bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pragma-semiotic analysis of equivocality in Tess Onwueme’s drama
Authors: Mábáwínkú Olúwafúnminíyì 
Published: March 2022

This paper analyses the ‘meanings within meaning’ as it reflects in the use of language as a verbal sign signal that colours Onwueme’s drama and to which she explores part of semiotics as a vital aspect of her works. Onwueme uses cultural mimesis in expressing meaning in her plays. This is so as her drama is fashioned towards imitation of certain aspects of her culture. Her techniques match her intention as this reflects in her characters’ depiction and artistry aesthetics which is ebullient. This ploy assists in explaining and discovering in-depth meanings tucked within her works as a correlation of the realities in the society. A dose of her cultural mimesis consequently becomes a sign signal which is relevant and complementary to the main action as expressed by the spoken words. The signals provided by the verbal mode through the signs have opened up a wealth of new and revealing information on communication and dramatic principles.
Socio-political consideration of Kunle Afolayan’s directorial experiment in October 1
Authors: Akpore Nicholas Efe , Oyewo Adewale 
Published: March 2022

This article posits that Kunle Afolayan’s directorial experimentation in October 1 had socio-political underpinnings. Among others, it X-rays the directorial style of Kunle Afolayan and initiates a syncretism of Afolayan’s directorial experimentation in October 1 and the sole objective of galvanizing the masses towards a radical socio-political change. The paper brings to the fore that Kunle Afolayan’s directing is hinged on the via- media theory which allows the director to negotiate freely; this in turn made his film a huge success. The paper submits that Kunle Afolayan as a director roots his directorial experiments in October 1 on the socio-political rejuvenation of Nigeria and his penchant for the projection of African cultural aesthetics was not left out.
Social media disinformation and voting decisions during 2019 presidential elections in Nigeria
Authors: Obono Koblowe , Diyo Karimah Aminu 
Published: March 2022

Social media spread disinformation due to their characteristic features of anonymity and ease of producing, accessing, forwarding, and replicating media contents. Although studies have analyzed the influence of disinformation on voter choices, little is known about the false information that went viral on social media during the 2019 Nigerian presidential elections and its influence on voting decisions. Accordingly, the study identified social media disinformation about Muhammadu Buhari (All Progressives Congress) and Atiku Abubakar (Peoples Democratic Party), and its influence on voting decisions. Content analysis of Twitter, Facebook and YouTube posts revealed 10 viral pieces of disinformation about the contestants. Although the messages looked authentic because of their attribution, they were tagged false by independent fact checkers and disclaimers. They were also ascribed as false by survey respondents. Despite their presence, the information had little influence on voting decisions. While Facebook is the most used social media platform (48.6%), Twitter (60%) is the core channel of political disinformation. Posts used multiple story formats and information sources to make claims appear real. A combination of text, video, and picture was used for the political messaging, with pictures accompanying most stories for emphasis and message authentication. Each news story had more than 2000 likes and shares, which has implications for the continuous spread of false information.
Relationship between Cost of Care and Medication Adherence among Hypertensive Patients Attending a Tertiary Health Facility in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Ipinnimo TM , Abodunrin OL , Durowade KA 
Published: March 2022

Background: The economic burden of care is a barrier to effective treatment of hypertension as affordability of drugs may affect medication adherence. This study assessed the cost of care and level of medication adherence among patients with hypertension attending a tertiary hospital in Ekiti State, Nigeria.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that used a systematic sampling technique to select eligible patients. Data was collected with an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Medication adherence was assessed with eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Data entry and analysis were done using IBM SPSS version 22.0. p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The median age (Interquartile Range) of respondents was 55.0 (20.3) years with male to female ratio of 1:1.2. The mean monthly cost of care of hypertension was ₦15,964.76 (US$44.35). Only 47 (34.1%) respondents were adherent (MMAS score of ≥8) to their medications. Medication adherence was inversely associated with total cost of admissions (p=0.024) and cost of admission drugs/consumables (p=0.028). Male gender (AOR=12.561;95%CI=2.248–70.189), middle-age (45-64years) (AOR=11.577;95%CI=1.015- 131.998), being unmarried (AOR=0.006;95%CI=0.000–0.300), exercising <3days per week (AOR=0.055;95%CI=0.006–0.489), employment in informal and formal occupations (AOR=0.024,0.022; 95%CI=0.001–0.590,0.001–0.591) and living with someone (AOR=0.000;95%CI=0.000–0.086) were significant predictors of medication adherence.Conclusion: Medication adherence was suboptimal and negatively associated with total cost of admissions and cost of admission drugs/consumables. Attention should therefore be given to developing and implementing measures such as subsidy on drugs and increasing coverage of health insurance that would limit the impact of these costs on the patients.
