bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimum NPSZn blended fertilizer formulation on yield and yield components of barley at EndaMokeni district, tigray
Authors: Gebreslassie Hagos Brhane , Tefera Sofonyas Dargie , Hadgu Fisseha , Mehari Tsigabu , Teka Mola Hadis , Berhe Daniel 
Published: October 2023

AbstractField studies were done in the EndaMokeni district to see the effects of blended NPSZn levels on barley yield and yield components. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven blended NPSZn levels (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 kg ha−1) and a general recommendation of nitrogen and phosphorus as 8th treatment in three replications. The output of the result depicted that barley yields improved as blended levels increased, and the maximum grain yield was attained at 300 kg/ha even though it was statistically similar with 100 and 250 levels. Additionally, the straw and grain yields achieved from applying the recommended NP were statistically comparable with 250 kg/ha NPSZn levels. However, the NPSZn blend’s phosphorus levels (150–250 kg ha−1) are significantly greater than those of the recommended NP. Moreover, the highest agronomic efficiency and partial factor productivity were also obtained at NP fertilizer as compared with the increasing NPSZn rates. Hence, the mixing of S and Zn to the conventional NP in the current formulation had no impact on the barley’s grain and straw yields as compared to the conventional NP fertilizer. In this regard, N and P are the most barley yield- limiting nutrients in the EndaMokeni district. Additionally, adding Zn to the blending didn’t increase the barley grain’s Zn concentration. According to the results of the partial budget analysis study, the marginal rate of return was increasing up to 300 kg/ha NPSZn levels. Hence, further blending formulation is important for the potential yield production of food barley in the area.
The effect of NK3-Saporin injection within the arcuate nucleus on puberty, the LH surge, and the response to Senktide in female sheep
Authors: Aerts Eliana G , Griesgraber Max J , Shuping Sydney L , Bowdridge Elizabeth C , Hardy Steven L , Goodman Robert L , Nestor Casey C , Hileman Stanley M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The timing of puberty onset is reliant on increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This elicits a corresponding increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) due to a lessening of sensitivity to the inhibitory actions of estradiol (E2). The mechanisms underlying the increase in GnRH release likely involve a subset of neurons within the arcuate (ARC) nucleus of the hypothalamus that contain kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin (KNDy neurons). We aimed to determine if KNDy neurons in female sheep are critical for: timely puberty onset; the LH surge; and the response to an intravenous injection of the neurokinin-3 receptor (NK3R) agonist, senktide. Prepubertal ewes received injections aimed at the ARC containing blank-saporin (control, n = 5) or NK3-saporin (NK3-SAP, n = 6) to ablate neurons expressing NK3R. Blood samples taken 3/week for 65 days following surgery were assessed for progesterone to determine onset of puberty. Control ewes exhibited onset of puberty at 33.2 ± 3.9 days post sampling initiation, whereas 5/6 NK3-SAP treated ewes didn’t display an increase in progesterone. After an artificial LH surge protocol, surge amplitude was lower in NK3-SAP ewes. Finally, ewes were treated with senktide to determine if an LH response was elicited. LH pulses were evident in both groups in the absence of injections, but the response to senktide vs saline was similar between groups. These results show that KNDy cells are necessary for timely puberty onset and for full expresson of the LH surge. The occurrence of LH pulses in NK3-SAP treated ewes may indicate a recovery from an apulsatile state.
