Search Results (361)

Isotopic investigations focused on determining the mobility and provenance of ancient human civilizations and sourcing of archeological artifacts continue to gain prominence in archeology. Most studies focus on the premise that the geographic variation in isotope systems of interest (e.g., Sr, Pb, Nd, O) in the natural environment is recorded in both human hard tissues of local individuals and raw materials sourced for artifacts within the same region. The introduction of multi-collection–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) and laser ablation systems are techniques that consume smaller sample sizes compared to previous mass spectrometric approaches due to their higher ionization efficiency and increased sensitivity. This development has facilitated the isotopic measurement of trace elements present at low abundances (e.g., Pb, Nd, <1-to-low ppm range) particularly in human tooth enamel. Accurate interpretation of any isotope ratio measurement for the proveniencing of such low-abundance samples requires the adequate evaluation of post-mortem diagenetic alteration. A synopsis of practices currently in use for identifying post-mortem alteration in human archeological samples is discussed here. Post-mortem shifts in radiogenic isotope signatures resulting from secondary alteration are distinct from those potentially related to the impact of climate change on the bioavailable budgets for these elements. This topic is of interest to the archeological community and discussed here in the context of Holocene-aged samples from burial sites within the Nile River Valley System, and preferred dust source areas from the neighboring Sahara Desert. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive, multisystemic α-synucleinopathy, recognized as the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder globally. Its neuropathology is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, particularly in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), and the intraneuronal accumulation of α-synuclein-forming Lewy bodies. Oxidative stress is a key contributor to PD pathogenesis. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is a crucial regulator of cellular redox balance, inhibiting the antioxidant function of thioredoxin. This pilot study aimed to investigate the protein expression and localization of TXNIP in the SNpc of PD patients compared to healthy controls. We performed immunohistochemical analyses on 12 post-mortem human brain sections (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) from six subjects with PD and six healthy controls. The study was performed on PD subjects with Braak stage 6. Our findings revealed that in control samples, TXNIP protein was distinctly and closely associated with neuromelanin (NM) pigment within the cytoplasm of SNpc dopaminergic neurons. Conversely, in PD samples, there was a markedly weak cytoplasmic expression of TXNIP, and critically, this association with NM pigment was absent. Furthermore, PD samples exhibited a significant reduction in both dopaminergic neurons and NM content, consistent with advanced disease. These findings, which mirror previous transcriptomic data showing TXNIP gene under-expression in the same subjects, suggest that altered TXNIP expression and localization in SNpc dopaminergic neurons are features of late-stage PD, potentially reflecting neuronal dysfunction and loss. Full article

The amygdala is composed of several nuclei, including the lateral nucleus which is the main receiving area for the input from cortical and subcortical brain regions. It mediates fear, anxiety, stress, and pain across species. Evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system may be a promising target for modulating these processes. Cannabinoid and cannabinoid-related receptors have been identified in the amygdala of rodents, carnivores, and humans, but not in horses. This study aimed to investigate the gene expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) within the lateral nucleus of six equine amygdalae collected post mortem from an abattoir using quantitative real-time PCR, cellular distribution, and immunofluorescence. mRNA expression of CB1R and CB2R, but not TRPV1 or PPARγ, was detected. The percentage of immunoreactivity (IR) was calculated using ImageJ software. Cannabinoid receptor 1 immunoreactivity was absent in the somata but was strongly detected in the surrounding neuropil and varicosities and CB2R-IR was observed in the varicosities; TRPV1-IR showed moderate expression in the cytoplasm of somata and processes, while PPARγ-IR was weak-to-moderate in the neuronal nuclei. These findings demonstrate endocannabinoid system components in the equine amygdala and may support future studies on Cannabis spp. molecules acting on these receptors. Full article

