bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers of myocardial injury in lupus nephritis
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed E.-T. , EIshahawy El Metwally L. , Mahmoud Ashraf T. , Nasr Rehab S. , Mansour Ahmed E. 
Published: May 2021

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of myocardial injury among patients with SLE without nephritis and patients with LN, determine whether serum high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and creatine phosphokinase-MB (CKMB) might help to identify patients with LN at risk for CVD, and identify LN as a risk factor for myocardial injury.

Patients and methods
This study was conducted on 50 patients (30 patients with LN and 20 patients with SLE without nephritis). The SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SLICC/DI) were assessed. Laboratory investigations, cardiac enzymes (Hs-TnT and CKMB), and transthoracic echocardiography were performed.

Results
The results demonstrated a higher prevalence of CVD in patients with LN. A total of 28 patients with LN (93.3%) vs 10 patients with SLE (50%) had detectable high-sensitivity troponin (Hs-TnT) levels, with a mean 29.77±18.22 vs 7.2±6.21 ng/l, respectively. The mean value of CKMB was higher in patients with LN than patients with SLE (23.9±18.6 vs 14.8±9.4 μg/l, respectively). Multilinear regression analysis for Hs-TnT revealed that low estimated glomerular filtration rate, high urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, low ejection fraction, and different ECHO diameters were the most statistically significant predictors of troponin elevation, with a P value less than 0.05. The strongest renal predictors of CKMB were estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria, with a P value less than 0.05.

Conclusion
CVD is more in patients with LN than patients with SLE. Hs-TnT levels is a signature of subclinical cardiac disease, which could be used to identify at-risk individuals. CKMB and echocardiography lack adequate sensitivity for the diagnosis of myocardial injury in patients with LN.
Diagnostic Reference Levels for Head and Abdominal Computed Tomography of Adult Patients in Selected States in South-South Nigeria
Authors: Tobi Anwuli Christiana , Mokobia Chukwuka Emmanuel , Ikubor Joyce Ekeme , Omojola Akintayo Daniel , Ekpo Maryann Etim , Akpolile Anita Franklin 
Published: May 2021

Context:
Diagnostic reference level (DRL) is the first step in the optimization process to manage patient dose corresponding with the medical purpose.

Aim:
The objective of this study was to develop local DRL for computed tomography (CT) of the head and abdomen in adult patients in four CT centers in South-South Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:
A prospective, cross-sectional study of 546 adult patients that underwent CT examination of the head and abdomen from 2018 to 2020 using four different CT scanners. Volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) of contrast and non-contrast CT examinations of the head and abdomen were collated and the 50th percentile DRL was determined and compared to other published DRLs.

Results:
The 50th percentile CTDIvol/DLP for non-contrast head CT examination for centers A, B, C, and D was 75.3 mGy/1776.6 mGy.cm, 21.8 mGy/457 mGy.cm, 17.4 mGy/373.6 mGy.cm, and 29.6 mGy/628.5 mGy.cm, respectively. The 50th percentile CTDIvol/DLP for contrast head CT examination for centers A, B, C, and D was 150.6 mGy/3326.2 mGy.cm, 41.4 mGy/832.4 mGy.cm, 35.6 mGy/653.6 mGy.cm, and 77.9 mGy/1458.4 mGy.cm, respectively. The 50th percentile CTDIvol/DLP for non-contrast abdomen CT examination for centers A and B was 22.8 mGy/1488.5 mGy.cm and 7.9 mGy/302.3 mGy.cm, respectively. The 50th percentile CTDIvol/DLP for contrast abdomen CT examination for centers B and C was 19.6 mGy/825.7 mGy.cm and 31.5 mGy/1555.5 mGy.cm, respectively. There was correlation between contrast and non-contrast CTDI (P = 0.003) and DLP (P = 0.025) for the head.

Conclusion:
Wide variations CTDIvol and DLP values were observed among the centers for similar body part CT examinations.
Prevalence of otitis media in children attending a Primary Health Care Center in Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Atta H.I. , Umar F.F. 
Published: May 2021

