bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Melatonin with Respect to Mental Health (Anxiety & Depression) Status of First Year M.B.B.S Students
Authors: Belsare Vinita H. , Tadas Arun , Agrawal Sanjay , Belsare Hrishikesh 
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Melatonin is a pineal hormone secreted in circadian manner, with a peak during evening and night. Night-time light exposure is a powerful suppressor of nocturnal melatonin secretion. Dopamine and serotonin have complex relationship in melatonin synthesis and secretion. Reduced levels of melatonin have been associated with severe depression. Melatonin exhibits GABA-like effects may be responsible to reduce anxiety.
Objectives: To determine the Serum Melatonin levels with respect to bedtime and its correlation with the severity of anxiety and depression. Also, to find the difference in anxiety score, depression score and serum melatonin level with respect to gender.
Methods: A cross sectional study was done amongst first year medical students, and anxiety and depression score was calculated using Hamilton’s anxiety and depression scale. Estimation of Serum Melatonin was done on the fasting morning blood samples.
Results and Conclusion: The present study shows that there is no significant difference in melatonin secretion in the students with late bedtime. With the increasing severity of the anxiety the serum melatonin was found to be lower, but the difference was not statistically significant. Similar results were observed with depression. The results shows non-significant higher anxiety and depression scores in females as compared to males. The study results also shows the significant high levels of melatonin in males as compared to females. Low melatonin levels in females may be attributed to high anxiety and depression in females.
Protein Content of Brachiaria ruziziensis (Poaceae) under the Direct and Residual Effects of Fertilization with Hen Droppings
Authors: Jiope Azangue Gilles , Tendonkeng Fernand , Nguetsop Victor François , Wauffo David Fokom , Pamo Etienne Tedonkeng 
Published: July 2020

Aim: A study was conducted at the Research and Experimental Farm (REF) of the University of Dschang between March 2015 and December 2016, and then at the Animal Nutrition Laboratory of the Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the direct and residual effects of fertilization with hen droppings on the protein content of Brachiaria ruziziensis at different phenological stages.
Methodology: A factorial design comprising five levels of fertilization in terms of nitrogen in the form of hen droppings (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg N/ha), and three phenological stages of cutting (bolting, flowering and after seed set) on 6 m2 plots (3 m x 2 m) in four replicates, i.e. a total of 60 experimental plots was used. Fertilization with hen droppings was done one month after the stump chips were grown in the first year of cultivation (direct effects). In the second year of cultivation (residual effects), no fertilization was applied. The total nitrogen content of the plant samples was determined by the Kjeldhal method and the crude protein contents were obtained by multiplying the nitrogen contents by the forage-specific coefficient of 6.25.
Results: This study showed that protein contents obtained under the direct effect were significantly higher than those obtained under the residual effect of fertilization. Fertilization at 100 kg N/ha resulted in the highest protein contents under direct and residual fertilization.
Conclusion: In view of the results obtained, fertilization with hen droppings at a dose of 100 kg N/ha would be recommended for the cultivation of B. ruziziensis in order to limit mineral fertilizer inputs and improve its protein content.
Some Haematological Parameters among Urinary Schistosomiasis-Malaria Coinfected Children in Suburb of Malentouen Health District, West Region Cameroon
Authors: Leonard Keptcheu T. D. 
Published: July 2020

Background: Schistosomiasis and Malaria are among the most prevalent afflictions of humans who live in areas of poverty in the developing world. The present study was aimed at determining the socio demographic characteristics and prevalence of schistosomiasis and malaria in children living in Suburb of Malentouen Health District and analyzing the effect of co-infection on haemoglobin level, mean corpuscular volume and platelet count.
Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to parents or guardians of children attending public primary school in the area. A total of 429 pupils aged 6-15 years old were screened for urinary schistosomiasis and 228 out of the 429 were tested for. Prevalences of the two parasites were calculated; Haemoglobin level, Mean Corpuscular Volume and platelets count of the 228 participants were recorded.
