Exploring radiomic features of lateral cerebral ventricles in postmortem CT for postmortem interval estimation.

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of radiomic features extracted from postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) scans of the lateral cerebral ventricles (LCVs) to provide information on the time since death, or postmortem interval (PMI), a critical aspect of forensic medicine. Periodic PMCT scans, referred to as "sequential scans", were obtained from twelve corpses with known times of death, ranging from 5.5 to 273 h postmortem.

Metabolic profiling of the synthetic cannabinoid APP-CHMINACA (PX-3) as studied by in vitro and in vivo models.

Purpose: The metabolic pathways of APP-CHMINACA were characterized to select the markers of intake for implementation into analytical assays used by the clinical and forensic communities. We have combined the evidences obtained by both in vitro experiments and administration studies on mice.

Methods: APP-CHMINACA was incubated with either human or mouse liver microsomes.

β-Hydroxy β-Methyl Butyric Acid (HMB) and Its Potential Doping Relevance: A Pilot Study on Its Urinary Excretion Profile.

β-hydroxy β-methyl butyric acid (HMB), either as the free acid or in the form of its calcium salt, is a component of several dietary supplements marketed to enhance sports performance, due to its role in protein synthesis. In this pilot study, we investigated the urinary excretion profile of HMB, an endogenous metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine. The endogenous reference ranges of HMB, in human urine samples, were monitored by collecting samples from 20 volunteers.

Postmortem findings of organ damage in novel psychoactive substances users: A comprehensive review.

Introduction: Despite the rising number of NPS-related deaths, comprehensive data on their prevalence, identification, and associated organ damage remain scarce.

Materials And Methods: A literature search was conducted. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in the identification of 197 articles.

Four-year effectiveness, safety and drug retention rate of secukinumab in psoriatic arthritis: a real-life Italian multicenter cohort.

Objectives: to evaluate over a 48-month follow-up period the: 1) long-term effectiveness and safety; 2) drug retention rate (DRR); 3) impact of comorbidities and bDMARDs line on MDA and DAPSA remission/low disease activity (LDA) of secukinumab in a multicenter Italian cohort of PsA patients.

Methods: Consecutive PsA patients receiving secukinumab were followed prospectively in Italian centers between 2016 and 2023. Disease characteristics, previous/ongoing treatments, comorbidities and follow-up duration were recorded.

Dysregulation of FLVCR1a-dependent mitochondrial calcium handling in neural progenitors causes congenital hydrocephalus.

Congenital hydrocephalus (CH), occurring in approximately 1/1,000 live births, represents an important clinical challenge due to the limited knowledge of underlying molecular mechanisms. The discovery of novel CH genes is thus essential to shed light on the intricate processes responsible for ventricular dilatation in CH. Here, we identify FLVCR1 (feline leukemia virus subgroup C receptor 1) as a gene responsible for a severe form of CH in humans and mice.

Non-Invasive Diagnostic Tests for Portal Hypertension in Patients with HBV- and HCV-Related Cirrhosis: A Comprehensive Review.

Clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease indicates an increased risk of decompensation and death. While invasive methods like hepatic venous-portal gradient measurement is considered the gold standard, non-invasive tests (NITs) have emerged as valuable tools for diagnosing and monitoring CSPH. This review comprehensively explores non-invasive diagnostic modalities for portal hypertension, focusing on NITs in the setting of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis.

Food Beliefs and the Risk of Orthorexia in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) believe that diet plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of their disease and the exacerbation of their symptoms. They often adopt restrictive diets that can lead to malnutrition, anxiety, and stress. Recent studies have found a correlation between IBD and eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).

Mitochondrial metabolism in neural stem cells and implications for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.

Mitochondria are cytoplasmic organelles having a fundamental role in the regulation of neural stem cell (NSC) fate during neural development and maintenance.During embryonic and adult neurogenesis, NSCs undergo a metabolic switch from glycolytic to oxidative phosphorylation with a rise in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content, changes in mitochondria shape and size, and a physiological augmentation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species which together drive NSCs to proliferate and differentiate. Genetic and epigenetic modifications of proteins involved in cellular differentiation (Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin), proliferation (Wingless-type), and hypoxia (Mitogen-activated protein kinase)-and all connected by the common key regulatory factor Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1A-are deemed to be responsible for the metabolic shift and, consequently, NSC fate in physiological and pathological conditions.

