bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliable and Robust Molecular Sexing of the Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) Using PCR‐RFLP Analysis of the CHD 1 Gene
Authors: Henderson Anique , Lee Christine Michelle , Mistry Vanisha , Thomas Martin Derek , Iyengar Arati
Published: December 2012

The hen harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a bird of prey that is persecuted in the United Kingdom, and there is a need for a DNA‐based individual identification and sexing system for the use in forensic investigations. This study reports a new set of PCR primers for the chromo‐helicase‐DNA‐binding protein 1 gene, which allows sexing using PCR‐RFLP. Instead of exonic primers that amplify across a large intron, this set consists of a primer within the intron, enabling reduction in amplicon sizes from 356 to 212 bp and 565 to 219 bp in W and Z chromosomes. DNA degradation and dilution experiments demonstrate that this set is significantly more robust than one that amplifies across the intron, and sequencing of the intronic primer‐binding region across several individuals shows that it is highly conserved. While our objective is to incorporate this primer set into an STR‐based individualization kit, it may in the meantime prove useful in forensic or conservation studies.
Forces Required for a Knife to Penetrate a Variety of Clothing Types
Authors: Nolan Gary , Hainsworth Sarah V. , Rutty Guy N.
Published: December 2012

In stabbing incidents, it is usual for the victim to be clothed and therefore a knife penetrates both clothes and skin. Clothes (other than leather) have been thought to make little difference to the penetration force. However, there is little quantitative data in the literature. In this study, a range of clothes have been tested, either singly or in layers of, for example, T‐shirt and shirt, to quantify the additional force required when clothes are present. A materials testing system has been used to test the penetration force required to stab through clothes into a foam–silicone rubber skin simulant. The results show that the force required can be significantly different, particularly when layers of clothing are penetrated. A cotton t‐shirt adds c. 8 N to the penetration force, while a T‐shirt and jacket can add an additional 21 N. The results allow a more quantitative assessment of forces required in stabbing.
Comparison of Protocols for Measuring and Calculating Postmortem Submersion Intervals for Human Analogs in Fresh Water
Authors: Humphreys Michael K. , Panacek Edward , Green William , Albers Elizabeth
Published: December 2012

Protocols for determining postmortem submersion interval (PMSI) have long been problematic for forensic investigators due to the wide variety of factors affecting the rate of decomposition of submerged carrion. Likewise, it has been equally problematic for researchers to develop standardized experimental protocols to monitor underwater decomposition without artificially affecting the decomposition rate. This study compares two experimental protocols: (i) underwater in situ evaluation with photographic documentation utilizing the Heaton et al. total aquatic decomposition (TAD) score and (ii) weighing the carrion before and after submersion. Complete forensic necropsies were performed as a control. Perinatal piglets were used as human analogs. The results of this study indicate that in order to objectively measure decomposition over time, the human analog should be examined at depth using the TAD scoring system rather than utilizing a carrion weight evaluation. The acquired TAD score can be used to calculate an approximate PMSI.
Utility of a Grief Services Program for Medical Examiners' Offices
Authors: Berry Ryan S. , Aurelius Michelle B. , Barickman Nancy , Lathrop Sarah L.
Published: December 2012

Medical examiner/coroner's (ME/C) offices investigate sudden, violent, and unexpected deaths, leaving those close to the deceased suffering traumatic loss with little in terms of support and counseling. We investigated a grief services program (GSP) at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) to better understand the needs of bereaved individuals, identify the services provided, and propose our findings as a model for others. A total of 1085 contacts occurred over 1 year, with the majority occurring at OMI (60.5%), followed by telephone (23.1%). Support was primarily provided to those suffering a loss due to homicide (28.8%) and suicide (26.1%). The roles grief counselors play in the setting of a GSP and ME/C office are multiple. Given the frequent utilization of OMI's GSP and diverse reasons for visits, it is apparent there is a need for GSPs at ME/C offices, particularly given the traumatic nature of deaths investigated by ME/Cs.
Fatal Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Antipsychotic Medication
Authors: Ely Susan F. , Neitzel Amber R. , Gill James R.
Published: December 2012

Hyperglycemia and new onset diabetes have been described with certain antipsychotic medications and some of the initial presentations are fatal diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). We report 17 deaths due toDKAin psychiatric patients treated with second generation antipsychotic medications. Death certificates and toxicology data were searched forDKAand hyperglycemia. We reviewed the medical examiner records which included the autopsy, toxicology, police, and medical examiner investigators' reports. The decedents ranged in age from 32 to 57 years (average 48 years). There were 15 men and two women. The immediate cause of death wasDKAin all. The psychiatric disorders included: 10 schizophrenia, three bipolar/schizophrenia, two bipolar, and two major depression. The most frequent atypical antipsychotic medications found were quetiapine and olanzapine followed by risperidone. In 16 deaths, we considered the medication as primary or contributory to the cause of death.
The Spatial Distribution of Postblast RDX Residue: Forensic Implications
Authors: Abdul‐Karim Nadia , Morgan Ruth , Binions Russell , Temple Tracey , Harrison Karl
Published: December 2012

