scholarly journals An Overview on Actual Knowledge About Immunohistochemical and Molecular Features of Vitality, Focusing on the Growing Evidence and Analysis to Distinguish Between Suicidal and Simulated Hanging

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aniello Maiese ◽  
Fabio Del Duca ◽  
Paola Santoro ◽  
Lavinia Pellegrini ◽  
Alessandra De Matteis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Immunological Response ◽  
Dead Body ◽  
Inhibitory Protein ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Forensic Practice ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
Vitality Diagnosis ◽  
Physical And Chemical

In forensic practice, the pathologist is often asked to determine whether a hanging was committed as suicide or as a simulated hanging (when a dead body is suspended after death). When exterior evidence of violence is absent and the crime scene investigation fails to identify useful proof, it is nearly impossible to tell whether the dead body was suspended or not. As a result, determining whether the ligature mark was created during life or not should rely on the research and demonstration of vital reactions on the ligature mark. The main purpose of this review article is to provide a summary of current knowledge about the histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of vitality in hanging. The authors also aim to identify the most significant vitality markers on ligature marks for further scientific validation and to propose a standardized diagnostic protocol for hanging. The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) Protocol. Relevant scientific papers were found from PubMed up to April 2021, using the following keywords: hanging AND skin AND vitality. Three main points were studied: ligature mark dehydration, immunological response to mechanical injury, and apoptosis induction as a result of the previous points. An increase in apoptosis is evident in the ligature mark (due to physical and chemical processes involved), as demonstrated by FLICE-inhibitory protein (FLIP) depletion. Immunohistochemical detection of Aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and increase in the concentration of different electrolytes rely solely on ligature mark dehydration. Also, microRNAs (MiRNAs) could become reliable forensic biomarkers for ligature mark vitality diagnosis in the near future. To ensure high reliability in court cases, forensic investigation in hanging should rely on modern and proven markers, even a mix of several markers.

scholarly journals Cancer of Unknown Primary: Challenges and Progress in Clinical Management

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 451
Author(s):  
Noemi Laprovitera ◽  
Mattia Riefolo ◽  
Elisa Ambrosini ◽  
Christiane Klec ◽  
Martin Pichler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Distant Metastases ◽  
Cancer Of Unknown Primary ◽  
Unknown Primary ◽  
Diagnostic Strategies ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Tissue Of Origin ◽  
Novel Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Aggressive Clinical Behavior

Distant metastases are the main cause of cancer-related deaths in patients with advanced tumors. A standard diagnostic workup usually contains the identification of the tissue-of-origin of metastatic tumors, although under certain circumstances, it remains elusive. This disease setting is defined as cancer of unknown primary (CUP). Accounting for approximately 3–5% of all cancer diagnoses, CUPs are characterized by an aggressive clinical behavior and represent a real therapeutic challenge. The lack of determination of a tissue of origin precludes CUP patients from specific evidence-based therapeutic options or access to clinical trial, which significantly impacts their life expectancy. In the era of precision medicine, it is essential to characterize CUP molecular features, including the expression profile of non-coding RNAs, to improve our understanding of CUP biology and identify novel therapeutic strategies. This review article sheds light on this enigmatic disease by summarizing the current knowledge on CUPs focusing on recent discoveries and emerging diagnostic strategies.

scholarly journals Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Insights into Its Pathobiology and Molecular Mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1214
Author(s):  
Ji Tu ◽  
Jose Vargas Castillo ◽  
Abhirup Das ◽  
Ashish D. Diwan
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Formidable Challenge ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), earlier referred to as cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), is the most common and serious neurological disorder in the elderly population caused by chronic progressive compression or irritation of the spinal cord in the neck. The clinical features of DCM include localised neck pain and functional impairment of motor function in the arms, fingers and hands. If left untreated, this can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death. Despite recent advancements in understanding the DCM pathology, prognosis remains poor and little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis. Moreover, there is scant evidence for the best treatment suitable for DCM patients. Decompressive surgery remains the most effective long-term treatment for this pathology, although the decision of when to perform such a procedure remains challenging. Given the fact that the aged population in the world is continuously increasing, DCM is posing a formidable challenge that needs urgent attention. Here, in this comprehensive review, we discuss the current knowledge of DCM pathology, including epidemiology, diagnosis, natural history, pathophysiology, risk factors, molecular features and treatment options. In addition to describing different scoring and classification systems used by clinicians in diagnosing DCM, we also highlight how advanced imaging techniques are being used to study the disease process. Last but not the least, we discuss several molecular underpinnings of DCM aetiology, including the cells involved and the pathways and molecules that are hallmarks of this disease.

