Postmortem Changes in mRNA Expression and Tissue Morphology in Brain and Femoral Muscle Tissues of Rat.

The postmortem interval (PMI), defined as the time elapsed between death and the discovery or examination of the body, is a crucial parameter in forensic science for estimating the time of death. There are many ways to measure the PMI, such as Henssge's nomogram, which uses rectal temperature measurement; livor mortis; rigor mortis; and forensic entomology. However, these methods are usually affected by various conditions in the surrounding environment.

Multiscale dynamic immunomodulation by a nanoemulsified Trojan-TLR7/8 adjuvant for robust protection against heterologous pandemic and endemic viruses.

The demand for safe vaccines that ensure long-term and broad protection against multiple viral variants has dramatically increased after the emergence of catastrophic infectious diseases such as COVID-19. To ensure long-term and broad protection against heterologous virus variants, antigen-specific polyfunctional T cells should be orchestrated with the activation of follicular helper T (T) cells and germinal center (GC) B cells. Herein, we suggest a novel engineered nanoadjuvant (SE(Trojan-TLR7/8a)) that enhances the migration of nonexhausted antigen-presenting cells (APCs) into lymph nodes and elicits the activation of T cells, the generation of GC B cells, and polyfunctional T cells via multiscale dynamic immunomodulation through squalene nanoemulsion (SE)-mediated macroscopic control of vaccine delivery and Trojan-TLR7/8a-enabled dynamic and sustained activation of APCs at the cellular level.

Comparison of culture-dependent and -independent methods for effective post-mortem microbial analysis in forensics.

The aim of this study was to compare culture-dependent and -independent methods in microbial community analysis with a focus on post-mortem microbiomes, particularly in forensic contexts. By utilizing full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and propidium monoazide (PMA) treatment, we identified a broader range of microorganisms than that identified using the traditional culture-dependent method. The inclusion of long-read sequencing further enhanced species resolution, addressing limitations associated with short-read sequencing of the V3-V4 region.

Utility of intraoperative ultrasound in identifying pituitary adenoma hidden behind a cystic lesion in Cushing's disease.

Cushing's disease with inconclusive MRI findings presents a significant diagnostic and surgical challenge due to the difficulty in localizing the causative pituitary adenoma. This case report highlights the use of intraoperative ultrasound as an adjunct for tumor detection and successful resection in a Cushing disease patient with hidden adenoma. A 55-year-old female with a history of hypertension, diabetes, and a recent cerebral infarction presented with clinical and biochemical features of Cushing's disease.

Drug-Loaded Polycaprolactone/Fibroin/Polydopamine Composite Coating on an Anodized Titanium Surface with Calcium and Phosphorus Deposited Using Electrospray Technology.

Due to the low bioactivity of titanium implants, the extended bone integration process after implantation substantially heightens the risk of inflammation, a primary cause of implant failure. To mitigate inflammatory responses and enhance bone integration between the implant and bone tissue, based on prior research that applied calcium phosphate (CaP) on titanium surfaces, we employed electrospraying technology to develop a drug-loaded polycaprolactone/silk fibroin/polydopamine (PCL/SF/PDA) composite coating as the second layer on top of the calcium phosphate deposition. The surface morphologies of the CaP deposits and composite coatings were characterized by SEM.

Nanoengineered hybrid hydrogel-based 3D nanocomposite as an antifouling coating interface for enhanced electrochemical aptasensing of estradiol.

Electrochemical biosensing has emerged as a promising method for the point-of-care detection of various biomarkers. However, its clinical application faces significant challenges due to biofouling when exposed to clinical samples. This study presents a novel nanocomposite coating aimed at addressing biofouling in electrochemical biosensors by developing an Electrochemical Estradiol Aptasensor (EAS).

Circulating miR-20a-5p as a biomarker associated with cabergoline responsiveness in patients with hyperprolactinemia and pituitary adenomas.

Objective: Dopamine agonist (DA) treatment is effective for hyperprolactinemia and reduces tumor size in patients with prolactinoma; however, prolonged DA administration without prolactinoma causes fibrosis around tumor tissues. Therefore, we aimed to identify circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers to predict prolactinoma in patients with hyperprolactinemia and pituitary tumors.

Design: Plasma samples were collected from 3 comparison groups: (1) patients clinically diagnosed with prolactinoma vs nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) based on response to cabergoline treatment, (2) patients with surgically confirmed prolactinoma vs NFPA, and (3) patients before and after cabergoline treatment.

Kinetically activating nanovaccine mimicking multidimensional immunomodulation of natural infection for broad protection against heterologous viruses in animal models.

Immunity by vaccination can protect human against heterologous viruses. However, protective abilities of artificial vaccines are still weaker than natural infections. Here we develop a kinetically engineered vaccine (KE-VAC) that mimics the multidimensional immunomodulation in natural infections via dynamic activation of antigen presenting cells with masked TLR7/8 agonist and sustained supplies of antigens and adjuvants to lymph nodes, leading to follicular helper T and germinal centre B cell activation in vaccinated mice.

