bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern Recognition of Hepatitis C Virus Transmitted/Founder Variants by RIG-I Is Dependent on U-Core Length
Authors: Kell Alison , Stoddard Mark , Li Hui , Marcotrigiano Joe , Shaw George M. , Gale Michael 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT
Despite the introduction of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs against hepatitis C virus (HCV), infection remains a major public health concern because DAA therapeutics do not prevent reinfection and patients can still progress to chronic liver disease. Chronic HCV infection is supported by a variety of viral immune evasion strategies, but, remarkably, 20% to 30% of acute infections spontaneously clear prior to development of adaptive immune responses, thus implicating innate immunity in resolving acute HCV infection. However, the virus-host interactions regulating acute infection are unknown. Transmission of HCV involves one or a few transmitted/founder (T/F) variants. In infected hepatocytes, the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) protein recognizes 5′ triphosphate (5′ppp) of the HCV RNA and a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) motif located within the 3′ untranslated region consisting of poly-U/UC. PAMP binding activates RIG-I to induce innate immune signaling and type 1 interferon antiviral defenses. HCV poly-U/UC sequences can differ in length and complexity, suggesting that PAMP diversity in T/F genomes could regulate innate immune control of acute HCV infection. Using 14 unique poly-U/UC sequences from HCV T/F genomes recovered from acute-infection patients, we tested whether RIG-I recognition and innate immune activation correlate with PAMP sequence characteristics. We show that T/F variants are recognized by RIG-I in a manner dependent on length of the U-core motif of the poly-U/UC PAMP and are recognized by RIG-I to induce innate immune responses that restrict acute infection. PAMP recognition of T/F HCV variants by RIG-I may therefore impart innate immune signaling and HCV restriction to impact acute-phase-to-chronic-phase transition.

IMPORTANCE
Recognition of nonself molecular patterns such as those seen with viral nucleic acids is an essential step in triggering the immune response to virus infection. Innate immunity is induced by hepatitis C virus infection through the recognition of viral RNA by the cellular RIG-I protein, where RIG-I recognizes a poly-uridine/cytosine motif in the viral genome. Variation within this motif may provide an immune evasion strategy for transmitted/founder viruses during acute infection. Using 14 unique poly-U/UC sequences from HCV T/F genomes recovered from acutely infected HCV patients, we demonstrate that RIG-I binding and activation of innate immunity depend primarily on the length of the uridine core within this motif. T/F variants found in acute infection contained longer U cores within the motif and could activate RIG-I and induce innate immune signaling sufficient to restrict viral infection. Thus, recognition of T/F variants by RIG-I could significantly impact the transition from acute to chronic infection.
Puerperal sepsis in the 21st century: progress, new challenges and the situation worldwide
Authors: Buddeberg Bigna S , Aveling Wynne 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT
Puerperal sepsis is one of the five leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, and accounts for 15% of all maternal deaths. The WHO defined puerperal sepsis in 1992 as an infection of the genital tract occurring at any time between the rupture of membranes or labour and the 42nd day post partum; in which, two or more of the following are present: pelvic pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge and delay in the reduction of the size of the uterus. At the same time, the WHO introduced the term puerperal infections, which also include non-genital infections in the obstetric population. Recent epidemiological data shows that puerperal sepsis and non-genital tract infections are a major area of concern. In puerperal sepsis, group A streptococcus (GAS) is the most feared pathogen. Up to 30% of the population are asymptomatic carriers of GAS. GAS commonly causes throat infections. Women who died from GAS-positive sepsis all had signs of a throat infection themselves or one of their family members suffered from a throat infection. The pathway of infection is from the hands of the pregnant women or the mother to her perineum. In non-genital tract infections, influenza viruses and the HIV pandemic in the developing part of the world are responsible for many maternal deaths, and demand our attention. The physiological changes of pregnancy and the puerperium can obscure the signs and symptoms of sepsis in the obstetric population. A high level of suspicion is, therefore, needed in the care for the sick pregnant patient. If sepsis is suspected, timely administration of antibiotics, sepsis care bundles, multidisciplinary discussion and early involvement of senior staff members are important to improve outcome.
