bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The antimicrobial peptide alpha defensin correlates to type 2 diabetes via the advanced glycation end products pathway
Authors: El-Mowafy Mohammed , Elgaml Abdelaziz , Abass Naglaa , A Mousa Amany , N Amin Mohamed 
Published: May 2022

Background: Diabetes is a serious health problem that results in high mortality rates worldwide. α-defensins are antimicrobial peptides of the innate immune system that contribute to inflammation. However, data on serum levels of α-defensin in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes are limited.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the possible changes in α-defensin serum levels in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and to investigate its correlation with relevant biomarkers.
Methodology: Analysis of serum α-defensin levels in 47 type 2 diabetics with diabetic neuropathy, 19 type 2 diabetics with no complications and 19 healthy control subjects by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was established. Furthermore, measurement of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) serum levels was performed, together with the lipid profile analysis.
Results: The serum levels of α-defensin were higher in patients with and without diabetic neuropathy in comparison to control subjects. In addition, there was a significant correlation between α-defensin serum levels and AGEs and FBG serum levels as well as with the body mass index.
Conclusions: α-defensins are significantly elevated in serum of type II diabetics, and correlate with AGEs serum levels indicating a crosstalk that may aggravate inflammation in type 2 diabetes.
Keywords: Alpha defensing; Advanced glycation end products; Hyperglycemia; Inflammation; Innate immunity; Type 2 diabetes.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF 23) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) as markers of mineral bone disease among Nigerians with non-diabetic kidney disease
Authors: R Raji Yemi , O Ajayi Samuel , M Adeoye Abiodun , Amodu Olukemi , O Tayo Bamidele , L Salako Babatunde 
Published: May 2022

Background: Excess cardiovascular burden in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been attributed to the occurrence of CKD–Mineral Bone Disease (CKD – MBD). This study aimed to determine the spectrum of CKD-MBD among Nigerians with CKD using Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF 23) and intact Parathyroid Hormone (iPTH).
Methods: Cross sectional survey of 105 patients with non-diabetic CKD and 104 controls. Information obtained were demographics, aetiology of CKD, features of CKD-MBD. Serum iPTH and FGF 23 were assayed.
Results: The mean ages were 48.7±15.3 vs 48.6±17.4 years while 54.7% and 45.2% were males for cases and controls, respectively. The mean plasma FGF 23 (392.8±35.3 vs 133.8±22.7 RU/mL and plasma iPTH (289±25.6 vs 118±10.8 ng/L, respectively. The frequency of elevated FGF 23 (45.7% vs 24.0%, p<0.01) and abnormal iPTH (53.3% vs 14.1%, p- 0.01) were higher in cases. The prevalence of MBD were (59.0% vs 14.4%, p<0.01) in cases and controls while dialysis status OR 2.94, 95% CI (1.2803–5.3645), and elevated FGF 23 OR, 1.87, 95% CI (1.1782–5.4291) were associated with CKD-MBD.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated high prevalence of CKD-MBD among patients with non-diabetic CKD while FGF23 and iPTH were useful assays in the diagnosis of CKD-MBD among Nigerians with CKD.
Keywords: CKD; mineral bone disease; diagnostic; FGF 23; parathyroid hormone.
Trauma unit admissions at the Ugandan National Referral Hospital: a descriptive study
Authors: Stone Luggya Tonny , Alenyo Ngabirano Annet , Sarah Richardson , Mabweijano Jackie , Osire John , Achieng Lilian , Nabulime Josephine , Bangirana Alex 
Published: May 2022

