Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology

The focus of this study was to present methyl alcohol intoxication by citing clinical and laboratory, as well as radiological findings. A case of a 47-year-old man with a 20-year history of alcohol use disorder, brought to the emergency department in a coma. He had headache and blurred vision symptoms that started after drinking cologne and spirits. He had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of four. Increased anion gap metabolic acidosis was detected. Diffusion weighted imaging showed diffuse restriction regions in the subcortical white matter, cerebellar hemispheres, brain stem, bilateral optic nerve and putamen. He treated with hemodialyze, sodium bicarbonate, dextrose and ethanol infusion. However, the patient died on the seventh day. Bilateral putaminal necrosis is the most characteristic radiological finding, but white matter necrosis rarely reported in the literature. As in our case, such extensive involvement of the brain may be correlated with mortality in the acute period. 

Keywords: Methyl alcohol; Methanol; Intoxication; Magnetic resonance imaging.

Exposure of industrial and environmental toxic substances to air, drinking water, soil, plants, animals and food chains and their continuous release to the human environment have a negative impact on human health. When exposed to heavy metals due to these toxic exposures, many effects on body functions can occur. Generally, due to the long half-life of the metal in the body, it can accumulate biologically in soft and hard tissues/organs. Bone tissue undergoes a continuous remodeling throughout life. This involves the simultaneous action of resolution, synthesis and mineralization of the bone matrix. In general, metals have two effects on bone tissue: the first is their direct toxicity to bone cells and the second is their accumulation in the bone matrix. Their direct toxicity mainly affects osteoblasts, inhibits osteoblast differentiation, synthesis activity and mineralization of the extracellular matrix. Their effect on osteoclasts differs from that of metal, increases or decreases the activity of tartarate resistant acid phosphatase enzyme and prevents the maturation of the precursors. As a result, it causes imbalance in the bone remodeling process, reduces bone formation and contributes to the formation of bone diseases such as osteopenia and osteoporosis. Despite our knowledge of the effect of metals on bone tissue, many things are still unclear. Understanding the mechanisms of action will ensure that appropriate therapies are available to address their adverse effects on bone tissue. 

Fluorine is the world’s 13th most abundant element and constitutes 0.08% of the Earth crust. It has the highest electronegativity of all elements. Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water, and foods. It is also produced synthetically for use in drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwashes and various chemical products. Although fl uoride is used industrially in a fl uorine compound, the manufacture of ceramics, pesticides, aerosol propellants, refrigerants, glassware, and Tefl on cookware, it is a generally unwanted byproduct of aluminum, fertilizer, and iron ore manufacture. This paper reviews the human health effects of fl uoride. The authors conclude that available evidence suggests that fl uoride has a potential to cause major adverse human health problems, while having only a modest dental caries prevention effect. As part of efforts to reduce hazardous fl uoride ingestion, the practice of artifi cial water fl uoridation should be reconsidered globally, while industrial safety measures need to be tightened in order to reduce unethical discharge of fl uoride compounds into the environment. Public health approaches for global dental caries reduction that do not involve systemic ingestion of fl uoride are urgently needed. 

Keywords: Dental fl uorosis; Skeletal fl uorosis; Fluoride poisoning.

It is aimed to reveal the occupational accident situation, PPE usage situation and, accordingly, the difficulties that may be encountered in working and social life of the employees who work as a technical staff in a state university and the current job satisfaction, in this study. To calculate the findings of the study, percentage, frequency, mean and standard deviation have been used; to compare qualitative data chi-square test has been used and significance has been evaluated at p < .05 level. Spearman correlation analysis has been used to examine the relationship between variables. According to the results of the research, the majority of the employees do not receive any occupational safety training before and after they start work. Besides, according to the results of the study, it can be said that the expected and observed negativities will be minimized if the employees receive training on OHS materials. 

Keywords: Occupational accident; Occupational disease; OHS.