Longitudinal changes and predictors of prolonged grief for bereaved family caregivers over the first 2 years after the terminally ill cancer patient’s death
Authors: Tsai Wei-I , Prigerson Holly G , Li Chung-Yi , Chou Wen-Chi , Kuo Su-Ching , Tang Siew Tzuh 
Published: August 2015

Background: A significant minority of bereaved caregivers experience prolonged grief. However, few longitudinal studies have examined prolonged grief, especially in an Asian context. Aim: We explored longitudinal changes and factors predicting prolonged grief in bereaved caregivers of terminally ill Taiwanese cancer patients. Design: Observational, prospective, and longitudinal. Prolonged grief symptoms were measured with the PG-13 at 6, 13, 18, and 24 months postloss. Setting/participants: A convenience sample of 493 caregivers (83.3% participation rate) of terminally ill cancer patients was recruited from a medical center in Taiwan. Results: The prevalence of prolonged grief decreased significantly over time from the patient’s death (7.73%, 1.80%, 2.49%, and 1.85% at 6, 13, 18, and 24 months postloss, respectively, p < 0.05 at all times in reference to 6 months postloss). Caregivers’ likelihood of prolonged grief was significantly higher if they had severe preloss depressive symptoms, negatively perceived their relative’s dying situation, and were poorly prepared for the patient’s death. However, the likelihood of prolonged grief decreased significantly with greater perceived concurrent social support and subjective caregiving burden right before the patient’s death. Conclusion: Prolonged grief in bereavement diminished over time and was predicted by modifiable factors before, during, and after bereavement. To facilitate bereavement adjustment and avoid prolonged grief, healthcare professionals should develop and provide at-risk caregivers with effective interventions starting when patients are still alive to improve their dying experience, to facilitate preparedness for the patient’s forthcoming death, to alleviate caregivers’ preloss depressive symptoms, and to enhance their perceived postloss social support.
Postoperative pain control in cats: clinical trials with pre-emptive lidocaine epidural co-administered with morphine or methadone
Authors: DeRossi Rafael , Hermeto Larissa Correa , Jardim Paulo Henrique Affonseca , de Andrade Bicudo Natalia , de Assis Klebs Tavares 
Published: August 2015

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of epidural lidocaine in combination with either methadone or morphine for postoperative analgesia in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Methods Under general anesthesia, 24 cats that underwent ovariohysterectomy were randomly allocated into three treatment groups of eight each. Treatment 1 included 2% lidocaine (4.0 mg/kg); treatment 2 included lidocaine and methadone (4.0 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively); and treatment 3 included lidocaine and morphine (4.0 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively). All drugs were injected in a total volume of 0.25 ml/kg via the lumbosacral route in all cats. During the anesthetic and surgical periods, the physiologic variables (respiratory and heart rate, arterial blood pressure and rectal temperature) were measured at intervals of time zero, 10 mins, 20 mins, 30 mins, 60 mins and 120 mins. After cats had recovered from anesthesia, a multidimensional composite pain scale was used to assess postoperative analgesia 2, 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 h after epidural. Results The time to first rescue analgesic was significantly ( P <0.05) prolonged in cats that received both lidocaine and methadone or lidocaine and morphine treatments compared with those that received lidocaine treatment alone. All cats that received lidocaine treatment alone required rescue analgesic within 2 h of epidural injections. All treatments produced significant cardiovascular and respiratory changes but they were within an acceptable range for healthy animals during the surgical period. Conclusions and relevance The two combinations administered via epidural allowed ovariohysterectomy with sufficient analgesia in cats, and both induced prolonged postoperative analgesia.
