Direct PCR amplification of forensic touch and other challenging DNA samples: A review.

DNA evidence sample processing typically involves DNA extraction, quantification, and STR amplification; however, DNA loss can occur at both the DNA extraction and quantification steps, which is not ideal for forensic evidence containing low levels of DNA. Direct PCR amplification of forensic unknown samples has been suggested as a means to circumvent extraction and quantification, thereby retaining the DNA typically lost during those procedures. Direct PCR amplification is a method in which a sample is added directly to an amplification reaction without being subjected to prior DNA extraction, purification, or quantification.

A Human-Based Integrated Framework for Alzheimer's Disease Research.

Animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been extensively utilized for decades in an effort to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of this disease and to test novel therapeutic approaches. However, research success has not effectively translated into therapeutic success for human patients. This translational failure is partially due to the overuse of animal models that cannot accurately recapitulate human AD etiopathogenesis or drug responses and the inadequate use of human-relevant research methods.

Bst2/Tetherin Is Induced in Neurons by Type I Interferon and Viral Infection but Is Dispensable for Protection against Neurotropic Viral Challenge.

Unlabelled: In permissive mouse central nervous system (CNS) neurons, measles virus (MV) spreads in the absence of hallmark viral budding or neuronal death, with transmission occurring efficiently and exclusively via the synapse. MV infection also initiates a robust type I interferon (IFN) response, resulting in the synthesis of a large number of genes, including bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (Bst2)/tetherin/CD317. Bst2 restricts the release of some enveloped viruses, but to date, its role in viral infection of neurons has not been assessed.

Homeostatic interferon expression in neurons is sufficient for early control of viral infection.

The mechanisms by which neurons respond to inflammatory mediators such as interferons (IFNs) remain largely undefined. We previously showed that the activation and nuclear localization of the core IFN signaling molecule, Stat1, are muted and delayed in primary mouse hippocampal neurons treated with IFN gamma as compared to control mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Here, we show that the kinetics of Stat1 and Stat2 activation following type I IFN exposure are also unique in neurons, affecting gene expression and neuronal response.

Animal models of Alzheimer disease: historical pitfalls and a path forward.

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a medically and financially overwhelming condition, and incidence rates are expected to triple by 2050.Despite decades of research in animal models of AD, the disease remains incompletely understood, with few treatment options. This review summarizes historical and current AD research efforts, with emphasis on the disparity between preclinical animal studies and the reality of human disease and how this has impacted clinical trials.