Locating exactly where trace explosive residue samples should be sought during sample collection at bomb scenes is not specified in the published literature or guidelines; in this area, it is generally acknowledged that forensic practices are based on tradition rather than evidence. This study investigated patterns in the spatial distribution of postblast 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazocyclohexane residue from a series of unconfined detonations, over a range of sampling sites, and at two different detonation heights. The amount of residue recovered from the sites decreased as a function of distance from the center of the explosion. [Correction added after online publication 27 December 2012: In the preceding sentence, “increased” was corrected to “decreased” to agree with the conclusion of the article.] As the height of the detonations increased, more residues were found from all sampling sites. The findings of this empirical study have a number of important practical implications including determining where residue samples are best sought at crime scenes.
Contributory and Incidental Blood Concentrations in Deaths Involving Citalopram
Authors: Darke Shane , Torok Michelle , Duflou Johan
Published: December 2012

All cases presenting to the New South Wales Department of Forensic Medicine between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2010 in which citalopram was detected were retrieved. A total of 348 cases were identified. Citalopram contributed to death in 21.0%, and was incidental in 79.0%. Cases in which citalopram was contributory to death had significantly higher blood citalopram concentrations than incidental cases (0.50 mg/L vs. 0.30 mg/L). Citalopram concentrations varied significantly by contributory status: sole citalopram toxicity (median = 1.30 mg/L), citalopram/other drug toxicity (0.50 mg/L), and incidental cases (0.30 mg/L). Citalopram concentrations also varied by suicide status, with the highest concentration found in suicides where citalopram contributed to death (0.70 mg/L) compared with 0.50 mg/L for nonsuicide cases where citalopram contributed to death. In almost all contributory cases (69/73), other psychoactive substances were also detected, most commonly benzodiazepines (47.9%), alcohol (45.2%), and opioids (40.1%).
Using Paint to Investigate Fires: An ATR‐IR Study of the Degradation of Paint Samples Upon Heating
Authors: Roberts Kelly , Almond Matthew J. , Bond John W.
Published: December 2012

Fire investigation is a challenging area for the forensic investigator. The aim of this work was to use spectral changes to paint samples to estimate the temperatures to which a paint has been heated. Five paint samples (one clay paint, two car paints, one metallic paint, and one matt emulsion) have been fully characterized by a combination of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐IR), Raman, X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy and powder X‐ray diffraction. The thermal decomposition of these paints has been investigated by means of ATR‐IR and thermal gravimetric analysis. Clear temperature markers are observed in the ATR‐IR spectra namely: loss of ν(C = O) band, >300°C; appearance of water bands on cooling, >500°C; alterations to ν(Si–O) bands due to dehydration of silicate clays, >700°C; diminution of ν(CO3) and δ(CO3) modes of CaCO3, >950°C. We suggest the possible use of portable ATR‐IR for nondestructive, in situ analysis of paints.
SEM and Stereomicroscopic Analysis of Cut Marks in Fresh and Burned Bone
Authors: Kooi Rebecca J. , Fairgrieve Scott I.
Published: December 2012

This study documents the prevalence of cut mark characteristics in fresh and burned domestic pig ribs. Stab wounds from single edge serrated and smooth‐edged knives were inflicted in the vertebral and sternal regions of each fresh rib. Each rack of ribs was then divided into vertebral and sternal units. Vertebral units were defleshed and their associated cut marks were examined using a stereomicroscope. Sternal units were burned in an outdoor fire pit and examined with the addition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Linear cuts, V‐shaped cross‐sections, mounding, hinge fractures, and wastage were all observed on burned ribs. There was an overall decrease in the prevalence of all features (up to a 40% decrease), regardless of knife type, in burned ribs. Striations within cut marks were not observed in either fresh or burned ribs. Oblique faulting and bone lifts could only be observed using the SEM. Mounding and wastage were obliterated during the burning process. Therefore, cut marks in burned bone should ideally be examined for their characteristics utilizing an SEM.
The potential of effector‐target genes in breeding for plant innate immunity
Authors: Gawehns Fleur , Cornelissen Ben J. C. , Takken Frank L. W.
Published: December 2012

Increasing numbers of infectious crop diseases that are caused by fungi and oomycetes urge the need to develop alternative strategies for resistance breeding. As an alternative for the use of resistance (R) genes, the application of mutant susceptibility (S) genes has been proposed as a potentially more durable type of resistance. Identification of S genes is hampered by their recessive nature. Here we explore the use of pathogen‐derived effectors as molecular probes to identify S genes. Effectors manipulate specific host processes thereby contributing to disease. Effector targets might therefore represent S genes. Indeed, the Pseudomonas syringae effector HopZ2 was found to target MLO2, an Arabidopsis thaliana homologue of the barley S gene Mlo. Unfortunately, most effector targets identified so far are not applicable as S genes due to detrimental effects they have on other traits. However, some effector targets such as Mlo are successfully used, and with the increase in numbers of effector targets being identified, the numbers of S genes that can be used in resistance breeding will rise as well.
BOLDMirror: a global mirror system of DNA barcode data
Authors: Liu D. , Liu L. , Guo G. , Wang W. , Sun Q. , Parani M. , Ma J.
Published: December 2012