Lamivudine-Induced Skin Rash Remains an Underdiagnosed Entity in HIV
Authors: Sachdeva Ravinder Kaur , Sharma Aman , De Dipankar , Malhi Jasjit , Rewari Bharat Bhushan , Singh Surjit , Varma Subhash 
Published: August 2015

Background: Hypersensitivity reaction to antiretroviral treatment (ART) poses potential threats in maintenance of treatment. Lamivudine (3TC), is rare to cause rash. We are reporting 23 cases of 3TC-induced rash. Methods: An observational study conducted in the antiretroviral treatment center of a tertiary care hospital of North India from Feb 2009–Dec 2013 to record 3TC-induced rash. These were then recommended to start ART without 3TC and were followed up at 1-, 2-, and at 4-week intervals to monitor the toxicity, if any, with alternate therapy. Results: We observed 3TC-induced skin rash in 23 HIV-infected individuals (0.7%), out of 3213 HIV-infected individuals initiated on first line ART (zidovudine [ZDV]/tenofovir [TDF] + 3TC +nevirapine [NVP]/efavirenz [EFV] during the study period of 5 years [Feb 2009–Dec 2013]). The mean age of these 23 individuals was 37.5 ± 12.8 (17-60) years. Lamivudine rash was more common in women than men (F = 19, M = 4), with an overall mean age of 37.5 ± 12.8 (17-60) years. It was generalized, erythematous, maculopapular eruptions associated with intense itching with no associated mucosal involvement. Lamivudine was substituted with TDF in 19, didanosine (ddl) in 3 and abacavir (ABC) in 1 individual. Mean duration of follow-up is 11.1 ± 12.8 (3-42) months. CD4 count was repeated at 3 months and showed significant improvement ( P = 0.002). Conclusion: Lamivudine-induced rash was found at a frequency of 0.7%. The correct and early recognition that the rash is due to 3TC, would save unnecessary substitution to a different class of drugs.
Experimental Forensic and Bioanthropological Aspects of Soft Tissue Taphonomy: 1. Factors Influencing Postmortem Tissue Desiccation Rate
Authors: Aturaliya S , Lukasewycz A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Euthanized rats' carcasses were exposed in an environmental chamber to multiple variables including: (1) position, (2) enveloping clothing, and (3) soil interment in an effort to determine the individual variables' effect on postmortem rate of body and visceral organ water loss. Results indicated that body water loss was enhanced by a horizontal position versus vertical, probably because of wider spread of bacteria- and enzyme-laden abdominal fluid secondary to diaphragm digestion with consequent greater tissue digestion and liquefaction. Clothing also accelerated the desiccation rate. Desiccation was about equally as effective by soil interment as by air exposure, though simulating windy conditions by tripling the air flow rate resulted in much more rapid desiccation in the air-exposed specimen. These studies suggest that the single most important factor influencing postmortem body water loss rate is the environment at the skin surface that acts to enhance or impair water removal from the skin surface and thus influences the water concentration gradient between the skin and underlying deeper tissues.
Marine Taphonomy: Adipocere Formation in a Series of Bodies Recovered from a Single Shipwreck
Authors: Kahana T , Almog J , Levy J , Shmeltzer E , Spier Y , Hiss J 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Taphonomy of marine environments has been studied mostly from individual cases. The formation of adipocere, or “grave-wax,” is an important indicator of the postmortem interval.
In the present paper, the conditions and the timing of adipoceric formation are observed in a series of 15 cadavers recovered at different times, over a period of 433 days, from the same contained environment. Initial foci of adipocere on the subcutaneous tissue of the cadavers were detected as early as 38 days from the time of immersion in cold (10–12°C) sea water. The discrepancies between our findings and previous reports on the correlation between time since death and decomposition stages in marine environments are discussed.
Suicidal Drowning in South Florida
Authors: Davis LG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Autopsy protocols at the office of the Chief Medical Examiner were reviewed with respect to suicidal drowning. Between July 1, 1994 and June 30, 1998, there were 267 drownings and 873 people committed suicide in Broward County, Florida. Of those, 25 were suicidal drownings, representing 2.86% of all suicides, and overall the 8th leading cause of suicidal death.