Background: Injuries are a neglected epidemic globally accounting for 9% global deaths; 1.7 times that of HIV, TB and malaria combined. Trauma remains overlooked with key research and data focusing on infectious diseases yet Uganda has one of the highest rates of traumatic injury. We described demographics of patients admitted to Mulago Hospital’s Shock Trauma Unit within the Emergency Department.
Methods: This was a retrospective record review Trauma Unit admissions from July 2012 to December 2015. Information collected included: age, sex, time of admission, indication for admission and mechanism of trauma.
Results: 834 patient records were reviewed. The predominant age group was 18-35 with majority of patients being male. 54% of patients presented during daytime with 46% admitted in the evening hours or overnight. Mechanism of injury was documented in 484 cases. The most common mechanism was Road Traffic Accident (67.4%), followed by assault (12.8%) and mob violence (5.6%). The most common indication for admission was traumatic brain injury (84.5%), followed by haemodynamic instability (20.0%) and blunt chest injury (6.1%).
Conclusion: There’s a significant burden of high-acuity injury particularly among males with RTAs as the leading cause of admission associated with Traumatic Brain Injury as main admission indication.
Keywords: Emergency care; Trauma; Uganda; Traumatic Brain Injuries; Accidents, Injury.
Serum protein concentration and amino acid profile of HIV/HBV co-infected subjects on HAART in Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Uzoma Igwe Chidi , Emagba Ewuga Emmanuel , Onyedikachi Ujowundu Cosmas , Oparaji Onyeocha Ignatius , Adaku Onwuliri Viola 
Published: May 2022

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are currently two important blood-borne human pathogens of major public health concern with high prevalence rates in Africa.
Objectives: The study assessed the impact of HIV and HBV mono- and co-infections on serum total protein, albumin, globulin fractions and plasma free amino acids concentrations.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on adult (25 – 64 years old) patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy attending AIDS Preventive Initiative in Nigeria Centre, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria. It involved 80 subjects; 20 HIV/HBV co-infected, 20 each of HIV and HBV mono-infected controls, and 20 seronegative controls.
Results: Signiﬁcant (p<0.05) increases in total protein and gamma globulin but a reduction in albumin concentrations were observed in the HIV/HBV co-infected group. Similarly, significant (p<0.05) increases in alpha-1 and alpha-2 globulin concentrations were observed in the mono- and co-infected groups compared to the seronegative control group. There were significant (p<0.05) increases in the glucogenic, aromatic and branched-chain amino acid concentrations of the HIV/HBV co-infected subjects.
Conclusion: The study suggests prognostic importance of alpha and gamma globulin fractions of serum protein as well as amino acid profile in the management of HIV/HBV co-infection.
Keywords: Total protein; albumin; globulin; amino acid; viral infection.
Factors associated with risky sexual behaviour among sexually experienced undergraduates in Osun state, Nigeria
Authors: Omisore Akinlolu , Oyerinde Ifeoluwa , Abiodun Omoniyi , Aderemi Zainab , Adewusi Titilayo , Ajayi Iseoluwa , Fagbolade Temitope , Miskilu Sukurat 
Published: May 2022

Background: Risky sexual behavior (RSB) is common among youths which predispose them to sexually transmitted infections. This study sets out to identify the factors associated with RSB among undergraduates in Osun state.
Methods: The study design was descriptive cross sectional and a total of 550 respondents from two universities in Osun state were sampled using a multistage sampling technique, out of which data from 266 sexually experienced respondents was further analyzed. Data collected via a semi–structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses.
Results: The 266 respondents consisted of 54.5% males and 45.5% females and larger percentage of them were in the age group 15-24years. Seven out of ten respondents (69.9%) were sexually active while 65.8% were involved in at least one RSB. Of the 266 respondents, 28.6% ever had concurrent multiple sexual partners, 15.8% used alcohol/drugs at last sex while 48.1% did not use condom at last sex. More males (71.7%), alcohol users (76.8%), drug users (78.0%), pornography watchers (82.7%), internet users (71.2%) respondents “not in good terms with mum” (86.7%) and “those whose mum doesn’t instruct them morally” (84.2%) were involved in RSB compared to their respective counterparts (p<0.05). However, there were no identifiable predictors of RSB on regression analysis.
Conclusion: Risky Sexual Behavior is prevalent among undergraduates with males being more involved, among other associated factors. Concerned stakeholders should engage youths via behavioral change communication strategies so as to significantly reduce their involvement in RSB.
Keywords: Behaviour; experienced; factors, risky; sexual undergraduates.
Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli isolated from children with acute diarrhoea at Rakai hospital, Southern Uganda
Authors: Masiga Fredrick , Kigozi Edgar , Florence Najjuka Christine , Kajumbula Henry , Patrick Kateete David 
Published: May 2022

