bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First line antiretroviral treatment failure and associated factors among people living with HIV in northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Genet Andualem , Mekonnen Zewdie , Yizengaw Endalew , Mekonnen Daniel 
Published: April 2021

Background: Anti-retroviral treatment enhances the immune status and reduces unwanted outcomes. However, develop- ment of treatment failure and drug resistance raises concern over lifelong treatments to chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
Objectives: This study determined proportion of treatment failure (TF) and identified factors associated with TF among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: Facility based cross sectional study was carried out from November, 2017 to April, 2018. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using structured questioner. Blood sample was collected and analyzed for viral load, complete blood count (CBC), liver and kidney function test and CD4 count. A patient is declared as treatment failure when viral load value is higher than 1000 RNA copies/ml in two consecutive viral load analyses within three months interval. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23. To identify factors associated with TF, logistic regressions model was employed.
Results: A total of 430 people who had six months and above antiretroviral treatment (ART) follow up were enrolled in the study. Of these, 57.9% were females & the mean age was 38 years. The mean month of ART follow up was 83 months. In the first viral load analysis, 106 (24.7%) of the cohort were virologically failed. These failed people were followed for 3 months with intensive adherence support; then second viral load analysis showed a viralogical failure among 65 people of the second cohort. Thus, the overall viralogical failure or TF was 15.1%. The re-suppression rates were 41(38.7%). Male gender, people with history of drug discontinuation, poor adherence, irregular time of drug intake, multiple sexual practice showed significant association with TF. Moreover, base line and current CD4 counts of <200 cells/ml also demonstrated significant association with TF.
Conclusion: Significant proportion of treatment failure was reported in the present study. Moreover, behavioral factors such as drug discontinuation, poor adherence, multiple sexual partner were associated with treatment failure. Hence, to avoid TF, regular patient counseling and monitoring should be in place. To identify the predictors for treatment failure, further follow-up study is desirable.
Keywords: HIV; viral load; treatment failure; Ethiopia.
Neurological manifestations following cured malaria: don’t forget post-malaria neurological syndrome
Authors: Bellazreg Foued , Slama Dorsaf , Ben Lasfar Nadia , Abid Maha , Zaghouani Houneida , Rouis Sana , Hachfi Wissem , Letaief Amel 
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Cerebral malaria which occurs during the active infection is the most common neurological complication of malaria. Other complications including post-malaria neurological syndrome (PMNS) can rarely occur following complete recovery from the disease. We report a case of post-malaria neurological syndrome in a Tunisian patient.
Case presentation: A 26-year-old Tunisian man with no past medical history was admitted in 2016 for a muscle weakness of the 4 limbs, seizures, tetraparesis and myoclonus which appeared after he returned from Côte d’Ivoire where he had been treated three weeks ago for Plasmodium falciparum malaria with favorable outcome. Blood smears for malaria were negative. Brain MRI showed multiple hypersignal cerebral lesions. Investigations didn’t show any infectious, metabolic, toxic, vascular or tumoral etiology. Thus, the diagnosis of PMNS was considered. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone with favorable outcome. Two years later, he was completely asymptomatic.
Conclusion: PMNS should be considered in patients with neurological symptoms occurring within two months of cured acute disease in which blood smears for malaria are negative and other etiologies have been ruled out. In most cases, the disease is self-limited while in severe cases corticosteroid therapy should be prescribed with favorable outcome.
Keywords: Post-malaria neurological syndrome; immunologic; corticosteroid.
An Analysis of Prospective Teachers’ Mathematical Reasoning on Number Concepts
Authors: Mukuka Angel , Shumba Overson , Balimuttajjo Sudi , Mutarutinya Vedaste 
Published: April 2021

