bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Inmates of the New-bell Central Prison, Cameroon
Authors: Kuete Thomas , Ghislain Mbwang Hugues , Menengue Nguele Catherine , Same Ekobo Albert 
Published: March 2019

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a public health issue in developing countries where overcrowded settlements and poor sanitation are general rule. Due to paucity of IPIs data in known overcrowded Cameroonian prisons, this cross-sectional study conducted in 2015 in the New-Bell Central Prison (NBCP) aimed to establish biodiversity, prevalence and risk factors of intestinal protozoan and helminthe infections among inmates.
Fresh stool samples collected from the NBCP volunteered inmates were laboratory examined microscopically as fresh mounts plus iodine, Kato-Katz smears, formalin-ether concentration and modified Ziehl-Nelseen stained sediments.
Of a total 374 inmates who participated in the study, overall IPIs prevalence was 39.3%. Helminthe and protozoa prevalence was 16.6% and 24.6% respectively. Parasites species were recorded at following prevalence: Ascaris lumbricoides (10.4%), Trichuris trichiura (5.1%), Schistosoma mansoni (0.5%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (14.2%), Entamoeba coli (16.6%), Giardia intestinalis (7.2%), Chilomastix mesnili (2.4%), Blastocystis spp (2.1%) and Cryptosporidium sp (4.3%). Co-infections by two or three parasites were recorded among parasitized inmates.
Overall IPIs prevalence was not significantly influenced by gender, age, detention duration, education level, handwashing practices, sanitation and drinking water source. However, highest IPIs prevalence occurred in males aged 30 to 49 years old, less than one year detainees, latrine users and those who drank borehole water. Systematic handwashing practices and education level did not influence significantly IPIs prevalence. All helminthe infections were of light intensities.
Inmates in the New Bell central prison were parasitized by several species of protozoa and intestinal worms in varying prevalence depending on the detention period, the sex, the age and hygiene. A regular IPIs control among prison inmates was recommended to the NBCP managers to prevent related morbidity.
Effect of Soil Microbes on Nitrate, Phosphate and Total Hydrocarbon Content of Various Concentrations of Oilfield Wastewater
Authors: Owhonka Aleruchi , Omokaro Obire, 
Published: March 2019

The effects of soil microbes on nitrate, phosphate and total hydrocarbon content of various concentrations of oilfield wastewater were investigated for a period of 28 days using standard methods. Periodic sampling of the treatment options from each flask were carried out after 24 hrs and subsequently at 7 days interval for nitrate, phosphate and total hydrocarbon content analysis. The nitrate, phosphate and total hydrocarbon content were higher in all the treatment options than in the control (0%). The concentration of nitrate and phosphate in the soil treatment options reduced significantly at day 28. Total hydrocarbon content of the 0% (control) on 24 hrs was 48 mg/kg and 26 mg/kg on 28th day, while 10, 25, 50 and 75 (%) were 160 and 98, 162 and 94, 163 and 98, 163 and 96 mg/kg respectively. There was significant reduction between the incubation period (24 hr and 28 days) in the various treatment option including the control. The results revealed that nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) were been utilized by the soil microbes and further enhanced microbial utilization of hydrocarbons. This suggests that oilfield wastewater could serve as nutrient enhancement medium for indigenous soil microbes in bioremediation process.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Dengue Fever in a Cohort of Nursing Students
Authors: Shueai Al Awfi Mansoor , AL Sharabi Bushra Anaam , Al Alimi Abdullah , Abdo Abkar Mohammed 
Published: March 2019

Background: Good knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on dengue fever will result a significant effect on prevention and control. Conversely, poor KAP help spread of dengue vectors and virus resulting in dengue epidemics.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue fever among a cohort of nursing students in faculty of medicine and health sciences, Hodiedah University, Hodiedah, Yemen.
Methods: Data was collected from 80 students using questionnaire method consists of a set of questions during 2016–2017educational year. KAP were assessed as satisfactory or unsatisfactory using a scoring system. Data was analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®). Chi-square test was used for testing associations.
