A new approach to assess post-mortem interval: A machine learning-assisted label-free ATR-FTIR analysis of human vitreous humor.

A crucial issue in forensics is determining the post-mortem interval (PMI), the time between death and the finding of a body. Despite various methods already employed for its estimation, only approximate values are currently achievable. Vitreous humor (VH) is an avascular tissue between the lens and the retina, mainly composed by a collagen fibers network, hyaluronic acid, and hyalocytes.

An approach to autologous stem cell mobilization: trying to define good mobilizers.

Background And Objectives: Stem cell mobilization is a well-known procedure to harvest hematopoietic stem cells for autologous stem cell transplantation in certain hematologic diseases. Numerous studies have been conducted to identify risk factors for poor mobilization but there are no studies that identify good mobilizers. In our hospital, we decided to explore good mobilizers, defining them as those with ≥40 CD34 cells/μL on Day +4 in order to start early apheresis.

Sudden Intrauterine Unexplained Death (SIUD) and Oxidative Stress: Placental Immunohistochemical Markers.

Background: Intrauterine fetal death and perinatal death represent one of the most relevant medical scientific problems since, in many cases, even after extensive investigation, the causes remain unknown. The considerable increase in medical legal litigation in the obstetrical field that has witnessed in recent years, especially in cases of stillborn births, has simultaneously involved the figure of the forensic pathologist in scientific research aimed at clarifying the pathophysiological processes underlying stillbirth.

Methods: our study aims to analyze cases of sudden intrauterine unexplained death syndrome (SIUD) to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in the complex pathogenetic process of stillbirth.

Is Maternal Body Weight or Composition Associated with Onset of Lactogenesis II, Human Milk Production, or Infant Consumption of Mother's Own Milk? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Maternal adiposity impacts lactation performance, but the pathways are unclear. We conducted a systematic review to understand whether maternal adiposity (body mass index [BMI] or percentage fat mass) is associated with onset of lactogenesis II (copious milk; hours), human milk production (expressed volume/24 h), and infant consumption of mother's own milk (volume/24 h). We used random-effects standard meta-analyses to compare the relative risk (RR) of delayed lactogenesis II (>72 h) between mothers classified as underweight (BMI <18.

Macroscopic and Microscopic Cerebral Findings in Drug and Alcohol Abusers: The Point of View of the Forensic Pathologist.

Drug abuse still represents a significant challenge for forensic pathologists; it must always be considered during the autopsy examination when the brain morphological alterations observed are not characteristic of any known disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Nonetheless, no specific brain lesions had been found to characterize the precise drug that caused the poisoning. In fact, a broad spectrum of changes affecting the CNS are seen in drug abusers.

Application of Aquaporins as Markers in Forensic Pathology: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

The study of aquaporins (AQPs) in various forensic fields has offered a promising horizon in response to the need to have reliable elements for the identification of the manner of death and for the individuation of forensic markers for the timing of lesions and vitality of injury. In the literature, various tissues have been studied; the most investigated are the lungs, brain, kidneys, skin, and blood vessels. A systematic literature review on PubMed following PRISMA 2020 guidelines enabled the identification of 96 articles.

Diagnostic Methods in Forensic Pathology: Autoptic Findings and Immunohistochemical Study in Cases of Sudden Death Due to a Colloid Cyst of the Third Ventricle.

The colloid cyst is a non-malignant tumor growth made of a gelatinous material covered by a membrane of epithelial tissue. It is usually located posterior to the foramen of Monro, in the anterior aspect of the third ventricle of the brain. Due to its location, it can cause obstructive hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure, and sudden cardiac death, catecholamine-mediated, through hypothalamus compression.

Molecular Insights of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) 2.0.

The New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) phenomenon represents an ever-changing global issue, with a number of new molecules entering the illicit market every year in response to international banning laws [...

Increased Prevalence of Symptomatic Human Intestinal Spirochetosis in MSM with High-Risk Sexual Behavior in a Cohort of 165 Individuals.

Human intestinal spirochetosis (HIS) can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, although asymptomatic infections have been described. Individuals from low-income countries, people living with HIV, and men who have sex with men (MSM) show increased risk. A retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with HIS (n = 165) between January 2013 and October 2020 at a tertiary hospital in Madrid, Spain, was performed to assess risk factors for symptomatic HIS, symptoms, and response to treatment.

Synthetic Cathinones and Neurotoxicity Risks: A Systematic Review.

According to the EU Early Warning System (EWS), synthetic cathinones (SCs) are the second largest new psychoactive substances (NPS) class, with 162 synthetic cathinones monitored by the EU EWS. They have a similar structure to cathinone, principally found in Catha Edulis; they have a phenethylamine related structure but also exhibit amphetamine-like stimulant effects. Illegal laboratories regularly develop new substances and place them on the market.

New Psychoactive Substances Intoxications and Fatalities during the COVID-19 Epidemic.

In January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, declaring the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic in March 2020. Stringent measures decreased consumption of some drugs, moving the illicit market to alternative substances, such as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). A systematic literature search was performed, using scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and institutional and government websites, to identify reported intoxications and fatalities from NPS during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Synthetic cathinones and cardiotoxicity risks.

