bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interventional Nephrology in Brazil: Current and Future Status
Authors: Nascimento Marcelo M. , Chula Domingos , Campos Rodrigo , Nascimento Daniel , Riella Miguel C.
Published: March 2006

The care of chronic kidney disease patients frequently involves many diagnostic and interventional procedures. Most of these procedures are currently performed by radiologists, vascular surgeons, and general surgeons. This has caused fragmented medical care, which has led many nephrologists to introduce a new paradigm, often referred as interventional nephrology (IN). The aim of this study was to establish the extent of involvement of the Brazilian nephrology community with regard to specific IN procedures. From October 2004 to February 2005, questionnaires were sent by e‐mail to all 2500 nephrologists throughout Brazil. The enrollment questionnaire was composed of five sections, with questions about renal biopsy, specific training in ultrasonography, peritoneal dialysis access (insertion of peritoneal catheters guided or not by peritoneoscopy), hemodialysis vascular access (ability to place tunneled catheters, construction of arteriovenous fistulas, and other vascular access procedures), and the nephrologist's interest in being trained in IN. A total of 239 nephrologists answered the questionnaire. Only 18% of Brazilian nephrologists perform kidney biopsy guided by ultrasonography assisted by a radiologist. On the other hand, 42% of them reported that this procedure was done without any image support. Most of the respondents (85%) indicated that they were not formally trained to perform renal ultrasonography. When asked about peritoneal dialysis catheter placement, 66% of the respondents reported that they referred their patients to a surgeon for this procedure. The insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheters guided by peritoneoscopy was reported by 3% of the respondents. Similar to the results for peritoneal dialysis catheter placement, the majority of the respondents (77%) indicated no training in the insertion of tunneled catheters for temporary hemodialysis. Regarding the interest of nephrologists to participate in an IN program, the great majority (87%) responded that they would like to be trained in these procedures. Most nephrologists are not trained in IN procedures. Therefore, in Brazil, it will be necessary to develop training centers for IN that will allow nephrologists to optimize nephrology care.
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF A PHOSPHATE‐REGULATED CELL‐SURFACE PROTEIN FROM THE COCCOLITHOPHORID, EMILIANIA HUXLEYI (PRYMNESIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Landry Dori M. , Gaasterland Terry , Palenik Brian P.
Published: March 2006

Emiliania huxleyi (Lohmann) Hay et Mohler is a cosmopolitan coccolithophorid that is known to be an excellent competitor for phosphate. A previous survey of cell‐surface proteins induced by phosphorus limitation in strain CCMP 374 yielded three abundant proteins. Using CCMP 1516, the strain chosen for genome sequence determination, we report the cDNA, genomic, and amino acid sequence of one cell‐surface phosphorus‐limitation induced protein and evidence that a second protein is highly similar. The introns within the genomic DNA encoding this cell‐surface protein as well as those defined by other phosphate‐regulated expressed sequence tags are analyzed. As these proteins are the most abundant cell‐surface proteins present under phosphorus limitation, they likely have a role in the ability of this organism to compete for phosphate.
Effects of Ethanol on Adenosine 5′‐Triphosphate–Gated Purinergic and 5‐Hydroxytryptamine3Receptors
Authors: Davies Daryl L. , Asatryan Liana , Kuo Sacha T. , Woodward John J. , King Brian F. , Alkana Ronald L. , Xiao Cheng , Ye Jiang Hong , Sun Hui , Zhang Li , Hu Xiang‐Qun , Hayrapetyan Volodya , Lovinger David M. , Machu Tina K.
Published: March 2006

This report of the proceedings of a symposium presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism highlights the actions of ethanol on purinergic (P2XRs) and 5‐hydroxytryptamine3(5‐HT3Rs) receptors. Both P2XRs and 5‐HT3Rs, are modulated by pharmacologically relevant concentrations of ethanol, with inhibition or stimulation of P2XR subtypes and stimulation of 5‐HT3Rs, respectively. With regard to ethanol‐modulatory actions, these 2 distinctly different receptor classes have been studied to a much lesser extent than other LGICs. The organizers and chairs were Daryl L. Davies and Tina K. Machu. John J. Woodward discusses the molecular pharmacology and physiology of P2XRs and 5‐HT3Rs and sets the stage for a detailed investigation into the ethanol sensitivity of these channels by the invited speakers. Daryl L. Davies discusses the results from recent electrophysiological studies conducted in his and Dr. Woodward's laboratories, highlighting the actions of ethanol on P2XR subtypes. Jiang‐Hong Ye discusses results from recent studies using loose‐patch and whole‐cell recordings on purinergic receptors expressed on neurons from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in rats. Tina K. Machu discusses electrophysiological studies conducted in her and Dr. David Lovinger's laboratories on nonpore lining residues of the second transmembrane domain (TM2) of the 5‐HT3Areceptor. Li Zhang presents data demonstrating that F‐actin cytoskeletons play a critical role in 5‐HT3receptor clustering in hippocampal neurons. Collectively, the presentations provided strong evidence that P2X and 5‐HT3receptors are important targets for ethanol action.
Understanding How the Brain Perceives Alcohol: Neurobiological Basis of Ethanol Discrimination
Authors: Hodge Clyde W. , Grant Kathleen A. , Becker Howard C. , Besheer Joyce , Crissman Alicia M. , Platt Donna M. , Shannon Erin E. , Shelton Keith L.
Published: March 2006

Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms that regulate how the brain perceives the intoxicating effects of alcohol is highly relevant to understanding the development and maintenance of alcohol addiction. The basis for the subjective effects of intoxication can be studied in drug discrimination procedures in which animals are trained to differentiate the presence of internal stimulus effects of a given dose of ethanol (EtOH) from its absence. Research on the discriminative stimulus effects of psychoactive drugs has shown that these effects are mediated by specific receptor systems. In the case of alcohol, action mediated through ionotropic glutamate,γ‐aminobutyric acid, and serotonergic receptors concurrently produce complex, or multiple, basis for the discriminative stimulus effects of EtOH. These receptor systems may contribute differentially to the discriminative stimulus effects of EtOH based on the EtOH dose, species differences, physiological states, and genetic composition of the individual. An understanding of the receptor mechanisms that mediate the discriminative stimulus effects of EtOH can be used to develop medications aimed at decreasing the subjective effects associated with repeated intoxication. The goal of this symposium was to present an overview of recent findings that highlight the neurobiological mechanisms of EtOH's subjective effects and to suggest the relevance of these discoveries to both basic and clinical alcohol research.
Alcohol Biomarker Screening in Medical and Surgical Settings
Authors: Miller Peter M. , Spies Claudia , Neumann Tim , Javors Martin A. , Hoyumpa A. M. , Roache John , Webb Amy , Kashi Maryam , Sharkey Francis E. , Anton Raymond F. , Egan Brent M. , Basile Jan , Nguyen Shaun , Fleming Michael F. , Dillie Kathryn Sullivan
Published: March 2006

This article highlights the proceedings of a symposium presented at the 28th Annual Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism in Santa Barbara, CA, on June 28, 2005, organized and chaired by Peter Miller. The presentations included (1) Screening for Alcohol Use Disorders in Surgical and Trauma Patients, presented by Claudia Spies; (2) Are Serum Levels of %CDT and GGT Related to Severity of Liver Biopsy Inflammation, Fibrosis, and Steatohepatitis in Patients with Hepatitis C? by Martin Javors; (3) Biochemical Alcohol Screening in the Treatment of Hypertension, presented by Peter Miller; and (4) The Cost‐Effectiveness of a New Biomarker, CDT, in a Primary Care Sample, by Michael Fleming. Presentations were discussed by Raymond Anton.
Predicting Risky Drinking Outcomes Longitudinally: What Kind of Advance Notice Can We Get?
Authors: Zucker Robert A. , Wong Maria M. , Clark Duncan B. , Leonard Kenneth E. , Schulenberg John E. , Cornelius Jack R. , Fitzgerald Hiram E. , Homish Gregory G. , Merline Alicia , Nigg Joel T. , O'Malley Patrick M. , Puttler Leon I.
Published: March 2006

This paper summarizes the proceedings of a symposium presented at the 2005 Research Society on Alcoholism meeting in Santa Barbara, California, that spans the interval from toddlerhood to early middle adulthood and addresses questions about how far ahead developmentally we can anticipate alcohol problems and related substance use disorder and how such work informs our understanding of the causes and course of alcohol problems and alcohol use disorder. The context of these questions both historically and developmentally is set by Robert Zucker in an introductory section. Next, Maria Wong and colleagues describe the developmental trajectories of behavioral and affective control from preschool to early adolescence in a high risk for alcoholism longitudinal study and demonstrate their ability to predict alcohol and drug outcomes in adolescence. Duncan Clark and Jack Cornelius follow with a report on the predictive utility of parental disruptive behavior disorders in predicting onset of alcohol problems in their adolescent offspring in late adolescence. Next, Kenneth Leonard and Gregory Homish report on adult development study findings relating baseline individual, spouse, and peer network drinking indicators at marriage onset that distinguish different patterns of stability and change in alcohol problems over the first 2 years of marriage. In the final paper, John Schulenberg and colleagues, utilizing national panel data from the Monitoring the Future Study, which cover the 18‐ to 35‐year age span, show how trajectories of alcohol use in early adulthood predict differential alcohol abuse and dependence outcomes at age 35. Finally, Robert Zucker examines the degree to which the core symposium questions are answered and comments on next step research and clinical practice changes that are called for by these findings.
Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Impaired Control over Substance Use
Authors: Martin Christopher S. , Fillmore Mark T. , Chung Tammy , Easdon Craig M. , Miczek Klaus A.
Published: March 2006

