bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antifungal Activity of Natural Sugar Substitutes against Candida albicans – An In vitro Study
Authors: Subramaniam R. , Sreelakshmi M. K. , Kuruvilla Suneesh , James Jesline Merly , Babu Priya , Latti Pooja 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:

Candida is the most common opportunistic infection in the human body. Candidiasis is usually diagnosed late. The impact of antimicrobial resistance has shifted the research focus to ethnopharmacology and ethnomedicine. Sugars are a universal component of our food supply. Sugar is largely seen as an unhealthy component of the diet that should not be consumed because of the diseases associated with it. The natural sugar substitutes may include honey, palm sugar, palm jaggery, maple syrup, date sugar, coconut sugar, and licorice. This study was conducted to explore the antifungal property of these natural substitutes of sugar.

Methodology:
The study was an in vitro study. The products were obtained from the local market and 100% saturated concentrations of the natural sugar substitutes were prepared. Candida albicans was isolated from a confirmed case of denture candidiasis. The fungi were cultured following confirmatory tests. Agar well diffusion assay was done on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar to assess the antifungal activity and minimum inhibitory concentration was assessed using the serial tube dilution technique.

Results:
It is observed that date sugar, honey, maple syrup, and nystatin (positive control) showed zones of inhibitions of (in millimeters, expressed as mean ± standard deviation), 5.25 ± 0.38, 7.83 ± 0.30, 10.25 ± 0.13, and 15.62 ± 0.44, respectively. Date sugar and honey were sensitive only at 100% concentration and maple syrup was sensitive till 50% concentration.

Conclusion:
Antifungal activity was demonstrated by date sugar, maple syrup, and honey. No zone of inhibition was observed with palm sugar, palm jaggery, and coconut sugar.
Assessment of the Efficacy of Different Desensitizing Agents on Dentinal Tubules Occlusion- An In vitro Study
Authors: Jalaluddin Mohammad , Hashmi Aaquib , Devi Konsam Bidya , Abushanan AlWaleed , Hashem Qamar , Uthman Uthman S. 
Published: August 2024

Aim:
The aim of the current research was to evaluate the effectiveness of three desensitizing agents on the occlusion of dentinal tubules.

Materials and Methods:
Eighty human maxillary and mandibular permanent premolar teeth that were subjected to extraction in the course of orthodontic treatment were utilized in this study. The teeth were subjected to sectioning by employing a double-sided diamond disk. A block was procured from every even cervical dentinal surface with dimensions of 4 mm × 4 mm × 3 mm (L × B × H) by sectioning the tooth transversely. Further, 35% phosphoric acid was utilized for 30 s to cause dentinal etching, thereby exposing the dentinal tubules. The blocks of dentin were assigned at random to one of the following four groups (n = 20): group I: control, group II: bioactive glass containing desensitizing agent, group III: 1% nano-hydroxyapatite containing desensitizing agent, group IV: tri-calcium phosphate-containing desensitizing agent. The exterior of the specimens was scanned and evaluated using a scanning electron microscope.

Results:
1% nano-hydroxyapatite-containing desensitizing agent (2.04 ± 0.08) exhibited higher mean dentinal tubular blockage, followed by the bioactive class-containing desensitizing substance (2.26 ± 0.19), tri-calcium phosphate desensitizing agent (2.84 ± 0.10), and the control group (4.18 ± 0.12) in that order. Amid the experimental groups employing the various desensitizing substances, there were significant differences statistically with P < 0.001.

