bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Follow-Up on Health-Related Quality of Life After Mechanical Circulatory Support in Children
Authors: Fleck Thilo P. K. , Dangel Georg , Bächle Felix , Benk Christoph , Grohmann Jochen , Kroll Johannes , Siepe Matthias , Höhn Rene , Kirschner Janbernd , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Stiller Brigitte
Published: November 2016

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life in long-term survivors of mechanical circulatory support after acute cardiopulmonary failure.

Design:

Prospective follow-up study.

Setting:

Single-institutional in a center for congenital heart disease and pediatric cardiology.

Patients:

Fifty patients who underwent 58 mechanical circulatory support therapies in our institution from 2001 to 2012. Median age was 2 (0–213) months, and median supporting time was 5 (1–234) days. Indication groups: 1) extracorporeal life support in low cardiac output: 30 cases (52%); 2) extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: 13 cases (22%); 3) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in acute respiratory distress syndrome: four cases (7%); and 4) ventricular assist devices: 11 cases (19%).

Interventions:

Health-related quality of life was measured using standardized questionnaires according to the age group and completed by either parent proxies in children under 7 years old or the survivors themselves.

Measurements and Main Results:

Fifty percentage of the patients were discharged home, and 22 long-term survivors (44%) were studied prospectively for health-related quality of life. Median follow-up period was 4.5 (0.3–11.3) years. Median age at follow-up was 5 (0.6–29) years old. Nineteen long-term survivors filled in the health-related quality of life questionnaires and were classified into three age groups: 0–4 years (n = 7): median health-related quality of life score, 69 (59–86) points; 4–12 years (n = 7): median health-related quality of life score, 50 (48–85) points; older than 12 years (n = 5): median health-related quality of life score, 90 (80–100) points.

Conclusion:

Long-term survivors’ health-related quality of life as reported by their parents is lower than that of healthy children. However, the self-assessed health-related quality of life of the patients older than 12 years in our group is comparable to a healthy control population.
Brief Report: Prolonged Viral Suppression Over a 12-Year Follow-up of HIV-Infected Patients: The Persistent Impact of Adherence at 4 Months After Initiation of Combined Antiretroviral Therapy in the ANRS CO8 APROCO-COPILOTE Cohort
Authors: Protopopescu Camelia , Carrieri Maria P. , Raffi François , Picard Odile , Hardel Lucile , Piroth Lionel , Jadand Corinne , Pierret Janine , Spire Bruno , Leport Catherine ,   the ANRS CO8 APROCO-COPILOTE Study Group
Published: November 2016

The effect of early adherence on long-term viral suppression was assessed among 1281 patients with HIV starting a protease inhibitor-containing regimen in 1997–1999, followed up to 12 years. Association between 4-month adherence (3-level score) and prolonged viral suppression was evaluated using a multivariate mixed logistic model in 891 eligible patients. High 4-months adherence [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 3.72 (1.98 to 6.98)] was associated with long-term prolonged viral suppression, irrespective of maintenance adherence. This unexpected long-term virological impact of early adherence reinforces the message that, when starting antiretrovirals, all means should be mobilized to ensure optimum early adherence to achieve prolonged antiretroviral success.
WeCareAdvisor™
Authors: Kales Helen C. , Gitlin Laura N. , Stanislawski Barbara , Marx Katherine , Turnwald Molly , Watkins Daphne C. , Lyketsos Constantine G.
Published: November 2016

Background/Objectives:

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are nearly universal in dementia and associated with multiple negative outcomes. Current real-world management is largely pharmacologic, despite poor risk/benefit. The WeCareAdvisor was designed to enable family caregivers to assess, manage, and track BPSD using nonpharmacologic strategies.

Design:

In-depth qualitative data were collected from family caregivers of people with dementia to inform: (1) style of approach and “look and feel” of the tool, and (2) the types of psychoeducation most needed by caregivers.

Results:

We conducted 4 focus groups and a technology survey (n=26) as well as additional individual semistructured interviews (n=12) with family caregivers. Main themes of the qualitative work included: (1) need to minimize difficulty and training time; (2) importance of “one-stop shopping” for information; and (3) necessity for information to be tailored to the caregiver and person with dementia. This information was then combined with effective existing evidence-based behavioral strategies to create a web-based tailored caregiver-support tool.

