar collagens and is an important component of the basement membranes, where it accounts for approximately 50% of its structural elements. The aim of the study was to describe the expression and distribution of collagen type IV in the embryonic and fetal metanephric kidney and to determine the volume density of collagen type IV in kidney tissue in each trimester of development. Methods. The material consisted of 19 human embryos/fetuses, in the gestational age from 8th to 37th week. Kidney tissue specimens were routinely processed to paraffin molds, stained immunohistochemically using polyclonal anti-collagen IV antibody and counterstained with Mayer hematoxylin and eosin. Stained slides were examined using a light microscope, and images of the selected areas under different lens magnification were captured with a digital camera. Volume density of collagen type IV was determined using ImageJ 1.48v and a plugin of the software, which inserted a grid system with 336 points. For the data comparison, the One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used. Results. Strong collagen IV immunopositivity was seen in all specimens, with a distribution in the basement membranes of urinary bud, parietal leaf of Bowman’s capsule, glomerular basement membrane, basement membrane of interstitial blood vessels, and basement membranes of nephron tubules and collecting ducts. No statistically significant difference in the volume density of type IV collagen was found among the different trimesters of the embryonic and fetal development. Conclusion. The synthesis and secretion of collagen type IV simultaneously follow the development of nephron structures, collecting system and blood vessels. The volume density of collagen type IV remains constant throughout all the trimesters of metanephric kidney development, indicating that it plays a crucial role in the normal development of nephron and collecting system structures, as well as in maintaining the normal kidney function.

Background/Aim. Since the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of thrombophilia in pregnancy has still not been clarified, the aim of the study was to assess the redox status of pregnant women with thrombophilia. Methods. The study involved 120 pregnant women divided into two groups: pregnant women with thrombophilia (n = 60) and women with normal pregnancy (n = 60). Blood samples for biochemical analysis were collected at the end of the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy. Concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitrites (NO2-), and the index of lipid peroxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in plasma. Levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured in erythrocytes. Results. In women with thrombophilia, NO2- values were increased in the first and third trimester compared to healthy pregnant women (p < 0.05). The higher levels of TBARS and H2O2 were noticed in women with thrombophilia in the first trimester compared to healthy pregnant women (p < 0.05). The values of SOD and CAT were lower in women with thrombophilia in the third and GSH in the first trimester compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Our results suggest an increased generation of prooxidants in thrombophilia at the beginning of gestation, which declines as gestation progresses and reaches similar values as in normal pregnancy at the end of pregnancy. Generally viewed, pregnant women with thrombophilia was associated with impaired antioxidant capacity – activities of SOD and CAT were lower in the third and GSH in the first trimester compared to their values in healthy pregnant women.

Background/Aim. Energy drinks (EDs) are widely used by athletes as ergogenic agents and Red Bull® is one of the most consumed EDs among them. The aim of this study was to determine the acute and chronic effects of Red Bull® on cardiodynamics and parameters of oxidative stress in physically trained rats. Methods. Rats were subjected to a swimming practice (1h a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks). They were divided into 4 groups: rats that did not consume ED either before swimming or prior to sacrificing; rats that did not consume ED before swimming but did consume ED 30 min prior to sacrificing; rats that consumed ED 30 min before every swimming training but did not consume ED prior to sacrificing; rats that consumed ED 30 min before every swimming training and 30 min before sacrificing. After sacrificing, the hearts of the rats were isolated and perfused according to the Langendorff technique. The parameters of cardiac function were recorded, and also the levels of prooxidants were measured in the coronary effluent during coronary autoregulation. Results. Acute administration of the ED had a positive inotropic effect (manifested as a significantly higher level of the maximum and minimum rate of pressure development in the left ventricle), while chronic administration affected the isolated increase in systolic left ventricular pressure. The prooxidative effect of the ED was observed, which was more pronounced in chronic consumption. Conclusion. The main conclusion of our study is that chronic consumption of ED changes the cardiovascular response and redox status in acute consumption ED.

Background/Aim. Oxidative stress is an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular atherosclerotic diseases in the population of patients treated with regular hemodialysis. Bioincompatibility of the dialysis membrane and increased concentration of endotoxin in the hemodialysis solution are two main factors that can trigger oxidative stress. This paper was intended to examine the effect of a vitamin E-coated membrane on oxidative stress during a single session of on-line hemodiafiltration. Methods. Twenty-four patients undergoing hemodiafiltration with vitamin E-coated polysulfone dialysis membrane (Leoceed 21H) were examined, followed by a polysulfone dialysis membrane treatment without vitamin E (FX800). The following parameters of oxidative stress were measured: superoxide anion radical (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), thiobarbutyric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitric oxide (NO2-), catalase (CAT), superoxide dizmutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) activity. Statistical analysis included the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student-t test and Wilcoxon test. Results. On-line hemodiafiltration using a high-flux polysulfone vitamin E-coated membrane led to significant reduction of TBARS concentration and SOD activity, while the on-line hemodiafiltration session using a high-flux polysulfone membrane that is not vitamin E-coated induced a significant increase in H2O2 concentration in the serum and a decrease in SOD activity. There was no statistical significance among the other parameters of oxidative stress. Conclusion. A single session of on-line hemodiafiltration using a vitamin E-coated polysulfone membrane significantly affects oxidative stress. After a single session of on-line hemodiafiltration using a vitamin E-coated membrane, the concentration of TBARS has significantly decreased. The decreased activity of superoxide dismutase could be a consequence of an increased loss of microelements during an on-line hemodiafiltration session using a high-flux polysulfone membrane. Patient selection, continuous on-line hemodiafiltration using a vitamin E-coated polysulfone membrane over a 3–6 month period and increased antioxidant protection capacity could possibly reduce the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients treated by hemodialysis.

