bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of QIAGEN™ Investigator® 24plex GO! kit workflow for autosomal STR profiling of forensic reference samples
Authors: Hakim Hashom Mohd , Khan Hussein Omar , Ismail Siti Afifah , Lazim Nurul Hazirah Mat , Lalung Japareng , Kofi Abban Edward , Chambers Geoffrey Keith , Edinur Hisham Atan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
DNA profiling has proven to be a valuable technique for identification of individuals in crime. Currently, the technique targets several short tandem repeat (STR) regions in human genome. However, increasing number of samples submitted for STR analysis may lead to delays due to the limited number of experienced analysts who might be available at any given moment and the time taken to complete lengthy DNA profiling procedures. This study was conducted to test the specificity, repeatability, reproducibility and robustness of Investigator® 24plex GO! kit for genotyping of reference samples submitted to the Royal Malaysian Police Forensic DNA Laboratory for DNA database.

Material and methods
In this study, Investigator® 24plex GO! kit was used to directly amplify STR loci from buccal swab cell of reference samples that had previously been STR typed using GlobalFiler™ Express kit. Capillary electrophoresis was carried out on a 3500xL Genetic Analyser using POP-4® Polymer. Amplified products were assigned to particular STR alleles using the GeneMapper ID-X version 1.4 software.

Results
Our study shows that STR profiles generated using Investigator® 24plex GO! gave concordance results with those previously obtained using the GlobalFiler™ Express kit. In addition, quality sensors included in the kit are of particular importance for determining the effectiveness of the PCR reaction and help to indicate the nature and quantity of DNA template for PCR amplification.

Conclusion
The Investigator® 24plex GO! kit is reliable for STR typing of reference samples.
Perforation index assessment of cowpea seeds against cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) [Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae], infestation using Piper guineense
Authors: Ileke Kayode David , Adesina Jacobs Mobolade , Nwosu Luke Chinaru , Olagunju Abimbola 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundPowders and extracts ofPiper guineenseseeds and leaves were assessed for insecticidal activities againstCallosobruchus maculatusin the laboratory at temperature and relative humidity of 29.6 °C and 75.9%, respectively. Bioactive compounds inP.guineenseleaves and seeds were also investigated. The powders were tested at rates 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g/20 g cowpea seeds while extracts were tested at 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0%.ResultsResults of contact toxicity assay of the seed powder caused 100% adult mortality at 96 h post-treatment period whereas leaf powder evoked 90% adult mortality within the same period at concentration of 1.0 g/20 g cowpea seeds. Low adult emergence was observed on cowpea seeds treated with 1 g of seed powder with percentage adult emergence of 10.0% and inhibition rate (IR) of 97.5%. Beetle Perforation Index (BPI) obtained from treated cowpea seeds was significantly different (P< 0.05) from BPI of untreated seeds. Extracts ofP.guineenseseed were more toxic than seed powder.Piper guineenseseed extract caused 87.5% adult mortality ofC.maculatuswhile leaf extract caused 70.0% adult mortality within 24 h of infestation at concentration of 1%. Progeny development ofC.maculatuswas completely inhibited in cowpea treated with 2% and 3% leaf and seed extracts ofP.guineense. β-Pinene was the most abundant active compound inP.guineenseseed (55.6%) and leaf (48.4%). β-Phellandrene occurred 38.2% in seeds while Ocimene had the least value of 0.2% in seed and 0.5% in leaf.ConclusionThe study showed thatP.guineenseseed powder and extracts were more effective than leaf powder and extract. Utilization of plant products as alternative to synthetic insecticides in protecting cowpea seeds againstC.maculatusshould be encouraged for enhanced food safety and security.Piper guineenseis used as spice and medicine and interestingly safe for human use.
Energy reserves in Brevicoryne brassicae (Lin.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) instars and their effect on predation and longevity of three coccinellid species under laboratory conditions
Authors: Askar Salama Ibrahim , El Husseini Monir Mohamed 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Contents of carbohydrates, protein, and lipids in tissues of insect prey constitute the required energy reserve utilized by their predators. Their amounts define the preference of the predator to certain prey on which its biological performance is the optimum. Feeding preferences and longevity of the 3 coccinellid beetles; Coccinella septempunctata L., C. undecimpunctata L., and Scymnus interruptus L. were studied in relation to energy reserve in tissues of the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (Lin.).

