bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR PUERPERAL SEPSIS AT THE PUMWANI MATERNITY HOSPITAL.
Authors: Shatry N.A , Vogel J.P , Lubano K , Jaldesa G 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Puerperal sepsis is the third most common cause of maternal mortality worldwide. It remains one of the leading preventable causes of maternal mortality. Given its significant burden in terms of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs, studies on hospital specific incidences and patterns are important to help inform policy for its prevention and management. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with puerperal sepsis at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Kenya.
Methodology: We conducted a case-cohort study among post partum women admitted at Pumwani Maternity Hospital. Eligible women were invited to respond to a verbal researcher administered questionnaire assessing medical and obstetric history. Those recruited, were each called at day 7 and day 14 postpartum and asked a standard set of questions related to infection-related symptoms. In addition, all enrolled women who attended a postnatal follow up visit at 14 days postpartum were reviewed, using a history and clinical examination. The data was analysed to identify potential maternal risk factors associated with occurrence of puerperal sepsis.
Results: Seven hundred and ninety three postnatal mothers at Pumwani maternity hospital were recruited, of which 566 women responded at two weeks postpartum. Sixty nine women among the 566 met the criteria for puerperal sepsis. This corresponded to a prevalence of 12.2% at two weeks postpartum (95% CI 9.5 – 14.9%). Further analysis was done using 69 cases; each with 3 randomly selected controls. No deaths were reported. Risk factors included labour lasting >24hours, caesarean section, obstructed labour, and multiple vaginal examinations.
Conclusion: The prevalence of puerperal sepsis in this cohort at two weeks postpartum at Pumwani Maternity Hospital was at 12.2%(95% CI 9.5-14.9). Two or more vaginal examinations, prolonged and obstructed labour, and Caesarean section were found to be significantly associated with increased odds of puerperal sepsis. Appropriate measures like appropriate infection prevention protocols should be utilized in order to prevent avoidable complications of labour and delivery that can lead to puerperal sepsis.
First case of a reversed Parabothus taiwanensis Amaoka & Shen, 1993 from Taiwan (Pleuronectiformes: Bothidae), with first evidence of situs inversus viscerum in bothid
Authors: Su Yo , Ho Hsuan-Ching , Chu Tah-Wei 
Published: February 2024

Background
Reversed condition is rarely found in most flatfishes in natural environment, except for some certain species. The mechanism controlling the reversals in flatfishes has been studied in some cultivated species, whereas some have only few cases for the entire family and remain unclear. Here, we report the first record of a dextral (reversed) specimen of Parabothus taiwanensis Amaoka & Shen, 1993 collected off southwestern Taiwan recently. It represents the second reversed case ever recorded in Bothidae. We aim to provide a detailed description of this dextral specimen and compared to the sinistral (normal) specimens collected from the vicinity.

Methods
Specimens were fixed in 4% formaldehyde and transferred to 70% ethanol for preservation. Meristic and morphometric characters were examined for both dextral and sinistral specimens. Dissections were made on specimens to confirm the position of internal organs. Lastly, X-radiographs were taken to elucidate the osteological features.

Results
As a result, no differences of both meristic and morphometric characters were observed between the dextral and sinistral specimens. Nevertheless, situs inversus viscerum is discovered in the dextral specimen for the first time in Bothidae and the sixth record within flatfishes.
Transcriptomic and biochemical insights into fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) responses on silicon-treated maize
Authors: Ul Haq Inzamam , Zhang Ke-Xin , Gou Yuping , Hajjar Dina , Makki Arwa A. , Alkherb Wafa A.H. , Ali Habib , Liu Changzhong 
Published: February 2024

Background
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is an agricultural pest of significant economic concern globally, known for its adaptability, pesticide resistance, and damage to key crops such as maize. Conventional chemical pesticides pose challenges, including the development of resistance and environmental pollution. The study aims to investigate an alternative solution: the application of soluble silicon (Si) sources to enhance plant resistance against the fall armyworm.

Methods
Silicon dioxide (SiO2) and potassium silicate (K2SiO3) were applied to maize plants via foliar spray. Transcriptomic and biochemical analyses were performed to study the gene expression changes in the fall armyworm feeding on Si-treated maize.

