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HIV/Plasmodium falciparum Coinfection among HIV-1 Infected Individuals in Uyo, Nigeria

¹Ejike Immaculate Ugochi, ¹Kparobo Marian Orhuesie, ²Innocent-Adiele Hope Chioma, ¹Okonko Iheanyi Omezuruike

¹Virus Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria;

^2.Department of Applied Microbiology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

E-mail: iheanyi.okonko@uniport.edu.ng; Tel: +2348035380891

Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Malaria are two main global public health threats that dent development in low and middle-income countries. This study evaluated the HIV/Plasmodium falciparum coinfection among HIV-1 infected individuals in Uyo, Nigeria. A total of 176 from HIV-infected individuals participated in this study. The age range of the 176 HIV-1 positive individuals who participated in the study was 6-72 years (average age = 40.0 years). Plasma samples were analyzed for HIV and Malaria using ELISA. The CD4 count was enumerated using the Partec CyFlow^® Counter. Plasma viral loads (PVL) were determined using the Abbott Real-Time HIV-1 assay. Results showed that 21.0% of the subjects fell within age range 36-40 years, closely followed by 31-35 years (19.0%) and 41-45 years (17.0%). Females were more in proportion (61.9%) than males (38.1%) with ratio of 2.3:1. Majority were married (60.2%), 32.4% were singles and 7.4% were divorced/widows/widowers. Majority had tertiary education (49.5%), secondary (35.2%), primary (13.6%) and no formal education (1.7%). In terms of occupation, traders were more in proportion (31.3%) while farmers were the least (2.3%) among others. Clinical characteristics of HIV-infected individuals revealed that the CD4 (cells/μl) count ranged from 7 – 1217cells/μl (average = 431.6 cells/μl). Plasma viral loads (PVL) ranged from TND to 18191806 copies/mL (average = 237,030.1 copies/mL). Results also showed an overall prevalence of HIV/Plasmodium falciparum coinfection to be 6.3%. Higher coinfection rates were obtained in ages <25 years (28.6%), males (8.5%), singles (12.3%), primary education (8.3%), business owners (33.3%), CD4 cell count 200-349 cells/μl (9.4%) and in those with PVL >5000 copies/mL (13.6%). This study confirmed the presence of HIV/Plasmodium falciparum coinfection in Uyo, Nigeria. Among all the variables studied, only age (P = 0.04) and plasma viral loads (P=0.01) were statistically associated with HIV/Plasmodium falciparum coinfection. Our findings highlight the need for a well-structured approach to the management of HIV/Plasmodium falciparum coinfection. In spite of the prevalence of 6.3% obtained in this study, there is still the need for intensified awareness of HIV and Malaria prevention.

[Ejike Immaculate Ugochi, Kparobo Marian Orhuesie, Innocent-Adiele Hope Chioma, Okonko Iheanyi Omezuruike

. HIV/Plasmodium falciparum Coinfection among HIV-1 Infected Individuals in Uyo, Nigeria. N Y Sci J 2020;13(6):1-8]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 1. doi:10.7537/marsnys130620.01.

Keywords: HIV, Coinfections, Malaria, Nigeria

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Preparation and Modification of MnCo₂O₄ Spinel Electro catalyst for OER

Rajbhandari Bijina

School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210094, PR China

bzna55@yahoo.com

Abstract: Taxonomic Electrochemical energy storage devices such as zinc air batteries and alkaline fuel cells are on a growth trajectory which cost less to operate. For the improvement of a number of renewable energy technologies, including metal-air batteries improved catalyst for the OER are required. One of key factors in OER improvement is the increasing the specific surface area. Here, the synthesis of MnCo₂O₄/MWCNT composite fabricated by the electrospinning methods with enhanced surface area, is presented. Corresponding characterizations by SEM, WRD, BET, XPS of MnCo₂O₄/MWCNTs prepared through electrospinning method, reveal the formation of higher specific surface area comparing to MnCo₂O₄ and MnCo₂O₄/MWCNT composites prepared by hydrothermal method. All samples were utilized as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for electro catalytic H₂ generation through water electrolysis. A quite low over potential of 520 mV is required to attain a current density of 10 mA/cm², with a Tafel slope of 114 mVdec⁻¹ for OER in 1 M KOH solution.

