Gunshot residue on dark materials: a comparison between infrared photography and the use of an alternative light source.

The pattern of gunshot residue (GSR) includes important information about muzzle-target distance since a larger GSR distribution diameter indicates a larger shooting distance. GSR may not be visible to the naked eye when, for example, it is located on dark textiles. In such cases, further procedures need to be performed in order to visualize the pattern of GSR. Besides chemical procedures, an alternative light source or infrared photography can be utilized for non-destructive GSR visualization. In the work presented, these two techniques are compared based on shooting experiments using 26 different dark textiles. Within the range of the alternative light source, the use of a 440-nm light in combination with an orange-colored filter led to the best visualization of GSR in the form of fluorescent particles. Infrared photography, on the other hand, visualized GSR as dark particles, whereas-ideally-the dark textile reflected the infrared light and appeared bright. The comparison of both techniques revealed that the GSR distribution visualized by infrared photography was not identical to the GSR distribution visualized with 440-nm illumination in combination with an orange-colored filter. We concluded that infrared photography visualizes the inner powder soot zone, whereas illumination at 440 nm leads to fluorescence of the outer powder soot zone, which can be visualized using an orange-colored filter. Knowledge of this difference in visualization of the two powder soot zones is important for forensic practitioners assessing firing distances. In the literature, however, this difference is not noted as clearly.

High proportion of patients with bleeding of unknown cause in persons with a mild-to-moderate bleeding tendency: Results from the Vienna Bleeding Biobank (VIBB).

INTRODUCTION: Data on clinical characteristics and the prevalence of underlying coagulopathies in patients with mild-to-moderate bleeding disorders (MBDs) are scarce. AIM: We established the Vienna Bleeding Biobank (VIBB) to characterize and thoroughly investigate Austrian patients with MBDs. RESULTS: Four hundred eighteen patients (female = 345, 82.5%) were included. A platelet function defect (PFD) was diagnosed in 26 (6.2%) and a possible PFD in 30 (7.2%) patients. Eight patients (1.9%) were diagnosed with von Willebrand disease (VWD) (type 1 n = 6; type 2 n = 2), and 29 patients had low VWF (30-50 IU/dL). Deficiencies in factor VIII, IX, XI or XIII were found in 11 (2.6%), 3 (0.7%), 3 (0.7%) and 1 patient(s), 2 patients had dysfibrinogenaemia, and further 2 had possible PFD and FXI deficiency. Probable causal mutations were detected in 8 of 11 patients with FVIII deficiency, 2 of 3 patients with FIX deficiency and 2 of 8 patients with VWD. Three hundred three patients (72.5%) had normal results in the coagulation assays and were categorized as patients with bleeding of unknown cause (BUC). The bleeding score did not differ between patients with and without established diagnosis. A diagnosis of a bleeding disorder was more frequently made in men than in women (49.3% vs 22.9%). Male sex (OR 3.55, 95% CI: 2.02-6.22; P < .001) and blood group 0 (OR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.17-2.94; P = .008) were independently associated with diagnosis of a bleeding disorder. CONCLUSION: The high rate of patients with BUC despite in-depth haemostatic assessment underlines the incompleteness of available routine laboratory tests. Males with MBDs were more likely to be diagnosed with an established bleeding disorder than females.

Visualizing old biological traces on different materials without using chemicals.

During the investigative process that typically follows a criminal act, it may prove necessary to work with and analyze evidence that is not recent but old. This could become necessary, for example, when a crime is discovered some time after it was committed or when a cold case is reopened. Due to this need, the present study focused on the detection and visualization of 2-year-old biological traces. To do so, an alternative light source and different filters were used. The optical behavior of 2-year-old samples of blood, semen, urine, saliva, and sweat located on 19 different materials was documented, analyzed, and compared with the optical behavior of the same samples when they were recent [1].

Oral antiplatelet therapy: impact for transfusion medicine.

