bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimum inhibitory concentration of nano-silver bactericides for beneficial microbes and its effect on Ralstonia solanacearum and seed germination of Japanese Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
Authors: Sotoodehnia Poopak , Mazlan Norida , Mohd Saud Halimi , Samsuri Wahid A. , Habib Sheikh Hasna , Soltangheisi Amin 
Published: March 2019

Background
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are highly promising biofertilizers that contribute to eco-friendly sustainable agriculture. There have been many reports on the anti-microbial properties of nanoparticles (NPs). Toxic effects of NPs under laboratory conditions have also reported; however, there is a lack of information about their uptake and mobility in organisms under environmental conditions. There is an urgent need to determine the highest concentration of NPs which is not detrimental for growth and proliferation of PGPR.

Methods
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to measure the size and shape of NPs. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of nano-silver on selected beneficial microbes and Ralstonia solanacearum were measured using the microdilution broth method. The percentage of seed germination was measured under in vitro conditions.

Results
NPs were spherical with a size of 16 ± 6 nm. Nano-silver at 12–40 mg l−1 inhibited the growth of bacteria. Seed application at 40 mg l−1 protected seeds from R. solanacearum and improved the rate of seed germination.
Effect of Extracting Solvents on the Phyto-chemical Properties of Fermented Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) Seed
Authors: Adesola M. O. , Akande E. A. 
Published: March 2019

Fruit seeds contain several phytochemical compounds which have been reported to show antiviral, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti tumor and antioxidant activities. Due to the varied chemical properties of these seeds, different solvents are used in the extraction. Therefore, this research was aimed at evaluating the effect of extracting solvents on the yield, phytochemical compounds and selected chemical properties of fermented pawpaw (Carica papaya) seed. Extracts from fermented T-solo variety of pawpaw seeds were obtained using petroleum ether, n-hexane and hot aqueous solvents using standard method. Analysis was carried out to determine some qualitative and quantitative phyto-chemical and some selected chemical composition (Peroxide Value PV and Thiobarbituric Acid Value TBA. Extracts’ yield were 26.00, 23.30 and 19.51% for petroleum ether, n-hexane and hot aqueous solvent, respectively. The result of quantitative analysis shows that all the phytochemicals were more abundant in petroleum ether extract. The PV and TBA of n-hexane, petroleum ether and hot water extract were 5.32, 4.52, 0.00 meq/kg and 0.87, 0.16, 0.09 μg/kg respectively. The PV and TBA obtained for petroleum ether extract were relatively low and this implied that the extract will undergo little or no autoxidation or oxidative deterioration when used.
Determinants of Profitability and Problems Encountered by Women Palm Oil Processors in Ogbomoso Agricultural Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ajibade Y. E. , Folayan J. A. 
Published: March 2019

Aims: The study described the socio-economic characteristics, examined the determinants of profitability and identified the problems encountered by respondents during palm oil processing.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Ogo- Oluwa, Surulere and Oriire Local Government Areas, Ogbomoso agricultural zone, Oyo State, Nigeria between March 2016 and June, 2016.
Methodology: A multistage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty respondents from Ogo-Oluwa, Surulere and Oriire Local Government Areas in Ogbomoso Agricultural zone. Structured questionnaire coupled with interview schedule were used to elicit data. Analytical tools were descriptive statistics and linear regression.
Results: The findings showed that 69.16% of the respondents fell within 20-50 years, about 87.5% were married and 72.50% had formal education. About 83.00% had their source of capital from personal savings and 96.66% engaged in other occupation. Selected variables determined profitability as shown by regression analysis.
Conclusion: Highest qualification, membership of association, ownership of oil palm plantation and quantity of palm oil produced determined profitability while water scarcity, transportation, finance and market instability were the problems faced by respondents.
Effect of Temperature on Mineral Precipitation Sequence of Lake Katwe Brine during Evaporation
Authors: Lwanyaga Joseph Ddumba , Kasedde Hillary , Kirabira John Baptist 
Published: March 2019

