scholarly journals Postmortem Protein Degradation as a Tool to Estimate the PMI: A Systematic Review

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1014
Author(s):  
Angela Zissler ◽  
Walter Stoiber ◽  
Peter Steinbacher ◽  
Janine Geissenberger ◽  
Fabio C. Monticelli ◽  
...  

Objectives: We provide a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the current research status of protein degradation-based postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. Special attention is paid to the applicability of the proposed approaches/methods in forensic routine practice. Method: A systematic review of the literature on protein degradation in tissues and organs of animals and humans was conducted. Therefore, we searched the scientific databases Pubmed and Ovid for publications until December 2019. Additional searches were performed in Google Scholar and the reference lists of eligible articles. Results: A total of 36 studies were included. This enabled us to consider the degradation pattern of over 130 proteins from 11 different tissues, studied with different methods including well-established and modern approaches. Although comparison between studies is complicated by the heterogeneity of study designs, tissue types, methods, proteins and outcome measurement, there is clear evidence for a high explanatory power of protein degradation analysis in forensic PMI analysis. Conclusions: Although only few approaches have yet exceeded a basic research level, the current research status provides strong evidence in favor of the applicability of a protein degradation-based PMI estimation method in routine forensic practice. Further targeted research effort towards specific aims (also addressing influencing factors and exclusion criteria), especially in human tissue will be required to obtain a robust, reliable laboratory protocol, and collect sufficient data to develop accurate multifactorial mathematical decomposition models.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah S. Wilk ◽  
Gerda J. Edelman ◽  
Martin Roos ◽  
Mara Clerkx ◽  
Inge Dijkman ◽  
...  

AbstractDetermining 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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 117957271876513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Zissler ◽  
Walter Stoiber ◽  
Stefan Pittner ◽  
Alexandra M Sänger

Objectives: We provide a systematic review of the literature to identify clinical studies assessing the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on acutely injured tissues of human subjects, also highlighting the biological mechanisms by which the technique is proposed to promote the processes of early tissue repair. Special attention is also paid to the progress of research in animal models. Method: A systematic review of the literature on ESWT of acute injuries of bone and soft tissue as available in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL databases up to December 2017 was conducted. Results: A total of 10 studies were included. There is some evidence for the application of ESWT in an early postacute injury phase. Most studies report benefits with no or minimal side effects. However, different types of treated tissues and wounds (varying cause and severity) and resulting heterogeneity in study design and outcome measurement make it difficult to compare studies. The picture of knowledge remains limited by an apparent lack of data on optimal treatment timing and on tissue- and injury-specific parameters. Conclusions: Although the amount of studies to date is still limited, recent clinical research has presented first successful steps to introduce ESWT as a means of treatment in acute injury care. Therefore, on the basis of the analyzed data, further testing is encouraged to validate optimal timing, physical settings, and possible long-term effects to exclude potential risks.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 326-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Weidner ◽  
Joneen Lowman

Purpose We conducted a systematic review of the literature regarding adult telepractice services (screening, assessment, and treatment) from approximately 2014 to 2019. Method Thirty-one relevant studies were identified from a literature search, assessed for quality, and reported. Results Included studies illustrated feasibility, efficacy, diagnostic accuracy, and noninferiority of various speech-language pathology services across adult populations, including chronic aphasia, Parkinson's disease, dysphagia, and primary progressive aphasia. Technical aspects of the equipment and software used to deliver services were discussed. Some general themes were noted as areas for future research. Conclusion Overall, results of the review continue to support the use of telepractice as an appropriate service delivery model in speech-language pathology for adults. Strong research designs, including experimental control, across multiple well-described settings are still needed to definitively determine effectiveness of telepractice services.


VASA ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Di Pilla ◽  
Stefano Barco ◽  
Clara Sacco ◽  
Giovanni Barosi ◽  
Corrado Lodigiani

Summary: A 49-year-old man was diagnosed with pre-fibrotic myelofibrosis after acute left lower-limb ischemia requiring amputation and portal vein thrombosis. After surgery he developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) with venous thromboembolism, successfully treated with argatroban followed by dabigatran. Our systematic review of the literature supports the use of dabigatran for suspected HIT.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 159-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bastianina Contena ◽  
Stefano Taddei

Abstract. Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF) refers to a global IQ ranging from 71 to 84, and it represents a condition of clinical attention for its association with other disorders and its influence on the outcomes of treatments and, in general, quality of life and adaptation. Furthermore, its definition has changed over time causing a relevant clinical impact. For this reason, a systematic review of the literature on this topic can promote an understanding of what has been studied, and can differentiate what is currently attributable to BIF from that which cannot be associated with this kind of intellectual functioning. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, we have conducted a review of the literature about BIF. The results suggest that this condition is still associated with mental retardation, and only a few studies have focused specifically on this condition.


Author(s):  
L. Kristjanson ◽  
E. Lobb ◽  
S. Aoun ◽  
L. Monterosso

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