bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Antimicrobial Resistance of Enterobacteria Responsible for Urinary Tract Infections in Benin: Another Way to Control Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Dougnon Victorien , Assogba Phénix , Gnimatin Jean-Pierre , Agbankpé Jerrold , Koudokpon Hornel , Déguénon Esther , Fabiyi Kafayath , Control Consortium The Global Taskforce for AMR , Fagla Sèdami Romarique Médégan , Loko Yêyinou Laura Estelle , Koukoui Omédine , Djogbenou Luc , Dougnon Jacques , Bankolé Honoré , Moussa Lamine Baba- 
Published: February 2020

Background: Infectious diseases are serious public health issue both in developing countries and industrialized nations. In developing countries, they are the main cause of high mortality rates. In the second group, existing resistance strains to antibiotics is developing and growing at an alarming rate. The purpose of this study was to produce data of national interest to implement sustainable control program against the spread of antimicrobial resistance strains in Benin.
Methods: One hundred and ninety (190) urine samples were collected in selected hospitals in Benin from patients with urinary tract infection. After getting the informed consent from the patients, samples collections were performed under aseptic conditions and cultured for further analysis in the laboratory. The resistance profile of the bacterial strains was established. The search for beta-lactamase production by the isolates was performed using the synergy test for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cephalosporins. Mathematical modeling for predicting the development of resistance of the strains by the year 2024 was carried out employing the compartmental deterministic models.
Results: Two hundred and thirty (230) strains were identified from the urine samples. Male individuals were the most affected by urinary tract infections. Individuals between the ages of 21-30 were predominantly infected. E. coli was the most isolated species (32.43%) in the urine samples, followed by K. pneumoniae (26.85%) and E. cloacae (25.92%). The susceptibility testing of isolates showed a high resistance to amoxicillin (91.82%). Whereas the lowest resistance was to imipenem (2%). The beta-lactamase was produced by 24.03% of the strains. Escherichia coli (32.43%) was the most productive of broad spectrum beta-lactamase, followed by K. pneumoniae (31.03%). The mathematical modeling revealed a rampant rise in resistance development of the strains to the tested antibiotics.
Conclusions: These results provide important data for developing new preventive strategies against the evolution of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. It therefore, further deserves a constructive advocacy so that more actions are taken against the rampant spread of antimicrobial resistance strains in our health facilities as well as in the communities.
Assessment of Agricultural Technology Adoption Behaviour among Crop Farmers in Ikwerre Local Government Rivers State
Authors: Nnodim A. U. , Raji W. I. 
Published: February 2020

The study assessed agricultural technology adoption behavior among small scale crop farmers in Ikwerre local Government, Rivers state. The aim of the study was to assess small scale farmers’ adoption behavior on new farm input, farm techniques and farm machineries/tools. One hypothesis was tested to determine the influence of crop farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics on agricultural technology adoption behavior. The study adopted a correlation survey design. The population of the study was all registered crop farmers in Ikwerre local Government Rivers State. Eighty (80) small scale crop farmers were selected using cluster random sampling technique. The instrument used for the study was a self-structured questionnaire which was face and content validated by research experts. The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach Alpha which gave to 0.88 reliability coefficient. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data gathered from the respondents and the hypothesis was tested using multiple regression analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The study found that uncertainty, fear of taking risk to test the new inputs and waiting to see the consequences of the new technology on early adopters among others are the agricultural technology adoption behaviour among crop farmers in Ikwerre local Government Rivers State. The study also concluded that socio-economic characteristics of farmers significantly influence agricultural technology (Farm input, techniques, and machineries/tools) adoption behavior among crop farmers. It was recommended that Agricultural extension agents should publicize the positive result of the new farm technology among rural farmers so as to increase the adoption rate of agricultural technology.
Profiling Secondary Metabolites of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Endophytic Fungi Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae PAK-7 and Lasiodiplodia theobromae TN-R-3 and Their Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Chaithra M. , Vanitha S. , Ramanathan A. , Jegadeeshwari V. , Rajesh V. , Hegde V. , Apshara E. 
Published: February 2020

