bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extraction and Physicochemical Characterization of <i>Adansonia digitata L.</i> Mucilage
Authors: Mahmud H.S. , Oyi R.A. , Allagh T.S. , Ibrahim Y.K.E. 
Published: August 2023

Background: Adansonia digitata leaves are edible and they contain a significant amount of mucilage that has shown potentials for pharmaceutical application. However, there is paucity of information on this mucilage contained in its leaves.
Objective: This study aimed to determine a suitable method for extraction of Adansonia digitata mucilage (ADM) as well as to characterize its physicochemical properties.
Materials and Methods: ADM was extracted from the aqueous dispersion of the dried leaves powder of Adansonia digitata L. in water via precipitation with ethanol. Physicochemical characterization of ADM was based on viscosity, chemical composition, particle size characterization via QICPIC, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transforms Infrared (ATR -FTIR) spectroscopy, Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), moisture content and Dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) studies as well as pH and aqueous solubility tests. In addition to this, colour of the mucilage and thermal analysis via DSC were used as criteria for selection of the most suitable method for extraction of ADM.
Results: Colour and thermal analysis revealed a level of purity in the extraction process. The irregular needle like structures of ADM revealed by SEM was found to be mildly acidic with a high viscosity that is concentration dependent in aqueous medium. Thermal characterization revealed a glass transition (Tg) and melting temperatures (Tm) of 55.61 °C and 179.10 °C respectively. Finger prints of functional groups revealed azo aromatic groups and other chemical constituents of sugars including glucose, galactose, arabinose and rhamnose, and sugar acid form of galacturonic acid were identified by NMR. Moisture sorption provided insight into water sorption mechanism, processing, packaging and storage conditions of the mucilage.
Conclusion: Extraction of ADM via a heat free method improved its colour and purity based on the technique used. The mucilage was found to be a highly viscous and hydrates rapidly with good gelling properties. In addition its moisture sorption characteristics and glass transition temperature gave insight into its stability, storage and packaging conditions. These properties reveal its potential for many pharmaceutical applications including binding, coating, gelling agents as well as matrix forming.
Biofilm Formation and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> Clinical Isolates from Two Healthcare Facilities in Zaria
Authors: Akpudo M.O. , Jimoh O. , Adeshina G.O. , Olayinka B.O. 
Published: August 2023