Conclusions:

The WeCareAdvisor was designed with input on functionality and content by end-users, family caregivers. The randomized controlled trial of WeCareAdvisor will test whether the tool improves outcomes including caregiver upset and burden and frequency and severity of BPSD.
Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Older Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Zammit Andrea R. , Katz Mindy J. , Bitzer Markus , Lipton Richard B.
Published: November 2016

Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially older adults, are at more risk of experiencing cognitive impairment, possibly leading to mild cognitive impairment and/or dementia. Studies report associations between CKD and cognitive impairment; although unclear, there seems to be a graded association between stage of CKD and affected cognitive domains, with executive function being affected earlier in the process than episodic memory and global ability. In CKD, dysexecutive mild cognitive impairment and vascular dementia are also more prominent than other subtypes. Explanations are directed toward traditional and nontraditional vascular factors, which may also explain or mediate the association between CKD and type of cognitive impairment. Future research is urged to focus on the longitudinal association between specific domains of cognitive function, including executive function and memory and CKD; to develop screening tools fit for every CKD stage in elderly individuals, and lastly, to use imaging methods that may help clarify the underlying mechanisms connecting the kidney and the brain.
Genetic Comparison of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Persons With Alzheimer Disease Neuropathology
Authors: Monsell Sarah E. , Mock Charles , Fardo David W. , Bertelsen Sarah , Cairns Nigel J. , Roe Catherine M. , Ellingson Sally R. , Morris John C. , Goate Alison M. , Kukull Walter A.
Published: November 2016

Objective:

The objective was to determine whether symptomatic and asymptomatic persons with Alzheimer disease (AD) neuropathology have different allele counts for single-nucleotide polymorphisms that have been associated with clinical late-onset AD.

Methods:

Data came from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set and Neuropathology Data Set, and the Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Consortium (ADGC). Participants had low to high AD neuropathologic change. The 22 known/suspected genes associated with late-onset AD were considered. “Symptomatic” was defined as Clinical Dementia Rating global score >0.

Results:

Sixty-eight asymptomatic and 521 symptomatic participants met inclusion criteria. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with ABCA7 [odds ratio (OR)=1.66; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-2.85] and MAPT (OR=2.18; CI, 1.26-3.77) were associated with symptomatic status. In stratified analyses, loci containing CD2AP (OR=0.35; 95% CI, 0.16-0.74), ZCWPW1 (OR=2.98; 95% CI, 1.34-6.86), and MAPT (OR=3.73, 95% CI, 1.30-11.76) were associated with symptomatic status in APOE e4 carriers.

Conclusions:

These findings potentially explain some of the variation in whether a person with AD neuropathology expresses symptoms. Understanding why some people remain cognitively normal despite having AD neuropathology could identify pathways to disease heterogeneity and guide treatment trials.
Cryptic lineages hybridize for worker production in the harvester ant
Messor barbarus
Authors: Norman Victoria , Darras Hugo , Tranter Christopher , Aron Serge , Hughes William O. H.
Published: November 2016

The reproductive division of labour between queen and worker castes in social insects is a defining characteristic of eusociality and a classic example of phenotypic plasticity. Whether social insect larvae develop into queens or workers has long been thought to be determined by environmental cues, i.e. larvae are developmentally totipotent. Contrary to this paradigm, several recent studies have revealed that caste is determined by genotype in some ant species, but whether this is restricted to just a few exceptional species is still unclear. Here, we show that the Mediterranean harvester ant
Messor barbarus
possesses an unusual reproductive system, in which the female castes are genetically determined. Using both nuclear and mitochondrial data, we show that Iberian populations have two distinct, cryptic lineages. Workers are always inter-lineage hybrids whereas queens are always produced from pure-lineage matings. The results suggest that genetic caste determination may be more widespread in ants than previously thought, and that further investigation in other species is needed to understand the frequency and evolution of this remarkable reproductive system.
Age structure is critical to the population dynamics and survival of honeybee colonies
Authors: Betti M. I. , Wahl L. M. , Zamir M.
Published: November 2016

Age structure is an important feature of the division of labour within honeybee colonies, but its effects on colony dynamics have rarely been explored. We present a model of a honeybee colony that incorporates this key feature, and use this model to explore the effects of both winter and disease on the fate of the colony. The model offers a novel explanation for the frequently observed phenomenon of ‘spring dwindle’, which emerges as a natural consequence of the age-structured dynamics. Furthermore, the results indicate that a model taking age structure into account markedly affects the predicted timing and severity of disease within a bee colony. The timing of the onset of disease with respect to the changing seasons may also have a substantial impact on the fate of a honeybee colony. Finally, simulations predict that an infection may persist in a honeybee colony over several years, with effects that compound over time. Thus, the ultimate collapse of the colony may be the result of events several years past.
Binocular combination of stimulus orientation
Authors: Yehezkel O. , Ding J. , Sterkin A. , Polat U. , Levi D. M.
Published: November 2016

When two sine waves that differ slightly in orientation are presented to the two eyes separately, a single cyclopean sine wave is perceived. However, it is unclear how the brain calculates its orientation. Here, we used a signal detection rating method to estimate the perceived orientation when the two eyes were presented with Gabor patches that differed in both orientation and contrast. We found a nearly linear combination of orientation when both targets had the same contrast. However, the binocular percept shifted away from the linear prediction towards the orientation with the higher contrast, depending on both the base contrast and the contrast ratio. We found that stimuli that differ slightly in orientation are combined into a single percept, similarly for monocular and binocular presentation, with a bias that depends on the interocular contrast ratio. Our results are well fitted by gain-control models, and are consistent with a previous study that favoured the DSKL model that successfully predicts binocular phase and contrast combination and binocular contrast discrimination. In this model, the departures from linearity may be explained on the basis of mutual suppression and mutual enhancement, both of which are stronger under dichoptic than monocular conditions.
Competing metabolic strategies in a multilevel selection model
Authors: Amado André , Fernández Lenin , Huang Weini , Ferreira Fernando F. , Campos Paulo R. A.
Published: November 2016

