bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Magnesium Levels of Term Neonates with Birth Asphyxia and Relationship to Severity of Asphyxia
Authors: Ugowe Osagie Joseph , Ugowe Olaide Oluwatosin , Afeniforo Olufunke Grace , Adejuyigbe Ebunoluwa Aderonke 
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims:
Birth asphyxia is one of the three main causes of neonatal mortality in Nigeria. Hypomagnesaemia has been reported amongst severely asphyxiated babies. Despite this, the prevalence of hypomagnesaemia amongst newborns with birth asphyxia has not been well researched in Nigeria. This study set out to determine the prevalence of hypomagnesaemia in term neonates with birth asphyxia and the relationship (if any) between magnesium levels and the severity of birth asphyxia or encephalopathy.

Methods:
In this cross-sectional analytical study, the serum magnesium levels of consecutive cases of birth asphyxia were compared to that of gestational age-matched healthy term neonates. Babies with Apgar scores <7 in the 5th minute of life were recruited into the study. Blood samples were taken from each baby at birth and 48 h. Serum magnesium was measured using spectrophotometry.

Results:
Hypomagnesaemia was found in 36 (35.3%) babies with birth asphyxia and 14 (13.7%) healthy controls; this difference was statistically significant (χ
2 = 18.098, P = 0.001), with an odds ratio of 3.4 (95% confidence interval = 1.7, 6.9). The median (interquartile range) levels of serum magnesium in babies with mild, moderate and severe asphyxia were 0.7 mmol/L (0.5–1.1), 0.7 mmol/L (0.4–0.9) and 0.7 mmol/L (0.5–1.0), respectively (P = 0.316), while those of babies with mild (stage 1), moderate (stage 2) and severe (stage 3) encephalopathy were 1.2 mmol/L (1.0–1.3), 0.7 mmol/L (0.5–0.8) and 0.8 mmol/L (0.6–1.0), respectively (P = 0.789).

Conclusion:
This study has shown that hypomagnesaemia was more common in babies with birth asphyxia and there was no relationship between magnesium levels and the severity of asphyxia or encephalopathy.
‘Prospective Audit with Intervention and Feedback’ as a Core Antimicrobial Stewardship Strategy in the Paediatrics Department of a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Ola-Bello Olafoyekemi Ibiwunmi , Akintan Patricia Eyanya , Osuagwu Chioma Stella , Oshun Philip Olayiwola , Fajolu Iretiola Bamikeolu , Nwaiwu Obiyo , Olusanya Adedunni , Busari Abdulwasiu Adeniyi , Roberts Alero Ann , Temiye Edamisan Olusoji , Omotayo Oluwafisayo , Oduyebo Oyinlola Omoniyi 
Published: April 2023

Introduction:
Inappropriate use of antibiotics for childhood illnesses, especially for non-bacterial infections, contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Globally, implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) in all healthcare institutions is a strategic intervention to improve the appropriate use of antibiotics, reduce antimicrobial consumption and tackle AMR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prospective audit with intervention and feedback as an antimicrobial stewardship strategy on antimicrobial use, evaluate prescribers’ response to recommendations and determine the rate of AMR in the Paediatrics Department of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:
This was an implementation study of the paediatrics Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme (ASP) over a period of 6 months. It was initiated with a point prevalence survey (PPS) to describe the antimicrobial prescribing patterns and followed by prospective audit with interventions and feedback using an antimicrobial checklist and the existing antimicrobial guidelines in the Paediatrics Department.

Results:
The antibiotic prescribing prevalence was high (79.9%) at baseline PPS with 139 patients on admission, of which 111 (79.9%) were treated with 202 antibiotic therapies. Over the 6 months of study, 582 patients on 1146 antimicrobial therapies were audited. Compliance with departmental guidelines was 58.1% of the total 1146 prescriptions audited (n = 666), making the antimicrobial prescription inappropriate in 41.9% (n = 480) of therapies. The most recommended intervention for inappropriateness was ‘change antibiotics’ 48.8% (n = 234), followed by ‘stop antibiotics’ 26% (n = 125), ‘reduce the number of antibiotics’ 19.6% (n = 194) and ‘de-escalate’ 2.4% (n = 11). Agreement with ASP interventions occurred in 193 (40.2%) cases, and the least agreed intervention was ‘stop antibiotics’ (n = 40, 32%). However, there was a steady increase in compliance rates with ASP interventions over the 6 months of period study, which was statically significant (χ2: 30.005; P = 0.001).

