bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut Microbiome Changes with Acute Diarrheal Disease in Urban Versus Rural Settings in Northern Ecuador
Authors: Soto-Girón Maria J. , Peña-Gonzalez Angela , Hatt Janet K. , Montero Lorena , Páez Maritza , Ortega Estefania , Smith Shanon , Cevallos William , Trueba Gabriel , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. , Levy Karen 
Published: April 2021

Abstract.Previous studies have reported lower fecal bacterial diversity in urban populations compared with those living in rural settings. However, most of these studies compare geographically distant populations from different countries and even continents. The extent of differences in the gut microbiome in adjacent rural versus urban populations, and the role of such differences, if any, during enteric infections remain poorly understood. To provide new insights into these issues, we sampled the gut microbiome of young children with and without acute diarrheal disease (ADD) living in rural and urban areas in northern Ecuador. Shotgun metagenomic analyses of non-ADD samples revealed small but significant differences in the abundance of microbial taxa, including a greater abundance of Prevotella and a lower abundance of Bacteroides and Alistipes in rural populations. Greater and more significant shifts in taxon abundance, metabolic pathway abundance, and diversity were observed between ADD and non-ADD status when comparing urban to rural sites (Welch’s t-test, P < 0.05). Collectively our data show substantial functional, diversity, and taxonomic shifts in the gut microbiome of urban populations with ADD, supporting the idea that the microbiome of rural populations may be more resilient to ADD episodes.
Relationship of oxidative stress and antioxidant response with vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Azeh Engwa Godwill , Okolie Amanda , Paul Chinedu Chidili John , Amara Okore Precious , Chigozie Onu Paul , Onyinye Ugwu Maryrose , Ebeshe Oko Daniella , U Ferdinand Paschaline 
Published: April 2021

Background: Though sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is known to promote oxidative stress, there is paucity of information on the relationship between oxidative stress and vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC).
Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship of oxidative stress and antioxidant response with VOC in SCA.
Methods: A cross-sectional case-control study was carried out at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Itu- ku-Ozalla, Enugu Nigeria involving 116 individuals which included 36 SCA subject, 40 sickle cell carriers (AS) and 40 healthy individuals (AA). Baseline information as well as the frequency of VOC was obtained from the participants and anaemia as well as oxidative stress and antioxidant indices were assessed in blood.
Results: Anaemia was prevalent (88.9 %) in SCA individuals compared to AS (52.5%) and AA (47.5 %) individuals. Nitric oxide scavenging (NOS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities as well as glutathione level were significantly (p<0.005) lower while catalase activity was higher in SCA individuals compared to controls (AA and AS). Higher malondialdehyde (MDA) level was associated with very severe VOC while low level of NOS activity was associated with severe VOC in SCA individuals.
Conclusion: Sickle cell anaemia exhibited oxidative stress and alteration in the levels of antioxidant indices which was pos- sibly associated with vaso-occlusive crisis.
Keywords: Sickle cell anaemia; oxidative stress; antioxidant; vaso-occlusive crisis.
Hysterosalpingography: a potential alternative to laparoscopy in the evaluation of tubal obstruction in infertile patients?
Authors: Gündüz Reyhan , Ağaçayak Elif , Okutucu Gülcan , Kömürcü Karuserci Özge , Peker Nurullah , Güli Çetinçakmak Mehmet , Gül Talip 
Published: April 2021

Background: Evaluation of the fallopian tubes are important for infertile patients. The two most important diagnostic procedures used to evaluate tubal patency are hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy.
Objectives: To asses the hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy results of patients diagnosed with infertility and investigate the diagnostic value of hysterosalpingography in patients with tubal factor infertility.
Methods: The hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy results of 208 patients who presented to the Obstetrics and Gyne- cology Clinic at Dicle University, Faculty of Medicine between January 2014- January 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy results were compared with regard to the investigation of the presence of tubal obstruction and of the pelvic structures that could cause tubal obstruction. The specificity, sensitivity, positive, and negative predictive values of hysterosalpingography were computed.
Results: The number of patients evaluated was 208. The ratio of primary infertile patients was 57.2% and 42.8% was secondary infertile. Hysterosalpingography was found to have a specificity of 64.6%, the sensitivity of 81.3%, the positive predictive value of 56.4%, and a negative predictive value of 86% in the determination of tubal obstruction.
Conclusion: Patients with suspected tubal infertility can primarily be examined using hysterosalpingography in considera- tion of the invasive nature and the higher complication rate of laparoscopy.
Keywords: Infertility; hysterosalpingography; laparoscopy; tubal factor.
Patient patronage and perspectives of traditional bone setting at an outpatient orthopaedic clinic in Northern Tanzania
Authors: B Card Elizabeth , E Obayemi Joy , Shirima Octavian , Rajaguru Praveen , Massawe Honest , Premkumar Ajay , P Sheth Neil 
Published: April 2021