Main body
The level of energy reserve increased with increasing of aphid nymphal instars showing the highest in 4th instar (0.10844 cal/mg). Lipids and carbohydrates represented the highest energy reserve average rate in B. brassicae adults (0.29139 and 0.07404 cal/mg), respectively. C. septempunctata larval stage recorded the highest efficiency in daily predation (89.42 prey), when fed on 1st instar nymphs of the aphid. It required 21 days when fed on the 3rd nymphal instar of B. brassicae. S. interruptus larval stage reflected the lowest consumption and longevity in predation where it consumed less than 69.25 prey/day and lasted a period less than 17.5 days. Generation time for C. undecimpunctata lasted the longest (20.89 days) when fed on B. brassicae 1st nymphal instar. It was decreased in S. interruptus recording (12.22 days) when fed on B. brassicae 3rd nymphal instar.

Conclusion
Only C. septempunctata was efficient in predation and its biological performance was the best compared to the other tested coccinellid species. Use of C. septempunctata can be recommended when applying biological control programs in the field against the cabbage aphid.
Statistical optimization of xylanase production, using different agricultural wastes by Aspergillus oryzae MN894021, as a biological control of faba bean root diseases
Authors: Atalla Sherien M. M. , Ahmed Nehad E. , Awad Hassan M. , El Gamal Nadia G. , El Shamy Aliaa R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundXylanase enzyme plays an important role in nature as being a part of protecting the environment from pollution. It has also various industrial applications.Main body of abstractMarine fungal isolate was recovered from red sea water at Sharm El-Sheikh province, Egypt, and tested for xylanase activity, using different agricultural wastes as a substrate. It was found that rice straw was the best substrate for xylanase production (0.37 U/ml). Thus, it was subjected for identification by 18S rDNA gene. The phylogenetic analysis results indicated that this fungal isolate belonging toAspergillusspecies with a similarity of 99% and named asA. oryzaeSS_RS-SH (MN894021). The regular two-level factorial design was used to optimize the important medium components, which significantly affected the xylanase production. The model in equation suggested optimal conditions of 2% of rice straw, 8 g/l of yeast extract, 4 g/l of (NH4)2SO4, 2 g/l K2HPO4, and 2.5 g/l MgSO4.7H2O for a maximum xylanase yield. The antifungal activity of crude xylanase on mycelial growth of some pathogenic fungi isolated from different hosts was investigated. The results showed that xylanase T1 had a potent antifungal activity than control. Greenhouse experiments indicated that all treatments with xylanase at different concentrations significantly decreased infection occurrence of beans, which have been effectively infected with root rot pathogens, compared to unprocessed control treatments.Short conclusionXylanase yield increased 2.43-folds than initial screening. The xylanase had a potential antifungal activity both in vitro and under greenhouse conditions. The outcome of this study ensured that this fungal strain could be used as biological control for plant disease.
Parasitism and sex ratio of Diadegma insulare (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) against Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on cruciferous cultivars under different temperatures
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Sajid , Mohsin Ata ul , Naeem Muhammad , Shah Kausar Nawaz 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Diadegma insulare (Cresson) is the most efficient parasitoid of Plutella xylostella (L.) in cruciferous crops. Considering its effectiveness, the present study was performed to investigate the impacts of cauliflower and cabbage cultivars under 3 different temperature regimes on the parasitism efficiency and offspring sex ratio of D. insulare.

Main body
This study revealed that D. insulare remained active at all the 3 temperatures (i.e., 19, 23, and 27 °C) and on all selected cruciferous cultivars. However, 23 °C (along with 65±5% RH and 16L: 8D hours) was the most suitable temperature, whereas relatively preferred host plant cultivars were the “White marble” (cauliflower) and “Asha” (cabbage) at which comparatively higher parasitism rates (79.39 and 73.31%, respectively) were recorded. Moreover, non-significant differences were observed in the offspring sex ratios of the parasitoid at different temperature regimes; however, minute differences were found among studied cruciferous cultivars.

Conclusion
Overall, “White marble” (cauliflower) and “Asha” (cabbage) were recommended to be used as potential host plant cultivars for mass rearing of D. insulare.
Potential of standard strains of Bacillus thuringiensis against the tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Sandeep Kumar J. , Jayaraj J. , Shanthi M. , Theradimani M. , Venkatasamy Balasubramani , Irulandi S. , Prabhu S. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the key pests of tomato worldwide, causing an estimated crop loss of 80 to 100%. This pest has developed resistance to several pesticides due to overuse, resulting in control failures in the field. The use of biological insecticides as Bacillus thuringiensis that expressed insecticidal proteins can be an alternative tool by insecticides to suppress the pest population.

Main body
Laboratory study investigated the efficacy of standard Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains (4D1, 4D4, 4G1, 4K5 and 4XX4) against T. absoluta. Bioassay was conducted using tomato leaf discs treated with spore crystal lysates prepared from the standard strains, and mortality data was subjected to concentration-mortality probit analysis. The LC50 values for Bt 4D1, Bt 4D4 and Bt 4G1 were 6.10, 6.62 and 8.18 μg/ml for the 2nd instar; 9.90, 10.20 and 11.12 μg/ml for the 3rd instar; and 19.82, 23.16 and 24.54 μg/ml for the 4th instar, respectively, while the Bt 4K5 and Bt 4XX4 were not toxic to T. absoluta.

