bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Identification of Carbazole Degrading Bacteria from Lake Water
Authors: Binti Abdul Lateef Khan Khairunnisa 
Published: March 2021

Heterocyclic hydrocarbon compounds have been identified as one of the major components of water pollution that occurs as a result of urbanization. It has been known that the presence of these compounds is hazardous and remain in the environment for a long period of time. This study was conducted to isolate and identify heterocyclic hydrocarbon degrading bacteria from lake water by genomic DNA extraction and sequencing as well as measure the degradation rate of the bacteria using Gas Chromatography Flame-Ionization Detector (GC-FID). The water sample was collected from west campus lake of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak where six strains of bacteria that has degrading ability was isolated using sub-culturing technique on MSM double layer agar plates. The genomic DNA of bacteria designated as strain IM1, IM2, IM3, IM4, IM5 and IM6 were extracted and amplified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The isolates were then sequenced and were identified as Bradyrhizobium sp., Ochrobactrum sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa sp. and Burkholderia sp. All six isolates possessed the ability to utilize carbazole as sole carbon and energy source as the degradation rate of carbazole was measured using GC-FID analysis. After 12 days of incubation, IM2 showed 96.37% degradation while the other five isolates were able to degrade 100% of the carbazole. Thus, bacteria isolated from this study may provide great benefit for bioremediation.
Enzymatic Saccharification of Canola Straw and Oat Hull Subjected to Microwave-Assisted Alkali Pretreatment
Authors: Samuel Agu Obiora , G. Tabil Lope , Dumonceaux Tim 
Published: March 2021

Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass is a critical step in removing substrate-specific barriers to the cellulolytic enzyme attack. The study compared the effectiveness of microwave-assisted alkali pretreatment and alkali treatment in the enzymatic saccharification of canola straw and oat hull. Microwave pretreatments were employed by immersing the biomass in dilute alkali solutions (NaOH and KOH) at concentrations of 0, 0.75, and 1.5% (w/v) for microwave-assisted heating times of 6, 12, and 18 min. Alkali treatments were carried out using the same procedure but by soaking and without microwave heating. The highest glucose yields after enzymatic saccharification of both canola straw and oat hull were obtained when these feedstocks were ground using 1.6 mm hammer mill screen size and subjected to microwave-assisted alkali pretreatment using 1.5% and 0.75% NaOH for 18 min, respectively. SEM analysis indicated a more significant modification in the structure of biomass samples subjected to microwave-assisted alkali pretreatment compared to untreated and alkali-treated biomass samples. Results indicated that microwave-assisted alkali pretreatment with short residence time is effective in improving the glucose yield of canola straw and oat hull during enzymatic saccharification.
Contribution of Farmer’s Profile Characteristics to the Perception of Collective Farming in Tirunelveli District, India
Authors: Jothika V. , Rajasekaran R. 
Published: March 2021

Collective Farming Scheme was implemented in the year 2017-2018 by the Government of Tamil Nadu, India to empower the farmers and their access to modern technologies. This study aimed to ascertain the contribution of the profile characteristics to the perception of collective farming. The study was conducted in Alangulam block of Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. Data were collected through a well structured interview schedule with 120 farmers selected from four villages (Vadiyoor, Melamaruthappapuram, Ayyanarkulam and Sivalarulam). Regression analysis was carried out to determine the contribution of 12 selected farmer’s profile characteristics to the perception of collective farming. Social participation, training and innovativeness were the major factors that positively and significantly contributed to the perception of collective farming. For the better perception and practice of collective farming awareness from the state department or extension officials can be provided to the farmers along with the advantages of collective farming.
Spontaneous Negative Seroconversion of Both Hepatitis B and C in an Egyptian HD Patient
Authors: Megahed Abir Farouk , Eltwab Abeer Mohammed Abd , Youssef Amany R. , Saleh Reem Mohamed Farouk , Sayed-Ahmed Nagy 
Published: March 2021

