bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between ABCB1 Polymorphisms and Artesunate–Mefloquine Treatment Responses of Patients with Falciparum Malaria on the Thailand–Myanmar Border
Authors: Boonprasert Kanyarat , Kosa Nanthawat , Muhamad Poonuch , Cheoymang Anurak , Na-Bangchang Kesara 
Published: May 2021

Abstract.A decrease in the clinical efficacy of a 3-day artesunate–mefloquine combination treatment was reported in the areas of multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum along the Thailand–Myanmar border. The current study investigated the possible contribution of genetic polymorphisms of the three major genes encoding drug efflux transporters, ABCB1, ABCG2, and ABCC1, to responses to the aforementioned treatment in 91 patients with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria residing along the Thailand–Myanmar border. Patients carrying homozygous mutant genotype ABCB1 c.1236C>T (TT) were found to have a three-times higher chance of successful treatment with this combination compared with other genotypes (CC and CT). Furthermore, whole blood mefloquine concentrations in these patients with the TT genotype were significantly lower than those of patients carrying the CC genotype. Patients with heterozygous mutant genotype (CT), however, were three-times more likely to experience treatment failure. No significant association was found with the ABCG2 and ABCC1 gene polymorphisms. The results suggest that ABCB1 c.1236C>T polymorphisms could be useful genetic markers for predicting responses to the 3-day artesunate–mefloquine treatment; however, studies using larger sample sizes in different malaria-endemic areas are necessary to confirm this finding. This study highlights the impact of pharmacogenetic factors on antimalarial treatment responses and the basis for the application of control policies in various malaria-endemic areas.
Recent Molecular Assessment of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum Asymptomatic Infections in Botswana
Authors: Motshoge Thato , Haiyambo Daniel H. , Ayanful-Torgby Ruth , Aleksenko Larysa , Ntebela Davies , Malleret Benoit , Rénia Laurent , Peloewetse Elias , Paganotti Giacomo Maria , Quaye Isaac K. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract.In 2016, we reported the presence of Plasmodium vivax in Botswana through active case detection. A real-time PCR was used during a similar study in 10 districts to assess changes in the P. vivax prevalence. We assessed 1,614 children (2–13 years of age) for hemoglobin (Hb; g/dL) and Plasmodium parasites. The median age of all participants was 5.0 years (25th percentile, 3 years; 75th percentile, 8 years). The median Hb (g/dL) level was 12.1, but 18.3% of the participants had anemia (Hb < 11.0 g/dL); these participants were clustered in the younger than 5 years age group in all districts (P < 0.001). The risk of anemia decreased with age 5 years or older (odds ratio [OR], 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.197–0.34; P < 0.001). The prevalence rates of Plasmodium parasites were as follows: P. vivax, 12.7%; P. falciparum, 12.7%; P. malariae, 0.74%; and P. ovale (P. ovale curtisi), 0.68%. Mixed infection rates were as follows: P. falciparum and P. vivax, 2.35%; P. falciparum and P. ovale curtisi, 0.56%; P. vivax and P. malariae, 0.06%; and P. falciparum and P. malariae, 0.68%. The infections were largely asymptomatic (99.6%). Using logistic regression, the risk of infection with P. vivax was highest in Kweneng East (OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 2.9–13.1), followed by South East (OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 2.5–12.3) and Ngami (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 2.2–12.0). Compared to the risk of infection for children younger than 5 years, the risk of infection decreased for children 5 years or older in regions with high rates of P. vivax and P. falciparum infections. P. vivax and P. falciparum have expanded within the asymptomatic population in Botswana; therefore, careful attention is required for their elimination.
No Serological Evidence of Trachoma or Yaws Among Residents of Registered Camps and Makeshift Settlements in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Cooley Gretchen M. , Feldstein Leora R. , Bennett Sarah D. , Estivariz Concepcion F. , Weil Lauren , Bohara Rajendra , Vandenent Maya , Mainul Hasan ASM , Akhtar Mohammad Saifuddin , Uzzaman M. Salim , Billah Mallick Masum , Conklin Laura , Ehlman Daniel C. , Asiedu Kingsley , Solomon Anthony W. , Alamgir ASM , Flora Meerjady Sabrina , Martin Diana L. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract.Successful achievement of global targets for elimination of trachoma as a public health problem and eradication of yaws will require control efforts to reach marginalized populations, including refugees. Testing for serologic evidence of transmission of trachoma and yaws in residents of registered camps and a Makeshift Settlement in Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh, was added to a serosurvey for vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) conducted April–May 2018. The survey was primarily designed to estimate remaining immunity gaps for VPDs, including diphtheria, measles, rubella, and polio. Blood specimens from 1- to 14-year-olds from selected households were collected and tested for antibody responses against antigens from Treponema pallidum and Chlamydia trachomatis using a multiplex bead assay to evaluate for serologic evidence of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) yaws and trachoma, respectively. The prevalence of antibodies against two C. trachomatis antigens in children ranged from 1.4% to 1.5% for Pgp3 and 2.8% to 7.0% for CT694. The prevalence of antibody responses against both of two treponemal antigens (recombinant protein17 and treponemal membrane protein A) tested was 0% to 0.15% in two camps. The data are suggestive of very low or no transmission of trachoma and yaws, currently or previously, in children resident in these communities. This study illustrates how integrated serologic testing can provide needed data to help NTD programs prioritize limited resources.
Fasciola hepatica Infection Risk for Adult Household Members Living with Children with Fascioliasis in Cusco, Peru
Authors: Caravedo Maria A. , Ramirez Walter , Morales Maria L. , Lopez Martha , Janes Claire E. , Bunag Brittany A. , Mixon Katie L. , White A. Clinton , Tanabe Melinda B. , Cabada Miguel M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract.Fasciola hepatica is highly prevalent in the highlands of Peru. School-age children have the greatest risk of infection. Mass treatment of at-risk populations has been proposed to control the infection and prevent complications. However, the decreasing effectiveness of triclabendazole raises concerns regarding this strategy. Previous studies reported aggregation of Fasciola infection among family members. This study aimed to determine the risk of fascioliasis among household members living with Fasciola-infected children identified through school-based testing. We conducted a cross-sectional study including adult members of households where children with and without fascioliasis were identified. Demographic, epidemiological, and socioeconomic information was collected. One blood sample was drawn to test for Fasciola antibodies, and three stool samples were collected for microscopy for Fasciola ova. We tested 326 adults from 213 households. Of these adult subjects, chronic fascioliasis (24 of 326, 7.4%) was the most common helminth infection. Thirty-nine subjects (12.7%) tested positive for Fasciola antibodies. Combining microscopy and serum antibody tests, 13.2% (43 of 326) had evidence of Fasciola infection. One third (104 of 326, 31.9%) of the participants lived with at least one child infected with Fasciola hepatica. Adults with fascioliasis were four times more likely to live with an infected child. Poverty and diet were associated with increased risk of Fasciola infection. Adults with fascioliasis were significantly more likely to live with Fasciola-infected children.
Obstructed Right Upper Moiety in a Bilateral Partial Duplex Renal System in an Adult
Authors: Anyimba Solomon Kenechukwu , Nnabugwu Ikenna Ifeanyi , Nnabugwu Chinwe Andrea 
Published: May 2021