Conclusion
This study suggests that Bt strain 4D1 is effective against different larval instars of the pest and can be used in its management.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation via isolated persistent left superior vena cava: a case series
Authors: Lewis Spencer B. , Johnson Guy E. , Valji Karim , Monroe Eric J. , Ingraham Christopher R. , Chick Jeffrey Forris Beecham , Shin David S. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Isolated persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare vascular anatomic variant, which can be an incidental finding at the time of an endovascular procedure.

Case presentation
This report describes the technical success, adverse events, and clinical outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation via isolated PLSVC. Three adult patients with cirrhosis and isolated PLSVC underwent TIPS placement successfully with one major adverse event. Two patients required TIPS revision within 90 days. There were no deaths within 90 days.

Conclusions
TIPS creation via isolated PLSVC is feasible using standard techniques with a left jugular vein approach. Caution is warranted during the procedure to assess for any aberrant drainage pattern to the left atrium and to prepare for potentially challenging instrument navigation through the coronary sinus.
Historic review: the foundation-period and the first 15 years of the “Gesellschaft fuer Neuropaediatrie” (GNP) between 1950 and 1990
Authors: Strassburg Hans Michael 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAfter the end of Nazi terrorism with many crimes against neuropsychiatric and disabled people, from 1950 on detection and treatment of these diseases in children and adolescents grew continuously: in the 50s and 60s, several German books on neuropediatric topics were published, a journal was founded, and junior pediatricians established many scientific contacts with foreign neuropediatricians. In 1972, the team of the Kehl-Kork Epilepsy Clinic invited neuropediatric colleagues from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for a first joint workshop. On March 4th, 1975, the Neuropaediatric Society of the German-speaking countries was founded in Heidelberg and its goals, as well as guidelines for membership, were formulated. The first annual meeting took place 1975 in Heidelberg as well. Between 1975 and 1990, the number of members of the GNP continued to increase from 140 to more than 230, despite strict admission criteria. The president was elected for a one-year term and was responsible for organizing the annual meeting, which took place alternately in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. The continuity of the society was ensured by secretary and treasurer as well as several longtime assessors. The meetings covered the entire spectrum of neurological and neuropsychological disorders in children. In addition to the age-dependent clinical investigation, the most important diagnostic methods were electrophysiology, in particular, the EEG and EMG, the new possibilities of cerebral imaging utilizing X-ray computed tomography and ultrasound, and biochemical analyzes for detection of metabolic diseases. Research projects were mostly carried out in university institutions and were only partially multi-center or financed with public funds. International contacts took place on many levels, e.g. through scholarships and personal exchanges with European and US scientific societies and institutions. Unfortunately, the opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from the German Democratic Republic (GDR) was limited. Several working groups addressed controversial issues of developmental neurology, epileptology, and alternative therapies. With the establishment of social pediatric centers in Germany from the late 1980s, there was an increasing demand for well-educated and experienced neuropediatricians.
First live birth after uterus transplantation in the Middle East
Authors: Akouri Randa , Maalouf Ghassan , Abboud Joseph , Nakad Toufic , Bedran Farid , Hajj Pascal , Beaini Chadia , Cricu Laura Mihaela , Aftimos Georges , El Hajj Chebly , Eid Ghada , Waked Abdo , Hallit Rabih , Gerges Christian , Rached Eliane Abi , Matta Matta , El Khoury Mirvat , Barakat Angelique , Kvarnström Niclas , Dahm-Kähler Pernilla , Brännström Mats 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The first live birth after uterus transplantation took place in Sweden in 2014. It was the first ever cure for absolute uterine factor infertility. We report the surgery, assisted reproduction, and pregnancy behind the first live birth after uterus transplantation in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region.
A 24-year old woman with congenital absence of the uterus underwent transplantation of the uterus donated by her 50-year-old multiparous mother. In vitro fertilization was performed to cryopreserve embryos. Both graft retrieval and transplantation were performed by laparotomy. Donor surgery included isolation of the uterus, together with major uterine arteries and veins on segments of the internal iliac vessels bilaterally, the round ligaments, and the sacrouterine ligaments, as well as with bladder peritoneum. Recipient surgery included preparation of the vaginal vault, end-to-side anastomosis to the external iliac arteries and veins on each side, and then fixation of the uterus.

