Endoscopic Examination in Postmortem Examination / 대한법의학회지

Autopsy is recognized as the gold standard for examining the body of the deceased. However postmortem inspection, which is a method for examining the body through non-invasive modalities, is very limited. Therefore, several methods have been studied to complement postmortem examination, and endoscopy emerged as a possible method. The authors of the present study performed endoscopic examination before autopsy, and the endoscopic findings were confirmed by subsequent autopsy. The endoscope was inserted mainly through the nostril due to the rigor mortis of the jaw joint. The pharynx, larynx, trachea, and esophagus were examined. Endoscopic examination was performed on a total of 35 cases. Endoscopy revealed froth in the airway (drowning cases), as well as the presence of thermal denaturation of structures in the airway and soot attached to the froth in the airway (fire death cases). However, relevant findings were not noted during external examination. In addition, agrochemical substances were detected in the airway (agrochemical poisoning death cases) during endoscopic examination. The study found that useful information can be obtained for investigating the death and estimating postmortem interval through endoscopic examination. It is thought that minimally invasive autopsy procedures, including endoscopy, cannot replace conventional autopsies, but can be used as adjuncts instead. In particular, minimally invasive autopsy procedures are thought to be useful for postmortem inspection. To this end, continued studies, as well as the development of equipment suited for postmortem examination, are needed.

Size-dependent biological effects on vascular endothelial cells induced by different particulate matters / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The contribution of particles to cardiovascular mortality and morbidity has been enlightened by epidemiologic and experimental studies. However, adverse biological effects of the particles with different sizes on cardiovascular cells have not been well recognized. In this study, sub-cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to increasing concentrations of pure quartz particles (DQ) of three sizes (DQPM1, <1 μm; DQPM3-5, 3-5 μm; DQPM5, 5 μm) and carbon black particles of two sizes (CB0.1, <0.1 μm; CB1, <1 μm) for 24 h. Cytotoxicity was estimated by measuring the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cell viability. Nitric oxide (NO) generation and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) releases were analyzed by using NO assay and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. It was found that both particles induced adverse biological effects on HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. The size of particle directly influenced the biological activity. For quartz, the smaller particles induced stronger cytotoxicity and higher levels of cytokine responses than those particles of big size. For carbon black particles, CB0.1 was more capable of inducing adverse responses on HUVECs than CB1 only at lower particle concentrations, in contrast to those at higher concentrations. Meanwhile, our data also revealed that quartz particles performed stronger cell damage and produced higher levels of TNF-α than carbon black particles, even if particles size was similar. In conclusion, particle size as well as particle composition should be both considered in assessing vascular endothelial cells injury and inflammation responses induced by particles.

Study on the pulmonary inflammatory effects induced by inhalation exposure to nanoscale carbon black aerosol in mice / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the carbon black induced effects of lung morphology and pro-inflammation in mice, based on the carbon black aerosol dynamic inhalation exposure model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The carbon black aerosol generated by dynamic inhalation device was imported exposure chamber to mice. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe the characters of carbon black. Sixty 9-week-old male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into two control groups, 7 d exposure group and 14 d exposure group. The numbers of four groups of animals were 15, respectively. Mice were exposed to carbon black in the inhalation chamber at (29.33 ± 9.10) mg/m(3) for 6 h/d for continuous exposure 7 d and 14 d, respectively. After 7 d and 14 d exposure, the mice were sacrificed after the last exposure for 24 h. Control mice were killed at 7 d and 14 d. The trachea, lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen tissues were separated and weighted. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes of lung by light microscopy. Pulmonary interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultra structure of lung tissue.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 14 d exposure carbon black, the lung coefficient was increased in exposure group compared with control (0.61 ± 0.03 vs 0.79 ± 0.06, t = 6.26, P < 0.01). The spleen coefficient were higher than control(0.39 ± 0.04 vs 0.51 ± 0.06, t = 4.23, P < 0.01) . Other organ coefficients were no significant difference between CB group and control group.Histopathology displayed carbon black particles were deposited in the alveoli and lung bronchial wall in 7 d and 14 d groups. The black carbon particles were deposited within the lung tissue of mice in 14 d group. There were cilia damage, serious damage to the alveolar wall, inflammatory cell infiltration and more hyperemia in 14 d group. Immunohistochemistry showed the level of IL-8 in 7 d (0.272 ± 0.011) and 14 d (0.422 ± 0.065) exposure group were higher than control group in 14 d (0.188 ± 0.041) , F = 31.89, P < 0.01. TEM showed that the lung tissue vision was clear and organelle integrity in the control group. The particles appeared in lung tissue macrophage lysosomes in exposure group, the electron density was consistent with the carbon black particles.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The dynamic carbon black particles exposure can affect the lung and spleen coefficient, damage integrity of lung morphology and induce inflammation in mice.</p>

