bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction among a clinical sample of type 2 diabetes patients in Ghana
Authors: K Abu Emmanuel , O Ofori Amanfo , B Boadi-Kusi Samuel , Ocansey Stephen , K Yankah Richard , Kyei Samuel , Y Awuku Asante 
Published: May 2022

Objective: To evaluate dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction among type 2 diabetes patients
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Parameters assessed included meibum expressibility and quality, Schirmer test 1, tear breakup time (TBUT), ocular surface staining, blink rates and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores. Dry eye was diagnosed based on a combination of subjective symptoms, tear function and ocular surface staining.
Results: Prevalence of DED and MGD were 72.3% and 55.3% respectively. Symptomatic dry eye (OSDI scores) was significantly associated with duration of diabetes (rs = 0.11, P = 0.028) and the presence of conjunctival disorders (OR = 2.09, P = 0.002). MGD was a risk factor for DED (OR = 1.99, P = 0.008); ocular surface damage, the presence of eye lid lesions, abnormal Schirmer test and reduced TBUT were significantly associated with MGD, the strongest predictor being ocular surface damage (OR = 3.21, P = 0.001). OSDI scores had no association with the presence of corneal lesions possibly due to reduced corneal sensitivity.
Conclusion: DED and MGD were prevalent among the patients and therefore there is the need for dry eye assessment as a routine clinical management protocol for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Keywords: Dry eye disease; meibomian gland dysfunction; type 2 diabetes; Ghana.
Contraceptive acceptability and associated factors among young women (15-24) living with HIV/AIDS: a hospital-based study in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Wani Muzeyi , Nakigudde Janet , Tendo Nansikombi Hildah , Orishaba Philip , Kalibbala Dennis , N Kalyango Joan , M Kiwuwa Steven 
Published: May 2022

Introduction: In Uganda, over 43% of all pregnancies among young women (15-24 years) living with HIV are either unwanted or mistimed. Unintended pregnancies account for 21.3% of neonatal HIV infections. The objective was to determine acceptability of contraceptives and associated factors among young women living with HIV attending HIV clinics inKampala.
Methods: Between February and May 2019, 450 young women attending public HIV clinics (Kisenyi HC IV, Kiswa HC III and Komamboga HC III) in Kampala were systematically enrolled in a cross sectional study and interviewed using structured questionnaires. We used modified Poisson regression to determine the factors associated with acceptability of contraceptive.Data were analyzed using STATA 13.0. Statistical significance was determined at a P values < 0.05.
Results: Contraceptive acceptability was 40.7% (95% CI: 27.6%-53.6%). Older age group (20-24 years) (aPR; 2.42, 95%CI; 1.06-5.52, P = 0.035), age at sex debut ≥ 18 years (aPR;1.25,95%CI; 1.13-1.38, P<0.001), having friend on contraceptives (aPR; 1.90, 95%CI; 1.10 - 3.26; P =0.021) and being married (aPR; 1.20, 95%CI; 1.09 - 1.32, P<0.001) were significantly associated with acceptability of contraceptives.
Conclusion: There is a low acceptability for contraceptives. Younger age group who are not yet married need to be targeted.
Keywords: Contraceptive acceptability; young women; HIV/AIDS; Kampala; Uganda.
CCR5-Δ32 gene variant frequency in the Nigerian and Zimbabwean populations living in North Cyprus
Authors: Chukwuebuka Ndikom Basil , Cerkez Ergoren Mahmut , Sayan Murat , Mocan Gamze , Fahrioğlu Umut 
Published: May 2022