Results
Results indicated a significant impact on gene expression, with a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in both SiO2 and K2SiO3 treatments. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis identified critical DEGs involved in specific pathways, including amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid, energy, xenobiotics metabolisms, signal transduction, and posttranslational modification, significantly altered at both Si sources. Biochemical analyses further revealed that Si treatments inhibited several enzyme activities (glutamate dehydrogenase, trehalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, chitinase, juvenile hormone esterase, and cyclooxygenase while simultaneously inducing others (total protein, lipopolysaccharide, fatty acid synthase, ATPase, and cytochrome P450), thus suggesting a toxic effect on the fall armyworm. In conclusion, Si applications on maize influence the gene expression and biochemical activities of the fall armyworm, potentially offering a sustainable pest management strategy.
Impact of Integrated Farming System on Doubling Farmers’ Income
Authors: Ruikar B. A.  , Gaikawad A. B.  , Kharge A. P.  , Kadam J. R.  , Maske K. V.  
Published: February 2024

The present study was undertaken with the main objective impact of integrated farming system on doubling farmers’ income. The study was conducted in four district of Konkan region of Maharashtra namely Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigad and Palghar district. In all 200 respondents were selected by using multi stage sampling techniques. The “Ex-Post-Facto” research design was used for conducting the study. The data were collected through the personal interview. The data collected were processed and statistically analyzed by using statistical technique like frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and chi square test. The analysis of data revealed that majority (104.00 per cent) change percent in income was occurred in agriculture + dairy farming system followed by agriculture + horticulture + fishery (85.00 per cent), agriculture + poultry (82.00 per cent),agriculture + horticulture + poultry + dairy (84.00 per cent), agriculture + poultry (82.00 per cent), agriculture + Horticulture +poultry (76.00 per cent)agriculture +poultry + dairy (74.00 per cent) agriculture + horticulture + dairy (73.00 per cent), agriculture + poultry + goat rearing (66.00 per cent), agriculture+ horticulture + goat rearing (62.00 per cent), agriculture +poultry + goat rearing + horticulture (60.00 per cent), agriculture + goat rearing (58.00 per cent) and agriculture + dairy + goat rearing (14.00 per cent).
SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Factors Associated with Mortality in Hospitalized Patients Aged 60 and Over at the Epidemic Treatment Center (ETC) of Saint-Louis (Senegal)
Authors: Dièye Alassane , Diouf Arona , Diouf Papa Latyr Junior , Diedhiou Moustapha , Diakhaby Mba Bambo , Makalou Demba , Niang Samba , Dia-Gueye Diatou , Dia Amadou Diop , Dieng Ibrahima Louis Martin , Dieng Ahmeth , Lô Seynabou , Dia-Badiane Ndéye Méry 
Published: February 2024

