bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of fractional carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of hypertrophic scars
Authors: Hamad Asmaa E.E. , El Eslam Shaker Engi S. , Abd El Moneim Sarhan Naglaa I. , Abd Elnaby Dawoud Naeim M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Scars affect millions of patients and can significantly influence the physical and psychological functions of patients. Hypertrophic scars are raised nodules or plaques that develop as a result of an excessive collagen deposition during the wound healing process. There are several medical and surgical treatments available. Fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is currently emerging as a minimally invasive therapeutic alternative.

Aim

The aim was to evaluate the effect of fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of hypertrophic scars.

Patients and methods

This study included 11 patients with hypertrophic scars (skin type III–IV), and their age ranged from 5 to 25 years old, with a mean of 18.27±7.43 years. Each patient received four sessions of treatment with 1-month interval. Final evaluation was performed 1 month after the last session by the opinion of three dermatologists blinded to the study protocol. The Vancouver scar scale and patient satisfaction before and after treatment were assessed. Skin biopsies were obtained before and 1 month after treatment for light microscopic studies.

Results

All patients showed clinical improvement. There was a statistically significant difference in the Vancouver scar scale between before and after treatment, where P=0.003. Response to treatment was excellent in 18.2%, good in 27.3%, fair in 36.4%, and poor improvement in 18.2% of patients according to dermatologists’ assessments. Overall, 27.3% of patients were highly satisfied, 54.5% were satisfied, and 18.2% were slightly satisfied. Patients tolerated the procedure well with minimal adverse effects.

Conclusion

Fractional CO2 can be an effective modality in the treatment of hypertrophic scars, without serious adverse events.
Study of the effects of quercetin on experimentally induced hepatic toxicity in rats
Authors: Nassar Salma E. , Abdalfattah Ahmed A. , Hassan Samar S. , Nasif Elham M.
Published: June 2022

Backgrou

nd Quercetin (QCT) is one of the polyphenolic compounds. Oxidative stress and inflammation are the main items involved in the pathogenesis of many liver diseases. Thioacetamide (TAA), an organosulfur compound, is considered as an ideal model for induction of hepatotoxicity.

Aim

This study was achieved to spotlight on the possible protective effect of QCT against experimentally induced hepatic toxicity.

Materials and methods

Sixty adult male healthy Wister albino rats, after 2 weeks of acclimatization, were randomly subdivided into five groups (12 per each): G1: control (received vehicle alone). G2: QCT (100 mg/kg dissolved in 0.5 ml of normal saline intraperitoneal). G3: TAA toxic group (injected with two doses of TAA 350 mg/kg intraperitoneal) with an interval of 48 h. G4: TAA+QCT 50 mg/kg (QCT 50 mg/kg dissolved in 0.5 ml of normal saline intraperitoneal initiated 2 h after the second dose of TAA). G5: TAA+QCT 100/kg body weight (QCT 100 mg/kg dissolved in 0.5 ml of normal saline intraperitoneal initiated 2 h after the second dose of TAA).

Results

TAA showed significant elevation of the liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), total bilirubin, and plasma ammonia levels, together with reduction of the antioxidants, and increased oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, increased pro-apoptotic Bax mRNA, and reduced the beta-cell lymphoma 2. QCT alleviated the elevated parameters and increased the antioxidants with no significant difference between QCT 50 and 100 mg/kg. QCT attenuated the TAA-induced elevation of Bax mRNA and restored the level of beta-cell lymphoma 2 nearby its normal level. The results were supported by histopathology and agarose gel DNA electrophoresis.

Conclusion

TAA produces hepatotoxicity. It also induces oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and apoptosis. However, QCT produced significant improvement in all parameters and protects liver tissue against the liver damage induced by TAA.
Accuracy of gestational age estimation using fetal kidney length in normal singleton pregnancies
Authors: Nouh Mohamed M.A.H. , El Sharawy Mohamed A.T. , El Said Haitham H. , El Sayed Aglaan Diaa M.
Published: June 2022

Background

A genuine appraise of gestational age (GA) plays a really vital part within the quality of care. Any wrong assessment can lead to perinatal morbidity and mortality from iatrogenic preterm or postnatal problems. Ultrasound estimation of fetal parameters is the premise for exact assurance of GA and detection of abnormalities of the fetal development. The choice of the foremost valuable single-biometric parameters depends on the timing and reason of the estimation and is influenced by different factors, especially in the second and third trimesters in which the evaluation of GA is accomplished by measuring the biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL). In the second half of pregnancy, the first trimester (CRL) is more dependable than those indices that become nonreliable as the pregnancy proceeds.

Aim

The aim was to evaluate the accuracy of fetal kidney length as a single indicator in estimation of GA.

Patients and methods

In total, 50 pregnant women with normal uncomplicated singleton pregnancy were subjected to complete history taking, general abdominal examination, and ultrasound measuring of PBD, AC, FL, right, and left kidney length.

Results

No noteworthy distinction was found between right and left renal lengths. The mean kidney length correlated well with the assigned GA. Fetal kidney length is considered a solid parameter, regardless of the fetal sex or kidney position.