The evolutionary mechanisms of energy efficiency have been addressed. One important question is to understand how the optimized usage of energy can be selected in an evolutionary process, especially when the immediate advantage of gathering efficient individuals in an energetic context is not clear. We propose a model of two competing metabolic strategies differing in their resource usage, an efficient strain which converts resource into energy at high efficiency but displays a low rate of resource consumption, and an inefficient strain which consumes resource at a high rate but at low yield. We explore the dynamics in both well-mixed and structured populations. The selection for optimized energy usage is measured by the likelihood that an efficient strain can invade a population of inefficient strains. It is found that the parameter space at which the efficient strain can thrive in structured populations is always broader than observed in well-mixed populations.
Phenotypic variation and differentiated gene expression of Australian plants in response to declining rainfall
Authors: D'Agui Haylee , Fowler William , Lim Sim Lin , Enright Neal , He Tianhua
Published: November 2016

Declining rainfall is projected to have negative impacts on the demographic performance of plant species. Little is known about the adaptive capacity of species to respond to drying climates, and whether adaptation can keep pace with climate change. In fire-prone ecosystems, episodic recruitment of perennial plant species in the first year post-fire imposes a specific selection environment, offering a unique opportunity to quantify the scope for adaptive response to climate change. We examined the growth of seedlings of four fire-killed species under control and drought conditions for seeds from populations established in years following fire receiving average-to-above-average winter rainfall, or well-below-average winter rainfall. We show that offspring of plants that had established under drought had more efficient water uptake, and/or stored more water per unit biomass, or developed denser leaves, and all maintained higher survival in simulated drought than did offspring of plants established in average annual rainfall years. Adaptive phenotypic responses were not consistent across all traits and species, while plants that had established under severe drought or established in years with average-to-above-average rainfall had an overall different physiological response when growing either with or without water constraints. Seedlings descended from plants established under severe drought also had elevated gene expression in key pathways relating to stress response. Our results demonstrate the capacity for rapid adaptation to climate change through phenotypic variation and regulation of gene expression. However, effective and rapid adaptation to climate change may vary among species depending on their capacity to maintain robust populations under multiple stresses.
T-SNE visualization of large-scale neural recordings
Authors: Dimitriadis George , Neto Joana , Kampff Adam R.
Published: November 2016

Electrophysiology is entering the era of ‘Big Data’. Multiple probes, each with hundreds to thousands of individual electrodes, are now capable of simultaneously recording from many brain regions. The major challenge confronting these new technologies is transforming the raw data into physiologically meaningful signals, i.e. single unit spikes. Sorting the spike events of individual neurons from a spatiotemporally dense sampling of the extracellular electric field is a problem that has attracted much attention [22, 23], but is still far from solved. Current methods still rely on human input and thus become unfeasible as the size of the data sets grow exponentially.

Here we introduce the t-student stochastic neighbor embedding (t-sne) dimensionality reduction method [27] as a visualization tool in the spike sorting process. T-sne embeds the n-dimensional extracellular spikes (n = number of features by which each spike is decomposed) into a low (usually two) dimensional space. We show that such embeddings, even starting from different feature spaces, form obvious clusters of spikes that can be easily visualized and manually delineated with a high degree of precision. We propose that these clusters represent single units and test this assertion by applying our algorithm on labeled data sets both from hybrid [23] and paired juxtacellular/extracellular recordings [15]. We have released a graphical user interface (gui) written in python as a tool for the manual clustering of the t-sne embedded spikes and as a tool for an informed overview and fast manual curration of results from other clustering algorithms. Furthermore, the generated visualizations offer evidence in favor of the use of probes with higher density and smaller electrodes. They also graphically demonstrate the diverse nature of the sorting problem when spikes are recorded with different methods and arise from regions with different background spiking statistics.
Domains of methylated CAC and CG target MeCP2 to tune transcription in the brain
Authors: Lagger Sabine , Connelly John C , Schweikert Gabriele , Webb Shaun , Selfridge Jim , Ramsahoye Bernard H , Yu Miao , DeSousa Dina , Seiser Christian , He Chuan , Sanguinetti Guido , Sowers Lawrence C , Walkinshaw Malcolm D , Bird Adrian
Published: November 2016