Background/Aim. Dysfunctions at the cellular, tissue, and organ level, which can result in death, are caused by metabolic changes and affection on the regulation of gene transcription and micro- and macrocirculation. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) on isolated heart as well as on the oxidative status of rats with sepsis. Methods. The investigation included male Wistar albino rats classified into three groups: the first group was a control group (CTRL); the second group included animals exposed only to the induction of sepsis without HBO treatment (the Sepsis group), while the third group included animals treated with HBO after the induction of sepsis (the Sepsis + HBO group). For the induction of sepsis, fecal peritonitis model was used (3 mL/kg of fecal suspension administered intraperitoneally). After the induction of sepsis, the rats were exposed twice a day (on 12 hours) to HBO treatment at 2.8 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for 90 minutes over a period of 3 days. 72 h after the confirmation of sepsis, the animals were sacrificed and the hearts were retrogradely perfused on the Langendorff apparatus at a gradually increased coronary perfusion pressure (CPP = 40–120 cm H2O). The following parameters of heart function were continuously recorded: maximum and minimum rate of left ventricular pressure development (dp/dt max, dp/dt min); systolic and diastolic left ventricular pressure (SLVP and DLVP); heart rate (HR). Coronary flow (CF) was measured flowmetrically. Following oxidative stress markers were measured: nitrites (NO2−), superoxide anion radical (O2−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), index of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and the level of reduced glutathione (GSH). Results. There were no significant differences in dp/dt max, dp/dt min, SLVP and HR between the groups. CF was statistically significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the sepsis group. The values of all cardiac oxidative markers were lower in the sepsis + HBO group (p < 0.05), while systemic pro-oxidative and antioxidative parameters were unchanged. Conclusion. Our results showed that HBO treatment was not associated with improved cardiac function and coronary perfusion, while expressed promising beneficial effects on cardiac oxidative stress.

Introduction/Aim. A vermiform appendixis an abdominal organ which contains the elements of gut-associated lymphoid tissue and carries out important immunological functions as a reservoir of intestinal microbial flora. It also has a role in the normal development of gut-associated lymphatic tissue. The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of dendritic cell marker C D11c in the human fetal vermiform appendix from the 13th to the 23rd week of development. Methods. The material in this study consisted of 28 human fetal vermiform appendixes from the 13th to the 23rd week of gestagion. The tissue samples were routinely processed to obtain paraffin blocks, and 5 μm thick tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and with rabbit monoclonal antibody against CD11c antigen and mouse monoclonal antibody against desmin. Results. The first CD11c immunopositive cells appear in the 14th week of development. They are present in the mucosa/submucosa and are interconnected via their cytoplasmic processes. Around these cells, a small number of lymphocytes can be seen. The first lymphoid aggregations appear in the 16th week of development, and lymphocytes are organized around the network made of CD11c immunopositive cells. From the 18th week of development, the lymphoid aggregations are organized in the form of primary lymphoid follicles, containing an extensive network made of CD11c immunopositive cells. Conclusion. CD11c immunopositive cells appear first in the process of primary lymphoid follicle generation and have a role in forming a lattice which will serve as the basis for lymphocyte migration.

Background/Aim. Mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise training on cardiovascular function are well known, but detraining effects on myocardial parameters have not been adequately elucidated. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the occurrence and speed of cardiac adaptation reversibility after the cessation of aerobic exercise and to reveal gender differences in achieved effects of training/detraining. Methods. Fe-male and male Wistar albino rats were divided into the following groups: control, trained, and two detrained groups. Hearts were perfused according to the Langendorff technique and the following cardiodynamic parameters were determined: the maximum and minimum rate of pressure development in the left ventricle (dp/dt max and dp/dt min, respectively), systolic and diastolic left ventricular pressure (SLVP and DLVP, respectively), heart rate (HR), and coronary flow. Results. Training significantly reduced values of dp/dt max, dp/dt min, and SLVP in males and females, and coronary flow in males. Detraining caused a reversion of those changes, which was gender-specific. In females, levels of SLVP were higher after 4 weeks of detraining compred to training, and after 2 weeks of detraining. Values of SLVP were lower in both detraining periods compared to training in males. Males had higher coronary flow after 2 weeks of detraining. Simultaneously, coronary flow was reduced in the 4th week of detraining in females. Conclusion. By using a model of the isolated rat heart, the present study confirmed the existence of training-induced changes in cardiac function. Cessation of training was followed by the loss of those adaptations, faster in males than females.

Background/Aim: Hyperhomocysteinaemia is linked to higher level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in brain, but there is insufficient information on influence of homocysteine (Hcy) and gasotransmitters on cardiac AChE. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of certain gasotransmitter inhibitors in Hcy-induced changes on rat cardiac AChE activity. Methods: Research was performed on 72 male Wistar albino rats distributed into 6 groups: 1) Control group - saline (1 ml 0.9 % NaCl ip); 2) DL-Hcy (8 mmol/kg ip DL homocysteine (DL-Hcy); 3) L-NAME (10 mg/kg ip Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), inhibitor of NO production); 4) DL-PAG (50 mg/kg ip DL-propargylglycine (DL-PAG), inhibitor of H2S production); 5) DL-Hcy+L-NAME (8 mmol/ kg ip DL-Hcy + 10 mg/kg ip L-NAME); and 6) DL-Hcy+DL-PAG (8 mmol/kg ip DL-Hcy + 50 mg/kg ip DL-PAG). All tested substances were administered in a single dose, intraperitoneally, 60 minutes before animals' sacrifice. AChE activity was measured in the rats' cardiac tissue homogenate. Results: Administration of Hcy and L-NAME induced significant decrease in AChE activity compared with control condition. Administration of DL-PAG, DL-Hcy+LNAME and DL-Hcy+DL-PAG did not change AChE activity compared with the control group. Conclusion: The effects of acute Hcy administration on the cardiac AChE activity are partially mediated via interaction with tested gasotransmitters.