Recently, there has been a worldwide rise in the popularity and abuse of synthetic cathinones. The spectrum of side effects caused by the intake of these drugs of abuse is very wide since they act on different systems with various mechanisms of action, they appear to be involved in different cardiac events, including myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death due to fatal arrhythmias. Overall, khat users have a higher risk of death, recurrent myocardial ischemia, cardiogenic shock, ventricular arrhythmia, and stroke compared with non-khat user.

Factors associated with self-medication of antibiotics by caregivers in pediatric patients attending the emergency department: a case-control study.

Introduction: Antibiotic self-medication is a common practice in pediatric caregivers in low-income countries with limited resources and represents a public health problem. Our study sought to determine what factors are associated with this practice, including differences in knowledge or attitudes of caregivers who attend a pediatric emergency service.

Methods: Case-control study based on surveys of caregivers of pediatric patients brought to the emergency room with clinical symptoms suggestive of acute infection.

β'-Phenylfentanyl Metabolism in Primary Human Hepatocyte Incubations: Identification of Potential Biomarkers of Exposure in Clinical and Forensic Toxicology.

From 2014 onwards, illicit fentanyl and analogues have caused numerous intoxications and fatalities worldwide, impacting the demographics of opioid-related overdoses. The identification of cases involving fentanyl analogues is crucial in clinical and forensic settings to treat patients, elucidate intoxications, address drug use disorders and tackle drug trends. However, in analytical toxicology, the concentration of fentanyl analogues in biological matrices is low, making their detection challenging.

Microscopy of structures surrounding typical acupoints used in clinical practice and electron microscopic evaluation of acupuncture needles.

Although the general functionality and structures of acupoints have been studied, there has been little insight into their underlying morphology and physical characteristics. We describe the microanatomical structures surrounding acupoints, the electron microscopic appearance of the needles, and the physical effects of acupuncture needling on the fascia. We injected heparinized blood solution through thin needles at seven known and commonly used "sweat acupoints" in eight fresh, unembalmed, cryopreserved human cadavers to mark the needle positions, and later, during histological examination, to identify them.

Multidisciplinary Approach to Suspected Sudden Death Caused by Arteriovenous Malformation Rupture: A Case Report.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare congenital conditions with a prevalence of less than 1% and are mostly asymptomatic. However, these malformations can suddenly cause intense pain or bleeding, leading to life-threatening medical problems. This report presents a case of an unexpected death in a 37-year-old previously healthy woman due to an intra-cerebellum arteriovenous malformation rupture identified during autopsy.

Sucralose Stimulates Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Caco-2 Cells.

Sucralose is a non-caloric artificial sweetener widely used in processed foods that reportedly affects energy homeostasis through partially understood mechanisms. Mitochondria are organelles fundamental for cellular bioenergetics that are closely related to the development of metabolic diseases. Here, we addressed whether sucralose alters mitochondrial bioenergetics in the enterocyte cell line Caco-2.

Anaphylactic Death: A New Forensic Workflow for Diagnosis.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening or fatal clinical emergency characterized by rapid onset, and death may be sudden. The margin of certainty about the diagnosis of anaphylactic death is not well established. The application of immunohistochemical techniques combined with the evaluation of blood tryptase concentrations opened up a new field of investigation into anaphylactic death.

Adverse Effects of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: A Literature Review.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are a large group of molecules including endogenously produced androgens, such as testosterone, as well as synthetically manufactured derivatives. AAS use is widespread due to their ability to improve muscle growth for aesthetic purposes and athletes' performance, minimizing androgenic effects. AAS use is very popular and 1-3% of US inhabitants have been estimated to be AAS users.

Nandrolone Decanoate: Use, Abuse and Side Effects.

Androgens play a significant role in the development of male reproductive organs. The clinical use of synthetic testosterone derivatives, such as nandrolone, is focused on maximizing the anabolic effects and minimizing the androgenic ones. Class II anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), including nandrolone, are rapidly becoming a widespread group of drugs used both clinically and illicitly.

Sudden Cardiac Death in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users: A Literature Review.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are a group of synthetic molecules derived from testosterone and its related precursors. AASs are widely used illicitly by adolescents and athletes, especially by bodybuilders, both for aesthetic uses and as performance enhancers to increase muscle growth and lean body mass. When used illicitly they can damage health and cause disorders affecting several functions.

More than Pneumonia: Distinctive Features of SARS-Cov-2 Infection. From Autopsy Findings to Clinical Implications: A Systematic Review.

Despite safety recommendations for the management of corpses with COVID-19 infection and the high number of deaths worldwide, the post-mortem investigation rate is extremely low as well as the scientific contributions describing the pathological features. The first results of post-mortem investigations provided interesting findings and contributed to promoting unexplored therapeutic approaches and new frontiers of research. A systematic review is provided with the aim of summarizing all autopsy studies up to February 2020 in which a complete post-mortem investigation in patients with COVID-19 disease was performed, focusing on histopathological features.