bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
p53 Hinders CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Targeted Gene Disruption in Memory CD8 T Cells In Vivo
Authors: Kurup Samarchith P. , Moioffer Steven J. , Pewe Lecia L. , Harty John T. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized rapid and reliable gene editing in cells. Although many cell types have been subjected to CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, there is no evidence of success in genetic alteration of Ag-experienced memory CD8 T cells. In this study, we show that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in memory CD8 T cells precludes their proliferation after Ag re-encounter in vivo. This defect is mediated by the proapoptotic transcription factor p53, a sensor of DNA damage. Temporarily inhibiting p53 function offers a window of opportunity for the memory CD8 T cells to repair the DNA damage, facilitating robust recall responses on Ag re-encounter. We demonstrate this by functionally altering memory CD8 T cells using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted gene disruption under the aegis of p53siRNA in the mouse model. Our approach thus adapts the CRISPR/Cas9 technology for memory CD8 T cells to undertake gene editing in vivo, for the first time, to our knowledge.
Ippolito Donini
Authors: Gasbarro Vincenzo 
Published: September 2020

This paper is part of the monographic issue: ‘Did the Masters of the past know the future? History and update of Italian Phlebolymphology’
Guest editor: Alberto Macciò (Phlebology - Part I edited by G. Agus; Phlebology - Part II edited by P. Bonadeo; Lymphology edited by F. Boccardo)
Umberto Fox
Authors: Lucani Giuliano Antonio 
Published: September 2020

This paper is part of the monographic issue: ‘Did the Masters of the past know the future? History and update of Italian Phlebolymphology’
Guest editor: Alberto Macciò (Phlebology - Part I edited by G. Agus; Phlebology - Part II edited by P. Bonadeo; Lymphology edited by F. Boccardo)
Dietary Diversity, Nutritional status and Academic performance of pupils in public primary schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis
Authors: Uzosike T.C.J. , Okeafor I. , Mezie-Okoye M. 
Published: September 2020

Background: Poor nutrition can hinder pupils from achieving good educational performance at school. This study provides information on the dietary diversity and nutritional status of school-age children in Rivers State, and their relationship with academic performance.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted among pupils attending public primary schools, aged 6-11 years. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, data on dietary diversity was collected using a two-day 24-hour dietary recall tool adapted from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines for measuring household and individual dietary diversity. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measures and educational performance was assessed using the end of term examination results for Mathematics and English language in the selected schools. Statistical analyses were performed at p level of 0.05.Results: The study had a total of 847 public primary school pupils, comprising of 441 (52.1%) males and 406 (47.9%) females The minimum and maximum dietary diversity score (DDS) obtained from the pupils were one and five, respectively with a mean DDS of 3.67 ± 0.71. The frequency of stunting, underweight and overweight among the pupils were 39.4%, 23.0% and 6.0% respectively. Dietary diversity was significantly associated with academic performance (p=0.001), with higher odds of poor academic performance in both English language and Mathematics reported among pupils with low DDS in comparison to those with normal DDS.Conclusion: Dietary diversity for primary school pupils should be promoted to achieve optimal academic performance amidst other benefits.
Keywords: Academic performance; Dietary diversity; Nutritional status; Pupils
Effects Of <I>Calotropis procera</I> Latex on Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in Albino Rats
Authors: Samuel K. , Sudi Y.I. 
Published: September 2020