Patterns of Genetic And Epigenetic Diversity Across A Range Expansion in The White-Footed Mouse (Peromyscus Leucopus)
Authors: Rubi T L , Prado J R do , Knowles L L , Dantzer B 
Published: October 2023

SynopsisPopulations at the leading front of a range expansion must rapidly adapt to novel conditions. Increased epigenetic diversity has been hypothesized to facilitate adaptation and population persistence via non-genetic phenotypic variation, especially if there is reduced genetic diversity when populations expand (i.e., epigenetic diversity compensates for low genetic diversity). In this study, we use the spatial distribution of genetic and epigenetic diversity to test this hypothesis in populations of the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) sampled across a purported recent range expansion gradient. We found mixed support for the epigenetic compensation hypothesis and a lack of support for expectations for expansion populations of mice at the range edge, which likely reflects a complex history of expansion in white-footed mice in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Specifically, epigenetic diversity was not increased in the population at the purported edge of the range expansion in comparison to the other expansion populations. However, input from an additional ancestral source populations may have increased genetic diversity at this range edge population, counteracting the expected genetic consequences of expansion, as well as reducing the benefit of increased epigenetic diversity at the range edge. Future work will expand the focal populations to include expansion areas with a single founding lineage to test for the robustness of a general trend that supports the hypothesized compensation of reduced genetic diversity by epigenetic variation observed in the expansion population that was founded from a single historical source.
Improved statistical methods for estimating infestation rates in quarantine research when hosts are naturally infested
Authors: Wright Carole , Wyatt Pauline , Mayer David , Leach Peter 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Trading partners often require phytosanitary or quarantine treatments for fresh horticultural produce to ensure no economically important pest species are moved with the imported product. When developing such treatments, it is essential that the level of treatment efficacy can be determined. This is often based on the mortality of the total number of target pests exposed to treatment, but in naturally infested products this number is not always known. In such cases, the infestation rate and subsequently an estimate of the number of pests are obtained directly from a set of untreated control samples of the host product. The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat has provided 2 formulas for these situations that place an interval around the point estimate obtained from the control samples to obtain an estimate of the infestation rate. However, these formulas do not allow a confidence level to be assigned to the estimate, and there are concerns with the assumptions regarding the distribution and the measure of variability used in the formulas. In this article, we propose 2 alternative formulas. We propose that the lower one-sided confidence limit should be applied to all infestation datasets that are approximately normally distributed. As infestation data are sometimes skewed, it is proposed the lower one-sided modified Cox confidence limit is applied to data approximately log-normal distributed. These well-recognized formulas are compared to the formulas recommended by the IPPC and applied to 3 datasets involving natural infestation.
The Galactic supernova remnant CTB 1: optical and X-ray emission analysis
Authors: Reyes-Iturbide J , Ambrocio-Cruz P , Silva R , Rosado M , Arias L , Gabbasov R , Trigueros D 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
We present the kinematic results for the supernova remnant (SNR) CTB 1, obtained with the PUMA equipment of the 2.1-m telescope at San Pedro Mártir National Astronomical Observatory, Baja California, Mexico. The observations were made on the H α line using a Fabry–Perot interferometer. The kinematics derived from the Fabry–Perot velocity cubes allowed us to estimate a kinematic distance for this SNR. We estimate that CTB1 is about 3.8 kpc from the sun, corresponding to a linear diameter of 19 pc, with an expansion velocity of $286 \rm ~ km ~s^{-1}$. Additionally, we analyse the diffuse X-ray emission from CTB 1 using data from the XMM–Newton observatory. From the best fits to the spectrum of southwest and northeast regions, we obtained a hot plasma temperature $\sim 0.1-0.3 ~\rm keV$ with an overabundance in O and Ne and a lower abundance in Fe, which could be caused by a SNR with a stellar progenitor between 10 to $70 \, \rm {\rm M}_{\odot }$. The initial energy of the supernova explosion is estimated between (0.6–1.0) × 1050 erg for soft X-ray emission. The X-ray emission also presents a non-thermal component of low surface brightness in the hard X-ray band. Images in radio and X-ray emission allow us to classify CTB 1 as mixed-morphology supernova type. The evolution models show that the cloudy ISM model is the only one that reproduces the mixed morphology type observed in the SNR CTB 1.
