Additional approaches to DNA typing of skeletal remains: the search for "missing" persons killed during the last dictatorship in Argentina

DNA typing techniques are among the most advanced tools for human identification and can contribute to the identification of poorly preserved skeletal remains. Ten thousand people are thought to have been killed during the last dictatorship in Argentina (1976-1983) and there are few official records on the identity of the victims or the location of burials. A mass grave containing 340 skeletons was excavated using archeological methods. A small number of individuals was identified by traditional forensic methods and one family group by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis. Due to the lack of antemortem physical information on many of the victims, the application of molecular methods is imperative to speed up the identification process. We have tested two molecular screening methods, Y chromosome-specific short tandem repeats (DYS19, DYS385, DYS389 I, DYS389 II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393) and amplification of autosomal microsatellites using nested primers. These methods can complement solely matrilineal mtDNA sequence data in the identification of "missing" persons.     

Morphine-induced supersensitivity to acetylcholine in skeletal muscle and its mechanism of action

Studies conducted for over 20 years allowed the authors to accumulate a rich experience in the production and administration of an inactivated influenza vaccine applicable by nasal and oral route, prepared in the "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology. Applied as a monovalent in a single dose of 1000 IU, the vaccine induced seroconversion of 70% of the vaccines and ensured a 2--4-fold decrease in influenza morbidity. Owing to these qualities the vaccine represents one of the most advantageous preparations used in influenza prophylaxis.     

Biogenesis of acetylcholinesterase is impaired, although its mRNA level remains normal, in the glucocorticoid-treated rat skeletal muscle

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is responsible for the hydrolysis of acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction and other cholinergic synapses. Insight into the mechanisms controlling AChE expression in skeletal muscle is important for understanding formation, plasticity, and various dysfunctions of the neuromuscular junction. We have investigated the mechanisms responsible for the decreased AChE activity in the fast rat sternomastoideus muscle after chronic glucocorticoid treatment. Under such conditions fast skeletal muscles become atrophic and loose 30-40% of their AChE activity. In order to establish at which level synthesis of AChE is affected by glucocorticoids, we studied the effects of chronic dexamethasone treatment at both AChE mRNA and mature enzyme levels. Reduced rate of AChE recovery after subtotal irreversible AChE inhibition was observed during the first week of dexamethasone treatment, but not later. Statistical analyses of four independent northern blots revealed unchanged AChE mRNA levels. At the same time, we observed more than 60% decrease in the (G1+G2)/A12 ratio of molecular forms at the expense of G forms. It has been generally accepted that globular G1 and G2 molecular forms are synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum as precursors of asymmetric (A) AChE forms, assembled in the Golgi apparatus. Reduced levels of G1 and G2 AChE forms, in combination with unchanged AChE mRNA, are therefore consistent with the reports demonstrating that glucocorticoids downregulate muscle protein synthesis at the translational level. Our findings support but not entirely prove the concept that impaired translation and/or posttranslational control are the primary cause of decreased AChE activity in the glucocorticoid-treated muscle.     

Determining the encrustation rate in the reducing zone of a shaft furnace

The influence of various factors on the encrustation rate in the reducing zone of a shaft furnace is mathematically analyzed. The probability that large particles will be formed increases on approaching the tuyere band, with corresponding rise in encrustation rate. In addition, the encrustation rate increases with increase in the content of fines.     

A selected bibliography on posttraumatic stress disorders in Vietnam veterans.

Lists 171 references to the etiology, symptomatology, and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSDs) in Vietnam veterans. Psychologically and medically oriented journals, books, and government publications were searched for research and clinical reports, as were published narratives of veterans' combat experiences and research on PTSDs from other conflicts (e.g., World War II, Korean conflict, and the Yom Kippur war). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A novel DNA polymerase family found in Archaea

One of the most puzzling results from the complete genome sequence of the methanogenic archaeon Methanococcus jannaschii was that the organism may have only one DNA polymerase gene. This is because no other DNA polymerase-like open reading frames (ORFs) were found besides one ORF having the typical alpha-like DNA polymerase (family B). Recently, we identified the genes of DNA polymerase II (the second DNA polymerase) from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus, which has also at least one alpha-like DNA polymerase (T. Uemori, Y. Sato, I. Kato, H. Doi, and Y. Ishino, Genes Cells 2:499-512, 1997). The genes in M. jannaschii encoding the proteins that are homologous to the DNA polymerase II of P. furiosus have been located and cloned. The gene products of M. jannaschii expressed in Escherichia coli had both DNA polymerizing and 3'-->5' exonuclease activities. We propose here a novel DNA polymerase family which is entirely different from other hitherto-described DNA polymerases.     

信息表中不完备数据的填补方法

提出了一种基于粗糙集的不完备数据填补方法.本算法以突出信息表的决策规则为主要目的,选取重要断点为主要手段,以分类质量作为迭代约束条件.实验和数值实例表明,本算法不但不会产生冲突规则,而且能够进一步突出决策规则.     

