scholarly journals Entomotoxicology as a tool for solving criminal cases

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (8) ◽  
pp. 522-526
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Czepiel-Mil ◽  
Aleksandra Łoś ◽  
Patrycja Marczewska

Entomotoxicology deals with the analysis of toxic substances contained in arthropods that feed on dead bodies. Arthropods are a source of material for investigation when a human or animal body is in an advanced state of decomposition. Various chemical air pollutants, drugs, xenobiotics and pesticides can accumulate in the bodies of insect larvae. Entomotoxicology often involves examining insect larvae that have introduced to their metabolism various kinds of pharmaceuticals taken by people when they were alive. Chemical compounds which can cause death affect the development rate of arthropods living on corpses, delay colonization of insects by several days, or affect their number. Some compounds act as attractants or repellents and thereby influence how quickly insects appear on the body. Others have a mixed effect on insect development. During the initial development stage of the insect they act as an attractant, but in subsequent stages they slow down its development or act as a repellent. The concentration of chemical compounds accumulated in the bodies of larvae is different than in human tissues. Sometimes insects are better indicators of the presence of chemical compounds than material taken from the internal organs of a dead body. Moreover, the quantity of toxins detected in arthropods differs at different developmental stages. The concentration of a xenobiotic in the body of an insect depends on its type, the stage of development of the insect, and the part of the body it was collected from. Studies have determined that the best place to collect entomotoxicological samples is the internal organs (e.g. the liver). If this is not possible, insects are collected from the head area and the muscles. Due to the low popularity of entomotoxicological testing, this type of evidence often is either not collected at all or collected improperly, preventing valuable information from being obtained. Thus there is a need to verify and standardize methods for safeguarding arthropods for the purposes of entomological toxicology

2006 ◽  
Vol 175 (4) ◽  
pp. 661-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina de Guzman Strong ◽  
Philip W. Wertz ◽  
Chenwei Wang ◽  
Fan Yang ◽  
Paul S. Meltzer ◽  
...  

Skin lies at the interface between the complex physiology of the body and the external environment. This essential epidermal barrier, composed of cornified proteins encased in lipids, prevents both water loss and entry of infectious or toxic substances. We uncover that the transcription factor GATA-3 is required to establish the epidermal barrier and survive in the ex utero environment. Analysis of Gata-3 mutant transcriptional profiles at three critical developmental stages identifies a specific defect in lipid biosynthesis and a delay in differentiation. Genomic analysis identifies highly conserved GATA-3 binding sites bound in vivo by GATA-3 in the first intron of the lipid acyltransferase gene AGPAT5. Skin from both Gata-3−/− and previously characterized barrier-deficient Kruppel-like factor 4−/− newborns up-regulate antimicrobial peptides, effectors of innate immunity. Comparison of these animal models illustrates how impairment of the skin barrier by two genetically distinct mechanisms leads to innate immune responses, as observed in the common human skin disorders psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.


2005 ◽  
Vol 74 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 61-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Grosjean

The morphology of tadpoles has long received too little attention in taxonomic and phylogenetic contexts, beyond the use of Orton’s general tadpole types, despite the potential of larval characters for resolving problems in systematics. A possible explanation for this neglect is the ontogenetic variation of external morphology. In order to understand the value of larval characters in taxonomy and systematics, it is necessary to determine the developmental stage at which characters reach their definitive size, form and colour before meaningful comparisons can be made within and between species. Here I use the tadpole of Rana (Sylvirana) nigrovittata as a model organism to assess ontogenetic character variation. Morphometric measurements were taken, and external oral and internal buccal characters were assessed separately for each developmental stage from 26 to 38. Coefficients of variation were calculated for each morphometric character at each stage of development to test the character’s efficiency in reflecting the morphology of the tadpole. Most morphometric characters taken from the body described the shape of the animal well and varied little among individuals, whereas those taken from the tail were less reliable and those of the oral disk were quite variable due to contraction during fixation. A developmental 'climax' for most characters was reached by specimens between stages 32-40, indicating that they are best suited for morphological intra- and interspecific comparisons.


