bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Comparison of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Persons With Alzheimer Disease Neuropathology
Authors: Monsell Sarah E. , Mock Charles , Fardo David W. , Bertelsen Sarah , Cairns Nigel J. , Roe Catherine M. , Ellingson Sally R. , Morris John C. , Goate Alison M. , Kukull Walter A. 
Published: November 2016

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

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

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

Conclusions:
These findings potentially explain some of the variation in whether a person with AD neuropathology expresses symptoms. Understanding why some people remain cognitively normal despite having AD neuropathology could identify pathways to disease heterogeneity and guide treatment trials.
T-SNE visualization of large-scale neural recordings
Authors: Dimitriadis George , Neto Joana , Kampff Adam R. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractElectrophysiology is entering the era of ‘Big Data’. Multiple probes, each with hundreds to thousands of individual electrodes, are now capable of simultaneously recording from many brain regions. The major challenge confronting these new technologies is transforming the raw data into physiologically meaningful signals, i.e. single unit spikes. Sorting the spike events of individual neurons from a spatiotemporally dense sampling of the extracellular electric field is a problem that has attracted much attention [22, 23], but is still far from solved. Current methods still rely on human input and thus become unfeasible as the size of the data sets grow exponentially.Here we introduce the t-student stochastic neighbor embedding (t-sne) dimensionality reduction method [27] as a visualization tool in the spike sorting process. T-sne embeds the n-dimensional extracellular spikes (n = number of features by which each spike is decomposed) into a low (usually two) dimensional space. We show that such embeddings, even starting from different feature spaces, form obvious clusters of spikes that can be easily visualized and manually delineated with a high degree of precision. We propose that these clusters represent single units and test this assertion by applying our algorithm on labeled data sets both from hybrid [23] and paired juxtacellular/extracellular recordings [15]. We have released a graphical user interface (gui) written in python as a tool for the manual clustering of the t-sne embedded spikes and as a tool for an informed overview and fast manual curration of results from other clustering algorithms. Furthermore, the generated visualizations offer evidence in favor of the use of probes with higher density and smaller electrodes. They also graphically demonstrate the diverse nature of the sorting problem when spikes are recorded with different methods and arise from regions with different background spiking statistics.
Domains of methylated CAC and CG target MeCP2 to tune transcription in the brain
Authors: Lagger Sabine , Connelly John C , Schweikert Gabriele , Webb Shaun , Selfridge Jim , Ramsahoye Bernard H , Yu Miao , DeSousa Dina , Seiser Christian , He Chuan , Sanguinetti Guido , Sowers Lawrence C , Walkinshaw Malcolm D , Bird Adrian 
Published: November 2016

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

AbstractRibosomes can stall during translation elongation in bacteria and eukaryotes. To identify mechanisms by which ribosome stalling affects expression of the encoded protein, we develop an inverse approach that combines computational modeling with systematic perturbations of translation initiation rate, the number of stall sites, and the distance between stall sites on a reporter mRNA. By applying this approach to ribosome stalls caused by amino acid starvation in the bacteriumEscherichia coli, we find that our measurements are quantitatively inconsistent with two widely used kinetic models for stalled ribosomes: ribosome traffic jams that block initiation, and abortive (premature) termination of stalled ribosomes. To account for this discrepancy, we consider a model in which collision from a trailing ribosome causes abortive termination of the stalled ribosome. This collision-stimulated abortive termination model provides a better fit to measured protein synthesis rates from our reporter library, and is consistent with observed ribosome densities near stall sites. Analysis of this model further predicts that ribosome collisions can selectively stimulate abortive termination of stalled ribosomes without fine-tuning of kinetic rate parameters. Thus ribosome collisions may serve as a robust timer for translational quality control pathways to recognize stalled ribosomes.
β‐eudesmol suppresses allergic reactions via inhibiting mast cell degranulation
Authors: Han Na‐Ra , Moon Phil‐Dong , Ryu Ka‐Jung , Jang Jae‐Bum , Kim Hyung‐Min , Jeong Hyun‐Ja 
Published: November 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AimThe routine use of intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay (IOPTH) in minimally‐invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) for primary hyperparathyroidism has been questioned. In the present study, we selectively employed IOPTH only to cases that did not show concordant results in sestamibi scan, ultrasound and operative findings.Patients and MethodsA total of 100 patients received MIP with selective use of IOPTH for primary hyperparathyroidism from March 2006 to June 2015 (selective IOPTH group). These patients were compared with a historical cohort of 57 patients who received MIP with mandatory IOPTH between March 2002 and February 2006 (mandatory IOPTH group). For the selective IOPTH group, all cases had preoperative sestamibi scan and ultrasound performed. If there were concordant results in the sestamibi scan, ultrasound and operative findings, IOPTH would not be performed. The surgical cure rate and operative time of the two groups were compared.ResultsWe found no significant difference in the surgical cure rate between the selective IOPTH group and the mandatory IOPTH group (short‐term, 6‐month postoperative cure rate: 99 vs 100 per cent, respectively, P = 1.0; long‐term cure rate: 99.0 vs 98.2 per cent, P = 1.0). However, the operative time was significantly shorter in the selective IOPTH group when compared with the mandatory IOPTH group (64 vs 92 min, respectively, P < 0.05).Conclusion
MIP can be performed with selective use of IOPTH, which can be limited to cases where there are discordant results between sestamibi scan, ultrasound and operative findings.
Elective adult inguinal hernia repair in public hospitals in Hong Kong: Changes within a decade
Authors: Wong Kenny Che‐Yung , Lam Jaden Chun‐Ho , Lau Gloria Siu‐Pik 
Published: November 2016