Keywords: Cost of care; Medication adherence; Hypertension; Ekiti
A review of morbidity pattern among undergraduate Law students that accessed healthcare at a private University clinic in South-west, Nigeria
Authors: Ojo TO , Owoseni MO , Abiodun O , Bamidele EF , Sodeinde K , Ogunkoya JO , Amuda AA , Alakija W 
Published: March 2022

Background: There is a growing youth population in Nigeria’s universities. It is important to understand the prevailing health problems of undergraduate students and provide services that are responsive to their health needs. Hence, this study assessed the morbidity pattern among law undergraduates that accessed care at a private Nigerian university clinic.Methods: A review of health records of 569 undergraduate law students who attended Babcock University, Iperu campus clinic, Ogun State, from January-December 2018 was conducted. Data were extracted from clinic cards and information on socio-demographic characteristics, presenting complaints, diagnosis, drugs prescribed and outcome of care were obtained. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25 and summarised using frequencies and percentages.Results: The median age of the clinic attendees was 18.7 years and 410 (72.1%) of the clinic attendees were females. Fifth year students accessed care at the University clinic more than other undergraduates, 228 (40.1%). The common morbidities were malaria, 291 (51.1%), respiratory tract infection, 269 (47.3%), malnutrition, 221 (38.8%) and dysmenorrhea, 84 (14.8%). The commonly prescribed class of drugs were analgesics 454 (79.8%), haematinics 401 (70.1%), antibiotics 397 (69.8%), antihistamines 290 (51.0%) and antimalarials 260 (45.7%).Conclusion: Communicable diseases such as malaria and respiratory tract infections were the most common morbidities among the students studied. The study findings are important in planning university health services aimed at effective prevention and treatment of common morbidities among undergraduates. The university needs to increase sensitization among students with the aim of improving clinic service utilization by students, especially the non-final year students.
Keywords: Health problems; Undergraduate students; Private University; Nigeria
Managerial Capacity of Health Care Managers in Primary Health Care Centres in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeniran A , Ojo O , Oluwole E , Chieme F , Olujobi B , Akinyinka M , Ilesanmi M , Ogunsakin A 
Published: March 2022

Background: The performances of Primary Health Care workers play key roles in delivering quality health care thereby leading to health systems’ strengthening. This study assessed the managerial capacity of health care managers at Primary Health Care centres in Ekiti State, Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out amongst 188 health care managers in all the Local Government Areas of Ekiti State, Nigeria from August to November 2020. Self-administered questionnaires (google form) were used to obtain data. Analysis of data was done with STATA SE 12. The level of significance (p-value) was set at <0.05.Results: The mean age of respondents was 45.9 ± 7.0 years with females 161 (85.6%) and males 27 (14.4%). More than one-third 69 (36.7%) of respondents had received formal training in managerial and leadership development. The majority of respondents (94.7%) had good managerial capacity with a mean total score of 279.8 ± 46.9. There was a statistically significant difference in the average managerial capacity scores across the level of education and professional experience categories. Respondents who had tertiary education and those with more than 5 years’ experience had higher managerial capacity scores compared to others. (p < 0.001)Conclusion: The findings indicated that majority of the Primary Health Care managers in Ekiti State had a good managerial capacity to run the Primary Health Care systems. It is recommended that individual health workers should continue with personal development and continuous institutional development by the state government is encouraged towards improvement of health services rendered.