Impact of particulate matter on health

Ambient air pollution, including particulate matter (PM) and gaseous pollutants, represents an important environmental factor that adversely affects human health. PM is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. Particle pollution is made up of a number of components, including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles. Subtypes of atmospheric PM include suspended particulate matter, respirable suspended particles (particles with a diameter of 10 microm or less), fine particles (diameter of 2.5 microm or less), ultrafine particles, and soot. Sources of particulate matter can be artificial or natural. The effects of inhaling PM that have been widely studied in humans and animals now include asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular mortality, respiratory diseases, birth defects, and premature death. This review focus on the impact of PM on health outcomes such as respiratory disease, heart disease, and cancer.

Risk factors for esophageal cancer in a low-incidence area of Brazil / Fatores de risco para o câncer de esôfago em uma área de baixa incidência no Brasil

Esophageal cancer is the eighth commonest type of cancer worldwide, occupying sixth place in terms of mortality. Smoking and alcohol use are known risk factors for this type of cancer. The aim here was to evaluate the risk factors for esophageal cancer in a low-incidence area.

Case-control study in Goiânia, with 99 cases of esophageal cancer and 223 controls.

The variables were sociodemographic, dietary, occupational and lifestyle data. The sample was analyzed using the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and Mantel-Haenszel approach for multivariate analysis. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated with 5% significance and 95% confidence intervals.

The risk of esophageal cancer was higher in patients ≥ 55 years (OR = 1.95; P < 0.001). Patients from rural areas were at greater risk of esophageal cancer (OR = 4.9; P < 0.001). Smoking was a risk factor among the cases (OR = 3.8; P < 0.001), as was exposure to woodstoves (OR = 4.42; P < 0.001). The practice of oral sex was not a risk factor (OR = 0.45; P = 0.04). Consumption of apples, pears, vegetables, cruciferous vegetables and fruit juices were protective against esophageal cancer.

In a region in which the incidence of esophageal cancer is low, the most significant risk factors were exposure to woodstoves, smoking and living in rural areas. .

O câncer de esôfago é o oitavo tipo mais comum em todo o mundo, ocupando o sexto lugar em termos de mortalidade. Fatores de risco conhecidos para esse tipo de câncer são o consumo de tabaco e o álcool. O objetivo foi avaliar os fatores de risco para câncer de esôfago em uma área de baixa incidência.

Estudo caso-controle em Goiânia, com 99 casos de câncer de esôfago e 223 controles.

As variáveis foram dados sociodemográficos, alimentares, ocupacionais e de estilo de vida. A amostra foi analisada pelo teste do qui-quadrado, Mann-Whitney e de Mantel-Haenszel para análise multivariada. Foram calculados a odds ratio (OR) com significância em 5% e o intervalo de confiança de 95%.

O risco de câncer de esôfago foi maior em pacientes ≥ 55 anos (OR = 1,95, P < 0,001). Pacientes de áreas rurais estavam em risco maior de câncer de esôfago (OR = 4,9; P < 0,001). O tabagismo foi um fator de risco entre os casos (OR = 3,8; P < 0,001), bem como exposição ao fogão a lenha (OR = 4,42; P < 0,001). A prática do sexo oral não foi fator de risco (OR = 0.45; P = 0,04). Consumo de maçãs, peras, legumes, vegetais crucíferos e sucos de frutas foi protetor contra o câncer de esôfago.

Em uma região em que a incidência de câncer de esôfago é baixa, os fatores de risco mais significativos foram a exposição a fogão a lenha, tabagismo e viver em zona rural. .

