Quantitative analysis of capsaicinoids in fresh peppers, oleoresin capsicum and pepper spray products

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify and quantify the predominant capsaicinoid analogues in extracts of fresh peppers, in oleoresin capsicum, and pepper sprays. The concentration of capsaicinoids in fresh peppers was variable. Variability was dependent upon the relative pungency of the pepper type and geographical origin of the pepper. Nonivamide was conclusively identified in the extracts of fresh peppers, despite numerous reports that nonivamide was not a natural product. In the oleoresin capsicum samples, the pungency was proportional to the total concentration of capsaicinoids and was related by a factor of approximately 15,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU)/microg of total capsaicinoids. The principle analogues detected in oleoresin capsicum were capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin and appeared to be the analogues primarily responsible for the pungency of the sample. The analysis of selected samples of commercially available pepper spray products also demonstrated variability in the capsaicinoid concentrations. Variability was observed among products obtained from different manufacturers as well as from different product lots from the same manufacturer. These data indicate that commercial pepper products are not standardized for capsaicinoid content even though they are classified by SHU. Variability in the capsaicinoid concentrations in oleoresin capsicum-based self-defense weapons could alter potency and ultimately jeopardize the safety and health of users and assailants.     

DNA analysis of ingested tomato and pepper seeds

Ingested food is one of the important types of forensic evidence obtained during a medicolegal autopsy. Many materials containing seeds pass through the human digestive system and are still recognizable; thus, they can be valuable for providing investigative leads. Currently, the identification of seeds relies on microscopic and morphologic examination. However this method sometimes can be problematic. For example, the microscopic appearance of the ingested tomato and pepper seeds is very similar; thus, it is not always easy to distinguish these seeds by comparing their physical characteristics. Tomato and pepper seeds were selected as a model system to assess the value of performing DNA analysis as an alternate and/or complimentary means of seed identification. Results of blind testing indicate that the deoxyribonucleic acid-amplified fragment length polymorphism (DNA-AFLP) results were able to discriminate between pepper and tomato seed samples after they passed through the digestive system.     

Visualization and LC/MS analysis of colorless pepper sprays

Pepper sprays are used in a variety of circumstances, including criminal activity, self-defense, and law enforcement. As such, the presence or absence of pepper sprays on evidentiary materials is often important when determining the facts of an incident. When no visible stains are present on evidentiary materials, ascertaining the presence or absence of pepper spray can be a challenge to the forensic analyst. A method, based on a chemical derivatization of capsaicinoids using a diazonium salt, has been developed for the visualization of colorless, ultraviolet (UV) activated fluorescent dye-free pepper sprays on textiles. Identification of both the capsaicinoids and their derivatives is confirmed via extraction of the derivatized capsaicinoids followed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis. LC/MS analysis is conducted using a YMC Basic column and elution of the compounds using a gradient of 10 mM ammonium formate, pH 4.2 and methanol at 0.35 mL/min. Full-scan MS data are collected for the full 6.5 min LC analysis. Although this method is qualitative in nature, visual detection of as little as 50 microL of a 0.2% pepper spray (equivalent to approximately 0.1 mg) on a variety of garments is possible, and more than adequate signal-to-noise is obtained for reconstructed ion chromatograms on LC/MS analysis at these levels.     

Suicidal asphyxiation by using pure helium gas: case report, review, and discussion of the influence of the internet

Suffocation by inhaled gases has been reported involving a variety of gases. We report a case of suicidal asphyxiation by forced replacement of oxygen with helium by using a complex homemade mask. In this case, a young woman researched suicide on the Internet and found an advocated method of suicide using helium. To our knowledge, there is only 1 previously reported case of suicidal asphyxia by using helium.     

An alternative method to screen for pepper spray residue

A method was developed to screen for pepper spray residue using instruments and methods other than those techniques commonly employed to analyze chemical residue (i.e.. gas chromatography mass spectrometry-GCMS or liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-LCMS). The method employed gas chromatography (GC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) to screen for dried pepper spray stains. Pepper sprays from nine different manufacturers were investigated. Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin were identified and unique IR reflectance spectra are presented. An additional five compounds were presumptively found. Results showed that a particular stain could be characterized as a pepper-based stain.     

