bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of Methicillin resistant <I>Staph. aureus </I>from poultry farms in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Bala H.K. , Igwe J.C. , Onaolapo J.A. 
Published: July 2020

The increasing rate of drug resistance associated with Methicillin resistant Staph. aureus is not only a problem in clinical sector but also in livestock disease treatment and management. This study was set out to evaluate the incidence of Methicillin resistant Staph. Aureus from poultry farm birds and the farm workers, and also to evaluate the likelyhood of cross-infection between the birds and the farm workers in Kano State, Nigeria, using standard microbiological and molecular methods. The results showed that out of the 1260 samples collected, 98(33.8%) isolates were confirmed to be Staph. aureus. Using disc diffusion method, the antibiotics susceptibility test results showed that 68 (69.4%) of the isolates were susceptible to cefoxitin while 30 (30.6%) were resistant. While 100% of the isolates were resistant to Ampicillin and Amoxicillin, 93.3% to Oxytetracycline, 90% to Chloramphenicol, 80% to Erythromycin, 76.7% to Oxacillin, 63.3% to Trimethroprim/Sulphamethozaxole, 30% to Ciprofloxacin and 26.7% to Gentamicin. The result also showed that 83.3% of the isolates had multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) of > 0.3 and were also multidrug resistant (MDR) while 16.7% had MARI ≤ 0.3. The molecular analysis showed that all the isolates were Staph. aureus of 800bp, 66.7% of the MDR isolates possess MecA gene (162bp), while 33.3% had MecA of500bp. Further analysis showed that 3 of the seven housekeeping genes (pta, gmk and yqil) were also present in the MDR isolates at 43.3%, 20% and 16.7% respectively while 10% express spa typing. The results also showed that there is a correlation between phenotypic cefoxitin resistance and carriage of MecA gene. The implication of these results in cross infection between the farm workers and the poultry birds as well as the danger of transfer of these resistant isolates to the community is discussed in this report.
Key words: Staph. aureus, cefoxitin resistance, poultry farms, housekeeping genes, spa typing, MDR.
Benthic macroinvertebrates diversity as bioindicators of water quality of Nasarawa Reservoir Katsina State Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Zahraddeen Hassan 
Published: July 2020

This study was carried out to assess the water quality of Nasarawa using benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators. Biological monitoring working party (BMWP) scoring system was the index used to assess the ecosystem health of Nasarawa reservoir. A total of 4460 macrobenthic invertebrate comprising three phyla, three classes, six families and seventeen species were recorded. The overall macrobenthic population at the different stations revealed that the study area was dominated by Mollusca (41.18%), Oligochaetae (23.53%), Coleoptera and Diptera (11.77%), Mollusca (29.06%), Ephemerophtera and Odonata (5.89%). (BMWP) score of 65.7 was obtained for Nasarawa reservoir which classifies the reservoir as moderately polluted. Higher BMWP score of 65.7 was recorded in the wet season compared to the dry season value of 58.7. More macrobenthic invertebrate population was recorded in the dry season than in the wet season in Nasarawa reservoir. Simpson (1-D), Shannon (H) and evenness were higher during the dry season than in the wet season but dominance was higher in the wet season. Species richness as revealed by the Margaleff and Menhinick index was higher during the wet season than in the dry season. The variations in taxa and number of individuals during the months of sampling was not significantly different (P>0.05). It was found that agricultural activities, washing and bathing could alter physico-chemical parameters of the stream and hence changing the abundance of macroinvertebrates as well as the quality of water. This study, therefore, recommends that the source of pollutants should be controlled and the stream regularly monitored by the relevant authorities.
Keywords: Benthic macroinvertebrates, Bioindicator, Water quality, Reservoir
Monitoring and control skills of heads of science department and academic performance in sciences in public secondary schools in Nandi county Kenya
Authors: Cheruiyot Alfed , Kibett Joash K. , Ngeno Viviline 
Published: July 2020

