bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dihydroartemisinin ameliorates skeletal muscle atrophy in the lung cancer cachexia mouse model
Authors: Li Xin , Zhu Zhiying , Wen Keting , Ling Tingting , Huang Hong , Qi Li , Wang Bei
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Cancer cachexia (CC) is characterized by weight loss with specifically reduced skeletal muscles and adipose tissues in patients with late-stage cancer. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an effective antimalarial derivative of artemisinin, has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties.

Materials and Methods:

This study examined the effects of DHA on the Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC)-induced CC mouse model.

Results:

DHA treatment significantly increases tumor-free body weight and food intake but decreases serum interleukin-6 level and tumor weight in CC mice. In addition, DHA treatment relieves muscle atrophy and decreases muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF1) and F-box-only protein 32 (Fbx32) expressions in CC mice. In vitro, DHA reverses the reduction in myotube formation induced by an LLC-conditioned medium and increases Fbx32 expression in C2C12 mouse myotubular cells.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrated that DHA ameliorates the cachectic state and skeletal muscle atrophy in LLC-induced cachectic mouse models, suggesting its therapeutic potential for CC.
Effect of cryoablation on the spatial transcriptomic landscape of the immune microenvironment in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhou Jun , Wang Shengxi , Liu Ming , Li Zhaopei
Published: January 2025

Background:

Cryoablation induces antitumor immune responses. Spatial transcriptomic landscape technology has been used to determine the micron-level panoramic transcriptomics of tissue slices in situ.

Methods:

The effects of cryoablation on the immune microenvironment in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were explored by comparing the Whole Transcriptome Atlas (WTA) panel of immune cells before and after cryoablation using the spatial transcriptomic landscape.

Results:

The bioinformatics analysis showed that cryoablation significantly affected the WTA of immune cells, particularly genes related to cellular components, biological processes, molecular functions, proliferation and migration, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study suggest that cryoablation significantly impacts the biological functions of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment of NSCLC through multiple mechanisms.
The ability of contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid to differentiate endometrial carcinoma from benign endometrial lesions: A preliminary, prospective, and multicenter clinical study
Authors: Li Xin , Huang Ying , Jiang Tianan , Luo Hong , Dong Xuejuan , Zhuo Tao , Cheng Wen , Zhang Xinling , Che Ying , Zhang Bingsong , Jiang Xue , Liu Rui , Zhang Jing , Liang Ping
Published: January 2025

Objective:

To examine the diagnostic efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with Sonazoid (Sonazoid-CEUS) for endometrial lesions.

Methods:

In this prospective and multicenter study, data were collected from 84 patients with endometrial lesions from 11 hospitals in China. All the patients received a conventional US and Sonazoid-CEUS examination. The lesion characteristics based on US and Sonazoid-CEUS imaging were collected from the case report forms. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were determined using histopathologic diagnosis as the gold standard.

Results:

Of the 79 patients included, 29 were diagnosed with benign lesions and 50 with endometrial carcinoma (EC). The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for Sonazoid-CEUS and US at differentiating EC from benign endometrial lesions were 82.2%, 94%, 62.1%, 81.0%, and 85.7%, and 79.7%, 96%, 51.7%, 92.3%, and 88.2%, respectively, with no significant differences observed for any of the values. For Sonazoid-CEUS, the best delineators of EC versus benign lesions were early enhancement and hyperenhancement (74% vs 53.3%, P = 0.029, 68% vs 45%, P < 0.001), and lesion size enlargement (76% vs 48%, P = 0.001). Despite finding no significant difference in the enhancement patterns (P = .367), a faster wash-in pattern with the contrast agent entering before the surrounding myometrium was more common in the EC vs benign cases (92% vs 48.3%).

Conclusions:

Sonazoid-CEUS has higher accuracy, specificity, and comparable sensitivity for differentiating EC from benign endometrial lesions compared with conventional US. It provides complementary hemodynamics information reflective of tissue vascularization, which may improve the overall diagnostic efficiency.
Integrin α6 and integrin β4 in exosomes promote lung metastasis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Cong Fengyun , Huang Jiahao , Wu Changtao , Zhong Huage , Qiu Guanhua , Luo Tao , Tang Weizhong
Published: January 2025

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The mechanisms underlying metastasis, which contributes to poor outcomes, remain elusive.

Methods:

We used the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset to compare mRNA expression patterns of integrin α6 (ITGA6) and integrin β4 (ITGB4) in patients with CRC. We measured ITGA6 and ITGB4 expression levels in highly metastatic (i.e., HCT116 and SW620) and lowly metastatic (i.e., SW480 and Caco2) CRC cell lines. Exosomes were isolated from cell culture media and characterized using western blotting and nanoparticle analyses. The role of exosomes in lung metastasis was investigated using xenograft experiments in mice models, which received CRC cell injection and were treated with exosomes.

