bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influential Factors Affecting Customer Loyalty among BTPN Jenius Mobile Banking User’s Factors
Authors:   Perbanas Institute Jakarta, Indonesia, Suharyanto Suharyanto , Saripudin Saripudin ,   Perbanas Institute Jakarta, Indonesia, Rima Rima ,   Perbanas Institute Jakarta, Indonesia
Published: October 2023

Study This aim For now influence Trust Customer, Perception Convenience Use and Perception Security to Loyalty Customers of BTPN Jenius mobile banking users. Research design carried out that is study quantitative with method associative. Population study this is BTPN Jenius mobile banking users, meanwhile technique sample use purposive sampling sample with amount respondents as many as 100 people. Analytical tools used namely SPSS version 26. Results from study This show that Trust Customer, Perception Convenience Use and Perception Security influential positive and significant to Loyalty Jenius BTPN mobile banking customers.
CHAPEUZINHO VERMELHO ADENTRA O CASTELO DE OTRANTO
Authors: Sousa Patricio Pétrus David
Published: October 2023

O presente trabalho nasceu da ideia de pensar o modo como a estética gótica assimilou e reelaborou estruturas composicionais dos contos de fadas. Levando em consideração o campo de possibilidades, utilizou-se como corpus o livro gráfico Through the woods, da autora canadense Emily Carroll, como representação desse processo. A seleção foi feita tendo em vista o modo que a autora reorganiza diferentes estruturas composicionais e simbólicas de diferentes contos de fadas, a partir de lentes góticas. Dessa forma, este estudo foi organizado em três seções: na primeira, buscou-se entender o que são contos de fadas e como a literatura gótica é capaz de assimilá-los e reorganizá-los em um novo eixo narrativo; na segunda seção, observou-se como a autora utiliza o recurso do récit encatré para costurar seus contos de fadas góticos; e na terceira seção, analisou-se o conto Our neighbor’s house, presente no livro de Carroll, sob a perspectiva psicanalítica. Bettelheim (2018), Dokou (2017) e Jolles (2017) foram utilizados para a fundamentação deste trabalho.
NEM CHATA, NEM CORRUPTORA, NEM PARTICULARMENTE PARA CRIANÇAS
Authors: Topa Francisco
Published: October 2023

Depois de uma reflexão sobre o conceito e os limites da literatura infantil, o artigo aborda as obras que a escritora portuguesa Agustina Bessa-Luís (1922-2019) publicou nesse domínio: A memória de Giz, de 1983; Dentes de rato, de 1987; Vento, areia e amoras bravas, de 1990; O soldado romano, de 2004; e O Dourado, de 2007, a que se juntam ainda dois dos Contos amarantinos, de 1987: “O menino grão-de-milho” e “As duas irmãs Fabianas”. O artigo sustenta que, na generalidade dos textos, é visível um fundo autobiográfico e uma cosmovisão próxima daquela que a autora revela na sua obra “para adultos”. Defende também que dois dos livros constituem uma espécie de documentário sobre o nascimento de uma escritora e admite que a transgressão dos códigos do mercado infantojuvenil será a razão que explica uma receção não particularmente entusiasmada da obra de Agustina neste campo.
A formação de leitores via transposição didática em quadrinhos: a obra literária “O Quinze” de Rachel de Queiroz
Authors: Dias Artenizia Leonel , Araujo Gustavo Cunha de
Published: October 2023

Tem como objetivo compreender o processo de alfabetização, letramento e formação de leitores na perspectiva da transposição didática da literatura clássica em história em quadrinhos para os alunos do 1º ano do Ensino Fundamental. Adotamos a abordagem qualitativa, do tipo pesquisa-ação, tendo como participantes crianças de uma turma de educação infantil. As atividades relacionadas com a obra clássica “O Quinze” nos proporcionaram compreender que o processo de letramento foi bem percebido durante a realização das atividades. Esse processo foi significativo para que as crianças ampliassem o seu conhecimento de mundo.
Epidemiological and Demographic Analysis of Suspected Covid-19 Cases Confirmed by PCR at Medical Center ISSEMyM Toluca from March 2019 to December 2022
Authors:   Faculty of Chemistry, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico. Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico, Jesús Enrique Sánchez-Flores , Jonnathan Guadalupe Santillán-Benítez ,   Clinical Laboratory of Medical Center ISSEMyM, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
Published: October 2023

Objective: To describe the prevalence and incidence of suspected COVID-19 cases confirmed by PCR at Medical Center ISSEMyM Toluca from March 2019 to December 2022. Materials and Methods: 3226 PCR tests for suspected COVID-19 cases were analyzed to obtain epidemiological and demographic data of the population, descriptive and inferential statistics analyses were carried out to find differences between population parameters. Results: No differences between female and male respect to COVID-19 positivity were found (p-value = 0.9302). Age mean was 49 years old and the probability to get COVID-19 increase with age (p-value = 0.000). Hospitalization was the medical service with more frequency in patients with COVID-19 positive. Conclusion: Age but no gender is a risk factor hospitalization due COVID-19., nonetheless vaccination appear to an efficient method to prevent hospitalization. Moreover, the dynamic pandemic in Mexico is no homogeneous across the territory.
Assessment of Micronutrients Content of Some Locally Consumed Tea samples in Kano
Authors: Abdullahi Balarabe Sallau  , Maryam Abubakar  , Tijjani Rufai Buhari
Published: October 2023

