bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metformin and 2-Deoxyglucose Collaboratively Suppress Human CD4+ T Cell Effector Functions and Activation-Induced Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: Tan Stefanie Y. , Kelkar Yogeshwar , Hadjipanayis Angela , Shipstone Arun , Wynn Thomas A. , Hall J. Perry 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming plays a central role in T cell activation and differentiation, and the inhibition of key metabolic pathways in activated T cells represents a logical approach for the development of new therapeutic agents for treating autoimmune diseases. The widely prescribed antidiabetic drug metformin and the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) have been used to study the inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, respectively, in murine immune cells. Published studies have demonstrated that combination treatment with metformin and 2-DG was efficacious in dampening mouse T cell activation–induced effector processes, relative to treatments with either metformin or 2-DG alone. In this study, we report that metformin + 2-DG treatment more potently suppressed IFN-γ production and cell proliferation in activated primary human CD4+ T cells than either metformin or 2-DG treatment alone. The effects of metformin + 2-DG on human T cells were accompanied by significant remodeling of activation-induced metabolic transcriptional programs, in part because of suppression of key transcriptional regulators MYC and HIF-1A. Accordingly, metformin + 2-DG treatment significantly suppressed MYC-dependent metabolic genes and processes, but this effect was found to be independent of mTORC1 signaling. These findings reveal significant insights into the effects of metabolic inhibition by metformin + 2-DG treatment on primary human T cells and provide a basis for future work aimed at developing new combination therapy regimens that target multiple pathways within the metabolic networks of activated human T cells.
Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells Must Partner with the Myeloid–Macrophage Lineage for Long-Term Postviral Lung Disease
Authors: Wu Kangyun , Wang Xinyu , Keeler Shamus P. , Gerovac Benjamin J. , Agapov Eugene V. , Byers Derek E. , Gilfillan Susan , Colonna Marco , Zhang Yong , Holtzman Michael J. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are implicated in host defense and inflammatory disease, but these potential functional roles need more precise definition, particularly using advanced technologies to better target ILC2s and engaging experimental models that better manifest both acute infection and chronic, even lifelong, disease. In this study, we use a mouse model that applies an improved genetic definition of ILC2s via IL-7r–conditional Rora gene targeting and takes advantage of a distinct progression from acute illness to chronic disease, based on a persistent type 2 immune response to respiratory infection with a natural pathogen (Sendai virus). We first show that ILC2s are activated but are not required to handle acute illness after respiratory viral infection. In contrast, we find that this type of infection also activates ILC2s chronically for IL-13 production and consequent asthma-like disease traits that peak and last long after active viral infection is cleared. However, to manifest this type of disease, the Csf1-dependent myeloid–macrophage lineage is also active at two levels: first, at a downstream level, this lineage provides lung tissue macrophages (interstitial macrophages and tissue monocytes) that represent a major site of Il13 gene expression in the diseased lung; and second, at an upstream level, this same lineage is required for Il33 gene induction that is necessary to activate ILC2s for participation in disease at all, including IL-13 production. Together, these findings provide a revised scheme for understanding and controlling the innate immune response leading to long-term postviral lung diseases with features of asthma and related progressive conditions.
Review on the diagnosis and antibiotic therapy of otitis media in children
Authors: Abdullahi S. , Ahmad A.S. , Abdulkadir B. , Kabir Y. , Mustapha S. , Hayatudeen M.R. , Usman A. 
Published: July 2020

Measurement of background radiation is of great interest for it provides useful information in monitoring environmental radioactivity. The aim of the present study is to provide information and generate database on the natural background radiation dose levels of densely populated Queen Amina Hall, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The radiation dose (outdoor and indoor dose rate) were measured at 29 rooms (Block 1- 4) and their compounds using RADOS survey meter held at 1m above the ground. The measured radiation dose ranged 0.13 nGyh-1 to 0.43 nGyh-1 and 0.54 nGyh-1 to 1.72 nGyh-1 1 for indoor and outdoor respectively. Some of the high values recorded could be attributed due to the contribution of cosmic radiation emanating from the atmosphere as well as the geological settings of the location as there is no any artificial contributing factor within the area. The annual effective doses within the study area was found to be 0.01 mSvy-1 throughout which is quit below the world average value of 0.87 mSvy-1 for natural sources.
Keywords: Radiation dose, Annual effective dose, RADOS meter, Queen Amina
Heavy metal content and microbiological quality of <I>Yaji<I> (complex spice mixture) sold within Kano metropolis
Authors: Abdulsalam L. , Usman R.A. 
Published: July 2020

