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The risk of the use of toxic chemicals for unlawful acts has been a matter of concern for different governments and multilateral agencies. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which oversees the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), considering recent events employing chemical warfare agents as means of assassination, has recently included in the CWC "Annex on Chemicals" some organophosphorus compounds that are regarded as acting in a similar fashion to the classical G- and V-series of nerve agents, inhibiting the pivotal enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Therefore, knowledge of the activity of the pyridinium oximes, the sole class of clinically available acetylcholinesterase reactivators to date, is plainly justified. In this paper, continuing our research efforts in medicinal chemistry on this class of toxic chemicals, we synthesized an A-230 nerve agent surrogate and applied a modified Ellman's assay to evaluate its ability to inhibit our enzymatic model, acetylcholinesterase from Electrophorus eel, and if the clinically available antidotes are able to rescue the enzyme activity for the purpose of relating the findings to the previously disclosed in silico data for the authentic nerve agent and other studies with similar A-series surrogates. Our experimental data indicates that pralidoxime is the most efficient compound for reactivating acetylcholinesterase inhibited by A-230 surrogate, which is the opposite of the in silico data previously disclosed.

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The use of less lethal weapons aims to mitigate civilian casualties caused by firearm use. However, due to numerous cases in which these weapons caused serious injuries, even lethal injuries, both legislation and the forensic field are interested in characterizing and regulating them better. In the forensic field, there is a lack of strong research about injury patterns of these weapons which makes it difficult to identify the type of weapon employed. In this study, the main objective was to characterize the injury pattern produced by the impact of the 9 mm P.A.K. projectile. A porcine model was used. Four different distances were studied: firm contact, 10 cm, 60 cm and 110 cm, using 3 of the more representative anatomical sites: the head, the hind leg and the ribs. The average measurement of the entrance orifice varied according to the anatomical site, being 6.67 mm wide and 6.25 mm long in the thorax, 7.3 mm wide and 8.8 mm long in the hind legs, and 7.62 mm wide and 7.54 mm long in the head. The variation in width and length measurements was not found to be directly related to the shot distance. The gunshot residues had similar characteristics to those of conventional lead projectiles, however there was more unburned powder deposit near the wounds, with a less dense soot and more dense powder tattoo. Depth varied widely regardless of tissue and firing distance, although loss of penetrating power and injury is observed as one moves away from the target.

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BACKGROUND/AIM: During Chile's period of social unrest, numerous people suffered physical trauma due to the use of police force. However, there have been no reports regarding traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) suffered in this context. This study aims to describe the dental trauma of patients injured by police during the social unrest period in Chile from 2019 to 2021. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case series methodology was employed. Following informed consent, clinical records of patients admitted to the Ocular and Dentomaxillofacial Prosthetic Care and Rehabilitation Program, who were affected by the violence of state agents during social mobilizations, were reviewed from October 2019 to December 2021. Information on the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and the TDI diagnoses with their treatment needs were collected. A descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were identified, nine of whom agreed to the informed consent. Most were male, with a mean age of 28 years, public health insurance, and a high educational level. The most common causes of injury were kinetic impact projectiles (KIPs) and the use of physical force (punches, kicks, or pushes). Of the nine cases described, 26 teeth were affected by TDI. The most affected teeth were the central upper incisors and, in most cases, they presented lesions in both injury categories: NA0D.0 (the tooth and pulp) and NA0D.1 (periodontal tissues). Treatment needs varied and included some complex procedures, such as implant-retained crowns and removable dental prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: The use of force by police during the period of social unrest in Chile caused TDIs among demonstrators, which were mainly due to physical force from less-than-lethal weapons. Most cases presented injuries affecting the incisors with multiple teeth requiring complex treatments.