This article presents the proceedings of a symposium held at the June 2005 meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism in Santa Barbara, California. Impaired control over substance use has long been considered a central feature of alcohol and drug dependence. However, much remains to be learned about the nature of impaired control, the mechanisms by which acute and chronic substance use can lead to impaired control, and how this construct is best assessed in the laboratory and the clinic. The goal of this symposium was to describe current perspectives on impaired control over alcohol and drug use from diverse research areas, to promote future multidisciplinary work in this area. Four speakers described their work on impaired control using human clinical samples (Dr. Chung), animal models (Dr. Miczek), experimental laboratory paradigms in humans (Dr. Fillmore), and neuroimaging studies (Dr. Easdon). Taken together, the talks highlighted the heterogeneous nature of constructs such as impaired inhibitory control, and patterns of impulsive and compulsive substance use. Future clinical and experimental research should attempt to carefully define and measure particular aspects of impaired control and to seek insights from other disciplines.
Understanding Alcohol Expectancy Effects: Revisiting the Placebo Condition
Authors: Testa Maria , Fillmore Mark T. , Norris Jeanette , Abbey Antonia , Curtin John J. , Leonard Kenneth E. , Mariano Kristin A. , Thomas Margaret C. , Nomensen Kim J. , George William H. , VanZile‐Tamsen Carol , Livingston Jennifer A. , Saenz Christopher , Buck Philip O. , Zawacki Tina , Parkhill Michele R. , Jacques Angela J. , Hayman Lenwood W.
Published: March 2006

This article summarizes a symposium organized and cochaired by Maria Testa and presented at the 2005 Annual Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism, in Santa Barbara, California. The symposium explored issues relevant to understanding the function of placebo conditions and to interpreting placebo effects. Cochair Mark Fillmore began with an overview of the use of placebo conditions in alcohol research, focusing on methodological issues. Jeanette Norris and her colleagues conducted a review of studies examining placebo conditions among women. They conclude that expectancy effects are limited to a few domains. Maria Testa and Antonia Abbey presented papers suggesting that placebo manipulations may result in unanticipated compensatory effects in actual or hypothetical social situations. That is, placebo participants may compensate for anticipated cognitive impairment through vigilant attention to situational cues. John Curtin's research suggests that the compensatory strategies of placebo participants appear to involve a sensitization of evaluative control, resulting in improved performance. Kenneth Leonard provided concluding remarks on the meaning of placebo effects and the value of placebo conditions in research.
From Blue States to Up States: A Regional View of NMDA–Ethanol Interactions
Authors: Woodward John J. , Ron Dorit , Winder Danny , Roberto Marisa
Published: March 2006

This article summarizes the proceedings of a symposium at the 2005 Research Society on Alcoholism Meeting in Santa Barbara, California, organized and cochaired by John J. Woodward and Dorit Ron. The purpose of the symposium was to discuss recent findings that extend our understanding of the importance of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor as a target for ethanol action in the brain. These receptors are ligand‐gated ion channels that are activated by the neurotransmitter glutamate and are critically involved in many forms of synaptic plasticity including those associated with learning and memory. In the first presentation, Dorit Ron presented data showing how activation of Fyn or Src tyrosine kinases differentially regulated the cell surface expression and activity of NR2A and NR2B containing NMDA receptors. Danny Winder discussed the effects of ethanol on NMDA receptor–dependent long‐term potentiation in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a brain region associated with the interaction between stress and drug/alcohol use. In the third presentation, Marisa Roberto described adaptations in the expression and function of NMDA receptors in the central nucleus of the amygdala following chronic exposure to ethanol. Finally, John Woodward described the effects of ethanol on the activity of neurons in deep layers of the prefrontal cortex using a novel slice coculture preparation.
A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Atypical Antipsychotics in Patients with Psychological and Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia
Authors: Carson Susan , McDonagh Marian S. , Peterson Kim
Published: March 2006

Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved atypical antipsychotics for use in patients with dementia, they are commonly prescribed in this population. Recent concerns about increased risk of cerebrovascular events and mortality have led to warnings. A systematic review was conducted to assess the benefits and harms of atypical antipsychotics when used in patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Electronic searches (through March 2005) of the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO were supplemented with hand searches of reference lists, dossiers submitted by pharmaceutical companies, and a review of the FDA Website and industry‐sponsored results database. Using predetermined criteria, each study was assessed for inclusion, and data about study design, population, interventions, and outcomes were abstracted. An overall quality rating (good, fair, or poor) was assigned based on internal validity.

The evidence for olanzapine and risperidone supports their effectiveness compared with placebo. Short‐term adverse events were similar to placebo. Risperidone had no advantage over haloperidol on efficacy measures in the better‐quality studies. Risperidone had an advantage over haloperidol on some measures of extrapyramidal symptoms. Evidence for the other atypical antipsychotics is too limited to assess efficacy and safety. Trials were short term and conducted in highly selected populations.

The potential for increased risk of cerebrovascular adverse events and mortality is a serious concern. To make judgments about when the benefits of atypical antipsychotics outweigh the potential harms, clinicians need more information. Additional data from existing trials and more‐complete reporting of trial results could provide this information.
Lower Extremity Physical Performance and Use of Compensatory Strategies for Mobility
Authors: Hoenig Helen , Ganesh Shanti Portia , Taylor Donald H. , Pieper Carl , Guralnik Jack , Fried Linda P.
Published: March 2006

OBJECTIVES: To compare measured lower extremity physical performance in the clinic with the methods used to carry out mobility tasks at home and to identify key factors influencing day‐to‐day task performance.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional analysis of the Women's Health and Aging Study I.