Duplex renal system, a common congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract, is preferably identified through screening. For obstructed symptomatic duplications, prompt relief of obstruction to forestall renal parenchymal loss is recommended. We present a case of neglected obstruction of the right upper moiety in an adult female with discordant bilateral renal duplex system. A 49-year-old female with a 10-year history of recurrent right flank pain and fever presented for clinical evaluation and treatment. She had no such symptoms in early childhood. A diagnosis was made of obstructed right upper renal moiety in bilateral discordant renal duplication with complete moiety parenchymal destruction. She had right renal exploration with complete excision of the hydronephrotic sac and the grossly dilated moiety ureter down to the obstruction at the fusion of both upper and lower moiety ureters. Her postoperative period was uneventful. She is symptomfree and her urinary tract is structurally intact. Hitherto asymptomatic renal duplication can become symptomatic in early adulthood from intrinsic moiety ureter obstruction, suggesting a need for lifetime monitoring of persons with duplex renal systems. Late presentation with neglected symptoms, and consequent renal moiety destruction as seen here, is a result of the absence of such monitoring.
Keywords: Duplex renal system, Obstruction
Influence of Intestinal Strangulation Release on Ischemiareperfusion Injury in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Yani Ahmad , Dorothy Dorothy , Amaliah Rizky 
Published: May 2021