Introduction. The occurrence of gastric mucosal ruptures during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is contributed to extensive gastric distention, either due to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or the use of a bag and mask, or inappropriate intubation that may lead to gastric hyperinflation, which then creates gastric distension and further promotes gastric rupture. The presented case suggests that there might be another mechanism – chest compressions during CPR. Case outline. We present a case of an 84-year-old woman who died due to severe chronic ischemic heart disease after unsuccessful resuscitation. The autopsy revealed a presence of several shallow ruptures of gastric mucosa on the lesser curvature, 1–3 cm in length, with surrounding mucosal hemorrhage, and without bleeding in the gastric cavity. Conclusion. Gastric mucosal ruptures could occur due to a combination of two mechanisms: pressure propagation due to chest compression and gastric hyperinflation [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 45005]

The Institute of Forensic Medicine, as part of the University School of Medicine in Belgrade, Serbia, was founded in 1923 by Professor Milovan Milovanović (1884–1948). In addition to several medical textbooks in modern Serbian for medical students, as well as 37 original papers published in Serbian, German, and French medical journals, Professor Milovanović also published a famous monograph entitled “Suicide” in 1929. In 1948, Professor Milovanović himself committed suicide under obscure circumstances. The reason he committed suicide remains unknown. In this paper we tried to reconstruct the way he wrote his monograph using data from his hand-writing manuscripts preserved at the Institute of Forensic Medicine. Also, some new data about his suicide have been exposed. Since 2008, the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Belgrade has been named after Professor Milovan Milovanović.

Background/Aim. There is an increasing number of studies on the existence of systemic oxidative stress in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which is an important mechanism linking OSA and endothelial dysfunction with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Comorbidities must be also considered, especially obesity, as the most important source of oxidative stress independently of OSA. The aim of this paper was to show if OSA severity increases the level of markers of systemic oxidative stress and reduces antioxidant capacity, independently from body mass index (BMI) and nutritional status. Methods. One hundred and twenty-eight patients with OSA were included in the trial. Based on the results of a sleep study-polysomnography, the examinees were divided into two groups according to apnea- hypopnea index (AHI < 15 and AHI ≥ 15). Nutritional status was estimated by using the BMI and body composition. Body composition was determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) whole-body scan. Redox status of patients with OSA was determined by measuring the concentration of NO in plasma and antioxidant capacity was evaluated using the plasma level of reduced glutathione (GSH) as a marker of antioxidant capacity. Results. Significantly higher mean values of NO were found in the group with AHI ≥ 15 in comparison to AHI < 15 group (1.269 ± 0.789 vs. 0.462 ± 0.373 nmol/mL, respectively; p = 0.001), while significantly higher levels of GSH were found in the group with AHI < 15 in comparison to AHI ≥ 15 group (238.08 ± 84.37 vs. 172.77 ± 83.88 mg/mL, respectively; p = 0.04). Independent predictors of plasma GSH level (multivariate regression analysis) were: desaturation index (ODI) [B = - 0.157; 95% confidence intervals (CI): -0.262–0.053], mean SatO2 (B = -4.76; 95% CI: -9.21–0.306) and min SatO2 (B = 0.118; 95% CI: 0.03–0.206). ODI was singled out as an independent predictor of NO concentration in plasma (B = 0.038; 95% CI: 0.011–0.065). No significant statistical difference was found in mean values of BMI and body composition parameters in patients with AHI < 15 and AHI ≥ 15. None of the markers of systemic oxidative stress was associated with BMI and body composition assessment parameters. Conclusion. OSA severity is significantly associated with reduced antioxidant capacity and increased level of systemic oxidative stress. The degree of desaturation during sleep considerably affects systemic oxidative stress in patients with OSA independently from nutritional status and body composition.

From locally adapted sheep and goat breeds in Central Serbia pramenka (with its ecotypes), and Balkan and Serbian white goat are present. These breeds differ by morphological, reproductive and productive traits and their differentiation was affected by specific climatic, hydrological and nutritional conditions. Thanks to that, these breeds are characterized by the wide adaptability, disease resistance, expressed maternal instinct, relatively high fertility and a long productive life-time. The productivity of these genotypes is relatively low, which led to a drastic reduction in the number of head of locally adapted breeds, simultaneously emphasizing the more productive genotypes. These trends led to loss of genetic diversity. The consequence of these practices in sheep and goat farming is that most of the locally adapted races are endangered in different degrees (from high to critically endangered), according to the criteria of the valid Rulebook. Genotypes of sheep and goat observed in this study belong to a group of genetic resources. According to the Institute for animal husbandry's annual report for Central Serbia in 2017, number of heads for most of locally adapted breeds is in slight increase, but still is not satisfactory. Thus, the number of active animals registered in flockbook for sheep and goats by races are 10386 for Svrljig pramenka, 686 Lipa pramenka, Krivovir pramenka 616, Karakachan pramenka 139, Pirot pramenka 124, Bardoka 94 animals, Balkan goat 121 and Serbian white goat 145 animals. The highest values of live body weight (BW) for the lamb were found in the Lipa lambs (BW at birth 3,44 kg, BW after 30 days 11,79 kg and BW at weaning 27,92 kg), and the Serbian white goat's kids (BW at birth 2,56 kg, BW after 30 days 7.68 kg and BW at weaning 16,04 kg). The highest fertility indexes were observed in Svrljig strain (1,28) and the Balkan goats (1,51). The protection and conservation of sheep and goat genetic resources in the Republic of Serbia is still insufficient, although there is a shift in their conservation. However, urgent protection measures must be taken in the form of in situ and ex situ conservation to prevent the loss of genetic resources forever.