Results: According to KAP scores, 12.5%, 97.5% and 25% of respondents had satisfactory knowledge, attitudes and practices respectively. While 87.5%, 2.5% and 75% of them had unsatisfactory knowledge, attitudes and practices about dengue fever. There is significant association between knowledge and practices (p= 0.001). However, there is no significant association between knowledge and attitudes (p= 0.588) about dengue fever.
Conclusion: Present study concluded that 87.5 % and 75% of participants nursing students have unsatisfactory knowledge and practices regarding dengue infection. Therefore, it is importance to enhance their knowledge and practices before graduation and employing them for health care services in the community.
Nutrition Assessment and Factors Influencing Malnutrition among Children under Five in Adjumani District Uganda
Authors: Simon Peter Emurot , Haruna Aliyu Sambo , Salisu Hassan Rabiu 
Published: March 2019

Globally and specifically within the sub-Saharan African region, the nutritional status of children under five has remain a public health concern. Deficiency in nutrients has been documented as a cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five in most developing countries. The study was conducted to determine factors influencing malnutrition among children under five in Adjumani district in Uganda. The study design adopted was a descriptive and cross-sectional type. Three hundred children aged under five years together with either their mothers or adult care givers were selected. An interviewer administered structured questionnaire was completed by 200 mothers/caregivers. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements while focus group discussions with medical personnel and direct observation were also conducted. The result depicts that Wasting was significantly associated with sex of the children with females more likely to be wasted than males (p=0.023). Age of the studied children was found to be significantly associated with mid upper arm circumference (p<0.001). Also education level of mothers/care givers was significantly associated with malnutrition of children under five. (P value 0.013). Stunting and underweight were identified as the main nutrition problems in Adjumani District. Poor weaning practices, poor sanitation due to inadequate hand washing and poor maintenance of latrine as well as low income for house hold due to few loan/ credit facilities were identified as factors influencing malnutrition.
The study therefore recommends that nutrition survey for children under five should be done regularly at community level. Sanitation can be improved by availing hand washing facility for each latrine. Female education be encouraged while agriculture to should be modernized in order to boost household income and improve food security.
Effect of Plant Spacing on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Submerged Condition
Authors: Verma Bhuneshwar , Ramteke L. K. , Shahid M. 
Published: March 2019

The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of plant spacing on the performance of rice variety IR-64 and IR64-Sub1 under conventional and Submerged condition at the National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Cuttack, Odisha during the Rabi season of 2018. Different planting densities were maintained using different spacing's. These include (S1) 15 cm × 10 cm, (S2) 15 cm × 20 cm. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications spacing of 15 cm × 10 cm with produced the highest grain yield of 350 gm-2 in submerged condition on IR64-Sub1 rice cultivar, which was significantly higher than the yield with recommended density (15 cm × 10 cm with IR64 Sub1). This yield was increased due to higher number of panicles m-2. This result suggests that higher planting density (15 cm×10 cm) rather than increased number of seedling hill-1 is necessary for getting higher yield of IR-64Sub1 rice cultivar in continuous submerged condition (where V1=IR 64, V2=IR-64 Sub1, S1=15 cm×10 cm, S2=20 cm×15 cm).
Profitability and Constraints of Quail Egg Production in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adeoti S. O. , Baruwa O. I. 
Published: March 2019

The study was conducted in Southwestern Nigeria, to analyze the profitability and constraints of quail egg production in the study area. A multistage sampling technique was used in selecting 90 respondents used in the study. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, likert scale and budgetary analysis. The result indicated that majority (66.7%) of the respondents fall below the age of 50 years, 70% were male, 81.1% of the respondents were married. Considerable number of the quail farmer had post secondary education (86.70%). The result further revealed that 56.7% used cage system of production and 48.9% had between 2-4 years of rearing experience this signify that quail farming is a new enterprise in the area. The result further stated that quails business was profitable with Operating expenses ratio, rate of return to investment, benefit cost ratio and profitability index to be 0.53, 0.84, 1.84 and 0.46 respectively.
