bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of biophysical profile of inguinal skin
Authors: Bhargava Puneet , Singdia Heena , Nijhawan Shivi , Mathur Deepak K. , Bhargava Rishi K.
Published: May 2021

Context:

Inguinal skin is prone to various infectious dermatological conditions such as erythrasma, intertrigo, hidradenitis suppurativa, folliculitis, dermatophytic infection, and various sexually transmitted diseases, as compared to the skin elsewhere.

Aim:

Our study attempts to compare the biophysical profile parameters (BPPs) of the genital skin with that of the rest of the body, while taking skin of the upper back as control. It also attempts to find out if there is a difference in BPPs of the two sites and that how the change in the BPPs, bring about change in microbiome and make inguinal skin more prone to infections.

Materials and Methods:

This was a hospital-based comparative study conducted over 976 patients (600 males and 376 females) of age group 18–60 years, where BPP parameters such as hydration, skin pH, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and sebum content were measured over the skin of the upper back and right inguinal region, and the results were summarized and presented as proportions (%). Chi-square test was used to compare abnormal findings. P ≤ 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. MedCalc 16.4 version software was used for all statistical calculations.

Results:

Significant difference was noted in skin pH and TEWL, where P value came out to be <0.05, which was statistically significant, whereas there was minimal difference in sebum content and skin hydration in both the areas, in males and females.

Conclusion:

Raised skin pH disturbs organization of lipid bilayers (disturbed barrier), decreases lipid processing (impaired SC cohesion), and increases serine protease activity (reduced AMP). Increased TEWL (defect in physical barrier) and decreased hydration predispose the genital skin to infections. Use of pH buffered solutions (3–4), barrier repair creams containing ceramides, and barrier protective creams with dimethicone can help prevent these inguinal dermatoses.
Clinical profile and disease progression of HIV in adolescents and young adults in Vadodara, India
Authors: Madan-Patel Geetika , Mazumdar Vihang
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Adolescents are vulnerable to HIV for many reasons. Unfortunately, there are little data available on adolescents and young adults who have contracted HIV. Only few studies have been conducted in India with an aim to assess the clinical presentation, disease progression, and clinical profile of HIV in adolescents.

Materials and Methods:

There was a cohort study conducted at the antiretroviral therapy (ART) center at a teaching hospital in Western India. The study participants were kept under observation for 1 year. The end point of the cohort analysis was HIV disease progression. Patient details such as sociodemographic profile, CD4 counts at presentation, date of initiation of ART, WHO clinical stage of HIV at presentation, episodes of opportunistic infections, and laboratory investigations were recorded. Descriptive statistics and survival analysis were used for analyzing disease progression, improvement in health conditions, and factors affecting the same.

Results:

Of 155 participants, 100 were followed up till the end of the study. Seventy-two percent participants were adolescents and 53% were female. The mean age at presentation was 16.7 years, and the common modes of transmission were mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) (48%), heterosexual relationships (23%), and blood transfusion (12%). CD4 counts at presentation were <350 cells/mm3 among 70 participants. Among those infected through MTCT, the median survival duration was 15 years (95% confidence interval: 12.98–17.07). The risk of progression of the disease among young adults was thrice than that of adolescents (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

HIV/AIDS screening and health services shall be tailored to address the special needs of adolescents and young adults. Teaching hospitals shall explore opportunities for student-involved longitudinal research studies to better understand the source of HIV infection, treatment seeking behavior, disease progression and outcome in a comprehensive manner.
Dietary Pattern of Undernourished Children and Their Vitamin A Status in Institute of Child Health Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria
Authors: Abdullahi Sakinatu Mahadi , Alhassan Yakubu Mela , Bugaje Mairo Adamu , Akuyam Shehu Abubakar
Published: May 2021

Context:

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) affects an estimated six million pre school children in Nigeria and 20 million in Africa. When associated with severe undernutrition, it increases both morbidity and mortality of under five children.

Aims:

The study was aimed to determine the dietary pattern and its relationship with Vitamin A levels in undernourished children and controls in Institute of Child Health (ICH), Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria.

Settings and Design:

This was a case–control, hospital based descriptive study carried out at the ICH Banzazzau, Zaria.

Materials and Methods:

Systematic sampling method was adopted to select undernourished children aged 6–59 months for the study. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was developed following the International Vitamin A Consultative Group guidelines for dietary assessment of Vitamin A intake. The questionnaire consisted of a list of 22 food items obtained during survey from local markets. Serum Vitamin A level was analysed by high performance liquid chromatography. The frequency of values below a cut off, usually taken as 0.70 μmol/L (20 μg/dl) for low and 0.35 μmol/L (10 μg/dl) for deficiency. Statistical analysis: The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0.

Results:

The prevalence of low serum Vitamin A level (10–<20 μg/dl) in this study among the cases is 16.7%, with the highest prevalence of 15.9% seen in severe wasting. However, the prevalence of cases with deficient serum Vitamin A (<10 μg/dl) was 4.5% in which severe wasting accounted for all the cases. Interestingly, the prevalence of low serum Vitamin A levels among the controls was also found to be 16.7%, and there was no VAD among the control groups. About 20% of children in Zaria (controls) were moderate to high risk of poor intake, while 37.3% were at low risk and 42.7% had satisfactory intake of Vitamin A rich foods. Among the malnourished patients, 53.4% were at moderate to high risk of poor intake, while 21.3% were at low risk and 25.3% had satisfactory intake of Vitamin A rich foods.

