bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Portal Vein Diameter by Ultrasonography as a non-Invasive Predictor of Esophageal Varices.
Authors: Basnet Amal , Thapa Jiwan , Sapkota Kalyan , KC Anjana 
Published: March 2022

Esophageal varices are one of the most serious consequence of portal hypertension in patients with liver diseases If undetected or left untreated, it can result in massive upper gastrointestinal bleed and can be fatal. Therefore, a timely detection and management of the varices in cirrhotic patient is a must. Several studies have evaluated possible noninvasive markers of esophageal varices to reduce the number of unnecessary endoscopies in patients with cirrhosis but without varices. Endoscopic surveillance of esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis is expensive for the health system and uncomfortable for the patients. Recently, non-invasive ultrasound-based parameters seem to offer valuable information about the status of esophageal varices and thus challenge the need for repetitive endoscopic monitoring. In this study, our aim was to develop a predictive model using an independent risk factor for the presence of varices in the enrolled patients. This is a cross-sectional study. The study analyzed 50 patients with liver diseases from February 2014 to January 2015. All the patients with cirrhosis of either gender except those with hepatocellular carcinoma and previous surgical or medical intervention for portal hypertension were enrolled in the study. Ultrasound of the abdomen was done in all cases to note the portal vein diameter. The varices visualized were graded endoscopically. Data entry was done in SPSS version 20 and statistical analysis was done with Chi Square test. Total 50 patients were enrolled in the test. Varices was present in 47 (96%) of the patients. Small varices were present in 13 (26%) and large varices was present in 34 (68%) of patients. For the patients with small varices, the mean portal vein diameter was 13.23 mm and for those with large varices, the mean portal vein diameter was 16.83 mm. The above results signify that the presence of varices was associated with the mean portal vein diameter of 13.23 mm or more and the result was statistically significant with the p value of 0.024 Measurement of portal vein diameter by ultrasonography can be used as a non-invasive predictive indicator of the development of gastro- esophageal varices in patients with portal hypertension.
Bacteriological Profile in Urinary Tract Infection and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern.
Authors: Basnet Indira , Chaudhary Mahesh Kumar , Khanal Santosh , Panta Om Prakash , Poudel Pramod 
Published: March 2022

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common and serious health problem affecting millions of people worldwide each year especially females. Treatment of UTI relies on the bacteriological profile and the knowledge of their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. A cross-sectional study was done in Kantipur Hospital, Kathmandu. Tools for data collection were a data collection form. Total 1246 urine sample from patient suspected of UTI was reviewed, out of which 369 (29.61%) of urine sample showed significant growth. UTI was prevalent in females of age group 21-30 being Escherichia coli (62.3%) predominant one. Altogether 199 multi drug resistance strains were isolated. Empirical treatment of UTI should be discouraged.
Preparation of Wool-g-Glycidyl Methacrylate with a Constructed –SH Groups/Ammonium Persulfate Redox System and Characterization
Authors: LIU Xinhua , HOU Guangkai , ZHENG Hongliang , Li Wei 
Published: March 2022

To explore suitable synthesis parameters of efficient graft copolymerization on wool, the disulfide bonds in wool chains were reduced to sulfhydryl groups by the treatment of thioglycolic acid to wool, and then wool-g-poly(glycidyl methacrylate) was prepared by graft copolymerization of wool with glycidyl methacrylate by building a redox system between sulfhydryl groups and ammonium persulfate. The wool-g-poly(glycidyl methacrylate) was characterized by the analyses of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and x-ray diffraction. Influences of molar concentrations of monomer and initiator as well as reaction temperature on grafting ratios were investigated. The experimental results showed that the sulfhydryl groups/ammonium persulfate redox system built could effectively initiate graft polymerization of lipophilic glycidyl methacrylate on the wool surface in an aqueous medium. The suitable process parameters of graft copolymerization were: 0.6 mmol/L molar concentration of glycidyl methacrylate, 3.0 mmol/L molar concentration of ammonium persulfate, and reaction temperature of 50 ℃. At the suitable parameters, the grafting ratio of wool-g-poly(glycidyl methacrylate) showed a maximum value of 195.8 %, indicating an efficient graft copolymerization was achieved. The copolymerization could reduce the degree of crystallinity of wool. The wool-g-poly(glycidyl methacrylate) had higher thermal stability than raw wool at a temperature of below 406 ℃ by performing the thermogravimetric analysis. Based on the results, we successfully built new sulfhydryl groups on the wool/ammonium persulfate redox system, prepared the wool-g-poly(glycidyl methacrylate), and this work will lay an important foundation for the application of wool-g-poly(glycidyl methacrylate) in the textile field.
Limnoterrestrial ‘Typhloplanidae’ (Rhabdocoela, Platyhelminthes), with the description of four new species and a new genus
Authors: Houben Albrecht M. , Monnens Marlies , Proesmans Willem , Artois Tom J. 
Published: March 2022