Calotropis procera is a wild-growing plant that belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae, commonly found in the tropical regions and is used in the treatment of diseases such as ulcer, inflammation, wound healing, etc. This confers to the increased use of medicinal plants as the major source of traditional medicine worldwide. This study is aimed at evaluating the toxicological effects of Calotropis procera latex on biochemical and hematological parameters in albino rats with a view to understanding the safety of the latex following systemic use. Fifteen (15) albino rats were divided into five groups of three rats each. Group one served as the control, group two received 0.05 ml of the latex solution per kg body weight of the rats , group three received 0.2 ml of the latex solution per kg body weight of the rats , group four received 0.4 ml of the latex solution per kg body weight of the rats , while group five received 0.6 ml of the latex solution per kg body weight of the rats for 14 days. Biochemical evaluations revealed a significant increase in the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (83.33 ± 1.76c) and total bilirubin (6.27 ± 4.44b) and a progressive decrease in albumin (3.93 ± 0.04a) with increased concentration of the latex. There was no significant change in the levels of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in all the treated groups. Hematological analyses revealed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in packed cell volume (31.33 ± 1.76a), hemoglobin (10.43 ± 0.59a), red blood cell count (3.90 ± 0.06a) and total white blood cell count (4.10 ± 0.15a) in all the treated groups compared to the control. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that Calotropis procera latex is relatively toxic as observed in the blood and biochemical parameters related to liver function. Hence, it is recommended that caution should be taken in its use for the treatments of diseases such as wound healing as exposure to the circulatory system can cause vulnerability to its toxic effects.
Keywords: Albino rats, Toxicity, Calotropis procera, latex, biochemical, hematological parameters
FAMEs Profile of Oil Produced by Oleaginous Fungi Isolated from Fermented Beverage Wastewaters and Soil
Authors: Nsa I.Y. , Adeloye G.B. , Odunsi A.A. , Akinyemi B.T. , Tubonemi J.T. , Saliu M.O. , Adepoju J.P. 
Published: September 2020

Fungal strains isolated from fermented maize (ogi) (PW) and sorghum-based brewery wastewaters (BW) and two soil isolates were evaluated for oleaginicity. The fungal isolates from the wastewater that had lipid content of at least 20% of their biomass were identified by both culture methods and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA sequencing. The isolates were identified to be Aspergillus fumigatus (PW8), Aspergillus flavus (PW10), Candida tropicalis (PW16) and Aspergillus tubingensis (PW3), Trichosporon luoberi (BW7), Aspergillus sp. (BW4) and Candida tropicalis (BW1; BW3). FAMEs composition was determined for the four strains with the highest lipid content by acid-catalyzed transesterification and analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). Palmitoleic acid was the dominant fatty acid in M. circinelloides and T. reesei, and the best producers of capric and lauric acids were Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus sp. (BW4), respectively. These fatty acids are beneficial in making cosmetics and pharmaceuticals (antimicrobials and dietary supplements). The analysis of the FAMEs profile in the species indicated low amounts or absence of some key long chain fatty acid (LCFA) constituents of biodiesels. Based on the FAMEs profile of M. circinelloides investigated, this strain could hold promise for use as feedstock for biodiesel with genetic engineering and a tailored lipid production favouring enrichment of LCFA.
Keywords: Fungal lipids, wastewater, fatty acid methyl ester, GC-FID
Effects of different media strengths and hormone concentrations on in-vitro regeneration of <i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i> C.F. Gaertn
Authors: Afolabi J.O. , Olorode E.M. , Olomola D.B. , Fasakin Y.O. , Adekunle E.A 
Published: September 2020

The importance of Vitellaria paradoxa has necessitated its inclusion in the ongoing afforestation project which requires mass production of its seedlings. The shea-butter tree produces oil-rich seeds that are important to cosmetic and food and nutrition industries. It is a deciduous tree which could survive in the dry-savannah and help withstand desert encroachment. However, overexploitation of its timber for firewood and charcoal production made it vulnerable. In-vitro propagation of this species could be a viable means towards its mass propagation. Two plant-hormones: Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP) were used to grow the plant in different combinations making up six treatments (A-F) with 6 replicates in each group. The combinations include 1.5/0, 1.5/1.0, 1.5/1.5, 2.0/0, 2.0/1.0, 2.0/1.5 mg/L of GA3/BAP, which were used to grow 2cm nodal cuttings of the V. paradoxa on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) media. Treatment F (with 2.0/1.5 mg/L GA3/BAP) produced the highest number of leaves (2.4 ± 0.6, 3.2 ± 0.8) and longest shoot length (1.1 ± 0.3 cm, 1.4 ± 0.5 cm) at 4 and 8 Weeks After Inoculation (WAI), respectively. The results of this study showed that application of growth- enhancing hormones for the regeneration of important tree species could provide means for their mass propagation so as to meet the need for afforestation projects.
Keywords: Vitellaria paradoxa, Afforestation, In-vitro propagation, Mass propagation.
Effects Of Different Sterilization Regimes & Growth Regulators On Micropropagation Of Female Date Palm (<i>Phoenix dactylifera</i> L.)
Authors: Emoghene B.O. , Idu M. , Eke C.R. , Asemota O. 
Published: September 2020