Aims: To determine the chemical composition of secondary metabolite of cocoa endophytic fungi L. pseudotheobromae PAK-7, L. theobromae TN-R-3 and their anti-oomycete activities.
Statistical Design: Multivariate analysis.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu from April 2018 to December 2019.
Methodology: Lipophilic extracellular secondary metabolites were extracted using ethyl acetate as a solvent and their chemical composition was detected by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and identified by NIST library and Pub Chem databases.
Results: Metabolic profiling of cocoa endophytic fungi L. pseudotheobromae PAK-7 and L. theobromae TN-R-3 showed the presence of eleven peaks representing nine compounds. The most abundant compound observed were Acetic acid, 3-methyl-6-oxo-9oxabicyclo[3.3.1]non-2-yl ester, 2H-Pyran-2-one, tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-6-pentyl-, Melezitose, Ethyl à-d-glucopyranoside collectively representing 58.01% area. In comparison to L. pseudotheobromae PAK-7 GC-MS analysis of L. theobromae TN-R-3 exhibited the presence of 29 peaks. The most abundant compounds were dl-Mevalonic acid lactone, Methyl 6-O-[1-methylpropyl]-á-d-galactopyranoside, 2H-Pyran-2-one, tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-6-pentyl-, Melezitose, Ethyl à-d-glucopyranoside, 1,6-Anhydro-á-d-talopyranose collectively representing 60.47% of the total area.
Conclusion: Chemical compositions and anti-oomycete activities of crude secondary metabolites of L. pseudotheobromae PAK-7, L. theobromae TN-R-3 differed entirely depending on the property and abundance of bioactive metabolites.
Evidence of Chikungunya but not Dengue Virus Circulating among Febrile Patients during Low Transmission Period in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
Authors: Mboya Lightness B. , Nkya Elingarami S. , Matemba Lucas E. , Kinimi Edson 
Published: February 2020

Background: There is currently sufficient evidence available indicating that dengue and chikungunya viruses could be among the causes of fever in Tanzania. Overlapping clinical manifestations of chikungunya and dengue with other vector-borne parasitic diseases pose a challenge for medical diagnosis in Tanzania. A virus surveillance study was conducted in Morogoro Municipality which had no reports of outbreaks during high risk of transmission with dengue epidemics in the neighbouring Dar es Salaam.
Methodology: The present study was carried out to screen for dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) in sera from patients with fever and malaria-like symptoms on selected health centres in Morogoro municipality (n = 5) during March-May 2018. Three hundred and twelve febrile individuals presenting to the outpatient department were screened for the presence of chikungunya and dengue viruses using Multiplex real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.
Results: Acute CHIKV infection was confirmed in four (1.28%) cases whereas no acute DENV infection was detected. Acute chikungunya cases were exclusively prevailing amongst female patients aged between 20 and 49 years.
Conclusion: Our findings indicate an active circulation of chikungunya virus among febrile patients seeking medical attention in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. The improvement of CHIKV case detection and reporting is critical to its control and prevention. Surveillance programmes in monitoring arboviral activities in human populations as well as in mosquitos should be performed to avoid maintenance of CHIKV in mosquitoes that may lead to future outbreaks.
Comparative Analysis of Ocular Morbidity in Riverine and Upland Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Awoyesuku Elizabeth A. , Fiebai Bassey 
Published: February 2020

