bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seminal plasma visfatin levels negatively correlate with sperm concentration
Authors: Anagnostopoulou Kalliopi , Tzanakaki Despina , Gryparis Alexandros , Demeridou Stella , Baka Stavroula 
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Visfatin is involved in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis, with a possible role in spermatogenesis. We investigated seminal plasma visfatin levels and its possible correlations with sperm parameters (concentration, motility, morphology) and BMI.
Materials and methods: We included 79 semen samples obtained from men from infertile couples presenting for sperm analysis. The samples were divided into 2 groups: a group of 35 samples with normal sperm parameters and another group of 44 samples with at least one abnormal sperm parameter. Seminal plasma visfatin levels were determined using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.
Results: Demographic data and body mass index (BMI) were similar in our subjects. As expected, the sperm parameters were significantly different between the 2 groups we studied. Visfatin levels did not differ between groups (66.6 ng/ml in normal samples and 72.7 ng/ml in abnormal samples, p=0.114) and did not correlate with sperm motility, sperm morphology, and BMI. However, a negative correlation between visfatin levels and sperm concentration (r=−0.28; p=0.014) and sperm count (r=−0.3; p=0.009), respectively, was detected.
Conclusions: Visfatin was detected in all human seminal plasma samples. Although its levels were similar in subjects with and without normal sperm parameters, a role for visfatin in sperm physiology cannot be ruled out at this point and further research is required.
The management of brain metastases in melanoma patients
Authors: Crivellari Stefania , Megna Iacopo , Delfanti Sara , De Angelis Antonina , Durante Oreste , Merlo Giulia , Ghiglione Marco , Grosso Federica 
Published: May 2022

Among solid tumors, melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, with the highest risk of developing brain metastasis. The central nervous system is the most frequent initial site of treatment failure, both with chemotherapy and with biological therapies.
The combination of antiCTLA4 and antiPD1 is superior to single agents alone in terms of rapidity and duration of responses, although its activity is limited in symptomatic patients.
Target therapy induces rapid responses in a significant proportion of patients, but these are generally short-lasting.
Currently, there is a great interest in evaluating the combination with new immunotherapy and antiangiogenic agents, with sequential or concomitant radiotherapy.
Multidisciplinary management of patients with melanoma brain metastasis is crucial to provide the best treatment in the context of a patient-centered approach.
Loewner’s theorem for maps on operator domains
Authors: Mori Michiya , Šemrl Peter 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe classical Loewner’s theorem states that operator monotone functions on real intervals are described by holomorphic functions on the upper half-plane. We characterize local order isomorphisms on operator domains by biholomorphic automorphisms of the generalized upper half-plane, which is the collection of all operators with positive invertible imaginary part. We describe such maps in an explicit manner, and examine properties of maximal local order isomorphisms. Moreover, in the finite-dimensional case, we prove that every order embedding of a matrix domain is a homeomorphic order isomorphism onto another matrix domain.
Strengthening Bioinformatics and Genomics Analysis Skills in Africa for Attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals: Report of the 2nd Conference of the Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network
Authors: Isewon Itunuoluwa , Soremekun Chisom , Adebiyi Marion , Adetunji Charles , Ogunleye Adewale Joseph , Bajeh Amos Orenyi , Asani Emmanuel Oluwatobi , Gbadamosi Babatunde , Soremekun Opeyemi , Udosen Brenda , Kintu Christopher , Ogundokun Roseline , Arowolo Micheal Olaolu , Matiluko Opeyemi , Nashiru Oyekanmi , Adebiyi Ezekiel , Ekenna Chinwe , Fatumo Segun 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT.
