Joanna Kulikowska

Publications of Joanna Kulikowska

• [Smuggling of the cocaine in the gastrointestinal tract ended in sudden death--the first case report from the Upper Silesia].

  Authors: Rafał Celiński, Christian Jabłoński, Rafał Skowronek, Małgorzata Korczyńska, Joanna Kulikowska, Joanna Nowicka, Czesław Chowaniec, Anna Uttecht-Pudełko

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 01/2011; 64(2):109-12.

  Fifty-year old man was found dead in the bathroom of his apartment. Forensic autopsy was ordered to determine the cause and manner of death. Autopsy revealed the presence of 55 latex "balls" in theFifty-year old man was found dead in the bathroom of his apartment. Forensic autopsy was ordered to determine the cause and manner of death. Autopsy revealed the presence of 55 latex "balls" in the stomach and foregut. In the past the victim was suspected of drug's dealing and smuggling. The content of "balls" and biological material (blood, urine, bloody fluid from internal organs) were analysed with LC MS/MS in the Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. The range of cocaine' concentration in the "balls" was 91.2-96.1%, whereas concentration in blood - 107.50 microg/ml, in urine - 284.60 microg/ml and in bloody fluid - 192.30 microg/ml. The cause of death was acute cocaine intoxication.

• Usefulness of multi-parameter opiates-amphetamines-cocainics analysis in hair of drug users for the evaluation of an abuse profile by means of LC-APCI-MS-MS.

  Authors: Małgorzata Kłys, Sebastian Rojek, Joanna Kulikowska, Edward Bozek, Mariusz Scisłowski

  Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences. 08/2007; 854(1-2):299-307.

  The report presents a segmental hair analysis for the retrospective multi-parameter evaluation of drugs of abuse including opioids, cocainics and amphetamines. The analysis was carried out with theThe report presents a segmental hair analysis for the retrospective multi-parameter evaluation of drugs of abuse including opioids, cocainics and amphetamines. The analysis was carried out with the use of liquid chromatography atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS-MS). The authors have evaluated the differences in the contents of particular opiates in the hair as related to the origin of a sample taken from Polish drug users taking "Polish heroin", and also from heroin abusers from Western European countries taking "Western heroin". The results indicate distinct differences in the 6-MAM concentration values in the Polish and foreigners, suggesting that the foreigners take products containing high concentrations of heroin and the Polish take the poppy product "compote" characterized by its variable and low heroin content. An additional argument for a different abuse profile in the Polish and Western drug users is found in the presence of cocaine detected in hair samples originating from the latter, while cocaine is much less frequently detected in Polish drug users.

• Usefulness of multi-parameter opiate analysis in hair of drug users and victims of fatal poisonings.

  Authors: Małgorzata Kłys, Sebastian Rojek, Joanna Kulikowska, Edward Bozek, Mariusz Scisłowski

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 02/2005; 62(6):585-90.

  The results of a multi-parameter analysis of opiates in the hair of drug users and victims of fatal poisonings with these xenobiotics have been presented. The analysis was carried out with the use ofThe results of a multi-parameter analysis of opiates in the hair of drug users and victims of fatal poisonings with these xenobiotics have been presented. The analysis was carried out with the use of liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The article discusses the monitoring of the drug users' adherence to pharmacotherapy and the usefulness of hair analysis for medico-legal purposes. The authors evaluate the differences in the contents of particular opiates in the hair as related to the origin of a sample (untreated drug user, drug user in the course of treatment, victim of fatal poisoning). The report presents differences between the Polish and American profiles of abuse, providing confirmation that a great part of drug users undergoing methadone treatment do not abstain from opiates and/or amphetamine, the latter as a rule being very often taken with opiates.

• [The effect of high temperature on the levels of selected endogenous compounds]

  Authors: Joanna Nowicka, Teresa Grabowska, Joanna Kulikowska

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 58(2-3):69-72.

  The authors present their research on the levels of carboxyhemoglobin, hydrogen cyanide and ethyl alcohol in the blood of 23 fatalities found in the extreme conditions (methane explosion, fire, highThe authors present their research on the levels of carboxyhemoglobin, hydrogen cyanide and ethyl alcohol in the blood of 23 fatalities found in the extreme conditions (methane explosion, fire, high temperature) associated with a mining disaster. Determinations of the presence of carboxyhemoglobin, hydrogen cyanide, and ethyl alcohol were performed as soon as the blood samples were collected from the deceased. The concentration of ethyl alcohol ranged from 0.2 per thousand to 1.3 per thousand in 18 cases. Blood HbCO levels tested within the range of 11% to 83% in 17 cases. In six cases, HbCO tested negative, and the injuries found at autopsy indicated these individuals to have been killed at the moment of the explosion. Blood cyanide content tested negative in all the examined cases. The extreme conditions of the mining disaster, especially high temperature, to which the bodies were exposed, did not have any effect either on endogenous cyanide or carboxyhemoglobin, causing, however, a significant increase in the level of ethyl alcohol in the blood.

