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To estimate the effectiveness and efficiency of chest CT in children based on the suspected diagnosis in relation to the number of positive, negative, and inconclusive CT results.In this monocentric retrospective study at a university hospital with a division of pediatric radiology, 2019 chest CT examinations (973 patients; median age: 10.5 years; range: 2 days to 17.9 years) were analyzed with regards to clinical data, including the referring department, primary questions or suspected diagnosis, and CT findings. It was identified if the clinical question was answered, whether the suspected diagnosis was confirmed or ruled out, and if additional findings (clinically significant or minor) were detected.The largest clinical subgroup was the hematooncological subgroup (n = 987), with frequent questions for inflammation/pneumonia (66 % in this subgroup). Overall, CT provided conclusive results in 97.6 % of all scans. In 1380 scans (70 %), the suspected diagnosis was confirmed. In 406/2019 cases (20 %), the CT scan was negative also in terms of an additional finding. In 8 of 9 clinical categories, the proportion of positive results was over 50 %. There were predominantly negative results (110/179; 61 %) in pre-stem cell transplant evaluation. In the subgroup of trauma management, 81/144 exams (57 %) showed positive results, including combined injuries (n = 23). 222/396 (56 %) of all additional findings were estimated to be clinically significant.In a specialized center, the effectiveness of pediatric chest CT was excellent when counting the conclusive results. However, to improve efficiency, the clinical evaluation before imaging appears crucial to prevent unnecessary CT examinations.· Pediatric chest CT in specialized centers has a high diagnostic value.. · CT identifies relevant changes besides the working hypothesis in clinically complex situations.. · Pre-CT clinical evaluation is crucial, especially in the context of suspected pneumonia..· Esser M, Tsiflikas I, Kraus MS et al. Effectiveness of Chest CT in Children: CT Findings in Relation to the Clinical Question. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; 194: 281 - 290.ZIEL: Abschätzung der klinischen Wertigkeit der Thorax-CT bei Kindern auf Grundlage der Verdachtsdiagnose und positiven, negativen und inkonklusiven CT-Befunde.In dieser retrospektiven monozentrischen Studie an einer Universitätsklinik mit Abteilung für Kinderradiologie wurden 2019 Thorax-CTs (973 Patienten; Altersmedian 10,5 Jahre; Spannweite: 2 Tage bis 17,9 Jahre) hinsichtlich klinischer Daten analysiert, einschließlich Zuweiserinformationen, primärer Fragestellungen oder Verdachtsdiagnosen und CT-Befunde. Es wurde festgehalten, ob die klinische Fragestellung beantwortet wurde, ob die Verdachtsdiagnose bestätigt oder ausgeschlossen wurde und ob Nebenbefunde (klinisch signifikant oder irrelevant) festgestellt wurden.Die größte klinische Untergruppe bestand aus hämatoonkologischen Fällen (n = 987) mit häufiger Fragestellung eines pulmonalen Infektfokus (66 % in dieser Gruppe). Insgesamt lieferte die CT in 97,6 % aller CTs konklusive Resultate. In 1380 CTs (70 %) wurde die Verdachtsdiagnose bestätigt. In 406/2019 Fällen (20 %) wurde weder ein primärer Befund noch ein Nebenbefund festgestellt. In 8 von 9 klinischen Kategorien war der Anteil der positiven Ergebnisse über 50 %. Vorwiegend negative Ergebnisse (110/179; 61 %) traten bei Patienten vor Stammzelltransplantation auf. In der Gruppe der Traumapatienten lieferten 81/144 der Untersuchungen (57 %) positive Ergebnisse, einschließlich mehrerer kombinierter Verletzungen (n = 23). 222/396 aller Nebenbefunde (56 %) wurden als klinisch relevant eingestuft.Die pädiatrische Thorax-CT in spezialisierten Zentren hat eine hohe diagnostische Aussagekraft im Hinblick auf konklusive Untersuchungsergebnisse. Zur Verbesserung der Effizienz der Methode und Prävention unnötiger CT-Untersuchungen ist die klinische Beurteilung prä-CT entscheidend.· Die pädiatrische Thorax-CT in spezialisierten Zentren hat eine hohe diagnostische Aussagekraft.. · Die CT kann in klinisch komplexen Situationen relevante Veränderungen neben der Arbeitshypothese erkennen.. · Die klinische Beurteilung prä-CT ist unentbehrlich, insbesondere bei Verdacht auf eine Pneumonie..