Background: Hepatitis b virus infection (HBV) was recognized as an important hazard for patients and staff in Hemodialysis Units (HDU), and this issue was first recognized in the 1960s with a set of guidelines for the control of HBV in HDU. HCV is a blood-borne infection and is the most significant cause of viral hepatitis which is mainly transmitted by blood transfusion. Thus, it is reasonable to perform initial screening for HCV in HD patients. Patients admitted or re-admitted to an HD unit are recommended to be tested for HBsAg, HCV, and HIV antibodies and to be followed up monthly or at least every three months after admission to HDU.
We aim to present this case of spontaneous clearance of HBV and HCV positive after being positive for more than twelve years on HD.
Case Presentation: A 66 years old Egyptian male patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) from Alexandria had started HD 14 years ago while he tested positive for HCV-Ab and HBs Ag positive, although fared well with normal liver function, while the source of infection was not known. HCV-Ab turned into seronegativity after twelve years on HD. Astonishingly, after 13 years on HD; the test of HBs Ag became negative and hepatitis B surface antibody appears by Elisa testing. This was noticed or observed following the implementation of quality enhancement of the HD parameters in most of the HD services provided units according to the regulations of Ministry of Health (MOH), and this was accompanied by better anemia and more frequent utilization of high flux dialysis with a consequent reduction to the need for blood transfusion in the last four years. Previous publications advocated hypothetical mechanisms of HCV clearance during the process of HD: namely, filtration of the virus particles through the pores of the dialysis membrane and or their adsorption to the HD membrane. These welcome spontaneous clearances of the HBV and HCV in this patient could be attributable to the improvement of anemia state and use of high flux dialysis that might have improved the immunity of this patient.
Conclusion: Spontaneous clearance of HBV and HCV could potentially possible and could benefit from the improvement of both patients and HD states that could enhance the immune system or mechanical entrapment of the virus particles. Suggestions need further studies for confirmation.
Prevalence and Types of Skin Diseases Seen among Children Attending the Children’s Outpatient Clinic in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern Nigeria- A Descriptive Study
Authors: Azubogu Uju S. , Ojule Inumanye 
Published: March 2021

Aims: To determine the prevalence and types of skin diseases seen among children attending the Children’s Outpatient Clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
Study Design: A descriptive Cross sectional study design was used.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Children’s Outpatient Clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from June to August 2020 (3 months).
Method: It involved 370 children aged less than 18 years. A semi structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain all relevant data. This was followed by dermatological examination of the children to make diagnosis of skin diseases. Laboratory confirmation was carried out where necessary.
Results: The study participants consisted of 370 children aged 1 month to 17 years with a mean age of 8.4±5.9 years. The male to female ratio was 0.9:1 and the overall prevalence of skin diseases among the children studied was 23.7%. The three most common aetiologic categories of skin diseases seen were: Infective (13.5%), Inflammatory (5.7%) and infestations (3.5%). The five most common skin diseases identified included: Impetigo (4.1%), Scabies (3.5%), Atopic dermatitis (3.0%), Tinea capitis (2.7%) and Pityriasis versicolor (2.4%).
Conclusion: Skin diseases are common among children attending the children’s outpatient clinic in our hospital with Infective skin diseases predominating. Greater efforts need to be put into the treatment, prevention and control of these skin diseases in order to limit morbidity and mortality.
Appropriate Use Criteria for Paediatric Echocardiography – Applicability in a Resource Poor Setting in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Tabansi P. N. , Onubogu U. C. 
Published: March 2021

