Human scent characterization: A review.

Human scent has long been cited as a probable parameter that can be exploited as a biometric measure. Identifying the scent of individual persons using specially trained canines is a well-known forensic method which is frequently used in criminal investigations. To date there has been limited research on the chemical components present in human scent and their usefulness in distinguishing between people. This review delivers insight into studies which have dealt with human scent in forensics. Sample collection methods, sample preparation, instrumental analysis, compounds identified in human scent and data analysis techniques are discussed. Methods for sample collection and preparation are presented, but to date, there is no available validated method. Instrumental methods are presented and from the overview it is clear that gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry is the method of choice. New developments such as two-dimensional gas chromatography offer exiting possibilities to collect more information. Given the amount and complexity of data, data processing is used to extract the relevant information to discriminate people. Finally, sensors offer new opportunities for the characterization of human scent.

Attitudes toward opioids for refractory dyspnea in COPD among Dutch chest physicians.

Dyspnea is the most frequently reported symptom of outpatients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Opioids are an effective treatment for dyspnea. Nevertheless, the prescription of opioids to patients with advanced COPD seems limited. The aims of this study are to explore the attitudes of Dutch chest physicians toward prescription of opioids for refractory dyspnea to outpatients with advanced COPD and to investigate the barriers experienced by chest physicians toward opioid prescription in these patients. All chest physicians (n = 492) and residents in respiratory medicine (n = 158) in the Netherlands were invited by e-mail to complete an online survey. A total of 146 physicians (response rate 22.5%) completed the online survey. Fifty percent of the physicians reported to prescribe opioids for refractory dyspnea in 20% or less of their outpatients with advanced COPD and 18.5% reported never to prescribe opioids in these patients. The most frequently reported barriers toward prescription of opioids were resistance of the patient, fear of possible adverse effects, and fear of respiratory depression. To conclude, Dutch chest physicians and residents in respiratory medicine rarely prescribe opioids for refractory dyspnea to outpatients with advanced COPD. This reluctance is caused by perceived resistance of the patient and fear of adverse effects, including respiratory adverse effects.