FLVCR1a Controls Cellular Cholesterol Levels through the Regulation of Heme Biosynthesis and Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Flux in Endothelial Cells.

Feline leukemia virus C receptor 1a (FLVCR1a), initially identified as a retroviral receptor and localized on the plasma membrane, has emerged as a crucial regulator of heme homeostasis. Functioning as a positive regulator of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (ALAS1), the rate-limiting enzyme in the heme biosynthetic pathway, FLVCR1a influences TCA cycle cataplerosis, thus impacting TCA flux and interconnected metabolic pathways. This study reveals an unexplored link between FLVCR1a, heme synthesis, and cholesterol production in endothelial cells.

Sex-specific behavioural, metabolic, and immunohistochemical changes after repeated administration of the synthetic cannabinoid AKB48 in mice.

Background And Purpose: AKB48 is a synthetic cannabinoid illegally sold for its psychoactive cannabis-like effects that have been associated with acute intoxication and whose effects are poorly known.

Experimental Approach: Using a behavioural, neurochemical, and immunohistochemical approach, we investigated the pharmaco-toxicological effects, pharmacokinetics, and neuroplasticity at cannabinoid CB receptors in the cerebellum and cortex induced by repeated AKB48 administration in male and female mice.

Key Results: The effects of AKB48 varied significantly depending on sex and treatment duration.

Enhancing the interpretation of genetic observations in KCNQ1 in unselected populations: relevance to secondary findings.

Aims: Rare variants in the KCNQ1 gene are found in the healthy population to a much greater extent than the prevalence of Long QT Syndrome type 1 (LQTS1). This observation creates challenges in the interpretation of KCNQ1 rare variants that may be identified as secondary findings in whole exome sequencing.This study sought to identify missense variants within sub-domains of the KCNQ1-encoded Kv7.

Effect of Repeated Administration of ɣ-Valerolactone (GVL) and GHB in the Mouse: Neuroadaptive Changes of the GHB and GABAergic System.

Background: Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) at low dosages has anxiolytic effects and promotes REM sleep and low-wave deep sleep. In the U.S.

Comprehensive evaluation of the pharmacological and toxicological effects of γ-valerolactone as compared to γ-hydroxybutyric acid: Insights from in vivo and in silico models.

Γ-valerolactone (GVL), marketed online as "Tranquilli-G" and "excellent Valium", is used as a legal substitute for γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB); however, until now, GVL has only been connected to one Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) case. Moreover, the pharmaco-toxicological effects of GVL are poorly studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the 1) in vivo effects of gavage administration of GVL (100-3000 mg/kg) on neurological (myoclonia, convulsions), sensorimotor (visual, acoustic, and overall tactile) responses, righting reflex, thermoregulation, motor activity (bar, drag, and accelerod test) and cardiorespiratory changes (heart rate, breath rate, oxygen saturation, and pulse distension) in CD-1 male mice and the 2) in silico ADMET profile of GVL in comparison to GHB and the open active form γ-hydroxyvaleric acid (GHV).

Immunohistochemical expression of HMGB1 and related proteins in the skin as a possible tool for determining post-mortem interval: a preclinical study.

Determining the post-mortem interval (PMI) is one of forensic pathology's primary objectives and one of its most challenging tasks. Numerous studies have demonstrated the accuracy of histomorphology and immunohistochemical investigations in determining the time of death. Nevertheless, the skin, a robust and easy-to-remove tissue, has only been partially analyzed so far.

Metabolomics investigation of post-mortem human pericardial fluid.

