bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnosing bovine parafilariosis: utility of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene and internal transcribed spacer region for PCR detection of Parafilaria bovicola in skin biopsies and serohemorrhagic exudates of cattle
Authors: Oehm Andreas W. , Stoll Alexander , Silaghi Cornelia , Pfitzner-Friedrich Annette , Knubben-Schweizer Gabriela , Strube Christina 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundParafilaria bovicola(Nematoda: Filariidae) causes cutaneous bleedings in bovine species. Flies serve as intermediate hosts. In recent years, reports on bovine parafilariosis have become more frequent, corroborating the necessity of reliable diagnostic interventions especially since no molecular or serological test has been available. We aimed to establish a polymerase chain reaction assay to detect DNA ofP. bovicolain flies, skin biopsies and serohemorraghic exudates of bleeding spots.MethodsPCRs targeting the cytochromecoxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene and the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster were evaluated for their diagnostic sensitivity as well as performance and specificity on biopsy and serohemorrhagic exudate samples fromP. bovicola-infected cattle.ResultsUsing serohemorrhagic exudates (n = 6), biopsies (n = 2) and flies (n = 1), the PCR targeting thecox1 gene resulted in a gel band of almost 700 bp. Cloning, sequencing, and removal of primer sequences yielded a 649-bp fragment of theP. bovicola cox1 gene. The PCR targeting the ITS region showed a band of about 1100 bp. Cloning, sequencing, and removal of primer sequences resulted in a 1083 bp stretch of theP. bovicolaITS region. Testing samples from presumably affected animals, thecox1-PCR resulted in bands with the expected size and they were all confirmed asP. bovicolaby sequencing. In contrast, the ITS-PCR proved to be less sensitive and less specific and additionally amplified the ITS region ofMusca domesticaor buttercup DNA. When analysing for sensitivity, thecox1-PCR yielded visible bands up to 2 ng of genomic DNA, whereas the ITS-PCR produced bands up to 3 ng. In a plasmid dilution series, the minimum number of target DNA copies was 102for thecox1-PCR and 101in the ITS-PCR.ConclusionsThe evaluatedcox1-PCR enables reliable detection ofP. bovicolaDNA in skin biopsies and serohemorrhagic exudates. This PCR and, to a limited extent, the ITS-PCR, may help evaluate different therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, thecox1-PCR may be useful for epidemiological studies on the geographical distribution ofP. bovicola. Further understanding of the epidemiology of this parasite will help develop and implement effective control strategies.
Activation of natural killer cells by rituximab in granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Urlaub Doris , Zhao Shuyang , Blank Norbert , Bergner Raoul , Claus Maren , Tretter Theresa , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Watzl Carsten , Merkt Wolfgang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objective
In the last few years, anti-CD20 antibody rituximab profoundly changed the therapeutic landscape of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Here, we investigated whether natural killer (NK) cells may play a role in rituximab’s mechanism of action in GPA.

Methods
B cell depletion, NK cell degranulation, and the expression of CD69 and CD16 on NK cells were measured in a series of in vitro experiments using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In vivo activation of NK cells was investigated in patients receiving rituximab infusions. Cells were analyzed by seven-color flow cytometry.

Results
NK cells from GPA patients were activated by immobilized rituximab. Also soluble rituximab activated NK cells, provided that B cells were present. NK cells degranulated and expressed the activation marker CD69 while CD16 expression was decreased. This activation of NK cells by soluble rituximab was accompanied by a reduction of B cells. The next-generation anti-CD20 antibody obinutuzumab showed stronger effects compared to rituximab on both the reduction of B cells and the activation of NK cells. Finally, we found that rituximab led to the activation of NK cells in vivo, provided that B cells were not depleted due to prior rituximab infusions.

