Featured Issue: Iranian Journal of Pediatrics Vol.23 No.2

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics has recently been updated on Bioline. 

This issue features "Re-Appraising the Role of Sonography in Pediatric Acute Abdominal Pain" by Lin & Lin. This article details a study examining how sonographs are used to evaluate abdominal pain in children less than eighteen years old, who underwent sonography examinations between December 2004 and June 2006. A total of 776 patients were assessed for this study, with 284 of the children suspected of having appendicitis. Out of those 284, 118 were diagnosed with appendicitis after sonography examinations. The results indicated that sonographs remain an effective instrument in diagnosing children with acute abdominal pain.

"Clinical and Genetic Features in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis in Southwestern Iran" by Farjadian et al. looks at the mutations of cystic fibrosis, possible links between the mutations, and the clinical presentation of cystic fibrosis in southwestern Iran. 45 patients with cystic fibrosis were examined, with twenty-nine common gene mutations found. The results of the study indicated that chronic cough, dehydration and heat exhaustion were among symptoms, and that only 40% of the patients had common mutations.

For the complete results of these studies and other articles from this issue, click here.

Featured Issue: Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine Vol.11 No.6 & 7

Today we are featuring vol.11 no.6 & 7 of Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine. We will have many more blog posts for this volume, so keep a look out for future updates.

An article in no.6, "Mental health status of infertile couples based on treatment outcome" by Baghianimoghadam et al. This study evaluates the mental health of couples with infertility. Previous studies have indicated that infertility can cause higher levels of stress. The study was conducted by collecting qualitative research and giving two questionnaires to 150 couples with infertility. The results indicated that women have higher stress levels than men, and may benefit from specified programs.
For this article and others from this issue, click here.

No.7 includes "Effect of body massage on increase of low birth weight neonates growth parameters: A randomized clinical trial" by Karbasi et al. This study looks at the possible effect that body massage would have on infants with low birth weights. The clinical trial was conducted in a hospital in Yazd, Iran in 2011 from March to December. The infants accessed were separated into two groups. One group received massages from their mothers three times a day for 14 consecutive days. Weight, height and head circumference of the infants was evaluated. Weight of the infants in the group that received massages from their mothers three times a day for 14 consecutive days showed significant increase at the age of two months.
You can find this article and other articles from this issue here.

Featured Issue: African Journal of Reproductive Health Vol. 17 No.4s

African Journal of Reproductive Health has recently been updated on Bioline. 

This is a special issue of vol.17 and features the latest research on HIV/AIDS in sub-saharan Africa, as discussed in the editorial by Friday Okonofua. This issue features articles such as "Improving Health Services for Adolescents Living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multi-Country Assessment" by Pettitt et al. This article indicates that because of a high incidence of HIV among young people, there needs to be better treatment, care, support and advocacy for this group. The findings of the study indicated the adolescents with HIV could benefit from peer support and the collaboration of health care organizations.

Along with the article on improving services for adolescents with HIV, the article "Drivers of Young People’s Attitudes towards HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination: Evidence from Ghana" by Amo-Adjei & Darteh. This study focuses on how young people perceive people with HIV/AIDS and the basis of stigma and discrimination against them. One of the findings indicated that young people who were more educated about the causes and prevention of HIV/AIDS had more positive attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS.

You can find the complete articles and other articles from this issue here.

Featured Issue: Iranian Journal of Pediatrics Vol.23 No.3

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics has recently been updated on the blog. 

Today we are featuring vol.23 no.3 of the issue, which includes "Autoimmune Hepatitis in Children: Experiences in a Tertiary Center" by Dehghani et al. The study looks at children with autoimmune hepatitis, a necroinflammatory liver disease and the treatment they received. The study was carried out over a period of 9 years, from 2001 to 2010 as records of 87 children were examined. Jaundice was among the most common findings, with 70% of patients experiencing it. 28% of patients underwent liver transplants. 88% of patients confirmed a one-year survival rate, while 80% experienced a five-year survival rate.

This issue also includes "Shifting Epidemiology of Hepatitis A Infection and Vaccination Status of Children Aged 6 Months-12 Years: Time for Mass Vaccination" by Nalbantoglu et al. This study looks at the prevalence and age-related hepatitis A, and the epidemiological shift of hepatitis A in the Thrace region of Turkey. Children 6 months to 12 years of age with minor health problems were evaluated and their vaccination statuses were recorded. The results indicated that although the number children with Hepatitis A is decreasing, the number of adolescents and young adults with Hepatitis A is increasing.