Background: In intestinal ischemia, reperfusion towards the injured intestine can cause further injury to the intestine itself and to remote organs. This research aimed to evaluate the influence of intestinal strangulation release (SR) before resection on the intestine outside margin of the strangulated intestine compared with subjects without intestinal strangulation release (WSR).
Methods: Fourteen male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to strangulation of one loop of the distal ileum for 4 h. In the SR group, the strangulated intestine was released for 5 min and then resected for necrotic parts. In the WSR group, the strangulated intestine was immediately resected WSR. The control group received a sham laparotomy. Four hours after the second laparotomy, the animals weresacrificed, and intestinal samples were taken for histomorphological analysis and measurement of intestinal malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Results: The injury on the histomorphological intestinal mucosa and intestinal MDA level were insignificantly higher in the SR group than in the WSR group (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Intestinal SR before resection causes more tissue injury and oxidative stress on the intestine outside the strangulationsection, but the difference is not statistically significant.
Keywords: Ischemia-reperfusion injury, Intestinal ischemia, Intestinal strangulation release, Malondialdehyde, Intestine injury
Negative Appendectomy Rate in Urban Referral Hospitals in Tanzania: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Associated Factors
Authors: Nyamuryekung’E Masawa Klint , Athar Ali , Patel Miten Ramesh , Njau Aidan , Sherman Omar , JusabanI Ahmed , Zehr Ali Akbar 
Published: May 2021

Background: Acute appendicitis (AA) has a lifetime risk of 8.3% with a consequent 23% lifetime risk of emergency appendectomy. In atypical presentation, making a clinical diagnosis is difficult, leading to a high perforation rate (PR) or misdiagnoses and high negativeappendectomy rates (NAR). This study aimed to establish NAR and explore the associated factors and possible attainable solutions to reduce it in urban referral hospitals in Tanzania.
Methods: This was a crosssectional study with 91 consecutive patients, aged 10 years and older undergoing appendectomy for suspected AA with histological evaluation of specimens. The study was powered to detect the NAR at 95% confidence level and 80% power.
Results: The histological NAR was 38.5% and the perforation rate was 25.3%. The Alvarado score (AS) was rarely applied (6%), despite ademonstrated ability in this study to decrease the NAR by half. Females were four times more likely to undergo negative appendectomy than males.
Conclusion: The NAR is clinically significant as about two out of every five patients undergoing emergency appendectomy for suspected AA do not require the procedure. The AS is underutilized despite a demonstrated ability to decrease the NAR. We recommend that the AS be incorporated in the management of patients with suspected appendicitis.
Keywords: Negative appendectomy rate, SubSaharan Africa, Alvarado score, Appendectomy, Suspected acute appendicitis
Microbial production of 2,3-butanediol from rice husk using anaerobic Clostridium species
Authors: Sanusi A. , Farouq A.A. , Bazata A.Y. , Ibrahim A.D. , Mas’ud I. , Bello A.Y. , Usman M.H. 
Published: May 2021