Conclusion:

This study simply demonstrated low intake of Vitamin A among undernourished children in Zaria.
Obstetric Performance of Women with Advanced Maternal Age in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Authors: Bawa Umma Suleiman , Kolawole Abimbola Omolara D. , Randawa Abdullahi Jibril
Published: May 2021

Context:

Consequent upon changes in social norms over the years, there has been an increase in the age of marriage and childbirth in women. The older parturient poses a great challenge to the managing obstetrician and a greater challenge to attaining safe motherhood.

Aim:

To determine the obstetric performance and complications developed during pregnancy and delivery of women with advanced maternal age.

Settings and Design:

This was a retrospective (case–control) study.

Setting:

This study was conducted in an ANC and labour ward of ABUTH, Zaria, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

The antenatal and delivery records of women with advanced maternal age (≥35 years) and those within 20–25 years of age from 2002 to 2006 were reviewed. Records of 294 women with advanced maternal age, and 322 of those aged 20–25 years were used.

Results:

A total of 57% of women with advanced maternal age developed complications compared with 24% in those aged 20–25 years. A total of 13% had chronic hypertension, while 26.2% had pregnancy-induced hypertension. Labour was augmented in 12.2% of those who had spontaneous vertex delivery and 6.2% had EMLSC/S. Low birth weight babies occurred in 11.6% necessitating admission into the SCBU and 5.4% had stillborn.

Conclusion:

This shows the considerable risk in pregnancies of women with advanced maternal age. It is recommended that to minimise complications; preconception care, antenatal care and skilled attendant at delivery are paramount.
Profile of Glaucoma in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Helayel Halah Bin , AlOqab Aysha , Subaie Majed Al , Habash Ahmed Al
Published: May 2021

Background:

Glaucomas remain asymptomatic until severe, indicating that the actual number of affected individuals may be higher than those diagnosed.

Objective:

To study the clinical patterns of glaucoma cases in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Patients and Methods:

This retrospective study was conducted at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, and Dhahran Eye Specialist Hospital, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The medical records of all patients with glaucoma who visited these hospitals from January 2015 to December 2018 were critically reviewed. Data regarding patients' demographic characteristic, clinical data and their medical and surgical management techniques were collected and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 999 patients were included, of which 52.9% were males, 94.8% were Saudi, and the mean age was 58.8 years. Bilateral involvement was observed in 82.3% of cases. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) was the most prevalent type of glaucoma (27.7%), followed by secondary glaucomas (26.7%), primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) (18.2%), primary congenital glaucoma (2.7%), and juvenile open-angle glaucoma (2.2%), which were the most frequent glaucoma subsets.

Conclusion:

The study population was most affected by POAG, secondary glaucomas and PACG. Knowledge regarding prevalence of glaucoma is important to plan services, allocate resources, and prevent blindness.
Pregnancy with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
Authors: Al-Dosari Yara Mohammad , Al-Zahrani Hazza , Al-Mohareb Fahad , Hashmi Shahrukh
Published: May 2021

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, acquired hematopoietic stem cell disorder, and eculizumab and ravulizumab are its two approved therapies. Only few case series/reports have reported the outcomes of pregnancies in patients with PNH despite the increased risk of thrombosis. Similarly, there is limited knowledge regarding the effect of the approved treatments on conception and pregnancy outcomes. Here, we report the first series of pregnancies in PNH patients from the Middle Eastern region from our tertiary care hospital. Ten pregnancies in four females after diagnosis with PNH were identified. In terms of PNH management, only eculizumab was used, as the safety of ravulizumab use in pregnancies has not yet been established. In the antepartum period, the patients had variable symptoms that ranged from mild symptoms including epistaxis, tea-colored urine and vaginal bleeding to life-threatening vessel thrombosis. Further, red blood cell and platelet transfusions were required because of bleeding and hemolysis in four pregnancies. The pregnancy outcomes varied, but based on these, the safety of eculizumab use during pregnancy remained inconclusive. The postpartum period was complicated in one case by portal vein thrombosis and was managed accordingly. In conclusion, pregnant females with PNH are at an increased risk for complications due to PNH, and thus experienced hematologists and obstetricians should be involved jointly in their care.
Survival and Prognostic Factors of HIV-positive Patients after Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation at a Malaysian Referral Hospital
Authors: Chet Lee Sing , Hamid Siti Azrin Ab , Bachok Norsa'adah , Chidambaram Suresh Kumar , Adnan Wan Nor Asyikeen Wan
Published: May 2021

Background:

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and significantly improved survival rates, but there is lack of such survival data from Malaysia.

Objective:

The objective was to determine the survival rates and prognostic factors of survival in HIV-infected adults treated with ART in Malaysia.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective cohort study considered all HIV-positive adult patients registered in Sungai Buloh Hospital, a major referral center in Malaysia, between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2016. Then, patients were selected through a systematic sampling method. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were extracted from electronic medical records. Person–years at risk and incidence of mortality rate per 100 person–years were calculated. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve and log-rank test were used to compare the overall survival rates. Cox proportional hazards regression was applied to determine the prognostic factors for survival.

