Exoskeletons are the mechanical systems whose operation is carried out in close cooperation with the human body. In this paper, the authors describe a mathematical model of the hydraulic exoskeleton of a lower limb. The coordinates of characteristic points of the exoskeleton in the sagittal plane as a function of user height are presented. The mathematical models, kinematics, and kinetics equations were determined. The masses of the actuators and their dimensions were selected based on catalog data. The force distribution in the wearable system during the squat is shown. The proposed models allowed us to determine the trajectory of individual points of the exoskeleton and to determine the forces in hydraulic cylinders that are necessary to perform a specific displacement. The simulation results show that the joint moments depend linearly on actuator forces. The dynamics equations of the wearable system are non-linear. The inertia of the system depends on the junction variables and it proves that there are dynamic couplings between the individual axes of the exoskeleton.

Purpose: Poisoning with elemental metals and metallic compounds was much more frequent in the past, and was related, among other things, to lifestyle and the lack of appropriate toxicological diagnostics. One example is mercury, which is being gradually eliminated but still has many different applications as a pure metal or in the form of various compounds. The paper presents a case of suicidal poisoning with mercury chloride (corrosive sublimate). Methods: Forensic and toxicological tests including inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were at the Department of Forensic Medicine, PMU in Szczecin. Results: The patient before death had a range of symptoms such as epigastric pain, vomiting of the stomach contents, central cyanosis with tachycardia, tremors, severe shortness of breath with wheezing, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, rales in the lungs, and diarrhea. The concentration of mercury measured by ICP-MS was 191 mg/L for a blood sample collected antemortem, and 147 mg/L for a blood sample collected at autopsy. Both concentrations of mercury are regarded as lethal. The post-mortem examination revealed signs of extensive thrombotic necrosis in some internal organs. Conclusions: Mercuric chloride has an estimated human fatal dose of between 1 and 4 g. It can produce a range of toxic effects, including corrosive injury, severe gastrointestinal disturbances, acute renal failure, circulatory collapse, and eventual death. The presented case of fatal poisoning with mercury chloride, due to the type of agent used, is now interesting in toxicological practice.

The popularity of ultralight planes in non-commercial aviation is on the rise; however, non-compliance with regulations and the use of faulty equipment poses significant risks. This study explores the consequences of such lapses in adherence to safety standards by thoroughly examining the conditions leading to an ultralight plane crash, focusing on data related to causative factors. The accident involved an unregistered ultralight aircraft, lacking proper inspection and the required license. The pilot’s error during takeoff led to a stall, resulting in a fatal crash. Upon impact with the ground, the pilot’s shoulder and lap belts were torn off, leading to immediate death. This case underscores the critical importance of compliance with safety regulations in ultralight aviation. The findings illuminate the dire consequences of non-compliance with safety regulations and the utilization of unregistered, uninspected ultralight aircraft in private aviation. The tragic accident analyzed herein underscores the pivotal role of adherence to safety standards in mitigating the risks associated with ultralight planes. The pilot’s fatal error during takeoff, compounded by the absence of proper inspection and licensing, serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers inherent in neglecting established safety protocols.

Introduction: Intoxication with new psychoactive substances (NPSs), colloquially known as designer drugs, has become a significant problem in the last several years. The aim of the study was to conduct a statistical analysis of retrospective data from test records for the presence of NPSs in patients hospitalized in 2015–2018 in the West Pomeranian province. Materials and methods: We analyzed 5,916 results of tests undertaken at the Department of Clinical and Forensic Toxicology at Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. Blood samples had been analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and Headspace gas chromatography (GC/Headspace). Results: Our research was based on 5,916 diagnostic tests for poisoning with volatile and non-volatile organic compounds carried out in 2015–2018 at Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. Psychoactive substances used for non-medical purposes were detected in 1,465 patients. In the period under analysis 1,328 of these patients were poisoned with classic psychoactive substances, the poisonings caused by the intentional use NPS were recorded in 137. Conclusions: A retrospective analysis of the above-mentioned data for the period 2015–2018 revealed a gradual increase in the incidence of poisoning with psychoactive substances used for non-medical purposes. Keywords: intoxication; new psychoactive substances; designer drugs; data analysis; diagnostic tests.

Purpose: Cases of iron intoxication are not very often encountered in toxicology practice, and most of those reported concern accidental intoxications with iron supplements in young children. The paper presents a rare case of a suicide by intoxication in an adult woman who ingested a solution of iron (III) chloride. Methods: A forensic was at the Department of Forensic Medicine, PMU in Szczecin. Toxicology tests of blood sampled from the deceased were performed using a 644 CIBA CORNING ion selective analyzer and proprietary reagent kits. Histopathological was with the use of the standard staining protocol (hematoxylin and eosin) and staining specific for iron (Prussian blue). Results: Autopsy revealed a distinct yellow discolouration and thrombotic necrosis of the oral mucosa and almost the whole gastrointestinal tract, as well as similar changes in the adjacent internal organs. Considerably high levels of iron and chloride ions were detected in specimens of internal organs preserved during autopsy. Histopathological analysis performed with the use of staining specific for iron (Prussian blue) also confirmed the presence of iron in the examined tissues, especially in the intestines and liver. Conclusions: Considering the above findings, it was concluded in the forensic report that the death of the woman was caused by the ingestion of iron chloride. The reported case of fatal intoxication is one of the few described in the literature, and its course implies that in the case of initially diagnosed intoxication with corrosive compounds, the possibility of using metal-containing poison should also be considered in the differential diagnosis. In addition to routine toxicological tests performed in fatal cases we also draw attention to the possibility of using specific staining protocols for microscopic specimens.