Unusual cases from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Dubai is one of the small countries of the United Arab Emirates located on the shores of the Persian Gulf in the Middle East. This report deals with two deaths: one an unusual method of suicide by hanging and the other, a death under investigation into whether it was accidental or suicidal.     

Attitudes toward hate crime laws

The research reported here was a survey study exploring attitudes toward hate crime laws and possible causes of such attitudes. In a path model, which was supported by the data, it was found that the major factor determining acceptance or rejection of a hate crime law was whether or not homosexuals would be included as a protected group: those wanting inclusion supporting such a law, and those not wanting inclusion opposing such a law. Consistent with identity politics theory, the data-supported model further found that both social and economic liberals, and people who thought hate crimes created fear in other members of the victim's group, wanted homosexuals included in hate crime laws. Other findings, however, were inconsistent with the identity politics theory position that this movement was a united front. Other results from the data-supported model are also discussed and explanations are provided.     

Papillary hyperplasia of the lingual tonsil and sudden death in epilepsy.

Papillary hyperplasia of the lingual tonsils is a rare entity not previously reported at autopsy. We report a case that occurred in a 19-year-old man who died suddenly from his epilepsy, associated with aspiration of gastric contents. We describe the pathological features of this unusual condition, discuss the possible significance in this case and stress the importance of routine examination of the tongue and pharynx in every autopsy.     

The ABO blood grouping of a minute hair sample by the immunohistochemical technique

The unlabeled antibody (PAP) immunoperoxidase technique was applied to the ABO blood grouping of human scalp hairs. Hair samples were subjected to longitudinal- or cross-sectioning, thus obtaining suitable samples for subsequent immunostaining. The immunostaining was carried out using rabbit anti-A and anti-B sera as the primary antibodies. With this technique, the group-specific staining which is revealed as a dark brown precipitate was clearly observed within the medullae of the hair shaft, and depending on the presence or absence of these precipitates, respective blood groups of unknown hair samples were determined. At the hair root, on the other hand, positive stainings were observed not only in medullary cells but also in some cortical cells of the keratogenous zone. From the present study, it can be safely said that this technique is of practical use for the ABO blood grouping from a minute (less than 3 mm) hair sample.     

A fatality involving phentermine

A case is presented where phentermine, a sympathomimetic amine used as an anorectic drug, is believed to have significantly contributed to the death of an individual in whom other drugs were also found. Blood, urine, and tissue concentrations of phentermine are reported and compared to other cases in the literature.