AimThe aim of the present study was to elucidate the secular changes over a decade in the elective operation of adult inguinal hernias and the outcome key performance indicators in public hospitals in Hong Kong.Patients and MethodsA retrospective analysis of 11 012 adult patients (≥18 years old) undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair in Hong Kong public hospitals from January 2012 to December 2014 was performed by extracting aggregated patient data via the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System, closely following that of a previous study published 10 years ago in Surgical Practice.ResultsThe mean age of the present study was 3 years older at 66.7 ± 13.1 years, but laparoscopic patients were 8 years younger than open repair patients (60.9 ± 12 vs 68.4 ± 12.9 years, P < 0.001). The male‐to‐female ratio stayed high at 24:1. The overall laparoscopic rate had increased from 10.5 to 23 per cent. Preoperative, postoperative and total length of stay were longer in the open group than the laparoscopic group. The overall day patient rate had risen from 17.4 to 23.3 per cent (P < 0.001). Hospital mortality stayed low at 0.05 per cent. The emergency re‐admission rate within 28 days after discharge was increased for both laparoscopic (from 1.9 to 2.8 per cent, P = 0.157) and open repair (from 3.3 to 5.9 per cent, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe rate of laparoscopic approach had doubled in the past decade, but open repair was still the mainstay of treatment. The day patient rate slightly rose. Despite the increasing age of patients being operated on, the hospital mortality remained low. However, a significantly higher emergency re‐admission rate for open repair was found.
Comparison of capture and storage methods for aqueous macrobial eDNA using an optimized extraction protocol: advantage of enclosed filter
Authors: Spens Johan , Evans Alice R. , Halfmaerten David , Knudsen Steen W. , Sengupta Mita E. , Mak Sarah S. T. , Sigsgaard Eva E. , Hellström Micaela 
Published: November 2016

Summary

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

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

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

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

AbstractObjectiveLung and venous ultrasound are bedside diagnostic tools increasingly used in the early diagnostic approach of suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). However, the possibility of improving the conventional prediction rule for PE by integrating ultrasound has never been investigated.MethodsWe performed lung and venous ultrasound in consecutive patients suspected of PE in four emergency departments. Conventional Wells score (Ws) was adjudicated by the attending physician, and ultrasound was performed by one of 20 investigators. Signs of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) at venous ultrasound and signs of pulmonary infarcts or alternative diagnoses at lung ultrasound were considered to recalculate two items of the Ws: signs and symptoms of DVT and alternative diagnosis less likely than PE. The diagnostic performances of the ultrasound‐enhanced Ws (USWs) and Ws were then compared after confirmation of the final diagnosis.ResultsA total of 446 patients were studied. PE was confirmed in 125 patients (28%). USWs performed significantly better than Ws, with a sensitivity of 69.6% versus 57.6% and a specificity of 88.2% versus 68.2%. In combination with D‐dimer, USWs showed an optimal failure rate (0.8%) and a significantly superior efficiency than Ws (32.3% vs. 27.2%). A strategy based on lung and venous ultrasound combined with D‐dimer would allow to avoid CT pulmonary angiography in 50.5% of patients with suspected PE, compared to 27.2% when the rule without ultrasound is applied.ConclusionsA pretest risk stratification enhanced by ultrasound of lung and venous performs better than Ws in the early diagnostic process of PE.