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  1. Article ; Online: Application of Forensic DNA Phenotyping for Prediction of Eye, Hair and Skin Colour in Highly Decomposed Bodies

    Matteo Fabbri / Letizia Alfieri / Leila Mazdai / Paolo Frisoni / Rosa Maria Gaudio / Margherita Neri

    Healthcare, Vol 11, Iss 647, p

    2023  Volume 647

    Abstract: In the last few years, predicting externally visible characteristics (EVCs) by adopting informative DNA molecular markers has become a method in forensic genetics that has increased its value, giving rise to an interesting field called “Forensic DNA ... ...

    Abstract In the last few years, predicting externally visible characteristics (EVCs) by adopting informative DNA molecular markers has become a method in forensic genetics that has increased its value, giving rise to an interesting field called “Forensic DNA Phenotyping” (FDP). The most meaningful forensic applications of EVCs prediction are those in which, having only a DNA sample isolated from highly decomposed remains, it is essential to reconstruct the physical appearance of a person. Through this approach, we set out to evaluate 20 skeletal remains of Italian provenance in order to associate them with as many cases of missing persons as possible. To achieve the intended goal, in this work we applied the HIrisPlex-S multiplex system through the conventional short tandem repeats (STR) method to confirm the expected identity of subjects by evaluating phenotypic features. To investigate the reliability and accuracy of the DNA-based EVCs prediction, pictures of the cases were compared as they were available to researchers. Results showed an overall prediction accuracy greater than 90% for all three phenotypic features—iris, hair, and skin colour—at a probability threshold of 0.7. The experimental analysis showed inconclusive results in only two cases; this is probably due to the characteristics of subjects who had an intermediate eye and hair colour, for which the DNA-based system needs to improve the prediction accuracy.
    Keywords forensic DNA phenotyping ; predictive DNA analysis ; HIrisPlex-S ; eye colour ; skin colour ; hair colour ; Medicine ; R
    Subject code 612
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-02-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  2. Article ; Online: Insect Colonisation and the Decomposition Process in Aerated versus Watertight Burial Systems

    Francesco Defilippo / Martina Munari / Annalisa Grisendi / Rosa Maria Gaudio / Mario D’Incau / Antonio Lavazza / Silva Rubini

    Insects, Vol 14, Iss 566, p

    2023  Volume 566

    Abstract: In recent years, burial systems have covered increasingly higher costs due to the pollution caused by decomposition products. These products are understood as chemicals and microorganisms in the surrounding soil and groundwater and represent a topical ... ...

    Abstract In recent years, burial systems have covered increasingly higher costs due to the pollution caused by decomposition products. These products are understood as chemicals and microorganisms in the surrounding soil and groundwater and represent a topical issue. The purpose of this research was to ascertain the extent of decomposition when pig carcasses are buried in two different burial systems (“aerated” vs. “watertight”) and catalogue the arthropods associated with burials at different time-points of removal from niches (after 6, 12, 24, 36, and 60 months). Thirteen taxa were collected in aerated niches, whereas five were collected in watertight niches. The initial access or exclusion of insect colonisers affected overall functional activity. Two Diptera species, Hydrotaea capensis and Megaselia scalaris , were the most abundant, supporting the hypothesis that insects can colonise carcasses in aerated burial systems. Furthermore, some species of bacteria have been documented as facilitators of the initial decomposition process of the carcass. Most bacterial colonies develop only in aerated niches. The trial showed that the first enzymatic–bacterial and insect actions helped promote the process of cadaveric decomposition and later skeletonisation, mainly when associated with aeration modes of the tomb/mound. The results obtained provide essential information on the process of human decomposition and taphonomy in cemeteries. Moreover, these data could benefit forensic science by adding information on insect colonisation and body modification in medico-legal investigations concerning the post-mortem interval in exhumed bodies and illegal burials.
    Keywords burial system ; Megaselia scalaris ; aerated tomb/mound ; Hydrotaea capensis ; Science ; Q
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  3. Article ; Online: Epigenetic Studies for Evaluation of NPS Toxicity

    Leila Mazdai / Matteo Fabbri / Micaela Tirri / Giorgia Corli / Raffaella Arfè / Beatrice Marchetti / Sabrine Bilel / Eva Bergamin / Rosa Maria Gaudio / Michele Rubini / Fabio De-Giorgio / Matteo Marti

    Biomedicines, Vol 10, Iss 1398, p

    Focus on Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones

    2022  Volume 1398

    Abstract: In the recent decade, numerous new psychoactive substances (NPSs) have been added to the illicit drug market. These are synthetized to mimic the effects of classic drugs of abuse (i.e., cannabis, cocaine, etc.), with the purpose of bypassing substance ... ...