Maternal identification from skeletal remains of an infant kept by the alleged mother for 16 years with DNA typing

This is a case study concerning maternal identification by DNA typing at various loci. An infant skeleton was found in the alleged mother's apartment after it was kept for 16 years. We obtained the skeletal remains as well as saliva stains from the alleged mother. DNA typing was conducted for three loci in the HLA class II region (HLA-DQA1, -DPB1, and DRB1), five loci with the AmpliType PM kit (LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, and GC), five STR loci (LPL, vWA, F13B, TH01, and TPOX) and D-loop region in mtDNA for maternal identification. Sex determination was accomplished using fluorescent DNA capillary electrophoresis typing. Approximately 5 ng of human DNA was recovered from 1 g of femur bone retrieved from the infant skeletal remains. The probability of two unrelated Japanese sharing the same genotypes was estimated as 7.2 x 10(-11). The combined probability of exclusion that an individual is not the mother was also calculated at 0.998. We therefore conclude that the skeleton is from a female infant, and that there is no inconsistency in the claim that the infant was a daughter of the alleged mother.     

Insulin-mediated skeletal muscle vasodilation is nitric oxide dependent. A novel action of insulin to increase nitric oxide release

The purpose of this study was to examine whether insulin's effect to vasodilate skeletal muscle vasculature is mediated by endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO). N-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), a specific inhibitor of NO synthase, was administered directly into the femoral artery of normal subjects at a dose of 16 mg/min and leg blood flow (LBF) was measured during an infusion of saline (NS) or during a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (HIC) designed to approximately double LBF. In response to the intrafemoral artery infusion of L-NMMA, LBF decreased from 0.296 +/- 0.032 to 0.235 +/- 0.022 liters/min during NS and from 0.479 +/- 0.118 to 0.266 +/- 0.052 liters/min during HIC, P < 0.03. The proportion of NO-dependent LBF during NS and HIC was approximately 20% and approximately 40%, respectively, P < 0.003 (NS vs. HIC). To elucidate whether insulin increases EDNO synthesis/release or EDNO action, vasodilative responses to graded intrafemoral artery infusions of the endothelium-dependent vasodilator methacholine chloride (MCh) or the endothelium-independent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were studied in normal subjects during either NS or HIC. LBF increments in response to intrafemoral artery infusions of MCh but not SNP were augmented during HIC versus NS, P < 0.03. In summary, insulin-mediated vasodilation is EDNO dependent. Insulin vasodilation of skeletal muscle vasculature most likely occurs via increasing EDNO synthesis/release. Thus, insulin appears to be a novel modulator of the EDNO system.     

Calcium release from skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum: site of action of dantrolene sodium

The muscle relaxant dantrolene sodium acts directly and specifically on skeletal muscle, unlike other pharmacological agents which affect the central nervous system or act at the nueromuscular junction. Dantrolene sodium markedly suppresses the release of calcium previously sequestered by skeletal, but not cardiac, muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum. No effect in the total amount of calcium accumulated was found. In situ, the drug may reduce the amount of calcium necessary for muscle contraction.     

Psychological effects of military service in Vietnam: A meta-analysis.

To integrate research on the psychological status of Vietnam veterans, we conducted a meta-analysis of 67 studies appearing in the literature from 1972 through 1985. Mean effect size, representing the comparison between Vietnam veterans and others on a variety of mental health indicators, was a significant –0.53. There was a tendency for larger effect sizes in studies that appeared later, were published by researchers affiliated with the Veterans Administration, documented combat history, but did not incorporate a comparison group. Vietnam veterans were significantly different from both Vietnam-era veterans and nonveterans, with the pattern of differences indicating a "Vietnam effect." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A case-control study of lung cancer among Vietnam veterans

Because of concerns among veterans over Agent Orange exposure, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has conducted a series of studies of specific cancers among Vietnam veterans. Lung cancer is the topic of investigation in this report. The VA's Patient Treatment File (PTF) was used to identify 329 Vietnam era veterans with a diagnosis of lung cancer made between 1983 and 1990. The PTF is a computerized hospitalized database of inpatient records, including patients' demographic data, and diagnoses. A record is created for each patient discharged from any one of the VA's Medical Centers. Variables abstracted from the military record include education, race, branch of service, Military Occupational Specialty Code, rank, and units served within Vietnam. Two hundred sixty-nine controls were randomly selected from the PTF file of men hospitalized for a reason other than cancer. A second control group numbering 111 patients with colon cancer was also selected from the PTF file. Data were also gathered on exposure to Agent Orange through the location of each individual ground troop veteran's unit in relation to an area sprayed and the time elapsed since that area was sprayed. The crude odds ratio between service in Vietnam and lung cancer was of borderline significance (odds ratio = 1.39 with 95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.92). The relationship disappeared when the confounder year of birth was considered. We conclude from these data that there is no evidence of increased risk in lung cancer associated with service in Vietnam at this time.     

