bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Tensile Load on the Mechanical Properties of AlSiC Composite Materials using ANSYS Design Modeller
Authors: Ekpu Mathias 
Published: March 2021

Aluminium Silicon Carbide (AlSiC) composite materials are used in the electronics industries and other manufacturing companies hence, manufacturing of AlSiC composite materials with the right properties for different applications are vital to most industries. The challenge of testing the same specimens for different properties remains, because most of the tests carried out are destructive. Hence, the use of ANSYS finite element simulation software for the design and analysis of a flat bar specimen. Loads between 3 kN to 21 kN were applied on the specimen since it is within the operating limit of a Universal Tensile Testing Machine (UTTM), while both ends are fixed. The AlSiC composite materials used in this study have a composition of 63 vol% Al (356.2) and 37 vol% SiC and, the resultsshowed that stress was directly proportional to strain. While the calculated Young’s modulus from the stress versus strain plot was approximately 167 GPa for the different tensile loads applied. In addition, the total deformation of the AlSiC composite material increased as the load was increased. Also, the highest deformation of the material was observed around the centre of the test specimen. This is synonymous with the failure observed in practical testing of specimens.
Keywords: AlSiC, tensile load, aluminium MMC, stress analysis, deformation, ANSYS
Factors affecting workers’ delivery of good hygienic and sanitary operations in slaughterhouses in north-central Nigeria
Authors: Alhaji NB , Baiwa M 
Published: March 2021

This survey assesses the levels of knowledge and preventive practices of workers on the hygienic and sanitary operations in slaughterhouses in Niger State, north-central Nigeria. A cross sectional survey was conducted on 385 workers aged 20 years and above between January 2013 and April 2013 using structured questionnaires and checklist to assess their knowledge and preventive practices about slaughterhouse operations. Majority (94.0%) of the respondents were males and most (69.6%) were married. Majority (34.3%) of the workers were in the age group 30–39 years. The mean age of the workers was 40.8±10.7 years. One in five (19.2%) were illiterates. Majority of the respondents 95.6% and 96.4% for meat hygiene and sanitation respectively did not have any previous training. About two-third of the workers (74.5%) had poor knowledge about good slaughterhouse operations and more than two third (86.2%) engage in poor preventive practices. The slaughterhouse workers in the age group 60-69 years were less likely [OR 0.1345; 95% CI 0.0397, 0.4553)] to have poor knowledge of the operations than those in the 20-29 age group. The workers with secondary and tertiary education were less likely [OR 0.3557; 95% CI (0.1706, 0.7418) and OR 0.1259; 95% CI (0.0556, 0.2851) respectively] to have poor knowledge than those without formal education. Workers who know correct definition of slaughterhouse hygiene were less likely [OR 0.3125; 95% CI (0.1862, 0.5244)] to demonstrate poor preventive practices, and those who are aware of the effects of improper operations on public and environmental health were more likely [OR 6.587; 95% CI (4.094, 10.6)] to demonstrate satisfactory preventive practices. This survey indicates the need to sensitize and organize trainings for slaughterhouse workers to improve their knowledge of standard slaughterhouse operations to produce wholesome meat and safeguard public and environmental health.Keywords: Abattoir workers, knowledge, operations, preventive practices, slaughterhouse, Nigeria
Endoparasites of fresh water fishes from rivers in Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Osimen E.C. , Anagha L.I. 
Published: March 2021

Parasites of fish constitute one of the major problems to fish health. Parasites of fish have been a great concern since they often cause disease conditions in fishes. This study described the parasitic faunas of eight fresh water bodies in Edo state (Ikpoba river, Ogba river, Ujogba river, Niger river at Illushi, Obe river, Gelegele river, Niger river at Agenebode and Osomegbe river). The duration of fish sampling was from October, 2017 to November, 2017.The fish samples (whole catch sourced from fishermen) were collected for identification, morphometric analysis and examination for the presence of parasites. One-way ANOVA and Tukey Honest Test were used to compare the data among size classes at the level of p <0.05. Three orders (Lepidosirenformes, Siluriformes and Polyteriformes), eight families (Protopteridae, Clariddidae, Channiddae, Polypterididae, Melapteridae, Clarotidae, Cichlidae and Lorcariidae) and fourteen genera were examined. The study had an overall prevalence of 25.34%. The highest prevalence of fish parasitic infection was recorded in Niger river along Agenebode. Overall, parasite taxa recovered were nematodes (65.50%), trematodes (27.00%), cestodes (4.27%) and acanthcephalans (3.27%). The most infected fish species was Clarias gariepenus (13.77%). The helminth taxa (nematodes) had the highest prevalence of parasites (65.50%). The largest number of parasites isolated was Camallanus cotti (30.43%) and Procamallanus laevionchus (17.39%). This study showed river Niger at Agenebode with most parasitic prevalence, nematodes as the most prevalent parasitic taxa and Clarias gariepenus as the most infected fish species.