Patients on antiplatelet therapy, be it aspirin only, or aspirin in combination with oral adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor inhibitors like clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor, or the protease-activated receptor-1 inhibitor vorapaxar, may develop bleeding or need transient reversal of platelet blockade for acute interventions. In this review, we summarize reports on patients with antiplatelet therapy receiving platelet concentrates due to bleeding, and in vitro experiments estimating the feasibility to restore platelet function by spiking blood from healthy individuals or patients on antiplatelet treatment with noninhibited platelets. So far, all clinical data were gained from patients on aspirin with or without ADP P2Y12 receptor inhibitors. Platelet inhibition due to clopidogrel, and to some extent also prasugrel may be overcome by platelet transfusion, but clinical data on massive platelet transfusion in these patients are lacking. Platelet transfusion may even be associated with worse outcomes. Ticagrelor-mediated platelet inhibition remains a challenge, as case reports show that platelet transfusion did not restore haemostasis. Prescription of the latter therefore demands a particular stringent indication.

Additive solutions differentially affect metabolic and functional parameters of platelet concentrates.

BACKGROUND: Pathogen inactivation (PI) of platelet concentrates with extension of shelf life to 7 days requires the use of platelet additive solutions (PAS). We examined the quality of platelets resuspended in three different PAS stored for up to 7 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve triple adult dose platelet concentrates (PC) were collected using the TrimaAccel® collection system. Each highly concentrated product was divided into three equal parts, and the additive solutions (Composol® or SSP+® or Intersol™) were added to a final concentration of 56% PAS and 44% plasma. Samples were drawn on days 1, 5 and 7 to measure pH, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lactate, mean platelet volume (MPV) and the aggregation response to collagen and the thrombin receptor agonist peptide-6. Further, p-selectin expression on platelets was assessed. RESULTS: No statistically significant changes were observed for pH and MPV during 7 days of storage in all PAS containing PCs, whereas glucose decreased and LDH and lactate increased over time (P < 0·05). These changes were particularly evident in Intersol PCs on days 5 and 7 compared with Composol® PCs or SSP+® PCs (P < 0·05). Platelets from Intersol PCs exhibited the highest baseline activation of p-selectin and showed reduced collagen- and TRAP-6-induced aggregation. CONCLUSION: Resuspension of platelets in Intersol for 7 days results in increased platelet activation and platelet metabolism compared with SSP+® or Composol®. Further clinical studies are needed to evaluate whether the observed differences in PAS-PCs affect the recovery rate or the life span of transfused platelets.

Searching for biological traces on different materials using a forensic light source and infrared photography.

Because biological traces often play an important role in the investigation process of criminal acts, their detection is essential. As they are not always visible to the human eye, tools like a forensic light source or infrared photography can be used. The intention of the study presented was to give advice how to visualize biological traces best. Which wavelengths and/or filters give the best results for different traces on different fabrics of different colors? Therefore, blood (undiluted and diluted), semen, urine, saliva, and perspiration have been examined on 29 different materials.

In kidney transplant recipients with BK polyomavirus infection, early BK nephropathy, microvascular inflammation, and serum creatinine are risk factors for graft loss.

BACKGROUND: Little information is available on the risk factors for graft loss in kidney transplant recipients with BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) nephropathy (BKVN) in the presence or absence of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). METHODS: We examined the risk factors for graft loss in consecutive kidney allograft recipients with biopsy-confirmed BKVN, with or without concomitant AMR. RESULTS: A total of 1904 kidney transplants were performed at our institution during 2005-2011. Of these, 330 (17.33%) were diagnosed with BKPyV viremia, and 69 were diagnosed with BKVN (3.6%). Eleven patients had a concomitant diagnosis of AMR. Patients with AMR were characterized by significantly higher peak panel-reactive antibody, retransplant rates, and desensitization preconditioning at the time of transplantation, as well as microvascular inflammation (MVI = glomerulitis + peritubular capillaritis), C4d score, and donor-specific antibody at the time of diagnosis (P ≤ 0.01). Treatment with plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin, and cidofovir was more prevalent in this group (P ≤ 0.02). Univariate analyses assessing the risk factors for graft loss in all patients with BKVN, identified an independent association of African-American race, deceased-donor transplantation, serum creatinine (Scr), MVI, and early disease (BKVN within 6 months of transplant) with poor outcomes. Multivariate analyses retained only 3 variables: Scr >2 mg/dL (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-9.7, P = 0.0004), early BKVN (HR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.3-5.3, P = 0.004), and MVI (HR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.8, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggest that, in patients with BK infection, early BKVN, Scr >2, and MVI are predictors of poor outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine effective treatment strategies for BKVN, with or without AMR.