The study area is located in Kirsehir Turkey’s blog from the tectonic units and Tertiary has been observed that epigenetic occur in the sedimentary units. Uranium mineralization is located between Akoluk, Mehmetbeyli and Temrezli Villages of Sorgun district of Yozgat. The unit consisting of conglomerate, sandstone and mudstone alternations (Paleson aged) is located on granites and the youngest unit in the region is Quaternary alluvium. 20 soil samples were taken to investigate the pollution dimensions, possible sources and spatial distribution of the elements, in the soil samples in the study area. In this study, the relationship between element values obtained by geochemical analysis (As, Cr, Cu, K, Mn, Ni, Pb, Th, U, V, Zn and Zr) was investigated statistically. A positive correlation was observed between Cr-Zn, Cu-Ni, K-Mn, Mn-Pb, Mn-Th, Mn-V, Mn-Zr, Pb-Th, Pb-V, Pb-Zn, Pb-Zr, Th-U, Th-V and U-V elements in soil samples (p < 0.01; p < 0.05). The average shale values were considered as background values in determining the metal pollution dimensions in soil samples. Enrichment factors (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), Contamination factors (CF) and pollutant load index (PLI) were calculated to determine the pollution dimensions of the elements. According to the results of the analysis, the average values of Cr, Fe, U, V and Zr were below the average shale values of the world. For each element examined, the mean EF values K, Mn (in all samples), Ni (in samples 9, 16 and 17), and Zn (in samples 5, 8, 10, 14, 16 and 17) were extremely enrichement. Contamination factor values As (in all samples) elements in terms of considerably contamination and contamination were detected. Since the PLI values (except example 17) were > 1, all elements were found to contaminate the study area. According to the results obtained, the average values of the elements in the study area are K > Mn > Zn > Ni > Pb > V> Cu > As > Th > Zr > Cr > U. 

Background: Found on the priority organic pollutants list and mono substituted derivatives of phenol, 4-chloro and 4-nitrophenol compounds are organic-origin micropollutants with toxicologic research performed due to recalcitrant properties, endocrine disrupting and lipophilic character, and tendency for bioaccumulation. As both pollutants are used in many industrial and other applications (from paper, pesticides, dye, pharmaceutical and explosives industries to chlorination of drinking water), they rapidly accumulate at all trophic levels of the ecosystem and are known to cause negative effects on organisms in the ecosystem led by aquatic systems. As a result, there are many methods developed for toxicity research of these types of priority organic pollutants, though studying the small freshwater fish species of zebrafish (embryo and adult) is chosen due to some advantages compared to other methods. Aims: To our knowledge, there are no studies performed on the embryotoxic effects of 4-nitrophenol and 4-chlorophenol derivatives on fish species. With this aim, the lethal and teratogenic effects of the phenol derivatives on zebrafish (Danio rerio) were evaluated by means of FET (fish embryo toxicity) test. Materials and methods: According to FET test, embryos at 1.5 hpf (hour post-fertilization) were exposed to 4-nitrophenol and 4-chlorophenol solutions in concentrations 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0 and 16.0 mg/L during 96 h. Every 12 hours, the embryos were observed and scored for lethal and teratogenic effects. Also, LC50 values were calculated for 48 h. Results: 48 h LC50 values were 2.409 mg/L for 4-chlorophenol and 4.581 mg/L for 4-nitrophenol. With increasing phenol concentrations, lethality and malformations increased. Teratogenic malformations more frequently produced by phenol derivatives were: incomplete body, chorda deformity, tail curvature, lordosis, scoliosis, delayed development and hatching, weak or non-pigmentation. Conclusion: 4-chlorophenol was found to be more toxic than 4-nitrophenol. Results firstly showed that the phenol derivatives caused embryotoxicity in zebrafish. 

Keywords: 4-chlorophenol; 4-nitrophenol; Zebrafish; Embryotoxicity, LC50

Background: The aim of the study was to report the pattern of patients with acute intoxication in an academic emergency department (ED). Method: The study included 180 patients with acute intoxication who admitted to the Research Hospital of Yozgat Bozok University in Yozgat. Turkey between January 2018 and January 2019. The demographic features, arrival mode, intoxication type, intent status, requested consultations, and disposition forms were retrospectively evaluated based on the patient files.

