bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute leukemia in sickle cell disease patients in a tertiary health facility in Nigeria: a case series
Authors: W Aworanti Oladapo , A Fasola Foluke , R Kotila Taiwo , A Olaniyi John , J Brown Biobele 
Published: October 2020

Background and objectives: Sickle cell disease(SCD) is a disorder of red cells resulting from the co-inheritance of hae- moglobin S (HbS) with another abnormal haemoglobin. The diagnosis of acute leukaemia is uncommon in our patients with sickle cell disease more so the patients have high morbidity and mortality due to the sickling process.Acute leukemia is a malignant clonal disorder of haemopoietic precursor cells resulting in accumulation of immature blood cells in the bone marrow and blood.The objective of the case series was to highlight the challenges of diagnosis and management of SCD patients with acute leukaemia, the importance of peripheral blood film review and propound a possible risk factor.
Methods: Records of 58 patients diagnosed and managed for acute leukaemia over a 7 year period at the University College Hospital, Ibadan were reviewed. The diagnosis of acute leukaemia was based on clinical features in addition to peripheral and bone marrow smears findings. Microsoft excel version 2013 was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Five (8.6%) of the patients with acute leukaemia also had sickle cell disease: 3 males and 2 females were described. Recurrent fever and anaemia were the most consistent presenting features in the patients. All the patients were not on any routine medications meant for SCD patients and had poor history of clinic attendance prior to the diagnosis of acute leu- kaemia. The diagnosis of acute leukaemia was not made until the patients were seen by a haematologist. The principal tool of diagnosis in all the patients was peripheral blood film review. Two patients were discharged against medical advice.The treatment period ranged between one month and one year in the remaining three patients.
Conclusion: SCD patients are not exempted from developing acute leukaemias and the diagnoses of the two conditions overwhelms the social and economic support of patients and care givers.The study also underscores the relevance of high level of suspicion and prompt review of peripheral blood film of SCD patients particularly when patients present with un- remitting symptoms associated with anaemia and fever.
Keywords: Acute leukaemia; sickle cell disease; anaemia.
Telepathological evaluation of paediatric histological specimens in support of a hospital in Tanzania
Authors: Voelker Hans-Ullrich , Poetzl Laura , Strehl Annette , Mueller-Hermelink Hans-Konrad , Stuefe Ansgar , Stauch Gerhard 
Published: October 2020

Background/Objective: In a project of telepathology (TP) between German pathologists and a hospital in Tanzania, trained technical assistants have uploaded digital histological images onto the internet-based platform ipath. The diagnoses from 486 paediatric specimens were analysed.
Methods: The investigation included diagnoses, either primarily done via TP or secondarily after a further workup of the paraffin-embedded tissue, which was sent to Germany for cases which could not be solved via TP. In the latter, the initial TP-diagnoses were compared with the results after re-evaluation.
Results: The median age was 11 years. The cohort comprised 390 benign diseases (80.2%) and 96 malignant diseases (19.8%). For benign diseases, the most frequent anatomic sites were lymph nodes, skin, and soft tissue, breast, and head&- neck. Frequent diagnoses were non-specific inflammations and benign tumors. In malignant diseases, the most sites were lymph nodes, skin, soft tissue, head&neck, and ovary and the most frequent diseases sarcomas and lymphomas. The paraffin embedded tissue of 179 cases (36.3%) was shipped to Germany. With the concordance analysis, we could discover the man- datory necessity for the possibility of second opinion in difficult cases.
Conclusion: An exclusively TP-support cannot meet all requirements of modern medical diagnostics. The education of local pathologists is imperative.
Keywords: Telepathology; low income country; ipath; paediatric.
A quality improvement project to improve diabetes self-management and patient satisfaction in a low-resourced central Kenyan hospital
Authors: Muhoma Tsitsi , W Waruiru Margaret , Sanni Olayemi , D Knecht Linda , McFarland Marilyn 
Published: October 2020