When considering suicide in the age group of 65 years and older, (n = 239), which accounts for 19.8% of the population and 27.4%, of all suicides, drowning represents 6.7% of all suicidal deaths, and within females in this group represents the third most common form of suicidal death (13.8%).
The presence of alcohol or other drugs is less usual in elderly suicide victims than younger victims. Of the 25 drowning suicides, there was a preference for swimming pools, canals, and lakes as the locations of choice. Additional drowning and suicide related criteria were evaluated including marital status, mental health, clothing worn, previous attempts or threats, suicide notes, and personal effects at the scene; with the intention of establishing a profile for drowning by suicide.
Given the relative abundance of water, the suicidal drowning rate appears to be lower than what might otherwise be anticipated.
Self-Assessment of the Forensic Value of Dental Records
Authors: Delattre VF , Stimson PG 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
One of the most important aspects of a person's dental record may well prove to be it's potential value should the forensic dental identification of their remains become necessary. The better the quality of the antemortem dental records, the easier and faster the identification of the remains will be. The forensic dentist must be able to select identifying features by decoding the deceased's antemortem dental records. A study was conducted on two groups of dentists who were asked to self-assess the forensic dental value of the dental records maintained in their own practices. The three most frequently recorded identifying dental features, other than caries and restorations, were the presence of diastemas, displaced or rotated teeth, and dental anomalies. Surveyed dentists imbedded identifying information into the removable prosthetic devices fabricated for their patients an average of only 64% of the time. Only 56% of the two groups combined felt that their dental chartings and written records would be extremely useful in dental identifications. It is concluded that the quality of antemortem dental records available for comparison to postmortem remains varies from inadequate to extremely useful. Practicing dentists can become valuable members of the dental identification process by developing and maintaining standards of record keeping which would be valuable in restoring their patients' identity.
Digital Dental Radiographic Identification in the Pediatric, Mixed and Permanent Dentitions
Authors: Wood RE , Kirk NJ , Sweet DJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the utility of digital dental radiographic superimposition in the various stages of development of the human dentition. Digital, computer assisted dental identification is a means of identification which allows the spatial relationships of the root and support structures of the teeth to be compared one to the other. The technique has not been tested in patients with developing dentitions. Dental radiographs from patients in the pediatric, mixed and permanent dentition stages of development, simulating “antemortem” and “postmortem” radiographs, were digitized using a flat field radiograph scanner. Anatomic features were used as points of comparison utilizing image editing software whereby anatomic sections were digitally cut from the antemortem image and compared to the same anatomic locations on the postmortem image to assess for points of concordance. The technique was applied to 25 cases within the primary dentition, 25 cases within the mixed dentition and 25 cases within the permanent dentition. Results showed that this was a viable technique within both the pediatric and permanent dentition although it was of little value within the mixed dentition.
Developing Permanent Tooth Length as an Estimate of Age
Authors: Liversidge HM , Molleson TI 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Developing teeth are widely used to predict age in archaeology and forensic science. Regression equations of tooth length for age is a direct method, however, data for permanent teeth is incomplete. The aims of this study were: (a) to calculate regression equations predicting age from tooth length of all permanent teeth from birth to maturity, and (b) to evaluate the difference between radiographic and actual tooth length. The sample studied (N=76, age range 0 to 19 years) was the Spitalfields juveniles of recorded age-at-death. Tooth length was measured from incisal tip to developing edge of crown or root of 354 dissected teeth. Data for upper and lower teeth were combined except for the lateral incisor. The least squares regression method was used to analyze the data for each tooth type; age being regressed against tooth length for prediction. For most tooth types, growth followed an S-shaped (polynomial) curve with initial fast growth and a further growth spurt around the time of mid root formation. No difference was found between radiographic and true tooth length. These regression equations provide an easy method of predicting age from any developing permanent tooth by measuring tooth length from isolated teeth or from unmagnified, undistorted radiographs.
