No abstract

Vitreous beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was retrospectively analyzed in 1795 forensic cases using the Pointe Scientific method. Comparison of vitreous BHB with vitreous glucose in 1781 of the cases showed moderately good correlation r = 0.731. Comparison with blood alcohol levels in 1561 of the cases showed no correlation r = -0.053. Vitreous BHB was a marker of diabetic ketoacidosis when above 6.0 mM with a vitreous glucose over 200 mg/dL. It was an indicator (>50%) for alcoholic ketoacidosis when above 6.0 mM with a vitreous glucose below 200 mg/dL. Recommendations for interpretation of vitreous BHB: <0.4 mM normal; 0.41-1.2 mM slightly elevated, rarely (<1%) of concern; 1.21-2.0 mM moderately elevated, less rarely (2.5%) of concern; 2.01-6.0 mM significantly elevated, frequently of concern (12-48%); >6.0 mM usually (100% in this study) indicated life-threatening conditions. Vitreous BHB was helpful evaluating cases with ketogenic conditions, especially diabetes and alcoholism.

Homicide accounts for almost half of all deaths among persons 10 to 19 years of age. Black males are at particularly high risk for nonnatural death in comparison with other race/sex groups, especially for homicide. If effective firearm fatality prevention strategies and programs could be implemented, data in this study suggests that such a measure alone could cut in half the nonnatural mortality rate in the 10 to 19 year age group in Fulton County. Although homicide and suicide rates have declined, there remains room for improvement in these areas, as is the case for traffic-related and other accidental fatalities.

Suicide rates vary among racial-and age-defined groups, yet little is known about how suicide risk factors differentially impact individual groups. This study assessed differential associations of socioeconomic status among age-and race-defined groups of suicide victims. A database containing demographic information on declared suicides in Fulton