Conclusion:
ASP prospective audit with intervention and feedback was of significant benefit in improving compliance with antimicrobial guidelines, thereby improving antimicrobial therapy in the Paediatrics Department of LUTH, Nigeria.
Clinical and Microbiological Profile of Otomycosis in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Asoegwu Chinyere Nkiruka , Oladele Rita Okeoghene , Kanu Okezie Obasi , Peters Rebecca Folake , Nwawolo Clement Chukwuemeka 
Published: April 2023

Introduction:
Otomycosis is a global disease, common in the world’s tropical and subtropical regions. The diagnosis is clinical, but mycological examination is required for its confirmation. There is a paucity of published data on otomycosis particularly the aetiologic agents in Nigeria. This study aims to fill in this gap by assessing the clinical presentations, risk factors and aetiologic agents of otomycosis in our setting.

Methods:
This was a prospective study of 126 clinically diagnosed patients and 30 controls. Mycological analysis of debris and swab samples from their external auditory canal was carried out.

Results:
One hundred and twenty-six patients were recruited, with 162 ear samples collected. There was mycological confirmation of otomycosis in 100 (79.4%) patients (subjects) and 127 (78.4%) specimens. The subjects’ age range was 1–80 years, 30.89 ± 21.15 mean age, and 29-year median age. The peak prevalent age of 1–10 years was statistically significant, P = 0.022. The common symptoms in the subjects were itching 86 (86%), ear blockage 84 (84%) and otalgia 73 (73%). Regular ear cleaning 67 (67.0%) was the most common risk factor. Noted aetiologic agents were Aspergillus
species 81 (63.8%), Candida
species 42 (33.1%) and Yeast 4 (3.1%). Aspergillus
flavus (40/127; 31.5%) was the most common fungus isolated. Unilateral otomycosis 73 (73%) was more common than bilateral otomycosis 27 (27%).

Conclusion:
Otomycosis is common in all ages, and is a commonly unilateral disease. Regular ear cleaning is the most common risk factor. A. flavus was the most common aetiologic agent in this study.
Knowledge of senior secondary school students in Nigeria about Head and Neck Cancer: Implications on prevention strategies
Authors: Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem , Fagbule Omotayo Francis , Ogbeide Mike Eghosa , Ogunniyi Kayode Emmanuel , Isola Taiwo Oyebamiji , Samuel Victor Okpe , Aliemeke Emmanuel Onyemaechi , Adewuyi Habeeb Omoponle 
Published: April 2023

Background
The high prevalence of the risk factors of head and neck cancer (HNC) amongst senior secondary (high) school students in Nigeria is an issue of serious public health concern. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge of HNC among them.
Methods
This cross-sectional study surveyed 2,530 senior secondary school students in Nigeria, assessed their knowledge of HNC, using a self-administered questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using the SPSS version 25 software.
Results
The mean (±SD) age of the respondents was 16.34 (±2.0) years. More than half (1418; 56.6%) of them were males, 530 (20.9%) were schooling in the north-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria, 1,860 (73.5%) were in public schools, 554 (21.9%) were boarding students, and 817 (33.5%) were in Senior Secondary (SS) 3 class. Only 789 (31.2%) respondents were aware of HNC, out of which: 69.2% of them had below-average scores in their overall assessment on HNC; 256 (32.4%) had ever received education on HNC and 81.2% indicated a positive interest in knowing more about HNC. The factors predicting above-average score on knowledge about HNC among the respondents were: being in SS3 class (OR=1.73; 95% CI=1.17 – 2.56), having been educated about HNC (OR=1.69; 95%CI=1.21 – 2.35) and having the interest to know more about HNC (OR=1.88; 95%CI=1.21 – 2.92). Bivariate analysis showed that these factors had statistically significant association (or relationship) with above-average score on knowledge about HNC (pvalues<0.05).
Conclusion
Majority of the surveyed students were willing to know more about HNC. The use of a properly planned massive school-based HNC education programs may go a long way in educating this population group on HNC.
Formol Gel detection of Leishmanial Antibodies: A Pilot Study for the prevalence of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Ekemkpon Community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Akpan S.S. , Mbah M. 
Published: April 2023