DNA barcoding is a novel concept for taxonomic identification using short, specific genetic markers and has been applied to study a large number of eukaryotes. The huge amount of data output generated by DNA barcoding requires well‐organized information systems. Besides the Barcode of Life Data system (BOLD) established in Canada, the mirror system is also important for the international barcode of life project (iBOL). For this purpose, we developed the BOLDMirror, a global mirror system of DNA barcode data. It is open‐sourced and can run on the LAMP (Linux + Apache + MySQL + PHP) environment. BOLDMirror has data synchronization, data representation and statistics modules, and also provides spaces to store user operation history. BOLDMirror can be accessed at http://www.boldmirror.net and several countries have used it to setup their site of DNA barcoding.
DNA barcoding applied to ex situ tropical amphibian conservation programme reveals cryptic diversity in captive populations
Authors: Crawford Andrew J. , Cruz Catalina , Griffith Edgardo , Ross Heidi , Ibáñez Roberto , Lips Karen R. , Driskell Amy C. , Bermingham Eldredge , Crump Paul
Published: December 2012

Amphibians constitute a diverse yet still incompletely characterized clade of vertebrates, in which new species are still being discovered and described at a high rate. Amphibians are also increasingly endangered, due in part to disease‐driven threats of extinctions. As an emergency response, conservationists have begun ex situ assurance colonies for priority species. The abundance of cryptic amphibian diversity, however, may cause problems for ex situ conservation. In this study we used a DNA barcoding approach to survey mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in captive populations of 10 species of Neotropical amphibians maintained in an ex situ assurance programme at El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center (EVACC) in the Republic of Panama. We combined these mtDNA sequences with genetic data from presumably conspecific wild populations sampled from across Panama, and applied genetic distance‐based and character‐based analyses to identify cryptic lineages. We found that three of ten species harboured substantial cryptic genetic diversity within EVACC, and an additional three species harboured cryptic diversity among wild populations, but not in captivity. Ex situ conservation efforts focused on amphibians are therefore vulnerable to an incomplete taxonomy leading to misidentification among cryptic species. DNA barcoding may therefore provide a simple, standardized protocol to identify cryptic diversity readily applicable to any amphibian community.
Gene expression profile of mouse white adipose tissue during inflammatory stress: age‐dependent upregulation of major procoagulant factors
Authors: Starr Marlene E. , Hu Yanling , Stromberg Arnold J. , Carmical Joseph R. , Wood Thomas G. , Evers B. Mark , Saito Hiroshi
Published: December 2012

Tolerance to physiological stress resulting from inflammatory disease decreases significantly with age. High mortality rates, increased cytokine production, and pronounced thrombosis are characteristic complications of aged mice with acute systemic inflammation induced by injection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). As adipose tissue is now recognized as an important source of cytokines, we determined the effects of aging on visceral white adipose tissue gene expression during LPS‐induced inflammation in male C57BL/6 mice. Microarray analysis revealed that the expression of 6025 genes was significantly changed by LPS; of those, the expression of 667 showed an age‐associated difference. Age‐associated differences were found in many genes belonging to the inflammatory response and blood clotting pathways. Genes for several procoagulant factors were upregulated by LPS; among these, tissue factor, thrombospondin‐1, and plasminogen activator inhibitors‐1 and ‐2, exhibited age‐associated increases in expression which could potentially contribute to augmented thrombosis. Further analysis by qRT–PCR, histological examination, and cell fraction separation revealed that most inflammatory and coagulant‐related gene expression changes occur in resident stromal cells rather than adipocytes or infiltrating cells. In addition, basal expression levels of 303 genes were altered by aging, including increased expression of component of Sp100‐rs (Csprs). This study indicates that adipose tissue is a major organ expressing genes for multiple inflammatory and coagulant factors and that the expression of many of these is significantly altered by aging during acute inflammation. Data presented here provide a framework for future studies aimed at elucidating the impact of adipose tissue on age‐associated complications during sepsis and systemic inflammation.
Quantification of in vivo oxidative damage in Caenorhabditis elegans during aging by endogenous F3‐isoprostane measurement
Authors: Labuschagne Christiaan F. , Stigter Edwin C. A. , Hendriks Margriet M. W. B. , Berger Ruud , Rokach Joshua , Korswagen Hendrik C. , Brenkman Arjan B.
Published: December 2012