This paper looks at the monitoring and control skills of Heads of Department (HODs) of science and its influence on academic performance by students in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Subjects. The HODs have been mandated to provide instructional guidance through regular monitoring, assessment and evaluation of science teaching subjects in their secondary schools. However, recent performances in science subjects (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) in KCSE in public secondary schools in Nandi County have been below average. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to determine the influence of science HODs monitoring and control skills towards academic performance of students in science subject. The study used mixed method research methodology which combined qualitative and quantitative data. The area of study was all public secondary schools in Nandi County. Target population consisted of 231 HODs of science, 231 principals and 693 science subject teachers. The study adopted a mixed method research design. A sample size of 23 principals, 128 HODS of science and 247 science teachers were selected through stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected using questionnaires (for HODs and teachers) and interview guide (for principals). The reliability values for HODs was 0.795 and science teachers 0.775 which were above the threshold of R=0.7. Analysis of data was performed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Results of the analysis revealed that HODs organising regular departmental meetings to review performance and take corrective action where possible was the main monitoring and control used. On the average, the study discovered that HODs of science planed with science teachers evaluation and assessment activities in their schools (M=3.38 and SD=1.25). The paper concludes that there existed a significant positive influence (p<0.05) between HODs of Science monitoring and control skills and academic performance of students in science subjects in selected public secondary schools in Nandi County, Kenya. It was recommended that Teachers Service Commission needs to improve staffing levels in public secondary schools especially in science subjects to in order provide ample time for HODs to do their regular monitoring and control activities of science subjects’ curriculum implementation in classrooms and among their departmental teachers.
Keywords: Science, Monitoring, Control, Performance and Assessment
Evaluation et sélection d’une variété de cotonnier (FK64, <i>Gossypium hirsutum L.</i>) au Burkina Faso
Authors: Bourgou Larbouga , Tarpaga Windpouiré Vianney , Diane Sidiki K. , Sanfo Denys 
Published: July 2020

Le coton du Burkina Faso est presqu’entièrement exporté ; les variétés cultivées doivent régulièrement répondre aux exigences du marché. Une fratrie de lignées de cotonnier a été comparée à deux variétés, FK37 et Stam 59A, respectivement dans les zones cotonnières humides et sèches de 2006 à 2009, pour mettre en exergue celle qui améliore les performances agronomiques et technologiques de fibre de ces témoins. A l’issue d’évaluations multilocales, FK64 et FK69 ont été identifiées comme de potentielles nouvelles variétés et testées en milieu paysan. Dans les zones humides, FK64 et FK69 n’ont pas apporté d’amélioration significative ; il est inopportun de les y vulgariser. Dans les zones sèches, FK64 a le mieux performé et a été retenue pour y être vulgarisée. Elle apporte un surplus en pourcentage fibre (+ 0,41%) et en seed index (+ 0,35 g). Aussi, elle apparait meilleure que Stam 59A pour la longueur (+ 1,44 mm) et la ténacité (+ 1,90 g/tex), deux caractéristiques déterminantes du marketing de la fibre. Avec la suspension du coton Bt et le retour à la culture conventionnelle, FK64 lancée en culture commerciale a convaincu. Elle pourrait être candidate à la transformation en cas de retour dans la technologie Bt.Mots clés: Evaluations multilocales, tests variétaux, caractéristiques agronomiques, caractéristiques technologiques, Burkina Faso.

English Title: Assessment and selection of a cultivar of cotton (FK64, Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Burkina Faso
Cotton produced in Burkina Faso is almost entirely exported; so cultivars must be developed following the market demand. A sibling of cotton lines was compared to two varieties, FK37 and Stam 59A, respectively in humid and dry cotton production areas between 2006 and 2009 to highlight which one enhances agronomic and fiber quality performances compared to the local control. After multilocation trials, FK64 and FK69 were highlighted as promising news varieties then evaluated under farmer’s conditions of production. In the humid areas, FK64 as well as FK69 did not bring any significant improvement; it was not recommended to release any of them there. In the dry production areas, FK64 performed better, then it was retained to be possibly popularized. It brings a surplus in terms of ginning out turn (+ 0,41%) and seed index (+ 0,35 g). Moreover, it outperformed Stam 59A in fiber length (+ 1,44 mm) and strength (+ 1,90 g/tex), two major cotton fiber marketing properties. At the morrow of the suspension of the Bt cotton and back to conventional production, FK64 was launched in commercial production and it convinced. It could be aspirant to Bt introgression in case country resumes back to the technology.Keywords: multilocation trials, varietal trials, agronomical characteristics, fiber properties, Burkina Faso.
Effets de la déficience en phosphore du sol sur la croissance et le développement du sésame (<i>Sesamum indicum</i> L.)
Authors: Boureima Seyni , Mahaman Laouali Ibrahim 
Published: July 2020