Conclusion

Fetal kidney length can be utilized as an exact parameter for estimation of GA either exclusively or in combination with biparietal diameter, AC, and FL.
Conforming an Extracorporeal Lithotripter System for Video Urodynamic Studies
Authors: Xiao Ning , Tang Qi , Zhu Sheng , Guo GuangRong , Chen LianHua , Wang JianFeng , Zhao HuaSheng
Published: June 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency using existing fluoroscopic unit and lithotripter table of an extracorporeal lithotripter system for video urodynamic studies (VUDS) to determine anatomical abnormalities in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD).

Methods: The extracorporeal lithotripsy system was adapted to obtain optimum fluoroscopic view according to body shape and observed organs of patients. We reviewed the VUDS data of 25 patients with NLUTD.

Results: “Christmas tree bladder” (CTB) was found in 5 (20%) patients. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and external detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DESD) were detected in 3 (12%) and 4 (16%) patients, respectively. Four (16%) patients with normal coordination between detrusor contraction and external sphincter relaxation were proven by VUDS. CTB, VUR, or DESD was not observed in 10 (40%) patients with flaccid bladder. Hematuria, urinary tract infection, or autonomic dysreflexia did not occur in any of the patients.

Conclusions: VUDS can discern anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract, and patients in undeveloped areas of the world who have NLUTD can have easier access to VUDS because of the decreasing capital cost of VUDS.
Fault diagnosis of SKF-6205 bearing with modified empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Darji Ankit , Pandya Divyang
Published: June 2022

Rolling element bearings are broadly used in the rotating machines to support static and dynamic loads. In this research, the advance signal processing techniques are use for processing of bearing fault signals. Experimental validation with genuine vibration signals calculated from bearings with seeded defects on bearing elements. The model-based fault diagnosis method has attempted to diagnose incipient fault detection and classification of bearing with data driven approach. Feature extraction technique has been developed with hybrid signal processing technique based on the band pass filter nature of Empirical mode decomposition (EMD), the resonant frequency bands have owed in specific mono component signals called Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs). Synchronized resonant frequency band (SRFB) is obtained on based of orthogonal real wavelet using spectral kurtosis. Biorthogonal 5.5 wavelet, a real wavelet has been selected as a suitable wavelet for WPT based on “Maximum Relative Wavelet Energy” and “Maximum Energy-to-Shannon entropy ratio”. Three, Feature extraction techniques like continuous wavelet transform (CWT), wavelet packet transform (WPT) and modified Hilbert Huang Transforms (HHT) are compared on bases of their classification accuracy with different classification algorithm and filters. Various supervised classifiers have been compared through a common platform of Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis (WEKA) and concluded the k- nearest neighbour (KNN) as an effective available classifier for rolling element bearing. Further, asymmetric proximity function based KNN (APF-KNN) has out performs with modified feature selection criteria. Feature extraction through modified HHT and APFKNN has been future as a most effectual fault classification method. For testing any unknown data, simplified method has been demonstrated, which make the proposed data driven approach more realistic, faster and automated.
An innovative approach to classify hierarchical remarks with multi-class using BERT and customized naïve bayes classifier
Authors: Dhina M.M. , Sumathi S.
Published: June 2022

Text classification is the process of grouping text into distinct categories. Text classifiers may automatically assess text input and allocate a set of pre-defined tags or categories depending on its content or a pre-trained model using Natural Language Processing (NLP), which actually is a subset of Machine Learning (ML). The notion of text categorization is becoming increasingly essential in enterprises since it helps firms to get ideas from facts and automate company operations, lowering manual labor and expenses. Linguistic Detectors (the technique of determining the language of a given document), Sentiment Analysis (the process of identifying whether a text is favorable or unfavorable about a given subject), Topic Detection (determining the theme or topic of a group of texts), and so on are common applications of text classification in industry. The nature of the dataset is Multi-class and multi-hierarchical, which means that the hierarchies are in multiple levels, each level of hierarchy is multiple class in nature. One of ML’s most successful paradigms is supervised learning from which one can build a generalization model. Hence, a custom model is built, so that the model fits with the problem. Deep learning (DL), part of Artificial Intelligence (AI) , does functions that replicate the human brain's data processing capabilities in order to identify text or artifacts, translate languages, detect voice, draw conclusions and so on. Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT), a Deep Learning Algorithm performs an extra-ordinary task in NLP text classification and results in high accuracy. Therefore, BERT is combined with the Custom Model developed and compared with the native algorithm to ensure the increase in accuracy rates.
Mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete with varying cement content using flyash and ground granulated blast furnace slag
Authors: Ashveenkumar P. , Preethi M. , Prashanth P.
Published: June 2022