For the results of these articles and other articles from this issue, click here.

Featured Issue: African Health Sciences, Vol.13 No.4

African Health Sciences has recently been updated on Bioline. 

Today we are featuring vol.13 no.4. This issue includes "Factors influencing urban malaria: a comparative study of two communities in the Accra Metropolis" by Brenyah et al. This article details a study done to determine the factors affecting malaria in urban communities. 400 people of two communities (Kaneshie and Airport West, with 200 people of each community) in Accra had blood samples taken, which were examined to see if they contained malaria parasites from the period of May 2009 to November 2009. Prevalence of malaria among people in the communities was almost 9%. The study also indicated that about 40% of the people in Kaneshie did not use any method of malaria control. In Airport West, 60% of people preferred insecticide as form of insecticide.

Vol.13 no.4 also includes "Causes and outcome of hospitalization among HIV-infected adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in Mulago hospital, Uganda" by Brenyah et al. This article details a study conducted to determine the causes and outcomes of the patients with HIV who have been hospitalized and are receiving antiretroviral therapy. 201 patients were examined. The results indicated that tuberculosis was the most frequent cause of hospitalization, with it being the reason for admitting 18% of patients. 

For the complete studies and other articles from this issue, click here.

Featured Issue: African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Vol.8 No.4

Today we are featuring the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines vol.8 no.4. 

This is the first time we are featuring the journal on the blog! African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines focuses on the latest advancements and research in medicinal plants, traditional, complementary and alternative medicines, and food and agriculture.


Vol.8 no.4 includes "Antioxidant Capacity of some Plant Foods and Beverages Consumed in the Easter Region of Nigeria" by Agbor et al. This article details a study done in eastern Nigeria to assess antioxidant properties in popularly consumed plant foods and beverages. Among the classes of food and beverages examined, the results indicated that coffee, star apples, thyme and raices (alcoholic beverage) could have antioxidant properties. Among these classes, vegetables and spices were found to have the most antioxidant properties.

This issue also includes "Investigation of the Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Heteromorpha arborescens (Apiaceae)" by Nkomo et al. This article investigates the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the Heteromorpha arborescens, also known as the parsley tree. Methanolic and aquaeous doses of the root extract of Heteromorpha arborescens were administered in small quantities in rats with pain and inflammation. The results indicated that both root extracts reduced edema.

For the complete results of these studies and other articles from this issue, click here.

Featured Issue: Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol.16 No.1

Fulani cows
Photo courtesy of Yenkassa

Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management has recently been updated on Bioline. Today we are featuring vol.16 no.1. 

This issue includes "Growth response of Taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) in soil polluted with Abura petroleum oil" by Bamidele & Esan. This article details a study conducted to evaluate the effect of petroleum oil on the taro plant. The results indicated that when 1-2L of crude petroleum oil per meter cubed was applied to the soil of the plant, the plant's growth increased significantly. However, a significant reduction was noticed when 3L or greater of crude petroleum oil per meter cubed was applied to the soil of the plant.

This issue also includes "Effect of Breed on the Composition of Cow Milk under Traditional Management Practices in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria" by K. Adesina. Twelve cows of three different breeds (Fulani, Red Bororo and Muturu) were examined, with their milk tested based on their proximate mineral and amino acids composition. The results indicated that breed did not have an effect on milk composition.

For the complete results of these studies and other articles from this issue, click here.

Featured Journal: Brazilian Journal of Oral Sciences Vol.12 No.4

Today we are featuring vol.12 no.4 of the Brazilian Journal of Oral Sciences. 

One of the articles relates to our previous blog post on the Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine, which featured an article on periodontal disease among pregnant women. Vol.12 no.4 includes "Evaluation of the use of systemic antimicrobial agents by professionals for the treatment of periodontal diseases" by Monteiro et al. This article focuses on a study done to determine the use of systemic antimicrobial agents to treat periodontal disease. Out of 255 professionals who have treated periodontal disease, 94% of them said systemic antibiotics was used to treat periodontal abscesses, in which systemic antibiotics were used in 80% of cases, aggressive periodontitis (in which systemic antibiotics were used in 62% of the cases), and necrotizing diseases (45%). Among the most frequently used systemic antibiotics were amoxicillin and metronidazole. The results of the study indicated that systemic antibiotics were sometimes used in situations that did not require its use.