Results: The prevalence of malaria was 26.75%, where as that of schistosomiasis was 43.82%. 31(13.60%) of the participants were co-infected with the two parasites. Mean haemoglobin level obtained was 11.01± 1.19 G/dL, that of MCV was 84.50±5.31/fl and the mean platelet count was 255.13±96.99/µl. In malaria single infected and co-infected participants, low haemoglobin level (c2 = 50.315, p = .000), low MCV (c2 = 27.448, p = .000) and low platelets count (c2 = 37.253, p = .000) were observed with significant variations.
Conclusions: The three haematological parameters analysed in this study (Hb, MCV, Platelets count), showed low level or amount in malaria and malaria-schistosomiasis infected participants. Moreover, thrombocytopenia in children in this endemic area may be useful as supportive diagnostic criteria for malaria in case with low level of parasite number.
Sex Hormone Disruption and Histological Changes in Testes on Chronic Dichlorvos Exposure in Animal Model
Authors: Vhriterhire Raymond A. , Odeh Samuel O. , Egesie Gideon U. 
Published: July 2020

Background: Dichlorvos is an organophosphate used indiscriminately as a pesticide in homes and for agricultural purposes. This study evaluated the effects of its low dose sub-lethal chronic exposure on male reproductive function using an animal (Rattus norvegicus) model.
Methodology: Three groups of rats were given dichlorvos at the dosages of 0.28 mg/kg, 0.56 mg/kg and 1.68 mg/kg respectively on alternate days. The control group was given only plain drinking water. The experiment lasted for 50 weeks.
Results: Dichlorvos induced a dosage variation effect on blood levels of follicle stimulating hormone but this was insignificant on levels of luteinizing hormone, oestrogen, progesterone and dihydrotestosterone. Prolonged treatment with dichlorvos had no overall influence on luteinizing hormone levels. The major histological findings in descending order of frequency included tubular atrophy and degeneration, germ cell depletion, germ cell exfoliation, tubular necrosis, spermatid retention and Leydig cell hyperplasia, each scored on a semi-quantitative scale. After 50 weeks of dichlorvos treatment, progesterone and oestrogen blood levels both had strong positive correlations with the frequency of germ cell exfoliation and residual bodies in the testes. In contrast, there was no statistically significant correlation between blood levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and dihydrotestosterone and the histological findings.
Conclusion: This research evaluated the chronic effect of low dichlorvos exposure on reproductive function using an animal model. There was a strong positive correlation between progesterone and germ cell exfoliation and residual bodies. Oestrogen also correlated with germ cell exfoliation, depletion and presence of residual bodies. Furthermore, the correlation between the blood hormone levels and histological changes in the testes was largely unpredictable.
Impact of Foeniculum vulgare Fortified Diet on Coagulation Profile and Some Biochemical Parameters
Authors: Abbas Afshan , Ikram Rahila , Hasan Faiza , Bukhari Qurrat Ul Ain , Sarfaraz Sana , Adil Abeer 
Published: July 2020

Aims: Coagulation profile shows the clotting ability of blood. Biochemical tests indicate health status of vital organs such as liver, heart and kidneys. Herbal products are being assessed for their role in affecting these parameters. We evaluated role of Foeniculum vulgare incorporated diet on coagulation profile and some important biochemical parameters.
Study Design: Laboratory centred randomized controlled trial.
Place and Duration of Study: Pharmacology Department of University of Karachi, Karachi between June 2018 and September 2018.
Methodology: After selecting 30 healthy rabbits of either sex, we placed them in three groups; Control, 2% Foeniculum vulgare and 4% Foeniculum vulgare group. Control group was given standard diet whereas; 2% and 4% Foeniculum vulgare groups were maintained on standard diet containing 2% and 4% Foeniculum vulgare crushed seeds. Coagulation profile and some biochemical parameters were done after interval of a month, for two months.
Results: Platelet count and fibrinogen increased while activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) levels decreased in both the study groups animals as compared to control, while blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) elevation was noted both Foeniculum vulgare groups but within normal range.
