Riot control agents: the tear gases CN, CS and OC-a medical review.

INTRODUCTION: 2-Chloroacetophenone (CN), o-chlorobenzylidene malonitrile (CS) and oleoresin capsicum (OC) are common riot control agents. While serious systemic effects are uncommon, exposure to high concentrations may lead to severe complications and even death. The aim of this narrative review is to summarise all main aspects of the riot control agents CN, CS and OC toxicology, including mechanisms of toxicity, clinical features and management. METHODS: OVID MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science were searched for terms associated with CN, CS and OC toxicity in humans and those describing the mechanism of action, clinical features and treatment protocols. RESULTS: CN, CS and OC are effective lacrimating agents; evidence for toxicity, as measured by the threshold for irritation, is greatest for CN, followed by CS and OC. Typically, ocular and respiratory tract irritation occurs within 20-60 s of exposure. Ocular effects involve blepharospasm, photophobia, conjunctivitis and periorbital oedema. Following inhalation, effects may include a stinging or burning sensation in the nose, tight chest, sore throat, coughing, dyspnoea and difficulty breathing. Dermal outcomes are variable, more severe for CN and include dermal irritation, bulla formation and subcutaneous oedema. Removal from the contaminated area and fresh air is a priority. There is no antidote; treatment consists of thorough decontamination and symptom-directed supportive care. Ocular exposure requires thorough eye decontamination, an eye exam and appropriate pain management. Monitoring and support of respiratory function is important in patients with significant respiratory symptoms. Standard treatment protocols may be required with patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Dermal exposures may require systemic steroids for patients who develop delayed contact dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS: CN, CS and OC are effective riot control agents. In the majority of exposures, significant clinical effects are not anticipated. The irritant effects can be minimised both by rapid evacuation from sites of exposure, decontamination and appropriate supportive care.

Palmatine Protects against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Activation of the AMPK/Nrf2 Pathway.

Palmatine (PAL), a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, possesses extensive biological and pharmaceutical activities, including antioxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, neuroprotective, and gastroprotective activities. However, it is unknown whether PAL has a protective effect against ischemic stroke and cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. In the present study, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model was used to mimic ischemic stroke and cerebral I/R injury in mice. Our study demonstrated that PAL treatment ameliorated cerebral I/R injury by decreasing infarct volume, neurological scores, and brain water content. PAL administration attenuated oxidative stress, the inflammatory response, and neuronal apoptosis in mice after cerebral I/R injury. In addition, PAL treatment also decreases hypoxia and reperfusion- (H/R-) induced neuronal injury by reducing oxidative stress, the inflammatory response, and neuronal apoptosis. Moreover, the neuroprotective effects of PAL were associated with the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, and Nrf2 knockdown offsets PAL-mediated antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, our results suggest that PAL may be a novel treatment strategy for ischemic stroke and cerebral I/R injury.

The pathology of lethal exposure to the Riot Control Agents: towards a forensics-based methodology for determining misuse.

The aim of this is to review deaths associated with the use of Riot Control Agents (RCAs) and to assess how the presenting pathologies is such cases may better inform cause of death conclusions upon autopsy. We also sought to present which additional steps should be added to the Minnesota protocol and the European harmonization of medico-legal autopsy rules in suspected cases of deaths associated with the use of RCAs. We included 10 lethal cases in our study. In three cases, RCAs were found to be the sole cause of death, in three cases RCAs were ruled a secondary cause of death due asphyxia or asthma subsequent to exposure to RCAs and in four cases RCAs were contributory factors to death. In three cases the responsible agents were identified as Chloroacetophenone (CN), Chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) and Oleoresin capsicum (OC) and in the remaining 7 cases, the agent was OC alone. As there are no specific findings in suspected cases of death associated with RCA use, establishing cause of death and whether RCAs are the sole cause or only a contributory factor will be based on the elimination of other possible causes of death. For this reason, a specifically structured autopsy is essential. This specifically structured autopsy should contain basic principles of the Minnesota Protocol and the European harmonization of medico-legal autopsy rules with the following additional steps taken: examination of clothing, eyes, and skin; examination of pharyngeal, tracheobronchial, and eusophegeal mucosas; and a thorough recording of the steps taken by the party conducting the arrest, including other possible causes of in-custody death, as well as a detailed medical history of the deceased.

Personal aerosol protection devices: caring for victims of exposure.

The increased incidence of violence in our society has led to a concern for personal safety. For self-protection, many individuals are turning to personal aerosol protection devices (PAPDs), which are readily accessible to the general public. The greater use and misuse of these noxious chemicals has led to an increase in injuries associated with exposure. Health care providers need to be aware of the modes of action of PAPDs, the presenting exposure symptoms, first aid measures, and decontamination procedures of the environment and the victim's belongings. This article provides a thorough discussion of PAPDs and will assist the clinician in delivering primary care and health education to victims of PAPD exposures.

Personal protection devices: a case for noisemakers.

The author explores alternative methods for preventing and responding to an attempted assault and presents a convincing argument for the use of noisemakers.