Cranial trauma in handgun executions: Circumferential delamination defect and its relationship with contact/close-range shooting.

Skeletal evidence usually constitutes the only source of information to interpret lesion patterns that help to clarify the circumstances surrounding death. The examination and interpretation of bone trauma are essential to the application and utility of anthropology as a forensic science. When discussing the effect of gunshot wounds in bone, it becomes imperative to differentiate between short and long-distance injuries based on clear, distinct, and observable signs. To contribute to the debate, our focus is directed toward the external analysis of the so-called circumferential delamination defect (CDD) as an observable proxy for close-range shooting (≤30 cm) and contact gunshot wounds in the skull. In the context of known extrajudicial killings, in which the perpetrators used short 9 × 19 FMJ ammunition in a close-range shooting, instances of CDD have been documented. Empirical evidence reinforcing the causal relationship between CDD and close-range shootings is presented. Elements' characteristics of firearm residues were also found in remains buried for up to 30 years. Primarily, this work shows that the concentrations of gunshot residues (Pb, Ba, and Sb) resemble those observed in fresh corpses with the same gunshot wound (GSW). Moreover, the correlation observed between CDD and gunshot residues, where the likelihood of CDD increases the closer to the head and the more perpendicular the shot angle is, reinforces CDD as a pivotal discriminatory factor in the skeletal evidence of short-range or contact shot. This research contributes to the field of forensic anthropology by providing fundamental insights into the etiology of CDD and its practical application.

Mpox outbreak in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A translational approach.

Mpox is a zoonotic disease historically reported in Africa. Since 2003, limited outbreaks have occurred outside Africa. In 2022, the global spread of cases with sustained interhuman transmission and unusual disease features raised public health concerns. We explore the mpox outbreak in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) state, Brazil, in an observational study of mpox-suspected cases from June to December 2022. Data collection relied on a public healthcare notification form. Diagnosis was determined by MPXV-PCR. In 46 confirmed cases, anti-OPXV IgG was determined by ELISA, and seven MPXV genomes were sequenced. A total of 3095 cases were included, 816 (26.3%) with positive MPXV-PCR results. Most positive cases were men in their 30 s and MSM. A total of 285 (34.9%) MPXV-PCR+ patients live with HIV. Eight were coinfected with varicella-zoster virus. Anogenital lesions and adenomegaly were associated with the diagnosis of mpox. Females and individuals under 18 represented 9.4% and 5.4% of all confirmed cases, respectively, showing higher PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values and fewer anogenital lesions compared to adult men. Anti-OPXV IgG was detected in 29/46 (63.0%) patients. All analyzed sequences belonged to clade IIb. In RJ state, mpox presented a diverse clinical picture, represented mainly by mild cases with low complication rates and prominent genital involvement. The incidence in females and children was higher than usually reported. The observation of a bimodal distribution of Ct values, with few positive results, may suggest the need to review the diagnostic criteria in these groups.

Effect of high-energy mechanical milling on the physicochemical and rheological properties of chayotextle (Sechium edule Sw.) starch.

This work evaluates the effect of high-energy mechanical milling time (7 levels, 20-80 min) on amylose content, crystallinity pattern, temperature and gelatinization enthalpy, morphology, and rheological properties of chayotextle (Sechium edule Sw.) starch. After 30 min of milling, granular structure was affected, and amylose values were the highest while crystallinity and gelatinization enthalpy decreased significantly. These changes allowed to obtain gels with viscoelastic properties where the elastic character (Ç´) prevailed upon the viscous modulus (Ǵ́). Native starch showed Tan δ values of 0.6, increased significantly (0.9) after 30 min of milling due to the surge in linear chains (amylose) and loss of granular structure. Native and modified starches showed high dependence on cutting or shear speed, presenting a non-Newtonian behavior (reofluidizers). These results indicate that mechanical grinding is an alternative to obtain modified starches with applications in the food industry.