Constraints to quails farming in the study area includes: poor marketing, high cost of feeds, poor quality of day old chick/high mortality rate and others. The study recommended that any measures geared toward reducing the cost of feeds will increase their profit margin. Government on her part is advise to assist research institutes to come out with breed of quail that are prolific and disease resistant also a good system of marketing should be established.
Comparison of the Effect of Vaginal Capsule of Evening Primrose Oil and Misoprostol on Cervical Ripening of Nulliparous Women with Post-term Pregnancy
Authors: Bahmani Soma , Hesamy Kajal , Shahgheibi Shola , Roshani Daem , Shahoei Roonak 
Published: March 2019

Background and Objective: Post-term pregnancy (gestational age of ≥294 days [≥42 weeks] is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. The present study was conducted to compare the effect of vaginal capsule of evening primrose oil and misoprostol on cervical ripening of nulliparous women with post-term pregnancy.
Materials and Methods: This research has been conducted with the one-blind randomized trial method on 130 pregnant women with post-term pregnancy visiting to the labor ward of sanandaj Besat Hospital. Samples were divided into two groups of intervention and control with the randomized allocation method. The intervention group receiving 500 mgvaginal evening primrose capsule and 25 micrograms of sublingual misoprostol, and the control group receiving a placebo-vaginal capsule and 25 micrograms of misoprostol sublingually. Data collecting tools include: demographic specifications questionnaire and Bishop Checklist. Data was analyzed through SPSS software version 21 and by using Chi-square, T-test, covariance analysis, one-way ANOVA, and repeated measures. P <0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The results showed that the mean Bishope scores of the subjects in the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group (p <0.05). There was no significant difference in uterine contractions, fetal heart rate and vital signs between two groups (p> 0.05).
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that vaginal capsule of evening primrose oil is effective on the rate of cervical ripening in post-term pregnancies. Also, no significant effect on was observed on fetal heart rate, uterine contractions, and vital signs of the mother.
The Self‐Administered Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index (RADAI) is Less Accurate than DAS28‐CRP as a Disease Activity Measure in Pregnancy
Authors: Smeele H. T. W. , Naterop J. , Röder E. , Hazes J. M. W. , Dolhain R. J. E. M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveDisease Activity Score 28 (DAS28)–using the C‐reactive protein (CRP) level has been validated to determine disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients during pregnancy. A self‐administered questionnaire like Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index (RADAI) has practical advantages over DAS28‐CRP, and in this study, we aimed to validate the RADAI for use during pregnancy.MethodsPatients were derived from a prospective cohort on RA and pregnancy (Pregnancy‐induced Amelioration of Rheumatoid Arthritis study). To validate the RADAI as a disease activity measure, the disease course over time and the disease activity states were compared with the DAS28‐CRP. Furthermore, the RADAI was compared with DAS28‐CRP in predicting fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Finally, to test construct validity, correlation of both RADAI and DAS28‐CRP with a biomarker (galactosylation of immunoglobulin G [IgG]) were determined and compared.ResultsIn total, 269 patients were analyzed in this study. Mean RADAI scores showed a great decline in disease activity in the first trimester compared with DAS28‐CRP (mean RADAI, −1.13; mean, DAS28‐CRP, −0.04). Correlations between DAS28‐CRP and RADAI scores were moderate to good (0.44 < ρ < 0.71). Agreement in disease states was low (0.26 < κ < 0.51). Time to pregnancy was different between disease states according to DAS28‐CRP (P = 0.03), but not according to RADAI (P = 0.56). Only DAS28‐CRP could predict birthweight (DAS28‐CRP β‐0.17, P = 0.04; RADAI β‐0.09, P = 0.10). Both DAS28‐CRP and RADAI were associated with galactosylation of IgG at specific time points, but only change in DAS28‐CRP was correlated with change in galactosylation of IgG from preconception to pregnancy.ConclusionThe RADAI could not be validated as a disease activity measure during pregnancy. DAS28‐CRP remains the gold standard of measuring disease activity in pregnancy.
