bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and Nutritional Properties of Date (Phoenix reclinata) from Dabou (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Hortense Blei Sika , Yolande Digbeu Dogoré , Pierre Valery Niaba Koffi , Meuwiah Betty Faulet , Grah Maxwell Beugre Avit , Lucien Patrice Kouame 
Published: October 2019

The date, Phoenix dactylifera is known for its richness in nutrients. Given the high selling price and its scarcity, some rural populations in Côte d'Ivoire consume the Phoenix reclinata date without knowing the functional properties for their well-being. The highlighting of the nutritional value of these fruits is necessary to promote its valorization and its consumption in the form of bioformulated foods. Thus, the physicochemical and antioxidant properties as well as the mineral richness contained in the pulps and the cores were determined using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists and spectrophotometric methods The analyzes were carried out on ripe fruits dried at 20°C in the laboratory of agrovalorization of the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University Jean Lorougnon Guédé between March and May 2019. The results reveal that the pulps and the cores are weakly acidic with respectively pH values of 6.37 ± 0.13 and 5.74 ± 0.06. The pulps and the cores contain respectively dry matter contents (90.39 ± 0.14 against 92.1 ± 0.02), in fibers (10.40 ± 0.17 against 88.7 ± 0.48), in energy values ​​(335.2 ± 0.44 kcal against 378.7 ± 1.07 kcal), in total polyphenols (2.63 ± 0.19 against 3.69 ± 0.18) and in minerals. The pulp and the cores have, for 100 g of solids, sodium contents (3.22 ± 0.12 mg against 3.69 ± 0.18 mg), potassium (0.71 ± 0.07 mg against 2.52 ± 0.08 mg), in phosphorus (3.00 ± 0.02 mg against 2.52 ± 0.08 mg), in calcium (0.16 ± 0.04 mg against 0.65 ± 0.03 mg), zinc (3.30 ± 0.05 mg vs. 3.08 ± 0.03 mg), iron (3.09 ± 0.01 mg vs. 3.26 ± 0.01 mg) and copper (2.93 ± 0.06 mg vs 3.08 ± 0.03 mg). These nutritious potentialities could be recommended in the formulation of foods for the malnourished.
Assessing the Knowledge, Behavior and Practices of Food Safety and Hygiene among Saudi Women in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Beesh Fatima , Al-Ammar Welayah , M. Goja Arafat 
Published: October 2019

Background: Unsafe food is a serious concern for human health and well-being and has surfaced as a burning issue worldwide.
Aims: The present work was aimed at assessing the awareness, behavior and practices of food safety and hygiene among Women in Eastern region of Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A comprehensive questionnaire was designed for collecting required data. The questionnaire comprised mainly of three questions pertaining to food safety issue like (1) knowledge and attitude of food handling (buying, storage and serving food), (2) behavior and practices, (3) food safety knowledge & awareness. The data were analyzed for descriptive, frequency distribution and percentages using SPSS software.
Results: Findings indicated that 40% of the women purchased their foods and needs on weekly basis with high rate for the chicken (67.7%) and meat (57.9%), while 26.4% “weekly” utilize or cook vegetables and fruits. 96.2%, 97.4% and 98.3% of the women “always” washed their hands after touching raw chicken/meats and fish, while 48.9% utilized separate cutting boards/knives for raw chicken/meat and fish. However, 89.8% of respondent female rinse cutting boards, knives and plates used for chicken/meats and fish before using them for other food. Only 22.6% of the women “always” checked their fridge temperature (4°C), while 28.1% and 23.4% of the female believed that it was “safe” to leave hot or cold foods out of the fridge for more than 4 hours, respectively. 60% of women believed that it was safe practices to thaw food outside the fridge.
Conclusion: Majority of the women in Eastern region (>90%) were well aware of food safety and wash their hands, cutting boards, knives and plates. However, about 25% of the respondent’s female believed that it was “safe” to leave hot/cold foods out of the fridge for more than 4 hours, while 60% believed it was “safe” to defrost frozen foods outside the fridge.
Risk Assessment of Occupational Exposure of Workers Engaged in Radiation Practice without Monitoring Devices
Authors: Bidemi I. Akinlade , Daniel F. Akisanya , Biodun S. Badmus 
Published: October 2019

Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate occupational dose of personnel, engaged in radiation work without wearing monitoring device, at five diagnostic centres in Abeokuta, Ogun State metropolis, namely, Rainbow, New image, Bethel, Akinolugbade and Abiolad.
Materials and Methods: Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) obtained from Radiation Protection Services, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo were used for dose measurements. LASU is accredited by the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) to provide radiation monitoring services. The TLDs were distributed to each of the centre for personnel and area (control and supervised) monitoring. The period of exposure of the TLDs was three months. The exposed TLDs were returned to LASU for processing. The effective dose received by personnel per quarter was extrapolated to annual effective dose to make comparison with the International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) recommended dose limit. The stochastic effect of the measured dose was also estimated.
Results: Annual effective dose received by all personnel ranged from 1.16 - 2.54 mSv. While the highest value was obtained by personnel at Bethel diagnostic centre, the lowest value was obtained at Akinolugbade. The risk of cancer associated with these values, estimated for a million population, was 112 and 61 at Bethel and Akinolugbade respectively.
Conclusion: This study showed that the annual effective doses to personnel at these centres were below the ICRP recommended dose of 20 mSv per annum. However, the Managements of these diagnostic centres should provide monitoring devices for their radiation workers in line with NNRA authorization requirements.
Toxicity Assessment of Produced Water Using Microtox Rapid Bioassay
Authors: Augusta Ajuzieogu Chinyere , Obukowho Odokuma Lucky , Chioma Blaise Chikere, 
Published: October 2019

Aim: The study aimed at employing the Microtox test procedure in the current biological monitoring protocol as a reliable, rapid and ecologically relevant bioassay tool for toxicity assessment in environmental compliance monitoring of produced water discharges.
Study Design: Inhibition of bioluminescence by V. fischeri [median effective concentration (EC50)] was employed as the toxicity index.
Place and Duration of Study: Microbiology Department of Halden Laboratories, Port Harcourt, Nigeria / one month.
Methodology: Percent reduction in bioluminescence by V. fischeri after 15-min exposure to the PW samples was recorded as median effective concentration (EC50) values.
Results: The 15 min EC50 values of the untreated and treated produced water samples for V. fischeri was 1.0% and 23.27% respectively. Microtox test indicated the treated and untreated produced water samples were “very toxic” and “extremely toxic” respectively, after 15 min exposure time.
Conclusion: These findings emphasize the need for adequate treatment of produced water to meet standard discharge limits of regulatory agencies in Nigeria, as both physicochemical analysis and bioassay (Microtox) suggested that the treated PW was toxic to V. fischeri. This study thus supports the use of Microtox (bacterial toxicity) system as a sensitive and rapid bioassay tool for biological monitoring protocol in Nigeria's petroleum industry.
Potency of Trona on Fungi Associated with Tinea Capitis from Children in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS)
Authors: Nata’ala M. K. , Mormoni A. B. , Isah A. A. , Ibrahim U. B. , Zauro S. A. , Halilu M. E. 
Published: October 2019

Aim: The potency of trona against fungi associated with dermatophytes isolated from children in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) local farming community was investigated.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry and Department of Pharmacognosy, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria, between January 2017 and September 2017.
Methodology: The samples were collected from errand children within UDUS, and the organisms were isolated and identified microscopically using standard methods. Elemental analysis of the two types of trona (red and white) was also determined using standard Analytical methods. The sensitivity test was carried out using agar well diffusion method.
Results: In the two types of trona (red and white) Sodium was found to have the highest concentration of 9500 mg/kg and 8300 mg/kg, and the lowest was 0.15 and 0.10 mg/kg. Potassium was reported to have a concentration of 4400 mg/kg and 1800 mg/kg for the white and red trona respectively. Some of the organisms identified were Microsporum Canis, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes etc. Highest mean zone of inhibition of 20.7 and 23.3 mm was recorded for the red and white trona respectively. The least zone of inhibition recorded was 2.7 and 4.7 mm for the red and white trona respectively. Increased activity was recorded when the concentration of the trona was increased.
Conclusion: The results revealed promising potentials of trona in the treatment of fungi associated with dermatophytoses. However, further studies should be done to determine the mechanism of action of trona on these organisms.
Isolation, Characterisation and Antibiogram Profile of Staphylococcus aureus in the Urine of Tertiary Care Hospital Patients of District Quetta, Pakistan
Authors: Achakzai Ramla , Shafee Muhammad , Achakzai Kamran Baseer , Khan Masroor Ali 
Published: October 2019

