bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbiological Quality of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Sold in the Markets of Korhogo (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Mathurin Yao Konan , Ollo Kambire , Dezay Yoro Thierry , Safiatou Traore , Koffi-Nevry Rose 
Published: September 2021

Aims: The present work is part of a sanitary quality control of market garden products in Korhogo. The objective of this study was to know the microbiological quality of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) sold on the markets of the city of Korhogo.
Place and Duration of Study: The analyses were carried out at the microbiology laboratory of Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University during the months of October, November and December 2020.
Methodology: Germs such as molds, yeasts, mesophilic aerobic germs, total coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Clostridium were tested and enumerated on 40 tomato samples from the markets of Haoussabougou, Koko, Sinistré and the big market according to conventional microbiology methods.
Results: The average loads of molds and yeasts range from 1.2x104 to 6x105 CFU/g. The average loads of mesophilic aerobic germs vary from 2.3x104 to 2.3x105 CFU/g. The highest loads recorded for Staphylococcus aureus and total coliforms were 3.1x104 CFU/g and 1.5x104 CFU/g respectively. Escherichia coli (4x101 CFU/g) was isolated only from tomatoes collected in Haoussabougou. As for the Clostridium genus, it was not detected on all the tomatoes analyzed.
Conclusion: In general, the microbial loads of the analyzed samples are higher than the accepted norm. Thus, the tomatoes sold on the markets of the city of Korhogo have an unsatisfactory microbiological quality. It is advisable to clean, disinfect and rinse these tomatoes carefully with drinking water before consuming them raw.
Dietary Practices of Health Professionals during Working Hours in a Tertiary Referral Teaching Hospital In Ghana: A Neglected Vulnerable Group
Authors: Nsiah-Asamoah Christiana Naa Atsreh , Amoasi Deborah , Setorglo Jacob 
Published: September 2021

Aim: Generally, it is assumed that health professionals are knowledgeable about healthy eating and as such studies aimed at assessing their dietary practices and the factors that influence these practices have been largely neglected. These studies are important because the dietary habits of healthcare professionals (HCPs) can have an impact on their well-being, health status and even their work output. Largely, there is a dearth of information about the dietary practices of HCPs during working hours. This study was aimed at assessing the dietary practices of HCPs during working hours at a referral teaching hospital in Ghana.
Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study in which a questionnaire was administered to 320 HCPs.
Methodology: A questionnaire was administered to the HCPs in the hospital after obtaining informed consent (written) from the HCPs. The questionnaire solicited information about their socio-demographics, dietary practices and nutritional knowledge. Descriptive statistics were summarized as frequencies and proportions.
Results: Approximately 13.1%, 47.5% and 39.4% were underweight, normal weight and overweight respectively. Carbonated beverages, baked foods and fried foods were consumed four (4) or more times in a week by more than half of the HCPs because they were regarded as convenience foods which could be eaten while working. About 76.9%, 52.8% and 58.4% skipped their breakfast, lunch and supper meal respectively at least once in the past one (1) week before the study.
Conclusions: The findings reveal concerns about the unhealthy dietary habits and basic nutrition knowledge gaps among the surveyed HCPs. Most HCPs skipped breakfast and ate a lot of unhealthy foods such as carbonated beverages, baked foods and fried foods frequently during working hours. Recommendations made include the need for hospital management to provide canteens that serve healthy meals for HCPs at their job sites. There is also the need for management to organize the work-schedules of HCPs in order to manage their workloads in a manner that enables them have adequate breaktimes to access and eat healthy foods while at work.
Characterization and Screening of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and Yeast from Fermented Sorghum and Maize Products for use as Starter Culture
Authors: Ayodeji Oluwatosin Charles , Titilayo Afolabi Folake , Musliu Abdulkadir 
Published: September 2021