GLIOMA-15 RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME CASES MANAGED AT A TERTIARY LEVEL HOSPITAL IN KENYA
Authors: Sharma Karishma , Mansour Manel Haj 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Glioblastoma Multiforme(GBM) is one of the most aggressive tumors of the central nervous system. Though rare, it accounts for the commonest primary brain tumor in adults. Despite recent advances in the treatment of patients with GBM, it portends a poor prognosis. There is limited published data of GBM from sub-Saharan Africa(SSA). We performed a retrospective chart review of 24 patients seen in the Medical Oncology service at the Aga Khan University Hospital between January 2018 and December 2020. Clinical, radiological, pathological outcomes were investigated, analyzed and compared with data from the literature. A total of twenty-four patients were seen at the medical oncology clinic over the 3-year period. The median age of the patients was 54 years (IQR 44.7-65) and majority of patients (&gt;80%) were of African descent. Of the 24 patients, 13(54.2%) were male and 11(45.8%) were female. Headaches were the commonest clinical presentation and frontal lobe was commonest tumor location on imaging. The median size of the tumor was 4.5cm (IQR 3.8-6.45). Following diagnosis, eighteen(75%) patients underwent maximal safe resection of the tumor with presence of residual tumor in thirteen (56%) of the post-operative scans. Nineteen patients(83%) were initiated on concurrent chemotherapy (Temozolamide) and Radiation therapy (CCRT) as part of adjuvant treatment. Of those initiated on adjuvant Temozolamide following CCRT, more than one-third completed one year of treatment. At 6 months following diagnosis, 25% of patients remained stable while 25% had disease progression. Our study adds to the literature which demonstrates that patients seen in SSA with GBM present at younger age, with bigger tumor size but tend to do better compared to those in the west. Understanding of the molecular alterations within the tumor and larger prospective studies are needed to define the behavior of GBM in SSA.
OTHER-09 RATES AND PATTERNS OF CENTRAL DIABETES INSIPIDUS AFTER SURGERY FOR SELLAR AND PARASELLAR TUMORS AT THE KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL
Authors: Ngetich Gilbert , Kitunguu Peter , Magoha Michael , Karanja Susan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Central Diabetes Insipidus (DI) is a common post operative complication after procedures for sellar and parasellar tumors. It is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and prolonged hospital stay. It is diagnosed clinically by symptoms of polyuria and polydipsia and measuring serum sodium and osmolality as well as urine osmolality and specific gravity (SG). There is limited data on rates and patterns of post operative central DI for tumors in this anatomically complex region even with increasing number surgeries being done for these tumors.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the rates and patterns of post-operative central Diabetes Insipidus in patients with sellar and parasellar tumors at the (Kenyatta National Hospital) KNH.

STUDY DESIGN
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Study Setting: The study was conducted at KNH Neurosurgery units and critical care units. Methodology: This study involved 24 participants following surgery for sellar and parasellar tumors. Informed consent was obtained from the participants. Clinical assessment for presence polyuria and polydipsia and laboratory measurement of serum sodium and urine SG for features for central DI was done.

DATA RESULTS
The mean age of the patients was 28.69 years, 70.8% were female and 29.2% were male. The most common tumor as confirmed by histology was craniopharyngioma seen in 33.3% of the patients. With regards to age craniopharyngioma, pilocytic astrocytoma and arachnoid cyst was seen in paediatric age group predominantly while meningioma and pituitary adenoma was more common in adults. Polyuria and polydipsia were the main clinical features seen post operatively in patients with Central DI. 69.2% presented with both polyuria and polydipsia, 30.8% presented with polyuria alone without polydipsia. The rate of post operative Central DI after surgery for sellar and parasellar tumors was 54.2%. The most common pattern was transient type occurring in 76.9% of the cases. Biphasic pattern was seen in 23.1%.
OTHER-13 A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF BRAIN TUMOURS IN YAOUNDE CAMEROON.
