Hüseyin Bülent Üner

Higher prevalence of toxoplasmosis in victims of traffic accidents suggest increased risk of traffic accident in Toxoplasma-infected inhabitants of Istanbul and its suburbs ☆

Reflexes of drivers who have toxoplasmosis have been shown to deteriorate from the actions of the parasitic cysts. The cysts can change the level of the neurotransmitters such as dopamine in the brain and by doing so extend the muscle response time and change personality profiles. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of the latent toxoplasmosis (LT) in the driver population who were either injured or died in traffic accidents reported in Istanbul and its suburbs. We compared the results with a control group and discussed the relationship between the LT and the traffic accidents. We included 218 (89.7%) non-fatal, 25 (10.3%) fatal cases in our study as study groups. A total 243 subjects, 234 (96%) male, 9 (4%) female (who were alcohol negative) compared with 191 (95.5%) male and 9 (4.5%) female subjects (control group) who had a traffic accident before but no history of toxoplasmosis were studied. Serologic tests, enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for IgG and IgM, and microimmunoflorescence (MIF) for IgG were used as the reference test, the Sabin-Feldman Dye test (SFDT) was used. According to serologic test results, LT seroprevalence in the study groups was 130 (53.5%) and in the control group 56 (28%) (p<0.0001). A LT was present in 126 out of 234 (53.8%) males in the study groups, and 54 out of 191 (28.3%) males in the control group (p<0.0001). In the 31-44 year age group, there was a significant difference with regard to toxoplasmosis between the study subjects and control groups (p<0.0001). This difference was statistically very significant in (recent and former) cases with middle-aged men (31-44 years old). The results of this retrospective study suggest that LT in drivers, especially those who are between 31 and 44 years might increase the risk for getting involved in a car accident. In a prospective study, Toxoplasma positive and negative subjects can be monitored before they are involved in a traffic accident to clarify the cause and result relationship.

Image analysis as an adjunct to sodium rhodizonate test in the evaluation of gunshot residues: an experimental study.

It is important to investigate the clothing, as well as the body, to determine the range of fire of entry wounds in firearm injuries. Clothing can affect the amount of gunshot residues (GSR) reaching the body and their distribution. The amount and distribution of the GSR also vary according to the distance between the firearm and the target. Sodium rhodizonate test provides valuable data when clothing is available for examination. In the absence of clothing, light microscopic examinations may add additional information regarding the range of fire. In this study, a sodium rhodizonate test was done on 80 garment samples containing the bullet entrance. The 80 calfskin samples were processed histologically and were stained using Alizarin Red S. These were also evaluated with computer-assisted image analysis. Gross residues were seen on military camouflage clothing in samples from ≤45-cm group. White flannel undershirts under the military camouflage contained rhodizonate-positive particles only around the contact wounds. With image analysis, however, the residues could be detected also in the skin samples of the 2.5-cm- and 5-cm-range groups. We suggest that the image analysis can be combined with other techniques and it can provide valuable data in the determination of entry wounds and also in the estimation of firing distance.

Landmine associated injuries in children in Turkey

This study aims to examine trends of injuries due to landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) and to determine problems during and after the treatment of children and adolescent victims in Turkey. Data from the records of 23 children injured from landmines and UXO were analyzed from April 2001 to October 2008. Cases consist of 21 (91.3%) males and two (8.7%) females with a mean age of 12.8 years. Cause of injury was landmine explosion in 20 (87.0%) and UXO in three (13.0%) cases. Injuries in upper and lower extremities were determined in eight (34.8%) children. Hand amputation was the result in 10 (43.5%) children where in two cases a leg, in one case an eye, in one case a hand and arm, in two cases a hand and leg, in one case an eye and a leg and in three cases a hand and eye were lost. One case of death was recorded from UXO with an autopsy performed. Contaminated areas in our region should be cleared according to international contracts to prevent injuries in children, centers providing rehabilitation services should be established and policies regarding social support for child victims should be ascertained.

Determination of gunshot residues with image analysis: an experimental study.

In firearm injuries, assessment of the firing range and determination of entrance and exit wounds are important. For this reason, evaluation of the amount and distribution of gunshot residues (GSRs) is necessary. Several methods and techniques for GSR analysis have been developed. Although these methods are relatively sensitive and specific, they may require expensive dedicated equipment. Therefore, a simple, easily applicable, more convenient method is needed. A total of 40 experimental shots were made to calf skin from distances of 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 cm. Eighty samples were taken from the right and left sides of the wounds, and Alizarin Red S dye staining was performed. The amounts of GSR particles were measured with image analysis. GSRs were detected in all shots. The mean size of the distribution area of barium and lead elements around the wound had a significant negative correlation with increasing shooting distance (r = -0.97, p < 0.001). As the distance increased, the amount of GSR decreased, and this decrease rate was nonlinear. Variance analysis suggested significant differences between data groups depending on range (p < 0.001). The image analysis method may solve some of the standardization problems for evaluation of GSRs. GSR detection with the image analysis method does not require experienced personnel and may be a suitable method for scientific studies and for routine purposes.

Atış Yapan Eldeki Barut Artıklarının Lokalizasyonu

When a firearm is discharged, certain vaporous and particulate material are expelled in the area around the firearm. Gunpowder residue particles can be identified on shooters’ hands. The purpose of this investigation was to study the distribution of the gunshot residues left on firing hands In this study shooters tired the weapon with cloth gloves. Test shots were carried out with various types of weapons and ammunition with each hands holding the weapon. Modified Griess Test was used to detect gunpowder residue particles and their distribution pattern on the cloth gloves Gunshot residues were found, especially, on the web area of the back of the shooters’ hand.Key words: Gunshot residues, Modified Griess Test.

Göz Yaşartıcı Gaz Mermileri ve Atış Artıkları

Tear gas (CS and CN) is an irritant and produces lacrimation and irritation of skin and respiratory tract. In this study information about tear gas ammunition is given. Test shots were fired on white cotton cloth using a Valtro semiautomatic pistol with 8mm CS and CN tear gas ammunition. Shooters fired the weapon with white cloth gloves. Gunshot residues on shoooters hands and targets were analysed.Key Words: Tear gas, chlorobenzylidenemolononitrile, Chloroacetophenone, Starter’s pistol, Gunshot residues.