Emerging spectrometric techniques for the forensic analysis of body fluids

Body fluids are evidence of great interest in forensics because they allow identification of individuals through the study of DNA. After reviewing the tests and the methods that are currently being used by forensic practitioners for the detection of body fluids (e.g. blood, semen, saliva, vaginal fluid, urine and sweat), and after showing their main drawbacks and limitations, this work focuses on the review of emerging spectrometric techniques applied for the forensic analysis of body fluids. These techniques include the use of ultraviolet-visible, infrared (IR), Raman, X-ray fluorescence and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry for investigating blood, semen, saliva, urine, vaginal fluid or sweat. Although all these spectrometric techniques seem to have a high potential to differentiate body fluids prior to DNA extraction, IR and Raman spectroscopy have shown the most promising results for discriminating stains from body fluids

Differentiation of body fluid stains on fabrics using external reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and chemometrics

Body fluids are evidence of great forensic interest due to the DNA extracted from them, which allows genetic identification of people. This study focuses on the discrimination among semen, vaginal fluid and urine stains (main fluids in sexual crimes) placed on different coloured cotton fabrics by external reflection FTIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics. Semen-vaginal fluid mixtures and potential false positive substances commonly found in daily life such as soaps, milk, juices and lotions were also studied. Results demonstrated that the IR spectral signature obtained for each body fluid allowed its identification and the correct classification of unknown stains by means of Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Soft Independent Modelling of Class Analogy (SIMCA). Interestingly, results proved that these IR spectra did not show any bands due to the colour of the fabric and no substance of those present in daily life which were analysed, provided a false positive

Spatio-temporal variability of mid-size pelagic fishes in the Gulf of Cadiz shelf waters in relation to climatic and environmental drivers

Understanding spatio-temporal distribution patterns of mid-size pelagic fish species (MSPF) is of great interest from the standpoint of both their management and conservation. MSPF inhabiting in the Gulf of Cadiz (SW Iberian Peninsula, Atlantic Ocean) are relevant because they contribute to a large number of individuals captured by the different fishing métiers operating in the area. So far, information on their spatial distribution and temporal changes remain scarce in the study area despite their implications in their stock discrimination and management. Herein, temporal changes of the distribution patterns of abundance and their response to environmental drivers of five MSPF (Scomber colias, Scomber scombrus, Trachurus trachurus, Trachurus mediterraneus and Trachurus picturatus) off the Gulf of Cadiz (GoC) are analyzed from acoustic surveys data for the period 2007-2017. In particular, we evaluated intra- and inter-specific overlapping over time and space using four spatial indices. The species’ abundance and distribution were estimated and mapped by applying geostatistical techniques taking into account autocorrelation between observations. Furthermore, analyses including environmental variables were tested to explain such spatial fluctuations. The main findings showed a progressive reduction of their distribution area in all species over time except for T. trachurus. The only species overlapping in space and time wasbetween T. picturatus and S. colias. The distribution areas of S. colias and T. mediterraneus were notably reduced and showed northern/southern preferences over the years. The main environmental variables shaping the abundance and distribution of each species were found to be chlorophyll and temperature. Climatic indices such as NAO and AMO affected MSPF by reducing or increasing their spatial distribution. Finally, we discuss implications of our findings to contribute to the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in the frame of implementing an effective ecosystem approach to fisheries management in the region

Progressing the analysis of Improvised Explosive Devices: Comparative study for trace detection of explosive residues in handprints by Raman spectroscopy and liquid chromatography

Concerning the dreadful global threat of terrorist attacks, the detection of explosive residues in biological traces and marks is a current need in both forensics and homeland security. This study examines the potential of Raman microscopy in comparison to liquid chromatography (ion chromatography (IC) and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC)) to detect, identify and quantify residues in human handmarks of explosives and energetic salts commonly used to manufacture Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) including dynamite, ammonium nitrate, single- and double-smokeless gunpowders and black powder. Dynamite, ammonium nitrate and black powder were detected through the identification of the energetic salts by Raman spectroscopy, their respective anions by IC, and organic components by RP-HPLC. Smokeless gunpowders were not detected, either by Raman spectroscopy or the two liquid chromatography techniques. Several aspects of handprint collection, sample treatment and a critical comparison of the identification of compounds by both techniques are discussed. Raman microscopy and liquid chromatography were shown to be complementary to one another offering more comprehensive information for trace explosives analysis

Immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity of acidic polysaccharides from laminaria ochroleuca, porphyra umbilicalis and gelidium corneum

