International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine
Volume:2 Issue: 4, Autumn 2012

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized with incomplete airway reversibility by spirometric testing, chronic local airway and systemic inflammation. COPD is the most common lung disease related to smoking habit in general population. Oxidative stress (Os) is the key mechanism in inducing and progression of inflammatory productions in COPD pathogenesis. However, CRP is a peripheral biomarker to reflect systemic inflammation and tissue damage. Nutritional trace elements like Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) are components of Os mechanism and as the anti-oxidant elements. Those changing serum levels influence on the reaction of recent process and production of inflammatory protein. Propose of the study was to evaluate status of CRP and Zn, Cu, Cu/Zn ratios among male patients with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Stable COPD patients substantially were enrolled from pulmonary chest medicine. Applying criteria followed an instruction of thoracic society. A total of 35 patients completed criteria of study. Mean age±SD was 52.8±5years (ranged 43-60). Hypozincemia and hypocupremia were found 11% and 14%, respectively. Increased CRP levels reflected presence systemic and pulmonary inflammation among stable COPD patients. In addition, Zinc and copper deficiency detected among target population. The current trace elements are a part of oxidative stress, and their deficiencies may be effective in the induction of inflammation.

GI decontamination is required frequently in management of intoxicated patients. Activated charcoal is used for this purpose normally. Is it possible that powdered industrial charcoal is used as a substitute? Present study was conducted to determine efficiency of industrial charcoal in prevention of absorption of diazepam, compared to activated charcoal. 30 Sprague–dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups. 20 mg/kg diazepam was given orally to all 3 groups. No GI decontamination was performed for the control group. Activated and industrial charcoal (1 g/kg dissolved in 10 ml of water) was administered for other two groups. The urinary concentration of diazepam was used for evaluation of level of the drug absorption in the animals. The mean urine concentration of diazepam was considerably lower in groups taking charcoal, compared control group. However the concentration in the group taking activated charcoal was lower than the concentration in the group taking industrial charcoal. Results of present study suggest that industrial charcoal can be used as a substitute for activated charcoal, though with a little lower efficacy for absorption of drugs and toxins.

Based on reports of the Tehran Legal Medicine Organization (LMO), requests for sex change operation by persons with Gender identity disorder (GID) have increased in the past few years in Iran. Due to the social and legal ramification of transsexualism, we decided to perform a study to assess the demographic status and legal aspects of Iranian Transsexuals who were applicants for sex reassignment surgery (SRS). The total number of 69 cases with GID who requested sex change by surgery was assessed during a period of four years (2005-2009) in Tehran. Descriptive statistical methods and Chi square were used to analyze the data. There were 44 male-to-female and 25 female-to-male Transsexuals with a mean age of 25 years. Out of 69 requests for sex change, transsexualism was confirmed in 61 cases and the remaining 8 cases had other Psychiatric disorders manifested by identity confusion. The onset of symptoms had developed in childhood (<10 y) in nearly 70% of patients. Depression was found in about 26% of cases. Eighteen cases (26%) had a history of suicide attempts. Among individuals with final diagnosis of Transsexualism, request of 93% was accepted for SRS. This study showed dominancy in Male to Female Transsexuals (1.7/1). Depression was the most common psychiatric disorder associated with Transsexualism. The article also showed that recently transsexualism accepted by community and country low more than before.

Nerium oleander is an evergreen shrub of Apocynaceae family cultivated worldwide as an ornamental plant. All parts of the plant are toxic and contain a mixture of very toxic cardiac glycosides of cardenolides. A number of techniques were used to determine the cardenolides of N.oleander in various biological matrices. A survey of literature has revealed that the use of high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) for the detection of oleander glycosides is very scanty. A simple and rapid HPTLC method for separation and identification of cardenolides of N.oleander is reported. The cardenolides present in the aerial parts of the plant and residues available in the autopsy samples sent in cases of poisoning; were extracted with chloroform by using accelerated solvent extractor (ASE). Separation of cardenolides was achieved on precoated silica gel 60F254 HPTLC plates with chloroform-acetone-acetic acid 8.5:1:0.5 (v/v) as mobile phase and densitometric analysis was carried out at 275 nm. A comprehensive study for the separation and detection of cardenolides in general and oleandrin in particular were studied by new mobile phases and spray reagents. The 1H-NMR spectra were recorded for the separated components and the component corresponding to oleandrin was identified. The method has specific advantages that it is simple, rapid and has higher resolution of separation achieved so as to be free from interferences from the plant and forensic matrices.

Y-STR profiling is an important branch of DNA Fingerprinting that links male individuals from the same paternal lineage. When this technology arose, it increases the types of forensic applications which can be solved via DNA Profiling. In this report, three cases have been discussed through presenting their scenario, clarifying the circumstances in which DNA samples were analysed, and interpreting the results in which Y-STR profiling plays the main role in solving the clue of those challenging cases creating a unique and valuable tool in forensic investigations. Y-STR Profiling can be employed as an investigative tool presenting solutions for solving several mysterious forensic cases.

Pencycuron is frequently used worldwide as fungicide. It is considered to be very effective and safe for humans and its acute toxicity is not yet known. Here, we describe a case of severe acute Pencycuron poisoning in a young female with suicidal intent. She was immediately hospitalized in ICU and could be saved with meticulous management. Such acute and severe poisoning with Pencycuron has not been reported earlier and to the best of our knowledge this is the first case reported so far.

To interpret the results of hair analysis tests accurately and to understand the appropriate role of hair analysis in drug abuse testing and solve instances of poisoning, drug and substance abuse, a basic knowledge of the biology of hair is essential. In case of poising by heavy metals, the hair retains traces of poison for a considerable period. Chemical examination of hair in such cases will reveal the presence of poison in the living as well as exhumed whose biology is only partially understood. Hair grows from small organs (follicles-a skin organ which produce hair) located within the complex microenvironment of the skin which has multiple layers of tissue, three glands whose secretions bathe hair, and multiple vascular systems which are capable of transferring drugs to hair at many levels along the path of the hair shaft. The advantages and disadvantages of using pubic, scalp and beard hair as specimens for hair analysis are also considered. A more precise understanding of the mechanisms involved in the incorporation of drugs into hair is critical for forensic scientist in order to interpret the results of hair analysis properly.