Oxidative damage is thought to be a major cause in development of pathologies and aging. However, quantification of oxidative damage is methodologically difficult. Here, we present a robust liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) approach for accurate, sensitive, and linear in vivo quantification of endogenous oxidative damage in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, based on F3‐isoprostanes. F3‐isoprostanes are prostaglandin‐like markers of oxidative damage derived from lipid peroxidation by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Oxidative damage was quantified in whole animals and in multiple cellular compartments, including mitochondria and peroxisomes. Mutants of the mitochondrial electron transport proteins mev‐1 and clk‐1 showed increased oxidative damage levels. Furthermore, analysis of Superoxide Dismutase (sod) and Catalase (ctl) mutants uncovered that oxidative damage levels cannot be inferred from the phenotype of resistance to pro‐oxidants alone and revealed high oxidative damage in a small group of chemosensory neurons. Longitudinal analysis of aging nematodes revealed that oxidative damage increased specifically with postreproductive age. Remarkably, aging of the stress‐resistant and long‐lived daf‐2 insulin/IGF‐1 receptor mutant involved distinct daf‐16‐dependent phases of oxidative damage including a temporal increase at young adulthood. These observations are consistent with a hormetic response to ROS.
Shifts in Discriminative Control with Increasing Periods of Recovery in the Rat
Authors: Ginsburg Brett C. , Lamb Richard J.
Published: December 2012

Background

During recovery from alcoholism, other behavior likely increases. The development of alternative behavior may reduce attention to alcohol‐associated stimuli. This could result in greater persistence of the alternative behavior when individuals again encounter alcohol‐associated stimuli that might precipitate relapse. Developing animal models of this process could facilitate a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in relapse and recovery. However, current preclinical models of recovery and relapse rarely measure alternative behavior. Thus, our objective was to establish a procedure in rats in which an increase in alternative behavior (responding for food) reduced responding for ethanol (EtOH). The amount of responding for food and EtOH was then assessed after re‐exposure to the alcohol‐associated stimulus after varying the number of preceding sessions of increased responding for food and reduced responding for EtOH. These results were compared with those from a parallel group responding for saccharin solution instead of EtOH.

Methods

The solution (EtOH or saccharin) was always available following 5 responses. Presentation of flashing stimulus lights indicated food delivery followed 150 responses and resulted in responding predominately for the solution (84 to 86% of total responses). Presentation of solid stimulus lights indicated food delivery followed 5 responses and resulted in responding predominately for food (1 to 3% of total responses were for the solution). Rats were exposed to solid light conditions for 0, 1, 2, 4, or 16 consecutive sessions before being re‐exposed to the flashing stimulus lights in extinction.

Results

Responding for either solution resumed when rats were re‐exposed to the flashing stimulus lights (associated with solution‐predominate responding). However, more responses occurred on the food lever with longer recent histories of responding for food instead of the solution.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the longer alternative behavior replaces drinking, the more that attention to stimuli associated with drinking decreases. These results are consistent with the notion that the risk of relapse declines with longer periods of recovery because alternative behavior comes to predominate even in the presence of stimuli associated with drinking.
Effects of Voluntary Access to Sweetened Ethanol During Adolescence on Intake in Adulthood
Authors: Broadwater Margaret , Varlinskaya Elena I. , Spear Linda P.
Published: December 2012

Background

The prevalence of alcohol use during adolescence is concerning given that early age of alcohol initiation is correlated with the development of alcohol‐related problems later in life. The purpose of this series of studies was to assess whether voluntary ethanol (EtOH) exposure during adolescence would influence EtOH drinking behavior in adulthood using an animal model.

Methods

Pair‐housed Sprague‐Dawley adolescent (postnatal day [P] 28 to 42) rats of both sexes were given single bottle access to 1 of 3 solutions in their home cages—10% EtOH in “supersac” (0.125% saccharin and 3% sucrose) (EtOH/SS), supersac without EtOH (SS), or water—for 30 minutes every other day for a total of 8 drinking days or were left nonmanipulated (NM). Animals were NM thereafter until adulthood (P70) at which time they were given 1‐bottle, 30 minute limited access tests with 20% EtOH every other day (Exp 1), 10% EtOH in SS (Exp 2), or SS without EtOH (Exp 3).

Results

Adolescent EtOH/SS exposure increased adulthood consumption of EtOH/SS (Exp 2), but not 20% unsweetened EtOH (Exp 1) or SS (Exp 3), with this increase most pronounced at the beginning of the 8 intake day procedure. Access to SS (without EtOH) during adolescence produced an analogous effect, with increased adult SS consumption during the first 2 intake days, but no increases in either of the EtOH test solutions.

Conclusions

Solution‐specific increases in adulthood intake after adolescent exposure are most likely associated with solution acceptance due to familiarity. This is an important consideration for future intake studies assessing the influence of EtOH exposure during adolescence on intake of EtOH in adulthood.
Effects of Sibship Size and Composition on Younger Brothers’ and Sisters’ Alcohol Use Initiation: Findings from an Australian Twin Sample
Authors: Richmond‐Rakerd Leah S. , Slutske Wendy S. , Heath Andrew C. , Martin Nicholas G.
Published: December 2012

Background

The effects of sibship size and structure on delinquency are well established. Specifically, having a large family and many brothers has been shown to predict offending. However, despite strong links between delinquency and alcohol use, the contribution of sibship factors to drinking behaviors remains largely unexplored. The current study investigated the impact of sibship size and composition on younger brothers’ and sisters’ ages of drinking and intoxication onset.

