bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Method for Identifying Shahtoosh
Authors: Fei Jing , Yang Juan , Zhou Hui , Tang Minfeng , Lu Weiming , Yan An , Hou Yin , Zhang Shuyu 
Published: February 2014

AbstractShahtoosh, the down hair of the Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii), is the noblest and most expensive wool in the world. The population of the animal has declined dramatically due to commercial poaching for the fiber. Traditional inspection for detection of shahtoosh has been performed by microscopic analysis. We developed a TaqMan real‐time PCR‐based DNA analysis method for identifying shahtoosh fibers. A set of probe and primers for the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene that binds specifically to Tibetan antelope DNA was designed. A signal was detected with sensitivity to the 1:10,000 dilution of shahtoosh DNA. A fiber mixture of 1% of shahtoosh mixed with cashmere and even a single fiber can be detected with this method. The method is faster, more cost‐effective and more sensitive than other traditional sequencing methods and can be directly applied to identify shahtoosh and its processed products, which will be of value in illegal trade investigations.
Autopsy Reenactment – A Useful Technique in the Evaluation of Adhesive Tape Asphyxia
Authors: Herbst Jonathon , Stanley Wayne , Byard Roger W. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA 19‐year‐old woman was found dead with her face and head wrapped in plastic adhesive tape in a cupboard beside an opened helium cylinder. Despite the alleged presence of a suicide message on a social networking website, the unusual circumstances raised the possibility at the time of autopsy of either accidental death from sexual asphyxia or homicide. A carefully monitored reenactment demonstrated, however, that the type of commercial adhesive tape that had been used did not cause complete airway obstruction and that it was possible to wrap a considerable length of tape around the head and neck with the breath held. All of the features at autopsy were, therefore, compatible with self‐infliction. Asphyxial death was attributed to the combined effects of smothering from tape and anoxia from helium, an extremely rare combination in young females.
An Investigation of Normal Urine with a Creatinine Concentration Under the Cutoff of 20 mg/dL for Specimen Validity Testing in a Toxicology Laboratory,
Authors: Holden Brad , Guice Erica A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn clinical and forensic toxicology laboratories, one commonly used method for urine specimen validity testing is creatinine concentration. In this study, workplace guidelines are examined to determine their relevance to forensic and clinical toxicology samples. Specifically, it investigates the occurrence of urine creatinine concentrations under 20 mg/dL and notes potential issues with factors influencing creatinine concentration by utilizing a simple, novel method consisting of cation‐paring high‐pressure liquid chromatography in tandem with ultraviolet detection to determine the creatinine concentration in 3019 donors. Of the 4227 sample population in this study, 209 (4.94%) were below the cutoff value of 20 mg/dL for dilute urine. Because there are many factors that can influence the urinary creatinine concentration, samples that have creatinine under the 20 mg/dL cutoff do not always implicate sample adulteration.
Fatal Oral Methylphenidate Intoxication with Postmortem Concentrations
Authors: Cantrell Frank Lee , Ogera Patricia , Mallett Phyllis , McIntyre Iain M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMethylphenidate (MPD) is a widely prescribed stimulant used primarily for the treatment for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Suicide attempts involving MPD ingestion have been well described; however, deaths attributed solely to MPD ingestion have not been reported. A 62‐year‐old woman was found dead on her floor. The only discrepancy in among her medication quantities was that >three hundred 10 mg MPD tablets were missing. Analysis utilizing gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed elevated postmortem MPD peripheral and central blood, liver and vitreous humor concentrations. Considering both the central blood to peripheral blood ratio (0.89) and the liver to peripheral blood ratio (3.3), MPD does not appear subject to significant postmortem redistribution. With no other identifiable cause of death, we report what appears to be the first isolated MPD ingestion associated with a fatality.