In the recent past, the importance of geopolymer concrete as an eco-friendly product to replace portland cement concrete is continuously increasing over time. Yet less research effort has been invested in this area compared with some topical issues in civil engineering. Thus, the objective of this article is to analyse the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete where the cement is replaced by fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS). Sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide 8 molarity solution was used. The compressive strength of a cube in an 8 molarity solution was measured for various mixtures (i.e. G50F50 where G and F stand for GGBS and flyash, respectively while the numerical value denotes the cement percentage) and the cement contents (i.e. 0, 10, 20, 30, 40%). The cube specimens are 100mmx100mmx100mm with the ambient curing at 35- 400C. In total, 9 cubes, 3 beams and 3 cylinders are cast at 7days, 14days and 28days while the compressive strengths of different mixes and cubes are calculated. For 28days, beams and cylinders are measured for flexural and tensile strength. The compressive strength at 7,14 and 28 days nearly doubled the target strength by using geopolymer concrete instead of normal concrete. Compressive strength is about 10% higher at 7 and 14days and 20% higher at 28days after replacing 40% of the cement. Flexural strength increased by 50% when 40% of the cement was replaced but split tensile strength only increased by 1%.
Necrophagous arthropods associated with Rat (Rattus norvegicus) Carrion in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Umeh E.C. , Nmorsi O.P.G.
Published: June 2022

Carrion is an ecosystem in which different fauna arrive and depart at different times. The arrival time and the growth rate of organisms inhabiting carrion are used to determine circumstances surrounding deaths. Studies on Arthropods associated with Rattus norvegicus carrion have great potential in forensic investigations. The present study was undertaken to determine the abundance of some forensically important arthropods on the carrion of rats buried at different depths namely; 0.6m & 1.21m and on the soil surface in six successions in Abraka, Delta State Nigeria. Entomological analysis was carried out on the carrion by standard procedure. Site climatic factors such as temperature and relative humidity were recorded using a digital thermo-hygrometer. A total of 531 Arthropods consisting of Chrysomya species 61(11.4%), Streblognathus aethiopicus 82(15.4%), Musca domestica 55(10.3%) Necrobia rufipes 35(6.5%) Heteronychus arator 38 (7.1%), Onitis sp. 50(9.4%), Saprinus chalcites 83(15.6%), Bryocharis analis 37(6.9%), Piesocorynus lateralis 25(4.7%), Acropteroxys gracilis 12(2.2%), Trochosa sp.5 (0.9%), Nicrophorus sp. 5(0.9%), Solenopsis sp. 26(4.8%), Cartharsius triconutus 1(0.1%), Margaritus feedatus 6(1.1%) Diaperis sp. 4(0.7%), Olibrus liquidus 4(0.7%), Erytus sp. 1(0.1%) and Julus sp. 1(0.1%) were collected from Rattus norvegicus carrion. The difference in the relative abundance of these necrophagous organisms was statistically significant (F=7.168, p<0.05). More arthropods were collected on the soil surface (51.9%) than 0.61m depth (27.4%) and 1.21m depth (20.5%) and these differences were statistically different (F=2.904, p<0.05). The relative humidity showed a positive correlation with relative abundance (r= 0.49). The organisms collected during the wet months were more in abundance than in the dry months and the difference was statistically significant (t= 0.6736, p<0.05). It is hoped that the data in this study will contribute to post-mortem interval monitoring and forensic investigation in our locality.
Post-treatment evaluation of urogenital schistosomiasis among elementary school children in Erin Osun, a peri-urban community in Irepodun Local Government Area, Osun State.
Authors: Oyelami S.O. , Oyibo A.S. , Olabanji A.S. , Adeleke M.A. , Odaibo A.B.
Published: June 2022

This study assessed the post-treatment status of urogenital schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Erin Osun in Osun State, Nigeria. A total of 357 children from five elementary schools that had participated in the Osun State Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme (O-MEALS Programme) and received praziquantel as part of the deworming programme were examined for the study. Urine samples were collected and tested for microhaematuria and proteinuria using urinalysis reagent strips. The urine samples were further examined for Schistosoma haematobium ova. A snail survey was conducted in the River Awesin at the water contact points in the community. Out of the 357 participants examined, (4.2%) had S. haematobium infection; males had a higher prevalence (5.5%) than females (2.9%). Christ Apostolic Church Elementary School had the highest (7.2%) prevalence of infection while Ansar-Ud-Deen ‘A’ Elementary School had the least prevalence (1.5%). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the prevalence between gender and between schools. The highest prevalence was recorded among children of age group 13-15years (20.0%) while the least was among the age group 5-8years, and there was a significant difference in the prevalence of infection between age groups (p < 0.05). The overall geometric mean intensity of infection was 1.14 eggs/10mls of urine. There was a high (52.9%) prevalence of proteinuria. However, 47.1% of the participants had no proteinuria, 43.7% had 1+ amount (0.3 g/L) and 1.9% had 3+ amount (5.0 g/L). The low prevalence (4.2%) and intensity (1.14 eggs/10ml) of S. haematobium infection, in this study, suggest a positive impact of the O-Meals programme, which used Praziquantel twice a year to treat the pupils. No snail intermediate host of S. haematobium was encountered during the survey. Continuous drug administration with the feeding initiative and provision of safe drinking water in the community will help sustain the current level of control.
Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school children In Ago Aduloju Community, Ado LGA of Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwafemi F.S. , Oluwadare T. , Fasuba B. , Faeji C.O. , Kukoyi O. , Oni I.O. , Akele E.J. , Uzoayia S.O.
Published: June 2022