Mutations in the gene encoding the methyl-CG binding protein MeCP2 cause neurological disorders including Rett syndrome. The di-nucleotide methyl-CG (mCG) is the canonical MeCP2 DNA recognition sequence, but additional targets including non-methylated sequences have been reported. Here we use brain-specific depletion of DNA methyltransferase to show that DNA methylation is the primary determinant of MeCP2 binding in mouse brain.In vitroandin vivoanalyses reveal that MeCP2 binding to non-CG methylated sites in brain is largely confined to the tri-nucleotide sequence mCAC. Structural modeling suggests that mCG and mCAC may be interchangeable as minimal structural perturbation of MeCP2 accompanies binding. MeCP2 binding to chromosomal DNA in mouse brain is proportional to mCG + mCAC density and defines domains within which transcription is sensitive to MeCP2 occupancy. The results suggest that MeCP2 interprets patterns of mCAC and mCG in the brain to negatively modulate transcription of genes critical for neuronal function.
Kinetic modeling predicts a role for ribosome collisions at elongation stall sites in bacteria
Authors: Ferrin Michael , Subramaniam Arvind R.
Published: November 2016

Ribosomes can stall during translation elongation in bacteria and eukaryotes. To identify mechanisms by which ribosome stalling affects expression of the encoded protein, we develop an inverse approach that combines computational modeling with systematic perturbations of translation initiation rate, the number of stall sites, and the distance between stall sites on a reporter mRNA. By applying this approach to ribosome stalls caused by amino acid starvation in the bacteriumEscherichia coli, we find that our measurements are quantitatively inconsistent with two widely used kinetic models for stalled ribosomes: ribosome traffic jams that block initiation, and abortive (premature) termination of stalled ribosomes. To account for this discrepancy, we consider a model in which collision from a trailing ribosome causes abortive termination of the stalled ribosome. This collision-stimulated abortive termination model provides a better fit to measured protein synthesis rates from our reporter library, and is consistent with observed ribosome densities near stall sites. Analysis of this model further predicts that ribosome collisions can selectively stimulate abortive termination of stalled ribosomes without fine-tuning of kinetic rate parameters. Thus ribosome collisions may serve as a robust timer for translational quality control pathways to recognize stalled ribosomes.
microRNA target prediction programs predict many false positives
Authors: Pinzón Natalia , Li Blaise , Martinez Laura , Sergeeva Anna , Presumey Jessy , Apparailly Florence , Seitz Hervé
Published: November 2016

According to the current view, each microRNA regulates hundreds of genes. Computational tools aim at identifying microRNA targets, usually selecting evolutionarily conserved microRNA binding sites. While the false positive rates have been evaluated for some prediction programs, that information is rarely put forward in studies making use of their predictions. Here, we provide evidence that such predictions are often biologically irrelevant. Focusing on miR-223-guided repression, we observed that it is often smaller than inter-individual variability in gene expression among wild-type mice, suggesting that most predicted targets are functionally insensitive to that microRNA. Furthermore, we found that human haplo-insufficient genes tend to bear the most highly conserved microRNA binding sites. It thus appears that biological functionality of microRNA binding sites depends on the dose-sensitivity of their host gene and that, conversely, it is unlikely that every predicted microRNA target is dose-sensitive enough to be functionally regulated by microRNAs. We also observed that some mRNAs can efficiently titrate microRNAs, providing a reason for microRNA binding site conservation for inefficiently repressed targets. Finally, many conserved microRNA binding sites are conserved in a microRNA-independent fashion: Sequence elements may be conserved for other reasons, while being fortuitously complementary to microRNAs. Collectively, our data suggest that the role of microRNAs in normal and pathological conditions has been overestimated due to the frequent overlooking of false positive rates.
Behavioral mechanisms of context fear generalization in mice
Authors: Huckleberry Kylie A. , Ferguson Laura B. , Drew Michael R.
Published: November 2016

There is growing interest in generalization of learned contextual fear, driven in part by the hypothesis that mood and anxiety disorders stem from impaired hippocampal mechanisms of fear generalization and discrimination. However, there has been relatively little investigation of the behavioral and procedural mechanisms that might control generalization of contextual fear. We assessed the relative contribution of different contextual features to context fear generalization and characterized how two common conditioning protocols—foreground (uncued) and background (cued) contextual fear conditioning—affected context fear generalization. In one experiment, mice were fear conditioned in context A, and then tested for contextual fear both in A and in an alternate context created by changing a subset of A's elements. The results suggest that floor configuration and odor are more salient features than chamber shape. A second experiment compared context fear generalization in background and foreground context conditioning. Although foreground conditioning produced more context fear than background conditioning, the two procedures produced equal amounts of generalized fear. Finally, results indicated that the order of context tests (original first versus alternate first) significantly modulates context fear generalization, perhaps because the original and alternate contexts are differentially sensitive to extinction. Overall, results demonstrate that context fear generalization is sensitive to procedural variations and likely reflects the operation of multiple interacting psychological and neural mechanisms.
Stable, long-term, spatial memory in young and aged rats achieved with a one day Morris water maze training protocol
Authors: Barrientos Ruth M. , Kitt Meagan M. , D'Angelo Heather M. , Watkins Linda R. , Rudy Jerry W. , Maier Steven F.
Published: November 2016