Methods

We employed a sample of 4,281 same‐sex twins from the Australian Twin Register to examine whether (i) large sibship size facilitates earlier age at first drink (AFD) and age at first intoxication (AFI) in males and females, (ii) having many older brothers predicts earlier ages of AFD and AFI in males, and (iii) having many older brothers results in later AFD and AFI in females. We tested whether effects were moderated by parental divorce and alcohol misuse and mediated by familial religion.

Results

Sibling effects were minimal before accounting for family context. However, when parental divorce and excessive parental drinking were included as moderators, sibling effects were significantly amplified among individuals from homes of divorce, and effects were strongest when siblings were close in age.

Conclusions

Strong close in age older sibling effects indicate that proximal sibling attitudes and behaviors about alcohol likely interact with structural factors to influence younger siblings’ drinking. Sibship factors were much more influential in one population (individuals from homes of divorce) than another (respondents with a parental history of excessive drinking), suggesting that sibling effects vary depending on the type of co‐occurring familial risk. Prevention efforts performed at the family level, and introduced before first use of alcohol, are likely to delay drinking initiation and help prevent future alcohol problems.
Childhood Trauma Exposure and Alcohol Dependence Severity in Adulthood: Mediation by Emotional Abuse Severity and Neuroticism
Authors: Schwandt Melanie L. , Heilig Markus , Hommer Daniel W. , George David T. , Ramchandani Vijay A.
Published: December 2012

Background

Childhood trauma has been linked with a number of negative outcomes later in life, including alcohol dependence (AD). Previous studies have suggested a mediating role for neuroticism in the relationship between childhood trauma and psychopathology. In this study, we investigate the prevalence of multiple types of childhood trauma in treatment‐seeking alcohol‐dependent patients, and the associations between childhood trauma and AD severity using multiple mediation analysis.

Methods

The prevalence of 5 types of childhood trauma—emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect—was assessed in treatment‐seeking alcohol‐dependent patients (n = 280) and healthy controls (n = 137) using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Multiple mediation analyses were used to model associations between childhood trauma measures and alcohol‐related outcomes, primarily the severity of AD in the alcohol‐dependent sample.

Results

Childhood trauma was significantly more prevalent and more severe in the alcohol‐dependent subjects. In addition, childhood trauma was found to influence AD severity, an effect that was mediated by neuroticism. When individual trauma types were examined, emotional abuse was found to be the primary predictor of AD severity, both directly and through the mediating effects of the impulsivity subfacet of neuroticism. Physical abuse also had a moderate direct effect on AD severity. Mediation analysis did not reveal any association between childhood trauma and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score in the nondependent control sample.

Conclusions

Childhood trauma is highly prevalent in treatment‐seeking alcoholics and may play a significant role in the development and severity of AD through an internalizing pathway involving negative affect. Our findings suggest that alcoholics with a history of childhood emotional abuse may be particularly vulnerable to severe dependence.
Genetic Markers of Comorbid Depression and Alcoholism in Women
Authors: Procopio Daniela O. , Saba Laura M. , Walter Henriette , Lesch Otto , Skala Katrin , Schlaff Golda , Vanderlinden Lauren , Clapp Peter , Hoffman Paula L. , Tabakoff Boris
Published: December 2012

Background

Alcohol dependence (AD) is often accompanied by comorbid depression. Recent clinical evidence supports the benefit of subtype‐specific pharmacotherapy in treating the population of alcohol‐dependent subjects with comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD). However, in many alcohol‐dependent subjects, depression is a reactive response to chronic alcohol use and withdrawal and abates with a period of abstinence. Genetic markers may distinguish alcohol‐dependent subjects with MDD not tied chronologically and etiologically to their alcohol consumption. In this work, we investigated the association of adenylyl cyclase genes (ADCY1–9), which are implicated in both AD and mood disorders, with alcoholism and comorbid depression.

Methods

Subjects from Vienna, Austria (n = 323) were genotyped, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (1,152) encompassing the genetic locations of the 9 ADCY genes were examined. The Vienna cohort contained alcohol‐dependent subjects differentiated using the Lesch Alcoholism Typology. In this typology, subjects are segregated into 4 types. Type III alcoholism is distinguished by co‐occurrence of symptoms of depression and by affecting predominantly females.

Results

We identified 4 haplotypes associated with the phenotype of Type III alcoholism in females. One haplotype was in a genomic area in proximity to ADCY2, but actually within a lincRNA gene, 2 haplotypes were within ADCY5, and 1 haplotype was within the coding region of ADCY8. Three of the 4 haplotypes contributed independently to Type III alcoholism and together generated a positive predictive value of 72% and a negative predictive value of 78% for distinguishing women with a Lesch Type III diagnosis versus women designated as Type I or II alcoholics.