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a public health challenge worldwide. There is a huge global concern about the increased drug- resistant S. aureus and the development of multiple resistance to several drugs. A well-designed surveillance study has been found to be a fundamental approach in the control of antimicrobial resistance.
Objective: This study investigated the biofilm formation and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus aureus from two healthcare facilities in Zaria.
Methods: A total of 200 presumptive Staphylococcal isolates from clinical specimens were collected and identified by conventional methods. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were tested against a panel of antibiotics using the modified Kirby- Bauer disk diffusion method, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were tested using cefoxitin disk, and Micro broth dilution method for Vancomycin Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The biofilmforming ability of the isolates were analyzed quantitatively using the microtitre plate method.
Results: Of the 200 presumptive staphylococcal isolates, 22(11%) were Staphylococcus aureus. The antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates shows high resistance to tigecycline (100%), vancomycin (100%), clindamycin (40.9%), and tetracycline (40.9). The occurrence of MRSA in this study was 18.8% and MDR (was 68.2%). The biofilm-forming ability of the Staphylococcus aureus isolates is; weak biofilm formers 16 (72.7%), moderate biofilm formers 5 (22.7%), and strong biofilm former 1 (4.5%).
Conclusion: There is need for more research to ascertain the relationship between biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. Close monitoring of antimicrobial resistance is necessary as it helps to design tangible actions that will yield the greatest impact to control the spread of resistant organisms.
Risk Factors of Transfusion Transmissible Infections among Blood Donors at Karongi Regional Centre for Blood Transfusion in Rwanda
Authors: Nsekuye Olivier , Uwayo Henri Desire , Simbi Clarisse Marie Claudine , Habtu Michael , Ntaganira Joseph 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundBlood transfusion saves human lives, but also it can be a route for Transfusion-Transmissible Infections (TTIs) including Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the risk factors associated with TTIs among blood donors at Regional Centre for Blood Transfusion (RCBT) of Karongi, Rwanda.MethodsThis was a retrospective cross-sectional study design conducted among 36,708 blood donors from 2015 to 2019. Data were extracted from the system known as eProgesaused and the outcome variable were TTIs including HBV, HCV and HIV (measured using Enzyme Immuno-Assay/Chemiluminescence Immunoassay) and syphilis (determined by Rapid Reagin Plasma). Descriptive statistics was computed to describe the characteristics of the blood donors. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess the risk factors associated with TTIs. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe study found that the overall prevalence of TTIs was 2.1%, while the prevalences of HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis were 1.3%, 0.4%, 0.06%, and 0.34%, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that the factors associated with HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis were being male, age more than 25 years, being married, living in urban areas, first time blood donors and blood donors living in Rusizi, Rusizi, Nyamasheke and Karongi districts.ConclusionThis study revealed that the most frequent TTI was HBV among blood donors and the main risk groups were males, age group of 26-35 years, married and first time donors. Hence, while developing health policies to reduce the effects of HBV infection on safe blood transfusion, these study findings should be taken into account.
Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(2):143-153
Outcomes of the Icare Rebound Tonometer versus the Gold Standard Tonometer in Measuring Intraocular Pressure among Mzuzu University Students, Malawi
Authors: Twiringirimana François Régis , Kanazayire Clémentine , Vandyke Okyere Bright , Kanzunguze Andrew , Rutayisire Reverien , Ogbona Grace 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe Goldmann Applanation Tonometer (GAT) is accepted as the gold standard tool to measure Intraocular Pressure (IOP). Besides, there is an emerging Icare Rebound Tonometer (RBT) which can be an alternative in terms of measuring IOP.ObjectiveThis research aimed to analyze the agreement, and repeatability of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements and compare the outcomes of RBT and GAT among Mzuzu University Students in Malawi.MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, 107 participants aged 18 to 29 years underwent ophthalmic examination with three IOP measurements taken by two examiners using the RBT and the GAT. ResultsThe RBT and GAT were found to have a strong correlation (r=0.809, p>0.001), with an intra-class correlation of 0.787 (p>0.001). The mean difference of IOP measured by the two machines was 1.99±1.05mmHg, which was statistically significant. However, according to Bland-Altman analysis, there was no agreement between the results given by the two machines, with a bias of -1.979 (CI -2.28, -1.68, p > 0.001). In terms of repeatability, GAT was found to be better than RBT, with a CR of 7.512 and 10.418 respectively.ConclusionThe RBT and GAT can offer comparable IOP measures. Therefore, RBT can be recommended for community outreach programs where GAT cannot be employed.
Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(2):184-190
Antimicrobial resistance profile of bacterial pathogens isolated from naturally infected fish in some lakes of Ethiopia
Authors: Dissasa Guta , Lemma Brook , Mamo Hassen 
Published: August 2023