Authors: Fonkem Ekokobe , Fezeu Francis , Fotso Mounir Bennis , Djientcheu Vincent , Besong Yaya , Betts Colton 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
A brain tumour (BT) or intracranial tumour, is an abnormal mass of tissue where cells grow uncontrollably and unaffected by typical cell regulatory systems. In Sub-Saharan Africa, however, these tumours continue to go unnoticed. The aim of this 5-year retrospective study (January 2018 to March 2023), was to determine the relative frequency and histologic types of brain tumours that exist, and to analyze the costs of treatment and diagnostic methods used. The study was conducted within the oncology and neurosurgery departments of 2 Cameroonian hospitals: Yaoundé Central Hospital and Yaoundé General Hospital. A total of 78 complete case files, or 1.05% of all admissions to the various units, were analyzed. The male to female ratio was 0.95 (38M: 40F). 15.4% of cases involved patients below the age of 14. 84.6% involved patients 15years of age and above. 94.9% of the cases were primary brain tumours. In 60.3% of instances, individuals with primary brain tumours were between the ages of 22 and 57. Meningioma (30.8%) was the most common histological form, followed by astrocytoma (25.6%) and pituitary adenomas (16.7%). Most patients experienced symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, with headaches occurring 94.9% of the time. The average diagnostic cost was 235 000 CFA, average operation cost was 337 500 CFA, and average treatment cost was 750 000 CFA, putting the total cost at 1 322 500 CFA. The country's minimum wage is estimated at 40 000CFA (net income), with average household income of 100 000CFA.The age group that is most impacted is young adults, who were more likely to develop meningioma, astrocytoma, and pituitary adenomas than any other types of brain tumours. The total cost of treatment is 33 times the minimum wage or 13 times the average income. To evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with BTs, more research is required.
PAEDIATRIC-09 DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA; A CASE STUDY OF UGANDA
Authors: Katasi Victoria Mwebe , Naitala Ronald , Muwonge Peter Wasswa , Bakulumpagi Deogratius , Nabukeera Joan , Akullo Ann , Nakirulu Annet , Munube Deo , Zungu Jennifer 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Pediatric brain tumors are the commonest solid tumors in children and the 2nd commonest childhood cancer globally. In Sub-Saharan Africa, there is paucity of data on their diagnosis and management.

OBJECTIVES
To describe the presentation, investigations done, treatment modalities and outcome of pediatric patients with brain tumors seen at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda from May 2019 to March 2023.

METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted in Mulago National Referral Hospital, pediatric oncology unit, in patients below 18 years of age, admitted with a radiological finding of a brain tumor from May 2019 to March 2023.

RESULTS
The total number of children treated for a brain tumor in this period was 121.Majority (69 /121 (57 %)) of patients were males. The commonest symptom at presentation was headache (42%). Brain Ct-Scans were done in all, and majority (52%) had infratentorial tumors. The commonest diagnosis was glioma (38%), craniopharyngioma (26%), medulloblastoma (11%). Fifty-two patients had surgical resection and a histological diagnosis. Ten percent of patients had no diagnosis. Only 24(20%) patients received radiotherapy. Twenty patients received chemotherapy. Sixty-six are still alive and attending clinical reviews. The overall one-year survival was 63% (95%CI (50.3.0-73.4).

CONCLUSION
Gliomas were the commonest diagnosed pediatric brain tumor at the Mulago National Referral Hospital, pediatric oncology unit.
Prenatal diagnosis techniques
Authors: Oury J F 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
There are many techniques for prenatal diagnosis: sampling of chorionic villi, amniotic fluid, fetal blood, urine. The method used is dependent on the anomaly being looked for and gestational age. Collaboration between geneticist, obstetrician, and laboratory is essential to ensure appropriate testing, taking into consideration the diagnosis sought for any one case.
Laboratory techniques
Authors: Boué André 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Despite progress in the refinement of laboratory techniques it is not always possible to obtain a diagnosis directly from a fetal sample, either because there are too few cells in the sample (amniotic fluid in a pellet, for example), or because of a particular quality required to apply the techniques; some require live, dividing cells (cytogenetic analysis) or metabolically active cells (biochemical assay with labelled precursors).
Diagnosis of neural tube defects
Authors: Boué A Bou , Muller F 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In many countries the frequency of this malformation at birth remains high, but large variation is observed between regions and over time. The highest frequencies were observed several years ago by Carter (1971) in Scotland and Northern Ireland (6-8/1000). In western European countries and in North America the frequency remains at 1-3/1000 births, with equal proportions of anencephaly and spina bifida. In France, a high frequency has been reported in Brittany (2.7/1000 in the early 1970s). The frequency is much lower in the rest of France (less than 1/1000 births in most recent years).
