bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Activity of Methanol Extract of Salvadora Persica (Linn) Stem against Gram-Positive Bacteria Isolated from Oral Infections among the Patients Attending the University Health Clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
Authors: Garba, S.  , Sulaiman, M. T.  , Muhammad, S.  , Sani, A.  , Mohammed, R. B.  
Published: August 2024

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt

This study presents detailed evaluation of the methanol crude extract of Salvadora persica L. (Miswak) for antibacterial effectiveness specifically against gram-positive bacteria from orally infected individuals.
It highlights a significant therapeutic efficacy of the extract, evidenced by inhibition zones of 18-22 mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 25 mg/ml, against pathogens with high resistance rates to conventional antibiotics.
Additionally, the research provides comprehensive phytochemical profiling of S. persica, contributing valuable insights into its potential as an alternative treatment for oral infections.

Full Abstract
Salvadora persica L., commonly referred to as Miswak, is a chewing stick commonly used to maintain dental hygiene. The aim was to determine the antibacterial effectiveness of the methanol crude extract of S. persica against gram-positive bacteria obtained from orally infected individuals who were registered at the University Health Clinic of Ahmadu Bello University. A total of twenty (20) samples were collected from patients who were diagnosed with oral infections. These samples underwent traditional biochemical and microbiological testing. The antibiotic susceptibility test was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and the findings were interpreted following the CLSI standards. The extraction of Salvadora persica L. was carried out using cold maceration with methanol. The crude extract was evaluated using the agar well diffusion and broth dilution techniques. Phytochemical screens were conducted using established procedures. The findings revealed that Staphylococcus aureus had the highest prevalence rate of 60%, whereas Streptococcus sp. had a prevalence rate of 10%. A high level of resistance was detected for amoxicillin (100%), chloramphenicol (85%), ciprofloxacin (60%), ceftriaxone (50%), and gentamycin (47.5%). The cold maceration extraction process yielded in % crude extract yield of 11.59%. The phytochemical elements were saponin, tannin, alkaloid, flavonoid, phenol, heart glycoside, carbohydrate, steroid, and terpenoid. An area of inhibition measuring 18-22mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 25mg/ml were employed to detect a significant degree of activity. The methanolic extract of Salvadora persica L. has shown significant therapeutic efficacy against gram-positive bacteria recovered from orally infected patients.
Health and Environmental Impact of Xenobiotics in Water Quality Evaluation: A Review
Authors: Suleiman, U. F.  , Ibrahim, S.  
Published: August 2024

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt

This review presents a comprehensive categorization and impact analysis of xenobiotics on humans, animals, and the environment, providing a novel synthesis of current knowledge in this field.
It details the diverse sources of xenobiotics, such as microplastics and pesticides, and their pervasive presence in various environmental compartments, highlighting the significant issue of surface runoff contributing to pesticide residue in surface waters.
Additionally, the review innovatively integrates a discussion on advanced detection and removal techniques, including cutting-edge chromatographic methods and bioremediation strategies, offering a holistic approach to understanding and managing xenobiotic pollutants.

Full Abstract
Xenobiotics are compounds or chemicals to which an organism is exposed, usually in large concentrations that are inessential to the regular pattern of metabolism of that organism. This review emphasised the categorization and impact of xenobiotics on people, animals, and the environment. It also gave a general overview of the process of discharging and detecting xenobiotics and their potential environmental fates. A chart of xenobiotic categories was also provided, including industrial products, insecticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care items, and radioactive waste. Microplastics and pesticides were discussed as xenobiotic chemicals commonly found in freshwater bodies; similarly, the impact of creating substances such as personal care products, medicinal chemicals, and insecticides through technology was discussed as the source of xenobiotics. Additionally, a thorough description of how pesticide pollution affects common environmental compartments such as soils, streambed sediment, groundwater, and surface water is provided since surface runoff accounts for more than 10% of pesticide residue in surface rivers. Effective techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry GC/MS, and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) along with diverse chromatographic techniques were also discussed as techniques for the analysis of xenobiotics. These techniques are often paired with state-of-the-art detection techniques like high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Highlighted as well were techniques for the removal of xenobiotics using membrane processes, improved oxidation processes, engineered wetlands, photocatalytic degradation, biotransformation, bioremediation, photo-remediation, adsorption, and bioremediation to decrease the side effects.
Molecular Docking of Phytocompounds from Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract as Promising Inhibitory Agents against Candida Albicans’s Glucosamine-6-Phosphate Synthase
Authors: Aliyu Shafiu , Magaji Abdulkadir Magashi , Yusha’u Muhammed , Aliyu Aminu , Gambo Saifullahi , Kabiru Abubakar , Sani Sanusi 
Published: August 2024

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt

This study identifies and assesses the active phytochemical components of Mentha piperita (peppermint) leaf extract that inhibit the glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase activity of Candida albicans.
Utilizing advanced techniques such as HPLC-DAD and Bioautography Agar Overlay, the research successfully isolated bioactive compounds including rutin, chlorogenic acid, neohesperidin, rosmarinic acid, and eriodictyol.
The identification of these specific compounds and their inhibitory effects on a key enzyme in Candida albicans underscores the potential of Mentha piperita as a source of novel antifungal agents.