The lived experience of women military nurses in Vietnam during the Vietnam War

Excitation-contraction coupling is achieved by translocation of calcium from the extracellular space as well as by the release of calcium from intracellular stores. Thapsigargin has been shown to selectively block the sarcoplasmic Ca-ATPase, thereby preventing the reuptake of calcium into intracellular stores and the participation of these calcium storage sites in the contractile response to stimulation. The current study determined the effect of thapsigargin on the contractile response to field stimulation, bethanechol, and KCl in control rabbit bladders and bladders obtained from rabbits subjected to partial outlet obstruction. Partial bladder outlet obstruction resulted in a marked increase in bladder mass and in significant decreases in the contractile response to field stimulation, bethanechol, and KCl. Thapsigargin (5-40 microM) had no effect on the contractile responses of bladder strips isolated from control rabbits to field stimulation, bethanechol, or KCl. However, bladder strips isolated from obstructed rabbits showed a significant concentration-dependent decrease in the contractile response to field stimulation in the presence of thapsigargin. Thapsigargin had no effect on the contractile responses of bladder strips isolated from obstructed rabbits to either bethanechol or KCl. In general, the data described in this study support our current hypothesis: as smooth muscle cells enlarge (hypertrophy) and the cell volume increases, there is an increased dependence on the release of intracellular calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to mediate the contractile response to field stimulation.     

A method for isolation of sequences missing in one of two related genomes

We describe a novel technique for isolation of sequences that are present in one genome (tracer), but absent in another (driver). Tracer DNA, cleaved with Sau 3A and capped with a single stranded PCR adapter, is allowed to hybridize with an excess of sheared biotinylated driver; biotinylated DNA and its hybrids with the tracer are removed by phenol/chloroform extraction after incubation with streptavidin. After several rounds of subtraction the ends of self-annealed tracer molecules from the nonextractable fraction are filled-in with Tag polymerase and amplified, using the single stranded PCR adapter as a primer. The method has been applied to purification of fragments from a 2.9 kb plasmid added to E. coli DNA at equimolar quantity. Plasmid derived fragments (250-1000 bp), initially comprising 1/1400th part of tracer DNA, were purified to homogeneity after two rounds of subtraction followed by PCR.     

A late ON response remains in visual response of the mGluR6-deficient mouse

Neurogranin is a calmodulin-binding and a protein kinase C substrate, that is expressed in telencephalic regions of the rat brain and has been associated with signal transduction and long-term potentiation (LTP). We here report that neurogranin is present in cultured hippocampal neurones, although in amounts lower than those present in the adult hippocampus, and that is also phosphorylated 'in vivo'. Glutamate receptor activation rapidly and significantly increases neurogranin phosphorylation, which achieves maximal phosphate labeling after ionotropic receptor stimulation (kainate and N-methyl-D-aspartate) and more moderate one after metabotropic receptor activation. It is proposed that neurogranin phosphorylation responds to changes in intracellular free Ca2+ and, also, that an increase in neurogranin phosphorylation contributes to enhance and extend calmodulin action, and therefore participate in post-synaptic signal transduction and LTP.     

The impact of obesity on hypertension management in African Americans

Blood pressure is strongly related to body weight, and control of obesity is a critical component of hypertension prevention and control. Data from multicenter studies such as the Trials of Hypertension Prevention, the Trials of Antihypertensive Interventions and Management, and the Trial of Nonpharmacologic Interventions in the Elderly help to set aside previous questions about whether the association of obesity with hypertension applies to African Americans. Given the high prevalence of overweight among African Americans, especially women, the issue is not whether weight reduction should be a component of hypertension prevention and treatment but how to design and implement programs that will help overweight African American men and women achieve permanent weight loss. Modest weight losses can not only prevent or reverse blood pressure elevations but also have a favorable impact on obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia.     

Suicidal terrorist bombings in Israel--identification of human remains

Positive identification of human remains is one of the most important tasks in mass disaster investigations. Religious and jurisdictional demands in Israel, require the identification process to be completed in the shortest possible time. In the 18 suicidal terrorist bombings that took place in Israel between the years 1993-1996, 127 victims and 19 perpetrators were killed, and their severely fragmented bodies were identified within 24 h. The efficient completion of the identification endeavor was enabled by the implementation of a variety of techniques and the close collaboration in the investigation between the different emergency and forensic agencies. This paper presents the mass disaster identification policy and techniques currently used in Israel. The importance of an interdisciplinary approach for the identification of extremely fragmented human remains from mass disasters and the creation of a central data bank of fingerprints and genetic markers is emphasized.     

A comparison of inclusive and restrictive strategies in modern missing data procedures.

Two classes of modem missing data procedures, maximum likelihood (ML) and multiple imputation (MI), tend to yield similar results when implemented in comparable ways. In either approach, it is possible to include auxiliary variables solely for the purpose of improving the missing data procedure. A simulation was presented to assess the potential costs and benefits of a restrictive strategy, which makes minimal use of auxiliary variables, versus an inclusive strategy, which makes liberal use of such variables. The simulation showed that the inclusive strategy is to be greatly preferred. With an inclusive strategy not only is there a reduced chance of inadvertently omitting an important cause of missingness, there is also the possibility of noticeable gains in terms of increased efficiency and reduced bias, with only minor costs. As implemented in currently available software, the MI approach tends to encourage the use of a restrictive strategy, whereas the MI approach makes it relatively simple to use an inclusive strategy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)