In recent years, food biosafety has been a priority, as such a study was carried out on the microbiological and heavy metal contents of yaji; a complex spice mixture sold within Kano metropolis. A total of nine yaji samples were purchased randomly in several retail stores within Kano metropolis and compared with 3 samples prepared in the laboratory. The result of the analysis showed that the total aerobic mesophilic count, fungal count and coliform count ranged from 3.35×106 - >3.00×107cfu/g, <1.00×103 – 9.60×106cfu/g, and 3.6 - >1100MPN/g respectively. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Enterobacter and Klebsiella species were the bacteria isolated while Fusarium, Rhizopus and Aspergillus species were the fungi isolated from the samples. The counts obtained were higher than the maximum acceptable levels provided by the ISO and FAO. The ranges of the concentration of heavy metals in dry weight were; lead 0.001 – 0.003, nickel 0.001 - 0.005, copper 0.002 - 0.020, zinc 0.105 – 0.223, iron 0.004 – 0.009 g/Kg. The levels of metals found in the samples were within the standard limits approved by WHO. This study showed that the samples were not contaminated with the studied heavy metals but were found to harbor microorganisms, which can pose serious health hazard to consumers. It is therefore recommended that strict hygienic measures should be taken during yaji preparation since the laboratory prepared yaji were less contaminated. Public enlightenment on the dangers of heavy metals consumption should be provided as continuous/routine consumption may result to the bioaccumulation of harmful metals in the body.
Key words: Microbiological, heavy metal, spice, yaji, Kano.
An analysis of air pollution at some industrial areas of Kano using the AERMOD Model
Authors: Idris Maryam , Darma T.H. , Koki F.S. , Suleiman A. , Ali M.H. , Yarima S.U. , Aliyu A. 
Published: July 2020

The effect of pollution on air quality has been a concern for mankind for a long time. In some cases the problem is essentially one of local emissions in a given urban area leading to an adverse effect on air quality in that same area. However, in the general case, the problem is more diverse in that the problem of air pollution has multiplicity effects beyond the point source and these effects are dynamic in nature. Such effects are usually evaluated using dynamical equations. In this study, a comprehensive review on effect of air polluting variables was described on the basis of evaluation of formulation equations of the American Meteorological Society and U.S. Environmental protection Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD view 9.6.5). The AERMOD model was also used to simulate the dispersion and deposition of the hourly and daily H2S and NO2 concentrations from two domains: Challawa and Sharada industrial estates /areas respectively. The AERMOD model evaluation showed that there was good correlation between the modelled and observed H2S concentration for the daily and hourly comparison at Challawa (0.53 and 0.91 respectively) but the daily and hourly comparison of H2S at Sharada (0.13 and 0.46 respectively) was seen to drop indicating poor correlation and model skill. However, model evaluation of NO2 shows poor agreements and model skill at Challawa as well as daily comparison at Sharada. However, the modelling shows good agreement (R2= 0.64) in the trend for the hourly value modelled versus observed concentrations at Sharada. Moreover, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for the two pollutants (H2S and NO2) at all the two domains indicates highly accurate result for both daily and hourly concentrations. AERMOD software can therefore be used to estimate the dispersion and deposition of the pollutants at some domains considered in this study.
Key Words: AERMOD model, Air pollutant, Industrial sources, Dispersion and Deposition
Incidence of extended spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> among patients with urinary tract infections in Kano Metropolis Nigeria
Authors: Mohammed A. , Magashi A.M , Yushau M. 
Published: July 2020

Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBLs) production is one of the ways by which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics and pathogens of UTIs such as Klebsiella pneumoniae have been incriminated at global scale. This study was conducted to investigate the incidence of Extended Spectrum Beta lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from Urinary Tract Infections in Kano metropolis. The work involved One hundred and fourty seven K. Pneumoniae isolates obtained from patients with suspected urinary tract infections were studied from January to July 2017. The identity of the isolates was confirmed using MicrogenTMGnA + B-ID System. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion Technique. Screening for ESBLs production was done using Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute breakpoint. Suspected ESBLs producers were subjected to confirmation using Double Disc Synergy Test. Standard Discs of Augmentin (AMC 30µG Oxoid England), Ceftazidime (CAZ 30µG, Oxoid England) and Cefotaxime (CTX 30µG, Oxoid England) were used for the screening and confirmation. Accordingly, Multidrug Resistant K. pneumoniae were found to be 63.3% and all were ESBLs producers. The Double Disc Synergy Test however confirmed 6.8% ESBLs producing K. pneumoniae. Antimicrobial sensitivity of the ESBLs producing organisms showed 100% resistance to Augmentin, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, cefotaxime while resistance to gentamicin was 91.5%, chloramphenicol 23.4%, Nitrofurantoin 61.7%, Ciprofloxacin 93.6% and cotrimoxazole 95.7%. However, Imipenem was the most pharmacologically active drug. ESBL producing K. pneumoniae are incident in Kano and are resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics. We, therefore, suggest screening and confirmation for ESBL in any attempt to treat UTIs due to such pathogens
Keywords: Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases, K. pneumoniae, Urinary Tract Infection, Incidence, Kano
Physico-chemical properties of tannery effluents from Challawa industrial area in Kano and evaluation of bioremediation potentials of <I>Spirogyra porticalis</I> and <I>Chlorella vulgaris</I> on the effluents
Authors: Nabila T.I. , Ibrahim S. 
Published: July 2020

Discharge of industrial effluent in aquatic environment is a serious threat to life due to toxic heavy metals. Algae can be used as cheap bioremediation agents in comparison to conventional technologies. The present study was conducted to evaluate the bioremediation potential of two algal species (Spirogyra porticalis and Chlorella vulgaris) for the removal of Lead from two tannery industries (M Tannery and G Tannery), located in Challawa Industrial Area. Temperature, EC, TDS, DO and BOD were measured. In G Tannery, Spirogyra porticalis had the highest affinity for Lead which was 51%, 55% and 51% at 3, 6 and 9 weeks interval respectively while Chlorella vulgaris affinity for Lead was 40% 45% and 45%. In M tannery, Chlorella vulgaris had the highest potential to remove Lead from the effluent, which was 90%, 86% an 90% while Spirogyra porticalis affinity for Lead was 10%, 41% and 10%. Temperature ranged from 30-31˚C which might be as a result of ambient temperature. The pH of both tannery effluents did not differ significantly (p=<0.5) and it was not within the maximum permissible limit of 6.5-8.5. EC of M Tannery was a little higher than that of G Tannery (8.417±0.26, 6.920±0.050) which were below the permissible limit. TDS of M tannery was higher than that of G Tannery 1919.0±68.46mg/L, 1916.0±61.94mg/l which were not within the permissible limit. DO content were within the permissible limits of 6.4mg/L. BOD of both effluent samples were below the permissible limit of 4mg/L. This research shows that both species are suitable for bioremediation and are also tannery specific.
Keywords: Bioremediation, Effluent, Tannery, Spirogyra porticalis, Chlorella vulgaris
Normal tissue tolerance dose for cervical radiotherapy to the NTCP model using a method of least square fit
Authors: Onuh E. , Ajuji A.S. , Rabiu N. , Anas M.S. , Jada M. 
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of Normal Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP) models on radiation treatment plans. We estimated NTCP parameters for the organs at risk (OARs) for cervical cancer radiotherapy. We pooled individual patient data from fifty patients who were treated with External Beam Radiotherapy technique between March 2012 and November 2013 in a part of Northern Nigeria with the exclusion of patients who had other gynaecological malignancies. Three basic methods were followed during the radiotherapy planning of these patients which included the pre-planning stage, planning radiotherapy treatment stage and treatment delivery. Various tests were carried out on these patients which helped to confirm the diagnosis after which they were treated using the linear accelerator, computed tomography simulator and the treatment planning system. We calculated the normal tissue tolerance doses for partial volumes of the organs using the values of the above –said parameters for published data on normal tissue tolerance doses. This article shows a graphical representation of the computed NTCP for left femur, right femur and skin presented and a fairly good correspondence is found between the curves for head of femurs and skin.
Keywords: Normal Tissue Tolerance Dose, Normal Tissue Complication Probability, Method of Least Square Fit, Cervical Radiotherapy
Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial studies of Mn(II) complexes of acetylthiophene and acetyl furan Schiff base derivatives
Authors: Isyaku S. , Aliyu H.N. , Ozoro E.C. , Abubakar T. 
Published: July 2020