Background: The cystine-cystine chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is the primary HIV co-receptor involved in the viral entry process into human cells. The 32 bp deletion variant within the CCR5 gene (CCR5-Δ32) plays a very important role in viral recognition and progression of AIDS.
Objective: The current study was aimed at evaluating the CCR5-Δ32 gene variation frequency in Nigerian and Zimbabwean populations residing in Northern Cyprus.
Methods: A total number of 211 subjects (103 Nigerians and 108 Zimbabweans) were analyzed. Nigerian population was further analyzed with respect to the three major ethnicities: Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba. Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to determine the CCR5-Δ32 gene variant status.
Results: All studied subjects from both sampling groups were homozygous for the CCR5 wild type gene (CCR5–wt), meaning neither heterozygous nor homozygous genotypes of CCR5-Δ32 gene variant were observed.Conclusion: This study observed the absence of CCR5-Δ32 deletion gene in the Nigeria and Zimbabwean populations living in Northern Cyprus. These populations lack the genetic advantage over HIV infection and may also show a rapid progression towards AIDS. Additionally, these populations could impact the local gene frequency as these two populations interact more and more.
Keywords: CCR5-Δ32; HIV; Nigerian; Zimbabwean; CCR5; North Cyprus.
Cassia fistula nutrition rich flower tea derived biotic nanoparticles synthesis, characterization and their antioxidant and anti-hyperglycaemic properties
Authors: Veeramani Chinnadurai , S El Newehy Ahmed , A Alsaif Mohammed , S Al-Numair Khalid 
Published: May 2022

Background: Cassia fistula (CF) is a nutrient-rich flowering plant and it has been used to cure numerous human health problems including cardiac diseases, bacterial infection, and inflammation.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the production and characterisation of biomimetic iron oxide nanoparticles (ICF) derived from CF flower tea as well as evaluate their antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties.
Methodology: CF tea derived ICF synthesis and characterized by established physical-chemical methods. Moreover, this synthesized ICF were checked for their antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties such as alpha-amylase, glucose intake, total antioxidant (TAA), ferrous reducing (FA), and radical scavenging (DPPH) properties.
Results: The synthesized ICF characterization and size were confirmed primarily by described physical and chemical methods. Our findings revealed that ICF have a powerful antihyperglycemic mechanism by involving alpha-amylase inhibition and enhanced glucose absorption. Meanwhile, this ICF exhibited distinguished antioxidant competence by improving TAA and free radical scavenging (TAA, DPPH) properties. Finally, this ICF has proven anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant mechanisms due to their presence of nano-sized biomolecules.
Conclusion: In this study, it might be concluded that the CF is the best source for iron oxide nanoparticles production with clarity, small size and high solidity. Moreover, this nanoparticle has proven in vitro anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant mechanisms.
Keywords: Nanoparticles; drug delivery; iron III chloride; Cassia fistula; glucose mechanism.
Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Sayih Belay Alemayehu , Shewasinad Yehualashet Sisay , Derseh Abateneh Dejene , Mitiku Kebede Kindie 
Published: May 2022

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the leading causes of liver diseases which occurs worldwide particularly in developing countries. It is often caused by prenatal transmission from mother to child or household transmission from a close contact during early childhood. It causes different complications like; jaundice, induces premature labor, and prematurity.
Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15th, 2016 to February 15th, 2017. Multistage sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Logistic regression analysis was applied and p-values < 0.05 was used to see the significant association between dependent and independent variables.
Results: A total of 330 participants were included in this study yielding 98.8% response rate. The sero-prevalence of hbsag among women of reproductive age was 28(8.5%). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 18.73, 95% CI = [3.65, 96.21) history of unprotected sex (AOR = 9.39, 95% CI = [1.64, 53.77) were found to be significantly associated with sero-prevalence of HBV.
Conclusions: The sero-prevalence of HBV infection among women of reproductive age was highly endemic. Hence, behavioral education and communication programs focusing on reduction of risky sexual behaviors should be designed to reduce HBV infection.
Keywords: Ethiopia; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis B surface antigen; women; reproductive age.
Prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis D virus antibody among asymptomatic carriers of Hepatitis B virus: a community survey
Authors: C Okonkwo Uchenna , C Okpara Henry , Inaku Kenneth , M Aluka Tony , S Chukwudike Evaristus , Ogarekpe Yeonun , J Emin Emin , Hodo Osim , A Otu Akaninyene 
Published: May 2022

