Data driven optimization of sexual assault case processing.

In recent years, several forensic laboratories have noted an increase in the number of sexual assault cases submitted for testing, often leading to longer turnaround times. In that context, forensic laboratories may be interested in reviewing their procedures to increase productivity. Here, we present two different strategies that were put in place in our laboratory. First, we changed the way sexual assault evidence kits (SAEK) are processed by implementing an optimized workflow that prioritizes the internal samples (vaginal, anal, and oral). This new procedure allowed for a drastic decrease in turnaround time, while maintaining a similar investigative power. Secondly, we used data from casework to target cases and samples that were likely to yield biological material from the perpetrator, in an attempt to avoid dedicating time and effort to cases for which there is a very low probability of obtaining foreign DNA evidence. Among other things, we looked at the likelihood of obtaining DNA from the perpetrator when the complainant reported the use of a condom, has showered after the assault or when the complainant has no memory of the assault. Results show that those circumstances do not dramatically decrease the probability of finding DNA from the perpetrator.

Ephrin-A5 potentiates netrin-1 axon guidance by enhancing Neogenin availability.

Axonal growth cones are guided by molecular cues in the extracellular environment. The mechanisms of combinatorial integration of guidance signals at the growth cone cell membrane are still being unravelled. Limb-innervating axons of vertebrate spinal lateral motor column (LMC) neurons are attracted to netrin-1 via its receptor, Neogenin, and are repelled from ephrin-A5 through its receptor EphA4. The presence of both cues elicits synergistic guidance of LMC axons, but the mechanism of this effect remains unknown. Using fluorescence immunohistochemistry, we show that ephrin-A5 increases LMC growth cone Neogenin protein levels and netrin-1 binding. This effect is enhanced by overexpressing EphA4 and is inhibited by blocking ephrin-A5-EphA4 binding. These effects have a functional consequence on LMC growth cone responses since bath addition of ephrin-A5 increases the responsiveness of LMC axons to netrin-1. Surprisingly, the overexpression of EphA4 lacking its cytoplasmic tail, also enhances Neogenin levels at the growth cone and potentiates LMC axon preference for growth on netrin-1. Since netrins and ephrins participate in a wide variety of biological processes, the enhancement of netrin-1 signalling by ephrins may have broad implications.

Managing sports-related low back pain.

Low back pain is a common complaint among both the general and the athletic populations. A thorough evaluation and specific diagnosis is required before prescribing treatment. A complete rehabilitation program should include exercises to enhance strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination. This article focuses on exercises to improve flexibility.

Microwave extraction of incurred salinomycin from chicken tissues.

A rapid, accurate, environmentally friendly and cost-effective microwave extraction technique was developed for the extraction of spiked and incurred salinomycin from chicken tissues (kidney, liver, muscle, ovarian yolk and fat). Extraction of salinomycin from various tissues was achieved by irradiating the sample in absolute ethanol and 2-propanol (15 + 2) for 9 sec. in a common household microwave oven. The extract was analysed without further cleanup by HPLC on a C18 column (5 microns) and detected at 592 nm via post-column reaction with 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMABA) in a heated reactor coil at 86 degrees C. Recoveries of salinomycin from spiked tissues at 30 ng/g level ranged between 87 and 100%. The limit of quantitation was found to be 10 ng/g. The developed method was applied for the analysis of incurred tissues and ovarian yolk of laying chickens given sodium salinomycin in feed at different levels for 14 consecutive days followed by withdrawal periods. Residues were detected in all tissues and ovarian yolk at 0 withdrawal time but declined during the withdrawal period. Highest residue were found in fat and ovarian yolk.