Colloidal synthesis of Au nanoparticles using polyelectrolytes with 1,3,4‐thiadiazole as reducing agents
Authors: Caldera Villalobos Martín , Martins Alho Miriam , García Serrano Jesús , Álvarez Romero Giaan Arturo , Herrera González Ana M. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTHeterocyclic compounds are well known for their biological activity and coordination properties. Some heterocyclic compounds have been employed in the stabilization against coalescence of metallic nanoparticles in colloidal solutions, for example, tetrazole, triazole, and pyrazole. The aim of this work is to design new polyelectrolytes with heterocyclic pendant groups useful as reducing agents of Au3+ and as stabilizing agents for the synthesis of colloidal Au nanoparticles. Thus, polyelectrolytes with thiosemicarbazone and 1,3,4‐thiadiazole pendant groups were used as reducing agents of Au3+ ions and stabilizing agents of Au nanoparticles. The voltammetry study of the polyelectrolytes showed that one with thiosemicarbazone pendant groups is the better reducing agent than polyelectrolytes with heterocyclic pendant groups. The polyelectrolytes can control the growth of the nanoparticles, obtaining structures with an average size of 9 nm. In this study, it was concluded that the nature of the heterocyclic group does not have an effect on the shape of nanoparticles and quasi‐spherical nanoparticles were obtained with all polyelectrolytes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47790.
Broadening the Scope of Enforced ATP Wasting as a Tool for Metabolic Engineering in Escherichia coli
Authors: Boecker Simon , Zahoor Ahmed , Schramm Thorben , Link Hannes , Klamt Steffen 
Published: March 2019

The targeted increase of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) turnover (enforced ATP wasting) has recently been recognized as a promising tool for metabolic engineering when product synthesis is coupled with net ATP formation. The goal of the present study is to further examine and to further develop the concept of enforced ATP wasting and to broaden its scope for potential applications. In particular, considering the fermentation products synthesized by Escherichia coli under anaerobic conditions as a proxy for target chemical(s), i) a new genetic module for dynamic and gradual induction of the F1‐part of the ATPase is developed and it is found that ii) induction of the ATPase leads to higher metabolic activity and increased product formation in E. coli under anaerobic conditions, and that iii) ATP wasting significantly increases substrate uptake and productivity of growth‐arrested cells, which is vital for its use in two‐stage processes. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the glucose uptake rate of 6.49 mmol gCDW−1 h−1 achieved with enforced ATP wasting is the highest value reported for nongrowing E. coli cells. In summary, this study shows that enforced ATP wasting can be used to improve yield and titer (in growth‐coupled processes) as well as volumetric productivity (in two‐stage processes) depending on which of the performance measures is more crucial for the process and product of interest.
Safety evaluation of Semen Sojae Preparatum based on simultaneous LC–ESI–MS/MS quantification of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2 and M1
Authors: Qiu Feng , Shi Henan , Wang Siqi , Ma Li , Wang Manyuan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSemen Sojae Preparatum (SSP) is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese medicines, and is also a functional food. However, contamination with aflatoxins may occur in the fermentation process. To evaluate its safety, an accurate and rapid LC–ESI–MS/MS analytical method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2 and AFM1 in SSP. After a simple ultrasonic extraction of SSP samples, chromatographic separation was achieved on an Agilent Zorbax SB‐C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 3.5 μm) with a flow rate of 0.50 mL/min. The gradient elution program was performed using a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile, both containing 0.1% formic acid. Detection of five aflatoxins was based on triple quadrupole mass spectrometry using a multiple reaction monitoring mode with an electrospray ionization source. SSP is likely to be contaminated by aflatoxins in the processes of fermentation, storage, transportation and usage, and it is necessary to strictly monitor it. Artemisia annua L. and Morus alba L. may inhibit the production and growth of AFB1‐ and AFB2‐producing fungi, which has a certain detoxification effect on contamination with aflatoxins in SSP.
