Use of luminescent gunshot residues markers in forensic context-Part II.

Gunshot residues (GSR) are important physical evidence in firearm-related crimes. Recently developed non-toxic ammunition, however, requires a new methodology for its characterization. To overcome this drawback, the introduction of noncommercial luminescent markers in ammunition was proposed. These markers, synthesized and added to the gunpowder, presented as a versatile tool for GSR analysis, since they require UV radiation alone to visualize the luminescent GSR (LGSR). This has opened up new perspectives for understanding GSR behavior at a crime scene. This work aims to expand previous studies performed with the luminescent markers in forensic contexts, exploring four different important aspects related to GSR behavior. Using LGSR amount/dispersion and a series of blind tests with marked ammunition, we tried to (1) identify the shooter position; (2) estimate the shooting distance; (3) evaluate the influence of the pistol type on the LGSR distribution on the shooter's hands and guns; and (4) study the transference of LGSR by a chain of handshaking. For this purpose, a portable UV lamp (λ=254nm) and/or techniques such as video spectral comparator (VSC) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDS) were used to visualize and analyze the residues. As a result, the observation of the LGSR enabled accurate determination of the shooter position and the firing distance without any chemicals. Besides, the LGSR were visualized on different kinds of pistols, regardless of firing mechanism. And finally, this study evidenced transference of residues from shaking hands with the shooter, which should be carefully considered when interpreting the results of a GSR analysis.

Use of luminescent gunshot residues markers in forensic context.

Chemical evaluation of gunshot residues (GSR) produced by non-toxic lead-free ammunition (NTA) has been a challenge to forensic analyses. Our group developed some luminescent markers specific to the detection of GSR. Here, we evaluated the performance of selected markers in experiments that mimic forensic context and/or routines in which luminescent characteristics would be very useful. We evaluated the influence of markers' addition on the bullet's speed, the rate of shot failure (i.e., when the cartridge case is not fully ejected and/or a new ammunition is not automatically replaced in the gun chamber) as a function of marker percentage, the possibility of collecting luminescent gunshot residue (LGSR) in unconventional locations (e.g. the shooters' nostrils), the LGSR lifetime after hand washing, the transfer of LGSR to objects handled by the shooter, and the dispersion of LGSR at the crime scene and on simulated victims. It was observed that high amounts of marker (10 wt%) cause high rates of failure on pistols, as well as a substantial decrease in bullet speed. However, the use of 2 wt% of marker minimizes these effects and allows LGSR detection, collection and analysis. Moreover, in all conditions tested, markers showed high performance and provided important information for forensic analyses. For instance, the LGSR particles were found on the floor, ranging from 0 to 9.4 m away from the shooter, on the door panel and seats after a car shooting experiment, and were found easily on a pig leg used to simulate a victim. When a selective tagging was done, it was possible to obtain positive or negative correlation between the victim and shooter. Additionally LGSR possesses a fairly long lifetime (9 h) and good resistance to hand washing (up to 16 washes).

[Hepatotoxicity induced by new immunosuppressants]. / Toxicidad hepática inducida por los nuevos fármacos inmunosupresores.

Immunosuppressants are among the pharmacological agents with the greatest potential to cause adverse reactions, although induction of hepatotoxicity is paradoxical from the pathogenic point of view, since the response of the innate and acquired immune system is a key element in the chain of events leading to chemical liver damage. Hepatotoxicity induced by immunosuppressants is difficult to evaluate since these drugs are sometimes used to treat liver diseases, or in combination with other drugs that can also cause hepatotoxicity, or in the context of liver transplantation, in which rejection or biliary complications can act as confounding factors. In addition, immunosuppressant therapy can favor the development of infections, which by themselves can cause liver damage, or reactivate latent chronic viral hepatitis. Corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors only exceptionally cause hepatotoxicity. Methotrexate at high doses and in patients with risk factors can induce advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. Thiopurine agents can cause a spectrum of hepatic lesions, including hepatocellular of cholestatic lesions, and hepatic vascular alterations. Leflunomide has high hepatotoxic potential, especially when combined with methotrexate. Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha agents have rarely been associated with hepatotoxicity, often with detectable autoantibodies, and most of the reactions - some severe - have been linked to infliximab, especially when used in patients with rheumatological diseases.

Factors involved in Schistosoma mansoni infection in rural areas of northeast Brazil.

Two contiguous villages in Tracunhaém county (State of Pernambuco), endemic for schistosomiasis, were studied: Itapinassu (138 inhabitants) and São Joaquim (91 inhabitants). Agriculture predominates in the former region while ceramics is the main activity in the latter. Although no statistical difference was found regarding prevalence, severe infection (> 400 epg) predominated in Itapinassu, probably related to the kind of occupation. No association was found between parasite burden and severity of disease, in spite of the high infection rates for Schistosoma mansoni in both communities (approx. 60%). Typical epidemiological features of schistosomiasis such as age-related prevalences and intensities of infection (high in children, low in adults) were also mutual characteristics. Nutritional status determined through anthropometric evaluation was carried out by measuring specific anthropometric indicators. A deficit of energy intake, as well as vitamin A and riboflavin deficiencies were detected. The prevalence of moderate or severe undernutrition in patients under 18 years old was 21.9% in Itapinassu and 24.1% in São Joaquim. In this group an association was found between prevalence of schistosomiasis and chronic undernutrition. Similarly, for patients over 18 year old the prevalence of undernutrition was higher than 20%. However, in this case no association between nutritional status and either prevalence of schistosomiasis or parasite burden could be detected. The two communities had not been treated for eight years.

