bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of Physicochemical Parameters and Mineral Compositions of Hand Dug Well Water Samples Collected from Selected Local Government Areas in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Okewole S. A. , Oyekunle L. O. , Akande O. O. , Amusat A. I. , Amuzat A. I. , Ojo A. O. , Olugbodi O. G. , Olasupo A. M. 
Published: April 2021

Potable water is essential for human survival but contaminations through human activities have jeo
pardized it. This research will create awareness on the condition of hand dug well water used and reduce transmission of diseases in the study areas. The study deals with the determination of physic-chemical parameters and Mineral composition of water samples collected in the month of September, 2019 from hand dug well from selected local government areas in Oyo State Nigeria, (Ibadan North-East, Ibarapa Central, Afijio, Ogbomoso South and Iseyin local government). The parameters examined were Temperature (ToC), Potential Hydrogen (pH), Conductivity (µ/S-1/cm), Total Dissolved Solid (TDS ppm), Salinity (ppm), Dissolved Oxygen (DO mg/L),Potassium (K+), Calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Zinc (Zn2+) and Chloride (Cl-). Standard analytical methods were used. The analytical results of the study revealed that Temperatures are within 27 and 28oC, the pH of the samples ranges from 4.7-6.8, Conductivity falls between 785-1671 µ/S-1/cm. The TDS ranges from 550-1346 ppm, Salinity from 384-956 ppm while DO had the values ranges of 6.03-11.44 mg/l. Potassium (K+) (1.92-6.22 mg/l), Calcium (Ca2+) (14.74-18.52 mg/l), Magnesium (Mg2+) (6.34-7.81 mg/l), Zinc (Zn2+) (0.39-0.47mg/l) and Chloride (Cl-) (26.19-28.70 mg/l). It was noted that, Conductivity, salinity and DO were high compared to WHO and NSDWQ permissible standard limits. This indicated that pollution from dumpsites and erosion has great impact on the water. The mineral compositions of the water samples are within the permissible limit recommended by WHO. It is advisable that proper drainage and sewer systems should be constructed in all areas to ensure proper disposal of hazardous liquid waste, thereby preventing seepage into groundwater and surface water.
Periodontitis, Cardiovascular Disease and Fetuin A: A Triad
Authors: Bashir Raima , Hosein Mervyn , Hosein Mervyn , Zil-e-Rubab . , Saghir Tahir , Saher Fizza 
Published: April 2021

Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases are two most common and related pathologies which may aggravate each other’s pathophysiological impact. Long standing periodontitis leads to a systemic inflammatory response which elicits as well as exacerbates the cardiovascular disease process in the body. Fetuin A is an anti-inflammatory and anti-calcification glycoprotein, the levels of which decrease with ongoing inflammation in the body. Diminished Fetuin A levels due to persistent periodontitis, may promote inflammation and calcification which can predispose to multiple cardiovascular outcomes. Therefore the purpose of this literature review was to critically analyse the studies regarding Fetuin A, periodontal inflammation and cardiovascular diseases and find out a possible relationship between them. The studies published from the year 1976-2020 were reviewed for this article using Google Scholar, Pubmed, Research Gate & Semantic Scholar search engines using key words Periodontitis & Fetuin A, Fetuin A, Alpha-2- Heremans Schmid Glycoprotein, pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, periodontitis and CVD, CVD and Fetuin A, etc. It can hence be concluded from this review article that Fetuin A glycoprotein has a protective effect on the body owing to its anti-inflammatory and anti-calcification properties. It also advocates that decreased levels of Fetuin A can be used as a potential diagnostic tool to assess the predisposing risk of cardiovascular diseases affected by calcification and inflammatory process in the body.
