bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of artificial intelligence in the characterization of colorectal lesions
Authors: Dos Santos Carlos E. O. , Malaman Daniele , Arciniegas Sanmartin Ivan D. , Leão Ari B. S. , Leão Gabriel S. , Pereira-Lima Júlio C. 
Published: May 2023

Background:
Image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) has been used in the differentiation between neoplastic and non-neoplastic colorectal lesions through microvasculature analysis. This study aimed to evaluate the computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) mode of the CAD EYE system for the optical diagnosis of colorectal lesions and compare it with the performance of an expert, in addition to evaluating the computer-aided detection (CADe) mode in terms of polyp detection rate (PDR) and adenoma detection rate (ADR).

Methods:
A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the performance of CAD EYE using blue light imaging (BLI), dichotomizing lesions into hyperplastic and neoplastic, and of an expert based on the Japan Narrow-Band Imaging Expert Team (JNET) classification for the characterization of lesions. After white light imaging (WLI) diagnosis, magnification was used on all lesions, which were removed and examined histologically. Diagnostic criteria were evaluated, and PDR and ADR were calculated.

Results:
A total of 110 lesions (80 (72.7%) dysplastic lesions and 30 (27.3%) nondysplastic lesions) were evaluated in 52 patients, with a mean lesion size of 4.3 mm. Artificial intelligence (AI) analysis showed 81.8% accuracy, 76.3% sensitivity, 96.7% specificity, 98.5% positive predictive value (PPV), and 60.4% negative predictive value (NPV). The kappa value was 0.61, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.87. Expert analysis showed 93.6% accuracy, 92.5% sensitivity, 96.7% specificity, 98.7% PPV, and 82.9% NPV. The kappa value was 0.85, and the AUC was 0.95. Overall, PDR was 67.6% and ADR was 45.9%.

Conclusions:
The CADx mode showed good accuracy in characterizing colorectal lesions, but the expert assessment was superior in almost all diagnostic criteria. PDR and ADR were high.
Comparison of changes in number of hyperreflective dots after intravitreal ranibizumab or dexamethasone implant in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Karalezli Aylin , Kaderli Sema Tamer , Kaderli Ahmet , Kaya Cansu , Sul Sabahattin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

PURPOSE:
To compare the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) or intravitreal dexamethasone implants (IVD) on the regression of hyperreflective dots (HRDs) in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Thirty-seven eyes with cystoid macular edema who received IVR or IVD and followed up for at least 12 months were included in this study. The patients were divided into three Groups according to intravitreal treatments. Group 1 consisted of 12 eyes who received only IVD, Group 2 consisted of 10 eyes who received only IVR, and Group 3 consisted of 15 eyes who received both IVD and IVR. The number of HRDs and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared between the Groups through the follow-up time.

RESULTS:
The mean number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers was significantly decreased in Group 1 and Group 3 (For Group 1; P < 0.001, P = 0.001, for Group 3; P < 0.001, P < 0.001). At the 1st year, the number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers was significantly lower in Group 1 and Group 3 than Group 2 (All P < 0.05). The BCVA was higher in Group 3 than Group 2 at 1st year (P = 0.048).

CONCLUSION:
The HRDs should be considered inflammatory markers in the follow-up of CME in BRVO.
Magnetic coffee residue biosorbent for selective extraction of zinc oxide nanoparticles in water samples
Authors: Abdurahman Yasmin , Bekana Deribachew , Temesgen Ayalew , Bussa Negussie , Aschale Minbale , Teju Endale , Amde Meseret 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT. Quantification of engineered nanomaterials in the environment has attracted researchers’ interest recently because of their increased release to the environment. In this study, a recyclable and easily accessible magnetized coffee residue (MCR) is proposed for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) from water samples. The MCR was synthesized using a simple one-step chemical co-precipitation method from coffee residue and was characterized by state-of-the-art techniques. Various parameters affecting the MSPE efficiency of ZnO-NPs were optimized and 8.5 pH, 75 mg adsorbent, 120 min extraction time, 10 mL sample volume, 4 mL of 0.001 M HCl as an eluting solvent, and 30 min elution time were identified as the optimum conditions. Under these conditions, the method showed excellent linearity (R2 = 0.995) and good sensitivity (detection limit, 0.12 mg L-1, and quantification limit, 0.4 mg L-1). Intra and inter-day percent standard deviations were 1.4 and 2.2%, respectively, for the analysis of 6 mg L-1 ZnO-NPs. The practical applicability of the method for the extraction of ZnO-NPs in environmental samples was evaluated, and recovery values in the range of 93.0–98.2% were obtained, confirming its successful performance. Generally, the technique is easy, economical, and eco-friendly that can be considered for the extraction of metal oxide nanoparticles.