Interest in the area of biomass based-product production is increasing all over the world due to the environmental challenges posed by fossil fuel and fear of its extinction. Production of biofuel and other compounds especially from agricultural waste can reduce these environmental problems because of its sustainability and environmentally friendliness. One of the major petrochemical product widely used in many industries is 2,3-butanediol and was found to be produced from agricultural wastes by microorganisms. Therefore, Microbial production of 2,3-butanediol from rice husk using Clostridium species was investigated in this research. Structural composition of the rice husk was determined before and after pretreatment. Hemicellulose and lignin content of rice husk was determined after extraction while cellulose was determined as the difference from the extractives, hemicelluloses and lignin. Dilute (2%) NaOH was used for the pretreatment of rice husk. Hydrolysis was carried out using Aspergillus niger and reducing sugar released was determined using standard method with UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Clostridium species was isolated from sugarcane bagasse, identified using basic morphological and molecular biology techniques. The fermentation of rice husk was performed using the Clostridium species. Fermentation by-product was determined using Gas Chromatography Mass-spectrometry. Cellulose content increased from 32% before pretreatment to 53.3% after pretreatment, lignin increased from 8.4% before pretreatment to 30.7% after pretreatmemt and hemicellulose decreased from 30% before pretreatment to 8% after pretreatment. A total of 1.05 g/l of reducing sugar was released after enzymatic hydrolysis of the rice husk with Aspergillus niger. Alcohol 2,3-butanediol (0.6%) and Furfuryl alcohol (0.45%) were detected in the by-product of fermentation. Other compounds detected are fatty acids that ranges from C16 to C25 with 9,12-Octadecanoic acid as the major fatty acid. From the results of this work, Rice husk was found to have substantial amount of sugar (cellulose and hemicelluce) that can be converted to valuable product including 2,3-butanediol.
Keywords: Biofuel, Bio-refinary, Cellulose, Clostrudium, fermentation.
Maradi red goat sexual cycle: descriptive and progesteronomic study
Authors: Harouna Boureima Karimou , Issa Ibrahim Adoulkarim , Mani Mamman , Arichatou H. 
Published: May 2021

In order to establish the cyclicity characteristics of the Maradi red goat for the selection program, two experimental protocols were implemented separately at the Faculty of Agronomy of the University of Niamey (Niger). The first included 8 multiparous females and aimed to characterize the plasma progesterone concentration during the sexual cycle. The second including 31 females (multiparous and young) focused on analyzing manifestation of sexual activity and determining averages durations of estrus and sexual cycle. Bloodsamplings and heat controls were conducted. It appeared that young female puberty occurs at 46 to 56% of adult goat weight and the onset and end of heats are widely detected in the morning (65%). Throughout the year, sexual activity is lower in dry and hot season and higher in rainy and dry and cold season. The averages lengths of estrus and sexual cycle are 43.27±26.54 hours and 23.16±16.68 days. These parameters vary, (p = 5%) between type of females for the length of sexual cycle with a high proportion of abnormal cycles (31.61% short and 28.57% long). progesterone profiles showed the same trend. Concentration is lower at estrus period (0.29±0.12 ng/ml), it rises from the 4th day to reach a peak of 6±1.6 ng/ml between the 13th and 16th day of the cycle.
Keywords: Durations, Cycle, Estrus, Progesterone, Evolution, Maradi Red goats
An appraisal of performance of broiler birds fed with different commercial feed in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Haladu Mubarak , Abubakar Ahmed 
Published: May 2021

The experiment was carried out to determine the overall performance and economic analysis of broiler chickens fed different commercial diets marketed in Kano metropolis. A total of 112 day-old Zertek strain of broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments coded as A, B, C and Din a completely randomized design. Each group was replicated 4 times with seven birds per replicate. Birds were weighed at the onset of the experiment and weekly thereafter. Feed intake and live weight gain were measured, recorded and used to determine the feed conversion ratio. The chicks were managed on a deep litter system and the experiment lasted for six weeks. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum throughout the feeding trial. Results revealed that feed intake of birds ranged from 78.5-87.3 (g/b/d), live weight gain ranged from 49.3 – 53.9 (g/b/d) while feed conversion ratio ranged between 1.59 and 1.64. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in feed intake and feed conversion ratio. However, significant (P < 0.05) difference was observed in live weight gain where birds on treatments B, C, and D were superior to birds on treatment A. The market costs of the feeds at the time of the experiment were used to calculate the feed cost (₦ / kg), total feed cost (₦), feed cost (₦ /kg gain). Feed cost ₦/kg gain was best in treatment A.
Keywords: Appraisal, Performance, Broiler birds, Commercial feed, Kano state.
Effects of dietary oil palm, plantain and Calopogonium spp. leaves on performance and sensory values of rabbit meat
Authors: Ingweye J.N. , Mfon J. , Kalio G.A. , Ologbose F.I. 
Published: May 2021