Background: Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) is a leading cause of childhood diarrhoea. This study estimated the prevalence of DEC and DEC pathotypes among children with acute diarrhoea in Southern Uganda.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 267 children less than 5 years with acute diarrhoea, admitted to Rakai General Hospital in Southern Uganda. Faecal samples were collected from the children and processed for isolation of E. coli. The presence of DEC and the distribution of DEC pathotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction.
Results: A total of 102 (38.2%, 102/267) children had DEC of various pathotypes – enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (14.2%); enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) (6.7%); enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) (6%); enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) (7.5%); enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) (3%); and cell-detaching E. coli (CDEC) (0.75%). The difference in the overall prevalence of DEC was not significant regarding HIV but individually, EAEC and CDEC were associated with HIV-positive status while ETEC was associated with HIV-negative status.
Conclusions: DEC is prevalent in children with acute diarrhoea in Southern Uganda and its identification in children should be considered among strategies for combatting childhood diarrhoea in Africa.
Keywords: Childhood diarrhea; Escherichia coli; Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC); Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC); Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC); Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC); Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC); Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC); Rakai General Hospital; Uganda.
Train the trainer: improving health education for children and adolescents in Eswatini
Authors: McAdams E , Tingey B , Ose D 
Published: May 2022

Background: Eswatini has the highest HIV prevalence in the world. One issue at the root of health in Eswatini is a lack of basic health knowledge among children and adolescents, which amplifies the likelihood of disease transmission and poor health outcomes.Objectives: To address the lack of basic health education and to improve health knowledge, we developed and evaluated a medical education program to train shepherds (train-the-trainer) who are supporting children and adolescents at local CarePoints.
Methods: To determine the change between pre-test scores and post-test scores, both a paired t-test and mixed-effects regression were performed.
Results: The program had 67 total participants, mostly female (67.2%), with an average age of 27.1 years. Following the medical education program, participants had a statistically significant increase in post-training scores. Years of prior schooling, age, and gender did not show a statistically significant effect on post-training scores.
Conclusion: Teaching basic health education knowledge to CarePoint shepherds is effective to increase their knowledge and awareness with respect to relevant health topics. This model of directed medical education could be expanded to other community members in Eswatini to bridge gaps in health knowledge and disease awareness. A similar model could be employed in other developing countries with limited health education and limited access to health information.
Keywords: Health Education for Children; Adolescents in Eswatini.
The Role of Agricultural Social Enterprise to Smallholder Farmers’ Adaptive Capacity to Climatic Stresses in Tanzania
Authors: Kulanga Stanley G , Pauline Noah M 
Published: May 2022

This paper intended to ascertain the implications of agricultural social enterprise on the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers to climatic stresses in the Kilolo District, Tanzania. The study used a sample of 90 households. Household questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGD), and key informant interviews were used to collect primary data for this study. Secondary data were collected through a review of literature relevant to this study. The content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data, whereas quantitative data were subjected to Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 20 for analysis. Microsoft Excel 2007 was used to analyse rainfall and temperature data trends of the study area. Findings revealed that the agricultural social enterprise found in the study area (i.e. One Acre Fund-OAF) enhanced the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers since the services it provided to its clients positively influenced the functioning of the determinants of adaptive capacity and consequently led to the increase of average maize production per acre by 54.5%. This study concludes that agricultural social enterprises such as OAF have the potential to enhance smallholder farmers’ adaptive capacity to climatic stresses, however other stakeholders should come together to support this cause.
Keywords Climatic stresses; Adaptive capacity; Social enterprises; Social entrepreneurship
Solar cells: Types, Modules, and Applications–A Review
Authors: Darwish Amira Abd-elfattah , Abdelmohsen Rana S. , Ahmed Mohamed , Megeed M. 
Published: May 2022

The basic operating principle of photovoltaic (PV) devices is the conversion of solar irradiation into electricity. There are various applications of this principle in many countries such as Egypt, Nigeria and Denmark. Most of the solar PV projects are designed for street lighting, water pumping and water desalination. However, we hope about wide range of using the appropriate components and best technical procedures, standard PV projects with maximum performance output. The present systems now provide 20% to 40% only of the community's heat or lightness on annual basic needs. These include innovative and alternative ways to reduce material uses and module degradation, and opportunities to reuse and recycle PV panels at the end of their lifetime because of the installations of photovoltaic solar modules which are growing extremely very fast.
Keywords: Solar cells; renewable energy; photovoltaic; free energy; solar panel cost; solar battery.
Using Constructed Wetlands to Remove Pathogenic Parasites and Fecal Coliforms from Wastewater in Dar es Salaam and Iringa, Tanzania
Authors: Zacharia Abdallah , Ahmada Wajihu , Outwater Anne H. , Ngasala Billy , Van Deun Rob 
Published: May 2022