The impact of TASERs on police use-of-force decisions: Findings from a randomized field-training experiment

This paper presents findings from a randomized field-training experiment designed to study the impact TASERs on police officers’ use-of-force decisions. Officers were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (with TASERs) or a control group (without TASERs) and then participated in training scenarios involving different levels of suspect resistance. The study investigates whether and to what extent officers armed with the TASER use it as an alternative to other types of less-lethal force (e.g., empty hands, pepper spray, and the baton) and the firearm, controlling for the level of suspect resistance. The findings indicate that officers who were armed with the TASER were significantly less likely to deploy pepper spray and the baton in response to aggressive physical resistance. Additionally, the results show that officers equipped with the TASER were less likely to discharge their firearm when confronted with suspect resistance that was potentially lethal. No differences in police behavior occurred in response to passive suspect resistance.     

Spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus

A case of death due to spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus is reported. Few similar cases have been previously reported. In some the oesophageal wall had been weakened by previous ulceration or scarring. In this case there was no history or postmortem evidence of such damage. Under certain circumstances postmortem rupture of the oesophagus could occur and should be distinguished from antemortem rupture.     

Homicidal Snake Bite in Children

Snake bites are common in many regions of the world. Snake envenomation is relatively uncommon in Egypt; such unfortunate events usually attract much publicity. Snake bite is almost only accidental, occurring in urban areas and desert. Few cases were reported to commit suicide by snake. Homicidal snake poisoning is so rare. It was known in ancient world by executing capital punishment by throwing the victim into a pit full of snakes. Another way was to ask the victim to put his hand inside a small basket harboring a deadly snake. Killing a victim by direct snake bite is so rare. There was one reported case where an old couple was killed by snake bite. Here is the first reported case of killing three children by snake bite. It appeared that the diagnosis of such cases is so difficult and depended mainly on the circumstantial evidences.     

Masturbation injury resulting from intraurethral introduction of spaghetti

A singular case of masturbation by endourethral introduction of a piece of spaghetti is reported. We became aware of the case because fragmentation of the spaghetti caused a cicatricial stenosis of the urethra that required surgical treatment.     

Insects found on a human cadaver in central Italy including the blowfly Calliphora loewi (Diptera, Calliphoridae), a new species of forensic interest

In the case of unidentified bodies the estimation of the period since death or of the season of death plays an important role to focus the attention on a reduced number of people among the ones reported missing. Forensic entomology can be one of the most important methods for these estimations, as occurred in this case. Flies are typically the first insects to colonize a dead body. The case reported here concerns the colonisation by insects of a male body in advanced decay found during the winter in Central Italy. This case is of particular interest as few data are available on the entomological evidence in the cold season. In particular, in this case we recovered Calliphora loewi (Calliphoridae), a species never collected before on dead bodies in Southern Europe. Larvae of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Stratiomyidae), pupae and larvae belonging to genus Hydrothea (Muscidae), and Necrobia rufipes (Cleridae) specimens were also collected. The estimated PMI enabled identification of the cadaver, confirmed by DNA analysis.     

Cardiac rhabdomyoma presenting as sudden infant death syndrome

A case of cardiac rhabdomyoma presenting as sudden infant death in a four-and-one-half month-old infant is reported. The child was the product of an essentially uncomplicated pregnancy and enjoyed good health before his unexpected, sudden death. Autopsy examination revealed the presence of multiple cardiac lesions which histologically were diagnosed as rhabdomyomas. Death was attributed to fatal cardiac arrhythmia caused by the tumor. To the authors' knowledge this represents the first reported case in the forensic science literature of death as a result of cardiac rhabdomyoma presenting as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).     

Accidental ligature strangulation due to a roller-type massage device

A case is reported in which a woman was accidentally strangled when her blouse became entangled in a roller-type electric massage device that she was using to massage the back of her neck. Accidental strangulation in adults, outside of the workplace, is uncommon, and to our knowledge this is the first reported case of a strangulation due to this type of device. The findings of this interesting and unusual case are presented.     

HPLC-DAD determination of mepivacaine in cerebrospinal fluid from a fatal case

A fatal case involving mepivacaine-induced epidural anesthesia is described. The pathological findings were typical of cardiac shock from ischemic origin. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was obtained several hours after death and mepivacaine was identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Its concentration was determined by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). Extraction from CSF was performed by deproteinization with acetonitrile. The mepivacaine concentration in the sample was 264 microg/mL. Concentrations of mepivacaine in CSF following epidural anesthesia are not reported in literature to our knowledge. This is the first reported case of death in which the mepivacaine concentration in CSF has been determined.     

Wernicke's lethal encephalopathy in voluntary, total, prolonged fasting

A lethal case of Wernicke's encephalopathy caused by prolonged fasting is reported; the liability of physicians is evaluated.     

Caffeine fatality: a case report

A case of fatal caffeine toxicity due to suicidal ingestion of a "look-alike" illicit drug is reported. Caffeine concentrations were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with the brain having the highest level reported in the literature to date. Also, the blood concentration of caffeine was one of the highest among the cases reported. A literature review of caffeine fatalities is presented.     

