bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of SLC22A1 and CYP2C9 Gene Variants on Glycemic Response to Metformin/Sulfonylurea Therapy in T2DM Patients in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: I. Reuben, , D.G. Tamuno-Emine, , E.O. Nwachuku, , E.S. Bartimaeus, 
Published: December 2024

Aim: To evaluate the influence of some variants of SLC22A1 and CYP2C9 genes on glycaemic response in T2DM subjects on metformin/Sulphonylureas combination therapy in Port Harcourt.
Study Design: Cross-sectional Study.
Place and Duration of Study: Port-Harcourt, Nigeria, Inqaba Biotec (molecular analysis) and Evashalom Medical Diagnostic services, between November 2022 and April 2023.
Methodology: Ninety (90) subjects between aged between 18 - 70years among which 54 were females and 26 males were recruited. Individuals with diagnosed T2DM of at least 1 year, and on continuous metformin/sulphonylureas combination therapy for at least six (6) months prior to the study were selected for this study. Ten (10.0) ml of overnight fasting blood sample was obtained from each subject. This was after completing the questionnaire. Their body weight in kilogram, height in meter was also be measured and recorded. Eight SNPs, four each from SLC22A1 and CYP2C9 genes respectively were selected and genotyped using Mass Array. Blood glucose, total cholesterol (TCHOL), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) were measured by enzymatic colorimetric methods and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), HOMA_IR, HOMA-β were calculated for each sample. Statistical Analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism 9.03. Statistical comparisons of the means between groups were made using t-test and oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA). Genotypic and allelic distribution employed the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test (HWE). The minor allele frequency (MAF) was calculated using Excel. Furthermore, the associations between the alleles of SNPs and glycaemic response response were assessed using the chi-square test and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: This study showed that the AA genotype of rs622342 (SLC22A1) was significantly associated (p=0.003) with controlled T2DM in response to metformin/sulphonylureas combination therapy. The results in uncontrolled T2DM showed an association between variants of rs594709(AG/GG) with reduced level of HOMA-IR (p<0.0331), rs622342 (CA/AA) with reduced level of HOMA-IR (p<0.0313), and rs 9332214 variant (TT) with reduced level of AIP (p<0.0245). Moreover, in Obese, the variants of rs594709(AG/GG) was found to be associated with a reduced level of TCHOL(p<0.0054), rs622342 (CA/AA) with a reduced level of Lipo A (p=0.0400), and rs 9332214 (TC/CC) with a reduced level of HbAIc (p<0.0265).On the other hand, in hypertensives, an association was found between the variant rs622342 (CA/AA) with a reduced level of BMI (p=0.0416).
Conclusion: Individuals with the AA genotype of rs622342 are likely to have a better glycaemic response as compared to those carrying the AC/CC genotype receiving metformin/sulphonylurea combination therapy.
Determinants of Antibiotic Use in SARS-CoV-2 Positive Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study Conducted in an Epidemic Treatment Center in Dakar (ETC)
Authors: Daye Ka , Khardiata Diallo Mbaye , Shinga Wembulua Bruce , Maguette Fall Ndèye , Sidikh Badiane Aboubacar , Daouda Thioub , Moustapha Diop , Samba Ba Papa , Ibrahima Gaye , Ousmane Faye , Aissatou Lakhe Ndèye , Pierre Cisse Diallo Viviane Marie , Assane Diouf , Louise Fortes , Alpha Sall Amadou , Moussa Seydi 
Published: December 2024

Introduction: COVID-19, like most viral respiratory diseases, can be associated with bacterial infections requiring antibiotic prescription. However, the prescription of antibiotics must be based on clinical and biological arguments, with clear recommendations. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with antibiotic prescription in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.
Methodology: This was a retrospective cohort study including patients hospitalized for COVID-19 at the Epidemic Treatment Center of Fann Hospital from July 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Data were collected using a form and entered using Excel software. Analysis was performed using R software version 4.2.2. Factors associated with antibiotic prescribing were investigated using logistic regression.