Molecular determinants of therapy response of venetoclax-based combinations in acute myeloid leukemia

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Makowka ◽  
Verena Stolp ◽  
Karoline Stoschek ◽  
Hubert Serve
Keyword(s):  
Acute Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Therapy Response ◽  
Secondary Resistance ◽  
Molecular Alterations ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Slow Progress ◽  
Molecular Aberrations ◽  
Acute Myeloid

Abstract Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous, highly malignant disease of the bone marrow. After decades of slow progress, recent years saw a surge of novel agents for its treatment. The most recent advancement is the registration of the Bcl-2 inhibitor ventoclax in combination with a hypomethylating agent (HMA) in the US and Europe for AML patients not eligible for intensive chemotherapy. Treatment of newly diagnosed AML patients with this combination results in remission rates that so far could only be achieved with intensive treatment. However, not all AML patients respond equally well, and some patients relapse early, while other patients experience longer periods of complete remission. A hallmark of AML is its remarkable genetic, molecular and clinical heterogeneity. Here, we review the current knowledge about molecular features of AML that help estimate the probability of response to venetoclax-containing therapies. In contrast to other newly developed AML therapies that target specific recurrent molecular alterations, it seems so far that responses are not specific for a certain subgroup. One exception is spliceosome mutations, where good response has been observed in clinical trials with venetoclax/azacitidine. These mutations are rather associated with a more unfavorable outcome with chemotherapy. In summary, venetoclax in combination with hypomethylating agents represents a significant novel option for AML patients with various molecular aberrations. Mechanisms of primary and secondary resistance seem to overlap with those towards chemotherapy.

scholarly journals The Chemical Composition of the Wolf-Rayet Stars

1982 ◽  
Vol 99 ◽  
pp. 87-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan J. Willis
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Evolutionary Theory ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Evolutionary Status ◽  
Chemical Abundances ◽  
Considerable Uncertainty ◽  
C And N ◽  
Physical And Chemical

This review summarises current knowledge of the chemical composition of PopI WR stars, concentrating on work carried out in this area since the last IAU, No. 49, symposium devoted to this stellar class (Bappu & Sahade 1973). Earlier reviews of this topic are found in Gebbie & Thomas (1968). The dichotomy of the WR stars into the WN and WC sequences (Beals 1934) has generally been qualitatively interpreted as arising because of gross differences in the C and N abundances: WN stars which exhibit emission lines of predominantly He and N ions with little evidence for C, being inferred as C-poor objects, whilst WC stars, showing predominantly He and C lines and virtually no evidence for N being inferred as N-poor. In both sequences the visible spectra show little or no evidence for hydrogen. However, although the WR stars have been acknowledged as a class for over a century now, progress has been very slow in putting quantitative determinations of their physical and chemical properties on a firm basis, with the bulk of work in this area being conducted during the past decade. The chemical nature of the WR stars has always been a matter of considerable uncertainty, controversy and, quite often, passionate disagreement, arising from uncertainties in the interpretation of the, often ambiguous, observational material available, as well as from disagreements as to the reliability of the use of comparatively simple analytical models employed to date. Recent results strongly suggest that the WR stars are chemically evolved objects, with low H/He ratios and quite different C/N ratios in the WN and WC sequences, with some measure of agreement in these results with the chemistries predicted to arise at various stages of evolutionary theory for hot massive stars which, by one means or another, have shed much of their atmospheric material during their evolution. My purpose in this review is to summarise the investigations and results that lead to the above conclusions. §2 deals with an assessment of the atmospheric H/He ratio in both WN and WC stars: a parameter of fundamental importance in addressing their evolutionary status, as well as providing a base species with which to compare other derived chemical abundances. §3 briefly deals with the models generally employed and gives recent results for He, C and N abundances derived from both visible and UV line analyses. §4 summarises recent results from stellar evolutionary theory and in §5 compares these with those derived from observation, assessing the significance of these new results and their implications for the evolutionary status of the WR stars. Some areas for further advancement are identified.

Nogo-A Represses Anatomical and Synaptic Plasticity in the Central Nervous System

Physiology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anissa Kempf ◽  
Martin E. Schwab
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Axonal Regeneration ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cns Injury ◽  
Inhibitory Protein ◽  
Growth Inhibitory ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Regulation Of Growth

Nogo-A was initially discovered as a myelin-associated growth inhibitory protein limiting axonal regeneration after central nervous system (CNS) injury. This review summarizes current knowledge on how myelin and neuronal Nogo-A and its receptors exert physiological functions ranging from the regulation of growth suppression to synaptic plasticity in the developing and adult intact CNS.

scholarly journals Master Regulator Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2/Human Interactome

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro H. Guzzi ◽  
Daniele Mercatelli ◽  
Carmine Ceraolo ◽  
Federico M. Giorgi
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Master Regulator ◽  
Human Interactome ◽  
Evolutionary Origins ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Host Cell Proteins ◽  
Protein Receptor ◽  
Receptor Recognition ◽  
Tract Disease ◽  
Shed Light