Oral nifedipine therapy in the management of severe preeclampsia
Authors: Kwawukume E.Y. , Ghosh T.S. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of nifedipine (Cordipin) and hydralazine in lowering blood pressure in severe preeclampsia. Method: A randomized, prospective study of 104 patients with severe preeclampsia in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, was conducted between January 1992 and June 1994. Results: Of the 104 patients recruited into the study, six did not deliver at our hospital and were thus excluded from the study. Nifedipine and hydralazine as first‐line drugs controlled the blood pressure in 44 and 35 patients, respectively, but failed in 5 and 14, respectively. This was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The mean birth weight was higher in the nifedipine group (2500 ± 800 g vs. 2400 ± 800 g). There were 11 admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit in the nifedipine group and 13 in the hydralazine group but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Nifedipine and hydralazine could both be used effectively to control blood pressure in severe preeclampsia in our subregion. While hydralazine is administered intravenously and needs strict monitoring, nifedipine is more effective, is easy to administer orally, less demanding on hospital staff, convenient and more predictable.
Interleukin‐1 alpha and vasoactive interstinal peptide: Enigmatic regulation of neuronal survival
Authors: Brenneman D.E. , Hill J.M. , Glazner G.W. , Gozes I. , Phillips T.W. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractA neurotrophic role for interleukin‐1 alpha (IL‐1α) was investigated in dissociated spinal cord‐dorsal root ganglion cultures. Three observations suggested a survival‐promoting action for IL‐1α in nine‐day‐old cultures: (1) neutralizing antiserum to murine IL‐1α decreased neuronal survival; (2) treatment with IL‐1α in electrically blocked cultures increased neuronal survival; and (3) antiserum to the type I IL‐1 receptor decreased neuronal survival. Treatment with VIP prevented neuronal cell death associated with the antiserum to IL‐1α. In contrast, treatment of one‐month‐old cultures with IL‐1α produced neuronal cell death and neutralizing antiserum to the IL‐1 receptor had no effect on neuronal survival in these cultures. These experiments suggested that an IL‐1‐like substance was necessary for neuronal survival during a specific stage in development and that a relationship between VIP and IL‐1α might account in part for the neurotrophic properties of VIP.To test if VIP might be a secretagogue for IL‐1, a neuron‐free model system was utilized: astroglial cultures derived from cerebral cortex. VIP treatment produced a concentration‐dependent (EC50:50 pM) increase in the amount of IL‐1α in the medium and a decrease in cellular IL‐1α. Interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) was also increased (EC 50: 1 nM) in the medium by VIP but without depleting IL‐1β in the cytosol. Semi‐quantitative measurements of the IL‐1α mRNA after VIP treatment indicated a significant but transient decrease. These data indicate that VIP produced an increase in the secretion of IL‐1α while depleting IL‐1α mRNA.
Adjunctive testing for cervical cancer in low resource settings with visual inspection, HPV, and the Pap smear
Authors: Blumenthal P.D. , Gaffikin L. , Chirenje Z.M. , McGrath J. , Womack S. , Shah K. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To test whether the performance of visual inspection using acetic acid (VIA) could be improved through adjunctive testing and to determine whether the combination of visual inspection of the cervix and HPV testing could prove useful for identifying those at highest risk of cervical precancer. Methods: Between October 1995 and August 1997, 2199 women willing to be screened for cervical cancer in peri‐urban clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe received VIA, Pap smear and HPV as screening tests. The presence or absence of (pre)cancer was confirmed via colposcopy with biopsy as indicated for >97% of all women. Computerized simulations of sequential testing scenarios provided estimates of the joint (net) test qualities of different paired combinations of the three tests and allowed for comparisons with the individual test qualities. Results: Using HGSIL/CIN II‐III as the reference threshold of disease, the net sensitivity and specificity of VIA and HPV when used sequentially were 63.6 and 81.9%, respectively, compared to 43.3 and 91%, respectively, when Pap smears were followed by HPV testing. VIA followed by the Pap smear yielded a net sensitivity of 37.5% and net specificity of 94.3%. Conclusions: For programs with limited resources but with the capacity for HPV testing, sequential testing involving the use of VIA followed by HPV could yield fewer false positives than the use of VIA alone at a cost of relatively few additional false negatives.
The pathway of MAP kinase mediation of CSF arrest in Xenopus oocytes
Authors: Maller James L. , Schwab Markus S. , Roberts B.Tibor , Gross Stefan D. , Taieb Frédéric E. , Tunquist Brian J. 