Four new species of limnoterrestrial rhabdocoels (‘Typhloplanidae’ Graff, 1905) are described. One of these – Faunulus nielsi Houben, Proesmans & Artois gen. et sp. nov. – could not be unambiguously placed within an existing genus. Faunulus nielsi most closely resembles species of the genus Adenocerca Reisinger, 1924 but can be clearly distinguished by the position of the testes. The three other new species described are Bryoplana belgica Houben, Proesmans & Artois sp. nov., Hoplopera isis Houben, Proesmans & Artois sp. nov., and Protoplanella leiae Houben, Proesmans & Artois sp. nov. All three belong to the subfamily ‘Protoplanellinae’ Reisinger, 1924 and are distinguished based on a detailed description of the reproductive system. Finally, new data are provided for nine other, known typhloplanids: Adenocerca minima Kolasa, 1981; Chorizogynopora italica Kolasa, 1981; Hoplopera opaca Reisinger, 1924; K. subterranea Reisinger, 1933; Krumbachia virginiana (Kepner & Carter, 1931) Ruebush, 1938; Olisthanellinella rotundula Reisinger, 1924; Prorhynchella minuta Ruebush, 1939; Protoplanella simplex Reisinger, 1924; and Ventrociliella romanae Kolasa, 1977. A detailed comparison of our material of V. romanae to what is described for Bockia deses Reisinger, 1924, leads us to consider the latter a nomen dubium.
Inclusion on Purpose
Authors: Tulshyan Ruchika 
Published: March 2022

How organizations can foster diversity, equity, and inclusion: taking action to address and prevent workplace bias while centering women of color.
Few would disagree that inclusion is both the right thing to do and good for business. Then why are we so terrible at it? If we believe in the morality and the profitability of including people of diverse and underestimated backgrounds in the workplace, why don't we do it? Because, explains Ruchika Tulshyan in this eye-opening book, we don't realize that inclusion takes awareness, intention, and regular practice. Inclusion doesn't just happen; we have to work at it. Tulshyan presents inclusion best practices, showing how leaders and organizations can meaningfully promote inclusion and diversity.
Tulshyan centers the workplace experience of women of color, who are subject to both gender and racial bias. It is at the intersection of gender and race, she shows, that we discover the kind of inclusion policies that benefit all. Tulshyan debunks the idea of the “level playing field” and explains how leaders and organizations can use their privilege for good by identifying and exposing bias, knowing that they typically have less to lose in speaking up than a woman of color does. She explains why “leaning in” doesn't work—and dismantling structural bias does; warns against hiring for “culture fit,” arguing for “culture add” instead; and emphasizes the importance of psychological safety in the workplace—you need to know that your organization has your back. With this important book, Tulshyan shows us how we can make progress toward inclusion and diversity—and we must start now.
Lactococcus lactis secreting phage lysins as a potential antimicrobial against multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Chandran Carumathy , Tham Hong Yun , Abdul Rahim Raha , Lim Swee Hua Erin , Yusoff Khatijah , Song Adelene Ai-Lian 
Published: March 2022

Background
Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic Gram-positive bacterium that can form biofilm and become resistant to many types of antibiotics. The treatment of multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA) infection is difficult since it possesses multiple antibiotic-resistant mechanisms. Endolysin and virion-associated peptidoglycan hydrolases (VAPGH) enzymes from bacteriophage have been identified as potential alternative antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to assess the ability of Lactococcus lactis NZ9000 secreting endolysin and VAPGH from S. aureus bacteriophage 88 to inhibit the growth of S. aureus PS 88, a MDRSA.

