bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Personal and Socio-economic Characteristics of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) Collectors and Non-collectors of Jammu Region of J&K
Authors: Bagal Y. S. , Nanda Rakesh , Sharma L. K. , Raina N. S. , Rizvi S. E. H. 
Published: April 2022

Aims: Non-wood forest produce refers to all forest produce other than wood, such as leaves, fruits, and nuts, while wood forest produce refers to timber, herbs, and firewood. The people living in the vicinity of the forest collect the Non Timber Forest Products (NFTPs) for their livelihood sustainability as an off- farm income for them. Personal and socio- economic characters (gender, age, education level, social participation, farm implement possession, land holding, type of family, marital status) of NTFP collectors differ from the non collectors.
Study Design: Explorative study design was employed.
Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted in Jammu region between July 2017 to November 2019.
Methodology: Multistage sampling plan was followed for drawl of ultimate sampling units. The East circle from Jammu region was purposively selected as it covers all the three agro- climatic zones namely Subtropical, Intermediate and Temperate, thus it represents the whole Jammu division. The available NTFP collectors were contacted with the snow ball sampling procedure, a total sample size of 150 collectors and 150 non- collectors were selected through snow ball sampling procedure.
Results: Major findings indicate that there was significant difference between the NTFP collectors and non- collectors in case of socio-personal variables of age, farming experience, type of house, number of MGNERGA card holders, type of ration card, formal education, literacy rate and sex ratio. The NTFP collectors and non- collectors were matching on size of average operational land holding. The households having members in government service were more in non- collectors’ families whereas households having members as labor were more in households of NTFP collectors.
Conclusion: It is concluded that majority of the NTFP collectors were belongs to young age, had kaccha house, had priority household ration card whereas majority of non- collectors were fall under middle age category, had pacca house, had non- priority household ration card.
Effect of Weather Variables and Yellow Mosaic Virus Disease (YMV) on Soyabean
Authors: Amith G. , Venkatesh H. , Jahagirdar Shamarao 
Published: April 2022

The presented research work for studied the link between weather and diseases in soybean to determine the effect of weather in disease occurrences and development measures was conducted at Main Agricultural Research Station (MARS), University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during kharif 2017. Biotic and abiotic threats are becoming more significant as of the climate changes. Abiotic stress factors, such as insect pests and diseases, are well recognised to effect biotic stress factors. Furthermore, weather influences the severity and virulence of diseases throughout a geographical area. As a result, there is a need to investigate the impact of meteorological characteristics in diseases in this context. The current study was done in this effort to understand the relationship between weather and diseases in order to treat diseases early before they reach economic injury levels (EIL) and minimize cultivation costs by using low-cost insecticides and pesticides by building a forewarning system. Yellow Mosaic Virus Disease (YMV) is a disease of soybean, which infects mainly to leaves. The weather data was collected from the MARS Dharwad weather data collected in crop field. The Correlation coefficients between disease grade of Yellow Mosaic Virus Disease (YMV) and 29 weather variables were presented in the data show that the disease grade ratings were correlated positively, with r = 0.45 for PRHT (X14), r = 0.46 for PRHM (X17), r = 0.49 for PRHB (X20), and r = 0.34 for PRHO (X26). And remining were negative correlated. Hence, the weather plays an important role in the disease incidence and development.
Effect of Spice form and Extraction Period on Total Phenolic Content of Selected Ugandan Spices
Authors: Justus Murokore Biryomumaisho , California Peter Vuzi , Paul Wacoo Alex , Wangalwa Raphael , Olusoji Ajayi Clement , Gumisiriza Hannington , Nandutu Masawi Agnes 
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Spice consumption is one of the globally recognized healthy nutritional practices. Most spices contain phenolic compounds that may prevent or prolong the onset of non-communicable diseases. The harvesting, processing and preparation procedures of such spices may influence the phenolic amount extracted and eventual biological availability. Literature about how extraction period and spice form affects total phenolic content yield in water infusions is scanty.
Aim: This study determined the effect of spice form and length of extraction time on the total phenolic content (TPC) yield of the selected Ugandan spices infused in water.
Methods: Samples of Ocimum gratissimum, Allium sativum, Cymbopogon citratus and Zingiber officinale, were collected in triplicates from Kanungu, Bushenyi and Lugazi Districts, in Uganda. Fresh and dry samples of these spices were infused in hot water for four minutes and 40 minutes and sieved with Whatman paper, No. 1. Phenolic content was measured with a spectrophotometer at Makerere University, Biochemistry Department, following Folin-ciocalteu method, using gallic acid as the reference standard. Results were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 software.
Results: Higher TPC yield was generally observed in dry samples compared to the flesh ones and 40-minute extracts of both fresh and dry samples also had higher TPC content compared to the four minutes ones. The highest TPC yield was observed in Cymbopogon citratus (12.21±0.75 mg GAE/g) among the dry samples and Ocimum gratissimum (10.02±2.45 mg GAE/g) among the fresh samples, extracted for 40 minutes.
Conclusion: Longer extraction time and sample dryness maximize TPC yield. Ocimum gratissimum and Cymbopogon citratus may benefit consumers by improving their antioxidant status.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Bath Towels Used by Students of University of Medical Sciences Ondo State
Authors: Kone J. K. , Adegoke K. G. 
Published: April 2022