Aims: To make comparative analysis of the indications and outcome of paediatric echocardiography in tertiary centers in Rivers State, Nigeria using the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) guidelines [11].
Methodology: A retrospective analysis of 645 echocardiography requests done between July 2019 to June 2020. Patients’ biodata and indications for echocardiography and echocardiography diagnosis were retrieved. Using the AUC guidelines, each indication was scored from 1 to 9, after which they were categorized into Appropriate, May be appropriate and Rarely appropriate to determine the respective percentages accordingly. Cochran-Armitage test for trend was done to assess degree of yield of cardiac anomaly for each level of AUC classification while bivariate associations were assessed using persons chi squared tests.
Results: There were 645 echocardiography requests within the study period. The median age was 5months, with interquartile range of 2months to 24months. There were 355(55%) males and 290(45%) females. The clinical indication for echocardiography was appropriate in 490(76.0%), May be appropriate in 32(5.0%) and Rarely appropriate in 104(16.1%). Nineteen (2.9%) clinical indications were “Unclassified” under the AUC. Echocardiography showed abnormality in 544(84.3%) reports, among which children with “Appropriate indications” had the highest yield 457(93.3%), while “unclassified indications” had the lowest yield 8(42.1%). The yield for cardiac anomalies significantly decreased with decreasing appropriateness (p=0.00001).
Conclusion: Most indications for paediatric echocardiography in our centers were appropriate according to the AUC guidelines. The AUC guidelines are applicable in resource poor settings.
Serological Profile of Convalescent COVID-19 Patients at an Infectious Diseases Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Fowotade Adeola , Fasuyi Temitayo Oluwaseun , Omoruyi Ewean Chukwuma , Alonge Temitope Oluwagbenga 
Published: March 2021

Background: IgG antibodies may serve as promising targets to detect and evaluate immune responses against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Both IgA and IgM antibodies target the spike protein’s receptor binding domain and are rapidly decayed, while IgG antibodies remain relatively stable for longer periods in COVID-19 patients.
Objectives: The current study was designed to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among convalescent COVID-19 patients and to evaluate the relationship between these antibodies, the symptom grade and their baseline Cycle Threshold (CT) by RT-PCR.
Methods: Eighty-nine convalescent COVID-19 patients on admission were recruited and tested until negative by RT-PCR. Sera obtained from participants were screened for SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies using rapid lateral flow assays.
Results: It was observed that 93,3% and 77,5% respectively had IgM and IgG antibodies against the S1 protein of SARS-CoV-2. Majority (74,0%) presented with mild COVID-19 symptoms with a mean RT-PCR Ct value of 31,4.
Conclusion: Convalescent COVID-19 patients develop a fairly good level of IgG antibodies. The antibody status is not dependent on CT value or symptom grade. However, there was a significant correlation between baseline CT and time taken to test negative by RT-PCR.
Association of Helicobacter pylori Infection with Respiratory Diseases in Cameroon Patients, Using GastroPanel® Serological Biomarkers (Pepsinogen I; Pepsinogen II; Gastrin-17; Helicobacter pylori IgG)
Authors: Ebule Alonge Ivo , Ndze Valentine Ngum , Thierry Ngouana Kammalac , Etienne Guenou , Vanella Ndja Heu Ines , Nibeline Bouorewo Tchinda Naquine , Dominique Noah Noah , Maki Minna , Syrjanen Kari 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a microaerophilic gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa and provokes inflammation and immune responses throughout life with liberation of diversecytotoxique substances dependent on host. Infection to H. pylori has been associated to a number of respiratory complications, including chronic obstructive pulmonary dieases, bronchectasis, asthma, tuberculosis and lung cancer. Epidemiological data on the association of H. pylori infection respiratory diseases are rare in Cameroon. We sought to evaluate the prevalence H. pylori infection among patient with respiratory diseases.
Methodology: Blood samples were aseptically collected for the measurements Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies, pepsinogene I et II levels, gastrine-17. The blood samples required for the study were collected prospectively. Ethical clairance was obtained from the Centre Regional Ethics Committee for Human Sciences. An authorization of research was obtained from the authorities of Jamot Hospital of Yaounde. All participants signed an informed consent form.
Results: The GastroPanel® results showed that the prevalence of H. pylori infection was 42(46.67%). We observed an H. pylori seroprevalence of 75%, 41.9%, 50.0% and 33,33% amongst sujects with bronchitis, Tuberculosis, Asthma and pneumonia respectively.
High Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection, Atrophic Gastritis and Hypochlorhydria in HIV-Positive Cameroonians Tested by Serological Stomach-Specific Biomarkers (GastroPanel®)
Authors: Ebule Alonge Ivo , Ndze Valentine Ngum , Thierry Ngouana Kammalac , Marie Lebongo Belayang , Ismaila Mbopiwou Nforen , Aurelli Sonkwe Phalone , Njunda Longdoh Anna , Dominique Noah Noah , Assoumou Marie Claire Okomo , Lea Paloheimo , Syrjänen Kari 
Published: March 2021

