scholarly journals How Decomposition and Processing Affect Metallic Particles From a Bullet in Gunshot Defects

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Simcha Levin
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Human Remains ◽  
Decomposition Process ◽  
Outdoor Environment ◽  
Human Skeletal Remains ◽  
Metallic Particles ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Sharp Force ◽  
Sharp Force Trauma ◽  
Firing Distance

A significant portion of forensic anthropological cases involve decomposed or fragmented human skeletal remains. When testifying in a courtroom, often the focus is on trauma interpretation and distinguishing between blunt force trauma, sharp force trauma, or high-velocity projectile trauma. Therefore, forensic anthropologists need to understand how various factors and processes alter human remains during the decomposition process and how those changes affect the interpretation of skeletal trauma patterns. The primary research question addressed in this study is: how does the decomposition and processing of human remains impact the preservation of metallic fragments from gunshot trauma? Fifteen hog (Sus scrofa) crania were shot using hollow-point and full-metal jacketed 9mm ammunition with an 8-foot firing distance. Eight skinless slabs of hog ribs were shot using the same ammunition types as the crania. All hog samples decomposed in an outdoor environment under metal cages to prevent scavenging. Radiographs were taken of each hog sample before and after decomposition and after processing. The results show metallic fragments from the bullet embedding in the soft tissue more frequently than in the hard tissue. Scavengers, mummification, and processing are three critical factors that were found to influence the removal/preservation of metallic fragments during the decomposition process.   

Student Pharmacists Self-Perceived Confidence in Communication Skills With Healthcare Practitioners Before and After a Seminar Course

2021 ◽  
pp. 089719002110184
Author(s):  
Kimberly L. Barefield ◽  
Caroline Champion ◽  
Lucy Yang ◽  
Brent Rollins
Keyword(s):  
Survey Design ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Course Evaluation ◽  
Internship Experience ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Student’S T ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
Pharmacy Curriculum ◽  
Question Survey

Introduction: Competent pharmacy practice requires the ability to critically evaluate the medical literature and communicate pharmacotherapy information and recommendations to healthcare practitioners. Given the limited research on how these skills are taught, a seminar course in the third year of the pharmacy curriculum was designed to strengthen these skills and abilities. Methods: This was a prospective, pre- and post-cohort survey design. Students were informed of the study’s intent with participation being voluntary and not affecting their course grade. Students received the same survey at the beginning and end of the semester. The 20-question survey assessed self-perceived confidence in the domains of communication and literature evaluation using a 5-point, Likert-type Strongly Disagree-Strongly Agree Scale. Demographic information and students’ previous pharmacy work and internship experience were collected as a part of the survey. Descriptive statistics and Student’s t-test were used to assess the research question and comparisons of student demographics. Results: Sixty-eight of a possible 91 students (75% response rate) completed both the pre- and post-survey. There was no statistically significant differences between any of the measured demographics. Overall, students slightly agreed they were confident in their communication and literature evaluation skills in the pre-course evaluation, with communicating drug interactions as the least confident area. Post-course, students were significantly more confident in all but 5 of 20 measured areas. Conclusion: The Seminar course resulted in a positive change in students’ perception of confidence to communicate with healthcare professionals and ability to evaluate drug literature.

scholarly journals The elusive parasite: comparing macroscopic, immunological, and genomic approaches to identifying malaria in human skeletal remains from Sayala, Egypt (third to sixth centuries AD)

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvie Loufouma Mbouaka ◽  
Michelle Gamble ◽  
Christina Wurst ◽  
Heidi Yoko Jäger ◽  
Frank Maixner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Sample Selection ◽  
Human Remains ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Skeletal Remains ◽  
Pathological Changes ◽  
Human Skeletal Remains ◽  
The Past ◽  
A Site ◽  
Capture Sequencing

