ER stress-related protein, CHOP, may serve as a biomarker of mechanical asphyxia: a primary study

Forensic neuropathology in the past decade: a scoping literature review

While there has been notable research activity in the field of clinical neuropathology over the recent years, forensic approaches have been less frequent. This scoping literature review explored original research on forensic neuropathology over the past decade (January 1, 2010, until February 12, 2022) using the MEDLINE database. The aims were to (1) analyze the volume of research on the topic, (2) describe meta-level attributes and sample characteristics, and (3) summarize key research themes and methods. Of 5053 initial hits, 2864 fell within the target timeframe, and 122 were included in the review. Only 3-17 articles were published per year globally. Most articles originated from the Europe (39.3%) and Asia (36.1%) and were published in forensic journals (57.4%). A median sample included 57 subjects aged between 16 and 80 years. The most common research theme was traumatic intracranial injury (24.6%), followed by anatomy (12.3%) and substance abuse (11.5%). Key methods included immunotechniques (31.1%) and macroscopic observation (21.3%). Although a number of novel findings were reported, most were of preliminary nature and will require further validation. In order to reach breakthroughs and validate novel tools for routine use, more research input is urged from researchers across the world. It would be necessary to ensure appropriate sample sizes and make use of control groups.

The development of endoplasmic reticulum-related gene signatures and the immune infiltration analysis of sepsis

Background

Sepsis is a complex condition involving multiorgan failure, resulting from the hosts' deleterious systemic immune response to infection. It is characterized by high mortality, with limited effective detection and treatment options. Dysregulated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is directly involved in the pathophysiology of immune-mediated diseases.

Methods

Clinical samples were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus datasets (i.e., GSE65682, GSE54514, and GSE95233) to perform the differential analysis in this study. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis algorithm combining multiple machine learning algorithms was used to identify the diagnostic biomarkers for sepsis. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment, and the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis algorithm were used to analyze immune infiltration characteristics in sepsis. PCR analysis and western blotting were used to demonstrate the potential role of TXN in sepsis.

Results

Four ERRGs, namely SET, LPIN1, TXN, and CD74, have been identified as characteristic diagnostic biomarkers for sepsis. Immune infiltration has been repeatedly proved to play a vital role both in sepsis and ER. Subsequently, the immune infiltration characteristics result indicated that the development of sepsis is mediated by immune-related function, as four diagnostic biomarkers were strongly associated with the immune infiltration landscape of sepsis. The biological experiments in vitro and vivo demonstrate TXN is emerging as crucial player in maintaining ER homeostasis in sepsis.

Conclusion

Our research identified novel potential biomarkers for sepsis diagnosis, which point toward a potential strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.

Concentration of noxious gases inside and outside residential apartments across different settlements in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria

The proliferation of harmful gases is a major global problem caused by anthropogenic activities. This study hypothesized that the emission of noxious gases varies seasonally in indoor and outdoor environments. Air samples were collected from 40 georeferenced residential areas ( N = 40) in Port Harcourt using Aeroqual 500 monitor to measure six gases: CH4, CO, NH4, NO2, O3, and SO2. Samples were collected at different times, locations, and seasons. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicates a significant difference in concentration between gases, times, and locations at p < 0.001. But the interaction effect shows that times and seasons significantly affect noxious gas concentration compared to location. In general, the concentration of CO was the highest, while that of O3 was the lowest. The order of concentration is CO > SO2 > NO2 > CH4 > NH4 > O3. The concentrations of NO2 and SO2 were higher than the WHO limit, while CO, CH4, NH, and O3 were below the WHO limit. Furthermore, CO concentration was highest in the morning, while NO2 and SO2 concentrations were highest in the evening. For seasons, the CH4, NH4, NO2, and SO2 were higher during the dry season, while CO concentration was higher during the wet season. Pollutant levels should be regularly monitored to help provide exposure advisory to city dwellers on the impact of atmospheric pollution on their health.