Keywords: Edo state, Freshwater fishes, Fish parasites, Helminths, Parasite taxa, Nigeria
Clinicopathological features and management of aspergillosis in some poultry farms in Jos metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Ameji NO , Oladele O.O. , Bamaiyi P.H. , Lombin L.H. 
Published: March 2021

Aspergillosis is important in poultry production and human health but difficulty in its ante mortem diagnosis in addition to the unsuccessful outcome of most management options has made the disease a lingering nightmare to farmers. This study presents the clinicopathological features and management of aspergillosis in some poultry farms in Jos metropolis, Nigeria. Thirteen cases of aspergillosis from 12 poultry farms were confirmed and managed from April, 2019 to March, 2020 with 7.6% cases in a mixed turkey-broiler farm, 15.4% in broilers and 76.9% in layers. The ages affected ranged from 3 weeks to 21 weeks with 69.2% cases in pullet grower birds of 10 – 21 weeks compared to young chicks, 3 – 9 weeks with 30.8%. The rainy season accounted for 61.8% cases while mortality ranged from 1.0% to 17.4%. The clinical features were consistent and included dyspnoea; inappetence; retarded growth and mortality. While necropsy showed consolidated lungs with caseous nodules; liver with raised grayish or yellowish irregular nodules; peritonitis with the peritoneum and air sacs laced with caseous nodules; diphtheritic membrane and caseous nodules on intestinal mucosa; haemorrhagic bursitis with granulomata; caseous nodules on osseous tissues as well as nodules on the skin and skeletal muscles. Confirmatory diagnoses of aspergillosis were made by culturing nodules on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar. Antifungal susceptibility testing showed CuSO4 to be more susceptible which was used at the dosage of 3g/10L of drinking water for at least 7 days in all the cases. Concurrent bacterial infections were seen in some of the cases and were treated concurrently with antibiotics based on susceptibility testing while farmers using moldy feeds were asked to withdraw such feeds. Conclusively, aspergillosis is prevalent in Jos metropolis with severe impact on production and may be a silent killer disease in poultry due to constraints in diagnosis and its management.
Keywords: Aspergillosis, clinicopathological features, Jos, management, Nigeria, poultry
Application of 99mTc-DTPA Radiotracer in Persian Cat’s Renal Scintigraphy
Authors: Assadnassab G , Oskoei SD 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the suitability of 99mTc-DTPA as a radiotracer in Persian cat's renal scintigraphy.Methods: twelve adult healthy Persian cats were selected. For scintigraphy, the animals were anesthetized and 99mTC-DTPA was injected via the femoral vein as a bolus at a dose of 1.5 mCi. Immediately after intravenous injection of radiotracer, scintigraphic operation was conducted on the renal organ. dministration of the radioisotope and accumulation of radioisotope in the tissues was monitored by specific imaging theemanatingResults: Distinct scintigraphic scans were obtained using 99mTC-DTPA. Visual comparison of the scans indicates that there was no significant difference in the accumulation of radiotracer. In dynamic scans, symmetric and concurrent distribution of 99mTc-DTPA in the kidney was observed.Conclusion: The results show that the radiopharmaceutical 99mTc-DTPA is suitable for use in Persian cat's renal scintigraphy, and this makes it potentially useful in research and clinical practice.Keywords: Kidney, Persian cat, Radiotracer, Scintigraphy, Technetium-99m diethylene triamine pentacaetic acid (99mTc-DTPA)
Psychological Impact of Life as Refugees: A Pilot Study on a Syrian Camp in Jordan