Le sésame (Sesamum indicum L.) est un protéoléagineux à haute valeur ajoutée et cultivé dans les régions chaudes. Sa culture connait un réel intérêt pour les producteurs sahéliens ces dernières années. Malheureusement dans ces régions, les sols sont trop pauvres en éléments fertilisants, principalement le phosphore. Cette étude vise à évaluer les effets de la déficience en phosphore sur la croissance et le développement de plantes de sésame. Un essai a été conduit en pots dans un dispositif en bloc complet randomisé avec 2 facteurs. La variété à 10 modalités correspondant à 10 variétés de sésame vulgarisées au Niger et le phosphore à 2 modalités (condition optimale ou témoin et condition de déficience). Il ressort des résultats que la déficience en phosphore retarde la floraison de la seule variété 38-1-7 de 4 jours, réduit les biomasses aériennes de 71% et racinaire de 68%. La déficience réduit également, le nombre de feuilles et la taille des plantes. En utilisant le ratio de la biomasse aérienne en condition de déficience et celle en condition optimale de nutrition phosphatée comme proxy, les variétés DS01 et HB168 sont les plus tolérantes à la déficience en phosphore du sol. Le ratio peut donc être utilisé comme critère de criblage rapide pour la tolérance à la déficience en phosphore du sol et identifier des variétés potentielles.Mots clés : Nutrition, fertilisants, croissance, Sesamum indicum L., Sahel.
English Title: Effects of phosphorus deficiency on the growth and development of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a high added value oil and protein crop grown in hot regions of the world. Sesame production has seen a real interest for Sahelian producers in recent years. Unfortunately, in these regions, soils are too poor in nutrients, mainly phosphorus. This study aims to assess the effects of this phosphorus deficiency on the growth and development of sesame plant. A trial was conducted in pots in a completely randomized block design with 2 factors: the “Variety” with 10 modalities corresponding to 10 varieties of sesame vulgarized in Niger and the “Phosphorus” with 2 modalities (optimal or control condition and deficiency condition). The results show that phosphorus deficiency delays flowering of variety 38-1-7 by 4 days, reduces aboveground biomass by 71% and root biomass by 68% as well as the number of leaves and the height of the plants. Using the ratio of aboveground biomass in deficient condition and that in optimal condition of phosphorus nutrition as proxy, varieties DS01 and HB168 are the most tolerant to phosphorus deficiency in the soil. The ratio can therefore be used as a criterion for rapid screening for tolerance to soil phosphorus deficiency and to identify potential varieties.Keywords: Nutrition, fertilizer, growth, Sesamum indicum L., Sahel
Synthèse, caractérisation et l’activité anti-tumorale d’un complexe organo-étain carboxylique
Authors: Sakho Adama Moussa , Diallo Aboubacar , Conde Kaba , Keita Damany , Kourouma Mamady , Zhu Dong Sheng , Dioumessy Bangaly 
Published: July 2020

Le problème du cancer constitue à l’échelle planétaire une préoccupation de santé publique. Il a été longtemps sous-estimé par les structures sanitaires en Africaines à cause de la pression exercée par les maladies transmissibles et carentielles sur les services de santé. Son influence négative peut être pourtant réduite grâce au programme de lutte contre le cancer mis en place. Ce programme nécessite la mobilisation des ressources humaines, matérielles, intellectuelles, services de santé, l’associations des malades de cancer. Dans le souci de remédier à ce problème de santé publique, un complexe d’organo-étain carboxylique de formule [(Bu)2Sn]4(L1)2O3(Br)2] a été synthétisé. La molécule obtenue a été caractérisée par les méthodes d’analyses élémentaires, spectroscopiques (RMN 1H et FT-IR) et par la technique de diffraction aux rayons X. Il a été constaté que cette molécule présente un fragment Sn4O2Br2 unit dont l’interaction Sn…O, conduit à la formation d’une chaine supramoléculaire. Son activité anti-tumorale sur les différentes cellules a présentée des résultats significatifs.Mots clés : Synthèse, complexe d’organo-étain carboxylique, caractérisation, chaine supramoléculaire, anti-tumorale.
English Title: Synthesis, characterization and anti-tumor activity of complex organotin carboxylate
The cancer problem is a global public health concern. It has long been underestimated by health structures in Africa because of the pressure exerted by communicable and deficient diseases on health services. Its negative influence can however be reduced thanks to the cancer control program put in place. This program requires the mobilization of human, material, intellectual resources, health services, associations of cancer patient. In order to remedy this public health problem, an organotin carboxylic complex of formula [(Bu)2Sn]4L1)2O3(Br)2] has been synthesized. The molecule obtained was characterized by elementary, spectroscopic analysis methods (1 H NMR and FT-IR) and by the X-ray diffraction technique. It was found that this molecule has a Sn4O2Br2 unit fragment whose interaction Sn…O leads to the formation of a supramolecular chain. Its anti-tumor activity on the various cells has presented significant results.Keywords: Synthesis, organotin carboxylic complex, characterization, supramolecular chain, anti-tumor.
Le semis direct sous couverture végétale : une opportunité de mise en place rapide du cotonnier en culture pluviale au Mali
Authors: Sissoko Fagaye , Diarra Sidiki , Traore Mamadou 
Published: July 2020