Background/Aims: Bath towels are woven pieces of fabric either cotton or cotton-polyester that are used to absorb moisture on the body after bathing. Towels are a prime location for germs, and they can be picked up by contact with wet skin. The aim of this research work is to isolate, identify, and evaluate the occurrence of bacterial contaminations from individual bath towels of students from the University of Medical Sciences Ondo and their harmful consequence to public health. Microbiological screening of seventy-two (72) bath towels from 5 of the university hostels for bacterial contamination was carried out.
Methods: Bacterial isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility test were carried out using basic microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was also carried out using Mueller Hinton agar to determine the susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolated.
Results and conclusion: Biochemical analysis of bacterial isolates revealed a general contamination by mainly nine bacterial species associated with human nose, stomach, intestine and skin flora in decreasing frequency of occurrence: Staphylococcus aureus (38.8%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (18.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.3%), Shigella sp. (8.3%), Bacillus sp. (7.0%), Escherichia coli (4.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa. (4.2%), Micrococcus sp. (2.8%), Salmonella sp. (1.4%). Antibiotics susceptibility testing was carried out and recorded on each of the bacterial isolates. Most of the bacterial isolates showed resistance and susceptibility to certain antibiotics which helps in the perfect and effective choice of antibiotics if these species cause infections. Therefore, there is a need to adopt adequate measures for the regular cleaning and washing of towels, while also maintaining good personal hygienic practices to prevent the transfer and spread of pathogens from these towels and avoiding sharing of towels.
Genetic Polymorphism of Merozoite Surface Protein-2 (MSP-2) in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Endemic Sub-Counties, A Case Study in Kisii County, Kenya
Authors: Chepchumba Bwogo Pacifica , Mong’are Samuel , Masai Rael , Maniga Nyabayo Josephat , Ingonga Johnstone , Kimani Francis , Kamau Luna , Mwangi Milkah , Cirindi Josyline , Matoke Damaris 
Published: April 2022