This study focused on the isolation, Characterization and screening of lactic acid bacteria and yeast for use as starter culture in order to eradicate the problem of excessive microbial contamination and the presence of mycotoxins.
Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were the predominant microorganisms isolated from the samples collected. The isolates were screened for their ability to produce enzymes and metabolites. Lactic acid bacteria produce a variety of antimicrobial compounds such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, diacetyl on them as a natural competitive means to overcome other microorganism sharing the same niche. They were also screened for their ability to withstand some physiological stress like acid tolerance, temperature, salt concentration and antibacterial activity; the isolates produced significant values of enzymes and, antimicrobial metabolites. The antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus plantarum is mainly attributed to the low pH due to Lactic acid production. The antimicrobial activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae appears to be mainly due to the competition with the other microorganisms. In addition, depletion of Oxygen and production of CO2, competition for nutrients and the production of antimicrobial substances could have been responsible for the overall antimicrobial activity of both cultures. According to the results obtained, both lactic acid bacteria and yeast proved to be a good source of starter culture.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Pavithra S. , Lavanya S. , Vaishnavi P. , Rosario A. Rakesh , A Priyadharshini , Ahalya S. P. 
Published: September 2021

COVID-19 is a pathogenic virus that caused a pandemic outbreak in December 2019. The impact of this virus may be severe in the patients having co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease, cardiovascular disease, etc.
Aim and Objectives: This study Aims in Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on Diabetic and Hypertensive patients as well as COVID-19 patients without any co-morbidities. Objective of this is to evaluate the association between COVID-19 and its risk factors (diabetes and hypertension) and to evaluate whether the severity of the symptoms in COVID-19 patients is due to comorbidities or past medications.
Methodology: A Retrospective study was conducted in SRM Hospital (Medical Records Department) for a period of 3 Months with the study population 670 at the age group of 25, known case of Diabetes and Hypertension. Cases of Pregnant women are excluded from the study. The patients were grouped into 4 categories 1) control group (patient without any co-morbidities) 2) diabetic patients 3) Hypertensive patient 4) Diabetic+Hypertension patient and studied their prescribing pattern by collecting the past medication history.
Results and Discussion: There is a significant decrease in a lymphocyte in covid-19 Type 2 diabetic patients in our study. These results suggest that different mechanism exists for hypertension and diabetes mellitus as risk factors for covid-19. It is also known that these patients have impaired immune response to many infections [30]. In our retrospective study, we collected 670 covid-19 cases. It consists of 12.5% of diabetic patients and 6.6% of hypertensive patients. This study compared COVID-19 patients without any comorbidity (neither Type 2 diabetes mellitus nor hypertension) with covid- 19 patients with comorbidities (Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension). COVID-19 patients with T2DM have an increased level of D-dimer compared to non-T2DM patients. Conclusion: Diabetic and hypertensive patients affected with COVID-19 are low in our study. Out of the total study population, only 12.5% are diabetic, 6.56% are hypertensive, and 9.25% were both diabetic and hypertensive. But when comparing in terms of severity, hypertensive and diabetic patients have severe effects than the control patients. In simpler terms, not every person who has diabetes and hypertension are affected with COVID-19, but those who were affected by COVID-19 showed more severity than the patients who don't have any comorbidities
Audit of the Wheat Pill Cases at Medicolegal Clinic Mayo Hospital Lahore
Authors: Zahra Kanwal , Shahid Maryam , Aslam Waqas , Butt Usman Shahid , Zahra Nida 
Published: September 2021