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BACKGROUND: School safety has been a major public health issue in the United States and internationally for more than three decades. Many policies and programs have been developed and implemented to prevent school violence, improve the school climate, and increase safety. There are only a few peer-reviewed studies of changes in school violence over time. The study examined changes over time in school victimization, weapon involvement and school climate, comparing change trajectories by gender and race and different change trajectories among schools. METHODS: A longitudinal study of the biennial California Healthy Kids Survey in secondary schools from 2001 to 2019. The representative sample included 6,219,166 students in grades 7, 9, and 11 (48.8% male) from 3253 schools (66% high schools). RESULTS: All victimization and weapon involvement items had significant and substantial linear reductions. The largest reduction involved being in a physical fight (from 25.4% to 11.0%). There were reductions in weapon involvement (d = 0.46) and victimization (d = 0.38). Biased-based victimization only declined slightly (d = -0.05). School belongingness and safety increased (d = 0.27), adult support increased a small amount (d = 0.05), and student participation declined (d = -0.10). Changes were smallest among White students. Ninety-five percent of the schools showed the same pattern of reductions. CONCLUSIONS: The findings are in contrast to the public's concerns that school violence is a growing problem. Reductions in school violence may result from social investment in school safety. A distinction should be made between school shootings and other forms of school violence.

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A exposição à violência e ao álcool tem sido associada a inúmeros impactos, como problemas de saúde mental, intoxicação e dependência de álcool, comportamento suicida, lesões corporais e envolvimento em crimes. Assim, o consumo de bebidas alcoólicas em binge e a violência na adolescência são considerados problemas de saúde pública. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre ter sofrido violência e consumo em binge de álcool entre os adolescentes. Trata-se de um estudo transversal de base escolar conduzido com 2.461 estudantes de 14 a 19 anos matriculados no ensino médio em 26 escolas públicas estaduais de Olinda/PE. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre março e junho de 2018 por meio do questionário autoaplicado e validado Youth Risk Behavior Survey e de questões da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE). A variável dependente foi o consumo em binge de álcool no último mês, definido como o consumo de 5 ou mais doses de álcool numa mesma ocasião. As variáveis de interesse foram as variáveis relacionadas à vitimização de violência (bullying escolar, cyberbullying e violência física) e as covariáveis foram uso de cigarro e drogas, porte de arma, tentativa de suicídio, sexo, idade, religião, escolaridade dos pais e renda familiar. Foram realizadas análises descritivas e regressão de Poisson (p < 0,05, IC 95%). A prevalência de consumo em binge de álcool nos últimos 30 dias foi de 31,7% (n = 769). A frequência de bullying escolar foi 19,4% (n = 468), cyberbullying foi 10,9% (n = 264), violência física foi 14,3% (n = 351) e porte de arma foi 5,1% (n = 123). O bullying escolar (IRR = 1.194; 95% IC = 0.971-1.468), cyberbullying (IRR = 0.781; 95% IC = 0.603-1.013) e violência física (IRR = 1.007; 95% IC = 0.821-1.236) não estiveram associados ao consumo em binge de álcool. Porte de arma (IRR = 1,302; IC 95% = 1,016-1,667) foi associado ao consumo em binge de álcool. Adolescentes que relataram ter sofrido violência não apresentaram associação com o consumo em binge de álcool, embora o porte de arma esteve como possível fator de risco para o consumo em binge de álcool. Esses resultados têm implicações para a saúde pública, como estabelecer programas para retardar consumo de álcool precoce e acesso dos jovens às armas, prevenir uma variedade de comportamentos de risco, informar os pais e educadores sobre os riscos comportamentais, incentivar adaptação escolar e promover a discussão sobre temas como saúde mental, vitimização de pares e uso de substâncias e armas.