KEY WORDS: Zinc oxide nanoparticles, Magnetic coffee residue, Magnetic solid-phase extraction, Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, Environmental waters

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 859-873.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.5
Effects Of Lime And Poultry Manure On Soil Properties And Cucumber (Cucumis Sativum L) Performance In The Humid Tropics Of Southern Nigeria
Authors: F Akpan Joyce , C Umunnakwe Okechukwu , I Omadewu Lawrence 
Published: May 2023

Purpose: To investigate the effect of lime and organic fertilizer on soil properties and the performance of cucumber in Calabar.
Method: Factorial combination of three levels of lime (0, 4 and 8 t/ha) and three levels of poultry manure (0, 3 and 6 t/ha), laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on crop growth and yield indices, and soil properties (physical, chemical and biological) each year, then combined and analyzed. Fisher’s least significant difference (FLSD) at 5 % probability was used to compare the means.
Results: There was increase in soil pH, total nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium as well as the population of beneficial soil microorganisms. Lime, poultry manure (PM) and their interactions significantly (p <.0. 05) influenced the vegetative growth and fruit yield of cucumber. Cucumber treated with 8 t/ha lime had the highest vegetative growth and fruit yield (22.64 t/ha) values. Cucumber treated with 6 t/ha PM had superior growth and fruit yield (17.89 t/ha) than the control (14.27 t/ha). The interaction of 8 t/ha lime and 6 t/ha PM produced the highest values of vegetative growth and fruit yield of 25.66 t/ha and is therefore recommended for effective soil enhancement and optimum cucumber production in Calabar.
Comparative efficacy of some botanical insecticides in the control of eggplant fruit and shoot borer (leucinodes orbonalis guenee)
Authors: Aniekan Owen Enameti , Augustine Akpan Edna , Asukwo Udo Idorenyin 
Published: May 2023

An Experiment was conducted from December, 2021 to April, 2022 in an open field of the Teaching and Research Farm of Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campused to evaluate the efficacy of botanical insecticides in the control of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) fruit and shoot borer (EFSB) Leucinodes orbonalis Guenne), Four week-old eggplant seedlings (ARJANI FI) were transplanted to bags filled with 30kg top soil, each. There were nine insecticide treatments (T0 = Control (No insecticide), T1 = Scent leaf extract (SLE 10% w/v), T2 = Pawpaw leaf extract (PLE 10% w/v), T3 = Neem leaf extract (NLE 5% w/v), T4 = Neem oil (N.O 3% v/v), T5 = Neem oil (N.O 5% v/v), T6 = Garlic bulb extract (GBE 3% v/v), T7 = Emamectin Benzoate (EB 1.33g/L) and T8 = Neemsol (0.2% v/v). Plants were sprayed three times: four weeks after transplanting (4WAT), 6WAT and 8WAT. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and means compared at 5% probability level using Student-Newman-Keuls Test. The results obtained showed that the insecticide treated plants significantly (P< 0.05) had lower percentage of fruit and shoot infestation by EFSB relative to the untreated plants. The unsprayed plant significantly (P< 0.05) had the highest percentage of Fruit infestation by both number and weight basis. Fruits from the untreated plants had significantly (P< 0.05) more number of bored holes and larvae than the insecticide treated plants. Among the insecticide treatments, EB and N.O 5% had plants with significantly lower shoot infestation (10.42 and 12.50%), fruit infestation by weight (17.07 and 25.60%), number of larvae/fruit (0.33 and 1.00), respectively. The botanicals tested in this work could be incorporated into integrated pest management programme of eggplant fruit and shoot borer. Therefore, Emamectin Benzoate was observed to be the best and hence recommended treatment based on parameters measured.
Hybrid learning environments for professional development in teacher education: university of calabar, nigeria as a case study
Authors: Abigail Edem Okon 
Published: May 2023