    Abstract In the recent decade, numerous new psychoactive substances (NPSs) have been added to the illicit drug market. These are synthetized to mimic the effects of classic drugs of abuse (i.e., cannabis, cocaine, etc.), with the purpose of bypassing substance legislations and increasing the pharmacotoxicological effects. To date, research into the acute pharmacological effects of new NPSs is ongoing and necessary in order to provide an appropriate contribution to public health. In fact, multiple examples of NPS-related acute intoxication and mortality have been recorded in the literature. Accordingly, several in vitro and in vivo studies have investigated the pharmacotoxicological profiles of these compounds, revealing that they can cause adverse effects involving various organ systems (i.e., cardiovascular, respiratory effects) and highlighting their potential increased consumption risks. In this sense, NPSs should be regarded as a complex issue that requires continuous monitoring. Moreover, knowledge of long-term NPS effects is lacking. Because genetic and environmental variables may impact NPS responses, epigenetics may aid in understanding the processes behind the harmful events induced by long-term NPS usage. Taken together, “pharmacoepigenomics” may provide a new field of combined study on genetic differences and epigenetic changes in drug reactions that might be predictive in forensic implications.
    Keywords new psychoactive substances ; pharmacoepigenomics ; forensic science ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-06-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  4. Article ; Online: Illegal fishing with electrofishing devices in the Po river basin, Emilia Romagna, Italy

    Sandro Mazzariol / Giorgia Corazzola / Silva Rubini / Francesco Quaglio / Alberto Perolo / Andrea Gustinelli / Marialetizia Fioravanti / Chiara Anna Garbarino / Maria Cristina Fontana / Paolo Frisoni / Rosa Maria Gaudio / Cinzia Centelleghe

    Scientific Reports, Vol 11, Iss 1, Pp 1-

    2021  Volume 6

    Abstract: Abstract Electric fishing is an illegal hunting method, unfortunately widely used by poachers to paralyze fish and to catch many animals in a short time. In Italy, it is authorized only for scientific and conservative purposes. Between 2014 and 2018, the ...

    Abstract Abstract Electric fishing is an illegal hunting method, unfortunately widely used by poachers to paralyze fish and to catch many animals in a short time. In Italy, it is authorized only for scientific and conservative purposes. Between 2014 and 2018, the Ferrara section of the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Italy, received nine cases of potentially illegal electric fishing in Po river and its tributary rivers. Necropsies were performed following standard protocols and samples of different tissues were collected and examined using histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. Gross lesions frequently observed were circulatory alteration phenomena (i.e. multi-organ hyperemia, hemorrhages and congestion, hemopericardium), also found histologically, in addition to multifocal degenerative and necrotic muscular processes that could be attributed to injuries from electric current, as already reported in literature. Immunohistochemical investigations confirmed degenerative and necrotic lesions with myoglobin depletion and a corresponding fibrinogen accumulation. Myoglobin globules were also detected in the renal parenchyma, as consequent of rhabdomyolysis. The results of this study allowed to correlate electric fishing to gross, histologic and immunohistochemical lesions, which together constitute a pathognomonic picture to be considered a reference standard in this type of illegal controversy.
    Keywords Medicine ; R ; Science ; Q
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-07-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Nature Portfolio
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  5. Article ; Online: In Vivo Bio-Activation of JWH-175 to JWH-018

    Micaela Tirri / Raffaella Arfè / Sabrine Bilel / Giorgia Corli / Beatrice Marchetti / Anna Fantinati / Fabrizio Vincenzi / Fabio De-Giorgio / Cristian Camuto / Monica Mazzarino / Mario Barbieri / Rosa Maria Gaudio / Katia Varani / Pier Andrea Borea / Francesco Botrè / Matteo Marti

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol 23, Iss 14, p

    Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Studies in Mice

    2022  Volume 8030

    Abstract: 3-(1-Naphthalenylmethyl)-1-pentyl-1H-indole (JWH-175) is a synthetic cannabinoid illegally marketed for its psychoactive cannabis-like effects. This study aimed to investigate and compare in vitro and in vivo pharmacodynamic activity of JWH-175 with that ...