This paper presents and discusses the results of a case study that was carried out to understand the mathematical reasoning of 73 second-year student teachers at a university in Zambia. The paper also demonstrates why it is important to develop the reasoning abilities of mathematics student teachers during their initial training programs. The questionnaire items presented to student teachers required them to justify the validity of selected algebraic statements and arguments on odd and even numbers. Factors that influenced participants’ modes of argumentation were also identified, clearly highlighting their implications for mathematics teacher education. Findings of the study revealed that 70% of the participants gave explanations that were aligned to an empirical or inductive mode of argumentation while 7% used the analytical or deductive argumentation mode. The rest of the participants gave explanations that did not reflect valid mathematical justification of the given algebraic statements and arguments. These results clearly indicate that only the minority of participants exhibited an adequate understanding of representing odd and even numbers in general form. Analysing and developing prospective teachers’ mathematical reasoning abilities are necessary to anticipate how they would practice when they are professionally qualified.
The utilisation of satellite imagery and community perceptions to assess the impacts of sea encroachment in the West Coast of Cameroon at Limbe
Authors: Wantim Mabel Nechia , Mokosa Wase Albright , Jitiz Louis , Ayonghe Samuel Ndonwi 
Published: April 2021

Coastal erosion associated to sea encroachment is a major problem at the West Coast of Limbe, specifically in the Debundscha Fishing Port (DFP). This study sought to assess the physical vulnerability of the West Coast of Limbe to coastal erosion associated to sea encroachment. This was achieved by assessing: i) the physical vulnerability of the West Coast to coastal erosion; ii) land cover changes and iii) community perception at DFP to sea encroachment and coastal erosion in the past 30 years. Three variables: rock type, adjacent land use and coastal protection were used to assess the vulnerability of the West Coast to coastal erosion. Landcover / coastal changes were assessed from satellite images from 1986 to 2018. Semi-structural interviews were used to acquire knowledge on the population’s perception and impact of the studied hazards. A cost benefit approach was used to weigh the potentials of these localities to adapt to coastal erosion. The DFP and Idenau Beach were identified as major hotspots of coastal erosion with an annual rate of >100 m². Landcover changes showed a net increase in water levels inland and into settlements. The population is knowledgeable and is aware of the risk of sea encroachment and coastal erosion. The physical, socio-economic and health effects were: destruction of mangroves;relocation; malaria, typhoid and abdominal illnesses respectively. Coping strategies included the use of sandbags, building on higher grounds and on embankments. Cost benefit analysis ranked vegetative cover as the best option environmentally and financially viable to reduce coastal erosion from sea encroachment at the West Coast.
Key words: Sea encroachment, coastal erosion, physical vulnerability, perception, Debundscha Fishing Port
Growth performance of Khaya senegalensis seedlings influenced by provenances and latitudinal gradients in the nursery
Authors: Iroko O.A. , Bobadoye A.O. , Bobadoye B.O. 
Published: April 2021

Seedling growth performance is germane and pertinent in plant variables when analyzing tree provenance trials as it indicates its adaptability of the seed to the environments/habitat. The study was undertaken to examine the comparative studies on seedling performance of Khaya senegalensis at nursery stage in Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria. Seeds from four sources in different States in Nigeria: Oyo, Borno, Jigawa and Kano States were collected and planted to observe their morphological attributes. Seedlings variables (Plant height, collar diameter and number of leaves) were observed and recorded fortnightly for sixteen (16) weeks after germination was completed. It was observed that seeds from Oyo state performed best while seeds from Kano state had the least performance. Provenances variation indicate genetic and environmental differences that can be utilized for afforestation programmes and thus, this study recommends the seeds from Oyo state for large scale afforestation since it performed best.
Keywords: Khaya senegalensis, seed provenance, seedling height, collar diameter and number of leaves.
A survey of chicken marketers in Oyo Town, Nigeria
Authors: Okunlola O.O. 
Published: April 2021