SETTING: Community‐dwelling female residents of Baltimore, Maryland.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand two cognitively intact women aged 65 and older with moderate to severe physical limitations.

MEASUREMENTS: Compensatory strategies reportedly used for mobility in the home, distinguishing between use of no compensatory strategies, behavioral changes only, durable medical equipment (DME) with or without behavioral change, and human help; measured lower extremity (LE) physical performance (gait speed, timed chair stands, balance).

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in LE physical performance between women using the four types of compensatory strategy (P<.001). Women who used DME for mobility in the home had worse performance than those using human help who in turn had worse performance than those with behavioral changes only; women reporting no compensatory strategies for in‐home mobility performed best. Sequential multivariate logistic regressions identified several factors other than LE physical performance that were associated with use of specific compensatory strategies. Medical conditions, education, and environmental barriers influenced whether compensatory strategies were used at all, whereas income, contact with health providers, and availability of help in the home influenced the type of compensatory strategy.

CONCLUSION: Physical abilities are an important factor influencing use of compensatory strategies for mobility, but several other factors also influence the ways that women adapt to mobility limitations.
Memory Complaint Is Not Necessary for Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Does Not Predict 10‐Year Trajectories of Functional Disability, Word Recall, or Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire Limitations
Authors: Purser Jama L. , Fillenbaum Gerda G. , Wallace Robert B.
Published: March 2006

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence and utility of memory complaint in a geographically representative cohort and, in cases with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), to determine whether memory complaint alters 10‐year trajectories of disability in activities of daily living (ADLs), Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) score, and 20‐item word recall.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Washington and Iowa counties, Iowa.

PARTICIPANTS: Iowa Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (N=3,673; aged ≥65; 61.3% female; 99.9% white).

MEASUREMENTS: Age, sex, education, SPMSQ score, 20‐item word recall, ADL or instrumental ADL disability, and chronic medical conditions.

RESULTS: The prevalence of memory complaint was 34%. Although proportionally more cognitively impaired individuals were in the memory complaint group (34% vs 27%), the pattern of subclassification into cognitively intact and MCI Stage 1 and 2 subgroups was similar for people with and without memory complaint. Median SPMSQ score and number of words recalled at baseline were comparable across memory complaint categories in each subgroup. MCI participants without subjective memory complaint constituted a larger proportion of the overall sample than individuals with subjective memory complaint (460 (14%) vs 295 (8.9%)) and of persons objectively classified as having MCI (61% vs 39%). The distribution of individual 10‐year change in ADL disability, SPMSQ score, and word recall were similar for those with and without memory complaint across all subgroups of cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSION: Memory complaint is not necessary for MCI diagnosis and does not distinguish cases with different progression rates in disability or cognitive impairment. 2006.
Rates of Acute Care Admissions for Frail Older People Living with Met Versus Unmet Activity of Daily Living Needs
Authors: Sands Laura P. , Wang Yun , McCabe George P. , Jennings Kristofer , Eng Catherine , Covinsky Kenneth E.
Published: March 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether older people who do not have help for their activity of daily living (ADL) disabilities are at higher risk for acute care admissions and whether entry into a program that provides for these needs decreases this risk.

DESIGN: A longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING: Thirteen nationwide sites for the Program of All‐inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). PACE provides comprehensive medical and long‐term care to community‐living older adults.

PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand nine hundred forty‐three PACE enrollees with one or more ADL dependencies.

MEASUREMENTS: Unmet needs were defined as the absence of paid or unpaid assistance for ADL disabilities before PACE enrollment. Hospital admissions in the 6 months before PACE enrollment and acute admissions in the first 6 weeks and the 7th through 12th weeks after enrollment were determined.

RESULTS: Those who lived with unmet ADL needs before enrollment were more likely to have a hospital admission before PACE enrollment (odds ratio (OR)=1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01–1.63) and an acute admission in the first 6 weeks after enrollment (OR=1.45, 95% CI=1.00–2.09) but not after 6 weeks of receiving PACE services (OR=0.86, 95% CI=0.53–1.40).

CONCLUSION: Frail older people who live without needed help for their ADL disabilities have higher rates of admissions while they are living with unmet ADL needs but not after their needs are met. With state governments under increasing pressure to develop fiscally feasible solutions for caring for disabled older people, it is important that they be aware of the potential health consequences of older adults living without needed ADL assistance.
Insurability and Mitigation of Flood Losses in Private Households in Germany
Authors: Thieken Annegret H. , Petrow Theresia , Kreibich Heidi , Merz Bruno
Published: March 2006

In Germany, flood insurance is provided by private insurers as a supplement to building or contents insurance. This article presents the results of a survey of insurance companies with regard to eligibility conditions for flood insurance changes after August 2002, when a severe flood caused 1.8 billion euro of insured losses in the Elbe and the Danube catchment areas, and the general role of insurance in flood risk management in Germany. Besides insurance coverage, governmental funding and public donations played an important role in loss compensation after the August 2002 flood. Therefore, this article also analyzes flood loss compensation, risk awareness, and mitigation in insured and uninsured private households. Insured households received loss compensation earlier. They also showed slightly better risk awareness and mitigation strategies. Appropriate incentives should be combined with flood insurance in order to strengthen future private flood loss mitigation. However, there is some evidence that the surveyed insurance companies do little to encourage precautionary measures. To overcome this problem, flood hazards and mitigation strategies should be better communicated to both insurance companies and property owners.
Modeling of Boundary Porosity Formation in Laser Melting and Re‐Solidification of Ceramics
Authors: Triantafyllidis Dimitrios , Li Lin , Stott Howard
Published: March 2006