Conclusion
B cell-bound rituximab activates NK cells in GPA. While NK cells therefore participate in rituximab’s mechanism of action in humans, their potential may be more efficiently exploited, e.g., by Fc engineering of therapeutic antibodies.
The value of MRI examination on bilateral hands including proximal interphalangeal joints for disease assessment in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional cohort study
Authors: Mo Ying-Qian , Yang Ze-Hong , Wang Jun-Wei , Li Qian-Hua , Du Xin-Yun , Huizinga T. W. , Matthijssen X. M. E. , Shi Guang-Zi , Shen Jun , Dai Lie 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Bilateral hands including proximal interphalangeal joints (PIPJs) are recommended on physical, X-ray radiographic, or ultrasonographic examination by clinical guidelines of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but MRI still tends to examine unilateral wrists and/or MCPJs. We aimed to demonstrate the advantages of MRI examination on bilateral hands including PIPJs for disease assessment in early RA patients.

Methods
Active early RA patients received 3.0T whole-body MRI examination with contrast-enhanced imaging on bilateral wrists, MCPJs, and PIPJs. MRI features were scored referring to the updated RAMRIS. Clinical assessments were conducted on the day of MRI examination.

Results
The mean time of MRI examination was 24 ± 3 min. MRI bone erosion in MCPJs would be missed-diagnosed in 23% of patients if non-dominant MCPJs were scanned unilaterally, while osteitis in MCPJs would be missed-diagnosed in 16% of patients if dominant MCPJs were scanned unilaterally. MRI synovitis severity was also asymmetric: 21% of patients showing severe synovitis unilaterally in non-dominant MCPJs/PIPJs and other 20% showing severe synovitis unilaterally in dominant MCPJs/PIPJs. Among these early RA patients, MRI tenosynovitis occurred the most frequently in wrist extensor compartment I, while MRI examination on bilateral hands demonstrated no overuse influence present. However, overuse should be considered in dominant PIPJ2, PIPJ4, and IPJ of thumb of which MRI tenosynovitis prevalence was respectively 18%, 17%, or 16% higher than the non-dominant counterparts. Early MRI abnormality of nervus medianus secondary to severe tenosynovitis occurred either in dominant or non-dominant wrists; MRI of unilateral hands would take a risk of missed-diagnosis. Common MRI findings in PIPJs were synovitis and tenosynovitis, respectively in 87% and 69% of patients. MRI tenosynovitis prevalence in IPJ of thumb or PIPJ5 was much higher than the continued wrist flexor compartments. MRI synovitis or tenosynovitis in PIPJs independently increased more than twice probability of joint tenderness (OR = 2.09 or 2.83, both p < 0.001).

Conclusions
In consideration of asymmetric MRI features in early RA, potential overuse influence for certain tenosynovitis in dominant hands, and high prevalence of MRI findings in PIPJs, MRI examination on bilateral hands including PIPJs is deserved for disease assessment in early RA patients.
Autism and the right to education in the EU: policy mapping and scoping review of Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, and Sweden
Authors: van Kessel Robin , Walsh Sebastian , Ruigrok Amber N. V. , Holt Rosemary , Yliherva Anneli , Kärnä Eija , Moilanen Irma , Hjörne Eva , Johansson Shruti Taneja , Schendel Diana , Pedersen Lennart , Jørgensen Meta , Brayne Carol , Baron-Cohen Simon , Roman-Urrestarazu Andres 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Introduction
The universal right to education for people with disabilities has been highlighted by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In this paper, we mapped policies addressing the right to education and special education needs of autistic children in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.

Methods
A policy path analysis was carried out using a scoping review as an underlying framework for data gathering. Policy mapping was performed independently by both lead authors to increase reliability.

Results and discussion
The values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities have been closely translated into the respective education systems of the countries under study, offering special education needs services and support in mainstream education with the aim of including as many children into mainstream education as possible. Even though the education systems are comparable, the approaches between the countries under study are slightly different. Denmark and Sweden have passed several policies specifically geared towards special education needs, while Finland incorporates this more in general education policy.

Conclusion
All countries under study have incorporated the values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in their respective education systems while emphasising the need to include as many children in the mainstream system as possible.
Osteogenesis imperfecta and pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Chamunyonga Felix , Masendeke Kudzaishe Lloyd , Mateveke Bismark 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare connective tissue disorder of varying phenotypic presentations. In pregnancies complicated by osteogenesis imperfecta, there is an increased risk to both the mother and fetus.