Method
Endolysin and VAPGH genes were cloned and expressed in L. lactis NZ9000 after fusion with the SPK1 signal peptide for secretion. The recombinant proteins were expressed and purified, then analyzed for antimicrobial activity using plate assay and turbidity reduction assay. In addition, the spent media of the recombinant lactococcal culture was analyzed for its ability to inhibit the growth of the S. aureus PS 88.

Results
Extracellular recombinant endolysin (Endo88) and VAPGH (VAH88) was successfully expressed and secreted from L. lactis which was able to inhibit S. aureus PS 88, as shown by halozone formation on plate assays as well as inhibition of growth in the turbidity reduction assay. Moreover, it was observed that the spent media from L. lactis NZ9000 expressing Endo88 and VAH88 reduced the viability of PS 88 by up to 3.5-log reduction with Endo88 being more efficacious than VAH88. In addition, Endo88 was able to lyse all MRSA strains tested and Staphylococcus epidermidis but not the other bacteria while VAH88 could only lyse S. aureus PS 88.

Conclusion
Recombinant L. lactisNZ9000 expressing phage 88 endolysin may be potentially developed into a new antimicrobial agent for the treatment of MDRSA infection.
Range extension of Czeblukov’s true sea snake Hydrophis czeblukovi (Elapidae:Hydrophiinae) southwest to Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia
Authors: Davenport A.M. , d’Anastasi B.R. , Fitzpatrick B.M. 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
Our understanding of the biology and ecology of many Australian marine snakes is inadequate to inform the conservation and management of their populations. Czeblukov’s true sea snake Hydrophis czeblukovi (Elapidae:Hydrophiinae) is an example of this, with an IUCN classification of “Data Deficient”. It is a wholly marine, ovoviviparous snake that is distinguishable by its dark colouration and unique pale banding forming dark pentagons on its dorsal surface and flanks. A recent biological survey in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia found a recently dead H. czeblukovi specimen. This extends the species geographical range by approximately 300 kilometres southwest (minimum seaward distance). The stranding likely arose from the persistent onshore winds observed prior to the discovery or from self-stranding due to illness. This discovery brings the total number of marine snake species recorded from Exmouth Gulf to 11 out of ~24 known to occur in WA waters, which highlights the importance of this location for marine snake conservation. Here we compile the scarce knowledge for this data deficient species. We discuss the conservation implications of our findings in context of the dense industrial activity across the range of H. czeblukovi. We indicate the need for further research to inform conservation and management actions.
Influence of Irrigation Water Deficit on Forage Yield, and Water Utilization Efficiency for Sorghum and Cowpea Forage Crops
Authors: El-Gaafarey Tamer G. , Elraouf Kasem Amira Abd , M. El-Nahrawy Shereen 
Published: March 2022