Results:

ITGA6 and ITGB4 were significantly overexpressed in CRC tissues, and ITGA6 was associated with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage and outcome. ITGA6 and ITGB4, as well as exosomal ITGA6 and ITGB4, were significantly more highly expressed in HCT116 and SW620 cells than in SW480 and Caco2 cells. The proliferation and tubulogenesis of vascular endothelial cells were markedly decreased by disruption of ITGA6 and ITGB4 but were markedly increased by ectopic expression of ITGA6 and ITGB4. Exosomal ITGA6 and ITGB4 promoted CRC metastasis to the lung in vivo.

Conclusions:

Taken together, our findings suggested that exosomal ITGA6 and ITGB4 displayed organotropism to the lung and upregulated proliferation and tubulogenic capacities, which might help reduce lung metastasis from CRC. These findings provided new insights into the mechanisms of CRC metastasis and provided novel potential therapeutic targets.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: A clinical and pathological observational report of Asian samples from one center
Authors: Peng Qili , Lu Yi , Su Tingting , Tong Pengpeng , Huang Yixiong , Chen Rui
Published: January 2025

Background:

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, low-grade fibrohistiocytic tumor with malignant potential. It is considered to have a high local recurrence rate due to the characteristic invasion of the finger-like lesion into the soft tissues.

Method:

This retrospective study presents details of 20 DFSP patients with a history of surgery and a long follow-up period. All patients were followed up for 10 years to assess the relationship between the surgical margin and the recurrence rate. Seventeen patients provided informed consent for detailed pathological examinations.

Results:

Twenty Asian patients with a mean age of 42.55 years were included in this study. The location of the DFSP varied among the individuals; seven were closed by sutures, four were full-thickness skin grafts, and nine were closed using a pedicled flap. The average follow-up period was 4.185 ± 3.09 years. Recurrence was observed in 8 out of the 20 patients 1–8 years after surgery (recurrence group). A significant (P = 0.04) difference in the average surgical margin was observed between the recurrence group (1.62 ± 0.74 cm) and the remaining patients (heal group; 2.83 ± 1.43 cm). The median Ki-67 value was 12%.

Conclusion:

Local control of DFSP after surgery is challenging. The first choice of DFSP treatment is surgery to clear the margins and reconstruct the area. Enhancing the diagnosis rate of DFSP during the initial visit is important for the proper management and operation opportunity.
Comparison of clinical outcomes in patients with advanced pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma treated with immunotherapy-based regimens or chemotherapy: A study based on the SEER database and multicentric real-world settings
Authors: Peng Duanyang , Xiong Le , Luo Yuxi , Chen Junxing , Zheng Yue’e , Zeng Xiaoli , Liu Shubin , Liu Anwen , Wang Xia , Zeng Zhimin
Published: January 2025

Background:

Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a rare lung cancer characterized by early metastasis and invasion. It is predominantly diagnosed at a locally advanced or metastatic stage, hindering the possibility of surgical intervention. However, a standard treatment for advanced PSC remains unestablished. This study evaluated the effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy-based strategies in patients with advanced PSC.

Methods:

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and data from three cancer centers were used in this retrospective study. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the prognostic factors.

Results:

In total, 202 patients with stage IV PSC were identified from the SEER database (median OS, 5 months). The median follow-up time of patients from the three centers was 18.8 months. First-line treatment with immunotherapy-based regimens and chemotherapy was administered to 12 and 27 patients, respectively. The median PFS was 2.1 and 7.3 months [hazard ratio (HR), 0.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.06–0.40; P < 0.001], while the median OS was 3.6 and 21.4 months (HR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.09–0.50; P < 0.001) in the chemotherapy and immune-based groups, respectively. The immunotherapy-based regimen was an independent prognostic factor for PFS (HR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.08–0.55; P = 0.001) and OS (HR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.08–0.49; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Conventional chemotherapy offered limited benefits in patients with advanced PSC; however, those who received first-line immunotherapy-based regimens exhibited significantly improved responses.
Research progress on the structural and anti-colorectal malignant tumor properties of Shikonin
Authors: Chen Jinghua , Liu Jie , Nie Weiwei , Hou Xingqin , Zhang Xi , Liu Chao , Si Linxin , Zhang Mingzhu , Xu Shutao , Xie Qi , Liang Jing , Li Yan
Published: January 2025

Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent malignant tumor worldwide. Despite the advancements in surgical procedures and treatment options, CRC remains a considerable cause of cancer-related mortality. Shikonin is a naphthoquinone compound that exhibits multiple biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects as well as wound healing promotion. Recently, Shikonin has been increasingly used in basic research on colorectal malignant tumors. Therefore, we explored the mechanisms of action and structural improvements of Shikonin in colorectal cancer through a literature review to provide valuable insights for the advancement of research and development of related pharmaceuticals.
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Diagnostic Analysis in Behcet’s Disease
Authors: Sharma Arun Dev , Parihar Ajay , Tosh Sujata , Yadav Nidhi
Published: January 2025

The exploration of Behçet’s disease challenges the idea that “the oral cavity reflects systemic diseases.” This chronic systemic vasculitis, characterized by oral and genital ulcers, cutaneous lesions, and multi-organ involvement, poses diagnostic complexities. A 30-year-old male patient reported with Behçet’s syndrome, diagnosed via International Criteria for Behçet Disease 2014 and HLA B51 positivity, who achieved relief with Colchicine, highlighting the role of oral medicine.
Evaluation of Bcl-2, Mcl-1, and Bax as Potential Biomarkers in Chemo Radiotherapy Induced Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Deepika R , Dharman Sreedevi , Jayaraman Selvaraj
Published: January 2025

Background:

Oral mucositis (OM) is an acute debilitating side effects of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Salivary biomarkers are noninvasive and aid in early diagnosis and disease prevention.

