No abstract

Postmortem tryptase is a useful biochemical test to aid the diagnosis of anaphylaxis. Multiple perimortem and postmortem factors have been documented to cause an elevation in postmortem tryptase level. One factor that was recently recognized to have an impact on postmortem tryptase level is correct sampling technique. A recent study recommended aspirating blood samples from a clamped femoral/external iliac vein to be used for reliable postmortem tryptase analysis. This study sampled 120 consecutive nonanaphylactic deaths in which all the peripheral bloods were sampled as recommended. Postmortem interval, resuscitation, different nonanaphylactic causes of death, sex, and age did not show any statistical significant relation to postmortem tryptase level in Student t test, Pearson correlation, and univariate and multivariate analyses. The mean (SD) postmortem tryptase level was 8.4 (5.2) μg/L (minimum, 1.0 μg/L; maximum, 36.1 μg/L; median, 7.3 μg/L). Using nonparametric methods, the postmortem tryptase reference range in nonanaphylactic death was established as <23 μg/L (97.5th percentile).

Alternate light sources such as ultraviolet, narrow band, and infrared have been used in an attempt to reveal the presence of bruising that is not otherwise apparent (inapparent). The following study evaluates the ability of alternate light sources to enhance visibility of bruises by employing an objective assessment of digital photography images in conjunction with histology. A pigskin model was employed with bruises created by injection of blood to be not visible or barely visible (inapparent) under white light. The pigskin was photographed using alternate light source illumination. Images were assessed using the program Fiji to measure enhancement in terms of bruise length (cm). Photography results were compared with histology to confirm the presence of bruising. Violet and blue light sources produced the greatest enhancement, both with a p < 0.0001. Regions that were not bruises were also enhanced with light sources in this study, indicating that light sources are not specific, and that their use to enhance the visibility of bruising should be undertaken with caution.

Families engaged in Agricultural Aviation (314) and cooperating sibling families, not occupationally exposed to pesticides (178) provided information, in response to a questionnaire, on their general health status and pregnancy outcomes. These two groups were comparable in age, height, weight, and years of education. Statistical evaluation confirmed the null hypothesis with respect to total pregnancies, number of male or female children, spontaneous abortions, and birth defects.