On-farm emergency slaughter (OFES) is employed when cattle are unfit for transport but still suitable for human consumption, thereby ensuring animal welfare and reducing food waste. This study analysed OFES patterns in Northern Italy, where a large cattle population is housed but information on the practice is rarely analysed. A total of 12,052 OFES cases from 2021 to 2023 were analysed. Most involved female cattle (94%) from dairy farms (79%). Locomotor disorders were the leading reason (70%), particularly trauma and fractures, followed by recumbency (13%) and calving-related issues (10%). Post-mortem findings showed limbs and joints as the most frequent condemnation sites (36%), often linked to trauma. A significant reduction in OFES cases occurred over time, mainly due to fewer recumbency and calving issues, likely reflecting stricter eligibility criteria introduced in 2022. Weekly variations, with peaks on Mondays and lows on Saturdays, suggest that logistical constraints may sometimes influence OFES promptness. These findings suggest that on-farm management and animal handling could be improved further to reduce welfare risks and carcass waste. Due to the lack of standardised data collection and regulatory harmonisation, a multi-country investigation could improve our understanding of this topic and inform best practice. Full article

Peste des petits ruminants is a highly contagious transboundary viral disease that poses a serious threat to small ruminant populations worldwide. In 2024, seven outbreaks of PPR were recorded in sheep flocks from Timiș County, marking the second confirmed incursions of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) in Romania. This study aimed to document the clinical presentation, pathological findings, and diagnostic confirmation with these field outbreaks. Comprehensive field investigations were carried out between July and September 2024, including clinical examinations, post mortem analysis, serological screening, and molecular detection using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total of 13,203 sheep were evaluated, with an overall mortality rate of 12.77%. Characteristic clinical signs included mucopurulent nasal discharge, oral erosions, respiratory distress, and diarrhea. Gross lesions observed during necropsy included hemorrhagic bronchopneumonia, bile-stained liver, catarrhal enteritis, and mucosal hemorrhages. Serological testing revealed flock-level seroprevalence rates ranging from 46.7% to 80.0%, with higher rates observed in older animals. RT-PCR confirmed PPRV infection in all affected flocks. Our findings provide strong evidence of virulent PPRV circulation in an area where the virus had not been reported before. The results highlight an urgent need to strengthen surveillance systems, enhance diagnostic capacity, and foster cross-border collaboration. These field-based insights can contribute to both national and international efforts aimed at controlling and ultimately eradicating the disease. Full article

Beef production in Greece is a sector that has been characterized by a decline in both the output and the number of beef-producing animals over the last decades. The major challenge is low beef self-sufficiency; only 19.1% of demand is met by domestic production. The latter leads to a growing reliance on imports of both live animals and carcasses. Hence, the fattening of young bulls from dairy breeds could be an option to address this challenge subject to improving the quality of produced meat. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of extruded linseed in the diet of young bulls on their performance and meat quality. Sixty-eight young Holstein bulls were equally assigned in two experimental groups: the control group (CON, n = 34) and Linseed Group (LS, n = 34). Bulls in the CON group received a basal total mixed ration while LS young bulls were offered the same basal ration supplemented with linseed (5% on dry matter basis) during the final fattening stage. All bulls were subjected to three individual weightings at the beginning, the middle and the end of the trial. The feed offered was recorded daily and feed refusals were weighed for each pen to calculate feed intake. After slaughter, the Longissimus dorsi muscle from each carcass was collected to evaluate meat pH, color, chemical composition, tenderness and fatty acid profile. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate the effect of dietary intervention on performance and examined meat parameters, with significance set at p < 0.05, using SPSS software (version 29.0). Average daily gain, dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected by the dietary intervention (p > 0.05). Similarly, carcass yield and dressing percentage remained unaffected (p > 0.05). Adding extruded linseed did not result in differences in meat quality traits (p > 0.05), except for meat pH, which was significantly decreased in the LS group (p < 0.05), indicating more efficient post-mortem glycolysis. Finally, the inclusion of extruded linseed resulted in higher levels of α-linolenic acid in the meat (p < 0.05). These results suggest that including 5% extruded linseed (on a DM basis) in the diet of young Holstein bulls increased meat n-3 content, improved beef pH and maintained production performance. Full article

