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Kaushik N, Falch E, Slizyte R, Kumari A, Khushboo, Hjellnes V, Sharma A, Rajauria G. Valorization of fish processing by-products for protein hydrolysate recovery: Opportunities, challenges and regulatory issues. Food Chem 2024; 459:140244. [PMID: 38991448 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Protein-rich fish processing by-products, often called rest raw materials (RRM), account for approximately 60% of the total fish biomass. However, a considerable amount of these RRM is utilized for low-value products such as fish meal and silage. A promising and valuable approach for maximizing the utilization of RRM involves the extraction of bioactive fish protein hydrolysate (FPH). This review assesses and compares different hydrolyzation methods to produce FPH. Furthermore, the review highlights the purification strategy, nutritional compositions, and bioactive properties of FPH. Finally, it concludes by outlining the application of FPH in food products together with various safety and regulatory issues related to the commercialization of FPH as a protein ingredient in food. This review paves the way for future applications by highlighting efficient biotechnological methods for valorizing RRM into FPH and addressing safety concerns, enabling the widespread utilization of FPH as a valuable and sustainable source of protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nutan Kaushik
- Amity Food and Agricultural Foundation, Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Eva Falch
- NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Asha Kumari
- Amity Food and Agricultural Foundation, Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Khushboo
- Amity Food and Agricultural Foundation, Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Veronica Hjellnes
- NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Abhishek Sharma
- Amity Food and Agricultural Foundation, Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Gaurav Rajauria
- School of Microbiology, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; SUSFERM Centre for Sustainable Fermentation and Bioprocessing Systems for Food and the Bioeconomy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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2
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Ushida H, Suzumura A, Yamada K, Shimizu H, Suzuki A, Ishikawa Y, Kikuchi R, Nishiguchi KM, Kaneko H. Decrease in electrolyte after vitrectomy surgery may affect the results of forensic investigations using vitreous humor. BMC Ophthalmol 2024; 24:219. [PMID: 38783230 PMCID: PMC11118106 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03445-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Vitreous humor (VH) is used for postmortem biochemical studies because it is well protected in an uncontaminated state even after death. The goal of this research was to investigate electrolyte concentrations in the VH from human eyes with and without a history of vitrectomy surgery. METHODS We analyzed the sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations from 34 VH samples from 34 patients. Eleven samples were from eyes with a history of vitrectomy, and the remaining 23 eyes had no history of vitrectomy. The correlations of Na, K, Cl and Mg concentrations with patient age, interval between first and second vitrectomy, and lens status (history of cataract surgery) were also evaluated. RESULTS The Na, K, Cl and Mg concentrations in VH from vitrectomized eyes were 134.1 ± 7.9 mmol/L, 3.7 ± 0.2 mmol/L, 99.7 ± 6.7 mmol/L and 0.59 ± 0.09 mmol/L, respectively; all were significantly lower than the corresponding concentrations in VH from control eyes (lower by 5.0%, 11.0%, 11.7%, and 22.6%, respectively). Na, K, Cl and Mg concentrations in VH from vitrectomized eyes did not show significant correlations with patient ages or the interval between their first and second vitrectomies. There were no significant differences in Na, K, Cl and Mg concentrations in VH between phakic eyes and intraocular lens-implanted eyes. CONCLUSIONS With the increasing number of vitrectomies being performed, it is necessary to consider the history of vitrectomy when using a subject's VH in forensic examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Ushida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ayana Suzumura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Yamada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Shimizu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsuo Suzuki
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ishikawa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kikuchi
- Division of Clinical Laboratory, Gifu University Hospital, 1-1 Yanagido, 501-1194, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Koji M Nishiguchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kaneko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8550, Nagoya, Japan.
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3
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Atreya A, Ateriya N, Menezes RG. The eye in forensic practice: In the dead. Med Leg J 2024:258172241230210. [PMID: 38690614 DOI: 10.1177/00258172241230210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Post-mortem examination of the eye provides valuable forensic information yet is often overlooked. This brief review focuses on determining the cause/manner of death and post-mortem interval. External eye findings like corneal haziness and tache noire, combined with post-mortem changes in the iris, lens, retina and vitreous humour, can help estimate time since death. Ocular biometrics (iris/retinal scans) may facilitate identification. Age-related ocular changes can provide insights. The eye offers clues into personality (corneal tattooing, trichotillomania) and cause of death (petechiae in strangulation, retinal haemorrhages in abusive head trauma). Ocular trauma and underlying eye disease may be evident. Toxicology of vitreous humour can detect drugs/poisons. As a window into systemic disease and age-related changes, the eye aids pathology interpretations and, accordingly, post-mortem examinations have value. Ocular findings should not be overlooked in forensic examinations as they provide distinct information in determining cause/manner of death and post-mortem interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Atreya
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Lumbini Medical College, Palpa, Nepal
| | - Navneet Ateriya
- Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, India
| | - Ritesh G Menezes
- Forensic Medicine Division, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Perera GGG, Argenta DF, Caon T. The rheology of injectable hyaluronic acid hydrogels used as facial fillers: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131880. [PMID: 38677707 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels have been popularized in facial aesthetics as they provide a long-lasting effect, low risk of complications, allergenicity tests are not required before application and can be easily removed by the action of hyaluronidases. On the other hand, the development of these systems requires in-depth studies of chemical mechanisms involved in hydrogel formation. Ideal dermal fillers should temporarily fluidize during extrusion through the needle and quickly recover their original shape after application. Hydrogels with more elastic properties, for example, are difficult to inject while viscous materials are too liquid. A balance between both properties should be achieved. Each region of the face requires products with distinct rheological properties. High G' dermal fillers are preferable for deeper wrinkles whereas the counterpart with lower values of G' is more indicated in superficial wrinkles or lip augmentation. Factors such as molecular weight and concentration of HA, pH, type and concentration of the crosslinking agent, particle size, crosslinking reaction time and crosslinking agent/polysaccharide ratio should be modulated to achieve specific rheological properties. In this review, the effect of each variable is discussed in detail to guide the rational development of new dermal fillers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giordana Gabriela Guilande Perera
- Laboratory of Cosmetic & Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Debora Fretes Argenta
- Laboratory of Cosmetic & Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Thiago Caon
- Laboratory of Cosmetic & Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil.