Another article in issue 4 was "Orofacial and dental condition in leprosy" by de Sousa Pereira et al. The aim of the study was verify orofacial and dental complexes in people affected by the disease. 56 patients who were currently being treated or were treated for leprosy were examined using the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, while oral hygiene was analyzed using the Plaque Control Record. The results indicated that 30% of the patients had orofacial issues related to the disease. The group analyzed also showed high levels of plaque, but no oral lesions related to the disease.

You can find these articles and others from this issue here.

Featured Journal: Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine Vol.11 No.8

Today we are featuring the Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine on the blog. 

One of the articles in vol.11 no.8, "Relationship between maternal periodontal disease and low birth weight babies" by Haerian-Ardakani et al., looks at the effect of periodontal disease during pregnancy and if periodontal disease affects the birth weight of the infant. For this study, 88 women were evaluated in hospitals in Yazd, Iran. Half of the women had babies with low birth weight, and the other half had babies weighing greater than 2500 g. Dental examinations were carried out on the 88 women up to three days after giving birth. The results indicated that women who gave birth to babies with low birth weights had more unhealthy areas of gingiva and more deep pockets.

This issue also includes "Pelvic abscess after oocyte retrieval in women with endometriosis: A case series" by Romero et al. This article looks at three case studies of tubo-ovarian abcesses in women between 2004 and 2011, after the oocyte retrieval process during in-vitro fertilization cycles. These tubo-ovarian abcesses occured despite antibiotic prophylaxis. The results indicated that antibiotic prophylaxis may or may not be necessary in women with endometriosis.

For the complete articles and other articles from this issue, click here.

Featured Issue: Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Vol.12 No.6

Stevia rebaudiana
Photo courtesy of hardworkinghippy

Today we are featuring the Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research on the blog. This issue of the Nigeria-based journal includes "Making Antibiotic Choices: Formula Derivation and Usage in the Rational Selection of Antibiotics in the Empirical Treatment of Infections" by Adorka et al., which aims to create a formula to determine treatment of empirical infections. Formulas were found using probability laws to determine cost and effectiveness of antibiotics. The formula was used in a study on the most appropriate treatment of urinary tract infections of patients in hospitals in Lesotho. The results indicated that quantifying antibacterial activities and procedures helped to make choices regarding antibiotics.

Stevia is a sugar substitute derived from the plant Stevia rebaudiana that is becoming increasingly popular in the Western world.
Vol.12 no.6 includes "Influence of Salicylic Acid on the Antimicrobial Potential of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, Asteraceae) Leaf Extracts against Soybean Seed-Borne Pathogens" by Sedgh & Sahar examines the effects of salicylic acid on Stevia leaf extract against soybean seed-borne pathogens. Six weeks after initial planting of the seeds, salicylic acid was applied. Leaf extracts were taken using water, acetone, ethanol and chloroform. The results indicated that salicylic acid can give seeds antimicrobial protection against soybean seed-borne disease. The results also indicated that applying salicylic acid on the plant itself increases antimicrobial protection of the leaf extract.

You can find the complete results of these articles and others from this issue here.

Featured Issue: Zoological Research Vol.34 No.6

Today we are featuring Zoological Research vol.34 no.6 on Bioline. This issue was updated on Bioline in late February. 

Here are some of the highlights from this issue:

"The correlations between population of Oriental white stork and climate change in the Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve" by Miao et al. looks at the population of the Oriental white stork (Ciconia boyciana) between 1985 and 2011, and how population numbers may have changed based on climate change. Temperatures and participation rates were examined every year in relation to population size. The results indicated that differing temperatures affected populations two or more years later.

"Using spectra and visual modeling to study animal coloration" by Yang and Liang examines how visual modelling, specifically using fibre spectrophotometers, can help quantify animal colouration. This is useful to determine "colour space span and volume which describe the colour contrast and colour diversity, respectiely" (Yang & Liang, 2013). Animal colouration is important as it determines mating patterns and structural support, among other characteristics.

Coloration of the Eurypyga helas
Photo courtesy of Heather Paul

For the complete articles and the rest of the articles from this issue, click here.

Featured Issue: Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences Vol.26 No.2

Today we are featuring vol.2 of Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences. This issue was updated on Bioline in January.

This issue includes "Predictors of asymptomatic malaria in pregnancy" by Balogun et al. This article studies the predictors of asymptomatic malaria and the prevalence of these predictors in pregnant women. Women at the Ante-Natal Clinic and two public hospitals in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria were examined. Blood samples were collected from each of the women and tested for malaria. The women examined in the study all had parasites present in their blood. 48% of the women were asymptomatic of symptoms associated with malaria, but 52% showed signs of weakness, headache, body ache and fever. In these patients, parasite density was significantly higher than asymptomatic patients. The results indicated that pregnant women who lived in hyper- or holo-endemic malaria regions were more likely to show symptoms of malaria due to increased density of parasites.

