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Simple Summary: Gunshot residues (GSR) are particles produced during the discharge of a firearm. The typical composition of GSR is lead, barium, and antimony. The aims of our study were to (1) investigate the gunshot wound morphology and lead residues in animals and (2) correlate the morphology of the gunshot wounds and the distribution of lead residues with the range of fire. To these aims, cadavers with antemortem and experimentally produced post-mortem gunshot wounds were investigated. Morphological analysis was performed on all entry gunshot wounds. Lead residues were evaluated using macroscopic and histological colorimetric tests. Animals that died of firearm-related injuries showed wounds characterized by an abrasion ring associated with signs of tissue vitality. Experimentally shot limbs showed injuries related to the shooting range. Lead was observed on both animals that died from gunshot wounds and experimentally shot limbs. However, the number of positive cases and the pattern of lead distribution varied with the range of fire. Our results suggest that both pathological examination and colorimetric tests represent valid tools for investigating gunshot wounds in veterinary forensic pathology. Gunshot wound morphology and gunshot residues (GSRs) evaluation have been poorly investigated in veterinary forensic pathology. The aims of the present study were to assess the gunshot wound morphology in animals and evaluate the detectability of lead deriving from GSRs using colorimetric techniques. To these aims, cadavers were divided into four different groups. Group A comprised eight animals who died from firearm-related injuries, while groups B and C included dog limbs shot using different shooting ranges; group D comprised dog limbs stabbed with a screwdriver. Morphological analysis was performed on all entry gunshot wounds. Lead residues were investigated using a Bullet Hole Testing Kit (BTK) and Rhodizonate Sodium histochemical staining (NaR-s). Gunshot wounds in group A showed an abrasion ring associated with hemorrhages and tissue necrosis. Groups B and C showed injuries related to the shooting range. NaR-s showed positive results in both animals that died from gunshot wounds and experimentally shot limbs. However, the number of positive cases and the pattern of lead distribution varied with the shooting range. Positive results by BTK were limited to close-contact shots in group B limbs. Our results suggest that both pathological examination and NaR tests represent valid tools for investigating gunshot wounds in veterinary pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The provision of appropriate nutritional care in care homes is a priority for health services in England. There is limited evidence demonstrating the role of dietitians within older people care homes. This study explores the experiences of dietitians working with care homes for older people in England. Methods A qualitative study using semi-structured face-to-face or telephone interviews was conducted. Criterion and snowball purposive sampling recruited six dietitian participants. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. A reflexive diary was completed, and data analyses followed interpretative phenomenological analyses. Constant comparison, code–recode audits, independent coding by a supervisor, supervisory support and peer review were used to promote rigour. Results Two key themes and three subthemes were identified: Theme 1 is collaboration with multidisciplinary team (MDT) professionals and its two subthemes are as follows: using support strategies (pathway/standards implementation, training/education and resident dietetic assessment) and delivering value (by benefitting more residents, demonstrating unique dietetic skills, nutritional prescription savings and meeting other professional's knowledge gap). Theme 2 is communication with MDT professionals and its subtheme is the understanding of the dietitian's role and of nutritional care. Conclusion Dietitians believe that they play a key role in supporting care homes with nutritional care, identifying themselves as experts and leaders, working with MDT professionals. The findings highlight the importance of a consistent approach to managing nutrition and the need for dietitians to share outcome data to improve the limited evidence-base. There is a need to agree a defined dietetic service provision to care homes in England. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competing Interests: Competing interests: RF declared Committee Member, Optimising Nutrition Prescribing Group of the British Dietetic Association. KM declared NNEdPro APC charges. VR declared paid review of care home training material on behalf of PresQIPP, reimbursed costs by the British Dietetic Association, and Chair of the Older People Specialist Group BDA. AS declared educational honoraria from apetito,Wiltshire Farm Foods, Quorn, Healthcare Conferences UK, Centre for Postgraduate Pharmacy Education and leadership/committee roles for (1) Chair of Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances (ACBS), Department of Health and Social Care. (2) Nutrition Specialist Advisor (Social Care) for Care Quality Commission. (3) Member of British Egg Information Service Nutrition Advisory Group. (4) Judge for National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Chef and Care Awards. (5) Chair of PrescQIPP Virtual Professional Group-Nutrition. (6) Member of Swallow Perspectives, Advocacy and Research Collective. (7) Committee member of British Dietetic Association Older People Specialist Group. (8) Committee member of British Dietetic Association Optimising Nutrition Prescribing Specialist Group. RS declared Member of Advisory Committee for Borderline Substances, Department of Health and Social Care. SR declared Director of NNEdPro Global Institute and associated initiatives.