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Palić M, Šoštarić Zuckermann IC, Džaja P, Ljubić BB, Severin K. A Biochemical and Histological Assessment of Postmortem Changes to the Eyes of Domestic Pigs: A Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1190. [PMID: 38672338 PMCID: PMC11047443 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Postmortem Interval (PMI) is the time from the death of an animal to its discovery. From a veterinary forensic standpoint, an accurate estimation of the PMI is of particular importance, especially with the observed increase in deaths of domestic and wild animals. A preliminary study was conducted using the eyes of domestic pigs. A biochemical analysis was conducted on the vitreous humor of the eye, whilst a histological analysis was conducted on the retina. The eyes were stored at +4 °C and changes were assessed at time intervals of 0, 12, 24, 48, and 120 h. The biochemical analysis during the PMI established a decrease in sodium, chlorine, and glucose concentrations, and a rise in potassium concentration. Accordingly, a simple linear regression showed a significant correlation between changes in concentrations of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), and glucose, in relation to the PMI. The histological analysis showed evident morphological changes in the retina, which included homogenization of the rod and cone cells, pyknosis of the outer nuclear layer, homogenization of the outer plexiform layer, pyknosis of the inner nuclear layer, homogenization of the inner plexiform layer, and pyknosis of the nuclei of the ganglion layer of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Palić
- Department of Forensic and State Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (P.D.)
| | | | - Petar Džaja
- Department of Forensic and State Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (P.D.)
| | - Blanka Beer Ljubić
- Internal Diseases Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Krešimir Severin
- Department of Forensic and State Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (P.D.)
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Auen T, Linde E. Do Not Turn a Blind Eye on Forensic Biochemistry: Using Vitreous Electrolytes to Reveal Renal Insufficiency as Cause of Death. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2024:00000433-990000000-00148. [PMID: 38215054 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In both medical and forensic autopsy, the kidneys may be overlooked grossly and histologically. As both acute and chronic kidney dysfunction have major implications on morbidity and mortality, it is essential to consider the kidneys as a pathologic source for both immediate and proximate cause of death. For decades, vitreous humor has been used as a measure of postmortem electrolyte analysis to help understand ionic disturbances carried over from the antemortem period. Renal insufficiency from both acute and chronic kidney dysfunction can be ascertained from vitreous investigations and should be a consideration for cause of death. Here, we present 4 cases in which vitreous analysis was used to determine the cause of death. In highlighting these cases, we support the use of biochemical testing in autopsy while demonstrating how it can help elucidate an often overlooked means of mortality. Importantly, it can help with the formulation of clinicopathologic correlations between antemortem and postmortem findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Auen
- From the Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Erin Linde
- Physicians Laboratory Services, Omaha, NE
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Čanović V, Slović Ž, Todorović D, Todorović M, Andrić I, Radojević D, Ilić M, Vitošević K. The use of vitreous humour as a potential source of DNA for postmortem identification in forensic science. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024:10.1007/s12024-023-00760-w. [PMID: 38170325 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00760-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Vitreous humour (VH) is routinely collected for toxicological analyses. However, only a few studies have examined its possible use in genotyping. Because of its isolation from the rest of the body, later onset of postmortem changes, and availability, VH could be a potential source of DNA for postmortem identification and other molecular analyses in forensic genetics. During forensic autopsies, samples of different VH volumes (5 ml, 4 ml, 3 ml, 2 ml, 1 ml, and 0.5 ml) were taken from 66 cadavers 24-48 h after death. DNA was also isolated from the samples immediately after collection and after a specific time of storage (1, 2, and 6 months). DNA was isolated using phenol‒chloroform‒isoamyl alcohol (PCI), and the yield and purity of the obtained DNA were determined spectrophotometrically using a FastGene NanoView Photometer. The integrity of the isolated DNA molecule was determined by PCR amplification of the hTERT (113 bp) gene. The results showed that VH could be a reliable source of genetic material for forensic analysis, and the method used for DNA extraction was effective. The yield of the isolated DNA ranged from 6.20 to 609.5 ng/µl, and the purity of the samples was 1.24-2.34. The isolated DNA concentration and integrity depend on the sample volume, but the DNA purity does not. It is also shown that DNA can be extracted from VH samples that have been stored for up to 6 months at - 20 °C. Therefore, using VH can be a valuable material for DNA identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Čanović
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Živana Slović
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia.