The recent epidemic outbreak of a novel human coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 causing the respiratory tract disease COVID-19 has reached worldwide resonance and a global effort is being undertaken to characterize the molecular features and evolutionary origins of this virus. In this paper, we set out to shed light on the SARS-CoV-2/host receptor recognition, a crucial factor for successful virus infection. Based on the current knowledge of the interactome between SARS-CoV-2 and host cell proteins, we performed Master Regulator Analysis to detect which parts of the human interactome are most affected by the infection. We detected, amongst others, affected apoptotic and mitochondrial mechanisms, and a downregulation of the ACE2 protein receptor, notions that can be used to develop specific therapies against this new virus.

scholarly journals Immunological Aspects of Malignant Gliomas

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 494-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Or Cohen-Inbar ◽  
Menashe Zaaroor
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Malignant Gliomas ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Malignant Cells ◽  
Significant Progress ◽  
Complex Interplay ◽  
Mean Survival Time ◽  
Molecular Features

AbstractGlioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain neoplasm having a mean survival time of <24 months. This figure remains constant, despite significant progress in medical research and treatment. The lack of an efficient anti-tumor immune response and the micro-invasive nature of the glioma malignant cells have been explained by a multitude of immune-suppressive mechanisms, proven in different models. These immune-resistant capabilities of the tumor result in a complex interplay this tumor shares with the immune system. We present a short review on the immunology of GBM, discussing the different unique pathological and molecular features of GBM, current treatment modalities, the principles of cancer immunotherapy and the link between GBM and melanoma. Current knowledge on immunological features of GBM, as well as immunotherapy past and current clinical trials, is discussed in an attempt to broadly present the complex and formidable challenges posed by GBM.

scholarly journals Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in the aquatic environment: implications for the drinking water industry and global environmental health

2009 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 224-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. F. Rahman ◽  
E. K. Yanful ◽  
S. Y. Jasim
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Personal Care Products ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Compounds ◽  
Fish Population ◽  
Personal Care ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Trace Concentrations ◽  
Physical And Chemical

Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are a group of chemical compounds with diverse physical and chemical properties. Recent studies have indicated undesired effects of EDCs and PPCPs at their reported trace concentrations (ng l−1 to μg l−1). This paper reviews the current knowledge on the sources, properties, occurrence and health impacts of EDCs and PPCPs, and their removal from drinking water using ozonation and ozone/hydrogen peroxide-based advanced oxidation. The paper also examines the potential threats posed by these chemicals to drinking water and public health. While these compounds are known to have adverse effects on ecosystem health, notably in the fish population, a similar link is yet to be established between ingestion of these compounds through drinking water and human health. In addition, data on the effectiveness of existing methods for the removal of these compounds are not conclusive. Further studies are required to characterize risks, and also to evaluate and optimize existing removal processes. Also concerted international effort is urgent to cut down the risk of exposure and restrain the production and marketing of toxic chemicals.

scholarly journals Effects of sample size on plant single-cell RNA profiling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Longbiao Guo ◽  
Hongyu Chen ◽  
Xinxin Yin ◽  
Xi Chen ◽  
Qinjie Chu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Cellular Heterogeneity ◽  
Root Cells ◽  
Rna Profiling ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Cell Clustering

Abstract Background: Single-cell RNA (scRNA) profiling or scRNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a rapidly developing technology and an important frontier of molecular biology science. scRNA profiling makes it possible to parallelly investigate diverse molecular features of multiple types of cells in a given plant tissue, and promotes elucidation of cellular heterogeneity and discovery of developmental processes underpinning cell differentiation. While it is assumed that the power of scRNA profiling in uncovering cellular heterogeneity largely depends on the depth of scRNA-seq, no study about the effect of the sequenced cell numbers on the power of plant scRNA-seq has ever been reported. Results: In this study, on the basis of analyzing the sample coverage of 1,244 available scRNA-seq studies (including 30 in plants) and the effect of sample coverage on cell clustering and identification of cell types, we evaluated the effects of sample size (i.e., cell number) on the outcome of single cell transcriptome analysis by sampling different number of cells from a pool of ~57,000 Arabidopsis thaliana root cells integrated from five published studies. Our results indicated that the most significant principle components could be achieved when 20,000-30,000 cells were sampled, a relatively high reliability of cell clustering could be achieved by using ~20,000 cells with little further improvement by using more cells, 96% of the differentially expressed genes could be successfully identified with no more than 20,000 cells, and a relatively stable pseudotime could be estimated in the sub-sample with 5,000 cells. Conclusions: Our results imply that ~20,000 (or 10,000 - 30,000[1] ) cells are enough for profiling Arabidopsis root cells using scRNA-seq, although the applicability of this number to other Arabidopsis tissues and other plants is yet to be further determined by analyzing scRNA-seq data generated from diverse tissues of different plant species. Nevertheless, our results provide a general guide for optimizing sample size to be used in plant scRNA-seq studies. Change to “or up to 300000”?

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