A Novel and Simple Method for a Differentiation of Alcohol Types.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol poisoning is a significant global problem that has become an epidemic. The determination of the alcohol type is hereby essential as it may affect the course of the treatment; however, there is no routine laboratory diagnostic method for alcohol types other than for ethanol. In this study, we aimed to define a simple method for alcohol type differentiation by utilizing a combination of breathalyzer and spectrophotometrically measured serum ethanol results. METHODS: A breathalyzer and spectrophotometry were used to measure four different types of alcohol: ethanol, isopropanol, methanol, and ethylene glycol. To conduct serum alcohol analysis, four serum pools were created, each containing a different type of alcohol. The pools were analyzed using the spectrophotometric method with an enzymatic ethanol test kit. An experiment was conducted to measure the different types of alcohol using impreg-nated cotton and a balloon, simulating a breathalyzer test. An algorithm was created based on the measurements. RESULTS: Based on the results, the substance consumed could be methanol or isopropanol if the breathalyzer test indicates a positive reading and if the blood ethanol measurement is negative. If both the breathalyzer and the blood measurements are negative, the substance in question may be ethylene glycol. CONCLUSIONS: This simple method may determine methanol or isopropanol intake. This straightforward and innovative approach could assist healthcare professionals in different fields with diagnosing alcohol intoxication and, more precisely, help reducing related morbidity and mortality.

Can forensic radiological skeletal age estimation be performed by examining ischiopubic-ilioischial-iliopubic synchondrosis in computed tomography images?

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we evaluated whether it is possible to perform forensic radiological skeletal age estimation via radiological examination of the ilioischial, ischiopubic, and iliopubic synchondrosis regions of the pelvis. METHODS: This study was conducted by retrospectively examining the abdominopelvic images of individuals aged 8-16 who had applied to the hospital for any reason without having a chronic disorder and who had undergone computed tomography. Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed the images. The BT images of the pelvis ilioischial, ischiopubic, and iliopubic synchondrosis regions were evaluated as follows: 0: open, 1: semiclosed, and 2: closed. The data were evaluated using the SPSS 17 program. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-three children (118 girls and 145 boys) between the ages of 8 and 16 years without any health problems participated. There was a significant difference between the groups for all the evaluated synchondrosis joints in girls and boys (p<0.001 for each group comparison). We observed that ilioischial, ischiopubic, and iliopubic synchondrosis closed earlier in girls than boys. In addition, we found that the joints were closed at the age of 15 and over in boys and at 14 and over in girls. DISCUSSION: Some studies have previously evaluated synchondrosis by using computed tomography. We showed that forensic radiological skeletal age estimation could be performed by examining ischiopubic-ilioischial-iliopubic synchondrosis in pelvis computed tomography images. The pelvis is more resistant to decay than other parts of the body. Furthermore, pelvis bones can withst and the effects of postmortem animal attacks for a longer period. Therefore, we believe that forensic age estimation can be made on corpses with no extremity, a damaged chest, or whose only pelvic bones are assessable through the method we use. CONCLUSION: In our study, the ischiopubic-ilioischial-iliopubic joints were open in those aged nine and under and closed in those aged 15 and above. Ilioischial, ischiopubic, and iliopubic synchondrosis were observed to close earlier in girls than in boys. We consider that our study will be beneficial in the 8-16-year-old age group if used. In addition, our study can be used to determine the radiological bone age in cases with wrist bone abnormalities or wrist amputation.

Can Bone-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase and Osteocalcine Levels Be Used to Determine the Age in Children?

BACKGROUND: Demand for age determination by medical methods from legal authorities is of critical importance, especially for people in pubertal age. We planned this study to evaluate the potential utility of biochemical methods in these applications. We aim to investigate whether alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and osteocalcine can be used in the determination of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 146 children (85 girls, 61 boys) between the ages of 9 and 16 years participated in the study. Considering legally defined age limits, we did the age grouping at the following intervals: we formed 3 different subgroups, (1) 9 to 11 years age group, (2) 12 to 14 years age group, and (3) 15 to 16 years age group. As the physiological growth and development processes changed according to sex, all calculations were done separately for girls and boys. RESULTS: Our data indicate that ALP and BALP values for girls can be used for age determination with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. However, we could not observe such precise distinction for boys. Although BALP is claimed to be superior to ALP, we have not found any evidence to confirm this in our study. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides sex- and age-dependent cutoff values for ALP and BALP for the girl, which may be useful for age determination.

Analysis of Road Traffic Accidents in Turkey between 2013 and 2017.

Introduction: Road traffic accident (RTAs) is one of the top ten leading causes of death worldwide and its incidence is higher in developing countries. In this study, our aim was to determine the characteristics of RTAs in Turkey and make recommendations to reduce mortality and morbidity related to RTAs. Material and Methods: We obtained our data, which cover the years 2013 to 2017, from the database accessible at the official website of the Turkish Statistical Institute, which permits the use of its data for research purposes. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis, and the percentage distribution and odds ratios were calculated. Results: In the study period, a total of 697,957 RTAs occurred in Turkey. A total of 1,168,121 individuals have been wounded and 3534 of them have lost their lives. The majority of RTAs occurred on weekends and in summer months. Male individuals are more likely to be exposed to death and injuries related to accidents. When the vehicle type is considered, motorcycle drivers are under more risk for RTAs. RTAs are more likely to occur in rural areas. Conclusion: Male individuals and motorcyclists are under a great risk for RTAs. Strict laws are mandatory in order to reduce morbidity and mortality related to RTAs. Additionally, educational efforts must focus on two-wheelers and tractor drivers, particularly in developing countries.