The success of in vitro culture techniques is always hampered by microbial contamination. The present study was carried out to develop an efficient protocol for date palm explants sterilization for successful somatic embryos induction and plantlets formation of some date palm varieties. The shoot tips were treated with different sterilizing agents at different concentrations and durations of exposure. The use of ethanol (70%), sodium hypochlorite (3.5% & 70%) and mercuric chloride (0.2%) with or without addition of Tween-20 had different effects on decontamination of the date palm explants. The percentage of explants contaminated with bacteria for sterilants 1, 2 and 4 was 18.8%, 6.3% and 6.3% respectively while 25%, 37.5%, 31.25% and 6.25% were contaminated with fungi for sterilants 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Under the conditions used, a combination of antioxidants (Citric and Ascorbic acids at 100mg/l), 0.2% mercuric chloride and 3.5% sodium hypochlorite solution with 3 drops/100ml of Tween-20 helped in the reduction of chlorosis, contamination and die-back in the shoot tip explants. The explants were further cultured in appropriate media for callus initiation and subsequent somatic embryo induction. Optimal embryogenic callus was obtained from the shoot explant of sterilant number 4 which had the minimal contamination and die-back of all the cultures. After 3 subcultures, the somatic embryos formed were multiplied for shoot development. From this study, we established that the use of appropriate surface sterilant at suitable concentration and duration of exposure of date palm explant to it is indispensable for maximum responses of in vitro cultures.
Keywords: Date palm, Microbial contamination, Sterilizing agents, in vitro, Somatic embryos
Epidemiological Investigation, Serotypes and Distribution of Verocytotoxigenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> (VTEC) in Raw Milk and Milk Products in Uyo, Nigeria
Authors: Akinjogunla O.J. , Akaka B.C. , Inyang C.U. 
Published: September 2020

Food borne diseases are of great concern globally especially in the developing countries where poor sanitation is applied during collection and processing of milk from animals. The epidemiological investigation, serotypes and distribution of verocytotoxin (VTI and VT2)- producing Escherichia coli in raw milk and milk products were determined using structured questionnaire, Cefixime tellurite-sorbitol MacConkey agar, agglutination kits and VTEC-RPLA Toxin detection Kit. Out of 27 milkers, 7.4 % had primary education, 22.2 % washed the milk utensils with cold water and soap, 11.1 % washed their hands before milking, while 7.4 % milkers washed the udder of the animals before milking. All the yoghurts had the product names; 85.7 % had NAFDAC numbers; 80.0% had Batch Numbers, while 71.4 % had Manufacturer s’ Addresses. The unpasteurized milk samples had E. coli 0157 and non 0157 E. coli counts (CFU.ml-1) ranging from 4.0 x 102 to 1.7 x 103 and 6.0 x 102 to 2.0 x 103 , respectively, while E. coli 0157 and non 0157 E. coli counts of milk products were between 1.0 x 102 and 1.0 x 103 CFU.ml-1. E. coli 0157 had the highest percentage occurrence (38.3%), while E. coli 0145 had the lowest percentage occurrence (2.1%). More than 38.3% of the E. coli serotypes produced VT2, while ≥ 12.8% were VT1 producers. The occurrence of VTEC in the unpasteurized milk shows that the milkers should be enlightened on the necessary sanitary practices to adopt during milking and also post-pasteurization contamination of milk products should be avoided.
Key Words: Verotoxigenic, Escherichia coli, Milk, Yoghurt, Nono, Serotypes.
Body mass index and blood pressure correlate in nursery school children in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Tabansi P.N. , Onyemkpa K.C. 
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Blood pressure (BP) is a vital indicator of health in children and adults. The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and BP is well established in children; and BMI has been shown to maintain an independent relationship with BP even after controlling for many other variables that characterize individuals. High BMI significantly increases the risk of hypertension. Epidemiological studies in various countries have been conducted to determine the relationship between BP and BMI in children; similar comparative studies are lacking in Nigeria, thus necessitating this study.Aim: To determine the relationship between BMI and BP in nursery pupils in Port Harcourt.Methods: Multi-staged sampling technique was used to select 710 nursery pupils from 13 schools. Biodata was obtained using a selfadministered(parent) questionnaire. Height and weight measurement were taken, and BMI calculated. BP was measured using a mercury sphygmomanometer; and relevant data analysis done.Result: There were 710 pupils 365 (51.4%) males and 345(48.6%) females. Mean systolic BP was 93.2 ± 10.6mmHg (70–130 mmHg); while mean diastolic BP was 58.8 ± 8.0mmHg(40 – 88.7 mmHg). Mean BMI was 15.0 ± 1.8 kg/m2(9.1 - 25.5 kg/m2). There is a positive linear relationship betweensystolic and diastolic BP and BMI (correlation coefficient r = 0.03). Obese pupils had significantly higher BP rates (25%) (X2= 15.35, p =0.002). BMI and height were significant predictors of diastolic BP (p<0.001).Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between BMI and BP; and high BMI is an important predictor of high BP in nursery pupils in Nigeria.
Keywords: Blood Pressure, BMI, Nursery pupils, Nigeria
Immunovirological treatment outcomes after 2 years of antiretroviral therapy in children living with the human immune deficiency virus in Lagos Nigeria
Authors: Nwaiwu O. , Akindele A.J. , Akanmu A.S. , Adeyemi O.O. 
Published: September 2020