Editorial introduction to the thematic issue 'Grassroots responses to mass migration in Europe'

Collection of touch DNA from an offender on the victim's skin can provide relevant evidence for investigations of criminal cases. Therefore, the choice of the optimal sample collection method is crucial. In this study, we investigated the recovery of STR profiles from touch DNA on human skin by comparing nine different collection methods: the dry and wet cotton swabs in three different movements, the double-swab (wet-dry) method, the wet and dry Copan FLOQSwabs™, and the Scene Safe FAST™ minitapes. Mock assault scenarios were conducted with a male offender grasping the forearms of a female victim. Samples were collected from the assaulted area of the victim's skin, and the recovery of the offender's STR profile was evaluated. Our results indicate that the different swabs and swabbing techniques did not have a distinct impact on the STR recovery; however, the lowest STR recovery was achieved with Scene Safe FAST™ minitapes. In addition, we compared the double-swab method to the single-swab method by analyzing the DNA quantity of the wet and dry swabs separately. We found on average 13.7% more offender DNA using the double-swab method, but this did not translate into higher STR recovery. Our findings indicate that several methods perform equally well when collecting touch DNA from human skin, although SceneSafe FAST™ minitapes seem to be the least adequate for this purpose.

The most discriminating method that is currently applied in routine forensic elemental analysis of glass is laser ablation in combination with quadrupole or sector field based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) following the standard method ASTM E2927-16E1. Due to the sequential measurement method, sample size constraints of approximately 400 μm × 200 μm × 100 μm with six individual measurements have been reported to provide optimum parameters for glass discrimination. The necessary sample size is given by the spot size, number of laser pulses per replicate and number of replicate measurements. In this study, a single-pulse laser ablation inductively coupled plasma time of flight mass spectrometry (Single-Pulse LA-ICP-TOFMS) method was developed and applied for the matching and mismatching of forensic float glass evidence. 110 laser pulses with an ablation spot diameter of 90 μm were applied to float glass fragments of a size below 400 μm in diameter. 18 elements were quantified from each individual laser pulse in order to compare the corresponding concentrations between various glass fragments. In contrast to previous work, a modified 5-sigma criterion was used to successfully match fragments from the same source and mismatch fragments from differing sources. The data set generated within this study demonstrates new capabilities when using quasi simultaneous signal detection and reduced the necessary sample volume from 400 μm × 200 μm × 100 μm to 100 μm × 100 μm × 33 μm, which corresponds to a reduction in sample material from 20 μg to 0.8 μg. The proof of concept is shown for the application of a single-pulse based method for glass fragment analysis in a forensic context, which would allow the measurement of smaller fragments than previously possible., Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 35 (10), ISSN:0267-9477, ISSN:1364-5544