The present study was carried out at Sakha Agricultural Research Station (clayey soils) during 2018 and 2019 to find out the role of water deficit on yield and some water relations for sorghum and cowpea summer forage crops. Three irrigation levels were executed; 100% (full irrigation), 90% (10% deficit) and 80% (20% deficit). Results showed that increasing water deficit, markedly led to decreasing fresh, dry yield and plant height at the three cuts in the two seasons. Regarding water relations, irrigation level with 90% (10% deficit) resulted in several advantages; almost same yield as recorded under full irrigation, 10% water saving as well as the highest values of water productivity (WP) and productivity of irrigation water (PIW). The mean values of fresh sorghum forage yield can be arranged in descending order as; 2917.0 > 2857.5 > 2561.0 kg.plot-1, while the corresponding values of the dry weight were; 381.6> 367.8> 319.6 kg.plot-1. Plant height for cowpea slightly affected with different irrigation treatments. On the contrary, both fresh and dry yields were significantly affected with water level or deficit irrigation. Moreover, the effect was highly significant in connection with the combined analysis. In this regard, mean values of fresh yield descending arranged as; 1502.5> 1447.0> 1321.5 kg.plot-1 for treatments A(control), B (90%) and C (80%), respectively. The corresponding values regarding dry yield are 253.5, 241.0 and 215.4 kg.plot-1. Comparing the deficit treatments with the control irrigation (Trt. A), overall mean decrease in fresh yield was 3.7% for treatment B (90%) and 12% for treatment C (80%). While, the corresponding decrease in dry yield were 4.9% and 15.0%.We can conclude that forage yield of sorghum and cowpea not affect by water irrigation deficit about 10% at Middle North Nile Delta area.
In-vitro Susceptibility Profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Selected Medicinal Plants Obtained from University of Calabar Farm, Nigeria
Authors: E. Andy Iniobong , A. Okpo Ekomobong , E. Ubengama Christiana 
Published: March 2022

Antibiotic resistance represents the greatest challenges to global health. Strategies to curb the menace of antibiotic resistance include researching for new antimicrobials from plants. This study is aimed at determine the in-vitro susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Chromolaena odorata, Jatropha tanjorensis, Ocimum gratissimum, Vernonia amydalina, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Aloe barbadensis obtained within University of Calabar farm. All the test carried out were performed according to standard microbiological procedure. Ethanol was used for extraction of Phytochemicals and were purified using column chromatography. In-vitro susceptibility of selected plants against P. aeruginosa was in the order C. odorata>J. tanjorensis > O. gratissimum > H. sabdariffa >V. amydalina > A. barbadensis (Aloe vera). The result revealed that the leaves of C. odorata had the highest antimicrobial effect against P. aeruginosa. The first column of all the plant extracts showed no antimicrobial activity. MIC of C. odorata, J. tanjorensis, O. gratissimum and H. sabdariffa were observed in 10-7, 10-6, 10-5 and 10-4 dilution respectively. Statistical analysis between the zone of inhibitions and layers of column chromatography was significant (<0.05). Ethanol extract and the third column of Chromolaena odorata, Jatropha tanjorensis, Ocimum gratissimum have great potential antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa.
Statement on the Use of Untreated Manure Containing Raw Sewage
Authors: Lassen Jørgen , Eckner Karl , Lunestad Bjørn-Tore , Kapperud Georg , Nygård Karin , Robertson Lucy , Nesbakken Truls , Tranulis Michael , Tryland Morten , Yazdankhah Siamak 
Published: March 2022