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infectious diseases in community practice and a significant public health problem regarding morbidity and financial cost worldwide.
Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) among UTI patients of District Quetta Pakistan and to observe the antibiogram profile of the bacterial isolates.
Materials and Methods: One hundred urine samples were collected from both male and female UTI patients. These mid-stream urine samples were taken early in the morning in sterile, wide mouth containers from the pathological section of a tertiary care hospital (Bolan Medical College Hospital BMCH), District Quetta. Samples were further processed at the Microbiology laboratory of Centre for Advance Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology (CASVAB), University of Balochistan from August to December 2011.
Results: Only five samples were found positive for S. aureus on methyl red, Voges-Proskauer, catalase and coagulase, while negative on indole, citrate and motility. Positive samples showed cream and yellow coloured colonies on Staphylococcus medium 110 and mannitol salt agar, respectively. Infection was more common in female (60%) as compared to males (40%); while the overall infection rate was highest in the age group of 26-45 years (80%). During antibiotic sensitivity test, gentamycin showed 100% susceptibility against S. aureus.
Conclusion: It was concluded that only 5% of patients of UTI were caused by S. aureus that can be eliminated by treating the patients with antibiotic gentamycin. In the local scenario, routine urine culture tests and surveillance program is encouraged to be implemented.
Cryptococcus neoformans – New Science for Discovering Melanin Modifiers
Authors: Soundharya R. , Aruna V. , Amruthavalli G. V. , Gayathri R. 
Published: October 2019

Aim: The present study was taken up to establish the effect of niacinamide on phenoloxidase lead melanogenesis and to prove the reliability of C. neoformans based screening methodology.
Methods: The organism was grown in the Minimal media in presence and absence of L- DOPA and Niacinamide and checked for its pigment producing ability at different time intervals.
Results: Niacinamide did not affect the pigmentation in Cryptococcus neoformans in the absence or presence of L-Dopa.
Conclusion: Cryptococcus neoformans as a biological tool for studying the mechanism of action of various melanin promoters/ inhibitors. The present study highlights the importance and usefulness of Cryptococcus neoformans based screening invention as it is cost effective rapid and ‘living cell model’.
Microbiological and Physiochemical Quality of Freshwater in Isiokpo Community, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Chioma Ewulonu, Chigozie , Omokaro Obire, , Patience Akani, Nedie 
Published: October 2019

Aim: To determine microbiological quality of fresh water in Isiokpo community.
Study Design: This study employs standard scientific methods, statistical analysis and interpretation.
Place and duration of the Study: Fresh water samples were collected from Isiokpo community in Ikwerre L.G.A. of Rivers State, Nigeria. Sampling was done every two weeks from three stations of Isiokpo river for duration of six months (February–July, 2018). Samples were transported in ice packed coolers to the Microbiology Laboratory of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, and immediately processed for analysis.
Methodology: Ten- fold serial dilution technique was adopted after which 0.1 ml of appropriately diluted stock was inoculated onto sterile Microbiological media. Spread plate technique was employed for the isolation, enumeration and identification of microorganisms. The APHA standards were adopted in the determination of physico-chemical parameters which include turbidity, colour, odour, pH, conductivity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, nitrate, sulphate, calcium and BOD5. The Duncan multiple range test was employed for analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the data obtained.
Results: The mean counts for Total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 4.77±0.20 log10 CFU/ml to 4.92±0.11 log10 CFU/ml. Total coliform bacteria ranged from 4.28±0.25 to 4.60±0.25log10 CFU/ml. Total Vibrio counts ranged from 1.77±1.97 log10 CFU/ml to 4.25±0.09 log10 CFU/ml. Total Pseudomonas counts ranged from 2.48±1.93 log10 CFU/ml to 4.0217±0.34 log10 CFU/ml. Total heterotrophic fungal counts ranged from 2.31±1.81 log10 CFU/ml to 4.21± 0.22 log10 CFU/ml in all the stations. The microorganisms isolated belong to the genera of Bacillus, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Shigella, Vibrio, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor and Rhizopus. The pH values ranged from 5.60 to 6.80, Conductivity 35 to 40 µs/cm, Total suspended solids (TSS) 48 mg/L to 54.00 mg/L, Total Dissolved Solids 5.20 to 6.50 mg/L, Nitrate 1.00 to 1.45 mg/L, Sulphate 1.00 to 1.30 mg/L, Calcium 6.00 to 9.20 mg/L and BOD 5.30 to 6.20 mg/L in all the stations.
Conclusion: The presence of E. coli which is an indicator of fecal contamination is enough to suspect that the water body is contaminated with fecal matter and pathogenic bacteria. The water should therefore not be put to human use without proper treatment because the water is of low quality and constitute a danger to public health.
Evaluation of Probiotic Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Raphia Palm Wine (Raffia mambillensis)
Authors: Tongwa Quentin Metsatedem , Manet Linda , Mouafo Hippolyte Tene , Fossi Bertrand Tatsinkou 
Published: October 2019