The Impact of Sleep Interventions on Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Sleep is essential for maximal performance in the athletic population. Despite that, the sport context has many factors that can negatively influence athletes' sleep and subsequent recovery. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the most recent literature regarding sleep interventions aimed at improving sleep and subsequent performance in athletes. METHODS: The present systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines and the PICOS approach. The search was conducted in May 2022 using the electronic database PubMed, SPORTDiscus via EBSCOhost, and Web of Science. Once extracted, studies were included if they met the following criteria: (1) participants were athletes of individual or team sports; (2) implemented an intervention aimed at improving sleep; (3) measured at least one objective performance/recovery outcome; and (4) reported the relationship between sleep and performance. RESULTS: The search returned 1584 records. Following the screening, a total of 25 studies met our inclusion criteria. All the included articles were intervention studies published between 2011 and 2021. The included studies implemented various sleep interventions, such as sleep hygiene, naps, sleep extension, light manipulation, cold water immersion, mindfulness, or a combination of two or more strategies. Sleep extension and naps were the most representative and most effective strategies to improve sleep and performance. Mindfulness and light manipulation demonstrated promising results, but more studies are needed to confirm these findings. Sleep hygiene, removing electronic devices at night, and cold water immersion had no effects on sleep and subsequent performance/recovery, but these results are based on a few studies only. CONCLUSION: While acknowledging the limited amount of high-quality evidence reviewed, it appears that increasing sleep duration at night or through napping was the most effective interventions to improve physical and/or cognitive performance. Protocol Registration This protocol was registered in the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (INPLASY) on May 11, 2022, with the registration number INPLASY202250069.

X-ray polarization evidence for a 200-year-old flare of Sgr A.

The centre of the Milky Way Galaxy hosts a black hole with a solar mass of about 4 million (Sagittarius A* (Sgr A)) that is very quiescent at present with a luminosity many orders of magnitude below those of active galactic nuclei1. Reflection of X-rays from Sgr A* by dense gas in the Galactic Centre region offers a means to study its past flaring activity on timescales of hundreds and thousands of years2. The shape of the X-ray continuum and the strong fluorescent iron line observed from giant molecular clouds in the vicinity of Sgr A* are consistent with the reflection scenario3-5. If this interpretation is correct, the reflected continuum emission should be polarized6. Here we report observations of polarized X-ray emission in the direction of the molecular clouds in the Galactic Centre using the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer. We measure a polarization degree of 31% ± 11%, and a polarization angle of -48° ± 11°. The polarization angle is consistent with Sgr A* being the primary source of the emission, and the polarization degree implies that some 200 years ago, the X-ray luminosity of Sgr A* was briefly comparable to that of a Seyfert galaxy.

Vela pulsar wind nebula X-rays are polarized to near the synchrotron limit.

Pulsar wind nebulae are formed when outflows of relativistic electrons and positrons hit the surrounding supernova remnant or interstellar medium at a shock front. The Vela pulsar wind nebula is powered by a young pulsar (B0833-45, aged 11,000 years)1 and located inside an extended structure called Vela X, which is itself inside the supernova remnant2. Previous X-ray observations revealed two prominent arcs that are bisected by a jet and counter jet3,4. Radio maps have shown high linear polarization of 60% in the outer regions of the nebula5. Here we report an X-ray observation of the inner part of the nebula, where polarization can exceed 60% at the leading edge-approaching the theoretical limit of what can be produced by synchrotron emission. We infer that, in contrast with the case of the supernova remnant, the electrons in the pulsar wind nebula are accelerated with little or no turbulence in a highly uniform magnetic field.

Polarized x-rays from a magnetar.

Magnetars are neutron stars with ultrastrong magnetic fields, which can be observed in x-rays. Polarization measurements could provide information on their magnetic fields and surface properties. We observed polarized x-rays from the magnetar 4U 0142+61 using the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer and found a linear polarization degree of 13.5 ± 0.8% averaged over the 2- to 8-kilo-electron volt band. The polarization changes with energy: The degree is 15.0 ± 1.0% at 2 to 4 kilo-electron volts, drops below the instrumental sensitivity ~4 to 5 kilo-electron volts, and rises to 35.2 ± 7.1% at 5.5 to 8 kilo-electron volts. The polarization angle also changes by 90° at ~4 to 5 kilo-electron volts. These results are consistent with a model in which thermal radiation from the magnetar surface is reprocessed by scattering off charged particles in the magnetosphere.

Polarized x-rays constrain the disk-jet geometry in the black hole x-ray binary Cygnus X-1.

A black hole x-ray binary (XRB) system forms when gas is stripped from a normal star and accretes onto a black hole, which heats the gas sufficiently to emit x-rays. We report a polarimetric observation of the XRB Cygnus X-1 using the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer. The electric field position angle aligns with the outflowing jet, indicating that the jet is launched from the inner x-ray-emitting region. The polarization degree is 4.01 ± 0.20% at 2 to 8 kiloelectronvolts, implying that the accretion disk is viewed closer to edge-on than the binary orbit. These observations reveal that hot x-ray-emitting plasma is spatially extended in a plane perpendicular to, not parallel to, the jet axis.

Endoplasmic Stress Affects the Coinfection of Leishmania Amazonensis and the Phlebovirus (Bunyaviridae) Icoaraci.