Background: Despite a lot of efforts being put in place globally to reduce malaria burden, malaria is still one of the major public health problem. P. falciparum analysis of the Msp2 gene gives paramount evidence in the evaluation of malaria epidemiology to assist in the ongoing malaria control and elimination programs. Therefore this study aimed at examining genetic polymorphism of msp-2 gene of P. falciparum and its multiplicity of infection (MOI) from endemic Sub-Counties in Kisii County, Kenya.
Methodology: Dried blood spots were collected from 249 study participants who were positive for P. falciparum parasite in endemic Sub – Counties in Kisii County from January to April 2021. Parasites density/μl of blood was calculated by multiplying the number of parasites counted and 8000 white cells/μl then dividing by number of white cells counted. Parasite level was considered low if the parasite/μl of blood was < 500, moderate 501 ≤ 5000 and high if it was > 5000 Parasites DNA was extracted using chelex-100® method and nested PCR for amplification followed by fragment analysis using gel electrophoresis.
Results: 246 samples were identified with msp2 alleles where 94% belonged to 3D7 and 83% belonged to FC27. 40 different polymorphic alleles were identified where 13 belonged to FC27 and 27 belonging to 3D7. 86% isolates had multiple msp2 alleles where the Multiplicity of infection (MOI) overall mean was 2.75.
Conclusion: The study isolates showed high genetic polymorphism. Therefore, this suggests that there is high local malaria transmission, meaning there is failure to the scale up of malaria control interventions in the endemic areas of the County.
Soot in Rivers State and Haematological Insults
Authors: Nyebuchi Jonathan , Ibifubara Jumbo Mieiwari , Loveday Udu Zebedee , Ohwonigho Adjekuko Collins 
Published: April 2022

Soot is known as unwanted by-products gotten from incomplete burning of materials that contain carbon. Soot is also known as black carbon (BC) or carbon blacks (CBs). It is capable of causing many health issues in both humans and animals. When illegal refining and burning activities are carried out, the end product is usually the production of soots. Cases of soot emissions rising in developing countries. It is one cause of diseases in the human population; these diseases include respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and sometimes reproductive system abnormality. Rivers State is a highly populated State with lots of companies carrying out one form of refining and exploration or another. Two factors are responsible for the rising increase of soot in Rivers State, the burning of illegal petroleum product by security agencies and the operation of unlawful illegal refineries carried out from the creeks and surroundings of some local communities and Port Harcourt, the State headquarters. The aim of this review was to assess the effects soot has on the haematological parameters of individuals living in Rivers State. Soot has been shown by several studies to cause some deviation in the haematological parameters such as decrease in the PCV, Hb and RBC. However, it also brings about an increase in the total white blood cell count, neutrophils and lymphocytes. This review provides information on the haematological insults associated with soot exposure in Rivers State.
Evaluation and Validation of Carvedilol in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
Authors: Chinchore Gaurav , Mankar Someshwar 
Published: April 2022

Background: Quality may be described as the character that determines the degree of excellence. A good quality medication is anything that meets the product specifications, can be purchased safely, and can be used confidently for the purpose for which it was designed.To obtain a high quality medication, the manufacturing process for producing a drug should have quality integrated into it. Analytical chemistry is the discipline that seeks ever better methods of assessing the chemical composition of natural and manmade materials.
Aims and Objective: Evaluation and validation of carvedilol in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Material and Methods: preparation of standard stock solution and preparation of sample solution as per standard protocol.
Result: In the RP-HPLC method, a wavelength of 242 nm was retained and the retention time was found to be 2.9 with optimised conditions. Carvedilol showed linearity in the range of 15.62 -93.75µg/ml. where the peak shape was symmetrical and a good correlation coefficient value was obtained.
Conclusion: RP-HPLC, HPTLC, UV spectroscopy were found to be sensitive, precise, and accurate. However these three methods can be used for the routine analysis of carvedilol from formulation.
Exploring the Relationship between Bowel Microbiota and Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Attia Attia Ahmed , Elmetwalli Alaa , Eldiasty Jayda G. 
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: Because of the large number of genes found in the gut microbiome, it has recently been determined that numerous human microorganisms have significant implications for human health.
Aim: The significance of gut bacteria in the development of T2DM was investigated in this study.
Materials and Methods: Microbial species were extracted from fecal materials; they were identified and quantified using genomic spectrophotometric equipment, and certain biochemical parameters for Diabetes were quantified.
Result: We observed a concentration of firmicutes, Bacteroides, and proteobacteria, with the Escherichia coli population predominating. Biochemical parameters reveal a several-fold raised value for some biomarkers in T2DM. In a paired sample test results gave significant differences for all tested pairs.
Conclusion: Microbiomes can affect the gut environment and trigger alterations that embolden the development of T2DM, according to study findings.
Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Commonly used Plants for Wound Treatment in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: B. Akinbobola Ayorinde 
Published: April 2022