Micronutrients are nutrients required for the normal metabolism of all life forms. Micronutrient content (Fe, Zn, Vitamin A and Vitamin C) of some locally consumed tea samples (Black tea, green tea, cinnamon tea, Moringa tea and mint tea) was investigated. Atomic absorption spectroscopy and spectrophotometric techniques were used in the analysis of the respective micronutrients. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis of results and showed that the aforementioned micronutrients are contained in the sampled teas except mint tea which does not contain Zn at all. Vitamin A was found to be within the range of0.21±.01 – 0.83±.01 ppb; vitamin C (0.83±0.01 – 6.82±0.05 ppm); Fe (1.99±.01 – 9.99±0.14 ppm) and Zn (0.00 – 2.10±0.10 ppm). It can therefore be concluded that some of aforementioned locally consumed tea samples contain micronutrient levels which fall within the range of the recommended daily need by humans while others fall short of the range and therefore could be explored as part of the strategies to be considered in designing how to tackle micronutrient deficiency disorders.
Occurrence of Bacteria and Yeast in Urinary Tract of HIV/AIDS Patients Attending Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Clinic at University of Jos Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Authors: Zakari, H  , Katnap, R. S  , Ajang, A.Y  , Ogbe, A  , Anejo-Okopi, J.A  , Adabara, N.U
Published: October 2023

Urinary tract infection is one of the infections observed among HIV patients and the cause of morbidity and hospitalisation in HIV positive individuals. The study aimed at determining the prevalence of Urinary tract pathogenic bacteria and yeast among HIV-infected individuals attending Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinic in Jos,Nigeria. Mid-stream urine samples collected from 240 HIV seropositive patients were cultured, isolates identified and antibiotic susceptibility profile determined using agar disk diffusion technique (Kirby-Baeur). Out of the 240 samples screened, 39(16.25%) had urinary tract infections (UTIs) and 33(16.20%) had yeast infection. The distribution of the isolates were as follows: Escherichia coli 12(30.77%), Staphylococcus aureus 10(25.64%), Klebsiella pneumonia 4(10.26%), Enterobacter sp. 4(10.26%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus 3(7.69%), Citrobacter freundii 2(5.13%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2(5.13%) and Proteus mirabilis 1(2.567%).Among the yeasts, Candida albicans showed the highest prevalence with 21(63.64%) while non-albican Candida sp had 12(36.36%). Age group 20-24 years with 1(33.3%) cases had the highest prevalence while bacterial infection was not detected among <19, 55-59 and ≥60 years. Females had a higher prevalence of 36(17.60%) compared to the males 3(8.33%).The antibiotic susceptibility patterns showed that gentamicin (10µg), augmentin (20µg), chloramphenicol (30µg), ciprofloxacin (5µg) and ofloxacin (5µg) were more active. The study revealed that uropathogenic bacteria and yeast were prevalent among HIV/AIDS patients. Routine screening of uropathogens should be incorporated in the management and care of HIV/AIDS patients in Nigeria.
Optimization of Cellulase Activity by Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum using Some Agricultural Wastes
Authors: Bukar, A.  , Abbas, M. I  , Milala, M. A  , Isa, M. A  , Allamin, I. A  , Ismail, H. Y
Published: October 2023

Cellulases are enzymes used in various manufacturing processes and their production is faced with a number of challenges including high cost of raw materials, low product recovery due to the nature of microbial cells and unfavorable growth conditions leading to high cost of the finished products. This study was therefore designed to investigate the optimum physicochemical conditions that could support the production of large amount of cellulase by Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum using agricultural wastes as substrates. Each of the fungal species was grown in a mineral salt media containing either of paper, sugar cane bagasse or wheat bran as sole carbon source at various concentrations. Cellulase activity was observed to be optimum at 5 % w/v using the substrates after 96 hours incubation. The effect of temperature and pH were then assessed and wheat bran was shown to support optimum cellulase activity (5.36 IU and 3.62 IU) at pH 5 and temperature of 30°Cusing both organisms. Using paper however, the optimum enzyme activity (1.28 IU and 1.26 IU) was observed at pH 6 and temperature ranging from 35°C (A. niger) to 45°C (P. chrysogenum). pH 5 was observed to be optimum for cellulase activity using sugar cane bagasse but P. chrysogenum performed better (1.01 IU) at 40°C than A. niger (0.91 IU) at 50°C. Cellulase activity using the two latter substrates was significantly (p< 0.05) lower than that of wheat bran under the said conditions. This study therefore, revealed that the two fungal species are excellent cellulase producers under optimum conditions of 30°C and pH 5 using wheat bran at 5% concentration; hence their potentials for large scale cellulase production.
In vitro Antibacterial Activity of Psidium guajava Leaves Extracts against Clinical Isolates of Salmonella specie
Authors: Mohammed, A. H.,  , Na’inna, S. Z.  , Yusha’u, M.  , Salisu, B.  , Adamu, U.  , Garba, S. A.
Published: October 2023