Background/Aim. It is well known that continuous engagement in physical activity is important for normal growth and development of children. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), as a measure of functional state of the organism, is largely affected by level of physical activity, but it remains unclear to what extent it can be improved during childhood. The aim of the study was to evaluate dynamics of changes in aerobic capacity, anthropometric and body composition characteristics in active and non-active girls over a period of 3 years. Methods. A total of 48 young girls were included in the study. Girls were divided into 2 groups: training group consisted of 25 girls who played basketball (age 13.84 ± 0.94) and non-training group of 23 girls who were not involved in any organized sports (age 13.83 ± 0.98). Anthropometric and body composition characteristics were measured in order to monitor somatic growth during the study. VO2maxvalues were obtained by performing cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a treadmill. All parameters were measured every 6 months during 3-years period. Results. ANOVA analysis showed a significant time and group interaction effect on VO2max (p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001) and fat percentage (FAT%) (p < 0.01). Also, there was an obvious increase in VO2max within both groups due to growth and development itself (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The main finding of the study was an increase in VO2max due to growth and development. The girls who actively participated in basketball had higher level of aerobic capacity compared to non-active girls. Furthermore, continuous basketball training led to maintaining normal body composition in terms of FAT% and BMI, which altogether may imply that organized physical activity has a positive influence on evaluated characteristics.

On the territory of the Mačva and Braničevo region, reproductive properties for 1902 litters were monitored in 6 pig genotypes: Swedish Landrace (SL), Large White (LW) and crosses - SL x LW, LW x SL, German Landrace (GL) x LW and LW x GL. The following parameters were observed: number of live-born piglets in the litter, number of stillborn piglets in the litter, number of piglets reared per litter, duration of lactation (days), and litter mass at weaning (kg). All sows were reared on medium size and large farms (from 20 to 120 sows). The highest number of live-born piglets was determined for LW genotype (12.39), as well as the highest number of piglets reared per litter (11.32), while the highest number of stillborn piglets was found in sows SL x LW and GL x LW (0.50). The lactation duration was the highest in genotype LW x SL (34 days), while the greatest mass of the litter was determined in sows of the LW genotype - 93.42kg. Observing the region as a factor, it was found that all investigated parameters vary statistically significant (P

Background/Aim. Psammoma bodies (PB) are regarded as benign consequences of ageing in choroid plexus stroma. The aim of this study was to assess the morphometric characteristics of psammoma bodies of all four choroid plexuses during the ageing process. Our intention was to find the possible relations between psammoma bodies and choroid plexus and blood vessels parameters. Methods. This study was conducted on the material taken from 15 cadavers during routine autopsies. Tissue samples were collected from both lateral, third and forth ventricles’ choroid plexus. Slices were stained with Mallory trichrome stains. In each image, we analyzed morphometrically the epithelium, blood vessels present and all the psammoma bodies. Results. With age, right choroid plexus surface density decreases (p < 0.05), while the psammoma bodies volume density increases (p < 0.05). A decrease in the blood vessels volume density was observed in the third ventricle’s choroid plexus (p < 0.05), as well as an age-related decrease in the psammoma bodies perimeter (p < 0.01). Not associated with ageing, the increase in psammoma bodies perimeter and volume density predicts a decrease in choroid plexus surface density (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was a decrease in the volume density of blood vessels with age and with the increase in Feret’s diameter of psammoma bodies, (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion. We want to point out that there is an association between ageing and increased size and volume density of psammoma bodies. More important is the fact that psammoma bodies’ presence and their morphometric characteristics are good predictors of changes occurring on the level of choroid plexus structure and vascularization, which may have crucial effects on the choroid plexus physiology.

Hanging is a form of ligature strangulation in which the force applied to the neck is derived from the gravitational drag of one’s own body weight. A furrow - dessication is the most common form of ligature mark on the skin. The furrow is a postmortem phenomenon due to ligature pressure and it is more detectable as the suspension time becomes longer. Vital reaction is a phenomenon that shows if the injury was premortal. Vital signs could be present at the injury site, thus it is termed as local, but they could also be remote from the injury site, and then they are termed general vital signs. The presence and recognition of any vital reaction in each pathoforensic case indicate vitality of certain injury, which is sometimes exceptionally useful in solving the case under investigation. Although in cases of hanging there is usually no question about the vitality of injury, this does not mean that one should not recognize the type of vital reactions and location of occurrence of these phenomena in such cases. Most often they can be also useful in the reconstruction of the mechanism. This paper presents most common vital reactions in hanging, with explanation of their underlying mechanisms, and their significance in forensic pathology is pointed out. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 45005]

Introduction. The Institute of Forensic Medicine was founded by Professor Milovan Milovanović (1884- 1948) in 1923 as part of School of Medicine of the University of Belgrade, and also established the Institute’s forensic collection worthy of a museum. This paper illustrates the way Professor Milovanović made this collection into a teaching aid for student education. We present a case of crime of passion from the year 1931, from our Institute’s collection. Case Outline. The victim was a 30-year-old woman with multiple stab wounds of the head, neck and arms. It was noted in the case history that the deceased woman was a maid with a wealthy merchant, as well as that she had “dubious morals” for that time, with three wooers at the same time. Injuries to the forearms and the index finger prove that the victim tried to defend herself. In the autopsy record there is a drawn figure of a kitchen knife with a rounded blade tip, which explains the absence of stab wounds to the skull, and the presence of the impression skull fractures and crushed skull bones. It was concluded that the death occurred due to exsanguination, in turn due to transection of the left carotid artery, probably caused by sharp force, while the manner of death was homicide. Some of the most prominent autopsy findings were multiple mutilating overkill sharp force injuries, localized on the head, indicated sexually motivated murder. Conclusion. Combining the museum specimen, diagrams with injuries, drawn figure of the kitchen knife used, and photographs taken during the autopsy and the police investigation, Professor Milovanović was able to properly illustrate this intriguing case to students without a computer or a PowerPoint presentation. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 45005]