To analyze possible influencing factors on radiation exposure in pediatric chest CT using different approaches for radiation dose optimization and to determine major indicators for dose development. In this retrospective study at a clinic with maximum care facilities including pediatric radiology, 1695 chest CT examinations in 768 patients (median age: 10 years; range: 2 days to 17.9 years) were analyzed. Volume CT dose indices, effective dose, size-specific dose estimate, automatic dose modulation (AEC), and high-pitch protocols (pitch ≥ 3.0) were evaluated by univariate analysis. The image quality of low-dose examinations was compared to higher dose protocols by non-inferiority testing. Median dose-specific values annually decreased by an average of 12 %. High-pitch mode (n = 414) resulted in lower dose parameters (p 0.001). In unenhanced CT, AEC delivered higher dose values compared to scans with fixed parameters (p 0.001). In contrast-enhanced CT, the use of AEC yielded a significantly lower radiation dose only in patients older than 16 years (p = 0.04). In the age group 6 to 15 years, the values were higher (p 0.001). The diagnostic image quality of low-dose scans was non-inferior to high-dose scans (2.18 vs. 2.14). Radiation dose of chest CT was reduced without loss of image quality in the last decade. High-pitch scanning was an independent factor in this context. Dose reduction by AEC was limited and only relevant for patients over 16 years.· The radiation dose of pediatric chest CT was reduced in the last decade.. · High-pitch scanning is an independent factor of dose optimization.. · Dose reduction by AEC is limited and only relevant for older children..· Esser M, Hess S, Teufel M et al. Radiation Dose Optimization in Pediatric Chest CT: Major Indicators of Dose Exposure in 1695 CT Scans over Seven Years. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2018; 190: 1131 - 1140.ZIEL: Analyse möglicher Einflussfaktoren auf die Strahlenexposition bei der Thorax-CT des Kindes unter Anwendung verschiedener Methoden der Dosisoptimierung und Bestimmung von Kenngrößen für die Dosisentwicklung. In dieser retrospektiven Studie an einer Klinik der Maximalversorgung einschließlich einer Abteilung für Kinderradiologie wurden 1695 Thorax-CTs von 768 Patienten (mittleres Alter, 10 Jahre; Spannweite, zwei Tage bis 17,9 Jahre) analysiert. Volumen-CT-Dosisindex, effektive Dosis und size-specific dose estimate, automatische Dosismodulation (AEC), sowie High-Pitch-Protokolle (Pitch ≥ 3,0) wurden mittels univariater Analyse ausgewertet. Die Bildqualität von Niedrigdosis-Untersuchungen wurde zu Protokollen mit höherer Dosis mittels „Non-Inferiority“-Analyse verglichen. Die medianen Dosiswerte sanken pro Jahr um durchschnittlich 12 %. Untersuchungen mit High-Pitch-Modus (n = 414) lieferten geringere Dosiswerte (p 0,001). In nativen Untersuchungen mit AEC ergaben sich höhere Dosiswerte im Vergleich zu Untersuchungen mit manuell festgelegten Parametern (p 0,001). In kontrastangehobenen CTs erzielte die AEC nur bei Patienten über 16 Jahren signifikant niedrigere Dosiswerte (p = 0,04). Im Alter von 6 bis 15 Jahren waren die Dosiswerte mit AEC höher (p 0,001). Die diagnostische Bildqualität von Niedrigdosis-Untersuchungen war den CTs mit höherer Dosis nicht unterlegen (2,18 vs. 2,14). Im letzen Jahrzehnt wurden die Dosiswerte der Thorax-CT ohne Verlust der Bildqualität reduziert. High-Pitch-Protokolle sind in diesem Zusammenhang ein unabhängiger Einflussfaktor. Die Dosisreduktion mittels AEC war beschränkt und nur für Patienten über 16 Jahren relevant.· Im letzten Jahrzehnt konnte die Strahlendosis der Thorax-CT bei Kindern reduziert werden.. · Die Untersuchung mit hohen Pitch-Werten ist ein unabhängiger Faktor der Dosisoptimierung.. · Die Dosisreduktion der AEC ist beschränkt und nur für ältere Kinder relevant..

Against the background of our recent ethnographic research project on the European border regime in South-East Europe in 2016, the article calls for a re-visiting of established paradigms and approaches in border studies. The article assesses established theoretical conceptualisations of border studies, such as securitisation, externalisation, digitalisation, but also internal mobility regimes and humanitarian rationales. Focussing especially on the vast encampment within Europe, the inner-European buffer zoning, shifting legal foundations as well as new infrastructures of migration control, the authors argue for an extension of theoretical and methodological perspectives of border studies by drawing on insights from legal anthropology and camp and infrastructural studies.

Molecular analysis of the RNA transcriptome from a putative tissue fragment should permit assignment to a specific organ since each tissue will exhibit a unique pattern of gene expression. Determination of the organ source of tissues from crime scenes may aid in shooting and stabbing investigations. We have developed a new prototype massively parallel sequencing (MPS) mRNA profiling assay for organ tissue identification, designed to definitively identify 13 organ/tissue types using a targeted panel of 48 mRNA biomarkers. The identifiable organs and tissues include brain, spinal cord, lung, trachea, liver, skeletal muscle, heart, kidney, adipose, intestine, stomach, skin and spleen. The biomarkers were chosen after iterative specificity testing of numerous candidate genes in various tissue types. The assay is very specific with little cross reactivity with non-targeted tissue, and can detect RNA mixtures from different tissues, including two- to five-tissue admixtures. The sensitivity of the assay was evaluated as well as assay reproducibility between library preparations and sequencing runs. We also demonstrate the ability of the assay to successfully identify the tissue source of origin in cadaver samples, tissue samples with varying post mortem intervals (PMI) and mock and bona fide casework samples. We are using the data to train a multivariate statistical model that predicts the tissue type based on the mRNA profile. By considering co-expression of markers the model can recognize distinct expression patterns in each tissue.