Wastewater treatment is a widely used health protection measure that can be applied to control the transmission of wastewater-related infectious diseases to communities exposed to wastewater. This study determined the efficiency of three full-scale constructed wetlands (CWs) in removing pathogenic parasites and fecal coliform (FC) bacteria from wastewater. Wastewater samples were collected from three CW systems located in the Dar es Salaam and Iringa regions of Tanzania. The modified Bailenger and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain techniques were used to detect and quantify parasites. The membrane filtration method was used to detect and quantify FC bacteria. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 20. Helminth (Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and Taenia spp.) eggs were completely removed by two CW systems. In all the systems, the removal of protozoa ranged from 99.8% to 100%. The mean concentrations of FCs in effluents ranged from 5 to 6 log units/100 mL. Effluents of all CW systems met the recommended parasitological quality requirements of the World Health Organization for the safe reuse of wastewater. FC effluents concentrations did not meet the local discharge standards of the Tanzania Bureau of Standards. Therefore, improvement to the CWs’ design, operation, and maintenance are required for the efficient removal of bacteria.
Keywords: helminth, protozoa, fecal coliform, wastewater treatment, constructed wetland
Assessment of Soil Quality along the Proposed Main Road through Ngorongoro and Northern Serengeti, Tanzania
Authors: Othman Othman C. , Kaswamila Abiud L. , Bevanger Kjetil , Mwakipesile Augustino , Haule Kelvin , Kihwele Emilian , Summay Gloria , Gereta Emmanuel 
Published: May 2022

A new road through northern Serengeti National Park is proposed to be built. The purpose of this study was to collect baseline data on soils along the route of the proposed road before its construction. The physicochemical properties were used to characterize the soil before the construction of the proposed road. Levels of soil macro-elements mainly potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na), and physicochemical properties: electrical conductivity (EC), pH, organic carbon (OC), soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), cation exchange capacity (CEC), phosphorus (P), aluminium (Al) were determined. Also, heavy metals: cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) were analyzed. This study was done on the eastern (Ngorongoro District) and western (Serengeti District) segments of the proposed road. The ranges in average values obtained for the physicochemical parameters and metal concentrations in the soils were: 0.05–0.57 mS/m for EC, 6.5–7.9 for pH, 0.71–1.23% for OC, 0.30–0.74 g/kg for TN, 1.23–2.12% for SOM, 20.6–79.7 mg/kg for available P, 0.27–2.08 meq/100-g for available K, 9.89–30.3 meq/100-g for available Ca, 0.29–0.67 meq/100-g for available Mg, 0.06–1.35 meq/100-g for available Na, 11.04–33.12 meq/100-g for CEC, 46702.9–63963.3 mg/kg for Al, BDL for Cd, 24.70–101.55 mg/kg for Cr, 27.31–34.96 mg/kg for Cu, 32390.8–42439 mg/kg for Fe, 18.06–22.19 mg/kg for Pb, 957.1–1458.9 mg/kg for Mn, BDL for Hg, 20.24–32.52 mg/kg for Ni and 96.09–124.14 mg/kg for Zn. These observed levels indicate that the soils before road construction are unpolluted, moderately fertile and within the specifications of good agricultural soil. On the western segment of the proposed road, the soil will need application of fertilizers for better agricultural usage.
Keywords: Physicochemical properties; soil quality; total nitrogen; macro-elements; heavy metals.
Resource Efficient Advanced Metering Infrastructure Model
Authors: Kimambo Josephina , Ibwe Kwame S , Kalinga Ellen , Abdalla Abdi T. 
Published: May 2022