Conclusions

Polymorphisms in ADCY8 and ADCY5 and within a lincRNA are associated with an alcohol‐dependent phenotype in females, which is distinguished by comorbid signs of depression. Each of these genetic locations can rationally contribute to the polygenic etiology of the alcoholism/depression phenotype, and the use of these genetic markers may aid in choosing appropriate and beneficial treatment strategies.
Commentary: Doxasozin for Alcoholism
Authors: Leggio Lorenzo , Kenna George A.
Published: December 2012

Recent preclinical and clinical evidence using prazosin indicates that α1‐blockade may represent a new approach to treat alcohol dependence (AD). While most of the alcohol research on α1‐blockade has been conducted testing prazosin, O'Neil and colleagues recently performed a set of preclinical experiments testing another α1‐blocker, doxazosin, which has a longer half‐life that may enhance clinical utility. Doxazosin and prazosin share the same chemical structure, in which the central element is a piperazine ring. O'Neil and colleagues' main results are that doxazosin significantly reduced alcohol intake without affecting locomotor activity. As such, O'Neil and colleagues provide the first preclinical evidence of the possible role of doxazosin in AD. Additional translational research is needed to further test this hypothesis.
Quantifying Neodiprion sertifer nucleopolyhedrovirus DNA from insects, foliage and forest litter using the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Krokene Paal , Heldal Inger , Fossdal Carl G.
Published: December 2012

Neodiprion sertifer nucleopolyhedrovirus (NeseNPV) is widely used as a viral bio‐insecticide against larvae of the European pine sawfly N. sertifer (Geoff.) (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae), which is one of the most harmful defoliators of pines in Northern Europe. A major obstacle to studying this pathogenic virus in nature is the difficulty of confirming and quantifying the presence of NeseNPV.

In the present study, we developed real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers, based on the caspid gene 39 sequence, for the specific and quantitative detection of NeseNPV. The quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) assay can detect virus from any substrate tested, including different insect life stages (egg, larval, adult), pine foliage, and litter or ground vegetation. The reproducible detection limit for the real‐time assay is 0.013 pg of viral DNA (0.013×10−12 g), corresponding to 136 viral genomes or approximately one to seven virus occlusion bodies per sample.

qPCR is a specific, quantitative, sensitive, reliable and flexible procedure, and is a good supplement to conventional microscopy‐ or bioassay‐based methods for detection of the virus. We have used qPCR to quantify the level of NeseNPV in samples collected in the field after aerial application of the virus, and demonstrated significantly higher virus levels in sawfly larvae from sprayed areas compared with unsprayed control areas 4 weeks after spraying.

This qPCR assay can be used to determine important aspects of the biology of NeseNPV (e.g. virus levels in different insect life stages and in their microhabitats on pine foliage and in forest litter).
Australian general practitioners' preferences for managing the care of people diagnosed with cancer
Authors: Johnson Claire E , Lizama Natalia , Garg Neeraj , Ghosh Manonita , Emery Jonathan , Saunders Christobel
Published: December 2012

Aim

To investigate general practitioners' (GPs) preferences for involvement in the management of people diagnosed with the seven most frequent cancers and any barriers to or concerns about an expanded role for GPs.

Methods

A self‐report survey was mailed to a random sample of 1969 Australian GPs.

Results

In all, 33% (648) of GPs participated. Participants were a median of 50 years and worked 38 h per week; 53% were male and 68% practiced in metropolitan areas. Most participants preferred to be involved in cancer prevention (86%) and initial diagnosis (85%). Fewer were interested in monitoring for recurrence (70%), follow up after treatment (68%), coordinating psychological support (70%) and palliative care (68%). Only 52% of GPs had a preference for providing supportive care to manage the symptoms of cancer treatment, 45% for managing postoperative care and 40% for coordinating treatment. On multivariate analysis, preference for involvement in more aspects of cancer management increased with age (P = 0.030), if the GP practiced in rural compared to metropolitan areas (P = 0.005), was a partner in a practice compared to a sole practitioner (P = 0.003), had previously received cancer‐specific training (P < 0.001) or was interested in future training (P < 0.001). Open responses identified limited time, communication and information transfer between GP and specialists as important barriers to involvement in cancer management.

Conclusion

While many GPs are currently involved in some aspects of cancer management, with training, good communication and support from specialists this role may be successfully expanded.
Necrolytic migratory erythema associated with glucagonoma syndrome diagnosed by 68Ga‐DOTANOC PET‐CT
Authors: Sahoo Manas K , Gupta Somesh , Singh Ishita , Pahwa Shivani , Durgapal Prashant , Bal Chandra Sekhar
Published: December 2012

Necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) is a rare dermatological condition which presents a diagnostic challenge. Repeated negative skin biopsies and non‐detection of any pancreatic tumor in conventional imaging modalities like a computed tomography (CT) scan and ultrasonogram (USG) make the diagnosis more difficult. By the time the diagnosis is made, the patient usually presents with metastasis. We present a rare case of difficult to diagnose NME, as repeated skin biopsies and conventional imaging modalities like CT and USG could not detect the underlying glucagonoma. A 68Ga‐DOTANOC positron emission tomography PET‐CT was able to detect the underlying cause of NME as glucagonoma of the pancreas and the same investigation confirmed the absence of any metastasis elsewhere in the body. The tumor was excised and patient dramatically improved, and all skin lesions disappeared.
Observational, medical or surgical management of vesicoureteric reflux
Authors: Caillaud Caroline , Lacreuse Isabelle , Fothergill Helen , Becmeur François , Fischbach Michel
Published: December 2012

The clinical management of vesicoureteric reflux includes observational, medical and surgical procedures. The choice of management is often a joint decision made between the paediatric nephrologist and urologist. The use of prophylactic antibiotics has become increasingly debated. In recent years, the surgical treatment of reflux (including endoscopic intervention or ureteral reimplantation) has mainly been limited to cases of high‐grade reflux. There are several important risk factors that influence the final outcome which need to be identified and treated. The aim of reflux management is no longer to treat imperatively, but rather to avoid renal damage. It is perhaps time to revise the classic saying ‘diagnosed reflux – treated reflux’ with a new objective ‘diagnosed reflux – evaluated reflux’.