Objective:

This study analyzed Bcl-2, Mcl-1, and Bax as potential biomarkers in CRT-induced OM in HNC patients.

Methods:

Forty-six HNC patients receiving CRT with OM were evaluated using WHO grading. Two time points were observed for saliva sample collection: Day 0 (prior to CRT) and Day 30 (CRT with OM) and from 46 healthy volunteers. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), levels of Bcl-2, Mcl-1, and Bax were measured. Oral mucositis progression was analyzed using Friedman’s test, and statistical significance between means of different salivary marker was determined using the ANOVA test.

Results:

From Day 0 to Day 30, grades of OM were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Apoptotic biomarkers showed statistically significant higher expression of proapoptotic regulator Bax and lower expressions of antiapoptotic markers Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 on Day 30 (severe OM) compared to Day 0 and healthy controls (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Our research showcased Bax, Bcl-2, and Mcl-1 as early predictive indicators of OM, and targeted drugs should be developed against these to prevent onset and severity of oral mucositis that improves patients quality of life.
Fractal Analysis as an Aid in Gender Determination. A Retrospective Pilot Study
Authors: Srinivas Naveen , Ramdurg Praveen K. , Sali Ketki , Fazil K Mohammed , Rudrakshi Anusha B , Gachinmath Vijayalakshmi
Published: January 2025

Background of the Study:

Studies conducted for the determination of gender utilizing changes in trabecular pattern in mandible on an orthopantomogram have been very sparse. Hence, this study is designed to help in gender determination using an innovative aid, fractal analysis.

Aim:

The aim is to determine/establish the gender using fractal analysis.

Methodology:

A total of 1,248 orthopantomogram were screened during the period of 2020 and 2021 in the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department of P. M. Nadagouda Memorial Dental College and Hospital of which 30 males and 30 females were selected between the age group of 20–30 years. The region of interest at the angle of the mandible on the right side was selected as the geometric center. The region of interest was again subjected to fractal analysis using ImageJ software, and the values were recorded by analyzing the trabecular pattern.

Result:

The data were analyzed statistically and it was noted that the mean fractal analysis values in females were 0.103 and 0.148 in males, which were significantly less when compared to the males.

Conclusion:

The results showed that fractal analysis can be used as an aid to assess the trabecular pattern in the determination of the sex of an individual.
Re-diagnosed and Re-treated Orofacial Granulomatosis: A Case Report
Authors: Fathima Ahamed Ismail Samu , Thirugnanamurthy Sarumathi , Ravikumar Guruswathy , Mathivanan Kavitha
Published: January 2025

Orofacial granulomatosis is an uncommon skin condition affecting the face and predominantly the lips, also referred to as cheilitis granulomatosa. We will be discussing a case of a 50-year-old female with a history of swollen lips for the past 3 years who had visited various hospitals and also had undergone multiple diagnostic tests with no conclusive diagnosis and was treated for the possible diagnoses of hemangioma and arterio-venous malformation with ineffective treatment results. Upon careful elicitation of details, we arrived at the diagnosis of orofacial granulomatosis and treated her with a combination therapy with resultant rapid regression of the lesion.
Dental Age Estimation in Young Adolescents by Measuring Open Apices: A Forensic Odontology Study with a South Indian Formula
Authors: Nisha V Aarthi , Sadaksharam Jayachandran , Bhaskar Y Hemavathy
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Estimating age is becoming more and more important in forensic science and dentistry. Identifying criminals, child labor problems, birth certificates, job openings, illegal immigrants, or a body whose identity is unknown are just some of the situations where estimating age is necessary. This study’s goal is to find out how to figure out a child’s chronological age between the ages of 12 and 14 by looking at panoramic X-rays and measuring how big their open tooth root tips are.

Things Used and Methods:

The left mandibular canine, premolars, and molars from 83 dental panoramic X-rays of patients aged 12 to 14 years were used to study tooth development. The individual tooth-root ratio (A/L) was measured using Sirona software-XG machine (Made by Dentsply Sirona, Germany) in a straight line. An estimated age was made and then matched to the real age.

Results:

A regression equation was used in statistical analysis to guess the age of the people. To figure out the age, 15.9973-8.465(x7) +1.650(x3) was turned into a linear regression model.