Laser melting and re‐solidification has been used to densify and homogenize ceramic surfaces, leading to increased high‐temperature corrosion and erosion resistance. Although complete sealing of pores can be achieved on the surface, pores have been observed in the boundary between the laser‐treated zone and the untreated bulk. This paper investigates the mechanisms of pore formation and the various factors affecting it. A simple analytical model that predicts the maximum final pore diameter and location along the treated zone/untreated bulk boundary is derived, in terms of the materials properties and the processing parameters. Experimental investigations for a range of processing speeds and power densities have verified the model predictions, identifying the effects of processing speed and laser power density on the maximum pore diameter.
Porous SiC Ceramics Derived from Tailored Wood‐Based Fiberboards
Authors: Herzog Andreas , Vogt Ulrich , Kaczmarek Oliver , Klingner Raoul , Richter Klaus , Thoemen Heiko
Published: March 2006

Specific modification of properties such as porosity and pore size of engineered wood‐based source material enables the custom design of porous wood‐derived SiC that is produced by carbothermal reduction between the carbonized wood‐based material and an infiltrated silica sol. In contrast to bulk wood, the anisotropic shrinkage of the source material is less distinctive and can be controlled. Furthermore, the obtained structural properties of the material are isotropic. Material processing and properties of the wood‐derived ceramic material are described in this paper.
Formation of Metastable Rare‐Earth Iron Garnet by Splat Quenching
Authors: Nagashio Kosuke , Yamaguchi Okie , Hibiya Taketoshi , Kuribayashi Kazuhiko
Published: March 2006

