bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of physical activity and dietary patterns as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among semi-urban dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Emmanuel Aduroja Posi Emmanuel Aduroja , Olufisayo John-Akinola Yetunde , Morenike Oluwasanu Mojisola , Oladepo Oladimeji 
Published: November 2022

Background: Physical inactivity and unhealthy diet are leading risk factors for cardiovascular diseases globally. Limited studies have assessed the prevalence of these risk factors in community-based settings in Nigeria.
Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of physical activity and the dietary pattern of residents in selected semi-urban communities in Ibadan, Nigeria.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 500 randomly selected residents from two semi-urban communities. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select households and participants. Data were collected using a pretested modified version of the WHO STEPS instrument. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were determined at 5% level of significance.
Results: The mean age was 35.36 ± 12.24 and a mean household size of 4.07 ± 1.85. Majority (87.2%) of the respondents engaged in low physical activity (< 150-300 min/wk). Consumption of fruits and vegetables was low among respondents at 33% and 36.4% respectively. The employment status of respondents was significantly related to expected workplace physical activity level (χ2=11.27; P=0.024).
Conclusions: This study highlights the need for the development and implementation of community-driven,multi-layered public health promotion initiatives across different settings.
Keywords: Physical activity; diet; semi-urban; community.
Role of hypoxia inducible factor 1α/Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa interacting protein 3 in alleviating effect of interleukin-4 on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in mice
Authors: Wang Tianjing , Liu Chang 
Published: November 2022

Background: Cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI) is the pathophysiological basis of various cerebrovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the role of HIF-1α/BNIP3 in the alleviating effect of IL-4 on CIRI in mice.
Methodology: Mice were randomly divided into sham operation (Sham), ischemia reperfusion (IR), IL-4, HIF-1α inhibitor 2ME2 and IL-4+2ME2 groups. Middle cerebral artery occlusion model was established. After 24-h reperfusion, neurologic deficit score (NDS) was given. Cerebral infarction volume and brain water content were measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and dry-wet weights, respectively. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining. SOD, MDA and ROS levels, and HIF-1α, BNIP3, LC3II and Beclin-1 expressions were detected through colorimetry and Western blotting, respectively.
Results: Compared with IR group, NDS, cerebral infarction volume, brain water content, apoptosis rate, and MDA and ROS levels decreased, while SOD, HIF-1α, BNIP3, LC3-II and Beclin-1 levels increased in IL-4 group (P<0.05). 2ME2 and IL-4+2ME2 groups had decreased NDS, cerebral infarction volume, brain water content, apoptosis rate and MDA, ROS, HIF-1α, BNIP3, LC3-II and Beclin-1 levels, but increased SOD level compared with those of IL-4 group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: IL-4 reduces apoptosis and oxidative stress through activating the HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway, thereby alleviating mouse CIRI.
Keywords: Hypoxia inducible factor 1α; Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa interacting protein 3; interleukin-4; cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury.
Performance of the allometric power model in scaling from adult to paediatric antiretroviral dose in children at a Referral Hospital in Windhoek, Namibia
Authors: S Singu Bonifasius , Akpabio Prisca , K Verbeeck Roger 
Published: November 2022

Background: World Health Organization (WHO) advocates use of weight bands in antiretroviral therapy (ART) guidelines. Allometric scaling could be a more reliable method because it uses a non-linear approach in relating dose to body weight. This study evaluates performance of the allometric ¾ power model in comparison to WHO weight band method in children receiving ART.
Methods: Records of children receiving (ABC/3TC) + DTG were reviewed. Paediatric ABC/3TC dose was calculated from the adult dose using the allometric ¾ power model and compared to WHO weight band dose.
Results: WHO weight band strategy grouped 50.6% of the children in the 25 kg category and therefore received the adult dose of ABC/3TC (600 mg/300 mg); only 1.1% received this dose with allometric scaling. Mean dose (3.8 tablets) for the WHO weight band dosing method was found to be significantly higher (p<0.0001) than for allometric scaling (1.5 tablets).
Conclusions: WHO weight bands may result in the 25 kg weight category receiving a much higher dose leading to ADRs. Using allometric scaling, we recommend a weight band strategy that could improve paediatric ABC/3TC dosing.
Keywords: Dose; weight; children; antiretrovirals; BSA; allometric scaling.
Prevalence of violence towards men living with HIV/AIDS in rural communities of SouthWestern Uganda
Authors: Kamya Kakooza Javilla , Nampijja Ritah , Kwagala Faith , Nuwabasa Flavia , Mpuuga Owen , Isiagi Gomer , Zari Rukundo Godfrey 
Published: November 2022