Visceral leishmaniasis is a form of parasitic infection transmitted to human beings by the bites of female sandflies of the genus Phlebotomus in African countries, including Nigeria. This study was carried out in Ekemkpon community of Cross River State in Southern Nigeria, as a survey for the presence of leishmanial antibodies in the area. Four millilitres of blood specimens were collected, by venepuncture, from 178 consenting residents of the study community. One millilitre of cellfree serum from each blood specimen was placed in a plain test tube, to which 2 drops of concentrated formalin (40%) were added. The preparation was allowed to stand on the bench for 20 minutes. A positive Formol Gel test was indicated by the whitening and gelling of the serum like the white of an egg within 5 minutes, Chi-Square technique was used for testing the statistical significance of all parameters during analysis. Atotal of 178 residents, comprising 95 males and 83 females, were enlisted in the study after obtaining their oral consent. Positive formol gel results were detected in 24 subjects. This finding gave an overall prevalence of 13.5% (24:178) for visceral leishmaniasis in the study area. Among the residents of the study area, there were no skin manifestations suggestive of cutaneous forms of leishmaniasis. Among those who were positive for the formol gel test, there were no overt signs of classical illness. Therefore, visceral leishmaniasis exists as an asymptomatic infection in this community. It is recommended that more sensitive tests, especially molecular techniques, be carried out for a definitive diagnosis to establish the presence or absence of visceral leishmaniasis in this community.
Isolation of the active ingredients of antimalarial activity of the stem bark of Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Dry zone cedar)
Authors: Dawet A. , Yakubu D.P. , Omagha R. , Gushit J.S. 
Published: April 2023

Natural products, either as pure compounds or as standardized extracts provide unlimited opportunities for new drug discoveries because of the unmatched availability of chemical diversity. This study was carried out to isolate the active ingredients and determine the antimalarial activity of fractions of Pseudocedrela kotschyi stem bark following a scientific report of the antimalarial activity of crude extract of the plant material. Atotal of seven different fractions were obtained from 12g of the ethyl acetate crude extract using the flash chromatography method. GC-MS analysis of each of the seven ethyl acetate fractions was done and the identification of components present was based on a direct a comparison of the similarity index, retention times and mass spectral data with those for standard compounds. The compound prediction is based on NIST 05 Spectral library search programme. LD50 of 5 out of 7 fractions obtained was carried out using 45 mice of both sexes weighing 17-34g. The antimalarial (suppressive and curative) properties were evaluated in 40 mice in 3 different groups using NK 65 Plasmodium berghei berghei for each fraction. The plant treatments were compared against chloroquine and dimethyl sulfoxide. Results of GC-MS analysis of the seven ethyl acetate fractions of the plant extract showed the presence of forty-four different compounds, of which 3, 5-di-tert-butylphenol have been previously reported to have antimalarial properties. Acute toxicity (LD50 ) of fractions F1-4, F8, F9, F10-11, and F12-19 were 450mg/kg, 200mg/kg, 450mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 450mg/kg respectively. All 7 fractions exhibited antimalarial activity. Remarkably, fractions F8 and F6-7 showed significant antimalarial activities for both suppressive and curative tests. These findings may benefit the antimalarial drug search in the current public health concerns of malaria disease.
MC4R gene polymorphisms for classification of growth efficiency and carcass measurements in two rabbit breeds in Egypt
Authors: Radwan Hend A. , Ateya Ahmed I. , Elfad Eman A. Abo , Sak Shimaa A. , Fouda Mohamed M. , Darwish Ragab A. , El-Desoky Adel E. 
Published: April 2023

Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), a protein derived from the MC4R gene, is involved in feed intake, metabolism control, and body weight regulation in humans. The purpose of this research was to explore MC4R polymorphisms alongside metabolic marker changes and their relationship with growth and carcass measurements in rabbits. Using synthetic line V (V-line) and Baladi Black rabbit breeds (60 rabbits per breed), blood samples were collected for DNA extraction and biochemical analysis. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product of MC4R (493 bp) revealed five nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; submitted to GenBank with accession numbers gb|MT832144|, gb|MT832145|, and gb|MT832146|). Four SNPs were characteristic of the V-line breed, and one was characteristic of the Baladi Black. For classification of the defined SNP-dependent groups within and between breeds, a discriminant analysis model correctly classified a percentage of cases with the following predictor variables: 90.8% for body weight at 5–14 weeks of age; 85% for feed consumption, daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio; and 93.3% for carcass measurements (for which hind part weight, liver weight, and liver percentage were the best predictors in both breeds). There were significant differences between and within V-line and Baladi Black breeds in agreement with metabolic biochemical marker profiles and the defined SNPs. The identified SNPs in the MC4R gene and profile of the investigated metabolic biomarkers could be used as candidates and reference for the effective characterization of the two rabbit breeds. This study could therefore facilitate the introduction of markerassisted selection for growth performance characteristics in rabbits.
Effects of different additions to Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) on silage quality
Authors: Gürsoy E. , Adem K. , Sezmiş G. , Ali K. 
Published: April 2023