Results: A total of 248 patients were included. The median age was 65 years [53, 73], with a male predominance (sex ratio M/F 2.25). Comorbidities were mainly hypertension (35.88%), cardiovascular disease (23.38%) and diabetes (21.77%). The main clinical signs were cough (60.17%), fever (40.41%) and dyspnea (22.56%). On imaging, a ground-glass appearance was found in the majority of cases (84.52%), with severe lung involvement in 31.25%. Almost all patients were treated with anticoagulation (96%) and corticosteroids (95%). Azithromycin was the most prescribed antibiotic (56.38%), and 77% of patients were on oxygen. Case fatality was 21%.
In bivariate analysis, antibiotic prescription was associated with heart disease (81.25% vs. 47.83%, p=0.01), smoking (81.82% vs. 48.51%, p=0.03), signs of lung consolidation (55, 43% vs 34.43%, p=0.004), oxygen therapy (55.97% vs 36.84%, p=0.03) and the existence of a complication (62.24% vs 41.73%, p=0.002). In multivariate analysis, only smoking (OR: 5.78 [1.30-42]), fever (OR: 1.82 [1.04-3.24]) and signs of lung consolidation (OR: 2.52 [1.30-5.05]) were associated with antibiotic prescription.
Conclusion: In patients infected with COVID-19, antibiotic prescription is indicated in those with clinically or biologically documented bacterial infection.
Exploiting Possibilities of Short Duration Pigeonpea in Rice Fallows of Coastal Odisha, India
Authors: Panda P. K. , Mohapatra P.M. , Mishra I.O.P. , Behera S. , Prusty A.A. 
Published: December 2024

Aims: Need for horizontal expansion of pigeonpea encouraged for searching new niche. Out of 3.88 mha kharif rice area in Odisha 2.96 mha area estimated as rice fallow which should be exploited for growing pulses and oil seeds. Mild winter in coastal Odisha congenial for pigeonpea in winter and thus may be suitable for rice fallow situation after harvest of medium duration during November. A field experiment was conducted under rice fallow situation to evaluate the performance of promising short duration pigeonpea genotypes under partially irrigated medium land rice fallow situation of coastal Odisha.
Study Design: The trial was laid out in Randomized Block Design with four replications. The gross plot size was 5.4m X 4.2m and net plot size was 4.5m X 4m.
Place and Duration of Study: Nutri-Crops Research Station, OUAT, Berhampur, Odisha; Latitude: 19 deg. 18 min. Longitude: 84 deg. 54 min., Altitude: 34 m. above MSL.
Climatic Zone: The eastern coastal region of India and East and South Eastern Coastal plain zone of the state. The soil was sandy loam in texture with 6.2 pH. The trials were conducted for two consecutive years during 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Methodology: Altogether thirteen short duration genotypes of pigeonpea were tested in RBD with four replications. The crop was sown in third week of November during both the years.
Results: Significant variation was observed among pigeonpea genotypes in growth, yield attributes and yield parameters during both the years. The pooled data revealed that pigeonpea genotype Pusa-991 sown during mid November under rice fallow condition with life saving irrigation recorded maximum grain yield (1317 kg/ha and 10.57 kg/ha/day) followed by Laxmi (1199 kg/ha and 9.15 kg/ha/day) and TJT-501 (1127 kg/ha and 8.6 kg/ha/day). PUSA-991 harvested in 125 days has also registered maximum pod/plant (64.0) and seed per pod (3.7). Among the super early genotypes PUSA ARHAR-16 harvested in 104 days and identified as well performer (1113 kg/ha) and recorded maximum yield per day (10.70 kg/ha/day). Maximum harvest index (39.3%) was recorded with Pusa Arhar-16 closely followed by Pusa-991(39.1%). Maximum gross return per hectare (Rs. 75541/-), net profit (Rs.42541/-), per day net return (Rs.342/ha/day) with B:C ratio (2.29) were obtained with PUSA-991. Strong positive association was found between grain yield and number of effective pods per plant (r=0.73) and plant stand (r=0.74) of pigeonpea.
Concluding Remarks: Considering the growing windows of the agro-ecological situation and availability of life saving irrigation, pigeonpea variety Pusa-991 (125days) may be selected for larger window and Pusa Arhar-16 (104days) for narrow window under rice fallow situation of coastal Odisha.
