Handheld hyperspectral imaging as a tool for the post-mortem interval estimation of human skeletal remains.

In forensic medicine, estimating human skeletal remains' post-mortem interval (PMI) can be challenging. Following death, bones undergo a series of chemical and physical transformations due to their interactions with the surrounding environment. Post-mortem changes have been assessed using various methods, but estimating the PMI of skeletal remains could still be improved. We propose a new methodology with handheld hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system based on the first results from 104 human skeletal remains with PMIs ranging between 1 day and 2000 years. To differentiate between forensic and archaeological bone material, the Convolutional Neural Network analyzed 65.000 distinct diagnostic spectra: the classification accuracy was 0.58, 0.62, 0.73, 0.81, and 0.98 for PMIs of 0 week-2 weeks, 2 weeks-6 months, 6 months-1 year, 1 year-10 years, and >100 years, respectively. In conclusion, HSI can be used in forensic medicine to distinguish bone materials >100 years old from those <10 years old with an accuracy of 98%. The model has adequate predictive performance, and handheld HSI could serve as a novel approach to objectively and accurately determine the PMI of human skeletal remains.

Post-Mortem Interval of Human Skeletal Remains Estimated with Handheld NIR Spectrometry.

Estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) of human skeletal remains is a critical issue of forensic analysis, with important limitations such as sample preparation and practicability. In this work, NIR spectroscopy (NIRONE® Sensor X; Spectral Engines, 61449, Germany) was applied to estimate the PMI of 104 human bone samples between 1 day and 2000 years. Reflectance data were repeatedly collected from eight independent spectrometers between 1950 and 1550 nm with a spectral resolution of 14 nm and a step size of 2 nm, each from the external and internal bone. An Artificial Neural Network was used to analyze the 66,560 distinct diagnostic spectra, and clearly distinguished between forensic and archaeological bone material: the classification accuracies for PMIs of 0−2 weeks, 2 weeks−6 months, 6 months−1 year, 1 year−10 years, and >100 years were 0.90, 0.94, 0.94, 0.93, and 1.00, respectively. PMI of archaeological bones could be determined with an accuracy of 100%, demonstrating the adequate predictive performance of the model. Applying a handheld NIR spectrometer to estimate the PMI of human skeletal remains is rapid and extends the repertoire of forensic analyses as a distinct, novel approach.

Application of Micro-Computed Tomography for the Estimation of the Post-Mortem Interval of Human Skeletal Remains.

It is challenging to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) of skeletal remains within a forensic context. As a result of their interactions with the environment, bones undergo several chemical and physical changes after death. So far, multiple methods have been used to follow up on post-mortem changes. There is, however, no definitive way to estimate the PMI of skeletal remains. This research aimed to propose a methodology capable of estimating the PMI using micro-computed tomography measurements of 104 human skeletal remains with PMIs between one day and 2000 years. The present study indicates that micro-computed tomography could be considered an objective and precise method of PMI evaluation in forensic medicine. The measured parameters show a significant difference regarding the PMI for Cort Porosity p < 0.001, BV/TV p > 0.001, Mean1 p > 0.001 and Mean2 p > 0.005. Using a machine learning approach, the neural network showed an accuracy of 99% for distinguishing between samples with a PMI of less than 100 years and archaeological samples.

Texture, sensory properties and functionality of extruded snacks from pulses and pseudocereal proteins.

BACKGROUND: The protein-rich fractions of pulses and pseudocereals exhibit a well-balanced amino acid profile, particularly when combined in different portions, and are therefore high-value ingredients for the production of extruded snacks. However, the impact of a combination of pulses and pseudocereals on the physical and sensory qualities of extruded snacks has not been investigated up to now. Native or preconditioned protein isolates and concentrates from pulses - as single ingredients or in combination with protein-rich flours of pseudocereals - were analyzed regarding their thermal and functional properties in relation to extrusion characteristics. Low moisture extrusion cooking was used to investigate the impact of protein source (lentil, lupin, faba bean), pseudocereal source (quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat) and protein content (30%, 50%, 70%) on sectional expansion, specific hardness, density and sensory properties of the snacks. RESULTS: With increasing protein content from 30% to 50%, the sectional expansion decreased and the density and specific hardness of the extrudates increased, which could be counteracted by preconditioning of the protein-rich ingredients. Lupin protein-based extrudates exhibited satisfactory texture and sensory properties. Extruded mixtures of pulses and pseudocereals (70% protein) exhibited a smaller sectional expansion compared to pulses as single ingredients (30%, 50%), regardless of pseudocereal type. However, the texture and sensory properties of the extruded blends were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: We show for the first time that protein-rich fractions of pulses and pseudocereals can be processed into expanded snacks with favorable texture and nutritional properties such as increased protein contents (70%) and balanced amino acid profiles. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Nerve at risk: anatomical variations of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve and implications for thoracic surgeons.