Full Abstract
The Mentha piperita plant, also known as peppermint, is a perennial aromatic herb grown throughout most of the world and has long been utilized in traditional medicine. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family. This study aimed to assess and determine the active phytochemical components of Mentha piperita leaf extract that inhibit the glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase activity of Candida albicans. The plant materials were collected from Janyau, Gada Biyu area along Sokoto Road, Gusau, Zamfara state, Nigeria, and identified at the herbarium section of the Biological science Department, Federal University Gusau. The plant leaf was extracted using the soxhlet method and analyses the phytochemical constituents' presence. To identify the bioactive compounds in the extracts of Mentha piperita, thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used on glass slides coated with silica gel (0.2mm Kiesel-gel 60 F254, Merck). The resulting fraction was then analyzed using HPLC-DAD analysis and the Bioautography Agar Overlay Technique. Phytochemical analysis results showed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, phenol, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids as secondary metabolites. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) separation of aqueous extracts provided one compound with an Rf value of 0.52, while methanol and n-hexane extract showed two compounds, each with Rf values of 0.79 and 0.74, 0.72 and 0.70. As bioautography shows, the most bioactive component among the five components is M1. In conclusion, the bioactive constituents identified by high-performance liquid chromatography are rutin, Chlorogenic acid, Neohesperidin, Rosmarinic acid, and Eriodictyol.
Prevalence of Candidemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic, Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, Kano-Nigeria
Authors: Sule, H.  , Ibrahim, K. A.  , Muhammad, M.  
Published: August 2024

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt

This study presents insights into the burden of candidemia among pregnant women by phenotypically identifying Candida species from blood samples and establishing a significant link between trimester and infection rates.
The research reveals a 10.4% overall prevalence, with Candida albicans being the most prevalent species, and highlights the highest infection rate occurring in the third trimester, statistically confirmed by a chi-square test (p = 0.00001).
These findings underscore the necessity for routine screening of candidemia in pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, to manage and mitigate potential complications effectively.

Full Abstract
As opportunistic pathogens, Candida species initiate infection from any susceptible part of the body. Common diseases caused by these species include oral thrush, oropharyngeal Candidiasis, and vulvovaginal Candidiasis (especially during pregnancy). The pathogens disseminate from particular sources to the bloodstream, causing candidemia. The study aimed to determine the burden of candidemia among pregnant women in the study area by collecting 269 blood samples and analyzing them through Gram staining, germ tube tests, and culture-based techniques to phenotypically identify the different Candida species. The results showed an overall prevalence of 10.4%. Candida albicans was the most isolated species (46.43% prevalence), followed by C. krusei (25.0%), C. glabrata (21.43%), and Candida tropicalis (7.14%). Of the participants recruited, 32.0% were in the first trimester, 29.0% were in the second trimester, and 39.0% were found to be in their third trimester. Infections in the third trimester were higher than in the first and second trimesters (50% and 25%, respectively), and statistically, the trimester is linked to the infection when compared using the chi-square test (p = 0.00001). The prevalence of candidemia, based on age range, showed that those between the age group of 20-29 years had a higher number of positive cases (54.0%), while the age bracket less than 20 (<20) years of age had the least 14.0%). Therefore, It can be concluded that candidemia in pregnancy is a common feature, with a significant proportion found in the third trimester as in the study area. Based on the findings, screening for candidemia in pregnancy is recommended to better manage possible cases and reduce the chances of complications.
The Comorbidity of HIV and Diabetes among HIV Patients Attending Katsina General Hospital, Katsina State, Nigeria
Authors: Martin Osibemhe , Ya’u Salahuddeen 
Published: August 2024

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt

This study focuses on the prevalence of diabetes among HIV patients specifically attending the antiretroviral therapy (ART) center of Katsina General Hospital, providing localized insights previously unreported.
Unlike broader studies, this research uniquely highlights the inadequacies in diabetes diagnosis within this specific ART center, emphasizing the need for more rigorous screening protocols.
Additionally, the study’s identification of specific factors such as older age, higher BMI, higher viral load, alcohol use, and duration on antiretroviral therapy as increasing the odds of diabetes offers targeted avenues for improving patient care and outcomes in similar clinical settings.