Background: There is limited evidence about effective strategies for promoting culturally congruent diabetes education in low-resourced primary-care settings.
Objectives: This project, conducted in Central Kenya, examined the effect of an intervention on provider practices and patients’ knowledge of diabetes self-care management.
Methods: The intervention consisted of short (30-minute) sessions that offered providers evidenced-based, culturally con- gruent diabetes education and teaching materials to use with patients. A checklist was used to assess providers’ diabetes care practices at baseline and post intervention. Data from semi-structured patient interviews assessed patients’ diabetes knowledge at baseline and post intervention. Providers and patients also completed post-intervention satisfaction surveys.
Results: Six providers and 74 patients participated in the project. Statistical analysis was completed using SPSS. Significant increases were noted in patients’ post-intervention overall diabetes knowledge score (p=.05) and the foot care knowledge subscale (p=.02). No significant differences were noted between patients’ baseline and post-intervention scores in the gen- eral diabetes (p=.86) or nutrition knowledge (p=.32) subscales.
Conclusion: These findings suggest supporting providers with culturally congruent tools and resources about diabetes care guidelines can improve knowledge of self-care practices in patients with diabetes.
Keywords: Type II diabetes mellitus; foot care; diabetes self-care; diabetes education; culturally congruent; Swahili; Kikuyu; central Kenya.
Weight reduction ameliorates inflammatory cytokines, adipocytokines and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers among Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: M Abd El-Kader Shehab , H Al-Jiffri Osama , A Neamatallah Ziyad , M AlKhateeb Afnan , S AlFawaz Saad 
Published: October 2020

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) considered as one of the cardiovascular disorders (CVD) principle risk fac- tor as diabetes is associated with abnormal levels of endothelial function, inflammatory and adipocytokines.
Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the impact of weight reducing on inflammatory cytokines, adipocytokines and endothelial function biomarkers among obese T2DM patients.
Methods: One–hundred T2DM patients enrolled in the present study; the age range was 35-55 year. Participants shared in this study were enrolled in group (A) received diet control and aerobic exercise on treadmill, while, group (B) had no inter- vention for 3 months.
Results: The mean values of body mass index (BMI), tumor necrosis factor –alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leptin, inter-cellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) ,vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), E-selectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity (PAI-1 activity) were significantly decreased and adiponectin was increased significantly in the training group, however the results of the control group were not significant. Also, there were significant differences between both groups at the end of the study.
Conclusion: Weight reducing program modulates inflammatory cytokines, adipocytokines and endothelial function bio- markers among obese T2DM patients.
Keywords: Diabetes; endothelial dysfunction biomarkers; cytokines; adipocytokines; weight reduction.
Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacteriuria among HIV-seropositive patients attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon
Authors: Samje Moses , Yongwa Onesimus , Mbi Enekegbe Alice , Njoya Simon 
Published: October 2020

Background: HIV causes a decrease in CD4+ lymphocyte cells count, exposing the individual to infections (urinary tract infections). This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of bacteriuria and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolates among HIV patients.
Methods: Clean catch mid-stream urine samples were collected from 135 HIV- seropositive patients, cultured on Cystein lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) agar and incubated at 370C for 24 hours. The modified Kirby-Bauer’s disc diffusion method was used to assess susceptibility to antimicrobial agents.
Results: The prevalence of bacteriuria was 67.4% (91/135). Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominant (42.9%) isolate, followed by Escherichia. coli (24.2%), then Coagulase negative Staphylococci (10.9%). The highest proportion of bacteria was isolated from patients having a CD4+ T-cell count of less than 300 cells/mm3 (39.6%). There was an association between the level of CD4+cell count and bacterial urinary tract infection (P= 0.001). Most sensitive drugs were gentamycin, vanco- mycin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid while the drug with the greatest resistance was sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim, with Enterococcus and Proteus showing 100% resistance to this drug.
Conclusion: Bacteriuria and resistance to commonly used antibiotics is prevalent among HIV/AIDS patients attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital. Therapy based on antimicrobial susceptibility test is encouraged.
Keywords: Bacteriuria; HIV-seropositive patients; susceptibility; CD4+ T-cell.
Knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices regarding HIV/AIDS among barbers in Ho municipality, Ghana
Authors: Quarm Mercy , Tarkang Elvis , Pencille Lilian , Lutala Prosper 
Published: October 2020

