Application of forensic anthropology to non-forensic issues: an experimental taphonomic approach to the study of human body decomposition in aerobic conditions

The knowledge of the decomposition process takes a progressively central role in cemetery management. In Europe there is an increase in constructing concrete modules that allow aerobic decomposition, which, theoretically, have advantages. By allowing the circulation of oxygen they will lead to a rapid decomposition, and, consequently, permit burial space rotation. This method also allows the burial of several corpses in small areas. In addition, it solves environmental issues. However, the ways in which the decomposition occurs under these conditions and the time required for skeletonization are still unknown. The aim of this study is to analyse the changes of the cadavers buried in aerobic module systems, realize the time necessary for skeletonization, and study solutions that might enable a faster decomposition. This experimental study utilized three aerobic module systems already used in Portuguese cemeteries and a prototype, with four pig carcasses as animal models. The evolution of the decomposition process was assessed weekly, over 147 days (2184 ADD). This study showed differences in the decomposition process between the four systems. The results allowed us to select the necessary characteristics for the construction of aerobic modules enabling faster decomposition.     

Cross-sectional analysis of the implant-abutment interface

The purpose of this study was to develop a technique to evaluate the implant-abutment gap of an external hexagon implant system as a function of radius. Six implants of 3.75 mm in diameter (Conexao Sistema de Protese Ltda, Sao Paulo, Brazil) and their respective abutments were screw connected and torqued to 20 N cm(-1). The implants were mounted in epoxy assuring an implant long-axis position perpendicular to the vertical axis. Each implant was grounded through its thickness parallel to implant long-axis at six different distance interval. Implant-abutment gap distances were recorded along the implant-abutment region for each section. Individual measurements were related to their radial position through trigonometric inferences. A sixth degree polynomial line fit approach determined radial adaptation patterns for each implant. Micrographs along implant sections showed a approximately 300 mum length implant-abutment engagement region. All implants presented communication between external and internal regions through connection gaps and inaccurate implant-abutment alignment. Average gap distances were not significantly different between implants (P > 0.086). Polynomial lines showed implant-abutment gap values below 10 mum from 0 mum to approximately 250 mum of the implant-abutment engagement region. Gap distances significantly increased from approximately 250 mum to the outer radius of the implant-abutment engagement region. The technique described provided a broader scenario of the implant-abutment gap adaptation compared with previous work concerning implant-abutment gap determination, and should be considered for better understanding mechanical aspects or biological effects of implant-abutment adaptation on peri-implant tissues.     

Radiation‐induced angiosarcoma of the breast: A review

Angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive malignant vascular neoplasm with poor prognosis that has a predilection for skin and superficial soft tissue. It can arise spontaneously or in association with factors like chronic lymphedema or radiation therapy. Radiotherapy used to treat invasive breast tumors is a known risk factor for the development of the so‐called radiation‐induced angiosarcoma (RIAS), a condition that has been described in the literature with increasing frequency. Radiation‐induced angiosarcoma of the breast usually arises on the previously irradiated skin area several years after radiotherapy and presents as painless multifocal erythematous patches or plaques similar to a hematoma. Cutaneous biopsy is essential for the diagnosis. Histologically, RIAS is characterized by irregular anastomosing vessels lined by endothelial cells showing nuclear atypia. Treatment is mostly surgical, and mastectomy with negative margins is considered the standard procedure. However, recurrences are common, and an approach combining surgery, chemo‐ and radiotherapy may be more effective. The purpose of this study is to review the most recent medical literature on RIAS of the breast, with emphasis on its pathophysiology, clinical and histological features and current treatment options.     

Neuropeptide Y Attenuates Stress‐Induced Bone Loss Through Suppression of Noradrenaline Circuits

Chronic stress and depression have adverse consequences on many organ systems, including the skeleton, but the mechanisms underlying stress‐induced bone loss remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that neuropeptide Y (NPY), centrally and peripherally, plays a critical role in protecting against stress‐induced bone loss. Mice lacking the anxiolytic factor NPY exhibit more anxious behavior and elevated corticosterone levels. Additionally, following a 6‐week restraint, or cold‐stress protocol, Npy‐null mice exhibit three‐fold greater bone loss compared to wild‐type mice, owing to suppression of osteoblast activity. This stress‐protective NPY pathway acts specifically through Y2 receptors. Centrally, Y2 receptors suppress corticotropin‐releasing factor expression and inhibit activation of noradrenergic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus. In the periphery, they act to control noradrenaline release from sympathetic neurons. Specific deletion of arcuate Y2 receptors recapitulates the Npy‐null stress response, coincident with elevated serum noradrenaline. Importantly, specific reintroduction of NPY solely in noradrenergic neurons of otherwise Npy‐null mice blocks the increase in circulating noradrenaline and the stress‐induced bone loss. Thus, NPY protects against excessive stress‐induced bone loss, through Y2 receptor‐mediated modulation of central and peripheral noradrenergic neurons. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty after radical prostatectomy: is it safe? Prospective clinical trial

Introduction

Despite inguinal hernia repair being one of the most common elective operations performed in general surgical practice, there are many controversies including indications for repair and selection of the surgical technique. In recent years, laparoscopic repair has gained wider acceptance because it is associated with fewer postoperative complications and less chronic pain when compared with conventional approaches with similar recurrence rate. However, patients with lower abdominal surgery are contraindicated for laparoscopic approach. There are few studies that evaluated whether patients who have been subjected to radical prostatectomy might be subjected to laparoscopic hernia repair with the same benefits as those without previous radical prostatectomy.

