bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antiulcer and Antioxidant Potential of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Leaves Methanol Extract in Albino Rats
Authors: Nwaogu Jude , Argungu Aminu , Adefarakan Adetayo Joseph 
Published: March 2021

Aim: This research is aimed at assessing the antiulcer and antioxidant potential of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves methanol extract in albino rats.
Methodology: Fresh leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis were harvested from the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero. The dried pulverized leaves were extracted using Soxhlet apparatus with methanol as the solvent. Thirty male albino rats weighing between 200 g and 250 g were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats each. Antiulcer and antioxidant activity was evaluated using ethanol-induced ulcer model. Ulcer was induced in all groups except Group 1 which served as the control and received distilled water only. Group 2 was not treated while Group 3 was treated with omeprazole (50mg/kg). Groups 4, 5 and 6 were treated with 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg of the extract respectively. After seven days of treatment, the albino rats were humanely sacrificed, ulcer index determined and the serum assessed for antioxidants levels.
Results: The gastric mucosal lesions produced in the untreated group were very visible and had an ulcer index of 12.83. Pre-treatment with omeprazole and graded doses of the extract showed significant reductions (P<.05) in ulcer index in a dose dependent manner. The SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH and MDA levels were significantly reduced (P<.05) in the untreated group with progressive reduction in the treated groups as the extract concentration reduced. The antioxidant vitamins (Vitamin A, C and E) reduced in concentration significantly (P<.05) without any significant difference between the untreated group and the groups that received 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of the extract. Meanwhile, the group treated with 800mg/kg of the extract significantly increased (P<.05) the concentrations of these vitamins when compared to the group that received ethanol only.
Conclusion: Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves methanol extract possesses both antiulcer and antioxidant activity. This justifies the use of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves in traditional medicine in the management of ulcer and validates its antiulcer potential.
Mathematical Modelling of the Dynamics of COVID-19 Disease Transmission
Authors: Okrinya A. B. , Esekhaigbe E. 
Published: March 2021

We construct a simple mathematical model that describes the dynamics of the transmission of COVID-19 disease in a human population. It accounts for the various phases of the disease and its mode of contact through infectious humans and surfaces. The contribution of asymptomatic humans in the dynamics of the disease is well represented. The model is a system of ordinary dierential equations that describes the evolution of humans in a range of COVID-19 states due to emergence of an index case. The analysis includes establishment of the basic reproduction number, R0, where, R0 < 1 signifies a disease free state that is locally asymptotically stable. A key result in this study shows some long term damped oscillatory behaviour that do not seem to end soon.
Reproductive Biology of Land Crabs (Gecarcoidea lalandii) in Ly Son Island, Quang Ngai Province – Vietnam
Authors: Sang Huynh Minh , Thao Le Thi Thu , Lam Ho Son , Minh-Thu Phan 
Published: March 2021

The reproductive biology of the land crab Gecarcoidea lalandii was documented for the Ly Son Island, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. Approximately 30 crabs, collected every month in the 12-month period from August 2019 to July 2020, were analyzed gonadal development stages, sex ratio, spawning season, fecundity and size at first sexual maturity. Results showed that number of male and female crab in nature was not significantly different. Gonadal of the crab passed through five stages of maturation. The crab spawns continuously during the spawning season. In nature, the crab can mature whole year-round with a higher proportion from January to August and the peak maturation from June to July. The spawning season is of this species is only on the raining period from June to July. Length at first sexual maturity of the crab was 53.91 mm of carapace width for female and 50.39 mm male crab. The absolute fecundity varied in 473,000-820,000 eggs ind-1 and highly related to body weight. The current findings provide the scientific foundation for fishery resource management and artificial breeding of the land crab in Ly Son.
Plasmodium falciparum Biomass and Haematological Changes during Treatment of HIV/AIDS Patients in Western Kenya
Authors: Kirinyet J. K. , Mulambalah C. S. 