Barbering poses risks of HIV transmission if it is not conducted in a hygienic manner. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices regarding HIV transmission among barbers in the Ho Municipality, Ghana. A cross-sectional design was employed in Ho Municipality, and data were collected from 121 participants and analysed using Stata version 13.0 at the significance level of 0.05. Knowledge was low (63.6%) and was associated with attitude [COR=4.37 (95% CI: 1.98-9.62); p<0.001] and with level of education [COR=4.92 (95% CI: 1.70-14.21); p=0.003]. Attitude was inad- equate (58.7%) and was associated with level of education [COR=3.47 (95% CI: 1.18-10.14); p=0.023]. Poor prevention practice was high (87.6%) and was associated with work experience [COR=20.72 (95% CI: 3.86-111.05); p<0.001] and lo- cation of operation [COR=4.92 (95% CI: 1.60-15.14); p=0.006]. Programmes aimed at improving knowledge, attitudes and practices should focus on Barbers in urban communities, those without any formal education, and those with less than five years work experience.
Keywords: Knowledge; attitudes and practice; HIV/AIDS; Barbers; Ghana.
Estimating Solar Radiation Intensity from Other Meteorological Data
Authors: Capiel Modesto 
Published: October 2020

Estimates of solar radiation (Ri) by 15-day periods were calculated from other available meteorological data by multiple regression analysis of Eo = f(Ri, u, Ta) ed), and then solving for Ri from the most significant equation of the model given above. Only solar radiation wind speed (u) and air temperature (Ta) were found to correlate significantly with Eo. The solution in terms of Ri (equation /4/) then was used to obtain estimates of solar radiation for 1- to 5-day periods. The mean ratio of estimated Ri to measured Ri approached unity (0.95), while the coefficient of variation was 8.9 percent, as compared to 5.1 percent for the original 15-day period data. It was found when these were compared to measured values that neglect of air temperature reduced precision of the estimates. Equation /4/ (the indirect solution) next was evaluated on the basis of foreign data, representing extreme meteorological conditions as those in Bet Dagan, Israel and Cristobal, Panamá. This equation also was compared at the same time to a direct solution of Ri by multiple regression analysis (equation /6/), a solution which directly minimizes the deviations about Ri. Statistical data are presented which compare the precision of the estimates by either equation (/4/ and /6/).
Isolation and Properties of Napier Grass B-Amylase
Authors: Alexander Alex G. , Spain Gene L. 
Published: October 2020

Studies of the forage plant, Napier grass, Pennisetum purpureum, have been started in an effort to clarify its exceptional water-utilizing capability. Hydrolytic enzymes are given primary attention. The present paper concerns a ß-amylase from immature internode tissues. A much-studied amylase from sugarcane leaves served as a reference point for comparison of properties. A standard assay for the amylase was established with soluble potato starch acting as substrate. The assay is suitable for large numbers of crude or semi-purified Napier grass extracts. Amylase was heavily concentrated in meristematic and immature internodal tissues. Moderate amounts were present in leaf blades. Only traces were found in leaf sheaths and mature stem tissues. It was estimated that two to three times more amylase potential is present in Napier grass than in sugarcane. Over 90 percent of the amylase was precipitated from clarified water extracts between 40- and 60-percent saturation with ammonium sulfate. Optimum pH was 5.5, and temperature 46° C. The enzyme was heat stable up to 52° C. Napier grass amylase remained stable for at least 2 weeks under refrigeration and for 90 hours at room temperature. Velocity relationships with time, protein concentration and substrate level were studied. Km for Napier grass amylase was virtually identical to that of sugarcane amylase. Gel filtration experiments yielded amylase in a homogenous mass partially resolved from noncatalytic protein. Contrary to sugarcane, no evidence of a secondary, α-amylase was present. Prolonged dialysis did not inhibit. Cyanide, lead, iodide, and meta-silicate did cause inhibition. Activation was not achieved with manganese or traces of sugar additives. No evidence was found indicating that the Napier grass amylase was a protein-carbohydrate complex, as is the case with sugarcane amylase. Paper chromatography revealed that maltose was the lone primary product. After 4 hours the maltose was in turn hydrolyzed to free glucose by a maltase believed to be latent within the amylase preparation. The products maltose and glucose were obtained with potato starch, corn starch, amylose and amylopectin. The preparation was inactive against inulin. Paper electrophoresis revealed four distinct amylase peaks. Three possessed a net negative charge and one a positive charge. Four peaks are also obtained with sugarcane amylase, but their net charges are opposite those of the Napier grass enzyme. This is taken as further evidence that, unlike sugarcane amylase, the Napier grass enzyme is not a protein-carbohydrate complex. The biochemical significance of Napier grass amylase is discussed at length.
A New Virus Disease of Peppers in Puerto Rico
Authors: Adsuar José , Enrique Pérez J. , Cortés Monllor Amelia 
Published: October 2020

