bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the benefits, challenges, and rationale behind growing crops of choice among farmers in Rwanda
Authors: Sunday Francois Xavier , Uwineza Yvonne , Ndahayo Ezechiel , Ishimwe Irene Patrick , Rajeswaran Lakshmi , Maryse Umugwaneza 
Published: September 2024

Farming decisions about crop choices are influenced by natural conditions, household needs, family traditions, stakeholder recommendations, and crop productivity. The best decision varies for each farmer based on the specific circumstances. In Rwanda, where agriculture employs 70% of the population and contributes 33% to GDP, the sector operates across three seasons. Despite these conditions, food and nutritional insecurity remain significant issues affecting both human and economic progress. This study explored the rationale, benefits, and challenges of farmers’ crop choices. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted, with two sessions per district. Each FGD included 10 participants and lasted one hour, maintaining gender balance. Local community health workers (CHWs) facilitated recruitment, and participants gave informed consent. Trained data collectors used voice recorders for data collection. Researchers transcribed, anonymized, and translated the data into English, then coded and analysed it to generate themes and categories.Farmers grow diverse crops for income, export, and household consumption, influenced by soil, climate, inherited knowledge, and stakeholder advice. Agriculture sustains their livelihoods through nutrition and financial stability. However, they face challenges like pests, input access, climate change, and soil-crop incompatibility. These findings call for holistic and context-specific solutions to agricultural development in Rwanda. Stakeholders should work together to support farmers in making informed choices and promoting sustainable and profitable agriculture.
Polymorphism in grain architecture of rice landraces cultivated in northern Nigeria
Authors: Muhammad H.U. , Sakariyahu S.K. , Indabo S.S. , Aliyu A. , Ahmed H.O. , Adamu A.K. , Aliyu R.E. 
Published: September 2024

This study investigated seed shape and size polymorphism in 70 rice genotypes from diverse ecological regions in Nigeria, including North-West, North-East, and North-Central. The aim was to profile these genotypes based on marketability and consumer preferences. Seed evaluation followed the International Rice Research Institute's (IRRI) standard protocol. Measurements of seed length and width, with and without husk, were taken using precise instruments. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and cluster analysis revealed significant variability in seed dimensions among landraces. Results showed that all genotypes were slender-shaped, with lengths ranging from 3.2 to 6.8 mm. Classification revealed 18.6% extra-long, 44.3% long, 25.7% medium, and 11.4% short-grained landraces. Cluster analysis grouped landraces by brown rice shape. This information is crucial for rice breeders, farmers, policymakers, and importers to develop effective strategies for future rice production and trade.
Effect of seasons on performance and egg quality traits of commercial laying birds raised in tropical monsoon climate in southern Nigeria
Authors: Ade Samson  , O. Emeka  , A.M. Moemeka  
Published: September 2024

Climate change has been a major challenge facing poultry production within the tropical monsoon climate of southern Nigeria. An experiment was set up for a period of one year to examine the effects of seasonal fluctuations on the productivity as well as the quality of egg traits of commercial-laying birds between the rainy and hot-dry seasons. There were 600 laying-pullets of 20-week-old used in a completely randomized design (CRD). Initial live weight, final live weight, weight gain, feed intake, hen-day production, mortality rate, egg weight, egg cracks, feed efficiency/g egg, and internal and external features were among the performance indicators that were recorded. The season of rain (April–October) and the hot-dry season (October–March) were used to group the records. In the rainy season, there were significant (p<0.05) effects on final live weight, weight gain, feed intake, hen-day- production, and egg cracks. There was also a significant (p<0.05) difference in mortality rate, with the dry-hot season showing the highest rates. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the internal and external egg quality parameters such as yolk weight, albumen weight, yolk colour, and haugh unit, with the rainy season being superior to the dry-hot season. The findings showed that in a tropical monsoon in southern Nigeria, the laying hen performed better in the rainy season than in the dry-hot season in all variables studied. Houses should be properly built, and trees made available for the appropriate shading of laying houses.
Geospatial assessment of climate sensitivity in Ibarapa North, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: C.F. Agbor  , D.A. Akintunde-Alo  , O.R. Ogunwale  
Published: September 2024

