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Donghi M, Orsenigo S, Manna L, Profumo A, Mattino A, Merli D. Pervasiveness of inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR) in handguns after cleaning and conditioning procedures. J Forensic Sci 2024; 69:1035-1044. [PMID: 38332695 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Memory effect in firearms that is, the possibility for a weapon to release inorganic particles whose elemental composition depends on its entire shooting history, is responsible for most of the interpretation difficulties encountered in forensic gunshot residue analysis. The presence of residues chemically inconsistent with the last discharged round, the creation of particles having unusual elemental profiles, and the dependence of residue population composition on the collection point are all manifestations of memory effect. The experimental results reported in this paper highlight the ineffectiveness of a wide number of gun cleaning procedures in reducing memory effect. Moreover, the common alternative of discharging batches of rounds having a "new" primer mixture does not fully eliminate the possibility to recover "old" residues at least from the shooter's hands. Two brand new pistols and ammunition having lead-based, leadless and heavy metal free primers were used. Specimens, collected both from the shooters' hands and from cotton targets set nearby the gun muzzle, were analyzed by SEM-EDS and by ICP-OES. After discharging 10's of new ammunitions, the number of old residues ejected from the gun muzzle indeed showed an asymptotic decrease to zero. In spite of this, the number of old residues recovered from the shooter's hands did not follow any predictable trend. These different behaviors suggest that all internal components of a gun, and not just the barrel, play a role in memory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Donghi
- Arma dei Carabinieri, Reparto Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Orsenigo
- Arma dei Carabinieri, Reparto Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luigi Manna
- Arma dei Carabinieri, Reparto Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Antonella Profumo
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Mattino
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Merli
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- INFN Sezione di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
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2
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Nordin FAD, Bominathan UR, Abdullah AFL, Chang KH. Forensic Significance of Gunshot Impact Marks on Inanimate Objects: The Need for Translational Research. J Forensic Sci 2019; 65:11-25. [PMID: 31373699 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Wherever an impact mark is found, either on the surface or on the recovered projectile, it is important for forensic investigators to extract useful information in solving shooting-related cases. This article reviews a collection of works on examination of impact marks upon striking of projectiles on inanimate objects, emphasizing on the retrievable information from a shooting scene and their forensic significance in shooting event reconstruction. Literature suggested that impact marks on target surfaces and the degree of deformation on striking projectiles vary according to different combinations of ammunition and surface materials. It was noted that conditions in real-case scenarios further differed unpredictably in comparison with controlled studies, where forensic investigation should be treated as case-specific basis. Furthermore, the way forensic science is researched and applied operationally has to be reconsidered to reduce the gap via translational approach for more effective use of forensic evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Ad-Din Nordin
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.,Criminalistic Section, Forensic Division, Department of Chemistry, 46661, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Uma Rashmika Bominathan
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Fahmi Lim Abdullah
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Kah Haw Chang
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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3
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Lucas N, Seyfang KE, Plummer A, Cook M, Kirkbride KP, Kobus H. Evaluation of the sub-surface morphology and composition of gunshot residue using focussed ion beam analysis. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 297:100-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Kara I, Lisesivdin SB, Kasap M, Er E, Uzek U. The Relationship Between the Surface Morphology and Chemical Composition of Gunshot Residue Particles. J Forensic Sci 2015; 60:1030-3. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ilker Kara
- Department of Criminal Police Laboratories; Turkish National Police; 06830 Golbasi Ankara Turkey
- Department of Physics; Gazi University; 06500 Teknikokullar Ankara Turkey
| | | | - Mehmet Kasap
- Department of Chemistry; Ankara Criminal Police Laboratory; 06830 Golbasi Ankara Turkey
| | - Elif Er
- Department of Chemistry; Ankara Criminal Police Laboratory; 06830 Golbasi Ankara Turkey
| | - Ugur Uzek
- Department of Chemistry; Ankara Criminal Police Laboratory; 06830 Golbasi Ankara Turkey
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5
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Walraven N, Bakker M, van Os BJH, Klaver GT, Middelburg JJ, Davies GR. Factors controlling the oral bioaccessibility of anthropogenic Pb in polluted soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 506-507:149-163. [PMID: 25460949 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.10.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In human risk assessment, ingestion of soil is considered a major route of toxic Pb exposure. A large body of research has focussed on the measurement of the 'total' Pb contents in sediment, soil and dust as a measure for the exposure to lead. We report that Pb bioaccessibility (i.e. the maximum bioavailability), determined with an in vitro test, does not necessarily depend on the total Pb content. In contrast, the Pb bioaccessibility is initially controlled by the chemical form and particle size of the Pb source, which in turn determine its solubility. Furthermore, when anthropogenic Pb resides within the soil, it may form new, more stable, minerals and/or binds to organic matter, clay, reactive iron or other reactive phases, changing its bioaccessibility. The bioaccessible Pb fraction of 28 soils, polluted with various Pb sources (including residues of Pb bullets and pellets, car battery Pb, city waste and diffuse Pb), was determined with an in vitro-test and varied from 0.5% to 79.0% of total Pb. The highest Pb bioaccessibility (60.7% to 79.0%) was measured in soils polluted with residues of Pb bullets and pellets (shooting range), while the lowest Pb bioaccessibility (0.5%-8.3%) was measured in soils polluted with city waste (including remnants of Pb glazed potsherds and rooftiles, Pb based paint flakes, and Pb sheets). Bioaccessibility of Pb was correlated with pH, organic matter and reactive Fe. These results indicate that soil characteristics play an important role in the oral bioaccessibility of lead in polluted soils. Instead of basing human risk assessment solely on total Pb contents we propose to incorporate in vitro bioaccessibility tests, taking factors such as soil pH, organic matter content and reactive iron content into account. This approach will result in a better insight into the actual risks of Pb polluted soils to children.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Walraven
- GeoConnect, Meester Dekkerstraat 4, 1901 PV Castricum, The Netherlands.