Paranasal Sinusitis Occurred by Anthracosis / 대한이비인후과학회지

Anthracosis is a black pigmentation of bronchial mucosa or lung parenchyma induced by inhaled soot. It is most commonly found in those persons who have worked as coal miners. Anthracosis is known to be induced when coal dust remains on the surface of the mucous membranes after it is inhaled through the bronchi, which can cause changes or atrophy of the upper airway and abnormality of the self-purification function and it can disrupt the defensive reaction of the respiratory organs. To our knowledge, there has been no report of recurrent paranasal sinusitis caused by anthracosis. Herein, with a review of the literature, we report a rare case of paranasal sinusitis caused by anthracosis in a 51-year-old man.

The role of caveolin-1 for carbon black nanoparticles uptake in vitro / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protein expression of caveolin-1 in type II alveolar epithelial cells (A549) exposed to carbon black nanoparticles (CB NPs) and the role of caveolin in the endocytosis of CB NPs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A549 cells were exposed to 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg/ml CB NPs for 24 h; then, trypan blue assay was applied to determine the cell viability. A549 cells were also exposed to 0, 25, 50, and 100 µg/ml CB NPs for 24 h, then, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometry were applied to observe the morphological change of cells and cellular side scatter (SSC), and Western blot was used to analyze the effect of CB NPs on the protein expression of caveolin-1. A549 cells were co-exposed to1 µg/ml filipin and 100 µg/ml CB NPs for 24 h, then, the cellular SSC was observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with controls, the A549 cells exposed to 200 and 400 µg/ml CB NPs had the cell viability decreased by 38.2% and 46.6%, respectively (P < 0.05), while those exposed to 25, 50, and 100 µg/ml CB NPs showed no significant decrease in cell vitality (P > 0.05). The protein expression of caveolin-1 was significantly higher in the cells exposed to 50 and 100 µg/ml CB NPs than in controls (P < 0.05). The TEM showed that plasmalemmal vesicles containing black particles were found in the cytoplasm of the cells exposed to 50 and 100 µg/ml CB NPs. The flow cytometry showed that the cellular SSC ratio increased from 1.007 to 1.331 as the dose of CB NPs rose within 0 ∼ 100 µg/ml and fell to 1.25 after the cells were co-exposed to1 µg/ml filipin and 100 µg/ml CB NPs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Carbon black nanoparticles can be transferred into A549 cells by endocytosis, but caveolin-mediated endocytic pathway plays a minor role in this process.</p>

Effects of Nano-sized Carbon Black on the Lungs of High Fat-diet Induced Overweight Rats

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine whether nano-sized carbon black exposure results in greater damage in high fat diet-induced overweight rats than normal weight ones and to identify the possible causes of any differences. METHODS: Two groups of Sprague-Dawley rats allocated by body weight (normal and overweight) were exposed to aerosolized nano-sized carbon black for 6 hours a day, 5 days per week over a 4-week period. Differential cell counts, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and albumin concentrations were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and histopathological findings in the lungs were evaluated. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured in BAL fluid and supernatants of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated lymphocyte culture. RESULTS: Rats exposed to high concentrations of nano-sized carbon black showed significantly increased (p<0.05) polymorphonuclear leukocyte number and LDH activity in the BAL fluid from both overweight and normal rats. Mild histopathological changes were observed in normal rats irrespective of carbon black concentrations. However, severe histological scores were found in overweight rats (1.75+/-0.46, 2.25+/-0.46, and 2.88+/-0.35 after low, medium, and high concentration exposures). Proinflammatory cytokine levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were significantly higher in the supernatant of LPS-stimulated lymphocytes of overweight rats, whereas there was no significant difference in the BAL fluid between normal and overweight rats. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammation and damage to lungs exposed to nano-sized carbon black was more severe in high fat diet-induced overweight rats compared to normal rats.