Results:

A total of 339 patients were included. The estimated overall survival rates were 93.8%, 90.4%, 84.9%, and 72.8% at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively, from ART initiation. The results of multiple Cox proportional hazard regression indicated that anemic patients were at a 3.76 times higher risk of mortality (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.97–7.18; P < 0.001). The hazard risk was 2.09 times higher for HIV patients co-infected with tuberculosis (95% CI: 1.10, 3.96; P = 0.024).

Conclusion:

The overall survival rates among HIV-infected adults in this study are higher than that from low-income countries but lower than that from high-income countries. Low baseline hemoglobin levels of <11 g/dL and tuberculosis co-infection were strong prognostic factors for survival.
FDG PET/CT in the Evaluation of a Rare Case of Multisystem Involvement in Newly Diagnosed Rosai–Dorfman–Destombes Disease
Authors: Fathala Ahmed , Edathodu Jameela , Bakshi Nasir
Published: May 2021

Rosai–Dorfman–Destombes disease (RDD) is a rare histocytic disorder with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations. The disease typically presents with lymphadenopathy but may involve multiple systems. Usually, RDD lesions demonstrate intense 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging due to the inflammation and infiltration with high metabolic process of the disease. Here, we describe a rare case of 37-year-old man who presented with multiple systemic symptoms, including fever, weight loss and bilateral cervical, and inguinal lymphadenopathy who underwent FDG PET/CT for detection of disease extension. This case highlights the role of FDG PET/CT in establishing the disease extent in newly diagnosed RDD and guiding the therapeutic recommendations and for follow-up to monitor the disease response to therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report from Saudi Arabia highlighting the role of FDG PET/CT in newly diagnosed RDD.
Detection of TERT Promoter Mutations Using Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing: Overcoming GC Bias through Trial and Error
Authors: Lee Hyunwoo , Lee Boram , Kim Deok Geun , Cho Yoon Ah , Kim Jung-Sun , Suh Yeon-Lim
Published: May 2021

Purpose Detection of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations is a crucial process in the integrated diagnosis of glioblastomas. However, the TERT promoter region is difficult to amplify because of its high guanine-cytosine (GC) content (> 80%). This study aimed to analyze the capturing of TERT mutations by targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues.Materials and Methods We compared the detection rate of TERT mutations between targeted NGS and Sanger sequencing in 25 cases of isocitrate dehydrgenase (IDH)-wildtype glioblastomas and 10 cases of non-neoplastic gastric tissues. Our customized panel consisted of 232 essential glioma-associated genes.Results Sanger sequencing detected TERT mutations in 17 out of 25 glioblastomas, but all TERT mutations were missed by targeted NGS. After the manual visualization of the NGS data using an integrative genomics viewer, 16 cases showed a TERT mutation with a very low read depth (mean, 21.59; median, 25), which revealed false-negative results using auto-filtering. We optimized our customized panel by extending the length of oligonucleotide baits and increasing the number of baits spanning the coverage of the TERT promoter, which did not amplify well due to the high GC content.Conclusion Our study confirmed that it is crucial to consider the recognition of molecular bias and to carefully interpret NGS data.
Erdélyi–Kober fractional integral operators on ball Banach function spaces
Authors: Ho Kwok-Pun
Published: May 2021

We establish the boundedness of the Erdélyi–Kober fractional integral operators on ball Banach function spaces. In particular, it gives the boundedness of the Erdélyi–Kober fractional integral operators on amalgam spaces and Morrey spaces.
An infinite family of counterexamples to a conjecture on positivity
Authors: Martínez J. Miquel
Published: May 2021

Recently, G. Mason has produced a counterexample of order 128 to a conjecture in conformal field theory and tensor category theory in [2]. Here we easily produce an infinite family of counterexamples, the smallest of which has order 72.
Predictors and Outcomes of Dengue-Associated Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Diptyanusa Ajib , Phumratanaprapin Weerapong
Published: May 2021

Dengue viral infections present with a wide clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic to severe manifestations with organ involvement. The term “expanded dengue syndrome” has been commonly used to illustrate the unusual or atypical manifestations; acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the atypical manifestations of this syndrome. The use of heterogeneous criteria to determine the presence of AKI in dengue patients due to the vast diversity in populations led to difficulties in assessing the true incidence of dengue-associated AKI. This review presents a variable, but often high, frequency of dengue-associated AKI among vastly diverse populations with various disease severities. Dengue-associated AKI is not an uncommon complication, and its importance has often been neglected during the management of dengue patients. The risk factors and certain clinical and laboratory findings commonly reported among dengue patients with AKI should be considered to support a timely diagnosis and case management. This review highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of dengue-associated AKI to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this common and important tropical disease.
Partial Inferior Pubectomy in the Delayed Repair of Pelvic Fracture Urethral Injury: Adopting a Bone-nibbling Technique
Authors: Nnabugwu Ikenna Ifeanyi , Ugwumba Fredrick Obiefuna , Ilukwe Anthony Alex
Published: May 2021

Background: The use of wedge inferior pubectomy can be challenging to many urethral surgeons. Our objective was to introduce a bone-nibbling technique to accomplish a partial inferior pubectomy (PIP) in a resource-poor setting, and to report the medium- to longterm outcome of using the technique.

Methods: Five patients were recruited (mean age: 38.8 years) who presented, over a 30-month period, with posterior urethral fibrosis from a pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI). One had failed a previous attempt at posterior urethral reconstruction elsewhere. The length of urethral defect was from 2 to 4 cm. We describe a bone-nibbling technique used to carry out PIP for the delayed repair of PFUI in these patients. The outcomes in the medium to long term of surgical procedures done with this technique are presented.