Schistosomiasis is a common neglected tropical disease in sub-Saharan Africa, with the greatest number of infected people residing in Nigeria. Several factors have been shown to facilitate the continuous transmission of schistosomiasis in endemic countries, especially water activity in freshwater bodies where the snail vector lives and socio-economic factors. Available control efforts rely on epidemiological information for better targeting of intervention; however, this information is lacking in some research-naive communities in Ekiti State. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the Ago-Aduloju community. The urine sample was collected from 315 consenting community-based school children and screened for schistosomiasis infection using the filtration technique. Data were gathered utilizing questionnaires and laboratory analysis. 315 participants within the age range of 5-19 years comprising 55.2% males, 44.8% females were examined. The prevalence of schistosomiasis was found to be 6.35% with 4.44% in females and 1.91% in males. Among the participant, the questionnaire revealed 84.1% and 95.6% had received praziquantel and albendazole, respectively. 6.41% of the participant who took praziquantel tested positive for schistosomiasis infection. Haematuria was positive in 0.95% of participants. Although 61.3% of participants are aware of schistosomiasis infection, none of them knew the intermediate host involved in the transmission. The findings showed that there is a significant difference (p>0.05) between respondents that have taken praziquantel and those that are positive for schistosomiasis. Conclusively, the study revealed that schistosomiasis is still of concern among the school children in the Ago-Aduloju community and that continuous Mass Drug Administration and health education is imperative to sensitize and educate the school children on transmission, risk, and prevention of schistosomiasis.
Water closets as breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes in dry seasons
Authors: Ojianwuna C.C. , Enwemiwe V.N.
Published: June 2022

The challenges of reducing vectors that transmit diseases such as mosquitoes have been very tasking, especially in dry seasons where there are no visible  breeding habitats. The identification of these breeding habitats and control measures during dry periods are important in the integrated control approach. This study assessed various water closets to ascertain the occurrence and density of mosquitoes and the physicochemical parameters of the water in a University in Southern Nigeria. Water closets in the main campus and its annexes were examined for either the presence or absence of immature stages and adult mosquitoes. Mosquito density in each sampled closet was determined. Water parameters were taken using standard techniques. The association between the density of immature stages and adults with water parameters was equally determined. Mosquitoes were morphologically identified. Hydrogen ion concentration (7.57), electrical conductivity (498.60 μS/cm), and salinity (249.20 ppm) were highest in closets with mosquitoes compared to the closets without mosquitoes. Significant differences were observed between all the sampled water parameters of closets with and without mosquitoes (p< 0.05). Mean larval density (40.77) and occurrence were higher than eggs, pupal and adults. All adult mosquitoes (49) identified was Aedes aegypti. Out of the closets sampled, 48.2% had  mosquitoes. Temperature and Hydrogen ion concentration (pH) positively influenced larval and pupae density while conductivity and salinity showed no correlation to all stages of mosquitoes. This study revealed that closets in this area also serve as reservoir habitats for Aedes aegypti especially when they are not in use during dry seasons and has implications for disease transmission in the region. This requires urgent awareness and prompt public health interventions.
Choice of tools for routine malaria diagnosis among diagnostic Centres in Urban settings of Anambra State, Nigeria.
Authors: Egbuche C.M. , Egbuche F.G. , Nwafia A.E. , Nwadike C.C. , Samuel F.C. , Anyasodor A.E.
Published: June 2022

As malaria elimination efforts continue to show promise, the diagnostic services require constant review to ensure effective treatment. This study was aimed at determining the choice of tools for routine malaria diagnosis in Anambra State. The research was a cross sectional study carried out in 2019 and 2021, using the total population sampling technique to enrol diagnostic centres. Data were collected using pretested questionnaire, and analysed using Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test and Chi-square test at a 5% significance level. Microscopy and RDT usage were 73.6% and 68.1% respectively, with 41.8% overlap (p > 0.05). Overall RDT usage was higher, 69.7% than Microscopy usage with 63.6% in Hospital-based Laboratories (p > 0.05). Overall Microscopy usage, ranging from 72.5% to 80.0% was higher than RDT in Private Laboratories, Government-owned Laboratories and Private-owned Laboratories (p > 0.05). SD-Bioline® (38.7%) and Carestat® (35.5%) were the most commonly used RDTs (p < 0.05). Overall usage of thick and thin blood films were: 74.6% and 37.3% respectively, with 11.9% overlap (p < 0.05). Giemsa stain had higher, 78.0% usage in preparing thick blood films than Field stain with 22.0 % (p < 0.05). Usage of Giemsa, Leishman and Field’s stain for thin blood film were: 64.0%, 20.0% and 16.0% respectively (p < 0.05). All the diagnostic centres (100%) report positive and negative results as ‘seen’ and ‘not seen’; with 3.0% of them identifying Plasmodium species while 97.0% report as ‘malaria parasite’ (p < 0.05). Regarding intensity, 1.5% of the diagnostic centres use ‘parasite count / μl of blood’ while 98.5% adopted ‘plus system’ (p < 0.05). Only Microscopy and RDT are used for routine diagnosis of malaria in the study area. However, not all the Microscopy components are used fully and according to standard. Reasons for the choice of tool / their components were given.
Assessment of population density, temperature and humidity effects on COVID-19 transmission
Authors: Oluwafemi F.S. , Fasoro A.A. , Oluwadare T. , Ogundipe L. , Faeji C.O.
Published: June 2022