Conclusion:

The equation that was found in this study can be used to accurately guess the dental age of young teens in South India.
Measurement of Exhaled Carbon Monoxide Levels in Patients Visiting to Dental Hospitals
Authors: Vyshnavi Somana B. , Shanthi M. , Divya V. C , Ganesh C. , Gupta Shreya , Jayavardhan Korukonda
Published: January 2025

Background:

Nowadays, analyzing the amount of carbon monoxide in exhaled air is a commonly used method in population research and useful as a quantitative breathing guide and for verifying claims of not smoking. The primary and most prevalent indoor source of carbon monoxide is cigarette smoke.

Objectives:

To measure exhaled carbon monoxide levels in order to assess individual smoking status.

Materials and Methods:

An instantaneous, noninvasive way to determine smoking status may be offered by measuring carbon monoxide exhaled. A carbon monoxide analyzer or smoke analyzer (md diagnostics ltd, England) is a portable carbon monoxide analyzer and was utilized in this study to examine the exhaled carbon monoxide levels in established smokers and nonsmokers. The carbon monoxide levels exhaled were measured in 126 subjects (42 smokers, 42 smokeless tobacco, 42 nonsmokers) visiting a dental hospital.

Results:

The Mean exhaled carbon monoxide level was 1–6 PPM for nonsmokers, 7–20 PPM for smokers, and 3–18 PPM for smokeless tobacco users.

Conclusion:

The level of carbon monoxide in exhaled air or as blood carboxyhemoglobin yielded higher specificity and sensitivity. To summarize, the exhaled carbon monoxide level offers a quick and simple method for determining a person’s smoking status.
Can Traditional Treatment Modalities Still be a Benchmark for Managing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
Authors: Sane Rashmi Vikrant , Sane Vikrant Dilip , Shams-Ul-Nisa  , Nair Vivek Sunil , Bhosale Nishita
Published: January 2025

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disorder with a variable clinical presentation, showing multiple active clinical manifestations, and an alternating course of flares and cutbacks of the disease itself and or treatments received. Here we present a case report of Chronic Cutaneous Lupus erythematosus seen in a 28-year-old male patient at the vermilion border of the lip, chest, and flexor surfaces of arms managed effectively by the traditional treatment modalities like topical and systemic steroids. Modern alternatives like B-cell target therapy, T-cell target therapy, and Immunoregulatory molecule-targeting therapies with the help of Interferon-alpha inhibitors appear to be safe and effective but are still in clinical trials due to some co-morbidities. Follow-up for 1 year showed no signs of recurrence and had a good prognosis.
Adaptation study of the Zuckerman-Kuhlman and Aluja Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ) in Angola
Authors: Simões Aníbal
Published: January 2025

O presente estudo foi realizado para avaliar as características psicométricas do questionário de personalidade Zucherman-Kuhlam-Aluja, traduzido do inglês para o português para uma amostra angolana. A análise fatorial dos itens mostra que há uma associação relativa entre os componentes fatoriais e as cinco dimensões hipotéticas escolhidas a priori. A replicação angolana deste questionário deu um alfa insatisfatório. A consistência interna oferecida pelo Alpa varia de 0,42 (buscar sensação) a 0,78 (neuroticismo). O alfa médio foi de 0,56, variando entre 40 (ImpSS) e 0,78 (N-Anx). A mediana Alfa foi de 0,56,( (ImpSS)varia de 40 (ImpSS) a 0,78 (N-Anx). Como aconteceu em outras culturas, especialmente do Senegal e do Togo, a confiabilidade deste estudo também foi menor. A variância explicada com o R2 ajustado foi de -0,001, -0,002, e -0,02 para idade, sexo e culturas avaliadas pela competência linguística. Podemos explicar o menor poder deste estudo, pois os cinco fatores derivados explicam apenas 20,2% das variâncias nos escores. O resultado sugeriu que esta versão, embora relativamente fiável, pode ser a base para a construção de uma outra versão mais ajustada à realidade cultural angolana, ou, se preferirmos, africana.
Luanda: from ‘children don’t talk politics’ to ‘I want to be a politician’
Authors: Dias Madaleno
Published: January 2025

Este artigo examina a evolução dos conceitos de cidadania em Angola, abrangendo desde a era colonial até os dias atuais, destacando transformações políticas e sociais significativas. Durante o período colonial, o Estatuto do Indígena institucionalizou a cidadania hierárquica, separando os cidadãos assimilados das populações indígenas. Após a independência, a Primeira República estabeleceu uma "cidadania monitorada", caracterizada pela repressão política e exclusão social. Na Segunda República, passos tímidos em direção à liberalização introduziram a noção de "cidadania de baixa intensidade", marcada por liberdades emergentes ao lado de mecanismos persistentes de controle. Hoje, a estratificação social persistente se manifesta no discurso do "cidadão comum" versus o "cidadão especial", refletindo desigualdades estruturais arraigadas. O artigo enfatiza que, embora a cidadania seja idealmente um direito universal, ela permanece fortemente moldada pela dinâmica do poder político e econômico em Angola. Empregando uma perspectiva crítica, o estudo argumenta que as hierarquias de cidadania resultam em exclusão social e participação cívica restrita, ressaltando a necessidade de esforços contínuos para transformar a esfera pública e expandir os direitos democráticos.
Antioxidant constituents from the leaves of Piper crassipes Korth ex Miq. growing in Malaysia
Authors: Jane Rezod Ursula , Mohd Nuzul Hakimi Wan Salleh Wan , Ab  Ghani Abubakar Siddiq Salihu Nurunajah , Sungthong Bunleu
Published: January 2025