Otitis media is an inflammatory disease of the mucosal lining of the middle ear. It occurs more frequently in children due to the shorter and more horizontal eustachian tube in their ears. The focus of this study is determining the prevalence of otitis media in children aged 6 months – 10 years attending a primary health care facility in Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria. Fifty swabs from ear discharge and imparted wax were obtained from the study subjects regardless of whether they were presenting with symptoms of otitis media or not. Information on certain symptoms, as well as demographic and risk factors was obtained through the use of questionnaires. A prevalence of 54% of otitis media was obtained in this study. The following bacterial species were isolated: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25.7%), Escherichia coli (25.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.3%), Proteus mirabilis (8.6%), Coagulase negative Staphylococci (8.6%) and Proteus vulgaris (3.7%). The infection was observed to be higher in children in the age range, six months to two years. Risk factors such as the use of cotton buds in cleaning the ear, posture of the child during breast-feeding and not being exclusively breast-fed were shown to be very prominent among the children studied. Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed that among the Gram negative bacteria isolated, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were resistant to more than two antibiotics. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus was resistant to all the antibiotics except Ceftriaxone, Streptomycin and Cefuroxime. On the other hand, Staphylococcus aureus was susceptible to all the antibiotics tested with the exception of Cefuroxime, Ceftriaxone and Ampiclox. Therefore, it is recommended that antibiotic susceptibility testing be conducted before treatment of otitis media in children. The importance of exclusive breast-feeding and good personal hygiene should be emphasized to nursing mothers.
Key words: Otitis media, Children, Bacteria, Antibiotics, Zaria
Biological synthesis of copper nanoparticles and its antimicrobial potential on selected bacteria food-borne pathogens
Authors: Aderolu H.A. , Aboaba O.O. , Aderolu A.Z. , Abdulwahab K.O. , Suliman A.A. , Emmanuel U.C. 
Published: May 2021

In this study, copper nanoparticle (CuNPs) was synthesized using green technology and the CuNPs was characterized with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) which confirmed the presence of copper. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed the morphology and the average size was calculated to be 2.47 ± 1 nm. The functional groups were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and this revealed that OH functional group was anchored on the surface of the nanoparticles. Antimicrobial activity of the synthesizedCuNPs was investigated at varying concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 mg/ml) dissolved in 100% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). It was tested against five food borne pathogenic organisms: Salmonella typhimurium, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enterococcus faecalis, Shigella flexneri, and Acinetobacter baumannii using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion and agar well method. The results showed that the antimicrobial zone of inhibition increased with an increase in concentration of the CuNPs, an average diameter of 25 mm at 7 mg/ml, 22 mm at 5 mg/ml and an average diameter of 13 mm at 2 mg/ml of 100% DMSO. Nanoparticles at 0.25 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml concentration failed to produce any clear zone across all the test organisms while only Enterococcus faecalis was sensitive with a clear zone diameter of 10 mm at 1 mg/ml CuNPs. MRSA has the least susceptibility: 9 mm clear zone diameter at 2 mg/ml and at 7 mg/ml clear zone diameter of 20 mm, relative to other tested organisms. The test organisms were not sensitive to the following conventional antibiotics: Cefuroxime, Ceftazidime, Erythromycin, Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid and Cloxacillin, but only sensitive to Gentamicin, Ceftriaxone and Ofloxacin. MRSA on the other hand was not sensitive to all the eight antibiotics tested but susceptible to the CuNPs. The results obtained from this study indicated that copper nanoparticles can be used in the food industry to control both Gram positive and negative bacteria tested.
Keywords: Synthesis, Copper nanoparticles, Antimicrobial activities, Bacteria.
Germination and seedling growth in Afzelia africana Sm. ex. Pers.
Authors: Ogbimi E.R. , Sakpere A.M.A. 
Published: May 2021

This study determined the best pre–treatment regime required for germination of the seeds of Afzelia africana Sm.Ex.Pers. and also provided information on the early growth parameters of the plant seedlings. Seeds of A. africana were collected from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife (Lat 7° 32'N, Long 4° 31'E) and authenticated at the IFE-herbarium. One hundred and twenty five (125) seeds were sown per treatment (n=5 with 5 replicates and 5 repeats). Five (5) seeds each were sown in small petri dishes, without pre–treatment (control), or treated by subjecting to mechanical scarification and chemical scarification using Tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid (H SO ) and Trioxonitrate (V) acid (HNO3 ) for germination studies. Germination counts were made at an interval of 2 days. For the six different pre–treatments, five seedlings per plastic bowl were transferred into soil in a total of twenty plastic bowls laid out in a randomized design and their growth monitored for 40 weeks. Results showed that pre–treatment of seeds with mechanical scarification gave the highest percentage germination. Significant differences (P ˂ 0.05) occurred in the shoot height and in the number of leaves between 4 and 12 weeks of growth. The study established that pre–treatment with mechanical scarification was the best for uniform germination of seeds of the plant. This study has provided alternative means of pretreating A. africana seeds apart from using H2SO4 – the first to subject seeds to mechanical scarification and 2 4 chemical scarification using HNO3 , in addition to providing information on the germination parameters and the seedling growth rate of Afzelia africana.
Key words: Propagation, Growth, Acid, Scarification
Hepatitis E Virus Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and associated risk factors in southwest, Nigeria
Authors: Adesina O.A. , Shodunke O.C. , Adedara O.O. , Oluyege A.O. 
Published: May 2021