Clostridium sordellii, which has recently been reclassified as Paeniclostridium sordellii and subsequently as Paraclostridium sordellii, is a rare human pathogen linked to infections of high morbidity and mortality, often presenting as fulminant toxic shock syndrome. Although most documented cases involve individuals with pre-existing health issues, such as immunosuppression and cancer, or those who have undergone specific gynecological procedures, there are few instances reported in otherwise healthy individuals. In this report, we present a case of fatality associated with P. sordellii infection in a young individual with a history of drug abuse, following post-mortem examinations. Additionally, we provide an updated review of the latest literature on this topic. Full article

Internal Dry Reforming of Methane (IDRM) in biogas fed Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) was investigated on Fe-Au modified Ni/GDC electrolyte-supported cells at 900 and 850 °C. The aim was to clarify the synergistic interaction between Fe and Au, focusing on the effect of X wt.% of Au loading (where X = 1 or 3 wt.%) in binary Au-Ni/GDC and ternary 0.5 wt.% Fe-Au-Ni/GDC fuel electrodes. The investigation combined i-V, Impedance Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography electrocatalytic measurements. It was found that modification with 0.5Fe-Au enhanced significantly the electrocatalytic activity of Ni/GDC for the IDRM reaction, whereas the low wt.% Au content had the most promoting effect. The positive interaction of 0.5 wt.% Fe with 1 wt.% Au increased the conductivity of Ni/GDC and enhanced the corresponding IDRM charge transfer electrochemical processes, especially those in the intermediate frequency region. Comparative long-term measurements, between cells comprising Ni/GDC and 0.5Fe-1Au-Ni/GDC, highlighted the significantly higher IDRM electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrode. The latter operated for almost twice the time (280 h instead of 160 h for Ni/GDC) with a lower degradation rate (0.44 mV/h instead of 0.51 mV/h). Ni/GDC degradation was ascribed to inhibited charge transfer processes in the intermediate frequencies region and to deteriorated ohmic resistance. Stoichiometric analysis on the (post-mortem) surface state of each fuel electrode showed that the wt.% content of reduced nickel on Ni/GDC was lower, compared to 0.5Fe-1Au-Ni/GDC, verifying the lower re-oxidation degree of the latter. This was further correlated to the hindered H₂O production during IDRM operation, due to the lower selectivity of the modified electrode for the non-desired RWGS reaction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Electrocochleography (ECochG) is a promising tool to monitor preservation of cochlear structures and function during cochlear implant (CI) surgery. However, the interpretation of ECochG signal changes during insertion of the CI electrode array remains controversial. This study investigates the influence of the degree and localization of cochlear trauma on ECochG signal changes using a mouse model. Methods: C57BL/6J-Crl1 mice underwent intracochlear ECochG recordings during the insertion of a platinum–iridium electrode. Results: In case of grade 1 and 2 cochlear trauma, as determined by post-mortem histological analysis, we found that a reduction in intracochlear cochlear microphonic (CM) amplitude correlates more significantly with the location of the trauma than with its severity. The more basally a trauma is located, the larger the CM amplitude drop. Furthermore, the results revealed that grade 1 or 2 trauma was detectable through ECochG before more severe trauma developed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that intracochlear ECochG can serve as a reliable intraoperative tool for detecting early and possibly reversible cochlear trauma, preventing more severe damage and aiding hearing preservation. The results emphasize the need for a nuanced interpretation of CM signal drops, considering trauma location and cochlear structure integrity at the site of trauma and apical to it. Full article