Published: July 2002

Summry— A cytoplasmic activity in mature oocytes responsible for second meiotic metaphase arrest was identified over 30 years ago in amphibian oocytes. In Xenopus oocytes CSF activity is initiated by the progesterone‐dependent synthesis of Mos, a MAPK kinase kinase, which activates the MAPK pathway. CSF arrest is mediated by a sole MAPK target, the protein kinase p90Rsk which leads to inhibition of cyclin B degradation by the anaphase‐promoting complex. Rsk phosphorylates and activates the Bub1 protein kinase, which may cause metaphase arrest due to inhibition of the anaphase‐promoting complex (APC) by a conserved mechanism defined genetically in yeast and mammalian cells. CSF arrest in vertebrate oocytes by p90Rsk provides a potential link between the MAPK pathway and the spindle assembly checkpoint in the cell cycle.
Postnatal development of interlaminar astroglial processes in the cerebral cortex of primates
Authors: Colombo J.A. , Lipina S. , YáÑez A. , Puissant V. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractLong astroglial processes traversing several cortical laminae appear to be characteristic of primate brains. Whether interlaminar processes develop as a modification of radial glia or are truly postnatal elements stemming from stellate astroglia, could be assessed by analyzing their early developmental stages. A survey of glial fibrillar acidic protein immunoreactive (GFAP‐IR) astroglial interlaminar processes in the cerebral cortex of Ceboidea monkeys at various postnatal developmental ages, and in human cortical samples of a ten day and a seven year old child disclosed that such processes develop postnatally. At one month of age GFAP‐IR interlaminar processes in monkeys were scarce and short in most frontal, parietal or occipital (striate) cortical areas, except for sulcal (principal and orbital sulci) and temporal cortical areas. Some processes were weakly positive for vimentin, and these were most abundant in ventral temporal cortical areas. At two months of age processes were present in all these areas, albeit in restricted patches and significantly shorter than in adults. The expression of this pattern was increased at seven months of age. At three years of age almost every area showed abundant processes and with lengths comparable to the adult Ceboidea individuals. In humans, at 10 days of age long interlaminar processes were readily apparent in a frontal cortex sample, becoming most apparent at the age of seven years although not reaching yet the adult characteristics as described previously. Conclusions : (1) GFAP‐IR interlaminar processes develop postnatally, thus typifying a subtype of the classical stellate forms ; (2) they bear no obvious direct relationship with radial glia ; (3) their development is not contemporary among the various cortical regions. These long cellular processes represent an addition to those already described for other astroglial cell types in the adult mammalian brain (Golgi–Bergmann glia, tanicytes, Muller cells) .
Tissue‐specific alternative mRNA splicing ofphenylethanolamine n‐methyltransferase (PNMT) duringdevelopment by intron RETENTION
Authors: Unsworth Brian R. , Hayman G.Thomas , Carroll Amie , Lelkes Peter I. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe expression of phenylethanolamine N‐methyl transferase (EC 2. 1.1.2.8,PNMT), the final enzyme in the cascade of catecholamine synthesis, is differentially regulated inadrenergic neurons in the brain and in adrenal chromaffin cells. Using reversetranscription‐polymerase chain reaction‐based techniques, we detected in the prenatal developingrat brainstem, two species of PNMT mRNA which were produced by a rare alternative splicingmechanism known as intron retention. The spliced, intronless message was downregulatedpostnatally, while the intron‐retained mRNA species continued to be constitutively expressedthrough adulthood. By contrast in the adrenals, at all stages of development examined, only theintronless message was expressed. In line with previous reports on the failure of glucocorticoidsto induce PNMT expression in the brain, the pattern of PNMT splicing in brainstem explants wasnot affected by the presence of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Undifferentiatedsympathoadrenal PC12 pheochromocytoma cells expressed very low basal levels of both mRNAvariants, accompanied by a very low basal PNMT enzymatic activity. Exposure of PC12 cells todexamethasone resulted in the upregulation of only the spliced mRNA variant concomitant with a3‐fold increase in PNMT enzymatic activity. In contrast, treatment of PC12 cells with nervegrowth factor (NGF) enhanced the expression of both the intron‐retained and the intronlessmRNA species without changes in the basal enzyme activity. This latter result suggests that thetranslation of the intronless mRNA species may be regulated by the intron‐retained mRNAspecies, which by itself may yield a truncated, yet enzymatically functional translational product.Our data suggest that the tissue‐specific regulation of PNMT expression is based on a rarealternative splicing mechanism termed intron retention, and that in the adrenal, but not in thebrain, this mechanism is sensitive to regulation by glucocorticoids. Thus, this system is uniquelysuited for studying the hormonal control of tissue‐specific splicing in the nervous system.
