Differentiation, Quantification and Identification of Abrin and Abrus precatorius Agglutinin

Abrin, the toxic lectin from the rosary pea plant Abrus precatorius, has gained considerable interest in the recent past due to its potential malevolent use. However, reliable and easy-to-use assays for the detection and discrimination of abrin from related plant proteins such as Abrus precatorius agglutinin or the homologous toxin ricin from Ricinus communis are sparse. To address this gap, a panel of highly specific monoclonal antibodies was generated against abrin and the related Abrus precatorius agglutinin. These antibodies were used to establish two sandwich ELISAs to preferentially detect abrin or A. precatorius agglutinin (limit of detection 22 pg/mL for abrin; 35 pg/mL for A. precatorius agglutinin). Furthermore, an abrin-specific lateral flow assay was developed for rapid on-site detection (limit of detection ~1 ng/mL abrin). Assays were validated for complex food, environmental and clinical matrices illustrating broad applicability in different threat scenarios. Additionally, the antibodies turned out to be suitable for immuno-enrichment strategies in combination with mass spectrometry-based approaches for unambiguous identification. Finally, we were able to demonstrate for the first time how the developed assays can be applied to detect, identify and quantify abrin from a clinical sample derived from an attempted suicide case involving A. precatorius.

Unusual Suicide Case: Survived After Long Suffering

Hanging is one of the common forms of violent mechanical asphyxial death. When compared to other forms of unnatural death all over the world this method stands on top as death is instantaneous.Hanging is always suicidal unless otherwise proved. The aim of this study is to gain new knowledge that would enable the design of effective of measures that would help to prevent suicide by hanging. In this case report, we will discuss the unusual presentation of a young lady who attempts suicide frequently did not result in death. We present data indicating that victims can be resuscitated even after prolonged period of suspension & unconsciousness & some of the reasons why asphyxiation by hanging may be delayed when there is no damage to the spinal cord. The logical, thoughtful management options that we chose at various stages of her disease in general ward with the use of colistin which eventually led to her cure are also discussed here. Emphasis is given on how these tricky cases can be deal with prognostically good results could be achieved, if such victims are vigorously & promptly resuscitated, irrespective of her initial presentation. Bangladesh J Medicine January 2021; 32(1) : 53-57

DATA EXTRACTION FROM PASSWORD PROTECTED MOBILE PHONE BY USING CHIP-OFF METHOD –A FORENSIC CASE STUDY

The current digital era is full of digital devices and to ensure the safety of their data, users utilize the protective armor of passwords using the fingerprints lock, face lock, pin codes and password locks. The trial-and-error method possesses an infinite possibility of passwords in patterns/ pin locks for unlocking the devices. The levels of security ensure that only a limited number of trials are possible before any device blocks itself or makes unlocking harder. In these circumstances, especially when a victim is a deceased person (e. g. an abetment in suicide case), the password is practically impossible to attain through the authorities. However, the data can be retrieved with the unique and distinctive method of Chip-off analysis. In this study, a password protected mobile phone was retrieved from a deceased individual and only the analysis of his/her mobile could lead to investigative insights for catching the perpetrator. The Chip-off method has several difficulties and a password/ pin protected device increases the difficulties for analysis several folds. This study highlights the significance of chip-off analysis in achieving accurate importing and extraction of maximum data along with the use of the hardware/software, MSAB, XRY and other software.