Detection of granulocyte-reactive antibodies: a comparison of different methods.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Granulocyte-reactive antibodies can cause autoimmune and neonatal immune neutropenias as well as transfusion-related acute lung injury. The classical antibody-detection methods granulocyte aggregation test (GAT), granulocyte immunofluorescence test (GIFT) and monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of granulocyte antigens (MAIGA) are time-consuming and technically challenging. In recent years, flow cytometric white blood cell immunofluorescence test (Flow-WIFT) and the microbeads assay LabScreen® Multi have emerged and are still subject of evaluation. These serological tests were compared on a screening and specification level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For screening, the combination of GAT/GIFT was compared to Flow-WIFT testing 333 samples. Positive samples were further analysed with MAIGA and LabScreen® Multi. RESULTS: Granulocyte aggregation test/GIFT detected 77 positive samples, Flow-WIFT found 108 granulocyte-reactive samples. Six Samples were only positive in GAT/GIFT, and 37 samples were only positive in Flow-WIFT (κ = 0.682). Antibody specification with MAIGA and the microbeads assay confirmed granulocyte-reactivity in 83 cases with 70 matching results (κ = 0.742). However, out of six detected human neutrophil antigen (HNA) reactivities only two specificities matched in both assays. CONCLUSION: Flow-WIFT may be a valuable addition to GIFT for granulocyte-reactive antibody screening. MAIGA remains the most reliable laboratory method for antibody specification.

Magnetic resonance imaging changes of intervertebral discs after kyphoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Minimal-invasive cement augmentation techniques gained popularity recently. Long-term studies, however, are still not available focusing on the effect of possible acceleration of intervertebral disc degeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients (average age 67.1 ± 6.9 years, range 58-77; 10 female, 5 male) with acute or osteoporotic fractures were included in this study and MRI scans were performed before surgery and after a mean follow-up period of 15.2 months (range 8-27 months). Out of these patients, seven were available for a long-term MRI scan after a mean of 94.3 months (range 84-96 months). Disc degeneration and injuries were graded according to published Pfirrmann and Oner scales. RESULTS: A total of 43 intervertebral discs with moderate initial degeneration were examined pre-operatively and at the first follow-up. Twenty were available for the long-term-follow-up. At the first follow-up, 3 (1.3 %) discs showed a degenerative progression of 1 grade compared to the pre-operative MRI. Only one injured and one uninjured disc (0.4 %) showed progressive degeneration of 1 grade in the long-term follow up. No intervertebral disc in-between bisegmental cement augmentation showed acceleration of degenerative changes. CONCLUSION: Despite several limitations regarding patients' age and lack of performed perfusion MRI scans, this study suggests that vertebral cement augmentation through kyphoplasty has no significant influence on disc degeneration even after a long period. The absence of severe disc degeneration after vertebral augmentation supports further clinical trials, which should incorporate endplate perfusion studies for detailed information regarding disc perfusion.

