bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenicity and Transgenerational Effects of Metarhizium anisopliae on the Demographic Parameters of Aedes albopictus (Culicidae: Diptera)
Authors: Shoukat Rana Fartab , Hassan Babar , Shakeel Muhammad , Zafar Junaid , Li Shuzhong , Freed Shoaib , Xu Xiaoxia , Jin Fengliang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Dengue fever is a vector-borne infectious disease that spreads swiftly and threatens human lives in several tropical countries. Most of the strategies employed for the control of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) involve synthetic chemicals. The indiscriminate use of synthetic chemicals has led to the development of resistance and is unsafe for human and environmental health. Therefore, there is a need to develop ecologically safe tactics, such as the use of the entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff 1879) (Met-11.1). The following study investigated the effectiveness of EPF-Met-11.1 on different demographic parameters of Ae. albopictus. Mortality bioassays showed 92.5% mortality when adult Ae. albopictus were treated with M. anisopliae. Metarhizium anisopliae absorbs the hemolymph sugar which results in retarded development. Metarhizium anisopliae LC50 not only affected the parental generation (F0) but also affected the demographic parameters of the offspring (F1). Transgenerational results (F1) with Met-11.1 showed decreased net reproductive rates (Ro), intrinsic rates of increase (r), and mean generation times (T) compared to those of uninfected controls. The larval developmental duration in the treatment group was 8.22 d, compared to 8.00 d in the control. There was a significant decrease in mean fecundity in the treated group (208.87 eggs) compared to that of the control group (360.27 eggs), and adult longevity was also significantly reduced in the treated group. Therefore, it is concluded that M. anisopliae can have lasting effects on the developmental parameters of Ae. albopictus, indicating that it can be an integral part of mosquito control strategies.
First Report on the Use of Larvae of Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae) for Wound Treatment in Veterinary Practice
Authors: Masiero F S , Aguiar E S V , Pereira D I B , Thyssen P J 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFactors contributing to the delay or prevention of the natural wound healing process include infection and ineffective conventional treatment. Alternative therapies, such as the maggot debridement therapy (MDT), may be helpful for successful treatment in these cases. Aiming to disseminate information about the possibility of using other species of flies for wound treatment, besides the best known Lucilia sericata Meigen, 1826 (Diptera, Calliphoridae), we report here a successful MDT case with the application of Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius, 1775) larvae to treat an infected wound with extensive area of necrotic tissue in a dog. Five sterile larvae were applied to each square-cm of lesion and kept on the animal for only 48 h. The healing was successful, from both qualitative and quantitative points of view. The ratio of wound healing (RWH) reached almost 50% on the 5th day and 100% on the 14th day after MDT. Although the overall animal prognosis had been unfavorable, mainly due to the sepsis, the patient began to recover and had improved clinical condition from the fifth day after MDT. This study shows the importance and effectiveness of MDT in promoting faster and more complete healing of a complex wound.
Effects of Methamphetamine on the Development and Its Determination in Aldrichina grahami (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Wang Shiwen , Zhang Changquan , Chen Wei , Ren Lipin , Ling Jiang , Shang Yanjie , Guo Yadong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAge determination of necrophagous flies serves as an important tool for postmortem interval (PMI) estimation in forensic investigations. Drugs or toxins in cadavers may alter the developmental time of larvae, and lead to deviation in PMI estimation. Methamphetamine (MA), as one of the most abused psychostimulant drugs in Asia and North America, is often involved in forensic entomotoxicological cases. This study investigated the effects of MA (0, 45, 90, and 180 ng/mg) on the developmental rate, morphology, and survival of Aldrichina grahami (Aldrich, 1930). The results showed that 1) the developmental time to reach the pupal instar was statistically slower for the larvae reared on rabbit mince containing MA than for the control; 2) the mean length of the larvae exposed to MA concentrations was longer than those of the control; 3) the mean weight of the pupae exposed to the highest concentration of MA was significantly lighter than those of the control; 4) the GC–MS method can detect the content of MA in A. grahami immatures and empty puparia (EP).
Scanning Electron Microscopy and Geometric Contour Morphometry for Identifying Eggs of Three Amazonian Species of Mansonia (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: da Silva Ferreira Francisco Augusto , Simões Rejane de Castro , Ferreira-Keppler Ruth Leila , Alencar Jeronimo , Scarpassa Vera Margarete , Tadei Wanderli Pedro 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe eggs of three Amazonian species of the genus Mansonia (Diptera: Culicidae) were analyzed using morphological and morphometric characters. Eggs of Mansonia humeralis Dyar & Knab, 1916 were morphologically different from those of Mansonia titillans (Walker, 1848) and Mansonia amazonensis (Theobald, 1901), which were more similar to each other according to linear and geometric morphometry. A principal component analysis generated from elliptic Fourier contour data (PC1—92.6% and PC2—2.61%) indicated that Ma. amazonensis and Ma. titillans are more similar to each other than either is to Ma. humeralis. Discriminant multivariate analysis was highly accurate with only four classification errors and a 90% accuracy rate. The results indicate that the three Amazonian species can be precisely distinguished in the egg stage and that geometric morphometry based on elliptic Fourier contours is a promising method for distinguishing eggs of species of Mansonia. An identification key based on egg morphology is provided to distinguish the four Neotropical species.