Autophagy is impaired in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), particularly at the stage of autophagosome–lysosome fusion. Recent studies suggest that the inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase OCRL (Lowe oculocerebrorenal syndrome protein) is involved in this fusion process; however, its role in AD pathophysiology remains largely unclear. In this study, we investigated the localization and expression of OCRL in post-mortem AD brains and in a 5XFAD transgenic mouse model. While OCRL RNA levels were not significantly altered, OCRL protein was markedly reduced in the RIPA-soluble fraction and positively correlated with the autophagy marker Beclin1. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed OCRL immunoreactivity in neuronal cytoplasm, granulovacuolar degeneration bodies, and plaque-associated dystrophic neurites in AD brains. Furthermore, OCRL overexpression in a FRET-based tau biosensor cell model significantly reduced the tau-seeding-induced FRET signal. These findings suggest that OCRL dysregulation may contribute to autophagic deficits and the progression of tau pathology in AD. Full article

In aquaculture, pre-slaughter fasting reduces stress and improves muscle quality. Fasting periods of 55–58 degree days (°C d) enhance muscle structure and post-mortem biochemistry in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), although optimal durations vary with temperature. This study investigated the effects of fasting from none to extended durations on 495 rainbow trout under summer (22 °C) and winter (8 °C) conditions. In summer, elevated temperatures increased muscle glycogen, leading to lower pH and delayed rigor mortis (RM), especially in fasted groups, where RM peaked at 24 h post-mortem. In winter, RM occurred earlier. Prolonged fasting increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, with high baseline levels in non-fasted summer fish. Muscle lightness at 0 h post-mortem was highest in non-fasted winter fish but declined to summer levels in fasted groups. Antioxidant enzyme activity (glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase) increased with fasting in winter, while summer heat masked responses. The expression of genes for mineralocorticoid receptors and heat shock proteins remained stable in warm conditions. Summer delayed metabolic decline due to higher glycogen-triggered excessive AChE activity from heat stress. Winter supported faster metabolic adjustment and more regulated enzyme activity. These findings highlight the need to adjust fasting strategies seasonally to optimize muscle traits, especially under thermal variations. Full article

(1) Background: Mopeia–Lassa reassortant ML29 virus is an investigational, reassortant virus vaccine for the prevention of Lassa fever caused by Lassa virus (LASV). (2) Methods: The vaccine virus ML29-SF was prepared in Vero cells using a serum-free culture medium under Good Manufacturing Practice. A 2-week repeat dose toxicity study was performed in guinea pigs under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations to assess the local and systemic toxicological effects. (3) Results: Following an intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) injection of 10⁴ PFU of ML29-SF LASV vaccine at the start of the study, with a second dose 15 days later, no toxicological response attributable to the vaccine was observed. Vaccine-related effects were not observed in any in-life or post-mortem parameter evaluated, including clinical observations, injection site observations, body temperature, body weight, food consumption, ophthalmology, immunology, hematology, clinical chemistry, gross anatomical pathology, organ weights, and histopathology. An immunogenic response, as measured by the elicitation of IgG antibodies against major LASV immunogens, nucleocapsid and glycoprotein precursor, was observed in all vaccine-treated animals prior to the booster dose (Study Day 15) which endured through the end of the study (Study Day 42). There was no evidence of viral shedding in any vaccinated animal. (4) Conclusions: Overall, this single-dose vaccine was locally and systemically well tolerated even after a two-dose repeat administration, confirming the high level of safety of ML29-SF vaccination and supporting the future evaluation of this LASV vaccine, including in clinical trials. Full article