Conclusion

The management and follow‐up of childhood reflux is a joint decision between the paediatric urologist and nephrologist and should be decided on a case‐by‐case basis.
Molecular typing of Neisseria perflava clinical isolates
Authors: Mechergui Arij , Achour Wafa , Giorgini Dario , Baaboura Rekaya , Taha Muhamed‐Kheir , Hassen Assia Ben
Published: December 2012

Multilocus sequence typing and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis were used to type 22 commensal isolates of Neisseria perflava collected by swabbing from neutropenic patients. High genetic diversity was found among our N. perflava clinical isolates.
Best Practices in Conceptualizing and Measuring Social Class in Psychological Research
Authors: Diemer Matthew A. , Mistry Rashmita S. , Wadsworth Martha E. , López Irene , Reimers Faye
Published: December 2012

An extensive body of research has documented the relation between social class, as indexed by socioeconomic status (SES) and subjective social status (SSS), and a host of outcomes, including physical and mental health, academic achievement, and educational attainment. Yet, there remains ambiguity regarding how best to conceptualize and measure social class. This article clarifies definitional and measurement issues related to the assessment of SES and SSS, addresses their importance and relevance for psychological research, and reviews best practices with regard to measurement and assessment. We conclude by discussing the integration of social class with other markers of social position to promote the advancement of psychological science.
The effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on human monocyte-derived dendritic cell differentiation and antigen presentation
Authors: Hu J , Kinn J , Zirakzadeh A A , Sherif A , Norstedt G , Wikström A-C , Winqvist O
Published: December 2012

Recent studies indicate that chemotherapeutic agents may increase the anti-tumoral immune response. Based on the pivotal role of dendritic cells (DCs) in host tumour-specific immune responses, we investigated the effect of commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs dexamethasone, doxorubicin, cisplatin and irinotecan and glucocorticoids on monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs). Dexamethasone displayed the strongest inhibitory effect on DC differentiation. The effect of cisplatin and irinotecan was moderate, while only weak effects were noticed for doxorubicin. Surprisingly, when the functional consequence of chemotherapy-treated CD14+ monocytes and their capacity to activate CD4+ T responders cells were investigated, cisplatin-treated monocytes gave rise to increased T cell proliferation. However, dexamethasone, doxorubicin and irinotecan-pretreated monocytes did not stimulate any increased T cell proliferation. Further investigation of this observation revealed that cisplatin treatment during DC differentiation up-regulated significantly the interferon (IFN)-β transcript. By contrast, no effect was evident on the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6 or IFN-α transcripts. Blocking IFN-β attenuated the cisplatin-enhanced T cell proliferation significantly. In conclusion, cisplatin treatment enhanced the immune stimulatory ability of human monocytes, a mechanism mediated mainly by the increased production of IFN-β.
Effects of three different medications on metabolic parameters and testicular volume in patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: 3‐year experience
Authors: Aydogdu Aydogan , Bolu Erol , Sonmez Alper , Tasci Ilker , Haymana Cem , Acar Ramazan , Meric Coskun , Taslipinar Abdullah , Ozgurtas Taner , Azal Omer
Published: December 2012

Introduction

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the influences of three different treatment strategies on biochemical parameters and testicular volume (TV) in patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH).

Subjects design and methods

Seventy‐seven never‐treated patients with IHH and age and body mass index (BMI)‐matched 42 healthy controls were analysed in a retrospective design. Twenty‐eight patients were treated with testosterone esters (TE), 25 patients were treated with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and 24 patients were treated with testosterone gel (TG). Biochemical parameters, tanner stages (TS) and TV were evaluated before and after 6 months of treatment.

Results

Pretreatment TV, TS and biochemical test results were similar among the three treatment subgroup. In the TE‐treated group, BMI, haemoglobin, haematocrit, creatinine, triglyceride, total testosterone (TT), TS and TV increased, but HDL‐cholesterol (C) and urea level decreased significantly. In the hCG‐treated group, triglyceride level decreased, and luteinizing hormone level, TS and TV increased significantly. BMI, TT, TS and TV increased, and leucocyte count, total‐C, HDL‐C levels decreased significantly in the TG‐treated patients. No treatment type resulted in any changes in insulin resistance markers.