Aims/Objective: A community- based cross-section all comparative study was carried out to compare the pattern of ocular morbidity between residents in upland and riverine communities in Rivers State.
Methods: The sample size was calculated using the formula for comparative studies, based on alpha of 0.05, beta of 0.20, the proportion of eye disorder of 40.4% from a community-based study in Rivers State.
A minimum sample size of 84 per group was attained.
Data on age, sex, visual acuity, cup-disc ratio, intra-ocular diagnosis were obtained using an interviewer-based pro forma. Collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel and exported to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epi Info version 7 software for statistical analysis. The Pearson's Chi square/Fisher's exact tests were used as appropriate to determine significant differences in demographic and eye examination findings between the two groups (riverine versus upland) while Chi-square homogeneity was performed to determine significant differences in the individual ocular diagnosis across the groups. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.
Results: A total of eighty-six (86) participants per group were involved in the study, making a total of one hundred and seventy-two participants. The mean age was 37.9 (±18.1) and age range of 1-90 years. Males comprised 30.2% of the sample population while females were 69.8%. The commonest causes of ocular morbidity in both communities were Refractive error. Allergic conjunctivitis and cataract were more common in the Riverine community compared to the upland one.
Conclusion: Our study shows that the pattern of ocular morbidity may differ based on land surfaces. Ocular morbidity appears to be more prevalent in Riverine areas than upland.
Government interventions and eye care service providers should take cognizance of this while planning intervention programs at the State and National levels.
Removal of Cadmium (II) Ions from Synthetic Wastewaters by Alginate – Immobilized Penicillium sp Biomass
Authors: Jalija Daniel O. , Uzairu Adamu 
Published: February 2020

The objective of this investigation was to study the biosorption of Cd (II) from aqueous solution onto Penicillium sp immobilized in calcium alginate and to determine the isotherms and kinetics of the adsorption process. The capacity for Cd (II) biosorption was investigated as a function of pH, adsorbent dose, contact time and initial metal ion concentration. The results showed that the removal efficiency increased with increase in adsorbent dosage and solution pH. For adsorbent dosage, the highest removal efficiency was 93.45% (adsorbent dosage of 200 mg). In terms of pH, the highest removal percentage was 89.75% at pH of 9.0 and Cd (II) ion concentration of 2 mg/L. The experimental data fitted the Freundlich isotherm better than the Langmuir isotherm. Their R2 values were 0.9852 and 0.8053 respectively. The calculated maximum biosorption capacity Qo was 7.12 mg g-1. The values of R2 for the pseudo – first and pseudo – second order kinetics are 0.9007 and 0.9960 respectively. The experimental value of qe, the biosorption capacity at equilibrium, for the pseudo second order model was closer to the theoretical value than that of the pseudo – first order indicating that chemisorption is the probable mechanism of the process. These results show that the investigated biosorbent is a good low cost adsorbent for the removal of Cd (II) from wastewaters.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antileishmanial Activity of Clerodendrum myricoides and Salvadora persica Plant Extracts against Leishmania major
Authors: Maina Esther N. M. , Njau Virginia N. , Gavamukulya Yahaya 
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Clerodendrum myricoides and Salvadora persica have been reported in management of leishmaniasis which is one of the neglected tropical diseases. The study aimed at undertaking phytochemical analysis as well as investigating the in vitro antileishmanial activity of Clerodendrum myricoides and Salvadora persica extracts on promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania major.
Materials and Methods: Solvent extraction of the stem parts of the two plants was performed using water, methanol, petroleum ether, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), anti-amastigote and nitric oxide production assays were carried out to demonstrate antileishmanial activity of these plant extracts against the two forms of Leishmania major parasite species: promastigote and amastigote. Cytotoxicity assay was then conducted to assess their safe use as herbal medicinal products.
Results: Both plants showed presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, anthraquinones and saponins. The Clerodendrum myricoides water extract demonstrated the best potential antileishmanial activity against Leishmania major promastigotes (MIC=625 μg/ml). The dichloromethane and petroleum ether extract were nontoxic to vero cells but showed moderate to weak activity against Leishmania major promastigotes (MIC=1250 μg/ml; 2500 μg/ml) and amastigotes respectively. The Salvadora persica ethyl acetate, successive methanol and dichloromethane extracts recorded the most potential activity towards both Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes.
Conclusions: All Salvadora persica and Clerodendrum myricoides extracts have potential antileishmanial activity and may offer a cheaper alternative to the more expensive pentavalent antimonials.
Assessment of the Antioxidant Potential of Hypoestes rosea Leaf in Lead-acetate-induced Albino Rats
Authors: Uwikor F. K. , Nwachuku E. O. , Igwe F. , Bartimaeus E. S. 
Published: February 2020