Results: Immediate postoperative complications in all were essentially a Clavien–Dindo grade I. Peak flow rate assessed 12 weeks’ post operation was between 20 mL/s and 23 mL/s (mean: 21 mL/s). The longest duration of follow-up was 34 months, and all patients were voiding satisfactorily.

Conclusions: A satisfactory and durable outcome can be obtained from nibbling at the bone from the inferior margin of the pubic bone to achieve PIP. This is of interest to lower urinary tract reconstructive surgeons who have concerns with chiseling-out wedge of the inferior pubis.

Keywords: Bone nibbling, Partial inferior pubectomy, PFUI, Posterior urethra, Urethral anastomosis
Clinical and Epidemiological Profile of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma at Two Quaternary Hospitals in Mozambique in 2016
Authors: Fortes Nádia Armindo Henriques , Yohannan Prem
Published: May 2021

Background: Our objective was to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile of maxillofacial trauma in patients attended to at the Maputo Central and Nampula Central hospitals in 2016.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study based on clinical records of all patients with maxillofacial trauma who attended consultations or were admitted to wards of the maxillofacial surgery services from January to December 2016. Statistical tests looking for significance levels of 5% were performed in SPSS.

Results: Trauma accounted for 482 (35.65%) patients treated at the central hospitals of Maputo and Nampula: of these patients 373 (77.4%) fell in the 15–44-year age group, 363 (75.31%) were male, and 430 (89.21%) were ethnically African. Most patients (259 or  53.77%) treated at these hospitals were outpatients. The most frequent cause of trauma (albeit without statistical significance) wasphysical violence. The lower floor of the face was more frequently involved (279 or 57.88%), and the most common treatment was closed reduction (238 or 49.38%).

Conclusion: The characteristic clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with maxillofacial trauma is mainly fractures of the lower  floor of the face. These types of injuries are usually severe, and developing preventative and multidisciplinary conducts and treatment protocols for these patients is imperative.

Keywords: Epidemiological profile, Maxillofacial trauma, Mozambique
Effets de l’incorporation de la biomasse d’azolla (Azolla pinnata) séchée dans les rations du poulet en aviculture traditionnelle améliorée
Authors: Ouedraogo Bansé , Nikiema Zara S. , Zoundi Jean Sibiri , Sawadogo Laya
Published: May 2021

L’objectif de ce travail est de rechercher une voie alternative d’amélioration de l’alimentation et de la productivité avicole au Burkina Faso. L’étude vise à évaluer les effets de l’incorporation de la farine d’Azolla pinnata dans la ration alimentaire sur les performances de croissance des poulets de chair. Pour ce faire, une expérience a été conduite pendant 56 jours avec 120 poussins de chair âgés de 21 jours afin d’évaluer l’effet de l’incorporation de la farine d’Azolla pinnata comme ingrédient alimentaire dans la ration de poulets de chair. Le soja torréfié utilisé comme témoin a été substitué partiellement par la farine d’A.pinnata à des taux de 0, 3 et 6% correspondant à trois traitements alimentaires R0, R1, R2. A la fin de l’essai, une augmentation du poids des sujets avec les apports croissants d’A. pinnata dans les rations (R1 et R2) a été observée même si elle n’a pas été significative. Les indices de consommation n’étaient pas significativement différents. L’incorporation n’a engendré aucun effet néfaste sur le rendement carcasse des sujets nourris à base de la farine d’Azolla en comparaison aux sujets témoins. La substitution partielle du soja torréfié par la farine d’Azolla aux taux de 3% et 6% a entraîné une diminution des coûts alimentaires par kg de poids vif de poulet.Mots clés : Aviculture traditionnelle améliorée, Azolla pinnata, poussins hybrides, performance de croissance.

 

English Title: Effects of incorporating dried azolla (Azolla pinnata) biomass in chicken rations in improved traditional poultry farmingThe objective of this work is to look for an alternative way to improve poultry feed and productivity in Burkina Faso. The study aims to evaluate the effects of the incorporation of Azolla pinnata meal in the feed ration on the growth performance of broilers. To this end, a 56-day experiment was conducted with 120 21-day-old broiler chicks to evaluate the effect of incorporating Azolla pinnata meal as a feed ingredient in the broiler ration. The roasted soybean used as a control was partially substituted with A. pinnata meal at levels of 0, 3 and 6% corresponding to three feed treatments R0, R1, R2. At the end of the trial, an increase in the weight of the subjects with increasing A. pinnata intakes in the rations (R1 and R2) was observed, although it was not significant. The consumption indices were not significantly different. Incorporation had no adverse effect on carcass yield in subjects fed Azolla meal compared to control subjects. Partial substitution of roasted soybean with Azolla meal at 3% and 6% resulted in lower feed costs per kg live weight of chicken.