[Rajbhandari Bijina. Preparation and Modification of MnCo₂O₄ Spinel Electro catalyst for OER. N Y Sci J 2020;13(6):9-18]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 2. doi:10.7537/marsnys130620.02.

Keywords: MnCo₂O₄, MWCNT, Hydrothermal, Electrospinning, Metal-air battery, OER

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Emergency Lower Segment Caesarean Sections: An assessment of Trends, risk factors and outcomes at LUMHS Hospital

Madiha Abbasi, Naheed Parveen, Erum Samreen Siddiqui

Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan

ashiquepcmd77@yahoo.com

Abstract: This was aimed to estimate the trends, risk factors and outcomes for emergency Caesarean sections deliveries at department of gynecology and obstetrics of a tertiary care hospital. This research was executed from 30th January 2018 to 27th October 2018 on un-booked and referred pregnant females requiring emergency C-section at Gyne/Obs department of LUMHS hospital at Hyderabad, Pakistan. Collection of data was accomplished by filling preforma from patient records and lab investigations for assessing various aspects like booking status, level anemia, mother and fetal outcomes and complications etc. and analysis of data was carried. There were 31 emergency lower cesarean sections performed during 9 month time period, the mean age of patients was 26.8+3.2 years with range of 20-30 years. There were 96.80% (30) anemic patient with mean Hb% was 9.2+3.8gm/dl. Risk factors as 51.61% (16) females hade history of trial, all patients 100% (31) were un-booked previously and referred from remote areas. There were 29.03% (9) IUD cases and 69.97%(22) were live births 6.45%(2) infants had sub-glial hematoma. Maternal complications were present in 38.71% (12) and absent in 61.29 %(19) females. Conclusion: Emergency lower caesarean sections are quite successful managed at our hospital, but associated risk factors like non-booking, previous trial, anemia leads to bit poor fetal outcomes.

[Madiha Abbasi, Naheed Parveen, Erum Samreen Siddiqui. Emergency Lower Segment Caesarean Sections: An assessment of Trends, risk factors and outcomes at LUMHS Hospital. N Y Sci J 2020;13(6):19-21]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 3. doi:10.7537/marsnys130620.03.

Keywords: Intra Uterine Death, EmLCS, Uterine rupture

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Effects of Tillage Methods on Soil Physical Properties of Sandy Loam Soil of Wukari-Nigeria

Ezekiel Ambo Mamai¹, Audu Jibaniya¹, Tanko Bako²

¹Department of Soil Science and Land Resource Management, Federal University, Wukari, Nigeria

²Department of Agricultural and Bio-resources Engineering, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria

E-mail: mamaiezekiel@yahoo.com, Phone: +234 7034890134

Abstract: A field study was conducted on sandy loam soil to compare the effect of different tillage practices on some selected soil physical properties. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of no-tillage, disc ploughing only, disc ploughing followed by disc harrowing and disc ploughing followed by twice disc harrowing. Compared with the other treatments, the disc ploughing followed by twice disc harrowing treatment gave the most favourable soil conditions (i.e. lowest soil penetration resistance, lowest dry bulk density, highest soil moisture content, highest total porosity and highest saturated hydraulic conductivity). The no tillage plots produced the most unfavourable soil conditions (i.e. highest soil penetration resistance, highest dry bulk density, lowest soil moisture content, lowest total porosity and lowest saturated hydraulic conductivity). Therefore, under the soil and weather conditions of the experiment, the best tillage practice identified for crop production is disc ploughing followed by twice disc harrowing.

[Ezekiel Ambo Mamai, Audu Jibaniya, Tanko Bako. Effects of Tillage Methods on Soil Physical Properties of Sandy Loam Soil of Wukari-Nigeria. N Y Sci J 2020;13(6):22-30]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 4. doi:10.7537/marsnys130620.04.