Viral coinfections can modulate the severity of parasitic diseases, such as human cutaneous leishmaniasis. Leishmania parasites infect thousands of people worldwide and cause from single cutaneous self-healing lesions to massive mucosal destructive lesions. The transmission to vertebrates requires the bite of Phlebotomine sandflies, which can also transmit Phlebovirus. We have demonstrated that Leishmania infection requires and triggers the Endoplasmic stress (ER stress) response in infected macrophages. In the present paper, we tested the hypothesis that ER stress is increased and required for the aggravation of Leishmania infection due to coinfection with Phlebovirus. We demonstrated that Phlebovirus Icoaraci induces the ER stress program in macrophages mediated by the branches IRE/XBP1 and PERK/ATF4. The coinfection with L. amazonensis potentiates and sustains the ER stress, and the inhibition of IRE1α or PERK results in poor viral replication and decreased parasite load in macrophages. Importantly, we observed an increase in viral replication during the coinfection with Leishmania. Our results demonstrated the role of ER stress branches IRE1/XBP1 and PERK/ATF4 in the synergic effect on the Leishmania increased load during Phlebovirus coinfection and suggests that Leishmania infection can also increase the replication of Phlebovirus in macrophages.

A 50-year-old redescription: molecular and morphometric characterization of Hepatozoon carinicauda Pessôa and Cavalheiro, 1969 in the brown-banded water snake Helicops angulatus (Linnaeus, 1758).

The combined use of molecular and microscopic techniques has become an increasingly common and efficient practice for the taxonomic and evolutionary understanding of single-celled parasites such as haemogregarines. Based on this integrative approach, we characterized Hepatozoon found in Helicops angulatus snakes from the Eastern Amazonia, Brazil. The gamonts observed caused cell hypertrophy and were extremely elongated and, in some cases, piriform (mean dimensions: 25.3 ± 1.9 × 8.6 ± 1.3 µm). These morphological features correspond to Hepatozoon carinicauda, described 50 years ago in the snake Helicops carinicaudus in the southeast region of Brazil. Phylogenetic and genetic divergence analyses, performed with the sequence obtained from the amplification of a 590 bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene, revealed that Hepatozoon in He. angulatus differed from the other lineages retrieved from GenBank, and was clustered singly in both the phylogenetic tree and the haplotype network. The integration of these data allowed the identification of H. carinicauda in a new aquatic host, and increased the knowledge of its geographical distribution. Therefore, the present study included the first redescription of a Hepatozoon species in a snake from the Brazilian Amazon.

Chromosome Evolution in the Genus Partamona (Apidae: Meliponini), with Comments on B Chromosome Origin.

The genus Partamona includes 33 species of stingless bees, of which 11 were studied cytogenetically. The main goal of this study was to propose a hypothesis about chromosomal evolution in Partamona by combining molecular and cytogenetic data. Cytogenetic analyses were performed on 3 Partamona species. In addition, the molecular phylogeny included mitochondrial sequences of 11 species. Although the diploid number was constant within the genus, 2n = 34, B chromosomes were reported in 7 species. Cytogenetic data showed karyotypic variations related to chromosome morphology and the amount and distribution of heterochromatin and repetitive DNA. The molecular phylogenetic reconstruction corroborated the monophyly of the genus and separated the 2 clades (A and B). This separation was also observed in the cytogenetic data, in which species within each clade shared most of the cytogenetic characteristics. Furthermore, our data suggested that the B chromosome in the genus Partamona likely originated from a common ancestor of the species that have it in clade B and, through interspecific hybridization, it appeared only in Partamona rustica from clade A. Based on the above, Partamona is an interesting genus for further investigations using molecular mapping of B chromosomes as well as for broadening phylogenetic data.

Age-at-death estimation in adults using three forensic methodologies: A Lamendin's technique approach for Latin American context and the extension of a forensic international dental database.

In forensic science, the information that teeth provide to the age estimation process is very important. In adults, one of the most widely used indicators of skeletal age is the Root Dentin Translucency (RDT), mainly through the Lamendin technique, which is used in various Latin American contexts. Recently, Parra et al. (2020) have developed a Bayesian regression model using the Lamendin technique to establish standardized criteria for estimating age-at-death in adults in various forensic contexts. In this study, we evaluate the applicability of this proposal together with the proposal by Lamendin et al. (1992) and Prince and Ubelaker (2002) in Latin American contexts. A sample of single-rooted teeth belonging to 805 individuals from six Latin American countries was used. The results of the three proposals considered were analyzed taking into account factors such as age, sex, origin, and the tooth surface on which the variables were surveyed. Of the factors that would affect the estimates, it was found that the age of the individuals had the greatest influence. However, it was confirmed that the sex and surface of the teeth on which the measurements were taken did not influence the final result. On the other hand, as we expected, the application of the analyzed proposals would also be possible in other forensic contexts, as shown by the results obtained according to the origin. This research expands the FIDB with more information on Latino contexts.