Full Abstract
Assessing the magnitude of diabetes, a disease that accounts for increasing morbidity and mortality among HIV patients, would help reduce financial losses incurred in treating the disease, considering that the disease is mostly reported when acute and chronic complications are about to begin. This study was conducted to identify the prevalence of diabetes among patients attending the antiretroviral (ART) center of Katsina General Hospital. The study aimed to identify the prevalence of diabetes among HIV patients to identify whether new cases are always recorded or otherwise in the study center. Two hundred (200) HIV-infected adults (aged ≥ 18) who had been on antiretroviral therapy for at least six months in the hospital were recruited. Participants’ demographics, HIV characteristics, the presence of diabetes via self-report, clinic folders, and measurement of their plasma fasting glucose and insulin levels on the day of the interview were evaluated. The magnitude of diabetes comorbidity was 3%. There was a weak positive relationship between fasting plasma glucose and alcohol (r=0.004), age (r=0.04), low-density lipoprotein (r=0.01), cholesterol (r=0.01), and viral load (r=0.032). Therefore, these factors are associated with increased odds of having diabetes. Thus, older age, higher BMI, higher viral load, alcohol, and duration on antiretroviral therapy increase the odds of having diabetes among HIV-positive adults. A lower prevalence of diabetes in clinic folders was found, for instance, indicating inadequate diagnosis of the disease in the center. Screening for the incidences of diabetes, addressing modifiable risk factors, and providing integrated care in the center would help improve the quality of life of comorbid patients.
Molecular Identification of Potent Chromium Reducing Bacteria Isolated from Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil within Sokoto Metropolis
Authors: Gusau Aminu Muhammad , Rabah Abdullahi Bako , Fardami Aminu Yusuf , Magami Ibrahim Muhammad 
Published: August 2024

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt

This study investigates chromium reduction potential of bacteria isolated from hydrocarbon-contaminated soils in the Sokoto metropolis, a specific environment previously underexplored in this context.
It uniquely identifies Brucella intermedia and Bacillus sp. as potent chromium-tolerant isolates with significant reduction efficiencies, providing new insights into the bioremediation capabilities of these strains.
Additionally, the research demonstrates a high chromium removal efficacy at various concentrations, highlighting the potential application of these isolates for effective bioremediation of chromium-polluted soils and water bodies.

Full Abstract
Hydrocarbon-contaminated soils are recognised as reservoirs for heavy metal-utilizing bacteria due to the phenomenon of co-selection. These bacteria can have a potential in the biosorption of chromium heavy metal. This research aimed to screen the chromium reduction potential of bacteria isolated from hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. The soil samples used in this study were collected from hydrocarbon-affected sites in the Sokoto metropolis; additionally, a control sample was collected from non-polluted soil. Bacteria were isolated using standard protocols. Variable amounts of chromium were prepared using potassium monochromate (K2CrO4) and then incorporated into a nutrient broth medium. The most potent, molecularly-identified hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria were screened for chromium tolerance, and the percentage reduction in chromium content was also measured. Mean colony counts from the hydrocarbon-contaminated soil ranged from1.00×106 to 1.30×106 CFU/g while the control soil had 2.30×105 CFU/g. From the 14 strains, two, molecularly identified using NCBI BLAST as Brucellaintermedia and Bacillus sp., were shown to be the most potent chromium tolerant isolates. B. intermedia reduced Cr from an initial value of 350 mg/L to 198 mg/L within 72 hours (44 % removal efficiency). At the lowest concentration used in this study (50 mg/L), a removal efficacy of 96% was achieved. Bacillus sp. recorded the highest chromium reduction compared to Brucellaintermedia at the tested concentrations (50, 150, 250, and 350 mg/L). A 100% reduction in Cr was obtained at the 50 mg/L concentration. This study demonstrated that Bacillus sp. and Brucellaintermedia are particularly effective at reducing chromium from chromium metal solutions of different concentrations. These isolates can be used for bioremediation of chromium-polluted soils or water bodies.
Plasmid Curing of Bacteria Isolated from Upper Respiratory Tract Infections among Patients Attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto
Authors: Saifullahi Gambo , Lawal Yazeed , Abdulrahman Habibu , Aliyu Aminu , Ibrahim Aliyu Ladan , Lawal Asiya Sambo , Yusuf Zaidu , Usman Mansur , Salim A Charanchi , Aliyu Shafiu 
Published: August 2024

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt

This study focuses on curing plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance in bacteria associated with upper respiratory tract infections in patients at Specialist Hospital Sokoto, an area previously underexplored in this context.
It uniquely demonstrates the successful reversal of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa through plasmid curing experiments, highlighting the significant role of plasmids in resistance mechanisms.
Additionally, the study underscores the potential for plasmid-mediated resistance to be transferred among bacterial populations, presenting a critical concern for antimicrobial resistance management in the region.