Hepatitis E is one of the most frequent causes of acute hepatitis worldwide, with an estimated 20 million infections and 70,000 deaths attributed to hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 1 and 2 every year. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of HEV immunoglobulin M (IgM) in southwest (SW) Nigeria. Venous blood samples totalling 359 were collected from pregnant women on routine check, apparently healthy prospective blood donors and sick individuals presenting with fever and abdominal disturbance from health facilities in Ekiti, Lagos, Osun and Oyo states, of Nigeria. A structured questionnaire form was administered to gather socio-demographic data, health and travel history from each consenting participant. The screening for HEV IgM was done using HEV IgM ELISA kit. Statistical analyses, including descriptive analysis, correlations and binary logistic regression were carried out using SPSS version 21. In all, 131 samples (36.5%) tested positive for HEV IgM. Osun state had the highest occurrence of HEV IgM (n = 49; 13.6%,) while Ekiti had the least (n= 22; 6.1%). Apparently healthy participants with detectable HEV IgM were 52 (14.5%) while pregnant womenwere 51 (14.2%). Risk factors implicated in this study were flooding and injection drug use. The overall HEV prevalence reported in this study was higher than previous reports in Nigeria . Higher HEV prevalence in this study could be due to a larger coverage area in the country as well as detection of ongoing infection. The detection of HEV IgM in pregnant women and apparently healthy prospective blood donors indicated ongoing infection with risk of spread to susceptibles since HEV is neither routinely screened for among pregnant women nor among prospective blood donors.
Keywords: Hepatitis E, IgM, Pregnancy, Apparently healthy, ELISA Depth, Geothermal Energy
Use of spectral decomposition technique for mapping geologic features of ‘Reigh’ field, Onshore Niger Delta
Authors: Olaleye O.K. , Enikanselu P.A. , Ayuk M.A. 
Published: May 2021

Spectral Decomposition Technique based on Short-Window Discrete Fourier Transform (SWDFT) was applied to threedimensional (3D) seismic data obtained from ‘Reigh’ field, onshore Niger Delta with a view to enhancing stratigraphic interpretation for geological features which are beyond seismic resolution. Two sands units from the study area were studied to produce spectrally decomposedsurfaces. The result of the study revealed thin bed layer at the centre of the field on sand unit ‘A’. Sand-filled meandering channel wasdetected and highlighted in the northern part of sand unit ‘B’ based on Red-Green-Blue frequency modulation of spectral decomposition. The study has enhanced geologic understanding of the field by improving thin bed resolution, highlighting geologic features and displaying bed thickness variation of studied sand units in the study area.
Keywords: geologic features, Niger Delta, seismic data, spectral decomposition
Characterization of magnetic field horizontal component in selected stations along the 210o MM
Authors: Idowu A. , Adimula A. 
Published: May 2021

Characterizing the magnetic field horizontal component (H) variability helps to better accommodate the irregular fluctuations inthe electron/ion density of the ionosphere for mitigating short-wave radio communication and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) disruptions. This study employed three year data (2007-2009) from Magnetic Data Acquisition System (MAGDAS) facilities at six (6) observatories along the 210o magnetic meridian (MM) for investigating hourly, seasonal and annual variations in the horizontal component of the Earth’s magnetic field. The baseline value of H was computed from its average value near local midnight hours between 2400 and 0100 local time (LT) and subtracted from other hours value for the hourly variation; while the monthly and annual averages were computed for seasonal and yearly analysis respectively. Results indicates that maximum values of Sq are recorded in equinoctial season with an annual peak value of 70.96 nT for year 2009 recorded at Langkawi (LKW) as against the lowest peak value of 27.45 nT recorded in Cooktown (CKT) at 1300LT.
Keywords: Magnetic field, horizontal component, solar quiet, seasonal variation, solar equinox
XỬ LÝ DƯ LƯỢNG KIM LOẠI NẶNG TRONG ĐẤT TRỒNG CÂY RAU MUỐNG BẰNG VẬT LIỆU NANO HYDROXYAPATITE KHUYẾT CANXI
Authors: THI LAN HUONG NGUYEN , VAN DAT DOAN , BICH DUNG MAI , HOAI THUONG NGUYEN , THI DIEU THUAN TRAN , THI NGA NGUYEN , MINH THUAN LE 
Published: May 2021