Hypoestes rosea has been used as a traditional medicine in the Niger delta for dysfunction of the endocrine system. However, there has been no known study on the effects of hypoestes rosea on oxidative stress. In this study we evaluated the effect of aqueous extract of Hypoestes rosea (AEHR) leaf on oxidative stress markers of lead acetate induced male and female albino rats at acute and sub-chronic stages in pre-treatment and post-treatment phases. Animals were divided into 17 groups of five each for both sexes in the treatment groups, while the positive control group had 10 animals in each sex. 8 groups were for the acute phase of the study for 21 days in each sex, while 8 were for 35 days for the sub chronic stage of the study. Negative Control (NC) group received rat feed only, Experimental (EC) group received 100 mg/kg bwt/day for 21 days at acute and 35 days for sub chronic. Positive Control (PC) group received 60mg/kg b.wt per day of lead acetate for 35 days. The other 3 groups received 100 mgkg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg b. wt respectively for 14 and 28 days either as pre treatment or post treatment, for both sexes of the albino rats. Samples were taken at the end of the study period through the jugular vein under chloroform anaesthesia. Results showed lead acetate induced oxidative stress in the rats, evidenced by the significantly decreased (p < 0.05) Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) between the NC and PC groups. The plant in a dose dependent pattern was able to significantly (p < 0.05), reverse the effect of lead acetate in the Post and pre treatment phases. Our study also shows that dose dependent AEHR extract significantly reduced the impact of lead in oxidative stress markers. In conclusion, consumption of AEHR by albino rats could help protect against lead acetate induced oxidative stress.
An Audit of IO6 YAG Laser Capsulotomies Done between January 2017 - December 2017 in St. Joseph Eye Hospital, Mgbirichi, Owerri, Imo State and Viandra Eye Clinic, Port Harcourt, Rivers State of Nigeria
Authors: Victor K. Odogu , Elijah Chinawa Ndubuisi , Christiana Ubaka 
Published: February 2020

Aim: To audit the YAG Laser Capsulotomy procedures done over a 12 month period from January to December 2017.
Objective: To review YAG LASER capsulotomies done over a 12 months period from January 2017 – December 2017.
Methods: The audit was retrospective in nature, involving collation of parameters such as age, sex, presenting visual acuity, post laser visual acuity, complications and post operative management from the patient records. The lasers were performed with SYL 9000 Ophthalmic yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) Laser systems [Lightmed Corporation, Taiwan]. This is a class 3b Laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm and Q-switched operational mode and a spot size of 8 um.
Results: The audit involved 106 subjects. The mean age was 56.76 years. Fifty nine (55.7%) subjects were females while 44.3% were males. Eleven (10.4%) subjects had bilateral neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet ND YAG laser treatment while 89.6% had unilateral treatment. Seventy five (72.8%) of the subjects had visual improvement following treatment. Seventy four (69.8%) had less than 3 mJ quantum of energy and only 5.7% required repeat treatment. Fifty (47.2%) had between one to three days post op treatment with anti-inflammatory and/or pressure reducing drugs.
Conclusion: Use of low energy in ND YAG laser treatment of Posterior Capsule Opacification offers good visual outcome, precludes the complication associated with higher energy treatment and does not necessarily lead to repeat treatment.
Transcriptome profiling of Ewing sarcomas – treatment resistance pathways and IGF‐dependency
Authors: Chen Yi , Hesla Asle C. , Lin Yingbo , Ghaderi Mehran , Liu Mingzhi , Yang Chen , Zhang Yifan , Tsagkozis Panagiotis , Larsson Olle , Haglund Felix 
Published: March 2020