2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Cornes ◽  
Caroline Norrie ◽  
Jill Manthorpe

Purpose Purpose To report and discuss the findings of an evaluation of the drama performance and reception of ‘Let’s Talk’ in the context of interprofessional practice. Design/methodology/approach This first stage evaluation addresses the initial development stage of the Let’s Talk drama initiative from the perspectives of health and social care participants. Recent policy and research are drawn upon in the presentation of the background to the drama and service integration imperatives. Findings Most research on the subject of interprofessional education comes from professional training programmes. The development of the drama Let’s Talk provides evidence of how such a narrative can engage with local professionals working in different agencies but with the same patient or user groups. The development of such an initiative takes time and testing of it at early stages appears to be valuable in providing it with greater clarity and authenticity. Research limitations/implications The paper addresses the developmental stages of an interprofessional drama initiative in one part of England in a locality where there is relative professional stability and reasonable communication across agencies and local support for workforce development. Practical implications Practical implications The evaluation may prompt reflection in practice and policy development on the potential for participation in role play and drama to be useful in changing cultures and in increasing interprofessional understanding. Originality/value The paper contributes to understanding of the need for interprofessional and interagency debates to be informed by cultural change and active engagement with busy professionals. It recommends attention to careful development of such initiatives and to debate about what might be meaningful and long-term impacts.


PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viacheslav N. Ivanenko ◽  
Ekaterina A. Antonenko ◽  
Mikhail S. Gelfand ◽  
Jill Yager ◽  
Frank D. Ferrari

This study describes the segmentation and setation at different developmental stages of the homonomous trunk limbs of the remipedeSpeleonectes tulumensisYager, 1987 collected in anchialine caves of the Yucatan Peninsula. Most homonomous trunk limbs originate ventrolaterally and are composed of two protopodal segments, three exopodal segments and four endopodal segments; contralateral limb pairs are united by a sternal bar. However, the last few posterior limbs originate ventrally, are smaller sized, and have regressively fewer segments, suggesting that limb development passes through several intermediate steps beginning with a limb bud. A terminal stage of development is proposed for specimens on which the posterior somite bears a simple bilobate limb bud, and the adjacent somite bears a limb with a protopod comprised of a coxapod and basipod, and with three exopodal and four endopodal segments. On each trunk limb there are 20 serially homologous groups of setae, and the numbers of setae on different limbs usually varies. These groups of setae are arranged linearly and are identified based on the morphology of the setae and their position on the segments. The number of setae in these groups increases gradually from the anterior homonomous limb to a maximum between limbs 8–12; the number then decreases sharply on the more posterior limbs. Changes in the number of setae, which reach a maximum between trunk limbs 8–12, differ from changes in segmentation which vary only over the last few posterior trunk limbs. Following a vector analysis that identified a spatial pattern for these 20 groups of setae among the different homonomous limbs, the hypothesis was confirmed that the number of setae in any given group and any given limb is correlated with the group, with the position of the somite along the body axis, and with the number of somites present on the specimens. This is the first vector analysis used to analyze a pattern of developmental changes in serially homologs of an arthropod. Development of remipede limbs are compared and contrasted with similar copepod limbs. Architecture, particularly the sternal bar uniting contralateral limb pairs, proposed as homologous, and development of trunk limb segmentation of the remipede is generally similar to that of copepods, but the remipede limb differs in several ways including an additional endopodal segment, the proximal, that appears simultaneously with the protopod during development.


Author(s):  
Dwi Darwati

Reproductive  health education should be given since early childhood by using language that is adapted to the stage of development. If you procrastinate and wait until the teenager it is already too late because in the days of the digital era, as now, all the information can be easily accessed by anyone including children early age. If the early childhood misinformed about their reproductive organs it would disrupt the physical and psychological development due to the wrong behavior in caring for and maintaining reproductive organs. Qur’an as the holy book of Muslims describes the steps of reproduction and  imparting education wisely as well as how to apply such education. This kind of education must be in accordance with the conditions of children and there should not be a lie about it We can also use media and methods such as pictures, songs, tap or other visual  media which can give clearer information, so that children can clearly see parts of the body, their characteristics, and how to treat and care them. The impropriate approach in conveying this kind of knowledge will be very dangerous for children. The provision of early age reproductive organs education can prevent the occurrence of deviant behavior as well as protect children from dangerous influence in early childhood development.


Author(s):  
G. S. Agzamova ◽  
M. M. Abdullaeva

The immunological profile of chronic liver lesions depending on the toxic agent was studied. It was revealed that chronic poisoning by industrial toxic substances causes changes in the functional state of the T-system of immunity, long-term contact with industrial chemicals leads to increased sensitization to autoantigens of the body.