Cardiac tumors represent rare neoplasms, but they include a very wide range of neoplasia—first primary benign and malignant cardiac tumors, then cardiac metastases, with these latter ones being far more common in adulthood. These diagnoses may be challenging because of frequently non-specific signs and symptoms; for example, their clinical management may be difficult because of the site and because of possible hemodynamic or arrhythmogenic consequences, independent from their biology. Cardiac tumors may be asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed, or they may cause heart failure, life-threatening arrhythmias, or even sudden cardiac death. Although they may still represent a post-mortem finding, the evolution and the larger use of cardiac imaging tools, initially echocardiography, has progressively and significantly increased their in vivo detection. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography may give crucial information as to the composition and localization of cardiac masses, useful for investigating them and for planning surgery. Histology is mandatory for the definite and differential diagnosis of the cardiac masses, for assessing predictive factors in malignancies, and for then establishing the appropriate management of patients. Modern techniques applied to histology, including immunohistochemistry and molecular biology, may be required to characterize cardiac tumors, to properly classify them and to assess predictive and/or prognostic markers. Surgical procedures, including minimally invasive surgery, have also dramatically evolved in the last decades, allowing adequate treatment in most cardiac tumors. Finally, biopsy may be useful in selected cases, particularly when radical surgery is not feasible, and histological diagnosis is fundamental for other possible therapeutic approaches. The scope of this review covers advancements in the imaging diagnosis, histology, and treatment of primary and secondary cardiac tumors. Full article

Previous models of extraocular mechanics have often assumed isotropic properties for ocular tissues, despite evidence indicating anisotropy in the optic nerve sheath (ONS). To investigate this further, we developed a finite element model (FEM) of horizontal eye rotation using MRI data from a living subject with normal tension glaucoma. Mechanical properties were derived from tensile tests on 17 post-mortem human eyes, revealing previously unrecognized anisotropic characteristics in the ONS. We simulated ±32° horizontal eye rotations and compared isotropic versus anisotropic ONS properties using the Holzapfel model. Strain distributions in the optic nerve (ON) were analyzed using ABAQUS 2024 software. During 32° adduction, stress and strain were concentrated at the ONS-sclera junction, reaching 8 MPa and 40% with isotropic properties, and 15 MPa and 30% with anisotropic properties. In contrast, during 32° abduction, stress was lower and strain was higher in the isotropic case (6 MPa and 30%) compared to the anisotropic case (12 MPa and 25%). Increased intraocular and intracranial pressures had minimal impact on the mechanical responses. These findings suggest that the anisotropic properties of the ONS increase stress concentration at the optic disc while reducing strain during eye movements, offering new insights into ocular biomechanics. A novel phenomenon emerged from the simulations: during larger ductions, the peripapillary Bruch’s membrane is predicted to wrinkle, forming undulations with an approximately 20 μm amplitude and 100 μm wavelength at its interface with the retina and choroid. Full article

Background/Objectives: I Paliperidone is an antipsychotic recently added into the market in various formulations. There are few data about safety and on therapeutic, toxic, or lethal blood concentrations. Currently, the published analytical methods are often applied to serum or plasma that are not obtained from cadaveric blood. Alternatively, aliquots of high volume of whole blood are used, but often in forensic investigations using samples at very small quantities. The aims of the present study were (a) to develop an analytical method to detect and quantify paliperidone in whole blood using only a small sample volume (10 µL) and (b) to summarize data on post-mortem blood analysis obtained from authentic autopsy cases. Methods: Method validation was carried out on 10 µL of whole blood, extracted by LLE and analyzed by LC-MS. Paliperidone concentrations obtained from blood analysis of 16 authentic autopsy cases were reported. Results: The method showed a good linearity and sensitivity, a normal distribution, the absence of anomalous values, an interday RSD% always less than 10%, and an 80–120% recovery, as required by AAFS guidelines. Femoral blood concentrations obtained from authentic autopsy cases ranged between 23.4 and 146.9 ng/mL. Conclusions: This method is to be used properly in all cases where it is necessary (a) to monitor the therapeutic adherence of patients, (b) to establish the psycho-physical conditions of the treated subject at the time of the death, and (c) to ascertain if the drug may have played a causal role in the obitus. This study reported the first data obtained from post-mortem investigation of subjects treated with paliperidone LAI. Cadaveric blood concentrations could be higher than ante-mortem reference values due to post-mortem redistribution. Full article