The droplet with NdxSm3−xFe5O12composition was undercooled in an aerodynamic levitator and splat quenched by copper anvils in order to obtain a metastable garnet with a solubility limit larger than the phase equilibrium solubility limit,x=0.375, for the NdxSm3−xFe5O12system. The peaks of the garnet were identified with the peaks of the perovskite by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), although the peak intensity for the garnet decreased with increasing the Nd substitution fromx=0.43 to 0.2, and finally disappeared atx=2.2. When the garnet was annealed at 1570 K for 24 h in air, it transformed into a mixture of perovskite and hematite, which indicates that the garnet obtained was the metastable phase. Moreover, the amorphous phase was found in the central part of all the samples even atx=2.2, which was confirmed by micro‐focus XRD. The formation of the constituent phases in the as‐quenched sample was discussed using a continuous cooling transformation diagram.
Identification of Acer rubrum Using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism*
Authors: Bless Christine , Palmeter Heather , Wallace Margaret M.
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT: Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis of botanical forensic evidence provides a means of obtaining a reproducible DNA profile in a relatively short period of time in species for which no sequence information is available. AFLP profiles were obtained for 40 Acer rubrum trees. Leaf material from five additional species was also typed. Genomic DNA was isolated using the DNeasy Plant Miniprep Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA), double‐digested by two restriction endonucleases (EcoRI and MseI) and ligated to oligonucleotide adapters. Two consecutive PCR reactions (pre‐amplification and selective amplification) were performed using a modification of the AFLP protocol described by Gibco (Invitrogen, Rockville, MD). The DNA fragments were separated by capillary electrophoresis using the CEQ 8000 DNA Fragment Analyzer. A number of Acer rubrum species‐specific peaks were identified. In addition, within this closed set of samples, 15 of 16 (93.8%) blind samples were correctly identified. AFLP data can be used to determine the species of botanical evidence or to associate a sample to a source. This information can be used in forensic investigations to link a piece of evidence with a particular location or suspect.
Detection of Visible and Latent Fingerprints Using Micro‐X‐ray Fluorescence Elemental Imaging*
Authors: Worley Christopher G. , Wiltshire Sara S. , Miller Thomasin C. , Havrilla George J. , Majidi Vahid
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT: Using micro‐X‐ray fluorescence (MXRF), a novel means of detecting fingerprints was examined in which the prints were imaged based on their elemental composition. MXRF is a nondestructive technique. Although this method requires a priori knowledge about the approximate location of a print, it offers a new and complementary means for detecting fingerprints that are also left pristine for further analysis (including potential DNA extraction) or archiving purposes. Sebaceous fingerprints and those made after perspiring were detected based on elements such as potassium and chlorine present in the print residue. Unique prints were also detected including those containing lotion, saliva, banana, or sunscreen. This proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates the potential for visualizing fingerprints by MXRF on surfaces that can be problematic using current methods.
Capillary Electrophoretic Analysis of Phosphorus Species in Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratory Samples
Authors: Knops Lori A. , Northrop David M. , Person Eric C.
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT:   The clandestine manufacture of methamphetamine is a spreading epidemic. Manufacturing methods are constantly changing, necessitating the implementation of new analytical tools to identify materials from these labs. Characterization of phosphate, phosphite, and hypophosphite ions is necessary to distinguish the various phosphorus–iodine manufacturing methods that are popular methods for reducing pseudoephedrine to methamphetamine. This work describes a capillary electrophoresis method to separate acetate, azide, bromide, carbonate, chlorate, chloride, chromate, fluoride, hypophosphite, iodide, nitrate, nitrite, perchlorate, phosphate, phosphite, sulfate, sulfite, and thiocyanate. The CElixerOA™ 8.2 dynamic coating system was modified by lowering the capillary temperature to 15°C and using an acid flush between runs to remove adsorbed materials. This allows detection of ions down to between 10 and 30 parts per million with percent relative standard deviations of normalized migration times under 0.1%. This method is a valuable tool for the characterization of phosphate, phosphite, and hypophosphite in routine analysis of clandestine methamphetamine manufacturing evidence and has a broader application in other areas of forensic analysis.
Facial Soft Tissue Thicknesses in Australian Adult Cadavers*
Authors: Domaracki Monica , Stephan Carl N.
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT: Craniofacial identification methods heavily rely on the knowledge of average soft tissue depths. This study measured soft tissue thicknesses of an Australian cadaver sample (N=33) using published needle puncture techniques at 13 anatomical locations. Data were compared and contrasted with other studies that used essentially identical samples and methods. Full descriptive statistics were calculated for measurements made in this study and means, medians, and modes were reported. Differences between mean values for males and females were found to be minimal (2.2 mm or less) and considerable overlap was found between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the soft tissue depths of the sexes (P>0.05). These findings indicate that differences between male and female soft tissue depths are of little practical significance for craniofacial identification and, therefore, data (means, standard deviations, and sample sizes) reported for Australians were pooled across the sexes and the studies. Although these new pooled means have increased statistical power, data distributions at some landmarks were skewed and thus emphasis is placed on median and modes reported for this study rather than upon the collapsed data means.
Juvenile Sex Offenders: a Complex Population
Authors: Andrade Joel T. , Vincent Gina M. , Saleh Fabian M.
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT: Individuals who engage in sexual offending behavior represent a heterogeneous population. Recent research has found some success in categorizing sexual offenders based on a number of variables, particularly the type of victim. For example, differences have been found between those offenders who victimize adults when compared with those who victimize children. However, the research in this area has been conducted predominantly with adult samples. As the adult sex offender literature has progressed, it has become evident that risk assessment, treatment effectiveness, and risk management are dependent on such offender characteristics. Unfortunately, the relevance to juveniles of characteristics deemed to be important with adult sex offenders is limited due to the complexity of developmental processes, particularly with respect to mental disorders and personality formation. As such, the formulation and implementation of treatment and risk management strategies that will be effective with juvenile sex offenders are challenging. The goal of this paper is to review some of the complexities inherent in the juvenile sex offender population by focusing on specific areas of complication, including: classification systems, comorbid paraphilias and other mental illnesses, and maladaptive personality traits.
Quantitation of Human Genomic DNA Through Amplification of the Amelogenin Locus*
Authors: Allen Robert W. , Fuller Valerie Mattimore
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT: An alternate method for quantitation of human genomic DNA is presented. Quantitative template amplification technology (abbreviated “Q‐TAT”) estimates the quantity of human DNA present in an extract by comparing fluorescence in X and Y amplicons produced from unknowns with fluorescence in a standard curve amplified from known quantities of reference DNA. Q‐TAT utilizes PCR and electrophoresis with fluorescent detection/quantitation, precluding the need for new instrumentation, methodology, or quality assurance associated with slot‐blot or real‐time PCR. In a comparison study incorporating shared samples, Q‐TAT was found to be more sensitive than widely used slot‐blot methods but somewhat less sensitive than real‐time PCR. Among samples containing DNA concentrations ranging from 100 pg/μL to 2–4 ng/μL, Q‐TAT produced DNA concentration estimates that agreed reasonably well with either Quantiblot® or real‐time PCR. Q‐TAT was reproducible with a typical coincidence of variation of about 35%. Quantitation of human DNA in this study involved summing fluorescence in X and Y amplicons in unknowns and quantitation standards. However, analyzing fluorescence in X and Y amplicons individually could allow estimates of male and female DNA present in mixtures to be made. Moreover, since X and Y amplicons exhibit sizes of 210 and 216 bp, respectively, the integrity as well as the concentration of the genomic DNA template can be assessed. Q‐TAT represents an alternate method useful for the quantitation of human genomic DNA prior to amplification of STR loci used for identity testing purposes. The method uses existing equipment and procedures in conjunction with a well‐characterized DNA standard to produce concentration estimates for unknowns that reliably produce STR profiles suitable for analysis.