Aim: The present study was undertaken to assess the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from raphia palm wine (Raffia mambillensis O.) of the South West region of Cameroon.
Study Design: The study site and sample were randomly chosen and the responses assessed were submitted to analyses of variance.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Ekona in the South West region of Cameroon, between February 2017 and October 2018.
Methodology: Physicochemical analyses were performed to characterize the Raphia palm wine samples. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from these samples using pour plate method, and the isolates were tested for their antimicrobial activity, low pH and bile salts tolerance, antibiotic sensitivity, hemolytic activity and enzymes production. The active isolates were identified phenotypically using API 50 CHL.
Results: The results revealed that among the nine isolates, only three were active against Escherichia coli BL21, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella enterica and Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition diameters ranging from 10 to 25 mm. The three isolates which exhibited antimicrobial activity were able to survive at simulated stomach pH (pH 3.0) with survival rate above 80% and in the presence of bile salts at 1% with survival rates above 50%. All three isolates gave negative results for hemolytic activity and were resistant to most antibiotic treatments. These three isolates produced β-galactosidase, which is beneficial for lactose intolerance. They also produced some non-carcinogenic enzymes including leucine arylamidase, crystine arylamidase, acid phosphatase, α-galactosidase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, and N-acetyl-β-glucosamidase. Identification of these three isolates with API kit 50 CHL reveals that they are Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis.
Conclusion: Our findings revealed that raphia palm wine can be an excellent source of probiotic lactic acid bacteria.
Antimicrobial Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Kunun-Zaki on Selected Clinical Pathogens
Authors: Evurani S. Amuche , Godwin A. , Charity N. Ugwu , Chinelo C. Eze , Okafor G. 
Published: October 2019

Aims: To investigate the anti-microbial activity of lactic acid bacterial isolates from locally fermented Kunun-zaki beverage.
Study Design: The study was designed to study the anti-microbial effect of lactic acid bacterial isolates obtained from Kunun-zaki beverage.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Applied Microbiology Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, June 2009 and January 2010.
Methodology: Fresh Kunun drink was prepared from millet following standard modified procedures. Isolation of lactic acid bacteria from the beverage sample was carried out using MRS agar medium. Morphological and biochemical characterizations were performed to identify the organisms. Finally, the bacterial isolates were tested for antibacterial activity against clinical pathogens – Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus faecalis, Micrococcus luteus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus obtained from Microbiology Department Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Nigeria.
Results: Morphological and biochemical characteristics revealed the presence of Gram’s positive bacteria which were identified as Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus brevis. The antimicrobial activity of the isolates (L. casei and L. brevis) against various pathogenic strains recorded 90±0.002% inhibition. Only Micrococcus luteus was absolutely resistant to antimicrobial treatments with Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus brevis.
Conclusion: The study concluded that Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus casei from kunun-zaki drink possess strong antimicrobial activity against a wide range of clinical pathogens. Since lactic acid bacteria are known to possess many health benefits, some of the therapeutic effects reported from the consumption of the beverage may be attributed to these organisms.
Screening for Salmonella typhi Serum Antibodies and Stool Antigen among Undergraduate Students of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Enitan Seyi Samson , Ihongbe John Cletus , Ochei John Okeleke , Ileoma Emmanuel , Adejumo Esther Ngozi , Ogunsola Oluwadamilola Rosemary 
Published: October 2019

Background: Salmonella typhi infection is endemic in Nigeria with varied morbidity and mortality rates.
Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rate of Salmonella typhi infection among the undergraduate Students of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State using rapid diagnostic method.
Study Design: This is a descriptive-epidemiological survey.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, between April and June, 2018.
Materials and Methods: Blood and stool specimens were randomly collected from 200 consenting undergraduate Students and screened using Solid Rapid Diagnostic Typhoid (United Kingdom) and Accu-Chek S. typhi antigen (India) Test Kits, respectively according to the manufacturer instruction.
Results: Out of the 200 participants screened, 7(3.5%) were positive for S. typhi serum immunoglobulin M antibody (IgM Ab), 68 (34.0%) were positive for S. typhi serum immunoglobulin G antibody (IgG Ab), while 18 (9.0%) were positive for S. typhi stool antigen (SAg). Percentage sero-positivity for S. typhi serum IgG antibody was significantly (P < 0.05) higher among participants who were male (29.0%), 16-20 years (17.0%) and Occupants of Hall 15 (8.0%). Risk factors associated with the occurrence of Salmonella typhi infection in this study include: lack of Typhoid fever vaccination, past history of typhoid fever, drinking of unsafe water and raw cow milk, consumption of beef, poultry and street vended food, as well as poor toilet hygiene.
Conclusion: The outcome of this study show that Salmonella typi infection exist among undergraduate Students of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State; therefore, prompt treatment of all identified cases, in addition to a sustainable implementation of preventive measures is needed to halt the cycle of transmission.