Keywords: Managerial capacity; Healthcare managers; Primary Health Care; Institutional development
Observations on feeding behaviour of adults of the Common Buff butterfly, Baliochila aslanga (Lycaenidae: Poritiinae) at extra-floral nectaries on Adenopodia spicata (Mimosaceae)
Authors: Van Noort Simon , Moll Eugene 
Published: March 2022

Novel feeding behaviour by adult Common Buff butterflies, Baliochila aslanga (Lycaenidae: Poritiinae), is reported on. Nectar assimilation from extra-floral nectaries is known for a number of members of the Poritiinae, and some species also obtain their energy requirements from hemipteran honeydew excrement. We document the first record for the genus Baliochila of an adult butterfly feeding at extra-floral nectaries. Baliochila aslanga was observed imbibing nectar from petiolar glands of Adenopodia spicata (Mimosaceae) in Sodwana Bay National Park in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The searching behaviour to locate the glands and subsequent feeding behaviour, as well as the petiolar glandular morphology, is described and supported by high quality photographs.
Nerve growth factor protects against cadmium-induced hypertension in mice via vascular remodeling
Authors: Sun Hao , Yang Xinchun , Zheng Meili , Liu Jiamei , Guo Zongsheng , Shi Linying , Xie Boqia , Zhang Yuan , Wang Xin , Wang Lefeng 
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on cadmium ion (Cd2+)-induced hypertension in a mouse model, and the mechanism of action involved.
Methods: Hypertension was induced in mice by administration of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) at a dose of 100 mg/L in deionised water. Then, NGF was administered daily for 45 days via the intragastric route. Immunohistochemical technique employing Vectastain ABC kit was used for determination of the levels of matrix metalloproteinases in mice aorta.
Results: Treatment with NGF significantly and dose-dependently alleviated Cd-induced increase in blood pressure in mice (p < 0.05). The Cd-induced elevation in mean arterial pressure (MAP) in mice was also reduced on treatment with NGF at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg. At the two doses of NGF, vascular responsiveness was enhanced in Cd-administered mice. Exposure to NGF dose-dependently reversed Cd-mediated suppression of eNOS expression and elevation in iNOS level. Moreover, NGF at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, reversed Cd-mediated enhancement in nitrate/nitrite levels in urine samples, and reversed Cd-induced elevation in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) count and collagen content in mice arterial wall. The NGF treatment also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced Cd-induced increases in levels of MMP’s.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that NGF increased vascularity and arterial stiffness, and protected against Cd-induced hypertension in mice. Moreover, NGF treatment elevated eNOS expression, suppressed iNOS level and inhibited MMP expression in mice exposed to Cd. Thus, NGF has anti-hypertensive potential and may be beneficial in the treatment of hypertension.
Effect of the plant flavonoid, rhoifolin, on memory and cognition in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Huang Xiaocheng , Wu Shaochang , Wei Yanbin , Meng Shuiyun , Jiang Ruilai 
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To investigate the neuroprotective effect of the natural flavonoid rhoifolin in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced (AD).
Methods: Morris water-maze and novel object recognition tests were carried out to estimate the effect of rhoifolin on memory and cognition. Histopathological analysis was made to observe thickness of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal layer. Analysis of oxidative stress markers was performed to estimate the effect of rhoifolin on oxidative stress in the hippocampus and frontal cortex.
Results: Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests showed a significant improvement in the memory, cognition and spatial learning in rhoifolin treated AD animals (p < 0.05). Moreover, rhoifolin treatment resulted in a significant increase in the CA1 pyramidal layer of AD animals indicating its neuroprotective properties (p < 0.05). The increase in the hippocampal CA1 area further validated the reversal of cognitive dysfunctions caused by STZ treatment. Furthermore, analysis of oxidative stress markers SOD, CAT, GPX, GRX, and MDA showed a significant improvement in the oxidative stress in the hippocampus and frontal cortex (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The present study is the first report to demonstrate the effect of plant flavonoid, rhoifolin on STZ-induced AD in rat model. Rhoifolin improves spatial learning, cognition, and memory in STZ-treated rat model. Therefore, rhoifolin may be a promising therapeutic agent for the management of AD.