This article also includes "Effect of honey intake on serum cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein levels in albino rats and potential benefits on risks of coronary heart disease" by Alagwu et al. This article focuses on a study done to assess honey's effectiveness on albino rats with coronary heart disease. One group of rats was fed normal rat feed while the other group was fed both rat feed and 1ml of honey in their daily water intake. The results indicated that honey increased the lipid profile of the rats.

Photo courtesy of Vicky Brock

For more results and the complete articles of this issue, click here.

Spotlight On: Dr. Femi J. Olorunniji

Dr. Femi J. Olorunniji is the Editor-in-Chief of Biokemistri, published by the Nigerian Society of Experimental Biology. The journal publishes articles on topics of all fields about modern biochemistry.

Bioline recently had the pleasure of interview Dr. Olorunniji on the history of Biokemistri and his experiences working with Bioline:

Bioline: What is the history of Biokemistri?
Femi J. Olorunniji: Biokemistri was started in 1991(?) by a group of scientists led by Professor Clement Bewaji at the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. The common interest among these academics was promoting the development of the Biomolecular Sciences in Nigeria and in other developing countries around the world. The first Editor of Biokemistri was Professor Clement Bewaji who served from the beginning till 2002. Dr Justine Ekanem served as the Editor from 2002 till 2010, and he made a significant contribution to the development of the journal. Dr Ekanem took Biokemistri to Bioline, a significant step on the path toward achieving global visibility and accessibility of the journal. I am the current editor, and I am based at the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom. The purpose of Biokemistri was to provide an avenue to encourage the dissemination of research findings in the biochemical sciences and related fields. At its early stage, Biokemistri was closely linked with the Bioscience Study Group based at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. The Bioscience Study Group metamorphosed into the Nigerian Society for Experimental Biology (NISEB) in 2002. The publishing and distribution of Biokemistri was under the management of Klobex Publishers from the initial launching of the journal up till 2011. In 2002, publishing and distribution rights of Biokemistri along with two other journals published by Klobex Academic Publishers were transferred to the Nigerian Society for Experimental Biology (NISEB).

Bioline: How Bioline has contributed to Biokemistri's visibility?
Femi J. Olorunniji: Bioline has been very instrumental to the visibility of Biokemistri. Authors are particularly pleased that their contributions are accessible and free for anyone interested in reading them. The online platform provided by Bioline also means that the current Editorial Board has largely moved away from the production of hard copies of the journal since all recent contents are available for anyone to download. This has simplified the workload of the Editorial Board (who all serve voluntarily), and has significantly reduced the cost of running the journal. The citation of articles published in Biokemistri has certainly increased significantly since the journal joined Bioline.

Bioline: What has your experience been like working with Bioline?
Femi J. Olorunniji: Bioline has been quite good and supportive really. The recent provision for the publisher to upload the files of individual articles or issues on the Bioline server has obviously simplified the work for the Bioline team, with immediate benefit to the Editors as well. Of course, Bioline still needs to review the files submitted before publishing them, and this takes some time. However, considering that Bioline is a non-profit organization, they are rendering a valuable service. On the rare occasion when the Editorial Board has requested that certain issues be revised, the Bioline staff have been very supportive and understanding.

Bioline: Why is open access important for journals like Biokemistri?
Femi J. Olorunniji: Globally, the momentum is in the direction of open access. There is no reason why Biokemistri should not move with this positive trend. There are some good work been done in some developing countries and open access is the way to get these noticed by interested parties in other parts of the world. Open access encourages scientists with limited funding to publish their work in Biokemistri since we do not require the payment of open access charges.

Bioline: Has the open access environment changed for Biokemistri? If so, how?
Femi J. Olorunniji: There have not been any real changes in this regard. Some larger databases have indicated interest in covering Biokemistri, and while the Editorial Board have agreed to most of these, we have always insisted that the articles will remain freely accessible to everyone on the Bioline website, and any future site that hosts the journal’s contents.

Bioline: What kinds of open access developments do you see in the future for Biokemistri?
Femi J. Olorunniji: We want to continue to make the articles freely available and to encourage as much coverage from different databases as possible. Currently, volumes 1 to 12 of Biokemistri are not available online. We are in negotiation with Klobex Academic Publishers acquire and digitize these past issues to make them available free on Bioline in addition to volumes 13 to 25 which we have now.