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | - Danijela Todorović
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Miloš Todorović
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivana Andrić
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Dušan Radojević
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milena Ilić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Katarina Vitošević
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
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8
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Irimeș MB, Tertiș M, Oprean R, Cristea C. Unrevealing the connection between real sample analysis and analytical method. The case of cytokines. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:23-65. [PMID: 37246889 DOI: 10.1002/med.21978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are compounds that belong to a special class of signaling biomolecules that are responsible for several functions in the human body, being involved in cell growth, inflammatory, and neoplastic processes. Thus, they represent valuable biomarkers for diagnosing and drug therapy monitoring certain medical conditions. Because cytokines are secreted in the human body, they can be detected in both conventional samples, such as blood or urine, but also in samples less used in medical practice such as sweat or saliva. As the importance of cytokines was identified, various analytical methods for their determination in biological fluids were reported. The gold standard in cytokine detection is considered the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and the most recent ones have been considered and compared in this study. It is known that the conventional methods are accompanied by a few disadvantages that new methods of analysis, especially electrochemical sensors, are trying to overcome. Electrochemical sensors proved to be suited for the elaboration of integrated, portable, and wearable sensing devices, which could also facilitate cytokines determination in medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Bianca Irimeș
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Tertiș
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Radu Oprean
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cecilia Cristea
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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9
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Chighine A, Stocchero M, Ferino G, De-Giorgio F, Conte C, Nioi M, d'Aloja E, Locci E. Metabolomics investigation of post-mortem human pericardial fluid. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1875-1885. [PMID: 37402012 PMCID: PMC10567860 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03050-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
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. OBJECTIVES We applied a metabolomic approach based on 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to ascertain the feasibility of monitoring post-mortem metabolite changes on human pericardial fluids with the aim of building a multivariate regression model for post-mortem interval estimation. METHODS Pericardial fluid samples were collected in 24 consecutive judicial autopsies, in a time frame ranging from 16 to 170 h after death. The only exclusion criterion was the quantitative and/or qualitative alteration of the sample. Two different extraction protocols were applied for low molecular weight metabolites selection, namely ultrafiltration and liquid-liquid extraction. Our metabolomic approach was based on the use of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and multivariate statistical data analysis. RESULTS The pericardial fluid samples treated with the two experimental protocols did not show significant differences in the distribution of the metabolites detected. A post-mortem interval estimation model based on 18 pericardial fluid samples was validated with an independent set of 6 samples, giving a prediction error of 33-34 h depending on the experimental protocol used. By narrowing the window to post-mortem intervals below 100 h, the prediction power of the model was significantly improved with an error of 13-15 h depending on the extraction protocol. Choline, glycine, ethanolamine, and hypoxanthine were the most relevant metabolites in the prediction model. CONCLUSION The present study, although preliminary, shows that PF samples collected from a real forensic scenario represent a biofluid of interest for post-mortem metabolomics, with particular regard to the estimation of the time since death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Chighine
- Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy.
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Matteo Stocchero
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulio Ferino
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Celeste Conte
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Nioi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ernesto d'Aloja
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Emanuela Locci
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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10
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Jones AW. Bibliometric evaluation of Forensic Science International as a scholarly journal within the subject category legal medicine. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2023; 7:100438. [PMID: 37753217 PMCID: PMC10518441 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2023.100438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
This article presents a bibliometric evaluation of Forensic Science International (FSI) as a scholarly journal within the "legal medicine" subject category. Citation data were retrieved from Science Citation Index (SCI) and Journal Citation Reports (JCR), both of which are part of the Web-of-Science (WOS) database. The most cited articles in FSI were identified along with the most prolific authors. The current journal impact factor (JIF) of FSI is 2.2, which was in good agreement with the 5-year JIF of 2.3. FSI was ranked fourth among 17 journals within the legal medicine subject category. Since 1979, a total of 209 FSI articles were cited over 100 times and the H-index for times cited was 125. Although widely used in academia, bibliometric methods might also prove useful in jurisprudence, such as when evaluating the research and publications of people proposed as expert witnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Wayne Jones
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Linköping, Linköping, SE-58183, Sweden
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11
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Battistini A, Capitanio D, Bailo P, Moriggi M, Tambuzzi S, Gelfi C, Piccinini A. Proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry of postmortem muscle protein degradation for PMI estimation: A pilot study. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 349:111774. [PMID: 37399773 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The determination of the postmortem interval is a topic of great forensic interest. The possibility of using new technologies has allowed the study of postmortem decay of biomolecules in the determination of PMI. Skeletal muscle proteins are promising candidates because skeletal muscle exhibits slower postmortem decay compared to other internal organs and nervous tissues, while its degradation is faster than cartilage and bone. In this pilot study, skeletal muscle tissue from pigs was degraded at two different controlled temperatures, 21 °C and 6 °C, and analysed at predefined times points: 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. The obtained samples were analysed by mass spectrometry proteomics approach for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of proteins and peptides. Immunoblotting validation was performed for the candidate proteins. The results obtained appeared significant and identified several proteins useful for possible postmortem interval estimation. Of these proteins, PDLIM7, TPM1, and ATP2A2 were validated by immunoblotting at a larger number of experimental points and at different temperatures. The results obtained are in agreement with those observed in similar works. In addition, the use of a mass spectrometry approach increased the number of protein species identified, providing a larger panel of proteins for PMI assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Battistini
- Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Paolo Bailo
- Section of Legal Medicine, School of Law, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Manuela Moriggi
- University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Tambuzzi
- Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gelfi
- University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, 20161 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Piccinini
- Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
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12
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Locci E, Stocchero M, Gottardo R, Chighine A, De-Giorgio F, Ferino G, Nioi M, Demontis R, Tagliaro F, d'Aloja E. PMI estimation through metabolomics and potassium analysis on animal vitreous humour. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:887-895. [PMID: 36799966 PMCID: PMC10085955 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02975-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
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 1H NMR metabolomics to estimate PMI on ovine vitreous humour comparing the results with the actual scientific gold standard, namely vitreous potassium concentrations. METHODS Vitreous humour samples were collected in a time frame ranging from 6 to 86 h after death. Experiments were performed by using 1H NMR metabolomics and ion capillary analysis. Data were submitted to multivariate statistical data analysis. RESULTS A multivariate calibration model was built to estimate PMI based on 47 vitreous humour samples. The model was validated with an independent test set of 24 samples, obtaining a prediction error on the entire range of 6.9 h for PMI < 24 h, 7.4 h for PMI between 24 and 48 h, and 10.3 h for PMI > 48 h. Time-related modifications of the 1H NMR vitreous metabolomic profile could predict PMI better than potassium up to 48 h after death, whilst a combination of the two is better than the single approach for higher PMI estimation. CONCLUSION The present study, although in a proof-of-concept animal model, shows that vitreous metabolomics can be a powerful tool to predict PMI providing a more accurate estimation compared to the widely studied approach based on vitreous potassium concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Locci
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Matteo Stocchero
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Rossella Gottardo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alberto Chighine
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Ferino
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Matteo Nioi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Demontis
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Franco Tagliaro
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ernesto d'Aloja
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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13
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Van der Veer J, Rzepczyk S, Żaba C. Keep an eye on the crime – a new look at the forensic use of post-mortem eye examination to estimate time of death. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.20883/medical.e753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Determining the time of death plays a crucial role in a forensic post-mortem examination. Many methods for the time of death (TOD) determination have been developed. However, most are not applicable during the first hours after death and produce large post-mortem interval (PMI) ranges. Eye examination makes it possible to precisely determine the time of death during the initial period after death with half-hour accuracy.. In recent years methods for estimating the time of death by measuring the changes in the eye have made great strides. Those methods use the changes in the reaction to drugs and macroscopically visible morphological changes. Experimental studies also produced equations that can estimate the post-mortem interval using biochemical, electrochemical and thermal changes within the eye.
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14
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Adlung A, Licht C, Reichert S, Özdemir S, Mohamed SA, Samartzi M, Fatar M, Gass A, Prost EN, Schad LR. Quantification of tissue sodium concentration in the ischemic stroke: A comparison between external and internal references for 23Na MRI. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 382:109721. [PMID: 36202191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Adlung
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany.
| | - Christian Licht
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Simon Reichert
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Safa Özdemir
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Sherif A Mohamed
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melina Samartzi
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim and Mannheim Center of Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Marc Fatar
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim and Mannheim Center of Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Achim Gass
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim and Mannheim Center of Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Eva Neumaier Prost
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Lothar R Schad
- Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
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15
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Do Circulating Redox Biomarkers Have Diagnostic Significance in Alcohol-Intoxicated People? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911808. [PMID: 36233115 PMCID: PMC9569923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The toxic properties of ethanol are inextricably linked to oxidative stress. Despite many reports on the effects of alcohol dependence on blood redox homeostasis, there are no data on the oxidative stress profile in alcohol-poisoned cases. There are also no data on the diagnostic usefulness of redox biomarkers determined post-mortem in various biological fluids. This work investigates the utility of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant barrier, redox status, and oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers in different biological fluids (such as blood, urine, vitreous humor, and cerebrospinal fluid) in the post-mortem study of patients with acute alcohol intoxication. The study group included those who died due to acute ethanol intoxication (n = 22). The research showed a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase activity, total antioxidant status, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and tryptophan concentration only in the study group’s urine compared to the control. In other circulating fluids, both antioxidant enzyme activities and glycoxidation product concentrations were not significantly different in individuals who died of alcohol overdose compared with those who died suddenly. We also did not observe a connection between oxidation–reduction balance and the amount of alcohol consumed before death. These unexpected observations may be caused by irreversible post-mortem changes occurring at the cellular level due to autolysis and putrefaction. In summary, the use of circulating body fluids to assess redox homeostasis is limited in the post-mortem analysis. Our results indicate the increased stability of urine collected post mortem compared to other circulating bioliquids. Further studies are needed to assess the intensity of oxidative and carbonyl stress in ethanol-damaged organs and the effects of post-mortem processes on cellular redox balance.