Ewing sarcomas (ESs) are aggressive sarcomas driven by EWS fusion genes. We sought to investigate whether whole‐transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐seq) could be used to detect patterns associated with chemotherapy response or tumor progression after first‐line treatment. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐seq) of 13 ES cases was performed. Among the differentially expressed pathways, we identified IGF2 expression as a potential driver of chemotherapy response and progression. We investigated the effect of IGF2 on proliferation, radioresistance, apoptosis, and the transcriptome pattern in four ES cell lines and the effect of IGF2 expression in a validation series of 14 patients. Transcriptome analysis identified differentially expressed genes (adj. P < 0.005) and pathways associated with chemotherapy response (285 genes), short overall survival (662 genes), and progression after treatment (447 genes). Imprinting independent promoter P3‐mediated IGF2 expression was identified in a subset of cases with aggressive clinical course. In ES cell lines, IGF2 induced proliferation, but promoted radioresistance only in CADO cells. High IGF2 expression was also significantly associated with shorter overall survival in patients with ES. Transcriptome analysis of the clinical samples and the cell lines revealed an IGF‐dependent signature, potentially related to a stem cell‐like phenotype. Transcriptome analysis is a potentially powerful complementary tool to predict the clinical behavior of ES and may be utilized for clinical trial stratification strategies and personalized oncology. Certain gene signatures, for example, IGF‐related pathways, are coupled to biological functions that could be of clinical importance. Finally, our results indicate that IGF inhibition may be successful as a first‐line therapy in conjunction with conventional radiochemotherapy for a subset of patients.
The Evolution of a Specialised Practice: Consulting and Contracting in the Integrated Envelope Delivery Industry
Authors: Simmons Marc 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn the last two decades the traditional relationship between architects and contractors has changed. Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, Front, who specialise in building envelopes, have consistently blurred these supposed boundaries to achieve the high‐performance facades on some of the most iconic architecture of these years. Front co‐founder Marc Simmons explains these fluxing relationships and their holistic design benefits.
New Models of Building: The Business of Technology
Authors: Fano David , Davis Daniel 
Published: March 2020

AbstractArchitects’ interest in new technology is often focused on its ability to create new shapes for their buildings. But technology offers opportunities of differing funding models that both use architects’ skills and create new ways for them to be paid. David Fano and Daniel Davis illustrate these opportunities using their experiences with the New York–based consultancy CASE and the international workspace enterprise WeWork.
Synthetic mRNA‐Based Systems in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Ohno Hirohisa , Akamine Sae , Saito Hirohide 
Published: March 2020

AbstractLiving organisms are programmed to perform multiple functions by sensing intra‐ and extra‐cellular environments and by controlling gene expressions. Synthetic biologists aim to program cells by mimicking, designing, and constructing genetic circuits. Synthetic mRNA‐based genetic switches and circuits have attracted attention for future therapeutic applications because of their safety and functional diversity. Here, the mRNA‐based switches and circuits that detect specific microRNAs or proteins expressed in a target cell to control transgene expression and cell fate are reviewed. Future perspectives of artificial RNA systems for cell engineering will also be addressed.
Accelerating CO2 Electroreduction to CO Over Pd Single‐Atom Catalyst
Authors: He Qun , Lee Ji Hoon , Liu Daobin , Liu Yumeng , Lin Zhexi , Xie Zhenhua , Hwang Sooyeon , Kattel Shyam , Song Li , Chen Jingguang G. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into value‐added chemicals is regarded as one of the promising routes to mitigate CO2 emission. A nitrogen‐doped carbon‐supported palladium (Pd) single‐atom catalyst that can catalyze CO2 into CO with far higher mass activity than its Pd nanoparticle counterpart, for example, 373.0 and 28.5 mA mg−1Pd, respectively, at −0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, is reported. A combination of in situ X‐ray characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculation reveals that the PdN4 site is the most likely active center for CO production without the formation of palladium hydride (PdH), which is essential for typical Pd nanoparticle catalysts. Furthermore, the well‐dispersed PdN4 single‐atom site facilitates the stabilization of the adsorbed CO2 intermediate, thereby enhancing electrocatalytic CO2 reduction capability at low overpotentials. This work provides important insights into the structure‐activity relationship for single‐atom based electrocatalysts.