Effect of a combination of interferon-α and ambroxol on children with pneumonia, and on serum amyloid A: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Li Zhuangzhuang , Xie Lingling , Wu Jinguang , Wang He , Wang Shugen 
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of combination of interferon-a with ambroxol on children with pneumonia, and its effect on serum amyloid A (SAA).
Methods: A total of 140 children who presented with pneumonia in Cangzhou Central Hospital from January 2019 to November 2020 were selected and randomly assigned to control group and study group. All the children were treated with conventional therapy against cough and phlegm, anti-infection, oxygen inhalation, antipyretic, water and electrolyte correction, and nutritional support. The control group received aerosol inhalation of ambroxol + physiological saline, in addition to conventional treatment. The study group was given aerosol inhalation of recombinant human interferon-α1b + ambroxol + physiological saline. The two groups were treated continuously for 7 days. The time taken for clinical symptoms to subside in each group, as well as serum levels of amyloid A (SAA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) before treatment and 7 days post-treatment were evaluated. Clinical efficacy and incidence of adverse reactions after 7 days of treatment were also obtained and compared.
Results: The time taken for symptom disappearance was significantly shorter in the study group than in control group, and inflammation indices were lower in the study group than in control group (p < 0.05). Levels of IgA, IgM, and IgG in the two groups after treatment were significantly elevated, but they were markedly higher in the observation group than in control group (p < 0.05). Clinical treatment efficacy was superior in the study group, relative to control (p < 0.05). However, no statistical disparity in incidence of adverse reactions was witnessed between the two groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: A combination of interferon-α1b and Ambroxol may be a boon in the treatment of children with pneumonia due to its efficacy and effect on inflammatory response and SAA levels.
Outcomes of reconstruction of polydactyly among children in a tertiary health facility in China
Authors: Lan Gengliang , Xu Jihai , Wang Zhaoqing , Rao Yuanyong , Tan Renlin 
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of reconstruction of congenital bimanual polydactyly and bipedal polydactyly in children in a tertiary health facility in China.
Methods: All 8 children diagnosed with polydactyly of hands and feet from March 31st of 2016 to April 1st of 2020 underwent surgical reconstruction and were followed up for 6 to 36 months. Evidence of family history and outcome of the surgical intervention in the hospital using Tada scoring were analyzed.
Results: 7 of the patients had the same family history with the same diagnosis of the same symptom in their fathers, grandfather and great grandfather. All the incisions healed well, the appearance of both hands and feet was satisfactory, and the function was significantly improved. The children's hand shape was satisfactory and their motor function was better than that before operation.
Conclusion: Congenital polydactyly of both hands and feet is rare and complex. As long as the timing and method of operation are properly chosen, both hands and feet can acquire good appearance and functions after operation.
Anticancer effect of a combination of cisplatin and matrine on cervical cancer U14 cells and U14 tumor-bearing mice, and possible mechanism of action involved
Authors: Yang Aihong , Zhu Jun , Xu Feixue , Yang Jiao , Wang Ying , Wei Min , Bai Xuefei , Yang Yongxiu 
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To investigate the anticancer effects of cisplatin (DDP) in combination with matrine on cervical cancer U14 cell tumor-bearing mice.
Methods: The cell proliferation of cervical cancer U14 cells treated with DDP (25, 20, 15, 10 and 5 μg/mL); matrine (2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5 mg/mL); or DDP (15 μg/mL) + matrine (2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5 mg/mL) was determined with MTT assay. The anticancer effect of DDP + matrine in U14 tumor-bearing mice was also investigated, based on expression of tumor suppressor lung cancer 1 (TSLC1) using quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry.
Results: The inhibition of proliferation of U14 cells ranged from 26.68–70.25, 10.20–61.73, and 51.89–89.75 % for DDP, matrine and DDP + matrine, respectively. In mice with U14 solid tumors, the DDP group had 12.3 % weight loss (p < 0.05). Treatment with DDP, matrine, and DDP + matrine reduced tumor growth by 64.56, 42.22–56.67, and 67.78–81.11 %, respectively (p < 0.01). Results from RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry showed corresponding increases in expression levels of TSLC1.