Exposure to violence and alcohol has been associated with numerous impacts, such as mental health problems, alcohol intoxication and dependence, suicidal behavior, bodily harm, and involvement in crime. Thus, binge drinking and violence in adolescence are considered public health problems. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between having suffered violence and binge drinking among adolescents. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted with 2,461 students aged 14 to 19 enrolled in high school in 26 state public schools in Olinda/PE. Data collection occurred between March and June 2018 through the self-administered and validated Youth Risk Behavior Survey and questions from National Adolescent Schoolbased Health Survey (PeNSE). The dependent variable was binge drinking in the last month, defined as the consumption of 5 or more drinks on a single occasion. The variables of interest were the variables related to violence victimization (school bullying, cyberbullying and physical violence) and the covariates were cigarette and drug use, weapon carrying, suicide attempt, sex, age, religion, parental education and family income. Descriptive analysis and Poisson regression (p < 0.05, 95%CI) were performed. The prevalence of binge drinking in the last 30 days was 31.7% (n = 769). The frequency of school bullying was 19.4% (n = 468), cyberbullying was 10.9% (n = 264), physical violence was 14.3% (n = 351) and carrying a weapon was 5.1% (n = 123). School bullying (IRR = 1.194; 95% IC = 0.971-1.468), cyberbullying (IRR = 0.781; 95% IC = 0.603-1.013) and physical violence (IRR = 1.007; 95% IC = 0.821-1.236) were not associated with binge drinking. Weapon carrying (IRR = 1,302; IC 95% = 1,016-1,667) was associated with binge drinking. Adolescents who reported having suffered violence were not associated with binge drinking, although carrying a weapon was a possible risk factor for binge drinking. These findings have public health implications, such as establishing programs to delay early alcohol consumption and youth access to guns, prevent a variety of risky behaviors, inform parents and educators about behavioral risks, encourage school adaptation, and promote discussion on topics such as mental health, peer victimization, and substance and weapon use.

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Scorpions possess two systems of weapons: the pincers (chelae) and the stinger (telson). These are placed on anatomically and developmentally well separated parts of the body, that is, the oral appendages and at the end of the body axis. The otherwise conserved body plan of scorpions varies most in the shape and relative dimensions of these two weapon systems, both across species and in some cases between the sexes. We review the literature on the ecological function of these two weapon systems in each of three contexts of usage: (i) predation, (ii) defense and (iii) sexual contests. In the latter context, we will also discuss their usage in mating. We first provide a comparative background for each of these contexts of usage by giving examples of other weapon systems from across the animal kingdom. Then, we discuss the pertinent aspects of the anatomy of the weapon systems, particularly those aspects relevant to their functioning in their ecological roles. The literature on the functioning and ecological role of both the chelae and the telson is discussed in detail, again organized by context of usage. Particular emphasis is given on the differences in morphology or usage between species or higher taxonomic groups, or between genders, as such cases are most insightful to understand the roles of each of the two distinct weapon systems of the scorpions and their evolutionary interactions. We aimed to synthesize the literature while minimizing conjecture, but also to point out gaps in the literature and potential future research opportunities.

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Sexual selection drives the evolution of some of the most exaggerated traits in nature. Studies on sexual selection often focus on the size of these traits relative to body size, but few focus on energetic maintenance costs of the tissues that compose them, and the ways in which these costs vary with body size. The relationships between energy use and body size have consequences that may allow large individuals to invest disproportionally more in sexually selected structures, or lead to the reduced per-gram maintenance cost of enlarged structures. Although sexually selected traits can incur energetic maintenance costs, these costs are not universally high; they are dependent on the relative mass and metabolic activity of tissues associated with them. Energetic costs of maintenance may play a pervasive yet little-explored role in shaping the relative scaling of sexually selected traits across diverse taxa. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/JyuoQIeA33Q.