Background/Aim. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key modality not only for lesion diagnosis, but also to evaluate the extension, type and grade of the tumor. Advanced MRI techniques provide physiologic information that complements the anatomic information available from conventional MRI. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a correlation between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps of intracranial glial tumors and histopathologic findings and whether ADCs can reliably distinguish lowgrade from high-grade gliomas. Methods. This retrospective study included 25 patients with MRI examination up to seven days before surgery, according to the standard protocol with the following sequences: T1WI, T2WI, FLAIR, DWI and post contrast T1WI. Data obtained from DW MRI were presented by measuring the value of ADC. The ADC map was determined by utilizing Diffusion-Perfusion (DP) Tools software. All the patients underwent surgical resection of the tumor. Histological diagnosis of tumors was determined according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. The ADC values were compared with the histopathologic findings according to the WHO criteria. Results. The ADC values of astrocytomas grades I (0.000614 ± 0.000032 mm2/s) were significantly higher (< 0.001) than the ADC values of anaplastic astrocytomas (0.000436 ± 0.000016 mm2/s) and the ADC values of glioblastomas multiforme (0.000070 ± 0.000008 mm2/s). The ADC values of astrocytomas grades II (0.000530 ± 0.000114 mm2/s) were significantly higher (< 0.001) than the ADC values of anaplastic astrocytomas (0.000436 ± 0.000016 mm2/s) and glioblastomas multiforme (0.000070 ± 0.000008 mm2/s). The ADC values of anaplastic astrocytomas (0.000436 ± 0.000016 mm2/s) were significantly higher (< 0.001) than the ADC values of glioblastomas multiforme (0.000070 ± 0.000008 mm2/s). The ADC values in the cystic part of the tumor for astrocytomas grades I (0.000775 ± 0.000023 mm2/s) were significantly higher (< 0.001) than the ADC values of anaplastic astrocytomas (0.000119 ± 0.000246 mm2/s) and glioblastomas multiforme (0.000076 ± 0.000004 mm2/s). The ADC values astrocytomas grades II (0.000511 ± 0.000421 mm2/s) were significantly higher (< 0.001) than the ADC values of glioblastomas multiforme (0.000076 ± 0.000004 mm2/s). Concluson. DWI with calculation of ADC maps can be regarded as a reliable useful diagnostic tool, which indirectly reflects the proliferation and malignancy of gliomas. The ADCs maps can both predict the results of histopathological tumor and distinguish between low- and high-grade gliomas, and provide significant information for presurgical planning, treatment and prognosis for patients with highgrade astrocytomas.

Introduction. Subendocardial hemorrhages are grossly visible bleedings in the inner surface of the left ventricle, the interventricular septum, and the opposing papillary muscles and adjacent columnae carneae of the free wall of the ventricle. These are commonly seen in sudden profound hypotension either from severe blood loss from “shock” in the widest sense and, even more often, in combination with brain injuries. Case Outline. We present a case of a 38-year-old man, injured as a car driver in a frontal collision, who died c. 45 minutes after the accident. The autopsy revealed severe chest trauma, including multiple right-sided direct rib fractures with the torn parietal pleura and right-sided pneumothorax, several right lung ruptures, and a rupture of one of the lobar bronchi with pneumomediastinum, and prominent subcutaneous emphysema of the trunk, shoulders, neck and face. The patchy subendocardial hemorrhage of the left ventricle was observed. The cause of death is attributed to severe blunt force chest trauma. Conclusion. We postulate pneumomediastinum leading to extrapericardial tamponade as the underlying mechanism of this subendocardial hemorrhage. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 45005]

Introduction. Diseases of the gastrointestinal system, and especially diseases of esophagus, are a rare cause of sudden unexpected death in any age group. Black esophagus is an acute necrotizing inflammation of the mucosa of the lower parts of esophagus, diffusely affecting its entire circumference. This inflammation could be a source of profuse bleeding and cause sudden unexpected death. Case Outline. A case of 76-year-old male was presented herein. He has been treated for hypertension and diabetes for several years. As a consequence of stroke, which happened several months prior to death, he had been hemiplegic and immobilized. He died in hospital, suddenly and unexpectedly. The autopsy showed the acute necrotizing esophagitis, as well as the acute gastric and duodenal erosions of mucosa. These were the causes of fatal blood loss. Conclusion. Acute necrotizing esophagitis should be recognized during autopsy and related to the immediate cause of death as well as to concomitant diseases of other organs, which either potentiate or facilitate presentation of this disease. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 45005]

Introduction. Females who have developed addiction to heroin also abuse it during pregnancy. Heroin can be detected in the fetal blood-flow already an hour after maternal i.v. injection. Heroin metabolites enter the fetal blood-flow through the placental barrier by passive transport. Case Outline. We present a 27-year-old female in the 5th month of pregnancy that had a miscarriage. Chemo-toxicological analysis (gas chromatography with mass spectrometry - GC/MS), showed the presence of morphine in the fetal liver (31.92 ng/g), placenta (27.94 ng/g) and meconium (136.33 ng/g). The analysis did not show the presence of 6-monoacetylmorphine. Conclusion. In all cases when the autopsy of fetus or newborn is performed, with mother suspected as i.v. heroin abuser, chemotoxicological placental analysis, placenta and meconium should be also done. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 45005]

Introduction. Peutz-Jeghers (PJ) syndrome is a rare familial disorder with the autosomal transmission characterized by multiple intestinal polyps, mucocutaneous pigmentation and increased incidence of various malignancies. Some clinical manifestations of PJ syndrome may be associated with the serotonin secretion from the enterochromaffin cells (EC). Objective. Since no data have been reported so far regarding EC cells in PJ polyps, the aim of our study was to quantitatively investigate EC population in hamartomatous intestinal polyps in patients with the PJ syndrome. Methods. The samples of surgically removed PJ polyps from family members with the PJ syndrome were collected during 34-year follow-up period. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of twenty-one PJ polyps were stained with HE, AB-PAS, Van Gieson, Fontana-Masson, FIF and Grimelius. For immuno- histochemical analysis, the following antibodies were used: chromogranin A, serotonin, Ki-67, desmin, vimentin and cytokeratin in order to eliminate differential diagnostic possibilities and to confirm diagnosis of PJ polyps. Results. Strong EC cell hyperplasia was observed within the tissue of the investigated polyps. Statistical analysis demonstrated significantly higher content of EC cells in PJ polyps than in the normal ileal mucosa. Conclusion. Marked hyperplasia of EC cells within the PJ polyps may be the most important contributor to functional disorders in patients with the PJ syndrome. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 175092]