Conclusion:
The current research concluded that each of the three desensitizing agents was efficient in dentinal tubular occlusion regardless of their different chemical constitution. However, it was noted that 1% nano-hydroxyapatite-containing desensitizing agent was marginally superior to the bioactive glass- and tri-calcium phosphate-containing desensitizing agents.
A study assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of drug repurposing among doctors in India
Authors: Saranraj K. , Kiran P. Usha 
Published: August 2024

Abstract:BACKGROUND:Drug repurposing, also known as the drug repositioning approach, involves the exploration of existing drugs, originally developed for one medical condition, for their potential efficacy in treating entirely different diseases. This abstract presents the findings of a knowledge, attitude, and practice study that delves into the understanding and perceptions of doctors, regarding the potential of drug repurposing.AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:The study’s objective was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices about the drug repurposing and off-label use of drugs, among doctors in India.MATERIALS AND METHODS:It was an observational, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted among doctors in India. The structured self-administered Google Forms based survey was distributed to the participants and their replies were gathered. There are 18 questions on the survey about knowledge, attitudes, and drug repurposing practices.RESULTS:A total of 250 doctors and postgraduate residents were issued the questionnaire and 196 of them responded – a response rate of 78.4%. Only 39.2% of participants got >70% marks in knowledge-related questions. The majority of participants (82.2%) considered that drug repurposing is beneficial for health care and using off-label drugs. Seventy-one percentage of participants ethically support drug repurposing. About 79.7% think that lack of information and safety issues are the main barriers to accepting drug repurposing.CONCLUSION:Drug repurposing leverages existing medication knowledge and data to speed up drug development, providing new treatments for various conditions. Our study reveals a physician’s knowledge gap on drug repurposing and off-label drug use, highlighting the need for pharmaceutical industry conferences and seminars to educate doctors.
Computer simulation versus chalk and talk for experimental pharmacology teaching
Authors: Krishnamurthy Bhaskar , Sharma Pramod Kumar , Hasan Najmul , Chikara Gaurav 
Published: August 2024

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION:
Computer simulation is an alternative method for teaching experimental pharmacology to medical undergraduates, which can reduce the usage of animals for this purpose. This study compares computer simulation with chalk-and-talk method for teaching experimental pharmacology to medical undergraduate students with respect to understanding and retention of the topic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Two groups of students (n = 25 each) were taught a topic with and without the help of computer simulation for 30 min. A questionnaire was provided at the end of the class, and the responses of the two groups were compared. The opinions of the students were also evaluated on the Likert scale.

RESULTS:
The mean of the marks obtained by the students in the computer simulation group was 18.08 ± 1.66 while in the chalk-and-talk group was 15.44 ± 2.83 (P < 0.001). More students were of the opinion that computer simulation helps in better understanding and long-term retention of the topic and did not feel any further necessity to read books for understanding. More students were comfortable with computer simulation as a method of teaching and were confident in handling animals. More students also suggested that computer simulation is a better method for teaching at the undergraduate level.

CONCLUSIONS:
Computer simulation may be considered a suitable method for teaching experimental pharmacology to medical undergraduates with an intention to reduce the requirement of animals for teaching purposes and hence reduce trauma and discomfort to animals.
Comparative analysis of antibiotic prescription and resistance patterns in the management of pediatric urinary tract infections
Authors: Radhakrishnan Revathi , Latheef Sabeena , Pathak Kumud , Chakravarty Pinaki 
Published: August 2024

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) exhibit a significant prevalence rate in the pediatric population. Antibiotic therapy is a commonly recommended treatment option. Our objective was to investigate the resistance pattern of antibiotics in relation to the prescribed drugs among pediatric patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This was a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with diagnosed UTIs. A total of 100 samples were analyzed for culture and sensitivity.

RESULTS:

Escherichia coli (33%) was the most common organism isolated, followed by Klebsiella (27%) and Enterococcus (12%). Ceftriaxone (CTR) (85%) was the most commonly prescribed drug, followed by cefixime (CFM) (32%) and ciprofloxacin (25%). The overall resistance pattern of antibiotics to pathogens isolated was highest for cefoperazone (51%), nitrofurantoin (36%), amikacin (28%), and gentamicin (24%). The lowest resistance was observed for vancomycin (0%). The overall sensitivity was highest for imipenem (65%) and piperacillin-tazobactam (50%). The lowest sensitivity was observed for cefotaxime and ceftazidime.