The association of the Thr715Pro P-selectin genotype with levels of P-selectin in platelet concentrates.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: P-selectin is stored in the alpha granules of platelets and in the Weibel Palade bodies of endothelial cells; upon activation, it is translocated to the cell surface and released into the plasma in soluble form. One variant of the P-selectin gene, the Thr715Pro polymorphism, is strongly associated with the plasma levels of soluble P-selectin. In platelet concentrates soluble P-selectin can be regarded mainly platelet derived. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relation of the genotype with soluble P-selectin, platelet expressed P-selectin and the sum of all forms of P-selectin - comprising soluble P-selectin, platelet surface P-selectin and P-selectin from the alpha granules - was assessed in fresh whole blood and in apheresis platelets suspended in 35% plasma/65% SSP+ obtained from 89 platelet donors. RESULTS: Levels of total P-selectin were genotype associated (P = 0·025); likewise, in fresh whole blood there was an association of soluble P-selectin with genotype (P = 0·02). In platelets suspended in additive solution, however, levels of the storage-associated or TRAP-6 agonist induced increase of platelets' P-selectin were not associated with the genotype. A correlation between levels of soluble P-selectin and surface expression of P-selectin was observed on day 3 of storage in Thr715Thr individuals (P < 0·0001), but not in heterozygotes (Thr715Pro, P = 0·2). CONCLUSION: The donors' genotype has only little influence on levels of soluble P-selectin in apheresis platelets suspended in 35% plasma/65% SSP+.

Granulocyte-reactive antibodies are associated with red blood cell alloimmunization.

Granulocyte-reactive antibodies may cause transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and immune neutropenias. Risk factors for their acquisition other than previous alloexposition are largely unknown. In addition to the known association between human leucocyte antigen alloantibodies and red blood cell alloimmunization in selected cohorts of transfused patients, this study investigated a possible extension of this association to granulocyte-reactive antibodies in women with a history of pregnancy. The overall prevalence of granulocyte-reactive antibodies in 333 samples from women with a history of pregnancy (143 samples containing red cell alloantibodies) was 23·1%. The prevalence in the red cell-alloimmunized group (32·9%) was significantly higher than in controls (15·8%, P < 0·001). This could suggest that some individuals may be strong immunological responders, forming alloantibodies more readily than others.

[Stability of volar fixed-angle plating for distal radius fractures. Failure modes in osteoporotic bone]. / Die Stabilität von distalen Radiusfrakturen mit volaren winkelstabilen Plattenosteosynthesen. Versagensmechanismen im osteoporotischen Knochen.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures continue to show significant complication rates after operative treatment with locked plating. Failure occurs by screw loosening or screw penetration in the distal fragment. Placement of additional screws may enhance the stiffness of fracture fixation. The aim of this study was to determine the fatigue properties of different screw configurations in distal radius plate osteosynthesis with biomechanical tests and finite element analysis (FEA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Unstable distal radius fractures were created in 12 human cadaveric bone specimens and were fixed with volar locking plates. Group 4SC was fixed with four screws in the distal row and group 6SC with two additional screws the row below. Dynamic loading was applied physiologically. The radial shortening, the angulation of the distal fragment and the failure mechanism were determined by experimental tests and were further elucidated by FEA. RESULTS: Group 6SC showed a significantly lower radial shortening and inclination. Breakage of the screws within the plate was noted in group 4SC, while moderate screw penetration was observed in group 6SC. FEA confirmed the biomechanical tests. In group 4SC elevated von Mises strain in the locking mechanism explained the inclination of the screws and the distal fragment. The elastic strain in group 6SC was increased at the screw-bone interface which explained the resulting screw penetration. CONCLUSION: The failure mechanism in volar plating of distal radius fractures depended on the number of screws and their configuration. Using two more screws increases construct stiffness and angular stability under dynamic loading. However, increased stiffness also promoted screw penetration mainly in osteoporotic bone. Compared to screw penetration, loss of reposition and inclination of the distal fragment observed in the 4SC configuration is more likely to result in clinical complications.

The effect of plasma removal from apheresis platelet concentrates on platelet function.