• [Fatal poisoning due to narcotic abuse in the analytic-toxicological practice of Forensic Medicine Department Silesian Medical Academy in Katowice in years 1996-202]

  Authors: Artur Soja, Rafał Celiński, Joanna Kulikowska, Małgorzata Albert, Halina Sybirska

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 53(1):33-8.

  147 cases of fatal poisonings in people due to narcotic abuse examined in the Forensic Medicine Department Silesian School of Medicine, Katowice in the years 1996-2002 have been presented in the147 cases of fatal poisonings in people due to narcotic abuse examined in the Forensic Medicine Department Silesian School of Medicine, Katowice in the years 1996-2002 have been presented in the paper. In the group examined there were 126 males and 21 females at the age of 16-44. Opium narcotics were found in 139 out of 147 cases and amphetamine derivatives in 18. Opiates were indicated in 58 individuals and amphetamine only in 8. In 35 poisoned people opiates with barbituric acid derivatives were found. In 3 cases death resulted after taking opiates and amphetamine derivatives. 1 individual died after taking opiates and substances of the phenothiazine group. In the organic fluids of 18 people opiates and medicines being derivatives of 1,4-benzodiazepine and barbituric acid were found. Amphetamine and derivatives of 1,4-benzodiazepine were found in 6 individuals and opiates, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and amphetamine in 1 individual. Concentrations of all the substances indicated ranged widely and were as follows: < 0.10-17.40 > microgram/ml for opiates; < 0.24-30.00 > microgram/ml for amphetamine; < 0.12-1.90 > microgram/ml for 1.4-benzodiazepine derivatives and < 0.18-15.24 > microgram/ml for barbituric acid derivatives. Ethanol was found in 18 individuals and its concentration was < 0.2-2.5 >@1000.

• [Analytical problems in examination of small amounts of blood samples taken from law offenders]

  Authors: Rafał Celiński, Joanna Kulikowska, Małgorzata Albert, Halina Sybirska

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 52(3):229-39.

  In the paper there have presented results of the analysis of small blood samples taken routinely from 3 cases after car accidents and 1 rapist. Fluorescence polarisation immunoassay (FPIA, Abott) wasIn the paper there have presented results of the analysis of small blood samples taken routinely from 3 cases after car accidents and 1 rapist. Fluorescence polarisation immunoassay (FPIA, Abott) was used for screening examinations of narcotics from the group of both opium and cocaine alkaloids, barbituric acid and benzodiazepine and also drugs from the group of tricyclic antidepressants. Confirmation of the obtained results and full identification of the substances analysed were carried out by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). In the causes of car accidents components of "compote" were found (poppy straw extract) morphine and codeine (1 case), cocaine (1 case) and also tramadol and diazepam (1 case) were also found. In the rapist methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) was determined.

• [Population genetics of 11 STR loci in the Upper Silesia population].

  Authors: Kornelia Droździok, Jadwiga Kabiesz, Joanna Kulikowska, Joanna Nowicka, Krystian Rygol

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 59(4):285-8.

  The report present the results of population studies of 11 STR loci: D16S5539, D7S820, D13S317, CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, F13A01, FESFPS, VWA, F13B, LPL originating from samples examined in Laboratory ofThe report present the results of population studies of 11 STR loci: D16S5539, D7S820, D13S317, CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, F13A01, FESFPS, VWA, F13B, LPL originating from samples examined in Laboratory of Biological traces, Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Silesian Medical University. The examinations were performed in the group of 455 non-consanguinated adults, men and women, from Upper Silesia. The purpose of the investigation was to study the distribution of allele frequencies of 11 short tandem repeat representative sample of the Upper Silesia (Poland) population, to show genetic balance in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg's law for the studied population and to compare homogeneity of the usefulness of 11 STR genetic markers for paternity testing and forensic identification purposes. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples and swabs from oral cavity by The Blood DNA Prep Plus kit (A&A Biotechnology) and EZ1 DNA tissue Kit for the use on the BioRobot EZ1. All reactions were carried out according to the manufacturer's recommendations (Silver Stain Detection, Promega). POR amplification was performed following the instructions of the GenePrint STR System kit using a GeneAmp PCR System 2700 Thermal Cykler. PCR products and Promega Ladders were separated by vertical electrophoresis on 6% denaturing polyacrilamide gel (Amresco), electrophoresis and visualized by silver staining (Promega Corporation). Allele frequencies, the values of heterozygosity (Ht), polymorphism information content (PIC), power of discrimination(PD), power of exclusion (PE), paternity index (PI), and matching probability (PM) were calculated using FatRec by Dudek's program and TFPGA of Miller. The concordance with HWE was evaluated using the chi-square test. The compared statistic parameters, which make an important component of research work and opinionating, show that 11 STR loci constitutes a very useful tool for individual identification in crime research and in putative paternity research.

• [Methods of carbon monoxide determination in postmortem blood--advantages and disadvantages].

  Authors: Joanna Nowicka, Teresa Grabowska, Joanna Kulikowska, Rafał Celiński, Małgorzata Korczyńska, Kornelia Droździok

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 61(1):75-9.