OBJECTIVES: Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury during thoracic surgery may result in life-threatening postoperative complications including recurrent aspiration and pneumonia. Anatomical details of the intrathoracic course are scarce. However, only an in-depth understanding of the anatomy will help reduce nerve injury. The aim of this study was to assess the anatomic variations of the intrathoracic left RLN. METHODS: Left-sided vagal nerves and RLN were dissected in 100 consecutive Caucasian cadavers during routine autopsy. Anatomical details were documented. Available demographic data were assessed for possible correlations. RESULTS: All nerves were identified during dissection. Variant courses were classified in 3 different groups according to the level at which the RLN separated from the vagal nerve: above the aortic arch, level with the aortic arch and below the aortic arch. We found 11% of RLN separating above the aortic arch and crossing the aortic arch at a considerable distance to the vagal nerve. In 48% of the RLN, the nerve split off when it was level with the aortic arch, and 41% of the RLN leave the vagal nerve in a perpendicular direction below the aortic arch. All nerves crossed the ligamentum arteriosum on the posterior side. No gender-specific differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Mediastinal lymph node dissection in left-sided lung cancer patients puts the RLN at risk. With more detailed anatomical knowledge about its course, it is possible to avoid risking the nerve. Visualization will help protect the nerve.

African American Older Adults Living with HIV: Exploring Stress, Stigma, and Engagement in HIV Care.

Limited information is available about factors that affect care engagement among African American older people living with HIV (OPLWH), despite the fact that this is the racial/ethnic group most disproportionally living with HIV/AIDS in the United States. The present mixed methods study examined the experiences of stress, HIV-related stigma, and engagement in care in a sample of 35 African American OPLWH. Quantitative methods measured global stress, HIV-stigma, and engagement in care, while in-depth qualitative interviews captured the lived experiences of HIV care engagement. Engagement in care was moderately correlated with overall stigma (r = -0.33, p = .05) and perceived stress (r = -0.42, p = .01). Qualitative interviews revealed that stigma was not the most significant stressor in the elders' lives, but instead a present and underlying force that was overshadowed by everyday life stressors that affected care engagement. Recommendations include that a retention specialist work alongside health care providers to increase engagement.

Time course of recovery after two successive night shifts: A diary study among Austrian nurses.

AIM: To explore how nurses recover from night shift work during periods off duty. BACKGROUND: Given the large number of affected individuals globally, detrimental health outcomes of night shift work are an important public health issue. Sufficient recovery opportunities are essential to prevent prolonged fatigue associated with demanding tasks and high workload as experienced in nurses working long shifts during the night. METHOD: Nurses (n = 53, 96% females) who worked in two public nursing homes in Austria completed a 5-day diary to collect data on well-being conceptualized by fatigue, distress and vigour. RESULTS: Nurses experienced worse well-being post night shift days than during rest days. Well-being improved from post night shift day 2 to the following rest day 1 and continued improvement from rest day 1 to rest day 2. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses who work at nights are at risk for experiencing prolonged fatigue. Our results suggest that after two consecutive 12-hr night shifts full recovery needs at least three days off work. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Strategies for maintaining nurses' good health and caring attitudes as well as vigilance for patient safety should include fatigue management plans and optimised schedules for night shift work.

An integrated in silico/in vitro approach to assess the xenoestrogenic potential of Alternaria mycotoxins and metabolites.

Xenoestrogenic mycotoxins may contaminate food and feed posing a public health issue. Besides the zearalenone group, the Alternaria toxin alternariol (AOH) has been described as a potential mycoestrogen. However, the estrogenicity of Alternaria toxins is still largely overlooked and further data are needed to better describe the group toxicity. In the frame of risk assessment, mixed in silico/in vitro approaches already proved to be effective first-line analytical tools. An integrated in silico/in vitro approach was used to investigate the effects of metabolic and chemical modifications on the estrogenicity of AOH. Among the considered modifications, methylation was found critical for enhancing estrogenicity (as seen for alternariol monomethyl ether (AME)) while hydroxylation and glucuronidation had the opposite effect (as seen for 4-hydroxy AOH and 4-hydroxy AME). The structure-activity relationship analysis provided the structural rationale. Our results provide insights to design more efficient risk assessment studies expanding knowledge over the group toxicity.