The second conference of the Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network (NBGN21) was held from October 11 to October 13, 2021. The event was organized by the Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network. A 1-day genomic analysis workshop on genome-wide association study and polygenic risk score analysis was organized as part of the conference. It was organized primarily as a research capacity building initiative to empower Nigerian researchers to take a leading role in this cutting-edge field of genomic data science. The theme of the conference was “Leveraging Bioinformatics and Genomics for the attainments of the Sustainable Development Goals.” The conference used a hybrid approach—virtual and in-person. It served as a platform to bring together 235 registered participants mainly from Nigeria and virtually, from all over the world. NBGN21 had four keynote speakers and four leading Nigerian scientists received awards for their contributions to genomics and bioinformatics development in Nigeria. A total of 100 travel fellowships were awarded to delegates within Nigeria. A major topic of discussion was the application of bioinformatics and genomics in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG3—Good Health and Well-Being, SDG4—Quality Education, and SDG 15—Life on Land [Biodiversity]). In closing, most of the NBGN21 conference participants were interviewed and interestingly they agreed that bioinformatics and genomic analysis of African genomes are vital in identifying population-specific genetic variants that confer susceptibility to different diseases that are endemic in Africa. The knowledge of this can empower African healthcare systems and governments for timely intervention, thereby enhancing good health and well-being.
Impact of Three to Five Rounds of Mass Drug Administration on Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminths in School-Aged Children in North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Griswold Emily , Eigege Abel , Adelamo Solomon , Mancha Bulus , Kenrick Nwodu , Sambo Yohana , Ajiji Joseph , Zam Gideon , Solomon Jacob , O. Urude Rita , Kadimbo Jonathan , Danboyi Jacob , Miri Emmanuel , Nute Andrew W. , Rakers Lindsay , Nebe Obiageli , Anyaike Chukwuma , Weiss Paul , S. Noland Gregory , Richards Frank 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT.
Nasarawa and Plateau states of north-central Nigeria have implemented programs to control schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in children since the 1990s. Statewide mapping surveys were conducted in 2013, when 11,332 school-aged children were sampled from 226 schools. The local government areas (LGAs) then received varying combinations of mass drug administration (MDA) for the next 5 years. We revisited 196 (87%) schools in 2018 plus an additional six (202 schools in total), sampling 9,660 children. We calculated overall prevalence and intensity of infection and evaluated associations with gender; age; behaviors; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and treatment regimen. Urine heme detection dipsticks were used for Schistosoma hematobium in both surveys, with egg counts added in 2018. Stool samples were examined by Kato-Katz for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Schistosoma mansoni, and hookworm. Schistosomiasis prevalence among sampled students dropped from 12.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.1–14.9%) to 9.0% (95% CI: 7.5–10.9%), a statistically significant change (P < 0.05). In 2018, eight LGAs still had > 1% of children with heavy-intensity schistosome infections. Prevalence of STH infection did not significantly change, with 10.8% (95% CI: 9.36–12.5%) of children positive in 2013 and 9.4% (95% CI: 8.0–10.9%) in 2018 (P = 0.182). Heavy-intensity STH infections were found in < 1% of children with hookworm, and none in children with A. lumbricoides or T. trichiura in either study. The WASH data were collected in 2018, indicating 43.6% of schools had a latrine and 14.4% had handwashing facilities. Although progress is evident, SCH remains a public health problem in Nasarawa and Plateau states.
Microbiological Impacts of Decontamination of Stethoscopes and Assessment of Disinfecting Practices among Physicians in Pakistan: A Quality Improvement Survey
Authors: Tahir Muhammad Junaid , Zaman Musharaf , Babar Muhammad Saad , Imran Fareeha , Ajmal Aasma Noveen , Malik Muna , Khan Jalees Khalid , Ullah Irfan , Asghar Muhammad Sohaib 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT.
The study was conducted to determine bacterial contamination of stethoscopes used by doctors before and after disinfecting with isopropyl alcohol and analyze their practices of disinfecting stethoscopes. Samples from stethoscopes were taken before and after disinfecting with 70% isopropyl alcohol swab with the help of a sterile swab. All swabs were inoculated on Blood and MacConkey agar plates and were examined for growth. Stethoscopes of 78 doctors were sampled which included 45 (58%) males and 33 (42%) females. Before decontamination of diaphragms with isopropyl alcohol, 27 (34.6%) diaphragms had “growth” while 51 (65.4%) had “no growth.” After decontamination with isopropyl alcohol, 5 (6.4%) had “growth” while 73 (93.6%) had “no growth.” The most common microorganism isolated from stethoscopes’ diaphragms was methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE), that is, 14 out of 78 (17.9%). The survey also evaluated factors associated with contamination of stethoscopes. Most doctors 71(91%) believe that stethoscopes can be a source of infection and 55.1% (N = 43) responded that both diaphragm and bell of stethoscopes can transmit infections. Many doctors (41%, N = 32) reported that “forgetfulness/laziness” was the barrier which they faced regarding stethoscope hygiene followed by “lack of time” (21.8%, N = 17). The contamination rate (66.6%) is highest in those doctors who are using their stethoscopes for 3–5 years. Of them, 30 doctors (38.5%) never decontaminated their stethoscopes among which 17 had growth in their stethoscopes before cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, while three had growth even after decontamination. Most doctors used sanitizer (29.5%) and isopropyl alcohol (25.6%) as cleaning agents.