This study employed remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) to evaluate the spatial pattern of carbon(iv)oxide (CO2) concentration and the resulting climate sensitivity in Ibarapa North local government areas of Oyo State, Nigeria. The evaluation was carried out using Landsat images of 2003 and 2023, digital elevation model, as well as CO2 data collected with CO2. meter. Surface temperature and radiative forcing were generated from the satellite images using random forest algorithm in software environment, while the climate sensitivity was evaluated using Drakes’ Sensitivity Linear Model. The results revealed mean air temperature of 31.5oC and 32.7oC in 2003 and 2023 respectively. The area experienced positive radiative forcing mean value of about 2.69 , which indicates more energy being trapped on the earth’s surface that could cause warming. The climate sensitivity in 2023 was 0.4oC s-2 which falls below global average of about 3oC s-1. The CO2 concentration was extrapolated based on the mathematical function derived from the regression function between the variable and elevation. The results revealed positive radiative forcing and low climate sensitivity value. This may seem positive, but that doesn’t negate the need for action to mitigate adverse effects of climate change.
Profitability of shea butter processing business for rural women in Borgu LGA, Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: A.M. Kabir  , S.R. Adebola  
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the profitability of small-scale shea butter processing enterprises in Borgu Local Government Area, Nigeria. It examined the socio-economic characteristics of processors (n=120), their processing methods, as well as the factors influencing profitability. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed. Three wards and two villages were selected in each Local Government Area, followed by a random selection of 50% of identified shea nut processors. The findings revealed that the majority of processors were women (93%) with an average age of 39 years. Most had basic education or Qur'anic education only and relied on traditional processing methods. The results showed an average weekly gross margin of ₦2,237.78. However, considering the imputed cost of Shea nuts (gathered wild), the actual gross margin could be much higher at ₦6,665, resulting in a return on investment exceeding 58%. Years of experience and age were positively associated with profit margin, indicating that more experienced and older processors earned more. Conversely, educational level and household size had a negative association with profit margin although at the 10 level of significance. It can be concluded that Shea butter processing offers a significant income-generating opportunity for rural women in Nigeria. However, traditional methods and limited knowledge restrict profitability. It is hereby recommended that interventions are needed to improve processing techniques, empower processors through education and training, and address constraints like unstable prices and inadequate storage facilities. This could significantly enhance the sector's contribution to rural livelihoods and women's economic empowerment.
The role of Multi Actor Communities of practice in dissemination of push-pull technology
Authors: Ngonga Esther , Ombok Benjamin , Osewe D.O. , Aila Fredrick , Odhiambo George 
Published: September 2024

Maize production is the main source of income in rural western Kenya, where 70% of the population lives below the poverty line. Many maize farmers over the years have been experiencing losses in their production that are brought about by striga weeds, stemborer, and fall armyworms as the major menaces. Push-pull technology (PPT), which was developed over three decades, has proven to be an effective organic method for reducing these biotic stressors. Multi-actor communities of practice (MACs) are important in the dissemination of agricultural technologies to diversified farming communities at different levels for enhanced adoption through the use of effective dissemination pathways. UPSCALE is a Horizon 2020 project whose aim is to promote wide-spread push-pull Pull Technology adoption through the transdisciplinary engagement of MAC. This paper focused on two objectives: to compare the differences in maize yield among adopters and non-adopters of PPT and to evaluate the effects of MACs on the adoption of push-pull technology in western Kenya. This brings the relevant stakeholders on board to ensure smallholder farmers realize the associated benefits of PPT and other agricultural technologies. It has been established that MACs collaboration can aid in increased adoption of agricultural technologies such as push-pull technology, as this is shown through responses from farmers via services they acquire from MACs. MACs inclusion is important because they interact directly with farmers to ensure farmers are up to date with new technologies in terms of information sharing, technology promotion, and the supply of inputs required to adopt technologies. Additionally, adopters tend to get higher maize yields as compared to non-adopters, based on the obtained results. Given the importance of involving MACs at every stage of technology adoption, there is a call to fully engage with stakeholders in ensuring the dissemination of agricultural research and technologies.
Comparative progressive composting, evaluation and profiling of minerals and heavy metals in human solid waste collected by green toilet system, cow dung, poultry droppings, and goat waste composts
Authors: Ouma Shellemiah Otieno , Magiri Esther Nkirote , Imbuga Mabel , Boga Hamadi 
Published: September 2024