Aims: Infection of wounds by microorganisms can prolong wound healing process and result in wound associated complications. Therefore, wound treatment entails the use of antimicrobial agents usually administered directly on the wound where possible to prevent microbial colonization. Traditionally, various plants have been used in wound treatment in different regions of the world. This study evaluated the contribution of the antibacterial activity of four plants commonly use in the treatment of wound in southwestern Nigeria to their ethnobotanically acclaimed wound healing property.
Methodology: The antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the selected plants (Chromolaena odorata, Sida acuta, Ageratum conyzoides and Carica papaya) was evaluated using the agar well diffusion assay. Wound isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, two commonly isolated Gram negative and Gram-positive bacteria from wounds were used for this study. Antibacterial activity was inferred for plant extracts that achieved zone of inhibition ≥ 7 mm in diameter (size of the well inclusive).
Results: Generally, the ethanolic extracts of the selected plants showed better extraction yield and antibacterial activity compared to the aqueous extracts. The ethanolic extracts of the four selected plants demonstrated antibacterial activity against the test organisms used while only the aqueous extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Sida acuta showed activity against both test organisms. The aqueous extracts of Ageratum conyzoides and Carica papaya only showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus.
Conclusion: Results from this study demonstrated that the antibacterial activity of the selected plants contributes to their acclaimed wound healing property. Although there is need to investigate the role of other non-antibacterial properties of the plants that may be associated with wound healing to fully understand the usefulness of the plants in wound treatment.
Pseudomonas mosselli: A Case Series on Its Potential as a Rare Opportunistic Pathogen in Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Kar Mitra , Dubey Akanksha , Sahu Chinmoy , Singh Patel Sangram 
Published: April 2022

Background: Pseudomonas mosselli is a Gram negative, rod-shaped, aerobic, non-sporing and motile bacterium co-existing in the soil with plants, protecting them from fungal and bacterial infections by producing diverse molecules and causing rare opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts. Most common presentations of respiratory infection caused by this isolate include fever, respiratory distress and purulent cough. Satisfactory antibiotic coverage and early diagnosis mostly leads to complete recovery of the patient.
Cases: Three cases have been included in our case series of which case 1 had type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease and hypertension and was also diagnosed SARS- CoV-2 positive by RT-PCR (Real time polymerase chain reaction), case 2 had Takosubo cardiomyopathy, an immunological disorder with impending heart failure and case 3 suffered from advanced renal failure due to rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis on weekly dialysis and steroid therapy. Pseudomonas mosselii from the respiratory samples of the patients admitted to a tertiary care centre were identified by the culture characteristics, biochemical reactions and species identification, performed by Matrix assisted laser desorption / ionization- time of flight- mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS).
Conclusion: Pseudomonas mosselii causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. Respiratory infections caused by it are highly drug susceptible and can be easily overcome by administration of appropriate antibiotic treatment followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing.
The Role of Nonformal and Informal Learning in Strengthening a Culture of Lifelong Learning
Authors: Gervacio Juvy Lizette M. , Xhomaqi Brikena 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe Marrakech Framework for Action (MFA) recognizes the importance of nonformal and informal learning in lifelong learning. They provide more opportunities for learners because they are more inclusive and accessible. One of the strategies is the establishment of community learning centers that provide opportunities for various kinds of learners. The programs are considered to be community‐based, participatory, and inclusive. In this article, the authors explore the role of nonformal and informal learning in lifelong learning, specifically in the context of community learning centers. Various initiatives in selected European countries and the Philippines in Asia are described, in addition to challenges and recommendations for future implementation of nonformal and informal learning in lifelong learning.
Microneedle Assisted Melittin‐Chondroitin Sulfate Administration for the Transdermal Therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Jin Lili , Wang Zhenhui , Peng Cheng , He Miao , Wang Feng , He Hongyan , Liu Changsheng 
Published: February 2025