Root Dentin Translucency and Forensic International Dental Database: Methodology for estimation age-at-death in adults using single-rooted teeth.

Estimation of the age-at-death in adults is essential when the identification of deceased persons with unknown identity is required in both humanitarian and judicial contexts. However, the methodologies and the results obtained can be questioned. Various efforts have been developed to adjust procedures to specific populations, always seeking the precision and accuracy of the methodologies. It is known that the estimation of the age-at-death in adults coexists with wide margins of error, due to several reasons, including but not limited to statistical problems, the size of the sample or the physiological process of aging. This research focuses on a degenerative indicator of the dentin (Root Dentin Translucency) and its combination with Periodontal Height (PH) following the Lamendin's technique for estimation of the age-at-death in adults. The main objective of this research was to demonstrate the applicability of a Bayesian model based on a Forensic International Dental Database (FIDB) that include Root Translucency Height (RTH) and PH as a method to age-at-death in adults. The conclusion of this research was that the combined both indicators become a generalizable age-at-death in adults model for all human populations, where the Bayesian method would offer optimal results in any population. In this way, those populations that do not have had the possibility of validating a specific procedure, now have the opportunity to apply a valid method for estimating age-at-death in adults to global scope.

Serum Kynurenines Correlate With Depressive Symptoms and Disability in Poststroke Patients: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Poststroke depression (PSD) is related to adverse functional and cognitive prognosis in stroke patients. The participation of kynurenine pathway metabolites in depression has been previously proposed; however, there are few studies on its role in PSD and disability in stroke. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if there is a correlation between serum kynurenines levels with poststroke anxiety and depression symptoms and disability scales. METHODS: A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted in patients with first stroke, of >1 month and <1 year of evolution, with no history of previous psychiatric or neurological disorders; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), functional evaluations (Barthel index, Functional Independence Measure [FIM]) were applied and serum kynurenines (Kyns) were determined. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included; significant depressive symptoms were found in 63% of the cases; a significant and positive correlation was obtained between levels of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) with HADS-T (r = 0.30, P = .025) and HADS-D (r = 0.28, P = .039). Depressed patients showed significantly higher levels of 3HK (P = .048) and KYNA (P = .0271) than nondepressed patients; the 3HK levels were inversely correlated with functional scales: Barthel index (r = -0.31, P = .02), FIM (r = -0.40, P = .01); in addition, serum 3HK levels were significantly higher in patients with poor sleep quality (P = .0190). CONCLUSIONS: Serum Kyns show correlation with the presence and severity of depressive symptoms and with the disability and sleep quality. Kyns may be a potential marker of depression risk and disability in stroke in future.

Under the light: high prevalence of haemoparasites in lizards (Reptilia: Squamata) from Central Amazonia revealed by microscopy.

Blood samples from 330 lizards of 19 species were collected to investigate the occurrence of haemoparasites. Samplings were performed in areas of upland (terra-firme) forest adjacent to Manaus municipality, Amazonas, Brazil. Blood parasites were detected in 220 (66%) lizards of 12 species and comprised four major groups: Apicomplexa (including haemogregarines, piroplasms, and haemosporidians), trypanosomatids, microfilarid nematodes and viral or bacterial organisms. Order Haemosporida had the highest prevalence, with 118 (35%) animals from 11 species. For lizard species, Uranoscodon superciliosus was the most parasitised host, with 103 (87%; n = 118) positive individuals. This species also presented the highest parasite diversity, with the occurrence of six taxa. Despite the difficulties attributed by many authors regarding the use of morphological characters for taxonomic resolution of haemoparasites, our low-cost approach using light microscopy recorded a high prevalence and diversity of blood parasite taxa in a relatively small number of host species. This report is the first survey of haemoparasites in lizards in the study region. It revealed a high diversity of lizard haemoparasites and highlights the need to understand their impacts on hosts.

Different Levels of Chromatin Condensation in Partamona chapadicola and Partamona nhambiquara (Hymenoptera, Apidae).