Authors: Basheti IA , Qunaibi EA , Malas R 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate types and prevalence of psychological distresses endured by Syrian refugees at Alzatary Camp in Jordan.Methods: This observational study was conducted over a period of 2 months (November and December, 2012) at Alzatary Camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan. A validated questionnaire was filled by a field researcher to gather information on respondents’ living conditions, psychological distresses and perspectives of the medical care services provided.Results: The questionnaire was completed for 73 respondents with a mean age of 37.7 ± 11.2. A majority of refugees (63.3 %) lived in tents, and the rest in caravans. Some of the respondents (56 %) suffered from psychological distresses; 46 % believed that psychological therapy and support is needed, out of which 14.5 % reported receiving such therapy. Refugees staying in tents reported low satisfaction with the medical care services provided (54.2 % vs. 23.8 %) and great need for psychological support (66.7 % vs. 31.3 %) when compared to refugees staying in caravans.Conclusion: Syrian refugees at Alzatary Camp suffer from psychological distress that requires urgent attention. Current medical support is not sufficient, especially for refugees staying in tents.Keywords: Syrian refugees, Jordan camps, Alzatary Camp, Psychological disorders, Mental health
Occupational and Environmental Risks from Mancozeb in Aviation Facilities in the Banana Producing Area of Teapa, Tabasco, Mexico
Authors: Domínguez-Rodríguez V , Obrador-Olán JJ , Adams RH , Zavala-Cruz J , Vaquera-Huerta H , Guerrero-Peña A , Miranda-Cruz E 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To identify occupational risks and practices in the four aerial fumigation facilities in the Sierra banana growing region and to evaluate environmental impacts from Mancozeb use.Methods: Occupational health risks were identified and practices in the four aerial fumigation facilities in the Sierra banana growing region were documented. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with installation managers. To evaluate environmental impact, samples of water and soil were collected and analysed in an acute toxicity bioassay with Vibrio fischeri, using uncontaminated soil and water to establish background levels.Results: Even in the largest and best-equipped facility, serious risks to workers’ health were encountered from inadequate use of protective equipment by workers. Furthermore, excessive use of pesticide, lack of re-use of unused product, poor facility design and poor use of wash-water were observed, resulting in maximum toxicity of > 5 times background in discharged water. Parallel soil samples were > 20 times more toxic than background, being most toxic at > 0.5 km from the discharge point.Conclusion: Areas of opportunity to improve worker health and the environment include proper and consistent use of protective equipment, re-use of unused product, wastewater reduction and appropriate wastewater treatment.Keywords: Black Sigatoka, Ethylene thiourea, Fumigation, Pesticide, Mancozeb, Airports, Microtox, Vibrio fischeri, Occupational health risks, Toxicity
Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Plasmid- Encoded Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases Produced by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp from Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Riaz S , Bashir MF 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the distribution of plasmid-encoded extended spectrum beta-lacatamases (ESBLs) in Lahore, Pakistan using different phenotypic and molecular methods.Methods: Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp were obtained over a period of nineteen months (June 2007 to December 2008). Both were tested by the double disk synergy test, combined disk test and Epsiometer-test (E-test) to evaluate their ability to detect ESBLs. The genotypes of ESBLs were analyzed by monoplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), multiplex PCR, DNA sequencing and isoelectric focusing.Results: 662 E. coli and 153 Klebsiella spp were analyzed. Among these isolates, 39.3 % E. coli and 26.1 % Klebsiella spp were positive for extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs).71.9 % E. coli and 79.6 % Klebsiella spp showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the range > 32/0.064 = 500 μl/mL for cetatzidime/cetatzidime + clavulanic acid, while 66.5 % E. coli and 69.1 % Klebsiella spp revealed MIC in the range of > 16/0.016 = 1000 μl/mL for cefotaxime/cefotaxime + clavulanic acid. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that imipemem, meropenem and tazocine were the most effective in the management of such infections. The most frequent genotype of ESBL was OXA (19.2 %) for E. coli and SHV (92.5 %) for Klebsiella spp. The highest genotypic combination found was the combination of TEM/OXA (44.2 %) for E. coli.Conclusion: The resistance of E. coli and Klebsiella spp-producing ESBLs in Pakistan is a serious issue, and TEM, OXA and SHV type ESBL were the most common genotypes. Some isolates produced two or three genotypes at a time. Multiplex PCR of ESBL may help in early detection as well as phenotypic antibiotic therapy of these infections.Keywords: Beta-lactamases, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Antibiotic susceptibility, Plasmidencoded, Structural genes, Imipemem, Meropenem, Tazocine
Protective effect of salvianolic acid B against intestinal ischemia reperfusion-induced injury in a rat model
Authors: Chen Jiaxi , Zhou Weiming , Zhou Zhibin , Yuan Tangzhan , Li Bo , Zheng Yang 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the gastro-protective efficacy of salvianolic acid B (SAB) against intestinal ischemic-reperfusion injury (IIRI) in a rat model.Methods: Forty-eight healthy male rats were randomly choosen and divided into 4 groups of 12 rats each. Control group rats underwent laparotomy without occlusion; IIRI group rats underwent laparotomy with occlusion for 60 min, followed by 24 h of reperfusion; SAB + IIRI group received 7 days of pretreatment with 40 mg/kg of SAB + IIRI; while the fourth group received only SAB. The antioxidant, inflammatory markers, intestinal permeability marker, as well as intestinal histopathological changes were assessed.Results: The activities of antioxidants including reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly ameliorated (p < 0.01) in SAB-supplemented group (SAB + IIRI). The concentration of inflammatory markers, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor p65 (NF-p65) as well as small intestinal permeability marker (FITC-Dextran), were significantly reduced (p < 0.01) following administration of SAB for 7 days. In addition, pretreatment with SAB reverted intestinal (ileum) histopathological changes to almost normal architecture with significant reduction in Chiu score.Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that SAB may protect the intestine by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammatory response and hence, may be potentially for treating IIRI.Keywords: Salvianolic acid B, Intestinal Ischemia-reperfusion, Antioxidants, Inflammation, Intestinal permeability
Dexmedetomidine mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in septic rats via inhibition of NF-κB associated anti-inflammatory pathway
Authors: Zang Hongcheng , Shao Gang 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine in a rat model of acute lung injury (ALI), and the underlying mechanism.
Methods: Acute lung injury (ALI) was induced in adult male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 27) using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Three rat groups were used (9 rats/group): untreated control, LPS and treatment groups. Pathological lesions in rat pulmonary tissues were assessed and inflammatory scores determined. The levels TNF-α and IL-6 in BALF were determined using their respective enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits, while protein levels of p-IκB and NF-κB p65 were assessed by Western blotting.
Results: Lung tissue damage was markedly mitigated in treatment mice, relative to LPS mice (p < 0.05). Inflammatory scores and population of neutrophils and macrophages increased significantly in LPS mice, relative to control, but decreased by dexmedetomidine exposure (p < 0.05). Similarly, TNF-α and IL-6 levels in pulmonary tissue homogenates of LPS rats were increased, relative to control rats, but were downregulated by dexmedetomidine exposure (p < 0.05). Moreover, dexmedetomidine downregulated the expressions of p-IκB and NF-κB p65 in pulmonary tissues (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine mitigates LPS-induced ALI in rats by blocking the activation of NF-κB and IκB, coupled with inhibition of the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6.