En zone soudano-sahélienne, la productivité des cultures est limitée par la disponibilité de l’eau et la fertilité des sols. Le cotonnier en est particulièrement affecté lors de sa culture L’objet de cette étude est d’évaluer l’effet du semis direct sous couverture végétale sur le rendement du cotonnier. Deux variétés de cotonnier (NTA MS334 et BRS 293) ont été utilisées pour comparer 6 systèmes de culture. Le dispositif statistique utilisé a été un Split plot. Les données collectées ont concerné les échantillons de sol, les délais de levée des cotonniers, les densités, les hauteurs, les nombres de capsules et les rendements en graine. La levée a été plus rapide dans les systèmes de culture en semis sous couverture végétale. La densité à la récolte des cinq systèmes en SCV a été de 65 076 plants ha-1 contre 60 564 en SC. Les systèmes de culture n’ont pas eu d’effets statistiquement significatifs sur les rendements en coton graine, mais une différence significative a été observée entre les deux variétés. Le SCV est possible en zone soudano-sahélienne, la levée est plus rapide et permet d’améliorer la densité et le rendement (2 452 kg ha-1 contre 2 373 kg ha-1 en SC) des cultures.Mots clés : Systèmes de culture, cotonnier, densité, capsules, rendement.
English Title: Direct sowing under cover crop: an opportunity for rapid establishment of rainfed cotton in MaliIn Sudano-Sahelian zone, crop productivity is limited by water availability and soil fertility. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of direct sowing under cover crop on cotton yield. Two cotton varieties (NTA MS334 and BRS 293) were used to compare 6 cropping systems. The statistical design used was a split plot. The data collected concerned soil samples, cotton plant emergence times, densities, heights, number of bolls and cotton yields. Emergence was faster in seedling cropping systems under cover crop. Harvest density in the five SCV systems was 65 076 plants ha-1 versus 60 564 plants ha-1 in SC. The cropping systems had no statistically significant effect on seed cotton yields, but a significant difference was observed between the two varieties. SCV is possible in Sudano-Sahelian zone, emergence is faster and improves crop density and yield (2 452 kg ha-1 compared to 2 373 kg ha-1 in SC).Keywords: Cropping systems, cotton, density, bolls, yield
Review on the genetic history of Algerians within North African populations from the HLA point of view
Authors: Moussouni Abdellatif 
Published: July 2020