Objective: To determine the audit of wheat pill cases at medicolegal clinic of Mayo Hospital Lahore.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (medicolegal clinic), King Edward Medical University Lahore. This audit was of 9 months from September 2020 to May 2021. Patients presented at emergency department with attempt of wheat pills poisoning of all age groups and both genders were included. Cases were diagnosis via history of wheat pills consumption by the relatives. All the cases were given primary recovery and were shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Data was collected on monthly basis form September 2020 to May 2021. All the data was collected via study proforma.
Results: Total 49 wheat pill cases were observed during 9 months, their mean age was 29.26±12.68 years. Out of all 51.0% were males and 49.0% were females. Labourer males and housewives were most common 34.7% and 40.8% respectively. Frequency of wheat pill cases were high in months of September, October and May. At the time of admission 59.2% cases were seen conscious, 36.7% were semiconscious and 4.1% were unconscious. Out of all 59.2% were died.
Conclusion: This study observed that the wheat pills are highly toxic with the quick and high mortality rate. Strict legislations are recommended to the sale control of these pills all over the country.
Association between Chewable Tobacco Consumption and Oral Hygiene Habits on Periodontal Health
Authors: Memon Moomal , Shaikh Shazia , Siddiqui Muhammad Ilyas , Memon Sikander Munir , Anwar Aosaf , Ishaque Eshnawar 
Published: September 2021

Aims: To determine the pattern of chewable tobacco habits, to assess the oral hygiene habits among patients visiting dental OPD and to determine the association of oral health maintenance and chewable tobacco with severity of periodontal disease.
Study Design: It was a comparative cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Dental Outpatient Department, Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad and Jamshoro for six months from 1st February 2020 to 31st July 2020.
Methodology: A total of 362 subjects were selected by non-probability sampling technique. A pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect the data. Questionnaire forms was close and open ended. The investigator checked the patients, under the supervision of the OPD specialist and classified the periodontal health status. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS v.22) was used for data analysis.
Results: A total of 362 subjects, (84.5%) male and (15.5%) females were included in the study with the mean age 34.9 and SD ± 11.7. A highly significant association was found between chewable tobacco consumption and oral hygiene habits on periodontal health (p=<0.001) and statistically significant difference was found between the scores of measure of probing depth and loss of attachment for male and females (p=<0.001).
Conclusion: Periodontal diseases and poor oral hygiene have been diagnosed in all consumers of chewable tobacco. Usage of various types of chewing tobacco has been found to exacerbate the condition by developing pocket formation, bleeding on the probe, and inducing gingival recession as well.
Serum Calcium Levels in Preeclampsia
Authors: Khidri Feriha Fatima , Riaz Hina , Naz Farah , Almas . , Uqaili Arsalan Ahmed , Naz Roohi , Ali Faiza Kamran 
Published: September 2021

Objectives: To determine the serum calcium levels in mild and severe preeclampsia and compare it with normal pregnancy.
Methods: It was a comparative cross sectional study. Thirty five normotensive pregnant women, n=30 women with mild preeclampsia and n=70 with severe preeclampsia were recruited at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Hospital. The serum calcium was measured and levels were compared among three groups. The data was analysed on SPSS v. 20.
Results: The gestational age was more in the normal pregnancy compared to mild and severe preeclampsia (38.7±2.1 vs 36.7±3.6 and 36.2±2.8, p-value=0.0002). The calcium concentration was less in the both groups of preeclampsia i.e., 8.41± 0.96 mg/dl in mild and 8.02± 0.77 mg/dl in severe preeclampsia vs 9.2± 0.32 mg/dl in normal pregnant women, (p-value <0.001).
Conclusion: We found lower levels of serum calcium in preeclampsia, suggesting its possible role in pathogenesis. Further studies to investigate the potential role of dietary supplementation of micronutrients during pregnancy are recommended.
Female Students Preferences for Different Pharmacy Departments in Research Project Course
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. 
Published: September 2021