68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT in the Localization of Pituitary Tumors in Cushing's Disease.

Backgruound: This study aimed to determine the value of 68Ga-DOTATOC positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in localizing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled 30 patients with Cushing's disease and positive ACTH immunoreactivity. All patients underwent 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT and pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before transsphenoidal adenomectomy.

Variability in triggers for mechanical left ventricular unloading in VA-ECMO: A literature search.

Background: Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a means of supporting the lungs or the heart and lungs in patients with hemodynamic compromise that is refractory to conventional measures. VA-ECMO is most commonly deployed in a percutaneous fashion with femoral arterial and venous access. While VA-ECMO, particularly in a femoral-femoral configuration, provides both hemodynamic and ventilatory support, it also causes increased afterload on the left ventricle (LV) which in turn may result in LV distension (LVD).

Rapid and Sensitive Detection: Integration of SERS and Acoustofluidics in a Lysis-Free Microfluidic Platform.

Bacterial infections, such as sepsis, require prompt and precise identification of the causative bacteria for appropriate antibiotics treatment. Traditional methods such as culturing take 2-5 days, while newer techniques such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and mass spectrometry are hindered by blood impurities. Consequently, this study developed a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based acoustofluidic technique for rapid bacterial detection without culturing or lysing.

Arthroscopic Microdrilling for Full-Thickness Trochlear Cartilage Defects in Patients Undergoing High Tibial Osteotomy Confers Improved Cartilage Status at 1 Year and Rate of Minimal Clinically Important Difference at Short-Term Follow-Up.

Purpose: To compare the patient-reported outcome (PRO) improvements and cartilage status of trochlear cartilage defects (TCDs) after additional arthroscopic microdrilling versus no treatment for TCDs during medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO).

Methods: Patients who underwent MOWHTO with either microdrilling (group M) or no treatment (group N) for near full-thickness TCDs (International Cartilage Repair Society grade IIIB or greater) from March 2010 to September 2022 were retrospectively reviewed, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. 1:1 Propensity score-matched group N was created.

Spatiotemporal Dynamic Immunomodulation by Infection-Mimicking Gels Enhances Broad and Durable Protective Immunity Against Heterologous Viruses.

Despite their safety and widespread use, conventional protein antigen-based subunit vaccines face significant challenges such as low immunogenicity, insufficient long-term immunity, poor CD8 T-cell activation, and poor adaptation to viral variants. To address these issues, an infection-mimicking gel (IM-Gel) is developed that is designed to emulate the spatiotemporal dynamics of immune stimulation in acute viral infections through in situ supramolecular self-assembly of nanoparticulate-TLR7/8a (NP-TLR7/8a) and an antigen with tannic acid (TA). Through collagen-binding properties of TA, the IM-Gel enables sustained delivery and enhanced retention of NP-TLR7/8a and protein antigen in the lymph node subcapsular sinus of mice for over 7 days, prolonging the exposure of vaccine components in both B cell and T cell zones, leading to robust humoral and cellular responses.

The Effect of the MgO/AlO Ratio on the Thermal and Refractory Behaviors of Cordierite Ceramics.

In this study, cordierite-based ceramics (2MgO·2AlO·5SiO) were synthesized using high-purity MgO, AlO, and SiO as starting materials. The influence of the MgO/AlO ratio on various properties, including the thermal behavior, pyrometric cone refractory behavior, phase formation, physical properties, and microstructure of the synthesized ceramics, was systematically analyzed. Increasing the MgO/AlO ratio progressively weakened the cordierite network, leading to lower temperatures for liquid formation and melting.

Ultrahigh-gain colloidal quantum dot infrared avalanche photodetectors.

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are promising for infrared photodetectors with high detectivity and low-cost production. Although CQDs enable photoinduced charge multiplication, thermal noise in low-bandgap materials limits their performance in IR detectors. Here we present a pioneering architecture of a CQD-based infrared photodetector that uses kinetically pumped avalanche multiplication.

Feasibility of robotic posterior fossa skull base surgery.

Objective: Despite its potential advantages, robotic surgery has yet to be applied to skull base procedures. Complex anatomy and restricted access have limited the development of robotic skull base surgery. The authors' aim was to conduct a feasibility study of robotic surgery for posterior fossa skull base lesions.

Surgical anatomy of the inferior hypophyseal artery and its relevance for endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery.

Objective: The inferior hypophyseal arteries (IHAs) are intimately related to pituitary and cavernous sinus (CS) lesions. There is still no anatomical study specifically analyzing the IHAs. The aim of this study was to investigate the surgical anatomy and variations of the IHA, and to translate this knowledge into surgical practice.