Background: Much of Sub-Saharan Africa meets the rising rates of musculoskeletal injury with traditional bone setting, especially given limitations in access to allopathic orthopaedic care. Concern for the safety of bone setter practices as well as recognition of their advantages have spurred research to understand the impact of these healers on public health.
Objectives: Our study investigates the role of bone setting in Tanzania through patient utilization and perspectives.
Methods: We surveyed 212 patients at the outpatient orthopaedic clinic at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Moshi, Tanzania. Surveys were either self-administered or physician-administered. Summary statistics were calculated using XLSTAT. Open responses were analyzed using a deductive framework method.
Results: Of all surveys, 6.3% (n=13) reported utilizing traditional bone setting for their injury prior to presenting to KCMC. Of the self-administered surveys, 13.6% (n=6) reported utilizing bone setting compared to 4.3% (n=7) of the physician-ad- ministered surveys (p=0.050). Negative perceptions of bone setting were more common than positive perceptions and the main reason patients did not utilize bone setting was concern for competency (35.8%, n=67).
Conclusion: Our study found lower bone setting utilization than expected considering the reliance of Tanzanians on tradi- tional care reported in the literature. This suggests patients utilizing traditional care for musculoskeletal injury are not seeking allopathic care; therefore, collaboration with bone setters could expand allopathic access to these patients. Patients were less likely to report bone setter utilization to a physician revealing the stigma of seeking traditional care, which may present an obstacle for collaboration.
Keywords: Bone setting; traditional medicine; traditional practitioners; orthopaedics; trauma.
Knowledge and practices of seeking informed consent for medical examinations and procedures by health workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Nzaumvila Doudou , Ntotolo Patrick , Govender Indiran , Lukanu Philip , Landu Niati JD , Sanduku Didier , Bongongo Tombo 
Published: April 2021

Background: Informed consent (IC) is linked to the ethical principle of respecting patient autonomy, respect for human rights and ethical practice, while in many countries it is a standard procedure. Anecdotally, it should be noted that in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in many instances ICs are not obtained systematically. To date, no research appears to have been conducted on this matter. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of obtaining IC from patients among health care providers (HCP) in the DRC.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, with a convenient sampling of 422 participants. Data from the questions were collected on an imported Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for review at INSTAT.TM The authors set IC's accurate knowledge and practice at 80% or higher. The Fisher Exact test was used to compare categorical association results, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Results showed that giving information in detail to patients on their medical condition was associated with formal training on medical ethics and IC (p: 0.0028; OR: 1.894; CI: 1.246 to 2.881), which was also associated with answering the patient’s questions in detail (p: 0.0035; OR: 1.852; CI: 1.236 to 2.774). About 127(30.09 %) of participants scored 80% or higher. Extracurricular training was associated with withholding information from patients, up to 27 times more than other factors (p< 0.0001; OR: 27.042; CI: 13.628 to 53.657). when it comes to get IC, HCP with many years of practice scored better than others, in one of the question the odd ratio was closer to 7 ( p< 0.0001; OR: 6.713; CI: 4.352 to 10.356). Only 47(11.14%) of the participants scored 80% or more of the questions about practice of IC.
Conclusion: For a variety of reasons, knowledge and practice of IC among HCPs was very low. A common programme for the country as part of formal training might lead to an improvement. In addition, patients’ education on IC should be displayed in waiting areas at all medical centres.
Keywords: Informed consent; medical examinations; procedures by health workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Effect of alley plants species and plantain cultivars on yield of ita 331 upland rice in Umudike southern Nigeria
Authors: Onyenso A.I. , Nwobodo K.A. , Onyenweaku L.N. 
Published: April 2021