The Coronavirus pandemic has been referred to as the century’s largest public health threat with a daily increase in the number of cases and deaths. Studies have shown that cyclic seasonality is a feature of some respiratory viral diseases and other acute infectious diseases. The study aimed to determine the relationship between population, temperature, humidity and COVID-19 spread in 210 countries and territories. A secondary data analysis was used and data from all six regions of the World Health Organization were retrieved from their website. The Spearman’s correlation test showed a statistically significant moderate, positive relationship between cumulative confirmed cases and population (p < 0.01) and a significant association was found between cumulative confirmed cases, and average temperature (p < 0.001). Climate parameters and population density play significant roles in the transmission and incidence rate of COVID-19. More observational and experimental studies need to be done to better improve the action response and health outcomes of corona virus infection.
Haemoparasitic infection and haematological parameters of cattle slaughtered at four abattoirs in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf A.A. , Dambo A. , Luka S.A. , Bringa A.M.
Published: June 2022

This study aims to investigate and provide information on the prevalence and haematological parameters of haemoparasites in cattle slaughtered in selected abattoirs in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. A total of 384 blood samples were randomly collected between January and July 2021 and screened for haemoparasites by examining Giemsa-stained thin blood smears. TRBC count, TWBC count, PCV, Hb concentration and DLC were determined using standard methods. An overall parasitaemia of 10.68% was recorded for Anaplasma centrale 14 (3.65%), Anaplasma marginale 11 (2.86%), Theileria mutans and Babesia bigemina with 8 (2.08%) each. Abattoir-specific prevalence indicated 13 (3.39%), 11 (2.86%), 9 (2.34%) and 8 (2.08%) for Unguwa-Uku, Kano central, Bachirawa and Tudun-Wada abattoirs respectively (p>0.05). Young cattle had a significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence of 11.58% compared to adults with 8.08%. Gender-related parasitaemia revealed that females had higher prevalence of 10.73% than males with 10.60% which was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Breed-specific prevalence showed 9.24%, 11.54% and 16.67% for White Fulani, Red Bororo and Sokoto Gudali respectively, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Season-related parasitaemia showed that dry season had higher prevalence of 13.54% compared to rainy season with 7.81% which was statistically significant (p<0.05). All haematological parameters were within the recognized reference intervals for cattle. Significant decrease in mean values of PCV, TRBC and slight increase in TWBC was recorded. Routine treatment of animals and regular vector control to reduce the prevalence of haemoparasites in the study area is highly recommended.
Phytochemical screening and proximate analysis of the leaf extracts of Vitex doniana
Authors: Ushie O.A. , Longbap B.D. , Azuaga T.I. , Iyen S.I. , Ugwuja D.I. , Ijoko R.F.
Published: June 2022

The method of cold maceration was used in the extraction by serial exhaustive extraction method which involves successive extraction with solvents of increasing polarity from a nonpolar (hexane) to a more polar solvent (methanol) to ensure that a wide polarity range of compound could be extracted. The phytochemical screening of the crude extract of Vitex doniana showed that flavonoids, steroids, phlobatannins, alkaloids, saponins were found to be present. Alkaloids were detected in the methanol, n-Hexane, acetone and ethyl acetate extracts when Wagner`s reagent was used. Flavonoids were detected in the methanol, hexane and acetone extracts when treated with NaOH and was present in all extracts with the exception of methanol extract when treated with lead acetate. Acetone extract indicated the presence of phlobatannins, but phlobatannins was absent in the hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts. Proximate analysis for the leaves of Vitex doniana revealed moisture content (7.04%), crude fibre (8.12%), crude protein (51.80%), ash (5.5%) fat (16.33%) and carbohydrate (11.21%) indicating high nutritional value.
Investigation of soil contamination in a lubricant retail market in Ikoku, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Authors: Obioma E. Dike O. , Duru U. Remy
Published: June 2022

The physicochemical properties, total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) concentration as well as that of lead, zinc, chromium, cadmium and arsenic in soil obtained from a lubricant retail market were determined. The PAHs, lead, chromium and zinc concentrations were found to be higher in comparison to the soil samples obtained from a typical residential area 2 km away. The average values for total PAH concentration in the sample soil were 3.76 /4.70 mg kg-1 (topsoil/subsoil). The values for the control (topsoil/subsoil) were 0.189/ 0.286 mg kg-1. The average concentrations of lead, zinc, chromium and cadmium in the sample (top-soil/ sub-soil) were 3.70/ 3.85, 9.7/9.69, 197.29/82.18 and 7.42/3.35 mg kg-1 respectively while in the same order, their values in the control gave 0.75/0.94, 8.86/9.40, 103.66/59.50 and 4.08/0.87 mg kg-1. The sample soil also showed an increase in some physicochemical parameters such as Total Organic Carbon (TOC), sulphate and nitrate contents as well conductivity both in the topsoil and the subsoil.
Effect of ethanol extract of the fruiting bodies of Pleorotus ostreatus on the serum hepato-specific enzyme markers and liver histology of high sucrose-high fat diet-streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
Authors: Onuoha S.C. , Okoroh P.N. , Uwakwe A.A. , Monago-Ighorodje C.C. , Okari K.
Published: June 2022