This research was carried out to determine the effects of different additions (urea and molasses) used with Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) silage on fermentation, in vitro gas production, microbiological properties, in vitro digestibility parameters, and relative fodder quality (RFQ) in silages made under laboratory conditions. The Italian grass (Lolium multiflorum L.) used in the study was chopped to an approximate size of 2–3.0 cm. Amounts of 0, 2, and 4% molasses and 0, 0.5, and 1% urea were added to the fresh material as a percentage of dry matter. Because of the urea, crude protein (CP) of Italian ryegrass silage increased, but the content of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) decreased. While the addition of urea decreased the acetic acid and butyric acid concentrations of the silage, it increased the pH, lactic acid, and ammonia (NH3) content. Molasses addition increased in vitro gas production and organic matter digestibility (OMD); urea increased metabolic energy (ME) and the net energy lactation (NEL) values of silages. Urea and molasses both increased in vitro digestibility parameters, microbial protein production and synthesis, and relative fodder quality of the silage. As a result of the research, it was determined that urea and molasses could be used at contents of 1.5% and 4%, respectively, in Italian ryegrass silage.
Crambe cake protein as a replacement for soybean meal protein: Intake, digestibility, and ruminal parameters in lamb diets
Authors: Poveda-Parra A.R. , Pereira E. S. , Prado-Calixto O. P. , Guerra G. L. , Pires K. A. , Lopes M.R. , Rodrigues E. R. , Cavalheiro Junior E. R. , Do Carmo J.P.M. , Mizubuti I.Y. 
Published: April 2023

The objective was to evaluate different levels of crambe cake protein (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 g/kg of DM) to replace soybean meal protein on the intake, apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC), blood glucose, ruminal fermentation, and protozoal population in lambs. Two experiments were performed. In experiment one, 40 crossbred male lambs weighing 20 ± 3.45 kg were used, distributed in a completely randomized design, to study intake and ruminal parameters. In experiment two, 25 crossbred male lambs weighing 23.44 ± 1.04 kg were used to study digestibility. The intake of dry matter and total carbohydrate (TC) (kg/lambs/day and g/kg0.75), crude protein (kg/lambs/day) and final body weight decreased with increase of crambe cake protein as a replacement for soybean meal protein, while e t h e r e x t r a c t ( EE) intake (kg/lambs/day and g/kg0.75) increased. The ADC of EE presented a positive linear effect and the ADC of TC and non-fibrous carbohydrates presented a negative linear effect. There was no interaction within treatments and collection period (0, 3, 6 and 9 h) on ruminal fluid characteristics. Blood glucose presented a quadratic effect for levels of crambe cake protein in diets (max. P = 35.18%), and linear increase for collection period. Ruminal pH showed a quadratic effect for sampling hours (max. P = 5.43 h). For protozoa evaluation, the total amount, Entodinium, and Eudiplodium presented linear decreasing effects with treatment, while Isotricha, Eudiplodium, Ostracodinium and the total amount of protozoa had a linear decrease with sampling hours. Soybean meal protein can be replaced by crambe cake protein at up to 250 g/kg DM.
Impact of Unilateral Coercive Measures on Implementation of the 2030 Agenda in the Republic of Belarus
Authors: Leshenyuk O. N. 
Published: April 2023