Case presentation
We present a case of a 34-year-old, wheelchair-bound, primigravid African (Zimbabwean) patient with short stature and skeletal deformities. Her care, requiring a multidisciplinary team approach, resulted in the delivery of a live baby girl with a birth weight of 2100 g, also with osteogenesis imperfecta.

Conclusion
Good outcomes are reported when a multidisciplinary team is involved in the care of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. Pregnancies can be carried to term but require close antenatal surveillance. Prenatal diagnosis is possible with ultrasound and genetic testing. Delivery should be carefully planned by a multidisciplinary team. Decisions on delivery mode should be made on a case-by-case basis.
Massive hematuria due to an autogenous saphenous vein graft and urinary bladder fistula in an extra-anatomic iliofemoral bypass: a case report
Authors: Jaha Luan , Ismaili-Jaha Vlora , Ademi Bekim , Veselaj Fahredin , Kryeziu Destan , Gjikolli Bujar , Gecaj-Gashi Agreta , Koshi Adhurim , Jaha Art 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Introduction
Gross hematuria caused by rupture of an artery in the urinary tract is a rare but potentially fatal condition. Iliac artery aneurysms, pelvic surgery with radiation, vascular reconstructive surgery, surgery for stenosis of the ureteropelvic junction, and transplantation are reported to be associated with this condition. In the vascular reconstructive surgery group, the most common etiology is rupture of the degenerated artery or synthetic graft in the ureter.

Case presentation
We present a case of rupture of the small anastomotic pseudoaneurysm at the proximal anastomosis of a right iliofemoral autogenous vein extra-anatomic graft in the urinary bladder. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a rupture of an autogenous vein graft in the urinary bladder. Our patient, a 24-year-old Albanian farmer, was admitted to the emergency department in severe hemorrhagic shock induced by exsanguinating hematuria. He underwent immediate surgery, during which direct sutures to the bladder were placed and the saphenous graft was replaced with a synthetic one. The patient recovered completely, was free of hematuria, and showed no signs of pathological communication between the urinary and arterial tracts on postoperative cystoscopy and computed tomographic angiography during 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusion
The incidence of artery-to-urinary tract fistulas is growing due to the increasing use of urologic and vascular surgery, pelvic oncologic surgery, and radiation therapy. In addition to fistulas involving a degenerated artery and ureter or synthetic grafts and ureter, they can also involve an autogenous vein graft and the urinary bladder. In our patient, the fistula was a result of erosion of the bladder from a pseudoaneurysm at the proximal anastomosis of an autogenous vein iliofemoral bypass in an extra-anatomic position. Open surgery remains the best treatment option, although there is increasing evidence of successful endovascular treatment.
Dynamics of swine influenza model with optimal control
Authors: Hussain Takasar , Ozair Muhammad , Oare Okosun Kazeem , Ishfaq Muhammad , Ullah Awan Aziz , Aslam Adnan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTransmission dynamics of swine influenza pandemic is analysed through a deterministic model. Qualitative analysis of the model includes global asymptotic stability of disease-free and endemic equilibria under a certain condition based on the reproduction number. Sensitivity analysis to ponder the effect of model parameters on the reproduction number is performed and control strategies are designed. It is also verified that the obtained numerical results are in good agreement with the analytical ones.
Noise exposure while commuting in Toronto - a study of personal and public transportation in Toronto
Authors: Yao Christopher M.K.L. , Ma Andrew K. , Cushing Sharon L. , Lin Vincent Y.W. 
Published: December 2019