Alley cropping or hedgerow intercropping is one of the many sub-systems of agroforestry technology. A 5 x 3 factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used to determine the effect of four alley woody species and three plantain cultivars on the yield of ITA 331 upland rice grain in the 2017 and 2018 farming seasons. The Alley species, plantain cultivars and Alley species x plantain cultivars treatment interactions showed no significant effects (p>0.05) on ITA 331 upland rice grain yield. Student t-test on the two farming seasons showed significant increase in yield of ITA 331 upland rice grain in 2018 than in 2017. The non-significantly different rice grain yield in the alley species treatment plots could be due to the generally high nutrient release of the decomposed legume-based alley species. Agroforestry combination of alley plants species and plantain cultivars is suitable for ITA 331 upland rice production.
Key words: alley cropping, yield, ITA 331 upland rice grain, alley woody species, plantain cultivars
Anti- nutrient contents of herbs used in the treatment of “ailments of ‘‘utmost native importance” in Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Ebu Vincent Tawo , Mgbang John Edward , Bukie James Oshita 
Published: April 2021

The use of herbs as medications are enthusiastically recognized and extensively utilized in rural regions and in most developing countries. The lack of knowledge of the anti-nutrient contents of herbs reduces their use by the educated ones. To unveil these in the treatment of “ailments of utmost native importance” in Cross River State, this research carried out anti-nutrient analysis of the species used. Identified plants were separated from weeds and washed with water. The plant parts were processed and their extracts prepared according to the method described by Kumar et al., (2007). Hydrocyanic acid was estimated by the alkaline titration method, oxalate was determined according to procedures stipulated by Day and Underwood (1986) while phytic acid was determined using methods stipulated by Reddy and Love (1999). Results revealed that Phytic acid, oxalate and hydrocyanide all had low levels ranges of 2.47mg/100gDM to 6.17mg/100g DM, 12.82mg/100g DM to 30.41mg/100g DM and 1.62mg/100g to 6.23mg/100g DM respectively. Findings shows that these anti-nutrients are not within harmful ranges, and as such cannot interfere with the availability of potentially useful nutrients embedded in the species. These are below lethal doses to inflict any injury on humans.
Keywords: Herbs, Anti-nutrients, Ailments, Lethal dose, Efficacy.
Livestock trypanosomiasis, owners’ perception and search for human gambiense parasite in cattle and sheep in remote communities of Iseyin, Nigeria
Authors: Enwezor F.N.C. , Emmanuel R.T. , Bizi R.L. , Olanrewaju T.O. , Kugama M.A. , Jarmai K.Y. , Tijjani A.A. , Salawu M.J. , Yarnap J.E. , Abubakar S. , Wayo B. , David K. , Ezebuiro O.G.C. , Olaleye O.O. , Onogwu O.J. , Yusuf R.J. , Asongo I.C. , Ibrahim H. , Abraham O.A. , Saidu M.A. , Abdullahi D. , Umar S. , Sabo H. 
Published: April 2021

The study assessed livestock for human and animal infective trypanosomes in seven remote communities of Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria. Blood samples collected at random from 330 cattle and 20 sheep were examined using the buffy coat technique and Leishman stained thin film. Packed cell volume and differential leukocyte counts were determined and interviews conducted. Animals examined showed clinical symptoms; emaciation (2%), rough hair coat (0.57%), body weakness (3.14%), ocular discharge (1.43%), dermatophylosis (0.57%) and ticks (0.57%). Leishman stained thin blood films indicated 34 cattle (9.71%) infected with Trypanosoma congolense, 0% infection in sheep and 100% slides positive for Anaplasma and Babesia parasites with no Trypanosoma brucei species. Anaemia was recorded in male cattle between 1year and 10 years old and was statistically significant (p<0.05). Acute inflammatory responses revealed by neutrophilia, lymphocytopaenia and lymphocytosis; 21.81%, 1.51% and 10% respectively in cattle suggested underlying bacterial orparasitic infections. All (100%) herdsmen confirmed presence of tsetse and other biting flies in bush and canopies around water bodies and stated observable signs and symptoms of trypanosomiasis (samore) which could wipe off the whole herd if untreated. Risk of trypanosome infection remained high as long as the old systems of cattle rearing exist; and urinary schistosomiasis and intestinal ailments due to lack of access to clean and portable water.
Keywords: Livestock;Trypanosoma congolense; Trypanosoma brucei species;Iseyin; Nigeria
Influence of geographical location on abundance assortment of Anopheles mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) on malaria parasite rate in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Ngwu G.I. , Okafor F.C. , Eyo J.E. , Ngwu M.I. 
Published: April 2021