Comparison of Toxicity and Deposition of Nano-Sized Carbon Black Aerosol Prepared With or Without Dispersing Sonication

Nanotoxicological research has shown toxicity of nanomaterials to be inversely related to particle size. However, the contribution of agglomeration to the toxicity of nanomaterials has not been sufficiently studied, although it is known that agglomeration is associated with increased nanomaterial size. In this study, we prepared aerosols of nano-sized carbon black by 2 different ways to verify the effects of agglomeration on the toxicity and deposition of nano-sized carbon black. The 2 methods of preparation included the carbon black dispersion method that facilitated clustering without sonication and the carbon black dispersion method involving sonication to achieve scattering and deagglomeration. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to carbon black aerosols 6 hr a day for 3 days or for 2 weeks. The median mass aerodynamic diameter of carbon black aerosols averaged 2.08 microm (for aerosol prepared without sonication; group N) and 1.79 microm (for aerosol prepared without sonication; group S). The average concentration of carbon black during the exposure period for group N and group S was 13.08 +/- 3.18 mg/m3 and 13.67 +/- 3.54 mg/m3, respectively, in the 3-day experiment. The average concentration during the 2-week experiment was 9.83 +/- 3.42 mg/m3 and 9.08 +/- 4.49 mg/m3 for group N and group S, respectively. The amount of carbon black deposition in the lungs was significantly higher in group S than in group N in both 3-day and 2-week experiments. The number of total cells, macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and the number of total white blood cells and neutrophils in the blood in the 2-week experiment were significantly higher in group S than in normal control. However, differences were not found in the inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, etc.) and protein indicators of cell damage (albumin and lactate dehydrogenase) in the BAL fluid of both group N and group S as compared to the normal control. In conclusion, carbon black aerosol generated by sonication possesses smaller nanoparticles that are deposited to a greater extent in the lungs than is aerosol formulated without sonication. Additionally, rats were narrowly more affected when exposed to carbon black aerosol generated by sonication as compared to that produced without sonication.

Effect of Agglomeration on the Toxicity of Nano-sized Carbon Black in Sprague-Dawley Rats

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have shown that nano-sized carbon black is more toxic than large respirable carbon black because of its higher surface area. However, it is not clear if carbon black made larger by agglomeration demonstrates decreased toxicity. The purpose of this study was to verify if agglomeration affects the toxicity of carbon black using three differently prepared nano-sized carbon black aerosols in nose-only inhalation chambers for 13 weeks. METHODS: Printex 90 was selected as a representative nano-sized carbon black. To generate aerosols of three different types of agglomerates, Printex 90 was dispersed in distilled water by three different methods: vortex, vortex+sonication, and vortex+sonication with dispersion in a stabilizer. Then, the three differently prepared solutions were aerosolized through venturi nozzles. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to Printex 90 aerosols in a nose-only exposure chamber for 6 h/d, 5 d/wk for 13 weeks at a concentration of approximately 9 mg/m3. RESULTS: Numbers of total cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, macrophages, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes were increased and carbon black masses were clearly seen in BAL cells and lung tissues of rats exposed to Printex 90. However, few differences were found between the three differently agglomerated aerosols. In addition, there were no significant differences in other parameters, such as body weight, lung function or cytokine levels in BAL fluid following carbon black exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Only mild to moderate respiratory effects were found in rats exposed to nano-sized carbon black at 9 mg/m3 for 13 weeks. Agglomeration did not affect the toxicity of nano-sized carbon particles.

Biocompatible Dispersion Methods for Carbon Black

The biological activity of particles is largely dependent on their size in biological systems. Dispersion in the aqueous phase has been both a critical impediment to and a prerequisite for particle studies. Carbon black has been used as a surrogate to investigate the biological effects of carbonaceous particles. Here, biocompatible methods were established to disperse carbon black into ultrafine and fine particles which are generally distinguished by the small size of 100 nm. Carbon black with a distinct particle size, N330 and N990 were suspended in blood plasma, cell culture media, Krebs-Ringer's solution (KR), or physiological salt solution (PSS). Large clumps were observed in all dispersion preparations; however, sonication improved dispersion - averaged particle sizes for N330 and N990 were 85.0 +/- 42.9 and 112.4 +/- 67.9 nm, respectively, in plasma; the corresponding sizes in culture media were 84.8 +/- 38.4 and 164.1 +/- 77.8 nm. However, sonication was not enough to disperse N330 less than 100 nm in either KR or PSS. Application of Tween 80 along with sonication reduced the size of N330 to less than 100 nm, and dispersed N990 larger than 100 nm (73.6 +/- 28.8 and 80.1 +/- 30.0 nm for N330 and 349.5 +/- 161.8 and 399.8 +/- 181.1 nm for N990 in KR and PSS, respectively). In contrast, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) exhibited little effect. Electron microscopy confirmed the typical aciniform structure of the carbon arrays; however, zeta potential measurement failed to explain the dispersibility of carbon black. The methods established in this study could disperse carbon black into ultrafine and fine particles, and may serve as a useful model for the study of particle toxicity, particularly size-related effects.