The genus Piper, belonging to the Piperaceae family, includes over 2,000 species, many of which are widely recognized for their significant economic and medicinal value. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemicals isolated from the leaf extract of Piper crassipes. Soxhlet extraction of the dried powdered leaves was employed to extract the phytochemicals using a polarity gradient of hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol. The phytochemicals were obtained using chromatography techniques and their structures were confirmed by spectroscopic analysis (IR, NMR, and MS) and comparison with the literature. Furthermore, the isolated phytochemicals were evaluated for their DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The isolation successfully led to the identification of ten phytochemicals: asaricin (1), chavibetol (2), dillapiole (3), β-sitosterol (4), 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (5), 4',5,7-trimethoxyflavone (6), N-(3-phenylpropanoyl)pyrrole (7), chavicol (8), N-isobutyl-(2E,4E,14Z)-eicosatrienamide (9), and 4-allyl resorcinol (10). Among the isolated phytochemicals, compounds (8) and (10) showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, with IC50 values of 189.3 and 195.8 µmol/L, respectively. This study offers important insights into the antioxidant potential of P. crassipes constituents, highlighting further opportunities to explore their nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
KEY WORDS: Piperaceae, Piper crassipes, Constituent, Phenylpropanoid, Antioxidant.
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(3), 561-570.                                                            
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i3.13
Extraction and preconcentration of many metals ions by using CPE technique
Authors: H. Abad Al-Ameer Aseel , Shaalan Naser
Published: January 2025

Cloud point extraction is a simple, safe, and environmentally friendly technique for preparing many different kinds of samples. In this review, we discussed the CPE method and how to apply it to our environmental sample data. We also spoke about the benefits, problems, and likely developments in CPE. This process received a great deal of attention during preconcentration and extraction. It was used as a disconnection and follow-up improvement system before the natural mixtures (nutrients, polybrominated biphenyl ethers, pesticides, polycyclic sweet-smelling hydrocarbons, polychlorinated compounds, and fragrant amines) and inorganic mixtures were examined and many metals like (silver, lead, cadmium, mercury, and so on). We also find that combining CPE with various methods can yield good results by increasing the sensitivity of analysis and eliminating the effect of interference from the sample background.
KEY WORDS: Cloud point extraction, Preconcentration of metal ions, Surfactant, Medications, Biological matrix.
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(3), 409-423.                                                 
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i3.2
Micelle-mediated extraction combined with the adsorption onto magnetic nanoparticles for the extraction of crystal violet from wastewater
Authors: El-Rayyes Ali , I. Mortada Wael
Published: January 2025

This work describes cloud point extraction combined with the adsorption onto magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for separation and spectrophotometric determination of crystal violet (CV). Briefly, CV molecules were adsorbed on MNPs and transferred into the surfactant-rich phase of Triton X-114. Subsequently, the target analyte was desorbed from MNPs by acidified ethanol and detected spectrophotometrically. The impact of experimental conditions, including pH, electrolyte, amount of Triton X-114 and MNPs, incubation temperature and time, type, and volume of the eluent was investigated. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 1.5-250.0 µgL-1 of CV. A preconcentration factor of 42.9 was obtained, and the detection limit for CV was 0.5 µgL-1. The intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSD) for five replicate analyses of CV (100 µgL-1) were 1.7% and 2.1, respectively. The developed approach was effectively used for quantitative analysis of CV in environmental water samples with accepted recovery (97.0-101.2%). The procedure is accurate, precise, rapid and low-cost.
KEY WORDS: Cloud point extraction, Solid phase extraction, Fe3O4 nanoparticles, Crystal violet, Wastewater samples.
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(3), 425-435.                                                           
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i3.3
Synthesis of and characterization some platinum(IV) complexes derived from substituted imides and evaluation of their biological activity
Authors: L. Khaleel Zina , S. Al-Jawaheri Yassir
Published: January 2025

This research paper explores preparation of furanoanthracene-12,14-dione (1) via the addition of malic anhydride to anthracene. The resultant compound was treated with urea to form the imide derivative (2). Subsequently (2) was reacted with formaldehyde, leading to the substitution of the nitrogen-bound proton with a hydroxymethyl group, yielding hydroxymethyl pyrroloanthracene (3). In the following step, various substituted anilines were reacted with (3) in the presence of triethylamine through an SN2 reaction to replace the hydroxyl group and producing substituted amino methyl-epipyrroloanthracene derivatives (4-10). Three of these derivatives (4-6) were employed as a ligands to synthesize three complexes square planer platinum(IV). The result of conductivity measurement, magnetic and C.H.N. prove the synthesis of the platinum(IV) complexes. The biological activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated against four bacterial strains. Additionally, (4-10) were subjected to molecular docking studies against the target protein Penicillin Binding Protein (PDB ID: 3vsl), with Penicillin G serving as the control.
KEYWORDS: Platinum complexes, Imides, Molecular docking, Biological activity.
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(3), 459-472.                                                   
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i3.6
Preparation and characterization of a mixed catalyst of cobalt and molybdenum carried on aluminum oxide prepared from bentonite ore
Authors: Salim Jarjees Qaidar , Nazar Abdlaziz Aws , Rafaa Qasim Abbas , Ahmed Hamdoon Ammar
Published: January 2025