Background With an increasing proportion of the population living in cities, mass transportation has been rapidly expanding to facilitate the demand, yet there is a concern that mass transit has the potential to result in excessive exposure to noise, and subsequently noise-induced hearing loss. Methods Noise dosimetry was used to measure time-integrated noise levels in a representative sample of the Toronto Mass Transit system (subway, streetcar, and buses) both aboard moving transit vehicles and on boarding platforms from April – August 2016. 210 measurements were conducted with multiple measurements approximating 2 min on platforms, 4 min within a vehicle in motion, and 10 min while in a car, on a bike or on foot. Descriptive statistics for each type of transportation, and measurement location (platform vs. vehicle) was computed, with measurement locations compared using 1-way analysis of variance. Results On average, there are 1.69 million riders per day, who are serviced by 69 subway stations, and 154 streetcar or subway routes. Average noise level was greater in the subway and bus than in the streetcar (79.8 +/− 4.0 dBA, 78.1 +/− 4.9 dBA, vs 71.5 +/−1.8 dBA, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, average noise measured on subway platforms were higher than within vehicles (80.9 +/− 3.9 dBA vs 76.8 +/− 2.6 dBA, p < 0.0001). Peak noise exposures on subway, bus and streetcar routes had an average of 109.8 +/− 4.9 dBA and range of 90.4–123.4 dBA, 112.3 +/− 6.0 dBA and 89.4–128.1 dBA, and 108.6 +/− 8.1 dBA and 103.5–125.2 dBA respectively. Peak noise exposures exceeded 115 dBA on 19.9%, 85.0%, and 20.0% of measurements in the subway, bus and streetcar respectively. Conclusions Although the mean average noise levels on the Toronto transit system are within the recommended level of safe noise exposure, cumulative intermittent bursts of impulse noise (peak noise exposures) particularly on bus routes have the potential to place individuals at risk for noise induced hearing loss.
The essential oil of Lippia alba Mill (Lamiales:Verbenaceae) as mosquitocidal and repellent agent against Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) and Aedes aegypti Linn (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Mahanta Sudarshana , Sarma Riju , Khanikor Bulbuli 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundBeing a low-risk insecticide, plant essential oils emerge as competent mosquitocidal and repellent candidates. However, essential oil may act differently in different mosquito species and different developmental stages of same mosquito species. In the current investigation, we evaluated the ovicidal, larvicidal, adulticidal and repellent activities of essential oil extracted from the leaves ofLippia albaagainst two medically important mosquito species,Aedes aegyptiandCulex quinquefasciatus. The efficacy of the oil was assessed under laboratory conditions against different developmental stages of the selected species.ResultsFrom the findings, it can be inferred thatL. albaoil is more effective as a repellent against both the targeted mosquito species. Results also demonstrated that ovicidal, larvicidal and repellent properties of the essential oil were higher againstCulex quinquefasciatusthanAedes aegypti. GC-MS analysis of the oil showed the presence of aromadendrene oxide, caryophyllene oxide, etc. as major constituent compounds.ConclusionThe outcomes of this study clearly indicated that the essential oil ofL. albahas the potentiality to act more effectively as a repellent, followed by a larvicidal agent against mosquito and at the same time the results revealed differential vulnerability of different mosquito species and their life stages against a particular plant essential oil.
Effect of nanopolysaccharide (BSEPS) from Bacillus subtilis sp. on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats
Authors: Mahmoud Manal G. , Asker Mohsen S. , El Awady Mohamed E. , Hassan Amal I. , Zaharan Nadia A. R. , Youssef Hanan F. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Nanomedicine contributes to the efficiency of pharmacological treatments and progresses rapidly. The present study was designed to produce exopolysaccharide (BSEPS) from Bacillus subtilis sp. strain reported in our previous study was further characterized, and its BSEPS for synthesis of the nanoparticle Ag-BSEPS using microwave heating to determine the possible effects of a prepared solution containing Ag-BSEPS versus thioacetamide (TAA) evoked liver fibrosis in Wister albino rats. Nanoparticles with silver (Ag) core have been synthesized in an aqueous solution after exposure of BSEPS to periodate oxidation. Animals were split into four groups: I - control rats, water ad libitum for 6 weeks; II - rats were injected with TAA 200 mg/kg-1 3 times/week for 4 weeks IP; III - Ag-BSEPS 100 mg/kg-1 IP twice a week for 6 weeks; and IV - TAA, as group II followed by Ag-BSEPS as group III. The antifibrotic effects of Ag-BSEPS were appraised by determining different hepatotoxicity indices, oxidative stress, and inflammatory and liver fibrosis markers.