Results
One in vitro fertilization cycle prior to transplantation resulted in 11 cryopreserved embryos. Surgical time of the donor was 608 min, and blood loss was 900 mL. Cold ischemia time was 85 min. Recipient surgical time was 363 min, and blood loss was 700 mL. Anastomosis time was 105 min. Hospital stay was 7 days for both patients. Ten months after the transplantation, one previously cryopreserved blastocyst was transferred which resulted in viable pregnancy, which proceeded normally (except for one episode of minor vaginal bleeding in the 1st trimester) until cesarean section at 35 + 1 weeks due to premature contractions and shortened cervix. A healthy girl (Apgar 9-10-10) weighing 2620 g was born in January 2020, and her development has been normal during the first 6 months.

Conclusions
This is the first report of a healthy live birth after uterus transplantation in the MENAT region. We hope that this will motivate further progress and additional clinical trials in this area in the Middle East Region, where the first uterus transplantation attempt ever, however unsuccessful, was performed already three decades ago.
Clinical and angiographic characteristics of patients with STEMI and confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19: an experience of Tanta University Hospital
Authors: Alaarag Ahmed , Hassan Timoor , Samir Sameh , Naseem Mohamed 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients with established cardiovascular diseases have a poor prognosis when affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Also, the cardiovascular system, especially the heart, is affected by COVID-19. So we aimed to evaluate the angiographic and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients presented by ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Results
Our retrospective study showed that STEMI patients with COVID-19 had elevated inflammatory markers with mean of their CRP (89.69 ± 30.42 mg/dl) and increased laboratory parameters of thrombosis with mean D-dimer (660.15 ± 360.11 ng/ml). In 69.2% of patients, STEMI was the first clinical presentation and symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 developed during the hospital stay; about one third of patients had a non-obstructive CAD, while patients with total occlusion had a high thrombus burden.

Conclusion
STEMI may be the initial presentation of COVID-19. A non-obstructive CAD was found in about one third of patients; on the other hand, in patients who had a total occlusion of their culprit artery, the thrombus burden was high. Identification of the underlying mechanism responsible for the high thrombus burden in these patients is important as it may result in changes in their primary management strategy, either primary PCI, fibrinolytic therapy, or a pharmaco-invasive strategy. Furthermore, adjunctive anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy may need to be revised.
Role of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in diagnosis of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Abuzeid Hanan M. , Yassin Aya , Kamel Omar F. , Sabry Kareem A. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is assessed in this study by measuring the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in acute pancreatitis and comparing them with a control group. The aim of this study is to compare those two groups thus supporting the diagnosis of this disease.
Sixteen patients with acute pancreatitis and 16 control participants underwent diffusion-weighted imaging with b values of 0, 200, and 800. ADC maps were generated from the DW-MRI and ADC values, which were calculated for the pancreas, and the results of the two groups of patients were compared.

Results
The mean pancreatic ADC value in the acute pancreatitis group (1.15 10(−3) mm(2)/s ± 0.28) was significantly lower than in the normal group (1.6 10−3 mm(2)/s ± 0.2). A threshold ADC value of 1.38 10−3 mm(2)/s yielded 81.25%, specificity of 93.75%, positive predictive value of 92.9%, negative predictive value of 83.3%, and accuracy of 91.8%. Pancreatic ADC values were significantly lower in patients with acute pancreatitis than in the control group.

Conclusion
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging could be an important supportive tool in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.
Determinants of an evidence-based practice environment: an interpretive description
Authors: Duff Jed , Cullen Laura , Hanrahan Kirsten , Steelman Victoria 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Despite the available research to inform nursing practice, many patients still fail to receive evidence-based care. Several evidence-based practice (EBP) models have been developed to guide nurses through the steps in the process, yet these models have not been uniformly adopted or consistently used. The original purpose of this research was to gather perspectives and experiences of nurses using the Iowa Model of EBP to help inform its introduction into other practice settings. As a more in-depth understanding was gained, the emphasis of the study shifted towards understanding the determinants of the EBP environment.

Method
The study was conducted in an 800-bed comprehensive academic medical centre in the USA with a 25-year history of using the Iowa Model of EBP. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with twelve nurses from various roles to ascertain their perspectives and experiences using the model. The interview transcripts were reviewed alongside relevant published literature and internal documents in a process of synthesising, theorising, and conceptualising. Data were collected during the first half of 2019.

Results
Four determinants of the local EBP environment were identified from the perspectives and experiences of participants: (1) the importance of a shared model to guide staff through the EBP process; (2) support for EBP in the form of education, hands-on training, and knowledge infrastructure; (3) active team facilitation by direct care nurses, nurse managers, nurse specialists, and nurse scientists; and (4) a culture and leadership that encourages EBP.

Conclusion
Introducing an EBP model is an essential first step for an organisation to improve consistent and reliable evidence-based care; to be most effective, this should be done in conjunction with efforts to optimise the EBP environment.