An Improved Method for the Diatom Test Utilizing DNA Binding Ability of Silica
Authors: Seo Yasuhisa , Ichida Daisuke , Sato Shingo , Kuroki Kohji , Kishida Tetsuko 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn order to devise a better forensic test for diatoms, the DNA binding ability of the diatom frustule constructing by silica, in the presence of chaotropic ions were utilized. It was proved that the diatoms were able to be captured via λDNA using silica‐coated magnetic beads (Mag beads), followed by isolation and purification from the Mag beads as a solid phase by substituting the chaotropic agent with ultrapure water. Five cases of drowning, three in freshwater and two in seawater, were applied to the present method and similar results as the usual diatom test were obtained. Specimens of lung and other organs were rendered clearly visible, with elimination of foreign impurities. The present method appears applicable for detection of diatoms indirectly using PCR amplification of bound DNA or directly staining of the DNA.
Soil Fungi: Their Potential use as a Forensic Tool
Authors: Tranchida María C. , Centeno Néstor D. , Cabello Marta N. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAs a grave is an anomalous environment and differs from its surroundings, criminal investigators employ different techniques for locating, recovering, and analyzing clandestine graves. In this study were identified the fungi found in the soil under corpses in decomposition with an aim at relating the copresence of human remains and different fungal species. Were isolated the fungi in three ways: soil washing, serial dilutions, and moist chamber growth. Dichotomomyces cejpii, Talaromyces trachyspermus, Talaromyces flavus, and Talaromyces sp. were the representative species found—with those belonging to the ammonia group, whose fungi are the first in the succession of cadaver decomposition directly in the ground. The mycobiota found at the present study area clearly differs to mycobiota identified in control sample and from previously described species for other areas of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Further forensic examples of this type are needed to develop fully the detailed use of mycology as a forensic tool.
Taphonomic Marks on Pig Tissue Due to Cadaveric Coleoptera Activity Under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Zanetti Noelia I. , Visciarelli Elena C. , Centeno Néstor D. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe aim of this work was to study taphonomic marks that cadaveric coleopteran can produce under controlled conditions. To evaluate this, pig trotters were initially exposed to adults of Dermestes maculatus De Geer at 21 ± 5°C and a 12:12‐h day/night cycle. Observations were made and photographs taken every 4–5 days for 9 months. When feeding and reproducing, D. maculatus produced, in both adult and larvae stages, different types of marks such as holes, striations, scratches, and pits in several kinds of tissue such as integumental, connective, and muscular, in both their fresh and dried stages. Bite marks were also evident. The results in this study provide not only taphonomic but also biological and forensic information. This is the first time that this kind of experiment has been performed.
The Ratio of 6β‐Hydroxycortisol to Cortisol in Urine as a Measure of Cytochrome P450 3A Activity in Postmortem Cases
Authors: Lang Lotte M. , Linnet Kristian 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPoisoning can occur with chronic accumulation of a drug due to reduced metabolic capacity; conversely, under‐treatment may occur due to an increased metabolic rate. Over half of all drugs are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 3A complex (CYP3A). The activity of CYP3A can be assessed by the urinary ratio of 6β‐hydroxycortisol to cortisol. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of this ratio as a postmortem marker for determining whether altered CYP3A enzyme activity occurred prior to death. In a series of 244 postmortem cases, this ratio ranged from 0.014 to 78.6 (median 3.50). The median was significantly higher (5.14) in a subgroup of 28 cases that exhibited the presence of CYP3A‐inducing drugs. In cirrhosis, the median ratio was 1.69. This pointed to a reduced metabolic capacity of CYP3A. Thus, the ratio may constitute a rough indicator of the CYP3A metabolic capacity, which could be of value in special cases.