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16
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Bioanalytical method for simultaneous determination of benzodiazepines in vitreous humor using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Forensic Leg Med 2022; 91:102434. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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17
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Wilk LS, Edelman GJ, Aalders MCG. Next-generation time of death estimation: combining surrogate model-based parameter optimization and numerical thermodynamics. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220162. [PMID: 35911202 PMCID: PMC9326290 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The postmortem interval (PMI), i.e. the time since death, plays a key role in forensic investigations, as it aids in the reconstruction of the timeline of events. Currently, the standard method for PMI estimation empirically correlates rectal temperatures and PMIs, frequently necessitating subjective correction factors. To address this shortcoming, numerical thermodynamic algorithms have recently been developed, providing rigorous methods to simulate postmortem body temperatures. Comparing these with measured body temperatures then allows non-subjective PMI determination. This approach, however, hinges on knowledge of two thermodynamic input parameters, which are often irretrievable in forensic practice: the ambient temperature prior to discovery of the body and the body temperature at the time of death (perimortem). Here, we overcome this critical limitation by combining numerical thermodynamic modelling with surrogate model-based parameter optimization. This hybrid computational framework predicts the two unknown parameters directly from the measured postmortem body temperatures. Moreover, by substantially reducing computation times (compared with conventional optimization algorithms), this powerful approach is uniquely suited for use directly at the crime scene. Crucially, we validated this method on deceased human bodies and achieved the lowest PMI estimation errors to date (0.18 h ± 0.77 h). Together, these aspects fundamentally expand the applicability of numerical thermodynamic PMI estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah S. Wilk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerda J. Edelman
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Divisie Bijzondere Dienstverlening en Expertise, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497 GB The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice C. G. Aalders
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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18
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Postmortem Diagnosis of Ketoacidosis by Determining Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Levels in Three Types of Body Fluids by Two Different Methods. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12115541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Postmortem assessment of endogenous ketoacidosis is primarily focused on the determination of 3-beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). The aim of our study was to identify the most adequate body fluid and postmortem quantification method for assessing ketoacidosis status immediately prior to death. Material and method: We performed a prospective study on 53 cases of sudden death or in-hospital death that were considered forensic cases and could present a state of ketoacidosis prior to death, the autopsies being performed at a post-mortem interval of 24–72 h. BHB analysis was performed by Multi-Functional Monitoring System XPER Technology analyzer (method A—portable analyzer) for peripheral blood, and by BHB Assay MAK041 Kit (method B) for vitreous humor (VH) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Results: We identified 11 ketoacidosis cases using method A and 9 ketoacidosis cases using method B. All nine cases of ketoacidosis identified using the MAK041 kit were confirmed with the portable analyzer. For the 2 cases of ketoacidosis identified only with the portable analyzer, the values obtained by method B were at the diagnostic limit. BHB concentrations determined in VH and CSF by method B were statistically significantly correlated with each other and with peripheral blood BHB concentration. Conclusion: BHB, a marker of ketoacidosis, should be determined post-mortem whenever a metabolic imbalance is suspected irrespective of known risk factors or obvious morphological substrate to help establish the thanatogenic mechanism. BHB quantification can easily be performed using a handheld automatic analyzer and a sample of peripheral blood as BHB levels in various body fluids correlate with each other.
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19
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Vieira M, Fernandes R, Ambrósio AF, Cardoso V, Carvalho M, Weng Kung P, Neves MAD, Mendes Pinto I. Lab-on-a-chip technologies for minimally invasive molecular sensing of diabetic retinopathy. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1876-1889. [PMID: 35485913 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc01138c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common diabetic eye disease and the worldwide leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. It progresses from mild to severe non-proliferative or proliferative DR based on several pathological features including the magnitude of blood-retinal barrier breakdown and neovascularization. Available pharmacological and retinal laser photocoagulation interventions are mostly applied in the advanced stages of DR and are inefficient in halting disease progression in a significantly high percentage of patients. Yet, recent evidence has shown that some therapies could potentially limit DR progression if applied at early stages, highlighting the importance of early disease diagnostics. In the past few decades, different imaging modalities have proved their utility for examining retinal and optic nerve changes in patients with retinal diseases. However, imaging based-methodologies solely rely on morphological examination of the retinal vascularization and are not suitable for recurrent and personalized patient evaluation. This raises the need for new technologies to enable accurate and early diagnosis of DR. In this review, we critically discuss the potential clinical benefit of minimally-invasive molecular biomarker identification and profiling of diabetic patients who are at risk of developing DR. We provide a comparative overview of conventional and recently developed lab-on-a-chip technologies for quantitative assessment of potential DR molecular biomarkers and discuss their advantages, current limitations and challenges for future practical implementation and continuous patient monitoring at the point-of-care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vieira
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Braga, Portugal
| | - Rosa Fernandes
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António F Ambrósio
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Cardoso
- CMEMS-UMinho, University of Minho, Campus of Azurém, Guimarães, Portugal
- LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga, Portugal
| | - Mariana Carvalho
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Braga, Portugal
| | - Peng Weng Kung
- Spin Dynamics in Health Engineering Group, Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan, China
| | | | - Inês Mendes Pinto
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Braga, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), Porto, Portugal.