Evaluation of geriatric suicides in Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: Suicide is defined as an individual taking action towards themselves with the intention of terminating their own life. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 800,000 deaths per year worldwide are due to suicide. In 2012, suicide cases constituted 1.4% of all the deaths worldwide. In most countries throughout the world, the suicide rates of the elderly are higher than those of other age groups. Epidemiological studies have concluded that suicide rates increase with advancing age in all societies, this increase accelerates after the age of 65 years and the highest rates are reached after the age of 75 years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic features, suicide methods and reasons for suicide in geriatric suicide cases between 2009 and 2013 using the data of the Turkish Statistics Institute (TUIK). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was made of the TUIK data related to proven suicide cases aged 65 years and older in the 5-year period of 2009-2013. RESULTS: A total of 1723 geriatric suicides were determined in Turkey between 2009 and 2013. These comprised 1284 (74.5%) males and 439 (25.5%) females, showing a rate of males approximately 3 times higher than that of females. An increase of approximately 10% was seen in the deaths by suicide in 2013 compared to 2009. The highest rate of geriatric suicides within total geriatric deaths was observed to be in 2012 (15.2%) and the lowest rate was in 2010 (12.4%). The most common method of suicide in both genders was hanging. In the majority of cases of geriatric suicide of both genders, the reason could not be determined. In those cases where the reason was known, the most common reason was illness. CONCLUSION: It has been reported that the most significant factors in suicide prevention are friends and family. As there continues to be an extensive family structure and family connections are strong in Turkey, this can be considered to be one of the reasons for lower rates of geriatric suicide compared to other countries. As there is a strong adherence to Islam in Turkey, another significant reason for the low rate could be the effect of the belief that suicide is a sin in the Islamic religion.

Evaluation of the Postmortem Glucose and Glycogen Levels in Hepatic, Renal, Muscle, and Brain Tissues: Is It Possible to Estimate Postmortem Interval Using These Parameters?

The aim of our study was to investigate the postmortem levels of glucose and glycogen in hepatic, renal, muscle, and brain tissues and then examine the changes in those levels that could be useful for estimating postmortem interval. We established an animal model. Seventy female BALB/c albino mice were used in this study. After being sacrificed, the mice were randomly divided into six groups according to time elapsed since death (Group 1: 0 h; Group 2: 12 h; Group 3: 24 h; Group 4: 36 h; Group 5: 48 h; and Group 6: 60 h). Glucose levels were significantly different between groups for all tissues studied. Slope of the change per unit time was higher for the hepatic glucose levels. Based on these results, it is possible to estimate postmortem interval using postmortem glucose levels in hepatic tissue. Tissue-specific assessment may contribute valuable information to postmortem interval studies.

Evaluation of the Post-Mortem Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase Activities and Malondialdehyde Level in Renal and Brain Tissues: Is it Possible to Estimate Post-Mortem Interval Using these Parameters?

BACKGROUND: Estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is one major area of interest in forensic medicine. We investigated changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in rat brain and renal tissues in the PMI and examined the potential changes which may be useful for an estimation of time of death. METHODS: Forty albino female rats were used in this study. The rats were sacrificed and divided into five groups: Group 1: 0 hour, Group 2: 6 hours, Group 3: 12 hours, Group 4: 24 hours, and Group 5: 48 hours. The rats were housed at room temperature (22 degrees C ± 2 degrees C) for the defined period for each group, and their brains and kidneys were excised. RESULTS: The postmortem MDA levels were significantly different between groups for both renal and brain tissues (p = 0.003; p = 0.007). The diagnostic adequacy of MDA was calculated. Regarding SOD and GSH-Px, we were not able to obtain any date that would be useful for the prediction of PMI. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, it is possible that an estimation of the PMI can be made using postmortem MDA levels. Regarding SOD and GSH-Px, we were not able to obtain any data that would be useful for the prediction of PMI.

Evaluation of suicide cases in Turkey, 2007-2012.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and sociocultural characteristics of suicide attempts by using data from the Turkish Statistical Institute. It is our intent that the work data may contribute to the national suicide data and the development of suicide prevention policies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We obtained our data, which cover the years 2007 to 2012, from the database accessible at the official website of the Turkish Statistical Institute, which permits the use of its data for research purposes. The data were evaluated by using the SPSS 10.0 program. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis, and the percentage distribution and odds ratios were calculated. RESULTS: According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, the total number of suicide deaths in Turkey between 2007 and 2012 changed yearly (χ2=42,035-59,209; P<0.001). While suicide deaths in 2007 made up 0.00396% of the total deaths for that year, that figure increased to 0.00426% in 2013. According to the data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, over 1.9 million people died due to all causes between 2007 and 2012 in Turkey. Over 17,000 deaths (0.9%) were due to suicide. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide is an important public health problem and is multidimensional in nature. Examining this subject from etiological, epidemiological, biological, psychological, sociological, and anthropological perspectives is important to improve the prevention of suicides.