Dialysis Method Alters the Expression of MicroRNA‐33a and Its Target Genes ABCA1, ABCG1 in THP‐1 Macrophages
Authors: Wang Jian‐Min , Zhou Jia‐Jun , Zheng Qian , Gan Hua , Wang Hang 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAtherosclerosis and accompanying cardiovascular disease are the first causes of mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Anti‐atherosclerotic effects of hemodiafiltration (HDF) have been reported. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of serum derived from a healthy group (n = 23), before and after hemodialysis (HD) therapy (n = 23), and before and after HDF therapy (n = 17) on the expression of microRNA‐33a and its target genes adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter A1,G1 (ABCA1, ABCG1) in THP‐1 macrophages. Meanwhile, blood lipids and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) were measured in these groups. Our data showed that the expression of miRNA‐33a was lower (P < 0.05) and ABCA1 and ABCG1 were higher (P < 0.05) in the healthy group than pre‐HD and pre‐HDF. miR‐33a was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) but ABCA1, ABCG1 was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in post‐HDF compared with pre‐HDF, while these parameters in pre‐ and post‐ HD groups did not show any significant change (P > 0.05). High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) was higher and hs‐CRP was lower in the healthy group than pre‐HD and pre‐HDF groups. Moreover, a significant increase of HDL‐C (P < 0.05) and decrease (P < 0.05) of hs‐CRP was shown in post‐HDF compared with pre‐HDF, but HD appeared to have no significant change in these subjects. HDF therapy can downregulate miR‐33a expression, and then result in ABCA1, ABCG1 upregulation and an increase in circulating HDL‐C, leading to a possible anti‐atherosclerosis effect to some extent.
The new world screwworm: prospective distribution and role of weather in eradication
Authors: Gutierrez Andrew Paul , Ponti Luigi 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

The new world screwworm [Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel)] was eradicated in North America, Libya and other locations using the sterile insect technique (SIT).
To examine the role of weather in its eradication, a physiologically‐based demographic model was developed and used to characterize its range of year‐round persistence. Published data on developmental times, fecundity and mortality rates on temperature were used to parameterize the model. The lower and upper thermal thresholds for development are 14.5 and 43.5 °C, and the optimal temperature for survival is 27.2 °C. An index of favourability based on annual rainfall was used as an approximate estimate of the limiting effects of moisture in arid areas.
The open source geographical information system software grass was used to map the simulation results, as well as county level myiasis incidence data for Texas for the 1962–1983 SIT eradication programme.
Winter temperature and rainfall are shown to have a strong influence on screwworm outbreaks and in facilitating eradication in North America and Libya. Prospective analysis for the Mediterranean Basin suggests that eastern areas are most favourable for screwworm establishment (e.g. the Nile River area of Egypt).
The SIT eradication programme and its possible extension into South America are discussed.
Expected +2 °C climate warming is predicted to increase the potential year‐round range of screwworm in the southeast U.S.A.
All‐ceramic restoration of zirconia two‐piece implants – a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Payer Michael , Heschl Alexander , Koller Martin , Arnetzl Gerwin , Lorenzoni Martin , Jakse Norbert 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivesAim of this controlled prospective randomized study was to evaluate the outcome of two‐piece zirconia implants compared to titanium implants over a period of up to 24 months.Material and methodsA total of 31 implants (16 zirconia/Ziterion vario Z® + 15 titanium/Ziterion vario T®) were inserted primary stable (>30 Ncm) in the maxilla (7) and mandible (24) of 22 patients (13 male, nine female) requiring neither bone nor soft tissue augmentation. After a healing period of 6 months in the maxilla and 4 months in the mandible, ceramic abutments were luted adhesively to the zirconia implants and definitive all‐ceramic restoration was performed with high‐density ceramics. Radiographic bone levels, condition of the peri‐implant mucosa, aesthetic outcome, implant survival and success were recorded for up to 24 months.ResultsMeasurements of mean marginal bone levels 24 months after surgery showed a significant bone loss (P < 0.001) in both groups (Ti: 1.43 (SD ± 0.67) vs. Zir 1.48 (SD ± 1.05). One zirconia implant was lost 8 months after restoration. No further complications were recorded, giving an overall survival and success rate of 93.3% for zirconia and 100% for titanium implants after a period of up to 24 months.ConclusionsAfter 24 months, success rates of the two‐piece ceramic implants showed no significant difference compared to control two‐piece titanium implants. The bonded zirconia implant abutment connection appears to be capable with clinical application over the observed period. However, further control measurements need to confirm the presented data.