CONCLUSION:
CTR and CFM were the commonly prescribed drugs for pediatric UTI treatment due to their low resistance rate and adequate sensitivity, high efficacy, well-tolerance, and convenient administration.
One Health risk perception among the urban vulnerable dwellers of Gujarat, India: A cross-sectional assessment
Authors: Ganasva Pratiksha , Yasobant Sandul , Patel Krupali , Saxena Deepak 
Published: August 2024

Objective:
To assess One Health risk perception and local knowledge concerning threats arising from the interaction of humans, animals, and the environment at the community level with a particular emphasis on zoonotic disease transmission at Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar City, Gujarat, India, where the majority are vegetarians.

Methods:
A cross-sectional design with cluster sampling was employed with 387 participants participated in a quantitative survey, comprising 192 livestock handlers and 195 non-livestock handlers. Additionally, 20 in-depth interviews explored qualitative insights. Data were processed using MS Excel and analysed using Stata version 14.

Results:
In our study, we observed varied risk perceptions among predominantly female participants. Among livestock handlers, 23.4% acknowledged the potential for zoonotic transmission, while this awareness increased to 41.0% among non-livestock handlers. Although handwashing after animal contact and work was common among livestock handlers, only 20.3% recognized the pivotal role of hygiene in preventing zoonotic diseases. Similarly, 37.0% of livestock handlers and 47.2% of non-livestock handlers understood the risks associated with consuming raw milk and meat, which reveals a statistical difference between these two groups (P=0.000). Another significant difference was observed in the perception on animal waste disposal sites with 58.9% of livestock keepers and 80.0% of non-livestock keepers considering such sites as risky factors (P=0.000). Furthermore, vaccination awareness was high, with 85.4% of livestock handlers and 88.7% of non-livestock handlers being aware of vaccination as a preventive measure against zoonotic diseases. Interestingly, nonlivestock individuals demonstrated a higher level of awareness regarding zoonotic diseases compared to their livestock counterparts.

Conclusions:
This study emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative One Health interventions to address zoonotic disease risks among livestock handlers in India. By bridging knowledge gaps and promoting proactive measures, we can effectively safeguard public health and well-being in the face of emerging zoonotic threats.
Combined Transanal and Laparoscopic Approach for Full-Thickness Local Excision of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Following Near-Complete Response after Chemotherapy
Authors: Lim Joshua S. H. , Koo Si-Lin , Tan Iain Beehuat , Seow-En Isaac 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Improving neoadjuvant therapies for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) has increased the rates of clinical complete response (cCR). The watch-and-wait approach has emerged as a viable strategy for patients with cCR, avoiding the potential morbidity of radical surgery. However, the management of near-complete response (nCR) remains controversial. We present a case of a 46-year-old male with cT4, node indeterminate, mid-to-upper rectal adenocarcinoma. The patient declined radical resection and radiotherapy. Clinical nCR of the tumor was confirmed on imaging and endoscopy following six cycles of oxaliplatin and capecitabine (chemotherapy only). He underwent full-thickness local excision of the remnant lesion using a combined transanal and laparoscopic approach. Histopathological examination revealed high-grade dysplasia without residual malignancy. There has been no evidence of tumor recurrence at nine months post-surgery. This case demonstrates the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive local excision in selected patients with nCR following neoadjuvant therapy for LARC.
Aggression and the Big Five Personality Traits in Persons with Substance Use Disorder in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Gwarzo Isyaku Mukhtar , Danja Aysha Jamilu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives:
Studies have reported heightened level of aggression among persons with substance use disorders (SUDs). However, whether aggression is related with big five personality traits in persons with SUDs in Nigeria has not been previously studied. The objectives of the study were to: (i) compare the level of aggression between persons with SUDs and normal controls; (ii) compare personality traits between persons with SUDs and normal controls; and (iii) determine the correlation between aggression and personality traits.

Materials and Methods:
Seventy-five participants (35 = SUD, 40 = controls) receiving treatment at a rehabilitation center and normal controls participated in the study. Aggression was assessed using The Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire while personality traits were assessed using the revised NEO-PI personality inventory.