Full Abstract
Presences of resistant plasmids (R-plasmids) in microorganisms make the cells avert the effect of antibiotics and complicates chemotherapy of infections. This study aimed to cure the plasmid of antibiotic-resistant bacteria associated with upper respiratory tract infections among patients attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto by reassessing their susceptibility to antibiotics that were previously resistant. One hundred (100) throat swab samples were collected and analysed. The isolates were isolated and identified using standard methods (Gram staining, biochemical and serological tests). The susceptibility of the isolates to various beta-lactam antibiotics was evaluated, and resistant bacteria were subjected to plasmid curing experiments followed by further susceptibility testing to reassess their susceptibility to the erstwhile resistance. Bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with the frequency of occurrence of 20 (57.2%), 9 (25.7%), and 6 (17.1%), respectively. The result of antibiotic susceptibility tests before plasmid curing showed that Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa resisted Cloxacilline, Cefuroxime, Cloxacillin and Augmentin. Susceptibility results after curing showed that almost all bacteria have reverted to sensitivity to all antibiotics except Cloxacillin and Augmentin. This research implies that the resistance possessed by the bacterial isolates is plasmid-mediated and may easily be transferred to other non-resistant bacteria, which may lead to an alarming rate of antimicrobial resistance in the study area.
Identification and Evaluation of Sustainable Factors in Urban Construction Project Management Using SWOT Technique
Authors: Amani Nima , Naeij Mahsima 
Published: August 2024

This study aims to create a management framework for identifying and evaluating sustainable factors in construction project management through strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis, focusing on the Rasht urban. The research method in this study includes the four steps. Step 1: Identifying internal and external sustainable factors using the Delphi technique; Step 2: Designing an analytic hierarchy process and calculating the weights of internal and external factors using SPSS 26 software; Step 3: Creating the internal factor and external factor evaluation and determining the final weights; Step 4: Model design and the analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Quantitative strategic planning matrix analysis has been used to prioritize and identify the attractiveness of each of the designed strategies. By forming a quantitative strategic planning matrix, the existing twelve strategies have been prioritized. Based on the quantitative strategic planning matrix analysis, the priority of strategy selection includes: 1) The scenario of the construction of resistant infrastructure and creating the necessary regulations to strengthen and support construction projects with a score of 1.94 was ranked first. 2) The scenario of applying creativity and human resources experience to increase the productivity of construction projects with a score of 1.90 was ranked second. 3) The scenario of human resource training in order to enhance the expertise in the construction management complex with a score of 1.89 was ranked third. In this study, sustainable factors have been evaluated very accurately through quantitative strategic planning matrix, which has not been done more research so far. The study recommends implementing strength-opportunities (SO) strategies to improve construction projects in the Rasht urban area.

Received: 18 October 2023 | Revised: 14 March 2024 | Accepted: 12 July 2024

Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.

Data Availability Statement
Data available on request from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Author Contribution Statement
Nima Amani: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Writing - review & editing, Visualization, Supervision, Project administration. Mahsima Naeij: Software, Formal analysis, Resources, Data curation, Writing - original draft.
Mengukur Peran Pembiayaan Bermasalah Bank Umum Syariah Dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Profitabilitasnya Di Situasi Pandemic Covid-19
Authors: Moegiri M , Hidayah Rini , Dwi Andayani Tutut , Yohani Yohani 
Published: August 2024

This study aims to determine whether there is an effect of Musyarakah Financing, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Financing to Deposit Ratio (FDR) on the Profitability of Islamic Commercial Banks after moderating the Financing to Deposit Ratio (FDR) sourced from www.ojk.go.id from 2020-2022 with a sample of 11 (eleven) Islamic commercial banks. The data management of this study used IBM SPPS 26 to test the hypothesis using the t test and MRA Analysis (Moderated Regression Analysis). The results of this study indicate that musyarakah financing has a negative effect on Return on Assets (ROA), while CAR and FDR have no effect on profitability (ROA) at Islamic Commercial Banks before being moderated. After the MRA analysis test was conducted, it was found that NPF was unable to moderate the effect of musyarakah financing on ROA, NPF was able to moderate the effect of CAR on ROA, and NPF was unable to moderate the effect of FDR on ROA. While the results of the simultaneous test state that musyarakah financing, CAR, FDR with or without NPF moderation jointly affect the profitability (ROA) of Islamic commercial banks.

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