Review Article
Advancements and Challenges of Utilizing Amelogenin Gene for Sex Determination in Forensic Investigation: A Systematic Review
Abdulaziz Ahmed Abdurahmen*
,
Nega Berhane Tesema,
Mohammed Abdu Ibrahim,
Minuyelet Ewunetu Asmare
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-15
Received:
21 December 2024
Accepted:
6 January 2025
Published:
11 February 2025
Abstract: Accurate identification of individuals is essential for ensuring justice and security in forensic investigations, with sex determination serving as a critical component of this process. Advanced genetic approaches, particularly the analysis of the amelogenin gene (AMEL), provide a reliable, non-subjective method for sex determination. Despite its widespread use, this method has limitations, especially when analyzing degraded samples, where accuracy can be compromised. This systematic review evaluates advancements and challenges in AMEL-based sex determination by examining studies published between 2019 and 2024, sourced from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2.0) and Zissler et al.'s (2020) quality assessment model were employed to ensure rigorous evaluation. Findings reveal that relying solely on the AMEL gene is insufficient for degraded samples, underscoring the importance of using nested PCR and additional genetic markers such as SRY, ALT1, Indel Y, and DYS391 to enhance reliability. Emerging technologies, including rapid DNA detection through colorimetric assays, melting peak analysis, and DNAzyme-based methods, demonstrate significant potential but require further refinement for forensic applications. Continuous methodological improvements and integration of complementary markers are crucial to address challenges in sensitivity and accuracy, ensuring robust forensic analysis for criminal investigations.
Abstract: Accurate identification of individuals is essential for ensuring justice and security in forensic investigations, with sex determination serving as a critical component of this process. Advanced genetic approaches, particularly the analysis of the amelogenin gene (AMEL), provide a reliable, non-subjective method for sex determination. Despite its w...
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Research Article
Effect of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy with Awake Prone Position Ventilation vs. Supine Position Ventilation in Patients with Severe Pneumonia: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
16-23
Received:
20 January 2025
Accepted:
26 January 2025
Published:
17 February 2025
Abstract: Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy combined with awake prone position ventilation (APPV) vs. supine position ventilation (SPV) in patients with severe pneumonia. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study enrolled patients diagnosed with severe pneumonia from the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Fourth People's Hospital of Zigong City between November 2021 and January 2023. The primary endpoint was the treatment effectiveness, and the secondary endpoints included 72 h respiratory rate oxygenation index, oxygenation index, procalcitonin within 72 h, C-reactive protein within 72 h and partial pressure of oxygen within 24 h, blood lactate within 24 h, total length of hospital stay, endotracheal intubation rate within 2 weeks, readmission rate within 6 weeks, mortality rate within 4 weeks and incidence of adverse events. Results: A total of 120 patients with severe pneumonia were enrolled, evenly divided with 60 patients receiving HFNC+APPV and the other 60 receiving HFNC+SPV. The HFNC+APPV group demonstrated higher efficacy (90.0% vs. 76.7%, P=0.040) and shorter length of hospital stay (11.00(9.00,13.00) vs. 12.00(10.00,16.00), P=0.004) compared to the HFNC+SPV group. There was no significant difference in ROX index, CRP, PCT, lactate, PO2 and the onset of days, times of transferred to ICU within 1 week, times of transferred to ICU within 2 weeks, endotracheal intubation rate within 2 weeks, readmission rate within 6 weeks and mortality rate within 4 weeks between the HFNC+APPV group and HFNC+SPV group (P>0.05). The generalized estimation equation showed that the OI index at 12h, 24h, 48h and 72h was significantly higher than that at 0h (P<0.001), however, there was no significant difference in the change between HFNC+APPV group and HFNC+SPV group (P=0.604). There was no significant difference in the rate of adverse events between the HFNC+APPV group and HFNC+SPV group (P>0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that combining HFNC with APPV can enhance treatment efficacy and reduce hospitalization duration in severe pneumonia patients, offering valuable guidance for ventilation treatment positioning.
Abstract: Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy combined with awake prone position ventilation (APPV) vs. supine position ventilation (SPV) in patients with severe pneumonia. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study enrolled patients diagnosed with severe pneumonia from the Department of Respira...
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Research Article
Autonomous Electromechanical Device for Contactless Measurement of Core Body Temperature
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
24-30
Received:
23 February 2025
Accepted:
11 March 2025
Published:
26 March 2025
Abstract: Continuous monitoring of body temperature is a major issue in the health care system due to the fact that sudden and extreme changes in body temperature are related to severe alterations in patient’s health. An innovative device with improved capabilities superior to the currently available infrared temperature sensors used for medical applications was invented. The device consists of a complex sensor module (CSM) and device body. The CSM works with 3 levels of mechanical freedom, which grants optimal dynamic repositioning in relation to the field of view, resulting in automatic continuous remote temperature measurement. The CSM incorporates a distance measurement sensor, main infrared sensor and secondary infrared sensor. The CSM is connected to control and processing unit. The processing unit and the control unit have a bidirectional connection for data transmission. A comparative analysis of the temperature values acquired by the autonomous contactless electromechanical device (thermo-i, Innovariver Ltd.) and Drager Infinity Delta patient monitor were performed. As a result, to the implementation of “IR noise elimination technology” the autonomous electromechanical device is capable to measure the patients’ core body temperature from a distance of 50 cm was invented. Although the distance between the patient and the device is increased more than 15 times, the accuracy of the measurements is preserved at the level which is being done from 3 cm distance without applying the invented technology. The device has a specific software and a sensor module, which operates autonomously and distantly from the patient, and positions itself automatically according to the patient’s body position. In contrast to the conventional infrared thermometers, our solution is self-operating, which reduces the human error risk, improves the workflow, and operates non-invasively at a convenient distance at the bedside of the patient.
Abstract: Continuous monitoring of body temperature is a major issue in the health care system due to the fact that sudden and extreme changes in body temperature are related to severe alterations in patient’s health. An innovative device with improved capabilities superior to the currently available infrared temperature sensors used for medical applications...
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