Background: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) can cause a chronic infection in the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen and contribute to the burden of chronic liver disease especially in regions where chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic.
Aim: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of HDV among asymptomatic carriers of HBsAg in Cross River State, Nigeria.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among apparently healthy adults resident in Cross River State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demograhic data and risk factors for HBV/HDV infection. Participants blood samples were screened for HBsAg. Samples that were HBsAg positive were further screened for anti-HDVIgM. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.
Results: A total of 90 HBsAg positive samples were assayed. The prevalence of anti-HDV IgM was 5.6% (95% CI 1.1-10.1). The HDV positive subjects were mostly females (80%), reported family size of >5 members (80%), had female circumcision (75%) and took injections from Non-certified health care practitioners (NCHCPs). None of the assessed risk factors were significantly associated with HDV infection (p >0.05).
Conclusion: Hepatitis D virus is moderately prevalent amongst asymptomatic HBsAg carriers in Cross River State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Hepatitis D virus; Hepatitis B virus; community survey.
Parvovirus b19 infection in children with sickle cell disease, watch out for splenomegaly! A case report
Authors: Alonso de la Hoz Julia , Llorente Otones Lucía , Herreros Sáenz Marta , José Rivero Martín María 
Published: May 2022

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy characterized by the presence of hemoglobin S in red blood cells. This polymerizes, distorting the red blood cells, which occlude the microcirculation and have a shorter halflife, giving rise to a chronic hemolytic anemia. This anemia is worsened by parvovirus B19, as it compromises the erythroid precursor, causing a decrease in erythrocyte production. These patients sometimes present with splenic sequestration, characterized by acute blood entrapment in the spleen, with clinical signs of hypovolemic shock. The simultaneous appearance of both leads to an extremely severe situation that requires urgent action.
Objective: To describe the case of a patient with SCD and splenic sequestration, in which the suspicion of concomitant aplastic crisis affected her prognosis.
Clinical case: 3-year-old girl with homozygous SCD, presenting with fever, cough, vomiting and pain in the lower limbs. Upon arrival, hemodynamic instability, mucocutaneous pallor, and splenomegaly were observed. Hemogram on admission showed an acute drop in haemoglobin level with reticulocytopenia. Splenic sequestration was suspected, along with aplastic crisis, so she received a blood transfusion, subsequently showing progressive improvement. Human parvovirus B19-specific IgM and IgG antibodies were detected in the serum.
Conclusion: Patients with SCD and parvovirus B19 infection must be closely observed for splenomegaly since an early identification of an enlarging spleen can lead to an early diagnosis of this complication.
Keywords: Sickle cell disease; child; human parvovirus b19; splenomegaly; aplastic anemia; splenic sequestration.
The expression analysis of IL-6, IL-18, IL-21, IL-23, and TGF-β mRNA in the nasal mucosa of patients with Allergic rhinitis
Authors: Mirzaei Yousef , Savari Zohreh , Yazdani-Nafchi Farshad , Salehi-Vanani Najmeh , Fallahi Elnaz , Pirayesh Ashkan , Zahmati Mohammadali , Anjomshoa Maryam , Bageri Nader , Sabzevary-Ghahfarokhi Milad , Shirzad Hedayatollah , Ali Zamani Mohamad 
Published: May 2022

Background: The profile of inflammatory and suppressing cytokines is important to contribute to the disruption of TH1/TH2 balance in Allergic rhinitis (AR).
Objective: This study aimed to assess the expression levels of IL-6, IL-18, IL-21, IL-23, and TGF-β in nasal biopsies in AR patients and evaluate its correlation with the severity of AR.Material and method: The study included 30 patients with mild persistent allergic rhinitis (MPAR), patients with moderate-to-severe (M/S) PAR, and 30 healthy individuals. The biopsies of nasal inferior turbinate mucosa were collected from each participant. The expression of IL-6, IL-18, IL-21, IL-23, and TGF-β was evaluated by the quantitative real-time polymerasechain reaction. The degree of eosinophil inﬁltration into the nasal mucosa, blood eosinophils, and total serum IgE level were also measured.
Result: The expression of IL-6, IL-18, and IL-23 in patients with AR significantly increased compared to the control group. Conversely, the gene expression of the TGF-β declined in the M/S PAR group rather than the AR- group. The data did not show a significant difference in the expression of the IL-21 gene between AR+ and AR- groups.
Conclusion: We suggested that inﬂammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-18, and IL-23 may be involved in the severity of AR and associated with markers of inflammation.
Keywords: Allergic rhinitis; inflammation; interleukin-23; Nasal Mucosa.
Vitamin A- and C-rich Pouteria camito fru it derived superparamagnetic nanoparticles Synthesis, characterization, and their cytotoxicity
Authors: Veeramani Chinnadurai , S El Newehy Ahmed , A Alsaif Mohammed , S Al-Numair Khalid 
Published: May 2022