The influence of hybrid learning environments on professional development in teacher education was the focus of this paper. It also examined how professionalism in teaching relates with reflective teaching. In this paper, hybrid learning environments was defined as educational model that utilizes the benefits of both on-line and on-campus learning. All the lecturers (742) and students (2,046) of the three Faculties of Education, University of Calabar constituted the population of the study (2,788) from where a sample size of 500 (140 lecturers and 360 students) was selected. Multiple sampling methods were adopted in selecting the sample, including stratified, simple random and purposive sampling methods. A 15-item researcher made questionnaire was used to elicit data from respondents. It was a survey research study and descriptive statistics (frequency counts, weighted means, standard deviation and percentages were adopted for data analysis. A mean score of 2.00 formed the significant/acceptance level. It was found that hybrid learning environments are models of professional development in teacher education especially in the post COVID-19 pandemic. It also found that professionalism in teaching relates positively with reflective teaching. It was recommended that more learning and teaching opportunities should be created by universities and colleges for flexibility in instructional options and that continual deepening of knowledge and skills should be encouraged.
Enhancement of oxidative stress, oxidative dna damage and lowered pefr in gasoline station attendants in calabar metropolis
Authors: R E Eworo , C A Nsonwu Anyanwu , C A Usoro , C Thomas , U A Fabian , D D Johnson , C A O Usoro 
Published: May 2023

Exposure to gasoline fumes through inhalation or accidental ingestion has been associated with chronic inflammatory reactions leading to oxidative stress, oxidative DNA damage and increased risk of chronic lung conditions and cancer. This study assessed the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and biomarkers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total plasma peroxides (TPP), oxidative stress index (OSI)), oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)), 1-hydroxypyrene and urine creatinine in Gasoline Station Attendants. A total of 100 consenting adults, aged 18-60 years, comprising 50 gasoline station attendants and 50 non-gasoline station attendants (controls) were enrolled into this comparative cross-sectional study. The PEFR was determined using the peak flow meter, TAC, TPP and creatinine by colorimetry, 8-OHdG by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HOP) by high performance liquid chromatography and OSI by calculation. Data was analysed using unpaired Student t-test and Pearson's correlation analysis at p<0.05.
The body mass index, TPP, OSI and 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher and TAC and PEFR lower in gasoline pump attendants compared to the control groups (p<0.05). Positive correlations were observed between TPP and years at work (r=0.638, p=0.000), between TPP and OSI (r=0.282, p=0.047) and negative correlation between TAC and OSI (r=-0.555, p=0.000) only in gasoline station attendants. Exposure to gasoline is associated with increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage, reduced lung function and depletion of antioxidants which may result in oxidative stress and increased risk for the development of chronic lung conditions in gasoline station attendants.
Does intervention in African indigenous vegetables value chain improve production and welfare outcomes? Evidence from western Kenya
Authors: Odendo Martins , Ndinya Christine , Onyango Eunice , Wanyama Japheter , Akollo Samuel , Makete Noel , Kweyu Suleiman 
Published: May 2023