    Abstract 3-(1-Naphthalenylmethyl)-1-pentyl-1H-indole (JWH-175) is a synthetic cannabinoid illegally marketed for its psychoactive cannabis-like effects. This study aimed to investigate and compare in vitro and in vivo pharmacodynamic activity of JWH-175 with that of 1-naphthalenyl (1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-methanone (JWH-018), as well as evaluate the in vitro (human liver microsomes) and in vivo (urine and plasma of CD-1 male mice) metabolic profile of JWH-175. In vitro binding studies showed that JWH-175 is a cannabinoid receptor agonist less potent than JWH-018 on mouse and human CB1 and CB2 receptors. In agreement with in vitro data, JWH-175 reduced the fESPS in brain hippocampal slices of mice less effectively than JWH-018. Similarly, in vivo behavioral studies showed that JWH-175 impaired sensorimotor responses, reduced breath rate and motor activity, and increased pain threshold to mechanical stimuli less potently than JWH-018. Metabolic studies demonstrated that JWH-175 is rapidly bioactivated to JWH-018 in mice blood, suggesting that in vivo effects of JWH-175 are also due to JWH-018 formation. The pharmaco-toxicological profile of JWH-175 was characterized for the first time, proving its in vivo bio-activation to the more potent agonist JWH-018. Thus, it highlighted the great importance of investigating the in vivo metabolism of synthetic cannabinoids for both clinical toxicology and forensic purposes.
    Keywords JWH-175 ; JWH-018 ; synthetic cannabinoids ; toxicology ; pharmacokinetics ; drug metabolism ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5 ; Chemistry ; QD1-999
    Subject code 570
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-07-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  6. Article ; Online: Worsening of the Toxic Effects of (±) Cis -4,4′-DMAR Following Its Co-Administration with (±) Trans -4,4′-DMAR

    Micaela Tirri / Paolo Frisoni / Sabrine Bilel / Raffaella Arfè / Claudio Trapella / Anna Fantinati / Giorgia Corli / Beatrice Marchetti / Fabio De-Giorgio / Cristian Camuto / Monica Mazzarino / Rosa Maria Gaudio / Giovanni Serpelloni / Fabrizio Schifano / Francesco Botrè / Matteo Marti

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol 22, Iss 8771, p

    Neuro-Behavioural, Physiological, Immunohistochemical and Metabolic Studies in Mice

    2021  Volume 8771

    Abstract: 4,4’-Dimethylaminorex (4,4’-DMAR) is a new synthetic stimulant, and only a little information has been made available so far regarding its pharmaco-toxicological effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the systemic administration ...

    Abstract 4,4’-Dimethylaminorex (4,4’-DMAR) is a new synthetic stimulant, and only a little information has been made available so far regarding its pharmaco-toxicological effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the systemic administration of both the single (±) cis (0.1–60 mg/kg) and (±) trans (30 and 60 mg/kg) stereoisomers and their co-administration (e.g., (±) cis at 1, 10 or 60 mg/kg + (±) trans at 30 mg/kg) in mice. Moreover, we investigated the effect of 4,4′-DMAR on the expression of markers of oxidative/nitrosative stress (8-OHdG, iNOS, NT and NOX2), apoptosis (Smac/DIABLO and NF-κB), and heat shock proteins (HSP27, HSP70, HSP90) in the cerebral cortex. Our study demonstrated that the (±) cis stereoisomer dose-dependently induced psychomotor agitation, sweating, salivation, hyperthermia, stimulated aggression, convulsions and death. Conversely, the (±) trans stereoisomer was ineffective whilst the stereoisomers’ co-administration resulted in a worsening of the toxic (±) cis stereoisomer effects. This trend of responses was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis on the cortex. Finally, we investigated the potentially toxic effects of stereoisomer co-administration by studying urinary excretion. The excretion study showed that the (±) trans stereoisomer reduced the metabolism of the (±) cis form and increased its amount in the urine, possibly reflecting its increased plasma levels and, therefore, the worsening of its toxicity.
    Keywords 4-4′-DMAR ; immunohistochemistry ; drug metabolism ; hyperthermia ; novel psychoactive substances ; stimulant ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5 ; Chemistry ; QD1-999
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-08-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  7. Article: Mirtazapine fatal poisoning