Intracranial tumour
Authors: Bannister Sir Roger 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The term intracranial tumour, though primarily applied to neoplasms, is extended a little loosely to include other space-occupying lesions of slow growth such as a tuberculoma. Other inflammatory conditions such as an abscess may sometimes produce a clinical picture indistinguishable from that of a neoplasm, and the same is true of some parasitic cysts. Intracranial neoplasm may also be simulated by certain forms of hydrocephalus and by a subdural haematoma. Since intracranial neoplasm, however, is by far the commonest cause of increased intracranial pressure, that condition will first be considered in relation to its pathological physiology and symptomatology, and the other conditions which may be confused with it will be dealt with later, more particularly in relation to diagnosis and treatment. The commonest form of intracranial tumour is cerebral secondary deposits.
Poliomyelitis
Authors: Bannister Sir Roger 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Poliomyelitis, or infantile paralysis, is an acute infective disease due to a virus with a predilection for the cells of the anterior horns of the grey matter of the spinal cord and the motor nuclei of the brainstem, destruction of which causes muscular paralysis and subsequent atrophy. Poliomyelitis had become rare but the fall in the number of immunized individuals has led to more increase in Western countries in recent years. Three strains of the virus have been isolated, known as Types 1, 2, and 3. These can be grown in tissue culture. The virus can be obtained from the nasopharyngeal mucous membranes of patients in the acute stage, of healthy contacts, and of convalescents, and also from the stools. It is believed that the usual route of infection in man is the alimentary tract. The virus is capable of ascending the peripheral nerves, but may also be disseminated through the bloodstream.
Toxic and deficiency disorders
Authors: Bannister Sir Roger 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In starvation and malabsorption neurological symptoms and signs may be caused by a wide variety of deficiencies. In addition to lack of vitamins, there may be a lack of glucose and minerals, particularly calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, or iron. The relationship of dietary deficiency to toxic factors is sometimes complex. For example, excessive cyanide intake from foods or from smoking may play a part in the production of the neurological symptoms of ‘tobacco’ amblyopia and Leber’s optic atrophy, because vitamin Bu is concerned in the detoxication of cyanide. Cyanide may also play a role in the production of neurological symptoms in vitamin B12 neuropathy. In some neurological syndromes found in the tropics it is difficult to separate dietary factors and the effects of certain chronic inflammatory diseases, such as syphilis.
Fatigue and emotional disorders
Authors: Wessely Professor Simon , Hotopf Dr Matthew , Sharpe Dr Michael 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this chapter we consider fatigue and psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric disorder is a term not without problems of concept and definition (see Sharpe1 and Chapter 10). For this chapter we shall consider psychiatric disorders from a pragmatic rather than a philosophical perspective. Psychiatric disorders are what the international classifications of diseases say they are - operationally defined concepts based on particular constellations of symptoms. In practice although the number of psychiatric disorders is so vast that it is covered by a separate volume of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), and a large and indigestible manual produced by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV), most of this chapter will be devoted to the two most common disorders, depression and anxiety.
CFS in children
Authors: Wessely Professor Simon , Hotopf Dr Matthew , Sharpe Dr Michael 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In Chapter 2 we noted that fatigue was one of the commonest symptoms experienced by adults, and one of the most common complaints in the GP’s surgery. In contrast, children appear less likely to complain of excessive fatigue, and it is an uncommon reason for consultation before puberty. In Morrell’s study of 21 098 consultations in a single general practice, of the 58 that were for a principal complaint of low energy, only four occurred in those under 15. Of the 14 symptoms that he studied, tiredness was the most unusual reason for consultation by a child1. In the UK National Morbidity survey the category ‘malaise, fatigue, debility, tiredness’ was extremely uncommon before adolescence2• In a Swedish population study no children under 10, and only 3 per cent of those under 14, reported fatigue3• Children tend to complain more of somatic symptoms such as pain or headache, and less of fatigue.