The research aims to select one of the natural ores (bentonite clays) for preparing alumina (Al2O3) and using it as a support material for the catalyst. The components of the ore were studied using modern techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) technique and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique. Then, alumina (aluminum oxide) was prepared from the bentonite ore after a series of chemical treatments were carried out on it in order to remove the components that negatively affect the effectiveness of the catalyst under study. After that, the catalyst consisting of transition elements (cobalt/molybdenum) supported on alumina was prepared and its chemical content was identified and the weight and atomic percentages were determined by measuring energy dispersive X-rays (EDX) and identifying its thermal stability by conducting thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The structure of the prepared catalyst was examined using BET technique and SEM (scanning electron microscope) measurement, in addition to X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements to identify the percentages of the minerals composing the catalyst, and then estimate the percentage of these elements in their oxide form.
KEYWORDS: Catalyst, Bentonite, Cobalt, Molybdenum.
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(3), 473-482.                                                     
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i3.7
Farmer-herder conflicts and livelihood nexus insights from Kwahu Afram plains south district of Ghana
Authors: Derkyi Mercy Afua Adutwumwaa , Gyamfi Eric
Published: January 2025

This paper sought farmers, herders, and cattle owners' insights into farmer-herder conflict dynamics and the effects of the conflicts on their livelihood assets. A sample size of 168 respondents comprising 147 farmers, nine cattle owners, and 12 settler herders was employed. After literature review, the study used a blend of semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and interview guides to gather data from respondents. Data were analyzed using inferential statistical tools of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The paper revealed three essential conflict causes related to crop destruction, water pollution, and competition for land, which are mostly non-violent. Farmers, herders, community members (e.g., youth), and cattle owners were the primary actors in the farmer-herder conflicts. Financial capital was most affected (38.1%), and natural capital (12.9%) was the least affected, with critical effects such as competition for water and land resources. It was concluded that the increasing prevalence of cattle crop destruction has the potential to cause food insecurity. The findings imply that attention to conflicts' effects on financial capital is needed to identify holistic interventions, which could be done through a multidisciplinary approach using expertise from different disciplines to achieve oriented results.
The technical management and sustainability of small-town water systems: experiences from the North Gonja District, Ghana
Authors: Okrah Maxwell , Tiika Raymond John
Published: January 2025