Keywords: Soil, Tillage, Properties, Physical, Treatment

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Monte Carlos study on Power Rates of Some Heteroscedasticity detection Methods in Linear Regression Model with multicollinearity problem

O.O. Alabi, Kayode Ayinde, O. E. Babalola, and H.A. Bello

Department of Statistics, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Corresponding Author: O. O. Alabi, alabioo@futa.edu.ng

Abstract: This paper examined the power rate exhibit by some heteroscedasticity detection methods in a linear regression model with multicollinearity problem. Violation of unequal error variance assumption in any linear regression model leads to the problem of heteroscedasticity, while violation of the assumption of non linear dependency between the exogenous variables leads to multicollinearity problem. Whenever these two problems exist one would faced with estimation and hypothesis problem. in order to overcome these hurdles, one needs to determine the best method of heteroscedasticity detection in other to avoid taking a wrong decision under hypothesis testing. This then leads us to the way and manner to determine the best heteroscedasticity detection method in a linear regression model with multicollinearity problem via power rate. In practices, variance of error terms are unequal and unknown in nature, but there is need to determine the presence or absence of this problem that do exist in unknown error term as a preliminary diagnosis on the set of data we are to analyze or perform hypothesis testing on. Although, there are several forms of heteroscedasticity and several detection methods of heteroscedasticity, but for any researcher to arrive at a reasonable and correct decision, best and consistent performed methods of heteroscedasticity detection under any forms or structured of heteroscedasticity must be determined. This paper then consider seven (7) heteroscedasticity structures that were originally proposed by different authors for developing statistical tools for heteroscedasticity detection in linear regression model. Also, nine (9) heteroscedasticity detection methods were examine to determines some methods that are best to be used in determining the presence of heteroscedasticity in a linear regression model with multicollinearity problem consideration was placed on power rate exhibit by each of the heteroscedasticity detection method. In this work, Monte Carlo experiment was conducted one thousands (1000) times on a linear regression model with three predictor variable that exhibits some degree of multicollinearity, seven sample sizes . The parameters of the model were specified to be, , ,  and the various tests were examined at 0.1, 0.05 and 0.01 levels of significance. The Confident interval criterion (C.I) was used to determine the performances of the methods. The study concluded that when power rate of a test is considered to determine the preferred heteroscedasticity detection method (s) in a model with multicollinearity problem; at significance level of α = 0.1 and 0.05, BG test or GFQ test are the preferred methods at all levels of multicollinearity, while at α = 0.01, the preferred method to use in testing for the presence of heteroscedasticity is either BG or NVST at all levels of multicollinearity except when  at these instances ST compete favourably well with BG and NVST.

[O.O. Alabi, Kayode Ayinde, O. E. Babalola, and H.A. Bello. Monte Carlos study on Power Rates of Some Heteroscedasticity detection Methods in Linear Regression Model with multicollinearity problem. N Y Sci J 2020;13(6):31-38]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 5. doi:10.7537/marsnys130620.05.

Keywords: Regression model, heteroscedasticity, heteroscedasticity detection methods, heteroscedasticity structures, Multicollinearity, significance levels, Confidence Interval and Power rates.

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Comparative Analysis on the Seismic Performance of Precast Segmental and Hybrid Bridge Columns

Jahangir Badar

Department of Civil Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Xiaolingwei Street 200, Nanjing 210094, P. R. China

Jahangirbaloch@njust.edu.cn

Abstract: This paper studies the cyclic performance of segmental columns with different construction details and varying types of post-tensioned tendons by using three-dimensional finite element (FE) commercial software ABAQUS. The modeling techniques showed excellent calibration with an overall error of less than 10%. The influence of axial loads, the orientation of post-tensioned tendons, and their combined influence are analyzed to improve the lateral strength and energy dissipation capacities of segmental columns. Detailed parameter analysis concluded that the lateral strength and energy dissipation capabilities could be significantly improved by utilizing cast-in-place (CIP) bottom segments instead of segmental. The energy dissipation capacities of hybrid bridge columns (HBCs) are far superior to precast segmental bridge columns (PSBCs), but with much larger residual displacements. The orientation of post-tensioned (PT) tendons at the middle while restricting the axial load ratios to 0.15 highlighted efficient seismic performance. Finally, for HBCs, the PT tendons should be located in the middle and edges of the specimen to control excessive damage and significant drops in the lateral strength and energy dissipation capacities.