Case Report: Leptospirosis by Wild Rat Bite in Winter in Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Japan
Authors: Suzuki Tetsuya , Morioka Shinichiro , Kikuchi Tatsuya , Sato Lubna , Nomoto Hidetoshi , Yamamoto Kei , Koizumi Nobuo , Hayakawa Kayoko , Kutsuna Satoshi , Ohmagari Norio 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT.
We report a case of leptospirosis in Tokyo in winter due to a rat bite, an uncommon cause of Leptospira infection. In Japan, many cases due to exposure to fresh water have been reported from domestic southwest islands in summer. However, a previous report on leptospirosis in Tokyo documented several cases occurring in winter. The main route of infection in the Tokyo metropolitan area during winter was attributed to the increased chance of direct rat exposure. Rapid and feasible diagnostic methods are needed to elucidate its epidemiology and provide prompt treatment.
The role of infections in the pathogenesis of bleeding among patients with haemophilia-A: A primer for haemophilia caregivers in the tropics
Authors: Ahmed S.G. , Ibrahim U.A. 
Published: May 2022

Haemophiliacs are often transfusion-dependent, and are at risk of HIV and non-HIV immuno-suppression, making them vulnerable to transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) and non-TTIs, many of which can cause infection-associated bleeding (IAB) even in non-haemophilic individuals. Haemophiliacs are particularly susceptible to IAB due to vicious interaction between pre-existing ‘inherited’ FVIII deficiency and infection-induced ‘acquired’ pro-haemorrhagic abnormalities. IAB in haemophiliacs manifests as undue musculoskeletal and/or mucocutaneous haemorrhages. It is thus important for haemophilia caregivers in general (and in the tropics in particular) to have thorough understanding of IAB. Clinico-pathological perspectives of IAB in haemophilia are fragmented, and not comprehensively appraised in previous literature. This review presents updated, comprehensive but concise overview of pathogenesis, trigger mechanisms, clinical implications, therapy and prevention of IAB in haemophiliacs as accrued from literature.
Methodology: Online databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar and others were interrogated using the search terms; ‘haemophilia-A’, ‘viral, bacterial and parasitic infections’, ‘bleeding’, ‘mucocutaneous’, ‘thrombocytopenia’, ‘ecchymosis’, ‘purpura’, ‘haematuria’, ‘melena’, ‘haematemesis’, and ‘haemoptysis’ in various combinations.
Results: Pathogenesis of IAB in haemophilia include mucosal ulcerations, acquired coagulopathy, and/or portal hypertension. As long as the causative infections are untreated, IAB is often persistent or recurrent, predisposing patients to absenteeism from school/work, iron deficiency, excessive exposure to blood products, high risk of acquiring additional TTIs and increased risk of developing inhibitors to FVIII. Haemophilia caregivers should investigate stool, urine, sputum, blood and/or radiographs of all cases of persistent or recurrent bleeding, especially if bleeding is unabated by blood products transfusion alone, and more-so in patients presenting with constitutional and/or systemic indicators of infections such as pyrexia, asthenia, dysuria, cough, diarrhoea, jaundice, or history of passage of worms in the stool. Transfusion of blood products alone would not suffice for IAB, and transfusions of FVIII containing products without concurrent anti-infection chemotherapy may even promote the development of inhibitors since active infections and inflammations are important risk factors for inhibitor development in haemophiliacs.
Conclusion: It is therapeutically essential to combine transfusion therapy with anti-infective chemotherapy in order to achieve prompt and sustained stoppage of IAB. Haemophilia caregivers should also counsel patients on hygiene, barrier protection against vectors, and vaccination protocols.