Tinh thể hình que có kích thước nano của vật liệu hydroxyapatite khuyết canxi (d-HAp) đã được tổng hợp thành công bằng phương pháp kết tủa trong dung dịch. Các mẫu được đặc trưng bởi phương pháp hiển vi điện tử truyền qua (TEM), hiển vi điện tử quét (SEM), nhiễu xạ bột tia X (XRD), huỳnh quang tia X (XRF), phổ hồng ngoại biến đổi Fourie (FTIR) và phân tích nguyên tố bằng phương pháp tán xạ năng lượng tia X (EDX). Kết quả nghiên cứu chỉ ra rằng, vật liệu hydroxyapatite khuyết canxi tổng hợp được là đơn pha, các hạt có kích thước nano với chiều rộng trong khoảng 20-30nm và chiều dài trong khoảng 200-250nm. Theo kết quả phân tích bằng phương pháp XRD, hydroxyapatite khuyết canxi tổng hợp được có cấu trúc không gian hệ lục phương thuộc nhóm P63/m (số 176), hằng số mạng a=b=9.41Å, c=6.88Å.
Vật liệu hydroxyapatite khuyết canxi được khảo sát khả năng xử lý dư lượng kim loại nặng trong đất trồng cây rau muống bị nhiễm Fe(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Cr(VI) nhân tạo. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy vật liệu hydroxyapatite khuyết canxi có khả năng xử lý rất tốt dư lượng Fe, Cu: xử lý được 69.7% lượng Cu; 52.2% lượng Fe;
NGHIÊN CỨU TÍNH CHẤT CẢM QUAN ĐẶC THÙ CỦA SẢN PHẨM HÀNH TÍM VĨNH CHÂU VÀ CÁC VÙNG NGUYÊN LIỆU KHÁC
Authors: BÁ THANH NGUYỄN , NGỌC LONG NGUYỄN , NGỌC NAM TRỊNH , SAO MAI ĐÀM 
Published: May 2021

Hành tím là một loại gia vị được sử dụng nhiều trong các món ăn Việt Nam. Đặc tính các sản phẩm từ gia vị bị ảnh hưởng nhiều từ điều kiện khí hậu và thổ nhưỡng. Trong nghiên cứu này, chúng tôi tiến hành phân tích tính chất cảm quan của sản phẩm hành tím đến từ vùng nguyên liệu khác nhau như Tiền Giang, Lý Sơn, Vĩnh Châu, Ninh Thuận. Kết quả phân tích cảm quan được thực hiện trên hội đồng gồm 9 người được lựa chọn và huấn luyện. Phương pháp thành phần chính (PCA) được sử dụng để phân tích dữ liệu. Kết quả cho thấy nguyên liệu hành tím từ Vùng Vĩnh Châu có những đặc thù về tính chất cảm quan như “màu tím”, “mùi thơm hành tím”, “độ giòn”, “vị ngọt”, “hậu vị ngọt”, “độ ẩm bề mặt cắt”, “vân ngang đều” và “hình dạng tròn”; trong khi đó hành tím vùng Lý Sơn, Ninh Thuận có đặc điểm khác như “độ dai”, “hình dạng dài”, “vị đắng” và “hậu vị đắng”. Kết quả nghiên cứu có ý nghĩa trong việc xây dựng danh mục thuật ngữ về đánh giá cảm quan hành tím, là tài liệu khoa học cảm quan có giá trị tham khảo quan trọng cho nhà nghiên cứu, sản xuất, kinh doanh… sản phẩm hành tím. Dữ liệu từ nghiên cứu này là cơ sở xác định đặc thù của sản phẩm hành tím Vĩnh Châu với các sản phẩm hành tím ở khu vực khác ở Việt Nam.
EL INFORME SOBRE LAS IMPLICACIONES DE LA INDEPENDENCIA DE ESCOCIA Y SU ADHESIÓN A LA UNIÓN EUROPEA
Authors: COELLO MARTÍN CARLOS , GONZÁLEZ BOTIJA FERNANDO 
Published: May 2021