Manganese(II) complexes of Schiff bases; 2-acetylthiophene-4‑phenylthiosemi-carbazone (AT-PTSC) and 2-furylmethylketone-4-phenylthiosemi-carbazone (AF‑PTSC) derived from condensation of 2-acetylthiophene and 2-furylmethylketone (2-acetylfuran) each with 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide in (1:1 molar ratio) ethanol, have been synthesized. The Schiff bases and the Mn(II) complexes were characterized on the basis of melting point/decomposition temperature, solubility, magnetic susceptibility, infrared spectra, molar conductance measurements, elemental and gravimetric analyses. The Mn(II) complexes show moderate values of decomposition temperatures. The Schiff bases and the complexes were soluble in some common organic solvents. Infrared spectral data of the Schiff bases and their complexes, indicate coordination of the Schiff bases to the metal(II) ion via azomethine nitrogen. The effective magnetic moment of the Mn(II) complexes suggested an octahedral geometry. The molar conductance values of the complexes show that the complexes are electrolytes. The results of the elemental analysis of the ligands and their complexes are in good agreement with the calculated values, suggesting a 1:2 (metal-ligand) ratio. Antimicrobial screenings of the ligands and their complexes were conducted against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus,) and two gram-negative (Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli) bacteria specie. Also three fungi mainly (Candida albicans, Mucus indicus and Aspergillus flavus) were tested. The results showed that both the ligands and the complexes are active against the bacteria and the fungi specie.
Keywords: Ligand, Schiff base, 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide, 2-acetylthiophene, 2-acetylfuran molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, elemental analysis.
Antibacterial activity of local honey against Carbapenem Resistant enterobacteriaceae isolated from infected wounds
Authors: Aminu B.M. , Khadija M.L. 
Published: July 2020

The increasing incidence of drug resistant organisms such as Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has resulted in difficulties in the management of infected wound. Integration of traditional medicine such as honey and modern antibiotics could be useful in the treatment of such infections. This research work is therefore aimed at evaluating the antibacterial activity of local honey against CRE isolated from infected wounds. Four hundred wound swabs (surgical, burn, diabetic foot ulcer, osteomylitis, abscess and laceration wound swab) obtained from Murtala Muhammad Specialist hospital and Muhammad Abdullahi Wase hospital Kano were screen for the presence of CRE. The isolates were identified and confirmed using culture, biochemical and meropenem sensitivity test according to standard microbiological techniques. The antibacterial activity and MIC of the honey was evaluated using agar well diffusion and tube dilution method respectively. A total of 253 organisms of the family Enterobacteriaceae from 342 samples that yielded growth were identified. The isolates were Escherichia coli 54 (21.3%), Klebsiella species 92 (36.4%), Proteus species 36 (14.2%), Pseudomonas species 54 (21.3%) and Enterobacter species 17 (6.7%). The study revealed the incidence of CRE as 8.46%. The result of antibacterial activity of honey revealed activity at all concentration (12.5% to 100%) with the diameter of inhibition ranging from 10mm to 38 mm. The result also revealed that 81.8% isolated CRE were sensitive to the local honey with varied bacteriostatic activity. The MIC values of the honey were found in the range of 12.5- 50 %( V/V).The antibacterial activity of honey even at lower strength justify their efficacy in the treatment of wound infection. Honey can therefore serve as potential antimicrobial substance for control of wound infection caused by CRE.
Key words: Activity, Honey, Wound, CRE, Agar-well diffusion.
Heavy metals analysis and toxicity evaluation of some textile and dyeing effluents in Kano, Nigeria using <I>Allium cepa</I> bioassay
Authors: Abdullahi U.A. , Ibrahim S. 
Published: July 2020