Keywords: Improved traditional poultry farming, Azolla pinnata, hybrid chicks, growth performance.
Validation of an UV-Visible spectrophotometry assay method for the determination of chlorpheniramine maleate tablets without prior extraction
Authors: Chawe Linda Carole Djiambeu , Tittikpina Nassifatou Koko , Ndiaye Serigne Momar , Diop Amadou , Ndiaye Bara , Fall Djibril , Diop Yérim Mbagnick , Sarr Serigne Omar
Published: May 2021

Methods proposed by pharmacopeias to check the quality of chlorpheniramine maleate tablets are multi steps methods which involve extraction and present issues with repeatability. An alternative method is proposed with a sensitive, reliable, simple and rapid UV-VISIBLE spectrophotometry method developed for the determination without extraction of chlorpheniramine maleate in tablets. The method was validated using the accuracy profile approach with an accuracy ranging from 99.70 to 100.46%. Analysis was done using 0.25 mol/L sulfuric acid, distilled water, and raw material in a room at 23 °C for 25 to 30 minutes. Chlorpheniramine maleate concentration varied from 0.018 to 0.03 mg/mL. The method was found to be specific with the appearance of the corresponding maxima at 265 nm and a correlation coefficient (R2 ) of 0.9993. Limits of detection and quantification were respectively 1.39 × 10-4and 2.26 × 10-3 mg/mL. The tolerance limits for the different concentration levels (75, 100 and 125%) were respectively: 88.37; 92.74 and91.62% for lower limits and 111.03; 108.17 and 108.02% for upper limits. It was observed that the tolerance limits were within the limits of acceptability set at 20%. Consequently, the method was declared valid and reliable for routine analysis of chlorpheniramine maleate in tablets containing chlorphenamine as active principle.Keywords : Chlorpheniramine maleate, tablets, accuracy profile, assay method without extraction, validation
Isolation and structure elucidation of anti-malarial principles from Terminalia mantaly H. Perrier stem bark
Authors: Samuel Babatunde , Adekunle Yemi Adekola
Published: May 2021

Emergence of malaria parasite resistance to drugs has raised global public health concerns for a compelling need to develop improved malaria therapy. This study is a bio-guided isolation of triterpenoid antimalarial compounds from Terminalia mantaly. Methanol extract of the plant was subjected to column chromatography, and eluted with a ternary solvent system gradient-wise. Two compounds, 1 and 2, were isolated and characterised by spectroscopic data (IR, 1H and 13C NMR, COSY, HMQC, HMBC) and by comparison with literature. Isolated compounds were investigated for antimalarial property by spectrophotometric determination of inhibition of β-Hematin formation, absorbance taken at 405 nm. Results were analysed using Graghpad Prism® (6.0) and presented as mean IC50±SEM. Statistical significance, determined using Student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA, set at p-value of 0.05. Quantitative β-Hematin formation inhibitory activities gave IC50±SEM values of (compound 1; 4.434±0.47), (compound 2; 5.140±4.2) with (chloroquine; 0.335±0.1 mg/ml). Compound 1 was identified as 2,3,19,23-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid glucopyranoside (arjunglucoside I), and compound2 as its aglycone, 2,3,19,23-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (arjungenin). This study provided credence for folkloric use of Terminalia mantaly to treat malaria, and this observed activity was probably due to these isolated triterpenoids.Keywords: β-Hematin, triterpenoids, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Lead concentrations in sediments and mollusc gastropod from Vridi Canal, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Kouakou Adjoumani Rodrigue , Kouassi N’guessan Louis Berenger , Kouassi Edmond Konan , Trokourey Albert , Yao Benjamin Kouassi , Adouby Kopoin
Published: May 2021

Lead (Pb) is one of the most frequent and toxic contaminant in the environment. It can be bioaccumulated by marine organisms through contaminated sediments as well as their food chains. The current study aimed at investigating Pb occurrence in the sediments and gastropod P. haemastostoma from Vridi Canal. Sediment samples were taken using a Van Veen steel grab of 0.02 m2 area, sealed in plastic bags and transported to the laboratory at 4 °C. Gastropod P. haemastostoma species were collected manually using gloves, and then placed in polyethylene plastic bags. The different concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometer Varian AA 20. The results showed seasonal variability of Pb concentrations in sediments and P. haemastostoma. In the both matrices, Pb exhibited the same trend in the distribution between the seasons. This study also mentioned that sediments were highly  contaminated by Pb (54.27-134.71 mg/kg). Vridi Canal was found to be one of the most contaminated seaport area. Pb levels  (49.55-104.19 mg/kg) in P. haemastostoma exceeding the maximum permitted levels according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This research demonstrated that sediments having lower ecological risk may be resulting in lower tissue Pb of P. haemastostoma.

Keywords: Metal Pb, sediment, P. haemastostoma, seasonal variation
Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA) determination of mercury distribution in the sediments of lake Nokoué in Benin Republic-West Africa
Authors: Azon N.B. Nadia , Hounkpe Peace , Adounkpe Julien G. , Degila Hermione W. , Aina Martin P.
Published: May 2021

Mercury pollution of water bodies constitutes a hazard to both the aquatic life and the populations consuming fishery products. To anticipate the probable eco-toxicological risks that may arise from the largest lake in southern Benin, the present work aims at assessing the mercury status of the sediments of Lake Nokoué, while identifying the areas exposed to anthropogenic mercury contamination. 45 sites were sampled according to a grid plan covering the entire ecosystem of the lake. Employing a Van Veen grab, surface sediments are collected at a depth from 0 to 5 cm in three catches at each site. The composite samples formed at equal mass on the three portions were frozen, lyophilized at - 40 °C, crushed, sieved and homogenized. Fraction less than 63 µm was collected for the mercury content determination by Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA) operating by atomic absorption according to the US EPA 7473 method. The mercury concentration varies from 1.56 µg/kg to 164.88 µg/kg with an average value of 35.18 µg per kg of sediment. The south-eastern zone of the lake is more concentrated in mercury with a summation of the mercury content of 530.3 µg/kg of sediment. However, the lake has moderate contamination overall (1 ≤ FC ≤ 3).