Conclusion: Foeniculum vulgare may have some role in affecting coagulation and biochemical profile These parameters, however, need clinical trial to validate reliability.
Metformin as an Adjuvant Therapy Attenuates Dextran Sulphate Sodium-induced Acute Colitis in Rats
Authors: Magadmi Rania M. , Aljahdali Fahad H. , Alsawy Mustafa , Ali Ahmed S. , Kamel Fatemah O. 
Published: July 2020

Aims: In numerous cases, patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are refractory to standard treatment. Sirolimus (SIR) and tacrolimus (TAC) are immunosuppressant drugs with encouraging outcomes. However, they have side effects causing limitations in their use. Metformin (MET), which is an antidiabetic drug, has promising anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, this study aimed to validate the effect of the concomitant administration of MET and SIR or TAC in the management of experimentally induced colitis.
Study Design: Dextran sulphate (DSS) induced colitis model was used.
Methodology: Colitis was induced by administering 5% DSS in water twice daily via oral gavage for 9 days. MET 200 mg/kg alone or in combination with SIR 1 mg/kg or TAC 1 mg/kg was started on day 7 and was continuously administered for 12 days. Then, samples of distal colon tissues were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemistry staining. Then, the pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-17A levels in tissue homogenates were measured.
Results: MET, SIR or TAC significantly attenuated the effect of DSS and the levels of all pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, adding MET reinforces the effect of SIR and TAC.
Conclusion: MET had a strong anti-inflammatory effect against DSS-induced colitis. Hence, it could be a promising adjuvant therapy in the management of IBDs. The effect was mediated, in part, by inhibiting NF-κB activation. However, the results of this study must be further validated and translated to clinical implications.
Control Measures on Groundwater Pollution through Leakages of Underground Storage Tanks of Filling Stations in Nigeria
Authors: Odipe Oluwaseun E. , Sawyerr Henry O. , Adewoye Solomon O. 
Published: July 2020

Background: Groundwater pollution from leakages of Underground Storage Tanks is a global issue and has been significantly controlled and maintained by many developed countries in the last 30 years. The knowledge and practices used in containing this environmental issue can also be applied locally in Nigeria.
Methods: This paper reviewed the environmental policies and strategies put in place by the United States of America and the statutory regulations in Nigeria to identify the possible causes of pollution from leaking underground storage tanks within the country in order to recommend applicable preventive and control measures.
Results: Findings showed there are lots of regulations and laws to protect environmental resources in Nigeria which has led to establishment of different ministries, departments and agencies of government for implementation yet, a number of shortcomings can be traced to its inability to efficiently control leaking underground storage tanks in filling stations nationwide.
Conclusion: However, necessary recommendations were made which could be applied by implementing minor preventive measures and procedures that will significantly curb this menace as achieved in other developed nations of the world.
Lead alters structure and function of mouse flexor muscle
Authors: Al Dhaheri Amna H. , El‐Sabban Farouk F. , Fahim Mohamed A. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractTo evaluate the effect of long‐term exposure to heavy metals on skeletal muscle, chronic subcutaneous injections for 7 days of two level treatments (low dose, 0.1 mg/kg and high dose, 1 mg/kg) of lead acetate were investigated. Comparative analyses ofin situ dorsiflexormuscle isometric contractile characteristics were studied in urethane‐anesthetized (2 mg/g, i.p.) control and lead‐exposed male mice. Control muscle‐twitch tension reached an average of 1.81 ± 0.06 g. Chronic lead (Pb2+) treatments did not affect muscle contractile speed, but reduced significantly the twitch tension in both high and low doses when compared to control animals. This effect was in a dose‐dependent manner; 1.21 ± 0.07 g for low dose and 0.90 ± 0.05 g for high dose. These chronic Pb2+treatments accelerated muscle fatigue after 250 stimuli (25 Hz for 10 sec) in both the low and high doses equally. However, marked elevation in tetanic (25 Hz) specific tension were observed in the high‐dose, chronically treated animals, indicating some changes in contractile apparatus function. The high dose of chronic Pb2+treatment induced ultrastructural changes, including reduced number of synaptic vesicles, disruption of mitochondria and increased number of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and myelin‐like figures in the intramuscular axons and neuromuscular junctions. Chronic Pb2+treatment caused extensive disruption of the sarcoplasmic mitochondria and increased the number of myelin‐like figures in the muscle. These results suggest that exposure to Pb2+at a low concentration can compromise thein situskeletal muscle isometric contraction.