Altitude-Dependent Growth and Yield Characteristics in Petunia (Petunia × hybrida Vilm.): A Comparative Study of Varietal Responses
Authors: Neha Kumari , B S Dilta , Priyanka Thakur , Sahil Lohia , Priyanka Jattan 
Published: December 2024

During the 2020-2021 growing season, the influence of altitudinal variations on the growth and yield of six Petunia varieties was evaluated. The varieties used for experiment were: ‘Red Chief’, ‘Star Mix’, ‘White’, ‘Pendula’, ‘N/C Mix’ and ‘Alderman’. The research was carried out across three experimental sites in Himachal Pradesh, India, Representing diverse altitudes: Khaltoo Experimental Farm (1060m amsl) of Department of Seed Science and Technology, the Experimental Farm (1276m amsl) of Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni, Solan and the Experimental Farm (468m amsl) of Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station, Dhaulkuan, District Sirmaur. The ‘White’ variety performed better in growth and yield attributes of petunia at different altitudinal range. The study systematically investigated how variations in altitudes affected critical growth and yield parameters, including plant height, flowering time, branch number and overall ornamental performance. Of the six varieties assessed, ‘White’ consistently demonstrated superior performance in terms of growth vigour and yield attributes across all the altitudinal range. The result also revealed that plant grown at mid-altitude range(1276 m amsl) at the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture’s Experimental Farm showed the most favourable growth and yield outcomes.
Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Analysis Studies in Rice Genotypes (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Chattar B. R. , Bhor T. J. , Chavan S. S. , Chopade G. U. 
Published: December 2024

Forty rice genotypes were evaluated for their genetic variability, correlation and path analysis studies with respect to yield and its attributing traits at the Agricultural Research Station, Vadgaon Maval (Pune). The magnitude for test weight exhibited the highest GCV and PCV per cent, followed by flag leaf length, flag leaf breadth, infertile spikelets per panicle, fertile spikelets per panicle, grain yield per plant. High heritability (h2) along with higher genetic advance (GA) as per-cent of mean was recorded for the characters viz., fertile spikelets per panicle, total spikelets per panicle, panicle length, flag leaf length, flag leaf breadth and test weight. The grain yield per plant was positively and significantly correlated with productive tillers per plant, panicle length, flag leaf breadth, spikelet fertility % and test weight. Days to 50% flowering observed significant positive correlation with days to maturity and plant height. Days to maturity found positive correlation with plant height and productive tillers per plant, plant height with panicle length, flag leaf length and flag leaf breadth, productive tillers per plant with fertile spikelets per panicle, total spikelets per panicle, spikelet fertility, fertile spikelets per panicle with total spikelets per panicle and infertile spikelets per panicle with only total spikelets per panicle. The trait test weight observed highest direct positive effect on grain yield per plant followed by total spikelets per panicle, productive tillers per plant, days to maturity, flag leaf breadth, infertile spikelets per panicle, spikelet fertility %, and plant height. The trait flag leaf length indicated positive indirect effect on grain yield through days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and productive tillers per plant. Flag leaf breadth indicated significant positively correlation with grain yield through positive direct effect via indirect influence of plant height, panicle length, flag leaf length, spikelet fertility and test weight.
Monetary Policy Autonomy in the CFA Franc Zone: Comparative Insights from Francophone and Non-francophone African Economies
Authors: Takwa Abonwi Chenaa, , Aziseh Fozoh Isiah 
Published: December 2024

This study analysed the experiences of 14 CFA zone African countries with that of 12 other African countries and investigated the potential implications of monetary autonomy in the CFA zone using a panel dataset spanning from 1990 to 2023. To assess the relative monetary flexibility in the CFA zone, the study employs a country-by-country ARIMA model on money supply and exchange rate and obtain their flexibility components. Given the two transition variables: exchange rate flexibility and monetary policy flexibility, Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) and Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR) models were then applied to the data to assess the implications of monetary autonomy on CFA zone countries. The DSGE model indicates a high degree of interest rate smoothing suggesting that the central banks (BEAC and BCEAO) face challenges in adjusting the nominal interest rate quickly in response to changing macroeconomic economic conditions. The findings from the PSTR indicate that in a less flexible monetary and exchange rate environment household consumption is responsive to changes in traditional macroeconomic factors like wages, capital, taxes, and inflation. In a more flexible monetary and exchange rate environment, the magnitudes of the effects of these macroeconomic factors on household consumption are generally larger. In the more flexible regime, the positive impact of investment, capital, and government spending on economic growth is more pronounced, while the negative impact of taxation is more severe. The transition between the two regimes is governed by smooth thresholds with a rapid transition as the thresholds are crossed. The study recommends that Francophone African countries transition to an autonomous monetary policy framework to enhance economic growth by addressing unique challenges like inflation and exchange rates. A phased approach based on Optimum Currency Area theory is essential, emphasising regional integration and institutional support. Economic diversification, improved governance, and training for central banks are crucial for successful implementation. Finally, fostering intra-African trade and strengthening local capital markets will help build a resilient economic foundation.