Here, we present data demonstrating that a 1 d Morris water maze training protocol is effective at producing stable, long-term spatial memory in both young (3 mo old) and aged (24 mo old) F344xBN rats. Four trials in each of four sessions separated by a 2.5 h ISI produced robust selective search for the platform 1 and 4 d after training, in both age groups. A 1 h ISI protocol did not produce good retention. Also, compressing the trials into just two sessions separated by a 2.5 h ISI produced limited retention in only young rats.
β‐eudesmol suppresses allergic reactions via inhibiting mast cell degranulation
Authors: Han Na‐Ra , Moon Phil‐Dong , Ryu Ka‐Jung , Jang Jae‐Bum , Kim Hyung‐Min , Jeong Hyun‐Ja
Published: November 2016

The regulatory effect of β‐eudesmol, which is an active constituent of Pyeongwee‐San (KMP6), is evaluated for allergic reactions induced by mast cell degranulation. Phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187‐stimulated human mast cell line, HMC‐1 cells, and compound 48/80‐stimulated rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) are used as the in vitro models; mice models of systemic anaphylaxis, ear swelling, and IgE‐dependent passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) are used as the in vivo allergic models. The results demonstrate that β‐eudesmol suppressed the histamine and tryptase releases from the PMA plus calcium ionophore A23187‐stimulated HMC‐1 cells. β‐eudesmol inhibits the expression and activity of histidine decarboxylase in the activated HMC‐1 cells. In addition, β‐eudesmol inhibits the levels of histamine and tryptase released from the compound 48/80‐stimulated RPMCs. Furthermore, β‐eudesmol decreases the intracellular calcium level in the activated RPMCs. β‐eudesmol also decreases the compound 48/80‐induced mortality and ear swelling response. β‐eudesmol suppresses the serum levels of histamine, IgE, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐13, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) under PCA mice as well as PCA reactions. Therefore, the results from this study indicate the potential of β‐eudesmol as an anti‐allergic drug with respect to its pharmacological properties against mast cell‐mediated allergic reactions.
Disentangling patient and public involvement in healthcare decisions: why the difference matters
Authors: Fredriksson Mio , Tritter Jonathan Q.
Published: November 2016

Patient and public involvement has become an integral aspect of many developed health systems and is judged to be an essential driver for reform. However, little attention has been paid to the distinctions between patients and the public, and the views of patients are often seen to encompass those of the general public. Using an ideal‐type approach, we analyse crucial distinctions between patient involvement and public involvement using examples from Sweden and England. We highlight that patients have sectional interests as health service users in contrast to citizens who engage as a public policy agent reflecting societal interests. Patients draw on experiential knowledge and focus on output legitimacy and performance accountability, aim at typical representativeness, and a direct responsiveness to individual needs and preferences. In contrast, the public contributes with collective perspectives generated from diversity, centres on input legitimacy achieved through statistical representativeness, democratic accountability and indirect responsiveness to general citizen preferences. Thus, using patients as proxies for the public fails to achieve intended goals and benefits of involvement. We conclude that understanding and measuring the impact of patient and public involvement can only develop with the application of a clearer comprehension of the differences.
Death Caused by Hepatodiaphragmatic Interposition of the Colon
Authors: Fomin Dmitrij , Baranauskaitė Vilma , Laima Sigitas , Jasulaitis Algimantas , Petroška Donatas
Published: November 2016

Hepatodiaphragmatic interposition of the colon is a rare, usually asymptomatic, anomaly and is typically an incidental radiologic finding. There are few cases in the literature describing the symptomatic form of the condition, known as Chilaiditi syndrome. In some cases, it may be accompanied by various severe complications. If symptoms are present, usually conservative treatment is given. However, conservative treatment only addresses the symptoms but does not prevent their recurrence and possible complications. Our present report shows that this anomaly may not only cause symptoms, but may also progress and cause severe complications, in our case—megacolon leading to right heart failure and, ultimately, death. To date, however, there have been no literature reports of death caused by colonic interposition. Therefore, it is important to draw attention to the importance of this anomaly and its appropriate diagnosis and treatment to ensure the most favorable patient outcomes.
Taphonomic Analysis of Rodentia and Lagomorpha Bone Gnawing Based Upon Incisor Size
Authors: Pokines James T. , Sussman Rachel , Gough Megan , Ralston Claira , McLeod Elizabeth , Brun Karen , Kearns Aisling , Moore Tara L.
Published: November 2016

Rodent and lagomorph species have a worldwide distribution and have the potential to alter remains from forensic cases by gnawing soft tissue and bones and through dispersal. The present research compiled metric data on the incisors widths of all rodent and lagomorph species whose ranges include Massachusetts, U.S.A., to compare their sizes to gnawing damage found on 17 cases of human remains from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Boston, MA. Data on gnawing maximum striation widths also were collected from live laboratory, zoo, and wild specimens. Gnawing damage on the forensic cases could be attributed only to a particular size class of rodent or lagomorph, and identification to a particular species based on gnawing damage alone may be possible only in relatively rare cases. Multiple species examined here have broad distribution ranges, so their taphonomic alterations may impact bones from forensic cases throughout large portions of North America.
Multimethod Resolution of a Small‐Scale Case of Commingling
Authors: Finlayson Janet E. , Bartelink Eric J. , Perrone Alexandra , Dalton Kevin
Published: November 2016