The effect of plasma removal on platelet function has scarcely been investigated. Plasma removal from apheresis platelet concentrates was achieved by centrifugation at 5000 g for 6 min or 2000 g for 10 min. After resting for 1 h, platelet concentrates were resuspended in 0·9% NaCl. Platelet function was tested before centrifugation and after resuspension by multiple electrode impedance aggregometry (MEA) and light transmission aggregometry (LTA). Plasma removal resulted in 10-14% lower response to TRAP-6 by MEA using both washing procedures, whereas TRAP-6-inducible aggregation by LTA increased slightly (2-5%). Neither plasma removal method affected collagen-induced aggregation. Thus, platelet function did not deteriorate significantly by either method.

The anatomical collection of Giovan Battista Rini (1795-1856): A paleoradiological investigation.

Eight anatomical preparations from the collection of Giovan Battista Rini (1795-1856) at the Desenzano Hospital Pathology Division (Brescia, Italy) were examined by computed tomography (CT). The aim of the study was to obtain detailed information on the state of preservation of these "anatomical mummies" and the techniques used to prepare them. Relying on the existing literature, the examined specimens (five heads with necks, two busts and one heart) could be divided into three types of anatomical specimens: "dry preparations," "corrosion preparations," and "organ preparations." CT examination enabled the assessment of the exact features of each specimen, some of the preparation techniques applied, the presence of foreign bodies, and the use of substances to fill the blood vessels. All of the cases demonstrated an extremely good state of preservation. The study sheds new light on important-yet scarcely known-preparation techniques created for different anatomical demonstrations. Results of the CT investigation were consistent with the anatomical preservation methods described in 18th to 20th century literature, particularly those of Italy.

Methods for testing platelet function for transfusion medicine.

BACKGROUND: Currently only indirect measures are required for monitoring the function of platelets in platelet concentrates (PC). METHODS: This is an overview on currently available commercialized methods that have been used to determine platelet function in donors, concentrates and after transfusion. We show examples for the application of the no/low shear methods light-transmission aggregometry, flow cytometry, multiple electrode aggregometry, thrombelastography and dynamic light scattering, and those applying high shear, the platelet function analyzer-100, and the cone and plate analyzer. Advantages and disadvantages of the various methods to screen donors, evaluate the haemostatic properties maintained in the PC and after transfusion are discussed, based on considerations of platelet physiology, and the feasibility of the various procedures. This survey focuses on reports from the last 10 years, as the technology for the production of PCs has advanced significantly during the last few years. CONCLUSION: Specific aspects of platelet function can be assessed by the no/low shear methods, while the high shear methods provide more general analysis of platelet haemostatic competence. Yet, there is no strong evidence that the in vitro data correspond with the clinical outcome.

Monitoring and treatment of anti-D in pregnancy.

Prophylactic anti-D is a very safe and effective therapy for the suppression of anti-D immunization and thus prevention of haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn. However, migration from countries with low health standards and substantial cuts in public health expenses have increased the incidence of anti-D immunization in many "developed" countries. Therefore, this forum focuses on prenatal monitoring standards and treatment strategies in pregnancies with anti-D alloimmunization. The following questions were addressed, and a response was obtained from 12 centres, mainly from Europe.

Inventory management.

A critical aspect of blood transfusion is the timely provision of high quality blood products. This task remains a significant challenge for many blood services and blood systems reflecting the difficulty of balancing the recruitment of sufficient donors, the optimal utilization of the donor's gift, the increasing safety related restrictions on blood donation, a growing menu of specialized blood products and an ever-growing imperative to increase the efficiency of blood product provision from a cost perspective. As our industry now faces questions about our standard practices including whether or not the age of blood has a negative impact on recipients, it is timely to take a look at our collective inventory management practices. This International Forum represents an effort to get a snap shot of inventory management practices around the world, and to understand the range of different products provided for patients. In addition to sharing current inventory management practices, this Forum is intended to foster an exchange of ideas around where we see our field moving with respect to various issues including specialty products, new technologies, and reducing recipient risk from blood transfusion products.