Trace DNA is often found in forensic science investigations. Experience has shown that it is difficult to retrieve a DNA profile when trace DNA is collected from clothing. The aim of this study was to compare four different DNA collection techniques on six different types of clothing in order to determine the best trace DNA recovery method. The classical stain recovery technique using a wet cotton swab was tested against dry swabbing, scraping and a new method, referred to as the mini-tape lifting technique. Physical contact was simulated with three different "perpetrators" on 18 machine-washed garments. DNA was collected with the four different DNA recovery methods and subjected to standard PCR-based DNA profiling. The comparison of STR results showed best results for the mini-tape lifting and scraping methods independent of the type of clothing. The new mini-tape lifting technique proved to be an easy and reliable DNA collection method for textiles.

Thousands of migrants and refugees were literally ripping down the fences of the European border regime and were demanding the right to cross the borders of Europe. They camped wherever, jumped on ferries and trains, and if security agents got in their way, they marched hundreds of kilometres to the next national border and protested over their right to proceed. Although migrant resistance is often practised individually, it is nevertheless embedded in the social networks of transit migration, drawing on the wisdom and collective knowledge of diasporic border-crossing communities, which Asef Bayat describes as ‘nonmovement’. In international border studies, the relationship between migration and the border is often understood in a way in which migrants as a social group, movement, or network have practically no agency at all. In this way, researchers contribute to the epistemological reproduction of the structural dominance of migration control devices.

Der Artikel stellt die vor allem in der angloamerikanischen Literatur virulente Urban-Citizenship-Debatte ausführlich vor und diskutiert deren Potenziale für die kritische Stadt- und Migrationsforschung. Der Ansatz wird als besonders innovativ eingeschätzt, da er einerseits die Perspektive des städtischen Regierens der Migration aufwirft und dabei gleichzeitig in der Lage ist, migrantische Akteure und migrantische agency jenseits ethnisierender und kulturalistischer Paradigmen zu thematisieren. Im Kontext neoliberaler Subjektivierungspolitiken in der Stadt setzt sich der Artikel darüber hinaus mit der Prozess- und Konflikthaftigkeit von Citizenship-Dynamiken auseinander sowie mit zunehmenden Fragmentierungsprozessen, die zu neuen städtischen Akteurskonstellationen führen.

Was this group of target fibers transferred during a criminal action? Is it possible that it was transferred during another legitimate activity? Acquiring knowledge about the activity, whether legitimate or criminal, leading to the transfer of a group of fibers is a recurring challenge encountered throughout the evidence interpretation process. Trace evidence such as fibers may assist with generating a reasoning of the activity which produced the trace, but this assumes that one already has a thorough understanding of the transfer phenomenon. How to generate and then use such relevant knowledge? What are the influencing parameters and which ones should (or can) be controlled? The present work focuses on homicides by smothering using a pillow and the transfer of fibers on the face of the victim in such events. A legitimate activity – represented by a night’s sleep on a pillow – was also investigated since such legitimate, alternative explanations concerning the presence of fibers could likely be formulated by the suspect. The number and distribution of fibers transferred onto the victim’s face in either scenario were investigated and interpreted using a Bayesian approach. Results showed that the shedding capacity of the pillowcase strongly impact the number of fibers recovered. The nature of the action, modus operandi and amount of friction could not be excluded in their influence on the transfer of fibers. Finally, likelihood ratios indicating the number of fibers recovered from the victim’s face can provide relevant information by supporting either criminal or legitimate proposition (i.e., smothering or night’s sleep scenario).

Against the background of the research project TRANSIT MIGRATION (2002–2004) on migration regimes in Turkey, Greece and the Balkan region the article will discuss new processes of zoning and fragmentation of citizenship rights at the fringes of Europe. By analyzing diverse practices of “transit migration” the article can show how the new Europeanised border regime does not totally stop migration. The text rather demonstrates how the deterritorialised and stretched border regime produces, in its course of struggling with migrants’ subjectivities and projects, something like “precarious transit zones”.