The effect of ethanol extract of the fruiting bodies of Pleurotusostreatus on the serum hepatospecific enzyme markers and liver histology were determined in high sucrose-high fat dietstreptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The pharmacological model was 20% High Sucrose (HS) + 20% High Fat Diet (HFD) + 35mg/kg body weight (intraperitoneal) Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model, with the fruiting body ethanol extracts administered orally at 50, 150 and 300mg/kg b.w. After 6 weeks of treatment, alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) of the treated groups and the reference treatment groups were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the D group but after the 9th week of treatment, the ALP activity of the diabetic groupstreated with fruiting body ethanol extract at 50mg/kg b.w., 150mg/kg b.w. and the reference treatment group were significantly lower (p<0.05) than the D group. All the treated groups had aspartate amino transferase activity that was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the D group at the end of 3 weeks but at the end of the 6th week of treatment, the AST activity of all the treated groups was significantly lower than the D group (p<0.05). At the end of the first 3 weeks of treatment, the alanine amino transference (ALT) activity of the diabetic group treated with fruiting body ethanol extract at 150mg/kg b.w. was significantly (p<0.05) lower than the D group. After 6 weeks of treatment, ALT activity of all the treatment groups as well as the reference treatment groups were significantly lower (p<0.05) than the D group but the values of the diabetic group treated with fruiting body ethanol extract at 150mg/mg b.w. and diabetic group treated with metformin hydrochloride at 150mg/kg b.w. were not significantly different (p>0.05) from the normal control. At the end of 9 weeks of treatment, the ALT activity of the diabetic group treated with fruiting body ethanol extract at 300mg/kg b.w. and diabetic group treated with fruiting body ethanol extract at 50mg/kg b.w. were significantly lower (p<0.05) than the D group although not significantly different than the normal control.The extract at 300mg/kg b.w. reversed the fatty liver and periportalinflammation caused by HS-HFD-streptozotocin induced diabetes in the rats to normal, indicating dose dependent protective effects of the extract against HS-HFD-streptozotocin induced hepatotoxicity alterations. The reduction in the serum levels of these liver enzymes by the extract suggests that they may be used to reverse the incidence of liver function test irregularities common in diabetic patients. The results suggest that ethanol extract of fruiting bodies of Pleurotusostreatus may be employed in the management of liver diseases associated with diabetes mellitus.
Probucol reduces the cerebral edema area and infarction volume in rat cerebral infarction model via PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Huang Guo , Li Yamei , Yu Qian , Feng Rongjian , Zhao Guanlan
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To study the effects of probucol on rats with cerebral infarction through the phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway.Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into sham group (SO group, n = 7), model group (MO group, n = 7) and probucol group (PR group, n = 7). Infarction volume, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), protein expressions of PI3K/Akt, neurological score, brain water content, degree of brain tissue lesions and neurological function score were determined.Results: Neurological score was 0, 2.54 ± 0.67 and 1.34 ± 0.21 points, in SO, O and PR groups, respectively. In turning angle test, neurological function score gradually rose at 24 h after cerebral infarction in PR and MO groups, compared with that in the SO group (p < 0.05), but significantly declined at 48 h in PR group compared with that in MO group (p < 0.05). Brain water content was lowest in the SO group but highest in MO group; it was significantly lower in PR group than that in MO group (p < 0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K/Akt were highest in SO group and lowest in MO group; the expressions were higher in PR group than those in the MO group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Probucol reduces the cerebral edema area and infarction volume by activating PI3K/Akt pathway, thereby exerting a significant therapeutic effect on rat model with cerebral infarction. Thus, this agent has the potential for use in the management of cerebral infarction.
Effect of tiotropium bromide, N-acetylcysteine and respiratory training on pulmonary function, activity tolerance and quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Peng Ning , Chen Min , Shou Zhinan
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of application of tiotropium bromide and N- acetylcysteine in combination with respiratory training on the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the effect of the combined treatment on pulmonary function, tolerance of physical activity, and quality of life.Methods: One hundred COPD patients admitted to The First People’s Hospital of Guiyang (February 2019 - March 2021) were randomly and equally assigned to groups X and Y. Patients in Y were given tiotropium bromide in combination with N-acetylcysteine, while group X was treated with respiratory training, in addition to the treatment regimen in Y. Treatment efficacy, incidence of adverse reactions, pulmonary function indices, activity tolerance, quality of life (QLI) score, activities of daily living (ADL) score, and incidence of COPD at 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months after treatment were determined, and compared between the two groups.Results: Relative to group Y, group X had significantly higher treatment efficacy, QLI score and ADL score (p < 0.05). Furthermore, group X also had better pulmonary function indices and activity tolerance, lower incidence of adverse reactions, and lower COPD incidence at 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months after treatment (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Tiotropium bromide and N-acetylcysteine in combination with respiratory training enhanced therapeutic effect, pulmonary function, activity tolerance and quality of life of COPD patients.