A Case of Extreme Sexual Self-Mutilation

Abstract:  We report on a case of extreme sexual self-mutilation in which the subject inflicted severe trauma to his genitalia and then falsely reported a sexual assault. The 30-year-old white male did not report the incident for 10 days and then checked into a hospital. The hospital called the Westminster Police Department after the subject reported that he was the victim of a sexual assault in our city. This case is unusual in that the subject's initial behavior and story did not indicate deception. It was not until the subject's computer was searched that investigators determined that the injuries were self-inflicted. Without this critical information the case might still remain open as a sexual assault. This case is reported to broaden our understanding of this behavior and inform investigators of the potential for this type of self-inflicted injury.     

Evaluation of certifier practices regarding alcohol-related deaths: Fulton County Medical Examiner's Center, Atlanta, Georgia, 2004

CONTEXT: Alcohol can contribute to various manners of death by acute intoxication that places a person at risk for fatal injury, acute fatal alcohol poisoning, or the various fatal complications of chronic abuse with or without superimposed acute intoxication. The reporting of alcohol use on the death certificate may vary with office policy or procedure, certifier judgment, and the timing of information received during investigation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of deaths including mention of alcohol use in the investigative case file, the number of death certificates on which alcohol use is reported, the number of discrepancies between the 2, and the possible reasons for observed discrepancies. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective case review of all deaths where alcohol use was mentioned in the investigative case file and/or on the death certificate for deaths investigated by the Fulton County Medical Examiner in Atlanta, Georgia, during a 1-year period between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2004. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of deaths with alcohol use reported on the death certificate, tabulation of where and how alcohol use is reported on the death certificate, and tabulation of the differences between the investigative case file and death certificate regarding alcohol's possible role in causing death. RESULTS: Among the 1324 deaths certified by the office, 105 (8%) had alcohol use reported on the death certificate. The majority (67%) of these cases were natural deaths. Sixty-nine (5%) deaths had mention of alcohol use in the investigative case notes but did not include it on the death certificate. Twenty-five (2%) deaths had mention of alcohol on the death certificate but did not have mention of it in the investigative case file based on our search criteria. However, subsequent review of additional case follow-up information disclosed a history of alcohol use or acute intoxication in each case. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that more natural deaths are considered to be directly caused by alcohol than other manners of death. For the unnatural manners of death (excluding acute alcohol poisoning), alcohol use is often viewed by medical examiners as an incidental, associated finding or risk factor surrounding the circumstances of death rather than being an actual cause of death. In such cases, alcohol use is often omitted from the death certificate. For deaths directly caused by alcohol, the proportion of cases involving possible underreporting or overreporting of alcohol involvement was relatively small and usually involved the omission of chronic alcohol use from the death certificate. Researchers need to be aware of potential limitations of death certificate data for studying alcohol-related deaths.     

Cardiac tamponade caused by migration of a swallowed sewing needle

The case of a 20-year-old female prisoner who died due to cardiac tamponade caused by a swallowed sewing needle migration is reported. According to the autopsy report and complete analysis of medical records, the migration of the swallowed needle was reconstructed: from esophagus and stomach, through diaphragm and pericardium up to the left heart ventricle, where the needle was found at the autopsy. The case is very interesting and unique: there has been no similar case described in medical literature so far.     

Fatal taxine poisoning from yew leaf ingestion

A case of fatal taxine poisoning from the ingestion of yew leaves by a young college man is reported. The toxicity of the plant is discussed, and the limited medical literature is reviewed.     

Death caused by a signal rocket--not an isolated case*

Fatalities related to sporting events are predominantly caused by blunt force injuries especially due to the emotional involvement of crowd, but occasionally other types of trauma are reported as well. A case of very rare trauma caused by shooting with a hand-held parachute signal rocket during a football match is presented. A 17-year-old football fan sustained fatal injuries, a combination of mechanical trauma caused by rocket penetration, as well as extensive thermal burning of the thoracic viscera. Analysis of the event was based on autopsy findings and evidence produced by medicolegal and ballistic experts. Improper use of a hand-held signal rocket, designed for marine distress signals, may cause serious injuries either mechanically, due to explosion, or as a result of thermal discharge. In the reported case, pattern of injuries is discussed, and medical finding corroborated to other available evidence. The presented case is a reminder that the forensic pathologist should be informed accordingly on the type and features of weapon suspected to produce injury, to be able to understand traumatic changes, and look for potential presence of foreign bodies at postmortem examination.