Clinical, radiographic, and histological analyses of calcium phosphate cement as filling material in maxillary sinus lift surgery
Authors: Sverzut Alexander T. , Rodrigues Danillo C. , Lauria Andrezza , Armando Rogério S. , de Oliveira Paulo T. , Moreira Roger W. F. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe installation of dental implants in the posterior maxilla is often faced with resorbed alveolar processes, resulting from a combination of pneumatization of the maxillary sinus, the effects of periodontal disease, and physiological bone resorption. The sinus lift surgery has been practiced since 1980 with the aim to increase bone height in this region for an implant supported prosthetic rehabilitation, and various filling materials have been used for such.ObjectivesThis study aimed to clinically, radiographically, and histologically evaluate a preparation of calcium phosphate cement (Bone Source®, BS) used as filling material in maxillary sinus elevation surgery.MethodsTen patients were operated requiring maxillary sinus graft for future placement of osseointegrated implants. After a period ranging from 9 to 16 months, a clinical evaluation and biopsy of the grafted area in the region adjacent to the axis of the implant to be inserted were performed.ResultsClinically and radiographically, no evidence of resorption/substitution of BS was noticed. Although no patients have had postoperative complications and the material presented fully biocompatible characteristics with woven bone in intimate contact with BS, it was not possible to place any implants due to minimal bone formation and friability of the material.ConclusionIt was concluded that despite the osteoconductive capacity of BS, this conventional calcium phosphate preparation does not support sufficient amount of new bone formation that could allow its use as filling material for maxillary sinus floor lift and subsequent dental implant placement.
Libertas: rationale and study design of a multicentre, Phase II, double–blind, randomised, placebo–controlled investigation to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of locally applied NRL001 in patients with faecal incontinence
Authors: Siproudhis L. , Jones D. , Ng Kwet Shing R. , Walker D. , Scholefield J. H. ,   the Libertas Study Consortium
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimsFaecal incontinence affects up to 8% of adults. Associated social isolation and subsequent depression can have devastating effects on quality of life (QoL). Faecal incontinence is an underreported health problem as the social isolation and stigma that patients experience makes it difficult for sufferers to discuss their condition with a physician. There have been few well–designed, placebo‐controlled clinical trials of treatment for faecal incontinence and little clinical evidence is available to inform the most appropriate management strategies. Libertas, a robustly designed study will investigate the efficacy and safety of NRL001 (1R,2S‐methoxamine), an α1–adrenoceptor agonist, in the treatment of faecal incontinence.MethodsLibertas is a multicentre, Phase II, double–blind, randomised, placebo–controlled, parallel group study. Patient recruitment took place across 55 study centres in Europe. Patients suffering with faecal incontinence were randomised into four groups (approximately 110 each) to receive once daily self–administered doses of NRL001 (5, 7.5 or 10 mg or placebo in a suppository formulation) for 8 weeks. The primary objective of Libertas is to assess the impact of once daily administration of NRL001 on the severity and frequency of incontinence episodes as assessed by the Wexner score at 4 weeks, compared with placebo. Secondary outcomes include measures of efficacy of NRL001 compared with placebo following 8 weeks treatment; safety and tolerability; evaluation of plasma pharmacokinetics; establishment of any pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship to adverse events; dose–response relationship; the efficacy of NRL001 therapy at 4 and 8 weeks assessed by the Vaizey score; and QoL using the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life and the EQ–5D–5L Healthcare Questionnaires following 4 and 8 weeks NRL001 therapy. Overall patient satisfaction with the treatment will also be evaluated.DiscussionThis is the first randomised controlled study to investigate the efficacy and safety of a selective α1–adrenoceptor agonist for the treatment of faecal incontinence. Furthermore, this is the first time the impact of NRL001 on assessments of QoL, health outcomes and patient satisfaction will be assessed. Innovative strategies were developed to meet the challenge of recruiting patients for this study, for example, media advertising, posters and mailshots as allowed by each study centre.