Dried leaves of Psidium guajava obtained from Bayero University, Kano old campus were extracted using water, ethanol and chloroform solvents via percolation method. The leaves extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening to detect presence of secondary metabolites. The extracts were further tested for antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of Salmonella Typhi, Salmonella ParatyphiA and Salmonella Paratyphi B using agar well diffusion method. The results of phytochemical screening indicated the presence of tannins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids and phenols while thoseof the antibacterial activity indicated that highest zone of inhibition was observed in water extracts against S. Paratyphi B, (12mm), followed by water extracts against S. Paratyphi A (9.6mm) with the least being water extracts against S. typhi (8mm). S. Paratyphi B was resistant to both ethanolic and chloroform extract while S. Typhi was found to be resistant to chloroform extracts only. S. ParatyphiAwas however, found to be the most sensitive bacterium to all the extract regardless of extraction solvent.
Antibacterial activity of Phoenix dactylifera L. (Date palm) Seeds Extract against Escherichia coli
Authors: Ado, A.,  , Chonoko, U. G.  , Abdul- Azeez, U. M.
Published: October 2023

This research determines antibacterial activity of Phoenix dactylifera against clinical isolate of Escherichia coli. Extraction, phytochemical screening and agar diffusion methods were employed to evaluate phytochemical profile, and antibacterial activity of Phoenix dactylifera. Alkaloids, cardiac glycosides and saponnins are present in Phoenix dactylifera seeds. Phoenix dactylifera seeds showed activity against E. coli with zone of inhibition of 20.4mm. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Phoenix dactylifera seed extract are 1000µg/ml and 100µg/ml against E. coli respectively. Phoenix dactylifera seed could be very useful in the management of gastrointestinal infection due to E. coli.
Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Allium sativum (Garlic) Extracts and Skimmed Milk on Some Bacterial Isolates
Authors: Usman, R. A.  , Taura, D. W.  , Mukhtar, M. D.  , Yakasai, A. A.
Published: October 2023

As part of the on – going search for potent and resistant – free antimicrobial medicinal plants, the antibacterial and synergistic effects of Allium sativum and Skimmed milk on some bacterial isolates were investigated. The antibacterial activity of garlic/ milk extracts was assayed by the agar well diffusion method. The methanol garlic extracts inhibited the bacterial isolates whilecoli was resistant. The highest activities were on K. pnuemoniae (14mm) closely followed byS. typhi (13mm) and aureus (13mm) and then S. pnuemoniae (12mm). The synergistic effect of garlic and skimmed in combination gave a stronger activity on K. pnuemoniae being more susceptible with a zone of inhibition of 16mm and E. coli (13mm) which was resistant to individual garlic extract. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of garlic/milk combination on E. coli were 625µg/ml and 1250 µg/ml respectively. This indicated the potency of the combination. The findings of this study also confirm the use of garlic milk decoction in the treatment of ailments caused by these microorganisms. Therefore this synergistic effect can be used to design good therapeutic approach to combat with bacterial pathogens.
Evaluation of Aflatoxin Contamination in Zea mays (Maize) Sold in Katsina Central Market, Nigeria
Authors: Shamsuddeen, U.  , Ahmad, M. A.  , Abdulkadir, R. S.
Published: October 2023

This study was carried out to isolate moulds and detect Aflatoxin in maize sold in Katsina Central Market. A total of ten (10) samples of maize were collected from five different vendors in the market and subjected to mould isolation, Aflatoxin extraction and characterization of the toxin type using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Four fungal genera namely Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Rhizopus species were isolated from 7(70%), 1(10%), 3(30%) and 7(70%) of the samples respectively. Aspergillus species were the predominant species isolated with Aspergillus flavus occurring in 7(70) and Aspergillus niger 6(60) of the total samples. Extraction of the toxin was carried out using methanol and water while type of the toxin was determined using thin layer chromatography (TLC), in which blue fluorescence on the TLC plates in 7(70%) indicated the presence of aflatoxin B in the samples. Retention factor (RF) value with a range of 0.40-0.60 was calculated using the standard formulae. The research suggest proper harvesting, drying, storage and public enlightenment to avoid contamination  and consumption of maize grains infested by the number one carcinogenic toxin.
Molecular Diagnostic Techniques for Malaria Infection - A Review
Authors: Yangora, Y.M.  , Usman, A.D.
Published: October 2023

Malaria is the most threatening disease protozoal and a major health problem worldwide especially in developing countries. WHO recommended that for every case of suspected  malaria, diagnostic test must be done to confirm the disease. A more advanced Diagnostic Techniques were developed to overcome the problem of conventional microscopy. These techniques are known as Molecular diagnostic techniques, and they detect specific sequence in DNA, RNA and proteins to provide clinical information for human pathogens including malaria parasites. There are several techniques involve in molecular diagnostics, some are however discussed in this review. They include Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), Flow Cytometric technique (FCM), Nucleic acid based sequence amplification (NASBA), and Luminex xMax technology. Among these techniques; LAMP technique is the best techniques that can be deployed in the field settings (clinical and rural settings) because of its simplicity, reliability, stability, detection method as well as point-of- care and confirmatory ability. On the other hand, PCR-based technique is more suitable for research purposes because it can be used to identify drug resistance, follow-up therapeutic response, and detect asymptomatic malaria carriers who may be targeted for treatment. Hence, molecular diagnostic techniques are most innovative science and technical implementations that can be used to diagnose malaria infection and to overcome the limitations.
Occurrence of Pathogenic Fungi in Soil from Pre-Primary School Playgrounds in Birnin Kebbi
Authors: Gulumbe, B. H.  , Aliyu, B.  , Abubakar, B.  , Sambo, K. H.  , Muhammad, W. N.  , Usman, N. I.
Published: October 2023