Published: March 2021

Background: Monitoring and evaluation (M & E) of anti-malarial treatment among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is very important to assess the response and change in malaria parasite biomass in an endemic area. Published data have shown that HIV-related immunosuppression correlates with increased malaria biomass, treatment failure and complicated outcome despite an individual's immune status. We evaluated blood samples from PLWHA based on malaria parasite biomass and haematological changes during anti-malarial treatment
Aim: To evaluate Plasmodium falciparum biomass and haematological changes during antimalarial treatment of PLWHA.
Settings and Designs: Cross-sectional and descriptive study design
Subjects and Methods: A randomized antimalarial treatment involving 126 subjects was carried out in a hospital setup in Western Kenya. Blood samples were collected and analysed to determine malaria parasitaemia, changes in parasite biomass and haemoglobin levels in 28 days among PLWHA following treatment with Quinine and Coartem® antimalarial drugs. Descriptive and chi-square tests were used to determine the association of parasitaemia with gender and relevant haematological changes during treatment.
Results: A significant difference between females and males of those with parasitaemia on day-3 was noticed (p - 0.031). Quinine and Coartem® arms recorded a 100% parasite deletion/clearance by day-14 but showed recurrence on day-21 of 6.3% and 3.1% of day-14 respectively. On day-28 the Quinine arm had higher parasitaemia (306.3%). Mean Hb improved from 11.0 gm/dL to 11.6 gm/dL by day-28.
Conclusion: Recurrence of malaria parasite biomass was noticeable from day-21 to day-28 with Quinine arm of recipients and by day-28 haematological parameters had improved indicating recovery. Routine M &E of malaria cases and haematinic agent dosages to correct anaemia among PLWHA are recommended.
Association of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Atrophic Gastritis with Chronic Renal Insufficiency in Yaounde Cameroon, Using Gastropanel® Serological Biomarker Panel (Pepsinogen I; Pepsinogen II; Gastrin-17; Helicobacter pylori Igg)
Authors: Ebule Alonge Ivo , Ndze Valentine Ngum , Thierry Ngouana Kammalac , Etienne Guenou , Ornella Moche  Mboudja Morel , Aurelien Mboletieu Ateufo , Dominique Noah Noah , Maki Minna , Syrjanen Kari 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with an atrophic gastritis peptic and duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer. Patients with chronic renal diseases usually have dyspeptic symptoms. Several investigations have demonstrated an association between H. pylori infection and chronic kidney disease, although their results are still conflicting. We therefore aimed, to clarify the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients receiving dialysis.
Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing hemodialysis were recruited at the University Teaching Hospital of Yaounde, between January and May 2019. The clinical and socio-demographic information of the patients was recorded. 5 ml of blood were collected aseptically for Pepsinogen I and II enzymes, gastrin17 hormone and IgG anti H. pylori anti-body. The test parameters were analyzed using a GastroSoft software application. The data was analyzed using Epi Info 7.0. All statistics were 95% CI. Ethical clearance was also obtained from the National Ethics Committee. Authorization was obtained atthe University Teaching Hospital.
Results: A total of 60 subjects were recruited aged 25-74 years, (mean±SD 52.03 ± 12,78) years;22(45.16%) females, aged 29 to 71years(mean±SD 47,45 ± 11.46) years and 38(54.84%) males aged 25 to 74 (mean±SD 56,47±12.25) years. Female / male ratio was 1.2. Overall, 26(43.33%) subjects were positive for H. pylori infection (IgG≥30EIU). The prevalence of atrophic gastritis obtained was (23.33%)(PG1< 30µg/l). The mean H. pylori IgG antibodies were significantly higher in obese than non obese subjects (F=3.59; p=0,01). A significant increase in the mean creatinine(P=0.008), andurea (P=0,05) was observed in H. pylori positive than negative ones. Conclusion: H. pylori infection is highly prevalent amongst patients with chronic renal failure and may thus require continuous follow up.