Keywords: Pollution, contamination, mercury, sediment, Lake Nokoué.
Diversité floristique et structure de la végétation ligneuse des parcs arborés de la zone soudanienne du Tchad
Authors: Mbaiyetom Hervé , Avana Tientcheu Marie Louise , Tchamba Ngankam Martin , Wouokoue Taffo Junior Baudoin
Published: May 2021

Les parcs arborés du Tchad subissent une dégradation marquée par une diminution importante du couvert végétal et des ressources ligneuses en raison de la péjoration climatique et de l’anthropisation. L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer la diversité floristique des parcs arborés du Département de la Nya (Sud du Tchad) et de caractériser leurs paramètres écologiques. Les données floristiques ont été collectées sur 174 relevés de 2500 m2 chacun. Au total, 29 espèces ligneuses réparties en 29 genres et 18 familles ont été recensées. La densité moyenne est de 28,528 tiges/ha et la surface terrière moyenne est de 4,077 m²/ha. L’indice de diversité de Shannon étaitde 3,043 et l’équitabilité de Piélou était de 0,626. Les familles les plus dominantes sont les Fabaceae, Sapotaceae et Anacardiaceae. La structure en diamètre a mis en évidence une prédominance d’individus adultes par rapport aux individus de petit diamètre (4,60%). La chorologie de la flore est caractérisée par la dominance des espèces soudano-zambésiennes (37,93%). Le spectre de formes biologiques montre une prédominance des mésophanérophytes (65,51%) et des microphanérophytes (31,03%). Ces résultats peuvent servir de référence dans le suivi de la dynamique de la végétation des parcs arborés soumis aux variations climatiques et auxpressions anthropiques.Mots clés : Caractéristique floristique, parcs arborés, types biologiques, types phytogéographiques, zone soudanienne, Tchad.
Détermination des teneurs en polyphénols totaux, flavonoïdes totaux et tanins de jeunes feuilles non encore ouvertes de Piliostigma thonningii (Caesalpiniaceae)
Authors: Kouamé Thomas Konan , Siaka Sorho , Kassi Amian Brise Benjamin , Soro Yaya
Published: May 2021

Les jeunes feuilles non encore ouvertes de Piliostigma thonningii sont expressément utilisées par des tradipraticiens de Côte d’Ivoire pour la prise en charge de diverses pathologies. La présente étude visait à déterminer les teneurs en polyphénols totaux, en flavonoïdes et en tanins condensés d’extraits et de fractions de ces jeunes feuilles non encore ouvertes. Leurs métabolites secondaires ont été extraits par macération dans un mélange éthanol-eau (70/30 : v/v) avec un rendement de 36%. Le fractionnement successif de l’extrait hydroalcoolique obtenu par l’hexane, le dichlorométhane, l’acétate d’éthyle, l’éthanol et l’eau a donné des rendements variant de 5,55 à 33,33%. Le dosage des polyphénols totaux, des flavonoïdes et des tanins condensés a donné des teneurs variant entre 0,23 ± 0,05 et 146,67 ± 4,25 mg EAG/g d’extrait sec, entre 5,33 ± 0,62 et 112,11 ± 0,83 mg EQ/g d’extrait sec et entre 23,33 ± 0,94 et 38,33 ± 0,47 mg EAT/g d’extrait sec respectivement. De façon générale, l’extrait hydroalcoolique et la fraction à l’acétate d’éthyle sont les plus riches en métabolites secondaires, en polyphénols, en flavonoïdes et en tanins condensés.Mots clés : Piliostigma thonningii, rendements, polyphénols totaux, flavonoïdes, tanins.
Effect of viscous dissipation on mixed convection flow in a vertical double passage channel using Robin boundary conditions
Authors: Kumar J. Prathap , Umavathi J.C. , Prasad M. Karuna
Published: May 2021

The laminar fully developed flow in a vertical double passage channel filled with clear fluid has been discussed using Robin boundary conditions. The thin perfectly conductive baffle is inserted in the channel. The governing equations of the fluid which are coupled and nonlinear are solved analytically by the perturbation method and semi analytically using differential transform method (DTM). The reference temperature of the external fluid is considered to be equal and different. The perturbation method which is valid for small values of perturbation parameter is used to find the combined effects of buoyancy forces and viscous dissipation. The limitation imposed on the perturbation parameter is relaxed by solving the basic equations using differential transform method. The influence of mixed convection parameter, Biot number for symmetric and asymmetric wall temperatures on the velocity, temperature and the Nusselt number is explored at different positions of the baffle. The solutions obtained by differential transform method are justified by comparing with the solutions obtained by perturbation method and the solutions agree very well for small values of the perturbation parameter.Keywords: Baffle, Differential Transform Method, Perturbation Method, Viscous dissipation, Robin Boundary Conditions, Double passage channel.
Evaluation of resource-use efficiency among rice farmers in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Muhammed Y. , Ojo M.A. , Abdullahi A. , Ajayi O.J. , Jibrin S. , Loko A.I.
Published: May 2021