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection typically causes severe pneumonia in elderly patients with high mortality rates.
Aim: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and evolution profile of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients aged 60 years and over hospitalized at the Epidemic Treatment Center (ETC) of Saint-Louis “Senegal”, and to identify the factors associated with death.
Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive and analytical study conducted from March 2020 to August 2021. It includes all patients aged 60 years and older hospitalized at the ETC of Saint-Louis (Senegal) for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Microsoft Excel was used to enter data and then analysis was done using EPI INFO version 7 software.
Results: Of a total of 448 hospitalizations, 188 patient records aged 60 years and older was collected. The prevalence was 42%. The mean age was 70 years (±8 years). The sex ratio was 1.7 with a male predominance (62.8%). Hypertension was the most common co-morbidity (67%). Severe forms were predominant (64.4%). Dyspnea (60.3%), cough (56.5%) and ageusia (24.5%) were the most common symptoms on admission. Thoracic CT scans showed severe involvement in 51.7% of cases. Hydroxychloroquine-azithromycin combination was prescribed in 98.4% of cases. The mortality rate was 18.6%. The main factors associated with death were age (≤75 years) (p=0.014) [OR=0.488; 95% CI: 0.201-1.187]; critical forms (p=0.017) [OR=0.061; 95% CI: 0.006-0.601]; comorbidity (p=0. 031) [OR=1.647; 95% CI: 0.280-2.499]; occurrence of complications (p=0.009) [OR=1.212; 95% CI: 0.530-2.774]; and SpO2≤95% at admission (p=0.031) [OR=4.899; 95% CI: 0.752-8.797].
Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection in the elderly is predominantly severe with high mortality. This high-risk group requires special attention.
Biodegradation of Chlorpyrifos Insecticide by Bacillus cereus ST06 and Chryseobacterium sp 6024 Isolated from Agricultural Soil, Nigeria
Authors: Elochi Emeribe, Chiemeka , Chinedu Onuorah Samuel 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Indigenous soil bacteria have the potential to degrade the harmful chlorpyrifos insecticide, this identifies the importance of biodegradation as an eco-friendly method for chemical pollutant cleanup.
Aims: To compare the potential of Bacillus cereus ST06 and Chryseobacterium sp 6024 in biodegrading chlorpyrifos insecticide singly or as a consortium in a liquid medium.
Study Design: Enrichment culture technique was used to evaluate the bacterial potential in biodegrading chlorpyrifos insecticide.
Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural soil sample containing chlorpyrifos degrading bacteria was obtained from Ukukwa village Amansea Nigeria (6o16' 30'' N and 7o 07'30''E) from depths of 15cm. Experiment was conducted from January till March 2022.
Methodology: In this study, previously isolated and characterized Bacillus cereus ST06 and Chryseobacterium sp 6024 by standard microbiological method based on their phenotypic test, biochemical test, cultural morphology and 16S rRNA sequencing was used for the experiment. Their growth response to 20mg/l and 60mg/l chlorpyrifos in mineral salts medium singly and as a consortium was compared and determined by monitoring the optical density at 600nm at the optimum condition of pH 6.5 and 30oC temperature for 28 days. The residual chlorpyrifos concentration after 28 days was also compared and determined using Gas Chromatography- Electron Cathode Detector (GC-ECD).
Results: The result showed a significant difference (P< .001) as Bacillus cereus ST06 and Chryseobacterium sp 6024 responded differently to different concentration of chlorpyrifos. Bacillus cereus ST06 and Chryseobacterium sp 6024 reached maximum growth in medium containing 20mg/l chlorpyrifos with a mean OD of 0.23±0.20 and 0.42±0.02 respectively on 16th day than 60mg/l chlorpyrifos with a mean OD of 0.47±0.02 and 0.81±0.02 respectively on 20th day. The bacterial consortium also reached maximum growth on 20mg/l and 60mg/l of chlorpyrifos with mean OD of 0.21±0.31 and 0.29±0.02 on 20th day respectively. The result of residual chlorpyrifos concentration shows that the bacteria consortium degraded 79 per cent and 78 per cent of 20mg/l and 60mg/l chlorpyrifos respectively, while Bacillus cereus ST06 and Chryseobacterium sp 6024 degraded 63 per cent and 57 per cent of 20mg/l chlorpyrifos and 61 per cent and 37 per cent of 60mg/l chlorpyrifos.
Conclusion: The study shows that bacteria consortium possessed potential to be used in biodegradation of 20mg/l and 60mg/l Chlorpyrifos than the individual isolates. It is therefore recommended that further studies on RNA profiling of each bacterium and synergistic interaction of the bacterial consortium be studied to better understand regulation of genes and individual bacterial roles in degradation chlorpyrifos efficiently.
Ditadura e Estado Autoritário
Authors: Sena Junior Carlos Zacarias de , Lins Marcelo da Silva , Sobral Thasio Fernandes 
Published: February 2024

Apresentação do Dossiê "Ditadura e Estado Autoritário". Nesta edição disponibilizamos 6 artigos que compõem o dossiê intitulado Ditadura e Estado Autoritário, organizado pelo professor doutorando Thasio Fernandes Sobral (UFBA) e os professores doutores Carlos Zacarias de Sena Junior (UFBA) e Marcelo da Silva Lins (UESC).
CSP theorems for communicating B machines
Authors: Schneider Steve , Treharne Helen 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