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are associated with significant chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Gastric inflammation is a precursor to many gastrointestinal disorders including, peptic ulcer disease, atrophic gastritis (AG) and gastric cancer (GC). AG is usually accompanied by low hydrochloric acid (hypochlorhydria), low pepsinogens (PG) and high gastrin (G) levels and is the most significant risk condition for GC. Acid-free stomach is a risk factor for impaired drug absorption including anti-retroviral therapy and antibiotics. The role of H. pylori infection in HIV-infected subjects has been conflicting.
Objectives: We assessed the prevalence of H. pylori infection, AG and acid-free stomach (hypochlorhydria) amongst HIV/AIDS subjects in Yaounde Cameroon.
Methods: HIV/AIDS subjects were recruited during January-May 2018. Clinical and socio-demographic data of the subjects were recorded. An aliquot of 5 ml of blood was aseptically collected for analysis by GastroPanel® biomarker test for PGI, PGII, G-17 and H.pylori IgG antibodies. GastroPanel results were interpreted using the software application GastroSoft®. Statistical analyses were run by Epiinfo7.0. Ethical clearance was obtained from the National Ethics Committee.
Results: A total of 84 subjects were recruited, aged between 17-63 years (mean 37.6 ± 8.9 years). H. pylori seropositivity (IgG ≥30 EIU) was detected in 68(81.0%) of the subjects. H. pylori seropositivity was closely associated with low CD4 counts (p=0.01). Altogether, 26(31.0%) of the subjects presented with AG of the corpus while, hypochlorhydria was detected in 32(38.1%) of the patients. AG and hypochlorhydria were associated with low CD4 counts<200μl/l (p=0.01) and (p=0.005), respectively.
Conclusion: H. pylori infection, AG and acid-free stomach were common among HIV/AIDS patients, associated with an increased risk for GC and impaired absorption of micronutrients and some medicines.
Viral Hepatitis Training for Laboratory Workers: Addressing the Unaddressed
Authors: Keshan Pranav , Chauhan Sapna , Syed Sabin , Rastogi Aayushi , Bansal Akanksha 
Published: March 2021

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the current Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of laboratory technicians about viral hepatitis and to assess the effect of one day training on knowledge levels of the participants.
Study Design: Pre-post design.
Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences New Delhi and October 2018 to September 2019.
Methodology: A one-day training program titled “Hepatitis Induction Program” on viral hepatitis for laboratory technicians was conducted. The participants were provided theoretical as well as demonstrative and hands-on training about diagnostic management and prevention of viral hepatitis among laboratory technicians. An online link for KAP and Pre-post knowledge assessment questionnaire consisting 49 (KAP) questions was shared with all registered participants. Same knowledge questionnaire consisting 25 questions was shared with the participants after training. One mark was allotted for each correct response. The data was analysed using IBM-SPSS version-21. Independent samples t-test was used to assess the mean knowledge score across various demographic factors and the paired t-test was used to assess the improvement in knowledge post training. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to establish relationship between KAP score. The statistical significance was considered at 0.05.
Results: A total of 151 laboratory technicians were trained in 5 one day trainings and data for KAP and pre-post assessment data was available for all 151 participants. Correlation coefficient between knowledge, attitude and practice score stated a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude (r=0.36 P<0.001), knowledge and practice (r=0.192, P<0.001), attitude and practice (r=0.425, P<0.001). Also, Mean difference between pre and post knowledge score was 3.12 which was statistically significant (P<0.001).There was no significant association observed between pre-post knowledge score and demographic characteristics.
Conclusion: The study was able to reflect the significant effect of one-day training regarding diagnostic management and prevention of viral hepatitis on knowledge level of the laboratory workers. The present training program can also be up scaled and help in educating the lab technicians on various health-related topics across the country as authors have found lack of studies or training programs of this kind for the laboratory workers.
Serosurvey of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) in Cattle in Livestock Areas of Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa
Authors: Valery Adjogoua Edgard , Aimée Diaha-Kouame Claude , Maxime Diane Kouao , Clémence Kouassi Konan Adjoua Rose Marie , Mireille Dosso 
Published: March 2021