Knowledge and Attitude towards Breast Cancer among Medical Undergraduate Students
Authors: Iqbal Nasima , Usmani Fareya , Bijarani Ali Nawaz , Khan Muhammad Aitmaud Uddolah , Khan Muhammad Salman , Israr Syeda Noor 
Published: March 2021

Aim: To find out the knowledge and attitude of medical undergraduate students towards breast cancer.
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Study was performed in Ziauddin medical university during the period of October to December 2020.
Methodology: All the undergraduate Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) female students were included in the study irrespective of year of study. A self-designed, self-explanatory questionnaire was made and validated by doing a pilot study. Data was analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version-20).
Results: Mean age of the study participants was 22.2 ± 1.7 years. Data regarding knowledge about the risk factors reported that overall more than 62% of the students were aware of the risk factors leading to breast cancer. Looking over the individual risk factors, about 77.3% recognized increased age as a major contributing factor, followed by lack of breast feeding, nulliparity, obesity, use of contraceptive pills, late menopause, early menarche and smoking with 68.3%,54.9%,51.1%, 64.8%,61.6%,39,2% and 48.6%respectively. Focusing specifically the year of MBBS student, the level of medical education increases the awareness about the risk factor also increase. Looking over the attitude of undergraduate MBBS students, about 76.8% of the students consulted to the doctor for breast lump, out of them 41.6% immediately consulted, 27.3% delayed it for weeks and 7.9% waited for months for self-recovery.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that majority of undergraduate medical students were having enough knowledge about the breast cancer, associated risk factors, symptoms and diagnostic modalities along with having positive attitude towards seeking medical help.
Seasonal Variety on Bacteriological Evaluation of Borehole Waters in Orumba South Local Government Area in Anambra State
Authors: Ebere Anyalogbu Maryrose , Chukwurah E. N. , Ezemba C. C. 
Published: March 2021

Aims: This study was carried out to determine the seasonal variety on physico-chemical and bacteriological evaluation of Borehole waters.
Place and Duration of Study: 10 selected borehole tanks in 5 different towns were collected from five towns from (ORS) Orumba South L. G. A; (Umunze, Onneh, Nawfija, Isulo and Ezira) in Anambra State, with one hundred and twenty samples each in both dry season (December, January, February) as January (peak of dry season) and rainy season (May, June, July) as June (peak of rainy season) within 2018.
Methodology: A total of one hundred and twenty water samples were analyzed. (1) ml of water sample was added to 10 ml single strength of the Lactose fermentation broth and serially diluted. The isolated bacterial isolates were identified using their morphological characteristics, biochemical tests, microscopical and molecular characteristics. The DNA was extracted from the identified isolates and analyzed by 16S rRNA. The bacteria isolated from the studied water samples were identified to be Bacillus subtilis (BTC), Escherichia coli (RSS), klebsiella aerogenes (TSS) and staphylococcus aureus (GY), PC – Providencia stuartii, BCD – Bacillus toyonensis, FY- Bacillus spp and ANT – Proteus spp. Frequency rate of occurrence in percentage for the isolates in dry and rainy seasons in ORS L. G. A were determined and for removal of all the isolates were within the WHO limit of 0.08ct (mg.min L-1) by the use of chlorine solution. Confirmatory profile on bacteriological in chlorine treated borehole water samples was determined.
Results: The highest TCC was recorded for sample 10 which was 27 MPN/100ml estimated during rainy season against (TCC) recorded for samples 10 which was 22 MPN/100ml during dry season. Out of eight isolates, Escherichia coli had the highest rate frequency of occurrence of 70% in rainy season against dry season. All the isolates 1 to 8 range from (0.01ct) (mg.min L-1) to (0.06ct (mg.min L-1) all the values were within the WHO recommended limit for water purity. The confirmatory test on sample locations form ORS 1 to ORS 10 for total coliform count in chlorine treated borehole water samples by most probable number estimation revealed that all the samples were within the WHO permissible limit of 0.00MPN/100ml.