Introduction. Bullet embolism is a special form of embolism, where embolus is either a bullet or its fragment. Bullet penetrates through the injured part of the body into circulation and then travels to a distant part of the body, until it gets blocked in a vessel of the same diameter as the bullet. Case Outline. We are presenting a case of gunshot injury in a 26­year­old male, found unconscious on the passenger seat, with the gunshot injury of the right hand and hemithorax, who died two hours after admission to hospital. Post­mortem X­ray revealed the presence of a metallic foreign body - a bullet, in the level of the left femoral neck. The autopsy revealed entrance and exit gunshot wounds of the upper third of the right upper arm. There was a second entrance gunshot wound, and the bullet passed through the right hemithorax and the right lung, and then through the intervertebral disc between the eighth and ninth thoracic vertebrae, and also making a complete laceration of the wall of the thoracic aorta, in the right posterior semicircumference. The slightly deformed bul­ let, caliber 7.65 mm, was found embedded in the lumen of the vessel at the bifurcation of the deep femoral artery from the left femoral artery. Conclusion. Bullet embolism is a rare complication of gunshot wounds. It should be suspected in any gunshot wound victim without an exit wound, or the lack of a missile in the bullet pathway, or if there are premortem signs or symptoms unexpected for the presumed pathway of the bullet, such as distant ischemia or infection. In these cases, some of postmortem imaging techniques should be used to save time in diagnosis, treatment and at autopsy.

Forensic pathologists sometimes need to determine seating positions of automobile occupants after road traffic accidents as accurately as possible. That could be of essential significance particularly in regard to the question of guilt both in the criminal and civil law. So far, medical surveys have implied the specific injury which would undoubtedly point at the allocation of the seating positions of fatally injured car occupant. Some of the injuries could occur by both direct and indirect force action. Same type of injury of the specific body region in both drivers and front seat passengers could occur by different mechanism and in different phases of the accident. Sometimes neither the order of injury occurrence remains unclear, nor whether some of the injuries are post­mortal. What makes it even harder is the fact that same body regions, i.e. head and thorax, are most affected in both drivers and front seat passengers, and that these injuries are often fatal. Even if the victim survives the accident for some time and later dies in hospital, the possibility of accident reconstruction and determination of car occupants seating position at the moment of accident declines with the time length of survival period. Examining the victims’ clothes, searching for biological traces, technical expert inspection of the vehicle, traffic expert analysis of the site, enables adequate reconstruction of the traffic accident. All this implies that in such cases the knowledge of underlying mechanism of car occupants’ injury is insufficient, and that a close cooperation between forensic pathologists and the team of other forensic technical experts is necessary. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 45005]

Anatomically, brainstem is constituted of medulla oblongata, pons and mesencephalon. Traumatic lesions of brainstem most commonly occur on pontomedullary junction. There are several possible mechanisms of pontomedullary lacerations. The first mechanism includes impact to the chin, with or without a skull base fracture, and most often leads to this fatal injury, due to impact force transmission through the jawbone and temporomandibular joint. The second mechanism includes lateral and posterior head impacts with subsequent hinge fractures, where occurrence of pontomedullary lacerations in these cases may depend on the energy of impact, as well as on the exact position of the fracture line, but less so on the head’s movement. The third mechanism includes frontoposterior hyperextension of the head, due to frontal impact, concomitant with fractures or dislocations of upper spine. In the fourth mechanism, there is an absence of direct impact to the head, due to the indirect force of action after feet or buttocks­first impact. Most of these cases are accompanied by ring fractures as well. In situations such as these, the impact force is transmitted up the spinal column and upper vertebrae, and telescopically intruded into the skull, causing brainstem laceration. The jawbone and other facial bones can act as shock absorbers, and their fracture could diminish the energy transfer towards the skull and protect the brain and brainstem from injury. In all the cases with pontomedullary laceration posterior neck dissection should be performed during the autopsy, since upper spine injuries are often associated with this type of injury. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 45005]

Introduction. In forensic autopsy, pathologists are not particularly interested in the anatomical morphological variations of the skull bones, especially if those variations are not very frequent. Foramina parietalia permagna are developmental benign anomalies resulting from large ossification defects of the parietal bone. Case Outline. Herein was presented a case of 80-year-old female, whose autopsy revealed congenital defect of parietal bones - enlarged parietal foramina. These defects were capped by a fibrous membrane and covered by normal scalp. This condition was completely asymptomatic. Despite the fact that the deceased was very old, the giant parietal foramina were recognized. Conclusion. The forensic pathologist must know how to recognize morphological variations of the skull bones, such as foramina parietalia permagna despite their rare occurrence. This benign anomaly could be associated with anomalies of cerebral venous development and cortical infolding, or asymptomatic as in the presented case. This anomaly of parietal bones could be a useful tool in the identification of forensic cases. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 45005]

Introduction. Hanging usually ends in death, and about 80% of victims are found dead at the scene of the hanging. However, sometimes the hanging victims overlive for some time, and sometimes even survive the hanging. Objective. The aim was to determine the causes of death in nearhanging cases, in people who have been outliving hanging for some time, to explain the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to death, and to identify prognostic factors for this outcome. Methods. Retrospective autopsy study was performed for a twelve-year period. There were only seven cases of near hanging. The sample was analyzed according to gender, age, circumstances of death, and autopsy findings of all observed subjects. The relevant data were collected from autopsy records, police reports and heteroanamnestic interviews. Results. The sample consisted of five men and two women, average age 48.3±19.9 years (29-81 years). The average outliving period was 3.8±2.6 days (from 7 hours to 7 days). Six people were admitted to hospital in the state of deep coma. In six cases cardiopulmonary arrest occurred after the hanging attempt and all were reanimated for a shorter or longer time until admission at hospital. Conclusion. Survival after attempted suicide by hanging occurs extremely rarely. In all the cases, the immediate cause of death after attempted hanging was ischemic brain injury, with a significant and pronounced oedema. In all the cases observed, regardless of the presence or absence of injuries of soft and hard structures of the neck, there was a ligature mark on the neck skin. Acute hemorrhagic gastritis with melaena was present in a significant number of reported cases of near-hanging.