The Norwegian department of agriculture decided to re-evaluate the Regulation No. 951 of 4 July 2003 on fertilizers and soil improvers of organic origin. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) requested VKM for a statement on the use of manure from farms where grey water and human waste (sewage) is disposed of directly to the farm manure cellar.
Consideration was given to differences in risk according to the types of domestic wastewater, the species of animal from which the manure derived, the extent and type of sanitary facilities, the crops to which the amended manure is applied, and the effects of storage on infection risk.
According to current legislation, sewage sludge cannot be spread on land where vegetables, potatoes, berries or fruit are grown. Furthermore, sewage cannot be spread on meadows or used for horticultural purposes. In private gardens, parks, playgrounds and similar residential areas, sewage may be used only as a component in a fertiliser, and not applied at the surface. Use of sewage as a fertilizer for the cultivation of grains is permitted. Sewage can also be used when establishing vegetation along roads and embankments.
VKM concludes that manure cellars, to which wastewater, from private household use, and sewage from toilets in the outbuildings are drained, may contain pathogens from humans, in addition to those pathogens originating from animals. The quantity and species of pathogens in this sewage-amended manure would reflect the species and prevalence of pathogens in the population using the facilities. Although the prevalence of intestinal pathogens in the Norwegian human population is relatively low, it should be noted that farms in Norway often provide tourist accommodation, camping facilities, and may house migrant short-term employees during the summer season during which labour requirements are increased. Thus non-Norwegian populations may also use toilet facilities on these farms, and thus when considering the risk of human pathogens, consideration should also be given to people from countries where the prevalence of such pathogens may be higher.
As many viruses and parasites are host-specific, the risk of contamination of produce with human pathogens from such manure is likely to be greater than from manure which has not been amended with untreated sewage.
Pathogen survival is affected by storage, but it should be noted that some pathogens have robust and environmentally resistant transmission stages (e.g. parasite oocysts, cysts and eggs), a proportion of which may survive for prolonged periods in stored manure.
A Study to Determine the Prevalence of Traumatic Head Injuries in Zanzibar: Case Study of Mnazi Mmoja Hospital
Authors: Yusuf Said A. , J. Okafor Chukwuma , Said Said A. , Chussi Isack J. , Masoud Suhaila A. , R. Ali Salamuu , S. Bakar Shemsa , S. Juma Mohammed , Suleiman Adam R. 
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Worldwide, traumatic head injuries account for a high degree of morbidity and mortality. Road accidents appear to be the commonest cause of these injuries. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and predictive factors of Traumatic head injury at a tertiary institution health facility in Zanzibar.
Method: A retrospective observational study of head injury patients that are attended at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Zanzibar from May 2019 to May 2020
Results: A total number of 81 patients were included in the study and distributed as follows; 63 males (77.8%) and 18 females (22.2%) participants. The majority of patients were between the age group of 16-30 years and 40 (49.4%) in total. Road Traffic Accident was the leading cause of injuries (67.9%). Others include assault (13.6%), falling (13.6%), and being struck by an object (4.9%). The study also recorded a higher prevalence of traumatic brain injury TBI (57.9%), including, concussion (9.8%), contusion (18.5%), epidural hematoma (8.6%), skull fracture (14.8%), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (6.2%). This was compared with other causes of head injuries (42.1%) such as cut wounds (9.8%) and soft tissue injuries (32.1%). 64.2% of the patients were treated as outpatients, with 33.3% as inpatients. About 2.5% of the patients died. The west district recorded the highest prevalence of patients with injury rates compared to other districts.
Conclusion: Public awareness campaigns and health promotions concerning road safety rules are needed to help reduce the high burden of road traffic accidents. Government should also pay attention to the improvement of roads as a way to curb this menace.
Influence of Calcium Hydroxide as an Intracanal Medicament on Apical Seal
Authors: Balani Pooja , Ahmed Hina 
Published: March 2022

Aim of the Study: Aim of endodontic therapy is to restore the natural tooth functionally as well as esthetically. The success of the treatment depends predominantly on the reduction or complete eradication of pathogens and their byproducts (mechanically and chemically) along with adequate seal. Studies have concluded that chemo mechanical instrumentation alone will only render 50-70% of infected canals free of microorganisms therefore, an effective antimicrobial agent as intracanal medication should be used to improve treatment outcome. Moreover Improper apical seal has been reported as most common cause of endodontic treatment failure in different studies Therefore it is essential to know the effect of most commonly used intracanal medicament Ca (OH) 2 on apical seal, in order to reduce the chances of endodontic failure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of intracanal medicament on apical seal.
Study Design: Quasi Experimental study.
Place of the Study: The samples were prepared at Ziauddin University and was analyzed at Karachi University.
Methodology: Mandibular premolars were prepared using step back technique and were divided into two groups. In Group A, no intracanal medicament was placed and in Group B intracanal medicament was placed. Samples were placed in Indian ink dye for 7 days and were then cleaned in running water before sectioning up to 5 mm (1 mm each) using Microtome and analyzed under stereomicroscope. Shapiro-Wilks test and Mann Whitney U test was used for data analysis.
Results: Group with intracanal medicament showed least amount of dye penetration with mean value 2.30±1.832 as compared to non-medicated group mean value (2.96 ±1.69) but the results were not statically significant p value 0.072.
Conclusion: The results of this study concluded that there is no statistically significant difference in leakage between group A and group B (non-medicated and medicated group).