Many interventions have been implemented for the technical management and sustainability of Small-Town Water Systems, but the expected results are few. Small-Town Water Systems are fraught with challenges, leading to the unsustainability of most of them in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study assessed the technical management and sustainability of Small-Town Water Systems using experiences from the North Gonja District in Ghana. A qualitative approach to research with a case study design was adopted. A total of 53 participants were purposively sampled and were seen as key stakeholders with in-depth knowledge of the Small-Town Water Systems in the District which they shared for this study. Interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from the participants. The data were analysed by thematic analysis. The results revealed that the Small-Town Water Systems needed rehabilitation with innovative technologies, maintenance and repairs were reactive, small-towns recovery mechanisms from major breakdowns were weak, resulting in long Small-Town Water Systems downtimes, Water System Management Teams technical know- how was low, and there was limited technical support services. Small-Town Water Systems should be revamped with modern and digital technological designs and operated professionally. The study concludes that the current technical management of Small-Town Water Systems by the Water System Management Teams poses a threat to their sustainability. The study recommends an establishment of a linkage between technical management and the operations of Small-Town Water Systems to ensure sustainability.
Ameliorative effect of vitamin E on copper sulfate-induced liver damage in Wistar rats
Authors: Obayuwana E. , Nweke S.M.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Significant human exposure to heavy metals such as copper sulfate is a major health concern due to its adverse consequences to body tissue. Vitamin E, a potent anti-oxidant is being investigated for its potential to protect against heavy metal toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the role of vitamin E on copper sulfate-induced liver damage.
METHOD: Twenty-five (25) adult Wistar rats weighing between 160g and 220g were divided equally into five groups (A to E). They received 1 ml of distilled water, 200 mg/kg of copper sulfate for 30 days, 200 mg/kg of vitamin E for 30 days, 200 mg/kg of copper sulfate for 30 days followed by 200 mg/kg of vitamin E for 30 days, 200 mg/kg of copper sulfate for 30 days followed by 1 ml of distilled water for 30 days. At the end of the study, blood and liver tissues were collected for analysis of serum Alanine aminotransaminase(ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase(AST), Alkaline Phosphatase(ALP), Total protein(TP), Total bilirubin(TB), Conjugated bilirubin(CB), liver Malondialdehyde(MDA), Superoxide dismutase(SOD), Catalase(CAT), Glutathione Peroxidase(GPx) and histology of the liver.
RESULTS: There was significant increase in in ALT, AST, ALP, TB, CB, liver MDA and a significant decrease in TP, liver SOD, CAT, and GPx in copper sulfate treated rats when compared to control which were reversed with vitamin E treatment. Histological findings showed a reversal of vascular stenosis and inflammation induced by copper sulfate following co-treatment with vitamin E.
CONCLUSION:  Vitamin E possesses ant-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties against copper-induced liver damage.
Assessment of epidemiological risk factors of humeral fractures using x-ray findings of patients presenting at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria: A 2-year review
Authors: Ujaddughe O.M. , Eseine D.O. , Aimua H.I. , Eseine-Aloja C.E. , Okodaso H.A. , Eseine C.O. , Ebhojaye K.I. , Izunya A.M. , Ujaddughe M.E.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Humeral fractures are among the most common fractures occurring today. In Nigeria, humeral fractures have been reported to account for nearly 3% of all fractures in adults and for about 20% of all fractures in some populations. This is expected to triple in the next three decades. This study aimed to assess the pattern of humeral fractures in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua, between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, to provide baseline epidemiological data that can help practitioners prepare for effective treatment and management of humeral fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was a retrospective descriptive study of records of humeral fracture patients who had x-rays done to determine the pattern of humeral fractures while being managed at ISTH, Irrua over the 2 years. All 35 cases that met the inclusion criteria were selected for the study. The resulting data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presented in distribution tables.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The result of this study shows that the incidence of humeral fracture was higher in males, while the adult age group (18 to 59 years) was the most affected by humeral fractures (n = 23, 65.70%). Road Transport Accidents were the leading cause of humeral fractures (n = 25, 71.40%) while the midshaft fractures of the humerus were more prevalent. There is a need for those in charge of healthcare planning at ISTH, Irrua to ensure that equipment and manpower needed for the treatment of humeral fractures are readily available and traffic authorities could devise means of reducing the incidence of Road Transport Accidents.
Perceptions of stroke patients attending King Faisal Hospital-Rwanda regarding the effectiveness of the rehabilitation services
Authors: Niyonkuru Felix , Nshimiyimana Joseph , Girizina Divine , Niyitegeka Jean Pierre , Urimubenshi Gerard
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION: Stroke rehabilitation involves a multidisciplinary approach to restore functional abilities and improve quality of life. This study aimed to explore stroke patients' perceptions of the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions provided at King Faisal Hospital, Rwanda. 
METHODS: A qualitative study using in-depth face-to-face interviews was conducted with ten stroke survivors aged 30 to 80 years. Participants shared their experiences of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy interventions. The data was analyzed using a qualitative inductive thematic approach with Atlas ti software. 
RESULTS: Participants reported significant improvements in physical function and mobility due to physiotherapy services, including increased balance, enhanced muscle strength, and the ability to perform activities such as walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs. However, two participants noted limited progress in their affected limbs. Occupational Therapy was reported to lead to improvements in functional performance, self-care activities, and job-related skills. Participants regained abilities such as transferring independently, holding objects, bathing, and dressing. Occupational therapy also enabled some participants to return to work. A minority expressed the need for increased therapy frequency for better outcomes. Speech and Language Therapy improved participants’ communication and interaction skills. Some regained their ability to talk, express themselves, and engage in conversations, although challenges with pronunciation and fluency persisted for a few. 
CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation interventions at King Faisal Hospital- Rwanda, are perceived as effective in enhancing physical function, independence in daily activities, and communication skills among stroke survivors. The findings underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and suggest potential benefits of increasing therapy frequency for improved outcomes.
Factors, beliefs, and barriers associated with adherence to secondary prophylaxis amongst children and adolescents with rheumatic heart disease at public tertiary hospitals in Rwanda: A cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Dushimire Janvier , Habimana Samson , Rusingiza Emmanuel
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the most prevalent cardiovascular disease among young people under 25 years. This study aimed to explore the factors, beliefs, and barriers associated with adherence to penicillin among children and adolescents with RHD undergoing secondary prophylaxis at public tertiary hospitals in Rwanda. 
METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included children aged 5 to 18 years diagnosed with RHD and on secondary prophylaxis for at least six months, from two public tertiary hospitals in Rwanda. Regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with adherence. 
RESULTS: Employment status was significantly associated with adherence to prophylaxis (OR [95% CI]: 12.17 [1.42-103.9], p=0.022). Living in an urban area also increased the likelihood of adherence compared to rural areas (OR [95% CI]: 9.05 [2.28-35.91], p=0.001). A long distance to the clinic was strongly associated with poor adherence (OR [95% CI]: 5.55 [1.94-15.89], p=0.001). Additionally, long waiting times at the clinic are also significantly associated with poor adherence (OR [95% CI]: 4.77 [1.69-13.43], p=0.003). Patients with good adherence have significantly higher belief scores than those with poor adherence (M ± SE: 1.56 ± 0.54, t=2.878, p=0.005), and patients with higher barrier scores are significantly less adherent than those with lower barrier scores (M ± SE: 4.6 ± 0.85, t=5.531, p<0.001). 
CONCLUSION: Factors negatively affecting adherence included parental unemployment and rural residence. Long travel distances and extended waiting times at clinics were the most common barriers to adherence. To improve adherence, educational efforts targeting RHD patients and their caregivers should be strengthened, and RHD prevention activities should be decentralized to health centers.
Employee absenteeism at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali in Rwanda, 2020
Authors: Munyaneza Emmanuel , Rusingiza Emmanuel K. , Rugwizangoga Belson , Munyarugerero Marianne , Mukarugema Devotha , Gasasira Jean Damascene , Mbabazi Betty , Twahirwa Timothee S. , Ndibagiza Oswald , Nyundo Martin , Hategekimana Theobald , Nzanira David , Masaisa Florence
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION: Background: Absenteeism among health workers has become a problematic issue all over the world. This study aimed to determine the rate, cost, types, and factors of employee absenteeism at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) 
METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at CHUK, using prospective and retrospective approaches/aspects, and a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire from July 2019 to June 2020. A comprehensive analysis was conducted to assess individual, institutional, and workplace factors associated with absenteeism among CHUK staff (clinical and administrative) 
RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-nine staff (159) completed the study, which gave a response rate of 88.3%. The findings revealed that 337 (38.3%) staff were had absenteeism from 2019 to 2020. The absenteeism rate at CHUK was 3.3%, with the highest absenteeism observed among clinical staff, 82% (278 staff), and the lowest among administrative staff, 17.5 % (59 staff). The average cost per absentee was observed to be 173.4 USD, and the estimated total cost for absenteeism at CHUK was 58 465 USD per year. Key contributing factors included inadequate equipment (72%), high workload (54%), and long commuting distances, with 83% of participants traveling more than 10 km to work. The average cost per absentee was $173.40, translating to an estimated annual financial burden of $58,465. The study also highlighted the role of workplace-related challenges, such as insufficient resources and limited flexibility in work schedules. 
CONCLUSION: The study found that CHUK employees' absenteeism rate was 3.3%, with clinical staff being the most affected. Addressing identified factors through improved management practices, employee welfare, and strategic Human Resource Management (HRM) interventions could reduce absenteeism and its financial impact.
Epidemiology and Indications for major limb amputations in Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Ibraheem G.H. , Nasir A. A. , Abdur_Rahman L. O. , Babalola O. M. , Kadir D. M. , Solagberu B.A.
Published: January 2025

