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Gyurina K, Yarmak M, Sasi-Szabó L, Molnár S, Méhes G, Röszer T. Loss of Uncoupling Protein 1 Expression in the Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Predicts Childhood Obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16706. [PMID: 38069028 PMCID: PMC10706300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Stimulation of thermogenesis by inducing uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression in adipocytes is thought to promote weight loss by increasing energy expenditure, and it is postulated that the human newborn has thermogenic subcutaneous fat depots. However, it remains unclear whether a relevant number of UCP1-expressing (UCP1+) adipocytes exist in the early postnatal life. Here we studied the distribution of UCP1 and the expression of thermogenic genes in the subcutaneous adipose tissues of the human fetus, infant and child. We show that the deep layer of human fetal and neonatal subcutaneous fat, particularly the abdominal wall, is rich in UCP1+ adipocytes. These adipocytes develop in the late third trimester and persist throughout childhood, expressing a panel of genes linked to mitochondrial biogenesis and thermogenesis. During the early childhood adiposity rebound-a critical phase that determines obesity risk later in life-the absence of adipose tissue UCP1 expression in children with normal body mass index (BMI) correlates with an obesity-associated gene expression signature. Finally, UCP1 expression is negatively correlated with BMI z-score and adipocyte size in infants and children. Overall, our results show that the absence of UCP1 expression in adipose tissue is an early indicator of adipose tissue expansion in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Gyurina
- Institute and University Clinics of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary (L.S.-S.)
| | - Mariia Yarmak
- Institute and University Clinics of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary (L.S.-S.)
| | - László Sasi-Szabó
- Institute and University Clinics of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary (L.S.-S.)
| | - Sarolta Molnár
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (S.M.)
| | - Gábor Méhes
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (S.M.)
| | - Tamás Röszer
- Institute and University Clinics of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary (L.S.-S.)
- Institute of Neurobiology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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Kranioti EF, Spanakis K, Flouri DE, Klontzas ME, Karantanas AH. Post-mortem CT in the investigation of homicides. Clin Radiol 2023; 78:832-838. [PMID: 37827593 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the reliability of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in a case series of homicides involving blunt-force, sharp-force, and ballistic trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study investigates 16 homicide cases that underwent PMCT before autopsy. Two radiologists assessed the PMCT examinations and the data were compared to the forensic pathology findings. Data were organised in broad categories: foreign bodies, external injuries, soft-tissue and organ injuries, fractures, air in cavities, fluid collections, random pathology, and wound track. Findings were organised by systems: head and neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis, extremities. Cohen's kappa statistics were used to assess observer agreement. RESULTS Six gunshot-related homicides (37.5%), seven sharp-force-related homicides (43.75%), two blunt-force-related deaths (12.5%), and one homicide due to mechanical asphyxia (1.25%) were analysed. A total of 64 fractures were reported by the pathologists, 67 by radiologist 1 and 68 by radiologist 2. Agreement was deemed substantial in all cases. Pathologists failed to report gas in cavities while radiologists underreported superficial injuries. CONCLUSION An overall observation was that less accurate findings were produced by the blinded radiologist in comparison to the non-blinded one. The extremeness of homicides obscured the interpretation of PMCT leading to the observed discrepancies. The combination of PMCT and autopsies is deemed optimal when investigating homicidal events.
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Affiliation(s)
- E F Kranioti
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71110, Greece.