Conclusions: Chlorine solution may have proven to be the cheaper and better solution for achieving water purity in boreholes water.
Scardovia wiggsiae and Streptococcus sobrinus Prevalence among Orthodontic and Non-Orthodontic Patients
Authors: Trumbo Melissa , Kim Namgu , Samiano Beanca Jhanine , Marrujo Matthew , Perkins Patrick , Foote Kevin , Howard Katherine M. , Kingsley Karl 
Published: March 2021

Background: Dental cavities or caries have been identified as among the most prevalent of preventable oral conditions. However, studies are discovering new information regarding the incidence and prevalence of several cariogenic organisms, including Streptococcus mutans (SM), the recently discovered Scardovia wiggsiae (SW), as well as Streptococcus sobrinus (SS). These studies have revealed varying prevalence among different populations, such as those undergoing orthodontic treatment. Based upon this information, the main goal of the current study was to assess the prevalence of specific cariogenic organisms (SS and SW) within saliva samples originally obtained from a dental school-based clinic.
Methods: The protocol for this retrospective study of DNA isolated from previously collected saliva samples was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) as exempt research. In brief, clinical DNA samples were screened for SS and SW using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Demographic and subgroup (Orthodontic, non-Orthodontic) analysis was also performed.
Results: This study found that pediatric (12-17 year old patient) samples were much more likely to harbor either SW or SS compared with adult (>18 year old patient) samples. In addition, this study found many more SW-positive samples among pediatric orthodontic patients compared with either adult or pediatric non-Orthodontic patients, which may suggest this population may be at higher risk for SW-related caries or other negative oral health outcomes. Finally, this study found these microbial populations to be strongly linked within the same patient samples.
Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that prevalence of SW and SS may be more highly associated with specific population subgroups, including SS observed in non-orthodontic patients and SW found among pediatric orthodontic patients. These results also differ from previous evidence, which found only minor and partially overlapping prevalence of these and other oral microbes. The results of this current study may suggest that SS and SW may be more strongly correlated within similar oral microbial communities and their presence may be directly or indirectly linked through one or more behavioral, microbial or other factors – although more research will be needed to determine these mechanisms.
Joint tracking coefficients and the time delay of a nonstationary linear system, preceded by a static nonlinearity
Authors: Pupeikis Rimantas 
Published: March 2021

SummaryThe paper considers a block‐oriented nonlinear Hammerstein system that consists of a linear block with real‐valued time‐varying unknown coefficients and a pure time delay, preceded by the static nonlinearity. The joint tracking of linear block coefficients and the time delay while processing observation samples is under consideration. The difficulty of the tracking process consists in the initial nonconvexity of the objective function to be minimized, in respect of the time delay. To obtain current estimates of the true coefficients and the time delay it is necessary to overcome the multiextremality of the objective function. A global optimization problem could be solved by changing a form of the nonconvex objective function into a convex one. The optimization problem has been subdivided into two problems that are analyzed in this article, as well. The first one consists of removal of the objective function multiextremality in respect of the time delay, while hunting for the global extremum. Therefore, the well‐known approach based on the method of corrective operators, which is used to transform the multiextremal criterion into a unimodal function for the nonstationary Wiener system, is developed here for the Hammerstein one. The other problem consists of the applicability of unified adaptive algorithms, used for Wiener systems in the case of Hammerstein systems. The recursive parametric identification technique, based on the adaptive algorithm procedures, is developed here for the nonstationary block‐oriented Hammerstein systems, too. The applicability of algorithms is supported by various simulation tests solved by computer for distinct inputs and for two static nonlinearities.