Las algas marinas del género Laminaria, Gelidium y Porphyra se han utilizado en industrias alimentarias y no alimentarias debido a sus propiedades y su actividad biológica. Los polisacáridos sulfatados de algas ofrecen diversas aplicaciones como anticoagulantes, antihiperlipidémicos, antivirales y antitumorales. Se recolectaron en 2017 en Isla Paloma (Cádiz, España) Laminaria ochroleuca, Porphyra umbilicalis y Gelidium corneum de las que se extrajeron lo polisacáridos sulfatados. La finalidad para la realización de este trabajo fue caracterizar los polisacáridos sulfatados de estas algas, evaluar la actividad antioxidante, las propiedades inmunomoduladoras de los polisacáridos sulfatados de estas algas y ver la actividad antitumoral de los polisacáridos de Laminaria ochroleuca. Para la caracterización de los polisacáridos se realizó un FT-IR de cada uno de ellos. Se cuantificó la actividad inmunomoduladora mediante las citoquinas TNF-α y IL-6, usando un ELISA TNF-α de ratón Ready-SET-Go y un ELISA IL-6 de ratón Ready-SET-Go (Affymetrix, EBioscience), siguiendo las instrucciones del proveedor usando la línea celular RAW 264.7. La actividad antioxidante fue determinada en los polisacáridos sulfatados por el método ABTS. La actividad antitumoral de los polisacáridos sulfatados de Laminaria ochroleuca fue evaluada con ensayos de MTT, en diferentes líneas celulares cancerígenas, cáncer de colon humano (HTC-116), melanoma maligno humano (G-361) y leucemia humana (U-937). La mayor actividad antioxidante (25.69 μmol TE g-1) e inmunomoduladora se observaron en los polisacáridos sulfatados de L. ochroleuca. Es por esta razón que los ensayos de actividad anticancerígena se llevaron a cabo con estos polisacáridos sulfatados en las líneas celulares HTC-116 (IC50 = 0,44 mg mL-1), G-361 (IC50 = 5,42 mg mL-1) y U-937 (IC50 = 3.72 mg mL-1). Se concluye por tanto que, L. ochroleuca ofrece ventajas significativas para la industria farmacéutica.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Violencia de género: tratamiento y prevención

Esta publicación ha sido posible gracias a la V Convocatoria de Ayudas para Proyectos de Cooperación al Desarrollo y Apoyo a la Movilidad de la Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.Introducción / Helena Soleto Muñoz (pp. 11-12). -- Rocío Zafra Espinosa de los Monteros / Situación general de la violencia de género en España (pp. 13-35). -- María Ángeles Carmona / Violencia de género: prevención y abordaje en justicia (pp. 37-50). -- Belén Hernández Moura / Protección de las víctimas de violencia de género en la ley 4/2015 (pp. 51-73). -- Cristina Ruiz López / La denuncia del delito de violencia de género: perspectivas interrelacionadas (pp. 75-101). -- Félix Arias / Aproximación a la violencia de género desde una perspectiva psicológica (pp. 103-130). -- Santiago Madrid Liras / Dinámica y aspectos psicológicos en las relaciones de maltrato: la “tela de araña” (pp. 131-158). -- Emiliano Carretero Morales / Utilidad de los ODR en los casos de violencia de género (pp. 159-190). -- Cómic / Helena Soleto Muñoz, Jessica Jullien de Asís y Andrea Ochaita Calvo (pp. 191-212). -- Los autores (pp. 213)

El arte de la disección a través del tiempo.

Los cambios culturales, los avances en la ciencia y las nuevas tendencias en la educación médica han ocasionado modificaciones en las técnicas de disección y enseñanza de la anatomía, pues hasta hoy es impartida en las escuelas de medicina. En la actualidad, existe una forma regulada y legal de obtener cadáveres para la enseñanza e investigación; sin embargo, el papel de la disección ha sido objeto de debate en los últimos 30 años. La disección se analiza desde diversos puntos de vista: el educativo, el bioético y el de valores humanos; además, cuenta con variadas opiniones de profesores y estudiantes. Su práctica en algunas universidades de Estados Unidos y Europa muestra la situación actual y la tendencia de disección como herramienta de aprendizaje

Characterization of Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease in Diabetic Patients at the General Calixto García Clinical Surgical University Hospital

Foundation: cerebrovascular diseases are one of the main causes of mortality in the world. In the Americas they constitute the third cause of death and their incidence is increased in type 2 diabetic patients. Objective: to characterize type 2 diabetic patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Method: a descriptive study was carried out in diabetic patients who were admitted to the Calixto García Hospital with a diagnosis of acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease in the period between January and December 2022. The universe consisted of all type 2 diabetic patients who were admitted to the Institution and the population of 148 patients. The variables analyzed were: sex, skin color and age; blood pressure and body mass index; cholesterol, triacylglycerides and glycemia; type of cerebrovascular disease and its severity and comorbidities. Descriptive statistical methods such as absolute frequency and percentage were used. The results were presented in tables created for the purpose. Results: the male sex, the white skin color and the age group between 60 and 69 years predominated with 58.1, 43.9 and 40.5 % respectively. Hypertensive and overweight patients related to the greater severity of cerebrovascular disease, hyperglycemic patients with high cholesterol and triacylglyceride values predominated, and in them the cerebral ischemic event was more severe. Arterial hypertension and ischemic heart disease prevailed in the studied population with 81.8 and 52.7 respectively. Conclusions: cerebrovascular disease was more frequent in males, white skin color and elderly patients. Arterial hypertension, overweight, hyperglycemia as well as high cholesterol and triglyceride values predominated in the sample and were related to the greater severity of the ischemic cerebrovascular event

Aula itinerante de Patrimonio Cultural I

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