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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential radiological impact of atmospheric nuclear weapons tests conducted in 1966-1974 at Mururoa and Fangataufa atolls on populations in Oceania, South America and Africa. METHODS: Results of measurements of total beta(ß)-concentrations in filtered air and 131I activity concentrations in locally produced cow's milk in Oceania, South America and Africa after the tests were compared with those in French Polynesia. Radiation doses due to external irradiation and thyroid doses due to 131I intake with milk by local populations were also compared. RESULTS: Higher total ß-concentrations in filtered air, 131I activity concentrations in locally produced milk and radiation doses to local population were, in general, observed in French Polynesia than in other countries in the southern hemisphere. However, for specific years during the testing period, the radiological impact to South America was found to be similar or slightly higher than that to Tahiti. The resulting thyroid doses in the considered countries were lower than those in French Polynesia with two exceptions: thyroid doses due to 131I intake with cow's milk for 1-y old child in 1968 were higher in Peru (0.35 mGy) and in Madagascar (0.30 mGy) than in Tahiti (0.25 mGy). However, the populations outside French Polynesia received doses lower than those from the natural sources of radiation. CONCLUSION: According to the current knowledge in radiation epidemiology, it is very unlikely that nuclear fallout due to French nuclear tests had a measurable radiological and health impact outside French Polynesia.
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Chile's October 2019 popular revolt has again made human rights violations visible in the context of mass mobilizations. In terms of damage to the population's health, multiple eye injuries produced by kinetic impact projectiles and tear bombs against people were reported, leading to an outbreak of unpublished eye injuries worldwide. There was excessive use of chemical weapons, and the totality of the chemicals used has not been transparent. The impact on mental health, especially of the population who lived during dictatorship in the 1970s, is uncertain and, health care was overwhelmed in the most vulnerable geographic areas. It is urgent to establish a timely and transparent system for monitoring such lesions and transparent all chemical compounds in tear-tearing and the composition of kinetic impact projectiles.

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Invasive species have major impacts on biodiversity and are one of the primary causes of amphibian decline and extinction. Unlike other top ant invaders that negatively affect larger fauna via chemical defensive compounds, the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) does not have a functional sting. Nonetheless, it deploys defensive compounds against competitors and adversaries. We estimated levels of ant aggression toward 3 native terrestrial amphibians by challenging juveniles in field ant trails and in lab ant foraging arenas. We measured the composition and quantities of toxin in L. humile by analyzing pygidial glands and whole-body contents. We examined the mechanisms of toxicity in juvenile amphibians by quantifying the toxin in amphibian tissues, searching for histological damages, and calculating toxic doses for each amphibian species. To determine the potential scope of the threat to amphibians, we used global databases to estimate the number, ranges, and conservation status of terrestrial amphibian species with ranges that overlap those of L. humile. Juvenile amphibians co-occurring spatially and temporally with L. humile die when they encounter L. humile on an ant trail. In the lab, when a juvenile amphibian came in contact with L. humile the ants reacted quickly to spray pygidial-gland venom onto the juveniles. Iridomyrmecin was the toxic compound in the spray. Following absorption, it accumulated in brain, kidney, and liver tissue. Toxic dose for amphibian was species dependent. Worldwide, an estimated 817 terrestrial amphibian species overlap in range with L. humile, and 6.2% of them are classified as threatened. Our findings highlight the high potential of L. humile venom to negatively affect amphibian juveniles and provide a basis for exploring the largely overlooked impacts this ant has in its wide invasive range.