Recent work on combining CSP and B has provided ways of describing systems comprised of components described in both B (to express requirements on state) and CSP (to express interactive and controller behaviour). This approach is driven by the desire to exploit existing tool support for both CSP and B, and by the need for compositional proof techniques. This paper is concerned with the theory underpinning the approach, and proves a number of results for the development and verification of systems described using a combination of CSP and B. In particular, new results are obtained for the use of the hiding operator, which is essential for abstraction. The paper provides theorems which enable results obtained (possibly with tools) on the CSP part of the description to be lifted to the combination. Also, a better understanding of the interaction between CSP controllers and B machines in terms of
non-discriminating
and
open
behaviour on channels is introduced, and applied to the deadlock-freedom theorem. The results are illustrated with a toy lift controller running example.
The maintenance of intraspecific biodiversity: the interplay of selection on resource use and on natural enemy resistance in the pea aphid
Authors: Ferrari Julia , Godfray H. Charles J. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBiodiversity has both intraspecific and interspecific components, and speciation is the process through which the former is converted to the latter. Ecological factors can cause population divergence and differentiation. In this paper, we investigate the interplay between top‐down effects from natural enemies and bottom‐up effects from host plants in an aphid model system. Pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum, are known to form host‐adapted races on Trifolium and Medicago. Here, replicate clones of pea aphids collected from a broader set of five host plant genera are screened for their performance on the same set of host plants and also for their resistance to four natural enemies: the parasitoids Aphidius eadyi and Aphidius ervi, and the entomopathogenic fungi Pandora (=Erynia) neoaphidis and Zoophthora phalloides. The populations showed clear adaptation to their host plant from which they were collected, but they also performed well on Vicia. Performance on the other three plant species was poor. The aphid population collected from Lotus was significantly better at defending itself against the parasitoid A. eadyi, and there was a tendency for the clones from Trifolium to be resistant to the pathogen P. neoaphidis. These patterns highlight the importance of understanding the ecological processes influencing speciation in the context of the web of ecological adaptations within which a species is embedded.
New potent and selective inhibitors of anandamide reuptake with antispastic activity in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ligresti Alessia , Cascio Maria Grazia , Pryce Gareth , Kulasegram Sanjitha , Beletskaya Irina , De Petrocellis Luciano , Saha Bijali , Mahadevan Anu , Visintin Cristina , Wiley Jenny L , Baker David , Martin Billy R , Razdan Raj K , Di Marzo Vincenzo 
Published: November 2005

We previously reported that the compound O‐2093 is a selective inhibitor of the reuptake of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA). We have now re‐examined the activity of O‐2093 in vivo and synthesized four structural analogs (O‐2247, O‐2248, O‐3246, and O‐3262), whose activity was assessed in: (a) binding assays carried out with membranes from cells overexpressing the human CB1 and CB2 receptors; (b) assays of transient receptor potential of the vanilloid type‐1 (TRPV1) channel functional activity (measurement of [Ca2+]i); (c) [14C]AEA cellular uptake and hydrolysis assays in rat basophilic leukaemia (RBL‐2H3) cells; (d) the mouse ‘tetrad’ tests (analgesia on a hot plate, immobility on a ‘ring’, rectal hypothermia and hypolocomotion in an open field); and (e) the limb spasticity test in chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (CREAE) mice, a model of multiple sclerosis (MS).
O‐2093, either synthesized by us or commercially available, was inactive in the ‘tetrad’ up to a 20 mg kg−1 dose (i.v.). Like O‐2093, the other four compounds exhibited low affinity in CB1 (Ki from 1.3 to >10 μM) and CB2 binding assays (1.3<Ki< 8 μM), low potency and efficacy in a TRPV1 functional assay (EC50>10 μM), very low potency as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors (IC50>25 μM) and were inactive in the ‘tetrad’ up to a 30 mg kg−1 dose (i.v.).
While O‐2247 and O‐2248 were poor inhibitors of [14C]AEA cellular uptake (IC50>40 μM), O‐3246 and O‐3262 were quite potent in this assay. O‐3246, which exhibits only a very subtle structural difference with O‐2093, is the most potent inhibitor of AEA uptake reported in vitro under our experimental conditions (IC50=1.4 μM) and is 12‐fold more potent than O‐2093.
When injected intravenously O‐3246 and O‐3262, again like O‐2093 and unlike O‐2247 and O‐2248, significantly inhibited limb spasticity in mice with CREAE.
These data confirm the potential utility of selective AEA uptake inhibitors as anti‐spasticity drugs in MS and, given the very subtle chemical differences between potent and weak inhibitors of uptake, support further the existence of a specific mechanism for this process.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 83–91. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706418
Piracetam improves mitochondrial dysfunction following oxidative stress
Authors: Keil Uta , Scherping Isabel , Hauptmann Susanne , Schuessel Katin , Eckert Anne , Müller Walter E 
Published: November 2005