Effects of radiation on a three‐dimensional model of malignant glioma invasion
Authors: Bauman Glenn S. , Fisher Barbara J. , McDonald Warren , Amberger Verena R. , Moore Emi , Del Maestro Rolando F. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractAn experimental model of malignant glioma growth involving implantation of spheroids into a gel matrix of collagen type I has been developed. This model has been used to characterize changes in glioma cell invasion in response to single dose and fractionated radiation treatment. Suspensions of C6 astrocytoma cells were grown in spinner culture flasks to yield spheroids of varying size (300–1000 μm). Implantation of spheroids into a gel matrix of collagen type I was associated with measurable invasion of the surrounding gel by individual tumor cells. Changes in the distance of invasion in response to single dose and fractionated radiation were measured. Changes in apoptosis and proliferative indices in different regions of the spheroids in response to radiation were also assessed. In unirradiated gels, maximum depth of invasion, 1300–1750 μm, was achieved by 5 days after implantation. A radiation dose‐dependent inhibition of invasion was noted and was most profound for larger spheroids. Fractionation of the radiation dose was associated with a partial recovery of invasion. Changes in apoptotic and proliferative indices in response to radiation depended on the region of the spheroid examined. Increases in apoptosis were noted for cells at the surface of the spheroid and invading cells while cells at the centre of the spheroid demonstrated virtually no increase in apoptosis. Likewise, a dose‐dependent decrease in proliferative indices following radiation was noted among the invading cells and cells at the surface of the spheroid but not at the centre of the spheroid.We have described a model of malignant glioma invasion which possesses many of the qualities of in vivo malignant gliomas. Within this model, invasion appeared to be inhibited by radiation in a dose‐ and fractionation‐dependent fashion. Measurement of apoptotic and cell proliferation indices favour a direct cytotoxic effect on the invading cells as the most likely mechanism for this phenomenon.
The Nordic comparative study on sectorised psychiatry: repeated emergency admissions to inpatient care during a 1-year follow-up
Authors: Saarento O , Christiansen L , Göstas G , Hakko H , Lönnerberg O , Muus S , Sandlund M , Öiesvold T , Hansson L 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe emergency admissions to hospital care in six psychiatric services in four Nordic countries were explored as a part of a Nordic comparative study on sectorised psychiatry. One year treated incidence cohorts were used, with the total cohort comprising 2,454 patients. Of the 803 patients who were admitted to inpatient care during a 1-year follow-up, 82% had at least one emergency admission and 23% repeated emergency admissions. The definition for the repeated emergency admissions was at least two admissions during the follow-up. The mean length of stay in emergency inpatient care per treatment episode for this patient subgroup was 28 days. Their emergency inpatient episodes constituted 30% of all inpatient days during the follow-up. However, the variations between the services and diagnostic subgroups were large. The results of a logistic regression analysis indicated that the following variables predicted repeated emergency admissions: inpatient care at index contact, emergency outpatient contacts or no planned hospital admissions during the follow-up, psychiatric service, age under 45 years, and a diagnosis of psychosis, personality disorder or dependency. The repeated emergency admissions were related to the existence of a special service unit for abusers but not to the rates of outpatient staff or acute beds in the services, to geographical distances, referral practice or existence of emergency services.
Dividend reinvestment plans as efficient methods of raising equity financing
Authors: Roden Foster , Stripling Tom 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThis paper presents the results of an examination of the effect of establishing dividend reinvestment plans by public utilities. The authors mailed a questionnaire to a sample of public utilities establishing dividend reinvestment plans before May 1981 and use event methodology to determine excess returns surrounding the announcement dates of plans. Empirical analysis reveals statistically significant positive average excess returns during a 15‐day period preceding the announcement. The authors note that the results are consistent with the explanation that DRPs are an efficient alternative to using underwriters to raise equity financing.