Efectos del Veneno de la Hormiga Argentina sobre los Anfibios Terrestres Resumen Las especies invasoras tienen un impacto importante sobre la biodiversidad y son una de las causas principales del declive y extinción de los anfibios. A diferencia de otras hormigas super-invasoras que afectan negativamente a animales más grandes por medio de compuestos químicos de defensa, la hormiga argentina (Linepithema humile) no tiene unaguijón funcional. Sin embargo, esta hormiga despliega compuestos defensivos contra sus competidores y adversarios. Estimamos los niveles de agresión de las hormigas hacia tres anfibios terrestres nativos exponiendo a los anfibios juveniles en pistas de hormigas en el campo y en las arenas de forrajeo de las hormigas en el laboratorio. Medimos la composición y las cantidades de toxina que presenta L. humile por medio del análisis de las glándulas pigidiales y el contenido en el cuerpo completo. Examinamos los mecanismos de la toxicidad en los anfibios juveniles cuantificando la toxina en el tejido del anfibio, buscando daños histológicos y calculando las dosis tóxicas para cada especie de anfibio. Para determinar el alcance potencial de la amenaza para los anfibios usamos bases de datos mundiales para estimar el número, distribución y estado de conservación de las especies terrestres de anfibios con distribuciones que se solapan con la de L. humile. Los anfibios juveniles que co-ocurren temporal y espacialmente con L. humile mueren al encontrarse con esta especie de hormiga en sus pistas. En el laboratorio, cuando un anfibio juvenil entró en contacto con L. humile, las hormigas reaccionaron rápidamente rociando a estos juveniles con veneno proveniente de las glándulas pigidiales. La iridomyrmecina fue el compuesto tóxico que encontramos en las glándulas pigidiales. Después de ser absorbida por la piel del anfibio, se acumuló en el cerebro, los riñones y el hígado. La dosis tóxica para los anfibios depende de la especie. A nivel mundial, se estima que 817 especies de anfibios terrestres tienen una distribución que se solapa con la de L. humile, y el 6.2% de estas especies se encuentran clasificadas como amenazadas. Nuestros hallazgos resaltan el potencial alto del veneno de L. humile para tener efectos negativos sobre los anfibios juveniles y también proporcionan una base para la exploración de los impactos de esta hormiga en su amplio rango invasivo, los cuales generalmente son ignorados.

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Scorpions possess two systems of weapons: the pincers (chelae) and the stinger (telson). These are placed on anatomically and developmentally well separated parts of the body, that is, the oral appendages and at the end of the body axis. The otherwise conserved body plan of scorpions varies most in the shape and relative dimensions of these two weapon systems, both across species and in some cases between the sexes. We review the literature on the ecological function of these two weapon systems in each of three contexts of usage: (i) predation, (ii) defense and (iii) sexual contests. In the latter context, we will also discuss their usage in mating. We first provide a comparative background for each of these contexts of usage by giving examples of other weapon systems from across the animal kingdom. Then, we discuss the pertinent aspects of the anatomy of the weapon systems, particularly those aspects relevant to their functioning in their ecological roles. The literature on the functioning and ecological role of both the chelae and the telson is discussed in detail, again organized by context of usage. Particular emphasis is given on the differences in morphology or usage between species or higher taxonomic groups, or between genders, as such cases are most insightful to understand the roles of each of the two distinct weapon systems of the scorpions and their evolutionary interactions. We aimed to synthesize the literature while minimizing conjecture, but also to point out gaps in the literature and potential future research opportunities.(AU)

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Scorpions possess two systems of weapons: the pincers (chelae) and the stinger (telson). These are placed on anatomically and developmentally well separated parts of the body, that is, the oral appendages and at the end of the body axis. The otherwise conserved body plan of scorpions varies most in the shape and relative dimensions of these two weapon systems, both across species and in some cases between the sexes. We review the literature on the ecological function of these two weapon systems in each of three contexts of usage: (i) predation, (ii) defense and (iii) sexual contests. In the latter context, we will also discuss their usage in mating. We first provide a comparative background for each of these contexts of usage by giving examples of other weapon systems from across the animal kingdom. Then, we discuss the pertinent aspects of the anatomy of the weapon systems, particularly those aspects relevant to their functioning in their ecological roles. The literature on the functioning and ecological role of both the chelae and the telson is discussed in detail, again organized by context of usage. Particular emphasis is given on the differences in morphology or usage between species or higher taxonomic groups, or between genders, as such cases are most insightful to understand the roles of each of the two distinct weapon systems of the scorpions and their evolutionary interactions. We aimed to synthesize the literature while minimizing conjecture, but also to point out gaps in the literature and potential future research opportunities.(AU)