African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) are increasingly recognized as essential for sustainable dietary diversification in the predominantly cereal-based staple diets. The AIVs also provide employment opportunities and generate income for the rural populations. Many initiatives by researchers and development agencies have promoted the AIVs value chains in Kenya. However, little evidence exists on impact of the initiatives on farm households. Several studies have examined impact of agricultural interventions based on observational data. The findings from such studies are likely to be influenced by unobserved attributes, resulting in a biased estimation of causal relationships between interventions and impacts. We conducted a clusterrandomized controlled trial to estimate the unbiased impacts of a multifaceted intervention that focused on production, consumption nutrition behavior change communication, and linking farmers to markets in selected AIV value chains (cowpea, spider plant, amaranth, nightshade, and slender leaf) in western Kenya. Using two waves of household panel data (2018 and 2021), we evaluated the impacts of the intervention on land area allocation to AIVs, total leaf production, AIVs income, and household dietary diversity Score (HDDS). The empirical estimation using descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance revealed that households that were exposed to the intervention significantly increased land area under AIVs by 38% (p < 0.01) and total leaf production by 46% (p < 0.05). At end line, the spider plant had the highest percentage increase (60%) in land area compared to the control group. However, there is no evidence of whether or not the intervention had an impact on AIVs income and HDDS. The study concludes that the hypothesis that the intervention was to have significant impact on AIV production, nutrition security and income had mixed results. We recommend that similar interventions include components to integrate the capacity of households to adapt to risks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Further cost-benefit analysis is required for informed resource allocation. Designing and implementing policies that promote household access to input and output markets are likely to improve the performance of the AIV value chains and contribute to income and nutrition.
Effect of overexpression of Rac1 on radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma xenografts in nude mice, and the underlying mechanism
Authors: Liao Kai , Zheng Ronghui , Feng Jianhui , Liu Hui , Xie Guofeng 
Published: May 2023

Purpose: To study the effect of overexpression of Rac1 on the radiosensitivity of transplanted nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in nude mice, and the mechanism involved.
Methods: Forty Lucky SPF-grade male thymus-free nude mice were used. Mice were divided into 4 groups: overexpression control, overexpression Rac1, Rac1 inhibition, and inhibition control groups, each with 10 mice. The prepared cell lines were treated with 6 MV x-ray. Before and after radiation, the growth of tumors in each group was monitored. Histomorphological images of nude mice tumors were obtained using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains. Protein expressions of p67, P47, and Rac1 were evaluated bu Western blotting.
Results: Transplanted tumor growth slowed down after 20 days. Growth rate was significantly higher in Rac1 and Rac1 overexpression groups than in overexpression and inhibition control groups (p < 0.05). Overexpression of Rac1 resulted in more cell necrosis, incomplete cellular structure, severe nuclear fragmentation, nuclear pyknosis, and cytotoxic red staining in endoscopic tumor tissues (p < 0.05). There were significantly lower expression levels of p67, P47, and Rac1 in Rac1 invasion group than in invasion control and overexpression control groups, while the expression levels of p67 and P47 were significantly higher in overexpression Rac1 group and IR overexpression Rac1 group than in inhibition control (p < 0.05). However, concentrations of p67 and P47 were significantly higher in overexpression Rac1 and IR overexpression Rac1 groups than in inhibition control mice.
Conclusion: Rac1 increases the radiosensitivity of NPC xenografts in nude mice via a mechanism related to the regulation of expressions of proteins associated with Rac1/NADPH signaling pathway. Thus, Rac1 is potentially a new target for radio-sensitization of NPC.
Significance of the determination of DNA load of drug-resistant mycoplasma pneumoniae and 23sRNA gene mutation locus in children
Authors: Zhu Meijun , Song Lei , Ji Juhua , Zhao Jinhua , Hong Fei , Yan Yongdong 
Published: May 2023