Results: Acute toxic exposure was detected in a total of 180 patients during the study period. The male/female ratio was 0.68 (73/107). The median age was 26 ranging between 3 and 89. The most common acute toxic exposure presentations were due to drugs (57.2%, n = 103), venomous animal/insect bites (16.1%, n = 29) and toxic gas inhalation (13.9%, n = 25). Toxic gas inhalation included inhalations of carbon monoxide (11.7%, n = 21) and vapor of hydrochloric acid (2.2%, n = 4). The rest of the presentations (19.4%, n = 35) were due to food poisoning (7.8%, n = 14), alcohol intoxication (3.9%, n = 7) and ingested toxic agents (1.1%, n = 2). No illicit drug use was observed. Almost half of the toxic exposures (51.7%, n = 93) were considered as unintentional whereas 77.7% (n = 93) of drug intoxication cases were intentional suicidal attempts. At least one consultation was requested for 126 patients. Two or more consultations were performed for 19 patients. The most consulted division was Internal medicine (48.9%, n = 115). The most common drug intoxications were due to analgesics (24.3%, n = 25) and antidepressants (23.3%, n = 24).

Conclusion: Acute toxicity is not limited to drug poisoning. It is not a rare reason for ED admission with its many sub-headings

The study area is located in Çorum G34 a3 and a4 section in GümüÅŸhacıköy (Amasya). 17 samples of Euphorbia cyparissias plant grown in this region and related soil samples were collected and analyzed. The metal content of the investigated soil samples is as follows: Fe > Zn > As > Mn > Pb > Cu > Sb > Cr >> Ag > Ni > Co > Cd. The soil pH controlling the metal transfer in the soil, the pH values of the examined soil samples are between 4.66 and 8.22. This range indicates that the soil samples are in acidic and basic conditions. Metal pollution (toxicity) due to increased mining activities may affect the environment and public health. The correlation coefficient was a strong positive correlation between Ni with Co and Ag, As with Sb (0.89); Ni (0.88) and Cu (0.86), Pb with Co (0.84), Cu (0.81), Ni (0.85) and Sb (0.81), Ni with Cu (0.81) and Sb (0.86), while there is a negative correlation between Mn with Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Sb and Pb, and Fe with Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb. The bioaccumulation factor (BAC) values of Euphorbia cyparissias have been found between not accumulate— high accumulator or hyperaccumulator plants in both root/soil and leaf/soil. The translocation factors (TF) of all metals (10 in location), Cr and Ni (3 in location), Co, Cu, Mn and Zn in the (9 in location), Ni (11 in location), and Cd, Co, Cr, and Ni values (16 in location) are less than 1. TF values calculated outside these locations are greater than 1. TF values greater than 1 showed that the metal concentration in the leaves was higher than the roots. 

Background: The scorpion sting is a condition that requires management in emergency department. Anti-allergic, analgesic and anti-venom administrations are commonly used, particularly in pediatric patients. In this study, it was aimed to present data from patients who presented with scorpion sting and underwent various treatments. Material and method: We retrospectively reviewed 50 patients who presented to our hospital with scorpion sting. Demographic characteristics, severity of clinical presentation, treatments employed and anti-venom administration were evaluated. In patients underwent anti-venom treatment, we evaluated whether or not anti-venom caused systemic signs or additional pathology. Results: Mean age was 9.88 ± 4.58 years in the study population. There were 18 girls (36%) and 32 boys (64%). It was found that electrocardiogram was performed in all patients and that there was sinus tachycardia in 6 patients (12%). No systemic sign was detected during followup. It was found that anti-venom treatment was used in only 7 patients (14%). No significant difference was detected between anti-venom treatment and other therapeutic modalities used in ED. Conclusion: Scorpion sting is one of the leading causes of insect bites presenting to pediatric emergency departments in Turkey. It was observed that, even in tertiary care settings, antivenom treatment is used in scorpion sting without systemic signs. Based on this study, no anti-venom indication was present in this patient group. Thus, anti-venom decision should be assessed by relevant unit or pediatric emergency clinicians in cases requiring anti-venom treatment. Unnecessary anti-venom use should be avoided by training clinicians in primary care. 