Bacteriological quality of community well water and public health concerns in Enugu urban, Nigeria
Authors: Obikpo L. , Onyia F.C , Offe I. M , Ezeilo C.M , Ezebialu C , Afunwa R.A. 
Published: May 2022

Background: Water is a basic necessity used by humans for both domestic and industrial uses. Next to air, water is essential to life. It takes up about 71% of the earth’s surface. The objective of this study is to determine the bacteriological quality of well water in Enugu urban, Nigeria
Methodology: A total of 60 domestic wells were selected from Abakpa, Obiagu and Achara layouts in Engu urban, Nigeria by stratified random sampling method, with 20 wells selected from each area based on location of well sites and construction parameters. Water samples were collected from each well using a sterile 200ml plastic bottle for bacteriological analysis to estimate total bacteria count in colony forming unit (cfu)/ml, total coliform count in most probable number (mpn)/100ml, and faecal coliform count in most probable number (mpn)/100ml. Bacterial isolates were identified using Gram reaction and conventional biochemical tests including catalase and coagulase for Gram positive bacteria, and oxidase, citrate utilization, hydrogen sulfide, indole, urease, methyl red, Voges Proskauer, and sugar fermentation tests for Gram negative bacteria. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) of each isolate was performed by the disk diffusion method against selected antibiotics including penicillin G (10µg), ciprofloxacin (5µg), streptomycin (10µg), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (20/10µg), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (25µg), and result interpreted using the European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) break points. Comparative statistics of the data was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The well water in the three layouts were heavily contaminated as shown by comparatively high mean total bacteria counts of 0.8825±0.66x104 cfu/ml, 0.8435±0.6413x104 cfu/ml, and 0.8384±0.5948x104 cfu/ml for Abakpa, Obiagu and Achara layouts respectively (p=0.9714). The mean total coliform counts were 5.15±5.284, 5.45±4.31 and 5.05±4.763 mpn/100ml (p=0.8038), and the mean faecal coliform counts were 2.4±3.393, 2.65±2.796 and 2.05±2.35 mpn/100ml (p=0.9631) for Abakpa, Obiagu and Achara layouts respectively. A total of 50 pathogenic bacterial isolates were identified; Klebsiella pneumoniae 21 (43.8%), Escherichia coli 13 (30.0%), Proteus spp 6 (12.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 6 (12.5%), and Staphylococcus aureus 2 (4.2%). The AST result shows that 75% of K. pneumoniae, E. coli, Proteus spp and S. aureus were resistant to all five antibiotics tested.
Conclusion: These findings showed high faecal contamination of domestic well water sources, which poses a significant infection risk to the community. Proper water treatment measures and personal hygiene practices are recommended, and well sites should be located at a safe distance from septic tanks, pit latrines, flowing gutters and refuse dump sites.
Acute Toxicity Test and Behavioural Activity of Aqueous and Ethanol Dried Leaf Extracts of Solenostemon monostachyus In Mice
Authors: Olusa A.S. , Oyemitan I.A. 
Published: May 2022

Background: The leaves of Solenostemon monostachyus have been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including CNS related ailments.
Objective: To evaluate the median lethal dose (LD50), behavioural activity with possible mechanism(s) of action of aqueous dried leaf extract (AESM) and ethanol dried leaf extract (EESM) of Solenostemon monostachyus
Method: The aqueous and ethanol extracts were obtained using sohxlet extraction and 80% ethanol respectively. The LD50 of the extracts was determined orally (p.o.) and intraperitoneally (i.p.). The effects of the AESM and EESM (200, 400, 800 mg/kg, p.o., n=6) on novelty-induced behaviours (NIB) were evaluated using the open field test. Possible mechanism(s) were evaluated using antagonists: flumazenil, naloxone and cyproheptadine at 2 mg/kg each, atropine and yohimbine at 1 mg/kg each.
Results: The LD50 values obtained for AESM and EESM were 3808 and 2154 mg/kg p.o. respectively, while i.p.,values were 490 and 693 mg/kg respectively. AESM and EESM (200, 400, 800 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the NIB. The probable pathways could be majorly facilitated through adrenergic, and GABAergic pathways, though the serotonergic, opioidergic and muscarinic pathways may be implicated. These pathways, except the muscarinic pathway may be implicated in the action of EESM.