Conclusion: These results indicate that the anticancer activity of DDP + matrine is higher than that of a single treatment with either DPP or matrine. The likely mechanism of action might be related to promotion of TSLC1 expression. This finding provides a potential strategy for the management of cervical cancer.
Erdosteine prevents contrast-induced renal oxidative stress damage in mice
Authors: Zhou Qiwei , Qian Feng , Jia Zhuo , Zhang Xu 
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of erdosteine on contrast-induced renal oxidative stress in mice.
Methods: C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with contrast medium to establish an acute kidney injury model (AKI). Renal function, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) were determined. Also, oxidative stress, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were evaluated. And the renal tissue structure was examined by light microscopy, while Western blot (WB) and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to determine the expressions of senescence-related factor, Nrf-2 and downstream antioxidant factor.
Results: Erdosteine improved the renal structure of mice and significantly decreased serum BUN and SCr levels. In addition, erdosteine promoted the expression of antioxidant enzymes SOD1, SOD2, GPX1 and GPX3 in renal tissues, decreased the content of ROS, and inhibited the content of LDH and MDA in serum. Also, WB and RT-PCR results showed that erdosteine activated Nrf2 pathway, thereby alleviating contrast-induced renal injury.
Conclusion: Erdosteine inhibits contrast-induced renal oxidative stress in mice and delays cell senescence by activating Nrf2 pathway. This will be of great significance in the treatment of contrast-induced nephropathy.
Drug cost optimization of cholinesterase inhibitor therapy in advanced dementia: Results of a prospective study of discontinuation
Authors: Garcia-Garcia Ramon R. , Calleja-Hernandez Miguel Angel M.A. 
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of discontinuing treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) on drug costs in patients with advanced dementia.
Methods: Severe dementia patients receiving ChEI treatment for over 12 months (n = 43) aged over 65 years (mean age = 82.6 ± 7.5 years) were recruited from 8 nursing homes located in Alicante, Spain. ChEI treatment was discontinued in 23 patients. Here, we report the results from a cost-minimization analysis to evaluate the drug costs with a follow-up period of three months. The drug costs were prospectively analyzed based on drug acquisition costs.
Results: At the end of the follow-up, the mean monthly drug costs were €52.68 ± 22.48 in the discontinuation group and €122.54 ± 44.74 in the continuation group - a significant difference of means of -€69.86 (95 % CI, -91.24 to -48.48; p = 0.000). The monthly drug cost reduction for the ChEI discontinuation group was €1,533.35.
Conclusion: ChEI discontinuation appears to be a possible option for minimizing treatment costs in institutionalized patients with advanced dementia.
LncRNA NBAT-1 inhibits the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by interacting with CYLD
Authors: Sun Jisan , Li Guoyao , Zhang Li , Xie Yan , Chen Chiyi , He Jian , Jiang Wentao 
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To illustrate the biological influences of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NBAT-1 (neuroblastoma associated transcript 1) on HCC progression and the molecular mechanism of action.
Methods: NBAT-1 levels in HCC tissues and cell lines were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The relationship between NBAT-1 and prognosis in HCC was analyzed. After knockdown of NBAT-1 in HepG2 and Hep3B cells, proliferative and migratory changes were assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assay, respectively. The interaction between NBAT-1 and CYLD was confirmed by subcellular fraction determination and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP). Rescue experiments were conducted to verify the involvement of CYLD in HCC cell functions regulated by NBAT-1.
Results: NBAT-1 was downregulated in HCC tissues. Its level was much lower in metastatic or advanced stage HCC patients (p < 0.05), showing a certain prognostic potential. Knockdown of NBAT-1 stimulated proliferative and migratory potentials in HepG2 and Hep3B cells. NBAT-1 was mainly distributed in the cell cytoplasm. The mRNA and protein levels of CYLD were downregulated in HCC cells by NBAT-1 knockdown, displaying a positive interaction. CYLD was involved in the regulatory effect of NBAT-1 on HCC progression.
Conclusion: Through a positive interaction with CYLD, NBAT-1 inhibits the malignant progression of HCC. These findings provide a potential approach to the development of targeted therapies for HCC.