Introduction: Due to its peculiar anatomy and physiology, the pericardial fluid is a biological matrix of particular interest in the forensic field. Despite this, the available literature has mainly focused on post-mortem biochemistry and forensic toxicology, while to the best of authors' knowledge post-mortem metabolomics has never been applied. Similarly, estimation of the time since death or post-mortem interval based on pericardial fluids has still rarely been attempted.

Maternal stress increases risk of allergic lung inflammation in adult mice.

Background: Allergies are increasing worldwide. The presence of atopic diseases in the mother propagates the onset of allergic diseases in the offspring with a considerably stronger penetrance than atopic diseases of the father. Such observation challenges genetic predispositions as the sole cause of allergic diseases.

Medical Professional Liability in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Pilot Study of Criminal Proceedings in the Public Prosecutor's Office at the Court of Rome.

Criminal trials and claims against physicians for malpractice-related damages have increased dramatically in recent years, and, with Obstetrics and Gynecology being one of the medical specialties that is at the highest risk, we carried out a retrospective analysis aimed at examining all Obstetrics- and Gynecology-related medical professional liability prosecutions within the General Register of Criminal Records of the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office between the years 2000 and 2014. The number of prosecutions increased steadily in the years 2000-2005, with varying trends in the following years. A total of 727 healthcare professionals were involved in criminal charges, and most prosecuted crimes were related to Articles 590 and 589 of the Italian Penal Code, followed by violations of Article 17 of Law 194/78.

Acute Cardiovascular and Cardiorespiratory Effects of JWH-018 in Awake and Freely Moving Mice: Mechanism of Action and Possible Antidotal Interventions?

JWH-018 is the most known compound among synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) used for their psychoactive effects. SCs-based products are responsible for several intoxications in humans. Cardiac toxicity is among the main side effects observed in emergency departments: SCs intake induces harmful effects such as hypertension, tachycardia, chest pain, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, breathing impairment, and dyspnea.

Comparative Impact Analysis of Low-Deductible Insurance Versus In-house Hospital Assumption of Risk and Management on Medical Malpractice Claims.

Objectives: Claims management is critical to ensure the safe and high-quality medical care for which liability insurers and/or hospitals are responsible. The aim of this research is to determine whether increasing hospital malpractice risk exposure, with increasing deductibles, has an impact on malpractice claims and payouts.

Methods: The study was conducted at a single tertiary hospital, the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.

A Fifteen-Year Survey for Orthopedic Malpractice Claims in the Criminal Court of Rome.

The number of legal disputes in the field of medical liability has increased exponentially in the last decades. The aim of this study is to investigate the outcomes of criminal cases against healthcare professionals in Italian criminal courts. The hypothesis is that the majority of cases are dismissed and/or most professionals in these cases are acquitted.

PMI estimation through metabolomics and potassium analysis on animal vitreous humour.

Introduction: The estimation of post-mortem interval (PMI) remains a major challenge in forensic science. Most of the proposed approaches lack the reliability required to meet the rigorous forensic standards.

Objectives: We applied H NMR metabolomics to estimate PMI on ovine vitreous humour comparing the results with the actual scientific gold standard, namely vitreous potassium concentrations.

PK/PD analysis of trazodone and gabapentin in neuropathic pain rodent models: Translational PK-PD modeling from nonclinical to clinical development.

A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model was developed to describe the time course of writhings after intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid in mice. The model was applied to investigate the antinociceptive effect of trazodone and gabapentin alone and in combination. Writhings time course was described by a transit compartment model with the delay due to the transit of the acetic acid being represented by a chain of intermediate compartments.

The Old and the New: Cardiovascular and Respiratory Alterations Induced by Acute JWH-018 Administration Compared to Δ-THC-A Preclinical Study in Mice.

Several new psychoactive substances (NPS) are responsible for intoxication involving the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Among NPS, synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) provoked side effects in humans characterized by tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension, breathing difficulty, apnoea, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrest. Therefore, the present study investigated the cardio-respiratory (MouseOx Plus; EMKA electrocardiogram (ECG) and plethysmography TUNNEL systems) and vascular (BP-2000 systems) effects induced by 1-naphthalenyl (1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-methanone (JWH-018; 0.