Effect of a combination of dexmedetomidine and either isoflurane or sevoflurane on elderly patients undergoing radical resection for gallbladder cancer
Authors: Wen Lingling , Ma Hao
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEX) plus either isoflurane or sevoflurane, in elderly gallbladder cancer patients given radical resection. Methods: A total of 278 elderly patients assessed for eligibility and scheduled for radical gallbladder cancer resection in Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China were recruited. They were randomly assigned at a ratio of 1:1 to receive either DEX plus isoflurane or DEX plus sevoflurane. These two groups were compared with respect to immune functions (CD3+, CD 4+, CD 8+, and CD4+/CD8+ T cells); inflammatory factors, and cognitive function scores.Results: The sevoflurane cohort had higher immune function indices, lower levels of inflammatorycytokines, and better oxidative stress indices, than the isoflurane cohort (p < 0.05). Postoperatively,cognitive function scores in both cohorts were reduced. At postoperative 12 and 24 h, sevofluranecohort had higher scores than the isoflurane group. Sevoflurane was more effective in stabilizinghemodynamic indices than isoflurane.Conclusion: DEX plus sevoflurane produces more significant improvements in the cognitive function ofelderly patients undergoing radical resection for gallbladder cancer, with milder immune functionimpairment, milder inflammatory response, and lower degree of oxidative stress, than isoflurane
Clinical efficacy and inflammatory factors in knee osteoarthritis with glucosamine hydrochloride plus meloxicam
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhang Bing , Kang Jin , Li Bo
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and change in serum levels of inflammatory factors in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) treated with glucosamine hydrochloride plus meloxicam.Methods: In total, 114 patients with KOA who received glucosamine hydrochloride plus meloxicam treatment were included in the study and equally distributed to a control group and a study group. The control group received glucosamine hydrochloride, and the study group received a similar treatment but, received in additional, meloxicam. Clinical efficacy, numerical rating scale (NRS) score, quality of life (QoL) score, index of severity for osteoarthritis (ISOA) score, and related inflammatory factors were assessed and compared.Results: The study group outperformed the control group in terms of clinical efficacy. Significantly lower NRS scores were obtained in the study group at T2, T3, and T4 than those of the control group (p < 0.001). Before treatment, the two groups presented similar ISOA score, QoL score, and interleukin (IL)- 6 and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) levels. After treatment, ISOA score, and IL-6 and TNF-α levels declined in all patients, with lower results obtained in the study group. All patients obtained significantly higher Qol score after treatment, with higher outcomes observed in the study group.Conclusion: The combination of glucosamine hydrochloride and meloxicam effectively improves the joint function of patients with KOA and relieves symptoms such as joint swelling and pain. Hus, t treatment strategy has great promise.
MicroRNA-300 inhibits the metastasis of prostate cancer through the regulation of TRIM63
Authors: Ma Dechen , Chen Yin , Ge Qingqiu , Huang Yasheng
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To investigate the role of microRNA-300 in the tumorigenesis of prostate cancer (PCa), and the relationship between microRNA-300 level and clinical data of PCa patients.Methods: MicroRNA-300 levels in 63 matched PCa and adjacent tissues were determined via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The relationship between microRNA-300 level and the clinical profile of PCa patients was assessed. PCa cell phenotypes influenced by microRNA-300 were evaluated by a series of functional experiments, including CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell and wound healing assays. The role of microRNA-300/TRIM63 axis in the development of PCa was also examined.Results: MicroRNA-300 was more lowly expressed in PCa tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. PCa patients expressing lower levels of microRNA-300 had a higher Gleason score, higher rates of lymphatic metastasis and distant metastasis, and lower survival. Overexpression of microRNA-300 suppressed its proliferative and metastatic potential. Dual-luciferase reporter assay data confirmed that microRNA-300 specifically binds Tripartite Motif-containing Protein 63 (TRIM63). TRIM63 level was downregulated in PCa cells overexpressing microRNA-300.  Moreover, overexpression of TRIM63 abolished the role of microRNA-300 in influencing PCa cell phenotypes.Conclusion: MicroRNA-300 is downregulated in PCa. Its level is related to Gleason score, lymphatic metastasis, distant metastasis and poor prognosis of PCa patients. MicroRNA-300 stimulates proliferative and metastatic abilities in PCa cells by targeting TRIM63. This study may provide new targets for the development of new therapeutics for of PCa as well as its diagnosis.
VulPro: an overview of Africa’s vulture conservation centre.
Authors: Hirschauer Margaret T. , Hannweg Caroline Grace , Kemp Ryno , Wolter Kerri
Published: June 2022