DATA SHARING IN IOT ECOSYSTEMS AND COMPETITION LAW: THE EXAMPLE OF CONNECTED CARS
Authors: Kerber Wolfgang 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTThis paper analyzes whether competition law can help to solve problems of access to data and interoperability in Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems, where often one firm has exclusive control of the data produced by a smart device (and of the technical access to this device). Such a gatekeeper position can lead to the elimination of competition for aftermarket and other complementary services in such IoT ecosystems. This problem is analyzed both from an economic and a legal perspective and also generally for IoT ecosystems as well as for the much discussed problems of “access to in-vehicle data and resources” in connected cars, where the “extended vehicle” concept of the car manufacturers leads to such positions of exclusive control. The paper analyzes, in particular, the competition rules about abusive behavior of dominant firms (Art. 102 TFEU) and of firms with “relative market power” (§ 20 (1) GWB) in German competition law. These provisions might offer (if appropriately applied and amended) at least some solutions for these data access problems. Competition law, however, might not be sufficient for dealing with all or most of these problems, that is, that also additional solutions might be needed (data portability, direct data (access) rights, or sector-specific regulation).
The 1912 Douglas-Fir Heredity Study: Long-Term Effects of Climatic Transfer Distance on Growth and Survival
Authors: St. Clair J Bradley , Howe Glenn T , Kling Jennifer G 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The 1912 Douglas-Fir Heredity Study is one of the first studies undertaken by the US Forest Service, and one of the first forest genetics studies in North America. The study considers provenance variation of 120 parent trees from 13 seed sources planted at five test sites in the Pacific Northwest. The unique, long-term nature of the study makes it valuable to revisit and consider its biological and historical significance. This analysis considers how far climatically Douglas-fir populations may be moved without incurring unacceptable declines in growth and survival. Results indicate that Douglas-fir seed sources may be moved at least 2° C cooler or warmer and still retain good long-term survival and productivity. However, projected future climate change beyond 2° C may lead to lower survival and productivity. One option to address these concerns is assisted migration; however, if seed sources are moved beyond 2–3° C to a cooler climate in anticipation of warming, or from a more continental to a maritime climate, we are likely to see increased mortality and associated losses in productivity in the near-term. Lessons from this study include: (1) pay attention to good experimental design; we were able to overcome limitations from the design by using new statistical approaches; (2) maladaptation may take time to develop; poorer survival was not evident until more than two decades after planting; and (3) long-term studies may have value for addressing new, unforeseen issues in the future.
Maxillary mesenchymal chondrosarcoma leading to a diagnosis of Li-Fraumeni syndrome
Authors: Ventura Eduardo , Dionísio Sílvia , Ferreira Ângela , Saleiro Rute , Marques Hugo , Magalhães Manuel , Monteiro Carlos 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MCS) is a rare histological variant of chondrosarcoma, with aggressive behaviour. Due to the unique nature of this disease, management strategies are not well established. Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a rare cancer predisposition syndrome with a wide tumour spectrum, associated with TP53 germline mutations. We report a case of MCS of the maxilla, treated with surgical excision and adjuvant chemotherapy, in a patient with a past medical history of choroid plexus papilloma and a family history of early age first-degree cervical uterine cancer, that led to the clinical suspicion of a cancer predisposition syndrome and the subsequent diagnosis of LFS. This is the first MCS described in a LFS case. It demonstrates that adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered, in conjunction with surgical excision, in MCS and that cancer predisposition syndromes should be suspected in patients with multiple neoplasms and a strong family history of cancer.
Schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis and Chagas disease: the leading imported neglected tropical diseases in Italy
Authors: Zammarchi Lorenzo , Gobbi Federico , Angheben Andrea , Spinicci Michele , Buonfrate Dora , Calleri Guido , De Paola Mirella , Bevilacqua Nazario , Carrara Stefania , Attard Luciano , Vanino Elisa , Gulletta Maurizio , Festa Elena , Iacovazzi Tiziana , Grimaldi Anna , Sepe Alessio , Salomone Megna Angelo , Gaiera Giovanni , Castagna Antonella , Parodi Patrizia , Albonico Marco , Bisoffi Zeno , Castelli Francesco , Olliaro Piero , Bartoloni Alessandro 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
In recent years, an increasing number of individuals affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have been observed in Italy, due to migration, international travels and climate changes. Reliable data on the current NTD epidemiology in Italy and the health system preparedness on this issue are not available.