This study highlights the use of multiple methods for resolving a case of commingled human remains. Skeletal remains were located in a marijuana field in rural northern California by law enforcement. Although initially buried in shallow graves, the remains of two decedents were disturbed by large carnivores and scattered over a wide area. The remains were submitted by law enforcement for forensic anthropological analysis and resolution of commingling. To segregate the remains of the two individuals, a number of methods were employed, including: (i) physical matching of fragmented remains; (ii) articulation to evaluate joint congruence; (iii) visual pair‐matching of bilateral elements; (iv) osteometric pair‐matching; (v) evaluation of taphonomic patterns; (vi) DNA analysis; and (vii) portable X‐ray spectrometry (pXRF). This multimethod approach resulted in accurate resolution of the commingling and facilitated reconstruction of the biological profiles, taphonomic patterns, and trauma analysis for each individual.
Proximal End Root Morphology Characteristics in Antemortem Anagen Head Hairs
Authors: Roberts Katherine A. , Garcia Lino R. , De Forest Peter R.
Published: November 2016

The proximal end morphology of antemortem anagen head hair was compared with the characteristics documented to occur in postmortem hairs. Antemortem anagen and telogen head hairs (N = 967) were recovered following exposure to seven environments. Root morphology characteristics consistent with those reported in postmortem hairs were observed in 66 (14%) hairs exposed to a water, normal saline, outdoor soil, or indoor shower environment. Thirty‐three anagen hairs (7%) exhibited a root band at the proximal end. The mean distance from the root tip to the onset of the root band ranged from 0.23 to 0.7 mm, depending on the environment. The mean distance from the root tip to the onset of the root band was 0.46 mm, with a mean band length of 0.44 mm. The results illustrate the need to better characterize postmortem banding through quantitative measurements, including the range for root tip to band distance and the overall band length.
Color Stability of Dental Restorative Materials Submitted to Heat Sources, for Forensic Purposes
Authors: Biancalana Roberto Cesar , Vicente Sergio Augusto de Freitas , Alves da Silva Ricardo Henrique , Pires‐de‐Souza Fernanda de Carvalho Panzeri
Published: November 2016

During postmortem examination of the dental arches of carbonized victims, dental restorative materials may be found. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat source action on the color stability of composite resin (CR) and glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorations, to discriminate between them and compare with antemortem dental data. Sixty bovine teeth (30 CR and 30 GIC) were prepared (6 × 6 × 2 mm) and separated into groups (n = 10). The color readouts were taken by spectrophotometer, before and after heat action (100°C, 200°C, 300°C), in an oven for 15 min. There were color alterations for all coordinates (ΔE, ΔL*, Δa* eΔb*) for both materials. GIC presented greater change. The authors concluded that it is possible to distinguish between the materials by the color changes analyzed by instrumental method, helping victim identification.
Use of intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay in primary hyperparathyroidism: A selective approach
Authors: Chick Wai‐Keung , Tai Dora K.C. , Shek Anthony C.C. , Tang Philip L.F.
Published: November 2016

Aim

The routine use of intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay (IOPTH) in minimally‐invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) for primary hyperparathyroidism has been questioned. In the present study, we selectively employed IOPTH only to cases that did not show concordant results in sestamibi scan, ultrasound and operative findings.

Patients and Methods

A total of 100 patients received MIP with selective use of IOPTH for primary hyperparathyroidism from March 2006 to June 2015 (selective IOPTH group). These patients were compared with a historical cohort of 57 patients who received MIP with mandatory IOPTH between March 2002 and February 2006 (mandatory IOPTH group). For the selective IOPTH group, all cases had preoperative sestamibi scan and ultrasound performed. If there were concordant results in the sestamibi scan, ultrasound and operative findings, IOPTH would not be performed. The surgical cure rate and operative time of the two groups were compared.

Results

We found no significant difference in the surgical cure rate between the selective IOPTH group and the mandatory IOPTH group (short‐term, 6‐month postoperative cure rate: 99 vs 100 per cent, respectively, P = 1.0; long‐term cure rate: 99.0 vs 98.2 per cent, P = 1.0). However, the operative time was significantly shorter in the selective IOPTH group when compared with the mandatory IOPTH group (64 vs 92 min, respectively, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

MIP can be performed with selective use of IOPTH, which can be limited to cases where there are discordant results between sestamibi scan, ultrasound and operative findings.
Elective adult inguinal hernia repair in public hospitals in Hong Kong: Changes within a decade
Authors: Wong Kenny Che‐Yung , Lam Jaden Chun‐Ho , Lau Gloria Siu‐Pik
Published: November 2016

Aim

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the secular changes over a decade in the elective operation of adult inguinal hernias and the outcome key performance indicators in public hospitals in Hong Kong.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective analysis of 11 012 adult patients (≥18 years old) undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair in Hong Kong public hospitals from January 2012 to December 2014 was performed by extracting aggregated patient data via the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System, closely following that of a previous study published 10 years ago in Surgical Practice.