Mitochondrial dysfunction including decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced ATP production represents a common final pathway of many conditions associated with oxidative stress, for example, hypoxia, hypoglycemia, and aging.
Since the cognition‐improving effects of the standard nootropic piracetam are usually more pronounced under such pathological conditions and young healthy animals usually benefit little by piracetam, the effect of piracetam on mitochondrial dysfunction following oxidative stress was investigated using PC12 cells and dissociated brain cells of animals treated with piracetam.
Piracetam treatment at concentrations between 100 and 1000 μM improved mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production of PC12 cells following oxidative stress induced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and serum deprivation. Under conditions of mild serum deprivation, piracetam (500 μM) induced a nearly complete recovery of mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels. Piracetam also reduced caspase 9 activity after SNP treatment.
Piracetam treatment (100–500 mg kg−1 daily) of mice was also associated with improved mitochondrial function in dissociated brain cells. Significant improvement was mainly seen in aged animals and only less in young animals. Moreover, the same treatment reduced antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) in aged mouse brain only, which are elevated as an adaptive response to the increased oxidative stress with aging.
In conclusion, therapeutically relevant in vitro and in vivo concentrations of piracetam are able to improve mitochondrial dysfunction associated with oxidative stress and/or aging. Mitochondrial stabilization and protection might be an important mechanism to explain many of piracetam's beneficial effects in elderly patients.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 199–208. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706459
Transcriptional activation of p21 by Tranilast is mediated via transforming growth factor beta signal pathway
Authors: Charng Min‐Ji , Wu Chieh‐Hsi 
Published: November 2005

Tranilast, an antiallergic medication, is a very promising inhibitor of restenosis after balloon angioplasty. Tranilast can prevent the proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells by activating the gene expression of p21, a strong cyclin/cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, and by arresting cell growth at the G0/G1 phase.
The signaling pathway of Tranilast in regulating p21 is to our best interest and is elucidated in the present study. The major emphasis was weighted on exploring the regulatory effects of Tranilast on promoter activity of p21.
By serial deletion analysis, the sequence between −74 and −83 bp of the p21 promoter, previously identified as the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)‐response element, was found sufficient, where as most of the promoter region 5′ to −111 bp was found unnecessary for the transcriptional activation of p21 by both TGF‐β1 and Tranilast.
Tranilast was also found to induce phosphorylation of Smad2 (a cytoplasmic signaling molecule essential for mediating TGF‐β signal transduction). Transfection of ΔkTβRII, a truncated form of TGF‐β type II receptor known to exert a dominant‐negative effect on TGF‐β signaling, was found to suppress the signaling of both Tranilast and TGF‐β1 to a similar extent.
These results suggested that induction of p21 by Tranilast might be closely related to TGF‐β signal transduction pathway.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 117–124. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706460
Review article: the role of serotonergic agents in the treatment of patients with primary chronic constipation
Authors: CASH B. D. , CHEY W. D. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryChronic constipation is a highly prevalent disorder that is associated with significant direct and indirect costs and has substantial impact on patient quality of life. It is more common among women and non‐white populations and is evenly distributed across adult age groups. Constipation is a heterogeneous disorder associated with multiple symptoms and aetiologies.Recent research has increased our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disorder and the central role of the neurotransmitter serotonin in mediating gastrointestinal motility, secretion and sensation. Abnormal serotonin signalling and reuptake appear to play central roles in the symptoms of a subset of patients with chronic constipation. This observation provides a rationale for the use of targeted serotonergic agents for the treatment of chronic constipation. As the role of serotonin in gastrointestinal function is further elucidated and additional candidate drugs are developed, it is likely that serotonergic agents will afford additional treatment options for patients with chronic constipation.This article provides a concise review of the evidence supporting a role for serotonin in the pathogenesis of chronic constipation and a summary of the currently available evidence supporting the use of serotonergic agents for this disorder.