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) enables two-way communication between smart devices and utility control centers. This involves remote monitoring and control of energy consumption as well as other parameters in the electrical power network in real time. However, increasing technologies in AMI due to huge deployment of smart meters, integration of devices and application of sensors, demand a strong architectural model with the best network topology to guarantee efficient usage of network resources with minimal latency. In this work, a resource efficient multi-hop network architecture is proposed using hybrid media access protocols. The architecture combines queuing and random-access protocol to achieve optimal network performance. Numerical results show that the probability of delay incurred by an arbitrary smart meter depends on the mean and distribution of the queue switch over a period. It is also observed that for a single queued system, the throughput performance is equal to the existing hybrid method. As the number of smart meters increases to 500, the throughput of the proposed method improves by 10% compared to the existing method. Likewise, as the number of smart meters increases to 500, the delay reduced by 15% compared to the existing method.
Keywords: Advanced Metering Infrastructure; hybrid media access protocols; Smart Meter; Smart Grid; Power Network.
Geochemistry of Mafic-Intermediate Intrusive Rocks from the Twangiza-Namoya Gold Belt, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: Trace Element Constraints on their Origin, Petrogenesis and Tectonic Setting
Authors: Chuwa Gerald L. , Kasanzu Charles H. 
Published: May 2022

Bulk geochemical data for the Twangiza-Namoya Gold Belt, Democratic Republic of Congo, are presented in order to classify the rock assemblages, elucidate their petrogenesis and tectonic settings. Nb/Yb and Zr/Ti constraints reveal two suites for the rocks: sub-alkaline to andesitic basalts (Suite-1); and alkaline basalts (Suite-2). Ratios of Ti/Zr = 22–70; Zr/Hf = 35–42; Nb/Ta = 12–13; Nb/Th = 1–2 and La/Nb = 2.4–3.8 suggest arc-generated mantle melts with crustal inputs and arc-fluids metasomatism for Suite-1. The samples have positive LILE and negative Nb, Ta, Ti anomalies, enrichments in the LREE over middle and HREE (La/Yb)CN = 3.6–8.9 with negative Eu anomalies (0.7–0.9) in Chondrite-normalized diagrams. Yb-Th/Ta and Ta/Yb-Th/Yb ratios suggest active continental margin settings, whereas Ta/Hf-Th/Ta and Nb/Yb-Th/Yb diagrams suggest a depleted MORB source. Ti/Zr, Zr/Hf, Nb/Ta, Nb/Th and La/Nb constraints for Suite-2 suggest MORB and oceanic plateau basaltic sources. REE patterns show enrichments in the LREE with negative to positive Eu anomalies (0.7– 1.3). Yb-Th/Ta and Ta/Yb-Th/Yb ratios suggest a within plate tectonic setting. It is suggested that Suite-2 rocks were sourced from mantle-derived melts with a composition between an enriched MORB to OIB.
Keywords: Twangiza-Namoya; Petrogenesis; Tectonic setting; Trace element ratios
Reproductive Potential of the Mackerel Scad, Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier, 1833) in the Coastal Waters of Tanzania
Authors: Sululu Joseph S , Lugendo Blandina R , Benno Benaiah L 
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the reproductive biology of Decapterus macarellus locally known as ''Msumari", one of the most economically important scad fish along the coastline of Tanzania. Fish samples were collected from ring net artisanal fishers operating in Tanga and Bagamoyo coastal waters, monthly between April 2019 and September 2020. Findings indicated that D. macarellus spawns throughout the year with peaks in August at Tanga and September at Bagamoyo. Overall sex ratios (M: F) were 1:1.03 (Tanga) and 1:1.2 (Bagamoyo) in favour of females. The males and females of D. macarellus at Tanga attained the first maturity at 145.5 mm and 153.2 mm, respectively, whereas at Bagamoyo males attained first maturity at 149.9 mm and females at 156.9 mm. Batch fecundity was not statistically significant (U = 500.5; p = 0.73), with Tanga having mean values (± SE) of 46,105.9 ± 4243.4 ova and Bagamoyo 43,082 ± 2272.9 ova. Although this species appears to spawn all year round, management interventions such as seasonal closure and reduced fishing effort should be used during their spawning peaks to protect the spawners, recruits and ensure the species' long-term survival in the Tanzanian coastal waters.
Keywords: Scad; Decapterus macarellus; reproductive potential; ring net fishery; Tanzania.