Assessment of geographical distribution of malaria vectors is essential to effective malaria parasite control. This study evaluated the influence of geographical locations on distribution of Anopheles mosquito species and malaria parasite vectorial efficacy in Enugu State, Nigeria. Mosquitoes were collected, using indoor resting pyrethrum spray collection (IRPSC) method. They were morphologically identified and molecularly (PCR) characterised. The M form (now called Anopheles coluzzii) and S form (now called nominotypical Anopheles gambiae s.s.), were identified using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite rates of sampled mosquitoes and malaria status of households were evaluated microscopically and by using rapid diagnostic kits. An. gambiae Giles (sensu stricto), and bands resembling An. melas and An. arabiensisspecies complexes were observed. Out of 300 An. gambiae s.l. identified using PCR, 243 were An. gambiae Giles (sensu stricto), 6 were An. melas and 5 were An. arabiensis. Out of the 243 An. gambiae Giles (sensu stricto), 184 were M form (now An. coluzzii) and 59 were S form (now nominotypical An. gambiae s.s).The M form (now An. coluzzii) constituted 99% of Anopheles mosquitoes from southernmost part of the study area while northernmost part showed 100% S form (An. gambiae s.s.). The median location had the M form (An. coluzzii) and S form (An. gambiae s.s.) in sympatric. Sporozoite rate in northernmost area was highest when compared with median and southernmost parts. The S form (An. gambiae s.s.) was observed as more important malaria parasite vector, and the results revealed that geographical location affected species diversities which is an important consideration for malaria control programme.
Keywords: Anopheles, distribution, sporozoite, malaria parasite
Some Aspects of Reproductive Performance of Red Sokoto Goat Does Post Synchronization with Prostaglandin F2-Alpha And Progesterone Sponges
Authors: Bello A.A. , Voh JR A.A , Ogwu D. , Tekdek L.B. 
Published: April 2021

A study on reproduction of 52 Red Sokoto Goat (RSG) does was conducted to evaluate some aspects of their reproductive performance for clinical application and as an update. Does were randomly divided into 18, 18 and 16 as prostaglandin F2-alpha (PGF2α), progesterone sponges (P4S) and control groups respectively. Double injection protocol of PGF2α, 12-days apart, and P4S inserted for 12-days were used to synchronize oestrus, while the control group received no treatment. Thirteen bucks were used, seven as breeders and six as heat detectors. Oestrus detection employed visual observation and apronisation. Standing to be mounted was the cardinal sign of oestrus. Breeding was by hand-mating and at detected oestrus. Results indicated heterosexual and homosexual mounting, thin stringy clear mucous discharge and standing-to-be-mounted as signs of oestrus. Oestrus response rate was 100 %, 94.4 % and 75.0 % for PGF2α, P4S and Control respectively; P4S retention rate was 94%. Effect of synchronization agent on on-set of oestrus was 15.86 + 0.73 h (PGF2α), 15.08 + 0.84 h (P4S) and 17.73 + 0.85 h (Control), while parity on on-set of oestrus was 12.12 + 1.87 h (first), 17.77 + 0.77 h (second) and 18.79 + 1.95 h (third). Effect of synchronization agent on duration of oestrus was 44.76 + 2.13 h, 45.78 + 2.46 h and 42.40 + 2.50 h for PGF2Α P4S and Control respectively, while parity on duration of oestrus was 42.26 + 5.48 h (first), 45.02 + 2.27 h (second) and 45.67 + 5.73 h (third). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) for oestrus on-set and duration. Overall pregnancy and conception rates were 65.4 % and 72.3 % respectively, kidding rate was 76.5 %, abortion rate was 23.5 % and late embryonic mortality rate was 26.5 %. Mean gestation were 146.29 + 1.59 and 146.63 + 1.64 for single and twin births respectively. Age, parity and body condition score of dam had significant effect on litter size (P < 0.05). It was concluded that some aspects of the reproductive performance of the RSG does studied following oestrus synchronization with PGF2α and P4S had clinical application, good and acceptable.
Key Words: Reproductive, Red Sokoto, Does, Prostaglandin F2-alpha and Progesterone.
Occurrence of Salmonella and Shigella on Dried Crayfish (Procambarus Clarkia) Sold in Zaria and Kaduna Central Market, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Kia G.S.N. , Mathias S. , Esonu D.O. , Benjamin E. 
Published: April 2021