PIP: Patterns of schistosomiasis infection were compared in two contiguous endemic villages in Northeast Brazil's Tracunhaem County (Pernambuco State): Itapinassu (138 inhabitants) and Sao Joaquim (91 inhabitants). The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis in Tracunhaem State was 58.7%; this rate was 61.6% in Itapinassu and 54.2% in Sao Joaquim. Severe infection (400 epg) was more prevalent in Itapinassu (35.1%) than Sao Joaquim (13.3%) and ultrasound revealed more severe pathologic changes (e.g., periportal fibrosis, right liver lobe shrinkage, left lobe and spleen enlargement) in the former village. The higher prevalence of severe infection in Itapinassu is likely related to the predominance of agricultural occupations; in Sao Joaquim, most residents are engaged in ceramics. Schistosomiasis prevalence was significantly positively associated with increasing age, male sex, residence in the village for more than 5 years, daily water contact, fishing, laundering, less than a 10 m distance from an infected stream, lack of cesspools, and chronic undernutrition. A deficit of energy intake, as well as vitamin A and riboflavin deficiencies, was detected in both villages. The role of each of these factors (especially nutritional status) will be analyzed further in order to develop an integrated model for local control of the disease.

Gingival overgrowth induced by nifedipine and cyclosporin A. Clinical and morphometric study with image analysis.

In this study, we developed a quantitative method with digital image analysis to evaluate the degree of gingival overgrowth (GO), and compared GO in kidney transplant patients treated with cyclosporin A (CsA) (n = 21) or CsA+nifedipine (n = 8) and a group of healthy controls (n = 30). The method was reproducible and reliable. Our findings showed significant differences in papillary and gingival surface between controls and transplant patients treated with GO inducers. Gingival overgrowth index also differed significantly between controls and each patient group (p < 0.01, Kruskal-Wallis test). The administration of the calcium channel blocker nifedipine potentiated the adverse effect of CsA: comparison of the morphometric findings revealed significant differences between patients treated with CsA alone and CsA+nifedipine in papillary area, dental area, and GO index (p < 0.01, Mann-Whitney U-test). We conclude that the method of image analysis we developed is useful in assessing the degree of GO.

Relationship between P-glycoprotein expression and cyclosporin A in kidney. An immunohistological and cell culture study.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), encoded in humans by the mdr-1 gene, acts physiologically as an efflux pump to expel hydrophobic substances from cells. This glycoprotein is closely related to multidrug resistance in tumor cells and can be modulated by cyclosporin A (CsA). We investigated the relationship between CsA and P-gp in 52 renal allograft biopsies and in cultures of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) renal tubule cells to determine whether the intrarenal accumulation of CsA or chronic stimulation with the drug modified the expression of P-gp. Expression of P-gp and CsA was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Immunostaining was evaluated semiquantitatively. Modulation of P-gp in MDCK cells after chronic stimulation with CsA for 7, 30, and 60 days was analyzed by flow cytometry. P-gp and CsA immunostaining in renal post-transplant biopsies showed considerable overlap in all cases (Spearman's test, r = 0.577, P < 0.001). After 7 days in vitro, the number of cells expressing P-gp increased progressively; a further increase in mean fluorescence was found after 60 days (P < 0.001, Student's t-test). Our findings suggest that in non-neoplastic cells, CsA may stimulate P-gp as a mechanism of detoxification. Individual differences in the adaptive responses to glycoprotein may be responsible for the appearance of nephrotoxicity or a CsA-resistant rejection reaction in cases of overexpression on lymphocytes and macrophages.

[Multiple causes of death in diabetics in the municipality of Recife, 1987]. / Causas múltiplas de morte em diabéticos no Município de Recife, 1987.

In 1987, diabetes mellitus was mentioned in 492 death certificates of the population of the city of Recife, Brazil, 202 of them for males and 290 for females. Diabetes mellitus was the underlying cause of death according to 80 certificates for men and 290 for women, as a result of which premature death occurred in 16.2% of men and 11.1% of women. Multiple cause of death analysis showed that cardiovascular diseases were the most frequent underlying cause of death in individuals over 50 years of age and acute complications of diabetes mellitus in individuals under 50. Cerebrovascular diseases were the most frequent in the cardiovascular group, particularly in females. Arterial hypertension was the most frequent associated cause of death appearing in death certificates mentioning diabetes mellitus (not as the underlying cause of death), also more often in females. The acute complications of diabetes mellitus (keto-acidosis and coma) and peripheral circulatory disorders peculiar to this disease caused 23% and 30% of the deaths, respectively, in cases where diabetes mellitus was the underlying cause. Infectious and parasitic diseases were the most frequent associated causes of death according to those certificates which gave diabetes mellitus as the underlying cause.

Desnutricao proteico-energetica em tres cidades brasileiras: Sao Luis, Recife e Sao Paulo. / Protein-calorie malnutrition in three Brazilian cities: Sao Luis, Recife e Sao Paulo

A utilizacao de dados antropometricos uniformes para determinacao do estado nutricional de criancas menores de 5 anos em tres cidades permitiria a elaboracao preliminar de um modelo metodologico uniforme para aplicacao em nivel nacional

[Protein mixture: importance of its presentation forms (author's transl)]. / Importância das formas de apresentação de uma mistura protéica.

Acceptability and tolerance of a mixture containing corn (60%), soybean (30%), and wheat (10%) were tested. The mixture was used in the recuperation of pre-school children suffering from 2nd. and 3rd. degree malnutrition. To enable a higher consumption the mixture was used in forty-four different forms. The mean daily intake of the mixture was 121.35g during the four months of the experiment corresponding to about two-thirds of the protein intake of every child. Tolerance was found to be high. Acceptance of the mixture was high (92.2%) indicating that the form in which a product to be tested is presented is a matter of great concern.