A study was conducted to determine the predominant pathogenic fungi from 5 selected pre - primary school playgrounds. The five (5) schools considered for this study were identified as PPSA, PPSB, PPSC, PPSD, and PPSE. Using stratified method, 15 soil samples were collected from each playground. Standard procedures were employed in the isolation of the fungal species; Atlas of mycology was used to identify the isolates based on their macro and micromorphologies. Pathogenic fungi isolated include Microsporum gypseum (16.13%), Microsporum canis (12.90%), Aspergillus flavus (6.45%), Aspergillus niger (9.68%), Aspergillus fumigatus (6.45%), Rhizopus stolonifer (6.45%), Fusarium sp. (6.45%), Trichophyton rubrum (9.68%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (9.68%), Penicillium sp. (9.68%), and Alternaria sp. (9.68%). Microsporum gypseum was isolated from all the five schools. The presence of these pathogenic fungi from all the study sites heightens public health concern.
T-Cell Mediated Immune Responses in Obstetric Population Acutely Infected With Toxoplasmosis in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim, A.,  , Kumurya, A. S.  , Yahaya, H.,  , Abdu, A.,  , Ado, B. K.,  , Ella, E. E.  , Suleiman, A. B.  , Sulaiman, M. A.  , Aminu, M. A  , Koki, A. Y.
Published: October 2023

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii which is endemic worldwide.. There is paucity of reports on the immunological responses of pregnant women to toxoplasmosis in Kano. This study was carried to determine T-cell mediated immune responses in pregnant women with acute toxoplasmosis in Kano and factors associated with seropositivity. A total of 320 blood samples were collected and assayed for anti- Toxoplasma gondii Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody using ELISA test kit. Samples were assayed for CD4, CD8, using BDFACSCount and the cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-ϒ), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) using ELISA test kits while differential leucocytes count was carried out microscopically by Leishman staining technique. The IgM seroprevalence was 24(7.5%) and 296(92.5%) were negative. Associated risk factors were cat ownership and consumption of unwashed vegetables (p values = 0.0014 and 0.001 respectively). Mean CD4, CD8, CD4:CD8 and differential count were within normal range for the study subjects with no statistically significant relationship across trimesters. IFN-ϒ and TNF-α were elevated. Moderate eosinophilia appeared with statistically significant relationship between lymphocyte and neutrophil counts across trimesters ( p value = 0.0278). The immunomodulatory effect of pregnancy does not classically suppress T-cell mediated immune responses as our findings revealed normal but slightly reduced distribution of CD4 and CD8 cell counts with elevated IFN- ϒ and TNF-α. The findings revealed the immune status of the study subjects, as slightly modulated, nonetheless, it is urgent to offer adequate health education programs on toxoplasmosis to pregnant women yet to be infected on how to prevent the infection so as to avoid occurrence of congenital infection.
Disparity of Biofilm Formation in Salmonella typhimurium on Glass and Wood Surfaces at Diverse Incubation Temperatures
Authors: Sani Aliyu  , Bello Usman
Published: October 2023

Salmonella Typhimurium is a pathogenic gram-negative bacterium that commonly causes food- borne diseases known as gastroenteritis. Biofilm can exist on many surfaces in food preparation

e.g glass, wood, plastic, metal and other food items. The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantify the biofilm formation of S. typhimurium on food contact surfaces (glass and wood) at different intervals (24, 48 and 72 hours) and different incubation temperatures (10, 28 and 37 oC). The inoculum used was 108 CFU ml-1 of S. typhimurium. Formation of biofilm was quantified using beads vortex and agar plate count method. Biofilm of S. typhimurium was formed on both surfaces with preference more to glass surfaces, but all the densities of biofilm formed can cause infections. On Glass surfaces a total of 1.62x109 CFU ml-1 S. typhimurium was achieved as the highest biofilm density. Thirty seven degree was the most preferred incubation temperature of S. typhimurium cells, through which the highest biofilm cells were formed and 10oC incubation temperature supported the least biofilm densities. The result showed that, the biofilm formation of S. typhimurium was influenced by incubation temperatures and increases with time.
Seroprevalence Study of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus in Humans and Risk Factors in Suleja, Nigeria
Authors: Bello, Z.  , Abalaka, M.E.  , Mawak, J.D.
Published: October 2023