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20
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Tambuzzi S, Gentile G, Bailo P, Andreola S, Zoja R. Use of cadaveric vitreous humor as an innovative substrate for diatoms research and forensic diagnosis of drowning. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1745-1754. [PMID: 34999927 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02759-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The search for diatoms is the test that most of all may contribute to the forensic diagnosis of drowning. Diatoms can be extracted through different methods, which are all complex and long. In this preliminary study, we assessed human vitreous humor as an innovative substrate on which to research diatoms. Sampling and analyses were performed on 3 groups of 10 corpses each. The first one was composed of drowned victims. The second one of victims of traffic accidents with subsequent projection in water; based on the severe traumatic injuries reported at autopsy, we considered such victims as ideally assimilable to bodies immersed in water postmortem. The third group was composed of subjects who died for natural causes and without any relationship with water. The vitreous humor was centrifugated and cytocentrifuged and spotted on two different histological slides: one was left blank and the other one was assessed with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Microscopic observation successfully revealed diatoms in all cases of the first group; in the second group diatoms were not detected in 6 cases; in the third group, no diatoms at all were observed. Diatoms were always qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with those found in the corresponding viscera and waters, which had been investigated through classical acid digestion. Our analyses have demonstrated that the vitreous humor behaves in a completely similar way to the other viscera in cases of drowning. Although further investigations are necessary, vitreous humor has proved to be an innovative, suitable, and reliable substrate for the forensic research of diatoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tambuzzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Laboratorio di Istopatologia Forense e Microbiologia Medico Legale, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Guendalina Gentile
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Laboratorio di Istopatologia Forense e Microbiologia Medico Legale, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Paolo Bailo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Laboratorio di Istopatologia Forense e Microbiologia Medico Legale, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Salvatore Andreola
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Laboratorio di Istopatologia Forense e Microbiologia Medico Legale, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Zoja
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Laboratorio di Istopatologia Forense e Microbiologia Medico Legale, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133, Milano, Italy
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21
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A Rapid Method for Postmortem Vitreous Chemistry—Deadside Analysis. Biomolecules 2021; 12:biom12010032. [PMID: 35053180 PMCID: PMC8773483 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitreous fluid is commonly collected for toxicological analysis during forensic postmortem investigations. Vitreous fluid is also often analyzed for potassium, sodium, chloride and glucose for estimation of time since death, and for the evaluation of electrolyte imbalances and hyperglycemia, respectively. Obtaining such results in the early phase of a death investigation is desirable both in regard to assisting the police and in the decision-making prior to the autopsy. We analyzed vitreous fluid with blood gas instruments to evaluate/examine the possible impact of different sampling and pre-analytical treatment. We found that samples from the right and left eye, the center of the eye as well as whole vitreous samples gave similar results. We also found imprecision to be very low and that centrifugation and dilution were not necessary when analyzing vitreous samples with blood gas instruments. Similar results were obtained when analyzing the same samples with a regular multi-analysis instrument, but we found that such instruments could require dilution of samples with high viscosity, and that such dilution might impact measurement accuracy. In conclusion, using a blood gas instrument, the analysis of postmortem vitreous fluid for electrolytes and glucose without sample pretreatment produces rapid and reliable results.
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22
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Wilk LS, Edelman GJ, Roos M, Clerkx M, Dijkman I, Melgar JV, Oostra RJ, Aalders MCG. Individualised and non-contact post-mortem interval determination of human bodies using visible and thermal 3D imaging. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5997. [PMID: 34650046 PMCID: PMC8517003 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26318-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining the time since death, i.e., post-mortem interval (PMI), often plays a key role in forensic investigations. The current standard PMI-estimation method empirically correlates rectal temperatures and PMIs, frequently necessitating subjective correction factors. To overcome this, we previously developed a thermodynamic finite-difference (TFD) algorithm, providing a rigorous method to simulate post-mortem temperatures of bodies assuming a straight posture. However, in forensic practice, bodies are often found in non-straight postures, potentially limiting applicability of this algorithm in these cases. Here, we develop an individualised approach, enabling PMI reconstruction for bodies in arbitrary postures, by combining photogrammetry and TFD modelling. Utilising thermal photogrammetry, this approach also represents the first non-contact method for PMI reconstruction. The performed lab and crime scene validations reveal PMI reconstruction accuracies of 0.26 h ± 1.38 h for true PMIs between 2 h and 35 h and total procedural durations of ~15 min. Together, these findings broaden the potential applicability of TFD-based PMI reconstruction. Establishing the time since death (TSD) is vital in many forensic investigations. By combining thermometry, photogrammetry and numerical thermodynamic modelling, the TSD can be determined non-invasively for bodies of arbitrary shape and posture with an unprecedented accuracy of 0.26 h ± 1.38 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah S Wilk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerda J Edelman
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Divisie Bijzondere Dienstverlening en Expertise, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497 GB, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Roos
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Divisie Bijzondere Dienstverlening en Expertise, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497 GB, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Mara Clerkx
- Department of Medical Biology, Section Clinical Anatomy and Embryology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Inge Dijkman
- Department of Medical Biology, Section Clinical Anatomy and Embryology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jordi Vera Melgar
- Department of Medical Biology, Section Clinical Anatomy and Embryology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roelof-Jan Oostra
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Biology, Section Clinical Anatomy and Embryology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice C G Aalders
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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23
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Alternative matrices in forensic toxicology: a critical review. Forensic Toxicol 2021; 40:1-18. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-021-00596-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
The use of alternative matrices in toxicological analyses has been on the rise in clinical and forensic settings. Specimens alternative to blood and urine are useful in providing additional information regarding drug exposure and analytical benefits. The goal of this paper is to present a critical review on the most recent literature regarding the application of six common alternative matrices, i.e., oral fluid, hair, sweat, meconium, breast milk and vitreous humor in forensic toxicology.
Methods
The recent literature have been searched and reviewed for the characteristics, advantages and limitations of oral fluid, hair, sweat, meconium, breast milk and vitreous humor and its applications in the analysis of traditional drugs of abuse and novel psychoactive substances (NPS).
Results
This paper outlines the properties of six biological matrices that have been used in forensic analyses, as alternatives to whole blood and urine specimens. Each of this matrix has benefits in regards to sampling, extraction, detection window, typical drug levels and other aspects. However, theses matrices have also limitations such as limited incorporation of drugs (according to physical–chemical properties), impossibility to correlate the concentrations for effects, low levels of xenobiotics and ultimately the need for more sensitive analysis. For more traditional drugs of abuse (e.g., cocaine and amphetamines), there are already data available on the detection in alternative matrices. However, data on the determination of emerging drugs such as the NPS in alternative biological matrices are more limited.
Conclusions
Alternative biological fluids are important specimens in forensic toxicology. These matrices have been increasingly reported over the years, and this dynamic will probably continue in the future, especially considering their inherent advantages and the possibility to be used when blood or urine are unavailable. However, one should be aware that these matrices have limitations and particular properties, and the findings obtained from the analysis of these specimens may vary according to the type of matrix. As a potential perspective in forensic toxicology, the topic of alternative matrices will be continuously explored, especially emphasizing NPS.