Performance and organoleptic indices of rabbits fed plantain, oil palm and calopogonium leaves was assessed using 48, eight weeks old bucks. They were allotted to four groups of 12 animals and three replicates of four animals each. Group A (control) was fed calopogonium leaf while groups B, C, and D were fed plantain leaf, oil palm leaf, and 50% oil palm + 50% plantain leaves, respectively. Animals consumed fixed amount of commercial pellets while forages and water were given ad libitum. Completely randomized design, one-way analysis of variance was used. Proximate analysis of pellets and forages as well as feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were assessed. At the end of the experiment, meat from one rabbit per treatment was used for sensory evaluation by 20 semi-trained panelists using 7-point hedonic scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Significant means were separated using Least Significant Difference. Crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, nitrogen free extract and ash contents of the leaves ranged from 25.11±1.50 (calopogonium) to 4.90±0.92 (oil palm), 38.40±2.12 (oil palm) to 15.38±0.07 (plantain), 9.71±0.01 (plantain) to 2.30±0.01 (oil palm), 47.80±0.56 (oil palm) to 32.27±0.02 (calopogonium) and 11.93±0.02 (plantain) to 2.99±0.01 (oil palm), respectively. Groups A and B had the highest (p<0.05) final weight and weight gains while groups A, B and C had the highest (p<0.05) forage intake. Feed conversion ratios of groups A and B were better (lower) than others. Forages had no effect on meat colour and texture. Groups B and D meats tasted better than others. Group D meat aroma was better than those fed single forages. Meats from groups C and D were the juiciest while meats from groups A, C and D were the most acceptable. Consideration of final weights, weight gains, feed conversion ratio and taste of meat would require that plantain leaves be used to feed meat rabbits.
Keywords: Organoleptic indices, Dry season feeding, Forage
Impact of Fluid Properties on Electric Submersible Pumps (ESP) Performance and Run Life in a Well
Authors: Joseph A. , Adeoti A.O. 
Published: May 2021

The primary goal of every operator is to optimally recover reserves at minimal operating costs. Unfortunately, due to inherent primary drive mechanisms that may not be strong enough and poorly designed completion jewelries that increases the complexity of well configurations, most reservoir are not efficiently depleted. This study investigates the impact of fluid properties on electric submersible pumps (ESP) performance and run life in a well. It was observed that the pump speed increases with increase in API gravities and vice-versa. However, decrease in pump speed was observed with crudes having high API gravity from wells with high water-cut (HBSW). High water-cut increases the viscosity of the crude and thus decreases the pump speed. The pump speed also increased as the GOR increases, howbeit, decreased as the GOR exceeds a certain optimum value due to cavitation. The pump intake pressure and the production rate were also investigated. The higher the intake pressure, the higher the pump speed and thus, the higher the production. Well specific models for real-time ESP performance prediction were also developed for each property against the pumpspeed and they exhibited cubic relationships. It was also observed that the quality of the crude significantly affects the performance of ESP’s and therefore, must be checked to prevent early failure and short run life.
Keywords: Electric submersible pumps, Fluid properties, Run life, Performance, Failure rate
Assessment of Occupational Satisfaction on Performance among Employees of a Forest Resources Management Institution in Nigeria
Authors: Omoghie E.S. , Banjo A.A. , Adeleye A.S. , Aliboh U.F. , Simpson V.B. 
Published: May 2021

An organization usually sees an average worker as the source of quality and productivity gains. The study examined the impact of occupational satisfaction on performance among employees of a Forest Resources Management institution in Nigeria using a structured questionnaire for data collection. The data analysis from the study revealed that employee’s level of education enhanced job satisfaction. Furthermore, chi-square results showed that there was no significant relationship (p>0.05) between personal characteristics and their satisfaction level. In addition, correlation results showed that there was a significant relationship between job satisfaction and employee performance. Thus, the study recommends that organizations should intensify efforts in the area of non-financial rewards as a means of influencing greater performance from the employees as well as getting more employee commitment to the organization.
Keywords: Assessment, Employee Performance, Occupational Satisfaction, Organization