Conclusion

hCG treatment resulted in favourable effects particularly on TV and lipid parameters. When TV improvement is considered less important, TG treatment may be a better option for older patients with IHH because of its easy use, neutral effects on triglyceride, haemoglobin and haematocrit, and its beneficial effects on total cholesterol level.
99mTc‐labelled human serum albumin cannot replace 125I‐labelled human serum albumin to determine plasma volume in patients with liver disease
Authors: Henriksen Ulrik Lütken , Henriksen Jens H. , Bendtsen Flemming , Møller Søren
Published: December 2012

Background and aims

Determination of plasma volume (PV) is important in several clinical situations. Thus, patients with liver disease often have augmented PV as part of their sodium–water retention. This study was undertaken to compare PV determination by two indicators: technetium‐labelled human serum albumin (99mTc‐HSA) and iodine‐labelled human serum albumin (125I‐HSA), as the former may have advantages at repeated measurements and the latter is the classical gold standard.

Study population and methods

In 88 patients, (64 with liver disease, mainly cirrhosis, and 24 patients without liver disease), simultaneous measurements of PV were taken with 99mTc‐HSA and 125I‐HSA after 1 h in the supine position. Blood samples were obtained before and 10 min after quantitative injection of the two indicators. In a subset of patients (n = 32), the measurements were repeated within 1 h.

Results

In all patients, a close correlation was present between PV determined by the two indicators (r = 0·89, P<0·0001). In all, but twelve patients, a higher PV was obtained with 99mTc‐HSA compared with 125I‐HSA (P<0·0001). PV determined with 99mTc‐HSA exceeded PV determined with 125I‐HSA by 367 ml (5·2 ml kg−1) in liver patients as compared to 260 ml (3·5 ml kg−1) in patients without liver disease (P<0·05). The precision of repeated PV determination was 1·75% (coefficient of variation) with 99mTc‐HSA and 1·71% with 125I‐HSA (ns), and similar values were found in patients with and without liver disease.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that 99mTc‐HSA has the same precision as that of 125I‐HSA. However, especially in patients with liver disease, 99mTc‐HSA consistently overestimates the PV, most likely owing to indicator heterogeneity with subsequent fast removal from the circulating medium with a higher volume of distribution as the outcome.
Detection of BK polyomavirus after kidney transplantation: a comparison of urine electron microscopy with plasma polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Westervelt Justin D. , Alexander Barbara D. , Costa Sylvia F. , Miller Sara E. , Howell David N. , Smith Stephen R.
Published: December 2012

BK polyomavirus (BKV) infection continues to be a significant source of allograft dysfunction in kidney transplant recipients. The optimal screening method to detect BKV remains undetermined. In this retrospective analysis of 347 consecutive kidney transplant recipients, we compare the diagnostic and screening performance of urine electron microscopy (EM) with plasma polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in testing for BKV, using biopsy‐proved polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy (PVAN) as the gold standard. Sixty‐nine of 347 recipients had a positive screening test for BKV infection. Twenty‐nine patients underwent biopsy, and 11 were diagnosed with PVAN. Sensitivity rates of urine EM and plasma PCR were 88% and 100%, respectively. Specificity rates of urine EM and plasma PCR were 91% and 78%. There was no statistical difference in the operating characteristics of the two tests. The majority of both plasma PCR and urine EM tests were positive in the six months prior to a diagnostic biopsy confirming PVAN. In those patients who had evidence of BKV infection but did not have PVAN, the percentage of positive screening tests decreased with aggressive lowering of immunosuppression. We conclude that urine EM and plasma PCR both function well in screening for BKV infection and in the diagnosis of PVAN. There is an opportunity to detect viral replication, lower immunosuppression, and to prevent PVAN in this population.
The role of initial hemodialysis vascular access in the outcome of subsequent kidney transplantation
Authors: Goldfarb‐Rumyantzev Alexander S. , Yoon Joo Heung , Patibandla Bhanu K. , Narra Akshita , Sandhu Gurprataap S. , DeSilva Ranil
Published: December 2012

The role of initial hemodialysis vascular access in the subsequent kidney transplant outcome is unclear. Study population was derived from the United States Renal Data System and included adult patients with end‐stage renal disease who started HD 1/1/2005–9/1/2009 and subsequently received at least one kidney transplant. Primary outcome variables were death‐censored graft loss and all‐cause recipient mortality. Among the study population (n = 17 157), 12 428 (72.4%) patients were initiated on HD with a catheter, 4090 (23.8%) patients with an arterio‐venous fistula (AVF), and 639 (13.7%) patients with an arterio‐venous graft (AVG). The rate of death‐censored kidney allograft loss in AVF and AVG groups was not significantly different from the catheter group (HR, 0.82; p = 0.07 and HR, 0.68; p = 0.13, respectively). All‐cause mortality of patients initiated on HD with AVG (HR, 0.761; p = 0.21) was not significantly different compared to those with catheters. However, all‐cause mortality in the AVF group was lower compared to patients initiated on HD with catheters (HR, 0.65; p = 0.001). AVF used at the initiation of HD was associated with lower rate of all‐cause mortality after kidney transplantation compared to the catheter. The type of initial vascular access for hemodialysis was not associated with kidney allograft survival.