The study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection among adults 15 years and above in Suleja, Nigeria in order to obtained the base line information on disease burden, and to assess the possible risks factors associated with these infection in the study population, A total of 360 samples were screened for the virus infection after obtaining their consent. Sera obtained from the sample were screened using rapid Immunochromatographic test kits to determine the HIV and the presences of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) and antibody to hepatitis (Anti HCV) Respectively. The CD4+ of the entire HIV positive sample and 50 HIV negative samples were determined making use of cyslow counter according to the manufacture’s instruction. Out of the 360 sera samples tested, 58 (16.11%) were seropositive for HIV 1/2, 22 (6: 11%) were positive HBs Ag and 14(3:89%) were positive for HIV 1/2 :22 positive for both HIV and HBsAg and 5 (8:62%) were seropositive for HIV and antibody to hepatitis C (HCV) the highest prevalence of HIV 15(32:61) was in age group 35-39 results also show that the prevalence of HIV and HBV increased with age to age 35-39 and 30-34 respectively but later decrease with further increase in age. More than half of the HIV positive samples 48(69.57%) were having CD4 count < 600 cell/ul. There was slight difference associated between the risk factors, history of blood transfusion, history of sexually transmitted infection use of sharp object and Injection drug user investigated in this study and infection. Universal screenings of HIV, HBsAg and anti HCV, health education to reduce the risk of infection are suggested.
In vitro Induction of Phenotypic Resistance to Antibiotics in some Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Shamsuddeen U  , Suleiman Mustapha
Published: October 2023

The study was carried out on the development of resistance due to repeated exposure of some bacterial isolates to antibiotics. The organisms; Salmonella typhi and Shigella dysentriae were isolated from stools using Salmonella Shigella Agar (SS Agar). Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from urine using Cystine Lysine Electrolite Deficient (CLED) Agar. After the isolation, standard inoculum of Salmonella typhi,Shigella dysentriae, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus were prepared, each and was streaked onto Mueller-Hinton Agar plates. Prepared Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, and Gentamicin paper discs were placed each at the center of the plates and incubated for 24 hours, at 37oC. Zones of inhibition were formed. The zones of inhibition were measured and recorded, and then bacteria from the edges of the inhibition zones were picked up with a swab stick, and inoculated on to fresh Mueller- Hinton Agar plates. This process was repeated of 10 timesfor each. Over the course of 10 exposures to test antibiotics separately, all the test organisms developed resistance to the antibiotics gradually as seen through decrease in diameter of their zones of inhibitions. Salmonella typhi plates (from 1-10 exposure) under Ciprofloxacin, on average were reduced to 24.1mm, Gentamycin were reduced to 6.5mm and Amoxicillin were reduced to 5.8mm. Shigella dysentriae plates (from 1-10 exposure) under Ciprofloxacin, on average were reduced to 27.2mm, Gentamycin were reduced to 7.8mm and Amoxicillin were reduced to 6.0mm. Proteus mirabilis plates (from 1-10 exposure) under Ciprofloxacin, on average were reduced to 34.0mm, Gentamycin were reduced to 22.7mm and Amoxicillin were reduced to 8.5mm. Staphylococcus aureus plates (from 1-10 exposure) under Ciprofloxacin, on average were reduced to 25.9mm, Gentamycin were reduced to 15.4mm and Amoxicillin were reduced to 7.4mm. The results obtained confirmed that repeated exposure of the bacterial pathogens to antibiotics increased their resistance. Ciprofloxacin was the most active antibiotic among the test antibiotics as it has notable zone of inhibition often repeated exposure while Amoxicillin was the least active antibiotic as it showed full resistance at 4th exposure for Salmonella typhi and Shigella dysenteriae and 5th exposure for Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus.
Essential Oils and their Antimicrobial Activity: A Review
Authors: Rufa’i J.M.S  , Yangora, Y.M.  , Usman, A.D.  , Shamsuddeen, U.
Published: October 2023

Essential oils (EOs) have been used in ethno-medicine as an effective and safe antimicrobial agents for a long time. They have been evaluated for the bactericidal, fungicidal, antiparasitical, insecticidal, virucidal, medicinal and cosmetics applications. EOs are derived from various species of edible and medicinal plants including herbs and spices. They are liquid and volatile complex mixture of compounds obtained from different parts of plants such as tea tree, oregano tree, clove, thyme, citrus and mint. Terpenes and terpenoids and their derivatives are the major constituents of EOs while aromatic and aliphatic components are the minor constituents. EOs possess strong antibacterial and antifungal properties for both susceptible and resistant strains, where they have the ability to damage the structural integrity of cell membrane, induce leakage of cell constituents, influencing the cell metabolism and eventually causing cell death.
Assessment of Performance on Community Management of Acute Malnutrition in Wagini OTP Center, Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State
Authors: Bello Usman  , Sani Aliyu  , O.A. Owolabi  , A.B. Sallau
Published: October 2023

Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) is a community-based integrated approach for management of acute malnutrition. Retrospective and on the spot (present) assessment performance of community management of acute malnutrition program was carried out at Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) centers in Wagini of Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State with the aim of assessing the performance of the programme in the locality. Assess coverage and other performance indicators of CMAM programme, biochemical and hematological parameters of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and relapse rate were indices assessed using standard procedures. Point (95.66%), treatment (87.70%) and period (96.26%) were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the 50% (rural coverage) and 70% urban coverage stipulated by the SPHERE standard and there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the coverage data between the retrospective study and present study. The performance indices: cure rate (93.19%), death rate (5.65%), default rate (13.27%) and non-recovery rate (3%) are classified as good performance when compared with SPHERE standard. There were also no significant differences (p> 0.05) among the performance indices in the retrospective and present study. There was also a notable steady improvement in the growth performance and recovery indices (Mid Upper Arm Circumference Weight for height and Oedema) among the SAM children admitted to the OTP Centers for the 8 week period. Similarly, significant (p<0.05) improvements were recorded in the biochemical and haematological indices determined (Packed cell volume, Haemoglobin concentrations, Serum albumin and glucose concentrations) in both study groups at the point of discharge and the average relapse rates determined for SAM children at wagini OTP center was 10%. From these results, the CMAM programme in Wagini, Batsari LGA of Katsina State is running well in alleviating the SAM burden in the coverage area. There is the need to work with other partners especially World Food Program (WFP) Action against hunger (AAH) for the harmonization and integration of Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP).
Prevalence of Urinary Schistosomiasis Among Children Attending Some Selected Primary Schools In Zangon Shanu Zaria
Authors: Sulaiman, M.A.  , Musa Hassan Muhammad  , Hussaini, I.M.  , Bobzom, B. S.  , Ibrahim A.
Published: October 2023

Urinary schistosomiasis is endemic in Nigeria, and continues to pose public health challenges, especially among the inhabitants of rural areas. Urinary schistosomiasis occurs in all the states of Nigeria with the highest infection rate among school age children between 6 to 17 years. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of Schistosoma heamatobium infection among primary school pupils in Zangon shanu Zaria, and its relationship with some physicochemical indices of urine, studied through urinalysis. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) urine samples (75 samples from each of the two schools) were collected and examined using sedimentation technique. The parameters examined include symptoms of the disease as haematuria (presence of blood in urine), proteinuria (presence of protein in the urine) and dysuria (painful urination). The associations of risk and demographic factors with the disease were also examined, using structured questionnaire. An overall prevalence of 5.33% with 7.5% among male and 1.8% among female was obtained. The age group 13-16 years has the highest prevalence of 9.8%among the rest. The research also revealed the statistical association of shistosomiasis with haematuria, proteinuria and dysuria(p<0.05) among the subjects. The outcome of the research is an indication that schistosomiasis remained endemic in the study area, and hence recommended that control measures should be applied with a greater vigor.
Crispr Cas System in Plant Genome Editing a New Opportunity in Agriculture to Boost Crop Yield
Authors: Sunusi, M.  , Lurwanu, Y.  , Halidu, J.  , Musa, H.
Published: October 2023

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats CRISPR/Cas9 technology evolved from a type II bacterial immune system develop in 2013 This system employs RNA-guided nuclease,  CRISPR associated (Cas9) to induce double-strand breaks. The Cas9-mediated breaks are repaired by cellular DNA repair mechanisms and mediate gene/genome modifications. The system has the ability to detect specific sequences of letters within the genetic code and to cut DNA at a specific point. Simultaneously with other sequence-specific nucleases, CRISPR/ Cas9 have already breach the boundaries and made genetic engineering much more versatile, efficient and easy also it has been reported to have increased rice grain yield up to 25-30 %, and increased tomato fruits size, branching architecture, and overall plant shape. CRISPR/ Cas also mediated virus resistance in many agricultural crops. In this article, we reviewed the history of the CRISPR/Cas9 system invention and its genome-editing mechanism. We also described the most recent innovation of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, particularly the broad applications of modified Cas9 variants, and discuss the potential of this system for targeted genome editing and modification for crop improvement.

Abbreviations: CRISPR, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats; Cas, CRISPR associated; crRNA, CRISPR RNA; tracrRNA, trans-activating crRNA; PAM, protospacer adjacent motif; sgRNA, single guide RNA; gRNA, guide RNA; ssODN, single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide; DSB, double-strand break; NHEJ, non-homologous end joining; HDR, homology directed repair, CRISPRi ,CRISPR interference
Effects of Malaria Infection on Haematological Parameters among Patients in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Adamu, A. Y.  , Olonitola, O. S.  , Inabo, H. I.  , Suleiman, A. B.
Published: October 2023

Destruction and alteration of blood cells especially erythrocytes are the common devastating effects of malaria infection. This leads to haematological changes often characterised by anaemia, thrombocytopaenia and leucocytosis or leucopaenia. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of malaria infection on erythrocytes and leucocytes with associated risk factors.

200 malaria positive patients were enrolled in this study. The patients’ haematological parameters and parasitemia level were assessed. Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 197 (98.5%) patients as the most predominant specie while 3 patients had mixed infection. A mean parasite density of 11,496 parasites/µL was observed with majority of the patients showing parasitaemia of <10,000 parasites/µL. Age groups 1-5yrs, 6-15yrs and 26-35yrs had patients that recorded parasitaemia of >50,000 parasites/µL. The mean white blood cells count, neutrophils and eosinophils count in malaria infected patients were seen to be increased compared to the malaria negative control group. Haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit level and mean cell haemoglobin were however seen to be lower in the malaria positive patients than the control group. Majority of the patients had hypochromia indicated by lower mean cell haemoglobin which increases with severity of malaria infection. Haematological changes can be used to depict severity of malaria infection among all age groups.
Water Quality Assessment of Selected Boreholes in Federal University Dutse Campus North-West, Nigeria
Authors: Amoo, A.O.  , Adeleye, A.O.  , Bate, G.B.  , Okunlola, I.A.  , Hambali, I.B.
Published: October 2023