Osteometric Analysis of Sexual Dimorphism in the Sternal End of the Rib in a West African Population
Authors: Wiredu EK , Kumoji R , Seshadri R , Biritwum RB 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study, and others, are being carried out in order to establish a Forensic Anthropology databank on age estimation and sex determination of skeletonized remains in Ghana. An osteometric study of sexual dimorphism in the sternal end of the right fourth rib on 346 consecutive coroner's autopsy cases (221 males, 125 females) of known age, sex, and race was conducted. The height and width of the sternal end of the rib were measured in each case. The sample was analyzed in three groups: young (&lt;30 years), old (≥30 years), and total sample (total group). Stepwise discriminant function analysis showed that the accuracy of sex determination varied from 80% in the young and 74% in the old groups to 78% for the total group. Statistical analysis of the results obtained when the functions derived from the study were tested using another batch of ribs showed the functions to be effective and reliable in determining sex. When functions derived from a previous study of American Whites were used to determine sex in our study sample, the vast majority of males were misclassified as females. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that a Black African population has been studied osteometrically to evaluate sexual dimorphism in the sternal end of the fourth rib.
A New Method for Discriminating African-American from European-American Skeletons Using Postcranial Osteometrics Reflective of Body Shape
Authors: Holliday TW , Falsetti AB 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A discriminant function analysis based on seven postcranial measurements for the metric assessment of race is presented. A sample from the Terry Collection (NMNH) was used to create independent functions for African-American males and females, and European-American males and females. The functions were tested using known forensic cases from the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology and the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory.
Based on the Terry Collection sample, correct classification of race for males was 87.0%, and for females 100.0%. For the independent test population, correct classification for males was 81.8%, and for females only 57.1%. The low classification for females is most likely due to sample bias.
Evaluation of Seven Methods of Estimating Age at Death from Mature Human Skeletal Remains
Authors: Baccino E , Ubelaker DH , Hayek L-AC , Zerilli A 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Different approaches to the estimation of age at death in mature human skeletal remains were evaluated utilizing samples from 19 recent French autopsy individuals of known age at death. Methods of estimating age at death from single-rooted teeth, the sternal ends of the fourth ribs, the symphyseal face of the pubis and femoral cortical remodeling were evaluated by two independent observers (three observers for the teeth). Comparison included ages estimated from three more comprehensive approaches utilizing data from the application of two or more of the individual methods. The results indicate that the comprehensive approaches are superior to the individual ones and the success of the latter reflects not only the morphological expression of the aging process, but also the technique complexity and the experience of the investigator. Of the individual techniques, the “Lamendin” dental technique was most effective for individuals of ages greater than 25 years.
Morphological Variation in Cervical Spinous Processes: Potential Applications in the Forensic Identification of Race from the Skeleton
Authors: Duray SM , Morter HB , Smith FJ 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Determination of race (ancestry) is an important step in the identification of individuals in forensic cases. Race is most commonly assessed using cranial traits. Few reliable postcranial indicators are known. In this study, the frequency of bifidity of cervical spinous processes at different vertebral levels was examined in a sample of 359 Americans of African (black) and European (white) descent. The sample was selected from the Hamann-Todd collection, a large modern anatomical collection of known sex and race. Spinous processes were classified as “bifid,” “partially bifid,” or “nonbifid” based on previously defined criteria. Sex and race were kept entirely unknown to the classifier (S.M.D.) during data collection. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and logistic regression analysis. At C2, most individuals (91%) had bifid spinous processes. At C7, nearly all (98%) had nonbifid spinous processes. Significant differences between race/sex subgroups were found at C3-C6. At each of these levels, whites showed a higher frequency of bifidity than blacks and males a higher frequency of bifidity than females. Differences between races were greater than differences within races. Logistic regression analysis revealed C3 and C4 to be the most useful levels for identifying race. Based on these levels, 76.05% of a validation subsample was correctly classified by race (80.25% for whites, 72.09% for blacks). Pending further study, morphology of the cervical spinous processes may provide an additional method for the determination of race in skeletal forensic cases.