This study evaluated resources–use efficiency among rice farmers in Katcha Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, Nigeria. The specific objectives are to; describe socio-economic characteristics of the rice farmers, determine the production inputs influencing rice output, resource–use efficiency in rice production and identify constraints associated with rice production. Two-stage sampling procedure was used for selection of 88 rice farmers on which questionnaire was administered. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression model and resource – use efficiency ratio. Results of the analysis revealed that 76.2% of the respondents were males, while 93.2% were married. The mean age, farming experience and household size of the respondents was 46 years, 23 years and 11 people, respectively. The multiple regression analysis result showed that double-log with R2 value of 0.9571 was chosen as lead equation and farmland (4.83, p<0.01), labour (2.34, p<0.05), seeds (4.04, p<0.01) and fertilizer (3.46, p<0.01) had positive coefficients and statistically significant. The efficiency ratio of resources-use in rice production showed that farm size (15.71) was under-utilized, while labour (0.001), seeds (0.554) and fertilizer (0.056) were over-utilized. Major constraints of rice production identified were inadequate training on resources usage (94.3%), followed by problem of pest and diseases (84.1%) and problem of storage facilities (81.8%). These problems ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd, respectively. In conclusion, the production inputs were not efficiently utilized by the rice farmers. It was therefore recommended that, extension agents should educate farmers about relevant farm management skills in order to optimally utilize resources in rice production.

Keywords: Resource-use efficiency, Rice farmers, Inputs, Production
Evaluation of the Impacts of Taurine on Oxidative Stress Indices in Sera and Brain of Rats Exposed to Cypermethrin
Authors: Akande M.G. , Okoronkwo S.M. , Abalaka S.E. , Idoko S.I. , Ubah S.A. , Abah K.O. , Akumka D.D. , Mohammed A.
Published: May 2021

Cypermethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide applied for pest control on animals and the environment. Taurine is a putative antioxidant and bioprotective amino acid. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the impacts of taurine on oxidative stress indices in the sera and brains of rats exposed to cypermethrin. Forty rats were assigned to five groups of eight rats each. Distilled water was given to the first group, while the second group received soya oil (2 ml/kg). Cypermethrin (20 mg/kg) was administered to the third group. The Taurine50+Cypermethrin group received taurine (50 mg/kg) and cypermethrin, while the Taurine100+Cypermethrin group was administered with taurine (100 mg/kg) and Cypermethrin. The treatments were given once daily by oral gavage for 35 days. Sera were obtained from the blood samples of the rats after the completion of the study for the determination of the oxidative stress indices (malondialdehyde concentration and the activities of antioxidant enzymes). Oxidative stress indices were analysed in the brains. Taurine significantly (P< 0.05) augmented the superoxide dismutase activity in the sera. However, other oxidative stress indices were not ameliorated by taurine in the sera and the brains. Cypermethrin (20 mg/kg) did not overtly evoke oxidative stress in the sera and the brains of the rats in this study, probably because it is a moderately toxic insecticide. This is the first study that has investigated the effects of taurine on cypermethrin toxicity. Further research is warranted to expound the mechanisms of action of taurine and  cypermethrin in biological systems.

Keywords: Taurine, Cypermethrin, Serum, Brain, Oxidative Stres
Effect of Plant Population Density and Methods of Weed Control on The Yield of Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) in Northeastern Nigeria
Authors: Mustapha A.B. , Felix T. , Tashiwa M.C. , Gworgwor N.A.
Published: May 2021

Field experiments were conducted at Yola and Garkida in Adamawa State, North-Eastern Nigeria during the 2017 rainy season. In the Yola location the experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Production and Horticulture, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, and in Garkida it was conducted at Garkida village in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The experiment was designed to study the effect of plant population density and methods of weed control on the yield of pepper (Capsicum annum L.). The treatments consist of three spacings, 25 x 30cm, 35 x 40cm and 45 x 50cm with four (4) different herbicides rates (No herbicide, pyrithiobac sodium 65.5kg a.i/ha, pendimethalin 1kg a.i/ha + pyrithiobac sodium 65.5kg a.i/ha and Haloxyfop 108g a.i/ha + hand hoe weeding. The experimental design was a split-plot design replicated three times. Spacing was assigned to the main plot while methods of weed control as subplots. Parameters measured were weed density, number of pepper fruits per plot, and fruit yield per hectare. All data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) appropriate to the split-plot design. The results of the experiment showed that herbicide pyrthiobac sodium 65.5kg a.i/ha recorded the highest number of fruit per plot of 72.4 while herbicide haloxyfop 108g a.i/ha followed by hand weeding recorded the least number of fruits of 50.1. The result of the experiment shows that there was a significant effect on spacing in both locations. Concerning yield per hectare spacing 25x30cm obtained the highest yield per hectare of 945kg in Garkida, while the least was from the Yola location which recorded 537kg. It was concluded that pepper yield depends on the proper spacing and proper use of herbicide which will suppress weed and increase yield significantly.