Background/objective: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends routine assessment of antiretroviral treatment outcomes to detect treatment failure early and prevent the development of drug resistance. The aim of this study was to describe treatment outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART) over 2 years in children living with the human immune deficiency virus enrolled in the paediatric HIV clinic at the Lagos UniversityTeaching Hospital (LUTH).Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study of antiretroviral treatment outcomes in 278 children receiving antiretroviral therapy at the paediatric HIV clinic of LUTH. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively collected from clinical records of pediatric patientswho received antiretroviral therapy for 2 years ( from November 2015 to December 2017) . Virological failure was defined as viral load > 400 copies/ml and immunological failure was defined as a CD4 count <100 cells/mm3 or CD4 % <15% after receiving antiretroviral agents for 12 months. Data was analysed using graph pad prism version 5.0.Results: After 12 months on antiretroviral therapy (ART), 101 (36%) had virological failure while 14 (5%) and 36 (13%) failed immunologically [CD4 count <100 cells/mn3 and CD4 <15% respectively]. Virological blips were observed at 24 months in 6.1% of patients while immunovirological discordance occurred in 30% of patients (poor virological clearance despite good immunological recovery) . High baseline viral load (>5000 copies/ml), poor adherence (<95%) and low baseline CD4 counts (101-249 cells/mn3) were significantly associated with virological failure, while low baseline CD4 counts (<350 cells/mn3) and poor adherence (<95%) were significantly associated with immunologic failure.Conclusion: The treatment outcomes observed in this study are similar to those reported in earlier studies. At 1 and 2 years of antiretroviral therapy , there was immune restoration however 101 (36%) and 87 (31%) respectively had virological failure despite good adherence to therapy and good Immunological restoration. This calls for early initiation and switch to second and third line drugs .
Key words: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), zidovudine, lamivudine, nevirapine, virological blips, immunovirological discordance , children, Nigeria.
Retrospective assessment of neonatal morbidity and mortality in the special care baby unit of a private health facility in Benue State, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Ochoga M.O. , Abah R.O. , Michael A. , Yaguo Ide L.E. , Onalo R. , Idoko A. , Idoko A. , Okolo S.N. , Onyemocho A. 
Published: September 2020