There is an increase in the commercial activities of chicken marketers in Oyo town as a result of the town fast becoming a poultry hub in Oyo state. A survey was therefore conducted on the activities of chicken marketers in the town. A multi-stage sampling method of the chicken marketers in the town was employed. In the first stage, the town was divided into three, based on Local Government Area(LGA) basis and 30 questionnaires were administered in each of Oyo East and Oyo West LGAs, while 40 were administered in Atiba LGA. in the second stage, making a total of 100 questionnaires. From the study, majority of the respondents were female (58%), aged between 20 and 39 years old (61%). The study also revealed that majority of the respondents (61%) sourced their chickens from local farms. Also, eighty eight percent (88%) of the respondents were aware of the ban on poultry products in Nigeria, while 55.55% of those who engaged in poultry product smuggling did so because of high profitability. The study revealed that 78% of the respondents sold their products dressed while the major challenge of the marketers was poor electricity supply (63%). Majority of the customs officers in the study area, claimed encounter with dressed chicken smugglers frequently while burning and burying of the contraband chickens was the major method of disposal adopted by the custom service. It is recommended that the customs service be better funded for efficiency and effectiveness.
Key words: Oyo town, chicken marketers, chicken smugglers, food safety, Nigeria Customs Service
Helminth Parasites of Caranx hippos (Crevalle Jack) and Sardinella maderensis (Madeiran Sardinella) from Two Fishing Settlements In Okrika, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Odum B. , Amuzie C.C. 
Published: April 2021

Fish is an important dietary component as a source of high quality protein, and parasitic infections can result in production and economic losses. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the helminth parasites of Caranx hippos and Sardinella maderensis of Okrika. Fish samples were purchased from fishers between May and June, 2019 from two locations: Angalabia and Sara landing ports, Okrika. Fifty specimens of each species were dissected using standard methods, and parasites were identified using appropriate keys. Parasite ecological parameters were computed. Two parasite species were identified, Lethacotyle sp. (monogenea) and Anisakid larvae (nematode). Twenty-six specimens of Caranx hippos were infected with Lethacotyle sp., and eight with Anisakid larvae. Only one specimen of S. maderensis was infected with Anisakid larvae; others were un-infected. Examination showed a prevalence of 52.0% and 16.0% infection of Lethacotyle sp. and Anisakid larvae, respectively, in Caranx hippos, and 2.0% prevalence of Anisakid larvae in Sardinella maderensis. The preferred organs for parasite infection were the gills (Lethacotyle sp.) and intestines (Anisakid larva) of infected fish. The recovery of Anisakid larvae at a prevalence of 16% indicates that anisakiasis could be an emerging disease in Okrika. It is recommended that further research be conducted into the molecular characterization of Lethacotyle sp. of C. hippos of Okrika. It is also important to properly identify and characterize the Anisakid species, and investigate the incidence of human anisakiasis inOkrika and other coastal cities of Rivers State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Lethacotyle, Anisakid larva, anisakiasis, Caranx, Sardinella, Parasites, Marine, Okrika, Nigeria
Intensity profile of lymphatic filariasis among community members of Yewa South Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Adekola F.F. , Sam-Wobo S. O , Ekpo U.F. , Oluwafemi F. , Surakat O.A. , Ashamu E.A. , Bankole S.O. , Awoyale A.K. 
Published: April 2021

An epidemiological study was conducted in four communities of Yewa-South Local Government Area of Ogun State to determine the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis. Also investigated was the intensity among the study participants. Three hundred and sixty-two participants of both sexes and age ranging from 5 to 85 years were examined. Blood samples for parasitological examination were obtained from consenting participants between 21.00 and 02.00 a.m. The samples were prepared using thick blood smear technique. The data obtained were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square. The result showed that, from the 362 blood samples examined, 186 were positive with an overall of 51.4%. Microfilaraemic prevalence was not significantly related (p>0.05) by sex category with male having 78 (21.5%) and female 108 (29.3%). However, there was significant (p<0.05) relationship in the prevalence by age groups as Community members within the age group =50 had the highest prevalence of 52(14.4%) while the 20-29 years recorded the least prevalence of 18(5.0%). In terms of microfilaraemic load, all females and males who tested positive for lymphatic filariasis with 50.8% having light intensity of < 50mf/ml. There was no significant relationship between prevalence of lymphatic filariasis and communities studied (P>0.05). The high prevalence observed in these communities could be due to bushy vegetation. There is the important need for increased and consistent treatment with Albendazole and health education in all affected communitiesto reduce prevalence and possible elimination of the parasite.
Keywords: Intensity, Lymphatic filariasis, prevalence, Ogun State, Nigeria
Seasonal Transmitting Potential of Malaria Vectors in Six Communities in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Olorunniyi O.F. , Idowu O.A. , Idowu A.B. , Pitan O.R. , Oyeniyi T.S. , Adesalu O. 
Published: April 2021