The effect of temperature on the mineral precipitation sequence during evaporation of the natural brine from lake Katwe was studied. Laboratory isothermal evaporation experiments at temperatures (30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 ) using the original Katwe surface brine were undertaken. PHREEQC, a solubility software was used to predict the crystallization paths at the different study temperatures. The mineralogy and morphology of the precipitates were determined by the XRD and SEM techniques, respectively. The precipitation sequence majorly started with sulphates followed by chlorides and lastly carbonates at all temperatures after precipitation of the calcium-magnesium carbonates. Halite emerged the most dominant mineral, with thernadite, trona and glaserite following respectively. Thenardite, glaserite and burkeite precipitation flourished at lower temperatures (30 and 40 ) whereas soda ash precipitation flourished at higher temperatures (60 and 70 . Halite equally precipitated at all temperatures thus not showing a temperature preference in this study. Temperature variation is a key design parameter in the extraction of mineral salts from the Brines of Lake Katwe.
Bioremediation Potential of Pseudomonas aeruginosa KX828570 on Crude Oil Spill Polluted Marshland and Terrestrial Soil Treated with Oil Spill Dispersant
Authors: Nrior Renner Renner , Inweregbu Augusta Ogechi 
Published: March 2019

Aim: To investigate bioremediation potentiality of Pseudomonas aeruginosa KX828570 on crude oil Polluted Marshland and Terrestrial Soil treated with oil spill dispersant
Study Design: The study employs experimental design, statistical analysis of data and interpretation.
Place and Duration of the Study: Soil samples were collected from K-Dere, Gokana L.G.A, and were transported to the Microbiology Laboratory of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria for analyses while Oil spill dispersant (OSD/LT and OSD/Seacare) were from Barker and Hughes Nig Ltd (formally mil park Nigeria limited), all in Rivers state, Nigeria. This investigation study lasted for 28 days and sampling was done every 7day period.
Methodology: Eight experimental set up were carried out using Pseudomonas aeruginosa KX828570 as the bio-augmenting organism in terrestrial and marshland soil contaminated with two Oil spill dispersant (OSD/LT and OSD/Seacare) separately. Controls for the two soil types were made without organism and treatment. Its bioremediation potential on the pollutants and two types of soil were monitored for 28 days. The setup was tilled twice a week to provide moisture and more oxygen for the organisms to thrive. Analysis of pH, Temperature, Moisture content, Total Hydrocarbon Content, Total Heterotrophic Bacteria, Dispersant Utilizing Bacteria was carried out at weekly intervals.
Results: The pH of both soils ranged from 5.75 to 7.37; temperature from 270C to 340C; moisture content 03 to 0.6 across the soil samples. Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) showed a steady decline from day 1 – 28. The percentage (%) bioremediation rates of polluted soils were as follows: Terrestrial soil+OSD/Seacare+Pseudomonas aeruginosa KX828570 69.4% > Terrestrial soil+OSD/LT+ Pseudomonas aeruginosa KX828570 65.9% > Marshland soil+OSD/Seacare+ Pseudomonas aeruginosa KX828570 52.6% > Marshland soil+OSD/Seacare+ Pseudomonas aeruginosa KX828570 47.6%. Dispersant utilizing bacterial count in marshland and terrestrial soil ranged from 6.013 to 7.338 log10Cfu/g and 6.045 to 7.301 log10Cfu/g respectively from Day 1 to 28.
Conclusion: From the investigation, it revealed that Oil spill dispersants are more degradable in terrestrial soil than marshland soil. OSD/Seacare is more biodegradable than OSD/LT in both terrestrial and marshland soil augmented with Pseudomonas aeruginosa KX828570. Thus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa KX828570 have been found to be a potential bioremediation agent in oil spill dispersant polluted marshland and terrestrial soil.
Outcome of Micropulse Laser in Treatment of Open Angle Glaucoma in a Peripheral Hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria: Our Initial Experience
Authors: Awoyesuku Elizabeth A. , Fiebai Bassey 
Published: March 2019