    Vignali, Claudia / Angelo Groppi / Anna Talarico / Francesca Brandolini / Francesco Maria Avato / Luca Morini / Rosa Maria Gaudio

    Forensic science international. 2017 July, v. 276

    2017  

    Abstract: Mirtazapine is a noradrenergic and specific serotoninergic antidepressant agent that stimulates norepinephrine and serotonin release while also blocking serotonin receptors (5-HT2 and 5-HT3).Although the drug is used extensively, at present we do not ... ...

    Abstract Mirtazapine is a noradrenergic and specific serotoninergic antidepressant agent that stimulates norepinephrine and serotonin release while also blocking serotonin receptors (5-HT2 and 5-HT3).Although the drug is used extensively, at present we do not know of any fatal cases due to mirtazapine alone. On the contrary, the published literature describes several fatal poisoning cases related to the intake of mirtazapine together with other drugs.Here we describe a fatal case of mirtazapine self-poisoning, since the other drug detected (lorazepam), was within the therapeutic range. Analyses were performed by LC–MS/MS on body fluids and a hair sample and mirtazapine concentration measured in blood was very high: 9.3mg/L. N-Desmethylmirtazapine was also quantitated. We then compared our results with those of previously published cases.In conclusion, even though mirtazapine can be considered a relatively safe drug, taking a large amount alone or in combination with other drugs, could lead to death.
    Keywords antidepressants ; blood ; death ; norepinephrine ; poisoning ; serotonin ; serotonin receptors
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2017-07
    Size p. e8-e12.
    Publishing place Elsevier B.V.
    Document type Article
    ZDB-ID 424042-x
    ISSN 1872-6283 ; 0379-0738
    ISSN (online) 1872-6283
    ISSN 0379-0738
    DOI 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.04.025
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  8. Article ; Online: Regulation of miRNAs as new tool for cutaneous vitality lesions demonstration in ligature marks in deaths by hanging

    Margherita Neri / Matteo Fabbri / Stefano D’Errico / Marco Di Paolo / Paola Frati / Rosa Maria Gaudio / Raffaele La Russa / Aniello Maiese / Matteo Marti / Enrica Pinchi / Emanuela Turillazzi / Vittorio Fineschi

    Scientific Reports, Vol 9, Iss 1, Pp 1-

    2019  Volume 10

    Abstract: Abstract This study aims to demonstrate that the application of miRNA expression in forensic pathology, in cases of hanging, applying the method on skin samples. The proposed investigative protocol allowed us to highlight a different miRNA expression in ... ...

    Abstract Abstract This study aims to demonstrate that the application of miRNA expression in forensic pathology, in cases of hanging, applying the method on skin samples. The proposed investigative protocol allowed us to highlight a different miRNA expression in the skin ligature marks of subjects who died by hanging compared to healthy skin control samples. The results obtained showed an increase in the expression of miRNAs recognized as regulators of the inflammatory response in skin lesions such as miR125a-5p and miR125b-5p. Furthermore, overexpression of additional miRNAs – miR214a-3p, miR128-3p, miR130a-3p, and miR92a-3p – with anti-inflammatory activity was highlighted. It was possible to document a statistical significance to control skin samples only for miR103a-3p (p < 0.05), miR214-3p and miR92a-3p (p < 0.01) The upregulation of miR222-3p and miR150-5p, respectively related to mast-cell activation and neutrophils after the application of traumatic stimuli supports the immunohistochemical data showed in literature. The diagnostic accuracy of miRNAs could expand the range of diagnostic tools available in the assessment of the vitality of a lesion.
    Keywords Medicine ; R ; Science ; Q
    Subject code 616
    Language English
    Publishing date 2019-12-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Nature Publishing Group
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  9. Article: The diatoms test in veterinary medicine: A pilot study on cetaceans and sea turtles

    Rubini, Silva / Alessandra Pautasso / Bruno Cozzi / Carla Grattarola / Chiara Russotto / Federica Giorda / Natascia Pedriali / Paolo Frisoni / Rosa Maria Gaudio / Sandro Mazzariol / Stefania Barbieri / Walter Mignone

    Forensic science international. 2018,

    2018  

    Abstract: Fishing activities are considered one of the most relevant threats for cetaceans and sea turtles conservation since these animals are sometimes found dead entangled in fishing gears. Currently, postmortem diagnosis is based mainly on the presence of nets ...