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24
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Mondello C, Stassi C, Minutoli L, Baldino G, Alibrandi A, Spatola GF, Uzzo ML, Micali A, Puzzolo D, Asmundo A, Ventura Spagnolo E. Caspase 9 and Caspase 3 Immunohistochemical Pattern in Skeletal and Cardiac Muscles at Different Times after Death: An Experimental Study on PMI Estimation. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11061062. [PMID: 34207610 PMCID: PMC8229155 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11061062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The estimation of the post mortem interval (PMI) is a challenge for forensic pathologists because data emerging from methods commonly applied are not always conclusive, since several conditions exist that may affect the reliability of these parameters. Thus, new approaches have been proposed to overcome such a limit. In recent years, several studies have been performed on proteins analyzing their expression/degradation patterns in relation to the progressing of the post mortem interval. (2) Methods: The immunoreactivity patterns of two apoptosis mediators—Caspase 9 and Caspase 3—have been tested in order to evaluate their potential role as markers of the post mortem interval. The immunohistochemical analysis was performed on samples of skeletal and cardiac muscles obtained from rats at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 72 h after death. (3) Results: The observed immunoreactivity patterns of both Caspase 9 and Caspase 3 showed a significant correlation with increasing post mortem interval either in skeletal or cardiac muscles, while the comparison of the immunoreactivity patterns of the two apoptotic mediators within each tissue appeared consistent with a preliminary activation of the “initiator” Caspase 9, which, in turn, subsequently activates the “executioner” Caspase 3. (4) Conclusion: The different expressions and decrease immunohistochemically observed on both caspases with progressing PMI support the usefulness of the combined analysis for post mortem interval estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.M.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Chiara Stassi
- Legal Medicine Section, Department for Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (G.B.)
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Gennaro Baldino
- Legal Medicine Section, Department for Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (G.B.)
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Unit of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi 75, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Francesco Spatola
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.F.S.); (M.L.U.)
| | - Maria Laura Uzzo
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.F.S.); (M.L.U.)
| | - Antonio Micali
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.M.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Domenico Puzzolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.M.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Alessio Asmundo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.M.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Elvira Ventura Spagnolo
- Legal Medicine Section, Department for Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (G.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3496465532
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25
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Taus F, Pigaiani N, Bortolotti F, Mazzoleni G, Brevi M, Tagliaro F, Gottardo R. Direct and specific analysis of nitrite and nitrate in biological and non-biological samples by capillary ion analysis for the rapid identification of fatal intoxications with sodium nitrite. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 325:110855. [PMID: 34098473 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, a significant increase of reports about suicidal cases due to intentional sodium nitrite intake has been described. In the forensic pathology context, the strategy to approach intoxication cases by sodium nitrite, without any preliminary information or hint, is not straightforward. Indeed, in a number of cases the lack of crime scene data and/or specific pathological signs makes difficult the identification of nitrite poisoning. Moreover, the analytical determination of nitrite in blood is challenging, due to its rapid oxidization to nitrate by hemoglobin. Although several methods have been proposed for the clinical analysis of nitrate and/or nitrite in biological samples, none of these is specifically focused on the determination of these ions in cadaveric samples. Consequently, the diagnosis of nitrite fatal intoxication is still based on methemoglobin analysis. The present paper reports the optimization and validation of an analytical method of capillary ion analysis (CIA) with UV detection, for the determination of nitrite and nitrate in biological fluids and its application to two authentic cases of death by nitrite intake. The analyses were carried out in a bare fused-silica capillary (75 µm inner diameter) using 100 mM sodium tetraborate (pH 9.24) as background electrolyte and applying a voltage of - 15 kV between the capillary ends. The detection was obtained by direct UV absorption recorded at 214 nm wavelength. Bromide was used as the internal standard. Linearity was established in the range of 0.25-5 mmol/L). Reproducibility (intraday and day-to-day) was characterized by relative standard deviations (RSDs) 14.7% for peak areas. The method was applied to the determination of nitrite and nitrate in two real forensic cases, where high concentrations of nitrate were found in cadaveric blood samples (6.5 and 4.4 mmol/L, respectively). Nitrite was found only in trace amounts, due to the instability of this ion in cadaveric blood where it is oxidized to nitrate. The present method represents a new tool for the direct and rapid determination of nitrite and nitrate in cases of forensic interest, and thus offers a diagnostic tool more sensitive and precise than the need methemoglobin analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Taus
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10-37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Nicola Pigaiani
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10-37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Federica Bortolotti
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10-37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Guido Mazzoleni
- Pathology Service South Tyrol Local Health Authority, Via Lorenzo Bohler, 5-39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Michele Brevi
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10-37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Franco Tagliaro
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10-37134, Verona, Italy; World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Rossella Gottardo
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10-37134, Verona, Italy.