Author(s):  
S. Grikshas ◽  
N. Kulmakova ◽  
K. Spitsyna ◽  
A. Dar’in ◽  
T. Mittelshtein

Mycotoxins have been formed in feed are secondary metabolites of fungi and are quite stable substances that have teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. An effective way to combat mycotoxins in feed is the use of feed additives that adsorb toxins, prevent their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of the animal and are excreted from the body. The infl uence of coconut enterosorbent Shelltic Es on fattening and meat qualities of young pigs has been studied. It has been found in the process of fattening that the highest feed digestibility was in pigs of the experimental group, in the diet of which enterosorbent has been added. The results of studies of the chemical composition and technological properties of pork have been provided. The positive eff ect of enterosorbent on precocity, absolute average daily gain of live weight and reduction of feed expenditures per 1 kg of gain has been revealed. In pigs from the experimental group the average thickness of the fat was higher and the area of the “muscle eye” was lower compared with animals of the control group, which indicates that higher rates of carcass yield have been obtained due to faster accumulation of fat tissue. The weight of internal organs of pigs indicates the intensity of metabolic processes in the body. In experimental animals the weight of the lungs was 0,1 kg lower, and the liver and heart were higher by 0,13 and 0,01 kg, respectively. Enterosorbent had no effect on the content of vitamins in the liver of pigs of the compared groups. The content of impurities of organochlorine toxicants and toxic elements in the meat and liver of animals of the experimental group was lower than that of control analogues. Therefore, the use of enterosorbent Shelltic Es promotes more active excretion of them from the body.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (44) ◽  
pp. 5720-5731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arun Singh Lalotra ◽  
Vishesh Singh ◽  
Bharat Khurana ◽  
Shelly Agrawal ◽  
Shubham Shrestha ◽  
...  

Background: Skin is the largest organ of the body and helps to regulate several physiological functions. It acts as a barrier that protects the body against UV-radiation, toxic substances, infections, etc. The abnormal growth of the skin cells is called skin cancer. Different types of skin cancer can be classified as Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC); which mainly occur due to chronic exposure to UV- sunlight and pollution. Methods: The conventional topical treatments of skin cancer such as cream, gel, ointment, etc., are more occlusive and thus they do not penetrate deep into the skin (dermal layer) and remain at the upper part of the skin (epidermal layer). The stratum corneum acts as a physiological barrier for the drug-loaded in the conventional formulation. The novel carrier systems have the potential to facilitate the penetration of the drug deep into the skin (dermal layer) because these have less size and higher flexibility than conventional treatment. Conclusion: In the present review, we have discussed various novel carrier systems being investigated for the topical application of chemotherapeutic agents for efficient skin targeting and better dermatological as well as therapeutic benefits with minimal systemic exposure and toxicity.


Author(s):  
Robert Laumbach ◽  
Michael Gochfeld

This chapter describes the basic principles of toxicology and their application to occupational and environmental health. Topics covered include pathways that toxic substances may take from sources in the environment to molecular targets in the cells of the body where toxic effects occur. These pathways include routes of exposure, absorption into the body, distribution to organs and tissues, metabolism, storage, and excretion. The various types of toxicological endpoints are discussed, along with the concepts of dose-response relationships, threshold doses, and the basis of interindividual differences and interspecies differences in response to exposure to toxic substances. The diversity of cellular and molecular mechanisms of toxicity, including enzyme induction and inhibition, oxidative stress, mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and teratogenesis, are discussed and the chapter concludes with examples of practical applications in clinical evaluation and in toxicity testing.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Zhou ◽  
Youzhou Yang ◽  
Jiaxin Wang ◽  
Qingyang Wu ◽  
Zhuozhi Gu ◽  
...  

AbstractIn vivo bioprinting has recently emerged as a direct fabrication technique to create artificial tissues and medical devices on target sites within the body, enabling advanced clinical strategies. However, existing in vivo bioprinting methods are often limited to applications near the skin or require open surgery for printing on internal organs. Here, we report a ferromagnetic soft catheter robot (FSCR) system capable of in situ computer-controlled bioprinting in a minimally invasive manner based on magnetic actuation. The FSCR is designed by dispersing ferromagnetic particles in a fiber-reinforced polymer matrix. This design results in stable ink extrusion and allows for printing various materials with different rheological properties and functionalities. A superimposed magnetic field drives the FSCR to achieve digitally controlled printing with high accuracy. We demonstrate printing multiple patterns on planar surfaces, and considering the non-planar surface of natural organs, we then develop an in situ printing strategy for curved surfaces and demonstrate minimally invasive in vivo bioprinting of hydrogels in a rat model. Our catheter robot will permit intelligent and minimally invasive bio-fabrication.


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