Methods
We report the results of a survey on selected NTDs (schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, echinococcosis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, cysticercosis, filariasis and scabies) in nine Italian sentinel centres, in order to investigate their occurrence throughout the country and identify which ones are a priority for public health interventions, development of protocols for case management, and training activities. To explore the preparedness of the centres, we investigate the availability of specific diagnostic tools and drugs, needed for the management of the most common NTDs. We also reviewed and summarized the available national policies, recommendations and guidelines on NTDs in Italy.

Results
Overall, 4123 NTDs cases were diagnosed in nine Italian centres within a 7-year period (2011–2017). Schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis were the most common NTDs, accounting for about one-third each of all the diagnosed cases, followed by Chagas disease. The number of cases showed a significant trend to increase over time, mainly due to foreign-born subjects. Serology for Schistosoma spp. and Strongyloides stercoralis was available in seven and five centres, respectively. Agar plate stool culture for S. stercoralis was available in three sites. Ivermectin and praziquantel were always available in six centres. Six national policies, recommendations and guidelines documents were available, but for the most part, they are not fully implemented yet.

Conclusions
This survey showed how some NTDs, such as schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis, are becoming more common in Italy, due to multiple components. A list of seven key actions was proposed, in order to improve diagnosis, management and control of NTDs in Italy.
A Case of Serum Sickness-Like Reaction in an Adult Treated with Omalizumab
Authors: Weiss Samuel L , Smith Derek M 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Omalizumab has been safely used to treat asthma and urticaria. We report a case of serum sickness-like reaction in a patient treated with omalizumab for chronic idiopathic urticaria/angioedema. An adult female experienced episodic urticaria/angioedema without repeatable trigger, ultimately receiving diagnosis of chronic idiopathic urticaria/angioedema. After initial treatment, attempts with escalating cetirizine and montelukast doses were unsuccessful due to sedation; she began treatment with subcutaneous omalizumab 150 mg monthly. Urticaria frequency partially improved after two injections; therefore, the dose was increased to 300 mg after four treatments. Several days after first 300 mg dose, she reported abdominal cramping, fatigue, fever, lymphadenopathy, and arthralgia. Aside from mild thrombocytosis, inflammatory markers were unremarkable, as were evaluations for infection, autoimmunity, and malignancy. Omalizumab was held with eventual improvement in symptoms, which did not return after discontinuation. Omalizumab is a helpful medication in treating atopic conditions, with at least theoretical risk of immune complex formation and tissue deposition causing serum sickness-like reaction. Although early publications showed very low adverse event rates, there have now been reports of serum sickness-like reactions in children and adults treated for asthma and urticaria. Determining true incidence is difficult, given rarity and non-specific nature. Previous reports described symptoms with initiation of medication, reproducible after reintroduction. While it remains to be determined which factors increase risk for serum sickness-like reaction to omalizumab, our report of an urticaria patient who exhibited symptoms with increasing dose contributes insight into the discussion regarding this adverse effect of an otherwise well-tolerated and important medication.
Cervicogenic dizziness
Authors: Chu Eric Chun Pu , Chin Wui Ling , Bhaumik Amiya 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCervical muscles have numerous connections with vestibular, visual and higher centres, and their interactions can produce effective proprioceptive input. Dysfunction of the cervical proprioception because of various neck problems can alter orientation in space and cause a sensation of disequilibrium. Cervicogenic dizziness (CGD) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the presence of dizziness and associated neck pain in patients with cervical pathology. Here, we report a 24-year-old female, who was diagnosed with CGD based on the correlating episodes of neck pain and dizziness. Both symptoms improved with targeted chiropractic adjustment and ultrasound therapy. CGD is a seemingly simple complaint for patients, but tends to be a controversial diagnosis because there are no specific tests to confirm its causality. For CGD to be considered, an appropriate management for the neck pain should not be denied any patient.