The aim of this research is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of unilateral coercive measures on sustainable development processes in the Republic of Belarus, as well as their influence on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Belarus and the Union State. Divided into three sections, the article begins by examining how Belarus has adapted its legal framework and state policy to conform to the 2030 Agenda. However, the use of unilateral coercive measures by the collective West to pressure and incentivize “appropriate” behavior, in contradiction of the decisions of the UN Security Council, diverts the country’s resources toward safeguarding its sovereignty and non-intervention in the aff airs of other states. The second section delves into the role of integration associations and the Union State in overcoming coercive restrictive measures. Finally, the third section sheds light on the impact of such measures on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Specifi cally, the sectoral sanctions imposed by the US and EU on Belarus in 2021 hinder the development of a common agricultural policy, as well as gas, oil, and petroleum markets of the Union State, while simultaneously creating a fi nancial rift between Belarus and Russia. This underscores the negative eff ects of these measures in the short term.
Survei Minat dan Motivasi Peserta Didik Dalam Mengikuti Kegiatan Ekstrakurikuler Pencak Silat
Authors: Lulu Amellia Musyaffa  , Yulia Eka Putri  , Ruslan Abdul Gani  , Irfan Zinat Achmad  , Rizki Aminudin  , Ardawi Sumarno  , Astri Ayu Irawan  
Published: April 2023

Tujuan dari penelitian yang dilakukan adalah untuk mengetahui besarnya minat dan motivasi siswa pada kegiatan ekstrakulikuler pencak silat di SMPN 1 TelukJambe Timur. Populasi yang digunakan pada penelitian terdiri dari 30 peserta ekstrakulikuler pencak silat di SMPN 1 TelukJambe Timur. Semua data yang didapatkan melalui teknik observasi, angket dan wawancara. Data yang didapatkan menggunakan analisis deskriptif kuantitatif dengan kategori persentase. Hasil analisis memperoleh bahwa minat siswa terhadap kegiatan ekstrakulikuler sebesar 88% dan motivasi siswa sebesar 85,5%. Kesimpulannya minat dan motivasi siswa untuk mengikuti kegiatan ekstrakulikuler pencak silat di SMPN 1 TelukJambe Timur kategori baik.
Bioaccumulation and Elimination of Ivermectin by Eisenia foetida (Savigny 1826) Earthworms
Authors: Iglesias Lucía , Saumell Carlos , Junco Milagros , Sallovitz Juan , Lifschitz Adrián 
Published: April 2023

Purpose: Bovine and equine faeces are commonly used to produce vermicompost of Eisenia foetida earthworms as a soil fertility enhancer. In animal health, ivermectin (IVM) is frequently used for parasite control. However, IVM is eliminated mainly by faeces, which raises environmental concerns. Little is known about the transfer of IVM by the earthworms´ activity. In this work the accumulation of IVM in E. foetida worms cultured in vermicompost containing IVM and the ability of the worms to release IVM to a drug-free substrate were evaluated.
Methodology: The acute toxicity test (72 h) of IVM and two bioassays, accumulation (A) and elimination (B), with E. foetida earthworms were performed in the current work. In A, the vermicompost produced was a mixture of equine and bovine faeces, the latter added with IVM 3,000 ng/g. Worms and substrates were sampled between 1 and 28 days post treatment (dpt). In B, worms obtained at 28 dpt in A were transferred to a substrate without IVM and sampled between 1 and 14 days later. Samples of worms and substrates were analysed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Findings: There was no worm mortality in the toxicity test. In assay A, E. foetida worms bio-accumulated up to 26.8% of the IVM present in the substrate. When worms from assay A, were moved to IVM-free substrate, they released 84% of the bio-accumulated IVM during the first day.
Recommendations: This study highlights that IVM bio- accumulated by earthworms and releasing in residue-free substrates represents a contamination risk, especially in farms that are minimising the use of chemical compounds.
A desire for a loud car with a modified muffler is predicted by being a man and higher scores on psychopathy and sadism
Authors: Schermer Julie 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundAlthough people are familiar with loud automobiles, equipped with modified mufflers to increase the volume, it is unclear who is most attracted to these vehicles.Participants and procedureA sample of 529 (52% men) undergraduate business students were surveyed and were asked if they viewed their car as an extension of themselves, how much they thought loud cars were “cool”, and if they would make their car louder with muf-fler modifications. Cronbach’s α of the three car items was .76; therefore an aggregate was generated. Also a self-report measure of the dark tetrad was completed.ResultsUsing linear regression, the car aggregate was predicted by being a man and having higher scores on psychopathy and sad-ism, with the model accounting for approximately 29% of the variance.ConclusionsAs car modifications are illegal in some countries, these findings may be of interest to those heading campaigns to halt these activities.