Results

The mean age of the present study was 3 years older at 66.7 ± 13.1 years, but laparoscopic patients were 8 years younger than open repair patients (60.9 ± 12 vs 68.4 ± 12.9 years, P < 0.001). The male‐to‐female ratio stayed high at 24:1. The overall laparoscopic rate had increased from 10.5 to 23 per cent. Preoperative, postoperative and total length of stay were longer in the open group than the laparoscopic group. The overall day patient rate had risen from 17.4 to 23.3 per cent (P < 0.001). Hospital mortality stayed low at 0.05 per cent. The emergency re‐admission rate within 28 days after discharge was increased for both laparoscopic (from 1.9 to 2.8 per cent, P = 0.157) and open repair (from 3.3 to 5.9 per cent, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The rate of laparoscopic approach had doubled in the past decade, but open repair was still the mainstay of treatment. The day patient rate slightly rose. Despite the increasing age of patients being operated on, the hospital mortality remained low. However, a significantly higher emergency re‐admission rate for open repair was found.
Dynamic auction environment with subcontracting
Authors: Jeziorski Przemyslaw , Krasnokutskaya Elena
Published: November 2016

This article provides evidence on the role of subcontracting in the auction‐based procurement setting with private cost variability and capacity constraints. We demonstrate that subcontracting allows bidders to modify their costs realizations in a given auction as well as to control their future costs by reducing backlog accumulation. Restricting access to subcontracting raises procurement costs for an individual project by 12% and reduces the number of projects completed in equilibrium by 20%. The article explains methodological and market design implications of subcontracting availability.
Regulation and welfare: evidence from paragraph IV generic entry in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Branstetter Lee , Chatterjee Chirantan , Higgins Matthew J.
Published: November 2016

This article estimates welfare effects of accelerated generic entry via Paragraph IV challenges. Using data from 2000–2008 for hypertension drugs in the United States, we estimate demand using a random‐coefficients logit model. We find consumers gain $42 billion whereas producers lose $32.5 billion from entry. This modest $9.5 billion gain in social welfare is consistent with our observation that overall consumption does not increase after entry—generic sales displace branded sales, shifting surplus downstream from producers to consumers, insurance companies, and retailers. We demonstrate significant cross‐molecular substitution and discuss challenges in determining what fraction of downstream surplus actually goes to consumers.
Comparison of capture and storage methods for aqueous macrobial eDNA using an optimized extraction protocol: advantage of enclosed filter
Authors: Spens Johan , Evans Alice R. , Halfmaerten David , Knudsen Steen W. , Sengupta Mita E. , Mak Sarah S. T. , Sigsgaard Eva E. , Hellström Micaela
Published: November 2016

Aqueous environmental DNA (eDNA) is an emerging efficient non‐invasive tool for species inventory studies. To maximize performance of downstream quantitative PCR (qPCR) and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) applications, quality and quantity of the starting material is crucial, calling for optimized capture, storage and extraction techniques of eDNA. Previous comparative studies for eDNA capture/storage have tested precipitation and ‘open’ filters. However, practical ‘enclosed’ filters which reduce unnecessary handling have not been included. Here, we fill this gap by comparing a filter capsule (Sterivex‐GP polyethersulfone, pore size 0·22 μm, hereafter called SX) with commonly used methods.

Our experimental set‐up, covering altogether 41 treatments combining capture by precipitation or filtration with different preservation techniques and storage times, sampled one single lake (and a fish‐free control pond). We selected documented capture methods that have successfully targeted a wide range of fauna. The eDNA was extracted using an optimized protocol modified from the DNeasy® Blood & Tissue kit (Qiagen). We measured total eDNA concentrations and Cq‐values (cycles used for DNA quantification by qPCR) to target specific mtDNA cytochrome b (cyt b) sequences in two local keystone fish species.

SX yielded higher amounts of total eDNA along with lower Cq‐values than polycarbonate track‐etched filters (PCTE), glass fibre filters (GF) or ethanol precipitation (EP). SX also generated lower Cq‐values than cellulose nitrate filters (CN) for one of the target species. DNA integrity of SX samples did not decrease significantly after 2 weeks of storage in contrast to GF and PCTE. Adding preservative before storage improved SX results.

In conclusion, we recommend SX filters (originally designed for filtering micro‐organisms) as an efficient capture method for sampling macrobial eDNA. Ethanol or Longmire's buffer preservation of SX immediately after filtration is recommended. Preserved SX capsules may be stored at room temperature for at least 2 weeks without significant degradation. Reduced handling and less exposure to outside stress compared with other filters may contribute to better eDNA results. SX capsules are easily transported and enable eDNA sampling in remote and harsh field conditions as samples can be filtered/preserved on site.
Diagnostic Performance of Wells Score Combined With Point‐of‐care Lung and Venous Ultrasound in Suspected Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Nazerian Peiman , Volpicelli Giovanni , Gigli Chiara , Becattini Cecilia , Sferrazza Papa Giuseppe Francesco , Grifoni Stefano , Vanni Simone ,   the Ultrasound Wells Study Group
Published: November 2016

Objective

Lung and venous ultrasound are bedside diagnostic tools increasingly used in the early diagnostic approach of suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). However, the possibility of improving the conventional prediction rule for PE by integrating ultrasound has never been investigated.