Background: Recently, green nanoparticles are gaining importance in drug development because of their lower toxicity, sustainability, cost effectiveness, simplicity, and ecofriendly nature compared with toxic chemicals.
Objective: In this study, we developed a nontoxic method for synthesizing iron oxide nanoparticles by using the fruit of Pouteria caimito that is rich in vitamin A and C and evaluated their cytotoxicity.
Methods: Pouteria caimito fruit¬–derived superparamagnetic nanoparticles (PCSNs) were characterized using physical and chemical methods, and their cytotoxicity was examined using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2–5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.
Results: Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis spectro) analysis of PSNs showed a peak at 277 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) findings showed that PSNs exhibited a nanorod shape with their sizes ranging from 9.41 nm to 16.96 nm (average size: 13.08 nm). The findings of dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicated that the particle size was 186.6–847.3 d.nm with an average of 367.5 d.nm. The Zeta potential analysis indicated that PSNs exhibited uniform surface charge distribution, and their surface charge was equal to −13.7 mV. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed background-color:#fcfcfc">that PSNs exhibited bands at 3412, 1629, 1384, 1075, 818, 697, and 471 cm−1.Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) results showed that iron was the major element present in PCSNs, followed by other biomolecules such as C, O, and Cl, indicating the production of iron oxide nanoparticles.
Conclusion: The Pouteria caimito fruit that possesses strong oxidizing and nontoxic properties can be a potentially attractive source for the production of iron oxide nanoparticles. Moreover, the cytotoxicity assay results revealed that iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized using the Pouteria caimito fruit extract derived can be used for targeting cancer cells and treating other diseases because of their nontoxic nature. These nanoparticles can be used for the treatment of cancer and other diseases in the future.
Keywords: Fruit; Pouteria caimito; ferric chloride; superparamagnetic nanoparticles; cytotoxicity.
Effects of Annealing Ambient on the Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of TiO2:Ge Thin Films
Authors: Owino Lilian A. , Waita Sebastian , Musembi Robinson J. , Nyongesa Francis W 
Published: May 2022

TiO2, a semiconducting material with a wide energy band gap, has been researched intensively due to its interesting properties and many potential applications. The films properties can as well be modified by preparing the films under diverse ambient to suit diverse applications. In this work, the effects of the annealing atmosphere on the structural, optical and electrical properties of pure TiO2 and TiO2:Ge composite thin films deposited by sputtering from commercially available pure TiO2 and TiO2:Ge (85:15) targets respectively were studied. The films were deposited on fluorine doped tin oxide glass substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique at room temperature 23–25 ℃ and then annealed at 450 ℃ for one hour in three different atmospheres: air, argon and nitrogen. The XRD results revealed that, both pure TiO2 and TiO2:Ge thin films were crystalline and had a mixed phase of anatase and rutile regardless of the annealing ambient. The calculated crystallite sizes ranged between 19–21 nm with the particle sizes for TiO2:Ge films being larger compared to pure TiO2 as calculated from ImageJ software. Electrical measurements showed that the resistivity of as deposited pure TiO2 films (about 13.03 × 10–2 Ω-cm) was greater than the TiO2: Ge composite (5.91 × 10–2 Ω-cm). Furthermore, on annealing, pure TiO2 had a resistivity of 9.47 × 10–2 Ω-cm–10.4 × 10–2 Ω-cm, while the TiO2:Ge composite had a resistivity of 2.24 × 10–2 Ω-cm–3.61 × 10–2 Ω-cm depending on the annealing atmosphere. Variation of annealing atmosphere had minimal influence on the electrical resistivity of the films. The films annealed in nitrogen recorded the least resistivity values averaging about 5.86 × 10–2 Ω-cm, while those annealed in argon and air recorded a resistivity of 6.94 × 10–2 Ω-cm and 6.65 × 10–2 Ω-cm, respectively. The transmittance spectra showed that, all the annealed films were transparent in the visible region (400–700 nm) with a mean bandgap of 3.60 eV for each annealing atmosphere. It is recommended that films annealed in nitrogen atmosphere could be considered for potential applications in photovoltaics.
Keywords: Titanium dioxide; Germanium; Ambient; Structural; Optical, Electrical
Boron Doped ZnO Films Deposited by DC Reactive Sputtering Using Zn:B Target: Influence of the Deposition Temperature on the Structural, Electrical and Optical Properties
Authors: Mwakyusa Lwitiko P. , Mlyuka Nuru R. , Samiji Margaret E. 
Published: May 2022