Behind the Scenes of South Africa’s Asylum Procedure: A Qualitative Study on Long-term Asylum-Seekers from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Schockaert Liesbeth , Venables Emilie , Gil-Bazo Maria-Teresa , Barnwell Garret , Gerstenhaber Rodd , Whitehouse Katherine 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Despite the difficulties experienced by asylum-seekers in South Africa, little research has explored long-term asylum applicants. This exploratory qualitative study describes how protracted asylum procedures and associated conditions are experienced by Congolese asylum-seekers in Tshwane, South Africa. Eighteen asylum-seekers and eight key informants participated in the study. All asylum-seekers had arrived in South Africa between 2003 and 2013, applied for asylum within a year of arrival in Tshwane, and were still in the asylum procedure at the time of the interview, with an average of 9 years since their application. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings presented focus on the process of leaving the Democratic Republic of Congo, applying for asylum and aspirations of positive outcomes for one’s life. Subsequently, it describes the reality of prolonged periods of unfulfilled expectations and how protracted asylum procedures contribute to poor mental health. Furthermore, coping mechanisms to mitigate these negative effects are described. The findings suggest that protracted asylum procedures in South Africa cause undue psychological distress. Thus, there is both a need for adapted provision of mental health services to support asylum-seekers on arrival and during the asylum process, and systemic remediation of the implementation of asylum procedures.
A Guide to Representational Similarity Analysis for Social Neuroscience
Authors: Popal Haroon , Wang Yin , Olson Ingrid R 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Representational similarity analysis (RSA) is a computational technique that uses pairwise comparisons of stimuli to reveal their representation in higher-order space. In the context of neuroimaging, mass-univariate analyses and other multivariate analyses can provide information on what and where information is represented but have limitations in their ability to address how information is represented. Social neuroscience is a field that can particularly benefit from incorporating RSA techniques to explore hypotheses regarding the representation of multidimensional data, how representations can predict behavior, how representations differ between groups and how multimodal data can be compared to inform theories. The goal of this paper is to provide a practical as well as theoretical guide to implementing RSA in social neuroscience studies.
Variability in flooding tolerance, growth and leaf traits in a Populus deltoides intraspecific progeny
Authors: Rodríguez María E , Lauff Diana , Cortizo Silvia , Luquez Virginia M C 
Published: December 2019

AbstractClimate change will increase the risk of flooding in several areas of the world where Populus deltoides Marshall (eastern cottonwood) is planted, so it would be desirable for this species to select for flooding tolerance. The aims of this work were to explore the variability in growth, leaf traits and flooding tolerance in an F1 full-sib intraspecific progeny of P. deltoides, to analyze the correlations of leaf and growth traits with flooding tolerance and to assess their suitability for use in breeding programs. Two-month-old parental clones and their progeny of 30 full-sib F1 genotypes were grown in pots and subjected to two treatments: (i) plants watered to field capacity (control) and (ii) plants flooded up to 10 cm above soil level for 35 days. Growth (height, diameter and biomass partition) and leaf traits (leaf size and number, specific leaf area, leaf senescence, abscission, stomatal conductance, carbon isotope discrimination, stomatal index) were measured. Flooding tolerance for each genotype was estimated as the ratio of the biomass of stressed plants to the biomass of control plants. Results showed segregation in terms of flooding tolerance in the F1 progeny. A significant genotype effect was found for leaf size and number, carbon isotopic discrimination and stomatal conductance, but it did not correlate with flooding tolerance. Height, diameter and root-to-shoot ratio had a positive phenotypic correlation with flooding tolerance, and there was a positive genetic correlation of height and diameter with biomass on both treatments. The narrow sense heritability values for the traits analyzed ranged from 0 to 0.56. We conclude that growth traits are more adequate than leaf traits for selection to increase flooding tolerance. A vigorous initial growth would increase flooding tolerance in young poplar plants.
Divergences in hydraulic conductance and anatomical traits of stems and leaves in three temperate tree species coping with drought, N addition and their interactions
Authors: Zhang Hongxia , McDowell Nate G , Adams Henry D , Wang Anzhi , Wu Jiabing , Jin Changjie , Tian Jinyuan , Zhu Kai , Li Weibin , Zhang Yushu , Yuan Fenghui , Guan Dexin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDrought and nitrogen (N) addition have been shown to affect tree hydraulic traits, but few studies have been made on their interactions across species with different wood types or leaf forms. We examined the responses of hydraulic conductance and xylem anatomical traits of Quercus mongolica (ring porous with simple leaves), Fraxinus mandshurica (ring porous with compound leaves) and Tilia amurensis (diffuse porous with simple leaves) to drought, N addition and their interactions. Drought stress decreased current-year xylem-specific conductivity in stems (Ksx) and leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf ), but N addition affected Ksx and Kleaf differently among species and watering regimes. These divergent effects were associated with different responses of anatomical traits and leaf forms. Higher mean vessel diameter in stems and lower vessel density in leaves were observed with N addition. The three-way interactive effects of drought, N addition and tree species were significant for most values of anatomical traits. These results were also reflected in large differences in vessel diameter and density among species with different wood types or leaf forms. The two-way interactive effects of drought and N addition were significant on Kleaf and predawn water potential, but not Ksx, indicating that leaves were more sensitive than stems to a combination of drought stress and N addition. Our results provide mechanistic insight into the variable responses of xylem water transport to the interactions of drought and N availability.