Methods

We performed lung and venous ultrasound in consecutive patients suspected of PE in four emergency departments. Conventional Wells score (Ws) was adjudicated by the attending physician, and ultrasound was performed by one of 20 investigators. Signs of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) at venous ultrasound and signs of pulmonary infarcts or alternative diagnoses at lung ultrasound were considered to recalculate two items of the Ws: signs and symptoms of DVT and alternative diagnosis less likely than PE. The diagnostic performances of the ultrasound‐enhanced Ws (USWs) and Ws were then compared after confirmation of the final diagnosis.

Results

A total of 446 patients were studied. PE was confirmed in 125 patients (28%). USWs performed significantly better than Ws, with a sensitivity of 69.6% versus 57.6% and a specificity of 88.2% versus 68.2%. In combination with D‐dimer, USWs showed an optimal failure rate (0.8%) and a significantly superior efficiency than Ws (32.3% vs. 27.2%). A strategy based on lung and venous ultrasound combined with D‐dimer would allow to avoid CT pulmonary angiography in 50.5% of patients with suspected PE, compared to 27.2% when the rule without ultrasound is applied.

Conclusions

A pretest risk stratification enhanced by ultrasound of lung and venous performs better than Ws in the early diagnostic process of PE.
Binge Ethanol Consumption Increases Inflammatory Pain Responses and Mechanical and Cold Sensitivity: Tigecycline Treatment Efficacy Shows Sex Differences
Authors: Bergeson Susan E. , Blanton Henry , Martinez Joseph M. , Curtis David C. , Sherfey Caitlyn , Seegmiller Brandon , Marquardt Patrick C. , Groot Jessica A. , Allison Clayton L. , Bezboruah Christian , Guindon Josée
Published: November 2016

Background

Physicians have long reported that patients with chronic pain show higher tendencies for alcohol use disorder (AUD), and AUD patients appear to have higher pain sensitivities. The goal of this study was to test 2 hypotheses: (i) binge alcohol consumption increases inflammatory pain and mechanical and cold sensitivities; and (ii) tigecycline is an effective treatment for alcohol‐mediated‐increased pain behaviors and sensitivities. Both female and male mice were used to test the additional hypothesis that important sex differences in the ethanol (EtOH)‐related traits would be seen.

Methods

“Drinking in the Dark” (DID) alcohol consuming and nondrinking control, female and male, adult C57BL/6J mice were evaluated for inflammatory pain behaviors and for the presence of mechanical and cold sensitivities. Inflammatory pain was produced by intraplantar injection of formalin (10 μl, 2.5% in saline). For cold sensation, a 20 μl acetone drop was used. Mechanical withdrawal threshold was measured by an electronic von Frey anesthesiometer. Efficacy of tigecycline (80 mg/kg i.p.) to reduce DID‐related pain responses and sensitivity was tested.

Results

DID EtOH consumption increased inflammatory pain behavior, while it also produced sustained mechanical and cold sensitivities in both females and males. Tigecycline produced antinociceptive effects in males; a pro‐nociceptive effect was seen in females in the formalin test. Likewise, the drug reduced both mechanical and cold sensitivities in males, but females showed an increase in sensitivity in both tests.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that binge drinking increases pain, touch, and thermal sensations in both sexes. In addition, we have identified sex‐specific effects of tigecycline on inflammatory pain, as well as mechanical and cold sensitivities. The development of tigecycline as an AUD pharmacotherapy may need consideration of its pro‐nociceptive action in females. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanism underlying the sex‐specific differences in nociception.
A randomized trial of brief dialectical behaviour therapy skills training in suicidal patients suffering from borderline disorder
Authors: McMain Shelley F. , Guimond Tim , Barnhart Ryan , Habinski Liat , Streiner David L.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Evidence‐based therapies for borderline personality disorder (BPD) are lengthy and scarce. Data on brief interventions are limited, and their role in the treatment of BPD is unclear. Our aim was therefore to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of brief dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills training as an adjunctive intervention for high suicide risk in patients with BPD.

Method

Eighty‐four out‐patients were randomized to 20 weeks of DBT skills (n = 42) or a waitlist (WL; n = 42). The primary outcome was frequency of suicidal or non‐suicidal self‐injurious (NSSI) episodes. Assessments were conducted at baseline 10, 20 and 32 weeks.

Results

DBT participants showed greater reductions than the WL participants on suicidal and NSSI behaviours between baseline and 32 weeks (P < 0.0001). DBT participants showed greater improvements than controls on measures of anger, distress tolerance and emotion regulation at 32 weeks.

Conclusions

This abbreviated intervention is a viable option that may be a useful adjunctive intervention for the treatment of high‐risk behaviour associated with the acute phase of BPD.