Malaria vectors are found virtually in all communities of Nigeria. Understanding the transmitting potential of these vectors in relationship with the malaria parasite (MP) infection is essential to design a sustainable community base control programme. This study aimed at determining this relationship in six communities in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The communities were randomly selected through a multistage sampling. Blood samples were screened for MPinfection among human volunteers during dry and rainy seasons in each community. Adult mosquitoes were collected indoors for twelve months in the communities using light traps. Female Anopheles mosquitoes collected were characterized by Polymerase Chain Reactions and circumsporozoite proteins of the infected mosquitoes were detected by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Prevalence of MP infection, human biting rates (HBR), sporozoite rates and entomological inoculation rates (EIRs) were determined using appropriate formulae. Overall prevalence of MPinfection was 26% in dry season and 38% in rainy season (P=0.001). Female Anopheles mosquitoes collected were 428. Strong relationship existed between HBR and MP infection in rainy season (R2 = 0.671) but the relationship was weak (R2 = 0.209) in dry season. Sporozoites were detected in 2.3% of the female Anopheles mosquitoes collected. EIRs were between 0.100 - 0.252 infective bites/person/night. Transmission of malaria parasites occurred throughout the year particularly during rainy season when there were recorded EIRs. Malaria control interventions will be more appropriate during raining season in this region.
Keywords: Anophelesmosquitoes, Nigeria, transmission, malaria, season
Retrospective Analysis of Babesiosis in Dogs presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, From 2007 - 2015
Authors: Abakpa S.A.V. , Obadina I.J. , Fambegbe T.J. , Makinde A.F , Adeleye A.I. 
Published: April 2021

A 9-year retrospective analysis of clinical records of dogs presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), between 2007 and 2015 was done to determine the prevalence of babesiosis. A total of 2457 File cases were reviewed and dogs diagnosed with Babesia infection were analysed for the following parameters: sex, age, medication, mortality and year of occurrence. Data generated were analyzed with One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), using Graph Pad Prism 7 software. Chi square was used to determine the difference between sexes. Of the 2457 cases presented during the study period, 574 (23.4%) were diagnosed to be babesiosis. This comprised of 266 (46.3%) males and 308 (53.7%) females, with prevalence rates of 10.9% and 12.6% respectively. Relapse cases were 120 (20.9%) while mortality rate was 41 (7.1%). Diminazene aceturate, imidocarb and oxytetracycline were the drugs used in treating canine babesiosis during the period. Among these drugs, oxytetracycline was the most frequently used, but had the highest percentage of relapsed and mortality cases. It was concluded that the prevalence of canine babesiosis in VTH, FUNAAB is high and the highest percentage of relapsed and mortality cases was recorded with use of oxytetracycline.
Keywords: Babesiosis, dogs, Prevalence,
Molecular Prevalence of Trypanosome Infections in Kachia Grazing Reserve of Kaduna State Nigeria
Authors: Balogun J.B. , Chechet G.D. , Ndams I.S. , Okubanjo O. , Mamman M. 
Published: April 2021