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate female pharmacy students preferences for different pharmacy departments in research project course in Al-Kharj.
Methodology: This was a retrospective study that included the response of the fifth year female students in the college of pharmacy in Al-Kharj in 2020. The students ranked the pharmacy departments according to their preferences. Female pharmacy students in Al-kharj were included. Female students in other colleges and male students were excluded from the study.
Results: More than half of the respondents had a high grade of 4 or more out of 5 (53.85%). Most of the students (58.97%) choose a research project in clinical pharmacy department (51.28% select clinical pharmacy as a first choice and 7.69% as a second choice). Most of the students who selected clinical pharmacy department as a first choice had a high grade (80 % of the students had a grade of 3.5 or more out of 5).
Conclusion: Most of the female students choose a research project in clinical pharmacy department this results is rational because generally a high percentage of pharmacy students plan to work in hospitals after graduation. So, research training is important for pharmacy students to improve their ability to solve drug therapy problems, counsel patients and communicate efficiently with health care professionals.
Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation Reduces Oxidative Stress in Patients with Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Shaikh Farheen , Lakhan Hazooran , Memon Khalil Ahmed , Sarah Bibi , Ansari Shafaq , Shah Tazeen , Ahmer Arslan 
Published: September 2021

Objective: To determine the effect of CoQ10 supplementation in reduction of oxidative stress by index marker, Malondialdehyde (MDA), super oxidase dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in patients with pre-eclampsia.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry LUMHS, Jamshoro. During the period of January 2018 to June 2018. Total 200 pregnant women were recruited and divided into two groups. 50 females were normotensive pregnant women as a control group, 150 were pre-eclamptic patients as case group. Obstetric history, clinical data was gathered and then 5ml of blood sample was collected from each patient. The blood samples were taken before and after a 3 months’ supplementation to analyse Malondialdehyde (MDA). The CoQ10 was evaluated by High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) and MDA, SOD, CAT and GPx were performed on UV- spectrophotometer. Data was analysed by using SPSS version 22. Student t­test was used for analysed of continuous variables.
Results: The pre-eclamptic women treated with CoQ10 supplementation the plasma CoQ10 levels and MDA, SOD and CAT levels increased marked after 3 months(p<0.001). But the Glutathione Peroxidase was insignificant results as compared with controls (p=0.057).
Conclusion: The present study reflects that supplementation of CoQ10 decreased the oxidative stress and also helpful in improving the health of mother as well of her foetus by increase antioxidant activity.
Factors Influencing Food Selectivity and Food Preferences of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Rashid Amna , Iftikhar Nayab , Badar Syeda Asfara , Masood Fahad , Rehman Iqra 
Published: September 2021