The value of human excreta, a resource that is available in all societies is underestimated in present agriculture. In parts of South East Asia, the use of human excreta as fertilizer in agriculture is a common practice benefiting production. The excreta contain chemical elements that circulate in biogeochemical cycles necessary in plant nutrition. This study aimed to progressively detect, quantify, and profile minerals (micro, macro and heavy metals) levels in human solid waste from Green Toilet System and compare with cow dung, poultry droppings, and goat waste composts at different stages of composting for a time duration of six months (183 days). Green Toilet System, developed by LIXIL destined solid and liquid human wastes to different collection points with negligible or zero interaction. Micro (Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe), macro nutrients (Ca, K, P, N, and Mg) and heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Cr) analysis was done after every 21 days. Individual means were compared and separated using Duncan’s multiple range test with a significant level at p<0.05. There were significant differences between the means recorded for micro/macronutrients, and heavy metals between all composts analyzed. Micronutrients levels increased with increase in composting time. Lead and chromium reached an optimal level of 28.000±0.000mg/Kg and 35.000±0.000mg/Kg on days 168 and 105 respectively. The findings showed that composts contained different profiles of macro- and micronutrients that may contribute to soil enrichment and have agronomic value. Green Toilet System for collection of human solid waste and progressive composting of cow dung, poultry droppings, and goat waste can be used to determine optimal levels of micro/ macronutrients and heavy metals at different composting stages. In conclusion, human solid waste compost should be considered for use when the levels of micro/macronutrients are optimal and heavy metal levels are minimal after composting.
Oxymatrine inhibits proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells by inhibiting miRNA-188 and upregulating its target gene, PTEN
Authors: Ma Xiaoying , Sang Zijiang , Zhang Qinghua , Ma Wenbiao 
Published: September 2024