Against the background of the research project entitled ‘Transit Migration’ (2002–2004), on migration regimes in Turkey, Greece and the Balkan region, the article will discuss methodological and conceptual problems and challenges of qualitative studies of transit migration. By analysing diverse practices and conditions of ‘transit migrations’ the article will argue against attempts to qualitatively define the phenomena. Rather, it suggests applying the concept of ‘precarious transit zone’ in order to grasp the complexity, unsteadiness, and multi-directionality of many migrational ‘transit-biographies’. On an ethnographic level the concept of ‘transit zone’ allows a consideration of different figures of transit migrants from those in the traditional sense of the term, visa-overstayers or rejected asylum seekers transiting diverse countries on their way forward and increasingly also on their difficult way back to their countries of origin as well as the increasing number of migrants ‘stuck in mobility’. Moreover, the concept urges migration research to adopt an ‘ethnographic regime approach’, which implies a multi-dimensional research design. It combines ethnographic research with discourse analyses and an analytical focus on the macro level. This shows that transit migration is not only shaped by migration related policies by the EU, nation-states and international/ intergovernmental organisations, but it is shaped by ‘economies of transit’. Additionally an ethnographic regime approach also analyses the impact of academic research itself in re-constructing categories used by the governing bodies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

“New Keywords: Migration and Borders” is a collaborative writing project aimed at developing a nexus of terms and concepts that fill-out the contemporary problematic of migration. It moves beyond traditional and critical migration studies by building on cultural studies and post-colonial analyses, and by drawing on a diverse set of longstanding author engagements with migrant movements. The paper is organized in four parts (i) Introduction, (ii) Migration, Knowledge, Politics, (iii) Bordering, and (iv) Migrant Space/Times. The keywords on which we focus are: Migration/Migration Studies; Militant Investigation; Counter-mapping; Border Spectacle; Border Regime; Politics of Protection; Externalization; Migrant Labour; Differential inclusion/exclusion; Migrant struggles; and Subjectivity.

Knives are among the weapons most frequently involved in criminal cases. They represent the most encountered category of weapons in Swiss homicide cases (completed and attempted homicides considered) and are also frequently employed in assault cases, notably bodily injuries. Whenever a knife is involved in a stabbing event, DNA and fingerprints may be sought. When garments are damaged, fibres can also be investigated. Fibres from the victim's garments might transfer onto the blade of the knife used in the assault and can thus provide useful information to determine whether a particular weapon could have be used to stab the victim. This study simulates vertical stabbings into garments with the use of a special holding device. Different types of knives and blades straight or serrated were used as weapons. Two garments presenting different shedding capacities and garment structures were also considered for the simulations. The distribution of fibres transferred onto the blade (number and position) was recorded for each simulation performed. Sequences of stabbings into the two garments were also carried out to assess whether the order of the stabs could be determined. Several parameters were considered, notably the distribution of fibres transferred onto the blade. The transfer of fibres inside the stab damage ballistic soap was used in this study and on the area near the second damage was also investigated. This study provides new insight into the interpretation of fibres transferred onto knives after a single stab or a sequence of stabbings and into determining the stabbing sequence. Finally, the study brings some guidelines for the search and recovery of fibres on the crime scene and on the blades of knives.

For centuries social and cultural science studies have conceptualized migration as a one-directional move leaving the country of origin behind. This article which is based on a two years ethnographical research project on migration strategies of young Slovakian women to Germany can-not only show that the new migration patters after the so-called fall of the Iron Curtain are much more of a mobile, temporary culture producing new transnational social figurations stretching at least over two different countries. The article shows as well how these women are positioning their migration strategies in the context of the transformation processes of their post-socialist country. Their practice of mobility and their reasoning of the transformation processes challenge not only the classical conceptualizations of migration but as well the hegemonic reading of the Eastern European transformation in social and cultural sciences. Their practices call for a gender sensible transnational anthropological perspective conne...

This article reviews developments of a new migration regime in Europe. It argues against the concept of a 'Fortress Europe' by pointing to fields of conflict that current migration movements establish. By focussing on a recent field research of migrations movements in Southeast Europe it explores modes of transit and entrepreneurial migration, the transformation and implementation of asylum laws, and the manifold functions of camps in the context of a transformation of statehood in this region. This article reviews developments of a new migration regime in Europe. It argues against the concept of a 'Fortress Europe' by pointing to fields of conflict that current migration movements establish. By focussing on a recent field research of migrations movements in Southeast Europe it explores modes of transit and entrepreneurial migration, the transformation and implementation of asylum laws, and the manifold functions of camps in the context of a transformation of statehood in this region.