Long‐term course of Dravet syndrome: A study from an epilepsy center in Japan
Authors: Takayama Rumiko , Fujiwara Tateki , Shigematsu Hideo , Imai Katsumi , Takahashi Yukitoshi , Yamakawa Kazuhiro , Inoue Yushi 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveThis study attempted to clarify the long‐term course of Dravet syndrome (DS).MethodsSixty‐four patients diagnosed with DS (44 with typical DS, and 20 with atypical DS) were studied. The long‐term outcomes of clinical seizures, electroencephalographic findings, neuropsychological findings, and social situation were analyzed. The follow‐up period ranged from 11 to 34 years 5 months (median 24 years).ResultsAt the last visit, the ages ranged from 19 years to 45 years (median 30 years). Fifty‐nine patients continued to have generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS). Status epilepticus and unilateral seizures were not observed and myoclonic seizures, atypical absence seizures, and photosensitive seizures were resolved in most patients. The frequency of complex partial seizures was equally low, with five patients at presentation and six patients at the last visit, respectively. Five patients achieved seizure remission (seizure‐free for 1 year or longer). Only 1 of 44 patients with typical DS had seizure remission, whereas 4 of 20 patients with atypical DS remitted, with a statistically significant difference between the two phenotypes (p = 0.03). Intellectual disability was found in all patients; especially, severe intellectual disability was prevalent. Patients with atypical DS tended to have milder intellectual disability compared to those with typical DS (p = 0.0283). Occipital alpha rhythm in the basic activity was associated with milder intellectual disability (p = 0.0085). The freedom from seizures correlated with appearance of occipital alpha rhythms (p = 0.0008) and disappearance of epileptic discharges (p = 0.0004). Two patients with GTCS died. Mutations of the neuronal voltage‐gated sodium channel alpha subunit type 1 gene were detected at a high frequency (33 of 36 patients examined). Seizure remission was found only in the missense mutation group.SignificanceThe long‐term seizure and intellectual outcomes are extremely poor in patients with typical DS compared to those with atypical DS. Epilepsy phenotype may influence long‐term course of DS.
Impairment of kindling development in phospholipase Cγ1 heterozygous mice
Authors: He Xiao Ping , Wen Renren , McNamara James O. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveElucidating molecular mechanisms underlying limbic epileptogenesis may reveal novel targets for preventive therapy. Studies of TrkB mutant mice led us to hypothesize that signaling through a specific phospholipase (PLC), PLCγ1, promoted development of kindling.MethodsTo test this hypothesis, we examined the development of kindling in PLCγ1 heterozygous mice. We also examined the cellular and subcellular location of PLCγ1 in adult wild‐type mice.ResultsThe development of kindling was impaired in PLCγ1 heterozygous mice compared to wild‐type controls. PLCγ1 immunoreactivity was localized to the soma and dendrites of both excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the hippocampus of adult mice.SignificanceThis study implicates PLCγ1 signaling as the dominant pathway by which TrkB activation promotes limbic epileptogenesis. Its cellular localization places PLCγ1 in a position to modify the efficacy of both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission. These findings advance PLCγ1 as a novel target for therapies aimed at preventing temporal lobe epilepsy induced by status epilepticus.
The atopic skin‐like microenvironment modulates the T‐cell‐polarising cytokine production of myeloid dendritic cells, as determined by laser scanning cytometry
Authors: Nagy Georgina , Doan‐Xuan Quang‐Minh , Gáspár Krisztián , Mócsai Gábor , Kapitány Anikó , Törőcsik Dániel , Bacsó Zsolt , Gyimesi Edit , Remenyik Éva , Bíró Tamás , Szegedi Andrea 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBecause it is not known exactly when or where myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) acquire their atopic dermatitis (AD)‐specific T‐cell‐polarising ability in patients with this condition, we used laser scanning cytometry (LSC) to determine whether isolated peripheral blood mDCs from AD patients differed from cells from controls in their cytokine expression profiles de novo and after stimulation with Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), which represents an AD‐like microenvironment. Unstimulated mDCs from AD patients showed pluripotent T‐cell‐polarising capacity, and the surrounding skin microenvironment was essential for the distinctive, disease‐specific activity of mDCs (Th2‐Th22 bias). We also emphasise that LSC is an attractive technique to study the effect of new DC‐targeted therapeutic modalities in AD.