Small scale fisheries play important role in providing food and livelihoods for households in Ethiopia. However, prevalence of bacterial fish infection and their antimicrobial resistance are increasing over the world accounting for the major limitations in fish productionas well asits consumption. A cross sectional study was carried out to identify bacterial pathogens isolated from naturally infectedNile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and 20 were common carp (Cyprinus carpio)fish showing clinical signs of disease particularly hemorrhage and skin ulceration and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of fish associated bacteria in Ethiopia. A total of 42 fish samples from two lakes (Hawassa and Ziway) were aseptically collected and bacteria were isolated from the kidney, liver and intestine. The isolates were identified by their morphological characteristics, biochemical tests and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Nine well known fish pathogens were identified from 49 positive samples at the lakes with prevalence rate of Aeromonasveronii(21.43%), Proteusmirabilis (19.05%), Edwardsiella tarda (16.67%), Shigella flexneri(11.9%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (11.9%), Aeromonas hydrophila (11.9 %),Pseudomonas putida (9.5%), Aeromonassobria (7.14%) and Pseudomonas hunanensis (7.14%).Of these pathogens, six (6) mostprevalent andknown potential pathogens (A. hydrophila, A. veronii, E. tarda, P. mirabilis, S. flexneri and S. maltophilia)were evaluated for antibiotic susceptibility by using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion assay. All the isolates tested were resistant to at least three (3) of the eight antibiotics evaluated. High levels of resistance were expressed by the majority (87.5%) of the pathogens against penicillin and vancomycin. The results indicate the presence of potential pathogens andmaximum levels of acquired antibiotic resistance in fish bacteria from the study area. Thus, theuse of antibiotic in fish farming in Ethiopia should be discouraged.It isalso advisable to cook fish properly before consumption, in order to kill bacterialpathogens that may be present.
Prevalence and predictors of resistant hypertension among out-patients in Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunmodede James Ayodele , Agede Olalekan Ayodele 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Systemic hypertension (SH) contributes the highest number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Patients with resistant hypertension (RH) are more prone to hypertension-mediated organ damage. RH has not been well-studied in Africa, despite the fact that the prevalence of SH is highest in Africa. The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence and predictors of RH among out-patients managed in the cardiology unit of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Method: A cross-sectional study of 201 patients selected via systematic random sampling between April and September 2019.
Results: Mean age of the participants was 59.6 (SD 13.8) years, females 58.7%, 32.3% were non-obese, 17 (8.5%) consumed alcohol and three (1.5%) smoked tobacco. 30 participants (14.9%) had co-morbid diabetes mellitus. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were significantly higher among patients with RH 152.5 (SD 18) mmHg vs 131.9 (SD 18.4) mmHg (p<0.001) and 89.43 (SD 13.8) mmHg vs 79.46 (SD 10.5) mmHg (p=0.008). Eighteen patients (8.96%, 95% CI: 5.5-14%) had RH. The predictors of RH were obesity (OR= 3.754; p=0.009), SBP at patients’ first clinic visit, (OR=1.029, p=0.032), DBP at patients’ first clinic visit, (OR=1.048, p=0.014), and serum phosphorus, (OR=1.047, p=0.047).
Conclusion: The prevalence of RH among our patients is low and is similar to that in studies with similar blood pressure cut-off values and case definition.
Brachial plexus block for the resection of a chondrosarcoma during COVID-19: A case report
Authors: Mohamed Ehssan , Elbahri Hassan 
Published: August 2023

A case report of a 35-year-old female with a large low-grade chondrosarcoma of the left humerus. Resection was performed under regional anaesthesia (interscalene brachial plexus block): this is a useful technique where there are limited resources and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Perilous Work Zones: Unveiling the Factors Influencing Health and Safety Risks in Tanzania's Informal Construction Sites
Authors: Mwemezi Benson Rugalema , Kikwasi Geraldine J. , Phoya Sarah 
Published: August 2023

Informal construction (IC) emerged after the Second World War. Informal economies have largely led to it. IC comprises individuals conducting construction activities that are unregulated despite their economic contribution. IC faces health and safety risks (HSR), but little has been investigated on the factors influencing HSR in IC. This study identified and ranked the factors influencing HSRs in the IC sites (ICS) in Tanzania. Data was collected from 304 mason workers (MW) in ICS through questionnaires based on 24 factors derived from the literature. The study employed the quantitative method. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for ranking and measuring the significance of factors. Findings revealed that lack of information and knowledge about safety rules, lack of awareness of risk management process and lack of framework and procedures were the significant factors highly influencing informal construction. Conversely, the lack of safety gear, drug abuse on-site and negligence have insignificant effects on informal construction. Moreover, the nature and physical layout of construction sites, labourers working in close proximity/overcrowded sites, and poor construction material arrangements were not significant factors. The study provides insight into the factors influencing HSR in informal construction. This study provides a baseline for developing an empirically grounded health and safety framework. The study will therefore pinpoint systematic HSR management procedures for improving HSR management in IC. Overall, the findings address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 Agenda Numbers 3 and 11, which aim to establish good health and well-being and mobilize sustainable cities and communities.
Role of Institutional Repositories (IRs) in Supporting Teaching, Learning and Research during Covid-19 in Kenyan Universities
Authors: Sang Lucy Jelagat , Magut Hellen Jepkemoi 
Published: August 2023