The clinical features of postpartum psychoses
Authors: Klompenhouwer JL , van Hulst AM , Tulen JHM , Jacobs ML , Jacobs BC , Segers F 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe clinical features and symptoms of postpartum psychoses are presented in relation to the classification according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) and the concept of “puerperal psychosis”. A number of symptoms,ieconfusional symptoms, depersonalization, misrecognitions and the “kaleidoscopic” picture are shown to be prominent features. In schizoaffective disorder and unspecified functional psychosis a higher frequency of confusional symptoms, misrecognitions, thematic delusions and a “kaleidoscopic” course of illness was found compared to schizophrenia, mania or depression. The findings of this study support a special status for postpartum psychosis and suggest a link with the concept of cycloid psychosis. In the management of postpartum mental disorder the risk of child-directed aggression, suicide and sudden relapses into psychosis requires special attention.
Over‐the‐counter use of oral contraceptives in Kuwait
Authors: Shah M.A. , Shah N.M. , Al‐Rahmani E. , Behbehani J. , Radovanovic Z. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractOral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are available over‐the‐counter (OTC) in Kuwait, and constitute a leading method for spacing and limiting children. Data from a nationally representative survey of Kuwaiti women are used to examine OTC use of OCPs. One‐fourth of the women initiated use without consulting a doctor, and 50% bought OCPs from the pharmacy. No socioeconomic or demographic differences were found between those who consulted a physician, implying that women of different background have similar accessibility to the physician. Using multivariate analysis, the odds of consulting a physician were found to be significantly lower for women who first bought OCPs directly from the commercial pharmacy. The duration of first time OCP use did not differ according to physician consultation. It is concluded that OTC availability of OCPs has many advantages and prevents unwanted pregnancy. However, there is a need for better packaging and instructions that would enable high‐risk women to identify themselves and to use OCPs under physician supervision.
Prognostic factors related to cervical cancer survival in Mexican women
Authors: Flores‐Luna L , Salazar‐Martinez E , Escudero‐De los Rios P , Gonzalez‐Lira G , Zamora‐Muñoz S , Lazcano‐Ponce E 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To identify prognostic survival factors among Mexican women with cervical cancer.Methods: A total of 378 women with cervical cancer admitted from 1984 to 1996 to our referral hospital were evaluated, using survival analysis (Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards method). We designed a symptom index which included asymptomatic conditions, severity of symptoms and comorbidity.Results: Overall 5‐year survival was 66.6%. The shortest survival time was for FIGO stage IV (21.5%,P<0.001) and adenosquamous histologic type (53.1%,P=0.15). The main prognostic factors were primary symptoms (RR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.02–6.66); systemic symptoms (RR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.23–9.01); FIGO stage IV (RR, 5.5; 95% CI, 2.36–12.96); and oncogenic symptoms (prognostic comorbidity present) (RR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.08–4.89).Conclusions: Our findings show that clinical stage and several types of symptoms influence CC survival. This present strategy to assess morphological and clinical characteristics may be a more accurate indicator of survival rate and potentially an efficient indicator of new therapeutic alternatives.