    Abstract Fishing activities are considered one of the most relevant threats for cetaceans and sea turtles conservation since these animals are sometimes found dead entangled in fishing gears. Currently, postmortem diagnosis is based mainly on the presence of nets and lines on the body and the related marks and injuries evident at gross examination. A more detailed and objective evidence is needed to clarify doubts cases and the diatoms technique, used in forensic human medicine, could support drowning diagnosis also in this field. Diatoms’ investigation was implemented to be applied in marine vertebrate on 8 striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and 1 bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins and 5 sea turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded along the Italian coastlines with a likely cause of death hypothized on necropsies carried out by veterinary pathologists. Diatoms were microscopically searched in the bone marrow collected from long bones implementing protocols used in human medicine and their presence was observed in 4 cetaceans and 2 sea turtles. Despite a clear relation between diatoms’ presence and amount and the likely cause of death was not proved due to the poor number of samples, the higher burden of diatoms was found in 3 animals deemed to be death for the interaction with human activity. Despite more studied are necessary to identify the possible relation between the cause of death and diatoms’ findings, the present study implemented this technique to be adapted to marine animals, confirming its possible application also in veterinary forensic medicine.
    Keywords aquacultural and fisheries equipment ; Bacillariophyceae ; bone marrow ; Caretta caretta ; coasts ; death ; dolphins ; forensic sciences ; humans ; medicine ; necropsy ; protocols ; sea turtles ; Stenella coeruleoalba ; Tursiops truncatus ; veterinary medicine
    Language English
    Size p. .
    Publishing place Elsevier B.V.
    Document type Article
    Note Pre-press version
    ZDB-ID 424042-x
    ISSN 1872-6283 ; 0379-0738
    ISSN (online) 1872-6283
    ISSN 0379-0738
    DOI 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.06.033
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  10. Article ; Online: A Probable Fatal Case of Oleander ( Nerium oleander ) Poisoning on a Cattle Farm

    Silva Rubini / Sabina Strano Rossi / Serena Mestria / Sara Odoardi / Sara Chendi / Andrea Poli / Giuseppe Merialdi / Giuseppina Andreoli / Paolo Frisoni / Rosa Maria Gaudio / Anna Baldisserotto / Piergiacomo Buso / Stefano Manfredini / Guido Govoni / Stefania Barbieri / Cinzia Centelleghe / Giorgia Corazzola / Sandro Mazzariol / Carlo Alessandro Locatelli

    Toxins, Vol 11, Iss 8, p

    A New Method of Detection and Quantification of the Oleandrin Toxin in Rumen

    2019  Volume 442

    Abstract: Oleander ( Nerium oleander ) is an ornamental plant common in tropical and sub-tropical regions that is becoming increasingly widespread, even in temperate regions. Oleander poisoning may occur in animals and humans. The main active components contained ... ...

    Abstract Oleander ( Nerium oleander ) is an ornamental plant common in tropical and sub-tropical regions that is becoming increasingly widespread, even in temperate regions. Oleander poisoning may occur in animals and humans. The main active components contained in the plant are cardiac glycosides belonging to the class of cardenolides that are toxic to many species, from human to insects. This work describes a case of oleander poisoning that occurred on a small cattle farm and resulted in the fatality of all six resident animals. Furthermore, the investigation of the poisonous agent is described, with particular focus on the characterization of the oleandrin toxin that was recovered from the forage and rumen contents. The innovation of this study is the first description of the detection and quantification of the oleandrin toxin by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) in rumen.
    Keywords oleander ; Nerium oleander ; poisonous plant ; cattle ; LC–HRMS ; Medicine ; R
    Subject code 630
    Language English
    Publishing date 2019-07-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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