The abrupt closure of universities in 2020 because of COVID-19 forced many of them to adopt online learning through various technological platforms. Institutional repositories (IRs), digital archives of intellectual outputs of universities, could be important in online education. However, there is a dearth of empirical data on their ability to support teaching, learning and research in universities. This study aimed to investigate the role of IRs in supporting teaching, learning and research in Kenyan universities during the Covid-19 and to identify challenges faced by the universities in the usage of IRs. The study was informed by the technology acceptance model and adopted a mixed method approach and a multiple-case (embedded) research design. The study was conducted in four universities using a sample of 370 students, 322 academic staff and 12 key informants, selected by a mix of stratified, random, and purposive sampling technique respectively. The study found that IRs played crucial roles in supporting teaching, learning and research during the pandemic, with three out of every four respondents (n=424, 73%) using it for teaching, learning and research. Alarmingly, IR usage was lowest, χ2 (4) = 73.462, p<0.0001, among the senior-most academic staff (professors, associate professors, and senior lecturers) relative to junior staff and students. Perceived lack of usefulness and difficulty of use of IRs constituted the major challenges. This study recommends the improvement of IRs perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use to enable them better support teaching, learning and research.
Building a Restorative Justice Diversion Program for Youth in Rural Areas
Authors: Stevenson Erin , Saulnier Stephanie 
Published: August 2023

Restorative Justice (RJ) models of diversion from the criminal justice system have been used successfully with adults and youth charged with minor offenses. Professionally mediated RJ conferences bring together the offender and the person(s) harmed to discuss the impact of their actions and develop a plan to restore community safety and make amends. An RJ model aimed at diverting youth from the juvenile justice system for minor offenses has successfully worked in an urban region in Kentucky for over a decade. The same RJ model was piloted in a very rural region of the state. The program goal was to decrease youth involvement in the criminal justice system and create positive change within the communities and families involved in youth-initiated crimes. Interestingly, the rural location of the RJ program has run into unique challenges not experienced in the urban area. This paper examines preliminary outcomes data. Differences in juvenile justice and community involvement approaches that need to be addressed when establishing an RJ program in a geographically rural area are highlighted. Suggestions for how to incorporate RJ diversion programs into rural communities are provided.
How to Make Changes in Public Organization
Authors: Setiorini Amanda , Sariwulan Tuty , Mukhtar Saparuddin 
Published: August 2023

In a public organization that is difficult to change, it turns out that the Bojonegoro district government can make various breakthroughs. This study aims to find out how they make changes. Using a case study approach, ten ways to make changes were found, namely communication, community empowerment, professionalism, building trust, financial management, being a mediator, understanding community culture/social/customs, synergizing, clear regulation, and walk-the-talk. These methods are not implemented separately but are interrelated to provide maximum impact for people who have a long history of endemic poverty.
Some of the methods are related to the concepts of new public management and reinventing government, although the local government of Bojonegoro itself is not familiar with these concepts. By making the organization a learning organization, local governments that tend to be static will become more agile in carrying out their duties.
Tingkat Pengetahuan Ibu Pascapersalinan tentang Pelaksanaan Senam Postpartum
Authors: Jannah Muliatul , Surani Endang , Nurjanah Siti 
Published: August 2023