A previously undescribed virus, (VPLLT) causing mottling, chlorosis, leaf wrinkleness and retarded growth on Capsicum annuum varieties California Wonder", Blanco del País and P.R. Wonder, was isolated at the Agricultural Experiment Station 2 years ago. VPLLT is not inactivated by heating at 85° C, can be diluted to 1-100,000, and is still active after 14 days at room temperature (29° C). It is not serologically related to tobacco mosaic virus, tobacco severe etch virus, Puerto Rican pepper mosaic virus, tobacco ringspot virus, green mottle mosaic (cucumber #3) virus, squash mosaic virus, potato virus X, sugarcane mosaic virus, and MMV (Puerto Rico isolate) of squash mosaic virus. No transmission of VPLLT was obtained using the aphid species A. gossypii and M. persicae as vectors. The virus easily passes through a Millipore 0.45 µ filter, and is not immunologically related to TMV or PRPMV. It was found that P.R. Wonder and Cuaresmeño hot pepper, two varieties highly-resistant to PRPMV, are fully susceptible to the VPLLT virus.
Assessment of a Rainwater Harvesting System for the Volta Regional Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Nyatuame Mexoese , Atigah Selasi 
Published: October 2020

Rainwater harvesting is the art and science of capturing rain for human use. This study analysed rainfall data for the Regional Hospital's catchment area to ascertain potential harvestable rainfall. Assessment of the buildings and their respective roof areas were also done to determine the possible roof catchment areas. The potential rainwater that could be harvested from the different blocks within the hospital range between 3,306.18 -9,943.45m3. The potential total average rainwater that could be harvested from the different blocks within the hospital catchment area of 51,939.11m2 is 53,524.29 m3 per annum. According to data collected from the GWCL, the monthly and yearly demand of water by the hospital are 3,146 m3 and 337,752m3 respectively, which is lower than the total potential rainwater that could be harvested per annum of 53, 524.29m3 . This implies that there would be an excess water of 15,772.29m3 . Theoretically, it means that harvested and stored rainwater could meet the water needs of the hospital.
Keywords: Rainwater harvesting (RWH); Water storage; Organizational water usage
Server-aided Public Key Signatures for Diverse Network Devices
Authors: Asiedu William Asiedu , Osei-Boateng K. , Rajan John 
Published: October 2020

One of the main challenges of securing effective computation in diverse network devices tends to be a limitation of their computational power. Server assisted signature scheme was recently presented as nonrepudiation service for mobile and constrained devices. They all tend to have a feature in common: limited computational capabilities and equally limited power (as most operate on batteries). The scheme suffered with high storage requirements and memory requirements for the mobile clients. This makes them ill-suited for public key signatures. This paper examines practical and conceptual implications of using Server-Aided Signatures (SAS) for these devices. SAS is a signature method that relies on partially-trusted servers for generating (normally expensive) public key signatures for regular users. Although the primary goal is to aid small, resource- limited devices in signature generation, SAS also fast certificate revocation, signature causality and with reliable timestamping.
Keywords: Public key infrastructure; Digital signature; Certificate authority.
Resource Sharing among Polytechnic Libraries in Ghana
Authors: Kyerewaa Barfi Faustina 
Published: October 2020