THE 1999‐2000 TASK ANALYSIS OF AMERICAN NURSE‐MIDWIFERY/MIDWIFERY PRACTICE
Authors: Oshio Sachiko , Johnson Peter , Fullerton Judith 
Published: July 2002

ABSTRACTA master list of tasks, which contained 200 task statements, 23 professional issues statements, and 177 clinical conditions, was divided into three equivalent survey forms and distributed to those certified nurse‐midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) certified by the ACNM Certification Council, Inc. during the 5‐year period from 1995 to 1999. Specific efforts were made to encourage the participation of CMs, because they represented a new professional cohort. A total of 627 valid responses were obtained. Reasonably similar numbers of respondents contributed data related to each of the three versions of the survey form. The responsibilities have expanded substantially within the domains of nonreproductive primary health care and gynecologic care of the well woman, including advances in assisted reproductive technology. A diminished emphasis on the CNM/CM role in the provision of newborn care was documented. The ACC Research Committee recommended the revision of the entry‐level certification examination blueprint, and this was approved by the ACC Board of Directors. The specific recommendations included the development of a new primary care domain and the reconfiguration of content emphasis with percentage allocations as follows: Primary Care, 5‐10%; Well‐Woman/Gynecology, 15‐20%; Newborn, 5‐10%; Postpartum, 5‐10%; Antepartum, 25‐30%; Intrapartum, 25‐35%; Professional Issues, up to 5%.
Defluorinative Diborasodiation of Benzotrifluorides with Bis(pinacolato)Diboron and Sodium
Authors: Ito Shiori , Takahashi Fumiya , Yorimitsu Hideki 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTreatment of benzotrifluorides with sodium dispersion in the presence of bis(pinacolato)diboron results in diborative reduction to yield the corresponding diborylbenzylsodium species. The anionic species react not only with reactive organic halides but also with aromatic carbonyl compounds to yield the corresponding alkenylboron compounds via Peterson‐type olefination. The success of the generation of the diborylbenzylsodium species lies in immediate capture of initially formed unstable difluorobenzylsodium with co‐existing reduction‐resistant bis(pinacolato)diboron.
Atom‐Mediated Phonon Blockade and Controlled‐Z Gate in Superconducting Circuit System
Authors: Zhao Chengsong , Peng Rui , Yang Zhen , Chao Shilei , Li Chong , Zhou Ling 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA scheme to generate phonon blockade in a superconducting Josephson junction circuit system is proposed, where the photon, phonon, and artificial two‐level atom are bound into a tripartite interaction. The phonon blockade in the proposal mediated by the two‐level atom differs from the phonon blockade resulting from the single phonon resonance and the destructive interference between different paths, which can be generated within a weak coupling region and a large range of cavity detuning, even with a large optical dissipation rate. In addition, under certain condition, the unconventional photon blockade can be achieved but the phonon blockade is still maintained. Based on the phonon blockade, it is shown that the controlled‐Z gate (CZ) can be implemented with the tripartite interaction.
NIPSNAP protein family emerges as a sensor of mitochondrial health
Authors: Fathi Esmat , Yarbro Jay M. , Homayouni Ramin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSince their discovery over two decades ago, the molecular and cellular functions of the NIPSNAP family of proteins (NIPSNAPs) have remained elusive until recently. NIPSNAPs interact with a variety of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic proteins. They have been implicated in multiple cellular processes and associated with different physiologic and pathologic conditions, including pain transmission, Parkinson's disease, and cancer. Recent evidence demonstrated a direct role for NIPSNAP1 and NIPSNAP2 proteins in regulation of mitophagy, a process that is critical for cellular health and maintenance. Importantly, NIPSNAPs contain a 110 amino acid domain that is evolutionary conserved from mammals to bacteria. However, the molecular function of the conserved NIPSNAP domain and its potential role in mitophagy have not been explored. It stands to reason that the highly conserved NIPSNAP domain interacts with a substrate that is ubiquitously present across all species and can perhaps act as a sensor for mitochondrial health.