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26
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The Vital Role of Thanatochemistry in the Postmortem Diagnostic of Diabetic Ketoacidosis-Case Report. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11060988. [PMID: 34072541 PMCID: PMC8228401 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11060988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a lethal acute hyperglycemic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and it represents the initial manifestation of DM in about 15-20% of cases in adults and about 30-40% of cases in children. Postmortem diagnosis of DKA can only be made by applying thanatochemistry. Biochemistry applied postmortem is viewed with skepticism by many practitioners in the forensic field, completely lacking in many forensic services around the world, and especially in the national ones. This article aims to underline the importance of the postmortem application of biochemistry by reviewing the case of a person in the third decade of life who died suddenly at home due to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), whose autopsy was performed at an early PMI of approximately 24 h. Routine postmortem examinations (macroscopic, anatomopathological, and toxicological) could not establish a clear cause of death. When attention was turned to biochemical determinations (i.e., determination of glycated hemoglobin, glucose and ketone bodies (acetone, beta-hydroxybutyrate) in the blood, vitreous humor, and cerebrospinal fluid), the identified values clarified the thanatogenic mechanisms by establishing the diagnosis of DKA.
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27
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Rousseau G, Chao de la Barca JM, Rougé-Maillart C, Teresiński G, Chabrun F, Dieu X, Drevin G, Mirebeau-Prunier D, Simard G, Reynier P, Palmiere C. Preliminary Metabolomic Profiling of the Vitreous Humor from Hypothermia Fatalities. J Proteome Res 2021; 20:2390-2396. [PMID: 33818108 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The postmortem diagnosis of hypothermia fatalities is often complex due to the absence of pathognomonic lesions and biomarkers. In this study, potential novel biomarkers of hypothermia fatalities were searched in the vitreous humor of known cases of hypothermia fatalities (n = 20) compared to control cases (n = 16), using a targeted metabolomics approach allowing quantitative detection of 188 metabolites. A robust discriminant model with good predictivity was obtained with the supervised OPLS-DA multivariate analysis, showing a distinct separation between the hypothermia and control groups. This signature was characterized by the decreased concentrations of five metabolites (methionine sulfoxide, tryptophan, phenylalanine, alanine, and ornithine) and the increased concentration of 28 metabolites (21 phosphatidylcholines, 3 sphingomyelins, spermine, citrulline, acetylcarnitine, and hydroxybutyrylcarnitine) in hypothermia fatalities compared to controls. The signature shows similarities with already identified features in serum such as the altered concentrations of tryptophan, acylcarnitines, and unsaturated phosphatidylcholines, revealing a highly significant increased activity of methionine sulfoxide reductase, attested by a low methionine sulfoxide-to-methionine ratio. Our results show a preliminary metabolomics signature of hypothermia fatalities in the vitreous humor, highlighting an increased methionine sulfoxide reductase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Rousseau
- Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche MITOVASC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 6015, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U-1083, Université d'Angers, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Juan Manuel Chao de la Barca
- Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche MITOVASC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 6015, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U-1083, Université d'Angers, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Clotilde Rougé-Maillart
- GEROM-LHEA, IRIS-IBS Institut de Biologie en Santé, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France
| | - Grzegorz Teresiński
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Floris Chabrun
- Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche MITOVASC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 6015, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U-1083, Université d'Angers, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Xavier Dieu
- Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche MITOVASC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 6015, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U-1083, Université d'Angers, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Guillaume Drevin
- Service de Pharmacologie et Toxicologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France
| | - Delphine Mirebeau-Prunier
- Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche MITOVASC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 6015, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U-1083, Université d'Angers, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Gilles Simard
- Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France
| | - Pascal Reynier
- Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche MITOVASC, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 6015, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U-1083, Université d'Angers, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Cristian Palmiere
- Centre Universitaire Romand de Médecine Légale, Hôpital Universitaire de Lausanne, 1000 Lausanne 25, Switzerland
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28
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Application of microextraction techniques in alternative biological matrices with focus on forensic toxicology: a review. Bioanalysis 2020; 13:45-64. [PMID: 33326299 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2020-0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest in alternative biological matrices (e.g., hair and saliva) for forensic toxicology analysis has increased, and recent developments in sample preparation have targeted rapid, cheap, efficient and eco-friendly methods, including microextraction techniques. For this review, we have gathered information about these two hot topics. We discuss the composition, incorporation of analytes and advantages and disadvantages of different biological matrices, and also present the operation principles of the most reported microextraction procedures and their application in forensic toxicology. The outcome of this review may encourage future forensic researches into alternative samples and microextraction techniques.
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29
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Comparative use of aqueous humour 1H NMR metabolomics and potassium concentration for PMI estimation in an animal model. Int J Legal Med 2020; 135:845-852. [PMID: 33219398 PMCID: PMC8036180 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02468-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI) remains a matter of concern in the forensic scenario. Traditional and novel approaches are not yet able to fully address this issue, which relies on complex biological phenomena triggered by death. For this purpose, eye compartments may be chosen for experimental studies because they are more resistant to post-mortem modifications. Vitreous humour, in particular, has been extensively investigated, with potassium concentration ([K+]) being the marker that is better correlated with PMI estimation. Recently, a 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomic approach based on aqueous humour (AH) from an animal model was proposed for PMI estimation, resulting in a robust and validated regression model. Here we studied the variation in [K+] in the same experimental setup. [K+] was determined through capillary ion analysis (CIA) and a regression analysis was performed. Moreover, it was investigated whether the PMI information related to potassium could improve the metabolome predictive power in estimating the PMI. Interestingly, we found that a part of the metabolomic profile is able to explain most of the information carried by potassium, suggesting that the rise in both potassium and metabolite concentrations relies on a similar biological mechanism. In the first 24-h PMI window, the AH metabolomic profile shows greater predictive power than [K+] behaviour, suggesting its potential use as an additional tool for estimating the time since death.
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30
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Wójtowicz A, Wietecha-Posłuszny R, Snamina M. Contemporary trends in drug analysis of vitreous humor: A critical review. Trends Analyt Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2020.115935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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