Keyword: Weed Density, Weed Control, Yield, Pepper
Microbiological Evaluation of some Oral Antacid Suspensions Sold in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Anie C.O. , Okafo S.E.
Published: May 2021

Pharmaceutical products (non-sterile) are faced with the challenges of not exceeding the minimum limit of microbial presence tolerated for the respective formulations. Antacid suspensions which are multi-dose drug products that are utilized in the neutralization of gastric acid. This drug with neutral pH makes them to be liable to microbial contamination. This study was conducted to evaluate antacid suspensions marketed in Delta State, Nigeria based on their microbial quality. Six different brands of antacid suspensions were collected from different Pharmacies in Delta state and were analysed microbiologically to isolate and quantify the implicated bacteria and fungi using conventional cultural and biochemical techniques. The microbiological evaluation of these samples was determined using the agar-well diffusion method. Five out of the six brands evaluated were found to be populated with a hugenumber of bacteria (2.5 x 102 to > 2.2 x 102 CFU/ml) and fungi (2 x 102 to 8 x 102 CFU/ml). Staphylococcus aureus was absent in any of the antacids brands studied. However, there were presence of objectionable microorganisms, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans in three of the six brands. The results of this study reveal the microbial contamination level of some of the antacid (suspensions)  marketed in Delta State which may be due to poor adherence to current good manufacturing practice by the manufacturers.

Keywords: Antacid suspensions, Microorganisms, Microbiological quality, Brands.
Effect of Two Blanching Methods on the Nutritional Values of Tomatoes and Pumpkin Leaves
Authors: Sunmonu M.O. , Odewole M.M. , Ajala E.O. , Sani R.O.A. , Ogunbiyi A.O.
Published: May 2021

Various blanching methods were applied to tomatoes and pumpkin leaves (Telfairia occidentalis) to investigate the effect of the  different blanching method on some of its nutritional content. The effects of steam and water blanching as a pretreatment on raw tomatoes and pumpkin leaves (control) were investigated in this study using standard methods. For tomatoes, the %nitrogen, potassium, vitamin A, C and E) mg/100g for raw were;0.48, 68.82mg/100g, 0.88mg/100g, 38.82mg/100g, 0.78mg/100g respectively. 0.45, 69.68mg/100g, 0.58mg/100g, 32.43mg/100g and 0.55mg/100g for water blanched respectively and 0.42, 69.14mg/100g, 0.47mg/100g, 29.66mg/100g, 0.42mg/100g respectively for steam blanching. * For pumpkin leaves, the %nitrogen, potassium, vitamin A, C and E) mg/100g for raw were; 0.98, 46.82mg/100g, 4.63mg/100g, 60.41mg/100g, 0.89mg/100g respectively. 0.95, 46.73mg/100g, 2.38mg/100g,41.08mg/100g and 0.59mg/100g for water blanched respectively and 0.94, 46.10mg/100g, 1.20mg/100g, 32.16mg/100g, 0.52mg/100g respectively for steam blanching. The results indicate that water and steam blanching significantly reduce the nutritional content. The values of the nutrient were higher in water blanching compared to steam blanching.

Keywords: Fruits, vegetable, steam, water, blanching
Assessment of Cassava Processing Techniques on the Livelihood of Agro-Forestry Farmers in Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeleye A.S. , Omoghie E.S. , Yusuf A.S. , Ojedokun C.A. , Ibikunle K.Y.
Published: May 2021

: Post harvest losses resulting from inadequate processing have been one of the problems affecting farmers’ income. This study was carried out to examine the contribution of cassava processing techniques on the livelihood of agroforestry farmers in Edo state. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 125 respondents which served as sample size for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results showed that 90.4% were aware of the cassava processing techniques such as the peeling, slicing, grating, sieving and frying machines. Furthermore, majority of the farmers agreed that the processing techniques were effectively in increasing productivity and 45.6% of the farmers had an increase in their annual income of up to N200,000. All the farmers attested that their income increased thus resulting in an increase in their livelihood. Chi-square results (p > 0.05) revealed that there was no significant relationship between the personal characteristics of the farmers and the constraints faced in the utilization ofthe technique. Results of correlation showed that there was a significant relationship between the processing techniques and the constraints faced in the utilization of techniques. Thus, it was recommended thatthe technologies be made simple for effective utilization in order to increase productivity

Keywords: Agroforestry, Processing, Livelihood, Techniques, Utilization
Bioaccumulated trace metal profiles of Tympanotonus fuscatus, Periophthalmus barbarous and Guinearma (Sesarma) alberti collected from a perturbed freshwater mangrove swamp in Warri, Nigeria
Authors: Odigie O. , Olomukoro J.O.
Published: May 2021

Bio –concentrated levels of trace metals; Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb in three (3) freshwater mangrove fauna; Tympanotonus fuscatus (periwinkle), Periophthalmus barbarous (mudskipper) and Guinearma (Sesarma) alberti (West African Sesarmid Crab) was investigated utilizng atomic absorbance spectrophotometery. Faunal sampling was conducted at five (5) sites in the Falcorp wetland area of Warri, Delta State, once monthly for an eighteen (18) month period. Maximal mean Fe and Zn values; 349.7 9 µg/g, dried wt ±15.64 and 16.92 µg/g, dried wt ±1.65 were recorded for the respective mudskipper and crab samples while minimal mean Fe and Zn values; 124.14 µg/g, dried wt ±7.85 and 7.71 µg/g, dried wt ± 0.96 were documented for the digested periwinkle tissues. The differences in the mean Fe, Zn, Cu and Cd values was siginificantly different at different levels (P<0.001, P <0.01 and P<0.05). The detection of significant  bioconcentration of these metals especially Cd, is a possible indication of the wide reaching deletrious ecological effects of  anthropogenic activities in the affected area.

Keywords: Falcorp mangrove swamp, Bioaccumulation, Trace metal, benthic bio-indicator