Background: Newborn morbidity and mortality have remained unacceptably high in developing countries despite consistent efforts at controlling the scourge. Unlike in developed countries where neonatal mortality rate ranges between 1 and 5 per 1000 live births, average neonatal mortality rate in Nigeria is 36 per 1000 live births. The majority of the causes of death are largely preventable with timely low cost interventions. This study was structured to determine the pattern of morbidity and mortality amongst babies admitted in the Special Care Baby Unit of Madonna hospital Makurdi, Nigeria.Methods: The records of neonates admitted into the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) over a tenyear period (2005-2015) were retrospectively reviewed. Information obtained included the sex, age at admission, gestational age, birth weight, reasons for admission and outcome of treatment.Results: A total of 1,121 babies were admitted during the period under review. The male female ratio was 1.2:1.The majority of the babies were aged between 2-7 days with a mean 6.17.+ 7.01 The mean weight on admission was 2807+907g. Neonatal sepsis, jaundice, low birth weight and birthasphyxia were the most common morbidities. The overall mortalityrate was 14.1%; however, proportionate mortality due to low birth weight was highest (26.4%), followed by tetanus (23.5%), asphyxia (20.8%), Respiratory tract infection (13.8%), meningitis (13.3%), sepsis (10.3%), jaundice (9.6%), and diarhoea (4.0%)Conclusion: Neonatal mortality rate in the study was high. The major causes of admission are preventable. Strengthening perinatal care, emergency obstetric care services and neonatal resuscitation skills are necessary to reduce the neonatal mortality.
Key words: Neonate, Morbidity, Mortality, Nigeria
Bizans Tarihinde İkonoklazma Dönemi ve İkonoklazmanın Aya Sofya’ya Etkisi
Authors: GEYİK Nazlı Ece 
Published: September 2020

(726-843) seneleri arasında iki farklı şekilde ortaya çıkan İkonoklazma Dönemi, Bizans’ın ve Bizans imparatorlarının “yönetim ile kilise” ilişkisi bağlamında yaşadığı toplumsal, siyasal, ekonomik ve dış güçlerden kaynaklanan sorunları da kendi içerisinde barındırdığı kargaşa dönemidir. Bizans ile Batı kilisesinin birbirinden ayrılmasıyla ikon sanatı ve kültürü, Ortodoks dünyasında önem arz etmeye başlamıştır. Bunun sonucunda yaşanan İkonoklazma Dönemi, Bizans kiliseleri için bir dönüm noktası olmuştur.
Dünya mimarlık tarihinin günümüze kadar ayakta kalmış en önemli anıtları arasında yer alan Ayasofya; mimarisi, ihtişamı, büyüklüğü ve işlevselliği yönünden sanat dünyası açısından önemli bir yer teşkil etmekte, dini ve simgesel olarak bulunduğu şehre değer katmaktadır. Kilise olarak inşa edilen, ardından camiye çevrilen ve sonradan müze olarak düzenlenen yapı; simgesel önemini günümüzde de korumaya devam etmektedir. 726’da tüm ikon ve heykellerin Ayasofya’dan kaldırılması sonrasında, günümüze kadar gelebilen insan sureti tasvirlerini içeren mozaiklerin tümü, İkonoklazma Dönemi sonrasına aittir. Bununla birlikte insan sureti tasviri içermeyen mozaiklerden bazılarının da 6. yüzyılda yapılan ilk mozaikler olduğu anlaşılmaktadır.
Bu çalışmada, İkon ve ikonoklazma kavramlarının tanımıyla beraber İkonoklazma Dönemi’nden bahsedilerek; bu dönemde bazı mozaiklerin değiştirilmesi ve ikonoklazma sürecinin bitmesiyle yapılan kimi mozaiklerin ve mimari yapıların kültürel hafızadaki değişimini, Ayasofya örneği özelinde araştırılması hedeflenmiştir.
Marsilio Ficino's Allegorical Reading of Optical Phenomena
Authors: Žemla Martin 
Published: September 2020

As a Platonist, Marsilio Ficino (1433–1499) was deeply interested in light and its qualities. As a matter of fact, the metaphysics of light is so fundamental for him that it appears, treated more or less systematically, almost in all of his works. As a physician, he was naturally concerned with the human corporeality and with the relation of human body to the physical world, both terrestrial and astral. However, when discussing astronomical and optical phenomena (e.g. refraction of light in water, camera obscura, and concave mirrors), he sees them primarily not as physical realities but as starting points for his allegorical hermeneutics and analogical interpretations. Similarly, when Ficino situates the Sun in the centre of the universe, as its warming heart, ruling king and animating soul, he does so in the context of a metaphysical, rather than cosmological, heliocentrism. Indeed, physical astronomical “facts” seem generally irrelevant to him, being obscured by their spiritual meaning. This becomes especially conspicuous in the perspective that Copernicus arrived at his heliocentric theory most probably with the knowledge of Ficino’s treatise On Sun (De Sole) and even quoting the same sources as Ficino.