African Animal Trypanosomosis (AAT) is a major factor limiting livestock productivity in large areas of humid and subhumid Africa. Astudy was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Trypanosomiasisin sheep and goats from Laduga, Kachia grazing reserve area of Kaduna State. Blood samples (5 ml) were randomly collected by venepuncture of the jugular vein, from 21 goats and 21 sheep of both sexes. The 42 blood samples were first screened by wet mount and samples were later analyzed by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using generic primers that amplified the internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) gene region of the 16S rRNAgene. Microscopic examination revealed only 2.4% prevalence for T. vivax and 0% for T. brucei, whereas the DNA-based technique revealed 19.0% and 2.4% prevalence for T. vivax and T. brucei infections respectively, with the overall prevalence being 21.4%. Samples from goats revealed 13.6% and 5.0% prevalence of T. vivax in male and female respectively, while 4.5% and 0% prevalence of T. brucei was observed in male and female respectively. Similarly, samples from sheep revealed 9.1% and 10.0% prevalence of T. vivax in males and females respectively. Generally, the findings showed that tryponosomosis is more associated with males than females, there was however no significant different (P > 0.05). Furthermore, 23.8% and 19.0% prevalence was revealed by PCR in goats and sheep respectively. This shows that trypanosomiasis still exist and may worsen if not addressed properly in Kachia grazing reserve area of Kaduna State, and the use of microscopic evaluation alone might greatly underscore the prevalence rate.
Keywords: Trypanosomosis, molecular diagnosis, prevalence, sheep and goats, Nigeria
Serological and molecular survey of Trypanosoma evansi in Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Maiduguri, North-east, Nigeria
Authors: Mamman S.A. , Abongaby G. , Salami O. , Yidawi J.P. , Dakul D.A. 
Published: April 2021

To date, camels still remain an important work animal as well as source of protein to humans in the Sudan and Sahel regions of Nigeria. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 camels slaughtered in Maiduguri central abattoir to determine the prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi using Card Agglutination Test (CATT) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques. Overall, 30 (20%) of the camels tested were seropositive while PCR targeting the 227 base pair of the Variable Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) gene of T. evansi detected the DNA of the parasite in 9 out of the 30seropositive camels. Higher infection was found among adult compared to the young camels using the two diagnostic techniques; 24.1% vs 19.0% and 10.3% vs 4.6%, for CATT and PCR techniques, respectively. However, the differences being not statistically significant (P > 0.05) for the two methods of diagnosis. Furthermore, significantly (P < 0.05)higher prevalence of infection was recorded among male compared to female camels using the serological method of diagnosis, while (P > 0.05) using the molecular method; 27.5% vs 13.6% for CATT and 10.1% vs 2.5% for PCR. Camels with PCV =24 %( mean: 19.8923 ± 4.0931) recorded significantly (P < 0.05) higher prevalence of 23.1% than those with PCV = 25% (mean 31.7294 ± 5.50584), where the prevalence was 17.6%.The results of this study showed that camel trypanosomosis is endemic in the study area. Furtherstudiesto elucidate the epidemiology and socioeconomic impact of this disease in the northeast region of Nigeria are desirable.
Keywords:Serology, PCR, Dromedary camel, T.evansi, Maiduguri
Determination of Heavy Metals in Selected Tissues of Cattle Slaughtered across Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Sabuwa Muktar A.B. , Nafarnda Wesley Daniel , Mohammed Salihu Danlami , Bello Abdulaziz 
Published: April 2021

This study was conducted to determine the concentrations of some toxic heavy metals in cattle slaughtered from the three agricultural zones of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Selected tissues of muscle, intestine, skin, kidney and liver were analyzed for the presence of Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu) and Nickel (Ni) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Thirty cattle were used for sampling. Five samples of the tissues were collected from each of the cattle, making a total of one hundred and fifty samples. Values obtained were compared with that of FAO/WHO guidelines. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of Ni, Cd, Pb and Cu in all the sampled tissues were generally low and below the codex standards. Cr was detected above permissible limit with mean concentrations (mg/kg) of 1.19±5.94, 1.07±4.42, 3.01±6.65, 1.18±5.56 and 1.35±6.94 in intestine, kidney, liver, muscle and skin respectively. There was a significant (P < 0.05) difference in the level of Ni and Cd across two agricultural zones. Government and private sectors should establish cattle ranch and colonies across Nigeria so as to reduce pasture contamination. Public enlightenment on the grazing of cattle in heavy metals prone areas such as automobile workshops, construction sites and paint factory premises should be advocated. Measures should be put in place for continuous monitoring of heavy metals in Nasarawa state in order to curtail their potential negative effect in human and animal tissues.
Key words: cattle, heavy metals, AAS, Nasarawa state.