Methods

Between March 2010 and March 2013, 20 consecutive patients, who had been subjected to prior radical prostatectomy, underwent laparoscopic transabdominal inguinal repair and were followed prospectively. Surgical procedure was performed using a standard technique.

Results

Mean operative time was 67.5 min. There was only one (5 %) intraoperative minor complication, an injury to the inferior epigastric vessels, which was managed by clipping of the vessels. There were no major postoperative complications. After 24 h and on the seventh postoperative day, 85 and 90 % of patients had no pain or only complained of discomfort, respectively. Nine patients (45 %) did not need any analgesics postoperatively. The mean time to return to leisure activities and to work was 3.1 and 5.6 days, respectively. There was no conversion to open surgery. All patients were discharged within 24 h. After a mean follow-up of 14 months, none of the patients presented recurrence.

Conclusion

TAPP after prostatectomy is safe and effective. It seems that patients undergoing laparoscopic repair after radical prostatic resection have the same benefits as those without prostatectomy.     

The Influence of Irrigation during the Finishing and Polishing of Composite Resin Restorations—A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies

The surface smoothness of composite restorations affects not only their esthetic appearance but also other properties. Thus, rough surfaces can lead to staining, plaque accumulation, gingival irritation, recurrent caries, abrasiveness, wear kinetics, and tactile perception by the patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of irrigation during the finishing and polishing of composite resin restorations. A systematic search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials databases was conducted. Papers published up to 11 February 2021 were considered. The quality of each study was assessed using the modified Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials checklist for reporting in vitro studies on dental materials. No clinical studies were identified. Six in vitro studies were included, reporting changes in physical and esthetic properties. After performing a methodological quality assessment of the studies, some limitations were identified, the main limitation being the heterogeneous methodology across studies. The evidence resulting from this systematic review did not favor either wet or dry finishing/polishing procedures. There is a clear need for well-designed studies focusing on the comparison of dry/wet finishing/polishing with standard protocols to evaluate the differences among different materials and methods.     

Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in a Human T Cell Line Is Hampered at Multiple Steps

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the most frequent cause of severe respiratory disease in children. The main targets of HRSV infection are epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, and the great majority of the studies regarding HRSV infection are done in respiratory cells. Recently, the interest on respiratory virus infection of lymphoid cells has been growing, but details of the interaction of HRSV with lymphoid cells remain unknown. Therefore, this study was done to assess the relationship of HRSV with A3.01 cells, a human CD4⁺ T cell line. Using flow cytometry and fluorescent focus assay, we found that A3.01 cells are susceptible but virtually not permissive to HRSV infection. Dequenching experiments revealed that the fusion process of HRSV in A3.01 cells was nearly abolished in comparison to HEp-2 cells, an epithelial cell lineage. Quantification of viral RNA by RT-qPCR showed that the replication of HRSV in A3.01 cells was considerably reduced. Western blot and quantitative flow cytometry analyses demonstrated that the production of HRSV proteins in A3.01 was significantly lower than in HEp-2 cells. Additionally, using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we found that the inclusion body-associated granules (IBAGs) were almost absent in HRSV inclusion bodies in A3.01 cells. We also assessed the intracellular trafficking of HRSV proteins and found that HRSV proteins colocalized partially with the secretory pathway in A3.01 cells, but these HRSV proteins and viral filaments were present only scarcely at the plasma membrane. HRSV infection of A3.01 CD4⁺ T cells is virtually unproductive as compared to HEp-2 cells, as a result of defects at several steps of the viral cycle: Fusion, genome replication, formation of inclusion bodies, recruitment of cellular proteins, virus assembly, and budding.     

Gastric emptying before and after cholecystectomy in patients with cholecystolithiasis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The objective of the present study was to measure gastric emptying time of solids and semisolids in dyspeptic individuals with cholecystolithiasis before and 6 months after cholecystectomy in order to determine whether cholecystectomy interferes with gastric emptying. METHODOLOGY: A prospective, self-pairing study was conducted on 29 patients selected according to appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria. Gastric emptying time of solids and semisolids was determined before and six months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy by the 13C-octanoic acid and 13C-acetate breath tests, respectively. The samples were analyzed by infrared spectrometry. The gastric retention time (lag phase) and gastric emptying half-time of solid and semisolid were determined and the results obtained before and after surgery were compared in the same patient. In addition, the effects of surgery on dyspeptic symptoms were assessed. RESULTS: No significant differences (p>0.05) in gastric retention time and gastric emptying half-time of solid and semisolid test meals were observed before and after cholecystectomy. Dyspeptic symptoms (pain, upper abdominal gases, early satiety, nausea and vomiting) improved after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not interfere with the gastric emptying time of solids or semisolids in dyspeptic individuals with cholecystolithiasis.