This article aims to take stock of knowledge on the history of the human settlement of North Africa and the genetic history of Algerians within North African populations by gathering the most important published results related to HLA allele analysis. These results revealed a strong genetic relationship between studied North African populations (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia). Such evident genetic affinity between North African populations, also proved by the use of other powerful autosomal markers, agrees with historic data considering North African populations as having similar origins. HLA allele analysis also indicated a genetic link between North African populations (Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco) and the populations of the South-Western Europe particularly the Basques and Spaniards. This would reflect a Neolithic relationship between Iberians and the natives of North Africa (the Berbers). However, other results showed a genetic distinction between samples from North African populations and Middle Eastern populations (Arab-Palestinians, Lebanese’s and Jordanians). Beside these results related to Mediterranean populations, the HLA allele variation was analyzed at the world scale showing low genetic differentiations among the three broad continental areas, with no special divergence of Africa.
Keywords: Genetic diversity; Molecular Anthropology; Genetic History; HLA genes; North Africa; Algeria
Vitexin alleviates neuropathic pain in a mouse chronic constriction injury model by inactivation of NF-κB
Authors: Xu Wentong , Zhu Xueli , Zhan Gonghao , Sheng Liangyu , Chen Yanwei 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic effect of vitexin on neuropathic pain (NP) in a mouse model of chronic constriction injury (CCI).Methods: The CCI model was established by four chronic ligatures in the sciatic nerve. Vitexin was intraperitoneally administered (10 mg/kg, once daily) for 21 days. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) were determined before and after the establishment of CCI model. The spinal cords were collected to measure mRNA levels by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was used to examine protein expression levels.Results: Vitexin reversed the CCI-induced reduction in MWT and PWL values, indicating that it lowered mechanical hypersensitivity response and hyperalgesia caused thermal stimulation (p < 0.05). The elevated levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNFα observed in CCI-treated mice were also inhibited by vitexin, suggesting that it suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, vitexin attenuated CCI-induced activation of NF-κB signaling in CCI-treated mice (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Vitexin alleviates NP by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB signaling in CCItreated mice. Thus, it is a potential target for NP treatment.
Keywords: Vitexin, Neuropathic pain, Chronic constriction injury, Mechanical hypersensitivity, Hyperalgesia, NF-κB
Acute lung injury inhibition by juglone in LPS induced sepsis mouse model involves Sirt1 activation
Authors: Hu Qiong , Yang Chunai , Zheng Fenshuang , Duan Hongdan , Fu Yangshan , Cheng Zhongfeng 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To investigate the effect of juglone on LPS induced lung injury in a mouse model and in TC 1cell line.Methods: Edema formation in lungs were measured by determination of lung wet/dry weight. Expressions of various proteins were assessed by western blot assay, while Sirt1 level was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Mice were randomly assigned to nine groups of 10 mice each: normal control, untreated and seven juglone treatment groups. Acute lung injury was induced in mice by injecting LPS (10 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal route (ip). The treatment groups were given 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 100 μM of juglone, ip, respectively.Results: The levels of MMP-9, IL-6, IL-1β and iNOS were significantly higher in acute lung injury induced mice compared than the control group (p < 0.05). Treatment of the mice with juglone significantly decreased LPS-induced up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependentmanner. The production of inflammatory cytokines was almost completely inhibited in the mice treated with 100 mg/kg dose of juglone, while treatment of the LPS-stimulated TC 1 cells with juglone upregulated the expression of Sirt1 mRNA. Down-regulation of Sirt1 expression by siRNA inhibited the effect of juglone on LPS-induced increase in inflammatory cytokine production.Conclusion: Juglone prevents lung injury in mice via up-regulation of Sirt1 expression. Therefore, juglone might be useful for the development of a treatment strategy for lung injury.
Keywords: Inflammatory, Sirtuin, Edema, Cytokines, Lung injury, TC 1 lung alveolar epithelial cells, Sirt1
MicroRNA miR-103a-3p targets NPAS3 to regulate progression of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhang Yani , Wang Jingjian , Liu Xiaojuan , Li Jiexing , Fan Shujie 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: This study aimed at investigating miR-103a-3p expression, functional roles and underlying mechanism in regulating Alzheimer’s progression.Methods: RT-qPCR was used to assessed miR-103a-3p and NPAS3 expression in human neuroblastoma cells. Cell transfection of overexpressed or knocked down genes and CCK-8 assay measured cell viability while RT-qPCR was used to detect proliferation and apoptosis in biomarkers, Ki87 and PCNA, caspase-8 and caspase-3, respectively. Furthermore, luciferase assay was used to evaluate the luciferase activity while western blotting analysis was applied to determine protein biomarkers regarding proliferation and apoptosis.Results: Expression of miR-103a-3p decreased but NPAS3 increased in AD cell lines. Overexpressed miR-103a-3p attenuated cell viability and NPAS3 bound miR-103a-3p to regulate AD progression. The inhibitory effect of miRNA on cell viability in AD was reversed by NPAS3.Conclusion: miR-103a-3p/NPAS3 might help to enrich knowledge on treatment of AD.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s development, cell growth, cell proliferation