| | - M Bakker
- Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - B J H van Os
- Rijksdienst voor Archeologie, Cultuurlandschap en Monumenten, P.O. Box 1600, 3800 BP Amersfoort, The Netherlands.
| | - G Th Klaver
- BRGM, 3 avenue Claude-Guillemin, BP 36009, 45060 Orléans Cedex 2, France.
| | - J J Middelburg
- University Utrecht, Faculty of Geosciences, P.O. Box 80021, 3508 TA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - G R Davies
- VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Petrology, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Santos A, Ramos P, Fernandes L, Magalhães T, Almeida A, Sousa A. Firing distance estimation based on the analysis of GSR distribution on the target surface using ICP-MS—An experimental study with a 7.65mm×17mm Browning pistol (.32 ACP). Forensic Sci Int 2015; 247:62-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2014] [Revised: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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7
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Sjåstad KE, Simonsen SL, Andersen TH. Lead isotope ratios for bullets, a descriptive approach for investigative purposes and a new method for sampling of bullet lead. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 244:7-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Abrego Z, Grijalba N, Unceta N, Maguregui M, Sanchez A, Fernández-Isla A, Goicolea MA, Barrio RJ. A novel method for the identification of inorganic and organic gunshot residue particles of lead-free ammunitions from the hands of shooters using scanning laser ablation-ICPMS and Raman micro-spectroscopy. Analyst 2014; 139:6232-41. [DOI: 10.1039/c4an01051e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
SLA-ICPMS and Raman micro-spectroscopy has been applied to the characterization of GSR using modified tape lifts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuriñe Abrego
- Department of Analytical Chemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- University of the Basque Country
- UPV/EHU
- 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Nagore Grijalba
- Department of Analytical Chemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- University of the Basque Country
- UPV/EHU
- 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Nora Unceta
- Department of Analytical Chemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- University of the Basque Country
- UPV/EHU
- 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Maite Maguregui
- Department of Analytical Chemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- University of the Basque Country
- UPV/EHU
- 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Alicia Sanchez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- University of the Basque Country
- UPV/EHU
- 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Alberto Fernández-Isla
- Scientific Police Laboratory, Ertzaintza
- Department of the Interior, Basque Government
- Erandio, Spain
| | - M. Aranzazu Goicolea
- Department of Analytical Chemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- University of the Basque Country
- UPV/EHU
- 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ramón J. Barrio
- Department of Analytical Chemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- University of the Basque Country
- UPV/EHU
- 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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9
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Chang KH, Jayaprakash PT, Yew CH, Abdullah AFL. Gunshot residue analysis and its evidential values: a review. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2012.691546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Yañez J, Paz Farías M, Zúñiga V, Soto C, Contreras D, Pereira E, Mansilla HD, Saavedra R, Castillo R, Sáez P. Differentiation of two main ammunition brands in Chile by Regularized Discriminant Analysis (RDA) of metals in gunshot residues. Microchem J 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2011.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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11
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Freitas JCD, Sarkis JES, Neto ON, Viebig SB. Identification of Gunshot Residues in Fabric Targets Using Sector Field Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Technique and Ternary Graphs*. J Forensic Sci 2011; 57:503-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01956.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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Jeon CH, Park SW. Analysis of rifle and pistol primer gunshot residue using SEM-EDX. ANALYTICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.5806/ast.2010.23.3.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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13
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Abstract
A comprehensive review of the scientific literature on gunshot residue (GSR) is presented. Aspects of both inorganic and organic GSR are discussed, from formation and distribution, to sample collection, preparation, and analysis using a variety of techniques. The interpretation of GSR results is also considered including issues surrounding the contamination, distribution, and transfer of GSR. Potential problems with ulterior sources of GSR like particles have been reported in the literature. For example, particles from environmental and occupational sources have been highlighted as exhibiting similar chemical and morphological characteristics to GSR. These findings are put into context with regard to interpreting samples. A move toward a "case by case" approach is argued to be more preferable to a "formal" classification system where possible. The analysis of both inorganic and organic compositions of residue samples as well as morphological considerations is considered to be a more ideal approach to GSR analysis, wherever practicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Dalby