Conclusion: The aqueous and ethanol dried leaf extracts of S. monostachyus showed slight and moderate toxicity respectively, suppressed CNS which could be mediated mainly through antagonism of adrenergic and augmentation of GABAergic neurotransmission, while cholinergic (except EESM), opioidergic and serotonergic pathways may be involved.
Susceptibility of Multi-Drug Resistant Wound Pathogens to Extracts and Fractions of Ficus Vogelii (Miq) and Telfairia occidentalis(Hook F.) and Bactericidal kinetics
Authors: Coker M.E. , Fadele M.O. , Udoh H.M. 
Published: May 2022

Background: Wound infection is the third most common nosocomial infection worldwide, with resultant high mortality and morbidity rates in developing countries. Many pathogenic microrganisms implicated in wound infections have evolved antimicrobial resistance, necessitating a focused search for important therapeutic bioactive compounds from natural sources.
Objective: To investigate the antimicrobial potential of leaf extracts and fractions of Ficus vogelii and Telfairia occidentalis against wound clinical isolates.
Materials and Methods: Pulverized plant leaves were screened for the presence of phytochemicals. Extraction of ground leaves was by cold maceration with methanol, and fractions were obtained by partitioning into hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. Antibiogram of clinical isolates was determined via disc diffusion method. Antimicrobial susceptibility of test isolates was determined by agar-well diffusion while minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by microbroth dilution assay. Time-kill assay of the methanol fraction of plants was carried out using the viable count technique.
Results: Alkaloids, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids were the phytochemicals detected. The plant extracts and fractions had appreciable inhibitory effects against the multi-rug resistant test organisms, with MIC and MBC values ranging from 3.125 to 12.5 mg/mL and 12.5 to > 50 mg/mL, respectively. A total kill of the organisms was achieved at 24 hours at 3.125mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL of methanol fractions of both plants.
Conclusion: Ficus vogelii and Telfairia occidentalis contain bioactive compounds that can be developed into standard chemotherapeutics for the management and treatment of wound infections.
Therapeutic potential of modulation of the ion channel activity of vanilloid receptors TRPV1 in oncological practice
Authors: Hladkykh F.V. 
Published: May 2022

Background. Type 1 vanilloid receptors (TRPV1 ) play an important role in tumoral genesis and cancer development, because the expression levels of TRPV1 change in a lot of types of cancer cells. At present, the regulation of functional activity and sensitivity of TRPV1 is an object of intensive research. Purpose – to characterize the modern concept of therapeutic potential of modulation of the ion channel activity of vanilloid receptors TRPV1 in oncological practice according to the data from open literature sources.
Materials and methods. The publications were selected from the following databases: PubMed, EBSCO, Clinical Key, etc. In these publications the data on the ion channels of the transistor receptor potential were elucidated, particularly on type 1 vanilloid receptors, their role in tumoral genesis and the therapeutic potential of the modulation of their activity. Results. Binding of exogenous agonists to the TRPV1 receptor is accompanied by the influx of Ca2+ ions from the cytosol to the cell. It is known that Ca2+ ions are one of the main secondary messengers, since they play an important role in lots of fundamental physiological processes, including cell excitability, vitality, apoptosis and transcription. The disbalance of intracellular flow of Ca2+ is associated with characteristics of different types of cancer. The latest studies have shown that Ca2+ also contributes to certain malignant appearances, such as proliferation, invasion, migration and metastasis. Moreover, TRPV1 activation modulates the apoptosis-proliferation balance through the mechanisms beyond Ca2+ signaling, and in some works TRPV1 role in metastasis of cancer cells is mentioned. Conclusions. Selective TRPV1 activation or the increase in its expression has therapeutic potential, conditioned by pleiotropic influence on the apoptosis-proliferation balance in cancer cells. TRPV1 blockage or reduction of its expression can mitigate hyperalgesia caused by the tumor. In addition, TRPV1 act as biomarkers of a range of cancers (invasive breast carcinoma, epithelial ovarian and cervical cancer).