Results
Nanoparticles were obtained with a diameter size range of 50–100 nm characterized by SEM and TEM without using any harmful reagents. Results evinced considerably reduced activity of liver functions such as transaminases (AST, ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the group which received TAA followed by Ag-BSEPS compared to the other group which received only TAA. In the current results, the administration of Ag-BSEPS showed an improvement in the proinflammatory cytokines. On the contrary, the antioxidant enzymes in liver homogenates revealed significant improvement (concentration of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) increases) in animals with TAA-induced liver damage followed by Ag-BSEPS. Moreover, the activities of the fibrotic markers transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1) and type III pro-collagen (PCIII) were increased in liver tissues in the group which was given TAA alone as compared to the controls. The percentage of fibrosis of hepatic tissue had a positive correlation with the levels of PCIII and TGF-β1, followed by Ag-BSEPS compared to the TAA group without nanocomposite treatment. Microscopic examinations revealed inhibitory effects of Ag-BSEPS on inflammatory changes and deterrent of liver fibrosis.

Conclusion
It was suggested that the biochemical and histological amelioration observed in Ag-BSEPS (100 mg/kg-1 twice a week for 6 weeks) treated the fibrotic rats.
Lamang tapai: the ancient Malay food in Minangkabau tradition
Authors: Yovani Tania 
Published: December 2019

AbstractLamang tapai is a traditional food which consists of lemang and tapai that are used in various traditional ceremonies of Minangkabau people, mainly in West Sumatra. However, lemang and tapai are also known as traditional foods of other tribes or regions in Southeast Asia, and their cooking method is still very ancient and depends on the state of nature. These two points show that lemang and tapai can be used as historical evidence for ancient human life in Southeast Asia, which is Proto-Malay and Deutero-Malay. Minang people believe that cooking technique of lemang was first introduced by Sheikh Burhanuddin. Lemang is incomplete if it is not eaten together with tapai, so they are likened to a man and a woman by Minang people. Lemang itself describes the togetherness of Minang people because its making process is always done together. There are several taboos that must be obeyed in making lemang and tapai. Lamang tapai are also used as gifts when visiting other people’s homes, for example, when visiting in-laws or manjapuik marapulai ceremony. However, there is no symbolic meaning behind the obligatory existence of lamang tapai at traditional ceremonies. On the other hand, lemang and tapai are famous for their unique taste produced by the chemical components in their ingredients. In this article, the origin of lemang and tapai, the philosophy and presentation of lemang in the traditions of the Minangkabau people, and the flavor features of lemang and tapai from a scientific perspective are discussed.
A large helmet-shaped proliferating trichilemmal tumor of the scalp: Is definitive radiotherapy the treatment? A case report
Authors: Parambeth Haresh Kunhi , Udhayam Nava , Agarwal Shipra , Gupta Subhash , Giridhar Prashanth , Rath Gour Kishor 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Benign proliferating trichilemmal tumors (PTTs) are a rare entity that arises from the outer root sheath of a hair follicle. They range from a benign PTT that recurs locally to the more aggressive malignant PTT that, in addition to recurring locally, has the potential for metastatic spread. However, as a group, PTTs are slow growing and amenable to surgery. To the best of our knowledge, radical radiotherapy without surgery has been used in only one case in an elderly male patient with good oncological and cosmetic results.

Case presentation
We present a case of a young unmarried female with a disfiguring PTT of the scalp not amenable to surgery treated successfully with radiotherapy providing good cosmesis. Volumetric modulated arc therapy was used to treat this patient with a dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. A theoretical risk of malignant transformation was explained to the patient. The patient has maintained good cosmesis over the last 12 months with no signs of re-growth.

Conclusion
In patients with PTT not amenable to surgery, radiotherapy may be an effective alternative providing local control and good cosmesis.