Detection of A, B, H, M, N, and Rh D antigens in human bones

The identity of the dead is an essential part of postmortem examination for official, moral, ethical, humanitarian and legal purposes. If all soft tissues are absent or partial skeleton is found, as in mass disasters, identity depends only on osteological examination. The bones must be examined for any idiosyncratic features that give them personal identity. Both simple and modified elution methods were done for detection of A, B, O, RhD and M, N antigens in compact and cancellous bones after the lapse of different periods of time. Detection of these antigens in the cancellous bones using the modified elution method proved to be more reliable than the simple elution method. The time period in which the antigens were best detected was between two and 10 years. The results obtained help the forensic scientist in the identification of bony remains

Differentiation between antemortem and postmortem injuries

This study was done on 65 adult male rats subjected to ante and post mortem wounds. Specimens were taken at different periods after infliction of incised wounds and subjected to histopathological and electron microscopical investigations. Specimens were taken also from injured human skin both antemortem and postmortem and subjected to immuno histopathological studies. It has been found that the staining with H and E and toluidine blue stains in histopathological studies were the best parameters for the distinction between antemortem and postmortem wounds. Staining with direct immuno peroxidase anti C3 can act as a supplementary guide for this aim. In putrefied wounds, immunohistochemical reaction using monoclonal antileucocyte antibodies can be used with good results. Electron microscopical examination showing infiltration of the dermis by polymorphonuclear leucocytes, macrophages and intact RBCs and activated fibroblasts, procollagen and collagen

Clinical toxicological study on lead exposed painters in Egypt

A study of blood lead concentration and its relation to clinical manifestations in 20 painters working for a period ranged from one to 30 years using lead salts in paints is reported. The mean blood lead concentration was 30.8 +/- 10.6 in the exposed painters while in the control group blood lead concentration was 23.4 +/- 5.9. The clinical examination of painters revealed presence of fatigue, headache, irritability, nervousness, pallor and hypertension. The ECG changes are in the form of arrhythmias, ventricular hypertrophy with axis and position defect. The main objective of the present study was to carry out a pilot survey of blood lead concentration in painters and to assess the effect of the increased blood lead concentration on the general health condition of these painters