Cyclofem®/Cyclo‐ProveraTM: Emerging countries' perspective
Authors: Garza‐Flores J.J 
Published: July 2002

AbstractCyclo‐ProveraTM, the original name of the combination of 25 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate and 5 mg estradiol cypionate, later known as Cyclofem® and hereafter referred to MPA/E2C, has proven its use‐effectiveness (pregnancy rate less than 1%) in routine service delivery conditions. Overall, the life‐table discontinuation rates at 1 year ranged from 33.5% to 71.8%. Only a third of total discontinuations were attributable to the injectable contraceptive method, thus raising the importance of service delivery issues related to its continued use. The results of introductory trials in Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand, Tunisia, Jamaica and, more recently, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Peru have demonstrated that MPA/E2C is a highly effective contraceptive that could be offered as an alternative to current fertility regulation methods for many women around the world. In addition, the results of studies were the basis for the approval of MPA/E2C by local health authorities and its inclusion in the Ministries of Health Family Planning Programs.
Prognosis‐predicting system based on factors related to survival of cervical carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Chiou‐Chung , Wang Peng‐Hui , Lai Chiung‐Ru , Yen Ming‐Shyen , Chen Chih‐Yu , Juang Chi‐Mon 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To establish a different category system based on grouping of the risk factors in patients with cervical smear.Methods:Univariate and multivariate analyses of factors associated with survival time were performed in 443 patients with stage Ib–IIa squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from 1985 to 1989.Results:Univariate analysis showed that parametrial extension, bulky tumor size (≥4 cm), uterine body involvement, poor differentiation and pelvic lymph node (LN) metastasis were prognostically significant. However, by multiple regression method, only LN metastasis, deep stromal invasion (DSI), and poor differentiation (PD) were significantly related to the patient's survival time with risk ratios of 2.78, 2.61 and 1.52, respectively. A prognosis‐predicting system was established on the basis of these simplified factors: groups of high, intermediate, low and very low‐risks, obtained survival rates of 93–96%, 77%, 51% and 25–37%, respectively.Conclusions:Using this simple model, cervical carcinomas can be classified prognostically for predicting 5‐year‐survival rates, and for risk‐guided therapy in the future.
Collaborative research and development on mifepristone in China to reduce unwanted pregnancies and recourse to abortion
Authors: Duncan G.W. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractA program proposed and executed by The Concept Foundation and funded by the Rockefeller Foundation demonstrates the feasibility of using private/public‐sector collaboration for making mifepristone widely available. The application of mifepristone to emergency, luteal phase and menstrual induction contraception is being assessed in clinical research programs conducted in accordance with international standards for good clinical research. Opportunities for introduction of mifepristone in developing countries are being pursued using mifepristone produced in China in accordance with international standards of good manufacturing practice.
An integrated benchmarking approach to distribution center performance using DEA modeling
Authors: Ross Anthony , Droge Cornelia 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThis research proposes an integrated benchmarking framework illustrated in the context of a large supply chain system comprised of 102 distribution centers (DCs). We employ recent extensions of data envelopment analysis while addressing difficulties often associated with empirical data in real life settings. The study measures DC productivity in a large scale setting, evaluates and identifies DCs with consistent best performance using facet analysis, and detects performance trends using window analysis of 4 years’ data. This extensive evaluation of the empirical production frontier and of “role model” DCs provided very interesting insights for strategically managing operations. Our approach opens up possible new directions for examining supply chain DCs or other activities where explicit knowledge about the relationship between the inputs and outputs is not well known.
Determination of an optimal set of design requirements using house of quality
Authors: Park Taeho , Kim Kwang‐Jae 
Published: July 2002

AbstractQuality Function Deployment (QFD) has been used to translate customer needs and wants into technical design requirements in order to increase customer satisfaction. QFD utilizes the house of quality (HOQ), which is a matrix providing a conceptual map for the design process, as a construct for understanding Customer Requirements (CRs) and establishing priorities of Design Requirements (DRs) to satisfy them. Some methodological issues occurring in the conventional HOQ are discussed, and then a new integrative decision model for selecting an optimal set of DRs is presented using a modified HOQ model. The modified HOQ prioritization procedure employs a multi‐attribute decision method for assigning relationship ratings between CRs and DRs instead of a conventional relationship rating scale, such as 1–3–9. The proposed decision model has been applied to an indoor air quality improvement problem as an illustrative example.