Background: Violence towards HIV positive men is one of the silent barriers to utilization of HIV care services. HIV positive men are potential victims of violence from other people including women, and violence may interfere with treatment outcomes.This study determined the prevalence of violence towards HIV positive men in rural communities of southwestern Uganda.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 307 HIV positive men at selected health centers using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 23 using chi-square and multivariate regression at 95% level of significance and a precision of 0.05.
Results: Of the 307 participants, 45.3% had experienced violence. Of these, 23.8% (n=73) had experienced kicking or slapping while 12.7% (39) reported sexual violence. Factors associated with violence were; using alcohol and drugs (aOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.09-0.76, p=0.014), knowledge of support structures (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.33-3.78, p=0.002) and owning land for farming (aOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.10-0.70, p=0.011).
Conclusion: The prevalence of violence at 45.3% is quite high especially since violence against men is rarely talked about. This should not be ignored there should be strategies to support this vulnerable group.
Keywords: HIV positive men; violence; prevalence; rural communities; Uganda.
Hepatitis B sero-prevalence among hematology patients: importance of Anti-HbcAb and efficiency of antiviral prophylaxis
Authors: Ugur Kantar Funda , Kahraman Selda , Ece Gulfem , Cagırgan Seckin 
Published: November 2022

Objectives: Hepatitis B infection is an important problem in immune suppressed patients. Anti HbcAb is an important marker that shows past exposure to virus. In this study, we retrospectively searched HBV serology among the patients who had Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) or chemotherapies (CT) at Medicalpark Izmir Hospital Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit; changes in viral parameters throughout therapy; and tried to find the efficiency of antiviral prophylaxis .
Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the viral parameters; HbsAg, Anti HbsAb, Anti Hbc IgG, HbeAg, Anti Hbe Ab, HBV DNA, HCV RNA which were carried out before BMT and CT. We grouped the patients as latent HBV infection and inactive carriers .Started antiviral treatment as prophylaxis, monitored the changes in serological parameters and defined HBV related situations.
Results: A total of 584 patients were evaluated retrospectively. Twenty patients were having latent HBV infection. Ten patients were inactive carriers of HBV. In post-transplant period, the patients were screened for 11 months (1-38 months). None of the patients experienced HBV activation during follow period.
Conclusion: The best approach in HbcAb positive patients with planned immunosuppressive treatment is the use of anti-viralagents before immune suppression and close monitoring of the patients HBV-related markers .
Keywords: Hepatitis B; Hematologic Malignancy; stem cell transplantation.
Comparative effects of Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F. leaf extract and Ranferon-12® as dietary supplements on partially starved male Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Nwaigwe Chukwuemeka Onyekachi , Nwaigwe Chioma Uchenna , Leo Shedua 
Published: November 2022

This work examined the supplemental effects of Telfairia occidentalis Hook.F. leaf extract compared to a standard hematinic drug, Ranferon -12 ®, on the performance of thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomly assigned into six groups of six rats each, and were fed standard rat ration at 80 % of ad lib within 24 hours. Access to clean water was allowed ad libitum. The leaf extract was administered orally at the dose of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg, 600mg/kg, and 800mg/kg (for groups 1-4 respectively), and group 5 was given Ranferon 12® (at 0.3ml/kg), while group 6 (Control) received no extract but water. The extract was administered once daily for 21 days, while feed intake, weght gain, water intake, haematology, and some liver enzymes as well as cholesterol levels were the parameters measured. Results also revealed that weight gain, water intake and total WBC were significantly higher in group 3(600mg/kg) compared to other groups, while group 5 (Ranferon-12®) had significantly higher Packed cell volume and total red blood cell counts. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the liver enzymes and cholesterol levels of rats in all groups. The results of this study have shown that supplementation with Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract was quite beneficial as it produced a significantly higher weight gain at 600mg/kg, and that neither increased dose of extract nor supplementation with Ranferon-12 ® yielded any special advantage.
Plasmodium berghei infection associated with adverse birth outcomes in pregnant Swiss albino mice
Authors: Audu David , Idowu Olufunmilayo Ajoke , Idowu Adewumi Babatunde 
Published: November 2022

Malaria in pregnancy has been seen to cause poor pregnancy and foetal outcomes. In this study, mice infected with Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) during the second and third stages of pregnancy were examined for their pregnancy's outcome and changes in their blood's biochemical composition after delivery. Additionally, the physical and behavioural reactions of the mice's pups were also investigated. Thirty pregnant female Swiss Albino mice were randomly divided into three groups; two received intraperitoneal injections of 106 P. berghei-infected red blood cells on gestational days (GD12 and 17), while the third group was left uninfected (control). Pregnancy termination occurred in 20% of mice infected during GD12, whereas mortality before parturition occurred in 40% and 30% of mice infected during GD12 and GD17, respectively. Non-infected group's total protein and glucose concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05), while cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were significantly lower (p<0.05) when compared to the infected groups. The Mean birth weights (1.82 ± 0.37 g) of pups were considerably higher (p < 0.05) in control mice compared to pups from infected groups. Offspring born to infected mothers exhibited poor physical and behavioural responses. Mice infection by Plasmodium berghei during pregnancy resulted in adverse birth outcomes, altered measured biochemical parameters, poor physical and behavioural responses in their offspring and was more severe during the 2nd stage of pregnancy.
The Current Status of FMD and Detection of Foot and Mouth Disease in Goats using ELISA method in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Ishak Kahrani , Pg Hj Kamis Pg Aimi Fadzilah 
Published: November 2022

