Performance of modified non-linear shooting method for simulation of 2nd order two-point BVPS

In this research article, numerical solution of nonlinear 2nd order two-point boundary value problems (TPBVPs) is discussed by the help of nonlinear shooting method (NLSM), and through the modified nonlinear shooting method (MNLSM). In MNLSM, fourth order Runge-Kutta method for systems is replaced by Adams Bashforth Moulton method which is a predictor-corrector scheme. Results acquired numerically through NLSM and MNLSM of TPBVPs are discussed and analyzed. Results of the tested problems obtained numerically indicate that the performance of MNLSM is rapid and provided desirable results of TPBVPs, meanwhile MNLSM required less time to implement as comparable to the NLSM for the solution of TPBVPs

Colourings of cubic graphs inducing isomorphic monochromatic subgraphs

A $k$-bisection of a bridgeless cubic graph $G$ is a $2$-colouring of its vertex set such that the colour classes have the same cardinality and all connected components in the two subgraphs induced by the colour classes (monochromatic components in what follows) have order at most $k$. Ban and Linial conjectured that every bridgeless cubic graph admits a $2$-bisection except for the Petersen graph. A similar problem for the edge set of cubic graphs has been studied: Wormald conjectured that every cubic graph $G$ with $|E(G)| \equiv 0 \pmod 2$ has a $2$-edge colouring such that the two monochromatic subgraphs are isomorphic linear forests (i.e. a forest whose components are paths). Finally, Ando conjectured that every cubic graph admits a bisection such that the two induced monochromatic subgraphs are isomorphic. In this paper, we give a detailed insight into the conjectures of Ban-Linial and Wormald and provide evidence of a strong relation of both of them with Ando's conjecture. Furthermore, we also give computational and theoretical evidence in their support. As a result, we pose some open problems stronger than the above mentioned conjectures. Moreover, we prove Ban-Linial's conjecture for cubic cycle permutation graphs. As a by-product of studying $2$-edge colourings of cubic graphs having linear forests as monochromatic components, we also give a negative answer to a problem posed by Jackson and Wormald about certain decompositions of cubic graphs into linear forests.Comment: 33 pages; submitted for publicatio

Genotypic Study of Two Virulence Factors fimH and kpsMTII in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates from Children Patients with Urinary Tract Infections

Adhesion (type 1 fimbriae) and host defense avoidance mechanisms (capsule or lipopolysaccharide) have been shown to be prevalent in Escherichia coli isolates associated with urinary tract infections. In this work, 50 uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolated from children with urinary tract infections were genotypically characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. We used two genes; fimH and kpsMTII, both of them previously identified in uropathogenic E.coli (UPEC) isolates. The PCR assay results identified fimH (90.0)% and kpsMTII (72.0)% isolates. In the present study, was also demonstrated that these genes may be included in both or one of them within a single isolate

Campylobacter at the Human–Food Interface: The African Perspective

The foodborne pathogen Campylobacter is a major cause of human gastroenteritis, accounting for an estimated annual 96 million cases worldwide. Assessment of the true burden of Campylobacter in the African context is handicapped by the under-reporting of diarrhoeal incidents and ineffective monitoring and surveillance programmes of foodborne illnesses, as well as the minimal attention given to Campylobacter as a causative agent of diarrhoea. The present review of the literature highlights the variability in the reported occurrence of Campylobacter in humans and animal food sources across different countries and regions in Africa. Campylobacter infection is particularly prevalent in the paediatric population and has been isolated from farm animals, particularly poultry, and foods of animal origin. The reported prevalence of Campylobacter in children under the age of five years ranges from 2% in Sudan to 21% in South Africa. In poultry, the prevalence ranges from 14.4% in Ghana to 96% in Algeria. This review also highlights the alarming trend of increased Campylobacter resistance to clinically important antimicrobials, such as ciprofloxacin and erythromycin, in humans and food animals in Africa. This review adds to our understanding of the global epidemiology of Campylobacter at the human–food animal interface, with an emphasis from the African perspective. Interinstitutional and intersectoral collaborations, as well as the adoption of the One Health approach, would be useful in bridging the gaps in the epidemiological knowledge of Campylobacter in Africa

Environmental Impact Assessment of a Flood Control Channel in Sfax City, Tunisia

The objective of this study is to evaluate water and sediment quality in the southern branch of a flood control channel in Sfax city, as well as its neighboring sites. This artificial channel, located 4km away from downtown Sfax, was implemented in 1984 to protect the city against floods. Even though it contributed to reduce the harmful flood effects, this channel also resulted in new environmental problems that may cause a public health threat. Indeed, artificial surfaces pose a greater risk of infection due to bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. A total of 19 water samples (9 from the channel and 10 from groundwater wells) were collected in a dry period and analyzed in the laboratory. Furthermore, 12 sediment samples were taken from the bottom of the channel. Water quality data were used to examine the spatial variability of the different water quality parametrs. The resultant maps revealed an important contamination and illustrated that the degree of contamination differs from one site to another, depending on the distance from the pollution source (industrial, domestic or agricultural activity), the depth of the groundwater table and also the maintenance of the well and its surroundings