Lessons Learned from Large‐scale Comparative Dental Analysis Following the South Asian Tsunami of 2004
Authors: Kieser Jules A. , Laing Wayne , Herbison Peter
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to examine the quality of the ante‐(AM) and postmortem (PM) dental data that were submitted for entry into the PLASSdata system in Phuket, Thailand, following the Boxing Day (December 26) Tsunami, 2004. The investigators were two forensic odontlogists who were part of the New Zealand Disaster Victim Identification team that worked at Wat YangYao morgue and at the Information Management Center in Phuket. Our findings underline the usefulness of dental data in human identification, but point to a number of significant sources of error. Of the 78 PM records received, only 68% of radiographs and 49% of photos confirmed the accompanying dental charting. This underlines the value, particularly of photographs of the dental arches, in quality control. It also points to a large error component, which may have been due to inexperience of the operators, fatigue, poor conditions in the temporary morgue, or the problem of tooth‐colored fillings. Of the 106 AM records received, 62% were of unacceptable quality and 64% were either not accompanied by radiographs or had poor quality radiographs. These results indicate that AM data collection ideally needs to be collated and checked by a forensically trained dentist(s) in the country of origin.
Development and Validation of the AmpFℓSTR® Yfiler™ PCR Amplification Kit: A Male Specific, Single Amplification 17 Y‐STR Multiplex System*
Authors: Mulero Julio J. , Chang Chien Wei , Calandro Lisa M. , Green Robert L. , Li Yixin , Johnson Cassie L. , Hennessy Lori K.
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT: In the past 5 years, there has been a substantial increase in the use of Y‐short tandem repeat loci (Y‐STRs) in forensic laboratories, especially in cases where typing autosomal STRs has met with limited success. The AmpFℓSTR® Yfiler™ PCR amplification kit simultaneously amplifies 17 Y‐STR loci including the loci in the “European minimal haplotype” (DYS19, DYS385a/b, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, and DYS393), the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) recommended Y‐STR loci (DYS438 and DYS439), and the highly polymorphic loci DYS437, DYS448, DYS456, DYS458, Y GATA H4, and DYS635 (formerly known as Y GATA C4). The Yfiler™ kit was validated according to the FBI/National Standards and SWGDAM guidelines. Our results showed that full profiles are attainable with low levels of male DNA (below 125 pg) and that under optimized conditions, no detectable cross‐reactive products were obtained on human female DNA, bacteria, and commonly encountered animal species. Additionally, we demonstrated the ability to detect male specific profiles in admixed male and female blood samples at a ratio of 1:1000.
A Distant‐Range, Suicidal Shotgun Wound of the Back
Authors: Durak Dilek , Fedakar Recep , Türkmen Nursel
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT:The case being reported is one of a shotgun fatality with a thoracic back wound. A 23‐year‐old man was shot from a distance with trajectories going from back to front and on a nearly horizontal level. These findings observed in the autopsy could represent homicide, but scene investigation and police records were interpreted and it became clear that the case was suicide. Thus, this case shows that the determination of the manner of death requires a careful forensic investigation including autopsy findings, scene investigation, and reconstruction of the events.
Postmortem Tissue Distribution of Atomoxetine Following Fatal and Nonfatal Doses—Three Case Reports
Authors: Garside Diana , Ropero‐Miller Jeri D. , Riemer Ellen C.
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT: Atomoxetine (Strattera®, Lilly) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) prescribed for the treatment of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults. It is the first nonstimulant drug‐therapy option for ADHD. Three case reports are presented in which atomoxetine was detected in two individuals who died from causes unrelated to the drug and a third from the intentional ingestion of atomoxetine and other drugs. In addition, a brief description of the pharmacokinetics and side effects of atomoxetine are given. Postmortem fluid and tissue concentrations of atomoxetine were as follows: aortic blood, <0.1–8.3 mg/L; femoral blood, 0.33–5.4 mg/L; vitreous humor, 0.1–0.96 mg/L; bile, 1.0–33 g/L; urine, <0.1 mg/L; liver, <0.44–29 mg/kg; and gastric contents, 0.0097–16.8 mg total. Autopsy findings in the two cases in which death was not attributed to drug toxicity included arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The analytical method utilized was a modified basic drug, liquid–liquid procedure followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and nitrogen phosphorous detection. Atomoxetine can be considered nontoxic at whole blood and liver concentrations below 1.3 mg/L and 5 mg/kg, respectively.
Resuscitation Injuries Complicating the Interpretation of Premortem Trauma and Natural Disease in Children
Authors: Plunkett John
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT: Minor soft tissues injuries are common in both adults and children who have had cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Potentially life‐threatening injuries are rare. The pre‐arrest history in a resuscitated adult often assists the pathologist to interpret autopsy findings. In contrast, an infant or child may not have a reliable history. In this situation, it may be difficult if not impossible to distinguish resuscitation injuries from pre‐existing accidental or inflicted trauma. I describe two children who had significant autopsy‐documented injuries initially attributed to abuse. The State filed murder charges against the caretaker in each case. However, further history and review of the medical records suggested that resuscitation rather than pre‐arrest trauma caused almost all of the injuries. The State dismissed the charges in the first case. A jury returned a “not guilty” verdict in the second. It is essential to consider the entire history and not just autopsy findings when performing a death investigation.
A Large‐Scale Study of the Relationship Between Blood and Breath Alcohol Concentrations in New Zealand Drinking Drivers*
Authors: Gainsford Allan R. , Fernando Dinusha M. , Lea Rodney A. , Stowell Allan R.
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT: Blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) and corresponding breath alcohol concentrations (BrAC) were determined for 21,582 drivers apprehended by New Zealand police. BAC was measured using headspace gas chromatography, and BrAC was determined with Intoxilyzer 5000 or Seres Ethylometre infrared analysers. The delay (DEL) between breath testing and blood sampling ranged from 0.03 to 5.4 h. BAC/BrAC ratios were calculated before and after BAC values were corrected for DEL using 19 mg/dL/h as an estimate of the blood alcohol clearance rate. Calculations were performed for single and duplicate breath samples obtained using the Intoxilyzer (groups I‐1 and I‐2) and Seres devices (groups S‐1 and S‐2). Before correction for DEL, BAC/BrAC ratios for groups I‐1, I‐2, S‐1, and S‐2 were (mean±SD) 2320±260, 2180±242, 2330±276, and 2250±259, respectively. After BAC values were adjusted for DEL, BAC/BrAC ratios for these groups were (mean±SD) 2510±256, 2370±240, 2520±280, and 2440±260, respectively. Our results indicate that in New Zealand the mean BAC/BrAC ratio is 19–26% higher than the ratio of the respective legal limits (2000).
Aqua‐Eroticum: An Unusual Autoerotic Fatality in a Lake Involving a Home‐Made Diving Apparatus
Authors: Sauvageau Anny , Racette Stéphanie
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT: The term Aqua‐eroticum was first introduced in 1984 by Sivaloganathan to describe the unusual autoerotic death of a man using submersion as an asphyxia method. This was the first case of that kind, and since then, no other case of autoerotic submersion has been reported, nor other autoerotic fatality in open water. Here we report the case of a 25‐year‐old man, nude under a home‐made plastic body suit, overdressed for the season with winter clothes and restrained by complex bondage. He was submersed, tied underwater to a boat and was using a home‐made diving apparatus for air supply. Death was ruled as accidental autoerotic asphyxia from rebreathing, caused by the faulty air‐supply device.
Genetic Polymorphism at 15 Tetrameric Short Tandem Repeat Loci in Four Aboriginal Tribal Populations of Bengal
Authors: Singh Anamika , Trivedi R. , Kashyap V. K.
Published: March 2006