The paper presents a synthesis on resource sharing among polytechnic libraries in Ghana. It explores how resource sharing would provide opportunities for the consolidation of strengths and minimize weakness among the polytechnic libraries. The main objective of resource sharing is to maximise the availability of materials and services and to minimize expenses and duplication. The paper further exposed some of the factors which make resource sharing imperative among the polytechnic libraries. These concerns include the proliferation of knowledge on the World Wide Web, issues of distance education, open access and instruction service. It also highlighted some of the resources that could be shared among the polytechnic libraries which include personnel, electronic service, tools, professional activities, policies, etc. Finally techniques that would foster resource sharing activities among the polytechnic libraries were discussed and these include communication, increase in the use of information communication technology, resource mobilisation and capacity building on the part of librarians.
Keywords: Co-operation; Information sharing; Consortia formation; Academic libraries networking.
Predictors of Food Security among Vegetable Farmers in South Ketu and North Ketu, Ghana
Authors: Manu Samuel A. , Akuamoah-Boateng Samuel , Akaba Selorm 
Published: October 2020

This study set out to find the predictors of food security for vegetable producing households in the Ketu Districts of the Volta Region of Ghana. In the study area, 226 heads of vegetable farming households were purposively interviewed. The data was subsequently analysed with both food security scale score and logistic regression analysis to determine each household's food security category. The study found eight variables as the major predictors of food security; they are: age,number of children, land ownership, access to change agent, access to financial services, number of vegetables produced, amount of credit received and vegetable produce markets. It is important that change agents focus on these factors among families to improve the availability of nutritious and adequate food in households. The other implication is that the improvement of elements such as amount of credit received and the location of vegetable markets can increase food security levels in the study site and extrapolation in other vegetable producing farm areas in the country.
Keywords: Food security; predictors; credit; extension agent; land size .
Hospitality Management Education in Ghana : A Case Study of Ho Polytechnic
Authors: Appaw-Agbola Esther Theresa , Dehlor Stephen Afenyo 
Published: October 2020

The present study aims to examine the hospitality management education system in Ghana and report the initial findings of a qualitative research undertaken for an assessment of the hospitality education system. The views of graduates and students were gathered through in-depth interviews on the hospitality education that they have received. The findings of the study show that the curriculums used by hospitality students in the Polytechnics are overloaded with non-hospitality related subjects. Most of the interviewees felt that they have gained adequate theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the area of food production operation, food and beverage service with little practical knowledge in other subjects. The implication is if the current curricula run by departments of hospitality in the Polytechnics are not reviewed on timely bases, st hospitality management graduates from Polytechnics may not meet the needs of industries in this 21 century.
Keywords: Training; hospitality management; education; qualitative research; curriculum.
Effects of Supervisor-Subordinates Relations on Subordinates’ Commitment Behaviour in Ghana
Authors: Sabbi Matthew 
Published: October 2020

This study examined the effects of subordinates’ perception of supervisor favouritism on subordinates’ commitment to their organizations in the Ghanaian context. A cross-sectional survey was employed to study 296 employees comprising supervisors and subordinates in two organizations (public and private). Results from t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient and hierarchical multiple regression showed: (a) no significant difference in the amount of perceived supervisory support; (b) that perceived favouritism based on ethnicity had a greater tendency to influence supervisor-subordinate exchanges and also the amount of perceived supervisory support; and (c) that subordinates who received more supervisory support were highly committed. There was an inverse relationship between perceived favouritism and organizational commitment of subordinates. Surprisingly, subordinates who perceived favouritism did not show a higher tendency to quit their organizations but rather continued to stay. The organizations could benefit greatly if the lower turnover intents are translated into practical work outputs but that, of course, will involve reducing perceived favouritism to the barest minimum. Suggestions for future research are made.
Keywords: Supervisor-subordinates relations; Organizational commitment; Ethnicity