The present study was conducted to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of water sampled from different boreholes on the campus of Federal University Dutse. Water samples were collected from six (6) different boreholes. Physicochemical parameters; pH, Electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature were measured in-situ. pH, EC and temperature ranged from 6.53¬7.80, 422.0¬690µ/cm and 31.0¬33.0ºC respectively. Turbidity, total hardness and nitrite (NO2) were found to be in the range of 0.01¬41.2NTU, 51.3¬102.6mg/L and 0.001¬0.06mg/L respectively. Bacteriological analysis also revealed the presence of E. coli in four (4) of the assessed boreholes. Upon comparison with water quality standards of World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigeria Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ), it was found that some of the parameters were above the permissible standards for potable water that is fit for human consumption. It is therefore recommended that all stakeholders entrusted with water quality management should be actively involved in ensuring that all public serving boreholes are subjected to appropriate water quality tests with a view to ascertaining its quality so as to adequately advise on its consumption status. Water quality inspectors should be sent on regular basis to the tertiary institutions in the state for routine check-up.
An Overview of Heavy Metal Contamination of Water and Its Effect on Human Health
Authors: Danjuma, M.S.  , Abdulkadir, B.
Published: October 2023

Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that have a high atomic weight and a density at least five times greater than that of water. The continuous industrial activities that generate metals have led to their wide distribution in the environment which raised a concern over the effects of such metals on human health and the environment itself. These metals are of great concern as some of them were found to be toxic and persistent even at low concentration. Industrial activities that includes; tannery, textile and other industries use chemicals must of which contains certain amount of heavy metals, discharges their untreated effluents into the nearest water bodies and lead to modification and increase in the background concentration of the metals (including those naturally in the water body). The aim of this review is to assess the contamination of water bodies by heavy metals as a result of industrial discharge of untreated waste into the water and also the health effect related to heavy metals on the human populace. Available information on current publications from scientific journals and other relevant sources were carefully used for this review. Some of the reviewed literatures indicated that must heavy metals are found to be toxic depending on their concentrations and persistent nature. Other factors that affect the toxicity of metals include; their biological role, pH of the medium, and the organisms in question (Human). Upon all the heavy metals present in the environment, Pb, Zn, Cd, Mn, and Co were given more attention in terms of water pollution. Many of these metals undergo methylation as a result of accumulation where bacteria absorb the metals and convert them into a toxic organometallic compounds. As these metals become incorporated with organic components, they tend to be readily available for uptake into the food chain. These heavy metals become toxic in the living system when they are not metabolized by the body and leads to accumulation in the soft tissue. It was observed that this toxic effect can result into damaged or reduced mental and central nervous system function, lower energy levels and damage to blood composition, lungs, kidney, liver, and other vital or essential organs in human beings and other mammals. Prolonged exposure may result in retard progressing physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes, allergies and to some extent continuous exposure may lead to cancer. Metal contamination of water pose a serious risk of exposure to both plants and animals including humans. Therefore, continuous use of such contaminated water for both agricultural and domestic purposes may affect the populace either at short or long term.
Semen Parameters: A Review
Authors: Kumurya, A.S.  , Bitet, D. E.  , Garba, A.
Published: October 2023

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines for assessing the various semen variables. Semen analysis is one of the most important predictive values of male infertility. Semen consists of spermatozoa suspended in a fluid medium referred to as seminal plasma. This review describe Semen parameters which include appearance (color), volume, pH, motility, morphology, viability, concentration, liquefaction, viscosity, presence of WBC and fructose level. These parameters have been found to be important determinant of functional competence of the spermatozoa. More than 90% of male infertility cases are due to low sperm counts, poor sperm quality and sperm abnormalities caused by a range of factors, including congenital birth defects, diseases, chemical exposure, and lifestyle/habits. Others includes environmental pollutants, exposure to high heat for prolonged periods, heavy use of alcohol, marijuana, or cocaine, smoking, hormone deficiency, infections of the testes or epididymis, older age, previous chemotherapy, previous scarring due to infection, trauma, or surgery, radiation exposure, retrograde ejaculation, use of prescribed drugs.
Seroprevalence of Anti HSV-2 IgG among Women of Reproductive Age attending General Hospital Dutse
Authors: Sani, N. M.,  , Rukayya, H.M.,  , Ubandoma, M.S.,  , Mujahid, N.S.  , Oni, M.A.  , Isaka, I.
Published: October 2023