Introduction. Lethal exanguination due to haemorrhage from ruptured peripheral varicose veins of the lower leg usually in the elderly are exceptionally rare in clinical, and particularly in forensic medicine. In persons with varicosities there are two types of lower leg ulcers (acute perforated and chronic) that can be associated with spontaneous bleeding. Ulcer exanguination can occur spontaneously or after a minor injury. Injuries in the ulcer region are rarer. Case Outline. We present a case of fatal exsanguination due to a ruptured varicose vein in a 77-year-old woman. The body was found on the porch floor, beside a sink, lying on the back, with bent knees, so that the lower legs were almost in the standing position, with the feet in a pool of blood. The entire interior of the house floor was covered with various bloodstains; blood-drops in form of spilling and spattering, foot-prints, as well as larger pools of blood. Death was attributed to massive external haemorrhage due to the acute perforated ulcer of the right lower leg with the rupture of the varicose vein wall surface along the entire depth. Conclusion. Although death due to haemorrhage from ruptured peripheral varicose veins is an uncommon complication of this disease, it should be taken into consideration by the forensic medicine examiner. In such cases autopsy should determine both the origin of bleeding (varicosities and venous wall damage) and other underlying conditions, primarily ischemic cardiac disease. To resolve such cases, full cooperation with investigators and police is necessary.

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Introduction. In forensic autopsy, pathologists pay attention to skull fracture lines. They are not much interested in the anatomical morphological variations of the skull bones, as long as the variations are not present. The interparietal bone is one of the anatomical variations that could be of interest for forensic pathologists. Case Outline. We present a case of a 54-year-old man who, after a fall overlived a head injury for six weeks. By chance, autopsy revealed an undivided interparietal bone. Its lateral sutures were fused with parietal bones and unrecognizable from the anterior skull bones, while the sutura mendosa was clearly visible. Conclusion. The forensic pathologist should be able to recognize anatomic morphological variations, including those of skull bones. The interparietal bone could be interpreted wrongly as belonging to the fractured occipital bone, i.e. as a broken fragment. This is of particular significance in the cases, for example, of murder or child abuse. Its inferior suture can be seen by X-ray and possibly wrongly interpreted as a fracture line. The presence of this variation may be occasionally useful in the identification of an unknown or lost person.

Introduction The term complex suicide refers to suicides in which multiple suicidal methods are utilized, as opposed to simple suicide successfully done after one attempt. In planned complex suicides two or more methods are employed simultaneously in order to make sure that death will occur after failure of previous attempt. In unplanned complex suicides, several other methods of suicide tried after the first chosen method either failed or was too painful. Outline of Cases We report two cases of unplanned complex suicides. The first case was a female who first tried to commit suicide by cutting the wrists, and then hanged herself. In the other case, a male first tried to commit suicide by stubbing his chest with a knife, and then jumped into a well and drowned himself. In both reported cases the second, successful suicidal method was of higher lethality score. Conclusion From the forensic point of view, the presence of several injuries of different origin strongly suggests infliction by other person. The event could be reconstructed, based on autopsy findings and traces found at the scene. .

Introduction. Sudden natural death occurs unexpectedly in apparently healthy subjects, or in persons during an apparent benign phase in the course of disease. The most common cause is sudden cardiac death, which is sometimes the first and last manifestation of coronary heart disease. Alcohol directly influences excitation of myocytes, and therefore provokes arrhythmias and possibly, sudden cardiac death. Objective. To establish the frequency of sudden cardiac death in cases of acute alcohol intoxication, to determine blood alcohol concentration at the moment of death, and to determine frequency and level of ethanol intoxication in chronic alcohol abusers, as well as causes of sudden death in those cases. Method. Retrospective autopsy study was performed for a three-year-period. We analyzed cases of sudden natural death, in relation to age and gender, cause of death, and blood alcohol concentration (at least 0.5 g/L). We considered the person to be a chronic alcoholic abuser if gross examination of organs during autopsy showed changes typical for excessive and habitual alcohol consumption. Results. Our sample consisted of 997 cases: 720 men and 277 women, average age 62.0±15.2 years (min=11; max=98). Total of 753 of them died of sudden cardiac death: much more men (χ2=167.364; p=0.000), significantly younger than women (t=6.203; p=0.000). We determined acute alcohol intoxication in 73 persons - average blood alcohol concentration 1.85±1.01 g/L (min=0.55; max=3.85), and 61 of them died of cardiovascular diseases (χ2=236.781; df=5; p=0.000). Conclusion. In our observed sample, not many persons were under acute alcohol intoxication (around 7%). Most commonly, they were chronic alcohol abusers who died due to exacerbation of chronic heart disease, mildly or moderately intoxicated - the younger, the drunker.

Introduction. The body cooling process goes through few clinical phases. These are followed by some morphological thanatological changes such as frost erythema and Wischnewsky's spots, which are used in diagnosis of death due to hypothermia. In such cases there is no any specific autopsy finding. Objective. To establish the frequency of hypothermia as the cause of death for a ten-year-period, and to analyze the sample according to gender and age, risk factors and autopsy findings of subjects. Methods. A retrospective autopsy study was performed for a ten-year-period (total of 12,765 forensic autopsies). The relevant data were collected from autopsy records, police reports and heteroanamnestic interviews. The sample was analyzed according to gender, age, scene of death, blood alcohol concentration, risk factors, and autopsy findings of all observed subjects. Results. The sample included 67 subjects, 42 males and 25 females (χ2=4.31; p

Introduction. Currently, in our country (Republic of Serbia) tetanus is a rarely occurring disease, mainly affecting people older than 65 years of age. A small number of reported cases is mainly due to appropriate immunization. Therefore, each case of tetanus may be considered as failure of health care system to provide adequate immunization. Case outline. A 71-year-old woman was injured in her garden. She sustained laceration in the left coccygeal region. The next day the wound was treated by a surgeon, but tetanus postexposure prophylaxis was not administrated. On the fifth day following the incident, the symptoms and signs of tetanus became apparent, and the patient died two days later. Postmortem examination revealed the wound that was not adequately treated, since there was a foreign body and a dressing inserted in the wound. Signs of acute (aerobic) infection were also present. Conclusion. Tetanus is a severe, potentially lethal disease that is absolutely preventable. Mistakes in immunization and surgical treatment of the wound can be considered as medical malpractice.