Limb amputation refers to the removal of a limb or part of a limb through the bone. It is one of the oldest surgical procedures known to man. In the western world, dysvascular amputations (secondary to complications from diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease) account for most of the amputations done. Traditionally, trauma and complications from badly managed traumatic injuries continue to account for most of the major limb amputations in Nigeria. We sought to evaluate the indications and patient characteristics amongst patients who had major limb amputations over a four-year period at a University Teaching Hospital in North-Central Nigeria.  Eighty-seven patients had major limb amputations in the period under review. The majority (63%) of the amputees were male and 78% of the amputees had lower limb amputations. Dysvascular amputations (45.8%) and complications of trauma (43.4%) accounted for similar proportions of the causes of amputations in the study. Two peak age groups were involved: the third decade of life where traumatic causes predominated; and the seventh decade of life where dysvascular causes predominated. Public health interventions need to be intensified to improve management of traumatic injuries to reduce the rate of amputations in this cohort while improved education and management of diabetic patients will reduce the rate of dysvascular amputations.
Utilization of hospital library by health workers in a tertiary health institution in Ilorin, Kwara State
Authors: Musa O.I. , Omopupa K.T.
Published: January 2025

The task of providing quality health care services require the use of current health information; and hospital library seems to be the most appropriate source of organized and well-articulated information for health workers. This descriptive cross-sectional study  was carried to determine the use of hospital library by health workers at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital with a view to generating data that can used to improve the services and make the library more user friendly to the health workers.  Analysis of 280 questionnaires returned by consenting health workers selected through simple random sampling showed that 244(87%) of the respondents used the library, and a significant proportion of the Doctors were found to use the library facilities more than any group of health professionals (P value<0.05). Although reading of library textbooks was the commonest service often sought by the users (80%), reading of newspapers/magazines for recreational purpose was common among the health workers (65.6%) Most of the health workers 176(72%) felt that relevant/current textbooks were not available and 156(64%) said relevant/current journals were inadequate; while majority expressed difficulty in accessing Medline service, medical video cassettes and photocopier in the library.  Non-availability of the required services and lack of academic challenges that require using the lhospital library were some of the excuses given by those who do not use the facility. The constraints facing the library users were mostly related to lack of current books and journals, poor Medline service and short hours of service during the weekend. There is a need to strengthen the hospital library by extending the hours of service to the users, subscribing to various medical journals and procurement of current and relevant books so that the operational goals and aspiration of the Teaching hospital in terms of quality service, teaching and research can be achieved through medical library.