Results:
The mean age of the participants was 27 years (18–46 years). Persons with SUDs had significantly higher physical aggression (P = 0.001), verbal aggression (P = 0.013), hostility (P = 0.049), and total aggression scores (P = 0.001). Similarly, persons with SUDs had higher score in neuroticism (P = 0.001) but lower scores in conscientiousness (P < 0.001) and agreeable (P = 0.006). Among persons with SUDs, physical aggression was positively correlated with extraversion (P = 0.01), verbal aggression was negatively correlated with conscientiousness (P = 0.05), anger was negatively correlated with openness (P = 0.01) while hostility was positively correlated with neuroticism (P = 0.05) but negatively correlated with conscientiousness.

Conclusion:
SUDs are associated with heightened level of aggression, neuroticism, and lower conscientiousness and agreeableness. Evaluation of personality traits should form an integral part of risk stratification of persons at risk of SUDs.
Working Conditions And Teacher's Productivity In Public Secondary Schools In Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Effiom Eyo Ekpo , Enoh Bassey Ekpenyong , Victoria Effiom Eyo 
Published: August 2024

The study investigated the relationship between working conditions and teachers productivity in public secondary schools in Calabar metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria. The study tested a null hypothesis. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 260 teachers were randomly selected for the study. The selection was done using stratified random sampling technique and simple random sampling technique in order to give equal opportunity to all the members of the population to be selected. Working Conditions and Teachers' Productivity Questionnaire (WCTPQ) was the instrument used for the data collection. The instrument was subjected for validation. The reliability estimate of the instrument was established through trial test and the reliability co-efficient obtained using Crobach Alpha method. Pearson product moment correlation analysis was used for data analysis. The hypothesis was tested at .05 level of significance with relative degrees of freedom. The result revealed that there is a significant relationship between working conditions and teachers productivity. Based on this finding, it was recommended that government and schools management should provide and implement conducive working conditions to the teacher to enhance their productivity.
Improving the hydraulic and mechanical properties of a degraded paleustult: Potential of combined application of poutry manure and Portland cement
Authors: Tijani F.O , Oyedele D.J. , Agomoh I.V. 
Published: August 2024

Physical deterioration of soil poses threat to sustainable agricultural land use and there is the need for proactive management measures to address it. Despite research indicating the benefit of using cement to enhance soil properties, there is a dearth of scientific information on its co-application with organic manure. Therefore, influence of sole and combined applications of poultry manure (PM) and Portland cement (PC) on soil aggregation, hydraulic conductivity (K) and strength was investigated. The treatments consisted of factorial -1 combinations of PM and PC applications at four levels (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 g kg soil) in three replicates to a Typic Paleusult in a screen house. The aggregate stability, K (6, 2 and 0.5 cm suctions) and strength were determined -1 using standard methods. Poultry manure applied at the rate of 5 g kg increased soil macro-aggregate stability -1 (combined total of 40.17%) and the near saturated hydraulic conductivity (0.83 cm day ) of the soil while PC -1 - significantly increased both soil properties (combined total of 38.71% and 0.61 cm day , respectively) at 2.5 g kg 1 -1 rate. Soil strength peaked when PM (0.57 kPa) and PC (0.60 kPa) were applied at 10 and 5 g kg , respectively. The combination of PC and PM significantly increased macro-aggregate stability and soil strength although the PM limited the potential of the PC to strengthen the soil. The treatments showed potential in improving the soil aggregate stability, near saturated hydraulic conductivity and strength of the degraded soil with little to moderate agronomic limitations.
Antimicrobial activity and molecular reactivity of phenylthiosemicarbazones containing the Thiophenyl Nucleus and their Cu(ii) complexes
Authors: Sobola A.O. , Yusuff O.K. , Raji A.T. , Shaibu R.O. , Osundiya M.O. , Orungbamila F.O. , Ante D.A. , Odukaye F.S. , Alliu A.A. 
Published: August 2024