| | - K Spanakis
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - D E Flouri
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71110, Greece
| | - M E Klontzas
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Advanced Hybrid Imaging Systems, Institute of Computer Science - FORTH, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - A H Karantanas
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Advanced Hybrid Imaging Systems, Institute of Computer Science - FORTH, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Mattijssen EJ, Kerkhoff W, Hermsen R, Hes RA. Interpol review of forensic firearm examination 2019-2022. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2022; 6:100305. [PMID: 36569454 PMCID: PMC9772807 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2022.100305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Abstract
Forensic imaging is a non-invasive examination process during the forensic investigation. It is mainly used in forensic pathology as an adjunct to the traditional autopsy. In the past two decades, forensic imaging has been vigorously developed by forensic experts from computed tomography (CT) to multiple augmented techniques through CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The application field of forensic imaging has also been broadened as its advantages are recognised by more forensic practitioners. In addition to the forensic pathology, this technique has been used in other forensic disciplines, including forensic anthropology, forensic odontology, forensic ballistics and wildlife forensics, etc. This article reviews the development of forensic imaging as the practice and research development in different forensic disciplines based on the relevant literature analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Faculty of Forensic Investigation Department of Criminal Justice, Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Gascho D, Bolliger SA, Thali MJ. CT and MRI of a transcardiac gunshot wound with an annular distribution of bullet fragments surrounding an exit-re-entrance wound after the bullet burst from a floor tile upon exiting the lying body. J Forensic Leg Med 2020; 77:102087. [PMID: 33249345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2020.102087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This case report describes medicolegal examinations of a decedent with a fatal gunshot wound. The decedent lied on the floor as a bullet was fired into his chest. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed as part of the judicial investigation. The MRI examination was valuable for delineating the wound channel through the left ventricle, which was deemed the main cause for internal bleeding and fatal blood loss. The diagnostic value of CT for the detection of injuries was low in this case. However, CT allowed for the virtual investigation of bullet fragments. According to CT-based dual-energy index calculations, it could be inferred that the fragments were most likely made of lead matching .357 Magnum R-P cartridges that were found at the scene. The bullet fragments were located underneath the skin at the suspected exit wound. The exit wound was actually an exit-re-entrance wound, as it can be assumed that the fragments re-entered the body after the bullet burst from hard ground upon exiting the body of the decedent, who was lying on the floor. CT visualized an uncommon annular distribution pattern for the bullet fragments surrounding the exit-re-entrance wound. The formation of such an annular distribution pattern of bullet fragments and the relevant conclusions that may be drawn from such a distribution pattern are discussed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Gascho
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Stephan A Bolliger
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael J Thali
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Gascho D, Zoelch N, Richter H, Buehlmann A, Wyss P, Thali MJ, Schaerli S. Heavy metal in radiology: how to reliably differentiate between lodged copper and lead bullets using CT numbers. Eur Radiol Exp 2020; 4:43. [PMID: 32632537 PMCID: PMC7338321 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-020-00168-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The in situ classification of bullets is of interest in forensic investigations when the bullet cannot be removed. Although computed tomography (CT) is usually performed on shooting victims, visual assessment, or caliber measurements using CT can be challenging or infeasible if the bullets are deformed or fragmented. Independent from the bullet's intactness, x-ray attenuation values (CT numbers) may provide information regarding the material of the bullet. METHODS Ethical approval was not required (animal cadavers) or waived by the ethics committee (decedents). Copper and lead bullets were fired into animal cadavers, which then underwent CT scanning at four energy levels (80, 100, 120, and 140 kVp). CT numbers were measured within regions of interest (ROIs). In addition to comparing CT numbers, the dual-energy index (DEI), representing the ratio between the CT numbers of two energy levels, was calculated. The most appropriate method was applied for decedents with fatal gunshot wounds. RESULTS CT numbers demonstrated no significant difference between copper and lead bullets, and false classifications can easily occur. DEI calculations revealed significant differences between the two groups of bullets. The 120/140 DEIs calculated from the maximum CT numbers obtained from ROIs at the edge of copper versus lead bullets presented a significant difference (p = 0.002) and a gap between the CT numbers of copper and lead bullets and was successfully applied for the decedents. CONCLUSIONS This study presents a viable method for distinguishing copper and lead bullets in situ via CT and highlights the potential pitfalls of incorrect classifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Gascho
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Niklaus Zoelch
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Henning Richter
- Diagnostic Imaging Research Unit (DIRU), Clinic for Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Buehlmann
- Zurich Forensic Science Institute, Zurich Canton Police and Zurich City Police, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Wyss
- Zurich Forensic Science Institute, Zurich Canton Police and Zurich City Police, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael J Thali
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Schaerli
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Forensic Medicine, Health Department Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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