Keywords: Scorpion; Anti-venom; Sting; Treatment.

Vitamin D deficiency is common in the World and Turkey due to changing lifestyles. The association with autoimmune diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and important diseases such as cancer has made it important to prevent vitamin D deficiency. Fetuin-A is a glycoprotein produced in the liver and it is effective in the inhibition of bone mineralization, insulin resistance, obesity and calcification in smooth muscle. In the study conducted, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between the two substances in growth retardation, considering that Vitamin D and Fetuin-A are acting through similar mechanisms. The study was conducted with 50 healthy children with growth retardation. In short patients and underweight patients, vitamin D levels were found to be lower than control group (respectively p = 0,011 p = 0,036). As vitamin D value increased one unit, it was found that the risk of growth retardation decreased by 1,071 times (p = 0,21). Fetuin-A levels were higher in those with growth retardation (p = 0,035). In the preschool group, fetuin-A was higher than middle childhood (p < 0,001). In short patients, fetuin-A levels were higher than control groups (p = 0,043). There was a poor correlation between vitamin D and fetuin-A levels in those with growth retardation (rho: 0,366 p = 0,009). Fetuin-A levels were higher in short children and there was a positive relationship between vitamin D and fetuin-A levels in those with growth retardation. Vitamin D levels were lower in those with growth retardation. 

Keywords: Fetuin-A; Vitamin D; Growth retardation; Underweight, Short stature.

Plants are used for many purposes from past to present. One of them is consumed by people for therapeutic purposes. Some compounds or excessive heavy metal intake during consumption can be harmful to human health. In this study, the amount of Aluminum (Al), Nickel (Ni) and Cobalt (Co), which are toxic elements in the decoction samples obtained with different sample amount (g) and decoction time (min) of Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) and Salvia officinalis L. (sage) were investigated. All elements were analyzed by Inductive Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS) at Yozgat Bozok University Science and Technology Application and Research Center. The calibration curve was plotted with 11 points. In both species, the amount of Al was observed to be higher than the other elements. The highest amount of Al was observed in sage plant (1155.6 ppb), while the highest amount of Ni was found in lemon balm (771.3 ppb). In contrast, the maximum amount of Ni and Al was found in the decoction samples of the lemon balm. There was no statistically significant difference between the amounts of Co element in lemon balm and sage decoction samples. In general, increased amount and increased application time of lemon balm plant were found to cause an increase in Al and Ni amounts. As a result, toxicological evaluation of such plants used for their therapeutic properties is important for human and public health. 

Objectives: Glyoxal is used as a biocide and disinfecting agent in pharmacy and dye production is released to the environment, air and water with emissions. Furthermore, glyoxal is produced endogenously in non–enzyme-mediated pathways in intracellular metabolism which can be detected frequently in fermented food and beverages. For this purpose, in this study we investigated the effect of glyoxal on cell viability and proliferation in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) line in vitro. Method: In our study, cell culture was performed using HUVEC. Cell proliferation and viability were evaluated by spectrophotometry with tetrazolium salt (MTT) by applying different doses of glyoxal to HUVECs. Data were analyzed by SPSS 21.0 program. Results: Glyoxal in doses of 320, 16, 0.8 M significantly decreased cell proliferation when compared with control group (p < 0.05). The doses of 4 × 10–2, 2 × 10—3, 1 × 10–4, 5 × 10–5, 2 × 10–5, 1 × 10–6, 6 × 10–7, 3 × 10–7 M, were found to increase cell proliferation significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to our study, when compared to human plasma glyoxal level (0.1 – 1 M), doses of glyoxal over 1 M showed cytotoxic effect on cells, whereas doses below 1 M increased the proliferation of endothelial cells. It is accepted as an important intermediate in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) by binding to the amino groups, nucleotides and lipids of the glyoxal proteins entering the cell. AGEs modification may activate cell proliferation pathways at low doses by altering protein function and influencing intracellular signaling pathways, while at high doses it may affect repair mechanisms and apoptotic processes, leading to cell damage. 

Keywords: Cytotoxicity; Endothelium; Glyoxal; Proliferation.