Aims: To determine the Food Preferences and factors influencing food selectivity for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Study Design: It was a cross-sectional survey.
Place and Duration of Study: Data was collected within the time frame of six months from February 2019 to July 2019. Data was collected from different educational centers, rehabilitation centers, clinics and special education schools in Lahore, Pakistan.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenient sampling technique. Data was collected from parents of children with Autism by using a questionnaire. Data was collected within the time frame of six months from February 2019 to July 2019. Data was collected from different educational centers, rehabilitation centers, clinics and special education schools in Lahore, Pakistan.
Results: In sample of 68 children 22 (32.4%) were female and 46 (67.6%) were male. Out of 68 children, 55(80.8%) liked rice ,40(58.8%) liked junk food, 41(60.2%) liked bread, 38(55.8%) liked crunchy food and 36(53%) liked fruits. Out of 68 children 32(47%) didn’t need certain silverware or temperature to eat food, 33(48%) didn’t prefer to sit with specific person or chair at meals, 31(.5%) didn’t show any behavior like crying and screaming, 30(44.1%) didn’t refuse food if not in a presentable way and 30(44.1%) disagreed to eat single food three times.
Conclusion: This study significantly shows that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder has some food preferences. They like to eat soft food like rice and bread rather than churchy one, they like fruits, vegetable, junk food. They show behaviors like throw food while eating and refuses to self-feed. They prefer to watch TV or any electronic device at mealtime. Due to their sensory issues they refuse to taste new food. The result indicates that autistic child has food preferences and they show limited acceptance towards food.
From Lithium‐Metal toward Anode‐Free Solid‐State Batteries: Current Developments, Issues, and Challenges
Authors: Heubner Christian , Maletti Sebastian , Auer Henry , Hüttl Juliane , Voigt Karsten , Lohrberg Oliver , Nikolowski Kristian , Partsch Mareike , Michaelis Alexander 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe development of rechargeable batteries with high‐energy density is critical for future decarbonization of transportation. Anode‐free Li‐ion batteries, using a bare current collector at the anode side without any excess of Li, provide the highest volumetric energy density (>1500 Wh L−1) among all possible cell configurations. Furthermore, elimination of the anode material coating reduces material consumption and greatly simplifies cell production, which in turn lowers costs. Although significant progress has been made recently by the application of modified current collectors, optimized cycling parameters and improved liquid electrolytes, insufficient efficiencies, and dendritic growth during lithium plating lead to poor cycle life of typically less than 100 cycles as well as safety issues. Alternatively, very recent studies have demonstrated anode‐free solid‐state batteries that combine the benefits of high energy anode‐free cell configuration and solid‐state systems with high safety, exceeding 1000 cycles. This review provides an overview of recent developments toward anode‐free solid‐state batteries and highlights the current issues and challenges in this nascent field. It is concluded that, although major challenges remain at the present, the lessons learned in the fields of liquid electrolytes and solid‐state lithium metal batteries can accelerate the development of anode‐free solid‐state batteries of practical relevance.
An Organic Nanotherapeutic Agent Self‐Assembled from Cyanine and Cu (II) for Combined Photothermal and Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Xi Dongmei , Yang Mingwang , Sun Wen , Peng Xiaojun , Fan Jiangli 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAlthough the combination of photothermal/chemodynamic therapy (PTT/CDT) based on various inorganic nanomaterials has promising anticancer effects, poor biocompatibility and biodegradability of inorganic nanoplatforms pose obstacles to their use in clinic. On the contrary, nanoscale metal−organic particles are considered to be a promising platform because of their biocompatibility and efficient metabolism. Herein, HA@Cy‐Cu NPs are prepared using the coordination‐driven assembly of cyanine dyes with Cu2+ ions. HA@Cy‐Cu NPs demonstrate excellent synergistic PTT/CDT, a high photothermal conversion efficiency (43%), and enhanced photostability. Moreover, Cu2+ in the NPs can be reduced to Cu+ by glutathione (GSH) and can transform H2O2 to •OH, which down‐regulates intracellular GSH levels and up‐regulates significant oxidative damage. Therefore, promising in vivo tumor ablation is observed at a low dose of HA@Cy‐Cu, suggesting that the combination of PTT/CDT greatly improved the antitumor performance. HA@Cy‐Cu can further improve organic nano‐systems for anti‐tumor therapy by integrating PTT and CDT.
Hydrophilicity and Hydrophobicity Control of Plasma‐Treated Surfaces via Fractal Parameters
Authors: Piferi Cecilia , Bazaka Kateryna , D'Aversa Debora L. , Di Girolamo Rocco , De Rosa Claudio , Roman H. Eduardo , Riccardi Claudia , Levchenko Igor 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIt is still problematic to define a direct relationship between specific properties of a nanostructured surface (e.g., wettability) and its morphology. Not surprisingly, scientists continue to explore en masse the cut‐and‐try method. In this work, new insights are presented into the correlation of functional properties of the complex nanocomposites with their morphological characteristics. Using polyethylene‐terephthalate (PET) as a model material due to its importance and wide use in experiments, super‐hydrophilic nanocomposites amenable to be used in a variety of industrial applications are first developed, by exposing PET samples to oxygen plasma under controlled conditions. The morphology of the surfaces is confirmed using AFM and SEM techniques, and wettability in air and its oleophobic properties in water using contact angle and roll‐off measurements. Next, different analytical tools such as Minkowski connectivity (Euler‐Poincaré characteristic), Hough distributions and 2D FFT are applied to study ordering, connectivity, and fractal characteristics of the samples. It is concluded that fractal dimension, along with ordering and connectivity, are among the major characteristics of the nanocomposite that determine many important physical and chemical properties of the functional nanomaterials, and the fractal dimension could be a target morphological feature to inform the design of fabrication technology.