Determinação do potencial genotóxico "in vivo"doBenzo[e]pireno,Dibenzo[A,H]Antraceno, Naftaleno e Antraceno presentes na fuligem da queimada da cana-de-açucar / Determination of genetoxic potential in vivo of Benzo[e]pyrene, Dibenz[A,H] Anthracene, Naphthalene and Anthracene present in soot from burning sugarcane

O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar a presença de antraceno,naftaleno, benzo[e]pireno e dibenzo[a,h]antraceno na fuligem dacana-de-açúcar e avaliar a toxicidade in vivo por meio da frequênciamédia de aberrações cromossômicas. A análise cromatográfi ca(em fase gasosa) efetuada na fuligem revelou a presença doshidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (HPA) estudados. O testede micronúcleo, realizado em células ósseas de camundongos,mostrou que benzo[e]pireno e dibenzo[a,h]antraceno apareceramcom frequência aumentada no micronúcleo nas doses testadas.No entanto, o antraceno e o naftaleno não apresentaram potencialgenotóxico. Os dados sugerem que é necessário considerar opotencial de risco oferecido pela fuligem para os cortadores de canae para a população que vive em áreas canavieiras.

Assessment and control design for steam vent noise in an oil refinery

Noise is one of the most important harmful agents in work environment. Noise pollution in oil refinery industries is related to workers' health. This study aimed to determine the overall noise pollution of an oil refinery operation and its frequency analysis to determine the control plan for a vent noise in these industries. This experimental study performed in control unit of Tehran Oil Refinery in 2008. To determine the noise distributions, environmental noise measurements were carried out by lattice method according to basic information and technical process. The sound pressure level and frequency distribution was measured for each study sources subject separately was performed individually. According to the vent's specification, the measured steam noise characteristics reviewed and compared to the theoretical results of steam noise estimation. Eventually, a double expansion muffler was designed. Data analysis and graphical design were carried out using Excel software. The results of environmental noise measurements indicated that the level of sound pressure was above the national permitted level [85 dB [A]]. The Mean level of sound pressure of the studied steam jet was 90.3 dB [L]. The results of noise frequency analysis for the steam vents showed that the dominant frequency was 4000 Hz. To obtain 17 dB noise reductions, a double chamber aluminum muffler with 500 mm length and 200 mm diameter consisting pipe drilled was designed. The characteristics of steam vent noise were separated from other sources, a double expansion muffler was designed using a new method based on the level of steam noise, and principle sound frequency, a double expansion muffler was designed

Effect of Nano-sized Carbon Black Particles on Lung and Circulatory System by Inhalation Exposure in Rats

OBJECTIVES: We sought to establish a novel method to generate nano-sized carbon black particles (nano-CBPs) with an average size smaller than 100 nm for examining the inhalation exposure risks of experimental rats. We also tested the effect of nano-CBPs on the pulmonary and circulatory systems. METHODS: We used chemical vapor deposition (CVD) without the addition of any additives to generate nano-CBPs with a particle size (electrical mobility diameter) of less than 100nm to examine the effects of inhalation exposure. Nano-CBPs were applied to a nose-only inhalation chamber system for studying the inhalation toxicity in rats. The effect on the lungs and circulatory system was determined according to the degree of inflammation as quantified by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The functional alteration of the hemostatic and vasomotor activities was measured by plasma coagulation, platelet activity, contraction and relaxation of blood vessels. RESULTS: Nano-CBPs were generated in the range of 83.3-87.9 nm. Rats were exposed for 4 hour/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks to 4.2 x 10(6), 6.2 x 10(5), and 1.3 x 10(5) particles/cm3. Exposure of nano-CBPs by inhalation resulted in minimal pulmonary inflammation and did not appear to damage the lung tissue. In addition, there was no significant effect on blood functions, such as plasma coagulation and platelet aggregation, or on vasomotor function. CONCLUSION: We successfully generated nano-CBPs in the range of 83.3-87.9 nm at a maximum concentration of 4.2 x 10(6) particles/cm3 in a nose-only inhalation chamber system. This reliable method can be useful to investigate the biological and toxicological effects of inhalation exposure to nano-CBPs on experimental rats.

