RESUMO
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.
RESUMO
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.
Assuntos
Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/parasitologia , Esquistossomose mansoni/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Brasil/epidemiologia , Distribuição de Qui-Quadrado , Criança , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil/epidemiologia , Pré-Escolar , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fatores de Risco , População RuralRESUMO
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.
Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus/mortalidade , Brasil/epidemiologia , Causas de Morte , Atestado de Óbito , Complicações do Diabetes , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeAssuntos
Desnutrição Proteico-Calórica/epidemiologia , Estatura , Peso Corporal , Brasil , Pré-Escolar , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-NascidoRESUMO
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
Assuntos
Inquéritos Nutricionais , Desnutrição Proteico-Calórica , BrasilRESUMO
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.