No Abstract.
Book Reviews
Authors: Mundy Peter J.
Published: June 2022

No Abstract.
Kinh nghiệm phát triển dịch vụ học thuật số trên thế giới
Authors: Sinh Nguyễn Hồng , Kim Thoa Ninh Thị , Huyền Ngô Thị
Published: June 2022

Học thuật số đã trở thành một xu hướng trong các trường đại học trên thế giới. Điều này đòi hỏi các trường đại học cần có các cách thức hỗ trợ người dạy và người học ứng dụng công nghệ và phương pháp vào hoạt động nghiên cứu và đào tạo. Bằng phương pháp phân tích nội dung các bài báo khoa học trên cơ sở dữ liệu Web of Science về chủ đề “học thuật số” và “dịch vụ học thuật số”, nghiên cứu này cho kinh nghiệm phát triển dịch vụ học thuật số trên thế giới thông qua bốn khía cạnh (1) phương thức và phạm vi phục vụ học thuật số, (2) mô hình quản lý dịch vụ học thuật số, (3) nguồn lực, và (4) hoạch định cho việc phát triển dịch vụ học thuật số. Qua đó, nghiên cứu này cung cấp các hiểu biết và kinh nghiệm về quá trình phát triển và tổ chức các hỗ trợ học thuật số cho các trường đại học Việt Nam nhằm đáp ứng các yêu cầu chuyển đổi số của giáo dục đại học.
A Study on the Development of VR/AR in Media Industry through Case Study
Authors:   Adjunct professor, Woosong University, Daejeon, Korea, Jo Su hyoung , Yeon Ju han
Published: June 2022

The media environment is evolving into realistic media through TVs, the Internet, and smartphones. The characteristic of the changing media environment is that it does not replace existing media, but creates new services, contents, and usage behaviors through convergence with existing media. This emerging realistic media is differentiated from the existing media format in that it is based on convergence between industries, and VR/AR can be cited as a representative example. VR/AR differs from the existing media in terms of devices, but it has an important difference in that the user's usage behavior and experience are different. It allows users to experience a virtual 3D environment or a 360-degree environment based on the user's first person point of view, rather than a 2D-based experience, and AR uses existing media such as a smartphone, but experiences a mixed environment of virtual objects in the physical environment. Therefore, the concept of VR/AR is investigated, and various cases are reviewed to provide implications for the development direction of the media industry. Keywords— Game, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, eXtended Reality, Gamification, Media Industry
Hardware Designs of Cyclic Redundancy Check Code with Calculation Time Trade-Off Strategy
Authors:   Department of Science and Technology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Tran Thang Viet , Pham Giao N. , Bui Anh N. , Nguyen Binh A. , Pham Hanh T. , Le Ngoc T. , Nguyen Van Quoc
Published: June 2022

This paper will discuss the design of cyclic redundancy check code (CRC), a most popular error detecting scheme in intelligent communication. At first, the concepts of CRC are given in detail with mathematical model and software simulation in python scripts. And mainly, with calculation time trade-off strategy, we provide the CRC hardware design with three architecture models serial, parallel, hybrid serial and parallel. Keywords: Error Detection Scheme; Cyclic Redundancy Check; Python; Verilog HDL; Digital System Design
The Impact of Threats Appraisal on Security Strategies of Computer Users: A Survey
Authors:   Faculty of Information Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Malaysia, Masrek Mohamad Noorman , Razali Mohd Hudzari , Arpaci Ibrahim , Truong Cong Doan
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, many people work from home, owing in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. Home users are susceptible to a variety of threats emanating from the internet. Numerous studies have been conducted linking threat appraisal and its relationship to multidimensional security behaviour. The purpose of this study was to ascertain users' perceptions of threat appraisal behaviour as measured by perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and perceived threats, as well as their relationship to security behaviour as measured by device security, password generation, proactive awareness, and updating. The results of a survey of 270 home computer users indicate that there is a mixed relationship between trait appraisal and security behaviour. Nevertheless, each dimension of trait appraisal has a significant relationship with at least one dimension of security behaviour. This study contributed significantly to both theory and practise... Keywords— Threats appraisal, security behavior, home user, structural equation modelling
Self Heating and IR Emission Effects Simulation of Radiative Heater on Power MOS AC Switch
Authors:   Electronic Devices Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Bari, via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy, Gelao Gennaro , Marani Roberto , Perri Anna Gina
Published: June 2022

High power IR heaters are very common but some have high switch on current due to the high difference of the electric resistance at ambient temperature and at steady state temperature. In this paper we develop a thermal model of these IR heaters considering the radiated power which is proportional to the fourth power of the temperature, according to the Stefan Boltzmann law. We propose a new circuit based on a series of two power MOS and simulate the switching, showing the temperature and heat flux inside the heater and MOSFET. Keywords— IR emission effects, Radiate Heater, MOSFET Devices, Modelling, Advanced Design System (ADS).
The Effect of Value-Added Tax on the Economy of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Abdulla Ahmad Mohammad Hassan , Zakaria Mohamad Zaharuddin Bin
Published: June 2022

The value-added tax is considered modern, as it is a major source of government resources, as the economies of developed countries in Europe and the economies of Latin American countries depend heavily on it, and thus it is a pivotal element of the tax system for both developing and transforming economies, where modern methods in tax legislation tend to Towards transferring the tax burden from the sectors of wealth production to place it in the sectors of their use, i.e. reducing taxes on income to increasing spending. The tax is applied to most transactions made on goods and services, except for the exceptions approved by the Federal Tax Authority, and the burden is borne by the consumer. Therefore, a slight increase in the cost of living can be expected, and this varies according to the lifestyle of individuals and their spending behavior. Not all companies will be required to register for the tax, only those whose revenue exceeds the revenue threshold. The study made the following recommendations: Preparing sufficient human resources in order to carry out the burdens of implementing the value-added tax and its calculations. And the opening of accounting institutes and university departments related to accounting and tax principles to localize these professions. The Federal Authority has opened offices for it or permanent branches in government places such as local economic departments known by traders to provide its advisory services directly and personally, in order to support small projects and avoid fines.