Aims: To determine the Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and visual acuity changes before and after Micropulse laser treatment among patients with open angle glaucoma.
Study Design: A quasi-experimental study design.
Place and duration of Study: The Ophthalmic Specialists, a peripheral ophthalmologist group practice in Rivers State between February 2018 and December 2018.
Methodology: Twelve eligible patients with moderate and advanced open angle glaucoma on medical (topical) treatment were recruited after they gave informed consent. Baseline visual acuity (VA) and intra ocular pressure (IOP) were obtained prior to the use of the micropulse laser treatment. Following the laser treatment, VA and IOP were assessed at one day, one week, one month and 6 month post laser. p=.05 was regarded as statistically significant.
Results: A total of 12 patients were followed up for 6 months. Mean age was 37.42±7.00 years. Age range was 24-46 years with M: F ratio =1.4:1. Mean change in visual acuity across the time periods was statistically significant (p=0.0001). Mean IOP change over 6 months was 10.46mmHg (38.20%, p=0.0001). Median number of drugs used by participants dropped from 3 to 1. (P=0.002)
Conclusion: Micropulse Trans- scleral cyclophotocoagulation is a safe and effective way of managing glaucoma. It caused a mean drop in IOP of 10.46mmHg (38.20%) over 6 months in our study.
Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Nwe Aung Aung , Tun Myo Tint , Aung Si Thu , Tun La Min , Myaing Khin Thuzar 
Published: March 2019

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the commonest chronic joint problems presenting with pain and stiffness. As a consequence, activities of daily living are limited and decline the quality of life. Kinesio tape (KT) has been popular in worldwide by its positive effects including reducing pain, relieving stiffness and improving function. However, the therapeutic application tension, direction and technique have not been identified yet and still weak evidence in OA knee.
Aims: To find out the effectiveness of Kinesio taping in the management of OA knee.
Study Design: Hospital based randomized control trial.
Place and duration of Study: This study was conducted in the Outpatient Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in both Mandalay Orthopedics Hospital and 300 Bedded Teaching Hospital, Mandalay. It was started from May, 2017 to August, 2018.
Methodology: A total of 60 patients were randomly assigned into group A and group B. Group A (intervention group) received KT plus conventional exercise and group B (control group) received conventional exercise alone. Both groups were assessed in week 0 (before study), week 2 (during study) and week 3 (end of study). Assessments measures were VAS, WOMAC index and TUG test. The amount of analgesic consumptions was recorded in week 2 and week 3 assessments.
Results: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics of patients between the two groups. The intragroup analysis showed significant difference in VAS, WOMAC index and TUG test (p<0.05) in both groups. However, intergroup analysis showed more significant improvements of VAS, WOMAC index and TUG test in intervention group than control group in week 2 and week 3 (p<0.05).
Conclusion: KT plus conventional exercise is more effective than conventional exercise alone in terms of relieving pain, reducing stiffness and improving function in patients with OA knee.
Pattern of Maternal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Colonization in Relation to CD4 Count among HIV Positive Women in Jos
Authors: Samuel Dahal A. , Zainu Sabitu M. , Hamafyelto Hosea S. , Mamman Ille , Egah Daniel Z. , T. Yvonne Kandakai-Olukemi 
Published: March 2019