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Resumen: Las llamadas armas no letales son parte del arsenal de las fuerzas de seguridad y están diseñadas para reprimir disturbios penitenciarios y protestas masivas en espacios públicos. La falsa idea de que la posibilidad de que causen lesiones graves y muerte es baja ha ayudado a extender su uso. Se presentan dos casos de muertes violentas causadas por impactos de los llamados proyectiles no letales utilizados por el personal policial encargado de la seguridad en los establecimientos de reclusión en nuestro país. Se cuestiona la seguridad de este tipo de armas y municiones en situaciones de estrés, en que no se puede garantizar una correcta utilización (distancia mínima y sector corporal de impacto). Se recomienda erradicar la denominación de "armas no letales" y sustituirla por otra más moderna y ajustada a la realidad como "armas menos letales".

Summary: The so-called non-lethal weapons are part of the weapon arsenal available to the police forces, and they were designed to control prison riots and massive protests in public spaces. The false idea they have low chances of causing severe lesions or death has contributed to their being more widely used. The study presents two cases of violent deaths caused by the impact of the so called non-lethal projectiles used by policemen in charge of security in the prisons of our country. Safety of this kind of weapons under stressful situations is questioned, since there is no guarantee for them to be used properly (minimum distance and impact body area). A recommendation is made to eradicate using the label "non-lethal weapons" and substitute it for a more modern and appropriate one, such as "less lethal weapons".

Resumo: As chamadas armas não letais fazem parte do arsenal das forças de segurança e têm como objetivo suprimir motins em prisões e protestos em massa em espaços públicos. O equívoco de que a possiblidade de causar de ferimentos graves e morte é baixa ajudou a espalhar seu uso. Há dois casos de mortes violentas causadas por impactos dos chamados projéteis não letais utilizados pelos policiais encarregados da segurança dos centros de detenção em nosso país. A segurança deste tipo de armas e munições é questionada em situações de estresse, em que não se pode garantir o uso correto (distância mínima e setor corporal de impacto). Recomenda-se erradicar o nome "armas não letais" e substituí-lo por um mais moderno e realista, como "armas menos letais".

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This article describes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme involved in parasympathetic neurotransmission, its activity, and how its inhibition can be pharmacologically useful for treating dementia, caused by Alzheimer's disease, or as a warfare method due to the action of nerve agents. The chemical concepts related to the irreversible inhibition of AChE, its reactivation, and aging are discussed, along with a relationship to the current international legislation on chemical weapons.

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Skilled movements certainly exist since the dawn of the humans, embedded in the actions of daily living, and also represented by tools and weapons making and use, as well as by artistic activities as drawing and engraving. A very long period of time elapsed until such actions were recognized as special, and the designation 'praxis' was attributed to such ability of produce refined movements. Another long time passed, and only recently disturbances of such actions caused by brain lesions were identified, leading to the concept of 'apraxia'. Studies on this subject progressed quickly, and in a few decades reached the state resembling to what is seen nowadays.

Movimentos hábeis certamente existem desde a aurora dos humanos, incluídos nas ações da vida diária e também representados na feitura e uso de ferramentas e de armas, assim como por atividades artísticas como desenhar e gravar. Decorreu um longo período de tempo até que tais ações fossem reconhecidas como especiais e a designação de 'praxia' foi atribuída para tais habilidades para produzir movimentos refinados. Outro tempo prolongado passou, e apenas recentemente desordens de tais ações causadas por lesões cerebrais fossem identificadas, levando ao conceito de 'apraxia'. Estudos sobre esse assunto progrediram rapidamente e em poucas décadas alcançaram o estado que se assemelha ao que é visto atualmente.