[Jahangir Badar. Comparative Analysis on the Seismic Performance of Precast Segmental and Hybrid Bridge Columns. N Y Sci J 2020;13(6):39-56]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 6. doi:10.7537/marsnys130620.06.

Keywords: Precast segmental bridge columns; Cyclic performance; Numerical analysis; Hybrid bonded tendons; Axial loads; Post-tensioned tendons.

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[N Y Sci J 2020;13(6):57-65]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 7.

Withdrawn

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Most Effective Route of Analgesia during Labor: A Retrospective Study in Makkah Region 2019

Shammah Ahmed Ali¹ and Tharwat HA²

¹Department of Clinical Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, EMS, Umm Al-Qura University, KSA

²Department of Clinical Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, AT, Umm Al-Qura University, KSA

ahghamdi2@gmail.com

Abstract: The study aims to detect the most effective route of analgesia during labor, and to evaluate maternal satisfaction and the effect of analgesia in the mode of delivery. A retrospective observational design was used on data from Department of gynecology and obstetrics at Maternity and Children hospital in Makkah, from January 2019 to March 2019. The study interviewed obstetricians and focused the dissection on three questions (the most effective type of analgesia, maternal satisfaction, and dose analgesia effect on the delivery mode). The data was derived from the patient notes for three months in a total of 392 cases. Analysis of the notes and observation showed that the most effective method is epidural analgesia. While several pharmacological and non-pharmacological options exist for labor pain, epidural anesthesia remains the gold standard for severe pain. It substantially affects maternal satisfaction during one of the most painful periods of a woman’s life.

[Shammah Ahmed Ali and Tharwat HA. Most Effective Route of Analgesia during Labor: A Retrospective Study in Makkah Region 2019. N Y Sci J 2020;13(6):66-73]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 8. doi:10.7537/marsnys130620.08.

Keywords: Anesthesia, Analgesia, Epidural, Labor, Satisfaction

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Evaluation of proximate composition and the stability of alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta) and Ethiopian pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) extracts

Onmeje Godwin Okibe* Ajibola Victor Olatunji, Agbaji Edith Bolanle

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

*Correspondence: okibego@gmail.com

Abstract: This study investigated the proximate composition and the stability of the natural food flavouring agents present in Aframomum melegueta and Xylopia aethiopica after Soxhlet extraction using: acidified ethanol; 1.5M HCl, acidified ethanol;1% citric acid, 2% citric acid, acetone and hexane. Efficiency of solvent extraction was determined and four extracts with the highest yields were studied: for stability, the (pH) was monitored for 15 days period of storage and the titratable acidity was also determined over the period. Peroxide values were determined over the period of 5weeks to monitor the shelf-life. Minor changes were observed in the peroxide values during the period of 5 weeks of storage. There was very little secondary oxidation of the extracts during storage. The nutritional potentials of these two medicinal and flavouring plants (seeds and fruits) and their extracts were evaluated through their proximate compositions. Xylopia aethiopica had a higher crude fibre (15.20%) compared with Aframomum melegueta that was 8.55% Moisture contents of Xylopia aethiopica and Aframomum melegueta were 7.35% and 7.47%, respectively. The total ash contents of Xylopia aethiopica and Aframomum meleguata were 3.70% and 3.30%, respectively. Crude lipids of Xylopia aethiopica and Aframomum melegueta were 30.80% and 8.85%, respectively while the total protein of Xylopia aethiopica and Aframomum melegueta were 4.37% and 3.75%, respectively. Total carbohydrate of Xylopia aethiopica was 38.58% and that of Aframomum melegueta was 67.80%. Alligator pepper seeds had higher titratable acidity values than Ethiopian pepper and their extracts have shown high oxidative stability over the periods of this study.

[Okibe GO, Ajibola V.O., Agbaji EB. Evaluation of proximate composition and stability of alligator pepper (Africanonum melegueta) and Ethiopian pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) extracts. N Y Sci J 2020;13(6):74-81]. ISSN 1554-0200 (print); ISSN 2375-723X (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 9. doi:10.7537/marsnys130620.09.

Keywords: Alligator pepper, Ethiopia pepper, Aframomum melegueta, Xylopia aethiopica

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