Background: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an arbovirus transmitted by Ixodid ticks and causes a highly pathogenic disease called Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of up to 50% in humans.
Methods: From January to December 2019, tick and blood samples were taken from seven cattle farms located in the towns of Korhogo, Bondoukou, Man and Bouaflé. In each of the farms, samples were taken from twenty cattle. These tick and blood samples were sent to the national reference laboratory of the Department of Epidemic Viruses of the Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire for diagnosis of CCHFV as part of the surveillance of haemorrhagic fever viruses in Côte d'Ivoire. Molecular detection of the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fevervirus in ticks was performed by real-time PCR. For the serological analysis, the ELISA was used for the detection of antibodies to CCHFV (IgM and IgG).
Results: The study allowed the identification of 411 ticks divided into three genera Amblyomma, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. The predominant species were Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus with (47.4%) and Amblyomma variegatum with (42.8%). No ticks gave positive results for the research of the CCHFV.Serological analysis showed that all 140 blood samples were IgM negative and 53.57% were IgG positive. Cattle from Bouaflé (90%) and Korhogo (70%) showed a higher seroprevalence than cattle from other regions. There was no significant difference in seropositivity between female bovines (54.1%) and male bovines (52.5%) (P>0.05). There is an association between age and anti-CCHF IgG positivity (P≤0.05), as cattle less than 3 years old (59.3%) showed a higher seroprevalence.
Conclusion: CCHFV serological tests have been detected in cattle, one of the livestock known to play a role in the amplification of CCHFV. Our results demonstrate that the prevalence of CCHFV is high in livestock areas of Côte d'Ivoire and suggest that surveillance for CCHFV should be established.
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis in mainland China: a unicentric retrospective study
Authors: Du Kang , Li Fan , Wang Hui , Miao Yuanfeng , Lv He , Zhang Wei , Wang Zhaoxia , Yuan Yun , Meng Lingchao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to report the genotypes and phenotypes of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) in a large Chinese cohort, yet the clinical and genetic profiles of ATTR remain elusive in mainland China.MethodsFifty‐four patients with molecularly confirmed ATTR from 39 unrelated families were identified by sequencing the TTR gene. Sural nerve biopsies were performed in 40 of these cases. The clinical and electrophysiological data were retrospectively collected and analyzed.ResultsThe male/female ratio was 42:12. The average age of patients at the onset of the disease was 47.8 ± 13.0 years. The late‐onset type occurred in 29 cases (53.7%). Twenty‐two probands (56.4%) had a family history with ATTR. The initial symptoms were limb paresthesia in 33 cases (61.1%), autonomic dysfunction in 15 cases (27.8%), and blurred vision in 6 cases (11.1%). A total of 22 different TTR mutations were identified, including Val30Met (25.6%) in 10 families in North China and Ala97Ser in 4 families (10.3%) in South China. Electrophysiological studies revealed general sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy in 33/44 cases (75.0%), mixed neuropathy with axonal and demyelinating impairment features in 9/44 cases (20.5%) and isolated carpal tunnel syndrome in two cases. Sural nerve biopsies revealed positive Congo red staining in 16/40 cases (40.0%).ConclusionChinese patients with ATTR exhibited heterogeneous TTR genotypes and clinical phenotypes. Val30Met remains the most common mutation type in mainland China.