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Introducción: No existen estudios en Guantánamo que engloben las lesiones por arma blanca en pacientes atendidos en el hospital provincial. Objetivo: Caracterizar los pacientes mayores de 15 años con lesiones por arma blanca. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y se conformó una muestra aleatoria de 88 pacientes. Las variables utilizadas fueron: edad, sexo, procedencia, aliento etílico, localización anatómica, tipo de lesión, pronóstico médico legal, tipo de arma y estado al alta. Resultados: El mayor número de pacientes se encontró entre la edades de 25 a 35 años representados por 34 (38,6 por ciento) pacientes, con un predominio del sexo masculino 52 (59,1 por ciento). Existió predominio de las lesiones localizadas en la región torácica y craneana, lo cual representa un 25 por ciento y 23,9 por ciento respectivamente. Conclusiones: Se concluye que los pacientes con lesiones por arma blanca en el Hospital Provincial "Dr. Agostinho Neto" tienen entre 25 y 35 años, del sexo masculino, con ingesta etílica, que las lesiones están localizadas en tórax y cráneo, no graves y requieren tratamiento médico. Las armas más utilizadas fueron cortantes y todos los pacientes egresaron vivos(AU)

Introduction: There are no studies in Guantanamo that include the injuries by bladed weapons in patients treated in the provincial hospital. Objective: To characterize the patients older than 15 years with bladed weapons injuries. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted and a random sample of 88 patients was formed. The variables used were: age, sex, origin, ethyl breath, anatomical location, type of injury, legal medical prognosis, type of weapon and discharge status. Results: The highest number of patients was found between the ages of 25 and 35 represented by 34 (38.6 percent) patients, with a predominance of 52 male (59.1 percent). There was a predominance of lesions located in the thoracic and cranial region, which represents 25 percent and 23.9 percent respectively. Conclusions: It is concluded that the patients with injuries by bladed weapons in the Provincial Hospital "Dr. Agostinho Neto" had between 25 and 35 years, of the masculine sex, with alchohol intake, that the injuries are located in thorax and skull, not serious and they required medical treatment. The most commonly used weapons were of cutting edge and all patients discharged alive(AU)

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The objective of this study was to develop and determine the psychometric properties of an instrument designed to detect traits and behavior that are associated with predatory violent behavior, which is defined as a determined, planned, controlled, and proactive aggression. The sample was comprised of 564 students, mostly in their last year of high school, or in their first year of college. The initial instrument had 78 items, ultimately resulting in 13 with good internal consistency (α = 0.825). Factor analysis showed four factors: anger-in, appeal for weapons, suicidal ideation, and the tendency to take justice into one's own hands. Said factors showed significant correlations of convergent validity. Data shown here allows inferring that the instrument is a novel and concise tool that evaluates and detects the potential of predatory violent behavior.

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We report for the first time the efficient use of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) for extraction of ricin to analytical purposes, followed by the combined use of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and MALDI-TOF MS/MS method. That has provided a fast and unambiguous method of ricin identification for in real cases of forensic investigation of suspected samples. Additionally, MALDI-TOF MS was applied to characterize the presence and the toxic activity of ricin in irradiated samples. Samples containing ricin were subjected to ASE, irradiated with different dosages of gamma radiation, and analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS/MS for verification of the intact protein signal. For identification purposes, samples were previously subjected to SDS-PAGE, for purification and separation of the chains, followed by digestion with trypsin, and analysis by MALDI-TOF MS/MS. The results were confirmed by verification of the amino acid sequences of some selected peptides by MALDI-TOF MS/MS. The samples residual toxic activity was evaluated through incubation with a DNA substrate, to simulate the attack by ricin, followed by MALDI-TOF MS/MS analyses.