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA), a persistent and debilitating chronic disease characterize by joint damage and deformity, significantly impairs the life quality of patients and presents challenges for conventional drug administration due to organ damage and unsatisfactory therapeutic outcomes. To address these challenges, this study introduces an innovative hydrogel cryo‐microneedle patch (CMNP)‐mediated local administration system, primarily composed of chondroitin sulfate (CS), to deliver the potent anti‐inflammatory drug melittin (MEL). This innovative approach not only circumvents organ impairment but also enhances patient compliance. The acute toxicity of MEL is effectively mitigated by electrostatic binding with CS molecules, forming MC complexes that induce apoptosis in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS). The MC‐loaded CMNPs (MC@CCMNPs) exhibit remarkable therapeutic capacity with a notably meliorated joint damage and suppressed arthritis severity in the RA rat model. Therefore, MC@CCMNPs emerge as a promising anti‐inflammatory and safe therapy for RA treatment, as well as for other inflammation related chronic diseases.
A Comparison of the Mechanical Properties of ECM Components and Synthetic Self‐Assembling Peptides
Authors: Hartley Alex , Williams Philip Michael , Mata Alvaro 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe field of tissue engineering is increasingly moving away from a one‐size‐fits‐all approach of simple synthetic homogeneous gels, and embracing more tailored designs to optimize cell function and differentiation for the organ of interest. Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are still the optimal route for controlling cell function, while a field of great promise is that of synthetic self‐assembling peptides (SSAPs), which are fully biocompatible, biodegradable, and offer both the hierarchical structure and dynamic properties displayed by protein networks found in natural tissue. However, the mechanical properties of neither group have been comprehensively reviewed. In this review, rheological data and the Young's modulus of the most prevalent proteins involved in the ECM (collagen I, elastin, and fibronectin) are collated for the first time, and compared against the most widely researched SSAPs: peptide amphiphiles (PAs), β‐sheets, β‐hairpin peptides, and Fmoc‐based gels (with a focus on PA‐E3, RADA16, MAX1, and FmocFF, respectively).
EBNA1 Targeted Ultra‐Small Near‐Infrared Persistent Luminescent Nano‐Inhibitor for Theranostics of EBV‐Associated Cancer
Authors: Xie Yanping , Zhu Yunfei , Wen Ya , Hu Siqi , Jiao Ju , Wu Yue , Jiang Lijun , Viana Bruno , Wong Ka‐Leung , Wang Jing , Zou Rui 
Published: February 2025

AbstractEpstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a well‐recognized oncogenic virus that promotes several lymphoid and epithelial cancers. The Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1), which is known to be expressed in all EBV‐positive cancers, plays a vital role in viral genome replication and maintenance and is therefore emerged as an attractive target for clinical intervention. Several EBNA1 inhibitors have shown potency in the growth inhibition of EBV‐positive cancers, yet low bioavailability and in vivo unmonitored nature hamper their further implementation. Here a novel EBNA1 nano‐inhibitor based on EBNA1‐specific peptide inhibitor (P4) functionalized ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ ultra‐small near‐infrared persistent luminescent (NIR‐PL) nanoparticles (ZGOC‐P4) is developed. Owing to the specific binding to EBNA1, ZGOC‐P4 nano‐inhibitor can quickly achieve nuclear internalization in EBV‐positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells (C666‐1) and selectively inhibit their growth. In sharp contrast, ZGOC‐P4 nano‐inhibitor shows no inhibition effect on EBV‐negative NPC cells (HK‐1). Moreover, the results indicate that the well‐designed nano‐inhibitor enables efficient tumor‐targeting accumulation in NPC xenograft model under the monitoring of autofluorescence interference‐free NIR‐PL imaging in vivo and suppresses EBV‐associated tumor growth with an inhibition rate of 61.6%. This work highlights the potency of ZGOC‐P4 on NPC treatment and may provide new sight into future research on EBV‐associated diseases.