Latar Belakang : Dalam masa nifas ini ibu nifas akan mengalami banyak perubahan pada tubuh salah satunya involusi uterus yaitu proses kembalinya uterus dalam keadaan normal seperti sebelum hamil. Pengurangan ukuran uterus pada maa nifas kira-kira berlangsung selama 6 minggu, namun lebih cepat lagi bisa diimbangi dengan cara melakukan Latihan senam nifas secara rutin. Senam nifas adalah suatu latihan yang akan dapat membantu pengembalian uterus kedalam keadaan normal seperti sebelum hamil setelah melahirkan , supaya aliran darah dapat meningkat dan juga lancar, sehingga Latihan senam nifas ini dapat mempengaruhi proses pengecilan rahim. Dengan senam nifas, ibu akan diberikan beberapa gerakan-gerakan yang berguna untuk mengencangkan otot-otot, terutama otot perut, lutut, bokong, dan tungkai. dimana Gerakan-gerakan tersebut mampu membantu pengembalian uterus kedalam keadaan normal supaya lebih cepat. Selama masa kehamilan dan juga persalinan seorang ibu akan banyak mengalami perubahan pada fisiknya, seperti dinding perut menjadi kendor, longgarnya liang senggama dan otot dasar panggul. Untuk itu senam nifas bermanfaat untuk dapat mengatasi segala perubahan yang timbul pasca melahirkan. Tujuan: Untuk menelaah lebih dalam tentang pengetahuan ibu nifas terhadap penerapan senam nifas yang terdapat kesesuaian dengan penelitian-penelitian sebelumnya dengan cara meriview beberapa penelitian. Metode: Tinjauan ini menggunakan beberapa sumber meliputi studi pencarian sistematis terkomputerisasi yang diambil dalam jangka waktu lima tahun terakhir. Artikel diperoleh dalam melakukan pencarian yaitu 32 jurnal, kemudian setelah melakukan telaah lebih dalam dan dispesifikasikan dengan judul berjumlah 10 jurnal dengan 5 jurnal nasional dan 5 jurnal internasional. Kata kunci dalam menemukan penelurusan literature review yaitu “ibu hamil”, “ibu nifas”, dan “senam nifas”. Hasil: Pasca melahirkan seorang ibu akan mengalami banyak perubahan secara fisik karta rentetan persalinan, program dari senam nifas sendiri ada untuk dapat membantu ibu hamil pasca melahitkan untuk dapat mmemulihkan kembali seperri sedia kala.
Pengaruh Index Massa Tubuh Ibu Hamil Terhadap Neonatal Di Wilayah Dki Jakarta
Authors: Ivana Paisal Fitrah , Zaenal Mutaqin Zeni , Azriani Devi , Kristianto Jusuf 
Published: August 2023

Obesitas di Indonesia meningkat dengan angka kenaikan yang mengkhawatirkan. Satu dari tiga orang dewasa Indonesia mengalami obesitas. Penyebab kematian ibu dan bayi sangat erat hubungannya dengan peningkatan kasus obesitas di Indonesia. Beberapa penelitian menyebutkan bahwa IMT awal masa kehamilan, dan kenaikan berat badan selama hamil sangat berpengaruh terhadap luaran maternal dan neonatal. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif dengan observasional dan rancangan cross sectional. Teknik pengambilan sampel adalah total sampling. Sampel diambil secara total sampling. Jumlah sampel yang didapat di Puskesmas Duren Sawit sebanyak 544 subjek dan di Puskesmas Mampang sebanyak 199 subjek. Total sampel sejumlah 743 sampel. Hubungan IMT ibu hamil dengan luaran maternal. Hasil analisis statistik menunjukkan nilai p 0,026 yang berarti terdapat hubungan bermakna antara IMT ibu hamil dengan luaran maternal. Rasio prevalensi 1,42 (0,43-0,66) dengan confidence Interval 95% yang berarti IMT ibu merupakan faktor risiko terhadap luaran persalinan. Hasil analisis hubungan IMT ibu hamil terhadap luaran neonatal. Hasil statistik menunjukkan nilai P 0,45 (>0,05) yang berarti tidak terdapat hubungan antara IMT ibu hamil dengan luaran neonatal. Hal ini didukung dengan rentang nilai rasio prevalensi (-1,26–0,57) dengan CI 95%. Indeks massa tubuh ibu berhubungan dengan luaran maternal yaitu jenis persalinan yang akan dialami ibu.