POPULATIONS: This study reports the genetic polymorphism observed at 15 short tandem repeat loci D3S1358, TH01, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, CSF1PO, vWA, D8S1179, TPOX, D2S1338, D19S433, and FGA in four aboriginal populations of Bengal. The analysis was performed to decipher the suitability of CODIS as well as six other highly polymorphic and unlinked markers in Forensic Testing. Studied populations include four tribes: Karmali, Kora, Maheli, and Lodha.
Genetic Profile of Nine Autosomal STR Loci Among Halakki and Kunabhi Populations of Karnataka, India
Authors: Thangaraj Kumarasamy , Chaubey Gyaneshwer , Singh Vijay Kumar , Reddy Alla G. , Pavate P. P. , Singh Lalji
Published: March 2006

POPULATION: Blood samples were collected from a total of 84 healthy and unrelated Halakki (44) and Kunabhi (40) populations, with their informed written consent. The geographic location of the sampled area is shown in Fig. 1. Both the populations are endogamous, and they belong to Dravidian linguistic family. Halakki is a tribal group having a population size of approximately 3383. They claim that they originally belong to Gujarat and Rajasthan, and migrated through Andhra Pradesh to Karnataka. Kunabhi is also a tribal population, who are approximately 35,214 in number. The male Kunabhi can be identified by their tattoo marks. A necklace is the symbol of married women. They were hunters and gatherers, but at present they practice agriculture.

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Black teeth: beauty or caries prevention? Practice and beliefs of the Kammu people
Authors: Tayanin Gisela Ladda , Bratthall Douglas
Published: March 2006

Abstract –  Background:  To be beautiful and caries‐free, Kammu women in Laos and Vietnam habitually paint their teeth black. Although this practice existed for many generations, it is now known only among the elderly.

Objectives:  To describe how the tooth‐blackening procedure is performed and to test the black stain for possible antimicrobial effects in laboratory experiments.

Methods:  Information on how to blacken teeth was obtained by interviewing groups of elderly Kammu people living in different villages in Laos and Vietnam. Water extracts of the stain were placed in wells in agar plates and the plates incubated with Streptococcus mutans or S. sobrinus. The stain was also let such that it covered half of the strip test‐side of the Dentocult SM® Strip Mutans test kit and incubated with saliva from five persons known to carry mutans streptococci in their saliva.

Results:  Interviews revealed that three plants were commonly used: Dracontomelon dao nuts (DD nuts), Cratoxylum formosum (CF) wood or Croton cascarilloides (CC) wood. The parts (nut, wood) were burned and soot collected on metal plates. The fresh soot, which had a viscous consistency, was applied to teeth with the index finger. Extracts of soot of the DD nuts had no effect on the streptococci on agar plates but inhibited the growth of salivary mutans streptococci on strips. Controls using soot from birch tree (Betula pendula) had no effect.

Conclusions:  The procedure was simple and resulted in black, beautiful (?) teeth. The soot of DD nuts effectively inhibited growth of salivary mutans streptococci in in vitro experiments.