AbstractAlthough malaria is one of the oldest and most widely distributed diseases affecting humans, identifying and characterizing its presence in ancient human remains continue to challenge researchers. We attempted to establish a reliable approach to detecting malaria in human skeletons using multiple avenues of analysis: macroscopic observations, rapid diagnostic tests, and shotgun-capture sequencing techniques, to identify pathological changes, Plasmodium antigens, and Plasmodium DNA, respectively. Bone and tooth samples from ten individuals who displayed skeletal lesions associated with anaemia, from a site in southern Egypt (third to sixth centuries AD), were selected. Plasmodium antigens were detected in five of the ten bone samples, and traces of Plasmodium aDNA were detected in six of the twenty bone and tooth samples. There was relatively good synchronicity between the biomolecular findings, despite not being able to authenticate the results. This study highlights the complexity and limitations in the conclusive identification of the Plasmodium parasite in ancient human skeletons. Limitations regarding antigen and aDNA preservation and the importance of sample selection are at the forefront of the search for malaria in the past. We confirm that, currently, palaeopathological changes such as cribra orbitalia are not enough to be certain of the presence of malaria. While biomolecular methods are likely the best chance for conclusive identification, we were unable to obtain results which correspond to the current authentication criteria of biomolecules. This study represents an important contribution in the refinement of biomolecular techniques used; also, it raises new insight regarding the consistency of combining several approaches in the identification of malaria in past populations.

Taphonomic Context of Sharp-Force Trauma in Suspected Cases of Human Mutilation and Dismemberment

2001 ◽  
pp. 403-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Symes ◽  
John Williams ◽  
Elizabeth Murray ◽  
J Hoffman ◽  
Thomas Holland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sharp Force ◽  
Sharp Force Trauma

Effects of Playing Position on Hydration Status in Collegiate Marching Band Musicians

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-182
Author(s):  
Nobuo Yasuda ◽  
Shuto Ito
Keyword(s):  
Specific Gravity ◽  
Outdoor Environment ◽  
Hydration Status ◽  
Marching Band ◽  
Total Fluid Intake ◽  
Urinary Osmolality ◽  
Body Mass Change ◽  
Snare Drum ◽  
Urinary Specific Gravity ◽  
Before And After

OBJECTIVE: Marching band musicians often endure prolonged daily practices in warm-hot outdoor environments. Evaluation of hydration status by instrument position can shed light on health-related issues for these performers. The objective of this study was: a) to determine the effects of playing position on hydration status based on urinary biomarkers (urinary specific gravity and urinary osmolality) before and after marching band practice, and b) to evaluate the relation of hydration status with body mass change and fluid consumption for all playing positions. METHODS: Fifty-eight collegiate marching band players participated in this study, involving five playing positions: band pit (n=10), baritone and euphonium (n=12), snare drum (n=13), trumpet (n=12), and tuba (n=11). All participants performed their own routine marching band practice, which lasted a total of 6 hrs on 1 day. Each individual consumed ad libitum commercially available carbohydrate-electrolyte solution during the practice. To determine hydration status, urine samples were collected before and after practice for analysis of urinary specific gravity and urinary osmolality. Body weight and total fluid intake were also assessed pre- and post-exercise. RESULTS: There were no significant effects for playing position and time or interaction concerning the levels of urinary osmolality and specific gravity after practice. CONCLUSIONS: Our main findings suggest that hydration status may be similar among the different playing positions following prolonged practice in the outdoor environment.

scholarly journals Sharp Force Trauma Death in a Young Individual From Medieval Gloucester

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satu Valoriani ◽  
Constantine Eliopoulos ◽  
Matteo Borrini
Keyword(s):  
Young Individual ◽  
Trauma Death ◽  
Sharp Force ◽  
Sharp Force Trauma

scholarly journals Visualisation of contrast-filled stab wounds in various tissue types with computed tomography

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Mygind Leth ◽  
Uffe Stolborg
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Contrast Medium ◽  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Stab Wounds ◽  
India Ink ◽  
Sharp Force ◽  
Knife Blade ◽  
Sharp Force Trauma

