Forensic science international
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Hair analysis has notably expanded its application as a bio-monitor for drug or toxicant exposure. Hair pigmentation is proposed as a major factor affecting drug incorporation into hair; however, the mechanisms underlying the incorporation of drugs into hair are still unclear. In the present study, the effect of hair pigmentation on drug incorporation into hair was examined using rats carrying hair with different melanin status and human cells (SK-Mel-28 cells, HaCaT cells and the co-cultured HaCaT cells with SK-Mel-28 cells) representing the main pigmentary unit in hair. ⋯ ODMT was taken up to a greater extent than ODMT-glucuronide by SK-Mel-28 cells, HaCaT cells and the co-cultured HaCaT cells with SK-Mel-28 cells. Notably, the incorporated level of ODMT was higher in SK-Mel-28 cells than HaCaT cells and the concentration difference of ODMT was significantly larger than that of ODMT-glucuronide. This study clearly demonstrated that hair pigmentation played a role as a facilitating factor for the incorporation of basic compounds and provided insight into the drug incorporation process into hair.
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Archival research into episodes of frontier violence in the Kimberley region of Western Australia indicate that the bodies of Aboriginal victims of massacres were frequently incinerated following the event. This paper presents the results of a scientific investigation of a reported massacre at Sturt Creek where burnt bone fragments were identified in two adjacent sites and documents the archaeological signatures associated with the sites. The methodology used to undertake the project brought together three systems of knowledge: the oral testimonies of the descent group originating from a sole adult survivor of the massacre; archival, historical and scientific research. ⋯ It was found that two of the three samples had been exposed to substantially lower temperatures for a short time period. It was concluded that there was strong pathological and archaeological evidence that the bone fragments were human in origin, but that the evidence was not conclusive. This research also identified archaeological signatures for the identification of massacre sites in similar Australian environments and circumstances.
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Case Reports
Lethal suicide attempt with a mixed-drug intoxication of metoprolol and propafenone - A first pediatric case report.
The β1 adrenergic receptor blocker metoprolol is often prescribed together with the antiarrhythmic drug propafenone. Both are metabolized by cytochrome P450 2D6 and propafenone is also an inhibitor of this enzyme. We present a pediatric case showing metoprolol and propafenone intoxication in combination. ⋯ We document a pediatric case report of death due to a mixed drug overdose of metoprolol and propafenone, along with data regarding serum metoprolol, alfa-hydroxymetoprolol, and propafenone levels.
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Post-mortem CT scanning (PMCT) has been introduced at several forensic medical institutions many years ago and has proved to be a useful tool. 3D models of bones, skin, internal organs and bullet paths can rapidly be generated using post-processing software. These 3D models reflect the individual physiognomics and can be used to create whole-body 3D virtual animations. In such way, virtual reconstructions of the probable ante-mortem postures of victims can be constructed and contribute to understand the sequence of events. ⋯ It has be shown that in Case #1 the lesions and the bullet path were not consistent with an upright standing position; instead, the victim was slightly bent forward, i.e. he was sitting or running when he was shot. In Case #2, one of the bullets could have passed through the arm and continued into the thorax. In conclusion, specialized 3D modelling and animation techniques allow for the reconstruction of ante-mortem postures based on both PMCT and clinical CT.
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Observational Study
Prevalence of psychoactive substances, alcohol and illicit drugs, in Spanish drivers: A roadside study in 2015.
A survey was conducted during 2015 to monitor psychoactive substance use in a sample of drivers in Spanish roads and cities. Traffic police officers recruited drivers at sites carefully chosen to achieve representativeness of the driver population. A brief questionnaire included the date, time, and personal and driving patterns data. ⋯ Cannabis was more likely to be detected at younger ages and cocaine was associated with night driving. Alcohol use before driving has decreased over the last decade; however, the consumption of other illegal drugs seems to have increased. The pattern of illegal psychoactive substance observed is similar to that declared in surveys of the general population of adults.