The Investigation for Damage Patterns by Experimental Detonations of a Hand Grenade / 대한법의학회지

Deaths caused by grenades hardly occur except for during wartime, and can be seen as a particular incident that can be observed only within the military or by acts of terrorism. However, there has never been any data which tried to analyze the damage patterns through mock grenade explosions. So far, the processes leading to deaths were merely inferred by reconstructing the situation with limited intelligence after the incidents have already occurred. Therefore, the authors believe that having mock grenade explosions in order to compare and study the observances with those of the actual incident will be helpful for a more precise and objective medical jurisprudence, and thus have summarized the damage patterned obtained on 8 butchered pigs, that were 6~8 months old, about 100 cm in length and 70~100 kg in weight by photographing with radioactive rays and running autopsies after detonating grenades on them. In conclusion, if there was extensive loss of body parts, the grenade probably exploded when in contact with the lost body parts. If fractures were found the grenade is likely to have detonated contacting or within 25 cm of distance with the body, and if there were no lacerations or loss of body parts the grenade probably exploded at a distance of at least 50 cm. If soot was prevalent on the deceased's body, the grenade is likely to have exploded within a distance of 25 cm from the body at a free floating state, in which it was not in contact with the ground or the body. Lastly, if no soot was found, the grenade most probably detonated at a distance of 50 cm or more. The posture or the direction of the body cannot give precise clues of the victim's state before theexplosion, and a hasty presupposition could be very dangerous in case of contact explosions especially.

Study of genetic damage of human B lymphocyte cell line induced by 14 nm and 280 nm carbon black particles in vitro / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the genetic damage of human B lymphocyte cell line induced by 14 nm and 280 nm carbon black (CB) particles with micronucleus assay (CBMN), comet assay and hprt gene mutation test in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The genetic damage of human B lymphocyte cells exposed to 14 nm and 280 nm CB particles at the doses of 0, 128, 256, 384 and 512 microg/ml for 24 h and 48 h was detected using above three genotoxic assays. Micronucleus (MN) assay, comet assay, hprt gene mutation test were used to detect the genetic damage of human B lymphocyte cells induced by CB. Micronucleus rate (MNR), micronucleated cell rate (MCR), nuclear buds (Buds), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs), nuclear division index (NDI) and numbers of apoptotic cells served as indexes of CBMN assay; the percentage of DNA in the tail (% tail DNA) and the olive tail moment (OTM) were used as DNA damage indicators of comet assay; the hprt gene mutation frequency (Mf-hprt) served as the index of hprt gene mutation test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The % tail DNA, OTM in 14 nm CB group at the doses of 384 and 512 microg/ml for 48 h were 8.23% +/- 0.19%, 11.23% +/- 0.42% and 3.72 +/- 0.08, 4.90 +/- 0.18, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in control (5.10% +/- 0.08% and 2.22 +/- 0.03) (P < 0.01). The apoptotic cell rates in 14 nm CB group at the doses of 384 and 512 microg/ml for 48 h were 4.67 +/- 0.33 and 5.33 +/- 0.33, respectively, which were significantly higher than in control (0.00 +/- 0.00) (P < 0.05). The results of Mf-hprt were negative.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The genetic damage of human B lymphocyte cells exposed to 14 nm CB particles for 48 h could be detected. But the similar effects didn't appear in 280 nm CB group.</p>

Evaluation of blood carboxyhemoglubin level and soot in airways and its application for differentiate of antemortem and postmortem burn in charred body reffered to central legal medicine organization of IRI from 2005 -2006