Combinatory estrogenic effects between the isoflavone genistein and the mycotoxins zearalenone and alternariol in vitro.

SCOPE: The isoflavone genistein, present in soy-based food and dietary supplements, is known for its estrogenic potential. In addition to phytoestrogens, food may also contain mycotoxins with estrogenic properties like zearalenone or alternariol, raising the question on potential combinatory effects of these xenoestrogens. METHODS AND RESULTS: Combinatory estrogenic effects of genistein with zearalenone or alternariol were studied in the human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line Ishikawa as expression of alkaline phosphatase (AlP) activity. Combinations of genistein with either zearalenone or alternariol, showed synergism and antagonism in the AlP assay, depending on the combination ratios and the concentration range. For combinations of zearalenone with genistein synergistic effects dominated. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that mixture effects of phyto- and mycoestrogens potentially pose unexpected risks to consumers. Our study highlights the necessity of according considerations regarding combinatory effects in future risk assessment. The applied in vitro study design represents a cost-efficient screening method to discover interactive effects of estrogens as a basic decision tool for priority risk assessment.

The phoenix from the ashes: cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with autonomic failure may experience postural dizziness, syncope, and falls. Identifying symptomatic dysautonomia in dementia is of importance to ensure appropriate management and reduce risk of falls. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study is to identify cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in patients suffering from behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), compared to Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: Patients were prospectively recruited from 2009 until 2013. Clinical autonomic function tests were carried out in an Autonomic Unit according to Ewing's cardiovascular battery. Parasympathetic tests included resting heart rate variability, deep breathing, and Valsalva. Sympathetic function tests compromised blood pressure regulation on valsalva, cutaneous cold stimulation, and 70° head up tilt including of plasma noradrenaline. RESULTS: 26 patients (17 female) with bvFTD and 18 patients (10 female) with AD were examined. Mean age of bvFTD was 69 ± 11 years, AD 74 ± 9 years. History taking was often not conclusive and did not correlate with autonomic signs. In 42% bvFTD patients and 44% AD patients, autonomic dysfunction was demonstrated. Manifest orthostatic hypotension (OH) was present in 19% of bvFTD and 33% AD patients. Frequency of autonomic dysfunction and orthostatic hypotension did not differ between bvFTD and AD, but were significantly higher than in healthy controls. Autonomic dysfunction was associated with an increased risk of falling (assessed with Tinetti Score). CONCLUSION: This is the first prospective study to elucidate autonomic dysfunction in bvFTD patients. There is a considerable higher frequency of cardiovascular dysfunction and OH in bvFTD. History taking may be not conclusive thus cannot exclude cardiovascular dysautonomia.

Topical timolol for small hemangiomas of infancy.

Propranolol has become the treatment of choice of large and complicated infantile hemangiomas. There is a controversy concerning the safety of systemic propranolol. Here we show that topical use of the beta-blocker timolol can also inhibit the growth and promote regression of infantile hemangiomas. In this case series we treated 11 infantile hemangiomas in nine children including six preterm babies with the nonselective betablocker timolol. A timolol containing gel was manufactured from an ophthalmic formulation of timolol 0.5% eyedrops. This gel was applied using a standardized occlusive dressing (Finn-Chambers) containing approximately 0.25 mg of timolol. In all infants topical timolol was associated with growth arrest, a reduction in redness and thickness within the first 2 weeks. Seven hemangiomas showed almost complete resolution, and four became much paler and thinner. No data are available on the transdermal absorption of timolol. Even supposing complete absorption of timolol from the occlusive dressing, a maximum dose of 0.25 mg of timolol would result per day and hemangioma. Regression of infantile hemangiomas treated using 0.5% timolol gel in this case series occurred earlier than spontaneous regression which is generally not observed before the age of 9-12 months. The promising results need to be verified in prospective randomized trials on topical beta blocker administration for infantile hemangiomas which should address dose, duration, and mode of application.

Bacillus gottheilii sp. nov., isolated from a pharmaceutical manufacturing site.