Brunei Darussalam has been recognized as a free Foot and Mouth Disease country. Nonetheless, control efforts must be done to maintain this status. A reliable and precise diagnostic test is needed for rapid detection which can make fast decision making by national authorities. This study is not only aim to update current status of FMD in the country but also to proof that the ELISA method used in Veterinary Laboratory Services of Brunei Darussalam is reliable and sufficient to detect presence of FMD. From data collection for the past 5 years, none of the blood serum collected from goat were detected with FMD which confirms that the country is free from FMD. The ELISA test conducted has been validated and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025:2017 since 2019 and has also participated in Proficiency Testing with satisfactory result which confirms that the test is sufficient to detect the presence of this disease. The method achieved 98% and 100% for Diagnostic Sensitivity and Diagnostic Specificity, with null false positive and only 1 false negative. The test also showed satisfactory in terms of repeatability, reproducibility and selectivity. With these satisfactory validation procedures, the country can use ELISA test method as one of the control efforts to prevent and control the spread of FMD if it happens.
Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen PET-CT Imaging for the Staging of Prostate Cancer in Canada
Authors: CADTH  
Published: November 2022

Health Canada approved the first prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-PET radiopharmaceutical in October 2022 for the staging of PSMA-positive lesions in those with prostate cancer. Health Canada also approved a lutetium-177 PSMA-617 therapy for patients with advanced PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in September 2022, a therapy for which patient eligibility is identified with a gallium-68 PSMA-PET exam.
With 57 PET-CT units in 9 provinces, access to PET-CT may be limited by the health care system’s capacity to conduct these exams due to wait lists, competing clinical priorities, and staff shortages.
It is anticipated that the public funding of PSMA-PET across Canada will increase existing demand for PET-CT by a minimum of 23%.
The provision of PSMA-PET would occur within the context of managing competing new demands for this service that could double existing exam volume.
Sufficient staffing is needed to ensure sustainable operation and development of PET-CT services, supported by investment in the workforce through education and training opportunities.
There is potential to increase the hours of operation of PET-CT units in many facilities, with consideration to the many dependencies, including staffing and the fact that the operating times of PET-CT units are closely tied to the operating times of the cyclotrons that supply the radiopharmaceuticals used in PET-CT exams.
The upfront capital and ongoing operational costs of PET-CT, radiopharmaceutical products, and equipment may act as barriers to the further adoption of this technology.
A combination of both generator-produced and cyclotron-produced PSMA-PET radiopharmaceuticals will likely be needed to meet the geography of Canadian jurisdictions and to secure a reliable and resilient supply chain.
Influencia de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación en el rendimiento académico de alumnos de Universidades Públicas, Guayaquil, 2021
Authors: Pinargote Castro Antonio Michael 
Published: November 2022