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) remains one of the widespread and chronic sexually transmitted infections (STI) globally with highest disease burden in African females. A study to determine the humoral immune response to HSV-2 was carried out with a view to                                                                                                                     “x- raying” the magnitude of the infection among females of reproductive age in Dutse. A total of 94 clients were recruited for the study and Samples were randomly collected after obtaining their consent. A structured questionnaire was administered to capture demographic information in addition to knowledge, attitude and practices of each respondent. Samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies against HSV-2 using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results were further subjected to Chi-square test using SPSS version 22.0 where p-values of ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Out of the 94 samples tested, 29 (30.9%) were positive for anti HSV-2 IgG with high Seroprevalence rates among all age groups. However, age group 15-19 recorded the highest Seroprevalence of 46.2%. Similarly, age groups 20-29, 30-39 and ≥ 40 recorded 28.8%, 26.3% and 33.3% respectively. Chi- square test showed that Seroprevalence of HSV-2 was not significantly associated with age, marital status or level of education. However, it was strongly associated with number of sexual partners (p= 0.048). Higher Seroprevalence was also recorded among women with no educational exposure than those with at least primary or higher level of education. However, Seroprevalence of infection was not statistically associated with level of education p= (0.059). Married women recorded a higher Seroprevalence than the singles. The findings of this research indicates a high Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex - 2 Virus among women of reproductive age which implies a public health problem to the populace of Dutse and Jigawa state at large making it necessary for the government and other stakeholders to properly curtail the situation through public enlightenment, and implementation of other health policies.
Incidence of measles specific IgG antibody among children in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Isa, H.  , Ja’afaru, M. I.,  , Bashir, M.  , Iliyasu, A.
Published: October 2023

Measles account for nearly half of the 1.7 million annual deaths due to childhood vaccine- preventable diseases. Presence of measles specific IgG antibodies has been proven to correlate with protection (immunity) to natural measles infection. This study was therefore designed to determine the prevalence of measles specific IgG antibody and also to determine the association between prevalence of measles specific IgG antibody and age, gender, as well as history of measles infection among children aged 0-14 years in Adamawa State. The research was carried out within the three senatorial districts of the State. Serum samples (368) collected from children were used to determine the prevalence using ELISA method. Questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data of the children relevant to the study. The study revealed that 227 (61.6%) of the children had protective measles IgG antibody with antibody titre ranging from 10-250 U/mL, while 141 (38.4%) had non-protective measles IgG antibody. There was significant association between history of measles infection and protective antibodies (P-value=0.000), but there was no significant association between gender (P-value = 0.958), age (P- value = 0.140) and protective measles IgG antibody.
Assessment of the Phytoremediation Activity of the Rhizobacterial Flora of Arachis hypogaea (Groundnut) on Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil
Authors: Manga, S. S.  , Nwosu, C. O.  , Bazata, Y. A.  , Isah, M.
Published: October 2023

Over the years, Nigeria’s development has accelerated due to crude oil exploaration. In spite of its enormous benefits, it has wreaked much havoc and damage on the ecosystem due to its toxicity. The study evaluated hydrocarbon degradation potentials by the rhizobacterial flora of the legume Arachis hypogaea (Groundnut) grown in potted sandy-loamy soil samples in the green house of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Nigeria. Crude oil concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, and 20.0mls were used to contaminate the soil samples respectively. All soil samples apart from the control were polluted. Groundnut germinated after seven days at concentration of 0.0 to 2.5% but at higher concentration of 5.0% of the contaminant, the germination time increased to nine days and at concentration 20%, it increased to ten (10) days. Even though groundnut germination was observed in all concentrations of crude oil tested, significant shoot retardation still occurs in both legumes consequent on crude oil toxicity. Rhizobacterial population also diminished with increase in crude oil concentration. The rhizobacterial population diminished with increase in crude oil concentration. The rhizobacteria isolated from the soil sample include Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium tetani, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, and Enterobacter aerogenes. Rhizobacterial population also diminished with increase in crude oil concentration. The study revealed the resistance of groundnut to crude oil (p<0.05), marking groundnut out as a promising phytoremediation plant.
Occurrence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Salmonella species among Chickens of some Commercial Poultry Farms in Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Martha Echioda- Ogbole  , Enid Godwin
Published: October 2023

Salmonella is a facultative anaerobic Gram negative rod, an intracellular bacterium of zoonotic importance. This study aimed at investigating the presence of Salmonella in chickens in three local government areas of Benue State. A total of 588 cloacal swabs were made randomly from 264 layers and 324 broilers at Makurdi, Otukpo and Gboko local government areas of Benue State, from March to July 2015. Salmonellae were isolated and identified using standard bacteriological techniques namely culture, Gram’s staining and biochemical methods. Cultural characteristics of isolates on the used media were observed, pink colonies with or without black centers on xylose lysine deoxycholate agar (XLD) and brilliant green agar (BGA) were considered presumptive Salmonella isolates and were later characterized biochemically using standard conventional methods. Thereafter, an in-vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted on Salmonella isolates using the disc diffusion method with six selected, commonly used antimicrobials ampicillin (10 µg), gentamycin (30 µg), tetracycline (30 µg), chloramphenicol (30 µg), norfloxacin (10 µg) and amoxicillin (10 µg). Thirteen (13) isolates were identified and confirmed as Salmonella species, giving an overall occurrence rate of 2.21% (13/588). Isolates were found to be most susceptible to Norfloxacin and Chloramphenicol. In conclusion, this study revealed the occurrence of Salmonella in chickens within the study area, this is of great concern due to possible effect of disease dissemination in chickens, as well as transmission to humans through the food chain,