El Gobierno británico ha publicado un documento de análisis sobre las implicaciones
que conllevaría una Escocia independiente. Como anexo a dicho documento se
encuentra el estudio de dos profesores (James Crawford y Alan Boyle de la Universidad de
Edimburgo) que analizan los aspectos jurídicos del referéndum sobre la independencia de
Escocia. En ese estudio se concluye que si Escocia llega a ser independiente, se considerará
como un nuevo Estado desde el punto de vista del Derecho internacional y el resto del
actual Estado sucederá al actual Reino Unido, conservando sus instituciones, rechazándose
la idea de que aparezcan dos nuevos Estados. Por ello el resto del Reino Unido continuaría
como miembro de las organizaciones internacionales de las que es actualmente miembro,
mientras que Escocia tendría que solicitar su adhesión como un nuevo Estado. Este sería
el caso de la Unión Europea.
Gobernu britainiarrak azterketa bat argitaratu du Eskozia burujabe batek
ekarriko lituzkeen ondorioei buruz. Dokumentu horri erantsita doa bi irakasleren azterketa (James
Crawford eta Alan Boyle, Edinburgoko Unibertsitatekoak), Eskoziaren burujabetza-erreferendumari
buruzko alderdi juridikoak jorratuz. Bertan ondorioztatzen denez, Eskozia burujabe
egiten bada, estatu berritzat hartuko da nazioarteko Zuzenbidearen ikuspegitik, eta gainerako
estatuak oraingo Erresuma Batua ordeztuko luke, bere erakundeei eutsiz, eta bi estatu berri
agertzearen ideia baztertuz. Horregatik, gainerako Erresuma Batuak orain kide den nazioarteko
erakundeen kide izaten jarraituko luke, eta Eskoziak bere atxikipena eskatu beharko luke
estatu berri gisa. Hala gertatuko litzateke, adibidez, Europar Batasunarekin.
The British Government has published a major analysis paper on the
implications of Scottish independence: «Scotland Analysis: Devolution and the Implications
of Scottish Independence». The paper annexes an Opinion written by Professor James
Crawford along with Professor Alan Boyle of the University of Edinburgh, entitled ¿Opinion:
Referendum on the Independence of Scotland ¿ International Law Aspects¿. The Opinion
concludes that if Scotland becomes independent, it will be considered a new state as a
matter of international law and the remainder of the UK will continue the legal identity of
the UK and retain its existing institutions generally uninterrupted. It rejects the alternative
possibility that Scotland and the remainder of the UK will both be considered new states.
The Opinion also concludes that one consequence of this is that the remainder of the UK
will continue its membership of international organisations, whereas Scotland will have to
join many of them as a new state. In particular, Scotland will have to join the EU as a new
member state.
PROYECTOS Y PLANES APROBADOS POR LEY: CONTRADICCIONES A LA LUZ DE LA EVALUACIÓN AMBIENTAL, EL DERECHO DE PARTICIPACIÓN Y EL ACCESO A LA JUSTICIA EN MATERIA AMBIENTAL
Authors: CUBERO MARCOS JOSE IGNACIO 
Published: May 2021

Han proliferado en los últimos tiempos las actividades y los planes en materia
ambiental autorizados por una Ley, lo que presenta enormes controversias y dudas
respecto al cumplimiento de las garantías que la legislación ha establecido en materia de
evaluación ambiental, procedimiento de participación y acceso a la justicia en ese sector.
Asimismo, no ha permitido clarificar si el poder legislativo puede o no intervenir en determinadas
cuestiones, debido a que no reúne las condiciones indispensables para que las
personas afectadas por los proyectos o planes, así como las asociaciones dedicadas a la
defensa del medio ambiente, participen en los procedimientos y se defiendan ante los tribunales
contra sus decisiones, tal y como establece la legislación comunitaria e internacional.
El Tribunal Constitucional debería fijar un criterio estable y claro en torno a la validez de
este tipo de proyectos.
Azken garaiotan Legeak onartzen duen ingurumenari lotutako proiektuak
ugaritu egin dira. Honek zalantza eta eztabaida handiak sortu ditu ingurumen ebaluaketa,
parte- hartze prozedura eta justiziara sartzeari buruz esparru horretan. Halaber, ez da
zehaztu ea esku har dezakeen legegintzarako botereak gai batzuetan, horrek ez dituelako
ezinbesteko baliabideak, proiektuek eta planek ukitutako pertsonek eta ingurumena babesteko
elkarteek prozeduretan parte hartu ez ezik, lege horiek aurka ditzaten ere, Europar Batasuneko
legediak eta Nazioarteko Zuzenbideak ezartzen duen moduan. Konstituzio Auzitegiak
irizpide iraunkor eta argia finkatu behar du, proiektuen hauen baliotasunaren inguruan.
In the last times the number of projects authorized by a Law has grown
in environmental matters, which shows many controversies and doubts related to fulfil
the guarantees that legislation has established about the environmental assessment, the
participation procedure and access to justice in that sector. Additionally, it is not has been
clarified if legislative power can take over in some matters, because it lacks the conditions
so that people affected by projects or plans overrule a passed Law, and associations
destined to protect environment take part in procedures and defend their interests before
courts of justice, as International and Community Law lays down. Constitutional Court
should set stable and clear criteria around this sort of projects.