Trap‐Assisted Triplet Emission in Ladder‐Polymer‐Based Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Khodabakhshi Elham , Ramanan Charusheela , Michels Jasper J. , Bonus Sven , Hertel Dirk , Meerholz Klaus , Forster Michael , Scherf Ulrich , Blom Paul W. M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe charge transport and recombination in light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) based on a methyl‐substituted poly(p‐phenylene) ladder polymer (Me‐LPPP) are investigated. The transport is characterized by a high room‐temperature hole mobility of 2 × 10−8 m2 V−1 s−1 combined with anomalously strong electron trapping. Their electroluminescence (EL) spectrum is characterized by a blue singlet emission, a broad green featureless peak, and a yellow‐orange triplet emission. The voltage dependence of the EL spectrum and negative contribution to the capacitance indicate that the triplet‐emission is of trap‐assisted nature, consistent with the strong electron trapping. Consequently, the color purity of the blue emissive Me‐LPPP polymer LEDs can be strongly improved using trap dilution.
Alfalfa response to low potassium under different harvest regimes in Coastal Plains
Authors: Thinguldstad Britta , Tucker Jennifer J. , Baxter Lisa L. , Segers Jacob R. , Hancock Dennis W. , Stewart R. Lawton 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPotassium fertilization and harvest timing both influence the stand life and performance of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), but many producers do not apply sufficient K fertilizer as recommended by soil test recommendations. The objective of this trial was to determine the impact of reduced rates of K fertilization on cultivar Bulldog 805 alfalfa managed under different harvest regimes on forage yield, stand persistence, and nutritive value when grown in the southern Coastal Plains. Plots were harvested at bud, 10, 30, and 50% bloom growth stages. Potassium was applied three times across the season at total rates of 0, 67, 101, 134, and168 kg K2O ha−1. Aboveground and belowground plant and soil responses were evaluated. Evaluated levels of K were not sufficient to elicit a positive response in aboveground variables, as all treatments exhibited K deficiency as confirmed by tissue analysis at the end of the study. Harvest timing affected many of the aboveground yield components, however no clear trends existed. As expected, material harvested at later growth stages tended to have higher fiber and lower digestibility than alfalfa harvested at less mature stages. Reduced rates of K fertilization helped maintain soil K levels above the final level in the untreated control. Harvesting alfalfa at later (50% bloom) growth stages decreased starch and nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) content in the roots. To optimize both alfalfa yield and nutritive value, current University recommendations for alfalfa harvest timing and K fertilization should be maintained in the southern Coastal Plains.
Synthesis of cis β‐Hydroxy Ketones by Desymmetrization of 1,3‐Cyclopentanediones through Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Hydrogen Transfer
Authors: Wang Han , Zhao Yang , Ding Yi‐Xuan , Yu Chang‐Bin , Zhou Yong‐Gui 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA facile synthesis of chiral cis β‐hydroxy ketones was successfully developed through ruthenium‐catalyzed transfer hydrogenative desymmetrization of 1,3‐cyclopentanedione. The experiment on gram scale could be performed without loss of reactivity and enantioselectivity.