  With respect to epidemiology of carbon monoxide poisonings, the diagnostic management of poisonings caused by this xenobiotic is among the fundamental objectives of forensic toxicology. In forensicWith respect to epidemiology of carbon monoxide poisonings, the diagnostic management of poisonings caused by this xenobiotic is among the fundamental objectives of forensic toxicology. In forensic practice, to determine carbon monoxide, colorimetric and spectrophotometric methods, as well as gas chromatography are used. Based on literature data and their own experience, the authors discuss analytical methods universally applied in determinations of carbon monoxide in postmortem blood. The advantages and disadvantages, as well as the cause of errors resulting from the specificity of the examined material (postmortem blood) are indicated.

• [Assessment of exposure to hydrogen cyanide in fire fatalities in the aspects of endogenous hydrogen cyanide production as a result of putrefaction processes in the deceased].

  Authors: Teresa Grabowska, Joanna Nowicka, Joanna Kulikowska, Stanisława Kabiesz-Neniczka

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 61(1):47-50.

  On account of endogenous hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production in the deceased, it is not easy to assess exposure to HCN in people who died in fire involving closed rooms (flats, garages, cellars, etc).On account of endogenous hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production in the deceased, it is not easy to assess exposure to HCN in people who died in fire involving closed rooms (flats, garages, cellars, etc). In the paper, the authors present the results of blood determinations of hydrogen cyanide in fatalities of explosions and fires occurring in coal-mines, as well as fires in closed rooms. It has been demonstrated that the time of exposure to a high temperature and the temperature itself hamper autolysis processes that lead to production of endogenous HCN in fire fatalities.

• [State under the influence of drugs or psychotropic agents--a comparison of toxicological and medical examinations in materials of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Silesian University of Medicine, Katowice].

  Authors: Małgorzata Korczyńska, Joanna Kulikowska, Rafał Celiński, Joanna Nowicka, Sebastian Rojek, Anna Uttecht-Pudełko

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 61(1):35-42.

  In the paper, the authors present the results of toxicological examinations of blood samples taken from drivers during road check procedures or from perpetrators of traffic road accidents,In the paper, the authors present the results of toxicological examinations of blood samples taken from drivers during road check procedures or from perpetrators of traffic road accidents, which--taking into consideration the kind of the determined agents and their concentrations--were compared with the results of medical examinations from blood sampling protocols studied in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Silesian University of Medicine. All the blood samples were first analyzed using an immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA). Then, the LC-MS method was used. The positive results of screening for the presence of cannabinols were verified by GC-MS. Out of 329 blood samples, 145 were positive. The presence of cannabinols, amphetamine or MDMA was the most predominant finding. Diazepam was determined in 4 cases and opiates in 1 case. Only in 31% cases did positive results of toxicological examinations correspond to deviations found during the medical examinations constituting the basis for the final diagnosis of state "under the influence". In practice, appraisal of drug influence during medical examination seems to be limited and dependent on variable reactions of the examined individuals to a psychoactive agent, time lapse between the traffic road event and the examination or concomitant symptoms associated with ethylene alcohol activity. The final diagnosis of state "under the influence of drugs" or "under the influence of psychotropic agents" given by the physician does not result from the effect of these substances observed during the medical examination, but is very often formulated based on the medical history or police findings. The analysis of the above mentioned cases where Delta9THC or/and amphetamine was detected showed no correlation between the concentration of the psychoactive agent determined in blood and symptoms triggered by its action as described by the physician.

• [Toxicological and medico-legal analyses of sudden deaths resulting from butane inhalation].

  Authors: Joanna Nowicka, Joanna Kulikowska, Małgorzata Korczyńska, Rafał Celiński, Czesław Chowaniec

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 61(1):43-6.

  Butane is known to be a suffocating gas with narcotic activity, especially at high concentrations. Within the past five years, a few cases of sudden deaths in teenage boys who had inhaled butane, aButane is known to be a suffocating gas with narcotic activity, especially at high concentrations. Within the past five years, a few cases of sudden deaths in teenage boys who had inhaled butane, a component of gas for lighters, were investigated in the Forensic Medicine Department, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice. Analyses of biological materials secured at autopsies and evidence from places of deaths was carried out using GC/FID. Butane was found in blood, lung and brain samples of the deceased. Moreover, histopathological examinations were performed. Results of autopsies and additional analyses were appraised from the point of view of their significance and usefulness in giving medico-legal opinions on the cause of death.

• [Opinionating difficulties in cases concerning the use of psychoactive agents by traffic participants]

  Authors: Zofia Olszowy, Małgorzata Albert, Rafał Celiński, Joanna Kulikowska, Sebastian Rojek

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 57(2):210-4.

  In recent years, there has been observed an increasing number of traffic participants being under the influence of drugs or other than alcohol agents that affect the central nervous system. In theIn recent years, there has been observed an increasing number of traffic participants being under the influence of drugs or other than alcohol agents that affect the central nervous system. In the period from 1997 until June 2006, 435 blood samples collected from traffic participants suspected of having ingested psychoactive agents were examined in the Forensic Medicine Department, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice. Eighty-five blood samples were positive.