ZnO-based transparent and conducting oxides (TCOs) are commonly used as a window layer in thin-film solar cells. However, TCOs with high transparency in the visible and near-infrared parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, plus excellent electrical properties are required in this application. In this study, TCOs based on ZnO:B films deposited by DC reactive sputtering using Zn:B alloy target were investigated. The impact of deposition temperature on the growth and physical properties of the films was examined. Structural, optical and electrical properties of these films were investigated by means of x-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet-Visible-Near Infrared (UV-VIS-NIR) spectroscopy, and Hall effect measurement, respectively. The XRD analysis revealed that all films are of hexagonal wurtzite structures, with a preferred orientation along the c-axis. The optical spectroscopy results indicated that all the ZnO:B films had optical transparency above 90% in the visible region which then slightly decreased in the near-infrared region. The highest carrier concentration, conductivity, and mobility were obtained at the deposition temperature of 300 °C–due to improvement in crystal growth–while higher temperatures slightly deteriorated the electrical properties, possibly due to a slight decrease in the crystallite size.
Keywords: ZnO; Transparent and conducting oxides; ZnO:B, DC reactive sputtering; deposition temperature
Influence of Roasting on the Proximate, Functional and Sensory Properties of Jackfruit Seeds and Amaranth Grain Composite Complementary Flours
Authors: Nabubuya Agnes , Mugabi Robert , Kaggwa Abraham , Ainebyona Paddy , Nalugya Rukia 
Published: May 2022

This study evaluated the effects of roasting on jackfruit seeds (JFS) and amaranth grain composite complementary flours. Eleven formulations were used for the study. The moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, crude ash and carbohydrate contents varied from 6.5 to 8.7%, 10.66 to 20.9%, 0.93 to 5.98%, 4.46 to 10.2%, 2.6 to 3.76% and 51.3 to 71.7%, respectively. The water absorption capacity (WAC), water solubility index (WSI), oil absorption capacity, swelling power (SP) and bulk density (BD) ranged from 238.9 to 360.5%, 3.9 to 12%, 107.4 to 200.6%, 13.3 to 45.9%, and 0.5 to 0.7 g/mL, respectively. Increasing amaranth flour and roasting JFS increased the WSI and SP but decreased the WAC and BD. The peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, setback viscosity, peak time and pasting temperature varied from 326.5 to 1292 RVU, 15 to 417 RVU, 432 to 1334.5 RVU, 138.5 to 4595 RVU, 4.09 to 7 minutes and 79 to 90.1 °C, respectively. Viscosity of the flours increased with increase in grain amaranth. The porridges made with roasted JFS yielded higher sensory scorers, hence suitable for complementary feeding.
Keywords: Jackfruit seeds; Amaranth; Composite flour.
Assessment of the Impact of Climate Change on Stream Flow: The Case of Little Ruaha Catchment, Rufiji Basin, Tanzania
Authors: Nobert Joel 
Published: May 2022

Little Ruaha catchment has been recognized for its potential to support multi-projects including irrigated schemes, urban water supply and providing significant inflow to Mtera reservoir for hydropower generation and ultimately Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant (JNHPP). Despite the potential, the catchment has experienced declining flows in the recent years. This study assessed the likely changes in streamflow due to future climate change in the Little Ruaha catchment for the period 2025-2060. General Circulation Model (GCM) datasets from ACCESS1.0, CNRM-CM5 and BCC-CSM1 models and RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 greenhouse gas concentration scenarios were selected as the representative scenarios. Impact of climate change on stream flows was assessed using the calibrated NAM hydrological model. The impact assessment results show that under the climate change scenario (2025–2060), the monthly maximum and minimum temperatures will increase in the range of 0.8 °C to 2 °C for both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. For the case of rainfall, average annual rainfall is expected to increase by about 10% compared to the baseline. However, the inter-annual variability of rainfall for the period between 2025 and 2060 shows the decreasing trend for RCP 8.5. The simulation results show that streamflow will decrease by about 30% and 6% for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively.
Keywords: Hydrological modelling; climate change scenarios; hydrological impacts; Little Ruaha.