Formation Kinetics of Monomeric Cyclic Fatty Acid Methyl Esters of Alpha‐Linolenic Acid: Effects of Mono cis/trans Isomers
Authors: Desmarais Amélie , Sébédio Jean‐Louis , Belkacemi Khaled , Arul Joseph , Angers Paul 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCyclic fatty acid monomers (CFAM) are formed at low levels in edible oils during thermal processing operations such as frying or refining, and inevitably become part of the diet. These proatherogenic agents may increase the levels of oxidative stress markers, and induce hepatomegaly and steatosis. However, the kinetics involved in their formation is not well known. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of cis and trans isomers on cyclization reactions involved in the thermal transformation of alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA). Geometrical isomers of ALA were obtained from all‐cis ALA by nitric acid treatment. Mono‐trans isomers were concentrated using silver nitrate‐silica gel chromatography. All‐cis ALA, isomerized ALA, and a fraction at 85% mono‐trans isomers were heat treated at 275 °C in hexadecane for periods up to 24 hours, and the formation of geometrical isomers and CFAM was monitored by GC. The results show that mono‐trans isomers at carbon 9 and carbon 15 form CFAM at an accelerated rate, compared to the corresponding cis isomers, resulting in the formation of higher levels of CFAM over shorter time periods. The validation of the kinetic model was performed by solving simultaneously and nonlinearly fitting the system of coupled differential equations with experimental data. Good agreement was found between the experimental data and the predicted values. This work suggests that the use of polyunsaturated vegetable oils over extended periods for thermal processing of food may result in the formation of CFAM, in particular, if mono‐trans isomers are present in the oil.
Simultaneous intrathecal injection of muscimol and endomorphin‐1 alleviates neuropathic pain in rat model of spinal cord injury
Authors: Hosseini Marjan , Karami Zohreh , Yousefifard Mahmood , Janzadeh Atousa , Zamani Elham , Nasirinezhad Farinaz 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionDue to side effects of medications used for chronic pain, combination therapy seems to be an appropriate solution for alleviation of chronic pain and reducing the side effects. The role of inhibitory GABA system is well proven in reducing neuropathic pain. Also, special attention has been focused on endogenous morphine (endomorphins) in reducing chronic pain originates from damage to the nervous system. The purpose of this study is to investigate the analgesic effect of simultaneous administration of GABA agonist and endomorphin‐1 on neuropathic pain in rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). The role of oxidative stress, NR1 subunits of NMDA receptors, and α2 subunits of GABA receptors in the spinal cord has also been investigated.MethodsSpinal cord at level of T6–T8 was compressed. Three weeks after spinal cord injury, muscimol and endomorphin‐1 were injected (intrathecally once a day for 7 days) individually or in combination. Mechanical and cold allodynia, thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia were evaluated before injection and 15 and 60 min after injection. At the end of behavioral experiments, histological and biochemical evaluations were done on prepared spinal cord samples.ResultsIsobologram results showed that combination therapy significantly increased the pain threshold comparing to injection of endomorphin‐1 (EM) or muscimol alone. Histological studies indicated the increased expression of α2 subunits of GABA receptors, and NR1 subunits of NMDA receptors in the spinal cord. The combination therapy also increased the glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) level and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the spinal cord.ConclusionSimultaneous administration of muscimol and endomorphine‐1 could be a new candidate for alleviation of pain resulting from spinal cord injury.
Population Analysis of Anidulafungin in Infants to Older Adults With Confirmed or Suspected Invasive Candidiasis
Authors: Xie Rujia , McFadyen Lynn , Raber Susan , Swanson Robert , Tawadrous Margaret , Leister‐Tebbe Heidi , Cohen‐Wolkowiez Michael , Benjamin Daniel K. , Liu Ping 
Published: March 2020

In a pooled population analysis, we investigated the pharmacokinetics of i.v. anidulafungin in four studies across a full range of adult and pediatric ages in patients with confirmed, suspected, or at high risk of invasive candidiasis (IC). Relationships between anidulafungin exposure and key efficacy end points (global response of success and all‐cause mortality) and safety end points (all‐cause hepatic or gastrointestinal adverse events) in all patients and separately in pediatric patients and the appropriate dosing regimen for IC treatment in pediatric patients were evaluated. Pediatric patients received a 3.0 mg/kg (maximum 200 mg) i.v. loading dose and 1.5 mg/kg (maximum 100 mg) daily thereafter. Adults received a 200 mg i.v. loading dose and 100 mg daily thereafter. Estimated systemic anidulafungin exposures were similar across age groups (neonates to adults) at the weight‐based doses studied in pediatric patients. No clear associations were identified between anidulafungin exposure and efficacy or safety end points.