The sensory thalamus and visual midbrain in mouse lemurs
Authors: Saraf Mansi P. , Balaram Pooja , Pifferi Fabien , Kennedy Henry , Kaas Jon H. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMouse lemurs are the smallest of extant primates and are thought to resemble early primates in many ways. We provide histological descriptions of the major sensory nuclei of the dorsal thalamus and the superior colliculus (SC) of mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus). The dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus has the six layers typical of strepsirrhine primates, with matching pairs of magnocellular, parvocellular, and koniocellular layers, one of each pair for each eye. Unlike most primates, magnocellular and parvocellular layers exhibit only small differences in cell size. All layers express vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2), reflecting terminations of retinal inputs, and the expression of VGLUT2 is much less dense in the koniocellular layers. Parvalbumin is densely expressed in all layers, while SMI‐32 is densely expressed only in the magnocellular layers. The adjoining pulvinar complex has a posterior nucleus with strong VGLUT2 expression, reflecting terminations from the SC. The SC is laminated with dense expression of VGLUT2 in the upper superficial gray layer, reflecting terminations from the retina. The ventral (MGNv), medial, and dorsal divisions of the medial geniculate complex are only moderately differentiated, although patches of dense VGLUT2 expression are found along the outer border of MGNv. The ventroposterior nucleus has darkly stained cells in Nissl stained sections, and narrow septa separating patchy regions of dense VGLUT2 expression that likely represent different body parts. Overall, these structures resemble those in other strepsirrhine primates, although they are smaller, with the sensory nuclei appearing to occupy proportionately more of the dorsal thalamus than in larger primates.
Transcultural, transdiagnostic, and concurrent validity of a revised metacognitions about symptoms control scale
Authors: Fernie Bruce A. , Aoun Amanda , Kollmann Josianne , Spada Marcantonio M. , Nikčević Ana V. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAnxiety and depression add to the burden of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia (FM), and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Metacognitions play a role in this distress. The metacognitions about symptoms control scale (MaSCS) measure metacognitive beliefs regarding symptoms but have weaknesses. The current study created a revised MaSCS (MaSCS‐R) in English, German, and Arabic versions using CFS, FM, and T1DM samples and examined the transcultural, transdiagnostic, and concurrent validity of metacognitions about symptom control. This study used data from 563 participants clinically diagnosed with CFS (n = 124; English), FM (n = 348; German), or T1DM (n = 91; Lebanese). CFS and FM data had been used in earlier published studies but were subjected to new analyses. CFS data were used to create the English version of the MaSCS‐R and FM and T1DM data for German and Arabic versions. Metacognitions about worry, anxiety, depression, and symptom severity were measured. The three MaSCS‐R versions, consisting of two factors (each with four items), had adequate psychometric properties, possessing configural and metric invariance. Metacognitive factors were associated with distress and symptom severity in all three samples. Metacognitions about symptom control have transcultural, transdiagnostic, and concurrent validity.
Evidence for contemporary and historical gene flow between guppy populations in different watersheds, with a test for associations with adaptive traits
Authors: Blondel Léa , Baillie Lyndsey , Quinton Jessica , Alemu Jahson B. , Paterson Ian , Hendry Andrew P. , Bentzen Paul 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn dendritic river systems, gene flow is expected to occur primarily within watersheds. Yet, rare cross‐watershed transfers can also occur, whether mediated by (often historical) geological events or (often contemporary) human activities. We explored these events and their potential evolutionary consequences by analyzing patterns of neutral genetic variation (microsatellites) and adaptive phenotypic variation (male color) in wild guppies (Poecilia reticulata) distributed across two watersheds in northern Trinidad. We found the expected signatures of within‐watershed gene flow; yet we also inferred at least two instances of cross‐watershed gene flow—one in the upstream reaches and one further downstream. The upstream cross‐watershed event appears to be very recent (41 ± 13 years), suggesting dispersal via recent flooding or undocumented human‐mediated transport. The downstream cross‐watershed event appears to be considerably older (577 ± 265 years), suggesting a role for rare geological or climatological events. Alongside these strong signatures of both contemporary and historical gene flow, we found little evidence of impacts on presumably adaptive phenotypic differentiation, except perhaps in the one instance of very recent cross‐watershed gene flow. Selection in this system seems to overpower gene flow—at least on the spatiotemporal scales investigated here.