Insufficiencies in dyeing and textile processing coupled with incomplete sewage treatment system lead to indiscriminate discharge of large amount of dyestuff into water bodies mostly used for irrigation and fishing. These wastes are potentially mutagenic and some are even carcinogenic. In this research, cytotoxicity of three industrial effluents viz; African Textile Manufacturer (ATM), Kofar Naisa and Kofar Mata dyeing centres were evaluated using Allium cepa bioassay. The concentrations of some heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Zn, Fe, Cu, Co, Pb, Mn and Ni) were also determined. Three sets of small onion bulbs were cultivated in 25%, 50% 75% and 100% effluent concentrations (v/v) and a control for each site. Root tips from each bulb were harvested and processed for cytological studies using squashing technique. After 48hrs of exposure, cytotoxic effects of the effluents on root tips (compared to control) showed root growth retardation which was more apparent at higher concentrations. This indicated that, the root growth inhibition was concentration dependent. Number of dividing cells observed and the Mitotic Index (MI) were also concentration dependent. There were decrease in number of dividing cells and MI with increase in concentration of the treatment. The effective concentrations that caused 50% effect (EC50) was 95% for ATM and K/Naisa dyeing points while it was 100% in K/mata dyeing point. Diverse structural aberrations and abnormalities were observed ranging from chromosomal bridge, which was apparent even at low concentrations of the treatment to cytokinesis failure, Micronucleus (MN) and nuclear buds or vacuolated nuclei. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in mean concentrations of Cr, Fe, Cu and Mn for K/Naisa and K/Mata dyeing centres, but there was statistical difference (P<0.05) for these parameters in ATM. Likewise, there was significant difference (P<0.05) in the root growth of A. cepa exposed to different concentrations of the effluent in ATM and K/Naisa sites but no statistical difference existed in root growth of A. cepa exposed to K/Mata effluents.
Keywords: Allium cepa, Bioassay, Effluents, Cytotoxicity, Mitotic Index
An overview of the enzyme: Amylase and its industrial potentials
Authors: Ahmad M.A. , Isah U. , Raubilu I.A. , Muhammad S.I. , Ibrahim D. 
Published: July 2020

Amylases are group of enzymes produced by plants, animals and microorganisms, the enzyme has the ability to hydrolyze or degrade starch molecules into polymers containing units of glucose, thus, it is one of the most useful enzymes used by industries dependent on starch in their production processes. The enzyme has varying applications in food, fermentation, textile, pharmaceutical industries among others. Generally, amylase from microbial sources (i.e. fungal and bacterial origin) has over shadowed others in industrial usage. As such, this Paper aimed at reviewing amylase enzyme as a whole and some of its common industrial applications. The review visited the types of amylase based on hydrolases classification, its sources with emphasis to microorganisms, methods of production as well as effects of some chemical and physical parameters. The review also discusses some of the most common industrial application or uses of amylase enzyme in food, brewing, chemicals, paper, pharmaceutical, textile industries to mention but few. In conclusion, the reviewers suggest the use of microbial amylase due to it easy and simple technique in production, lower capital investment, lower energy requirement and high yield during production, exploration of more microbes with enzyme production potentials as well as improved industrial Scale production of the amylase for the betterment of the economy and improved industrial production of products.
Key: Amylase, Application, Enzyme, Industry, Microbes and Starch.