- Department of Chemistry and Forensics, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
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14
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Wunnapuk K, Minami T, Durongkadech P, Tohno S, Ruangyuttikarn W, Moriwake Y, Vichairat K, Sribanditmongkol P, Tohno Y. Discrimination of bullet types using analysis of lead isotopes deposited in gunshot entry wounds. Biol Trace Elem Res 2009; 129:278-89. [PMID: 19129983 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-008-8304-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2008] [Accepted: 12/15/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In order to discriminate bullet types used in firearms, of which the victims died, the authors investigated lead isotope ratios in gunshot entry wounds from nine lead (unjacketed) bullets, 15 semi-jacketed bullets, and 14 full-jacketed bullets by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. It was found that the lead isotope ratio of 207/206 in gunshot entry wounds was the highest with lead bullets, and it decreased in order from full-jacketed to semi-jacketed bullets. Lead isotope ratios of 208/206 or 208/207 to 207/206 at the gunshot entry wound were able to discriminate semi-jacketed bullets from lead and full-jacketed ones, but it was difficult to discriminate between lead and full-jacketed bullets. However, a combination of element and lead isotope ratio analyses in gunshot entry wounds enabled discrimination between lead, semi-jacketed, and full-jacketed bullets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klintean Wunnapuk
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Brettell
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Cedar Crest College, 100 College Drive, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104-6196, USA
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Shi LZ, Zheng W. Early lead exposure increases the leakage of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, in vitro. Hum Exp Toxicol 2007; 26:159-67. [PMID: 17439918 PMCID: PMC3980856 DOI: 10.1177/0960327107070560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The cell type constructing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCB) is entirely different, ie, endothelia in BBB and epithelia in BCB. Nonetheless, both barriers share a common character--the tight junctions (TJ) between adjacent cells. This study investigated the consequence of lead (Pb) exposure on the tightness of BCB. In an in vitro BCB transwell model, using immortalized choroidal epithelial Z310 cells, we found that early exposure to Pb (prior to the formation of tight barrier) at 5 and 10 microM, significantly reduced the tightness of BCB, as evidenced by a 20% reduction in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values (P <0.05), and >20% increase in the paracellular permeability of [(14)C]sucrose (P <0.05). Exposure to Pb after the formation of tight barrier, however, did not cause any detectable barrier dysfunction. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses on typical TJ proteins revealed that Pb exposure decreased both the mRNA and protein levels of claudin-1, with the membrane-bound claudin-1 more profoundly affected than cytosolic claudin-1. Pb exposure, however, had no significant effect on ZO1 and occludin. These data suggest that Pb exposure selectively alters the cellular level of claudin-1, which, in turn, reduces the tightness and augments the permeability of tight blood-CSF barrier. The immature barrier appears to be more vulnerable to Pb toxicity than the mature, well-developed, brain barrier, the fact possibly contributing to Pb-induced neurotoxicity among young children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wei Zheng
- Correspondence: Wei Zheng, PhD, Professor of Health Sciences, Purdue University School of Health Sciences, 550 Stadium Mall Drive, CIVL-1163D, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051, USA
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Wunnapuk K, Durongkadech P, Minami T, Ruangyuttikarn W, Tohno S, Vichairat K, Azuma C, Sribanditmongkol P, Tohno Y. Differences in the element contents between gunshot entry wounds with full-jacketed bullet and lead bullet. Biol Trace Elem Res 2007; 120:74-81. [PMID: 17916957 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-007-8014-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2007] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 07/09/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
To elucidate characteristics of gunshot residues in gunshot entry wounds with full-jacketed and lead bullets, element contents in entry gunshot wounds and control skins were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). It was found that a high content of Fe and Zn was deposited in the gunshot entry wounds with full-jacketed bullet, whereas a high content of Pb was deposited in the gunshot entry wounds with lead (unjacked) bullet. It should be noted that the content of Pb was significantly higher in the gunshot entry wounds with lead bullet than in those with full-jacketed bullet. Regarding the relationships among elements, it was found that there were significant direct correlations between Pb and either Sb or Ba contents in both gunshot entry wounds with full-jacketed and lead bullets. As Pb increased in both gunshot entry wounds, Sb and Ba also increased in the wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klintean Wunnapuk
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
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