Keywords: Acute lung injury, Dexmedetomidine, Inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB pathway, Sepsis
Yiqi Gubiao pill alleviates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rats via upregulation of klotho expression
Authors: Li Zheng , Wang Jing , Xu Dan , Jing Jing , Li Fengsen 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Yiqi Gubiao pill (YGP) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in rats, and the mechanism of its action.Methods: Six groups of eight-week old male SPF-grade Wistar rats (n = 60) were used (10 rats/group), viz, control, COPD, low-dose YGP, medium-dose YGP, high-dose YGP, and dexamethasone groups. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was induced using a standard method. Graded doses of YGP were prepared by dissolving 100, 200 or 400 pills of Yiqi Gubiao. Lung damage and airway remodeling were determined by histological examination. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure levels of klotho in rat serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The mRNA and protein expressions of klotho in lung tissue were assayed with qRT-PCR) and Western blot assay, respectively.Results: Serum and BALF klotho levels were significantly lower in COPD rats than in control, but the levels were markedly and dose-dependently increased by YGP (p < 0.05). Treatment of COPD rats with YGP led to significant and dose-dependent upregulation of mRNA and protein expressions of klotho (p < 0.05). Moreover, histologic score (index of lung damage) increased in COPD rats, relative to control, but it was dose-dependently decreased by YGP (p < 0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that YGP alleviates COPD in rats via the upregulation of klotho expression. However, the potential use of YGP for COPD still needs further clinical research.
Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Klotho, Lungs, Protein expression, Yiqi Gubiao pill
Evidence-based investigations into the ethnoveterinary use of Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae) as an anthlemintic
Authors: Nzeakor Terry A. , Udobi Munachimso I. , Eke Ifeanyi G. , Ezeh Ikenna O. , Idika K. Idika , Eze Ukamaka U. , Dan-Jumbo Susan O. , Nwosu Chukwunyere O. 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the toxicity, clinical outcome and anthelmintic effects of M. pudica in vitro and in vivo.Methods: Dried leaves of M. pudica were extracted using 70 % methanol cold maceration method. Acute toxicity inquiry was evaluated using Lorke’s method. Anthelmintic effects were investigated in vitro using the egg hatch assay and in vivo using Heligmosomoides bakeri experimentally infected adult albino mice. Coprological and haematological parameters were recorded during the experiment while the serological analysis and post mortem worm burden were assessed at the conclusion of the research.Results: No mortality was recorded in oral acute toxicity test up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg. A probit-log analysis of the percentage egg hatch of the extract and albendazole gave lethal concentration 50 (LC50) values of 1.160 and -1.042, respectively. A reduction in worm count was observed in all the extracttreated groups post mortem, with the maximum extract group having the least worm count (p < 0.05). Treatment with extract resulted in improvement in the haematological parameters. Serum chemistry revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in alanine aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen in all groups. However, a dose-dependent increases in the total protein and albumin was observed.Conclusion: These results show that although M. pudica has weak anthelmintic effects compared to albendazole (standard anthelmintic), in vivo and in vitro, at the doses used in this study, nonetheless, it reduces worm burden and improves haematologic parameters, serum total protein, albumin and overall weight gain of the treated mice. Thus, increased doses may be effective in anthelmintic chemotherapy.
Keywords: Mimosa pudica, Anthelmintic, Toxicity, Heligmosomoides bakeri, Ethnoveterinary medicine, Anthelmintic
Evaluation of the efficacy of ethanol leaf extract of Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard and B.L. Burtt against skin aging
Authors: Sagbo Idowu Jonas , Otang-Mbeng Wilfred 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of Helichrysum petiolare ethanol leaf extract against skin aging.Methods: The cytotoxic potential of the plant extract towards human dermal fibroblast (MRHF) cells was determined by Hoechst 33342/Propidium iodide (PI) staining. Effect of H. petiolare extract on reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in MRHF cells and NO (nitric oxide) production in RAW 246.7 cells activated by LPS (lipopolysaccharides) was investigated. The inhibitory effect of the extract againstcollagenase, elastase, tyrosinase and protein glycation was also evaluated.Results: The extract did not display cytotoxicity towards MRHF cells at the tested concentrations when compared to the trend seen with the untreated control (p < 0.05). The extract caused a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in ROS levels in MRHF cells in a concentration-dependent manner and also demonstrated a reduction in NO production in RAW cells with no toxicity. Furthermore, the extract produced a weak inhibition of collagenase, elastase and tyrosinase activities when compared to the corresponding positive controls, but effectively inhibited protein glycation at the tested concentrations.Conclusion: The findings suggest that the ethanol leaf extract from H. petiolare has the potential to mitigate skin aging and therefore needs to be further investigated for possible clinical applications.
Keywords: Cytotoxicity, Efficacy, Helichrysum petiolare, MRHF cells, Oxidative stress, Protein glycation; skin aging