ABSTRACT Background: Stab wounds are common in homicide cases. Post-mortem multislice computed tomography (PMCT) has proved to be a useful tool in forensic examinations of victims of sharp force trauma, but due the limited resolution of soft tissues, the radiological depiction of a stab channel is difficult. In this study, we have tried to obtain information about the shape of a knife blade by CT scanning contrast-filled experimentally inflicted stab wounds in various types of pig tissue. Methodology: The tissue samples were mounted on floral foam (oasis) with wooden sticks. Two contrast media were used: one was unmodified and easy flowing, and one was made more viscous with polyethylene glycol. Stab channels in ballistic soap were used for comparison. India ink-filled stab channels were investigated histologically to determine the pattern of leakage. Principal findings: We found that the shape of the stab wounds on the CT images from lung and muscle tissue did not correspond well to the shape of the inflicting knife. There was a better correspondence in the images obtained from liver, spleen and kidney. The viscous contrast medium was less likely than the thin (easy flowing) contrast medium to spill into to structures outside the stab channel, but some spillage was observed for both types of contrast medium. Air bubbles were only observed in the viscous contrast medium. Conclusion: Radiological evaluation of a contrast-filled stab wound in isolated tissue blocks did not permit the positive identification of the inflicting weapon, but it was, in tissue blocks from liver, spleen and kidney, possible to obtain a rough idea of the shape of the inflicting knife and to differentiate a knife from a screwdriver.

Splitting hairs: differentiating between entomological activity, taphonomy, and sharp force trauma on hair

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debora Mazzarelli ◽  
Stefano Vanin ◽  
Daniele Gibelli ◽  
Lara Maistrello ◽  
Davide Porta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sharp Force ◽  
Sharp Force Trauma

scholarly journals Early but not late convalescent plasma is associated with better survival in moderate-to-severe COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neima Briggs ◽  
Michael V Gormally ◽  
Fangyong Li ◽  
Sabrina L Browning ◽  
Miriam M Treggiari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Primary Endpoints ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Secondary Endpoints ◽  
Design And Methods ◽  
Hospital Days

Background: Limited therapeutic options exist for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) is a potential therapeutic, but there is limited data for patients with moderate-to-severe disease. Research Question: What are outcomes associated with administration of CCP in patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 infection? Study Design and Methods: We conducted a propensity score-matched analysis of patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19. The primary endpoints were in-hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints were number of days alive and ventilator-free at 30 days; length of hospital stay; and change in WHO scores from CCP administration (or index date) to discharge. Of 151 patients who received CCP, 132 had complete follow-up data. Patients were transfused after a median of 6 hospital days; thus, we investigated the effect of convalescent plasma before and after this timepoint with 77 early (within 6 days) and 55 late (after 6 days) recipients. Among 3,217 inpatients who did not receive CCP, 2,551 were available for matching. Results: Early CCP recipients, of whom 31 (40%) were on mechanical ventilation, had lower 14-day (15% vs 23%) and 30-day (38% vs 49%) mortality compared to a matched unexposed cohort, with nearly 50% lower likelihood of in-hospital mortality (HR 0.52, [95% CI 0.28-0.96]; P=0.036). Early plasma recipients had more days alive and ventilator-free at 30 days (+3.3 days, [95% CI 0.2 to 6.3 days]; P=0.04) and improved WHO scores at 7 days (-0.8, [95% CI: -1.2 to -0.4]; P=0.0003) and hospital discharge (-0.9, [95% CI: -1.5 to -0.3]; P=0.004) compared to the matched unexposed cohort. No clinical differences were observed in late plasma recipients. Interpretation: Early administration of CCP improves outcomes in patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19, while improvement was not observed with late CCP administration. The importance of timing of administration should be addressed in specifically designed trials.

scholarly journals PENGELOLAAN PENGGUNAAN PESTISIDA DALAM MENDUKUNG PEMBANGUNAN BERKELANJUTAN DI INDONESIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Nugrahini Susantinah Wisnujatia ◽  
Suwandi S. Sangadji
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Rice Production ◽  
Production Data ◽  
Pesticide Use ◽  
Paired Sample ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Pesticide Reduction ◽  
The Difference

<p><em>The use of pesticides in rice production has an impact on the environment. Pesticides are chemicals used to kill or control pests. The use of pesticides carries some risks, but farmers are used to using pesticides. However, the use of pesticides may lead to the contamination of groundwater. Therefore, the research question in this study was whether there any differences in rice production before and after pesticide reduction in Indonesia. This study aimed to analyze the difference between rice production before and after pesticide reduction in Indonesia. The secondary data in this study were rice production data from FAO. Data from 1968 to 1992 were data about rice production before reducing pesticide use in Indonesia, while data from 1993 to 2017 were data about rice production after reducing pesticide use in Indonesia. The applied data analysis was paired sample t-test using SPSS 25. The results indicated that there is a significant difference between rice production before and after reducing pesticide use in Indonesia. </em></p>

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