Background/Aim. Oxidative stress is a state of disturbed balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) on the one hand, and antioxidative defense on the other. As a result of oxidative stress we have irreversible changes in cell function leading to pathological tissue changes, development of many diseases and fast aging process. Increased consumption of oxygen during exercise could be the cause of oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to establish oxidative status of elite karate athletes in the state of rest and after the loading, monitoring the parameters of oxidative stress and components of antioxidative defense in a treaining process. Methods. During training process, a group of 30 elite karate athletes was included in the study of prevalence. They were males, from 16 to 30 years of age. The examination was conducted both in resting condition and after the loading. Oxidative status was determined by the level of superoxide anion radical (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as prooxidants, and enzymes of the antioxidant defanse system: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Results. There was a homogenous group of young athletes of normal weight and fats percentage. A significant decrease of O·2- after the load was founded, while the levels of H2O2 was significantly increased. Activity of SOD was not significantly changed after exsercise while that of CAT was significantly increased. Conclusion. In the long run a programmed physical exercise does not lead to oxidative stress, but an excessive physical load may cause its occurrence.

Background/Aim. Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most frequent anomaly of the small intestine. It appears after incomplete obliteration of the omphalomesenteric or viteline duct which normally obliterates and disappears by the 9th week of gestation. The majority of MD do not give rise to any clinical symptoms and are encounted either incidentally, at examination or intervention, or due to complications which may occur (obstruction, hemorrhagy, rupture), and are described in many clinical reports. The aim of the study was to find out the incidence of MD in fetuses when the development of the alimentary tract is already finished. Methods. The investigation was performed on 150 human fetuses of different sex and gastational age, using microdissection method. The cases with MD were photographed, described, their positions and dimensions were registered. The samples of MD taken for histological investigation were dyed with hematoksilin eosin method. Results. Meckel's diverticulum was found in five fetuses (three male and two female); in one case the fibrous band was found. All of them were located on animesenteric margine of the small intestine at the average distance of 92.5 mm from the ileocecal junction. They were of different shape and dimensions, but of the normal constitution of the small intestine. Conclusion. The incidence of MD was 3.3%, and 4% of all the anomalies of the intestines connected to the disappearance of the viteline duct. It was more frequent in the male, located on antimesenteric margine of the small intestine, at the destination which highly correlated to the age of the fetus. Meckel's diverticule were of different shapes and dimensions but of the typical constitution of the small intestine. .

Background/Aim. Considering available literature lipofuscin is a classical age pigment of postmitotic cells, and a consistently recognized phenomenon in humans and animals. Lipofuscin accumulation is characteristic for nerve cells that are postmitotic. This research was focused on lipofuscin accumulation in ganglionic cells (GC) (postganglionic sympathetic cell bodies) of superior cervical ganglion in humans during ageing. Methods. We analysed 30 ganglions from cadavers ranging from 20 to over 80 years of age. As material the tissue samples were used from the middle portion of the ganglion, which was separated from the surrounding tissue by the method of macrodissection. The tissue samples were routinely fixed in 10% neutral formalin and embedded in paraffin for classical histological analysis, then three consecutive (successive) sections 5 μm thick were made and stained with hematoxylin and eosin method (HE), silver impregnation technique by Masson Fontana and trichrome stain by Florantin. Results. Immersion microscopy was used to analyse patterns of lipofuscin accumulation during ageing making possible to distinguish diffuse type (lipofuscin granules were irregularly distributed and non-confluent), unipolar type (lipofuscin granules were grouped at the end of the cell), bipolar type (lipofuscin granules were concentrated at the two opposite ends of a cell with the nucleus in between at the center of a cell), annular type (lipofuscin granules were in the shape of a complete or incomplete ring around the nucleus) and a cell completely filled with lipofuscin (two subtypes distinguishing, one with visible a nucleus, and the other with invisible one). Even at the age of 20 there were cells with lipofuscin granules accumulated in diffuse way, but in smaller numbers; the GC without lipofuscin were dominant. Growing older, especially above 60 years, all of the above mentioned patterns of lipofuscin accumulation were present with the evident increase in cells completely filled with lipofuscin, but cells without lipofuscin were also present even in the oldest persons. Conclusion. Lipofuscin is present in all periods of ageing with a different intensity of accumulation. GC without the pigment, diffusely distributed, as well as very rare cells with a unipolar type of lipofuscin distribution are characteristic for the age of 20- 60 years. In the age above 60 years, except the cells without pigment and diffuse accumulation type, there are also bipolar and annular types and forms in which cells are completely filled with lipofuscin granules.

Introduction Volatiles are easily accessible and widely used in a form of liquid petroleum gas. Death as a consequence of inhalation of volatiles can be either accidental or suicidal. Case Outline We present a 62-year-old men who committed suicide by placing a plastic bag over the head and inhaling propane-butane mixture from a domestic gas tank. A rubber hose was attached to the tank valve and connected with the plastic bag. The body of the deceased showed signs of advanced postmortal changes. A suicidal note was found at the scene. Conclusion Propane-butane mixture, i.e. liquified petroleum gas leads to the depletion of oxygen in the air consequently causing hypoxia and anoxia, and therefore, unconsciousness and eventual death. The mechanisms of death in cases of volatile inhalation include cardiac arrhythmias, reflex cardiac vagal inhibition, and/or central nervous system depression. Similar mechanisms occur in cases of asphyxiation with a plastic bag. The reconstruction of the event in this case was based, not so much on autopsy findings (because of significant putrefaction changes), but on the police investigation and traces found at the scene. .