Purpose: To determine the significance of the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP)-DNA load and 23sRNA gene mutation locus in children with drug-resistant MP pneumonia.
Methods: A total of 158 children with MP pneumonia received drug sensitivity tests. The patients were divided into resistance group and non-resistance group. The MP-DNA load index (MPLI) and mutation rate of 23sRNA gene at 2063 locus were assessed and compared between the two groups: the MPLI-negative group and the MPLI-positive group, based on whether MPLI was greater than 6.12. The association of MPLI of all the patients and the 23sRNA gene mutation at 2063 locus in the resistance group, as well as clinical indicators were analyzed.
Results: The MPLI of the resistance group was lower than that of the non-resistance group. In the MPLI-positive group, the duration of disease, defervescence time, disappearance time of cough and expectoration, disappearance time of chest opacity, and length of stay were all longer than those of the MPLI-negative group, while the proportion of cases with extrapulmonary complications and the white blood cell (WBC) count were higher than those of the MPLI-negative group. The mutation rate of 23sRNA gene at 2063 locus in the resistance group was higher than that in non-resistance group (p < 0.05). The defervescence time, disappearance time of cough and expectoration, disappearance time of chest opacity and length of stay were longer in the mutation-positive group than those in the mutation-negative group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The mutation rate of 23sRNA gene at 2063 locus is higher in children with drug-resistant MP pneumonia. Furthermore, low MPLI and 23sRNA gene mutations at 2063 locus are associated with the duration of disease, disappearance time of clinical symptoms and other clinical indicators.
Effect of treatment with benzathine penicillin combined with ceftriaxone in elderly patients with latent syphilis
Authors: Yuan Chunrong , Ding Zonghuang , Qin Ping 
Published: May 2023

Purpose: To investigate the effect of the combination of benzathine penicillin and ceftriaxone in the treatment of latent syphilis in the elderly.
Methods: A total of 70 elderly patients with latent syphilis treated in the First People’s Hospital of Yichang from March 2020 to March 2021 were enrolled in this study. Control group (CG) comprised thirty-two patients treated with benzathine penicillin, while 38 patients received the combination of benzathine penicillin and ceftriaxone were placed in the study group (SG). Therapeutic efficacy and adverse reactions in both groups were assessed. The difference in toludine red unheated serum test (TRUST) negative conversion rate at different periods of treatment (3, 6, and 12 months) after treatment was observed. Dermatological quality of life index (DLQI), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores were also determined before and after treatment.
Results: Total efficacy in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group after treatment (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the total incidence of adverse reactions between both groups (p > 0.05). The TRUST negative conversion rate at 6 and 12 months in SG was higher than that in CG (p < 0.05), while DLQI, SAS and SDS scores in SG were significantly lower after treatment (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Treatment of elderly patients with latent syphilis with the combination of benzathine penicillin and ceftriaxone effectively controls the disease and improves patients’ negative emotions and quality of life with few adverse drug reactions. Further clinical trials are required prior to application in clinical practice.
Evaluation of low-dose esketamine on sleep quality in elderly patients undergoing painless gastroscopy
Authors: Li Huan , Wu Huizhen , Peng Jian 
Published: May 2023

Purpose: To investigate the effect of low-dose esketamine on sleep quality in elderly patients undergoing painless gastroscopy.
Methods: A total of 84 patients (ASA grade II - III, > 65 years old) who were to undergo painless gastroscopy in Guanggu District, Wuhan Third Hospital from June to July 2021 were enrolled. The diagnosis of sleep disorder was performed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before surgery. Patients with PSQI ≥ 5 were diagnosed with a sleep disorder (group E, n = 42), while those with PSQI < 5 were normal (group C, n = 42). Patients in both groups were given a single intravenous injection of esketamine 0.2 mg/kg 3 min before anesthesia induction, followed by an intravenous loading dose of propofol 1.5 mg/kg. Maintenance of anesthesia was achieved by intravenous pumping with propofol at 4 mg/kg per hour.
Results: Sleep quality of patients in both groups improved after surgery, but the PSQI scores decreased more than that of group E (p < 0.05), especially on the night after surgery. Compared with group C, anesthesia induction time was longer and the number of propofol supplementation was increased in group E (p < 0.05). Groups C and E manifested no significant differences in postoperative satisfaction and occurrence of adverse reactions (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Low-dose esketamine improves the sleep quality of elderly patients with painless gastroscopy without increasing the risk of circulating breathing during surgery. However, multi-center large-scale studies will be required in further investigations in order to validate the findings of this study.