Dried crayfish is a rich source of protein and an important crustacean consumed all over the world.To determine the occurrence of Salmonella and Shigella in dried crayfish and crayfish sellers practices which may predispose the food item to microbial contamination, dried crayfish were sampled from 100 stalls in Samaru (n=20), Sabo (n=30) and Central market (n=50) markets of Kaduna state. Dried crayfish samples were each homogenized, analyzed for total coliform plate count, then pre-enriched and enriched in peptone water and Rappaport-Vassiliadis broth respectively, which was further cultured on Salmonella Shigella Agar (SSA). Non-lactose fermenting colonies were subjected to biochemical and Sugar tests. The overall mean coliform count was 14.95log10cfu/100ml. Salmonella and Shigella species were isolated from 12 (35.3%) and 5 (14.3%) samples respectively. Locational distribution of dried crayfish showed, Sabon gari (13.3%) and Central market Kaduna (6%) having the highest occurrence of Salmonella and Shigella suspect species respectively. Questionnaire survey administered to 100 of the crayfish sellers revealed that most of them 71 (74%) eat uncooked dried crayfish, 39% (44/100) of them use their bare hands unwashed while packaging the crayfish at point of sale. The presence of Salmonella and Shigella in crayfish from these locations is of public health significance. Therefore, public enlightenment on hygiene, sanitation and proper storage and packaging of crayfish to prevent foodborne disease outbreak such as Salmonellosis and Shigellosis in Nigeria is highly advocated.
Key words: Crayfish, Salmonella, Shigella, food contamination and hygiene
Patency and Clinico-Haematological Pathologies Sequel to Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma evansi Induced Infections in Yankasa Sheep I
Authors: Wada Y.A. , Okubanjo O.O. , Rekwot P.I. , Mohammed B. , Oniye S.J. 
Published: April 2021

Trypanosomosis remains one of the most deadly protozoan diseases that pose a significant impact on livestock health in the tropics. Sixteen (16) rams aged between 24 to 30 months and weighed between 22-25kg were acclimatized under standard animal housing conditions. Twelve (12) of the sheep deemed fit and healthy were randomly divided into four groups (I, II, III, and IV) of three sheep each. Each sheep in groups I and II was inoculated intravenously with 2 mL containing 2 X 106 trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma evansi, respectively. While group III, each sheep received 2 mL containing 2 X 106 mixed inoculums of T. brucei and T. evansi (50% each by volume of the infective inoculums). Sheep in group IV served as the non-infected control. Post-infection animals were monitored for 14 weeks for parasitaemia, clinical signs, and haematological pathologies. The patent infection became evident in groups I, II, and III between 5-21 days post-infection with average patency of 7, 20, and 8.5 days respectively. The infection was characterized by intermittent pyrexia with a significant decrease (p< 0.001) in mean weekly packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), live weight gain, plasma protein, which significantly decreased (p< 0.001) in all the infected groups. Pearson’s correlation (r) indicates a strong positive correlation (r= 0.991) between parasitaemia and pyrexia, and principal component analysis (PCA) biplot increased the predictabilities of these two indices as the major precursors in the progression of the trypanosomes pathogenesis in sheep.
Keywords: Trypanosomosis; Patency; Clinico-haematological pathologies; Trypanosoma brucei; Trypanosoma evansi; Yankasa sheep