With attention to high prevalence of fire death and its multiple problems for determination of death cause in charred body and differentiate antemortem from postmortem burn, make use of vitality sign, at fire, example blood carboxyhemoglubin [HBCO] level and presence of soot in air ways evaluated as indicator of antimortem burn. This study is analytic, cross-sectional that conduct in central LMO of IRI at 2005 -2006 and for this study we evaluate 47 charred fire victims, with attension of family and related members history, external examination and autopsy finding, penal recordes, definite antimortem and postmortem burn separated and then evaluate HBCO and presence of soot in victim's airways. A majority of victims 93.6% [44 cases] were male, 6.4% [3 cases] female. 59.6% [28 cases] of them were between 20-39 years old, postmortem burn 29.8% [14 cases] and antemortem burn was 40.4% [19 cases]. In victims with postmortem burn 92.9% [13 cases] have negative HBCO, and 7.1% [1 case] positive HBCO. But in cases with antemortem burn and evidence of life during fire progression 42.1% [8 cases] have positive HBCO, and 57.9% [11 cases] have negative HBCO. In cases with positive HBCO 80% [8 cases] have antimortem burn but in cases with negative HBCO 35% [11 cases] have postmortem burn. With attention to results, in cases with positive HBCO, 80% of victims [8 cases] have antimortem burn that show persons was alive during fire. But 10% of victims [1 case] has postmortem burn that it possible antimortem burn disappear with stability of burn after death. This title at reverse is not conclusive. This study shows that in victims with negative HBCO, search of other cause of death such as, homicide, natural diseases or suicide [for uses of accelerator substances] is more likely nessesary

A Case of Cavitary Lung Lesion as a Consequence of Smoke Inhalation Injury / 결핵및호흡기질환

Toxic gases and soot deposition as a consequence of smoke inhalation can cause direct injury to the upper and lower airways and even to the lung parenchyma. A delay in proper and prompt therapy can be detrimental to critically ill burn patients with an inhalation injury. Therefore, serial chest radiography is an important diagnostic tool for pulmonary complications during treatment. The radiographic findings of the chest include normal, consolidation, interstitial and alveolar infiltrates, peribronchial thickening, atelectasis, cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and a pneumothorax as acute complications of smoke inhalation. In addition, bronchiectasis, bronchiolitis obliterans and pulmonary fibrosis can occur as late complications. We encountered a case of 44-year-old male who presented with acute lung injury after an inhalation injury. He required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure. He was managed successfully with conservative treatment. Later, a cavitary lesion of the left upper lobe was observed on the chest radiography and computed tomography, which was complicated by massive hemoptysis during the follow-up. However, the cavitary lesion disappeared spontaneously without any clinical consequences.

Two Shotgun Wounds / 대한법의학회지

Shotguns were developed as an alternative to single-missile rifle or handgun in order to enable gunner to spray a wide area with shot and thus kill birds and small animals too difficult to hit with single-missile weapons. As the popularity of shotguns grew, ammunition was developed for large game. The use of shotguns on humans has been markedly increasing in various manner of death. In forensic aspect, the shotgun wounds have characteristic findings due to their own characteristics and medical examiners may determine the range, distance, direction and kinds of gun. When the muzzle of the shotgun is placed tightly against the surface of the abdomen or thorax, the consequent wound of entrance will be single in number and circular in shape, and will have a diameter approximately equal to that of the bore of the weapon. However, when the wound is made over a site with underlying bone, especially in the scalp, the wound may have a different appearance, showing star shaped entrance due to tears from the sides of the wound and accompanying soot and burn effect. When the muzzle is held short to mid-range, considerable variation occurs in the appearance of the wound. We report two cases of shotgun wounds which showed typical findings of contact shots and distant shots.

Two Shotgun Wounds / 대한법의학회지

Shotguns were developed as an alternative to single-missile rifle or handgun in order to enable gunner to spray a wide area with shot and thus kill birds and small animals too difficult to hit with single-missile weapons. As the popularity of shotguns grew, ammunition was developed for large game. The use of shotguns on humans has been markedly increasing in various manner of death. In forensic aspect, the shotgun wounds have characteristic findings due to their own characteristics and medical examiners may determine the range, distance, direction and kinds of gun. When the muzzle of the shotgun is placed tightly against the surface of the abdomen or thorax, the consequent wound of entrance will be single in number and circular in shape, and will have a diameter approximately equal to that of the bore of the weapon. However, when the wound is made over a site with underlying bone, especially in the scalp, the wound may have a different appearance, showing star shaped entrance due to tears from the sides of the wound and accompanying soot and burn effect. When the muzzle is held short to mid-range, considerable variation occurs in the appearance of the wound. We report two cases of shotgun wounds which showed typical findings of contact shots and distant shots.