IL-17 in Protective Immunity to Vaginal Candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is caused by Candida albicans affects a significant number of women during their reproductive ages. Th17 cells play a major role in coordinating the host defense in oropharyngeal candidiasis. In this study we investigated the involvement of the Th17 response in an animal model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The present study aimed to shed light on detect concentration of the IL-17 of infected animal and control . A direct Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to quantify IL-17 concentrations in 30 infected animal with VVC and 10 control group. Rats were intravaginally inoculated with C.albicans, and vaginal lavage fluids, serum were evaluated for proinflammatory cytokine IL-17 The data suggest that IL-17, produced by vaginal cells, particularly CD4 T cells, detected in the vaginal wash and serum during the infection, reaching a maximum 14 days after the challenge

Identification of Candida species Isolated From Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Patients by Chromgen agar and PCR-RFLP Method

This study focuses on diagnosis of Candida species causing Vulvovaginal Candidiasis using phenotype and genotype analyzing methods, and frequencies of candida species also using Vulvovaginal Candidiasis patients. 130 samples (100 from patients and 30 from non infected women) were collected and cultured on biological media. Identifying the yeasts, initially some phenotypic experiments were carried out such as germ tube, from motion of pseudohyphae and clamydospores in CMA+TW80 medium, API20 candida and CHROMagar Candida. Genomic DNA of all species were extracted and analyzed with PCR and subsequent Polymerase Chain Reaction - Restriction Fragments Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods. Frequency of C. albicans, C. krusei, C. tropicalis , C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata were 46.4%, 31%, 18%, 7.2%, and 1.8%, respectively.The ITS1-ITS4 region was amplified and the Restriction enzyme Msp1 digests this region and was used to identify of candida species .Electrophoretically ribosomal DNA of C. albicans, C. krusei, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata produced two bands whereas the C. parapsilosis gave one band

Impact of biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation on root colonization and selected soil chemical properties in south western Nigeria

The use of biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide many opportunities for soil improvement, it is, therefore, important to understand their impact on soil and plant development so as to optimally exploit their potentials. Screenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of biochar application and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) inoculation on root colonization and selected soil chemical properties. The experiment was laid out in a 2×5×2 factorial, fitted into a completely randomized design with three replications. The factors included tomato genotypes (Ex-Lafia and Ex-Lokoja), biochar application rates (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t ha-1) and AMF (with and without AMF). Data were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (p<0.05). The results showed that AM inoculation significantly (p<0.05) increased root colonization (51.33%) when compared with non mycorrhizal plants (10.17%). However, no significant differences were observed in soil pH, organic carbon and available P between mycorrhizal and non mycorrhizal plants. On the other hand, amendment with the 20t ha-1 of biochar recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher values of AM root colonization (46.25%), soil pH (7.05) and available P (13.93 mg kg-1) when compared to other biochar rates though comparable with 15 t ha-1 in soil pH (7.05) and available P (12.26 mg kg-1). It is therefore concluded that AM inoculation in biochar-amended soil improved root colonization while biochar application enhances root colonization, soil pH and available P.Keywords: Biochar, AM inoculation, soil chemical properties

Long Term Survival in a Patient Following Resection for Carcinoma of the Gallbladder and Rectum

We describe a 66-year-old man who presented initially with acute cholecystitis. He was treated by cholecystostomy and biopsy of the gallbladder mucosa which revealed carcinoma of the gallbladder. Four weeks later a cholecystectomy was performed followed by resection of the common bile duct, common hepatic duct and segments IV and V of the liver and a hepaticojejunostomy. Sixteen months later an abdomino-perineal resection was performed for a moderately differentiated Dukes′ stage C carcinoma of the rectum. He is alive and without evidence of recurrence seven years later. Few patients survive for this length of time following resection of either carcinoma of the gallbladder or rectum. This case report demonstrates the value of aggressive surgical treatment in patients with early carcinoma of the gallbladder

A Systematic Evidence Map Protocol of Time Activity Data in Exposure Science

Time Activity Data (TAD) describe the frequency, duration, and timing of human activities. Given that activity dictates the rate of contact a person has with an environmental hazard, activity data can be used to derive rigorous estimates of exposure. TAD have been used to support exposure estimation in a variety of contexts, though there has been no systematic characterization of the use of this approach in exposure science and environmental epidemiology. Here, we propose a protocol in pursuit of characterizing the body of peer-reviewed literature using TAD in the estimation of exposure to chemical, biological, and physical hazards in the form of an evidence map. This protocol details the proposed search strategy and plan for data extraction including study population demographics, methods of TAD collection, and study participant activities. Reflexive journaling, codebook development, and descriptive statistics will be conducted to analyze the data collected as part of this evidence map