In the earlier published article, it was not indicated that there were authors who contributed equally to the work on the first page. This information is now provided as follows:
Xiaoying Ma and Zijiang Sang contributed equally to this work
New citation: Ma X, Sang Z, Zhang Q, Ma W. Oxymatrine inhibits proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells by inhibiting miRNA-188 and upregulating its target gene, PTEN. Trop J Pharm Res 2021; 20(11):2267-2272 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v20i11.5 Erratum: 2024; 23(6): 1039 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ tjpr.v23i6.15
Earlier citation: Ma X, Sang Z, Zhang Q, Ma W. Oxymatrine inhibits proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells by inhibiting miRNA-188 and upregulating its target gene, PTEN. Trop J Pharm Res 2021; 20(11):2267-2272 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v20i11.5
Distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of pathogenic micro-organisms in pediatric urinary tract infections
Authors: Leng Jing , Yang Jie 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence and distribution of pathogenic microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility in pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Methods: 150 pediatric patients with UTI diagnosed and treated in Danyang People’s Hospital of Jiangsu Province, China between January 2020 and December 2022 were enrolled. The distribution of pathogenic microorganisms was analyzed using microbial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test results obtained for major gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia). Based on adherence to antimicrobial susceptibility data, patients were divided into study (adhered to antimicrobial susceptibility) and control groups (did not adhere to antimicrobial susceptibility). The efficacy of treatments was compared.
Results: A total of 184 strains of pathogenic microorganisms were cultured from the urine of the 150 patients. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 75.54 %, while gram-positive bacteria accounted for 24.46 %. Frequently encountered strains were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. Major gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed higher sensitivity to cefotaxime, imipenem, furantoin, cefepime-tazobactam and amikacin, while major Gram-positive bacteria like Enterococcus faecalis showed higher sensitivity to vancomycin, imipenem and ampicillin-sulbactam. Clinical efficacy in the study group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The distribution of pathogenic microorganisms in pediatric UTIs is diverse, with Gramnegative bacteria being the most common pathogens. Further studies should expand the sample size and broaden the scope of study subjects to comprehensively investigate the distribution of pathogenic microorganisms in pediatric urinary tract infections.
Effect of epidural pre-injection of low-dose chloroprocaine on analgesia during second parturition
Authors: Xiaotian Hong , Xiaotian Hong , Yuexiang Wu , Yike Zhou , Xinxin Min , Jingying Bao 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To investigate the anesthetic effect of epidural pre-catheterization with low-concentration chloroprocaine during the second parturition.
Methods: 180 second-trimester primiparas undergoing epidural analgesia in Maanshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Ma'anshan, China were randomly divided into 3 groups, viz, precatheterization with chloroprocaine (group A), routine chloroprocaine (group B), and routine ropivacaine (group C), with 60 patients per group. The time of onset of analgesia, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, modified Bromage score (MBS) scores, neonatal 1- and 5-min Apgar scores, oxytocin use, number of cesarean sections, volume of postpartum hemorrhage, and incidence of anesthesia-related complications were compared among the three groups.
Results: Onset time of anesthesia was significantly shorter in women in groups A and B than in group C (p < 0.05). The VAS scores at 5 and 15 min after analgesia were lower in groups A and B than in group C (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in VAS scores among the three groups from 30 min after analgesia to the end of the first stage of labor (p > 0.05). There were also no significant differences in MBS scores, neonatal Apgar scores, oxytocin use, number of cesarean sections, volume of postpartum hemorrhage, and incidence of adverse reactions among the three groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Individualized mode of analgesia involving the administration of low-concentration chloroprocaine to primiparas using an epidural catheter has timely onset of analgesia, good efficacy, high safety, rapid metabolism, and minimal adverse reactions. Further studies involving multiple centers and long-term follow-up are necessary.
Molecular docking, ADMET, molecular dynamic simulation, synthesis, and preliminary antiproliferative study of 1,2,4- thiadiazole derivatives as possible histone deacetylase inhibitors
Authors: Ali Rusul Mohammed Hasan , Al-Hamashi Ayad A 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To develop new histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors with thiadiazole moiety as a zincbinding group.
Methods: Maestro software was utilized to design new HDAC inhibitors. The organic synthesis of compounds VIa-VIc was started with the Williamson reaction between benzylic halide derivatives and methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate to form ethers IIIa-IIIb. The resultant ethers were subjected to ester hydrolysis, followed by an amide reaction with 1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-amine to produce the final compound VIa-VIc. The structures of synthesized compounds were characterized using NMR and FTIR spectroscopic techniques. Anti-proliferative activity on colon cancer cells (HRT) was evaluated using MTT assay.
Results: Docking study revealed that compounds VIa-VIc had in silico binding affinity for HDAC enzymes, while MTT assay showed that the IC50 values of VIa and VIc (1.00 and 1.44 µM, respectively) were comparable to IC50 of 3.00 µM for the reference compound, vorinostat used in this study.
Conclusion: New potential HDAC inhibitors with a thiadiazole moiety as a possible zinc-binding group have been successfully designed, synthesized and characterized. Results from preliminary cytotoxicity evaluation were highly promising. These findings may be useful for developing novel therapeutic agents.
Roxadustat protects rats from cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Arikan Cuneyt , Bora Ejder Saylav , Arda Duygu Burcu , Erbas Oytun 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To investigate the potential protective effect of roxadustat against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) by evaluating biochemical markers, inflammatory parameters, renal function tests, and histopathological changes.
Methods: Thirty female Wistar rats were randomized into control group, cisplatin with tap water group, and cisplatin with roxadustat group. Cisplatin-induced AKI was established by intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin at 10 mg/kg for seven days. Roxadustat was administered orally at 20 mg/kg/day to the treatment group. Blood and kidney samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses respectively.
Results: Roxadustat treatment significantly reduced markers of renal injury (malondialdehyde (MDA), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1)), inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-18 (IL-18)) compared to the cisplatin group (p < 0.005). In addition, roxadustat treatment also improved renal function (blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr)) compared to the cisplatin group (p < 0.005). Histopathological examination revealed a significant decrease in tubular epithelial necrosis and luminal necrotic debris in the roxadustat-treated group (p < 0.005). However, there was no significant difference in tubular dilatation and interstitial inflammation between groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Roxadustat significantly prevents cisplatin-induced AKI by attenuating renal injury, reducing inflammation, and improving renal function. This evidence suggests that roxadustat may be a promising preventive option for patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy
Efficacy of tenofovir dipivoxil plus entecavir in patients with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Deng Xiang , Liu Hua , Jiang Zaihui 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) plus entecavir in patients with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B.
Methods: A total of 124 patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis who were hospitalized at The First People's Hospital of Jiangxia District, Wuhan, China were chosen as the subjects. They were then randomized equally into study and control groups. Control group received entecavir (0.5 mg orally) while the study group administered TDF (300 mg orally) daily for 48 weeks. Efficacy, liver function, inflammatory factors, liver fibrosis, and adverse reactions between the two groups were evaluated.
Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, HBeAg and HBV DNA negative seroconversion rates were significantly higher in the study group compared to control group (p < 0.05). At 24 and 48 weeks after treatment, alanine transaminase (ALT) normalization rate, HBeAg and HBV DNA negative seroconversion rate were also significantly higher compared to control group. Levels of heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and major basic protein (MBP) were significantly lower in study group compared to control group. Levels of hyaluronan (HA), type IC collagen (IV-C), N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type III (PIIINP), and laminin (LN) were significantly lower in study group compared to control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (p > 0 05).
Conclusion: The combination of ETV and TDF significantly inhibits hepatitis B virus replication, and reduces inflammatory reactions. Further studies to determine the mechanism of action of tenofovir and entecavir on hepatitis B virus would be required.