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of GBS colonization among HIV positive and HIV negative pregnant women in relation to CD4 cell counts.
Materials and Methodology: This was a hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study of 200 pregnant women (100 HIV positive and 100 HIV negative) and 100 non-pregnant women (50 HIV positive and 50 HIV negative) obtaining health care at the Jos University Teaching Hospital between July 2017 and November 2017. Systematic sampling technique and written informed consent were used in recruiting subjects for this study. High vaginal and anorectal swabs were collected from each subject after filling a structured questionnaire. CD4 cell count was also done for all the HIV positive patients at Aids Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN) of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). The results from the laboratory analysis of the specimens were computed using SPSS version 21.
Results: A colonization rate of 7.3% was observed in HIV positive patients compare to 5.3% in HIV negative. The different in colonization rate between the two groups was not statistically significant (X2 = 0.507; P = 0.477) (Table 1). In pregnant women living with HIV, colonization rate was 8.0% compare to 5.0% observed in non-pregnant women living with HIV. This however, was not statistically significant (Table 2) (χ2 = 0.013; P = 0.908). HIV positive subjects with low CD4 counts (<200 cells/μl) were observed to have high colonization rate (20.0%) than patients with high CD4 counts (≥500 cells/μl). Those with CD4 counts between 200-499 cells/μl had 8.1% colonization rate. These findings, though not statistically significant (Table 4) (χ2 = 1.3814; P = 0.2399), the increased colonization rate in low CD4 cell counts may be due to inability of the patient to mount immune response against the organism.
Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in GBS colonization among HIV positive patients. A higher colonization rate was observed in HIV patients among the age group 21-25 years; ager was not significantly risk factor for GBS colonization in HIV patients. CD4 cell counts seem not to play any significant role in GBS colonization rate. Although, it was observed to be higher in patients with low CD4 cell counts; the different was not statistically significant.
Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Potentials and Adverse Effect of Kolanut (Kola nitida Malvaceae) on the Oral Cavity and the Impact on Cariogenic Bacteria: A Socio-Demographic Study
Authors: Agbor Ashu Michael , Bissong Marie Ebob Agbor-Tabot , Tembe-Fokunang Estella , Eyong Clinton , Kourouma Kaba , Fokunang Charles Ntungwen 
Published: March 2019

Kola nut (Kola nitida, Malvaceae) is one of the nuts consumed for socio-cultural reasons in West Africa sub-region and it has been used in Western African and Anglo-American herbal medicine as an antidepressant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial and adverse effect of kola nut consumption on the oral cavity.
This was a cross sectional survey conducted on Kola nuts consumers using a qualitative in-vitro analytical phyto-chemical screening and microbiological activity testing of the Kola nut samples.
One hundred and two volunteers participated in the study that was made up of 66(64.4 %) males and 36(35.3%) of females. Kola nuts consumers had the age of participants ranging between 20 to 60 years and derived from all social classes of the West African community. There was a high prevalence of dental attrition 95(93.3 %), arrested caries 95(93.3 %), and extrinsic stains 91(90 %). The DMFT (Decayed/Missing/Filled Teeth) score was 4.7.
The phytochemical screening of Kola nut showed the presence of phenol, tannin, flavonoids, alkaloids, anthocyanin, sterol, and antraquinone. Methanol extracts of Kola nitida showed no activity against the isolates of Candida spp. But there was less activity against Streptococcus spp and an average activity against Actinomycetes and isolate of Lactobacillus spp respectively.
Kolanut exhibited some degree of remineralization oral hard tissues, causing esthetic problems (dental staining) and non-carious dental tooth wear (attrition). Kola nut inhibited the growth of cariogenic bacteria and did not inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. Studies on intra-oral activities needs some further investigations to establish its importance to dental oral care. Results showed that extract of Kola nitida had antibacterial effects by inhibiting the growth of cariogenic bacteria of the mouth at certain level of concentration. The poor oral health seeking behaviours of participants were observed as factors contributing to a poor oral hygiene status and consequently the impairment of oral health of the kola nut consumers.
GIS-Based Approach in Drainage Morphometric Analysis of Bharathapuzha River Basin, India
Authors: Dhanusree M. , Bhaskaran G. 
Published: March 2019