Universal Interface between Functional Oxides and Silicon
Authors: Averyanov Dmitry V. , Sokolov Ivan S. , Karateev Igor A. , Taldenkov Alexander N. , Parfenov Oleg E. , Tokmachev Andrey M. , Storchak Vyacheslav G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntegration of crystalline oxides with silicon provides a versatile platform to extend and advance silicon technology. The interface between oxide and Si controls the structure and functional properties of the resulting material. In particular, the formation of a submonolayer metal phase on silicon is the standard approach to stabilize the epitaxial growth of oxides. However, fundamental questions—a) whether the interface transforms in the process of the synthesis; and b) if it is possible to control the interface and its electronic structure by varying the submonolayer template—remain unanswered. The present study employs MBE synthesis of EuO and SrO on Si(001) to demonstrate that the structure of the oxide/Si interface does not depend on the type of the template, its symmetry, and stoichiometry. Chemical transformations of the templates converging into the same 2D product are detected in situ by electron diffraction. Then, the common interfacial structure of 1D periodicity is visualized by high‐resolution electron microscopy. The study provides insights into the process of oxide integration with silicon but also sets the limits in designing oxide/Si interfaces.
One‐Step All‐Aqueous Interfacial Assembly of Robust Membranes for Long‐Term Encapsulation and Culture of Adherent Stem/Stromal Cells
Authors: Vilabril Sara , Nadine Sara , Neves Catarina M. S. S. , Correia Clara R. , Freire Mara G. , Coutinho João A. P. , Oliveira Mariana B. , Mano João F. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe therapeutic effectiveness and biological relevance of technologies based on adherent cells depend on platforms that enable long‐term culture in controlled environments. Liquid‐core capsules have been suggested as semipermeable moieties with spatial homogeneity due to the high mobility of all components in their core. The lack of cell‐adhesive sites in liquid‐core structures often hampers their use as platforms for stem cell‐based technologies for long‐term survival and cell‐directed self‐organization. Here, the one‐step fast formation of robust polymeric capsules formed by interfacial complexation of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes in an all‐aqueous environment, compatible with the simultaneous encapsulation of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and microcarriers, is described. The adhesion of umbilical cord MSCs to polymeric microcarriers enables their aggregation and culture for more than 21 days in capsules prepared either manually by dropwise addition, or by scalable electrohydrodynamic atomization, generating robust and stable capsules. Cell aggregation and secretion overtime can be tailored by providing cells with static or dynamic (bioreactor) environments.
Manipulating SnO2 Growth for Efficient Electron Transport in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Qian Zongyao , Chen Libao , Wang Jinpei , Wang Ling , Xia Yingdong , Ran Xueqin , Li Ping , Zhong Qi , Song Lin , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Chen Yonghua , Zhang Hui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSolution‐processed tin oxide (SnO2) is ubiquitously used as the electron transport layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells, while the main concerns related to the application of SnO2 nanoparticles are the self‐aggregation potential and infeasible energy level adjustment, leading to inhomogeneous thin films and mismatched energy alignment with perovskite. Herein, a novel route is developed by adding a functional titanium diisopropoxide bis(acetylacetonate) (TiAcAc) molecule, comprising TiO44– core, functional CO, and long alkene groups, into the SnO2 nanoparticle solution, to optimize the electronic transfer property of SnO2 for efficient perovskite solar cells. It is found that the TiO44– can be used to tune the electronic property of the SnO2 layer, and the long alkenes can act as a stabilizer to avoid the nanoparticle aggregation and electronic glue among the SnO2 nanoparticles in the eventual nanoparticulate thin film, enhancing its homogeneity and conductivity. Furthermore, the residual CO groups on the ETL surface can strongly associate with the Pb2+ and improve the interface intimacy between the ETL and perovskite. As a result, the efficiency of perovskite solar cells can be boosted from 18% to above 20% with significantly reduced hysteresis by employing SnO2‐TiAcAc as electron transport layer, indicating a great potential for efficient perovskite solar cells.