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Sexually selected traits can reach high degrees of phenotypic expression and variation under directional selection. A growing number of studies suggest that such selection can vary in space, time and form within and between populations. However, the impact of these fluctuations on sexual trait evolution is poorly understood. In the water strider Microvelia longipes, males display striking trait exaggeration and phenotypic variation manifested as extreme differences in the rear leg length. To study the origin and maintenance of this exaggerated trait, we conducted comparative behavioural, morphometric and reaction norm experiments in a selection of Microvelia species. We uncovered differences both in the mating behaviour and the degree of sexual dimorphism across these species. Interestingly, M. longipes evolved a specific mating behaviour where males compete for egg-laying sites, consisting of small floating objects, to intercept and copulate with gravid females. Through male-male competition assays, we demonstrated that male rear legs are used as weapons to dominate egg-laying sites and that intense competition is associated with the evolution of rear leg length exaggeration. Field observations revealed rapid fluctuation in M. longipes habitat stability and the abundance of egg-laying sites. Paternity tests using genetic markers demonstrated that small males could only fertilize about 5% of the eggs when egg-laying sites are limiting, whereas this proportion increased to about 20% when egg-laying sites become abundant. Furthermore, diet manipulation and artificial selection experiments also showed that the exaggerated leg length in M. longipes males is influenced by both genetic and nutritional factors. Collectively, our results highlight how fluctuation in the strength of directional sexual selection, through changes in the intensity of male competition, can drive the exaggeration and phenotypic variation in this weapon trait.

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Por avaliação psicológica compulsória, entende-se uma avaliação de caráter obrigatório, quando o indivíduo deve realizá-la por alguma exigência legal, em cumprimento a alguma exigência normativa. Dentre os exemplos mais comuns existentes no Brasil e que se aplicam a esta avaliação estão a realizada para obtenção ou renovação da Carteira Nacional de Habilitação para motoristas do Detran, a avaliação psicológica no contexto de concursos públicos, a avaliação para manuseio de arma de fogo, dentre outras. O objetivo do presente artigo é apresentar um panorama geral dessas avaliações e discutir, acima de tudo, as contribuições que o Satepsi realizou para a melhoria dessas práticas. Apresentou-se inicialmente um histórico das normativas construídas pelo Conselho Federal (CFP), nos últimos 15 anos e para cada uma dessas práticas, algumas das normas e ações realizadas pelo CFP para seu aprimoramento. Apesar de claras contribuições, entende-se que muitos investimentos no campo da pesquisa ainda precisam ser realizados para melhor subsidiar a atuação dos psicólogos e psicólogas de cada uma das áreas....(AU)

By compulsory psychological assessment it is understood an evaluation of a mandatory nature, when a person must perform it for some legal requirement, in compliance with some normative requirement. Among the most common examples that exist in Brazil and that apply to this evaluation are those performed to obtain or renew the National Drivers License for Detran, psychological assessment in the public context, evaluation to carry weapons, among others. The purpose of this article is to present an overview of these evaluations and to discuss, above all, the contributions that Satepsi has made to improve these practices. Initially, we present a history of the regulations built by the Federal Council in the last 15 years and for each of these practices, and some of the standards and actions carried out by the CFP for its improvement. Despite clear contributions, it is understood that many investments in the field of research still need to be performed to better subsidize the performance of psychologists in each of these fields....(AU)

Por evaluación psicológica obligatoria, se entiende una evaluación de carácter obligatorio, cuando el individuo debe realizarla por alguna exigencia legal, en cumplimiento a alguna exigencia normativa. Entre los ejemplos más comunes en Brasil y que se aplican a esta evaluación, se destacan, la realizada para la obtención o renovación de la Carnet Nacional de Habilitación para conductores del Detran, la evaluación psicológica en el contexto de concursos públicos, la evaluación para manejo de arma de fuego, entre otras. El objetivo del presente artículo es presentar un panorama general de esas evaluaciones y discutir, sobre todo, las contribuciones que el Satepsi realizó para la mejora de esas prácticas. Se presentó inicialmente un histórico de las normativas construidas por el Consejo Federal (CFP), en los últimos 15 años y para cada una de esas prácticas, algunas de las normas y acciones realizadas por el CFP para su perfeccionamiento. A pesar de claras contribuciones, se entiende que muchas inversiones en el campo de la investigación todavía necesitan ser realizadas para mejor subsidiar la actuación de los psicólogos y psicólogas de cada una de las áreas....(AU)

Assuntos