Aims: The paper aims to study about the river basin morphometry namely the physical, linear and aerial parameters for the basin.
Study Design: The Study has been carried out with the help of Geospatial techniques and statistical formulas.
Place and Duration of Study: Bharathapuzha river basin, Kerala, India between January 2018 to July 2018.
Methodology: The Study of River morphometry of Bharathapuzha River basin has been done with the help of SRTM satellite data. The downloaded data has been analyzed with the help of ARC GIS Software. The morphometric analysis has been carried out by dividing the basin into nine watersheds based on Water shed Atlas of India Prepared by Soil and Land Use board of India. Relief, Linear and areal parameters of the basin is calculated with the help of statistical formulas.
Results: Based on the analysis it is noted that there is not much difference in morphometric values except in some watersheds. Watershed number 5A2B5, 5A2B6 and 5A2B7 has highest drainage density, stream frequency, relief, relief ratio, ruggedness number, stream length ratio and lowest bifurcation ratio. These watersheds are characterized by highest surface runoff and erosion. The values of form factor, circulatory ratio and elongation ratio suggests that most of the watersheds are elongated and has high basin relief. The maximum stream order frequency is observed in case of first order streams and then for second order streams. Hence it is noted that there is decrease in stream frequency as stream order increases.
Conclusion: The mean bifurcation ratio of the Bharathapuza basin is 1.52 which indicates the whole basin is less effected by structural control. This present study is valuable for the erosion control, watershed management, land and water resource planning and future prospective related to runoff study.
Virus Diseases of Grapevine
Authors: Martelli Giovanni P 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThere are 25 recognised virus and virus‐like diseases of grapevines (VitisandMuscadiniaspp.). Many have a clear‐cut detrimental effect on the vines, that is stunting, reduced vigour, malformation of the leaves and twigs, foliar discolourations ranging from reddening to chlorotic or bright yellow mottling, ringspots and line patterns. The productive life of the vineyards can be shortened and the quantity and quality of the crop badly affected. Prevailing disease agents are viruses transmitted by nematodes (nepoviruses andStrawberry latent ringspot virus), pseudococcid mealybugs and soft‐scale insects (closteroviruses and vitiviruses). Infected propagation materials (scions and rootstocks) are the major way for long‐distance dissemination of diseases, several of which have now a worldwide distribution and have entered areas where the grapevine industry is expanding. Control is based on preventive measures such as sanitary selection, sanitation and induction of resistance through conventional breeding or, to come in the future, genetic engineering.Key ConceptsVirus and virus‐like diseases are a major threat to the world's grapevine industry.The world of grapevine‐infecting viruses is the most variegated among woody crops.Prevailing viruses are soil‐borne and mealybug‐transmitted.Spreading of diseases and their agents is mediated by infected propagative material and vectors.Nursery productions have played, and still do, a major role in disease dissemination.Disease control relies on preventive measures aimed at reducing vector populations and sources of inoculum.Sanitary selection and sanitation are most efficient means for producing certified stocks.
Bacterial Amyloids
Authors: Marcoleta Andrés , Wien Frank , Arluison Véronique , Lagos Rosalba , Giraldo Rafael 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Amyloids are supramolecular protein assemblies based on fibrillar arrangements of β‐sheets that were first found as linked to neurodegenerative and systemic human diseases. However, there is now overwhelming evidence on alternative roles of amyloids as functional assemblies and as epigenetic determinants of beneficial traits, both in Fungi and Metazoa. Bacteria also use amyloids as functional devices, mainly as extracellular scaffolds in biofilms, but there is increasing evidence for functional roles of amyloids in the bacterial cytosol, and these have enabled to engineer minimal models of a ‘generic’ amyloid disease. Amyloids are thus key players in the physiology of bacteria and versatile building blocks in synthetic biology.

Key Concepts

Besides determining human diseases and functional traits in yeast, amyloids also play functional roles in bacteria.

Secreted bacterial amyloidogenic proteins scaffold the extracellular matrix in biofilms, bacterial consortia key for biofouling and antibiotic resistance.

Intracellular amyloid assemblies control regulation of gene expression by small RNAs, transcription termination and plasmid DNA replication in bacteria.

The assembly of antimicrobial peptides as amyloids counteracts their toxicity, while functional amyloids can be turned into cytotoxic models of disease.

Bacterial amyloids, due to their modularity and high stability, are excellent blocks for the design of synthetic supramolecular assemblies.