Studies in several organisms have contributed to the understanding of heterochromatin and its biological importance. In bees of the tribe Meliponini, the presence of chromosomes with totally heterochromatic arms has been attributed to the mechanism of karyotype evolution in which this group accumulated heterochromatin to maintain telomere stability after centric fission events. In the present study, the use of classical and molecular cytogenetic techniques as well as automated image analysis software for the description of the karyotypes of Partamonachapadicola and P. nhambiquara bee species revealed variability in the compaction and patterns of chromatin structure. Although both species have the same chromosome number as other species in the genus Partamona (2n = 34), C-banding and image analyses indicated the existence of chromosomes with 3 regions of different staining intensities, suggesting a chromatin structure with distinct patterns and characteristics. Repetitive DNA probes hybridized only in the euchromatic regions, whereas the regions with intermediate staining intensity did not show any hybridization signals. This suggests that these regions present features more similar to heterochromatin. Evidence of the existence of a chromatin class with intermediate condensation compared to euchromatin and heterochromatin indicates a potential mechanism for heterochromatin amplification and demonstrates the need for further studies on this topic. This previously unrecognized class of chromatin should be taken into account in the study of all Meliponini chromosomes.

First Record of a B Chromosome in Polybia fastidiosuscula Saussure (Vespidae) and Investigation of Chromatin Composition Through Microsatellite Mapping.

The characterization of karyotypes is an important aspect in understanding the structure and evolution of genomes. Polybia is a genus of social wasps of the family Vespidae. This genus has 58 species, but for only 8 of these chromosome number and morphology have been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to describe and characterize the Polybia fastidiosuscula Saussure karyotype, presenting the first case of a B chromosome in Vespidae. In addition, we investigated the chromatin composition of this species through C-banding, base-specific fluorochrome staining, and physical mapping of 7 microsatellites and 18S rDNA. Four colonies of P. fastidiosuscula from Minas Gerais and Paraná states, Brazil, were analyzed. The chromosome number identified was 2n = 34, and 2 colonies presented a B chromosome. We characterized the chromatin composition of this species, analyzing the existence of different microsatellite-rich heterochromatic regions which are also enriched with AT or GC base pairs. We suggest an intraspecific origin of the B chromosome based on the homology of the heterochromatic composition with A chromosomes and also verify that the TTAGG and TCAGG sequences are not telomeric, but only microsatellites that occur in the centromeres of most chromosomes, as well as GAG and CGG.

Ex situ catalytic biomass pyrolysis using mesoporous Ti-MCM-41.

Biomass has attracted considerable attention as energy, economic, and environmental asset, as result of its abundance and range of properties. The use of mesoporous catalysts during fast pyrolysis has been a highly important route to improve efficiency as well adding value to biomass. The addition of titanium to molecular sieves increases the efficiency of the pyrolysis reaction by improving production and selectivity of products of interest. This study aims at analyzing the catalytic pyrolysis products of elephant grass using titanium catalysts prepared at different Si/Ti molar ratios, i.e., 25 and 50. The material was supported on MCM-41 for the catalytic pyrolysis of biomass. The biomass pyrolysis reactions were performed in a micropyrolyzer coupled to a GC/MS analyzer. The Ti-MCM-41 samples were characterized by XRD, BET-specific area, and UV-visible. The distribution of pyrolysis products depended on process parameters such as temperature and catalyst type. The highest yield for hydrocarbon production, such as styrene, benzene, methylbenzene, and naphthalene, was observed at 600 °C using Si/Ti equal to 50.

Phylogeography and Historical Biogeography of the Astyanax bimaculatus Species Complex (Teleostei: Characidae) in Coastal Southeastern South America.

Astyanax bimaculatus, a ubiquitous species in many Neotropical basins, is characterized by a complex taxonomy and are currently considered a species complex. The goal of this study was to analyze 31 populations (N = 136) of this species from southeastern Brazil using cytogenetic techniques: conventional staining, nucleolar organizer region (Ag-NOR), C-banding, and 18S and 5S recombinant DNA fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) probes; and molecular techniques: S72, RAG2, and COI. All populations were 2n = 50 (6m + 20sm +18st +6a); Ag-NORs were predominantly simple, C-banding revealed high variation levels within and among basins, and the FISH probes 18S and 5S were restricted to chromosome pairs 14 and 7, respectively. The S72 was uninformative for phylogenetic analyses, and RAG2 showed no variation among populations. The COI gene revealed three haplogroups. The most basal was composed of Pandeiros population (São Francisco Basin) that diverged in the Middle Miocene. The second was composed of A. altiparanae from the Upper Paraná Basin and Espírito Santo Stream (Paraíba do Sul Basin), whereas the third was composed of Astyanax lacustris from São Francisco and coastal basins. The second and third haplogroups diverged in the Pleistocene, indicating that diversification of the bimaculatus complex was driven by tectonic activity and sea-level fluctuations.