The antimicrobial activity and molecular reactivity of two phenylthiosemicarbazone ligands containing the thiophenyl nuclues (L & L ) with their Cu(II) complexes have been investigated. The thiosemicarbazone ligands 1 2 were obtained by condensing 4- phenylthiosemicarbazone with 2-thiophene carboxaldehyde and 3-methyl-2- thiophene carboxaldehyde respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the ligands and the metal complexes were evaluated using gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. In addition the compounds were further characterised with various global molecular reactivity descriptors using DFT calculations. The compounds exhibited mild inhibition against the bacterial strains, especially Staphylococus aureus and Escherichiia coli. In addition, the activity of the uncomplexed thiosemicarbazones became enhanced upon chelation with Cu(II) ions. The DFT studies showed that ligand L is more reactive than L and the energy gaps for the complexes were 1 2 0.936 eV and 1.103 eV for [CuL ] and [CuL ] respectively. Furthermore, the results showed that the copper(II) 1 2 complexes are soft molecules having higher molecular reactivity, high electro-optic responses and low kinetic stability than their respective ligands.
Evaluation of antibacterial, phytochemical screening and GCMS profile of <i>Paullinia pinnata Linn.</i> leaf extracts against clinical wound isolates
Authors: Olatujoye F. , Bamigbade O.O. , Oyedeji O , Idowu T.O. , Oluduro A.O. 
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the antibacterial properties, phytochemical constituents, and mode of action of Paullinia pinnata extracts on clinical wound isolates, and spectral features of the most active fraction. The Paullinia pinnata leaf was subjected to ethanol extraction and resulting solvent extract' concentrated to crude extract (Pp CE) using rotary evaporator at 4 - 40 oC followed by fractionation with column chromatography. The antimicrobial effects of the extracts were determined against the test organisms using agar diffusion methods. Investigation of phytochemical constituents of Paullinia pinnata crude extract (Pp CE) and Paullinia pinnata ethyl acetate fraction (Pp EA) were carried out using appropriate methods. The constituents of the plant were further determined using GC-MS and FT- IR. The data obtained showed that the antibacterial activity of crude extract Pp CE, at a concentration of 35 mg/ml, had the highest zone of inhibition (22.00 mm) against Staphylococcus sp. (C1). The MIC and MBC recorded were 2.19 and 17.50 mg/mL respectively. Phytochemical screening of Pp EA detected alkaloid, terpenoid, saponin, phenol, carbohydrate, and resin as found in the Pp CE, but with additional cardiac glycoside and sterols. The Pp CE fraction attained appreciable rate of kill against representative strains, likely achieved by the antibacterial compounds present in the plant extract. The GC-MS revealed trans-13- Octadecenoic acid as the major constituent of Pp EA fraction at 23.25%. The FT-IR of the Pp EA fraction unveiled hydroxyl group, (C=O) carbonyl group of ketone/aldehydes and C-C skeletal vibrations. Thus, this study suggests that the Pp EA fractions possess some antibacterial activities and can be considered for development into therapeutic drugs.
Classification, geotectonic setting, and mineralization potential of the minor intrusion in the eastern margin of Igarra Schist Belt, southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adepoju M.O. , Adetunji A. , Adisa A.L. 
Published: August 2024

Petrographic and geochemical studies of the minor intrusion that occurs as sill in the eastern boundary of the Igarra Schist Belt with the granite-gneiss of the migmatite-gneiss complex were undertaken to classify it and determine its tectonic setting and mineralization potential. Petrographic study and geochemical classification revealed that the sill is microgranitic in composition, comprising an aggregate of medium grained microcline and quartz, and accessory actinolite, possibly formed by the alteration of hornblende. The geotectonic setting showed that the sill is orogenic, probably derived from the same upper mantle magma that got contaminated by crustal materials as Igarra batholith. A study of its mineralization potential revealed the microgranite to be intensely sheared being heavily brecciated, and contains quarts, quartzo-feldspathic and pegmatite veinsfeatures that predisposed it for mineralization. The average contents of Ag, As, Au, Bi, Cu and Fe are much higher than their average abundances in standard granites and could host iron oxide-copper -gold (IOCG) deposit with Ag, Au, Bi, Cu and Fe ore minerals.