La investigación denominada “Influencia de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación en el rendimiento académico de alumnos de Universidades Públicas, Guayaquil, 2021” que tuvo como objetivo determinar cómo inciden las Tic en el rendimiento académico de los alumnos en modalidad online en la Universidades públicas de la ciudad de Guayaquil. El diseño del producto investigativo fue no experimental, de corte transversal correlacional causal, documental, exploratoria. Se aplicaron métodos históricos lógico, deductivo e inductivo, para orientar el proceso investigativo. La técnica empleada fue la encuesta, se validaron dos cuestionarios con respuestas de escala ordinal. La población del estudio corresponde a 36 docentes. Los resultados correlacionales demostraron que los valores de sig 0,012 y la correlación de Spearman es de 0,414 comprobándose la hipótesis del investigador. La investigación concluye afirmando que existe insuficiencias en las variables tecnologías de la información y comunicación con respecto al rendimiento académico en los alumnos investigados.
Oligomer formation from the gas-phase reactions of Criegee intermediates with hydroperoxide esters: mechanism and kinetics
Authors: Chen Long , Huang Yu , Xue Yonggang , Jia Zhihui , Wang Wenliang 
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Hydroperoxide esters, formed in the reactions of carbonyl oxides (also
called Criegee intermediates, CIs) with formic acid, play a crucial role in
the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in the atmosphere. However, the transformation mechanism of hydroperoxide esters in the presence of stabilized Criegee intermediates (SCIs) is not well understood. Herein, the oligomerization reaction mechanisms and kinetics of distinct SCI (CH2OO, syn-CH3CHOO, anti-CH3CHOO, and (CH3)2COO) reactions, with their respective hydroperoxide esters and with hydroperoxymethyl formate (HPMF), are investigated in the gas phase using quantum chemical and kinetics modeling methods. The calculations show that the addition reactions of SCIs with hydroperoxide esters proceed through successive insertion of SCIs into hydroperoxide ester to form oligomers that involve SCIs as the repeated chain unit. The saturated vapor pressure and saturated concentration of the formed oligomers decrease monotonically as the number of SCIs is increased. The exothermicity of oligomerization reactions decreases significantly when the number of methyl substituents increases, and the exothermicity of anti-methyl substituted carbonyl oxides is obviously higher than that of syn-methyl substituted carbonyl oxides. The −OOH insertion reaction is energetically more feasible than the −CH insertion pathway in the SCI oligomerization reactions, and the barrier heights increase with increasing the number of SCIs added to the oligomer, except for syn-CH3CHOO. For the reactions of distinct SCIs with HPMF, the barrier of the −OOH insertion pathway shows a dramatic decrease when a methyl substituent occurs at the anti-position, while it reveals a significant increase when a methyl group is introduced at the syn-position and dimethyl substituent. Compared with the rate coefficients of the CH2OO + HPMF reaction, the rate coefficients increase by about 1 order of magnitude when a methyl substituent occurs at the anti-position, whereas the rate coefficients decrease by 1–2 orders of magnitude when a methyl group is introduced at the syn-position. These new findings advance our current understanding of the influence of Criegee chemistry on the formation and growth processes and the chemical compositions of SOA.
The effect of rainfall amount and timing on annual transpiration in a grazed savanna grassland
Authors: Räsänen Matti , Aurela Mika , Vakkari Ville , Beukes Johan P. , Tuovinen Juha-Pekka , Van Zyl Pieter G. , Josipovic Miroslav , Siebert Stefan J. , Laurila Tuomas , Kulmala Markku , Laakso Lauri , Rinne Janne , Oren Ram , Katul Gabriel 
Published: November 2022

Abstract. The role of precipitation (P) variability with respect to evapotranspiration (ET) and its two components, transpiration (T) and evaporation (E), from savannas continues to draw significant research interest given its relevance to a number of ecohydrological applications. Our study reports on 6 years of measured ET and estimated T and E from a grazed savanna grassland at Welgegund, South Africa. Annual P varied significantly with respect to amount (508 to 672 mm yr−1), with dry years characterized by infrequent early-season rainfall. T was determined using annual water-use efficiency and gross primary production estimates derived from eddy-covariance measurements of latent heat flux and net ecosystem CO2 exchange rates. The computed annual T for the 4 wet years with frequent early wet-season rainfall was nearly constant, 326±19 mm yr−1 (T/ET=0.51), but was lower and more
variable between the 2 dry years (255 and 154 mm yr−1, respectively). Annual T and T/ET were linearly related to the early wet-season storm frequency. The constancy of annual T during wet years is explained by the moderate water stress of C4 grasses as well as trees' ability to use water from deeper layers. During extreme drought, grasses respond to water availability with a dieback–regrowth pattern, reducing leaf area and transpiration and, thus, increasing the proportion of transpiration contributed by trees. The works suggest that the early-season P distribution explains the interannual variability in T, which should be considered when managing grazing and fodder production in these grasslands.
Risk mapping of malaria in Iran from 2009 to 2018: A GIS-Based survey
Authors: Parandin Fatemeh , Bizhani Negar , Feizi Fariba , Soleymani Eissa , Mizani Azadeh , Motavallihaghi Seyed Mousa , Payami Sara , Zeinali Mohammad , Esboei Bahman Rahimi 
Published: November 2022

Background: Since the issues of public health and the spread of diseases are directly related to the region's geography. We aim to determine malaria incidence, spatial distribution, and hot spots in Iran using the GIS for a decade from 2009 to 2018. Methods: GIS was used to analyze the information acquired from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Tehran, Iran, and other associated centers between 2009 and 2018. Subsequently, maps of the disease's spatial distribution were constructed and using ArcGIS 10.5 software, the disease's hotspots in Iran were determined. The disease's variables, such as temperature, relative humidity, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and malaria incidence, were correlated using geographically weighted regression (GWR) analysis in ArcGIS 10.5. Using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test, data were analyzed using Linear Regression Analysis and SPSS 21 software using descriptive statistics. Sistan and Baluchistan, and the Bushehr provinces were hot spots for Malaria. The geographically weighted regression analysis results showed that in Sistan and Baluchistan and Bushehr, Hormozgan, Fars, Qom, Yazd, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces, the highest correlation between temperature, humidity, vegetation density, and the incidence of Malaria was observed (p-value = 0.019).