A novel Gram-staining-positive, rod-shaped, motile, strictly aerobic, endospore-forming bacterium, designated WCC 4585(T), was isolated from a pharmaceutical production line. The organism grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 8 and in the presence of 0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. Oval endospores were formed subterminally and terminally in swollen sporangia. The cell-wall diamino acid was meso-diaminopimelic acid (type A1γ) and the genomic DNA G+C content was 38.7 mol%. The major menaquinone was MK-7. The cellular fatty acid profile contained major amounts of iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0, and the cellular phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and aminophospholipid. The isolate was most closely related to Bacillus oceanisediminis H2(T), Bacillus infantis SMC 4352-1(T), Bacillus firmus NCIMB 9366(T), Bacillus circulans ATCC 4513(T) and Bacillus horneckiae DSM 23495(T) with which it shared less than 98.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain WCC 4585(T) and five type strains of related species were ≤27 % and sequence similarity values based on groEL sequences were ≤88.7 %. On the basis of the characteristics presented, strain WCC 4585(T) is proposed to represent a novel species, Bacillus gottheilii sp. nov. The type strain is WCC 4585(T)( = DSM 23668(T) = CCUG 59876(T) = LMG 25856(T)).

Microbial biodiversity, quality and shelf life of microfiltered and pasteurized extended shelf life (ESL) milk from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Information on factors limiting the shelf life of extended shelf life (ESL) milk produced by microfiltration and subsequent pasteurization is very limited. In this study, three different batches of ESL milk were analyzed at different stages of the production process and during storage at 4 °C, 8 °C and 10 °C in order to evaluate the changes in bacterial cell counts, microbial diversity and enzymatic quality. Additionally, detailed biodiversity analyses of 250 retail ESL milk packages produced by five manufacturers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland were performed at the end of shelf life. It was observed that microfiltration decreased the microbial loads by 5-6 log10 units to lower than 1 CFU/mL. However, bacterial counts at the end of shelf life were extremely variable and ranged between <1 and 8 log10 CFU/mL. 8% of all samples showed spoilage indicated by cell counts higher than 6 log10 CFU/mL. The main spoilage groups of bacteria were Gram-negative post-process recontaminants (Acinetobacter, Chryseobacterium, Psychrobacter, Sphingomonas) and the spore formers Paenibacillus and Bacillus cereus, while other spore formers and Microbacterium spp. did not reach spoilage levels. Paenibacillus spp. and B. cereus apparently influenced enzymatic spoilage, as indicated by increased free fatty acid production, pH 4.6 soluble peptide fractions and off-flavors. In some cases, enzymatic spoilage was observed although microbial counts were well below 6 log10 CFU/mL. Thirteen B. cereus isolates were characterized for their toxin profiles and psychrotolerance. Hbl, nhe, and cytK toxin genes were detected in ten, thirteen, and four isolates, respectively, whereas the ces gene was always absent. Interestingly, only three of the thirteen isolates could be allocated to psychrotolerant genotypes, as indicated by the major cold shock cspA gene signature. Generally, large discrepancies in microbial loads and biodiversity were observed at the end of shelf life, even among packages of the same production batch. We suggest that such unexpected differences may be due to very low cell counts after ESL treatment, causing stochastic variations of initial species distributions in individual packages. This would result in the development of significantly different bacterial populations during cold storage, including the occasional development of high numbers of pathogenic species such as B. cereus or Acinetobacter.

Bacillus kochii sp. nov., isolated from foods and a pharmaceuticals manufacturing site.

Three Gram-staining-positive, strictly aerobic, motile, catalase-positive, endospore-forming rods, designated WCC 4582(T), WCC 4581 and WCC 4583, were isolated from two different food sources and a pharmaceuticals production site. The three isolates were highly similar in their 16S rRNA gene sequences (100 % similarity) and groEL sequences (99.2-100 % similarity), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic fingerprints and other features tested. The isolates were most closely related to Bacillus horneckiae; the isolates and the type strain of B. horneckiae shared 97.6 % and 89.6 % 16S rRNA gene and groEL sequence similarities, respectively. The organisms grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7 and in the presence of 0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of WCC 4582(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid (A1γ) and the genomic DNA G+C content was 36.4 mol%. DNA-DNA relatedness between strain WCC 4582(T) and B. horneckiae NRRL B-59162(T) was 17 %. The three isolates are considered to represent a novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus kochii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WCC 4582(T) ( = DSM 23667(T) = CCUG 59877(T) = LMG 25855(T)).

Sphingobacterium lactis sp. nov. and Sphingobacterium alimentarium sp. nov., isolated from raw milk and a dairy environment.

Four non-fermenting, rod-shaped, Gram-staining-negative bacterial strains, designated WCC 4512(T), WS 4555, WCC 4521(T) and WS 4556, were isolated from raw milk and the dairy environment. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA and groEL gene sequences demonstrated the affiliation of the four strains to two distinct clusters within the class Sphingobacteriia, phylum 'Bacteroidetes'. Strains WCC 4512(T) and WS 4555 showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strain of S. daejeonense (97.3 and 97.2%, respectively), whereas strains WCC 4521(T) and WS 4556 were most closely related to S. composti LMG 23401(T) (97.6% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The DNA G+C contents of strains WCC 4512(T) and WCC 4521(T) were 44.2 and 39.3 mol%, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids and the presence of menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant quinone for both strains WCC 4512(T) and WCC 4521(T) supported their affiliation to the genus Sphingobacterium. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments between strain WCC 4512(T) and S. daejeonense LMG 23402(T) and between strain WCC 4521(T) and S. composti LMG 23401(T) revealed DNA relatedness values of 2% (repetition, 3%) and 8% (repetition, 17%), respectively. On the basis of phenotypic and genetic properties, as well as phylogenetic distinctiveness, it is suggested that the four strains represent two novel Sphingobacterium species with strain WCC 4512(T) (=DSM 22361(T)=LMG 25272(T)) as the type strain of Sphingobacterium lactis sp. nov. (WS 4555 is a reference strain of S. lactis) and strain WCC 4521(T) (=DSM 22362(T)=LMG 25273(T)) as the type strain of Sphingobacterium alimentarium sp. nov. (WS 4556 is a reference strain of S. alimentarium).

Consequences arising from elevated surface temperatures on human blood.

Heat in blood pumps is generated by losses of the electrical motor and bearings. In the presented study the influence of tempered surfaces on bulk blood and adhesions on these surfaces was examined. Titanium alloy housing dummies were immersed in 25 mL heparinized human blood. The dummies were constantly tempered at specific temperatures (37-45 °C) over 15 min. Blood samples were withdrawn for blood parameter analysis and the determination of the plasmatic coagulation cascade. The quantities of adhesion on surfaces were determined by drained weight. Blood parameters do not alter significantly up to surface temperatures of 45 °C. In comparison to the control specimen, a drop in the platelet count can be observed, but is not significantly temperature dependent. The mean mass of adhesions at 41 °C increased up to 66% compared to 37 °C. Thus, heat generated in electrical motors and contact bearings may influence the amount of adhesions on surfaces.

Bavariicoccus seileri gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from the surface and smear water of German red smear soft cheese.

The phylogenetic position and physiological characters of six hitherto-unknown lactic acid bacterial isolates, which form part of the surface microbiota of German red smear soft cheese, are reported. The coccoid cells are aerotolerant, Gram-positive, catalase-negative and non-motile. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contains alanine, glutamic acid, lysine and aspartic acid and is of the A4alpha type (l-Lys-d-Asp). The sequences of the 16S rRNA, groEL and rpoB genes of the six isolates are identical and reveal that these isolates represent an independent lineage within the radiation of the family Enterococcaceae in the phylum Firmicutes. Their closest phylogenetic neighbour is the lactic acid bacterium Atopobacter phocae M1590/94/2(T), with which they share 94.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity; representatives of other genera such as Granulicatella, Carnobacterium and Trichococcus are more distantly related. DNA-DNA hybridization studies reveal that the six isolates are members of a single species, and this is confirmed by similarities in biochemical characteristics. The six isolates were assigned four different groups by Fourier-transform infrared and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA typing. Therefore, it is formally proposed that these isolates should be classified in a single novel species of a novel genus and be named Bavariicoccus seileri gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Bavariicoccus seileri is WCC 4188(T) (=DSM 19936(T) =CCUG 55508(T)).

Abundant hypermethylation of SOCS-1 in clinically silent pituitary adenomas.

Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) cascade are required for cytokines, growth factors, G-proteins and hormones (growth hormone and prolactin). Gatekeepers in this pathway are the suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) family of proteins. Their expression level is epigenetically regulated by DNA methylation. We have investigated the CpG island methylation status of SOCS-1 in a cohort of pituitary adenomas (PA; n=57), craniopharyngiomas (CP; n=30) and normal pituitary tissue (NP; n=11) using methylation sensitive single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (MS-SSCP) and direct sequencing. SOCS-1 hypermethylation was identified in 51% (29/57) of surgical specimens obtained from PA patients. 83% of these tumours were clinically silent. In contrast, no methylation of SOCS-1 was observed in CPs or NPs. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis confirmed reduced SOCS-1 expression in the majority of pituitary adenomas. The data is compatible with epigenetic silencing of the SOCS-1 gene and constitutive activation of the JAK-STAT pathway in PA. This appears to contribute particularly to those tumours characterized by a hormone-inactive status.